This past weekend Allen Hall PR traveled to Seattle to tour some of the best public relations agencies in the country. Between tours, the group enjoyed lunch at the historic Pike Place Market in the warm and sunny Seattle afternoon.
On Friday, we toured four distinct agencies in Bellevue and Seattle. Starting bright and early, we toured Waggener Edstrom Worldwide in Bellevue, and then headed to the city to visit Edelman Seattle, Banyan Branch and Barokas PR.
During the visits, we toured the modern offices and had Q & A sessions with each agency’s executives, coordinators and human resource specialists.
Below are some highlights from each tour:
Waggener Edstrom
Our visit at Waggener got our tours off to a great start. First, we toured the two-story office complex, complete with fully furnished kitchens with all of your Starbucks needs and amenities that allow employees to have a home away from home. After the tour we met with five account coordinators and supervisors to learn more about the agency. Listening to their stories and endless advice was an invigorating experience.
Edelman Seattle
The Edelman Seattle office is located in the heart of downtown with views of the Space Needle. On the tour, we walked through the modern yet comfortable atmosphere, complete with a “wellness room” where employees can take time to slow down. We were welcomed by four Edelman employees for a Q & A session. They introduced our group to the company’s core values and we learned what it takes to be an “Edelmanite.” By the time we left, each member was motivated and energized to join agency life.
Banyan Branch
The Banyan Branch office displayed an artistic and welcoming environment that invites creative collaboration. Starting with a Q & A with Group Account Directors Julie Storer and Charl R. Pearce, we learned about the firm’s specialization in social media and online communication. Banyan Branch offered a more casual environment and a smaller-agency energy that differed from the first two tours.
Barokas PR
The final and most laid back agency we toured was Barokas PR. Their tag-line is “PR Minus the BS,” which was emanated by the account coordinators and supervisors we spoke with. Barokas PR is a mid-size agency, specializing in innovative technology clients. We toured their newly renovated office and peaked into Founder and CEO Howie Barokas’ luxurious office, complete with fireplace, leather couches and fully supplied bar.
Our trip to Bellevue and Seattle was nothing short of educational and inspirational. We want to thank everyone at Waggener Edstrom, Edelman Seattle, Banyan Branch and Barokas PR. The advice and tours will have a lasting impact on all who were luck enough to take the trip to Seattle!
– Post by Avery Lemons, Account Executive