Curley & Pynn Celebrates 40 Years of Excellence in Public Relations
January 8, 2024
By Curley & Pynn
ORLANDO, Fla. (Jan. 8, 2024) – Since opening its doors in 1984, Curley & Pynn Public Relations Management – The Strategic Firm® – has been at the forefront of the public relations industry in Florida, building a reputation for its emphasis on bottom-line outcomes, business acumen and a commitment to telling clients what they need to hear. This approach has led to more than 140 award-winning campaigns, immeasurable community impact, an unparalleled culture of professional development and a legacy of building strong brands that drive business growth.
Industry Excellence
Curley & Pynn elevates the practice of public relations to a strategic management function, becoming deeply knowledgeable in the industries of its clients so team members may counsel not only on communications strategies and tactics, but also on the operational initiatives from which they originate. Its team has been named among the PR NEWS Agency Elite 100, which recognizes “the most innovative” firms, and has received the highest honors awarded by national and statewide award programs hosted by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA).
“Over the past two decades, our relationship with Curley & Pynn has evolved from a simple business partner relationship to, simply put, a part of the family,” said Daryl Holt, senior vice president and group general manager at Electronic Arts Tiburon Studios & American Football, a Curley & Pynn client since 2005. “I would recommend Curley & Pynn to any and every business looking for a public relations team.”
“What sets Curley & Pynn apart is their innovative approach and a partnership-centric ethos that goes beyond the confines of a traditional marketing firm,” said Larry Nulton, Ph.D., CEO of Cambrian Hills Development Group, a Curley & Pynn client since 2022. “This collaboration has been invaluable.”
Through the years, more than 150 organizations, such as Electronic Arts, Cambrian Hills Development Group, Universal Orlando Resort and the University of Central Florida (UCF), have benefitted from Curley & Pynn’s extraordinary work and client service philosophy – the Five Steps to Professional Success – which emboldens the team to be essential partners and trusted counselors.
“One of the things that I know led to the success of Curley & Pynn is that everyone marched to the Five Steps to Professional Success. That’s the heart and soul of the agency, and it also sets the cultural direction for the firm,” said retired co-founder Joe Curley, APR, CPRC.
Community & Leadership Impact
Also core to the firm’s identity is its passion for community service. Inspired by the community leadership and philanthropy of its co-founders, the team is heavily involved in organizations that are positively influencing the public relations profession and the regional community.
“As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, we are reminded of the importance of giving back to the community that has supported us for so many years,” said Curley & Pynn President Dan Ward, APR, CPRC. “Community service is central to who we are and how we operate. We believe that leading by example is the best way to inspire others to do the same, and we are committed to continuing this tradition for many years to come.”
Through volunteer engagements and pro-bono services, the Curley & Pynn team proudly supports charitable and mission-driven nonprofits, including Limbitless Solutions, Jonathan’s Landing and the Florida Public Relations Education Foundation, as well as organizations that are advancing the profession, such as the UCF Nicholson School of Communication and Media, and local chapters of PRSA and FPRA. Curley & Pynn has also enjoyed strong ties to UCF throughout its history and in 2022 received the Champion’s Award for its integral role in supporting the university’s growth and transformation as consistent advocates and champions.
“During my time in my current role at UCF, Curley & Pynn has been just unbelievably supportive of students, coming in to speak with them, mentoring students, taking them on as interns and giving them incredible training,” said Lindsay Hudock, a senior instructor, and advertising and public relations program coordinator at UCF. “I know when I direct students to Curley & Pynn, they’re going to get impeccable training with a team of professionals they’ll enjoy working with.”
Unparalleled Culture
Curley & Pynn has been a training ground for business and community leaders, serving as the launchpad for many chief executives, entrepreneurs and public officials who still point back to their time at the firm as a formative experience.
“I must say that it was surprising how quickly it became clear that the most important aspect of running an agency was to focus on hiring the best talent,” said retired co-founder Roger Pynn, APR, CPRC. “That also became the most fulfilling part of it, because we’ve had so many truly wonderful people join and help grow the agency.”
“When I speak at conferences, I always speak about my time working at Curley & Pynn and the training ground it provided me. It set me up for the rest of my career,” said Chris Tomasso, president and CEO of First Watch, and former Curley & Pynn employee. “I think about all the great people I had the opportunity to work with at Curley & Pynn. I’m thankful for the impact they had on me during my time there.”
Coupled with its people-first culture, Curley & Pynn’s emphasis on personal and professional growth has also contributed to an environment where talented professionals want to stay and build their careers. There is no greater example of this than when President Dan Ward, APR, CPRC, purchased the firm in 2018 after more than two decades as an employee.
“We want our accommodating, family-first environment to define Curley & Pynn just as much as our leadership capabilities and commitment to excellence,” said Ward, who in 2013 was recognized as the FPRA Orlando PR Professional of the Year for Career Excellence and in 2011 was installed into the UCF Nicholson School of Communication and Media’s Hall of Fame.
The Next 40 Years
For four decades, Curley & Pynn’s unwavering commitment to strategy has been its north star through the advent of social media, economic recessions, a global pandemic and many other world events that have changed the course of business. As agency leaders look toward the future, they remain focused on building upon the legacy of the firm’s co-founders to continue serving clients and partners with high-level advice and counsel through the lens of public relations and strategic communications.
To learn more about Curley & Pynn and join in the celebration of its 40th anniversary, visit www.thestrategicfirm.com/40-years and follow the firm on LinkedIn.
About Curley & Pynn Public Relations Management
Curley & Pynn Public Relations Management – The Strategic Firm® – is an Orlando-based public relations and marketing communications agency founded in 1984 on the insights of top executives and decades of corporate communications experience. The team builds and manages award-winning communications programs to shape perception, align with key stakeholders and cultivate influence for leading brands in the industries driving Florida’s economic growth, including energy, higher education, technology and tourism. For more information, visit www.thestrategicfirm.com and follow us on LinkedIn.
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