On to the Next Chapter 

I’ve learned a lot from a lot of smart people over the years, not the least of which was now-retired Universal Parks & Resorts Chairman and CEO Tom Williams who used to tell us: “Give me the punchline first … then you can tell me the joke.”  

So, Tom, here’s the punchline: I, too, have finally made the decision to retire. At the end of this year, I’ll step away from the firm that Joe Curley and I founded in 1984, grateful for an incredible list of clients who not only taught us things, but also put their faith in our firm to manage public relations, marketing communications, and public affairs strategies and programs for some of the finest, most admired and upstanding brands I know. 

We all know the saying “all good things must come to an end,” which is said to have first appeared in a work by Medieval Poet Geoffrey Chaucer. 

If you can invoke that line, you’re extremely lucky. I’m one who could never dream I’d want to retire, but when I sold Curley & Pynn to my longtime colleague and eventual business partner Dan Ward, we agreed that in five years I’d be ready to take my leave. 

And so, with Dan and an absolutely incredible team in charge of the firm we built, I am confident and comfortable that what began 38 years ago is in great hands. 

I feel like one of the luckiest men in the world to have done what I love to do, to work with some of the finest professionals in public relations and to have earned the trust of countless clients who put their reputations and the need to communicate with their stakeholders in our hands. 

We eventually heard people referring to us as “The Strategic Firm” … to the point that we trademarked the name because it spoke to what we believed set us apart. Today, the entire team at Curley & Pynn Public Relations Management remains committed to a “strategy first” approach, knowing that devising tactical solutions is far easier once you have a strategic direction. I am honored that Dan and his team insisted on keeping the name on the door in the belief that we have become a brand.  

More than anyone, I am grateful to my wonderful wife, Shelley … my partner of more than 45 years who has stood by my side and without whom I could not have devoted myself to this business. I love her more than anything in the world. 

Here’s to you all who have become such great friends … and here’s to my colleagues at the firm I am proud to say live up to a long-standing commitment to be essential partners to each other and especially to our clients. 

While rumors of my retirement may finally be catching up with me, rest assured Shelley and I will still be around (albeit probably spending more time at our second home in Ponce Inlet and hopefully once again getting to travel more), and we’ll always look forward to seeing you soon.  

Until later.  

Tags:Team News