Blaze PR

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We are a premium fitness accessories company committed to creating an enthusiasm for building a healthy lifestyle.  With a focus on shakers cups, we've recently launched FitGo's and Pill Containers to our portfolio with more exciting items on the way.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Blaze PR?

We wanted to provide authenticity to our product line and drive awareness, advocacy, and customer loyalty. This was our first attempt with a PR agency but we felt it would boost the impact of new product launches.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We’ve tasked them with several campaigns. They’ve completed two and are currently working on the third. We asked them for a very specific target and outreach and gave them detailed briefs that covered our background and our goals. We worked with them on what the ROI would be and the number of impressions we wanted. We’re a very data-driven company and they are willing to accommodate us. They come up with independent plans for each execution.

What is the team composition?

I work with Matt (President, Blaze PR). He has a team that works on our campaigns, but he is our main point of contact.

How did you come to work with Blaze PR?

My boss liked what he read and heard about them and suggested I try them. Their campaign work is amazing and I’ve had no need to look elsewhere.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in May 2018. We have plans to continue working with them into 2019 at least.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

We asked that they deliver an ROI of 0.001 and an impression. I will look for more specific numbers. They have over-delivered on two campaigns, which is great. They’ve gotten a really good response from the right influencers and television and print outlets. They’re reaching the right consumer and we anticipate they will overdeliver for the current campaign they’re working on.

How did Blaze PR perform from a project management standpoint?

We have a weekly call with them. They provide detailed updates on assets, successes, and additional opportunities outside the original scope. They’re fantastic at delivering information whenever we need it and respond almost immediately to requests.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re extremely professional, proficient in their field, and easy to work with. They’re willing to adapt to changes we make and have a broad network of contacts they can utilize to target very different audiences for each campaign.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of a fast-casual Mexican restaurant franchise.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Blaze PR?

We needed a PR firm to promote our events and get our message to consumers in an authentic way.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Blaze PR manages our brand messaging and PR efforts through a variety of marketing vehicles. They work with us to organize media placements for events or new store openings. Their other responsibilities include arranging interviews for publications that will feature our statements and scheduling events with nonprofit organizations. They utilize a hands-on approach and will attend each event they set up. For example, they arranged our relationship with a volunteer environmental organization and their team actively participates in the beach cleanup events. Additionally, Blaze PR puts together a yearly calendar that outlines store openings and PR events to helps us strategically promote everything.

What is the team composition?

We interact directly with both their president and an account supervisor.

How did you come to work with Blaze PR?

They reached out to us and got our attention by being located close by. Being able to meet face-to-face for strategic discussions is a valuable attribute. I also liked their portfolio appreciated how well they understood our brand.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent more than $100,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We hired them in 2015 and the engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

Our franchisees are always extremely happy with Blaze PR’s efforts. They communicate well, arrange high-profile segments for us, and utilize a talented team of writers. Whether we’re focusing on franchise sales or promoting a new item, they take direction well and perform as we ask.

How did Blaze PR perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re skilled at setting up project parameters and following through to completion. We have a scheduled call every other week and often meet in-person with necessary.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I like working with them because they always go above and beyond our expectations. For example, their account supervisor volunteered to MC our annual conference. It’s not uncommon for them to provide services outside the original project scope.

Are there any areas they could improve?

We’re always talking about how to get even higher-profile media coverage, but they generally do an excellent job.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the VP of marketing for a fresh juice and smoothie corporation. We’re 100% franchised and we have roughly 85 locations around the country. I oversee all forms of marketing and public relations.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Blaze PR?

It boiled down to us wanting to increase our brand exposure and tell the public our story.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They've helped us with everything from copywriting and putting us in touch with the right public relations resources, including trade publications, to building our overall network. They've provided deliverables in terms of video content, and press content and releases. They’ve also connected us with social media influencers.

What is the team composition?

We work with the president and an account supervisor.

How did you come to work with Blaze PR?

Blaze approached us originally. The main reason we wanted to work with them was their flexibility and affordability. They also had experience working in the space with similar concepts.

What is the status of this engagement?

We’ve been working together since January 2018.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the director of marketing at YouTheory, which is a line of health and beauty supplements that are manufactured and distributed globally.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Blaze PR?

We were at the launch stage of a new product line and looking for a marketing and PR partner to help us with a national campaign. The key challenges were to increase brand awareness of the products and secure local and national media coverage.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The first thing they did was help develop a media strategy and media kit. Blaze also helped develop our national media target list.

Blaze quickly became our agency of record for public relations and an integral part of our marketing communications team.

What is the team dynamic?

My regular point of contact is Matt Kovacs [President, Blaze PR] and we have an entire team of PR professionals that work behind the scenes building our brand through PR and social campaigns.

How did you come to work with Blaze PR?

I was referred to Blaze in 2013 and had worked on previous brands with some of their senior team members.

How much have you invested with them?

I prefer to not disclose financial information but will say that we are on a monthly retainer for marketing communication services.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in the spring of 2013 and Blaze remains an integral part of our marketing and communications team.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

Our brand was in its infancy stage when we started working with Blaze, and is now widely recognized as a global health and wellness company. Considerable media coverage was secured during the first year and it’s procurement has grown exponentially thereafter.

How did Blaze PR perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re detail oriented, reliable at managing deadlines and ensuring timely media deliveries. They’ve effectively become a member of our team.

While weekly telephone debriefs happened regularly at the beginning, nothing remains as formal. We can still expect quarterly updates summarizing media coverage.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Blaze is rare because they’re larger than most yet still capable of offering boutique-levels of customer service. The team is highly flexible and always willing to join a brainstorming session. They’re also proactive when it comes to reminders, which is especially important for press kit mailing, etc.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing for a multi national functional beverage company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Blaze PR, and what were your goals?

Public and Media Relations - seek media and influencer attention to secure product reviews and non-paid product reviews and editorial coverage.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

referral and vetting process.

Describe the scope of their work in detail, including any steps and the final deliverables.

We began with establishing a vision and mission for the project, creating assets and talking points. Followed up with reviews every two weeks coupled with media interviews throughout the project.

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

3 - President, Account Manager, Project Manager

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

This experience exceeded our expectations and we plan to retain Blaze for all PR needs for the foreseeable future.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

They were very flexible, honest, and responsive. Make suggestions but respect the client's vision, brand message and products.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

How engaged they were and genuinely passionate about delivering results.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

N/A