directions
From points North
- South on Interstate 95 to exit 74B (Franklin Street).
- Make a right at the light at the bottom of the exit ramp.
- Go up the hill, make a right at the first light onto 14th Street.
- Go up the hill, make a right at the first light onto Broad Street.
- Now, go down the hill back under I-95 and the train trestle.
- Just past the Exxon station and across 18th St. on the right, you will pass two red brick buildings, the second of which has a dry cleaners on the bottom floor. That’s our building.
- Turn into the alley (the curb-cut was poorly done so it’ll feel like you are hopping the curb) just past the cleaners, and then make an immediate right into the parking lot behind the building – inside the faux iron gabled fence.
- Enter our office by walking under the canopy and on the walkway between the two brick buildings – our door is on the right.
From points West
- Take Interstate 64 East and follow directions “From points North” after merging with interstate 95 South.
From points South
- Take I-95 North to the Broad Street Exit (Exit 74C).
- When the exit splits, bear to the right and as you merge onto Oliver Hill Way get over to the left lane.
- At the stoplight turn left onto Broad Street.
- Just past the Exxon station and across 18th St. on the right, you will pass two red brick buildings, the second of which has a dry cleaners on the bottom floor. That’s our building.
- Turn into the alley (the curb-cut was poorly done so it’ll feel like you are hopping the curb) just past the cleaners, and then make an immediate right into the parking lot behind the building – inside the faux iron gabled fence.
- Enter our office by walking under the canopy and on the walkway between the two brick buildings – our door is on the right.
From points East
- Take Interstate 64 West and follow the exit for Interstate 95 South - (this exit practically puts you into downtown Richmond).
- Follow directions “From points North” Note: The Franklin Street exit is the immediate next exit, only a few hundred yards, after merging onto I-95 south.
contact
The Hodges Partnership
1805 East Broad Street
Richmond, Virginia 23223
P. 804.788.1414
F. 804.788.0085
clients
Our clients range from large businesses, such as Mondial, Madison Brands, Dominion Enterprises and Hamilton Beach, to local non-profit agencies such as the Hayes Foundation and The James River Association – and everything in between. Likewise, we provide a range of services from comprehensive strategic communications to one-time internal projects.
Along the way, we have demonstrated our capabilities to generate targeted results in virtually every market segment.
What differentiates us is that we approach each client
independently, to ensure we develop an inventive
approach that is tailored to meet current needs and
sets the stage for long-term results.
duncan phillips
If I wasn’t working for Team Hodges, my day job would be: Teaching high school English. I’ve always enjoyed working with kids, especially if it involves correcting the grammar of the text message generation. Getting them to read a book or two wouldn’t hurt either.
Proudest professional achievement: Landing a prestigious internship with The Hodges Partnership while I was a senior at the University of Richmond. Why? Well, I suppose because it led to this job a year later.
Proudest personal achievement: I got to dress up as the mascot Raymond during my internship with the Tampa Bay Rays. I consider it a proud personal achievement because I made it through a half hour of interacting with kids without passing out from heat exhaustion. That suit was brutally hot.
I consider the day a success if: My “red-flagged” emails are in the single digits.
Outside of the office, you’ll probably find me: Trying to find somebody to throw the lacrosse ball with or perhaps taking in an athletic event at the University of Richmond. Go Spiders!
My first job was: Teaching sailing at a summer camp in Raymond, Maine.
Coke or Pepsi: Coke. But in Ohio we just call it pop.
During his school years in Toledo, Duncan earned All-State honors for lacrosse — then spent many summers teaching sailing at a summer camp in Maine. Today, his sports alliances start with his alma mater, the University of Richmond Spiders. With degrees in English and journalism, Duncan continued the sports traditions with a postgraduate internship at the Tampa Bay Rays before joining the baseball-loving Hodges Partnership. Duncan’s parents, who have raised four kids, still live in Ohio.
Back to our public relations team.
elisabeth edelman
If I wasn’t working for Team Hodges, my day job would be: Ice cream specialist at any seaside ice cream shoppe. My family is genetically-inclined to serving large portions of ice cream – what better way to put the genes to work than actually being the person scooping the sweet stuff?
Proudest personal achievement: Completing my second book. There’s nothing quite like slapping down a 500-page novel to feel like you’ve accomplished something.
First thing I do at the office each day: Compile obsessive to-do lists. I just love checking off all those boxes!
Most important thing on my desk right now: My BlackBerry. After five years in New York, I literally must have the device within an arm’s reach at all times; it is my conduit to all worlds. Plus, my entire family is on speed dial.
Best insight gained from colleague/client/reporter: Never assume. Never.
Beach or mountains: Beach every time. Any guy who mentions he wants to take me camping isn’t getting a second date.
A graduate of the University of Richmond where she majored in journalism, French and Spanish (putting her French knowledge to use during a Cannes Film Festival internship), Elisabeth was attracted to the bright lights of New York City to start her public relations career. Over nearly five years, she worked at LaForce+Stevens on consumer accounts and events, then Cooke+Co. on luxury brands and celebrity relations – gaining experience with Fortune 100 companies, international philanthropies and intimate start-ups. Part of the Hodges team since spring 2010, Elisabeth sits on the Young Professional Leadership Committee for the local chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Her parents remain in Massachusetts, while her brother, sister-in-law and sister are currently in North Carolina.
Back to our public relations team.
tony scida
If I wasn’t working for Team Hodges, my day job would be: Playing trumpet in a symphony orchestra.
Proudest personal achievement (and why): There is nothing better in the world than being a Dad.
Outside of the office, you’ll probably find me: Playing music, spending time with my kids or sitting around thinking up screenplay ideas that I’ll never write.
Most important thing on my desk right now (and why): Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of English Usage, because it helps me defend unpopular grammar positions, like that it’s OK (and even sometimes more correct) to use between to refer to more than two of something (instead of among).
The toughest challenge I’ve faced is: On Oct. 23, 2008, I woke up with a full-time job, and by 2 p.m., I had been laid off. I suddenly had to find a way to get some income — and soon. What I learned from that experience is that we don’t face our challenges in life on our own. My great support network of friends and colleagues helped me find freelance work and make connections, which led me directly to THP.
My first job was: Installing alarm systems for my Dad’s security company.
With a degree in arts management from Shenandoah University, Tony put his blended musical training and marketing experience to work for the Arts Council of Fairfax County, LexisNexis and RightMinds before joining the Hodges team. Even his community outreach allows him to showcase both interests: He serves on the Richmond Ad Club board and plays in the Richmond Pops Band. Tony has twin daughters, Natalie and Vivian.
Back to our public relations team.
alissa pak
If I wasn’t working for Team Hodges, my day job would be: Shoe designer for Christian Louboutin.
Proudest professional achievement: Pitching and landing my first feature story.
Proudest personal achievement: Climbing the Great Wall of China.
Outside of the office, you’ll probably find me: Running, catching up with my friends and watching reality TV shows (bad habit).
The first/last thing I do at the office each day is: Look over my “To Do” list.
Most important thing on my desk right now (and why): Picture of my family. They put things in perspective.
Richmond native Alissa Pak came to our team from McGuireWoods Consulting, where she assisted in media and client relations. Previously, she served as PR coordinator for luxury retail brand Bottega Veneta after graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology. During her years at the fashion label, Alissa and her communications team reinvigorated the once-struggling brand to its current success. She recently received her master’s degree in strategic public relations from Virginia Commonwealth University.
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paulyn roman
Proudest personal achievement (and why): Not moving back home after I graduated from college and finding a job where I’m actually putting my degree to use. It’s nice to know that my thousands of dollars didn’t go to waste.
I consider the day a success if: I have made a positive contribution to someone’s life.
Three words I’d use to describe myself: Enthusiastic, friendly, and a little spunky
Three words someone else would use to describe me: Small, sweet, and quiet (until you really get to know me)
Most important thing on my desk right now (and why): My cup of coffee. I wouldn’t last the day without it.
The toughest challenge I’ve faced is: Adjusting to having all the important people in my life so far away from me.
Paulyn earned her undergraduate degree in mass communications from Virginia Commonwealth University. Her parents and younger brother live in Virginia Beach.
Back to our public relations team.
kelly vance
If I wasn’t working for Team Hodges, my day job would be: A contributor to This American Life. I love a good story.
Proudest professional achievement: Successfully preparing a colleague to communicate effectively and with grace in the midst of public controversy.
Proudest personal achievement: Facing my fear of flying by soaring in a kite at 6,000 feet.
I consider the day a success if: I am able to deliver more than I promised.
Beach or Mountains: Definitely the beach. However, I’d never give up my annual girls’ weekend in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Kelly joined Hodges in 2007, bringing a diverse background in strategic planning, crisis communications, social marketing and media relations. She previously oversaw the Virginia Department of Health’s public information program, where she led several campaigns and managed the communications response to a range of public health emergencies. After graduating with a degree in communications from UNC Charlotte, Kelly joined the Peace Corps. During her stint, she designed and taught a public relations and marketing program to university students in Moscow. Kelly volunteers for the Greater Richmond SCAN (Stop Child Abuse Now) marketing committee, and is also a member of the American Red Cross language bank. Most recently, Kelly has been flying the friendly skies in either a hang glider or a Piper plane. Next up: skydiving.
Back to our public relations team.
julia webster
If I wasn’t working for Team Hodges, my day job would be: Professional Philadelphia Eagles devotee.
Proudest personal achievement (and why): Graduating college, enough said.
I consider the day a success if: I can cross off more then half of my to-do list.
Most important thing on my desk right now: My planner, I literally don’t know what I’d do without it.
The toughest challenge I’ve faced is: Moving to a new city… again.
My first job was: Working at an Italian bakery outside of Philadelphia.
Fresh from the University of Tennessee where she majored in public relations and minored in business administration, Julia joined The Hodges Partnership in 2007. Her college career included internships with the Army National Guard, the University of Tennessee and AkinsCrisp Public Strategies. Her boyfriend, Brye, is studying at Virginia Commonwealth University, while the rest of her family is in Georgia: her parents in Savannah and her sister, Lucy, at the University of Georgia.
Back to our public relations team.
caroline l. platt
If I wasn’t working for Team Hodges, my day job would be: Boring.
Proudest personal achievement:My marriage, have you met Matt?
I consider the day a success if:I’ve crossed everything off my to-do list.
Three words I’d use to describe myself: Stubborn, cynical, paranoid (and candid).
Most important thing on my desk right now: PostIt notes, if I don’t write it down…
Best insight gained from colleague/client/reporter: Get to the point.
Caroline has built her account management and leadership experience in strategic communications, working for several Richmond-based media and marketing companies. She is a board member for Read Out and Read Virginia and an ESL volunteer with Refugee and Immigration Services. Caroline and her husband, Matt Lake, are raising a pair of Italian greyhounds: Betty and Falco. She completed her undergraduate degree in classical civilization at Davidson College.
Back to our public relations team.
emily shane
If I wasn’t working for Team Hodges, my day job would be: I want to say I’d be a lady that lunches…but I have a feeling I’d tire of that relatively quickly. Given that, I suppose I would have pursued a career in broadcast journalism, which is what studied in college.
Outside of the office, you’ll probably find me: At the gym, enjoying Richmond’s surprisingly vibrant restaurant scene or hanging out with my dog.
The first thing I do at the office each day is: Address and hopefully respond to every e-mail in my in box. I like to leave with a clean slate.
The last thing I do at the office each day is:My laptop computer – although I just got it, it’s hard to think I ever lived without it!
My first job was: Right here. My first project was a real doozy, calling each Fortune 500 CEO to find out whether he or she had ever held an hourly position.
Emily graduated from the University of Maryland, where she studied broadcast journalism and history. In addition to volunteering with the SPCA, Emily serves on the young professional board of Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN). Emily and her husband, Whit, are raising Hank, their Spinone Italiano, in the city where they were raised and where their families still live.
Back to our public relations team.
josh dare
Proudest professional achievement: Co-founding The Hodges Partnership (what else?).
Proudest personal achievement: My “Seinfeld” script came in third in a national sitcom writing competition sponsored by Warner Bros. Television.
I consider the day a success if: I hear the gong.
Outside of the office, you’ll probably find me: Golfing, writing, chasing teenagers (my own, that is).
The first/last thing I do at the office each day is: Check my e-mail.
The toughest challenge I’ve faced is: Letting others learn from mistakes I’ve already learned from.
Best insight gained from colleague/client/reporter: Never hit “Reply All” on e-mail.
With a bachelor’s degree in English from Gettysburg College, Josh has worked in government communications for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the National Endowment for the Arts and the U.S. Congress. His corporate communications experience includes Sallie Mae, Divx, Circuit City, SmartMouth Technologies and The Martin Agency. Josh is a Leadership Metro Richmond graduate, the president of Greater Richmond SCAN (Stop Child Abuse Now), has volunteered with Comfort Zone Camp, and member of Shady Grove United Methodist Church. He and his wife, Rose, are parents to Tucker and Cammie.
steve cummings
If I wasn’t working for Team Hodges, my day job would be: I would have won the lottery and so I would be running a NPO that seeks to build small network of "music hostels" across the country.
Proudest professional achievement:Helping Hamilton Beach book four national morning show segments in one week – because that is near impossible.
Proudest personal achievement:Every day that my wonderful wife and daughters allow me to stay in the house despite my insanity.
Most important thing on my desk right now: Water – 90% of my bloodstream can’t be wrong.
The toughest challenge I’ve faced is: When I was a kid, I tried to build a full-on cardboard boat with a keel, ribs, running boards and a centerboard for a local cardboard boat race – it was a huge challenge and I ran out of time and materials before the race. Turns out, the boats at the race were just sealed cardboard boxes that acted as "floats" – sometimes the fun way is the best way.
Best insight gained from colleague/client/reporter: : Just ask the client what they want – and then really listen for the answer.
Steve started his professional career as a video crew member with the press corps in Washington, D.C. which translated well for national broadcast media relations. While still keeping current on video production, he continues to build his rolodex of national media contacts. His community involvement includes leadership roles with CARITAS and as a member of St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church. Steve completed his English degree at George Mason University, where he minored in film and video production. Steve married Kristin – the girl next door – and they are now raising Erica, Zoe and Skye.
sean ryan
If I wasn’t working for Team Hodges, my day job would be: General manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates or Atlanta Falcons.
Proudest professional achievement: Covering a Washington Redskins loss to a Bam Morris-led Baltimore Ravens when I was a not-quite-full-timer at The Richmond Times-Dispatch. I was a young reporter/editor trying to do as much as possible, and being entrusted with such a big assignment (that didn’t happen to part-timers often) was a validation that I had at least a little bit of reporting talent.
Proudest personal achievement: Outside of my marriage and the birth of our sons, starting CollegeBaseballInsider.com, a Web site devoted to covering college baseball that generates more than 3 million hits per season. Google "college baseball" and the site is ranked No. 1, 2 or 3, depending on the day.
I consider the day a success if:I haven’t lost my keys, wallet or phone on my desk. And I haven’t taken the day itself for granted.
Most important thing on my desk right now (and why):Pictures of some of the people who have touched my life, ranging from my wife and son to photos of my two favorite players growing up – 175-pound stick figure Barry Bonds and Bobby Bonilla.
After working as both a print journalist and marketing manager, Sean joined The Hodges Partnership in 2003 – and he continues to pursue personal interests as co-founder/editor of CollegeBaseballInsider.com and as head baseball coach for Benedictine High School. Sean and his wife, Chelsea, are parents to William. On the community side, Sean is chair of the Salvation Army Richmond Area Command and has volunteered for The Miracle League of Richmond, Down Syndrome Association of Greater Richmond and Comfort Zone Camp. He is a graduate of the University of Richmond.
stacey brucia
If I wasn’t working for Team Hodges, my day job would be: A stay-at-home mom to Kate, a job even my maternity leave taught me is harder than anything I could do professionally.
Proudest professional achievement: This is a team effort, but probably our continued work on SnagAJob.com. It’s been great to grow with SnagAJob in the sense that it began as a start-up business just before THP was founded. For my part, landing multiple morning shows a year isn’t too bad.
I consider the day a success if: I’ve done work that I’m proud of and I’ve moved the ball forward on a client’s goals — whether they’re looking to be in a trade journal or something more recognizable like a major city’s daily newspaper.
Outside of the office, you’ll probably find me: Playing with Kate and juggling mundane household chores — the never-ending cycle of laundry, cleaning and “what’s for dinner?” And trying, with heavy eyelids, to read a few pages on my Kindle.
The first/last thing I do at the office each day is: Answer the phone or respond to an offline IM — the East Coasters are always waiting for me! End the day with e-mails or a writing project that requires quiet time because I can catch up after they’ve gone home.
Coffee or tea: Dunkin’ Donuts coffee in the land of Starbucks. (God bless grocery store distribution!)
Stacey earned dual degrees in English and journalism — joining The Martin Agency only five days after graduating from the University of Richmond. She was the first non-partner employee at The Hodges Partnership, before moving with her husband, Chris, to Seattle, where she gained additional experience with Waggener Edstrom. Now based in Seattle, Stacey rejoined Hodges in 2006. She shares her office with Dill, a Lab mix who begrudgingly lost his No. 1 family ranking when Kate was born in June 2009.
jon newman
If I wasn’t working for Team Hodges, my day job would be: Play-by-play voice for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.
Proudest professional achievement: Co-founding The Hodges Partnership (didn’t think my answer would be different than Josh’s, did you?).
I consider the day a success if:I leave the office with most (if not all of) our clients happy.
The first thing I do at the office each day is: Put down my Diet Coke.
Most important thing on my desk right now: Football helmet autographed by Rutgers football coach Greg Schiano. It reminds me to "Keep Choppin."
Best insight gained from colleague/client/reporter:You can never stop looking for new business.
Curling up with good book or attending a rock concert: Rock concert, and not any rock concert. Springsteen only please.
Jon held reporting and managing assignments in radio and television in New Jersey, Tennessee and Virginia, before joining Slay Public Relations with a concentration in media relations. He earned his undergraduate degree in English from Rutgers University. He is involved in the Richmond District Alliance, the Richmond Ballpark Initiative and Leadership Metro Richmond. Jon and his wife, Kyra, are parents to Sarah and Zachary.
Our job is to find each client’s unique story – it’s what makes us excited to come to work each day.
We start by exploring goals with our clients: landing national media coverage, engaging their people in a new corporate vision or strategy, or getting their point of view heard in a competitive marketplace. Once we know the targeted outcome, we tap into our years of communications know-how and experience to showcase their story in the way that generates those results.
Public relations at The Hodges Partnership means:
• Media Relations
• Social Media Marketing
• Corporate/Internal Communications
• Crisis Communications
• Event Planning and Management
• Community Relations/Sponsorships
• Writing and Editorial Services
• Strategic Communications Planning
• Product/Service Launches
At The Hodges Partnership, we believe in investing in our clients. That’s why we dedicate a senior partner to guide the right strategy for each. Our partners are passionate about keeping involved and playing an active day-to-day role – and delivering more than the client expects.
Each client benefits from a core team whose talents are aligned to the assignment and build for the future. We work with our long-established contacts, tools and resources to execute flawlessly on the strategy.
We ask our clients to be open to unexplored possibilities. When you look at the long-term partnerships we have with many clients, among the most influential factors are that they value our engaging workstyle and imaginative approach.
And when we succeed – such as hitting on an innovative campaign tactic or reading a front-page national story we earned
for a client – you’ll hear us sound our office gong.
Celebrating our successes reinforces that we enjoy
what we do – and that we do it well.
case studies
Each client has a different story to tell, in working to meet a business goal. Our approach is to understand that goal – then create the right strategy to get them there. Take a look at how we have delivered for a cross-section of our clients.
AMF Bowling
Opportunity: AMF Bowling was launching an upscale bowling center franchise under the brand name 300, creating a way to tap into a new market segment.
Our Strategy: We focused on generating local media interest, in part by hosting specialty events. At AMF’s flagship location in
New York City, we leveraged “Strike Out Colon Cancer,” a thank you event hosted at 300 New York by CBS News anchor Katie Couric for donors to the charity she co-founded, the National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance. That event attracted comedienne Whoopi Goldberg and actors from “Grey’s Anatomy” and “The Sopranos.”
Results:The first six centers re-branded as 300 saw up to triple-digit percentage growth in year-over-year revenues. Specifically for the New York event, we generated entertainment buzz and national media coverage for 300 New York and “Strike Out Colon Cancer,” featured on “Entertainment Tonight,” “Access Hollywood,” “Extra” and other national outlets.
Hayes Foundation
Opportunity:The Hayes Foundation sought to raise awareness of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Its strategy was to distribute onesies – infant T-shirts – with instructions printed on them that advise caregivers that having babies sleep on theirs back could reduce the risk of SIDS.
Our Strategy:We launched the “This Side Up” campaign in March 2006, telling the story about what one mother and her foundation are doing to prevent further SIDS losses. We also worked with foundation members to persuade hospitals to distribute the specialty onesies to new parents, as well as on continuing outreach to bring on supplier, distribution and social services partners. We backed that with local, regional and national media relations efforts.
Results: Today, more than 50,000 onesies have been distributed or are in the pipeline for distribution at more than 20 hospitals in Virginia and Tennessee and through Smart Beginnings, an initiative of Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine. In addition, placements in Parents magazine and U.S. News & World Report have helped lead to partnerships in California and Florida, where This Side Up campaigns will being in Spring, 2009. These programs – and expansions in Virginia and Tennessee – expect to result in another 30,000 onesies in the coming months.
Heinz Awards
Opportunity: The Heinz Awards celebrate the extraordinary achievement of individuals in the areas of greatest importance to the late U.S. Sen. John Heinz. His widow, Teresa Heinz, founded the awards in 1993 – but they were not receiving the desired national exposure.
Our Strategy: We approached publicizing the awards by focusing on the local markets of each year’s winners – then building toward national coverage. We also explored each recipient’s specialty field to capture targeted coverage in niche media as well as leverage their educational affiliations to expand our reach. We also targeted opportunities with national papers of influence to promote the winners’ contributions, along with online news sources related to each recipient’s discipline.
Results: Each year, we have grown Heinz Award coverage at
the local, regional, national and specialty levels. A key breakthrough was generating repeat interest from national wire services, which results in placements in hundreds of media outlets from coast to coast.
SnagAJob.com
Opportunity: SnagAJob.com, launched in 2000, fills a niche: a Web site specifically for hourly jobs. As one of our first clients, helping to grow SnagAJob.com’s brand in 2003 meant increasing awareness of the site as a resource for hourly job seekers and employers.
Our Strategy: We established SnagAJob.com CEO Shawn Boyer as a national authority on hourly jobs. We initially leveraged SnagAJob.com’s expertise in summer jobs. Today, SnagAJob.com is an ongoing resource for media looking for any perspective on the hourly workforce – nearly 60 percent of working Americans – thanks in part to regular, third-party surveys on summer jobs, holiday hiring, workplace happiness, etc.
Results: In the first year, we earned coverage for SnagAJob.com
in Time, in the Wall Street Journal
and on the “Today”
show. In 2008, SnagAJob.com was featured on
network morning shows, Today, Good Morning
America and The Early Show, as well as cable
outlets CNN, Fox Business News and CNBC.
Earned 2008 consumer media impressions
exceeded 100 million.
community involvement
We rely on our community to succeed, so we believe in investing in the Greater Richmond community.
We encourage our team members to volunteer their public relations and related skills to non-profit agencies and organizations. We recognize that we have the professional talents that can make a difference in helping these agencies better
reach and serve their communities – from social services to economic development.
Our commitment comes to life through the time we offer our people away from the office: Six team members serve on community boards and all are active in civic organizations.
As a company, we are long standing partners with our local PBS/ NPR affiliates—The Community Idea Stations (WCVE-TV and WCVE-FM). We pledge, we offer “challenge grants,” and we even man the phones during the pledge drives.
Even The Hodges Partnership has an opening chapter. That was in 2002, when our two partners – Josh Dare and Jon Newman – decided to create their own firm. Their vision – part of today’s reality at our company – is to be a small business that creates big results.
To make that happen, we assembled a creative cast – enthusiastic people who think in full color. With individual talents, experiences and perspectives, our team includes former journalists and corporate communicators – not to mention baseball fanatics, a rock star and fresh young talent.
Because the best work happens when people enjoy what they do, we feature a fun, open work environment designed for in-the-moment collaboration. That free exchange of ideas translates into greater creativity and stronger results.
