KCO "on the job" with former Bicycle Retailer chief, Megan Tompkins, and current editor, Nicole Formosa

By Kristin Carpenter-Ogden
CEO and Founder of Verde PR & Consulting

Despite the widely accepted fact that PR people are not mathematically inclined, I’m going to go there anyway. … I think that in the past decade, Verde has worked with probably more than 75 clients. We’ve had on average about 15 to 18 employees during that time. That’s a lot of relationships and client interactions.

*The picture blocks represent some of the tremendous things clients have said to me over the past decade

While it’s not really the same, in some ways, it’s akin to looking back on the people in your life that you’ve dated or had a long-term relationship with. That’s a lot of relationships.

 Yes, the PR practitioner/client relationship is a highly personal one.

Time spent between client and PR practitioner hits so many levels. We all love the celebratory moments (“We got you on Oprah!” or “We were purchased by {fill in the blank}” or even “I sent that 5.14 climb at lunch today”).

 How could we not be close? We travel all over God’s green earth with our clients, share family vacations with clients, bunker down in sales meetings with clients, launch plans to take over the world with clients, climb mountains with clients, etc., etc.) – Some clients take us to many companies with them, which is always a fascinating experience.

Just like a relationship, we also hang in there through the more difficult times with our client family. These experiences include tough times in both business and in personal lives. When you’re with a client for 10 years (such as Metolius Climbing, Julbo Eyewear or Nikwax after-market waterproofing), that’s a LOT to live through together. They become family.

The familial PR person/client bond can resemble the fun aspects of family (Christmas morning, for example, when the UPS guy shows up with gear for us or a sales meeting that happens to be in Chamonix). It can also resemble the dysfunctional family holiday dinner table, including the unfiltered, politically-incorrect remarks and conversations that can occur.

We recognize that there are few business relationships that can become so close as that between the PR practitioner and the client. At Verde, this bond is one of our favorite aspects of our careers in brand communications.

This post is a salute to Verde’s clients – you are the reason we love what we do!

About Kristin
Kristin doesn’t like to be called a “lightening rod” but if you’ve ever seen her in action, you know there are few words that describe her better: she’s dynamic, whip smart, and always there with a smile for friends and colleagues. 

As one of the most recognized faces in the outdoor industry, Kristin transitioned a decade-long journalism career into a now decade old (!) public relations agency, bringing outstanding results to brands in diverse markets. Kristin’s knack for being ahead of the curve is supplemented by her expert understanding of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainable business practices.

Her ubiquitous, initial’ed nickname — KCO — has led to the not-so-clever title of her forth coming, regular blog series here: “KCOrner.”