As we celebrate still another milestone year – our 30^th anniversary- at Ackermann PR, I have to stop and wonder why I’m not tired – at all! In fact, I can honestly say that I am more energized than ever. In some ways, I feel like we are just getting started.

During our first 10 years, we were definitely in “start-up mode”: trying to figure out what we really wanted to be, surviving exponential growth (650% our first five years in business!), and learning the critical lesson that we are only as good as the people we hire.

Our second decade consisted of reaching beyond our borders: an affiliate office in Washington, DC; an acquisition in Dallas, Texas; and clients scattered all over the country – requiring a more defined internal structure and more sophisticated business processes.

Our third decade has been one of refinement: moving to more of a “management consulting model,” where we have actually eliminated some of the more commoditized and tactical services in favor of higher-level/higher-value strategic services.

Our staff is solid, our clients are amazing, and our work is better than ever. We are totally energized by helping our clients – many of whom are national brands – achieve break-through growth, creatively enter new markets, and actually thrive in this topsy-turvy economy. We believe we are making a true difference in their lives, and that feels great!

So, we have much to celebrate and even more to be thankful for – 30 years of steady growth, profitability, valuable relationships and the privilege of helping businesses move the needle and in some cases, achieve industry dominance. When I look back at our client list over the years, I see our very first client, Westinghouse in Pittsburgh, PA; our go-go tech clients on the West Coast during the late 1990’s; and of course, many of Tennessee’s best and brightest companies who contribute so much to our communities in so many ways.

As we slip into one of my very favorite seasons – SPRING! – I watch the landscape turn from gray to baby-green and the sunshine burn away winter’s chill and ignite that positive spirit which inevitably leads to limitless thinking. We will continue to ride along the route we have chosen for ourselves and to seek out like-minded people who are interested in imagining big dreams and allowing us to contribute our talents in helping them achieve their goals.

As we watch the spring breeze ripple through the grasses and the mountains bless us with their soft hues, let us never forget how fortunate we have been to do what we do for 30 wonderful years with people we respect and care about. Thank you!