When I started Sidney Maxwell Public Relations back in 2003, I had no idea that it would become what it is today. I didn’t know what to expect being a business owner, let alone making my mark as a stand-alone practitioner in a crowded field of professionals. Fortunately, I have exceeded expectations on both sides of the table, and I can say without any hesitation that I have been successful in my endeavors.
Yet, I have always longed for more. I have always wanted to expand the scope of the businesses, executives and brands I represent. And I have strived to gain more insight into practice areas and industries outside of my current portfolio.
Starting today, I have joined DKC Public Relations, Marketing & Government Affairs (DKC) to formalize its presence here in Chicago. You may be familiar with DKC—its client roster reads like a who’s who of brands and companies from a diverse range of industries and business sectors. It takes a lot of chutzpah for an agency to call itself inventive and eclectic, but that is one of the very reasons why I know this organization is a great place. As one of the nation’s top independently owned agencies, its blend of creativity, strategy and media knowledge is rivaled by few—and I am honored to now be among its ranks.
After nearly nine years of business, I owe a lot of people “thank yous” for my success. Among them:
• Clients past and present. I want to thank Orla Castanien, Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, Darrell Jursa, Julie Colbrese and Michael Kahn for believing in a system of public relations that defied convention, and formed the foundation for a successful public relations practice. Your companies got SMPR off the ground, and I never looked back; SMPR worked with more than 70 companies on projects and campaigns over the years.
• Thanks to Amy Francis, Megan Meier Lane, Chuck Casto, Molly Lynch, Mindy Weinstein, Whitney Oppenhuizen, Laura Muma, Michelle Hellyar and Michelle Damico—a wonderful group of consultants who chose to work at SMPR as part of their professional careers. It has been an honor to call all of you colleagues throughout this incredible journey.
• I want to thank the DKC team for giving me this opportunity, with a special thank you aimed at Dave Donovan, who (if you know me from my days in Detroit) used to work with me at Marx Layne & Company. If it weren’t for Dave, I would not have been introduced to my new colleagues at DKC.
Last, but certainly not least, a special thank you is needed for Amy, Ella, Max & Lexi Shmarak. My wife has been the epitome of supportive while still flourishing in her job and managing our household. She and the kids have put up with the ebbs and flows of SMPR better than I could have imagined. I am truly blessed to have them in my life.
If I didn’t mention you, it’s only because I don’t want to put you to sleep like one of those long Oscar speeches. Know that I have enjoyed every person with whom I have met, and I have taken something away from each of you.
Let’s stay in touch, shall we?
Many thanks–
Michael Shmarak
michael_shmarak@dkcnews.com
312.340.6990
