Agency News
BWPR now represents clients in music and entertainment, wellness, youth, issues management, women's equity and more thanks to our work in the cause-related space, an area that allows us to leverage a cross-section of contacts and expertise on behalf of all of our clients!
what we do
CONSUMER, LIFESTYLE and CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS
We may not grunt, click and sing like blue whales, but our PR approach is just as artful, and our toolbox is vast.
- Branding, Positioning, Messaging
- Public Relations / Media Relations
- Content Creation - News/PR, Web, Social, Video, Blogs, Collateral, etc.
- Digital Marketing
- Partnership Procurement
- Media and Influencer Engagement
- Special Events / Activations
- Corporate / Creative Writing
- Crisis Communications and Issues Management
- Executive Thought Leadership and Media Training
- Strategic Counsel / Program Development
INDUSTRY EXPERTISE
Our experience spans work for leading brands, start-ups, and entities in the following industries:
- Consumer / Lifestyle
- Financial Services
- Tourism & Hospitality
- Entertainment
- Healthcare / Wellness
- Retail / Fashion / Beauty
- Food & Beverage
- Education
- Cause Related Marketing
our work
Unveiling a Key West Architectural Gem
Property Launch, Media & Influencer Relations, Partnership Procurement
Property Launch, Media & Influencer Relations, Partnership Procurement
In 2021, BWPR is pleased to introduce, Kimpton Key West, a five-hotel collection that boasts everything from estate-like guesthouses to charming bungalows and original conch houses, with a style and sensibility that is warm, familiar and highly personal. From luxe to laid back, our focus is simple - aggressive and targeted media relations, strategic partnerships, influencer relations, and hosted experiences - to firmly establish this one-of-a-kind collection of boutiques as a singular favorite. Already, it's already captured the attention of editors from Conde Nast Traveler, Vanity Fair, Travel & Leisure, and Business Insider. And we're just getting started!
Property Launch, Media & Influencer Relations, Partnership Procurement
Property Launch, Media & Influencer Relations, Partnership Procurement
Property Launch, Media & Influencer Relations, Partnership Procurement
As the AOR for Kimpton Angler’s Hotel South Beach, BWPR's efforts to create drum-roll excitement, buzz and attention for the property's grand debut following a six-year, $61 million re-imagination yielded over 278MM in earned media and influencer reach in 2019 and high profile agency-arranged, celebrity collaborations with Food Network's Chef Amanda Freitag and Extreme Home Makeover's Ty Pennington.
Creating Marketplace Dominance via Media Buzz and Social Engagement
Property Launch, Media & Influencer Relations, Partnership Procurement
Creating Marketplace Dominance via Media Buzz and Social Engagement
As the AOR for Seven Stars Resort & Spa, Grace Bay Beach, BWPR helped reposition the 10-year-old resort as an iconic luxe leader in the Caribbean following a multi-million dollar redesign. In 2019, 527.2MM in earned media and influencer reach was achieved, in addition to 13.4% organic growth in fan/follower acquisition and a 34.5% rise in engagement on the resort's social channels.
Internal & External Corporate Communications
B2B Media Relations, Issue Advocacy, Brand-Building
Creating Marketplace Dominance via Media Buzz and Social Engagement
Providing corporate writing services for Florida Community Bank, the third-largest community bank in the State of Florida, BWPR served as a trusted partner in defining and furthering the FCB brand as Florida's third-largest community bank. Week to week, the agency delivered carefully crafted press announcements, website copy, media statements, Q&As, and sensitive employee and customer communiques during the bank's acquisition of Floridian Bank and merger with Synovus.
B2B Media Relations, Issue Advocacy, Brand-Building
B2B Media Relations, Issue Advocacy, Brand-Building
B2B Media Relations, Issue Advocacy, Brand-Building
BWPR’s engagement as the AOR for Sanford, Florida-based Avocet Aviation Services focused on providing strategic public relations and media relations for the company’s re-branding which included the announcement of strategic partnerships and contracts; promotion of its expansion, growth and job-creation impacts within Central Florida; MRO Americas Conference trade show support, and the launch of the company’s BWPR-branded STAND UP for STEM initiative.
US Market Introduction
B2B Media Relations, Issue Advocacy, Brand-Building
B2B Media Relations, Issue Advocacy, Brand-Building
BWPR orchestrated the US market launch of Donna Italia, a three-minute gourmet pizza solution, with B2B efforts directed to the restaurant, hospitality, concession/catering, institutional and corporate dining segments via trade media relations, sampling events, partnerships and collaborations. Through the story-telling of the founder's company vision, the promotion of new product extensions, and a celebrity chef affiliation, BWPR secured executive profiles and targeted trade placements, culminating in a featured spot on the popular show Bar Rescue.
From Corporate Executive to Author and Socialpreneur
From Corporate Executive to Author and Socialpreneur
From Corporate Executive to Author and Socialpreneur
From media relations and podcast interviews, to the solicitation of book reviews, book fairs and festivals, and social media management, BWPR handled the official launch of corporate executive, way-maker and socialpreneur-turned-first-time author Sandra Evers-Manly on behalf of her self-published children's book, “Raised Up by Mrs. Manly & Her Ls” - the first release under Manly's S.E.M. Publishing venture.
Elevating a Category: Not Your Average Tribute Band
From Corporate Executive to Author and Socialpreneur
From Corporate Executive to Author and Socialpreneur
In 2020, BWPR launched a brand marketing campaign for Endless River Productions and its five tribute bands including social media management, digital marketing and public relations. Designed to raise the image and perception of what a truly authentic tribute band experience should be, early impacts include triple-digit increases in social media followers, a successful quarantine video premiere, procurement of three national music charity partners, and blog and media coverage.
How Do You Launch a Shooting Star
From Corporate Executive to Author and Socialpreneur
Bringing New Excitement to a Downtown Hotel
BWPR is proud to represent and provide talent development support to actress Shadia Martin - a triple threat creative whose star is steadily on the rise. Shortly after graduating from the American Academy for Dramatic Arts, Shadia landed a lead role in a Marshmello video, played the lead in a rock-inspired, off-Broadway production of Hamlet, and has starred in a commercial for The General Insurance, and most recently, as the lead in Samsung's latest ad for the new S21. She recently shared her thoughts on acting, her inspiration, and her approach to the process of becoming an actor with ThriveGlobal readers.
Bringing New Excitement to a Downtown Hotel
Inspiring and Uniting a Community Through Art and Poetry
Bringing New Excitement to a Downtown Hotel
In 2017 and 2018, BWPR launched a pro-active consumer and trade publicity campaign to support the re-launch of Hilton Miami Downtown's multi-million dollar renovation and re-design. Our targeted media outreach yielded high-impact coverage in USAToday.com, Essence.com, BizBash, South Florida Business Journal, and Meetings Today.
Inspiring and Uniting a Community Through Art and Poetry
Inspiring and Uniting a Community Through Art and Poetry
Inspiring and Uniting a Community Through Art and Poetry
In 2018, BWPR was selected to introduce and promote the Maroon Poetry Festival - a community-organized event celebrating legendary poets from the Black Arts Movement. Created to help reverse social inequity through collaboration and artistic expression, the event included poetry readings, conversation, live art and music, an open mic, local food and craft vendors, youth activities, and live performances by the renowned Sonia Sanchez, The Last Poets, Emory Douglas, Ntozake Shange, rapper Vic Mensa, soul singer Jamila Woods. Through a coordinated local media push that resulted in pre- and post-event coverage, including a feature in the (South Florida) Sun-Sentinel, BWPR helped generate an unprecedented 2,000+ attendees to this first-time event.
in the news
BWPR Moves the Needle for Destination Marketing Initiative
BWPR Moves the Needle for Destination Marketing Initiative
BWPR Moves the Needle for Destination Marketing Initiative
Marketing campaign invites BIPOC writers, influencers to Brattleboro
BWPR on Travel Trends
BWPR Moves the Needle for Destination Marketing Initiative
BWPR Moves the Needle for Destination Marketing Initiative
Work Tourism: A New Employee Perk During the Pandemic?
BWPR on Helping a Client Pivot During Covid-19
BWPR Moves the Needle for Destination Marketing Initiative
BWPR on Helping a Client Pivot During Covid-19
On June 30th, South Florida’s premiere tribute act, The Floyd Experience presented US & THEM, a socially distanced event by Endless River Productions.
BWPR Profiled
Miami Art Week 2020 Guest Activation
BWPR on Helping a Client Pivot During Covid-19
Meet Rosalie Martin of Blue Whale Public Relations
Miami Art Week 2020 Guest Activation
Miami Art Week 2020 Guest Activation
Miami Art Week 2020 Guest Activation
Kimpton Angler's Hotel South Beach Sangria & Ceramics Workshop / Miami Art Week featured on WSVN's Deco Drive
meet the pod
SEASONED COMMUNICATIONS PROS, STRATEGISTS AND CONTENT CREATORS
Trusted Partner. Results-Proven. Well-Connected.
Our talented "dream team" brings a depth of experience across an array of industry sectors that allows us to form highly specialized teams led by seasoned pros tailored to a client's specific needs.
And did we mention how much we love exceeding expectations?
Award-Winning. Expert Strategists. Media-Centric. Social Media Savvy. Broadcast and Digital Innovators.
BENJAMIN R. MARTIN II
CEO and President - Someone's got to mind the store, and with a career that spans 30+ years of corporate management, business development, sales, and marketing in the financial services arena, Ben brings that know-how to Blue Whale PR. As a top trainer and sales generator for some of the leading brands in insurance and financial services, Ben was hand-picked to turn-around under-performing offices. His greatest asset lies in his ability to motivate, and inspire others to succeed; together with his tenacity and ability to dissect an issue in order to achieve the end-goal.
ROSALIE MARTIN
Executive Vice President and Account Director - With more than 25+ years in the public relations business, Rosalie is a veteran professional having worked for dozens of clients ranging from Fortune-50 Blue Chip corporations to start-ups that allowed her to create and advance new industry categories. Her entire career has been spent in the fast-paced agency side of the PR business, working for leading independent firms M. Silver Associates, and most recently, Finn Partners. Her contacts and relationships run long and deep, delivering added value to clients and their programs. Whether its how to break into The Wall Street Journal, deftly manage a crisis, or bring a new product to market, Rosalie combines her years of experience with a keen understanding of the media climate, customer mindset, and industry sensitivities to create sound and successful strategies. Representing clients in the hospitality, food and beverage, financial services, entertainment, consumer products, education, health/wellness, beauty/fashion, and cause related industries, Rosalie's favorite role is serving as her client's 24/7 go-to source for on-the-spot counsel and brainstorming.
meet the pod
LAUREN DUNAJ
NANETTE WISER
NANETTE WISER
Strategist, Project Manager, Media Relations, Social Media, Content Creator
Lauren Dunaj is an award-winning, strategic public relations professional who brings creativity and innovation to her client work. With more than 13 years of experience working in fast-paced agency life, Lauren has led communications efforts for clients in trave
Strategist, Project Manager, Media Relations, Social Media, Content Creator
Lauren Dunaj is an award-winning, strategic public relations professional who brings creativity and innovation to her client work. With more than 13 years of experience working in fast-paced agency life, Lauren has led communications efforts for clients in travel/tourism, luxury, hospitality, financial services, health/wellness, beauty/fashion, entertainment industries and cause-related organizations. Lauren excels in writing, high-level strategy, brand management, social media management, community relations, crisis communications, media relations, securing executive interviews and managing special events. She is a solutions-oriented, connector-of-dots and is passionate about utilizing her relationships to deliver exceptional results for her clients. Lauren graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor of Arts degree in public relations. In 2009, Lauren earned the distinguished Accreditation in Public Relations (APR.)
NANETTE WISER
NANETTE WISER
NANETTE WISER
Content Creator, Media Specialist
Partnership Cultivation, Technical Writing
A multimedia journalist and former VP/Editorial Director for Copley News Service, Wiser's many accomplishments include the creation and launch of St. Pete Life Magazine. Her articles have appeared in more than 1,000 publications both print and digital, as well as
Content Creator, Media Specialist
Partnership Cultivation, Technical Writing
A multimedia journalist and former VP/Editorial Director for Copley News Service, Wiser's many accomplishments include the creation and launch of St. Pete Life Magazine. Her articles have appeared in more than 1,000 publications both print and digital, as well as broadcast platforms. As a digital content and social media strategist, she helped create and launch hyper-local websites for AOL, Microsoft, Cox Interactive, Pacific Bell and others. Her strategic marketing and public relations work for national and local companies includes: Pinellas County, Largo Medical Center, Diagnostic Clinic, St. Luke's Reflections, multiple restaurants and hotels (Tradewinds Island Resort, Nueva Cantina, Hilton, La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club), Tampa Bay Health Collaborative, Arthritis Research Institute of America (ARIA), Duke Energy Center for the Arts Mahaffey Theater, San Diego Museum of Art, Clorox Carver Tripp, and Kashi.
GINA NISI
NANETTE WISER
ZLATA FAERMAN
Event Specialist and Media Relations Pro
Based in New York City, Gina is a seasoned PR practitioner representing travel & lifestyle brands for more than 15 years. Gina has represented domestic and international destinations including Toscana Promozine (Region of Tuscany); the State of Florida, Greater Fort Lauderdale; Connecticut Touris
Event Specialist and Media Relations Pro
Based in New York City, Gina is a seasoned PR practitioner representing travel & lifestyle brands for more than 15 years. Gina has represented domestic and international destinations including Toscana Promozine (Region of Tuscany); the State of Florida, Greater Fort Lauderdale; Connecticut Tourism Board as well as luxury hotels and cruise industry accounts such as the Cruise Lines International Association; Ink48- A Kimpton Hotel, Toscana Resort Castelfalfi, Dazzler Hotel Brooklyn and The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach. Gina has also represented clients in the fashion and entertainment industry successfully managing Academy Award-winning actor Jeremy Irons, MIDO Eyewear Milan, and Italian menswear designer, Albini Group. Expert at securing major feature stories and broadcast appearances, creating strategic alliances, and managing special events, Gina's clients have been featured in such A-list outlets as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, USA Today, Architectural Digest, Cigar Aficionado, Departures, Robb Report, Travel + Leisure, Town & Country, Forbes.com and Wallpaper.com. In addition to PR, she is the co-owner of Carl's Candies, a successful candy shop in Long Island, New York.
ZLATA FAERMAN
PAUL GRAMAGLIA
ZLATA FAERMAN
Creative Strategist, Media Relations Pro and Writer - Zlata has more than 10 years of integrated marketing and public relations experience in the areas of consumer packaged goods, travel and hospitality, food and beverage, consumer technology, and health/beauty. Her proven track record includes leading the development and execution of cre
Creative Strategist, Media Relations Pro and Writer - Zlata has more than 10 years of integrated marketing and public relations experience in the areas of consumer packaged goods, travel and hospitality, food and beverage, consumer technology, and health/beauty. Her proven track record includes leading the development and execution of creative and strategic campaigns and communications initiatives that earn awareness, strengthen brand equity, and impact business objectives. As a contributing lifestyle writer for a variety of national publications including Conde Nast Traveler, SELF, and Cosmopolitan, Zlata has her pulse squarely on today's trends and what captures media and consumer attention. Her personal motto - always lead with IDEAS!
PAUL GRAMAGLIA
PAUL GRAMAGLIA
PAUL GRAMAGLIA
Video Content Creator and Producer - A veteran of broadcast television journalism with over 15 years of experience working for NBC News, Paul's accomplishments range from covering the Olympics in both Vancouver and Sochi, traveling with Hillary Clinton on the campaign trail in 2008 and also spending several years in Israel for NBC News. I
Video Content Creator and Producer - A veteran of broadcast television journalism with over 15 years of experience working for NBC News, Paul's accomplishments range from covering the Olympics in both Vancouver and Sochi, traveling with Hillary Clinton on the campaign trail in 2008 and also spending several years in Israel for NBC News. It was his work during September 11th, 2001 that garnered him an Emmy nomination. He is also the chief videographer for Zero Gravity corporation, a company that operates weightless flights from US airports.
JOHN DEMAIO
PAUL GRAMAGLIA
PAUL GRAMAGLIA
Video Content Creator and Producer
John began producing television content early in his career, working on programming for FOX. He quickly decided that creating content was his passion and worked to cultivate innovative ideas for television. Realizing that creating content was his true love, John formed InfraRed Creative and developed t
Video Content Creator and Producer
John began producing television content early in his career, working on programming for FOX. He quickly decided that creating content was his passion and worked to cultivate innovative ideas for television. Realizing that creating content was his true love, John formed InfraRed Creative and developed the television series Travel Thru History - nominated for a Daytime Emmy in its first season. In 2014 John received his first Daytime Emmy for his work with the Walt Disney Company and in that same year he helped co-found the Watch and Learn foundation.
our partners
client testimonials
Bryan Guillot, CEO , Thomas Lee Group, SEVEN STARS RESORT & SPA
“I have worked with Rosalie Hagel for over 15 years in several locations. Her knowledge of public relations is unsurpassed, and she is always willing to give more than required. Rosalie continues to provide the very best in publicity and public relations for our resort in is a critical part of our continued success.”
Kristin Huxta Bradley, Senior Director of Communications, KIMPTON HOTELS
"Blue Whale PR has been a trusted public relations partner of Kimpton for as long as I can remember. Particularly with the opening of Kimpton Angler’s Hotel South Beach, they just completely wowed and impressed me. Rosalie and her team are hardworking, trustworthy and true doers. They jumped right in to every task put before them to not only deliver but blow it out of the water. Their garnered press coverage has always been astounding, their work on our grand openings events put Angler’s on the map and their continued partnership and efforts have established the hotel as one of Miami’s best."
Barbara Strowd, President, ENDLESS RIVER PRODUCTIONS
"Rosalie Martin and Blue Whale Public Relations have extraordinary creative talent, which they've used to dramatically increase the visibility of Endless River Productions and our stable of musical performers across Florida and the eastern United States. Her marketing and public relations knowledge has provided a solid foundation for ERP's continued expansion of ERP in the music industry. Ms. Martin and the BWPR team are wonderful collaborators and a pleasure to work with in a dynamic and highly charged business environment, placing ERP in a position to be successful into the foreseeable future."
Isa Andrews, Director of Marketing, FLORIDA COMMUNITY BANK
"You did fabulous work for us and I really appreciated everything you did to support me and the bank."
Cari Farinas, Director of Marketing/Public Relations, TRUMP NATIONAL DORAL RESORT & SPA
"It was truly a pleasure to work with Rosalie. She is very professional, attentive and a great PR partner who not just delivers but exceeds expectations!"
Alejandra Lopez, FORMER CRUISE INDUSTRY CLIENT
"Rosalie’s vast travel experience, outside the box thinking, positive attitude and caring spirit helped us create a voice and bring our brand’s story to life!”
media testimonials
Leslie Pariseau, Contributor, Conde Nast Traveler
Working with Rosalie on connecting with the Kimpton Key West property was a total pleasure. Within an hour of contact, she had the wheels moving and within a day, the booking made.
Rosalie went above and beyond to provide a list of local sites and make sure I had access to the staff/tour/manager at the property. She checked in diligently after the stay, and has been a great point of contact since, connecting me with another Kimpton property in the meantime. Loved working with Rosalie.
Kimberly Wilson, Contributor, Travel & Leisure, Essence
I adore working with Rosalie [Hagel Martin]. She does a terrific job at promoting her clients and creating solid relationships with the media. She's accessible, responsive and always professional. Any hotel or destination would be well served by having Blue Whale Public Relations as their agency.
Paloma Villaverde de Rico, Editor in Chief, Recommend
It is always a pleasure working with Rosalie and BWPR. For them, professionalism is key, and they always offer creative pitches and respond to queries promptly, even when requested last-minute. Throughout my decades-plus time at Recommend, I’ve had the pleasure of traveling on press trips with Rosalie, and the experience has been first-rate, offering an enjoyable itinerary, with innovative experiences and in-depth knowledge of the supplier. I know whichever client they are representing will be one that I will be able to have full access to.
Amber Love Bond, Contributor, Forbes, Thrillist, Huffington Post
Working with Rosalie and Blue Whale PR has been lovely! She's always quick to reply and makes requesting story information, etc a breeze as a journalist -- which means the world to someone who is constantly on deadlines with a tight schedule. She pitches her clients in a clear and concise manner and has never failed to get any additional answers or quotes I've needed.
Matthew Arrojas, Hospitality Editor, South Florida Business Journal news
Rosalie gave both me and my photographer a complete tour of the Kimpton Angler’s South Beach prior to the opening of the hotel’s extension, allowing us valuable access into all the new amenities and room types for a complete photo gallery. Being able to put together complete photo tours for our readers is always ideal, and it translated to a high amount of page views for the article, so her help was very much appreciated.
Sheryl Nance-Nash, Newsday, Amsterdam News, Time, MSN, Daily Beast
It is a pleasure to work with Rosalie Hagel Martin! She responds in a timely fashion to any requests and goes above and beyond to assist journalists in any way possible. She makes my job easier and because of that, I'm always open to considering her clients.
Dana Freeman, CNN Travel, Thrillist, Club Life
I recently had the opportunity to work with Rosalie on a feature story for ClubLife Magazine. She is thoughtful, enthusiastic, and passionate about sharing the clients she represents. It was a delight to work with her and look forward to collaborating on future stories.
Angela Caraway-Carlton, Miami Herald, Boca Raton Magazine, Luxe Interiors + Design Magazine
As a travel writer, working with Rosalie and the Blue Whale team is a dream. They were prompt in answering my questions and sending along assets such as hi-res images. My hosted media stay was flawless and hit all the marks thanks to their efforts.
industry accolades
The long-standing relationships we've enjoyed with so many of our clients - past and present - is by far our greatest reward. And yet, we've been equally fortunate to have had our work acknowledged by the industry, our clients and our peers.
Six-time Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Adrian Award Winner
Three-time Bulldog Reporter Award for Excellence in Media Relations and Publicity
2015 Kimpton Hotels PR Superstar
OUR FORMULA FOR SUCCESS
Great Clients + Well Executed Campaigns + Opportunities Seized = PR SUCCESS!!
join the pod
Interested in joining Blue Whale PR?
We are always looking to expand our team of professionals. If you would like to join this expert team, we'd love to hear from you. Tell us your story and submit your resume to:
Blue Whale Public Relations, 12460 Monarch Circle, Seminole, Florida 33772