Krakoff Communications Wins Three PRSA Pittsburgh Renaissance Awards
We are excited to share that we won three awards at the 2024 PRSA Pittsburgh Renaissance Awards held January 25 at the Fairmont Hotel in downtown Pittsburgh. We also are proud to be a sponsor of the event!
The awards highlight our work for M@C Discount in the Media Relations category; our work for the Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children on its annual report; and Jeff Krakoff was named Entrepreneur of the Year.
The M@C Discount Story of Growth and Second Chances
M@C Discount’s unique business model of reselling returned and overstock items from major retailers presented us with a fascinating story to tell. Since its start in 2018, the company has witnessed remarkable growth, expanding to over 16 locations in multiple states and attracting a vast online bidding community. Our challenge was to share this story of growth and educate the public about their innovative approach to retail returns. We embraced the theme of “second chances”—reflecting the new life given to products, spaces and people involved in M@C Discount’s operations. We built a comprehensive media list including print, broadcast, and online outlets with a focus on journalists with interests in business, real estate, retail, human interest and more. We also created a media backgrounder that told the Company’s story concisely while using photography and infographics to share the sheer size and scope of their operation. Through this media strategy and engaging content creation, we managed to secure 25 high-quality media placements resulting in 9.1 million impressions, significantly raising awareness about M@C Discount and boosting their auction platform.
Showcasing the Impact of Western PA School for Blind Children Through Its Annual Report
When the Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children approached us, they sought to enhance their annual report to showcase their impact and drive donations more effectively. We embarked on a journey to deeply understand their programs and craft narratives that resonated emotionally. Our approach was to tell their story through the eyes of students, parents, staff and donors, complemented by compelling photography and design. The result was a 32-page report that not only won this year’s Renaissance Award, and the national 2023 National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) Award of Excellence but also succeeded in helping to increase donations by 22%. Overall, the project highlighted our ability to transform a traditional communication tool into a powerful storytelling tool.
PRSA Entrepreneur of the Year: Jeff Krakoff
Founder and President Jeff Krakoff, who was inducted into the PRSA Pittsburgh Hall of Fame in 2011, was named Entrepreneur of the Year at this year’s event. Jeff was introduced by Josh Krakoff.
The company experienced growth of almost 100% in 2023, which was the 30th anniversary of the founding of the firm. We also added to our staff and network of trusted strategic partners.
Our clientele includes local organizations like Vitro Architectural Glass, Chelsea Building Products, CONSOL Energy, Eaton, Equipment & Controls Inc., PWCampbell, Recovery Centers of America, Eden Hall Foundation, Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting Corp., and several municipalities and school districts. We also work outside this market with Owens Corning (Toledo, OH), CDH Custom Roll Form (Warren OH), Assure America (Weirton WV), Wharton Hill Investment Advisors (Philadelphia, PA) and others.
Besides driving business growth and strategic and tactical insights for clients, Jeff commits himself to mentoring the next generation of PR professionals through his work with our younger staff members. He is a former board member of PRSA Pittsburgh and has been an adjunct professor at the University of Pittsburgh for over a decade, in addition to having taught previously at Slippery Rock University and Point Park University.
Our Formula for Excellence
These awards highlight our ability to understand our clients’ unique needs and craft narratives that resonate with their audiences. For M@C Discount, it was about illustrating a journey of growth and opportunity, while for the Western PA School for Blind Children, it was about capturing the essence of their invaluable work. Our success in these endeavors stems from a meticulous blend of strategic planning, creative storytelling and focused execution. The recognition we have received is not just a testament to our team’s skills but also reflects the trust our clients place in us to bring their stories to life in the most engaging and impactful ways.
