Learn more about us!
OUR HISTORY
The story begins when the company was first founded on April 1, 1993 on Pittsburgh’s South Side. April Fools’ Day may not be the most strategic day to start a business, but it has worked out just fine.
Founder Jeff Krakoff has three decades of top-level experience. In addition to his role at Krakoff Communications, he served as Communications Director at a national trade association and Senior Director in the Brand Marketing Practice at one of largest PR firms in the world. Jeff was inducted into the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Pittsburgh Renaissance Hall of fame and has taught PR classes at the business school at the University of Pittsburgh for many years.
In the early years, we worked as a PR and design firm for manufacturing, consumer and nonprofit clients, but also as a support partner to some of the larger ad and public relations firms in the city. We had offices in downtown Pittsburgh and then in the South Hills suburbs.
After years of growth—we were listed among the Top 20 of the Pittsburgh Business Times 100 fastest-growing companies (and #1 for growth in the communications and public relations category)—the company grew mostly because we delivered on all the promises we made and produced great work on time and on budget. If we were approached by a prospective client we didn’t think we could help or would not be a good fit for us, we declined the work.
In 2013, we made our home in the thriving Main Street business district in Carnegie, PA, just outside of downtown Pittsburgh. It’s a great area with plentiful parking, and a short walk to a variety of restaurants and retail shops.
Today, many of our clients are located in the Pittsburgh region, but we also work with clients in Philadelphia as well as in New Jersey, Maryland, Ohio, Wisconsin, Colorado and California.
OUR PEOPLE
Jeff Krakoff
President
Jeff works on everything from firm management and new business to developing branding and marketing strategies to writing copy and making media pitches.
He has a degree in journalism and public relations from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) and has held a variety of positions at a number of corporations, agencies and trade groups. For many years, Jeff has taught classes at University of Pittsburgh, Slippery Rock University and Point Park University.
His hobbies are cycling, soccer, golf and spending time with his wife Lori, three adult children Andy, Rachel and Josh as well as Leo their golden retriever.
Scott Bowlin
Director of Creative Services
Scott ran his own graphic design firm for more than 15 years before rolling it into Krakoff Communications. He works on everything that includes design from new brands to signage, ads, printed/digital collateral, websites and more. Scott has delivered design solutions for clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to small startups. He earned his degree in design from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh.
Scott is also a firefighter in the Mt. Lebanon Fire Department and spends his free time working out, cycling and spending time with his wife Erica and their two boxers Piper and Audric.
Dan La Mountain
Account Manager
Dan brings more than three decades of marketing communications experience.
Before joining KCI, Dan ran his own firm for more than 12 years. Dan also worked at other firms on several brands including Bristol Myers Squib, Unilever, Stanley Tools and Labatt Brewing Company of Canada. Dan develops customer relationships and oversees programs and projects for clients in NJ, NY and eastern PA.
Dan earned a degree in advertising at Kutztown University, where he was a quarterback and ran track. He still enjoys conditioning, strength training and running. Dan enjoys traveling—especially visiting his son Trevor in Chicago.
Mary Malone
Assistant Client Executive
Mary is an excellent writer, media relations pro and project manager.
She is a public relations graduate from the Newhouse School at Syracuse University. Mary ran competitively for the Syracuse cross country and track teams and is an avid runner today. In addition to finding new trails and exploring nature throughout the region, she is always up for trying out a new restaurant. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and saint bernard Molly.
Kendall Farley
Public Relations Intern
Kendall is a senior marketing major at the University of Pittsburgh with a concentration in professional writing.
She is an excellent writer, researcher and project manager. She has had three previous internships in various departments at the University of Pittsburgh as well as at Amazon.
Kendall enjoys hiking, travel, fashion and all Pittsburgh sports.
Interested in Joining Our Team?
We’re growing and expect to continue that trend in the future. We’re always interested in hearing from creative, talented and hard-working professionals. Please email us your resume and a cover letter so we can get to know more about you.
Leo
Director of Barketing
Leo joined our team (and the Krakoff household) in December 2018. He comes to the office a few days a week and has vast experience playing fetch, receiving belly rubs and chewing on his many chew and rope toys. Leo brings a lot of fun to the office and has become a favorite among our neighbors in Carnegie.
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