PR MAVEN TOM ESTEY TALKS CAREER AND MORE
How’d you get into PR?
I was writing for a local newspaper in Boston and Singer/Songwriter/Author and Actress Gloria Loring was coming to the City in concert to promote her new single “Friends & Lovers” which became a #1 hit worldwide partially as a result of her role as ‘Liz Chandler’ on “Days of Our Lives”: Not by coincidence, I was assigned to interview her and the rest is history. Less than a month later, I was in LA working for Gloria’s then publicist (the legendary) Nanci Ryder at the prestigious BWR PR. Thank you Gloria!
What’s the hardest part of your job?
The hours. The unrealistic expectations. I’ve let go of all that though. It’s been 3 decades and I’m only interested in REAL TALENT and those that are grateful and “get it”. If you disrespect me, I walk. Thankfully, I’m blessed with truly wonderful clients who are now like family. I know my job and I’m very good at it.
What are some of your favorite clients over the years?
Too many to mention but Gloria Loring certainly changed my life and career as did Richard Simmons, Matthew Perry, Anita Baker, Oleta Adams, Jody Watley, Patti Austin, William Hurt, Brenda Russell, Jay Thomas, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Lela Rochon, Marilyn Scott, Dianne Reeves, Phyllis Hyman, Annie Lennox - the list goes on and on and I am forever grateful for each and every one of them. For me, each client is an adventure and a new lesson to be learned.
What advice would you give to someone who wanted to get into Public Relations?
Don’t lol. No seriously, please learn how to write - to be able to weave together and tell a story on paper. Pay attention to the “moments”. Be patient. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If not for the expertise I garnered from my colleagues at BWR PR and from each and every client, I would not be the man nor the PR Strategist I am today. Don’t be afraid to step outside the box. And lastly, you can’t please them all. Learn, grow, and if need be, move on. Do you!
What are you working on now?
Too much to list here but my business has diversified as of late. I’m deep into some thrilling music accounts, corporate endeavors, authors, life coaches, actors, chefs and special events. I’m at a place where I need to remain interested and challenged at all times.
What are your goals for this year?
Continue to grow personally and professionally and to bring REAL TALENT to the forefront - ALWAYS!
Continue to grow personally and professionally and to bring REAL TALENT to the forefront - ALWAYS!
What’s next?
A book about my experiences in the industry, and more importantly, a book about being a single Dad which is by far the proudest accomplishment of my life.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Just a genuine THANK YOU to all of those who believed in and continue to believe in me. I live in total gratitude. Where can people find out more about you? TomEstey.com
