Thirty years ago, I opened a public relations firm in Atlanta and called it PINEAPPLE PR – as the saying goes if IYKYK – I had fallen in love with the travel industry and chose that name for the symbolism. The alliteration didn’t hurt either 😊
An anniversary has a way of bringing the early days close again, including all the things you were figuring out as you went. I would love to tell you I had the next three decades neatly mapped out, but you can probably guess how that went.
When my husband and I walked into the Georgia courthouse to register Pineapple Public Relations in 1996, I had little concept of the growth and impact PINEAPPLE would come to have; I just wanted to tell beautiful stories about travel, food, recreation and culture. That the past 30 years have gone by in the blink of an eye and at the same time are so full of meaningful and defining moments, is humbling.
The team who has become family, the people who have trusted us with a place they call home, a business they have built, or a story they have wanted others to understand. Being invited into that work is a privilege, and it comes with responsibility. Staying woman-owned and operated wasn’t something we set out to do, yet, it has grown into an identity we are very proud of. Today, with 11 kids among us, three different office spaces behind us, and the flexibility of remote work, providing a place that allows us to thrive and connect while managing everything that life brings has worked well not just for us but in developing the creativity that brings amazing results for our clients.
The mindset of that young woman who wanted to write beautiful stories has evolved as well. Understanding and recognizing the role that tourism plays as an economic engine in the communities and businesses we serve is empowering and drives the work we do. Behind every visit are people putting their businesses out there, opening their doors, preparing a room, getting a restaurant ready for dinner, or hoping each season will bring them the success to grow their business and support their families and communities.
As we look to the next 30 years, we know the way we tell our stories will continue to evolve, and we look forward to leading our clients through the opportunities that those changes will bring.
I hope everyone who has been part of PINEAPPLE feels included. You helped us build a place where a passion for travel and storytelling becomes meaningful work. I am still excited about where it will take us, and so very happy to have amazing people along for the journey.