Fallston Group Activates Southeastern Region Location
Fallston Group, a distinguished leader in crisis leadership, public relations, strategic communications, and reputation management, announces the inauguration of its presence in Tampa, Florida, now serving the Southeastern region of the United States. The strategic expansion amplifies Fallston Group’s commitment to assisting organizations (proactively and reactively) with crisis leadership services, equipping organizations who must navigate turbulent times with precision, clarity, and resilience. Fallston Group, which works with private, public, and nonprofit organizations, as well as individuals in need, has been building, strengthening, and defending reputations since the company was founded 15 years ago in Baltimore, Maryland. Fallston Group is a renowned authority in crisis leadership and strategic communication. The regional team brings more than two hundred years of combined professional experience to assist clients in effectively managing their decisions, narratives, and brands in the most challenging circumstances. “If you don’t tell your story, someone else will. And when someone else tells your story, it certainly won’t be the story you want told,” remarked Rob Weinhold, Chief Executive of Fallston Group. “You don’t spin your way through a crisis; you lead your way through. While counterintuitive, crises are growth opportunities not to be feared.” Weinhold adds, “We know how to turn short-term adversity into long-term advantage, saving clients time, money, customers, careers, and in the worst of scenarios, freedom, and lives. It is not a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when’ crisis strikes, as anyone with an internet connection and/or recording device can wreak havoc on your brand. The new southeastern regional presence, centered in Tampa, Florida, signifies Fallston Group’s unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional services tailored to client needs, particularly in crisis leadership, strategic communication, public relations, and media training. Whether guiding businesses through reputational crises or creating organizational muscle memory to enhance crisis preparedness, Fallston Group remains a trusted partner dedicated to safeguarding client reputations and valuation. The firm operates at the critical intersection of leadership, strategy, and communications. “We are thrilled to broaden our footprint,” continued Weinhold. Our team will work closely with leaders in the region, equipping them with the tools and strategies necessary to navigate any sensitive, adverse, or crisis-oriented issues.” Fallston Group’s expansion represents a significant milestone in the company’s 15-year trajectory, reflecting its ongoing commitment to excellence while supporting its domestic and international clients.
Leah Fertig Joins Fallston Group as Executive Assistant
Fallston Group, the Baltimore-based, global reputation agency, is pleased to announce Leah Fertig has joined its team as executive assistant. Fertig brings more than 13 years of combined customer service, administrative and office management experience to Fallston Group’s headquarters in Canton. In her new role, Fertig provides support across the organization’s three core business verticals of crisis and issue leadership, strategic marketing and public relations and safety and security. Her goal is to ensure all clients receive the “Ritz Carlton” experience. “Leah is a highly motivated, results-oriented professional. In our line of work, both companies and individuals heavily rely on us to be a trustworthy, compassionate resource, and Leah plays an important role in solidifying our many important relationships,” says Fallston Group Chief Executive, Rob Weinhold. Prior to joining Fallston Group, Fertig worked in the medical field and auto industry, where she became adept at managing in a high volume, fast-paced environment. She always remained focused on over-delivering for customers while implementing processes to ensure service was top notch. Fertig’s drive to find opportunities to assist others led her to becoming a volunteer for the Loch Raven VA Community Living & Rehabilitation Center in Baltimore, MD. Fertig is also a strong supporter in our country’s military and believes we all have a role in supporting our troops. Born and raised in Maryland, Fertig is passionate about her community and developing meaningful relationships. At Fallston Group, this passion translates into supporting the business’ three verticals and developing high-performing, win-win business relationships across the country. For additional information about Fertig or Fallston Group’s services, contact Marketing Communications Manager Andrea Lynn at 410.420.2001 or by email at andrea.lynn@fallstongroup.com.
What’s the “Why” Behind a Crisis?
Many crises are sustained campaigns, not situational media events. In my view, reputation leads to trust and trust leads to valuation. You see, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat is all about the restoration of trust and restoring that reputational piggy bank balance which succumbed to overdraft status. We know crises can be natural, like an earthquake, or human-induced, like an egregious crime or gross mismanagement. Crises can be sudden or smoldering, high-impact or low-impact. Sometimes organizations recover. Many times, they do not. Crises can take on many forms: data breach, social media attack, negative press, natural disaster, bankruptcy, crime, litigation, investigation, compliance issues, employee relations complications, job loss, labor unrest, audit sanction, poorly managed mergers, workplace violence, terrorism, war, riots, accidents, health issues, product recall, hostile takeovers, abuse, ineffective leadership transition, and discrimination—to name some of the prominent. Life is a complex struggle at times, with a seemingly high level of unpredictability. But one thing is certain: crisis will strike. It’s not a matter of if. It’s a matter of when. In recent years alone, many high profile leaders have faced serious reputational issues that have cost them tremendous amounts of time, money, customers and, ultimately, their careers – generally in that order. And, in the worst case of scenarios, lives. In my decades of managing crisis—the overwhelming number which are human induced—I’ve found premeditated crises are deeply rooted in the issues of power, control, money, sex and revenge. Yes, these are the core motivating factors of why people do bad things. Some are driven by a singular vice, others are firing on many motivating cylinders. As wonderful as the human spirit is, there is often another side to some of us, a side in which these dark, addictive triggers become more important than life itself. And sadly, it’s generally those who orbit the lives of those in crisis—and depend on the afflicted people or organizations emotionally, financially or spiritually—who suffer the most when crisis unravels. Life lesson for today – closely evaluate who you have in your ecosystem, personally and professionally. Are the people you inherently trust with your business or reputation motivated by any of the core factors outlined above? Are they really making the right decisions for you, your business, your brand? Take a hard look at “why” these people make the decisions, or act, the way they do. You just may find that YOU need to make some tough eliminating choices as you work your way toward a more brilliant and prosperous future. To learn more about building, strengthening and defending your company’s reputation, please contact us directly at Fallston Group, or call 410-420-2001.
Lead Through Crisis; Don’t Spin!
Fallston Group Chief Executive Rob Weinhold named 2017 Most Admired CEO by The Daily Record
Baltimore-based Fallston Group, a global reputation agency, is pleased to announce that Rob Weinhold, the firm’s chief executive, has been named one of Maryland’s 2017 Most Admired CEOs by The Daily Record. The Daily Record created the Most Admired CEOs awards program to recognize talented business CEOs and nonprofit executive directors throughout Maryland for their leadership and professionalism. The winners were selected based on professional accomplishments, community service and letters of reference submitted by co-workers, board members and community leaders showing the CEO’s leadership and vision. “To be a Most Admired CEO means that you have gained the respect and admiration of those around you. It means you are making a positive impact on the lives of others,” said Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, publisher of The Daily Record. “Our honorees this year were nominated by co-workers, community organizations and other leaders not just for their professional achievements but because they are truly admired by their peers and employees. The Daily Record is pleased to recognize their leadership in our state and beyond.” After several decades of private and public sector leadership service, Weinhold launched Fallston Group in 2009 to continue his career mission of helping organizations during life’s most critical times. Throughout his career, Weinhold has been recognized for his unique ability to lead by creating vision and building consensus across diverse stakeholder bases, even during the most sensitive of times. He is routinely called upon by members of the national and local news media to provide perspective on crisis leadership, public safety and communications. Weinhold holds a graduate degree (MSM) from The Johns Hopkins University Carey School of Business and undergraduate degree from the University of Baltimore. He is nationally published (The Art of Crisis Leadership) and has trained and lectured in a variety of professional and academic settings on the topics of crisis leadership, communications, media relations, and public safety and security. “Receiving recognition as one of Maryland’s most admired CEOs is an unexpected honor and privilege. I was incredibly humbled to learn of the nomination and even more grateful to fully understand the true positive impact we have on our clients, partners and one another, each and every day,” said Weinhold. He adds, “Our team’s foundational mission is to help people during life’s most critical times. This prestigious award, and its supportive submissions, serve as career validation. I am grateful to have been honored among so many innovative, purposeful leaders.” Weinhold was honored in the category of Private Company with 50 or Fewer Employees at the annual Most Admired CEOs award dinner organized by The Daily Record on Thursday, November 9. Additional winners were chosen in the categories of Circle of Leadership, Nonprofit Less Than $10M in Annual Revenue, Nonprofit More Than $10M in Annual Revenue, Private Company with 50 or Fewer Employees, Private Company with 51-149 Employees, Private Company with 150-499 Employees and Private Company with More Than 500 Employees.
Take a Stand Against Abuse with SARC During Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Our guest blog this week is very special. Do you know what steps to take to report abuse, and the warning signs someone may be involved in an abusive relationship? Holly is an ambassador for SARC, who after years of abuse, began her journey to healing, and is now a beacon of hope for those currently experiencing abuse. Below is her letter to the community: Dear friends, Almost 20 years ago I was a victim of physical, mental, sexual, and financial abuse. The abuse was so bad when I left, I was in a wheelchair with a broken leg and a sprained ankle. With the love of my family, my best friend Amy Wood, and SARC I was able to leave and stay gone. SARC opened my eyes and made me realize none of this was my fault, and that I was a victim of abuse. It took me several years to find myself again. I did, and I am a survivor! I am lucky that through the support of both my friends and family, I have rebuilt my life and am now married to an amazing man and have two beautiful children that I was told I could never have. Through all of this, I have had on very clear very specific dream: to help others stuck in the same horrific situation. My nephew Ethan Brito gave me the most amazing gift, he started a run in my name called Holly’s Hope! This run has allowed me to fulfill my dream to speak out and help others. Words cannot express how much this run means to me, and how much it helps other victims with all proceeds going to SARC. Please join me again this year, on October 14th, as we come together to end abuse. If you are unable to attend the event, please consider becoming a Holly’s Hero through a donation of $100. All Holly’s Heroes will receive a metal to recognize their support to raising awareness about domestic violence. I hope you will join me and everyone at SARC on October 14th as we host the 4th Annual Holly’s Hope 5k Run/1 Mile Walk. Please help spread the word about Holly’s Hope to help me fulfill my dream and help others that may be stuck in the same situation I was once facing. Thank you from all that is within me! Holly If you believe a friend or a loved one is experiencing abuse, you can help by breaking the silence. Call SARC’s 24-hour helpline at 410-836-8430; access the National Dating Abuse Helpline 24/7 at 1-866-331-997 (or text “loveis” to 77054 to reach a peer counselor); and for teens in crisis, call the Maryland Youth Crisis Hotline at 1-800-422-0009.
Fallston Group Internship Program – Summer 2015
Fallston Group is seeking a bright, driven college student to serve as Strategic Communications & Marketing Intern for summer 2015. The Strategic Communications & Marketing Internship is an experiential learning opportunity focused on marketing communications and public relations, as well as marketing strategy and business development. Interns will gain firsthand experience of the day-to-day operations of an agency-type work environment including client relations, account strategy and activation, and project management. Interns will also have the chance to learn more about crisis and issue management strategies and tactics from experienced senior professionals. Interns will work closely with, and under the supervision of, the Fallston Group Communications Strategist while collaborating with other senior team members. This is an engaging position offering interns the opportunity to directly interact with business and media professionals in the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. metropolitan areas. In addition to contributing to client accounts and projects, interns will have access to networking and training opportunities. Duties Assist in the research, planning and execution of public relations, communications and marketing strategies, both in-house and for client accounts Use Vocus and TVEyes public relations software to conduct media monitoring, build media contact lists and identify pitching opportunities Assist in the drafting, editing and distribution of client deliverables (e.g., press releases, media alerts, fact sheets, blogs, case studies, talking points, correspondence, reports) Assist in design and creation of marketing collateral (e.g., capabilities sheets, flyers, presentations, eNewsletters, agendas) Support company social media, blog and web content management efforts Provide support during speaking engagements, presentations, media interviews and events Assist with video production including scripting and shooting support Collaborate closely with senior team members as needed on client projects Promote and represent Fallston Group brand with the highest level of integrity and professionalism Qualifications Must be currently enrolled in or recently graduated from an undergraduate program at an accredited college, community college or university (two-to-four year institution) Must be at least 18 years of age and of sophomore standing Communication, public relations, marketing, journalism, english and/or business management majors preferred Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite Strong verbal and written communication skills Ability to multitask and work in a fast-paced environment A motivated individual with strong work ethic, integrity and will to win Application Interested candidates should electronically submit the following material by May 15, 2015: Current resume Cover letter Dates and preferred times of availability Position of which they are applying in the subject line Submit to: Josie Hankey, Communications Strategist – josie.hankey@fallstongroup.com | 410.420.2001
Fallston Group Celebrates Fifth Anniversary
Fallston Group celebrated its fifth anniversary this past November and we are indebted to everyone who helped make this 2009 idea a corporate reality.
