Business

How Otter PR is Redefining the PR Industry and Why You’ll Want to get On Board

Published

4 years ago

October 18, 2020

When adversity is looming in the distance, there’s a choice to be made. Be proactive, even if you don’t know the extent of the adversity, or wait for it to hit and be reactive. Co-founders of Otter PR, Jay Feldman and Scott Bartnick, chose to be proactive.

With COVID-19 beginning to show just how disruptive it will be, the two business partners knew that their current work in e-commerce was bound to go under for quite some time. The two discussed not only what they were good at, but what they enjoyed. And after a very poor experience with a publicist, Feldman was determined to offer a better service with a concrete guarantee. Born was Otter PR.

So how did a small start-up in the midst of a global pandemic not only rise to success, but continue to take the lead in the PR game? It’s all about collaborative execution. While many companies were forced to temporarily or permanently close, Otter PR rose from basically zero to seven figures in six months, and that’s no simple task. Best said by Lara Rosales, the VP of Communications, their core values lie in teamwork and open communication. It’s more than breakroom chit chat. It’s about having aligned priorities and working as a unit to get there.

At Otter PR, they know the value of you is in your story. When’s the last time you were interested in a one-page story with broken paragraphs and missing sentences? Probably never. That’s why Otter PR takes the time to deep dive into your story, not skimming or skipping any words, because each part is important to getting you to your goals and the Otter PR team to understanding you fully. With a diverse group of publicists of all different backgrounds and expertise, no matter who you are, they’ll have someone who will be eager to learn your story inside and out.

The Otter PR team embodies a powerful force to be reckoned with. Not only do they have the passion and experience to thrive independently, but use their individual strengths to support and advise each other each step of the way. And they don’t stop there. The open line of communication goes beyond the team, but to the clients themselves, ensuring the client’s vision comes to life just how they imagined it. Ultimately the client’s media coverage and how they are portrayed is priority, so each client will be able to text, call, or email their publicist at any time to have their questions answered.

In order to have confidence in a company, they need to have confidence in themselves, and Otter PR knows they’re good at what they do. They won’t take just any client, only those who they know has a story worth being published. Due to that vetting process, they guarantee that anyone they do work with will see results. If not, they have a money-back guarantee. Otter PR also utilizes month-to-month contracts instead of long-term ones, illustrating their understanding that a client’s needs often change. You can cancel, restart, upgrade, or downgrade at any time, because they’re not in the business of keeping you locked in, they’re in the business of bringing you the most success.

Whether this is your first time working with publicists or you’re a big brand that needs some extra buzz surrounding an upcoming event, Otter PR has got your back. Stop dreaming about how you want to scale your brand and make it a reality.

Business

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke: A New Approach to Fine Real Estate

Published

4 weeks ago

December 16, 2024

Matthew Wiles

Photo credit: Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke.

Byline: Andi Stark

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke, a real estate platform operating across Hawaii, is rewriting how properties are bought and sold in the region. Unlike larger firms reliant on public listings and mass marketing, Private Listings’ strategy prioritizes personalization, privacy, and meticulous curation of ultra-high-end, off-market properties, including oceanfront estates, gated community residences, and architectural masterpieces.

Harold Clarke, founder of Private Listings, describes their method as one that rejects “cookie-cutter solutions in favor of understanding the nuances of both buyers and sellers.” This approach has resonated with ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) seeking refined and discreet real estate transactions.

The Hawaiian real estate market remains a hub for global investors, with the median price for a single-family home in the state reaching $900,000 in 2024, according to the Hawaii Association of Realtors. Within this competitive landscape, Private Listings is building up to be a trusted name for properties that extend beyond luxury into generational investments.

Challenging the Industry Norms

Private Listings deliberately avoids the conventions of large-scale real estate firms. By focusing on fewer, higher-value properties, the company ensures that each transaction is treated with the same level of care and confidentiality.

Public listing platforms, while effective for broader markets, often expose sellers to unnecessary attention or unqualified inquiries. For Clarke, this model is misaligned with the needs of UHNWIs. “Privacy isn’t a luxury for our clients—it’s a necessity,” Clarke explains.

This philosophy has led Private Listings to handle some of Hawaii’s most significant real estate transactions, including off-market properties valued at over $40 million. Its success is not measured by the volume of listings but by the depth of trust built with clients, many of whom return for subsequent transactions.

Adapting to Changing Client Demands

While Private Listings maintains a foundation of traditional practices, the firm also recognizes the evolving needs of its clientele. The global real estate market is increasingly influenced by concerns over digital security, with a 15% rise in data breaches targeting high-net-worth individuals in the past three years, according to cybersecurity firm NortonLifeLock.

To address these risks, Private Listings employs rigorous screening for potential buyers and uses secure platforms for communication and transactions. The firm’s “by invitation only” model ensures that clients remain protected from the pitfalls of public exposure. Clarke notes, “Our goal is not just to sell homes but to create an environment where clients feel safe and confident during every step of the process.”

The Human Element in Real Estate Transactions

Despite advancements in technology, Private Listings firmly believes that real estate transactions cannot be reduced to algorithms or automation. Unlike firms that depend heavily on online data aggregation, Private Listings emphasizes human connection and insight.

The company’s sales strategy integrates personalized client interactions, in-depth market analysis, and years of experience navigating Hawaii’s unique real estate ecosystem. Clarke’s background in managing family assets and his global perspective is significant in shaping this essence.

Future Directions for Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke

As Hawaii continues to attract global attention, Private Listings aims to expand its influence within the state while maintaining its core principles. The company is currently developing a new platform to streamline services for UHNWIs, blending their demand for discretion with seamless access to Hawaii’s finest off-market properties.

Additionally, Private Listings is strengthening its ties with local communities, recognizing that sustainable growth benefits both the company and the islands’ ecosystems.

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke has set itself apart in Hawaii’s real estate scene by moving away from the typical mass-market approach. Through a mix of traditional values and modern sensibilities, the firm continues to define what it means to transact ultra-high-value properties with integrity and care.