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Kristine Gobbo, President, Spectrum Public Relations

by | Jun 12, 2017

Length of PR career (so far): I have worked 18 years in the public relations industry and founded Spectrum Public Relations five years ago.

Your most memorable campaign: Over the years, there have been several memorable campaigns (for a variety of reasons), but the really special ones still pull at my heart strings. One highlight was helping to launch REAL Women in Trucking, Inc., a women’s advocacy group. I had presented at a women’s business center when I was approached by the one of the lead advocates. I had never worked with a client in the trucking/transportation industry and hesitated a bit when I was asked to help launch an awareness campaign for the newly formed group. In the end, I learned so much about these ladies and was so happy to be a part of this effort. Coincidentally, they are hosting their inaugural conference this week, focused on a broad range of topics, including personal safety, discrimination, sexual harassment and driver health. I am so proud to have them as a client.

Number of 2 a.m. calls from a client this month: None! That’s the beauty of choosing your clients.

Kristine Gobbo, Spectrum Public Relations

2012 U.S. Presidential Debate at Lynn University

Biggest complaint about social media: Read beyond the news headlines, people.

Best thing about working at your agency: We’re virtual … I have a great team of communication experts I work with every day to meet client goals. It’s allowed for greater work/life balance and flexibility.

Last time you didn’t do any work all weekend: I received my first Blackberry in 2003, so that probably marks my last work-free weekend, aside from being out of the country or giving birth to twins.

Most misunderstood thing about PR: PR is not about the “spin.” It’s about building authentic relationships through a strategic communication process.

What got you interested in a PR career? I was on-track to be a high school English and Speech/Debate teacher, and a friend informed me of an internship in the Florida Governor’s Press Office. I applied, and that was the beginning of something very special.

Most interesting thing about your job: My clients. I have the opportunity to work with a variety of clients across many industries. One day, I’m working on a press release for a neurosurgeon, the next day I’m reviewing a social media calendar for a university or technology client.

Kristine Gobbo, Spectrum Public Relations

Gobbo with (then) FAU President Frank T. Brogan at the 2008 Presidential Primary Debate at Florida Atlantic University

Number of meetings you were in last week: 11

Your nightmare client in 3 words: Demanding Unrealistic Expectations

Rate your math skills from 1-10: Today, my math skills are at a 6 … I had to write an apology email to my CPA.

Best advice to a PR student: Build your portfolio and begin creating relationships as part of an internship. Your internship will have a strong impact on your career decisions.

What do you read daily? News … lots of it. I work hard to keep it diverse.

Favorite way to de-stress: Planning our next family trip … We love to travel.

Brand most in need of better PR: Executive Office of the President

Kristine Gobbo, Spectrum Public Relations

Gobbo with (then-presidential candidate) John Kerry at a campaign stop at Florida Atlantic University

Last book you read: Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt, following a recent trip to Savannah, GA.

Favorite movie this year: Hidden Figures. It should be a curriculum requirement in schools.

Your first “real” job: My senior year of high school, I left the school mid-day to work as an assistant in a CPA’s office. My job had nothing to do with the numbers. I mostly kept him organized. Planning or creating strategies and organization seems to be my calling in life.

Childhood “dream job”: Dolphin trainer—until I realized there was a lot of math and science involved in that career choice.

Your ideal Saturday: My kids letting me sleep in past 6 a.m. would be a good start, followed by a fun family day and date night with my husband.

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