REED Public Relations (REED) is excited to announce a merger with Nashville-based Squeaky Wheel Public Relations, expanding its work with food and beverage brands.
Led by Amanda Virgillito, Squeaky Wheel Public Relations was founded in 2014 and has since planned and implemented full-service PR campaigns for longtime clients and some of Nashville’s most notable brands, including 8th & Roast Coffee Co., Christie Cookie Co., M.L.Rose Craft Beer & Burgers, Sinema Restaurant & Bar and Von Elrod’s Beer Hall & Kitchen.
Virgillito will join REED as VP, reporting to agency Founder and CEO Lauren Reed, APR. As a member of the leadership team, Virgillito will lead strategy and account management for a variety of national brands.
This transition will enhance REED’s existing work in the hospitality and food and beverage space, which currently includes clients such as the Loveless Cafe, Jim ‘N Nick’s, White Bison Coffee, Nashville Shores and Camp Margaritaville RV Resort & Lodge in Pigeon Forge.
Virgillito’s experience as a public relations professional in Nashville spans nearly two decades, including seven seasons managing public relations strategy for touring Broadway and concerts at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. She spent several years at The Andrews Agency as an account supervisor, growing the luxury brand boutique agency’s hospitality roster before launching Squeaky Wheel Public Relations.
“Squeaky Wheel is an industry leader, and Amanda’s hospitality roots run deep,” said Reed. “When we began these conversations, it was quickly evident that we shared both cultural and client service values. I am confident this move will significantly contribute to REED’s continued growth.”
Founded by Lauren Reed, APR, in 2012, REED is a fast-growing full-service PR agency with an employee-first culture. Recently named to the Nashville Business Journal’s Best Places to Work list for the second time, the agency is known for its unique benefits packages designed to enhance the lives of employees both inside and outside of the office. Highlights include a work away program and travel stipend allowing team members to work anywhere in the world for four weeks out of the year (provided you are willing to work Nashville time zone hours from your travel location), and an incentive program where all employees equally split 10 percent of the company profits each month.
“I admire not only the excellent client work by REED PR, but also the camaraderie amongst the team there,” said Virgillito. “Lauren and I have been friendly colleagues for some time, and as I considered the continued growth of Squeaky Wheel PR after nearly nine years in business, this merger was a clear choice. I’m excited to learn from and work with this incredible team as we blend our talents.”
REED serves clients spanning multiple industries, from travel & tourism and commercial real estate to medical technology. The account team helps clients achieve their objectives through strategic communication campaigns and curated messaging. REED’s ultimate goal is to help brands tell their unique stories in compelling and original ways.
ABOUT REED:
REED Public Relations, LLC is a full-service public relations and marketing agency based in Nashville, Tenn. REED serves clients nationwide and across dozens of industries by developing and executing strategic communications campaigns, including attention-grabbing events, social media marketing and smart messaging. REED was founded in 2012 and is a proud member of the Public Relations Global Network (PRGN). To learn more or contact REED, visit reedpublicrelations.com.
