Why I Wrote 'My Dad Does PR'

What a week! I've received so many incredible messages from PR Pros I've worked with (and many I haven't) about my new children's book (for adults too!) - My Dad Does PR. This whole experience (and the interest and support) has been incredibly rewarding!

The one burning question on everyone's mind - apparently - is why I wrote My Dad Does PR? Well, there were a few points of inspiration that led to my writing - I’ll start with the most recent one; the moment that ultimately got me to put pen to paper.

There’s one universal truth shared by everyone in PR: our friends, families, and loved ones have no idea what we do! This brushed-off cliché became an in-my-face reality when I brought my 4-year-old daughter to work last summer. As we rode the elevator up to the Max Borges Agency office together, the lift’s other occupant asked her what dad does, only for sweet, innocent Sofia - who, like her father, has never been caught speechless before - didn’t know how to answer!

That short elevator ride sparked an idea that grew into a months-long process of writing, editing, creative brainstorming, illustrating ( Andy Wheeler and his team Bear With Us Productions are the absolute best at this!), and learning how to self-publish a book. And now, I’ve just released my first-ever children’s book this week to help PR parents - and PR pros in general - explain what they do to the people who matter most in their lives.

More than 15 years ago (wow - time flies) I attended my high school orientation, and my then-principal (thanks for the inspiration, Frank Samuels !) told our incoming freshman class that many of us would go on to have jobs that didn’t exist yet. Now, some say PR is the oldest profession in human history ?? - as long as humanity has communicated there has been a need to communicate with maximum efficacy. But, in my 14-year-old brain, PR wasn’t anything yet - so in a way, that high school principal, who ended up also being one of my first creative writing teachers, was right! I'm lucky to have found a job I love, and a place of work that allows my passion to be the front and center of my day-to-day (thank you, Max Borges and Brad Hobbs - hope you enjoy the cameos!).

On the other hand, I come from a family of classic professions - dentists, teachers, doctors, nurses, etc. - the types of jobs kids pretend to have when they’re using their imagination during childhood playtime. I won’t pretend that as a father who loves his job and ultimately - passion aside - works every day so that my kids and family can have better lives, I’m unbothered that my kids want to be dentists like their uncles instead of PR people like their father ??! So, with My Dad Does PR, I channeled that into helping my kids - and kids of PR pros everywhere (hopefully) - understand what we actually do, why it’s meaningful, and how every job is important.?

Last week I got my first hardcover copy of the book and was able to read it to my kids…and we haven't stopped since! They started dancing around the playroom chanting "My Dad Does PR, My Dad Does PR, My Dad Does PR!" It made this whole experience worth every minute and dollar spent! I’m immensely proud that my children are learning what I do and why I do it, and - like it says in My Dad Does PR’s dedication - that if they find their passion, their quests will be clear!

Thank you to everyone for the messages (and the book purchases ??). Your support means the world! If you haven't ordered your copy of My Dad Does PR yet - please consider doing so here: https://a.co/d/8Umtn6t. If you have ordered and already received your book, send me a pic of you or your loved ones reading it! The book's main character - Sofia Turk herself -has been getting so much joy seeing "her book" being read, and is sending video thank you's to all that send pictures our way!

My next book - starring my son and wife - is already in the works and will be a tribute to Moms everywhere! I can't wait to share more soon!