My baby is 21 today and now “legal” in all 50 states! Where did the time go? I have no idea; the last 21 years seems to have just flown by.

As you read this, I know many of you are thinking: “I didn’t know she had children.” You’re right. My baby is my agency – Goldman Communications Group! And after a long – I think it was about 9 months of gestation (and planning) –  I birthed the agency on a hot July day, 21 years ago.

Like any new parent, I remember that day so well. It was strange to have this new company to run, to nurture, to grow. I was so excited and ready to jump into the role of agency head and begin working for our first client project – handling the industry and statewide media relations for the 25th anniversary of Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals doing business in the United States. I was full of pride, energy, confidence, and trepidation. Had I made the right decision to start my own agency? Would we be successful for our first client and could I successfully run and sustain a public relations business?

The answer, thankfully, was a resounding YES! For Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, we were able to get coverage in most of the newspapers in Connecticut, a great wire service story, and the cover feature of Pharmaceutical Executive magazine.

I had made it through the newborn stage – Goldman Communications Group was off and running. Soon after, I was able to land a few new clients – Olsten Health Services, First Brands Corporation, and OhBaby Toys. And, while I’ve looked back a few times, as any parent does, I’m so glad I decided to take this journey.

I’ve seen my agency blossom, stumble at times, evolve, and thrive – all amid the ever-evolving media, public relations industry, and corporate landscapes. We’ve had to ride the waves, adapt to the times, and master the ever-changing communications channels. One thing that has stayed constant is the need for companies, brands, non-profit organizations and their executives to create, communicate, and control their messages and value propositions effectively, convincingly, and in ways that will impact their business success. I’m proud to say we’ve been doing that for our clients since day one and we still do that today. That’s one of our key strengths — and we know our clients appreciate that.

A big giant THANK YOU to all the clients, colleagues, media, and industry people who have worked with us, recommended us, partnered with us, and helped make these past 21 years a success. We couldn’t have done it without you. It does take a village to raise a child – and launch and sustain a public relations business. Thank you for being our village!

We’re excited about what’s yet to come in our “legal years.” So, join us for the ride, work with us, watch what we do, and recommend us, if you can. We know our best times are yet to come.