Business Fortune
Women starting businesses of their own has so many positives that it becomes all the more imperative to celebrate successful women entrepreneurs. Amy Prenner is one such successful woman entrepreneur charting her path through the glitzy and glamorous world of media and public relations.
Recently, the Business Fortune sat down with Amy Prenner to have a candid conversation about her journey as a woman entrepreneur. The following excerpts are from the conversation.
Q. What is The Prenner Group’s story? How did the company begin, and how has it grown over the years?
The Prenner Group was born in 2007 out of a need for me to use the skills that I learned as a television and film publicist to create a boutique PR firm. Despite my initial hesitation, I eventually decided to launch my company. With the encouragement of my friends and mentors, I successfully secured my first client, NBC’s “The Singing Bee,” which was hosted by Joey Fatone from NYSNC. It was a blast, and it opened so many doors and so many referrals.
The Prenner Group quickly grew from a 1-man band to having employees all over the country. We have staff in Baltimore, Denver, New York, Nashville, and New Orleans. Last year was one of the biggest years on record for TPG. We released over 10 feature films, launched several books and podcasts, and made unknown fast channels become major players in the industry. This year, we have released 6 films already with another on the way and it’s not even May!
Our secret sauce and our growth happened actually during the pandemic. We were able to pivot in ways that most companies couldn’t. We started working with a variety of experts in a multitude of fields and opened a lifestyle division of experts. What has happened in less than four years has been truly magical. We have helped establish a variety of experts in so many different areas, including body language, resilience and parenting experts, grief experts, financial experts, DEA executive career coaches and relationship experts. We figured out a way to make the effects of COVID-19 proof, and as a result, people are reaching out across all sectors.
Q. How did you start your career in media and public relations?
I didn’t follow a straight path in my journey into publicity. I tried different roles, from wanting to be an on-camera news reporter to thinking about becoming a talent agent. It was during my time working for the up-and-coming producer Lynda Obst, known for “Sleepless in Seattle” and “One Fine Day,” that I found my passion for publicity. Witnessing ABC News Camera Crew interviews and attending premieres ignited my fascination with red-carpet glamour, sealing my commitment to this dynamic field.
My entry into PR began at a firm where I gained valuable experience in talent publicity, working with emerging stars such as Ben Affleck, Calista Flockhart, Jared Leto, Adrian Brody, and Debi Mazar. This foundational period allowed me to explore the facets of PR within the entertainment industry. Later, I worked in TV publicity, playing an important role in the relaunch of “Extra” in 1999 and collaborating with Paramount on shows like the movie-review series “Hot Ticket” and the “Blind Date” spin-off, “Rendez Vou.”
My professional journey continued at Wheel of Fortune, where I spent five years passionately promoting America’s Favorite Game Show. As I frequently found myself on location for the show, the desire to spread my wings and establish The Prenner Group became increasingly evident.
In essence, The Prenner Group is the culmination of my diverse experiences and passion for storytelling, propelled by a rich background in publicity within the entertainment industry.
Q. What challenges did you have to overcome in your professional journey, and what lessons did you learn from them?
As a woman who founded a PR firm over 17 years ago, my journey has been defined by hard work, resilience, and unwavering determination.
In an industry often dominated by men, carving out my path was no small feat. However, through perseverance and a relentless commitment to excellence, I’ve not only survived but thrived. The success of my firm speaks volumes, with most of our clients coming to us through referrals. This is a testament to the quality of our work and the strong relationships we’ve cultivated over the years. Each client referral reaffirms the trust they have in our ability to deliver results, highlighting the value of dedication and perseverance in building a thriving business.
Q. Culture in any organization is set at the top; how seriously do you take this responsibility?
We take it very seriously, especially as female owners. In a male-dominated society, one essential quality that every woman must possess is resilience. Resilience empowers women to navigate and overcome the challenges, biases, and obstacles that may arise in such environments. It involves the ability to bounce back from setbacks, persevere in the face of adversity, and maintain a sense of purpose and determination. Additionally, resilience fosters adaptability, helping women respond effectively to changing circumstances and continue progressing in their personal and professional lives.
Ultimately, in a world where women may encounter various forms of inequality, possessing resilience becomes a powerful tool. Resilience helps women not only withstand external pressures but also advocate for change, contribute to progress, and inspire others in the journey toward a more inclusive and equitable society.
Q. Do you have anything to say to an up-and-coming woman entrepreneur reading this interview?
In my career, one of the toughest challenges I faced as a woman was realizing that sometimes, the biggest obstacles came from other women. Women can often be harsh on other women, especially when it comes to managing work and personal life.
This phenomenon often manifests in subtle yet impactful ways. For example, there may be a hidden expectation that women should prioritize either their careers or personal life, creating pressure to meet a specific standard. Women in different professional settings are often judged not only for their skills, but also for how they handle their time, family obligations, and personal goals.
The pressure of self-examination can make it harder for women to balance work and personal life while pursuing successful careers. Being expected to do well at work and at home at the same time can be very hard on your emotions and mind.
Addressing these internalized biases and fostering a supportive environment within and beyond the workplace is crucial for dismantling such barriers. Supporting women, fostering mentorship, and breaking stereotypes about work-life balance help create a more inclusive and supportive work environment for women. Ultimately, recognizing and actively working to overcome these internalized challenges is a significant step toward achieving gender equality.
Q. What are The Prenner Group’s plans for the future?
To grow and evolve with the media landscape, embracing the changes that are upon us, and not be afraid. Earned media has changed, and it is now, fortunately, harder than ever to possess. It’s our responsibility to secure the best opportunities for our clients but also leave no stone uncovered. Hopefully, we will be able to cross over to production on our clients’ projects and not just choreograph their visibility as a publicist who thinks like a producer. That is the ultimate goal.
A Publicist Par Excellence
Amy Prenner is the Founder and CEO of The Prenner Group. Amy has over 20 years’ experience in developing and implementing marketing communications strategies by providing expertise in media, trends, and business expertise. She develops and executes marketing communications strategies that will help launch and grow your business.
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