Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Jo Fasan.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a love of architecture and design, food, art and fashion. My appreciation is rooted in an amazement in what people are capable of creating and how this not only influences our culture but also shapes our very lives. I had the opportunity to work with large global agencies and independent firms as well as one of the most successful hospitality companies in the world – Marriott International. It was during my time at Marriott when the “information highway” was really ramping up.
It was a time of opportunity, especially if you were a communications professional. As Brand Marketing Director there, I was able to build and layer rich stories for the company by applying a set of skills that combined public relations, marketing and branding and found ways to integrate these capabilities into creating ideas that celebrated Marriott and all its brands.
This was something that not many people were doing at the time; PR was just about what was “newsworthy,” not about connecting the dots to a larger brand narrative. When I moved back to Chicago from the East Coast, I attended The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), where I studied interior architecture. While there, I connected with designers and manufacturers who had an interest in marketing their businesses and services but lacked the communications acumen to do so. It was then that I realized that there was a gap in the Chicago market for public relations in these sectors and that it provided a great opportunity to launch a business.
I was very fortunate to have incredibly intelligent, forward-thinking individuals and companies as clients that influenced the direction I would take my firm early on. At the heart of it, Jo Chicago is based upon celebrating what humans can do – the ability to create, influence and improve people’s lives and express who we are culturally, socially, individually.
Jo Chicago is now going on 13 years and continues to expand its impact on the industry.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Anytime you’re starting something new, it’s all about getting the word out there.
Attending SAIC helped me to understand the state of design in Chicago and the country, address exactly what was needed, and discover how I could be most helpful. I certainly needed to do a ton of networking to get going, but beyond that, it was a matter of maintaining a high level of integrity as Jo Chicago continued to develop. As the firm grows, it becomes less about me personally and more about how I put my team together, how my philosophy can translate to them, and what I can learn from others.
With technology and innovation changing everyday, public relations and marketing is a constant learning curve. For example, when I first launched Jo Chicago, social media wasn’t a factor, and now it’s the most important form of communication out there. So, being able to adjust to these changes and shifting wants and needs is vital.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Jo Chicago – what should we know?
Jo Chicago is a full-service marketing communications firm with a focus on life and lifestyle – from architecture to the arts, dining to design. We thrive on staying connected and take pride in the high visibility we generate on behalf of clients across all media platforms. Through compelling and innovative programs, we help companies and organizations reach new markets, promote their image, and build recognition.
We are passionate about telling the stories that make each client unique. Whether it’s preparing a keynote presentation, pitching a feature story or managing a product launch, we strive for excellence and deliver strong results.
I am very proud of the longevity of Jo Chicago and its reputation in the industry. But, what I’m truly most proud of is the team. When I first started, I was the only one doing the work! I was crafting proposals, meeting with journalists, pitching, and putting together website content, among many other things, and now my role has evolved to a much more strategic place, focused on the business of Jo Chicago. I look to hire and build a team that is filled with people who are intelligent, strategic, and enthusiastic. The Jo Chicago team values our philosophy and truly cares about staying on the leading edge of the industries in which we work. They all come to the team with a different skill set, each of them providing unique value to our clients.
I feel what really sets us apart from others is the communications mix that we craft for our clients. We take a close look at how can each channel – speaking engagements, press releases, social media content, bylined articles, events – can work together move the needle. How do you build interest and engagement in a world where information is so fleeting? In order to successfully get our clients’ stories to the public, we consider all methods for driving the message and encouraging engagement, interest and excitement.
Do you feel like our city is a good place for businesses like yours? If someone was just starting out, would you recommend them starting out here? If not, what can our city do to improve?
I’m the biggest fan of Chicago! I’ve also lived in Miami, New York, and D.C., and I think Chicago is phenomenal. The city has everything from nightlife to restaurants to culture to events. There is truly something for everyone.
There’s such a diversity of opportunity here from a public relations and marketing perspective. From cultural to nonprofit to big corporate business, it’s really a place that offers choice and variety. It’s a city where people are hard working and have a lot of heart, and the innovation here is outstanding.
Contact Info:
- Address: 126 W. Kinzie Street, 2nd Floor Chicago, Illinois 60654
- Website: www.jochicago.com
- Phone: 312-222-0988
- Email: info@jochicago.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jochicagopr/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jochicagopr/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/jochicagopr
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
