Bob Shenkein, APR
President & CEO
Shenkein
Denver, Co.
303/292-6655
Bshenkein@shenkein.com
History
Graduated from University of Virginia in 1966 and worked for Litton Industries. Received master's degree in mass communications from University of Denver in 1970 and became a
news editor for the Denver CBS TV affiliate. Later served as communications director for Metropolitan State College before founding his own agency in 1973.
Management Philosophy
Good client service happens naturally when your top priority is employees. Shenkein staffers participate in a weekly coaching program to improve their strategic-planning,
budget management and client service skills. "Everyone knows the average age of agency people is lower. The question isn't just, how can you attract more seasoned people. It's
what can your [existing staff] do for you?"
On Mergers
"We prefer to remain independent because we believe it allows us to maintain one of the best workplace cultures of any agency in the U.S. The biggest problem all agencies face
is recruitment and retention of great talent. I believe agency merger mania is going to result in too much focus on the bottom line and not enough focus on people and the quality
of work delivered to clients."
On Agency Positioning
"We list four core competencies under our name: PR, brand building, marketing communications and workplace culture. We have a technology division, yet we do not list
technology on our business cards because we believe it is integral to all business today and all areas of client service we provide."
Clients
United Airlines, Home Depot, Water Pik Technologies, WholePeople.com, Globus & Cosmos (PRN, April 24). "We have only a select group of 15 clients, whereas most agencies our
size might have 40. Last year, more than 60% of our growth was organic, coming from existing clients."
Strangest Stunt
Helped Roger Dow, now VP Sales for Marriott, break a Guinness world record by creating an event in which 1,000 people held a 369-ft. hot dog.