Press Release

With Focus on Clients, Agency Welcomes Aboard New Account Director

MIAMI, March 10, 2014 –To better serve its roster of blue chip clients, public relations, marketing and digital firm RockOrange is proud to announce the addition of Mitchell Nover as account director.

Nover, whose previous stops include Dialogue, Unique Vacations, Inc. and The Jeffrey Group, will be tasked with managing RockOrange’s travel and tourism clients, including Baha Mar, Hyatt Corporation, and Yonderbound. His responsibilities will include leading a mix of brand and corporate communications activations for these clients across North America, Latin America, and the Caribbean – from document drafting and distribution, executive visibility, event sponsorship, and FAM trip management to internal and external strategic communications plan development, traditional and social media relations, creative oversight, and corporate social responsibility activities.

Previously, Nover gained extensive experience leading communications campaigns across the travel and hospitality, spirits, telecommunications, and luxury product verticals. During his time at Dialogue, Unique Vacations, Inc., and The Jeffrey Group he has had the opportunity to work with several leading companies, including DIAGEO, GlobeNet, Sandals & Beaches Resorts, adidas, American Express, British Airways, and Kodak among others.

“Adding a professional of Mitchell’s caliber to our team will help push us to the next level and better serve our clients,” said Miguel Piedra, principal and managing partner of RockOrange. “It’s a virtuous cycle: serving the quality of clients on our roster allows us to hire the best talent, who in turn give better service to our clients.”

Outside of RockOrange, Mitchell is the co-founder and co-writer of Mitch and Mel Take Miami, a local food and lifestyle blog. Nover joins a team of 25 at the agency’s Miami headquarters, headed by Piedra and fellow principal David Naranjo.

About RockOrange
RockOrange is an award-winning, full-service communications firm that was founded in January 2013, specializing in traditional PR, digital and social media, corporate communications, brand building and talent management, targeting both general market and Hispanic audiences. Experience includes work with some of the world’s most iconic brands in a variety of industries, including franchising businesses, music and entertainment, cruise lines, hotels/resorts, resort destinations, culinary, automotive, pharmaceuticals, banking/financial institutions and not-for-profit organizations. RockOrange was awarded 2014 New Agency of the Year by The Holmes Report; 2014 New Agency of the Year (Gold) by Bulldog Reporter’s Star of PR Awards; and received 2014 Small PR Firm of the Year (honorable mention) by PR News’ PR Platinum Awards. The agency also won the 2014 PR Crossover Award for Gloria Estefan’s “The Standards” by the Billboard Latin Music Marketing Awards. RockOrange was also included in the 2014 Top 250 PR Agencies in the world in the Holmes World PR Report and was included in the PR Week Agency Business Report 2014.

Agency Work Includes Executive Communications

MIAMI, March 12, 2014 – Miami-based public relations firm RockOrange has been selected as the agency of record to lead public relations efforts for Gulliver Schools, adding the school to an agency roster that includes clients in industries from entertainment to automotive.

RockOrange will serve as an extension of the school’s existing communications team, and will assist with external, internal and executive communications.

“We are proud to have been selected by Gulliver Schools as their agency to execute their communications initiatives, and we look forward to enhancing and elevating their brand and their message,” said Miguel Piedra, managing partner of RockOrange. “Gulliver is one of South Florida’s top academic institutions, and we are honored to represent it in its communications efforts.”

Gulliver Schools has a rich history that spans several decades. It was first established as Gulliver Academy in 1926, and since then, it has grown into a co-educational, private, college preparatory day school that serves more than 2,200 students in grades PreK3-12 on its four Miami campuses. In 1953, Marian Krutulis purchased the school with the vision of creating a place where teachers and students would feel part of an inspiring family of learners. This year, Gulliver is honoring the memory of Mrs. K, who passed away last year, and celebrating 60 years of Krutulis family leadership. The festivities will culminate this month when the school hosts its annual gala. After all these years, the school remains dedicated to providing a well-rounded education that prepares students to excel both on and off campus.

“We are excited to partner with RockOrange to help us further our brand. Their proven track record in internal and external communications makes us confident they will bring terrific results for Gulliver,” said Andi Fuentes, Gulliver Schools’ director of communications and public relations. “We are eager to see this new partnership help us continue our work educating future leaders and remain a pillar of education in South Florida.”

RockOrange recently celebrated its first anniversary, and has seen its staff quadruple in the past months to accommodate increasing demand for its services. During this year, the agency secured a diverse team of RockStars dedicated to providing exceptional work for an impressive roster of clients.

About Gulliver Schools:
Gulliver Schools is a 501(c)(3) private, non-profit, independent, coeducational, nonsectarian day school with the mission of providing a superior, personalized college-preparatory education fostering well-rounded, successful, lifelong learners. Gulliver is committed to developing the unique gifts and talents of each student in a nurturing environment that promotes academic excellence, innovation, global understanding and character. For more information about Gulliver Schools visit www.gulliverschools.org.

About RockOrange:
RockOrange is a full-service communications firm specializing in traditional PR, digital and social media, corporate communications, brand building and talent management, targeting both general market and Hispanic audiences. The firm’s experience includes work with some of the world’s most iconic brands in a variety of industries, including franchising businesses, music and entertainment, cruise lines, hotels/resorts, resort destinations, culinary, automotive, pharmaceuticals, banking/financial institutions and not-for-profit organizations.

Agency Will Take the Leading Guatemalan Rum to a New Level

MIAMI, Feb. 5, 2014 – Miami-based public relations firm RockOrange has been selected as the agency of record to lead public relations efforts for leading fine rum producer Botran® Rums.

The firm will collaborate with the Botran® U.S. marketing team to usher the top Guatemalan rums into a new era, adding to the already rich history of the award-winning rum maker. Today, Botran® Rums are available in 15 countries around the world, and RockOrange will focus on elevating the brand’s profile in the United States to bring the rum to new consumers. The Botran® family first established their signature rum production in 1939, and throughout the years, Botran® has become a household name when it comes to Guatemalan rum. The family’s hands-on approach has ensured this, and has guaranteed the integrity and quality of their product.

“We are proud to represent Botran®, a leading rum company in Guatemala with a rich legacy, and we are eager to elevate the Botran® brand and introduce it to consumers on a national level,” said Miguel Piedra, managing partner of RockOrange. “We look forward to working together to develop strategic media campaigns, as we build brand awareness of their premium portfolio of rums.”

The innovative agency, which recently celebrated its first anniversary, has already been hard at work with its first major project for its newest client — launching the new alliance between Botran® Rums and GRAMMY® Award-winning producer and entrepreneur Emilio Estefan.

“After an extensive search, we believe RockOrange is the perfect agency partner — they have a deep understanding of consumer trends and we know they will deliver excellent results for our brand,” said Vania Giordano, director of marketing and public relations for Botran® Rums in the United States. “Looking at their vast experience, we are confident that the agency will raise our visibility in the United States and expand the horizon for the Botran® name.”

About Botran® Rums:
The Botran® family has been the creator of fine rums in Guatemala for more than six decades, with uncompromising dedication to quality and superior taste. In 1939, five brothers from Burgos, Spain, settled in Guatemala and brought with them the one of a kind Solera System aging process. With this method, the rums are aged in white oak barrels, both new and charred, which previously held American Whiskey, aged Sherry Wines and finally, are placed in Port barrels. This aging system works in harmony with the concentrated sugar cane juice extracted from sugar cane harvested from the family’s very own cane fields. It is Botran®’s use of this pure sugar extract as opposed to molasses, along with the Solera System, that yields rums with bold and intricate flavors. The Botran® portfolio includes the Reserva, aged up to 15 years, the Solera 1893, aged up to 18 years, and the Botran® Reserva Blanca aged 3 years. Botran® Rums are synonymous with Mojitos and rum and cokes, among many other rum inspired drinks. However, it is the powerful flavors that encourage the rums to be enjoyed on their own as a sipping rums that set Botran® apart.

About RockOrange:
RockOrange is a full-service communications firm specializing in traditional PR, digital and social media, corporate communications, brand building and talent management, targeting both general market and Hispanic audiences. Experience includes work with some of the world’s most iconic brands in a variety of industries, including franchising businesses, music and entertainment, cruise lines, hotels/resorts, resort destinations, culinary, automotive, pharmaceuticals, banking/financial institutions and not-for-profit organizations.

Agency Will Take the Leading Guatemalan Rum to a New Level

MIAMI, Feb. 5, 2014 – Miami-based public relations firm RockOrange has been selected as the agency of record to lead public relations efforts for leading fine rum producer Botran® Rums.

The firm will collaborate with the Botran® U.S. marketing team to usher the top Guatemalan rums into a new era, adding to the already rich history of the award-winning rum maker. Today, Botran® Rums are available in 15 countries around the world, and RockOrange will focus on elevating the brand’s profile in the United States to bring the rum to new consumers. The Botran® family first established their signature rum production in 1939, and throughout the years, Botran® has become a household name when it comes to Guatemalan rum. The family’s hands-on approach has ensured this, and has guaranteed the integrity and quality of their product.

“We are proud to represent Botran®, a leading rum company in Guatemala with a rich legacy, and we are eager to elevate the Botran® brand and introduce it to consumers on a national level,” said Miguel Piedra, managing partner of RockOrange. “We look forward to working together to develop strategic media campaigns, as we build brand awareness of their premium portfolio of rums.”

The innovative agency, which recently celebrated its first anniversary, has already been hard at work with its first major project for its newest client — launching the new alliance between Botran® Rums and GRAMMY® Award-winning producer and entrepreneur Emilio Estefan.

“After an extensive search, we believe RockOrange is the perfect agency partner — they have a deep understanding of consumer trends and we know they will deliver excellent results for our brand,” said Vania Giordano, director of marketing and public relations for Botran® Rums in the United States. “Looking at their vast experience, we are confident that the agency will raise our visibility in the United States and expand the horizon for the Botran® name.”

About Botran® Rums:
The Botran® family has been the creator of fine rums in Guatemala for more than six decades, with uncompromising dedication to quality and superior taste. In 1939, five brothers from Burgos, Spain, settled in Guatemala and brought with them the one of a kind Solera System aging process. With this method, the rums are aged in white oak barrels, both new and charred, which previously held American Whiskey, aged Sherry Wines and finally, are placed in Port barrels. This aging system works in harmony with the concentrated sugar cane juice extracted from sugar cane harvested from the family’s very own cane fields. It is Botran®’s use of this pure sugar extract as opposed to molasses, along with the Solera System, that yields rums with bold and intricate flavors. The Botran® portfolio includes the Reserva, aged up to 15 years, the Solera 1893, aged up to 18 years, and the Botran® Reserva Blanca aged 3 years. Botran® Rums are synonymous with Mojitos and rum and cokes, among many other rum inspired drinks. However, it is the powerful flavors that encourage the rums to be enjoyed on their own as a sipping rums that set Botran® apart.

About RockOrange:
RockOrange is a full-service communications firm specializing in traditional PR, digital and social media, corporate communications, brand building and talent management, targeting both general market and Hispanic audiences. Experience includes work with some of the world’s most iconic brands in a variety of industries, including franchising businesses, music and entertainment, cruise lines, hotels/resorts, resort destinations, culinary, automotive, pharmaceuticals, banking/financial institutions and not-for-profit organizations.

New Hires With Backgrounds at Disney and Omnicom Strengthen Agency’s Multicultural and Digital Practices

MIAMI, Jan. 28, 2014 – Burgeoning public relations and marketing firm RockOrange has added two top influencers to its growing team of RockStars, a move that bolsters the agency’s capabilities to provide multicultural and digital marketing services.

Mari Santana has joined RockOrange as the agency’s vice president of multicultural marketing and brand development, and Sergio Claudio joins the agency as vice president of digital innovation and strategy.

“Mari and Sergio have a proven track record in their respective fields and their addition to the team will further drive momentum for our multicultural and digital practices,” said Miguel Piedra, principal and managing partner of RockOrange. “They are joining a growing team that is driven to deliver exceptional work for our clients. We are thrilled to have their expertise and leadership.”

One of People en Español’s “25 Most Powerful Women for 2012,” Santana comes to RockOrange after more than 15 years working with Disney Destinations and Parks & Resorts. At Disney, she launched theme parks, a cruise line, shopping and entertainment centers, national tours and dozens of attractions, generating unprecedented coverage from the nation’s top media outlets.

An award-winning public relations veteran, her career also includes work in broadcast journalism, with eight years in the general market at WPIX New York, and almost 10 years at WNJU-TV Telemundo New York, where she anchored news, produced television specials and news series, which garnered her numerous awards and an Emmy nomination.

Claudio comes to RockOrange with an extensive 13-year career of building integrated campaigns for some of the top brands around the world. His previous work has generated more than $500 million for global clients.

Most recently, Claudio served as interactive creative director for Omnicom Group’s Zimmerman Advertising, leading the creation and execution of web, mobile and social experiences for more than 20 brands, including White Castle, Party City, Carfax, Toys ‘R Us, Pep Boys and Blue Cross Blue Shield. He brings RockOrange valuable expertise in user experience, web design and digital marketing to create impactful experiences that engage millions of users around the world.

About RockOrange:
RockOrange is a full-service communications firm specializing in traditional PR, digital and social media, corporate communications, brand building and talent management, targeting both general market and Hispanic audiences. Experience includes work with some of the world’s most iconic brands in a variety of industries, including franchising businesses, music and entertainment, cruise lines, hotels/resorts, resort destinations, culinary, automotive, pharmaceuticals, banking/financial institutions and not-for-profit organizations.

Burgeoning Firm Expands, Opens Chicago Office

MIAMI, Nov. 5, 2013 – Ten months after opening its doors with two key clients and a small, dedicated team, booming demand for RockOrange’s creative thinking and innovative approach has led the Miami-based communications, branding and marketing agency to quadruple its team and open a Chicago office.

Founded in January by Miguel Piedra, the former chief communicator for Burger King Worldwide, Inc., and David Naranjo, former head of marketing and public relations for Emilio and Gloria Estefan’s Estefan Enterprises, RockOrange’s growing client roster includes marketing, public relations and corporate communications work for several global and national brands.

Current client list includes:
• Burger King Worldwide, Inc. — Global corporate communications, agency of record (AOR)
• Seven-time Grammy Award winner Gloria Estefan — Publicity and talent management, AOR
• Estefan Enterprises — Marketing and public relations, AOR
• Estefan Hospitality Group — Marketing and public relations, AOR
• Driven Brands, parent company of Meineke Car Care Centers and Maaco — Internal communications, AOR
• Meineke Car Care Centers — Public relations, AOR
• Maaco — Public relations, AOR
• The Mottola Company and international superstar Thalia — Public relations, branding, partnerships and endorsements
• Richard Sandoval Restaurants — Marketing, national public relations, digital and branding creative
• AARP, “Life Reimagined” campaign — National PR Launch
• Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, “Temptations” program — Public relations
• Zumba Fitness — Talent management
• Burger King McLamore Foundation — Public relations, AOR
• I am Second/Yo Soy Segundo — National public relations

“In just a few short months we have seen incredible demand for our solid, fresh ideas,” said Piedra, principal and managing partner of RockOrange. “We are excited about the possibilities we see for the growth of our agency and believe we now have the right team in place to help deliver exceptional work for our clients.”

Diverse talent lineup joins leadership team
RockOrange’s expanded team brings more than just decades of public relations, marketing and branding experience to the table — they bring a passion for innovative thinking and an impressive collection of multicultural and professional experiences.

Anchoring the firm’s senior leadership team are consumer marketing and public relations veteran Alix Salyers; award-winning creative director and brand strategist Johanne Pradel Wilson; media relations and culinary expert Paulina Naranjo; consumer public relations expert and crisis communicator Bryson Thornton; and corporate communications and multicultural strategist Julissa Bonfante.

Alix Salyers, vice president, general manager, Chicago
With more than 25 years of consumer marketing and public relations experience, Salyers brings a keen strategic sensibility, along with a solid integrated marketing and corporate communications background.

An attorney turned retail executive and public relations strategist, she has managed programs for a wide range of global blue-chip clients, including: Microsoft, Seattle’s Best Coffee, Mexico Tourism, Kraft, KFC, Butterball Turkey, Visa and Purina.

A PRSA Silver Anvil recipient, Salyers has a proven track record leading award-winning teams and integrating multi-channel communications programs involving multiple agencies from disciplines including advertising, promotions, digital and social media, as well as issues and crisis management, litigation support, integrated marketing and reputation management.

Previously, Salyers served as an executive vice president of consumer marketing at Edelman, in Chicago. In addition to managing the Chicago office, Salyers is responsible for the agency’s consumer marketing practice.

Johanne Pradel Wilson, chief creative strategist
Throughout her career, Pradel Wilson has created award-winning creative for advertising campaigns, packaging, corporate identities, online media and non-traditional interactive, and brand engagement programs.

Pradel Wilson joins us from Starmark, where she worked on a variety of projects, including: Broward Center for the Performing Arts; SeaWorld; Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau; Silver Airways and MSC Cruises. Previously, she worked on global consumer brands for Procter & Gamble.

In addition to managing the agency’s creative services and branding practice, Pradel Wilson will also focus on new business development.

Paulina Naranjo, vice president of media relations
Naranjo has worked with some of the most celebrated international culinary stars for nearly a decade as a key member of the team behind the Food Network’s South Beach Wine & Food Festival and culinary publicist for award-winning restaurants and chefs in North America and abroad.

Her work also includes the launch of blockbuster films for Warner Bros., Sony and Pixar, establishing a rapport with some of the most important media and digital influencers, which she leverages to increase market value and visibility for her clients.

Bryson Thornton, senior account director
Thornton has served as communications counsel and media spokesperson for some of the world’s most admired brands. From talking ketchup bottles for Heinz to the world’s largest doghouse for Milk-Bone, walking the red carpet with StarKist’s Charlie the Tuna, and even a cat game show for Meow Mix.

Thornton has an outstanding record of helping his clients protect their brand equity while navigating complex issues, and the industry has taken notice. Thornton has received a long list of accolades that include PRWeek’s “40 Under 40,” “15-to-Watch” by PR News magazine and “Rising Star” by the Public Relations Society of America. Most recently, he served as director of global communications for Burger King Worldwide, Inc.

Julissa Bonfante, account director
Bonfante has a strong track record in both corporate and agency settings. Her work has ranged from designing strategic communications programs for multinational companies to launching a digital media start-up. Her experience also includes being a regular contributor to Mamiverse, The Huffington Post and HuffPost Live.

She comes to RockOrange with solid experience and a fresh perspective. Past work includes her time at BBVA, first serving as manager of investor relations, then as vice president of group communications. In addition, she served as director of communications for República, where she executed national PR campaigns and events for brands like Goya Foods, Univision and the Miami Dolphins.

Bonfante brings her extensive experience in everything from media relations and employee communications to brand management and digital media.

About RockOrange:
RockOrange is a full-service communications firm specializing in traditional PR, digital and social media, corporate communications, brand building and talent management, targeting both general market and Hispanic audiences. Experience includes work with some of the world’s most iconic brands in a variety of industries, including franchising businesses, music and entertainment, cruise lines, hotels/resorts, resort destinations, culinary, automotive, pharmaceuticals, banking/financial institutions and not-for-profit organizations.

MIAMI, February 14, 2013 – Alix Salyers has been named vice president and general manager of the Chicago office of RockOrange, a full-service creative, brand building and communications firm that launched last month in Miami.

An attorney turned retail executive and public relations strategist, Salyers brings more than 25 years experience in PR and integrated marketing solutions to her new post. RockOrange tapped Salyers because of her record of success with global blue-chip clients, including BURGER KING®, Purina, Abbott Laboratories and Indy Racing League, as well as many others in the food and beverage, consumer healthcare, sports marketing, technology and telecom and tourism and hospitality industries.

Prior to Rock Orange Salyers spent 17 years at Edelman and held leadership positions at Golin/Harris, Fallon McElligott, Dome Communications and Neiman-Marcus.

“Alix brings many years of award-winning, multi-channel communications campaigns to the RockOrange family,” said Miguel Piedra, the firm’s co-founder and managing partner. “We are excited to have a professional of her caliber spearheading our expansion throughout the Midwest.”