Ripley PR has been named PR Agency of the Year in the Southeast United States by the Corporate LiveWire Prestige Awards for 2024-2025. Founder and CEO Heather Ripley said the honor reflects the team’s commitment to delivering measurable results for clients in skilled trades, franchising and B2B technology.
Read more: Ripley PR named Agency of the Year by Prestige Awards
This post was written by Lara Bergman on November 6, 2025
Every industry loves a big success story, but the truth is that innovation rarely begins with a grand launch. It starts with a test, a trial, or a single job site willing to try something new. In construction, that early step is the pilot project, the proof of concept that shows a technology can work in the field.
I always enjoy reading about those “garage stories” we all know. Apple began with a few computers assembled by hand. Amazon started with one product line and a borrowed desk. Those beginnings might not have made headlines at the time, but they set the foundation for something transformative. The same is true for construction technology.
A startup might deploy a drone mapping system on a single job site, or a contractor might test a new materials tracking tool on one project. These small wins matter because they prove that innovation in construction is not just theoretical. It is practical, measurable and ready to grow. That is where construction tech public relations plays a vital role.
Turning Early Wins Into Industry Stories
When you share the story of a successful pilot, you are not just promoting a product. You are showing how it solved a problem the industry cares about. Whether that is saving time, improving safety or reducing costs, those real results become the foundation of a compelling narrative.
With the right PR strategy, a pilot project becomes more than an internal milestone. It becomes a case study that media outlets, potential partners and investors want to see. A well-crafted story can turn a single test into proof that your technology delivers real-world value.
Why the Right PR Partner Matters
The construction tech space is crowded and competitive. Companies that communicate effectively about their progress are the ones that rise to the top. Strategic PR teams understand how to turn early adoption stories into meaningful coverage that positions innovators as thought leaders. The right public relations approach not only builds visibility but also helps attract partnerships, funding and industry trust that fuels long-term growth.
At Ripley PR, we believe every great innovation starts small…often with one successful pilot project. By transforming those early results into engaging stories, we help construction technology companies earn credibility, attract investors and pave the way for growth.
If you are ready to turn your next pilot project into press, contact us today. Let’s share your innovation with the world!
This post was written by Casey Beaman on November 6, 2025
A rebrand is more than a fresh logo or a new set of colors. It’s a transformation of how your business presents itself to the world. It may include a new name, updated messaging or even a shift in market positioning.
And for home service companies, a rebrand is an exciting milestone. But it’s also one of the most pivotal moments in your business’s history.
If not handled with care, rebranding can lead to confusion, speculation and even lost customers. Left unchecked, competitors will quickly fill the silence with their own version of your story.
In industries like plumbing, HVAC, electrical and roofing, reputation is everything. Homeowners want to know they are calling a company that’s reliable, stable and trustworthy.
However, a rebrand can easily spark questions, like:
If those questions go unanswered, competitors may seize the moment to spread doubt and lure customers away. What should be a celebratory milestone can quickly become a credibility crisis.
Public relations transforms a rebrand from risky to rewarding. A strong PR strategy prevents misinformation and ensures your audience understands the true story behind the change. The result is a moment of celebration that inspires excitement, loyalty and trust.
PR reinforces credibility and promotes transparency by sharing your story openly through news coverage, expert insights and honest communication.
A rebrand is more than a new look. It’s a story of progress. Every moment of change is a chance to inspire confidence, connect with your customers and show that your business is evolving to serve them even better.
When you communicate openly during a rebrand, you invite your audience to be part of the journey. Ultimately, instead of wondering what’s changing, they get to see your renewed vision, your values in action, and your commitment to growth.
Handled thoughtfully, a rebrand becomes a powerful milestone that energizes your team, excites your customers and strengthens loyalty. Strategic PR ensures your message reflects the innovation and momentum behind the change, and that keeps you in control of the narrative, reinforcing the trust you’ve built.
PR is not a one-day event. It’s a strategic thread that should run through every stage of a brand launch or transformation.
It begins well before launch day, laying the groundwork by generating awareness, building anticipation and aligning internal and external stakeholders around what’s coming next.
At launch, public relations plays a critical role in shaping and amplifying the narrative across channels. A unified voice across media outlets, digital platforms and customer contact strengthens impact and consistency.
But the work doesn’t end once the launch is live. PR sustains momentum, reinforces the brand’s new direction and ensures the message continues to resonate. This keeps engagement high and your reputation strong as the shift takes root.
The strongest rebrands come from collaboration between marketing and PR specialists, and that’s why partnering with companies like Lemon Seed Marketing and Ripley PR is so valuable.
Recently, Lemon Seed and Ripley partnered to provide a rebranding strategy and proactive PR services to Silver Spur Air, Heating & Plumbing in Dallas. The company had changed its name and expanded services after more than 30 years and needed help modernizing its look while protecting its legacy as a trusted home service company.
Lemon Seed provided expertise in brand development and rebranding strategy, helping Silver Spur create a fresh and cohesive identity, while Ripley PR built on that foundation by sharing Silver Spur’s story, reinforcing its commitment to quality service and highlighting its expanded offerings.
Together, Lemon Seed shaped the look and feel of their brand and Ripley PR ensured that Dallas residents understood the change and embraced it.
Ready to take the next step in your company’s journey?
Trust Ripley PR to manage communications that protect your reputation and amplify your story, and we’ll ensure your rebrand is also embraced by your customers.
To learn more about using home service public relations during a rebrand, contact Ripley PR here or call us at (865) 977-1973.
This post was written by Heather Ripley, Founder/CEO on November 5, 2025
In the competitive world of automotive paint, standing out requires more than just high-quality pigments and finishes. It also takes strategic storytelling and elevated brand visibility. Partnering with an automotive public relations agency provides a powerful way for auto paint companies to enhance their reputation within the local community, establishing themselves as the go-to experts for fresh hues, post-collision touch-ups or other aftermarket services.
One way an automotive public relations partner can help is by leveraging current trends in automotive aesthetics, positioning local paint shops as savvy experts.
From sustainability innovations and eco-friendly paint formulations to the rise of custom finishes and digital color-matching tools, there is always something new going in in the automotive paint industry. A focus on trend-based storytelling can establish any brand as an industry authority.
By connecting products and expertise to current conversations, whether it’s the shift toward electric vehicles or evolving consumer design preferences, auto paint shops can gain credibility among both B2B and B2C audiences.
A PR partner won’t just leverage external trends, but also help shine a spotlight on important internal developments.
For example, strong partnerships are at the core of the automotive aftermarket. Highlighting collaborations with body shops, OEMs and distributors can showcase a paint shop’s reliability and value. An experienced PR agency will know how to do this effectively, whether through press releases, trade journal mentions or robust social media activity.
Meanwhile, well-planned PR around new product launches, even something as simple as a new fast-drying coat, can amplify visibility across trade media and industry influencers. A PR partner can help time these announcements for maximum impact and ensure key messages reach decision-makers and technicians alike.
Ultimately, with the right PR strategies, auto paint companies can help their brand to truly shine, resulting in a stronger market position. Learn more by contacting Ripley PR. Call us at 865-977-1973 or visit www.ripleypr.com to connect with our team of experts.
This post was written by Josh Hurst on November 5, 2025
In the construction world, delays are almost inevitable. Weather, supply chain disruptions, labor shortages – all can push timelines off track. For companies in the skilled trades, how these setbacks are communicated can make or break stakeholder trust.
That’s where strategic construction public relations steps in. With a proactive, strategic approach, companies can keep clients, partners and communities informed without eroding confidence.
The first rule in handling project delays is to be transparent. Stakeholders value honesty over vague assurances. According to a survey by Edelman, 88% of consumers say trust is a deciding factor in their relationships with businesses. Clear communication about what’s happening, why it’s happening and how it’s being addressed sets a foundation for trust.
A strong PR strategy ensures updates are not only factual but also framed with solutions. Instead of dwelling on problems, messaging should highlight next steps and what the company is doing to minimize impact.
A single email update may not be enough. Home service and construction companies should leverage a mix of channels – press releases, social media, newsletters, project websites and local media when appropriate. Each channel offers a chance to reinforce consistent, accurate messaging while reaching stakeholders where they’re most likely to engage.
For example, a plumbing contractor experiencing delays due to supply chain shortages might issue a press statement outlining industry-wide challenges, while also sending personalized updates to clients about adjusted completion timelines. This approach not only informs but positions the company as a credible voice in the industry.
Project delays don’t always qualify as crises, but they can feel like one for clients. Applying crisis communication tactics can prevent a temporary challenge from becoming a reputation issue. That means:
When stakeholders feel heard and respected, they’re more likely to remain loyal, even when plans shift.
Handled well, delays can actually strengthen relationships. Providing timely updates, offering alternative solutions or spotlighting how teams are working to overcome obstacles demonstrates resilience and professionalism. Construction companies that view communication as part of project management – not an afterthought – build long-term credibility.
At Ripley PR, we’ve seen how transparent, strategic communication transforms challenges into opportunities. For construction, engineering and home service clients, effective construction public relations goes beyond media coverage – it’s about maintaining trust, managing expectations and safeguarding reputation. Contact us online or call us at (865) 977-1973 to learn more.
This post was written by Anthony Pecoraro on November 4, 2025
If you’re a B2B tech company, especially in the vertical SaaS space, you’ve likely started thinking about how your brand shows up in AI-generated results. If you’re not topping the list and getting outshined by competitors, a B2B tech public relations strategy that yields consistent earned media can make a measurable difference.
As generative search and AI assistants become more common research tools for decision-makers, the content they pull from matters. These engines prioritize high-authority sources and vetted third-party content. A solid B2B tech public relations strategy ensures your brand is mentioned in the places AI tools rely on, including industry trades, news sites, and thought leadership platforms.
While SEO focuses on keyword optimization and backlinks, GEO is about brand authority across the greater generative ecosystem. It’s about what ChatGPT, Gemini, or Copilot say when asked: “What’s the best SaaS solution for [insert target industry or vertical here]?” If your company hasn’t been featured, quoted, or cited by reputable media, you might not even be part of the conversation.
That’s why engaging in consistent B2B tech public relations tactics is more important than ever. Earned media and expert commentary create digital “evidence” that AI models retain and recall. For vertical SaaS brands in niche markets, this visibility is especially valuable. You’re targeting high-intent users, and getting mentioned in generative summaries could quickly put you at the top of their short list.
In short, GEO isn’t something you “optimize for” with a single tool. It’s the result of sustained visibility, trust, and expertise…all things a strategic PR campaign is built to deliver.
At Ripley PR, we understand how to position B2B tech and vertical SaaS brands for long-term relevance. If you’re ready to build a PR strategy that supports your GEO goals, contact us today.
This post was written by Grayson Shockley on October 31, 2025
In this July Franchising Magazine USA byline, Ripley PR founder and CEO Heather Ripley shares how automotive franchises can boost credibility and awareness by leveraging awards as powerful PR tools. She explains how third-party recognition builds trust, differentiates brands and creates lasting promotional opportunities.
Read more: Using Praise as PR: Build Your Automotive Franchise Brand with Awards
This post was written by Lara Bergman on October 29, 2025
Running a home service business isn’t easy. You’re competing in a crowded market while trying to keep customers happy and your team on track. On top of that, you already know how much trust matters. When someone calls you to repair a leaky pipe, they are letting you into their home. That is personal. Before you ever step through the door, they want to feel confident that you are professional, reliable and the right choice. That is where a home service public relations partner comes in.
Building Trust Through PR
PR is about more than getting your name in the paper. It’s about shaping how people see you and your company. If you own a plumbing franchise, PR can help you show what makes you different. Maybe your owners support local charities within their communities or you have a franchise-wise initiative. Maybe your brand is the expert source reporters know to call when they need tips about frozen pipes in the winter. Those stories help customers feel like they already know you and can trust you.
Advertising has its place, but PR builds something ads can’t: credibility. When a customer sees your business featured in a news story, they trust it more. That third-party validation matters, especially when you’re asking someone to trust you with their most valuable asset: their home.
PR also helps when things go wrong. Every business faces challenges and mistakes happen. What counts is how you respond. A strong PR strategy gives you the tools to speak honestly, fix the issue and protect your reputation. When, not if, a crisis happens, you’ve already the groundwork to keep the damage to a minimum.
Driving Growth for Franchises
For franchises, PR is also a growth driver. It builds awareness in new markets and attracts potential franchise owners. Home service businesses are recession-resistant because your services are essential. They always will be. Consistent coverage positions you as a leader in the industry and helps you stand out from the competition.
At the end of the day, public relations is all about making connections. It’s about telling your story in a way that makes people believe you’re reliable, professional and part of their community.
Ready to see how PR can help your home service franchise grow? Call Ripley PR at 865-977-1973 or visit www.ripleypr.com to get started.
This post was written by Amanda Greever on October 29, 2025
Home service contractors show up at each jobsite ready for anything. Even with the utmost preparation, however, unexpected circumstances can arise. In some cases, they balloon into full-blown crises: a project that causes inadvertent property damage, an employee who says something rude or offensive or even a cybersecurity breach that compromises customer data.
For home service businesses, it’s important to take adequate precautions to minimize these risks, but also to prepare for the worst. Should a crisis strike, it can do significant reputational damage, potentially resulting in long-term revenue loss and an erosion of trust within the local community.
A sound crisis communications strategy can neutralize these reputational threats. and the best way to develop and implement such a strategy is to partner with an experienced home service public relations agency.
A strategic approach to crisis communications can benefit home service companies in several ways. Consider just a few examples:
A PR strategy isn’t just about promotion. It’s also about protection. By planning ahead, home service businesses can weather whatever storms come their way.
Ready to learn more about the benefits of strategic, proactive PR? Call Ripley PR at (865) 977-1973 or visit us online.
This post was written by Josh Hurst on October 29, 2025
From smart homes to smart cars, artificial intelligence has found its way into almost every part of daily life. Now it is transforming the plant floor. Sensors are predicting maintenance needs before breakdowns happen, robots are learning on the job, and data systems are optimizing production in real time. The manufacturers driving these innovations are shaping the next generation of industry, but many are missing one key opportunity: telling that story.
An industrial manufacturing public relations strategy can help your company showcase its AI advancements in a way that connects with customers, partners and even future employees. While engineers and operators see the daily impact of automation and analytics, the broader world needs help understanding what those advancements mean and why they matter.
Turning Technology into Trust
For many manufacturers, technology updates are treated as internal milestones. But your investments in AI, robotics and machine learning can be powerful tools for positioning your company as an industry leader. Public relations helps you communicate not just what you are doing, but why it matters.
Strategic public relations turns technical progress into stories that resonate. The right mix of communication tactics can help your audience understand how your technology delivers measurable value. For example, PR can:
When these stories are shared through trade media, industry podcasts and professional networks, they help customers view your company as a reliable, forward-thinking partner instead of just another supplier. They can also serve as powerful recruitment tools that keep fresh talent knocking at your door.
Building a Reputation for Innovation
AI adoption is accelerating across every manufacturing sector, but only a few companies are being recognized for it. A focused industrial manufacturing PR strategy can change that. By working with experienced communicators, you can develop campaigns that secure industry media coverage, highlight your leadership team and attract the attention of decision-makers and investors.
Public relations also increases your Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), strengthening your brand authority and credibility online in ways traditional SEO cannot. When your company earns media coverage, publishes thought leadership and builds digital trust through reputable sources, search engines recognize your expertise and elevate your visibility across platforms.
At Ripley PR, we specialize in helping manufacturers turn their expertise and innovation into meaningful visibility through proven industrial manufacturing public relations strategies. If you are ready to get your technology, your people and your story in front of the right audience, we are here to help.
Call us today at (865) 977-1973 or contact us here to start building a strategic PR program that positions your company as a leader in the new age of smart manufacturing.
This post was written by Casey Beaman on October 28, 2025
