The acquisition of my boutique public relations firm, Laurie Rowe & Company (LRC), by Paradise Advertising & Marketing, Inc., is one of the biggest and most meaningful milestones in my life. When people ask if it feels bittersweet, my answer is a resounding no. After more than 19 years of building LRC with determination, sweat, and tears, I don’t see this as letting go — I see it as moving forward. That mindset has always been at the heart of our success.
Years ago, I decided to “simplify to amplify” and focus on what we do best: earned media. The media landscape has always been in flux — now faster than ever. I think back to the shifts that felt like the end of the publishing world as we knew it — and, for some writers, editors, and publications, it truly was. Do I still occasionally grieve the loss of Sunday travel sections, big glossy magazines, and long-form broadcast coverage? Absolutely. It was a hard time, with livelihoods lost and careers upended. Yet, slowly and steadily, being open to new ways allowed us to emerge successful. The rise of blogs and digital publications was a game changer, giving destinations with small budgets but big creativity a chance to compete.
As the media landscape has accelerated, so too has the role of the public relations professional. A single press release may still serve as a foundation, but real impact now requires multi-layered storytelling across diverse formats and platforms. That shift is exactly why we created LRC’s proprietary Travel Media Press Room—a 24/7 resource offering journalists story inspiration and ready-to-publish content. Paired with our monthly e-newsletters and seasonal roundups, which reach more than 2,500 opted-in journalists, it extends client visibility, drives coverage, and delivers meaningful results.
And now, just as digital once reshaped the industry, AI has entered the scene. At first, it churned out strange, irrelevant content, but already we’re seeing meaningful improvement. Change has always been challenging — but it has also always created opportunity. Through all these shifts, the constant has been vigilance: assessing what is being published, ensuring quality, accuracy, and engagement, and applying those same standards across formats. You don’t need to be an expert in everything, but you must be open, learn from those who are, and adapt to the tools and opportunities at hand. The only real constant is change.
That is why this next chapter excites me so much. With Paradise, LRC’s unique brand and business model will not only be preserved but expanded. My team and clients gain access to broader resources while carrying forward the pride, quality, and spirit that have defined LRC for nearly two decades.
For me, this acquisition isn’t an ending — it’s a continuation. Just as every evolution in our industry has taught me, the best way to honor the past is to keep moving forward. And I couldn’t be more thrilled for the journey ahead.
