Travel and Tourism Marketing Leader Elevates Agency Veteran Webb to President in Recognition of Longtime Successful Tenure, as Company Celebrates 20th Anniversary

In the midst of its 20th anniversary year, Paradise Advertising & Marketing Inc. has announced that it has promoted its Chief Strategy Officer Rudy Webb to President of the agency, a leader in tourism and hospitality marketing.

As the company’s longest-serving member, Webb started 14 years ago as an Account Manager, progressed to Vice President, Client Services and served most recently as Chief Strategy Officer. In his new role, Webb will work closely with the agency’s co-owners, Barbara Karasek, Chief Executive Officer, and Tony Karasek, Chief Operations Officer, on leveraging the company’s expanded offerings to best serve clients’ ever-changing needs. As a steward for the tourism industry, Webb will ensure the agency also contributes to DEI, sustainable and regenerative tourism practices.

“We are fortunate to have a homegrown President,” said Barbara Karasek. “When we acquired Paradise almost five years ago, we knew that future leadership would come from within, and likely with Rudy at the helm. As he has taken on more responsibilities, he has led by example with infectious and gracious diplomacy and a huge heart that truly cares for people. We are proud to be represented in the industry by a leader who is admired and respected by both peers and colleagues.”

Webb added: “I am grateful for the confidence and recognition, and I am in awe of our talented team, our clients and the work we’ve accomplished. The last few years our agency has invested significantly in a diverse team with varying skill sets, impacting our people, culture, processes, and organizational purpose. When I started, we had 15 team members all working from our St. Petersburg office and we primarily serviced Florida-based clients. Now with 53 team members strong, in 12 states and clients in about just as many, we are determined to remain nimble, boutique and client-focused. Our growth is exciting for us, but even more so for the clients and communities we serve.”

Founded in 2002 by the late advertising icon Cedar Hames, Paradise was acquired almost five years ago by Barbara Karasek, CEO, and Tony Karasek, COO.

A full-service marketing agency that concentrates on consumer-focused brands, Paradise specializes in delivering innovative, data-led and fully integrated marketing strategies that drive loyalty, growth and the overall bottom line. With a quarter of the staff’s roots in both DMO (Destination Marketing Organizations) and hospitality roles, the agency has distinguished itself in the travel and tourism space.

Said Tony Karasek: “I am very excited for Rudy, and we are looking forward to continuing to build upon a wonderful foundation of success. With growth and new leadership, our focus moving forward remains set on innovation, exceeding client expectations and nurturing an engaged and dedicated team while upholding to the highest standards of marketing excellence.”

About Paradise Advertising & Marketing, Inc.
Founded in 2002 as an agency specializing in tourism and hospitality, Paradise is an award-winning team of marketing experts with a proven ability for delivering innovative and data-led marketing strategies that drive brands and businesses forward. With a headquarters office in St. Petersburg, Fla., the agency has remote team members based in Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Kentucky, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin. With more than 450 awards since its inception, Paradise was recently recognized with four Adrian Awards and the highest honor of a President’s Award at the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) event.