Before joining Escalate PR, many of our team members were grinding through the daily commute working long hours at some of the best PR agencies in Boston or the top public relations firms in NYC. One that emphasized providing over thriving.
The Cost of the Traditional Agency Model
That model often came at a cost: stressful mornings, long drives (or packed train rides), and rushed evenings meant missing the small but meaningful moments that make fatherhood truly special. Over time, it led to burnout, fatigue, and a creeping sense of disconnection from family, and even the passion that drew us into PR in the first place. The expectation to always be “on” at work left little room for what matters most.
But, why can’t you do both?
Redefining What It Means to Be a PR Dad
Today, the best tech PR agencies have a remote culture. At Escalate PR, we’ve built a culture rooted in flexibility, balance, and presence for both our clients and for the families behind the scenes. We love the work we do, but we’re driven by the people at the center of our lives. It’s a win-win, our clients benefit from top notch talent, and our team members get to show up for both campaign launches and bedtime stories as the best version of themselves.
Voices from the Team
Jason Ouellette, Partner
“I am scared to think about the relationship that I would have with my boys today if I was still getting home around 7 or 7:30 pm every night. Today, I prioritize the work we do on behalf of our clients, and for the agency, but I have the flexibility to do it at times that weren’t realistic in the past. Being able to identify what can be done earlier (or later) in the day gives me the leg up on my other job, Dad. Looking back on this past year, I’ve had the opportunity to chaperone field trips to the Harvard Museum of Natural History, help at class parties, join Field Day, coach Little League, get my son to his play practice at the god awful time of 4 pm, and when not out at a field, cook dinner. At times it’s a lot, but the one thing that I make sure of is that in order to do all of that, the work we do here at Escalate needs to be done. Even if that means leftovers for dinner! But in all seriousness, being remote gives me the space and time to think more creatively, spend more time with our clients and most importantly, be present with the family.”
Greg Vitarelli, Senior Vice President
“Sometimes, being a Dad also means being your kid’s coach. Recently becoming a certified rugby coach for my daughters taught me an important lesson in the time and commitment this takes (shout out to all the coaching parents out there!). To make this work, my professional life must be flexible. Because Escalate is built on a model of trust and accountability for one another our clients get a consistent level of high value service while our kids, who are just clients by another name, get a Dad (or Mum) who’s all in for them when they need it!”
Rob Mazzini, Senior Vice President
“There’s so much that happens with my son that doesn’t conform to the archaic 9 am to 6 pm (or 7 pm … or 8 pm!). Every parent knows life doesn’t wait. School performances, doctor appointments, getting sick and staying home, or just cooking dinner, happen outside of what is traditionally expected from PR practitioners. Explaining to your colleagues that you have to leave early because your son isn’t feeling well can affect how you’re perceived. And, not being there can take away the important moments in your life with your children. Working in a remote/flexible environment that understands that every person has a real life makes a huge difference.”
Jerry Griffin, Senior Consultant
“I have one daughter, which means I get one shot at doing this right. Having flexible hours has allowed me to be present in my daughter’s life these last four years in ways I could have never imagined when I was still commuting. I’ve made almost every girl scout retreat, every school play and every karate tournament. I’ve even coached her cheer squad for the last two and a half years, making me something of a local curiosity in town. Wouldn’t trade those opportunities for a desk anywhere in the world.”
Working at one of the best tech PR agencies does not have to come with compromises. Whether it’s coaching cheer practice, editing homework, or just being home when the bus pulls up – the dads at Escalate PR remind us that flexibility isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s essential in this new era. As we celebrate Father’s Day, we’re proud to support a culture where great work and great parenting go hand in hand.
Interested in joining a team that values both?
Check out our Careers Page to learn more about life at Escalate PR.