EVC Group

Why did you start EVC Group?

I started the firm to address a weakness in how communications agencies typically serve their clients. At EVC Group, we focus on bringing value to our clients and their target audiences. To do this, the entire account team needs to have depth – that is, experience and knowledge, and a solid network of relationships. All of the firm’s interactions with its clients and their stakeholders are led by professionals who can provide immediate counsel and execution that addresses whatever situation the client may be facing. I believe this is rare in our industry. I also believe it is a value proposition on which we deliver consistently.

Are you personally involved with every account?

I am. We aim to keep our client roster to a maximum of 25 companies, which is the right size for everyone in the firm to be involved on some level with every account. The firm is a tight–knit group of senior counselors, and we can back each other up and deliver superior client service by leveraging each person’s unique strengths.

How does your team get results for clients?

We focus on relationships, experience and knowledge. We can quickly and efficiently deliver results and provide informed counsel to clients because we are in the marketplace every day, talking with investors, analysts, reporters and opinion leaders in our clients’ industries. This level of networking allows us to gain real–time understanding of the needs of our clients’ key target audiences and keeps us abreast of the capital markets, corporate governance, and best practices.

Have you been involved with IPOs and corporate transactions?

I can’t say I “wrote the book” on investor relations for IPOs, but I wrote the chapter! I contributed the chapter on IPOs to Bloomberg Press’ The New Investor Relations. It describes the principles of our proprietary program, IPO Prep, which prepares management for effective communications prior to, during, and following a public offering. In 2006 we were recognized for providing “Best IR for an IPO” by Investor Relations Magazine for our work with Diamond Foods. We update the program to reflect current market conditions, which of course are always evolving.

How did you get started in communications?

I don’t have a very strategic answer to that question! I was studying broadcast journalism at Syracuse University and became varsity basketball manager in my junior year . . .Jim Boeheim’s first year as head coach! There was a television/radio production course that conflicted with basketball practice. That conflict ended when I switched my major to public relations, dropping the production course. It turned out to be a smart move. I graduated on the Dean’s List in 1978 and was offered my first job in the public information office of Sullivan County, New York by a Syracuse grad who thought my basketball experience made me the best candidate!

And now you are in San Francisco?

Our HQ is in San Francisco and I have an office there and in our offices in New York City. I travel roughly 10 days a month throughout the U.S. and Canada to visit our clients, as well as investors and analysts. I can cite airline schedules for San Francisco and New York by memory and know the seat map of most commercial aircraft by heart!

Do you have other questions for Doug? Contact us.