FRANKLIN LAKES, NJ: Rob Bailey, ex-head of Edelman's consumer lifestyle group in New York, has started his own firm and signed several high-profile clients.
Bailey expects his agency to end the year with billings in the low- to mid-six-figure range. He's hired three full-time staffers, and is also using freelancers.
His clients include Day Out with Thomas, a national tour for the Thomas the Tank Engine children's character, and AmeriCo Group, a clothing maker that sells Pepsi- and Mountain Dew-logo clothing items.
Bailey lost his job during last September's downsizing at Edelman. Prior to his stint there, he had been an SVP and director of new business development at Dan Klores Communications.
The new firm plans to offer a full range of PR services. "If you paint yourself as an expert in just one area, you'll paint yourself out of a lot of business," he said.
