Richard Laermer

An oft-quoted authority on media relations, thought leadership and culture, Laermer is a PR know-it-all, former journalist, and author of five bestselling books including Trendspotting, Punk Marketing and Full Frontal PR. Laermer’s work as a reporter dates to 1979; his columns, reporting and reviews have been published in The New York Times, New York Daily News, Reuters, USA Today, Crain’s, New York Observer, People, Us Weekly, Chief Executive, Washington Post, Rolling Stone, Editor & Publisher, and others.

He founded RLM PR in 1991 after a stint as PR Director at Columbia Business School; there he recognized companies’ increasing need for effective media representation and saw clearly that publicity people were not grasping the intricacies of their clients’ businesses. Laermer understood how to deliver results for his clients while respecting the demands placed on overburdened reporters, and created a new PR methodology to do just this.

Underpinned by Laermer’s breakthrough methodology, RLM PR has consistently achieved blockbuster results for its clients over 26 years. With standout specialization in technology categories, emerging industries, launches, and biz dev incubation, RLM PR is the marcom solutions firm of record for the companies now remaking our world. By capitalizing on current and emerging trends, and teaching leaders how to own categories—categorically—Laermer has trained hundreds of CEOs, celebrities and spokespeople (even a chimp for E*Trade) to deliver messages skillfully and with no punches pulled. Laermer is a frequent guest on CNN, FOX News, CNBC, Public Radio’s Marketplace, FOX’s Good Day New York and CNNMoney.com. He was the cohost of TLC’s “Taking Care of Business” reality makeover show.