Diverse Companies announced that it has acquired KidStuff Public Relations. Lisa Orman will continue to run the company, but in a conversation at Licensing Show noted that in addition to expanded opportunities for clients, the move gives her the opportunity to concentrate on what she loves best: doing PR, something she’s been doing successfully for the past thirty years. Under the new alliance, she will continue to lead the firm as the President of the newly formed company, KidStuff Public Relations LLC.
The LLC will be a Dallas-based entity and the 5-year-old Diverse Insights division will join the media operations in the new LLC. Orman will lead the combined teams including Diverse Insights, a team of five in Dallas who have been creating content and providing social media services to a variety of toy & gift clients.
Wes Hardin, founder and CEO of Diverse Companies, is the third generation of Hardins to run the business his grandfather started in 1959. In commenting on the move, he said, “My dad and I have known Lisa for a long time and we admire and respect the business she has built and the reputation she has,” Hardin said. “The leadership and mentoring she brings to Diverse Insights will be invaluable and facilitate growth in the division, and our resources will provide the support for KidStuff PR to grow and offer complementary services to its existing menu of services. I am honored to be associated with Lisa and her expertise.”
Hardin added that with KidStuff PR being part of the Diverse Companies family, Diverse Marketing sales agency clients will benefit from the PR agency’s expertise and Orman will offer regular education sessions and webinars about PR and media trends to Diverse Marketing clients. Orman will continue to run KidStuff PR and the new LLC from her LA-area office. As KidStuff PR joins forces with Diverse Companies, clients can expect an expanded array of services and resources, further enhancing the ability to serve their needs. With increased focus in the LA market during September Toy Preview month and at Diverse Marketing’s new LA Showroom, which Orman will attend as well.
Key members of KidStuff PR are stepping into new roles within the expanded organization, ensuring continuity and expertise across all levels of service. KidStuff PR Creative Director Matt Sweeny is promoted to Vice President of the new division and will add client management and business development. Next year will be his 10th anniversary with KidStuff PR and currently handles the agency’s social media platforms to promote clients and their products, the agency website which it treats as a news portal, leads influencer relations with Orman and manages client content libraries, a critical tool for the agency in media work that must be in perfect working order.
Marsha Peltz, who has worked with KidStuff PR for 26 of its 30 years as Senior Associate, will continue to be the agency’s main press release and copy writer, an absolutely critical role for the agency’s continued success. She is promoted to Associate Vice President.
