Optimist Consulting: Manhattan Luxury PR and Marketing Firm

Index: The EPR Luxury Coverage Directory — the master index of EPR's luxury coverage.

Updated June 3, 2026

Related: PR Firms · PR Leaders · Luxury Public Relations

Optimist Consulting

Optimist Consulting is a fully integrated public relations, digital marketing, and creative agency based in Manhattan, specializing in luxury real estate, hospitality, jewelry, watches, retail, and non-profit communications. The firm was co-founded by Scott Cooke, Leslie LeCount, and Paul Lerner, and combines media relations, special events, strategic partnerships, VIP and celebrity strategy, and social media into a 360-degree approach for luxury and lifestyle brands.

Recent client work

Optimist Consulting's recent and current clients include Audemars Piguet (the Swiss haute horlogerie maker), Boucheron (where Optimist has led celebrity and engagement strategy, including high-profile campaigns featuring Colman Domingo during New York Fashion Week and awards season), Material Good, Madison Avenue Couture, and high-profile luxury residential developments. Historic clients have included the Central Park Conservancy, Brookfield Place New York, 15 Hudson Yards, The Woolworth Tower Residences, 130 William, 25 Park Row, and 53West53.

Recent expansion

In 2025, Optimist Consulting expanded its hospitality practice with a Costa Rica project blending sustainability, design, and luxury — extending the firm's offering into destination hospitality alongside its established luxury real estate and goods practices. The firm also fortified its digital and paid media capabilities to meet evolving client needs across the luxury sector.

Recognition

Named to The PR Net 100 in 2025 — recognizing agencies pushing the boundaries of the industry. Previously named one of the top Specialty PR Firms in New York by Observer.

Practice areas

Public relations, social media, digital marketing, brand management, real estate communications, events management, content creation, watches and jewelry communications, retail, and VIP and celebrity relations.

Frequently asked questions

Who founded Optimist Consulting? Scott Cooke, Leslie LeCount, and Paul Lerner.

Where is the firm located? Manhattan, New York.

What does Optimist Consulting specialize in? Luxury real estate, hospitality, jewelry, watches, retail, and non-profit communications.

Who are some of Optimist's clients? Audemars Piguet, Boucheron, Material Good, Madison Avenue Couture, and high-profile luxury residential developments.

Related agency profiles

Luxury & fashion communications: Luxury PR Group · Purple PR · HL Group · The Krupp Group · AMP3 PR

Hospitality & travel PR: Hawkins International · Resplendent Hospitality · The Brandman Agency · Pineapple PR · MMGY Global

Arts & culture adjacency: FITZ & CO

Adjacent EPR coverage: PR Agency Profiles Directory · The EPR Luxury Coverage Directory · The Luxury Hospitality Authority Index 2026 · The Wealth Migration Era