KLG Public Relations is the SoHo-headquartered independent wine and spirits PR agency founded in 2016 by Kate Laufer Gorenstein. Sub-specialty in celebrity-owned beverage brands. Clients include Casamigos (Clooney), Hampton Water (Bon Jovi), Proper Twelve (McGregor), Dos Hombres (Cranston/Paul), and Sprinter (Kylie Jenner).
The Berman Group is an independent full-service communications firm founded 2005 by Sarah Berman. NYC + Palm Beach + Washington D.C. CRE-focused. 20th anniversary 2025. Ranked #5 in Observer's Top PR Firms of 2025. Clients: BXP, Howard Hughes, Fisher Brothers, RXR, Thor Equities.
Pierpont Communications is an independent integrated marketing and PR firm founded 1987 by Philip Morabito in Houston, TX. Six offices: Houston (HQ), Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Denver, Phoenix. Clients: Walmart, NRG, CITGO, Shell, Baylor College of Medicine, Port Houston.
Next PR (formerly SSPR) is the Chicago-headquartered communications agency founded in 1978 by Steve Simon as S&S Public Relations — one of the longest-running independent PR firms in the United States. CEO Heather Kelly since 2015. 99 staff across five continents. $15M+ annual revenue.
Ruder Finn is one of the world's largest independent global communications agencies, founded 1948 by David Finn and Bill Ruder. CEO Kathy Bloomgarden since 2011. Five core practices. Four acquisitions in 2025–2026: Big Sky, Era Communications, Missouri Creative, The Equity Group.
DKC is a top ten independent PR firm founded in 1991 by Dan Klores, acquired by Acceleration Community of Companies in September 2024. Profile covers history, ownership, leadership under CEO Sean Cassidy and President Matthew Traub, and the R&CPMK absorption.
Harbinger Communications: Toronto-based independent PR agency founded 1989 by Marilyn Short. Female-founded. President: Sofia Costa. Canadian market specialty across beauty, food, and CPG. Updated June 2026.
Prosek Partners is one of the largest independent financial communications firms in the US. Founded 1991 by Jen Prosek. ~400 professionals. $120M 2024 revenue. Ranked 2nd in mergermarket 2024 North American M&A advisor table by deal volume. Offices NY, London, Abu Dhabi.
Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis is the leading independent entertainment, talent, and social-impact communications agency in the U.S. Founded 1991 by Ken Sunshine. CEO Shawn Sachs. Co-Presidents Keleigh Thomas Morgan and Heather Lylis (elevated March 2022). 250+ employees across six U.S. offices.
Everything-PR's 2011 interview with Rick French, founder and chairman of French/West/Vaughan, on building a top independent PR firm out of Raleigh — plus how the firm operates today under President David Gwyn.
