Interview by Dulce Villa. Photos by Nicole Nielsen Photo.
Meet Britt Carman, a public relations powerhouse and the Westphall PR Vice President. Britt’s journey in PR has been anything but conventional, yet each step—from IT sales to award-winning campaigns at Reunion Tower—has equipped her with a unique skill set and a passion for authentic storytelling. Recognized with accolades like the Brass Ring Award, she has led standout projects, including WWE’s WrestleMania 32 press conference and Dallas’ celebrated Reunion Lawn Parties, where she brought together sponsors, local sports teams, and the media to create memorable community events.
We sat down with Britt to reflect on her journey, her approach to navigating the challenges of a fast-paced industry, and her advice for those looking to make a meaningful impact in PR.
My journey, like many others, hasn’t been a straight path, but I believe that adds richness to my story. I graduated with a degree in marketing from Texas A&M but was uncertain about my direction. My first job was in IT sales, which quickly made me realize that I wasn’t cut out for that world. What I did discover was my passion for meeting people. Growing up, my mom often said certain friends of mine could make “friends with a doorknob,” and I always hoped someone would describe me that way. I wanted to be a connector, someone who enjoys hearing others’ stories.
After my sales experience, I landed an exciting position for the grand reopening of the GeO-Deck at Reunion Tower. That opportunity allowed me to shape the tower’s new identity and really get my feet wet in marketing and PR. I felt like I was where I was meant to be, energized by the creative and dynamic environment.
During my time at Reunion Tower, I met my colleague Kimber Westphall. We connected immediately during a meeting and became fast friends. Eventually, I transitioned to a more corporate communications role with a market research company, working with big names like American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Macy’s. While that was fascinating and satisfied the analytical side of my brain, I longed to return to a more creative field.
Then, Kimber reached out with an opportunity on her team– we’d always dreamed of working together. I jumped at the chance and have never looked back. I tell her often– sometimes three times a week– that this is my dream job, and I’m honored to work alongside her.
With any job, challenges are a constant. We often hear, “I’m so busy,” but the truth is, you’re as busy as you tell yourself you are. You can always find time for what matters. The same applies to challenges– are they perceived or real? It’s essential to identify what you can do to overcome them.
When I encounter a challenge, my first instinct is to take a breath and step back. It’s rarely as bad as it seems. Being solution-oriented is key; no one likes to hear, “We can’t do that.” Instead, people appreciate options: “Here’s what we can do; which would you prefer?”
Flexibility is crucial, especially when working with a reporter, producer, or editor. Offering solutions and maintaining a proactive mindset is imperative in a world full of roadblocks. The question is, how high can you hurdle?
One campaign that stands out is for a client that organizes bike rides across the United States, including events in D.C. and Philly. Last month, Kimber was in D.C., and I just returned from Philly this past weekend. We like to have one person lead the charge for each location, so we can be present on-site.
Pushing into new cities where we lack established contacts is always a fun challenge. This is our third year working in Philly, and I’ve noticed a real difference. Local producers are contacting me, sharing their personal contact information, and asking me to keep them in mind for next year. Each year, we surpass the coverage we achieved in previous years, which aligns with our goal of being overachievers.
This client, like many of ours, has a philanthropic aspect. They focus on providing bikes to inner-city kids who might not otherwise have access. In cities where biking is prevalent, this initiative teaches important skills and offers hope. It’s fulfilling work that truly fills our cups.
We’ve seen newsrooms shrinking and operating with skeleton crews. This raises the question: how can we avoid being at the mercy of whether someone is available to cover our stories?
A recent example from this past weekend in Philadelphia illustrates this. We invited media to the start line of a race, which was an exciting event with over 6,000 people gathered in front of the Rocky statue at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Unfortunately, there was breaking news, and limited camera people available.
Instead of settling for limited coverage, we took a solution-oriented approach. We conducted interviews, gathered B-roll and photos on our phones, and created a Google folder with all the materials. Then, we called the news desk to provide them with everything they might need. We also often write a voice-over (VO) script for the news teams, making it easier for them to use our footage and imagery.
Our goal is to be as helpful as possible, knowing that news teams are under pressure and juggling conflicting priorities. A key trend we’re seeing is the need for flexibility and the proactive gathering of interviews, video, and photography to ensure our clients’ messages are communicated effectively. Building these relationships means media are more likely to work with us again in the future.
I would say to walk with integrity. This is something everyone should strive for, regardless of their job. My grandpa, Oliver, who was a very wise man, once told me, “The only thing you can take from this life is your name, so make it a good one.” People may forget the shoes you wore or the purse you carried, but they will remember the impact you left.
In my previous roles, I often felt like I wasn’t leaving the world a better place, and I wanted to change that. I have two children, and it’s important for me to instill this value in them. At Westphall PR, I feel like I’m making a difference by working with many nonprofits. Even with clients outside of the nonprofit sector, we help them engage in philanthropic efforts and give back to the community.
I believe this is achievable for anyone, and it truly makes a difference for those who need it most.
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