High-energy Spokesperson and ambassador with exceptional public speaking and relationship-building abilities. Expert in building enthusiasm for brand messages and organizational activities. International and national media trained public relations & communication professional with experience managing brand experiences, recognition, and growth. Adaptable problem solver and self-starter offering poise, consistency, and effective solutions in the face of challenges. Easily develops rapport with diverse stakeholders, considering all perspectives and streamlining communication on complex projects and concepts. Fifteen years + experience working with senior management, teams, and customers.
} Telling the Waterford story from its humble beginnings, from a small town in Ireland to the global leader in fine crystal, through television interviews, radio interviews, public speaking engagements and customer appreciation events in the US, Canada, and Australia.
} Direct report to the senior director of marketing activation Americas at Fiskars Group
} Spokesperson, ambassador, communications expert, and press release official for Waterford Crystal, at the annual New York Times Square New Year's Eve ball drop viewed by over one billion people globally.
} Media trained with Ketchum Inc (Global PR firm) based in New York City with television appearances on Good Morning America, Fox Business, MSNBC, CBS, NBC and many more.
} International television exposure and appearances in Canada, Germany, and Australia.
} Personalized specific bespoke designs at media public relations events & PGA golf tournaments with attention to the brand attributes and qualities.
} Contributed to Waterford brand social media marketing, built & maintained a media presence and audience via relevant social media entities.
} Identified public relation and media opportunities through research, participation in industry and related events, maintaining personal networks and participating in professional organizations.
} Project and event manager for Waterford Crystal artisan & customer appreciation events throughout the US and Canada.
} Business Goals achieved through proactive customer meetings using a flexible working approach to cater for customer needs and lifestyles.
} Led a team of 18 people to ensure on time development process by establishing critical paths to ensure market requirements, sales, customer delivery and financial targets were fully achieved.
} Conducted coaching, performance reviews for the banking team, whilst leading the team from 9th in the region to 2nd (The region had a total of 10 branches).
} Nine years of public relations experience, representing Waterford Crystal as their America's national spokesperson and ambassador. International media experience including Canada, Germany, and Australia comprising of television appearances, public speaking, and training.
} Media trained with professional public relations firm, Ketchum Inc. A global public relations company, offering corporate communications, marketing, and branding.
} Media trained with Public Relations of Ireland (O' Herlihy Communications).
} Represented Waterford from 2014-2023 on Good Morning America, Fox & Friends, Fox Business, MSNBC, ABC, NBC, Cheddar TV, Wall Street Journal TV & Good Day New York.
} 10 years + experience on air sole television guest and expert for ShopHQ, QVC, TSC (Canada) & TVSN (Australia) national & International cable, satellite, and broadcast television. Face of the brand responsible for sales more than $9.0m annually.
} Leader and focus point growing the Waterford Marketing brand impressions from 2.5bn in 2019 to 5.5bn in 2022.
} In conjunction with Ketchum PR, Waterford PR director & the Director of the New York Times Square Alliance, negotiated and developed the media (Television & Radio) communication strategy for the Waterford times square New Year's Eve ball drop from 2014-2023
} Strong, reliable, and consistent media relationships built and maintained with numerous media outlets since 2014.
} Board member of the Charlotte Irish Connection (CIC)
} Member - Irish Business Organization of New York (IBO)
} Member – Inter Nations Charlotte
} Member – Network Charlotte
Mental and physical health are important to me and I truly believe that a healthy mind and body are in essence, your soul. I have been fortunate to extensively travel the US and around the world. Reading is my getaway! Learning should never stop. Ever!
I have nine years of experience working with the media, particularly, front of camera and always had the brand messaging center stage whilst always having fun and creating a great rapport with the reporter or interviewer! I have made many lucrative connections and friendships with top journalists and media experts from Fox and Friends, Good Morning America, Yahoo Finance and Squawk box. I am proud to say I was hugely instrumental in leading one of the world's most iconic events every year when the New Year ball dropped in times square in NYC. That was my ‘gig' that culminated from an amazing core team of dedicated individuals who worked tirelessly all year round to make it a global event watched by billions of people all over the world. I was so proud to be front and center stage at the Waterford Crystal ball interviewed by all the major media broadcasters on one of the most exciting nights of the calendar year. I have attended many conferences and marketing events, in store promotions, golf tournaments, traveled internationally giving speeches and presentations to loyal customers who shared my love of the brand and its message.
I was born in Ireland and moved to the US in 2014 with my family, Stephanie my wife of 28 years, and my Children Jake 21, Mia 18, and Amy 16. I have a natural charm, a uniqueness that I believe would be a great asset to any organization.
I am no longer a full-time employee of Waterford however I am currently in negotiations to continue fulfilling their PR needs as an independent contractor on a consultive basis. I also recently acquired my real estate license in both NC & SC and have been working part time in this role whilst I am seeking a permanent role.
I have had a very successful to date and love a challenge and a new opportunity to learn and develop new skills. I have a natural positive attitude and fun outlook on life. I am well-traveled and well-read!
I would love the opportunity to meet you in person to talk further about why I am the right fit for your organization. If you would like to see some of my work, please google “Tom Brennan Waterford” to get a sense of who I am and the work I do.