Why genuine relationships are the foundation of lasting success.
By Kristin Marcum
Kristin Marcum is CEO of ECPR Texas, a leading public relations firm. She has led campaigns for clients including St. David’s HealthCare and Texas Mutual, as well as the effort to bring Major League Soccer to Austin. A Texas State University graduate, she’s active in community leadership and serves as chair of the United Way for Greater Austin board. Recognized for her impact, she was named an Austin Business Journal “Power Player” in 2024.
ECPR Texas was founded 30 years ago, in 1995. I joined the firm four years later, fresh out of college and eager to prove myself in the professional world. Walking into our high-rise office in downtown Austin, I felt like a fish out of water. I was surrounded by talented, accomplished women who carried themselves with a confidence I admired. They were strategic thinkers, skilled communicators and well-respected professionals. I had so much to learn if I wanted to build a career like theirs and was determined to absorb everything I could.
In those first few months, I paid close attention to what made the senior team members so successful. Of course, they had experience and expertise, but there was something else that set them apart. It was their relationships — the deep, meaningful connections they had cultivated over the years. These connections weren’t just about networking or exchanging business cards; they were built on trust, mutual respect and genuine camaraderie.
At the time, I didn’t have an impressive list of contacts to offer, but I did have enthusiasm, a strong work ethic and a sincere interest in getting to know people. I made a conscious effort to build connections, not just for the sake of business, but because I genuinely enjoyed meeting new people and learning from them. Over time, those relationships became the foundation of my career.
Looking back, I can say with certainty that the relationships I’ve built have shaped both my professional and personal life. Over the decades, I’ve had the privilege of working on projects that have played a role in shaping Austin — its skyline, its culture and its community. Whether it was launching a new development, managing a crisis or helping a nonprofit raise awareness for a cause, every project has introduced me to incredible people — talented, smart, dedicated individuals who not only excel in their fields but are also wonderful human beings. Many of them have become lifelong friends, and I consider that one of the greatest gifts of my career.
At ECPR Texas, connections are at the heart of everything we do. Being connectors isn’t just part of our work — it’s one of our core values. We take pride in bringing people together, whether it’s introducing a client to the right journalist, helping a nonprofit find the perfect corporate partner, bringing clients together for a common goal or mentoring the next generation of PR professionals. We believe these relationships are one of the greatest ways we bring value to our clients, our colleagues and our community.
But what I’ve come to realize over the years is that these connections are bigger than business. They bring a richness and depth to my life that goes far beyond professional success. The relationships I’ve built — both inside and outside the office — are what make my work fulfilling. There’s no separate “work me” and “personal me.” It’s all connected because relationships are at the core of who I am, whether it’s a Monday morning client meeting or a Sunday brunch with a longtime friend.
Connections don’t just build businesses; they build communities and lives worth celebrating. And at ECPR Texas, it’s a value we live every single day. As we celebrate three decades in business, I’m reminded once again that the true measure of success isn’t just the work we do — it’s the people we do it with.
