For 24 years, rbb Communications has helped companies and organizations break out through strategic storytelling, creative thinking, and integrated marketing. Founded in Miami and serving clients across Florida and the nation, rbb has built its reputation as an independent communications firm that blends insight, innovation, and impact.
As we celebrate this milestone, our founders and shareholders reflect on what it takes to build a lasting business, lead with purpose, and inspire teams and clients alike. Their lessons, learned across decades in public relations, marketing, and leadership, continue to guide rbb’s approach to helping brands achieve meaningful growth.
“I follow the mantra of having a big windshield and tiny rear-view mirror. Open yourself up to the possibilities ahead, and while it’s important to learn from the past, don’t let it be an anchor on your future.”
Christine Barney, CEO & Managing Partner
“For me, ‘Breaking Out’ means focusing on what matters most and giving it your best. When we bring curiosity, creativity, and genuine care to our clients, we build lasting relationships and create work that truly makes a difference. Over the years, I’ve seen so many ideas take shape from a spark in a brainstorm to a story that moves people or a strategy that changes a business. And, that same philosophy shapes how we show up for each other. I’m proud to work alongside people who strive to bring their best every day and stay focused on what really counts… doing great work, together, that moves our clients and our business forward.”
Lisa Ross, President & Partner
“Don’t dwell on failure. Instead, make room for it because it makes us more resilient and strategic. Learn from it and move forward stronger.”
Tina Elmowitz, Chief People Officer & Partner
“The leaders who make the biggest impact are the ones who care deeply about their teams, their clients, and their craft. They listen closely, ask thoughtful questions, and absorb every piece of insight they can to understand what truly matters. That curiosity builds trust, and genuine connection fuels results. When people know you care, they feel it, and that’s when the magic happens.”
Sandra Ericson, Executive Vice President & Partner
“One lesson I’ve learned at rbb is to always serve clients the way I’d want them to serve me. Bottom-line thinking, hard work, thoughtfulness, transparency, and openness to new solutions ensure you’re putting your client’s best interests front and center while doing work you can stand behind.”
Shawn Warmstein, Vice President & Partner
“I’ve learned that lasting success comes from thinking in ‘we,’ not ‘them and us.’ That mindset is something I’ve absorbed from leaders like Lisa, Christine, and Tina, and has shaped how I build relationships with care, curiosity, and genuine connection. It’s about starting every call with a real, often personal, question, taking time to understand what makes people tick, and showing that we’re in it together. That’s why partnerships like my nearly 20-year relationship with Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection have endured, because we don’t just work for our clients, we work with them.”
Maite Vélez-Couto, Senior Vice President & Partner
“I’ve learned that thriving in PR and hospitality means embracing change instead of resisting it. These industries move at the speed of culture, and that constant motion keeps me inspired. Each shift challenges me to think differently, adapt faster, and serve the companies and brands I represent with greater impact.”
Jennifer Valdés, Vice President & Shareholder
“I’ve learned that impact isn’t measured by how loud you speak, but by how much you lift others up. The most meaningful work happens when you truly care about the client, the story, and the people around you. Leading with kindness and clarity creates the kind of trust and collaboration that turns good work into great outcomes.”
Lauren Bernat, Vice President & Partner
“I’ve learned the value of patience in both positive and negative situations. In good times, taking extra time to make a strong situation even better can yield lasting rewards like deeper relationships and additional business. In challenging times, patience helps you stay focused on the end goal, think strategically, and often reach a better outcome than expected.”
Tim Johnson, Executive Vice President & Partner
President of UPRAISE PR + Marketing
“Celebrate your wins and successes, but recognize that our business has a short-term memory. Stagnation and complacency can happen easily so its important to always be pushing yourself/your team for what’s next, while also recognizing the importance of building solid client relationships which help protect you during down times or client uncertainties.”
Josh Merkin, Vice President & Partner
“You have to roll up your sleeves and get in the trenches with your clients and colleagues alike to build the strong relationships that carry you through the good times and the challenges. No task is ever too small if it’s what helps drive progress.”
Julie Jimenez-Padrón, Vice President & Shareholder
Looking Ahead
From its beginnings as a local Miami firm to becoming one of the nation’s leading independent public relations and marketing agencies, rbb’s growth has been powered by people who believe in the power of connection and collaboration.
These lessons reflect what it means to live with a Break Out mindset, to lead with curiosity, compassion, and courage.
As rbb looks to the future, one thing remains clear: the best stories are still ahead.