Getting to this point — to the launch of Pappas Marketing Communications — is something I couldn’t have imagined when I began working at Albers Communications Group in 2009. I started as a public relations specialist, then transitioned to the director of new media role in 2011, became president in 2015, and purchased the firm in December 2020. As we begin a new chapter, I think it’s important to give a nod to where we’ve been over the past 20+ years.
Tom Albers founded Albers Communications Group in 2000 because he saw a need in the Omaha marketplace for a PR firm that acted as a trusted partner for businesses, rather than simply a B2B service provider. This core value, which remains central to our approach, helped Albers grow into one of the most prominent integrated communications firms in Omaha.
Another key to our longevity has been the ability to evolve with the fast-paced communications landscape. When economic troubles plagued the country in 2008, public relations changed drastically. Newsrooms shrank. Businesses needed to take storytelling into their own hands.
At that point, digital media become a critical part of Albers’ growth and evolution. We launched Albers’ digital marketing division in 2010, which diversified our services to include social media management, website development, and online content development.
In 2011, Albers established the video production arm of the firm, hiring talented production professionals to create video storytelling efficiently and effectively for our clients.
Our firm continued to grow and diversify through our integrated service offerings, and with that our team grew, too. At one point, we had more than 20 employees working media markets throughout the country.
In 2015, we were rocked by the sudden, unexpected passing of Tom Albers. Things changed — rapidly. Some people doubted the firm would survive such a massive loss. It was at that point when I took on the role as president to try to carry on what Tom had worked so hard to build.
Through tenacity and team loyalty, we survived. We’re here today. Has it been easy? Absolutely not. Have we all learned from the events of the past six years? Definitely. We’ve learned that business will ebb and flow, and the clients will come and go. And we’ve learned that we’re tough enough to weather just about any storm.
I made the decision in 2020 to purchase the firm from Tom’s wife, Karen. I wanted the opportunity to spread my wings as an owner and control the trajectory of the firm.
What that DOES NOT mean is any sweeping changes. Pappas Marketing Communications offers all of the same services as Albers. Truly, the only thing that is changing is the name and brand.
I’m excited about the future of Pappas Marketing Communications. I know it’s a privilege to have played a role in the history of Albers Communications Group, and none of us take that for granted. Tom’s work is an integral part of our history. And that history has shaped our desire to succeed.