We had the good fortune of connecting with Robin Rockey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Robin, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Everything we do at RockSpark Communications + Marketing is designed to spark engagement, spark connection and spark action. I was inspired to launch a full-service agency specializing in government, consumer and B2B communications, marketing, advertising and public relations to help brands ignite the spark that takes their communications strategy to the next level. We opened the doors to RockSpark Communications + Marketing in July 2020 – a time when many businesses and government agencies were slashing their marketing and public relations budgets and scaling back their in-house communications teams in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, it was more urgent and important than ever for organizations to keep stakeholders and customers engaged and updated with the latest information in a rapidly changing environment. In my conversations with CEOs, public information officers and marketing leaders, I recognized a massive need for an agency with experience in multiple fields to jump in and help organizations reach their target audiences with effective, multichannel communications solutions. That’s where RockSpark comes in. We work as partners alongside in-house teams to research, plan, implement and evaluate highly effective communications, advertising and marketing programs to achieve exceptional, measurable results. Our services include strategic communications, digital marketing, traditional marketing, social media management, content development, writing, editing, event marketing, community outreach, website development, branding, design and more.

What should our readers know about your business?
My company, RockSpark Communications + Marketing, is a full-service agency specializing in government, consumer and B2B communications, marketing, advertising and public relations.​We specialize in building custom, strategic plans that incorporate the most effective, modern communications principles, theories and tactics to create bespoke, multichannel solutions to meet our clients’ unique needs.​Our team is stacked with PR and marketing leaders, award-winning government communicators, former professors and magazine editors, silver-tongued speechwriters, powerhouse designers and social media superstars. On any given day, you’ll find us building support for multimillion-dollar infrastructure projects, launching sparkling new websites, or working with government agencies to achieve community building and economic development goals.​We thrive on healthy competition, but we’ve earned the wisdom and experience to know that true success only comes from lifting others up on the way to the top. Empathy, honesty, and good, old-fashioned hard work are the names of the game when we’re crafting cutting-edge, creative strategies here at RockSpark.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would start the weekend with a Padres game at Petco Park. I’m really excited to get back to the post-COVID “new normal” where everyone who can be vaccinated is vaccinated, and we can enjoy baseball games again! If you have the opportunity to take a behind-the-scenes tour of the ballpark, you should take it! It’s so cool to see the press room and step out onto the field. Of course, you need to stop for a bite or a drink at one of the many great restaurants in the Gaslamp Quarter after the game. Next, I would head north to Carlsbad, a true San Diego County gem. The City of Carlsbad is a RockSpark client, so I have the privilege of getting the inside scoop about all the amazing activities going on in town. There are so many great beaches, you really can’t go wrong with a day at the beach! Make sure to at least dip your toes in the ocean! After that, I would drive up the coast to Orange County. Pick up a copy of my book 100 Things to Do in Orange County Before You Die to find the best places to eat, play and stay. Don’t forget to stop in beautiful Laguna Beach for a beachside pie at NEApolitan Pizza, one of my favorite local spots.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate this Shoutout to my husband Matt. He sometimes knows me better than I know myself. When I first mentioned I was thinking about starting my own business, he said, “Obviously. That’s what you were born to do.” I’m also incredibly fortunate to have the support and encouragement of several friends and colleagues in the communications industry, and I would not be here without their support and guidance. I am forever grateful to the fellow business owners and PR and marketing pros who shared advice and resources with me. I am doing my best to pay it forward to the next group of entrepreneurs. The cliché that starting a business requires blood, sweat and tears is 100% true. Everyone entrepreneur I know has also pulled too many all-nighters to count! But it is so worth it!

Website: https://www.rockspark.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rockspark

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RockSparkPR

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockSparkCommunications

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