“Keep Your Word” The 5 Lessons I Learned Being a 20-Something Founder

I had the pleasure of interviewing Durée Ross, Durée & Company, Inc, who started her company at the age of 24, more than 18 years ago. Durée & Company is an award-winning PR and marketing firm with offices in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Aspen, Colorado specializing in restaurants, lifestyle/hospitality, travel, real estate, business and nonprofit clients. Durée and Durée & Company have been celebrated within the PR and small business communities. Most recent professional accolades include:

· 2017 American Business Awards, also known as The Stevie® Awards, Bronze winner for Women in Business in the Entrepreneur of the Year — Business Services — 10 or Less Employees Category

· 2017 Bulldog Stars of PR Silver Award, Small Agency of the Year (fewer than 50 employees) category

· 2016 PR News’ Top Women in PR

· 2016 Women of Distinction Award from March of Dimes

Jean: Thank you so much for doing this with us! What is your “backstory” of how you become a founder?

I became founder of Durée & Company, Inc. at the age of 24 after numerous people that I worked with starting calling me to help them with projects. SInce I started in PR at the age of 19, I had quite a few years under my belt already and had forged some great contacts and experience. I hadn’t thought of starting a PR business but it quickly blossomed. Never, ever underestimate the value of internships! Some of my early time in the business was spent faxing press releases to media (yikes!) and finding media contacts in big old green Bacon’s books! Times have certainly changed!

Jean: What do you think makes your company stand out? Can you share a story?

We are extremely strategic in our PR and marketing efforts for clients and seek to move the needle. For some clients, moving the needles means more butts in seats, for nonprofits it’s donations, for real estate clients it’s a sold sign. We’ve also been tasked with handling crisis communications and community affairs. We are also very passionate about what we do and believe our results speak for themselves. We under promise and over deliver.