After two decades in the business, Cashman & Associates founder Nicole Cashman knew where to best invest after the pandemic: in her agency’s internal team. Cashman & Associates now offers every employee one-on-one monthly leadership and executive coaching with a certified coach that helps them step out of the day-to-day and focus on what will make them their happiest, most productive and most confident selves professionally. With this innovative and inspiring culture has come expanded offerings. Clients reap the benefits of added SEO capabilities and the full-circle approach the agency takes in their multi-platform communications strategy. The team has been working on something on the side, too. In June 2020 they launched a brand called Snack PR dedicated to project-based account work. While the brand was slated to launch in the onset of the pandemic, they decided to launch it during the shutdowns as they felt there was even more of a need than ever before for spot-project work for clients in and out of the hospitality industry. Snack PR still sees a steady flow of clients across the country who have gravitated to the brand and service model Cashman & Associates calls the “bite-sized” version of their award-winning services.
Leadership team:
Nicole Cashman, Founder & CEO
Notable long-term clients:
Stephen Starr, Starr Restaurants, LDV Hospitality, Elior North America, James Beard Foundation, Modern Luxury Media, Four Seasons Philadelphia at Comcast Center, Jean-Georges Philadelphia, Visit Philadelphia, Philly Fights Cancer, AKA, Brandywine Realty Trust, PREIT, Comcast, Bozzuto, Welcome America, Scannapieco Development Corporation, Steak 48, National Real Estate, Heyday, Van Leeuwen
New client wins:
Post Brothers, Primark, Pennsylvania Horse Racing Association, Work to Ride, JLL
How is the agency advancing DEI in the industry?
“We have built a training and networking program in partnership with the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists and adjusted it for virtual adaptations. The Masterclass program is a five-week guided learning for students of color in the marketing, communications and journalism fields who are looking to gain an understanding of agency-life, see real-world examples of work and hear from industry insiders on career topics such as advice and what the individual jobs in the industry are like. Students are offered one-on-one mentoring, as well as a capstone project where they have guided instruction on drafting agency-ready materials such as media alerts, pitches and more, that they can use in their portfolios. Our goal in the program is to offer a network to emerging leaders of color and guidance as they enter the field. It’s important that we generate more diversity in the industry, and by giving these students a direct line toward internships or jobs at not only our own agency but agencies in our region, we have already seen the stepping stones of success as our students enter the job market. Also, this year alone we’ve donated more than $50,000 of pro-bono services to organizations impacting under-served or multi-cultural minority groups.”
