Happy New Year! We’re starting off 2016 with a brand new feature to spotlight our amazing members — introducing #MemberMonday! 

Today we’re highlighting Michael Kleiner, owner of Michael Kleiner PR & Web Design. A PPRA member since 2014, Michael started his business in 1999 when he realized that web sites were going to be an extension of any organization or business’ public relations and marketing strategies. While websites need to be visually appealing with nice graphics, Michael notes that first and foremost, web sites need content — you have to tell people what you do. 

Twitter: @kleinerpr

Facebook: MichaelKleinerPRWeb (personal) and MichaelKleinerPRWebApps (business)

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michaelkleiner

PPRA: Michael, tell us a bit about your background and what you do.

MK: My tagline is Making the Unknown Known, as places I have worked and clients I seek are “under the radar” and I bring them “over the radar.” I’m an award-winning writer and author. I previously worked as sportswriter at Montgomery Newspapers, covering high school girls sports (1982-86), and I was the Sports Information Director at what is now Philadelphia University (1987-92), and Director of Communications at Abington Friends School (1995-98). At Philadelphia College of Textiles & Science (Philadelphia University’s name when I was there) I undertook two national PR campaigns around men’s basketball coach Herb Magee’s quest for his 400th and then 500th career victories. In February, I watched him win his 1,000th game. At AFS, the highlight was the 300th anniversary of the School.

PPRA: Who are your clients and/or what projects are you working on right now?

MK: I look to work with authors and small businesses. Being a writer myself and having success with my first author client — who I still do work for — took me in that direction. I just finished a project with another organization I belong to, Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia. I wrote and produced 12 stories about their top tier members. 

PPRA: What is your favorite part about your job?

MK: Being able to get excited and enthusiastic about a project. I love interviewing people and writing their story. And of course, when a pitch works.

PPRA: What was your latest and greatest accomplishment at your job?

MK: I’d say the SBN project. After making contributions as a volunteer over the last several years, it paid off with being hired to write the features. I was the first person the Executive Director called. The stories came out well, I was mentioned at the launch, and hopefully, it will lead to more visibility and clients.

PPRA: What one piece of advice would you give to your fellow PR pros?

MK: I’ve had some lows and highs, but my persistence has been my best trait I believe. Keep plugging. One person might like your pitch, one might not. Try not to worry about the one that didn’t.

PPRA: What book or movie could you read or watch again and again?

MK: To Kill A Mockingbird always comes to mind. Selfishly, my own book. 🙂 Beyond the Cold: An American’s Warm Portrait of Norway is a more than four-decade account of my experiences and relationship with Norway and Norwegians, though I am not of Norwegian descent.

PPRA: How do you take your cheesesteak?

MK: Sauce and fried onions. D’Alessandro’s, though haven’t been there in a while.