Today we’re featuring Larry Rubin, Owner of Rubin Public Relations. A native of Philadelphia, Larry has been a PPRA member for 30 years and was inducted into our PPRA Hall of Fame in 1997.

Twitter: @rubinpr
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/larry.rubin1

PPRA: Larry, tell us a bit about your background and how you got your start in PR.

LR: Following high school, I worked as copyboy at the old Philadelphia Evening and Sunday Bulletin. I attended Temple University during day (where I received a BA in Political Science) and simultaneously worked as a full-time nightside reporter. I wrote features, worked rewrite and covered the police beat. After leaving the Bulletin, I went to the City of Philadelphia in the City Representative’s Office, and my prime responsibility was the Police Department and Commissioner Frank L. Rizzo, who eventually transferred me to PPD payroll when layoffs were threatened by the city.

I left when Rizzo ran for Mayor and joined PR Ltd., a PR agency in Center City. While there, I handled accounts such as the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Latin Casino, Pepsi-Cola, Mrs. Paul’s Kitchens, Ridge Homes, Philadelphia Firebirds and more. Off of my experience with Ringling, the Spectrum asked me to become their Director of Public Relations in April 1976. At “Nation’s Showplace,” I handled hundreds and hundreds of concerts, family shows, special events, and I also headed PR for the Flyers for a time. I handled startup PR for newly created Spectacor companies, including WIP Sports Radio, Showcase stores, SpectaGuard, Spectacor Management, Inc., etc. I also edited the monthly entertainment and sports newspaper, ACTION, which was distributed free to all attendees at Spectrum events.

In 1993, I left Comcast Spectacor to head PR at Crane Marketing Communications in Blue Bell, followed by PR Director at O’Neill DelRosso in Bala Cynwyd. In 1999, I opened Rubin Public Relations, and also served as a Councilman in the borough of Narberth, PA for about 10 years, participating in many civic endeavors.

My wife, Flora, is a RE/MAX associate broker and real estate teacher at Temple’s Real Estate Insittute. I have two children: Stephen, who is a track coach at University of North Carolina, and Leslie, who is a real estate agent for RE/MAX.

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

LR: With a recent reduction in my workload (self imposed), my current clients include AlliedBarton Security Services, Philadelphia Police Foundation, Pinnacle Venue Services, and GFS Associates.

PPRA: What is your favorite part about your job?

Working with quality people who represent quality products or services.

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

LR: My most recent accomplishment was with the Philadelphila Police Foundation. I coordinated a press conference at the Police Headquarters to announce a new K-8 school scholarship program for children of police officers who were killed or permanently injured in the line of duty. I also created many media coverage opportunities in the past for Ringling Bros., Monster Jam, Lippinzoner Stallions, Ice Capades, Moscow Circus, etc.

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

LR: If you believe in your client and its product/service, your work will reflect that sincerity and result in a positive image with the public.

PPRA: What’s your favorite spot in Philly?

LR: Kimmel Center for the Philadelphia Orchestra.

PPRA: How do you take your cheesesteak?

KR: Wit.