Jimmy Contreras is the Public Relations Manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia. He has been a member of PPRA for several months.

Twitter: @jimmystyle

Facebook: @iamjimmystyle

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jimmystyle

Known for his no-nonsense approach, Jimmy has launched fashion, hospitality, destination brands and cultural institutions through comprehensive marketing and public relations, collaborative partnerships and social media. Jimmy has worn many hats in his professional life, from building homes in the Appalachian Mountains in West Virginia, dressing women in beautiful dresses, opening his own namesake boutique, placing stories in the New York Times to chatting it up live on TV with Skinny Girl, Bethenny Frankel.

Jimmy was integral in introducing iconic brands to the Philadelphia market, including Wilhelmina, Timberland Company, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Anne Klein and Suitsupply. Jimmy has reinvigorated existing brands such as The Ritz-Carlton, Macy’s, Whipped Bake Shoppe, The Franklin Institute and Chestnut Hill Business Association with creative marketing tactics. Jimmy’s direct demeanor and energetic personality has made him extremely successful with placing stories in the local, regional and national landscape. 

Jimmy proudly serves as a board member of the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, PHL Diversity and American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women campaign.

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

JC: I work in-house for The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia.

PPRA: What is your favorite part of your job?

JC: Working for a legacy luxury brand and bringing it to life in our community with partnerships and collaborations.  

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

JC: Launched the Moët & Chandon Mini-Matic at our hotel property. The champagne vending machine is the only one of its kind in our city. Cheers! 

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

JC: Two things:

1. Do not burn bridges. You will always need to cross a bridge to get to the other side.  
2. Never make promises. If a PR Pro makes a promise – you need a new Pro!

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

JC: The Color Purple. My favorite book and movie. 

PPRA: What’s your favorite spot in Philly?

JC: Kelly Drive.

PPRA: If you weren’t in PR, what profession do you see yourself in and why?

JC: Non-profit. I worked in the non-profit world right out of school and it really opened my eyes on how hard organizations work to make a positive impact in communities they serve.

PPRA: Favorite Philly Food?

JC: Beiler’s Doughnuts – not a pretzel or cheesesteak but it’s definitely Philly!