In lieu of our usual monthly insights, we’re sharing an end-of-year note from our president and founder, Kathleen Lucente. From our entire staff, thank you for being a part of the Red Fan community. We’re grateful to know you and wish you a joyful holiday season!
Red Fan was in the midst of an incredible year when COVID-19 hit. We were growing, we had a fantastic roster of clients that made coming into the office a privilege, and we continued to expand our team with new hires that add value for our partners and reflect Red Fan’s core beliefs and culture. As any great business owner can attest, when you find a mix like that, you do whatever you can to hold on to it. Also, like other great business owners, what happened next was simply beyond my control.
COVID-19 wasn’t a trickle of change; it was a knockout blow to businesses across the U.S. We watched as companies went on the defensive. Soon, a few of our clients who loved working with us were forced to reassess their goals and limitations. Others, particularly CEOs and executives, asked us for communications guidance and support to face the challenges ahead. In the midst of all of this, we decided to return to our roots and do what we do best: Help others. One of our greatest passions as individuals and as a brand is our sense of community. This includes more than just our partners and applies to the people and businesses that influence and inspire us and ultimately make Central Texas such an amazing place to live and work.
We were able to weather the short-term impact and emerge even stronger—a blessing I’m thankful for every day and recognize that many in our community were not as fortunate to receive. It became clear almost immediately that we had an opportunity to extend that blessing to other leaders and businesses facing tough new challenges. So, we asked, “Can we help you rethink your communications strategy?” and business leaders said, “Yes, please.”
We spent time giving away free counsel to CEOs. We lost count, but we hosted free webinars and lent our communications expertise and insights to Wharton alumni, UT students, Sputnik startups, MassChallenge entrepreneurs, Quake Capital companies, and many others. We helped business owners rethink their communications approaches to adapt to new market conditions. Our superpower was helping people identify and solve a set of new and unique challenges with thoughtfulness and consideration. Each founder or executive approached their problems with empathy and heart, and showed us that, even in times of great uncertainty, good business is about more than transactions and profit margins; it’s about people and the relationships we build with our employees, our customers and our communities. Despite all the tragedies, trials, and tribulations that 2020 has dealt to us, our businesses and our families, I’m thankful at least for this lesson.
I hope that 2021 is easier, filled with fewer crises, less uncertainty and more joy. I personally will be meeting the new year with more confidence and resolve than I’ve ever had in my professional career. And remember, if you have a communications or business challenge you need to solve, we’re just a phone call away.
Cheers to an inspiring and hopeful new year.
I’ll see you in 2021,
Kathleen Lucente
President & Founder
P.S.
Our historic office is merry and bright this holiday season! We’ve lit up the Helms House for the first time ever. If you’re in the Hyde Park area at night, stop by 200 E. 32nd St. at the corner of Helms Street to see our gorgeous Red Fan headquarters as you’ve never seen it before.
