Management Team
Professional Staff
Robert Checkal Associate Account Executive
Why PR?
Ever since I began learning how to read and write in elementary school, I was hooked. Over the years, my insatiable reading and writing habits developed alongside the evolution of digital media and the two quickly combined to forever assure my name would be synonymous with the label of “nerd.”
I originally planned to study journalism but quickly discovered public relations and realized my nerdy passions could be used for the benefit of corporations the world over.
Areas of Expertise and Interest
My role at BlissPR consists of applying both traditional and digital media tools to produce the quality of work, counsel and benchmarking our clients expect. I mainly support digital activities at the firm which include: research, blogger outreach, digital media engagement, Web and social network analytics, SEO/SEM reporting and producing actionable data.
What I Did Before BlissPR
My first foray into public relations was an internship at Flash Communications, a student-run public relations branch of Kent State University’s Office of Communication and Marketing. There, I worked heavily on the campaign that took PRSA's Cleveland Rocks Best in Show Award. I worked directly on developing and implementing a specialized online newsroom and a digital media plan for Kent State University’s 40th Commemoration of the May 4, 1970 shootings.
The second expedition was with Liggett Stashower, a Cleveland-based branding agency and also a Worldcom Public Relations Group partner. I worked most notably on the Bosch Power Tools North America, ShurTech and Boise accounts among others. My main duties included writing press releases, conducting non-traditional media relations pitches and researching competition. I also assisted in evaluating client sites for redesign, SEO/SEM reporting and producing Web and social network analytics.
I graduated from Kent State University with a bachelor’s degree in public relations.
What I Do for Fun
If I’m not living up to my status as “nerd” by exploring key blogs, news sites and digital media, I like to stay active and fit. I also love to experience cultural arts of all forms and I’m in the perfect city to do it. Speaking of New York—as a recent transplant from Cleveland, I’m constantly checking out all of the cool things the city has to offer. I’m a craft beer connoisseur, music lover and avid watcher of NBC’s Thursday-night comedy block.
