After nearly 15 years of working in public relations/advertising agencies and major corporations, Cheryl Engstrom left the corporate world in 1998 to create one of the first “virtual” communications firms, back when Internet and email were still developing into business tools. Strategically selecting key partners around the country, the firm was established without walls, overhead and restriction. Today, she has joined the MAX Communications team serving as the West Coast team member focusing on branded products communications.
Although her experience spans many fields, her specialty is branded products. Cheryl tapped her corporate experience as Director of Public Relations for Eddie Bauer and National Media Director for Nordstrom to land longstanding accounts with The Bellevue Collection (16 years) and Pendleton Woolen Mills (10 years) along with many other retail brands throughout the company’s 16 year history. Her work with US Marine (Bayliner and Trophy boats, Maxum Yachts) annually landed her on fishing boats with leading boating/fishing writers from around the country. Her work with Westin Hotels and Resorts had her interfacing with international media from the South Pacific to Germany.
Today she works with manufacturers and retailers that understand the importance of strong, brand-focused communications and programs that deliver on the promise and get results. In that work, she also manages for her clients Corporate Social Responsibility and Crisis Management. Her CSR program for Pendleton Woolen Mills resulted in placing the company as the only non-American Indian company to sell product in the Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian and, through artist-created annual blankets, helped raise more than $1.5 million for the museum.
As part of the MAX Communications family, she continues her virtual approach focusing each client’s investment on services; not overhead. She is a seasoned professional who focuses on delivering results that make a difference.