ACG St. Louis Elite Speaker Series-Telling Your Company Story Effectively in Business or Crisis

John Knicely, founder and chief storyteller for VITA LUX Agency, is an award winning journalist who uses storytelling to help businesses to drive transformation. He helps them connect with customers, vendors, and employees by unlocking the power of their unique personal and organizational strengths. Investment banks turn to John Knicely and VITA LUX for their sell-side deals. John uses his journalism storytelling skills to create a 2 minute video that shows the heart and differentiating qualities of businesses being sold. That video is then used as an introduction to potential investors and buyers. It shows the value and quality of the client's company.

John has over 16 years of experience in conceptualizing and developing forward-thinking content for broadcast, digital and social channels – from turning mundane city council meetings into clear, concise, impactful stories – to flying with the Blue Angels. His skills include developing content strategy, brand strategy, managing social media platforms, writing and editing copy, delivering on-air news, and creating dynamic storytelling videos for high-visibility projects- within complex, fast-paced environments.

As an innovative storyteller, John is skilled in transforming complex information into clear, concise, impactful stories that create return customers and viewer loyalty. He is an effective team leader and project manager, who works collaboratively with creative partners and key stakeholders – resulting in original, creative deliverables on time and on budget.

Robyn Frankel, president of Frankel Public Relations/Marketing, has extensive experience in developing and implementing dynamic, persuasive and results-oriented media relations programs and crisis communications strategies, as well as high level crisis communications. Her industry specific experience includes healthcare, biotech, automotive, senior living communities, education, construction, manufacturing, distribution, pharmaceuticals, hi-tech, early-stage and start-up companies. 

While her primary focus has been business-to business, she has extensive experience with consumer products companies, professional services firms, governmental agencies and non-profit organizations.

Robyn’s clients have included major corporations such as Enterprise Holdings, Monsanto and McCarthy Building Companies, as well as economic development and governmental organizations including the Missouri Partnership, City of University City, Great Rivers Greenway District, St. Louis Economic Development Partnership and Council of Better Business Bureaus.  An expert in creating and managing strategic cross-marketing partnerships and initiatives, she has also collaborated with the Federal Trade Commission, United States Postal Inspector, United States Department of Justice and others.

Established 25 years ago, Frankel Public Relations is an independent consultancy that frequently collaborates with other independent and senior-level experienced professionals to deliver maximum quality and value to clients. Earlier in her career Robyn was executive vice president and general manager of the St. Louis office of Edelman, a worldwide marketing communications firm.