A question the Darby team is often asked when we’re out and about is, “What’s new at Darby Comm?” The answer, as it turns out, is a lot. We are thrilled to share that we’ve started partnerships with several amazing new clients, and that we’ve promoted two of our team members to new positions within the agency. Read on to learn more about the changes we’ve seen so far in 2024.
New Clients
2024 is starting with a bang! We have welcomed six new clients so far in Q1 and couldn’t be more proud to team up with this incredible group of brands.
Skratch Labs – For more than a decade, Boulder, CO-based Skratch Labs has offered nutrition solutions that help athletes and active people be better.
“Most of us at Darby Comm have been using Skratch products for years, so it must’ve been in the stars to welcome them onboard! As an endurance runner with (fun) tummy needs, I’ve personally trusted my GI tract with Skratch drink mixes and chews on distances up to 100 miles… and the Recovery Sport Drink Mix makes you feel like a kindergartner getting choc-y milk in the lunch line!”
Contact: Mindy Smith, mindy@darbycommunications.com
Tactacam – Since 2013, Tactacam has led the market with innovative cellular cameras designed to help hunters elevate their experience.
“As someone just starting the hunting journey, it has been a pleasure to begin working with a brand so focused on making the sport as innovative as possible. The products offer a new level of engagement to my newfound hobby. Additionally, I have greatly enjoyed working with a team that caters to hunters of all skill levels and areas of expertise, I can’t wait to get back in the woods!”
Contact: Kade Gewanter, kadegewanter@darbycommunications.com
Ombraz – Ombraz is a revolutionary armless sunglasses brand making a fundamental shift to sunglass design. Since the introduction of the Ombraz Classic in 2018, Ombraz has been building carbon-negative, armless sunglasses that solve what frustrates people about sunglasses.
“Working with a brand like Ombraz is not only insanely refreshing but also a whole lot of fun! As an avid outdoor adventurer who often trail runs, bikes, and hikes, it’s an understatement to say how much I’ve been loving my Ombraz. Not only are they built for performance, but they’re completely unique, they look great, and the brand is going beyond product to not only share its unwavering humor but also its commitment to planting 20 mangrove trees for every pair they sell.”
Contact: Stacy Kline, stacy@darbycommunications.com
Jetboil – Jetboil was founded in 2004 and has since become the world’s leading innovator of outdoor cooking systems.
“My Jetboil Flash has been the undisputed MVP of my backpacking kit for years! To have the opportunity to represent such an iconic brand renowned for its innovation is a dream come true. Plus, we’ve been working with the Johnson Outdoors team for several years now. It feels right to manage PR strategy for brands in both its camping and watercraft divisions. I’m beyond thrilled to work alongside their team of talented marketing pros!”
Contact: Katie Richter, katie@darbycommunications.com
Fuel Goods – Founded in Asheville, NC by a team of former pro athletes, nutritionists, and tech experts, Fuel Goods is an online sports nutrition marketplace built to equip athletes of all levels with everything they need to keep showing up for themselves.
“As an indecisive eater 99.9% of the time, the customization of Fuel Goods’ boxes is on point and truly takes the thought out of ‘what do I need to eat and when?’ I’m stoked to share their expert voice and how they select and recommend products to aspiring athletes, busy mamas, hardcore mountain climbers, and everyone in between. Plus, it’s an added bonus that they’re from Asheville (the running hub of the east)!”
Contact: Mindy Smith, mindy@darbycommunications.com
KUIU – Founded in 2011 and based in Dixon, CA, KUIU manufactures hunting apparel and gear designed to push the boundaries of performance, ultralight weight, and technological innovation.
“While big game hunting is new to me, technical performance apparel and gear is not. It’s inspiring to work with a brand like KUIU that not only designs the highest quality hunting apparel and gear, but also has an unwavering commitment to conservation. Brand storytelling is our specialty, and our team is already weaving together concepts that demonstrate the nuances of hunting, conservation, and KUIU’s impact on both disciplines.”
Contact: Katie Richter, katie@darbycommunications.com
Promotions and New Hires
The new year brought new titles for two of our long-time team members, Lysianne Peacock and Mindy Smith. Lysianne, who joined Darby Communications in 2021, was promoted to Digital Account Executive. In this role, she will utilize her incredible work ethic and creativity to drive strategy for digital marketing services across clients, ensuring all team members are utilizing best practices, staying on top of trends, and delivering comprehensive performance reports. Mindy, who has been with the agency since 2022, was promoted to Senior Account Executive. Her dedication to achieving and surpassing clients’ goals has made her an invaluable member of our team, and she continues to grow as a senior-level executive specializing in endurance and active lifestyle brands.
We also added a new Account Coordinator in January, Gordon Brown. Gordon jumped right into his work here at Darby and is using his relationship-building skills to connect with media in the hunt/fish and outdoors space for clients KUIU, Old Town, Mountain Khakis, Shimano, and Tactacam.
The Darby Communications team is always studying and evaluating new tactics to ensure our clients are at the forefront of PR and digital marketing trends. In 2024, we are excited to help raise our clients’ awareness in new and existing markets through product impact, brand storytelling, and relationship first PR and digital marketing strategies. To learn more, visit our Services page.