Hidden Gems: Meet Jeanne Micallef of IMJ Communications

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeanne Micallef.

Hi Jeanne, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
The IMJ Communications’ story is one that encompasses 18 years of my more than 25-year career in the public relations and marketing industry. My story began as an assistant in Ford Motor Company’s public affairs department during my final year of college. After leaving Ford, I accepted a position with a small marketing communications firm, Versacom, Inc., a supplier for Ford. In this position, I assisted with the in-house creation and editing of promotional materials, creation and distribution of internal collateral materials, and general administrative duties.

After leaving the automotive industry, I began my career in entertainment publicity with Olympia Entertainment, Inc. (OE) — for reference, the company is now known as 313 Presents. I worked in the publicity department for seven years. The last position I held with the company was public relations manager. During my years with OE, I was responsible for creating and executing publicity for all live events that played the organization’s owned and operated venues, including the Fox Theatre – Detroit, Comerica Park, and the Second City-Detroit. Events included concerts, Broadway, family shows, comedy shows, and sports entertainment events (WWE, Rodeo, and more). During this time, I also assisted with corporate public relations and events with the Detroit Tigers (opening of Comerica Park, cross promotions with OE events) and Detroit Red Wings (Stanley Cup Playoffs and Championship events).

In the fall of 2003, I left Olympia Entertainment with every intention of looking for a position with an agency. During my search, I returned to my automotive roots, traveling the country as a product specialist on the auto show circuit while simultaneously delving into freelance public relations work. Then in March of 2004, I decided to take a risk, and IMJ Communications, LLC was born. Almost two decades later – with a company moniker inspired by the names of my three nieces, Isabella, Marina, and Julianna – IMJ Communications’ continues to tell the stories of my diverse clients through creative and traditional publicity opportunities, strong media relationships, marketing, and social media.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not always, but that’s part of being an entrepreneur. I remember when I made the decision to venture out on my own. I was filled with a lot of anxiety, asking myself, ‘can I really do this?’ ‘Should I do this?’ Ultimately, I decided to take the risk, and am happy to say I am coming up on almost 20 years of being in business for myself.

I have always had a strong work ethic, but the recession in 2007 shook my confidence a bit. People were cutting budgets, and unfortunately, the first thing to go is usually marketing/advertising, etc. I thought, ‘how long will this last?’ ‘Am I going to keep getting new business?’ I decided to continue focusing on the clients I had and keep my their name (and mine) out there then figure out how to generate new business later. The Covid-19 pandemic brought a similar anxiety, but I felt better prepared to get through, and I was fortunate to be able to keep working while simultaneously caring for my dad.

In general, I think one thing I need to constantly check in with myself about is finding balance between work and life. I used to be hyper-focused on work alone, and I left little time for myself. Being in business for yourself can lend to working much more than normal – especially if you work from home – but I have learned that a work/life balance allows you to be your best in both arenas. So, I make a conscious effort to still give 110% to my clients but also 110% to myself to recharge by setting and following office hours and taking time to do things I love for myself with friends and family.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
IMJ Communications is a Detroit-based publicity, social media, and marketing company that works one-on-one with clients to provide services specific to their goals. We help clients tell their stories in ways that help them connect to their customers and create brand awareness in a narrative form. The company was founded by me in 2004 after working years of working for corporations within the industry. Throughout my career I have been able to build strong media and community relationships and I think strong relationships is one of the keys to being successful as an entrepreneur.

I think of my clients as the main characters in the IMJ Communications story. My diverse client list throughout the years is typically centered around small to medium-sized businesses in the hospitality (food & drink), beauty, and Arts & Entertainment industries. I also work with municipalities. I think being a small business owner myself allows me to connect with my clients on a greater level because I’m hands-on with every aspect of every project.

My work allows me to be creative, but most of all I feel honored to be able to have worked with many of my clients and media connections for several years. Stories are constantly evolving, so whether you are a veteran or new IMJ Communications’ client, we are constantly finding ways to help the story continue. The services IMJ Communications provides is always tailored to a clients’ needs. An overview of services provided include:

• PR Campaign Development & Execution
• Media Relations
• Media Training
• Social Media
• Content Creation (websites, email marketing, press materials)

What do you like and dislike about the city?
I was born and raised in Michigan, so it will always have a piece of my heart. The fact that I started my company here and continue to find success doing what I love is the best feeling. Whether it is the residents or the businesses, I love the diversity and the drive found in Detroit and surrounding cities. We hustle here. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://imjcommunications.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imjcommunications/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IMJCommunications

Image Credits
Jeanne Micallef