Our Story
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From the beginning, Spaulding Communications was built to be different. Not simply another B2B marketing or public relations agency, but a truly strategic partner, one that could bring deep expertise and knowledge to bring real, tangible results for its clients.
Founded in 2002 by Matt Spaulding, the agency was shaped by a deliberate and diverse career path across top-tier agency, nonprofit, and corporate environments. Each experience helped define the philosophy that guides our work today.
The Experience That Shaped Us
A graduate of Western Michigan University, Matt majored in broadcast communications and journalism. His first job landed him in Chicago at the world’s largest independent public relations firm, Edelman Public Relations. While there, he worked in the firm’s prestigious Consumer Food Group, serving on accounts such as LaChoy Chinese Foods and Orville Redenbacher’s Gourmet Popping Corn.
Matt’s two years at Edelman provided invaluable experience. Core among those experiences: learning how to think creatively to pitch consumer media ranging from the Des Moines Register to “Good Morning America.” He honed his media relations skills, from coordinating print, TV, and radio interviews for Orville (yes, he was a real person) to supporting local-market events. At Edelman, Spaulding cut his teeth on every aspect of PR.
From press kits and press conferences to special events and everything in between, Edelman provided an exceptional PR foundation.
Seeking to broaden his expertise, Matt moved into business-to-business public relations in Atlanta. His work there involved partnering with commercial real estate clients during a period of rapid growth in the city. He then expanded into higher education as the Director of News Services at Mercer University, where he led the university’s local, regional, and national media relations efforts. He also managed the marketing function for several of the university’s colleges, overseeing the publication of magazines and ad campaigns, and working closely with the school’s alumni and admissions departments.
After Mercer, Matt transitioned to the corporate world. He led internal communications for a global IT and accounting staffing firm, working side-by-side with company leadership and HR executives to align communication strategy with the company’s vision, culture, and business goals.
Seeing an opportunity to return to agency life, Matt joined the Atlanta office of Mark Russell & Associates. There he was responsible for overseeing several teammates and developing integrated client marketing campaigns. It was here that Matt first began working with brands in the commercial building and interiors industry. When the agency closed following 9/11, Matt saw an opportunity to start his own firm. He asked three clients if they would like to continue working with him as he began Spaulding Communications. All three said yes — and Spaulding Communications was born.
A Blueprint for a Better Agency
Beginning the business out of his spare bedroom, Matt was focused on one thing: To employ the best-practices of his previous employers and to leave the worst parts behind.
This approach became the blueprint for the company it is today, one that is uniquely different from other agencies. These “best practices” continue to be values and our guiding force:
- To think strategically and creatively to drive client value
- To deeply understand each client’s industry, their business, and their goals
- To focus on specific industries to be true expert counselors
- To create an organizational culture built on respect, accountability, and professionalism
Our Strategic Focus: Commercial Building and Interior Product Brands
As the agency grew, Matt surrounded himself with teammates and professionals who shared these values. And over time, Matt and his team began to develop a genuine passion for the commercial built and interiors industry. We became invested in the products our clients were making and the impact they were having with architects, designers, and end-users. We got to understand and fully appreciate all the trade media, the industry players, and the industry events critical to our clients’ businesses.
Along the way, we realized the advantage of this hyper-focus: By partnering exclusively with manufacturing brands that make products for the commercial architectural, design, and construction industries, we don’t just speak the language; we live it. Every day, we are reading, writing, talking, and thinking about products for commercial building and interior spaces.
A Foundation for the Future
More than 25 years after its founding, Spaulding Communications has evolved in many ways. Office locations have changed. Services have expanded and been refined. Team members, partners, and clients have come and gone.
But our foundational values remain: To think strategically. To deeply understand each client’s unique business and goals. And to leverage our industry knowledge and our marketing, PR, and thought leadership expertise to drive real value and lasting impact for our clients.
