Robyn Patterson’s journey to becoming the founder of Mack Media Relations (MMR) is a story of passion, determination, and resilience.
Founded in 2016, MMR is an award-winning public relations firm based in Phoenix that specializes in lifestyle, food and beverage, and hospitality, helping Arizona-based businesses – like Pita Jungle, The Maggiore Group, Rainbow Ryders – and entrepreneurs elevate their brand awareness. The company combines the strategic thinking of larger agencies with the personalized service of a boutique firm, offering a unique approach that transforms brands from nameless to notable.
After moving to Arizona at age 10, Robyn embraced the Valley as home, building her career and creating a lasting impact on the public relations industry. Robyn’s passion for media started at a young age.
“I was that kid doing the morning announcements in middle school and the lead anchor for my high school’s newscast,” she said.
With aspirations of becoming the next Katie Couric, she pursued a degree in broadcast journalism at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at ASU.
As she reached sophomore year, Robyn was feeling burnt out by the demanding nature of the industry. She decided to explore other avenues and took an internship in public relations. It was a game-changer.
“It felt like the perfect fit – fast-paced, strategic, and relationship-driven,” Robyn said. The PR world’s combination of storytelling, media relations, and strategy made it the ideal match for her talents and interests.
Before founding MMR nine years ago, Robyn honed her skills at some of the top PR agencies in Phoenix and Los Angeles, managing campaigns for local and national brands across various industries. She also spent time working in media, gaining a unique perspective on how those outlets operate.
These experiences provided her with the knowledge and confidence to launch her own firm. Although the decision to go out on her own was daunting, she knew it was time to take the leap. Nearly a decade later, Robyn reflects on her decision with gratitude.
“It was a little scary, but it turned out to be the push I needed to start my own business,” she said.“I get to work with amazing clients and a team I’m incredibly proud of. In PR, it’s all about who you know, and building those relationships is what’s led me to where I am today.”
Running a business isn’t without challenges, especially in a competitive industry like PR. Robyn’s journey has taught her the importance of resilience and authenticity.
“Being your own boss comes with its fair share of issues, but they have taught me the importance of staying grounded, flexible, and optimistic,” she said. “You just have to keep showing up, trust your gut, and have faith that it’s all working out as it should.”
One of her favorite aspects of the industry is that it doesn’t always feel like work. “At its core, PR is about building relationships and telling great stories. Once you’ve earned that trust and connection with media and clients, the magic happens,” she said. “PR is a secret weapon – when done right, it can transform a business.”
As MMR celebrates its ninth anniversary, Robyn reflects on the journey with a sense of pride and awe. “It’s surreal! Time really flies. Some days it feels like I’m just getting started, but here we are—nearly a decade in,” she said. “I value staying small. Our boutique approach is what allows us to keep that personal touch.”
Robyn is focused on becoming a stronger leader and continuing to find ways to better serve her clients. One exciting possibility on the horizon is a podcast to further amplify clients’ voices in a more authentic and conversational format.
Robyn is also making a difference in the community. She is currently participating in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Visionary of the Year campaign, a 10-week competition that brings community leaders together to raise funds for blood cancer research, patient support, and advocacy. Robyn’s goal is to raise over $100,000 for the cause, and she’s already halfway there.
If you’d like to support her efforts, you can contribute on her fundraising page at pages.lls.org – and learn more about MMR by visiting mackmediarelations.com.
