Next up in our series “Getting to Know You,” we profile Account Executive Joey Telucci, aspiring home chef, celebrity watcher and Bay Area sports fanatic.

1. Have you found it beneficial professionally/enjoyable to have a personal interest in entertainment news, “Keeping Up with The Kardashians,” as it were, given that you work with some of the firm’s entertainment clients?

While I try to avoid anything related to the Kardashian clan (except for Kanye West – can’t get enough of his music), I do find it both beneficial professionally and enjoyable to keep up on the latest entertainment news. I am always looking for new shows to watch. My favorite this year was, hands down, American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson. Although I already knew the outcome, all of the details inside and out of the courtroom made it a great watch. One of the standout performances came from Courtney Vance, who played Johnny Cochran. About half-way through the season, while reviewing an award submission, I found out that one of our clients actually negotiated the deal for Courtney to star in the show. I thought that was a really cool instance where my love for entertainment and my professional life collided. 

2. As a former bat boy for the San Francisco Giants, do you ever feel that your work in arming clients with the tools to connect with the media is similar?

Growing up in a professional sports locker room is a very unique experience to say the least. However, I learned how to deal with a variety of personalities and demands at a young age which helped prepare me when I entered the workforce as an adult. In that regard, it’s very similar. Whether you are corresponding with media or a client, everyone has their different needs and quirks, and you have to navigate through these to be successful.

3. Word is that you do a fair amount of cooking? Is this a passion that you hope to develop more fully? What is your best dish?

I do cook a lot – more out of necessity than anything. I like to mix it up and make sure I’m eating semi-healthy while not burning a hole in my pocket dining out all the time. I make a pretty delicious jambalaya (at least I think so).

4. What is the biggest lesson you have learned since entering the world of PR?

Stay organized. With the amount of things that can happen on a given day in our industry, it is best to set reminders for yourself whether you need to follow up on something internally/externally immediately or 5 weeks from now. It always helps to stay on top of things so nothing falls through the cracks.

5. Any advice for those just starting out in the industry?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions if something does not make sense to you. Everyone needs to start somewhere, and while you may think asking a ton of questions is annoying or may make you look dumb, it shows that you want to learn and get things done right. This is probably advice for all jobs – not just PR specifically – however, it’s an important one.