John Maroon knows how to hit a home run.
The former public relations director for the Baltimore Orioles, Maroon also served as the vice president of communications for the Washington Redskins before starting his own firm in March 2006.
Maroon PR represents Cal Ripken Jr.?s interests through Ripken Baseball while serving Baseball America and USA Football. The president and founder of Maroon PR, Maroon is preparing for both the PAETEC Jazz Festival and Ripken?s Hall of Fame induction.
Q What is the story behind the founding of Maroon PR?
A I recently turned 40 and started to think that if I ever wanted to follow my dream of running my own shop, I better get started.
It was a nerve-racking decision in many ways, and when I went to Cal and ran the idea past him, he said, “Great idea. … In fact, I will be your first client.”
Well, that?s what pushed me over the edge and gave me the guts to do it.
Q What is the most important thing you learned working with Major League Baseball, the Orioles and the Redskins that you can bring to your job today?
A I believe that in any job, you learn a lot if you are paying attention. I guess the three things that I have learned during my career have been give good people a job to do and let them do it, be responsive and fair to everyone because it is a very small world, and help others get what they want without any expectations and you will end up getting everything that you want.
QWhat is your future vision for the company?
A I would like us to grow this year, but whoever we add will need to be a good fit because we have a special culture at our office. I don?t think I ever envision us as being very large. I like to think of us as a highly effective and yet affordable firm.
Q What is the most rewarding part of your job?
A I enjoy meeting with our current clients and reviewing the accounts with them. When they tell me that they are pleased with our work, it makes me feel great, and when they are disappointed with something, I like trying to make it better for them. I also love meeting with new potential clients and facing that challenge.
