The C&R Story
An award-winning PR agency with an increasingly global footprint, C&R develops comprehensive campaigns that deliver high-impact messages and secure premium media accolades.
Our Agency
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Our Team
Spencer Castillo
Co-Founder
A leading authority on luxury real estate PR, San Diego native Spencer built a career working at some of the best agencies in the country and leading a variety of campaigns, from blue-chip brand portfolios to master planned real estate communities, before co-founding C&R in 2009. In his 20+ years of experience, he has been instrumental in representing more than 75 real estate ventures throughout the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean, contributing to more than $1 billion in sales volume. He has also represented hospitality projects the globe over and has the passport to prove it, having traveled to far corners of Europe, Asia, South America, and South Africa. When he’s not rubbing elbows with real estate industry leaders and strategizing on building and strengthening C&R’s competitive advantage, Spencer can be found spending time with his family, where he proudly fulfills his favorite role as girl dad.
Pieter Ruig
Co-Founder
Having spent his formative years spanning three continents, it’s no surprise Pieter would cultivate a career that keeps him always on the move and discovering new places. As co-founder of C&R, he has managed PR campaigns for globally recognized luxury travel, golf, and resort real estate projects. He’s also launched and led projects in Tokyo, Florence, Shanghai, and throughout the U.S. and Mexico. Pieter’s expertise in international properties underscores a keen understanding of the global customer and an awareness of the often-subtle differences in individual media markets. He has also worked with some of the world’s most celebrated chefs, having launched and lead the award-winning PR efforts for Pebble Beach Food & Wine and spearheaded numerous James Beard dinners. A bonafide globetrotter, having been to 50+ countries and counting, Pieter is also perfectly content staying local in Southern California with his family, hosting barbeques, going to the farmer’s market, and playing with his two young sons and English Bulldog, Gracie.
Pieter Ruig
Co-Founder
Having spent his formative years spanning three continents, it’s no surprise Pieter would cultivate a career that keeps him always on the move and discovering new places. As co-founder of C&R, he has managed PR campaigns for globally recognized luxury travel, golf, and resort real estate projects. He’s also launched and led projects in Tokyo, Florence, Shanghai, and throughout the U.S. and Mexico. Pieter’s expertise in international properties underscores a keen understanding of the global customer and an awareness of the often-subtle differences in individual media markets. He has also worked with some of the world’s most celebrated chefs, having launched and lead the award-winning PR efforts for Pebble Beach Food & Wine and spearheaded numerous James Beard dinners. A bonafide globetrotter, having been to 50+ countries and counting, Pieter is also perfectly content staying local in Southern California with his family, hosting barbeques, going to the farmer’s market, and playing with his two young sons and English Bulldog, Gracie.
Bruce Wallin
Chief Content Officer
As the longtime editorial director and resident travel expert for leading luxury lifestyle magazine Robb Report, Bruce has covered everything from adventure lodges in Patagonia to private islands in Fiji. Fun fact: He founded Trip magazine when he was in his 20s, and he currently hosts the popular CurtCo Media podcast Travel That Matters, for which he’s interviewed industry leaders from brands like One&Only, Six Senses, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, Virtuoso, and Abercrombie & Kent, as well as top chefs like Daniel Boulud, Curtis Stone, and Marcus Samuelsson. His passion for travel comes through in every print, digital, social, and video project he produces at C&R Content, where he and his stellar team of creatives are always excited to tell their clients’ stories—and have some new adventures along the way.
Meredith Strodel
Vice President
Meredith has tremendous experience representing branded and boutique projects from the mountains of Colorado to the shores of Mexico throughout her 14-year career, which began New York City and continued in Los Angeles. She now calls Denver home but refuses to answer the question, “beach or mountains?” Throughout her 9 years with C&R, she has led the charge in opening numerous hotels and working with long-standing, historic properties to maintain relevancy and increase awareness. Her background also includes five-star resorts and destination spas across the globe, as well as large commercial and private charter airlines. In her spare time, Meredith has ambitious goals to read 24 books a year, explore Colorado’s picturesque mountain towns, and—always—ski more days than last year.
Cayla Kondo
Vice President
Throughout her 10-year career, Cayla has cultivated a large network of real estate industry tastemakers and a strong understanding of the UHNWI audience while overseeing marketing, branding, and communications for private equity real estate companies. Working with a vertically integrated real estate corporation based in Beverly Hills with $1 billion of assets across the U.S., she led a full rebrand for the parent company and its seven subsidiaries. Cayla also spent 8 years at Caruso, supporting its retail, residential, hotel, and club growth. She was an integral part of the opening of flagship properties, such as The Masonic Temple, Palisades Village, Rosewood Miramar Beach, and Miramar Beach Club. In her spare time, Cayla enjoys food and wine (and martinis), and spending time outside hiking with her fiancé and their dog, Ernie.
Claire Marshall
Senior Account Supervisor
Born and raised in California, Claire's 10-year travel and real estate PR journey is represented across an extensive client portfolio of world-class brands and numerous independent boutique hotels. With a professional background and personal passion for design, she currently leads campaigns for many of the agency’s flagship hospitality clients, as well as leading developers and real estate projects. Specializing in properties across her home state, Hawaii, and Mexico, Claire’s leadership has resulted in award-winning campaigns for large-scale hotel openings and multi-million-dollar renovations. A graduate of California State University, she earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism with an emphasis in public relations. A proud dog mom, her pride and joy is her miniature dachshund, Arlo. Beyond indulging in LA’s diverse restaurant scene, Claire’s favorite pastimes include indoor rock climbing and exploring national parks with her fiancé.
Jamie Gnazzo
Senior Account Supervisor
After living up and down the East Coast, Jamie now calls Charleston home after graduating from the journalism school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (go Heels!). Jamie brings 8+ years of experience leading communication strategy, media relations and partnership development for clients ranging from luxury boutique hotels and destinations to independent restaurants and more. As the daughter of a pilot, a passion for exploring the world was instilled nearly from birth, with passport stamps from Southeast Asia, Europe and the Caribbean to prove it. Her favorite travel experience to date has been biking through the countryside of Vietnam, eating plenty of noodles and banh mis along the way. When she's not working or planning her next adventure abroad, Jamie enjoys playing tennis, hiking and learning to cook new recipes.
Macy Bales
Senior Account Supervisor
A native Texan and Ole Miss alumni, Macy brings nearly a decade of expertise in the luxury hospitality space. Her keen sense of story-telling and creative, revenue-driving ideas have landed successful campaigns for brands such as the Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, Montage International, Relais & Chateaux and more, as well as James Beard Award winning chefs and restaurants, destinations and CPGs. When she’s off the clock, her passion for hospitality translates into the kitchen where she spends her nights stirring up recipes Stanley Tucci-style alongside her undesignated taste-tester, aka her Pomeranian, Poppy. Macy has an affinity for the finer things in life—from wine tasting tours to beachfront basking—that dictates her bucket list both domestically and abroad.
Alix West
Account Supervisor
Based in Los Angeles for almost a decade, Alix comes from the world of fashion, working with high-end designers including Chanel and Tory Burch. Prior to graduating from USC (go Trojans!), she studied abroad at the London School of Economics, the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, and the American University of Paris – so it’s safe to say she loves traveling. In her spare time, you can find Alix hiking with her fiancée and dogs, Maverick and Goose, discovering the city’s finest matcha, or meeting up with family in Mexico for friendly-yet-competitive pickleball matches and barefoot golf outings. She proudly serves as C&R’s in-house wellness guru, constantly following (and participating) in all the latest health and wellness trends. Fun fact? She’s an identical twin, but contrary to popular belief, they cannot read each other's minds.
Emily Rutherford
Senior Account Executive
Born and raised in Chicago, Emily grew up exploring the city’s culinary scene and traveling the world, often visiting relatives in Southeast Asia, Europe, and across Canada. A dual Canadian citizen, she spent a year in London, Ontario studying film before graduating from DePaul University with a journalism degree. Launching her career in hospitality PR, Emily’s experience spans Michelin star restaurants, leading hotel brands, and boutique properties, including remote, luxury lodges in backcountry Alaska and the world’s top tourism destinations. On the weekends you’ll find her playing pickleball, walking along Lake Michigan with her dog, Harper, finding the best croissant in the Windy City, and planning her next trip. This summer, she’s ticking Paris off the long list!
Estelle Cottingham
Senior Account Executive
Estelle is passionate about three things: PR, traveling, and baseball. Born and raised in Texas, she graduated from Texas Christian University with a double major in journalism and strategic communications before she jump-starting her career in the Lone Star State, working with a number of local and national brands in hospitality, economic development, and real estate. A typical Gen-Z, she is a social media whiz and supports the agency and her clients with digital marketing efforts, including strategic social media planning and influencer integrations. Outside of work, try to keep up with Estelle as she and her dad travel the country with the goal of catching a game at every MLB ballpark (they’re up to 26 of 30!). Otherwise, she’s exploring national parks with her fiancé and cuddling her two pups, Ollie and Hansel.
Lily Taban
Senior Account Executive
With over a decade of PR and marketing experience, Los Angeles-native Lily is constantly tapped into the latest trends and always looking for ways to insert her clients into the cultural conversation. Lily previously spearheaded her own consulting company specializing in media relations, talent seeding, branding, communications strategy, and thought leadership. Having worked both in-house and on the agency side, Lily’s expertise spreads across the wellness, beauty, fashion, entertainment, non-profit, and tech space. A storyteller at heart, Lily’s tactful and intentional approach to pitching client news has resulted in countless top-tier media hits. Outside of work, Lily trains in Muay Thai, combines two of her interests at a weekly punk rock bowling league, checks out live music, and is learning Japanese in preparation for her third trip to Japan.
Sohpia Guggiana
Senior Account Executive
Born and raised in sunny Los Angeles, Sophia grew up surrounded by the city’s many iconic tourist destinations and world-class restaurants, which contributed to her affinity for hospitality… and Hollywood. A media communications graduate of California State University, Long Beach with an extensive PR background, Sophia brings both in-house and agency experience across several industries, including luxury beauty, fashion, wellness, entertainment, and lifestyle brands. Sophia’s favorite weekends are spent enjoying a matcha latte after spin class, reading the latest issue of Vogue beachside, creating Instagram-worthy charcuterie boards, and endlessly researching her next getaway, but good luck beating her trip to Bora Bora! Other favorite destinations topping her travel list? The Hamptons, Tahiti, Palm Desert, and France, because Paris is always a good idea.
Tesh Parris
Senior Account Executive
Passionate about fostering relationships between diverse audiences and impactful brands, Tesh brings a dynamic perspective to media relations with experience leading campaigns for clients across the hospitality, travel, and real estate industries. An expert on the Southeast, Tesh’s career has spanned major markets across the region and includes notable real estate entities The Beach Company, Kiawah River, LOWE Real Estate, and Nexton, as well as luxury hotel properties Zero George and The Loutrel. Tesh also has deep experience in culinary, facilitating successful restaurant opening campaigns and working with nationally acclaimed chefs in Charleston and beyond. In her spare time, you can find her on the yoga mat, trying a new recipe, or planning her next trip.
Skyler Baldwin
Senior Account Executive
A Southern California native and USC alumnus (Fight On!), Skyler has a strong PR background with a passion for securing top-tier coverage, ideating creative initiatives, and cultivating meaningful relationships with media and clients. Her experience includes working with industry-leading brands across culinary, hospitality, lifestyle, and wellness. Having grown up in a family of real estate developers and avid world travelers, she has traveled the globe from a young age, from studying in Australia to South African safaris and camping in Patagonia. When she’s not researching the latest fashion and design trends, you can find Skyler golfing in sunny Southern California, making margaritas in Mexico, hiking and skiing in the Tetons, and spending quality time with her family, friends, and new puppy.
Jamie Tamkin
Account Executive
Leveraging her background in luxury real estate marketing at one of the top agencies in Los Angeles combined with her passion for travel, Jamie is driven by the idea of inspiring others to connect with and explore the world. Her travels started from a young age and have taken her across the globe to more than 20 countries. Repeat passport stamps feature destinations like Mexico (Punta Mita, to be exact), Barcelona, and Italy. Despite her many experiences abroad, Miami will always hold a special place in her heart, as a graduate of the University of Miami. As C&R’s in-resident fashionista, Jamie uses fashion as an outlet, picking up on the latest trends and styles that ultimately reflect her fun-loving personality.
Sarah Stewart
Account Executive
Sarah is a California native and proud graduate of the University of Colorado, Boulder where she studied strategic communications and business. During a semester abroad in Paris, she spent her free time exploring the historic cities of Europe rich with culture and architecture, which inspired her to pursue a career in travel PR. She brings to the team a wealth of experience having worked with a variety of well-known brands in both the real estate and wellness industries. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with brokerages, agents, and property technology companies alike, executing successful communications strategies while developing strong relationships with top media. In her spare time, Sarah enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants, playing pickleball, and seeing live music.
Matt Sedgwick
Account Executive
A native Mississippian and Loyola Marymount graduate, Matt has always possessed a penchant for travel, culture, and storytelling. He applies his experience with social media management to strategize content that serves to inspire travelers and diners alike. A prominent foodie—who never turns down a fresh bowl of poke and serves as C&R’s self-appointed expert in Middle Eastern cuisine—he brings extensive knowledge of the restaurant industry and hungry eyes toward culinary trends. His favorite dish to prepare right now is a simple puttanesca. Outside of the office and kitchen, he likes to stay active by playing hockey, trying to stand up on a wave, and working on his golf swing. On Sundays in the fall, you can always find Matt cheering on his beloved New Orleans Saints. Next on his travel bucket list are Morocco, Ecuador, and Tanzania.
Bo Wood
Golf Media Specialist
Entrenched in the golf industry for more than a decade, Bo joined the C&R team after working alongside world golf hall of famers, facilitating media efforts for the celebrated sportsmen at premier events such as the Masters Tournament and The Open. He led communications efforts for golf events around the world, spanning South Africa, Japan, and the UAE. This experience, now used daily as C&R’s resident golf expert, helped establish deep rooted connections with key writers at top publications. He also is a contributor to Sports Illustrated and Carolinas Golf Magazine and is a member of the Golf Writers Association of America. An avid sports fan—especially of the South Carolina Gamecocks, Atlanta Braves, and Falcons—Bo enjoys traveling with his young family, but, surprisingly, not always to golf destinations.
Margaret Thomas
Lead Strategist/Media Specialist
Margaret is a seasoned public relations professional with more than 15 years of experience promoting luxury real estate developments, high-end hotels and resorts, and lifestyle brands to top writers and editors. Her work in real estate is expansive, having represented numerous destination clubs, private residences clubs, second home communities, resort branded real estate developments, and brokers of single-family homes. On the hotel side, she has worked with well-known brands such as Montage Hotels & Resort, Auberge Resorts, The Ritz-Carlton, and more.
Awards
The work we do on behalf of our clients reflects our highly personal, results-oriented and relationship-driven approach. We are honored to be recognized.
Inc. 5000
America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies, 2018 – 2020.
LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL
Top Public Relations Firm, 2014 – 2019
PRSA
Los Angeles Prism Award, 2023
Top Public Relations Firm, 2014 – 2019
HSMAI
Adrian Awards, 2023
PR Re-Launch campaign winner for two client campaigns
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