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C&R | Marketing Communications & PR Agency in LA
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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.

01.
Vision

In 2009, Spencer Castillo and Pieter Ruig co-founded C&R with the goal of creating a specialized type of PR firm–one that caters to leading clients in the hospitality, real estate and golf sectors. Reflecting both their passion and professionalism, they envisioned a forward-thinking agency that brings together fresh ideas with solid, results-driven strategies.

02.
Approach

Castillo and Ruig knew that success in today’s competitive media marketplace requires not only big-picture, strategic thinking, but also a highly personalized touch and keen business sense. Indeed, one of the cornerstones of the C&R approach is having strong senior leaders – including both principals – involved in every single account. As a boutique agency, C&R is able to provide individual attention to each client, working closely and collaboratively to establish tailor-made strategies that achieve clients’ unique goals.

03.
Results

Working with the industry’s best journalists and media, C&R secures targeted coverage that gets noticed and creates credibility. From new build-outs and sales to renovations and launches, C&R has secured over 10,000 high-quality media placements for its clients since its founding. Castillo and Ruig’s innovative solutions and 30-plus years of combined industry experience enable C&R to conceptualize and execute winning strategies emphasizing quality and creativity – and always with an eye on generating ROI.

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 different campaigns—from blue-chip brands to real estate and hospitality—before co-founding C&R in 2009.  Over his 14-plus years of experience, he has been instrumental in representing more than 50 real estate ventures throughout the U.S. and Mexico, contributing to more than $750 million in sales volume. He has also represented hospitality projects the globe over, and has the passport to prove it – having traveled all over Europe, Asia, South America and South Africa. When he’s not strategizing with clients or conceptualizing a new campaign, Spencer can be found spending time with his family, catching a live show or a Clippers game, or out on the golf course for a quick 9.

Pieter Ruig

Co-Founder

Having spent his formative years spanning three continents, it’s little surprise that Pieter would gravitate toward a career that keeps him always on the move and discovering new places. As co-founder of C&R, he has managed public relations 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. While Pieter is a bonafide globetrotter, having been to over 50 countries and counting, he’s perfectly content these days staying local in L.A. with his family – hosting barbeques, going to the Farmer’s Market on Larchmont, and walking their English Bulldog, Gracie.

Pieter Ruig

Co-Founder

Having spent his formative years spanning three continents, it’s little surprise that Pieter would gravitate toward a career that keeps him always on the move and discovering new places. As co-founder of C&R, he has managed public relations 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. While Pieter is a bonafide globetrotter, having been to over 50 countries and counting, he’s perfectly content these days staying local in L.A. with his family – hosting barbeques, going to the Farmer’s Market on Larchmont, and walking their English Bulldog, Gracie.  

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Bruce Wallin

Chief Content Officer

As the longtime editorial director and resident travel expert at Robb Report, Bruce has covered everything from adventure lodges in Patagonia to private islands in Fiji. His passion for travel (he also founded Trip magazine back in the 1990s) comes through in every print, digital, social, and video project he produces. With the launch of C&R Content, he hopes to bring that energy and expertise to C&R’s clients—and have some new adventures along the way.
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Ali Stanley Ostridge

Account Director

Ali discovered her passion for hospitality PR when she realized it encompassed everything she loved: destination travel, tackling new challenges and meeting really amazing people. In her director role at C&R, she splits her time between client services and growing the agency. When she’s not working, you’ll find her posted up at A.O.C. enjoying a French varietal – and likely planning her next trip.
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Meredith Strodel

Account Director

10-plus years of experience working with top-tier PR and media clients based everywhere from the Middle East to Europe and Mexico has found this Hunter College grad and former New Yorker at the top of her game. In her current role, Meredith leads strategic media campaigns for many of C&R’s hospitality clients. Oh, and did we mention she also runs an Instagram account dedicated to hammocks? Yep, check out @hammockliving.
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Kelsey Harrington

Account Supervisor

A San Diego native and longtime traveler, Kelsey excels at tapping into trends, driving conversations and sparking media interest in her clients. Career-wise, the former Loyola Marymount soccer star hit the ground running, building strong relationships with editors at top-tier publications from the get-go and even landing one client a coveted feature on the TODAY Show.
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Sara Swiger

Account Supervisor

A world traveler who spent some of her earliest years in Taiwan and has trekked across Eastern European countries solo, Sara knew a career in travel was in the cards for her. Now a media maverick who cultivates close relationships with the industry’s best editors, Sara loves scooping her contacts on an enviable resort and real estate roster, from properties in Scottsdale to Los Cabos.
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Chrissy Bruchey

Account Supervisor

A Maryland native, Chrissy brings not only her east coast flair to C&R, but adaptability, strategic thinking, and endless amounts of positivity. Having worked with various internationally recognized properties and brands, Chrissy loves exploring cultures and far flung destinations – Bali, anyone? Her expertise? Tackling client’s KPIs and building her personal portfolio of frame-worthy media placements. When not at work, you can find her cheering on the Dawgs or beach cruising through Venice.
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Ellie Barnes

Senior Account Executive

After graduating from Loyola Marymount, Ellie immediately landed a job in fashion PR, made her mark, then segued into hospitality – where she really hit her stride. Passionate about travel and experiencing new places, Ellie represents her hospitality clients at C&R with ingenuity and endless enthusiasm. Her favorite work perk? Travel, naturally.
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Claire Marshall

Senior Account Executive

An architecture aficionado well versed in journalism, PR and urban studies, Claire excels as an expert in all things media—from pitching to press releases to drafting client reports. A true people person who loves getting to know both her clients and those reporting on them, Claire relishes her role working on a number of the agency’s real estate accounts.
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Tatia Pacey

Account Executive

Growing up in hotels for most of her life, Tatia knows the ins and outs of the hospitality industry. Having lived in Singapore, Bali, Taipei, Manila, New Delhi, Seoul, and Los Angeles, she brings a unique global mindset to her role at C&R. Her expertise includes creative design and securing strategic partnerships, among others and when she is not in the office, she is on the look out for the next best coffee shop or at her favorite boxing studio, CruBox.
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Alexandra West

Account Coordinator

Alix comes from the world of fashion, working with high-end designers including Chanel and Tory Burch. Prior to graduating from USC (go Trojans!), Alix also studied abroad at the London School of Economics, University of St. Andrews in Scotland and the American University of Paris; so, it is safe to say travel is in her blood. Her can-do attitude, deadline-driven spirit and contagious smile makes her a C&R favorite of both media and clients.
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Annie Miller

Account Coordinator

Annie stepped into the hospitality PR world in 2015 interning at C&R, where she quickly found her passion for travel and gained an integral role on the team. As an Account Coordinator, Annie enthusiastically supports day-to-day media/ client relations, reporting and measurement for a range of notable luxury brands including Four Seasons, Montage and Banyan Tree.

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.

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Inc. 5000

Named one of America’s Fastest-growing Private Companies in 2018 and 2019

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PRSA LOS ANGELES PRISM AWARD

Client: Gary Player
Category: Sports Athlete
Submission: Gary Player Campaign A Global Business Icon at 78

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LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL TOP PUBLIC RELATIONS FIRMS

Category: Los Angeles Business Journal Top Public Relations Firms 2014 – 2019

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2018 HSMAI ADRIAN AWARDS WINNER – GOLD

Client: Four Seasons Hotel
Category: Urban Glamping at the Beverly Wilshire

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Los Angeles

2901 Ocean Park Boulevard, #217
Santa Monica, CA 90405
T. 310.729.3505

New York

135 Madison Avenue, 8th floor
New York, NY 10016
T. 310.415.5730

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©2020 C&R COMMUNICATIONS
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