What does it take for an agency to become the best PR firm for public companies? Earning such a title requires not only a deep dedication to understanding clients’ needs but also a steady stream of accolades from industry-leading organizations showcasing an innovative approach to obtaining media coverage.
Otter PR has recently demonstrated its dominance in the corporate communication industry by securing a spot on the Inc. 5000 list for the second consecutive year. This prestigious honor vaults the professional services company into the top tier of leading global PR agencies.
How did this scrappy communications agency headquartered in Florida and founded in 2019 become one of the top public relations agencies so quickly? According to Scott Bartnick, Co-founder and CEO of the company, the secrets to Otter PR’s success reside in its unique combination of cutting-edge know-how, excellent connections, and strategic PR finesse.
“We’re growing fast because we specialize in innovation and help companies build a positive public profile quickly,” Bartnick says. “We don’t follow the trends in PR — we are the trend setters. That’s why we’ve taken our place among the top PR firms in such a short period of time.”
Two for two: Otter PR earns Inc. 5000 firm rankings in 2024 and 2025
The Inc. 5000 is a prestigious list of companies in the US with the fastest growth. The editorial board of Inc., a top-tier publication for entrepreneurs and business leaders, has strict criteria and a rigorous process, making it challenging for many companies to even be eligible for consideration. The organization hosts both a national list and a regional competition, and Otter PR has earned slots on both for two years in a row.
In 2025, Otter PR achieved a three-year growth rate of 122 percent, an impressive figure that has earned the company a spot on the Inc. 5000 national list, positioning the firm among the nation’s 5,000 fastest-growing companies — the elite of the elite. The public relations firm’s growth also helped it claim a place on the list for the Southeast region.
In 2024, Otter PR had grown 638 percent in the span of only three years. This meteoric rise landed the strategic communications and digital marketing agency on both the Inc. 5000 national list and regional list for the first time.
“Our incredible growth has been a testament to how quickly we’ve earned our clients’ trust and that of the media,” Bartnick says. “We constantly redefine B2B public relations to meet today’s companies and consumers where they are today, and I mean now — not where they might have been even last year at this time.”
Understanding PR agencies: A different kind of public relations firm
Otter PR differentiates itself from traditional marketing, communications, and public relations firms in several ways.
“Conventional agencies require a retainer fee up front and have you sign a contract with no sunset clause nor exit strategy,” Bartnick explains. “We, on the other hand, understand that clients’ businesses often have limited-term projects that don’t require an indefinite commitment, such as product launches, and offer contracts of appropriate lengths.”
Indeed, a 2025 study published in the International Journal of Research in Marketing has shown that product launches are a critical time for businesses to conduct PR efforts. These campaigns build trust, which is why they are more effective in the run-up to a new product’s release than advertising, which becomes more helpful later.
Another important differentiator is that Otter PR guarantees media coverage for clients’ brands.
“A lot of people wonder how we can guarantee something as hard to get as media coverage,” Bartnick says. “The truth is that we’re just that good. We pride ourselves on being a results-driven operation.”
The best PR firm for public companies
Effective public relations today means doing thorough market research into target audiences and understanding how they actually behave.
“Our firm specializes in search engine optimization (SEO) and digital PR solutions that align with the methods people use today to seek information,” Bartnick says. “We excel at brand positioning, reaching just the right target audiences and stakeholders.”
Bartnick also credits the agency’s rise to his top-notch team of motivated and energetic PR professionals. “We’re one of the best agencies because we’ve got the best people,” he says. “They not only generate great PR insights, but also have a genius for storytelling and the ability to communicate key messages with authenticity. Moreover, this industry is all about relationships: not only relationships between us and our clients, but also relationships between public affairs professionals and members of the media, including influencers.”
The right PR professional services, marketing, and communications for brands
Bartnick’s communications company offers a full-service PR shop. Its comprehensive range of services in marketing and communications includes reputation management, financial communications, crisis communications, crisis management, investor relations, social media management, content creation, influencer marketing, and more. The communications consultancy also collaborates with brands in a wide variety of sectors.
“We work with companies and consumer brands of all kinds,” Bartnick says. “Many of our clients are technology companies or advisory firms in industries like financial services or real estate. In addition, we work with a lot of mission-driven organizations, including nonprofits and law firms, and people who would like to draw more attention to their thought leadership or consumer goods.”
In each case, the agency’s top-tier PR professionals routinely develop a customized, creative, and strategic plan designed to achieve the client’s specific business goals. They also provide data and analytics so that clients can see the measurable results for themselves over time.
“We’re all about using data-driven insights,” Bartnick says. “As we do more and more publicity on your behalf, you can watch the size of your audience grow.”
Elevate your brand with strategic communications from the best PR firm
Contracting with the right PR agency can make or break a business. If your organization could benefit from the public relations expertise of one of the top PR agencies, then Otter PR’s media relations and marketing managers can help you achieve your goals.
Rely on Otter PR’s deep expertise and gain public trust. Take the first step and book a free consultation call. Don’t second-guess yourself — reach out today!
