FORT SMITH, Ark. Pryor Marketing & Communications Inc., a provider of strategic and creative marketing services, is celebrating its 25th year in business. The company was founded by Birnie Pryor, an automotive aftermarket industry veteran, who achieved many accomplishments and accolades over a 48-year career, serving the industry until his passing in November 2009.
After 27 years in warehouse distribution with the former Mid-America Industries in Fort Smith, Ark., Birnie rose to the position of vice president sales and marketing and was a key figure in the development and implementation of the Green Light Auto Parts marketing program. He started Pryor Marketing on Aug. 1, 1988. Having formed a solid reputation for marketing skills, as well as many close industry contacts and friends, Birnie set out to put his skills to the test as a marketing consultant to the aftermarket industry and began to generate clients right out of the gate. Birnie’s son Jeff Pryor soon joined the company in June of 1989 and today serves as the company’s president. The company services clients throughout the United States and Canada.
“We started by providing basic core marketing services such as strategic planning, marketing research, field services and media planning," said Jeff Pryor. "Soon, we branched into providing creative and production services primarily as a facilitator to our clients based on the recommendations we would make in the planning process. We’ve invested and expanded on these services over the years by hiring and utilizing highly trained and skilled graphic designers to assist our clients with their graphic needs in the areas of packaging, catalogs, product brochures, trade advertising, promotions collateral Web services and printing.
“It’s disappointing my father is not here to be part of this silver anniversary year of the company he started. His hard work and dedication to our customers clearly paved the way for the company’s longevity and success. He taught me many valuable business lessons along the way that we continue to apply and execute each day," Pryor stated.
The company has been in the same location on historic Garrison Ave. in Fort Smith, Ark., since day one. “We own and operate two buildings, which adequately serve our internal needs, as well as providing the required capacity for our client’s projects," he added. "We are also able to provide professional fulfillment, storage and shipping services utilizing our space.”
In addition to serving the automotive aftermarket, the company represents clients in a range of industries such as trucking and fleet parts, oil and gas, medical, furniture, agriculture and various non-profit organizations. To learn more about Pryor Marketing, visit www.PryorMarketing.com.