Public Relations Reimagined with Pitchcraft: A Deep Dive with Founders Kelsey and Derrick Ogletree The PR Maven Podcast

In this episode of The PR Maven® Podcast, host Nancy Marshall welcome Kelsey and Derrick Ogletree, founders of Pitchcraft, a people-focused PR platform that aims to restore integrity and accountability in the media industry. Founded in 2021 and based in Florence, Alabama, Pitchcraft distinguishes itself by integrating a journalist's perspective into PR strategies, emphasizing relationship building among PR professionals, writers and editors. The platform offers membership to PR professionals, providing resources, content and community support to foster better connections and earned media placements. The founders discuss their journey from conceiving Pitchcraft during the pandemic to moving from Chicago to rural Alabama and the challenges they faced. They also highlight Pitchcraft's unique approach to PR, including focusing on lifestyle sectors, offering flexible payments and fostering a supportive community. Additionally, they share useful tips for crafting effective pitches and stress the importance of developing genuine relationships with media professionals. The episode concludes with a special offer for PR Maven podcast listeners and insights into the future of PR and media relations. 

00:00 Introduction to The PR Maven® Podcast 

02:07 Meet the Founders of Pitchcraft: Kelsey and Derrick Ogletree 

03:30 The Origins and Mission of Pitchcraft 

04:50 Pitchcraft's Unique Approach to PR and Media 

09:04 The Evolution of Pitchcraft: From Pandemic Idea to PR Platform 

12:43 The Future of PR 

15:50 Building Relationships in PR 

24:25 Crafting the Perfect Pitch: Tips and Strategies (continued at 34:15) 

29:10 What Defines Newsworthiness  

31:03 Walking The Line Between Being Helpful and Annoying With Journalists 

37:00 Closing Thoughts and How to Connect with Pitchcraft 

 

Get $200 off your first month of Pitchcraft using the code PRMAVEN.  

Free download about the top ways to build relationships with journalists.  
https://youtu.be/_TjcEBpNuIU
 

Related Episodes 

Episode 135: How To Borrow Credibility and Build Relationships, With Beth Nydick, Publicity Strategist at Beth Nydick Media 

Episode 230: How To Infuse Storytelling Into Your Brand, With Mads Hanna, Founder of Curated Compass 

Episode 130: How Small Businesses Can Earn Media Coverage, With Sabina Hitchen, Founder of Press for Success  

 
About Kelsey and Derrick  
Pitchcraft was co-founded in 2021 by husband-and-wife team Derrick and Kelsey Ogletree, who live in Florence, Alabama, with their 1-year-old son Asher. Having grown up in small towns and with strong family values, they’re passionate about bringing people together in meaningful, authentic ways. Through Pitchcraft, they aim to help restore integrity and accountability to the media industry through putting people first. 

Kelsey, CEO of Pitchcraft, is a Medill-trained independent journalist whose work has appeared in many print and digital outlets including The Wall Street Journal, Travel + Leisure, AARP The Magazine and others. Derrick, COO of Pitchcraft, is a graduate of the University of Alabama who previously spent over a decade in corporate finance. 

 

This episode is sponsored by: 

Pitchcraft - pitchcraft.media