Edelman The Pioneer

It is impossible to tell the story of Public Relation in Chicago without exploring the story of Dan Edelman.  Edelman has paved the way for Public Relation firms in Chicago and through out the world.  His son truthfully described him as, -“indomitable, ever modest, always resilient, ready for the next challenge.”  Dan believed Public relations was the highest form of communications and spent his life giving the best client service he could.  He succeeded in turning Edelman into one of the most successful PR agency in the world and ‘helped pioneer the PR industry on his terms.’

With all of the success Dan found in life and public relations, he remained modest in remembering his humble beginnings.  His parents were Jewish immigrants who worked hard to fight and strive through the great depression.  He returned home from the First World War at started his professional career in Journalism.  Dan didn’t stay in journalism long yet kept his passion for news and knowledge making the rest Public Relations history.  

Dan Edelman strived to find the ‘big picture’ and made a lasting impression even at his first PR job.  He pioneered industry ‘buzz’ and found tactics to target the American housewife for the Toni Company.  He revolutionized the media tour with his ‘Toni Twins’ and found the importance of media coverage and crisis communication.  When others thought it couldn’t be done; Dan created PR tactics that helped increase sales of Toni’s home permanents.

Through out his immense success Dan always found time to mentor and teach young PR professionals.  He gave audiences honest and simple advice that was insightful and inspiring.  “Be creative. Strive for the big idea.  Be realistic, but dare to be different.”  He encouraged education and knowledge, even late in his life, he was still learning and always asking questions.  Dan found a unique connection with the people he met and enjoyed teaching and talking to young people interested in PR.  Dan was not handed his career and he wasn’t just lucky in his success, Dan Edelman found his achievements through hard work. “Work hard. There is no such thing as a shortcut.”