As we celebrate our agency’s 60th anniversary, we’re also celebrating the bravery it takes to pursue passion in integrated communications. Over the years, Franco has cultivated an environment where team members are empowered to expand their skills, honor their values, take on new challenges and discover their true potential.
Our latest alumni spotlight shines on DTE Energy/DTE Foundation Communications Strategist Joelle Kruczek. In Joelle’s nearly three-year journey at Franco, she supported and led a variety of B2C and hospitality accounts like Buddy’s Pizza, Comerica Bank, Cloud Cannabis, Pope Francis Center, Volunteers of America and GMRENCEN. In that time, she was encouraged to take risks beyond her comfort zone and explore what she’s most passionate about.
Joelle attributes gaining career confidence to the encouragement she received at Franco. That same confidence ultimately motivated her to pursue her role at DTE where she now leads media outreach, PR strategy and communications for the DTE Energy Foundation, Beacon Park and DTE’s Corporate Citizenship department.
Read and learn more about Joelle’s Franco journey!
What is your favorite memory from your time at Franco?
The first annual Detroit-Style Pizza Day for Buddy’s. The Buddy’s team at Franco pitched the idea to the client, secured the national holiday, secured national coverage and received a shout-out from Gov. Whitmer.
What about your experience at Franco makes you more effective in your current role?
I learned from the top leaders at Franco, who are really a guiding force in Detroit’s industry. Because of the leadership style, they guided me instead of taking over, which allowed me to grow into the professional I am today. My work was never pigeonholed into one skill like media relations. I was able to develop my skillset as an integrated communications professional, and that set me up for success and gave me the knowledge I will use for the rest of my professional career.
What did you enjoy most about working at Franco?
The chance to learn from leadership, the push to develop myself professionally and the kindness and relationships with the whole team.
What do you feel makes Franco stand out from other agencies?
The opportunities. Franco instills a unique work ethic and skillset within each employee and empowers them to step out of their comfort zone in new ways. When I took on an account leader role at Franco, I wasn’t confident in myself. However, the leadership knew I was capable, and never failed to tell me, and that made me successful.
Describe your biggest learning moment while working at Franco.
There were so many learning moments – too many to count. My biggest learning opportunities were based on leadership’s confidence in me to manage media with multiple clients, manage press conferences and provide strategy to executive leadership clients. Every single day I learned something new and my professional development excelled because of the confidence my leaders had in me. I truly credit where I am today to Franco.
Are you interested in becoming part of Franco’s legacy? Learn more, submit your resume and apply to join our team!