Power & passion
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ATHENA AWARD FINALIST
SHARON LINHART
ON TRACK AMID SEISMIC CHANGES IN MEDIA
Although Linhart Public Relations is one of the largest pubic relations firms in the Rocky Mountain Region, Managing Partner Sharon Linhart feels grateful on a daily basis for the business’ success.
Chosen as an Athena Award finalist this year by the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce, Linhart stresses that the success of her business is not solely due to her own efforts. She attributes the prosperity of her firm to “the three P’s,” which she deems people, passion and profit.
“We have a special culture that helps to attract and retain exceptionally talented people who share our values,” Linhart said.
Kelly Burke, a former worker on the public relations team, nominated Linhart for the award. Burke thinks of Linhart as an inspiration and was honored to have her as a mentor when she was the youngest in the office.
“Sharon’s been such a great role model to me and my career. She’s done such a great job running her business,” Burke said.
In addition to being inspired by other entrepreneurs, Linhart names her business partners Paul Raab, Carri Clemens and Kelly Janhumen as her role models.
“They put their faith in me and in each other and are willing to make sacrifices for the success of our firm,” she said.
Linhart also recognizes her husband, Jerry, and her parents as inspirations because they taught her the importance of determination, hard work and ethics.
“I’m truly blessed. No one could get to where I am on his or her own,” she said. “I couldn’t do what I do without the support of my husband. He’s solid and my biggest cheerleader.”
Linhart considers her 13-year-old firm to still be a teenager. Long-term clients include big names like Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Chipotle. Linhart is excited to have new clients Southwest Airlines and Colorado Technical University join their family. One of her aspirations is to see Linhart Public Relations become the No. 1 independent communications firm in the country.
Linhart says the 20-person company is having a good year so far and is on track to meet its projections following a strong first quarter. She’s “cautiously optimistic” about the future.
Even with the current economic environment, Linhart is optimistic; she finds the challenges of the recession almost motivational. She says it has helped the firm become more aggressive about pursuing their business, serving clients and keeping clients satisfied.
“Even in this economic environment, with our business know-how, we can help businesses grow and thrive,” Linhart said. “And that is very gratifying to me.”
Linhart loves the diversity of challenges faced in her field. She says the morphing media landscape keeps her on her feet and allows her to learn about new businesses and ideas.
“It is an incredibly dynamic time with the seismic changes in the media and in business, and it demands that I stay abreast of new technology and communication tactics to continue to provide the best service to our clients,” Linhart said.
Although she wasn’t born in Colorado, Linhart considers herself a native. She grew up in Greeley and loves the Colorado mountains. In her limited free time, she likes to exercise, walk, hike and play outdoors. She and her husband also enjoy traveling, entertaining in their home and raising koi, Japanese carp.
“It’s kind of an odd thing, but it’s really a lot of fun. Our home has an Asian flair to it, and we have water ponds with koi,” Linhart said. “Our home is a sanctuary for two crazy cats and a lot of koi.”
Passion for community involvement was also a key ingredient to the firm’s success, Linhart said. Her favorite organizations include Junior Achievement–Rocky Mountain Inc., the Denver Metro Chamber Foundation and the Colorado Forum.
Lindhart hopes to continue her community involvement and possibly take a greater leadership role in her profession.
Some advice she has for creating a successful business is to be brave, honest and hard-working. And it’s important to trust your instincts and employ the golden rule, she said.
“I know it’s not rocket science, but it’s important,” she said. “It’s also important to surround yourself with people who are smarter than you and learn from them.”
— Patricia Kaowthumrong
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