Paul McCormick is the kind of guy who will surprise you.
The owner and namesake of The McCormick Agency, one of Jacksonville’s oldest public relations firms, he comes off as a mild-mannered, easygoing kind of guy. To a degree that’s not entirely off base. But there is so much more under the surface. A long-time political and P.R. mastermind in Jacksonville, McCormick juggles a hectic schedule of corporate client relations and strategic planning with courting new clients.
“I spend a lot of time out of the office, easily 70 percent of any given day,” McCormick said. “I use that time to develop and share ideas, build relationships with our clients. It’s fast paced, but I love it.”
McCormick’s office is situated on the first floor of an old converted home in Riverside, about a block away from St. Vincent’s Hospital.
“We moved in about a year ago after years of preparing,” he said. “We love it here.”
The look of the office is decidedly relaxed, from the shamrock welcome mat on the way in, to the earthy, outdoor decor inside.
“I guess a walking tour through here gives you a good idea of what my interests are,” he said of the two-story digs. “I’d imagine when I’m gone, it’s going to change dramatically.”
That won’t happen any time soon, but McCormick said in few years he plans to turn the agency over to his staff and devote his energies to other ventures.
“I have to give them the credit they deserve,” he said.
“It’s going to be in very capable hands.”