by Mike Sharkey
Staff Writer
When the Dalton Agency began scouring the I-4 corridor for a second office, Orlando and the Tampa/St. Petersburg area were both taken into consideration. Eventually, the decision centered on who would oversee the office and why.
Tampa/St. Pete was chosen because account supervisor Allison Garrett is familiar with the area, already has contacts and was more than willing to go.
“I’m thrilled to see the business grow and this is a great opportunity,” said Garrett, whose husband is from the area. “I am very excited to be a part of the growth.”
Garrett joined the Dalton Agency two years ago and was previously the media specialist for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute in St. Petersburg. She has also been a reporter for network affiliates across the country.
Michael Munz, partner and executive vice president for public relations for the Dalton Agency, said Garrett and Tampa were a logical combination.
“We have looked at expanding our operations more regionally and to have a team leader such as Allison willing to open the first regional office was a natural opportunity for both of us,” said Munz, adding that Garrett’s husband is from the area and was looking to move back.
Garrett currently manages regional and national accounts such as McDonald’s (which has a regional headquarters in the Tampa/St. Pete area), Wal-Mart, Shands Jacksonville, BAE Systems and several others. In her new role, Garrett will continue to oversee those accounts as well as develop business in the southwest area of the state. She said the Tampa/St. Pete area presents a good opportunity to grow the firm’s nationwide real estate and development clientele as well as add retail and other customers.
“I have always been into health care,” she said. “Everyone is up for grabs.”
Garrett said the agency has grown from 50 to 70 employees in the two years she’s been there and she can easily see that kind of growth potential for the new office. While she’ll have an assistant if needed, Garrett does see a 15-20 person office within the next five years.
“The sky’s the limit,” said Garrett. “Hopefully in the next five years we’ll have a pretty good shop down here.”
Munz said the agency is already considering other areas for potential expansion.
“We looked at the whole I-4 corridor and we also looked at areas in Southeast Florida,” said Munz, who insists he’ll stay in Jacksonville. “No, no, no. I stay here.”