I had the opportunity to engage in a conversation with Brian Scott Gross, the President of BSG PR, who boasts over 26 years of experience in the realm of media and public relations. Our discussion delved into his journey into this field and his personal interests beyond the professional sphere.
AA: I would love to learn more about you! Please share your background with me and tell me where you're from. I'm interested in hearing about your upbringing, cultural heritage, and significant life experiences that have shaped who you are today.
BSG: I am born and raised in Southern California; born in Hollywood, raised in Ventura County and I’ve spent my adult living in the San Fernando Valley. At 17 I became an intern in the public relations department at Def American Recordings and from there I learned that this was going to be my career choice.
AA: I am interested in learning about your journey into the public relations field and the founding of your public relations company. Could you also provide an overview of the services offered at BSG PR and share some specific examples of how your work has impacted your clients' growth in their fields?
BSG: I started my company, BSG PR, in January 2001 with three clients. Over 24 years later I’ve had over 450 clients spanning a wide variety of companies, events, people and more. I handle everything that entails media and public relations.
AA: Before starting your firm, BSG PR, you worked at Def American Recordings. What were your specific responsibilities at that organization, and how did that experience contribute to your ability to manage a firm successfully for such an extended period?
BSG: I was an intern at Def American recordings when I was a senior in high school and after I graduated. I helped everyone in the department as far as their needs on a daily basis.
AA: What excites you about the public relations industry?
BSG: I love the fact that every day is completely different from the other in regard to public relations. Two days are never the same. Every day brings new challenges.
AA: Can you provide a glimpse into your daily work routine at your firm?
BSG: My daily routine is like what I’m doing right now - answering questions. helping clients, pitching clients to media, sending press releases out to media and helping media with their needs as well (like this interview).
AA: n your 23 years in the public relations, how have you retained the clients you assist and cultivated lasting connections?
BSG: Cultivation of relationship starts with trust and ends with making sure everyone is taken care of in some sort of capacity, as far as what is needed by me to accomplish the goals of those I work with.
AA: Tell me about a public relations campaign you've led that was successful.
BSG: I worked with Sasha Grey when she starred in The Girlfriend Experience and Entourage. That was a multi-year media campaign.
AA: What is one thing you wish you had known when you began your career?
BSG: I guess if you had told me this was going to be the rest of my life, it would’ve been pleasant surprise. Certainly, I had no idea when I began this road trip in life, I would be on it for the rest of my life.
AA: Explain how you would go about creating an effective press release.
BSG: An effective press release is full of quality information that the media can use.
AA: What is a common myth about your industry?
BSG: There’s a common myth of publicity that anyone can do. It is fairly true, but you certainly need to put in the 10,000 hours and the daily grind to really get a hold of this profession.
AA: What aspects of your work do you find enjoyable, and what aspects do you find less enjoyable?
BSG: Every aspect of what I do is enjoyable, whether it’s incredibly challenging or simple.
AA: What has been the proudest moment of your career thus far?
BSG: My proudest moment is still doing this after 31 years. I’ve certainly had incredible moments in my career.
AA: When it comes to movies, what are some of your all-time favorites? What is it about these particular movies that resonate with you? Is it the storytelling, the characters, the cinematography, or something else?
BSG: I certainly love the original Star Wars movies from my childhood. Characters like Luke Skywalker and Yoda have always resonated in my own life.
AA: As for TV shows, which ones do you find yourself eagerly tuning in to? What about these shows captivates you—could it be the plot twists, character development, or the overall production quality?
BSG: The greatest TV show is The Sopranos, and it starts and ends with that.
AA: Regarding books, which ones are at the top of your list? What makes these books stand out to you? Is it the writing style, the themes, or the emotions they evoke?
BSG: I grew up reading Ray Bradberry and over the years, I’ve certainly read many of John Krakauer’s books.
AA: What bands or artists do you love listening to? I would also love to know about your favorite concert experience!
BSG: I’ve been to over 900 concerts in my life so as you could see with that number alone many have been absolutely incredible experiences. Too many bands I love to list!
AA: Tell me about the three people that have impacted your life positively or negatively.
BSG: My mentors who ran publicity departments at the record labels I worked at are people that have incredible positive influence in my life, and I have always appreciated the time that they gave me and the education that they instilled in me. Some are still here, unfortunately some have left us.
AA: What was your biggest failure in the past and what was the lesson that you learned from it?
BSG: I don’t feel that I’ve had massive failures. Anything close would’ve given me a better education as to not make the same mistake twice.
AA: What would you say if you had the world's attention for five minutes?
BSG: Listen.
AA: Thank you very much, Brian Scott Gross, for sharing about your interests and the work you are involved in.
President of BSGPR, Brian Scott Gross
If you wish to stay informed about Brian Scott Gross, you may connect with him through the following channels:
Twitter: https://x.com/bsgpr
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bsgpr/
For those interested in potential collaborations, detailed information about his public relations agency can be found at the following link: https://bsgpr.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY3S29xAXPy3mzr8LEAJBBEpNCs_1gsYsdtzVooKtSsmdMHB7kAFWk-Xjk_aem_uI10QZpJi3Gfv1UqksNY7w
*** All photos by Brian Scott Gross, unless otherwise noted **
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