Matt Batt
National Media Relations Manager

Matt Batt brings more than 8 years of media relations experience – both on the corporate and agency sides of the business. At Tech Image, Matt is responsible for working directly with the national media to foster relationships and secure interviews and stories for all Tech Image clients. Prior to Tech Image, Matt served as vice president at Fishman Public Relations, a leading media relations agency in the franchise sector. While at Fishman PR, Matt’s responsibilities included account management, new business and strategic counsel for clients looking for national media relations. Matt has also gained significant technology experience working for U.S. Cellular and Focal Communications in various corporate public relations roles.

What is Your Favorite Success Story?
Over a two year period at Fishman PR, I was part of a team that helped grow the agency by more than 100 percent. My team’s efforts included a variety of new business contracts accompanied with a very high client retention rate. These efforts combine to help position Fishman PR as the leading media relations agency focusing on the franchise industry.

One specific success story was our account team’s efforts on behalf of Cartridge World, a worldwide leader in retail cartridge refilling services. In January 2003, Cartridge World began their expansion into North America and hired our account team to be their sole form of marketing during their launch efforts throughout the United States. Focusing the majority of our media efforts on building regional awareness of Cartridge World, our team secured over 50 regional and trade stories within the first year including the Miami Herald, Star Ledger and Boston Globe. The momentum quickly built and by the end of 2004, Cartridge World USA had over 200 locations sold and our media push turned into a great ‘David and Goliath’ story taking on the major manufacturers such as HP and Lexmark. We secured stories in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and on CBS MarketWatch.

What Are Your Hobbies and Interests?
I am a full-fledged Chicago (and Illini) sports fan. As a former ‘bleacher bum’ I spend most of my free time in the summer watching my Cubbies (win or lose). I’ve played competitive 12-inch softball for ‘Team Mullet’ over the past 6 years as their pitcher. I do play quite a bit of golf however my erratic game is not a witness to this passion.

Please note: All of the hobbies and interests listed above will soon be changing dramatically (I am expecting my first child – a boy! - on 4/7/05).

What is the Title of the Last Good Book You Read?
The Fall of Advertising and the Rise of PR by longtime marketing strategist Al Ries and his daughter/business partner Laura Ries.

Who Are Your Favorite Recording Artists?
I’m all over the place when it comes to listening to music. I’ve always been a favorite of the classics such as Sinatra and The Beatles, but I’d have to give my nod to Pearl Jam.

Why Are You a Good Fit at Tech Image?
I’m a good fit at Tech Image because my focus on the national media allows the other media relations professionals to focus on their continued placement success with the technology and trade media. My past media relations experience and ‘no fear’ mentality will open up several new doors for current and future Tech Image clients. Overall, I’m just excited to join such a cast of professionals who I can learn from and look up to in a variety of different capacities.