EdCircuit Staff 
Charlotte Andrist 
Los Angeles, CA – June 19, 2024 – Leading U.S.–headquartered marketing agency Hawke Media today announced the acquisition of renowned full-service agency PRP Group, specializing in education sector public relations, marketing intelligence, and strategic communications. The deal promises to strengthen both parties’ capabilities, ensuring elevated services and innovative solutions for clients from pre-K through workforce development
Founded by Jacob Hanson in 2012, PRP Group has a rich history rooted in educational industry knowledge and expertise. Initially focusing on Pre-K-12 education, the Midwestern firm has expanded over the last five years to include the higher education, workforce development, and home education sectors. With more than 20 years of experience, Hanson rebranded PRP Group (formerly PR with Panache!) in early 2022, with the vision of building a company centered on powerful storytelling and authentic relationships with a deep understanding of how to earn the trust of and influence education buyers.
“It’s truly a significant moment for Hawke Media as we venture into providing PR services for the first time ever,” said Erik Huberman, CEO and Founder, Hawke Media. “Jacob’s vision and the firm’s innovative approach to public relations align perfectly with our values and objectives. We are excited to support PRP Group’s continued growth and success within the Hawke Media framework.”
PRP Group’s comprehensive services include PR strategy and content, crisis communications, media relations and media coaching, all tailored to help clients navigate the unique complexities of the industry. Their “Anonymous Edvisors” platform provides invaluable insights from active administrators, helping education companies refine their products and messaging. PRP aims to help educators and administrators understand the education industry’s complexities, including its unique buying cycles and funding sources.
“Education is a choice, and every day, we commit to making a difference in the education industry, regardless of the scale,” said Jacob Hanson, Founder, PRP Group. “When Hawke approached us, it was an easy decision. Our shared vision for the future of marketing and PR in education has made it feel like we have always been part of the family. It will be exciting to leverage our combined PR and marketing resources as the only full-service PR and marketing agency specializing in education.”
PRP’s emphasis on mental health, work-life balance and a supportive work culture positioned it as an ideal candidate for acquisition. Hanson’s personal connections with Hawke’s leadership ensured a smooth and respectful integration of PRP’s mission and client relationships. The newly acquired agency’s existing staff of 12 will be retained, and its core values and commitment to clients will remain unchanged.
Among PRP Group’s key benefits from the acquisition is the opportunity to magnify its capabilities and resources, reaffirming PRP’s commitment to the education sector and its mission to support educators and administrators. As a certified gold HubSpot partner, the firm has amassed prodigious client growth including Gale, part of Cengage Group; Teaching Channel; MIND Education; and iteach.
Hawke Media has significantly expanded its reach and capabilities through strategic acquisitions, achieving a valuation exceeding $150 million. The company’s impressive client roster includes internationally acclaimed brands like Barstool Sports, Otis College of Art and Design, Crocs and The Getty.
About Hawke Media
Hawke Media is one of the country’s most rapidly expanding marketing agencies dedicated to delivering bespoke, data-driven, and performance-centric solutions to help launch, scale, and revitalize businesses. Its success can be attributed to its commitment to creating customized strategies that align perfectly with the unique needs of each client.
Hawke Media firmly believes that every contemporary business necessitates a Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)-caliber professional to spearhead its marketing initiatives. The company has facilitated the growth of over 4,755 brands through individually tailored strategies to suit businesses of all sizes, sectors, and revenue models.
With a decade of experience, Hawke Media founded by Erik Huberman, distinguishes itself in the digital landscape. By harnessing the power of its proprietary AI-driven system, HawkeAI, the company effectively solidifies its reputation as both unique and forward-thinking. For more information, visit www.hawkemedia.com.
About PRP Group
PRP Group is a premier public relations, marketing intelligence, and strategic communications firm that has been serving the pre-K–12 and higher education markets for over 20 years. A multi-year winner of the EdTech Digest EdTech Leadership Awards and the Edvocate Awards Best EdTech PR Firm, we specialize exclusively in education and have partnered with hundreds of companies, organizations, and nonprofits—from the biggest names in the market to high-growth startups—to craft compelling stories for their specific education audiences. PRP Group offers a variety of media relations and communications services for regional, national, and education media; crisis communications planning and management; and marketing intelligence. Everything we do is built around powerful, influential storytelling, authentic relationships, and a deep understanding of how to influence education buyers. Learn more at PRP.group
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