Strategic Chicago Public Relations Agency

Build a stronger, more credible voice with Gateway Group, a strategic partner for Chicago companies navigating competitive business, media, and capital-markets conversations. Our public relations programs connect clear corporate narratives with targeted media outreach, executive visibility, and digital communications. From major announcements to ongoing reputation building, we help leadership teams communicate with purpose and reach the stakeholders who matter most.

Public relations team planning a media strategy

Our Public Relations Services

Integrated communications support designed to strengthen visibility, credibility, and stakeholder engagement across important business moments.

Corporate Communications

Develop clear, consistent corporate messaging that supports company milestones, protects credibility, and aligns communications for media, investors, employees, and other important stakeholders.

Media Relations

Identify newsworthy angles, create compelling press materials, and manage targeted outreach to business, trade, and financial journalists who matter to your story.

Financial Media Relations

Connect financial narratives with relevant media opportunities through thoughtful positioning, announcement planning, and outreach that complements broader investor communications objectives.

B2B Public Relations

Build awareness with customers, partners, industry audiences, and decision-makers through focused messaging and media programs tailored to complex business-to-business markets.

Executive Thought Leadership

Position executives as credible voices through strategic commentary, contributed content, speaking opportunities, and narratives grounded in their business expertise and perspective.

LinkedIn Communications

Strengthen executive and corporate LinkedIn presence with purposeful content that extends key messages, supports thought leadership, and engages professional stakeholder audiences.

Integrated PR Strategy

Turn Business Milestones Into Meaningful Visibility

Gateway Group combines public relations expertise with financial and corporate communications insight to help companies tell stories that stand up to scrutiny. For Chicago businesses competing for attention across business, trade, and financial media, we develop focused narratives and practical outreach plans. Our team works closely with leadership to make announcements, perspectives, and milestones more consistent, credible, and useful to the audiences shaping your reputation.

Advisor and executive reviewing a communications strategy
Strategic Results Delivered

Client Success Stories

See how thoughtful communications support helps organizations strengthen visibility, credibility, and stakeholder connections.

"The Gateway team has been such a pleasure to work with these past years, I truly thank you for helping VirTra. Through the weekends and at any time, day or night! You are consummate professionals and tops in your craft!"

Bob Ferris

"In a short period of time, their team has become an invaluable asset, representing a seamless extension of our investor relations organization. As a tenured IRO with decades of experience interacting with the investment community, I feel uniquely qualified to share my perspective on the strategic partnership we have with..."

Andy Regrut
The Gateway Difference

Why Choose Gateway Group?

Senior-led counsel and integrated communications support for consequential business moments.

Deep Experience

More than 25 years of financial communications experience informs every strategic recommendation and execution decision.

Senior-Led

Experienced advisors work directly with leadership teams as a responsive extension of their organization.

Integrated Perspective

PR, investor relations, digital, and transaction communications align around one clear corporate narrative.

Market Fluency

We understand the investor, business, and media audiences influencing Chicago companies' visibility and credibility.

Meet the Gateway Team

Experienced advisors for high-stakes communications and corporate visibility.

Portrait of J. Scott Liolios, Founding Member of Gateway Group

J. Scott Liolios

J. Scott Liolios is a founding member of Gateway Group, bringing over 25 years of strategic financial communications expertise to the firm. As a senior leader, Scott has been instrumental in building Gateway's reputation as a trusted partner for growth companies and public issuers navigating complex capital markets environments. His deep understanding of investor relations and public relations has helped shape strategic narratives for more than 500 client engagements. Scott specializes in advising companies through critical milestones including IPOs, transactions, and stakeholder communications. His commitment to integrity and entrepreneurship reflects Gateway's core values, and he takes pride in operating as a seamless extension of client leadership teams.

Portrait of Matt Glover, Senior Strategic Communications Advisor

Matt Glover

Matt Glover is a senior strategic communications advisor at Gateway Group with extensive experience serving small- and mid-cap public companies. Throughout his tenure at the Newport Beach-based firm, Matt has developed expertise in crafting compelling equity stories and building credible market narratives that resonate with investors, analysts, and media stakeholders. His work spans multiple industry sectors including technology, healthcare, and financial services. Matt's approach emphasizes deep business understanding and senior-led client service, ensuring companies receive tailored guidance for investor relations and corporate communications challenges. He is known for his ability to translate complex business models into clear, investable narratives that unlock brand value and improve stakeholder engagement.

Portrait of Cody Slach, Strategic Communications Professional

Cody Slach

Cody Slach is a strategic communications professional at Gateway Group specializing in investor relations and capital markets advisory. With a focus on emerging growth companies and businesses preparing for public market entry, Cody provides counsel on equity story development, stakeholder engagement, and IPO readiness. His expertise includes supporting companies through high-stakes transactions and ongoing public company communications. Cody's methodical approach and understanding of institutional investor perspectives help clients build credibility and visibility in competitive markets. He works collaboratively with management teams to ensure consistent, effective messaging across all stakeholder audiences. Cody's commitment to client success reflects Gateway's mission of providing superior consulting while maintaining the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.

Portrait of Tom Colton, Financial Communications Advisor

Tom Colton

Tom Colton is an experienced financial communications advisor at Gateway Group, working with public and private companies across diverse industry sectors. His expertise includes investor relations strategy, corporate messaging, and stakeholder communications for companies at various stages of development. Tom specializes in helping clients navigate capital markets dynamics and build long-term relationships with the investment community. His approach combines deep business analysis with practical communications execution, ensuring clients receive actionable guidance that drives measurable results. Tom has supported numerous client engagements involving transaction communications, earnings releases, and investor targeting. His collaborative style and commitment to understanding each client's unique challenges make him a trusted partner for management teams seeking to raise their equity profile and unlock brand value.

Portrait of Ralf Esper, International Financial Communications Specialist

Ralf Esper

Ralf Esper brings international financial communications experience to Gateway Group, specializing in cross-border investor relations and global stakeholder engagement. His expertise includes advising international clients entering U.S. capital markets and helping domestic companies expand their global investor reach. Ralf has worked with clients across technology, cleantech, and industrial sectors, providing strategic counsel on equity story development and market positioning. His multilingual capabilities and understanding of international business practices enable him to bridge cultural and regulatory complexities. Ralf's approach emphasizes building credible narratives that resonate across diverse geographic markets. He takes pride in helping clients achieve greater visibility and engagement with institutional investors worldwide, contributing to Gateway's track record of serving more than 50 international clients.

Portrait of Zach Kadletz, Managing Director of Public Relations

Zach Kadletz

Managing Director, PR

Zach Kadletz serves as Managing Director of Public Relations at Gateway Group, leading the firm's award-winning media relations practice. With deep expertise in financial and corporate communications, Zach helps clients build visibility and credibility through strategic media engagement. His work contributed to Gateway's recognition as a Top PR Agency and Platinum Winner for Best Media Relations Strategy in 2024. Zach specializes in developing targeted media campaigns for public and private companies across technology, healthcare, and financial services sectors. He maintains strong relationships with business, trade, and financial media outlets, ensuring clients receive quality coverage that supports their broader communications objectives. Zach's leadership reflects Gateway's commitment to integrated communications solutions that combine public relations with investor relations for maximum stakeholder impact.

Portrait of Georg Venturatos, Strategic Communications Consultant

Georg Venturatos

Georg Venturatos is a strategic communications consultant at Gateway Group with expertise in digital media and corporate branding for financial services clients. His work focuses on helping companies leverage digital channels to enhance stakeholder engagement and amplify their market narratives. Georg has experience developing integrated communications strategies that combine traditional investor relations with modern digital platforms and social media. He works closely with management teams to ensure consistent messaging across all touchpoints, from investor websites to earnings presentations. Georg's understanding of both capital markets dynamics and digital best practices enables him to deliver comprehensive solutions for clients seeking to modernize their communications infrastructure. His collaborative approach and attention to detail reflect Gateway's commitment to providing white-glove service as an extension of client teams.

Portrait of John Yi, Financial Communications Professional

John Yi

John Yi is a financial communications professional at Gateway Group specializing in investor relations and equity story development for emerging growth companies. His expertise includes supporting companies through IPO preparation, SPAC transactions, and ongoing public company reporting obligations. John works with clients across technology, consumer, and industrial sectors to craft compelling investment narratives and build relationships with institutional investors and analysts. His analytical approach and understanding of capital markets dynamics help clients position themselves effectively within competitive landscapes. John has supported numerous client engagements involving roadshows, earnings calls, and investor presentations. He takes pride in translating complex business models into clear, accessible communications that resonate with financial audiences, helping clients achieve their visibility and valuation objectives.

Portrait of Brenlyn Motlagh, Healthcare Communications Strategist

Brenlyn Motlagh

Brenlyn Motlagh is a communications strategist at Gateway Group with a focus on healthcare and life sciences companies. Her expertise includes investor relations, corporate messaging, and stakeholder communications for both public and private companies navigating complex regulatory and market environments. Brenlyn specializes in translating scientific and clinical information into compelling narratives for investment audiences. She has experience supporting companies through key milestones including clinical trial announcements, regulatory submissions, and partnership transactions. Brenlyn's attention to detail and ability to manage multiple stakeholder perspectives make her an invaluable partner for management teams. Her work reflects Gateway's commitment to deep business understanding and senior-led service, ensuring clients receive strategic guidance tailored to their specific industry challenges and growth objectives.

Portrait of Greg Robles, Strategic Transaction Communications Advisor

Greg Robles

Greg Robles is a strategic advisor at Gateway Group with extensive experience in corporate communications and transaction support for publicly traded companies. His expertise includes advising clients through mergers, acquisitions, spin-offs, and other transformative corporate events. Greg specializes in developing comprehensive communications strategies that address investor, employee, customer, and media audiences during high-stakes transitions. His work ensures companies maintain stakeholder confidence and market support throughout complex transaction processes. Greg has counseled clients across multiple industry sectors including technology, financial services, and industrials. His methodical approach to planning and execution, combined with his crisis communications experience, makes him a trusted advisor for management teams facing challenging situations. Greg's commitment to integrity and excellence reflects Gateway's core values and mission.

Portrait of David Walsh, Financial Communications Consultant

David Walsh

David Walsh is a financial communications consultant at Gateway Group specializing in small- and mid-cap public company investor relations. His expertise includes earnings communications, investor targeting, and capital markets strategy for companies across technology, energy, and industrial sectors. David works closely with management teams and boards to develop long-term communications strategies that build credibility and improve valuation multiples. He has extensive experience coordinating investor days, analyst meetings, and industry conferences. David's understanding of institutional investor perspectives and sell-side dynamics enables him to provide actionable guidance on positioning and messaging. His collaborative approach and commitment to client success have contributed to Gateway's track record of more than 500 successful engagements. David takes pride in helping companies tell their stories effectively and achieve sustainable stakeholder engagement.

Portrait of Laressa Gallagher, Branding and Creative Services Advisor

Laressa Gallagher

Laressa Gallagher is a strategic communications advisor at Gateway Group with a focus on branding and creative services for financial services clients. Her expertise includes developing visual identities, brand positioning, and creative campaigns that support investor relations and corporate communications objectives. Laressa works at the intersection of Gateway's in-house creative agency capabilities and its financial communications practice, ensuring clients present cohesive, professional brands across all stakeholder touchpoints. She has experience supporting IPO branding, corporate rebranding initiatives, and ongoing creative services for public companies. Laressa's understanding of both creative design principles and capital markets dynamics enables her to deliver solutions that are both visually compelling and strategically sound. Her collaborative approach and commitment to excellence help clients unlock brand value and differentiate themselves in competitive markets.

Portrait of Jenn Gouveia, Public Relations Specialist

Jenn Gouveia

Jenn Gouveia is a public relations specialist at Gateway Group with expertise in media relations and corporate communications for technology and fintech companies. Her work focuses on securing quality media coverage that supports clients' broader investor relations and business development objectives. Jenn has built strong relationships with business journalists, trade media, and financial press, enabling her to identify and capitalize on storytelling opportunities. She specializes in crafting compelling press materials, coordinating media interviews, and managing announcement strategies for company milestones. Jenn's strategic approach ensures media activities align with and reinforce clients' equity stories and stakeholder messaging. Her contribution to Gateway's award-winning public relations practice reflects the firm's integrated approach to financial communications. Jenn takes pride in helping companies build visibility and credibility through strategic media engagement.

Portrait of Ryan Deloney, Senior Account Manager for Public Relations

Ryan Deloney

Senior Account Manager, PR

Ryan Deloney serves as Senior Account Manager for Public Relations at Gateway Group, bringing extensive media relations experience to the firm's communications practice. His expertise includes developing and executing strategic PR campaigns for public and private companies across multiple industry sectors. Ryan works closely with management teams to identify newsworthy angles, craft compelling narratives, and secure meaningful media coverage that advances business objectives. He has experience coordinating product launches, partnership announcements, and thought leadership initiatives. Ryan's strong relationships with journalists and understanding of media landscapes enable him to maximize opportunities for client visibility. His work contributed to Gateway's recognition as a Top PR Agency and Platinum Winner for Best Media Relations Strategy. Ryan's commitment to strategic thinking and flawless execution reflects Gateway's standard of excellence in client service.

Portrait of Greg Bradbury, Crisis Communications Advisor

Greg Bradbury

Greg Bradbury is a financial communications advisor at Gateway Group specializing in crisis communications and reputation management for publicly traded companies. His expertise includes developing rapid-response strategies, stakeholder messaging, and recovery plans for companies facing unexpected challenges or market disruptions. Greg has experience managing communications during regulatory inquiries, litigation matters, operational incidents, and leadership transitions. His calm, methodical approach helps management teams navigate high-pressure situations while maintaining stakeholder confidence. Greg works collaboratively with legal counsel, board members, and executive leadership to ensure coordinated, effective crisis response. His experience across multiple industry sectors and crisis scenarios makes him a valuable resource for companies seeking to protect their reputations and stakeholder relationships. Greg's work reflects Gateway's commitment to supporting clients through all business conditions.

Portrait of Patrick Hall, Cleantech Communications Consultant

Patrick Hall

Patrick Hall is a strategic communications consultant at Gateway Group with expertise in investor relations and equity story development for cleantech and energy companies. His work focuses on helping companies in complex, rapidly evolving sectors communicate their value propositions effectively to investment audiences. Patrick has experience supporting companies through technology commercialization, project financing, and strategic partnerships. He specializes in translating technical innovations and market dynamics into compelling investment narratives. Patrick's understanding of both sustainability trends and capital markets dynamics enables him to position clients effectively with ESG-focused investors and broader institutional audiences. His collaborative approach and commitment to deep business understanding ensure clients receive strategic guidance tailored to their specific industry challenges. Patrick's work reflects Gateway's sector specialization and senior-led service model.

Portrait of Clay Liolios, Leadership Team Member

Clay Liolios

Clay Liolios is a key member of Gateway Group's leadership team, contributing to the firm's growth and strategic direction. With deep roots in the company's founding vision, Clay brings extensive financial communications experience and entrepreneurial spirit to his work. He specializes in advising growth companies and public issuers on investor relations strategy, equity story development, and stakeholder engagement. Clay has been instrumental in expanding Gateway's service offerings and building the firm's reputation as a trusted strategic partner. His experience includes supporting companies through IPOs, transactions, and complex communications challenges. Clay's commitment to integrity, camaraderie, and client success reflects Gateway's core values. He takes pride in operating as an extension of client leadership teams and helping companies achieve their visibility and valuation objectives.

Portrait of Steven Shinmachi, Consumer Sector Communications Professional

Steven Shinmachi

Steven Shinmachi is a financial communications professional at Gateway Group with expertise in investor relations and corporate messaging for consumer and retail companies. His work focuses on helping consumer-facing businesses communicate effectively with investment audiences while maintaining brand consistency across stakeholder groups. Steven has experience supporting companies through earnings cycles, investor presentations, and capital markets transactions. He specializes in developing metrics frameworks and narrative structures that highlight business model strengths and growth opportunities. Steven's understanding of both consumer trends and investor perspectives enables him to craft compelling equity stories that resonate with institutional audiences. His collaborative approach and attention to detail ensure clients receive strategic guidance and flawless execution. Steven's work reflects Gateway's commitment to providing integrated communications solutions tailored to sector-specific dynamics.

Portrait of Taylor Stadeli, Digital Communications Strategist

Taylor Stadeli

Taylor Stadeli is a communications strategist at Gateway Group specializing in digital media and content development for financial services clients. His expertise includes social media strategy, digital content creation, and online stakeholder engagement for public and private companies. Taylor works to ensure clients maintain consistent, professional digital presences that complement their investor relations programs. He has experience developing content calendars, managing social media channels, and creating digital assets for earnings announcements and corporate updates. Taylor's understanding of digital platforms and content best practices helps clients leverage modern communication channels effectively. His collaborative style and creative problem-solving abilities make him a valuable partner for companies seeking to enhance their digital communications. Taylor's work reflects Gateway's integrated approach to investor relations, combining traditional and digital channels for maximum stakeholder reach.

Portrait of Mark Deng, Financial Communications Analyst

Mark Deng

Mark Deng is a financial communications analyst at Gateway Group with expertise in research, competitive analysis, and investor targeting for technology companies. His work focuses on helping clients understand their competitive positioning and identify priority investor audiences. Mark has experience conducting peer analysis, developing investor targeting models, and supporting equity story development. He specializes in synthesizing market data, financial metrics, and industry trends into actionable insights for management teams. Mark's analytical capabilities and attention to detail ensure clients receive comprehensive support for strategic communications planning. His collaborative approach and commitment to thoroughness make him an invaluable team member on client engagements. Mark's work reflects Gateway's emphasis on deep business understanding as the foundation for effective investor communications, helping clients build credible market narratives.

Portrait of Nicholas Kemppainen, Investor Relations Support Professional

Nicholas Kemppainen

Nicholas Kemppainen is a communications professional at Gateway Group with expertise in investor relations support and corporate communications coordination. His work focuses on ensuring seamless execution of client communications programs, from earnings releases to investor events. Nicholas has experience managing logistics for earnings calls, investor presentations, and conference participation. He specializes in coordinating cross-functional teams and maintaining organized systems that support efficient client service delivery. Nicholas's attention to detail and proactive communication style ensure clients receive responsive, reliable support. His understanding of capital markets processes and regulatory requirements helps clients navigate public company obligations effectively. Nicholas takes pride in operating behind the scenes to ensure flawless execution of client programs. His commitment to excellence and teamwork reflects Gateway's culture-driven approach and dedication to superior consulting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best public relations firms in Chicago?

The best fit depends on your objectives, industry, audience, and the complexity of your communications needs. Look for a firm with relevant media relationships, strategic planning capability, strong writing, and experience serving businesses at your stage. For companies with investor-facing or high-stakes needs, an agency that integrates corporate PR with financial communications can provide greater message consistency across stakeholders.

What does a public relations agency do?

How does Gateway Group approach media relations?

Can you support financial and investor-facing communications?

How much do public relations services cost?

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What should we prepare before hiring a PR agency?

Do you work with companies outside Chicago?

Questions About Your Communications Strategy?

Speak with our team about your next business milestone.

Recognized Communications Excellence

Awards and Recognition

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Top PR Agency

2024 recognition for public relations leadership

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Best Media Relations Strategy

2024 Platinum Winner recognition

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Senior-Led Service

Experienced strategic communications counsel

Make Your Story Matter More

Tell us about your communications priorities, upcoming milestones, and stakeholder challenges. Our team will discuss the strategic support that fits your needs.

Contact Us Today

For immediate assistance, feel free to give us a direct call at +1 (949) 574-3860. You can also send us a quick email at Info@gateway-grp.com.