Berman and Company

Based in Arlington, United States, Berman and Company operates at the intersection of public affairs, public relations, and strategic communications. Situated just across the Potomac from Washington, D.C., the agency benefits from being at the heart of American political and policy discourse. Founded in 1987 by Richard “Rick” Berman, the firm has carved a distinct niche in fact-based, issue-driven campaigns that influence public debate. Unlike many traditional PR agencies focused solely on brand reputation, Berman and Company specializes in shaping policy outcomes, often tackling controversial or high-stakes topics such as regulations, labor laws, and public health.

Core Services and Capabilities

Berman and Company offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to move public opinion and drive legislative or regulatory change. Their approach is data-driven, beginning with issue debate research to understand public sentiment and identify persuasive messaging. From there, they develop integrated campaigns that combine media relations, creative advertising, and grassroots mobilization. Key service areas include:

• Public relations and media relations, including media training and crisis management
• Government relations and public affairs, with a focus on issue advocacy and coalition building
• Strategic communications for political campaigns, issue debates, and policy initiatives
• Advertising and creative services, including public service announcements and digital campaigns
• Grassroots advocacy and mobilization to amplify support for specific issues
• Research and polling to inform messaging and measure campaign effectiveness
• Non-profit management and operational support for affiliated organizations

The firm’s work often involves managing complex, multi-stakeholder campaigns that require careful coordination across media, government, and grassroots channels. Their track record includes generating significant media hits and digital engagement for clients ranging from trade associations to advocacy groups.

Client Focus and Industry Expertise

Berman and Company primarily serves clients engaged in public policy debates, including corporations, trade associations, non-profit organizations, and political campaigns. The agency is known for its work with industry-funded nonprofits that focus on issues such as consumer rights, labor policy, environmental regulations, and public health. These clients often face hostile media environments or entrenched opposition, requiring sophisticated issue advocacy tactics to break through. The firm’s expertise in crisis communication is particularly valuable for organizations navigating regulatory challenges or reputational threats. By combining rigorous research with creative messaging, Berman and Company helps clients frame debates in ways that resonate with key audiences, including policymakers, the media, and the general public.

Reputation and Approach

Over its decades-long history, Berman and Company has built a reputation for taking on contentious issues and achieving measurable outcomes. The agency’s founder, Rick Berman, is a well-known figure in Washington policy circles, and the firm’s work has been featured in major media outlets for its effectiveness in shifting public opinion. Their approach is unapologetically strategic: they prioritize fact-based arguments and data-backed narratives, often leveraging public service announcements and digital advertising to reach target demographics. While the firm’s methods have occasionally drawn criticism from opponents, clients value their ability to generate results in highly polarized environments. Berman and Company’s Arlington location provides easy access to federal agencies, Capitol Hill, and the national media, making them a natural partner for organizations needing to influence policy at the highest levels.

Berman and Company is a strong fit for organizations that need to navigate complex public policy debates, manage reputational risks, or build grassroots support for legislative priorities. Their services are particularly suited for trade associations, non-profits, and corporations facing regulatory scrutiny or public controversy. Clients who value a research-driven, results-oriented approach—and who are comfortable with aggressive, issue-focused campaigns—will find the agency’s capabilities well-aligned with their needs. For those seeking a traditional, brand-building PR firm, Berman and Company may be less appropriate; however, for organizations looking to shape public policy and win issue debates, the firm offers specialized expertise that few other agencies can match.