Haymaker Group

Haymaker Group operates at the intersection of public relations and strategic communications, serving a broad spectrum of clients across industries that value narrative control and authentic media relationships. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in New York, United States, the agency has carved out a distinctive space by prioritizing substance over spin. Haymaker Group’s approach is particularly well-suited for B2B companies, technology firms, and organizations navigating complex reputational landscapes, from startups to Fortune 500 enterprises.

Core Services and Specialties

Haymaker Group offers a comprehensive suite of public relations and communications services designed to build and protect brand reputation. The agency’s capabilities are rooted in a deep understanding of media dynamics and corporate storytelling. Key service areas include:

• Media relations and press relations, including media outreach and media network building
• Messaging strategy and brand positioning
• Content marketing and storytelling in business
• Executive thought leadership, including media panels and thought leadership development
• Crisis management and reputation management
• Influencer engagement and media influencer relationships
• Media event hosting, such as media dinners
• Media training for executives and spokespeople
• Media impact measurement and analytics

These services are delivered through a strategic consulting lens, with Haymaker Group often acting as an external communications partner rather than a traditional PR vendor. The agency’s work with clients like HubSpot, Etsy, MasterClass, and Handy/Angi demonstrates its ability to secure significant media coverage and enhance brand reputation across diverse verticals.

Methodology and Approach

Haymaker Group distinguishes itself through a methodology that emphasizes world-class storytelling and authentic, long-term relationships with journalists and influencers. The agency’s founder, J.J. Colao, a former Forbes reporter, brings a journalist’s perspective to PR, which informs a media-first approach. Instead of relying on mass press releases or generic pitches, Haymaker Group focuses on crafting narratives that resonate with specific audiences and media outlets. This includes building media networks, hosting intimate media dinners, and placing executives on relevant media panels. The agency also prioritizes media training to ensure clients can effectively communicate their messages under pressure, and it uses media impact measurement to track the real-world effect of its campaigns. Haymaker Group’s consulting services often extend to messaging strategy and brand positioning, helping clients define their core narratives before engaging with the press.

Location and Market Presence

Haymaker Group is headquartered in New York, United States, at 222 Broadway in the Financial District, a location that places it at the center of the country’s media and business ecosystem. The agency also maintains an additional office in San Francisco, allowing it to serve clients on both coasts. With a team of fewer than 25 employees and annual revenue under $5 million, Haymaker Group operates as a boutique firm that can offer personalized attention while still handling complex, high-stakes communications challenges. Its New York base provides direct access to major media outlets, influencers, and corporate decision-makers, which is critical for effective press relations and media outreach. The agency’s work often involves navigating the fast-paced media landscape of the United States, where timing and relationships are key to securing coverage.

Ideal Client Fit

Haymaker Group is a strong fit for companies that need sophisticated PR support but value a collaborative, strategic partnership over a transactional relationship. The agency excels with B2B businesses, technology startups, and established brands looking to refine their messaging, manage reputation, or elevate thought leadership. Clients that appreciate a journalism-driven approach—where story quality matters more than volume—will find Haymaker Group’s style particularly effective. The agency is also well-suited for organizations facing crisis situations or reputational challenges, as its crisis management services are rooted in proactive planning and rapid response. While Haymaker Group works with a range of budgets, its boutique size means it is best for clients seeking dedicated, hands-on attention from senior practitioners in public relations and communications. Whether a company is launching a new product, navigating a sensitive issue, or building a long-term brand narrative, Haymaker Group offers the expertise and media relationships to drive meaningful results from its base in New York, United States.