Testimonials

Working with Caren has been a dream for a brand like us. She's responsive to questions, open to our ambitious and crazy ideas, and does whatever it takes to help us get the job done. Caren's help was integral to our successful launch in Chicago. She helped us navigate the media landscape and generate a ton of positive conversations about Imperfect right when we needed them most. Caren knows the market well and navigates the ups and downs of publicity like a true seasoned pro. I'd highly recommend working with her!

Reilly Brock, Imperfect Produce

Caren is whip-smart, thoughtful and so reliable, with an intricate knowledge of Chicago’s local food scene. I know she will go above and beyond to make sure I have everything I need for my stories. I’ve worked with Caren for several years and look forward to continuing working with her for years to come.

Amber Gibson, Food & Travel Journalist (American Way, Hemispheres, Delta Sky, Yahoo Travel, Chicago magazine)

Caren Leonard was instrumental in helping me launch my healthy fast-casual restaurant brand—Jar Bar—in 2017. From the moment we initially met about my concept, my ideas, and the vision for my brand she got it. I didn’t need to overly explain. I didn’t need to hand-hold. I didn’t worry. 

Caren and her team took off and engaged the media—print, tv, radio—with all of the right points about Jar Bar—who we were and why they should care. Caren represented us with grace, professionalism, and steadfast enthusiasm. We received both local and national coverage and I am convinced that it was her work, and our partnership, that helped us begin our business in such a strong way.

Karen Firsel, Owner of Jar Bar

I would highly recommend working with Caren Joan PR. CJPR reached out to Brewpoint Coffee initially to partner for an event with one of their clients and immediately I felt a synergy with them. Their professionalism, timeliness, thoughtfulness, and overall belief in our story and mission gave us an edge in getting our name out there. They published us on some big company platforms like Forbes, Fast Company, and WGN. They even got us a book opportunity to be a co-author for a book about starting and running a coffee shop. All in all, you can't go wrong with CJPR as they work hard and are wonderful people.

Melissa Villanueva, Owner of Brewpoint Coffee

Caren and team have been great partners since 2015. Their creativity, actionable approach, organizational skills and both local & national relationships have been instrumental in raising our properties brand voice and driving ROI.

Adam Korchek, Director of Sales & Marketing at Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile

Where do I begin when singing the praises of Caren? I’ve had the distinct pleasure to work with Caren for many years, beginning with her unparalleled strategic and tactical PR thinking at the National Restaurant Association’s annual trade show and now as a valued member of the marketing and communications committee for super-chef Charlie Trotter’s The Trotter Project. Her knowledge and insight into the hospitality industry would benefit anyone seeking to elevate their brand. Caren is an intelligent, creative, and approachable public relations professional and colleague I hope to work with for years to come.

Derrek J. Hull, Executive Director of The Trotter Project

Caren takes a very solid and professional approach to assessing what journalists need to write their stories, and then she makes the connections so that they can do their jobs quickly and efficiently. This is a balancing act that requires an understanding of her clients’ expectations and the journalists’ needs for easy access and fast responses. It will be interesting to see how Caren grows her company in the years to come, and it seems likely that it will quite definitely grow.

David Hammond, Dining & Drinking Editor/Newcity; Food and Dining Blogger/Wednesday Journal; Contributor to Rivet News Radio, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times; Moderator, LTHForum.com