about ext.54
ext.54 is not an agency.
ext.54 is a complete marketing and pr department that shares the common goals of its clients. Created to seamlessly bridge the gap between client and agency, our clients benefit from the cumulative expertise and full range of services available. Each campaign and initiative is approached through a comprehensive and integrated process giving our clients the tools and options to effectively communicate their message or product to the ideal audience.
Each account is led by a PR + Mktg Coordinator that activates the necessary resources to sucessfully meet the goals of the client. The PR + Mktg Coordinator brings together the necessary team members to complete each campaign, keeping focus on the clients specific needs while promoting efficiency. This approach allows us to bridge the gap between client and agency by providing clients exclusive access to their own field marketing team. We've hosted memorable special events, launched exciting new brands, and have had our stories shared through some of the nations most well-known publications.
ext54 is an extension of your brand.
Joel Morales | President
Prior to ext.54, Joel had led the marketing, branding and public relations efforts for nationally well-known lifestyle/luxury hotels and restaurants including launching The James Hotel, David Burke's Primehouse, Jbar, and W Hotels amongst others. Activating innovative programs and events with Lollapalooza, Paul Frank, SmartWater, Audi USA, Mercedes Benz, GQ, Vanity Fair, Moby, Kanye West, GenArt, Sony BMG, Fashion Week NY, and many others.
After almost 10 years of marketing hotels and restaurants, Joel noticed that his work as an in-house resource had taken on a much more comprehenisve approach. Leading initiatives from web development, creative, public relations to strategic marketing, branding and partnerships. When working with agencies he noticed that many only specialized in one discpline and often had to "out-source" to several agencies to accomplish a directive, creating many opportunities for communication to fail. With all of that in mind, Joel ventured out to create a bridge between the agency/client gap while providing one point of contact for all marketing and PR needs.
As president of ext.54, Joel leads the every day innovation and strategy for his clients and colleagues, bringing together all agency disciplines to help create and execute successful campaigns and measurable results.
Joel has been recognized as a leader in hospitality, marketing and public relations in Chicago in publications such as Chicago Social, The Chicago Sun-Times, The Chicago Tribune, Chicago Magazine, The New York Times and GQ. Joel is very active in the Chicago community serving on the boards of Common Threads, Parkways Foundation and The Greater North Michigan Avenue Association. He served as co-chair of Galapalooza 2007 and has been recognized as one of Chicago Social's Men of Style.