Today marks the 90-day PANniversary since we welcomed PANBlast into the PAN family. And while this is cliché to say, time really does fly when you’re having fun. Already at 90 days, it’s hard to imagine PAN without our PANBlast team members. Today, I want to reflect both on the incredible progress we’ve made and also on the valuable lessons I’ve learned throughout this journey. I pride myself on continually learning and this opportunity, my third acquisition, has been uniquely challenging and rewarding.
When we welcomed PANBlast, I wrote a bit about my experience with our previous acquisitions. With those, our approach was to fully integrate both of those organizations into PAN, merging services, teams and operations. In examining all that BLASTmedia had to offer, I realized we needed to do something different. So, PANBlast remains an autonomous division, maintaining its own P&L, with its own account team; yet allowing clients access to our extended services in integrated marketing and our global reach. This enables them to retain the strong identity and specialization that makes them who they are, a standout in B2B SaaS PR. We’ve found through this model that they can continue to target their core clients, emerging growth companies, without disruption.
With past acquisitions, I was deeply involved in the day-to-day management. This time, I’m trying to take a step back and allow PANBlast’s leaders to continue doing what they do best, while relying on my C-Suite of swim-lane experts to support where needed in areas like HR, business development, finance, client relations and marketing. It’s been a balancing act, but I think both teams are happy with the approach. I guide and challenge Mendy Werne, managing director of PANBlast, like I would any direct report in our bi-monthly meetings. But beyond that, I resist the temptation to fully integrate this division into PAN.
My past acquisitions also took place when we were primarily in the office. Throughout this process, we’ve had to lean on all that we’ve learned through integrating our remote work policy, HyFlex+ and multiply it. I wanted to make sure both teams felt connected and part of the same mission. Throughout the 90 days, the PANBlast team has been integrated into all of our internal comms channels and has even participated in the craziness of the “chat” at our every other month All Staff meetings. Despite their separate operational goals, PANBlast is very much a part of the PAN family, and we’ve worked hard to ensure that both sides know and understand each other as I believe in the fundamental importance of the culture of #onePAN regardless of P&Ls.
Another critical lesson has been early and clear communication with the founders during the due diligence process and my expectations for the integration. I’ve been intentional in making those decisions known upfront. This made the process smoother for everyone involved. Kelly Hendricks, the founder of BLASTmedia, remains a trusted advisor throughout this process. I’m fortunate to have the opportunity to learn from him in our bi-monthly meetings. Kelly has become my friend. I can’t imagine what it’s going to be like in 2025 when I can’t text him at whatever hour and receive a 4–5-word text back, like: “Let’s jump on a call.” I love the man and feel blessed to have him in my life.
During this acquisition, I am also reminded of the importance of learning from one another. While PAN may be the acquiring agency, each one of my acquisitions – including BLASTMedia – reminds me that there are new things we can learn in this process, new best practices and new ways of doing things. I’ve welcomed those ideas from the PANBlast team and continue to keep the door open to new ideas. If time has taught me anything, it’s that I don’t have all the answers or ideas all the time, and I try to really listen to see what new things we can learn.
While I know there are more lessons to learn, I’m happy to report that PANBlast is thriving. Together we’ve built a new brand, launched a new website and seamlessly integrated their business development and operational tools into PAN’s suite. From media relations successes to new client wins, the collaboration between PAN and PANBlast is truly a sight to see. I couldn’t be more excited about the future we’re building together.
I’d be remiss without acknowledging how important both teams have been throughout this process. This success is yours. And if you’ve made it reading this far, please give yourself a pat on the back. Your dedication, resilience and hard work have made the last 90 days the best launchpad for even greater things to come. Thank you for the commitment you give every day to the success of our organization. To the leadership team at PANBlast: Mendy, Lindsey, Kim, Grace, Kelsey, Jake, Kate and Zach, I am grateful for your belief in our firm and appreciative of the support you’ve shown me.
Here’s to the continued success of PANBlast and the exciting road ahead.
