Building a PR Firm That Thrives Without Burning Out - Lauren Cockerell - Kwedar and Co

In this episode of Small Business, Big Engine, I sit down with Lauren Cockerell, founder and president of Kwedar & Co., a boutique public relations and communications firm based in Fort Worth, Texas. Lauren’s journey from solo consultant to leading a team of eight offers a, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to scale a high-touch service business.We talk about what Lauren calls the “messy middle,” that critical stage between solopreneurship and sustainable growth, and how she navigated it without burning out or compromising her values. From letting go of control to learning how to hire the right people, Lauren shares the lessons she’s learned as a small business owner trying to do meaningful work in a crowded market.You’ll learn:Why Lauren walked away from the corporate world and started her own PR firm while 8 months pregnantThe early fears she had about hiring her first team member, and the mentor advice that gave her the push she neededHow to know when you’ve become the bottleneck in your businessWhat to look for (and avoid) when hiring for a small teamThe power of PR for B2B companies, especially those who think they’re “too boring” to be featuredHow storytelling can unlock growth, momentum, and visibility for legacy businessesLauren’s framework for working with clients as thought partners, not vendorsWhy a “heck yes or no” policy saved her from repeated hiring mistakesThe overlooked PR opportunity most small businesses missWhether you're a creative entrepreneur, a founder growing a service business, or a leader in a traditional B2B industry looking to improve your visibility, this conversation is packed with insight. Lauren breaks down the inner workings of running a successful PR agency while staying rooted in empathy, client trust, and long-term relationships.She also shares one of the most compelling PR success stories from her firm, how a family-owned furniture company went from an overlooked product launch to being celebrated in local and national media once the real story was uncovered.Topics we cover in this episode:Scaling a service-based agencySmall business hiring best practicesLeadership growth in creative businessesPublic relations strategy for B2B companiesWhy storytelling is a competitive advantageHow to build a team you can trustClient relationship managementIdeal client profiles and red flagsPR tools, platforms, and common mistakesTurning a one-time event into long-term momentumAbout Lauren:Lauren Cockerell is the founder of Kwedar & Co., a communications firm specializing in helping legacy B2B businesses clarify their message and earn the visibility they deserve. Her agency supports clients across industries including manufacturing, insurance, and professional services. She’s also the host of The Impatient Entrepreneur podcast, where she offers candid insights for fellow founders learning to scale their businesses with heart and hustle.Connect with Lauren:🌐 Website: https://www.kwedarco.com📱 Instagram: @kwedarco🎙 Podcast: The Impatient Entrepreneur