By Crystal Harrell
Juggling different responsibilities is a complicated feat in itself, but for Chris Clemens Martello—a mother of two, owner of energetic Huskies, business self-starter, public relations expert, and overall communication connoisseur—it’s all part of the daily routine.
Originally from San Jose, Clemens Martello attended California State University, Chico, to study communication. “I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do when I first started school. I got my general education, and originally wanted to be a veterinarian. But after seeing all the chemistry and upper level math I’d have to take, I decided it wasn’t for me. I went into public relations because of how flexible it is—you can go into sports, technology, or hospitality, really any field,” explained Clemens Martello.
After college, Clemens Martello’s first position was as Assistant Account Executive at Waggener Edstrom in Santa Clara, California. It was there that she supported the second version of Microsoft PowerPoint introductions as well as the Microsoft Printing Division of business and consumer products. While working with Microsoft, Clemens got the chance to plan and support national press tours early in her career.
“The funny thing is during my time working there, I never got the chance to meet Bill Gates, but many years later after I had moved to the desert, I actually saw him one year while attending Coachella Fest. I got a quick picture with him then,” said Clemens Martello.
Her next professional venture kept Clemens Martello in Silicon Valley and involved in the presentation of new developing technologies. As Account Executive for Evans Partners Public Relations during the late 90s, she was involved in the start-up period of several dot-com companies such as eharmony.com, pickpackgo.com, and everyone.net.
Clemens Martello also spearheaded national press tours for high-tech industry visionaries and leaders including AvantGo—known for being on the forefront of “handheld” content technology, SiRF Technology Group (an early leader in GPS technology), Mercury Interactive application management software, OmniTrust Security Systems, and Kensington Technology Group.
After some time in the San Francisco area, Clemens Martello moved to the Coachella Valley and did consulting work for clients like The City of Indian Wells, Tour de Palm Springs, Berger Foundation’s Desert Town Hall Lecture Series, Newport Beach Summer Jazz Series, several hotels and resorts, world celebrity bodybuilder Lauren Powers, and Max Weinberg—Conan O’Brien and Bruce Springsteen’s drummer. She has had the opportunity to meet popular musicians, world leaders, and prime time media personalities through her work, including Kenny Loggins, Condoleezza Rice, the late Charles Krauthammer, Pervez Musharref, Felipe Calderon, Carlson Tucker, and Chris Christie.
Taking a hiatus from Clemens Public Relations, for three years she acted as director of Public Relations for FG Creative, Inc. Clemens Martello oversaw the public relations department and led campaigns that promoted new business development. Some notable local clientele included the Desert Cancer Foundation, El Paseo Shopping District, the Palm Springs Art Museum, and The Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa. She continues to work with FG Creative on a consulting basis.
“My favorite part of my job is meeting new people through the events I cover and helping to promote a business with my passions,” stated Clemens Martello.
When she’s not working, Clemens Martello enjoys day tips to the beach with her daughter and dogs, attending her son’s football games, and hanging out with her parents and sister.
“I think in the future I’d like to expand and represent more clients out of this area. I’m kind of working on some avenues for that, just to do a little more traveling and be more diversified other than just local,” explained Clemens Martello.
With years of experience in her field, Clemens Martello found the inspiration to pursue her own business venture and encourages others who wish to start their own company to have the patience to push forward even if it does get overwhelming.
“It’s important to remember that it’s going to take a lot of work the first few years of starting a business. If you stay committed to working hard and getting things done, you will see results,” encouraged Clemens Martello.
