By Heidi Simmons
Born and raised in Northern California, Tim O’Bayley didn’t think Southern California would ever be his home. But after seventeen years of residing in the Coachella Valley, O’Bayley is thriving. “Palm Springs is such a unique place,” said O’Bayley. “I love it here. This is a town where people can reinvent themselves.”
After a variety of jobs from banking to marketing, O’Bayley came to the CV and did just that. He found he could combine his experience, talents, and desire to make a difference, into a successful business. “It would never have occurred to me to start a Public Relations firm in San Francisco,” said O’Bayley. “Here, I could put together all the things that I love and make it work.”
Celebrating a decade in business, O’Bayley Communications is a public relations, graphic design and advertising firm in Palm Springs. O’Bayley started the business by himself from home. Today, he has an office and a team of four professionals.
O’Bayley’s client list includes the AIDS Assistance Program, Modernism Week, College of the Desert Foundation, Destination PSP, Friends of the Palm Springs Library, Desert Business Association, Body Deli, Party Lab and other desert businesses and non-profits.
When O’Bayley first came to Palm Springs, he worked with entrepreneur Dick Taylor. Taylor became his mentor. “What I learned from Dick was Palm Springs is a small town,” said O’Bayley. “It isn’t about sending out résumés. It’s about relationships, connections and networking. That’s what makes the world go round here.”
Now in a position to pick and choose who his firm represents, O’Bayley has a simple goal: “I want to carefully curate the people we spend our days with. Clients like Modernism Week are ideal. It’s a non-profit, gives back to the neighborhoods in a spectacular way and benefits the whole valley in terms of tourism and visibility around the world. It’s fulfilling day to day work.”
Besides the success of his business, O’Bayley is celebrating his recent marriage to his partner David Wilson. After being together 21 years, they finally tied the knot on February 1st. Wilson is a physical therapist and owner of Bodyworks Physical Therapy in Palm Springs. They have two dogs and are big supporters of the Orphan Pet Oasis/Humane Society of the Desert.
The couple loves to travel. Recent trips include France, England, Hong Kong and Indonesia.
“I always want to push out and see something else,” said O’Bayley. “Last year, we went to Bordeaux. It’s a world heritage city that’s been improved so well. They’ve honored their past and restored their historic center. It’s clean and thriving with restaurants and galleries.”
Part of the pleasure traveling provides O’Bayley, is that it gives him perspective. “Advertising is ubiquitous. When I see approaches, how things are done from tiny places in Indonesia to big cities like London, it gives me all sorts of ideas how I can do my work here.”
When O’Bayley went to Portugal — his mother’s ancestral home — he saw how community centers included residential living on top with retail businesses below. “Because I travel and see how things are in these cities, I know that it works,” said O’Bayley. “I’ve seen how much, much, older places have evolved. How they are current, contemporary and modern yet still honor their heritage. It makes me want to nudge the people here in Palm Springs.”
O’Bayley sees the Coachella Valley developing thoughtfully and carefully. “I’m a political wonk and believe in the process,” he said. “Don’t complain if you don’t get involved. This is a place where you can pick up the phone and talk to the Mayor or a Councilmember.”
Access to decision makers is something O’Bayley’s values living in Palm Springs. “I want to contribute to the things that I care about. By working with and supporting government committees, we make a difference. That’s how we’ll find good balance in the future.”
San Francisco is still an important part of O’Bayley’s life. He travels there frequently to see his 95-year-old mother, family and friends. But for Tim O’Bayley, this is the place where he is fully committed to his work and community. It’s home.
