Ron Berkowitz is an American entrepreneur, publicist, and former sports journalist.[2][3] He is the CEO and founder of the New York City-based Berk Communications.[4][5]
Ron Berkowitz | |
|---|---|
 Berkowitz (left) with executive chef Dino Gatto of Rao's and Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott in February 2023 | |
| Born | February 13, 1972 New York City, U.S. |
| Education | University of Miami (BS) |
| Occupation(s) | Publicist, entrepreneur |
| Known for | Founder, CEO and president of Berk Communications; sports radio talk show host |
| Spouse | Laurie Berkowitz[1] |
Early life and education
editBerkowitz was born on February 13, 1972, in New York City, to parents Jack and Fran Berkowitz.[6] He graduated from West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South in Princeton Junction, New Jersey.[7]
Berkowitz attended the University of Miami, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in broadcast journalism and political science with a minor in sports management.[8]
Career
editSports broadcasting
editWhile attending the University of Miami, Berkowitz worked for the university radio station WVUM doing play-by-play broadcasting for Miami Hurricanes baseball, football, and basketball teams. He broadcast the Sugar Bowl and the 1992 Orange Bowl.[8]
After graduating, he began working as a reporter for WTOP in Washington, D.C., where he covered the Baltimore Orioles, Washington Wizards, and University of Maryland’s Maryland Terrapins.[8] He then was hired in a public relations job with the New York Yankees before becoming manager of publicity for FOX Television Cable Networks and FX in 1997.[8] In 1999, he left the station and started Berk Communications.[9]
Public relations
editBerkowitz has represented Michael Rubin, Yoenis Céspedes, Robinson Canó, Kevin Durant, Dez Bryant, Meek Mill, and some of Jay-Z's business ventures.[10][11] His long-standing clients include Victor Cruz, Justise Winslow, Miguel Cotto, Andre Ward, CC Sabathia, Geno Smith, Jérôme Boateng, Todd Gurley, Elton Brand, Armand de Brignac, ROC Nation, Roc Nation Sports, NFL, Disney Channel, D'usse, Robert Kraft, Puma, Body Armor, Van Jones, Aaron Judge, Rao's, Reform Alliance, and Tao.[8][12][13][14][15][16][17]
In 2012, along with DJ Williams, Jon Beason, and Jonathan Vilma, he opened the restaurant Brother Jimmy’s BBQ in Miami.[18] In June 2013, he began representing Alex Rodriguez.[16][19][20]
Berk Communications was acquired as an independent subsidiary by the MikeWorldWide in October 2015, with Berkowitz continuing to serve as president and chief executive officer of the company.[21] In 2016, he received national media attention and recognition for his role in the makeover of New York Yankee, Alex Rodriguez, following a suspension for use of performance-enhancing drugs.[22]
In April 2021, Berkowitz collaborated with CC Sabathia and the MLB Network to produce a non-traditional game telecast for the New York Yankees versus the Cleveland Indians.[23] He began representing Aaron Judge in 2022.[17]
Berkowitz began representing Rao's in October 2023. His firm will focus on supporting the opening of Rao's third restaurant location in Miami.[20]
References
edit- ^ "D'USSE VIP Riser + Lounge At On The Run Tour - MetLife Stadium". Bennett Raglin/Getty Images North America. 11 July 2014.
- ^ Lesley Abravanel (June 18, 2012). "Brickell's Brother Jimmy's BBQ: A Brawny Bromance Between Ex 'Canes Players, Grads & NFL Stars". Miami Herald. Retrieved April 29, 2016.
- ^ "Ron Berkowitz". University of Miami School of Communication. Retrieved April 29, 2016.
- ^ Jeff Eisenberg (July 24, 2014). "Toughest Jobs in Sports: Publicist for Alex Rodriguez". Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved April 29, 2016.
- ^ "MWW Buys Majority Stake in Berk Communications". PR Week. October 6, 2015. Retrieved April 29, 2016.
- ^ "Brother Jimmy's Union Square Grand Opening Hosted By Nick Lachey". Zimbo.
- ^ "Class of 1990: West Windsor Plainsboro High School (South)". Old Friends.
- ^ a b c d e "Ron Berkowitz". University of Miami School of Communication. 29 April 2016.
- ^ "Six Questions With Ron Berkowitz, President of Berk Communications".
- ^ Zack O'Malley Greenburg (July 6, 2011). "Jay-Z's 40/40 Clubs Still in Holding Pattern". Forbes. Retrieved April 29, 2016.
- ^ Kurt Badenhausen (August 12, 2016). "Meet the Man Behind the Makeover of A-Rod". Forbes. Retrieved August 18, 2016.
- ^ Heitner, Darren (12 April 2018). "on Berkowitz Says the Key in PR Is to Have Confidence and the Ability to Make ConnectionsBerkowitz has worked with some of the biggest in sports and entertainment including Jay Z and A-Rod". Inc.
- ^ "Court Determines Secret Video Can't Be Used in Patriots Owner Robert Kraft's Massage Case". Baltimore Sun. 19 August 2020.
- ^ "PUMA Retains Berk Communications To Lead Public Relations Efforts In North America". Citybiz List. 7 February 2019.
- ^ "Berk Communications Named Top 5 PR Firm In The U.S." Citybiz List. 25 June 2020.
- ^ a b Scott, Nate (4 August 2013). "Alex Rodriguez's spokesman makes confrontational post on Twitter". USA Today.
- ^ a b Ewan Larkin (June 22, 2022). "Baseball superstar Aaron Judge brings on Berk Communications for PR support". PR Week.
- ^ "Brickell's Brother Jimmy's BBQ: a brawny bromance between ex 'Canes players, grads & NFL stars". Miami Herald. 18 June 2012.
- ^ Eisenberg, Jeff (24 July 2014). "Toughest Job In Sports: Publicist for Alex Rodriguez". Yahoo! Sports.
- ^ a b Diana Marszalek (October 3, 2023). "Rao's Hires Berk To Support Expansion". Provoke Media.
- ^ "MWWPR Acquires Berk Communications".
- ^ "Alex Rodriguez Basks in His Renewal: I Never Knew I Could Feel Like This". USA TODAY Sports. February 22, 2016. Retrieved April 29, 2016.
- ^ "Six-time MLB All-Star CC Sabathia joins MLB Network's Carlos Peña, John Smoltz and Stephen Nelson for new game telecast presentation". MLB.