Hidden Gems: Meet Gina Espinosa-Meltzer of Hope Beckham

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gina Espinosa-Meltzer.

Hi Gina, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
The story of GPR began in the aftermath of the 2008 financial downturn. I was forced to reinvent myself after 20 years in the media. Telling stories has always been my thing so I found a different way to keep doing it. I became the communications director of a nonprofit and, shortly after that, I decided to start my own business.

I learned a lot from starting a business during the worst economic crisis in a generation. In order to survive, I created a niche, results-oriented business, providing very personalized attention to my clients, a way to be different in a sea of PR agencies. My agency enables clients to understand and communicate with the fast-growing Hispanic market. Thanks to the alliances I grew and the reputation I earned, I am here now.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I started a business because I wanted to have more control of my opportunities and my time — all by taking risks. However, I found out early in this adventure that being an entrepreneur was harder than I thought, not only because there was a lot I needed to learn but also, and most importantly, was that everything was on me —success, achievements or failure.

It’s been a lot of hard work full of challenges and unusual hours, always looking to go the extra mile to help our clients achieve their goals. But it has paid off — even during the Coronavirus pandemic. I learned new skills and developed a thick skin, so I didn’t just survive but thrived. It’s not easy to take an idea and turn it into reality. I have to confess that being an entrepreneur has tested me in ways I didn’t think possible — but if I had the choice, I would definitely do it again.

We’ve been impressed with Hope Beckham, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
GPR Global was born with the goal of providing Hispanic and non-Hispanic companies the communication tools to thrive and grow in a multicultural world.

After 11 years, the company was well-positioned locally, nationally and internationally. The next chapter comes via an extraordinary merger with Hope-Beckham Inc.; the company co-founded 26 years ago by one of the biggest names in the communications and PR industry, the legendary Bob Hope.

Working together, Bob, Mark Meltzer (who happens to be my husband) and I and our talented team will bring our corporate clients new insights into the Hispanic market, and we will connect Hispanic companies and organizations with the resources to grow and prosper. As longtime former journalists, Mark and I intrinsically understand media relations. We are in awe of the doors Bob is able to open for clients, and he and the team are brilliant at helping nonprofits amp up their annual fundraising galas by getting the right people to steer their efforts.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
One is Mark Meltzer, my best friend, biggest cheerleader, my rock, my partner in life and business… and once in a while my psychotherapist too. Another is the legend, Bob Hope, the ULTIMATE publicist. He has been a mentor for years and this year gave me the extraordinary opportunity to start a great adventure with our new partnership.

Contact Info:

• Email: gespinosa@hopebeckham.com
• Website: https://hopebeckham.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gina.espinosa.7
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ginaespinosa