Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeremy Ervin.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Jeremy. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
“The Man Behind the Campaign” ERVIN PR
As a graduate of Stillman College, Tuscaloosa, Ala, iwhere I served as President of the Student Government Assoication, is where my love for politics begin. I knew then there would be a future for me in politics, but I was not so sure how, but I knew I was destined for it. That experience taught me the value and importance of how democracy, leadership, knowledge, and likability could go a long way for a political hopeful. I learned quickly that this would be the formula to making a candidate successful to winning their race. As a hobby, I used “creative writing” on local political campaigns during my residency in Dallas, TX, for my friends who were political candidates on their branding strategies to get their messaging out via social media. This is why and how “Ervin PR” was birthed in 2018. When I moved back to Birmingham, Ala. I learned that a lot about my city had changed. For me, it was an exciting time to be back because I now came back with all this knowledge from my own personal experience and completing my M.B.A. I knew then it was time to get to work and give back to the city that had given me so much of my foundation.
It was the end of the biggest campaigns seasons, but also the beginning of another political hopeful and homegrown candidate for District Attorney of Jefferson County, Danny Carr. Randomly, I received a phone from my high school principal who is now retired and pillar of the community, Regina Carr-HOPE. She informed me that she had followed my career and was proud of the work I was doing and voluntold (L.O.L.) me that she needed me to work on her son’s campaign, in what capacity I wasn’t sure. (If anyone knows Regina, this how she operates and you do not say NO) At the same time, I also realized there were a few up and coming businesses who needed help as well with establishing their brand messaging. I had the energy and I was ready to use it! Danny went on to win his race with well over 37,000 votes in the general election! Also in my first year back in Birmingham, I had already successfully assisted six brands in launching their businesses/events while at same time managing my first political campaign. Now I have had the honor of managing another homegrown political hopeful Ruby Davis who will be the next district court judge place 7, Attorney Ruby Davis. When she wins, she will be the first African American woman, to hold the seat as judge. In the primary election, she was successful by securing over 35,000 votes! I look forward seeing her through to the win November 3rd, 2020 as her campaign manager.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has not always been a smooth road because there is so much of yourself that you have to give and sacrifice to be sure that clients/candidates are represented in the best light for every facet of their lives. This means literally being everywhere they go, being their eyes when they do not see things on the horizon, being cognizant of the feedback of the community. Initially, I did not anticipate how long a campaign journey could be but it is the same sacrifice of self that is rewarding. Doing this work requires and understanding that is greater than self. My heart pours out to my community here in Birmingham, so to make sure we have candidates who represent the interests of the people is important to me. I understand that being from Birmingham, campaigns have to embody and represent a “MOVEMENT”, which is the formula and foundation in which this great city was founded upon. Being the birthplace of movements like that of the Civil Rights movements, one has to remember that and keep that in mind. Remembering this vital truth helps to overcome struggles along the way because winning is not about the one individual, but the people in whom they will eventually serve.
Another challenge, (I laugh while writing this) is loss of sleep. As a campaign manager and “creative”, ideas during the months of a grueling non-stop campaign season, virtually come to you in a dream. Those ideas would include, campaign slogans, reviewing pictures that I have taken during the campaign trail, reviewing viewing numbers to social media posts, managing a team of 50 plus campaign team members, what suit and clothing choice would be best for this event or that event, etc. The best part of this journey as a campaign manager is the wonderful relationships that are forged along the way with the people in the community, you understand how you are called to serve with a purpose.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Ervin PR story. Tell us more about the business.
Ervin PR is a team of two, small in size but gifted in many areas. My specialty includes; Campaign Management, Social Media Analytics, and Image Consulting. We help clients/candidates to understand their value to the general public. I believe it is important to help future business owners and political hopefuls to frame their personal stories in a way that is received by a mass audience. ErvinPR is here to help candidates with Campaign Management, to understand the political landscape to make informed decisions in how they are to operate and run their prospective campaigns. In Social Media Management, my political clients and business owners have huge social media presence, so maximizing every opportunity in this space is key being sure the right aesthetic is there to people out to vote. At ErvinPR we believe it is important to show the general public why they are the ideal candidate. With Image Consulting, having the right look for each occasion while on the campaign trail/ business ventures truly matters. It shows a healthy balance that this candidate can suit up or dress down to operate in any environment, which is key upon being in office, people appreciate someone willing to get dirty to get the job done if need be. We operate and live by the biblical text that with God all things are possible to those who believe. As for what sets us apart, I think it’s my experience in knowing the pulse of the city of Birmingham and understanding I AM A CHILD OF A KING.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Luck has nothing to do with any of my success, because I believe the work I do, I was called to do. It is a divine purpose and operation. I am firm believer in the power of prayer and being patient enough to know that when you are operating in your purpose, your steps are already orchestrated. What I’ve learn is, it is only when you step out on faith that things fall in place. In business, I move to the beat of my purpose and God guides me every step of the way. I often revert back to Jeremiah 29:11 as a reminder that luck has nothing to do with purpose.
Contact Info:
- Email: JEREMYERVIN9@GMAIL.COM
- Instagram: Secondtimearound33
- LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-ervin-mba-9b3bb825/
Image Credit:
Tia Kirby (main photo)
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