Mark Gilman lived in the Clarkston area for about 11 years when he realized he didn’t really know anyone.
‘I wasn’t involved,” said Gilman, who worked in corporate public relations in Troy before opening Decus Communications in downtown Clarkston this past December.
“Now, I’m involved with downtown activites, Chamber of Commerce, the kids are in school sports.?
He worked for EDS until about 2004, then Comcast and a law firm in Southfield, before establishing his own company in 2006.
He incorporates the best ideas and lessons he’s learned working with public relations firms.
‘Some firms don’t do any work ? they just bill,? he said. ‘I hate that. I won’t do that. We work on a retainer basis, not by the hour.?
‘Decus” is a Latin word meaning honor and integrity, he said.
‘It’s a good reminder in this business ? why we do what we’re doing,? he said. ‘Our goal is to get the job done.?
The agency’s core business includes law firms and other professionals, but they also work with non-profit groups including Lighthouse of Oakland County and Salvation Army.
‘It’s to give something back, to be able to go home and say, I contributed,? he said. ‘That’s the fun part.?
Decus moved into the Clarkston Mills, Suite 4, on Washington off Main Street from Birmingham.
‘We outgrew the space,? he said. ‘We looked at places in Farmington Hills and Troy, when my wife asked, if you own the company, why drive??
He lives in Independence Township with his wife, Patti, and their five children.
‘I’m happy here. I love being downtown,? he said. ‘Parades, Farmers Market ? it’s nice to be part of the downtown experience.?
Decus offers a full range of services, including an ‘Ignition kit? and other packages designed for small businesses.
‘We don’t make a lot of money on those, but we want them to be a success,? he said. ‘When they get successful, then maybe they’ll come back and use us.?
He and his staff of professionals, all with real-world experience, integrate public relations and marketing
‘Public relations can’t be independent of marketing ? the bottom line is all that matters to anyone. We understand that,” he said.
‘We’ll roll up our sleeves and get to work,?
For more information, call 248-942-5896 or check www.decusllc.com.