CALGARY & TORONTO · SENIOR PR COUNSEL FOR GROWING BUSINESSES
Earned media and communications strategy, without the agency price tag.
I'm Mark — an 8+ year PR strategist with a track record securing coverage in national and international outlets, now working directly with growing businesses in Calgary and Toronto on retainer.
Currently accepting clients in Calgary and Toronto only.
By the numbers
2×
On average, doubles Calgary & Toronto client social followings within a month
5M+
Media impressions earned through national & international coverage
20+
Clients supported across agency and freelance roles
8+ yrs
In strategic communications and PR
Why work with me
You work with me directly
No account managers, no handoffs. You get a senior communications professional from day one.
Retainer-based, not agency-locked
Flexible monthly engagements scoped to what you actually need, not a one-size agency package.
Pitching grounded in real experience
Years spent building journalist relationships and learning what earns coverage — not cold, generic outreach.
Visibility built for how people search now
Combining earned media strategy with an eye on how your brand shows up in AI search results — not just traditional coverage alone.
How We Could Work Together
Advisory
starting at $1,500 /month
Ongoing strategic counsel, media monitoring, and ad hoc support for a business that needs a senior PR voice on call.
Cancel anytime
Get startedGrowth
starting at $2,000 /month
Active media pitching, press release and key message development, spokesperson prep, and a monthly reporting cadence.
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Get startedFull Partner
Custom
End-to-end communications support for launches, campaigns, or high-stakes periods — scoped around your goals.
Flexible engagement
Let's talkFAQ
Common questions
Do I have to sign a long-term contract?
No — all retainers are month-to-month. You can adjust scope or step away with no penalties, though most clients see the strongest results after a few consistent months of relationship-building with media.
How does it work when we get started?
We start with a strategy call so I can understand your business, your goals, and where you currently stand with media and public perception. From there, I build a plan scoped to your retainer level and get to work
What does a typical engagement include?
Media relations and press outreach, key messaging and briefing documents, spokesperson and interview preparation, issues and crisis support, and guidance on how your brand shows up in AI search results, not just traditional coverage.
How quickly will I see results?
Media relationships and coverage take longer to build than a social post going up, but that's also why they carry more weight. Most clients see initial pitching activity and coverage opportunities within the first 4-6 weeks, with a stronger media presence building over 2-3 months of consistent work.
Do you write everything yourself?
Yes — every post, caption, press release, pitch, key message and update is written by me in your voice, not generated by a template or AI. I learn your business and write content that actually sounds like you.
What if I'm not happy with something before it goes out?
Everything — pitches, releases, statements — goes to you for approval before it's sent or published. You always have final say.
Do you work with businesses outside Calgary and Toronto?
Not currently — I'm focused exclusively on Calgary and Toronto so I can provide genuinely local knowledge and support.
How do I get started?
Just book a free 20-minute call and we'll take it from there. No pressure, no commitment.
About Mark
The person behind the work.
8 years in PR and communications. Based in Calgary. Working with businesses in Calgary and Toronto.
Hi, I'm Mark.
I've spent eight years in PR and communications — across agencies, nonprofits, and organizations of every size — building earned media strategies, advising spokespeople, and managing crisis and issues communications under real pressure. Along the way I've secured coverage in leading national and international publications across fashion, lifestyle, and business media, and spent seven years as the sole PR strategist for a high-profile international client, growing their media visibility by an average of 40% year over year.
I started Mark Bezdek Communications so that growing businesses could get that same level of senior counsel without the overhead of a full agency retainer.
I work directly with businesses in Calgary and Toronto who need real communications strategy.
When you work with me, you get someone who takes the time to understand your business, learns your voice, and genuinely cares about your results. Every piece of content I create is thoughtful, personal and built around what makes your business unique.
If you need a communications strategist who can think several steps ahead, not just someone to schedule your posts, I'd love to talk.
Let's work together