We had the good fortune of connecting with Joanie Frank and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi joanie, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Authenticity — hands down. It’s not just a value at B Frank Communications, it’s the foundation. We “B Frank” in everything we do, whether we’re talking with a client, a journalist, or brainstorming strategy behind the scenes. I find people are craving realness — especially in communications — and that’s where we stand out. I don’t believe in smoke and mirrors or spinning something just to make it sound good. I’ll only work with clients who are genuinely talented at what they do, and that integrity resonates through every campaign we touch. No fluff, no BS — just great storytelling for people who are the real deal.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I’m the founder of B. Frank Communications, a boutique PR firm, and recently launched JoanieFrank.com, the consulting arm of my business. After years of working with clients on visibility and growth through traditional media, I found many people—especially solopreneurs, creatives, and experts—were coming to me for deeper, more personalized guidance. So, I expanded my offerings to meet that need.

What sets me apart? Honestly—me. My energy, perspective, and intuitive ability to quickly see exactly how to position a client for visibility and impact. Whether I’m pitching a story to the media or consulting one-on-one, I have a knack for uncovering what makes someone unique—and helping them amplify it with clarity and confidence.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: authenticity is everything. It’s not just a buzzword—it’s the foundation of how I do business and the key to my growth. People respond to realness. When you show up as yourself and stay aligned with your values, the right opportunities find you.

Has it been easy? Definitely not. My journey has been filled with incredible wins and some hard-earned lessons. I’ve had to evolve, pivot, and sometimes completely rebuild—but each challenge has made me stronger and sharper. I consider myself a lifelong learner, constantly growing both personally and professionally.

What I want people to know about me and my brand is simple: I genuinely care. I bring heart, strategy, and soul to everything I do. Whether it’s getting a client featured in local or national media or helping someone step into their voice and vision during a one-on-one session, I help people express the heart of who they are—clearly, boldly, and in a way that resonates.

At the end of the day, I love what I do—and it shows.

Over the years, my brand has evolved alongside me. In fact, I just launched Joaniefrank.com. It is the consulting arm of my business since many clients have been interested in those services as well. I’ve fine-tuned my expertise and leaned deeper into what I do best—helping others get seen, heard, and recognized for who they truly are. Whether it’s through strategic media outreach or one-on-one consulting, I bring clarity, creativity, and heart to every project.

At the end of the day, I love what I do and am thrilled to be able to help my clients reach their goals and dreams.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would definitely take them to downtown Birmingham. It is so charming with great stores and restaurants. I would go to Roast for Coffee, introduce them to Commonwealth for lunch or brunch, Streetside for dinner and Elie’s for sangria.

The next day I would take them to Cranbrook to tour the exquisite grounds and enjoy both the Cranbrook Art Museum and Booth house.

Then we would hit Royal Oak for sushi at Ronin.

La Dolce Vita in Detroit is another must for dinner on the patio. As we continue to head down to Detroit I would visit the DIA, have a little fun at Brightly Twisted in Corktown and of course have a great meal at San Marello in the Shinola hotel. I love art so I would also stop at David Klein Gallery in Ferndale before happy hour at Imperial for Tacos.

Can’t forget Ann Arbor! A quick tour of the campus and then lunch at Zingerman’s. Always love visiting Slow Farm to pick fresh flowers and pick up some great organic veggies.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First, I have to thank Michelle Horowitz (President of Berline). She saw my entrepreneurial spirit before I fully did — and was the one who encouraged me to leave my role as Director of PR at The Berline Group (now Berline) to go out on my own. That push changed the course of my life. And she didn’t stop there — Michelle also gave me my very first client, and it was a big one. That level of trust and support meant everything in those early days.

Next, my greatest cheerleaders: my kids, Jesse and Zoe. Being a working mom came with challenges, but they were always in my corner. In truth, I think the support went both ways. They saw how much I loved what I did, and I hope they learned that it’s not only possible — but pretty cool — to have a career and be a mom, too.

I also want to give a big shoutout to my business coaches, Jon Dwoskin and Michelle Barr. They brought very different but equally valuable insights to the table and helped me fine-tune my work, focus my vision, and grow both personally and professionally.

And of course, my incredible clients — past and present. I’ve always believed that great PR is a collaborative process. We learn from each other, we push each other, and we succeed together. It’s a true partnership, and I feel lucky to work with such smart, talented, and driven people.

I’d also be remiss not to thank the media professionals I’ve worked with over the years. You’ve been gracious, kind, and open to the stories I bring your way. The trust and mutual respect we’ve built mean so much to me — and I never take it for granted.

And finally, a huge thank you to my closest friends — you know who you are. When imposter syndrome creeps in (because yes, it still does!), you always know exactly what to say to remind me that I am the bomb, I do know my craft, and that I’ve got this. Your belief in me has helped me find my own voice again and again.

Website: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joaniefrank/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanfrankpr/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bfrankcom/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bfrankcommunications

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