Bob Dirkes
Director, Account Services

With 20 years experience encompassing journalism, business-to-business marketing and communications management, Bob brings a well-rounded perspective to developing messaging strategies and executing marketing programs. His primary responsibility is leading the team that ensures clients see their marketing goals and objectives translated into public relations results. Drawing from his mixture of agency and client-side experience, Bob has greatly contributed to Tech Image innovations, such as Value-based Pricing Standards and custom Media Coaching.

Before joining Tech Image, Bob served as a marketing and public relations consultant to small technology companies, technology-focused advertising firms and entrepreneurs. In the corporate arena, he has served as Product Marketing Manager for start-up Isix Software, Director of Public Relations & Advertising for luxury hospitality group Preferred Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, and Director of Corporate Communications for global travel service and management firm BTI Americas. He has also worked as a sports reporter, syndicated radio writer and producer of more than 20 corporate videos.

What is Your Favorite Success Story?
In 2005, we helped two of my clients get acquired. Performance Management firm Opus Group was acquired by Verint Systems, and Virtual Directory software company OctetString was purchased by Oracle. In each case, the client’s business plans included acquisition as an objective, and PR played a major role in advancing their strategies.

I’m also proud of my Media Coaching track record – more than 100 clients and counting.

What Are Your Hobbies and Interests?
The daily growth and development of my two children never ceases to amaze me – in school, music, sports and individual spirit. And when not reveling in fatherhood, I enjoy watching sports, especially college football, and playing games of strategy such as chess.

What is the Title of the Last Good Book You Read?
“1984” by George Orwell continues to impress me. Never had to read it in high school or college, so I picked it up one day out of curiosity. It’s amazing how much popular culture, political philosophy, movies and books of the last 50 years have been influenced by this work. More than 20 years past his title year and people still refer to authoritarian regimes as “Big Brother,” many surely without even knowing the origins of the reference.

Who Are Your Favorite Recording Artists?
Very eclectic… Frank Sinatra. Louie Prima. Elvis. Sting. Beatles. Stones. Classical. Some Blues and a little Big Band.

What are your favorite TV shows?
Despite having seen nearly every episode, I still stop on Law & Order reruns while channel surfing. I’m also not ashamed to admit a devotion to South Park. In my opinion, it’s a unique and hilarious mix of wicked social satire and juvenile gags.

Why Are You a Good Fit at Tech Image?
In the last two decades, I have been involved in virtually every aspect of marketing and corporate communications in some capacity. I hope this experience allows me to step into the client’s shoes and ensure they see and understand the value of our services.