Meet Tresa Halbrooks | PR | Media Strategist & Event Producer

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

Hi Tresa, how do you think about risk?

As the saying goes, “no risk, no reward”… isn’t that so true? When starting my own business, I began planning my escape from corporate America several years before taking the leap. I saved as much money as I could to fund my business so that I would have enough water in the pool when I dove off the diving board, so to speak. Risk is uncomfortable.  It’s not easy and we as humans want to be comfortable. Simply put, you cannot be an entrepreneur and expect comfort or ease. Those do not equate. You have to get comfortable being uncomfortable. That’s the norm as an entrepreneur.

Once you do that, you understand the power of having a strong work ethic. I often describe myself as a “scrapper.” I’ll turn over every rock or pebble to find what we need for the benefit of a client, not only to survive, but ultimately, thrive.

If you want to own a business or embark a new journey, risk is the #1 element in that equation. You have to be okay with risk in order to win, to pursue your dreams, to cross the finish line, and to succeed in life.

The people who are willing to do that are true entrepreneurs. Now, don’t misunderstand that risk equals success. That’s not always the case. Failure is also part of the learning process in order to be successful. Just remember, I often tell my team and clients that “Life is not a tattoo. If you don’t like it, you can change it,” But the key is to be willing to try.

What should our readers know about your business?

In 2012, I launched LEGACY Consulting, PR & Events, a boutique firm that focuses on celebrity and high-profile clients ranging from professional athletes and entertainers to corporate entities, small business and non-profit organizations.

It’s been an honor to have spent my career working with some of the most talented and illustrious personalities in the sports and entertainment field to make a difference in the lives of others. Making a difference is what LEGACY stands for.

But I’ll give you a little background on my career path before I started my company.

I began my career working at an advertising agency before moving on to retail giant – Service Merchandise, where I gained a real understanding of what corporate philanthropy was — long before it became an expectation in corporate America. I then began working for one of the largest entertainment companies in the country, Gaylord Entertainment, assisting with PR, planning various corporate events and corporate philanthropy.

I then moved into professional sports when  I was approached by the Tennessee Titans NFL team in 2001 and worked for the franchise for 11 years. I was not only responsible for the players’ image, community appearances, special events, and foundation efforts, but I also served as the team’s non-profit, community and league liaison.

In 2012, I jumped off the diving board to start my own agency, and it’s been quite a fun ride ever since.

I’m often asked about my formula for success, and it’s simply this: After 11 years working in the NFL, I learned what it meant to have a sports-minded philosophy. I use that formula every day in my business.

What is a sports-minded philosophy? It’s the ability to think like a champion whether you’re on the football field, in a cubicle, or in the boardroom. It’s the desire to be your best through pure determination, grit, and tenacity. You don’t give up and you don’t settle for second. You strive to be the best.

Professional athletes are willing to work harder than anyone else in order to win, period. They have an incredible work ethic. They don’t slack off, make comfortable, easy choices, or settle for the status quo or accept a mediocre performance.  And they don’t give out participation awards at the Super Bowl. The daily pursuit for excellence is their foundation. That’s what the game is all about: the pursuit of excellence. You should try to be the MVP for your company and/or your clients.

It was contagious then, and still drives me today.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

I love this question. Nashville has changed so much since I moved to Tennessee years ago.

We’d probably start with a little pampering at MHD Beauty Parlour for some glamorous hair and makeup to go out on the town.

I’d recommend a craft cocktail at one of my favorite hideaways – Red Phone Booth. You’ll need a secret phone number to enter this unique venue that’s reminiscent of a 1920’s speakeasy.

Dinner at The Supper Club inside the Twelve Thirty Club is very chic and cool. Their patio is great in the summer as well, and you can check the schedule for their wonderful live music. Reservations are a must!

And I’d check out the ultra-cool and intimate lounge, The Eighth Room, to see who’s playing that evening – you never know who might show up!   

Nashville has a ton of sporting events from the Titans, Predators, NSC, and Sounds among others depending on the season. But they also have an incredible arts community, like the Nashville Ballet and their exciting lineup for the 2024-2025 season at TPAC.

You may want to take in a songwriter’s night at The Listening Room Cafe, 3rd & Lindsley or Bluebird Cafe, that highlights the stories-behind-the-songs and the songwriters who create some of the biggest hits on the radio.  Not to mention, the music on Broadway is better than anywhere in the world! I like to visit the Honky Tonks during the day — the music, food, and drinks are just as good in the daytime as they are at night!

A scenic walk at Radnor Lake or Percy Warner Park gives you the lush greenery just a few minutes from downtown.

Arrington Vineyards, Pennington Distillery, Big Machine Brewery & Distillery, Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery, and of course, a longer drive is Jack Daniels Distillery — all great options for a unique tasting experience.

You can catch a unique show at CMA Theater (and visit the Country Music Hall of Fame), Ryman Auditorium or the Grand Ole Opry almost any night of the week.

Downtown Franklin is a true gem (just 30 minutes from Nashville). You’ll want to spend the day shopping at the boutiques and then stay for dinner and live music at Gray’s on Main. If you can time your visit with one of the Franklin Festivals hosted by the Heritage Foundation, that’s a real treat.

There are so many things to do in Nashville. It’s a blessing to live in such a vibrant city.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

My journey is truly unique. I would not be where I am today without my faith in what God had planned for me. I’m a visual person, so I like to describe my journey much like a tapestry. When you look at the back side of it, it’s got loose threads that can look tattered and torn, messy with color, and you can’t see the big picture at all. Then, when you turn it over, all of those threads and colors turn into this wonderful creation – a clear picture of something beautiful.

God can often do that with our lives. What may not make sense one day, becomes very clear in His plan the next.

Secondly, I was so fortunate to be able to work with high-profile organizations like Gaylord Entertainment and the Tennessee Titans NFL franchise before starting my own business. Those experiences helped me to launch successfully. That’s not necessarily the case for everyone. I’m grateful for my unusual career path and the networking opportunities I was fortunate to have while working with those organizations.

The incredible clients we have today keep us going and living the dream. It’s never a dull moment at LEGACY. Whether we are working with a celebrity client – athlete, artist or media personality, or a non-profit that gives back to the community, the projects are full of passion. We love what we do. For that, and for the many folks that were part of my tapestry along the way, I am eternally grateful. 

Remember, God knows the plans He has for you. Trust in that.

Website: www.Legacy-PR.com

Instagram: @legacypr_events

Linkedin: @TresaHalbrooks

Twitter: @Legacy_PR

Facebook: @LegacyPRandEvents

Youtube: @LegacyPR422

Other: www.GoalPosts.Online

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