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January 31. 2012 3:17PM
Michelle Firmbach Nadeau
Birthplace: U.S. Naval Hospital in Pensacola, Fla.
Family: husband, Justin P. Nadeau, owner of Law Offices of Justin P. Nadeau, P.A.; and pets, Carabella “Bella” (Cat) and Caspian “Cass” (dog)
High school: Ward Melville High School in East Setauket, Long Island, New York
College/post grad degrees: Bachelor's degree in English/Journalism from the University of New Hampshire with concentrations in environmental conservation and philosophy
Current Job: Principal and founder of Aqua Communications, a strategic public relations and marketing agency based in historic Portsmouth. Aqua provides counsel to a wide range of clients from Fortune 500 companies to small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and individuals. Launched in 2006, Aqua brings more than 13 years of public affairs, marketing and journalism experience to the practice of strategic public relations and branding. The company has a proven track record of implementing effective strategies to achieve even the most challenging business objectives.
Key past positions held: Manager of U.S. public affairs for Irving Oil Corp., Portsmouth. In this role, I managed media relations and community relations as the spokesman for the company's U.S. operations and also served as an international marketing media relations spokesperson. Staff writer for Seacoast Media Group based in Portsmouth.
Volunteer activities: I enjoy volunteering my time to support nonprofit organizations and small businesses that do not have the necessary resources to fund a public relations and advertising budget. I am actively engaged in the New Hampshire community as a trustee for Strawbery Banke Museum. In this role, I bring the expertise of Aqua Communications to the Puddle Dock neighborhood to direct the museum's largest annual fundraiser. I also volunteer time to support the Portsmouth-based Seacoast Rugby Club, a semi-professional rugby club for women and men, as the co-founder and an ongoing sponsor.
Most admired person (outside your family): Cynthia Harvell, vice-chair of Strawbery Banke Museum's board of trustees
Key current professional challenge: As the founder and principal of a strategic public relations firm, my greatest challenge is delivering the highest possible level of service to my clients on a daily basis.
Last major achievement: Celebrated the five-year anniversary of Aqua Communications in a challenging economic environment with the following successes: Designed and executed an effective campaign for Star Island Corp. to publicize the 2011 Gosport Regatta - the resurgence of a vintage sailing race at the Isles of Shoals first held in the late 19th Century. Worked closely with the nonprofit to boost awareness of the fundraising event and inspire community involvement and support for the island's historic buildings and landscapes. Revitalized Strawbery Banke Museum's largest annual fundraising event – Vintage & Vine. As the volunteer event co-director of the wine festival, I worked closely with the museum to develop strong brand recognition for Vintage & Vine and manage the development of a strategic partnership with the N.H. Liquor Commission. Participation grew by 300 percent in a single year. The event now has its own brand and unprecedented community support, raising more than $70,000 in 2010 and $77,000 in 2011. Continue the five-year tenure of providing public affairs and communications counsel and support to multiple clients including Waste Management – North America's largest comprehensive waste services company. On a personal note, completed my second triathlon (bike, swim, run) this year.
Biggest problem facing New Hampshire: Retaining and recruiting innovative young professionals in New Hampshire who will become the future leaders of our state.
Favorite place in New Hampshire: Strawbery Banke Museum located on the New Hampshire Seacoast and Franconia Notch State Park located in the White Mountain National Forest
What book are you reading now? “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” by Stieg Larsson
How do you relax? I relax by reading fiction and travel books, exercising outdoors and traveling. My husband, Justin, and I enjoy new travel experiences in the U.S. and abroad. Our most recent adventures include travel to Brazil's Pantanal, the Sunshine Coast of Queensland, Australia, and the Caribbean Islands. We are currently planning a South African safari to Zululand. I spend my personal time exploring the White Mountains of New Hampshire, snowboarding and skiing, scuba diving, running and cycling with friends, playing and coaching rugby and practicing yoga.
What web sites do you visit most often? National News www.nytimes.com and www.wsj.com; UK: www.bbc.co.uk; Local news: www.unionleader.com and www.seacoastonline.com and www.wmur.com
Social: Facebook, Twitter & Google; PR: Mashable; National Geographic Magazine:
Favorite Musical Artists: U2 and Journey
Favorite Show: House Hunters International (HGTV)
PR firm owner Michelle Firmbach Nadeau is used to talking about clients, not herself
Michelle Firmbach Nadeau
Michelle Firmbach Nadeau, 34
Home: PortsmouthBirthplace: U.S. Naval Hospital in Pensacola, Fla.
Family: husband, Justin P. Nadeau, owner of Law Offices of Justin P. Nadeau, P.A.; and pets, Carabella “Bella” (Cat) and Caspian “Cass” (dog)
High school: Ward Melville High School in East Setauket, Long Island, New York
College/post grad degrees: Bachelor's degree in English/Journalism from the University of New Hampshire with concentrations in environmental conservation and philosophy
Current Job: Principal and founder of Aqua Communications, a strategic public relations and marketing agency based in historic Portsmouth. Aqua provides counsel to a wide range of clients from Fortune 500 companies to small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and individuals. Launched in 2006, Aqua brings more than 13 years of public affairs, marketing and journalism experience to the practice of strategic public relations and branding. The company has a proven track record of implementing effective strategies to achieve even the most challenging business objectives.
Key past positions held: Manager of U.S. public affairs for Irving Oil Corp., Portsmouth. In this role, I managed media relations and community relations as the spokesman for the company's U.S. operations and also served as an international marketing media relations spokesperson. Staff writer for Seacoast Media Group based in Portsmouth.
Volunteer activities: I enjoy volunteering my time to support nonprofit organizations and small businesses that do not have the necessary resources to fund a public relations and advertising budget. I am actively engaged in the New Hampshire community as a trustee for Strawbery Banke Museum. In this role, I bring the expertise of Aqua Communications to the Puddle Dock neighborhood to direct the museum's largest annual fundraiser. I also volunteer time to support the Portsmouth-based Seacoast Rugby Club, a semi-professional rugby club for women and men, as the co-founder and an ongoing sponsor.
Most admired person (outside your family): Cynthia Harvell, vice-chair of Strawbery Banke Museum's board of trustees
Key current professional challenge: As the founder and principal of a strategic public relations firm, my greatest challenge is delivering the highest possible level of service to my clients on a daily basis.
Last major achievement: Celebrated the five-year anniversary of Aqua Communications in a challenging economic environment with the following successes: Designed and executed an effective campaign for Star Island Corp. to publicize the 2011 Gosport Regatta - the resurgence of a vintage sailing race at the Isles of Shoals first held in the late 19th Century. Worked closely with the nonprofit to boost awareness of the fundraising event and inspire community involvement and support for the island's historic buildings and landscapes. Revitalized Strawbery Banke Museum's largest annual fundraising event – Vintage & Vine. As the volunteer event co-director of the wine festival, I worked closely with the museum to develop strong brand recognition for Vintage & Vine and manage the development of a strategic partnership with the N.H. Liquor Commission. Participation grew by 300 percent in a single year. The event now has its own brand and unprecedented community support, raising more than $70,000 in 2010 and $77,000 in 2011. Continue the five-year tenure of providing public affairs and communications counsel and support to multiple clients including Waste Management – North America's largest comprehensive waste services company. On a personal note, completed my second triathlon (bike, swim, run) this year.
Biggest problem facing New Hampshire: Retaining and recruiting innovative young professionals in New Hampshire who will become the future leaders of our state.
Favorite place in New Hampshire: Strawbery Banke Museum located on the New Hampshire Seacoast and Franconia Notch State Park located in the White Mountain National Forest
What book are you reading now? “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” by Stieg Larsson
How do you relax? I relax by reading fiction and travel books, exercising outdoors and traveling. My husband, Justin, and I enjoy new travel experiences in the U.S. and abroad. Our most recent adventures include travel to Brazil's Pantanal, the Sunshine Coast of Queensland, Australia, and the Caribbean Islands. We are currently planning a South African safari to Zululand. I spend my personal time exploring the White Mountains of New Hampshire, snowboarding and skiing, scuba diving, running and cycling with friends, playing and coaching rugby and practicing yoga.
What web sites do you visit most often? National News www.nytimes.com and www.wsj.com; UK: www.bbc.co.uk; Local news: www.unionleader.com and www.seacoastonline.com and www.wmur.com
Social: Facebook, Twitter & Google; PR: Mashable; National Geographic Magazine:
Favorite Musical Artists: U2 and Journey
Favorite Show: House Hunters International (HGTV)
PORTSMOUTH - Michelle Firmbach Nadeau, 34, is not used to talking about herself.
As principal of her own public relations firm, she is used to talking about her clients.
Nadeau's firm, Aqua Communications, focuses on strategic communications for companies, big and small, and nonprofit organizations.
But it is her effort with Strawbery Banke's fundraising event Vintage & Vine that has really created buzz around her in the past two years, and was mentioned often in her nominations for this year's 40 Under Forty recognition.
Last year, Vintage & Vine raised more than $77,000 for the historic museum, making it the nonprofit organization's largest fundraiser.
Nadeau led the charge to move the event from inside a tent into the historic homes and gardens of the 10-acre property, and to attract more young people to the museum through public relations and affordable pricing.
“Many people come to Strawbery Banke when they are children on a school trip, and we are trying to encourage those people to come back and see how the museum has changed and re-engage them,” Nadeau said.
She recommended dropping the price for members from $75 per person to $35 per person, and last year more than 1,200 people attended, experiencing wine tastings and gourmet foods at 15 locations around Strawbery Banke.
Nadeau is from Long Island, and she came to New Hampshire to study journalism in college. She first learned about Strawbery Banke museum as a reporter for the Portsmouth Herald and fell in love, she said. As head of public relations for Irving Oil after that, she helped to sponsor many local events at the museum, and then she began volunteering on various committees. She was asked to join the museum's board of trustees in 2006 at the ripe old age of 29, the same year she started Aqua Communications.
Nadeau also loans her passion to athletic endeavors. She helped found the Seacoast Rugby Club, in which she remains active, and completed her second triathlon last year.
Nadeau said she doesn't often stop to think about what she may have contributed to the New Hampshire community, but she said it is nice to be recognized.
“I'm honored to be selected and included in what I feel is an elite group of young, innovative, New Hampshire professionals,” Nadeau said, about being included in this year's 40 Under Forty class.
It is an accomplishment she now shares with husband, Attorney Justin Nadeau, named to 40 Under Forty last year, and she said that makes it all the more meaningful for them both.
“We will carry it with us throughout our personal and professional lives,” Nadeau said.
As principal of her own public relations firm, she is used to talking about her clients.
Nadeau's firm, Aqua Communications, focuses on strategic communications for companies, big and small, and nonprofit organizations.
But it is her effort with Strawbery Banke's fundraising event Vintage & Vine that has really created buzz around her in the past two years, and was mentioned often in her nominations for this year's 40 Under Forty recognition.
Last year, Vintage & Vine raised more than $77,000 for the historic museum, making it the nonprofit organization's largest fundraiser.
Nadeau led the charge to move the event from inside a tent into the historic homes and gardens of the 10-acre property, and to attract more young people to the museum through public relations and affordable pricing.
“Many people come to Strawbery Banke when they are children on a school trip, and we are trying to encourage those people to come back and see how the museum has changed and re-engage them,” Nadeau said.
She recommended dropping the price for members from $75 per person to $35 per person, and last year more than 1,200 people attended, experiencing wine tastings and gourmet foods at 15 locations around Strawbery Banke.
Nadeau is from Long Island, and she came to New Hampshire to study journalism in college. She first learned about Strawbery Banke museum as a reporter for the Portsmouth Herald and fell in love, she said. As head of public relations for Irving Oil after that, she helped to sponsor many local events at the museum, and then she began volunteering on various committees. She was asked to join the museum's board of trustees in 2006 at the ripe old age of 29, the same year she started Aqua Communications.
Nadeau also loans her passion to athletic endeavors. She helped found the Seacoast Rugby Club, in which she remains active, and completed her second triathlon last year.
Nadeau said she doesn't often stop to think about what she may have contributed to the New Hampshire community, but she said it is nice to be recognized.
“I'm honored to be selected and included in what I feel is an elite group of young, innovative, New Hampshire professionals,” Nadeau said, about being included in this year's 40 Under Forty class.
It is an accomplishment she now shares with husband, Attorney Justin Nadeau, named to 40 Under Forty last year, and she said that makes it all the more meaningful for them both.
“We will carry it with us throughout our personal and professional lives,” Nadeau said.
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