Strategic Communications Consulting
Welcome
Serving as an independent consultant is the culmination of my journey after the acquisition of Fish Consulting by private equity, and serving as CEO of Fish 919, the combined entity of four previously acquired marketing firms.
Now, I’m leveraging 30 years of strategic communications experience to serve as a consultant or a fractional chief communications officer (CCO) to counsel C-level executives and their teams in navigating crisis and change management communications. In today’s dynamic business environment, effective communication is crucial for steering organizations through transitions and mitigating risks.
In the franchising industry, transparent and proactive communication is essential for building trust and strengthening the relationship between franchisors and franchisees. By implementing tailored communication strategies, I help leaders foster collaboration, ensuring that franchisees feel supported and informed, particularly during periods of change. This not only enhances brand loyalty but also empowers franchisees to thrive within the system.
Together, we can develop actionable plans that align the interests of all parties, reinforcing a strong, cohesive network that drives mutual success.
Services
Franchise and multi-location brands will benefit from my three decades of communications experience, which has helped some of the world's leading companies tackle their most pressing business challenges. For the immediate future, I’ll be focused on advising senior executives and their teams on preparing for and implementing crisis communications, as well as internal and change management strategies to effectively educate their stakeholders during times of transition.
Should your needs extend beyond these areas, I welcome the opportunity to explore additional ways I can support your organization's communications objectives.
Crisis Communications
Vulnerabilities assessment
Crisis plan audit
Crisis plan development
Executive simulations
Training workshops
Franchisee association communications
Litigation communications
C-level media training
Change Management
FDD updates (i.e., fee changes, new policies)
Franchisor leadership changes
Modification to advisory council(s)
Change in tech and equipment requirements
Mission, vision, values launch or update
Brand Experience
Lorne M. Fisher, CFE
For more than 30 years, Lorne has served in various public relations and marketing leadership positions for both agencies and corporations. In 2004, Lorne launched Fish Consulting that specialized in public relations and marketing for franchise and multi-location businesses across a variety of industries. For more than 19 years, the agency supported some of the world's most recognized franchise brands with their consumer public relations, influencer marketing, corporate communications, internal relations and crisis communications.
Lorne has counseled CEOs and their teams on various communications challenges. Fish's clients included Dunkin’, Orangetheory Fitness, Häagen-Dazs, Little Caesars Pizza, Jack in the Box, Authority Brands, Jiffy Lube, Smoothie King, Best Western Hotels & Resorts, Anytime Fitness, Hand & Stone, among others.
Lorne is a former Board member of the International Franchise Association (IFA) and past chair of the Association’s Supplier Forum Advisory Board. He has also served as an adjunct professor at the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications, and guest lecturer at Nova Southeastern University's H. Wayne Huizenga School of Entrepreneurship.
In August 2023, Fish was acquired by Big Rock Brands, a holding company created by two private equity firms (Landon Capital Partners and Greens Farms Capital). Fish was the fourth acquisition of the firm, with the goal to acquire leading marketing agencies serving franchisors and franchisees. Shortly after Fish’s acquisition, Lorne assumed the CEO role and was charged with integrating the four agencies into one fully integrated marketing agency – Fish 919.
Before opening Fish, Lorne served as the Director of PR & Events for The Absolut Spirits Company, where he was responsible for all national communications for ABSOLUT VODKA, Level Vodka, DANZKA Vodka and Plymouth Gin. Prior to Absolut, he worked for Ketchum where he served clients such as Kodak, Maxwell House, Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games, Levi’s, Nike and eToys while working in the agency’s Atlanta, San Francisco and New York offices.
Lorne has also served as a Director of Corporate Relations for Visa U.S.A., where he was responsible for leading teams handling activities ranging from product launches and media relations to crisis management and employee communications.
Contact Me
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