By Joyce L. Carroll
Special to Delaware Business Times
Leon Tucker launched his public relations firm in April after a 20-year journey from working in newspapers to serving the community. Tucker started out as a reporter for the Gannett Group and moved up the ranks to editor. He grew disheartened, however, as journalistic values changed. A layoff in 2013 inspired both a career change and a shift in perspective. Tucker decided he wanted to help organizations doing good.
First, Tucker served as communications director for Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County, where he had the opportunity to serve people in need of housing. Next, he directed communications for Delaware's Department of Labor. That's when he started thinking about setting out on his own.
"I always ask God to make things abundantly clear for what I need to do now," he said.
Leon Tucker Public Relations LLC will concentrate primarily on nonprofits. He said is goal is to encourage people to invest in themselves.
It can be difficult for new entrepreneurs to find clients, but Tucker hit the ground running. The City of Wilmington was among his first clients. Tucker said he hopes to assist with internal communications as well as promote the city to others.
"I'm pleased to have this experiment be so well received, and so immediate," he said. "It's such a positive experience for all involved."
As his firm picks up speed, Tucker said he remains thoughtful to growth. "The challenge is making sure that as I grow my business, my family and family life, my children, my wife, don't lose anything "¦ that
I don't have to compromise the sanctity of my family and household," he said.
His takeaway message: "If you have a desire of the heart, whether it's starting a business, to be a father or mother, be married, or be in some career field that you think is unattainable, never let go of that desire of your heart. That is where happiness lives. "¦ You'll eventually get there."
