HGTV Star John Gidding Taps French/West/Vaughan as Agency of Record

HGTV Star John Gidding Taps French/West/Vaughan as Agency of Record

TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- French/West/Vaughan (FWV), one of the nation's largest independent public relations, public affairs and brand communications agencies, today announced it has been named agency of record for design guru John Gidding.

The multi-talented Gidding has achieved success as a television personality, fashion model, designer/architect and leading authority on design. Since bursting onto the scene in 2003 as the star of "Knock First" on ABC Family, he has developed an enthusiastic fan base. This continues today with his hosting of "Designed to Sell" and the upcoming show, "Curb Appeal," both on the cable network HGTV. The firm will leverage Gidding's talent and celebrity through media relations and social media initiatives to expand his renown and business interests.

"In French/West/Vaughan I've found a firm truly distinguished by its experience, contacts and entrepreneurial attitude," said Gidding. "They are leaders who don't rest on their laurels, and I am excited to hit the ground running with them."

In recent years FWV has worked with its licensing arm, the Regan Williams Group (RWG), to create successful furniture, bath, bedding and lighting programs for the likes of wildlife artist Dick Idol, "Trading Spaces" co-host Genevieve Gorder and celebrity chef Lorena Garcia. Through its equity investment in RWG a decade ago, FWV was one of the first PR agencies, if not the very first, to jump into the licensing game as a way to help clients extend their brands and generate new sources of revenue. Several other national agencies have followed its lead in recent years.

"We look forward to helping John extend his already strong brand through an aggressive PR push, as well as endorsement and licensing deals that make sense," said FWV Chairman and CEO Rick French.

About French/West/VaughanFrench/West/Vaughan (FWV) is the Southeast's largest independent public relations, public affairs and brand communications agency. FWV was named a 2006 finalist for PR Week magazine's "Midsize PR Agency of the Year" award, and was named the Holmes Report's 2004 National Consumer Agency of the Year. National and international clients represented by the agency include, the Coca-Cola Company, Wrangler, the Justin Boot Company, Canada Post, the International Gemological Institute, Divi Resorts, Blinds To Go and OTB Records. The agency is headquartered in Raleigh and has offices in New York City and Tampa. The agency's creative arm, FWV Distilled, was established in 2007 and provides award-winning advertising, graphic design and media planning and placement services for a wide range of clients. For more information, please visit www.fwv-us.com.

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Source: French/West/Vaughan

CONTACT: Rick French of French/West/Vaughan, +1-919-277-1174

Web Site: http://www.fwv-us.com/

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Profile: International Entertainment