Ron Berkowitz

Ron Berkowitz graduated from the University of Miami in 1994 with a bachelor of science in communication. He double majored in broadcast journalism and political science and minored in sports management. Just five years later he opened Berk Comm & Marketing Group, a lifestyle entertainment public relations firm. 

As a UM student, Berkowitz had experiences that not many college students have. He broadcasted the Sugar Bowl for the university radio station, WVUM, watched the Miami Hurricanes defeat the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the 1992 Orange Bowl national championship game, and even performed charitable work through the fraternity system and the Hurricanes to help rebuild South Florida after Hurricane Andrew devastated the region.

But one of his favorite memories of his time at UM is interviewing Don Shula, former head coach of the Miami Dolphins.

“In one of my journalism classes we went to lunch at Don Shula’s house. There were 12 of us who got to interview one of the greatest coaches of all time. We did it over lunch, in his dinning room. It was incredible,” says Berkowitz.

He lists Professors Wakhisi, Garrison, and Driscoll as his favorite communication professors.

After graduation, Berkowitz began working as host of the Press Box Show, a radio program in Trenton, NJ. He soon took a position as a sports reporter for WTOP radio in Washington D.C. where he covered the Baltimore Orioles and Washington Wizards, as well as University of Maryland football.

In 1996, Berkowitz began working in media relations for the New York Yankees and one year later moved on to become the manager of publicity for FOX Television Cable Networks and FX. In 1998, Ron took a position as senior account supervisor at Rubenstein Public Relations, one of the largest public relations firms in the country.

On July 1, 1999 in New York City, Berkowitz founded Berk Comm & Marketing Group, a lifestyle entertainment public relations firm. It has since grown into a powerful player in the world of public relations with clientele extending from all corners of the world.

Berkowitz’s philosophy in public relations is to foster his personable business and people skills to build lasting relationships with key celebrities, along with a roster of key people in the major media outlets. His impressive roster of lifestyle and celebrity clients varies from personalities in music, film, television, and sports, to five-star resorts, some of New York City’s hottest nightclubs, A-list celebrity attended events and movie premieres, restaurants of rave reviews, and premier media networks. His agency continues to be sought after by the most recognizable names and businesses in today’s pop culture.

His advice for students studying communications is to “explore all options at UM.” 

“I started out as a sports broadcaster. I came to UM to do that at WVUM, and was the voice of Hurricane Sports for a few years and it was incredible, but I ended up starting a PR firm and switching fields,” he says.

Berkowitz credits his sports broadcasting and journalism background in helping his transition into public relations.

Here are some of Berkowitz’s most notable longstanding clients: JAY Z; Roc Nation Sports – including clients Kevin Durant, Robinson Cano, Dez Bryant, Victor Cruz, Justise Winslow, Willie Cauley-Stein, Miguel Cotto, Andre Ward, CC Sabathia, Geno Smith, James Young, Jerome Boateng, Ndamukong Suh, Skylar Diggins, Todd Gurley, Wilson Chandler, and Yoenis Cespedes; Alex Rodriquez; Elton Brand; luxurious travel destinations including Nizuc Resort & Spa, El San Juan Hotel, La Samana and St. Maarten Tourism; renowned restaurants such as Tao, Hakkasan, LAVO, Limani, Megu, Stanton Social, Brother Jimmy’s BBQ, and Junoon; popular nightlife venues such as 1 OAK, The 40/40 Club, Pink Elephant, and Crobar; product and corporations including D’USSE, Armand de Brignac, Disney Channel, and Klipsch Speakers; in addition to producing hot ticketed activations around NBA All-Star, Super Bowl, ESPYs, On The Run Tour, Legends of the Summer Tour, Magna Carter Tour, Cannes Film Festival, Toronto Film Festival, Sundance Film Festival, Major League Baseball All-Star, Rose Bowl, Orange Bowl, and World Championship Boxing; and film premieres for MGM, Paramount, and Fox.