Case Study: Girls Auto Clinic

Client Overview

Girls Auto Clinic (GAC) was founded in 2013 by Patrice Banks, a black-owned women-owned, and operated business in the automotive industry. They build tools to drive knowledge and engagement to women or SHECANICS to own their automotive experiences. GAC empowers women to be fully engaged and confident in purchasing and managing their vehicles. They increase the presence of women successfully and happily employed within the industry. Patrice started by teaching car care workshops in the Philadelphia area, delivering a TEDx talk, and writing a car care book for women. In January 2017, Patrice opened The Girls Auto Clinic Repair Center, a full-service auto repair shop with women mechanics and a nail salon for customers while they wait. Since its opening, GAC has been catapulted into the international automotive business and women empowerment space.

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Our Strategy

Patrice Banks reached out to Philly PR Girl (PPRG) after admiring our successful collaborations with various clients and events in the Philadelphia area. Impressed by our understanding of the local market, attention to detail, and alignment with her brand's essence, Patrice sought our expertise to manage the overwhelming attention her business, Girls Auto Clinic was receiving. As a new entrepreneur facing the challenges of rapid growth, Patrice needed assistance handling the influx of inquiries, interviews, and requests for press coverage. During our initial meeting, Patrice mentioned her objectives for leveraging PPRG services, emphasizing the importance of showcasing Girls Auto Clinic’s mission of empowering women within the automotive industry.

Our PR Plan for GAC began with filtering and prioritizing incoming inquiries, aligning with Patrice’s schedule, and looking at feasible opportunities that aligned with Patrice’s brand's mission. Our focus shifted to planning the grand opening of GAC's physical location and coordinating details, date, time, guest list, entertainment, staff arrangements, and media engagement. This was all to ensure a well-executed event that garnered significant attention and positive coverage. The culmination of our efforts was the book tour, requiring meticulous and thorough planning. From establishing the marketing plan, and selecting optimal launch dates to coordinating press releases, book signings, photoshoots, and media outreach, we ensured a seamless and successful tour that effectively amplified Patrice’s message and expanded GAC’s reach.

Key Media Wins

Thanks to the strategic efforts of PPRG, Patrice achieved remarkable visibility and accomplished all objectives. Notably, she was featured in the Dell Small Business digital media series campaign, leading to her story appearing in numerous airline magazines and landing a Dell TV commercial. Additionally, Philly PR Girl helped secure prominent placements for Patrice, including a billboard sponsored by Honda, a Lean Cuisine commercial, and features on Good Morning America, NPR, and Time Magazine. Patrice’s book launch dubbed the “SHECANIC Book Tour” launched at the historic Library of Philadelphia and garnered national attention and partnerships with industry giants, Ford and Capital One. Her accomplishments were recognized by esteemed publications such as The New York Times, solidifying her status as a trailblazer in the automotive industry.

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Key Media Outlets

NPR
Time Magazine
NBC
Glamour Magazine
ESPNW
Oprah Magazine
CBS News
ABC

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Philly Based, Not Bound