Two visionary women, two thriving PR firms, one revolutionary partnership.
When you first meet Liselle DeGrave and Rachel Dickman, it’s easy to sense their genuine, collaborative energy. Both women exude confidence, warmth, and a contagious enthusiasm for storytelling. They finish each other’s sentences, laugh easily, and radiate the kind of mutual respect that comes only from shared history and hard-won success. Together, they represent a new era in public relations: one defined not by rivalry, but by collaboration through competition, or as they’ve coined it, “collabetition.”
Their partnership between DeGrave Communications, Inc. and RMG Communications is one of modern entrepreneurship’s most compelling public relations case studies. Two separate businesses, independently owned and operated, yet functioning seamlessly as one powerhouse of innovation, creativity, and leadership. Their story is equal parts grit, grace, and growth and is reshaping how women in PR think about business ownership, collaboration, and success.
The Humble Beginnings: From Dial-Up Dreams to Dynamic Brands
In 2004, Liselle DeGrave launched DeGrave Communications with little more than a dial-up internet connection, a fax machine, and an unwavering belief in the power of authentic storytelling. At the time, she was balancing working at a public agency while building her freelance PR business from the ground up. The early days were marked by trial, error, and endless perseverance, a period that would ultimately define her leadership ethos.
It was later, while working part-time for a public organization, that she met Rachel Dickman, then a young professional with big dreams and a natural gift for communication. The two women quickly bonded, joking that someday they’d start a PR firm together. Life, as it often does, took them down different paths, but fate had other plans.
Sixteen years ago, Rachel embarked on a new chapter, earning her MBA to strengthen her business acumen. Her passion for public relations was fueled by a deep desire to craft meaningful stories and connect people and organizations in powerful ways. Inspired by early mentors (professors and PR firm owners who modeled both creativity and courage) she began envisioning her own boutique firm.
In 2018, that vision became reality. RMG Communications was born. The boutique agency was built around the clients she cared most about, especially those in the public sector. Rachel’s move into entrepreneurship felt both intentional and natural as she paired her love of storytelling with a strong foundation in business strategy.
Meanwhile, Liselle DeGrave Communications had already become a respected player in the California PR scene. Liselle’s business had evolved from a one-woman show into a thriving firm known for its integrity, community focus, and results-driven approach. When Rachel founded RMG Communications, it felt only natural that the two longtime friends would find a way to collaborate.
What began as a shared joke years earlier became a trailblazing partnership model, one where two independent PR firms could support, amplify, and challenge each other while maintaining distinct brands. They called it “collabetition.”
The Power of Collabetition
In an industry known for competitiveness, Liselle DeGrave and Rachel Dickman’s model defied convention. Rather than viewing each other as rivals, they chose to partner rather than compete. The result was an arrangement where both agencies collaborate as if part of a single enterprise while preserving their independence as separate corporations.
Their approach has yielded extraordinary results. Together, they co-host the award-winning podcast “PRessing On in Public Relations” and co-authored the Amazon #1 New Release, “A Practical Guide to Starting Your Own PR Firm.” These platforms have become cornerstones of thought leadership in the PR industry, inspiring thousands of professionals to launch their own firms or refine their craft.
The magic of “collabetition” lies not only in shared projects but in mutual growth. As Rachel often says, “We support one another in ways that strengthen us as business owners, communicators, leaders, and people.”
Liselle echoes the sentiment: “Our businesses operate like one team. We share ideas, strategies, and resources, and we celebrate each other’s wins. It’s not about competition; it’s about contribution.”
Early Challenges and Lessons in Leadership
For both women, the leadership journey was paved with obstacles that shaped their resilience and refined their approach to business.
When Liselle first founded Liselle DeGrave Communications, she quickly realized that being a great PR practitioner didn’t automatically translate into being a great business owner. The creative side of PR, like messaging, strategy, storytelling, came naturally. But managing employees, handling finances, and navigating contracts were new territories.
“There was a steep learning curve,” Liselle recalls. “Every challenge, from hiring my first employee to managing cash flow, taught me something valuable. I learned that leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about being willing to learn, adapt, and grow.”
Rachel faced similar challenges when she launched RMG Communications. Having come from leading in-house communications teams, the leap into entrepreneurship meant wearing every hat, including strategist, HR manager, accountant, IT support, and business development officer. Adding to the complexity, she also manages marketing and development for her husband’s architectural survey firm.
But Rachel found strength in collaboration. “Partnering with Liselle provided a built-in support system,” she says. “We shared insights, vented frustrations, and celebrated milestones together. It made the journey less lonely and far more rewarding.”
Together, they refined their leadership philosophies, as Liselle focuses on empowerment through independence while Rachel leads with intuition and empathy. They share core values rooted in faith, family, and balance, principles that guide their companies’ cultures.
Leadership Grounded in Values
For Liselle, leadership begins with empowerment. She believes in giving her team the tools, training, and trust to succeed, and then stepping back to let them shine. “I want people to feel ownership over their work,” she explains. “That’s how innovation happens.”
Her guiding principle is simple yet profound: God and family come first. That conviction, which inspired her to launch her firm in the first place, continues to shape her leadership philosophy. “Public relations is demanding, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of what matters most,” she says.
Rachel leads with intuition and empowerment, shaping a culture at RMG Communications that values creativity, autonomy, and balance. “We do our best work when we feel supported, trusted, and inspired,” she says. Her commitment to resilience, learning, ambition, and healthy boundaries strengthens both her leadership and her team. And on most days, she does it all with her office cats curled up nearby, offering quiet companionship and a little extra inspiration.
Both women exemplify leadership that is purpose-driven and people-centered, modeling an approach that balances excellence with empathy, which is a rare combination in a high-stakes industry.
Stories that Change Lives: Campaigns that Matter
Every PR professional dreams of creating campaigns that not only make headlines but also make a difference. For Liselle and Rachel, that dream has been realized many times over.
One of Liselle’s most meaningful projects was a pro bono campaign for Jacob’s House, a nonprofit in Temecula, California, that offers refuge to families with loved ones hospitalized under critical circumstances. The organization’s story had faded from public attention, and its outdated promotional video no longer reflected its emotional heart.
Liselle took on the challenge, crafting a new storytelling approach that focused on authenticity and compassion. Working with a trusted videographer, she produced a moving video that reignited community engagement and helped secure vital funding for Jacob’s House. “It reminded me why we do what we do,” Liselle reflects. “Good PR isn’t about publicity — it’s about purpose.”
Rachel’s proudest achievement came through co-hosting the PRessing On in Public Relations podcast, a platform born from her and Liselle’s shared mission to uplift and educate others in the industry. The podcast has won national recognition, including a Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) National Bronze Anvil Award and a PRSA Best in Show Award, cementing its status as a leading voice in communications thought leadership.
Listeners from around the world have written to share how the podcast inspired them to start businesses or pursue accreditation. “That’s when we knew we were doing something special,” Rachel says. “Our stories were empowering others to tell their own.”
A New Model for Modern PR Firms
Liselle DeGrave Communications and RMG Communications are distinct entities, but their philosophies share a common thread: quality over quantity, partnership over hierarchy, and authenticity over showmanship.
DeGrave Communications: Redefining Efficiency and Trust
It’s no secret that PR firm clients often get shuffled between account managers and junior staff. Liselle DeGrave Communications offers a refreshing alternative: Clients work directly with experienced professionals who handle every layer of their campaigns, including the strategic, tactical, and creative. This hands-on model streamlines work, reduces revisions, and builds lasting trust.
“We don’t believe in the assembly-line approach,” Liselle explains. “Clients deserve direct access to the people doing the work; the ones who understand their goals, audiences, and challenges.”
This philosophy has yielded not only client loyalty but remarkable growth, particularly within the public sector. Today, 90% of DeGrave Communications’ clients are cities, counties, special districts, and water agencies, organizations that value transparency, accountability, and results.
RMG Communications: The Magic of Specialization
Meanwhile, RMG Communications thrives by leaning into specialization. Unlike many generalist firms, RMG focuses exclusively on public-sector communications, serving local governments and agencies across multiple states. This niche expertise allows the firm to hit the ground running on complex projects, from drought communications to infrastructure campaigns, without the typical learning curve.
RMG’s proprietary approach blends strategic storytelling with technical precision, driven by Rachel’s elite qualifications, including her Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) and Pepperdine Public Engagement Certification. “We know PR and Public Agencies — it’s part of the RMG magic,” Rachel often says. That magic lies in deep understanding, and not just of messaging, but of how public trust is built and maintained.
The firm’s tight-knit team, many of whom have collaborated with Rachel since the beginning, ensures consistency and continuity. “When clients work with us, they’re working with experts who know their world,” Rachel emphasizes. “It’s a partnership built on trust.”
Technology Meets Humanity: Leading Through Change
In a digital age, both firms are embracing innovation while staying rooted in human connection. For Liselle, the rise of AI has opened new possibilities for efficiency, spanning idea generation to data analysis, but she remains adamant that the essence of PR cannot be automated. “AI can help us work smarter,” she says, “but empathy, intuition, and relationships will always be at the heart of what we do.”
Rachel echoes that balance at RMG Communications, where emerging tools like AI-driven analytics and drone technology are reshaping how public-sector messages are delivered. With two certified drone operators on staff, RMG offers cutting-edge visual storytelling through aerial photography, virtual tours, and mapping, which is particularly powerful for infrastructure and community engagement campaigns.
“Technology enhances our storytelling,” Rachel explains, “but the human touch gives it meaning.”
Recognition and Results
Both DeGrave Communications and RMG Communications have earned top honors across multiple organizations, validating the impact of their work.
Among their shared accolades:
- CAPIO Best in Show Award for branding excellence
- OCPRSA Protos Award and 3CMA SAVVY Award for a city conservation campaign that measurably reduced water usage during drought
- PRSA National Bronze Anvil Award and Regional Best in Show for their podcast
- Multiple regional awards for their book, How to Start a PR Firm
Individually, Liselle received the PRSA-Inland Empire Spirit of PR Award, while Rachel earned CAPIO’s Paul B. Clark Lifetime Achievement Award. These awards recognize outstanding leadership, mentorship, and innovation in public relations.
Ethics, Integrity, and Client Partnership
At the core of both firms lies an unwavering commitment to ethical communication. DeGrave Communications and RMG Communications prioritize transparency, compliance, and privacy in every campaign. They approach client feedback not as criticism but as collaboration and an opportunity to refine and strengthen outcomes.
“We’re in the business of trust,” Liselle explains. “Our clients depend on us to represent them with integrity, and that’s something we never compromise.”
This ethos has helped both agencies build long-term relationships across sectors where accountability isn’t just appreciated, it’s expected.
Mentorship, Mindset, and the Power of Possibility
Both women are passionate about giving back by mentoring the next generation of PR professionals through their podcast, speaking engagements, and community involvement. Their book, A Practical Guide to Starting Your Own PR Firm, has become a go-to resource for aspiring entrepreneurs navigating the complexities of independent practice.
For Liselle, her advice to young professionals is simple but profound:
“Don’t do it afraid. Do it excited. You don’t need all the answers to start. Focus on relationships, stay true to your values, and trust that you’ll figure things out along the way. Relationships are everything, if you can build strong and authentic connections with people you will succeed in anything.”
Rachel echoes that sentiment with her own twist: “There’s enough opportunity for everyone. Network relentlessly, keep learning, and brand yourself boldly. Success isn’t a race, it’s a journey.”
Both women emphasize balance not as a luxury, but as a strategy. “Healthy boundaries fuel creativity,” Rachel notes. “When your team feels supported and respected, innovation thrives.”
Looking Ahead: Vision for the Future
The next few years promise continued growth for both firms, individually and collectively.
✦ DeGrave Communications aims to expand its reach through new partnerships, deeper client collaborations, and thought leadership opportunities. Liselle plans to continue growing the firm’s influence within the public sector while elevating its role in shaping ethical, human-centered communications.
✦ RMG Communications is doubling down on technology and expanding its drone and AI services to enhance storytelling and analysis while keeping the focus on authentic community engagement. Rachel envisions RMG setting new standards in public-sector communications built upon authentic connections and insights..
Together, they’re planning to scale the Pressing On podcast, increase their speaking engagements, and build on the overwhelming response to their book. “Our audience keeps asking for more,” Liselle says. “More stories, more insights, more collaboration, and we’re ready to deliver.”
The Legacy of Collabetition
What makes the partnership between Liselle DeGrave and Rachel Dickman so extraordinary isn’t just their success. It’s their shared philosophy that business doesn’t have to be a zero-sum game. Their “collabetition” model challenges long-held assumptions about ownership, control, and competition, proving that two leaders can grow faster and stronger together than apart.
They have demonstrated that collaboration can be the ultimate form of confidence, that lifting others up doesn’t diminish your own success. Instead, it amplifies it.
Their story is one of reinvention, resilience, and relentless optimism. From a fax machine and dial-up connection to national awards and bestselling books, Liselle and Rachel’s journey embodies the spirit of modern entrepreneurship: bold, collaborative, and unapologetically human.
As they continue to press on (literally and figuratively), their impact on the PR industry is undeniable. Together, they’re not just shaping the future of communications; they’re rewriting its rules.
About the Leaders
Liselle DeGrave, APR, is the Founder and CEO of DeGrave Communications, Inc., an award-winning boutique PR firm serving public-sector clients across multiple states. A respected industry leader, Liselle is known for her integrity-driven leadership, authentic storytelling, and commitment to faith, family, and community. She is also co-author of A Practical Guide to Starting Your Own PR Firm and co-host of PRessing On in Public Relations.
Rachel Dickman, MBA, APR, is the Founder and CEO of RMG Communications, a boutique public relations firm specializing in public-sector communications and community engagement. Known for her intuitive leadership and innovative approach, Rachel is an award-winning strategist, educator, and thought leader. She co-hosts Pressing On in Public Relations and co-authored A Practical Guide to Starting Your Own PR Firm.
Together, DeGrave and Dickman represent more than two decades of excellence, innovation, and leadership that prove collaboration, authenticity, and shared purpose are the true foundations of lasting success.
| Featured Person | Liselle Regueiro DeGrave, APR  (Founder and CEO) |
| Company Name  | DeGrave Communications  |
| Company Headquarters | Murrieta, CA  |
| Founded Year | 2004 |
| Featured Person’s LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/liselle-degrave |
| Company URL | www.DeGravePR.com |
| Featured Person | Rachel A. Dickman, MBA, APR (Founder and CEO) |
| Company Name  | RMG Communications  |
| Company Headquarters | Fallbrook, CA  |
| Founded Year | 2018 |
| Featured Person’s LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachdickman/ |
| Company URL | www.RMGComm.com |
