Business Details
Expert Marketing & PR Solutions in East Lansing, MI
CR Marketing is a premier marketing and public relations agency with over three decades of experience delivering targeted communication strategies. Since our inception, we have specialized in crafting complex messaging for niche audiences, serving businesses, government agencies, associations, and nonprofits nationwide. Our unique advantage lies in our in-house capabilities, including video production, web development, photography, and graphic design, all driven from our East Lansing, Michigan headquarters. With a proven track record spanning 30 years, we have expanded our reach from Michigan to Tennessee and across seven states, working with notable clients including Apple, Facebook, and major corporations.Our expertise in digital marketing combines web optimization, social media, and email campaigns to create cohesive strategies that drive measurable results. We pride ourselves on innovation, having pioneered campaigns for propane organizations and heavy equipment manufacturers while maintaining strong media relations through 28 years of experience in news distribution. Our team of industry veterans brings deep technical knowledge, having operated at the intersection of marketing, technology, and media since the early days of the internet.
Services
Digital Marketing
Video Production
Media Relations
Publications
Research
Web Development
Graphic Design
News Distribution
Campaign Strategy
Client Publications
Highlights and features
- We have 30+ years of experience in targeted marketing communication.
- Our in-house team produces video, web, and design content.
- We serve clients across seven states from our Michigan headquarters.
- Our expertise includes campaigns for propane organizations and heavy equipment manufacturers.
- We've collaborated with tech giants including Apple and Facebook.
Services
Digital Marketing
Our digital marketing integrates website optimization, social media, and email campaigns into cohesive strategies. We leverage Google Maps listings, content marketing, and targeted social media posts to increase client visibility. With state-of-the-art analytics, we create data-driven campaigns that improve conversion rates and expand market reach for businesses across seven states.
Video Production
We produce professional video content using our dedicated studio and advanced production equipment. Services include commercial filming, post-production editing, and photography for corporate and broadcast use. Our team employs cutting-edge tools like Ronan floating gimbals and bi-color studio lights to create compelling visual narratives for clients ranging from local associations to major corporations.
Media Relations
We develop earned media campaigns that generate public interest through traditional news channels. Our approach combines press releases, media outreach, and story development to secure coverage in print and broadcast outlets. With 28 years of industry experience, we've successfully placed client stories in major media platforms, including collaborations with Google and Facebook events.
Client Publications
Our in-house team designs and produces customized publications that advance organizational goals. We combine graphic design, professional writing, and research capabilities to create impactful materials that go beyond entertainment to drive meaningful change. Our services include magazine publication, case studies, and targeted communications for industry associations and corporations.
Research
We provide data-driven research solutions that inform strategic decision-making. Our approach starts with cost-effective preliminary studies using existing data before progressing to detailed surveys, case studies, and focus groups. Our team specializes in identifying the most appropriate research methodologies to deliver actionable insights that support client objectives and policy development.
People
Kathy Schaefer
Owner / Partner
Kathy Schaefer owns and operates CR Marketing and CR News. With former hospital administration experience, she combines healthcare background with marketing expertise. As a FAA-certified drone pilot, she brings technical proficiency to the agency's video capabilities while securing significant government grants for clients.
Joe Ross
Partner
As creative director and marketing strategist, Joe Ross leads media campaigns for Midwest-based companies. With experience launching technology firms and shaping healthcare policy, he provides strategic direction informed by his tenure at the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and Federal Reserve economic roundtables.
Questions
What industries do you specialize in?
We specialize in marketing complex products and services for businesses, government agencies, nonprofits, and industry associations, with particular expertise in propane energy, heavy equipment manufacturing, and technology sectors.
How long have you been in business?
Our team has over 30 years of combined experience, with CR Marketing's propane industry campaigns dating back 26 years.
What creative services do you offer in-house?
We provide video production, web development, graphic design, photography, and publication design from our East Lansing headquarters.
Do you work with national clients?
While based in Michigan, we serve clients across seven states and have collaborated with national organizations in energy, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors.
What makes your marketing approach unique?
We combine traditional PR strategies with modern digital marketing techniques, leveraging our media production capabilities to create integrated, results-driven campaigns.
Reviews (6)
Scott Underwood
Sep 18, 2020
Report
I have used CR Marketing on many different platforms with 3 different organizations and they have never disappointed. They continue to amaze us with ideas and always seem to be on the cutting edge. With CR Marketing you get more then just what you pay for. 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐Star Company
Olivia Snyder
Apr 23, 2020
Report
DO NOT APPLY HERE. As a recent graduate, I’ve been searching to find the right job for me. During this search, I came across this company. Big mistake. Absolutely the most unprofessional place I’ve been in… contact with. Poor grammar in every email they sent me gave me an initial bad impression, and then they stated they wanted me to come in for an interview in person. I declined, and asked if we could schedule a zoom call, because we are in the middle of an epidemic. 2 days later I got a reply stating only that the position was filled. I find this extremely unprofessional -
Erik Molenaar
Dec 27, 2019
Report
C&R is a great place. I took advantage of my time there and I am extremely grateful for everything that I learned. Check them out!
John Delehanty
Dec 08, 2019
Report
Joe and Kathy do great work and they really go the extra mile to afford staff with experiences and projects that can help develop resumes and portfolios. Very agile workplace that keeps you on your toes, but incredibly forgiving of mistakes. Always felt like my work was valued and that I had the support necessary to build whatever project I was assigned.
Emily Grevel
Nov 23, 2019
Report
C&R marketing offers hands-on experience you just won't find anywhere else. I have so many great things to say about this place. If you want an opportunity to hone in on necessary skills to build a killer portfolio for your post-college experience, this is the place! C&R does not build interns to take on mediocre 9-5 jobs after they graduate. You can expect to be challenged. Apply here if you want experience moving through all realms of the marketing world. Any given day you can expect to face new challenges, new projects, new customers, and so many other facets of the marketing world that are
Derek Dalling
Nov 17, 2019
Report
Our firm has partnered with CR Marketing for over two decades. We not only recommend our clients to CR Marketing but our firm is a CR Marketing client as well. CR Marketing provides our firm and our clients with cost competitive fees; high quality magazines/newsletters, videos, websites, and social media; and they always go the extra mile often providing more than we requested.
