CAREY BALOGH, FOUNDER & CEO

With over 25 years of experience in brand development and management, public relations, social media, marketing, and special events, Carey Balogh is a visionary entrepreneur who delivers exceptional experiences for clients in architecture, design, construction, engineering, real estate, education, and professional services.

In 2015, Carey founded Brand Groupies, a full-service social, PR, and personal branding agency that partners with B2B service companies and C-suite leaders. Brand Groupies brings a 360-degree approach to every strategy, driving long-term growth and increasing brand awareness for legacy organizations like Mancini Duffy.

Before launching Brand Groupies, Carey was a PR director for brands like Hublot and Gucci, and co-founded Frolic!, a rock ‘n’ roll-themed children’s play space in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Frolic! was named Best Play Space in NYC by TimeOut New York Kids and later acquired by the Children’s Museum of Manhattan. 

Carey earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism and public relations from the University of Maryland and a master’s degree in fashion promotion from the Marangoni Institute in Milan. When she’s not hosting the Brand Groupies Podcast or playing guitar in her mom band, Mamadrama, Carey resides in Red Bank, NJ, with her husband, two sons, and dog. 

LAUREN GENEST, PARTNER & PRESIDENT

Equal parts creative and strategic, Lauren Genest is a corporate communications and public relations expert who helps executives shape their public personas. Led by 20 years of trusted client and media relationships, Lauren has developed and implemented internal and external strategies to increase client visibility and promote long-term brand growth. 

With a keen understanding of the ever-evolving multimedia landscape, Lauren unites insider perspective and expert leadership to create real-time results for clients. From print to digital to podcasts and broadcasting, Lauren shines a spotlight on the dynamic people and stories that fuel brands and businesses.

Her work has been featured in Forbes, The New York Times, and the New York Post and also includes high-profile events and initiatives for national brands like Mancini Duffy, Burberry, and Hermès.

Lauren received her bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Delaware. When she's not traveling to the best beaches worldwide, she resides with her two children and dog in Little Silver, NJ.