When Jean Young founded Young & Associates in 1982 as a boutique public relations firm focused on technology companies, a high-tech specialty was almost as rare as a female-owned agency. Jean started the agency with a big-name client – France Telecom – as well as an impressive office, an award-winning writer, the blessing of her mentor and former employer, John Adams, and a passion for success.

In the early 1990s, Jean built and diversified the client base, entering the Yellow Pages industry with Bell Atlantic Directory Services (now Idearc Media) and clients in a number of niche technology markets, including CRM. With an eye on mentoring and growing professionals dedicated to the company’s philosophy: Work as a team to have a measurable and positive impact on our clients’ business, the agency cemented that work style with a strong internship program. Many interns became valuable, long-tenured employees, as the agency’s focus on helping employees build careers and supporting personal growth has resulted in high retention.

Today, Young & Associates is an agency with staff located across the nation. The Washington, D.C., area continues to be our headquarters, and Jennifer MacLeid Qotb and Meggan Manson, the agency’s owners and principals, continue Jean’s legacy, while leading Young & Associates through its next phase of growth and success.