JENNIFER BAUM, PRESIDENT
Jennifer Baum is the president and founder of Bullfrog & Baum, an award-winning, nationally-recognized agency specializing in hospitality, lifestyle and consumer public relations with offices in NYC and LA. Under her guidance the agency has had a hand in turning names like Laurent Tourondel and Michael Psilakis into internationally recognized brands while strategizing for well known chefs like Bobby Flay and Wolfgang Puck. Beyond chefs and restaurants, the agency’s consumer products and lifestyle divisions do as much to keep established brands and products top of mind with consumers as they do to bring “the next best thing” to the marketplace and into the homes of consumers.
Baum began her career far from the restaurant world, cutting her teeth amid blue chips and the Fortune 500. Following undergraduate work at Union College, she received her MBA from New York University, and became enamored by the business of hospitality. Combining her corporate savvy with an innate understanding of what makes restaurants successful, she carved out a niche for herself – building an agency that not only publicizes restaurants, but brings strategy to the diverse array of needs that figure in their success. She is known and respected as a creative, energetic thinker who values honesty and integrity above all else. These principles are imparted daily to her staff, which now numbers close to 30.
Baum is a member of Women Chefs & Restaurateurs, Les Dames d’Escoffier, City Harvest Food Council, International Association of Culinary Professionals, The James Beard Foundation, International Foodservice Editorial Council, and actively participates in City Meals on Wheels programs. In addition, she has been an Adjunct Professor and guest lecturer at New York University’s Department of Nutrition and Food Studies and is a guest lecturer at The Institute of Culinary Education. She has been featured and/or quoted in The New York Times, The New York Post, Forbes, PR Week, NY Restaurant Insider, WOR Radio and CNBC among others.
KAY LINDSAY, VICE PRESIDENT, HOSPITALITY GROUP
Kay Lindsay brings approximately 10 years of experience in culinary event planning and consumer public relations to Bullfrog & Baum. After a career in special event fundraising for Connecticut Public Broadcasting in support of the station’s food and wine programming, Kay moved to New York City to work for M. Young Communications, serving such clients as Wines From Spain, Bon Appetit magazine, The James Beard Foundation, and NYC & Company. Most recently, Kay was the Public Relations Director for Restaurant Associates, implementing public relations and marketing initiatives for the east coast fine dining group in addition to all events for the company’s Sports & Entertainment Division. Kay is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island with a BA in Sociology.
JULIE FOX, VICE PRESIDENT, HOSPITALITY GROUP
Julie Fox brings over 15 years of experience in public relations and event production to Bullfrog & Baum. Over the past ten years, she had her own boutique firm based in Boston, where she was successful in launching Chef Todd English to celebrity fame as well as representing many other prominent lifestyle clients. Fox has fostered lasting relationships with the media and created strong business alliances across the country. Her knowledge and skills in communications have built strong branding and marketing campaigns. Fox is “thrilled to be working with some of the best and brightest at one of the country’s top public relations agencies”.
SUSAN HOSMER, VICE PRESIDENT, WEST COAST
At the helm of Bullfrog & Baum’s west coast office, Susan Hosmer brings creativity, organization and passion to all client programs. After four years in advertising working with clients such as Microsoft and Coca-Cola, Susan chose to follow her true dream and pursue a career in the ever-evolving world of food. A graduate of The Institute of Culinary Education, Susan worked alongside one of the industry’s top consultants, Clark Wolf, and the world’s great chefs, Jean-Georges Vongerichten. She received her Masters of Arts in Food Studies from New York University where she co-wrote, directed and produced a documentary film exploring women chefs featuring interviews with industry ground-breakers such as Sara Moulton, Patricia Yeo, Ruth Reichl, and Lidia Bastianich. As VP of Bullfrog & Baum’s Los Angeles-based office, Susan oversees branding, public relations and marketing for such notable clients as David Myers (Sona, Boule, comme Ca); SBE Entertainment (Katsuya, Foxtail, XIV); and Douglas Keane (Cyrus, Healdsburg, CA). Susan’s diverse experience and love for gastronomy brings a unique perspective to her work at Bullfrog & Baum.
JONATHAN KREISSMAN, VICE PRESIDENT, CONSUMER PRODUCTS
Jonathan Kreissman joins Bullfrog & Baum with over 10 years of consumer packaged-goods experience and leads the Consumer Products division. Jonathan focuses all efforts with a balance of strategic thinking and a creative edge for targeted PR and marketing programs. He has in-depth expertise in marketing to women as “gatekeepers,” as well as specializing in brand-building and marketing strategies for the introduction of new products and campaigns -- all with the intent in changing a brand’s perception with consumers and media alike.
In addition to the current Bullfrog & Baum client roster, Jonathan has worked on such Fortune 500 brands as P&G Beauty (personal care and hair care), Gillette and M&Ms Mars. Additionally, he conducted integrated programs for Absolut Vodka, Arnold Breads, Thomas’ English Muffins and Timberland. Jonathan first began his career in the entertainment industry, working as a story editor and in acquisitions of film properties in Los Angeles.