Johnny Little, above, joins a long list of creative entrepreneurs who have located their businesses in the CWE over the years. E'Little Communications Group, a marketing and advertising firm that specializes in public relations, moved to The Pierce Arrow Building at 4814 Washington earlier this year. Johnny said that his business has grown with the move to the neighborhood. He frequented the CWE in the 80's, enjoying the diversity of the population and the historic architecture. Now that his business is located here he says the high profile of the neighborhood and its central location make it easy for his clients to find him.
Johnny Little attended Mississippi's Rust College and earned an MBA from Webster University. One of the nicest guys you'll ever meet, Johnny attributes the significance of his achievements to his background in the local news industry. In 2002 he became a trailblazer as the first African-American news producer at Fox 2. He held the position for six years, and then moved to Channel 4 as executive producer. Johnny explained, "Yes, there are African-Americans on camera, but not in the corporate office." His friendships with the people he met at both stations, 90% of whom are still there, have come in handy when he needs coverage for a client. As Johnny said, "Media coverage is built on relationships." His specialty is diffusing negative media coverage, which he learned on the job at both stations.
Johnny was hired away from Channel 4 by the St. Louis Public Schools to become Director of Communications. His 3 1/2-year-tenure coincided with a tumultous time in the District's history. Five years ago he started his own p.r./marketing/advertising business, E'Little Communications Group.
Johnny always had an interest in politics and when the opportunity arose for him to work as District Assistant for Missouri State Senator Joe Keaveny of the 4th District, which includes the CWE, he jumped right in. Another E'Little client is the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization whose move to Grand Center's Kranzberg Arts Center Johnny promoted. Other clients include the Jennings School District, non-profits, health care centers, and new business owners.
Johnny runs a lean machine with one staff member and several interns, who are in and out of the office. They help clients with press releases, press conferences, op-ed pieces in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and St. Louis American. They also set up social media accounts such as Facebook and Twitter to get out a business's message.
Johnny, who has two sons ages 11 and 14, ended our visit by saying, "My business allows me to pursue the American Dream knowing the sky's the limit." He added a note to the readers of this blog, "If you're looking for a way to grow your business or find out how to get the word out about you, please contact me."
E'Little Communications Group, 4814 Washington, Suite 120, (314) 932-5333, cell: (314) 601-4252.