Built for Business, Powered by Women: The Leadership Behind Pierce PR

Most PR firms aren’t built for industries like construction, architecture or professional services, but that’s not the case at Pierce PR. Too often, B2B companies get stuck with agencies that don’t understand their world or their goals. That’s where this woman-led firm stands out, combining deep industry insight with high-touch strategy and measurable results. Meet the three leaders redefining what strategic PR looks like for architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) and professional services brands.

Introducing The Powerhouse Trio Behind Pierce PR

Julia Bonner – The Visionary Founder and Industry Builder

Julia started Pierce PR with a vision: B2B companies deserve better PR. The kind of PR that understands architecture firms don’t need flash—they need credibility. That construction doesn’t mean boring. That strategic communication isn’t just about media coverage—it’s about business growth.

Today, Pierce PR is thriving under that vision, representing companies like Wold Architects and Engineers and Kimberly-Clark. Julia’s leadership has been recognized repeatedly—from Nashville’s 40 Under 40 to the Women of Influence awards and the Nashville Post’s In Charge list (five years running). With a master’s from NYU and deep roots in the community, she’s a trusted advisor to clients, colleagues, and nonprofit leaders alike. Oh and if you’re in Nashville, ask her where to eat. She will have opinions. Strong ones.

3 Quick Questions

Best career advice you’ve ever received?

Take work seriously but not yourself. PR can be an intense profession. We work on tight deadlines and often manage high-pressure situations. But at its core, this work is about people and relationships. Making time to build genuine connections, enjoy each other, and bring a sense of humor when appropriate is essential.

I believe in creating an environment where people feel they can be themselves while doing incredible work for our clients. It goes a long way in keeping us grounded, connected, and performing at our best.

Best books you’ve read recently?

One of my favorite books to read to my son at bedtime recently is called “You’re Here for a Reason.” My favorite line: “Life works together, the good and the bad, the silly and awful, the happy and sad, to paint a big picture we can’t always see, a picture that needs you most definitely.”

Favorite job interview question to ask?

My favorite question is, “What’s your superpower?” It reveals a candidate’s level of confidence and self-awareness, while conveying what unique skill or quality they believe they’d bring to the firm right away.

Brenna Clairr Moore– The Strategist Behind the Scenes

With nearly 15 years in corporate communications and PR, Brenna Clairr brings the kind of strategic thinking that makes good firms great. Before joining Pierce PR, she led major initiatives at household names like Kimberly-Clark and Shell. Now, she’s applying that same enterprise-level rigor to help B2B brands streamline their communications and align their messaging with actual business outcomes.

What sets Brenna Clairr apart? Her knack for creating processes that actually work—and then coaching teams to use them. She’s big on alignment, bigger on outcomes, and relentless about doing work that matters. A dual-degree grad from Northwestern University and the University of Southern California, she lectures at both alma maters and is known for her thoughtful mentorship and nonprofit work.

Outside of the office, Brenna Clairr is probably hiking, baking, or belting out boy band classics on a karaoke mic. She’s the team’s resident efficiency queen with a sweet side (literally—try her cookies).

3 Quick Questions

Best career advice you’ve ever received?

Remember that a career can take a long and winding path – you may need to pivot horizontally to get where you want vertically. Related to this, recognize that dream jobs can change – especially during different seasons of life – so make sure you change with them. Finally, a lifelong mentor of mine always reminds me that no one owns your career but you. If you’re unhappy with what you’re doing, where you’ve been or where you’re headed, YOU have the power to change the direction. Don’t rely on managers, sponsors, colleagues, etc. to ensure a successful career path. You’re in the driver’s seat and should define what success looks like!

Most impactful career lesson learned thus far?

If you want to be an impactful leader in your personal and professional life, trust your inner compass. Sharing your voice and trusting your inner compass takes courage and vulnerability, but that sets true leaders apart. As renowned psychologist and researcher Brené Brown said, “Vulnerability is hard and it’s scary, and it feels dangerous. But it’s not as hard, or scary or dangerous as getting to the end of our lives and having to ask ourselves: What if I would’ve shown up?”

Who is your biggest professional inspiration?

My mother has always served as my professional and personal inspiration and forever hero. An accomplished urban planner, mother of three, Type 1 diabetic and community leader, she does it all with grace, kindness and the highest standard of excellence. As I grow older, I am reminded of how much I do not know about my mom – and the many important lessons about motherhood, career and life overall that I feel privileged to hear about whenever we spend time together. My mom = Superwoman in my book!

Bri Carlesimo – The Client Whisperer and Culture Builder

Bri is the kind of communicator every B2B firm hopes to find—someone who gets your industry and your audience, and can translate complex ideas into stories that resonate. With over a decade of experience in PR and strategic communications, she specializes in developing creative strategies that not only exceed client expectations but also move the bottom line.

Known for her mentorship style, Bri helps teams play to their strengths while always keeping the bigger picture in view. She’s led award-winning campaigns and has a soft spot for cause-driven organizations, serving on nonprofit boards like The Ronald McDonald House and the American Cancer Society. A proud Oakland University grad (who will remind you she’s basically from Detroit), Bri brings a mix of hustle and heart to everything she does. She’s the bridge between bold ideas and practical results—and the go-to for clients who want to build long-term PR programs that actually work.

3 Quick Questions

What drew you to PR in the first place?

What drew me to PR was a mix of the fast-paced nature of the work and the ability to change the conversation around a business or product. It’s thrilling to see how strategic messaging can shape perceptions and make an impact. And, honestly, I also loved the excitement of being the first to know something before the public did – it felt like having a backstage pass to the world. 

If you weren’t in PR, what career would you have chosen instead?

I was planning to be an elementary school teacher because I loved the idea of helping shape young minds. While I ended up pivoting to communication and broadcasting with the goal of eventually pursuing PR, I still get to fulfill that teaching passion in my current role. I’ve helped build our team culture and trained many of our team members, which allows me to guide, mentor and help others grow, just in a different way than I originally imagined!

What’s one thing most people misunderstand about strategic PR?

People often misunderstand that strategic PR is just about media coverage or catchy headlines. At its core, it’s about building long-term relationships and shaping how a brand or individual is perceived. It’s not a short-term tactic; it aligns with broader business goals and ensures that messaging resonates with the right audience for sustained impact.