Courtney Daniels, founder of Courtney Daniels Consulting, divides her time between Montauk and Manhattan, working closely with brands that want to make an impact in the Hamptons’ luxury market. Whether she’s introducing a brand, planning a summer launch, or creating a strategy that gets everyone talking, Daniels knows how to shape each client’s brand story. As one of the Hamptons’ most sought-after publicists, she shares what it takes to stand out in this highly competitive market.
What does your process look like when deciding to take on a new client?
Courtney Daniels: I know from the first introductory call if it’s a good fit! I love working with brands and CEOs with a revolutionary product and a strong, exciting backstory of development. It’s also important for me to have a strong rapport with the CEO as well as the team. I work so closely with my clients that the human part of it and mutual respect are key to creating a harmonious relationship.
How do you help a client develop a brand identity that truly resonates?
Daniels: The first step is defining the brand’s identity and voice, which becomes the foundation for the strategy we build. As every client is completely different, our approach and strategy are always specific to that client, whether it’s a luxury brand, a CEO, or a personality. Working with a company in year four is very different from a household name in year 30. We build out our PR plans and strategies like a spider web — whether that involves media placement (earned and paid), brand deals, influencer advertising, or events — we create monthly timelines mapping out our scope of work in these different arenas to drive and elevate the brand’s success from both a monetary and visibility standpoint.
You offer everything from branding and PR to strategic partnerships. How do these services work together for your clients?
Daniels: At Courtney Daniels Consulting, we build companies and personalities through Marketing, Public Relations, Paid Media, Sales, and Strategic Partnerships. We run in the luxury space and work with large Fortune 500 companies as well as smaller burgeoning brands, CEOs, and personalities driving growth across multiple verticals.
Social media plays such a big role in how we experience brands today. What’s the most effective way to use it?
Daniels: Can you believe when I started my career over 20 years ago, there was no social media? My, how things have changed! Social media now plays a vital role in every brand’s or personality’s persona, sales, and overall growth. At CDC, we have partner agencies whom we hire and coordinate with, aligning our Marketing & PR strategies with their social strategy for our clients. I am a firm believer in sticking to what you’re good at and well-known for — collaboration is key!
When you first meet with a client, what do you look for in their story or vision to guide your strategy?
Daniels: I look for a truly touching story behind it all. I want to identify the passion of the CEO, as well as the initial drive, plans, and funding for real growth — and the commitment to work with us to hit that next level. I joke around with my clients on kick-off calls that I’ll be sending them large amounts of “homework” (which is true) — I have to feel confident they have the time and team in place to get the homework done. That work often includes high-profile national media interviews with tight deadlines, so strong communication and teamwork are essential.
Your work touches so many creative elements—from visuals to messaging. What part of the process do you find most rewarding?
Daniels: I love seeing how our work directly impacts a company or person! I’m overjoyed when we sell out a product because of our media strategy or have a viral moment from our campaign and creative. I love my job, and when the job is done and we have happy clients who keep coming back and recommending our work, that’s truly the biggest reward!
You live in Montauk, but your work spans far beyond the East End. How does the Hamptons influence your creative approach?
Daniels: Our headquarters are in New York City, but I also have a home in Montauk, and CDC has a base in the Hamptons, where I spend time year-round. I’m fortunate to have clients on the East End and around the world. I love working in the Hamptons for its broad reach, the abundance of local publications dedicated to covering Hamptons happenings, and the national attention it draws. Whatever happens on the East End, the world is watching. It’s exactly the audience my luxury clients cater to, and the summer backdrop couldn’t be more beautiful — a publicist’s dream for work-life balance!
Describe your ideal Hamptons weekend—from your favorite coffee order to the beach you’ll stay at until sunset. What makes it feel like home?
Daniels: My fiancé, fine art photographer James Katsipis, owns his namesake gallery in the center of Montauk. We collect art and often attend openings at The Lucore Art and J. Mackey Gallery in East Hampton. I’m also a big foodie, and we’re lucky to have some of the best fresh seafood in the country right here in Montauk. I love a nice dinner at Inlet, Harvest, Monte’s, or Mavericks, or a girl’s lunch at Topside, Duryea’s, or Alimentari Beach. I make weekly runs to our local farm stands, Balsam Farms and Round Swamp, where I get all of our fresh produce — I just love to grill at home and have a nice fire in the evenings in our garden. Marram has the perfect luxury setup for a beach day!
