Laura Beck, PR expert and founder of Striped Shirt, photo by We Are Austin Tech

Reporters like to work with PR people who know their craft backwards and forward.
Laura Beck is one of those seasoned pros who understands the demands reporters face writing stories on deadline. She can connect a reporter to the right source in a timely manner. She also knows the key people in the technology industry in Austin and San Antonio. And she’s just good at what she does.
That’s why I was sadden when she left Porter Novelli, one of the premiere high tech PR firms in Austin, a few years ago. But I understood her decision. I left the San Antonio Express-News after eight years to write a book and I eventually launched my own technology news site. Sometimes change is really good for the creative spirit and to challenge the old ways of doing business.
I’m also glad Beck still does some freelance PR work for organizations like the Austin Technology Council and the Austin Technology Incubator. And she’s launched her own business, Striped Shirt. It’s the perfect place to get the right outfit to cheer on your favorite sports team or just for a cute striped shirt.
Beck also gives back to her community and has volunteered as a mentor at the University of Texas’ 1 Semester Startup.
She has far from “retired” and for reporters and central Texas’ technology community that’s a good thing.
This week, We Are Austin Tech featured Beck as one of the movers and shakers in the Austin technology industry in its weekly video release.