James is a seasoned journalist, editor, writer, and consultant who has written extensively on food and beverage, hospitality, real estate, music, lifestyle, and more for a multitude of publications in the Philadelphia region and beyond. As Founder of PUNCH Media, James parlays his years of inside-industry experience into compelling campaigns that achieve desired results for a diverse client base. James spends his free time exploring his love for combat sports, nutrition, cooking, and entertaining for family and friends.

After various stints in voiceover, video production, and managing advertising and branding of new products at Comcast, Alicia joined James to help launch PUNCH Media. She initially focused on clients’ brand identities while crafting press releases at 3 a.m. Now, she’s mainly behind the curtain, overseeing agency operations, policy, HR, and financials. When not working, she manages four children and the family rescue dog while contemplating a part-time linguistics course for the fun of it.

Emily has years of experience managing and developing brand strategies as well as social media and influencer marketing for PUNCH Media clientele. Her professional background is in nonfiction creative writing, with a stint at Pittsburgh Magazine, plus over five years of hospitality experience pouring beers at an award-winning craft brewery. Outside the office, Emily can be found on the couch with her cat, Bug, scouring the nearest thrift store for vintage glassware, or tracking down the best cocktail in a new city.

Born and raised in Pennsport, Nicole graduated from Penn State University with a B.A. in Communications with a focus on Print Journalism, and a minor in Sociology. While interning for a Philly-based lifestyle magazine, she found a passion for writing and social media. This plus her years of experience in the hospitality industry and interest in photography made Nicole a great fit at PUNCH. With a gin gimlet in one hand and chopsticks in the other, Nicole spends her free time exploring the city’s diverse restaurant scene.

A Brooklyn native and major live music enthusiast, Lex has made his home in Philadelphia after frequent visits to see his favorite bands on tour, all while nurturing a crush on the city. His approach to public relations is fortified by a professional background steeped in business development, campaign writing, copywriting, editing, digital marketing, and strategy. A hopeful romantic and avid supporter of the arts, Lex is also a photographer with four seasons of NY Fashion Week under his belt.

Eleni, a Temple University alumna, has a deep appreciation for Philadelphia’s eccentric food and booze scene. Her journey at PUNCH began first as a PR intern, then PR assistant, before joining full-time as a PR coordinator. Beyond her duties of writing press releases and capturing Instagram-able food moments, Eleni is known as the go-to person for discovering the finest Dirty Martini in the city, and can be found planning her next vacations, spending quality time with her cat Tito, or staying active in the gym.

Laney moved to Philadelphia in 2021 and has since fallen in love with the city. Born in North Carolina, she earned a degree in International Studies at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington before following her career to Philly. A service industry veteran, Laney’s first job ever was a restaurant that was featured in both Dawson’s Creek and One Tree Hill. When not in the office, you can find Laney trying a new happy hour spot, binging a reality TV show, or reading on the couch with her cat, Stitch. 

Thayne is a junior graphic designer born and raised in Philadelphia. He holds a BFA from Temple University and previously studied at the Tyler School of Art. Thayne has a great interest in illustration, typography, and anything related to design; his body of work includes social media ad campaigns, web/UX-UI design, branding identity, illustration, and packaging design. Whether working digitally or with pen and paper, Thayne uses his creativity to develop original, stand-out designs for PUNCH Media and its clients.