Be human.
Be real.
Be heard.
Because the best communication starts with trust.
Big-agency smarts.
Boutique-firm feels.
We’re Stretch & Minogue. But you can call us S&M. (Yes, we know.)
Founded by senior consultants Laurie Stretch and Carla Minogue, we’re a Calgary-based public relations firm with a quietly badass approach to strategic communications.
We’ve worked in newsrooms and boardrooms. We’ve managed headlines — and avoided them. We help corporate communicators, executives and teams across Alberta and Canada navigate complex issues, earn meaningful media and communicate with clarity and confidence.
We’re not a big shop, and that’s the point. No fluff. No templates. Just experienced people who know how to help, when the pressure’s on.
We’ve got you.
Services
Communication strategy
Strategy is always our starting point. We help you figure out who you’re talking to, how to reach them and – most importantly – why it matters.
Issues management
When an issue starts to smoke, you need a PR team you can trust. We navigate sensitive situations with calm strategy, sound judgment and no drama.
Crisis management
These are the moments you can’t afford to get wrong. We’re your calm in the chaos, with deep experience managing high-profile crises under serious pressure.
Media relations
We know how newsrooms work and what makes a story land. Our strong instincts and modern approach earn rave reviews from clients and journalists.
Stakeholder engagement
Engagement that’s thoughtful, respectful and effective. We help you figure out who matters, what matters to them and how to create real dialogue (not just noise) to guide better decisions.
Media and
communications training
From the boardroom to the front line, our custom training programs build confidence in media interviews, public speaking and tough conversations.
A trusted team of PR specialists
without the agency overhead
We’re not a traditional agency — and we’re not trying to be. We are easier and cheaper to work with, but have the chops to take on large, complex mandates.
We provide senior-level strategy and support, without the layers. We pick the right team for every project. And if we’re not the best fit, we’re quick to recommend someone who is.
It’s the best of all worlds.
Partners
Our work
The S&M Model
Work with the
best people.
Be
real.
Speak like
humans.
Be clever.
Stay classy.
Keep
it fun.
FAQ
What kind of clients do you work with?
We work with corporate communicators, executives and business leaders across Alberta and western Canada — plus not-for-profits and municipalities who need smart, clear communication support. Some clients call us when something big is brewing. Others just need a solid plan and someone to help execute it.
What’s different about your model?
No overhead. No junior staff learning on your dime. We build the right team for every project, bringing in senior consultants with the specific expertise your situation needs.
Do you work in Calgary only?
Nope. We’re based in Calgary but we work with clients across Alberta —and beyond. Montreal, Ottawa and Kitimat B.C., for example. Geography doesn’t slow us down.
Can you handle high-pressure or time-sensitive work?
Absolutely. We’ve managed high-profile crises, media storms and everything in between. We show up calm, ready and focused when things get tough.
How much does it cost to work with you?
It depends on the scope. But our model keeps things lean — you’re paying for the expertise, not the overhead. We bill hourly, are always upfront about costs and we’ll work with you to shape a scope that fits.
Do you offer media training?
Yes, and it’s one of our specialties. We offer custom training for executives and teams — on media interviews, public speaking, message delivery, and how to handle those tough questions that keep you up at night.
What’s different about your media training?
The old-school approach to media training is too aggressive — it can make trainees hesitant to agree to media interviews. That old model worked in an era when there were more reporters than PR people. Our approach teaches individuals and organizations how to work with reporters in the modern digital world, using earned media proactively as well as reactively.
Can I hire you for one-off projects?
Definitely. We do everything from long-term strategic planning to one-time crisis response, media campaigns and content development. We help where we’re needed and never bill for unwanted extras.
So… what’s with the name?
Stretch & Minogue. S&M. Yes, we know. And no, we’re not changing it. (But if it makes the meeting invite more interesting, we’re good with that.) And yes, we’re keeping it, because it’s too much fun.