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INSIDE HOOK

THE CULINARY EQUIVALENT OF A LED ZEPPELIN REUNION IS COMING TO NYC
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AFAR MAGAZINE

WHY YOU SHOULD GO TO NEW YORK CITY THIS WINTER | ONCE UPON A KITCHEN
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BLOUIN ART INFO

WILLIAMS CARMONA " AGAINST ALL ODDS " | CHASE CONTEMPORARY 
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ASBURY PARK PRESS

BERNIE TAUPIN " TRUE AMERICAN " | CHASE CONTEMPORARY 
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AM NEW YORK

BUSHWICK BAR SCENE WILL SEE A 'MEMPHIS-HOLLYWOOD VIBE | BUNTON'S WORLD FAMOUS
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WWD

WORKHOUSE CREATES #FREEPRESS T-SHIRT 
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LIMITED

WORKHOUSE CREATES LIMITED-EDITION KNUCKLE DUSTER FOR NATIONAL TOOTH FAIRY DAY
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PROFILE MAGAZINE

ADAM NELSON HELMS A PR WONDERLAND WITH AN ALL-GUTS ATTITUDE | WORKHOUSE PUBLICITY
THE HYPE MAN PROFILE MAGAZINE | EXPERTISE | ADAM NELSON, CEO, WORKHOUSE Workhouse Publicity’s Adam Nelson helms a PR wonderland with playful workspaces and an all-guts attitude  “My original vision was simple: I wanted to eat every day. Not much has changed except today I’m hungry in a different way.”   ____________________________________________________________________  In 1996, in a rented kitchen on a wayward side street in SoHo, with nothing more than a telephone, a fax machine, and $196 dollars in the bank, Adam Nelson launched a PR think tank. One move to a Chelsea loft, 15 employees, and over a decade later, Workhouse PR is a funhouse for publicity genius, rubbing elbows with the likes of P Diddy and Versace, and hosting events for Sundance and Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. With a whimsical workspace and an industrious work ethic, Nelson spills on what made him hatch the agency, what drives him everyday, and even what makes him cry.   Why did you want to start your own company?  Desperation. Workhouse only came about because my world caved in. The celebrity agency that employed me had closed its doors, and I found myself out of work in the middle of an economic depression. Much like today, employment wasn’t an option. No one was hiring. I had $196 in the bank and one client: the photographer David LaChapelle, who so very graciously agreed to allow me the honor of continued representation. God bless him.   So how did you do it? I rented the kitchen of a Soho film outfit and just plain hustled. I pitched new business completely cold, took every client I could for pennies on the dollar, gathered a group of interns, and slowly built it from the ground up. My original vision was simple: I wanted to eat every day. Not much has changed except today I’m hungry in a different way. After a few years, I took possession of the entire space. My wife, who was my vice president at the time, and I transformed it ourselves through old-fashioned elbow grease, paint, and tile work. We created a black-and-white, Sam Spade-detective-style agency replete with a private garden. Six years down the road, we relocated to our current home, a 3,000-square-foot Chelsea loft. We’re celebrating our 12th anniversary, and trust me, it feels like it.   What’s the meaning behind the name Workhouse Publicity? Workhouse celebrates a history of builders who, once upon a time, went to produce honest work. The very concept of our “Workhouse” is to recount a history of invisible masses, unsung orphans, hotel pageboys, secretarial desk clerks, and other servants of business. Our humble task is to bring attention to a roster of clients’ work unseen.   The agency dubs itself  “A Creative Playground for Serious Business.” What does that mean?  The intention is really to create a den of curiosity. Warm wood tones and a jamming soundtrack keep it all very mod and 21st century, a kind of modern-nostalgia. There’s a definitive, aesthetical vision, but there is always some new design that comes along to discover and embellish. Like our corporate culture, my guess is that it will expand forever. The office should be a wonderland inspiring both staff and clients alike, yet promote a sense of play. That's the sweet spot between uptown sophistication and downtown soul. We’re a fortunate lot. We still get to play with toys, swing on a grass-covered swing, scratch the right brain, and keep our eyes on the prize. Challenge is found within the risk that we create for ourselves. It’s a high bar and we always aim to finish strong.  What would you say is the highlight of your career? Before we were fully staffed, I produced Interview Magazine's 30th Anniversary in two weeks without a budget. This meant aligning massive corporate sponsors over 10 working days to even build the thing. A seemingly impossible task given that I was in Paris when we got the assignment. However, David LaChapelle’s incredible vision transformed New York’s Kit Kat Club into Hotel LaChapelle. The room was filled with massive rows of twin beds, night stands, Bibles, alarm clocks, neon signs, topless Bell boys adorned with pasties and suspenders, giant inflatable dolls, cupcakes by Donatella Versace, and a transsexual Amanda LePore leaping out of a giant birthday cake. Entertainment was provided by Elton John, Lil' Kim, and Groove Armada. A who's who of arrivals included Demi Moore, Russell Simmons, Diane Von Furstenberg, Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, Michael Kors, Jon Bon Jovi, Fran Lebowitz, and Moby. It was straight Warhol circa 1999. The kind of electric night you couldn’t completely comprehend in a city that never sleeps.   What is the funniest thing that has happened to you at work? It involves a whiffle-ball bat and a bottle of Jack. Suffice to say that a good PR man knows when to keeps his mouth shut.  How has being a family man affected your career? In building my business, it was take no prisoners. I could burn the candle nightly or let the ink run dry. If you've ever had the grit to built something from the ground up, love it or loathe it, you deeply understand the struggle. But then I had children. I needed the open-heart surgery that only the magic of childhood could produce. Where once I had been an emotionless surveyor, when the kids came along, I was crying on a dime. We can all certainly use a wordsmith who may be emotionally attached. It does makes for better copy. I'm an idea man. That's always been my stock and trade.   SIDEBAR: STRATEGY TO SHARE  HONOR YOUR WORD Handshakes mean something. They are moral compasses to better business. “Let’s shake on it” is more than a gesture. It’s the true definition of character. When the stakes are high and the chips are down, my word is my bond. In a world of lip service, I stridently work to remain true to my word. I look for exactly the same thing in my staff. Still having the guts. The creative manpower. The stuff. Methodically building, brick by brick. Ten years from now, our hands will still be dirty. Just the way we like it.   TIMELINE 1996: Opened Workhouse Publicity in a rented kitchen in SoHo 2002: Relocated to current offices in Chelsea 2003: Won the National Congressional Committee’s 2003 National Leadership Award; elected to serve as an Honorary Chairman of the Business Advisory Council 2004: Selected by the International Who's Who of Executives  2009: Received the U.S. Commerce Association's 2009 New York Award in the Marketing/Branding division 2010: Acquired by the Morris + King Company; Nelson appointed president of company 2011: In a desire to recapture independence, Nelson negotiates a buyback, repurchases WORKHOUSE and takes the company private 2012: Workhouse sweeps three of the industry's highest honors when it is bestowed with the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Silver Anvil Award, the PR News' Platinum PR

ZINK MAGAZINE

ZINK MAGAZINE | THE MEN'S ISSUE: ADAM NELSON | WORKHOUSE PUBLICITY
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ZINK MAGAZINE: ADAM NELSON | THE KINGPIN WHO FOUNDED AN AGENCY WITH ATTITUDE 2/20/2015 0 COMMENTS    Picture   ZINK MAGAZINE: ADAM NELSON | PR PUNK  THE KINGPIN WHO FOUNDED AN AGENCY WITH ATTITUDE Photographed  by JOSHUA WONG  Adam Nelson doesn't just represent the who's who of the fashion,  entertainment  and  music worlds, he's one of them. At the helm of public relations agency Workhouse Publicity,  dubbed

ASBURY PARK SUN

ASBURY PARK SUN | ADAM NELSON | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & PARTNER | HOUSE OF INDEPENDENTS
ASBURY PARK- It’s just over four months since The House of Independents blazed a new trail as the city’s downtown entertainment space and since the November 25th opening, the talent has been as eclectic as the space itself – a true nod to the art, culture, music, and established quality venues along the waterfront and on legendary Saint Main Street in Asbury Park. Ever since Murphy’s Law frontman Jimmy Gestapo christened the stage with a beer and Fishbone’s energetic soulful punk/Ska blend packed the house, the team behind The House has continued to fill a niche unsurpassed (today) by any in the downtown. Spoken word artist Henry Rollins sold out before the venue opened, and John Waters brought his one-man show A John Waters Christmas: Holier and Dirtier to stage. Russian punk performance artists Pussy Riot panel discussion on their activism and global Civil Rights fight was led by Hedwig’s own John Cameron Mitchell while Amy Poehler’s collaborative comedy troupe- the Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) and MiniKiss performers -- offered one-of-a-kind showcases through Marketing, Branding, Public Relations, and Artist Booking by WORKHOUSE  “The minute we walked in, we we’re taken back by the setup of the club,” Minkiss’ Louis Fatale said in a written statement. “We play at venues throughout the States and honestly aid not expect such a beautiful set up. The stage was a perfect size and was set up for any band to kick ass!! As a band manager, and being in the entertainment industry for over 30 years, I give this place 5 stars!! Rock on our new friends!!”  Founder Morgan Sackman said +65,000 people have passed through our doors to attend close to 70 performances featured since November’s end. “These first 4 months have been a whirlwind of continuously changing energy, community spirit, and sensational showmanship,” Sackman said. “Our initial intention was simply to provide downtown with a wide variety of entertainment. However to see and hear the public’s response to our programming and adaptability has been indescribable.”  If you’ve ever had the chance to meet him, you’ll know that WORKHOUSE, CEO and House of Independents Executive Director & Partner Adam Nelson's kinetic energy is the very definition of what House represents. Here’s what he wrote when I asked him for retrospective comments on the space:
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PAGE SIX MAGAZINE

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Special message from Michael Rapaport Tony Hawk and Gilbert Gottfried to Workhouse on the eve of the agency's 20th Anniversary

ASSOCIATED PRESS​

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ASSOCIATED PRESS | SWAG MACHINE IS BIG HOLLYWOOD BUSINESS 
INTERVIEW WITH WORKHOUSE, CEO ADAM NELSON



BIZBASH

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BIZ BASH | FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA HOLDS ITALIAN STREET FAIR
PRODUCED BY WORKHOUSE

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NEW YORK MAGAZINE

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NEW YORK MAGAZINE | WORKHOUSE PRODUCES THE 24 HOURS PLAYS W/ PHILIP SEYMOUR HOFFMAN, SCARLET JOHANSSON, ROBERT DENIRO, BENJAMIN BRATT, JULIANNE MOORE


SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

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SAKS FIFTH AVENUE SELECTS WORKHOUSE AS AGENCY OF RECORD


THE NEW YORK TIMES

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NEW YORK TIMES | A LIFE OF TRUFFLES AND IT'S FLOURISHING


PR WEEK

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PRWEEK | MANNY PACQUAIO | DAVID DREBIN SELECT WORKHOUSE AS AGENCY OF RECORD


BULLDOG REPORTER

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BULLDOG REPORTER
MATTHEW MODINE SELECTS WORKHOUSE AS AGENCY OF RECORD


US COMMERCE ASSOCIATION

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US COMMERCE
WORKHOUSE HONORED WITH NEW YORK AWARD | SEVEN CONSECUTIVE YEARS


NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

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NY DAILY NEWS
WORKHOUSE PRODUCES JACKSON BROWNE, DAWES & THIRD EYE BLIND CONCERT 



EXHIBITOR ONLINE

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EXHIBITOR MAGAZINE
WORKHOUSE PRODUCES LAUNCH OF TIVO WORLD'S FAIR THEME


MEDIA POST

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MEDIA POST
WORKHOUSE NAMED AGENCY OF RECORD FOR GRUPO MYT
 | TAKA TAKA | VIVE LE CREPE


BULLDOG REPORTER

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BULLDOG REPORTER
MUSIC FOR OCCUPY SELECTS WORKHOUSE AS AGENCY OF RECORD


LONDON PR NEWS

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LONDON PR NEWS
BUDGET TRAVEL SELECTS WORKHOUSE AS AOR FOR SEVENTH YEAR


BULLDOG REPORTER

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BULLDOG REPORTER
AVROKO SELECTS WORKHOUSE AS AGENCY OF RECORD


EXPLAZA GLOBAL

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EXPLAZA GLOBAL
LA CERVECERIA SELECTS WORKHOUSE AS AGENCY OF RECORD


BULLDOG REPORTER

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BULLDOG REPORTER
JUNG SIK HAUTE KOREAN SELECTS WORKHOUSE AS AGENCY OF RECORD


PR UNION

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PR UNION
TENEUES PUBLISHING GROUP SELECTS WORKHOUSE AS AGENCY OF RECORD


WIKIPEDIA

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WIKIPEDIA
WORKHOUSE CREATES ENCYCLOPEDIA COLLABORATION WITH WIKIPEDIA


REUTERS

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REUTERS
PETER GAITEN SELECTS WORKHOUSE AS AGENCY OF RECORD



AD WEEK

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AD WEEK
MAXIMILIAN WIEDMANN SELECTS WORKHOUSE AS AGENCY OF RECORD

ASSOCIATED PRESS

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ASSOCIATED PRESS
BILLY NAME: WARHOL SUPERSTAR SELECTS WORKHOUSE AS AGENCY OF RECORD



ASSOCIATED PRESS

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ASSOCIATED PRESS
THE AMAZING KRESKIN SELECTS WORKHOUSE AS AGENCY OF RECORD



THE MALCOM

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THE MALCOLM | ONE ON ONE... MEET ADAM NELSON, CEO OF WORKHOUSE 
A who's who of arrivals included Julian Schnabel, Liz Hurley, Demi Moore, Mira Sorvino, Olivier Martinez, Sean “Puffy” Combs, Russell Simmons, Iman, Joel Schumacher, Barry Diller, Diane Von Furstenberg, Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, ...THE MALCOLM - http://www.themalcolm.com/



THIS AIN'T NO DISCO

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THIS AIN'T NO DISCO | THE INCREDIBLE OFFICES OF WORKHOUSE


WEWORK
DIY MARKETING | WEWORK PANEL WITH WORKHOUSE, CEO ADAM NELSON 

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PRSA
PR PLATINUM AWARDS | WORKHOUSE TIES WITH H&R BLOCK FOR CAMPAIGN OF THE YEAR | WOW! AWARD

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PR DAILY
EAST COAST FIRMS GO TO PLAN B AFTER HURRICANE SANDY | WORKHOUSE, CEO ADAM NELSON INTERVIEW

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TIMEOUT NEW YORK
THE 10 RULES OF SURFING | WORKHOUSE, CEO ADAM NELSON INTERVIEW

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PLAYBILL
24 HOUR PLAYS | WORKHOUSE-PRODUCED CELEBRITY PLAYS TO BENEFIT SEPTEMBER 11TH FUND

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THE GIG
ADAM NELSON HAS A COOL JOB | WORKHOUSE, CEO NEW YORK CITY PUBLIC RELATIONS AGENCY

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BIZBASH
WORKHOUSE & THE LAUNCH OF TIVO AT THE ROXY IN NEW YORK CITY

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WORKHOUSE INDEPENDENT CREATIVE AGENCY +1 212. 645. 8006 INFO@WORKHOUSEPR.COM
  • HOME
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