We recently connected with Hannah Shore and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Hannah, thanks for joining us today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.
One key difference is how we approach social capital—the idea that relationships and networks are just as valuable as services or products. I believe that the foundation of success is built on strong connections and authentic communication, which is why my network is my net worth. Instead of focusing solely on just pushing out press releases or standardized marketing materials, I leverage the deep relationships I’ve cultivated within the maritime industry and beyond to connect my clients with the right people at the right time. This kind of personalized outreach is rare, especially in a space where big firms tend to follow the same repetitive paths.
A story that comes to mind is when we helped a small maritime client with little to no media presence elevate their brand through a strategic partnership we built from scratch. By tapping into my established connections in the maritime sector, we were able to secure media coverage, align them with industry leaders, and ultimately, position them as thought leaders in their niche market—something they never thought was possible. It’s this level of tailored, human-focused work that sets us apart from larger agencies that tend to prioritize efficiency over connection.
This difference in approach matters because it’s not just about visibility—it’s about authentic impact.
Hannah, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m Hannah Shore, the Principal Consultant behind Shore Strategic Solutions (S3). My journey into PR and marketing wasn’t a straight path—it’s been an exciting blend of experiences that led me to where I am today. I grew up in the Midwest during the ’90s, a time before smartphones, social media, and the instant gratification that we’re all accustomed to today. I’m so grateful I grew up when and where I did because it gave me a strong appreciation for face-to-face communication and the importance of building meaningful relationships. That foundation stayed with me as I entered the workforce, eventually taking on roles that allowed me to fine-tune my communication skills, starting as a community engagement manager and afternoon radio DJ in Southern Wisconsin.
After spending time in large corporate operations, I realized I wanted to work with smaller organizations that lacked the resources for in-house PR and marketing teams but still needed high-quality communication strategies to elevate their brands. That’s when I founded S3: to help small and mid-sized businesses thrive by connecting them with the people and opportunities that matter most.
At S3, we specialize in public relations and marketing communications, with a particularly unique focus on businesses in the maritime industry. We understand that communication is a two-way street, and my approach is centered on building authentic relationships and creating personalized strategies that reflect each client’s unique identity. Whether it’s creating compelling press releases, optimizing social media content, or managing website updates, I work closely with my clients to ensure their voice is clear, consistent, and impactful across all platforms.
One of the things I’m most proud of is helping small businesses that often don’t have the resources for large-scale marketing efforts. I love seeing a company take its first steps into the media spotlight or successfully launch a new product because of the strategies we’ve developed together. Being part of that growth is incredibly rewarding.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
My whole life has been a series of pivots—each one leading me to where I am today. From the very start, I’ve learned that change isn’t something to fear, but something to embrace. I’ve always believed that if you trust the process and take leaps without safety nets, the universe will guide you toward the right path.
One of the first big pivots in my life came when I made the bold decision to leave an 8-year career in radio. It wasn’t a move I took lightly, but I knew it was time to try something new. So, I packed up and moved to Seattle without a job lined up, ready to dive into the unknown. I found a recruiting job to pay the bills, knowing this wasn’t going to be long term – I knew something bigger was waiting for me. That’s when I landed my biggest career role as Director of Communications for the nation’s oldest family-owned pharmacy: Bartell Drugs. It was a breakthrough, and I finally felt like I was on the right track.
But life wasn’t done with its challenges. After years of growth in the corporate world, I made yet another pivot—this time into a completely new industry: maritime. I didn’t have a traditional maritime background, but I saw an opportunity to merge my PR expertise with my growing interest in the maritime world. Just when I was settling into this exciting new field, I was hit with a curveball—the company I worked for dissolved, and I found myself out of a job. There I was again – putting my trust in the universe.
After countless applications, and seemingly no traction – I decided I didn’t want to put my fate in the hands of anyone but myself. That was the moment I decided to start Shore Strategic Solutions (S3). It was scary, uncertain, and yet, somehow, it felt like the most natural next step. Every pivot, every leap without a safety net, had prepared me for this moment. Through all the changes, I realized that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about trusting yourself and being willing to adapt, even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed.
The journey to starting S3 was full of twists and turns, but it’s those moments that made me who I am today. I’ve worked with some incredible people and organizations over the past few years – big and small. From The People’s Shark, Daymond John to a nonprofit dedicated to saving animals with special needs, The Be Like Josh Foundation – one thing remains true: every connection is a chance to grow, learn, and build something meaningful.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
What truly helped me build a strong reputation within my market is the emphasis I place on community, genuine connection, and clear, honest communication. From the very beginning, I’ve focused on cultivating authentic relationships—whether with clients, industry partners, or colleagues. I’ve always believed that people work with people they like and trust, and building that trust starts with approaching every interaction with curiosity and genuine interest. You never know who you’ll meet or what you’ll learn.
Being deeply embedded in the maritime community has also played a huge role. As Vice President of the Seattle Propeller Club, a 100% volunteer-led organization that promotes maritime commerce in the Puget Sound, I’ve been fortunate to have opportunities to connect with key industry leaders, share insights, and contribute to the growth of the sector. This has allowed me to build a reputation as someone who truly understands the maritime space—not just as a PR professional, but as a passionate advocate for the industry.
Most importantly, I’ve stayed committed to honest communication in everything I do. My clients know that when they work with me, they’ll get someone who is genuinely invested in their success and who will always prioritize their best interests. That level of trust and commitment has been key to building a reputation that I’m proud of.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shorestrategicsolutions.com/
- Instagram: @shorestrategicsolutions
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shore-strategic-solutions
Image Credits
Image credits: Lost Found Design https://www.lostfounddesign.com/