Elevating Voices: Gaffney Austin Helped Me Become a National Advocate

As someone who spent decades working in law enforcement, transitioning from a role within the DEA to becoming a national advocate for fentanyl awareness felt like navigating uncharted territory. While I have extensive experience in criminal justice and public safety, my reach was limited to law enforcement circles. That changed when I partnered with Gaffney Austin. This is how their strategic public relations expertise transformed my mission, helping me achieve a level of visibility and impact I never imagined.

When I started advocating for fentanyl awareness, I was primarily reaching an audience within my network of law enforcement professionals. Despite decades of experience, I faced three key challenges:

• First, my voice hadn't broken through to broader audiences that could benefit from my insights.
• Second, the fentanyl crisis was often framed through emotional narratives, sidelining expert analyses like mine.
• Third, my work wasn't limited to fentanyl – it spanned drug enforcement and broader criminal justice topics. Communicating this in a way that resonated with diverse audiences demanded a strategic approach.

From the beginning, it was clear that Gaffney Austin had a vision for how to amplify my voice. They redefined my professional identity, positioning me as a fresh voice in criminal justice and public safety. By emphasizing my unique perspective as a retired DEA agent and non-profit leader, they created a brand that resonated with both niche and mainstream audiences. They also provided invaluable media training, equipping me with the tools to craft concise, impactful messages. Whether I was on live TV or speaking to a podcast audience, their preparation ensured my words connected.

Gaffney Austin's media outreach was equally transformative. They identified key journalists and outlets that covered law enforcement, public health, and drug policy. By tying my expertise to timely news trends, they positioned me as a go-to expert on fentanyl and public safety issues. The team also helped me craft op-eds and press releases, highlighting my work in ways that inspired action. These materials not only showcased my expertise but also established me as a credible and relatable voice for solutions to the fentanyl crisis.

Through their efforts, I secured interviews and quotes in major outlets like CNN, FOX, and Forbes. Gaffney Austin's persistence paid off – I became a sought-after speaker, presenting at over 50 venues across the country and sharing my expertise on over 20 podcasts in 2024 alone. Their work didn't just amplify my voice; it amplified my mission. As I look back on 2024, I'm grateful for the expertise and dedication they brought to this partnership.

Together, we've made strides in addressing the fentanyl crisis, one conversation at a time. Before partnering with Gaffney Austin, I never imagined the level of reach and influence I could achieve. Their work underscores the value of strategic public relations in turning a message into a movement. To anyone considering working with Gaffney Austin: If you have expertise that needs to reach a wider audience, they have the strategic vision to make it happen.

For more information on my work and ongoing efforts to combat the fentanyl crisis, visit www.only2mg.com. And to learn how Gaffney Austin can help elevate your voice, visit www.gaffneyaustin.com.

- Brian Townsend, Eagle 6 Training & Only 2mg