Well—how did I get here? Meet Taylor Sheehan – The Martin Group
It’s time for another installment of our new regular blog feature, “Well—how did I get here?” featuring first-person stories of our team members and their interesting journeys to The Martin Group. Next up: Senior Public Affairs Manager Taylor Sheehan. Take it away, Taylor.
Crafting a plan
If you asked me years ago where I’d end up professionally, I probably would have given you a fairly accurate answer—working in public relations at an agency in my hometown of Rochester, New York.
Getting here, however, wasn’t exactly a straight line.
I like to think the Type A in me subconsciously always knew my trajectory and that I’d do whatever it took to get there. Growing up, I always knew I was good at writing, talking to people (maybe too much), and juggling approximately 37 things at once. Coming from a big sports family, I would go back and forth between gymnastics and basketball practice after school while maintaining top-notch grades, as one self-proclaimed perfectionist naturally does. My many years as a competitive gymnast likely gave me the extra edge, discipline, an attention to detail, and ability to perform under pressure, too.
My young adult life plan on paper was simple: one, get into Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications; two, move and get a fancy job in a big city; and three, come back home to be with my family. I thought that plan would get a little complicated on the personal side when my then-boyfriend came into the picture.
(Spoiler alert: We’ve been together for 12 years, we’re married, and have a baby boy on the way.)
Shipping up to Boston
After learning from some of the most influential and brightest professors at Syracuse and getting my degree in PR, I knew I wanted the “big city living” experience I’d always dreamed about.
A month after graduating, we unpacked our U-Haul in the greatest city to ever exist: Boston, Massachusetts. (Also known as “Bah-stin” to the locals.)
I immediately got started as a PR brand intern downtown at Cone Communications, which soon became Porter Novelli—and where I stayed firmly planted for the almost seven years I was in Beantown. I was working on big brand names and learning the ins and outs of PR and client service, all while attending a Celtics game (or five) on the regular. Most importantly, I was exposed to so many different types of clients and industries, constantly writing and staying curious about the profession.
It wasn’t until I specifically worked with Ben & Jerry’s where everything started to click. While yes, my day-to-day revolved around ice cream, I discovered my knack for the food industry and continued to find opportunities to lean into that passion.
New product launches. Company announcements. Fun collaborations. Sampling tours. Activations. Managing influencers. I was loving the hustle and bustle of fast-paced agency life, doing what I was good at, genuinely interested in, and getting to do it while living in my favorite city.
Time to come home
Have you ever had a feeling in your gut that says, “it’s time?”
I started to get that itch about two years ago. I was missing my “village” and knew there was going to be a career opportunity at home. That’s when I found The Martin Group—it was the client roster, the creativity of the work, and the people that drew me in.
A few weeks in, I knew I was starting to feel right at home after such a big life transition, and all my initial worries faded quickly. That remains true 18 months later. Would I have ended up exactly where I want to be surrounded by so many smart and talented coworkers if I didn’t take the plunge and move away first? Would my day be filled with Galbani Cheese, Rosina frozen meatballs and pasta, or the grocery aisles of Market 32 and Price Chopper and Tops Friendly Markets? Who knows?
But what I do know is that I’m excited to eventually take my son back to Boston one day to show him where Mom’s career and life really started to take off before the journey brought her home to The Martin Group.
Along the way, I’ve worn plenty of unofficial titles, too—office operations, IT support for our Rochester office, DEI committee member, Fun Committee organizer, purchaser, landlord liaison, and probably a few others I’ve forgotten. That’s one of the things I love most about The Martin Group. I’ve always had the flexibility to grow, try new things, and contribute beyond my job description.
Looking back, I realize my career wasn’t a straight line—and honestly, I’m grateful for that. Every detour helped me better understand who I am and what I’m good at. The student who struggled in traditional classrooms found a career built on creativity, organization, problem-solving, and attention to detail. Today, I’m proud of how far I’ve come. Maybe one day I’ll supervise a production studio again.
But right now, I’m exactly where I want to be: doing work I genuinely enjoy while having the work-life balance that lets me be present for my biggest and best role of being a mom.
Want to learn more about our team at The Martin Group? Click here.
