A Conversation With: Kim Plyler of Sahl Communications, Bethlehem

Kim I. Plyler, is the CEO of SahlComm Inc., a creative communications and public relations firm based in Bethlehem.  Sahl Communications Inc. is a Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSB), Veteran-Owned Small Businesses, and the Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) communications and public relations firm founded in 2009. Sahl is a full-service firm integrating new technology with strategic communications, crisis communications, public relations, media relations, and business development. The firm has offices in Pennsylvania, California, and London.

LVB:  What made you get into the military and what kind of work did you do while you were there?

Plyler:  I joined the US Navy after I graduated from DeSales University.  I wanted to learn more about the world and use my experience to help others. I was a sailor first so I learned everything I needed to learn to be able to help the mission of our ship.  I was a journalist and public affairs officer and served aboard the USS Emory S. Land (AS-39). We were stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, but we circumnavigated the world. I ran the ship’s TV news station, I wrote speeches for the commanding officer, I handled protocol visits in nine different countries and developed a nine-person media division.

LVB:  What made you choose to get into the communications field?

Plyler:  I believe we can all find common ground through communication. Through proper communication, issues can be solved, people can heal, and humanity can grow.  The study of communication is more of a study on humanity.
LVB:  How has your military background impacted your work with Sahl Communications?

Plyler:  The military training, I received plays a large role in my company.  Having worked with reporters around the world, I built relationships which have lasted years and have become the backbone to our company.  I also learned how to create common ground through conflict resolution which is a strong part of our company’s crisis communication offerings.

LVB:  What’s next for your firm?

Plyler:  As SahlComm enters its 11th year we are moving forward with the company’s core competencies in PR, business development, media relations and crisis comm.  And in the next few months we will be launching our new creative offering “Arete,” which encompasses creative story telling through the arts.  We are expanding our reach to aid in humanitarian efforts as well as helping organizations who are helping the planet. We will continue to help opposing sides find a common ground through communication.