Hank Ernest
Director, Public Relations

What got you into this business in the first place? I started out as a journalist. I was a writer for a syndicated radio program and realized that I was writing PR pieces for jazz artists. The natural progression was to become a PR professional.
Who was a big influence in your career? My first boss in the PR industry was an old sage who once owned his own agency. His initial guidance was exactly what I needed at the time.
What was "your finest moment," the thing you're most proud of?  In the delivery room for the first time ever….shouting with sheer and unmitigated joy, “IT’S A BOY!!!!!!!!!
What was your most embarrassing moment in business? During my UniverSoul Circus days, explaining to the news media why our 1000 lb Bengal Tiger wondered off the circus lot and into the drive thru window at Wendy’s – when our title sponsor was Burger King!
Is there a great client story you'd care to share? I once made the terrible mistake of telling a client’s intern that I thought the particular event we were attending was not media-worthy. Biiig mistake! But you live and learn, dontcha.
What attracted you to IMAGES? We have an exciting clients and a great atmosphere for sharing thoughts and ideas with colleagues
Do you have a method for coming up with ideas and solutions for clients? I like the team approach. It’s good to get the juices flowing among a group of people.
What driving career goals do you still have? I would like to write a weekly column for a magazine or newspaper. I did a lot of that in college, and I would love to get back to writing on a regular basis.
What talent do you wish you had? I wish I could play the piano. I’d love to be at a party or gathering, see a piano, stroll over and play the hell out of it.
If you had to live on a desert island, what would you miss most? My three boys. At this point in my life, they’re my reason for living.
Is there any food that helps you think more creatively? Well, a nice micro-waved Snickers bar gets me going on a lazy afternoon.
What's your favorite sports team? Atlanta Braves.
What frustrates you the most? Arrogant people who do not listen.
Tell us about your pets? We’ve got a pure bread cocker spaniel puppy that is as playful as a two-year old child.
What was growing up like for you? I loved my youth. It was spent equal parts in Hawaii, Northern Michigan and South Georgia. I played outside from sun up to sun down.
What's your favorite TV program? Mad Men
What do you do for a good time...when you're not working? That’s amazing. Ten or 15 years ago, my answer to this question would be completely different from what it is now. I enjoy a wild and crazy afternoon at the Ernest household with my boys and wife. At 4, 9 and 11, there’s rarely a dull moment.
What was college like for you? Eventful and challenging. I had my own radio show; I was an award winning student journalist, and I had a story published in a professor’s text book.
What are your favorite internet sites? AJC.com, nytimes.com, yahoo.com, tmz.com