MikeWorldWide and Berk Communications Win Sports Business Journal's 2025 Best Places to Work Award

Celebrating Exceptional Work Culture: MikeWorldWide and Berk Communications Shine

In a significant achievement for MikeWorldWide (MWW) and its subsidiary Berk Communications, both agencies have been recognized as winners in the Sports Business Journal's 2025 Best Places to Work in Sports awards. This prestigious honor highlights organizations that exemplify outstanding employee culture, leadership, and workplace satisfaction within the sports industry.

The Best Places to Work competition surveyed over 9,000 employees from 98 different companies, utilizing an independent and confidential workplace survey administered by Quantum Workplace. Participants evaluated more than 40 factors that contribute to a thriving workplace culture, including trust in leadership, employee benefits, and effective communication strategies.

Michael Kempner, the founder and CEO of MikeWorldWide, expressed pride in the recognition, stating, "Our sports practice has gained remarkable momentum, as we empower our team members to lead, innovate, and take pride in their work. This award underscores our commitment to fostering an environment where individuals can grow, take calculated risks, and find meaning in their daily contributions."

The combined efforts of MikeWorldWide and Berk Communications have played a crucial role in shaping the narrative around sports today, offering strategic communication services to brands, athletes, leagues, and teams. The successful merger of these agencies earlier this year has amplified their national footprint and influence, as they continue to deliver exceptional results driven by the collective talent on their team.

Ron Berkowitz, founder and CEO of Berk Communications, shared his enthusiasm about the agency's work, saying, "Our team’s passion and dedication to sports are what make our efforts so unique. We navigate a fast-paced world where ideas are created quickly and where everyone feels involved in the larger mission. This recognition validates the incredible talent within our ranks."

One area where both agencies have made a significant impact is in the promotion of women’s sports. The growing momentum for women’s athletics is reconfiguring the entire sports landscape, and both MikeWorldWide and Berk Communications have been proactive allies in this transition long before the focus shifted to this critical sector. They have successfully collaborated with Olympic athletes, emerging leagues, and global brands to contribute to this growth steadily.

Their current client roster showcases their leadership across various sectors of the sports ecosystem, featuring high-profile clients such as Fanatics, Tepper Sports and Entertainment, and the National Women's Soccer League alongside renowned personalities including Olympian Jordan Chiles and athletes like Midge Purce and Colleen Quigley.

2025 has been a remarkable year for the agencies, with more than 40 accolades received for excellence in company culture, leadership, and outstanding client campaigns. Their impressive lineup of awards includes the Gold AdAge Small Agency of the Year Award and recognition from PR WEEK and PRNEWS among others. Notably, Melanie Van Dusen, Executive Vice President of Sports, Lifestyle, and Reputation, was recognized in PR Week's 40 Under 40 and PRNEWS's Top Women awards, while Senior Vice President of Sports, Marc Sausa, was honored as one of PRNEWS's People of the Year.

About MikeWorldWide

MikeWorldWide is an industry-leading independent integrated public relations agency recognized for its impactful, culturally relevant approach. With a team of over 200 professionals across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America, MWW assists brands in building trust, remaining relevant, and achieving tangible business outcomes. Their strategies are rooted in data and powered by AI solutions across various domains, including corporate communications and crisis management, extending to clients in healthcare, financial services, consumer goods, and sports.

About Berk Communications

Since its inception in 1999, Berk Communications has established itself as a prominent player in public relations, specializing in enhancing and safeguarding brand reputations worldwide. As an esteemed subsidiary of MikeWorldWide, Berk is powered by visual storytellers who propel conversations while driving cultural significance. The agency's portfolio encompasses a wide variety of sectors from sports and entertainment to technology and food