About
At Nuffer, Smith, Tucker, we’ve got our sights set on something big: redefining the public relations industry. This means helping others abandon the perception of PR as a wheel of propaganda, churning and burning self-serving, bias-driven news releases. Instead, we see PR as something bigger, greater and far more meaningful. We define public relations not by tactics or strategies, but rather by frameworks for strategic thinking, relationship building, creating connections, storytelling and producing results.
This new way of defining PR is not about abandoning what works – it’s about building on it, constantly growing our toolkit, looking for inspiration across disciplines, and giving all efforts modern and forward-thinking relevancy.
Our Values
At NST, our values are more than words on paper. They are our North Star guiding our decisions big and small, and we love it when we have the opportunity to partner with clients who share our commitment to:
- Push ourselves to explore.
- Commit to quality and add value every time.
- Be candid and kind.
- Take ownership and do the right thing.
- Balance hard work and fun while supporting one another.
- Seek out diverse perspectives.
- Get shit done.
Our Purpose
Not only do we help other organizations uncover their social purpose, we are also a purpose-driven company that believes in making a difference. At NST, our purpose is to better ourselves, our partners and the world around us. We live this purpose day in and day out through our commitment to exploration; client service; diversity, equity and inclusion; and initiatives like Make Things Better.
We Are NST
Our History
How It Started
The journey to modern-day Nuffer, Smith, Tucker began in 1974 when Dave Nuffer and Bob Smith opened a political campaign agency and special-projects division of San Diego-based advertising agency Phillips-Ramsey. Their first client was the Dairy Council of California, an organization the agency continues to support to this day.
The agency quickly grew, becoming deeply entrenched in the San Diego community. Kerry Tucker joined the team in 1980 and grew the agency’s reputation as a leader in the agri-food space. From 2000 to December 2016, the agency was led by Bill Trumpfheller, a champion of local nonprofit organizations, universities and businesses.
How It’s Going
In 2020, Teresa Siles, Mary Correia-Moreno and Price Adams — with a tenure at NST of more than 15 years each — acquired the firm, vowing a commitment to the agency’s values that made it successful in the past, while embracing a spirit of exploration, evolution and organizational agility. Since then, the trio has focused the agency on three strategic priorities: people, partners and promotion. Through these priorities, the agency’s leaders are taking aim on ensuring the team has the skills, training and resources it needs; providing value to our client partners; and telling the story of NST. As an extension of these efforts, the firm has introduced its Make Things Better initiative and diversity, equity and inclusion commitment.
Our Adventures
🪰 We’ve got a new client spotlight! 🪰 @cafoodandag @capestprevention
Following an unprecedented spike in invasive fruit fly infestations throughout the state of California - CDFA enlisted the support of NST to spread awareness regarding the impact/dangers of these invasive pests, and how to keep them out of California.
NST is charged with a state-wide multi-cultural outreach campaign informing residents, agriculture industry members and elected officials of the impact invasive pests can have on our state’s agriculture and economy.
#clientspotlight #pragency
Keeping the whole office in the loop on new trends is a part of the job description. 💁♀️
#trends #SMM #relatable #officehumor
More exciting news! NST was named in @PRNEWS’ Agency Elite Top 120 list. As one of the most innovative PR agencies of the year, NST is excited to continue redefining PR in 2025.
#pragency
Another year, another cookie exchange! NSTers brought in their favorite sweet treat to share with the team. From cookies to cake pops to “Mary’s balls,” it was a total hit!
#pragency #holidayseason
This holiday season has been a holly jolly time at NST. This past month, NSTers have:
🎁 Adopted a family – We partnered with @alphaprojectforthehomeless to surprise an entire family with holiday gifts.
🧸 Showed up in style – We lived our value of balancing hard work and fun by getting comfy in our favorite jammies.
🍪 Baked some tasty treats to share – Our team member, Anja, baked some festive brownies to share with @cake4kids.
A big round of applause for Partner and CEO Teresa Siles for being named one of @inspiringworknow’s Top Inspiring Leaders of 2024!
#pragency #leadership
Exciting news! NST has been named one of @PRWeek’s “Best Places to Work” for 2024! This recognition celebrates the incredible NST team and the supportive culture that drives our success.
#pragency #bestplacetowork #PRweek
Looking back on the most magical NST Holiday lunch 🤩. Wishing you all a happy holiday season from everyone at NST!
#sandiego #pragency #holidayparty
The one where we celebrated Friendsgiving! 🦃 Last week, we each channeled our inner Monica and brought in a dish to create a holiday feast.
#officeparty #PRagency #friendgiving
🎉 Congratulations to our very own Anja Riedel on completing the @LEADSanDiego Advance program! The program focuses on inspiring and elevating women committed to growing in leadership and making an impact in San Diego through tailored coaching, mentorship, and skill-building. 👏🌟
#NST #WomenInLeadership #LEADSanDiego
Another successful @semashow is in the books and we couldn’t be more proud of our @wd40brand account team!
From influencer meet-and-greets with @throtl, @bigtimebigtimebigtimebigtime and @jmg8tor to media appointments with @motortrend, @theshopmag and more, this year’s SEMA booth ran like a well-oiled machine (or should we say well lubricated).
For more than a decade, NST has supported WD-40 Brand at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, a world-renowned automotive event that brings together auto industry titans and car enthusiasts to share their love for all things auto.
