Welcome to

Open Door Consulting

Where strategic marketing meets visionary leadership.

Open the Door to Smarter, People-First Marketing

At Open Door Consulting, we’re rewriting the rules of modern marketing. Founded by Kim Sherman and newly joined by strategic partner Shana Starr, our boutique agency is built on decades of experience—and a shared belief that great marketing doesn’t require a big agency machine.

We’ve each scaled and sold agencies. We've led transformative campaigns across industries. And now, we’ve joined forces to create bold, tailored programs that cut through the noise and actually move the needle.

While many agencies chase awards or inflate headcount, we stay focused on what matters: people, strategy, and results. We believe in collaboration without complication, big thinking without big egos, and marketing that’s smart, fast, and fiercely aligned to your goals.

We’re not for everyone—just the ones ready to grow.

A boutique agency dedicated to igniting brands

through strategic Marketing Communications

Marketing communications are the key to unlocking growth and elevating brands. As a boutique agency, we work closely with a select group of clients to deliver tailored solutions that drive visibility, engagement, and long-term success. Our approach is rooted in collaboration, innovation, and aligning best-in-class resources with client goals.

Open the Door to Smarter Growth

Open Door Consulting partners with clients to build brand awareness, support growth initiatives, and align industry-leading resources to meet evolving business needs. We believe in opening doors to new possibilities and transformative opportunities.

Built on Experience

About Kim Sherman-Pixley

With over 30 years at the helm of brand growth and strategic communications, Kim Sherman-Pixley is a sought-after advisor to C-suite executives, entrepreneurs, and changemakers. Known for her sharp insight and bold thinking, Kim delivers clarity, momentum, and results to organizations ready to rise above the noise and lead with purpose.

Her national recognition began with a keynote at the American Bar Association’s Annual Conference, where her fresh perspective on legal marketing struck a chord across the industry. Since then, she’s led marketing strategy across sectors—from legal and tech to education, nonprofits, and professional services.

Kim founded and led Echo Media Group for 31 years, transforming it into one of Southern California’s most respected marketing agencies. Under her leadership, the firm became a full-scale force in public relations, digital marketing, media strategy, SEO, social media, and web development—helping brands grow market share, forge strategic alliances, and achieve successful exits.

After selling Echo, Kim launched Open Door Consulting, a boutique advisory firm connecting growth-focused companies with top-tier marketing talent and strategy. Backed by a trusted network of industry experts, she now designs tailored, high-impact campaigns for companies ready to scale smarter and faster.

A passionate community leader, Kim has spearheaded efforts to support the homeless, elevate rare disease awareness, and advance global health through Rotary International. Under her guidance, Echo Media Group was named a Civic 50 OC honoree for corporate citizenship.

She has held executive and advisory roles on numerous boards, including the Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce, OneOC, High School Inc., and CHOC’s Autism Advisory Committee. Today, through her ventures, Kim helps visionary leaders expand their influence, elevate their impact, and step powerfully into what’s next.

Kim Sherman portrait

Kim Sherman-Pixley

CEO & Founder

30+ Years

Leadership in marketing communications, premier public relations, and brand strategy.

4+ Executive Boards Served

Including the Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce, One OC, High School Inc., and the CHOC Autism Advisory Committee.

Civic 50 OC Award

Recipient of the “Civic 50 OC” Award for excellence in corporate social responsibility.

Built on Experience

About Shana Starr

Shana Starr brings more than 30 years of marketing expertise to Open Door Consulting, having led transformative campaigns for clients across industries including agriculture, automotive, transportation, tourism, healthcare, CPG, and technology. With a sharp understanding of the media landscape and a talent for developing integrated, results-driven marketing strategies, she has consistently helped brands grow visibility and achieve meaningful business outcomes.

In 2018, Shana sold a majority stake in her marketing agency, retaining a 20% ownership position. Over the next four years, she helped scale the business by 4X before selling her remaining stake in 2022. Now, as President of Open Door Consulting, she is focused on delivering strategic marketing programs that not only meet but exceed client KPIs.

Shana's experience spans crisis communications, media relations, programmatic and social media, with a strong track record of managing budgets, leading high-performing teams, and driving measurable success for clients.

Shana Starr portrait

Shana Starr

President

30+ Years

Expertise in marketing, public relations, and integrated brand strategy across multiple industries.

4X Agency Growth

Scaled a marketing agency 4X in four years.

Services Offered

Open Door Consulting offers a curated selection of services designed to empower businesses, build brand awareness, and foster meaningful growth.

Strategic Marketing & Communications

Tailored strategies that enhance brand visibility and awareness.

Business Growth Consulting

Identifying opportunities and aligning resources to accelerate success.

Full-Service MarCom

Including public relations, digital, social media, messaging, video production and content creation.

Resource Alignment

Connecting clients with best-in-class partners, agencies, and technologies that fit their specific needs.

Executive Branding

Personal brand development for executives and thought leaders.

Networking & Connections

Facilitating valuable connections between business leaders and innovators.

We believe in working with a select group of clients to ensure personalized, high-impact results.

Our Capabilities

Integrated Marketing
& Brand Strategy Services

Public Relations

Strategic. Proactive. Trusted.
We know how to get your brand in the headlines—because we know how the media works. At Open Door, we bring earned media to life by creating stories that resonate with journalists and their audiences. From launch strategies to media tours, we don’t just react—we lead.

Our PR Services:

  • Media Relations
  • Press Releases
  • Launch Strategies
  • Thought Leadership
  • Media Outreach
  • Media Tours

What Sets Us Apart:
Proactive Approach • We Lead • Aggressive Outreach • Strong Contacts

Programmatic Media

Always On. Always Effective.
We turn digital media into real business results. Whether you're looking to drive awareness or close sales, we design always-on campaigns that move your audience through the funnel with precision. We track your customers, optimize in real time, and deliver ROI you can count on.

Our Digital Media Services:

  • Platform Strategy (Google, Meta, TikTok, Snap & more)
  • Strategic Media Buying
  • Campaign Optimization
  • Hyper-Targeting (Geo + Demographic)
  • Custom Dashboards
  • KPI Tracking & Reporting

What Sets Us Apart:
Smart Targeting • High ROI • Always-On Strategy • Full Funnel Execution

Social Media

Where Creativity Meets Strategy.
We don’t do yesterday’s trends. We create what’s relevant now. From engaging reels to thumb-stopping TikToks, we turn content into connection. Every platform. Every audience. We keep you current—and ahead.

Our Social Media Services:

  • Content Creation
  • Reels & Short-Form Video
  • Monthly Strategy & Calendars
  • Social Management
  • Community Engagement
  • Influencer Partnerships

What Sets Us Apart:
Today’s Trends • Creative-First • Platform-Savvy • Bold Engagement

Experiential & Activation

Build Moments. Move People.
We design immersive brand experiences that create emotional connections and real impact. Whether it’s on the street or in a convention center, we activate across touchpoints to make your brand unforgettable.

Our Activation Services:

  • Event Strategy & Planning
  • Retail & Foodservice Events
  • Trade Shows & Meetings
  • Street Teams & Staffing
  • Multicultural & Grassroots Events
  • Sweepstakes Management
  • Sponsorships & Graphic Production

What Sets Us Apart:
Culture-Savvy • Turnkey Logistics • Insight-Led • Emotion-Driven

Production & Content Creation

Fuel Your Brand with Killer Content.
Content is everything—and we do it all. From scroll-stopping ads to education-driven explainer videos, we build custom content that performs. On brand, on message, and on every channel that matters.

Our Content Services:

  • Brand Look & Feel Strategy
  • Script Writing
  • Video, Photo, Animation
  • Talent & Locations
  • Editing & Post
  • Asset Delivery Across Channels

What Sets Us Apart:
High-Impact Visuals • Full-Service Production • Brand-Driven Storytelling

Development

Where Design Meets Function.
Your digital experience should do more than look good—it should work hard. From websites to landing pages to apps, we develop seamless, user-first experiences backed by data, testing, and tech-savvy design.

Our Dev Services:

  • UI/UX Strategy
  • Wireframes & Prototyping
  • Cross-Platform Development
  • Workflow Management
  • Testing & QA
  • Hosting & Ongoing Maintenance

What Sets Us Apart:
User-Centric • Data-Backed • Fast & Flexible • Fully Custom Builds

Ready to Break the Mold?

Stop the search. You’ve found the difference.
Let’s build something bold—together.

Let’s open doors to your next big opportunity.

Connect with us today to discuss how we can help take your brand to the next level.

Inquiries

Ready to ignite your brand and explore new growth opportunities? We’d love to hear from you!

Guest Requests 

Also available for select speaking engagements and podcasts.