Our Mission is Simple
We are in the business of storytelling. Simply put, we create and execute ideas that help clients achieve their business objectives. We do this by creating long-term relationships with good people in the process. We do our best work when we have a vested interest in our clients’ success and work in true partnership with them. Fit matters to us – and if for any reason the fit isn’t right, we’ll help the client find a communications partner better suited to their needs.
Do great work for good people on things that matter.
Our Story
Upstream Communications launched in March 2025 as the next chapter in Tom’s career in public relations, preceded by a fulfilling 18-year tenure at Microsoft. It was during this time that he had the opportunity to put his fingerprints on some of the highest profile, most impactful and, sometimes, most highly charged initiatives the company undertook.
He was on the front lines when the company announced a new CEO, helped drive the communications narrative around the changing culture at Microsoft, led the comms strategy in support of the company’s recommitment to its employees, landed numerous pieces of Tier One news coverage on acquisitions, and led a multi-faceted communications program to support Microsoft’s relationships with U.S. agencies and foreign governments.
Today, as CEO and founder of Upstream, Tom helps clients tell their stories in pursuit of their business objectives. He is also well-positioned to help clients deflect the occasional negative news cycle and live to fight another day. Upstream’s value proposition is that clients will receive hands-on senior communications talent and unparalleled expertise – both external and internal -- from people who have a wealth of experience to draw from, without the heavy machinery and administrative costs associated with larger PR firms. Tom is supported by Nick Phillips, who leads digital content development for the firm.
To provide geographic as well as functional breadth, Upstream has developed a best-in-class network of aligned consultants and teams who can be pulled in to lead specific projects and initiatives on an as-needed basis. We currently have a presence in Seattle, Washington, D.C., New York, Dallas, Silicon Valley and London.
Our Process
At Upstream, we focus on the “what” before the “how.” In other words, what is the client’s ultimate objective? Maybe PR or media relations will be the most effective strategy in service of that objective – but in some cases, B2B marketing, internal employee mobilization or sales enablement might be more appropriate. At the end of the day, strategy and desired outcomes drive the determination of tactics, not the other way around. We give clients a clear assessment of what we think will best move the needle and then find the right mix of tactics and resources to get the job done. We won’t take work just to add billings.
Once objectives have been established, we invest time up-front to ensure we’re operating with a complete set of facts and clear context upon which to lay the foundation for a comms strategy. This usually comes in the form of an on-site kick-off visit with executives, and/or virtual meetings with communication stakeholders.
Depending on the nature of the project, Upstream may then develop a situation analysis, including a landscape assessment, tactical plan with timeline and budget for execution. In all cases, once a communications strategy has been created, Upstream will align it to clearly defined metrics. The work is then executed either exclusively by Upstream or in combination with communications professionals in the Upstream partner network.
In addition to deeper-dive communications work, we’re also happy to take one-off projects like blog and website development, ghost-written articles and other quick-turn assignments.
Who We Are
Tom Phillips, Founder and CEO
Tom has more than four decades of PR experience working for some of the most impactful brands on the planet.
He serves as the strategic communications lead for clients, developing strategies, assessing risks and opportunities, managing budgets, socializing and presenting plans internally, and serving as main point of contact on high-profile media engagements and internal and external communications assignments.
Nick Phillips, Digital Content Lead
Nick has nearly 10 years of experience creating and managing digital content for large and small B2B and tech companies, including Meta and Microsoft. Nick also develops websites, is a gifted blog writer, has managed influencer/MVP relationships and produced/edited/hosted more than 500 webinars and videos for Microsoft alone.