Hi! Welcome to Cummins Consulting, the freelance communications company I founded 29 years ago.

What I do:

I like nothing better than listening to a client's marketing and communications needs, learning the ins and outs of your business, and then finding the most creative and effective ways to meet your goals. To do so, I draw on a career in which I've worn many hats: newspaper reporter; business trade-magazine editor; manager of PR publications at an agency; advertising executive; PR director; university instructor; training consultant; marketing consultant; award program manager; writer of everything from brochures to video scripts and speeches to social media posts; photographer; editor of custom publications targeting agricultural audiences; media relations professional.

I'm glad to work in long-term relationships with project or publication management responsibilities, as well as jumping in at any stage of a project as writer, editor, media wrangler--whatever you need to supplement your staff and get the job done. For more details about my job history and experience, click on the "CV" icon under my headshot photo.

My background:

I come from a Northwest Missouri farm, where my sister and I helped our dad raise registered Angus cattle, hogs, hay and row crops. Ten years in 4-H and five years in FFA, including serving as a state FFA officer, pointed me toward my degree in agricultural journalism from the University of Missouri and my lifelong career. My current side gigs for enjoyment (and sometimes compensation) are performing as a bluegrass and jazz bassist, singing in a local choir, and creating art in my home studio, Invincible Summer Studios -- all in Columbia, Missouri. That's where I've lived for the past 23 years with my husband, the author Neal Fandek; our son, Will Fandek (now a Virginia resident); and our cat, Gracie.  

Photo by Jonathan Asher Photography.


Marilyn Cummins

President/Owner, Cummins Consulting

4707 Gage Place, Columbia, MO 65203

573-239-1229

mlcummins@cumminsconsult.com

www.cumminsconsult.com