Who We Are
Built on stories. Run on strategy. Powered by purpose.
Carnes Agency is a boutique consultancy rooted in the hospitality industry, specializing in strategic marketing, branding, public relations, and executive communications. We partner with hospitality leaders, entrepreneurs, and visionary brands to elevate their presence, refine their messaging, and strengthen their reputation and influence.
Marketing
>
Branding
>
Public Relations
>
Strategic Advisory
>
Marketing > Branding > Public Relations > Strategic Advisory >
The Agency for Hospitality’s Most Ambitious
We partner with ambitious hospitality leaders to tackle what they can’t handle alone.
We offer trusted, strategic expertise to advance your business and message with clarity and purpose. Our partners know that how you show up, and who you trust to help you do it, matters.
Our Mission →
To serve as trusted counsel for hospitality’s most ambitious minds and missions, helping them move the industry forward through intentional marketing, public relations, and branding.
Our Vision →
To elevate the voices of hospitality: one story, one leader, one legacy at a time.
NOTE FROM THE FOUNDER
On Why I Got Started
After nearly a decade working alongside America’s hotel owners, I witnessed firsthand the grit, resilience, and heart that fuel this industry. I learned their stories – stories of sacrifice, of perseverance, of pursuit of the American Dream – and was deeply inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit that drives hospitality forward every day.
But more than anything, I saw that everything in this business comes down to service. To showing up. To helping others succeed. To giving back.
Carnes Agency was created with that same spirit in mind: to serve, support, and strategically guide the businesses and leaders who make hospitality what it is. This industry has given me so much: friendship, purpose, and pride. I started Carnes Agency to give back by helping others grow, communicate with clarity, and show the world what they’ve built.
—Heather Carnes
Who We Serve
We partner with those who are creating ambitious movements, legacies, and momentum in the industry.
01
B2B Hospitality Brands
Ownership groups, management companies, hotel investment firms, and the businesses powering the hospitality ecosystem.
02
Entrepreneurs & Founders
Leaders, founders, executives, and change-makers launching something meaningful or defining their legacy.
03
Hospitaity Communities
Associations, collectives, and curated experiences rooted in connection, culture, and bringing the industry together.
DIRECTOR OF CARNES AGENCY
Heather Carnes
Strategic Communicator. Brand Architect. Trusted Partner.
Heather Carnes is director and founder of Carnes Agency, a boutique consultancy built to support the people and brands shaping hospitality’s future. With nearly 20 years of experience in public relations, marketing, branding, and executive communications, Heather brings clarity, confidence, and strategy to those who don’t have the time or team to do it all on their own.
Known for her sharp insight, calm presence, and polished execution, Heather has been the behind-the-scenes advisor to industry leaders, legacy brands, national associations, and visionary founders. She’s built a reputation not just for results, but for trust: showing up with intention, integrity, and a deep understanding of what drives businesses forward.
She founded Carnes Agency to serve ambitious minds and missions, helping clients tell their stories well, lead with purpose, and invest their energy where it matters most. For those building something bigger than themselves, Heather is the strategic partner who helps make every message, and every move, count.
Speaking & Workshops
Heather is the author creator of multiple workbooks on personal branding, and has spoken at industry conferences and national stages.
GRAMMAR GEEK // STRATEGIC THINKER // MESSAGING EXPERT // BRAND BUILDER // CLARITY SEEKER // WORD NERD // HOSPITALITY-ROOTED // CREATIVE STRATEGIST // EXECUTIVE ADVISOR // MOM & WIFE // DETAIL-DRIVEN // DOG-LOVER // PURPOSE-POWERED // FRENCH-PRESS AFICIONADO // HEALTH JUNKIE // POSITIVE THINKER
The Latest from Carnes Agency
Work With Us
Ready to elevate your mission and get the support you’ve been looking for? Schedule a complimentary 30-minute call with Heather to explore how Carnes Agency can help and whether we’re the right fit for your next chapter.