Charlie Rubin

Charlie has more than 20 years of experience in technology analysis, marketing communications, journalism and strategic public relations, and he uses that experience to drive client strategy and messaging for Story Public Relations clients.

Charlie was formerly a partner and senior strategist at Gallagher Group Communications, where he drove the strategy and messaging programs for AirFlow Networks, Allied Telesyn, Entrisphere, Kasenna, Mahi Networks, Peribit Networks, WildPackets, and other clients. Prior to that, he was senior strategist at Gallagher Public Relations, where he crafted strategic messaging and collateral for such clients as Ikanos Communications, Inkra Networks, Megisto Systems, Redback Networks, and Riverstone Networks. In the 1980s, he was a partner with Waterside Associates, where he did writing and strategic communications planning for Cisco Systems, Legato Systems, MIPS Computer Systems, Sun Microsystems, The Semiconductor Industry Association, and Visa International, among others.

In addition to his work in public relations, Charlie was an industry analyst for Internet Research Group (which was purchased by Jupiter Research in 2000). As an analyst, Charlie was responsible for highly regarded multi-vendor reports in the areas of Internet traffic management, network caching, and global content distribution.

As a technology writer, author, and journalist, Charlie began his career as an associate editor of Personal Computing magazine in 1983, later wrote dozens of freelance articles for many technical and business publications (including InfoWorld, PC Week, Popular Science, Newsweek, UnixWorld, and The Wall Street Journal), and was nominated for a National Magazine Award for a 1984 story about Apple Computer. He later served as executive editor of Macintosh Business Review. His technical marketing communications clients have included Apple Computer, Ashton-Tate, Cisco Systems, Compaq, Intel, Lotus, Microsoft, and Xerox. In addition, Charlie has written 20 books about computer hardware, software, and Internet marketing for such publishers as Addison-Wesley, Houghton-Mifflin, Howard Sams, Microsoft Press, and Pearson Publishing.

Charlie holds BA (magna cum laude) and MA degrees in English from San Francisco State University.


Michael Schoolnik

Michael is a senior marketing professional with over 15 years experience in business development and product marketing, and he brings his relationship-building skills to both agency marketing and media/analyst relationship development at Story Public Relations.

Before joining Story, Michael was vice president of business development for Gallagher Group Communications, where he was instrumental in identifying and securing new business opportunities and also built strong relationships with industry analysts and media on behalf of GGC clients. In the early 90s, Michael led business development activities for Koyosha Ltd., an Apple Computer partner that was one of the first companies to introduce color desktop publishing in Japan. In this engagement, Michael established relationships with US-based software companies, notably KRTN and PressLink, which established the first online subscription news, graphics, and stock photography service in Japan.

Working with NTT, Michael was a participant in Trip ’92, the first global ISDN applications event. He later became vice president of business development for BusinessLink Communications in New York City, the first graphic arts service bureau that connected graphic designers and advertisers to BusinessLink’s host service, and which delivered art by messenger to New York’s five boroughs. When an unsolicited e-mail from Michael to Larry Ellison resulted in an invitation to consult with Oracle’s New Media Server Division in 1994, Michael wrote a definitive report on ISDN applications, including publishing, remote access, Internet access, and content delivery.

Michael subsequently worked at Ascend Communications from 1995-2000, where he was responsible for all outbound marketing programs to enterprises and ISPs. Michael built a service provider database that was the heart of that company’s integrated outbound marketing programs. Michael has also specialized in lead generation programs, integrated product promotion campaigns, channel training and development, large end-user business development, and web promotions at such companies as Ascend, Proxim, and Moai Technologies

As Story's business development director Michael is charged with growing the agency’s relationships with technology professionals, venture community, and the media. As a PR tactician, Michael also drives media and analyst relations for such clients as Entrisphere and Stratacache.