Christmas came early this year for the Bradford Group when we hired two new groupies to join our fast-growing team. Cali cool Samantha made the jump from a major Los Angeles PR firm to a Bradford Group all-star account executive, while Meredith traded in her reporter microphone for media pitches, client relations and lots and lots of writing (and of course, she’s excelled at everything!).

 We all know that Sam and Meredith are smart, active and focused on getting results (shout out to Bradford Group core values), but what’s underneath their intense account executive exterior? I landed an exclusive interview with each of them to find out.

Sam,“P-rich”,Prichard  hails from Valencia, CA and the University of California Santa Barbara. She made the move to Nashville this past summer after taking a vacation to Music City and falling in love with the music scene. She is a huge country music fan and counts Tim McGraw as her all-time favorite artist.

A self-proclaimed “grandma,” Sam loves antiques shopping, making crafts and drinking wine. She is happiest when she is spending time with her family (which includes her dogs) and friends, as well as when she is outdoors, either hiking, fishing or exploring new places.

An adventurous spirit led Sam to Nashville, and next on her adventure list is taking an African safari. Check out some more fun facts from our resident Californian:

Previous jobs:

Account Executive at Weber Shandwick

eMedia Intern at Rogers & Cowan

Communication & Public Affairs Intern at MTV Networks

Entertainment Marketing Intern at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Favorite thing from the 90s: ‘N Sync was probably the best thing from the 90s…and Skip-It.

#1 on your Christmas list: Tickets to see George Strait on his Cowboy Rides Away tour.

Why PR? : I have always been a writer—from working on my high school yearbook to editing my college’s magazine. This affection for writing and creative thinking led me to a major in communications, where I learned the ins and outs of writing press releases, targeting the right audience and managing crises. I was hooked.

Something most people don’t know about you: I am a huge fan of Snoop Dogg (I will not refer to him as Snoop Lion). I have an amazing pair of Snoop house slippers.

Favorite TV show: New Girl & Workaholics. I will watch anything that makes me laugh.

What you’re looking forward to at TBG: I am so excited to be a Groupie, and to work with such a talented and passionate team here at the Bradford Group!

Favorite social media platform: Instagram.

Meredith “Mere” Yates is an Eastern Tennessee native and a devoted Tennessee Volunteer who recently relocated to Nashville with her new husband. She’s an identical twin (older by two minutes) but unfortunately, she cannot communicate telepathically with her sister.

This former news reporter has a history of being on camera, starting with the coveted role of “extra” on One Tree Hill (You can find her in the finale of Season Four, dancing in a window). She then spent time interning at our local Fox 17 News and Knoxville’s WATE station before landing a reporter job in Bristol, VA.

Meredith loves Nashville’s atmosphere and is looking forward to getting into the live music scene. There’s even more to love about our newest edition, so check out her fun facts below:

Favorite TV show: My sister and I have an unhealthy obsession with “Dawson’s Creek.” One summer we convinced our parents to take a family vacation where the show was filmed in Wilmington, N.C.

Favorite movie: “The Sound of Music” and “Titanic.”

Favorite band: NEEDTOBREATHE is incredible. Their album, “The Outsiders” stands as one of my very favorites.

Dream vacation: I vow to make it back to Paris one day. I want to explore every nook and cranny of that city, and eat crepes all day long.

 Favorite thing from the 90s: That’s a toss up between Tamagotchis and “Rugrats.”

#1 on your Christmas list: I know this is cheesy, but I really just want time with my extended family in Arkansas. All of my Christmas memories revolve around my family’s trips to Arkansas, and I never get to spend enough time with my grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Why PR?: PR encompasses many of the things I’m passionate about including writing, building relationships and telling compelling stories. I’m excited to dive into the ‘other side’ of media and gain traction and results for clients.

What you’re looking forward to at TBG: I can’t wait to build long-lasting, meaningful relationships with my colleagues and clients. So far everyone has been incredibly helpful and welcoming, so I’m off to a great start.