Internet firm hires prominent media relations company

IntegraClick, a Sarasota-based firm that's being sued by a former employee for wrongful termination under the Florida Whistleblowers Act, has hired one of the leading crisis management firms in Florida.

The firm is Tampa-based Tucker/Hall, which, according to its website, specializes in “strategic communications, crisis management and public affairs.” Founder Jeff Tucker, the firm says, is an “accredited crisis communications specialist” who serves clients in “corporate reputation management and high-profile media relations.”

IntegraClick, with $120 million in 2009 revenues, was the focus of a March 15 Business Review story that detailed the allegations in the lawsuit. The story also covered a wave of executive departures from the Internet marketing firm, including the co-founder and lead attorney quitting within days of each other. IntegraClick, moreover, has been a darling of the Sarasota-Manatee business community for more than two years. A long list of organizations and entities, from the Business Review to Inc. Magazine to former Gov. Charlie Crist's office, have recognized it for revenue growth and entrepreneurial excellence.

Clearwater attorney Ryan Barack filed the lawsuit in Sarasota Circuit Court March 13 on behalf of former IntegraClick Vice President of Technology Rob McAfee. The lawsuit contends IntegraClick CEO and co-founder John Lemp told senior executives to “delete incriminating data, emails and instant messages” that could become evidence in a federal investigation.

Lemp was concerned the Federal Trade Commission was probing the company for alleged fraudulent Internet marketing activity, the suit contends. McAfee alleges he was fired when he failed to follow Lemp's orders.

In a March 13 interview, Lemp denied the allegations in the lawsuit. He further declined to confirm or deny any potential FTC investigation into IntegraClick. FTC policy, likewise, is to not confirm or deny the existence of an investigation.

Tucker/Hall, meanwhile, acknowledged IntegraClick hired the company within the past few weeks, though the Internet marketing firm had been in discussions with the media relations firm for more than a year.

“We've been working with a number of large organizations in Sarasota over the past 20 years,” Tucker/Hall Vice President Darren Richards says. “Most of our clients are confidential, and we prefer to remain in the background.”

The lawsuit remains pending. Barack, the attorney for McAfee, couldn't be reached for comment. According to late April court filings, IntegraClick has until May 18 to submit an official response to the lawsuit.