Cut The Tie Podcast with Thomas Helfrich
Episode 282

Marisa Vallbona never intended to start a PR firm—but a surprise layoff while on maternity leave changed everything. In this inspiring episode of Cut The Tie, host Thomas Helfrich speaks with the founder and president of CIM Inc PR about how getting fired became the best thing that ever happened to her. Marisa shares the lessons she’s learned across 35 years in business, from building a service-first company to firing clients who don’t align with her values.

She talks candidly about overcoming ego, leaning on faith, and the power of optimism in building a life and business you love.

About Marisa Vallbona:
Marisa is the president and founder of CIM Inc PR, a national public relations firm specializing in integrated marketing across industries like real estate and consumer products. With more than 35 years of experience and a passion for high-touch client service, Marisa built her business through referrals and word-of-mouth. A proud surfer, mother, and woman of faith, Marisa lives by the principles of integrity, gratitude, and service.

In this episode, Thomas and Marisa discuss:

• Getting fired on maternity leave—and what came next
  Marisa shares how losing her job right before returning from leave led her to start a business she never planned—and never left.
• Why exceptional service builds the strongest brand
  From day one, Marisa grew her agency through word-of-mouth by delivering Ritz Carlton–level service and creating lifelong client advocates.
• How optimism and faith shaped her business
  Rooted in scripture and guided by faith, Marisa’s approach to business is grounded in service, generosity, and resilience.
• Letting go of clients who don’t align
  Marisa explains how firing toxic clients opens the door for better ones—and why you should trust that abundance will follow.
• Surfing, family, and staying grounded
  Whether she’s catching waves or co-parenting with grace, Marisa talks about staying present, grateful, and fully alive.
  

Key Takeaways:

• Sometimes rejection is redirection
  Getting fired led to a thriving business that never would have existed otherwise.
• Service over everything
  When you focus on delivering exceptional service, clients do the marketing for you.
• You define your value—not your employer
  Marisa cut the tie to letting others dictate her worth or financial future.
• Abundance beats scarcity every time
  Firing a toxic client opened the door to better, more aligned opportunities.
• Stay grounded in what matters
  Faith, family, and purpose fuel long-term success more than any metric.

Connect with Marisa Vallbona:

💼 LinkedIn: Marisa Vallbona
💼 Website: cimincpr.com/
🌊 Fun fact: She’s an avid surfer and makes regular trips to Maui to hit the waves!

Connect with Thomas Helfrich:
🐦 Twitter: @thelfrich
📘 Facebook: Cut The Tie Group
💼 LinkedIn: Thomas Helfrich
🌐 Website: cutthetie.com

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