Public relations guru, 95, worked with stars

More than 40 people are expected to attend the event honoring Roggen, who has been a well-known mover and shaker in Houston's advertising and public relations scene for nearly 70 years.

Roggen founded Ted Roggen Advertising and Public Relations in 1945, shortly after returning home from World War II with an array of honors, including a Purple Heart, a Cluster to the Purple Heart and the Combat Infantryman's Badge. He spent 21 months as a prisoner of war at the Oflag 64 camp in Poland.

When he returned from war, Roggen threw himself into his advertising and public relations business and, in the process, had the opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the greatest entertainers of the time.

"As part of my advertising business, I was in the entertainment business," Roggen said. "I brought to Houston, under my own banner, people like Nat Cole, Sarah Vaughn … and one of the big things I brought every year for 11 years was the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters."

He also did publicity work for Guy Lombardo, Jane Powell, Duke Ellington, Judy Garland and Liberace, whom he describes as "one of my biggest money makers."

Roggen still works in the advertising and public relations industry, although today, his clients are more likely to be restaurants and other local businesses than celebrities. Despite what some would consider advanced age, Roggen has no plans to slow down and still maintains a five-day work week.

"Monday through Friday, I have something planned to do each of those days, be it touching base with a client, or answering telephone calls or some form of public relations..." he said. "I will continue working and servicing old and new clients with any problems that they might have."

Roggen also still drives, having recently passed the Texas state driver's license exam to receive a new license. He said he hopes to live long enough to see the new license expire.

For more information on Ted Roggen, or his advertising and public relations services, call Ted Roggen Advertising and Public Relations at 713-426-2314, email ted@tedroggen-advertising.com or visit www.tedroggen-advertising.com.

Roggen's book, "Press Releases," which details his work in the industry, is available at local Barnes and Noble stores, and online on the Barnes and Noble and Amazon.com websites.

ABOUT Ted Roggen
AGE: 95
OCCUPATION: Advertising and public relations executive
COMMUNITY CONNECTION: Local resident
FAST FACT: Roggen holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from Louisiana State University

 

Megan Mattingly-Arthur is a freelance writer. She can be reached at neighborhoods@chron.com.