Hugh Braithwaite of Radnor believed that sharing compelling stories about his clients could attract business and connect with customers.

The founder and CEO of Braithwaite Communications, who was a storyteller, mentor, and teacher, died Feb. 28 at 63, writes Gary Miles for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Mr. Braithwaite founded Braithwaite Communications in 1996 and had Coca-Cola, General Electric, Microsoft, Hasbro, Wawa , and Merck as clients.

He was a creative expert in crisis communications, public relations, marketing, and branding,

Mr. Braithwaite preached honesty, consistency, and timeliness, stating that 40 to 50 percent of a brand’s net value comes from its reputation.

He was also a founding vice president at the Tierney Group and had executive roles at Porter Novelli Public Relations and Cohn and Wolfe Communications.

Mr. Braithwaite mentored hundreds of colleagues and students and taught at St. Joseph’s University and the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

“He was a student of the world. When you were with him, it was like you were the only person in the room who mattered, and he was thrilled to be with you,” said his wife, Carolyn Chapin.

Born in Darby, he was a 1979 Archbishop John Carroll High School graduate in Radnor.

Find out more about the life of Hugh Braithwaite in The Philadelphia Inquirer.