Over the past 17 years, I've been working within the Newspaper industry, specifically focusing on it's rebirth in the new digital age. Most of this time has been with one of the largest local publications here in Charleston and two of the largest media conglomerates in the industry - Gatehouse Media and Hearst Media. The latter two are based out of New York. Here is a brief snapshot of my journey...
The Post and Courier
was my first real opportunity in the media industry. Sure, I bounced around like any average person in their late teens and early 20's fresh out of college with odd jobs here and there, but the P&C really opened the doors for me. I was with them for about 4.5 years and helped create what is today PostandCourier.com. (formerly Charleston.net)
After being on the Web Development team for about a year, I was asked to join a few sales reps on a some presentations to explain the new website to our largest customers. We had such success selling banners and sponsorship's - it wasn't long before the publisher asked me if I would like to transition into a sales focused role. From then on, I was on the sales side of the paper.
After being on the Web Development team for about a year, I was asked to join a few sales reps on a some presentations to explain the new website to our largest customers. We had such success selling banners and sponsorship's - it wasn't long before the publisher asked me if I would like to transition into a sales focused role. From then on, I was on the sales side of the paper.
It was interesting because, at the time, the marketing department didn't want to promote the website. "We are going to cannibalize the paper!" So we were always having discussions on when and where Charleston.net could be promoted in paper as we tried to grow traffic.
Today, it's now PostandCourier.com and is the largest local website in Charleston. I'm proud that I was able to lead that transition and take a major, local media outlet to that level in a few short years.
Today, it's now PostandCourier.com and is the largest local website in Charleston. I'm proud that I was able to lead that transition and take a major, local media outlet to that level in a few short years.
Then, along came GateHouse Media. Fortunately, I didn't have to move to NY to work for GateHouse which really allowed me to stay close to my family. (not to mention warmer weather) They needed someone to help them launch new partnerships and oversee the Automotive and Real Estate categories. The pitch was "You can work from home, travel once or twice a month and ditch the suit and tie." My only question was "what's the catch?" Not long after that conversation, I was on a plane headed to Buffalo, NY in the winter for my first taste of "white out conditions".
GateHouse Media, at the time, was the largest media company in the United States. They owned over 220 publications in various sized markets and realized they needed to take the digital leap. Being able to help make this transition was a huge undertaking with plenty of bumps - as my VP so eloquently put it "it's like trying to fit an octopus in a mesh bag"
Getting to see the United States and everything that makes our country beautiful, was a wonderful experience. I wouldn't trade the amazing and sometimes worthless knowledge I've picked up when asking "what is your town known for?" for anything. I also would recommend a travel job if you get the opportunity - just make sure you aren't a road warrior in the airport every week.
GateHouse Media, at the time, was the largest media company in the United States. They owned over 220 publications in various sized markets and realized they needed to take the digital leap. Being able to help make this transition was a huge undertaking with plenty of bumps - as my VP so eloquently put it "it's like trying to fit an octopus in a mesh bag"
Getting to see the United States and everything that makes our country beautiful, was a wonderful experience. I wouldn't trade the amazing and sometimes worthless knowledge I've picked up when asking "what is your town known for?" for anything. I also would recommend a travel job if you get the opportunity - just make sure you aren't a road warrior in the airport every week.
Speaking of local knowledge - they make a Butter Cow every year for the Springfield, IL State Fair. It promotes the Dairy Farmers, but the important part is...
It's a cow - and this particular year, a calf and skunk + tree sculpted 100% out of butter. They even have a webcam set up every year so you can watch the cow from the comfort of your home.
I told you - this kind of knowledge may not be as impressive as you thought...
It's a cow - and this particular year, a calf and skunk + tree sculpted 100% out of butter. They even have a webcam set up every year so you can watch the cow from the comfort of your home.
I told you - this kind of knowledge may not be as impressive as you thought...
After 5 years with GateHouse I was asked to move to Rochester, NY to take on a larger role with GateHouse. Given my penchant for warm, sunny, blizzard free weather, I regretfully had to pass on that opportunity and immediately moved to a technology company I had been working. Vast asked me to join their team and help them improve their customer relationships and reinforce partnerships with newspapers. So, Vast.com
brought me on board as Director of Business and Product Development.
I quickly found the technology industry was much more embracing and nimble than the Newspaper world I'm used to. Things moved much faster, and immediate success was found far easier, which was a plus. When conference calls of 10-15 people that used to last an hour are wrapped up in 20 minutes, everyone works more efficiently. Not to mention, my role of partnering with newspapers allowed me to provide valuable insights on what successes and best practices I experienced before... It also greatly improved the value of our partnerships.
Not long after joining Vast, Hearst Media (a company I had worked with closely during my time with GateHouse on digital partnerships) approached me with opportunity that was truly, too good to pass up. It meant leaving Vast after a short amount of time but the knowledge I gained and relationships I built will last a lifetime.
With Hearst Media, I became a Customer Development Manager. I was once again working with newspapers, but now I was able to work directly with all levels - from the Publisher to the Sales Managers and their teams and ensure their partnerships with Hearst were productive, healthy and profitable.
By focusing on successful practices I've learned over the years, overcoming objections and churn reduction I've been able to really make an impact on the success of our partners. Many of our partners are some of the largest and most successful media companies in the world:
I quickly found the technology industry was much more embracing and nimble than the Newspaper world I'm used to. Things moved much faster, and immediate success was found far easier, which was a plus. When conference calls of 10-15 people that used to last an hour are wrapped up in 20 minutes, everyone works more efficiently. Not to mention, my role of partnering with newspapers allowed me to provide valuable insights on what successes and best practices I experienced before... It also greatly improved the value of our partnerships.
Not long after joining Vast, Hearst Media (a company I had worked with closely during my time with GateHouse on digital partnerships) approached me with opportunity that was truly, too good to pass up. It meant leaving Vast after a short amount of time but the knowledge I gained and relationships I built will last a lifetime.
With Hearst Media, I became a Customer Development Manager. I was once again working with newspapers, but now I was able to work directly with all levels - from the Publisher to the Sales Managers and their teams and ensure their partnerships with Hearst were productive, healthy and profitable.
By focusing on successful practices I've learned over the years, overcoming objections and churn reduction I've been able to really make an impact on the success of our partners. Many of our partners are some of the largest and most successful media companies in the world:
- Tribune Media Company
- The Dallas Morning News
- Archant Media (UK)
- The Minneapolis Star Tribune
- LA Times / San Diego Union Tribune
- Newsday
- New York Daily News
- Fairfax Media (Australia)
This career path has given me a wealth of knowledge and a tremendous understanding of how to connect with people, on their level, and work together for a common goal.