Good morning,
I am super excited to announce that Caleb Anderson is being promoted to Chief Operating Officer for O’Rourke Media Group. In this expanded role, Caleb will be working closely with myself and our entire team to continue planning, adapting, and executing on our ambitious growth strategy.
Caleb and I started working together in January 2021, soon after O’Rourke Media Group acquired Rivertown Media from Forum Communications. He quickly rose from VP of Sales in the MN group to VP of Sales for the company. Prior to joining our company, Caleb broke into the media industry working in a sales capacity for Lee Enterprises in Lacrosse, WI. Before joining Lee, Caleb was a Key Account Sales Manager with Schmieding Produce, handling produce distribution sales in West Palm Beach, FL.
Since day one, it has been about winning, delivering industry-leading results, and developing and continuing to strengthen an amazing team in each of our markets. Speaking of results, YTD total advertising through May will finish +30% to prior year and EBITDA +54% to prior year. I believe these are industry-leading results, and we feel like the best is yet to come. Our results position us to continue to invest in people, technology, data, and the communities we serve!
Some specific areas that Caleb will be focused on in this role: People and team development. Intensifying focus on profitability and improving operations as we continue to grow revenue. Acquisitions. Continued focus on whale hunting for new business while maintaining and improving focus on growing our core markets. And, maybe most importantly, starting work on some succession planning for me and the CEO role. This is something we focus on with each key position in the company, and it is time that I practice what I preach. Plus, I am tired and nearing retirement in the next year or two…just kidding, I have a good three decades left in maybe more if we keep having this much fun.
O’Rourke Media Group currently operates 31 newspapers and websites in eight states, a full-service digital agency, and a growing portfolio of commercial real estate.
Personally speaking, Caleb has been great to work since he joined the company. He is a family guy with lots of integrity. He has a relentless work ethic and is money motivated, but he is extremely committed, always, to making people below, across and above him better.
Please join me in congratulating Caleb in his new expanded role!
Jim