INTERVIEW WITH TIM WRISLEY
Editor, publisher and owner of Wheelhouse Media LLC
About Wheelhouse Media LLC:
In July of 2004, founders Tim Wrisley and Troy Mills established Wheelhouse Media with the intent to build a business that furthered the quality of life in Carlsbad. In October of 2004, Carlsbad Magazine was born. The glossy, four-color, award-winning magazine showcases all of the great things Carlsbad has to offer.
In August of 2006, Wheelhouse Media introduced ClickOnCarlsbad.com as Carlsbad's new online community and daily resource for all things Carlsbad. The company, which continues to expand its offerings, launched Encinitas Magazine in April of 2007.
Why and how did you start Wheelhouse Media?
On our 40th birthdays, my business partner, Troy Mills, and I decided to start our own business. I had been in magazines my whole career. He had been in numerous media professions. We were both born and raised in Carlsbad, so why not? We created Wheelhouse Media to be the umbrella company that would publish Carlsbad Magazine, yet we have the capacity to create other projects and ventures.
What makes your company unique?
I hate to use the old saying, “We're the only game in town,” but we are the only game in town. In fact, no other glossy magazines reach North County like Carlsbad Magazine and Encinitas Magazine.
What does your position entail?
Because we have such a small staff, I am a catch all for every aspect of the business. My partner focuses his efforts on advertising, Managing Editor Carly Bartkiewicz heads up the editorial process and our new designer, Hang Pham-Lalas, does all of our design. I am the editor and the janitor at the same time.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Showing Carlsbad off. Our magazine is in all of the hotels and goes out of the state. I love to hear that people are proud to show off Carlsbad to their friends through our magazine.
What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
Right now, with this economy, advertising is our single biggest challenge. Advertising is virtually 100 percent of our revenue and pays for all of our costs and overhead.
How many employees do you have?
Four full-time employees, two independent sales reps and a long list of contributing writers and photographers.
What advice do you have for other entrepreneurs?
Start a business that is a passion, not work. You can then fully give yourself and your time to the project, and it will come to you naturally.
What is the best thing about owning your own business?
I can make my own schedule so I can be actively involved in my kids' lives and coach their teams.
What is the most difficult aspect of owning your own business?
The uncertainty of owning your own business is a bit daunting. No stock options, pensions or 401(k)'s to fall back on in the future. You're kind of working without a net.
What business principles do you follow?
Demand quality in the final product and it will sell itself.
What is your secret to success?
I never settle for fine.
What are your future business goals?
To continue to grow.
How do you plan to grow your business?
Growth plans include staring new projects in markets we see have a need, like we did with Encinitas Magazine. We also are doing contract publishing projects within the community, including the TGIF Jazz-in-the-Parks Program, New Village Arts Season Guide, ArtSplash Program and the city's 2009 calendar.
Carlsbad Magazine:
(760) 729-9099
www.clickoncarlsbad.com
Editor, publisher and owner of Wheelhouse Media LLC
About Wheelhouse Media LLC:
In July of 2004, founders Tim Wrisley and Troy Mills established Wheelhouse Media with the intent to build a business that furthered the quality of life in Carlsbad. In October of 2004, Carlsbad Magazine was born. The glossy, four-color, award-winning magazine showcases all of the great things Carlsbad has to offer.
In August of 2006, Wheelhouse Media introduced ClickOnCarlsbad.com as Carlsbad's new online community and daily resource for all things Carlsbad. The company, which continues to expand its offerings, launched Encinitas Magazine in April of 2007.
Why and how did you start Wheelhouse Media?
On our 40th birthdays, my business partner, Troy Mills, and I decided to start our own business. I had been in magazines my whole career. He had been in numerous media professions. We were both born and raised in Carlsbad, so why not? We created Wheelhouse Media to be the umbrella company that would publish Carlsbad Magazine, yet we have the capacity to create other projects and ventures.
What makes your company unique?
I hate to use the old saying, “We're the only game in town,” but we are the only game in town. In fact, no other glossy magazines reach North County like Carlsbad Magazine and Encinitas Magazine.
What does your position entail?
Because we have such a small staff, I am a catch all for every aspect of the business. My partner focuses his efforts on advertising, Managing Editor Carly Bartkiewicz heads up the editorial process and our new designer, Hang Pham-Lalas, does all of our design. I am the editor and the janitor at the same time.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Showing Carlsbad off. Our magazine is in all of the hotels and goes out of the state. I love to hear that people are proud to show off Carlsbad to their friends through our magazine.
What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
Right now, with this economy, advertising is our single biggest challenge. Advertising is virtually 100 percent of our revenue and pays for all of our costs and overhead.
How many employees do you have?
Four full-time employees, two independent sales reps and a long list of contributing writers and photographers.
What advice do you have for other entrepreneurs?
Start a business that is a passion, not work. You can then fully give yourself and your time to the project, and it will come to you naturally.
What is the best thing about owning your own business?
I can make my own schedule so I can be actively involved in my kids' lives and coach their teams.
What is the most difficult aspect of owning your own business?
The uncertainty of owning your own business is a bit daunting. No stock options, pensions or 401(k)'s to fall back on in the future. You're kind of working without a net.
What business principles do you follow?
Demand quality in the final product and it will sell itself.
What is your secret to success?
I never settle for fine.
What are your future business goals?
To continue to grow.
How do you plan to grow your business?
Growth plans include staring new projects in markets we see have a need, like we did with Encinitas Magazine. We also are doing contract publishing projects within the community, including the TGIF Jazz-in-the-Parks Program, New Village Arts Season Guide, ArtSplash Program and the city's 2009 calendar.
Carlsbad Magazine:
(760) 729-9099
www.clickoncarlsbad.com