Side Car - Interviews

Track and follow our Side Car series devoted to Seattle's biggest influencers as they answer questions related to brands, campaigns and themselves. To learn more about these amazing thought leaders, we invite you to check back every Thursday.


Emory Thomas ~ Publisher,
Puget Sound Business Journal

1. What do you love about your company's/organization's brand?

   I love that one of the top words people associate with the Business Journal is "credible." That's what our research shows, and it's absolutely golden -- and rare -- in the media business. Because of that credibility, we're able to bring top leaders together in person for meaningful business events throughout the year.
   

2. What aspirations do you have for the future of your brand?

   That we extend the brand far beyond the current reaches of our core-market boundaries - to bring the benefits of our product set to people who truly have no idea what they're missing and how much benefit they can derive from plugging into it. We will do this not just with the printed paper, of course, but also with our online offerings, mobile apps, broadcast, events, and so much more.
   

3. Do you see campaigns that inspire or depress you?

   Premera has a smart new ad campaign about the "brain-powered decisions" we make everyday regarding health: apple vs. cookie... watch rerun of MacGuyver vs. walk the dog... It coordinates print and broadcast really well, with humor and common sense, to show how smart decisions on tiny, almost meaningless stuff can add up to big, truly meaningful stuff.
   

4. If you weren't doing what you do now for a living, what is it you would like to be doing?

   I'd be an architect. We all underestimate the immense impact our immediate surroundings have on us. Our built environment influences everything from crime rates to personal health. Being creative in an environment with that kind of impact is appealing. On the other hand, it'd be great to be a professional tennis player...
   

5. Where is your favorite local spot to take out-of-town guests?

   There are so many... First-time visitors get to see all the following within the first day: Ballard Locks, Space Needle, Sculpture Park (if the weather is good), Pike Place Market, and Etta's, where I recommend Tom's Tasty Tuna Sashimi Salad.

6. If you were to write a book, what would it be about?

   Some sort of harrowing outdoor trek or pioneering business venture where the main character inspires us by risking everything and beating the odds to survive and succeed. Nonfiction...
   

Thank you for taking the time to read our interview with Emory Thomas ~ Publisher, PSBJ.

Leave a comment at the bottom, and we'll make sure your thoughts are heard! =)

For further reading, see our first interview with Barry McConnel ~ CEO, Make-A-Wish Foundation.