Our second visit

Our second visit to the print organization was just as great as the first. It started a bit wearily, just like the first time as Robby forgot to let Tanya, the face of the organization, but she quickly warmed up to the idea as we introduced ourselves and he (Robby) came out to say sorry and asked if she didn't mind giving us a tour.

She was spunky, spicy, cheeky, sassy, and for sure in charge. She walked us through out the building introducing us to people and showing us the important parts - and she accompanied the parts with good stories.

We spoke extensively with one of the production artists who managed the design of the advertisements. We were throughly fascinated by her wall covered with interesting pictures that represented good times at the paper. We met the woman she works closely with (Sarah) and Sarah's dog - what a cute dog!

The other person we spend a good amount of time interviewing with Matt, the managing editor. He has written for other print organizations and is well known for his work. He doesn't particularly like to manage, but he does really like the freedom and is incredibly proud of the paper. He is down to earth and I really appreciated the time he took - even though I knew he was really busy. He too graduated from UCSB and knew a bit about my organization.

The last person we interviewed was Todd, the CFO, the person we started with through email that wasn't as inviting as we hoped. I asked Tanya at the end of our extensive tour about him and said that we should probably at least say hello (and I noticed he was the one person's office we didn't see). She says to me "Okay, you asked for it!" I said that we didn't have to if she didn't think it was a good idea, but she said "it was too late now." So, we walked into his cave and he really was the odd man compared to the rest of the employees. Megan, the production designer wore incredible jewlrey that she designed and dressed in a hip comfortable style. Matt wore a simple shirt and jeans. Most people looked comfortable and some even stylish comfortable. Todd wore a suite - he stuck out like a sore thumb.

He said yes, that we could ask a few questions. I was lost for words - everyone else was so easy to talk with, but with him, I didn't know where to start. I noticed (his office was full of stuff and quite messy) a box on the floor that said 401's. So, I asked about the benefit of working there and why he stayed for so long (20ish years).  He rattled off the benefits (401K, medical, dental, vacation, sick leave, and even sabbaticals). He then said why he stayed so long was because of the opportunity to do his trade, accounting, at a well known organization instead of doing taxes for people his whole like. He seemed to lack the passion and respect for the paper that the other employees had about the place. I wasn't sure if he was really just like Eeyore and constantly gloomy by nature or not.

Our next step is to check in with Kate and get her feedback and suggestions and then we hope to interview the owner, Marianne. We may not be able to make that happen, but that would be okay as we got a lot of stuff from our two visits.