It's amazing how fast The Bowyer's Journal has grown in the last 3 years. Our international publication has attracted some inquiries from other publishing firms. The journal has grown beyond our expectations and beyond my one man show and home office.
After much discussion and prayer, Karen and I have decided to entertain these inquiries from other companies. We both have full time careers, which we enjoy, and we're not ready to give those up at this time. The magazine takes up a lot of our free time and the continued growth demands more. We could, of course, expand operations, take on employees and continue to nurture the journal into something much bigger but it is a step we are unwilling to take at this time. Plus we have 2 little girls growing up fast and their schedules require more and more of our time.
But before we entertain offers from outsiders, we thought we would offer the publication to someone in the community who would love it as much as we do. This would be a perfect, turn-key operation for someone and it can be done from a home office. Our asking price for someone in the community is very modest compared to the returns on the investment. With our loyal group of advertisers, subscribers, distributors and suppliers, transition to new ownership would be simple, quick and seamless.
I had absolutely no publishing experience 3 years ago but I learned quickly. I have a simple system which can easily be learned by anyone. I would be willing to train and possibly stay on board in a limited capacity if necessary.
So, if you are looking for an exciting change of pace or just a way to make traditional archery a bigger part of your life, contact us to discuss this exciting opportunity. Did I mention all the great folks you'll meet and new hunting destinations you'll travel to? Not to mention the write-offs for all the fun stuff you're doing now. Serious inquiries only please.
In the meantime, the journal will continue uninterupted, as it has for the last 3 years, while we journey through this transition. Thank you all for the generous support over the years.
-Brian
www.bowyersjournal.com (http://www.bowyersjournal.com)
Brian, I hate to hear that you will be selling TBJ but fully understand your reasoning. I only hope that whomever buys TBJ will give it the caring and attention that you and Karen have over the last couple of years. Best of luck to ya'll in the future. Pat
Everything Pat said.....best of luck bud :thumbsup:
Dang...
your personal input will be much missed, but good karma to try to keep it in house if possible. First things first and two little girls demand an attentive father.
Looking forward to the hunt in TX - you can still write that off can't you?
Brian,
Sent you a PM.
Danny
Brian, Good luck and Thank you. You've filled a special niche for us. Don't forget to tell your successor what a fine writer I am :biglaugh:
Mike Gerard
Best Wishes and Thanks for all you have done for Traditional Archery. :thumbsup: :notworthy:
Thanks for the kind words everyone. We couldn't have done it without great folks like yourself, and that was part of this difficult decision. Even though we all want to "do everything" there comes a time when we must recognize our limitations, and more importantly, our priorities.
I have a feeling the journal will remain in good hands. Within a few hours of this announcement, several great Tradgangers seriously inquired about the business. I know one very well and know he would do right by the craft. I think highly of the others as well. I think it was a great decision to shop it around inside the community instead of taking the high bidder from the corporate zone.
-Brian
www.bowyersjournal.com (http://www.bowyersjournal.com)
The very best to you and the wife, Brian. I have enjoyed every issue and they certainly helped make me decide to give making a bow a go. Also the very best to the new owners whoever they may turn out to be - what a neat decision to try to keep it in the "community".
Family is priceless. your magazine contributes a lot to the sport that we love and enjoy. The absolute best of all thins to you and your family
Great news Brian, just what I was hoping to hear. You've worked so hard to make the magazine all it is. Glad it's working out as you hoped it would.
All the best to you and the family :thumbsup:
With sad news and glad news this is read. Sorry to hear you're stepping down Brian. We have met several times and I have found you (and your wife) to be just awesome people.
It's good that it is going to someone inside the family. I considered it myself, but I am sure within a few issue s of me taking over it would turn into a collectors item as I drove it out of business ha ha
Well maybe now youo'll get a chance to ride that beautiful stretch Harley some.
Call me when your coming to Ohio and we'll chase some brown hides together.
Brain, Joni and I wish you and yours the very best. Jawge
Sad news no doubt. I've personally watched from the inside as Brian has juggled like a one armed clown at a three ring circus. Somehow, unbeknown to me, Brian has managed to juggle numerous jobs, be a husband, a father, a friend to many, AND a magazine Owner, Editor, writer, and promoter. Ya done really good Brian!!!! You also made one of my many dreams a reality by allowing me the freedom to write a column that I felt important as a piece of our awesome sport and craft. This is certainly something I'll never forget or take lightly. I wish you well in all your ventures whatever they may be. If you put even half the conviction forward that you have in this great magazine you'll never have room for failure. I'm proud to call you friend! I hope the new owner(s) will bring to the table all that you have. Now, lets go hunting and forget all the deadlines!!! :thumbsup:
Love ya man!!!!! CK :goldtooth:
Good luck Brian to the future! You and your wife did such a great job at the Wheeling expo in april. Hopefully that won't be effected next year and the new owners will carry on that new tradition.
Brian,
I just got in from an elk hunt.
You have a PM.
Walt Francis
Best wishes Brian, and thank you for bringing The Bowyer's Journal to us. I for one, have much appreciated it. I'm glad to hear it will continue, in good hands, and that you and your family will have time for QT together. Best wishes again.
I am not surprised at all by this decision. I have known Brian for along time and can say every time I left his house I would wonder how he does it all. I will be sorry to see the magazine go to someone else, but know my friend was stretching him self much too thin and this is a necessary move for the Halbleib family.
I certainly understand spreading yourself too thin. (Figuratively speaking in my case LOL). I decided that I would shed some of my responsibilties at home (read that, my kids' schools) this year and allow myself a personal life, in addition to being even more available to my kids, my family, and myself. Something I'd been missing for quite some time. Eight years of spending what seems like all of my spare time either managing Dad's Club affairs or coaching two ball teams, or both can consume your life.
Your family is the important thing Brian. My hope is that you find a buyer who'll have the same passion for the magazine. When I found someone to take over for me, it was a great relief to get someone who felt the same way as I do about making sure things run right, for the greater good. My hope is that you will find the same.
Best wishes Brian. Family comes first...Look at what happened to the fouunding owner of North American Whitetail magazine/David Morris.
After the first few years the magazine exploded...now he owns tecomate Seed company.
my wheels are turning.... can you smell the smoke?
Thanks everyone. We're moving forward with a few of the serious inquiries.
Coop, you've been a great friend and your assistance at the shows (and your wife's assistance) and personal input have been greatly appreciated over the years.
Droptine, that sounds fun and all but I'm looking forward to having my free time back.
-Brian
www.bowyersjournal.com (http://www.bowyersjournal.com)
Hope it all works out Brian....I know you've but a lot of 'Brian' into the mag.....and hopefully the next one toting the load will remember and leavea little 'Brian' in there.
Take care Sir.
This is indeed a special collecting place here. I find my browser clicking more often to the Tradgang. You guys are something.
Good luck Brian. I stepped away from a lucrative career to be closer to my family. It was a good decision. God bless.