Gordon Webster has been with Pacific Publishing since 1974. File photo
The publisher who introduced The Business Journal to the digital age got his start slinging hot metal.
When Gordon M. Webster, Jr. first started working for the family publishing company, ingots of type metal called “pigs” were melted down and injected into molds arranged in lines of preset type by a linotype machine. The resulting strips of lead — known as “slugs” — would then be used to transfer ink to page.
That’s how newspapers were made in the late 1960s when Gordie was a Bullard High School student looking to make some weekend spending money at the family print shop. Gordie melted down the old metal slugs so they could be recast for the next issue. He didn’t know it then, but his career was forged in an era of the publishing industry that would soon give way to the digital age.
Family trailblazer
He learned the business from his father, Gordon M. Webster, Sr., and grandfather Norman A. Webster. When Gordie’s brother Norman was also in the business, it made for confusing times for receptionists with four Websters to choose from when people would call and ask for “Mr. Webster.”
By 1981, he assumed the role of publisher when the paper was known as the Fresno Daily Report.
Gordie was an early adopter, carving out a business-to-business niche in the Central Valley and embracing the World Wide Web as part of a rebranding in 1992, when he transformed the family business into The Business Journal we know today.
As the fourth generation to run Pacific Publishing Group, Inc., Gordie received the full buy-in from his family to create an entire editorial news team devoted to business news with a focus on the C-Suite. It was a departure from the strictly documental news — liens, civil cases, fictitious names — the business had printed since its inception in 1886.
“That was a big change for us,” Gordie said. “I’m happy my grandfather (Norman A. Webster) and father (Gordon M. Webster, Sr.) were still alive. They said ‘we think you’re on the right track. Go for it.’”
The transition to digital began well before 1997, when “thebusinessjournal.com” was registered and The Business Journal began covering news online.
It will be an all-digital landscape the fifth-generation Webster — Ashley Webster Rudolph — will operate in as she prepares to take the reins as publisher.
Quite a career
Gordie’s 50 years with The Business Journal represents about a third of the company’s 135-year history. But it has been a consequential third — the rise of desktop publishing, four global recessions, the rebranding and the digital revolution that continues to upend the news industry.
Gordie is committed to always improving The Business Journal’s news product, perhaps informed by his mother Diane Webster’s lifelong career as a journalist with The Fresno Bee, including as feature editor. Under Gordie’s direction, The Business Journal has branched out over the years into various email newsletters as well as other digital formats and social media platforms.
Whether through business or family connections, the Webster family is a well-known mainstay in the Fresno community. Many wanted to offer well wishes for Gordie on his 50th anniversary.
‘True professional’
Anne Speake, president of Fresno-based land development firm Harbison international, and husband and owner Mike Hamzy, have known Gordie for several years, first meeting through the Rotary Club of Fresno.
Speake said they have served on many boards together through the years, becoming good family friends..
“I admire Gordie for his easy and welcoming smile, his genuine personality, and good listening skills,” Speake said. “He is a true professional dedicated to his excellent business newspaper, and a giving person who is devoted to the community, his family and friends.”
Keep it going
Mike Shirinian, owner of the Elbow Room in Fresno, first met Gordie’s parents at the Silver Dollar Hofbrau around 1976. The family friendship started then and continues to this day, he said.
“The Webster family is like the backbone, in my mind, of Fresno in terms of not only The Business Journal…but more than that,” he said. “You’re talking about one of the great reasons why Fresno is a tremendous place to live; they care about the community, they always have.”
He’s excited for what may come next for the company.
“Don’t quit. Keep going and God knows Ashley following behind him will keep the family legacy going and that is so impressive,” he said.
Patriotism unmatched
Over the last 20 years, Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer has built a strong friendship with the Webster family. He has gotten to know them at community events, Rotary, charitable events and even attended Ashley’s wedding.
Dyer recalls that the wedding Gordie threw for Ashley was the most patriotic one he’s ever been to, from the music to the American flags on display throughout the venue.
“The Webster family’s patriotism to this country is unmatched,” Dyer said.
He said The Business Journal fills a much needed service in Fresno, especially with its focus on the local business community.
“Gordie has served the Fresno community extremely well,” Dyer said. “He’s been a great husband, a great father, a great community member, and I wish many, many more years of success with The Business Journal, and in whatever other ventures he chooses to invest his time in.”
The next generation
A fifth generation in daughter and Associate Publisher Ashley Webster Rudolph is preparing to carry Gordie’s vision and the Webster name into the future. A 15-year veteran of the company, Ashley came up through the circulation department, ensuring newspapers are delivered to subscribers. She even has done one of the early jobs her father did: walking down to the courthouse to pick up and file documents.
Ashley is preparing to take over as publisher of The Business Journal — a job she doesn’t take lightly. Her family’s legacy is spread across all of Pacific Publishing Group’s products. One, the Legal Directory — a sort of yearbook with contacts in the legal community — was started by her grandfather 59 years ago.
Since then, members of the Webster family have hand delivered copies to the legal community. That has proven to be one of her most memorable work experiences.
“Delivering legal directories to the South Valley with just my dad and I every year was always a two-person job. Half the time, it felt like the blind leading the blind as we tried to find the law firms,” she said. “We had so much fun sharing laughs, lunches and stories along the way.”
She said she couldn’t be prouder as a daughter to congratulate her dad on 50 years in the company.
“I’ve had the privilege of working beside him for over 15 years, witnessing him run a successful family business and lead with integrity in the community,” she said. “I’ve learned so much from him — he’s been the best dad, boss, mentor, and friend. It’s been an honor and privilege to be his daughter and to carry the Webster legacy forward into the next generation.
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