Yup, it’s official: I’ve hired Kate to write fulltime on the blog. Can you believe it? We created an American job. Well, two, if you count me. Three, if you count Leo, but, don’t tell the IRS, okay? Kate’s official title is Managing Editor, RetroRenovation.com. She will be doing lots and lots of writing and chasing stories, helping me to ensure that the best new products, reader projects and vintage love get on the blog as fast as possible. Our goal: To continue to be The Action News Leaders in Retro, live online at 4:30- and 11:50 a.m. Monday through Friday and 24/7 whenever there is Breaking News.
As the blog has grown — to more than 200,000+ unique visitors every month now — it’s been increasingly difficult for me to juggle it all. In fact, I’m giving Kate as many writing assignments as possible, because I need to focus more than ever on being a better webmaster managing complicated tech stuff behind the scenes… to reach out to new sponsors… to research new story ideas — and to catch up, then keep up, on all my emails, too. I’ll be super duper active on the blog each and every day, no matter what, though! It’s my baby, you would have to pry it from my cold dead hands. Oops sorry for the not-happy imagery, but the emphasis is real.
Working together, we want to (1) make the blog even better than ever… (2) ensure that homeowners eager to renovate their homes in a way that’s sympathetic to their original styles can find the blog to get the information they need and to join in the fun… and (3) make enough money so’s we can keep the blog boat afloat. Curious how we make money? See my explanation here, it’s kinda interesting if you ever wonder how bloggers make a living.
Oh. Kate is way more the DIY maven than I am. So there’s that, too. What the heck is that she’s holding? A jigsaw? Kate is ready to get started, buckle up! 😉 Kate also will continue with her personal blog, RetroRanchRevamp (which is where I discovered her.)
I am so excited and energized to have Kate on the team. Thank you, Kate!
Donna and Jim Kasper says
Congratulations to you (and to Leo) for the promotion/new position. You are a talented woman with quite a flair for reno.
(Leo has quite the flair for the dramatic and we love it!)
We wish you all success in this new venture and look forward to seeing more on this site and on your own blog.
All hail the Blogging Princess! All hail Princess Kate!
(from your Tennessee subjects!)
Kate says
Thanks Donnna and Jim! 🙂
Just another Pam says
“One of the worst pieces of career advice that I bet each of you has not only gotten but given is to “do what you love.” Penelope Trunk
Apparently this lady doesn’t know you two as you not only do what you love but we all love what you do.
Wishing you both all the best of everything!
pam kueber says
I just read the Penelope Trunk article — very fast, mind you. I very fundamentally do not agree with her arguments, if you can call them that. This is a big discussion but in a nut: I think that you should definitely try to find what you love… and do what you love… for no better reason than You Will Be Doing It A Long Time. AND, because you practice at/work harder at something you love — and will as a result become better at it… more *successful* at mastering it, because of all that practice. Relatedly: Even if you are in a job you don’t love, you can usually find something about that job that you do love — and work on that. It’s making the most of all our life experiences that makes for growth.
I could go on and on. I am actually very opinionated about this subject.
I feel fortunate to be able to do this now. But, I am 53 years old. It took a long time to get here. And lordy knows, it’s all a journey — who the heck knows how it will all *turn out*? Oh, did I say *journey*? I think THAT is the point.
puddletowncheryl says
I have been a faithful reader from the beginning. I’m always interested by your amazing, varied and positive stories. You also give us so many laugh out loud moments. Kate was a great addition and I am looking forward to more of her delightful DIY stories.
Thanks for the memories Pam and Kate.
pam kueber says
dear faithful reader puddletown, xoxo
Goldie7 says
Congratulations Kate! You are soooo pretty! You and Pam are soooo very Gorgeous in your Retro Renovation Pictures. Pam….you are sooooo Beautiful in your Black dress and Kate you are sooooo Beautiful in your Black and Pink dress! You Women Rock! You’re both very gifted! Thanks for this Phenomenal Blog! More Fun times are ahead! Love it!
pam kueber says
Well, golly, thank you! It took a lot of makeup for me. I am old enough to be Kate’s mother, so she didn’t need so much!
Goldie7 says
Ahhh Pam you’re so modest. Makeup or no makeup…I’ve seen both type of your photos and you’re still Mrs. Beautiful! 🙂
Tom says
Congratulations! It’s encouraging to see Retro Renovation go from strength to strength during the last year or so since it put the site in my favorites.
But I can’t help but notice, the way Kate is holding that potential weapon, I hope I never anger her. I best think twice before I post something. YIKES!
Kate says
hahaha…no worries Tom, I don’t anger easy and I would never use a power tool in an unsafe or unkind way. 🙂 Just ask Leo the saftey mutt.
pam kueber says
Thank you, Tom!
Natalie says
Congrats Kate and Leo!
pam kueber says
Isn’t Leo cute!
Lynne says
I have to wonder if Astro is feeling left out?
pam kueber says
Yes, probably! Turns out, he’s not much into blogging — he sleeps all day…or is Mr. Vacuum Cleaner looking for crumbs everywhere and anywhere on the floor!
Leslie says
I read this blog all the time, congratulations!!! I couldn’t figure out how you get all this info posted here anyways…lol….I tell people all the time to check you guys out…great job!!!
pam kueber says
Thank you, Leslie! We’re CRAZY about the retro, that’s how!
Allen says
Pam and Kate,
CONGRATULATIONS! Oh how its grown! I thank you for letting us readers and posters have a small part in this wonderland everyday!
I still want to take and send photos of my retro rental! Hopefully someday.
pam kueber says
Thank you, Allen. YES: Send us your photos!!
RosemaryMartin says
What swell news! Congrats!
pam kueber says
Thank you, Rosemary!!