Brooks Inc.

How does he do it? Every time I turn around, Brooks has another super project going.....blogs, podcasts, folios, Alumni News, etc. etc. etc.  He is the largest 1 man corporation I know.  I am sure a chain of coffee/photo kiosks/restaurants will be next. Either he is the world's  most efficient humanoid, or the has mastered the art of cloning himself.  

Pray tell us your secret!

A humble, awestruck admirer, 
Josef Tornick

   

LOL! If you only knew . . .

Let me be serious about this because it is a relevant question.

First, I am far from a "1 man corporation." There are six of us here at LensWork:

• Maureen — co-editor, business manager, and very understanding marriage partner! :-)
• Crystal — my assistant who manages my email, handles the podcasts, folio construction, web updates, our online store, and all other curve balls I manage to throw her
• Thea — my other assistant who is our graphics and layout expert, web guru, computer resource, tech support for our readers, graphic designer, puzzle solver, and calm center in the middle of all storms
• Dianna — Maureen's assistant for customer service. She is the one who answers the phone and talks with so many of you, processes your orders, and solves any problems that need attention.
• Rachel — who packages and ships all the orders, makes the LensWork Extended discs and packages them, and handles everything that leaves our building

It takes a great team to keep things running smoothly and this group of people are the best in the publishing business you'll find anywhere. Seriously. Surround yourself with the best people and you'll be amazed what you can accomplish — advice as valid for the individual photographer as it is for a business.

Second, we take advantage of every speck of technology we can. We use the best software and spend a lot of time training ourselves to use it efficiently. We invest heavily in training, equipment, updating software, and making our lives easier through the efficiencies of technology.

Specifically, I don't know where I'd be if it weren't for Adobe and Microsoft, Chaos Software, Total Commander, Dragon Systems, and Netgear NAS storage in the terabytes range. It's not Brooks Inc. but it might very well be The Magic of Software Inc.

Oh, and Costco House Blend. By the gallon.

Comments

[Tim Messick]

Wow, Brooks, these blogs are fantastic! I look forward to following them frequently. Many thanks to you and your staff for starting this project. (It's totally in character for you to launch not one, but three blogs at once!)

[Shawn Rahman]

Excellent question from Josef and superb reply from Brooks. Still, it's difficult to imagine an editor more inextricably tied to his publication than Brooks is with Lenswork. Brooks, Inc. indeed!

I am sure the publication's legion fans shuddder at the thought of Brooks deciding to hang it up one day. I am not at all suggesting or hoping that adequate succession plans should be in the works (Brooks is too young for that), but I hope to live another fifty years (at least), and never want to live a life without looking forward to the next Lenswork issue, Extended, Podcast, blog, etc.

I know this seems a rather odd way to say thank you for a superb publication and all the work you do, Brooks. Keep it up! ALL OF IT!