The Tellico Village Connection and The News-Herald of Loudon County staff is excited to have welcomed back someone who first worked for the newspapers more than 15 years ago.
Sara Thompson, who was raised in Lenoir City, joined as the newest multi-media account executive in April. She reports that it feels good to be back.
“There’s so much that’s changed but also so much that has stayed the same,” Thompson said. “I’ve been able to see and talk to some familiar people that I’ve missed.”
Thompson started as the newsroom’s receptionist in July 2007. The Classified Sales rep position happened to open up shortly after, and she was offered the job.
The papers’ publisher at the time, Kevin Burcham, helped her see the newspaper industry as a career versus “just another job.” That framing has had a notable influence on her life.
In late 2010, Jones Media — the publications’ parent company out of Greeneville, Tenn., until 2016, when it was acquired by Adams Publishing Group — purchased The Daily Times in Blount County. Thompson got the offer to be their Classified Manager, and held that role until June 2017.
Thompson’s time working for these newspapers is the longest she’s ever worked for the same company. She finds sales a good fit due to its fast-paced nature.
“It’s something that keeps you on your toes and keeps you thinking,” Thompson said. “It pushes you to be better, both for the company and for yourself.”
A SECOND GIG
Thompson is adept at selling more than ads. Each fall, she picks up a second gig dealing in … fear.
For the past couple of years, she’s been a seasonal professional haunt actor at Dead Man’s Farm in Loudon County. Being a witch can be physically demanding, but she finds it all worthwhile.
“It’s a great outlet for frustration and a place where all of us actors can really be ourselves. Most of us have customer service or professional careers away from the Farm,” Thompson said. “There we are free to be wild and crazy and yell and scream and scare people.”
The self-described “geek” enjoys the occasional game of Magic the Gathering and loves going to conventions like Fanboy Expo, CreepyCon and FrankenCon. She loves all things Halloween, NASCAR, the beach, football and traveling.
In 1999, Thompson was in an AOL chatroom when she met a man named Harry from Harrisburg, Penn. They’ve now been married for 23 years, have a 21-year-old son Ethan, and live in Kingston with three cats: Luna, Raven and Nugget.
BE PREPARED
When Ethan was eight, Thompson became a Scout leader in the Mount LeConte District in the Great Smoky Mountain Council, Boy Scouts of America. She served as scoutmaster for the district’s first — and the Council’s second — female troop, and still does lots of activities with various units.
During Thompson’s first go-around at the Lenoir City office, there were 30 employees in the building. While it’s a tighter staff today, she’s made a sizable impression.
Staff writer Alyssa B. Martin said it has been great to work with Thompson.
“Not only is she a kind and funny addition to our team, but she is an incredibly hard worker,” Martin said. “Just from being here the last few months, her dedication to her work and client relations is incredible. I love being able to work with her every day.”
It’s been a professional reunion over these past eight weeks for Thompson and Darrell G. Richardson, who became general manager of The Connection and The News-Herald on Jan. 29. The two worked together for three years at The Daily Times in Blount County.
“It’s great to have Sara Thompson in your corner — whether you are a customer, a fellow worker or a friend,” Richardson said. “She will give her all to this job, this community and anyone who walks through the newspapers’ front door or reaches out to us via phone or email.
“She’s a game-changer.”
Thompson is currently the only multi-media account executive at the newspapers’ office, as MMAE Darrell Coursey recently left to return to a previous job locally. Anyone interested in applying for the open outside sales position may apply online or reach out to the general manager’s direct line at (865) 635-0847 to schedule a job interview.
“We are more than willing to train. This is a full-time position with benefits — and the position itself offers the seller a wide range of digital and print products to present and meet our customers’ needs,” Richardson said. “Adams Publishing Group is always offering webinars and other learning opportunities for everyone who is employed with them.
“It’s a very welcoming and encouraging company to work for.”
As for Sara Thompson, she can be reached at sara.thompson@news-herald.net or call her directly at (865) 635-0836.
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