Profile: Mike Kane
Mike, vice president of circulation at The News Journal in Wilmington, began his newspaper career at the Baltimore Sun in 1981 as a relief district sales manager. While there he held various other positions, including district sales manager, evening and Sunday zone sales manager, and administrative manager. In 1995 he moved to Pittsburgh as assistant circulation director of the Tribune-Review and became director in 1997. He assumed his position at The News Journal in August of 2000. Mike was named NAA Circulation Sales Manager of the Year in 2000 and Gannett Presidents Ring Winner in 2001. He serves on the MDDC Circulation Committee.

PERSONAL:
Born June 28, 1958. Married to wife Suzanne; two sons, Sean, 18, and Matthew, 15.

How would you describe yourself? "Optimistic, friendly, outgoing, goal driven, can do attitude, creative, take on any challenges."

Education: BA, University of Maryland 1980, Masters in Marketing, University of Maryland 1993

PROFESSIONAL:
Favorite part of your job: "Two things – the people and the changes. It has been my experience that the folks in the newspaper business are truly dedicated to their profession and work very hard to deliver a product that changes everyday. No two days are the same. I love the non-routine atmosphere, the daily challenges and planning for the future."

Least favorite thing about your job: "Being in the office too much. I like to get out in the ‘field’ and work with sales mangers."

List and briefly describe your mentor: "I had two - my mother and father. My father was an administrator in public education, a strict disciplinarian with a never-ending eagerness to learn (which he still has). My mom is very compassionate, kind and loving person. I think I’ve become a nice mix of the two personalities."

Biggest challenge: "Changing the organization from an operational focus to a sales focus while developing the less experienced employees to become passionate about their profession."

Most serious challenge to newspapers: "Meeting the needs of the young reader and growing readership in that segment."

Main benefit you derive from MDDC membership: "MDDC is a diverse organization. I learn a lot from the smaller newspapers. I like their ability to adjust and react quickly to market conditions and how they are in tune with their market."

FUN:
Fantasy job: "Owner of a golf and country club."

Favorite music: "Anything but country."

Favorite car and the car you drive now: "Favorite is Corvette or BMW 740. I drive a VW Jetta."

Last book you read: "Why We Buy" by Paco Underhill.

Favorite TV show: "None really. I don’t watch a lot of TV, but ‘24’ grabbed my attention this past season."

Hobbies: "Golf, reading financial pubs, gardening."

Where was your last vacation: "Spent our 20th anniversary in New York City, stayed in Times Square, saw a Broadway show, ate at nice restaurants. It was wonderful."

How you would most like to spend one day: "Golf in the morning and relaxing on the beach in the afternoon with family and friends."

Favorite quotation: "Failure is not an option."

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