Thomas Lester

Experience

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  The Mount Airy News

  Aug 2000 - Mar 2007

  Sports Editor

  Chief duties included writing and editing of stories, scheduling and assigning stories to staff, photography, publication design and layout. Initially hired as a sports writer in August of 2000, I was promoted to sports editor in August of 2004.

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  Heartland Publications-Fuquay Group Newspapers

  Mar 2007 - Apr 2012

  General Manager/Editor

  Chief duties as editor included writing and editing stories, assignments and schedules, photography and publication design and layout. As general manager, I handled complaints, managed the day-to-day operations and served as the public face of the publication. I transferred to this publication from a sister paper and began work as a news writer in March 2007. In July 2009, I was promoted to GM/Editor.

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  PS Communications, Inc.

  Apr 2012 - Apr 2013

  Associate Editor

  Lead writer for a publishing company that produces a 12,000-circulation weekly newspaper and several other special publications. Chief duties included writing and editing, photography, updating the newspaper's website and maintaining its social media presence.

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  BridgeTower Media

  Apr 2013 - now

  Retail Editor

  As retail editor for national business-to-business publication Furniture Today, I cover all aspects of home furnishings retail. I talk to retailers to discuss strategy, best practices, concerns and other key areas to help inform brick-and-mortar and online retailers. In previous role as Home Accents Today's digital/managing editor, I was responsible for the brand’s digital and web publishing, e-products and growth initiatives, while continuing to assist in the production and publishing of content across all of the brand’s channels.In previous role as business editor from 2017 to 2020, I served as primary news reporter for Home Accents Today. Coverage includes the goings on of manufacturers, importers and suppliers and retailers in the home accents world. Products covered includes rugs, top-of-bed and soft goods, lamps and lighting, wall art and mirrors, decorative accessories, accent furniture and permanent botanicals.Prior to promotion in January 2017, I served as assistant editor covering the rug industry for national Furniture/Today and Home Accents Today as well as writing and editing other stories. Show less

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  Accessories Resource Team

  Mar 2017 - Apr 2022

  Board of Directors