79°
ARMONK, N.Y. - Jim Dempsey and the publishing industry are old friends. What's different now is that he calls the shots.
After years of working and traveling in the publishing and fashion industries, Dempsey quit his job to pursue something he enjoyed. He launched The Pet Gazette in 1998 and has since expanded its footprint into Fairfield County, Long Island, and New York City.
Dempsey is a father of two and lives in Armonk with his adopted mutt Blake and said he's lived with other pets including cats, fish, rabbits, and a hamster.
"The pet business was booming," Dempsey said. "I grew up with pets and knew this was something I would enjoy because I am fascinated by animals."
The Gazette is published for free every two months and delivered throughout the metropolitan area to a growing and dedicated readership. Its consumer-specific market makes Dempsey's work stand out above the average magazines.
"We are a niche publication," Dempsey said. "There is no competition for our fun, local, and informative style."
Dempsey recruits friends and freelancers for some help, though the publication relies mostly on his efforts. He takes or selects cover photos and writes the themes for each issue to engage pet owners in a conversation they can't find anywhere else.
"Westchester dog owners are lucky to have The Pet Gazette where they can find all the canine info they need," a reader submitted to their Web site. "I can foresee [the Gazette] being a huge help to changing attitudes towards dogs."
The Gazette relies on local advertising from pet-related businesses and markets and Dempsey said the success has made for a sustainable career.
"I'm having a lot of fun," Dempsey said. "I got my life back."
Click here to follow Daily Voice Armonk and receive free news updates.
