Mike Caywood is glad to be back in Kansas.
He’s the new advertising manager at the Iola Register, and brings with him years of experience in the newspaper business.
Caywood started out as a paper carrier in 1996, eventually working his way up to editor and publisher of the Lake Powell Chronicle in Page, Arizona, after working at three other papers including the Kansas City Star.
The town of Page sits near the border of the Navajo Nation, and according to Caywood, is “one of the most beautiful places in the world.”
But many of Caywood’s family live in Kansas, so he couldn’t resist the opportunity to return, especially after some recent health issues that “really opened my eyes.”
Stepping back from being an editor “simplifies my life a little bit,” he said, though he’s already busy making connections in the community.
“It’s nice being home,” Caywood said. “Four years in Arizona is enough.”
It’s an observation perhaps fueled by the fact that Page is so isolated that he had to drive an hour just to eat Kentucky Fried Chicken.
“I’m a Kansas boy, make no bones about it,” he laughed.
OUTLINING his approach to advertising in the area, Caywood said: “We’ve got some big things planned.”
“I’m old enough,” he grinned. “I’ve got a few ideas kicking around.”
However, he really likes to keep things simple.
“My job is to help people promote their businesses,” he said. “Whatever I can do to help out.”
“I want to see people succeed, … and I have enough experience that I know what will work and what won’t.”
“My first job is to build relationships and trust,” he added.
Caywood also suggested that oftentimes people underestimate just how special what it is their business or organization offers a community, and that’s why advertising is important.
In this respect, he described himself as a “caretaker,” and has earned the nickname “fireman” in the past for being able to solve problems.
