Cranbrook Patty Axenroth
Patty Axenroth’s philosophy has helped her build the West Kootenay Pennywise over the last 30 years
| Name: | Patty Axenroth |
| Business: | West Kootenay Pennywise |
| Year in business: | 33 |
| Grew up in: | California |
| Downtime activities: | Gardening, scrapbooking, spending time with family and friends |
Patty Axenroth has spent a lifetime in print media—her father was a publisher at a trade magazine and remained Axenroth’s mentor until he passed away in 1988—and the lessons she has learned have paid off with a recent industry award. The Independent Free Papers of America (IFPA) recognized Axenroth’s publication, the West Kootenay Pennywise for overall excellence at a ceremony held in Seattle, Washington, in September 2008.
“It’s not often that a Canadian paper gets that honour,” said Axenroth, adding that the entire staff attended the convention to receive the award.
Axenroth started the venture from her home in 1975 with a $500 investment and a typewriter. Through the years, the West Kootenay Pennywise has helped to connect various organizations and events in the community, and Axenroth is proud of that record and how the paper has grown.
Her staff has grown alongside her, and Axenroth believes that her philosophy of empowering her employees as much as possible has helped to build a stronger paper and a stronger business.
“That’s why we’re able to do all we do, which is exciting,” she said. “With all of our heads together, we make a great product. Everybody has amazing qualities, so you need to give them the things they need so they can demonstrate what they are.”
Photos courtesy West Kootenay Pennywise
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