TOM BARTHEL

Contributed by Laura Novkov
EMU journalism student
April, 2006    

Tom Barthel, a 2001 EMU journalism graduate, hopes to make a splash with his first book, "Garden Ponds Made Easy."

     Tom Barthel, managing editor of Water Garden News and Koi World magazines, graduated from EMU in 2001 with a major in journalism and a minor in French language and literature. 
     “I chose journalism because I have a talent for writing and I wanted to figure out a way to get paid to do it,” said Barthel.
     He began working at the Eastern Echo during his freshman year.  During his time at the Echo, Barthel worked every job he could possibly do.  Those jobs included beat reporter, photographer, copy editor, designer, section editor - even pizza runner.
     Using the knowledge he gained from each job, Barthel landed an internship at BowTie Inc., where he currently works.  The company publishes numerous pet magazines such as Dog Fancy and Cat Fancy. 
     After completing his internship at BowTie Inc., Barthel returned to EMU and finished his degree.  He briefly worked as a stringer for the Ypsilanti Courier and as a freelance writer.  Then he applied for a job at BowTie and got hired as an entry-level editor for Bird Talk magazine.
     “After a year as an assistant editor at Bird Talk, I decided I wanted to give East Coast living a try…so I handed in my resignation and headed east,” said Barthel.
     Barthel moved to the East Coast to be with his soon-to-be wife while she finished her graduate schooling.  He had to work four jobs in order to pay his bills.  Once his partner finished her degree, they packed their bags and headed for the West Coast.  After settling in a suburb of Los Angeles, Barthel once again joined the staff of BowTie Inc. 
     “I started as an associate editor managing web content and worked my way up to managing editor of one of the company’s flagship trade magazines, Water Garden News.”
     Since then, Barthel has co-authored his first book, “Garden Ponds Made Easy,” which is due out in May 2006.  He has also been certified as a master gardener in the state of California. 
     Barthel finds it difficult to describe a typical day on the job.  It is a jack-of-all-trades position, requiring travel across the country, trade shows, and unveilings.              “While in the office, I facilitate production of the magazine, collaborate with graphic designers, write news and feature stories, lead strategic planning meetings, set editorial calendars, finalize budgets and in general keep my staff afloat and on top of their game,” says Barthel.
     His favorite part of the job is networking and interacting with his readers.  It offers him insight into what information they want and need.
     During his schooling at EMU, Barthel found particular value in the teachings of three professors:  Charles Simmons, Jim Pinson, and Carol Schlagheck.
     “From the journalism program … I took away with me a passion for the English language, thanks to professor Pinson; a thirst for the truth, thanks to professor Simmons, and enthusiasm to show the world what I’m capable of, thanks to professor Schlagheck.”
     He offers this advice to journalism students:
     “Work your tail off.  Don’t listen to people who tell you that you won’t make it in this field, that it’s too competitive.  Believe in yourself to the degree that the concept of no isn’t even on your radar and you can do this.  It’s as simple as this:  Do not entertain even the thought of failure.  And be willing to move all over the country if necessary and have a fantastic time doing it.  The hours are long, the pay sub-par and the compliments few and far between, so if you don’t love this, don’t do it.”