20 Under 40 - 1998 Profile: Tim Rollet

PRESSTIME

By Presstime Magazine

First Published: December 1998

 If the old adage that you're only as strong as your weakest link is true, then I really am great," says Tim Rollet, who credits his colleagues for his own success in the classified-ad business.
"Basically, I took what my mentors taught me and didn't screw it up," he jokes. In addition, the 29 people reporting to him "do an awesome job," he says. "Everyone takes care of me."
Since Rollet took up his classified-manager duties in June 1997, business at Copley's Journal Star (all day, circulation 70,522) in Peoria, Ill., has shone. This year, a 12 percent classified-ad revenue increase boosted sales $1.2 million over budget, says Rollet's boss, Advertising Director David J. Auer. Notes Auer, Rollet and staff:

• Implemented a stronger training program for inside-sales new hires. All Journal Star reps sell anything "sellable," from preprints to new media.
  
• Actively promoted the New Media Department to advertisers.
  
• Introduced an Automotive Buyers Guide that generated more than $30,000 in new revenue.
  
• Turned around a previously unsuccessful classified service-directory that today generates more than $3,000 a month.
  
• Opened channels of communication between the paper and the Peoria Area Board of Realtors and Peoria Area Builders Association. "We'll put together any package that works for them," says Rollet.

"Tim brought a high energy-level and can-do attitude to the contract division that has enabled us to secure very strong relationships," says Auer.
"I'm just a sharer," says a reticent but restless Rollet. His take on another old adage: "They say all good things come to those who wait. I say those who wait get leftovers!"

Education: 1987, A.A., accounting, Illinois Central College, East Peoria.
Career: 1987-88, accounting-center clerk; 1988-89, advertising-sales assistant; 1989-1995, retail-advertising sales representative; 1995-97, classified sales manager, 1997-present, classified manager, Journal Star, Peoria, Ill.
Personal: Age, 33. Born, Peoria. Divorced, two sons.
Diversions: Watching and playing sports, jet-skiing in the Illinois River.
Connections: Journal Star, 1 News Plaza, Peoria, Ill. 61643. E-mail, trollet@pjstar.com; phone,(309) 686-3084; fax, (309) 686-3140.