What is the primary difference between a "marketer" and a "media company owner" in 2026?
A media company owner focuses on building a long-term, acquirable asset that holds massive value independent of their personal daily hustle.
Most people in our world stay stuck on the "hamster wheel" of chasing the next AI trick or software launch, which results in them having no real business to sell when they are ready to retire.
Instead of just hunting for the next commission, you are building a repository of local data, ranked articles, and community influence that big players will eventually pay millions to own.
This shift in mindset means you start treating your newsletter like an empire, giving you the ability to step away from the tech and focus on high-level growth.
Why is the goal to become a "nuisance" to the big media outlets in your town?
By dominating local search rankings and capturing the attention of your town's business owners, you become a "thorn in the side" of the 800-pound gorillas until they are forced to buy you out.
When you are beating the local newspaper on Google for every important keyword, you aren't just a small publisher anymore; you are a threat to their market share.
Becoming that nuisance is the fastest path to getting "gobbled up," meaning you don't have to spend months preparing for a sale because the buyers will come looking for you.
This framing turns your daily article writing and ad management into tactical territory control, which results in a much higher valuation when it is time to exit.
How does the "Papa's Back" mindset protect your business from jealous competitors?
Stepping into the "Papa" role means you are operating with a level of character and authority that makes your business a "value fortress" that others cannot easily attack.
As you grow, you will naturally attract the attention of "bozos" and jealous rivals who didn't crack the code, giving you the power to stay above the mud-slinging and focus on your fans.
By consistently over-delivering to your subscribers and taking care of your business owners, you are building a reputation that acts as a shield for your company.
Chad’s vision for 2026 is for all of us to work less and perfect what we have, resulting in a clean, professional asset that is ready for a massive payday by 2029.
