Where were you in ’82?
When The Cannata Report was founded, I was managing a community college mailroom while also working at the college bookstore. I had been there for almost seven years, including one year as a work-study student. I was also in line to become the bookstore manager. It was a state job with great benefits, and if I had stuck with it, I’d be retired by now. But I wouldn’t have been happy. In fact, I would have been miserable, which prompted me to get off my butt and seek a position in line with my talents. It was December 1984 when I was hired as a listings writer for a national cable television magazine. Unfortunately, that job lasted less than a year, ending when the magazine was sold to a competitor.
Three months later, I started a new job as an associate editor with an end-user office trade magazine. Some of you may remember Office Systems 86, later renamed Office Solutions. In 1988, we launched Office Dealer, a trade publication for office equipment, office supplies, and office furniture dealers. When I started at Office Systems 86, I gave myself a year, thinking no way I would be writing about typewriters, fax machines, copiers, office furniture, and color-coded files for more than that. After all, I wrote about TV and movies, and interviewed cable television personalities at my previous job. The industry I was now writing about wasn’t glamorous or exciting. Or so I thought. At that time, I hadn’t even heard of The Cannata Report or Frank Cannata. Inevitably, our paths would eventually cross.
I remember traveling to industry events, often seeing Frank in the press room. He was larger than life even then, and I was intimidated by him. He knew so much about the industry, and I knew so little. He socialized with the older generation of press and analysts, while I partied with the younger generation. But a funny thing happened on the path to The Cannata Report’s 40th Anniversary. The industry became more interesting to me, and there was no reason to be frightened of Frank. In fact, over the years, he became a source for some of the many articles I would write. After stops at multiple publications serving this industry—both as a full-time editor and a contributor—as well as two years dabbling in public relations and another year-and-a-half working part-time as a booking agent in the music business (while still writing for this industry), then starting an online publication about the industry followed by partnering with one of my clients on a similar venture—I landed right here.
Many people have told me what a great move that was. I agree. We are the premier publication in the document imaging industry, and I enjoy working with Frank, CJ, and the rest of the team. Someone once told me that most startup publications don’t last five years. The fact that this publication is celebrating its 40th Anniversary and is still relevant is an impressive accomplishment, especially since so many publications that once served this industry no longer exist.
It’s great to be part of a legacy, and although I can’t predict the future and would rather not, it’s a good bet The Cannata Report has many more years ahead. Whether you’ve been reading us for 40 years or are new to us, thanks for joining on this incredible journey as we celebrate our 40th Anniversary and set our sights on 50.
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