What was your first job as a journalist?
My first photos were published in the Chino Campion Newspaper when I was in Jr. High. Been telling stories ever since.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes, one of those electric ones that was the size of a whole desk.
How is social media changing news?
It has allowed a site like TheGentlemanRacer.com to grow and compete head-on with established media brands.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
To be a teller of others' stories, today though many believe they are supposed to make up the story as they go along.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
michael@thegentlemanracer.com is the best way to reach me, I am on the road a lot and have a lot of projects going on.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
DSLR, iPad, Lap Top, GoPro, and iPhone
What's your favorite social network?
Instagram, coming from a background in Photography I love being able to share stories visually.
Who do you wish followed you?
Ewan McGregor and Tom Cruise are pretty cool guys.
Why did you become a journalist?
I wanted to tell stories and create positive content around the things I love most, Travel, Adventures, Cars, Style, etc..
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
No, but I did work on the Yearbook staff.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
I broke a story last year at SEMA that caused a lot of buzz, but I enjoy sharing stories from people who larger publications ignore.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Just keep putting your work out there, you will find an audience.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Mornings
What's the best pitch you ever got?
The best pitch is always one that allows for real storytelling, not just a press release.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
A product called a "Vagacool" a personal vagina cooler pitched as a Valentines Day gift idea.
What's your favorite drink?
I have become more of a whiskey drinker lately, but I don't drink all that much.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Creating content or on the road.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Texas Monthly or GQ
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
The people who write about cars like them, I have found so many automotive writers have a disdain for the industry.
