– Voice Media Group chief executive officer Scott Tobias has been named small business executive of the year in the Business Intelligence Group’s BIG Awards for Business. The results were announced in Philadelphia earlier today.
The contest judges recognized Tobias for his role in reinventing and reinvigorating a legacy newspaper company. Tobias created Voice Media Group via a management buyout of the former Village Voice Media Holdings in 2013. Under his leadership, the firm has since become an industry leader in digital marketing solutions and publishing.
In particular, Tobias’s decision to channel resources into a cutting-edge digital marketing agency has paid dividends. That agency, V Digital Services, is now one of the country’s fastest-growing private companies – one reason BIG Awards judges named it small company of the year for the second consecutive year in this year’s awards.
“It’s an honor to be recognized,” said Tobias, “but this award really goes to the entire VMG and VDS teams. It couldn’t have happened without them.”
According to its website, the Business Intelligence Group was “founded with the mission of recognizing true talent and superior performance in the business world.” Unlike other industry award programs, BIG Awards are peer-based, judged by business executives with specific experience and knowledge.
“This year’s winners show how leadership, innovation, and technology are improving the lives of people around the world,” said Maria Jimenez, chief nominations officer for Business Intelligence Group. “We are so proud to reward each of these people, products, and organizations for setting such a positive example.”
Tobias is a rare example of a CEO who spent his entire career with one company and made his way to the top by constantly mastering new skills.
After graduating from the Monfort College of Business at the University of Northern Colorado in 1993, he began his sales and marketing career as a sales associate at the iconic alternative weekly newspaper Westword. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming publisher of the organization’s Kansas City publication and, later, group publisher and chief operating officer before ultimately leading a 2012 management buyout that created today’s VMG.
As president and CEO, Tobias today oversees all operations and channels of the organization, including sales, operations, web development, and finance, as well as directing team leaders on day-to-day and long-term strategies for the business.
He’s also developed a growing partner network for VMG that includes strategic relationships with Denver-based digital advertising and technology company Adcellerant and the Star-Tribune Company of Minneapolis, publisher of former VMG publication City Pages.
A big believer in work/life balance, Tobias makes a point of putting aside time to spend with his family. He also serves as co-chairman of the Colorado Music Hall of Fame and enjoys hiking, skiing, playing tennis and catching up on the latest movies.