When you think of Captain Kirk,the iconic TV showStar Trek automatically pops into your mind.
But in the world of newspaper sales and advertising, there’sa guy who fondly goes by the iconic name and who is famous for his own brand of talent and leadership skills.
Clermont Sun’s Publisher Billy Kirk is that man and he has been the captain of many ships during his 40 plus years in the newspaper business.
“I feel like I’ve seen everything in this business – and more,” said Billy. “I’ve worked in so many great places with the most incredible people. I’ve learned a lot and I’ve given a lot.
“For me, there’s no better place that I want to be right now. Life brought me to Clermont andI’m thankful for the opportunity.”
Billy grew-up in Chicago, Illinois, just three blocks from Wrigley Field, home of Major League Baseball’s Chicago Cubs. Both his parents Billy Sr and Annie Mae worked at the local Reed’s Candy Company, so Billy and his sister Brenda never went short of sweet treats.
When he was just nine years-old and desperate to earn his own money, his cousin Brad got him a job picking-up cups and putting-up seats after the Cubs games. For his hard work, he received no money just a free ticket to a future game.
“My parents instilled in me that hard work pays off,” said Billy. “I enjoyed myjob,andthe reward was amazing. I think that’s when my love for sports, particularly baseball, grew.I’ve loved baseball ever since.”
In 1973, the family moved to be withfamily in Georgia. Itwas a good move for them, and they settled there, close to his grandmother in Athens. As a child, Billy wanted to be an accountant, until he got into newspaper sales by accident.
HisUncleCarson workedat the Atlanta Journal and Constitution newspaper and he urged Billy to apply for a job in circulation.Billy got thejob,and he found skills he never knew he had. Always a shy boy, daily door knocking gave him confidence and the ability to talk to anyone.
He met his wife Bobbi when she was months away from her 16th birthday and looking for part-timeofficework at the AJC.They became friends and eventually started dating before they married in April 1983 at Mount Carmel Christian Church in Decatur.
In1989a superior told him that he wouldn’t make it as a manager at AJC, so disillusioned, Billy quit and went to work in automotive sales at John Smith Chevrolet in Marriott, GA, a company who had long tried to lure him away from newspapers.He excelled there.
“I loved car sales,” said Billy. “I madedecentmoney, many friends and it was a good time for me. I’m still friends with my general manager and finance managersfromback then to this day.”
But then came the phone call that changed his life. A VicePresident ofsales from AJC wanted Billy back as head of special projects – and he was prepared to give him anything he wanted to return.
“I said no a few times,” recalled Billy. “I was still smarting from that comment two years previous. But then I said yes because Ifelt thatI had something toprove,and Iknew I could do it.I also wanted to work with a mentor of mine and the AJC gave me everything I asked for.
“I did make retail manager, and it was a sweet promotion. Whenever anyone tells me I can’t do something now, I do it anyway because I know what I am capable of.”
Billy’s newspaper career is long.He worked for the AJC from 1978, then Florida Freedom Newspapers on the Panhandle from 2006-2013 before he and Bobbi moved toTennesseewhere he worked for the Kingsport Times News.
It is this great wealth of experience that he brings to the Clermont Sun. So far, he loves Clermont andSouth Lakeand plans to retire herein the sun.
Of course, there’s much more to Billy than his job resume.
Hecollects sportsmemorabilia,and his extensive collection includes a Hank Aaron jersey, an LA Rams Marshal Faulk jersey, and countless other treasured items.
When he’s not working, he does wood carving, something he started when his dad passed away in 2012. Billy Sr was a talented hand wood carver who created many masterpieces. When he died, Billy inherited his tools.
“Mom gave me dad’s woodworking tools and it seemed a natural thing for me to do to take my mind off losing him a bit and to feel closer to him,” said Billy. “When he passed away, it was so hard.When I realized I had inherited dad’s skills, nothing could stop me.”
Captain Woodcarver, another of Billy’s aliases, can make anything out of wood, from beautiful charcuterie boards to wood crafted signs, and even cell phone stands. He wasonce commissioned tomake a sign for the Washington WKingCollege Avenue bridge in Stone Mountain Park in Georgia.
Billy and Bobbi havethree Toy Fox Terrier dogs Zorro, Jessie Girl and Titan whothey affectionatelycalltheirkids.Now settled in Howie-in-the-Hills, he has big plans for the Clermont Sun.
“I really like this area,” said Billy. “There is so much potential because of the great community spirit. When I first moved here, people I didn’t even know welcomed me with open arms and I won’t ever forget that.
“The Clermont Sun has come a long way in just 18 months but there’s going to be more. I’m excited for the future – it’s bright. I love the sun and the people here and I will always do my best to make sure that as a newspaper, we will continue to support local businesses and our community.
“It’s what a local newspaper should be all about.”
