In a corner office with high ceilings Tamara Prato, the group publisher at Tiger Oak Media, sits at her desk surrounded by stacks of paper and extra copies of Minnesota Business magazine. Assorted tennis balls and treats take up space on her desk — necessities to keep on hand to occupy any number of furry co-workers visiting the office on a given day, including her five-year-old Golden Retriever, Sunny.
“You never know whose pooch will be wandering the building,” Tamara said. “It provides a welcome distraction and opportunity to leave work behind for a few minutes.”
For Tamara, that work is serving as group publisher to 14 of Tiger Oak’s publications — 10 local community magazines, three regional bride titles, and Minnesota Business magazine. She collaborates with editors, art directors, photography teams, and account executives to ensure each publication is flip-through ready each month.
When you walk through the doors of the company’s Minneapolis office, you’re greeted with exposed brick, wood, and leather-looking furniture that gives the space an industrial, yet warm vibe. Tamara joined Tiger Oak Media in 2011, just a few years after the company acquired Minnesota Business magazine.
“If you are driven and willing to take risks, you can create your own position within the company based on your talents and interests.”
“I decided to rebuild the team from the ground up,” Tamara said of the magazine after Craig Bednar, Tiger Oak’s owner, asked her to reestablish the publication’s voice. “Two years later we have established our editorial niche, created incredible signature events, and established ourselves in the market as a leader in telling stories of small and mid-size business.”
We recently stopped in to see the publisher at work and take a peek at her office. Let us give you a tour.
There’s always a cup sitting on Tamara’s desk. While she likes to support local coffee, convenience (aka a drive-through) takes top priority on her way into work.
Tamara’s calendar is filled with promotional events for the magazines she publishes, as well as the occasional doodle from her daughter that marks the teen’s birthday.
“Can you tell I’m a stacker? When I don’t know what to do with stuff I just start putting it in piles.”
In between emails, Tamara tracks progress on construction of the new Vikings’ stadium and watches workers scale the giant rafters just outside her window.
“That’s serious business,” Tamara said of the black work bag stuffed with files and papers that she’s toted for 15 years.
“I love my office and the exposed brick throughout our space. The building has large pulleys located on the ceiling from its time as a caster factory. “
Buttons Tamara got after attending the event, HAMMS (Help a Minnesota Maker).
Two boxes of Minnesota Business magazine, or what Tamara refers to as her “personal project,” sit near her computer.
A container of dog treats sits on the publisher’s desk. “Having a dog friendly work space is a blessing.”
Tiger Oak hosts more than 35 events annually, so there’s plenty of promotional signage propped against walls and stacked on shelves.
Though a bit timid at first, Penny (who sits behind the front office) warms up to Tamara more and more each day.