In this conversation, Michael Kauffman, founder of Catskill Crew, shares insights on building a successful local newsletter, focusing on community engagement, monetization strategies, and the importance of authenticity in content creation. He discusses the growth of his newsletter, the role of polling and feedback in shaping content and product, and the various revenue streams he has developed, including events and partnerships with local businesses. Kauffman emphasizes the significance of building a trusted brand and the potential for local newsletters to fill gaps left by traditional media.00:00 Introduction to Michael Kauffman and Catskill Crew03:05 The Media Landscape in the Catskills09:04 Growth Strategies and Content Creation15:05 Targeting the Right Audience21:18 Building Trust and Relationships with Advertisers29:54 Building Community Through Events36:39 Brand Development and Merchandising42:18 Exploring Real Estate Opportunities52:07 The Value of Local Newsletters and Community Engagement58:16 The Future of Catskill Crew and Community GrowthLinksVisit Catskill CrewFollow Michael on X (@MikeyPesto)Start your own local newsletter on BeehiivSubscribe to the Monetize Media newsletterFollow Kyle on X (@KyleScottL)Kyle's brandsAccessGMT.comWalkingTheBoards.comTip.NewsOnPattison.com