Pictured above is Journal-Tribune carrier Kage Moss who was recently selected as runner-up in the Ohio News Media Association’s (ONMA) Carrier of the Year competition. He is shown receiving his certificate and a $500 check from Journal-Tribune Publisher Kevin Behrens and circulation director Brenda Maxwell. (Journal-Tribune photo by Marie Woodford)
You would think delivering three newspaper routes would be enough to keep local eighth grader Kage Moss busy, but his Journal-Tribune customers say he is always looking to other ways to help them.
That type of customer service led to Kage being selected as runner-up in the Ohio News Media Association’s (ONMA) Carrier of the Year competition. He was honored at the ONMA convention this month and received a $500 check.
Several of Kage’s 92 nightly customers have written letters supporting the young man, many noting that he is always looking for ways to assist them at their homes.
“Kage has also gone above and beyond in offering to help me with other chores that I may be attempting to accomplish when he delivers the paper,” customer Wanda Gwilliams wrote. “If he notices that I may need just a little help, like with picking up sticks, he has always offered to pitch in and quickly help me finish.”
In order to not keep other customers waiting, Gwilliams said Kage will sometimes return after his route is finished to help with tasks, like one day when he helped her finish mowing her lawn.
Subscriber Marvin Nicol said when he is out in his garage at delivery time, Kage always asks if he needs any help.
Kage has been delivering the Journal-Tribune since 2014 and in most ways is a typical boy. He serves on the Bunsold Middle School student council, enjoys learning about computer software coding and car engines, and likes to swim and bowl.
And the fact that he is a Cleveland Browns supporter is not lost on his customers.
“He is also a Cleveland Browns fan (as am I) and I have enjoyed talking with him about the Browns,” customer Greg Hanson wrote.
In truth, Kage said the biggest benefit he sees from his routes is meeting new people.
“What I like (about) being a carrier is to help people and talking to the customers,” Kage said.
But interacting with customers is only half of the job. If the newspaper is delivered late or isn’t placed on the front porch just right, subscriptions can suffer.
That isn’t a problem on Kage’s routes.
“He has done a wonderful job for us and never gets any complaints,” Journal-Tribune Circulation Department Director Brenda Maxwell said.
Letters from customers echo that sentiment.
“He has been entirely reliable and I can’t remember any occasion when the paper was missing or late,” subscriber Charles Carter wrote. “It is always properly wrapped and dry when there is inclement weather.”
Maxwell said Kage is a great ambassador of the Journal-Tribune, delivering consistent service with a kind demeanor, which is the cornerstone of customer service.
“He is a friendly representative of the community service rendered by our local newspaper,” Carter said.
In an era where friendly faces are being swapped out for computer scanners, youngsters like Kage prove that news really is about people, both on the page and at the doorstep.
“Kage particularly stands out because of his attention to his customers needs and being an extension of the Marysville Journal-Tribune brand,” publisher Kevin Behrens said.
While some large market publications are suffering through the belief that nameless delivery methods are best for the bottom line, the Journal-Tribune and other small publications stay alive by employing young carriers to deliver a piece of Americana.
“His efforts reinforce our commitment to the community, delivering the news gathered each day through good weather and bad,” Behrens said. “He has been on the job more than five years and we hope he has another five in him.”