Corner Office: The Power of ‘One’

● In April, Thomas Nelson will hold its first open house for Christian retailers with speakers, workshops and entertainers. What are your goals for it?
Hyatt: The event was created as a way to strengthen the Christian retail channel. Our hopes are that after attending the Thomas Nelson Open House, Christian retailers will be empowered by a better understanding of industry trends, merchandising strategies and Thomas Nelson products. Also, we hope that they will be renewed in their relationship with other retailers, Thomas Nelson and God. Additionally, our hope is that the open house will allow us to better understand the needs and challenges of the retailers so that we can better serve them.

● What is the biggest challenge you’re facing as president and CEO?
Hyatt: The biggest challenge is to figure out where the market is going. I believe that we are at an important inflection point. I am convinced that it is only a matter of time before technology will shift, and digital publishing will become mainstream. I don’t think this will mean the immediate end of traditional publishing. People are too attached to the physicality of books—particularly people over age 40. However, the handwriting is already on the wall. We must find ways to engage an always-on, Internet-savvy generation with intellectually stimulating, relevant content.