HRM owner wins Profit 500 spot

Here’s one for the record books, with a traditional media outlet -- the publisher of HRM Online -- earning a spot on the PROFIT 500 list of Canada’s Fasting-Growing Companies.

KMI Publishing and Events has seen its new-world mix of trade and consumer titles coupled with industry conferences grow revenue by 162 per cent over the last five years.

The Toronto-based media company has also seen its team of journalists and conference organizers balloon to eight times initial size, according to PROFIT Magazine, which relies on audited financials to form its ranking.

KMI’s impressive feat is set against an increasingly challenged environment for Canadian media outlets. Most are struggling to maintain sales revenue even as readership dwindles. The COPA-award-winning KMI has bucked that trend, standing alone on the PROFIT 500 listing as its sole B2B and B2C (business-to-consumer) media organization.

“We’re very honoured and grateful for the support of our readers and clients,” says KMI President and CEO Tim Duce. “Certainly, it’s been a tough five years for all traditional media and publishing companies, and to be the only B2B & B2C media company on this year’s list is an illustration of the business model we brought to Canada, but also the entrepreneurial initiative of our team.”

The company now publishes a mix of eight digital and print titles, focused on reporting both breaking news and in-depth coverage of real estate, mortgage, insurance, human resources and wealth management industries. It also hosts seven annual business events and conference across Canada, drawing thousands for education and networking.

KMI’s library of publications continues to expand, says Duce, pointing to the company’s own research on several untapped, or underserviced, media markets across Corporate Canada.

“We see much more growth ahead for KMI,” says Duce. “PROFIT, we will be back.”