Justin Gordon quit his job at a venture firm to start a newsletter. Nine months later, he crossed $100K in revenue.
In this episode, Justin breaks down exactly how he built the LA Grind and SF Grind into real businesses. Not just newsletters. Businesses with events, sponsorships, and a paid membership that grows every single month.
We get into the specifics: how he closes $5K event sponsors like JustWorks and Citizens Private Bank, how he hosted a 250-person event with a 280-person waitlist, and the exact funnel that turns free newsletter subscribers into paying members at $59/month.
Justin also talks about selling his previous newsletter (Just Go Grind) through Acquire.com and why he went all-in on local over national.
If you're building a newsletter, running events, or trying to figure out how to actually make money in local media, this one is packed.
What we cover:
Crossing $100K revenue in 9 months with the LA Grind
Launching a second newsletter (SF Grind) and hitting 2,000 subscribers fast
How to get enterprise sponsors for local events
Building a paid membership alongside a free newsletter
Selling a newsletter and why focus matters
The content expansion plan: deal flow, founder profiles, and startup news
Why local beats national for newsletter monetization
Connect with Justin:
The LA Grind: https://thelagrind.com/
The SF Grind: https://thesfgrind.com/
Build your own local media business:
https://localmediahq.com/
https://lightbreak.ai/
Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter:
https://www.localmediahq.com/subscribe
Join the Community (Discord):
Connect with TJ, share ideas, ask questions, and be part of a growing creator & media community
👉 Join here: https://discord.localmediahq.com/
Follow My Journey
Twitter/X: https://x.com/TJLarkin23
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tj.larkin
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjlarkin1
Website: https://tjlarkin.com/
Work With Me
For brand partnerships, sponsorships, and business inquiries:
tj@localmediahq.com
#LocalNewsletter #NewsletterBusiness #StartupCommunity #EventSponsorship #NewsletterMonetization #CommunityBuilding #LocalMedia #FounderEvents #NewsletterGrowth #PaidMembership
