We recently connected with Jeff Thomas and have shared our conversation below.

Jeff, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to start by getting your thoughts on what you are seeing as some the biggest trends emerging in your industry

Thank you for having me. One most prominent trends I’ve observed is the significant shift toward digital media. While this transition presents numerous opportunities for innovation and efficiency, it also raises important considerations and concerns, particularly regarding the preservation of physical media.

On one hand, embracing digital media allows for greater accessibility, flexibility, and reach. It enables us to connect with audiences on a broader scale, leveraging various platforms and technologies to deliver content in dynamic and engaging ways. Moreover, digital media offers unprecedented opportunities for customization, personalization, and data-driven insights, empowering us to tailor experiences to individual preferences and behaviors.

However, amidst this digital revolution, it’s crucial not to overlook the enduring value and significance of physical media. From vinyl records to video games, physical formats hold a unique appeal and nostalgia that resonates with many consumers. Also, physical media offers tangible benefits such as tactile engagement, sensory immersion, and a sense of permanence that digital counterparts often struggle to replicate.

As we navigate these trends, it’s essential for us to find a good balance between digital and physical. While digital media undoubtedly offers exciting opportunities for growth and adaptation, we must remain mindful of the potential drawbacks, including issues of accessibility, digital divide, and data privacy concerns. Additionally, we must recognize the cultural and historical importance of physical media, ensuring its continued relevance and accessibility for future generations.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m a Xennial, the generation between newer Gen Xers and old Millennials.

Growing up in the heart of North Carolina, I had a quintessentially 80s and ’90s upbringing filled with Nintendo, playing outside, BMX biking, skateboarding, music, and plenty of sports. Music also played a significant role in my life, including playing in bands in my early twenties. It was this love for music that led me to dip my toes into the business world with a promotion company I started in 2005. I was organizing music-related events and collaborating with local talents across NC.

My professional career took off when I began venturing into the world of marketing and eventually created a freelance marketing company in 2012. However, my passion for nostalgia and gaming led me down a different path and I created my retro gaming brand in 2014. In 2018 I began networking with the local gaming community and found a void in the lack of events and opportunities for gamers and Raleigh Retro Gamers was born. A company dedicated to celebrating the golden era of video games as well as modern games and all things geek and pop culture.

I’m incredibly proud of how Raleigh Retro Gamers has grown since its inception. What started as a small venture has blossomed into a thriving community, attracting thousands of attendees from across North Carolina and even beyond state lines. The fact that we’re not only drawing in fans of retro gaming but also welcoming modern gamers and embracing the broader geek and pop culture landscape speaks volumes about the inclusive environment we’ve fostered.

For potential sponsors, followers, and fans, I want them to know that Raleigh Retro Gamers isn’t just about events; it’s about creating experiences and memories that last a lifetime. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer looking to relive the classics or a newcomer eager to dive into the world of retro gaming, there’s a place for you in our community. So come join us, and let’s keep the spirit of gaming alive for generations to come!

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Certainly! My journey into building an audience on social media began during a time when technology was rapidly evolving, and social media was just starting to gain traction. From the early days of BBS boards and online chat forums to the expansive landscape of major social media platforms we know today, I’ve witnessed the evolution firsthand.

My first foray into leveraging social media for business came with my promotion company, VPS. Back then, Myspace was the go-to platform for connecting with peers and potential customers. Despite having minimal capital for traditional advertising, I quickly recognized the immense potential of social media in reaching thousands of people within my target demographic, and for FREE.

For those just starting to build their social media presence, my advice would be to start small and focus on quality over quantity. Identify your target audience, choose the platforms where they’re most active, and tailor your content to resonate with their interests and preferences. Consistently engage with your audience, experiment with different types of content, and don’t be afraid to learn from others and adapt your approach based on what works best for your business. Building a strong social media presence takes time and effort, but with patience and perseverance, you can cultivate a dedicated following and unlock new opportunities for your business. One of the most important things to remember is BE SOCIAL!! It’s social media for a reason, you need to engage and interact with your followers.. even if you only have 10 followers, engage them! Create content that makes them want to engage with you!

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Certainly! My journey into building an audience on social media began during a time when technology was rapidly evolving, and social media was just starting to gain traction. From the early days of BBS boards and online chat forums to the expansive landscape of major social media platforms we know today, I’ve witnessed the evolution firsthand.

My first foray into leveraging social media for business came with my promotion company, VPS. Back then, Myspace was the go-to platform for connecting with peers and potential customers. Despite having minimal capital for traditional advertising, I quickly recognized the immense potential of social media in reaching thousands of people within my target demographic, and for FREE.

For those just starting to build their social media presence, my advice would be to start small and focus on quality over quantity. Identify your target audience, choose the platforms where they’re most active, and tailor your content to resonate with their interests and preferences. Consistently engage with your audience, experiment with different types of content, and don’t be afraid to learn from others and adapt your approach based on what works best for your business. Building a strong social media presence takes time and effort, but with patience and perseverance, you can cultivate a dedicated following and unlock new opportunities for your business. One of the most important things to remember is BE SOCIAL!! It’s social media for a reason, you need to engage and interact with your followers.. even if you only have 10 followers, engage them! Create content that makes them want to engage with you!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://raleighretrogamers.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/raleighretrogamers
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/raleighretrogamers
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-the-jeff-thomas/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/RaleighRetro
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RaleighRetroGamers
• Other: https://www.reddit.com/user/raleighretrogamers

Image Credits
Raleigh Retro Gamers LLC