An interview with Michael ‘Gil’ Gilbert – publisher and owner of Gilbert Media Group. What is it about GMG that sets it apart from other publishers? I think a really important part of what we do here at GMG is about personal relationships, so putting faces to the names I speak to on the phone or via email is essential. Creating a connection with clients, journalists, photographers, staff and our customers is definitely something we emphasise. And you were a motocross rider before you got into the publishing industry?I raced Motocross for 16-years. As a competitor, attention to detail and meticulous preparation is paramount; it’s a philosophy which has helped me a great deal in business. We didn’t have a lot of money from a family perspective, so from an early age – about 10 – I was contacting potential sponsors to gain support to help fund my motocross career. That was 30-years ago now, but the lessons leant back then have been instrumental in shaping the way we do business today. How about your history in the industry?I worked at leading ad agencies and a number of international publishing houses including Harris Robinson Courtenay, News Limited and Australian Consolidated Press, before branching out on my own in the early 2000s. I founded a number of publications including Freerider MX, Dirt Action and Hektic before launching my own title MotoX Racer in 2003. I’ve been a self-employed publisher ever since. What is the underlying philosophy of GMG?Our philosophy is built on creativity and fun and I think that’s an important part of who we are. Our lifestyle driven publications are intended to be fresh, energetic and light hearted. I believe the culture of the company is integral to a magazine’s ability to resonate with its readers. Work should be fun, but it should also be goal driven and our motivation comes from a desire to create flawless publications that showcase cutting edge photography and journalism.