Sam Gross is a strategic advisor and execution partner who helps local news leaders expand journalistic impact, drive revenue growth, and achieve operational excellence.

Sam has supported local newsrooms, nonprofits, and startups for over a decade. He has served as a strategic coach and consultant through organizations like LION Publishers, Tiny News Collective, and SCORE—supporting dozens of mission-driven organizations across the country.

Sam is a co-founder of Stacker, a data-driven newswire used by 3,000 local news publishers nationwide. At Stacker, he led strategy at the intersection of newsroom, product, and revenue—bootstrapping Stacker to $10M in annual revenue and a team of 50. 

Sam is the Board Chair of Shasta Scout and board member of The Children’s Agenda, West Side YMCA, and Stacker.

Testimonials

Sam is a caring coach that will give you a fresh perspective while also recognizing that ultimately, you know your business best. We worked with Sam for the Revenue Lab and he always offered questions that helped us focus and think of our problems from new angles. I really appreciate his follow-ups and long-term support beyond the program.

Camille Padilla, Founder/CEO @ 9 Millones

When I sought out advice he would listen fully, ask a few key questions, and then encourage me forwards towards my instincts. He used his role as a mentor not only to teach me but to champion my trust in myself. His belief in my abilities, communicated not with big words but with brevity and great authenticity, has been transformative to me as an entrepreneur and leader.

When I'd email with a question he'd find a time to meet with me by phone within a day or two. When we talked by phone he'd get right to the point, clarifying, guiding, sharing his own business experiences but most of all reminding me to trust myself.

Annelise Pierce, Founder/Editor @ Shasta Scout

Very, very few times in my career have I been overwhelmed by both the passion a co-worker has for journalism and that colleague’s skill set. Working with Sam Gross was one of those times. Sam is …

  1. A bone-marrow-deep believer in the importance of a thriving fourth estate;

  2. A world-class organizer and executor (he actually makes things happen!);

  3. A creative and deeply knowledgeable thinker on virtually all aspects of the news (the work itself, operations, partnerships, distribution, revenue, etc.)

Through sheer will and hustle, Sam basically taught himself journalism, attending workshops, seminars, classes, conferences, and so forth during his off-hours. His background was originally business. But he can also program. He’s also an operations whiz. I care deeply about the journalistic mission – the crucial role the press serves in a free society. And my livelihood depends on journalism figuring out how to survive. And Sam is exactly the person I want thinking and working on these issues.

Micah Cohen, FiveThirtyEight / Stacker / Apple News

Sam Gross has been an invaluable advisor and friend for Anchor Media. His guidance and coaching in 2023 through the LION Revenue Sustainability grant process helped us to launch a new Reader Revenue program and optimize our website for both readers and advertisers setting us on a path to financial sustainability. Sam continues to be a resource and business advisor as we navigate our local news journey. We are forever grateful for his guidance and counsel! 

Hilary Jenison, Founder @ Anchor Media

Sam's virtual guidance and in-person leadership of a strategic planning session with the board of directors really brought structure and focus to the organization's next steps. He understands the industry, is always responsive, does his homework, is a pleasure to work with and collaborates to provide a personalized road map. 

Carson Walker, CEO @ South Dakota News Watch

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