nic mattson 13 stars

California native, Co-Founder and CEO of 13 Stars Nic Mattson began his venture into media publishing in 2017 when he and his wife, Hayley, purchased a small community magazine called Paso Robles Magazine . But it was a 2002 decision between working in political consulting or continuing his education that was the determining factor in the direction of his career. He dropped out of college to blaze a trail with boots on the ground through the political, business, and journalism fields.

As the son of a computer programming pioneer, Nic was introduced to computer programming and cutting-edge technology before he was 10 years old. He surfed the internet and created Windows-based applications before most people ever logged into America Online. Fluent in tech languages and web design, Nic found his passion in working directly with people and communities instead of behind the monitors and URLs.

When Nic moved back to his hometown of Atascadero, California, in 2006, he started using technology, politics, business, and journalism to improve his community. He spent 15 years on the boards of local nonprofits and five years as an editor at the local newspaper before entering the industry as the publisher of the Paso Robles Magazine .

As the CEO of 13 Stars, Nic continues an unconventional path, traversing the emergent tech environment to revolutionize the company with innovation and passion as the media and journalism landscape continues a chaotic reshaping that has been manifesting for more than a decade since the internet and smartphones disrupted business as usual. Over the past two years, he led the acquisition of six additional independent publications under the 13 Stars banner to grow the 13 Stars footprint beyond San Luis Obispo County into the Santa Ynez, Malibu, Calabasas, and West Los Angeles County regions.

Nic studies new trends, leading a skilled and experienced sales team to adopt and adapt to new tools in the industry. In 2023, 13 Stars plans to launch a fusion of hyperlocal print content and full-spectrum audio-visual experience to share news and information—and celebrate the communities 13 Stars serves.

Nic’s enthusiasm for adventure and creativity is apparent in his diverse interests, including travel, snowboarding, photography, art, music, and hiking. Additionally, he values spending quality time with his wife, daughter, and two sons and creating cherished memories with them. 13starsmedia.com