The Democrat has welcomed two new members to the advertising team.
Blake Osteen joined the Democrat’s advertising department as a sales representative in June.
“I am very excited to have Blake join the Sedalia Democrat team,” Publisher Jamila Khalil said. “His knowledge of the market, local contacts and overall enthusiasm for sales make him a great addition to the staff. I know his customers will enjoy working with him and he will help them make the best marketing decisions for their businesses.”
Born and raised in St. Joseph, Osteen has been a Sedalia resident for six years. Since moving to Sedalia in 2017, Osteen has been active in the community. He graduated in 2021 from Smith-Cotton High School, where he was involved in many activities, including performing with the Tiger Pride marching, concert and jazz bands, FBLA, baseball and wrestling.
“I am very excited to be a part of the amazing team we have here at the Democrat and to be a contributing part of Sedalia’s business community,” Osteen said.
Randy Paxton joined the advertising department as a sales representative in July.
“Randy is also a great addition to the team,” Khalil said. “His family has a long history in Sedalia, as his grandparents owned McLaughlin Furniture in downtown Sedalia for many years, and he has strong roots in Pettis County. Add his many years of sales experience and charming personality into the mix, and I know his clients will find him a joy to do business with.”
Paxton is a Sedalia native and graduated from Smith-Cotton High School, when it was located on East Broadway Boulevard. He began his post-high school education at the University of Missouri in Columbia. After transferring to Messenger College in Joplin, he received his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, followed shortly by a Master’s of Divinity degree from Moody Bible Institute in Chicago.
After spending a decade and a half as a pastor, Paxton decided to come back home. He enjoys listening to and playing all types of music and spending time with his niece and nephews.
“I love my hometown and the people here,” Paxton said. “I look forward to the opportunity to make a lasting contribution to this wonderful community.”
Osteen and Paxton join sales representative Tom Martin and advertising assistant Michele Newton. They all help area businesses and service providers with new ideas concerning their print and digital advertising needs for the Sedalia Democrat and Plainsman.
Osteen can be reached at blakeo@sedaliademocrat.com or 660-530-0186. Paxton can be reached at randyp@sedaliademocrat.com or 660-530-4519.
