Thrillist
Encyclopedia
Thrillist is a leading men's lifestyle brand, currently reaching over 3 million subscribers in 19 local markets in the U.S. and the U.K.
Best known for its irreverent tone, Thrillist delivers a targeted recommendation via one email each day to its audience of mostly young, well-educated, affluent men, focusing on what is new, unknown or unappreciated in local entertainment and lifestyle categories (i.e. dining, nightlife, events and fashion).
in 2003 and shortly after moving to New York City, recognized the need for a city guide that catered to guys like them. Lerer and Rich launched the first ever Thrillist e-mail newsletter in 2005 to 600 friends. In its first year, Thrillist attracted 30,000 subscribers and by the end of 2008, had expanded into seven cities and became profitable, bringing in approximately $5 million in revenue. Today, Thrillist posts revenue upwards of $40 million a year. Lerer is the CEO and oversees business development, advertising sales and marketing efforts for Thrillist, in addition to managing the company’s 100+ employees. Rich serves as editor-in-chief.
In March 2010, Thrillist launched a series of short videos documenting local venues to give readers a deeper look into the places covered in each of Thrillist’s markets.
In April 2010, Thrillist appointed Mark Oltarsh as its new chief revenue officer. Oltarsh was the former vice president and group publisher of In Touch Weekly and Life & Style magazines, and had also worked at Spin, Details, Vanity Fair, Stuff, Maxim, and Jane.
In May 2010, Thrillist acquired members-only online retailer JackThreads
, expanding its footprint into e-commerce. Thrillist now offers its user base exclusive access to JackThreads’ private shopping community as an added benefit to subscribing.
In June 2010, Thrillist launched its first mobile app – “Thrillist for iPhone” – a free location-based app available in each market. Thrillist has since also launched applications for Android and iPad.
In August 2010, Thrillist was listed as no. 93 on Inc Magazine’s 2010 list of the top 500 fastest growing privately-owned companies.
In December 2010, Thrillist redesigned its website, becoming a destination for local entertainment and lifestyle content.
In December 2010, Thrillist launched Thrillist Rewards, a local e-commerce platform best known for delivering editorially-driven, experiential offers targeting its young, urban male demographic. Thrillist Rewards is currently available in New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
In March 2011, Thrillist appointed Eric Ashman as its new chief financial officer. Ashman was formerly the CFO of The Huffington Post.
In October 2009, Thrillist flew 150 media types, partners, sweepstakes winners and friends on a mystery flight to Jamaica for a 72-hour event, called “Jet Mystery.”
Other Thrillist hosted events include: a 7-hour long St. Patrick’s Day Party in New York (March, 2010), a South by Southwest Party in Austin (March 2010), a Mardi Gras-themed Party in Chicago (February, 2010), and an edition launch party in the Hamptons (July, 2009).
Best known for its irreverent tone, Thrillist delivers a targeted recommendation via one email each day to its audience of mostly young, well-educated, affluent men, focusing on what is new, unknown or unappreciated in local entertainment and lifestyle categories (i.e. dining, nightlife, events and fashion).
History
Thrillist was founded in 2004 by college buddies Ben Lerer and Adam Rich, who graduated from the University of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania is a private, Ivy League university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. Penn is the fourth-oldest institution of higher education in the United States,Penn is the fourth-oldest using the founding dates claimed by each institution...
in 2003 and shortly after moving to New York City, recognized the need for a city guide that catered to guys like them. Lerer and Rich launched the first ever Thrillist e-mail newsletter in 2005 to 600 friends. In its first year, Thrillist attracted 30,000 subscribers and by the end of 2008, had expanded into seven cities and became profitable, bringing in approximately $5 million in revenue. Today, Thrillist posts revenue upwards of $40 million a year. Lerer is the CEO and oversees business development, advertising sales and marketing efforts for Thrillist, in addition to managing the company’s 100+ employees. Rich serves as editor-in-chief.
Expansion of the Thrillist Brand
Since its launch in 2005 in New York City, Thrillist has expanded into 18 additional markets including: Los Angeles (launched in 2006), San Francisco (launched in 2007), Chicago (launched in 2007), Las Vegas (launched in 2007), Boston (launched in 2008), Miami (launched in 2008), Atlanta (launched in 2008), Philadelphia (launched in 2009), Washington D.C. (launched in 2009), Dallas (launched in 2009), Seattle (launched in 2009), Austin (launched in 2009), London (launched in 2010), San Diego (launched in 2010), Denver (launched in 2010), Portland (launched in 2010), and Minneapolis (launched in 2011). Thrillist also publishes a daily “Thrillist Nation” edition.In March 2010, Thrillist launched a series of short videos documenting local venues to give readers a deeper look into the places covered in each of Thrillist’s markets.
In April 2010, Thrillist appointed Mark Oltarsh as its new chief revenue officer. Oltarsh was the former vice president and group publisher of In Touch Weekly and Life & Style magazines, and had also worked at Spin, Details, Vanity Fair, Stuff, Maxim, and Jane.
In May 2010, Thrillist acquired members-only online retailer JackThreads
JackThreads
JackThreads is a members-only online shopping community for men. It is based in Columbus, Ohio. Founded in 2008, JackThreads sells contemporary and streetwear fashion at discounted prices in a limited-time, flash-sale format.-History:...
, expanding its footprint into e-commerce. Thrillist now offers its user base exclusive access to JackThreads’ private shopping community as an added benefit to subscribing.
In June 2010, Thrillist launched its first mobile app – “Thrillist for iPhone” – a free location-based app available in each market. Thrillist has since also launched applications for Android and iPad.
In August 2010, Thrillist was listed as no. 93 on Inc Magazine’s 2010 list of the top 500 fastest growing privately-owned companies.
In December 2010, Thrillist redesigned its website, becoming a destination for local entertainment and lifestyle content.
In December 2010, Thrillist launched Thrillist Rewards, a local e-commerce platform best known for delivering editorially-driven, experiential offers targeting its young, urban male demographic. Thrillist Rewards is currently available in New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
In March 2011, Thrillist appointed Eric Ashman as its new chief financial officer. Ashman was formerly the CFO of The Huffington Post.
Events
Thrillist often organizes events for its readers and advertisers. In June 2010, Thrillist hosted a weekend-long event called “Hotel Thrillist Miami” at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach attended by 200 social influencers, media types, VIPs and subscribers.In October 2009, Thrillist flew 150 media types, partners, sweepstakes winners and friends on a mystery flight to Jamaica for a 72-hour event, called “Jet Mystery.”
Other Thrillist hosted events include: a 7-hour long St. Patrick’s Day Party in New York (March, 2010), a South by Southwest Party in Austin (March 2010), a Mardi Gras-themed Party in Chicago (February, 2010), and an edition launch party in the Hamptons (July, 2009).