Five Firsts With Tammi Bishop, Editor of The Scout Guide Omaha, Nebraska

The Scout Guide Omaha editor Tammi Bishop at The Cottonwood Hotel Rooftop Terrace. Photography by Costen Bishop.

We’re always hoping to make a good first impression, and that first-time readers of The Scout Guide will put the publication down feeling inspired to learn more about the featured businesses—and, if they’re out-of-towners, to seek out (or start) a guide in their own hometown. In this series, we talk to our editors about their TSG “firsts,” from their first encounter with The Scout Guide to their first photo shoot and more. Read on to learn about how The Scout Guide Omaha editor Tammi Bishop discovered the brand, and what it was like to launch her first volume.

When did you first discover The Scout Guide?

I first discovered The Scout Guide in 2011 while shopping for shoes at one my favorite boutiques, The Mix. I had never seen anything like it; the size, the look, the feel, and the beautiful photography all focused on amazing local businesses. I literally hugged it! My background is in media sales, so my first thought was, why didn’t I think of this? I soon discovered it was someone local that owned it and I was just happy to take one home to enjoy.

What made you decide to become an editor?

In 2017 I was having dinner at my neighbor’s home and noticed she had The Scout Guide Omaha volumes 1 and 2 beautifully displayed on her coffee table. I was impressed that after several years, she’d still held onto these guides. I wondered why I hadn’t seen TSG around town in awhile and after a little research I learned that the guide was no longer active in Omaha. I reached out to TSG Headquarters to find out if the franchise was still available. When I discovered it was for sale, I immediately set about becoming the new owner. Now, here I am today working on volume 6. So far this has been my most rewarding and fun career! My only regret is I wish I’d discovered it was available sooner.

Tell us about the first business you approached to be in the guide.

The first business I approached was a women’s boutique called Christel’s, now known as BECK, that had been in the first two volumes of TSG Omaha. The owner Becky was so excited when I shared that The Scout Guide was coming back to Omaha. She didn’t even need to think about it and has purchased a two-page page spread every year since.

“It’s very rewarding to be an advocate for local businesses and to be an active partner as you see the results.”

What was it like to launch your first volume?

I launched my first guide, The Scout Guide Omaha, Volume 3, in 2019, and the whole process was so exciting. Immediately upon signing my franchise contract in 2018 I got to work and it was a busy year with lots of learning. It’s hard to describe the feeling when I first received my shipment and opened a box. Even though I had looked at every photo, logo, etc., so many times, the thrill of holding my first printed guide overwhelmed me with joy. I couldn’t wait to sit and go through it page by page. I felt so proud of myself, my team here in Omaha, and all of the talented people at The Scout Guide.

What’s the first thing you would tell a prospective editor?

Becoming an editor/owner of The Scout Guide in your town is a great small business opportunity. It’s very rewarding to be an advocate for local businesses and to be an active partner as you see the results. The training and support from TSG is so helpful, detailed, and ongoing. And the network of editors from other markets is amazing. The other editors are always there to share experiences and are so helpful. Even though it was just me running my business in Omaha, because of the support of HQ and network of other editors I never felt alone.

To learn more about Tammi and The Scout Guide in her area, follow The Scout Guide Omaha on Instagram. Learn more about starting The Scout Guide in your city here.