Our History
Progressive Business Publications is one of the fastest-growing companies in specialized publishing. It was founded by Ed Satell in 1989 with a single publication. Building on that model, PBP quickly accelerated into fast-growth mode, adding about three publications per year through the 90's.PBP now has 28 business-to-business publications, with an average revenue per publication that is three times the industry average. The company's average annual subscription and revenue growth rate has far exceeded the industry average, making PBP the industry leader.
Building on its success, the company has expanded beyond its core 28 business-to-business publications to become a diversified information services provider, now publishing over 60 publications and offering a wide range of reference, compliance and educational products in a variety of formats.
Key factors contributing to PBP's success have been:
Strong editorial quality
We're totally committed to product quality for two reasons: 1) As a matter of pride, we refuse to offer our customers anything less than the best - period; 2) It makes good business sense. In subscription-driven publishing, "Marketing gets 'em and Editorial keeps 'em." We invest heavily in marketing costs to drive in trial subscribers. It only makes sense to provide them with a high-quality product that meets their needs and inspires them to buy the publication.Strong commitment to state-of-the-art technology
PBP has stayed ahead of the curve by investing in state-of-the-art database, order-entry and fulfillment technology. This has allowed the company to operate more efficiently and effectively, and to build an in-house database that's unparalleled in business-to-business publishing.Ability to drive in subscribers
Our in-house telemarketing operation is the largest in business-to-business publishing. We have over 600 year-round staffers at 15 permanent offices, most located within two hours of Philadelphia. PBP also has a substantial direct mail program.Ability to attract and retain good people
In our recruiting process, we stress long-term commitment. We seek out and attract bright, ambitious, goal-oriented people willing to invest considerable time and energy into learning our subscribers' needs. And we invest a lot in them. Few choose to leave once they have become productive contributors.Today, PBP employs more than 700 people, including 120 editorial, marketing and administrative professionals as well as 600 staffers in our telemarketing division. PBP headquarters are located on 11 acres of land in the Great Valley Corporate Center, about 30 minutes northwest of downtown Philadelphia.
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