Today we’d like to introduce you to Joey Timpone.
Joey, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Joey Timpone, and I am 20 years old from Oakdale California. I am currently in college and consider myself to be somewhat of an entrepreneur. I also am the Public Information Officer/Marketing Director for LEGALUPDATES.COM. I like to say that I have an impressive amount of experience for a person my age. I started out with a career goal of becoming a law enforcement officer. At the age of 16, I started with the Modesto Police Department as a police explorer. I ended up spending 4 years as an explorer and ultimately leaving as the Explorer Post Captain. Police Explorers taught me leadership skills, improved my communication, time management, and taught me how to succeed in a real-world job. During my time at Modesto Police Department, I was offered a job as the Assistant Public Information Officer. In this role, I represented the Office of the Chief of Police and managed the department’s social media platforms. Never in a million years did I think I would be in the spotlight of the Media Relations Unit and grow such a passion for the marketing/content-creating world. Part of what helped me in this position was my time managing the explorer post social media. I also already owned my own photography business which were skills used on a daily basis in the Media Unit. During summer of 2022, I was approached by LEGALUPDATES.COM as they were interested in having me run their social media accounts as well. They found me on Tik Tok when I had posted a new episode of our series “60 Second Scoop”. Within a few weeks, I was announced as the new Public Information Officer for Legal Updates. It started out as a part-time gig and eventually lead to me leaving MPD and coming to work as the full-time PIO/Marketing Director at 20 years old for Legal Updates. Legal Updates is an organization with a goal to provide accurate & timely updates on the law to legal & law enforcement professionals across California. I feel very blessed to work at a company that allows me to share my love for both law-enforcement and media relations.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I would say one of the biggest struggles for me is the unknown in my life. I am a very Type-A, organized, planner-type person, so when things don’t always go as planned it has thrown me off balance. I’ve gone from wanting to be a police officer to now being a Public Information Officer who works with law-enforcement professionals. When we graduate high school and enter adulthood, we are taught that you either go to work or finish your college degree in a perfect 4 years. During my short time away from high school, I can say that is far from the reality of life. I have learned that change is inevitable, and to be a successful entrepreneur you have to be able to adapt and change to the obstacles coming your way.
I would say another obstacle I have faced is proving my worth at such a young age. While most would describe me as “wise beyond my years,” I still often feel like I have to put in the extra 150% to prove I know what I am doing. Content creation in general has become a unique skill for my generation, however, it’s not often a 20-year-old gets the title of “Marketing Director.” My main goal is to continue representing and growing our agency in the most efficient way possible by using the skills I have gained through my short time in the workforce.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a freelance photographer & content creator. I started my photography business in 2016 serving the California Central Valley. However, I have traveled all across the state taking photos. I specialize in sports action photography and spend my summer hours as a team photographer for various local teams. My experience running my photography business is what ultimately led to my love for marketing and content creation. The thing I love most about being a content creator is that there is so much room for freedom and creativity. I get to experience this daily in my role as the Public Information Officer/Marketing Director for LEGALUPDATES.COM. Legal Updates’ main goal is to provide timely updates on the law to legal & law enforcement professionals. Our website provides a dynamic learning experience where police officers no longer have to attend long & outdated training courses. Instead, our program allows officers to be updated on the law as it comes out across all our platforms. I feel very honored at both my time at Modesto Police Department and Legal Updates to work with so many amazing first responders who serve their community. Personally, I have now started offering my freelance marketing services to other companies who may need content creation assistance. I have always considered myself an entrepreneur, but I am very proud of how far I have come at the age of 20. I went from marketing to the community of Modesto to now working with law enforcement and legal professionals across all of the state of California. I also am very proud of my series “60 Second Scoop” at the Modesto Police Department which allowed me to get my name out there. One thing I told myself at a very young age is that I did not want some ordinary job for my first job and that is exactly what I accomplished. The marketing world is changing to a digital platform more and more by the day. I think being skilled in social media content creation and understanding the new technology allows me to better represent our company and get our name out there.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I think the most important goal for anyone wanting to network or find a mentor is to immerse yourself with people that have similar goals in life. If you want to be a nurse, get a job in a hospital. If you want to be in marketing, get a job at a marketing agency. It’s hard to network with the right people if you aren’t in the environment to build those relationships. It’s crucial to have a strong support system of people who believe and understand your career goals. I would have never been in the place I am today without the support of my family and colleagues by my side. I also think that it’s important to know and be okay with the fact that you always have to start somewhere. You can’t just walk in, know everyone, and have the highest-paying job. I spent 4 years of my life as a police explorer and never made a dime. However, the connections and networking during that time was worth more than I ever could have been paid. Never did I think I would go from being a police explorer to the Marketing Director of a company. Lastly I would say don’t be scared to ask questions or advice. Just because someone is the CEO or an established business owner does not mean they didn’t start where you are now. In fact, from my experience, they are usually the nicest ones in the building and often want to give you the tips and tricks they wish they would have known. So be bold and ask questions when you see an opportunity.
Contact Info:
- Website: LEGALUPDATES.COM
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_joeytimpone/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joey-timpone-a0a674217/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/_joeytimpone
- Other: https://joeytimponephotography.passgallery.com/client
