The first volume of J . R . R . Tolkien ’ s masterpiece The Lord of the Rings trilogy was published in 1954 , with two additional books released in quick succession within 14 months . In its pages are many mythical , magical characters and intriguing twists and turns in Middle Earth . But no character stands out more than the bearded , hat-wearing protagonist Gandalf .
Gandalf ’ s attributes were many , but one that has stood out to readers ( and cinemagoers ) for decades is his status as a father figure to Frodo Baggins , the hobbit of the Shire who inherits the ring from his cousin Bilbo .
Ted Terry , founder of The Noble Marketing Group , was not working in the publishing industry when Tolkien ’ s works were launched into the marketplace , but he arrived not much later . And like Gandalf , he ’ s been something of a father figure to many people : booksellers , publishers and authors alike .
While we have had some great sales reps over the years , none have had the longevity in our store as Ted Terry . . . He made us feel valued
Terry , who was recognized for his work with an honorary doctorate by Northwest University in Kirkland , Washington , and its president , Dr . Joseph Castleberry , in May of 2016 ( pictured ), will retire on January 1 , 2024 , and the leadership of Noble Marketing will transition to David M . Terry , one of his sons who has been a longtime associate of the company . Ryan Garrett will remain in the publisher relations position . Ryan Wheat , Terry ’ s grandson , will continue in the position of events coordinator .
It was in March of 1964 that Terry met with Ernie Kennedy , sales manager at Thomas Nelson Publishers , about his first role in Christian publishing .
“ He said , ‘ Ted , I want to hire you ! However , I must first caution you about your decision . If you say yes to this position , you will no doubt be in publishing the rest of your working career ,’” Terry said . “ Mr . Kennedy was correct . Serving as a sales representative and as owner of the Noble Marketing Group has been more fulfilling than I could ever have imagined . Working with Christian booksellers and publishers who are now lifetime friends has been a marvelous blessing .”
After working at Thomas Nelson , Terry held positions at W . W . Norton in New York and with the Lee Collins and Associates firm , representing a portfolio of publishers across the country . In April of 2001 , Terry Founded the Noble Marketing Group to similarly represent an assortment of publishers that currently includes Baker Publishing Group , Kregel Publications , InterVarsity Press , The Good Book Company , David C . Cook and Broadstreet , among others . The organization has continued to serve those publishers in the midst of a shrinking footprint of retail bookstores , serving as a strategic partner in a changing business landscape .
Dwight Baker , CEO of the Baker Publishing Group from 1997 to 2023 , was among Terry ’ s first conversation partners when the idea of a new representation group was being considered .
“ With passion and vision Ted Terry led The Noble Marketing Group through more than two decades of faithful service to Christian book readers ,” Baker said . “ Terry ’ s leadership demanded his consistent navigation through transition and turmoil in both the publishing and retail communities , and may he enjoy some well-earned satisfaction in his lasting contribution to the vitality of the church .”
The name Noble Marketing arose around a dinner table in the Terry home .
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