In this book, former partners, Clauws and Misselbrook take you on a creative journey of discovery as they chronicle the growth from one small town weekly newspaper to a multi-million dollar publishing and printing success story.  

   From an initial investment of $4,000 (mostly borrowed) the young entrepreneurs established the North Kent Leader, a sparkling weekly serving Dresden and North Kent County, Ontario, Canada in 1965 and never looked back. 

     Along the way partner Clauws would pen more than nine hundred "Scratchin' Around With Clauws" columns. Several selected columns are published in the book and are sure to provoke enthusiastic memories for the reader of years gone by.    

Dozens of interesting photos will inspire you to reflect and remember, people, places and things covering the time period 1965 to 1988.    

Partner Misselbrook notes that 100's of extremely talented employees honed their skills and thrived in a atmosphere of young people being allowed to create and innovate. The best and the brightest from Managing Editor Don Spearman to Production Manager Joan Martin, General Sales Manager Bruce Smith, and Publication Managers Phil Dunlop, John Weese and countless others littered the landscape of Leader Publications talent pool. Printing Plant Manager (and character) Mac Johnson along with Billie Janness and others were devoted to the growth of Leader Web Press Printing.   

  And while Clauws-Misselbrook and staff worked hard, they also played hard and gave back to their community with major fund raisers each year. Follow the fun as you follow the Leader in this history book that required almost two years to prepare.

Cutting edge technology and passionate desire to take risks and succeed drove the young company and in a few short years it was a "leader" in the industry and in the community in every way possible.

You're sure to marvel at how Clauws and Misselbrook could spearhead the launch of a "Shoppers publication" in nearby Chatham in a mere seven days. It would 12 months later sell for over $1-million dollars.

In the closing chapter you'll be invited to "Follow The Leader" through the sale of the company in 1988. You'll also witness the impact the sale on the communities served throughout Southwestern Ontario, as well as the exisiting employees at Leader Publications.