United Outdoor Media was formed in 1996 by Baxter Bledsoe Jr, Robert Gilbert and Bobby Jones to develop signs in Southeastern Kentucky with an emphasis on I-75.  In 2002 Trey Bledsoe purchased the interests of the founders.  The company now operates upwards of 500 panels across Kentucky.  Insider talked with Trey Bledsoe.

I was a touring drummer for around 10-12 years.  In short, that means I had managed to find a way to barely make a living yet put in 20 hour days.  Spending that much time in vans and rv’s in the 90’s before cell phones as we know them, the more creative billboards always caught my attention and I formed a very limited understanding of the business by just asking questions.  Somewhere around that same time, my father was an attorney and represented Bob Gilbert in various matters.  Bob Gilbert was one of those guys who just had outdoor in his blood.  Bob and my Father decided to form a small company and I began selling copy for them or helping their crews during the time I was home for extra money.  It wasn’t a large company by any means but selling copy was enjoyable.  It was also a tremendously different time.  The vast majority of agreements were 3 year terms.  I continued to work with Bob Gilbert during days off and just kept doing a little of this and that and eventually bought the boards they had, used them as a base and figured I’d give it a go.  Given the red tape associated with this industry, Charlotte Anders has been as much of the backbone of this company as I have been.  She was a legal secretary for 20+ years.  She has been with me since day one and for anybody who reads this and works with us, you already know Charlotte runs the joint.