The Original Artical can be found here.

 

 

By Natalie Christenson
nchristenson@seacoastonline.com

PORTSMOUTH - Local celebrity Scott Johnstone loves being in the limelight.

The Portsmouth resident hosts two New Hampshire-produced television shows and is working on launching a magazine in July that will serve the real estate and tourism industries across New England.

Johnstone is the host of "cYourHouse" and "cNew Hampshire," two independently produced cable television shows, each of which has its own Web site. The magazine, set for a July 1 launch date, is being designed to mirror the shows - half of the publication will be dedicated to real estate and half to adventure and tourism.

The business that runs the whole operation, The Trinity Marketing Group - based in Rochester, where the shows are produced - is just a year and a half old and was born out of an unlikely relationship between teacher and student.

Johnstone, a lifelong entertainer, has a résumé fat with people-centered jobs - from salesman to club bouncer. One thing the seasoned television man said has kept his spirit young and his life full is that no matter what he has done for a living, his work has always been about finding something he loves and doing it well.

"I try and make it fun," said the New Hampshire native. "I do this because I enjoy doing it and I can make a difference."

In explaining the details of his latest business venture with "Talking Shop," Johnstone also explains why he thinks Tom Jones "is cool."

Talking Shop: What is "cYourHouse" and "cNewHampshire"?

Johnstone: They are a marketing entity consisting of three components we call The Trinity Marketing Group, which includes a television show, Web site and magazine.

cYourHouse provides a resource for people in the market for housing, as well as a forum for businesses in the housing industry to promote their business. cNewHampshire provides a resource for tourists and residents of New Hampshire to learn about state businesses, attractions, entertainment and the arts.

TS: Where can people tune in?

Johnstone: Right now, the television show runs from Strafford County to the Lakes Region on Channels 12 and 23, and soon to be back on the Comcast cable system, broadcasting to more than 3 million households.

The Web sites are www.cyourhouse.com and www.cnewhampshire.com, and the magazine debuts on July 1.

TS: How did you get into this business?

Johnstone: I previously hosted a health and wellness show. (He has been in the industry for years and even hosted a music show before the MTV-era, called "Seacoast Rock.")

My partner, Deus Marchacos, and I saw a need for a multifaceted resource for home buyers and a marketing tool for the real estate and housing industry. We later added cNewHampshire as a resource for visitors and residents of New Hampshire to learn what businesses, attractions and destinations are available. It is also a wonderful forum for these businesses and artists to advertise.

TS: Who is your partner in the endeavor?

Johnstone: Deus Marchacos, of Creative Images, a video production and advertising company operating in the Seacoast area for 15 years.

TS: How did you meet?

Johnstone: Deus was my karate instructor 20 years ago. I walked into his class (dojo) for the first time wearing shorts and flip-flops and carrying an ice cream cone. I was a beach bum. He bounced me out of there faster than you can say "sayonara."

He swore at me in Japanese - I never did figure out what he said, but it didn't sound good!

Luckily, he took me back in and we formed a bond that has lasted many years.

TS: What is the best part of your job?

Johnstone: Producing and hosting the show, getting out and meeting local businesses and artists, and providing a useful resource for viewers, readers and advertisers.

TS: Did you grow up in New Hampshire?

Johnstone: Yes, and moved away several times to Florida and California.

TS: You said you keep getting drawn back to this area; why?

Johnstone: I ran out of money and had to go back to my parents! No, really - I love the diversity and the lifestyle in New Hampshire.

TS: What is your favorite time of year?

Johnstone: The fall - I love the colors, warm days, brisk starry nights. I love all the seasons, really. There is always something to look forward to.

TS: You said you feel this show could grow into something more. Where do you see it headed?

Johnstone: I see the shows expanding to over 3 million households, then 7 million, and finally I hope to be on the "American Idol" show!

TS: What job titles are on your résumé? on households, then 7 million, and finally I hope to be on the "American Idol" show!

Johnstone: I've done everything - sales, specialty advertising, fitness instructor in a women's spa - that was fun - and I was a bouncer.

I've sold everything - health and wellness products, food processors in a mall, records, ice to Eskimos.

I love inventing things like champagne for cats called "Purrrrier," T-shirts for the Iowa State University surf team and a remote-control rat for cats.

TS: If you could trade places with anyone, who would it be?

Johnstone: Tom Jones. He is so cool. I went to a concert in Lowell, Mass., with my girlfriend, and there were all of these women throwing their panties up on stage. I was in this sea of women.

TS: What new things are in the works for the show?

Johnstone: Tune in to the show and Web site or pick up a copy of the magazine to find out.

TS: How can people get in touch with you?

Johnstone: Visit www.cyourhouse.com or www.cnewhampshire.com, or call (800) 447-5124.

TS: The same question I always ask: What Monopoly game piece is your favorite?

Johnstone: The race car, I guess because when it is all over, I want to be able to say that I came in broadside with my wheels screeching.



   

 


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