Meet Jackie Daytona | Editor in Chief

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jackie Daytona and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jackie, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor I hope to deliver from our brand is to create an all-inclusive space for anyone who enjoys any entertainment aspect. It’s crucial to us that our brand and the spaces we create for fans of entertainment remain a place where we celebrate the things we love without bringing down any others for enjoying something. It’s the core of what founded Geek Network as we spent much time on social media in these spaces that tear you down for loving something that others may consider odd or unpopular. At Geek Network, that is something that we pride ourselves in monitoring and not allowing to happen. We welcome anyone to geek out with us but we ask that you geek responsibly.

Another aspect of this is that we hope to grow our community and brand completely independently. What I mean by that is that we want to plant our roots in the community and local businesses and local chains. We feel that local businesses as well as the community is what makes brands in our businesses shine and we want to ensure that we can give back to them in any way possible.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I would not go as far as calling myself an artistic type. Other than poetry that I share very rarely with very few, that is mostly a creative outlet that I picked up as a tool to help with my mental health. In regards to Geek Network, I contribute with articles and much behind the scenes and the one thing I can say is that I am very proud that I have managed to learn and teach myself many new tools in regard to the entertainment industry and news publications. From the simplest of things of tracking down talent agents and publicists to arrange interviews, to the immense hurdles of building a website from the ground up. That is what has made me the most passionate about this venture I entered through Geek Network, the journey, and struggle has made me ultimately passionate about where we are and where I hope to take us in the future.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
SO MANY OPTIONS!!! I live in the small town of Yuma currently, so I would not say that there are tons to do but there are soooo many local businesses worth exploring such as Red Moon which has phenomenal food, shows, and an arcade. As a geek, it doesn’t get better than that. I am a huge comic book fan, if I had my best friend for a week, I would definitely have them venture out with me to visit Zia Records to hunt down some trades, or Bookmans for some more trade-hunting and of course, some new collectibles to put in the office. Big shout out to Samurai Comics which is the best comic shop I have ever set foot in and is owned by two of the greatest people I have ever met. I am a big foodie, so would definitely find some good food to chow down on. Chino Bandido is a must, donuts from Hurt’s Donuts or Lamar’s Donuts. I am a sucker for Macayo’s chiles rellenos and am always on the hunt for new places opening up to check them out. I am a homebody, so that would likely be the extent of my travels!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people who have played an integral role in not only shaping me as a person but also lifting me and Geek Network. It starts at home, my wife Kristin has been a beacon of unwavering support. From the long hours, the trips, and stepping in to take on roles and tasks within Geek Network. Her love and support never falter and I could not have gotten where I am today without her and have no doubt she will be a big part of the continued success I see as well as GN.

I also owe so much to everyone involved in Geek Network. These people are so much more than a team, they are my closest friends and like family. Daniel Barroso, my second in command and bard has taken on a big role and always steps up big time for anything needed. Our masterclass journalist and interviewer, he is one of the biggest voices at Geek Network and I am lucky to have him be part of Geek Network and to call him one of my best friends. Jesse Alvarado is another one of my best friends and someone who was there from day one and has always been a huge supporter and contributor. Even with his huge commitments to his family, he has always been a force of positivity for Geek Network and my life as a whole, and working with him on GN is always some of my favorite memories.

So many others have joined our little family and contributed in ways that I cannot begin to express the thanks and appreciation I have for them as contributors, people, and most importantly friends. RJ & Kat Tazioli joined as we ventured into the music industry and brought a level of friendship and voice to GN that is irreplaceable. Alba Alvarado, Jose Montoya, and Joel Amaya have all been important pieces to our success and always bring infectious joy to the events we attend or host. Chris Dailey, who recently joined us through his brand Fueled by Weird has brought a new dynamic to our team and I have gotten a new longtime friend out of it. Kirsten Kavanaugh of Dark Stars Media who we have had the pleasure to work alongside very recently is also someone I hope to be able to call a friend for a long time and also a fountain of knowledge in the music industry who we are lucky to be able to learn from.

To anyone who I might have missed, forgive my bad memory but know that everyone who has played a role in my life and that of Geek Network, both past and present, I am eternally grateful for you and could not have gotten to where I am without you.

Website: www.geek-network.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/geeksaz

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gne/

Twitter: www.twitter.com/geeksaz

Facebook: www.facebook.com/geekingresponsibly

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfTEjnomHKcsz4gpp8Pl73g

Other: My personal socials on IG, FB, and Twitter are @JackieDaytonaHB