Pacific Publishing Group Inc. traces its roots back to 1886—less than six months after the incorporation of the Fresno. Originally founded by H.C. Miller as the Abstract of Records, the business was purchased just two years later by Morris Shelby Webster for $180.
M.S. Webster arrived in Fresno from the Midwest in 1876 at the age of 15. After working as a sheepherder in the Sierras, he secured a position at First National Bank, where he gained early exposure to the business world. Determined to build something of his own, he acquired the fledgling publication and began the work of establishing its foundation. Long before the digital age, gathering public records required extensive, hands-on effort—visiting courthouses and government offices to compile information manually.
His sons, Norman and Lloyd, eventually joined the family business. Under M.S. Webster’s leadership, the publication was adjudicated by local courts, qualifying it to publish trustee sales and other legal notices—a revenue stream that remains vital to the company today.
While both sons shared ownership for many years, Norman ultimately assumed leadership. In the 1940s, as readership expanded and the company placed greater emphasis on real estate transactions and public records, the publication evolved to reflect its growing scope.
Norman A. Webster devoted more than 60 years to the Daily Real Estate Report and Abstract of Records before retiring in 1979. His son, Gordon M. Webster, Sr., joined the business in 1948 and continued to build upon its legacy. Under his leadership, the company was incorporated in 1976, acquired its first building in Downtown Fresno, and rebranded as the Fresno Daily Legal Report to broaden its reach.
In the mid-1980s, with the involvement of his sons, Gordon Webster Jr. and Norman G. Webster, the company expanded into commercial printing. This venture led to the creation of a directory of Fresno County judges and attorneys, which evolved into The Legal Directory. Now a cornerstone resource for the local legal community, The Legal Directory celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2025.
Following a move to a new downtown Fresno location, Gordon Webster Jr. ushered in the next phase of innovation by introducing a hard-news business component to the publication. This expansion led to the launch of The Business Journal, which will celebrate its 35th anniversary in 2027. Today, it serves readers across Fresno, Kings, Madera, and Tulare counties with three weekly editions—one focused on local business news and two dedicated to public notices and record reporting.
After divesting from the family’s commercial printing business, Gordon Webster Jr. established Pacific Publishing Group Inc. to oversee The Business Journal and its growing portfolio of publications. The company is now headquartered at Van Ness Avenue and Merced Street in Downtown Fresno and remains a trusted source for business news and legal notices throughout the Central Valley.
Now preparing for its fifth generation of leadership, Pacific Publishing Group continues to evolve while staying rooted in its core values. Ashley Webster Rudolph, daughter of Gordon Webster Jr., has worked in the family business for more than 18 years. As the fifth-generation Webster, she takes great pride in the company’s legacy and is committed to learning every facet of the publishing business while working alongside her father.
Much like Fresno itself, Pacific Publishing Group has grown and adapted over time. What began more than 140 years ago as a modest home-based publication has become an award-winning, multi-title publishing and events management company serving the business community of the Central San Joaquin Valley.
And for that, we are especially proud.
