Gene started his journalism career in the sports department at the Oakville Beaver, before coming to Barrie as a sports reporter in 1991. He joined the city's daily newspaper, the Barrie Examiner, as a sports reporter in 1995 and was soon promoted to sports editor, a position he held until 2009. An award-winning journalist, over the years Gene has also had his byline appear in the Hockey News, as well as several newspapers, and is the longtime colour analyst of the OHL Barrie Colts on Rogers TV. While at the Examiner, Gene was also the driving force behind the very successful Thursday Night Lights high school football showcase that drew thousands of fans and helped raise money for local football programs