At the age of 19, he borrowed $250 from his family to purchase a controlling interest in the "Chattanooga Times", becoming its publisher. The following year he founded a commercial paper called "The Tradesman". He was one of the founders of the Southern Associated Press and served as president. In 1896, at the age of 38, he was advised by "The New York Times" reporter Henry Alloway that the paper could be bought at a greatly reduced price due to its financial losses and wide range of competitors in New York City. After borrowing money to purchase "Times" for $75,000, Ochs formed the New York Times Co., placed the paper on a strong financial foundation, and became the majority stockholder.