Thanks For Five Years

It’s hard to believe that I am actually sitting at my desk writing a letter about our five year anniversary! It truly doesn’t feel like it has been this long.

It seems like only a short time ago I was standing on the lawn out at Habersham, anticipating the start of the launch party for Beaufort Lifestyle. I was a nervous wreck….a hot mess as they say! My first publication in Beaufort….would people like our magazine….would anybody show up for the party….what would I say when we unveiled the cover……what would the reaction of the crowd be……those were only a few things going through my mind.

But, somehow, I survived the evening. And, here I am, five years later, getting ready to send our Anniversary Issue to press. These five years have truly been some of the most rewarding of my life. Being a part of Beaufort and its people has been a tremendous journey. I fell in love with Beaufort the first day my feet hit its soil. The scenery is breathtaking, the people so friendly….and a community that pulls together. Who wouldn’t want to highlight all of this in a community magazine? I certainly did.

Having started three other publications, I was certainly game to give this a whirl. The birth of Beaufort Lifestyle was inevitable. Now, five years later, I am still just like a little kid in a candy store every time one of our issues comes in from the printer. I want to be the first person to put my hands on it.

Five years brings about a lot of change. Take a minute to think about what has happened in your life in the last five years. I am sure many things come to mind. Yes, to mine as well….and to my business. We have made changes to our publication over they years, always trying to make it better and taking suggestions from our readers. But, there is one thing about Beaufort Lifestyle that has not changed. And, that my friends, is the wonderful people that make it happen. I am the most blessed publisher in this industry. To start a magazine five years ago, and still have the same writers and photographers who helped to get the first issues off the ground, is absolutely unheard of. These guys have become my friends, my family….and I love each of them. I want to give a special thanks to the people who have stood beside me, and walked with me along this adventurous path.

Mary Ellen Thompson and Cindy Reid…..I only dream I could write as well as the two of you! You both are amazing. Susan DeLoach, Paul Nurnberg and John Wollwerth….. your photos brighten every page. Your talents are endless. What an amazing team. Lane Gallegos, who has been with the company for over six years, your creativity and finesse with designs are outstanding. You outshine yourself with every issue. Lea Allen, administrative assistant and circulation director, who has been with us for over three years, you play a huge role in bringing Beaufort Lifestyle to our readers. And, the newest member of our team, Peg Beekman, our account executive, has done a great job of satisfying our clients advertising needs. Thanks so much for such a wonderful job you are doing. And, going into our sixth year, we have added three freelance writers to this team…. a big thanks to Kim Poovey, Katherine Lang and Carol Lauvray. Thank you ladies for making this issue happen! You guys are the best, and I appreciate each of you more than words can say.

Thanks Beaufort for our first five years.