A new journey (EDITORS NOTE)

There is a drawing that most of you have probably seen about life’s journey.

On the top panel of the illustration is a stick figure sitting on a bicycle, with nothing but a straight, short path in front for the cyclist to travel while heading toward a flag.

This is called “The Plan.”

The bottom panel shows a much smaller cyclist, sitting at the bottom of an uphill and uneven path full of peaks, pitfalls and other problems to navigate while trying to reach multiple flags.

This is called “Reality.”

It’s meant to be an inspirational image about embracing what life throws at you. Things don’t always go according to plan, and sometimes the universe has different ideas.

Such was the case for me in late 2009. At the time, I was sports editor of the Benton County Daily Record and had been for nearly nine years, and my plans were to continue in that role.

My path was changed, though, when the paper’s parent company and Stephens Media, which published The Morning News of Northwest Arkansas, announced a joint venture. The Stephens side took over the production of content for the BCDR, and the new regime did not feel I was a good fit. I was let go in October 2009.

As part of my journey at the BCDR, though, I met Darin Gray, former publisher and owner of the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal. I didn’t know it when we first met, but because of that connection, I was able to come and work for him in February 2011, eventually becoming the editor of the NWABJ a couple of years later.

I appreciated Darin’s confidence in me then, just as I appreciate the continued trust of our new owners, Natural State Media (see Page 5). I’m grateful my path brought me to the Business Journal and especially thankful that it will continue here. Our goal is to be the best source of business and political news for the decision-makers of this region.

I’m looking forward to the new journey.