Publisher’s Page, March 2017: Welcome to the New Frontdoors
True Story: My college degree from ASU is in Exercise Science.
In other words, I never really thought about being a magazine publisher. But through some fortuitous twists and turns in life, I’m proud to be here today and to introduce myself as the new publisher of Frontdoors Media.
Let me tell you a little bit about the journey.
When I graduated from college, rather than jumping right into a job in the sports or fitness industry, I gave myself one year to travel and work at a favorite restaurant. As the year was coming to an end, I was given the opportunity to join the American Heart Association — an organization with at least some connection to my degree in health and science.
My job at the Heart Association quickly morphed into an event planning role — and thanks to Pat Leach, I was offered the position of Heart Ball Assistant. And I loved it. It was my first exposure to the Valley’s philanthropic community and thanks to Past Chairs Bonnie Martin, Priscilla Nicholas and their incredible committees, it was something I enjoyed a great deal. I learned from the best.
My next move was to The Phoenix Symphony, where I worked on the Symphony Ball, managed volunteer programs and had even more exposure to the people making a difference in our non-profit community. I then branched out into the private sector, where I met my husband, who just happened to be…a former journalist.
I went through Valley Leadership in 2002 and met more amazing people who were making a difference every day for causes small and large. Tom and I started our own consulting firm in 2003 — he focused on PR and marketing, while I grew my event planning client base.
Let me tell you a little bit about the journey.
When I graduated from college, rather than jumping right into a job in the sports or fitness industry, I gave myself one year to travel and work at a favorite restaurant. As the year was coming to an end, I was given the opportunity to join the American Heart Association — an organization with at least some connection to my degree in health and science.
My job at the Heart Association quickly morphed into an event planning role — and thanks to Pat Leach, I was offered the position of Heart Ball Assistant. And I loved it. It was my first exposure to the Valley’s philanthropic community and thanks to Past Chairs Bonnie Martin, Priscilla Nicholas and their incredible committees, it was something I enjoyed a great deal. I learned from the best.
My next move was to The Phoenix Symphony, where I worked on the Symphony Ball, managed volunteer programs and had even more exposure to the people making a difference in our non-profit community. I then branched out into the private sector, where I met my husband, who just happened to be…a former journalist.
I went through Valley Leadership in 2002 and met more amazing people who were making a difference every day for causes small and large. Tom and I started our own consulting firm in 2003 — he focused on PR and marketing, while I grew my event planning client base.
Our business grew, and we eventually found ourselves with our own offce space and a staff of supportive, talented people — including two more talented former journalists and a great Creative Director. In other words, all the pieces you need if you wanted to, say, produce a magazine.
And then last summer, Julia Patrick took me to coffee and asked if we’d be interested in purchasing Frontdoors from her. After a few months of conversations, we knew it was a unique fit — we had been working in the philanthropic community for years, and we had the right mix of people to take Frontdoors to a new level.
So here we are, excited and ready to roll out the next chapter in Frontdoors’ evolution.
What will you see in the coming months? We’re going to build on the amazing foundation Julia Patrick has created for Frontdoors — thank you, Julia! We’ve already started making changes and tweaks designed to make Frontdoors an even better source of information. We’ve refreshed the design, added some features to the web site, revamped our weekly newsletter “The Knock,” and more.
And then last summer, Julia Patrick took me to coffee and asked if we’d be interested in purchasing Frontdoors from her. After a few months of conversations, we knew it was a unique fit — we had been working in the philanthropic community for years, and we had the right mix of people to take Frontdoors to a new level.
So here we are, excited and ready to roll out the next chapter in Frontdoors’ evolution.
What will you see in the coming months? We’re going to build on the amazing foundation Julia Patrick has created for Frontdoors — thank you, Julia! We’ve already started making changes and tweaks designed to make Frontdoors an even better source of information. We’ve refreshed the design, added some features to the web site, revamped our weekly newsletter “The Knock,” and more.
We’ve got some great ideas for the future as well, and are looking forward to introducing you to more of the great people, organizations and causes in our community.
And we even drafted a new mission statement:
Frontdoors Media celebrates the people and groups who give generously and work to build the future of our community. It’s the premier source of information – and inspiration – for those who strive to make the Valley of the Sun a better place to live.
We’re grateful for all the kind notes, phone calls and social media posts we’ve received since the announcement last month. We’re excited to start telling the stories we find in our community. And we’re committed to playing a part in making our community an even better place to live.
Welcome to the new Frontdoors. We hope you enjoy it!
And we even drafted a new mission statement:
Frontdoors Media celebrates the people and groups who give generously and work to build the future of our community. It’s the premier source of information – and inspiration – for those who strive to make the Valley of the Sun a better place to live.
We’re grateful for all the kind notes, phone calls and social media posts we’ve received since the announcement last month. We’re excited to start telling the stories we find in our community. And we’re committed to playing a part in making our community an even better place to live.
Welcome to the new Frontdoors. We hope you enjoy it!
Andrea Tyler Evans is the publisher of Frontdoors Media. She has an extensive background in the Valley business and non-profit community as a successful event planning and fundraising consultant. She can be reached at 480.622.4522 or andrea@frontdoorsmedia.com.
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