for me was a devotion to coaching, as well as writing. I’ve written ad copy for numerous advertising and publication houses, and edited for multiple educational magazines. In Chicago, I’ve written for a number of websites and advertising companies, and of course, Hornby Publishing— remotely. Ironically, I met Mike Hornby at about the time I’d decided to leave for Chicago, a few years ago. But he had faith in me, and we both had faith in ATP, so we stuck together, and my return will be beneficial to us both. For me, YEP is merely the next logical step in my life—in relation to what I’ve learned along the way, and how I want to move forward. Crosby: I’ve spent many years working on branding and advertising campaigns for exciting clients like IBM, Harley Davidson, Coca Cola, Disney, and Converse—as well as my pride and passion: yumuniverse. com. I truly feel like these experiences have informed what I want to do with my life now. Taking such experiences and applying them towards more personally meaningful endeavors is where I will be going in this next chapter of my life. I can take the graphic and informational design skills that I’ve been using for the big guys and use them for the people who also deserve a voice. The fear of the “what-ifs” has always motivated me to keep pushing. I’d rather fail at something and move on, knowing that I tried it. It’s been the catalyst that took me to Chicago
www.AroundThePanhandle.com
over thirteen years ago, and it’s the same drive that has me saying “goodbye” to my comfy corporate life in the city. Mike is on the same page, which I am beyond grateful for. ATP: What inspires you about this area, and what does it mean to be able to come back and offer a service like YEP to the people? Crosby: It means that I am living my truest, most rewarding life. It also means fresh air, a change, a quieter pace, and getting back to simplicity, which I’ve been in need of for too long. I recently read a quote that I can’t stop thinking about, by Neale Donald Walsch: “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” I think it’s important to change things up, to stay fresh—to keep your edge. I have a love affair with Chicago, and it was sad to me that the city I love wasn’t inspiring me as much anymore. I’ve been a city mouse for a while now, but as we’ve begun this new transition, things feel fresh again. I look forward to how the country mouse in me will help make YEP the best it can be for the awesome folks in this special region. Chalmers: It’s imperative that we listen to what the YEP community wants, every day. We’re going to bring in top-notch contributors, as well as get into the schools and involve as many students as possible. Something like this has never been done before. We want to provide not only worthwhile
information and collaboration, but we want to give people, young and old, an opportunity to feel a sense of ownership here—to actually contribute to YEP’s success. I grew up in this area, so I’ve seen it pretty much explode over the last twenty years. But sometimes, smaller towns and regions will experience a fear that they’re losing their identity amidst the advancement—there’s a quiet desperation, so to speak. I’d like to build a bridge between the inevitable future and the priceless heritage of the Panhandle and its neighbors. There’s too many good people and way too much history around here to not want to at least try to bring everyone together all in one place. The potential is limitless. If we can succeed at this, then we’ll know our instincts were good, and it will translate through YEP, as well as future endeavors. — Check out YEP at WeAreYEP. com. Take your time, explore all of the features—heck, buy a t-shirt— and most importantly, spread the word. YEP is a community forum; it’s about you, me—all of us. And don’t hesitate to contact Mike and Heather if you have something, anything, that you think should be featured on YEP. You can also Like them on Facebook at facebook.com/ WeAreYep. And find them on twitter at weareyepmedia.
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