What if Everything Ends Up Great?

Reflecting on legacy and transition with gratitude and optimism

As the Greek philosopher Heraclitus once said, “The only constant in life is change.” But if change is constant, why is it so often met with resistance as an instinctual human reaction?

In the last few months, my colleagues and I have experienced a lot of change. The company we’ve all worked for, known, and loved for years and decades has met both an end and a new beginning.

Brian Rowland, the publisher of Rowland Publishing Inc., made the decision to sell his namesake company and officially retire.

Rowland was my boss, mentor, and friend of 20 years. As a pillar of Northwest Florida communities, he’s left a lasting impact. I have heard and continue to hear firsthand accounts of gestures large and small by Rowland over the years. In those stories, a common theme shined through—shared words of wisdom and opportunity.

Rowland was known to give just about anyone a chance. While résumé and experience are important, hiring came down to a gut feeling for Rowland. Some hires brought unique creativity, some resulted in enhanced workplace dynamics, and others inspired lifelong working and personal relationships. In any case, careers and lives were changed or shaped in some way by a Rowland experience.

I remember my Rowland Publishing interview about 20 years ago. I met with then vice president of finance Greg Springs. I felt like it went well, but I was absolutely nervous. Springs called in the company’s president and publisher to conclude the interview. In walked Rowland, calm, cool, and collected in his blue jeans, button-up yellow linen shirt, and tennis shoes. Leaning back casually in his seat, he asked me, “If you could describe yourself as an animal, what would it be and why?” I answered that I would be a golden retriever, describing myself as loyal, loving, dedicated, and smart. Little did I know at the time his immense passion for dogs.

I got the job and had the pleasure to learn, observe, fail, grow, and admire this unique human. I spent a lot of time working alongside Rowland. He was hard on me and pushed me. At the same time, he supported and guided me. And when we didn’t see eye to eye on something, we were always able to respect each other’s position, an understanding we called, “I can live with it.”

As with all change, the sale of Rowland Publishing has been a significant adjustment for myself and my colleagues.

When Rowland started the search to find the best new owners to continue the company’s 34-year legacy, he knew he had found the perfect match in Palm Beach Media Group, a subsidiary of Hour Media.

In September 2024, when Palm Beach Media Group took over, the inherited
staff from Rowland Publishing all had
questions and concerns about what was to come and how these changes would impact lives both personally and professionally. Initially, most were experiencing worry about the unknown.

Upon first meeting the leadership team from Hour Media and Palm Beach Media Group, I was struck with a gut feeling. While I didn’t get a chance to inquire as to what animal they identify as, I just knew that the change they were bringing had the potential for great things.

Hour Media’s industry longevity alone is inspiring, and their portfolio is impressive as the largest city and regional lifestyle publishers in the country. But also, I’ve seen in the company a commitment to quality and excellence and a sincere investment in the people within the organization.

At our in-person onboarding meetings in Tallahassee after the acquisition, we had many of our questions answered and learned of opportunities to come. During this time, I took a moment to share a thought with my longtime friends and co-workers:

“What if everything ends up great?”

I encouraged others to wonder if this could be the opportunity we didn’t know we were waiting for.

Today, I am excited and honored to continue producing your local lifestyle magazine. As a publication of Palm Beach Media Group, we remain dedicated to telling the stories of people, places, and opportunities that create the fiber of our community. My passion to inspire, educate, and support the communities we serve remains, and I thank you, our readers, for supporting us along the way.

I also thank Brian Rowland for his 34 years of dedication to Northwest Florida—publishing countless magazines, books, newspapers, maps, guides, programs, and more. I have sincere respect and gratitude for my past experiences under Rowland’s leadership, and I am humbly honored and ecstatic to begin the new legacy of what is to come.

As we approach the new year, I encourage all to remember my question during times of uncertainty and change:

“What if everything ends up great?”

It just might!

Much love,

McKenzie Burleigh, Publisher
mburleigh@palmbeachmedia.com