Tough Job, but It Beats Working.

MY TAKE I'm new here, reader, and I'm listening. I want to know what's on your mind.

How do you follow a pair of leaders who have a combined 40 years guiding a successful organization?

I've wrestled with that question as I prepared to take the editor's chair at Arkansas Business from Gwen Moritz and Lance Turner.

It's akin to someone handing you the keys to their new sports car. First, don't wreck it. But it also feels like a crime to idle down the road without feeling the accelerator pin your back against the seat or feel the tires grip the pavement through a corner.

The team at Arkansas Business is the journalistic equivalent of a sports car. I know because I've been a reader, but it's also all I've heard from other journalists since I took the job.

George Waldon has forgotten more about the banking industry than any journalist in the state (except Gwen). Mark Friedman consistently uncovers news that makes reporters across the state jealous (I know because I've been that reporter). I could go all the way down the roster, but I digress.

So no, we aren't going to dawdle down the road; we're going to put the Porsche through its paces. That means looking for ways to be innovative, to continue presenting useful information in new ways.

But the main thing will always stay the main thing: upholding the standard Gwen, Lance and so many others have established of providing reliable reporting and data that you can't find anywhere else.

That's also where you, the reader, come in. Hold us to that standard. Let me know if I miss the mark or if there's a story or trend that we're missing.

I'm fortunate to already have relationships with many of you, and I'm looking forward to meeting those I haven't. If you're a business leader or executive, look me up. Let's have lunch or coffee. I want to hear your perspectives and your pain points. What is it that keeps you up at night? What's happening in your industry that excites you?

The significance of this new role isn't lost on me. In a time when most news outlets are dwindling, this publication has found a way to thrive.

I'm blessed to get the opportunity to continue making a living as a journalist, which as far as I'm concerned is the best job in the world.

The ever-quotable David Carr, the late New York Times media columnist, called it a "grand caper" to leave the office, go talk to people more interesting than yourself, ask them anything and type up their stories. He was on to something.

It sure beats working.

Hunter Field

Email Hunter Field, editor of Arkansas Business, at [email protected].

Please Note: Illustration(s) are not available due to copyright restrictions.