Ink by the Barrel

Ten years ago this week, my PR firm emailed the inaugural issue of The Atlanta 100 to 20,000 readers, many …

One day, when I led an in-house agency for The Charlotte Observer, the publisher decided the newspaper needed a new …

I’ve lived that Jefferson quote since I was a teenager.

Other than intramural boxing class or my best friend’s single slug on the second-grade playground – I’ve never been in …

A group of lifelong friends gathered outside for a socially distanced dinner to celebrate my birthday last month.

A favorite moment when I’d meet with agency owners (in-person, pre-pandemic) occurred when I’d casually mention I’d sold my previous …

Amidst pandemic, economic collapse, racial disparity and political warfare, do you wonder how America would be faring if we instead followed …

Most major religions share the tradition of making a pilgrimage, a journey to increase knowledge of self, nature and/or God.

Two years ago, I spotted Washington Post columnist E.J.Dionne exiting our plane at DCA.

When Pharaoh refused to release the Israelites from slavery, 10 plagues changed his mind.

What will we remember from this pandemic pause? Tension? Peacefulness? Will a predicted baby boom be confined, as young parents …

A few weeks ago, I helped with my granddaughter’s nighttime routine. It always starts the same way: she selects four …

Leveraging off The 100 Companies’ success in 20 geographical markets from Denali to Dubai and our launch of The Travel …

I hadn’t seen a $2 bill for years when I noticed schoolmate Rip Black tipping with them. Having loved them …

I enjoy sports, as they often provide lessons for management: how to organize teams and instill mission and focus to …

I fly weekly without fear despite one turbulent flight above Asheville’s mountains and a roach-infested Air Cubana flight.

This weekend, millions will hoist a drink or two and toast St. Patrick, not knowing or caring his life had …

Growing up, we bought our groceries at Winn-Dixie. I found even stranger brands as a young itinerant reporter, moving through …

In my 20s, when I was put in charge of a 25-person marketing team spread over two floors at The …

This week, I came out on a national PR website. It felt like it was the right time.

When I was four and just becoming aware of people outside my family, I began noticing our wide variety of …

For three years, I’ve written the same words on Airbnb’s reservation field that says “tell your host why you’re in …

Charlotte toddler Annie was watching “Sesame Street” late December when her mom, Amanda, thought she heard Grover say the “F” …

Most barbers help you get less hair. Mine wants to help me get more.

Last week I led a crisis training for a nonprofit leadership team. It’s my favorite activity in public relations.

When I was a kid, I had a strange paranoid tendency, though I think I came by it honestly.

I was a few steps ahead of my son Thomas and his daughter Annie, nearly 20 months old, when we …

In the March 1980 Republican primaries, George Bush had already lost what he called his “Big Mo” to Ronald Reagan. …

I’ve always fancied myself a change agent. Joining a traditional college fraternity, I decided it was time the boys invited …

Last year, white supremacists marching in Charlottesville shouted, “Jews will not replace us.” Saturday, a kindred hater massacred 11 Jews …