Page 71 - Issue 50

There is no doubt that the two Innovator Awards are oubt
There is no d
our greatest accomplishment as far as awards go. These
our greatest accomplishment as far as awards go. These
things aren’t just handed out, they truly have to be
things aren’t just handed out, they truly have to be
earned – and in a vicious dog-eat-dog automotive
earned – and in a vicious dog-eat-dog automotive
magazine market, to be able to do something
different and succeed is awesomely satisfying.
Receiving the fi rst Innovator was downright
amazing. Receiving the second? I can hardly
describe it. Kno
describe it. Knowing that you’ve just done something no one on earth has ever done wing that you’ve just done something no one on earth has ever done
describe it. Knowing that you’ve just done something no one on earth has ever done
before – that’s both an exhilarating and humbling experience at the same time.
before – that’s both an exhilarating and humbling experience at the same time.

I may have been the spokesperson for most of
these awards, but I’m certainly not taking credit
for any of it myself. Our team has evolved over the years – but
In 2012, our fi rst year no matter where in the RRM story you look, you’ll fi nd amazing
participating in the MMPA people doing extraordinary things. During the three years pictured
Awards, we didn’t have here we won multiple awards for design, covers, features, our
the big group photo and business practices, and even our events. Long-time contributors
really didn’t know what we like Tommy Ring, Porkstick, Geoff Johnson and more won awards
were doing. We received for their work. Photographers, artists, writers – so many have
The Innovator Award and a contributed and made this magazine what it is today.
cover design award for issue
#13… and my personal little Because this award event takes place in
shout here is to my parents. Minnesota, most of us attending are here
If it weren’t for that fateful close to our headquarters. There are many
conversation and partnership deserving contributors who quite simply
with my dad, Steve Sr, this couldn’t make it or they would also be
magazine wouldn’t even pictured. During our publishing transition in
exist. If it weren’t for the 2016 we had to back out of the MMPA, or
diplomacy and support of my there would be many more of these awards
mom, Kim, and her ability to – and we hope to get back into this again
somehow keep us on track, in the future. But don’t discount the work
the magazine wouldn’t have of Jerry Ripley and others who have been as much a part of the
survived it’s fi rst year. These accolades as the rest of us, they just happen to have worked most of
two don’t get enough credit their magic during the years we did not participate in the awards, or
for those humble beginnings. just didn’t make it to the ceremony.

RATRODMAGAZINE.COM RAT ROD MAGAZINE 71

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