As it celebrates its 20th anniversary, Community Impact is looking back on two decades built on passion, integrity and innovation—while also focusing forward on deeper reader connections and future growth.
“Where we are now far surpasses where we started—with three staffers out of our house,” Founder and CEO John Garrett said. “We would have never dreamed of having markets in all four major metros in Texas and growing a staff of over 200 people.”
“For me, what stands out most when starting this journey was Jennifer believing in me and in this idea,” Garrett said. “The support of your spouse when you have a small child and are trying to build a life is such a blessing to an entrepreneur.”
He also noted the role his faith has played in major company decisions, such as leaving the Austin Business Journal to start Community Impact, building Austin and Houston headquarters as well as his own printing facility, and having to make tough decisions to close certain markets during the COVID-19 pandemic.
To recognize 20 years of success, Community Impact held a conference and celebration called The Gathering. The event united employees from across the company for two days of training, collaboration and connection.
The Gathering details
In shaping the event, Garrett emphasized the importance of learning from speakers both inside and outside the organization. He noted that the local news business is constantly evolving, and Community Impact must be adaptive and creative to remain strong.
“Our belief is that leadership from internal top performers and external experts helps us be the modern local news company we want to be,” Garrett said.
The Gathering also reinforced Community Impact’s purpose and values. At a time when many organizations aren’t placing as much focus on bringing people together or investing in development, Community Impact set the intention to do both. One example was through event planning, which was peer-led with an over 50% volunteer rate to participate in groups such as the Beautification Team, Hype Team and Let’s Learn Team.
The Let’s Learn Team reflected a thoughtful planning process, led by General Manager of the Katy-Fulshear and Sugar Land-Missouri City markets, Amy Martinez.
“I really wanted to understand what each department needed so we could provide useful, practical information that would benefit everyone—from the newest reporter to the legacy GM who has been here 14 years,” Martinez said.
Account Executive in the Grapevine-Colleyville-Southlake market, Socrates Villarreal, played an integral part in this by participating in the Hype Team.
“We wanted to make sure everyone felt welcomed as they arrived,” Villarreal said. “My intention was upon arrival, we were waiting specifically for them to get the party started.”
More than a celebration of the past, the event also strengthened the foundation for the years ahead, underscoring a culture of learning, alignment and teamwork that will continue to drive Community Impact’s success.
“The Garretts did an amazing job of providing a venue where our CI family could commune and lock arms, and I learned from every encounter—not just in the sessions but from every exchange,” Villarreal said.
In the years to come, Community Impact aims for intentional, sustainable growth, with plans to launch two to three new Texas markets annually.
“We plan to grow our digital products and continue to invest heavily in our beloved print product,” Garrett said. “I hope to build more trust with our readers, build upon our robust marketing solutions for our advertisers and build even stronger relationships with our Impacters.”
That mission-centered approach fuels the company’s growth and its internal culture.
Community Impact remains committed to being a trusted partner in every community it serves, and Garrett hopes the company’s mission and values continue to inspire generations to come.
“Jennifer and I have three daughters, and we would love to see one or all of them in the business if they choose to be,” he said. “We hope the next generation of leaders are ready.”
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