Just over five years ago, I got a crazy call from my boss and best friend, Tim Reed.

If you’ve ever had the privilege of working with Tim—as I have for 20 years now—you know such calls are pretty common.

“I think we should start a monthly magazine for the industry,” he said, “and I want you to edit it.”

I was holding my first son, Adam, in my arms. He was a little over a year old.

His baby brother, Isaiah, was crying in the background while my wife tried to soothe him to sleep.

“It seems a little crazy,” I said. “Don’t you think we should focus on other stuff first?”

“I think we can do it,” he said.

And somehow, by God’s good grace, we did.

A few months later, I was editing the prototype of The Fire Time Magazine at the dining room table while Isaiah napped in my lap and Adam played with his mom in the living room. 

The boys are now in first grade and kindergarten, and my daughter Hannah started preschool last fall.

They say time flies when you’re having fun; I guess that’s why the last half-decade feels like a blur.

Don’t get me wrong: There have been plenty of late nights and early mornings and tight deadlines and sobering setbacks over the years.

But all that pales in comparison to the fun that we’ve had making this magazine.

When Tim and I were both in failing pop punk bands, we used to play a lot of shows together at rundown theaters and church trailers and dive bars. No matter the venue quality or crowd size, we always had the same attitude: Play the best we could for the people who were there—and be grateful for each and every one of them.

Sixty issues and five years into making The Fire Time Magazine, I can honestly say that everyone on our team has always brought that same attitude to this publication.

That’s why it’s fitting to start this anniversary edition with a toast to you, our audience: Thanks for supporting us by reading and writing and listening and sharing. We couldn’t have made this issue without you—let alone 59 others.

So whether you’re reading this in a back office or a work truck, a living room or a dining room, a corner cafe or a dive bar, grab a glass of whatever you’ve got.

Because this one’s for you—just as it’s always been. 

Cheers—to five more years.