“Keep Colorado Springs Lame.“ That was a common mantra back in 2015 (made popular by The Leechpit.) Of course, not everyone really felt that way. It was tongue in cheek. But there was a sense that COS didn’t have a fully representative identity and that the Pikes Peak region was not being recognized for all the aspects that make it such a special place.
“Why doesn’t Colorado Springs have a magazine that captures all that is great about this city?” That was the question we (John Sawyer and Jeremy Jones) asked each other over beers at the newish Green Man Taphouse & Beer Garden downtown, now the Carter Payne.
John was a publisher, and Jeremy was an independent writer and editor. We met working at Epicentral Coworking and saw a fractured local media-scape where the local daily newspaper and weekly alt-press sniped at each other across the political divide. Meanwhile, big things were beginning to happen around the Springs. Colorado’s second-largest city was coming out of the shadow of its Mile High big sister and establishing a new identity for itself. Despite the popular bumper sticker sentiment, things were starting to look a little less lame in Colorado Springs.
“There’s a new spirit of collaboration, connection and excitement growing in the Springs,” I (Jeremy) wrote in my editor’s letter introducing the first issue of Springs magazine back then. Springsters (yeah, we made up the term — and you chose it as your favorite) were taking new pride in all the reasons we call this city home: the abundant outdoor activities at our doorstep, the vibrant arts and cultural opportunities for our enjoyment, and the good-hearted community connecting us. All with an exclamation point of that gorgeous Pikes Peak view we get to wake up to every morning.
In March 2015 we pressed play on our idea to create a magazine that celebrates and explores the vibrant, rugged, exceptional spirit of our community. By October 2015, our first issue was in the hands of readers from Palmer Lake to Fountain, Manitou Springs to Falcon. From scratch — and with the help of 35 designers, writers, photographers and contributors — we had built a beautiful, full-color magazine that we were proud to offer as a representation of Colorado Springs.
Crazy that it happened that fast in the beginning. Crazier that it has been 10 years since.
We’ve seen a lot of change in these past 10 years — in the local media landscape, the publishing industry and in our community. In the beginning, Springs magazine was primarily a print publication, starting quarterly and growing to six gorgeous (if we do say so ourselves) issues a year. The covid pandemic brought a necessary pivot (remember that word?) as we shifted to a digital-first focus at springsmag.com, our weekly newsletters and social platforms. But we are proud to still introduce new and prospective residents our city through print in our annual Colorado Springs Relocation Guide, which we publish in partnership with the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC. We launched as a media group and are sticking to it!
As a small team, we have poured a lot of blood, sweat and tears into Springs Media. We started Springs magazine because we love our city, and we continue this endeavor because we still love Colorado Springs. As we mark this milestone of a decade, we’ll be looking back through the year with some highlights, memories and behind the scenes insights as we introduce you to the people, places and culture that continue to shape our community.
“I trust you’ll find a sense of discovery, fun, authenticity and new local insight,” I wrote in that first issue, and I still feel that today.
Springsmag.com is a conversation for us all. So invite your friends. Pass along these stories. Connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. And let us know what you think.
For 10 years we’ve been passionate about telling it like a local. Here’s to the next 10 years! Thanks for continuing with us on this adventure as we explore and illuminate the wonderful home that we share.
