Passing The True West Torch, Part II

 February 15, 2026

   I've had some interesting responses to my remarks about passing the torch and here is some clarity.

Passing The Torch, Part II

   For me, True West has always been personal. I bought my first issue as a kid in Kingman, and it never really let go of me. So when the opportunity came along in 1999, I did something only a history nut would do: I called a few friends, we pulled together the necessary resources, and we purchased True West—along with its sister title Old West and the full bundle of publishing assets—out of Stillwater, Oklahoma, then moved it to Cave Creek, Arizona, where it has prospered ever since.

   I’ve had great help from a ton of people who believed in the mission: to keep our love of American history alive. And, to reiterate, I have had the time of my life doing it!

   Now it’s time to find the next history nut—with the passion, the fresh energy, and a deep respect for this story-rich magazine—to take the reins and guide True West into its next chapter.

   True West was founded in 1953, and the road to 100 years is right around the corner. We don’t need a caretaker. We need new blood and new ideas—someone who honors the heritage, loves the readers, and wants to build what comes next.

   Do you—or someone you know—have what it takes to take True West to the century mark?

   Ken and I are looking for someone who can take the magazine to the next level. I hope if you are interested, you have someone with the ponies to carry it off, just like I did 27 years ago.

"Large numbers of strangers can cooperate successfully by believing in common myths."

—Simon Sinek