At first, it was just a hashtag, but it became something more

It all began in April 2014, in the middle of my season of hustle. That’s when I had dinner one evening with a few fellow entrepreneurs which led to a late night conversation that sparked the idea. I’ve told the story many times elsewhere, and it’s even been written about in publications like Inc. Magazine.

#yesphx is a completely organic effort that has evolved with the needs of the community—and is still evolving to this day. Originally, I simply set out to amplify what was happening in the local entrepreneur community so that my neighbors (and I) would be more connected.

While I may have been the spark that lit the flame, though, I was not the sustaining force behind it. It’s been incredible to watch the entire Phoenix community rally around the concept and run with it all their own. Since its inception, it has been linked to hundreds of thousands of social media posts, local events, company billboards, helping people and companies decide to move to Phoenix, national attention, and more. In 2017, it was even recognized by the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) for its significant contributions to the local economy.

This effort also led to my greater involvement to relationship with my local government. While building #yesphx originally, I met with every mayor in Maricopa County to share what was happening within the metropolitan area and galvanize support of the startups and founders all around town.

And all this from an organic effort. How cool. Much of my philosophy on dynamic community building stems directly from the many lessons I’ve learned starting and championing #yesphx.

While I’m no longer involved in the day-to-day efforts, I love to root it on and cheerlead those who are making things happen all the same. Rather than its catalyst, I now count myself just a happy community member. What a gift.