Rearden Killion

After 10 years of a 20-minute commute on the N train from Astoria to Midtown, I was ready to give it up. There was about a year’s period where I was arriving at the office 20 minutes late everyday. Every day I would repeat the phrase “dead man walking” to myself as I exited the elevator and headed towards my 30th floor office.

Yet, saying goodbye to a firm that is the largest and oldest independent in Manhattan isn't easy. 45 years of reputation and working on accounts like BMW have its perks. Ever get to borrow a new 7 series just to drive out and see the family in New Jersey? Yeah, it was sweet. But more than that, it was about being able to create and let the reputation of the firm handle the new business part. The firm's most successful brand it ever built was its own.

But there comes a time when you just realize you are going through the motions. And while I appreciate all the experience and training I received there (which was without a doubt the best in the industry) it was my time to go. And what service would I be doing to my mentors if I kept accepting a paycheck when I just couldn't give it my all anymore.

Fast forward a bit to now: with a few smaller and maybe less known accounts, I'm happy to say the agency that now bears the name of my grandparents is doing pretty well. Sorry, I've never been a Trump type. Plus, Bailey Associates or Bailey Communications just doesn't sound that good.

But what about that City? Leaving a job is one thing but picking up and moving is another. I've been around a bit-- not as much as some but I've lived in San Fran, LA, Atlanta and spent nearly 12 years living in the Apple. It was fantastic! But I'll say this, New York is really great when you’re young or have a lot of money-- or both. The best time of my life in the Apple was working my way up the ladder at a kick ass agency and then spending all my money on lifestyle. Clothes, booze, shows, travel, rent... Those were THE best years of my life. All I can say is that after all that experience and nearly five years after that horrible day in September, my feet were itching.

Fate would have it that my newly found client roster included a couple of west Florida based companies. As a result, I’ve made many a trip to the area over the past two years and I just liked it better and better each time. But I didn't fall in love until I met St. Peter. From the first time I entered the pearly gates at 4th Street, I knew I was going to love it here.

Without rehashing the details of my love affair with the St. Peter, let's just say I'm happily settled and making love with my neighbors. My social life hasn't been this busy since those first few years I was living in the Apple-- and everyone so far seems to be good people. I appreciate that. I am, after all, originally from the Deep South, but I don't tell many people that so don't spread it around.

Thanks St. Petersburg, I’m really glad to be here. But, okay, I confess. I'm keeping a place in New York too. Hey, rent controlled apartments are hard to come by!