Candace Beeke, Publisher of Albuquerque Business First

I’ve been fortunate in my first month in Albuquerque to speak to many local executives. However, I have found they live in one of two vastly different cities.

So let me tell you about my Albuquerque, since I’ve been here a hot minute.

When I was first approached about a position at Albuquerque Business First, I was a bit stumped. While I have spent most of my life in West Michigan, I have lived in a few different cities, including Chicago, Phoenix and Houston. However, I knew nothing about Albuquerque and said as much. That is to say, I had no perceptions about the city. None. No images of hot air balloons, meth-dealing chemistry teachers — nothing. Blank slate.

The executive from American City Business Journals with whom I was discussing the publisher position said, “I don’t know the city either, but my wife’s family is from there and swears by it.” Click here to read the full story.