Written by Caroline Perrott, N2 Content Marketing Specialist
It’s Monday—my first day at The N2 Company! N2 team members from across the country are arriving in Chicago and heading to the Hyatt Regency O’Hare for the start of the Fall 2024 Conference. After a quick check-in, I meet none other than CEO Duane Hixon, who happens to walk into the hotel right behind my group. “I can’t believe I’m meeting the CEO within my first few hours with the company!” I think. This moment perfectly captures N2’s culture—our leaders aren’t distant figures; they’re right beside us, supporting and working alongside us every day.
After picking up my conference badge with my name and new title, I proudly receive a “My First Conference” button and pin it onto my shirt. Walking into the ballroom, I’m struck by the “Back to the Future: Looking Back and Moving Forward” theme, which is both creative and well-executed—there was even a real-life DeLorean photo moment stationed to the left of the stage! I sit next to a friendly woman named Sue Kidd, a Dietitian Nutritionist at N2, who’s enthusiastically talking about the upcoming Virtual Health Fair she’ll be co-hosting with Rebecca Hixon, Duane’s wife. I’ve never worked anywhere that had a nutritionist on hand to meet with employees regularly.
The room buzzes with excitement as people hug and greet colleagues they haven’t seen since the last conference. Most of the attendees are Area Directors, or “ADs,” who manage various magazine titles across the country, from Alaska to Massachusetts, with impressive skill. Keith Sewell, Director of Stroll and Greet Product Growth, kicks things off with an energetic opening speech, followed by CRO JP Hamel, whom I had the chance to meet backstage. Staying true to the conference theme, Hamel dives into a thought-provoking discussion on whether Marty McFly’s vest is red or orange in the movie and more importantly drives home the lesson that every decision we make has a very specific outcome—as Doc says “You can’t go back!” The 3-day conference has begun.
Throughout this week, I sit in on panels, lectures and breakout sessions, each more informative and inspiring than the next. One standout panel featured N2’s co-founder and president, Earl Seals, and co-founder and CEO Hixon shared a heartfelt message about the company’s journey, growth, and the people behind its success. Their words resonate deeply with everyone in the room, reinforcing the sense of community and shared purpose that N2 embodies.
Adding to the momentum, Director of Real Producers & BeLocal Product Growth Bobby Wright and Real Producers Launch Director Remington Ramsey announced the first-ever Real Producers National Conference coming in 2025 and slight logo refresh; Michele Maxfield was announced as the Director of National Sales and the Director of Uniquely You Product Growth, communicating her deep and close-to-home passion for N2’s newest magazine line; and N2 celebrated a record number of Pre-Print Area Directors in ramp up (working towards the launch of their inaugural issues)—a clear sign of momentum and growth!
Closing the conference, legendary Area Director Robert Smith delivered a powerful speech on the importance of discipline over regret. He urged us to embrace consistency, connect our struggles to our purpose, and always strive to do right by others, reminding us that failure is an essential step on the path to success.
I listen in on insane revenue numbers, as well as hear success stories, triumphs, pain points and struggles—all of us with the united mission of creating happy, healthy and optimistic communities, families and individuals. While the days were packed with learning, the evenings are all about fun and connection. N2’s “Enchantment Under the Sea” social event, inspired by Back to the Future, concluded the event with dinner, drinks and dancing. I donned a ’50s poodle skirt as did many many others thankfully.
As the conference came to a close on the fourth day, I realized how special it is to be part of The N2 Company. This week has shown me not only the power of great leadership but also the strength of the N2 community, where everyone—from the CEO to new team members like me—is valued and encouraged to grow. With the knowledge and inspiration I’ve gained here, I’m ready to move forward, knowing that I’m part of something truly impactful.
