Today we’d like to introduce you to Hayes Hora.
Hi Hayes, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve always had a natural pull toward sales and relationship building. While attending the University of Memphis, I landed an internship with Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, where I learned how to prospect, present insurance products, build trust, and close deals. That experience gave me a strong foundation in networking and long-term client relationships.
When the housing bubble burst in 2009, and many clients cashed out whole life policies, commission reversals hit hard. I needed to pivot quickly. I moved into operations as a Freight Supervisor at Con-Way Freight (now XPO), where I spent 4 years gaining hands-on experience in dispatch, city pickup and delivery, and linehaul operations. That role sharpened my leadership skills and operational awareness, even though I knew long-term life on a concrete dock was not the right fit for me.
In 2014, I returned to sales, this time in advertising, joining the Yellow Pages. I spent four years learning the mechanics of local advertising, client retention, and the challenges business owners face when marketing feels transactional. That experience opened the door to my next chapter when my manager moved to The Commercial Appeal and recruited me to join the local newspaper.
Working in newspaper advertising gave me a front-row seat to a significant disconnect. Journalists and advertising teams worked separately, and content often failed to support the business funding the publication. I saw firsthand how cancellations and non-renewals dropped when content felt positive, brand-safe, and intentionally aligned with advertisers. That realization changed everything for me.
I knew I needed control over both content and relationships. That clarity led to the creation of Collierville Living Magazine, built on the idea that storytelling, trust, and community pride drive stronger results than traditional ads. After several successful years, East Memphis Living launched, expanding that same model into another thriving community. Today, I focus on sharing local stories and helping businesses connect with readers in meaningful ways. Each issue reinforces what I learned along the way. When content respects the community and its businesses, loyalty follows naturally.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I’ve made some mistakes along the way, like mistyping a business’s phone number in an article or using information I found online without verifying it. Churn is a real obstacle related to page count, so I try to go overboard for clients to make sure everyone feels seen and heard, and gets more than they pay for.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Collierville Living Magazine & East Memphis Living ?
My business centers on local storytelling and relationship-driven marketing through print magazines that people genuinely trust. I publish Collierville Living Magazine and East Memphis Living, community publications designed to spotlight families, business owners, and local experts in a positive, brand-safe environment.
What I do differently starts with intention. These magazines are not coupon books or cluttered ad stacks. Every story, photo, and layout is created to feel polished, credible, and worth keeping. I specialize in helping businesses build long-term trust by presenting them as experts and neighbors, not sales pitches. When people see a familiar face or read a thoughtful story in print, credibility forms naturally.
I am known for controlling both the content and the experience. Because I oversee storytelling, advertising, and presentation together, sponsors never feel disconnected from the message around them. That alignment improves loyalty, renewals, and results. Businesses feel proud of how they are represented, and readers feel confident engaging with brands they recognize.
What sets my work apart is the focus on community first. Every feature highlights real people, absolute values, and real connections. I work closely with each advertiser and contributor to ensure accuracy, consistency, and tone. Nothing is rushed, recycled, or generic. Print remains the foundation because it signals permanence and trust, qualities that matter deeply when businesses want to stand out.
Brand-wise, I am most proud of the trust we’ve earned. Readers invite the magazines into their homes. Businesses stay year after year because they see value beyond impressions. Our publications help local owners become recognized names, not just logos.
What I want readers to know is simple. These magazines exist to celebrate where we live and the people who make it special. When you support the businesses inside, you help neighbors who care about this community as much as you do.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I define success as building something I’m proud of that actually helps other people. It’s earning trust, keeping relationships strong, and doing work that feels honest. When local businesses grow because their stories are well told, and readers enjoy seeing familiar faces in print, that tells me we’re doing it right. Success also means stability. Creating something sustainable that people value month after month matters more to me than quick wins. When advertisers renew because they believe in what we’re building, and readers keep our magazines instead of tossing them, that’s a big win. Success is simple. Do good work, serve people well, and build something that reflects the values I want my kids to grow up seeing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hayeshora.com
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/colliervilleliving
- Other: https://bestversionmedia.com/magazines/colliervilleliving
