#MediaMonday- Andrea Evans

Today’s #MediaMonday comes to us from none other than Andrea Evans, the publisher of Frontdoors.
For anyone who has been in the Valley a long time, we know Frontdoors has a long history.
Andrea, tell us about the magazine, website and how you came to be its publisher?
Frontdoors News was started in 2001 by Julia Patrick as a way to share community news and philanthropic efforts in the Biltmore, Arcadia and Paradise Valley neighborhoods. In 2007, Frontdoors expanded to a digital version and increased the coverage to be Valley-wide. In 2017, my husband Tom Evans and I struck a deal to become the new owners and expand the offerings as Frontdoors Media to fulfill our mission to celebrate the people and groups who give generously and work to build the future of our community. It’s the premier source of information – and inspiration – for those who strive to make the Valley of the Sun a better place to live. We share these stories monthly in Frontdoors Magazine, weekly in The Knock newsletter and daily via social media and our website, FrontdoorsMedia.com.
Now, a little more about you – tell us about your journey into becoming a member of the media?
I’ve had a bit of a winding path to get here so bear with me… after getting a B.S. in exercise science and physiology at Arizona State, I landed at the American Heart Association where I was assigned to work as the assistant to the Heart Ball chairman.
After two years, a volunteer led me to The Phoenix Symphony for four seasons as the volunteer and event manager. This launched me into Valley Leadership Class 24 where I gained the confidence to go out on my own as a nonprofit consultant specializing in event management.
This is where I started to follow Frontdoors and call on its editor to consider coverage of my client events. And after 15 years of working on hundreds of fundraisers of all shapes and sizes, I thought the invitation to be the publisher of the magazine and digital company that covered my events for years was a great new adventure for me.
And Julia Patrick has continued to be an amazing mentor as my team and I work to cover the incredible stories that happen day-in, day-out throughout the Valley.
We hear there is big news about Frontdoors in recent months – share it with the world here!
We launched several new things this fall:

• A new Frontdoors Calender – free for nonprofits and arts organizations to submit their events
• Frontdoors Magazine is back in print! The previous print version was retired in 2009 so we were thrilled to answer the call to bring back the print edition. Subscriptions available 
• A new page, La Puerta del Valle, dedicated to our Valley’s vibrant Hispanic community and philanthropic efforts
• And, video content creation – Frontdoors TV with Carey Pena is now in season 2

Where did you grow up?
Born in San Diego and raised in Diamond Bar, Calif.
Favorite type of music?
I’m a top-40 kinda gal and LOVE going to concerts (floor seats, please!)
Favorite color?
Robin’s Egg blue
Favorite places to visit?
France and Italy
What are some of your favorite local spots or things to do?
Hava Java for coffee, Vincent’s Bistro for lunch, Postino for wine, Wrigley Mansion for the view and now Chef Christopher and Durant’s for a post-event nightcap.
We take our kids to as many arts and culture events, shows and exhibits as we can.
Favorite foods?
Good food. Local chefs, big flavors and a great wine list.
Least favorite food? 
Beets
Three things readers would be surprised to know about you?
1)     I camp with my Boy Scout – no glamping allowed
2)     I’m a two-time cancer survivor – thank God for Barrow Neurological Institute
3)     I love the Olympics – Summer & Winter Games – and I’m a genuine sports fan – Go Devils!
What should people be pitching you? 
Stories about the “behind the scenes” of our community. Who are the people that go above and beyond to donate, work and volunteer to make our Valley a better place to live? And, if you haven’t worked with us before, start with an invite to cover an event so we can get to know you or the organization you represent first. Our editorial team led by Karen Werner and I meet weekly to review feature story pitches.
What is the lead time you need for content?
For the magazine, we work two months out. Frontdoors TV is content creation for a fee that needs a 2-4 weeks to plan out, 1-2 weeks out for The Knock unless it is breaking news or you have an exclusive pitch for consideration and the calendar updates every Monday.
What is the best way to reach you?
Email Andrea@FrontdoorsMedia.com and feel free to call or text to follow-up if it’s urgent: (602) 448-5959. Spam filters are the worst!