CEO and Publisher, Hornby Publishing LLC and Valley Publishing LLC
Twitter: @hornbypublishin
Facebook: aroundthepanhandle
Written by Jessica Chambers
Mike Hornby has traveled more than 50 countries, raced crocodiles on the Zambezi River, dived with great white sharks and befriended a black bear. It is the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, though, that he chooses to call home—a community that he credits with his success as the CEO and publisher at Hornby Publishing LLC and Valley Publishing LLC.
Hornby is probably best known for his first magazine, Around the Panhandle. While endeavoring to create the publication, there was very little money, and he struggled to find support. With only $256, Hornby printed six samples of the publication and went from business to business trying to sell advertising.
“I never stopped believing that I could succeed, and I never thought about failing or considered what was next,” he says. “I just put one foot in front of the other and continued to sell a good product at a reasonable price that all businesses could afford.”
Though Around the Panhandle had modest startup funds, the magazine has grown to more than 6,000 paid subscribers and 25,000 readers. What makes Hornby’s success even more impressive is that he printed his first issue in March 2009 at the start of the financial collapse. Over the years, he has expanded into additional publications, and his portfolio of services now includes websites, social media, marketing and other printing needs.
Hornby gets a lot of inspiration from his parents. “My dad keeps me grounded, and my mom lets me soar,” he says. For motivation, he looks to his wife, Kresha. “My wife is the rock and foundation to which I cling. She keeps me motivated to do more, to never settle and to be myself.”
Despite his success, Hornby had little ambition when he graduated from St. John’s College in his birth country of Zimbabwe. At the age of 16, he had earned the equivalent of an associate’s degree, and he decided to travel and learn about the world around him. For two years, he backpacked throughout Southeast Asia and Europe, experiencing first-hand different cultures and people.
His time spent traveling inspired him to make a difference in his own community. He volunteers for Habitat for Humanity, United Way of the Eastern Panhandle, Martinsburg High School’s leadership classes and the Boys & Girls Club of the Eastern Panhandle where he served as a board member for three years. Six years ago, Hornby founded the Pancakes for Polio Breakfast that is attended by 600-800 individuals annually. This free community event has raised more than $30,000 in donations that are matched two-to-one by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
In addition to supporting local charities, Hornby is also committed to giving back through Rotary International. Originally, he joined the Rotary club to network with other individuals in the Martinsburg area, but it quickly became more than a casual commitment for him. He has served as the club’s president, has been recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow for his volunteer and fundraising efforts and is a member of the Paul Harris Society.
“Being an immigrant and actually seeing what Rotary does on an international level made it the perfect match for me,” Hornby says. “Our family volunteers every opportunity we can.”
Recently Hornby accepted the nomination to serve as the 2017-2018 district governor for the 77 Rotary clubs in his district. He also serves as the international convention chair and the International Service Committee chair for his district.
Hornby’s next goal is to leave a legacy for generations to come. “I believe through my efforts in Rotary I can change millions of lives around the globe,” he says. “I would love to live to see the day when we live in a world where clean drinking water is available to all.”
What is your favorite … ?
Color – Yellow
Food – A perfectly grilled steak
Cartoon Character – Jessica Rabbit
Ice Cream – Rocky Road
Animal – Lion
Book – “Elephant Song” by Wilbur Smith
App – Google Maps
Midnight Snack – Never have one
TV Show – “Survivor”
Movie – “Jerry Maguire
Smell – My wife’s hair
Sport Team – San Diego Chargers
Car – Porsche
Pet – Boston terrier
Place – The plains of Africa
Season – Summer
Local Restaurant – The Final Cut
Era – 1980s
