publisher’ s letter aug | sept 2012
POWER REDEFINED
About the Covers
I FIRST MET SEAN HAIRE IN THE GYM. He stood out in the crowd, as 6 ' 4 ", 280-pound men have a will to do. He had that look of a fighter, so I asked him if he was into mixed martial arts. " I’ ve dabbled in it," he said. Turns out, Sean’ s definition of dabbling includes fighting as a professional in the PRIDE Fighting Championship and wrestling in the WWE with the likes of John Cena and other superstars. I was thinking I needed to adjust my concept of dabbling.
But that wasn’ t all. Not nearly. The more I found out about Sean, the more my jaw made its way to the floor. The guy had been a bodyguard for A-list celebrities, a special forces instructor and had been hired to protect CEOs.
But what finally caused chin-to-pavement contact was this: he’ s going to school to be a, um, hair stylist? Humble to the bone, Sean’ s attitude is best expressed as " I ' m just living my life and not buying into the hype."
To master as many professions as Sean has done is remarkable. Then to change course and embark on another so completely different is astoundingly brave. His story made sense as one of this issue ' s features in more ways than one. Make it a point to find out why, see The Devil Came Down to Georgia on page 86.
Sean reminded me that life is mostly about finding our way. Some jump from profession to profession, while others seem to have known what they were going to be from they moment they left the womb. What seems to be true for all is that each journey can be seen as a pursuit of power. No, not just fame or money or power over others, but more importantly, the power to determine our own destinies.
So our Power Professionals issue isn’ t intended to feature those that make the most money or wield the most influence. It’ s about how all of us have some kind of power in our professions and how what we decide to do with it helps shape our characters and quality of life.
This issue, we also welcome back an old friend, Colin Gray, South ' s first photo editor, for a special guest appearance. Gray is working with MTV and VH1 but was home in Savannah for a month and we jumped at the chance to work with him again.
It’ s proof that sometimes we find our way back home, even if only for a little while.
Many thanks and keep reading,
Michael Brooks, Publisher
cover: Sean Haire photographer: Colin Douglas Gray creative director: Michael Brooks art director: Sar a D’ Eug enio
Sean Haire can be an overwhelming presence: He’ s roughly the size of a doorway, covered in tattoos and his hand seems as big as a plate when it’ s shaking yours. But during our cover shoot Sean revealed his many sides, including one that likes to laugh.
cover: Agent Harley and the CNT Unit photographer: Tim
Johnson creative director: Michael Brooks
Law enforcement is serious business, and protecting Savannah from the likes of drug dealers is no exception. The agents at the Savannah-Chatham Counter Narcotics Team take their jobs seriously— and it shows. Agents Arango, Arbizo and Harley were excited to share their work with the community, and saw the shoot as a way to express their enthusiasm about fulfilling such an important duty.
cover: Judge Stokes photographer: Tim
Johnson creative director: Michael Brooks art director: Sar a D’ Eug enio
Tammy Stokes is everything you’ d expect from a woman in a high-esteem position. She’ s evenkeeled, confident and carries herself with unmatched professionalism. She is also many things you may not expect from someone who presides over a courtroom five days a week, like an avid yoga practitioner. At our shoot, Judge Stokes shared her joyful laugh and positive attitude. Don’ t let the smile fool you, though: she means business and has big plans.
14 southmagazine. com aug | sept 12