Grimes, McGovern & Associates represented Benbow Ventures in the acquisition of NEXTpittsburg

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 4, 2020 

PITTSBURGH, PA: NEXTpittsburgh, a media site about the people advancing the region and the innovative things happening in Pittsburgh, has been acquired. 

John Rhoades, an entrepreneur and community activist, bought the site effective January 1 from founder and former publisher, Tracy Certo.

“NEXTpittsburgh is an institution in our city,” says Rhoades, a Pittsburgh native and Polish Hill resident. “I’ve been a reader since Tracy launched the company, and I am honored to have the chance to work with the team to lead it into its next successful chapter.”

 Certo launched NEXTpittsburgh in March 2014 as a platform to tell the stories about the people and ideas moving the city forward and as a guide to exploring the region, from new restaurants and tech startups to social initiatives and events. The publication encourages readers to get more involved in their community to make Pittsburgh a better place for all.

 “I’ve spent seven years, along with my team, growing NEXTpittsburgh in both readership and revenue and we have done well, even in turbulent times for media. But I think we can do more and better and John agrees. I see John as someone fully capable of taking NEXT to the next level and ensuring the future of this publication which has become such a resource for Pittsburgh.

“I am very happy to make this announcement and look forward to working with John for as long as it takes to ensure a smooth transition. He’s a great guy and I think he can do great things for NEXT and for Pittsburgh.”

Rhoades’ background includes both public policy and entrepreneurship. As a Coro Fellow in 200,7 he worked at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette as a member of the editorial board team which he calls “a great and formative experience.” After completing the program, he worked in advocacy at the United Way of Southwestern PA before going into the private sector. He helped  launch The Beauty Shoppe, co-working company.  After a successful round of outside investment, Rhoades transitioned out in late 2018 to begin a search for his own project.

John Rhoades/Benbow Ventures was exclusively represented by James McDonald – Senior Associate, Grimes, McGovern & Associates.

“I was looking for a business that I could really put my heart into. It’s been a long journey, but NEXTpittsburgh feels like a perfect fit. I’m born and raised in Pittsburgh, and care deeply about this town and the people in it. I want to ensure that the great work that the team does telling the stories of our community continues. On top of that, I aim to keep growing the offerings that NEXT brings to the city. Whatever change happens I see as additive to an already great part of the Pittsburgh region.”

READ MORE:  Why I sold NEXTpittsburgh by Tracy Certo
Contact: Tracy Certo: [email protected]; (412) 779-1200

READ MORE:  Meet the new owner by John Rhoades Contact: John Rhoades, owner and publisher of NEXTpittsburgh [email protected]; (412) 701-1718