Ep. 200 | Building Community Through Storytelling: How DeAnn Dillard Is Connecting Carlsbad One Story at a Time

Introduction
Bret Schanzenbach welcomes DeAnn Dillard, publisher of Carlsbad Neighbors Magazine, for a conversation about entrepreneurship, community building, storytelling, and the importance of local connections in Carlsbad.

Building a Career Through Reinvention
DeAnn Dillard shares her professional journey, which began after raising four daughters as a stay-at-home mother. Following a major life transition, she entered the real estate industry and built a highly successful business, becoming Rookie of the Year in her first year and later achieving top-producing status in her market.

She discussed how real estate provided an opportunity to rebuild her career, support her family, and develop valuable community connections. The conversation highlighted how entrepreneurship often requires resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to learn through challenges.

Moving to Carlsbad and Finding Community
DeAnn shared the deeply personal story behind her move to Carlsbad. After the tragic loss of her daughter in late 2019, she made a life-changing decision to relocate to the coastal community she had admired since childhood.

Arriving in January 2020, she quickly encountered the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. Rather than withdrawing, she focused on creating community. Recognizing the need for connection during isolation, she launched the Carlsbad Neighbors Facebook Group, which rapidly grew to approximately 20,000 members.

The group became a platform for community support, local information sharing, and neighborhood engagement, demonstrating how grassroots leadership can create meaningful impact during difficult times.

Launching Carlsbad Neighbors Magazine
The discussion turned to Carlsbad Neighbors Magazine, which DeAnn began publishing in late 2023. Inspired by her passion for community storytelling and local engagement, she embraced the opportunity to create a publication focused exclusively on the people, businesses, nonprofits, and organizations that make Carlsbad unique.

Distributed monthly to approximately 3,500 homes, the magazine provides hyperlocal content designed specifically for residents. The publication highlights neighborhood stories, business owners, nonprofit organizations, community leaders, and public servants whose contributions often go unnoticed.

Elevating Local Organizations and Nonprofits
A key focus of the magazine is spotlighting organizations making a difference in the community. DeAnn discussed recent features highlighting organizations such as Mitchell Thorp Foundation, local animal rescue efforts, and community outreach programs facilitated by the Carlsbad Police Department.

Through these stories, the magazine strengthens awareness of local initiatives while encouraging residents and businesses to become more engaged in community service and civic participation.

Why Print Still Matters
The conversation explored the continuing value of print media in a digital world. According to DeAnn, residents appreciate receiving a tangible publication that allows them to slow down and engage with community stories.

For advertisers, the magazine provides both print and digital visibility while helping build trust through storytelling. Rather than relying solely on promotional messaging, the publication helps local businesses share their origins, values, and community involvement.

Entrepreneurship and “Her Next Level”
DeAnn also discussed her contribution to the collaborative book Her Next Level, a project featuring 21 women entrepreneurs. Her chapter, titled “Her Decisions,” reflects on the significant choices that shaped her life and career.

The book became an opportunity to process personal experiences while encouraging others to trust their instincts, embrace change, and pursue meaningful goals. The project achieved bestseller status in categories related to women entrepreneurs and business leadership.

Community as Economic Development
Bret Schanzenbach connected DeAnn’s story to a broader conversation about economic development. He emphasized that today's communities compete less for companies and more for talented individuals who can choose where they want to live and work.

Quality of life, community engagement, schools, public safety, cultural amenities, and local connections play an increasingly important role in attracting residents, innovators, entrepreneurs, and business leaders. DeAnn’s decision to relocate to Carlsbad serves as a powerful example of that shift.

Closing
The episode concludes with information about how listeners can connect with DeAnn Dillard, learn more about Carlsbad Neighbors Magazine, explore advertising opportunities, and follow the publication on social media.