Ryan and De Anne Shea of Entrepreneur Magazine
Photos L. Smith Photography
When Ryan Shea reflects on the history of Entrepreneur Magazine, it’s not just a recounting of dates and acquisitions—it’s a family legacy deeply intertwined with the ever-evolving landscape of American business. The magazine’s story began in 1972, founded by a visionary named Chase Revel, who initially focused on creating binders filled with guides on how to start various types of businesses. These how-to manuals quickly gained traction, leading to the creation of a monthly newsletter that eventually morphed into the Entrepreneur Magazine we know today.
History of Entrepreneur Magazine
“In 1986, my dad acquired the magazine out of bankruptcy,” Ryan recalls. At the time, his father was advertising a franchise he owned and saw the potential in Entrepreneur Magazine, which was on the brink of collapse. “My mom was selling for another publication, Venture Magazine, so publishing was already in our blood.”
Ryan joined the family business during the dot-com boom in the late ’90s, and after a stint in New York, he returned home just before 9/11 to take over the company’s burgeoning digital operations.
By 2006, he was officially named CEO, although he had been steering the ship for some time before that. “My dad was still around, giving me a hard time, but he had mostly stepped back,” Ryan shares. After his father’s passing about a year ago, Ryan continued to lead the company, navigating it through various challenges and expansions.
Evolving the Future of Publishing and Business Development
Under Ryan’s leadership, Entrepreneur Magazine has diversified into numerous ventures, from online platforms to innovative business tools.
Yet, despite the expansion, the core of the magazine—its dedication to providing valuable resources for entrepreneurs—remains unchanged. “After 25 years, you have to branch out and do other things,” Ryan admits, reflecting on how his passion for entrepreneurship has led him to invest in multiple businesses and start new ventures, keeping the spirit of innovation alive.
Shea Family Life
This entrepreneurial drive is mirrored in the way Ryan and De Anne approach their family life. The Sheas are proud parents of three children, all-natural athletes who are heavily involved in baseball, softball and golf. Their oldest is following his dream, playing D1 at Texas A&M Corpus Christi as pitcher. Their dedication to their children’s sports is as strong as their commitment to business, with much of their family’s travel centered around baseball tournaments. “Our kids have a competitive spirit that really resonates with our entrepreneurial mindset,” De Anne shares. The couple’s love for nurturing their children’s talents has become a cornerstone of their family dynamic, blending seamlessly with the values they uphold in their professional lives.
Yet, the Sheas’ commitment to their children’s development doesn’t mean they’ve lost sight of their own passions. Ryan and De Anne have fully embraced the Idaho lifestyle, affectionately referring to their home as “Frankie’s Farm.” Situated amidst the stunning landscapes with views of Bogus Basin, the farm has become a sanctuary for their family, offering both adventure and tranquility. Their farm is a bustling haven, home to alpacas, chickens, and even goats, which De Anne has taken on as her personal project. At one point, they had 16 goats, and De Anne recalls a moment when she miraculously revived a goat that had been declared dead. “The goat slept in my bed all night,” she laughs. “I’ve had my hands in places I would never think,” jokes Ryan. The family also has a few cats and five dogs, adding to the lively atmosphere of Frankie’s Farm.
“We love our boating life, having the different lakes and reservoirs all around us,” De Anne says. “Black Canyon is our latest favorite spot, but don’t tell anyone!” In addition to the water adventures, the Shea family relishes the snowy winters, taking their kids snowboarding at nearby Bogus Basin. “Our kids live at Bogus during the winter, so having both the lakes and the mountains just minutes away is another big draw for us,” De Anne adds.
The Sheas’ farm isn’t just about animals; it’s a place where the seasons dictate the rhythm of life. De Anne’s social media stories offer a daily glimpse into farm life, whether it’s dealing with the relentless heat of summer or battling the challenges of Idaho’s winters. “Spring and summer are all about watering and keeping the plants alive,” she explains. “This year has been brutal with three months of over 100-degree heat, but it’s all part of the charm of living here.”
While Entrepreneur Magazine remains at the forefront of Ryan and De Anne’s professional life, the farm represents a grounding balance, a place where the family can retreat from the pressures of the business world. “It’s about finding what excites you, what keeps you going every day,” Ryan says. For the Sheas, whether it’s running a magazine, developing organic health products, investing in beverages like Roseade,promoting the rapidly growing Oliveda brand, or simple farm life, it’s all about staying true to the entrepreneurial spirit that has defined their family’s legacy for nearly four decades.
