As you might have read on this website, one random number 30 relates to the years in business the Business Times is celebrating. But this column isn’t about that.

No, this column is about the numbers Phil Castle made clear he didn’t want to publish a story about. For the first time in 24 years as owner and publisher, I sent an email to my editor demanding he publish a story. I even offered to do the interview and write the story. Surprise: I’ve written news stories before. My life isn’t all about the intelligence, wit and sarcasm readers come to expect in my columns.

I told Phil it’s time to do a story on his 25 years with the Business Times — one more than yours truly has been at the paper. Phil being Phil decided the real story is the fact the Business Times has survived and thrived 30 years, 24 under my “direction.” The quotation marks are mine.

Phil being Phil said the reporter or editor is never part of the story — especially if the story is about him. That was in the back of my mind as Phil interviewed me for the story you can read on this website. Given a story over the weekend in the local daily, I’m convinced more than ever Phil, as always, picked the right story to cover.

The one thing Phil can’t avoid for this edition is my column, which he has faithfully put into print for 24 years — even the ones the voice in my head asked “Do you really want to publish that?”
As always, Phil did. Usually with a comment about how much he enjoyed it. But that’s Phil. Old reliable — unlike his computer at times in the midst of deadlines or with him waiting on yet another column on a Tuesday deadline morning from old unreliable. Me.

As it’s been for 25 years for Phil, and 24 years since I inherited the best writer and editor on the Western Slope, it’ll all get done and the Business Times will be delivered by old unreliable on his Wednesday paper route. My first job and current, final — someday — job.

Because we’ve come to the real reason for this column. The story Phil won’t tell. While 25 years at the Business Times is indeed newsworthy in my book, so is retirement. And that’s the important piece to this piece. After more than 25 years at the Business Times, Phil Castle is retiring. Heck, he might even mention it in his column in his own, humble, professional way. Frankly, he should be yelling it from the rooftops. He won’t. I will.

Here’s a random number: 734. That’s how many editions of the Business Times Phil has been editor of spanning 25 years. That doesn’t count the many newsprint and magazine editions of Life and Times, the first lifestyle publication in Grand Junction, he edited way back when or whatever else I asked him to help with over the years. Truth told, all those challenges Phil wrote about me going through in the story, I went through with Phil. The story behind the story: I never had to worry about what was going to be in the paper, whether it was going to be the highest quality or if it would be to press on time.

Now Phil might mention in his farewell how easy I made it for him to do what he loves. Truth is, that’s exactly what he made this gig as publisher for me. To never worry about content, deadlines or quality is a publisher’s dream. I never had to check on what Phil was doing. Although in a small business relationship I would consistently ask Phil how he was doing.

And what was Phil always doing? The thing he loved most outside of his family, true journalism. He was also writing a novel or two on the side, so please pick up one of his books once they are published — which I have no doubt will be soon. Phil has thanked me countless times for giving him the platform to do what he loves — another thing he got totally backwards in our relationship. But I digress.

The Business Times you read today is all Phil Castle with a half page, Craig Hall rant on the side. Phil, you’ve done incredible work over 25 years in making the Business Times the pre-eminent newspaper in the Grand Valley. I can’t thank you enough for what you’ve done for the business community, the Grand Valley and me and my family during your tenure.

I wish you the best and success in your next chapter. Spending time with your family — and this isn’t how a politician uses the excuse as Phil would joke, he means it — and continuing to follow your passions are gifts from above. I pray you enjoy it all to the fullest.

The Times is a-changing’ as they say. For the first time in my career, without Phil Castle. That’s OK. It’s been quite a journey with Phil in charge. An honor. A blessing. A pleasure.

Godspeed, Phil Castle, on your next adventure.

Craig Hall is owner and publisher of the Business Times. Reach him at (970) 424-5133 or publisher@thebusinesstimes.com.