We had the good fortune of connecting with Richard Harmer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Richard, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
There is no balance. That word makes it sound like life is two forces pulling against each other and we just do not look at it that way. For us, it is more about rhythm. Life has seasons. Some days we are fully focused on a project or goal. Other days are about rest, family, or reconnecting. We make sure the things we are involved in are integrated into our lives. You do not get your eight hours back. Life is life. The older we get, the more we realize it is not about dividing time evenly. It is about being present. If we are with our families, they get all of us. If we are creating or building something, that gets all of us too. That shift in thinking has made all the difference.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
We would not call what we do art in the traditional sense, but storytelling is an art form. Whether it is through a podcast, a local spotlight, a campaign, or just a meaningful conversation, we are always trying to get to the heart of what matters. We care about people. We care about their why. Their journey. Their voice.

What sets us apart is that we show up exactly as we are. No masks. No playing a part. That level of authenticity has opened doors and created trust in a way no strategy ever could.

Neither of us got here by following a blueprint. It was messy. There were setbacks. There were lessons. But every mistake taught us something. It helped shape what we value and how we show up. That is what we are most proud of. We have built something together that reflects who we are. And we get to work alongside people we truly believe in.

We wake up each day knowing that what we are doing matters. It impacts people. It brings stories to life that would otherwise go untold. And that is enough to keep us going.

If there is one thing we want people to take away from our story, it is this. You do not have to follow a traditional path. But you do have to care. You have to show up and own your story. No one else can do that for you.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We would make sure every day felt different. Dallas is full of energy and layers. You can go from a breakfast taco to a five course dinner in the same day and it somehow all makes sense.

Day 1

East Dallas is always our starting point. Breakfast at Goodfriend Package, coffee at White Rock Coffee, a walk around the lake. We might stop by the Arboretum or explore some of the local shops. Dinner at Smoky Rose and a drink at Lakewood Landing to wrap it up.

Day 2

Deep Ellum is a must. Street art, lunch at Terry Black’s, and some time walking through record stores or galleries. If we’re feeling adventurous, a show at The Factory or Trees is always fun. We might swing through downtown and grab drinks at Midnight Rambler.

Day 3

Fort Worth makes for a great day trip. Walk through the Stockyards, eat at Joe T. Garcia’s, check out the Kimbell or the Modern, and maybe stop by Billy Bob’s for the full experience.

Day 4

Bishop Arts and Oak Cliff are always worth it. Coffee at La Reunion, shop local, and dinner at Encina or Lucia. That view from Bar Belmont is a great way to end the night.

Day 5

If it is football season, we are headed to a Cowboys game. If not, maybe a Mavericks or Rangers game. Lockhart Smokehouse or Slow Bone before, drinks at Happiest Hour after.

Day 6

Lower Greenville and Knox Henderson are perfect for bouncing around. Brunch at Sister, drinks at Truck Yard, maybe hit Tequila Social or HG Sply Co later on.

Day 7

Rest and recharge. Brunch at Cafe Duro or Dream Cafe. Maybe some golf or a quiet day with family. Dinner at Monarch or Nick and Sam’s to wrap things up.

Dallas has this way of surprising people. It is full of stories and moments that stay with you. And the people here? They are real. That is what makes it special.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost, our spouses Lori and Jerry. They have supported us through every chapter. They keep us grounded and remind us why we do what we do. We are better because of them.
We also want to shout out the people who shaped our paths in quiet ways. Friends, mentors, and even strangers who crossed our path at the right moment. Sometimes it is a single sentence or one conversation that stays with you forever. That has happened more than once.

And of course, we would not be doing what we are doing without the relationship we have with each other. Working this closely with someone is rare. We challenge each other, trust each other, and care deeply about what we are building. It does not work unless we both bring our whole selves. And we do. Every day.

Website: https://www.VisitEastDallas.com

Instagram: @visiteastdallas.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rwharmer/

Twitter: @rwharmer

Image Credits
Austin Marc Graf

Cover of Magazine – Nancy Ellis

The Advocate for the “What’s Going On?! article

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.