To honor 40 years since the founding of its first newspaper, Schneps Media is highlighting creators, entrepreneurs and everyday New Yorkers who have graced the local media company’s portfolio.
Founded on the principle of a media company “all about you,” Schneps Media prides itself on elevating unique stories from around our communities in publications like amNewYork, The Queens Courier, Brooklyn Paper, The Bronx Times, Long Island Press and many more.
Below, ten previously featured local artists, business owners and content creators reflect on their experience and how local media made an impact on their work.
A Photographer for First Responders: Nolan Regan (@nolansoflo)
In an article from 2024, readers got to know Nolan Regan. Regan is a photographer who began just simply taking photos of tourists in Times Square. This then led to him taking photos of first responders in the city, developing his photography skills and building a following for himself on his social media, @nolansoflo.
“Looking back, it reinforced how powerful local media and storytelling are,” said Regan. “Sharing real stories helps connect communities and preserve moments that matter.”
Growing up reading amNewYork in his neighborhood, Regan shared how being part of the Schneps Media’s “legacy” was something he was proud of. “They were part of everyday life growing up,” he said. “I saw them daily in the neighborhood and on the subway, and they showed what was happening around me. Seeing those stories over the years definitely shaped how I value local storytelling and documenting real moments in the community.”
Since his feature, Regan has had a door open for new conversations and opportunities. He was able to go around New York and get first responders to take pictures posing with the amNewYork Newspaper. He has also grown his social media following, and is continuing his work as a photographer.
Nolan Regan
From #RatTok to Food Reviews: Kenny Bollwerk (@nyc_kb)
In 2023, self-proclaimed king of “Rat Tok” Kenny Bollwerk, @nyc_kb, became a staple in amNewYork. Bollwerk offers free late-night tours through the city to show New Yorkers odd spots where you can find rats scurrying around.
“I started this just walking the streets, talking about rats, trash, and NYC history because I genuinely loved it. I never thought it would turn into something people would actually write about,” said Bollwerk. “For me, it wasn’t about fame—it was about being recognized for doing something different. So seeing ‘Rat Daddy’ in print felt like proof that being yourself, being consistent, and having fun with it can actually take you places.”
Bollwerk, believing that “visibility creates opportunity,” voiced how having his story shared helped him to travel further than he could have on his own. “Being consistent without ever expecting to be noticed is what I enjoyed,” he said. “I did it because I was truly passionate about storytelling from my perspective, and I never gave up.”
From “subway reader to community creator,” Bollwerk recalled that reading Schneps Media publications shaped him and made him pay attention to the city. “To me, Schneps Media represents community media done right—supporting local voices, local creators, and local culture. They helped amplify mine, and I’ll always appreciate that.”
Since his article, Bollwerk has gained credibility for his rat tour business. He has also been featured in other amNewYork stories, including pizzerias around the city, trying different foods at the 2024 US Open, and attending BagelFest at Citi Field. He even participated in an on-the-street poll asking which NYC icon was most emblematic: rats or pizza?
Unfortunately for “Rat Daddy,” pizza won.
Kenny Bollwerk
The Bronx Yo-Yo King: Richard Pickett (@richielovesyoyos)
Richard Pickett, also known as @richielovesyoyos, was featured in 2025, showing off his yo-yo skills to readers. He began his yo-yo journey after picking one up from the store, using it as a distraction from the bullying he was facing in school. This led to his going viral for his talent, and finding his yo-yo community even 20 years later.
“It felt really good to share my passion of yo-yoing to the world. A lot of my family and friends were really surprised and happy that I was able to be on a big platform talking about yo-yos,” Pickett said. “A few people in my yo-yo community were even happier seeing yo-yoing becoming a mainstream staple, especially in New York.”
Putting yourself out there, not focusing on engagement, and doing what you love are all traits Pickett learned after his feature. He learned that no matter what it is, people are always willing to discover something new.
As a Bronx native, Pickett always grew up reading The Bronx Times, using it to help give him new places and people to discover in his neighborhood. After his feature in the publication, Pickett got 6 copies of his feature, and even framed one in his room.
Since his feature, Pickett has been hosting competitions and collecting and trading yo-yos from over the years. Multiple news outlets reached out to Pickett to highlight him as well, and he’s been giving the opportunity to travel the world for contests.
Richard Pickett
The Bridge Messenger: Jose Cruz (@worldneedslovetour)
If you’ve seen the guy standing on the Brooklyn Bridge holding up a hopeful sign, then you may know Jose Cruz, first featured back in 2024, and the creator of @worldneedslovetour. He started posting uplifting messages on social media, then began to hang up signs in Brooklyn. This led to his mission expanding, and an opportunity to travel the country to spread positivity. Aiming to spread mental health awareness, Cruz stands on the Brooklyn Bridge with a motivational sign, wanting to spread love after the pandemic.
“It’s always an honor to be recognized,” Cruz said. “Most importantly, I’m happy that people were able to read about something positive happening in NYC on the news.”
Growing up grabbing copies of amNewYork as a kid, Cruz was excited to learn about people making a difference in the city. He shared how after the publication, he realized that everyone is connected through their own stories.
Since his feature, Cruz has been able to speak with other media outlets and podcasts. He’s still standing on that bridge, hoping to share his message with anyone willing to stop and read his sign.
Jose Cruz Photo courtesy of Jose Cruz
An icon of NYC Oddities: Rick McGuire (@whatisnewyork)
Every New Yorker has a subway story, and Rick McGuire, began his social media page @subwaycreatures to highlight that. McGuire began posting videos of his craziest subway experiences while commuting to and from work, which led to the page growing and followers sending in their own submissions. Since then, McGuire founded @whatisnewyork, @whatnewyorkeats and @whatnewyorkwears.
Checking off an item on his bucket list is how McGuire describes his first feature in Schneps Media. He shared it made him feel validated in what he was doing.
“I always understood the value of storytelling, since it’s what I’ve made a career of, but it is great that in today’s world, amNewYork still tells the story of the little people – and more importantly that people still listen,” said McGuire. “It’s good to know that a publication cares about the local issues and people while it feels like that’s not the case all the time with traditional media today.”
McGuire grew up reading amNewYork, and long before doomscrolling and meme-generating, those free papers were his way to distract himself on a busy train ride.
After his first feature back in 2023, McGuire heard from people he had not spoken to in years, telling him how they saw him in the paper.
McGuire has partnered with amNewYork to release twice-monthly viral clips, exclusive interviews, history, trivia and other “Only in New York” stories.
Rick McGuire (center)
The ‘OMG’ Original: Jerome McCroy (@jaymaccustoms)
Mets fans will always remember that whimsical 2024 season, one whose primary soundtrack was shortstop Jose Iglesias’ song “OMG,” which played during exciting moments, such as a home run. During the team’s improbable season, players began holding up a sign in the classic orange and blue that read “OMG.” That sign was created by Jerome McCroy, @Jaymaccustoms.
McCroy, first featured in 2024, began drawing nearly 20 years ago after feeling as though he was missing out on life working his retail job. Since then, his art has gone viral leading him to quit his job and focus on art full-time. McCroy was first featured in a collaboration with McGuire’s What Is New York, showcasing a cannabis flower he created to celebrate 4/20/2024.
This was McCroy’s first feature, and he recalled feeling a sense of pride that people would be able to learn more about him. He felt that storytelling was not only important for brands, but the individuals behind the businesses.
McCroy shared how back when he was riding the subway, he looked forward to seeing stories of people not always featured in national publications.
McCroy is still doing commission work, and has since been featured for his work with the Mets. He has been evolving his brand in retail, fan caves and business spaces.
“Becoming viral is never the goal, it’s always about doing meaningful work that people relate to and get inspired by,” said McCroy. “This next phase in my journey I feel captures that essence.”
Jerome McRory
Museum Maven: Jane August (@janeaugust)
To get out of the house after the pandemic, Jane August began visiting different museums in the city. This led to her social media series titled “Visiting Every Museum in NYC” where she–-you guessed it–visits every museum in the city. She also hosts the podcast, “The Next Stop Is.”
Featured back in 2025, August went viral for hosting FranCon, a celebration of the life of writer Fran Lebowitz. What started out as a joke with her followers became an actual event she committed to.
“Local news and media is a way to share the extraordinary stories of the everyday people who are in our communities,” said August. “It’s exciting to learn how your neighbors are making an impact on the world.”
She has since visited over 150 museums in the city and hopes to complete the project this year.
Jane AugustPhoto by Layna Cummings
Chronicling Pets & The City: Fern Watt (@nydogparade)
Dog lovers in the city may be familiar with amNewYork’s canine columnist Fern Watt. Watt, who has been writing about dogs for 10 years, is an editorial contributor to Schneps Media. She writes about her both conventional–and some may deem unconventional–relationship with dogs, including her own dog, Bette, who frequently makes features. Watt is also the founder of New York Dog Parade, @nydogparade, a nonprofit organization building community through dogs.
“You know how Carrie Bradshaw wrote about relationships with men in New York City? Well, I write about another exciting, loyal, New York love story: Dogs,” Watt said of her unique approach to covering pets. “I’ve always found that learning about dogs is a great way to learn about people. Plus, New York City’s dogs are doing some seriously amazing things! Dogs seriously make our city a happier and more loving place, and sharing their stories makes me happy, too.”
Watt shared that she frequently sees people in the park reading amNewYork, with their dogs no less! Since her column began, Watt has had multiple people reach out to share stories about their own dogs.
“It’s fun and rewarding to work with amNewYork on important canine story-telling!”
Fern Watt
Baller Events for Basketball Fans: Jennifer and Jasmine Gordon (@knicksomnifan)
Few things can get the city as lively and connected as a Knicks game can, and these sisters, known as the Knicks Sisters, found a way to enhance that experience. Jennifer and Jasmine Gordon are the founders of the OmniFan experience, @knicksomnifan. Featured in 2025, the OmniFan experience gives Knicks fans a chance to not only see the game, but also engage in events like interactive trivia, VIP access, and a way to connect with the Knicks community.
The Gordon sisters stated that being featured was a validating experience. “Seeing OmniFan reflected in a respected local publication made the work feel seen in a different way,” they said. “The impact wasn’t transactional. It was about being recognized as part of the city’s sports culture and knowing that our story mattered enough to be shared alongside other New York creators.”
Since their feature, OmniFan has felt increased awareness and additional media features, as well as growth as a brand. They said, “the experience affirmed how important it is for us to be thoughtful and intentional in how we tell OmniFan’s story. It also highlighted that authentic coverage starts with showing up as yourself, and that staying true to our roots and values is essential when our story is being shared.”
Jennifer and Jasmine Gordon
Fashioning the Future: Jenniffer Quezada (@digitalmodany)
Small business CEO and co-founder of Digital Moda, @digitalmodany, Jenniffer Quezada, is helping designers bring their businesses to life. Through business merchandising or expressing identity with fashion. First featured in 2025, Quezada runs this family-owned business, aiming to help other small businesses feel like “multi-million dollar companies,” she shared in her feature.
“That little girl reading the paper on her way to school was now on the cover, sharing her family’s story. It was validating not just for me, but for my parents, who worked tirelessly in the garment industry to give us a future,” Quezada recalled, thinking of her first feature.
Quezada shared that her feature taught her legacy and community is strengthened in storytelling, and that amNewYork “doesn’t just report news it amplifies voices that might otherwise go unheard.” She continued that the feature didn’t just highlight a business, but a multigenerational journey. “Storytelling humanizes business and turns missions into movements.”
Growing up in Harlem, Quezada shared that amNewYork helped to connect the community. “For immigrant families, working-class communities, and dreamers building businesses, seeing our stories in print reaffirms that we are part of New York’s fabric,” she said.
Since the feature, Digital Moda felt the impact immediately with businesses reaching out. They have since onboarded several emerging brands and expanded their team and partnerships.
“During a challenging time for our country, we’ve added more talented Latinos in fashion to our family, creating a space where heritage and craftsmanship thrive together,” said Quezada. “And we’re just getting started. Being part of the Schneps readers & creators legacy matters to us because it ties our story to the larger narrative of New York resilience, creativity, and family legacy. We’re not just making clothes, we’re crafting opportunities and honoring the hands that build this city.”
Jennifer QuezadaPhoto courtesy of Jennifer Quezada