One chapter is ending and another one is about to begin in the colorful life of Texas Monthly founder Mike Levy. The publishing powerhouse behind the nationally-acclaimed magazine is retiring at the end of this month.

Some things haven't changed since Texas Monthly was first launched.

"My love of the magazine and my excitement is the same as it was in 1973," Levy said.

The nationally-acclaimed magazine just celebrated 35 successful years in business. Levy says it's a good time to retire, but he's not going anywhere without first boasting about the magazine like a proud papa.

"And honest Indian, from the bottom of my heart every issue, every cover is my favorite," he said.

Levy says when it was first launched, the magazine's top-notch journalism quickly drew loyal readers and harsh critics.

"Nobody’s ever looked at legislators like Paul Burka did in the 'Ten Best, Ten Worst.' Nobody went in and examined the big law firms and banks like we did, so we started things that really got people's attention," Levy said.

"He stuck his hand out and said, 'I'm Mike Levy. Welcome to Texas Monthly. Don't screw up,'" said Evan Smith, recalling his first meeting with Levy when Smith joined the magazine staff in 1991. Now, Smith will take over as publisher.

"The reality is I'm not succeeding Mike or replacing Mike because there is no replacing Mike there will never be another Mike Levy," Smith said.

Smith and fellow staff members vow to continue the high standards of journalism that today draws 2 million readers. Look for more entertaining and truthful stories about Texas and Texans, even if it ruffles feathers along the way.

"If we don't have a couple of hundred cancellations each month we're doing something wrong. And what we've also found is people who cancel usually wind up coming back because they miss reading a great magazine," Levy said.

A great magazine built on Levy's passion for publishing and his business acumen.

"Mike Levy for the reasons I've just said is really one of the giants of American journalism," said Paul Burka, senior executive editor.

"Mike Levy's personality and his DNA and his view of the world will always be part of this place. And there's no chance even with him out of the building that changes," said Smith.