Possum Kingdom
Connection
From 0 to 16.6K Members in four years.
Story by Kim Nussbaum | Photo by Erika Carter
Pictured above: Chad Nix…The man behind the vision of popular Facebook Group, Possum Kingdom Connection, which boasts 16.6K members in just four years (and growing).
Chad Nix, a local boat salesman at the Slalom Shop on Possum Kingdom Lake, has deep roots in the Possum Hollow area, where he and his sisters cherish their childhood memories of lake life.
His brother-in-law Carl Cross and sister Kerrye Cross owned a boat at Villa Marina for many years during the 1980s and 1990s, which helped contribute to the family’s love for boating at PK. Before joining the Slalom Shop, Nix worked in construction as an electrician and built cabinets for homeowners around the lake.
In 2021, Nix envisioned creating a Facebook group for local residents, part-time visitors and PK enthusiasts, and on Feb. 26 of that year the Possum Kingdom Connection launched on that social media site. It has since grown to more than 16,400 members, with an average increase of more than 15 members per day – and that daily number spikes during peak seasons.
The group welcomes posts from restaurants and businesses, and many of those notices showcase daily specials while serving as a valuable platform for real estate agents.
Nix, who takes pride in reuniting lost pets with their owners through the group, typically checks for mutual friends or shared interests within the group when he reviews requests to join. He noted that many requests come from members adding friends or homeowners from PK.
When asked about the group’s popularity, Nix explained that typing “Possum Kingdom” in the Facebook search bar usually brings up Possum Kingdom Connection. He said he believes the group has fostered a community eager to stay connected to the lake and updated on local events. He noted that he’s observed increased activity in the group during reports of fires or weather changes, as many members consider PK their second home and rely on the group to be their eyes and ears for updates when they are away.
Nix said he aims to keep Possum Kingdom Connection free from negativity, preferring it not to become a platform for complaints, but does he allow some rants, particularly when they expose businesses that seem to be taking advantage of local residents.
“I see so much of that, because they think that because the owners have a lake house, they can charge double or triple for their work,” Nix said, adding that business referrals, recommendations and raves are always welcome.
Those who aren’t yet a member of Possum Kingdom Connection might want to consider joining the group to find items for sale, recommendations, referrals and more. One of those new members might even rescue a pet along the way.
