Hinsdale Living, August 2023

DISCOVER

Why We’re Hinsdale’s Preferred Choice for Remodeling & Custom Homes.

Airoom has been designing & building in Hinsdale for over 65 years. Our commitment to our craft and our clients is showcased in every project we undertake. We handle everything, from the first sketch to the final nail.

Step into our new design studio where dreams are transformed into reality.

Stop in to see Airoom’s all new kitchens from Spain, featuring beautiful Quartzstone cabinetry fronts and interiors for performance without chipping or staining!

Alfa

Hinsdale, we you

DEAR HINSDALE:

We love the energy that fills Burlington Park all summer long, from sunny days at the farmers market to starry nights at Uniquely Thursdays. We love stepping back in time in your charming downtown. We love your historic architecture, your tree-lined streets, your chic boutiques, your thriving restaurant scene, your welcoming spirit. We love YOU.

LOVE,

Last Chance for Our Summer of Sculpt Savings

Our patients are loving their results from Sentient Sculpt Gigawave technology for skin tightening, cellulite reduction and fat melting.

Lift, smooth, and tighten with savings on Sculptra, Sentient Sculpt, Ultherapy, and Sylfirm X Radiofrequency Microneedling packages.

Say good-bye to summer with these no downtime treatments!

Back to school with the BRUSH team!

Experience Counts

Our doctors have a combined 50+ years of exclusively treating children.

Kid-crazy, fun-loving, destroyers of sugar bugs.

Don’t forget, dental exams are required for K, 2nd 6th, and 9th grades.

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

• Board Examiner and Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry

• University of Michigan-BA and DDS

• University of Illinois-Chicago MS and Diploma Pediatric Dentistry

• Northwestern University-MBA

Expertise Matters

Our team makes evidence-based treatment recommendations that follow current guidelines.

Did you know?

Kids with cavities in baby teeth are 4x more likely to have cavities in adult teeth.

Dental disease is responsible for 34 million lost school hours.

DR. LYNNA GRIPENTROG

• Joined Brush Pediatric Dentistry in 2014

• University of Illinois-Champaign Urbana-BS

• Southern Illinois University-DMD

• Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital-Residency in Pediatric Dentistry

• Diplomate ABPD

DR. MAGGIE RIZZO

• Joined Brush Pediatric Dentistry in 2019

• University of Michigan- BS

• University of Illinois-Chicago, DMD

• Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s HospitalResidency in Pediatric Dentistry

• Diplomate ABPD

DR. ANDREINA KARMANCHANDI DR. STEPHANIE BOLLOW

• Joined Brush Pediatric Dentistry in 2016

• University of Central Florida-BS

• Arizona School of Dentistry-DMD

• Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s HospitalResidency in Pediatric Dentistry

• Diplomate ABPD

• Joined Brush Pediatric Dentistry in 2022

• University of Illinois- BS

• University of Illinois-Chicago, DMD, MS, and Diploma Pediatric Dentistry

by James Gustin Styling by Theresa DeMaria

Thinking of selling?

Founder & Publisher J.W. CONATSER

Associate Publisher GRETCHEN BARNARD

Editor-in-Chief MICHELLE CROWE

Special Projects Editor KEMMIE RYAN

Beauty Editor ALLISON DUNCAN

Contributing Editors ELAINE DOREMUS

DUSTIN O’REGAN

SHERRY THOMAS

MEGAN WEISBERG

Senior Fashion Editor THERESA DEMARIA

Contributing Writers LAUREN DEMARIA

MITCH HURST

JANIS MVK

JULIA PAULSON

Production Manager / Graphic Designer LINDA LEWIS

Advertising Coordinator / Graphic Designer CHRIS GEIMER

Graphic Designer SAM SUAREZ

Contributing Photographers JAMES GUSTIN

IAN MCLEOD

ROBIN SUBAR

MARIA PONCE

KATRINA WITTKAMP

Administrative Assistant CHE YANNE LENCIONI

Advertising Sales JENNIFER STURGEON

HOW TO REACH Hinsdale Living Magazine

Advertising inquiries: INFO@JWCMEDIA.COM

6 30-200-9027

General inquiries: 847-926-0911

Editorial inquiries: 630-270-7991

Editorial email: MICHELLE@JWCMEDIA.COM

On the web: HINSDALELIVINGMAG.COM

Mailing Address: 671 ACADEMY DRIVE NORTHBROOK, ILLINOIS 60062

Hinsdale

Thank

EDITOR’S NOTE

August is a bittersweet month. There’s still time to pack in summer fun, but as the light fades earlier in the evening and the breeze turns cooler, I long to hold onto the ease of summer days.

I’ll be making the most of the remaining summer evenings by sneaking off to Kura Sushi for a super-fun dinner. Read why you should too in Dinner Date

The incredible people in this gorgeous issue probably don’t share my love of ease as they are out in the world making everything better. We are thrilled to introduce you to Lota Ojiako, a physician who is raising money and spirits by making sure more young people have opportunities to study STEM.

Greenhouse Scholars is an incredible organization with strong support in Hinsdale. Megan McCleary shares why she and her late husband Tom have been involved with this group for many years.

Looking ahead a few weeks, it’s time to register for the Rotary Run. Grand Marshal Meg Cooper of the best days of the year.

We’re so pleased to introduce you to some of the most amazing professionals in our area. fantastic section. Whether you’re looking for a general consult or a specialist, they’re here in our pages.

You’ve built wealth. It’s important to have a team around you to protect and grow it. Meet some of the best in Dollars & Sense

Find additional Finance advice from the team at BMO Harris Hinsdale Wealth Advisors and the team at Strategic Divorce

Flip through our Living + Giving section for all the best parties, including some year-end celebrations with eyepopping numbers. I remain so proud of our community and all the good that residents do every day. Please be in touch to share all the news of what you’re working on and enjoy these last few weeks of summer!

Gratefully,

MICHELLE CROWE Editor-in-Chief michelle@jwcmedia.com

80 JOURNEYS

HINSDALE INFERNO BASKETBALL TRYOUTS

WHEN:

WHERE:

TIMES:

GIRLS BOYS

BY IAN MCLEOD

Talk of the Town

Hinsdale Living’s guide to the area’s people, places, and things that you must know about

Memorial Building Historic Plaza & Railing Campaign

The Memorial Building was built to honor Hinsdale Residents who served in our wars and as a tribute to those brave soldiers that did not return home. This historic landmark is the centerpiece of our Village and has served as our natural front lawn for nearly 100 years. In 1927, funding for this notable project was based almost solely on donations from fellow Hinsdaleans. Today, the community is once again coming together to help renew and restore the Memorial Building Historic Plaza & Roof Railing. Be a part of Hinsdale history with your donation. villageofhinsdale.org

AUGUST 6

HPL AFTER DARK: THE CHICAGO COSSACKS

WHERE: Hinsdale Public Library

WHEN: 6 p.m.

The Chicago Cossacks will perform a combination of Ukrainian, klezmer, and Romani music and dance. Bring your own picnic to this family-friendly outdoor event. hinsdalelibrary.info

AUGUST 13

CHICAGO WOMEN’S POLO CHALLENGE CHAMPIONSHIP

WHERE: Oak Brook Polo Club

WHEN: 3 p.m.

TICKETS: From $30

The Midwest’s premier women’s polo tournament culminates here, on the Cecil Smith Field. Prepare your tailgate and cheer on these incredible women. Polo

Sundays start at 1 p.m., when guests are welcomed into the club to mix, mingle, and get ready for the ponies. oakbrookpolo.com

AUGUST 14

BROADWAY IN CHICAGO

WHERE: Pritzker Pavilion at Millennium Park

WHEN: 6:15 p.m.

Performances will include selections from MJ, which will be in performances at the James M. Nederlander Theatre, returning favorite HAMILTON, the pre-Broadway Chicago premieres of A WONDERFUL WORLD and THE WIZ, and BOOP! The Musical, which has its World Premiere in Chicago this fall, Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s Tony Award winning musical revival COMPANY, and Christmas favorite, Dr. Seuss’s HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS THE MUSICAL.

SEPTEMBER 10 ANTIQUES & TREASURES IN THE FIELD

WHERE: New Location! East Lake Forest Train Station 691 N. Western Ave. Lake Forest

WHEN: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Join the Lake Forest Chapter of the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago Auxiliary at a fantastic new location at the East Lake Forest Train Station for the fabulous 55th annual event supporting healthcare services to medically underserved families in Chicago. More than 50 dealers from across the Midwest will offer treasures, including furniture, glassware, garden accessories, vintage jewelry, and clothing. All funds raised support the IWS Family Health Clinic. lakeforestantiquesale.com

THE BUZZ

SET IT

SOLEIL TOUJOURS Clean Conscious Set + Protect Micro Mist Sunscreen SPF 30 is the hands-down favorite sunscreen of the summer. A 70%+ organic, sunscreen face mist with hyaluronic acid, vitamin c and vitamin e to protect and hydrate the skin, and set your makeup, in one step. This super fine, reef safe mist is the perfect final step of your daily skincare routine. Finish your look with totally clear, weightless, and waterresistant sun protection. It’s not greasy at all and adds absolutely no white cast. Keep it with you for effortless SPF reapplication throughout the day. This mist feels like your favorite setting spray and protects your beautiful face. soleiltoujours.com

LIGHT IT

Table lamps are having a moment. For your desk, we love the GOODMAN TABLE LAMP. Handsome and chic, it showcases the simplicity of conical shades with refined details, and definitely displays classic elegance. Exploring pared-down silhouettes through metal and paper, the lamp’s designer, Thomas O’Brien, focuses on elegant accents like graceful long link chains and the pivots on articulating arms. Rediscover the beauty of table and floor lamps and light it up at the Circa Lighting showroom in Hinsdale. circalighting.com

CELEBRATE IT

As the Official Jeweler of the Chicago Cubs, CD PEACOCK has the in on special access for clients. The venerable jewelry house is offering one of these special couples the chance to celebrate their engagement at Wrigley Field. Winners will receive two gameday tickets to a Chicago Cubs baseball game at Wrigley Field during the 2023 season. Two pregame access passes to watch batting practice before the selected game. A congratulatory message on the Wrigley Field video board during the selected game. And best of all, an engagement photo session on the field day of the selected game to commemorate your engagement season, summer, the Chicago Cubs, and the joy of it all. Enter and read the terms and conditions at cdpeacock.com.

Opposing viewpoints.

The most difficult decisions require the most trusted attorneys.

NOELLE McINERNEY

grew up in Fort Lauderdale, FL, where she and her sister loved swimming and playing at the beach year-round. Noelle definitely misses her beach days after living in the Midwest for more than 20 years. A diligent student who loved being involved and and played competitive volleyball through high school, Northwestern University beckoned Noelle to Illinois, and she’s been here ever since.

Noelle lives in Clarendon Hills with her husband, Tom, her three-year-old little boy, Vinny, and her three stepkids, Madeline (15), Nellie (13) and Finnegan (13). An 11-year-old pup, Wheels, rounds out the family.

Noelle is the Founder and President of Ladidadi Events & Incentives. After 15 years of working as a corporate event planner, she started the business in 2017 with the intent of creating a company where event professionals (women specifically) could plan international events AND have a life/family. Today it is a thriving team of 12 professionals who produce meetings and events all over the world. This year alone they’re working on programs in Spain, Portugal, Mexico, Bahamas, Florida, North Carolina, Las Vegas, Wisconsin, and of course, Chicago! “I can honestly say I’m living my dream and I’m so grateful to be able to do what I do every day,” Noelle says.

Noelle and her family try to make the most of time at home. Their Clarendon Hills home is definitely a summer house, and they spend as much time in the backyard as possible.

EDITED BY MICHELLE CROWE PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES GUSTIN

STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA HAIR AND MAKEUP BY LEANNA ERNEST

Noelle wears a blue satin pantsuit by Alice & Olivia at Neiman Marcus.

COUNTRY VS. TOWN

Mantra? Overplan then go with the flow. On your reading stack? While I definitely have a reading stack I feel like I should caveat that I do not read nearly as much as I would like to these days! Stacked as so: Regretting You by Colleen Hoover, The Happiest Toddler on the Block by Harvey Karp, The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley, Toddler Discipline for Every Age + Stage by Aubrey Hargis, A Promised Land by Barack Obama. Podcast? I’m more of an audio-book gal - currently listing to The 7 husbands of Evelyn Hugo, up next is Tony Robins Life Force. I like to go back and forth between business/mindset books and fiction. Favorite workout? Yoga Sculpt at Core Power. There’s nothing like it. Best grooming tip? Vitamin A + Vitamin C combo skin regimen is a game changer. Also, laser hair removal! Guilty pleasure? Watching The Bachelor franchise shows, while drinking red wine. But I don’t really feel guilty. Early memory? The hot summers of south Florida - the smell of grass, the sound of bugs, and the cool relief of our pool when my sister and I would swim. Music you love? I love music that makes me feel like I’m on island time - Bob Marley is constantly on in our house. Advice you would give to your younger self? Trust your gut and enjoy the ride. Also, maybe take a business accounting class even though you are certain you will never need it.

WHEN IN THE COUNTRY

Your style is? Athleisure, because running after our threeyear-old boy requires that I’m ready for anything, and also ok to have any outfit spilled on at any time. Favorite From our house, through Prospect Park, to the sadly now closed Starbucks. My crew opts for bike rides over walks these days, and we love to ride through the beautiful residential streets of Hinsdale and Clarendon Hills. Favorite sounds or soundtrack? Brown noise on my sound machine app at bed time. Can’t leave the house without? Mom tote and/or fanny pack to include Honest baby wipes + SNACKS on SNACKS on SNACKS Place to celebrate?

Nabuki Best quick bite or hidden gem? Quick bite goto is Fontano’s Subs. We recently discovered Kim’s Uncle Pizza in Westmot and were blown away – highly recommend! Favorite festival or special event? Daisy Dashthis has become such a special part of how we celebrate my husband on Father’s Day. Although begrudgingly, our kids participate and it makes him so happy. Best thing about the country? The foliage and landscaping. It really is beautiful here. Abundant parking is also beautiful. Worst thing about the country? The traffic, which makes the commute time to the city long. The perfect day is? My toddler sleeping past 6 a.m., then breakfast together at Paige’s… yoga…family hang time at home swimming and grilling… and a show with my husband once the kids are in bed.

WHEN IN TOWN

Your style is? Business “cool” — is that a style? I try to mix it up and pair blazers + ripped jeans, dresses + sneakers, and I love a good romper. Favorite walk? This inter view makes me realize I need to carve out time to go on more walks! Let’s go with Armitage Avenue because of the lovely stops for shopping + drinking. Favorite sounds or soundtrack? The sounds of people out and about; the vibrancy of the city is contagious and gives me energy. Can’t leave the house without? My (non-mom) tote bag, packed with my laptop, makeup bag stocked with key toiletries, and a water bottle Place to celebrate? Topo Gigio. Best quick bite or hidden gem? Aberdeen Tap! They have the BEST chicken wings, and even though it’s close to the West Loop, the vibe is still very much neighborhood corner bar. Favorite festival or special event? Chicago Food and Wine Festival. Shop? Definitely the shops around Rush + Oak Street. I also usually have good luck at the Bloomingdale’s on Michigan Avenue. Best thing about town? The plethora of entertainment options on any given night – concerts, comedy shows, exhibits, etc! The perfect day is? Joining my team on site at one of Ladidadi’s events and seeing engaged & happy attendees (and happy clients!) After that, drinks and dinner with a girlfriend (on a patio if possible!) before heading home to my family.

Noelle wearing an Oscar de la Renta dress at Neiman Marcus.

WHO WORE IT WHEN, WHERE AND WONDERFULLY

PHOTOGRAPHY BY IAN MCLEOD

Welcome to a realm of unparalleled elegance and exclusivity in the highly sought-after Cabernet Court, a luxury subdivision of Burr Ridge. This enviable address combines the serenity of suburban living with the cosmopolitan allure of the city.

• 6 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, 2 half baths

• 13,333 square feet of lush acreage

• Hand carved stone fireplaces, volume ceilings, floor-to-ceiling designer millwork

• Nearby Burr Ridge Village Center, a premier shopping and dining destination featuring upscale boutiques, gourmet restaurants, and entertainment options, and neighboring downtown Hinsdale

• All Hinsdale schools: Elm Elementary, Hinsdale Middle School, Hinsdale Central High School

630.935.8150

The powerhouse nonprofit organization, Greenhouse Scholars, accelerates the change in our younger generations’ educational success stories. For almost two decades, the CEO and Founder of Greenhouse Scholars, Pete Burridge, alongside a powerful team of innovators, has influenced the lives of high-performing, low-income students across the nation. With hard work and dedication to change, Greenhouse Scholars has built effective programs that supports extraordinary students throughout and beyond college.

The organization was founded with one mission - to cultivate cohorts of leaders who will evolve the communities of the world. The organization has expanded their roots to now offer support beyond scholars’ college years, through their Community Change Model, which encapsulates their College Program and Young Leaders Program. Postgraduate scholars are equipped with not only a diploma but hundreds of helping hands who create a strong, supportive network. Greenhouse Scholars works to transform lives by providing scholars with skillful mentors, leadership training, career coaching, internship opportunities, and more throughout their college experience and beyond.

Andra Pool, Chief Relationship and Community Officer at Greenhouse Scholars expresses that “We ensure that our scholars graduate from college, thrive, and are in a position to be leaders.”

Greenhouse Scholars’ uniqueness derives from their model to combine the nuts and bolts of a for-profit business with the tried and true aspirations of a nonprofit organization. “We’re able to attract really high performing, high integrity people because we have a value system and a culture that has other high performing high integrity people wanting to be a part of what we’re doing,” Burridge says. Greenhouse Scholars is heavily supported not only by their team of hardworking individuals, but by the public through a plethora of volunteer opportunities, donors, alumni, event attendees, sponsors, and fundraiser hosts.

Hinsdale has been a great catalyst for the spread of Greenhouse Scholars’ impactful mission and is beloved in the Greenhouse Scholars family. The organization’s Hinsdale community has over 600 members, who have donated over $1.5 million to Greenhouse Scholars and have volunteered more than 10,000 hours. “It’s been fulfilling for me to be able to have what we’re doing on a national scale be embraced by the Hinsdale community where I’m from,” Burridge noted.

Every volunteer is appreciated and recognized for their efforts. Hinsdale resident, and beloved member of the organization, Megan McCleary, shares her heartwarming story and

the impact Greenhouse Scholars made on her and her family. Megan and her late husband Tom’s story began at a Glass Half Full event years ago. “We were really impressed with what Greenhouse Scholars does to really help the whole person,” said McCleary, “what really drew us were the scholars speaking about their backgrounds but also how Greenhouse Scholars has helped them.” The couple were eager to get involved in the organization following their attendance at the event. The two dove deeper into the nonprofit by sponsoring an upcoming Glass Half Full event through McCleary’s real estate firm. Alongside this, Tom became involved in the interview process after the couple grew a deeper connection to the mission. McCleary mentioned that one scholar, Faiz Rehman, touched the heart of Tom during an interview, and they continued to stay in contact. After participating in the selection process, Tom became a mentor to scholar Ricardo Reyes. The McCleary family grew to adore Reyes and his journey at Stanford University through his meaningful relationship with Tom. McCleary’s husband was later diagnosed with cancer, and she mentioned, “One day when Tom was sick he got three phone calls. He was pretty emotional that day, and he said he got calls from his three guys. One of them was Faiz, one of them was Ricardo, and one of them was our son Sean.” McCleary noted the joy that was brought to Tom after receiving these phone calls on the same day. McCleary deeply expressed the mark left by the two scholars, Faiz and Ricardo, and how they touched their lives. As the volunteers help to make an impact on scholars’ lives, you can expect scholars to leave a greater effect on the lives of the volunteers.

The Hinsdale community continues to be a beloved branch of Greenhouse Scholars’ supporters. “It’s the community that got us off the ground,” after the organization’s launch in Illinois, says Monica Beckford Curry, Chicago-based Director at Greenhouse Scholars. The organization is hosting this year’s Glass Half Full Illinois in downtown Chicago this fall. Greenhouse Scholars offers a handful of annual events and encourages attendance. Whether you’ve been involved or not, Greenhouse Scholars invites the community to join in on their change. “When people come to our events for the first time, they’re really surprised at how it feels like they’re at a gathering of friends and family,” says Beckford Curry. Pete Burridge and his team are in the vanguard of the revolution of future generations. Greenhouse Scholars is not just a nonprofit organization, it’s a force for change in our society.

If you’d like to become a part of the Greenhouse Scholars community, visit greenhousescholars.org

“We ensure that our scholars graduate from college, thrive, and are in a position to be leaders.”

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what my clients are saying:

“Shelly was truly wonderful to work with, and I couldn’t recommend her enough! From start to finish she exceeded expectations and made our selling/purchasing process seamless. She is very well connected, detail-oriented, extremely responsive, and helpful in every way. Anything that came up along the way, she was able to get someone to take care of it, and that took away any stress on our end! Her knowledge of the Hinsdale area, and connections to absolutely everyone from contractors, handyman, designers, etc. made things that much easier every step of the way, even after our purchase. She very much cared that we found our forever home, and that it was perfect for us, and never tried to push anything that didn’t check all of the boxes. Alternatively, with our saleshe brought us multiple offers over ask, and guided us to the best one. I couldn’t recommend her enough!” - SD & ED

Lota Ojiako widens the welcome in STEM

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

WORDS BY JANIS MVK / PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES GUSTIN

STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA / HAIR AND MAKEUP BY LEANNA ERNEST

Technology in healthcare and engineering is ever evolving, advancing in ways that are faster than people can keep up with. As artificial intelligence makes its way into the lives of everyday citizens, now it’s imperative more than ever that no one gets left behind.

Since the 1940s, the percentage of Black American male doctors in the nation has mostly remained static, but recently there has been a steady decline. According to Zebralter Medical, a nonprofit Burr Ridge-based organization dedicated to connecting Black scientists to communities of color, less than six percent of the nation’s doctors are Black, less than four percent are dentists, and less than seven percent are nurse practitioners.

They also report that 40 percent of Black students who go into college to study science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), will switch majors around their sophomore year mostly due to isolation and course load. Currently, less than seven percent actually graduate. What’s even more alarming is that Zebralter Medical reports that Black people, even when adjusting for economic background, social status, and educational level, still suffer the worst healthcare outcomes compared to any other race.

Dr. Lota Ojiako is aiming to change that.

“Science is the bedrock of the nation,” says Dr. Ojiako, founder of Zebralter Medical. “One of the major drivers of strong communities is education and job earnings, and with jobs in STEM increasing at a rapid rate, it matters that no community is left behind.”

To assist this matter, Zebralter Medical offers a free healthcare app, Melanin Medical Specialties (MMS), connecting Black healthcare professionals to communities of color. MMS is the only app of its kind that connects mentees to mentors, while answering STEM and career-related questions. The app also assists

healthcare trainees seeking advanced specialization get and stay connected with those in similar fields. Underrepresented minorities can find doctors within their racial demographics in order to help bridge the diversity gap in healthcare through the app, get lifetime success tips that make an impact regardless of age, demographic, race, and background; and leave the user feeling inspired by use of the “Be Inspired” page that focuses on Black Americans with motivational and inspirational stories.

“One of the reasons why Zebralter Medical and the MMS app matters is visibility,” says Dr. Ojiako. “You aspire to what you see.” With a pool of diverse Black healthcare professionals of different fields, their image, success tips, mentor-and-mentee connection at the tip of users fingertips, Zebralter Medical leverages technology to bring action-oriented results, she says.

In addition to the app, Zebralter is fundraising for its newest initiative, STEM Pipeline Program. The program intends to provide a longitudinal program that will work with students in high school and college consisting of mentoring and education. “The program will provide enrichment classes during the school year and also offer a two-week summer program offering oral-presentation workshops and STEM classes,” says Dr. Ojiako.

Healthcare professionals will also be available to connect with students and mentor them while exploring career options during in-person summer camps. “Students will be exposed to a varied array of career options and build upon what’s available to them in healthcare,” she says.

“The pipeline program will help build not just a strong STEM foundation, but confident oral presentation skills for students which will help them navigate high school and college life,” says Dr. Ojiako. “Our program will support graduating students through mentor-and-mentee connections not just in high school, but in college as well decreasing the feeling of isolation and switching majors,” she says.

Partnering with the Black Alumni Network of University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign, this new program will give out annual awards to deserving undergraduate students in STEM who demonstrate leadership in the community.

In order to raise awareness of Zebralter Medical’s vision and mission, its first fundraising event will be held at the Doubletree Hilton in Oakbrook on October 21st. The evening will include a cocktail reception, live music, award ceremony, prizes, raffle, fashion show, and dancing.

“As a local resident of Burr Ridge for over 15 years and active parishioner at Our Lady of Peace, I have seen firsthand the kindness and generosity of our community,” says Dr. Ojiako. “The desire to bring about change, foster diversity and equip disadvantaged families with tools to better themselves is at the core of who we are and our organization rooted locally has a nationwide reach, with a mission to bridge the STEM gap.”

For more information, visit zebraltermedical.org.

Lota Ojiako at her home in Burr Ridge

Grand Marshal Meg Cooper celebrates the Rotary Run Charity Classic

WORDS BY MICHELLE CROWE PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBIN SUBAR

On Sunday, October 1, 2023 people from all over Chicagoland will show their support for their communities and local charities by participating in the annual Rotary Run Charity Classic. All events begin at The Community House, and wind through the historic streets of Hinsdale.

This year’s Grand Marshal Meg Cooper, a long time Hinsdale resident and Executive Director of the District 181 Foundation, waxes poetic about the beauty and community spirit of the day. “It’s usually a perfect fall day, with crisp blue skies and the leaves starting to turn vibrant colors. The children are so excited and it’s one of the events that make you feel so happy that you moved here,” she says.

With 3K, 5K, and 10K runs, 3K and 5K walks and the everpopular Mutt Strut, this annual event will bring more than 2,500 participants and spectators to the course who will step up for their children and families. A variety of family activities will be featured, including sponsor booths, refreshments, music and more. The mascot race is not to be missed.

Cooper loves the friendly competition inspired by medals awarded to winners in the elementary grades. “I’ve seen kindergarten sisters win their races, while their athletic third grade brother comes in a close second. Everyone wins, really, but for that morning, she has bragging rights.” As Grand Marshal, handing out medals and ribbons is a big part of the day. “Thank goodness it’s all calculated for us. In the early years, there were hand calculations and I’ve seen very accomplished doctors and other professionals experience a bit of anxiety around assuring that the medals are handed out correctly,” Cooper says.

Proceeds will benefit leading community charities which include: The Community House, District 181 Foundation, Hin-

sdale Hospital Foundation, Rotary Club of Hinsdale Foundation and Ray Graham Association-Hanson Center.

“This is the 29th annual Rotary Run Charity Classic. The 2023 event builds on over 60 years of service, more than two million dollars of support Hinsdale Rotary and its charities have provided to the surrounding communities and around the world. Our goal this year, as always, is “service above self”, and to positively impact the lives of many area residents.” said Carolyn Snyder, President of the Hinsdale Rotary Club.

Cooper offer her appreciation for the Hinsdale Rotary Club’s staunch support of the District 181 Foundation. “Every year the Rotary Club of Hinsdale is the largest donor to the Foundation and their cumulative donations to the foundation over the years are also the largest. We are so grateful to the Rotary Club of Hinsdale for the support and for being such a positive force in our area and encouraging all of us to be better people,” she says.

“The bikes for military kids program is a great example of the good this group does,” Cooper says.

Entry fees are as low as $25 a person and $75 for a family of four to six members. With flash sales and special pricing, it’s possible to enjoy this incredible day of fun and fitness for even less. The Rotary Run Charity Classic donates all proceeds of the race to charity. The charities chosen to receive donations are impactful locally, regionally, and even nationally and internationally. In addition to the District 181 Foundation, The Community House, Hinsdale Hospital Foundation, the Ray Graham Association, and the Rotary Club of Hinsdale Foundation will also receive donations.

Interested runners or walkers are encouraged to register online at rotaryruncharityclassic.com

Hinsdale’s family race is in its 29th year.

“The bike for military kids program is a great example of the good this group does...”

Meg Cooper readies for her role as Grand Marshall of the Rotary Run Charity Classic.

WolfSubZero appliances, quartz counters. Amazing lower level with 10’ ceilings, recreation room with a fireplace, wet bar, exercise room and a full bath. Ready for occupancy.

Dollars & Sense

Allow us to introduce a few of the most prominent wealth managers serving the Western Suburbs. High-net-worth residents and local business owners trust the experts found in the following pages to manage their assets, help them achieve their financial goals, and secure the financial futures of upcoming generations.

PRODUCED & EDITED BY KEMMIE RYAN

WORDS BY MITCH HURST

PHOTOGRAPHY BY IAN MCLEOD & KATRINA WITTKAMP

STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA

HAIR & MAKEUP BY LEANNA ERNEST, CATHLEEN HEALY, KAYLA JATZAB, MARGARETA KOMLENAC, KONSTANTINE MIRONYCHEV, AND FRANCES TSALAS

EDITORIAL

ASSISTANT: CHEYANNE LENCIONI

JAN-PETER BREUGELMANS

MANAGING DIRECTOR, SENIOR WEALTH ADVISOR

CHRISTOPHER S. SMULSKI

MANAGING DIRECTOR, SENIOR WEALTH ADVISOR TRUIST

WEALTH

The first thing Christopher Smulski shares with his clients is background about himself and his family. It’s a way to set his clients at ease, and to prompt them to share their stories. Getting to know his clients and learning about their personal and financial goals is a key first step in building successful relationships. Smulski is a native to Chicago, his grandparents settled here in the early 1900s. “They didn’t have much money and made the journey to America for the opportunity to create something of their own,” he says. This work ethic and the importance of education and planning for the future was passed along to Smulski by his parents which inspired him to pursue a career in finance and he now has more than two decades of experience in wealth management. At Truist Wealth, Smulski works alongside Jan-Peter Breugelmans, who shares the work culture and ethic of his colleague. Growing up in Europe, he has always been fascinated with banking, especially with the deep psychological relationship families have with growing, maintaining, and transitioning wealth. He says, “It’s what has driven me to partner with high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth families, building an emotional connection with each other—working together to curate a dynamic, living and breathing plan for their entire financial universe.” Breugelmans and Smulski specialize in advising business owners, entrepreneurs, and successful families on their investment strategies, using custom and strategic credit, estate planning and estate tax mitigation, business transition advisory, business sales/acquisitions, and multi-generational commercial real estate holdings. Breugelmans believes that listening in between the lines to his clients’ needs and goals is the key to helping them achieve success, which sometimes means asking tough questions to gain a deeper understanding of where they are coming from and where they want to go. His work with clients’ centers on collaboration, precision, transparency, and delivering on what he says he will do. “We’re sitting on the same side of the table as our clients, working together to achieve their goals and teaming up with their other advisors, including CPAs and attorneys, so our clients know they have a comprehensive plan. Because of this, our clients are our biggest advocates,” he says. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in finance from the Ecole Polytechnique De Commerce in Paris, France. Smulski and Breugelmans are among the original team members of Truist Wealth in the Midwest. Truist is a purposedriven financial services company, formed by the historic merger of equals of BB&T and SunTrust. Truist has a purposedriven culture and some core values that differentiate them quite significantly because they live it—Truist’s purpose is to inspire and build better lives and communities. Every day, the pursuit of better drives them—to empower clients with more choice, teammates with more fulfillment, and communities with more hope. They boldly believe in the power of what can be achieved together. Both Smulski and Breugelmans believe in giving back to their communities. Smulski has been involved with the Big Shoulders Fund for more than a decade. Big Shoulders Fund provides support to Catholic schools with demonstrated need in Chicago by providing scholarship support and academic enrichment for students, operational improvements for schools, leadership development programs for the next generation of school leaders, and academic programs and professional development for teachers. Smulski sits on the Chairman’s Advisory Council and volunteers as a Stock Market Program Teacher. Breugelmans is involved with the Fox Valley Entrepreneurship Center, which is a collaboration of expert advisors and mentors who surround qualified entrepreneurs with the resources they need to achieve growth and The Primo Center for Women and Children, which is a leader in providing family shelter and permanent supportive housing, integrated physical, dental, and mental health care, early childhood development, and supportive services to homeless families in Chicago.

For more information, email Jan-Peter Breugelmans (NMLSR 444125) at jp.breugelmans@truist.com or Christopher Smulski (NMLSR 519764) at christopher. smulski@truist.com.

Registered Representatives, Truist Investment Services, Inc. and Investment Adviser Representatives, Truist Advisory Services, Inc. Investment and Insurance Products:

•Are not FDIC or any other Government Agency Insured •Are not Bank Guaranteed •May Lose Value Truist Wealth is a name used by Truist Financial Corporation. Banking products and services, including loans, deposit accounts, trust and investment management services provided by Truist Bank, Member FDIC. Securities, brokerage accounts, insurance/annuities offered by Truist Investment Services, Inc. member FINRA, SIPC, and a licensed insurance agency where applicable. Life insurance products offered by referral to Truist Insurance Holdings, Inc. and affiliates. Investment advisory services offered by Truist Advisory Services, Inc., Sterling Capital Management, LLC, and affiliated SEC registered investment advisers. Sterling Capital Funds advised by Sterling Capital Management, LLC. © 2023 Truist Financial Corporation. Truist, the Truist logo and Truist purple are service marks of Truist Financial Corporation.

JENN BARRY, CFA

INVESTMENT ADVISOR AARON WEALTH ADVISORS

As Investment Advisor at Aaron Wealth Advisors, an independent boutique advisory firm, Jenn Barry serves as a fiduciary and advocate for her clients to help simplify the complexities of their wealth. By building deep, trusting relationships, Barry advises her clients to view their wealth as a tool to live fulfilling and meaningful lives. “I like to share my history and experience, starting with humble beginnings in Michigan to working on Wall Street, in order to demonstrate my expertise, motivation, and innate need to help others,” she says. Barry received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Michigan and is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder, a graduate of the Building the Behavioral Advisor (BTBA) program, and a candidate for Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification. Barry’s current role as private wealth manager is an evolution of her 26 years on Wall Street in institutional equity sales. “It’s the perfect opportunity to use my knowledge, experience, empathy, and ability to connect to help families define and achieve their financial and life goals,“ she says. Barry resides in Northbrook with her husband and three children. For more information, visit aaronwealth.com/our-team/jenn-barry-cfa.

Aaron Wealth Advisors LLC is registered as an investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Aaron Wealth Advisors LLC only transacts business in states where it is properly registered or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of the firm by the Commission, nor does it indicate that the adviser has attained a particular level of skill or ability.

ADRIANNA STASIUK

INVESTMENT ADVISOR AARON WEALTH ADVISORS

In her role as Investment Advisor at Aaron Wealth, Adrianna Stasiuk provides comprehensive wealth management services to the individuals and families with whom she works. Stasiuk is proud to hold both a B.A. and an MBA from the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business. Further instrumental to her development and growth into a hardworking, disciplined advisor was being recruited to play Division I college volleyball at Notre Dame, attending on a full athletic scholarship and acting team captain her junior and senior years. Stasiuk considers it an honor to be the primary advisor to closely held family business owners as well as providing guidance and care to successful women. “If I wasn’t working as an advisor, I’d be a teacher,” Stasiuk says, speaking to her expertise. “I’m passionate about personal financial education and erasing the perceptions of finance as being intimidating or complicated.” Her sincere goal is to help clients and their families understand their investments, allowing them to uncover true meaning and purpose for their wealth. Working at an independent firm like Aaron Wealth Advisors allows Stasiuk to serve as an advocate for her clients by sitting on their side of the table. By limiting the constraints and conflicts of interest that can arise in the financial services industry, she can truly serve her clients’ best interests. Important to Stasiuk is giving back to the community by supporting causes like youth literacy and education. Most recently, she served as a board member at Reading In Motion, a Chicago-based literacy nonprofit, and volunteered as a tutor at Chicago Lights, a nonprofit at Chicago’s Fourth Presbyterian Church. For more information, visit aaronwealth.com/our-team/adrianna-stasiuk.

Aaron Wealth Advisors LLC is registered as an investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Aaron Wealth Advisors LLC only transacts business in states where it is properly registered or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of the firm by the Commission, nor does it indicate that the adviser has attained a particular level of skill or ability.

Wardrobe by Veronica Beard, available at Neiman Marcus

Legal Leaders

Many of the top lawyers in the state of Illinois practice in the Western Suburbs, and this issue of Hinsdale Living highlights experts in estate planning, family law and divorce, personal injury, and other legal matters. We never know when a legal issue will arise, and this section serves as a handy guide to accomplished and award-winning attorneys who have strong records of achieving results for their clients.

PRODUCED & EDITED BY KEMMIE RYAN

WORDS BY MITCH HURST

PHOTOGRAPHY BY IAN MCLEOD & KATRINA WITTKAMP

STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA

HAIR & MAKEUP BY LEANNA ERNEST, CATHLEEN HEALY, KAYLA JATZAB, MARGARETA KOMLENAC, KONSTANTINE MIRONYCHEV, AND FRANCES TSALAS

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: CHEYANNE LENCIONI

WILL STOGSDILL

THE STOGSDILL LAW FIRM, P.C.

Will Stogsdill is an attorney deeply rooted in family law, with his own strong family values. Raised in Wheaton, Stogsdill has been a lifelong member of the community. After attending Clemson University and John Marshall Law School, Stogsdill moved back to raise his family. Stogsdill spent his summers working as a clerk with The Stogsdill Law Firm. In April 2012, after spending years as an Assistant State’s Attorney with DuPage County criminal prosecutors, Stogsdill rejoined the firm as an attorney. Stogsdill’s professional inspiration lies in his devotion to his family. That devotion makes him an outstanding advocate for his clients. He finds obtaining the best results for his clients’ fulfilling, and a reward in itself. Stogsdill’s strong ethics, moral compass, trial skills, and unassuming nature make him a fair, yet forceful adversary. He utilizes his background in finance to analyze complex financial issues for clients, including estate issues, tracing of assets, income, and division of retirement benefits. Stogsdill understands divorce actions can be overwhelming. A client’s choice of attorney can greatly affect the outcome of their case. It is precisely that understanding which allows Stogsdill to guide clients successfully through the family law process in an efficient and effective manner.

For more information, visit stogsdilllaw.com.

SHANA VITEK

EQUITY PARTNER BEERMANN LLP

Shana Vitek is an Equity Partner at Beermann LLP, the largest family law firm in Illinois. For the past 20 years, she has practiced divorce and family law exclusively. She handles a wide range of cases, including divorces for business owners, high-profile and high-net-worth clients. Vitek’s ability to handle any type of case has allowed her to become one of only a handful of attorneys in Illinois to be Board Certified in Family Trial Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. She is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and serves on the Board of Governors for the Illinois Chapter. “Every family is different, so each case that we handle needs an individualized approach,” she says. “I enjoy going to court and arguing my client’s position, but that typically isn’t a client’s first choice.” In addition to being a litigator, Vitek is also a trained mediator, arbitrator, and collaborative attorney. If a case can be handled using a cooperative approach, that is her preferred process as it allows the parties to decide what is best for their family and maintain confidentiality, keeping personal matters out of the public record. Vitek believes it is important to give back to the community. She is Chair of the Beermann LLP Family Law Clinic. In partnership with Chicago Volunteer Legal Services, this first of its kind family law clinic provides pro bono legal services to individuals going through domestic relations proceedings who could not otherwise afford legal representation. “We feel strongly about giving back to the community, and given the size of our firm, we are in a unique position to make a big difference for clients who would otherwise go unrepresented in family law matters,” says Vitek. For more information, visit beermannlaw.com/team/shana-l-vitek.

BENTON H. PAGE PARTNER BEERMANN

LLP

From the simplest cases to the most complex, Benton H. Page is celebrated for his empathy, pragmatism, and ability to ensure his clients attain their desired results and successfully transition to the next chapter of their lives. Page’s greatest strengths are creatively resolving the divisions of complex financial estates, trial advocacy, and coolness under pressure. His trial advocacy includes arguing a case before the Illinois Supreme Court. “I have compassion for my clients and their families, and maintain a strong focus on their stated goals, ensuring efficient and amicable outcomes to their divorces,” Page says. Page walks in the footsteps of his mother, who is also a divorce attorney, and he grew up hearing about the work she did to improve her client’s lives and ensure they thrived after they were divorced. “She taught me that the work we do for our clients should include not just resolving their disputes with their spouses or ex-spouses, but also ensuring they have the resources to be equipped for a better life moving forward,” he says. Page earned his J.D. from the University of Iowa College of Law and received a Bachelor of Arts degree from The George Washington University. He understands that divorce is typically the most impactful experience his clients will ever undergo, and he listens and keeps calm while finding the best and most practical solutions for his clients. He stays the course for his clients, handling their cases from inception to exhaustion of all appeals.

For more information, visit beermannlaw.com/team/benton-h-page.

TANYA STANISH

SENIOR PARTNER SCHILLER DUCANTO & FLECK LLP

Tanya Stanish describes her profession as a family crisis manager, otherwise known as a divorce lawyer. Practicing more than 25 years, she has become a highly experienced negotiator and formidable litigator who represents a wide array of clients, from high-profile executives and Chicago’s talented athletes and music artists to spouses with generational wealth and stay-athome parents. Her work includes every aspect of complex and high-net-worth family law, including executive compensation plans, trusts and businesses interests, and high-conflict child custody and parenting issues. Stanish’s combination of litigation and settlement expertise is rare among family law attorneys. When settlement fails, she has the skills and ability to handle complex cases in the courtroom that many lawyers find difficult to present. She’s also taken over many cases from other divorce attorneys who prefer not to litigate against a contentious spouse or aggressive opposing counsel. “I am often sought out to represent a client who has a difficult spouse or a litigious attorney on the other side and sometimes you have to fight fire with fire,” Stanish says. “While my litigation skills are preeminent, I successfully negotiate most of my cases to resolution to the client’s satisfaction. Only a handful of cases need the courtroom.” Her strong integrity helps a client get to a resolution by way of facts and law. Stanish appreciates the many “best lawyers” awards she has received for her work as an attorney, but what’s most important to her are the letters and notes of appreciation from clients for the work she’s done for them. “They really touch me because I know that I have made a positive difference in someone’s life and have gotten them through one of their toughest times,” Stanish says.

For more information, visit sdflaw.com/team/detail/tanya-stanish/bio.

MICHAEL SORICH

PARTNER CAVANAGH LAW GROUP

Michael Sorich is a veteran trial attorney who has obtained more than $80 million in verdicts and settlements for clients in Illinois and across the United States. A former prosecutor, Sorich has expertise in every facet of personal injury law, with extensive experience in trucking, wrongful death, and medical malpractice. Sorich has had the opportunity to try hundreds of cases in both state and federal courts, and his experience before juries is invaluable and has allowed him to develop his presentation skills and to think quickly on his feet. “My experience has also taught me what it takes to properly prepare a case for trial and how to digest vast amounts of information quickly,” he says. Trying a case before a jury is an intense experience for both lawyer and client. Thanks to his experience, Sorich knows how to manage trials and get the best results for his clients. Sorich was an accounting major at Illinois Wesleyan University when he volunteered with the local prosecutor’s office and was given the opportunity to be in court observing jury trials every day. This ignited his passion to advocate for victims in front of a jury and he realized how incredibly important it is for their voices to be heard. He went on to graduate cum laude from UIC John Marshall Law School, where he was a member of the school’s Law Review. He has obtained numerous settlements and verdicts over $1 million, among them a $2.1 million settlement for a cement truck driver who suffered spinal cord injuries in a low-impact crash. Sorich has been included in the Chicago Law Bulletin ’s “Top 40 under 40” attorneys and is a sought-after speaker and guest lecturer. For more information, visit cavanaghlawgroup.com/attorneys/michael-sorich.

ALLYSON RUSSO

RUSSO LAW OFFICES LLC

Allyson Russo has practiced law for more than 20 years and holds a B.A. from Boston College, a J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School, and an LL.M from Northwestern Pritzker School of Law. Russo Law Offices assists individuals, families, and businesses in preparing for the future. “Life has unexpected obstacles, so it’s our mission to help make sure your family and livelihood are secure,” she says. Her practice is focused on the areas of estate planning, estate administration, and probate. Russo credits her success to being a good listener and to assessing challenges in an unbiased way, leading to good outcomes for clients. Over the last nine years Russo has grown the Russo Law Offices, and she says she is always a person who is looking for what’s next, which has helped her business expand and allows her to best serve clients. “I focus on providing a good balance of listening, working to achieve my client’s goals, and offering 20-plus years of experience to navigate difficult family situations,” Russo says. Estate planning, she adds, is about taking control and making choices. “I want my clients to know that they have a plan in place for protecting their family, so that they can live and enjoy life to the fullest.”

For more information, visit arussolaw.com.

MICHONE J. RIEWER MANAGING

PARTNER STRATEGIC DIVORCE

Michone J. Riewer has been practicing law for more than 25 years and has built an impressive firm, Strategic Divorce, specializing in complex and high-net-worth divorces. Her practice also includes the areas of post-judgment modification, parenting time, parental decisionmaking, maintenance, and civil litigation. Riewer has experience in corporate law and estate planning as well. She holds a J.D. from Georgia State University College of Law and received her Bachelor of Science degree from Iowa State University. Riewer leads her team with confidence to find solutions and focus on clients’ goals. “We have the legal and financial expertise to help clients obtain the best possible solution without creating unnecessary drama, acrimony, or attorney’s fees,” she says. Divorce can be adversarial, and Riewer and her team strive to help clients recognize that working toward an amicable settlement will cost less financially and emotionally. The firm uses their knowledge of complex financial structures to help their clients, many of whom are high-net-worth individuals, business owners, and professionals, equitably divide complicated assets. Riewer communicates the complex process of divorce and the law to clients in a way that allows the client to be informed and make decisions confidently. “It is very gratifying to be able to assist our clients with creating a plan to resolve their divorce issues and helping them move forward toward their future,” she adds. “Being a divorce attorney allows me to do this every day. We help people through the hardest time of their lives.”

For more information, visit strategicdivorce.com/attorneyprofile/michone-j-riewer-esq.

KAREN PINKERTLIEB

SENIOR PARTNER SCHILLER DUCANTO & FLECK LLP

Karen Pinkert-Lieb’s results as a family law attorney have led to extensive recognition, including being named Family Law Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers in America as well as the No. 1 Female Divorce Attorney by Leading Lawyers. “I am a strategist and I plan three steps ahead,” Pinkert-Lieb says. “My financial experience and background in psychology give me an advantage in arriving at creative solutions that my competitors may overlook,” she says. Pinkert-Lieb was the first woman to be elected to serve on her firm’s Executive Committee, a role she continues to enjoy. Dedicated to empowering her clients, Pinkert-Lieb has earned a reputation as a tenacious and empathetic advocate. She is consistently named as a Top 10 Family Law Attorney in Client Satisfaction by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys. Pinkert-Lieb’s experience has led to a deep understanding of the problems faced by professional women who are going through divorce. In a society where gender roles are evolving and women are increasingly the primary breadwinners in the family, divorce proceedings can present unique challenges for professional women. Pinkert-Lieb has spent the last 30 years representing professional women and understands the hurdles that they often face in the legal system. “One of the most common obstacles faced by professional women during a divorce is the challenge to their role as the primary caretaker of their children,” she says. “These women often find themselves having to defend their choices, availability, and ability to provide a consistent and stable environment for their children.” Pinkert-Lieb is committed to dismantling the biases that exist against women who have elected, by necessity or otherwise, to have a career outside of the home. For more information, sdflaw.com/team/detail/karen-pinkert-lieb/bio.

GREGORY C. MAKSIMUK PARTNER

SCHILLER DUCANTO & FLECK LLP

Gregory C. Maksimuk has devoted his entire 17year professional career to helping high-net-worth clients involved in complex divorces move their cases efficiently toward resolution and achieve the best possible outcomes. “I believe in strategic, planned, aggressive advocacy, and specialize in the resolution of complex family law and divorce matters, including financial and parenting matters,” he says. Maksimuk skillfully guides—and stands by—his clients throughout the process so they can achieve their goals. He is recognized by Illinois Super Lawyers, Leading Lawyers, and Best Lawyers for his accomplishments in family law. His goal is to provide stability to his clients during the turbulent divorce process. Maksimuk knew he wanted to be a lawyer at an early age, and it wasn’t until he started practicing law that he knew he wanted to work in family law. “From my first family law case, I knew this was something I was destined to do,” he says. Maksimuk has been recognized as a Top Trial Lawyer Under 40 and by the LawDragon 500 for his litigation skills in the family law arena. He received a J.D. from the John Marshall Law School and a Bachelor of Science degree from Bradley University. Given his prowess as a strategic litigator and involvement in the community, Maksimuk has also held a number of leadership roles throughout his career in various organizations, including CASA, whose work is focused on abused and neglected children. Through his dedicated and impactful volunteer work, he has established a prominent presence within and beyond the confines of the courtroom and legal community, surpassing his competitors. For more information, visit sdflaw.com/team/detail/gregorymaksimuk/bio.

MICHAEL LODERMEIER

MICHAEL L. LODERMEIER, P.C.

Michael Lodermeier has been named an Illinois Super Lawyer since 2008 and is an active member of the Illinois State Bar Association, DuPage County Bar Association, and Kane County Bar Association. He received his Juris Doctorate from The John Marshall Law School, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire. For more than 20 years, Lodermeier has been successfully practicing family and divorce law, where he uses his considerable expertise in divorce, paternity, custody, child support, and asset discovery. He has worked on countless cases, skillfully and efficiently conducting trials, depositions, hearings, and emergency hearings. His diverse client base ranges from high-net-worth individuals to clients with more modest means, and he treats each client with the same dedication to success. “I identify with and understand all of the aspects of a divorce, encompassing both the legal and nonlegal factors,” he says.

“Then I develop and execute on a plan to maximize the results for my clients.” By listening closely to his clients and understanding what is important to them, Lodermeier has built a solid book of business primarily through referrals from colleagues and past clients.

“It was early in my career that I found that divorce and family law allowed me to be a positive and guiding light for someone living through one their darkest moments,” he says.

For more information, visit mllfamilylaw.com.

JEFFREY J. KROLL

KAVENY + KROLL, LLC

For more than three decades, award-winning attorney Jeffrey J. Kroll has represented injured victims or a deceased family member of negligence throughout the country in various areas including transportation law, negligence, medical malpractice, and other disciplines of personal injury law. Kroll has obtained close to $500 million in verdicts and settlements, including a record-breaking $148 million Illinois jury verdict on behalf of a dancer paralyzed by a shelter collapse at O’Hare International Airport. This is the highest compensatory award to an individual in Illinois history. Kroll has published more than 140 articles for lawyers, including a book chapter on “Summation in Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Cases,” which was widely distributed to trial lawyers across the country. He has also lectured to lawyers and various Bar Associations throughout the country on over 165 occasions. He is wellknown in not only the Chicago media but national media on a variety of tort and trial law subjects. He has taught at three local law schools: Northwestern, DePaul, and John Marshall. “I still enjoy the thrill of representing someone and fighting for an injured individual against a large corporation,” Kroll says. “It is very rewarding to know that you represent an individual—a real person—and you can impact the rest of that person’s life.”

Kroll and his firm are also actively involved in a National Class Action litigation involving necrotizing enterocolitis, where premature children were fed Similac or Enfamil. For more information, visit kavenykroll.com.

MICHELE M. JOCHNER

PARTNER

SCHILLER DUCANTO & FLECK LLP

When it comes to handling complex divorce matters in Illinois’ highest courts, having Michele M. Jochner on your team can be the game-changer that spells victory. A well-known and highly regarded leader in Chicago’s legal community, Jochner combines an unparalleled mastery of the written word with a remarkable talent to craft compelling narratives to achieve winning results for her high-asset appellate clients. “Writing has always been my passion,” says Jochner, “and representing clients in domestic relations appeals allows me to use my unique expertise to protect hard-won trial victories or reverse adverse rulings.” As a former judicial law clerk to two Chief Justices of the Illinois Supreme Court, Jochner is well-aware of what it takes to present the best possible case: “Rock-solid research, careful analysis, excellent writing, and unquestioned credibility are the recipe for success,” she says. Jochner checks all these boxes, and more: she has garnered a reputation as a respected legal scholar and thought leader who is regularly invited to speak at major conferences and to pen pieces for national publications, adding to her catalogue of more than 200 articles. Jochner has also been named one of the Top 50 Most Influential Women in Chicago law, is listed in Best Lawyers in America, and is consistently recognized as a preeminent attorney by her peers. Jochner says she has found a perfect fit in combining her expert skillset with family law practice: “I thrive on being a strong and persuasive voice for my clients, obtaining favorable outcomes, and ultimately, helping them move forward to the next chapter of life.”

For more information, visit sdflaw.com/team/detail/michelejochner/bio.

MEIGHAN HARMON

MANAGING PARTNER

SCHILLER DUCANTO & FLECK LLP

While no two divorces are the same, in Meighan Harmon’s eyes, the key to every successful case lies in looking forward. She firmly believes that dwelling on the past hinders progress and prevents clients from achieving their best results. “There are few opportunities we have as adults to reinvent ourselves and get a fresh start. Divorce provides that opportunity, should you choose to take it,” says Harmon. A versatile attorney, she offers her clients a myriad of options for resolving their disputes and possesses the skills necessary to provide the right solution for each unique situation. Harmon is an experienced litigator who can be fierce in the courtroom, but she is also a trained collaborative lawyer and a family law mediator who can devise creative solutions and amicably settle even the toughest of cases. She focuses on complex family law cases involving the distribution of multi-million-dollar estates and represents successful business professionals and their spouses from a variety of industries, as well as individuals with multi-generational wealth. Harmon is part of an elite group of leaders in family law. Her peers elected her to be President of the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers in 2011. Her impressive reputation as a trailblazer in family law garnered international recognition with Chambers and Partners USA ranking her in the top tier (Band 1) for Family/Matrimonial Law: High Net Worth 2019-2023. Harmon has also been recognized as a Top 50 Women Lawyers in Illinois every year since 2016, and she was recently named a “Lawyer of the Year” in Family Law by Best Lawyers in America

For more information, visit sdflaw.com/team/detail/meighan-harmon/bio.

JOHN M. D’ARCO

EQUITY PARTNER BEERMANN LLP

John M. D’Arco, known nationwide to prominent figures and their spouses, is one of the highest profile divorce lawyers in the country recognized for handling the most complex and contentious family law disputes. In his more than 25 years as a trial lawyer, D’Arco has litigated every type of complex family law case, achieving major victories in cases involving disputes over custody, financial issues involving business valuations, non-marital claims, dissipation, enforcement of prenuptial agreements, child support, and maintenance. While a tenacious litigator, he’s known to be the calm in the storm, allowing him to negotiate excellent settlements for his clients. His reputation follows him as an astute and powerful lawyer by colleagues, judges, and clients; and he handles the most intricate cases needing a keen sense of the law, craftmanship, and precision, when everything is at stake. “Listening to what is important to clients and tailoring our strategy to their needs is the key to getting results that are favorable for the client and the sanctity of their family,” D’Arco says. “I knew at an early age that I wanted to work in a profession that enabled me to help people get through the most difficult times in their lives.” In recognition for his work in divorce and family law, D’Arco is consistently awarded accolades and recognized within the legal community throughout Illinois and beyond. He has been honored consecutively each year, since 2015, in Best Lawyers in America , the oldest and most respected peer-reviewed publication of its kind. He has additionally been selected by his peers as an Illinois Super Lawyer ; a recognition designated to the top five percent of lawyers in Illinois, and The Leading Lawyers Network, since 2008.

For more information on D’Arco, visit beermannlaw.com/team/john-m-darco.

LEONIDAS L. BEZANIS II

ASSOCIATE BEERMANN LLP

As a former athlete, Leonidas L. Bezanis II, a Divorce and Family Law Attorney with Beermann LLP, brings his passion, attention to detail, integrity, and competitiveness to the court room. “My team’s passion and enthusiasm for helping families navigate the changes that come with marital issues, coupled with our desire to obtain favorable results through litigation, mediation and/or the collaborative process is what really sets us apart from the competition,” says the seasoned attorney whose expertise is exclusively in family law. Born and raised in Hinsdale, Bezanis is a product of Hinsdale Central High School, played football in college, and ultimately received his law degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago Law School in 2017. He was named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers in 2022, has been featured in Best Lawyers in both 2021 and 2022 among only 5 percent of all attorneys across the United States, and believes that honesty and integrity are the keys to moving a case forward— even when the opposing party chooses dishonesty. Bezanis, who sets out to resolve cases as efficiently and expeditiously as possible for his clients explains his drive to help clients, “I pursued family law due to my desire to help families through their most difficult time. As a proud descendant of Greek immigrants, family has always been a priority for me. Nothing brings me greater joy, professionally, than helping families navigate the changes coupled with divorce and ensuring that they can move forward in a healthy, happy, and secure manner.”

For more information, visit beermannlaw.com/team/leonidas-lbezanis-ii.

A MOVING EXPERIENCE

One of Japan’s most storied conveyor-belt sushi empires rolls into Oak Book, offering smiling robots, touchscreen technology and sushi selections like no other.

WORDS BY PETER AND KATE MICHAEL PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBIN SUBAR

Ihave read of sushi masters, seafood gods living among us mere land-based mortals, who are so committed to their craft that the amount of rice packed into each of their creations never differs by more than a few grains. This is balance.

I have experienced soul-piercing omakase dinners composed of seafood so rare and exotic, you’d swear they were sourced from the ruins of Atlantis. This is grace.

But I have never, until our recent visit Kura Sushi in Oak Brook, visited a kaitenzushi (conveyor-belt sushi bar) that boasted a doe-eyed robot—named Kur-B—who shuffled from table to table serving its customers beverages and singing beep-based digital tunes.

Salmon Nigiri

Beef Udon Noodles

DINNER DATE

Nor have I ever sat in a sushi booth equipped with giant touchscreen monitors that gifted me tiny trinkets to celebrate how much seafood I’d consumed. This is—to speak in more homespun language—a whole hell of a lot of fun.

Full disclosure: If you’re in the mood for a more traditional dinner date—mood lighting, framed artwork, folded napkins, a full wine list—suffice to say, Kura Sushi ain’t it.

Better to think of the design scheme as Tokyo chic. Snug little spot. Boxy layout. White walls. Black and red booths. Wood-slat ceilings and light fixtures. And screens at every table, which give off, come nightfall, a warm pixelated glow, almost like a 1980s-era

arcade or the video poker room at a casino. Only this particular arcade offers more seafood choices than the grand buffet at the Bellagio.

If you’re looking for Kura’s actual kitchen, look for the giant posters depicted a trio of anthropomorphized cartoon bears munching on fish, and you’ve found it.

There are two “sushi highways” running throughout Kura’s dining room: The lower beltway—let’s call it the Wacker Drive belt—slowly trundles along, acting as a moving runway for its sushi.

Kura’s sushi chefs place their offerings on small blue-and-white plates, which are then sealed inside plastic flip-top containers. Each section of this snaking sushi train is accompanied by an image and description of the dishes that follow—perhaps seabream topped with yuzu pepper or seared eel with miso cream cheese—followed by three or four sealed capsules containing the actual fish.

To claim your selection, you tug gently on the plate, lifting up the plastic dome around it with your other hand and—shazam— that seabream or eel is yours.

Each offering, if unmarked, retails for three dollars and 30 cents each. The number of pieces on each pre-arranged plate varies based on the offering. If you’re interested in a glistening slice of snow crab or Spanish mackerel, you’ll receive one piece per plate. But most nigiri offerings come in pairs, while sushi rolls tend to arrive as three or four bites per serving.

Although Kura offers straight nigiri, many of its selections are glazed in various oils—umami sauces, dashi, ponzu, etc.—and sometimes come dappled with mild-flavored cremas. I’m sure some of my more-traditional sushi mentors would scoff at salmon being topped with sweet Japanese mayo or rolls crowned with mounds of tataki beef, but both proved to be personal favorites. We might as well call them what they are: guilty gaijin pleasures.

The range of Kura’s offerings is impressive: There are tiny bundles of yukhoe—Korean-style tartare—drizzled with a sesame-spiked yakiniku sauce and golden sphere of boiled egg yolk. And king

Caterpillar Roll

Select your sushi from the belt.

salmon poke rolls fringed with tangles of seaweed, cucumber, and pickled carrots. And an eponymously named Kura roll, which sneaks a refreshing drizzle of lemon juice and a dab of shrimp mayo atop a traditional salmon roll.

Kura’s owner, Kunihiko Tanaka, is considered one of the pioneers of the modern sushi-belt movement, which began to gain traction in Japan in the 1970s. In the decades following the debut of Tanaka’s first restaurant in 1977, the Kura sushi empire went global by blend the appeal of gliding sushi plates, cool gadgets and affordable price pints.

While Kura representatives say that the majority of the chain’s offerings are meant to be homages to traditional Japanese staples, they’re also honest in admitting that they’ve added options—a spicy tuna Texan roll complete with cream cheese, fried onions and yuzu cream sauce comes to mind—designed to squarely appeal to American palates.

At three dollars and change per pop, Kura is a godsend for sushi newbies interested in broadening their horizons. What’s particularly appealing about Kura’s touchscreen system is that you don’t have to wait for your favorite picks to reach your table. Cycle through the digital menu and you can see everything that’s available on a given evening. Your touchscreens allow you to order warm items, which are delivered directly to your table via the top conveyor belt.

There are, of course, various ramen option available, but we enjoyed an array of warm small plate offerings. Think fried softshell crab. Tiny nuggets of karaage-style fried chicken with a creamy dipping sauce and grilled garlic beef nuggets topped with crispy garlic chips.

Roaming servers, this time of the flesh and blood variety, will

grab with any of your used napkins and leftovers, while it’s your responsibility to dispense your cleared plates down a small chute at your table. Your touchscreen will keep track of what you’ve ordered so there are no surprises come check time.

Order a large enough number of dishes and you’ll be treated to a celebratory cartoon on your screen and then watch as a small treasure box above each kiosk, called a Bikkura Pon prize system, goes into full carnival mode, delivering a small trinket to your table. We received a key chain depicting a giant “ice bear” who ate so much sushi he had to take a post-meal nap. By the end of our meal, my son had a new keychain, and I’d discovered my new favorite totem animal.

Kura Sushi is located at 755 W 22nd St. in Oakbrook Terrace. Call 630635-0003 or visit kurasushi.com

Take a seat for an adventurous dinner date.

The touch screen is your guide.

OMAN—THE HEIGHT OF LUXURY

From mountain tops to the Arabian coast, Oman offers surprisingly diverse landscapes coupled with warm hospitality and centuries-old history.

WORDS BY DUSTIN O’REGAN

JOURNEYS

Diana’s Point at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar resort

On the southeast coast of the Arabian Peninsula, where the Persian Gulf meets the Arabian Sea, is found the earthly paradise of Oman.

In ancient times, Oman was renowned for its frankincense, fishing, and metalworking. Now, its spectacular landscapes, rich culture, and heartfelt hospitality have made the country a must for discerning travelers.

The late and much beloved Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al-Said led the modernization of the country and paved the way for the creation of Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort.

The resort’s location—perched on the rocky shoulders of the Sayq Plateau and blending seamlessly into the fabled Green Mountain—gives it the distinction of being the highest five-star resort in the Middle East and amongst the highest in the world. The resort’s name is a homage to the Green Mountain, which derives its distinct green hue due to its rich content of iron and chromium. In the rainy winter months, this appearance is enhanced by the verdant shrubs that pop out of the mountain’s craggy surface.

On Turkish Airlines we flew from Chicago to Muscat via Istanbul. Disembarking from the aircraft, we immediately admired the all-white traditional dress of the Omani men who don simple white gowns (dishdashas) with their heads crowned by embroidered caps (kummahs). Our driver met us for the two-hour drive into the mountains. Once difficult to reach, the area is now acces-

sible via a superhighway that leads directly from Oman’s capital into the heart of the mountains. Note, if you are driving on your own you will reach a checkpoint where guards will not let you pass without a four-wheel vehicle. Apparently, many unwitting tourists had to be rescued after venturing into the mountains without the proper automotive power.

Upon arrival at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar, our villa host guided us through a labyrinthian lantern-lit pathway to our twobedroom, three-bathroom private villa. A heavy wooden door opened to reveal a foyer that led to an expansive living/dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private pool enclosed by three ochre walls that boasted explosions of magenta bougainvillea. The large bedrooms, both en-suite, flanked either end of the open floor plan. The master bath was an area unto itself, housing a huge circular shower with a 12-foot ceiling from which hung the largest rain shower head I have ever seen. Beyond the shower was a deep soaking tub encircled by tub-to-ceiling windows that overlooked a private walled garden. For changing, carved sliding wood doors concealed his and her dressing rooms. Throughout the villa, an array of elaborate metal chandeliers, sconces, and carved cedar doors provided a visual celebration of Omani artisanship.

The next morning, we saluted the sunrise from “Diana’s Point,” an outlook named in honor of Princess Diana who visited the location before the hotel was built and fell in love with the view. After several photos of the sunrise’s vivid pink and orange hues, it was

Rear view of Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar resort including the indigenous art/landscaping

off to breakfast where the bountiful buffet offered a variety of local cuisine—spicy curries, omelets, pastries, porridges, and an assortment of salads and cheese accompanied by pressed juices, teas, and delicious coffees. A bit of something for every taste, and the perfect fuel for a day of activities.

After breakfast, my husband and daughter tackled rock climbing aka a perilous adventure where one hangs off the side of a cliff and engages in a delicate dance between nooks and crannies appearing on the face of the steep rock. This trek is one of the highest climbing routes in the Middle East and provides intrepid travelers with a unique way to experience Green Mountain. My daughter loved the experience so much that she signed up the next day for the “extreme” version that included a jaunt across the Middle East’s highest suspension “bridge” (a tightrope really). I was so relieved when she and her guide (a former member of Omani special forces)

emerged from the side of the cliff. Smiling ear to ear, Redding exclaimed, “Mom, you do know that the best view comes after the hardest climb.” While I am sure that statement is true, I chose not to test its veracity.

On another morning, we explored three archaeological sites and traditional villages. Following in the footsteps of our skilled guide, we scaled up, up, and up the side of a mountain for a glorious view of two crumbling ancient villages. Nestled into the rocky contours of the cliff, near a source of water, and built of mud and clay, these villages had housed generations of mountain inhabitants before they moved to the “greener pastures” funded by the country’s oildriven economic boom. On the trek, our guide pointed out several fossils formed when these mountains were once the sea’s floor. This area has become a source for geo-tourism as the region’s universe of fossils is easily viewed against the dark rock.

In one village, we walked along the ancient falaj water irrigation system bringing fresh spring water to cliff-hanging terrace farms. Treading carefully along the semi-treacherous path, we passed fig and pomegranate trees, bushels of jasmine and lavender, and blankets of pink roses. This olfactory extravaganza was enhanced by the

Redding Worth having the time of her life on the Green Mountain’s rock climb

Rose Water Distillery

Bedroom vignette showcasing the work of Omani artisans

Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar courtyard

canyon views of lush fruit orchards cascading down terraced slopes and descending into the deep valleys. The path meandered through villages and valleys ending at an ancient staircase so steep it seemed to lead to the heavens. We chose not to ascend but watched in awe as an elderly farmer toting a bushel of leafy greens swiftly scaled the steps.

Our April visit coincided with the bloom of the rare Damask rose. This rose blooms just a few months of the year and is used to create the region’s world-famous rose water. We were lucky to visit the home of a rose water proprietor who invited us in for dates and tea. He shared the traditional technique of distilling rosewater using a mud oven called “Al-duhjan,” a vessel called “Al-burmah,” and a copper bowl to capture the treasured liquid. This ancient technique is still being used by farmers today.

After we returned to the resort, I headed to the Anantara spa. As the spa menu is wide and varied, my decision might have been difficult but our day’s adventures influenced my choice of the 90-minute “Rose Rescue Ritual.” In a tranquil setting befitting Anantara’s elevated standard of spas, I felt renewed after experiencing the soothing, balancing, and hydrating qualities of the rose petals and luxuriant oil. It was a relaxing lesson in this country’s centuries-long love affair with the fragrant flora.

We began most of our evenings by watching the spectacular sunset wash the canyon in pigment. Nature’s extraordinary show was followed by a feast at Al Maisan or Bella Vista. Perched high above the canyon, Al Maisan specializes in Southeast Asian, Indian, and Arab specialties. This eatery serves delicious global cuisine with ingredients that are freshly harvested from the Arabian Sea and local farms. We chose Bella Vista when we craved traditional Italian fare with a contemporary flair. At either venue, we savored delicious dishes while transfixed by the incredible views.

As our trip continued, we descended from the mountain’s heights

and journeyed to the southern coastal city of Salalah. The city is set in an environment of white beaches, coconut palms, gardens of lush vegetation, and camels, camels, and more camels. During our April visit, the landscape appeared a bit “desert-like.” However, our guide explained that during the monsoon season (June to August) waterfalls appear on mountainsides, the terrain is carpeted in emerald green, and large lakes emerge in meadows attracting a variety of brightly colored migratory birds. We all agreed that we would return one day to see this terrestrial transformation.

Anantara’s Al Baleed Resort Salalah is a quick drive from the airport and is nestled between an expansive white sand beach and a freshwater lagoon. In true Anantara fashion, the accommodations were stunning. A private gate opened to the crown jewel of our two-bedroom villa—a courtyard with a pool, two “day beds,” our own private beach, lounge chairs, and a seating area—all with views of the lagoon and Al Baleed Archeological Park. My husband celebrated a birthday on this trip, and one day we arrived to find that the villa had been festively decorated in his honor—just one example of Anantara’s attention to detail.

The resort boasts an endless array of daily physical activities— think beach yoga, Thai boxing, tennis, and intense workouts with

Anantara’s Al Baleed Resort Salalah

Two-bedroom villa with pool and views of lagoon and Al Baleed Archeological Site

Beachside camel rides

a trainer. Experiences ranging from mobile camping in the Empty Quarter to an encounter with the Omani dolphin to traditional cooking lessons with the resort’s chef will satisfy those who seek an appreciation of Oman’s beauty whether it be on land, sea, or in the kitchen. Kids will love the pools, beaches, kids club, and camel rides along the pristine beach. For those who crave a calmer itinerary, lounging by the pool or visiting the spectacular spa are your tickets to paradise—I highly recommend the divine frankincense massage.

Excited to learn more about the country’s history—both natural and archaeological—we opted for a guided tour of Salalah. What an experience! In one short day, we visited soaring cliffs overlooking cerulean waters, walked the paths of long-ago trade routes (think 300 B.C.), traversed century-old ruins, and learned all about frankincense.

The Wadi Darbat (the Darbat Valley) was a tour highlight. This valley area was teeming with camels, donkeys, and cows (the latter two are darling miniature versions of their U.S. brethren), and we often ran into “camel jams.” When these long-legged fellows chose to cross the road, we had no option but to enjoy the view. The camels were equally fun to view from a distance; the sight of hundreds of camels walking nose to tail against the backdrop of the colorful and rugged mountains was truly breathtaking.

While the camels were so entertaining, the Wadi Darbat’s natural landscape, with its shimmering emerald pools (the color is derived from the mountain’s mineral content and appears almost effervescent) and expansive views of the coastline, was the real star of our tour.

We ended our day at the stunning ruins at the Al Baleed Archaeological Site dating back to 850 A.D. (and built on ruins dat-

ing back to the Iron Age) and a tour of the Museum of the Land of Frankincense. I have always been fascinated by frankincense’s long role in human history from the Christian tale of the three kings’ gifts for baby Jesus to the current-day essential oil trend touting its healing powers. And here I was on Omani soil learning about this ancient trade in a port city dating back to 300 B.C. Truly a one-of-a-kind experience.

For those travelers who wish to travel well but also wish to follow paths less taken, Anantara’s dual properties are the ideal destinations. From mountain top to sandy beach, Anantara’s curated experiences immerse you in Omani culture while its resorts envelop you in breathtaking luxury. Embrace your spirit of discovery with a journey to Oman.

For more information, visit anantara.com.

Wadi Darbat with shimmering emerald pools and camels

Anantara’s Al Baleed Resort Salalah pool overlooking the Arabian Sea

Breaking the Barriers Between Business and Personal Wealth

WORDS BY KAMIAR VOSSOUGHI AND

PHOTOGRAPHY BY IAN MCLEOD

For most of our clients, their biggest financial asset is their business. Many business owners, however, tend to regard their business and personal finances as a church-and-state situation and are hesitant to mix the two. The fact is that their personal and professional interests are very much intertwined.

How you plan to exit the business, for example, will have significant implications on your personal wealth and your family. But because business owners are so intensely focused on running their companies, they sometimes don’t give enough attention to those potential consequences.

Clients typically approach us to help with their commercial banking needs, such as managing their cash flow, financing new equipment, or providing lines of credit. These are what we would call the “must have requirements” so we are motivated to deliver on these but also equally motivated to go beyond expectations. Given that so much of our clients’ personal wealth is tied up in their business, our commercial banking and wealth management teams work together to look for ways to unlock some of that value and liquidity for them on the personal side.

One component involves maximizing the value of their business from an estate planning perspective. There are untold horror stories of individuals who maintain huge assets but haven’t undertaken the proper planning to optimally transfer those assets. The options include passing the business down to the next generation, transitioning the company to a member of their leadership team, and selling to a third-party buyer. Along with succession matters, it’s about helping business owners think about the value they’ll need to realize in their business so that they are able to continue living the lifestyle they’re accustomed to when they decide to move on. Even if retirement is a long way off, or if you’re not considering a sale in the near term, working with a banking partner that understands both the business and personal sides of your finances is beneficial. When your Personal Wealth Advisor works in tandem with your Commercial Banking team, they can find ways to either unlock value for business owners or simply help position the company and business owner for opportunities that lie ahead.

A recent example involves a client of ours who wasn’t ready to sell but was interested in adding a bit more personal liquidity. As is

often the case, all her liquidity was tied up in the company. In this situation, we executed what’s called a dividend recapitalization, in which a business assumes new debt and distributes the proceeds to shareholders in the form of a dividend. This provided the owner with substantial liquidity—some of which she used to finance the purchase of a home—without impacting the ownership of the business. She also effectively diversified her “risk” without impairing her business. Along with managing her business’ banking needs, we’re also helping to manage her personal funds and have continued to build a relationship with her and her family.

It’s also understanding that economic conditions and legislation are always changing. Your business isn’t static either. You may be bringing in $15 million in revenue when you start a banking relationship. By the time you grow to be a $100 million company, however, you’re dealing with a different set of considerations and that requires a different set of solutions.

That’s why it’s critical to help business owners with proactive solutions. In addition to frequent in-person meetings, we regularly send our clients economic updates, and invite them to events that cover the industry and economic topics that could affect both their business and their personal wealth.

We do our best work when we learn about both the personal and business sides of a client’s profile. BMO provides the value proposition of having experts that can advise on both the Commercial and Private Wealth fronts. Business owners can benefit when they have a banking partner that understands their needs and aspirations. This partnership results in thought generation and the potential to unlock and maximize value in a client’s business and personal balance sheets. As a result, our clients are well positioned to confront the ever-changing economic landscape.

Kamiar Vossoughi is a Senior Managing Director at BMO Wealth Management. Rob Hallberg is a Managing Director at BMO Commercial Bank.

Your business is often your biggest asset. Protect it.

ROB HALLBERG

Rohini Mathrani DDS, MS

STEP ONE OF THE STRATEGIC DIVORCE PROCESS™ Decision-Making for Children

WORDS BY MICHONE RIEWER / PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATRINA WITTKAMP / STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA

Divorce is complicated. It can be messy. And when you’re first starting out, it’s incredibly overwhelming. The attorneys at Strategic Divorce strive to educate our clients on all relevant matters to ease an often-difficult process. We believe knowledge of the divorce process provides the strength and peace of mind to complete it. This goal of education inspired me to write The Strategic Divorce Process™.

My book breaks divorce into five distinct steps when children are involved, and two distinct steps where no children are involved. These steps are: 1. Making Decisions for Your Children; 2. Visitation; 3. Child Support; 4. Maintenance; and 5. Division of Marital Assets and Debts. In this monthly series, we will examine each topic beginning with the first step of decision-making for children.

Any divorce that involves children includes discussions around decision-making and visitation—the two components that make up the custody agreement. Decision-making for the children tends to be straightforward and uncomplicated so it is usually determined first.

There are many decisions that come up throughout a child’s life—from big ones, such as where to go to school or to have a medical procedure, to smaller ones like what to eat for dinner each day. Generally speaking, the court tries very hard to keep most day-to-day decisions out of the custody agreement. What happens during each parent’s visitation is their responsibility to handle as they see fit.

However, for larger decisions, a decision-making structure is outlined. These decisions are separated into four categories—religious, education, medical, and extracurriculars.

There are three primary types of decision-making structures— sole decision-making, sole decision-making with consulting, and joint decision-making.

In sole decision-making, one parent gets the opportunity to make all of the decisions (in a given category) without the other parent having any input or approval. Rather than having one

parent in charge of all large decisions, each parent will have specific categories. For example, one parent will be in charge of medical decisions and the other will handle all education and religious decisions. Extracurriculars is the only category that is almost always joint, as there are financial implications for each parent.

Sole decision-making works very well in situations where the parents aren’t amicable, or there are abuse issues as it limits the number of interactions and the number of items the parents need to agree upon.

It is also possible to have sole decision-making with consulting. In this structure, the two parents are required to talk through any situation that arises, trying to find a way forward that they can both agree upon. Of course, it is possible that the parents will not agree on every decision. Because of this, one party does have the final decision-making power. However, they are required to consult the other parent and give them an opportunity to share their opinion.

Regardless of whether the relationship has remained amicable, most parents choose to move forward with joint decision-making. Neither parent typically wants to risk the other gaining sole decision-making power and, therefore, agrees to joint decision-making as a compromise. In joint decision-making, both parents must agree on the decision being made. If the parents can’t agree, they must attempt to find a solution through mediation. If mediation is unsuccessful, then either party can file a motion with the court and the court makes the decision for them. While the prospects of mediation and going to court may feel daunting, most parents find that they are able to agree on major decisions jointly without the need for mediation or court intervention.

Once the decision-making structure is settled, the second component of the custody agreement—visitation—is addressed. This complicated, and sometimes contentious, step will be explained in Hinsdale Living’s September issue.

Michone Riewer is an attorney with Strategic Divorce in Lake Bluff, 847-234-4445, strategicdivorce.com.

DR. SARAH BAKER, Veterinarian & Practice Owner and DR. LAUREN SPINELLI, Associate Veterinarian

BOARD CERTIFIED ORTHODONTISTS

DR. NICK RICCIO & DR. SUSAN BLAIR

President’s Luncheon

The Hinsdale Chapter of the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago Auxiliary celebrated an extraordinarily successful year with a lovely lunch in the garden of a member’s Hinsdale estate. Outgoing chapter president Laura Preusser announced the group is donating $140,000 to IWS Family Health where children and adults receive high quality health and dental care in Chicago. Members raised this impressive sum through their sold-out Tablescapes luncheon, sponsorships, and other events like shopping and guest bartender nights. hinsdaleiws.com

Photography by Ian McLeod

January Pawluk, Kelly Clifford, Kristine Jeka

Claudine Schramko, Candace Mueller, Kristine Jeka, Tonya Melkus

Karen Eck, Jill Casey

Maria Kooken, Tina Weller

Laura Alter, Kimberly O’Gorman, Tracy Fussaro

Kassandra Fisher, Laura Preusser Denise Marron, Kristen Ori

It’s A Wrap

Talk about a big check! Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club celebrated a phenomenal year, which included their wildly successful Wonderland benefit and many enjoyable events. The club donated over $420,000 to their community grant partners, funding much needed good works benefitting those in need. These dynamic women did it all while enjoying friendship and fostering family ties. Membership is open for the 2023 – 2024 year.

hjwc.us

Photography by Ian McLeod

Molly Sikora, Chelsea Urban, Amanda Mancini, Alyssa Doorhy

Anna Wu, Ramita Chawla, Nancy Ferguson

Katherine Krates, Jennie Patricoski, Emily Iantosca, Stephanie Karsten, Ashley Gasper

Lauren Glandt, Jaclyn McNamara, Lauren Kavanaugh, Michelle Riley

Tina Sundaram, Jori Horn, Julie Langdon, Rowena Reid

Kristie Yeack, Marissa Sabatino, Alex LaRoia

Emily Iantosca, Lauren Markham

Lauren Glandt, Jaclyn McNamara

Lane Veterinary Grand Opening

Outdoor exams? Insta-worthy interiors? Puppy classes, allergy care, and laser surgery options? All this and more can be found at Lane Veterinary, which opened with a ribbon cutting and fun activities for pets and people. Dr. Sarah Baker is a wonderful resource for pets and their families. Lane Veterinary is dedicated to providing gold standard care so pets enjoy optimal health. lanevet.com

Photography by Ian McLeod

Dr. Sarah Baker, Gretchen Barnard

Amanda Wagner, Eva Field

The Katz Family

Sarah Livingstone, Jacki Rossi, Kathy Hanley

Dr. Sarah Baker

Dan Janowick, Patrick Mottley

Hat Luncheon

The Service Club of Chicago’s Spring Luncheon included many fashionable, philanthropic Hinsdaleans at the new venue, The Langham Hotel. This year’s theme, “The Many Hats We Wear,” inspired the conversation between Dr. Wendy Osefo and national talk show host, Whitney Reynolds. These two incredible women discussed all the hats we wear and how to wear them well. theserviceclubofchicago.org

Photography by Ian McLeod

Bethany Florek, Julia Roberts, Whitney Reynolds, Danny Miller

Eva Andalcio, Ami Hindia

Jennifer Graham, Tina Weller

Katie Jones, Sylvia Kos, Lauren Glandt, Jiesi Patrevito

Jen Bisaillon, Denise Marron, Molly Lucht, Tina Weller, Kristin Lopez

Bethany Florek, Julia Roberts, Whitney Reynolds

Andrea Antoniou, Kristine Kinder, Samantha Thomas

Mark Olley, Tracey DiBuono, Greg Hyder, Debi Catenacci

Congratulations to the Class of 2023!

Congratulations to the SIJ Class of 2023 who are now headed to the best and brightest colleges in the country! A graduate of St. Isaac Jogues School will be found in almost every leading university in the country. We’re proud of our students, our graduates, and the leaders they become.

421 South Clay Street, Hinsdale

LIVING & GIVING

Uniquely Thursdays

Excitement was in the air as the 2023 Uniquely Thursdays season kicked off with Semple Band taking the stage in Burlington Park. Locals of all ages walked, biked, and practically ran to everyone’s favorite summertime concert series. Between the music, the food, the fun games at sponsor tables, and the lovely summer weather, this is the place to be. Uniquely Thursdays runs through August 17 when Seventh Heaven will close out the summer on a high note. hinsdalechamber.com

Carrie & Vijay Thangamani

Alyssa & Mattie Bayan

Trujillo, Williams and Plomer Families

Gretchen Barnard, Chris Barnard, Lilli Linn

Jenna Asher, Mistie Psaledas, Monika Joshi

Christian & Christine Dannhausen-Brun

The DeLaRosa Family

Connie Zhai & Jack Sullivan

Daniel & Emily Campbell

Photography by Ian McLeod

Linda Jackson, Heather Stern, Susan Cobb, Joy Daniels

Meet Me In Manhattan

Flights of bourbon, including dessert whiskeys from Tierra Distillery, and festive high spirits raised $65,000 for cancer research and camps for kids with cancer at this second annual event. Scoreboard Charities has raised and donated $1.3M in our first six years to support cancer research and camps for kids with cancer. Mark your calendar for their UNCORKED wine event November 10th at the Drake. scoreboardcharities.com

Photography by Ian McLeod

Mike Polan, Kevin Olson, Carmelo Barbaro

Rick & Dianna Heinz, Beth O’Malley

Erika & Mark Vazzana

Dennis Jones, Doug Lipke

Brian & Tracy Frizzell

Michael Ingram, Anthony Hargrove

Karen & Jim Kliebhan

Chuck & Alicia Lutz, Allison & Sal Quatrochi

Pat & Mary Pat Hamilton, Camila & Peter Hamilton

Butler Challenge Cup Championship

The ponies are back and polo fans look as fabulous as ever while watching the sport of kings. Oak Brook Polo Club kicked off the season with glorious weather and a fashionable crowd. Over 600 people flocked to the fields to cheer for the home team. The Oak Brook Polo Club season runs through September 24, 2023. oakbrookpoloclub.com

Photography by Ian McLeod

Margaret Lach, Angelica Corona

Solidad Zavala & Lika the dog

Donna Krilich & Sam the dog Erin & Whittaker Catton

Tim & Dina Krenzien, Rachel & Robert Phillipe

John Wirtz, Zack Sudler, Larry Eckstrom, Mark McGarvie

Madison Knoblach, Devon Holland, Grace Bzdawka, L. Lindblom

Nancy Wolf, Cindy & Tony Sekera, David Wolf, Clifton Yandell

Shirley Tsourmas, Natalie Matchup, Bev Taylor, Marge & Gil Tresley

Barbara P. McCarthy, Jackie Anglin, Lucy Arenberg, Elli Penland, John Carr

The Chahla Family

What’s your name? Jamie Quinn

What’s your profession? Real Estate Agent

What’s your hometown? Hinsdale, IL

What did you want to be when you grew up? I built a go kart and assumed I would be a race car driver.

What’s the most valuable piece of career advice you’ve been given? Become a lifelong learner. You can continue to learn no matter what stage of your career you’re in.

What’s the most valuable piece of career advice you can give? Have fun and never stop hustling.

What’s your favorite book? Right now, it’s anything “Pete the Cat.” I have a 4- and 5-year-old.

What’s one thing you couldn’t live without?

Protein shakes

What’s your biggest motivator? My family. I want my girls to see what working hard and believing in yourself can do.

What’s your favorite way to unwind? Sitting in my backyard with my husband enjoying the peace and quiet after the kids have gone to bed

What app do you use the most on your phone?

Google Maps

What your favorite thing about Hinsdale? The beautiful homes! Having the best neighbors on Lincoln street that have become friends, the welcoming sense of community

What’s your favorite moment of your career so far? My favorite moments are handing the keys over to my clients on closing day. Knowing I helped a family start a new chapter in their life is a rewarding feeling.

How do you want to be remembered? As a kind mother, wife and friend

What’s something you would like to see in the Hinsdale community? Full day kindergarten…just kidding. How about a nice wine bar to unwind with friends?

How do you define success? Success is the inner satisfaction and peace of mind knowing you’ve done your best with what you’ve been given to make progress towards a predetermined goal.

Who is Jamie Quinn?