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Ahwatukee’s #1 Team For Over 40 Years
Mike Mendoza | Josh Mendoza | Rob Castellini
Imagine | Design | Create | Build | Live
From first conception to completion, our passion provides a high degree of excellence evident in each of our collaborations
The Men Who Leave a Mark
There is something profound about raising a boy in a world that needs good men.
As a mother, I think about it often. What does it mean to be a good man? What does it look like in practice; not just in the defining moments, but in the everyday ones? And perhaps most importantly, who are the people helping to shape the answer for my son?
I am wholly invested in finding and highlighting men who can serve as role models for him. Not because his father isn't enough — he is extraordinary, in the trenches every single day, showing up in ways that matter more than he probably knows. But because it takes more than one person to shape a life. It takes a village, and in our village, we have been incredibly lucky.
I think of my father and my father-in-law, both of whom we lost when my son was still little. They each brought something distinct to his life, something we can still see in him today. It is bittersweet to write about them, because I feel a deep disappointment that they are not here to witness who he is becoming. They would be so proud. But I am incredibly grateful that they had the chance to leave their mark, however brief the time they shared together. Some impressions don't need decades to last a lifetime.
And then there are the others. The coaches who pushed him further than he thought he could go and then celebrated him when he got there. The sports dads who showed up week after week, not just for their own kids, but for all of them. The teachers and administrators who saw something in him worth nurturing. The family friends who have become family in every way that counts. They are the ones who check in, show up and remind him that he is surrounded by people who are rooting for him.
These are the men this issue celebrates.
Not just the obvious heroes who make the headlines. But the mentors, business leaders and everyday men who lead with integrity, invest in their communities and make the people around them better simply by being present and intentional. Those who hold the door, teach the lesson, keep the promise. The ones who show up and lead by example even when no one is watching.
This issue is our love letter to those men. And to my son…may you always know how many of them are in your corner.
June 2026
PUBLISHER
Sherry York | sherry.york@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Beth Del Ville | beth.delville@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Stephanie Slezak
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Michelle Talsma Everson, Kris Ann Valdez, Beth Del Ville, Mel Boban
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Stephanie Slezak
BETH DEL VILLE, EDITOR @AHWATUKEECITYLIFESTYLE
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
inside the issue
Built To Last
Hands-on
From
Stephanie Slezak
April - June Promotions
Independent Record Store Opened in Ahwatukee
Venom Vinyl, a locally- and family-owned independent record store, has opened in Ahwatukee at 4902 E. Warner Rd., Suite 12. Owner Bill Klinefelter, a lifelong vinyl collector, operates the store alongside his daughters Gabriella and Alyssa. The shop carries new and used records, signed limited-edition releases and specializes in locating hard-to-find albums. With inventory spanning K-Pop to Classic Rock, Venom Vinyl aims to be an inclusive destination for music lovers of all kinds. VenomVinyl.com | 602.879.0646
Photography Provided by Venom Vinyl
SPACES THAT INSPIRE
BUILT TO LAST
Hands-on builders shaping our community, one home and relationship at a time
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE TALSMA EVERSON
PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHANIE SLEZAK AND MEGAN DUFFY
In Ahwatukee, homes are more than structures. They hold decades of stories, evolving alongside the families who live in them. For the team behind GBC Homes, that sense of continuity shapes every project, influencing how they build and how they connect with the people they build for.
Geno Carr (left) and Carl Churchman. photographed on location at Elliott's Steakhouse.
Some call it a community. Carl Churchman and Geno Carr call it home. Meet the men who built Ahwatukee.
For co-founders Carl Churchman and Geno Carr, the work has never been about volume or visibility. Instead, it centers on a hands-on approach that prioritizes communication, craftsmanship and respect for the people who call Ahwatukee home.
“Making changes to your home can be a very personal experience,” Churchman says. “Building a relationship with our clients to help navigate that journey is a huge part of what makes us different.”
A MORE PERSONAL APPROACH
That philosophy is evident from the start. From the first meeting, clients are given direct access to both Churchman and Carr, a level of connection that contrasts with the layered communication often found with larger builders. It is not unusual for clients to call them directly or talk through decisions as they arise.
That accessibility helps remove some of the uncertainty from what can otherwise feel like an overwhelming process and allows for more thoughtful decision-making.
“We provide our contact information and welcome the conversations,” Churchman says. “That dedication to building the relationship is a foundation in our core principles. It gives our clients the trust to know we are their advocate and have their best interest in helping them achieve their vision.”
For Carr, the impact of that approach becomes most clear at the end of a project.
“The moment the client looks at you and says thank you is what defines it,” he says. “When the sincerity shines through and they are so happy with the final product, there is a complete appreciation for all the hard work that it takes by everyone to achieve that goal.”
That moment reflects more than the finished home. It points to a process shaped by a strong team, clear communication, thoughtful planning and a shared sense of pride in the result.
ROOTED IN AHWATUKEE
Ahwatukee itself plays a central role in that story.
Long known for its distinct geography and tuckedaway feel, the community has evolved while maintaining a sense of identity that continues to draw both longtime residents and new homeowners. For Churchman and Carr, it has provided the backdrop for the more than 30 years of work that now spans generations of families and homes.
Their projects can be found throughout the community, often tied to homes that continue to evolve alongside the people who live in them.
“Being able to drive around Ahwatukee with friends and family and show them the many different projects we have completed over the years means a lot to us personally,” Carr says. “The long-lasting friendships we have established through our years of working here mean a great deal to us.”
That connection to place has shaped how they approach each project. Many of the homes they work on today are not new builds, but transformations, helping reimagine existing spaces for a new generation of homeowners while still reflecting the character of what came before.
Ahwatukee, Carr notes, has long held a unique appeal. Once considered one of the largest cul-desac communities in the country, its limited access and sweeping mountain views created a sense of quiet exclusivity that still resonates today.
“That special vibe made it a perfect place to build,” he says. “Now, as these homes transition to new owners, we are driven to help reshape them into something that fits the next family.”
LISTENING FIRST
That mindset aligns with a broader shift in what homeowners are looking for today.
“I think the core thing they want is for a builder to listen,” Churchman says. “Listen to the vision and help articulate that into a plan that can be realized.”
It is a process that often requires slowing down. Rather than chasing trends or features designed for the masses, the work often involves guiding clients through the details, decisions and long-term impacts that shape the final outcome.
“There are a lot of details and terms that most people have not experienced,” Churchman says.
The Shultz home, pictured here, showcases how GBC truly listens to the homeowners. The build was a collaborative effort of the homeowner’s design and GBC’s exquisite craftsmanship execution.
“We take the time to explain options and their impacts so our clients understand what we are building for them. That gives them confidence.”
The Shultz home, pictured here, showcases how GBC truly listens to the homeowners. The build was a collaborative effort of the homeowner’s design and GBC’s execution.
In an industry often driven by scale and speed, that willingness to slow the process and prioritize listening and understanding has become a defining characteristic of their work.
BUILT ON TRUST
For Churchman and Carr, success is not measured in the number of homes completed, but in the strength of the relationships built along the way. It is reflected in homes that evolve alongside the families who live in them, and in a community that continues to grow while holding onto what makes it feel like home.
That long-term perspective continues to guide their work today. Learn more at gbc.homes.
Carr (left) and Churchman. Photographed on location at Elliott's Steakhouse.
Celebrate Father's Day the HoneyBaked Way
Men’s Jewelry Is Getting a Bold Makeover
From statement watches to custom belt buckles, men’s jewelry is becoming self-expressive
ARTICLE BY KRIS ANN VALDEZ | PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHANIE SLEZAK
Until the end of the 18th century, men wore as much jewelry, lace and color as women did to display their wealth, power and personality.
Then came the “Great Male Renunciation” when men’s dress turned dark and somber, and masculine jewelry fell mostly out of fashion.
More than two-hundred years later, it was still viewed as gaudy, often associated with gangsters and the mafia. At most, a man might’ve sported a wristwatch, custom cufflinks or a dog tag.
But the narrative is shifting again.
Today, says Myranda of Myranda Fine Jewelry, it’s the preppy jock, the teacher, the man on Wall Street who are eager to reclaim centuries of lost style.
WHAT’S TRENDING IN MEN’S FASHION NOW
Statement watches are replacing sports cars as a status symbol. In a world that feels uncertain, men have decided to wear their assets, seeking substantial, high-quality pieces. This includes custom belt buckles, pearls, black diamond tennis bracelets and gold chains.
But it’s not just the ultra-wealthy showing off. A quality watch can be purchased for around $2,500; recently, Myranda says she sold a vintage Cartier to a client for about $3,500.
Even the classic men’s wedding band is getting a makeover.
“I have had more men this year come in and upgrade their wedding rings,” Myranda shares, from different-colored bands to new, more expressive designs.
Men are getting bold fast—unafraid to mix metals, experiment with beads and colorful stones, or sport vintage and heritage pieces, she says.
More than ever, men are recognizing that jewelry is self-expression that speaks confidence, says Myranda. “It’s a vibe, and it’s energy.”
Another reason for the resurgence is that fashion is currently obsessed with nostalgia. Vintage watches, heirloom-inspired rings and classic cufflinks are making a comeback as men gravitate toward pieces that feel timeless and personal.
To get on board with the trend, Myranda offers a few important tips: start simple with a watch or chain. Quality over quantity, always. One or two standout pieces make a better statement than going overboard. Match pieces to your lifestyle, whether that’s casual denim or a tailored suit. Most of all, invest in what feels meaningful or symbolic to you. It’s about your personal story.
THE FUTURE OF MEN’S JEWELRY IS BRIGHT
As men’s fashion continues to lean bold, Myranda believes color will have its moment—blues, oranges, greens and even lavender.
“Men want to be heard, and it’s their way of speaking their voice without speaking,” she says.
She also predicts more stones in men’s pieces. Wedding rings may soon feature diamonds, black onyx, jade and lapis.
“Jewelry is now, I feel like, part of men’s identity,” says Myranda. “It’s not just an accessory.”
ARTICLE BY BETH DEL VILLE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHANIE SLEZAK
Board Certified Burgers
Get set for the ultimate board meeting. Meet the burger board - the quintessential spread for grilling season
Few things in this world are more satisfying than a really great burger. It is primal, it is simple, and when done right, it is absolutely unforgettable. The burger board takes everything you love about a classic cookout and turns it into a spread worthy of a standing ovation.
Whether you're hosting the guys, feeding the family or just treating yourself on a Saturday afternoon, this is the move.
START WITH THE RIGHT MEAT
The foundation of any great burger is the patty, and the meat you choose matters more than most people realize. An 80/20 blend — eighty percent lean beef to twenty percent fat — is the sweet spot. The fat is what gives you flavor and juiciness, so resist the urge to go leaner. For something with a little more depth, try a blend of chuck and brisket, or ask your butcher for a custom grind. Form your patties gently, pressing just enough to hold their shape, press the middle down with your thumb for even cooking, and always season generously with salt and pepper right before they hit the heat.
MASTER THE GRILL
High heat is your friend. Get your grill screaming hot, around 450 to 500
degrees, before your patties make contact. This gives you that coveted sear and keeps the juices locked inside. And whatever you do, do not press down on the patty while it cooks. That move squeezes out all the flavor you worked so hard to build. For a perfect melt, add your cheese in the last minute of cooking and cover the grill briefly to let the steam do the work. American cheese melts beautifully, but a sharp cheddar or pepper jack will never let you down.
A BETTER BUN
The bun is not an afterthought, and even the most seasoned grill master knows this. We love Martin's Potato Rolls, the same ones used at Shake Shack. Soft, slightly sweet and sturdy enough to hold everything together, they elevate the entire experience. Try toasting them butter-side down until golden.
THE BOARD BUILD
Here is where it gets really fun. Arrange your patties alongside a loaded spread of toppings and let everyone build their own. A few combinations worth putting on your radar:
The Hawaiian — grilled pineapple, teriyaki glaze, creamy mayo, Havarti cheese and crispy bacon.
“The burger board takes everything you love about a classic cookout and turns
it into a spread worthy of a
standing ovation.”
The Spicy Cowboy — homemade jalapeño poppers, pepper jack, crispy onion strings and chipotle mayo. The poppers alongside the burger take this one to another level entirely.
Bacon and Bleu — crumbled bleu cheese, candied bacon, arugula and a drizzle of balsamic.
The PB&J — peanut butter, pepper jam and crispy bacon.
Round out the board with pickles, various sauces, sliced tomatoes and a few specialty sides (scratch-made mac n’ cheese anyone?). Add cold drinks, good company and the willingness to get a little messy.
The burger board is many things: a conversation starter, a crowd pleaser and proof that the best meals are the ones you build yourself. CONTINUED >
Priceless Memories
Advice Editorial: Gift Giving Inspiration For Dads
ARTICLE BY MEL BOBAN
Learn Together
Learning a new skill together, or sharing a favorite hobby, is a great way to bond. If Dad likes woodworking or fishing, finding a class to attend together goes beyond gifting tools and allows fun.
Retro
Movie Night
Enjoy a movie night together with popcorn, candy and all the fixings. Home movies enable strolls down memory lane, or one of his favorite movies from his childhood makes for fun conversation. Ordering a projector for a large format screening makes the movie night feel extra theatrical.
CONTINUED >
Chef’s Kiss
Take the food pressure off Dad and invite local culinary experts to prepare a meal. A fun theme, based around his favorite vacation, such as Hawaiian food, will make the evening memorable. Alternatively, try a local cooking class together based on his favorite cuisine.
Blast From The Past
Brainstorm childhood memories together and enjoy a day reliving them. If he chaperoned a trip to the zoo, experience it again together. If short on time, stop at a favorite ice cream stand and tell him how much you cherish the memories.
Relax this summer
Jeff Schenk MBA, CFP®, CEPA®, AAMS®
Kristin
AN EXCERPT FROM EPISODE 6 OF SHARE THE LIFESTYLE, A CITY LIFESTYLE PODCAST
Photographer: Brittany Dawn Short
Creative Director: Jen Birn
Stylist: Stephanie Coultress O’Neill
Location: Hotel Saint Cecilia, Austin, TX
MIKE JOHNSON HAS BUILT HIS LIFE AROUND ONE QUIETLY RADICAL IDEA: THE STANDARD YOU SET PRIVATELY IS THE ONLY ONE THAT MATTERS.
After eight years in the Air Force, a celebrated run on national television, and a health crisis abroad that sent him deep into supply chains and ingredient certifications most founders never touch, the result is Oshun — a luxury ritual brand built on provenance you can trace and integrity you can verify. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Mike shares what it actually takes to build something worth putting your name on. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full episode.
Q: YOU BECAME A FAN FAVORITE ON THE BACHELORETTE AND THEN LEFT THE SPOTLIGHT. YOU MOVED TO MEXICO, LEARNED SPANISH, THEN COSTA RICA, AND BUILT A COMPANY. WHAT DID THAT EXPERIENCE TEACH YOU ABOUT HUMAN BEHAVIOR?
A: “If you’re a good person going in, that shows. If you’re not, that shows too. I also learned that people form this parasocial relationship with you — they assume things about you. When all actuality, different circumstances bring out different parts of who you are. I was on TV trying to find love. The kindness people were showing after felt a bit fake, because they wanted to be a part of something that isn’t who I am individually, but a part of what they saw on TV. And so I had to get away from everybody and everything and the noise.”
THE QUIET STANDARD:
MIKE JOHNSON
“Too many people have prayed for me. So I’ve got to get up and do the walking.”
— Mike Johnson
Q: YOU JOINED THE AIR FORCE RIGHT OUT OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE. WHAT WERE YOU ACTUALLY RUNNING TOWARD?
A: “There was something in me that was saying: I’m not living up to my full potential. I was being a follower. My uncle said, ‘What’s going to make you become an adult the fastest?’ I said, obviously, the military. The Air Force broadened my thought process more than anything. We’re so caught up in our own perception — when you learn to understand different people’s perspectives, it adds to you in so many ways.”
Q: WITH OSHUN, YOU OWN YOUR MANUFACTURING, YOU EMPLOY A CHEMIST, EVERY PRODUCT HAS A BATCH NUMBER TRACEABLE TO ITS ORIGIN DATE. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GO THAT DEEP WITH THE BRAND?
A: “The EU bans 1,100 ingredients in personal care products. The U.S. bans nine. That’s my starting point. Oftentimes, it might be the same ingredient, but it comes from a place where it doesn’t have the highest purity. And 60% of what we put on our skin is absorbed. Every product Oshun makes carries a batch number that goes back to the exact day it was created — I can show you every single supplier, the date, the origin. I own more than one part of the supply chain because that’s the only way I can stand behind what’s in the bottle.”
This conversation is just the beginning. Mike goes deeper into why he’s buying land up north, the family in the Philippines who prayed over his factory floor, and what he’d tell every person ready to stop performing and start building. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle podcast.
MIKE JOHNSON
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
SUNDAYS
Ahwatukee Farmers Market
Ahwatukee Swim & Tennis Center | 8:00 AM
Fresh food, arts and crafts, food trucks and more come together each Sunday for this signature weekly community event. The Ahwatukee Farmers Market starts their summer hours this month, running from 8 to 11 a.m. through September. For more information, visit ArizonaCommunityFarmersMarkets.com/Ahwatukee-Farmers-Market.
THROUGH JUNE 14H
Ever After
Dr. Stacie J. and Richard J. Stephenson Theatre
Inspired by the film Ever After starring Drew Barrymore, the new musical, Ever After takes you beyond the myth to discover the story of Danielle de Barbarac, a fearless young woman who dares to defy expectations, challenge a prince and write her own ending. The musical features dazzling costumes, breathtaking music and a romance that will sweep you off your feet. PhoenixTheatre.com
JUNE 13TH
Patti LaBelle
Gila River - Wild Horse Pass | 8:00 PM
Artist, entertainer, actress, author and entrepreneur Patti LaBelle comes to Wild Horse Pass for what will surely be an unforgettable performance. Her career spans more than 60 years and features legendary R&B and soul hits like “New Attitude,” “On My Own” (with Michael McDonald), “If Only You Knew,” and “Lady Marmalade.” For more information, visit PlayAtGila.com
JUNE 17TH - 18TH
Arizona Pops Presents Americana Homage
Tempe Center for the Arts
Start celebrating America’s 250th anniversary early with Arizona Pops “Americana Homage,” featuring stirring music created by iconic American composers John Williams, Michael Kamen and George Gershwin. Enjoy performances from the film scores of Lincoln and JFK, Gershwin's masterful "Rhapsody in Blue” and more. Visit TempeCenterfortheArts.com for more information.
JUNE 24TH - JULY 3RD
Beauty and the Beast
ASU Gammage
Celebrating 30 years in production, Beauty and the Beast is a breathtaking musical filled with the romance and grandeur audiences know and love. This enchanting and timeless tale has been brought to life like never before, with spectacular new sets and dazzling costumes. For showtimes, tickets and more information, visit ASUGammage.com
JUNE 26TH
Augustana and Phantom Planet
Marquee Theater | 7:00 PM
Coming to Tempe for one memorable show, Augustana and Phantom Planet co-headline their summer tour. The show celebrates Augusta’s 20th anniversary of their debut album, All The Stars and Boulevards, which they will play in its entirety. Visit MarqueeTheatreAZ.com for tickets.
Your best look starts with a health smile. Keep it handsome & healthy–book your check up today!
Oral health is a critical but often overlooked component of men’s health. Statistically, men are less likely to visit the dentist regularly, increasing their risk for periodontal disease. Left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and is linked to systemic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.
Lifestyle factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and stress-induced teeth grinding further elevate these risks. However, prevention is straightforward: brushing twice daily, flossing, and attending regular professional cleanings can catch issues early and reduce inflammation throughout the body.
Prioritizing your oral health supports better nutrition, confidence, and long-term physical performance. We encourage you to maintain routine checkups to protect your overall well-being. Look Good. Feel Strong. Smile Better.
