Birmingham, AL June 2023

BOKAS BOUQUET 48 X 48 NEW WORKS ON DI SPLAY THROUGH MAY

Man, what an issue!

When Kali and I started brainstorming this year's Gentleman's Issue, I said out loud, wouldn't it be great if we could get all five of the guys in the feature spread to come to the same coffee shop on the same day so I can interview them face-to-face?! Call me old-fashioned, but to me, nothing takes the place of those real-life encounters. And sure, given the busy schedules of these guys, it was a long shot. But I had belief in myself that I could make it happen.

Well, as you can see from our cover — and from reading the pages inside our June issue —it came together perfectly. Not only was I able to spend an afternoon hearing success stories and fun facts from these local pros, we also got them together for an epic photo shoot (Thanks again to Ambre Amari and David Smith for your help making it happen).

If you ask me, belief in oneself is a theme of this issue, and it shows on every page, from the five entrepreneurs on the cover to all our other features. Turn to page 36 to read Kali's interview with Hunter Freiberg, owner of Meta Fitness, and learn how his gym is helping everyone reach their highest wellness potential. Meet artist Victor Bokas on page 20, whose chance winning of a painting at age 11 allowed him to realize his destiny. And don't miss Mayor Randall Woodfin's book selections for the month on page 16 — curated specifically to inspire greatness.

Every year, the annual Gentlemen's Issue reminds us how many great guys we're fortunate to have in our lives – dads, spouses, mentors, brothers and close friends. In an era when sometimes the guys get left out of the accolades, Kali and I are excited to share an issue that celebrates men. As always, thank you for your support, partnership and readership of Birmingham Lifestyle. Have a happy Father's Day!

Yours,

DENISE K. JAMES, EDITOR @BIRMINGHAM.LIFESTYLE

June 2023

PUBLISHER

Kali McNutt | kali.mcnutt@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Denise K. James | denise.james@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Mayor Randall Woodfin, Denise K. James, Kali McNutt

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Ambre Amari, David Smith

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Whitney Lockhart

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

Home for the SUMMER.

FAMILY & COSMETIC DENTISTRY

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

1-7: Canary Gallery of Birmingham welcomed friends, family and patrons to a garden party, celebrating new work from artist Victor Bokas. Bokas’ works will be displayed through June 16. canarygalleryllc.com Photography by Mary Kalusche

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @Birmingham.Lifestyle

housing and employment for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities,

1-7: The Arc of Central Alabama, which provides

hosted its annual beYOUtiful BHM Fashion Show at Ross Bridge, including a silent auction. arcofcentralalabama.org Photography by Katie & Alec

Lynlee strongly believes in and supports residential growth in Birmingham. Since obtaining her license in 2014, Lynlee has completed over 400 transactions totaling over $155 million dollars of real estate sold in the area. "I have made a huge effort to be intimately engaged in the central city and surrounding "city suburbs" from Forest Park to Homewood, Mountain Brook and Vestavia, so that I can provide the greatest benefit to my clients, which I strongly believe is market knowledge". Her greatest motivation is her clients: She says, "Success to me is doing what I love every day and knowing that my contributions positively impact my clients, my company, and my city and that I have produced the highest quality work."

GET IN TOUCH

705 Euclid Ave. | Listing Agent

MOUNTAIN BROOK $1,607,000

REDMONT $1,745,000 DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM $850,908

2504 Aberdeen Rd. | Buyer's Agent

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Acre Group Lawn & Landscape introduces pest control services

Acre Group Lawn & Landscape recently added pest control to their vast repertoire of services. According to Acre Group owner Aaron Sanders, the new division was developed by a 20-year veteran of the pest control industry. "We've spent the last 18 months planning, organizing and purchasing trucks and equipment in preparation for the rollout, which we did in March," says Sanders. "We are focused on residential pest control and mosquito services in the Birmingham market." Visit acreoutdoors.com.

Mary Meadows Livingston joins board of Theological Horizons at UVA

The Alabama Holocaust Education Center hosts grand reopening

On May 22, Birmingham locals gathered to celebrate and dedicate the new Alabama Holocaust Education Center. The new location at 2100 Highland Avenue South, Suite 101, will perpetuate the mission of the Alabama Holocaust Education Center: to educate the people of Alabama about the history and lessons of the Holocaust, in order to create a more just and compassionate world that recognizes the dignity, potential and humanity of every individual. Visit ahecinfo.org.  Scan

Mary Meadows Livingston, owner and founder of Abeona Wealth, has recently joined the board of Theological Horizons, based at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. The organization seeks to "support believers and seekers by providing a welcoming community for engaging faith, thought and life," according to the website, and welcomes students, scholars, clergy and laypeople worldwide. Livingston is a graduate of UVA and looks forward to being part of this mission.

Crittenden Partners expands law offices to offer new services

Crittenden Partners is proud to share the news of their office expansion, which will allow the all-woman firm to accommodate a new mediation division with services offered by partners Laura Lee and Nicole Saia. Additionally, the office expansion will allow the partners to offer services into the area of wills and estate planning. Visit crittendenpartners.com.

The Wynhurst by AR Homes is now on Lake Martin

Escape the everyday and enter a world of luxury and tranquility. The Wynhurst by AR Homes is built for gathering: a vibrant and open three-story home with four bedrooms and four baths. Enjoy family time or entertain guests with ample space, including a great room, game room, club room and four walkouts to the upper and lower patios. Life at The Willows offers plush, wooded lots with stunning shoreline views of Lake Martin. Visit arhomes. com/builder/j-david-homes-llc/.

Pella of Birmingham names Jeremy Coffey new general manager

Pella Windows and Doors of Birmingham recently brought on a new general manager. Jeremy Coffey comes to Pella after a career in management with Advance Auto Parts. Pella services the entire state of Alabama with its award-winning (Fast Company’s Most Innovative Design Company award, 2022) highend, long-life windows, doors and accessories for home improvement. Pella offers complimentary in-home consultations for customers — or visit the newly updated Pella Showroom at 101 Distribution Drive in Homewood.  Visit pellabranch.com/alabama/

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Birmingham

Leading Reads

Mayor Woodfin shares his recent favorites

ARTICLE BY MAYOR RANDALL WOODFIN

It’s not unusual for me to have a book within arm’s reach throughout the day. I love a great biography or an “ideas” book by a favorite writer such as Malcolm Gladwell. Books provide a break in a busy day. They inform, educate, inspire and prompt deeper thinking or a great discussion. In my role as mayor, I have promoted the benefits of reading for all ages. Read with Woodfin is a book club started on my social channels. Through Page Pals, we partnered with Birmingham City Schools to encourage volunteers to read to third graders. Reading to a child is one of the most important things any of us can do in our community.

Both titles are available at Thank You Books in Birmingham.

Spare

by Prince Harry

I didn’t know a lot about Prince Harry other than the coverage we all saw on TV. As I read his story in Spare, I appreciated the opportunity to understand his perspective as a royal. He provides a deeper dive into the life beyond what the tabloids may tell you. The most compelling part of this book, for me, deals with his military service. He writes that sharing his experience, which includes two tours of duty in Afghanistan, helps him heal and hopefully will help others. Those stories, along with observations from his worldwide travels, made me appreciate him as a person.

His Very Best: Jimmy Carter, a Life

by Jonathan Alter

I’ve read so much about Presidents Kennedy, Clinton and Obama. Like many, I know Jimmy Carter as a man of deep faith with a purpose-driven post-presidency. Alter’s biography describes Carter as very misunderstood. I am amazed by his story from Georgia farm boy to a Naval nuclear engineer who resigned his post to run the family business when his father died. The motivations that led to his political life fascinate me. Complete with consideration of success and failure, the story of Carter’s rise from outsider to president and 40 years of service after the White House will inspire you.

ARTIST VICTOR BOKAS IS AT HOME IN HIS STUDIO AND IN BIRMINGHAM

BRIGHT IDEAS

ARTICLE BY DENISE K. JAMES

One day, when he was 11 years old, Victor Bokas’ life took an artistic turn. After riding his bicycle to an outdoor art festival, young Victor bought a raffle ticket for a dollar and, to his surprise, won a painting. He admits now that the painting changed his life. “Call it luck or destiny, but if it hadn’t been for that winning ticket, I’m sure my career path would’ve been different,” he muses.

Bokas’ parents were happy to support their budding artist, and the town of Gulf Breeze, Florida was an ideal place to glean inspiration. Bokas was fortunate to grow up in proximity to several artists; during his middle and high school years, he took lessons from Margaret Look, Betty Shea, Evelyn Neal and Dianne Curington. “All have unique styles,” he notes. “And the tropical landscaping [of Florida] was inspiring.”

After working in design roles for several years — he earned a graphic design degree from the University of Florida — Bokas transitioned to creating art full-time at his home studio. Design, however, remains an important kernel for Bokas, who points out that artful design is the draw in everyday products and items. “Art is everywhere, even when we take it for granted,” he points out. “Most everything is based on design. You’re attracted to a certain car, home or piece of furniture because of design. Books, menus, posters, logos, magazines — I could go on. It’s all art related.”

"Machu Picchu"

"Cotton Candy Hearts"

Bokas affectionately describes his studio as “chaotic.” The colorful, eccentric space is located in the garage – without any air conditioning, Florida summers be damned — typically with wide open doors facing the backyard (“So I don’t scare the neighbors,” he quips) and brimming with the musical sounds of anything from Elvis Costello to Billie Eilish or The Smiths. From wall to paint-splattered wall, the studio is humming with the playful, vivid colors for which Bokas is known – not a boring neutral gray or beige in sight.

Artistic tools are not limited to the typical brushes either; anything from brooms to twigs to books filled with wallpaper samples can be found in the studio. Yellows, pinks, teals, emeralds and all other bright, fanciful hues are Bokas’ favorites to work with — and never the same way twice. “I’ve always liked bold, bright colors,” he says. “I love going to the art supply store and picking up colors I’ve not used before. When working on a painting, I try to use a variety of each color. For instance, I’ll never use just one shade of green and never straight out of the tube. I always experiment and create variations.”

"Garden Party"

“MOST EVERYTHING IS BASED ON DESIGN. YOU’RE ATTRACTED TO A CERTAIN CAR, HOME OR PIECE OF FURNITURE BECAUSE OF ITS DESIGN. BOOKS, MENUS, POSTERS, LOGOS, MAGAZINES — I COULD GO ON AND ON. IT’S ALL ART RELATED.”

- VICTOR BOKAS

A collector of kitsch since his early years, Bokas finds inspiration in unique, found items. He describes his favorite shop as a child, Allen Davis Seashell Souvenirs, as the place his love for oddball treasures began. Now, Bokas has a vast collection of all sorts of items, from snow globes to antique furniture to vintage state plates. “Every inch of my house is filled with my art or collections,” he says. “For me, it’s a scavenger hunt. Things that might get discarded, I find a way to incorporate into my collages or just enjoy their tacky beauty.”

Because Bokas has relatives living in Birmingham – a sister and brother-in-law, as well as nieces and nephews — it didn’t take long for him to meet Libby Pantazis, founder of Canary Gallery and family friend. In fact, Bokas came up with the gallery’s signature logo, featuring a yellow canary perched upon a paintbrush. Visitors to Canary Gallery can view new work from Bokas through June 16. “Birmingham patrons have been supportive of my art, and I’m excited to show my new works,” he says. “Besides an opportunity to

"Flowers for Aspasia"

visit my family and friends, Birmingham also has amazing restaurants and bars.”

Despite the allure of completed masterpieces and art openings, Bokas is, more often than not, simply in his studio, working hard on future visions. Like many artists, he doesn’t have a planned schedule for painting – inspiration could strike at 8 a.m., or it might strike at 3 a.m. The important thing, in his view, is engaging with the work.

“I try to paint every day, but not every day is successful,” he says. “Sometimes, I’m happy just making marks or scribbles, mixing paints and tearing up paper. This becomes the foundation for many of my works and can change the whole direction of the painting. That’s the joy of  painting for me.”

“Art can be healing, therapeutic and visually entertaining,” he adds. “When we create art, we elevate our mood, improve our ability to problem-solve and open our minds to new ideas.”

Victor Bokas’ art will be on display at Canary Gallery through June 16. canarygalleryllc.com

"Cocktails & Cotton Candy"

"Spring is Here"

ARTICLE BY DENISE K. JAMES

MAKERS OF THE MAGIC CITY

His process

USEFUL GOODS HANDMADE BY LOCALS

DANIEL MEADOWS, OWNER AND CRAFTSMAN Meadows Knives

His background

Meadows attended Auburn, where he earned a degree in industrial product design. After college, he began designing tools. He remarks that any kind of product we buy — from a knife to an iPhone — has a product designer. Today, Meadows resides in Birmingham, works as remote creative director for a company in Charlotte and moonlights as a knife craftsman. His knives can be found all over the world.

Why he chose knives

When asked why he chose such an unusual object, Meadows explains many of his close friends are chefs, and he embraced the challenge of crafting an elite tool for them to use. Self-taught in the skill, Meadows built his first knives in his home shop and then allowed them to be tested. “I started in 2018. Once my knives became known by chefs, I started turning my hobby more into an income stream. I have knives all over the world. I have primarily focused on kitchen knives, chef knives,” he says.

Customers primarily find Meadows Knives through Instagram. After contacting Meadows, they are able to choose their preferred metal, color, handle and more. Each knife is custom and commissioned. “I give them options on metals and materials, and we sketch out what the knife will look like, maybe four or five sketches, and I ask if any speak to them,” he says. “Then I source the metal, wood, resin and build it in my shop. I cut a chunk of the metal and hammer it into the shape of the knife. Then it’s in the forge at 1,500 degrees, then it goes on an anvil to make its shape. It’s tedious — it’s about 20 to 30 hours per knife, all done by hand.”Visit facebook.com/meadowsknives or @meadowsknives on Instagram.

ALAN SLATTERY, LEATHERWORKER Dreamers Supply Company

His background

Slattery and his wife, Kaitlin, co-owners of Dreamers Supply Co., vacationed in the city of Savannah for their wedding anniversary and were inspired to attend SCAD. Though making simple leather pouches was already his hobby, Slattery says “he’d never put two and two together” to realize he could become a true leather designer. After graduating from SCAD, the couple moved to France for a residency and honed their skills: illustration for her, leatherwork for him. “It was life-changing being in France, and we received an honorarium to launch our store with other makers and artists,” he says.

Why he chose leather

Slattery loves the idea of practical luxury –pieces that are high-quality and never go out of style. He says he admires and gleans inspiration from heritage brands such as Frank Clegg. “I like to create modern tailored pieces — not super

Daniel Meadows

flashy or with crazy patterns. I love the classics,” he notes. “I want to create timeless, daily luxuries that you can use and wear.”

His process

Prior to Covid, Dreamers Supply had a storefront, and the couple worked onsite. Now that everything has moved online, Slattery and his wife share studio space inside their home. When he gets ready to create something new, Slattery is likely to “Frankenstein” ideas together from varied sources — a handle from here, a clasp from there. While the majority of pieces have been totes, handbags, and cross-bodies, Slattery hopes to include smaller leather goods like wallets online this year. All leather is sourced from a tannery in Tuscany. “They have very old world colors and processes,” he says. “The natural marks are part of the cow’s life, and we celebrate that — as well as how the piece later becomes part of your own life.”

Visit dreamerssupplyco.com or @dreamerssupplyco on Instagram.

JOEL LOCKRIDGE, OWNER AND CRAFTSMAN

Bog Oak Pens

His background

Joel Lockridge believes the pen is mighty. A graphic designer for 25 years and a woodworker, he considers himself an artist and says “a finely crafted pen will never go out of style.” “I’ve been a woodworker since I was a small child,” he says. “My dad

Alan Slattery

taught me to make birdhouses with basic tools and a hammer. I went on to make jewelry boxes, picture frames, furniture and more.”

Why he chose pens

Lockridge got into the pen-making business “out of necessity” when the graphic design company he was working with closed its doors. He then became a full-time artist, peddling his wares at festivals and events when possible.

His process

Bog Oak Pens are made with a special kind of wood between 4,000 and 6,000 years old. Because the peat bogs absorb oxygen, the wood recovered does not decay. "There are peat bogs all over the world, but the wood I use came from the Fens of England,” Lockridge notes. “The acids and tannins in the water of the bog darken and harden the wood over centuries, so colors will range from a chocolate brown to nearly black.”

Lockridge’s creative process is different each time, but certain things remain constant: black coffee, an audiobook or podcast — “I’m a bibliophile,” he says — and ample time to perfect each pen. “I usually take two days or so to make one. I’ll do the glue and drilling process the night before I make it, and finish it the next day. Whether I work daytime or night depends on what I have to do during the week, but either one is common.” he says. Visit bogoakpens.com.

Joel Lockridge

BUSINESS SENSE

HOW THESE BIRMINGHAM ENTREPRENEURS GOT TO THE TOP

ARTICLE BY DENISE K. JAMES

PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMBRE AMARI

GREG MILAM

OWNER, CAMP BOW WOW

Fifteen years ago, if someone told Greg Milam he’d leave corporate America to open Camp Bow Wow, Birmingham’s doggie day care and boarding facility, he might have laughed at the prediction. But life has held a few surprises since Milam’s second year of high school, when his family departed Miami and moved to Birmingham for his father’s job. The move was tough, but Milam adjusted, made friends, then enrolled at Auburn. An accountant by trade, he worked in corporate roles before a change of heart in 2019 inspired a return to the Magic City with his wife. Months later, the pandemic hit. “Everyone got a Covid dog,” he laughs. “My friends in New Orleans take theirs to Camp Bow Wow, and I thought to myself, Why not?! We signed a franchise agreement in 2020.”

Though he now spends his days around happy pups, Milam says running Camp Bow Wow takes the same skills he acquired long ago. “Nothing has been a big surprise,” he insists. “But our values — community engagement, quality customer service and value – are now through the lens of caring for dogs.”

As for the corporate world he left behind, Milam has never looked back. “There’s a tinge of excitement in the entrepreneur world and having the kids grow up in an environment where they understand business,” he says. “Honestly, my 2-year-old hates it when he can’t go see the doggies.” CONTINUED >

JOSEPH BRASWELL

OWNER, GUIN SERVICE LLC

For Birmingham native Joseph Braswell, the decision to take on his grandfather’s longtime HVAC and plumbing business, Guin Service LLC, did not come lightly. While Braswell never questioned whether he would become an entrepreneur, he selected and learned the profession carefully. “[My grandfather and I] always talked about it growing up,” he says. “He would jokingly say, ‘You’re going to work for me one day.’ So, when I graduated from college, I called him up.”

Braswell’s parents initially encouraged their son to pursue the typical nine-to-five workday for “real world experience” and perhaps as a safeguard against failure. Braswell, however, thrived on his grandfather’s philosophy that failure was OK and even valuable. He would meet up with his grandfather and share ideas about the company’s future, and the process of brainstorming primed Braswell to one day own Guin Service. During these meetings, his grandfather didn’t treat him like a grandson; Braswell learned the business as any apprentice would, and, when the time arrived, he purchased the company. “If you become part of your family’s business, there should be no ifs, ands or buts about whether you are the right person,” Braswell comments.

Today, the success of Guin Service – 65 years and counting — is a testament to Braswell’s dedication, which started long ago. He’s modernized his grandfather’s legacy for the future — “Everything was written down on notepads,” he says, “but now I can read our numbers from anywhere” — however, Braswell maintains those “old-school” ways of running a company. “I think the best way to run a business is by the book,” he shares. “Don’t cut corners. I sleep soundly at night knowing we do everything we can to help our customers.”

DAVID BONAMY

OWNER, AR HOMES

For David Bonamy, entrepreneurship is in his DNA. His father owned a car business in their original home of Daytona, and his grandfather ran a hotel and grocery store. By the time Bonamy graduated college in Alabama, where he’d played football and studied accounting, he knew his dream was not to be an accountant long term. Still, he embraced his first role as a CPA. “I started my career in a great spot,” he admits now. “But I used to make the joke that I didn’t want to review other people’s business challenges; I wanted to create my own!”

Bonamy maintains that the first decade of his career in accounting – managing businesses and understanding numbers — became instrumental in his next career move, which was residential construction . . . and that everything built up to owning AR Homes. “I think the years in accounting and the next ones in construction prepared me for any business,” he remarks. “I saw the good and bad of running a company. I had a lot of education in multiple ways, seeing people work and build relationships. It put me into a position to accept all sorts of challenges head on.”

By 2016, when he became franchise owner of AR Homes in Birmingham, Bonamy knew he was right where he was supposed to be. “I don’t get up a single day and begrudge or dread anything I do,” he says. “I love owning my decisions and knowing our staff depends on me. I believe customer service is truly our business, and we love building homes. I know if we succeed, we collectively succeed.”

Bonamy’s father, now living in a newly constructed home in Leeds, enjoys hearing about AR Homes during his son’s frequent calls and visits. “He’s proud of what we do and how we operate,” Bonamy says. “And if his health was better, he’d be out here helping every day – five years ago, he was! So I think the entrepreneurial spirit has stayed within him too.”  CONTINUED >

AARON SANDERS

OWNER, ACRE GROUP

Aaron Sanders is no stranger to nature. After moving to Birmingham at the age of 5, Sanders and his brother would often find themselves exploring the vast woods of Shelby County. “We built forts and bridges; we played Army; we rode bikes and explored,” he says. Later, in high school, Sanders followed his passion and asked to join the school’s grounds crew, which would become the first step in owning Acre Group. Of course, there was zero prestige in those early days — he laughingly recounts jobs such as weed eating, edging, repairing playground equipment and installing landscaping. “Although it was grunt work, we loved it,” he declares.

Eventually, Sanders enrolled in Auburn as a landscape architecture major — but, to his surprise, he felt like a duck out of water. “I’m more hands-on,” he notes. He deftly switched focus from architecture to landscaping design, then completed his degree and embarked on an eightyear stint with a landscaping company, where he honed his people skills.

Today, Sanders is owner of Acre Group, a full-service landscaping company. He stresses the importance of not just a yard but a comfortable space that customers can savor and enjoy. “We like doing hardscapes; we love backyard renovations and creating a space with a patio or somewhere to relax outside,” he says. “And we can pull in components of stones, plants and trees.”

A self-described intuitive person, Sanders works to understand his customers’ visions and navigate to their dream results. “Involvement is key,” he notes. “I developed my people skills little by little. You do it wrong the first time, and you figure it out. The easiest thing to do is listen. Articulate what you hear, make sure you are both on the same page, and be real.”

DAN PAHOS

OWNER, HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE

Born and raised in St. Paul, Minnesota, Dan Pahos never suspected he’d live in the South. But fate intervened when he fell in love with a girl from Birmingham during a work trip to Nashville, and, the next thing he knew, he’d up and moved to the Magic City. Later, when his father began having health issues, Pahos found himself providing care from a distance. That’s when he realized how important senior care is – a realization that led to purchasing Alabama’s first Home Instead franchise. “I thought about it and prayed about it,” he says. “It was my mom who first said I should do something with the elderly. And she was right!”

Prior to February 1997, when Home Instead was officially up and running, Pahos had thrived in his career in industrial packaging supplies and sales. He says the transition was easier than he anticipated; Home Instead played into numerous strengths he already had. “I learn by doing,” he says. And he was indeed doing a lot: not only hands-on caregiving for seniors but also learning about certain diseases (including Alzheimer’s); performing company HR duties; marketing to physicians and social workers; and more. “My wife was patient because I worked a lot of nights and weekends,” he remarks.

The hard work paid off — Home Instead is thriving 26 years later. And while Covid’s challenges set the company back, the need and demand for Home Instead continues, and the company is growing stronger. Pahos attributes the success of Home Instead to acquiring his dedicated team, all of whom genuinely care. In fact, he’s been known to bring an unsuspecting interviewee along for a “preview” of the work involved. “You can start with normal job ads, but you have to create a culture within the company — and that becomes a gyroscope of how you hire people,” he notes. “Our core purpose statement is to enhance the lives of seniors and those who love them. In the interview process, I find those who meet that standard.”

Providence and Personal Training

HUNTER FREIBERG IS CREATING AN INCLUSIVE, ELEVATED FITNESS EXPERIENCE

ARTICLE BY KALI MCNUTT PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID SMITH

Intentionality is infused into every aspect of the new Meta Fitness Liberty Park, from the luxury gym’s accessible layout to the spa water literally infused with herbs from owner Hunter Freiberg’s garden.

And while camel leather exercise benches, warm bamboo-wrapped machines and other upscale touches (Did we mention the spa water?) certainly differentiate this place, it’s the people —both trainers and clients—who make Meta the truly unique place it is.

“We are intentionally making an effort for this gym to be welcoming, accessible and accommodating to all people,” Freiberg notes.

Proving his point, Meta’s fast-growing client base includes neighbors from Liberty Park, as well as those who drive across town to work with the gym's elite trainers. Freiberg quips, “if you are a human being with a pulse, you can train at Meta Fitness."

After training at Meta for a few months, I’ve come to understand this is not an empty promise—this is a mantra and mission for Freiberg as he builds a diverse, elite, accessible—we’d even say inspired—fitness space.

HOW IT HAPPENED

“If you are in the fitness community in Birmingham, especially in Mountain Brook or Vestavia, you are aware and know of Matt Crane and Meta,” Freiberg says. Not long after selling his previous business, the stars aligned rapidly, with many signs pointing Freiberg to partner with Crane and open a second Meta location.

“Matt has a respected brand. After one three-hour dinner at The Fig Tree, we had a handshake deal to open the gym,” Freiberg says. Fourteen months later, Matt Crane and his team stood shoulder to shoulder on Meta Fitness Liberty Park’s opening day.

“We love Liberty Park—our brand-new, gorgeous building in Cahaba Station has plenty of parking and great neighbors [EW Motion Therapy]. The pouring out of people from Liberty Park and Mountain Brook—and really all over Birmingham—has been astounding,” Freiberg says with a smile.

TRAIN IN A SPA-LIKE ENVIRONMENT

“Movement is what we wanted,” Freiberg says about the elements as you enter Meta— from the curved desk to the 11-foot waterfall to the chandelier that mimics water droplets. In working with local designer Mae Beth Sandlin, it was important to create a luxurious and inviting environment.

“I’ve been to Thailand and Bali, and I enjoy the calming energy of many Asian countries. I wanted to use natural materials like bamboo throughout the gym. Having the sound of water as you enter was intentional; everything was designed to put you at ease. For many people, the gym is an overwhelming place. Our aim is for people to walk in and immediately be put at ease,” Freiberg says.

META FITNESS LIBERTY PARK TRAINERS

• Tray Davis

• Taylor Chambless

• Jamella Stroud

• Julie Van Hoy

• Jaiquan Crook

Freiberg with client Deborah Brooks

Hunter’s Voice All Stars

Trainer Jillian Torres had “always been an athlete—exercise and being active was a huge part of life,” but when her youngest child, Hunter, was diagnosed at age 2 with autism, her journey changed. Now, Jillian’s bigger purpose is “to live as long as I can.” As her son's sole caregiver, staying mentally and physically healthy is a top priority.

Jillian started Hunter’s Voice while living in Chicago. The organization, now a 501c3 supported by Meta Fitness, hosts workouts to raise money for children and adults with autism. The primary use for funds is to assist with “potty training boot camp” for families of children with autism, as potty training can be especially challenging for many children on the spectrum. Hunter’s Voice also envisions creating a community and an outlet for the families of children and adults with challenges. "Often parents can feel isolated…their child might not get invited to birthday parties, for example” notes Freiberg. Monthly gatherings are kicking off this summer, and excitement is building for this new community resource. The vision for Hunter’s Voice—and indeed Meta’s overall vision—is one of building camaraderie, forming deep friendships and transforming lives for the better.

MEET STEPHANIE SOUTHWARD

It takes about one minute of speaking to Hunter Freiberg to ascertain that he is an extroverted people person.

“The people are the key element, and all the right people showed up,” he tells me. “One by one, the right people just presented themselves.” He is speaking not only about Matt Crane, interior designer Mae Beth Sandlin and the gym’s trainers, but his clients. All clients seem to become part of one big Meta family, but there is one in particular who can regularly move Freiberg to tears.

Stephanie Southward was working out at another local gym when she found out about Meta. She was taken aback by the fact that the gym is outfitted to be accessible for people in wheelchairs. She has cerebral palsy, and her primary caregiver is her mother.

“The gym has been my haven, my church and my therapist,

Stephanie Southward and Hunter Freiberg

Follow Stephanie Southward's journey @smiles_hugs_fit

and Stephanie and I connect on that,” Freiberg says. “My job is to help people see themselves the way I see them. I don’t allow negative self-talk in my presence. You are going to talk to you like I talk to you, at least when you are here for an hour! And let’s put systems in place so you start speaking to yourself that way on your own.”

“She is going to become a certified personal trainer,” he adds, beaming. “She will be our resident trainer for anyone who comes in here who has a physical handicap. She is going to bring in her own clients and create the training programs herself.”

Freiberg points out that becoming a trainer will give Stephanie the confidence she deserves – and serve as inspiration for countless others. “It occurred to me that Stephanie rarely gets the chance to be a caregiver, and this is going to be her opportunity to care for others,” he notes. “She has been dependent. Stephanie is so strong— she did a body weight pull-up the other day. That’s so inspiring, not only for someone with a disability but to any able-bodied person!”

“The vision for Hunter’s Voice—and indeed Meta’s overall vision—is one of building camaraderie, forming deep friendships and transforming lives for the better.”

GO AXE-THROWING

Axe-throwing venues are still going strong across the country. Make an evening of it and practice your throwing skills!

MAKE AN IMPACT FOR DAD

Memorable Ways to Celebrate The Father Figure in Your Life

What do you buy for the man who has everything? Perhaps an experience oriented around what dads value most— time together —is just what he needs. Fathers and father figures are invaluable in our lives. They help shape and mold us. They’re there for us and support us. If you haven’t already planned something special, take a look at our list of ideas and circle your favorites. If you have kids, let them join in the fun too!

Whether you decide to spend a day at home or enjoy a day on the town, these innovative celebration ideas will include fun for the whole family and make Dad feel loved. Whatever activity or surprise you land on to show your dad, husband, brother or father figure your appreciation for all they do, the most important thing is that you all get to spend some quality time together.

COOK SOMETHING ADVENTUROUS

If some of Dad’s role models include Gordon Ramsay and Bobby Flay, consider thinking outside the box and create a meal with something you wouldn’t usually go for like bison burgers or grilled octopus tentacles. Tackling a complex recipe may seem challenging but the memories and the meal will be worth it.

GO ON A BIKE RIDE

Find a local trail you haven’t tried before, load up the bikes and set out for a day of riding. Finish off the day with a nice meal out after all your hard work.

MAKE A TIME CAPSULE

Dig a hole in your backyard and have Dad help the kids gather items around the house (like a current newspaper or flyers) and put them in a waterproof bag.

When people with extraordinary talent and passion are given the technology, the facilities, and the support, they achieve great things. The discoveries taking place today will help shape the future of treatments and lead to cures –benefitting not only our patients and families, but people across the country and around the world for years to come.

ARTICLE BY DENISE K. JAMES

A Refreshing Red

JUNE’S WINE OF THE MONTH

Created by longtime friends Fabien Jouves and Germain Croisille — as well as Croisille’s younger brother, Simon — the aptly monikered Jouves & Croisille label originated in the Cahors region of France. Our June wine of the month, the 2021 Cahors Malbec de Soif Rouge, is a 100% malbec made from organically farmed grapes, carefully handpicked and destemmed, then aged inside a concrete tank to retain a delicately fresh taste.

Priced at just $20 per bottle, this delicious wine is sure to become your new favorite summer red, according to Josh Terrell, owner of Classic Wine Company in Homewood. With a silky smooth palate, clean finish and light tannins, each sip is ripe with fruity and herbal notes, making it a refreshing selection for the warmer weather. It's the ideal wine to serve with chicken, burgers, barbecue or any flavorful party spread. Cheers to summer, good friends and good wine!

Josh Terrell, owner of Classic Wine Company, loves sharing his passion for wine with customers new and established. Located in Homewood’s Soho Square, Classic offers free wine tastings every Friday afternoon from 5:30-7 p.m.

Serving the Birmingham area since 1958.

For over 60 years, Birmingham has turned to us to deliver unmatched customer service for all your Air Conditioning, Plumbing, and Generator needs. Call us today to experience the Guin Service difference.