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The Men's Edition
For this edition, I’ve been reflecting on the men in my life and was reminded of a favorite quote: “Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one .”
I had the honor of interviewing Michael Beresford, Ed.D., superintendent of Carmel Clay Schools, who retires this month after a remarkable career. Our conversation was a moving reminder of what it means to lead with heart. I was inspired by his lifelong commitment to not only being a good human but also teaching kids how to be good humans. That includes being kind, respectful and honest — qualities I deeply admire in the men around me. His message felt especially meaningful in a time when civility can feel in short supply.
We also sat down with the Ross family of Closet Concepts to talk about legacy and what it means to carry forward a multigenerational business built by their father. Then, we heard from local business owner Chris Bennett, of Handyman Now, who offers practical wisdom on tackling the ever-growing “Honey-Do” list. Both businesses are dedicated to simplifying your home life, so you can spend more time doing what you love with the people you love.
If all that efficiency frees up a little extra time, why not dream big? Our feature, “So You Want to Be a Cowboy,” takes you westward, with inspiration and tips for planning a Montana getaway.
As we celebrate the good men, and good humans, around us, may this edition encourage each of us to reflect on how we can lead with character, live with purpose and leave the world a little better than we found it.
ANDREA KULSRUD, PUBLISHER
June 2025
PUBLISHER
Andrea Kulsrud | andrea.kulsrud@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Amy Adams | amy.adams@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Melvie Gonzales | melvie.gonzales@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Andrea Kulsrud, Ally Straczek, Amy Adams, Chelsea Lyn Agro
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Logan Clark (Thynk Creative), Brianna Richardson Photography
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle Learn
inside the issue
Love Where You Lead
Superintendent
Don’t
As
JUNE 2025
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
@THE3RETRIEVERS
1: From left, Winston, Gus, Archie and Oakley are ready for summer volunteer opportunities. 2: Carmel hosts the Cherry Blossom Festival in the updated Japanese Garden, recognizing sister city Kawachinagano, Japan. 3: Firefighter Garrett Locke, Engine 341, works a house fire in Carmel. 4: Volunteer-run Carmel Farmers Market kicks off its 27th year at Carter Green; 80 vendors every Saturday. 5: Basketball Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark addresses Ascension St. Vincent Carmel Ministry Leaders’ Retreat. 6: Carmel city employees recognize Earth Day by picking up trash along the Hagan-Burke Trail. 7: Ribbon-cutting celebrates Dr. David Evans’ Glowstick Chiropractic grand opening and Elite Health Resort’s 1-year anniversary.
Pure Barre Westfield Set To Open This Summer
A new studio for full body workouts is coming this summer to Grand Junction Plaza, 170 Jersey Street, Ste. 188. Pure Barre focuses on low-impact, high-intensity movements that target strength, cardio and flexibility, providing clients with self-focused time. Experience a class by joining one of their free popups at Westfield Farmer’s Market on Thursdays at 6 p.m. Call 317.779.1240 to book a class and save up to $30 per month by becoming a founding member.
Restore Your Core Physical Therapy’s Carolyn Cebalo, PT, CLT, and Erica Herron, PT, DPT, CLT, delivered an informative presentation regarding how physical therapy supports individuals affected by breast cancer while addressing survivors, staffers and volunteers at The Pink Ribbon Connection. PRC is an Indianapolis-based nonprofit whose supporters provide emotional support, local resources and education to those impacted by breast cancer in Indiana. Restore Your Core has facilities in Carmel, Greenwood and West Carmel/Zionsville.
Beauty By Blume Expands Into New Suite Location
Kristen Blume, M.D., Beauty by Blume owner, relocated to a new office suite as of May 30. The facility’s Fishers address is still 14074 Trade Center Drive; however the new, larger office is Ste. 214, across the hallway from prior Ste. 226. This team provides aesthetics, skin resurfacing, hair restoration, injectables, filler and peels. Dr. Blume is adding a new cosmetic service, Salmon DNA mesoneedling, a treatment also known as PDRN. For appointments, call 317.732.7227.
Americana on Main is a four-week Wednesday evening celebration, June 11–July 2, with themed entertainment, plaza performances, extended Main Street shop hours and fun for all ages.
EVENT SCHEDULE
4:00 - 8:00 PM
June 11 | National Corn Day
June 18 | Ice Cream Social
June 25 | Square Dancing
July 2 | Americana Finale
SUPERINTENDENT MICHAEL BERESFORD HAS
WORKED
HIS ENTIRE CAREER TO ENSURE OUR KIDS BECOME GOOD HUMANS
Love Where You Lead
ARTICLE BY ANDREA KULSRUD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LOGAN CLARK (THYNK CREATIVE)
As the freshness of spring blooms, Carmel City Lifestyle got to reflect with the outgoing superintendent of Carmel Clay Schools, Michael Beresford, Ed.D. — affectionately known as “Dr. B” by students. The changing season feels symbolic as he prepares to close one chapter and begin another: retirement at the end of this school year.
Dr. B has served as superintendent for the past seven years, and each year he has selected a theme. For his final year, it’s “Love where you lead.” And as we talked, it became clear; he’s been leading with love his entire career.
Born and raised in Illinois, Dr. B began his career in education in Indiana at Benton Central JuniorSenior High School near Lafayette. Later while at Ben Davis High School, he earned his master’s degree in school counseling from Butler University.
Dr. B accepted a position at Hamilton Southeastern Schools, which at the time had just 824 students. He stayed for more than two decades, witnessing tremendous growth. As principal at Riverside School, he gained hands-on experience designing and constructing the school, hiring staff and developing leadership skills. From there, he transitioned to the central office, eventually becoming assistant superintendent. During this time, he also earned his doctorate of education from Ball State University.
CONTINUED >
In 2018, Dr. B took the helm at Carmel Clay Schools. During his first year, he managed the aftermath of a boiler room fire at Carmel High School.
The following year, Dr. B led the district through one of its most challenging periods: the COVID-19 pandemic. He oversaw the transition to virtual instruction in 2020, saying he's proud of how the district adapted in real-time.
“We were able to have a consistent program when schools were closed and kept it consistent when kids came back,” he says. He credits teachers and staff for stepping up as technology leaders, helping others navigate remote teaching.
Dr. B also played a central role in expanding and enhancing the district’s infrastructure. He oversaw the opening of two new state-of-the-art elementary school buildings, Carmel Elementary and Clay Center Elementary. Other notable achievements include the construction of a new natatorium to support Carmel’s robust swimming community as well as the Greyhound Activity Center at Carmel High School, a versatile facility used by the band, athletic teams and as a shelter during severe weather.
With characteristic humility, Dr. B says he’s most proud of the team around him. For example, a highlight of his time as
Facility dog Jim Dandee works right along with Dr. B in leading and encouraging students and staff.
superintendent remains working with CHS art students and DECA members to develop a new logo and mission statement: “Together We Achieve.”
“Accomplishment-wise, it is more of a ‘we’ not a ‘me,’ and I am really proud of what we have been able to do here,” he says.
Another achievement close to his heart is the successful passage of the Safety Referendum, which brought a school resource officer to every building in the district; now a national model.
“That was the first big rock — was to make sure we have the safest environment where kids can learn,” he says.
Family remains a central focus for Dr. B. He is married to Lori, a lifelong social worker dedicated to serving the elderly. The couple has three children, all of whom live out of state. Retirement will offer more time for travel and visits.
When asked what he’ll miss most, his answer is immediate: the kids. He hopes to be remembered as the “kid guy.”
“That is my favorite piece of it all; it is the people,” he says. “I have worked for kids my whole life.”
His personal mission is simple yet powerful: Every child should feel known and loved, be challenged appropriately and become a good human being.
“I want them to be good human beings of good character, who help one another, who tell the truth, who are respectful, all those skills that you need to be successful,” he says.
As he reflects on a lifetime of service, one thing is clear: Dr. B has truly loved where he led.
“I have absolutely loved being here,” he says. "On the first day of the job, I said I am the luckiest guy on the planet; and on my last day, I am still the luckiest guy on the planet."
OsteoStrong®
It
TACKLING THE Honey-Do List
Don’t Let Those Undone Projects Diminish the Value of Your Home
ARTICLE BY AMY ADAMS
Chris Bennett, Owner
After years of working in the technology industry, developing and selling software, Bennett has returned to his roots: a degree in construction management and years of experience working with his father’s full-service construction company. Bennett aims to bring his customer service expertise from the computer software industry to the home services arena.
Let’s just admit it. We all have that list of repairs, maintenance and improvements we need to do around our homes. Whether it’s that we don’t have the time or don’t have the know-how, we seem to keep adding to the list without really checking anything off.
“My wife has a list,” says Chris Bennett, owner of Handyman Now. “There’s a hole there; that door sticks.”
This is exactly what Bennett had in mind when he came up with the business model for Handyman Now. He knows that, beyond aesthetics, if homeowners don’t stay on top of maintenance tasks and repairs, it can end up costing thousands of dollars in damage.
From plumbing to painting and beyond, Handyman Now has a team of around a dozen people, each with different specialties.
“We send out the right person for the right job,” Bennett says.
Handyman Now handles anything from smaller jobs, such as hanging artwork, to larger projects such as bathroom refreshes and installing wainscotting or board and batten.
According to Bennett, the most rewarding part of his job is the satisfied customers and word-of-mouth recommendations.
“Making sure people have a good experience with us and our work is the most important thing for me,” Bennett says. “I want it to be more than a transaction. I get to go in for a few hours, and the customers are super happy because they got something new and it satisfied their to-do list. We’ve given them time back and freed them up to do other things.”
In addition to taking calls for specific projects, Handyman Now offers an annual or monthly subscription service, where experts will come in on a regular basis to mark those to-do items off lists. And, subscribers get priority service.
CAULKING
Vital for sealing gaps and cracks, proper interior and exterior caulking protects against damage to homes. However, it’s often a maintenance issue that gets put off and can lead to air leaks, rot and even mold caused by moisture. Proper caulk removal and recaulking ensures that your home stays comfortable, healthy and more energy efficient.
ELECTRICAL
From changing light bulbs in hardto-reach locations to upgrading electrical panels for increased capacity, Handyman Now can handle electrical needs, including troubleshooting and repair issues. Bennett says that installing new light fixtures and ceiling fans and adding dimmer switches are among his favorite projects because they are straight-forward but make a big impact.
PLUMBING
As with caulking, improperly maintained pipes can only create more problems. From repairs, such as fixing leaks and clogged drains, to upgrading to water saver toilets and replacing kitchen and bathroom fixtures, Handyman Now can help protect customers against plumbing issues and keep the water in homes running smoothly.
UPGRADES
Switching out hardware like door knobs, drawer pulls and towel racks is an easy job, but it can take a lot of time. In addition to aesthetic upgrades, improvements like installing softclose hinges or pullout shelving can make a huge difference in functionality in kitchens and bathrooms. The Handyman Now crew can even assemble furniture and haul away the boxes.
PAINTING
Painting is more than just an aesthetic update to stay on trend. Whether one needs holes or cracks patched in drywall or trim repainted, a new coat of paint provides protection for homes. From ceilings to baseboards, Handyman Now also handles wallpaper. Plus, the team can stain wooden decks, install and paint molding and more.
CUSTOM BUILT-INS
Your needs are different from your neighbor’s needs; that’s where custom work comes in. From floating shelves to storage systems, Handyman Now builds out solutions on-site. Because they are planned and installed for specific usage, custom built-ins can add serviceability to previously cluttered or useless spaces that improve day-today living in your home.
SO YOU WANT TO BE A COWBOY
DISCOVER THE WHIMSY OF THE WEST AT PAWS UP MONTANA
Favorably referred to as the “Last Best Place” and the “Treasure State,” Montana has captured the hearts of cinematic cowboys like Taylor Sheridan and Harrison Ford and inspired the television series, “Yellowstone” and its prequels, “1883” and “1923.”
Though fictional, they’ve reminded America of its deeply-rooted spirit for adventure and the simple yet rugged way of life that we all crave. Whether its the backdrop of jagged, snowcapped peaks or the endless golden pastures that are peppered with livestock, this Rocky Mountain soil is a breeding ground for dreamers and doers, and the people who call it home are no strangers to the ritual of ranch life. So, you want to be a cowboy? Slipping on some leather and having a little hide in your hat are good ways to start, but visiting a resort that brings the best of this life to the forefront, while also embracing modern luxury, is the experience of a lifetime. Paws Up Montana sprawls the distance of 37,000 private acres of historic estate-land, which houses a working ranch and 10 miles of Blackfoot river. Personalization is key—a divine selection of cuisine for the foodies, awe-inspiring activities for the adrenaline seekers, and world-class lodging that tickles every fancy from stargazing glamping, to timber-style family dwellings, to the uniquely designed green “o hauses” that invite the outside world in.
CHELSEA LYN AGRO
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
WHAT TO DO
To change your attitude, you need a change in altitude. Gain some speed or turn up the adrenaline level with ATV tours, electric biking, mountain biking, go-karts, paintball, rappelling down Lookout Rock or whitewater rafting down the Blackfoot River. Indulge in the western art of living with archery, fly-fishing, hiking or sporting clays. For those who want to immerse themselves in the language of horses, there are horse-related adventures such as lessons, grooming or feeding, horse-whispering workshops or organized trails rides. Riders can also enjoy cattle drives that bring you back to yesteryear—driving a herd of cattle across the famed landscape— and bear witness to mustang gentling, where the Equestrian Manager communicates with a wild horse through body language and tone of voice. Skyline Aerial Adventure Park is another notable warm-weather activity, taking guests on two high-ropes courses.
WHERE TO STAY
Luxury Homes are categorized into preference-based properties that boast the thrill of wilderness living. For larger families and multigenerational groups, consider the Wilderness Estates. At 3,250-square-feet, these estates sleep up to eight guests and feature three large suites with private baths. The Big Timber Homes are available in one-to-three bedroom options and come ornamented with fire places and private decks. The Meadow Homes are 1,100-square-foot single-story homes that sleep up to four guests, situated amid a pastoral and treed setting. For an extra nod of perfection, choose one of the luxury homes that comes equipped with a private tent— ideal for anyone traveling with children (or adults who beckon back their childhood!).
For a more primitive experience, Glamping Homes offer the right amount of canvas to create a close-to-nature experience. Available mid-May through mid-October, choose from river settings to creeksides, bluffs or cliffs. Each tent is adorned with something unique—a copper tub, a picturesque view of Lewis and Clark’s famous Lookout Rock and Western-chic furniture throughout. Zip down the windows to allow for the cool nightly breeze, yet enjoy the modern convenience of electricity. Each campsite has a dining pavilion. And don’t miss the s’mores boards around the communal fire pit, offered by your own s’moresologist—yes, you read that right, and yea, it’s a thing.
Lastly, but certainly not least, are the state-ofthe-art accommodations of the Green O hauses. This portion of the property is completely curated for those 21 years of age and older. It’s a resort within a resort, a hidden pearl in an oyster of experience. The Tree Haus is elevated 23 feet in the air and offers unparalleled forest views. The Green Haus includes a skylight above the bed for an unmatched view of pluck-em-from-the-sky stars. The Round Haus has curved, floor-to-ceiling windows that offer 180-degree panoramic views. Both the Green and Round Hauses are dog friendly, too, so Fido can rest in the lap of luxury. The Light Haus is illuminated by skylights and unique glass design.
HOW
TO GET HERE
Airport: Missoula Montana Airport (MSO) Airport transfers from Missoula are complimentary for guests and all luxury home and Green O accommodations come with a Lexus luxury SUV for transportation use on property.
For Three Generations, The Ross Family Has Been Building a Legacy With a Single Mission
Simplifying Spaces
ARTICLE BY ALLY STRACZEK
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIANNA RICHARDSON PHOTOGRAPHY
Closet Concepts Inc., a three-generational company, prioritizes family values while creating storage solutions for central Indiana residents.
“For more than 30 years, our team has designed closets, pantries, garages and more,” says Michelle Ross, vice president of human resources and accounting.
Ross’s father-in-law, Bob, started Closet Concepts Inc. in Fort Wayne in 1987. Bob Ross’s twin sons, Joe and Jon, played basketball at Notre Dame. After graduation, they worked in Chicago and married their high school sweethearts in 1995. When Bob offered Joe and Jon the opportunity to start a second location of Closet Concepts in Indianapolis, both jumped at the chance. They opened the Indianapolis location in 1996. Jon eventually moved to Fort Wayne to take over the operation there when their father retired. Joe stayed and ran the Indianapolis office, where family involvement continues to expand. Joe and Michelle’s oldest son, Tristan, graduated from Hanover College in May with a degree in business marketing and joined Closet Concepts as a designer in August. Twins Ethan and Avery also express interest in joining the company after college. Ethan studies engineering at Purdue, while Avery focuses on science and business at Notre Dame. The youngest of the four children, Mikala, is also at Purdue studying elementary education.
“Joe and I feel very fortunate to work alongside our children,” Ross says. “It has allowed us to get away more on vacations without worrying because we know that Tristan has grown up in the business.”
While innovative closet systems are the main business of Closet Concepts, the company has expanded over the years to organize pantries, garages, offices, play areas and more.
“Our family works side by side, building trust with families to turn cluttered spaces into calm, organized places.”
“Customers want to maximize the space they have in their home stylishly and economically,” Ross explains. “We like to understand how customers live to make their lives as simple as possible.”
The design team spends time with each client to learn what they need. For a closet, that includes understanding how they use drawers, islands and hangers as well as how they like to store shoes and jewelry.
The team at Closet Concepts then uses a CAD system to create a free estimate and design to review with the client. Customers can even see suggested materials at the company’s full showroom.
With great foresight, Joe and Jon bought a cut shop that produces materials for both Closet Concept locations.
“We manufacture the materials at a reasonable cost with reliable service,” Ross says. “Three installers have been with our company for over 10 years.”
While competitors have appeared in the market, Ross says customers continued to choose the company as their source for home simplification.
"Cost, timing and service are just three of the reasons most customers use Closet Concepts for multiple projects in multiple homes," she says. “As a family company, we stand behind the high quality of our work and customer service. Word of mouth is our biggest source of new customers.”
Active in the community, Joe and Michelle work with many community organizations, local athletic teams and the St. Jude Dream Home project.
As family roles expand within the business, Michelle and Joe are learning to cherish spending so much time with their kids. There’s a built-in trust working alongside family, and they confirm they're preparing for their kids to take on the business someday to continue serving the Indianapolis community.
answer your questions.
JUNE 10TH & 24TH
Slow Roll Dinner (Bicycle) Cruises
Midtown Plaza | 5:30 PM
The groups will be led at a casual pace on a bicycle ride for about 60 minutes, ending back at Midtown where participants can eat at one of the many restaurants. During the rides, everyone stays together as a group, in the spirit of Carmel designated as a Silver Level Bicycle-Friendly City by the League of American Bicyclists.
JUNE 14TH
The Magic Of David Ranalli
Feinstein's At Hotel Carmichael | 7:30 PM
Organizers indicate this one-of-a-kind magic show takes audiences through the world of mystery, wonder, illusions and surprise. Ranalli is fond of saying he likes to take audiences on mesmerizing journeys. Doors to the show open at 5:30 p.m., and it's intended for those aged 10 and older. Carbaret seating and services are available; $25 food and beverage per guest minimum.
JUNE 21ST
Clay Terrace Sunset Music Fest 2025
Village Green And Southbound Clay Terrace Boulevard Driving Lane | 4:00 PM
Experience an electrifying lineup of Indianapolis’ favorite bands at the Village Green location near Dick’s Sporting Goods. While reimagined as part of Clay Terrace’s redevelopment, this 14th annual event maintains a vibrant atmosphere. This evening features a live pre-show, beer/wine bar, food vendors and family activities. Sponsorships and booth spaces are available; contact Ashley Paluzzi, apaluzzi@wpgus.com or 847.220.6710, extension 4223.
JUNE 21ST
Late Night On Main
Carmel Arts & Design District | 6:00 PM
Presented by Carmel PorchFest, this street party includes food and beverage vendors. An original, four-piece rock band from Greenwood, Straight Up Chumps, performs from 8-11 p.m. Feinstein’s VIP Lounge opens at 7 p.m. with a limited supply of tickets available. All ticket proceeds go to support the Carmel PorchFest Grant Program. Visit CarmelPorchFest.org
JUNE 21ST
International Day of Yoga Outdoor Class
Midtown Plaza | 8:30 AM
International Day of Yoga falls on the day after summer solstice, and Fire & Flow Yoga is celebrating with its next outdoor class on the green outside Sun King. Participation is as easy as showing up with your own mat, as the event is free of charge with no registration required. There will even be raffles for free yoga.
JUNE 23RD
HTC’s 9th Annual Charity Golf Outing
Plum Creek Golf Club | 11:30 AM
A great afternoon of golf supports two worthwhile causes: IOCC Disaster Relief Fund and St. Basil Food Pantry at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 3500 W. 106th Street in Carmel. Registration and lunch begin at 11:30 a.m., and play starts at 1 p.m. followed by a buffet, silent auction and award ceremony. Find out more at HTCIndyEvents.org or email charitygolf@htcindy.org.
Dry needling therapy helps release muscle tension and promote healing by going deep in the muscle to target the tight muscle and inflammation. We are one of the first to perform Dry Needling in all of Indiana.
We also do Deep Tissue Laser Therapy. What are the benefits of laser therapy?
- Pain Relief & Decreased Inflammation
- Acceleration of Tissue Repair & Wound Healing
MON-FRI 9AM-5PM, SAT 9AM-NOON
HAND - SELECTED, ONE - OF - A - KIND STONES
INDIANA’S ONLY LOCALLY OWNED LUXURY STONE IMPORTER AND DISTRIBUTOR
Specializing in marble, granite, and quartzite. We travel to the world’s best locations where natural stone is sourced and personally selected for our expansive inventory of exotic natural stones. Open to the public, our team welcomes you in to experience our showroom and warehouse.
| 317-734-3862
Dad, don’t forget to take a timeout for yourself
Talk about health screenings with a doctor or care team who listens
Health screenings are important for all of us. Taking care of yourself means being proactive about your health. Talk with your doctor or care team at Ascension St. Vincent Carmel about the screenings that are right for you, based on your age and family history. They may help detect complex issues early, when they are most treatable.
If you need follow-up care, including more advanced treatment options, you’ll be connected to compassionate care teams that are right for you.
Scan the QR code to start a conversation with a doctor or care team