Conroe, TX June 2023

LIFE + CULTURE

TONY GULLO, SENIORMORE THAN CARS

AUTO + MARINE

FATHER'S DAY IDEAS

LOCAL SERVICES

DYNAMIC BUSINESS BUILDERS

The Men's Issue

Spacious one-story home located in Woodforest! This home offers plenty of space with 4 bedrooms, a study, formal dining and gameroom. The open floor plan lends itself beautifully to entertaining. One of the most appealing features is its location! It backs up to a permanent park-like reserve, providing privacy and tranquility You can enjoy peaceful afternoons on your patio without interruptions This home also offers extensive storage space, a whole-house water softener, and spacious room sizes-making it the perfect place for you to call home.

199 Waterpoint Court #301

Experience luxury waterfront living at its finest! Nestled on the shores of Lake Conroe in the Waterpoint community, each residence offers spectacular waterfront views. Indoor living spaces flow seamlessly into the expansive private lanais with glass railings, creating a fusion of indoor and outdoor entertaining areas. Resort level amenities include two pools, hot tub, grilling stations, fire-pits, private gated entry, two elevators, personal storage units, parking garage, Bosch appliances, quartz countertops, and high-end finishes throughout!

Remembering the men we call Dad

Your first role models as a child are your parents. This issue is devoted to the men who make us better people through how they live their life, their morals, their business sense, and how they invest in the community. The importance of a father to your overall upbringing is huge.

Everyone has a dad. I’d like to think that most memories are good and make an impact on who you are collectively with your mom and life experiences. “Dad” symbolizes great memories for me from the age of five until 47 when he passed away.

He used to pick me up for weekends in his red sleek Triumph after he divorced my mom. As the oldest of 4 children, I was lucky and grateful to be singled out to do road trips with Dad. A fond memory was going to the Wax Museum and then a bookstore. Books have always been my hobby, because you can disappear from reality for a period of time and be whoever you want to be. My favorite book Dad bought me was Mother Goose. It was about the size of a picture 8 ½ by 10 with black and white checks on the cover. I read that book over and over with all the Nursery Rhymes stuck in my head forever.

Why Mother Goose? Thinking about it makes me feel secure and loved. Who doesn’t love the Nursery Rhymes as a young child? I loved that book!

A father’s gifts of quality time, life-giving words, and positive actions have a long-lasting impact on his children.

This edition of Conroe City Lifestyle focuses on the men in our community that have made impact, Tony Gullo with his continuous philanthropy in the community, new emerging leaders modeling positive business strategies for their families, adventures that will thrill the man in your life on Father’s Day.

My dad was my best friend, Father Goose, and Dad until he passed away of Congestive Heart Failure in 2004. My memories are still alive, and I know he is still there for me as my Father Goose. I raise my merlot to you as I hear the lyrics of Merle Haggard stirring that Rainbow Stew!

I love you, Dad!

Dedicated to James William Martens 1938-2004

Happy Father’s Day!

June 2023

PUBLISHER

Alison Kartevold | Alison.Kartevold@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Margie Taylor | margie.taylor@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Melanie Saxton, Kimberly Sutton, Teresa Otto, Alison Kartevold, Margie Taylor

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Shannon Matlock, Kimberly Sutton

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 Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

MARGIE

TAYLOR, EDITOR @CONROECITYLIFESTYLE

DR. GUY BURROWS M. D. is a board-certified neurologist with fellowship training in peripheral nerve disorders and neuromuscular diseases. In 2006, Dr. Burrows established a neuromuscular and peripheral nerve disorder medical practice in Beverly Hills and Palm Springs, California, with hospital affiliations at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles and Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs.

For five years prior to opening the Burrows Muscle and Nerve Center, Dr. Burrows M.D. provided neuromuscular and peripheral nerve disorders care and served as the Director of Infusions at Mischer Neuroscience AssociatesThe Woodlands.

WE TREAT THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS AND MORE

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

• Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP)

• Guillain-Barre syndrome

• Inflammatory myopathies

• Mitochondria disorders

• Multi-focal motor neuropathy (MMN)

• Muscle disease disorders

• Muscular dystrophy (MD)

• Myasthenia gravis (MG)

• Myopathy/inflammatory myopathy

• Myositis immune-related polyneuropathy

• Peripheral neuropathy

• Polymyositis

• Unexplained numbness and tingling

OFFERING THE FOLLOWING CLINICAL SERVICES:

• EMG Studies/Nerve Conduction Studies

• Neuromuscular and Peripheral Nerve Disorder Evaluations

• Muscle, Nerve and Skin Biopsies

• IVIG and Biologic Infusion Services

• Botox Injections for spasms

For a full spectrum of services and diagnoses, visit our website www.BurrowsMuscleAndNerve.com

281.404.3666

• 9191 Pinecroft Drive, Suite 200, Shenandoah, TX 77380

Office Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00am–5:00pm

• www.burrowsmuscleandnerve.com

Susan Scott Watts

city scene

Where

neighbors can see and be seen.

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Tag your Instagram photos with @ConroeCityLifestyle

1: Constable Cash and Luke’s Woodcreek Cookers for Grand Champion at the Montgomery County Fair Cook-off. 2: Margaritaville was one of 30 restaurants participating in Tastefest. Pictured is the Veracruz Ceviche Shooter. 3: Pretty in Pink CASA Gala raised over $817,000 for abused and neglected children. CASASpeaks4Kids.com 4: Commemorative Air Force Gulf Coat Wing offered rides in a B-25 bomber on April 1st. 5: Free activities, interactive villages, and stage acts were enjoyed by all at the Annual Kidzfest. 6: Shelbie and Jayden, new homeowners, spoke at the Building Hope Gala that raised $775,000. HabitatMCTX.org 7: The founder of Aidan Cares, Aidan Anderson, was the speaker at the CAC Legacy Luncheon.

CONSTABLE PHILIP CASH

MARGARITAVILLE LAKE RESORT

CASA SPEAKS 4 KIDS

CAF GULF COAST WING

CITY OF CONROE

HABITAT MCTX COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE CENTER

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Keep US Fed Distributes Six Millionth Pound of Food

Keep US Fed Montgomery County (KUSF) rescued and redistributed its Six Millionth Pound of surplus food - equivalent to approximately Five Million Meals for food-insecure residents in Montgomery County. Since its inception from Leadership Montgomery County 2015 class project, KUSF has recovered and shared donated food with nonprofit partner agencies throughout the community. KUSF is a non-profit that partners with food donor organizations, including grocers, local restaurants, hotels, farmers, food distributors, and schools. KeepUsFedMoCo.com

Beach Walk Co-Working and Office Space Opens

New affordable workspace in the Lake Conroe area is now open for professionals and small businesses at 96 Beach Blvd in Conroe near the intersection of Highway 105 and McCaleb Rd. Beach Walk provides flexible workspace memberships for all types of professionals, with 25 private office suites, open workstations, meeting rooms, privacy phone booths, refreshments, and many other office amenities. It will occupy 7,500 square feet of space in the building. BeachWalkOffice.com

Conroe ISD Natorium dedicated to Olympic Gold Medalist

Laura Wilkerson, three-time Olympian Gold Medalist who won in the 2000 Olympic Games, the 2004 World Cup, and the 2005 World Championships, is from The Woodlands, and her children attend CISD schools. On April 1, the CISD Natatorium, located at the South end of Woodforest Bank Stadium, was dedicated to Wilkerson. Opened in 2008, the natatorium features a 65-meter stretch aquatic arena with more than 16,000 square feet of water surface.

Photography: Conroe ISD

Photography: Beach Walk

CASA promotes new Program Director

CASA Child Advocates of Montgomery County announced Susan Truscott as its new program director, effective May 1, 2023. Truscott has been with CASA Child Advocates, Montgomery County’s only organization appointed by the court to advocate for abused and neglected children, since February 2020, when she joined the staff as a case supervisor. CASASpeaks4Kids.com

Conroe Main Street Advisory Board Sets Priorities

The Historic Downtown Conroe Main Street Advisory Board presented recommendations for future economic vitality, downtown redesign, and promotional efforts for 2023-25 to the City Council of Conroe at their April 12 Workshop meeting. The Main

Photography: CASA Child Advocates

Street Advisory Board is creating a three-year strategic plan to enhance economic development and historic preservation in Downtown Conroe. The Advisory Board was formed to enhance economic vitality, facilitate business development, and direct tourism traffic throughout Downtown Conroe.

Willis ISD Appoints new School Prinicipal for High School

Eric King has been named the school principal for Willis High School. King served as interim principal since January and has been employed with WISD since 2013 as a teacher and then assistant principal for Lynn Lucas Middle School and Willis High. King is highly respected throughout the district and the community as a celebrated leader. His new role as principal began at the end of March 2023.

Photography: Willis ISD

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DYNAMIC BUSINESS BUILDERS LAY FOUNDATIONS FOR FUTURE GROWTH

Successful people are always looking for opportunities to help others. See how this philosophy has made four Conroe-area businessmen successful in their own recent business endeavors.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KIMBERLY SUTTON

LOCAL MEN PURSUING DREAMS IN THE COMMUNITY

Chris Sadler of Honor Cafe

SAN CHENG

OWNER OF DRAGON BALL C NOODLE BAR

San Cheng moved to Texas in 2009 from Michigan, searching for a fresh start. To put food on the table for his family, Cheng went from working in a Detroit nail salon to working in a Texas donut shop to save money to start his own automotive repair shop in Conroe.

Now he owns four businesses; Lake Conroe Automotive, Dragon Ball C Noodle Bar, Taste the Asian Food Truck, and his newest venture, Kofe Num Pang, (meaning coffee and bread in Cambodian), an Asian-fusion eatery.

He surveyed the community about his new coffee shop, asking what they want and what they need. “I want them to have a nice place with a cool vibe, packed with people smiling and enjoying food,” he said.

Starting a business means building a legacy for his family and teaching his children to be their own boss. “I want to teach them as much as I can; about money, permitting, customer service, marketing, and how to be better,” he said.

Cheng believes in giving back to his community. He gives deep discounts to First Responders and to city and county employees for their service to the people.

San Cheng next to his business at Dragon Ball C Noodle Bar

JOSH KELLER

OWNER OF GRASTEN POWER TECHNOLOGIES

After college, Keller worked for Chuy’s Mexican restaurant who was told by his manager, “your heart isn’t in this anymore, go chase your dreams”, which signaled a new beginning for Josh Keller, owner of Grasten Power Technologies.

He began working for Grasten selling generators and within 6 months, he took a risk by acquiring 50 percent of the company by taking on half of the company’s debt. Three years later, he jumped on the opportunity to buy the rest of the company.

Hurricane Harvey happened in 2017, COVID in 2020, and the February Snow in 2021 put Grasten on the map for generator sales and service. His company has ranked in the top five Generac dealers in the country for five years. And now he is opening a second branch north of Dallas.

“What drives me is when people tell me that I can’t do something,” Keller said. “I was the first to go to college in my family and the first to start a business.”

Keller loves making his customers happy, and it drives him forward. Besides attributing great customer service to his success, Keller cross-trains all his employees and works alongside his wife, Jessica.

“Working with her is great. This is her baby, too. No one cares like the owner cares,” Keller said. “Having two owners’ eyes on it gives the other relief.”

Variety of comical drinks at Dragon Bowl C Noodle Bar

Josh Keller of Grasten Power Technologies

CHRIS SADLER

OWNER OF HONOR CAFE

U.S. Marine Corps veteran Chris Sadler opened his military-inspired Honor Café in downtown Conroe in July 2020 to leave a legacy for his family and community while also focusing on helping his customer base of retired military vets.

“I have an average of 31,000 sunrises in my lifetime,” Sadler said, “My time is valuable. I want to focus on honoring our veterans. That is my core mission.”

Just a couple of months after opening, Sadler noticed senior citizen vets would come in and always order coffee or water, but never food.

“I figured it out. It’s the end of the month, and they are out of money,” he said. So, he had the cooks prepare food, and he brought it to the table. “These guys are not going to call Meals on Wheels or ask for handouts.” Since opening, Sadler has donated more than $20,000 in food to senior vets.

Another concern resting on Sadler’s heart that he wants to bring awareness to is veteran suicides. Each day since the Afghan withdrawal, 22 to 50 veterans take their life.

“It’s out of control. No one gets forgotten, no one gets left behind,” he said.

Sadler also wants to be a good business neighbor by helping other owners in any way he can.

“I love all the new restaurants coming into Conroe, sharing with others, and helping each other out,” says Sadler. “If I run out of something, I can call on another business owner to borrow product until mine comes in.”

Breakfast is served any time of day at Honor Cafe

SHAUN JOHNSON

OWNER OF TURNKEY RESTORATION

Shaun Johnson, the owner of Turnkey Restoration and Roofing, was working on an offshore oil rig until a friend told him about an opportunity where he could be his own boss and double his money. He took the leap of faith three years ago and hasn’t looked back.

Johnson said he focuses on providing the best customer service in his industry of restoration, roofing, and emergency disaster specialists, which includes helping his customers after they have experienced a devastating house fire or flood.

As a husband and father of two children, having a business that provides 24-hour service can really be a challenge, he said. “I am really blessed with an understanding wife who helps out more than I could ever ask for.” Sometimes he takes his kids to the site to get honest feedback from them.

His advice for those wanting to start their own business is to make sure your partner knows what to expect. “You take work home with you because it’s your ‘baby.’ Try to stay ahead of everything and everyone, and don’t wait. Just jump off the deep end and figure it out. Surround yourself with people who have knowledge so they can help you be successful,” Johnson said.

What these men have learned is giving from your heart will always come back to you and your family while continuing to be a blessing in the community that you live in.

Shaun Johnson, owner of Turnkey Restoration

ARTICLE BY MELANIE SAXTON | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

living THE LIFE ON lake conroe

If you need ideas for Father’s Day, look no further than our own backyard. From suburban flair to relaxed and rustic, Conroe has a culture all its own. Living here makes it easy to pivot from work into staycation mode. So whether you’re a native, transplant, or visitor, explore some of these favorite locales and happenings this June.

ON THE WATER

Boating, water skiing, jet skiing, paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, and other water sports are just a short hop away. Membership boating clubs are a popular alternative to owning a watercraft, such as the Freedom Boat Club Lake Conroe and Nautical Boat Club, as well as rentals from Nauti-Dayz, Jet-Ski Lake Conroe, and North Lake Conroe Paddling Co.

AN ANGLER’S DREAM

Fishing is great on the lake! Enthusiasts enjoyed last month’s Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s Big Bass Tour as part of a $2M national payout. Bass, crappie, and catfish are abundant, and if you’re new to this pastime, local charters can show you the ropes, including Bradley’s Guide Service, Wethook Guide Service, Jimmy’s Gone Fishing Guide Service, and Cowboy’s Guide Service.

PET-FRIENDLY PARKS

Kasmiersky Park has a dog-dedicated fenced area and is also known for its wheeled sports plaza — an exciting place to skateboard. Owen Park is the City’s newest, with off-leash facilities and separate areas for small and large dogs. Visit cityofconroe.org for a listing of all 20 parks in Conroe.

Community and Culture Around Our 21,000-acre Lake

Fun on the lake! Waterdog! A paddle-boarding golden retriever enjoys the lake life.

Bernhardt Winery Concert

Jet Skis are a favorite hobby on Lake Conroe.

The Historic Crighton Theatre

Oscar Johnson, Jr. Waterpark

Conroe Symphony Orchestra

THE SAM HOUSTON NATIONAL FOREST

Enjoy 85 miles of multiple-use trails for hiking, biking, horses, and off-highway vehicles at Sam Houston National Forest (recreation.gov). Texas Lone Star Trail is the state’s longest wilderness footpath with ten sections, road crossings, and free trailhead parking areas. Little Lake Creek Wilderness is located in the southwestern corner and was ranked #13 of 17 “among the most beautiful, the most humbling, the most transformative” in Texas Monthly’s Let’s Go Wild issue (2014) — a thrill for experienced backpackers and day hikers.

CHEERS!

Bernhardt Winery is hosting the Derek Spence|George Strait Tribute on June 3rd and the Wlakin’ The LineGeorge Strait Tribute on June 25th. Also, stop by Conroe’s own B-52 Brewing Co., Southern Star Brewing Company, Copperhead Brewery, and Tapped Drafthouse & Kitchen for some excellent brew, and enjoy vino at B/E Blue Epiphany Winery.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

The Downtown Conroe Arts District is home to the two community theatres: the Historic Crighton Theatre, with performances by Stage-Right Theatre Company, and The Players Theatre Company, hosting performances at the Owen Theatre.

Conroe is also home to the First Thursday Concert Series, free each First Thursday of the Month at Heritage Place on Metcalf Street from April through September (see the lineup at CityofConroe.org ).

Other must-see attractions include the Conroe Art League’s Madeley Gallery, the Conroe Legends Mural Wall, and the Art Bench Walking Tour. VisitConroe.org

Conroe Symphony Orchestra is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year with magical-themed performances and a new conductor, Gary Liebst. Watch for their July performance at ConroeSymphony.org .

TAKE THE KIDDOS!

Conroe Recreation & Aquatic Center at Candy Cane Park is a wonderland of water slides and is open Monday through Saturday. The Conroe Waterpark features a children’s wading pool with a playground for children under 48” and an older youth-adult pool with a basketball hoop. Guests over 48” can now enjoy the five water slides, which include multiple 3-story tower slides. Kids can also enjoy Flick and Float monthly at the Oscar Johnson Jr. Community Center Pool-movies while floating in the pool! View the Special Events Calendar at CityofConroe.org for details.

AND SO MUCH MORE!

This is just a sampling of what our big, beautiful lake community has to offer year-round. Enjoy it all in the heart of Montgomery County.

Mule deer and other species live on 163,037 acres of Sam Sam Houston National Forest located between Huntsville, Conroe, Cleveland, and Richards

A class at Conroe Art League's Madeley Building.

Kasmiersky Park

Tony Gullo, More Than Cars

Tony Gullo, Senior, loves cars and has managed to use this passion to build a legacy for his family and community. At age 89, you might think his work is done, but he still has a hand in many endeavors in this special place he calls home.

Conroe is growing fast, but unlike other bustling cities, it still has multiple large, family-owned businesses with ties to the area operating here. As a result, a deeper bond between business owners and residents often forms.

“This community is just unbelievable,” says Tony Gullo, senior, sitting in an office at his

Ford Dealership. “You’re dealing with families here. I’ve had people try to buy me out, they go to Wall Street and throw stupid money at you, but that is not going to happen.”

You could say Mr. Gullo’s business and Conroe came up together. You can’t pass through town on I-45 without seeing a Gullo sign for one of the three dealerships he owns here. For 22 years, he was partners with Fred Haas in Spring, but they each have three sons, and as their sons’ interest in the car industry became apparent, the original partnership needed to dissolve.

ARTICLE BY ALISON KARTEVOLD

Mr. Gullo

Tony Gullo, Sr- Always a Winner!

started his Conroe endeavors in 1992 when he purchased Western Toyota, changing its name to Gullo. Now Tony Jr. operates the Toyota franchise, Sparky runs the Ford store, and Corky heads the Mazda dealership.

He bought his first franchised dealership in 1955, and over the decades, there have been many accolades and awards, but Mr. Gullo always knew he was building the Gullo Auto Group to pass on to his family, “Yes, 100 percent,” he says. “In my mind, it is really priceless to have your family, your kids come into your business. There is just no substitute to come into work and be able to see them every day.”

Mr. Gullo realizes combining family and business doesn’t always work out, so he never shied away from the challenges of selling cars. Or that working nights and weekends are hard on relationships. This is why he is all the more thankful that nine of his more than 600 employees are now grandchildren or their spouses.

“The good Lord has been good to me and my family. At this particular time, I’m celebrating quite a few things. My wife and I are celebrating 70 years together. We have five kids, one in heaven we lost to cancer. We have 11 grandkids, one in heaven we lost to cancer,” he says thoughtfully. “We have 19 great-grandkids and one on the way that will make it 20. Just found that out at Easter; kind of exciting!”

Of course, he built his business for all of them, but he also wanted to help others. Though he admits he couldn’t foresee the impact he and his Gullo Auto Group would have on the community. “When you start, you go in saying, I hope I can make this better, I hope I can make a difference,” says Mr. Gullo.

GIVING BACK

A jovial soul, it seems natural that besides cars, Mr. Gullo also loves Christmas, and it was with this holiday he started a tradition of giving back. He chose to don a Santa suit every year for 50 years, and

he also sets up over a million Christmas lights on his five-acre property in Magnolia to simply bring cheer to his neighbors near and far.

“I don’t do these things thinking that they are going to come and buy a car from me. That is the least of it. That’s not why I do it,” he says. “It’s just a good thing to do.”

The giving doesn’t stop there. Mr. Gullo also sponsors Gullo’s Christmas for Kids at the dealership. It began in 1992 to help the less fortunate during the Christmas holidays. The counselors in the Conroe ISD help identify the families who are genuinely in need during the holidays. Christmas For Kids is part of the Gullo family’s not-for-profit charitable organization that now helps 50-55 families annually. Every participating family is given a tree with ornaments, a ham, and gift cards to Target so they can have a Christmas they otherwise could not afford. And again, Mr. Gullo’s efforts tie family and community together.

“When we do Christmas, our great-grandkids serve with their moms and dads,” says Mr. Gullo. “You know, you start early, and you teach them what it is all about, and it just makes them a better person when they get older.”

Covid-19 brought his days of wearing the red suit to an end, but he continues to play Santa in many ways you may know, plus others that are not for publication. With so many causes, it is hard for him to pick favorites, but he says a couple do stand out. For example, supporting MD Anderson is very personal to him due to the loss of his daughter ten years ago.

Earning by Learning, run by his daughter, Linda Gullo Rodriguez, and granddaughter, is another charity that makes him proud. The reading program rotates between the county’s schools and pays third graders to read, starting at a dollar a book. Upon its completion, the kids get a party where they are awarded their earnings. “Those kids, you’d think they’d won the lottery, they yell and scream, it really is something,” he says.

“Staying true to the slogan he coined, ‘Treating You Like Family,’ Mr. Gullo wants his family’s special relationship with Montgomery County to keep growing for years to come.”

Of course, Mr. Gullo also gives back by using his extensive luxury car collection. “I never really said I wanted to have a collection, but it kinda grew and grew, and it just kept a-grow’n,” he chuckles.

On special occasions, the doors to his private museum open so clubs and organizations can hold functions and fundraisers in the 52-thousand-square-foot facility.

From American muscle to the more exotic, over 300 luxury automobiles are represented in his collection. It is a hobby his wife, Dolly, tolerates but does not share.

“You know, she wouldn’t give 15 cents for any one of these cars.” Mr. Gullo says with a smile. “When you gonna stop? Enough is enough- and she is absolutely right,” he laughs, a twinkle in his eye.

“If I’m out in the community and people say thank you, that makes me feel pretty good.”

Tony Gullo, Sr as Santa

So is he stopping with the cars or giving? Not likely. Auctioneers always offer up more cars, and he is currently supporting a new installation for Montgomery County’s Veterans Memorial Park. And given the responses, why would he want to stop? “If I’m out in the community and people say thank you, that makes me feel pretty good,” he says.

The family’s dealerships have contributed significantly to Montgomery County and Conroe for years. The roster of Montgomery County community service and charity credits past and present include; Gullo Christmas For Kids, Conroe Kidzfest, Parents Against Cancer, United Way, American Cancer Society, Education for Tomorrow Alliance (EfTA), South County Football

League (SCFL), Orwall Baseball Park, American Cancer Society, Montgomery County American Red Cross, Child Advocates of Montgomery County (CASA), Texas A&M Athletics, Rotary Clubs of Montgomery County, Boy and Girl Scouts of America, Kiwanis and Knights of Columbus Clubs, Montgomery County Fair, and many other fundraisers for schools, clubs, sports teams and individuals including scholarships for graduating seniors.

Staying true to the slogan he coined, ‘Treating You Like Family,’ Mr. Gullo wants his family’s special relationship with Montgomery County to keep growing for years to come.” he says. “I hope they continue to keep the businesses, even when they get ready to retire. I hope the younger ones will take over.”

ARTICLE BY MARGIE TAYLOR | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Gifts for Men by Men

Texas Tornado Boot Camp preparation

What do you get the man of your life for Father’s Day? Our editor, Margie Taylor, explored unique items and activities available in our community to fill this role. What she found may surprise you and him!

WILKE’S BADASS PITS

Brian Wilke started making fire pits to take to his deer lease and enjoy with friends while grilling and sharing a drink, but before long, all those friends wanted a fire pit of their own. They were attracted to Brian’s design because they are made with 16-inch pipe legs and footrests that save the soles of your shoes from fire damage.

Customized Fire Pit-Wilke's Badass Pits

SHSU etched in pit-Wilke's Badass Pits

“Nicknamed the “Texas Tornado,” Colin Edwards is a two-time World Superbike champion who started The Texas Tornado Bootcamp, a premiere Yamaha motorcycle training facility with a 4-day camp located on 20 acres in Montgomery.”

Colin Edwards professionally rode with Yamaha and is demonstrating the wheelie.

TV embedded in Tavern to Go

In 2006, the Wilkes went into business, fabricating these heavy-duty stainless steel fire pits in downtown Conroe. Each pit may be customized with lettering or designs cut in the perimeter allowing the shapes to glow through the flames. A family name, a sports team, or pretty much anything creates a unique effect all its own. A standard stainless steel pit starts at $630 and goes up. Shop  WilkiesBadAssPits.com

COLIN EDWARDS’S TEXAS TORNADO BOOT CAMP

Born in Conroe, Colin Edwards was among the topranked junior motocross competitors in the United States. In 1991 he competed in amateur road racing events and turned professional in 1992. Edwards rode professionally until he retired halfway through the 2014 season with a broken collarbone. Now your can sign your dad up to learn from this two-time World Superbike champion.

All meals, snacks, lodging, and bikes are provided with classes taught by instructors and Colin Edwards himself. Dirt Wars and Racers camps are two of your options, but a favorite is the four-day “Colin Edwards Experience.”

On this adventure, you get your gear and check into the bunkhouse on Day 1, then head out the track for preliminary instructions, go for a night ride, and end the day by a campfire with a cold beer. Day 2 starts with instructional lessons on the gun range or a ride around the track. If you choose the gun range, you still have time for two more rides before the day ends. You end each day hanging out with Colin at the campfire. Day 3 is a repeat with further instructions. Day 4 includes awards and a possible Wheelie School session. If you don’t have time for the entire 4-day camp, you can compete in a Mad Dog event with your own bike. TexasTornadoBootCamp.com

TAVERNS TO GO

Outdoor spaces get lots of notice when you have your own backyard bar by Taverns to Go. Each tavern is constructed on-site and can be ready to decorate in less than 90 minutes. There are options to add a television, refrigerator, and whatever color or theme that works for your home and personality. You choose whether you want paint or wood stain and if you want the entry on the left or the right. Pretty simple! 30” bar stools are also available! Ensure you order in advance since the bars can take up to 6 weeks to deliver. taverns-to-go.com

A cool one from Fass Brewing

SPEEDSPORTZ RACING TRACK IN NEW CANEY

If your dad feels the need for speed, fulfill it while racing a go-kart at 45 mph! Founder of Speedsportz Racing Park, Alan Rudolph, is a champion kart racer and, in addition, has trained NASCAR drivers.

Open to the public, the Kart Racing Experience is a must for thrill seekers who want to know the excitement of professional go-kart racing. The experience is available in the evenings on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of each week. The ARRA Kart Racing Experience utilizes 125cc Rotax TAG karts, capable of up to 70 mph.

Of course, you can start with a 10-minute track session and work your way up once you feel the sensation and need the extra thrill. Bring the kids to ride with you as long as they are 14

or older! It is located on Hwy 242 at US 59 and is an easy 30-minute drive from Conroe. SpeedsportzRacingPark.com

ONE LAST THOUGHT

Does your man prefer to celebrate with a little less adventure? Then bring him to downtown Conroe to relax with a cold German pilsner. You can get one house-brewed at Fass Brewing in the historic Gentry Building at 236 N. Main.

Before you call it a night, walk just past the Crighton Theatre to the Branding Iron Custom Goods and pick out a leather wallet or fishing/hunting knife case. They also carry caps, sunglasses, and many other authentic Conroe items. All made right here in the United States!

On second thought, you may want to shop before you drink.

Leather goods from Branding Iron Custom Goods

ARTICLE BY TERESA OTTO | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

William Price Distilling Company's Still

Van Brackin Mixing an Old Fashioned

Distilling Local Spirits

TURNING GRAIN AND SUGARCANE INTO LIQUID GOLD

When distiller Van Brackin opened Bartletts Distillery in 2018, he founded Montgomery County’s only distillery and continued a 400-plus-year history of crafting American spirits. It’s both science and art to take raw ingredients and convert them into alcohol. And it’s happening in Conroe!

Van knows firsthand the science and art behind creating craft spirits. He makes small-batch malted whiskey, rum, agave spirits, and seasonal spirits. The entire process stays local. In fact, everything’s done at Bartletts except for cooking and fermenting the barley, and that is done at Copperhead Brewery in Conroe. The barley is used to make Bartletts’ single malt whiskey.

The Old Fashioned made with this whiskey, and the Painkiller, featuring rums made from unprocessed sugarcane, are crowd favorites. As Van makes an Old Fashioned with whiskey and ManBasics bitters, he greets a couple who enters my name. Bartletts’ tasting room is “kind of like Cheers where everyone knows everybody,” he says, “and kids and dogs are welcome!”

Visitors are welcome to bring their own food or grab a bite from the on-site food truck. Play a board game or join a lively conversation with other patrons as you enjoy Van’s handiwork. And if you’re curious about the art and science of distilling, join a distillery tour on the third Thursday of the month.

Tours are a fantastic way to explore other area distilleries. Native Houstonians Caleb and Crystal Butler recently took their in-depth knowledge of distilled spirits and the beverage industry on the road. Here are three distilleries they recommend:

William Price Distilling Company, in Central Northwest Houston, specializes in rye whiskeys, aged five to six years, and single malt whiskeys sourced from Balcones Distilling in Waco. “We enjoyed a flight including their mainstay Straight Rye 101 and the sherry-finished single malt,” Caleb said. From the spacious bar, you can view the colossal 1500-gallon copper still. A food truck serves tasty edibles on weekends.

Further afield, Kooper Family Whiskey blends whiskey in Ledbetter, Texas. Troy and Michelle Kooper opened the state’s first whiskey-blending house in 2015. They source whiskey from Kentucky, Tennessee, Illinois, and Indiana, age it, and either blend it or bottle it as a single-barrel whiskey. You’ll see barrels aging in the tasting room. “We can vouch for both the Smoked Old Fashioned and Whiskey Sour as well as pours of their limited-edition distillery-only whiskeys,” Caleb said. “Rye drinkers will appreciate the blended Barrel Reserve Rye . . . a rye full of spice, fruit, and a hint of tobacco.” Their single-barrel whiskeys and bestselling Prodigal Son are only available in Ledbetter.

A short drive west on Highway 290 brings you to Giddings. The historic freight depot is home to the Dime Box Distillery Tasting Room and a 3000-strong collection of vintage cocktail swizzle sticks. Friendly bartenders poured Caleb and Crystal the distillery’s Sixth Street bourbons and ryes, named for Austin’s legendary live music scene. The family-owned distillery ages its award-winning Sixth Street bourbons for at least four years, according to owner Peter Leidel. A label on the spirit’s guitar-shaped bottle specifies the number of years it’s aged. “If you’re a little more adventurous, you’ll find barrel strength (higher proof) options aged for six to nine years,” Caleb said, “and a selection of sotol, a close cousin of tequila and mezcal.”

Zachary Hiller, Toni Hardisty Ph.D., and Bryan Clary (L to R), William Price Distilling Company

Barletts Distillery Margarita made with Blanco Agave Spirits

Bartletts Old Fashioned with Single Malt Whiskey and ManBasics' Bitters

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

JUNE 1ST

Escape - Tribute to Journey at First Thursday Concert

HERITAGE PLACE PARK-500 METCALF STREET | 7:00 PM

The Thursday Free Concert Series continues through September! Hosted by the City of Conroe the series takes place on the first Thursday of each month at Heritage Place Park. June's concert headliner is Escape with a tribute to Journey. Food and drinks may be brought inside the gates, although no glass containers are allowed inside Heritage Place Park.

JUNE 3RD

Free Movies in the Park

CONROE WATERPARK - 1207 CANDY CANE LANE | 8:00 PM

The animated film Luca, from Pixar and part of Disney productions, will be the June Movie in the Park with themes of acceptance following the adventures of two sea creatures. The Flick and Float event is free, with the movie beginning at dusk (approx 8:15 pm). Concessions are available.

JUNE 9TH

Duran Duran Concert

THE CYNTHIA WOODS MITCHELL PAVILION | 7:00 PM

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presents Duran Duran with Nile Rodgers & Chic + Bastille at 7:00 pm. www.woodlandscenter.org/events/2023/duran-duran

JUNE 10TH

Exotic Reptile and Pet Expo

LONE STAR CONVENTION CENTER | 10:00 AM

Houston Exotic Reptile & Pet Shows (HERPs) is hosting its Exotic Reptile and Pet Expo at the Lone Star Convention Center, 9055 Airport Rd in Conroe both Saturday and Sunday. Buy or browse thousands of reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, feeders, supplies, and more, all available for purchase to the public at discounted prices in this two-day event. herpshow.net/shows/reptile-show-in-conroe-tx

JUNE 24TH

Miles of Memories 5K

B-52 BREWING COMPANY | 9:00 AM

In December 2021, Captain Andrew Allman of the U.S. Army was abruptly diagnosed with stage four gastric adenocarcinoma from exposure to burn pits in Baghdad. On June 19, 2022, he passed away, leaving his wife, Sarah, and three school-aged children. Join Gold Star Legacy as they honor those that have made the ultimate sacrifice as a result of their military service. goldstarlegacy.org/events

JUNE 30TH

Classic Truck Throwdown

LONE STAR CONVENTION CENTER | 8:00 AM

The Classic Truck Throwdown will be held at the Lone Star Expo Center & Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Conroe, Texas, from Friday, June 30 – Sunday, July 2, from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. all three days.  classictruckthrowdown.com

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

The Perfect Steak

ARTICLE BY CASEY WEBER, TALL GRASS MEAT COMPANY

Nothing describes summer better than a good cookout! And what is a cookout without a good, quality steak and the perfect grilling recipe?

1. Thaw and acclimate the steak. For searing to occur, the proteins in steak need to be heated to at least 310°F. Tossing cold meat onto a hot grill lowers the temperature and can prevent a crust from forming, so it’s important that any frozen steaks are thawed completely before cooking.

2. Salt your steak 30-45 minutes before grilling. This causes the salt to draw moisture from within the steak up to the surface, where it dissolves the salt and creates a brine that gets reabsorbed into the steak where it breaks down tough connective tissues.

3. Oil the grate on the grill, not the steak. Use tongs and a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil to lube your grates.

4. Manage your heat well. Remember that your grill needs to be hot for your steak to get a good sear. But if it’s hot enough to cause your oil to smoke, it’s too hot.

5. Use the 60/40 rule. The best-tasting steaks are seared on both sides and cooked evenly in the middle. The simplest way to do that is to only flip your steak once. The 60/40 rule suggests that 60% of your cook time should be spent on one side, and 40% on the other.

6. Keep the lid closed. It may be tempting to peek, but trust the experts and keep it shut! Opening the lid makes your grill lose heat, which makes steaks cook unevenly.

7. Check for doneness. A meat thermometer will give you the most accurate temperature reading:

• Rare: 120°F

• Medium Rare: 130°F

• Medium: 140°F

• Medium Well: 150°F

• Well: 160°F

8. Let your steak rest. Pull your steaks from the grill once they’re cooked to 5-10 degrees below your target temperature and rest for 10-15 minutes.