Cullman, AL June 2023

For the Men in our lives

Welcome to the June issue of Cullman City Lifestyle.

An inspirational man has the amazing power and ability to shape young people into adults and instill opportunities for growth and maturity. Whether you are a father, grandfather, uncle, step-dad, teacher, coach or boss - you are a role model to those who are watching and you leave an everlasting impact. We have all probably had someone influence our lives by showing love and support or by pushing us to be a better version of ourselves.

I have been reflecting on the men that have left an impression on my life... my husband P.J. means so much to me. He is not only an amazing father, but I simply could not imagine my life without him. I am so beyond thankful for him.

My father is one of my biggest cheerleaders. Throughout my life, he has shared his knowledge and life lessons with me and my sister, and he continues today. My dad has played a huge role in our church and continues that path today.  He was always there - from holding onto our bikes to walking us down the aisle. We love you, Daddy.

This month, I am so proud that we are featuring a local father and son who have a special bond. They own and operate a local business, work together every day and have an inspirational story to share. Werner’s is sharing some men’s fashion just in time for Father’s Day. Werner’s is also grilling up a delicious recipe. And we are taking you on a trip to Selwood Farm!

Budget

Blinds has some decor tips for us, as well.

We want to encourage you to recognize those men who have impacted your lives by showing them love and gratitude this month.

We hope you enjoy our men’s issue!

Live Local - Love Local - Shop Local

June 2023

PUBLISHER

Missy Gurley | missy.gurley@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Wendy Sack | wendy.sack@citylifestyle.com

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 Rachel Collins

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

MISSY

GURLEY, PUBLISHER @CULLMAN_CITYLIFESTYLE_

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

1: Edward Jones Financial Advisor Katie E. Brown speaks to high school juniors and seniors. 2: Misti Easter and Charley love helping others at First Federal Mortgage. 3: Seibels Cottage has vintage Richard Bishop glasses! Highway Pickers is your go-to for antique ashtrays!

4: The Cullman Savings Bank Foundation awarded over $75,000 to 49 Wallace State Community College students. 5: Flourish of Cullman Spring Fling- a wonderful event for a great cause 6: The Traditions Bank Building was perfect to host the Flourish of Cullman Spring Fling. 7: Rebekah Lloyd cuts the ribbon to officially open her business, Lloyd Consulting Firm, in Cullman.

CULLMAN SAVINGS BANK FOUNDATION

LLOYD CONSULTING FIRM

KATIE E. BROWN

CULLMAN CITY LIFESTYLE

FLOURISH OF CULLMAN

FLOURISH OF CULLMAN

8: Vintage Market Days had amazing vendors like Small Town Variety’s Sharon Stell and her mom. 9: Rustic Roots Owner Travis and sweet Winnie were a joy at Vintage Market Days! 10: We loved seeing everyone at Vintage Market Days in April. 11: We ran into this sweet group of friends from the Adamsville area. 12: Something for all the lake lovers at Vintage Market Days 13: Terri Melvin and Missy Gurley at Vintage Market Days 14: Vintage Market Days early shoppers - the first 25 received a swag bag.

CULLMAN CITY LIFESTYLE

CULLMAN CITY LIFESTYLE

CULLMAN CITY LIFESTYLE

CULLMAN CITY LIFESTYLE

CULLMAN CITY LIFESTYLE

CULLMAN CITY LIFESTYLE

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @Cullman_Citylifestyle_

15: Pilot Club of Cullman Sponsor Chair Nancy Moore speaks at the group’s annual fashion show. 16: Abby Gurley models a beautiful dress from Taylor + Co. at the Pilot Club show. 17: Misti Easter and her sweet First Federal Mortgage team were all smiles! 18: Melissa Curtis and the Lake League team at the Pilot Club of Cullman event 19: Cullman Savings Bank employees attended, and the bank donated to the Pilot Light Home. 20: These beauties modeled for Rita and Presley Dean’s JK Taylor, Platform and Taylor + Co. 21: A few of the amazing Pilot Club of Cullman ladies at the Vogue Fashion Show Photography by Cullman City Lifestyle

Treating yourself is only natural.

Total on 1st takes a unique approach to skin care, elevating the natural beauty of every individual through a purely personal experience. Immerse yourself in a sanctuary of self-care.

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Lloyd Consulting Firm

Building relationships and organizations since 2018, Lloyd Consulting Firm is a veteran-owned consulting agency providing one-to-one executive coaching and consulting services for organizational and leadership development.  Drawing on her diverse professional experience and post-graduate education in strategic leadership, Rebekah Lloyd assists leaders in bettering themselves and their people. Rebekah’s unique evidence-based approach helps leaders and organizations achieve their aspirations. Your Vision. Our Experience.

Traditions Bank

Traditions Bank is a true community bank. We make personal connections with our customers and create ways to ensure we are helping guide their financial security and prosperity. These connections and agility are what “Building Bridges” means to us. We serve individuals, families and businesses, and we look to provide the best personal service to those in the counties of Cullman, Winston, Blount, Morgan and others.

HydroHoist of Alabama

HydroHoist of Alabama is Alabama’s premier  HydroHoist Boat Lift distributor and is located on beautiful Smith Lake, Walker County side, close to Jasper, just 40 miles from Birmingham. It has been family owned and operated by the Beasley family since 1986. We offer  HydroHoist Boat Lifts ,  Jet Ski Lifts , Boat & Dock Protection and  HydroLocker- Dock Lockers HydroHoist Boat & PWC Lifts are the best quality lifts on the market.

Want to be featured?

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

Photography Lloyd Consulting Firm

Photography Traditions Bank

Photography HydroHoist of Alabama

Make your space your own

Window coverings can make any ‘masculine’ space unique

No two men are the same, and that certainly also applies to "masculine" spaces in the home. But one thing is certain: design elements that can pull together a masculine space (no matter how you define it) are window coverings.

For advice on which ones to choose, we reached out to Ryan Thornton, sales manager at Budget Blinds in Cullman. The franchise is located at 2018 Pear Dr. NW and has been open for seven years.

"I would say our dedication to making our clients happy, and our 'no questions asked' warranty," Thornton answered when asked what makes Budget Blinds unique.

Thornton said some of the more traditionally masculine window coverings he has include stained wood blinds, and even some natural, woven shades.

For a home office or library, he said, "My recommendations mainly depend on the needs of the customer. Some clients need heat control and some need light control.

For heat control, I would recommend cellular shades or a type of Roman shade. For light control, we can offer shades; we have everything from black-out styles to ones that cut most of the light coming in. Plantation shutters  offer light control as well."

Men who want something different to add a little flair, or even whimsy, to their dedicated spaces, have options as well.

"We can actually have shades digitally printed with your favorite sports team or company logo. So if you want the Alabama football logo in all your man cave windows, we can make that happen," Thornton said. "We can even motorize them so you can show them off to all your guests or simply because you don't want to get up from your favorite chair."

Whatever your style and however you define "masculine," don't forget your windows when you're making your space your own!

budgetblinds.com/Cullman

ARTICLE BY WENDY SACK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BUDGET BLINDS

Dark wood blinds give privacy to this space.

DISCOVER SELWOOD FARM

ARTICLE BY WENDY SACK

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SELWOOD FARM & CRAIG GODWIN & ALAN MATTHEWS

Just over 90 miles southeast of Cullman, tucked into the town of Alpine in Talladega County, is a hunting preserve that boasts “Southern hospitality since 1834.” Selwood Farm began as a true family farm at that time, passed from one family to another more than 100 years later, and in the 1980s was transformed into a recreational site. That same second family still runs the property today, providing an outdoor getaway experience for families, private groups and corporate retreats.

CONTINUED >

‘We have something for everyone’

Alan Hill and his dog Beau the faithful hunting dog Judith Jager and staff member Matt Simms

Alabama Sen. Katie Britt, right, at Selwood Farm in 2022

“Dell and Carolyn Hill own Selwood Farm; it has a pretty rich history,” said Judith Jager. “My great-grandfather bought Selwood Farm in 1948 from the original settler named James Mallory. James Mallory founded the property in 1834 and named it Selwood, which means ‘The Kings Hunting Forest.’”

The advantages of being a family-owned business are plentiful, and that is reflected in the atmosphere and experience guests are provided.

“There are a lot of advantages when you have great owners,” Jager said. “My grandparents, and now my father who works full time at Selwood and will take over, bring their values into the work environment. We believe in working unto the Lord in everything we do, treating people with respect, giving people chances and offering everyone that enters through our doors the best customer service possible. We treat people like family. The best and worst thing about being family owned is probably the same – we all care. A LOT.”

Selwood Farm began offering hunting and wing shooting in 1984 and was the first sporting clay range in the state when the course opened in 1990. It has steadily increased its offerings and amenities, now hosting large corporate and nonprofit events, providing overnight accommodations, retail and luxury guns; and it was the first sporting clay group to offer Helice in Alabama. Helice (pronounced hell-ees) is a well-established game in Europe that is catching on quickly here. It’s a fast-paced, intuitive, simulated live bird game. Selwood Farm has the only Helice ring in Alabama.

“Anyone looking to have a great day in the outdoors, even if you are new to the hunting

and sporting clay world, will have a blast. We offer sporting clay shooting lessons for shooters of all experience levels,” said Jager. “We have something for everyone.”

So what should you bring for a visit to Selwood?

“It depends on if you are planning to shoot sporting clays/Helice or if you are hunting,” said Jager. “For sporting clays, we can outfit you in our Pro Shop for pretty much anything you may need from safety glasses, shotgun shells, to a shotgun. For hunting in the fall and winter, you will want to plan on having some type of thick pants like jeans or brush pants. If you forgot your ‘orange,’ we’ve got you covered in our Pro Shop for that, too.”

Selwood Farm is a bit of a drive from Cullman County, but those who’ve made the trip say it’s worth it!

“I think what makes Selwood special are a few things,” said Jager. “The fact that it has been in our immediate family for over 75 years is pretty crazy! Most land changes hands, I feel like, especially when a business/ hunting property is involved. Also, a lot of recreational hunting properties in the state are relatively new and were developed out of a want, not a need. When my grandfather and grandmother Dell and Carolyn Hill transformed the cattle and farming operation at Selwood into a hunting and sporting clay property, it was strictly out of survival mode ingenuity (see more of the property’s history at selwoodfarm.com/about-us.) God has certainly blessed our humble beginnings and allowed Selwood to turn into what it is today and what it will be in the years to come.”

Find out more about what Selwood Farm has to offer at selwoodfarm.com.

“God has certainly blessed our humble beginnings and allowed Selwood to turn into what it is today and what it will be in the years to come.” Judith Jager

Focus on a father/son business

A chat with Stephen Skinner

ARTICLE BY WENDY SACK PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTED BY STEPHEN SKINNER

Frank and Stephen Skinner are men who know business. They’re also hard-working men of faith.

The father-son duo owns In-N-Out Self Storage in Cullman. They are also both retired pharmacists/pharmacy owners. Frank owned and operated Medical Arts Apothecary for 50 years until his health would not allow him to stand up all day, and Stephen owned and operated Specialty Pharmacy for almost 20 years.

“We have been in commercial real estate investing and developing for several years as a ‘side business,’” Stephen said. “We built medical offices, shopping centers and a car wash. We opened the self-storage business for two reasons: to give him something to do – I knew he would be dead from boredom within a few months of not being able to work and help people –and because we liked the challenge and opportunity of taking a run-down, neglected facility in the heart of Cullman and reviving it."

When asked what the biggest perk of working with his dad is, Stephen smiled, “So many! Getting to spend time with him over morning coffee, talking old stories, business strategy, faith, family, sports, investing, watching someone who refuses to let his health struggles keep him down stand up and greet anyone who comes in the door, ready and willing to help in any way he can! He is the definition of a servant leader! At 86, he still comes in every day, and his mind is still very sharp. He often comes up with great ideas to make the business better and gives me much needed advice! I am truly blessed to learn from and work with him!”

He continued, “Our model of clean, quality storage was growing, and I was working on expanding the In-N-Out brand to other locations in Alabama and spreading myself too thin. One day dad said, ‘We keep growing here, so why do you want to expand where you have to drive an hour or more to check on things, when you could just focus on growing this location until it reaches maximum capacity?’ He was right! I dropped my expansion plans and refocused on Cullman, where we live and raise our families, and it was a great decision. We have been blessed with the time and resources to reinvest  in Cullman through involvement in organizations, schools, churches and other local ministries."

What services does In-N-Out provide?

“We provide a secure, clean, easyto-rent and store facility for people who are relocating, remodeling, need more space and for businesses,” said Stephen Skinner. “We have traditional drive-up storage units, indoor temperature and humiditycontrolled units, as well as a few covered and non-covered parking spaces for vehicles, boats and RVs. We are Cullman’s only facility that works to conserve energy with solar power. We have over 70 security cameras and we allow 24/7 access.”

Frank Skinner talking to a friend

What does Stephen think his dad would say is the biggest perk about working with his son? “I believe maybe I help keep him young with all my energy and ideas," he laughed, "and I can fix his phone or iPad!”

I asked Stephen what advice he and his dad would give young men starting out in business.

“Funny you ask that because that is what my next book, ‘THRIVE’ will be about (if I ever get it written). We would say always put the customer first, put yourself in the customer's shoes and always be thinking about their experience, and business will come as a result. We did a lot of things here with women in mind, like making most doors into our storage buildings double glass instead of metal, to give more light so it doesn't feel creepy or unsafe for a woman who may be alone. We also tried to add a lot of lighting as well as music, which also helps to make the moving experience a little better. Moving is stressful and not much fun, but if you hear a good song or, during Christmas, a Christmas jingle you love, it may be just what you need to get that one last load moved in! I have other advice, but they will have to wait until my book comes out!”

In-N-Out Self Storage is located at 106 13th St. SW Cullman, AL 35055.

Frank Skinner (center, dark blue shirt) and Stephen Skinner (center, light blue shirt and khaki pants) are seen at the In-N-Out ribbon cutting in October 2015.

Outfit the dads in your life at Werner’s

ARTICLE BY MISSY GURLEY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY WERNER’S

Werner’s Trading Company is your one-stop shop for everything outdoors. The Cullman staple is also a great spot to shop for the grilling, camping, running or even relaxed dads in your life this Father’s Day.

Werner’s has been in business since 1951, and Britt and Laura Wood took over in 2020, keeping the name, but making a few changes. “We are bringing in more and more new brands,” Britt Wood said.

wernerstradingco.com

BRANDS INCLUDE:

• Yeti coolers/cups

• johnnie-O apparel/shoes

• Chubbies apparel

• Barbour dog accessories

• On, Altra, Cole Haan and Birkenstock shoes (and a Foot Balance Machine that checks sizes, arches and how you stand for insoles and shoe recommendations)

• goodr, Ray-Ban, Costa Del Mar sunglasses

• Traeger, Big Green Egg, Napoleon, Weber grills (Outdoor kitchens can also be ordered at Werner’s.)

• Sun Bum products

Lane is wearing johnnie-O pants and shirt with RayBans. Ace has his Barbour leash and is ready to go.

Britt’s barbecue chicken tenders

ARTICLE BY WENDY SACK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CULLMAN CITY LIFESTYLE

Werner’s Trading Company Owners Britt and Laura Wood grill for their employees every Friday

Check out one of Britt Wood's famous barbecue recipes!

BRITT’S BARBECUE CHICKEN TENDERS

Ingredients

• Fresh chicken tenders

• Dan-O’s Seasoning

• Pilleteri’s Original Marinade

• Gazebo Room Greek Dressing

• Dreamland BBQ Sauce

Directions

1. Coat chicken tenders with Dan-O’s seasoning.

2. Combine Greek dressing and Pilleteri’s and soak chicken tenders for 2 hours.

3. Place chicken tenders on grill (Britt uses the Big Green Egg).

4. Lightly brush with Dreamland BBQ Sauce at end of grilling time (about 20 minutes, or until browned and cooked through).

“This is one of my go-to favorites. Everyone requests the chicken tenders!”

Britt Wood

Britt’s barbecue chicken tenders

Laura and Britt Wood

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.

LEARN ABOUT HIS FAMILY TREE

Family heritage websites can offer insight into dad’s past and be an interesting way to study the history of your family. Present Dad with a report on his ancestors or dig in together!

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.

GO BIRD WATCHING

Lay out a blanket in your backyard and grab your binoculars for a peaceful, nature-filled day. Make a list of how many different kinds of birds you see and guess if you can identify them.

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.

GO BOWLING

Bowling is a timeless classic Dad is sure to enjoy. Bonus if the bowling alley has an arcade, chicken wings and Dad’s favorite beverage of choice.

34

JUNE

events

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

JUNE 3RD

Pups & Pints

GOAT ISLAND BREWING | 12:00 PM

Join Cullman Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism for its inaugural Pups & Pints event at Goat Island Brewing from noon-5 p.m. Enjoy dog-centric activities, pet vendors, food trucks, beer tastings, lawn games and live music from The Overtones. We'll be raising funds for a new and improved local dog park! Bring your dog(s)!

JUNE 3RD

19th Annual Kris Banister Memorial Golf Tournament

CHESLEY OAKS GOLF COURSE

| 7:00 AM

This tournament benefits the Alabama Baptist Children's Home in Decatur. Enjoy a day on the golf course and be a blessing to child. 4-person scramble. Registration/warm-up begin at 7 a.m., and the shotgun start will be at 8. Breakfast and lunch will be provided for all players. For more information call Trent Hardman at 256-590-9590 or Josh Driver at 205-347-4259.

JUNE 27TH

National Sunglasses Day Event

BOOZER EYECARE | 8:30 AM

Want to be featured?