HEALTH + WELLNESS
BODY WORK DONE RIGHT
FINANCE + LEGAL SERVICES
BANKING ON COMMUNITY
LIFE + CULTURE FOR THE MEN HOLDING IT ALL TOGETHER
FOOD + BEVERAGE
BUILT ON FAMILY, ROOTED IN EAGAN
“Real strength shows up quietly, every single day.”
It is hard to believe that summer is already here, which means it is time for one of my favorite issues—our annual Men's Issue. Every year, this one reminds me just how much quiet strength exists in our community. Not the loud, highlight-reel kind, but the kind that shows up in small rooms, across countertops, and in everyday conversations that change someone's life. I would also like to remember my dad, who recently passed away. His quiet belief in me shaped who I am more than he ever knew.
This month, we're featuring four stories that stuck with me long after reading them. Enrique Solano of Onalos Massage & Cryoskin in Inver Grove Heights has spent 16 years building something rare, a practice rooted in actually listening. His Onalos Method doesn't follow a script. It follows the person. If you've ever left a massage feeling like something was missed, Enrique's approach might be exactly what you didn't know you needed. Over at Gateway Bank, President Bruce Downey and his team prove that community isn't just a buzzword. It's a daily commitment. From the beloved Mendota Heights Fall Festival to their upcoming 5K on June 6th, Gateway Bank shows up for this community in ways that go well beyond banking. Then there's Kyle Woody, founder of Jack's Caregiver Coalition, whose story is one of the most honest and moving ones we've shared in these pages. Kyle built an organization to support male caregivers, people who are quietly holding everything together for someone they love, often without asking for a thing in return. If that sounds like someone you know, or maybe like you, I'd encourage you to read every word of his story. And finally, George Dahmah of Wildcats Bar & Grill, a man who left Syria at 23, spent 25 years building a life in Eagan, and now runs a growing family business alongside his wife and two sons. His story is a reminder that great food and genuine community always start with people who truly care.
As always, I would like to thank all of Eagan City Lifestyle's sponsors. Their generous support enables us to get our magazine directly into our readers' homes. Please don't hesitate to contact me (amy.sousa@citylifestyle.com) if you have a story to share or a business to recommend.
Here's to the men in our lives, the ones who show up, listen, and lead with heart.
June 2026
PUBLISHER
Amy Sousa | Amy.Sousa@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Matt Sousa | matthew.sousa@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Devon Williams | devon.williams@citylifestyle.com
SALES MANAGER
Heather Johnson | heather.johnson@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Lisa Cline | clinelisamarie@gmail.com
STAFF WRITER
Ann Schreiber | copywritingforyoucorp@gmail.com
COPY EDITOR
Judy Sousa | eagan@citylifestyle.com
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas Learn how
AMY SOUSA, PUBLISHER
Listening First, Healing With Purpose
Enrique Solano blends bodywork, communication, and Cryoskin
Banking Beyond Walls
How local banking strengthens neighborhoods through people, purpose, and connection.
Family First Kitchens
George Dahmah builds community through food, family teamwork, and decades of restaurant experience in Eagan.
How Jack’s Caregiver Coalition is changing the caregiving experience, one honest conversation at a time.
For when keeping it all together starts falling apart The Struggle You push yourself to be perfect—at work, at home, in every relationship. You’re exhausted, critical of yourself, and feel like you’re never enough. The Cost of Staying Stuck Stress keeps building. Sleep, energy, and confidence start slipping.
Everyday tasks feel overwhelming, and self-criticism never ends. You Don’t Have to Do It Alone With guidance and practical strategies, you can release the constant pressure to perform, set healthy boundaries, and reconnect with what truly matters.
Maddy Trenholm MSW, LICSW
Restore Hyper Wellness Apple Valley Turns Three!
Restore Hyper Wellness Apple Valley is throwing their biggest party of the year — a 2000s Throwback celebration from May 28–31! Come dressed in your best Y2K outfit to earn bonus raffle tickets! Deals include 50% off IVs, IM shots, and facials, core services for $20, 10% off nutrient packs, and 20% off all other packs. Spots are filling fast — RSVP today! We look forward to being able to thank you for three totally radical years!
Meet Dr. Ken Smith, ChiroWay Eagan’s New Owner!
Dr. Ken Smith is stepping in as the new owner of ChiroWay Eagan. Originally from Cambridge, Iowa, Ken trained at Palmer College of Chiropractic before falling in love with Minnesota and deciding to stay. Specializing in neu rological-based care and the Webster technique for prenatal clients, he brings a hands-on, salutogenic approach to chiropractic. Stop in and say hello — he's excited to put down roots and get to know the community!
Gleason’s Gymnastic School Celebrates 60 Years!
Gleason's Gymnastic School in Eagan is celebrating 60 years of building strong, confident athletes, and summer is the perfect time to join! Minnesota's longest-running gymnastics program offers classes for all ages and skill levels, from preschool to adults. Whether your child is just starting or ready to compete, Gleason's has a spot for them. Register today at gleasons.com and be part of the legacy!
The Maids Nic Stevens Named General Manager of the Year
Congratulations to Nic Stevens of The Maids of Minneapolis South Metro on earning General Manager of the Year at the national franchise conference in Dallas! Nic was nominated by multiple franchise owners, a rare distinction, for his outstanding results, leadership, and collaborative spirit. His work driving growth, improving operations, and elevating those around him made him the clear, unanimous choice.
Listening First, Healing With Purpose
ARTICLE BY ANN SCHREIBER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LISA CLINE
Enrique Solano blends bodywork, communication, and Cryoskin recovery to help clients feel heard and heal naturally.
Walk into Onalos Massage & Cryoskin in Inver Grove Heights, and you will not find a one-size-fits-all experience. You will find a conversation. For owner Enrique Solano, that is where everything begins.
With 16 years of hands-on experience and more than 220 five-star reviews, Enrique has built his reputation on something that sounds simple but is often overlooked. He listens. Not just to what a client says, but to how the body responds in the moment.
“I’m not doing anything magical,” he says. “I really just listen.”
That approach came from years of noticing a gap in traditional massage training. While therapists are taught a wide range of techniques, Enrique saw less focus on interpreting what the body is actually signaling during a session.
Too often, he explains, sessions turn into guesswork. So he created his own system.
THE ONALOS METHOD
Onalos is Enrique’s last name spelled backward, and it reflects a method he developed from the ground up. At its core, the Onalos Method simplifies pain into two categories: sharp or sore. From there, Enrique tracks three signals throughout the session: tissue response, body reaction, and breath. These cues guide every adjustment he makes.
If something shifts, he shifts with it. If a client reacts, he responds in real time. And if there is uncertainty, he asks questions.
“The more you ask, the more you understand,” he explains.
This constant feedback loop creates a level of clarity that many clients have never experienced before. Instead of following a preset routine, each session becomes a collaboration. It also shapes the direction of the business itself.
At Onalos, Enrique focuses on functional bodywork and recovery, working with clients experiencing tight muscles, limited range of motion, or pain related to repetitive movement. His colleague, Pauline, offers relaxation-focused sessions.
“When you
listen to the body and
the person, you stop guessing. That’s when real progress starts, and people finally feel understood.”
Some clients come in simply needing to unwind. Others arrive with deeper concerns, including long-standing discomfort that affects how they move through daily life. For those clients, Enrique starts at what he calls “ground zero.”
“We figure out what’s been bothering you for years,” he says. “We start there.” And if the issue turns out to be something beyond muscle-related concerns, he is quick to point clients in the right direction. “I’m not a doctor,” he adds. “If it’s not muscle-related, we refer out.” That honesty has become part of the trust people feel when they walk through the door.
RECOVERY BEYOND THE TABLE
While hands-on work remains the foundation of Onalos, Enrique has also introduced Cryoskin as a complementary service. The technology uses a wand-based system designed to support recovery, reduce inflammation, and stimulate collagen production. For clients already working through muscle tension or soreness, it can help extend the results of their sessions. It also opens the door to other goals.
Cryoskin is known for its ability to tone skin and support fat reduction without invasive procedures or medications. Enrique sees it as a natural extension of the work he already does. “If we’re helping the body feel better, why not help people feel better about how they look, too?” he says.
That mindset ties back to a broader belief he carries into his work. He often references the idea that people should reach
their physical peak at least once in their lives, not for anyone else, but for their own sense of pride.
At Onalos, clients complete an intake form before their session, creating a starting point for honest communication. Throughout the appointment, they are encouraged to speak up, ask questions, and stay engaged in the process.
Sometimes, that connection goes beyond physical work. “People just want to talk,” Enrique says. “Humans need humans.”
A DIFFERENT KIND OF EXPERIENCE
Since opening in 2019, Onalos Massage & Cryoskin has grown into a space where people feel heard. Clients come in with a range of concerns. Tight shoulders from long hours at a desk. Back pain that has lingered for years. Foot or hand discomfort tied to repetitive movement.
Many arrive unsure of what they need. What they find is a process built on attention, communication, and adaptability. For Enrique, the long-term vision reaches even further. He hopes to turn the Onalos Method into a training system that reshapes how massage therapists are taught. Instead of starting with techniques, he believes future therapists should first learn how to read the body. Because when you understand what the body is saying, the next step becomes clear.
Until then, he continues to do what he has always done. One session at a time. One conversation at a time. Listening first.
Banking Beyond Walls
How local banking strengthens neighborhoods through people, purpose, and connection
ARTICLE BY ANN SCHREIBER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LISA CLINE
Walk into Gateway Bank, and you’ll immediately notice the welcoming atmosphere and the familiar faces. It is the sense that this place operates with a purpose that reaches well beyond transactions.
But here’s the thing. That concept of community? It’s not just a talking point. It’s how the bank operates every day. “It’s just in our nature,” says President Bruce Downey. “We’re a community bank, and we need to give back. If the community is successful, we’re successful.”
That philosophy shows up in how Gateway Bank approaches lending. Deposits made by local clients are reinvested right back into the same neighborhoods. Home projects, small business growth, and local development all trace back to relationships built across the desk.
CEO John Schreier explains that it’s a shared cycle. Clients trust the bank with their finances, and in turn, the bank supports the very places those clients live and work. And while that structure matters, it is what happens outside the bank walls that tells the fuller story.
GATEWAY GIVES IN ACTION
If there is one program that captures this spirit, it is Gateway Gives. More than a formal initiative, it’s all about how associates show up for their communities.
Each year, team members select four charitable organizations to support. From there, employees roll up their sleeves, volunteering their time while the bank contributes financially. In recent years, that has included organizations such as Ronald McDonald House Charities, the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge, the Minneapolis Crisis Nursery, and Neighbors Inc.
But the effort does not stop with planned events. Highway cleanups along Highway 13 in Mendota Heights, and back-toschool drives that help local students start the year with what they need are additional ways Gateway supports the community.
Employees are also given a paid day each year to volunteer, along with a holiday tradition that stands out. Through a pay-itforward program, associates receive funds and are encouraged to give back in whatever way feels meaningful to them.
Some donate to families in need. Others support local nonprofits or lend a hand in their own neighborhoods. “It’s something people look forward to,” Downey says. “We trust them to do something good with it.”
TRADITIONS THAT BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER
While much of Gateway Bank’s impact happens behind the scenes, several events have become annual traditions. The Fall Festival in Mendota Heights is one of them. What started in 2005 as a simple idea has grown into a highly anticipated gathering. Each year, more than 800 pumpkins are given away alongside coffee, donuts, and family activities.
“It’s become a tradition,” Schreier says. “People plan around it.”
Even unpredictable weather has not slowed it down. Last year’s festival took place entirely in the rain, yet attendance matched previous years.
Downey remembers when it was just an experiment. “We didn’t know how it would turn out,” he says. “But it became something people really connected with.”
“When a bank invests locally, it strengthens relationships, supports neighbors, and creates a shared sense of purpose that extends far beyond banking.”
In Edina, a different tradition took shape. After opening the branch in 2017, the team looked for a way to engage the local community. That search led to involvement in the annual tree lighting at 50th and France.
Market President Brian Maxwell says the event has taken on a life of its own. “It’s always cold. Sometimes it’s snowing. But people come out every year. It’s festive and fun.”
Then there is the Mendota Heights 5K, scheduled for June 6, 2026. The event brings together runners, walkers, and families while raising funds for causes like Special Olympics and Beyond the Yellow Ribbon.
Marketing Director Gabrielle Peterson points out that the 5K has become a meaningful way for people to connect. “So many people come out,” she says. “It’s something the community really looks forward to.”
A DIFFERENT KIND OF BANKING EXPERIENCE
For many employees, the sense of connection is what makes Gateway Bank feel different as a workplace. “If we all sat in our offices all day, it wouldn’t be a fun place to work,” Maxwell says. “Getting out into the community changes that.”
It also shapes how the bank approaches client relationships. Conversations are personal. Decisions are local. And there is an emphasis on understanding individual needs rather than fitting people into a system.
Downey sums it up simply. “We have everything the big banks have, but with a personal touch.”
That idea extends to what the team jokingly calls their version of AI. At Gateway Bank, AI stands for “actual individuals.” It is a reminder that behind every loan, account, or interaction, there is a person involved. Someone who knows the area, understands the challenges, and takes pride in helping others move forward.
Consider this glowing feedback from Dr. Keith R Erickson, the owner of Erickson/Aamodt Orthodontics. "We have been loyal customers at Gateway Bank since its formation, and with the President, Bruce Downey, for many years prior to that. Their friendly service, professionalism, and attention to our banking needs have been exemplary, and we cannot recommend them more highly." That perspective resonates with clients who have come from larger institutions. “People will come to bank with us from bigger banks,” Downey says, “and they’ll tell us they had no idea banking could be this way.”
A COMMUNITY BUSINESS BUILT ON WHAT MATTERS
Gateway Bank believes that the community is not separate from the business. Every deposit, every loan, and every interaction feeds into a larger system of local support. And every volunteer hour, event, or act of giving strengthens the connections that make that system work.
From highway cleanups to holiday traditions, from school partnerships to spontaneous acts of generosity, the work continues year after year. And it’s not an initiative. It is a commitment that shows up in ways both big and small, shaping not just how they operate, but how they are experienced by the people around them.
“We have everything the big banks have, but with a personal touch.”
Fast & Flexible Financing
FAMILY FIRST KITCHENS
George Dahmah builds community through food, family teamwork, and decades of restaurant experience in Eagan
ARTICLE BY ANN SCHREIBER PHOTOGRAPHY BY LISA CLINE
When you sit down at Wildcats Bar & Grill or stop into The Italian Pie Shoppe, you are stepping into a story that began long before either restaurant opened its doors. For George Dahmah, the restaurant business has always been part of life.
George keeps things simple. Good food, fair prices, and a welcoming environment.
“I grew up in Syria, and we owned restaurants, bakeries, and even a butcher shop,” George shares. “I helped my dad in the business from a young age.”
That early experience stayed with him. After moving to the United States in 1991 at the age of 23, George continued building his path in the restaurant industry, eventually putting down roots in Eagan. “I’ve worked in Eagan for the last 25 years of my life. I’ve gotten to know so many people,” he says.
That connection to people is what keeps him going. “I stick with it because I think I’m good at it. I’m good with people, and I like people. I’m also creative when it comes to food.”
BUILDING A LOCAL FAVORITE
In 2010, George opened Wildcats Bar & Grill, a spot that quickly became a gathering place for locals. The name itself was chosen with intention. “We wanted
something that tied into Eagan sports to give it that community feel,” he explains.
Inside, the menu reflects that same mix of familiarity and personality. “Our burgers are pretty big. Half-pound burgers,” George says with a smile. “The Phillies and the burgers are the biggest sellers.”
But there is more to Wildcats than classic sports bar fare. Guests will also find Mediterranean influences and standout comfort dishes. “A popular entrée is liver and onions,” he says. “A lot of restaurants don’t sell it, but our patrons love it.”
From burritos to Greek salads and chicken teriyaki, the goal is simple. “There’s something for everyone.”
A FAMILY AFFAIR
While Wildcats may have been the beginning, the Dahmah family story continues to grow. In May 2025, George purchased The Italian Pie Shoppe, a long-standing local favorite located just a few doors down.
“The previous owner and I had a lot of food exchanges over the years,” George says. “They’ve been around for 50 years, and the food is amazing, so it was an easy decision when he decided to retire.”
Now, the next generation is stepping in. George’s son Aaron manages the Pie Shoppe, while his other son, Elias, recently joined the team after graduating from college, working on a part-time basis. For many restaurants, it’s a family business. “But we really take that to heart,” George says, “extending our love for one another to the love we have for our community.”
Behind the scenes, George’s wife, Kim, plays a big role in keeping everything running, both behind the scenes and front and center. “She manages a lot of the bookkeeping and helps with large parties or when we’re short-handed,” he says. “She’ll do it all.”
For George, this is what matters most. “It’s a family business. We all work together.”
MORE THAN A MEAL
For the Dahmah family, restaurants are about more than food. They are about connection.
George regularly supports local fundraisers and community efforts, something he sees as part of being a business owner in Eagan. “We are always happy to help where donations are needed,” he says. “Help out the businesses where you live.” That message goes both ways. He encourages residents to stay curious when dining out. “Be willing to try new things,” he adds.
After decades in the industry, George keeps things simple. Good food, fair prices, and a welcoming environment. But it is the people behind the counter and in the kitchen that leave a lasting impression. And in Eagan, that impression often starts with family.
(That’s
Seen and Supported
How Jack’s Caregiver Coalition is changing the caregiving experience, one honest conversation at a time
ARTICLE BY ANN SCHREIBER
Caregiving is one of those roles people fall into without a title, a handbook, or much preparation. It often starts during a diagnosis, a hospital visit, or a shift in someone’s health. And before long, life looks completely different.
For Kyle Woody, that moment came in 2011 when his spouse, Sarah, was diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer. At the time, they were raising two young sons and living in Virginia. Like many people in his position, Kyle didn’t think of himself as a caregiver.
“I told our friends I didn’t need support. Sarah was the one who was sick,” he said. “But they had talked to others and came back with a different message. Serve the caregiver.” That shift in perspective stuck. It planted the seed for what would later become Jack’s Caregiver Coalition, an organization built around one simple but often overlooked idea: caregivers need care, too
BUILDING SOMETHING THAT DIDN’T EXIST
After moving to Minnesota in 2013, Kyle found himself in unfamiliar territory again, this time with people recognizing his role in a way he hadn’t before. “I had never had someone refer to me as a caregiver,” he said. “I wasn’t used to people seeing me.”
That feeling of being seen was enough to spark something bigger. Alongside co-founders Justin and Dustin, Kyle launched Jack’s Caregiver Coalition to support male caregivers. While the organization centers on “guy caregivers,” many of its programs are open to anyone 18 and older who has cared for a loved one facing a health crisis.
That includes those currently in the thick of it, as well as those who have experienced loss or are living in the aftermath of remission.
Kyle Woody with Oprah in 2025
Kyle, Sarah, Merrick, and Lachlan Woody 2011
RETHINKING WHAT SUPPORT LOOKS LIKE
Support doesn’t always look like a formal group. For many men, that’s exactly what keeps them away. “Most men aren’t comfortable walking into a support group,” Kyle said. “That isn’t where we start them.”
Instead, Jack’s Caregiver Coalition starts with something much simpler: a 15-minute phone call. “Once the caregiver is on the phone with someone who is listening, they start to see that there are others with wisdom and knowledge to share,” Kyle said.
From there, many participants move into oneon-one coaching through the “Jack-to-Jack” program, where they’re connected with someone who has walked a similar path. The idea isn’t to fix anything overnight. It’s to create space for honest conversation and shared experience.
Then there’s the Klatch. Held in private spaces at local spots like Urban Growler, these gatherings bring together small groups of caregivers. Topics are chosen by the group in real time, written on Post-it notes, and voted on collectively. “It’s a safe and private space,” Kyle said. “You’re sitting with people who get it.”
A STORY THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING
Kyle’s own caregiving journey didn’t follow a straight line. In 2015, after several years of caring for Sarah, they decided to divorce. As Sarah’s health declined, another unexpected relationship formed. Kyle developed a close bond with Doug, Sarah’s partner, and they both supported her through hospice care. Sarah passed away in 2020, nearly nine years after her diagnosis. Through it all, Kyle experienced firsthand how isolating caregiving can be, and how powerful it is when that isolation starts to lift.
CONTINUED >
From Left to Right - Kyle Woody, Merrick Woody, Lachlan Woody, and Doug Dallmann
2026 Caregiver Klatch at Urban Growler
But Kyle and Doug? Today, the two co-parent Kyle’s sons, who are now in high school. “Our partnership shows what is possible when men stop performing and start showing up,” Kyle said.
FROM ISOLATION TO CONNECTION
Caregiving can feel incredibly lonely. It’s often invisible to others, even close friends and family. That’s part of what makes the work of Jack’s Caregiver Coalition resonate so deeply.
“The most rewarding thing is seeing where people start and where they end up,” Kyle said. “Helping people go from being extremely isolated to being surrounded by the support they need.”
That transformation isn’t always dramatic. Sometimes it’s as simple as someone realizing they don’t have to carry everything on their own. “I’ve been invited to funerals and weddings,” Kyle added. “You see the full arc of people’s lives.”
The organization’s long-term vision is ambitious: reaching one million male caregivers by 2035. But at its core, the work still comes back to that first step.
“It all starts with the willingness to ask for help,” Kyle said. “That’s a big ask for a lot of men.”
SHOWING UP MATTERS
Whether someone is currently a caregiver or not, Kyle believes there’s a role for everyone.
“If you’re a caregiver, book the call,” he said. “And if you’re not, be aware that there are people all around you going through this.”
Because chances are, at some point, caregiving will touch all of our lives. And when it does, knowing there’s a place to turn, a conversation to have, or simply someone who understands, can make all the difference.
Every Jack’s program begins with one promise: You’re not alone anymore.
‘Carry That Weight’ Fundraiser
NOTHING BUNDT CAKES IN EAGAN HAS EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO MAKE FATHER'S DAY AND GRADUATION SEASON A LITTLE SWEETER THIS JUNE
MADE TO CELEBRATE
THE CAKES ARE MADE FRESH WITH REAL BUTTER, CREAM CHEESE, AND EGGS, AND THAT DIFFERENCE SHOWS UP IN EVERY BITE.
June has a way of sneaking up on you. One minute you're circling dates on the calendar, and the next you're standing in your kitchen wondering how to make the graduation party feel special and still get Dad something worth giving on his day. The good news is you don't have to figure it out from scratch.
For many Eagan families, Nothing Bundt Cakes has become the go-to when there's something worth celebrating. The cakes are made fresh with real butter, cream cheese, and eggs, and that difference shows up in every bite. There's no dry crumb, no forgettable frosting. Just a dense, rich cake that people actually talk about after the party is over.
For Father's Day, the Chocolate Chocolate Chip is the easy call — it's exactly what it sounds like, and dads love it. Red Velvet is another strong pick if your dad has a thing for classics. Grab a tiered cake if you're feeding the whole family, or put together a box of Bundtlets and let everyone pick their favorite. Either way, it's handled.
Graduation season is where the pull-apart cake really shines. It's a full arrangement of individual Bundtlets presented together. It is impressive enough for an open house, and easy enough to serve without any of the usual cake-cutting chaos. White Chocolate Raspberry and Confetti are both popular this time of year, and for good reason. If you haven't seen one in person, it's worth a stop just for that.
Head over to the Nothing Bundt Cakes Eagan location to pick out your favorite flavor. Can't make it in person? Order online or give them a call. Either way, the dads and grads in your life will have a delicious cake worth celebrating.
STRONG STARTS HERE. STRENGTH LASTS EVERYWHERE.
From first flips to full-grown strength, Gleason’s helps boys and men build confidence, coordination, and power that carries far beyond the gym. Whether it’s Boys Gymnastics, Adult Classes, or open gym for everyone, our programs are built to challenge, strengthen, and move with purpose. Since 1966, Gleason’s has been where athletes of all ages train strong—for sport, for life, and for whatever comes next.
www.gleasons.com | eagan@gleasons.com V @GleasonsGymMN
Helping Children With Autism Succeed
At Minnesota Behavioral Specialists, we help children with autism develop new social, communication, self-care, and self-management skills through the use of play and reinforcement. We strive to help children be as successful as possible and to help families find ways to meet their goals. We provide intensive in-home and center-based services for children age 10 and under.
www.mnbehavioral.com
(651) 900-2210
4635 Nicols Rd, Ste. 104, Eagan, Minnesota 55122
AN EXCERPT FROM EPISODE 6 OF SHARE THE LIFESTYLE, A CITY LIFESTYLE PODCAST
Photographer: Brittany Dawn Short
Creative Director: Jen Birn
Stylist: Stephanie Coultress O’Neill
Location: Hotel Saint Cecilia, Austin, TX
MIKE JOHNSON HAS BUILT HIS LIFE AROUND ONE QUIETLY RADICAL IDEA: THE STANDARD YOU SET PRIVATELY IS THE ONLY ONE THAT MATTERS.
After eight years in the Air Force, a celebrated run on national television, and a health crisis abroad that sent him deep into supply chains and ingredient certifications most founders never touch, the result is Oshun — a luxury ritual brand built on provenance you can trace and integrity you can verify. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Mike shares what it actually takes to build something worth putting your name on. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full episode.
Q: YOU BECAME A FAN FAVORITE ON THE BACHELORETTE AND THEN LEFT THE SPOTLIGHT. YOU MOVED TO MEXICO, LEARNED SPANISH, THEN COSTA RICA, AND BUILT A COMPANY. WHAT DID THAT EXPERIENCE TEACH YOU ABOUT HUMAN BEHAVIOR?
A: “If you’re a good person going in, that shows. If you’re not, that shows too. I also learned that people form this parasocial relationship with you — they assume things about you. When all actuality, different circumstances bring out different parts of who you are. I was on TV trying to find love. The kindness people were showing after felt a bit fake, because they wanted to be a part of something that isn’t who I am individually, but a part of what they saw on TV. And so I had to get away from everybody and everything and the noise.”
THE QUIET STANDARD:
MIKE JOHNSON
“Too many people have prayed for me. So I’ve got to get up and do the walking.”
— Mike Johnson
Q: YOU JOINED THE AIR FORCE RIGHT OUT OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE. WHAT WERE YOU ACTUALLY RUNNING TOWARD?
A: “There was something in me that was saying: I’m not living up to my full potential. I was being a follower. My uncle said, ‘What’s going to make you become an adult the fastest?’ I said, obviously, the military. The Air Force broadened my thought process more than anything. We’re so caught up in our own perception — when you learn to understand different people’s perspectives, it adds to you in so many ways.”
Q: WITH OSHUN, YOU OWN YOUR MANUFACTURING, YOU EMPLOY A CHEMIST, EVERY PRODUCT HAS A BATCH NUMBER TRACEABLE TO ITS ORIGIN DATE. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GO THAT DEEP WITH THE BRAND?
A: “The EU bans 1,100 ingredients in personal care products. The U.S. bans nine. That’s my starting point. Oftentimes, it might be the same ingredient, but it comes from a place where it doesn’t have the highest purity. And 60% of what we put on our skin is absorbed. Every product Oshun makes carries a batch number that goes back to the exact day it was created — I can show you every single supplier, the date, the origin. I own more than one part of the supply chain because that’s the only way I can stand behind what’s in the bottle.”
This conversation is just the beginning. Mike goes deeper into why he’s buying land up north, the family in the Philippines who prayed over his factory floor, and what he’d tell every person ready to stop performing and start building. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle podcast.
MIKE JOHNSON
For over 25 years, The Commons on Marice has been serving the Eagan community, providing exceptional senior living and a range of lifestyle preferences and continuing care needs. We take pride in our unique programs, including Rock Steady Boxing, intergenerational activities, and Montessori Inspired Lifestyle® approach to memory care. We invite you to come see all that we have to offer and experience our vibrant community firsthand.
Nice? Is Whiskey On Ice
In speaking to Whiskey lovers (most happen to be men, but do accept me in their brethren as a fellow enthusiast, writer, and educator), I’ve learned a great many opinions on how to drink Whiskey. Specifically, preferences on adding water and ice vary greatly.
A brand ambassador that I had the privilege of listening to recently said the obvious: both dilution and temperature change when you add ice, so if you are going to add something, a little water is best. I personally prefer to use a water dropper, so I can add one drop at a time until I get to the desired taste.
HERE ARE THE DIFFERENCES:
THE BEST WAY TO ENJOY YOUR WHISKEY: ON THE ROCKS, ROCK, NEAT, OR WITH WATER
Rocks: Provides the highest rate of dilution as a lot of ice melts quickly. If you are drinking a barrel proof Whiskey, it kind of defeats the purpose as the distiller didn’t add water as they do in every other type of finished Whiskey.
On the Rock: The single rock, cube, or sphere is the slowest to melt and thought to be the most aesthetic. It’s nice if you want to stretch out your tasting. I often order on the rock if I want my drink to last longer.
Neat: This is the way single malt Scotch is served at a tasting event, in a branded Glencairn or Neat glass so that proper nosing for aromas can be achieved - and a dram of Scotch, smaller than an ounce, fits in them perfectly.
Water: As I mentioned above, quoting the brand ambassador, a little water is better for a fine Whiskey over any kind of ice. Often, if ordered with water, the water is served in a separate vessel on the side so you can add in as much as you want.
Quoting another expert on the subject, Richard Paterson of The Dalmore famously and enthusiastically demonstrates in his Scotch classes how to drink single malt Scotch Whiskey: Paterson fills a lowball glass to the rim with ice, adds Scotch and then ceremoniously throws it over his shoulder onto the carpet of the classroom – because that much ice makes the drink worthless. One more quote, never “add green tea or milk to Whiskey. You can add a little water, but not a lot of ice.”
Ultimately, the reason we add ice can be for aesthetics, to stretch out the time spent on one glass, for cooling, and for dilution. However, the number one reason enthusiasts add water is … drumroll please … because adding a little water actually opens up a Whiskey to show more aromas and flavors.
THE BEST IN THE FIELD. FOCUSED ON YOU.
At Summit Orthopedics, we’re proud to be Minnesota’s only top-ranked orthopedic and spine outpatient surgery center as recognized by U.S. News & World Report. And while our expertise sets us apart, it’s how we care for people that defines us. Even after thousands of procedures, we treat each patient like the only one.