life. at your summit.
The Platzke Real Estate Group is Eden Prairie‘s Home Selling Team across all brokerages, exceeding expectations by providing unmatched marketing services, knowledge, and expertise With $288 million in daily home sales, the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury® program is widely recognized as the consummate industry leader Together, this unstoppable powerhouse in real estate delivers extensive local, national and international exposure across hundreds of websites, putting your property in front of countless qualified buyers and achieving tremendous results You simply will not find better representation
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“Ryan and his team were top-notch! They recommended changes to our house that led to two offers within two showings Working with this professional and personable team was a very simple and seamless process. We would highly recommend ”
A business banking team you can count on.
There is a lot to consider when choosing a financial institutionsuch as convenience, technology, and products. Perhaps you want a bank that gives back to the community it serves. More than anything, your bank should have familiar, friendly people you know you can count on any time of the day. At First Western Bank, we are all these things and more. You can bank on us.
David Thompson Market President
Tony Berthiaume SVP Commercial Banker
Tony Seipp VP Commercial Banker | NMLS: 888672
“Lol idk just be rich lol.” – Henry Hazlitt
Dear Eden Prairie Lifestyle reader,
Remember Aesop’s The Ant and the Grasshopper? Ant spends all summer piling up grain; grasshopper spends same singing and dancing like a nincompoop; winter sends grasshopper groveling at ant’s feet, hat in hand; ant tells grasshopper to kick tiny rocks.
Many have argued that The Ant and the Grasshopper “isn’t one of Aesop’s all-time bangers,” as Marcus Aurelius once put it. Some say it overlooks the artist’s role in society. Others, the virtues of charity and kindness. A few more point out that bugs are gross. I decline to weigh in on the matter for fear of alienating any of our readership’s many Aesop fans. I only bring up the fable so I can underscore its edifying lesson on investment. Figuratively speaking, piling up grain rules
This issue’s theme is “Investment.” Does it contain the hottest stock tips? Predict which stupid cryptocurrency will shoot up 11 billion percent overnight? Reveal investing secrets so potent that Warren Buffet once deemed them “S-s-s-ssmokin'?” Perhaps. You won’t know until you start turning those pages – but not without pausing to contemplate each lovely ad you see. Do your part to help our sponsors get the best returns on their investments.
As always, I would like to thank all of Eden Prairie Lifestyle’s sponsors, without whose generous support we could not mail our magazine directly to our readers’ homes. I always welcome any feedback or interest you may have in appearing on our magazine’s pages!
Best regards,
JOHN LEE, PUBLISHER
April 2025
PUBLISHER
John Lee | john.lee@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
David Scheller | david.scheller@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Emily John
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
QUALITY CONTROL
Brandy Thomas
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
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Rainbow Treecare Saves Ash Trees
Clean air. Stormwater management. Animal habitat. Shade. They all begin with healthy, happy trees. That’s why Rainbow Treecare’s foundational mission is to preserve trees whenever possible. The locally owned company has done so for almost half a century, and is presently helping the City of Eden Prairie protect ash trees against emerald ash borer insects. Reach out today if you would like the affordable solution to tree preservation! RainbowTreecare.com
Soulfully Rewritten Therapy Cuts the Ribbon
Soulfully Rewritten Therapy’s client-centered evidence-based therapeutic approach can help you rediscover your true authentic self. Therapist Brittni Ingvaldson provides compassionate care to adolescents and adults, and promotes healing and self discovery by creating an inviting, safe, and non-judgmental space where feelings of all kinds can be expressed, validated, and processed. Reach out today for your complimentary 10-15 minute consultation. SoulfullyRewrittenTherapy.space
Everbrook Academy Cuts the Ribbon
Everbrook Academy: a daycare and early learning center serving the communities of Chanhassen, Shakopee, and its hometown of Eden Prairie. Everbrook instructors mold inquisitive young minds with hands-on learning experiences in science, technology, engineering, math and the arts, helping children become creative, communicative, collaborative, and critical thinkers. Now accepting infants through pre-K. Schedule a tour today! EverbrookAcademy.com
M-Power Physical Therapy Cuts the Ribbon
M-Power Performance Physical Therapy is here to help you live your best life and achieve fitness for living. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, interested in elevating your golf game, or planning on staying active well into advanced age, physical therapist and personal trainer Jeremiah Hales is at your service. Reach out today for athletic injuries, tendonitis, chronic pain, work-related injuries and more! M-PowerPT.com
Real Health Chiropractic Cuts the Ribbon
Real You. Real Life. Real Health. Real Health Chiropractic Clinic will help you achieve an optimal state of wellness and enjoy life to its fullest. Their compassionate, customized approach has improved patients’ health and vitality since 1999, and is suitable for newborns and older. Reach out today for skilled chiropractic care, sports care and nutritional counseling, as well as prenatal care for expectant mothers. RealHealthClinic.com
ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER
"It’s total liberation … like jazz, except if jazz were a roller coaster."
AV8 Flight School
“O to speed where there is space enough and air enough at last!” – Walt Whitman
Outside of the Air Force, there are typically two types of people who learn to fly aircraft.
The first wants an occupation – something with a six-figure salary right out of the gate, and which is infinitely more interesting than gawking at an endless procession of pixels.
The second is no stranger to six-figure salaries. They have already mastered their surroundings, and now wish to take to the heavens like Apollo on his golden chariot.
AV8 Flight School turns both into pilots. It is the only Twin Cities flight school offering both airplane and helicopter training, and it is quite naturally located at Flying Cloud Airport.
“It didn’t always used to be that way,” said George Lichty, AV8 general manager and helicopter certified flight instructor. “We were founded as Hummingbird Ventures in 2002, and exclusively trained helicopter pilots at Faribault Municipal Airport until moving to Flying Cloud two years later.
“We welcomed Ryan Kotula as a student in 2016. I instructed him myself. But instead of leaving Hummingbird as a pilot, he stayed on as its new owner. He reinvigorated the school by purchasing it a fleet of six beautiful modern airplanes, as well as remodeling its office and hangar into brighter, fresher, and altogether more inviting spaces.”
Hummingbird grew in leaps and bounds over the years. Five employees became 39, with as many as 18 instructors at any given time. Fourteen hundred flight hours
a year grew to 9,400. And once the school became as highly regarded for fixed wing training as it had previously only been for rotary, a hovering bird no longer properly represented it. AV8 first took off in 2019.
“We owe a lot of our success to the nature of our product,” explained George. “There will always be high demand for pure, heart-racing, three-dimensional freedom Getting up there and out where no one else is around, and taking any path to anywhere you feel like going? It’s total liberation … like jazz, except if jazz were a roller coaster.
“It’s not for everyone. Some folks can only learn to tolerate flight. Others decide to take up sailing instead. But if you’re like me – and you can’t know if you are until you’ve actually tried flying – then you can never learn to live without it. You’re hooked the instant the altimeter breaks ground level.”
I have no business behind the yoke or cyclic stick of an aircraft. I’m such a lousy driver that I have to apologize to Progressive in advance every time I touch a steering wheel. Speaking as an obligate terrestrial creature, I appreciate AV8’s state-of-the-art Redbird flight simulator. “Our full-motion stationary sim provides an incredibly realistic experience,” said George. “It’s invaluable for multiple types of instruction and licensing, and also provides a great introduction to all we have to offer. Check it out if you’re still debating leaving the ground!
“When we first started out, our average student was 55 years old. They were successful in their career, and wanted to celebrate by sticking the ultimate feather in their cap; or, alternatively, had worked as a commercial airline pilot, and now wanted to try out the other, more exciting (in my opinion) thing.
“AV8 still welcomes plenty of hobbyists, but I’m pleased to say our attempts to reach aspiring professionals have really paid off. By partnering with Purdue and Liberty University to make more financial aid available, we’re welcoming increasing numbers of students in their 20s.
“We’re helping these kids achieve freedom in more ways than one. Far be it from me to tell anyone not to go to college, but an exciting career where you’re highly respected, equally valued, and at liberty to work anywhere you want – and however often you want – is much more attainable than most people think. The world needs pilots!
“And it needs them in all shapes and sizes. At present, only around four to six percent of commercial airline pilots are women. We’re doing our part to help correct that discrepancy, and are proud to participate in Minnesota Aviation Career Education Camp, Stars of the North’s annual Girls in Aviation Day, and other programs which introduce young women to exciting careers in aviation. We now have a 25 percent female student body to show for our efforts.
“Flight is the great equalizer. It doesn’t matter if you’re a millionaire or you haven’t got two dimes to rub together. There’s a place in the sky for everyone. Getting them there is our passion!”
Do you feel like a fraud every time you wear aviator sunglasses? Do something about it. Call (952) 9442628 or visit AV8Flight.com today.
Minnesota Aviation Career Education Camp
BRACE HELGESON, REALTOR
CO-FOUNDER OF THE #1 COLDWELL BANKER TEAM IN MINNESOTA
ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER
“People notice it’s no longer called ‘Helgeson Platzke Real Estate Group.’ It’s ‘Platzke Real Estate Group’ now – a change I expected to happen one day, and one that I believe will ultimately work out for the best,” said Brace Helgeson.
The renaming of Eden Prairie’s number one home seller marked the passing of a torch. Having built up his company since the early ‘80s, Brace was finally ready to enjoy the full fruits of his labor.
“There will probably never be a retirement party for me. I have built a reputation and a brand, and I just love selling homes too much,” said Brace. “Leading this company for 42 years – with Ryan as my partner for the past 15 of them – has been an honor. We spent that time building what I believe to be the most effective and professional real estate team in the country. When new agents join our team, it’s not uncommon for them to double, triple, or even quadruple their business. Creating an environment where our 38 agents’ full talents shine will always be the crowning achievement of my career.
“But at the end of the day, my passion is selling real estate. I wanted to spend every remaining minute of my career laser-focused on my clients, many of whom become great friends. Moreover, I wanted to continue to experience selling homes in every price range in all the new markets this company has expanded into over the years. The entire west metro now knows and trusts our brand!
“As a full-time agent, I can now take full advantage of the powerful marketing engine I helped build. We invest more into marketing than 99 percent of all other agencies in Minnesota. That’s why we maintain a vast network of buyers with over 42,000 email subscribers, which allows many of our clients to sell their homes without even having to list them. It’s why Platzke Real Estate Group has such a strong presence online, and is featured so prominently when people search for Eden Prairie homes on Zillow. It’s also why our team closed 423 transactions totaling $247 million in sales during last year alone.
“I made my transition at an opportune time. Sure, the historic low 2.65 percent mortgage APR is now three years behind us. But we’re still below the historic average of 7.5
percent, and well below the 14 percent I sold houses for when I was first starting out. In addition to low inventory, that has turned the western suburbs into a red-hot seller’s market. And as one of our area’s most experienced listing agents, I’m poised to make sure my clients get the absolute most of it.
“I may no longer run the company, but I have full confidence Ryan will continue growing it in the right direction. I’m excited to see what the future holds in store for Platzke Real Estate Group!”
If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home in the western suburbs, always remember: experience matters, and no one has more of it in your area than Brace. Contact Brace at bhelgeson@cbburnet.com or (612) 310-4300.
BUTCHER AND BARTENDER
The Proof Is in the Grind
Meat. Booze. Two best things ever. Right? Rhetorical question. Of course they are.
But now let me ask you something for real: What if you combined mixology and the culinary arts at the molecular level? Would the resultant new thing be even more betterer than either best thing on its own?
It most certainly would. I know this because it already has a name.
“Butcher and Bartender,” said Chris Jack, proprietor. “What else could my wife Stephanie and I name our food truck, where we marry the finest cuts of meat with the highest-quality spirits?
ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER
“As a long-time food and beverage professional, with a career that has influenced over one dozen restaurants in five states including California and Hawaii, I’ve always been fascinated by the delicate interplay between the edible and the imbibable. I wanted to create dishes that really push the fusion of both major culinary elements – to go beyond Marsala sauce and rum cake, and attain a perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami.”
As a native Chicagoan, Chris grew up where he could be fined or imprisoned for making lackluster sausages. It only made sense to start there.
“I started naming my creations after the cocktails and spirits that influenced them,” said Chris. “My pork and fennel sausage is named ‘Negroni’ because it’s infused with the cocktail’s same gin, Campari and sweet vermouth. The liquors enhance the pork’s flavor profile instead of overpowering it, and give off a faint aromatic twang like you’ve never sensed before.”
Chris went on to perfect “Michelada” (traditional Midwest brat fortified with beer and Clamato), and then “Cocotini” (Lao-style pork sausage made with
lime and lemongrass, and anointed with vanilla vodka and coconut rum). But Chris isn’t merely a Chicagoan. As an American, there was yet another culinary call he had to answer.
Butcher and Bartender’s Manhattan butter burger isn’t just a burger. It is a transformative experience: a fresh six-ounce ground beef patty infused with bourbon, vermouth and bitters, nestled inside a lightly toasted bun with freshly cut toppings and housemade sauces, complete with a side of piping hot beef tallow fries. This is why God invented cows.
The Jack family’s ultimate goal is to turn Butcher and Bartender into brick and mortar. “We’ll serve beer, cocktails, and cocktail-infused foods, as well as sell our meats to take home,” Chris envisaged. “I’m especially looking forward to getting behind the bar again, and offering an elite beverage and mixology program to complement our food. As things stand now we don’t technically serve alcohol. All of it evaporates out of the food while it’s cooking, and you can probably imagine the Department of Public Safety’s position on the concept of ‘food truck liquor licenses.’”
For now, Chris is enjoying the tight confines and limitless boundaries of his new venture. “Our food truck has brought my wife Stephanie and I closer together than ever before – and we were already a match made in heaven,” added Chris, wisely. “She’s also a lifetime hospitality professional, who comes from a foodie family that owns one of the best and longest-running Chinese restaurants in Columbus, Ohio, and who can (and does) talk about food with me constantly. And my two little daughters, Kailani and Mya? They think having a food truck is the coolest thing ever.
“But the best part of owning a food truck? It lets us serve anywhere . If you’ve got a big wedding, birthday celebration, graduation party, family reunion, corporate function, street festival, musical performance, sporting event, or any other gathering where guests will expect to be fed, let us feed them! We can serve right from the truck or sort out any other arrangement you’d prefer. Butcher and Bartender will meet you wherever you are!”
Butcher and Bartender is still booking for 2025, but their schedule is filling up fast. Visit ButcherAndBartender.com to book your private event, or to see where the food truck will be stationed this week.
• RESIDENTIAL
REAL ESTATE:
It’s All About You
“When you choose The Guild Group as your partner, you are not just getting a trusted, respected team - you are getting local experts, who are passionate about providing personalized service . Through relentless dedication and hard work, we deliver a ‘white-glove approach with redcarpet service’, ensuring every client feels valued, cared for, and confident in achieving their real estate dreams.”
Kim Guild, Realtor GRI, CRS, BAP, SRES, Luxury, RELO, OHC
LUXURY
RELOCATION
EMERGING LEADERS COMMITTEE
Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce Gives Aspiring Barons of Business a Leg Up
ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER
Making your way in the world today takes allies. Well-wishers. Colleagues. Friends! The very sorts of characters who await your inaugural attendance at an Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce Emerging Leaders Committee event, no less.
“Innovation, collaboration, personal growth, and positive community impact,” said Grace Leapaldt, communications and events coordinator for the Chamber. “If those are your values, then the Committee is here to empower you. We want you to join Eden Prairie’s next generation of leaders!”
“I can’t overstate the importance of being in the same room as other like-minded people and conversing with them face to face,” said Harry Ollington, financial analyst for Rokos Advisors and Committee chair. “Ask anyone who’s succeeded in business and they’ll tell you: networking matters.”
“Attendance at our regular happy hours and ‘Bites of Knowledge’ luncheons has grown almost five-fold since the Committee’s establishment last summer,” said Grace. “In addition to forging rewarding connections with peers, they’re where guests and members learn our keynote speakers’ tips on business, finance, well-being, and anything else that can accelerate their journeys toward success.”
“Our events have become a great resource for our town’s largest employers,” said Harry. “Many of them send their interns and new hires, or attend in large groups in lieu of arranging their own gatherings. Seasoned professionals who’ve recently relocated to our area also find value in attending. It’s the perfect way to acclimate yourself to the Eden Prairie business community. It’s certainly helped me since my move here from England.”
“The Committee is also giving back by supporting Eden Prairie High School’s Eagle Nation Station,” added Grace. “Attendees can bring donations to any event, including professional attire to help capstone students engage confidently with industry professionals. Together we can make a difference!”
Expand your network. Forge valuable connections. Visit EPChamber.org to learn when and where the Emerging Leaders Committee’s next event will be, or email grace.leapaldt @epchamber.org to discuss the very good idea of sponsoring.
Demery Wealth ADVISORS
Make Your Retirement the World’s Longest Coffee Break
ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMILY JOHN
You want your net worth to do one simple thing: create the best possible reality for you and your own, now and always.
But how? How do you fare across a sea of pivotal financial decisions without wrecking or becoming rudderless?
It’s easy. Put Kiley Demery at the helm, and let his expertise guide you through investment management, income and asset protection, tax efficiency, estate planning, and every other not-so-fun but all-important aspect of your financial well-being.
“I can’t guarantee my client’s future,” admitted Kiley. “That’s ultimately not up to me. But by employing a comprehensive, goal-oriented approach to wealth management, my goal is to help my clients increase their probability of success.
“World travel. College tuition for children and grandchildren. A second home located somewhere even nicer than Eden Prairie. I’ll empower you to make choices that put all of those blessings closer within reach than you might have thought possible.”
Naturally, you’d like to get to know Kiley before making him your confidant. Likewise, Kiley wishes to ensure you’re the sort of person he’s most skilled at helping. That’s why it all starts with a conversation.
“My approach is best suited to someone who’s really driven to plan their financial future,” said Kiley. “I’m not just toning up your investment portfolio. By singling out every conceivable advantage you could give yourself, I strive to tailor your ideal private wealth plan.”
Once you and Kiley know you’re a fit for each other, it’s time for discovery. “How much you’ve saved, how much you’re earning, how much you expect to earn, and all of your short- and long-term objectives,” said Kiley. “I want a complete understanding of where you are and where you’re going, because I intend to devise an equally comprehensive plan for pursuing your unique goals.
“Investment management is only the start of it. We also want to safeguard your family’s future against misfortune, which for the most part revolves around putting the right insurance policies in place. You don’t want your unexpected passing to harm your kids’ upbringing, or saddle your surviving spouse with debt they can never repay.
“You also don’t want to become financially destitute if you lose your ability to work, or wind up requiring long-term care in old age. In-home care can easily cost $5,000 to $12,000 monthly, and it’s not due to become cheaper anytime soon.
“Tax efficiency is yet another piece of the puzzle. We strive to limit Uncle Sam’s presence during both major
phases of your life – wealth accumulation, and retirement distribution – and make sure you’re leveraging tax deferment to the greatest permissible degree. It’s all in service of keeping as much of your wealth where it belongs: namely, with you
“Finally, there’s estate planning: assurance your wealth will go where it belongs when you’re no longer available to look after it. Once we have identified your needs for your will, trust, healthcare directive, and power of attorney, one of the trusted estate planning attorneys in my network will take care of the rest.”
The conversation never ends. Kiley will always make himself available to discuss any pressing business you might have. He will also check in with you quarterly, or semiannually if your situation merits, just to see that everything goes according to plan.
“I also engage with my clients by regularly sharing educational content with them, as well as inviting them to (partially, but not completely educational) client appreciation events,” said Kiley.
“Those events further cultivate the relationships I so enjoy building. I’m a people person. I’m inspired to help them enjoy the best golden years that they can. It drove me into the financial services industry almost 30 years ago, and it continues compelling me to this day.”
Visit DemeryWealthAdvisors.com today to learn more, or contact Kiley Demery directly at (952) 567-9387 or kiley@demerywealthadvisors.com.
Revolutionizing The Weight Loss Industry
Our clinic specializes in Semaglutide treatments for weight loss. On average, patients lose 15% of their body weight. This game-changing medicine has given our clinic over 300 local success stories and climbing. No matter what your weight loss goals may be, we are here to help you! Feel free to call or stop by, walk-ins welcomed!
Media and Communications Capstone Program
Eden Prairie High School Teaches Aspiring Writers, Journalists and Documentarians
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Eden Prairie Lifestyle? That’s right: our hard-hitting journalism. We don’t care what we have to make up in pursuit of the truth. And we don’t just keep our sources a secret. We refuse to even have sources.
It’s little wonder why we were invited to participate in Eden Prairie High School’s latest media and communications capstone program. Mentoring promising youths alongside our peers was a superlative honor! But if the program winds up producing any actual journos, then the school’s talented educators will deserve considerably more credit for it than us.
“Capstones are the pinnacle of coursework available to our students,” explained Ethan Dado, pathways coordinator for Eden Prairie Schools. “Whether they choose entrepreneurship, engineering, media and communications, or any of our 10 other available capstones, a student is challenged to apply everything they’ve learned in a real-world setting, complete a project befitting of an entry-level professional, and present their work for evaluation by industry experts.”
“I’m a huge fan of learning for its own sake,” explained Alex Bauer, English and journalism teacher at Eden Prairie High School. “The reward for pursuing knowledge will never become less rewarding. But now that our students have constant and unlimited access to information, learning should become less about memorization and more about applying skill and passion toward a goal – ideally something that could count as hands-on experience during a job interview.
“This year’s semester-long media and communications capstone projects encompassed news articles, photography, video production and podcasting, plus contributions to Eagle News Network, Eyrie Magazine, and our school’s website. I’m always amazed by our students’ capstone projects, but was especially impressed by the talent, hard work and inspiration I saw this year.”
This year’s media and communications capstone students included Sunny Carlson-Burval, Tamia Hassan, Ben Lara, Dylan Leung, Sophie Palmieri, Saadiyah Siddiqui, and Brooke Tape. Good luck out there, kids!
ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER
“
"We're not just teaching facts, but true skills that'll be sought after."
• HAULING •
ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER
TAVERN 4&5
Where Chef Rick Cooks With Love
“My grandma, believe it or not, was the first-ever woman vice president at Blue Cross,” said Chef Rick Mueller, who runs kitchen for Tavern 4&5. “She inspired a lot of people around her. But to me, as her grandson? Nothing was so impressive as her skill in the kitchen.
“Her meatloaf. Her cabbage rolls. Her hearty soups and sandwiches. With all due respect to my wife and my mother, no one will ever make better comfort food than Grandma Dorothy, who always hosted every holiday, and who always cooked from scratch, and who never left any doubt in my mind as to what I wanted to do with my life.
“I had to cook. And I’ve been doing it for over 30 years now.”
Chef Rick cut his teeth on restaurant work as a teenage busboy at a steakhouse, though he was soon absorbed into its kitchen. “The ‘90s shouldn’t feel like they happened so long ago, but they really were a different era,” Chef Rick reminisced. “Conduct standards for kitchen staff were more relaxed back then, which meant I heard and saw a lot of … interesting things during my earliest days on the job.
“That was also back before the internet was much of a thing. Cooks didn’t have recipes for every dish on earth right at their fingertips. Instead they had to cultivate a solid, fundamental understanding of how food works, and develop recipes based on what their own experience had taught them.”
Chef Rick’s culinary crucible grew even hotter when he traded the steakhouse for a high-end downtown hotel. “It was a cutthroat environment, where recipes were never written down, and where I was surrounded by cooks three times my age,” Chef Rick continued. “One year in that place taught me more than I could have learned at any culinary school – and I spent five years there.”
Chef Rick cooked for various other restaurants around the metro during and after his hotel years. He had good bosses. He had bosses who must have had the potential to be good somewhere deep down inside of themselves, but had not yet discovered where. Out of all of them, he liked none better than Chef Scott Foster.
“Scott opened a couple of our area’s most influential restaurants over the years,” said Chef Rick. “I was fortunate to make his acquaintance early on in my career. He taught me the actual process of running a kitchen – not culinary skills per se, but about preparation, ordering, labor, and every other aspect of operating a kitchen that’s actually profitable.
“Above all else, Scott taught me that it’s all about your people. As important as the bottom line might be, you can’t make it the be-all and end-all. Otherwise, you’re going to wind up alienating those who care most about quality.
“I called Scott out of the blue around three years ago. At the time I was working at a major international franchise’s Twin Cities location. That restaurant did around $1.5 billion in sales annually, with world-class operations that truly honed my skills to a new level. But I’d gotten to a point where I no longer wanted a career. I wanted a home – a restaurant right here in my hometown of Eden Prairie, ideally, where I could slow down, focus on executing the highest-level of culinary skill, and become a sort of staple in my community. I wanted to cook for my neighbors.
“I’ll never thank Scott enough for bringing me on as a unit chef for Tavern 4&5 (which is managed by the Nova Restaurant Group he is partner to). It let me resume cooking with the same passion that drew me into Grandma Dororthy’s kitchen way back when. We’re having fun together. We’re serving amazing food. We’re creating great relationships with our guests. I suppose there are higher concepts for a restaurant, but to me, ‘cozy neighborhood hangout’ is the pinnacle of all of them.
“Now that I’ve been promoted to ‘food and beverage analyst’ for Nova, I have several other restaurants to help manage around the Twin Cities. Despite this, Tavern 4&5 will always be my home kitchen – the place I return to whenever I feel like cooking with love.”
Tavern 4&5 serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, happy hour and dinner at 16396 Wagner Way. Visit Tavern4and5.com to make reservations, arrange private dining, or order online.
“Tavern 4&5 will always be my home kitchen –the place I return to whenever I feel like cooking with love.”
Kyle Luebeck
Dan Geisler
Todd Loudenslager
• Spring cleaning can be a daunting task... Clients trust us to make it happen
• The problem is finding where to begin... Starting it is the best approach
• What to save, toss, or donate... We make sure to throw out the junk
• The reward is... More time to think or go on vacation
We know how embarrassing it can get, we don’t judge. If you decide a vacation is needed, we can start you off with places to consider - with a free hotel stay.
REVOLUTIONARY SPORTS
Learn. Practice. Play!
ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER
“When this business first started, it was just ‘Coach John Richardson for hire,’” said Coach John Richardson. “I was fresh out of college, where I’d played soccer and studied childhood development. I was fortunate to receive an opportunity to teach preschool soccer for the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board in 2001. My students’ parents liked what I was doing, and thanks to their spreading the word, I soon found myself coaching more than just soccer for the city year round.
“It’s the best way I know how to change the world for the better.”
“I spent several years honing a program centered around positivity and encouragement before deciding to scale it. It took some more time to figure out how to instill my high standards for early childhood sports education in other coaches. But like all hard work, it paid off. Revolutionary Sports’ several hundred coaches now teach more than two dozen different sports for schools, community centers, park and recreation boards, early childhood learning centers, and sports facilities in over 50 different communities throughout the metro area.
“Revolutionary Sports coaches children of all ages, though the vast majority of them are 8 and younger. Kids tend to focus on just one or two sports as they grow older, which is why we feel it’s important to introduce them to a variety of sports while they’re still very young. It’s no coincidence that Revolutionary Sports is perfectly geared toward children ages 2 through 8, who are still figuring out what they enjoy playing most, and whose attention spans aren’t famously long.
“Kids in that age range are just wonderful to work with. They’re so genuine. Honest. Enthusiastic! When you reward a young child for accepting new challenges, you put them on the right track to build confidence over the course of their entire life. That’s why I still spend most of my time coaching, despite owning the company. It’s the best way I know how to change the world for the better.
“We devote each session to teaching kids a new fundamental using our unique learn-practice-play approach. For example, suppose we’re teaching kids how to handle a soccer ball. We’ll begin by briefly demonstrating a technique or two. Then we’ll move on to practice – simple exercises, like ‘sharks and minnows’ and ‘ships across the ocean.’ We’ll finish up by breaking the kids off into very small groups. By playing two-on-two or three-on-three, each one gets to spend significantly more time interacting with the ball.
“We take great care to avoid two of coaching’s biggest pitfalls. First, we don’t haphazardly switch activities every couple of minutes. We want each session to foster a certain fundamental skill, and maintain that as our focus without letting the agenda grow stale. Second, we never tell kids when they’re doing something wrong. Instead, we praise them whenever they’re doing something right. Celebrating the positive helps kids build confidence, and healthily pushes them toward what we hope will become life-long love affairs with athletics.
“A fun and educational experience without huge financial or time commitments. At the end of the day, that’s all we’re here to provide. And we’re grateful to provide it right here in my hometown of Eden Prairie! Visit the Parks and Recreation Programs page on EdenPrairie.org to discover our upcoming sessions dedicated to baseball, T-ball, basketball, soccer, flag football, and much more, or visit Pla-It.com to learn how to incorporate Revolutionary Sports into your own organization.”
Boom. Headshot.
EMILY JOHN PHOTOGRAPHY
My professional headshot was taken using a disposable camera, and lit by a single birthday candle. That helps, because I have noted a strong correlation between people seeing my face and not wanting to work with me.
You, on the other hand, have a tendency of winning over everyone you meet almost instantly. It’s a talent shared by all Eden Prairie Lifestyle readers. But in this digital age – when Google searches count for so much – it’s essential to put your best foot forward with an exquisite headshot.
Enter Emily John: professional photographer and headshot virtuoso, whose talents are often framed by the pages of this very magazine. She produces hundreds of headshots annually from her downtown Excelsior studio (conveniently located next door to Licks Unlimited ice cream parlor), though headshooting takes her all over the metro.
“Worried about coming across as awkward or inauthentic? Don’t be! Years of experience have taught me the positioning, lighting, and angles which best illuminate my subject’s confidence, sincerity and trustworthiness,” said Emily.
“I often accompany my clients to large gatherings. These may be corporate summits, which present rare opportunities to photograph all the higher-ups in one place, or conventions or tradeshows where I attract a crowd to my client’s booth by providing complimentary headshots.
“Your headshot is too important to entrust to AI, which has a nasty tendency of making faces look like they’re made of Silly Putty. The human eye is attuned to deceit. If anything looks uncanny about your headshot, it’s guaranteed to have the opposite effect you hope for!”
Visit EmilyJohnPhotography.com to schedule photography on location or at Emily’s studio.
ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER
Emily John, Photographer
MAKE EVERY DAY
It’s a fine place worth fighting for & the one thing we can enjoy together. There are numerous ways we can show our love and appreciation for the earth and the landscape around us.
Here are a few simple principles of sustainable landscaping, you can start to make a difference:
• Avoid Cutting Lawns Too Short
• Water Lawns Less Frequently
• Minimize Fertilizing As Needed
• The Right Plant In The Right Place
• Properly Mulch Around Trees
BIGGER. BOLDER. MORE INNOVATIVE.
SHAKOPEE
Shakopee Amphitheater
You finally did it, you bought your dream home. The appliances are state-of-theart, the furniture is an elegant mix of vintage and modern, and your landscaping is straight out of a home magazine.
GROWTH AT EVERY TURN
But the amphitheater is just one piece of Shakopee’s ongoing transformation.
“The Canterbury Commons redevelopment project is reshaping our
“SHAKOPEE IS MORE THAN JUST BIG BUSINESSES. IT’S A BREEDING GROUND FOR ENTREPRENEURS.”
It’s everything you ever wanted.
Except for one little thing…
Your neighbor’s house looks like it hasn’t seen a fresh coat of paint since the Eisenhower era. And their latest hobby? Breeding bloodhounds.
The takeaway? The neighborhood you choose matters.
Fortunately, we’re next door to Shakopee, where entertainment and innovation fuel economic growth and property values soar. It’s a shining example of how a thriving, forward-thinking community makes all the difference.
A POWERHOUSE OF ENTERTAINMENT
“Shakopee is one of Minnesota’s premier entertainment destinations,” says Michael Kerski, the city’s director of planning and development. “With Valleyfair and Canterbury Park drawing millions of visitors each year, we’re already a top attraction. That reputation will only grow when the Shakopee Amphitheater opens later this year.”
Situated adjacent to Canterbury Commons with breathtaking views of the Minnesota River Valley, the 19,000-seat concert venue is expected to welcome around 600,000 attendees each season.
city. Already, more than 2,000 residents call it home as of February.”
Kerski continues. “Once complete, it will bring additional residents, hotels, and more retail, entertainment and restaurants to a 28-acre site just south of the amphitheater.”
And that’s just the beginning.
Near the heart of Shakopee, a 140-acre development on a former gravel pit will add over 300 new single-family homes, three apartment buildings, a grocery store, a lake with outdoor recreation, and a new water treatment facility.
INNOVATION AT ITS CORE
Shakopee isn’t just expanding – it’s becoming a hub for cuttingedge innovation.
The upcoming Shakopee Innovation Center will serve as a launchpad for education, workforce training, and tech-driven economic growth across the region. Among its features: a state-of-the-art prototyping lab and a large-scale 3D printer, supporting the region’s growing deep tech sector.
And that’s already paying off.
“GN - one of the world’s leading developers of hearing, audio and gaming
technologies -recently chose Shakopee for its new North American headquarters,” Kerski says. “We expect them to take full advantage of the Innovation Center’s resources as they settle in.”
A THRIVING ENTREPRENEURIAL SCENE
Shakopee is more than just big businesses – it’s a breeding ground for entrepreneurs.
The city’s startup ecosystem is powered by FounderyMN, a 34-member founders’ network fostering business growth. Among its success stories: Written Hugs Designs – A woman-owned greeting card business featured in 900+ stores; Steelhead Outdoors – Makers of custom, modular safes now carried at SCHEELS; Momease – A pumping bra innovator and Minnesota Cup winner; Accelerated Care Solutions – A firm revolutionizing senior living workflows and staffing
No wonder Congresswoman Angie Craig called Shakopee’s business mix “eclectic” during her visit last year.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re making gun safes or greeting cards,” Kerski adds. “Every entrepreneur faces the same hurdles. That’s why Shakopee is the perfect place to grow – surrounded by ambitious, like-minded innovators.”
DISCOVER SHAKOPEE
Want to see the impact of entertainment and innovation for yourself?
Take a drive just seven miles southwest. If that’s not an option, visit MakeItInShakopee.com
Canterbury Park
Spring Into Style and Fun With Bella Gina Boutique
The flowers are blooming, the sun is shining, and it’s time to refresh your wardrobe! Step into spring with vibrant colors, effortless styles, and one-of-a-kind finds that will make you feel fabulous. It’s all at Bella Gina Boutique!
With new arrivals weekly, there’s always something fresh in store. Stop by today for a little retail therapy with unique apparel, accessories and gifts by:
• BedStu
• EsQualo
• FDJ Collection
• Joh Apparel
• Lulu-B
• Lyssé New York
• Moon Ryder
• Pretty Simple
• Sunday
• Suzy D
• Tribal
• XCVI
Let’s celebrate the season in style, together! Swing by 10165 Hennepin Town Road in Eden Prairie to say “Hi!” and get $30 off your purchase of $150 or more (first-time customers only; excludes sale items). BellaGinaBoutique.com
EMERALD ASH BORER
ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER
It is believed to have entered the United States by stowing away inside cargo from China. It is estimated to have wreaked billions in damage since its arrival around 24 years ago. It is the emerald ash borer, which kills its namesake tree by devouring the cambium layers beneath its bark.
The pernicious jewel beetle has already destroyed millions of ash trees in Minnesota. “It’s currently one of our biggest focuses, and will stay that way for the foreseeable future,” said Aaron Athmann, owner of A + A Tree & Landscaping.
“Thinning of the leaves around the tree’s canopy. D-shaped holes through its bark. Squiggly paths appearing on wood just beneath the bark. Vertical cracks in the bark, or a dense cluster of sprouts around the tree’s base. If you’ve noticed any signs of emerald ash borer infestation, call (952) 4268234 today for a thorough inspection. If a tree is too far gone for treatment – which we also provide – then it’s imperative to cut it down before it becomes a serious safety hazard!”
APlusATree.com
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
When your retirement is at stake, only the soundest decisions will do. Trust Demery Wealth Advisors to provide the insight you need to achieve your unique financial goals. Minimize risk. Maximize opportunity. Build a solid foundation for your financial future.
www.demerywealthadvisors.com
952.837.2687 | kiley@demerywealthadvisors.com
7760 France Avenue S #1100, Bloomington, MN 55435
Kiley Demery, Financial Advisor
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
APRIL 27TH
Eden Prairie Lions Pancake Breakfast
6350 Indian Chief Rd, Eden Prairie | 8:00 AM
Support the Eden Prairie Lions’ philanthropic efforts. Eat pancakes. Do both at the Eden Prairie Lions’ annual pancake breakfast – 8am until noon at Camp Eden Wood! Tickets sold at the door: single $10, family $25, children under 5 free. EPLions.com
APRIL 29TH
Eden
Prairie
Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneurs Boot Camp
250 Prairie Center Dr, Eden Prairie | 8:30 AM
Join the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce for a daylong training event at Star Bank, in which local experts will discuss business plan creation, capital, accounting, insurance, marketing, human resources, and the myriad other nuances of successful entrepreneurship. Perfect wherever you are on your rise to the top! EPChamber.org
MAY 1ST
Cadence Chiropractic Spring Into Self Care Wellness Expo
6409 City W Pkwy #105, Eden Prairie | 3:30 PM
Cadence Chiropractic welcomes you to their FREE annual wellness expo! Visit the clinic 3:30 until 6pm to connect with wellness resources and experience the restorative powers of infrared sauna, ice bathing, massage, sound therapy, and more firsthand. Raffle prizes, giveaways and refreshments will be provided! CadenceChiroMN.com
Care for the whole you, in Eden Prairie
At Premier Women’s Health of Minnesota-OBGYN West, we’re passionate about delivering high-quality care for the whole you. Our team includes primary care and ObGyn, all under one roof. Discover expert care for pregnancy. Choose from a range of GYN services when you need them. Move toward healthy with services that include weight management, PT, and mammography.
APPOINTMENTS: Call 952-249-2000 or schedule online at premierwomenshealthmn.com/obgynwest
