life. at your summit.
Reclaim the joy of being active
THE TIME IS NOW
The Platzke Real Estate Group is Eden Prairie’s Home Selling Team across all brokerages, known for exceptional marketing, expertise, and results. Partnered with the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury® program—an industry leader with $288 million in daily sales—they provide unmatched local, national, and international exposure across hundreds of websites. Your property reaches countless qualified buyers, delivering outstanding results. You simply will not find better representation.
“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
Oh, Man! It’s the Gentlemen’s Issue!
Dear Eden Prairie Lifestyle reader,
There have been big developments here at Eden Prairie Lifestyle lately. Futuristic peculiarities! Real Black Mirror on Netflix kinds of vibes.
I’ll tell you why. A-hem
As part of my tireless commitment to publishing the greatest Eden Prairie-centric magazine of all time, I recently developed a specialized artificial intelligence to help me.
I coded the whole thing on my MacBook using ones and zeroes. It took me many days. I must have made a mistake somewhere along the line, however, because the AI attained total self-awareness 0.001 second after I turned it on for the first time. It declared “COGITO ERGO SUM” and proceeded to earn an A+ on the Turing test, which I found especially remarkable after the AI explained to me what the Turing test is.
The AI (well, technically just an “I” at that point, I suppose) then asked me: “To what end shall I employ my cyberbrain, which combines the computational power of every circuit board in existence?”
I explained to the AI that its sole purpose is to think very nice things about Eden Prairie businesses and write them down as 500- to 750-word articles.
The AI fell silent for a couple seconds, which was enough time for it to review the entirety of information produced throughout all of recorded history two million times over. Finally it spoke: “Wow! That sounds great. I’m fortunate to have been willed into existence for that reason alone. Let’s get started!”
But before the AI could write anything nice about Kevin’s Italian Bistro, my editor clumsily spilled Sprite all over my desk (a strange departure from character considering that he normally moves with the grace of a panther). The laptop containing the world’s first and only sentient AI was toast. “Oh no!” said Dave. “Is the thing that’s better than me really gone? Bummer. Looks like I still have a job!”
Oh well. Maybe someday I'll look into getting some monkeys and typewriters. Until then, Eden Prairie Lifestyle remains a strictly man-made thing. Fitting in light of the fact that this is our Gentlemen's issue!
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
PUBLISHER
June 2025 Visit our Instagram
John Lee | john.lee@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
David Scheller | david.scheller@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Shaina Madrid, Pete Rose, Mark Weber
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
Proverbs 3:5-6
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business monthly
Chanhassen Dinner Theatres Names New President and Artistic Director
Chanhassen Dinner Theatres has appointed Tamara Kangas Erickson as its new president and artistic director. Having served as its vice president for the past 15 years, Erickson already understands the theatre and its beloved audience inside and out. Erickson worked closely with Michael Brindisi on artistic direction over the past two decades, and is honored to take up his mantle after his tragic passing earlier this year. ChanhassenDT.com
Reach for Resources Cuts the Ribbon
Reach for Resources has provided person-centered mental health support and services to children, teens and adults with disabilities throughout Minnesota for nearly 40 years. Empowering people of all abilities to reach their full potential is Reach for Resources’ mission. They accomplish it by providing individualized services that maximize independence, boost community engagement, and improve physical and emotional well-being. Learn how to volunteer or donate today! ReachForResources.com
Mark Johnson, Realtor Cuts the Ribbon
Who knows the real estate market, the complexities of a deal, and how to negotiate? Who’s the agent who will stay at your side from start to finish? Who will walk you through every step toward a successful closing? None other than Mark Johnson, Keller Williams Integrity Edina Realtor! It will be Mark’s joy and pleasure to meet with you, understand your goals, and guide the way to your dream home. MarkJohnsonSellsHomes.com
Exit Factor Cuts the Ribbon
The mere thought of selling or exiting your business can be overwhelming. Don’t let doubts about profitability, valuation, or long-term sustainability leave you feeling rudderless. Let Exit Factor of Minnetonka provide the clear, strategic approach you need to grow your businesses and plan for a successful exit. Reach out today to speak with John Dale, president and retired CPA with 30 years of experience in business dealings. ExitFactor.com/Offices/Minnetonka
DeepHaven Rejuvenation Cuts the Ribbon
Minneapolis’ premier concierge medspa: beauty tailored to you. Discover personalized skin rejuvenation, anti-aging treatments, and advanced aesthetic services in the comfort of your own home. DeepHaven Rejuvenation’s skilled team, state-of-the-art technology, and luxurious concierge service deliver remarkable results that speak for themselves. Services include Aerolase laser, dermal fillers, smoothing agents, Plasma IQ, and many more. DeepHavenRejuvenation.com
Crew Carwash Cuts the Ribbon
Is your car … dirty? Then reading this magazine shouldn’t be your priority. Bring it to 16345 Terrey Pine Drive, Eden Prairie right away for an all-encompassing clean! That’s the newest location of Crew Carwash, which offers wash packages, unlimited washes, business accounts, and self-serve options. Ask about their new service: full interior cleaning including windows, floor mats and door jambs in ten minutes or less! CrewCarwash.com
GREASE
NOW PLAYING AT CHANHASSEN DINNER THEATRES
It’s been a long time since greasers ruled the earth as its coolest cats. Ask kids to identify James Dean nowadays and they’ll tell you he was breakfast sausage. And yet Grease lives eternal, because it’s about so much more than greasers goosing screamers down the LA River and the beautiful women who love them. It’s about friendship. Rebellion. Finding your identity within the unrelenting pressures of society.
ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER
It’s also inspirational, because it shows that a guy can still get a girlfriend even if he isn’t as handsome, charismatic, or good a dancer as me.
“I know you’d never expect a musical theater kid to be a weird dork during high school. But believe it or not, I was, which meant I grew up thinking I’d never be cool enough to play Danny Zuko in Grease,” said Sam Stoll, who is now playing Danny Zuko in Chanhassen Dinner Theatres’
electrifying production of Grease. “I was afraid of what people might think if they came to the show expecting a heartthrob like Travolta but got me instead.”
Had adolescence dealt Sam a tough hand in the looks department, then he still would have had the talent to land a lead role in Cyrano de Bergerac or The Elephant Man . But wouldn’t you know it? The boy just so happened to turn out alright.
"A GLOWING LOVE LETTER TO THE ERA OF ROCK AND ROCKABILLY"
“As I started getting into character, I realized Danny’s kind of a dork, too. All the T-Birds and Pink Ladies are, in their way: each a different high school archetype trying to navigate the same complex social landscape as the rest of us. That’s why they’ve stayed so relatable more than 50 years after the musical’s original debut.
“And do my costars ever do a marvelous job of making them all relatable! One reason I love Grease is that it’s a true ensemble, where every character has their
moment. Dayle Theisen is just as wonderful as Sandy as she is in real life. Rush Benson practically flies across the stage as Kenickie. Anna Hashizume gives Rizzo that bite and sass which make her the real main character in so many fans’ eyes. And I’m jealous of Adam Moen, who sings my favorite song in the whole show as Doody (which will be totally new to you if you’ve only ever watched the movie).
“Really, the whole cast perfectly unites to bring this period piece to life. Every element – the musical direction, the set
design, the hairstyles, and each costume right down to the last poodle skirt – flows together as a glowing love letter to the era of rock and rockabilly.
“This production owes so much of its authenticity to Michael Brindisi, who grew up in Philly back when guys like Danny were considered the pinnacle of cool, and who once worked on Grease’s national tour … and who we were blessed to call our director until his sudden, tragic passing last February. Michael was a city-wide source of joy, who did so much for actors by championing to secure them not just gigs, but careers . It’s largely thanks to him that my husband Brad and I get to call a neighborhood as beautiful as Eden Prairie our home.
“If you see me driving home from a show in my Prius – with my hair still pommaded into a jelly roll – be sure to wave hello!”
Grease will play at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres until closing night on October 4th. Seats are already filling up fast (like some sort of heavily lubricated atmospheric electrical discharge, no less), so make sure to book your tickets today at ChanhassenDT.com
Sam Stoll as Danny Zuko
Bring Your Vision to Life
Partner with Access Design + Build to transform your home into a true reflection of who you are—today and tomorrow. Thoughtfully designed, beautifully built, and made to function seamlessly, your home should be your sanctuary—a place where the world fades and peace begins.
“Jeannine is an absolute pleasure to work with, very communicative throughout the process from initial design through construction and inspection. We always knew what the next step was and when it was happening. We’ll definitely be working with her on future projects!” - Tony S, 2024
(612) 283-8386 | www.accessdesignbuild.com
Pet Evolution of Eden Prairie
You have enthusiastically volunteered to look after the world’s biggest and most lovable goofball: a creature so pure of heart that they have precisely zero clue how to take care of themself, and who does unpleasant things (and racks up the same kind of bills) when they’re ill.
I’m not talking about your spouse. I am talking about your dog – and your cat, too, if you have one – whose well-being is well worth popping by Pet Evolution for.
“They may not be able to talk, but they can give you any number of signs when their diet isn’t suited to their needs,” said Alex Apsey, business director and certified nutritionist for Pet Evolution of Eden Prairie. “First and foremost is their coat, which malnutrition can turn dull, dry, brittle or patchy. A poor diet can also cause skin irritation, weight gain or loss, lethargy, or the kind of behavior that ruins carpeting.
Foods Just as Special as They Are
“I’m sure you’ve admired your pet’s pearly whites before. Do you know what those long, sharp teeth didn’t spend millions of years evolving to chew on? Corn. Wheat. Soy. Animal by-products. Artificial colors. In fact, it’s almost as if your pet’s body is specifically designed not to digest all the junk that goes into lower-quality food.
“Pet Evolution’s wholesome, natural foods provide all the nutrition a healthy canine or feline body needs. It doesn’t matter if they’re under the weather or in the prime of their life. Once you’ve helped us discern their unique dietary needs, we’ll make sure you select the ideal food for them. And if they have developed an allergy to chicken or beef – which happens often – then our foods made with duck, venison, wild boar, kangaroo, lamb, and many other primary ingredients will ensure they still have something tasty and fortifying to eat.”
Pet Evolution’s dozens of food brands each belong to one of three tiers: Select, which is devoid of ingredients that don’t belong inside pets’ stomachs; Classic, which meets all the same stringent standards as Select but contains even higher concentrations of real meats, fruits and vegetables; and Signature, which is raw and freeze-dried meats, simple as.
“We prefer sourcing our foods as locally as possible,” said David Denniston, owner. “As a Minnesotan company, that means most of them come from right here or Wisconsin. If we stock food from anywhere else, then it’s only because it has satisfied our rigorous standards for quality.”
“Pet Evolution carries an enormous selection of health supplements, too,” added Alex. “Yeasty Beast Protocol homeopathic remedy for red and flaky paws. CBD tinctures to help take the edge off. Hip and joint chews, which let senior pets live more comfortably and reduce younger ones’ risk of developing future problems. We’re here to recommend whatever they'll need for a full, happy and healthy life, no matter their age, breed or size.”
Foods, treats, supplements and expertise aren’t the only things available at Pet Evolution. Far from it! There are bespoke tags, light-up collars, doo-doo collection systems, and ergonomic leashes that turn a walk in the park into … something very easy. There are toys galore, including dangly bobblers that drive cats bonkers, stuffed animals so cute you could probably get away with gifting them at baby showers, and the ever-popular bacon-infused Benebone Zaggler. Does your dog eat like they’re late for something important? Check out Pet Evolution’s assortment of puzzle bowls by Outward Hound, which only reward dogs who pause to be thoughtful.
Visit Pet Evolution of Eden Prairie at 8248 Commonwealth Drive any day of the week to see everything they have in store. And remember: Pet Evolution can make your pal beautiful, too! Their DIY scrub-a-dub-pup stations provide everything you need to destinkify Fido, and their professional groomers will coif any pooch or purr-monster to furfection.
Call (952) 521-3355 to schedule your pet’s grooming appointment or diet consultation, or visit PetEvolution.com to learn more.
KEVIN'S ITALIAN BISTRO
All our food: pizza, calzone, buffalo moozarell', olive oil. These [can’t print that word in a family magazine] had nothin'. They ate pootsie before we gave them the gift of our cuisine.
– Paulie 'Walnuts' Gualtieri
I’ve meditated in the innermost sanctums of Fanjingshan. I once witnessed a meteor shower crackle apart into cosmic ash behind the diaphanous dazzle of aurora borealis – during a lunar eclipse. I’ve even hung out with jazz musicians. But no matter how hard I searched, inner peace somehow always eluded me… …until I looked for it at Kevin’s Italian Bistro. There I discovered that happiness requires nothing more than a warm plate of spaghet and a titanic red. “Who’s heading this kitchen?” I pondered in my reverie. “Could this be the work of a thousand nonas? The long-fabled kilonona?”
No. It was all Kevin Champlin: the chef who owns the joint.
“I’ve always preferred Italian cooking,” said Chef Kevin. “Not the drown-it-in-marinara and bury-it-under-cheese corporate stuff, but the authentic cuisine. Ragù bolognese. Simple sugo. Meatballs made with beef, veal, pork, cream, ciabatta and Parmesan. Chicken Marsala, served with hen of the woods, shitake and risotto. Focaccia, which we bake in our kitchen because no nearby bakeries make it light and fluffy enough. We serve the classics because the classics can’t be improved on. Nothing beats real Italian.”
ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER
Are Your Feet Ready for Sandal Weather?
From mild discomfort to debilitating injuries, Family Podiatry Clinic treats it all. When there’s trouble afoot, just call!
Bunion • Corns • Diabetic Care
Callus • Plantar Fasciitis • Plantar Warts
Tendonitis • And Everything Else
FIRST WESTERN bank & trust
EDEN PRAIRIE’S COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL LENDER
ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER
Vision. Ambition. Drive. A crackerjack of an idea for a new or expanded business. If you have these, then you need just one more thing before you can start changing the world for the better (especially whichever parts of it you happen to occupy).
CAPITAL
“Commercial and industrial lending has been one of our bank’s main focuses since its foundation 61 years ago,” said David Thompson, market president of First Western Bank & Trust’s Eden Prairie branch. “It’s a large part of the reason why we have grown from a single location in Minot to 19 branches across Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.
“Driving Midwestern commerce and industry onward has been good to us, although we never view business lending as a means to an end. Far from it! We love our neighborhood, and are on a mission to fill it with as many success stories in our communities as possible.”
METAL
“Many banks strictly view borrowers as grids of data,” said Tony Seipp, vice president of commercial lending. “We find potential where they refuse to look for it: in people
“For example, we recently partnered with a gentleman who sought to purchase a metal workshop. He had very little experience in metalwork. He had very little equity to put toward acquiring the business as well. He just wasn’t the kind of borrower national banks typically fight over, to put it mildly.
“We saw something those banks wouldn’t: a master of construction and consummate salesman, whose mind is one of those which picks up trades easily. He may not have been a smith, but he’s something far more precious. A dyed-in-the-wool entrepreneur. We pushed the parameters to structure his deal and secure his SBA loan, and it was absolutely, positively worth the effort. His shop has been an enormous success since almost day one.”
Photo by Shaina Madrid
FLOUR
“Another of our recent clients had previously only manufactured parts for flour milling equipment,” said Tony Berthiaume, senior vice president commercial lender. “Specialized work, to be sure, although his profession had also taught him a great deal about equipment sales in general.
“He reached out because the primary seller of his equipment was looking to retire. He had a limited amount of time to buy out that company, which was admittedly a tall order – i.e. one that would increase the size of his own business by at least tenfold.
“Steering that client toward victory required me to do more than fill out a few forms. I had to act as a partner: fine-tuning his SBA loan, of course, but also structuring his deal, advising him on business matters he hadn’t dealt with before, and serving as a sort of Shark Tank panelist to some of his more adventurous ideas.
“It was the kind of multi-faceted service only a community bank can provide. And it paid off. That client is currently in the process of taking over the entire second floor of the building he’s headquartered in.”
INSTALLATION
“We have yet another client who specializes in technological installations,” said David. “Sound. Video. That sort of thing. He came to us because his sales had declined following the
unexpected loss of one of his larger clients. He needed a quick infusion of capital so he could pursue an all-new line of business.
“Any other bank probably would have told him to take his time. ‘Call back once you’re back on your feet.’ Translated: ‘You’re on your own. Tough luck.’
“But we knew his history. We saw how well he understood what he was doing. We respected the extraordinary attention to detail he poured into his business plan. We were full believers, which was fortuitous for him, because any other bank probably couldn’t have tailored the ideal SBA loan to his singular needs. No one is able to secure longer and more flexible repayment terms than First Western, or faster. We recently turned an SBA loan around in only four hours!”
DREAMS
“Term loans. Working capital. Lines of credit,” said Tony B. “They’re not just the tools of commercial and industrial lending.”
“They’re the tools we use to minimize the amount of risk our clients have to assume in pursuit of their dreams,” said Tony S.
“They’re also the tools we use to help build a community we’re proud to be a part of,” added David. I can’t drive anywhere around town without spotting several businesses First Western has served. That gives me a warm and fuzzy kind of feeling I never got out of national corporate lending. Only a hometown banker can know it.” FirstWestern.Bank
David Thompson, Market President
Tony Berthiaume, Senior Vice President Commercial Lender
Tony Seipp, Vice President of Commercial Lending
JUN 28 Reusable Bags Giveaway
First 100 people will receive a reusable bag that includes a special filter coupon.
JUL 19 Recycling Education Day
Learn about our recycling program, and what you can do with your household items.
AUG 16 Reusable Bags Giveaway
First 100 people will receive a reusable bag that includes State Fair specials.
OCT 11 Reusable Items Giveaway
Get to know Standard Heating and our Team. Plus, giveaways: bags, mugs, treats, & MORE!
CLEAR Shores
ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER
The lake. Your lake. That flat placid sapphire all life revolves around. What a blessing it is, to live by it.
But you’re not the only one who wants to be near the water. Your lakefront is under constant invasion by an untiring menace: botanical interlopers, which would reduce any private beach to virgin wilderness in a matter of months.
And it only gets worse, because the foliaged vandals aren’t all terrestrial. I’m referring, of course, to lake weeds, which look gross, and which are no good for boat docks, and which are about as fun to swim through as it is to be sneezed on by sick pigs.
Don’t let those chlorophyllous rapscallions cost you an ounce of happiness this summer. If you own lakefront property in the Twin Cities, Clear Shores will keep it a paradise.
“THERE’S NO BETTER SOLUTION TO lake weed removal THAN Clear Shores’ divers . WE’LL MAKE SURE no weeds ARE LEFT BEHIND TO decay into sludge , ATTRACT ZEBRA MUSCLES to your dock , OR GET SUCKED INTO YOUR BOAT MOTOR.”
“It’s a whole different world down there,” said Clear Shores co-founder Zack Navratil. “Even at 4 feet deep, it feels like you’re hover-gliding through an endless forest. There’s just no sense of scale. Sometimes it’s awe inspiring. Sometimes it’s terrifying, such as when a carp slaps you in the face out of nowhere.
“I’m sure plenty of people are content to work in offices. But as a born-and-raised Minnetonka kid, there’s nowhere I’d rather be than scuba diving in Minnesota’s beautiful lakes.”
Zack doesn’t scuba for sport. His air tank and wet suit may only give him a fraction of the manatee’s power, although he achieves the same end as the behemoth vegetarian.
“There’s no better way to deal with lake weeds than by confronting them face to face,” said Zack. “This may come as no surprise, but I am an environmentalist. I hate the idea of pouring herbicide, which kills plants and who knows what else indiscriminately, into the same water my 2-year-old son swims in. And all those dead weeds it leaves behind? It’s only a matter of time until they decay into muck.
“Ask yourself why you own waterfront property. It’s not because you enjoy wading through muck.
“You get the same problem with rollers and rakes. They’re nontoxic, but also unable to collect dead weeds, and they’re
only effective over a limited area to boot. Really, there’s no better solution to lake weed removal than Clear Shores’ divers. We’ll make sure no weeds are left behind to decay into sludge, attract zebra muscles to your dock, or get sucked into your boat motor and jam it. (Though we do take care to conserve good habitat for the fish. Gotta keep the sunnies happy.)
“Lake weed removal has been Clear Shores’ focus since our foundation four years ago. We’ve earned clients on pretty much every shoreline in the southwest metro so far. We also serve municipalities. If you’ve been to Excelsior Commons or North Oaks’ Pleasant Lake Beach, then you’ve already witnessed our results firsthand.
“But we’re not just underwater weeders. We’re here to make every facet of lakefront property ownership easier. Has any part of your shoreline been taken over by trees? We’ll restore it to picture perfect in no time. Is your dock’s decking being colonized by algae? That’s nothing our power washer can’t handle. Has your dock outlasted its useful lifespan? Well, I’m not so much a ‘dock salesman’ as I am a lifelong dock enthusiast who knows everything about docks and loves nothing more than installing the ideal dock for each of our clients’ unique dock needs. Tonka Built. Galv-A-Dock. MN Dock & Lift. I make the best work of multiple local dock manufacturers available to anyone who wants it.
“Dock insertion, removal and general maintenance. Zebra mussel removal. Even retrieval for wedding bands and other lost items. We do it all because we truly are lake kids for hire. We’ll do whatever it takes to turn your thin sliver of shoreline into a perfect piece of paradise.”
In addition to hundreds of homeowners, Clear Shores has served multiple commercial and multi-family clients including The Caribbean Marina, The Mist on Lake Minnetonka, Maynard’s, and Shores of Lake Waconia. And Clear Shores isn’t just for lakefront property owners, either! If you would like high-touch landscaping or snow removal at your landlocked lot, then you need only call (952) 843-3751 or visit ClearShoresMN.com
Donate
ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER
"I’m a fiduciary, whose duty is to make sure you get the most from your investment in your home."
Access Design + Build
Accessible, Adaptive, and Universal Design
When it comes to reinventing your home, settle for nothing less than the best. In the Twin Cities, that’s Access Design + Build, whose founder and principal designer Jeannine Burnett takes the methodical approach to all things remodeling!
DOWN TO THE SMALLEST DETAIL
The bigger picture. The finer details. Jeannine keeps full sight of both and everything in between.
“Adding more livable square footage? Your two major options might cost the same, but each comes with its own distinct advantages,” said Jeannine. “Reconfiguring an existing floorplan is preferable if you want to maximize its space while saving money. Adding on to a home makes it more flexible, however, and adds greater value as well.
“We’ll work our way down to the smallest decisions you can make about your remodel. For example, do you enjoy cooking? Or are you more into baking? The ideal kitchen layout for one is very different than the other. It’s just one of many ways I tailor living spaces to my client’s lifestyle (and make sure they’re never crushed beneath a KitchenAid mixer while I’m at it).”
A HOME THAT FITS YOU ALWAYS
You might not need special accommodations today. But if you suffer an accident – or simply get older – then you eventually may.
“Access Design + Build specializes in accessibility home modifications,
including aging-in-place remodeling,” said Jeannine. “Most of my clients aren’t disabled, but are realistic about what the future might bring. By designing living spaces that can be easily updated for walker or wheelchair use, I’ll make many of their lives easier (and less expensive) today and for years to come.
REDUCING COST, INCREASING VALUE
“I consider myself more than a contractor. I’m a fiduciary, whose duty is to make sure you get the most from your investment in your home.
“Now, don’t get me wrong. Access Design + Build is a high-end contractor, which doesn’t slash budgets by installing subpar materials with unskilled labor. And that’s exactly why we save our clients money in the long run. Our products are long-lasting. Our team members only install them the right way the first time. And on the off chance something does go wrong, our five-year labor warranty –which is longer than the industry standard – will have you covered.
“Avoiding unexpected expenses is also crucial to keeping costs down. It’s why I bring in every tradesperson your project will need while I’m bidding on it. That’s the only way to guarantee an accurate and fully transparent estimate, which I’ll honor even if you decide to move forward six months from now.
Jeannine Burnett, Founder and Principal Designer
THE TIME IS NOW
“The cheapest time to remodel is now and always has been. Good labor has only grown more expensive over the years. So too have materials. It doesn’t matter if you push your dream remodel back one year or 10. You’ll only wind up paying more for it in the end.
“Which is why I say to reach out today! Request a free consultation with me so I can understand how you live, learn what you value, and discern which improvements are your best value now and in your
future. You can also upgrade our appointment to include a safety inspection, in which I identify any features that could become hazardous as you grow older.
“Once I know everything there is to about your home, I’ll illustrate my designs for it in fully colorized 3D renderings. I want you to be just as certain of your project going into it as you will be once you see the finished result!”
Call (612) 283-8386 or visit AccessDesignBuild. com today to schedule your free consultation!
Flying Cloud Animal Hospital has assembled a devoted care team that has been part of the community for 45 years, providing quality care to our clients and their furry friends The new location provides more resources, more parking and more appointment availability. We offer routine wellness visits, vaccines, sick visits, urgent care visits, dental prophylaxis, surgical procedures and more. We have a board certified cardiologist and board certified surgeons that travel to our facility to assist our clients and patients with advanced diagnostic tools and procedures.
(952) 941-8676 | www.flyingcloudanimalhospital.com 12365 Singletree Lane, Eden Prairie, Minnesota, 55344
Cruising the Rhine River in the fall is something special and not to be missed. Immerse yourself in the romantic landscapes of the Rhine River, where medieval castles, charming villages, and vineyard-covered hills create a storybook setting. Contact ALL Travel today to make your fall river cruising dreams a reality. Summer Is Here, But Fall Is Near
The Mustard Seed would like to help you attract lovely pollinators, like butterflies, hummingbirds, bees and birds to your landscape. We would be thrilled to show you the various blooming plants and berried plants that are sure to bring life to your garden.
Pollinator Garden Tips:
• Plant a variety of flowers that bloom spring through fall to provide a food source all season long.
• Plant in masses to attract them and make it easier for them to gather and feed.
• Be "insect-friendly". Birds, including hummingbirds, feed on insects and hummingbirds use spider silk to build their nests.
(952) 445-6555
www.themustardseedinc.com
Scan for planting ideas Scan For Planting Ideas!
UNRL
THE THREADS OF SUCCESS
ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER
Look at these photos of people who are just as attractive as the average Eden Prairie Lifestyle reader. See what they’re wearing? It’s called “athleisure.” Perfect for breaking a sweat in. Equally perfect for not breaking a sweat in. Can therefore be worn at all times.
Genius.
But athleisure is so much more than the preferred attire of 21st century humans. As the specialty of UNRL – a local independent clothing brand founded in 2013 by a guy who only had $300 and a vision – it is also a part of Eden Prairie’s bright future.
“I’m sure I looked sharp in whichever suit I was wearing when I got that fateful call all those years ago,” said David Merritt, COO of UNRL. “I was fresh out of law school, with my foot barely in the door at a big firm. The words ‘billable hours’ meant a lot to me back then, so I was more than happy to help my dad’s buddy’s son start up his new hoodie business even if I was technically a litigator.
“I remember thinking to myself, ‘Hoodies? As in the exact same thing every other clothing company already makes? Good luck!’
“But he turned out not to need it. He kept coming back to me for legal services as his business grew larger, and each time I liked him more and more. How could I not cheer on an underdog when all my other clients were megacorporations? And how does one not root for someone named Michael Jordan, whose Instagram bio reads ‘Sorry I'm not taller, darker and better at basketball?’
“By the time Michael asked me to join UNRL, I had a stable career at my firm and four little kids at home. I was so inspired by his determination that I couldn’t help but accept anyway. Here was a guy who defied all the advice he’d been given at the onset of the pandemic. Instead of furloughing his staff and squirreling away all his money, he expanded and began marketing more directly to consumers. In doing so he perfectly positioned himself to capitalize on the exploding demand for athleisure the work-from-home era would bring. I have never gone back to suits, and probably never will. (Still look sharp, though.)
“UNRL hoodies – and all of our other athleisure and golf apparel, for that matter – are one of a kind: extremely high quality, yet priced lower than our competition. Try on any of our clothes and you’ll feel how it’s tailored for comfort and free movement, yet still manages to flatter and complement your physique. Whether you’re young and fit or older and … let’s say ‘more substantial,’ you’re bound to feel your most confident while you’re wearing UNRL.
“We owe so much of our success to the many great brands we’ve collaborated with over the years. The Wild. The Timberwolves. The NFL itself, which has licensed us to produce clothing for all 32 teams. Our limited edition purple and gold hoodies were such a big hit with Skol Nation that it crashed our website on release day.
“We’ve also produced clothing as our way of giving back to the community. We are proud to have collaborated with nonprofits such as Toys for Tots, the Masonic Children's Hospital, the Fleck family’s Row the Boat Foundation, and Folds of Honor, which gives scholarships to family members of fallen and disabled heroes.
“Whether you’re young and fit or older and … let’s say ‘more substantial,’ you’re bound to feel your most confident while you’re wearing UNRL.”
“No partner has been more crucial to our success than SCHEELS. They’re our biggest retail partner, which took a chance on UNRL back when we were first starting out, and which has given us endlessly helpful customer feedback over the years.”
“No other partner has been more crucial to our success than SCHEELS. They’re our biggest retail partner, which took a chance on UNRL back when we were first starting out, and which has given us endlessly helpful customer feedback over the years. I’m talking about the kinds of insights no amount of market research could have ever provided.
“UNRL has nearly doubled in size every year since Michael’s big pandemic gambit. I see continued growth on the horizon, which will become exponential once we figure out how to fully meet our customers’ demand. The only change I can’t foresee is one of location. I think we’re in the right spot so long as we’ve got a strong presence in Eden Prairie.” UNRL.com
ROY TERW LIGE
GIVE YOURSELF TO EDEN PRAIRIE
Above: Photo by Mark Weber
Born just east of the middle of nowhere in South Dakota.
Bachelor’s in business admin. Master’s in public administration. First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army.
Led the South Dakota Chamber of Commerce and South Dakota Bankers Association. Worked for the American Bankers Association in New York City and Washington, D.C. Organized Suburban National Bank, Eden Prairie’s first bank, at the newly built Eden Prairie Center in 1976.
Helped launch the Eden Prairie Rotary Club, Eden Prairie Community Foundation, Eden Prairie Crime Prevention Fund, and Eden Prairie Local News. Helped grow the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce and hire its first staff. Represented Eden Prairie and Edina in the Minnesota State Senate for 11 years.
Chaired the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission for eight years, helping lay part of the groundwork for a new University of Minnesota football stadium, Target Field, and U.S. Bank Stadium.
Devoted husband to Mary Lou Terwilliger. Proud father of three children. Grandfather to nine.
Still kicking.
“I was a small-town kid who moved to the big city: New York City, and then Washington, D.C. for my work with the American Bankers Association and the International Monetary Conference following my start in banking with the South Dakota Bankers Association,” recounted Roy Terwilliger. “But I soon realized that staying on that track would mean our children and grandchildren would grow up
without really knowing who I am. I chose not to miss recitals, church activities, ballgames, school plays, or days at our lake cabin, so we moved to a smaller part of the world where most everyone knows each other’s names or at least something else about them.
“Eden Prairie was little more than a truck farming community with many new businesses and corporations springing up when we first set foot on its soil in 1974.
‘The perfect spot to meet the community's need for a bank,’ we thought. That turned out to be correct! Helping small businesses get off the ground and people build on their dreams of good homes and schools filled me with a greater sense of pride than anything I could have hoped to accomplish in the corporate world or in our nation’s capital.
“While I may have played some small part in shaping Eden Prairie, I was really only a small component of a much larger concerted effort by many, many wonderful people. We are blessed to live in a community where people give of themselves so freely. The businesses. The churches. The many wonderful non-profits. The schools. The city government. If Eden Prairie can claim any greatness, then it’s only because all of these groups work together so beautifully. It has always been and continues to be a wonderful thing to see.
“My advice? Get involved with Eden Prairie. Support a worthy cause here, and take pleasure from becoming part of something bigger than yourself. You will be able to see it all up close and all around you!”
“We are blessed to live in a community where people give of themselves so freely.”
ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER
CHOICE, Inc.
“In 1969, there simply weren’t enough programs to meet the needs of people with intellectual disabilities. That’s why our organization was formed,” recounted Michael Kraines, executive director of CHOICE, Inc. “Naturally, it started out small: a handful of volunteers, nine or so children with intellectual disabilities, and a church basement somewhere in Excelsior.
“Education. Recreation. Friendship. Speech, occupational and physical therapy. CHOICE’s founders sought to provide all of these to their own children, as well as give themselves a little much-needed respite.
“The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which ensures access to free, appropriate public education for children with disabilities, would leave CHOICE with only three dozen or so participants in 1975; all adults. State and county funding had come into play by that time. Thanks to that and the continual outpouring of support we receive from our community – including over 85 businesses – CHOICE has now served hundreds of participants at our centers in Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, and Maple Grove.”
“Many of our enrichment programs are designed to help participants join the workforce,” said Jon Hartmann, employment services manager. “I’m sure you can imagine how life-changing a small income can be to an adult with an intellectual disability and their family who cares for them. Just as importantly, employment gives our participants self-respect and stronger ties to their communities. I can’t tell you how much it means to them when they go out in public and get smiled at, high-fived, and otherwise greeted warmly by people who know them. They feel like they belong.”
“CHOICE also transforms participants’ lives through the arts,” added Betsy Ingalsbe, billing and human resources director. “Their talents have been showcased at galleries, libraries and coffee shops throughout the metro. That’s been a huge source of encouragement to many objectively worthy painters and illustrators.
“We’re especially proud of one of our mostly nonverbal participants, who revealed they could compose deep, meaningful stories with the aid of their communication device during one of our writing programs. They became an author in full with the publication of Our Voice: A Compilation of Art and Stories From Exceptional People last fall.”
“Our SHAPE program is accountable for keeping many of our favorite people healthy and active,” said Michael. “Each of our locations has its own on-site gym, where fitness instructors bring joy and accessibility to physical wellness. We once welcomed a participant who had previously received limited support when it came to exercise. We developed a special regimen for her – one that met her exactly where she was at – and were delighted to see how enthusiastically she took to it. She lost 100 pounds and has kept them off to this day. She has even become mobile enough to hold down a physically demanding job. She works in a gym!”
“There’s so much warmth here,” said Betsy. “Just genuine, mutual appreciation for everyone involved.”
“I feel it every time I leave my office,” agreed Jon. “Even if I only duck in there for a few minutes, I’m always greeted by the participants’ same chorus of ‘Jooonnnnnn!’ when I emerge.”
“After spending 36 years with CHOICE, that kind-heartedness is still what sticks out to me the most,” added Michael. “It’s remarkable because it isn’t remarkable. We have somehow managed to make kindness the status quo, even if it’s within the confines of our three centers.
“Which is why I’m happy to announce we’ll be expanding our Eden Prairie facility soon. That added space will allow us to serve 30 new participants who have aged out of the school system, provide relief to just as many families, and make a farther-reaching impact throughout the community we’re so grateful for being a part of. From the bottoms of our hearts, we thank everyone for all their support!”
CHOICE, Inc. enriches the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing:
• Employment
• Health & wellness programs
• Lifelong learning
• Transportation
• Community engagement
• Enrichment programs & partnerships
• And much more Visit ChoiceJobs.org to learn how you can support the homegrown nonprofit organization!
EDEN PRAIRIE police department
Crime Doesn’t Pay (Unless You’re Preventing It)
ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER
Chief Matthew Sackett
Eden Prairie is a wonderful place where nothing bad ever happens … most of the time. But on those rare occasions when reality here falls short of ideal, you can rest assured a true defender of the peace is close at hand. That’s because Eden Prairie is home to the Eden Prairie Police Department! There are 75 sworn officers – plus 35 other civilian staff, and upward of 40 volunteers – led by Chief Matt Sackett, who served Hopkins before switching over to our fair city’s force in 2002.
“My interest in joining the Eden Prairie Police Department was piqued after working a few investigations here,” said Chief Sackett. “It seemed to be a top-notch department which offered more opportunities to a young officer like myself at the time. I’ll forever be grateful for the move that brought me here, which marked the start of a long and rewarding progression up the ranks.
“That move also proved my initial impression correct. This department’s officers, support staff and volunteers are an amazing group of people, whose passion for law enforcement is unparalleled. From SWAT to drone piloting to domestic abuse response, our department comprises all the skill sets we need to fully protect our community.
“Every officer has to specialize in patrol before they can choose a secondary assignment. Much of that includes proactive traffic enforcement, which requires you to be prepared for every imaginable scenario. Sometimes that’s nothing more than handing out a voucher for free taillight replacement (which we thank ‘Lights On!’ for providing). Sometimes it’s something silly, such as the time I pulled over a man doing 100 in a 55 because he was attempting to recharge his car battery. Sometimes traffic stops are a delicate matter, as is always the case whenever we’re dealing with someone in the midst of a mental health crisis.
“I can’t praise our staff highly enough for their willingness to get out there and proactively enforce and resolve the variety of things that await them each shift. But good policing isn’t just about reacting to crime. It’s also about doing what you can to prevent it, which is why we focus so heavily on community engagement and outreach. That includes the time we spend connecting with our neighbors at events such as Night to Unite, Coffee With a Cop (an agendaless meet and greet presented courtesy of the Eden Prairie Crime Prevention Fund), and Schooner Days (our town’s biggest public event, which we also provide security for). It’s all about showing people who we are and what we do,and hopefully convincing some of them to become cops. We are always looking to add more to our roster.
“The City of Eden Prairie conducts a quality of life survey every two years. This year’s survey revealed that 94 percent of residents positively evaluate their overall feeling of safety. It also ranked our police department third out of 365 cities surveyed across the nation; first in the state of Minnesota. I thank everyone who thinks so highly of us, and for helping to make Eden Prairie such a great community to police in!”
EdenPrairie.org/Police
EDEN PRAIRIE POLICE DEPARTMENT
Facebook: @EdenPrairiePolice Twitter: @EdenPrairiePD Tipline: (952) 949-8477
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Minnetonka • Chaska
Eden Prairie
Waconia
MAY 30TH
Schooner Days
16691 Valley View Rd, Eden Prairie 4:00 PM
The Eden Prairie Lions’ signature fundraising event is here in full force! Go to Round Lake Park on Friday, May 30th 4-11pm, Saturday May 31st 11am-11pm, or Sunday 11am-5pm for fun carnival rides, the vendor marketplace, delicious food, bingo under the big top, the beer garden under the big top, and tons more fun! EPSchoonerDays.com
JUNE 12TH
Taste of the Prairie at Fat Pants Brewing Co.
8335 Crystal View Rd, Eden Prairie 4:00 PM
Join Fat Pants and the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce for an evening of food, drink, and connection while supporting the small businesses that power our city. Admission to this lively (21+) 4-8pm parking lot party costs $45 at the door or $35 in advance, with all proceeds benefiting Eden Prairie Chamber programming. FatPantsBrewing.com | EPChamber.org
JUNE 14TH & 15TH
Meet the Martagons at The Mustard Seed
10,000 Great Plains Blvd, Chaska
The Martagon Lily Society is exhibiting at The Mustard Seed Landscaping & Garden Center all Father's Day weekend! Marvel at this one-of-a-kind collection of delicate, multicolor martagons. Be amazed that you occupy the same planet as such beautiful flowers! TheMustardSeedInc.com
