Issuu

AUGUST 2020

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

"THEY ARE A BANK THAT IS INTEGRAL IN BRINGING SUCCESSFUL PROJECTS TOGETHER."

MORE THAN A TRAIN. AN ICON REIMAGINED. How tax credits turned a train station into a destination. Bob O’Loughlin had a vision for St. Louis’ Union Station. He was determined to transform the abandoned local landmark into a source of pride for the city. With the help of Enterprise, LHM was able to secure tax credits and funding to make his dream a reality. Now, the one time largest train station in the world has become a hotel, exhibit hall, meeting place and soon to be aquarium.

(314) 965-8686 | enterpisebank.com

Member FDIC

- BOB O'LOUGHLIN, CHAIRMAN & CEO, LHM

LIFESTYLE LETTER

AUGUST 2020 PUBLISHER

Renee Moore | renee.moore@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Jordan Moore | jordan.moore@lifestylepubs.com

The World Is Yours WANT TO HEAR THE STORY BEHIND THIS MONTH’S COVER PHOTO?

AD DESIGNER

Evan Deuvall LAYOUT DESIGNER

Jayme Emery CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

In June, I was at Paul and Teri Weber’s house for a photo shoot. We featured their park-like backyard in our July issue. They have a pond. It’s huge. Big enough to boat around. And perfect for fishing. During the shoot, I mentioned that it would be great to get pictures of someone

Beth Glennon, James Kauffman, Renee Moore, Mike Swaleh, Mark Finke CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Heidi Drexler, Brian Porter, Natasha McGuire, Strauss Peyton, Keith Rawlings

boating around the pond or fishing. Paul said, “Our neighbor and his son were just here, boating and fishing. They left right before you got here.” I responded (ok, pleaded), “Can you call them and ask them to come back over?” Ten minutes later, here comes Billy and his dad, Eric. Billy was geared up and ready to go. Bucket, bait, and boots. He walked to the pond with all the eagerness, optimism, confidence, and determination of a professional angler. Watching Eric and Billy boat around the pond, I wished I had a video crew as well as a photographer. It was an unscripted father/son Hallmark moment I would have loved to share with you.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

But that’s not the story behind this month’s cover photo. The story lies in looking closer.

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Look at the words on Billy’s shirt. “The World is Yours.” That wasn’t planned. And that’s what makes this cover so great. None of this was planned. And yet the message comes through loud and clear. This month, let's gear up and get ready to approach our world with child-like eagerness, optimism, confidence, and determination. The world is yours.

Renee Moore, Publisher

SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood ON THE COVER Billy Jost PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN PORTER 4

Kirkwood Lifestyle | August 2020

Proverbs 3:5-6 Kirkwood Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Kirkwood areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Kirkwood Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE AUGUST 2020

FEATURES 14 On Gilbert Street This quiet street in downtown Kirkwood has transformed into its own lively community

18 Pets with Perks Ever wondered what itâ€™s like raising chickens?

22 Pillar of the Community Jim Lally, CEO, Enterprise Financial Services Corp.

18 22

26 Kids These Days Contributing to our community

DEPARTMENTS

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Page Turners

Travel Destination

Our Town

22 Giving Back 26 Local Limelight 28 Financial Buzz 30 Locally Owned 34 DIY

GOOD TIMES

Hot Wheels Heads to Kirkwood All roads lead to The Magic House for Hot Wheels™ : Race to Win™. This new exhibit will get you revved up to be part of a dynamic race team working together to build and test the fastest (and safest) speed machines on the planet. The exhibition will be on display at The Magic House through September 13.

Kirkwood Lifestyle | August 2020

AROUND TOWN

THE MAGIC HOUSE IS OPENING NEW PRESCHOOL GOOD NERVE = GOOD HEALTH. BAD NERVE = BAD HEALTH.

With over 40 years of experience in providing interactive learning opportunities for children and families in the St. Louis area, The Magic House is excited to announce the opening

Find out more at GettingWeller.com

of the Museum School for the 2020 – 2021 school year. A truly one-of-a-kind interactive classroom experience that leverages the Museum’s educationally enriching exhibits and outdoor spaces. The Magic House Museum School is designed to support the natural curiosity of four- to six-year-old preschoolers. Morning and afternoon sessions are offered with the opportunity to have a healthy lunch.

VILLA DI MARIA ANNOUNCES NEW YOUNG CHILDREN’S COMMUNITY (YCC) PROGRAM. Coming this fall, YCC will serve children ages 14 months to 3 years Monday through Friday year-round. The program

GettingWeller.com

13100 Manchester Rd., Suite 65 Des Peres, MO 63131 636.527.3015

is designed to aid children in the development of language, speech, motor skills, and socialization. During the first three years of life, the child develops the

Kirkwood Lifestyle | August 2020

core of their personality, social skills, and values. Enroll your child in the YCC program today. For more information visit http://www.villadimaria.org/ycc.

MEMBERSHIP OF PRAYER PROGRAM

Montessori for Life

The Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help offers greeting card acknowledgments. For a suggested donation of $5 for a 1-Year Enrollment and $25 for a Perpetual Membership, the Sisters complete and mail an acknowledgment to the person, family, or organization of your choice, in your name. For more information visit www.fsolph.org.

IT JUST MAKES SENSE Are you suffering from an unresolved health issue? Order the free book from Dr. Eddie Weller at https://getweller.gr8.com. Dr.

AMI Accredited Education Children Ages 3–12 Tours by appointment, 314-822-2601

Eddie Weller, an Upper Cervical Chiropractor, outlines the health and lifestyle benefits that this unique form of chiropractic has to offer. By applying science, common sense, and hope, Dr. Weller aims is to give you and your family a new lease on life. The Getting Weller lifestyle transforms both your body and your mind. See what is possible at http://gettingweller.com/. Would you like to get in touch with

us?

would

love

hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood using the Get In Touch link and let us know

1280 Simmons Ave. | Kirkwood, MO 63122 www.villadimaria.org

what you think. CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

ARTICLE BETH GLENNON | PHOTOGRAPHY NATASHA MCGUIRE

PAGE TURNERS

CONNECTING FAMILIES THROUGH STORIES THERE WAS A TIME WHEN FAMILIES TOLD STORIES AROUND THE KITCHEN TABLE AT DINNERTIME. But today family members are spread out across the country and across the world; add to that social distancing, and it’s gotten much more difficult to share our stories, our history, and what matters most to us. That is the reason for the increasing popularity of writing an autobiography or memoir. “We’re beginning to understand the power of story as a constant in a constantly changing world,” says Kathy Evans, personal biographer and Kirkwood resident. “Our family history is something we can hold on to, something that uplifts and strengthens us. Sharing our stories builds our connections with the family members we know and with descendants we may never meet.” But it can be a daunting task. That’s where Evans’ company, “Write for You” Life Stories comes in. She interviews clients over a period of months or longer (in person or online), scans photos, and adds a historical context. The story takes shape over time, and the storyteller has ample opportunity to review drafts and make changes. The result is a win-win: a powerful process for the storyteller and a priceless gift for the family.

Kirkwood Lifestyle | August 2020

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

TRAVEL DESTINATION

on gilbert street ARTICLE JAMES KAUFFMAN PHOTOGRAPHY HEIDI DREXLER

Kirkwood Lifestyle | August 2020

gilber t street , kirkwood. THIS QUIET STREET IN DOWNTOWN KIRKWOOD HAS TRANSFORMED INTO ITS OWN LIVELY COMMUNITY. And while the transformation wasn't intentional, it is exceptional. Emily Kast explains life on Gilbert Street before COVID-19. "Everyone was busy. Our time at home was limited." Emily, a full-time working mom, spent most of her time shuttling her kids, Eva and Walker, to their activities. There wasn't a lot of time to connect with neighbors and kids on the street. COVID-19 changed that. Gilbert Street has evolved from neighbors on the street to families creating life-long memories. "It started with letting our kids go outside and ride bikes. Then the parents started coming outside, socially distanced, chatting, and having a drink," said Emily. "Now, it's so much more." Over the past four months, families on Gilbert Street have joined together for outdoor art projects, yoga, and food truck nights. The kids have organized socially distanced car washes, Mother's Day dance performances, Nerf gun fights, rollerblade tournaments, and soccer sign-ups. The girls on the street have a group chat called "The Gilbert Girls." Of course, the biggest concern with this community is safety. "We understand that every family is in a different spot regarding the situation. So, we find ways to respect boundaries while still creating safe, responsible community events." Emily shares how shelter-at-home has forever changed Gilbert Street. "Now we are more centric. Our kids have a diverse friend group that they can learn from uniquely. It has been such a positive experience to be part of the inclusive community this street has formed." Summer Kirgan-Kent, mom to Payton and Maddie, keenly notes, "As much as COVID-19 has taken away things in our life, it's been great to see what we were missing, which is to slow down and appreciate the people who are right next door."

“It star ted with letting our kids go outside a n d r i d e b i k e s . N o w, i t ’s s o m u c h m o r e .”

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

TR AVEL DESTINATION (CONTINUED)

neighborhood activities Block Parties are always a hit. Celebrate the end of summer and the beginning of a new school year with neighbors and friends. Whether it’s a party of 2 or 20, show your neighborhood pride together. Can you touch your toes? Outside yoga is the perfect way to spend an afternoon with friends. Whether your goal is to relax, stretch, or work out, yoga does it all. A classic BBQ is an easy and friendly way to gather with neighbors. Load on the brats and burgers, and enjoy a feast. Kids and adults don’t always agree on everything, but a BBQ is something we can all come together on. Outdoor movie night. This one might take a little bit to organize but is totally worth the planning. Nothing is better than sharing popcorn under the stars while laughing along to your favorite movie. 16

Kirkwood Lifestyle | August 2020

“WE UNDERSTAND THAT EVERY FAMILY IS IN A DIFFERENT SPOT REGARDING THE SITUATION. SO, WE FIND WAYS TO RESPECT BOUNDARIES WHILE STILL CREATING SAFE, RESPONSIBLE COMMUNITY EVENTS.” CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

OUR TOWN

PETS WITH PERKS EVER WONDERED WHAT IT’S LIKE RAISING CHICKENS? FOLLOW LEENY HOFFMAN’S FUNNY FLOCK ON INSTAGRAM @LEENYHOFF.

ARTICLE BETH GLENNON | PHOTOGRAPHY HEIDI DREXLER 18

Kirkwood Lifestyle | August 2020

WHY CHICKENS? I've always wanted chickens in our backyard. They create fantastic fertilizer, and they eat insects, so they are natural exterminators. Most of all, I love the high-quality and flavor of their eggs. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT CHICKENS? Their crazy personalities are fun to watch. I'm fascinated with their pecking order. I notice which ones are good friends and which ones aren't invited to the lunch table. Gregg, my rooster, tries to keep everyone in line. WHAT'S IT LIKE HAVING A ROOSTER? If you have neighbors who don't mind early morning rooster songs, I highly recommend one. Gregg protects the flock. While the ladies dig for bugs, Gregg keeps one eye on them and one eye on the sky. If he sees anything that remotely looks like a predator, he lets out his rooster sound, and the girls scramble to the bushes. His other job is to procreate, which he takes pretty seriously. Gregg is always getting jiggy with one of the girls in the back. If you blink, you'll miss it! HOW MANY CHICKENS DO YOU HAVE? One rooster, six hens, and five pullets for a total of 12. DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE? Lucy was my favorite because she had such a personality, and was always up for my shenanigans. I taught her to swim (well, once), but it wasn't her favorite activity. So, I bought her a harness and took her for a walk. She liked that even less than the swimming lesson. HOW IS IT RAISING LITTLE CHICKS? I love getting them when they are babies and holding them so that they grow up to be sweet and gentle. I've been raising five chicks since mid-March. My husband built an "annex" on our existing coop. Eventually, they'll run the place with the big girls.

CHICKEN TIPS: + Besides chicken feed, they eat backyard bugs, earthworms, and most fruit and vegetable scraps, which makes them an excellent companion in composting. + Chickens are no more noisy than a barking dog and have no greater risk of disease than average household pets. CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

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GIVING BACK

pillar of the community

JIM LALLY, CEO, ENTERPRISE FINANCIAL SERVICES CORP.

Kirkwood Lifestyle | August 2020

IF YOU WALK THROUGH KIRKWOOD

5,000 customers in three days,” Lally says.

PARK, CHANCES ARE YOU’LL RUN INTO

“The only thing we asked them was, ‘How

JIM AND HIS DOG, IGGY. It’s just as likely

are you? How can we help?’ Every associate

that you’ll see him in downtown Webster, one

involved understood that the true beneficiaries

of his favorite places to grab a coffee or a

of their hard work were the families that were

beer. If you go to the Glendale Jazz fest, you’ll

still going to receive a paycheck in a pretty

undoubtedly find Jim and his wife, Laura,

desperate time. Our team acted with pride and

among the crowd of lawn chairs and coolers.

at a pace that I had never seen before.”

Jim and his team lead more than 3,600

Enterprise Financial Services Corp, the

Jim

Lally,

President,

and

CEO

applicants through the PPP (Paycheck

parent company of Enterprise Bank &

Protection Program). “Every customer

Trust, describes life in our community this

who applied, and had the appropriate doc-

way, “People live in the front of their house,

umentation, had their loan fulfilled. It was a

not in the back of their house. First, you

very proud moment for our associates. Our

get to know the dogs, and then you get to

company’s feeling was, ‘If we can do this,

know the neighbors. It’s a real blessing.”

we can do anything.’”

Jim loves to talk about his hometown as he travels. “People cannot believe that I have

With that, Jim’s team turned to him and said, “What else needs to be done?”

a market (Hanneke’s) less than a mile from

Realizing that individual families within

my home where people greet you by your

the Enterprise team were going to be

name and still send you a bill for your pur-

impacted financially because of this crisis,

chases at the end of the month. They ask me

Jim approached his leadership team with

where I live because that type of business

an idea. He proposed creating an Associate

just does not exist in other cities.”

Support Fund with the dollars in reserve for

That same type of unique, personal, com-

the traditional year-end celebrations. The

munity connection is precisely what differ-

Fund supports Enterprise associates need-

entiates Enterprise Bank & Trust from other

ing extra help during this difficult time.

banks. “We are a commercial bank that

The entire company was all in. In fact,

has become extremely good at consumer

Enterprise team members asked how they

banking. But what really separates us is the

could contribute more than dollars to the

relationships we create with our customers.”

Fund. “People offered to contribute their

The strength of those relationships was

Personal Time Off, so if someone needed to

exemplified during the onset of the COVID-19

stay home with their kids, they could do so

crisis. “No one had a playbook for what we

without worrying.”

lived through. Once we knew our employees

Programs

Enterprise’s Associate

were safe, we started serving our customers.

Support Fund raise the bar for busi-

We picked up the phone and reached out to

nesses that say they are family-focused CONTINUED >

ARTICLE RENEE MOORE | PHOTOGRAPHY STRAUSS PEYTON, ENTERPRISE FINANCIAL SERVICES CORP.

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

GIVING BACK (CONTINUED) to truly become a business that actually focuses on families. It’s no surprise that Jim and the Enterprise team proudly support family-based programs around our community. The Kirkwood Fireworks Show, The Kirkwood Reading Program, and Youth in Action are three local programs Jim is passionate about. “The fireworks show is the culmination of an unbelievable holiday, and no one goes there by themselves. They go there with their family. We are proud to be a part of that family’s tradition by being part of the fireworks show.” “The Kirkwood Library, which is stunning, is a great investment in the community. I grew up with my parents instilling in me that knowledge is power. I’m happy to participate in programs like the Kirkwood Reading Program, which allows someone to fall in love with reading.” “Kids have so much curiosity, energy, and willingness to connect. Programs like Youth in Action provide kids with the opportunity to connect and serve.” “Our community, our associates, and our clients are three of the four pillars that Enterprise serves,” says Jim. As a publicly held company, serving shareholders is the fourth pillar. “My job as the CEO is to make sure that we have a balance between all four of those pillars. By serving our customers well, we serve the community well, which bodes well for our shareholders. When you have a successful company, you can certainly dote on your associates with great benefits and opportunities.” Jim credits both his father and his predecessor for teaching him the values serving and maintaining a balance. “I grew up watching my dad, the CEO of Catholic Charities,

balance

fundraising,

wise

spending, and serving. My predecessor, Peter Benoist, lived by the motto of ‘doing well by doing good.’ That’s the foundation of our culture and the relationships we create in our communities.”

Kirkwood Lifestyle | August 2020

“PROGRAMS LIKE ENTERPRISE’S ASSOCIATE SUPPORT FUND RAISE THE BAR FOR BUSINESSES THAT SAY THEY ARE FAMILY-FOCUSED TO BECOMING A BUSINESS THAT ACTUALLY FOCUSES ON FAMILIES.”

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CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

LOCAL LIMELIGHT

CONTRIBUTING TO OUR COMMUNITY

K I D S T H E S E DAY S ARTICLE BETH GLENNON | PHOTOGRAPHY KEITH RAWLINGS, YOUTH IN ACTION

I'M GOING TO GIVE YOU A PARTIAL LIST OF ITEMS,

do something positive for someone in the community

AND YOU GUESS WHOSE LIST THIS IS. Ready? 250

while allowing them to meet other kids," said Keith.

dozen chocolate chip cookies, 25 Lemonade Stands,

Today, Youth In Action invites kids from any school,

500,000 diapers, 13 Wishes, 34 College Scholarships, 915

even home schools, to join. Currently, there are 13 dif-

Birthdays in a Bag, 19 Walks with Santa, 12 painted class-

ferent schools represented. As the Executive Director,

rooms, 3 Cows, 7 Goats.

Keith's goal is to motivate 6th - 12th graders to make

The list goes on. And it's impressive. Over the past

positive contributions to people's lives across the street

25 years, Youth In Action has been raising money and

and around the world. When kids join the group, they list

donating items to kids and families in our community

their favorite things to do. Bake or build, sports or sewing,

and around the world. The three cows and seven goats,

being outside in the sun or working inside on computer

for example, were donated to families in Uganda. The 34

programs – every child's individual passion is also a val-

college scholarships were awarded to local YIA kids.

ued skill. "Everyone is welcome," states Keith.

Youth In Action is a non-profit organization founded

Youth In Action graduate Amelia Parker notes the impact

upon a simple concept – allow kids to change other peo-

that Keith and the organization had on her life. "Growing up

ple's lives positively and, in the process, positively change

in one of the few Indian-American families in the Kirkwood

their own lives. In 1994, Kirkwood resident, Keith Rawlings,

community, it was comforting and refreshing to meet

noticed a lot of kids hanging around town with not a lot to

someone like Keith, who sees others as human beings first.

do after school and over the summer. So, Keith began to

Under Keith's direction, YIA has sponsored countless proj-

work with churches and local schools to create organized

ects that have improved the lives of the disadvantaged, less

events. "I knew that if we got the kids together, we could

fortunate, and minorities in our community."

Kirkwood Lifestyle | August 2020

Youth In Action's yearly budget is around $20,000. The kids’ raise 80% of that number themselves through fundraisers such as car washes, lemonade stands, bake sales, and the Green Tree Festival. "The kid's work counts as service hours for their schools, but it also allows them to form friendships with kids from other schools," Keith notes. "Most importantly, they raise the money and then they give it away." The life lessons that come with being a part of this organization are remarkable. From "Kids Against Hunger" to "Make-A-Wish," the list of projects and places YIA kids have supported is long. Even now, during COVID-19, the kids are still finding ways to contribute to the community. Their latest project is creating coloring book bags to deliver to local children's hospitals. A pandemic isn't going to stop their passion for helping. Although, it is putting a significant dent in their ability to fundraise for future donations. Keith and the kids are brainstorming ways to continue to serve. Want to help? Contact Keith at (314) 821 4042 or keith4yia@ yahoo.com. There is a long list of ways your kids, your dollars, and your donations can help.

“I KNEW THAT IF WE GOT THE KIDS TOGETHER, WE COULD DO SOMETHING POSITIVE FOR SOMEONE IN THE COMMUNITY WHILE ALLOWING THEM TO MEET OTHER KIDS.”

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

FINANCIAL BUZZ

MARK FINKE, FINANCIAL ADVISOR, MANAGING PARTNER MSMF WEALTH MANAGEMENT CETERA FINANCIAL SPECIALISTS, LLC, MEMBER FINRA/SIPC

will the current covid-19 situation impact my retirement?

ARTICLE MARK FINKE | PHOTOGRAPHY MSMF WEALTH MANAGEMENT

FIRST AND FOREMOST, WE NEED TO ACCEPT THE POTENTIAL FEARS AND BIASES THAT COVID-19, EXTENDED SHELTER AT HOME ORDERS, AND AN ECONOMIC SHUTDOWN HAVE CREATED IN OUR MINDS. There’s no question that market volatility, as well as economic news, has been unsettling. The bias that “this time is different” can emotionally and intellectually freeze you in place. After we unpack what’s going on inside our heads and acknowledge the feelings of uncertainty, we then need to “think slower” and refocus our thoughts on our future lives in retirement. Focus on “managing through” the 2020 environment as opposed to “managing to” it, and you will alleviate your “head trash” and keep your eyes on the prize…your future.

1. 2.

WILL THE CURRENT SITUATION CHANGE MY RETIREMENT PLANS FOR THE WORSE? With a well laid out “Retirement Blueprint,” there is no reason to think that your strategies and plans will permanently change. There may need to be some adjustments or tweaks, based on your time to retirement, income needs, and lifestyle choices. WHAT ISSUES SHOULD WE BE THINKING ABOUT AS WE LOOK TO THE FUTURE? Your “Retirement Blueprint” should consider additional things such as a plan for meaningful work and contribution, maintaining your social and family connections, a balanced approach to leisure and travel, a healthy approach to aging, and a legacy plan for

you and your family. DOES OUR INVESTMENT STRATEGY CHANGE? SHOULD OUR EXPECTATIONS CHANGE? Your investment strategy for retirement is based on how soon you want to retire, what your income needs might be, and your “sleep quotient” for risk. If they haven’t changed, then maybe some tweaks and adjustments might be appropriate, but short-term results shouldn’t drive long-term strategy and expectations.

Kirkwood Lifestyle | August 2020

LOCALLY OWNED

H u m b l e , H u n g r y, and Smart. ARTICLE MIKE SWALEH, FAIRWAY AREA MANAGER PHOTOGRAPHY BRIAN PORTER

THE STORY OF HOW I GOT HERE STARTS WITH RACING A FOOD TRUCK ACROSS THE COUNTRY. I grew up in an eclectic family of cultures and ethnic backgrounds. My mom is ½ Italian and ½ Hungarian. My dad was born in Burma but grew up in Pakistan. We had access to a variety of delicious food because my dad was a well-known chef in the Bay Area. My brother and I joked about opening a restaurant someday because we loved to incorporate flavors and foods into unique recipes. Our friends would beg us to cook for them because our food was so different. But, I never had a desire to be in the food industry, which is ironic because I spent two months in a food truck racing across the country. In 2012, my brother Shaun returned from his tour in Afghanistan. Understandably, the transition back into civilian life was difficult after experiencing such trauma. My brother needed something new to direct his focus. I came up with the idea of starting a food truck business for him.

Kirkwood Lifestyle | August 2020

At the time, I was working at a bank. I planned to finance

start going into that final weekend. We were the under-

the truck so that he could run the business.

dogs with integrity, and we knew the other team was

We created a pitch video for Indiegogo, a crowdfunding

going to pull ahead. It was interesting how little the

site similar to Kickstarter. While our campaign missed the

"show" cared about food and about who won. For them,

mark, our comedic video (I pull a Weber Grill behind my

it was just TV. For us, it was all about delivering fantas-

bicycle and call it my "food truck" and compete against

tic food and working hard.

a child's lemonade stand) caught the eye of the casting

We focused on the flavor and the quality of our menu

producer for The Food Network's "The Great Food Truck

items. Our approach was to create a variety of Indian

Race." The producer said, "Put a team of three people

inspired dishes with a few basic ingredients. My uncle

together and good luck." Shaun and I called our uncle and

pioneered our recipes. He originated our Chicken

said, "You know how you like to cook…."

Tikka Wings, and I evolved it into our signature dish,

Over 100 teams started the competition. We were one

the Tikka tikka Taco.

of the eight teams selected for the race. Putting my life on hold for an undetermined amount of time to drive a Food Truck across the country was very difficult. I didn't know if I would be out after the first week of the competition or make it all eight weeks to the finals. I was definitely in it to win it, but it was really, really hard. Reality game shows are all about the story. The pro-

Tikka tikka rait a sp ice mi x: 1/4 T S P Black Pep p er 1/4 T S P On io n Powd er 1/4 T S P Co rian d er 1/4 T S P G arlic Powd er

ducers could care less about the competition. Initially, we were branded as "the army veteran and his family." Then,

The biggest thing I learned from this experience is

when the producers saw my strategy to compete, we were

simplifying recipes and streamlining the methodology.

branded as "the analytic team." After a few weeks, my

Despite coming in second place, I feel like Tikka Tikka Taco

uncle's goofy side connected with the audience, and we

Truck still has the potential to be a successful franchise.

became "the comic relief team."

Life would have been great if we had won. And life

We made it to one of two final teams. We felt like we

is great now. My brother is a police officer and happily

had a winning chance because we had a huge head

married with kids. My uncle is still as goofy as ever.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

LOCALLY OWNED (CONTINUED)

My wife and I just bought a new house in Kirkwood, and we are expecting a baby in the fall. And while I didn't launch a food truck franchise, I did launch a Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp branch office in Kirkwood about seven years ago with my partner Joel Farrell. At Fairway, we continue to support veterans and give back to our community. We strive daily to be "Humble, Hungry and Smart", which we learned from the book, The Ideal Team Player by Patrick Lencioni. Today, it's mortgage loans instead of tacos. And, I'm working out of our office in Kirkwood instead of driving a kitchen-in-abox across the country. But the strategy remains the same: Deliver a simple, efficient, and delightful experience for our clients anywhere across the county. Whether it's unwrapping a Tikka Tikka Taco, or closing on a new home loan, clients walk away with a smile on their face. I call that winning.

Kirkwood Lifestyle | August 2020

Every life has a story. Have you told yours? our story defines your legacy. For your children and grandchildren, your story can inspire and uplift, strengthen and entertain, and share lessons learned and values lived. Personal biographer and Kirkwood resident Kathy Evans of “Write for You” Life Stories has been turning these stories into heirloom-quality memoirs for almost twenty years. “It is an immense privilege to write these books,” Evans says. She interviews clients regularly in their homes (or nowadays, via video conferencing), then weaves together interviews to create a coherent and lively narrative in the client’s voice. Evans and her team of researchers, editors, genealogists, and book designers include family history and historical context to set the story in its time, then incorporate photos and scans of war medals, quilt sections, letters, and in one case, a sample of a client’s childhood wallpaper: whatever best illustrates the client’s story. “We’re beginning to understand the power of story as a constant in a changing world, a way to connect families when so many of us are scattered across the country or globe,” Evans says. “For the client, it’s a time for reflection and a chance to pass on an intangible legacy. For the family, it’s a gift of their own history.”

u To learn more, visit www.kathymevans.com, or call 314-740-8859 for a complimentary consultation.

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood 33

DIY

+HANDCRAFTED+

FUN PAPER CRAFT ACTIVITY FOR YOU + YOUR KIDDO ARTICLE NICOLETTE MARTIN

M AT E R I A L S + Cardboard + White crepe paper + Construction paper + Glue + Scissors + Beads, yarn, pom poms, etc.

DIRECTIONS 1. Take your cardboard and cut two pieces into the shape of a llama (we found a stencil online). Then, cut strips of cardboard the depth you want your llama to be. You’ll connect these to either side of the llama cutouts to enclose your piñata. 2. Glue your strip of cardboard all along the edge of one side of your llama, then glue to the other side. (Be sure to leave a hole you can close up later so you can fill it with your favorite candy!)

PIÑLLAMA

3. Starting at the neck, cover the front, back and sides of your llama with white crepe paper, cutting a slit every half inch or so to create the traditional piñata look. 4. Cover all remaining sides the neck and head with white construction paper, cut to fit your design. 5. Using construction paper, beads, pom poms, tassels, buttons, etc., add some flair to the rest of your llama! Bonus points for incorporating different shapes and textures into your final product.

Kirkwood Lifestyle | August 2020