Kirkwood, MO April 2024

REGISTER NOW: NO-COST COURSES FOR BUSINESS LEADERS AND PROFESSIONALS

Build skills to help you address today’s unique business challenges

Join the St. Louis business community for Enterprise Bank & Trust’s no-cost business education program, Enterprise University, helping business leaders and professionals develop skills to help take your career or business to the next level.

Connect your team to more than 30 live, interactive webinars covering management and leadership, finance and operations, marketing and sales, human resources and other trending topics. Attendees leave each 90-minute course equipped with new skills and strategies you can implement right away to better your business.

Explore the spring coursebook and share Enterprise University with your network today.

Livia Vrapi AVP, Branch Manager lvrapi@enterprisebank.com

Dan Iadevito SVP, Sales Manager Business Banking diadevito@enterprisebank.com

The Fish Chair Philosophy

What is the best investment you ever made? Kudos to you if you have an immediate answer to that question. Extra kudos if thinking about that investment made you smile.

I smile every time I think about the best investment I never made. When my husband and I were shopping for furniture for our first apartment, we found an over-stuffed accent chair upholstered with a big, colorful fish pattern. We laughed at the thought of having this bright chair in our living room positioned between two mismatched, dark oak end tables from our grandparents. We thought it would be hysterical for people to walk into our apartment, and the only places for them to sit would be our futon or the fish chair.

We passed on the fish chair that day, deciding to buy a kitchen table before buying a statement piece of furniture. We said we'd come back for the fish chair someday. We never did. Instead, we created our little investment strategy called, "The Fish Chair Philosophy."

"The Fish Chair Philosophy" has guided more than a few of our investment decisions for over 30 years. Do we really want this, or does this just make us happy at the moment? Is it pretty easy to walk away from this knowing we can come back later to purchase it? Don't get sidetracked by colorful, quirky chairs. Leave the fish. Get the kitchen table. Our biggest lesson from "The Fish Chair Philosophy" is sometimes the story about the thing is better than the actual thing.

I thought about "The Fish Chair Philosophy" as I read  Furniture Investing Goes Glam , featuring Glendale resident Christy Webb, owner of Glendale Glam. Christy finds old furniture (much like our hand-me-down end tables in our first apartment) and refinishes them into truly investment-worthy statement pieces. And I thought about Mark Finke, AIF ®, CFP, with MSMF Wealth Management, talking about how investment decisions impact "Present You" and "Future You" in his article  A Financial Windfall . The fish chair wasn't an investment-worthy piece, and "Future Me" is really happy we walked away without the chair that day. But our ROI on that story has gone on for decades. It's the best money we never spent. RENEE

April 2024

Renee Moore renee.moore@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Elizabeth Nowakowski elizabeth.nowakowski@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Maria Eilers, Mark Finke, AIF ®, CFP, Lucy Rogers, Lorilee Cummings and Katie Pfotenhauer, Beth Glennon

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Mark Borella, Natasha McGuire Photography, Carey Campbell,

Schowengerdt

Thompson

OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein AD DESIGNER Evan Duevall

BUILDING

Community

AUDI EXCHANGE KIRKWOOD IS BUILDING COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS.

ARTICLE BY LUCY ROGERS PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK BORELLA

Audi Exchange Kirkwood has made an intentionally significant investment in the community. It's not just a car dealership with a beautiful building. It's a shining example of how to create experiences, bring people together, and build community and invest in becoming Kirkwood’s newest institution.

Neil Westfall

Audi Exchange Kirkwood has transformed the corner of Manchester Road and Woodlawn. General Manager Neil Westfall fully intends for this magnificent new building to become a connection hub for Kirkwood, Webster Groves, and all the surrounding areas. In our interview, Neil shares his vision and passion for this magnificent space and the communities it serves. He invites everyone to stop in and take a look around and meet Kirkwood's newest neighbors.

HOW DO YOU ENVISION THIS BUILDING BEING MORE THAN A SHOWROOM?

NW (Neil Westfall): We want people to think about us differently. We are more than a place to buy a car. We want to be involved in what you do without expecting anything in return. We’re opening the showroom for people who wish to see cars and hosting events entirely unrelated to automobiles because it's more than just a car dealership. It's a hub for the community. We have 35,000 plus square feet of space, and cars on the showroom floor are easy to clear. We'll be able to use the area to meet the community's needs. This is how The Exchange has built its business and reputation over the past 50 years in the Chicago land area. I plan to inject my 20-plus years of experience into what The Exchange already knows how to do and build that legacy in Kirkwood.

I want people to say, "Why don't other car dealerships do it this way?"

WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT LOCAL COMMUNITIES AND ORGANIZATIONS, WHAT ARE YOU ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT?

NW:  I am a huge advocate for empowering people and bringing different communities together. From a personal perspective, I am the president of the St. Louis European Auto Show, a free annual event that has been a St. Louis tradition since 1987. I'm enthusiastic about cars and people and how we can build into the fabric of the community whether it is with other businesses, family and children’s events, chamber functions and much more.

THE OUTSIDE OF THE BUILDING HAS TRANSFORMED THIS STRETCH OF MANCHESTER ROAD. TALK ABOUT THE TRANSFORMATION THAT TAKES PLACE INSIDE THIS SPACE.

NW: It's a people business. The brick-and-mortar matters. If it hadn’t, we wouldn't have invested in such a magnificent space. But in the end, it's the interactions with people. Servicing our customers is the thing that ties it all together. When people say, "This is the best experience I've ever had," my job is done. My goal is to change people's experience from the moment they walk in the door, even if they don't buy a car.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO PEOPLE CURIOUS ABOUT WHAT THIS NEW SPACE LOOKS LIKE INSIDE?

NW:  I welcome you to come in. My office is right by the front door. We'll walk you through the whole facility and schedule tours. We want people to experience our exceptional level of service. I want people to say, "Why don't other car dealerships do it this way?" I really do want people to feel like we are neighbors.

THE STUNNING EXTERNAL ELEVATION OF THE BUILDING SETS AUDI EXCHANGE KIRKWOOD APART, BUT YOUR ENTIRE APPROACH TO BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS IS ALSO ELEVATED.

NW:  Because it's not just a transactional thing. We have an opportunity to show the community that we are your neighbors, working side by side with you to make a difference. People like getting to know our team and how our service department cares for them. And when the time comes to buy a car, those same people will come and talk with us because we've taken such good care of them. We’ve earned their trust, and they believe in who we are. We are invested in building relationships because, like many other businesses, we want to become an institution in this community.

As a local Glendale resident and your trusted real estate advisor, I am happy to personally visit your home, and provide a comprehensive report. I will also take time to go room-by-room, providing guidance to make your home appeal to today’s buyers and sell quickly for the highest value.

It may seem daunting to put your house on the market, but with my background in design, preparing a home for sale is my favorite part of this business. I work hard to make your buying and selling journey as smooth as possible.

The spring market is here, and it’s the perfect time to sell. I look forward to working together and coming up with the best plan for you and your family!

START WITH ART

ARTICLE BY MARIA EILERS | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Connie Heavey

Investing in art is a resilient financial strategy, diversifying portfolios for those able to acquire pieces with an eye on returns. While opportunities abound in Webster Groves and Kirkwood, supporting local artists and galleries can be done without significant financial outlay. The local art scene is a powerful way to invest in our community's economic and cultural vitality.

"A donation of any size to a non-profit like Webster Arts is a legacy. Your giving is an investment that allows us to plan the next year, five years, ten years down the road – really deepening our roots in a community. We are seeing more young families move into the area; your support allows Webster Arts to build bridges, adapt, and find out what it looks like to serve this growth area of our community."

- Heather Sparkman, Webster Arts, Communications & Marketing Director

"I didn't realize how many different arts organizations existed locally. Every weekend, there is something to do related to the arts. The Regional Arts Commission recently shared the results of a study highlighting what the arts bring to St. Louis: the arts bring in more tourism dollars than sports. At the gallery, we see first-hand the impact nonprofit arts have on local economies. So often, someone comes to shop at our gallery, and

Brenda Gilliams

they

will ask me,

'Where should I go for lunch in Webster?' More money stays here because someone came to see the art."

"Our arts program exists in partnership with the community. Students in photography, film/video/television production, animation, and video game design programs are required to have internships with local companies to prepare them for what is really expected. That is a seeding ground for hiring. Our staff member is responsible for bringing together companies interested in interns and students looking for internships. So, if you own a business and want to invest in the arts, consider working with our Communications Department internship program."

- Kristina Richards, Kooyumjian Gallery of Webster University, Gallery Director

- Mary Martin, Green Door Art Gallery, Owner

Your Table Is Ready-©Michael Anderson

Student Photographer Hailey Sherman

Jennifer Hayes

A Financial Windfall

RECEIVING A LARGE AMOUNT OF MONEY ISN'T ALL FUN AND GAMES. HOW TO AVOID PITFALLS.

ARTICLE BY MARK FINKE, AIF ®, CFP | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAREY CAMPBELL

Financial windfalls by inheritance, lottery winnings or insurance proceeds can be both a blessing and difficult. With new opportunities and possibilities come pitfalls and challenges.

1. FIRST, CONSIDER AN OVERALL STRATEGY

• Identify your key goals and priorities for this “sudden money.”

• T hink about what can this windfall do for you in the short and long-term.

• Distinguish how you want to impact the “Present You” vs. “Future You.”

2. REFLECT ON EMOTIONAL AND FAMILY DYNAMICS

• D o you feel anxious or guilty about receiving this windfall?

• W ill you receive pressure from friends or family to share the wealth?

• W ill you make gifts to family, your kids, or charities?

3. DON’T IGNORE TAX ISSUES

• D o you understand the differing implications for lottery winnings, inheritance, gifts, insurance proceeds, and business buyouts?

• W ill you receive cash or assets?

4. EXAMINE PERSONAL DEBT

• D o you currently have personal debts, credit card balances, student loans or a mortgage?

• D o you know what the interest rates are on each?

• D oes your strategy include paying down debt?

5. FORMULATE AN INVESTMENT STRATEGY

• D o you know your investment "Speed Limit?”

• A lign any investments with long-term objectives.

• I f you receive assets (stocks, bonds, real estate), are they appropriate for you?

6. AVOID LIFESTYLE CREEP

• Differentiate between personal discretionary and essential spending

• D ecide if increasing your spending is needed or simply wanted.

For more on this topic and a deeper dive into avoiding pitfalls of a financial windfall, please check out our podcast by texting “Windfall” to (314) 597-1477. For more information visit msmf.com.

Mark Finke

ARTICLE BY LORILEE CUMMINGS AND KATIE PFOTENHAUER PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAREY CAMPBELL

Katie Pfotenhauer and Lorilee Cummings

"The outside of your house is a natural extension of the interior of your home."

- Lorilee Cummings

Whether your yard needs a little refresh or a large-scale landscape design installation, Lorilee Cummings with Lorilee Realty and Katie Pfotenhauer with Timberline Landscapes provide expert insight on where to save and splurge.

SAVE

• Shade structure or pergola

• Fire pit

• D on't add a sink or dishwasher

• M aterials for patio or decks (concrete blocks vs stamped concrete)

SPLURGE

• O utdoor lights

• Plantings/soil/sod

• O utdoor furniture

• Pool or spa

• L arger trees for privacy

• Grill/oven in outdoor kitchen

ARTICLE BY KATHRYN JAMBORETZ | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATASHA MCGUIRE PHOTOGRAPHY

Goes Glam Furniture Investing

GLENDALE RESIDENT, CHRISTY WEBB OWNER OF GLENDALE GLAM, TURNS ESTATE SALE FINDS INTO STATEMENT PIECES.

Photo by Natasha McGuire Photography

Have you noticed the quality of furniture isn't what it used to be? Instead of fast furniture, which arrives in a box and ends up in a landfill, why not invest in stunning pieces that can be passed down for generations?

Glendale Glam custom furniture refinisher Christy Webb finds hidden treasures and breathes new life into them with high gloss lacquer and dazzling hardware. Her creations have become some of the most loved pieces in homes throughout St. Louis. She has also quickly become the secret weapon of many area interior designers and decorators who are on the hunt for one-of-a-kind pieces for their clients.

PASSION INTO PROFIT

Christy pivoted from a grueling job in the pharmaceutical industry to do what she loved - scouring flea markets, estate sales, and thrift shops for pieces with potential. Once home, she would rev up the sander, repair and paint each piece to reimagine it for a new generation.

Friends were buying her custom designs and commissioning updates of their inherited furniture. Word of mouth spread, and soon, Christy's family was converting their 3-car garage into a workshop.

Her favorite part? It's watching installations and seeing the homeowner's reaction to the big reveal.

If you have a beloved piece in the basement or something catches your eye at an estate sale, why not turn it into a work of art that you won't find in any furniture store?

Follow Christy on socials @gledaleglam.

Photo by Natasha McGuire Photography

Photo by Natasha McGuire Photography

Photo by Natasha McGuire Photography

Now Booking Spring Catering

BEHIND THE SCENES

ARTICLE BY BETH GLENNON PHOTOGRAPHY BY STAGES ST. LOUIS

Stages St. Louis Artistic Director Gayle Seay asks actors and directors, “What do you hope audiences walk away feeling after the show?”

Performer Diana DeGarmo enthusiastically answers, “I hope the audience leaves feeling entertained because that’s what we do for a living. We hope you leave the show feeling like you got your money’s worth because we understand that bringing your family to see a show is a lot. We know we will give you a great show because that’s what Stages does. Nothing is done without the utmost care and attention to detail; I appreciate that as a performer and I hope the audience appreciates that as well. And I hope audiences leave with some understanding of stories that might not be exactly like their own.”

The 2024 Season of Stages St. Louis begins May 31 with Steel Magnolias

stagesstlouis.org

Audition Team in New York City for STAGES St. Louis 2024 season.

Ace Young, Radames, and Wonu Ogunfowora, Aida, in AIDA.

THE ROI OF TRAVEL

CULINARY ADVENTURE TRAVEL AGENT AND CHEF LYDIA GWIN RECALLS HOW HER FATHER INVESTED IN HIS DAUGHTERS' EDUCATION THROUGH TRAVEL.

On a recent visit home, my mother showed me scrapbooks she uncovered tucked away in the closet; her retirement cleaning reached a new corner of the house. As we opened the worn kraft paper scrapbooks, we discovered a time capsule of our first trip to Europe in 1992. The pages stiffened with age and were filled with photos, train stubs, museum tickets, and old European money. This whimsical road trip became a catalyst, a spark that influenced much of my life.

My dad had decided to take my older sister, Ericka, and me on a two-week road trip through Europe. He had no plan, only plane tickets, a rental car, some extra cash, and his memories of where he had been stationed in the Army to navigate the trip. We hit the major stops and sights, driving the countryside between England, France, Italy, and Germany. Each country offered a new experience, memory, and educational perspective on how big our world is.

This adventure allowed me the confidence to backpack around the globe independently in college. When meeting my now husband, it was a common thread we both shared, exchanging tales from our travels. Now, as we parent two young kids, travel is an investment we want to provide for them. Our return on investment offers our kids the value of education, memories, and the ability to navigate their world.

Looking through the old photos and recounting our memories of the trip, I asked my dad what inspired him to take his two daughters on a trip across Europe with no plan. He responded, "I wanted to show you the world in a real-life application."  And for that, I am grateful.

Follow Lydia on socials @adventuresbylydia

"Travel is not reward for working, it's education for living."

- Anthony Bourdain

Lydia and her children

Lydia and her sister and dad