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Lee’s Summit’s Premier Aesthetic Center

Where aging is OPTIONAL

Fotona NightLase is a non-invasive laser treatment designed to help reduce snoring and improve sleep quality by gently tightening the tissues in the airway. By supporting a more open airway during sleep, NightLase may help improve breathing, reduce nighttime disruptions, and promote more restful sleep. Many patients report waking up feeling more refreshed, energized, and rested — without surgery, needles, or significant downtime.

FREE CONSULTATIONS.

Letter from the Publisher

There is something incredibly special about the role a father plays within a family. Men bring a different kind of balance into the home—one that often complements the nurturing nature of women in ways that are both meaningful and necessary. Their approach is frequently lighter, playful, creative, and filled with humor, especially when it comes to caring for children. Watching fathers interact with babies and little kids is endlessly enter taining to me. They somehow turn ordinary moments into adventures, games, and laughter in ways only they can.

But beyond the fun and humor, strong men provide something deeper: stability, confidence, and strength during life’s most difficult moments.

Over the years, I have been especially grateful watching my own husband lead our family through some of the most emotional and stressful seasons of our lives. During moments when emotions can feel overwhelming and uncertainty is heavy, he has consistently been the steady presence that kept us grounded. Strong men often carry burdens quietly, persevering with patience, resilience, and determination so their families feel safe and supported.

That strength does not always look loud or dramatic. Sometimes it simply looks like showing up every day, staying calm under pressure, working hard, sacrificing for others, and continuing forward even when life feels heavy.

This month, we celebrate the men who work tirelessly for their families, businesses, and communities. The fathers, husbands, mentors, and leaders who provide balance, encouragement, humor, and unwavering support. Your influence matters more than you may ever fully realize.

To all the strong men in our community—thank you for the example you set and the foundation you provide for the people who love you most.

LAURA PASZKIEWICZ, PUBLISHER

June 2026

PUBLISHER

Laura Paszkiewicz | laura@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Stephanie Williams | stephanie.williams@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Angela Broockerd, Linda Ditch, Jamie Segall, Lauren Powers, Jami Meek

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Janie Jones

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick

Salvy’s Way

Loyality, Leadership and Philanthropy

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

Photo by Janie Jones

Salvador Perez's résumé speaks for itself: World Series MVP, nine-time All-Star, five-time Gold Glove winner. And he's still adding to it. In 2021, he hit 48 home runs, setting the single-season record for a catcher at the time. He also delivered one of the most iconic moments in Royals history in 2014, with a walk-off hit in the Wild Card Game against Oakland, giving Kansas City its first playoff win since 1985. Now with 308 career home runs, he sits second in Royals history, just nine behind George Brett’s 317. Whether it is the “Salvy Splashes” after a win or the way he carries himself every day, there is a steady authenticity to him that remains the same.

It all started almost twenty years ago when he signed as a teenager out of Valencia, Venezuela. He arrived in 2006 as a 16-yearold and slowly grew into the heartbeat of the organization. Since his debut in 2011, he has become one of the most decorated catchers in franchise history, known for his defense, his arm, and his presence behind the plate.

He has never forgotten what it felt like to arrive so young, in a new country with a new language and a completely unfamiliar life. Still, something about Kansas City clicked right away. “The day that I signed in Kansas City, I feel like I found another family,” he said. “Through all the minor leagues and playing big leagues for many years, I feel like this is home, too.”

Photo courtesy of the Kansas City Royals

“When I struggle, I love to go out and do something for someone else. If you can take one day a month, even two is better. We can make a lot of kids happy.”

That feeling only deepened over time. Eventually, Perez was named the fourth captain in Royals franchise history, a role he treats with real responsibility. For him, it is not just about performance, but about how he carries himself in the clubhouse and in the city. “Be humble. That is one of the keys,” he said. “Work hard, prepare yourself, sacrifice yourself, and learn from the other players like George Brett.”

Off the field, Perez has built a presence that goes far beyond baseball. He donated $1 million to help fund the Kansas City MLB Urban Youth Academy, and his work with organizations like Braden’s Hope for Childhood Cancer and Sarah’s Soldiers, which supports families affected by ALS, has become a major part of who he is. When he talks about Sarah, the inspiration behind one of those efforts, it clearly hits him differently. “She’s my inspiration every day and is the strongest woman I’ve ever met in my life. We do everything for her,” Perez explains.

Photo courtesy of the Kansas City Royals

Photo by Janie Jones

That perspective is part of what made the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award he won so meaningful for him. It recognizes character and philanthropy, but for Perez it connects directly to the people he has met and the stories that have stayed with him. “Being awarded that means a lot,” he said. “It’s like winning the MVP in the World Series. It means that I try to do good things and to make some people happy. Sometimes we think going 0-for-4 is the worst thing in our life. But when you really realize there are people who have it worse than you, you kind of thank God, even when we struggle a little bit in baseball.” He is the second Royal ever to receive the honor, along with George Brett as the first recipient from the Royals and Bobby Witt Jr. as the third. He was also the first Royals player to win the Roberto Clemente Award, which is given to one player in MLB each year for character and philanthropy.

Still, Perez is not someone who seeks attention for any of it. In fact, he tends to avoid it. “If I’m going to do something, it’s coming from my heart, because I want to do it,” he said. “I don’t have to post that anywhere. I feel happy to do it, and that’s the only thing I care about. If God put it in my heart to do it, I don’t need anybody to take a picture.” That same mindset shows up in the clubhouse, where he encourages teammates to step away from the grind and connect with the community,

even during the hardest parts of a long season. “Even when we’re struggling during the season and then you go out and have a great time with kids, do a clinic, talk about baseball, take some pictures, you kind of forget a little bit,” he said. “It’s hard to be 100% focused on baseball every day. 162 games is a long season. But when I struggle, I love to go out and do something for someone else. If you can take one day a month, even two is better. We can make a lot of kids happy.”

That same sense of responsibility follows him back to Venezuela, where he still feels deeply connected despite everything he has accomplished here. Growing up without easy access to equipment shaped how he views giving back. “Where I come from, it is really hard to buy gloves and bats,” he said, “so I just like to help as much as I can.” He knows people are watching, in Kansas City and back home, and he takes that seriously. “If I do things wrong, I let a lot of people down. So I try to carry that with me every day, to make the best decisions I can,” he explains.

The 2015 championship team still is special to him, and moments like the Wild Card walk-off against Oakland that set everything in motion. Names from that team still come up easily, like they never left the clubhouse. Salvador Perez has become one of the most accomplished players of his era, but the way he shows up has stayed the same. Day after day he plays hard, leads his team, gives back to his community, and is still carrying the same belief that brought him here in the first place.

Photo courtesy of the Kansas City Royals

R E S E N T A T I O N P R E S E N T A T I O N

Retirement

We

׺ Do you have more questions than answers around retirement?

׺ Are you wondering how your savings will translate to income in retirement?

׺ Are these questions growing louder as you get closer to retirement?

That’s where we can help — connecting the pieces for greater clarity.

Ready for a conversation? We’re ready to hear from you. Book a call with Samantha to get started now.

Wealth

Investing involves risk.

Samantha Compton Senior Financial Advisor

WHERE ELEGANCE MEETS EDGE:

A HOSTING HAVEN FOR HER & A SPEAKEASY FOR HIM

ARTICLE BY JAMI MEEK

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATTHEW ANDERSON

Some homes don’t feel complete until each space has been created with intent, and this basement is no exception. Homeowners, Bob and Jayme Richardson, envisioned a space that would allow them to easily entertain their loved ones, while ensuring it checked all their boxes. They longed for a casual and functional hangout that would discreetly lead into a hidden gem.

Designer, Jami Meek, was eager to take on such a drastic, yet challenging project. While Meek had a completely open floorplan to work with, there was one small constraint: managing to fulfill all the clients wishes into one, cohesive space. After some thorough designing and planning, a thoughtful space was created. Entering in, guests are greeted by rich, earthy hues complimented with deep, gold accents. This space receives each guest with a warm welcome, and spacious seating. A full size kitchen and living space fill the room, displaying a cozy, yet elevated feel. Neighboring the kitchen, is a whimsical children’s playhouse, filled with charming details and comforting colors. In the corner, a quaint breakfast nook with beautiful natural light, makes for an inviting, yet casual dining experience. Across the way, a set of bold french doors change the tone. Upon entering, a dramatic barrel vaulted ceiling and herringbone wood flooring welcomes guests in. Custom built bourbon lockers and moody,

yet functional seating supports the ambience of the room. This space feels complete with a full size poker table, dramatic wine cellar, and bar-like seating. When designing, Meek spends a considerable amount of time focusing on how spaces will elevate and personalize a client's home. She prioritizes asking practical questions to fully scope out the clients needs. Bob envisioned a space that would evoke a welcoming feel, allowing his friends to converse, play cards, and sample premium bourbons. Meek’s innovative skills led her to recreate a space that resembled a 1920s speakeasy, letting guests time travel to a century rich with culture and livelihood.

She included custom cabinetry for guests to store their bourbon, ample seating for parties large and small, and various nooks for each conversation that would take place. Every detail was crafted with immense intention, while focusing on a masculine, lively feel. While Bob and Jayme’s ideas called for two personalized and distinct designs, Meek incorporated elements from both spaces that created a cohesive final product, illustrating her ability to ensure the duality of both feminine and masculine styles. Her strategic design process never goes unnoticed when clients are greeted with the final product.

Jami Meek

“

— Chuck F.

•

MORE THAN CABINETS:

CABINET IQ BRINGS SMARTER REMODELING TO LEE’S SUMMIT

ARTICLE BY JAMIE SEGALL PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

A new kind of remodeling experience is arriving in Lee’s Summit this June. Cabinet IQ, led by local owner Tim Moore, is opening its doors with a focus on thoughtful design, clear communication, and a process that puts homeowners at ease.

For Moore, bringing Cabinet IQ to the area feels like a natural fit. “I’ve lived near Lee’s Summit for the past 15 years,” he says. “It’s a community where people genuinely care about their homes.”

That connection helped shape his approach. After navigating a difficult

After navigating a difficult renovation himself, Moore saw an opportunity to do things differently. “Poor communication, missed timelines, and a lack of structure are more common than they should be,” he says.

“A seamless project is one where the client never feels uncertain,” Moore says. “When people feel informed and supported instead of pressured, the experience becomes much more enjoyable.”

renovation himself, Moore saw an opportunity to do things differently. “Poor communication, missed timelines, and a lack of structure are more common than they should be,” he says. “It showed me there’s a better way to approach remodeling.”

Cabinet IQ specializes in cabinetry and countertops for kitchens, bathrooms, and more. What sets it apart is how each project begins. Instead of starting with finishes, the team focuses on how clients use their space.

“Every decision should connect back to how someone lives day to day,” Moore says. “When you get that right, the space doesn’t just look good. It works naturally.”

That mindset carries through the entire process. From design to installation, clients are guided step by step with clear communication.

“A seamless project is one where the client never feels uncertain,” Moore says. “When people feel informed and supported instead of pressured, the experience becomes much more enjoyable.”

Design trends also influence each project. Warm wood tones and layered materials are gaining attention, while smart storage and efficient layouts remain essential.

“People want spaces that reflect their lifestyle,” Moore says. “Good design is not just visual. It has to work.”

The new showroom brings that philosophy to life. Instead of simple displays, it features complete spaces that help visitors picture what is possible in their own homes.

“We wanted a place where people can really visualize their project,” Moore says. “It helps them make confident decisions.”

Cabinet IQ also plans to be an active part of the Lee’s Summit community by hosting events and partnering with local businesses.

“We’re building something long term here,” Moore says. “We want to be a trusted resource for homeowners.”

As Cabinet IQ prepares to open, it offers homeowners a chance to approach remodeling with greater clarity and confidence. For anyone considering an update, the showroom provides a place to explore ideas, ask questions, and see how thoughtful design and a well-structured process can shape a space that truly supports the way they live.

For more information visit https://cabinetiq.com/lees-summit/

DESIGNED

Custom AMPD Coolers™ with built-in marinegrade audio, Bluetooth connectivity and your choice of full vinyl wrap.

• Concert-quality sound

• Ice-cold drinks for days

• Custom wraps for any team, brand, or event

• Family-owned & built in Lee’s Summit

Located in Historic Downtown Lee's Summit and North Kansas City

AN EXCERPT FROM EPISODE 6 OF SHARE THE LIFESTYLE, A CITY LIFESTYLE PODCAST

Photographer: Brittany Dawn Short

Creative Director: Jen Birn

Stylist: Stephanie Coultress O’Neill

Location: Hotel Saint Cecilia, Austin, TX

MIKE JOHNSON HAS BUILT HIS LIFE AROUND ONE QUIETLY RADICAL IDEA: THE STANDARD YOU SET PRIVATELY IS THE ONLY ONE THAT MATTERS.

After eight years in the Air Force, a celebrated run on national television, and a health crisis abroad that sent him deep into supply chains and ingredient certifications most founders never touch, the result is Oshun — a luxury ritual brand built on provenance you can trace and integrity you can verify. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Mike shares what it actually takes to build something worth putting your name on. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full episode.

Q: YOU BECAME A FAN FAVORITE ON THE BACHELORETTE AND THEN LEFT THE SPOTLIGHT. YOU MOVED TO MEXICO, LEARNED SPANISH, THEN COSTA RICA, AND BUILT A COMPANY. WHAT DID THAT EXPERIENCE TEACH YOU ABOUT HUMAN BEHAVIOR?

A: “If you’re a good person going in, that shows. If you’re not, that shows too. I also learned that people form this parasocial relationship with you — they assume things about you. When in all actuality, different circumstances bring out different parts of who you are. I was on TV trying to find love. The kindness people were showing after felt a bit fake, because they wanted to be a part of something that isn’t who I am individually, but a part of what they saw on TV. And so I had to get away from everybody and everything and the noise.”

THE QUIET STANDARD:

MIKE JOHNSON

“Too many people have prayed for me. So I’ve got to get up and do the walking.”

— Mike Johnson

Q: YOU JOINED THE AIR FORCE RIGHT OUT OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE. WHAT WERE YOU ACTUALLY RUNNING TOWARD?

A: “There was something in me that was saying: I’m not living up to my full potential. I was being a follower. My uncle said, ‘What’s going to make you become an adult the fastest?’ I said, obviously, the military. The Air Force broadened my thought process more than anything. We’re so caught up in our own perception — when you learn to understand different people’s perspectives, it adds to you in so many ways.”

Q: WITH OSHUN, YOU OWN YOUR MANUFACTURING, YOU EMPLOY A CHEMIST, EVERY PRODUCT HAS A BATCH NUMBER TRACEABLE TO ITS ORIGIN DATE. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GO THAT DEEP WITH THE BRAND?

A: “The EU bans 1,100 ingredients in personal care products. The U.S. bans nine. That’s my starting point. Oftentimes, it might be the same ingredient, but it comes from a place where it doesn’t have the highest purity. And 60% of what we put on our skin is absorbed. Every product Oshun makes carries a batch number that goes back to the exact day it was created — I can show you every single supplier, the date, the origin. I own more than one part of the supply chain because that’s the only way I can stand behind what’s in the bottle.”

This conversation is just the beginning. Mike goes deeper into why he’s buying land up north, the family in the Philippines who prayed over his factory floor, and what he’d tell every person ready to stop performing and start building. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle podcast.

MIKE JOHNSON

The Father’s Club

Other

In 2018, a group of dads met with a high school principal and asked how they could be more involved with the students after a wave of mental health issues affecting kids. How could they show the kids that they matter and are seen?

That first Father's Club started with more than 50 dads handing out Chick-fil-A sandwiches, fist bumps, high fives, and lots of words of encouragement to the kids as they arrived at school. Since then, the organization has expanded to more than 50 schools in Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska, including all three Lee's Summit High Schools.

"We try to connect with the kids where they are," says Mike Davisson, The Father's Club Executive Director. "Obviously, if a bunch of high school dads show up without anything, that would seem kind of cringe. But if you have food for them, now all of a sudden, it's kind of cool. Anytime we launch a chapter, we try to do something with food and dads." Davisson joined The Father’s Club in 2019 just before the COVID pandemic.

The Father's Club mission has three components. The first is connecting with kids, both students in schools and those at home. While dads are usually active during their children's

elementary school years—helping with sports and activities—their involvement often declines in middle school as their children transition to daytime activities with school coaches. Dads focus more on their careers.

Davisson says, "I've never had a dad tell me they wish they worked more hours. I've had many dads say they regret the time they didn't spend with their kids. On a personal note, I have a college senior who still calls his dad almost every day. I made the conscious decision that career and advancement were less important than my involvement with my family. I want every dad to feel that joy I get when my son calls me."

Another club component is community, which the dads accomplish through their involvement with the schools. They hand out cinnamon rolls and donuts on the first day of school, and number two pencils on state assessment days, all to ease anxiety and stress. They also do tailgates at sporting events, participate in pep rallies, and help

Dads Join Together In Support of Kids, Community, And Each

with set designs for theater groups. Occasionally, they'll have dad-versusdad competitions between clubs at halftime of basketball games, with the winning club's student section getting free pizza.

Perhaps the key club component is men connecting with men. Most guys identify with their careers and marriages. When difficulties occur in those areas, men tend to keep their struggles to themselves. The organization, as symbolized by the logo of three shields locked together, is a way for men to connect and support one another.

Davisson explains, "We tend to be very superficial in our relationships. So, part of The Father's Club

is to lock arms together so that, God forbid, I have a rough day and can't sleep at two o'clock in the morning, I know I can call somebody, and they'll be there for me. We're better husbands and fathers because we have our band of brothers that we can rely on and be transparent and vulnerable with."

Davisson notes, "I think helping men understand that they're here to provide and protect, but your legacy is what ultimately defines you, and it's not your career. I once heard a guy say, 'I realized I was coming home with a pocket full of money to a house full of strangers.' So, the better job we can do of helping men understand that their identity is not their career, but it's family, the better off we are."

To become involved in The Father's Club or start a chapter at your local school, visit their website fathersclub.org

realty report

A SAMPLE OF RECENTLY SOLD PROPERTIES IN LEE’S SUMMIT.

This data is a sampling of sold properties from March 2026. Source: IRES MLS system.

Built on Faith, Grown by Family

At Dirt World, business is personal and every customer is treated like a neighbor

ARTICLE BY LAUREN POWERS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

At the corner of 50 Highway and 7 in Lee's Summit, Dirt World is more than a place to pick up rock, mulch or soil. It is a place where conversations come easy, customers are greeted like friends, and a family’s faith quietly shapes the way business is done.

For owners Amy and John Pipes, Dirt World represents a leap of faith and a continuation of a family legacy. The business was originally founded by John’s uncle, Gary Pipes. When he was ready to retire, the opportunity to keep it in the family felt like the right next step. What followed was a major life shift for both John and Amy.

John had spent more than 20 years working as an engineering technician and surveyor. In 2020, he made the decision to leave that career behind and fully commit to the business. Within a year, he and Amy officially took ownership. Around the same time, Amy stepped away from her own career as a trauma center nurse after two decades in healthcare. The transition brought challenges, but it also opened the door to something new.

She describes it as a learning experience that ultimately allowed her to grow into a role she never expected. Today, she helps lead the business operations while also embracing the flexibility and purpose that come with working alongside her family.

“The business has become more than a workplace. It is a shared purpose.”

Their daughter, CJ, plays a key role as well. What started as helping her great-uncle as a teenager evolved into leading the company’s marketing efforts. She has helped build the brand from the ground up, bringing ideas to life and shaping the identity of Dirt World as it continues to grow. Working together as a family has strengthened their bond. John describes the experience as a blessing, while CJ reflects on how their connection has grown from shared interests like softball to building something meaningful together. The business has become more than a workplace. It is a shared purpose.

Faith plays a central role in that purpose. The Pipes family openly credits their journey and success to their beliefs. They see their business as something they have been entrusted with, and they strive to reflect that in how they treat others. Small details, like QR codes placed around the property that lead to Bible verses, offer a glimpse into how they integrate faith into everyday interactions.

That mindset also shapes their approach to customer service. At Dirt World, the goal is to create a comfortable and welcoming environment where people feel heard and supported. Conversations are intentional, and customers are encouraged to ask questions and share their vision.

For homeowners who may feel overwhelmed by a project, the team focuses on breaking things down into manageable steps. They take time to guide customers through the process, helping them feel confident in their decisions. For contractors, the focus is on reliability, efficiency and consistent quality. Balancing both audiences can be challenging, but the team remains committed to meeting each customer’s needs.

As Dirt World has grown, so has its footprint. A recent expansion has allowed the business to offer more products and create a more dynamic experience for customers. What was once a smaller operation has become a destination where people can explore options and find exactly what they need for their projects.

Growth has brought new challenges, particularly when it comes to maintaining the same level of personal interaction. John admits that one of the hardest parts is not always having as much time as he would like to connect with every customer. Even so, the goal remains the same. The team wants every person who visits to feel valued and supported.

The foundation of the business is built on integrity, accountability and a strong focus on the customer experience. Amy

describes John as someone who pours everything he has into the business and takes pride in making things right. That commitment has helped build long-term relationships with both homeowners and contractors who return time and time again.

Dirt World continues to stand out because of its authenticity. It is not just about providing materials. It is about creating a place where people feel welcome, where trust is built through genuine interaction, and where a family’s values are reflected in every part of the business.

To learn more about Kansas City’s largest selection of bulk mulch, rock, pavers, dirt and more, visit https://www.dirtworldkc.com

For us, construction is not separate from design, but an extension of it.

Our work is rooted almost entirely at Lake Lotawana, where the demands of site, view, topography, and long-term living require a more integrated approach from the beginning.

We believe the way a home is designed and the way it is built are inherently connected. Architecture, interiors, materials, and construction should be considered together as part of a continuous process, creating homes that feel cohesive, intentional, and lasting over time.