Memorial, TX June 2023

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Orange Is The New Sold®

With over a decade of experience serving the Energy Corridor, Memorial, The Villages and Katy. My high-performing agents are fluent in multiple languages and in tune with today’s ever-changing market. We use proprietary, local knowledge-based experience, powerful technology, and innovative marketing strategies to achieve your real estate success. With two full-service locations in the Energy Corridor and Katy.

SHERRY CAMPBELL FOUNDER & BROKER

How Men Inspire Us

Welcome to our Annual Men’s Issue!  Last month we offered so many ways to celebrate the important women in our lives.  From artists to entrepreneurs, it’s time to pivot and show gratitude for the men and the dads who are making a difference all around us.  How do men inspire us in 2023? Let us count the ways!

1. Leading by example. Probably the most powerful way a man can make a difference is in leading by example. Whether it's showing kindness, being hardworking, or demonstrating perseverance, when a man embodies the qualities he wants to see in others, he becomes a role model.

2. Supporting and encouraging his family members. We see example after example of men who inspire their families by supporting and encouraging their children and partner in their dreams and aspirations. By being present, listening, and offering constructive feedback, men often help their family members achieve their goals.

3. Engaging in community service. A man can inspire his community by engaging in community service and causes which are near and dear to his heart. By volunteering his time and resources to local organizations or charities, he creates a legacy when he makes a positive impact and improves the lives of others.

4. Staying involved in his children's education. Dads can inspire their children and community by being involved in their children's education. Whether it's attending parent-teacher conferences, helping with homework, or volunteering at the school, these men regularly show their children the importance of education and help support the education system.

5. Encouraging healthy habits. A man can inspire his family and community by promoting healthy habits. Whether it's through exercise, healthy eating, or mindfulness practices, dads can encourage their family members and community to prioritize their health and well-being.

6. Advocating for important causes. So many men in our community inspire us by advocating for important causes such as social justice, environmental protection, or equality. By using their voice and resources to promote positive change, these same men often inspire others to do the same.

Let the special men and fathers in your life know how much they matter to you. And if you are a dad, let us be the first to say - thank you. You are invaluable to the people who know and need you as well as the community around you.

Happy Father’s Day!

June 2023

PUBLISHER

Suzanne Schakett | suzanne.schakett@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Gabi De la Rosa | gabi.delarosa@citylifestyle.com

SALES DIRECTOR

Suzanne Schakett | suzanne.schakett@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Kayla Shutts | kayla.shutts@citylifestyle.com

SALES SUPPORT COORDINATOR

Savannah Schakett

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Memorial Lifestyle Staff, Gabi De la Rosa

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Rachel Collins

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

SUZANNE SCHAKETT, PUBLISHER @MEMORIALLIFESTYLE

Proverbs 3:5-6

In Living Color

Artist GONZO247 has gone from outlaw to in-demand commissioned street artist, leaving his mark all over Houston.

30

New & Notable

42 Beyond the Bottle

Gentle Ben uses a distillation process that combines art and science for a smooth tasting spirit.

48 Wise Words

Five Houston entrepreneurs share their thoughts on leadership, reputation, and what keeps them motivated.

Photography:

Mario

city scene

Where

neighbors can see and be seen.

1: Art Car Parade 2023, Christyna Lewis and Sarah Gish, designer of the Ignite Your Life! Project car. 2: Nicole Wysocki, Suzanne Schakett, Sherry Boudreaux, Victoria Lovett at Design Days event. 3: Karen Ashcraft, Pamela Cortes, Andres Vanegas, Jason Grigar, Amanda Watson, Mariana Agudell at Design Days event.

Karen Lara at Fashion in the Fields at Recipe for Success Foundation’s Hope Farms.

Charles Grutzmacher and Akilah Craig JDRF’s Promise Ball that raised $2.5 million for diabetes research. 6: Guests enjoying the live auction at JDRF’s 2023 Promise Ball.

Guests enjoying the live auction at JDRF’s 2023 Promise Ball.

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ROUND TOP, TEXAS

I’m Andrea, a highly dedicated and experienced Realtor serving iconic Round Top and all of South Central Texas. I strive to ensure that the buying or selling process is fun, easy and stress-free to achieve the best outcome in every transaction. I have knowledge and specialization in Residential, Farm and Ranch, Premier Luxury and Commercial Properties. If you are looking to buy or sell, contact me today and let’s discuss your options. andrearsellstexas@gmail.com

First-of-its-Kind Virtual Baseball Entertainment Concept Home Run

Dugout is Now Open

Home Run Dugout, the first-ever sports bar, restaurant, and entertainment venue featuring indoor soft-toss baseball is now open in Katy. A brand-new way to play baseball with friends, Home Run Dugout has reinvented the batting cage, offering an immersive, social gamified playing experience suitable for sluggers of all ages and skill levels. The 46,000-square-foot venue has 12 indoor Batting Bays™, similar to the concept of batting cages (without the cage), featuring proprietary, state-ofthe-art pitching technology and augmented reality. homerundugout.com

Photography Courtesy of Home Run Dugout

CityCentre Announces B. Elevated Candle Bar as a New Tenant

B. Elevated Candle Bar has opened a flagship retail and candle-making experience store at Houston’s premier mixed-use destination to shop, dine, live, work, play, and stay, CityCentre. B. Elevated Candle Bar is a high-quality luxury brand that is affordable enough for everyone. Guests can enjoy a candle-making experience by crafting their own candles and choosing from up to 44 different scents to blend into the fragrance of their choice. belevated.co

Congregation Or Ami Gala Celebrates 13 Years with Rabbi Gideon Estes

Congregation Or Ami is excited to honor Rabbi Gideon Estes for his thirteen years of leadership in the congregation and the Houston Jewish community at a gala on Sunday, June 4, 2023.  During his tenure, Rabbi Estes has played an active role in LGBTIQ+ causes, interfaith relations and adult and youth education.  He is an avid tabletop gamer and the festivities will highlight his love of board games and humor. For more details visit oramihouston.org

Photography Courtesy of B. Elevated Candle Bar

Photography Dan O’Keefe

IN LIVING COLOR

ARTIST GONZO247 HAS GONE FROM OUTLAW TO IN-DEMAND COMMISSIONED MURALIST, LEAVING HIS MARK ALL OVER HOUSTON.

ARTICLE BY GABI DE LA ROSA

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF MARIO FIGUEROA JR.

Mario E. Figueroa Jr. has been creating street art in Houston for over 30 years, a journey that has been both inspiring and challenging for the artist. Better known as GONZO247, Figueroa has gone from outlaw to commissioned street artist, leaving his mark all over Houston. His vivid and dynamic murals can be found on various structures, from buildings to vehicles, and have been commissioned by prestigious organizations such as the Houston Zoo, Rodeo Houston, University of Houston, and Rice University.

Houston's art scene has grown to embrace graffiti and street art, and Figueroa has been a driving force behind this change. He remains loyal to Houston as his home base of creativity and hopes to ignite a spark in young people to pursue their dreams of becoming an artist through his murals.

For Figueroa, creating art is not just a passion but a necessity. "For an artist, the need to create and keep creating is vital, like water and oxygen. I get inspired by other creatives. My interactions with others, different cultures, and travel journeys inspire my creative work," he says.

Figueroa has collaborated with top brands, national and local organizations, and artists at all levels throughout his career, each experience being unique and memorable. However, a full circle

collaboration moment for him was having the opportunity to work with Leo Tanguma on the repainting and a couple of hidden re-designs of his masterpiece mural, "The Rebirth of Our Nationality" (1973). This mural inspired him to be an artist while growing up in the East End of Houston, so working with Tanguma was a highlight in his career.

2023 is an exciting year for the artist, as it marks the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop's existence. He has teamed up with Rooftop Cinema Club to screen the movie Juice on June 17th at 8 PM, featuring a Hip Hop Celebration with music, movies, and a graffiti art workshop. Figueroa has also been working on his new studio space, allowing him to further educate people about the graffiti artform and create new work in all sizes. "We plan to honor the past and share our historical content through exhibitions at our new studio as we work on a museum component."

Figueroa's journey as an artist is a testament to the power of persistence and the importance of following one's dreams. His work has left a lasting impact on Houston's art scene and inspired others to pursue their creative passions. His dedication to the craft is unwavering, and he plans to continue leaving his mark on the city he calls home. gonzo247.com

Artist Mario Figueroa Jr. artistically known as GONZO247

Ruth

Strong on Style

ARTICLE BY MEMORIAL LIFESTYLE STAFF PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF HARBOUR

AUSTRALIAN BRAND HARBOUR RECENTLY OPENED A FLAGSHIP STORE IN TANGLEWOOD’S DEC CENTER.

Harbour, a luxury furniture brand known for designing and manufacturing durable indoor and outdoor furniture, opened its first Texas showroom at Decorative Center Houston, also known as the "Dec Center."

Harbour's products feature top-tier mechanical artistry, clean lines, minimalist silhouettes, and contemporary sensibility. The brand's popularity in the US is due to its vertically integrated business model that keeps all design and manufacturing in-house. The LA-based company has showrooms in New York City, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, and Orange County, with an additional showroom set to open in Miami later this summer.

The company was founded in 1976 as Tecno Furniture by Jim Condos, a master blacksmith who immigrated to Australia at age 16. It evolved into Harbour Outdoor, an export arm of the family patriarch's Sydney-based company run by his sons, Nicholas and Harrison. The brand name comes from the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. Harbour entered the American market in 2010, and its success is due to its ability to bring the highest quality products to market at competitive prices.

The new Houston showroom is situated in the Tanglewood neighborhood and spans 5,500 square feet. Modeled after beach clubs in Ibiza and Mykonos, the showroom will offer primarily outdoor furniture collections, including the popular Santorini collection, which features comfortable two-and-threeseat sofas, multiple lounge chair configurations, ottomans, coffee tables,

Harbour co-founders Nicholas and Harrison Condos

and side tables. Several new collections, such as Amalfi, Moab, and Lucca, have just launched in time for spring. In addition, six new outdoor collections inspired by iconic cities and the timeless art of stonemasonry are now available for summer 2023. The latest furniture includes the Collins, Milan, Cordoba, Mason, Maui, and Tulum Collections.

Co-Founder and CEO Harrison Condos said, "Harbour is a family business, and we know that several of Houston's most iconic brands are family-run to this day. Nick and I are Australian through and through, but we are ready to infuse some of Houston's trademark qualities into our Aussie DNA."

Harbour's outdoor furniture is designed with a contemporary coastal profile that prioritizes comfort, deep seating, and a low profile. The brand's collections are available on shopharbour.com, and in-stock items can be shipped from the Long Beach, CA, warehouse to Houston in three to four business days.

Harbour's focus is on premium manufacturing, materials, and service. The company sources high-performance fabrics from Europe's finest mills to construct its pieces, which are fade- and liquid-resistant, easy to clean, and petfriendly. Harbour's cushions and pillows are wrapped with a unique polyethylene terephthalate fiber called Dacron, which adds comfort, plushness, and shape. The company is also committed to sustainable manufacturing and design, with several collections featuring grade-A Indonesian plantation teak that speaks to the heart of organic living.

"Houston is very on-brand with Australia and the Harbour ethos. It's an international destination with a multicultural population living on or near a coastline, and Houstonians seem to have the same kind of community-oriented mindset that we have in Australia," says Co-Founder and Creative Director Nicholas Condos. "Plus, you know how to have fun, which is key to life in Australia.”

Harbour Showroom at Dec Center Houston

5120 Woodway Drive, Suite 1050 shopharbour.com

“Harbour is a family business, and we know that several of Houston’s most iconic brands are family-run to this day. Nick and I are Australian through and through, but we are ready to infuse some of Houston’s trademark qualities into our Aussie DNA.”

– Co-Founder and CEO, Harrison Condos

Photo credit Joe Aker

Photo credit Joe Aker

New & Notable

ARTICLE BY GABI DE LA ROSA

PADRE’S WINE SHOP VARIETIES

Padre’s pays homage to South American wines, with over 20 percent of its selections hailing from Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay. The shop carries wines from over 200-year-old vines or biodynamic estates in the Andes and a robust selection of over 500 bottles. padreswine.com

PADRE’S WINE SHOP + BAR

Padre’s Wine Shop + Bar recently opened in the Heights on White Oak Drive and offers creatively sourced boutique wines and a menu of light bites including charcuterie, oysters, and sandwiches.

New restaurants in Houston – from a high-end steakhouse to casual kimchi, there is something for everyone.

Photo Credit Andrew Hemingway

Photo Credit Andrew Hemingway

ANDIRON

Andiron provides a unique steakhouse experience that incorporates the traditional with the new. The concept revolves around sourcing the world’s finest ingredients, treating them simply, and preparing them with live-fire techniques.

ANDIRON WINES AND COCKTAILS

The detailed wine program includes a curated selection of over 500 labels from around the world. Head bartender, Angel Batista, has put together a cocktail program of traditional classics with a twist featuring high-quality spirits and ingredients along with barrel-aged rums and whiskeys. andironhtx.com from Spain.

ANDIRON MENU

The Andiron meat program features the best from around the world, including Niman Ranch Prime from the US, small-production Australian Wagyu, and a rotating selection of Japanese Wagyus. Meats, seafood, and vegetables are cooked over the 22-foot live fire grill suite sourced from Spain.

Steak Tartare.

Photo Credit Jenn Duncan

Andiron Branded Ice.

Photo Credit Jenn Duncan

Photo Credit Jenn Duncan

CHI’LANTRO BBQ

Award-winning Chi’Lantro BBQ, the nationally-recognized Korean BBQinspired restaurant featured on Shark Tank, Food Network, and Food & Wine, recently opened its 11th location and first outside Austin in the Houston Heights.

CHI’LANTRO BOWLS

The restaurant’s Curated Bowls are customizable rice bowls, salads, Ssäms (Korean word for wrap), K’Pop Chicken, Chi’Jeu Queso, and homemade Agua Frescas. All of the sauces at Chi’Lantro are made in-house. chilantrobbq.com

CHI’LANTRO KIMCHI FRIES

Chi’Lantro BBQ favorites include the signature The Original Kimchi Fries™, which are served over 200,000 times a year. The fries are topped with caramelized kimchi, shredded cheese, onion, cilantro, Magic Sauce, Sriracha, sesame seeds and a choice of Korean BBQ.

Rice bowl and Kimchi Fries. Photo courtesy of Chi'Lantro BBQ

Korean BBQ inspired bowls. Photo courtesy of Chi'Lantro BBQ.

Chi'Lantro BBQ bowl.

Photo by ATX Media Group.

ROCKHOUSE SOUTHERN KITCHEN

From the same team behind The Warwick, Rockhouse Southern Kitchen celebrates Southern culture and lively music with a fusion of both worlds. Their flavorful menu features a delicious combination of comfort food and libations.

ROCKHOUSE SOUTHERN KITCHEN MENU

The menu features standout dishes like the Oxtail Egg Rolls, Creole Pizza, and traditional Southern classics like Fried Chicken and Fried Catfish with Smoked Collard Greens, and Macaroni-n-Cheese.

ROCKHOUSE SOUTHERN KITCHEN LIVE MUSIC

Located in one of Houston’s most vibrant blues destinations, the team behind Rockhouse made the venue come alive with music once again. Guests can enjoy live music nearly every Wednesday through Saturday night. rockhousehtx.com

Lobster Sliders.

Photo Credit Raydon Creative

Photo Credit Raydon Creative

Photo Credit Raydon Creative

A Men’s Guide to Cosmetic Procedures

Nuveau Plastic Surgery + Medical Aesthetics provides cutting-edge, minimally invasive procedures to keep men looking their very best.

ARTICLE BY MEMORIAL LIFESTYLE STAFF

Highly acclaimed board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Edward Lee, and his managing partner, Randy A. Rakes opened Nuveau Plastic Surgery + Medical Aesthetics in River Oaks last year. Dr. Lee is recognized as one of Houston’s leading plastic surgeons, offering various cosmetic and reconstructive services such as facelifts, eyelid surgeries, tummy tucks, liposuction, rhinoplasty, and more. Alongside his team of highly trained professionals, Dr. Lee stays at the forefront of cosmetic procedures and has seen an increasing number of men seeking treatments. Despite the aesthetics industry’s typical focus on women, Nuveau provides several highly beneficial procedures for male clients. Dr. Lee and Rakes shared their expertise on the most common cosmetic procedures for men today. nuveau.co

Dr. Edward Lee of Nuveau Plastic Surgery + Medical Aesthetics. Photo credit HelloChanDo

Liposuction

Liposuction has become one of the go-to procedures in plastic surgery, and there has been a noticeable uptick in the number of men looking to take advantage of its benefits. Fat can be suctioned out through small incisions from desired areas in the body. Once healed, the incisions are virtually invisible. The recovery time is relatively quick, with swelling subsiding within a week and full results appearing in 6 to 12 weeks. With minimal downtime, no unsightly scars, and impressive outcomes, it’s no wonder liposuction is the top surgical procedure for men. The abdomen, flanks, back, chest, arms, and neck are commonly treated. However, not everyone is a candidate for this procedure. Factors such as weight, excess skin, skin quality, and pre-existing medical conditions can impact eligibility. An in-office consultation at Nuveau Plastic Surgery + Medical Aesthetics can help determine the best course of action.

FaceTite / BodyTite AccuTite Morpheus8

Minimally invasive procedures have become the mainstay of treatment, especially for men who prefer imited downtime and no visible scars. Some exciting developments in aesthetic medicine have come in the form of devices that can help tighten skin without surgery. InMode’s BodyTite, FaceTite, AccuTite, and Morpheus8 utilize radiofrequency energy with or without microneedling to induce collagen remodeling in the client’s skin. These devices are not for everyone, as there are limits on how much the skin will tighten with this treatment modality. However, the development of these devices has provided a way to treat patients who are either not candidates for surgery or do not want the downtime and scarring associated with surgery. Different size probes are used to treat various areas such as the face (FaceTite), around the eyes, and the delicate regions of the face/neck (AccuTite) and body (BodyTite).

(Non-Surgical Skin Tightening)

Photo Credit HelloChanDo

PRP and Keravive Hair Restoration

Hair restoration has become a highly popular treatment option for men seeking to address hair loss concerns. Among the most sought-after treatments is PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections, which involves drawing plasma from the patient’s blood and injecting it into their scalp to stimulate hair growth. This minimally invasive and painless procedure requires no downtime and can be used in combination with other modalities, such as the Keravive by Hydrafacial treatment. Keravive is a relaxing threestep process designed to cleanse, stimulate, and nourish the scalp and hair follicles for fuller, thicker, and healthier-looking hair. The Nuveau Plastic Surgery + Medical Aesthetics team also recommends medications such as Finasteride and Minoxidil to maximize results. A series of treatments spaced several months apart is advised for optimal outcomes.

CoolSculpting and EmSculpt

Combination Treatments

CoolSculpting is an FDA-cleared treatment that effectively targets stubborn fat in various areas of the male body, including under the jawline, under the chin, upper arms, back, love handles, and abdomen. Using cryolipolysis, or fat freezing, the procedure kills excess fat cells, which the body then naturally eliminates, resulting in a 20-25 percent reduction in the treated area. Together with CoolSculpting, EmSculpt is another FDA-cleared, noninvasive body-sculpting treatment that can effectively build muscle and burn fat. The therapy delivers high-intensity focused electromagnetic energy pulses into the muscle tissue, creating muscle contractions that activate more muscle fibers than exercise alone. EmSculpt can tighten, tone, and strengthen the large muscle groups of the abdomen and buttocks, as well as smaller areas like the upper arms, thighs, and calves. The combination of CoolSculpting and EmSculpt is ideal, as it eliminates fat with CoolSculpting and then tones the underlying muscles with Emsculpt for a more defined and sculpted look.

Photo courtesy of Nuveau Plastic Surgery + Medical Aesthetics

S E R V I C E S O F F E R E D

ARTICLE BY MEMORIAL LIFESTYLE STAFF | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID BECKWITH

BEYOND The Bottle

Gentle Ben uses a proprietary process that combines art and science for a smooth tasting spirit.

Gentle Ben is an American spirits brand making serious waves with its bourbon, vodka,and gin lineup. Its bourbon was named the American Spirits Council of Tasters prestigious Double Platinum Award in 2022. The accolade recognizes the superior quality of the Gentle Ben brand, which is made possible by a revolutionary technology developed by Persedo. The company, founded by Ricky Ford, the creator of Gentle Ben, is dedicated to transforming the distilled spirits industry.

What distinguishes this brand from its competitors besides its numerous accolades and superior taste? Traditionally, the distilled spirits industry has relied on distillation and filtration methods to separate desirable and undesirable compounds or congeners in spirits. However, these methods come with high labor demands, energy consumption, and significant alcohol losses. Ford's father developed a basic apparatus designed to aerate distilled spirits. It inspired Ford to create a process that could elevate distilled spirits to a quality not yet achieved before.

Ford contacted Dr. Benjamin Mosier, a Ph.D. chemist with extensive experience in microencapsulation and bubble dynamics, to analyze the specific compounds and congeners that Ford's father's process was removing. While they successfully removed a small amount of offensive volatile organic compounds, they lost a significant amount of proof in the process.

Therefore, in 2007, they initiated a research program to develop and optimize a system for removing the compounds related to the offensive burn without losing ethanol.

Persedo's C.R.A.F.T. system offers a sharper, more innovative tool for minimizing specific undesirable congeners in distilled spirits and allows Gentle Ben to deliver a top-quality spirit that rivals others in the super-premium space. This is achieved through two controlled and precise steps, during which seven process parameters are carefully monitored.

According to Ford, consumers today demand the best in super-premium spirits. With the Persedo C.R.A.F.T. system, Gentle Ben offers a spirit with distinct qualities across its portfolio. First, it is soft and creamy on the palate. Second, it has minimal burn. Finally, it has enhanced distillate flavors.

"The Persedo C.R.A.F.T. system has been validated by scientific analytics, but the best way to experience what it does for Gentle Ben is to visit our tasting room, see the process firsthand, and conduct a taste test," says Ford. "Gentle Ben's secret ingredient is what's not in it – with no burn to hide, consumers can enjoy the full flavor of the spirit without the need for sugary mixers."

gentleben.com

“GENTLE BEN’S SECRET INGREDIENT IS WHAT’S NOT IN IT – WITH NO BURN TO HIDE, CONSUMERS CAN ENJOY THE FULL FLAVOR OF THE SPIRIT WITHOUT THE NEED FOR SUGARY MIXERS.”

– RICKY FORD

Founder of Persedo and Gentle Ben, Ricky Ford.

Gentle Ben Tasting Room.

4 hours of conventional training in 25 minutes

300 muscles simultaneously stimulated

Increases endurance, muscle mass & strength

Increases fat loss & stimulates the metabolism

Cellulite reduction

Redraw and lifts the glutes

100% low impact

FDA approved

Scan

WISE WORDS

ARTICLE BY MEMORIAL LIFESTYLE STAFF PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAUREN HOLUB PHOTOGRAPHY

FIVE HOUSTON ENTREPRENEURS SHARE THEIR THOUGHTS ON LEADERSHIP, REPUTATION, AND WHAT KEEPS THEM MOTIVATED.

Kevin Barnett Founder/CEO, CoolxDad

WHAT WOULD YOU CONSIDER YOUR AREA OF EXPERTISE, AND HOW WILL IT BENEFIT THE HOUSTON COMMUNITY?

I am an expert in people. If I don’t have a specific skill or area of knowledge, I know someone who does, and that’s part of what makes me successful.

I started CoolxDad because I saw passion, strength, and potential around me – specifically for men and fathers of color, but I didn’t see anyone uplifting this community. CoolxDad brings fathers together for the greater good by involving them in initiatives like the Color Box gift drive, basketball clinics, and our community garden. All of these programs benefit families in Houston. In turn, our fellowship events give dads a safe space to be vulnerable and connect, something that’s missing in mostly male spaces. Black and brown men in Houston and the U.S. need a place to remove their armor, and that’s what CoolxDad provides.

WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT?

If I had to identify what I’m most passionate about, it would be making my family proud. My passion for helping dads become more connected, engaged, and purpose-driven motivates me to create a life-changing experience through CoolxDad that will leave a fulfilling legacy for my children to inherit. coolxdad.com

Kevin Barnett sipping on the Secret Garden from Loch Bar.

Mike Gust

Owner, American Wheel & Tire and AWT Golf Carts

WHAT WOULD YOU CONSIDER YOUR AREA OF EXPERTISE, AND HOW WILL IT BENEFIT THE HOUSTON COMMUNITY?

My expertise is providing excellent service and prices for tires, custom wheels, and car and truck accessories. Although American Wheel & Tire is a boutique company, we are still equipped to handle large volumes, but we are not a big box store that pushes customers in and out. We want to make sure our customers get exactly what they need.

WHY DO YOU THINK HOUSTON IS A GREAT PLACE TO START A BUSINESS?

Houstonians always support local businesses. Our biggest challenge is finding the right people to join our team, which we constantly work on. Again, finding the right people comes down to relationships and networking through existing employees. I have had the privilege of meeting all kinds of people, and I know for a fact I am successful because of these relationships.

Americanwheelandtire.com awtgolfcarts.com

The Back to Black cocktail from Loch Bar is made with Corazon Reposado Tequila.

Dustin Harwell Owner/Broker, Modern Risk Management LLC

WHAT CHALLENGES ARE CONSISTENTLY PRESENT IN YOUR BUSINESS, AND HOW DO YOU COMBAT THEM?

The insurance industry is experiencing unprecedented times where every consumer is encountering skyrocketing insurance costs. Insurance rates are forever changing, which challenges the agency daily to be a watchdog for our client’s financial protection. To combat current economic factors, Modern Risk Management continues to shop every policy within a client’s portfolio each year to validate whether or not they are receiving the best rate on the market compared to the competition and make recommendations to lower their costs. Doing so stabilizes the trust and dependability among our valued clients.

WHAT STEPS HAVE YOU TAKEN TO DEVELOP YOUR BUSINESS’S REPUTATION?

Over the years, I have built my agency based on three essential pillars: honesty, efficiency, and education. When clients contact Modern Risk Management, and I ask why they are in the market for insurance, the most general responses are related to one of my pillars. Clients contact my agency for quick, honest, and knowledgeable solutions, all while building personal relationships. This has helped develop Modern Risk Management into the award-winning, five-starrated agency it is today.

modernriskins.com

Loch Bar's Cherry Bounce made with Dripping Springs artisan gin.

Richard Saad

Owner, Nick’s Plumbing & Air Conditioning

WHAT CHALLENGES ARE CONSISTENTLY PRESENT IN YOUR BUSINESS, AND HOW DO YOU COMBAT THEM?

Most companies across different industries have the same issues – it’s called people. To be able to grow a company, it takes people. Some will be good for the business, and some will not. The longer someone is in business, the easier it is to understand what, how, and why things can go wrong. It all starts with your name and the processes or systems put in place. Start to plug those holes through the processes. Hire well but fire fast.

WHAT MAKES A SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEUR? IS IT A PARTICULAR PERSONALITY TYPE?

To be a successful entrepreneur, one must understand that it takes a team to create growth for your business. Successful entrepreneurs should constantly look for new and innovative ideas while understanding what the competition is doing. It is essential to be generating ideas and making them work for your business. At the end of the day, you owe your team a decision that does not put their career in jeopardy.

nicksplumbing.com

nicksairconditioning.com

Loch Bar in River Oaks District has one of the largest whiskey selections in the state.

Thomas Strong

Owner and Chief Creative Officer, Strong Landscaping

WHAT CHALLENGES ARE CONSISTENTLY PRESENT IN YOUR BUSINESS, AND HOW DO YOU COMBAT THEM?

The biggest challenge for a service company is maintaining consistent quality of service. To combat this challenge, we have employed several strategies. Strong Landscaping provides on-thejob training to ensure employees have the skills and knowledge to perform their job effectively. We also implement quality control to monitor service delivery and identify any issues that must be addressed. We also strive for employee engagement by providing feedback, recognition, and growth opportunities.

WHAT MAKES A SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEUR? IS IT A PARTICULAR PERSONALITY TYPE?

There are several characteristics and qualities of a successful entrepreneur. One of the essential qualities is persistence, because successful entrepreneurs can persist in adversity and never give up on their goals. Successful entrepreneurs are passionate about what they do because owning a thriving business requires hard work and dedication. Entrepreneurs must also be creative to develop innovative solutions to problems and differentiate themselves from competitors.

stronglandscaping.com

Loch Bar's Pretty Woman is made with Lost Irish Whiskey.

The Art of the Perfect Side

WITH ONE OF THE MOST EXTENSIVE MENUS OF SIDE DISHES IN HOUSTON, STEAK 48 DOESN’T SHY AWAY FROM BIG FLAVORS.

ARTICLE BY MEMORIAL LIFESTYLE STAFF | PHOTOGRAPHY BY J MARTIN HARRIS

Steak is a great main course for any special occasion, and diners are always on the hunt for the perfect sides to go with it. Buzzworthy restaurant Steak 48 in River Oaks District has elevated its side dishes to main course material. We are not suggesting you forgo an entree, but some of these sides just might be tempting enough to do so. From grilled vegetables and potatoes to several delectable renditions of macaroni and cheese, this collection of side dishes from Steak 48 guarantees satisfaction on a wellthought-out platter. steak48.com

| SIDE 1

Creamy Mac & Cheese - Provel, Romano, Parmesan, mozzarella

| SIDE 2

Truffled and Salted Crispy Fries - Maldon salt, white truffle oil, shaved parmesan

| SIDE 3

Chef Reid’s Au Gratin Potatoescaramelized onions, gouda, mozzarella

| SIDE 4

Creamed Spinach - chopped spinach, smoked garlic, artichoke hearts, sweet cream

| SIDE 5

Double Baked Truffle Potatoshaved black truffle, fontina, gouda cheeses

| SIDE 6

Hasselback Potatoes - smoked sea salt, truffle butter, and chive cream cheese sauce

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