GENTLEMEN'S THE ISSUE
One for the Gentlemen
Let’s take a moment for the men.
The men who quietly show up, meeting needs they find as they work on building a better future. The men who come home from work ready to rough house with the kiddos and play catch while the sunset paints a beautiful backdrop. The men who show up to cheer for those they love the most, supporting the hopes and dreams of their wives, children, and community.
The impact of men is immeasurable. They shape homes, the community, and bring challenges that ensure growth of those they are near. As we put together this issue, what stood out to me was how important men view their family and home life. During each interview, I heard over and over again how family, relationships, and being with family fell into the top spot of what mattered most.
In the home, a man’s influence— his gifts and talents— create a ripple effect that will go through generations. Fathers build up their homes through strength that becomes a family anchor. Their words encourage, inspire, and become mantras or even idioms we repeat throughout life. I’m sure all of us have a phrase that comes to mind, something we just say. When asked about the origins we'll say—just something my dad said.
This month, let’s celebrate the men that make our lives stronger, calmer, and maybe even a little funnier (you know, the never-ending dad jokes). Set up the tee time, get them a new wallet, or maybe something that inspires a little self-care. Celebrate Father’s Day with the father (or father figure) in your life.
With love,
P.S. Happy Father’s Day to all the dads in our wonderful community.
June 2026
PUBLISHER
Michaela Hetherington
michaela.hetherington@citylifestyle.com
SALES SUPPORT DIRECTOR
Adam Hetherington
adam.hetherington@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Ashleigh Underwood
ashleigh.underwood@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Lindsey McArthur lindsey.mcarthur@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Michaela Hetherington
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
Arizona Pristine Roofing Pristine
Locally owned and operated, Arizona Pristine Roofing proudly provides top-quality residential and commercial roofing services throughout the Valley.
Whether you need repairs, a full replacement, or a new roof installation, our team delivers expert craftsmanship, honest service, and pristine results every time.
Serving homeowners and businesses across Arizona with integrity and care.
Contact us today for your complimentary inspection!
623-257-7663 | arizonapristineroofing.com info@arizonapristineroofing.com | V
Photography by Mesa Parks & Rec
Photography by Mesa Parks & Rec
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 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
FRO M GULF WATERS TO ARIZONA, ADAM STRECKER BRINGS
PRECISION AND GLOBALLY SOURCED SEAFOOD TO TABLE.
ARTICLE BY MICHAELA HETHERINGTON
EXCELLENCE HOOKED ON
Long before overseeing some of the Valley’s most sought-after dining destinations, Adam Strecker was casting lines in the waters of New Orleans. Weekends spent fishing and crabbing near Lake Pontchartrain didn’t just create memories, they quietly built the foundation for a career rooted in quality, patience, and respect for the source.
Today, that same mindset defines High Noon Hospitality, the group behind Buck & Rider in Scottsdale and Gilbert. While each concept has its own personality, the throughline remains consistent: thoughtful sourcing, strong culture, and experiences that feel both elevated and approachable, yet relaxed and welcoming, designed to bring people together.
At Buck & Rider, that philosophy is most visible in its seafood program. Fish is sourced globally, timed with natural migration patterns, and flown directly into Phoenix daily. The result is something rare for the desert: seafood that rivals coastal destinations, served just hours after arrival and always at peak quality.
We caught up with Strecker to talk fishing, family, and how those early days on the water continue to shape his approach today, both in life and in business leadership.
Q&A:
GROWING
UP IN NEW ORLEANS, HOW DID THOSE EARLY FISHING EXPERIENCES SHAPE YOU?
I fell in love with the water, and the time on it was relaxing.
YOU’VE FISHED ALL OVER THE WORLD. WHAT EXPERIENCE STANDS OUT MOST?
Fishing by myself back in the Louisiana marsh. The silence, just the birds and the wind, that’s something special.
DID YOU EVER IMAGINE THAT PASSION FOR FISHING WOULD INFLUENCE YOUR CAREER IN HOSPITALITY?
Not at all, but I always loved the buzz, the energy of walking into my father’s restaurant.
BUCK & RIDER FLIES IN SEAFOOD DAILY. WHAT MAKES YOUR APPROACH DIFFERENT WHEN IT COMES TO SOURCING AND QUALITY?
We source seafood from around the world, and it evolves throughout the year much like seasonal produce. As fish migrate, we only buy when they’re in season and at their highest quality. We work closely with fishermen and vendors, and shipments are flown directly into Sky Harbor. We receive deliveries from seven airlines each week to ensure freshness.
That commitment to timing and sourcing doesn’t just elevate the menu, it transforms the dining experience. At Buck & Rider, guests aren’t simply ordering seafood, they’re tasting something that, in many cases, was swimming in another part of the world just hours before, handled with care every step of the way from ocean to plate.
For Strecker, that connection to the water runs deeper than the menu itself. It’s a way of thinking that shows up in
everything he does, from leadership to long-term vision.
WHAT HAS FISHING TAUGHT YOU THAT YOU BRING INTO BUSINESS OR LEADERSHIP?
Patience, hands down.
And while the menu evolves constantly, driven by seasons and availability, there are always a few standout favorites.
WHAT ARE YOU ENJOYING MOST ON THE MENU RIGHT NOW?
It changes all the time, but lately I keep going back to the tuna crispy rice and the pan-fried yellowtail snapper. More than anything, we want guests to truly relax, have a great time, and leave feeling like they had a memorable experience. It reminds me of the seafood restaurants I grew up with in New Orleans, where fresh seafood is just a way of life.
That sense of ease carries into the atmosphere, where the vibe is equal parts polished, lively, and intentionally unpretentious.
IF BUCK & RIDER HAD A FISHING SOUNDTRACK, WHAT WOULD BE ON IT?
Probably Kenny Chesney and Jimmy Buffett.
And like any good day on the water, there are moments that stay with you long after they happen.
IS THERE A FISHING MEMORY THAT STILL STANDS OUT TO YOU?
I got caught in a storm with my daughters in New Orleans. They stayed calmer than I did. It turned into a really special moment as a dad!
For those chasing their own version of success, whether on the water or in business, Strecker keeps it simple.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE PURSUING WHAT THEY LOVE?
Believe in yourself. Be brave and just go for it.
SCRAPPY Dreamer
JW Rayhons had an interesting upbringing, moving frequently between Arizona and Iowa with his father and brothers. His dad was a carpenter and worked in construction—which explains all the different moves. There were a lot of different jobs and job sites. All the while, JW dreamed of being in the NBA even though he excelled in baseball.
While professional sports weren’t in the life cards for JW, something much better emerged. Fresh out of MCC and armed with an associate’s degree, JW decided to pursue business ownership. He saw his hardworking father go from job to job in construction and the lack of company loyalty really stood out to him. “I saw hard work with small financial payouts,” he says.
ARTICLE BY ASHLEIGH UNDERWOOD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SONJA STAFFORD & PROVIDED
How JW Rayhons took his natural talents and changed financial planning
Rayhon’s Financial started in the early 2000’s when JW was only twenty years old. After watching his dad, the moves, the constantly changing job, he started thinking about what it takes to create a lifestyle that you want. That’s what made JW go into financial advising. It wasn’t about the money or becoming the money expert, it was about helping people.
“Ignorance was my greatest asset,” he says, which has become sort of a catchphrase for JW. When he was starting out, he didn’t know all the different “should be-s” of the financial industry. To JW, money wasn’t a motivator. For him, his experience was his motivator, the desire to change what he saw growing up and create a different path. Most of us recognize that money is a tool but to JW, money was the tool that creates the freedom to have the lifestyle you want. At Rayhon’s Financial, the conversation doesn’t start with your financial portfolio, it starts with you.
The lack of loyalty that convinced JW to forge his own path has created a company that starts off with loyalty to his employees. It’s loyalty upfront and hoping for the best. It almost sounds too perfect, but JW invests in his employees through professional development and mentorship, helping others find where their skills, talents, and passions are and connecting them to where they can best utilize them. For JW, relationships are the priority— “relationships are the most important thing.” His favorite thing to do is create the “someday” opportunities for others. It’s the best part of his day to day, creating significant experiences for someone else along with seeing things happen in people’s lives that they
didn’t expect or see. “I want more people to know how valuable they really are,” he says. In fact, he plans on sharing these things that make up his favorite parts of his day in a collection of stories in his first book that he is starting to work on.
How does JW avoid burn-out? His faith and his health are what give him strength. Taking time to ride his motorcycle, go to church, making sure to get the workout in, it helps keep him going so he can pour himself out to others.
Men of Mesa
ALAN JONES
OWNER, FLOOR COVERINGS INTERNATIONAL MESA
Q: What would be the elevator pitch about yourself?
I’m a loyal, genuine person. I’m constantly striving to grow. I try to keep things simple. I like taking complexity out of situations that don’t need it.
Q: What makes Mesa special? There is so much to do from Downtown Mesa to hiking, to the water park. There is just so much to do. I enjoy Tonto Forest. Mesa is always evolving and growing. There’s potential here. It keeps getting better.
Q: What is the best part of your day?
I like to start every morning with meditation and yoga. This has been a habit I’ve cultivated over the past six years and I never miss it. Every day starts the same, it’s peaceful and calm. It keeps me grounded and every day starts out as a good day with this routine.
Q: What is one thing more people should know?
Life is about people. It’s not about things. People have the wrong focus. Many people lose sight of the relationships in the midst of other things, and we miss the importance of connection.
ARTICLE BY ASHLEIGH UNDERWOOD
Q: What would be the elevator pitch about yourself? I joke that I have a Ph.D—poor, hungry, and driven. I try to help anybody and everybody out. I operate from a “do to one another” type of mentality. In business I am a team player, and everybody is playing on an equal playing field.
Q: What are your favorite local places?
Point 22, Red, White, & Brew. We like the coffee shop that is on the farm. The restaurant that is there too is good. My family and I like anything that has a good patio.
Q: What is your family’s favorite thing to do?
We love to take vacations. Creating memories is what we aim for along with getting out and having something to look forward to. If we’re not taking a vacation we’re boating or riding dirtbikes. Our favorite vacation spot is still to be determined but we really enjoy Hawaii. We want to try going overseas more.
One thing I wish more people knew— tomorrow isn’t guaranteed. Try to live life to the fullest every day. It’s the negative things in life that you reflect on. Try to be a good person and don’t take anything for granted. “
Q: What is the best part of your day?
Going home to my family. I’m an early riser. I’m a big believer that every morning we have a choice: a good attitude or a bad attitude. Good attitudes usually last for the day and are infectious. It’s like what do you want to be known for—someone who is a grouch or someone who has a smile?
Q: What is your favorite outdoor activity?
Boating. I love boating and being out on the water. I get to spend time with my family and put the phone down and away.
SHANE WOLFE
DR. FADI NAIOOM
DOCTOR OF DENTAL MEDICINE, RESTORATION DENTAL
Q: Tell us a little about yourself.
I was born across the world in Iraq left right before the Gulf War and spent most of my childhood in New Zealand. When I was fifteen, my dad was given an opportunity at a hospital in Philadelphia. I spent my high school years in Philadelphia, moving to Arizona right as I was about to start college. I spent four years at the University of Arizona and then went to dental school down the street at A.T. Still University. I loved Mesa so much that I decided to open my practice here.
Q: What is the best part of Mesa?
How much growth has occurred here. I lived in Mesa while in dental school. Mesa is unrecognizable today from what it was back then. I love the family feel that this city has. The food scene is so broad that we find ourselves driving all over to get the best cuisine in town.
Q: What is the best part of your day?
The best part of my day is getting up in the morning and helping my kids get ready for school. On the drive to school, I’ll play their favorite songs in the car. It sets a great tone for my drive into work, helping me to make the most of my day.
Q: Tell us about your family.
My wife, Mary, and I have two children—a sixyear-old and a three-year-old. We like to explore new restaurants together. The food scene in the valley has blown up over the past five years and we are here for it!
Q: What is one thing you wish more people knew?
Some might already know this, but I wish everyone knew how much I care about changing the feeling around the profession of dentistry. I want people to want to come see us and look forward to their appointments like they do when it comes to going to their favorite aesthetician or plastic surgeon. I am on a mission to change the way people look at dentistry.
ADAM HETHERINGTON
REALTOR
Q: What would be the elevator pitch about yourself?
I’m a second-generation real estate professional, having grown up in a family where both of my parents were brokers, so real estate has always been a part of my life. With over twenty-three years of experience, I’ve learned that no two transactions are the same. I take pride in understanding each client’s unique needs and delivering results that align with their goals.
Q: What is the best part of Mesa?
I’m especially fond of Northeast Mesa, the proximity to the Usery Mountain Regional Park, excellent golf courses, and easy access to the Salt River make it a truly special place to live. It offers a unique balance of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and everyday convenience.
Q: What are your favorite local spots?
I enjoy spending time on the patio at Las Sendas Golf Club. it’s a great spot to unwind and take in the views. For morning coffee or business meetings, Hava Java is my go-to. When it comes to family
dinners, I always enjoy Nando’s Mexican Cafe for its welcoming atmosphere and consistently great food.
Q: What is the best part of your day?
My favorite part of the day is the morning—getting my kids off to school and starting the day together before things pick up. It’s a moment of consistency and connection before the day becomes busy with work, school pickups, and activities.
Q: What is your family’s favorite thing to do?
As a family, we love to travel—whether it’s a quick getaway to Cabo San Lucas, a relaxing weekend up in the pines, or a summer trip exploring destinations across Europe. It’s something we truly value as a way to spend quality time together and experience new places.
Q: What is one thing more people should know?
Time passes quickly. It’s important to be present, prioritize what matters most, and make time for the people and experiences that truly count.
Locally Owned & Locally Made
The wallet that makes a great gift for the men (and the ladies)
Meet Brett and Linoy, the ultimate team behind the Wallet Buckle company. Brett is practically a native to Arizona—born in Texas but he was raised in Arizona. He did a brief stint in LA to pursue acting but came back. Linoy moved to America at the age of 21 after completing her military service in Israel. She was pursuing a different quality of life. A pursuit that she is still living and acting out today along with her family.
Linoy, with her degree in business and marketing background, has been an entrepreneur since she got here. Settling first in Seattle and opening her own boutiques to eventually find herself on the roadshow circuit. Brett worked in sales, working with cookware and focused on roadshows. They met and combined everything, their lives and their businesses, creating unique boutique booths for roadshow attendees.
Throughout their adventure with roadshows, they eventually met Trevor and Justin Johnston, the creators of Wallet Buckle. You might be familiar with the name or even the product, the Johnston brothers did appear on Shark Tank in 2017. Brett and Linoy partnered with Trevor and started to exclusively sell Wallet Buckle products.
What is Wallet Buckle? It’s exactly what you’re thinking as you read the word. It’s a belt buckle wallet. Snap in the buckle to your belt and you’re good to go. Each buckle is designed to hold up to five cards—IDs, credit
ARTICLE BY ASHLEIGH UNDERWOOD
cards, debit cards, membership cards, the Wallet Buckle can hold them all. The buckles are designed with an internal curve that creates tension inside, keeping the cards secure so you are free to go about your day with errands or dance the night away at a concert or bar without worrying about losing your cards. When you need one, simply press on the cards and they slide right out. Ladies, you can leave the purses at home. Gentlemen, no need to worry about pickpockets when you’re going out.
Brett and Linoy started doing shows and going to big country concerts. Wallet Buckle is the perfect music festival companion, whether you are line dancing to country music or jumping up and down at a rock concert. Over time and as focus shifted for the owners, Brett and Linoy had the opportunity to take over Wallet Buckle. Since then, they’ve expanded the brand to include high quality, comfortable, and well-designed hats. They are also looking at adding clothing items soon!
While the main buckle case is manufactured elsewhere—the fronts, the design— is handmade in Arizona in Wallet Buckle’s factory. (It’s Brett and Linoy’s garage, can’t get more local or handmade than that.) Ownership has allowed the duo the creativity to create new buckle designs and use new materials to create the fronts. For example, the Beer Buckle collection was inspired by a poolside hang out where Brett thought the design on the can would make a good buckle. Linoy got to work, researching glues and how to make sure it adhered without
peeling over time or use. After months of research and testing, Linoy found the glue that would work with beer can material. Finding the right glue allowed for further innovation—animal skins. Each buckle is handmade with their front, using real materials that create unique accessory pieces.
Brett and Linoy raise their two daughters, who are already showing the same entrepreneurial spirit their parents have, in Arizona as they travel around the country going to festivals and concerts, sticking to the vendor market they know and love so well.
You can get your own Wallet Buckle at walletbuckle.com
When should I consider in-home care for myself or a loved one?
This quick checklist will help determine whether it’s time to have a conversation to see if in-home care or other care solutions are needed. you are Aging. miss taking Medications. Assistance needed by others to stay at home – help with transportation, errands, grocery, housecleaning, personal hygiene. Desire to stay at home.
A spouse of someone you are caring for – in-home care as a respite for a loved one.
When We Say We Travel, We Mean It!
Whether it’s setting up your wedding in a serene forest or by a picturesque river, we’ll be there to make your special day unforgettable. No destination is too far for us to bring our exceptional service to you.
“We got married 10.07.2023 in Strawberry Arizona at the Rim! Josh & Kasandra went up & beyond to make our day SO special! We got married in the woods with a limited power supply and limited notice for the exact location of our wedding! (Because it’s the middle of the woods and you never know!)
They took the time to meet us at our wedding location on the Rim days before the wedding! They took the time to ensure we were happy with the food and if we had enough to eat! Their crew was so helpful in arranging the tables and even table settings! They even packed our leftovers which we are still enjoying today!!
A huge shout out to Kasandra who took the time to help me breathe, take a moment to myself, and let me know it was my turn to walk down the aisle from afar! Thank you both so much! Our day wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for you guys! We would %100 recommend The Local Catering company as your choice for catering!!!” - Olivia Hammond
JUNE 2026
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
JUNE 2ND
Paint Nite: Sitting Seaside
200 N CENTENNIAL WAY MESA, AZ | 6:00 PM
This event is all about having fun while painting, so grab your friends and get ready for a lively night out. All painting supplies are included, ensuring a hassle-free experience as you dive into the world of art and creativity. Get your tickets online at: bit.ly/3OJGSJ9
JUNE 2ND
ARETHA: Queen of Soul
50 West Page Avenue Gilbert, AZ 85233 | 7:30 PM
Charity Lockhart, hailed as one of the finest vocalists in the country, stars in this spectacular homage to one of the greatest female vocalists of all time, Aretha Franklin. This one week only event is not one to miss. Get your tickets online at Hale Centre Theatre’s website.
JUNE 5TH
Blackberry Smoke
We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort, 10438 Wekopa Way, Fort McDowell, AZ 85264 | 7:00 PM
Part of their Rattle, Ramble, and Roll tour, Blackberry Smoke will be making a stop at We-Ko-Pa Casino! This event is a twenty-one and up event. Tickets start at $36.25 and can be purchased online at: www.etix.com/ticket/p/64463357/ blackberry-smoke-fort-mcdowellwekopa-casino
