Gentlemen’s Issue
This issue is about how men show up.
Over the past year, that idea has taken on a different weight for me personally. I became a father. And it’s been more of an adjustment than I expected.
There’s this tension in trying to balance it all.
Family, health, work responsibilities, social relationships. Some days feel aligned, and a lot of days don’t. I’ve had more moments than ever where it feels like I’m falling short across the board, like I didn’t accomplish what I set out to, or didn’t show up as fully as I wanted to.
But I’m starting to realize something simpler, and probably more important: it’s not about getting everything perfect. It’s about being consistent. Even on the days when you feel off, behind, or unsure.
Consistency is something I appreciate more now about my own father. He provided a steady presence you don’t fully understand until you’re responsible for showing up for someone else. And the older I get, the more I realize how much that matters.”
That idea of steady, intentional presence shows up in a lot of different ways throughout this issue.
We sat down with Dennis Doyle of Great Midwest Bank, whose leadership reflects a long-standing commitment to doing the right thing, even when it’s not the easiest path. It’s a story about legacy, but more importantly, about integrity and humility in practice.
In our Father’s Day feature, local dads like Mark Alexander and Mario Balistreri share what fatherhood looks like in real time: the lessons they’re learning, the values they’re trying to pass down, and the reminder that strength can be as simple as showing up.
Beyond these features, you’ll find conversations around modern wellness and self-care with Mike Johnson, along with inspiration for summertime grilling. We also explore presence through design in our driver’s manual, highlighting a vehicle that doesn’t demand attention, but instead creates space for a calmer, more intentional daily experience.
If this issue says anything, it’s this: showing up matters. At home. At work. In your community. And in the quiet moments no one else sees.
We’re all figuring it out as we go.
Here’s to the men leading by example!
June 2026
PUBLISHER
Cole Spitler | cole.spitler@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Jill Heilman | jill.heilman@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Alexis Venter | alexis.venter@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Jill Heilman
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Ashley Hicks Media Co
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
COLE SPITLER, PUBLISHER @MIDDLETONCITYLIFESTYLE
Great
Where Middleton’s pets are pampered and loved
RED & WHITE WINEBAR MIDDLETON
MIDDLETON
RED & WHITE WINEBAR
THE BENEVOLENT BANKER
A Fourth-Generation Business Built on a Precedent of Putting Customers, Coworkers, and the Community First
ARTICLE BY JILL HEILMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHLEY HICKS MEDIA CO
The heartbeat of this family legacy lives in the integrity of a handshake met with promises kept. Where a century of history is matched by a commitment to lead with a servant’s heart and common sense.
Dennis with his son Matthew and daughter Taylor.
“A mutual bank operates for the benefit of its depositors, borrowers, and the surrounding community. That is it.”
The story of Great Midwest Bank began in 1935 with a vision for a cooperative institution. Back then, it was Milwaukee Federal Savings and Loan, and the nearby bells on Cathedral Square became the unintentional jingle for a community’s savings. The business developed through the Doyle family tree, building trust and stature as it grew. It landed in Madison in the mid-seventies and rebranded in 1990 to better reflect its expanded identity. Today, fourth-generation President and CEO Dennis Doyle stands as the steward of that timeline. He is a man who leads with a present, visible warmth, a trait that makes him feel less like a faceless executive and more like a community’s collective father figure.
Dennis entered the story in the 1980s and built his journey from the bottom up. Foundational lessons through manual labor in a fireproof file room
apparently yield just the right amount of character. After graduating with what may have been the strongest work ethic a finance degree from UW-Madison had ever seen, he interviewed elsewhere with the intention to gain outside experience, but the industry knew better. His potential employers called his father to say they wouldn’t train his son, and with that, the door to the family business swung open. When the example led before you is one of honor and magnanimity, it feels less like a choice and more like the most pragmatically equitable path forward.
To fully understand Great Midwest Bank, it’s important to understand the beneficial difference of being a “mutual” institution. Unlike traditional banks tethered to the direction of shareholders and quarterly earnings reports, a mutual bank is owned entirely by its customers and operated as a
4th-gen. brothers, Dan and Dennis, with the 5th-gen.
cooperative financial ecosystem. Larger corporations are tied to a rigid manual; if you don’t fit the box, you don’t get the loan. GMB operates on a case-by-case basis, evaluating the human behind the circumstance. “It’s a dream job to run an institution without the demands of shareholders,” replacing the pressure of profit-chasing with the pursuit of quality stability. This structure allows the bank to “focus on the three Cs,” shares Dennis, “we take care of our customers, we do well by our coworkers, and we try to extend our best within our communities.”
Many years ago, their integrity was tested when interest rates skyrocketed overnight. While competitors allowed rate locks to expire to avoid losses, GMB honored every promise, even if it meant closing loans at a sizable loss to keep their word. This intellectual kindness and organized intention to do good for others has earned Dennis the label “benevolent,” and this type of leadership shows in their workplace. Influenced by years of coaching, Dennis sees everyone as a team player. “I always say a title is nothing but ink on a piece of paper. Everyone here pushes forward.” With his coach’s intuition, he encourages a comfortable confidence, enabling them to “give it their best shot” every day. A business is only as good as the people it empowers.
Cindy Mack, the Middleton branch Vice President, was recruited for her character, though she claims it was the ‘genuine niceness culture’ that drew her in. The guarantee of being able to interact with people like Cindy, who naturally embody the company’s ethos, ensures that their door remains open to everyone.
For Dennis, success is simple. It comes down to staying “on the right side of humility, pride, ego, and greed.” The fifth generation is bolstering the future, and they already understand the assignment. Seeing his children, Matthew and Taylor, alongside his nephews, Drew and Mikey, in the office gives Dennis an opportunistic spark and fatherly drive to lead with intention. They are the next stewards of a community trust. And he has been entrusted with passing down the legacy of doing the right thing, one neighbor at a time.
Cindy, our good-hearted community branch manager.
fathers reflect on their lives as role models
FOUR LOCAL MEN ON THE HONEST, PROUD, AND HUMBLING REALITY OF FATHERHOOD
Mario Balistreri
Business Owner, Consultant
YOUR PARENTING STYLE IN 3 VERBS:
Lead, encourage, support
HAS BECOMING A DAD CHANGED YOU?
Completely. It cut through a lot of selfish thinking. Things that felt important don’t anymore. You start thinking about who your kids will become and realize your actions have a direct influence on them.
HARDEST LESSON?
Patience and not to assume there is an understanding.
ADVICE FOR YOUR CHILDREN:
Choose what’s right, even when it costs you. Follow your passions and curiosities. Build the life you want, or it will be built for you. Build good habits early. Be persistent, don’t give up when it gets hard; the harder it is, the more rewarding.
WHAT PART OF YOUR FATHER DO YOU SEE IN YOURSELF?
His work ethic and the quiet way he carried responsibility. My dad was always there when I needed him.
Mark Alexander
Owner – Actuate LLC
ADVICE FOR YOUR CHILDREN:
Honesty, integrity & kindness start with being kind and true to yourself. Vulnerability isn’t weakness; it’s a strength. Never stop trying.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A FATHER?
It is an important privilege, different from being a parent. I am a parent, but I am also a father! A father is a role model who is consistent, supportive, caring, directing, and nurturing.
ADVICE FOR A SOON-TO-BE DAD:
Don’t approach situations like you know it all. Ask for help. Give it your best effort. You’ll never get those days back, so when you fail, keep trying. They will always need you, even when they don’t act like it.
HAS BECOMING A DAD CHANGED YOU?
Yes! I feel it was a gradual and continual change. I have both failed and learned more than I ever have.
Paul Chellevold
Director of Planning/Funding and Grants – SRF Consulting Group
YOUR PARENTING STYLE IN 3 WORDS: Honest, encouraging, proud
ADVICE FOR YOUR CHILDREN:
Advocate for yourself: The world will not wait for you! If you want something, pursue it with passion and determination. You’ll find your confidence when you put your best foot forward and trust the path. If everyone I coached believed in themselves half as much as I did, they would be unstoppable.
ADVICE FROM YOUR DAD THAT HAS STUCK WITH YOU:
I still find myself trying to solve every problem. My dad taught me that it’s okay to be a sounding board. Be present. Once kids articulate their issue, have them be a part of their own solution.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A FATHER?
Greatest privilege on earth. My family shapes everything I do and motivates me to be the best version of myself.
Ben Hurd VP, Commercial Leasing – Investors Associated
DESCRIBE FATHERHOOD IN 4 WORDS:
Proud, humbling, educational, challenging
YOUR PARENTING STYLE IN 3 VERBS:
Loving, supportive, demanding
ADVICE FOR A SOON-TO-BE DAD:
You’ll never be fully prepared, but be ready for the mental and financial responsibility. Spend as much time together as you can. Be as loving and compassionate as possible, yet always push them to do more.
ADVICE FOR YOUR CHILDREN:
Enjoy every day to the fullest – time is very fleeting. Maintain a good work ethic – challenge yourself daily. Have a sense of humor – don’t take things too seriously, but respect everyone.
HOW HAS FATHERHOOD REDEFINED YOUR DEFINITION OF SUCCESS?
Once you’re a Dad, you understand the importance of being a role model. Life is no longer about you; it’s about the health, happiness, and success of your children and the life you have created to support them.
Discover the Ultimate
Tailored Just For You.
Collin Trainor, DDS
Austin Wessell, DDS
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
Merrill Lynch Wealth Management 2 East Mifflin Street Suite 900 Madison, WI 53703
608.283.2719 fa.ml.com/andrew-b-charles
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (MLPF&S) is a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, and Member SIPC. Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC and MLPF&S are wholly owned subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation.
The Bull Symbol and Merrill are registered trademarks of Bank of America Corporation. CFP Board owns the marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® , and CFP® (with plaque design) in the U.S.
A Senior Portfolio Advisor can help clients pursue their objectives by managing on a discretionary basis custom investment strategies, selecting from a wide range of Merrill model portfolios and third-party investment strategies. © 2025 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved. MAP6209646 | AD-01-25-2573 | 470944PM-0124 | 02/2025
SENSIBLE LUXURY
DESIGNED WITH INTENTION
In a world that rarely slows down, the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus feels like an intentional pause. It’s the kind of SUV that fits into daily life in Madison without asking for attention. Whether you’re heading down the Beltline, pulling into Hilldale, or heading towards the lakes for the weekend, it guarantees a reliable escape you can depend on.
Inside, the cabin settles you almost immediately. A wide digital display stretches across the dash, but nothing feels overwhelming. Soft materials, warm lighting, and subtle details create a space that feels more like a sanctuary than a vehicle.
There’s a calmness to it that stands out, not because it’s flashy, but because it isn’t. The Nautilus is designed around ease. It makes familiar drives feel a little less rushed and long ones a little more manageable.
ARTICLE BY MIDDLETON CITY LIFESTYLE | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY LINCOLN
The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus: Built for the Pace of Madison and the Moments in Between
2026 Lincoln Nautilus
A turbocharged engine provides a punch of strength when you need it, while available hybrid power adds efficiency without changing the efficacy of the drive. Inside, Lincoln’s technology stays in the background: helping with traffic, lane changes, and parking, but never overpowering the hands-on experience. It’s there to ease the edges of everyday driving, not redefine them.
VEHICLE TYPE: Front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door SUV
ENGINE: Turbocharged 2.0L inline-4
POWER: 250 hp @ 5,500 rpm
TORQUE: 280 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm
AVAILABLE HYBRID: 2.0L turbo charged hybrid system
OUTPUT: 285 hp (system)
TRANSMISSION: 8-speed automatic
SUSPENSION: Independent front and rear
BRAKES: 4-wheel vented disc
WHEELBASE: 114.2 in
LENGTH: 193.2 in
WIDTH: 76.9 in
HEIGHT: 68.2 in
EPA FUEL ECONOMY: 21 city / 29 highway / 24 combined mpg
Lincoln
SUMMER GRILL
RECIPES
ARTICLE BY KATIE BOBROW
THESE DELICIOUS RECIPES ARE LIGHT, BRIGHT AND FEEL LIKE SUMMER
The sun has returned, and grilling season is upon us. With the nice weather comes vegetable gardens and fresh produce, along with the overwhelming desire to be outside as much as possible. We’ve compiled some fresh and light dishes that you can shop for at your local farmers market and whether you’re looking for a quick mid-week meal or something to grill for a crowd on the weekend these dishes won’t disappoint. These pair well together or can stand on their own!
DIRECTIONS:
1. Place skirt steak into gallon freezer bag
2. Combine all other ingredients in bowl and mix. Pour over steak and marinate for 3-4 hours or overnight in the fridge.
3. Bring skirt steak to room temperature by letting it sit out for one hour.
4. Get your grill hot on one side and medium on the other.
5. Once the grill is ready, wipe excess marinade off steak. Starting on the hot side, place skirt steak on grill for 2 minutes per side, attaining a nice sear.
6. Transfer steak to the cooler side of grill and cook until the internal temp is 130°. Let rest for 10 minutes (temp will rise while resting).
7. Carve and serve. This dish pairs well with beans and rice or served as tacos. Following is a chimichurri sauce that compliments it nicely.
*Outside skirt steak is a more tender cut than inside skirt steak, for this recipe outside skirt is recommended. Do not use too much lime as the citrus can cook the meat before putting it on the grill, resulting in a tougher texture.
SIMPLE SKIRT STEAK
INGREDIENTS:
• 2lbs. Outside skirt steak*
• 2 Tablespoons lime*
• 2 Tablespoons finely,
chopped cilantro
• ¼ Cup olive oil or avocado oil
• ¼ White onion, finely chopped
• 1 Tablespoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
CHIMICHURRI
INGREDIENTS:
• ½ Cup parsley, finely chopped
• ½ Cup cilantro, finely chopped
• 2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 3 Cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Red chili (whole or deseeded depending on desired level of heat)
• ½ Teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 Teaspoon salt
• 1 Tablespoon lime juice (optional)
DIRECTIONS:
Combine all ingredients in a bowl. You can make this in the late morning and let it sit for around 4-6 hours, or you can make it the day before and let the flavors meld overnight in the fridge. Just be sure to take it out and get it to room temp before you serve it, as olive oil hardens in the fridge. Serve over skirt steak or tacos.
ROASTED CORN SALSA
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 Ears sweet corn
• 10oz. Cherry tomatoes
• ¼ Cup lime juice
• 1 Finely chopped jalapeno or serrano (whole or deseeded depending on desired level of heat)
• ¼ Cup cilantro, finely chopped
• ½ Cup white onion, chopped
• 2 Cloves garlic, minced
• Salt to taste
DIRECTIONS:
1. Grill corn, you do not need to soak the corn beforehand.
2. Place corn on the grill (inside their husks) over medium heat turning every few minutes.
3. After 10 to 12 minutes shuck the corn and put the cobs back on the grill for 2-4 minutes rotating frequently to achieve that charred look and flavor.
4. Cut the corn from the cob, place in bowl and add all other ingredients. Let the mixture meld for about an hour and serve with tortilla chips or as a taco garnish.
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
JUNE 6TH
Ada’s Forever 5K & 1-Mile Walk
1413 Tierney Drive, Waunakee | 9:30 AM
Join the 3rd annual Ada’s Forever 5K and 1-mile walk, a family-friendly fundraiser supporting Ada’s Spark in the fight against childhood cancer. Held in memory of Ada, this uplifting event features activities for kids, a raffle, and community fun while raising funds for research, bereavement services, and patient support. Register by May 15th!
JUNE 8TH
Rotary 2026 Golf Outing
Pleasant View Golf Course - 1322 N Pleasant View Road, Middleton | 8:00 AM
Spend a day on the course while supporting a meaningful cause at this annual outing hosted by the Madison West Middleton Rotary Club. The event blends friendly competition, networking, and community impact, with proceeds benefiting local and global service projects. Registration is $140 per golfer, with a dinner-only option available.
JUNE 11TH
Gilda’s Backyard BBQ
Gilda’s Club Wisconsin - 7907 UW Health Court, Middleton | 5:30 PM
Gather in Gilda’s backyard for an adult evening featuring live music, lip-smacking BBQ fare provided by Blue Plate Catering, and thirst-quenching adult beverages. Tickets are $75 each, and all proceeds help keep cancer support free in Wisconsin.
JUNE 19TH
Live Music: Foo Foo Dolls at Capital Brewery
7734 Terrace Avenue, Middleton | 6:00 PM
Kick off your weekend with live music from the Foo Foo Dolls, a high-energy 90s rock cover band known for nostalgic hits and crowd-engaging performances. Grab a drink, settle into the bier garden, and enjoy a lively summer evening. $5 cover charge.
JUNE 23RD
Luxury Tier Wine Tasting at The Hellers
331 E Main Street, Waunakee | 7:00 PM
Enjoy an intimate, in-home wine tasting experience featuring thoughtfully curated luxury selections paired with elevated bites. Hosted in an elegant yet relaxed setting, this exclusive evening invites guests to sip, savor, and connect. $75 per person; $50 for Carpe Vinum and Case Club members. Limited spots available.
JUNE 25TH
Waunakee Neighborhood Connection Cheese Raffle Fundraiser
331 E Main Street, Waunakee | 6:30 PM
Save the date for an evening of connection and community at Red & White Wine Bar. This fundraiser brings neighbors together in support of Waunakee Neighborhood Connection. Enjoy a fun atmosphere with live music, cheese raffle, great wine, and meaningful conversation.
