Minneapolis Lakes, MN April 2024

Prepare to Invest

What a strange winter we have had! It was nice to have a bit of a “break” this year, but as always, I am looking forward to spring. Longer days, sunlight, flowers, rain, more warmth and more green. Hopefully, we won’t have too many surprise blizzards along the way.

Speaking of green, April marks the month for our Investment issue. Invest can mean a lot of things, but I like to think of it holistically. Investing in family, friends, community, local businesses, selfcare and improving all the little things one can along the way – whatever category that might mean to you.

Centered Wealth, located in Linden Hills, prides itself on educating and coaching clients on how to be a “conscious” investor. Where you invest your retirement funds can help impact positive change while growing your portfolio at the same time. We spoke with Jina Penn-Tracy and Anya Gage about the importance of understanding the where and why of your money.

If you are thinking about starting a new business, Bridgewater Bank has great resources. Tony Ferraro, Managing Director of Commercial Lending, answers some questions on how to fund your new ventures.

Investing can be more than financial. Our very own Sarah Knieff dives into some fun travel ideas if you’re looking to invest in seeing new places. From Florida to Greece, Africa to Japan - it makes one want to jump into the pages of the magazine and go! If you are looking to invest in healthy meals, we have a fun new recipe to check out.

Electric vehicles are becoming quite common these days as the world shifts to alternative driving options. More and more manufacturers are jumping on board with committing to innovation. The all-new Acura ZDX is now available to check out online as well as locally at Luther Bloomington Acura.

Being part of the Minneapolis Lakes community means so much to me, our team, and the people who live, work and play here. We are all investing in our own unique ways to make this a great place to be. Minneapolis Lakes Lifestyle magazine is prepared to invest in helping to connect and create as much community as we can by spotlighting local people and businesses, hosting events, supporting charities, and bringing positive stories to your home each month.

Wishing you a Happy Spring!

ALEXANDRA PATTY, PUBLISHER @MINNEAPOLISLAKES

April 2024

PUBLISHER

Alexandra Patty | alexandra.patty@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Sarah Knieff | sarah.knieff@citylifestyle.com

MARKET SUPPORT COORDINATOR

Kassi Miranowski | kassi.miranowski@citylifestyle.com

SALES SUPPORT COORDINATOR

Susan Shannon | susan.shannon@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sue Baldani, Sarah Knieff

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Lucy Hawthorne

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

AD DESIGNER Whitney Lockhart

DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

business monthly

A Weekend of Fun and Learning With Quality Coaches

Come one! Come all! And bring your MG! John Twist returns May 4-5 for a weekend of fun and tech knowledge in the service bay at Quality Coaches. John is an MG wizard and worked for the University of Motors in Hounslow, England, for years. Over the two days, he will present classroom knowledge and repair cars during a demonstration. Tuition is $135 per day, which covers lunch. Call Quality Coaches at 612-824-4155 for further details or to add your name to the list. quality-coaches.com.

Optimize Your Overall Health and Well-being

At Panka Natural Health in Hopkins, Dr. Haley and Dr. Jacob Panka have developed a holistic Cardiovascular Wellness Program for those with high blood pressure, cholesterol issues, and heart disease. Their personalized approach includes in-depth lab analysis and treatment plans that emphasize natural treatments to optimize your overall health and well-being. They also offer naturopathic medicine services for the entire family, including women’s health, hormone, and digestive concerns. Learn more at pankanaturalhealth.com.

Brookies: Elevating the At-Home Chef

Brookies Fish Market not only offers fresh fish and seafood, but has many products that will compliment your next meal and satisfy your culinary curiosities. Its variety of goods includes pastas, oils, marinades, stocks, seasonings, ramen broths, desserts, bao buns, kimchi, beverages, and much more. Whatever your foodie needs are, visit your friendly neighborhood fishmongers today! brookiesfishmarket.com.

What time is it? It’s eye-appointment o’clock!

Eye exams are fast, painless, and important to your health. Plus our on-site optometrist, Chad Legois, is really nice, we promise! Book online or give us a call. Exams are $120– $150 and most Blue Cross and Medica plans are accepted.

4318 Upton Ave S. MPLS owloptical.com 612-367-4106

Finding Your Center

ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI PHOTOGRAPHY BY LUCY HAWTHORNE

At the age of 19, Jina Penn-Tracy was diagnosed with cancer. The impact that that had on her life was tremendous. “I became much more aware of environmental contamination and the impact of chemicals on the environment,” she says. “I read something by Hazel Henderson, an amazing woman, futurist and economist, and her whole message was that what we do to the environment is a direct result of how we spend our money, how we invest our money.”

INVESTING IN YOURSELF, YOUR COMMUNITY, AND THE WORLD

"LIVE ACCORDING TO YOUR DEEPEST VALUES, WHICH WILL THEN ALLOW YOU TO HAVE A MORE CENTERED LIFE."

Adding to that, the South Africa divestment movement aimed at ending apartheid in the 1990s, Jina started investing in socially responsible mutual funds, but couldn’t find anyone to assist her. “So, I became the financial advisor that I couldn't find out there in the world,” says Jina. “At that point, there weren't very many people doing SRI [socially responsible investing] as they were called then and what is now referred to as ESG [environmental, social, and corporate governance] investing, impact investing or sustainable investing.”

She has spent her entire 22-year career focused on investments for herself and her clients that promote stronger communities and a healthier world. In 2017, she partnered with Stuart Valentine, who was working for the same broker-dealer she was with at the time, and together they founded Centered Wealth®.

Centered Wealth, says Jina, uses all of the traditional wealth management tools and approaches, so the same types of things you would do with a typical investment or wealth manager - such as risk assessment, retirement or education planning, looking at your cash flow and your investment goals and taxes - you will do with her.

“But we also include a couple of different value assessments,” she says. “One is focused on how your investments could be making a difference in the world, what you don't want to invest in, and what are your top priorities. We then use that impact assessment in your portfolio design. Then we develop your financial plan based on an assessment of your core values as a human being, your values as a family, and/or as a couple. Unfortunately,  people have gotten the message that this type of approach doesn't make as much money. I see the opposite happening. In addition to the fact that ESG investing matches traditional investment outcomes,  when people are aligned with how they are invested, they make better financial choices. Our research shows that behavior change makes a big difference in investment outcomes.  You can see the research on both of these on our website.”

CONTINUED >

Net-zero House. Photo by Spacecrafters.

Jina believes another way they stand out as a financial firm is their willingness to take no for an answer. “When you're working with an advisor, I think a lot of people are given the message that they should just give over their power to their advisor, trust the advisor, put the decision-making in the hands of the advisor and do whatever the advisor says. We have a much more collaborative approach. We want clients to feel ownership of their money so that when they're taking actions in the world, they actually know what they're doing with their money. It’s an expression of who they are and how they want the world to change, on both a personal and global level.”

The name of the company came from the idea that being centered is the feeling they want their clients to have. “When you have your investments and your financial planning aligned with your core values, you become much more resilient,” she says. “You become able to make choices that are in better alignment with what you really want to have happen in your life. When people are aligned internally, they can weather the storms of a market going up and down or of unexpected things happening in their lives.”

Jina’s business partner, Stuart, works in Iowa, and Jina in Linden Hills with her daughter, Anya Gage. “Anya started working with me in 2018,” she says. “We both thought it was going to be temporary, but when she started to work with me and work with our clients, she became much more interested in the work that I do, mostly because her background was focused on social justice. She had been working on a degree in Economic Geography. She realized those things went together very well with the work that we were doing and how it was very tangible in individuals’ lives - our clients’ lives - but also working to better the lives of people across the planet.”

Today, Anya is a fully licensed investment advisor, completed her degree in sustainability, and has been taking on clients for the past couple of years. “It's just amazing to be able to work together,” says Jina.

While Jina focuses on environmental concerns in her business life, she is also very active in promoting a better community and world in her personal life. In addition to her volunteer work with MN350, which focuses on pushing institutions to tie their investments to their institutional values, and the Minnesota Divestment Coalition, which promotes divestment from the top 200 carbon-based companies in state pension funds, she and her husband built a net-zero house in Linden Hills.

“It was designed to fit into the neighborhood and look like it's always been there, but it was also designed from the ground up with super high efficiency,” she says. “These are the types of things I encourage my clients to do – to live according to your deepest values, which will then allow you to have a more centered life.”

Schedule a complimentary in-person or virtual meeting at Centered-Wealth.com and find out more about investing in what you truly care about in this world.

Centered Wealth is not a registered broker-dealer nor a registered investment advisor. Centered Wealth and Vanderbilt Financial Group are separate and unaffiliated entities. Vanderbilt Financial Group is the marketing name for Vanderbilt Securities, LLC and its affiliates. Securities offered through Vanderbilt Securities, LLC. Member FINRA, SIPC. Registered with MSRB. Clearing agent: Fidelity Clearing & Custody Solutions Advisory Services offered through Vanderbilt Advisory Services & Consolidated Portfolio Review. Clearing agents: Fidelity Clearing & Custody Solutions, Charles Schwab & TD Ameritrade Insurance Services offered through Vanderbilt Insurance and other agencies. Supervising Office: 55 Main Street, Suite 415 Newmarket, NH 03857 603-659-7626. For additional information on services, disclosures, fees, and conflicts of interest, please visit www.vanderbiltfg.com/disclosures.

Jina and Anya

ARTICLE BY SARAH KNIEFF

CRYSTAL WATERS, RICH CULTURE AND NATURAL BEAUTY

EXPLORE A NEW DESTINATION THIS SUMMER

Spring is here folks, which means summer travel plans are just around the corner. If you’re looking for a new place to explore, these unique destinations offer the perfect place to invest your days off in.

Anna

"Anna Maria Island is a place where ‘old’ Florida charm can still be found, flip flops are a way of life and the speed limit never exceeds 35 mph."

“Once a best-kept secret among Floridians, Anna Maria Island has always been known for its sugar-white beach coastline, emerald green and blue Gulf waters, and quaint business districts. Today, it is known as a vacation favorite among local, national and international travelers. From honeymooners to Hollywood film crews, youngsters to the young-at-heart, people from around the world have discovered what’s awaiting you – A Piece of Paradise.

“Enjoy a sunrise overlooking Tampa Bay and a picture-perfect Florida sunset over the Gulf of Mexico all in one day! Anna Maria Island is an ideal place to get away from it all. Beautiful tropical foliage embraces you as you relax, watch the dolphins play, and the manatees glide through the water.

“Anna Maria Island is a place where ‘old’ Florida charm can still be found, flip flops are a way of life and the speed limit never exceeds 35 mph. High-rise condos and fast food restaurants are pleasantly absent from our pristine vacation destination.” – Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce

Top attractions include: Manatee Beach, Coquina Beach Market, Robinson Preserve, shopping on Bridge Street, horseback riding, Anna Maria Trolley, sea fishing, Sunshine Skyway Bridge and Rod Reel Pier.

CONTINUED >

Anna Maria Island, Florida

Anna Maria Island

Kenya, East Africa

“For sheer awe-inspiring travel, few countries can match Kenya. Its national reserves and conservancies are well-protected havens for some of the most endangered wildlife on the planet, from lions and cheetahs in the Maasai Mara in the south to elephants and black rhinos in Samburu in the north. Its tribal culture has its roots in the Great Rift Valley, the cradle of human civilization itself. And in Nairobi, it has one of Africa's most bustling, up-and-coming cities. Those looking for a more laid-back trip will find azure waters and white sands near Mombasa, where Kenya meets the Indian Ocean.” – CNN Travel

Top attractions include: Amboseli National Park for guaranteed elephant sightings, Fort Jesus, David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Nairobi National Park, Shela Beach for pristine white sand, Lake Nakuru, Giraffe Centre, Lamu Museum and Laikipia Plateau.

Kyoto, Japan

“Surrounded by rich natural beauty, Kyoto is a city with a unique repertoire of compelling culture that has been refined over the past 1,200 years. Tradition lives on through ‘machiya,’ traditional wooden townhouses where residents spend modern lives today, yearly events unique to Kyoto like the famous Gion Matsuri, the culture of Kyoto's Hanamachi district where geisha live and work, and through Jizo statues (statues made of clay, bronze or stone that represent the guardian deity of children and travelers) found throughout the city.

“Kyoto's tradition adds color to everyday life through Japanese food – which is generally healthy and has good nutritional balance – as well as an appreciation for tea, and flower arrangements placed tastefully in open spaces. By experiencing this kaleidoscopic culture firsthand, travelers can enjoy a deeper perspective on Kyoto and its history.” – Travel Japan

Top attractions include: Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, Kinkakuji Temple, Nijo Castle, Monkey Park Iwatayama, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Nishiki Market Shopping District, Eikando Zenrinji Temple.

Kenya

Kyoto

“Surrounded by rich natural beauty, Kyoto is a city with a unique repertoire of compelling culture that has been refined over the past 1,200 years."

Santorini Island, Greece

“A massive volcanic eruption around 1650 B.C. forced the center of what was then a single island to implode and succumb to the sea. Some say that this was the original home of the lost city of Atlantis, which long ago disappeared into the ocean's depths. Whatever remains of this mythological metropolis is now guarded by beautiful beaches and stately whitewashed homes.

“Today, Santorini consists of two inhabited islands and several islets. Most visitors spend their time on Thira (the archipelago's largest island), which is home to Santorini's major towns, including Fira and Oia. Sleepy Thirassia makes for a relaxing day trip too. And don't count out the quieter islands: Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni are worth exploring.

“Your first order of business in Santorini is to hit the colorful beaches – the black and red sands make for a memorable visit. Next up, indulge in the archaeological delights of the impressively preserved Ancient Akrotiri or hike to Ancient Thera to see the ruins of three empires, including the Romans. From there, catch a breathtaking view of the caldera, a brilliant turquoise pool of water that serves as the nucleus for the varied isles of this archipelago.” – U.S. News & World Report

Top attractions include: the Ancient Thera Archaeological Site, Museum of Prehistoric Thera, Akrotiri, Red Beach, Santo Wines, Skaros Rock, Ammoudi Bay and Three Bells of Fira.

Santorini Island

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HOW TO FUND A

BUSINESS

Financial Insight From Bridgewater Bank

Thinking about starting a new business, but not sure how to fund it? It’s okay, Tony Ferraro, managing director of commercial lending for Bridgewater Bank, has got your back. Using his 25 years of finance experience, he is here to answer three critical funding questions that all entrepreneurs ask. Read on, you may be surprised by his responses.

>

ARTICLE BY SARAH KNIEFF PHOTOGRAPHY BY KORY KEVIN STUDIO

HOW CAN I FUND MY NEW BUSINESS?

How someone goes about funding a new business depends a lot on the overall complexity and startup capital needs.

If someone is starting a business that needs very little initial seed money, they may use personal resources such as equity in their home, higher interest options like credit cards – which I don’t advise if possible – or loans from friends and family.

For more capital-intensive startup businesses, you may see a combination of personal resources and bank financing. Often a Small Business Administration loan comes into play.  These loans provide

a 75% guaranty to the bank from the U.S. government for the traditional SBA loan product or a 50% guaranty for their SBA express program, which is a more streamlined program for smaller loans.

Start-up businesses are inherently higher risk as they do not have historically proven cash flow to make loan payments, and there may be a lack of collateral to secure the loan.  An SBA loan with a government guaranty may make it an acceptable credit risk for a bank to approve a loan.

In some areas, there are also grants or other types of programs that provide some startup capital which should be looked into. Many can be found by a simple

Google search. There are also crowdfunding options as well as venture capital available for businesses where outside investors see an opportunity for growth in the business.

Sometimes the startup capital needs are very intensive and in these situations you typically see someone find outside investors or partners that have additional financial resources to fund the business. Typically a percentage of ownership in the business is given to attract this kind of funding. Consideration should be given to what you are giving up by taking on these partners as well as what kind of control they will require.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CHOOSING A LOCAL LENDER?

The biggest benefit of choosing a local lender is having direct access to a banker who will know you by name, who can meet with you in person, understand your needs, and provide advice on how best to fund your new business.

I HAVE CHOSEN MY FUNDING AVENUE. WHAT’S NEXT?

If you are using your personal resources, the next steps are pretty simple. You may be using a combination of your own money and taking out a home equity loan. These can be done by yourself and on your own time.

As you progress to bank financing for something like an SBA loan, you will want to put together a well-thought-out business plan that includes financial projections that make sense with the amount of loan you are requesting. The help of a CPA or business consultant is often useful during this process. An attorney may also become necessary if you are looking at crowdfunding or bringing in outside investment.

On the more complex startups with sizable outside investment being requested, you will often need to put together a thorough pitch deck laying out the business plan, projections, and anticipated returns for investors. Those looking for this level of investment typically have experience in prior startups or have hired the help of consultants, CPAs, and attorneys to help them put it all together.

After you have your business plan or pitch deck, you can approach investors with your idea and, hopefully, they will agree to fund your venture.

For more startup advice, visit bridgewaterbankmn.com, stop by the St. Louis Park office located at 4450 Excelsior Blvd, Suite 100 or call 952.893.6868.

Tony Ferraro Photo by Jason Player.

Concerned about your home investment? We can help you see the bigger picture. Call or email now for a complimentary, no-obligation, in-depth property analysis. Simply email your name and home address or call it in to speak with an agent today. We’re here for you and your home.

952-473-7000 | contactus@fazhomes.com

- Andy Fazendin, Broker/Owner of Fazendin Realtors

Ready to start your career in real estate? Join Fazendin Realtors.

Looking to partner with new and experienced real estate professionals, we offer new agent scholarships, in-person training, a full-time support team, and more. Learn more by visiting: www.fazhomes.com/become-a-fazendin-realtor

ARTICLE BY SARAH KNIEFF

Electric Invest in

Acura is going all-electric with its spring launch of the new ZDX. The name comes from a 2010 model, but unlike the boxy, gas-powered original, this 2024 SUV’s look is sleek with a floating roof, smooth sides and a grille with a light-up border.

Engineered with a low center of gravity and near 50/50 weight distribution, the base A-Spec model provides 342 horsepower and an estimated 309-mile EPA range rating. The Type S, an all-wheel drive, dual motor variant, is also available, increasing horsepower to 500. The A-Spec can be upgraded to include all-wheel drive.

No matter the road conditions, the available adaptive air suspension provides a smooth and comfortable driving experience. The Type S’s advanced system raises the SUV during snow mode when extra clearance is needed and lowers it when sport mode is activated.

Both models offer a rich, premium interior with high-grade authentic materials, featuring brushed aluminum accents and Milano leather trim.

A first for Acura, the ZDX has Google built-in, providing an effortless and familiar user interface. Google Assistant can make calls, text friends, set reminders or change the cabin temperature. Google Maps shares important information, including live traffic updates, proactive alerts, and detailed directions.

Exclusive to the Type S, Acura 360+ introduces enhanced assist technology that will help drivers feel more relaxed and comfortable. Hands-free cruise enables a true hands-free driving experience and automatic parking assist takes the stress out of parallel parking.

Pricing starts at $64,500 for the base A-Spec and goes up to $74,500 for a fully-tailored Type S.

To find out more about the 2024 all-electric ZDX, contact Kris LaMere at Bloomington Acura.

7801 Lyndale Ave. S | 952-881-6200 | bloomingtonacura.com

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MINNEAPOLIS LAKES LIFESTYLE

APRIL 2024

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

APRIL 4TH

Twins vs Guardians: Home Opener

Target Field | 1:00 PM

Attend the Minnesota Twins Home Opener. The first 10,000 fans will receive an Opening Weekend Beanie. mlb.com/twins.

APRIL 5TH-7TH

A Midsummer Night's Dream

Luminary Arts Center

Reality and fantasy collide in a contemporary retelling of William Shakespeare’s spellbinding “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Witness the transformative power of desire come to life under the moonlight as lovers are driven by mistaken identity and magical enchantment. Inspired by astrological themes woven throughout Shakespeare’s text, linger in the chaos and beauty of love until dawn. balletcolaboratory.org.

APRIL 5TH-7TH

ON YOUR FEET!

Ordway Center for the Performing Arts

ON YOUR FEET! is the inspiring true story about heart, heritage and two people who believed in their talent – and each other – to become an international sensation: Gloria and Emilio Estefan. Now their story is an all-new exhilarating original musical winning the hearts of critics and audiences alike. ordway.org.

APRIL 8TH

Solar Big Year – 2024 Eclipse

Bell Museum | 10:00 AM

Celebrate Minnesota’s partial view of the upcoming solar eclipse at the Bell. Throughout the day, the museum will have a plethora of solar-focused activities, a livestream of the eclipse, a new eclipse flipbook pattern, and expert astronomy staff to answer all of your solar questions. bellmuseum.umn.edu.

APRIL 13TH

Hot Chocolate Run

724 Sibley St. NE | 8:00 AM

The Hot Chocolate Run series is back for the 2023/2024 season! Join the chocolate movement that's taking over the country. This race has it all – two distances, premium swag and a post-race chocolate experience like no other. And, for the second year in a row, it’s partnered with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital to help end childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. hotchocolate15k.com/city/minneapolis.

APRIL 27TH

New Gild Jewelers 7th Birthday Celebration

New Gild Jewelers | 10:00 AM

New Gild Jewelers is celebrating its birthday and you’re invited to the party. Join them for cupcakes, mimosas and special offers. newgild.com.

Photo by Jennifer Bischoff

eat kind

EMBRACING A PARTNERSHIP WITH YOUR BODY

Wellness isn’t about restricting — it’s really about giving. Giving to yourself and to your body in a way that allows them both to thrive. The cool part? The things that give to your body naturally give to your mind, your hormones, your earth, your relationships, and so on — it’s all beautifully interconnected in that way.

Eat your greens, cook at home, choose local produce and quality meats, don’t be scared of healthy fats — but also support local farmers, move in a way that makes your body and mind feel good, prioritize times of mindfulness and stillness.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 6 oz. filets of wild caught salmon

• 1 Tbsp. avocado oil

• 1 Tbsp. coconut aminos

• Zest and juice from one lemon

• 1 Tbsp. stone ground mustard

• 1 4 oz. container coconut yogurt, unsweetened

• 2 Tbsp. fresh dill, minced

• 2 Tbsp. capers, drained and minced

• Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS:

1. Marinate the salmon in the lemon juice, coconut aminos, and stone ground mustard for up to two hours.

2. Drizzle salmon with avocado oil, sprinkle with salt and ground pepper, and broil on high for five to seven minutes, until cooked to desired temperature.

3. Mix coconut cream, lemon zest, dill, capers, and ground pepper together.

4. Top salmon with coconut cream, serve with roasted or sautéed veggies, brown or cauliflower rice, or fresh greens. Enjoy!

simple roasted salmon with dill coconut cream