BARBECUE WITH THE BOYS
A Gentle Reminder for the Gentlemen Among Us
When I think about what it means to be a “gentleman,” I don’t think about titles, status, or even outward success. I think about character. I think about consistency. I think about the quiet, everyday ways someone shows up for the people they love. For me, that reflection begins at home.
I am endlessly grateful for my husband, Gary Burns. Gary leads our family with a steady kind of strength rooted in integrity, patience, and love. He doesn’t just talk about values, he lives them. Whether it’s through the way he handles challenges, supports our family, or simply shows up day after day, he sets the tone for what leadership truly looks like. It’s not loud or boastful; it’s intentional, grounded, and deeply felt.
And then there’s our son, Jaxx.
At 12 years old, he’s at that beautiful, impressionable stage of life where he’s watching everything, absorbing more than we realize, and beginning to shape his understanding of the world and his place in it. It’s incredible to witness, and it’s also a powerful reminder of how important strong male role models are for the next generation.
Young men like Jaxx are learning not just from what they’re told, but from what they see. They’re learning how to treat others, how to handle adversity, how to lead, and how to love. That responsibility doesn’t fall on just one person, it belongs to all of us as a community.
This Gentleman’s Issue is a celebration of the men who are showing up in meaningful ways, fathers, mentors, coaches, business leaders, and friends who are choosing to lead with character. It is also a gentle call to action.
Who are the young men in your life or your community who could benefit from your time, your encouragement, or your example? Sometimes showing up doesn’t require grand gestures. It can be as simple as offering guidance, listening without judgment, or modeling what respect and integrity look like in everyday moments.
As we celebrate the gentlemen featured in this issue, I encourage each of us to reflect on the role we play in shaping the next generation. Because the impact of a good man, of a present, intentional, and values-driven man, ripples far beyond what we can see.
June 2026
PUBLISHER
Angi Burns | angi.burns@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Deborah Dove | debie.dove@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Valerie Merrick | valerie.merrick@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Kathy Moreno | kathy.moreno@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Ashton Burns | ashton.burns@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Debbie Warner | debbie.warner@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Jennifer Dartez | jennifer.dartez@citylifestyle.com
STAFF WRITER
Deborah Dove
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS
Adeline Merrick: Merrick Multimedia, Joseph Rivers: Jay Sonata Photography
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Bobby Goodrich
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Brittany Dawn Short
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich
LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
Smoky, savory, and
city scene
1-7: Snooze Mattress + Wellness celebrated its grand opening in Rockwall, welcoming the community to experience a better night’s sleep with its thoughtfully curated selection of mattresses and sleep solutions. Guests enjoyed the festive atmosphere while exploring products designed for comfort, quality, and personalized support. Owner John Adams’s dedication to exceptional service was evident throughout the event, reflecting his commitment to helping every customer find the perfect fit. This new showroom marks an exciting addition to the local business community, helping residents rest easy
style.
8-14: Lone Star CASA brought the community together for a fun and meaningful evening at their Bunco & Bubbles fundraiser in Rockwall. Guests enjoyed lively games, bubbly drinks, and great company, all in support of advocating
YOUR BEST BLOWOUT YET
Poiema Foundation
Nonprofit of the Month Sponsored by Artisan Masonry & Granite
All across North Texas, a dedicated team is waging a quiet but powerful battle against one of the most hidden crimes in our communities: human trafficking. The Poiema Foundation, a local nonprofit founded in 2013, is working daily to prevent exploitation, disrupt trafficking activity, and restore survivors. What began as a response to the startling reality of trafficking in our own neighborhoods has grown into a multifaceted effort impacting thousands of lives.
Poiema’s mission is rooted in a simple but urgent conviction: every life has inherent dignity, and exploitation thrives when communities fail to see what is happening right in front of them. From that conviction, the organization has built three core pillars of work: education, outreach, and long-term residential care.
Through prevention education, Poiema has trained thousands of students, teachers, law enforcement, and medical professionals to recognize the signs of trafficking and respond safely and effectively. This work is not abstract. It is practical, local, and often lifesaving. Every trained teacher, nurse, officer, or neighbor becomes one more set of eyes equipped to interrupt exploitation before it escalates.
ARTICLE BY BOBBY GOODRICH PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE POIEMA FOUNDATION
Poiema’s outreach teams serve as a vital link between vulnerable youth and the systems designed to protect them. Volunteers distribute posters of missing children in strategic areas, encourage community members to stay alert, and gather potentially valuable information from high-risk locations (vehicle descriptions, license plate numbers, and observations of suspicious behavior). These tips are then passed to a nonprofit called 4theOne, whose investigators work directly with law enforcement to locate and recover missing children. This collaboration allows Poiema volunteers to safely contribute critical intelligence while leaving active intervention to trained professionals.
For trafficking survivors seeking healing, Poiema operates a safe house that provides long-term, trauma-informed care for women coming out of exploitation. This restorative program includes trauma-informed counseling, life skills, education, spiritual care, and safe community. The goal is not simply survival, but rebuilding a life marked by dignity, independence, and hope.
This month’s theme—The Gentlemen’s Issue—invites a meaningful question: What role can men play in this fight?
The truth is that combating trafficking is not only about intervention; it is also about responsibility, culture, and community leadership. Men play a crucial role in reshaping the culture that allows exploitation to thrive. Poiema invites men to be part of the solution, not only through advocacy, but through tangible, hands-on involvement.
One meaningful way to get involved is by serving at their safe house. Men often provide support with ongoing needs like home repairs, lawn care, maintenance projects, and property upkeep—practical, hands-on work that helps create a safe, dignified environment for the women in the program. These opportunities may
seem simple, but they matter deeply. A well-maintained home communicates safety, stability, and care, a powerful message for women who have experienced profound harm.
Beyond physical projects, men can also support Poiema through event volunteering, advocacy, community outreach, financial partnership, and mentorship opportunities aligned with the organization’s mission and safeguards.
Though human trafficking is a complex issue, it is not unsolvable. It requires communities willing to pay attention, step forward, and stay committed. Poiema’s work indicates real change is possible, one person, one partnership, and one restored life at a time.
For those looking to make a difference, whether through service, advocacy, or financial partnership, Poiema invites you to join them! The need is great, even in our own backyard. By partnering together, our community can be a place where exploitation is confronted, healing is possible, and hope is restored.
For more information: www.PoiemaFoundation.org, or contact Bobby Goodrich bobby@poiemafoundation.org.
Your Family Wealth Quarterback
Ramirez Family Wealth Leverages a Team Approach to Execute Every Play in Your Financial Plan.
Men often feel they have to know all the answers, do all the work themselves, and never reach out for help. However, that outdated expectation no longer holds up in any area of life, and least of all in wealth management.
“In the financial world, as your wealth grows and you’re at the top of your game, often running a business with employees, you carry a lot of weight,” says Homer Ramirez, Private Wealth Advisor at Ramirez Family Wealth of Raymond James.
But, he asserts, no one can do it alone. “Strong leaders must have a team they can rely on, because they can’t know everything. Good decisions are made when you get good, smart people who care in the same room for the common good of solving the problem.”
That goes for Ramirez himself, a husband, a father of four, and a certified financial planner (CFP), certified private wealth advisor (CPWA), and a certified exit planning advisor (CEPA). In his own business, Homer says, “I have
ARTICLE BY DEBORAH DOVE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADELINE
to lean on other experts that bring value to help my clients in areas that aren’t my expertise.” That often includes CPAs, attorneys, and insurance professionals.
Managing his clients’ money is a piece of the puzzle, but his practice focuses primarily on helping small to middle market business owners unlock generational wealth and preserve it for their families, whether that’s helping them exit their business, real estate, or stress testing their plan and balance sheet. Through their process, the team uncovers gaps such as liability risks, tax exposure, a misalignment of their estate, or lack of documentation—things that can derail and impact families more than the stock market dropping 20 percent.
“Nobody in the industry—whether you’re a CPA, attorney, investment advisor, or financial planner—can solve those problems holistically for a client,” Homer says. “It takes the coordination of multiple experts in different disciplines to do that . . . we help coordinate that team.”
THE TEAM APPROACH
That’s where having a trusted team proves invaluable. While some of Homer Ramirez’s clients already employ a CPA, an attorney, a financial advisor, and insurance professionals, each often operates in a vacuum, with no coordination across disciplines. That, says Ramirez, is where the gaps and exposed risks occur. Like a quarterback directing the huddle, he builds relationships and coordinates with his client’s team of professionals (if they have them), or he introduces his clients to his own team of trusted and vetted third parties to ensure all the ships are going in the same direction.
Ramirez offers every new client or prospective client who walks into Ramirez Wealth Management a complimentary second opinion “stress test,” a regular exercise done by family offices for ultra wealthy families. First, he gathers information and has a conversation
to find out where they currently are financially and where they want to be. Then he takes the information to his team and they collaborate, often identifying exposed gaps in legal structures, how taxes are being filed, insurance coverage, investments, and more. Ramirez presents the findings to the client, along with potential fixes to close the gaps. The client is welcome to have their existing team of professionals implement the ideas, or they can work with Ramirez’s team.
In an industry where professionals tend to stay in their own lane, Ramirez Family Wealth’s holistic approach is game changing. Ramirez also ensures the implementation of the plan. “A great plan on paper means nothing if it isn’t executed,” he says. “Part of my job is making sure
“A great plan on paper means nothing if it isn’t executed,” he says.
that things get done after the meeting when my client is back in putting out fires mode. That may mean calling them, scheduling a meeting, going to the meeting with them . . . whatever it takes to make what they said is important to them actually gets resolved.”
To learn more, visit https://www.raymondjames.com/ramirezwealth or call (469) 476-3670.
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this newsletter does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any opinions are those of Homer Ramirez and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Expressions of opinion are as of this date and are subject to change without notice. There is no guarantee that these statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected, including diversification and asset allocation. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Future investment performance cannot be guaranteed, investment yields will fluctuate with market conditions.
Raymond James and its advisors do not offer tax or legal advice. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional. Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC.
Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC.
Homer Ramirez
Bros Who Brunch
A DELICIOUS TWIST ON TRADITIONAL BRUNCH
The word “brunch” was first used in the publication Hunter's Weekly by Guy Beringer in 1895. Beringer felt tired after long, large, traditional post-church meals and suggested possibly something lighter. He wrote the article “Brunch: A Plea” in which he argued for a meal between the regular times of breakfast and lunch on Sundays that would connect people to each other.
Wherever the initial spark of genius came from, the tradition caught on in the United States in the 1930s, supposedly because Hollywood stars making transcontinental train trips frequently stopped off in Chicago to enjoy a late morning meal. According to Grubhub.com's article "The History of Brunch," the biggest push came during a massive moment of progress for women in America. When women entered the workforce, they needed a break from cooking and pushed the family to start going out for a meal on the day they would generally sit around the table as a family–Sunday.
The year's biggest brunch holiday is Mother's Day. The National Restaurant Association reported that 92 million Americans dined out last Mother's Day: one-quarter of them went to brunch.
But it's not just a meal, it's kind of a feeling. Weekend mornings can be a special time to relax, see friends, and catch up on the events of the week. Brunch is the perfect time to get a crew together and enjoy a meal and some great conversation. It's generally eaten mid- or late morning, so it can't be done on a normal working day. One must be taking time off from one's usual schedule in order to eat brunch.
So why do men typically not share the same admiration for the weekly tradition? Well, some do!
Sunday Funday has become a weekly practice for my husband and his buddies. Each Sunday they gather at one of their homes mid-morning to kickstart the week ahead. It is a chance to unwind and forget about the stress of the everyday grind. The group may play a hand of poker, take a dip in the pool, or even partake in a round of golf, then they share a few laughs in the kitchen or around the grill while swapping their favorite recipes. The sun is shining, the smoker is lit, and the fellas have gathered to talk shop and chow down.
A January 2023 blog on Opt Health dove deeper into the benefits of men spending quality time with their counterparts and the role male support networks play in men's mental health. They discovered that male friendships are an essential but often overlooked aspect of their mental health. Research has shown that having close friendships with other men can provide a sense of belonging, support, and purpose, which can help men to cope with stress, anxiety, and depression.
Brunch has historically been aligned with high society, big hats, and breakfast entrees. However, these societal norms are growing stale, and a new wave of brunch goers and doers is on the rise. The best part is that there are no set rules! Whether you gather the family and visit a local hot spot or create your own brunch tradition with your besties, brunch is best served with a side of fun.
I want to say a special thank you to my husband and his brunch buddies for allowing us a glimpse into their coveted "Bro Time." The food is always delicious and the company can't be beat. I hope you enjoy some of their favorite menu items next time you decide to have a Sunday Funday of your own.
WATERMELON MINT AND FETA SALAD
INGREDIENTS
• 5 cups cubed watermelon
• ¼ cup red onion
• 1 cup diced cucumbers
• 1 large avocado, cubed
• ½ cup feta to toss, ½ cup to top
• 3 – 4 mint clusters cut chiffonade (reserve some to top)
• 1 Serrano or Fresno pepper, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup fresh lime juice
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• sea salt to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Combine in large bowl and gently toss.
2. Top with mint and feta to garnish. Serves 4-6.
CANON CRACKER SHRIMP
INGREDIENTS
• 1 – ½ lb (16-20) rock shrimp
• 1 stick unsalted butter
• 1 cup buffalo hot sauce
• 1 tablespoon of blackened or Cajun seasoning
INSTRUCTIONS
Melt butter over medium high till slightly bubbly, add shrimp, sauce and seasoning, and cook over medium till shrimp are just cooked through. Do not over cook.
Watermelon Mint and Feta Salad
Cannon Cracker Shrimp
PULLED PORK SLIDERS
INGREDIENTS
• 8 - 10 lbs pork butt
• 5 tablespoons of canola oil or yellow mustard
• Kosher salt, cracked black pepper and favorite dry rub. This version used carnitas, Ragin Cajun and Angelo’s pork seasoning equally. John Henry’s, Salt Lick, and especially Grub Rub are also great pork rubs. Make your own with 2 tablespoons each of sugar, dark brown sugar, paprika, coarse salt, cracked black pepper and garlic powder, 1 tablespoon each of onion powder, ground chipotle chili, adobo or cayenne powder and guajillo chile, and 1 ½ tsp each of ground cumin and dry mustard. Experiment and sub ingredients and portions for preference.
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Set up your smoker for temperature of 225 - 250°. Use chunks of pecan or apple, hickory and mesquite are too harsh for long pork smoking.
2. Prep your pork butt using oil or mustard as a binder and liberally coat with dry rub.
3. Place your pork on the smoker, spritzing every hour with apple cider vinegar and/or apple juice. Apply more dry rub once more halfway through until you wrap it. About 4 hours total initial smoke.
4. Once you hit the stall and you like the bark, wrap it in butcher paper or tin foil with an additional ½ cup apple juice.
5. Continue smoking until you get to an internal temp of 205°.
6. Remove and let rest for 30 minutes.
7. Shred and serve while hot.
8. Serve with warm slider buns of choice, pickles, sliced onion, pickled Fresno or jalapeño peppers and Carolina BBQ sauce.
RYE NOT
INGREDIENTS
• 1 ½ oz Still Austin Rye
• ½ oz Paula’s Orange Liquor
• ½ oz Aperol
• ½ Amaro Nonino
• ¼ oz simple syrup
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Combine over ice in cocktail carafe and stir.
2. Strain into rocks or double old fashioned glass over a large ice cube and garnish with dehydrated lime.
3. Dehydrated lime: slice a fresh lime in 1/8 inch rounds and place on a heavy cookie sheet (rack lined optional) heat at 225° until desired color is achieved, which may take a couple of hours. This may also be done in a dehydrator, sourced online or store bought.
Rye Not
Pulled Pork Sliders Recipes by Ron Taylor Certified Sommelier, CMS
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
Pitmaster Picks
A Curated Roundup of Four Local Spots Bringing Serious Smoke and Standout Flavor
In Texas, barbecue isn’t just food. It’s a well-honed craft shaped by time, fire, and the state’s cattle ranching history. And enjoying barbecue isn’t just a meal. It’s a community gathering, a tradition of sharing food around a smoker, the kitchen table, or at a local barbecue joint. It’s a process that can’t be rushed and a culture that rewards patience, precision, and respect for the meat.
What sets Texas barbecue apart is its simplicity, its focus on beef rather than pork, and a low and slow smoking technique that elevates simple ingredients into a complex and flavorful culinary experience. From barkcrusted brisket with a perfect smoke ring to tender ribs that pull clean from the bone, every detail reflects a commitment to doing things the right way—the Texas way.
But great barbecue isn’t confined to one legendary spot or a single style. It thrives in neighborhoods, at roadside joints, and in family-run smokehouses where recipes and techniques are passed down and refined over generations. Each pit tells its own story, shaped by local tastes and the personality of the pitmaster behind it.
In this roundup, we highlight four local barbecue joints carrying that tradition forward—serving up bold flavors, time-honored methods, and plates that capture the true spirit of Texas barbecue.
ARTICLE BY DEBORAH DOVE
Sideways BBQ
Great barbecue isn’t confined to one legendary spot or a single style. It thrives in neighborhoods, at roadside joints, and in familyrun smokehouses where recipes and techniques are passed down and refined over generations.
You can’t get more local than Sideways BBQ. Not only are all meats smoked in-house daily and the brisket sourced from Texas’s own McClaren Farms, but this family-owned barbecue joint has become a top Rockwall destination. Sideways BBQ serves up barbecue and live entertainment throughout the week, plus trivia night, karaoke, and outdoor seating with a view of Lake Ray Hubbard.
2067 Summer Lee Dr, #105, Rockwall
Smoke Monkey
World-renowned smoked meats like brisket, ribs, sausage, chicken, and pulled pork are the stars of the menu, but melt-in-your-mouth yeast rolls, homemade sides made daily from family recipes, and desserts such as mini pies, buttermilk cheesecake, and lemon bars run a close second. Smoke Monkey is also family-friendly, with live music, a full bar, weekend buffets, and an outdoor space that feels like you’re at a backyard barbecue—but better.
11139 State Hwy 205, Rockwall
Smoak Town
Consistently voted as some of the best barbecue in Texas, locally owned Smoak Town brings Texas craft barbecue to the Rockwall area. Located in the Fate Food Haul food truck court, they serve up prime brisket, pork belly burnt ends, turkey breast, pork spare ribs, pulled pork, and jalapeno cheddar links to go.
107 Elmhurst Lane, Fate
Smoke Sessions Barbecue
Located in historic downtown Royse City, Smoke Sessions Barbecue specializes in high-quality genuine central Texas style barbecue. Menu items include prime brisket, pork ribs, pulled pork, turkey breast, and house made beef sausage alongside scratch made sides like brisket beans, coleslaw, mac and cheese, potato salad, and green beans.
307 TX-66, Royse City
Student of the Month
Rockwall City Lifestyle is proud to recognize Vincent Vento as this month’s Student of the Month, a standout student whose leadership, ambition, and commitment to serving others have made a lasting impact across the community. Vincent is currently a senior at Gene Burton College & Career Academy in Rockwall.
Vincent’s journey of leadership began early. As a sophomore, he joined Royse City’s Teen Court program, helping guide peers toward better choices and brighter futures. His passion for service quickly expanded when he joined the Rockwall Youth Advisory Council, where he made history as the first junior ever elected chairman. During his tenure, Vincent worked tirelessly to increase the council’s visibility and community involvement, creating opportunities for young leaders to engage and give back.
One of his most meaningful contributions came through launching the Youth Advisory Council’s presence at Rockwall’s annual Easter event at The Harbor. What started as a simple idea has grown into a beloved tradition. Vincent’s ability to connect with families, engage children, and represent the organization with enthusiasm and purpose perfectly reflects his heart for service and community.
Beyond his civic involvement, Vincent is equally impressive in his professional and academic pursuits. He currently serves as an intern with the Rockwall Chamber of Commerce, works with Royse City’s court system, and has even founded his own international software and video game studio, Visonix. At school, he competes in Business Professionals of America, where he qualified for the National Leadership Conference, and leads as Team Captain of the Varsity Mock Trial Defense Team.
Driven, innovative, and deeply committed to making a difference, Vincent plans to pursue a BBA in Computer Science after graduation, continuing to grow his skills as both a programmer and entrepreneur.
Vincent Vento exemplifies what it means to be a leader of today and tomorrow. His dedication to service, passion for innovation, and ability to inspire others make him truly deserving of this recognition.
Meet Vincent Vento
M E N OF I N FLUE N C E
For our Gentleman’s Issue, Rockwall City Lifestyle sat down with eight men who are leaders in the community to talk about what it truly means to lead with purpose and integrity. Through candid reflections, they explore how they define influence, the daily habits and guiding principles that shape their decisions, the legacy they hope to leave, and the men who helped mold their character (to all the dads out there, your impact on the next generation is unparalleled!).
Beyond titles and accomplishments, these leaders reveal the personal values that anchor them and the impact they hope to make. Together, their insights form a compelling portrait of modern leadership—and the legacies they are intentionally building for future generations to inherit.
ROCKWALL BUSINESS OWNERS TALK ABOUT LEADERSHIP, SUCCESS, AND LEGACY
ARTICLE BY DEBORAH DOVE
JOHN ADAMS LIONEL CARRION
President, Snooze Mattress + Wellness
WHO HAS BEEN THE MOST INFLUENTIAL MAN IN YOUR LIFE, AND HOW DID HE SHAPE THE LEADER YOU ARE TODAY?
My father. From a very rough relationship in my younger years to understanding in my young adulthood, he demonstrated adherence to principled decisions.
WHAT DOES BEING A MAN OF INFLUENCE MEAN TO YOU?
It means doing the right thing in all things and taking the long way around if necessary. This gives others permission to take a stand for good things in the face of adversity.
WHAT HABITS OR PRINCIPLES HAVE BEEN KEY TO EARNING TRUST AND RESPECT IN YOUR INDUSTRY?
Showing up, being consistent, and doing what I state that I will do. Reputation is earned and the pinnacle of importance.
Owner, Premier Elite Transport
WHAT DOES BEING A MAN OF INFLUENCE MEAN TO YOU?
Being a man of influence means leading by example and practicing what you preach. It’s about striving to be your best, paying it forward, and never forgetting where you came from. True influence comes from the impact you have on others.
HOW DO YOU DEFINE LEADERSHIP?
Leadership is about service, accountability, and setting the standard.
WHAT LEGACY DO YOU HOPE TO LEAVE?
I hope to leave a legacy of service, integrity, and impact. I want to create opportunities for others and support those in need through both business and community efforts. Being remembered as someone who gave back and made a difference is what matters most to me.
ROY COOK WESLEY DAVIS
Co-Owner, No Sweat Experts
WHO HAS BEEN THE MOST INFLUENTIAL MAN IN YOUR LIFE, AND HOW DID HE SHAPE THE LEADER YOU ARE TODAY?
Without question, my father. He was the calmest man I've ever known—steady in every situation, kind to everyone he met, and he never judged a person regardless of their circumstances. He just quietly did the right thing, every time.
WHAT DOES BEING A MAN OF INFLUENCE MEAN TO YOU?
To me, influence isn't a title—it's what people say about you when you're not in the room. In business, it means being the guy who tells a customer they don't need a new system when they don't, even if selling one would be easier. In the community, it means showing up for people who can't repay you.
Founder/Managing Attorney, Faithful Stewardship Law Firm, PLLC
HOW DO YOU DEFINE LEADERSHIP, AND HOW HAS YOUR DEFINITION EVOLVED OVER TIME?
Early on, I viewed leadership as a position of authority. Over time, that perspective has shifted to one of stewardship. Today, leadership means walking alongside people through complex and often emotional decisions with a servant’s heart, offering guidance, stability, and care.
WHAT LEGACY DO YOU HOPE TO LEAVE?
I hope my legacy is reflected in the families who felt protected, seen, and supported during some of life’s most important moments. I want to be remembered as a man who used his legal talents to strengthen the foundations of the Fate community for generations to come.
DR. MICHAEL FISHER BOBBY GLADU
Fisher & Zitterich Dentistry
WHO HAS BEEN THE MOST INFLUENTIAL MAN IN YOUR LIFE, AND HOW DID HE SHAPE THE LEADER YOU ARE TODAY?
The most influential man in my life is unquestionably my father. Among so many other things, he taught me to take care of my family, to work hard, to work with excellence, and most importantly work and live with integrity.
HOW DO YOU DEFINE LEADERSHIP?
I think leadership is more about serving than leading. A servant leader should strive to put the needs of others before himself, in both his family and at work.
WHAT HABITS OR PRINCIPLES HAVE BEEN KEY TO EARNING TRUST AND RESPECT IN YOUR INDUSTRY?
While I often falter, the principles I try to follow are working and living with honesty, integrity, humility, compassion, and generosity.
President/Founder, Artisan Masonry & Granite
WHAT DOES BEING A MAN OF INFLUENCE MEAN TO YOU?
It means putting people ahead of profit and making a lasting impact.
WHAT HABITS OR PRINCIPLES HAVE BEEN KEY TO EARNING TRUST AND RESPECT IN YOUR INDUSTRY?
Do what you say you’re going to do. Consistency, integrity and loyalty have been the foundation of everything we’ve built. When people know they can count on you, business will come naturally.
WHAT LEGACY DO YOU HOPE TO LEAVE?
If I’ve made a positive impact on my team, my family, my friends and my community, that’s what matters most to me.
SPENCER GODOY BRADLEY TIEGS
S. Godoy & Associates LLC
WHAT DOES BEING A MAN OF INFLUENCE MEAN TO YOU?
To me, being a man of influence means being the kind of person who makes a real difference through how you live, how you lead, and how you treat people. Real influence is not about status or being known. It is about having an impact people can feel.
HOW DO YOU DEFINE LEADERSHIP, AND HOW HAS YOUR DEFINITION EVOLVED OVER TIME?
I define leadership as taking responsibility, giving direction, and helping others move forward. I have learned that real leadership is more about being steady, making sound decisions, staying calm under pressure, and being willing to serve. It is about setting the tone, earning trust, and carrying responsibility well.
Broker/Owner of VBRG Realty and Chairman of the Undaunted Warhorse Initiative
WHO HAS BEEN THE MOST INFLUENTIAL MAN IN YOUR LIFE, AND HOW DID HE SHAPE THE LEADER YOU ARE TODAY?
Gen. James Mattis's style, intelligence, and quiet but imposing demeanor had the greatest impact on me. He led and taught discipline, accountability, and the understanding that leadership is about taking care of your people first.
WHAT HABITS OR PRINCIPLES HAVE BEEN KEY TO EARNING TRUST AND RESPECT IN YOUR INDUSTRY?
Consistency, transparency, and doing what you say you’re going to do—every time. I also believe in being honest even when it’s uncomfortable and putting long-term relationships over short-term gains.
HOW DO YOU DEFINE LEADERSHIP?
Leadership is the ability to inspire action through example, not authority.
THE FACE OF LOCAL LEADERSHIP
Kelli Delozier, Rockwall Market President
At HomeBank Texas, leadership starts with people—just ask Kelli. Real relationships. Real conversations. Real impact. Community driven. Proudly locally owned. Personally invested. That’s the HomeBank difference.
JUNE 6TH
Spike It for the Kids
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
Bumpy Pickle Beach: 5316 S FM 548, Royse City, TX 75189 | 12:30 PM
The Hearts and Helmets 2nd Annual Smashing Cancer Classic is back with a 4v4 sand volleyball tournament benefiting children of first responders and healthcare workers battling cancer. Food, swag, and wellness vendors round out a day of competition and community. Bring your team, your game face, and your heart. Register your team at www.heartsandhelmets.org.
JUNE 12TH & 13TH
Give Dad the Gift of John Hardy
Willis Fine Jewelry: 2845 Ridge Rd. Ste. 201, Rockwall, TX 75032 | 10:00 AM
John Hardy is coming for Father's Day weekend, bringing an exceptional collection of men's and women's styles alongside exclusive gold pieces for a private in-office showcase right here in Rockwall. This rare, intimate shopping experience will make your gift-giving genuinely effortless. Call Willis Fine Jewelry at (972) 771-1500 to learn more about this special event.
JUNE 13TH
Brunch, Bubbly, and Bunco
SpringHill Suites: 2601 Lakefront Trl., Rockwall, TX 75032 | 10:00 AM
Soroptimist International of Rockwall returns for its seventh annual Brunch and Bunco, and this fan-favorite tradition keeps getting better. Expect delicious food, bubbly drinks, and spirited competition, all in support of empowering women and girls across the community. It is a morning well spent for a mission that matters. Purchase your tickets at www.soroptimistrockwall.org.
JUNE 13TH
Betsy Ross Takes the Stage
Cookston Court: 111 E Main St., Royse City, TX 75189 | 7:00 PM
History comes to life at Cookston Court with a special semiquincentennial performance featuring Betsy Ross herself. This captivating living history experience traces her remarkable contributions to the founding of the United States in an intimate and engaging format. A must for history enthusiasts and curious minds alike. Visit www.rockwallcountymuseum.com or email rockwallhistory@gmail.com for details.
JUNE 13TH
Three Comedians, One Great Night
Jax Comedy House: 316 S Goliad St., Rockwall, TX 75087 | 7:00 PM
Phil Medina, Jason Schuster, and Mark Gonzales bring their nationally touring comedy chops to one unforgettable night of sharp writing, spot-on impressions, and big laughs. These three have graced stages from The Comedy Store to Netflix, and they are bringing everything to this show. Grab tickets at www.jaxcomedyhouse.com before they sell out.
JUNE 18TH
Soulful Night by the Water
The Harbor Rockwall: 2059 Summer Lee Dr., Rockwall, TX 75032 | 7:00 PM
The Concert by the Lake series keeps delivering, this time with the Soulful Soundz Party Band bringing infectious grooves to Rockwall's most scenic outdoor stage. Come ready to move, sing along, and soak in one of the area's most cherished summer traditions. See the full lineup at www.rockwall.com.
