• LUNCHEON SPONSOR: $1,000
• HYDRATION SPONSOR: $750
• LANE SPONSOR: $500
• VENDOR SPONSOR: $150
06.27.2026 from 1PM - 4PM SUNDAY
Built Over Time
June always brings a special kind of energy—longer days, the start of summer, and a meaningful opportunity to celebrate Father’s Day. For me, this month feels especially personal. I’m incredibly proud to share that both of my kids are pursuing paths that truly inspire them. My daughter recently graduated from ASU with a degree in Museum and Curatorial Practice, focusing on curation and restoration, a field that reflects both her passion and creativity. My son is chasing his dream of becoming a high-performance automotive technician, currently attending Universal Technical Institute and earning acceptance into the BMW FastTrack program. Watching them commit to what they love has been one of the most rewarding parts of being a dad.
Fatherhood isn’t defined by a single moment - it’s built over time through patience, stamina, love, and unwavering support. It’s in the early mornings, the late-night conversations, the guidance, and sometimes just being there when it matters most. Through my involvement with the Sonoran Foothills City Lifestyle publication, I’ve had the privilege of meeting many incredible dads in our community each with their own story, perspective, and approach to fatherhood. In this issue, you’ll get to meet a few of them, and I think you’ll find their experiences as inspiring as I do.
To all the dads out there, whether you’re just starting the journey or watching your kids step into their own futures, this month is a celebration of you. Happy Father’s Day.
CHRIS JOHNSON, PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
@SONORANFOOTHILLSCITYLIFESTYLE
June 2026
PUBLISHER
Candice Johnson | candice.johnson@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Ashley Hathaway | ashley.hathaway@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Chris Johnson | chris.johnson@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Ashley Hathaway
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
The Social Edit Co. by Ashley Hathaway
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Liz Nixon
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
Eddy
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
another Duel in the Desert golf tournament. 6: The Northern Stars tennis team during their final drill of the season at the Anthem courts. 7: Anthem Rotary delivers groceries to St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, supporting local families in need.
1: Country music star Miranda Lambert rides horseback with friends outside iconic Harold’s in Cave Creek. 2: Frank Annunziata and the F45 team at Tillman’s Run. 3: Luxury travel advisor Doris Gilles of High Access Travel meets Panama hotel and tour operators. 4: Ladies of the Diamonds in the Desert golf tournament at Anthem Golf and Country Club. 5: The Anthem Golf & Country Club hosts
NORMA JOHNSON
JOSEPH ALVAREZ
DORIS GILLES
JACQIE SOECHTIG
ANTHEM GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
HAROLD'S CAVE CREEK
F45 ANTHEM
Tox “ Wrinkle Relaxers” | Sculptra | Aesthetic HA Filler
SKINCARE
Customized Facials | Diamond Glow | Cool Peel Laser
Everesse Non-Invasive Radio Frequency | Microneedling
Acne Specialist | PerfectDerma Peel
INJECTABLES WELLNESS
NAD+ | Tri-Immune | B12 | Lipo-Mino | MICC
4D Baby Studio Expands and Introduces New Wellness Imaging Services
4D Baby Studio is expanding into Studios 14 & 15 at The Suites on 41st in Anthem, enhancing its space and client experience. This growth supports the upcoming launch of its Screening Ultrasound Program, offering self-referred wellness imaging with board-certified radiologist reports. Services include OB/GYN, fertility, thyroid, breast, abdominal, vascular, and more. Set to launch in May 2026, the expansion reflects 4D Baby Studio’s continued commitment to accessible, family-centered care in North Phoenix and Anthem.
Skin and Body Rx Elevates Aesthetic Offerings
Skin and Body Rx announces a spring expansion, welcoming new experts to its clinical team and introducing InMode technology, including the sought-after Forma skin-tightening treatment. The team also continues advanced education through SkinBetter Science training, bringing the latest innovations in skincare and non-invasive rejuvenation to the community.
Scan to read more
A Wild Hair Offers The Next Evolution in Anti-Aging
A Wild Hair Salon and Day Spa introduces the latest in advanced skincare: microneedling with Salmon DNA. This cutting-edge treatment is designed to visibly rejuvenate and restore the skin for a more youthful, radiant appearance. Call 623-5515561 to reserve your spot.
Scan to read more
Pool Renovation & New Construction Experts
Transform your backyard into a personal oasis with a custom pool designed and built by August Pools and Outdoor Living. Whether you’re dreaming of a brand-new pool or looking to breathe new life into your existing one, our expert team brings craftsmanship, creativity, and care to every project.
Request a quote today and experience the August Pools and Outdoor Living difference!
A Publisher’s Letter
The Men Behind the Moments
ARTICLE BY CANDICE JOHNSON
PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE SOCIAL EDIT CO. BY ASHLEY HATHAWAY
Hello Sonoran Foothills, and welcome to summer!
As we head into the second half of 2026, we take a moment to slow down and focus on the important men in our lives—the ones who show up, do the work, and add so much value to our days.
When I think of Father’s Day, I think of my dad, whom I lost far too soon. I also think of my amazing husband of nearly 23 years. He is my favorite person, my partner in everything, and an incredible father to our children. I’m so grateful for him and for the years we’ve spent on this wild ride together.
As you flip through the pages of our June “Gentlemen’s” issue, you’ll be introduced to some truly remarkable men who are valuable members of this community. They are husbands, fathers, brothers, and business owners who help keep our community thriving every single day. I’m proud to feature them for you.
With gratitude, Candice
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 in 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
James with his wife and children
ARTICLE BY JAMES VAN PELT
A PERSONAL REFLECTION ON LEGACY, LEADERSHIP, AND THE QUIET SHIFT IN PRIORITIES
FATHERHOOD & FINANCES
I thought I understood success. Then I became a father. As a young man raised in a small Midwestern town, I grew up with a clear framework: work hard, provide for your family, save responsibly, and plan ahead. I watched my own father live this out and used his example to build a life of my own. I’ve always valued working hard to earn your successes, but my relationship with money was largely transactional. It was something to manage,
optimize, and, if possible, master. When I entered the financial profession, those values only deepened. Success wasn’t subjective. It was measurable.
Then I became a dad.
The shift wasn’t immediate or dramatic. It came quietly, like a gradual rearranging of priorities. With the arrival of my son, and later my daughter, I began to understand that wealth is rarely just about money. It’s about time. It’s about presence. It’s about a future you can’t fully predict and often can’t control.
Holding each of my children for the first time, I felt the weight of responsibility—as well as the limits of it. Providing, I realized, extends far beyond a paycheck.
Children have a way of reshaping your sense of time. Before kids, five years felt long-term. Now, I think in decades. I imagine graduations, weddings, and the kind of adults my children will become. I think about the example I’m setting—not just in what I say, but in how I live.
My kids won’t remember the spreadsheets or financial plans I’ve created. They’ll remember whether I showed up—for family dinners, soccer games, and dance recitals. They’ll remember whether our home felt steady, and whether money
"FATHERHOOD HAS TRANSFORMED THE WAY I THINK ABOUT SUCCESS." - JAMES VAN PELT
created tension or quietly supported the life we were building.
When I think about success now, I think in terms of how I provide for the people I love. I strive to create an environment where my children feel secure—emotionally, spiritually, and of course, financially. I want them to understand that money is a tool, not a measure of worth.
More than anything, I want them to see consistency. Showing up—for family dinners, for faith, for neighbors, and for the commitments we make. I want them to understand that financial discipline isn’t about restriction, but freedom. About aligning resources with what matters most.
Today, I weigh opportunities not only by their professional upside, but by their cost in time and energy. I think more carefully about margins—leaving space for rest, reflection, and relationships. I’ve become more patient, more deliberate, and, in many ways, more hopeful.
I’ve also come to believe that the best plans aren’t built in isolation. As a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Kingdom Advisor, I’ve spent years thinking about what it means to steward well—and I’ve learned it’s not just about resources, but about people.
True success isn’t built alone. It’s shaped through conversation, perspective, and community. I’m grateful to be raising my kids alongside others who carry similar hopes and questions. When we take the time to think intentionally about the future together, we give our children something far more lasting than numbers on a page.
Now, like all parents, I’m still figuring this out. I don’t pretend to have all of the answers. But I do know this: fatherhood has transformed the way I think about success.
If this resonates, my door is always open. I’d welcome the opportunity to connect. To learn more about James, connect with him on LinkedIn at www.linkedin. com/in/james-van-pelt or visit his Edward Jones profile for more information.
Dentistry Designed for
Unleash Your Inner Champion
for Every Body
THE ARCHITECTURE OF DISCIPLINE
HOW FRANK ANNUNZIATA REDEFINES DISCIPLINE THROUGH DAILY HABITS
ARTICLE BY ASHLEY HATHAWAY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY FRANK ANNUNZIATA
Discipline is the quiet structure behind every meaningful life.
Discipline is often mistaken for something rigid— something forced. But for Frank Annunziata, owner and personal trainer at F45 Anthem, it was built early, shaped not by theory, but by necessity.
Growing up in Brooklyn as the youngest of four, Frank watched his older siblings work while his family navigated financial hardship. By thirteen, he had a job of his own—not out of ambition, but out of need. What he discovered in those early years wasn’t just independence, but a quiet sense of accomplishment. That feeling never left.
Over time, discipline evolved from obligation into choice.
In a culture that often glorifies motivation, Frank sees discipline differently. It’s not a burst of energy or a fleeting mindset—it’s a habit. Something formed through repetition until it becomes second nature. “It’s in everything we do,”
he explains. “From the gym, to how we eat, to how we take care of our homes.” Discipline, at its core, is about aligning daily actions with long-term priorities. His framework is simple: small, consistent wins. A balanced meal. Showing up to the gym. Choosing not to skip the routine, even when it would be easier to. “Three small wins a day,” he says. “That’s still three steps forward.”
Of course, there are days when motivation disappears entirely. On those days, discipline becomes less about feeling and more about control. The ability to push forward—not perfectly, but intentionally—toward something greater. Whether in fitness, finances, or personal growth, the principle remains the same: progress over comfort.
But discipline is not without limits. Burnout, he notes, reveals itself through performance. When the body begins to resist, when progress stalls, it’s a signal— not of failure, but of imbalance. Recognizing that line is part of the discipline itself.
What has changed most over time is his understanding of discipline as something ongoing. Not something you achieve once, but something you maintain. Talent may open doors, but it is discipline—consistent, deliberate effort—that sustains success.
For those looking to rebuild their lives, his advice is grounded and practical: start small. Make your bed. Take care of your space. Build routines that create momentum. Confidence follows consistency.
From there, everything expands.
Gentleman's THE CODE
Discipline, character and quiet strength define the modern gentleman.
ARTICLE BY ASHLEY HATHAWAY
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY
THE SOCIAL EDIT CO. BY ASHLEY HATHAWAY
The Gentleman’s Code draws from an older ideal — one shaped by polish, composure and quiet conviction. Inspired by timeless notions of character and self-command, this editorial considers masculinity not as performance, but as discipline, restraint and the art of carrying oneself well. Featuring Eddy Ortega, fitness trainer and nutrition coach, photographed for this Gentleman’s Issue.
There was a certain elegance in the leading men of old cinema — not merely in how they dressed, but in how they carried themselves. Strength was rarely loud. Presence did the work.
That image still lingers because it points to something timeless: character can be cultivated.
Real strength is less about dominance than self-command. A gentleman is shaped through discipline, humility and the quiet work of leading himself well.
Confidence, at its best, is not performance but alignment — a steadiness rooted in purpose rather than ego.
Perhaps the rarest expression of strength is emotional restraint: the ability to respond rather than react, and to offer stability to those around you.
Even physical discipline reflects this philosophy. Beyond aesthetics, it teaches patience, resilience and consistency — a rehearsal in character.
Maybe that is the code:
To live with intention.
To lead with steadiness.
To carry strength without hardness.
The strongest men are rarely the loudest in the room. They are often the most grounded.
The Code
Inspired by reflections shared by our cover subject on discipline, character and modern masculinity.
DISCIPLINE
Character is built through consistency and self-command.
RESTRAINT
Composure often speaks louder than force.
INTEGRITY
A gentleman’s conduct and convictions move in alignment.
PRESENCE
To lead well is first to be attentive, grounded and accountable.
HUMILITY
Confidence is strongest when tempered by grace.
A gentleman’s code is less about image than intention — it is revealed in how one carries responsibility, treats others and remains steady in a world often drawn to noise.
cover subject, Eddy Ortega
Local leaders share reflections on influence, integrity, and leading with quiet conviction.
Measured by Character
Leadership rarely announces itself loudly. More often, it reveals itself through discipline, service, humility, and quiet conviction. In this year’s Gentleman’s Issue, seven local leaders reflect on influence, stewardship, and the principles that shape how they lead—in business, at home, and in community.
ARTICLE BY ASHLEY HATHAWAY
James Van Pelt, Financial Advisor, Edward Jones
“Leadership, to me, is stewardship with intention. It’s reflected in how I show up each day—as a father at home and a trusted advisor to my team and clients. It requires calm, perspective, and sound judgment, especially in moments of complexity. I believe true leadership builds confidence, not dependence, guiding others to make disciplined decisions aligned with their values. I strive to lead with preparation, accountability, and a long-term focus—so that wealth becomes not the goal, but a tool to support a life well lived and a legacy thoughtfully preserved.”
Noel Ortiz, Owner, AZ Outdoor Design Group / Dream Maker Outdoor
Leadership, to me, is service—showing up for the people who shape your life and community. It means being a mentor, knowing when to listen and when to guide, and working to create a better tomorrow for those on the journey with you. From family and friends to employees, clients, and colleagues, leadership is an ever-evolving practice that sometimes requires difficult decisions for the greater good. True leaders don’t simply direct—they support, serve, and help others rise.
Jay Coupland, Owner, The Bearded Barber Anthem
Leadership to me is awareness. I used to think it meant having all the answers. Now I believe it’s about asking better questions— especially of yourself. It’s the ability to step back and question your own reactions, and recognize that not every feeling is truth. How I show up, especially under pressure, sets the tone for everything around me. Leadership is about creating trust, staying consistent, and respecting the strengths of others. At the end of the day, people want to feel heard—and sometimes the highest form of leadership is knowing when to listen.
Frank Annunziata, Owner, F45 Anthem
For me, influence isn’t defined by titles or being the loudest voice—it’s built through consistency, presence, and example. My perspective was shaped early through sports and reinforced during my time in the United States Marine Corps, where I learned that people follow what you do, not what you say. At F45 Training, that belief shows up daily as I work to create an environment where people feel supported, challenged, and accountable. Whether I’m coaching, leading my team, or raising my children, I see influence as something earned over time—through discipline, resilience, and a genuine investment in others.
James Regan, Owner, Financial Advisor, Valor Legacy Wealth
As a small business owner and advisor, I believe leadership goes far beyond managing day-to-day operations—it’s about setting a clear vision, inspiring my team, and fostering a truly client-centered culture. I strive to motivate with purpose, navigate challenges with resilience, and make strategic decisions that support long-term growth and sustainability. Adaptability and strong communication are essential, but what matters most to me is building meaningful relationships—with my clients, my team, and the community. At its core, leadership is about creating trust, maintaining alignment, and showing up with intention in every interaction.
Ryan Harrell, Owner, Fork Fuel Meal Prep
Leadership to me is the ability to guide and elevate others towards a shared vision while staying grounded in purpose. A great leader is someone that inspires people to believe in what is possible and empowers them to contribute their best. They remain focused on their customers (both internal and external), understand their needs and deliver meaningful value. Real leadership is not about authority but about service; lifting others up and constantly pursuing better outcomes for those you serve. By cultivating a positive mindset, trust, accountability, consistency and precise communication, a leader can change the world!
Ben Duffey, Owner, BodyFit Training Dove Valley
To me, Leadership is taking ownership and the initiative to do what’s right, even when it’s not the easiest path. It involves supporting people around you by actively listening to their input and acting on it, while driving collective success—and genuinely celebrating and promoting their achievements.
events
JUNE 5TH
Food
Truck Fridays
Anthem Community Center | 41130 N. Freedom Way, Anthem, AZ 85086 | 5:00 PM
Food Truck Friday returns to Big Splash Water Park at the Anthem Community Center on June 5, 2026. Enjoy a family-friendly evening of local food trucks, refreshing swims, and community fun—the perfect way to beat the summer heat. Can’t make this one? Additional dates continue June 19 and throughout July.
JUNE 13TH
Honoring Veterans with a Free Wellness Clinic
Burns Integrative Wellness Center | 34406 N. 27th Dr., Suite 114, Phoenix, AZ 85085 | 10:00 AM
Saint Michael’s Med hosts a free Veterans Clinic Day June 13 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at Burns Medical Center, 34406 N. 27th Dr., Suite 114, Phoenix. Veterans can receive B12 shots, acupuncture, manual therapy, and basic physicals. Please bring a DD214 or ID showing veteran status. Donations appreciated.
JUNE 20TH
Notes From Neptune Returns to Anthem's Bearded Barber
The Bearded Barber | 3434 West Anthem Way, Ste 122 Anthem, AZ 85086 | 7:00 PM
Notes From Neptune, a modern jazz trio, performs live at The Bearded Barber in Anthem. Featuring nylon string guitarist Scott and saxophonist Thomas, both with standout vocals, the group blends genres from ’80s rock to Motown, modern hits, and classic jazz.
Whether it's balancing your hormones, revitalizing your skin, boosting energy, or optimizing your weight, Desert Health and Wellness helps you rewrite what "normal" feels like. Experience complete care -internal and external -- in one place.
HORMONES/PEPTIDES | WEIGHT LOSS | AESTHETICS | INJECTIONS
Discover America’s Best from Arizona’s Best
Only 60 minutes north of Phoenix, Arizona’s best-kept secret awaits. Jones Ford Verde Valley: a Ford Elite Dealer and the place to experience State 48’s leader in Customer Satisfaction. Since 2015, we’ve carried on a 56-year-old family tradition of integrity, honesty, and doing right by our guests. Here you’ll discover how it feels to purchase a vehicle the right way, potentially saving thousands on sales tax in the process. We are Arizona’s Best.
