GERBER INJURY LAW
The Arizona Personal Injury Law Firm Where Everybody Knows Your Name
At Gerber Injury Law, our commitment to excellence extends far beyond the courtroom. We are not just a law firm; we are a ded icated member of the community we serve. Our passion for justice is paralleled by our deep-rooted commitment to making a positive impact in our local community.
How Can Our Lawyers Help You?
Hiring a Phoenix personal injury lawyer to oversee your case can be the best decision you make after an accident. You cannot tru st an insurance company to handle your claim fairly unless you have a lawyer p rotecting your best interests. Insurance companies are more interested in their bo ttom line than your recovery.
“I Remain Committed To The Highest In Client Service.” – Ken Gerber
Lifestyle Letter
June has a way of bringing certain people to mind for me its men who have shaped us, guiding figures whose influence often shows up in the quietest, most lasting ways. In this Gentlemen’s Issue, we’re reflecting on the fathers, grandfathers, and influential men who help define not only who we are, but who we’re becoming. A gentleman isn’t simply defined by success, but by presence. It’s in the early mornings, the long workdays, the lessons taught without announcement, and the example set without expectation of recognition. Many of us can trace pieces of ourselves back to these moments values passed down over time, whether it’s resilience, integrity, humor, or the importance of showing up when it matters most. This issue is about honoring those influences while also recognizing how the idea of being a gentleman continues to evolve. Today, strength includes vulnerability, leadership includes empathy, and success includes balance. The modern gentleman is thoughtful, intentional, and aware of the impact he leaves on others. As you move through these pages, we hope you find reflections of the men who have impacted your life—and perhaps even pieces of yourself or someone you love. June is a time to celebrate them, appreciate them, and carry forward the qualities that make their influence so meaningful. Here’s to the men who lead with quiet strength, who show up without needing recognition, and whose legacy lives on in the lives they’ve touched.
SAVANNAH MORELLO, PUBLISHER ASSISTANT @SURPRISECITYLIFESTYLE
June 2026
PUBLISHER
Faith Morello | faith.morello@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Savannah Morello | savannah.morello@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Kylie Strawn-Badger
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Atchley Photography LLC, Gerber Injury Law
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 Megan Cagle
AZ 85326
From the Low $300s 1,315 - 3,241 Sq. Ft. | 2 - 6 Beds
25334 W. La Salle St. Buckeye, AZ 85326 From the Low $400s 2,113 - 2,712 Sq. Ft. | 4 Beds
12545 N 300th Ln. Buckeye, AZ 85396
Located in the Teravalis Masterplan
From the Low $400s 1,880 - 2,712 Sq. Ft. | 3
5651 N. 205th Dr. Buckeye, AZ 85396 Active-Adult Community
From the Low $300s 1,070 - 1,324 Sq.
8931 E. Caballero St. Mesa, AZ 85207 From the
7049 E. Bushy Tail Ln. San Tan Valley, AZ 85143
Photography by Danielle Muccillo
Back to School with Confidence with H2O ‘N’ Go
This drive is a meaningful community initiative focused on helping schoolage children and teens in Surprise and El Mirage feel confident and prepared as they head back to school. There are many amazing backpack drives but we want to provide something more personal and impactful. Our vision is to host a Back-to-School Confidence Drive this summer, collecting items that help students not only be prepared, but feel good about themselves when they walk onto campus.
Photography
Graze Craze Opens New Shop!
Graze Craze is built around high quality ingredients and striking presentation. They help customers celebrate anything and everything with convenient elevated food experiences. Graze Craze is all about connection and they are excited to bring something personal into the community while helping people celebrate life's moments big and small!
Scan to read more
ADH Solar & Electric
Putting it where the sun does shine! With the summer heat upon us and rising electricity costs, now is the time to reach out to ADH Solar & Electric. If you are considering solar, ADH Solar’s mission is to respectfully educate and provide our customers with the best long term energy efficient solutions they need.
Scan to read more
Photography by Graze Craze
Photography by ADH Solar
BUILT ON FAITH
Delivering justice, guiding clients through adversity, and building trust through experience, integrity, and service
ARTICLE BY KYLIE STRAWN-BADGE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GERBER INJURY LAW
In a world where unexpected moments can change everything, having the right advocate matters. For Ken Gerber, the work has never been just about cases; it has always been about people, purpose, and the relentless pursuit of justice.
With more than 25 years in law, including nearly two decades focused on Plaintiff’s Personal Injury, Gerber’s career
“They need someone who not only understands the law, but who genuinely cares about the outcome of their life, not just their case.”
has been shaped by a deep-rooted passion for trial work. That passion began during his time at Stetson College of Law, where he competed on the nation’s top-ranked trial team. There, he not only honed his courtroom skills but helped secure first-place finishes at both state and national levels.
“From the beginning, I knew I was called to the courtroom,” Gerber shares. “It is where preparation meets purpose.”
After graduating cum laude, he stepped into the role of a prosecuting attorney, quickly building a reputation for his work ethic and trial experience. Handling thousands of criminal cases, Gerber conducted more jury trials than any of his peers during his tenure, an experience that would later become the backbone of his success in personal injury law.
“Trial work teaches you discipline, strategy, and resilience,” he says. “Those lessons carry into every case I take on today.”
In 2001, Gerber founded his own personal injury practice in Florida, growing it into a six-office operation across the southwest region. After years of success, he made a pivotal move, selling the firm and relocating to Arizona in 2009 to begin again, this time with a renewed focus on personalized service and community connection.
Today, his practice, based in Surprise, serves clients across the Valley with the same intensity and care that defined his earlier career. His approach blends legal precision with a commitment to treating every client as more than just a case file.
“I remain committed to the highest in client service,” Gerber says. “Every client deserves to feel heard, supported, and fully represented.”
That level of care is especially critical in personal injury law, where clients are often navigating some of the most stressful moments of their lives. From serious accidents to long-term recovery, Gerber
understands that his role extends beyond legal strategy. It is about guiding people through uncertainty with clarity and confidence.
“People come to us during difficult seasons,” he explains. “They need someone who not only understands the law, but who genuinely cares about the outcome of their life, not just their case.”
That philosophy extends beyond the courtroom. Together with his wife, Megan Gerber, he co-hosts the podcast Injury Report with The Gerbers, where legal insight meets real-world perspective. Each episode breaks down current events and complex topics through a thoughtful, values-driven lens, offering listeners clarity in a fast-moving and often overwhelming world.
“The goal is to help people understand what they are seeing and experiencing,” Gerber explains. “We want to bring truth and perspective into conversations that matter.”
Listeners are drawn not only to the legal insights but to the authenticity of the conversations. By combining Ken’s experience as a trial attorney with Megan’s background in marketing and communication, the podcast creates a space where education and relatability intersect. It reflects the same values that define their firm: transparency, trust, and a commitment to serving others well.
For Gerber, success is not measured solely by verdicts or settlements, but by the impact he has on the lives of those he represents. Whether advocating for injured clients or guiding listeners through challenging topics, his mission remains consistent: to serve with integrity, lead with purpose, and pursue justice without compromise.
“Justice is not just a result,” he says. “It is a responsibility.”
Beyond the BARREL
Whether you’re celebrating a seasoned collector, a casual sipper, or the dad who simply appreciates a well-earned pour at the end of the day, Father’s Day is the perfect moment to elevate the experience. A great bottle of whiskey isn’t just a gift, it’s a gesture, a shared moment, and often, a story waiting to be told. This curated selection highlights five standout expressions, each suited to a different kind of dad, from the one who enjoys the finer things to the one who values tradition
and craftsmanship. With origins spanning from Japan to Kentucky, these whiskies showcase the depth and diversity of the spirit, offering everything from rich, complex profiles to smooth, approachable finishes. Whether poured neat, shared over conversation, or saved for a special occasion, each bottle brings something meaningful to the table. Consider this your guide to finding a Father’s Day gift that feels personal, elevated, and worth savoring long after the day is over.
Best Whiskies for Father’s Day
ARTICLE BY KYLIE STRAWN-BADGER
1. THE SPLURGE- THE YAMAZAKI 18 YEAR SINGLE MALT WHISKY
Origin-Japan: A full-bodied whisky with spicy cherry-like tones. The toffee aromatics of this copper-gold colored whisky offer a pleasant, long, dry finish. Aged in American, Spanish and Japanese oak for a unique quality and distinct taste.
2. THE ENTHUSIASTWHISTLEPIG 18 YEAR DOUBLE MALT RYE
Origin-Vermont - This whiskey is distilled from 79% rye, 15% malted rye, and 6% malted barley. These grains form a harmony that spans the flavor spectrum, at once soft and floral, rich and savory, and full of spice. Its complexity is only heightened after 18 years in the barrel.
3. THE TRADITIONALISTJOHNNIE WALKER BLUE ICE CHALET BLENDED SCOTCH
Origin-Scotland - 43.0% - Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ice Chalet is a limited-edition whisky featuring rare Single Malts from northern Scottish distilleries, including Brora and Dalwhinnie. Please drink responsibly.
4. THE COLLECTORBLANTON'S STRAIGHT FROM THE BARREL
Origin-Kentucky - 66.85% - Notes of dark chocolate, caramel & butter with earthy undertones of walnut & hazelnut. The palate delivers intrepid notes of warm vanilla, oak, toasted nuts & a rich spiciness with hints of butterscotch or honey.
5.THE HOST- WILLETT POT STILL RESERVE BOURBON
Origin- Kentucky, USA - Nose is delicate and refined; palate is quite graceful. An easy drinking whiskey. Balanced flavors of creaminess, spiciness and floral notes. Finish has mint, spice and earthy wood character. Beautiful pot still decanter. 90 Malt Advocate.
Benevilla provides a safe, engaging environment with compassionate daytime
WE SERVE: Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) to later stages of dementia, stroke survivors, Parkinson’s, and intellectual disabilities.
Mean Business Leading With Purpose
MEET THE LEADERS SHAPING INDUSTRIES THROUGH SERVICE, INNOVATION, AND IMPACT ACROSS THE SURPRISE AND PHOENIX COMMUNITIES
August Heiss
Alternative Dynamic Hydro LLC (ADH Electric & Solar
August Heiss is known for his deep knowledge of all things solar. August takes pride in educating his customers not selling to them, which allows them to make sound choices and decisions that are best for them. He is a leader in his field and always the first to offer help. August is passionate about giving back to his community and volunteers with local non-profits in his spare time. August is a servant leader who isn't afraid to get on a roof or get his hands dirty. He is well respected by his team, customers and the Surprise community.
Dr. Jason Mussman
Regency Specialties
Dr. Jason Mussman is a highly respected plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Phoenix and Scottsdale, known for his expertise in advanced cosmetic procedures. He focuses on helping each patient achieve their unique aesthetic goals with precision and care. Dr. Mussman offers personalized consultations in a comfortable, confidential setting, where he takes the time to understand your vision and body type. His approach ensures that every treatment plan is tailored to your individual needs, focusing on safety and achieving the best possible results.
Robert Mulvin
All Pro Shade Concepts
Robert Mulvin is a leader in the Home Services industry. As an Arizona native, Robert founded All Pro Shade Concepts in 2005. With over two decades of growth he has built a reputation for high-quality products and service with integrity that surpasses that of typical small businesses. He is dedicated to helping home owners and other small business owners with his compassion for excellence. Robert personally oversees operations, ensuring every client is satisfied with the products, service and experience provided by the company.
Nick Lenning
Lenning & Associates
Nicholas Lenning is a Licensed Financial Advisor and Registered Tax Preparer with over 10 years experience, and he is the Founder of Lenning & Associates. Leading with compassion and heart, Nick diligently and genuinely connects with our local business owners. He serves our community with integrity and treats each of his clients like family. Nick is always ready to cheer on those around him, both personally and professionally for their successes and to lend knowledge and wisdom when needed. Nicholas is a proud Surprise resident, husband and father to his darling daughter, and two spoiled dogs. He is thankful to have followed in his grandfather's footsteps into the financial industry.
Shooters World
Phil Roux is an incredible man who never fails to amaze. He is a proud husband, father, grandfather and business owner. He is also an avid outdoor enthusiast who loves nature, cycling, camping and hunting. Phil is one of the driving forces behind Southwest Armor Technologies (SWAT), a pioneering armor development company with his groundbreaking innovations, holding several patents for his designs that are revolutionary to the armor industry. Phil strongly advocates for responsible gun ownership. Through his facilities at each of the Shooter's World locations allow him to offer the community a welcoming environment for all levels as well as safety and training classes, including women-exclusive classes.
Phil Roux Kc Plum
Eff Bugs
Kc Plum is a devoted husband to an oncology RN, a proud father of three sons, and a passionate advocate for the autism community. These roles have shaped both his perspective and his purpose. His journey as a special needs parent led him to embrace a simple but powerful mindset learned from his son: be unapologetically yourself. That perspective now fuels everything he builds. As the founder of EFF Bugs & Weeds, Kc brings over 20 years of experience while humbly redefining his industry through authenticity, creativity, and service. For him, success isn’t just business—it’s building a life that reflects purpose, family, and staying true to who you are.
Photographer: Atchley Photography LLC
letter from the PUBLISHER
This month, we’re excited to share our Men’s issue. Being a man is reflected in how someone shows up for their family, their community, and themselves. It’s confidence without arrogance, strength paired with kindness. In this issue, we highlight individuals who embody those qualities in their own unique ways from entrepreneurs and fathers to mentors, and leaders making an impact. We explore the love, discipline, and the habits that shape not just success, but fulfillment. Of course, June also brings Father’s Day, making this issue especially meaningful. It’s a time to recognize the men who guide, support, and inspire us often without asking for recognition in return. Whether it’s a father, grandfather, coach, or role model, their influence deserves to be celebrated. I know the men in my life have shaped who I am and I am so grateful to them. My dad taught me that love has no bounds, what to look for in a man and how to be strong but gentle at the same time. My brothers definitely taught me patience, how to defend myself and how to be independent. My husband has taught me true love is selfless and has no limits. From the love and support he shows me everyday to the way he loves each of our daughters I am alway in awe of the amazing man he is. He has set a foundation for our daughters as they’ve grown to have a standard of how to be treated and loved by the way he loves me. From holding my hand and opening doors to dancing in the kitchen, and everything in between he has shown our daughters what it means to love a woman. I hope my daughters always remember the love that we share and that continues to grow in our home.
Faith Morello, Publisher
From NFL Fields to Fitness Empire
Building purpose, family legacy, and community through Phoenix fitness business
As a new class of athletes prepares to hear their names called in the NFL Draft, the spotlight is often fixed on what’s next on the field. For former fourth-round pick Kevin Curtis, the real transformation began after the game.
A two-time All-American safety at Texas Tech, Kevin spent six years in professional football before stepping into a completely different arena: entrepreneurship. Today, he and his wife Kayla own and operate seven Orangetheory Fitness studios across the Phoenix Valley, building a business rooted in discipline, culture, and community.
“The biggest challenge has been finding my purpose beyond football,” Kevin shares. “In the NFL, everything is structured and your identity is tied to the game. When that ends, you have to figure out who you are without it.”
That clarity came through leadership. From coaching young athletes to leading teams within their studios, Kevin has found a consistent thread in helping others grow. “I am still leading a team, still helping people become the best version of themselves,” he says. “At the end of the day, though, my biggest purpose is my family.”
That sense of purpose drives the couple’s approach to business. “People need better
ARTICLE BY KYLIE STRAWN-BADGER
health, and we get to be part of that,” Kevin explains. “We are not just running workouts. We are helping people build confidence, discipline, and consistency.”
The mindset he developed in the NFL continues to shape how he leads today. “Nothing is given. Everything comes from discipline and hard work,” he says. “It is not about telling people what to do. It is about showing them.”
For Kevin and Kayla, the business is deeply personal. With their son already taking an interest, the studios represent more than growth; they represent legacy. Looking ahead, their goal is simple: expand their impact, reach more people, and continue building something that lasts.
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
JUNE 2026
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
JUNE 1ST
Back to School Confidence Drive with H2O 'N' GO
H20 N GO | 14763 W Cactus Rd Unit
100 Surprise, AZ 85379 | 10:00 AM
Our vision is to host a Back-to-School Confidence Drive, collecting items that help students not only be prepared, but feel good about themselves when they walk onto campus. We are collecting items all month long starting June 1st! Donations will be accepted at H2O 'N' GO. Please follow our facebook page @H2O N GO for additional drop off locations
JUNE 6TH
Dry Bar Comedy Live!
The Vista Center for the Arts | 15660 N Parkview Pl, Surprise, AZ 85374 | 7:00 PM
The wildly popular online series of specials, which offers clean "Comedy for Everyone" is expanding to live shows featuring comedians who have become Dry Bar fan favorites. Since its launch just last year, Dry Bar comedy specials have generated over ONE BILLION views on social media and gained millions of fans. Come join us!
JUNE 6TH
Join Orange Theory Fitness
Goodyear for an indoor 5k
783 S Cotton Lane Suite. C-5
Goodyear, AZ 85338 | 8:00 AM
Get ready to move, sweat, and have some fun! Join Orangetheory Fitness Goodyear for an exciting indoor 5K experience designed for all fitness levels. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just looking for a fun way to stay active, this event offers a supportive, high energy environment to help you challenge yourself and enjoy the process.
JUNE 7TH
Wild Life Zoo at The Wigwam Every Sunday!
The Wigwam | 300 E Wigwam Blvd, Litchfield Park, AZ 85340 | 12:00 PM
Come join us at The Wigwam for an unforgettable, up-close wildlife experience the whole family will love. Our certified zoo professionals will be bringing along a variety of unusual, cuddly, and truly fascinating animals, giving you a rare chance to meet them face-to-face in a safe and engaging environment.
JUNE 20TH
Lake Pleasant Father's Day Cruise
8708 W. Harbor Blvd. Peoria, AZ 85383 | 5:00 PM
Celebrate Dad in a way he won’t forget with the Lake Pleasant Father’s Day Cruise experience a perfect mix of great food, live music, and breathtaking Arizona views. Hosted by Lake Pleasant Cruises, this special weekend lineup offers multiple ways to relax and enjoy time together out on the water.
JUNE 27TH
AZ Rattlers Desert Diamond Arena
Desert Diamond Arena | 9400 W Maryland Ave, Glendale, AZ 85305 | 7:00 PM
The Arizona Rattlers return home on June 27, 2026, taking the field at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale for an exciting 7:00 PM kickoff. This high-energy Indoor Football League matchup promises fast-paced action, big plays, and a lively crowd atmosphere that makes Rattlers games a must-experience event.
Want to be featured?
GET IN TOUCH AT CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/ SURPRISE
The Perfect Steak
ARTICLE BY CASEY WEBER, TALL GRASS MEAT COMPANY
Nothing describes summer better than a good cookout! And what is a cookout without a good, quality steak and the perfect grilling recipe?
1. Thaw and acclimate the steak. For searing to occur, the proteins in steak need to be heated to at least 310°F. Tossing cold meat onto a hot grill lowers the temperature and can prevent a crust from forming, so it’s important that any frozen steaks are thawed completely before cooking.
2. Salt your steak 30-45 minutes before grilling. This causes the salt to draw moisture from within the steak up to the surface, where it dissolves the salt and creates a brine that gets reabsorbed into the steak where it breaks down tough connective tissues.
3. Oil the grate on the grill, not the steak. Use tongs and a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil to lube your grates.
4. Manage your heat well. Remember that your grill needs to be hot for your steak to get a good sear. But if it’s hot enough to cause your oil to smoke, it’s too hot.
5. Use the 60/40 rule. The best-tasting steaks are seared on both sides and cooked evenly in the middle. The simplest way to do that is to only flip your steak once. The 60/40 rule suggests that 60% of your cook time should be spent on one side, and 40% on the other.
6. Keep the lid closed. It may be tempting to peek, but trust the experts and keep it shut! Opening the lid makes your grill lose heat, which makes steaks cook unevenly.
7. Check for doneness. A meat thermometer will give you the most accurate temperature reading:
• Rare: 120°F
• Medium Rare: 130°F
• Medium: 140°F
• Medium Well: 150°F
• Well: 160°F
8. Let your steak rest. Pull your steaks from the grill once they’re cooked to 5-10 degrees below your target temperature and rest for 10-15 minutes.
