Tempe Personal Injury & Business Litigation Attorneys
You Can Trust
A family-owned law firm, here for you when it matters most.
Arbitrations, Mediations, & ADR Business & Commercial Litigation Personal Injur y & Wrongful Death
For more than two decades, The Sorenson Law Firm has proudly called Tempe home. We’re more than just attorneys we’re parents, neighbors, and active members of this community. Whether you’re navigating an injur y claim or a business matter, our family-owned firm is here to guide you with care, clarity, and experience.
The Work Carried Forward
There’s a certain weight that comes with being a man, a father, a mentor. Not in expectation, but in responsibility. In the way actions carry forward, shaping not just the present, but what comes next.
In this June Men’s Issue, those ideas show up in different ways across each story.
For Dr. Frost, it begins at home. His experience as a father has shaped the way he approaches his work, grounding it in trust, care, and a deeper understanding of what it means to support someone during their most formative years. His story reflects how confidence is built over time, often in the smallest, most consistent moments.
That sense of legacy continues through the Catch A Wave Car Show. What started with a father and son has grown into something much larger, a community-driven event centered on giving back. Behind the cars is a deeper purpose, one that supports local students, invests in education, and brings people together year after year.
And then there’s Joe Zee, whose career has spanned some of the most influential spaces in fashion. Today, his impact is found in the classroom at ASU FIDM, where he’s helping shape the next generation of creatives, passing on not just knowledge, but perspective.
Each of these stories speaks to a different version of what it means to carry that responsibility forward, as a man, as a father, and as a mentor, shaping the next generation along the way.
JETT ARREDONDO, EDITOR @TEMPECITYLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE
June 2026
PUBLISHER
Wendy Bates | wendy.bates@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Jett Arredondo | jett.arredondo@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Skye Wagner | skye.wagner@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Stephanie Slezak
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Wendy Bates, Jett Arredondo, Pauli Reep, Katelyn Reinhart
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Jett Arredondo, Annaliza Izydorczyk, Brittany Dawn Short
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
Proverbs 3:5-6
inside the issue
JUNE
2026
| GENTLEMEN’S
An
Catch A Wave
A
Red Carpet Classroom
Joe
Desert Living, By Design
Tom Smith, owner of Desert Designer, explores
Jett Arredondo
8. Tempe Diablos President Vince Vasquez presents a check on Diablo Day. 9. Tempe Diablos, Tempe City officials, members of the Angels, and local nonprofits pose for a photo on Diablo Day. 10. Mayor Corey Woods, Council Members Nikki Amberg, Jennifer Adams and Randy Keating.
IX Sushi opens at The Watermark
IX Sushi, the newest concept from Kaos Hospitality, is now open at The Watermark in Tempe. Sharing a space with Three Thirty Three but operating independently, IX offers an upscale yet approachable sushi experience. The menu features a wide selection of sushi, sashimi, and specialty rolls, alongside standout dishes like A5 wagyu, miso black cod, and a bluefin tuna bowl. A creative cocktail program rounds out the experience. Open Tuesday through Saturday for dinner.
Earaches/Ear
Tinnitus/Ear
Sinusitis
Congestion
MDVIP Wellness Program
Expert comprehensive screenings, tests and a custom wellness plan designed for you.
Better Health Outcomes
Members have better control of chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and hypertension.Dr. Heavens has extensive training in hormone replacement therapy for women and men, he is also a certified menopause provider by the Menopause Society of North America.
Available After Hours
The doctor is available by phone, after-hours and on weekends. Better
Tianna Gomes
IN GOOD HANDS
An orthodontist, a father, and the quiet work of shaping confidence for the next generation.
ARTICLE BY JETT ARREDONDO
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNALIZA IZYDORCZYK
There is a certain kind of care that doesn’t come from training. It’s not learned in school or refined over time. It’s shaped in quieter ways through presence, patience, and the perspective that comes with fatherhood.
“That kind of presence stayed with me, shaping the way I show up as a father.”
For Dr. Frost, that perspective was shaped long before he had kids of his own.
“One thing I cherished about my own dad was that he always took the time to remind me how much he loved me,” he says.
It wasn’t loud or performative. It showed up in consistency, in quiet moments, in the steady reassurance that he mattered. That kind of presence stayed with him, shaping the way he now shows up as a father.
At home, life is full. Three boys, nine, seven, and six months, fill the days with a rhythm that moves between chaos and calm. Afternoons are spent at sports practices and games, while evenings slow down with their youngest, whose presence has shifted the energy of the entire household in the best way.
“We got really comfortable with our life with our first two boys,” he says. “But all four of us have really
enjoyed the light that the new baby has brought into our home.”
It is a season that keeps him grounded in what matters most. Time together. One-on-one conversations. Small, consistent reminders of how deeply his kids are loved.
“That’s something I try to pass on,” he says.
Not as a lesson, but as a way of being. Because confidence, the kind that lasts, is not built all at once. It takes shape over time, in the way someone is spoken to, supported, and truly seen.
That understanding naturally carries into his work as an orthodontist, influencing the way he cares for every patient and family who walks through his doors.
“I treat other kids and families as if they were my own,” he says. “I want what’s best for them, and I want them to trust me.”
“I approach every decision by asking myself, if this were my family, what would I do?”
Many of the kids he works with are still figuring out who they are and how they show up in the world, and being part of that process is something he values deeply.
“It means everything to me,” he says. “A healthy, beautiful smile can change the trajectory of someone’s life.”
For him, the impact isn’t just about the end result. It’s about the experience, how patients
are cared for, how clearly things are communicated, and the trust that builds over time.
“Being in good hands comes down to trust,” he says. “I approach every decision by asking myself, if this were my family, what would I do?”
It’s an approach grounded in something personal, shaping how he shows up for every family he’s entrusted with.
Inspiration for your best local life.
Exclusive giveaways.
Hidden gem alert!
Good news in your neighborhood.
Local content by local creators.
Inside scoop on all things local.
Locally-inspired food & drink recipes.
Tempe Ci T y Lifes T y L e™
Dr. Mona Zade and Dr. Annette Hobi
CATCH A WAVE
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY JETT ARREDONDO
A TEMPE CAR SHOW DRIVEN BY LEGACY, COMMUNITY, AND GIVING BACK TO THE NEXT GENERATION
“Every detail, every volunteer hour, every rev of an engine supports the mission.”
Before it became a staple on Tempe’s event calendar, Catch A Wave Car Show started with a simple idea and a “no.”
When a local Chevrolet club proposed shutting down Mill Avenue for a car show, the request was denied. Instead of letting the idea fade, the Kiwanis Club of Tempe Nuevo stepped in, securing Kiwanis Park and creating something entirely their own. What began as a workaround has since grown into one of the East Valley’s most anticipated gatherings of automotive culture.
At the center of it all is legacy. The show was led for over two decades by Dick Caley, whose vision and commitment shaped it into what it is today. Now, that same passion continues through his son, Sam Caley, carrying it forward as Co-Chairman and current President of the Nuevo club.
But this isn’t just a car show.
Yes, the field is lined with everything from early 1900s vintage vehicles to modern muscle and exotic cars, machines that collectively can reach well into the millions. But the real draw is not just what’s parked on the grass. It is the people.
There’s a rhythm to the day. Stories shared between strangers. Memories sparked by a familiar model. Conversations that stretch longer than expected. For many, it feels less like an event and more like a reunion. A one-day gathering where generations connect through something tangible.
And behind it all is purpose.
Participation, whether from car owners or Kiwanis members, is rooted in something deeper: a shared commitment to giving back. Every detail, every volunteer hour, every rev of an engine supports the Kiwanis Club’s mission to serve the community.
For decades, the club has partnered with Thew Elementary School, building relationships with students and staff that date back to 1976 and extend far beyond the classroom. Their impact continues through annual scholarship awards for local students, recognizing character and citizenship, with grants that can exceed $2,000 for graduating middle schoolers taking their next step forward.
It is leadership in action. High school Key Club members work alongside longtime volunteers, learning what it means to show up for their community and be part of something bigger than themselves.
Catch A Wave isn’t about nostalgia alone. It is about continuity. About honoring where we’ve been, while investing in what’s next.
And for one day each year, it all comes together right here in Tempe.
The Smile Experts
& INVISALIGN
We make orthodontic care simple, convenient, and tailored to you — whether you’re a busy professional, a teen
or a parent exploring options for your child.
Red CarpetClassroom
Joe Zee brings industry insight and real-world fashion into
the next generation of creatives
Joe Zee has a hard time defining an “average” week. Last March, he was on the Oscars red carpet offering live commentary on celebrities like Zendaya, Michael B. Jordan, and Demi Moore. In April, he hosted the Canadian Fashion and Arts Design Awards. And in between, he’s preparing for his next semester teaching fashion styling at ASU FIDM.
A longtime force in the fashion industry, Zee previously served as creative director at ELLE and has held roles at Yahoo Style, W Magazine, Vanity Fair, Details, and Allure. He’s also an Emmy-nominated host, author, and producer. These days, though, much of his inspiration comes from his students at ASU’s California Center in Los Angeles.
“I feel like I’m learning from them as much as they’re learning from me,” Zee said. “In our conversations, I can see what they’re drawn to…it’s such a fascinating glimpse into what drives Gen Z.”
Zee shared more about his approach to teaching and the evolving fashion landscape in a Q&A.
Q: What is your approach to teaching fashion styling?
A: “The industry looks different now than it used to. You can be everything from a fashion influencer to a stylist to working in retail, so I try to cover the whole spectrum.
“I’m a television producer at heart, so I structure each class like an episode. Students get a ‘challenge,’ and the following week we critique the work. That part is important because constructive critique is integral to the industry—great ideas don’t live in a bubble.
“We also look at fashion in pop culture—movies, runway shows, red carpets. Some of it they’ve seen, but some of the biggest moments from early in my career are completely new to them.”
ARTICLE BY KATELYN REINHART
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Q: How has social media changed the industry?
A: “I always tell my students: Your best marketing tool is in your hands, and it’s free. If you do social media right, you can shape your own narrative on your own terms—that’s huge.
“We study TikTok and create ‘get ready with me’ videos, and part of their grade is based on engagement metrics, because that’s the real world now.
“Social media has accelerated everything. A runway show happens and it’s on your feed instantly. But the internet is insatiable. By the time a look hits stores, we’ve already moved on. The challenge now isn’t just capturing attention—it’s keeping it.”
Q: Why are people so fascinated with red carpet fashion?
A: “Fashion is art, and art is subjective—that’s part of the fun. But people are also fascinated by the business behind it. These days, nobody looks bad on a red carpet because everyone has a team. It’s very pay-to-play, and every detail is accounted for.
“At the end of the day, fashion is a way to connect. It’s storytelling, and everyone gets to have an opinion—which social media has amplified. Who doesn’t want to cast judgment from the safety of their couch?”
NEOS MED SPA
Skin Treatments | Facials | Botox | Filler
B12 + Nutrient Shots | Laser Hair Removal
Weight Loss + Semaglutide /ozempic
Photofacial/IPL/BBL
ARTICLE BY WENDY BATES | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
DESERT LIVING BY DESIGN
TOM SMITH, OWNER OF DESERT DESIGNER, EXPLORES A MORE INTENTIONAL APPROACH TO OUTDOOR LIVING IN THE ARIZONA DESERT.
In Phoenix, landscape design is no longer just about aesthetics. It is about intention. As the city continues to evolve, so does the way people think about their outdoor spaces. Water conservation, climate resilience, and lifestyle-driven design are shaping a new kind of desert living, one that feels both elevated and deeply connected to its environment.
At the center of that shift is a move away from traditional lawns and toward something more thoughtful. The “New Desert” approach embraces sculptural greenery, layered textures, and spaces designed to be lived in, both day and night. For Tom Smith, this evolution is not just a trend. It is a reflection of how people want to experience home.
“Having an environment where people can comfortably gather and connect makes staying home more meaningful.”
How do you define the Phoenix aesthetic in 2026? Is it still about cacti and gravel, or has it evolved into something more lush?
I’d say the Valley is actually moving back toward xeriscape. Yards are becoming less lush as homeowners move away from grass, often replacing existing lawns with more water-conscious solutions.
Arizona living is all about the disappearing wall. How do you design a backyard that feels like a seamless extension of the living room?
It usually starts with decking, matching interior and exterior flooring materials as closely as possible to create that seamless transition.
Many designers treat plants like living art. Which desert species do you consider your statement pieces?
Cereus monstrosus or Mexican Fencepost serve as strong focal points in a xeriscape yard. As they grow, they develop more character, and they can be highlighted with lighting from day one, with only minor adjustments needed over time.
With Phoenix summers becoming more intense, what cooling techniques are you integrating into your designs?
Try not to overuse hardscape, and when you do, opt for lighter colors. Trees can provide cooling for a home or patio, but placement and proper watering are key.
In the desert, we reclaim the outdoors once the sun goes down. How do you use lighting and fire features to transform a garden at night?
I’m a big fan of getting people outside at night with the right landscape lighting. It enhances safety, extends time outdoors, and adds value to the home. Many clients have shared that lighting played a role in buyers connecting with their home during evening showings.
What is the one feature Phoenix homeowners are asking for right now to turn their yard into a private resort?
Creating spaces that encourage natural conversation is key. Whether for family time or entertaining, having an environment where people can comfortably gather and connect makes staying home more meaningful.
Set your schedule. Make an impact. Build a life you’re proud of.
Behind each of our 200+ City Lifestyle magazines is someone who cares deeply about their community. Someone who connects people, celebrates businesses, and shares the stories that matter most. What if that someone was you?
Or maybe it’s someone you know. If this isn’t the right time for you, but you know someone who could be the perfect fit, we’d love an introduction.
Markets available nationwide Learn more at future.citylifestyle.com
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
Wine Spectator has
Wine Spectator was first published in 1976. And in their 49 year history, not one senior community had been recognized for their dedication to wine – until last year, when Mirabella at ASU was thrilled to be the first.
Now we did it again!
And the best pairing to great wine? Great food, of course. Which is why we offer exceptional dining. We invite you to come see what luxury senior living on the ASU campus is all about. Schedule your visit today.
