We are the only primary care/functional medicine clinic co-founded by Dr. Dale Bredesen for preventing, delaying and reversing dementia.
The Best Investments
Don’t Come With a Price Tag
We talk a lot about investment in terms of money— essentially, building wealth. But when I think about the word “investment,” I see something much bigger.
Every day, we invest in ways that don’t show up on a balance sheet—checking in on a friend, supporting a local business, making time for what really matters. These are the choices that shape our future and the community we call home.
Troy is a city built on investment. It’s in the business owners who take risks to create something meaningful. It’s in the parents who devote time to schools and activities that enrich the next generation. It’s in the residents who champion local initiatives and make this city stronger with every decision they make.
Lately, I’ve been thinking about the investments that don’t come with an immediate payoff but change everything over time. A few weeks ago, I put aside my to-do list and spent the day reconnecting with an old friend. No agenda, no rush—just time to catch up and be present. It reminded me that some of the best investments don’t come with a price tag.
In this issue, we’re shining a light on what it means to invest—whether in our businesses, our finances, the people around us, the foods we eat. I hope you'll find in these pages reminders that the choices we make today create the future we want tomorrow.
Here’s to making every investment count.
TODD HAIGHT, PUBLISHER @TROYCITYLIFESTYLE
April 2025
PUBLISHER
Todd Haight | todd.haight@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Margaret Haight | margaret.haight@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Allison Sommerville
allison.sommerville@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Kristy Belley, Angela Broockerd
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Simran Bajwa, Janie Jones
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1-2: Mark Friday from RJ Telecommunications at their Customer Appreciation Dinner at McVee’s Pub & Grub 3 & 7: Business owners from across Troy enjoy the Troy Chamber’s WBF GAL-entines Mixer 4-6: Troy Chamber of Commerce staff and members network at the C.N.N. Valentine’s event at the San Marino Club.
TARA TOMCSIK-HUSAK
JESSICA DENIKE, WILDWOOD CREATIVES
JESSICA DENIKE, WILDWOOD CREATIVES
TROY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
TROY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
TROY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
TROY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
business monthly
DRIPBaR of Troy Expands Services
DRIPBaR of Troy welcomes a new nurse, Chelsey Fleszar, who hails from Henry Ford Health System with 10 years of experience. She's just in time for the launch of two new DRIPBaR programs—mobile services, delivering care right to your home or office; and DRIPBaR Direct, offering Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, testosterone and many more peptides shipped to your home. Enjoy 30% off your first month of DRIPBaR Direct. Members get 20-25% off monthly. Visit thedripbar.com/troy-mi or call (248) 291-3636.
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Troy Historic Village Advocates for Museums
Troy Historic Village regularly advocates for museums and non-profits by meeting with elected representatives and inviting elected officials to experience grant-funded programs. In February, Shelby Nelsen, Adult Programs Director, participated in Museums Advocacy Day to meet with members of Congress in Washington, D.C. Meanwhile, Jen Peters, Executive Director, joined the Cultural Advocacy Network of Michigan in Lansing to meet with legislators. Last October, Michigan Lt. Governor Gilchrist visited the Village’s Indigenous Voice program.
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Baker College's Justin Hooks Elected MICNP Education Chair
Baker College faculty member Justin Hooks has been elected by members of the Michigan Council of Nurse Practitioners (MICNP) to serve a two-year term as Chair of the Education Committee. With a term commencing January 2025, this move highlights his exceptional commitment to advancing nurse practitioner education across the state.
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Photography by Baker College
Photography Courtesy of Troy Historic Village
Photography by The DRIPBaR
ARTICLE BY KRISTY BELLEY
The drink that makes you look forward to TAX DAY
INCOME TAX cocktail
INGREDIENTS:
• 1½ oz. Gin
• ¾ oz. Dry Vermouth
• ¾ oz. Sweet Vermouth
• ¾ oz. Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice
• 2 Dashes Angastura Bitters
• Orange Twist
• Glass Type: Coupe
DIRECTIONS:
1.
2. Add everything to your shaker with ice.
4. Pour into your coupe.
5. Twist your orange peel again, like you did last summer.
7. Enjoy being done with taxes.
8. And a good cocktail.
The Income Tax Cocktail likely popped up during the Prohibition party scene of the 1920s. Its exact origin story remains a bit blurry, but it was definitely a hit in speakeasies.
The name? Well, it's like a cheeky nod to the idea that sipping on this cocktail might be more fun than paying actual taxes! Made with gin, sweet vermouth, orange juice, and a dash of bitters, it's like a boozy adventure for your taste buds, with hints of citrus and herbs. Despite its vintage roots, the Income Tax Cocktail still brings the party vibes, transporting you back to the roaring '20s.
Dr. Dawn, Dr. Kristen & Dr. Jennifer
SWEET SUCCESS
ARTICLE BY R. TODD HAIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY BY SIMRAN BAJWA
When I walked into Stalt Financial (StaltFinancial.com) in Troy, I expected a conversation about numbers. What I got instead was a masterclass in empowerment, personal growth—and the surprisingly emotional side of financial planning.
Sitting down with Dan Zech, CEPA, and Catherine "Cat" Toone, RFC, it becomes immediately clear that they aren’t your typical financial advisors.
“We’re not just here to manage assets,” Dan tells me. “We’re here to help people master their financial future—one lesson at a time.”
That philosophy was evident throughout our conversation. I ask Cat about the biggest misconception people have about financial planning. Without hesitation, she replies, “Most people don’t need a hard-core investment lecture. They need someone to break it down in a way that makes sense for their life.”
CONTINUED >
Brian Zech
That’s exactly what she and Dan do. Trying a new financial planner is scary enough, so rather than overwhelming clients with numbers and jargon, they simplify complex financial strategies into digestible steps.
I begin to see how clients might experience those “aha” moments when financial planning suddenly isn’t intimidating—it’s empowering.
Their sessions, I learn, often feel more like therapy than finance meetings. Money is deeply personal, and clients come in carrying stress, fear and uncertainty. Dan and Cat offer a space where people can talk openly, ask questions without judgment and leave with a sense of clarity and confidence.
“People get overwhelmed by the sheer complexity of what’s out there,” Dan says. “They need someone to talk to—someone who can help them navigate the ups and downs without it feeling like a cold business transaction.”
He describes how they create personalized plans, different for each person, and that’s when I discover something particularly insightful: Stalt’s fee-for-service model means they create strategies around client goals— not products.
“You want a living, breathing financial plan that brings your hopes and dreams to life. Financial products are simply tools to accomplish those goals,” Cat says. “That’s why we’re fee-based, not commission-based. It’s about what’s in your best interest.”
That also means they work with a broad range of clients, from entrepreneurs managing multiple businesses to couples and families just starting their investment and retirement journey.
“We welcome anyone who’s ready to learn and grow,” Cat tells me.
If they have a specialty, it may be exit planning for business owners. And that’s no simple task: Exit planning is about as appealing as writing your own obituary.
"Exiting your business may be the furthest thing from your mind, but by choice or by force, there will come a time when the business will need to function without you,” Dan assures. “Our job is to help you design and execute the exit you want to see happen."
He and Cat counsel business owners to treat exit planning strategically—as they do every other key decision.
“It’s less about stepping down and more about securing the future of what you’ve built,” Dan says. “That’s why we recommend planning years in advance. Like everything else, we simplify it. We have a clear process and a transition team to address everything
Catherine “Cat” Toone
from tax planning to risk management, even testing various scenarios to find the one you’re most comfortable with.”
As Stalt Financial marks its third anniversary, I ask them to reflect on the journey. Their gratitude for their families is immediate and heartfelt.
“They’ve given us more love, encouragement, and grace than we ever could have imagined,” Cat shares. “They know we’re helping people and they’re glad to be part of that.”
Not that it’s been easy. Dan laughs, “Telling your spouse you’re going to start a business that might take several years to get off the ground quickly really reveals the depth of your relationship.”
Their families, particularly Dan’s father, Brian Zech—who serves as their Director of Business Development—have played a vital role in Stalt Financial’s success. Brian’s decades of experience in banking have added both credibility and energy to the firm.
Looking ahead, Dan and Cat are focused on expanding their team with like-minded advisors who share their passion for education and empathy.
“Our mission is to transform the way people think about their money,” Dan says. “We’re here to teach, to guide and to make sure every client feels empowered to take control of their future.”
Stalt wrote the book on financial planning
Many business owners pour everything into their companies, but what about the bigger picture? Stalt’s The Business Owner’s Financial Playbook: Why Your Best ShortTerm Strategy Is Long-Term Thinking explores how to balance immediate financial needs with future goals. From managing cash flow and reducing debt to planning for retirement and business transitions, this guide offers practical insights to help owners build lasting wealth. No complicated jargon—just real advice that helps business owners make smart, long-term money moves. Whether you’re just starting out or looking ahead to the next chapter, this book is packed with practical tips to keep your finances strong. Visit StaltFinancial.com for a copy.
Dan Zech
THE ART of Connection
The Techs With a Human Touch: How RJ Telecommunications Builds Lasting Relationships
ARTICLE BY R. TODD HAIGHT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SIMRAN BAJWA
Mark Friday
Mark and his team answer the call–with speed, expertise and a little humor
Mark Friday never set out to lead just another telecommunications company. For him, business has always been personal. As the president of RJ Telecommunications, (now.rj10.com) he’s woven the values of trust and service into every aspect of the company.
Growing up in a large, close-knit family, Mark learned that success isn’t about profit— it’s about taking care of people. Whether lending a helping hand to a cousin in need or gathering with relatives for a meal, his family thrived on connection and support.
Those same principles now shape the way he runs his company. “At the end of the day, it’s about doing right by people,” he says. “If I take care of the customer, everything else— growth, financial success—figures itself out.”
Founded in 1996, RJ Telecommunications has grown into a trusted provider of business phone systems, cabling, fiber networking, managed IT services and internet solutions. Mark and his team operate with a simple but powerful philosophy: Do what’s best for the client, no matter what.
Maybe that’s why one of RJ’s first clients remains loyal after nearly three decades. Chris Nicol serves as Project Manager/Associate for G2 Consulting Group, a Troy-based, nationally recognized geotechnical, environmental and construction services firm.
“Mark and his team handle everything from phones to internet connections for us, and whenever we call, we get the owner of the company and he solves our problems,” says Chris. “They’ve had an amazing focus on service since day one.”
It’s about reliability, Chris adds, and that’s the hallmark of RJ Telecommunications. In an era where IT support often means navigating automated menus or waiting days for help, Mark and his team pride themselves on immediate, personal service.
“I’ve had customers tell me they’re surprised by how fast we respond—almost to the point of annoyance,” he laughs. “They’ll say, ‘You can come tomorrow, Mark, you don’t have to drop everything,’ but that’s just how we do things.
“You won’t find a ticket system or a long wait time with us,” he adds. “When you call, we answer. When you need help, we show up.”
Bright Side Dental turned to RJ Telecommunications while struggling with multi-location call routing. Patients would often call the wrong office, only to be told to hang up and redial. Mark’s team stepped in and designed a system that allows calls to transfer effortlessly between locations.
CONTINUED >
“You won’t find a ticket system or a long wait time with us. When you call, we answer. When you need help, we show up.”
- Mark Friday
“They needed a solution that made life easier for them and their patients. So we built it,” Mark explains. “Now, they never miss a call and their staff can focus on patient care instead of phone issues.”
While offering high-level IT and communication solutions, RJ operates with transparency and integrity. When Bright Side Dental wanted Bluetooth headsets for their call center, Mark didn’t upsell them expensive adapters. Instead, he replaced their phones with Bluetooth-compatible models at no extra charge.
“It was just the right thing to do,” Mark says. “And when you take care of people, they stick with you.”
Emily Ostroski, RJ’s controller and office manager, echoes this sentiment. “Mark won’t sell someone something they don’t need. He cares about people first,” she says.
This commitment to service extends beyond customers to employees as well. Mark’s team includes several family members, from his cousin Elizabeth to his children, who are beginning to get involved in the business. His philosophy? If family members share the company’s values, why not give them opportunities to grow?
Despite RJ’s impressive growth, Mark remains committed to the principles that have guided him. Expansion is on the horizon, but it will never come at the expense of customer care.
“We’re not perfect,” he admits. “But if we ever make a mistake, we own it, we fix it and we make it right.”
In an industry often defined by impersonal transactions, one thing is certain: Mark Friday’s commitment to treating customers like family isn’t changing. Even as technology advances, RJ Telecommunications isn’t just about linking phone lines or networks—it’s about connecting people.
Power Up with Sports Nutrition!
Building Inspiring
Brick & Masonry Designs
INVESTING IN OUTDOOR LIVING
From Dormant to Dazzling: 5 steps to spring garden glory
ARTICLE BY JONATHAN ASHBURY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SIMRAN BAJWA
After this harsh winter, gardens and flowerbeds all across Troy are eager to burst into life. With a little planning, your outdoor space can flourish with vibrant color and healthy growth.
April is the perfect time to revitalize your garden and landscaping. Embrace a season of renewal with these five simple steps from Tim Travis, owner of Goldner Walsh Garden & Home.
1. Observe and Listen to Nature
Before you break out your tools, take a leisurely stroll around your garden. Notice where buds are peeking through and where nature seems to be taking its time. These early signs help you decide where extra care is needed. Like a good conversation, your garden tells you its story—and when it's ready—if you take the time to listen.
2. Clean and Refresh Your Beds
Spring cleaning isn’t just for the indoors. Clear away winter’s debris and prune ornamental grasses and hydrangeas as new growth emerges. By removing dead material gently, you give your plants room to breathe and set the stage for a lively display later in the season.
3. Feed Your Garden Right
After a long dormancy, plants need nourishment to get started. Tim recommends an acid-based organic fertilizer—such as Holly Tone—to cater to Michigan’s alkaline soils. This slow-release nourishment not
only boosts growth but also supports the thriving ecosystem beneath the soil’s surface.
4. Water with Care
April’s weather is usually a mix of sudden warm spells and unexpected cool snaps. Instead of a constant sprinkler schedule, water only when the soil shows signs of dryness. This mindful approach encourages deeper root development, ensuring your garden stays resilient through the season’s fluctuations.
5.
Design Thoughtfully
Great gardens are crafted with an eye for balance. Avoid overcrowding by choosing native, deer-resistant plants and giving each one ample room to shine. A thoughtful layout not only creates a picturesque scene but also supports local wildlife. Remember, less is often more—let each plant’s natural beauty take center stage. By following these five tips—observing nature, refreshing your beds, nourishing your soil, watering judiciously and planning with care—you can create a garden that thrives well into the season. Embrace the art of gardening as both a creative pursuit and a natural remedy for everyday stress, and enjoy the bounty that April is preparing.You'll want to explore the workshops and events, from how to create a layered bulb container to helping kids build their own bird feeder. And don't miss seeing Nelly the tortoise, who has made her home at Goldner Walsh.
CONTINUED >
Tim Travis of Goldner Walsh Garden & Home
Goldner Walsh Garden & Home
Local resident and garden enthusiast Allison Sommerville toured Goldner Walsh Garden & Home. Spanning 12 acres, this iconic establishment blends artistry, horticulture and design, offering everything from award-winning landscape services to a full-service floral department, event venues and a lush six-acre nursery.
You’ll want to explore the workshops and events, from how to create a layered bulb container to helping kids build their own bird feeder. And don’t miss seeing Nelly the tortoise. Visit goldnerwalsh.com for details.
Nelly, the resident tortoise at Goldner Walsh
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
APRIL 5TH & 12TH
The Magic Soiree, Michigan’s only magic comedy dinner show
Camp Ticonderoga, 5725 Rochester Road | 6:30 PM
This is a must-see magical, funny dinner show for everyone. Tickets include a delicious buffet meal, close-up magic at your table and the hilarious magical cabaret featuring Keith Fields and Lady Sarah. It's a great night out for magic and comedy. Once you see the show, you'll want to see it twice! Visit TheMagicSoiree.com for tickets before they disappear.
APRIL 8TH & 16TH
4-Course Wine Dinner at Carrabba’s in Troy
Carrabba’s Italian Grill, 600 W. Big Beaver | 6:30 PM
Join Carrabba's Italian Grill in Troy for a flavor exploration with a four-course food and wine pairing. Relax and enjoy this exquisite meal with family, friends, neighbors or co-workers after a long day. Discover Carrabba's featured wine and off-menu masterpieces, as well as camaraderie and gifts compliments of the house. Visit Carrabbas.com or call (248) 269-0095 for details and reservations.
APRIL 11TH & 12TH
Spring Egg Hunt
Troy Historic Village, 60 W. Wattles Road | 4:00 PM
Hop on over to collect eggs to trade for goodies, make a craft, get your EGGSercise with a HOPstacle course and play carnival-style games with your family. Rather than a free-for-all, the Village egg collection is structured with each family collecting eggs in a designated lane one at a time. Register online at TroyHistoricVillage.org or call (248) 524-3570. April 11th at 4:00pm and April 12th at 11:00am
APRIL 13TH
New brunch at Carrabba’s
in Troy
Carrabba’s Italian Grill, 600 W. Big Beaver | 12:00 PM
What could be better than Carrabba's Italian Grill for dinner? How about lunch? That's right, Carrabba's in Troy is unveiling a brand new brunch event. It all starts in April. For menu details, pricing and more, call Carrabbas at (248) 269-0095.
APRIL 14TH
Preservation Conversations: Detroit’s Eastern Market
Old Troy Church at Troy Historic Village, 60 W. Wattles Road | 2:00 PM
Lisa Rush, co-author of the book “Detroit's Historic Eastern Market” and Preservation Detroit Eastern Market tour guide, will share the history of the largest historic public market in the United States. Free for members, $7 for non-members. Register online at TroyHistoricVillage.org or call (248) 524-3570.
APRIL 19TH
Troy Community Center’s Family Night Out
Troy Community Center, 3179 Livernois Road | 5:00 PM
Join us for these discounted nights at the Troy Community Center (TCC) Fitness Center. All ages welcome. Spend an evening together and enjoy basketball, swimming and more. Free for TCC Fitness members and children under 3. $6 residents, $8 non-residents. No registration required; pay at door. Call (248) 524-3484.
Continue Your Success Story
Whether you’re a lifelong learner or looking to upgrade your skills, our continuing education offerings can help you go further in your life and career.
Choose from over 1,500 options from personal development classes, continuing education, micro-certifications, and high-tech boot camps.
• Art and Design
• Business
• Computer Applications
• Computer Science
• Construction and Trades
• Health and Fitness
• Hospitality
• Information Technology
Find your fit at baker.edu/ce
APRIL 19TH & 22ND
Baker College
Open Houses
Baker College, Various Campuses | 10:00 AM
Baker College’s Spring Open Houses are the perfect opportunity to connect and see what’s possible for your future. Check out the Cadillac campus and the Auto/Diesel Institute of Michigan in Owosso Saturday, April 19 from 10 a.m. to noon. Visit the Jackson campus Tuesday, April 22 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. For more, visit baker.edu/openhouse
APRIL 23RD
Me & My Grand Do
A Puzzle Together
Troy Community Center, 3179 Livernois Road | 4:30 PM
Join your grandparent in completing a 60-piece puzzle together. A puzzle of this size is developmentally appropriate for ages 6 and up––and you’ll be able to take your puzzle home with you. Snack will be provided. $10 per pair, $13 per additional person. Register by April 23. Call (248) 524-3484.
APRIL 30TH
Watercolor Classes:
Rockin’ Robin
Niles-Barnard House at Troy Historic Village, 60 W. Wattles Road | 4:30 PM
Watercolor Artist Megan Swoyer will teach students about different techniques to capture various styles. Rich reds, springy greens, and an intuitive background where each result is unique will be applied. No experience is necessary; all supplies will be provided. Ages 16 & up. $40/class for members; $48/ class for non-members. Register online at TroyHistoricVillage.org or call (248) 524-3570.
“Our competitive edge is having one company handle all our HR-related services.”
Successfully managing 50 Jimmy John’s locations and more than 700 employees requires going above and beyond expectations. That became a challenge when we used three different companies to handle payroll, healthcare, and HR services. Switching to Trion, one of the country’s most trusted Professional Employer Organizations, to handle all three has made life much easier. Trion’s PEO offerings help us go the extra mile for our team members and customers. And that’s why we rely on Trion. Visit RelyonTrion.com
– Tomey Group LLC