Unlimited
The Work of Fatherhood
Have you ever paused to think about the impact fathers have on their homes and families? The truth is, the role of a father is immeasurable. Fathers shape homes, nurture growth, and provide the foundation upon which children can thrive. And as a dad, the level of impact you choose to have is entirely in your hands.
In this month’s issue, we asked some Waconia men what life lessons they learned from their father—and also what advice they now give to their own children. My father taught me many things, but easily the most important thing was simple. Be present. Always.
June 2026
PUBLISHER
Matt Shaeffer | matt.shaeffer@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Lauren Beaubaire | lauren.beaubaire@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Emily McKeever, Pauli Reep
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Maria Claire Photography
While it’s impossible to attend every ballgame, concert, or field trip, make as many events as you possibly can. Our children may not appreciate it now, but they will. It’s that ever-present love and support that creates a special bond and gives them something they can easily pass along to their own children.
A father’s gifts are unique and lasting—his strength, his words, his guidance—all create an impact that ripples through generations. Here are just a few of the ways fathers build up their families and their homes:
• A father’s strength can be a steady anchor.
• His words can encourage and inspire.
• A dad’s hugs can provide comfort in difficult times.
• A smile from a dad can instill joy and confidence.
• Time spent with a dad is filled with both fun and productivity.
• A dad’s physicality can challenge and excite.
• His guidance can be life-changing.
• A father’s correction is sometimes life-saving.
• Adventures with a dad create unforgettable memories.
This month, let’s celebrate fathers everywhere. If you have a father or father figure in your life, let them know how much they matter to you. And if you are a dad, thank you. You are an invaluable part of your family, your community, and the world.
Happy Father’s Day to all the incredible dads out there!
MATT SHAEFFER, PUBLISHER @WACONIACITYLIFESTYLE
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Meredith Wilson
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
Proverbs 3:5-6
inside the issue
JUNE 2026
Community, On Tap
OMNI
The Quiet Standard: Mike Johnson
An
Father Knows Best
We
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1-7: Runners lined up for the Wine Run 5K at Parley Lake Winery to run or walk this beautiful, scenic route. Sponsored by Ridgeview, runners enjoyed a pour of wine at the finish line and took home a super soft t-shirt, shatterproof, collapsible, and portable wine glass, and a finisher medal that doubles as a wine stopper!
business monthly
Green Fox Grille Opens its Doors
Green Fox Grille is open! In February, this full-service restaurant and event space opened its doors, filling the space that Vandy’s Grille occupied. At Green Fox Grille, you’ll find delicious fare, but you’ll also find a welcoming atmosphere. Bonus, they’re operating in partnership with Island View Golf Course, so the experience is the complete package. Tee up with drinks to follow, or gather for a laid-back Friday night dinner. “Swing” in soon!.
Revolutionary CT Scanner Advances Cardiac Care at Ridgeview
Generous philanthropic support is making an impact once again, this time with breakthrough technology. The NAEOTOM Alpha® scanner is redefining cardiovascular imaging as world’s first photon-counting computerized tomography (CT) system and Ridgeview now has it. What does this mean for you or someone you love? It means faster, clearer, high-resolution images, a more at-ease experience, and significantly lower radiation exposure. This milestone was driven by fundraising efforts through the Ridgeview Foundation’s Cause for the Community campaign. Congratulations, Ridgeview!
Plan on making this the best Father’s Day yet? Here’s an idea! Give the gift of a fun-filled day with the family at LaunchPad Golf at The Meadows in Prior Lake. Book a covered suite for your group and hit balls at their open-air range or enjoy screen technology featuring virtual golf courses and numerous game modes. Then indulge in delicious food and drinks from their elevated, on-site restaurant. launchpadgolf.com/minnesota/the-meadows/restaurant/ Scan to read more
Have an Extra Happy Father's Day at LaunchPad Golf
community, on tap
OMNI Brewery & Taproom is building a community hub centered on beer, food, and connection
Think about your favorite television show—chances are there’s a bar, coffee shop, or other go-to space where the characters frequently gather. As a viewer, it’s easy to be drawn in, to lose ourselves in these stories—but why? Because there’s something about that warm, welcoming vibe that makes you feel like you’re part of it, where every visit feels like a celebration with your people.
It’s been almost a year since OMNI Brewery & Taproom took over the space once home to Enki Brewing, and the community has found in it that same kind of home base. Maybe it’s a birthday, or maybe it’s
just a Tuesday, but when we’re there, we’re right where we belong. No TV required.
Marketing Director Nick Kleppe says the biggest win since OMNI’s doors opened is the reception and support they’ve received.
“We knew when we acquired Enki, we were taking over what had been a staple in the community and, for many, their favorite local brewery.”
Despite this, he says, they were welcomed with open arms and embraced in a way that made them feel like they were celebrating year five, not year one.
ARTICLE BY EMILY MCKEEVER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA CLAIRE MEDIA
“Choosing where to spend your hard-earned money is more of a choice than ever, so every customer that’s walked into our taproom is the reason we’re able to be here celebrating one year later.”
Alongside honoring Enki’s legacy and maintaining high standards, what this taproom is most proud of is seeing it filled with people enjoying themselves—and they hope there’s plenty more where that came from.
What’s on the menu at OMNI besides fun-filled community? “We started with the goal of there being a beer for everyone, so you’ll find a balance of rotating seasonal favorites and our always-on-tap flagships,” Nick shares.
Right now, Citrus Crush, a shandy brewed with lemon, grapefruit, and tangerine, is what many customers are sipping. “It’s a super refreshing beer that packs a ton of citrus fruit flavor.” On the flagship side, a popular favorite has been the Double New England IPA–FAD, which stands for “Freakin’, Awesome, Delicious.” Nick laughs, “Yeah, we’re pretty original over here.” Another must-try is their Lake Day brew, in honor of one of the greatest days you can have in Minnesota, according to Nick. “We crafted a beer that’s great for an actual lake day, or for when you’re daydreaming about one.”
There’s more to OMNI than just a delicious beer. You can also get your caffeine fix with an extensive coffee and tea menu, along with a small but intentional breakfast menu. Later in the day, it’s all about pizza. As their menu says, ‘Looking for unique flavors? You’ve found ’em!’ The Big Dill, Omnivore, and Cluckin’ Good are just a taste of what’s in store when hunger and thirst hit.
So what else is happening at OMNI? They host a variety of events and have built partnerships that truly connect with their customers. “Mondays are ‘Community Monday,’ where we partner with a local organization or non-profit. On these days, a dollar for every OMNI beverage or pizza sold gets donated to that group.” You can also host your own event by reserving their private event space on their website. “It’s great for birthdays, retirements, baby/bridal showers, and corporate events,” says Nick.
CONTINUED >
Twice a month, they feature themed trivia nights, usually accompanied by specialty drinks and fun raffles. They host a weekly Farmers Market, have started an OMNI Bike Club, and offer an interactive bingo-style loyalty program. They also serve up a Pizza of the Month, with the creative kitchen team dreaming up a semi-out-there pie available for that month only. They’ve done a Reuben-inspired pie, a chicken pot pie pizza, and one that featured a delicious fig-balsamic drizzle with bacon. Nick says to keep an eye out for their State Fair-themed pizza this fall!
In OMNI’s second year in business, they plan on doubling down on the elements that made year one successful. Whether it’s the friendly staff who greet you, a thoughtfully crafted menu, or finding a perfect sip for everyone at your table, Nick says all of it comes together to make OMNI a place that feels familiar, fun, and anchored in a strong local neighborhood vibe that makes unwinding easy and every visit feel special. omnibrewing.com/location/victoria
Kristina Hammes, DVM
Jessica Radtke Maltez VVH Owner, DVM
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
Rock Out for Ridgeview!
Join us for a fundraising concert featuring rock & roll tribute band, Xpedition. Enjoy chart-topping classics from legends like Journey, Styx, Foreigner and Kansas!
Pictured: Bryan Haasken
We asked dads in our community about the fatherly advice that shaped them–and what they’re passing on
Father Knows Best
From offering a warm welcome to consistently showing up, fatherly advice has shaped many of the men in our community. And now, they’re passing those lessons on to the next generation — whether it’s words they grew up with or wisdom of their own.
ARTICLE BY EMILY MCKEEVER
Aaron Schram
Schram Vineyards
Andy
Mohn
State Farm Insurance
One of the best lessons I learned from my dad is that your reputation is everything. In whatever project, job, or career you’re in, always be ethical and treat people fairly. I admire how respected he is in his community and strive to accomplish the same thing. I always tell my kids to be confident in who they are and in the standards we try to instill in them, while also encouraging them to be positive leaders on their teams and in their friend groups.
My dad was a farmer, and it wasn’t his words but his work ethic that shaped mine. Seeing his hard work and consistency — without complaint — as he built a life, stayed with me. It’s something I’m trying to pass on to my family by showing my kids that work ethic isn’t something you say, it’s something you live every day. There’s nothing better than taking pride in your hard work and knowing you earned it and learned from it.
Brian Kruschke
Fury Ford
Everything I needed to know about business and great relationships was taught to me as a 5-year-old boy, ushering at church with my dad. Hold the door open for everyone, welcome them in with your eyes and a smile, be the first to put your hand out for a warm handshake, and be the last to let go.
CONTINUED >
Justin Goche
Waconia Landscaping Co
The best advice my dad gave me was when he said, " If you love the work you choose to do, you’ll never work a day in your life!” This rings true in every aspect of my life, from parenting to military service to landscaping.
Matt Shaeffer
Waconia City Lifestyle
One thing my dad taught me — and I have tried to emulate for my own kids — is always to be present. Just being there for them shows your love and support, proving you can always be counted on.
Martin Cole Thrivent
Work hard, show up consistently, and never quit. We all encounter difficulties in life, but it’s often the people who work hard and never quit who get ahead in life.
Tim Willems
Waconia Comfort
As most fathers would say, there are days I say too much and days not enough, but the number of times I have said "watch your own bobber" is staggering. The message doesn't really change from when they were toddlers to now that they’re teenagers. The bobber, however, does represent something deeper as they age. At first, they're just trying to see the bobber move, but eventually, they understand why it moves and what to do about it.
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A Father’s Day Gift Guide
Gifts, goodies, and ideas from our local shops for the dads who deserve it all
Summer is a time for celebrating, and not just the amazing Minnesota weather. Father’s Day is this month, and these go-to guys — the men we rely on most — are the rock in many families. Dads are a big deal. I mean, who else has an entire category of jokes named after them? So, to all of the Dads and father figures out there — the funny ones, the strong ones, the serious ones, and the supportive ones, Happy Father’s Day! And when celebrating your best guy, we’ve got a few ideas to make it extra special. Take a look below.
ANNA TOBACCO
This tobacco and smoke shop is new to the community, and stocked with over 500 quality products, making it an easy stop for thoughtful Father’s Day finds. For the dad who enjoys a well-earned moment to unwind, you’ll discover premium cigars, sleek lighters, and quality accessories designed to elevate the experience. annatob.com
ARCHIVE 22
Buy him a unique, hand-drawn piece from Archive 22 to hang in his office or man cave. If dad loves hockey or golf, this sports art studio will help you outdo any other gift givers this year. Archive 22 founder and licensed artist with the USGA and PGA, Chandler Withington, creates architecturally inspired sports artwork that captures the history and evolution of iconic golf and hockey logos — and he has a really interesting story to match. archive22-store.com
ARTICLE BY EMILY MCKEEVER
HAVENWOOD MEATS
This growing local meat market and custom meat processor has everything you need to create a grill-themed basket full of mouthwatering goodness so that dad can grill his little BBQ-loving heart out. This local shop also makes custom orders easy and approachable — just give them a call. havenwoodmeats.com
HAYLOFT STUDIOS
Cocktail mixes, cooking accessories, specialty teas, and so much more can be found at this boutique gift shop and creative space. On top of that, everything offered is from a local grower, maker, or artisan, so every gift you grab comes with a really cool story. You’ll probably find something for yourself, too — no judgment. Happy Father’s Day to you! facebook.com/Hayloftstudiosmn
Tee from Nice Shirt Co.
THE GRATER GOOD
Nothing says love like a big wheel of Brie or a wedge of cheddar. What’s more, Dad will count you his favorite kid if you bring home one of The Grater Good’s cheese boards loaded with nuts, crackers, meat, chocolate, cheese, and plenty more. Or swing into their charming cheese barn and see what’s new. You’ll find apparel, jams, honeys, and other pairing essentials. thegratergoodmn.com
NICE SHIRT CO.
Every grill master needs a uniform, but not every shop offers styles this soft, creative, and — let’s just say — clever and pretty darn funny. Finish off that grilling basket we mentioned above with a standout tee from Nice Shirt Co. What else would you expect with a name like that? niceshirtco.com
Hand-drawn artwork from Archive 22
SCHRAM VINEYARDS
Your dad, the wine connoisseur, will appreciate a bold red, a crisp white, and anything in between from Schram’s wide-ranging collection. Not sure which he’ll love most? They’ve got gift cards for that! And because he’s a dad, throw in a hat while you’re at it. schramvineyards.com
CABIN FEVER OUTDOORS
If your guy loves to hit the water, chasing walleye or just chasing the next big catch, Cabin Fever Outdoors is the place to get him geared up and kitted out for a successful fishing trip. cabinfeveroutdoors.com
Cocktail mix at Hayloft Studios
ARTICLE BY PAULI REEP
PICKLE-BRINED CHICKEN WINGS SOAR TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH ALABAMA WHITE SAUCE.
Pickle In A
I’ve spent years searching for the perfect wing flavor, never quite satisfied, until I heard a podcast suggestion: brining chicken wings in pickle juice. It sounded strange at first, but it yields incredibly tender and flavorful wings! Since then, I save pickle juice from every jar I buy just to recreate these beloved wings. If I run out of pickle juice, olive juice works too. I air fry mine, but if you don’t have an air fryer, cook them as you normally would. Don’t forget to toss them in a buttery dill sauce and try the Alabama white BBQ sauce for an extra layer of goodness!
Pickle Juice Brined Wings
INGREDIENTS
• 2 pounds chicken wings (flats and drummettes)
• Pickle juice - enough to cover wings
• 1 – 2 teaspoons garlic salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 6 tablespoons butter
• A few dashes of hot sauce
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Place chicken wings in a non-reactive container and pour pickle juice over chicken wings until completely covered.
2. Place it in the fridge and let it marinate, covered, for at least 8 hours.
3. Drain wings, discard pickle juice, and completely pat wings dry.
4. Put dried wings in a bowl and sprinkle with garlic salt and pepper. Mix well.
5. Place wings in an air fryer basket, being careful not to crowd. Cook at 400 degrees for 28 minutes, turning every 8 minutes until crispy. If you don’t have an air fryer, bake them in the oven for 35 - 40 minutes at 400 degrees, flipping halfway through.
6. Melt the butter and add a few splashes of hot sauce of your choice and mix in a bowl. Add wings and completely cover with butter mixture. Sprinkle with fresh dill and toss a few times, and serve with my white barbeque sauce.
Alabama White BBQ Sauce
INGREDIENTS
• 1 ½ cups mayonnaise (I prefer Duke’s)
• ¼ cup water
• ¼ cup white wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon pepper, coarsely ground
• 1 tablespoon Creole mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons prepared horseradish
INSTRUCTIONS
Whisk all ingredients together until blended. Dip your pickle juice-brined wings in this sauce and taste the joy! Store in the refrigerator for 1 - 2 weeks.
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JUNE 3RD
Live by the Lake Concerts
Bayfront Park | 6:00 PM
Hosted by the City of Victoria on Wednesday evenings at 6pm, these free weekly concerts are the perfect way to enjoy the stunning views of Stieger Lake while listening to the best local talent around—from blues and country to classic rock and roll. Bring family and friends, grab a blanket, kick back, and soak in the sounds of summer. Check out the lineup: victoriamn.gov/community/events_and_programs/community_events/live_by_the_lake.php
JUNE 4TH
Waconia’s Summer Music Series
Downtown Waconia | 6:30 PM
The City of Waconia’s Summer Music Series—Music in the Street—is back and bigger than ever! Rotating through downtown blocks on select Thursday evenings, music starts at 6:30pm. For the first time, Xfinity is joining as a Title Sponsor, helping to bring you even more new and returning bands this summer. On June 4 Anti Skip Protection will perform and Traveled Ground performs on June 18. waconiamn. gov/570/Summer-Concert-Series
JUNE 12TH
HomeTown Bank
Block Party
HomeTown Bank Parking Lot | 4:00 PM
Dust off your bell-bottoms and get ready to boogie. HomeTown Bank’s annual Block Party is back, and this year, they’re throwing it way back with a groovy 70’s-theme! From 4pm-7pm, enjoy live music by Where’s Karl?, kids’ activities, including bounce houses and face painting, plus food and beverages, and more. All proceeds from the event will benefit Backyard Wishes. More details: waconia.destinationwaconia.
org/events/details/hometown-bankblock-party-06-12-2026-11368?calendarMonth=2026-06-01
JUNE 17TH
Something To Crow About’s Sip into Skin Tightening Event
The Wine Lounge, Hutchinson / 4:00 PM
Sip, relax, and glow at Something To Crow About Health Clinic’s Sip into Skin Tightening event, where you can try XERF, the most advanced skin tightening treatment that uses radio frequency, meaning no needles, no downtime, and no pain. The evening includes wine, event specials, and you could even win free skin tightening treatment! More details on their Instagram @somethingtocrowabouthealth.
JUNE 20TH
27th Annual Lake Waconia Band Festival
Downtown Waconia | 6:00 PM
The 27th Annual Lake Waconia Band Festival will take over Main Street on Saturday, June 20! This “bands only” parade competition is the highlight of the summer marching band season, drawing top bands from around Minnesota with an expected audience of 3,000. Hosted by the Waconia Band Boosters, this event is sponsored by local businesses and supported by over 100 volunteers.
JUNE 28TH & 29TH
Ridgeview Foundation’s Groovin’ on the Green Sovereign Estate Winery & Island View Golf Club | 6:00 PM
Bring the whole family to kick off summer with the Groovin’ on the Green Concert, Ridgeview Foundation’s signature outdoor celebration! This year it’s at Sovereign Estate Winery on June 28. Enjoy an evening of family activities, food trucks, music, and fireworks to close out the evening. The festivities continue the next day with a tournament at Island View Golf Club. More details: ridgeviewmedical.org/foundation/ events/groovin-on-the-green/
SUMMER STARTS AT Home !
GET INSPIRED EAT & DRINK
SHOP LOCAL
