Issuu

The Thankful Issue N OV E M B E R 2 02 6

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

A Season of Gratitude As late October descends upon us, it’s time to savor the final nice days of fall and get out and enjoy all the fun outdoor activities our community has to offer — apple orchards, pumpkin patches, hayrides, and wineries are all personal favorites of mine for bringing family and friends together. Then November brings Thanksgiving, encouraging us to slow down and appreciate the friends and family who bring us so much joy and pride. This month, let’s appreciate the everyday moments that make life in Waconia and Victoria beautiful — a coffee date at Mocha Monkey, Bakery Off Main or Ruby’s Roost…lunch, happy hour, or dinner at one of our amazing restaurants…a walk or bike ride on a sunny, cool day…cheering on the Wildcats or Fire on a crisp, clear night. And of course, let’s not forget to spend generously during D.E.A.R Day and support the awesome retailers and downtown establishments we are so lucky to have. Our November issue is dedicated to stories of gathering, giving back, and celebrating the people and organizations that make our community such a special place. We’re endlessly thankful for our advertising partners, whose support allows us to bring inspiring stories to your doorstep each month, for the leaders in the community who lead the charge, and for the readers who make it all worthwhile. As we prepare to enjoy everything our community has to offer, let’s take a moment to reflect on what truly brings meaning to our lives and appreciate everyone who makes it happen. As we begin this holiday season, let’s find contentment in the connections we nurture and embrace doing good for others. Wishing you and your family a season of fun, gratitude, and grace,

November 2026 PUBLISHER

Matt Shaeffer matt.shaeffer@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R

Lauren Beaubaire lauren.beaubaire@citylifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Emily McKeever, Lutie Ronglien, Amanda Wagner C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R

Maria Claire Media

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Mary Albers LAYOUT DESIGNER Meredith Wilson QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

M AT T S H A E F F E R , P U B L I S H E R @ WAC O N I AC I T Y L I F E S T Y L E Learn how to start your own publication at CityLifestyle.com//Franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Waconia City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Waconia area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle

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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Waconia City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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inside the issue NOVE M B E R 2 0 2 6 | TH ANK F U L

12 Featured

20 26

Print Prestige Meets Digital Power.

WHY CHOOSE BETWEEN PRESTIGE AND PLACEMENT?

Departments

A Holiday Glow-Up

Lifestyle Letter

Awaken Aesthetics & Wellness shares how to start the new year feeling your best.

City Scene

Business Monthly

Self Care FINANCE + LEGAL SERVICES

Growing With Their Clients

Hometown Hero LIFE + CULTURE

Local Limelight LIFE + CULTURE

Home Update HOME + DESIGN

Giving Back LIFE + CULTURE

Events

Thrivent Financial is built on relationships, and their growing team is carrying that approach forward

The Heart Behind the Home Turning your vision into a space you’ll love with HLI Home Renovators

On the Cover It’s the season for gathering, giving, and making a difference. Learn more about this year’s Giving Campaign inside this issue.

With City Lifestyle’s co-branded print + digital packages, your business captures attention wherever our community is looking. Build unmatched local credibility on the page, and drive immediate action online. Ready to double your local reach? Contact your local publisher by scanning below.

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NOVEMBER 2026

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WACONIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND MEYERHOFF DESIGN

1-4: A fall favorite at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum! The Annual Glass Pumpkin Patch featured more than 6,200 handmade glass pumpkins, along with whimsical garden art and Halloween-inspired creations. The Scarecrows, Pumpkins & Harvest Fun event added even more autumn fun with creative scarecrows designed by Arboretum staff, artists, and visitors around the theme “Connecting People, Plants and the Planet.” 5-7: It was another fantastic Nickle Dickle Day, celebrating its 65th year with a street dance, market, car show, duck races, and the 3 on 3 basketball tournament!

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C I T Y SC E N E

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FOR THE HOME YOU HAVE… OR READY FOR THE HOME YOU WANT?

As we move into November we tend to reflect on what we have and appreciate where we are at! And we relaize that our home is more than four walls, it’s where memories are made, traditions are celebrated, and life happens. If you are contemplating a change or you've been wondering whether now is the right time to sell, let's start the conversation.

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NOVEMBER 2026

business monthly A R O U N D U P O F N E W S F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

Cabinetworks Group Opens New Free Clinic for its Employees The Cabinetworks Group recently had a ribbon-cutting for its new employee-only, free on-site medical clinic. By expanding access to healthcare and easing financial barriers for team members, this initiative is fostering a healthier workforce. Services including wellness exams, lab work, vaccinations, and treatment for minor illnesses will be available at no cost. It’s the third clinic of its kind in the country for Cabinetworks. Congratulations on this valuable new resource for its employees!

Step Into a Sweet Candy Wonderland at Coney’s Coney’s Candies is now open on Main Street in Waconia, and in September, they made it official with a gathering of the community for an exciting ribbon-cutting. Coney’s is a sweet new spot that stirs up Dirty Sodas, sells imported candy, and scoops up ice cream to satisfy any sweet tooth. It’s a true candy wonderland that’ll bring you right back to being a kid and remind you just how much fun candy can be.

Big Things Are Happening at Dawson & Associates! Dawson & Associates of American Family Insurance has exciting updates to celebrate! They’ve expanded their team to elevate customer service and support for new and existing clients, and they’ve also moved locations. You’ll find them at 101 W Main St. in Waconia, proudly serving more than 2,000 Minnesota households. Their commitment to the community shines through in the meaningful relationships they build, the ways they give back, and the exceptional care they provide.

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A Holiday Glow-Up

Tonya Spector, Registered Nurse at Awaken Aesthetics and Quincee MacGibbon, owner of Awaken Aesthetics and Certified Nurse Practitioner

AWAKEN AESTHETICS & WELLNESS SHARES WAYS TO RECHARGE, REFRESH YOUR LOOK, AND HEAD INTO THE NEW YEAR FEELING YOUR BEST ARTICLE BY EMILY MCKEEVER

S ELF CA R E | FI NANC E + LE GAL SE RVICE S

‘Tis the season for family gatherings and holiday celebrations, of fresh starts, and bringing a new sense of purpose into the new year. If we’re honest with ourselves, a little recharge and selfcare is on all of our holiday wish lists this year. And who better to help than Quincee MacGibbon, owner of Awaken Aesthetics and Wellness and a Certified Nurse Practitioner? We asked her how we can freshen up our look for the holiday parties, festive celebrations, and photo opportunities that are sure to come our way. Turns out there are numerous ways to do it, and not all of them require a big change. Quincee says that how we look on the outside is often influenced by how we feel on the inside. She says feeling our best isn’t just about an aesthetic treatment—it’s taking better care of yourself overall. What are some simple ways to freshen up your look before the holidays? You don’t have to make a dramatic change to look and feel refreshed. Some of my favorite options are treatments that enhance what you already have—softening expression lines with Botox or Dysport, improving skin tone and texture with BBL HEROic or MOXI, or doing a hydrating facial or microneedling treatment for an overall glow. I also remind patients that how we look on the outside is often influenced by how we’re feeling on the inside. Staying hydrated, prioritizing sleep, eating well, managing stress, and addressing things like fatigue or hormone changes can make a difference in how you look and feel. If someone only has time and money for one treatment, what would you recommend? This really depends on what the person is looking to improve. If expression lines are their main concern, a neuromodulator like Botox or Dysport may give them the biggest impact. If they’re more concerned about sun damage, brown spots, redness, or overall skin quality, I love our BBL HEROic/Moxi laser. But sometimes the answer isn’t an aesthetic treatment at all. If someone comes in telling me they’re exhausted, not sleeping, experiencing changes in their weight, or simply don’t feel like themselves, I may recommend we look deeper into their overall wellness instead and start with our comprehensive lab panel. At Awaken, I look at the whole picture and help patients decide where they’ll get the most value for their individual concerns, goals, and budget. What skincare mistakes should people avoid before holiday parties? Don’t suddenly overhaul your skincare routine right before an event! The week before a holiday party is not the time to try a strong new retinol, aggressive exfoliant, peel, or other product your skin hasn’t used before. You risk showing up irritated, dry, or peeling. Keep things gentle, moisturize well, stay hydrated, and wear your SPF. And don’t underestimate the basics—sleep, hydration, and nutrition all play a role in how healthy and vibrant our skin looks too. What should people know about timing treatments around a big event? Plan ahead! This is probably one of the biggest things I tell my patients. Ideally, we love seeing patients 4–6 weeks before an important event so we have time to create a plan rather than trying to squeeze everything in at the last minute.

“MY PHILOSOPHY HAS ALWAYS BEEN THAT AESTHETIC TREATMENTS SHOULD ENHANCE YOUR NATURAL FEATURES, NOT CHANGE THEM. YOU DON’T NEED TO DO EVERY TREATMENT BEFORE THE HOLIDAYS. SOMETIMES ONE THOUGHTFULLY CHOSEN TREATMENT, GREAT SKINCARE, AND TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF IS ALL YOU NEED TO FEEL REFRESHED.”

For Botox or Dysport, I recommend allowing at least two to four weeks before an important event so the treatment has time to fully take effect and any potential bruising can resolve. With filler, even more time is necessary because swelling and bruising can occur. Treatments like BBL, MOXI, and microneedling also have some visible healing time, so those should be scheduled well in advance. What’s one underrated way to look more polished for holiday gatherings? Focus on your skin and your overall wellness! People often immediately think they need injectables to look refreshed, but healthy, hydrated skin can make one of the biggest differences too. Improving hydration, tone, texture, and overall skin health gives you that natural glow and can even make your makeup sit better. We carry a variety of medical-grade skincare products and treatments in our office and help our patients navigate which are the right choices for their skin type. What advice would you give someone who wants to feel confident without overdoing it? My philosophy has always been that aesthetic treatments should enhance your natural features, not change them. You don’t need to do every treatment before the holidays. Sometimes one thoughtfully chosen treatment, great skincare, and taking care of yourself is all you need to feel refreshed. CONTINUED > NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / WAC O N I A

At Awaken, we take a conservative approach and would much rather start small and build gradually if needed. My favorite compliment for a patient is when someone tells them, “You look so good!” but they can’t pinpoint exactly what they had done. Confidence also goes beyond aesthetics. When you’re sleeping better, have more energy, and genuinely feel good, that shows on the outside too. What’s your best advice for someone thinking about aesthetic or wellness treatments for the first time? Start with a consultation. You don’t need to walk into Awaken knowing whether you need Botox, laser, skincare, hormone/wellness testing, or something completely different. Tell us what’s bothering you and what you’d like to improve, and we can help you understand your options. Sometimes a patient comes in wanting to improve something aesthetically, but during the conversation we learn that they’re also struggling with fatigue, poor sleep, brain fog, or other changes. That’s where my background in family medicine and wellness allows us to look beyond the surface. I want patients to feel educated and comfortable with their plan rather than pressured into doing more. What makes Awaken unique? What makes Awaken unique is that we truly combine aesthetics and wellness. My background as a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner in family medicine allows me to look at patients through a medical lens while also helping them achieve their aesthetic goals.

S ELF CA R E | FI NANC E + LE GAL SE RVICE S

We offer advanced aesthetic treatments, injectables, and medical-grade skincare, but we also offer comprehensive wellness and hormone optimization. For someone who says, “My labs are normal, but I still don’t feel like myself,” we take the time to listen, look deeper, and identify areas where we may be able to optimize how they’re feeling. Whether someone comes to us because they want healthier skin, more confidence, better energy, improved sleep, or support navigating hormonal changes, our goal is really the same: helping people look good, feel good, and age well. We are also very intentional about keeping our approach personalized and conservative. We never want someone to feel like they need every treatment we offer. We listen to what is actually bothering you and create a plan that makes sense for your goals, lifestyle, and budget. I’m also fortunate to have Tonya, Registered Nurse, as part of Awaken. She shares that same patient-first philosophy and provides aesthetic and wellness services, including injectables and IV therapy. As we continue to grow, it’s important to me that every provider at Awaken maintains the same personalized, conservative approach and that patients feel comfortable and cared for no matter who they’re seeing. Follow @awaken.aestheticsandwellness on Instagram for upcoming aesthetic and wellness specials. They’re planning on doing some exciting things during the holiday season. Quincee says to book early! Fall and the weeks leading up to the holidays are some of their busiest times of the year, and appointments can fill several weeks in advance.

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Hometown Hero When Joe Konietzko stepped onto the lanes at the Special Olympics USA Games, he carried years of practice, determination, and support from his Waconia community. By the end of the competition, Joe had earned a gold medal in singles bowling and a silver medal in team bowling, creating memories that he and his family will cherish for years to come. For Joe’s parents, Char and Mike Konietzko, watching their son succeed was an emotional experience. “Mike and I were so proud of Joe,” Char says. “He worked so hard, and we were glad it all came together at the USA Games. We wanted him to take in the moment.” The achievement represented more than success on the lanes. It reflected Joe’s perseverance, growth, and willingness to keep pushing himself toward new goals.

A LOVE OF THE GAME

Joe Konietzko, Special Olympics Gold Medalist

Waconia local Joe Konietzko brings home the gold ARTICLE BY LUTIE RONGLIEN

H OM E TOWN H E R O | L I FE + CU LT U RE

Joe’s love of bowling began early. His family bowled together when he and his brother were young, and Joe began to embrace the sport around age 9. In high school, he participated in Unified Bowling. Joe and his Unified partner, Chase Holcomb, took first place. He later joined the Wild West Special Olympics delegation and its bowling team. Over the years, Joe has also participated in basketball, flag football, volleyball, softball, and pickleball. Bowling, however, has remained a favorite.

As a Global Messenger for Special Olympics, Joe delivered the send-off breakfast speech before the USA Games.

THE ROAD TO THE USA GAMES

Reaching the USA Games required talent, commitment, and preparation. Joe first earned a gold medal at the Minnesota State Bowling Competition, which allowed him to apply for the USA Games. After an interview and selection process, Joe learned that he was one of eight bowlers selected for the singles competition. The bowling team practiced monthly at locations around Minnesota for a year before the event. Joe also practiced independently between team sessions to build his stamina, consistency, and muscle memory. “As a bowling team, we practiced once a month after the normal bowling season ended,” Joe says. “I also practiced on my own in between practices once a month.”

KEEPING HIS FOCUS

Even after months of preparation, Joe felt nervous when competition day arrived. “I was nervous before bowling because I’ve never been in a big competition like this before,” he says. “I kept myself calm by visiting with my teammates to keep my mind off the competition.” His focus paid off. Joe bowled three games, finishing with a total score of 464 and an average of 155. After the final frame, he had to wait for confirmation that he had secured the gold medal. His mother and father watched as he maintained his composure throughout the competition. “Joe had his single competition first. He was nervous, but he kept his composure and focus,” Char says. “When something didn’t go the way he wanted, he kept working hard on the next frame.” When Joe learned he had won, nervousness gave way to celebration. “When I found out I won gold, I felt joy and relief, especially because I felt nervous before competition started that day,” he says.

MORE THAN A MEDAL

Having the USA Games in Minnesota made the experience especially meaningful. Joe’s parents, cousins, grandparents, neighbors, and friends were there to support him. “It was fun to see them in the crowd and know that I have them cheering me on during competition,” Joe says. Some of Joe’s favorite memories also happened away from the lanes, including meeting other athletes and getting to know his bowling teammates.

Special Olympics has given Joe opportunities to compete, develop confidence and create lasting friendships. He also serves as a Global Messenger for Special Olympics. Before the USA Games, he delivered a speech to approximately 400 people at the team’s send-off breakfast. “Special Olympics allows me to play in sports competitively and make new friendships,” Joe says. “I don’t know how I would be able to compete in competitions without it.”

LOOKING AHEAD

Joe recently completed his associate degree in IT support and is now looking for a job in the field. He also continues to compete in bowling, flag football, basketball, and softball. His parents’ pride extends far beyond his accomplishments as an athlete. “Joe has overcome so much in his life,” Char says. “He never complains, and he never gives up. He pushes himself to go farther and reach new goals.” Today, Joe’s gold medal is displayed in a shadow box at home. “When I see it,” Joe says, “I reflect on that week of competition and the memories I made.”

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growing with their clients M ARTIN COLE’S APPROACH TO FINANCIAL PLANNING HAS ALWAYS STARTED WITH RELATIONSHIPS. NOW, HIS GROWING TEA M IS HELPING CARRY THAT APPROACH FORWARD.

ARTICLE BY AMANDA WAGNER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA CLAIRE MEDIA

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L I FE + CU LT U RE

Adrian Huang, advisor at Thrivent

Nathan Perbix, advisor at Thrivent

After 27 years with Thrivent, Martin Cole has learned that financial planning is rarely just about the numbers. People want knowledge and experience, of course. But they also want someone they can call. Someone who knows their family, understands what they’re working toward, and will still be there as life changes. “People really want someone they can connect with and trust,” Martin says. “Competence matters, but the relationship matters, too. Trust builds over time.” That focus on relationships is also behind the latest evolution of Martin’s Waconia-based practice. As longtime clients stay and new clients continue to come in, Martin realized he needed a larger team to provide the level of service he wanted. Advisors Nathan Perbix and Adrian Huang have recently joined the practice, bringing different experience, perspectives, and skills to the group. “I want my clients to feel like it’s easy to do business with us,” Martin says. “Additional advisors allow us each to do our jobs better.” Nathan brings extensive familiarity with Thrivent and the financial services business. After spending time at Thrivent’s

home office and working with advisors in the field, he was drawn to the opportunity to work more directly with clients. “What drew me to financial planning with Thrivent was the opportunity to serve clients holistically by understanding what matters most to them and providing personalized guidance throughout their journey,” Nathan says. Adrian brings another perspective to the team, along with a connection to Martin that started close to home. Martin, a Luther College graduate, reached out to his alma mater while looking for students interested in financial services. Adrian’s parents both work at Luther, and Adrian and Martin discovered they also shared roots in Decorah, Iowa. An economics major with a minor in data analytics, Adrian first joined the practice last summer as an office assistant. He had also worked in a tax clinic, experiences that helped deepen his interest in personal finance and financial education. “Financial anxiety is a common stressor in people’s lives, and I’ve become passionate about personal financial education after seeing the impact of intentional financial planning,” Adrian says. “I look up to Martin and admire the role he plays in the community. My goal is to serve clients and build relationships in the same way he does.” CONTINUED > NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / WAC O N I A

Martin sees Adrian’s analytical background as another asset for the growing practice, with opportunities to improve efficiencies, make better use of technology, and continue refining the client experience. That mix of experience and perspectives matters because the financial questions clients bring through the door can vary dramatically depending on where they are in life. For someone nearing retirement, the concern may be whether decades of saving will translate into sustainable income. “People are taught to save for most of their lives,” Martin says. “Investing for income is different than investing for longterm growth.” The questions become practical and deeply personal: Will my money last into my 80s? Will my income keep up with inflation? Can we buy the house we want and still retire comfortably? Younger clients face a different set of pressures. With housing, everyday expenses, and other costs weighing heavily on young adults, Martin often hears another version of the question: What do I need to be doing now to be successful later? The answers aren’t necessarily the same from one household to the next. “Everyone has their own money language,” Martin says. For some families, talking about money comes naturally. For others, it can feel uncomfortable or even taboo. Often, a milestone finally starts the conversation: approaching retirement, sending a child to college, buying a home, or wondering how the family would manage if a primary earner became disabled. Martin describes financial planning as preparing not only for goals, but also for life’s “what ifs.” Those conversations are one reason personal relationships remain so important to him. Most of Martin’s clients live within about 25 miles of Waconia, but those relationships don’t necessarily end when someone moves away. He recalls one longtime client who moved to Virginia. Rather than hand off the relationship, Martin became licensed there so he could continue working with her.

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L I FE + CU LT U RE

Martin Cole, wealth advisor at Thrivent

That same emphasis on connection carries into the community. Referrals remain a primary source of new clients, and Martin has spent years involved locally through organizations such as the Waconia Chamber of Commerce and Rotary, along with sponsorships of community events. As the practice enters its next chapter, Martin hopes the larger team can pair that personal approach with increasingly sophisticated planning. Five years from now, he wants the team to be known for helping clients at every stage, from those beginning their careers to those already in retirement, understand what is possible and build a plan around their individual goals. Even as the team grows, Martin wants clients to feel like the relationship itself remains just as personal. connect.thrivent.com/martin-cole

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THE Heart BEHIND THE ARTICLE BY EMILY MCKEEVER

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Turning your vision into a space you’ll love with HLI Home Renovators

What attributes do you look for in a trusted friend? Honesty? Loyalty? Integrity? When it comes to choosing someone to care for your home, you’d likely look for those same qualities in the person you choose to work with. HLI Home Renovators, a local home remodeling company, brings those values to every project. Working with them is like having coffee with an old friend. They listen, and they want what’s best for you. For owners Darreyl Walker and Donna Tarantino-Walker, it all starts with a conversation. From there, it’s about what matters most to the homeowner and creating a space that feels right for the people who call it home.

THE BEGINNING

HLI Home Renovators started very organically. “After Darreyl retired from the military, he started thinking about what he wanted to do next,” Donna recalls. His military career, years of business ownership, and natural ability to build and repair gave him a unique combination of skills. “One day, we were visiting friends and Darreyl noticed that their kitchen faucet was loose. He asked if he could take a look at it, borrowed a tool, and fixed it.” Donna says that after that, friends started requesting Darreyl’s assistance with all kinds of projects around their homes. He quickly realized there was a real need for someone homeowners could trust — someone who was resourceful, honest, and willing to take the time to figure out the right solution, so in 2016, HLI Home Renovators was born.

At first, the projects were small. A picture hung here, a shelf put up there, but things changed when Darreyl began working with a real estate agent. That partnership opened the door to helping sellers with repairs and thoughtful updates as they prepared their homes for sale. “Darreyl knew how they could improve the appearance and function of their homes without spending money where it wasn’t necessary.” From there, the projects got bigger. Today HLI works on kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor spaces. They lay flooring, paint, and do custom woodwork. If you need it, odds are they can do it. Donna emphasizes, though, that just because the scope of their work has changed, their philosophy has not. “Whether someone calls us for one project or a much larger transformation, we want to understand what they need, solve the problem, and help them enjoy their home again.”

THEIR SPECIALTY

Donna says that one of Darreyl’s strengths is his ability to walk into a space and immediately imagine its potential. She says that people are often surprised by what he envisions. And once he sees the possibilities, he does his research to figure out how to bring them to life. “If there’s something unusual about a project, an older piece that needs to be restored, or a particular look a homeowner wants to achieve, he’ll take the time to understand it and determine the best way to make it happen.” Darreyl is a skilled CONTINUED >

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woodworker who has built cabinetry, countertops, chairs, and custom pieces when a project requires it. He says that sometimes the solution isn’t something you can buy. “Before we think about what we might do with a space, we want to understand how a customer lives, what matters to them, and what they’re really trying to accomplish. We want to walk in their shoes.”

WHAT SETS THEM APART

“Both of us have spent our careers working with people and learning to understand what they want — sometimes even when they have difficulty putting it into words. That ability is especially important when you are working in someone’s home because a home is incredibly personal.” They never walk into someone’s home and tell the owner what they would do, Donna adds. They ask questions like, what frustrates you about this space? What do you love and want to keep? What matters most to you? What makes sense for your budget? From there, they combine creativity with practical problem-solving to rethink how a room functions, restore rather than replace, or create something that entirely changes the space. It all circles back to three words that are important to them, the ones that make up their name: Honestly, Loyalty, Integrity. Donna says these aren’t just words

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put on a sign outside their building; they’re values they both live and keep at the center of how they work with every customer. Another part of what makes HLI unique is that Darreyl and Donna are a husband-and-wife team, each bringing their own strengths to the business. With her background in fashion, beauty, merchandising, and marketing, Donna often takes the lead on the marketing side, while Darreyl brings his craftsmanship, woodworking skills, research, and problem-solving abilities to each project, creating spaces that are thoughtfully tailored to each homeowner’s needs and vision.

WHAT’S NEXT?

“What probably means the most to us are the relationships we have built along this journey. So much of our business comes from word of mouth. A customer calls us back for another project. Then their neighbor calls. Then a friend or family member calls.” Donna says they’re continually surprised and grateful for the number of referrals they receive. Looking ahead, they’d like to grow HLI thoughtfully, but they never want to lose the personal touch they bring to each homeowner. “At the end of the day, our goal is simple: help our customers create homes that work better for the way they live and help them rediscover the love of home.” hlihomerenovators.com/

Tis The Season to Sweat Local & Shop Local

UPCOMING EVENTS Dear Day | Sat. Nov 7th | 8-5p

*The first 50 people to spend $100 get a goodie bag valued at $30

Pink Friday | Fri. Nov. 20th Free Group Fitness Classes, Wear Pink, Complimentary Sourdough Mini Muffins and Coffee after each class. Deals all day Black Friday Instructor Jam, Big Sale Fri. Nov. 27th | 10-5p

Small Biz Saturday + Grater Good Cheese Party | Sat. Nov. 28th | 4-6p Workout at Lola’s Jingle Bar | Sun. Dec. 6th | 9:15a Registration opens Workout 9:30-10:30a Photos with Santa and Mingle to follow. $40 Space is limited to 30.

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C I T Y L I FEST Y L E G I V ES BAC K

GIVING TOGETHER A Community That Shows Up

Every year, City Lifestyle sends checks to hundreds of families in need across the country through our annual Giving Campaign and our nonprofit arm, Kingdom Building Foundation. But none of it would be possible without you. We can only help the people we know about, and

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that’s where our readers come in. If you know someone quietly struggling, whether it’s a single parent, a senior citizen, or a family facing something they never saw coming, we want to hear their story. Nominations are what make this whole campaign possible.

We provided a chair lift for a teenager paralyzed in a gymnastics accident so she could move freely through her own home again. We helped a child who lost an eye to cancer get the prosthetic because insurance wouldn’t cover it. We covered dental work for a man who needed his smile back just to walk into a job interview. We got heat turned back on for a family who had spent part of the winter without it. We helped a family keep up with bills while a husband and father fought pancreatic cancer, and we helped another family cover medical expenses after the unimaginable loss of a child. These are just a few examples of some of the hundreds of individuals that have been helped through nominations from readers like you. None of it happens without someone noticing first and speaking up. "We don't just send checks," says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle.

“We send a message: You are seen, you are loved, and you are not forgotten.” Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond the holiday season. "This is about community," Matthew says. "We believe we've been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing." Often, the person making the nomination gets just as much out of the experience as the recipient. There's something powerful about being part of the reason someone else's burden got lighter, especially when that need might have otherwise gone unnoticed. The campaign is completely confidential. No names are ever shared or publicized, and nominating someone is as simple as telling us their story. We are looking for those in our communities who fall between the cracks of getting help, and together as a community, we can meet those needs.

Nominations open November 1st and close December 3rd. To nominate someone in your community, follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram and find the form in our bio, or visit KingdomBuildingFoundation.org.

This season, giving starts with you. Let's do it together. Nominate someone in need today.

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NOVEMBER 2026

events A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LO C A L E V E N T S

NOVEMBER 1ST

Vikings Game Day Watch Party LaunchPad Golf at The Meadows | 12:00 PM

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Gather the crew and head to LaunchPad Golf for your Vikings Game Day Watch Party! Every Vikings game, watch the action on their big screens and get great deals on drinks like $5 Miller Lite Taps and $7 House Bloody Marys. Even better, you have a chance to win prizes every time you come. Prizes include gift cards, football tickets, and more! NOVEMBER 7TH

19th Annual Divas Enjoying Awesome Retail (D.E.A.R.) Day Downtown Waconia | 9:00 AM

YOUR HOME IS

Get ready for a fun-filled day of shopping, sipping, dining, and scoring great deals across Waconia! Get your Scavenger Hunt map and search for the letters D-E-A-R at participating businesses. Find all four, and you’ll be entered to win a “Basket of Waconia” filled with goodies from local shops, bars, and restaurants. Dress in your best deer-hunting orange for extra special offers!

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Run the tradition and for a great cause at this year's annual Chanhassen Turkey Trot! Run or walk this fun holiday 5K, and be sure to dress in your best Thanksgiving-themed costume. Runners receive a T-shirt or thin-tec soft polyester pullover. Once you cross the finish line, A Baker's Wife Donuts will be waiting for you! Register and learn more: mnruns. com/chanhassenturkeytrot CONTINUED >

FALL INTO FIRMER, FRESHER SKIN. Advanced aesthetics. Personalized care. Holiday-ready results. Meet XERF™ Skin Tightening, the non-invasive treatment designed to firm and tighten skin by stimulating collagen from within. As one of the first clinics in Minnesota to offer XERF, we’ve been performing treatments longer than most providers in the Upper Midwest—and we’re proud to offer it at one of the most competitive prices in Minnesota. Start now for firmer, refreshed-looking skin before the holiday season. At Something To Crow About, we combine advanced technology, expert providers, and personalized treatment plans to offer comprehensive aesthetic and wellness care—all under one roof in Hutchinson.

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Saturday, December 5

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BIG, BOLD, & BARREL AGED RELEASE PARTY

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NOVEMBER 27TH

Tree Lighting In The Park City Square Park, Waconia | 6:00 PM The perfect way to kick off the holiday season! Sip hot cocoa by the warm fire while caroling with holiday characters, see Carlson’s Llovable Llamas dressed up for the season, and get a preview of The Nutcracker Suite from Cultivate Dance Collaborative before Santa arrives to light up City Square Park at 6:30pm! New, unwrapped toys are also welcome for the Waconia Toy Drive. NOVEMBER 27TH & 28TH

Shape It Up Fitness Black Friday Fun & Holiday Party Shape It Up Fitness | 8:30 AM Shape It Up Fitness is doing the holidays right! On November 27, 8:30-10:30am don't miss their Black Friday Instructor Jam with a great workout, goodie bag, discounts, and more! The fun continues on November 28th from 3-6pm with a Holiday Party, Santa, sips, and a Cheese Class hosted by The Grater Good. Get more info and tickets for both events at shapeitupfitnessmn.com. NOVEMBER 28TH

Homespun Holiday Downtown Waconia | 10:00 AM Homespun Holiday in Waconia is the place to be for Small Business Saturday! Come support local, snag great deals, and discover one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your holiday list! Then, be sure to stop by the Fire Station with the kids for free photos with Santa, where you can also drop off donations to the Waconia Toy Drive or Waconia Food Shelf.

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