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Real Estate Leadership in Mid‑Missouri
North Star Real Estate is a locally owned boutique brokerage serving Mid-Missouri, led by Billy Dexheimer - 2025 Board of REALTORS ® President - and Adam Curtis - 2025 REALTOR® of the Year. With deep local knowledge and a trusted team of agents, we offer honest advice, strong negotiation, and steady support through every step of the process.
This is Home
As we welcome March and the arrival of our Home Issue, we’re reminded that a house is more than just walls and windows—it’s where stories unfold, traditions grow, and memories quietly take root.
This issue highlights three unique stories that capture what “home” means in our community.
On the cover, we feature Adam Curtis and Billy Dexheimer of North Star Real Estate, a boutique brokerage known for its people-first mindset, deep Mid-Missouri expertise, and unwavering commitment to trust over size. In just two years, they’ve earned major accolades and built a business rooted in integrity, connection, and care.
We also spotlight Hemme Homes and Remodeling, a six-generation builder whose design team—Brooke, Emalee, and Grace—guides clients with clarity, confidence, and creativity. Their blend of craftsmanship and collaboration turns what could feel overwhelming into something inspiring.
Finally, we step into Woodland Living, the design-forward collaboration between Bodine White and Scout & Nimble. What began with a moody image of a forest shed became a soulful home layered with warmth, restraint, and emotion. Their story reminds us that great design doesn’t just look good—it feels right.
Whether you're building, remodeling, or simply dreaming, we hope these stories spark ideas and celebrate the many ways home can reflect who we are.
Thank you for welcoming us into your lives each month. It’s a privilege to share the stories of the people and businesses who make Columbia feel like home.
With gratitude,
AND SHEA SULLIVAN , PUBLISHER AND EDITOR
March 2026
PUBLISHER
Leanne Sullivan
leanne.sullivan@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Shea Sullivan shea.sullivan@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Sarah Jane Shorthose mail@sjanephotography.com
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick
Custom Homes and Bespoke Renovations
Built by Burns is a boutique builder in Columbia with over 20 years specializing in luxury homes and bespoke renovations. You’ll work directly with the owner, not a project manager, to make your dreams a reality.
Luxury Homes
A home built for how you want to live your life.
Outdoor Spaces
Fireplaces, kitchens, pergolas, and patios-we make your backyard a resort.
Bespoke Renovations
Make your Pinterest boards a reality with a custom renovation.
Small Projects
Create the ultimate hangout: bars, theaters, golf rooms, and game spaces designed to entertain.
www.builtbyburns.co | 573-228-1951 | garrett@builtbyburns.co
A Home Worth Noticing. Guidance You Can Trust.
city scene
1-4: The Sophie Cunningham Classic took over the Southwell Complex January 9–11, drawing top high school girls basketball teams from across the country for its fourth year. Sophie herself was courtside, hyping up players, signing jerseys, and snapping photos with fans who lined up for a chance to meet the WNBA star. 5-7: The Envision Retreat took over a beautifully staged Girard model home January 9, where local entrepreneurs gathered to reset, refocus, and set intentions for the year. Think: guided meditation, vision boards, good conversation—and plenty of snacks.
Window Treatments That Feel Like Home
Budget Blinds of Columbia is a woman-owned, local business providing custom window treatments for every home. From inspiration to installation, we bring personalized design and tailored window solutions right to your door. We handle every detail ensuring effortless operation, perfect fit and a look you'll love for years to come - without ever leaving your home.
8-10: Cedar Creek Resort hosted a free Women of Wonder retreat January 16-18, where Priscilla Rose guided attendees through a day of connection and empowerment. Set along the peaceful grounds of Cedar Creek, the event offered women space to reflect and build community.
business monthly
Nordstrom Rack Coming to Columbia
Fashion retailer Nordstrom, Inc. will open a new 25,000 sq. ft. Nordstrom Rack at Shoppes at Stadium (off Stadium Blvd near I-70 & Mizzou campus) in fall 2026. Offering up to 70% off on-trend apparel, accessories, beauty, home decor & shoes from top Nordstrom brands—plus online pickup & easy returns. This marks Missouri's first new Rack location since expansions statewide.
REform Pilates: Columbia's Hottest New Fitness Spot
Since opening in November, REform Pilates has taken Columbia by storm— classes are booked out weeks in advance. Owners Rilee Okere and Emmy Tsymbal created this boutique studio to make high-quality Reformer Pilates accessible to everyone, from beginners to advanced movers. With personalized coaching, small class sizes, and a luxury experience that feels like self-care, REform is redefining fitness in Mid-Missouri. Join the community today. Location: 3617 Discovery Parkway, Suite 101
The Wellness Way– March Special
This month The Wellness Way–Columbia is offering 50% off a test read/consult with the purchase of any lab test. Test reads are normally $350 and are available for $175 with this special. It’s a great opportunity to gain deeper insight into your health through advanced testing and expert guidance. We offer detailed hormone labs for males and females, comprehensive stool evaluations, DUTCH testing, and more. Call (573) 232-1556 to learn more or schedule an appointment.
The Women Behind the Build
How Hemme Homes & Remodeling’s design trio turns family visions into 3D reality
ARTICLE BY SHEA SULLIVAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARKET FOCUS MEDIA
BROOKE
It’s easy to dream about a home that fits your family’s life, but picturing it before it’s built can feel impossible. That hesitation is one of the biggest challenges families face when taking on a new construction or remodeling project. Hemme Homes and Remodeling meets that moment with a collaborative, client-first approach guided by Brooke, Emalee, and Grace.
Brooke partners with remodeling families to translate aspirations into clear, workable plans. She creates remodel drawings, builds 3D renderings, and guides design selections while keeping the budget in view. Grace leads the custom home side, shaping floor plans that reflect how families live, not just how a house should look. She welcomes clients with varied starting points, from one beloved idea to a collage of features, and helps turn those pieces into a cohesive home. Emalee serves as the Custom Home Team Leader, coordinating across meetings, milestones, and timelines. Her thoughtful questions and steady communication keep everyone aligned and confident, ensuring that the path from concept to construction feels steady rather than stressful.
Together, the trio blends six generations of building know-how with current tools and modern expectations. They don’t just sketch spaces; they co-create rooms that feel true to the family inside. The results go beyond efficiency and aesthetics; they become spaces designed to be lived in, loved, and shared. This is where heritage meets innovation, where traditional craftsmanship meets today’s design software, 3D color renderings, and thoughtful project management that keeps pace with busy families.
Seeing is believing when Hemme’s design team is at work. From the moment a family walks through the door, they’re supported by Brooke, Emalee, and Grace, who listen, collaborate, and translate vision into reality. Using advanced residential software, Hemme starts with professional 2D plans to lay the foundation for every project. From there, their team builds full-color 3D renderings that incorporate the client’s actual selections, allowing families to see their home from every angle before construction begins. Floor plans, finishes, even sunlight streaming through windows, all come together long before the first nail is driven, so families know exactly how the spaces will feel and function.
Design meetings unfold side by side with clients, with ideas adjusted in real time to fit function, lifestyle, and budget. The goal is not to present a finished concept but to shape one together. This collaborative process becomes more valuable as selections begin. Rather than guessing from samples or inspiration boards, clients see their choices materialize in visual mockups. Observing how those elements interact builds confidence and anticipation.
“
“Clients often joke that they want to adopt Grace by the end of the process because she becomes such a trusted part of their journey.”
At the heart of it all are Brooke, Emalee, and Grace, ensuring clients never feel lost or overwhelmed. Their thoughtful questions, steady communication, and shared design knowledge turn what could be a stressful process into a guided, personalized experience. Each home becomes a reflection of the family inside, not just a construction project, but a space designed with intention.
The emphasis on protection is part of the Hemme promise. New construction homes come with a 2–10 home warranty, which includes a one-year craftsmanship warranty, a two-year systems warranty for major components, and a ten-year structural warranty. Foundation waterproofing protection adds an extra layer of assurance, with a fifteen-year waterproofing warranty on the foundation. Remodeling projects are backed by the same one-year craftsmanship warranty, so clients know the quality of workmanship is protected whether they’re remodeling or building anew. These protections reflect Hemme’s commitment to doing right by clients and ensuring peace of mind for years to come.
GRACE
EMALEE
Building trust through clear communication is Hemme’s guiding principle. Emalee, Grace, and Brooke stay closely connected to clients through every stage, from the first consultation to long after move-in day. They answer questions, explain the steps, and bridge the gap between design and construction so families never feel alone in the process. This ongoing collaboration helps ensure that every decision aligns with the family’s needs, lifestyle, and long-term goals, while minimizing surprises by keeping expectations and progress transparent.
Hemme’s tradition runs deep. As a six-generation builder, the company blends time-tested craftsmanship with modern tools and expectations. Their homes are designed to be efficient and stylish, and more than that, they’re built to last. The warranties and protective measures described above provide families with lasting peace of mind, reinforcing the sense that Hemme is a partner for years to come. Remodeling projects receive the same care and commitment, with robust guarantees to support families long after completion.
Looking ahead, Hemme Homes and Remodeling is excited to grow with the Columbia and MidMissouri communities they’ve served for generations. The team welcomes opportunities to help families remodel beloved homes or create something new from the ground up. They’re honored to walk that journey with clients—step by step, room by room—emphasizing design that fits the family’s needs, lifestyle, and long-term goals. The heartbeat of Hemme remains the three designers, whose partnership, expertise, and personal touch continue to shape every project into a space where memories will be made.
Contact: Hemme Homes & Remodeling 2301 Chapel Plaza Ct, Suite 1 (573) 999-6944
hemmeconstruction.com
It’s a groundbreaking experience that combines infrared energy, exercise, and heat in a unique “3D Training” approach. With our patented infrared saunas, we offer 24/7 access to 15-minute HIIT and 30-minute Isometric sessions, all easily navigated & scheduled through our custom HOTWORX app. 573.777.WORX
THE WOODLAND LIVING PROJECT
A modern mountain-inspired home that feels like a walk through the woods.
ARTICLE BY SHEA SULLIVAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATTHEW ANDERSON @MATTHEWAPHOTO
It started with a photo: a shed in the woods glowing with firelight. That single image sparked a design journey that led to Woodland Living: a home layered with meaning, soul, and storytelling. Every texture, tone, and turn of the hallway invites you to settle in.
photo credit: Sammie Ploch @sammieplochphoto
At Bodine White, design isn’t about building a recognizable “look.” It’s about creating homes that feel deeply personal, spaces that reflect the people who live there and speak to their way of life.
The Woodland Living project brought that mission to life in a remarkable way. The home sits on a wooded lot, surrounded by trees. Instead of sticking to the original plan, the team reimagined the layout to lean into that sense of retreat. They added a full wall of windows, plus a corner window that frames the forest like a painting. From the moment you walk in, you feel it: quiet, calm, and connected to nature.
But they didn’t give away the view all at once. You enter through a darker, cocoon-like foyer anchored by a steel-wrapped fireplace and concrete bench. As you move around it, the space opens into the living room, and that’s when the view takes your breath away. That contrast between moody enclosure and open serenity creates a sense of movement, of story unfolding.
The design concept began with a single image: a moody photo of a shed in the woods. The clients brought it to their first meeting, along with words like
“cozy,” “relaxed,” and “mountain-modern.” That emotional vision became the starting point. Dark-stained walls, unfinished wood, natural textures, and Belgianinspired restraint came together from there, adding richness without fuss.
Function was never an afterthought. The family loves cooking together, hosting, just being together. So the layout is open, unfussy, and meant to be lived in. No precious rooms. No off-limits zones. Just spaces that flow into one another, inviting barefoot mornings and lively evenings.
Throughout the process, Scout & Nimble played a key role in sourcing. Their broad product offerings helped the team select furniture and accessories that felt collected and personal, not just decorated. Every layer, from materials to styling, spoke the same quiet, intentional language.
Every memorable home has a story. For Woodland Living, that story was about trust, creativity, and the courage to go a little darker than expected.
Dark-stained walls. Custom woodwork. Strategic fireplace placement. Each bold choice stretched
comfort zones, but delivered a space that’s unforgettable. There were moments of hesitation (there always are), but the homeowners stayed with the vision, and it paid off.
What makes this home truly special is how it feels. Scout & Nimble and Bodine White work with clients not just to follow trends, but to chase feelings. The design might start with a moodboard or a memory, but it ends with a space that feels like you.
That might mean working in a sentimental piece, styling shelves with travel finds, or choosing furniture that holds up to barefoot mornings and big family dinners.
What excites Bodine White owners the most is the same thing that’s always driven them: helping people create homes they’re genuinely proud of, spaces that feel like them, not a copy of something they saw online.
It’s the relationships and the lasting impact. A new build is often one to two years in the making, and by the end, their clients feel like family. They still get Christmas cards, and when they run into them, it’s like seeing a close friend. But the real validation comes when they visit a home years later and the design is still working exactly as they intended.
The Bodine White team still always feel honored when someone allows them to be part of something as intimate as their home.
"It backed up to nothing but woods. It felt like a retreat, like you were one with the trees.”
COLUMBIA’S TRUSTED TEAM
A boutique real estate brokerage built on relationships, results, and a deep love for Columbia.
ARTICLE BY SHEA SULLIVAN
Founded in Columbia, North Star Real Estate is a locally owned boutique brokerage built on trust, thoughtful strategy, and genuine community leadership. Led by brokers Adam Curtis and Billy Dexheimer, the firm champions a people-first approach, delivering strong negotiation and clear guidance to homebuyers and
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH JANE PHOTOGRAPHY
“North Star exists because of this community, so giving back is personal.”
sellers across Mid-Missouri. In just two years, they’ve earned numerous accolades. This proves that intentional growth beats rapid expansion every time.
The biggest driver behind North Star’s success? Clients who walk away feeling genuinely cared for. Buying or selling a home can bring stress, uncertainty, and high stakes. It’s often tied to major life shifts like new jobs, expanding families, downsizing, retirement, or even loss. North Star makes the process manageable by listening closely, explaining options clearly, and staying focused on what matters most to each client. Their listings often sell faster than market averages, thanks to smart pricing and marketing strategies that produce record-setting neighborhood sales and strong bottom-line results.
Just as important is their ethical approach and community commitment. Clients trust them with some of life’s most pivotal moments. That trust fuels
referrals, long-term relationships, and growth that feels well-earned.
Their decision to remain boutique in a franchise-heavy industry was intentional. “Bigger doesn’t always mean better, especially in real estate,” Adam says. By staying independent, they avoid franchise fees and reinvest directly in what improves the tailored client experience: smarter tools, deeper education, and real support that empowers their agents to deliver exceptional service. That investment shows up in the details clients notice.
At the heart of their success is hyper-local expertise. Real estate is always about “location, location, location,” but that means more than just an address. It’s about understanding the rhythms, nuances, and people that shape Mid-Missouri. For clients looking for experienced guidance without the corporate feel, North Star’s boutique model simply works better.
Leadership recognition has followed, but for Adam and Billy, it’s not just about awards. Billy’s tenure as president of the Mid-Missouri Board of REALTORS®, paired with his background in information technology, brings strategic systems and datadriven execution that fuel sales while maintaining a personal touch. Adam, with deep Columbia roots and an MBA in brokerage management, was named REALTOR® of the Year in 2025. Together, they’ve led over $200 million in real estate sales. Their firm was recently voted Best Brokerage by Community Votes. These milestones reflect not just achievement but the high bar they’ve set for client service, agent growth, and local impact.
Culture at North Star is everything. From day one, they’ve aimed to reflect Columbia’s best traits: educated, diverse, and values-driven. Their agents are thoughtful, prepared, and truly invested in each deal. As a boutique firm, they’re selective by design. “Not every agent fits,” Adam notes. “The ones who do? They raise the bar.”
That commitment shows. Their multilingual team (fluent in English, French, Spanish, German, and Greek) reflects the vibrant energy of Columbia’s university, medical, and professional communities. Community involvement isn’t an add-on. It’s part of doing business responsibly. “North Star exists because of this community,” Billy says. “So giving back is personal.” Agents are encouraged to lead with their passions, and the firm provides the resources and flexibility to support them. That has led to deep engagement with organizations like Fitness for a Cure, CASA, Mid-Missouri Pride, Boys & Girls Club, Love Columbia, Central Missouri Humane Society, and local schools, with more always on the horizon.
North Star’s client experience is rooted in empathy. Because real estate decisions often accompany major life transitions, their approach is steady and respectful. They listen deeply, understand the full picture, and guide with care. When clients feel heard and respected, the process becomes less overwhelming and far more meaningful.
What truly sets North Star apart is the rare balance of results and relationships. In a market overflowing with information, clarity still reigns. Their disciplined strategy, local knowledge, and ethical approach help clients cut through the noise. “Data’s everywhere,” Adam says. “What matters is clarity you can trust.”
“We’re not trying to be the biggest, we’re focused on being the most trusted. Relationships, not volume, are what drive us. That’s
how we
built
North Star, and that’s
how we’ll keep growing.”
For those beginning the journey, their advice is simple: start with information, not urgency. The best decisions come from understanding your options, timeline, and priorities. Even if you’re not ready to move yet, connecting with a trusted advisor early makes all the difference. “Great real estate feels like a team effort, not a sprint,” Billy adds.
As for the future, Adam and Billy are excited to keep growing carefully. They aren’t chasing market dominance. “We want to be the most trusted,” Adam says. Their vision is clear: to build
a firm that reflects the best of Columbia (highly educated, diverse, and community-minded) while delivering the expertise clients deserve. Because at North Star, real estate doesn’t start with an offer. It starts with a conversation.
North Star Real Estate 2011 Chapel Plaza Court Columbia, MO 65203 (573) 355-7000 info@PointNorthStar.com PointNorthStar.com
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Don’t settle when it comes to your home. Our remodeler members combine years of experience with proven quality to help you reimagine your space with confidence.
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Sometimes the answer
The extra bedroom. The shorter commute...
The backyard your kids keep asking for. The neighborhood you actually want to live in.
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events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
MARCH 5TH
True/False Film Fest
Columbia, MO | 8:00 AM
True/False Film Fest is an annual celebration of international nonfiction cinema held March 5–8. The festival brings together filmmakers, artists, and musicians for an immersive, community-driven experience centered on powerful, reality-based storytelling. Through screenings, music, and conversations, True/False creates a uniquely engaging atmosphere that connects audiences with cinema constructed from real life.
MARCH 7TH
Amini Swim Pre-Spring Break Pop-Up Shop
Reform Pilates Studio- 3717 Discovery Pkwy | 1:00 PM
Get spring break-ready at this pre-spring break pop-up shop hosted by Amini Swim. Shop sustainable swimwear and beach accessories, plus enjoy 15% off for all Reform Pilates members, as well as college and high school students.
Saturday, March 7 | 1–4 PM & Sunday, March 8 | 12–4 PM
MARCH 7TH
Columbia Farmers Market
MU Health Care Pavilion, Columbia’s Agriculture Park | 9:00 AM
Experience the taste of mid-Missouri year-round at the Columbia Farmers Market! Held every Saturday during cold months in the MU Health Care Pavilion, you’ll find fresh produce, meats, eggs, cheeses, honey, artisan goods, and more, directly from local farmers and makers. Sullivan Farms is there every Saturday. As a producer-only market, every item is grown or crafted by the vendors.
MARCH 11TH
Wizard
of Oz on Ice
Jesse Hall- 801 Conley Ave | 7:00 PM
Ice Creative Entertainment brings The Wizard of Oz to the ice in this family-friendly production. Follow Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion as they journey through the Land of Oz with engaging choreography, colorful costumes, and impressive onice performances. A fun and creative twist on the classic story for all ages.
MARCH 13TH
CoMo Mastermind Conference 2026
The Broadway Hotel- 1111 E Broadway Blvd | 9:00 AM
CoMo Mastermind Conference 2026 takes place from 9 AM to 5 PM and features expert-led sessions, panel discussions, and small-group breakouts focused on marketing, social media growth, and standing out in a competitive market. The one-day conference brings together industry leaders and top-producing agents from across the country for learning and networking, with lunch and an after-party happy hour included.
MARCH 13TH
Tasting Room After Dark: St. Patrick’s Day Edition featuring Pippa Letsky
The Tasting Room- 12847 W Hwy BB, Rocheport | 6:00 PM
Join us for a festive St. Patrick’s Day edition of Tasting Room After Dark from 6-9 PM featuring live music by Pippa Letsky. Sip on craft cocktails, enjoy a cozy atmosphere, and celebrate the season in style. Whether you're Irish or just Irish-at-heart, this midweek escape promises great vibes, great drinks, and great company.
Betz Jewelers Estate Jewelry Show
Friday, April 17 | 9am-5pm Saturday, April 18 | 9am-2pm
For two days only, come shop an incredible, curated selection of fine vintage and estate jewelry from all of your favorite eras, including: Art Deco | Edwardian | Mid-Century | Retro ...and more!
Each piece has been evaluated and graded by a graduate gemologist. Shop these amazing pieces and learn more about them as you shop!
