Destin, FL April 2026

LEADERSHIP IN ACTION:

MAYOR JB WHITTEN GUIDES CITY THROUGH TRANSFORMATION. LIFE + CULTURE GUIDING GROWTH. INSPIRING CHANGE.

4 4 8 1 L e g e n d a r y D r D e s t i n F L , 3 2 5 4 1 8 5 0 . 8 0 1 . 4 4 8 1

k f b m a . c o m

Letter from the Publisher

April is a reminder that investment isn’t only about money — it’s about where we choose to place our time, energy, trust, and vision. By definition, investment means dedicating resources toward a worthwhile return. In real life, it means shaping our community, strengthening relationships, planning our financial future, and growing into the people we hope to become.

This month’s issue is centered on the many ways investment shows up in our lives and right here in our local business community. We’re celebrating the growth of Crestview alongside  Mayor JB Whitten, highlighting how the city’s expanding economy continues to create opportunity for local entrepreneurs and families alike.

We also feature the leadership of Josh Foster, president of Gateway Payment Technologies, who shares powerful insight into how automation, smarter payment infrastructure, and AI-driven systems are reshaping the future of small business. His message is clear: businesses don’t just need hope — they need leverage, and technology is becoming the tool that allows smaller teams to operate smarter, faster, and more efficiently.

Financial investment is another important focus this month. We spotlight Cory Fosdyck, managing partner at Krueger Fosdyck Brown McCall & Associates in Destin, whose firm now manages over $1.1 billion in assets and serves families nationwide. His continued recognition by Forbes as a Best-in-State Wealth Advisor reflects the growing importance of thoughtful, long-term financial planning.

Personally, one of my favorite investments this season has been into connection and community through our Ladies Leadership Luncheon. Seeing our room filled with pink and red for our Galentine-themed gathering reminded me that the strongest returns often come from relationships. We’re grateful to our sponsors and partners including Farrow Construction Inc, Ovation Painting, John Farrow, Kevin Schmidt, founder of Cornerstone Bookkeeping & Payroll, along with business insights from Travis Kring of Phoenix Restoration and Catastrophe Services — and a very special feature opportunity with Tim Tebow

Every investment we make — in business, technology, finances, or each other — is ultimately an act of hope. Here’s to a month filled with smart decisions, strong community, and meaningful returns.

April 2026

PUBLISHER

Carmen Foster | carmen.foster@citylifestyle.com

CO-PUBLISHER

Josh Foster | josh.foster@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Maria Serondo | destincitylifestyle@gmail.com

MARKET SUPPORT DIRECTOR

Michele Pavlich

Covenantcookiecreations@gmail.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Emerald Blue Photography LLC er.photography20@gmail.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Maria Serondo | destincitylifestyle@gmail.com

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Josh Govero

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas Learn

CARMEN FOSTER, PUBLISHER @DESTINCITYLIFESTYLE

inside the issue

city scene

Turning CRESTVIEW’S POINT

How leadership, planning, and people helped shape Crestview’s recent growth

ARTICLE BY CARA VOSS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERNALYN RUDA-EMERALD BLUE PHOTOGRAPHY

In 2019, Crestview stood at a crossroads. Growth was already coming, but the city’s structure had not yet caught up with its potential. What followed was not a sudden boom, but a deliberate transformation one guided by the will of the people and reinforced by leadership willing to modernize how the city operated.

That year marked a change in government that opened the door to economic progress. Voters approved a new framework that included expanded city council representation and the introduction of a professional city manager. The goal was simple but significant: equip Crestview with the tools needed to responsibly manage growth in a city that had outgrown its old systems.

As mayor, JB Whitten played an important role in pushing that transition forward. He often emphasizes that he wasn’t the driver of change, the people were. But he helped move the conversation, support the vote, and ensure the vision became reality. With structure in place, the city could begin executing.

What followed was visible progress.

Infrastructure projects long discussed began moving forward. The Crestview Bypass, now under construction, promises meaningful relief to traffic congestion while improving connectivity across the region. A new elementary school is being built to meet the needs of growing families. North Crestview continues to develop, opening space for both residential and commercial expansion.

Economic confidence followed. Largescale investment, including the construction of another Walmart, signaled belief in Crestview’s long-term trajectory. At the same time, locally owned businesses found room to grow. New restaurants began choosing Crestview, not as a gamble, but as a destination. Establishments like Dolce Forno and Blendz With Benefits became part of a broader signal: Crestview was attracting entrepreneurs who saw opportunity, stability, and community.

What made the difference was alignment. City leadership built teams, clarified a shared mission, and focused on execution. Growth was not accidental, it was guided, measured, and grounded in long-term thinking.

For JB Whitten, that moment in Crestview was the natural continuation of a lifetime of service.

Originally from New Hampshire, JB spent 30 years in the military, building a reputation as a steady problem solver in complex environments. Retirement didn’t suit him. After living all over the world, he wasn’t ready to stop contributing. Crestview offered that opportunity.

He entered local government not to chase position, but to help improve systems. In fact, one of his proudest accomplishments as mayor was helping usher in the new government structure. To him, that change, bringing in a city manager and modern governance, was the single best thing that happened to Crestview during his tenure. It created continuity, accountability, and the ability to scale responsibly.

JB also chose to limit himself. Despite there being no formal term limits, he committed to serving only two terms as mayor. Leadership, in his view, was about stewardship, not permanence.

The bypass project remains a personal point of pride, not simply as a roadway, but as a symbol of forward planning.

It represents thinking beyond today’s problems and preparing for tomorrow’s needs.

Outside City Hall, JB is a husband, father, and lifelong educator. He and his wife Anne have been together for 57 years and raised two daughters. A former high school teacher, JB now looks forward to writing and spending time with Anne after years of long government hours.

Crestview is home. Though he still follows his Boston sports teams, Florida teams have earned their place as well. After a lifetime of movement, this is where he plans to spend the rest of his days.

Ask JB what has been most rewarding, and he doesn’t point to projects or titles. He points to people, the support of the community, the trust they placed in him, and the opportunity to serve a city he genuinely loves. He is proud to be the mayor of Crestview, and even prouder to leave it stronger than he found it.

In that way, Crestview’s growth and JB Whitten’s legacy are intertwined, both shaped by service, shared vision, and belief in what a community can become when people lead with purpose.

WHAT COMES NEXT

Josh Foster-President

How changing markets are pushing Destin area businesses to rethink time, costs, and daily operations

ARTICLE BY JOSH FOSTER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMERALD BLUE PHOTOGRAPHY LLC

By 2026, running a small business feels different than it did just a few years ago. Across retail, restaurants, real estate, lending, and watersports, owners are navigating higher costs, tighter margins, and customers who are more careful with their spending.

“In this long bleed economy, better systems help businesses cut waste, manage costs, and stay competitive longer each year.”

The boom years of 2022 and 2023 were unusual. People moved in large numbers. Travel exploded. Spending was high. Government stimulus gave consumers extra cash, and many businesses saw demand they had never experienced before. Owners hired fast, expanded hours, added locations, and took on more risk to keep up. That level of activity felt exciting, but it was never permanent.

What we are seeing now is not a crash. It is a return to balance.

In many markets, restaurants and retailers are running 10 to 30 percent lower than their peak years. Tourism based businesses have felt the change even more. That does not mean people disappeared. Beaches are still full. Hotels still book up. Grocery stores are busy. People are spending money, just not the way they did before.

Customers are more careful. Instead of going out several times a week, they pick one night. Instead of ordering extras, they stick to the basics. Instead of impulse spending, they plan ahead. Experiences still matter, but value matters more. Spending did not stop. It slowed and became more intentional.

At the same time, costs have continued to rise. Rent is higher. Insurance is higher. Food and supplies cost more. Everyday living expenses have gone up fast, while wages have not kept pace. Labor is still the biggest challenge for most small businesses, not just because it is expensive, but because it is harder to manage efficiently.

Owners are paying closer attention now. They are adjusting schedules. They are rethinking staffing levels. They are questioning habits that made sense a few years ago but no longer do. This isn’t panic. It’s just reality setting in.

The encouraging part is that many businesses are adapting.

This phase is not about working longer hours or pushing harder. It is about being smarter with time, people, and resources. Technology, automation, and AI are playing a bigger role, not to replace people, but to remove wasted effort.

In restaurants, systems are finally starting to work together instead of running separately. Orders move straight from the front to the kitchen without extra steps. Inventory updates automatically as food is sold. Cost changes show up quickly so owners can adjust before margins take a hit. Schedules are built around real sales patterns instead of gut feeling. Managers spend less time buried in paperwork and more time training staff, improving service, and being present on the floor.

Retail businesses are seeing similar benefits. Self checkout helps reduce lines during busy times without eliminating staff. Inventory tools prevent overordering and running out of key items. Customer data shows what sells, when it sells, and how often customers return. Stores run smoother, calmer, and with less stress for everyone involved.

For home service and trade businesses like HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and pest control, the impact can be even bigger. Scheduling, dispatch, invoicing, and payments now work together instead of separately. Technicians spend less time filling out forms and more time doing paid work. Quotes turn into invoices automatically. Payments come in faster. Owners can clearly see which jobs make money and which ones do not.

Across all industries, automation is quietly removing small tasks that slow businesses down. Tasks that used to eat up hours are handled in the background. Better information replaces guesswork. Decisions are based on real numbers instead of assumptions.

Payment technology has improved along with these changes. Kiosks and self ordering systems are no longer risky or new. Many younger customers prefer them. They are faster and more convenient. As these tools get better, they will remember preferences, speed up checkout, and reduce friction without losing the personal touch.

People still matter. Service still matters. Relationships still matter. What is changing is how much time people spend doing work that does not add value.

This moment is not a downturn story. It is a transition. Businesses that struggle are often using

“The businesses that win next are not the biggest or loudest, but the ones that tighten operations, use better systems, respect their people, and stay flexible as the market continues to change around them”

systems that were built for a different time. Businesses that do well are using better tools, better data, and better processes to stay lean and focused.

Technology alone will not save a business. But businesses that use it the right way will be stronger, more efficient, and better prepared for whatever comes next.

At Gateway Payment Technologies, our role is to help local businesses make that shift. We focus on tools that do more than process payments.

Tools that reduce labor stress, improve visibility, and help owners understand what is really happening inside their business. We spend time solving today’s problems while also helping businesses prepare for the future.

The future of small business is not about being the biggest operation in town. It is about being clear, efficient, and ready to adapt.

And the businesses that understand that now will still be here later.

Concierge Care Meets Advanced Aesthetics

Empowering Women, Building Community

Celebrating leadership, community sponsors, and the powerful connections shaping today’s growing women’s business network.

On February 19th the room sparkled with intention and inspiration as professional women from across the Emerald Coast gathered for a Galentine luncheon designed to uplift, connect, and celebrate achievement. From the first warm greeting to the final conversation, the afternoon was thoughtfully curated to balance inspiration with meaningful opportunity — a space where intentional introductions, genuine dialogue, and professional connections naturally flourished. The guiding philosophy was clear: when accomplished women connect with purpose, collaboration follows, and communities thrive.

This signature gathering was brought to life through the generous support of sponsors and partners, including Farrow Construction Inc, community leader John Farrow, Kevin Schmidt of Cornerstone Bookkeeping & Payroll, Travis Kring representing Phoenix Restoration and Catastrophe Services, and featured business voice Josh Foster, president of Gateway Payment Technology. Their dedication to empowering professional women transforms a single luncheon into a lasting regional leadership platform.

At its core, the Ladies Leadership Luncheon is more than an event — it is a space where women feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow professionally, personally, and collectively. Dressed in vibrant shades of red and pink in celebration of the Galentine spirit, attendees brought both style and symbolism to the afternoon, reflecting confidence, unity, and the joy of showing up for one another. In connecting with purpose, these women are not just shaping their own futures — they are shaping a stronger, more vibrant Emerald Coast community, built on encouragement, leadership, and shared success.

ARTICLE BY CARA VOSS | PHOTOGRAPHY

BY ERNALYN

“Meaningful connections create lasting momentum. In a room where women feel supported, confidence rises and collaboration opens doors to new opportunity,” said host

Carmen Foster, as attendees arrived beautifully dressed in stylish red and pink Galentineinspired looks.

Financial Clarity & Business Foundations

Kevin Schmidt offered practical insight into building strong financial structures for business growth. Emphasizing disciplined bookkeeping, reliable payroll systems, and organized internal processes, he reminded attendees that visibility and control are the keys to confident scaling. Sustainable growth, he noted, is rarely accidental — it is achieved through measured systems, intentional oversight, and consistent financial clarity.

Sweet Support From Sponsors

Thank you to our generous sponsors. Co-sponsoring with Covenant Cookie Creations as our featured dessert provider made the afternoon truly special. Their delicious logo cookies not only delighted guests but also served as a unique marketing tool, promoting brand awareness and showcasing the power of local business collaboration to strengthen community connections.

Community Investment & Local Business Support

John Farrow reflected on the vital role local businesses play in nurturing professional networks and supporting women-led initiatives. He explained that sponsorship is more than brand visibility; it represents active investment in leadership development, regional opportunity, and the ongoing expansion of collaborative business communities across the Emerald Coast.

Strategic Marketing & Sustainable Growth

Josh Foster explored the evolving role of marketing in today’s competitive business landscape. He emphasized that clear messaging, strategic positioning, and consistent brand presence allow businesses to attract ideal clients and grow sustainably. Marketing, he explained, is not about volume — it is about communicating value with precision, building trust, and creating lasting relationships.

KFBMA Celebrates Growth And Independence

Independent wealth firm KFBMA celebrates its successful launch with a festive client evening, expert market insights, and a growing presence within Destin’s high-net-worth community.

ARTICLE BY CORY FOSDYCK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERNALYN RUDA, EMERALD BLUE PHOTOGRAPHY LLC

On December 10th, 2025 the KFBMA Wealth Management team hosted their annual client holiday party at the Tree of Life event space in the Farrow Building located in the Regatta Bay Commons business complex.  Over 100 Friends and clients joined the group to celebrate the season and hear from two high profile guest speakers Kyle Bass & Rob Sechan.  Krueger, Fosdyck, Brown, McCall and Associates (“KFBMA”) was founded on March 27th, 2025 after the group of nine left Merrill Lynch after 19 years. The allure of the independent wealth management space, combined with the safety and security of Goldman Sachs Custody Solutions provided the opportunity for long time partners Tim, Cory, Jerry and Collin to own the business and make strategic decisions on how to best service their high-net-worth clientele.  The team selected NewEdge Advisors out of New Orleans to provide the independence infrastructure and technology in an ever-evolving wealth management space. Conflict-free and fiduciary advice were core pillars in the decision to leave the large wirehouse model and transition their clients to Goldman Sachs.  KFBMA has grown to 12 local employees since the transition in March and have roughly $1.3 Billion in assets under management.

The evening was kicked off with a cocktail reception and introductory comments by Tim Krueger who introduced NewEdge CEO Alex Goss.  Mr. Goss then introduced the keynote speakers, Rob and Kyle.  Rob is a weekly guest on CNBC and one of the most highly respected Financial Advisors in the country.  He runs the Ultra High Net Worth division called NewEdge Wealth. Kyle Bass is one of the most respected macro investors in the country and the multi-billionaire made his money by consistently being ahead of the curve on some of the most consequential economic developments in the past two decades.  Rob and Kyle shared their thoughts on the global markets, geopolitical landscape and stock market outlook for 2026 in a fireside chat format. Cory Fosdyck closed the evening by thanking the speakers and guests for their support of the new venture.

KFBMA brings over 125 years of combined experience and has been recognized by Forbes as a top wealth management team in Florida.  They have three CFP practitioners and emphasize the importance of having a thorough financial plan in place to dictate the asset allocation and security selection decisions.  They are also committed to the greater Destin community and serve or support numerous non-profit organizations to help improve and shape the area.  Cory serves on the Board of Directors for the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, Northwest Florida State College, and Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital.  “My life purpose is to Serve People, Solve Problems & Impact the Community,” Fosdyck said. “I was intrigued by the national trend to leave the professional safety of the wirehouse model and saw many of my friends and colleagues doing it.  However, after completing our due diligence, it became apparent that forming KFBMA and partnering with NewEdge would allow me to further pursue my personal mission statement.”

KFBMA is located at the front entrance of Regatta Bay at 4481 Legendary Drive.  They can be reached at (850) 801-4481 or at http://www.kfbma.com/ .

Redefining MVP: TIM TEBOW’S LIFE BEYOND FOOTBALL

An exclusive Q&A with City Lifestyle

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

From championship trophies to global humanitarian impact, Tim Tebow’s journey has defied every standard playbook. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Tebow pulls back the curtain on the moments that truly defined him, from a humbling middle school church retreat to the life-altering shift of fatherhood. This isn’t just a look back at a career; it’s an invitation into the heart of a man driven by purpose. Read the highlights below, then join us for the full, unfiltered experience by scanning the QR code at the end.

Q: WE ALL KNOW YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD, BUT TELL US ABOUT THE CURL CONTEST.

A: I was competing for my future high school team (my brother’s team), and I pushed myself way past what was smart. I ended up collapsing and needing medical attention. But what stayed with me wasn’t the pain, it was the lesson. Would I be willing to do something that others aren’t? For much of my life, I strived to bring my best for a game, but I hope that I can say at the end of my life I was willing to do that for things that actually matter.

Q: YOU’VE ACHIEVED SO MUCH IN SPORTS. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT NOW?

A: Becoming a dad. Nothing compares. From the moment I knew my wife was pregnant, I felt a new depth of love for our child, but when you bring your baby home, the responsibility hits you like nothing else. Suddenly, everything you see, every decision you make, you’re asking, “Is this corner too sharp? What happens if she reaches that drawer?” It changes how you see the world and how you see other people.

Q: YOU’VE SPOKEN OPENLY ABOUT DISAPPOINTMENT, ESPECIALLY AROUND FOOTBALL. HOW DID THAT SEASON OF LIFE SHAPE YOU?

A: I talked a lot about that very thing in my book Shaken . We all go through moments where our faith in our abilities and purpose feels rattled, but I believe it’s often in those storms when God can show us who we could become.

Q: YOU TALK A LOT ABOUT COMPARISON CULTURE. WHY DO YOU BELIEVE COMPARISON HAS BECOME SUCH A TRAP TODAY?

A: Because we’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel. Social media shows people’s “best day,” often filtered and staged, and then we measure our reality against that. There’s a reason filters are so popular—it’s not real. We end up scrolling through images that don’t tell the full story, and without realizing it, comparison starts to steal our joy and our gratitude.

“We’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel... comparison starts to steal our joy.”

Q: YOUR FOUNDATION FOCUSES ON THE “MOST VULNERABLE.” WHERE DID THAT CALLING BEGIN?

A: When I was 15, I met a boy in the Philippines who was treated as a throwaway because he was born with physical differences. That moment changed me. I realized God was calling me to pursue a different kind of MVP, not “Most Valuable Player,” but “Most Vulnerable People.”

Q: FINALLY, WHAT’S ONE THING PEOPLE MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

A: I have some weird coffee habits, which include protein powder, collagen, and cream all mixed together. I love golf dates with my wife. And every night, I bring snacks to bed to share with our dogs. It brings me more joy than it probably should.

This conversation barely scratches the surface. Tim goes deeper into the moments that rattled him, the joys of fatherhood, and one story he has never shared publicly until now. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on Share the Lifestyle Podcast.

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