FREE Hormone Replacement Therapy Exam
Bloodwork Included | $250 Value
“HRT significantly improved my energy, mood, and overall quality of life.” - T. Cheramie
20% off Programs and Therapies
Weight Loss Programs, HRT Plans & Treatments, Peptide Therapy, & more...
20% off Esthetic & Regenerative Procedures
PRF Hair Restoration Shown Below
There is a unique rhythm to life in East Montgomery County, a slow, steady connection that makes this area feel like a world of its own. As our team begins this journey with Porter City Lifestyle, we do so with deep respect for the traditions and families that have long defined this community. We aren’t just arriving to share stories; we are joining a legacy of neighborly care and intentional living.
When our family chose this region to plant our own roots, we were searching for a place to truly belong, a community where we could create lasting relationships and raise our children with purpose. Home is the steady heartbeat behind everything we do. It is the sanctuary where our most meaningful stories are written and where we learn what it means to be part of something bigger than ourselves. This desire for connection drives us as we welcome Porter into our publication family.
Our cover story with Adam Dunn beautifully captures this sentiment. His return to the area is a powerful reminder that true ambition can coexist with deep humility. For Adam, being home is about the responsibility of being a good neighbor and the heartfelt belief that everyone should have the opportunity to flourish in the place that shaped them.
We also see community stewardship shine in the story of Eric Wiggins. Alongside his wife, Helen, Eric carries forward a powerful family legacy of leadership and integrity, reminding us that a home is strongest when it is built on values passed down through generations.
Mike Cook and our family’s story gives insight into our move from South Carolina to Texas, which was a plan to build our businesses and grow in a new community. We hope our story speaks to resilience. We are investing our lives and hard work here, and our family wants to remind everyone that home is where you decide to build, and legacy is found alongside your neighbors.
This foundation of stability is a mission shared by Habitat for Humanity Montgomery County. They remind us that a safe, dignified home is the ultimate catalyst for change, shifting the trajectory of an entire family’s future for years to come.
As you turn these pages, I hope you see more than just beautiful spaces. I hope you see a reflection of the life and legacy you are so lovingly cultivating right here alongside us.
With gratitude and heart,
NICOLE COOK, PUBLISHER
March 2026
PUBLISHER
Nicole Cook | nicole.cook@citylifestyle.com
AREA DIRECTOR
Mike Cook | mike.cook@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Rori Ortiz | rori.ortiz@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Kelsey Connell | kelsey.connell@citylifestyle.com
MARKET SUPPORT COORDINATOR
Kelly Richard | kelly.richard@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Lagala Davis | lagala.davis@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Kelly Richard | kelly.richard@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Rori Ortiz | rori.ortiz@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Kelly Anne Style Photography | Kelly Anne Style
Kate & Co. Creative | Mary Kate Pedigo
Tyler Jones Photography | Tyler Jones
Gargi Bhowal | @gargibhowalrealtypro
R.B. Tullis Library | @rbtullislibrary
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
Learn
The
Eric
Mike
“It gives me great pleasure to announce that there are still banks, like The MINT National Bank, that continue to provide a sense of security in this insecure world,”
- Karen Dorway, president
of BauerFinancial.
The MINT National Bank, Kingwood’s only hometown bank, is proud to announce being awarded a 5-star rating by Bauer Financial, a leading independent evaluator of bank financial health.
This prestigious rating signifies exceptional performance and positions The MINT National Bank among the strongest financial institutions in the country.
(281) 359-6468
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN MARCH 2026
1: Greater East Montgomery County Chamber (GEMCC) Ribbon Cutting for Trattoria Italiano’s. 2: GEMCC 1st 2026 Thirsty Thursday event at Union Kitchen - Kingwood. 3: GEMCC ribbon Cutting for Entergy. 4: GEMCC ribbon cutting for Books-A-Million in Valley Ranch. 5: County Judge Mark Keough, and Gargi Bhowal at the Entergy ribbon cutting. 6: The Adult Romance Book Club is the best day of the month, discussing reads and fostering meaningful connections at RB Tullis Library. 7: GEMCC celebrating a new chapter as Books-A-Million opens its doors with a community ribbon-cutting, what a proud moment.
Want to be seen in the magazine?
Experience nonstop fun at Lumos, eat, play, laugh, and connect.
Lumos in New Caney delivers a vibrant blend of entertainment, dining, and unforgettable experiences all under one roof. Families, friends, and groups can enjoy bowling, laser tag, axe throwing, arcade action, a lively modern atmosphere. They have great food, refreshing drinks, live events, and exceptional service, Lumos is the perfect place to celebrate, spend time together, and make lasting memories. It’s not just a destination it’s where fun and excitement come to life.
and
Goody Goody Liquor in Valley Ranch is your local destination for exceptional selection, great value, and outstanding service. Whether you’re stocking up for a celebration, planning a special evening, or simply discovering something new, you’ll find an impressive variety of wines, spirits, and craft beers to suit every taste and budget. Knowledgeable staff are always ready to help you choose the perfect bottle. Convenient, reliable, and community-focused, Goody Goody makes every visit easy and enjoyable.
Jeremiah’s Italian Ice in New Caney is the perfect place to cool down and treat yourself to bold, refreshing flavors. Known for its wide variety of Italian ice, creamy soft ice cream, and signature Gelati, Jeremiah’s offers something for everyone. With a fun, welcoming atmosphere and friendly service, it’s a favorite stop for families, friends, and dessert lovers alike. Whether you’re grabbing a quick treat or celebrating a special moment, Jeremiah’s makes every visit sweet!
Discover comfort and style at new Havertys in New Caney.
Havertys has recently opened its newest showroom at 22296 Market Place Drive, New Caney, TX 77357, bringing quality home furnishings and expert design services to the rapidly growing New Caney community. The spacious 41,500-square-foot store in Valley Ranch Town Center showcases stylish options for every room and marks the company’s third Greater Houston location. Residents can now enjoy a premier shopping experience and personalized design support closer to home.
Adam Dunn does not speak like someone who expects to be remembered or has the impressive career that he does. When asked about his career, he quickly moves on to discuss things that affect others in a big way. When called a hometown hero, he gently pushes the phrase away, stating that there is nothing heroic in choosing to do the right thing. What he returns to, again and again, is something far less posh and far more powerful: home.
Dunn is not the version of a star who is marked by accolades or ceremonies, but the one shaped by dirt roads, four-wheelers, good neighbors who watched out for one another, and a community small enough that Porter and New Caney felt like one tiny place. A place where pride was not something you talked about. It was something you lived day in and day out.
For Dunn, returning to East Montgomery County (EMC) was never about nostalgia. It was about responsibility. “It (EMC) was a great place to grow up,” he says simply. “I wish everybody had that opportunity.” To know the slow, steady style of connection is what the area is known for. Growing up, he and his teammates played on what he half-jokingly describes as something closer to a cow pasture than a baseball field. At the time, it didn’t matter. They didn’t know any different. Today’s kids do. “With social media, kids see everything,” Dunn explains. “I want them to have something they can be proud of. Something that’s theirs.”
The Adam Dunn Fields & The Ed Rinehart Sports Complex. The fields, are are equipped with updated modern facilities, these spaces rival those found in neighboring communities long known for having “the nice things.” But Dunn is quick to point out that the fields themselves were never the end goal. The real investment is confidence, for the kids who play on those fields that can be carried beyond those ballfields. That pride, he believes, changes how young people see themselves and how long they stay engaged and out of trouble, without something like these fields it can lead to young kids finding
ARTICLE BY RORI ORTIZ
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
KELLY ANNE STYLE
no outlets to expel energy. Turf means fewer cancellations. Fewer cancellations mean more playing time. More time playing means more connections with teammates, more discipline to learn a skill, and more reason to be outside instead of stuck inside or drifting into places no one wants them to go. This endeavor was not about producing professional athletes. Dunn is clear about that. It is about producing grounded humans who can take pride in their community and take care of their home in the future.
One of the most striking parts of Dunn’s story is how little credit he takes for this remarkable improvement to his hometown’s landscape. He speaks with profound reverence for the people of the area, acknowledging the efforts of county leadership to help make the project happen, thanking the school districts for being open to the improvements, and the everyday citizens who volunteer to care for and protect the project for future kiddos to enjoy. To him, the fields are proof of something larger: a shift in how East Montgomery County values itself. “There was a time when it didn’t feel like things were headed in the right direction,” he admits. “Now, I see leadership that puts people first. That matters.”
Dunn’s pride in the area today is not abstract. It is active. He wants others in the county and surrounding areas to look at East Montgomery County and think, “We want that.” Not just the facilities, but the mindset behind them. When told the story would run in the Home Issue and that he
would be recognized as a hometown hero, Dunn responded without hesitation, “[the] Hero isn’t me.” What he did and continues to do is accept stewardship. He spoke about alignment. About vision. About wanting the same things for today’s kids that were once given to him freely by coaches, parents, and community members who cared deeply about who you became off the field. If there is a hero’s legacy, Dunn is intentionally shaping it for kids in the area, a legacy that stands for this: our young people knowing they matter because their community proves it every day. Not with speeches. Not with places to go. Not just with pride, they can stand on. But with adults who show up and care. Adam Dunn’s story is not about returning as a star. It is about returning as a good neighbor. Someone who understands the value of home and how that home needs people like him and us to help it grow. That growth then translates into a connected community, where those two items do not have to cancel each other out, because ambition can coexist with humility. That meaningful investments can often not be in the place that’s built, but in what they instill in those who use them. Dunn never started these efforts seeking applause, but answered the call of responsibility laid before him.
Dunn noted that the fields will age. Kids will grow up. Seasons will change. The community will need more people like him willing to pick up the torch of responsibility. Because what remains that is timeless is the message behind the work: You belong here…This place, your home, is worth believing in. This area is worth the investment, and someone like him only cared enough to add something in the community to prove it. Hoping that it would give you the pride to think like him in the future.
Behind each of our 200+ City Lifestyle magazines is someone who cares deeply about their community. Someone who connects people, celebrates businesses, and shares the stories that matter most. What if that someone was you?
Or maybe it’s someone you know. If this isn’t the right time for you, but you know someone who could be the perfect fit, we’d love an introduction
Eric Wiggins chose to build trust by helping the community feel protected, making EMC a place that feels safe when it matters most
ARTICLE BY RORI ORTIZ
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MAY KATE PEDIGO & KELLY ANNE STYLE
At home, Eric Wiggins is first a husband and father. His wife, Helen, and he are raising three children, Sydney, Jake, and Anna Claire, grounding their family in a life similar to one that shaped Eric's childhood. Providing for others sharpened his understanding of what protection means. It is not theoretical or hypothetical. The worst does happen, and when it does, priorities shift.
That perspective is carried into his work every day. Protection should evolve as life changes, whether a family grows, a business expands, or it should be met with transparency and honesty. Eric does not promise lightly; he holds himself to expectations. Experience has taught him what is at stake.
Eric Wiggins was raised in a household shaped by public service. His father, Bill Wiggins, built a career in city leadership, while his mother, Leona Wiggins, grounded their
home. His wife, Helen, was raised with similar values. Her mother, Sydney Murphy, serves as a county judge, and her father, Matt Murphy, is a local business owner.
That sense of accountability was modeled early. Eric grew up watching leadership practiced in real time, not from behind a desk, but in public spaces where questions were asked directly and answers were expected. During storms, holidays, or moments of tension, his parents and extended family remained visible. People approached them in grocery stores, at events, and on sidewalks. Conversations were not always easy, but they were always answered. From an early age, Eric learned that service meant standing still long enough for people to find you.
Eric's office reflects that philosophy. The agency is supported by three bilingual team members, Angelica, Nayeli, and Valerie, who are often the first voices clients hear.
“Home is the place where responsibility follows you, not where your name is recognized, but where people trust you to show up when it matters most.”
- Eric Wiggins, State Farm
Each team member approaches their role with patience and Eric relies on his team to serve clients with the same integrity he would bring. In return, he invests in creating a workplace that supports their professional growth and offers stability for their personal well-being.
That belief in providing support shapes how he approaches protection. Insurance, to Eric, is not a transaction completed once and forgotten. It is an ongoing commitment that must evolve as families grow, businesses change, and circumstances shift. He views his role as requiring clarity, honesty, and follow-through, especially when conversations are uncomfortable. It is not about offering ideal scenarios, but about preparing people for real ones.
One moment early in his career clarified Eric's responsibility in a way nothing else had. While training alongside another agent, he accompanied him to personally deliver a life insurance check to a family who had just lost a loved one. There was no sales conversation, no explanation of coverage, and no paperwork to review. There was only presence. Watching that exchange shifted Eric's understanding of what insurance represents. It was not about policies or premiums, but about entering a home where your presence suddenly changes things forever. That experience stayed with him, reinforcing that protection is meaningful when it shows up at the exact moment it is needed.
In East Montgomery County, Eric is intentionally building something familiar without relying on his hometown or his family name. He is creating a place where protection is personal, where earned trust is built every day, and where home is defined by presence. When the stakes are real, that commitment is what makes a place feel safe. As the agency grows, Eric remains intentional about expansion. He is less concerned with how quickly the office scales and more focused on preserving the personal connection that defines it. For him, home is no longer defined solely by where he was raised. It is defined by where he chooses to remain accountable. In East Montgomery County, Eric Wiggins is building more than a business. He is building trust one conversation at a time through consistency and the understanding that protection matters most when it's personal.
Mike Cook with ProRoofing, Finds home through courage, community, and choosing to begin again.
ARTICLE BY RORI ORTIZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTA MCCOURT
Pro Roofing exists in Texas because Mike Cook and his family deliberately chose to move west and build something with intention in a place that felt right. Mike, an engineer by training, spent years working in corporate roles tied to utility-based construction work, while gaining a deep understanding of systems, structure, and how doing things properly makes all the difference.
Alongside that, he and his wife, Nicole Cook, have built businesses together, gaining firsthand experience in entrepreneurship, risk, and responsibility. Those years mattered and shaped how Mike thinks, plans, and shows up for people now.
When the opportunity arose for Mike to potentially open a Houston branch of ProRoofing, it was a long conversation full of methodical decision-making on whether his family should attempt to move out west. ProRoofing was founded in 2022 by a founder with years of industry experience. A childhood friend of Mike, who owned the ProRoofing business in Atlanta, had laid the groundwork, and together they mapped out what expanding west could look like. Mike has a decade of construction experience, and the ProRoofing team has decades of combined roofing experience. From there, Mike and Nicole talked it through carefully, and when they felt that they were fully committed to proceed forward, they made the steps toward moving west and selling their Home essentially closing that chapter of their lives in South Carolina with no regrets and nothing left on the table.
When they settled on Kingwood as the neighborhood they would settle in, it was simply because it felt like Home for him and his family. They found a house off-market and moved in quickly, another sign, Mike says, that things were lining up as they should for them to flourish in this area. Less than two weeks after arriving, a hurricane moved through the area... For most people, that kind of timing would feel like a bad omen or might cause it to be an overwhelming experience. For Mike, it was further confirmation that they were right where they needed to be. Roofs matter here. Homes matter here. And when storms hit, people need someone steady, informed, and present. Pro Roofing immediately became a part of the community response post-Hurricane, helping homeowners navigate damage, insurance confusion, and urgent repairs. It was hands-on, high-pressure work, but it made one thing clear: this was where Mike was meant to serve.
Mike approaches roofing the way an engineer would, methodically. He inspects, documents, explains, and walks homeowners through options. He considers factors such as how long someone plans to stay in their Home, whether they may sell, insurance, and what makes sense financially for the homeowner. He treats every recommendation as if he were advising his own family. He does not see himself as a salesperson. He sees himself as a community consultant. Many homeowners expect a quick estimate and a pitch. Instead, they get education, transparency, and time well spent. Sometimes that means telling someone they do not need a new roof yet, or it means explaining that the damage is more serious than expected. Either way, the goal is clarity, not pressure.
The ProRoofing team’s values are guided in Professionalism coming first; the team is Active and Tenacious in seeking solutions; they Care for both clients and one another; and they strive in a Team First mentality, meaning they follow through and show the same commitment at every job site. Better know as PACT(P - Professional | A - Active and Tenacious | C - Caring | T - Team First) the teams motto in striving to provide the best service.
That extends into the community through donated labor and materials to Habitat for Humanity. They stay connected in the community with active membership in the Greater East Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce. During major storm seasons, Mike coordinates support from other ProRoofing branches to reinforce local teams, allowing the company to respond with the PACT mentality, always, even when demand surges, never losing accountability, care, or quality.
When asked about what legacy and home mean to him, Mike talks about trust. He wants people to know he and ProRoofing worked for them and looked out for their best interests. As an individual, he is deeply connected to this community that he calls home, and being known for doing what he says he will do. In Texas, over the years, making this state home has always been something people have built deliberately. Sometimes it starts with land. Sometimes it begins with a decision. For Mike Cook, it started with a move west, trust after a storm, and steady work helping others protect what matters most. Because home, after all, is not just where you live. It is how you show up for others once you get there.
Life is for living. Let’s partner to help you make every single moment matter. We care as much about why you’re investing as what you invest in. Our personalized approach to investing is what sets us apart. And we’ll work with you every step of the way to help you build the future you desire. So you can enjoy all the special moments life has to offer. Jim
Madison Duxbury CFP®, ChFC®, CRPC™
Carranza AAMS®
For
In East Montgomery County (EMC), home isn't just a structure; the idea of home is more than four walls. It is memories. It is family history. It is where traditions are passed down from generation to generation. Where meals are shared, and where people find that original sense of belonging in a place that always feels welcoming. Habitat for Humanity Montgomery County (MoCo Habitat) gives community members an opportunity at stability. and works with that understanding to provide stability with dignity. Everyone deserves a safe place to live, and that safe place can change the trajectory of an entire family's future.
For many of the families MoCo Habitat serves, staying in their home matters as much as owning one. Aging houses, storm damage, and deferred repairs threaten to uproot families with deep ties to EMC neighborhoods. Serving this area means meeting families in these communities where the need is greatest. By investing in home repairs, lot clearing, and creating realistic pathways to homeownership, the organization helps families remain anchored in the communities they call home, where their lives already exist, and their ties are tethered to the area.
While Habitat for Humanity is widely known for building homes, its definition of community investment extends far beyond construction. Those heartstrings that tie individuals to the community are what make Habitat's upcoming Building Hope Gala, Casa
ARTICLE BY RORI ORTIZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY MONTGOMERY COUNTY
de Corazón , feel less like a fundraiser and more like a reflection of the mission itself. Translated into English as "House of Heart," the name acknowledges the cultural roots of many families in EMC and the truth that home is shaped as much by care, heritage, and love as by the lumber and nails put into it.
The organization strengthens local neighborhoods through partnerships, education, volunteerism, and ongoing homeowner support. Every project Habitat takes on begins with partnership. Families can invest sweat equity, attend educational classes, and take part in building not only their own home but also the homes of their neighbors. Children in partner families can also earn sweat equity hours through academic achievements. Volunteers work side by side with partner families. What forms over time is not just housing, but an investment in the idea of home, built through a communal, shared effort.
Their local focus has always been on investing in people, helping families build financial stability/security, instilling confidence in the future of those who participate in their programs, and fostering a sense of community pride in the place we all call home. In this work, Habitat is supporting local contractors and businesses so that resources remain within the community and help our economy thrive, even in small or large ways.
One of the most critical needs in EMC right now is home repairs and lot clearings. Many families face challenges related to aging homes. Families want to stay in place, but after disaster recovery, they are trying to maintain safe living conditions. The most significant issue is addressing repairs that allow homeowners to remain safely in their homes while preserving the existing housing stock that keeps our local neighborhoods strong. Supporting families on the path to stable homeownership has always been a cornerstone of Habitat's mission, but adding value by offering home repair programs is another way the local team acknowledges the unique needs of the area. Families can partner with the organization through education, financial preparation, and sweat equity, creating a transparent and achievable path to long-term stability. One particularly meaningful local project involved repairing a home for a Veteran, enabling him to remain safely in his home. The experience reinforced the
profound impact of home repairs, not just on safety, but on dignity to stay in the community individuals call home and peace of mind knowing one of our neighbors has a quality place to rest their head.
Looking ahead, the focus remains on affordable housing development and critical home repairs, particularly for vulnerable populations. As Casa de Corazón , on April 25th, the evening is an invitation to step into that story and help more families in EMC have a place where their hearts can stay.
A
MARCH 2026
MARCH 1ST
Support Porter High School Project Graduation by attending the car show on March 1.
Porter High School | 9:00 AM
Support Porter High School Project Graduation by attending their Car Show on March 1. From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the school parking lot on 22625 Sandy Lane as it will become a family-friendly celebration of classic and custom cars. Enjoy food trucks, live music, cornhole, and vehicle awards while helping raise funds for graduating seniors’ safe, post-graduation celebration.
MARCH 2ND
Kick off of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo!
NRG Stadium | Houston, TX | 4:00 PM Kick off rodeo season as the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo begins March 2. Celebrate Texas tradition with world class entertainment, thrilling competitions, carnival attractions, and iconic food. From concerts to livestock showcases, this beloved event brings generations together for unforgettable fun, culture, and Western heritage at NRG Park. Experience the excitement opening weekend with family and friends across Houston.
MARCH 5TH
Network with local leaders at GEMCC
Luncheon on March 5. The Atrium Center | New Caney, TX 11:00 AM
Join the Greater East Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce for its March 5 luncheon at The Atrium Center in New Caney. From 11 a.m. to 1
p.m., local professionals and business leaders gather to network, share community updates, and build meaningful connections. Enjoy lunch while learning about regional growth, chamber initiatives, and opportunities to stay engaged in East Montgomery County’s thriving business community.
MARCH 7TH
Montgomery County Spring Show
Lonestar Convention Center | Conroe, TX | 10:00 AM
The 8th Annual Spring Montgomery County Home & Outdoor Living Show at the Lone Star Convention Center in Conroe on March 7 & 8, 2026 is your chance to get inspired and improve your home! Explore the latest home improvement products and services, meet local professionals, enjoy free admission and parking, and learn from experts in home design, and outdoor living!
MARCH 15TH
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at The Food Zone Grand Texas!
The Food Zone | Porter, TX | 5:00 PM
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at The Food Zone Grand Texas on March 15 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 23020 Speed Street in New Caney. Enjoy a festive evening of greenthemed fun, live entertainment, and local vendors in a family-friendly atmosphere. Bring friends and family for a lively community celebration with free admission and plenty of St. Patrick’s spirit.
MARCH 28TH
Celebrate spring at Eggcellent Event and Mini-Market
Don Ford Stadium.
Don Ford Stadium | Porter, TX | 8:00 AM
Celebrate spring at the Eggcellent Event & Mini-Market on March 28 at Don Ford Stadium in Porter. From 8 a.m. to noon, families can enjoy egg hunts, kid-friendly activities, and shopping with local vendors. This cheerful community event offers a fun morning outdoors while supporting small businesses and creating seasonal memories for all ages.
When an injury puts you on the sidelines, your Houston Methodist orthopedic team puts expertise into play. We’ll customize a minimally invasive treatment plan to get you back out there — doing the things you love.
That’s the difference between practicing medicine and leading it. For you.
houstonmethodist.org/orthopedics 936.321.8000