Now Is the Time to Invest
In our bustling lives, it’s easy to overlook the simple, yet profound impact of investing. There can be powerful returns from investing time, talent, and resources here in our own backyard and beyond. While financial investments are often at the forefront of our minds, it’s important to consider investments in people, travel, health and happiness. April is our investment issue, and hopefully these pages will spark some new ideas, or rekindle some old.
Shopping at small businesses is a wonderful way to invest locally. These enterprises are the backbone of our communities, offering personalized services and unique products that reflect the character of our neighborhoods.
Volunteering is oftentimes a cornerstone of community investment. By offering skills or a helping hand, it creates a ripple effect that strengthens social bonds and fosters a sense of belonging. Whether you're mentoring young minds or participating in community clean-ups, your involvement matters.
Dining out at neighborhood establishments not only satisfies your culinary cravings, but also supports the dreams and passions of local restaurateurs. Each meal enjoyed at a family-owned café or restaurant, breathes life into the local economy.
Assisting neighbors with sharing a meal, running errands, or simply checking in, fosters a supportive environment where everyone thrives, and people can feel valued and connected.
In these pages, we have connected with a few businesses that handle aspects of investing, whether it be a project for your home, or financial planning.
Susan Stiles of Stiles Financial, shares how her team helps build portfolios and manage money according to client needs and goals.
As the spring project “to do” list becomes a priority, protecting your home with a good roof is key. Elijah Deutsch and Tom Kaufman of Kaufman Roofing, talk about metal options and what to consider when shopping.
Karma Lending’s founder, Hadley Hornig, has been making dreams come true for people in the construction and real estate industry. His company is family-first focused and driven to help provide competitive and fair lending options.
Since investing can look different from person to person in this journey of life, we hope you’ll feel inspired to invest in the people, places, and dreams that matter most to you.
Here’s to a month full of growth, connection, and meaningful returns, ALEXANDRA PATTY, PUBLISHER @EDINA_LIFESTYLE
April 2026
PUBLISHER
Alexandra Patty | alexandra.patty@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Sarah Knieff | sarah.knieff@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Susan Shannon | susan.shannon@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sue Baldani, Sophie Brock, Sarah Knieff
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Andrew Vick, Glenn Gray, Jordan Johnson
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
Photography by Jordan Johnson and Andrew Vick
Return to Play Now Offering Pilates
Kaethe Birkner has joined Return to Play Institute, offering unique and therapeutic pilates mat classes focused on gentle activity, mobility, and recovery from accidents and trauma. Classes are flexible with options including small group, 1:1, or virtual. Kaethe is dedicated to a personal, customized and comfortable experience. Anyone is welcome! For more information call or text (763) 270-9330
Fuel Your Health with Fresh, Wholesome Eats at Good Earth
Investing in your health at Good Earth in Edina’s Galleria means choosing meals made from seasonal, fresh, unprocessed produce and responsibly sourced meats and seafood that avoid hormones and antibiotics. Their menu supports diverse, whole-food choices — including gluten-free and plant-friendly options — so eating well feels easy and delicious. It’s a great way to nourish your body with quality ingredients that support long-term wellbeing and vitality. goodearthmn.com
Build a Timeless Wardrobe with dugo’s Stylish, Lasting Pieces
Building your wardrobe at dugo means finding stylish, quality clothes that stand the test of time. Their curated selection of dresses, outerwear, and statement pieces helps you create a closet full of go-to looks for every occasion, from casual outings to special nights out. Shopping thoughtfully for pieces you love and wear again isn’t just fun — it’s a smart way to make your style last longer and feel great every time you step out. 3939 Market St., Edina. dressupgoout.com
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Ask Susan
feel so emotionally attached to certain stocks that I’ve owned for years?
Susan:
What you’re feeling is completely normal. We often buy stocks for specific reasons — strong performance, a personal connection, or a belief in leadership or company principles. Over time, that familiarity can turn into emotional attachment. Behavioral finance calls this the “Endowment Effect” — we tend to overvalue what we already own for the wrong reasons.
The risk? Holding a position too long or allowing one stock to grow too large in your portfolio can lead to performance inefficiencies and avoidable volatility. Disciplined investing means making decisions based on your goals and overall strategy — not emotion. What a great topic!
Let’s take a look at how to manage this response in my deep dive, follow-up video. Snap the QR code below to join me.
Susan Stiles is the Founder / CEO of Stiles Financial Services; an independent, fee-based, private wealth management financial advisory firm, specializing in families that have complex portfolio, wealth management and estate planning needs. We also advise companies on their retirement benefit plans and corporate cash management. Send “AskSusan” questions to: AskSusan@stilesfinancial.com.
THE HEAD & THE HEART
Through portfolio management and personal planning, a Minnesota firm demonstrates that wealth strategy is ultimately about people, not products.
ARTICLE BY SARAH KNIEFF
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GLENN GRAY
When people think about portfolio management, they often imagine charts, stock picks, and market forecasts. But at Stiles Financial Services, portfolio management is not a product — it’s a philosophy. One rooted in control, transparency, and deeply personalized client relationships.
“We take our fiduciary responsibility very seriously. Everything we do is in the client’s best interest. That’s always been our philosophy.”
Founded in 2000 by Susan Stiles, the firm has spent 26 years building a distinctive model that challenges many conventions of the financial services industry. Rather than outsourcing investment decisions or relying on packaged funds, the firm operates as a true portfolio money manager, selecting individual securities in-house and constructing portfolios tailored to each client’s life.
As Stiles explains, “We are actually money managers. We do all of our research in-house, and we build portfolios by purchasing the actual stocks and bonds that make up a client’s portfolio. There’s no intermediary layer between us and the portfolio.”
DIRECT MANAGEMENT, NOT DELEGATION
At many advisory firms, client assets ultimately end up in mutual funds or third-party models. Stiles Financial Services chose a different path.
The firm conducts its research internally and builds portfolios using individual securities rather than pooled funds. Removing that intermediary layer allows for greater efficiency and transparency — but more importantly, it gives the firm direct control over every holding within a client portfolio.
“We do it this way because it’s more cost efficient for the client,” Stiles says. “We’re removing that middle layer of fees. But it also gives us better control over what the client owns and much better tax control.”
This approach allows portfolios to be customized in ways standardized investment products cannot match. Clients who want to avoid specific industries or companies can do so. Taxable accounts can be managed with precision, enabling strategic harvesting of gains or losses in coordination with broader financial events in a client’s life.
“If a client says, ‘I don’t want to own a certain company,’ we simply don’t own it,” Stiles notes. “You can’t do that in a mutual fund. It’s not your decision to make.”
The result is a portfolio that behaves less like a generic financial product and more like a strategic tool — one that can be adjusted with purpose rather than passively accepted.
WHERE PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT MEETS LIFE PLANNING
At Stiles Financial Services, investments are never viewed in isolation. Portfolio decisions are tied to a comprehensive understanding of each client’s financial world.
“When we build a portfolio, it’s based on everything we know about that client,” Stiles explains. “Their age, whether they’re married, their children, their tolerance for market swings, their tax situation — all of it works together. It’s not siloed.”
Even psychological relationships with money are considered. The firm’s onboarding process includes not only traditional risk assessments but also deeper exercises designed to uncover personal financial attitudes and experiences.
“We ask people what their parents taught them about money, what keeps them up at night, how they felt when they first earned money,” she says. “That insight helps us understand how to shape their portfolio in a way that actually fits them.”
This holistic framework allows investment decisions to align with real-life financial transitions. A client who sold a business at a loss may benefit from realizing gains elsewhere to offset tax exposure. A couple approaching retirement may require a different balance of stability and growth than their risk score alone would suggest.
“Once you understand the full financial profile, you can employ much smarter strategies,” Stiles adds. “The portfolio and the financial plan go hand in hand.”
A PHILOSOPHY BORN FROM EXPERIENCE
Stiles’ approach to wealth management developed gradually through her early experiences in the industry. Having witnessed the limitations of commission-driven products and the lack of control over mutual fund holdings, she envisioned a model built on independence and accountability.
Susan Stiles
“I realized I was just pushing product,” she recalls. “That wasn’t why I went into this business. I wanted to be an advisor and a consultant.”
Her academic background — including an MBA from Cornell University — gave her the analytical tools to pursue that vision. But the true test came during market downturns in the late 2000s.
“When the market collapsed and many investors lost around 40 percent, my clients’ losses were in the 20s,” she says. “That confirmed to me that this approach was exactly what I wanted to do.”
From that point forward, the firm expanded deliberately, adding experienced portfolio professionals while maintaining its commitment to hands-on management.
RELATIONSHIPS AT THE CORE
What truly distinguishes Stiles Financial Services, however, is not just how portfolios are built, but how clients are treated.
“We form very personal connections with our clients,” Stiles says. “We know when their children graduate, when there’s a loss in the family, when something important happens in their lives. They’re not a number to us.”
The firm operates with what many describe as a family office mentality. Relationships often span generations, with the firm advising parents, their children, and eventually great-grandchildren.
Formal portfolio reviews occur at least annually, but communication is ongoing. Clients receive regular updates and are encouraged to reach out whenever their circumstances change. Because the firm manages portfolios on a discretionary basis, clients can rely on decisions being made proactively in their best interests.
“We take our fiduciary responsibility very seriously,” Stiles notes. “Everything we do is in the client’s best interest. That’s always been our philosophy.”
THE TORTOISE, NOT THE HARE
The growth of the firm has been intentionally methodical. Instead of chasing rapid expansion or short-term gains, Stiles emphasizes steady progress — often referencing the classic fable of the tortoise and the hare.
“I’ve built this business like the tortoise,” she says. “It’s been slow, methodical, and very intentional. But that’s how you build something that lasts.”
That patience has helped cultivate long-standing client relationships and a reputation built on consistency rather than hype. It also reflects a broader principle: wealth management is not about quick wins but about disciplined, informed decision-making sustained over decades.
MORE THAN MONEY MANAGEMENT
In an industry often defined by products and performance metrics, Stiles Financial Services emphasizes something different: stewardship.
By managing portfolios directly, integrating them with comprehensive financial planning, and grounding every decision in client-specific goals, the firm bridges the traditional divide between investment management and financial advising.
For its clients, that means portfolios are not just collections of securities. They are living financial strategies — designed, monitored, and refined with the same care given to the lives they support.
stilesfinancial.com | (952) 988-0452
CLASSES, CAMPS & GAME PLAY
Since 2001, RevSports has delivered consistent, high-quality youth sports programs. RevSports has grown to be a leading programming partner for communities. Families trust RevSports experienced coaches, proven approach, and family-friendly structure.
Over
ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI
A Long-Standing INVESTMENT
The right roof can protect your home for many years to come
While roofs take a beating in many parts of the country, it’s especially true in Minnesota, where winters can be harsh. Familyowned-and-operated Kaufman Roofing in Burnsville understands this well and takes steps to offer the highest quality roofing materials that will stand the test of time.
While asphalt shingle roofs are the most common and typically last 15 to 20 years, metal roofs are gaining in popularity. A standing seam metal roof is not only the ultimate deterrent to snow and ice, but also lasts 40 to 70 years. This makes it a great investment for any homeowner.
To offer this type of roof to customers, Kaufman Roofing invested in a state-of-the-art, standing-seam, panel rolling machine last year that enables them to create various standing-seam panels, including curved options.
“Investing in our own machine really sets us apart because we have more quality control and it eliminates the middleman, allowing for faster turnaround times” says Elijah Deutsch, a fifth-generation family member and director of metal operations. “All of the flashing and components that go with a metal roof are all made in-house with the same metal and same color as your roof, so everything matches and fits perfectly.” The ability to custom fabricate the metal roof panels, as well as the components, removes many unnecessary costs.
So, what is a standing seam roof? “A standing seam roof comes in a coil, and then we have the ability to fabricate up to four different profiles of panels with our standing seam machine,” says Tom Kaufman, a fourth-generation family member and COO. “It consists of long panels where it's one piece from the bottom edge all the way up to the ridge, so there are no seams. And, with our panel machine, the fasteners are concealed too, so you don't have exposed screws like you would with a big box store panel.”
The company, which was started by Kaufman’s great-grandfather in 1930, has always provided metal roofs, but not like this.
“Roof systems have been constantly improving, so the panels of today are a lot more water and leak resistant versus the panels of the past,” says Elijah. “We use a solid 24-gauge sheet of metal made from better quality steel with a better finish on top that will provide up to 35 years of no chalking or fading.”
Kaufman’s standing seam metal roofs are custom-made to fit each home perfectly. Every panel is fabricated in-house to match the exact dimensions of the roof. The panels are secured with a concealed clip system, meaning there are no exposed screws. The vertical seams are then either mechanically locked or snapped tightly into place, creating a clean, modern look while forming a strong, watertight seal that helps protect the home from Minnesota’s toughest weather.
“Our company has been around for almost 100 years, and we’re very well-known and trusted.”
This is especially important for preventing ice dams, which can cause serious water leaks in a home. “Metal roofs help minimize ice dams from forming on your roof, which happens a lot in Minnesota,” says Tom. “Since metal is slippery, the snow sheds off metal roofs a lot easier, but even when an ice dam does form, it's backing up on a solid sheet of metal and not underneath a shingle where there are nail heads.” These roofs are also more hail resistant.
More and more homeowners are requesting standing-seam panel roofs. “In addition to all the other benefits, it gives homes a more modern look. “You're seeing it with a lot of these new construction homes,” says Elijah. “It's a really nice complement while also giving that long-term investment where it's very low maintenance.”
While upfront costs are higher for metal than for asphalt, the roof will pay for itself over the long term. “You can go through three asphalt roofs to one metal roof,” says Tom.
In addition to standing seam metal roofs, its facility can produce a wide range of products, including flashing components, gutters, and items requiring intricate architectural metal work. They can even produce replicas of materials for historically preserved homes. “If you can draw it, we can almost always make it,” says Tom.
“Many higher-end neighborhood homes feature copper gutters and accent roofs, so we can do copper inlaid gutters, custom copper gutters, and a lot of things that other companies can't do.”
“Clients appreciate that we design and custom fabricate our metal panels and components in our own shop. That level of in-house craftsmanship allows us to precisely fit each system to the specific demands of the roof; not the other way around.”
While Kaufman Roofing primarily installs asphalt shingle roofs, other more premium options besides metal include slate and tile, as well as composite, shake, and slate and tile, which are increasing in demand.
“Our company has been around for almost 100 years, and we’re very wellknown and trusted,” says Tom. “Clients appreciate that we design and custom fabricate our metal panels and components in our own shop. That level of in-house craftsmanship allows us to precisely fit each system to the specific demands of the roof; not the other way around.”
To find out more about metal and other types of roofing, go to KaufmanRoofing.com or call (612) 722-0965.
GOOD KARMA!
EMPOWERING OTHERS AND ENHANCING COMMUNITIES
While working in the gaming industry for nearly 10 years, Hadley Hornig was making significant contributions to popular, well-known video games, but something was missing. “I found that what I was doing on a daily basis was fun for me, but then I looked inward and said, ‘What am I actually doing here?’”
ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREW VICK
Hadley wanted to make a difference in people’s lives and started looking for a career that would allow him to do that. “My father and his father before him were real estate investors for many years, and so growing up, I learned a lot about it,” he says.
As adults, he, his brother, and his sister bought a few multifamily properties in the Minneapolis area. “I had all that background, and I also had a background in sales and marketing from my career in gaming,” says Hadley. “So, when my high school defensive hockey teammate happened to be looking for a loan officer for his private lending business, I applied for the job.”
Hadley stayed there for four years, adding to his repertoire of knowledge. Then, in 2023, he was ready to go out on his own and founded Karma Lending LLC.
“I cannot tell you the dichotomy between what I was doing before with gaming and now the community boosting that I do through my remodeling financing business right here in Minnesota,” he says. “I'm able to empower an entrepreneur, who can then empower subcontractors, and all these people are able to make a living.”
His primary goal is to bring decrepit houses back into the market as turnkey properties that families can actually afford. “It's just this beautiful change of purpose for me,” says Hadley. “Up until that point, investing in multifamily homes was really a passive investment for me, but I had this itch to do more and foster my internal entrepreneurial spirit.”
Karma’s private loan application process, he explains, is pretty straightforward. “I will get a call, or I will seek out clients. I need to find the best of the best or the people who want to become the best. There's a standard one-time only application process where I'll do a background check, look at their business documentation, tax returns, and if they’re approved, they're essentially approved for life. From there my hope is that we grow our businesses together."
The clients who work with him prefer private lending for many reasons. There's less red tape, closings are quicker, and oftentimes, there are no monthly payments.
“When they find a deal, I do the underwriting, making sure that the deal makes sense. From there, we start moving them on their way to building their legacy wealth while at the same time producing more usable and affordable housing in the community.”
Right now, Karma Lending has 13 clients, and Hadley is always looking for more. “During 2026 and beyond, my business will be actively looking to raise capital and grow. I certainly have more demand for funds than supply at the moment.”
He believes there will continue to be a supply of houses in need of renovation in the area. “Almost all of our properties are in the affordable housing arena, except for the Drew Avenue home in Minnesota. I’d love to give a shout out to my client, Reflexivity, LLC. They just did a phenomenal job on that house, and it's one of the most beautiful renovations I've seen.”
Karma’s mission statement reflects Hadley’s commitment to not only his clients, but to his employees
CONTINUED >
and their families as well. For this, he credits his father, Steven Hornig. “He worked as an attorney for over 40 years, but he never missed one of my hockey games,” he says. “I always appreciated that he was there and cheering me on, and I think his dad did something similar, making sure he made it to my dad’s games.”
Hadley, a Wayzata native who now lives there with his wife, JJ, and one-year-old daughter, Pepper, is a real family man himself. “I have an absolutely phenomenal wife and so admire her hustle. I find it truly inspiring. We're both entrepreneurs trying to build up our businesses, which we really enjoy doing together.
(JJ manages a portfolio of multifamily and short-term rentals around the Twin Cities.)
He and JJ named their management company, Roxy Rentals, after their dog, Roxy. “JJ and I got married in 2019, and Roxy's been a part of our life ever since. And Pepper is an absolute joy. When I was young, and people would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up, instead of saying an astronaut or firefighter, I would say I wanted to be a dad.”
To find out how you can become a part of Hadley’s vision, go to KarmaPrivateLending.com or call (952) 221-8080.
APRIL 10TH - 19TH
Fleurs de Villes FLORA
Edina Galleria
Experience the beauty of spring at Galleria during Fleurs de Villes FLORA, an immersive floral showcase where top designers transform fresh blooms into couture-inspired installations and signature flower-dressed mannequins. Stroll through a colorful indoor garden of artistry, fashion, and creativity as storefronts and displays come alive in a vibrant celebration of the season. galleriaedina.com
APRIL 18TH - JUNE 21ST
Little Women
Guthrie Theater
Experience the beloved classic “Little Women” onstage at the Guthrie Theater in a fresh adaptation that follows Jo March and her sisters as they navigate ambition, love, loss, and growing up during the Civil War era. Heartfelt and inspiring, the production celebrates sisterhood, independence, and the journey from girlhood to adulthood. guthrietheater.org.
APRIL 21ST - JUNE 14TH
The Wizard of Oz
Children’s Theatre Company
Follow the yellow brick road with Children’s Theatre Company in its vibrant stage production of "The Wizard of Oz." Featuring beloved songs, dazzling spectacle, and Dorothy’s unforgettable journey through Oz with her loyal friends and Toto, this family-friendly musical brings the classic story to life with theatrical magic, heart, and adventure for audiences of all ages. childrenstheatre.org
APRIL 25TH
Runway for Hope
Edina Galleria | 11:30 AM
Support a meaningful cause at Runway for Hope, a stylish charity fashion experience benefiting the Hope Chest for Breast Cancer Foundation. Guests enjoy a trend-forward runway show, inspiring patient models, auctions, and boutique shopping moments—all coming together to celebrate resilience, community, and hope while raising funds to support local breast cancer patients. galleriaedina.com.
APRIL 25TH
Bon Appétit: Julia Child's Dinner with the Presidents
Minnesota History Center | 3:00 PM
Join acclaimed author Alex Prud’homme for a lively talk exploring the culinary legacy and cultural impact of Julia Child. Sharing personal stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and reflections on co-writing "My Life in France," Prud’homme offers a rare glimpse into Julia’s life, White House experiences, and enduring influence on American food and television. mnhs.org
APRIL 29TH - 30TH
A Tribute to Queen
Chanhassen Dinner Theatres
Rock out to the legendary sound of “Queen at A Night at the Theatre – A Tribute to Queen,” a high-energy concert celebrating the band’s iconic catalog. Featuring powerhouse vocals, soaring guitar solos, and theatrical flair, the show recreates the spirit of Queen’s live performances with fan-favorite hits and deep cuts alike for an unforgettable night of classic rock nostalgia. chanhassendt.com.
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PRO TIP by Andrew Vick
We always say the one photo that I take over the course of my career that has the most longevity on someone’s wall is the High School senior photo. To this day, my mom will rotate out photos of my kids but the one constant is my senior photo from Edina High School. Popular family session add-on available for 2026.
ARTICLE BY SOPHIE BROCK
FOUR SIMPLE WAYS TO INVEST IN YOUR MORNING AND START YOUR DAY OFF ON THE RIGHT FOOT
habits for morning success
One of the best ways to invest in yourself is by creating a consistent and intentional morning routine. No matter how unpredictable or chaotic the rest of your day may become, starting your morning with self-care and purpose sets a positive tone that stays with you throughout the day. Once you develop a morning routine that truly resonates with you, you’ll look forward to it every night, knowing it will set the foundation for a productive and fulfilling day.
If you’re ready to elevate your mornings, here are some meaningful ways to invest in your routine and start each day on the right foot.
Be Your Own Barista:
One of life’s simplest pleasures is savoring a homemade coffee each morning. While skipping the drive-thru may be tough at first, brewing your own allows you to appreciate the process—and chances are, you’ll end up preferring your own perfect cup of joe.
Get Your Steps In:
An hour-long gym session before work may not be realistic, but a quick morning walk is. Use this time to clear your mind, enjoy nature, and listen to your favorite podcast or artist—an easy way to start your day feeling relaxed.
Enjoy Some Breakfast:
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, yet often the most overlooked. Setting your alarm just minutes earlier to prepare a fresh, nutritious meal can transform your morning, fueling your body and mind for a more energized and productive day.
Read A Book:
Starting your day with a book is far more calming than scrolling through social media. Reading in the morning helps ease you into the day, providing a peaceful and mindful escape that sets a positive, focused tone for what’s ahead.
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