Gaithersburg, MD March 2026

the home & design issue

SHAPED BY PLACE. DEFINED BY DESIGN. CHOSEN BY LOCALS.

HOME SERVICES

FINDING HOME IN HIDDEN HISTORY

POTOMAC CUSTOM REMODELING

HOME + DESIGN

THE BUILDERS & DESIGNERS SHAPING OUR REGION

LIFE + CULTURE MARCH 2026

Celebrating Transatlantic Unity, Education, and Global Impact

The WunderbarTogether Gala is the German International School Washington D.C.’s signature fundraising event, bringing together leaders from diplomacy, business, and the international community to celebrate the enduring partnership between Germany and the United States.

Rooted in shared democratic values, cultural exchange, and decades of cooperation, the Gala reflects the strength of the German–American relationship and its continued relevance in an increasingly interconnected world. Proceeds from the evening directly support innovative academic programs, campus growth, and access to international education at GISW.

Each year, the WunderbarTogether Gala honors an organization whose work embodies international collaboration and global responsibility. This year it will be gategroup! Beyond an evening of celebration, the Gala serves as a platform for dialogue, unity, and shared investment in the future of transatlantic leadership through the education of our current younger generation at GISW.

From distinguished diplomatic guests and corporate partners to educators and families, this event brings together communities united by a common belief: that education strengthens international understanding and long-term cooperation.

“The WunderbarTogether Gala reflects both the strength of the German–American relationship today and the promise of what lies ahead. Our two countries are deeply intertwined through shared values, cooperation, and a long-standing commitment to education. At its essence, this evening is about supporting young people as they grow into thoughtful leaders and globally minded citizens who will carry these transatlantic ties forward into the future.”

— Timon Fleiter, Deputy Business Director

Global Unity Award Recipient

This year, the WunderbarTogether Gala proudly honors gategroup, a global leader in aviation catering and onboard services, with the Global Unity Award. Operating at the crossroads of cultures and continents, gategroup exemplifies the spirit of international cooperation that defines the German–American partnership. Its global footprint and diverse workforce reflect a commitment to collaboration, precision, and mutual respect; values closely aligned with the mission of the German International School Washington D.C.

By honoring gategroup, the Gala celebrates an organization that understands the importance of connecting people across borders not only through global operations, but through shared responsibility and cultural understanding.

The evening underscores a broader message: that unity between nations is strengthened through education, collaboration, and a shared investment in future generations.

A Night of Purpose.

A Celebration of Transatlantic Unity.

A Shared Investment in Global Education.

For sponsorship opportunities, please

The Home & Design Issue

Home is a simple word but it carries a lot of weight. It’s where we spend most of our time, where routines are built, and where life happens in the quiet moments as much as the big ones. What home looks like is different for everyone but the meaning behind it is something we all share.

That idea shaped this month’s issue. Our March cover story features Potomac Custom Remodeling and the work they do helping homeowners rethink and reimagine the spaces they live in every day. It’s a look at how thoughtful design and craftsmanship can change the way a home feels and functions.

We also had the opportunity to work with guest writer Brian Myers, a local historian, technology analyst, and author, who brings a deeper perspective on the stories and history tied to the places we call home. His contribution adds context and meaning to how our community has evolved and why those stories still matter.

Throughout the issue, you’ll also find local experts, businesses, and events that reflect the care and creativity that make this area feel connected. These are the people shaping our neighborhoods and showing what it means to invest in where you live.

Many readers tell us they keep this magazine long after the month has passed, whether it lives on a coffee table or gets picked back up for inspiration later. We’re proud to create something that feels worth holding onto.

Thank you for welcoming us into your homes. We hope this March issue feels familiar, useful, and a little inspiring.

Happy March!

ADAM TAYLOR, PUBLISHER @GAITHERSBURGCITYLIFESTYLE

March 2026

PUBLISHER

Adam Taylor | adam.taylor@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Anicia Juarez | anicia.juarez@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

KC Cole | kc.cole@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

David Robert Lambert, Brian Myers, Bianca Bain Villegas

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Josh Govero

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

AROUND

Your Guide to Some of this Month’s Best Events

ARTICLE BY BIANCA BAIN VILLEGAS

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

ST. PATRICK’S DAY

2026 BALLYSHANER’S

ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE

Old Town Alexandria, VA

March 7 | 12:00PM

Free public parade in Old Town Alexandria, featuring pipe bands and Irish dance schools. ballyshaners.org

IRELAND AT THE WHARF

The Wharf DC

March 14 | 1:00PM-7:00PM

Live Irish music, Irish dancers, and more for a festive St. Patrick’s Day celebration. wharfdc.com/ireland

TOWN

24TH ANNUAL

ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE

Rio, Gaithersburg | March 14 | 10:00AM

The 24th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade includes Celtic dancers, bagpipe bands, school groups, and more. gaithersburgmd.gov/recreation/ special-events/st-patrick-s-day-parade

ST. PATRICK’S DAY TOUR OF NOTED IRISH-AMERICANS

200 17th St. NW, Washington, DC March 17 | 5:45PM

Walking tour around the White House area focusing on Irish-American contributions to history on St. Patrick’s Day. eventbrite.com

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

GRANDMA MOSES: A GOOD DAY’S WORK

Smithsonian American Art Museum

Through July 12

Anna Mary Robertson Moses, lived through the American Civil War, two

world wars and the civil rights era. In the 1940s, she emerged as a central figure thanks to her unique tapestries of American life americanart.si.edu/ exhibitions/grandma-moses?utm_ source=si.edu&utm_medium= referral&utm_campaign=MyVisitSI

EQUALITEA & TOUR

Dower House 1670 31st St NW, Washington, DC March 14 | 2:00PM - 4:00PM

Enjoy tea and light bites before exploring the stories of the women of Tudor Place. tudorplace.org/venue/ dower-house

WOMEN-MADE WINE FEST

The Roost | March 15 | 12:00PM

We’re gathering some of the best DC wine distributors at The Roost to share some of our favorite wines made by women this Women’s History Month! eventbrite.com

RUTH ORKIN: WOMEN ON THE MOVE

The National Museum of Women in the Arts | Through March 29

The National Museum of Women in the Arts displays 21 vintage photos by Ruth Orkin. The collection documents women’s lives in the mid-20th century across images of European tourists, Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps members, Hollywood celebrities, Broadway stars and women at work in classrooms, parks and neighborhoods. nmwa.org/exhibitions/ruth-orkinwomen-on-the-move

CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL EVENTS

CHERRY BLOSSOM VIEWING

Tidal Basin, Washington, DC

March 20 through April (Peak blooms last 7-10days)

Enjoy the fleeting beauty of sakura (cherry) or ume (plum) blossoms. nps.gov/subjects/cherryblossom/ bloom-watch.htm

PINK TIE PARTY

Union Station, Washington, DC

March 13 | 7:00PM - 11:00PM

The highly anticipated Pink Tie Party is back for its third year at the iconic Union Station Washington D.C. on March 13, 2026! As one of the National Cherry Blossom Festival’s signature events, this is the must-attend soirée of the season. nationalcherryblossom festival.org/event/pink-tie-party

NATIONAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL OPENING CEREMONY

Warner Theatre, Washington, DC

March 21 | 5:00PM - 6:30PM

Kick off the festival with music, performances, and celebrations of Japanese and American culture. nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/ event/opening-ceremony

NATIONAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL - KITE FESTIVAL

Washington Monument Grounds

March 28 | 10:00AM - 4:00PM

Fly kites with thousands of others at this family-friendly event. nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/ event/blossom-kite-festival

FAMILY OUTINGS

AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY MUSEUM

Washington, DC | All Year

“Welcome Home” is the theme for the National Museum of African American History and Culture’s (NMAAHC) 10th anniversary in 2026, celebrating a decade since its 2016 opening, inviting visitors to explore its vast collection of African American history, culture, and contributions, requiring free timed-entry passes for entry. nmaahc.si.edu/ explore/moments/10th-anniversary

CRAFTS AT THE LIBRARY

Little Fall Library, Bethesda

March 5 | 3:30PM Open crafts session. montgomerycountymd.gov/Library/ branches/littlefalls.html

AWESOME-CON

DC Convention Center, Washington, DC March 13-15

A massive celebration of geek culture during Awesome Con. More than 70,000 fans will be able to see their favorite stars from comics, films, TV, toys and games throughout Awesome Con, a three-day festival that is Washington, DC’s own Comic Con. awesome-con.com

WORLD PREMIERE! SHERLOCK IN WONDERLAND

Thomas Jefferson Community Theater, Arlington | March 20-29 | Various Times Search for clues alongside Sherlock Holmes in the crazy world of Wonderland. It will be an adventure! This world premiere production is by our Encore playwright. This production is recommended for ages 4 and older. encorestage.org/event/sherlock-inwonderland-6

ST. JUDE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL RUNNING

13th St. and Constitution Avenue, Washington, DC | March 21

The race that “brings the fun to the run” rocks the District again this year. Choose between half marathon or 5K distances, enjoy the sounds of this musical running tour and help the patients at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at the same time. Use code Local10 to save $10 on registration. rurocknroll.com/events/ washington-dc

MCRRC PIECE

OF CAKE 5K/10K

Meadow Hall Elementary, Rockville March 22 | 8:30AM

Montgomery County Road Runner’s Club was born in March of 1978, though Piece of Cake was created more than 25 years ago (March 24, 1996)! We invite you to join us in celebrating the club’s birthday. mcrrc.org/calendar-event/pieceof-cake-5k-10k-2026

GARDEN BROS. NUCLEAR CIRCUS

MGM National Harbor

March 22 | 7:00PM

Garden Bros Nuclear Circus delivers nonstop action with 60+ world-class performers, a 5-ring layout for unbeatable views, concert-style lights and sound, and a smooth, fast-moving show built for all ages. It’s a modern, climate-controlled Big Top experience with real talent and zero filler, just pure entertainment. whatson.gardenbrosnuclearcircus.com/ national-harbor/see-the-largest-circuson-earth-in-national-harbor

WASHINGTON NATIONALS V BALTIMORE ORIOLES

Nationals Park | March 23

The Nationals open their season with a local match up against the Orioles. Don’t miss this early season MLB matchup. mlb.com/nationals

WASHINGTON DC WATER LANTERN FESTIVAL

National Harbor | March 27 - 29

A glowing, ticketed nighttime gathering at National Harbor with lantern releases and festive music. waterlanternfestival.com

CAA

MARCH MADNESS - EAST REGIONAL

Capital One Arena | March 27 & 29

March madness comes to the area with the NCAA Men’s Basketball East Regional Tournament. Fans can witness some of the action as top college teams battle for a Final Four berth. Don’t miss one of the most exciting weekends of LIVE sports of the year in our area. capitalonearena.com

BLOOMAROO AT THE WHARF

The Wharf, DC | March 29

Free spring extravaganza featuring an evening of cherry-blossom themed art, music, fireworks and family-friendly fun along the waterfront. wharfdc.com/bloomaroo

Inspiration for your best local life.

Exclusive giveaways.

Hidden gem alert!

Good news in your neighborhood.

Local content by local creators.

Inside scoop on all things local.

Locally-inspired

A Journey Through Italy and Persia on Every Plate!

Soumali

B.Eng, MBA, PMP Team Leader, Realtor®, Project Manager Fairfax Realty

POTOMAC CUSTOM REMODELING

From Rock Bottom to Rooftops: Ken Baden’s Journey of Redemption

ARTICLE BY DAVID ROBERT LAMBERT

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Ken Baden's path to becoming the founder of Potomac Custom Remodeling (PCR) wasn't a straight line. It was marked by triumph and tragedy, addiction and recovery, homelessness and hope. Today, his company holds one of only 14 Owens Corning Platinum warranty designations

in Maryland, achieved faster than any other contractor in the DMV area. But the real story isn't about shingles and warranties. It's about second chances and the power of gratitude.

EARLY FOUNDATIONS

Baden grew up watching his father work construction as a sideline business while serving in the Navy and Air Guard. His father and a partner did decks and other projects, but had no interest in building it into a formal business. "They were the local chuck-in-a-truck, word-of-mouth, handshake-deal guys," Baden recalls. Still, those early experiences planted seeds. Baden also observed family friends who had built successful construction companies, and he was impressed by what they'd accomplished.

At 15, Baden landed his first job with Wilkerson Construction, a family friend's company. "It was hard work. I didn't like doing the work," he admits candidly, "but I was impressed with Mr. Wilkerson and what

he had built." The young Baden saw possibilities but wasn't yet ready to pursue them.

He attended the University of Maryland before transferring to Frostburg State University in western Maryland to follow his girlfriend at the time. He graduated with a degree in mass communication, with a focus on video production, and a minor in advertising, neither of which is remotely connected to construction or remodeling.

THE UNEXPECTED DETOUR

During Baden's senior year of college, a planned government internship in advertising fell through due to bureaucratic delays. Rather than stay an extra semester, he accepted a sales position selling insurance. "That got me into sales," he says, acknowledging it didn't work out long-term. But when he saw an advertisement for selling windows, he jumped at the opportunity. The timing was 2008, when the housing market had crashed, but homeowners were staying put and renovating. Energy Star tax

Core values reflect his journey: honor, integrity, tenacity, teamwork, and service ... “We want Potomac Custom Remodeling to be a household name.”

credits made window replacement particularly attractive.

Baden proved to be a natural salesman. He enjoyed meeting people and gravitated toward home remodeling sales. He moved to another company where he became their first sales representative, but because it was a startup, he wore many hats: answering phones, managing Facebook posts, cold calling, and even serving as project manager. "I learned every literal aspect of that business," he says. "I was confident enough to step out on my own."

But life had other plans first.

THE DARKEST CHAPTER

During his freshman year of college, Baden was in a serious car accident that broke his

leg in 11 places. Doctors prescribed powerful opioid painkillers, the same drugs later highlighted in documentaries about the opioid crisis. "I had never touched a substance other than maybe some partying, like alcohol, but nothing else," Baden says. "I didn't know what drugs were, nor did my family."

The painkillers led to a devastating addiction. "I don't know, I mean, I'm lucky to be alive," he reflects. "It frankly molded me into who I am."

His family practiced tough love, a painful but necessary decision. "They had to distance themselves from me for their own sanity and safety until I finally hit rock bottom," Baden explains. He wound up in state-funded assisted housing and halfway houses. "I wasn't too proud, and I was grateful to have all of those things."

REBUILDING FROM NOTHING

In 2017, Baden got sober with the help of his Baptist faith and a 12-step program. The key, he says repeatedly, was gratitude. His sponsor, Matt R., owned a roofing company and put him to work, not in sales, but in installation. Matt specialized in custom copper for things like valley metal, gutters, and trim. This is the kind of quality craftsmanship seen on high-end homes in Potomac and Gaithersburg. "He wasn't the fastest, but he was so meticulous," Baden remembers, "I gained such an appreciation for the nuances of the installation process."

Baden worked his way back up, regaining his driver's license, saving money for a car, and staying sober. He took a consulting position teaching sales and marketing to a small construction business in southern Maryland, then became VP of sales for another company. But when that owner mismanaged funds and failed to pay workers, Baden knew he had to make a change. "I was willing to bet on myself versus bet on this person," he says.

BUILDING SOMETHING BETTER

In 2018 or 2019, Potomac Custom Remodeling was officially born. (Baden admits he can't recall exactly which year the LLC paperwork was filed) Research shows that the PCR Articles of Incorporation were filed with the State of Maryland on 5/28/2020. His father, who had retired from the military, joined him to run operations until he retired again recently. The company focused on roofing and quickly made a name for itself through quality workmanship and ethical business practices.

The achievement Baden is most proud of came from Owens Corning, the roofing manufacturer. They granted Potomac Custom Remodeling their Platinum warranty designation, given to only 13 other contractors in the entire state. PCR became the fastest company in the DMV area to receive that designation, a testament to both the quality and volume of their work in a remarkably short time.

PAYING IT FORWARD

Today, Baden's company operates in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, with Virginia licensing pending. PCR partners with Owens Corning annually to donate a roof to a veteran in need as part of their veteran roof deployment project. Baden said, “We've donated roofs to single mothers who couldn't afford repairs, donated $10,000 to a Maryland children's charity, and we host trunk-or-treat events for the community."

Baden also provides employment opportunities to people seeking second chances, just as he once did. "We're able to provide opportunities for people, and it's just such

a blessing," he says. "I don't think I would have done any of those things had the things not happened the way they did."

He's married to an attorney he met when he first got sober, and they have a six-month-old daughter. His wife is working on converting him to Catholicism. "She has one picked out near me," he laughs.

Baden is open about his past because he knows others are struggling with similar demons. "As long as they're breathing and they have an opportunity, you just never know," he says. "They can do some extraordinary things." His company's core values reflect his journey: honor, integrity, tenacity, teamwork, and service.

LOOKING AHEAD

Baden has ambitious plans. "We want Potomac Custom Remodeling to be a household name. I'm talking Thompson Creek level," he says, referencing the well-known regional contractor. "We really want it, and we will."

From rock bottom to rooftops, Ken Baden's story proves that gratitude, hard work, and faith can transform not just one life, but an entire community.

For information on expert roofing, windows, and siding, visit PCR's website PotomacCustomRemodeling.com or contact them at (443) 684-4448 or info@Potomac CustomRemodeling.com.

A Smile Can Change Everything!

FINDING HOME IN

hidden history

Author Brian Myers traces Gaithersburg’s past through personal memory and stories from Montgomery County.

ARTICLE BY BRIAN MYERS

It’s extremely difficult to think of living anywhere other than Gaithersburg, Maryland. As I look for an apartment or a townhouse, it’s not just the affordable rent that’s nagging me to stay here. It’s the extra feeling of home I’ll have whenever I take my car out for a drive down Route 355 or Muddy Branch Road. I’ve loved studying maps and roads ever since I was four years old. Growing up, an atlas under the Christmas tree became an annual tradition.

When I was a preschooler at Epworth United Methodist Church, my mom would pick me up afterward and graciously take whatever extra time we had to let me navigate us around wherever I liked. Unfortunately for her, I knew where a lot of the dead ends were, and whenever I (mis)led her to one, she’d gasp and look over at me, belly laughing in my carseat because I believed that I had pulled off the greatest prank of 2005.

Mom loves retelling that story, especially to the folks who come to listen to me talk about my book, Hidden History of Montgomery County, Maryland. It was released in February 2025, and I’ve had the opportunity to guest speak at several library events and other venues since then. I love history and learning more about where I grew up, so I was excited to accept an opportunity to work with The History Press on this project. I started writing a few months after graduating from the University of Maryland, and finished a little over a year into my first post-graduate job as a business analyst. CONTINUED >

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I’ve been studying family history since I was 11 years old. I’ve learned a lot in 14 years and I now have a working family tree of more than 26,000 people, many of them from the Gaithersburg area. My mother’s family is mainly from New York, but I did some digging and found out my dad’s great uncle was Wilson Tschiffely, a member of the family who owned the land where Kentlands is now. More recently, I discovered that he and his wife, my great-grandma’s sister, once owned what is now Smokey Glen Farm. I had attended my high school senior picnic there and didn’t even know I was standing on such familiar ground.

Less than 100 years ago, in the time of Great-Uncle Wilson, Gaithersburg was astoundingly rural. Muddy Branch Road was unpaved and you could still wave hello to the cows as you passed by the Crown and Belward Farms near Rio. I was fortunate to interview three older residents for the book who spent much of their youth around Gaithersburg. At 105 years old, Pearl Green recalled growing much of her own food with her family at their home on Riffle Ford Road, walking to a “colored” schoolhouse across from the Tschiffely farm, and mourning the loss of Martin Luther King, Jr. with her community.

I also interviewed Frances Mills, a Darnestown native who met Mrs. Green while working at Gaithersburg High School, and fondly recalled hearing her pitch for Avon makeup products. Highlights of Mrs. Mills’ life include meeting her future husband on the school bus and the joyful first meeting between her and the baby she adopted. Both women passed away in 2025, and I’m so grateful that I got to share both of their stories.

Across town, DeSellum Avenue brims with history. It was named after the DeSellum family, whose home, Summit Hall, was raided during the Civil War. Confederate general Jubal Early and his men took the family’s crops, livestock, and fences, but were unable to find $3,000 that Sarah DeSellum had snuck under her skirts. Along DeSellum Avenue is the Gaithersburg Latitude Observatory, small in area, but hugely important in earth science history. From 1899 to 1982, it was one of just six observatories on earth designed to study our planet’s wobble.

A bicentennial Damascus cookbook. A Germantown man’s jealous, explosive act of murder. A secluded, but expansive pet cemetery in Aspin Hill. These remarkable stories speak to Hidden History of Montgomery County, Maryland . Did you know that Garrett Park was incorporated as a town because the residents

CONTINUED >

Why Choose Us?

Experienced & Caring Educators – Our passionate team supports each child’s unique growth.

Engaging Curriculum – Hands-on activities in literacy, STEM, arts, and social-emotional learning.

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Flexible Programs – Full-time, part-time, and preschool options for busy families.

were concerned about the safety of a neighbor’s toilet? Or that the horror movie The Blair Witch Project was filmed in Seneca Creek State Park ?

Through writing and promoting this passion project, I’ve learned to drive down our roads with a critical eye. When I spot a sign for Emory Grove Road, I think of the more than 80 African American communities like Emory Grove in our county. Some are gone, but many have survived since the 19th century. I remember when I drove to Rio that Sam Eig Highway was named for a Jewish immigrant who became one of the county’s most successful real estate developers.

As our hometown continues to grow exponentially, I hope that we’ll remember those who worked to make Gaithersburg a wonderful home for not just themselves, but the generations that followed. Our community centers, road signs, and park names should reflect that character.

Find the Book

Hidden History of Montgomery County, Maryland by Brian Myers is available on Amazon.com and Barnes & Nobels.

Top: Selma Snook buries her Spanish poodle, Buster, at Aspin Hill Cemetery, reflecting early 20th-century burial customs. (1921)

Credit: Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division; originally published in The Evening Star

Middle: Darnestown Road before paving, winding through the rural landscape later known as Route 28. (1910)

Credit: Photo by Lewis Reed, courtesy of Jeanne Gartner.

Bottom: Brian Myers speaks at Wonderland Books event.

BRIAN MYERS | AUTHOR

Brian Myers is an author and technology analyst from Gaithersburg. In 2020 he released his first book, Greater than a Tourist: Gaithersburg, Maryland, and in 2025, he released his second book, Hidden History of Montgomery County, Maryland. Myers has spoken about our fascinating local history at events like the Gaithersburg Book Festival and “Museum on Tap” at Saints’ Row Brewing.

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Award-winning Home Professionals Serving Gaithersburg and Beyond

ARTICLE BY BIANCA BAIN VILLEGAS | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

NuRoof MD - Arin Moylan

Arin Moylan’s NuRoof MD is a premier roofing company serving Potomac and surrounding Maryland communities, known for superior craftsmanship, premium materials, and a commitment to long-term protection. With more than a decade of experience spanning both retail roofing and insurance restoration, the company has built a reputation for delivering dependable, high-quality solutions for homeowners who expect excellence particularly those protecting high-value properties.

Many Potomac homes feature luxury roofing systems such as designer architectural shingles, slate, and wood shake. These materials elevate curb appeal and property value, but they also demand specialized expertise. NuRoof MD’s highly trained crews specialize in the installation and care of these highend systems, approaching each project with precision, discretion, and respect for the home’s architectural integrity. From thoughtful material selection to meticulous final inspections, every roof is designed to perform beautifully for years to come.

What inspires Arin Moylan, owner of NuRoof MD, is the opportunity to protect what matters most to families, their homes, their investments, and their peace of mind. That philosophy drives the company’s emphasis on proactive inspections and preventative maintenance, helping homeowners identify vulnerabilities early and avoid costly surprises after severe weather events.

NuRoof MD is also a trusted leader in insurance restoration, guiding clients through the claims process with clarity and confidence while advocating for repairs that meet both policy requirements and elevated construction standards.

Fun fact: Before building a career in roofing and restoration, Arin gained valuable experience in hospitality, an influence that still shapes the company’s client-first approach, attention to detail, and dedication to service.

nuroofmd.com | 7200 Wisconson Ave. #500, Bethesda | 470.266.7862

Minimize & OrganizeJenya Tucker

At the heart of Minimize & Organize is founder Jenya Tucker, a professional organizer whose work is guided by a simple but powerful belief: physical clutter creates emotional clutter. Her mission is to reduce stress and increase productivity by transforming homes into serene, functional spaces that support daily life rather than overwhelm it.

With eight years in the organizing industry and four years as a business owner, Jenya brings both expertise and empathy to every project. Her career began as a lead organizer with one of the largest organizing companies, but stepping away to start a family gave her a deeper understanding of how essential a calm, orderly home is to overall well being. That lived experience continues to inspire her work today. Jenya is passionate about helping families implement systems that are not only beautiful, but also sustainable, practical, and tailored to their unique lifestyles.

Minimize & Organize approaches each project one step at a time, creating personalized solutions where every item has a place and every room has a clear purpose. The result is more than an organized home. It is a renewed sense of clarity, efficiency, and ease. Jenya and her team work with enthusiasm and care, guiding clients toward spaces that feel lighter, calmer, and truly livable.

Fun fact: Before launching her career in professional organizing, Jenya worked in hospitality. That background shines through in her warm, client centered approach, as well as her love of travel and spending meaningful time with her family.

jenyatucker.com |

Chelt Interiors - Isabel Jackson

At the helm of Chelt Interiors is Isabel “Isy” Jackson, a third generation designer whose work blends heritage, artistry, and storytelling into spaces that feel deeply personal and enduring. Based in Bethesda, Maryland, Best of Potomac winner Chelt Interiors is a boutique studio known for its refined, layered approach to design, one that reflects both British tradition and contemporary sensibility.

Originally from the United Kingdom, Isy holds a degree in Art History from University College London and has lived in the Washington, DC region for more than fifteen years. Design runs in her blood. Her grandmother worked for Wedgwood, and her mother flipped more than twenty homes in the Cotswolds. Founded in 2015, Chelt Interiors is the natural evolution of a life immersed in craftsmanship, architecture, and aesthetic narrative.

Isy’s signature style leans toward layered British traditional, yet she is equally adept at tailoring each project to a client’s heritage, passions, and lifestyle. She finds particular joy in sourcing storied antiques and one of a kind pieces, often discovered while scouring estate sales, auctions, and antique shops. Art is a constant source of inspiration, and Isy frequently introduces bold contemporary works to energize classic interiors, a skill honed under the mentorship of celebrated designers Kelley Proxmire and Mary Douglas Drysdale.

Travel profoundly shapes her design lens. Having lived in Italy, Dubai, and London, Isy draws from European refinement, Middle Eastern opulence, and global culture to inform her work. At the heart of every project is storytelling: uncovering how clients want to feel at home and curating spaces that reflect their essence.

Fun fact: Beyond interiors, Isy is also a voice instructor at Bach to Rock Bethesda, a classically trained singer who has performed in some of the UK’s most iconic venues.

chelt-interiors.com | 4520 Harling Lane, Bethesda | 202.999.9910

Re-BathKourtnie Perry-Calhoun

Guiding the vision of Re-Bath Washington, DC is Kourtnie Perry-Calhoun, a dynamic leader redefining what modern home remodeling can look like. As owner of Maximized Solution LLC, doing business as Re-Bath , Kourtnie oversees one of the nation’s largest bathroom remodeling brands across Fairfax and Arlington counties in Virginia, Montgomery and Prince George’s counties in Maryland, and Washington, D.C.

Kourtnie’s path to entrepreneurship is rooted in more than two decades of executive leadership in travel and technology. A former digital marketing executive, she has led globally recognized brands including Amazon, Marriott International, and Choice Hotels, shaping brand strategy, uniting cross-matrix teams, and driving sustained growth through innovative, customer-centric campaigns. Her ability to lead complex, multi-million-dollar programs across omni-channel platforms has earned her a reputation for results-driven strategy paired with authentic leadership.

What inspires Kourtnie most is building something meaningful from the ground up. As she launches and grows her own venture, she is channeling her global experience into creating a forward-thinking company grounded in strong business fundamentals, exceptional customer experiences, and a community-first culture. She is especially passionate about mentoring women in business and fostering environments where teams thrive and feel empowered. Deeply rooted in the D.C. metro area for more than 17 years, Kourtnie remains actively engaged in her community while supporting her two sons’ academic and athletic pursuits alongside her husband.

Fun fact: Beyond the boardroom, Kourtnie is actively involved with local track clubs, including USA-JA Track Club, blending her love of community, mentorship, and athletics into everyday life.

O’Connor’s Painting Service -

Ryan O’Connor

Leading with purpose at O’Connor’s Painting Service is Ryan O’Connor, the steward of a family legacy that has shaped the Washington metropolitan area for more than three decades. With over 35 years of excellence behind the brand and 20 years of hands-on experience of his own, Ryan continues a tradition of craftsmanship, integrity, and pride passed down from his father, David, who founded the company around the time Ryan was born.

An institution in communities including Potomac, Bethesda, Chevy Chase, and Rockville, O’Connor’s Painting Service is known for meticulous workmanship and an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. Fully licensed, bonded, and insured, the company employs its own vetted crews and never relies on subcontractors, ensuring consistency, accountability, and quality on every project. From refined interior finishes and full exterior transformations to drywall repair, wallpaper removal, and minor carpentry, each job is executed with precision and care.

What inspires Ryan most is carrying forward the family business and the deep relationships built over generations. Some of the company’s earliest clients remain loyal customers today, a testament to trust earned through reliability, transparency, and respect for the homeowner’s investment. Communication is central to the O’Connor’s experience, from the initial estimate through final walkthrough, ensuring clients are informed and confident at every step.

Fun fact: Ryan’s first job site memory dates back to age eight, when he spent a Saturday in an empty condo helping his father remove wallpaper. What began as a playful task became the foundation of a lifelong career built on family, pride, and enduring craftsmanship.

oconnorspainting.com | 18937 Bonanza Way, Gaithersburg | 301.963.4226

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