Skip to main content

Kirkwood, MO June 2020

Page 1

JUNE 2020

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

The Men's Issue


For Sale

2

Kirkwood Lifestyle | June 2020


LIFESTYLE LETTER

JUNE 2020 PUBLISHER

Renee Moore | renee.moore@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Jordan Moore | jordan.moore@lifestylepubs.com

I know a guy. I AM SO EXCITED FOR YOU TO MEET THE GUYS IN THIS ISSUE. Despite having diversely different backgrounds, all these men have one thing in common – they move forward. In a time when the whole world seems to have stopped, these guys kept going. The challenges they have overcome, the faith that fills their hearts, and the compassion they have shown not only inspires us, but it also unites us.

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Heidi Drexler | heidi@heididrexlerphotography.com AD DESIGNER

Evan Deuvall LAYOUT DESIGNER

Jayme Emery CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Beth Glennon, James Kauffman, Julie Brown Patton, Carla Sauerwein, Becky Ortyl CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Mabel Suen, John O'Leary. Reedy Press, Pedego Electric Bikes, Becky Ortyl, Washington Chua, Devona Stimpson

Scott Huegerich, the inspiration behind a grassroots food drive benefiting the St. Louis Area Foodbank, describes it this way, “I believe that when a community goes through a traumatic event, there is an overwhelming desire by it its residents to help. Very bad times tend to bring out the best in people, and they showcase the compassion and care we are capable of extending to perfect strangers.” The resounding phrase echoed over the past few months has been, “We are all in this together.” I could not be happier to be in this, together, with these guys. They

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

are decidedly good guys to know.

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

I dedicate this issue to my three guys. They are my heart, my soul, and my life.

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Renee Moore, Publisher

ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEVADA | NEW JERSEY | NEW YORK NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood ON THE COVER Mike Mattingly PHOTOGRAPHY BY HEIDI DREXLER 4

Kirkwood Lifestyle | June 2020

Proverbs 3:5-6 Kirkwood Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Kirkwood areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Kirkwood Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.


Now Taking Orders For Curbside Pickup!S See all the beauties on our website

www.sugarcreekgardens.com

Stay Safe... and Happy Gardening!

Voted #1Best Garden Center 1011 N. Woodlawn • Kirkwood, MO • www.sugarcreekgardens.com • 314-965-3070 CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

5


INSIDE THE ISSUE JUNE 2020

FEATURES 18 Growth, Peace & Gratitude. Local Musician Inspires Through Music

24 A Look Back In History Award Winning News Anchor Publishes a book about Missouri

28 Neighborhood Joint with an Awesome Kitchen Wise Words From Wayne

30 In Awe Best-Selling Author And Motivational

18 30

Speaker, John O’Leary, Addresses Overcoming Adversity

28 DEPARTMENTS

24

4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Good Times

10

Around Town

12

Giving Back

14

Locally Owned

16

Driver’s Notebook

18

Back Stage

20 Trend Setter 24 Local Limelight 28 Culinary Creations 30 Our Town 32 Inspired By


Beauty

... that catches the eye of the beholder, radiates from the heart and manifests in the

face. .

Live Vibrant. Live Beautiful.

Carol Anderson Owner/RN/CANS

320 S. Kirkwood Rd., Ste. #104, Kirkwood, MO 63122 email: beth@nouveaumedspa.com t. 314-394-3314 w.nouveaumedspa.com Instagram@nouveaumedspastl

National Strength,

Hometown Service Even in these uncertain times, we are here to help you!

Fairway Independent Mortgage is here to help! Call us today at (314) 478-3699. Fairway Independent Mortgage 12213 Big Bend Rd., Kirkwood, MO 63122

NMLS#1609357

@fairwaystlouis

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

7


GOOD TIMES

Raising Money One Laugh at a Time What do you do when you’re a kid and finish all your school work on a beautiful sunny day? Well, usually you would set up a lemonade stand. But, to be safe with social distancing, Mabel and Billy Moore decided to create a joke stand instead. Through lots of laughs, they were able to raise $80 for grocery purchases to St. Peter pantry.

Local Photographer Creates a Memorable Cookbook During the stay-at-home orders, photographer, Heidi Drexler, found a way to still ignite her creative soul. Over a 3 week period, she cooked 40 of her favorite recipes and created a keepsake cookbook for her children, Tate and Cory. Now, her boys are well fed with food and memories. You can purchase a copy of her book at www.heididrexlerphotography.com.

8

Kirkwood Lifestyle | June 2020


AROUND TOWN

Montessori for Life STARTING EACH DAY HONORING THE FLAG At the Borello family, they take schoolat-home very seriously. During this time, it’s the little things that make for the best memories. For Brooklyn, Beau, and not pictured (but still patriotic) 9-month-old Beckham Maverick, they will always remember how their parents had them start each day during quarantine with the pledge of allegiance.

AMI Accredited Education Children Ages 3–12 Tours by appointment, 314-822-2601 SEVEN LOCAL WOMEN SUPPORT ST. LOUIS AREA FOODBANK During a Zoom meeting with the Rusted Chandelier team, owner Patti Porter (pictured) asked how they could help the community during these difficult times. Team member, Alison Lanning suggested supporting St. Louis Area Foodbank during their Warson Wood collection day. The seven women filled Patti’s front porch with toilet paper, toiletries, can goods and so much more. Patti loaded up

1280 Simmons Ave. | Kirkwood, MO 63122 www.villadimaria.org 10

Kirkwood Lifestyle | June 2020

her car and delivered the donations directly to Mimi Twardowski (pictured) at the collection location.


A SINGLE IDEA SPARKS ACTION Scott Huegerich decided to organize a food drive because he wanted

Suffering from an unresolved health issue? We can help.

to help people struggling through the pandemic. He thought that there would be others who would want to help as well. Scott was right. Within 12 days, volunteers, who had never worked on a food drive, created a grassroots plan. Citizens from 28 different subdivisions/communities participated. Over 14,555 pounds (7.25 tons) of food was collected. Ultimately, the St. Louis Area Foodbank got the Missouri National Guard involved to help with the collection of donated food. Just one idea turned into four truckloads of food and helped provide 16,772 meals to people in need.

Would you like to get in touch with

us?

We

hear

from

you!

would Contact

love

to

us

at

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood using the Get In Touch link and let us know what you think.

GettingWeller.com

13100 Manchester Rd., Suite 65 Des Peres, MO 63131 636.527.3015 CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

11


GIVING BACK

HEART FULL OF HOPE BECKY AND GREG ORTYL OF ST. LOUIS, MO, WELCOMED THEIR SON, OAKES LEE, TO THIS WORLD MARCH 10, 2011. Although Oakes was perfect to them, he was born with a congenital heart defect (CHD). During his short 15 months of life, he endured countless procedures, including two open-heart surgeries and a double-lung transplant. The Ortyls were fortunate to know about Oakes’ heart defect before he was born, but there was so much they didn’t know regarding congenital heart defects. For example, the heart is formed by seven weeks gestation, even before many women know they are pregnant. Most people do not know that congenital heart defects are the most common birth defect, occurring in about 1 out of 100 babies: 40,000 babies a year in the US. For every one child with cancer, there are 60 children with CHD. Most CHDs have no known cause and occur in families like the Ortyls, with no family history of heart defects and who have had other healthy children. Throughout Oakes’ life, the Ortyls felt very blessed to have so many resources and such wide-ranging support from family and friends. As they learned more about CHDs and the community of families impacted, they felt compelled to help. And so, Mighty Oakes Heart Foundation (MOHF) was formed. The vision at MOHF is families facing congenital heart defects have the freedom to be a family and have hope amidst the chaos. Together with partnering hospitals, MOHF is striving to make this vision a reality by offering financial and emotional support to families who have children with congenital heart defects. The support they offer looks different to every family they touch. Every week their Grant Committee works with individual families who apply for assistance to determine what their biggest stresses are and then work diligently to alleviate them. For one family, it was providing a deluxe size stroller that can hold a ventilator, tube feeding pump, and all the medical supplies needed for their toddler who is dependent on these machines so that the family can go out with him. For another, it was providing an extra oxygen tank so a teenage girl could have one at home and one at school. Often, it’s paying the mortgage,

12

Kirkwood Lifestyle | June 2020


“ The vision at MOHF is families facing congenital heart defects have the freedom to be a family and h a v e h o p e a m i d s t t h e c h a o s .” a family’s largest expense, so parents can be at their child’s ICU bedside and not have to worry about making ends meet. MOHF also impacts hundreds of families through their Community + Hospital programs. For example, every year, MOHF sponsors Camp Rhythm, an overnight camp outside of St. Louis, for children who were born with a heart defect. They donate children’s books, therapy equipment, musical instruments, and Boppy pillows to partnering hospitals. They also sponsor parties and events at the hospital for in-patient families – this year, they collected over $20,000 in gifts for families during the holidays. In the past year, they have also started making custom necklaces, with the sweetest fingerprints, for bereaved parents. Most recently, as a response to Covid-19, MOHF launched a new initiative, MightyTogether, offering hospital-wide assistance within partnering hospitals to ALL in-patient families – not just heart families and staff alike. The Ortyls know firsthand the stress and fear that can consume you when your child is critically ill. They also know the power that comes when one feels supported and has a heart full of HOPE. This organization, which was started here in St. Louis as a way to give back and honor their son, has grown into a nationally recognized non-profit, impacting thousands of families annually. To learn more, visit www.mightyoakes.org or find MOHF on Facebook and Instagram. ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BECKY ORTYL CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

13


LOCALLY OWNED ARTICLE BETH GLENNON

S o l u t i o n s fo r a H a p p y L i fe IMAGINE IF YOU KNEW A GUY SINGULARLY DEDICATED TO FINDING SOLUTIONS TO MAKE YOUR LIFE HAPPIER. Tom Murphy, the Managing Partner at Sonus Benefits, is one of those guys. Authentic, fun and focused, Tom talks about creating happier lives.

14

Kirkwood Lifestyle | June 2020


SOLUTIONS FOR A HAPPY LIFE I’m focused on the purpose. Why do we do what we do? People have vision statements and mission statements and that’s important. But I think it is more about what’s our purpose? Our purpose statement across all four of our companies is Solutions for a Happy Life. The information we provide and the services we perform must provide solutions for a happy life. That’s our stake in the ground for everyone connected to our companies; business owners, CFOs, HR managers, employees in a group, our team members, and their families. We measure happiness against every action we take. FIND WAYS TO CELEBRATE EACH OTHER We intentionally designed our office space to feed the culture we are trying to create. From the accessibility to Laumeier Sculpture Park, to our Chill Room with big massage chairs to our Fun Zone with video games, pinball, and Golden Tee Golf, to the personal trainer we bring to the office, we find ways to celebrate each other. During this time, when everyone is at home, I sent a note out to the team saying I missed them. Everyone wrote back different sentiments. One person wrote what she missed about every individual on our team. It was so powerful. LET’S MAKE THIS FUN I’m under no misconception that people love to buy health insurance or employee benefits. My favorite thing is walking in a room to meet with a president or CEO of a company, and they say, “This is the thing I least enjoy doing.” My response is, “Me too. How do we make this fun for both of us?” I KNOW A GUY I like working with people who are enthusiastic about a new growth opportunity, expansion, or generational transfer of their business. Our conversations start with understanding a client’s personal journey, then develop into more in-depth discussions where clients ask us, “Here’s what I’m thinking. What do you think?” I want to be ‘their guy,’ whether it has anything to do with a product

“ I l i ke w o r k i n g w i t h p e o p l e who are enthusiastic about a n e w g r o w t h o p p o r t u n i t y, ex p a n s i o n , o r g e n e r a t i o n a l

or service our companies provide or not. I don’t have all the answers, but I’m happy to counsel my clients. A PERFECT DAY IN A HAPPY LIFE Lakeside, sitting next to a fire pit, with a Manhattan (Jameson Black Barrel) surrounded by family, friends, and my two dogs.

t r a n s fe r o f t h e i r b u s i n e s s . ” CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

15


DRIVER’S NOTEBOOK

a fun way to get around town

+ city commuter

+ int ercept or The Interceptor is America’s best-selling elec-

This classic bike comes standard with bright

tric bike. It combines beach cruiser comfort

lights, fenders, and adjustable handlebars

and California style with high performance

for comfort, safety and styling. Pedego’s

and user-friendly features. It is the perfect bike

proprietary Pedal Assist technology has 5

for pursuing fun, freedom, and fitness. Makes

levels that boost the rider’s amount of power

exercise look (and feel) easy. Available in many

and fun. The throttle provides the rider

color options, including the ultimate Platinum

on-demand power for easy starts, quick

Edition. Industry-leading 5-year warranty on

climbs, and safer street riding. Don’t drive.

battery & parts standard on new Pedegos.

Enjoy the ride. Black Edition upgrade

DETAILS:

DETAILS:

5 levels Pedal Assist + Throttle

Frames: Step thru or Classic

Battery: 48V15 AH- up to 60 miles per charge

Battery: 48 V 15 AH 5-year warranty

Motor: 500 Watt, to 20 mph

Motor: 500 Watt rear hub or mid-drive motor

16

Kirkwood Lifestyle | June 2020


CARLA AND BILL SAUERWEIN HAVE BEEN AVID BIKERS FOR YEARS. They discovered Pedego e-bikes on vacation in Colorado. They found they could go farther faster and conquer hills and headwinds with ease. In 2019, this local husband and wife team opened Pedego Electric Bikes St. Louis on the Grant’s Trail for easy access to a safe place to trial the bikes. Pedego, Made in the USA, is America’s #1 brand of e-bikes because dealers like Bill and Carla treat customers like family. Customer service and an industry-leading 5-year

+ boomerang

PHOTOGRAPHY PEDEGO ELECTRIC BIKES

ARTICLE CARLA SAUERWEIN

warranty complete the package.

+ t r i ke

The best bike for you is the one that fits

The Trike provides comfort and ease of use

and feels right. This unique bike features a

with 3-wheels for balance and confidence.

low step-thru frame making it ideal for easy

Special features like the adjustable handle-

access on and off the bike. Don’t let knee

bars and wide saddle with padded backrest

and hip issues limit you! Adjustable handle-

ensure proper fit and stability. The large

bars, balloon tires, and suspension seat post

cargo area provides storage for carrying

provide extra comfort. E-biking is exercise

belongings, groceries; you name it! This is

disguised as fun.

just one of Pedego’s many specialty bikes.

DETAILS:

DETAILS:

Frames: 24”, 26”

3 levels of Pedal Assist + Throttle

Brakes: Hydraulic Disc brakes 5-year warranty

Front & rear brake light for safety

Battery: 48V 15 Ah Battery

5-year warranty

Motor: 500 Watt motor

Motor: 250 Watt motor, 36V, 11 Amp hour battery CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

17


BACK STAGE

Growth, Peace & G r at i t u d e

ARTICLE JAMES KAUFFMAN PHOTOGRAPHY HEIDI DREXLER

IN JUNE OF 2010, MIKE MATTINGLY AND HIS DAUGH-

Mike's music has made at least one notable connec-

TER WERE WALKING PAST ONE 19 NORTH DAYS

tion. "John O'Leary's wife heard me play at One 19 North

BEFORE ITS OPENING.

seven years ago. She asked me to play at their Christmas

"I peeked in and told Pat Carr, the owner, that I was a

party. I had no idea who he was. Since then, I've played

musician," recalls Mike. "He hired me without even hearing

at his house every year for Christmas. And I have played

me. Since then, I've played there twice a month and every

at each of his book launches. I love the O'Leary's. Really

New Year's Eve."

great people."

Mike's three-hour sets typically start with acoustic styl-

Mike played 189 shows last year, so it would be easy

ings of his favorite covers layered in between his original

to assume that he spends a lot of time playing away from

music. "I play all my own instruments and record all my

home. "Nowadays I spend like $12 on gas a year," beams

own tracks. I don't download or sequence anything."

Mike. "I could travel and play shows all over the place,

That feeling of authenticity is what defines Mike's music. but I want to play close to home." Mike plays at these five Do yourself a favor. Stop reading this article and

specific restaurants, One 19 North, Billy G's, 612, Mike

go pull up Mike's website to listen to some feel-good

Duffy's, and Kirkwood Brewhouse. "The owners and staff

music: https://www.mikemattinglymusic.com/. There

at these restaurants are genuinely awesome people. The

are eight original songs on his site, including Mike's tribute

restaurant business typically has a lot of turnover, but not

song to the Stanly Cup champions, "Let's Go Blues." This

at these places. There is a reason why."

song brings back all the feels from Game 7. "My hope is that you feel something, feel better, feel good," states Mike.

FEEL SOMETHING. FEEL BETTER. FEEL GOOD.

18

Kirkwood Lifestyle | June 2020

After hearing Mike play, it’s clear that the music from this artist, husband, and family man comes from the heart of a musician filled with Growth, Peace & Gratitude.


M i k e M at t i n g ly

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

19


TREND SETTER

GO ANYWHERE IN STYLE AND IN COMFORT WHEN YOU GROUP THESE WARM-WEATHER CLOSET STAPLES

MEN’S SUMMER WA R D R O B E ESSENTIALS

20

Kirkwood Lifestyle | June 2020


02 03

01

the pieces 05

06

04

07

08

01 Classic cotton tee 02 Classic lightweight polo 03 Short-sleeve woven shirts 04 Graphic + pattern tees 05 Short sleeve henley 06 Tailored lightweight shorts 07 Light, medium and dark-wash jeans 08 Breathable dress pants

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

21


the accessories

TREND SETTER (CONTINUED)

A/

D/

B/

E/

C/

F/

the outfits 1+3+6 / A+E+F 2+ 8 / D + F 4+6 / B+C+E 2+7 / D + E 5 +7 / A + E 3+6 / A+F

22

Kirkwood Lifestyle | June 2020

A / Neutral flip flops B / Casual sneakers C / Hat and baseball cap D / Breathable dress shoes E / Lightweight, active watch F / UV protection sunglasses


CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

23


LOCAL LIMELIGHT

ARTICLE BETH GLENNON | PHOTOGRAPHY REEDY PRESS

A LOOK BACK IN HISTORY 24

Kirkwood Lifestyle | June 2020


WEBSTER GROVES RESIDENT AND MISSOURI HISTORY ENTHUSIAST, KTVI (CHANNEL 2) ANCHOR JOHN BROWN, TALKS ABOUT HIS NEWEST BOOK, MISSOURI – AN ILLUSTRATED TIMELINE. This is John’s 6th book with the publishing company, Reedy Press. On the heels of his latest book release, John was also recently awarded “Best News Anchor” in Missouri by the Missouri Broadcasters Association. While the book offers a historical retrospective, it’s far from a typical history book. John presents Missouri’s past 200 years in a way that is both educational and entertaining for every generation and generations to come. The book is available at https:// missourilegends.com. What was the inspiration for the book? Missouri’s 200th anniversary is next year, August 10, 2021. It’s going to be such a big deal for the state of Missouri. I thought, “What kind of book will get people excited about the 200th anniversary of our statehood?” I’m hoping people read and feel the same level of excitement that I do as we approach 2021. What did you learn in writing this book? We tend to compartmentalize history and say, “Well, that happened, and that was the only thing happening.” But when events are placed on a timeline, you realize several things happened in the same time period. While Jesse James was robbing people in mid-Missouri, 150 miles away in St. Louis, Washington University and St. Louis University were developing highly respected scientific institutions with medical schools and hospitals. In 20 or 30 years from now, we’ll think back about this time with the pandemic and assume everyone was just stuck at their home, not talking, not doing anything. But things are happening. We just don’t know about them yet. CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

25


LOCAL LIMELIGHT (CONTINUED)

There are people at home working on the next great invention. How did you become a history expert? I’m not an expert. I’m just interested. I lived in 20 different towns all over Missouri before I graduated from college. I’ve lived in almost every part of the state. I’ve gotten to know the people, live in the towns and go to the high schools. It’s a rather unusual way to learn history. But it worked for me because I understand what makes each of the different areas so unique. That’s important to me because I had to fight to get my book, Missouri Legends, published about ten years ago. They said nobody wanted to read about famous Missourians. That book became a big success. The message of that book is simple, it doesn’t matter what town you are from, people from all over Missouri have found success and you can too. Favorite Road trip in Missouri? I can’t drive between here and Springfield without saying, “Let’s get off and look at Devil’s Bend.” My wife and I just took our girls to the Lake of the Ozarks the slow way – through the wine country. It took us 12 hours.

26

Kirkwood Lifestyle | June 2020


WWW.TWOBLINDGUYS.COM (314) 698-2090

CALL US

DESIGN SHOWROOM Kerr RD. 1066 Dylan N. BALLAS (867) 379-3820 DES PERES, MO 63131

DESIGNER BANDED SHADES

JUST LISTED! WINDOW

87 San Carlos Court  Elyria, OH 44035 TREATMENTS

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

27


CULINARY CREATIONS

neighborhood joint with an awesome kitchen WAYNE PRICHARD, OWNER OF J.P. FIELDS WEST, IS A RESTAURANT GUY. He can't help it. He even tried NOT being a restaurant guy by applying his finance degree in corporate America. He lasted 365 days. He quit the corporate gig at 10:00 am. By 3:00 pm that afternoon, he was running a restaurant down at the Lake. "I'm just a guy who wants to cook some food and pour some beer," Wayne states with a warm smile. Wayne had a vision when he opened J.P. Fields West. "I've always said the food on the plate is only part of the meal. It's the people around it, the conversation, the drinks, the feeling and laughter, and the music. All these things ARTICLE BETH GLENNON | PHOTOGRAPHY MABEL SUEN

together make a meal. And the food, while a big part, is not the only part."

28

Kirkwood Lifestyle | June 2020


J. P. Fields smokes their meat and does a lot of things by hand in the kitchen. "You never know what's going to be on the plate. We're serving $10.00 sandwiches. So, when people say, 'I was not expecting this. This is amazing.' That really means something to me."

from around the neighborhoods walk to the restaurant. It's just that kind of neighborhood joint." Wayne recalls frequent conversations with regulars over the past few months. "Nobody realized how therapeutic it is to sit down at a bar

The menu is fantastic. And, customizable.

and have a beer. We need to fight to get back to an envi-

"People started making crazy connections with our menu

ronment where humanity can unfold the way it used to, and

items and making it their own. It's so encouraging. They are

the way we love. It's important. We need to take care of our

prouder of their custom sandwich than I am of my entire menu."

people, our regulars, our suppliers, and our vendors. People

As a self-declared food nerd, Wayne says there is no better compliment than when someone comes in and says, "I put myself in your hands. Surprise me." "We've been truly fortunate to be able to serve our commu-

are clamoring for humanity again." As things start to get back to normal, if you have a hankering for some loaded tater-tots, a brisket sandwich, and a craft beer, Wayne's got you covered.

nity. Even though we're on Manchester Road, so many people CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

29


OUR TOWN

i n aw e HE’S A BEST-SELLING AUTHOR AND ONE OF TODAY’S MOST SOUGHT-AFTER MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKERS. John O’Leary is also a man who found a way to turn a life-altering tragedy into a defining characteristic that led to fulfillment for himself and hundreds of others. The 38-year-old lives with his wife, Beth, and their four children in Webster Groves. His newest book, In Awe, is available now. John talks about overcoming adversity, and how to navigate through these difficult times. HOW DID SURVIVING A FIRE THAT LEFT YOU WITH THIRDDEGREE BURNS OVER 100% OF YOUR BODY TURN INTO A CAREER HELPING OTHERS? I don’t consider myself a burn victim. If you ask me what happened, it frees me to tell you a little bit more, and then if I’m really listening, I realize you’re probably asking for a reason. YOU SAY IT TAKES A VILLAGE: HOW VITAL WAS THAT SUPPORT DURING YOUR RECOVERY? I believe I am where I am in my life today as a direct result of our community, my family, the incredible medical team, and the Grace of God. WHY DID YOU BECOME A MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER? I recognized through my story that people are able to learn a lot more about their own stories and the value of their lives. And, I realized I can utilize something I took for granted for the majority of my life, and put it to work to better those around me. YOUR MOTHER PLAYED A CRUCIAL ROLE IN YOUR RECOVERY. I was a little boy in a wheelchair on a morphine drip with no fingers, and yet, when I came home that first night, she made me pick up a fork and try to eat, a skill I assumed was gone. Two days later she had a piano teacher 30

Kirkwood Lifestyle | June 2020

BEST-SELLING AUTHOR AND MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER JOHN O’LEARY ADDRESSES OVERCOMING ADVERSITY ARTICLE JULIE BROWN PATTON PHOTOGRAPHY JOHN O’LEARY


teaching me piano again. My mom wanted to remind me there was

ANY ADVICE ON HOW TO REMAIN PATIENT DURING THIS

nothing in life that I could not do, if I believed in fact I could.

DIFFICULT TIME?

COVID-19 HAS CHANGED OUR LIVES. HOW CAN YOU HELP

dad, who has Parkinson’s disease, taught me this. He begins each

PEOPLE SEE LIGHT THROUGH THE DARKNESS?

day smiling and reflecting on the reasons he still has to be grateful. I

We can grow in patience by taking inventory of what we have. My

I’d encourage them to recognize this is a frightening time, so it’s

think one of the ways to grow not only in resiliency, in courage, and

OK to feel a little isolation and despair because these are dark, dif-

in life is to choose to be grateful. That grateful heart will not only

ficult days. But I think we have an opportunity to pivot and create a

allow us to weather any storm, but will actually free us to do so with

future we may not have been bold enough to create otherwise.

a smile on our face. CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

31


INSPIRED BY ARTICLE BETH GLENNON | PHOTOGRAPHY WASHINGTON CHUA, DEVONA STIMPSON

MEN COMMITTED TO COMMUNITY

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST BLESSING?

The thriving health of our children. Both of our kids were born prematurely. Our youngest was born weighing one pound in July 2018. He changed my outlook on life in general.

antione lawrence YOU HAVE A FINANCE DEGREE FROM SLU AND MBA FROM UMSL, SO WHY REAL ESTATE? I realized how powerful real estate is in terms of wealth-building when my realtor, who is now my business partner, sold my house at a return that beat the market returns. In 2014, I co-founded Hybrid Real Estate, a full-service Boutique Real Estate Agency, to help clients in the mid-county corridor reach their real estate goals. WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR FREE TIME? With a 21-month-old son and a 7-year-old daughter, my wife and I have our hands full. As an exercise enthusiast, I work out at the Kirkwood Y and Webster Groves Rec Center. I also volunteer and raise financial literacy with Community Women Against Hardship.

HYBRID REAL ESTATE 32

Kirkwood Lifestyle | June 2020


HEALTHY BODY, HEALTHY MIND &

because there is nothing left to pursue. Standards are

HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS

lowered, and we grow into being roommates. We had time

Our life is affected by what is known as the “3T’s”:

in the beginning, then why not know? Today’s “I do’s” turn

Thoughts, Traumas, and Toxins. At Getting Weller, we

into an “I won’t.” When that happens, everything stag-

believe HEALth is intimately related to how well our

nates. And resentment ensues. Create a vision, keep God

NERVE SYSTEM is functioning. Emotional, Physical, or

in the middle, and never stop pursuing.

Chemical stressors (the 3T’s) cause our body to malfunction, and in time, we grow into a diagnosis. If the

ATTAINING HOPE

body can grow into a problem, it must then have the

The worldly hope is the state between fear and worry

opportunity to grow out of one. After all, if you don’t take

derived from a foundation of uncertainty. People in this

care of you, who will?

state are in overdrive, “walking on eggshells” and grow into health conditions like depression or anxiety. The other

THOUGHTS ON MARITAL RELATIONSHIPS Many people find themselves no longer contributing to the relationship as much as they did in the beginning

hope is composed of peace and certainty. It comes from God. It’s about relationships, serving, being a light for others with the aim of putting a smile on God’s face.

GETTING WELLER

d r. e d d i e w e l l e r “Create a v ision, keep God in the middle, and never s t o p p u r s u i n g .”

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood 33


INSPIRED BY (CONTINUED)

blake borello, dds, ms BORELLO ORTHODONTICS HOW DID YOU MEET YOUR WIFE? I met my wife through a mutual friend at Mizzou. She was going to dental school, as well. We have a lot of conversations about teeth around the dinner table at our house. Let me tell you...real exciting. Honestly, if we can sit down with our three kids and eat as a family, it’s a success. I’m not from St. Louis, but my wife is. I’ve learned that many St. Louis natives move away for a little bit, and then they recruit others to come back with them. HOW DO YOU SUPPORT LOCAL CHARITIES? I read the book “The Go-Giver” and realized what you put out in the world is going to come back to you. There are a lot of people that need help. So, we decided that for every person that started treatment in our office, we would donate money to a local charity as well as local schools. Every quarter, team members select a charity. Last quarter’s donation was to the Flying Pig Foundation. DOES A LITTLE SMILE GO A LONG WAY? Sometimes people come to our office with a lot of stress in their life. Things may not be going well. Our goal is to have our office be one of the brighter spots of their day. We do our best to make their life a little easier and cheer them up. It’s more than just about their teeth. We treat the person first. And that always starts with a smile and getting to know someone.

“Our goal is to have our off ice be one of the brighter s p o t s o f t h e i r d a y.” 34

Kirkwood Lifestyle | June 2020


"THEY ARE A BANK THAT IS INTEGRAL IN BRINGING SUCCESSFUL PROJECTS TOGETHER."

MORE THAN A TRAIN. AN ICON REIMAGINED. How tax credits turned a train station into a destination. Bob O’Loughlin had a vision for St. Louis’ Union Station. He was determined to transform the abandoned local landmark into a source of pride for the city. With the help of Enterprise, LHM was able to secure tax credits and funding to make his dream a reality. Now, the one time largest train station in the world has become a hotel, exhibit hall, meeting place and soon to be aquarium.

(314) 965-8686 | enterpisebank.com

Member FDIC

- BOB O'LOUGHLIN, CHAIRMAN & CEO, LHM


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Kirkwood, MO June 2020 by City Lifestyle - Issuu