Issuu

J U N E 2 02 1

Enterprise Bank & Trust is committed to helping the communities we serve thrive. We compiled stories of hope, dreams, growth, revitalization, education and more to show how our partners improve our communities each day.

To download the full 2020 Community Impact Report, visit enterprisebank.com/impact.

EXPERIENCE

VOYAGE DECKING

3½" 5½" 7¼"

STRUCTURAL

9¼" NEW New width available!LIGHTWEIGHT

STRUCTURAL

STAIN & FADE

STAIN & FADE LIGHTWEIGHT

REMOVAL & REPLACEMENT

Find a dealer near you at Deckorators.com

LIFESTYLE LETTER

JUNE 2021 PUBLISHER

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

The Men's Issue ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT PUBLISHING THIS MAGAZINE IS THE OPPORTUNITY TO CREATE SUPER COOL COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS.

Jordan Moore | Jordan.Moore@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Rachel Chrisman L AYO UT DESIGNER

Emily Lisenbee CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Beth Glennon

That's exactly what happened with the men featured on the cover of this issue. Five men showed up at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center for a photoshoot and new connections were created.

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Danny Zofness

Each of these men is a nationally known icon in his industry. Locally, they all live or work less than 10 miles from each other. Yet they rarely had the opportunity to connect, or in some cases, be formally introduced until they came together for the photoshoot. I loved watching these men interact. Everyone was so intrinsically and authentically humble about their own accomplishments. Instead, they were filled with questions for each other - fascinated with learning about each other's profession and experience. These are not only some of the most talented men in our community, they are also some of the kindest men you'll ever meet. They are, indeed, a few good men.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

This issue is dedicated to the three incredible men in my life- Jay, Jordan, and Keaton.

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ON THE COVER On stage at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center: Scott

Blind, Ignite Autosport team owner; Jack

Lane, Stages St. Louis Executive Producer,

SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

Chef Nathaniel Reid, Nathaniel Reid Bakery owner; Greg Warren, comedian; Keith Freber; Margay Racing owner

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANNY ZOFNESS 4

Kirkwood Lifestyle | June 2021

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

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 area’s 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.

Cape Albeon’s FREE Summer concert series lineup 6:30 P.M. - 8:30 P.M.

Featuring Acoustik Element JUNE 8TH: ISLAND/CARIBBEAN/REGGAE JUNE 15TH: SANTANA JUNE 22ND: BEATLES JULY 6TH: STRINGS JULY 13TH: KSHE CLASSICS JULY 20TH: LED ZEPPELIN/ PINK FLOYD JULY 27TH: 1970’S

Please bring your own chair, picnic, and drinks. For more information on our concert please visit www.capealbeon.com or call us at 636-431-2011. We are following all COVID protocols to ensure your safety *Genres are subject to change*

3380 Lake Bend Dr. St. Louis, MO 63088

INSIDE THE ISSUE JUNE 2021

FEATURES 10 Nathaniel Reid Awards and accolades aside, the internationally renowned Chef talks about living with purpose

16 The Road to Indy What started as kart racing could end in the victory lane at the Indy 500

20 Kirkwood's Comedic Connection Comedian Greg Warren talks about breaking into the business

28 Bright Lights, Big Dreams Two time Tony Award winner, Jack

10 28

Lane talks about the future of Stages and Broadway

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Local’s Choice

Driver’s Notebook

20 Local Limelight 24 Locally Owned 28 Back Stage 32 Parting Thoughts

10411 Clayton Rd # 104, St. Louis, MO 63131 (314) 569-3272 woodysmensshop.com woodyseclub.com

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

GOOD TIMES 1.

Men Who Live, Love and Shop Local. Still haven't found that perfect gift for dad? Looking for somewhere unique to take your favorite guy? We captured men shopping, popping, sipping, sitting, strolling, playing, and chillin' all around town. These are just a few of the many locally-owned stores that offer something for the man in your life. How many of these have you guys been to?

10.

11.

12.

Kirkwood Lifestyle | June 2021

LOCAL’S CHOICE

Nathaniel Ried 10

Kirkwood Lifestyle | June 2021

ARTICLE BETH GLENNON PHOTOGRAPHY DANNY ZOFNESS, NATHANIEL REID BAKERY

Nathaniel

REID AWARDS AND ACCOLADES ASIDE, THE INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED CHEF TALKS ABOUT LIVING WITH A SENSE OF PURPOSE

stories and vivid memories often center around food. We get to be silent guests on those occasions with our cakes and macaroons. I couldn’t ask for a better city to start our business. WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO OPEN YOUR SHOP IN KIRKWOOD? I wanted an authentic community bakery where people could get their daily sandwich and coffee, or a luxurious treat to celebrate special occasions. Kirkwood has that true feeling of community—a place where we could connect with our guests and give back to the people that have supported us since the day we opened. Some people come every day. Some come for special occasions. Either way, there is a responsibility to give them a great experience. I’m so flattered that someone would stand in line 20 minutes for a

AFTER FIVE YEARS IN BUSINESS, IS YOUR BAKERY YOUR BIGGEST DREAM THAT CAME TRUE? My dream came true not just by opening the bakery, but by maintaining our high standards of food and service over the years. Like everyone with a dream, it has come with a lot of sacrifices and hard work – but dreams don’t often come true without those things. Honestly, it took so much help just to open our doors. I tapped into every resource I had financially and socially. My dad is a carpenter CONTINUED >

$3.35 croissant. They are investing a lot of time in my product. They are not just coming to get a croissant. They want something they can’t get anywhere else. It’s a great honor to be part of our guest’s special occasions - anniversaries, holidays, engagements, and birthdays. Special CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

LOCAL’S CHOICE (CONTINUED)

Kirkwood Lifestyle | June 2021

and came out of retirement to help build out the bakery, my brother and I laid the floor, my sister and niece helped as baristas… I even had friends in medical and law professions help out with mopping the floors. My wife was nine months pregnant with our first child when the bakery was opening. We had so many exceptional moments at one time we could barely handle it. Fantastic things were happening all at once! I feel truly blessed that family and friends thought enough of me to sacrifice their time and hard work to help make my dream come true. That was amazing and unforgettable. I’m incredibly lucky to have remarkably talented people work at the bakery. They come up with great ideas to better our business. It’s essential to create a culture where they can bring ideas to help us grow. Sometimes their ideas work and sometimes they don’t, just like my ideas. It’s not a home run every time. The time, labor thought, testing, and processes are all worthwhile to make the product a fraction of a percent better. Regardless of whether someone notices, I notice, and I’m going to keep working on those fractions of a percent every day. WHAT MAKES YOUR BAKERY DECIDEDLY DIFFERENT? We continually develop new items. There are 40 or 50 products that haven’t even hit the shelf yet. We’re also constantly evolving and thinking about improving products. Products that were on the menu when we opened have been through 30 or 40 evolutions. We are always trying to be better than we were the day before. Pre-COVID, we had about 120 different menu items on sale every day. That is a lot. To put it in perspective, we offer 10 to 12 varieties of jams that we make in-house. Everything is made from raw ingredients. We create ingredients that most other bakeries buy in tubs. I have chefs and colleagues that I admire call to ask me how we pull this off. It’s intense. It’s hard work and long hours, but it’s super rewarding to look out into the lobby and see someone’s face light up and watch their “wow” expression – that’s it. That’s the reason I do everything I do.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

LOCAL’S CHOICE (CONTINUED)

WHAT INSPIRES YOU? I like the creation and the artistic side of developing food. That’s extremely exciting to me. Today, I’m inspired by running a business. Not the dollars and sense cents side, but rather thinking about our guests. What do they like? What’s the draw? How can we improve? How can we make a better quality of service or products? I’m inspired by that. We’ve had customers come from Memphis or New Jersey. I ask them if they are here to visit the Arch or a friend? And they say, “No, we came to St. Louis just to see your bakery.” You have no idea how surreal of an experience that is. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE KNOWN FOR? I hope to be known as more than just a chef and more than just a business person. I try to be the best person I can be and to do what’s right. Everything we do is based on integrity. That’s especially important to me. I hope it shows in our business. Many people throughout my life have inspired me to be a good person. Hopefully, I can inspire other people to work hard, pursue their dreams, have integrity, and genuinely care for other people. I don’t want to be famous. That’s not even remotely my goal. I’m reluctant about that type of thing; it’s not something I want in life. But I would like to make a difference. I want to make other people happy. That would make me feel I’m living with a sense of purpose.

801 South Holmes, 63122

On the Gravois Greenway: Grant’s Trail

314.698.2433 www.PedegoStLouis.com Mention this ad and receive a

FREE NECESSORIES PACKAGE

with purchase of any bike ($89 Value)

SALES - SERVICE - ACCESSORIES 14

Kirkwood Lifestyle | June 2021

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

DRIVER’S NOTEBOOK

Keith Freber (L) and Scott Blind (R)

TH E ROA D

TO INDY WHAT STARTED WITH A RACE KART COULD LIKELY END WITH A CAR IN THE VICTORY LANE AT THE INDY 500. KEITH FREBER, GLENDALE RESIDENT, KIRKWOOD HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE, AND THIRD-GENERATION OWNER OF MARGAY RACING HAS PARTNERED WITH SCOTT BLIND, LOCAL ENTREPRENEUR AND OWNER OF ST. LOUIS’ NEW IGNITE ARTICLE BETH GLENNON

AUTOSPORT RACING TEAM, TO FACILITATE A DRIVER’S JOUR-

PHOTOGRAPHY DANNY ZOFNESS

NEY TO THE INDY 500. Their story starts at the Gateway Kartplex at the World Wide Technology Raceway. In 2019, Keith invited Scott, a car enthusiast, collector, and motorsports fan, out to Gateway Kartplex to race karts. Scott recalled, “I knew Keith, but I knew very little about racing. Keith and everyone at Margay Racing and the entire racing community were so welcoming. I became more and more interested in racing.”

Kirkwood Lifestyle | June 2021

“One thing led to another, and now Scott owns a race team,” laughed Keith. The Ignite Autosport team is dedicated to helping talented local drivers advance in motorsports, changing the entire racing model and bringing motorsport championships back to St. Louis. The area has not had a National Champion in a major motorsport series since Rusty Wallace in 1989. Currently, drivers start in karts and progress into cars and higher levels of motorsports by bringing or raising large amounts of money to continue competing and advancing. The motorsports ladder is similar to baseball’s farm club system, starting in karting and moving on to the Road to Indy, just as you would move from a triple-A team, to double-A, single-A teams, and major leagues. CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

DRIVER’S NOTEBOOK (CONTINUED) Evan Stamer, Spike Kohlbecker

Kirkwood Lifestyle | June 2021

“Motorsports has exactly the same program, except you don’t move up to the Indy 500 on talent alone,” explained Scott. “What struck me about the current racing model is that a driver could be great but not have the ability to advance because they might not have the connections to attract sponsors,” said Scott. “Motorsport team owners don’t seek out the fastest drivers. Drivers come to these teams with money already raised.” “I thought it would be cool if I funded a team of the best drivers,” Scott stated. Scott and Keith, who is the Ignite Autosport team manager, work on promoting the drivers and securing the funding for the team. “This allows the drivers to only focus on getting faster as they race along their way to the Indy 500,” stated Scott. The Ignite Autosport Team drivers are Kirkwood’s Spike Kohlbecker and Evan Stamer of Glen Carbon, Illinois. Keith noted, “There are a ton of motorsports enthusiasts in Kirkwood. Now we have Spike, a hometown driver, that we can cheer on. For us, it’s about promoting Spike and Evan, and ultimately seeing them in victory lane at the Indy 500.” Follow Ignite Autosport on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to cheer on the team. Or head over to Gateway Kartplex and take a test drive. CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

LOCAL LIMELIGHT Greg Warren

ARTICLE BETH GLENNON PHOTOGRAPHY DANNY ZOFNESS

Kirkwood's Comedic Connection COMEDIAN GREG WARREN TALKS ABOUT BREAKING INTO THE BUSINESS.

GREG IS KNOWN FOR TURNING HIS LIFE EXPERIENCES INTO LAUGH-OUT-LOUD SITUATIONS THAT EVERYONE CAN IDENTIFY WITH. Greg’s early material was based on wrestling at Kirkwood High School, spending a year at West Point, graduating with a journalism degree from Mizzou. Fast forward to Greg’s 2020 comedy special filmed for Amazon Prime about farming, finance, and an interesting experience at Red Lobster. It’s funny how this nationally known comedian got his start. After spending over 10 years in sales in Procter and Gamble’s food and beverage division, Greg decided to call it quits. “I walked into my boss’ office and I told him I was going to leave P&G. He asked me if I was leaving to do comedy. I said, ‘Yes.’ My boss, Rob DeMartini, who went on to become the CEO of New Balance, said to me, ‘Greg, I have binders of material that tell me how to talk an employee out of leaving P & G to go work some place else. But there is nothing in those binders about how to talk a guy out of following his dreams to become a comedian.’” While working at P & G’s corporate headquarters in Ohio, Greg spent weekends performing standup. So, in 2001, Greg quit his day job, bought a car, and spent 48 weeks out of that year on the road. Greg smiled and said, “It was one of the best and most fun years I’ve ever had.”

Kirkwood Lifestyle | June 2021

Greg Warren

Greg was in his early 30’s when he left P&G and

life. You’d be better off back at West Point. You’re a

he was relatively unknown on the comedy circuit.

peanut butter salesman. Whatta ya doin?’” Naturally,

He didn’t have an agent or a manager, but he was

Freddie was one of the first people Greg called when

determined to make it on his own. However, he hit a

he left P&G. Freddie said, “I don’t think that’s a good

roadblock while trying to book a slot at a comedy club

idea. There’s a lot of stability in peanut butter.”

in Omaha. Greg reluctantly relied on dropping the

After landing impressive gigs while living in LA

name of his very well-known friend and club owner.

and New York, Greg is back home in Kirkwood.

“I worked for Freddie DeMarco when I was in college

When he’s not touring around the country, he can

at Mizzou. He owned a comedy club called Déjà Vu.

be found working on new material at Kaldi’s. Greg

Freddie is an Italian guy from New York. He is such

said that he finds his best material by noticing things

a character. He knows everyone and his word is gold

that are interesting or different. “I find it’s impossible

in the comedy community. I am like a son to him.”

to write about what is funny. But often, I can turn

As soon as Greg mentioned Freddie’s name, he was

something that is interesting or different into some-

booked for multiple nights in Omaha.

thing funny,” said Greg.

Greg had performed standup a few times at Déjà

Check out Greg’s comedy special Where the Field

Vu, so Freddy was familiar with Greg’s comedic way

Corn Grows on Amazon Prime. You’ll laugh along at his

of telling stories. They have remained good friends

common-sense attempts to understand the absurd.

over the years. “Freddie would make fun of me for working at Procter and Gamble. He would tell me, in is his thick New York accent, ‘Greg, what are you

For more information about Greg’s upcoming tours visit

doin’? You’re gonna be bored for the rest of your

www.gregwarren.com

“I find it’s impossible to write about what is funny. But often, I can turn something that is interesting or different into something funny.” CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

We offer the finest selection of trees and shrubs, perennials, roses, Missouri native plants, annuals, ornamental grasses, vegetables, herbs, houseplants, pottery, garden supplies, and ornaments.

Free Garden Consultations At The Nursery

Exceptional plants unmatched service, and the largest selection of perennials anywhere.

1011 N. Woodlawn • Kirkwood, MO • www.sugarcreekgardens.com • 314-965-3070 22

Kirkwood Lifestyle | June 2021

•

Window Washing

•

Gutter Cleaning

•

Power Washing

•

Roof Cleaning

•

Christmas Lights

CALL TODAY FOR A FREE QUOTE

SHACKSHINE.COM | 1-888-808-7751

Worried about rates going UP? Ask about our Extended Rate Lock Program!

Mike Swaleh Area Manager

Katie Callier Loan Officer

314-478-3699 Fairway Independent Mortgage 12213 Big Bend Rd., Kirkwood, MO 63122

Kristen Rosenthal Transaction Coordinator

NMLS#1609357

Eve Rone

Transaction Coordinator

Leanne Pacheco

Community Engagement Manager

@fairwaystlouis CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

LOCALLY OWNED

OUT OF THE AUTO SHOP AND INTO THE SPECIALTY SHOP

BILL COMBS FOUNDED COMBS AUTO SERVICE & TIRE CENTER OVER 37 YEARS AGO. Today, his son Scott owns the business and is one of the smiling faces you’ll find in the auto shop located on Big Bend Road. In fact, simply driving by their shop will make you smile. The marquee in front always has a clever quote like, “Only when a tire achieves perfect balance can it become one with its inner tube.” We caught up with the father and son team at Woody’s Men’s Shop at Le Chateau Village in Frontenac. Woody’s is locally owned by Kirkwood resident Grant Erwin. Being car guys, we were curious about their auto experiences.

Kirkwood Lifestyle | June 2021

SCOTT AND BILL COMBS SHOP LOCAL AT WOODY’S MEN’S SHOP

Scott in Peter Millar Polo ($94) and Castaway Clothing shorts ($95)

ARTICLE BETH GLENNON PHOTOGRAPHY DANNY ZOFNESS

Montessori for Life

Scott in a Coppley Sport Coat ($865) and Eaton dress shirt ($245)

Bill in Peter Millar Polo ($94) and Castaway Clothing shorts ($95)

AMI Accredited Education Ages 14 Months Through12 Years Tours by appointment, 314-822-2601

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

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

LOCALLY OWNED (CONTINUED)

Bill in a Coppley Sport Coat ($865) and Eaton dress shirt ($245)

Kirkwood Lifestyle | June 2021

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CAR? BILL: 1940 Ford. It broke down the first time I drove it. I turned around and took it back. SCOTT:

Chrysler Le

Baron

Convertible - because it was cool. WHAT WAS THE FIRST CAR YOU BOUGHT YOUR SONS? BILL: The car that I bought for my boys was a Pinto. It was a bucket of rust. The bottom fell out of the car when it was sitting in the driveway. It broke into two pieces. The first year they had it, the kids put 30,000 miles on the car. WHAT IS A CAR THAT YOU WOULD NEVER LET YOUR KIDS DRIVE? SCOTT: Anything with a standard shift because they don’t know how to drive it. WHAT IS YOUR DREAM CAR? SCOTT: H1. Hummer. Standard Army issue. Military. The United States flag shorts from Woody’s Men’s Shop are the perfect choice for Scott and his dapper dad. CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

BACK STAGE

Bright Lights, Big Dreams

JACK LANE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF STAGES ST. LOUIS AND BROADWAY PRODUCER DISCUSSES HIS PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE.

Jack Lane, Executive Director of Stages St. Louis

WHAT WAS YOUR VISION WHEN YOU AND MICHAEL HAMILTON CREATED STAGES ST. LOUIS 35 YEARS AGO? My original vision was to open a summer stock theater where I could split my time between St. Louis in the summer and then return to New York for the rest of the year. But then Stages snowballed. The company grew in subscribers and additional performances. I thought, “Oh. This is going to ARTICLE BETH GLENNON PHOTOGRAPHY DANNY ZOFNESS

be bigger than we thought.” That’s when I started envisioning working out of a dedicated performing arts center. I couldn’t be happier that we partnered with the City of Kirkwood. It was the astute powers-at-be in Kirkwood, specifically Mayor Tim Griffin, who said, “We are going to build this once. We can change the face of Kirkwood and the region if we build it right.” And boy – did they ever build it right. I mean, this performing arts center is astonishing. There is no way we could have envisioned this. So, as I sit here, I do not take this for granted for a second. I am full of gratitude. I’m a member of the Broadway League and a two-time Tony winner, and I still feel like a kid. I pinch myself. I am incredibly grateful.

Kirkwood Lifestyle | June 2021

Michael Hamilton and Jack Lane Andrew Kuhlman, Jack Lane, Joe Grandy - 2019 Tony Awards

WHAT DO YOU ENVISION FOR THE FUTURE OF STAGES? The future for Stages is limitless. I won’t be with Stages much longer, but I’ll tell you what I hope to see. Being a Broadway producer with New York connections, my hope and dream for Stages is to be known as the place shows go before they open on Broadway. The Kirkwood Performing Arts Center allows Broadway to say, “Oh yeah. You go to St. Louis to try out shows.” I want to put St. Louis on the map because St. Louis deserves it. Regarding the immediate future of Stages, we have launched an endowment campaign. The Ross Family gave a very generous gift for the main stage. But in addition to that, we are raising the $8MM for a cash reserve. That money will hopefully never be touched. It’s there for emergencies such as this past year. We have raised close to $5MM. Every donation of any size helps. Those gifts will secure the future of Stages. WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON? Currently, I’m producing BLINDNESS, the off-Broadway show that reopened New York theater. I wanted to be a part of reopening New York theater on the spiritual level. The show is CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

BACK STAGE (CONTINUED)

monumental theater. There are no actors, but you feel immersed in this entire world. It’s about a pandemic where people go blind except the person narrating the story.

Simon Stevenson

adapted the novel for a play with one voice. The voice is acclaimed British actress Juliet Stevenson. The play is breathtaking. Scarry. Moving. Brilliant. I am also one of the lead producers on the national tour of THE PROM, which opens in Cleveland in November. We’ll play the Fabulous Fox in January/February 2022. I love finding new and eclectic shows. I’ve seen over 1,000 performances on Broadway, and still to this day, I get excited when the lights go down. My heart starts to race. I want the show to be great. WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR DOWNTIME? I love to cook, and I find baking very relaxing. My mind is going a thousand miles an hour because I’m working on so many projects at one time. I love films and documentaries. I love learning about the world as I travel. I love to read the New York Times and New York Magazine. I get them delivered because I like the way they feel in my hands. I was an English and Journalism major in college, so I love words. I love the journey of a script. I love composing sentences and stories and writing letters. I love composing emails. WHAT IS ONE WAY YOU GIVE BACK TO THE THEATER COMMUNITY? I’ve had some excellent life coaches and mentors help me personally and professionally. So now, when I see someone trying to find their way, I offer help. I’ve been a life coach and mentor to a lot of people. It’s a spiritual thing. It truly fulfills my soul. And I learn from them. I also continue to learn so much from my staff, actors, and board. I never want to stop learning. You become a much more successful person when you get out of your head. It’s made me a better producer. 30

Kirkwood Lifestyle | June 2021

Joe Grandy, Jack Lane, Andrew Kuhlman

I think it’s essential that if you have been fortunate enough to enjoy a good life and are generally a happy person, you should give back. From an early age, I’ve been given a lot in my life. I come from a very strong faith. My parents were extraordinary. My dad was a New York City cop. My mom was an amazing human being. Education was important to them. They supported their children’s passion, whatever it was. They worried about me going into the theater and how I was going to make a living. But they still supported me. There is nothing quite as wonderful as helping someone. It’s part of the journey. WHAT LEGACY DO YOU WANT TO LEAVE BEHIND? Jack Lane and Michael Hamilton made a difference in the arts in St. Louis. They cared. They cared about their community, and they cared about their people. They made people smile. They told remarkable stories.

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

PARTING THOUGHTS

What Are You Retiring To? MARK FINKE, MANAGING PARTNER AT MSMF WEALTH MANAGEMENTS, LOOKS AT RETIREMENT, AND LIFE, FROM A COACHING PERSPECTIVE.

ARTICLE BETH GLENNON

Kirkwood Lifestyle | June 2021

" Our indust ry is so focused on t he money and t he mat h surrounding retirement. But quite of ten, t he l argest part of retirement h as not hing t o do wit h money."

“EVERYONE KNOWS WITH ABSOLUTE

As the father of two daughters in college,

CERTAINTY WHAT THEY ARE RETIRING

Mark commented on the advice that MSMF

FROM,” STATED MARK FINKE. “Very few

Wealth Management gives parents of col-

people know what they are retiring to.”

lege-age kids. “We coach our parents to

Mark Finke is the co-author of the book

have their child participate in some financial

“So, You Think You are Ready to Retire.” The

way toward their own college education,”

book focuses on the truth surrounding the

Mark explained. “We recommend against

transition to retirement. Mark stated, “Our

parents paying for the entire college educa-

industry is so focused on the money and

tion. If the child has no skin in the game, they

the math surrounding retirement. But quite

graduate from college with the mindset of a

often, the largest part of retirement has

14-year-old with money.” Mark adds, “From

nothing to do with money.” Mark has very

our perspective at MSMF, requiring a child

real conversations with clients about plan-

to help pay for college puts them on the path

ning out their first 365 days once they retire.

of having a healthy relationship with money,

He explained, “We talk to each of our clients

which is one of the greatest gifts you could

about the non-financial contributions they

give your child.”

are going to make once they retire.”

Mark talked about his plans for retirement

Think of “So, You Think You are Ready To

from the company he helped create. “It goes

Retire” as the playbook, and Mark is the coach.

back to the coaching aspect,” he said. “When

As the former varsity hockey coach at

I leave this business, I want to leave a mark

Chaminade and now a successful wealth

- not just on my clients but on the industry

manager, the analogy works. “I became

itself. For instance, the wealth management

a wealth manager because it married my

industry is woefully inadequate when it

passion for coaching with my passion for

comes to recruiting female advisors. MSMF

finance,” Mark said.

is focused on moving the needle on that.

Mark traces his love for coaching back

One of the major contributions that I’ll make

to his parents. He recalled, “My mom and

during my retirement is to continue to coach

dad had a great influence on my coach-

young advisors and help the firm recruit

ing and parenting. The number one thing

women to this business.”

I learned from them is this little saying

“So You Think You Are Ready To Retire”

‘When you say good enough, it is really

is available at www.msmf.com or by calling

neither one of those.’”

314-677-2550. CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

Kirkwood Lifestyle | June 2021