Kirkwood, MO July 2024

The Explore Issue

The All-New Audi Exchange Kirkwood is Now Open

We didn’t just build a new dealership, we built a new team too. With a dedication to all things Audi and an enthusiasm to go above and beyond, our staff is excited to welcome you in. Even while working from a temporary location, we earned the highest service satisfaction of any Audi dealer in the St. Louis area. Now in our new facility, we’re ready to deliver an Audi experience like no other.

Come experience our new dealership and meet our staff. We’re looking forward to offering you the best customer service experience of any Audi dealership in St. Louis. We live by our motto “Expect the Exceptional,” and we’re excited to exceed your expectations.

Exploring Our Summer Internship At Kirkwood City Lifestyle Magazine

As our junior year of college wound down, we talked about how amazing it would be if we worked together over the summer. We brainstormed different ideas – dog walkers, camp counselors, or maybe waitresses? (We aren’t cut out for food service, so we nixed that one quickly.) Then, a golden opportunity for us to work together at Kirkwood City Lifestyle landed in our laps almost by chance. Within hours of arriving home in Kirkwood for our summer break, we were driving all over St. Louis interviewing amazing people and writing their stories. We keep saying, is this our real life? Do we really get to work together while pursuing our passion for writing? We became best friends in the halls of Kirkwood High School and were both on The Kirkwood Call, the school news magazine. Our work at KCLM is a dream come true and a full-circle moment. Working together as young adults, rather than young teenagers, is new territory. We have already learned so much about each other as co-workers that we wouldn’t have known from our eight-year friendship.

One of the most gratifying parts of exploring our professional relationship is how we tap into our personal connection while working. In almost every interview, someone has commented on our close dynamic (cue the best friend spiel). Our synergy continues to strengthen our exploration of other people’s stories. In this “Explore” issue – our first printed work together – we spoke with exceptional entrepreneurs like Brad Burns, owner of Meramec Pool & Spas, who dives into entrepreneurship advice. We also talked with Bob and Julie Mosby, owners of Kirkwood Home & Landscape + Julie’s Garden Design, and learned how they explore owning a business together. We are so excited for you to meet Ali Siegel and explore her new vintage store, Forty Elephants, opening soon in downtown Kirkwood. One of our most inspirational conversations was with Glendale Mayor Mike Wilcox, St. Louis Caster and Equipment owner. He shared his vision for how our internship at KCLM could open new career paths.

We are so excited and honored to work for KCLM, and we extend our deepest gratitude to Renee Moore for trusting us with this opportunity.

Best,

LILLY ANDERSON & OLIVIA SILVEY, EDITORIAL COORDINATORS

July 2024

PUBLISHER

Renee Moore | renee.moore@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATORS

Lilly Anderson | lillyg402@icloud.com, Olivia Silvey | oliviapsilvey@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Lilly Anderson, Olivia Silvey, Lorilee Cummings, Andrea Maddock

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Lilly Anderson, Olivia Silvey, Carey Campbell

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley

inside the issue

Six

Bob

EXPLORE THE 1904 WORLD’S FAIR

ARTICLE BY KATHRYN JAMBORETZ | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAREY CAMPBELL

Brian Roash can build a computer model with one hand while spray painting an art wall with the other. He’s helped create incredible destinations all over the world from the St. Louis Zoo to SeaWorld Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.

Brian, a Webster Groves native, is a designer and art director at PGAV Destinations. He helps bring the stories within museums, zoos, and theme parks to life. “We are storytellers. We think deeply about the visitors. What do they want to see and feel and take

away?” said Brian. “One of the most meaningful parts of my job is helping families make memories together. It allows me to use my art in a meaningful way.”

Recently, Brain helped bring the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis to life in a new way. While you may have read about the Fair, seen it depicted in movies and paintings, or heard stories about the grand promenades and buildings glowing with electric bulbs, it’s hard to imagine its full scope and grandeur. There are also elements of the Fair beyond the opulence that have not fully been told.

The Missouri Historical Society worked with Webster Groves native Brian Roash to reimagine the 1904 World’s Fair Exhibit.

The Missouri Historical Society sought to reimagine the 1904 World’s Fair Exhibit at the Missouri History Museum on a scale that would transport visitors back in time and provide a more detailed look into history. They looked to PGAV Destinations, a global leader in themed entertainment headquartered in St. Louis, to help them develop a more tangible and comprehensive look at the Fair. The centerpiece of the new exhibit is a scale model that allows visitors to explore the Fair’s sprawling 1,200 acres, featuring over 300 3-D crafted structures. Historical maps, photographs, and other references were used to replicate the structures. Brian led the 3D aspects of the project, demonstrating his and the team’s commitment to historical accuracy and attention to detail. “There were

no blueprints, no architectural plans, and in some cases, we were imagining entire parts of buildings that we couldn’t see in the photos and paintings. It allowed us to flex our artistic eye to ensure the buildings were authentic,” Brian said.

An animated color landscape is projected onto the model giving it movement and interest. Visitors watch as the 1904 World’s Fair comes to life. Animated streetcars chug through the fair, and boat parades float throughout the Grand Basin. All the while, clouds float by and flocks of birds fly over the exhibition palaces. Hot air balloons bob in the wind over what is now the campus of Washington University, where the 1904 Olympics were taking place.

“My favorite day was the exhibit opening. I loved watching people experience it because the detail blew them away. In many cases, you’ll look at the 3D model of the Alps and the Bavarian Village and then look up and see an actual photo from 1904. Visitors feel more in touch with what it would have been like to walk through The Pike and take in the grandness of it all.”

While the exhibit showcases the fair’s opulence, it also aims to portray the whole story honestly. Media pieces share untold stories and address challenging aspects, including the Fair’s “human zoo” and issues of segregation. This narrative unfolds with sensitivity, allowing visitors to connect with history deeper and more meaningfully.

“We are storytellers. That is at the very heart of PGAV. Adults will experience the World’s Fair in a completely new way. Kids of all ages will be blown away by what once drew people from all over the world to a place they know so well,” said Brian.

The Missouri Historical Society sought to reimagine the 1904 World’s Fair Exhibit at the Missouri History Museum on a scale that would transport visitors back in time and provide a more detailed look at history. Brian Roash helped bring the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis to life in a new way.

The Missouri History Museum, a gift to our city from the proceeds raised at the Fair, is open every Tuesday through Sunday. Regular hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with Twilight Thursdays adding extended hours from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The Missouri History Museum is located in Forest Park, at 5700 Lindell Boulevard.

www.MoHistory.org

You can learn more about PGAV Destinations at PGAVDestinations.com

LOCAL to explore SHOPS 7

One-of-a-kind finds at the Initial Design

Some of my favorite shops in Kirkwood and Webster Groves

ARTICLE BY LORILEE CUMMINGS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAREY CAMPBELL

1 - CURATE BY NEHRING DESIGN : A handcrafted artisan and vintage good retail experience on Big Bend Blvd. in Webster Groves.

2 - BLOOMS IN YELLOW - A FLOWER SHOP : Simple, fresh floral arrangements for all moments, big and small on Lockwood in Webster Groves.

3 - THE INITIAL DESIGN : Award-winning monogram boutique with one-of-a-kind finds for homes, outdoors, babies, kids, women, men, STL fans, and gifts for any occasion. 1 2 3

4 - NEVER ENOUGH BOUTIQUE:

The bright and beautiful shop has a new location on the corner of N. Gore and Moody Ave. in Webster Groves and is open every day of the week.

5 - KIND APOTHECARY :

Shower your skin with KINDness, using clean ingredients, natural skin care products safe for sensitive skin and have a luxurious scent.

6 - FOX & HOUND ANTIQUES ON ARGONNE ALLEY :

Owners Kelly Layton and Dan Hobbs share their knowledge of thousands of antique items in their gallery located in Downtown Kirkwood.

7 - LE MACARON FRENCH PASTRIES :

Feel like you are in a European cafe with an authentic French croissant and a LavAzza coffee, espresso, or latte.

DI V E INTO ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Every day we hear stories of people dropping everything and pursuing their dream of opening their own business. However, what’s it really like to be an entrepreneur? You’re about to find out. We explored entrepreneurship with five entrepreneurs. Some tell their personal story, some offer much-needed advice, and some highlight their unique insights. With each entrepreneur, their passion and drive shines through. Let’s dive in and meet these entrepreneurs.

SIX LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS PROVIDE EXPERT ADVICE AND ENCOURAGE YOU TO EXPLORE ENTREPRENEURSHIP.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY LILLY ANDERSON & OLIVIA SILVEY

Brad Burns owner, burns holding company

WHAT’S YOUR ADVICE TO SOMEONE THINKING ABOUT DIVING INTO ENTREPRENEURSHIP?

What’s the worst thing that’s going to happen? You take a risk, and if it doesn’t work out, you return to doing exactly what you’re doing now. What are you losing? If you don’t try, you’ll never know. But if you do try, you have to go all in. If you only dip your toe in, you won’t get the success you want. That is really the mindset you should have with everything you do - own it. The first 3 to 5 years of being an entrepreneur are super tough. Many people get so close to the success they seek but give up too soon. Stick it out for another year. It’s not easy. You have to really believe in yourself. A unique type of confidence comes from the independence and experience of working for yourself and growing a business. This year, three companies in Burns Holdings - Wayne Contracting, Vizex, and Meramec Pool & Spas - made the St. Louis Business Journal’s list of Fastest Growing Companies. Being an entrepreneur opens up new opportunities beyond owning a business. Giving back to the community is the core of every company in Burns Holdings.

theburnscos.com/

Ali Siegel owner, forty elephants

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO OPEN FORTY ELEPHANTS?

I’ve always been a shopper  — I’ve realized clothing and how I style myself is a way to express myself and who I am. Our store Forty Elephants is named after the all-female crime syndicate that was infamous for pillaging the chicest homes and looting the poshest shops in 19th century London. And that’s how we want the store to feel – as though you’re raiding the most covetable closets in the city. Instead of personally selecting our inventory, individuals can rent a rack and curate and sell collections from their own closets. Our inaugural collection is representative of how I like to shop – there is a little bit of everything. We are working with some amazing collectors who specialize in denim, designer, reworked vintage, heirloom-quality pieces, and so much more. It is important to us to offer diversity in sizes, silhouettes, and vibes. We want to collaborate with everyone – we are so excited to continue building this community of fashion lovers. Forty Elephants is opening soon, located at 200 S. Kirkwood Road in Downtown Kirkwood.

forty-elephants.com

Antione Lawrence founder, ascend real estate advisors

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO OPEN UP YOUR INDEPENDENT REAL ESTATE AGENCY?

As a smaller brokerage, I have to offer something more to my clients – and I do. I bring a unique skill set. After receiving my MBA, I became a wealth management advisor in financial services. With my background in finance and over ten years of experience as a real estate agent, I can educate people on financial literacy points and provide a broader scope of financial outcomes throughout the home buying and selling process. Being independent also allows the freedom to do more and go farther. Some real estate companies talk about their “niche market,” but I always tell people that my niche is that I sell homes everywhere. I pride myself on being able to do that because most real estate companies won’t. Ascend Real Estate Advisors is located in Downtown Kirkwood, with listings throughout the state. Being independent, I can create my own path. I grew up in Webster Groves and now live in Kirkwood with my family. I can get around St. Louis without a GPS; if you tell me where you live, I can get there. If you choose me as your real estate advisor, I will get you where you need to be.

realeascend.com

Tony Turnbeaugh co-owner, woodhouse spa

DESCRIBE YOUR DIVE INTO ENTREPRENEURSHIP.

I was working in a career that caused a lot of stress. My mom recommended taking time to relax at a spa. The moment I walked into the spa, I put on the robe and the slippers and immediately the stress started dissipating — seriously. It was an unbelievably fantastic experience. About two years ago, my mom and I were looking for something new and different for our careers. We discovered we could open a Woodhouse Spa in St. Louis and provide our guests the same relaxing experience I had. As the co-owner of Woodhouse Spa, my goal is to make you feel like royalty. I understand the stress that everyone has in their lives, and it’s important to me that Woodhouse gives you time to relax and rejuvenate with our red light therapy, salt room, infrared sauna, or luxury shower with aromatic sprays to whisk stress away. Everyone should allow themselves the self-care experience that makes mental ease and physical relaxation possible. Woodhouse Spa is the elevated mood care you don’t know you need until you have it — and that is why I dove into being an entrepreneur.

woodhousespas.com

Mike Wilcox

business owner | mayor of the city of glendale | adjunct professor

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT TO CONSIDER WHEN PURSUING ENTREPRENEURSHIP?

I think people should search for a business model. What I mean by that is, if you don’t want to work weekends or nights, don’t pursue something in retail. When I had my first business, I realized that the model in which you operate is more important than the product or service you provide. People mistakenly think there will be fewer entrepreneurship opportunities if they get too specific about what they are looking for. But I guarantee if you narrow in on precisely what you want, you will find exactly what you’re looking for. When I started looking for a company to buy, I was like so many entrepreneurs swimming in the pool of ‘I’m not really sure what I want.’ I worked with a business broker who helped me determine what I didn’t want. As we started narrowing down the list, we found that business-to-business services fit the model of what I was looking for. Entrepreneurs get to decide what works best for them. It’s empowering to go after what you want.

stlouiscaster.com

A Blossoming Business

BOB AND JULIE MOSBY’S STORY OF GOING INTO BUSINESS TOGETHER

Have you ever driven past a stunning garden or a beautifully remodeled home and thought, ‘I’d love to do that at my house’? Bob and Julie Mosby are happy to help you love your home both inside and out. As the owners of Kirkwood Home & Landscape + Julie’s Garden Design, Bob and Julie are the creative minds behind some of the most beautiful lawns, gardens, and remodeled homes in Kirkwood. Not only are Bob and Julie talented entrepreneurs, but they are also one of the sweetest couples around. Their journey from hobbyists to business owners is as inspiring as the spaces they create.

THE ORGANIC ORIGINS

The story of Kirkwood Home & Landscape + Julie’s Garden Design is as organic as their gardens—no pun intended. Neither Bob nor Julie originally planned to own a business. Their venture began when friends noticed their exceptional gardening and remodeling skills.

“I have a friend who saw the gardens I had worked on in Eureka Springs and asked me to help with her garden,” Julie recalls. Upon seeing the finished garden, Julie’s friend encouraged her to turn her passion into a business. Julie initially hesitated: “I knew a lot about gardening but nothing about running a business. But I didn’t let that stop me. I created an advertisement, and I got five clients that summer. The following summer, I had 15 clients.” Julie’s Garden Design grew as clients raved about her talent for creating beautiful gardens, whether in a front porch container or a picturesque backyard. “It is such a joy to be in the garden watching things sprout,” said Julie.

Bob’s entry into entrepreneurship followed a similar path: “I came home one day, and Julie said, ‘Someone needs a ceiling fan installed.’ I’m from a family of doers—we’ve remodeled homes, and my dad built our house. So, I said, ‘I’ll put up the ceiling fan.’” That small side job launched the beginning of what is now Kirkwood Home & Landscape.

COMPLEMENTARY SKILLS AND SHARED VISION

Bob and Julie bring different but complementary skills to their business. Bob specializes in home remodeling and outdoor hardscape, while Julie’s green thumb makes every garden she touches brighter and more beautiful. Their combined expertise allows them to transform indoor and outdoor living spaces seamlessly. “We walk into a house together. Bob is great at visualizing an empty space,” Julie says. “Many people get stuck while pulling a design idea together, but we have a natural knack for it.” Bob adds, “Absolutely. We play to each other’s strengths.”

A FOUNDATION OF SHARED HISTORY AND PASSION

Bob and Julie’s backgrounds play a significant role in their business success.

Julie’s love for gardening was nurtured by her mother and great-grandmother on a farm in Southwest Missouri. She fondly remembers picking pansies and visiting an iris farm every Mother’s Day.

Bob, a third-generation Kirkwood native, transitioned from a corporate career in computers to entrepreneurship. “Starting Kirkwood Home Projects was completely different from working in corporate America,” said Bob. “Working on home projects allowed me to see tangible results every day, which was really gratifying,” he shares. While Bob is happy to be a small business owner, he says his corporate background in finance has been invaluable to the Kirkwood Home & Landscape business.

A THRIVING BUSINESS

Today, Kirkwood Home & Landscape + Julie’s Garden Design is a flourishing business with 25 employees and a trusted name in the community. “I have a fabulous team that has help my business become a success,” said Julie. The company offers a unique blend of

“For a long time, we were the clients. We’ve written checks for home remodeling and additions. Now that we’ve become the contractors, we immediately understand the client side.”

“We walk into a house together. Bob is great at visualizing an empty space,” Julie says. “Many people get stuck while pulling a design idea together, but we have a natural knack for it.” Bob adds, “Absolutely. We play to each other’s strengths.”

construction, hardscape, and garden design services. “We do room additions, kitchens, bathrooms, and major repairs,” Bob explains. “Our gardening services include design, installation, and maintenance. Hardscape ties it together with retaining walls, patios, water control, outdoor lighting, and landscape.”

Bob and Julie’s client-centric approach sets Kirkwood Home & Landscape + Julie’s Garden Design apart. “For a long time, we were the clients,” Bob notes. “We’ve written checks for home remodeling and additions. Now that we’ve become the contractors, we immediately understand the client side.” Bob and Julie Mosby exemplify how talent, technique, and togetherness can create a thriving business. Kirkwood Home & Landscape + Julie’s Garden, located at 255 E Monroe Ave in Kirkwood, is ready to help you love your home inside and out.

kirkwoodhomeandlandscape.com

Love Where You Live

As a local resident and your dedicated real estate professional, I "live, work and play" in our great neighborhood. Our area is home to so many amazing boutiques, fantastic restaurants, beautiful parks, and more!

In communities like Kirkwood, Webster, and Des Peres, you'll find yourself on a first-name basis with business owners, such as Lea and Brian Doherty of The Block in Webster. This sense of camaraderie is what makes our neighborhoods truly special. No matter what stage of life you are in, our community appeals to everyone!

If you or anyone you know is searching for a great home in an outstanding community, I have the expertise to guide you every step of the way. Let's create a personalized plan for you and your family to find your perfect home.

FRESH FROM THE BLOCK

ARTICLE BY ANDREA MADDOCK PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAREY CAMPBELL

The Block is both a neighborhood butcher shop and restaurant, locally owned and locally sourced.

The Block is the kind of place where you can take the whole family on a Tuesday night and then come back on the weekend for date night or purchase fresh-cut stakes to grill on Sunday.

Located at 146 West Lockwood Ave in Webster Groves, The Block Restaurant, Butcher, and Bar is co-owned by local families Brian and Lea Doherty and Marc and Amy Del Pietro. With its creative daily specials, craft cocktails, accessible wine list, unique outdoor patio menu, and kid’s menu, this place is a family favorite. And the best part? No reservations are required.

Brothers-in-law, co-chefs, and graduates from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in New York, Brian and Marc create an exceptional fresh food experience sourced from locally owned farmers.

Brian shares his famous grilled salmon and summer salad recipe, the perfect side dish to complement anything from the butcher case. “We butcher everything in-house. Our full-service meat counter includes The Block Originals, like our bacon jam, specialty spice blends, and steak sauce, which allow you to create locally inspired meals in your kitchen,” said Brian.

With a family atmosphere and fresh food, The Block feels like home.

Grilled Salmon and Summer Salad

Salmon

• Sprinkle with The Block Original Seasoning

• Grill 4 minutes on each side, depending on thickness

Heirloom Cherry Tomatoes

• Halved

Peaches

• Q uarter, cover with olive oil and The Block Original Seasoning

• Grill

Corn

• Grill on the cob, then cut the kernels off English Cucumber

• Diced Feta Cheese

Arugula

*Toss together tomatoes, peaches, corn, cucumber, feta, and arugula with Citrus Herb Emulsion. Keep the salad cold, then place salmon on top and serve.

Citrus Herb Emulsion

½ C lemon juice with zest

½ C orange juice with zest

1 teaspoon chopped garlic

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

¼ C honey

1.5 C olive oil

1 oz chopped basil

1 oz chopped chives

1 oz chopped parsley

Salt and pepper to taste

*Blend to emulsify

Explore a World Filled with More Free-time

Did you know, the average American spends nearly 300 hours a year cleaning their home. Imagine reclaiming those 300 hours for your passions, family time, and relaxation. In a recent survey, respondents expressed interest in exploring how they would spend their time if they weren’t cleaning, especially during the summer. The average person spends over five hours a week cleaning. Instead, those hours could be spent basking in the sun or enjoying a cool drink in the shade. Summer is for fun and entertainment, like evening barbecues or dinner parties. However, a third of respondents dislike hosting events at home due to cleaning (36%), and nearly three in five feel exhausted from party preparations (58%), which hinders their enjoyment of guests (59%).

Cleaning also causes people to miss significant events such as socializing with friends (39%), family time (35%), and even their child’s sports games or recitals (22%). Take a break from cleaning and live your best life. Cleaning shouldn’t come at the cost of creating lasting memories with loved ones. Hiring a professional cleaning service lets you spend time on what truly matters. Choosing a professional cleaning service like Maid Brigade means more than just a clean home. It offers the chance to explore a life where your time is spent on enriching activities. Reclaim your time, indulge in luxury, and enjoy the freedom of a spotless home without lifting a finger. Imagine the possibilities.

maidbrigade.com/mo/st-louis