Lake Minnetonka, MN June 2023

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The Men's Issue

In this issue, we wanted to share a few stories about some men in the area, their businesses, and what makes them get up every day and go out there and matter. This issue delves into personal fitness and finances, looking your best and seeing clearly, and humbly helping your best ride to shine inside and out.

It isn’t lost on us as well that June is the month of Father’s Day, and we take a look at memorable ways to celebrate the father figure in your life. We also share some great ideas for guys to enjoy around the Lake.

But first, just a thought or two about the guys. Men can be best friends, mentors, fathers, uncles, or even grandfathers. They play an integral role in the lives of their families, employees, and friends. And if you've ever wondered, “Do fathers matter? What differences do I make in my home as a dad?” Let’s start with the simple answer — the importance of a father is tremendous! Fathers make countless differences in their home and family. However, how much impact you decide to make as a dad is entirely up to you!

A father’s gifts of quality time, life-giving words, and positive actions have a long-lasting impact on his kids.

As I reflect on fatherhood this month, here are just a few of the ways dads can build up their home:

• A father’s strength can be powerful.

• A dad’s words can be fueling and inspirational.

• Hugs from a dad can be deeply comforting.

• A dad’s smile can instill joy and confidence.

• Time with a dad can be fun and productive.

• A dad’s guidance can be life-changing and foundational.

• A father’s correction can be life-saving and life-giving.

• Adventures with a dad can be exciting and memorable.

I have been blessed with a great dad, who, thankfully, is still with me. Let your father or a father figure in your life know how much he matters to you. And if you are a dad, let us be the first to say - thank you. You are invaluable to the people who know you and need you, as well as to the community around you.  Happy Father’s Day!

June 2023

PUBLISHER

Dave Robertson | dave.robertson@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Lauren Beaubaire | lauren.beaubaire@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Lynlee Critz | lynlee.critz@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kendra Johnson, Jen Larsen Fortner, Lauren Lane, Thomas Brown, Lauren Beaubaire, and David Scheller

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Emily John, Anna Kostochko, and Janie Jones

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

DAVE ROBERTSON, PUBLISHER

city scene

Where

neighbors can see and be seen.

Photography by Windward Festival

MODUS ADVISORS IS PROUD TO SPONSOR MAGGIE SWANSON FOR THE 2023 TRIATHLON SEASON, LEADING TO HER COMPETING IN THE IRONMAN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP IN KONA, HAWAII!

Wine & Dine Date Night at Bull and Wren

Bull and Wren offers an amazing Wine & Dine date night special every Monday through Wednesday. For just $60, indulge in a romantic night with your partner, starting with one appetizer, followed by two entrees, and finishing with a delicious dessert. To complement the meal, the special also includes two glasses of wine that perfectly pair with your dish. Bring back date night and enjoy an unforgettable dining experience at Bull and Wren! bullandwren.com

Providing sophisticated wealth management to successful individuals in a simplified, personal manner.

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Experience Luxury on the Lake with BluWater Imports

BluWater Imports is your go-to international luxury boat broker focused on bringing unique, innovative watercraft from around the world to some of the most incredible lakes in the Midwest. Visit us online at www.blu waterimports.com for more information or call Jordon at 712-339-1959 to schedule your test drive of the Swedish made, 100% Electric X Shore today.

Photography: BluWater Imports

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Welcome Excelsior's Newest Restaurant, MontegoBlu

MontegoBlu, the newest restaurant in historic downtown Excelsior, opened their doors last month, inviting you to leave your troubles at the door and let your inhibitions go as they treat you to amazing tropical and American cuisine and delicious craft cocktails in a freshly renovated space. They'll take care of everything as you taste-test your way through their new menu rollout and discover your favorites. Follow them on social for more information and to keep updated on new menu items and events. montegoblu.com

Photography: MontegoBlu

GYPSET Midwest Yoga

www.GYPSETMIDWESTYOGA.com

for new students with this postcard.

+++ FREE CLASS for new students

We offer yoga classes to meet students at all levels: vinyasa, yin, beginner, hot, nidra, restorative, and alignment based yoga, as well as, fitness classes including pilates and strength training.

We offer yoga classes to meet students at all levels: vinyasa, yin, beginner, hot, nidra, restorative, and alignment based yoga as well as fitness classes including barre, pilates and strength training.

GYPSET Midwest Yoga

15400 Minnetonka Industrial Road

Minnetonka, MN

20

local experiences

Grab your guys and plan a relaxed or adrenaline-induced day, weekend, or guys night out with any one of these local experiences the fellas will love.

CRUISE THE LAKE ON A PADDLE TAP: Have a beer with the boys cruising Lake Minnetonka on a Paddle Tap. With four unique party boats, it's a great way to spend time with the guys.  4787 Shoreline Drive, Spring Park, MN

PLAY A ROUND AT THE LAFAYETTE CLUB: Hit the links and spend a leisurely afternoon playing golf with the guys at the Lafayette Club. After, grab a drink at the club's 1882 Bar.   2800 Northview Rd, Minnetonka Beach, MN

INDOOR SKYDIVE AT IFLY MINNEAPOLIS: Adrenaline junkies can experience sky-diving without the danger! Indoor skydive at iFLY. They'll start you with the basics before you can try out the advanced tricks.  12415 Wayzata Boulevard Minnetonka, MN

AXE THROWING AT THE BURROW: Grab the guys for axe throwing, 18 holes of championship-level indoor mini golf, classic arcade games, and great food and drinks at The Burrow.  7999 Victoria Drive Victoria, MN

GRAB A BEER AT BACK CHANNEL BREWING CO.: Sip a beer on Back Channel Brewing's patio, grab a bite, and enjoy events like trivia, live music, and their Artimer Market with vendors, food, and beer tent. 4787 Shoreline Drive Spring Park, MN

Back Channel Brewing

Humble Crew Detailing

For someone who loves their car, you sure picked the wrong state to live in. Every mile you drive on Minnesota’s gritty, salty roadways amounts to serious damage to your paint job. If you bought it used, you may not even know how sleek and lustrous your car can actually appear!

It’s little wonder why Humble Crew Detailing is doing so well here. Once their guys have worked their magic on a car, truck, SUV or motorcycle, it looks like it has been exclusively driven on velvet.

“I don’t like to brag. It’s right there in my company’s name,” said Jesse Xiong, founder of Humble Crew Detailing. “But I do

take great pride in our clients’ reactions, which usually fall into two categories. The first is total satisfaction that we have delivered exactly as promised. The second is total surprise, because they weren’t aware just how immaculately we can restore any vehicle’s interior or exterior. They usually ask for reassurance

that we didn’t mistakenly give them the wrong car. Once they get it, they start snapping photos. And once they get in, they start smiling even harder.

“I have always been a car enthusiast. You can imagine which toys were my favorites when I was a little boy. And as the oldest of five brothers, I grew up spending a lot of time playing Need for Speed, Gran Turismo, and pretty much any other racing video game we could get our hands on.

“The majority of my jobs prior to founding Humble Crew were in sales – most recently mattresses, which are important but admittedly not very fun to look at all day. At least mattresses were good to me. I saved up enough money to buy my first sports car because of them.

“I loved that Miata to death, and developed a borderline obsession over making it look as pristine as possible. I started studying car detailing videos on YouTube like it was my second job. Thanks to a certain event that transpired in early 2020, I no longer had a real job to distract me from that passion.

“Once I had run out of ways to beautify my Miata, I moved on to my wife’s car. My friends’ cars followed not long thereafter. Soon I had acquired the tools, knowledge and connections I needed to make a serious go of it. With a little luck, a whole lot of faith, and even more first-rate workmanship, Humble Crew grew into a full-blown auto detailing center.

“Short of replacing its parts, our team does everything we can to enhance a vehicle’s aesthetics. That begins with paint protection film, or PPF. It’s a clear vinyl barrier that shields a vehicle’s front or whole exterior against rock chips and other sources of abrasion. Older PPFs had a tendency to yellow and crack with age, but the technology has come a long way since then. Our PPF treatments aren’t just resistant to sunlight. They are actually mended by it, because heat causes them to self-heal from abrasions.

“It’s best to put PPF on a vehicle when it is brand new – or, alternatively, after our paint correction service has made it look brand new. First, we buff scratches, water spots, spoil marks, bug etches and other larger defects out of the clear coat. We then rub the vehicle down with clay bars, which eliminates hazing and creates a jewel-like finish. The end result is indistinguishable from a mint condition paint job, and so durable that I confidently warranty it for seven years.

“I do take great pride in our clients’ reactions, which usually fall into two categories. The first is total satisfaction and the second is total surprise, because they weren’t aware just how immaculately we can restore any vehicle’s interior or exterior.”

“Our paint correction service will dramatically revitalize any vehicle’s appearance, and it’s even more potent when you follow it up with ceramic coating. That’s where we chemically bond a rugged, transparent quartz shell to the entire exterior. It acts like the teflon on a nonstick frying pan, and makes it a whole lot easier to clean dirt, salt, tar, bug splatters and bird droppings off your car. Better yet, you won’t have to wax your car once you’ve had it ceramic coated. A normal wash is all it will need in order to regain its full glisten.

“Humble Crew doesn’t offer car washes. Our exterior detailing service is too thorough to be likened to something you could do with a hose. We clean every square inch of the car’s exterior by hand, using a series of buckets to ensure we don’t mar the paint with one spec of grime. After we have removed all embedded debris from the paint with clay bars, we finish it off with iron decontamination. That dissolves brake dust, rail dust, and other ferric particles which create the appearance of rust spots in paint.

“If you want your car’s interior to match its exterior, we’ll detail it just as meticulously. A level one interior detailing includes thorough cleaning of the seats, carpets, mats, vents, dashboard, steering wheel and wheel column. A level two detailing goes even further with shampooing, steam cleaning, and hot water extraction. It banishes odors, rejuvenates leather and soft plastic surfaces, and eliminates stains, heavy soiling and dog hair. Both levels of service require at least a day, and you’re sure to appreciate where all that time went.

“I know firsthand what it’s like to have a car you take pride in and less money than its upkeep deserves. That’s why I founded this business with a simple concept: to make professional-level detailing available to everyone, no matter their budget for vehicle maintenance. Whether you have a few hundred dollars to spend or several thousand, we’re going to set your expectations high and still surpass them.”

Humble Crew Detailing is located at 1313 Osborne Road NE, Spring Lake Park. You can learn more about their services and request a free quote for any combination of them by visiting humblecrewdetailing.com .

MAKE AN IMPACT FOR DAD

What do you buy for the man who has everything? Perhaps an experience oriented around what dads value most – time together – is just what he needs. Fathers and father figures are invaluable in our lives. They help shape and mold us. They’re there for us and support us. If you haven’t already planned something special, take a look at our list of ideas and circle your favorites. If you have kids, let them join in the fun too!

Whether you decide to spend a day at home or enjoy a day on the town, these innovative celebration ideas will include fun for the whole family and make Dad feel loved. Whatever activity or surprise you land on to show your dad, husband, brother or father figure your appreciation for all they do, the most important thing is that you all get to spend some quality time together.

Memorable Ways to Celebrate The Father Figure in Your Life

LEARN ABOUT HIS FAMILY TREE

Family heritage websites can offer insight into dad’s past and be an interesting way to study the history of your family. Present Dad with a report on his ancestors or dig in together!

PLAN A STAYCATION

You don’t need to go very far to have a great time with Dad! Explore a new neck of your own woods with a family staycation. You can go out on the town, stay at a fancy hotel and maybe even enjoy some room service!

GO BIRD WATCHING

Lay out a blanket in your backyard and grab your binoculars for a peaceful, naturefilled day. Make a list of how many different kinds of birds you see and guess if you can identify them.

GO BOWLING

Bowling is a timeless classic Dad is sure to enjoy. Bonus if the bowling alley has an arcade, chicken wings and Dad’s favorite beverage of choice.

PLAY FRISBEE GOLF AS A FAMILY

Find a local frisbee golf course and grab a slot for the family to play. This activity is fun for both young and old and helps you take advantage of being in the beautiful outdoors together.

BUILDING CONFIDENCE FROM A SALON CHAIR

HOW EIGHTEEN EIGHT FINE MEN’S SALONS IS HELPING MEN LOOK AND FEEL THEIR BEST

At Eighteen Eight Fine Men’s Salons – named for the 18% chromium-8% nickel ratio that makes up a fine stainless steel – there’s a running joke that women send their men to the salon to knock the rust off, but owner Andrew Hulse finds that more often than not, it’s the men that come in looking to be transformed.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNA

After spending decades in the U.S. Navy and then in corporate America, Andrew decided to switch careers to spend more time at home with his family. His goal was to find a business that offers opportunities to build connections and provides something great for the community. He tested a few business models but ultimately decided on Eighteen Eight.

Eighteen Eight’s success derives from three things: quality services, a calming environment, and five-star staff.

As a full-service men’s hair salon, Eighteen Eight definitely delivers. The core of the business is haircuts, but the salon also offers face, scalp, and nail treatments, as well as shaving, waxing, and coloring services.

“Eighteen Eight is unique in that we carry both a salon license and a barbering license and have both barbers and cosmetologists on staff,” says Andrew.

The salon’s two primary haircut styles are classic and executive. “Both styles revolve around a technique called clipper over comb which focuses on creating a handcrafted haircut that is designed to compliment the shape of a man’s head as opposed to other techniques that follow the shape of a man’s head,” Andrew describes. And while a haircut at Eighteen Eight may take a bit longer than at a value cutter, “guys walk out with a better haircut and those haircuts last longer,” affirms Andrew.

The face, scalp, and nail treatments are another feature that sets Eighteen Eight apart from other salons. Two of their more popular treatments include a mini facial and a manicure, both of which can be added to a haircut service. Andrew says the manicure service is very popular around wedding season.

Part of what makes the services at Eighteen Eight so appealing to men is the environment that the salon creates for customers.

With salons in both Maple Grove and Wayzata, Eighteen Eight prides itself on being able to create a masculine environment for men to feel comfortable in.

Andrew explains, “Traditionally, men go to women’s salons in order to get a higher quality haircut, but they’re doing it in an environment catered to women.” So in designing Eighteen Eight, Andrew added semi-private stations and drew from his roots in Naval Aviation to decorate both salons and create a calming atmosphere that men will want to come into.

“All of our stations are semi-private. When you’re in our salons, you get more of that feeling of being one-on-one with your stylist. And so it provides a little more privacy and facilitates better discussions with your stylist over what it is that you’re looking for,” says Andrew.

While the services and atmosphere Eighteen Eight provides are crucial to the success of the salon, the tremendous staff is what truly makes this men’s-focused salon stand out.

As a relationship-based salon, the stylists strive to build relationships with each client to get to know their individual style and hair.

Above all else though, the stylists are trained to build confidence and transform the men that come through their doors.

“We take a lot of pride in how we train our staff, and the techniques we use take quite a bit of skill. From that perspective, we find that we get a lot of great feedback based solely on the quality of the haircut.”

Scheduling an appointment at Eighteen Eight is about more than just getting a haircut; it’s about taking care of yourself. “Coming to our place, we don’t view it as a utility. We view it as taking care of yourself, helping your confidence, and also a place to relax a bit.”

Whether you’re looking to change up your look, relax with a mini facial or try out a manicure in the comfort of a semi-private station, Eighteen Eight is the place to go. The services are tailored to every client, the atmosphere is catered to men, and the stylists know exactly how to make you feel confident in your own skin.

“When a guy has a really good haircut, it really does affect his confidence. And one of the things we say is when you look better, you feel better and perform better. And I think that’s absolutely the case,” says Andrew.

Seeing New Adventures on the Horizon

HOW ONE DOCTOR AT SOUTHWEST EYE CARE OFFERS NEW FREEDOM FOR HIS PATIENTS

LASIK specialist Dr. Jabin Krassin is one of the fortunate individuals who knew early on what career path he intended to pursue. “I knew in high school I wanted to be a doctor. At that time, I thought maybe orthopedic surgery. But then, in med school, after the ophthalmology rotation, I was really attracted to the precision and attention to detail in the field. I enjoyed the craftsmanship and knew that is what I wanted to do.”

Many things have changed in the LASIK surgery world since Dr. Krassin got his start. It was once a fairly expensive procedure reserved for a narrow sector of patients who met strict physical criteria.

This is no longer the case. As the technology has improved and popularity has increased, the cost has come down significantly, and the procedure is available to a much larger patient population. A patient who may not have been a candidate twenty years ago may be eligible now and could have that determined easily during a free consultation.

Dr. Krassin is now part of the team and co-owner at Southwest Eye Care. “We treat a broad range of patients now. Our youngest is around 17 years old, and our oldest is around 73. The technology is much better and faster. The original lasers required a patient to hold still for 35 seconds, but it is now just an 11-second procedure.”

For those that may be squeamish about anything touching their eye, Dr. Krassin says, “LASIK today is so advanced that the only thing that touches the eye is water and Q tips. No blades are used. The laser does everything else.”

The culture created at Southwest Eye is also intentionally different than one may have found years ago. “We really try to maintain a community atmosphere. While we do have different locations, we cater to the community where we are located.” And while serving locals is part of it, the collaborative work atmosphere is a significant contributor. “I love having a team of doctors and optometrists all in one location.

We can talk through a case, and we all have different strengths we bring to the clinic.” As co-owners, they bring a broad range of expertise that lends itself to a wider scope of practice than other medical settings. Southwest Eye offers pediatric services, low-vision specialists, and full optometry services.

It has to be rewarding to have the ability to improve people’s vision. But it’s far more impactful than just being able to leave the eyeglasses behind. Dr. Krassin says, “We are literally changing their life. It has revolutionized what people can do. And in just a few minutes, it gives people freedom for decades to pursue things they want to do without glasses or corrective lenses.”

He has had several patients enjoy these new freedoms in their work life and in their leisure time and enthusiastically share their satisfaction post-surgery. One patient working in the military who had previously worn glasses shared, “An increased confidence in work after LASIK, having one less impediment to doing their job.” Another of Dr. Krassin’s patients had a correction that was pushing the outer limits of the procedure, but for her, it was well worth it. “She actually told me that leaves had veins on them! She could see the detailed veins on leaves for the first time.” The outcomes these patients enjoy post-surgery allow them the freedom to pursue new adventures in all areas of their lives.

Dr. Krassin is no stranger to adventure himself. An avid outdoorsman, about ten years ago, he found himself on a search for a new challenge. After a motorcycle purchase and a safety course, he is now a motorcyclist and motorcycle enthusiast. He can often be found biking to the office in the warmer months and winding his way around the lake. He says it’s “liberating” to ride and has found, unlike driving a vehicle, riders really become one with the bike, and the experience is exhilarating. And if the motorcycle doesn’t set Jabin apart from his fellow ophthalmologists, he did reveal he also has eight tattoos.

While your next ventures may not involve going full throttle or getting some fresh ink, a consultation with Dr. Krassin can help you firmly set your sights on new adventures, pique a new interest, and discover a freedom you didn’t think was previously possible. To find your new adventure and meet with Dr. Krassin and his associates at Southwest Eye Care, visit: www.southwesteyecare.net

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Clothes made for you, to your measurements and style specifications, with your own personal stylist. J.Hilburn Showroom: featuring custom-made men’s clothing.

Summer Entertaining

FROM GRILLED STEAK TO VODKA LEMONADE PITCHERS, WE SHARE DELICIOUS RECIPES TO START YOUR SUMMER OFF RIGHT

Transform your backyard into the ultimate summer destination, bringing together your friends and family for long leisurely afternoons and cozy evenings as you enjoy these mouth-watering summer recipes. With fresh ingredients in season we show you how to transform them into delicious dishes sure to impress. So, fire up the grill for Steak with Chimichurri Sauce, Hummus with Tasty Toppings, Tomato Peach Burrata Salad, and Pitcher Vodka Lemonade.

BY LAUREN LANE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Steak with Chimichurri Sauce

yield:

Makes about 1 cup

sauce ingredients:

• 1 cup (packed) fresh Italian parsley

• 1/2 cup olive oil

• 1/3 cup red wine vinegar

• 1/4 cup (packed) fresh cilantro (optional)

• garlic cloves, peeled

• 3/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

steak:

• 1 ½-2 pounds flank steak, or steak of choice.

instructions:

1. Make sauce: Puree all ingredients in processor. Transfer to bowl. (Can be made 2 hours ahead. Cover and let stand at room temperature.)

2. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Sear steak for 6-8 minutes on each side until heavily browned on the outside and slightly pink in the middle.

Thinly

Hummus with Toppings

ingredients:

• Your favorite store-bought hummus, or make my recipe at Lauren-Lane.com

• Topping Options:

• 1 small zucchini or a few radishes, thinly sliced

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered

• 1 handful watercress or microgreens

• Additional topping ideas: fresh basil, crumbled feta cheese, 1/2 cup toasted pine nuts or capers

yield:

Serves 6-8

instructions:

1. Spoon the hummus into a serving bowl. Using your spoon, make a few swirls on the top.

2. In medium bowl, toss toppings together. Add a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss well to combine.

3. Drizzle hummus with olive oil and top with the dressed toppings. Serve with pita chips and/or veggies for dipping.

Tomato Peach Burrata Salad

yield:

Serves 6

ingredients:

• A few big pinches of Kosher salt

• Freshly ground black pepper

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or 2 teaspoons fresh oregano

• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

• 2 large heirloom tomatoes or large plum tomatoes, or cherry tomatoes. (about 2 1/2 pounds total)

• Two peaches

• 8 ounces mozzarella pearls or small balls

• 4 ounces burrata cheese

• 1/4 cup torn fresh basil leaves plus additional whole leaves for garnish

instructions:

1. Combine salt through olive oil.

2. Place the burrata cheese round on a platter. Arrange the tomatoes, peaches and mozzarella balls around cheese.

3. Drizzle with dressing from bowl. Sprinkle with more salt and pepper. Garnish with additional basil leaves and serve.

Pitcher Vodka Lemonade

yield:

Makes six cocktails

ingredients:

• 48 ounces homemade lemonade (or store-bought)

• 12 ounces vodka

• Ice, for serving

• 1 lemon, sliced thinly

• Fresh mint for garnish

instructions:

1. Make the lemonade or pour store-bought in a pitcher.

2. Add vodka and lemon slices (can be made the day before).

3. To serve: pour cocktail over ice and garnish with fresh mint.

Recipes by Lauren Lane Culinarian. For more recipes follow her at: Lauren-Lane.com, or on Instagram @Lauren_Lane_Culinarian

Spotlight: Miller Essential Fitness

SKIP THE MEMBERSHIP FEES AND SEE HOW ONE GYM OWNER IS TRAINING DIFFERENTLY

15 minutes. That was the challenge posed to Bob Miller, trainer and owner of Miller Essential Fitness. “One of my clients said, ‘I only have 15 minutes a day to work out. Can we make that work?’ The answer was ‘Yes, absolutely.’ I created a tailored 15-minute workout that she could fit into her packed day.”

With clients ranging from 13 years old to 80 years old, Bob designs a customized workout for each client, catering to their specific needs and goals. “I love teaching and giving people new skills they can use for the rest of their lives,” says Bob. “I want them to be able to keep doing the things they want to do and move through life a little easier.”

Bob declared himself a certified gym rat from the age of 16 when he got his first car and was able to drive himself to the YMCA at Ridgedale. At 17, he started training at “The Gym,” a big power gym in Golden Valley competing in powerlifting and bodybuilding. He trained his first client back in 1984 when he was 19. “My first client was 13 years-old, and I helped take him to Nationals. I really loved it and had so much fun. I’ve been a trainer ever since,” shares Bob.

While Bob certainly doesn’t expect all his clients to become competitive powerlifters, lifting weights is essential to his training. “I never put something on the bar if I think you can’t do it. I see many people playing with smaller weights hoping for progress, which rarely ever happens. The stimulus isn’t enough for the body to adapt to,” explains Bob. “You need heavier weights. I always call it a good stress.”

Bob is prepared with two rows of dumbbell racks, ranging from five pounds to a hundred and fifty pounds. The 2,200 square-foot space in Wayzata is fully equipped with row machines, ellipticals, treadmills, and everything else needed to start your journey to health, including, most importantly, your personal trainer, Bob.

“Your first time is on the house. We sit down and talk. Go through your goals, what you expect today, next week, in six weeks, and for the future,” says Bob. “We talk about what brought you here, where you want to go and go through a small workout.”

Bob’s love for what he does is contagious, inevitably wearing off on even the most reluctant gym-goers. “I love training people and want them to enjoy their workout so much that they don’t really realize how hard they’re training. If you don’t like something we’re doing, we can pivot and change it. And I’ll never judge if you went off the rails

on Saturday with six beers and a pizza. I want clients to feel they can be honest with me. Then, I can get them where they want to go. I want to train them so I can send them off on their own and not need me. It may not be the best business model,” laughs Bob, “but I want my clients to be able to use these fundamental skills throughout their whole life.”

The other unique business model at Miller Essential Fitness is no membership fees. Clients pay for private training sessions with Bob and then can come to the gym and train independently at no extra cost. “Most of my clients have keys to the gym,” says Bob. “They come when it’s convenient, whether it’s 5am or 5pm. It’s typically nice and quiet, like having a personal gym.” Unlike a commercial gym, when you train with Bob one-on-one or work out on your own, you can usually expect to have the place to yourself.

“It’s just as important to me as it is to my client that they reach their goal. I’ll do everything in my power to get them there,” says Bob. “If you need a text in the morning and afternoon to motivate you, then I will do it. In the end, you’ll get an excellent workout and learn how to do it when I’m not around, learning these skills for life. That’s pretty powerful.”

To start your fitness journey with Bob at Miller Essential Fitness, visit: millerefit.com

From The Baseball Diamond to a Business Leader

Dwight Mack at State Farm shares how lessons from the field shaped his approach to business

For many of us, youth sports have played a significant role in our lives. The games, the practices, fundraisers, and road trips either dot our calendars or fill our photo albums. Countless hours of driving, waiting, and sitting in cold bleachers is no deterrence to our efforts. Whether a coach, official, or parent, it would be fair to say that despite the sacrifices, most of us feel it is well worth it. The everlasting effects of sports on our families and communities are ever-apparent when I had the pleasure of speaking with Dwight Mack.

Dwight grew up in the kindred state of North Dakota. Like many young athletes in our own area, his time at the ice rink or baseball diamond began even before his first day of kindergarten. From a young age, when Dwight wasn’t playing, he was nurturing his other passion in officiating hockey games. “If I wasn’t playing, I was officiating,” says Dwight.

That and the fact that Dwight’s father was the head baseball coach at his high school was an extra boost for him to “start early” in his sports career.

As time went on, “Dad” was his main mentor and hero. Dwight shares, “I saw the passion for success and effort that my dad put into his work. Baseball included. I wanted to emulate that; I wanted to be like that. Our mantra became: The harder I work, the luckier I get.”

This led to many successes: North Dakota State Baseball Champion Team, American Legion North Dakota State Champion Team, and Infielder and catcher for North Dakota State University.

Dwight recalls, “We won the state high school baseball championships with my dad as the coach, sister as the student manager, and my little brother as bat boy.”

He is also particularly proud of his involvement with the Mandan High School hockey team, founding the charity game Pucks 4 People, which gives back to the community through fundraisers and raffles that the younger players organize.

“In my freshman year, I had the opportunity to play baseball at a higher level for North Dakota State University as a catcher. But, in my sophomore year, I suffered a shoulder injury that, while not debilitating, was a signal that maybe the higher-level competitive chapter of my sports career was over,” says Dwight.

Undeterred, Dwight again turned to giving back to the community through his other passion of officiating hockey. He earned his stripes at the USA Hockey Western Regional

Camp Ste. St. Marie Michigan and was then hired as a prestigious linesman official for junior level up through lower-level professional leagues for two years. “Those two years were highly rewarding,” shares Dwight.

But, as the old saying goes, “Life is what happens when we make other plans.” Dwight had, in the meantime, met his wife-to-be, Kaitlyn, and knew that the demanding schedules and long traveling absences would evolve into settling down and thinking ahead.

Building on his solid base of family, community, and team sports, Dwight was encouraged by a close family friend to become a State Farm Insurance agent in June of 2018 in Mandan. “I learned that selling insurance was only a small part of what it meant to be an agent. The important part is in building a business team, long-term client relationships, and giving back to the community.”

In 2021, Dwight had the opportunity to pursue his dream of opening his own State Farm agency, which after a nationwide search, ended up in Chaska. Dwight and Kaitlyn were attracted to the Twin Cities area by the sense of common Midwestern values and the at-home feeling of community in the Chaska area. “We wanted to go to the local grocery store and know that we would see our friends there,” says Dwight. He and Kaitlyn are also active outdoors adventurists, appreciating the abundance Minnesota has to offer, kayaking, fishing, and hunting. “Chaska checked all

the boxes we were looking for.” And Dwight immediately became involved in the community. He is an active member of the SouthWest Metro Chamber of Commerce. His office and State Farm customers provided more than 150 pounds of healthy snacks for the Bountiful Basket Food Shelf and Eastern Carver County Schools to support kids in need. Dwight and his office are also proud supporters of the Carver Scott Humane Society and BIO-Girls Victoria.

In starting his business, Dwight reflects, “Growing up in team sports, I learned how important it was to work together and merge personalities to reach a common goal. I learned that this is the same in business as well. If my team members are successful at the end of the day, then I am successful. Working with people to reach a common goal, whether with my team or clients, with a healthy dose of competitiveness for a positive outcome, shapes the foundation of running a business. It’s all about the satisfaction that we won the challenges together.”

In retrospect, for all the sacrifices that so many of us have made to nurture youth sports, it is for outcomes like Dwight and Kaitlyn that we do it. Dwight’s office provides auto, home, renters, business, and life insurance to the community. Follow Dwight Mack - State Farm Agent on Facebook to learn more about insurance options and find out how you can support his office’s community efforts.

www.dwightmack.com

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events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

JUNE 6TH

Minnetonka Farmers Market

RIDGEDALE COMMONS | 3:00 PM

Tuesday, June 6 marks opening day of the Minnetonka Farmers Market. With a new location at Ridgedale Commons, peruse local produce, farm products and handmade crafts, including fresh eggs, meats, breads, vegetables, fruits, flowers, pickles, jams and dinner-to-go from local chefs. Plus, enjoy live music with the first performance by Cattadoris Sandberg Duo, playing from 4-6 p.m., community booths, and free kids activities each week!

JUNE 10TH-11TH

Excelsior Art on the Lake

DOWNTON EXCELSIOR | 10:00 AM

Join 18,000+ art admirers, collectors and buyers for Excelsior Art on the Lake. The high profile and creative event connects artists with the vibrant lake community, showcasing an array of outstanding artistic work from multiple disciplines. Over 120 artists will be displaying original works amidst live music, a beer garden, and a variety of food offerings throughout the two-day event. www. excelsiorlakeminnetonkachamber. com/art-on-the-lake

JUNE 14TH

Concerts in the Commons

EXCELSIOR COMMONS PARK

5:00 PM

Enjoy free live music, great food and drinks, and sunsets over Lake Minnetonka every Wednesday at Concerts in the Commons. Vendors open at 5pm and the music starts at 7pm. Not only are these concerts a fun way to spend a Minnesota summer night, they also

help raise money to support Community for the Commons as they improve the park. June performances include Viva Knievel and Lonesome Losers.

JUNE 22ND

Reach for Ralph Fundraiser

QUINCY HALL, 1325 QUINCY ST NE, MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55413 | 5:30 PM

Join Hammer & NER for their annual summer fundraiser, Reach for Ralph. As one of the largest disability services providers in Minnesota, they work to enable people with disabilities to live meaningful, self-directed lives. At this fun, casual event, you can make a difference to people with intellectual disabilities while enjoying dinner, auctions, and games. You will be inspired by stories of people who are supported by Hammer & NER. Learn more: https:// hammer.org/2023-reach-for-ralph

JUNE 23RD

Windward Festival

WAYZATA SAILING'S MIKE PLANT COMMUNITY

BOATHOUSE | 7:00 PM

Join Wayzata Sailing on the shores of Lake Minnetonka for a beach bash like no other. Enjoy food, live music from Nato Coles & the Blue Diamond Band, and libations in the setting they were intended for. Proceeds benefit Wayzata Sailing's community programming and adventures. General admission opens at 6:30pm. VIP access includes early entry at 5pm, complimentary champagne toast, dinner, free valet, dessert, live music, and boat rides until sunset. www.windwardfest.org

JUNE 24TH-25TH

Wayzata Art Experience

DOWNTOWN WAYZATA | 10:00 AM

One of the favorite festivals of the summer, the Wayzata Art Experience draws in art lovers from across the Twin Cities. Experience the two-day celebration of art, music, and food with live music performances scattered along Lake Street, FREE sailboat rides from Wayzata Sailing, and stop by the Activity Zone for a lively, fun area where you can enjoy hands-on activities.  artexperience.wayzatachamber.com

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