Lake Minnetonka, MN April 2026

THE ART OF BUILDING

Built on a collaborative process and a commitment to our clients, Highmark Builders is proud to receive the 2025 Remodeler of the Year Award—an honor that reflects the craftsmanship, quality, and intention behind every home we build or remodel.

One of the most spectacular sites on upper lake with arguably the most iconic Boathouse on Lake Minnetonka featuring 1.98 acres and 267ft of west facing lakeshore overlooking Smithtown Bay and Wawatasso Island. Call for pricing

& wetlands. Gourmet kitchen with oversized island, stunning great room, main-floor office & screened porch with fireplace. Walkout lower level with 10’ ceilings, bar, game area, workout room & sport court. Luxury design, Incredible setting.

110 Gleahaven Rd - Wayzata - $1,395,000 21650 Fairview St - Greenwood - $3,000,000

Custom 1.5-story home one mile from downtown Wayzata and Lake Minnetonka. Open floor plan, gourmet kitchen, main-level primary suite, finished lower level with theater and wet bar, upper-level ensuite, three-season porch, heated floors, and oversized garage. Prime location with quick freeway access..

Storybook cottage on a large, level lot on coveted Lower Lake — just steps to Excelsior. This 4-bedroom home featured a spacious lakeside primary suite with private terrace, along with a stunning glass conservatory and inviting screen porch. This one-of-a-kind Lake Minnetonka retreat has found its next lucky owner.

BORN IN BRITAIN. BUILT FOR THE BOLD.

THE GRENADIER IS REDEFINING RUGGED.

Luther INEOS Grenadier is the only certi ed dealer serving the 5 state area. Whether you're blazing trails in the Great Outdoors or cruising through the Twin Cities, the Grenadier is your go-anywhere, do-anything companion.

Make your way to Luther INEOS Grenadier at 1820 Quentin Ave, St. Louis Park, MN 55416 to check it out.

The True Meaning of Investment

There is something powerful about the word investment. It implies foresight, intention, and a quiet confidence in what will endure. By definition, it is the act of dedicating time, energy, or resources toward something with the hope of a worthwhile return. But in practice, it is so much more than a financial transaction; it is about legacy.

We invest in our community, our relationships, and our personal growth. These choices shape our own futures and the lives of those around us. Whether it is supporting local businesses, schools, and organizations, or the powerful act of volunteering and mentoring, it all contributes to future generations. This is a truth that has become increasingly clear as I have moved into the back half of my life here, shifting my perspective from my hard-charging 20s, 30s, and even 40s.

Today, investment is about more than money; it is about how I invest my time and talent in ways that truly matter. My spiritual growth and the opportunity to impart the things I’ve learned along the way have become deeply important to me. I’ve come to see the lessons learned from my own mistakes as a kind of hard-earned wisdom — a benefit I’m happy to share with my children and others, though I’ve learned it is usually best to wait until it's requested.

In this issue, we explore those diverse angles of investment in unique ways — from the literal walls of a home that is truly set apart, to the quiet, daily choices that build a life of financial wisdom and gratitude. Personally, I am always interested in learning about what’s new on the water or how to make a healthy meal taste delicious.

Whatever your particular interest, I encourage you to investigate and pursue it with intention. I hope you find inspiration in these pages and in the local businesses that help make our community such a worthwhile place to invest our time. After all, the most meaningful returns often come from investing in what reflects who we are and its impact on the community we call home.

See you around the Lake,

DAVE ROBERTSON, PUBLISHER

PUBLISHER

Dave Robertson | dave.robertson@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Lauren Beaubaire | lauren.beaubaire@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Kate Munson | kate.munson@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Graham Johnson, Sara Hoeman, Kendra Johnson, Angela Broockerd, Allison Swan, Sue Baldani, Jen Fortner

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Spacecrafting, Andrew Walstrom, Janie Jones, Lorri Downs Photographer

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

Learn

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1-7: It’s been an exciting winter in Lake Minnetonka! The Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Chamber hosted the Hot Cocoa Stroll, where the community came out to downtown Excelsior to enjoy hot cocoa, treats, and deals at local businesses. It was also the 41st year of the Wayzata Chilly Open! This year’s theme was “Saturday Night Live,” and the golfers did not disappoint, dressing up in their best SNL-inspired costumes while enjoying a fun course, food, prizes, a chili cook-off, Snowga, and more!

Want to be seen in the magazine?

Bay To Bay Boat Club Expands to Two Minnetonka Locations

Bay To Bay Boat Club now has two locations on Lake Minnetonka! Our current location is at the Caribbean Marina in Tonka Bay, and this spring we are opening in Spring Park, at Sunset Boat Yards. Boat Club members can use both locations, and we will have daily Pontoon rentals available from either marina. This is our 26th season providing concierge, country club boating. We look forward to seeing you this summer! Baytobayboatclub.com

The Spring Real Estate Market Is Here! Brought to You by Stickney Real Estate

You won’t want to miss this classic, updated cottage home in the heart of Wayzata. Walk to Lake Minnetonka and Wayzata Village shops and restaurants. The breathtaking open concept features high-end finishes and flows seamlessly for everyday living. 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, and a spacious 3-car garage. Beautifully landscaped and ready to enjoy. 633 Park Street E, Wayzata. List Price: $2,295,000. Reach out to David Stickney for more information. 952250-0122 www.stickneyrealestate.com

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CLASSES, CAMPS & GAME PLAY

Since 2001, RevSports has delivered consistent, high-quality youth sports programs. RevSports has grown to be a leading programming partner for communities. Families trust RevSports experienced coaches, proven approach, and family-friendly structure.

YEARS OF QUALITY

COACHING

Year-round offerings. Over 10 different sports options! Metro-wide partnerships with these locations near you!

Dear

Ask Susan

Susan Stiles CFP, CHFC, AIF, CPFA, MBA Founder / CEO Stiles Financial Services, Inc.

Susan: Why

do I feel so emotionally attached to certain stocks that I’ve owned for years?

Susan:

What you’re feeling is completely normal. We often buy stocks for specific reasons — strong performance, a personal connection, or a belief in leadership or company principles. Over time, that familiarity can turn into emotional attachment. Behavioral finance calls this the “Endowment Effect” — we tend to overvalue what we already own for the wrong reasons.

The risk? Holding a position too long or allowing one stock to grow too large in your portfolio can lead to performance inefficiencies and avoidable volatility. Disciplined investing means making decisions based on your goals and overall strategy — not emotion. What a great topic!

Let’s take a look at how to manage this response in my deep dive, follow-up video. Snap the QR code below to join me.

Susan Stiles is the Founder / CEO of Stiles Financial Services; an independent, fee-based, private wealth management financial advisory firm, specializing in families that have complex portfolio, wealth management and estate planning needs. We also advise companies on their retirement benefit plans and corporate cash management. Send “AskSusan” questions to: AskSusan@stilesfinancial.com.

Celebrating 10 Years of Design Excellence at Lakeshore Interiors

Congratulations to Denise Loehr on her 10-year anniversary as owner of Lakeshore Interiors, Inc.! What started as House of Carpets in the 70’s became Lakeshore Interiors, Inc. in 1991 — a one-stop shop for homeowners, designers, and builders. Lakeshore Interiors feels honored to receive the "Best of the West Lake Award" year after year in three categories: Flooring Store, Window Treatments, and Interior Design Services. Denise, her knowledgeable sales team, along with her skilled installers, look forward to another 10 years!

Brad Bollmann, Owner BC637053

ICON A Lakeside

Step inside this unique Lake Minnetonka property, where Japanese-inspired architecture and historic charm meet to create one rare waterfront gem

ARTICLE BY KENDRA JOHNSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY SPACECRAFTING AND ANDREW WALSTROM

by

Have you ever browsed property Listings online and found something so unique that you couldn’t stop thinking about it? That’s exactly how I feel about a recently listed Lakeshore Estate in Shorewood. The house itself boasts unique features, but the boathouse is truly the star of the show.

Located at 28100 Woodside Road in Shorewood on Smithtown Bay, the home and boathouse were built in the early 1900s and have undergone various renovations since then. Initially, the home was built as a summer abode, but subsequent owners converted it for year-round use. The pagoda-style boathouse was finished two years after the main home and upgraded most recently

when the current owners bought it in 1991 — this marks the first time in 35 years the property has been for sale!

Looking at a picture of the boathouse, it’s not hard to see why it’s so unique. The original owners, prior to building the house, had honeymooned in Japan and drew inspiration from the Asian nation to design the boathouse.

To this day, the boathouse still features that Japanese-style architecture, but was renovated by the current owners to add even more unique details, such as a moon door that faces the lake. The current owners also restored the windows and rafter tails and brought some of those Japanese influences into the main house as well.

At three levels, the boathouse has everything you’ll need to enjoy a summer night on Lake Minnetonka. The third level is a beautiful screened-in porch that overlooks the water. The second level features a living room with a large wood-burning fireplace, and the bottom floor features a lakeside deck that leads directly out onto the dock. Here, you will also find abundant lakeside storage, a changing room, and mechanicals.

The style of the boathouse isn’t the only reason it’s a unique draw for the property, though. Since the 1970s, most Lake Minnetonka municipalities have passed ordinances prohibiting the construction of new boathouses — making existing ones that much more valuable.

Existing or “grandfathered” boathouses can be renovated and restored, but for the most part, their original footprint cannot be expanded under the regulations. Which means having a recently renovated boathouse on Lake Minnetonka is a dream come true.

“This is an early 1900s structure that is grandfathered in that couldn’t be replicated today. It is arguably the most iconic, recognizable boathouse on Lake Minnetonka,” says listing agent and Lake Minnetonka specialist Scott Stabeck at Coldwell Banker in Wayzata.

And iconic is right. This particular property — and more specifically, the boathouse — has been featured in two books about Lake Minnetonka. The boathouse is the cover image of Karen Melvin and Melinda Nelson’s “Boathouses of Lake Minnetonka,” a book that came out in 2017. The property is also featured in another book by Karen Melvin and Bette Jones Hammel called “Legendary Homes of Lake Minnetonka.”

Apart from the boathouse, though, other unique qualities about the property include the acreage, lakeshore, and elevation. The property sits on nearly two acres and boasts 267 feet of lakeshore. The home’s elevation also provides a gradual slope, eliminating the need for long steps to reach the lake.

“This property is arguably one of the best sites on Upper Lake. Between the westerly views overlooking Wawatosa Island on Smithtown Bay — a 34-acre island only accessible by boat, providing a front-row seat to spectacular sunsets — the lot size, the lake frontage, and the elevation, I think it’s a very special offering to say the least,” Scott says.

Being located right on Lake Minnetonka also means you’d be living in the epitome of a lake home yearround. With easy access to recreational activities like boating, water skiing, surfing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and to nearby restaurants, marinas, and shops, this property likely won’t last long on the market.

If this property sounds like your dream, reach out to Scott at thestabeckgroup.com to set up a showing. Whether you want to have a nice summer nap after a day of boating or host friends and family, this boathouse is truly a marvel worth seeing.

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Highmark Home Services can tackle any job – big or small.

ROOF/SIDING REPAIR

ACCENT WALLS

HANGING ART/SHELVES

INSTALLING CLOSET SYSTEMS

DRYWALL/PAINTING

BATHROOM REFRESH AND SO MUCH MORE!

ARTICLE BY SARA HOEMAN

BY LORRI DOWNS

How Green Wealth Management Group provides personalized guidance to help you navigate investments, retirement, and wealth planning with confidence.

SAVING FOR LIFE

Investments, savings, and keeping track of your wealth can seem incredibly daunting. It might be tempting to put off these important conversations, but Green Wealth Management Group is here to help you feel confident in what matters most — no matter how big or small. Sean Wenham, Senior Wealth Advisor with Green Wealth Management Group, gave us the scoop on how Sean and his team work and the undivided care and attention they pour into their clients and their goals.

As a Harvard graduate (and former hockey player for the Harvard team!) as well as a member of the Board of Directors for the Excelsior Lake Minnetonka Chamber of Commerce, Sean brings both highlevel expertise and a genuine understanding of the community and his clients’ needs. Sean and his team are the kind of partners you want in your corner when it comes to investing in your future.

The best advice from Sean? It’s never too late, or too early, to start thinking about retirement, wealth management, and beyond. And with trusted advisors in your court from Green Wealth Management, the process has never been easier or more tailored to your goals and dreams. Because Green Wealth Management is a collection of independent wealth advisors, the focus can solely be on the clients. “We don’t

answer to upper management, and we aren’t influenced by corporate culture,” says Sean. “We’re able to run our practice however is most effective. We are customer-focused, for you, the client. We are truly here to make a difference.”

Currently, Green Wealth Management has offices in downtown Wayzata, Eagan, Edina, Woodbury, Owatonna, and Boca Raton, Florida, with 20 wealth advisors ready to help. “Part of what you’re able to get with this program is access to phenomenal resources,” says Sean. “This allows us to react to different client backgrounds.” Green Wealth Management is able to tap into Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network’s (FiNet) vast resources, and this allows the advisors to provide guidance and services for all kinds of unique situations. “For example, my specialty is ultra-high net worth wealth, and I knew that I would be able to utilize resources tied to trust and estate planning so I can offer the best solutions for my clients,” explains Sean.

Green Wealth Management also sits apart because the advisors can focus on their clients in a real way. “We go through a discovery process, and we have seen people learn so much more about themselves,” says Sean.

“When we start to drill down into their goals, we begin to understand their values as people, and we are then able to create a plan that is meaningful to them. They know that this team with Green Wealth Management knows where they want to end up, so we are fully in tune with their vision from the start.”

Understanding the values of their clients is more than just good for business. For example, when volatility may strike the market, Green Wealth advisors know how to handle that communication and messaging for their clients, each in a different way, based on what matters most to them. “To help people feel better in volatility, we need to tap into their emotions. Because we have our discovery session and we can understand your ultimate

vision, I can be better prepared to help you navigate if things need to change or be proactive and reassure you that we know what your goals are, and you are going to be okay,” says Sean. “Support and communication in this kind of a relationship is crucial.”

“WE DON’T ANSWER TO UPPER MANAGEMENT, AND WE AREN’T INFLUENCED BY CORPORATE CULTURE. WE’RE ABLE TO RUN OUR PRACTICE HOWEVER IS MOST EFFECTIVE. WE ARE CUSTOMER-FOCUSED, FOR YOU, THE CLIENT. WE ARE TRULY HERE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.”

While it’s never too early or too late to start thinking about topics such as retirement and planning for the future, Sean stressed how essential it is to have a professional in your corner, especially if retirement is in the very near future. “We love to talk to people and get phone calls,” says Sean. “There is value in having insight from a wealth advisor when making choices about the future.”

If you haven’t already, consider making it a goal this year to settle in and discuss your investment options, wealth planning, and align your financial goals with trusted advisors to give you the confidence you deserve. The advisors at Green Wealth Management are here to listen and find solutions, and they are only a phone call away.

For more information about Green Wealth Management Group, the solutions they offer, and for contact information, visit greenwmg.com/sean-wenham

*Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC (WFAFN), Member SIPC. [Practice Name] is a separate entity from WFAFN.

My youngest son tells a traumatic tale from first grade about how I was not present for the now infamous Apple Orchard Field Trip of 2014. He came home that day visibly shaken, lamenting, “You were the only Mom not there. I was the only one completely alone on

INVEST IN COMMUNITY

the field trip.“ Cue him throwing his tiny body onto the floor.

This story is partially accurate. I wasn’t there. Volunteers were chosen by lottery, and my number was not drawn for that particular one. However, every child did not have their own parent present. He was never alone. The piece of the larger story he conveniently leaves out is how I missed one and only one field trip during his entire childhood.

Life Minded

If witnessing his every breath was a job he was offering, I’ve worked overtime since 2008.

It was unusual I wasn’t there because I usually volunteer. While it is fun to see kids in their school setting, I volunteered long before that. This is the way it has always been with me, and I have proof.

I recently came across a handbook from when I was in the Performing Arts program at Minnesota Dance Theater. I was the “Level Rep” every year, starting at the tender age of nine. I guess telling everyone else what was on the calendar was part of my personality, even in fourth grade. During college, I was the secretary on the hall council, taking notes at high-level meetings about holiday decorating and pizza deliveries during finals. Junior year, I was a junior counselor shepherding a corridor of first-year students, even though I did not really have my own life together. I was a social worker and volunteered as an academic tutor after school. The fact anyone trusted me to help a precious child with math is terrifying. I’m hoping I didn’t set any of those kids back with all my well-intentioned help.

I have been the room parent during elementary school years, the

Art Adventure picture person for eight years, I ran a non-profit for many years with a friend, served on booster clubs, helped plan large and small scale church events, served meals at dozens of school and community events, been on planning committees for both my high school and college reunions, coordinated toy drives, done meal packing; I’ve tried it all. And I have absolutely cherished being a volunteer.

Volunteering never feels like work to me, it feels better. It feels like being a small thread in the community fabric in a way a paid position could never be. And I rarely seek out these positions. Rather, they somehow find me. Which is how I find myself in all sorts of unusual situations, often being forced to learn a completely new skill set.

My adult daughter works at St. Bartholomew’s school in Wayzata. She loves her job, and her co-workers, and hearing her highly animated stories about her experiences is one of my favorite shows these days.

When I heard they needed help in the library, I jumped at the chance. Surrounded by books? Sign me up. Did you know that the plastic that covers library books is attached by humans?

That’s my gig. I’m the human. The bonus is the wonderful staff there and the delightful students.

I recently learned Minnesota has one of the highest levels of volunteer participation in the country. So maybe it’s nature and nurture, and perhaps my youngest son had been socialized to feel that volunteering for every person every time is the norm.

There are plenty of “opportunities” I cheerfully pass on. I’ve watched our local high school beg for volunteers for the overnight graduation party. I delete those emails. I can’t imagine many worse posts than supervising an adolescent casino night at 2am with 900 seniors. Luckily, there is a volunteer position suited to everyone, and someone else will likely gladly cover that night. Good luck to them.

For now, I’m so enjoying my little book covering project. I’m not saving lives. But there is something satisfying knowing I may have prevented a tiny, sticky jam-filled hand from ruining a precious library book, so it lasts a bit longer for the next child to enjoy.

If an opportunity presents itself, try to volunteer. It pays so much better than all the other jobs.

Minded

COLUMN BY JEN FORTNER

Jen Fortner is a freelance writer who enjoys asking friends and strangers far too many questions. She spends her spare time sitting in inclement weather watching youth sports, traveling, cooking, and searching for the very best baked goods. She lives in Shorewood with her husband, three children and the most spoiled dog.

A Long-Standing

The right roof can protect your home for many years to come

ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI

While roofs take a beating in many parts of the country, it’s especially true in Minnesota, where winters can be harsh. Family-owned-and-operated Kaufman Roofing in Burnsville understands this well and takes steps to offer the highest quality roofing materials that will stand the test of time.

While asphalt shingle roofs are the most common and typically last 15 to 20 years, metal roofs are gaining in popularity. A standing seam metal roof is not only the ultimate deterrent to snow and ice, but also lasts 40 to 70 years. This makes it a great investment for any homeowner.

To offer this type of roof to customers, Kaufman Roofing invested in a state-of-the-art, standing-seam, panel rolling machine last year that enables them to create various standing-seam panels, including curved options.

“Investing in our own machine really sets us apart because we have more quality control and it eliminates the middleman, allowing for faster turnaround times,” says Elijah Deutsch, a fifth-generation family member and director of metal operations. “All of the flashing and components that go with a metal roof are all made in-house with the same metal and same color as your roof, so everything matches and fits perfectly.” The ability to custom fabricate the metal roof panels, as well as the components, removes many unnecessary costs.

CONTINUED >

So, what is a standing seam roof? “A standing seam roof comes in a coil, and then we have the ability to fabricate up to four different profiles of panels with our standing seam machine,” says Tom Kaufman, a fourth-generation family member and COO. “It consists of long panels where it’s one piece from the bottom edge all the way up to the ridge, so there are no seams. And, with our panel machine, the fasteners are concealed too, so you don’t have exposed screws like you would with a big box store panel.”

The company, which was started by Kaufman’s great-grandfather in 1930, has always provided metal roofs, but not like this. “Roof systems have been constantly improving, so the panels of today are a lot more water and leak resistant versus the panels of the past,” says Elijah. “We use a solid 24-gauge sheet of metal made from better quality steel with a better finish on top that will provide up to 35 years of no chalking or fading.”

Kaufman’s standing seam metal roofs are custom-made to fit each home perfectly. Every panel is fabricated in-house to match the exact dimensions of the roof. The panels are secured with a concealed clip system, meaning there are no exposed screws. The vertical seams are then either mechanically locked or snapped tightly into place, creating a clean, modern look while forming a strong, watertight seal that helps protect the home from Minnesota’s toughest weather.

This is especially important for preventing ice dams, which can cause serious water leaks in a home. “Metal roofs help minimize ice dams from forming on your roof, which happens a lot in Minnesota,” says Tom. “Since metal is slippery, the snow sheds off metal roofs a lot easier, but even when an ice dam does form, it’s backing up on a solid sheet of metal and not underneath a shingle where there are nail heads.” These roofs are also more hail resistant.

More and more homeowners are requesting standing-seam panel roofs. “In addition to all the other benefits, it gives homes a more modern look. “You’re seeing it with a lot of these new construction homes,” says Elijah. “It’s a really nice complement while also giving that long-term investment where it’s very low maintenance.”

While upfront costs are higher for metal than for asphalt, the roof will pay for itself over the long term. “You can go through three asphalt roofs to one metal roof,” says Tom.

“Our company has been around for almost 100 years, and we’re very well-known and trusted. Clients appreciate that we design and custom fabricate our metal panels and components in our own shop.”

In addition to standing seam metal roofs, its facility can produce a wide range of products, including flashing components, gutters, and items requiring intricate architectural metal work. They can even produce replicas of materials for historically preserved homes. “If you can draw it, we can almost always make it,” says Tom.

“Many higher-end neighborhood homes feature copper gutters and accent roofs, so we can do copper inlaid gutters, custom copper gutters, and a lot of things that other companies can’t do.”

While Kaufman Roofing primarily installs asphalt shingle roofs, other more premium options besides metal include slate and tile, as well as composite and shake, which are increasing in demand.

“Our company has been around for almost 100 years, and we’re very well-known and trusted,” says Tom. “Clients appreciate that we design and custom fabricate our metal panels and components in our own shop. That level of in-house craftsmanship allows us to precisely fit each system to the specific demands of the roof; not the other way around.”

To find out more about metal and other types of roofing, go to KaufmanRoofing.com

ARTICLE BY GRAHAM JOHNSON

BOATING

Made EASY

“THE PATH TO BOAT OWNERSHIP OFTEN COMES WITH SIGNIFICANT HURDLES, BUT OUR TEAM IS SPECIFICALLY STRUCTURED TO CLEAR THEM FOR YOU.”

We have all dreamt it: soaking up the sun from the deck of a boat while the kids splash in the lake. But that dream of unplugging from technology, cool drink in hand, while hours float by unwatched, it can seem far away.

The realities of storage, winterization, transportation, financing, registration, and actually learning how to drive a boat can be hurdles to boat ownership, even before you know what kind of boat you’re actually looking for.

MARINEMAX MAKES FIRST-TIME BOATING EFFORTLESS, HELPING YOU MAKE THE SMARTEST INVESTMENT — QUALITY FAMILY TIME ON THE WATER.

It’s these hurdles that TJ Ortmann, General Manager at MarineMax, works to break down for customers so they can get to that lakeside destination and spend time with loved ones.

“The path to boat ownership often comes with significant hurdles, but our team is specifically structured to clear them for you,” says TJ.

MarineMax focuses on those hurdles by not simply being a retailer, but instead, acting as “lifestyle consultants” who help buyers navigate the entire boat-buying process.

“Instead of just showing inventory, we work to understand your lake goals to ensure the hull and layout fit your family’s specific needs,” explains TJ.

Are you trying to use the boat to fish?

How many passengers do you expect to carry?

How big of a boat can your car actually tow?

All of these questions shape what type of boat best works for your specific situation and purpose.

For first-time boat owners looking for that family boat, TJ recommends pontoons or dock boats.

“These models offer the best balance of stability, seating capacity, and ease of use for those just starting out,” says TJ.

Another feature for family boats is dedicated shade. A large Bimini top or hardtop can provide sanctuary when you have soaked up too much of that summer sun. It can keep you cool on warm days and not have you fleeing the lake when you forget the sunscreen.

Other features, like an onboard bathroom, also known as a head, can be a way to extend your time in the sun.

TJ also recommends seating with “flipflop” backrests that can face both forward or backward, so passengers can see where the boat is going while moving and watch swimmers behind the boat while stopped.

Just as important as any feature is how the boat feels to drive. Being able to take boats for a demo run before committing alleviates uncertainty, especially for firsttime buyers.

“Testing the boat on the water with your actual family ensures the layout and handling meet your specific needs,” says TJ.

Beyond the specifics of the boat itself, MarineMax’s other services keep boat owners’ focus on that quality time, instead of being bogged down in the details. MarineMax can cut through the noise by providing wraparound services like winterization and shrink-wrapping, as well as secure storage.

Financing, insurance, and registration are all done in-house, “turning what could be a month-long headache into a streamlined, one-stop process,” says TJ.

When it comes to education, TJ specifically recommends MarineMax’s ‘Women on Water’ and ‘Boating 101’ classes, which “ensure every family member feels safe and capable behind the wheel.”

Beyond the classes, TJ’s first tip for new boat captains is “slow is pro.”

“Speed is rarely your friend when learning to dock at a busy marina, and small, patient movements are key to a stress-free return,” advises TJ.

Minnesota has a rich tradition of boating, from the founding of water skiing in Lake City in 1922 to the invention of the pontoon boat in Richmond, Minnesota, in 1951.

CONTINUED >

TJ’S FIRST TIP FOR NEW BOAT CAPTAINS IS

“SLOW IS PRO.”

The boating season generally runs from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day. During that 105-day stretch, there are countless events around Lake Minnetonka that boaters won’t want to miss.

Excelsior Art on the Lake, a festival with artists showcasing their work all throughout Water Street, runs from June 13-14.

The best view of Excelsior’s Fourth of July fireworks is often from Lake Minnetonka itself, but long before the fireworks display, attendees can enjoy the Firecracker run, kids’ parade, and live music and activities throughout the day.

“Boating changes lives by starting and continuing traditions that bring everyone together with one common goal: to get on the water and make memories,” says TJ.

So dream no more!

Spend not a second longer staring longingly out the office window, lost in the daydream of lazy waves and summer sun.

The first step is as easy as asking MarineMax how best you can get out on the lake.

marinemax.com

Redefining MVP: TIM TEBOW’S LIFE BEYOND FOOTBALL

An exclusive Q&A with City Lifestyle

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

From championship trophies to global humanitarian impact, Tim Tebow’s journey has defied every standard playbook. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Tebow pulls back the curtain on the moments that truly defined him, from a humbling middle school church retreat to the life-altering shift of fatherhood. This isn’t just a look back at a career; it’s an invitation into the heart of a man driven by purpose. Read the highlights below, then join us for the full, unfiltered experience by scanning the QR code at the end.

Q: WE ALL KNOW YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD, BUT TELL US ABOUT THE CURL CONTEST.

A: I was competing for my future high school team (my brother’s team), and I pushed myself way past what was smart. I ended up collapsing and needing medical attention. But what stayed with me wasn’t the pain, it was the lesson. Would I be willing to do something that others aren’t? For much of my life, I strived to bring my best for a game, but I hope that I can say at the end of my life I was willing to do that for things that actually matter.

Q: YOU’VE ACHIEVED SO MUCH IN SPORTS. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT NOW?

A: Becoming a dad. Nothing compares. From the moment I knew my wife was pregnant, I felt a new depth of love for our child, but when you bring your baby home, the responsibility hits you like nothing else. Suddenly, everything you see, every decision you make, you’re asking, “Is this corner too sharp? What happens if she reaches that drawer?” It changes how you see the world and how you see other people.

Q: YOU’VE SPOKEN OPENLY ABOUT DISAPPOINTMENT, ESPECIALLY AROUND FOOTBALL. HOW DID THAT SEASON OF LIFE SHAPE YOU?

A: I talked a lot about that very thing in my book Shaken . We all go through moments where our faith in our abilities and purpose feels rattled, but I believe it’s often in those storms when God can show us who we could become.

Q: YOU TALK A LOT ABOUT COMPARISON CULTURE. WHY DO YOU BELIEVE COMPARISON HAS BECOME SUCH A TRAP TODAY?

A: Because we’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel. Social media shows people’s “best day,” often filtered and staged, and then we measure our reality against that. There’s a reason filters are so popular—it’s not real. We end up scrolling through images that don’t tell the full story, and without realizing it, comparison starts to steal our joy and our gratitude.

“We’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel... comparison starts to steal our joy.”

Q: YOUR FOUNDATION FOCUSES ON THE “MOST VULNERABLE.” WHERE DID THAT CALLING BEGIN?

A: When I was 15, I met a boy in the Philippines who was treated as a throwaway because he was born with physical differences. That moment changed me. I realized God was calling me to pursue a different kind of MVP, not “Most Valuable Player,” but “Most Vulnerable People.”

Q: FINALLY, WHAT’S ONE THING PEOPLE MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

A: I have some weird coffee habits, which include protein powder, collagen, and cream all mixed together. I love golf dates with my wife. And every night, I bring snacks to bed to share with our dogs. It brings me more joy than it probably should.

This conversation barely scratches the surface. Tim goes deeper into the moments that rattled him, the joys of fatherhood, and one story he has never shared publicly until now. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on Share the Lifestyle Podcast.

ARTICLE BY ALLISON SWAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Inquiring Chef

START WITH A VEGETABLE

Jess Smith is the founder of the popular food blog InquiringChef.com, which she started in 2010 after moving to Thailand with her husband. She explored Thai cuisine, took cooking classes, and documented her experiences on the blog. Over time, her passion for cooking grew, leading her to focus on quick, easy meals for families. Today, Inquiring Chef receives over 5 million page views annually and supports a small team. She shares new recipes weekly through email, her blog, and social media, helping home cooks simplify mealtime without sacrificing flavor.

Smith is now an author. Her debut cookbook,  Start with a Vegetable, published in 2025 reimagines meal planning by putting vegetables at the center of the plate.

“Start with a Vegetable was the result of a natural transition in the way I started thinking about preparing dinner for my family. At the end of a busy day, I often didn't have the energy to think about dinner in parts by preparing a separate protein, vegetable, and starch,” says Smith. “I realized that if I put a vegetable at the center of the dish, the rest was easy to fill in.”

The book features 100 flexible recipes proving vegetables aren’t just a side—they’re key to simple, satisfying meals.

As chief recipe developer for the Cook Smarts meal-planning app, Smith worked closely with families struggling to get dinner on the table. She noticed a common challenge: people wanted to eat more vegetables but didn’t know how to build meals around them.

“As I started planning and testing recipes for the book, I just loved how easy it made dinnertime feel. Are there carrots in the fridge? Here are a bunch of ways to turn them into dinner. Nearly all of the 100 recipes are complete meals and include easy swaps to make them vegetarian. The book is truly flexitarian, with vegetable-forward recipes for all types of eaters.”

Unlike most cookbooks,  Start with a Vegetable is organized by ingredient. Each chapter focuses on a different vegetable, offering multiple ways to turn it into a meal.

“The concept is resonating with many readers who tell me they love that the chapters are organized by vegetable, making it easy to use whatever they have on hand.”

Smith went through a rigorous testing process, starting with over 300 ideas before narrowing them down to 100.

“I always have running lists of recipe ideas. I started sorting recipes into categories, making sure there was variety for each vegetable. I wanted different cooking methods and types of dishes, so each chapter might have a soup, a salad, a roasted dish, a stove-top dish, and a sandwich or pasta.”

After perfecting the recipes in her own kitchen, she passed them to a trusted friend, an everyday home cook, to ensure they worked under realworld conditions.

“I want to know how these recipes worked for a home cook who was shopping at regular grocery stores and trying to make dinner for a family on a weeknight. She sends me feedback on any ingredients that are hard to find, anything that is unclear in the recipe, and tracks how long it takes her to make it with real-life interruptions.”

To further refine the book, Smith enlisted 30 volunteer home cooks through Instagram and her email list to test the recipes.

“My goal was to ensure that the recipes in this book are reliable, easy, and adaptable. I wanted this to be a cookbook for real home cooks. I'm so grateful to that team of volunteers for helping to ensure that it is.”

To order a copy of the cookbook visit:  InquiringChef.com

CITRUS, CARROT, AND CHICKPEA COUSCOUS

Sweet carrots and tart cranberries complement each other in every bite of this tangy couscous. It makes a light meal on its own but becomes a showstopper when spread on a platter and topped with braised meat, roasted cauliflower steaks, or seared tofu.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound carrots

• one 15½-ounce can chickpeas

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 1½ teaspoons ground cumin

• ½ teaspoon ground ginger

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for boiling

• ½ cup orange juice

• 1 cup water

• 1 cup dry regular or whole wheat couscous

• ⅓ cup sliced almonds

• 1 lemon

• ½ cup dried cranberries

• chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Directions:

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 425°F

Step 2. Peel the carrots and slice them diagonally into 1-inch ovals. Drain and rinse the chickpeas

Step 3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the carrots and chickpeas with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, cumin, ginger, dried thyme, and ½ teaspoon of the salt, coating evenly.

Step 4. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the seasoned veggies and chickpeas on it in an even layer.

Step 5. Bake until the carrots become tender, 25 to 30 minutes. Stir halfway through cooking.

Step 6. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan over high heat, combine the orange juice, water, and ½ teaspoon of salt. When the mixture begins to boil, remove it from the heat, stir in the couscous, cover, and let stand for 5 minutes.

Step 7. When the carrots become tender, sprinkle the almonds on them and continue baking until the almonds lightly toast, 4 to 5 more minutes.

Step 8. Juice the lemon for 1 tablespoon fresh juice.

Step 9. In the same mixing bowl used to season the veggies, whisk together the lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and the cranberries.

Step 10. Fluff the couscous with a fork and add it to the carrots, chickpeas, and almonds. Stir well to combine.

Step 11. Serve warm or refrigerate for 30 minutes and serve chilled. Just before serving, stir in the parsley.

APRIL 11TH

Excelsior Putting Challenge

Water Street, Excelsior | 10:00 AM

To coincide with one of golf's biggest events, the Masters, several Excelsior businesses on Water Street will be hosting a putting challenge! Pick up a score card from a participating business and get a stamp on your card. Visit multiple locations and turn in your score card to be entered in a prize drawing. It will be a par-tee on Water Street!

APRIL 11TH

Victoria Home Show

Victoria Recreation Center | 10:00 AM

The Victoria Home Show is your one-stop destination to get inspired and connected with the Twin Cities’ top home improvement pros. One day only from 10am-4pm, 150+ experts come together all under one roof to help you with any home improvement project - big or small - inside your home or out. There will also be giveaways and prizes throughout the day. minnesotahomeshows.com

APRIL 17TH

Tax Optimization Seminar with Green Wealth Management

Green Wealth Management Office, 701 Lake St. E, Suite 200, Wayzata | 8:00 AM

Tax season is upon us. And Sean Wenham, Wealth Advisor at Green Wealth Management, is here to help it go smoothly. As part of Green Wealth Management's year-long Understanding Wealth educational series, designed to help you make thoughtful decisions with greater confidence, Sean and his team invite you to April's seminar: "Tax Optimization." Learn how to optimize your taxes and register at greenwmg.com/understanding-wealth/

APRIL 24TH-26TH

Twin Cities Home Expo

Minneapolis Convention Center | 10:00 AM

This comprehensive home show brings together homeowners and the most knowledgeable and experienced remodeling and building experts in the Twin Cities. Explore every aspect of the home, from the smallest design detail to the largest house addition. See the latest innovations and design trends with professionals on hand to help bring your ideas to life or inspire you with new ones. homeshowcenter.com/overview/minneapolishome3

APRIL 24TH

Spring Soirée

Camp Fire Minnesota | 6:00 PM

The Spring Soirée brings together the people, businesses, and creativity that make the Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka community shine. Members from the community take the runway, modeling looks from local retailers, set against live music and dance performances by local talent. Sip, socialize, and explore a curated Taste of Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka cocktail hour, enjoy immersive entertainment, and support meaningful causes all in one unforgettable night out.

APRIL 25TH

Season Opening of Cars and Caves Auto Show

Chanhassen AutoPlex | 9:00 AM

You're invited to the most unique car show anywhere in Minnesota, with the season opening of Cars and Caves auto show! The Chanhassen AutoPlex is known around the world for their amazing car condos. From 9am-1pm, come peruse beautiful classics, collectors, muscle, antiques, street rods, exotic vehicles, and vintage motorcycles. The event is free! Coffee, beverages, and food are available for purchase. chanhassenautoplex.com/cars-and-caves/