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There’s something deeply formative about growing up around men who lead with integrity. It isn’t always something you recognize in the moment, but over time it shapes the way you understand what truly matters.

For me, that has always been found in the men I grew up around. The ones who didn’t need recognition to lead, who showed up day after day with a steady presence, a strong sense of right and wrong, and an unwavering commitment to the people around them. They taught not through grand speeches, but through action, through consistency, humility, and the kind of integrity that speaks for itself.
They were the kind of men who understood that strength isn’t about volume or control, but about steadiness. About being someone others can rely on. About doing what’s right, even when no one is watching. And in that, they shaped not only the homes they were part of, but the people they worked with and the communities that surrounded them.
Growing up with that example leaves a mark. It creates a lens through which you see leadership, not as authority, but as responsibility. Not as power, but as presence. It teaches you that the strongest people are often the ones who listen more than they speak, who lead with both conviction and compassion, and who understand that true influence is built quietly, over time.
There’s something deeply grounding about knowing that kind of strength. The kind rooted not in ego, but in character. The kind that holds steady in moments of uncertainty and rises gently to meet whatever is asked of it.
In this Gentleman’s Issue, we honor the men who embody that spirit. Those who lead with intention, who give more than they take, and who continue to shape the world around them in ways both seen and unseen. Because real strength doesn’t demand attention. It earns respect, builds trust, and leaves something lasting behind.

PUBLISHER
Desiree Gustafson | desiree.gustafson@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Shen Wu Tan | shenwu.tan@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Adriana Karagozian, Shen Wu Tan
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
E.T.C. Photography, Monica Jean Photography, Edgar Morales Photography, Karalyn Radford Photography, Troy Sinatra
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas












Two







1: Four





Veterinary Specialists held their 2026 Spring CE event. 2: The beginning stages of a pond construction project in Northern Colorado by Oak
Design 3:
Vet Specialists' Dr.
discusses anesthesia concerns during an educational event. 4:
held its 2026 annual meeting at Embassy Suites in Loveland 5: A curated cider and bruschetta pairing experience with Sweet
Winery's master cider maker, Brent 6: Alexis Marchiani of The Injection Room working on a client 7: Wally's Speed Shop completed a full paint and body job on a 1974 Plymouth Satellite.






8: Poudre Valley REA pictured with its grand prize winner of a $3,000 travel voucher 9: NOCO Unify’s Down & Derby Party lit up Northern Colorado, bringing big energy, bold generosity, and a powerful community together to create lasting impact for local youth. 10: Pop & Sip Boba at the Windsor Polar Plunge 11: NOCO Unify’s Down & Derby Party lit up Northern Colorado, bringing big energy, bold generosity, and a powerful community together to create lasting impact for local youth. 12: NOCO Unify’s Down & Derby Party lit up Northern Colorado, bringing big energy, bold generosity, and a powerful community together to create lasting impact for local youth. 13: NOCO Unify’s Down & Derby Party lit up Northern Colorado, bringing big energy, bold generosity, and a powerful community together to create lasting impact for local youth.



14: NOCO Unify’s Down & Derby Party lit up Northern Colorado, bringing big energy, bold generosity, and a powerful community together to create lasting impact for local youth. 15: NOCO Unify’s Down & Derby Party lit up Northern Colorado, bringing big energy, bold generosity, and a powerful community together to create lasting impact for local youth. 16: Visitors of PLUNJ Loveland took the cold plunge together.
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One year of Pop & Sip Boba. In just 365 days, we’ve served 1,226 amazing customers, attended 37 events, and rolled over 300 pounds of boba. What started as a dream turned into something bigger than we ever imagined, because of YOU. Thank you for supporting local, showing up, and sipping with us along the way. We can’t wait for another year of serving our community, making new friends, and creating something special together. Cheers to year two! - Pop & Sip Boba
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Congratulations to Sweet Heart Winery for being named as one of the best U.S. wineries in 2026 by The Scout Guide! This honor follows the winery's recognition as one of the top 10 wineries in the U.S. last year. “To be recognized nationally, two years in a row, validates not only the quality of our wines, but the experiences we create for people to connect," said Charles Oster, CEO of Sweet Heart Brands.
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Where Golfers Train With Purpose. SimLab Golf combines advanced Trackman IO simulators with high-speed cameras to deliver real-time swing analysis and side-byside comparisons with professional golfers. Players can finally see what their swing is doing and how to improve. SimLab will also feature one of the largest advanced indoor putting simulators in the country, plus flexible co-working space designed for busy lifestyles, allowing parents to work while their teens train.
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ARTICLE BY ADRIANA KARAGOZIAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONICA JEAN PHOTOGRAPHY
“THOUSANDS OF KIDS HAVE WALKED THROUGH THESE DOORS. WE'VE HELPED SO MANY GET ON THE RIGHT PATH, HELPED THEM GET THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL.”
AJ Vasquez’s story is one of redemption, faith, loss, purpose, and the kind of foundation that can only be built when a man allows God to rebuild him from the inside out.
Before the Mexica Center became a place of mentorship, recovery, boxing, and hope, AJ was walking through his own transformation. After years connected to street culture, he found himself carrying influence in a world that had once shaped him.
But something deeper began to stir.
INSIDE THE MEXICA CENTER, AJ VASQUEZ IS BUILDING A FOUNDATION OF FAITH, MENTORSHIP, RECOVERY, AND SECOND CHANCES.




Through the loss of his son, a voice appeared to a man who knew nothing of faith. In this unimaginable grief, AJ found God and understood how faith could lead to his ultimate purpose, to help those in his community find their path.
He realized, “I know I could do something bigger and better. I had this gym that was just flourishing. It was always packed.”
What began as boxing became a vision.
“I was being shown this picture of so much more,” AJ reveals. The gym was never meant to be only about fighting.
“I started seeing this mentorship part of it. I started seeing a trade program. I started seeing a recovery program.”
From that place of loss, faith became the rock beneath everything he built. “Two years after my son died, I went from a for-profit gym into a nonprofit. That's when the community center started happening in this small, 1,000-square-foot building,” AJ speaks openly. God is the reason he is still standing, the voice he follows, and the source of his calling.
Today, the Mexica Center and Azteca Boxing reach far beyond athletics. They serve young people, families, those in recovery, and those looking for a way forward. “Thousands of kids have walked through these doors. We've helped so many get on the right path, helped them get through high school. We've helped so many get through college.”
Through Breaking Chains, the center also helps people find freedom from addiction. AJ never resonated with the “Once an addict, always an addict” belief system. “I believe we can be free from that. We have a recovery program called Breaking Chains, and the curriculum we use is called One Step to Freedom.”
AJ’s mission is built one life at a time. As his mentor told him, “This is our job. You and me are walking on a beach, and we see a million starfish washed up ashore. We can run out there, and we can try to throw every one of them back in the water, but we're never going to get to the end. Our job is just to get to one. Let's just focus on one at a time.”
For AJ, that is the foundation: faith first, purpose next, and the courage to reach for one life at a time.
“I WAS BEING SHOWN THIS PICTURE OF SO MUCH MORE.”


AJ Vasquez, founder & executive director of the Mexica Center and head coach of Azteca Boxing, has transformed personal loss, faith, and hard-earned life experience into a mission of redemption. What began as a boxing gym became a community center rooted in mentorship, recovery, trades, and second chances. Through the Mexica Center and Azteca Boxing, AJ helps youth, families, and those in recovery find freedom, purpose, and direction. His work is a powerful reminder that one life changed can change generations.

Two pours balancing richness and brightness, blending spice, soul, and intention into every layered sip.
RECIPES BY EDGAR MORALES
PHOTOGRAPHY BY EDGAR MORALES PHOTOGRAPHY
Holy Molé Old Fashioned
Ingredients:
• 2 oz of 477 Bourbon
• 0.75 oz of 477 Coffee Spirit
• 0.75 oz of Guajillo Chile
Infused Syrup
• 3 dashes of saline salt solution
• 1 dash of black walnut bitters
• 1 dash of Angostura bitters
Directions:
Add all ingredients to a whiskey glass and stir, adding a large ice cube and orange twist for a garnish.
Ingredients:
• 1.5 oz of 477 Bourbon
• 1.5 oz of pineapple juice
• 0.5 oz of fresh lemon juice
• 0.75 oz of Guajillo Chile Infused Syrup
• (Optional - 0.5 oz of egg white)
Directions:
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker. Shake for 30-45 seconds, and strain into cocktail glass with desired ice cube. Garnish with a dried pineapple slice.
Ingredients:
• 500 grams of white sugar
• 500 grams of hot water
• 3-4 dried roasted guajillo chile peppers
Directions: Combine sugar and water, and stir until all sugar is dissolved. Throw your 3 to 4 guajillo peppers into a hot pan. Heat them until they are darkened but not burnt. Add your simple syrup and chiles into a blender, and blend for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Strain liquid through a sieve or cheesecloth into a container, and your syrup is ready to be used for cocktails.
Meet Your Mixologist
Edgar Morales is a proud native of Brush, Colorado, and serves as the general manager at 477 Distilling in Greeley. He is also a Northern Colorado food and beverage photographer. Edgar began his journey in the service industry at 15, building his career across various restaurants. His passion lies in hospitality, creating welcoming spaces and meaningful experiences. He is grateful to combine the two things he loves most: photography and being part of the cocktail scene.




MEN SHAPED BY DISCIPLINE AND HONOR, STRENGTHENING THE COMMUNITIES AROUND THEM

Jeff Metzger Founder & CEO of Projective Studios
Jeff Metzger has spent most of his career in design and construction — but Projective was built from a bigger idea: that people deserve to truly understand the spaces they're creating before they’re built.
To Jeff, buildings are never just structures. They shape how people live, work, gather, and experience the world. That belief drives everything at Projective, where clients walk their floor plans at full scale before a single wall goes up.
As founder and CEO of an early-stage company, Jeff owns every role. He leads with accountability, grit, and an unwavering focus on relationships. At its core, construction is a people business. Trust and communication aren't soft skills here; they're the foundation.
Inspired by his family, Jeff is building something that matters. His advice to others? Follow your passions, take the risk, and remember — everything you want is on the other side of fear.

Financial analyst at Layman Lewis Financial Group
Joshua Lewis didn’t originally plan on a career in financial services. Like many people, his path shifted. What began in a different direction eventually led him into financial planning after his wife, Alicia, alongside her dad, Chuck, launched Layman Lewis Financial Group. Fourteen years later, he’s still there—working with families who are either approaching retirement or already in it.
That experience has shaped how he sees both money and life.
“Most people think retirement is a straight line,” Joshua says. “You work, you save, and then one day everything just falls into place. But that’s not how it actually works.”
Instead, he sees people navigating uncertainty—markets that don’t cooperate, rising costs, and life events that rarely show up on schedule. The issue, he’s found, isn’t effort. It’s clarity.
“We spend a lot of time looking at the ‘what ifs,’” he explains. “Not to scare people, but to prepare for the reality that things won’t always go perfectly. The goal is to build a plan that still works even when something doesn’t.”
Rather than trying to predict markets or react to headlines, Joshua focuses on building a foundation—income, risk, and flexibility. The pieces that don’t rely on guesswork.
“I think people underestimate how powerful it is just to understand where their income is coming from,” he says. “When you have that clarity, a lot of the noise doesn’t hit the same way.”
That perspective comes from years of working closely with clients through both strong markets and difficult seasons.
“You get to be part of some really meaningful moments,” Joshua says. “It’s not just numbers—it’s people’s lives.”
Although his career didn’t follow the path he originally expected, Joshua doesn’t see that as a setback. If anything, it shaped his outlook.
“You don’t have to have everything figured out,” he says. “Sometimes learning what doesn’t work is just as important as getting it right.”
For him, the lesson is simple: focus on what you can control, build a plan that accounts for uncertainty, and keep moving forward—even when the path isn’t perfectly clear. Having a solid foundation in your financial plan gives you the opportunity to go out and enjoy all life has to offer.
Phil Hicks
For Phil Hicks, clarity and alignment act as essential building blocks for constructing a solid foundation. Organizations must clearly align their principles, purpose, and people — something his company, Sole Solutions , helps leaders to develop from the inside out.
With a “player-coach mindset” and a philosophy rooted in stewardship, Phil works alongside leaders to assist them to focus on what’s most important, simplify complex matters, and remain faithful to what’s entrusted to them.
“When leaders establish a foundation grounded in truth, integrity, and discipline, what they build is stronger, more resilient, and able to stand firm when faced with challenges,” Phil shares. “Strong organizations create strong communities.”
Guy McConnell
Find your passion. Follow your passion. Live your passion.
It's a philosophy that Guy McConnell of Grimm Brothers Brewing adheres to and advises others to follow.
“My job is fueled by my passion for this company and this brand,” says Guy, noting his link to Grimm Brothers Brewing’s beginnings. “My work philosophy is that work is where you spend most of your time, so don’t do it if you don’t love it.”
Guy’s passion for beer eventually steered him from the high-tech industry to a job at a brewery. His love for beer dates back to 1990 when he started home brewing his own beer in Huntsville, Alabama.
Michael Haren Founder & principal consultant of Sole Solutions Grimmbassador at Grimm Brothers Brewing Owner/founder of Iron Studio
Metal symbolizes strength and longevity. It’s often the sturdiest material, coupled with steel supports, for building a foundation.
“Most people have a gap where they need a solution,” says Michael Haren, owner of Iron Studio. “They need a tool to work faster, a railing to make their home worth more, or a beautiful piece of art to enjoy. We use metal to fill those gaps. We take raw steel and turn it into whatever makes your life better.”
For him, it’s not just about “welding metal.” It’s about crafting exactly what the customer wants.
“There is absolutely nothing as fulfilling as taking a vision from the mind and bringing it into physical reality.”




Owner & CEO of Mayer Plumbing
For Eddie Mayer, plumbing is more than a trade. It is the discipline of building something real, reliable, and lasting. As owner and CEO of Mayer Plumbing, Eddie was drawn to work that directly helps people, solving problems when comfort, safety, and everyday life depend on it.
His approach is simple and strong: do what you say you are going to do, and do it well. In plumbing, every lasting system begins with a solid foundation. From Eddie’s perspective, the same is true in business. Quality materials, clear communication, integrity, consistency, and standing behind the work are the principles that allow trust to grow.
Eddie’s work serves the community by providing clean water, sanitation, and safe systems people can depend on without a second thought. Driven by family, responsibility, and the desire to build something meaningful, he believes reputation is everything. Eddie encourages young people to learn a trade, stay disciplined, work hard, and focus on creating a future with lasting value.

Co-owners of Lighthouse Family Mortuary
Families in mourning naturally turn to Ziyad Zakaria (“Zak”) and Christopher Mayhue, co-owners of Lighthouse Family Mortuary, to be their rocks during difficult times of loss and transition.
“Every person grieves differently,” Zak reflects. “And I feel like our job is to be that foundation for them…. We’re here for them.”
Men of faith, Zak’s and Chris’ cores are grounded in their church and their loving relationships to God and family, something they both enjoy sharing with everyone who walks through Lighthouse’s doors.
Prior to the mortuary, both Zak and Chris worked in law enforcement and at the Weld County Coroner’s Office. The two have dedicated their whole lives to providing service to others.
“Our foundation is service before self,” Chris says. “And this is how we are able to serve others in a way that is truly meaningful, plus we don’t have to wear body armor anymore.”
For the two of them, operating a business isn’t about making money. It’s about spreading love, care, and comfort through faith, empathy, and understanding.







A bold, herbaceous cocktail balancing citrus brightness, bittersweet depth, and warm bourbon richness

The Ruby Leaf is essentially a cross between a Boulevardier and a Negroni, with an herbal, citrusy twist. The bourbon’s notes of burnt sugar and oak are cut by the tart bitterness of the Carpano. When combined with lemon and the herbaceous Amaro Nonino, you’re left with a savory, slow sipping libation. Imagine a spiced lemon cake covered in chocolate and booze.
• 2 oz Four Roses Bourbon
• .25 oz Carpano
• .25 oz fresh lemon juice
• .25 oz Amaro Nonino
• 2 dashes of orange bitters
• 1 sprig of rosemary
Directions:
Add all ingredients, including the rosemary, to a shaker filled with ice. Shake for 20 seconds. Double strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig to open the nose.
Hailing from Long Island, New York, Troy Sinatra is an independent restaurant and bar curator, specializing in original, craft cocktail and small plate menus. He has successfully built numerous bar programs, locally and nationally. He has also customized countless weddings, birthday parties, anniversaries, and other special occasions, with heavy focus on providing a customized, elegant, one-of-a-kind experience. Troy is available for private events, menu and restaurant curation, digital design, and many other services. troysinatra1@gmail.com











ARTICLE BY CELESTINA MENARD, OWNER OF SAGE SPEAKEASY & LOUNGE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONICA JEAN PHOTOGRAPHY, E.T.C. PHOTOGRAPHY
Tucked behind velvet shadows and softened gold light, there is a room at Sage Speakeasy & Lounge where time slows—not for indulgence, but for intention.
Leather chairs anchor the space. Conversations lower. Glass meets table with purpose. This is not where you come to be seen. This is where you arrive when you already are.
At the center of it all sits the Kyoto Reverence—a reimagined Old Fashioned that trades excess for precision.
Crafted with Suntory Toki Whisky, the foundation is unmistakably Japanese: clean, balanced, and disciplined. A whisper of Bénédictine lends depth without weight, while yuzu honey syrup introduces a restrained brightness—citrus, but elevated. Finished with layered bitters and expressed over a single large cube, it doesn’t demand attention. It earns it.
This is not a drink built for trends. It is built for presence.
THE KYOTO REVERENCE
Silky Japanese Toki whisky and Bénédictine mingle with bright yuzu honey and aromatic bitters, finished with a dried lemon for an elegant, citrus-lifted Old Fashioned that is both delicate and bold.
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 oz Suntory Toki Whisky
• ¼ oz Bénédictine
• ¼ oz Yuzu Honey Syrup
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• 1 dash orange bitters
DIRECTIONS:
Mix all ingredients together in a cocktail shaker, and strain over a large ice cube in a short glass. Garnish with a dried lemon slice.
Celestina Menard is the visionary behind Sage Speakeasy & Lounge, an upscale cocktail destination in Loveland, Colorado, where innovation meets her tenacity to try something new. With a passion for creating memorable experiences, Sage blends timeless technique with modern creativity, reconnecting people in an atmosphere that feels both intimate and elegant. Through every detail and bold concept, Sage is more than a cocktail lounge. It’s a brand defined by sophistication, unforgettable moments, and the belief that every pour tells a story. So, come on down… what’s your story?



AN EXCERPT FROM EPISODE 6 OF SHARE THE LIFESTYLE, A CITY LIFESTYLE PODCAST
Photographer: Brittany Dawn Short
Creative Director: Jen Birn
Stylist: Stephanie Coultress O’Neill
Location: Hotel Saint Cecilia, Austin, TX
MIKE JOHNSON HAS BUILT HIS LIFE AROUND ONE QUIETLY RADICAL IDEA: THE STANDARD YOU SET PRIVATELY IS THE ONLY ONE THAT MATTERS.
After eight years in the Air Force, a celebrated run on national television, and a health crisis abroad that sent him deep into supply chains and ingredient certifications most founders never touch, the result is Oshun — a luxury ritual brand built on provenance you can trace and integrity you can verify. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Mike shares what it actually takes to build something worth putting your name on. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full episode.
Q: YOU BECAME A FAN FAVORITE ON THE BACHELORETTE AND THEN LEFT THE SPOTLIGHT. YOU MOVED TO MEXICO, LEARNED SPANISH, THEN COSTA RICA, AND BUILT A COMPANY. WHAT DID THAT EXPERIENCE TEACH YOU ABOUT HUMAN BEHAVIOR?
A: “If you’re a good person going in, that shows. If you’re not, that shows too. I also learned that people form this parasocial relationship with you — they assume things about you. When in all actuality, different circumstances bring out different parts of who you are. I was on TV trying to find love. The kindness people were showing after felt a bit fake, because they wanted to be a part of something that isn’t who I am individually, but a part of what they saw on TV. And so I had to get away from everybody and everything and the noise.”


“Too many people have prayed for me. So I’ve got to get up and do the walking.”
— Mike Johnson

Q: YOU JOINED THE AIR FORCE RIGHT OUT OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE. WHAT WERE YOU ACTUALLY RUNNING TOWARD?
A: “There was something in me that was saying: I’m not living up to my full potential. I was being a follower. My uncle said, ‘What’s going to make you become an adult the fastest?’ I said, obviously, the military. The Air Force broadened my thought process more than anything. We’re so caught up in our own perception — when you learn to understand different people’s perspectives, it adds to you in so many ways.”
Q: WITH OSHUN, YOU OWN YOUR MANUFACTURING, YOU EMPLOY A CHEMIST, EVERY PRODUCT HAS A BATCH NUMBER TRACEABLE TO ITS ORIGIN DATE. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GO THAT DEEP WITH THE BRAND?
A: “The EU bans 1,100 ingredients in personal care products. The U.S. bans nine. That’s my starting point. Oftentimes, it might be the same ingredient, but it comes from a place where it doesn’t have the highest purity. And 60% of what we put on our skin is absorbed. Every product Oshun makes carries a batch number that goes back to the exact day it was created — I can show you every single supplier, the date, the origin. I own more than one part of the supply chain because that’s the only way I can stand behind what’s in the bottle.”
This conversation is just the beginning. Mike goes deeper into why he’s buying land up north, the family in the Philippines who prayed over his factory floor, and what he’d tell every person ready to stop performing and start building. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle podcast.

MULTIPLE DATES & TIMES AVAILABLE
5865 Sky Pond Dr., Loveland, CO
Join us for summer fun at Olive & Herb, where flavor meets creativity! From our lively Tacos & Tequila class on June 12th to a mouthwatering BBQ experience on June 27th, there’s something to spark every inner chef. Grab a friend, learn something new, and enjoy a delicious night out. Explore our upcoming classes and events on our webpage! https://oliveherbco.com/
Berthoud Town Park, 200 N. 7th St., Berthoud, CO 80513 | 8:45 AM
Join the community June 6, 2026 at Town Park for Berthoud Day, one of the most beloved traditions in Berthoud! This annual celebration brings residents, businesses, and visitors together for a full day of family-friendly fun, local pride, and hometown charm in beautiful Town Park.






JUNE 6TH
Johnstown BBQ Day
Downtown Johnstown | 7:00 AM
Join us for Johnstown BBQ Day, a fun-filled, family-friendly celebration of great food and community spirit! Enjoy delicious barbecue from local vendors, live music, and a variety of booths, featuring local businesses and artisans. Kids can take part in games, activities, and treats designed just for them. Bring your family, meet your neighbors, and spend the day enjoying a relaxed, welcoming summer event full of flavor and fun.
JUNE 13TH
The Foundry Plaza, Loveland, CO 80537 | 8:00 AM
FREE all-ages & all-levels yoga classes at The Foundry Plaza! Bring your own yoga mat, water bottle, and props if desired. Registration not required for these events. Saturday mornings | June 13 - August 29. Yoga Flow | 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM. Gentle Yoga | 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
JUNE 27TH
Associated Veterans of Loveland, 305 N. Cleveland Ave., Loveland, CO 80537 | 3:00 PM
Join us for a lobster tail dinner hosted by the Associated Vets Club. Enjoy good food & live music. Have some fun!

Build strength, flexibility and resilience to respond to the demands of your life
Also offering massage, reiki, thai massage, oracle card readings and ayurvedic consultations in our tranquil Healing Nest




