Maple Grove, MN April 2026

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Apparently This Was the Plan All Along

When I was eight years old, I had a very clear career plan.

Backyard explorer.

Business owner.

Astronaut.

The plan felt flexible.

I spent a respectable amount of time crafting bows from weeds, debating Ninja Turtle leadership strategy, and being completely confident in ideas that weren’t fully thought through.

NASA never called. Maple Grove did.

Fast forward a few decades, and somehow I am writing the Lifestyle Letter for an Investment Issue. It feels both unexpected and strangely fitting.

The more I read these stories, the more I realize investment rarely starts with certainty. It starts with imagination. With curiosity. With the willingness to say yes before you know how it ends.

Women investing courage at the momboss 5K.

Entrepreneurs investing bold ideas at Loon’s Lair.

Neighbors investing time into gardens, parades, classrooms, and community.

One year ago, Annie and I invested in this magazine. There wasn’t a master plan. Just belief, deadlines, and a slightly unreasonable amount of optimism.

Fear showed up early. It usually does.

But here’s what I am learning.

Fear is not always a warning. Sometimes it is simply the entry fee.

This community invested in us long before there was proof. That kind of return compounds.

Small investments grow.

Year one is in the books.

Apparently, the plan was never as random as it felt.

TIM DORAN, PUBLISHER @MAPLEGROVECITYLIFESTYLE

PUBLISHER

Tim Doran | tim.doran@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Annie Doran | annie.doran@citylifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Ryan Siemers Photography | rps@ryansiemers.com

STAFF WRITER

Amanda Busby | Amanda@amandabusbyinc.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

KIRA ASHE LLC | kiraasheagency@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Angela Broockerd, Amy Gale Maloney

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Harry Vue Media, Irina Partyka Photography, Jackie Adelmann Photography, Jenna Oxford, Tracy Walsh Photos April 2026

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

Proverbs 3:5-6

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1-5: On February 7, the Maple Grove Polar Plunge once again brought the community together for a bold leap into icy waters in support of the Paralympics. What began nearly two decades ago has grown into powerful local tradition. Over its 18-year history, the Maple Grove Plunge has raised more than $2,768,244. In 2025 alone, 833 courageous Plungers raised an impressive $278,583. Each splash represents more than just a thrill. It reflects generosity, unity, and Maple Grove’s deep commitment to empowering athletes and celebrating perseverance through sport. www.plungemn.org 6-7: The I-94 Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual State of the City event, bringing together local businesses including Magnifi Financial, members of BNI, and other community leaders. The mayor and city officials shared important updates on upcoming projects, economic development, and plans shaping the future of Maple Grove.

8: The I-94 Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual State of the City event, bringing together local businesses including Magnifi Financial, members of BNI, and other community leaders. The mayor and city officials shared important updates on upcoming projects, economic development, and plans shaping the future of Maple Grove. 9-12: The First Annual Mayor’s Ice Fishing Tournament, hosted by the Maple Grove Lions and Experience Maple Grove, brought anglers of all ages to North Arbor Lake for a morning of fun and competition. Participants competed for $5,000 in cash and prizes, celebrating community spirit outdoors.

WHERE ADVENTURE AWAITS!

Experience Minnesota’s first and only indoor slide park, offering exhilarating fun for all ages. Our state-of-the-art facility features 14 massive slides, air courts for basketball and dodgeball, a zipline, trapeze, and a five-level play area. Perfect for birthday parties, group events, or a day of family fun.

Experience the action today! (713) 540-2184 SlickCity.com/mn-maple-grove 10900 Fountains Drive, Suite 130 Maple Grove

Individual Therapy

Child & Adolescent Therapy

Family & Couples Therapy

Telehealth

Individual

Parenting Support

business monthly

ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES

Slick City Grows Beyond Maple Grove

Slick City Action Park recently celebrated the grand opening of its new Woodbury location, expanding its popular indoor slide and action park experience beyond Maple Grove. Doors officially opened to the public, followed by a ribbon cutting event that welcomed families, community leaders, and local supporters. The new location brings the same high energy attractions and all weather fun that have made Slick City a favorite destination for active entertainment.

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A Proven Leader in NW Metro Real Estate

Steven Milkovich is a trusted REALTOR® with nine years of experience and more than 838 homes sold across Maple Grove and the NW Twin Cities metro. Ranked in the top 5% of local agents, he is known for strong negotiation skills, deep community knowledge, and a personalized approach. Steven serves trade-up buyers, first-time buyers, and luxury clients, delivering results through strategic marketing, industry relationships, and a full-service client experience.

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The Art of Exterior Transformation

SMA Exteriors transforms ordinary homes into showstopping pieces of art with bold design, expert craftsmanship, and next-level exterior remodeling. From stunning siding and precision window installations to custom decks and full exterior upgrades, we blend innovation with lasting quality. Our passion is creating beautiful, high-impact results that elevate curb appeal, and help homeowners fall in love with their homes all over again!

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My journey from cleaning homes to publishing Maple Grove City Lifestyle

Turns Out Fear Was a Feature

The little decisions in life often turn out to be the big ones. You just don’t know it at the time.

For me, it started with my mom saying yes to a neighbor who needed help cleaning a few homes. With nine kids to raise, work was never just work. It was responsibility, survival, and love all wrapped together. She teamed up with her sister and called the business “Sisters in Grime,” which still makes me smile. Even now, the name feels like a snapshot of that season.

I helped in high school. Then more in college. Somewhere along the way, it stopped being helping and started becoming my world. When Annie and I got married in 2005, my mom and aunt began easing back from the cleaning work they had built over the years. A handful of clients remained, and I continued cleaning them myself. When Breanna was born the following summer, my perspective shifted. Supporting a family sharpens your focus. It changes how you measure risk. That’s when I began expanding what already existed, growing it carefully over time, one decision at a time.

Over the years, the business grew. At any given point, we had more than twenty employees, many part-time, coming and going as the work demanded. We expanded into cleaning churches, temples, and eventually nursing homes, where reliability mattered even more. Some clients stayed with us for fifteen years. Being invited into someone’s home is surprisingly intimate. You see routines, messes, milestones, ordinary life unfolding. You begin to understand people without many words. That kind of trust is not something I ever took lightly.

“Sometimes the things that scare you most are the ones that bring the greatest return.”

While cleaning, I listened to audiobooks. Hundreds of them. One book in particular, Built to Sell , stayed with me. I wasn’t listening because I planned to sell. At the time, I couldn’t imagine doing that. I remember thinking, “Sell? I’m never selling this.” It felt like my identity. But the book wasn’t really about exiting. It was about building something that could stand on its own. The idea that a business could be designed intentionally rather than simply endured unsettled me in a good way. I didn’t act on it then, but the question lingered.

As the business grew, many clients began to feel like family. Letting go of those relationships was one of the hardest parts of even considering a sale. The business had been my world for eighteen years. I gave it everything. I rarely took a real vacation. The only true breaks were camping trips in the Boundary Waters, mostly because there was no cell service. It turns out forced silence is an effective way to hear yourself think. By the early 2020s, I knew something needed to change. Not because I had fallen out of love with the work, but because I had given it everything I had to give. Managing people was meaningful, but it carried a cost for my family and for me. Growth always demands something in return.

Then one day, I received a call from a man named Manny. He asked whether I had ever considered selling the business. I didn’t take it seriously at first. But the conversation stayed with me longer than I expected. It felt less like a sales pitch and more like a door quietly opening.

Selling something I had built over eighteen years wasn’t a decision I rushed. Manny understood that. He had once owned a cleaning business himself and knew the work from the inside out. He helped organize my financials, clarified the process, and answered every question, even when fear made me ask the same ones more than once. Doubt followed me closely through the process. There were many moments when I was convinced I was making a mistake. Courage does not always feel strong. Sometimes it just feels steady.

In May of 2023, I finally said yes. Within a month, the business was sold. It moved quickly, but it did not feel careless. It felt deliberate. And when it was done, it felt freeing. In time, I understood it was the right next step for my business, for me, and for my family.

Some clients had become friends along the way, and one of them was Dave. We stayed in touch after the sale, not as

business owner and client, but simply as people who had shared a long chapter. When he later suggested I explore publishing, I listened. I’ve learned that the right opportunities often arrive through familiar voices.

So I made another decision that felt larger than I was ready for. I purchased the franchise rights to launch Maple Grove City Lifestyle in this territory. There was no existing publication waiting for me. No staff. No systems. Just a blank page and a deadline. And a quiet belief that it was worth building.

Buying the rights and building this publication from the ground up was far scarier than selling my business. There were months when I genuinely did not know whether all the work would ever make it to print. Now, one year later, that doubt is what makes this issue so meaningful. Making it past year one matters. It means the leap held. It means the work compounded.

That lesson fits naturally with this month’s Investment issue. The most meaningful investments are rarely obvious at the start. They are built slowly, tested by doubt, and rewarded by patience.

Looking back, I can say this clearly. That chapter only closed because I had the right guidance at the right time. Manny from Sunbelt Business Advisors did not just help sell a business. He helped me move forward when fear was loudest. Behind him was the broader Sunbelt and True North team, including more than forty professionals supporting the process with experience and care every step of the way.

Sometimes the things that scare you most are the ones that bring the greatest return. And sometimes, the right guide makes all the difference.

Sunbelt Business Advisors | 1300 Godward St NE #6000, Minneapolis | www.sunbeltmidwest.com

ARTICLE BY ANNIE DORAN PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

COVEY'S momboss 5K RACE

An empowering 5k in Plymouth uniting women of every season to move with purpose, build friendships, and champion female entrepreneurship.

“You are capable. You are not alone. And your presence matters.  When women move together, incredible things happen.”

On May 3, women from across the Twin Cities will gather in Plymouth for something far bigger than a typical race. The Covey Events momboss 5k is equal parts movement, marketplace, coffee, mimosas, music, and meaningful connections, designed to celebrate women in every season of life.

The event began with a simple vision: to create a space where women feel seen, celebrated, and connected. “Experiences should do more than entertain. They should build community and spark confidence,” Dre Barthel shares. What started as an idea has grown into a retreat-style race day that blends fitness, entrepreneurship, and encouragement into one vibrant, joy-filled morning.

The name “Covey” reflects the heart behind it. A covey is a small flock moving together with shared purpose. That image comes to life on race day as encouragement flows freely. No one runs or walks alone. Whether chasing a personal best, walking with a friend, or showing up bravely for the first time, each participant becomes part of something bigger.

The tone is intentionally welcoming. This is not about podiums. It is about participation. Walk, jog, twirl, race. Beginners are cheered just as loudly as seasoned runners, and many women arrive alone but leave with new friendships and renewed confidence. The goal is that every woman feels, “There is a place for me here.”

Beyond the finish line, the momboss market highlights women-owned businesses, and the momboss grant invests directly into female founders. “Impact should outlast the finish line,” Dre says.

More than medals or mile splits, success is measured in courage, connection, and community. We are Covey, and this event exists because they believe all women lead like a boss.

Ready to lace up and be part of something bigger? Register at momboss5k.com.

PLYMOUTH COMMUNITY CENTER | MAY 3, 2026 | 8:30AM- 12:00PM

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Investing in MAPLE GROVE

In Maple Grove, investment doesn’t always start with a check. More often, it begins with something simpler — showing up for your neighbors.

Across the city, neighbors are giving their time, talents, and financial support to strengthen the community fabric. From gardens and classrooms to citywide celebrations, these everyday investments create the ripple effect that keeps Maple Grove connected and thriving.

THE RIPPLE EFFECT OF SHOWING UP

For Jamie Rae Miller — mother of two, artist and owner of Lime Street Creative + Co, art instructor at the Maple Grove Community Center, Master Gardener volunteer, Maple Grove Arts Center advocate, and proud rescue dog mom — community investment can be deeply personal.

“I love how the ripple effect of kindness travels quickly throughout our neighborhoods when we invest some of our time and good energy into lifting those up around us,” Miller shares.

Through volunteer work with the Maple Grove Intergenerational Garden Club, community gardens, local schools, farmers markets, and neighborhood efforts, she helps both adults and children gain the confidence to grow their own gardens — and their connection to community.

Her impact extends indoors as well. Teaching art classes at the Maple Grove Community Center has opened the door to deeper relationships built through creativity.

CREATING BELONGING THROUGH SERVICE

For Brandon Vreeman, Board Member of the Maple Grove Community Organization, community investment comes down to one word: belonging.

“The ripple effect of kindness travels quickly throughout our neighborhoods when we invest our time and energy into lifting those around us.” — Jamie Rae Miller

THE POWER OF TIME, TALENT, AND TREASURE

ARTICLE BY AMY GALE MALONEY PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

“Building community is important to me because I want those around me to feel like they belong,” he says. “We’re each still a puzzle piece that creates a grander picture.”

Vreeman has served with the Maple Grove Community Organization since 2010 and led the group as president from 2020 through 2025. He has also coached youth basketball and volunteers regularly through his church, intentionally modeling service for his children.

THE WORK BEHIND A COMMUNITY CELEBRATION

Jason Pruhs, MGCO Committee Chair, sees community investment from the ground level of execution.

“I look at Maple Grove Days as a celebration of Maple Grove,” he says. “People may not know the hours that go into the events, but they know the fun they are having and the memories they are creating.”

Now in his 23rd year helping plan Maple Grove Days, Pruhs works year-round coordinating events including the Maple Grove Days Parade, the Halloween event at Weaver Lake Park, and Breakfast with Santa.

His perspective highlights a reality many residents don’t see: volunteer energy powers the events, but community sponsorship makes them possible.

“Events like Maple Grove Days are not cheap,” Pruhs notes. “We really do rely on the support of local businesses to put on the events around the city.”

THE ORGANIZATIONS BEHIND THE IMPACT

Volunteer-driven groups continue to anchor Maple Grove’s community spirit. The Maple Grove Community Organization produces Maple Grove Days. The Maple Grove Lions provide hands-on service and fundraising for local needs and youth programs. The Rotary Club of Maple Grove supports food security and community initiatives. Maple Grove Giving Connection ensures donated goods reach local families who need them most.

Investment isn’t just about dollars.

It’s about neighbors choosing, year after year, to build something meaningful together.

“People may not know the hours that go into the events, but they know the fun they are having and the memories they are creating.” — Jason Pruhs

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Fabulous Flatbread

This dish is from Chef Evon Profitt, the director of culinary operations for all of Westside Concepts in Arizona. This flatbread with grilled peaches, house-made rosemary paneer cheese, soppressata, fresh mint, and pistachios with a balsamic drizzle is to die for.

Grilled Peach Flatbread with House-Made Rosemary Paneer Cheese

Yield: 4 flatbreads

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 peaches cut into 8 pieces each

• 12 slices soppressata or any salami

• Fresh mint

• 1 tbsp. olive oil

• ¼ cup pistachios, chopped

• Balsamic reduction

• 4 baked naan bread

FOR THE PANEER CHEESE:

• 6 cups whole milk

• 2 tbsp. rice wine vinegar

• ½ tbsp. fresh rosemary, chopped

• 1 tsp. kosher salt

HOW TO MAKE PANEER CHEESE:

Paneer cheese is made by curdling milk using an acidic additive such as lemon juice or vinegar. Paneer cheese does not use any kind of rennet, nor fermentation or aging.

In a pot, bring 6 cups of whole milk to 200 degrees. Once milk has reached temp., stir in the 2 tbsp. of vinegar and turn off heat; milk will begin to separate. Allow milk to curd for 5 minutes, strain whey and curds into a cheesecloth-lined colander. Transfer curds to a mixing bowl and add chopped rosemary and 1 tsp. kosher salt, mix ingredients together, reserve the cheesecloth for the next step. Place the curds back into the cheesecloth, pull the corners of the cloth together, ring out excess whey from the curds, and hang for 30 minutes to continue draining. Once the curds have drained, place cheesecloth-wrapped curds back into the colander and place a heavy item on top, in order to press the curds into shape and press more of the whey from the cheese, for 3-4 hours. Use cheese fresh or keep refrigerated up to 4 days.

FLATBREAD:

Brush olive oil onto both sides of naan flatbread, and place in oven on rack for 10 minutes at 400 degrees, or grill for 2 minutes each side. Grill peach slices for 2 minutes each side, or place in oiled sauté pan till each side begins to caramelize. On a cutting board, lay flatbread down, and place grilled peach slices around flatbread. Take small pieces of Paneer cheese and place throughout over the peaches. Be creative and find place for the soppressata or salami of your choice. Garnish with crushed pistachios and torn fresh mint. Cut flatbread, transfer to serving plates, and drizzle with balsamic reduction.

“I love the use of fresh, locally sourced peaches, and giving people the chance to make an easy, versatile cheese at home with ingredients that many already have in their refrigerators and pantries.”

Developer

INVESTING IN YOURSELF

The Key to Intentional Growth

ARTICLE BY ERIK HAUGEN PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

When was the last time you invested in yourself? It seems like a simple question but 2 1/2 years ago I sat with it staring in my face. As I approached my 9-year anniversary at work, coming off leading one of the largest product launches in company history, I was suddenly faced with a restructure that resulted in being laid off. For nine years I had been a top performer, the problem solver, the one who simplified chaos. In an instant, it was gone.

Thankfully, I had leaders who cared about my development. Early in my career I learned that investing in a job makes the job important, while investing in yourself elevates your value. While some see a layoff as a negative season, for me it became an unexpected opportunity. Facing a career shift at 40 years old allowed me to realize an impactful three-tiered approach to investing in self that elevates all I do:

1.       Investment in self

2.       Investment in family/relationships

3.       Investment in discovering what’s next Investing in yourself may sound straightforward, yet it is often the most elusive, which is why it must come first. In a fast-paced world, our days are dictated by deliverables. Is your desire to complete tasks leaving your development in the dust? This can be in its simplest form tied to things like diet, sleep, and exercise while also extended into the ways we are growing emotionally, intellectually, and in our understanding of self.

Investing in family and relationships takes intention. There is a difference between being absent, showing up, and truly being present. Count how many times each day you follow a request with words like “quickly” or “fast” or “right away.”  What is your pace, and where are you giving your time and attention? Pursuing presence in the moment is a gift to both you and those you are around.

Finally, invest in “what’s next.” Many of us grew up seeing linear career paths, with parents or grandparents often working for a singular company with modest progression. Today, pensions and long-term loyalty are far less common. What if your “what’s next” became an ongoing conversation rather than a single decision?

How has this shaped my story? It has led me to pursue presence in everything I do. From time with my family, to coaching multiple youth sports, volunteering at church, and running a full-time coaching and consulting business that supports growing business leaders.

Imagine what it will do for you!

Intentionally invest in yourself, bet on yourself, and begin to see opportunities in a whole new light!

PROP Coaching and Consulting | erik@propcoachingand consulting.com | www.propcoachingandconsulting.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.

LOON’S LAIR TAKES FLIGHT

ENTREPRENEURS COMPETE FOR INVESTMENT AND VISIBILITY

If you have ever watched Shark Tank, you know the electricity in the room. Entrepreneurs step forward with bold ideas. Investors listen carefully. Big decisions unfold in real time. This spring, Maple Grove will host its own high energy version of that experience. It is called Loon’s Lair.

ARTICLE BY ANNIE DORAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY HARRY VUE MEDIA

Loon’s Lair is Minnesota’s premier entrepreneur pitch competition, presented by the India Chamber of Commerce MN. Designed as a high impact platform for innovation and investment, the event connects ambitious founders with capital, visibility, and influential networks. It is more than a stage. It is a launchpad for companies ready to grow.

Season two will take place at Central Park in Maple Grove, on May 22. The evening features a banquet style experience, where guests enjoy dinner as five to six finalists pitch their companies to a panel of five investors known as the “Loons.” Each entrepreneur has 15 minutes total, seven minutes to present and eight minutes for direct investor questions. The format is tight and intentional. Ideas must be clear. Financials must be solid. Vision must be compelling.

The name itself carries a clever Minnesota twist. Just as Shark Tank pairs an animal with a gathering place, Loon’s Lair draws from the state bird and reimagines the concept with local pride. Organizers set out to create a signature event that fuels entrepreneurship and brings business back to Minnesota.

That vision is already producing results. They gained visibility, credibility, and meaningful connections within Minnesota’s business community. The event demonstrated that serious capital and serious talent can meet right here at home.

What sets Loon’s Lair apart is its commitment to preparation and professionalism. Investors receive detailed financial packets in advance so their questions go beyond surface level and dig into strategy and scalability. Finalists also participate in a pre event luncheon, where experienced business leaders provide guidance and feedback to sharpen their presentations. By the time founders step onto the stage, they are ready.

The competition welcomes entrepreneurs at a variety of stages, from emerging startups to revenue generating companies. The

focus is on bold ideas, thoughtful execution, and scalability. By creating space for diverse founders, the event strengthens Minnesota’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

For guests, Loon’s Lair offers more than an evening of pitches. It creates opportunities for real conversation between investors, founders, and community leaders. Deals may begin under the spotlight, but partnerships often take shape in the conversations that follow.

There is also a meaningful community component. Five percent of every sponsorship is committed to giving back locally, with proceeds benefiting the Maple Grove Police Department, pending final confirmation. The event is designed not only to strengthen businesses, but to support the community they serve.

Ideas will be tested. Questions will be tough. Some founders may secure transformative investment. All will gain exposure and connection. For one evening, the spirit of Loon's Lair comes to life in a distinctly Minnesota way.

ABOUT THE FOUNDERS

Meet the dynamic duo behind Loon’s Lair: Aanchal Singhal, Associate Director of Enterprise Development and Innovation, and Shajive Jeganathan, President and Co-founder. Their vision, leadership, and energy have helped turn Loon’s Lair into one of Minnesota’s most exciting entrepreneurial events.

FAMILY TIME is the Best Investment

These simple, yet intentional ideas can make the best memories.

EAT DINNER TOGETHER AS A FAMILY.

This meaningful time around the table is where connections happen. Let everyone share good moments from the day or something they struggled with. Create a jar of conversation starters, exchange giggles and cook up something delicious.

CREATE SURPRISES

Everyone likes to feel special – and surprised. The littlest things make the biggest impact: A backyard picnic; a sleepover in an indoor fort; an afterschool ice cream treat; a bathroom spa day.

CREATE FAMILY TRADITIONS

Build weekly or monthly traditions – movie nights with popcorn, board game marathons, a gratitude jar, evening bike rides, living room

dance parties, even a family book club to discover old favorites and new reads.

EXPRESS LOVE AND GRATITUDE

In busy seasons, it’s easy to forget to let a loved one feel appreciated and thought of. Tuck a hand-written note in a lunch box or give an unexpected hug; spend time sharing what you’re thankful for about them.

KEEP GENERATIONS LINKED

Consider Sunday meals with grandparents or weekly phone calls if distance separates. Invite them to share their childhood stories and treasured memories. Start a yearly family scrapbook filled with favorite photographs and vacation souvenirs.

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

INDOOR PLANT GUIDE

Investing in indoor plants can not only spruce up your living space, but also bring numerous health and well-being benefits

Bringing the outdoors in with the use of house plants is a great way to add color and dimension to your space. We sat down with Jesse Nelson at Family Tree Nursery, based in Kansas, and discussed the benefits of incorporating plant life into your home.“There are plenty of studies on the health benefits of plants, and the evidence suggests that being around plants and caring for plant life increases overall wellness,” explains Nelson. “Anytime you bring a plant into a home or work environment, it’s going to make you feel better. It is going to beautify the space in a way that art cannot, and they also have the added benefit of  purifying the air.” There are a wide variety of indoor plants that work for any space and light situation that you may have. Regardless if you have a green thumb or a black thumb, there are plant varieties that fit your lifestyle. Here are a few of our favorite indoor plants to incorporate into your home.

SNAKE PLANT:

This plant goes by many names such as Snake Plant and Mother-in-Law’s Tongue and is one of the most popular indoor plants. The Snake Plant is for anyone from a green thumb to a black thumb because anyone can grow it. These hardy plants can adapt to any environment and can live in both high light and low light. Snake Plants are great for countertops and tabletops because they grow tall, not

wide. They are great bedside plants because they help purify the air as they go through photosynthesis at night. They only need to be watered about once a month. These plants can also be outdoor plants and can acclimate during the summer months. Be sure to spray the plants three to five times before bringing them back indoors to get rid of any bugs that could have made the plant their home.

ANTHURIUM:

Anthurium has gorgeous, colorful flowers and is the easiest indoor flowering plant to care for. It comes in a variety of colors including red, white, orange and purple. Anthurium likes to be dry, so let it go bone dry before watering. Fertilize every so often, especially when blooming. These plants do not like direct sunlight and can be repotted every three to five years.

HOPE PEPEROMIA:

This cascading plant is gaining popularity due to its succulent-like leaves and also because it is fairly easy to care for. The Hope Peperomia likes medium to bright direct sunlight. It does well as a tabletop plant or a hanging plant. Watering is only needed one time a month regardless of plant size.

“Anytime you bring a plant into a home or work environment, it’s going to make you feel better. It is going to beautify the space in a way that art cannot, and they also have the added benefit of  purifying the air.”

DRACAENA JANET-CRAIG COMPACTA:

This is a slow-growing variety that is architectural and compact. This plant is a great statement piece and looks great in an entryway or by a chair. There are a lot of varieties and colors of the Dracaena. They are very resilient in low light and are great for an office space with little or no light. They like to stay on the dry side, so they like to be watered when they are about ½ to ¾ of the way dry. When watering, give it a good soak. Protip: A moisture meter can be purchased and used to determine how dry your plant is to help determine when it is time to water again.

ZZ PLANT:

The ZZ plant, which its formal name is Zamioculcas zamiifolia, is a very easy plant to care for. They like anything from low light to bright light. These plants are hard to kill and can go a long time without being watered. Their bulbs hold a lot of moisture, so they only

need to be watered once a month. This is a great plant to give as a gift due to its ease of care and versatility. They are slow-growing and are great for counters and tabletops. There are new varieties coming out such as Lucky which has round leaves and Raven which is black.

CLASSES, CAMPS & GAME PLAY

MONTH OF APRIL

What is Happening at Mama’s Happy

Mama’s Happy, 7804 Main St Maple Grove

Join us at Mama’s Happy this April for a lineup of special events designed to bring the community together:

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.

April 4th - Spring Floral Arrangement with Shara’s Floral Designs - 10am-12:00pm

April 9th - Watercolor Wildflowers with Jena Holliday, 6:30-8:30pm

April 18th - Bites, Blooms & Browsing – A Spring Shopping Event - 10am-5:00pm

APRIL 25TH

Arbor Day Celebration

YEARS OF QUALITY COACHING

Maple Grove Community Center, 12951 Weaver Lake Rd, Maple Grove | 12:00 PM Each spring, Maple Grove’s Arbor Day Celebration invites families outdoors to honor the beauty and importance of trees in our community. Guests can enjoy hands on activities, educational demonstrations, and free tree seedlings to plant at home. It is a simple, meaningful way to connect with nature, celebrate sustainability, and grow something lasting together. 12-3pm | All ages | Free

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

events

CONTINUED

APRIL 25TH

Maple Grove Vintage Market

Maple Grove Community Center, 12951 Weaver Lake Rd, Maple Grove | 10:00 AM

The Maple Grove Vintage Market brings together a curated collection of vintage treasures, handmade goods, and unique finds from local vendors. Shoppers can browse everything from timeless fashion to artisan crafts and specialty treats. With a lively atmosphere and one-of-a-kind pieces around every corner, it is the perfect spring outing for treasure hunters and trend lovers alike.

APRIL 25TH

Hololive Cupsleeve Event at Freshly Leaf

Freshly Leaf, 11627 Fountains Dr suite 25, Maple Grove | 9:30 AM

Hololive fans are invited to Freshly Leaf in Maple Grove for a special Cupsleeve Event celebrating their favorite virtual idols. Guests who purchase a drink will receive a limited edition Hololive themed cup sleeve while supplies last. This fun, fan led gathering is a chance to connect with fellow enthusiasts, snap photos, and enjoy a creative community experience.

MAY 4TH

Covey’s Momboss 5k

Plymouth Community Center, 14800 34th Ave N | 8:30 AM

More than a run. This is a gathering to empower, encourage and cheer on the women in our lives. Whether you are a mom, hope to be, nurture others through mentorship, this event is to celebrate you! Join other women in our community on May 3rd for a 5k walk/run, swag, coffee, mimosas, music, shopping and more! Register here: www.momboss5k.com

MAY 9TH

Spring Fest Parking Lot Party

The Lookout Bar and Grill, 8672 Pineview Ln N, Maple Grove | 12:00 PM

Spring Fest at The Lookout Bar & Grill is an all-day celebration packed with live music, food, and fun. School of Rock kicks things off at 2pm, followed by Kat Perkins Country Roads Band at 4pm, Good For Gary at 7pm, and Stuck in The Middle inside at 9pm. Enjoy food trucks, beer tents, and free entry all day.

With a proven record of success in the Maple Grove market, I provide exper t pricing stra tegies, tailored marketing, and strong negotia tion skills to help sellers achieve maximum value and buyers secure their dream homes

Let’s make your next move smooth, stra tegic, and rewarding Call or email- for a complimena tr y buyer/seller consulta tion