LIFE + CULTURE
BUSINESS LEADERS DRIVING POSITIVE CHANGE
HEALTH + WELLNESS
THE SMARTEST INVESTMENT YOU’LL MAKE
HOME SERVICES
HOME + DESIGN
THE COMPOUNDED INVESTMENT OF COMMUNITY LIVING
HOME INVESTMENTS THAT PAY DAILY DIVIDENDS APRIL 2026
Welcome to our Investment Issue that doesn’t mention financial accounts, markets, or dividends. Instead, we explore the many ways investment shows up in everyday life and the meaningful returns it can generate. Where are you choosing to invest your time, energy, and attention? What is the return on investing in your community, confidence, or the home you live in? In the following pages, we highlight how thoughtful, intentional investment can shape a richer life.
Invested in the Community
Meet the local business leaders who are putting their expertise and energy into strengthening Middleton and greater Dane County.
The Compounded Interest of Intentional Living
Investing in the right neighborhood goes beyond property. This community offers residents a carefully designed environment where social interaction, natural surroundings, and recreational opportunities create value designed for enduring wealth, in both life and home.
High Yield Confidence
Investing in yourself can transform your daily life. Strategic self-care not only preserves health and function but also boosts confidence, enhances first impressions, and supports long-term success in ways you may not expect.
The best home improvements deliver two returns: future resale strength and immediate lifestyle ease. Discover how thoughtful upgrades can elevate both.
And for bonus content, check out the articles on morning success habits and the exclusive interview with a celebrity you just may know!
The best investments aren’t just financial; they’re personal, and these intentional choices pay dividends every day. Happy Spring!
COLE SPITLER, PUBLISHER @MIDDLETONCITYLIFESTYLE
April 2026
PUBLISHER
Cole Spitler | cole.spitler@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Jill Heilman | jill.heilman@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Alexis Venter | alexis.venter@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Jill Heilman
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Bill Martens, Jill Heilman
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
In honor of Earth Day, we recognize how Middleton demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental stewardship through its expansive parks and conservancy initiatives. The city maintains over 1,100 acres of public green space, including nature preserves, trails, and recreational areas, ensuring residents
have access to both leisure and natural habitats. Local climate activist Kevin Spitler stated, “Residents often cite the abundance, quality, and maintenance of Middleton’s green spaces as a primary reason for moving to the area. They provide a valuable investment for the community as a whole.”
These Community-Minded Business Leaders Are Driving Positive Change in Middleton and Across Dane County
Invested in more than their careers, these leaders channel their energy and expertise into the community. From supporting local organizations to creating meaningful connections, their dedication is building a stronger Dane County.
ARTICLE
BY
MIDDLETON
CITY LIFESTYLE | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Shannon, Senior Vice President and Financial Advisor with the Davidson Knaack team at Robert W. Baird & Co., Inc., has served clients and the Dane County community since 1999. With Baird’s encouragement, she has volunteered with Attic Angel since 2011. Attic Angel strives to improve the quality of life within Dane County, specifically for children and the elderly. Shannon has dedicated hundreds of hours to the organization and served as Chair of the Attic Angel Association Board. The opportunities provided by Baird and Attic Angel have allowed her to have a positive impact on lives throughout Dane County.
Jason, owner of Jason Thomas Homes, works to strengthen Dane County. He’s a member of 100 Men of Dane County, a diverse group of men committed to supporting local organizations that help women and children overcome adversity and reach their full potential, making over $2.8M in grants since inception. He’s a strong supporter of the Middleton Law Enforcement Foundation, providing our police department with needs beyond traditional budgets. Jason and his wife contribute to childbased charities like the Childhood Leukemia Foundation and support/ sponsor the Evan Kratochwill Memorial Invitational and Run/Walk benefitting the MCPASD cross country program.
Andrew believes the best relationships often start over a cup of coffee, or in his case, a double espresso. From there, connection grows through shared experiences, common interests, and hobbies that bring us together. Those moments build trust. That trust carries into occupations, roles, and causes we support. One of his involvements is serving as an ambassador for the Middleton Chamber, where creating meaningful connections is central to the mission. When people intentionally invest in one another, they strengthen more than individual pursuits. To him, that collective investment in our joint future is what the term “networking” really means.
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 JILL HEILMAN
BY JILL HEILMAN,
DC Brothers Repair and Remodel brings a family feel and honest perspective to every project, ensuring your home investments are informative and worth every penny.
We usually track our investments through digital accounts, but an impactful return may be right under your own roof. Deaven Carney-Wiedmer specializes in turning assets into something tangible, boosting the daily yields that often go unnoticed but work to improve your life from the inside out. A lifelong Wisconsin resident with deep ties to the area, Deaven spent a decade honing his skills in maintenance, management, and carpentry before starting DC Brothers Repair and Remodel in 2023. He isn’t interested in being a large-scale, distant manager. Instead, he runs a tight-knit operation with his siblings and close friends, shaping an environment of trust. Genuinely happy to work alongside one another, their positive energy translates directly to the job site, where they “bring the family feel to general contracting.” Whether it is a full kitchen overhaul or a simple mailbox repair, his goal is to make every step of the process understandable for the homeowner.
Investing in your home yields two distinct types of dividends: resale value and a daily lifestyle benefit. The financial dividends of a remodel are clear in high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms, with cabinetry upgrades and layout changes acting as top-tier value adds, notes Deaven. Material quality plays a significant role in protecting your investment, as intentional upgrades ensure your home remains a competitive asset in the market, while providing a timely, functional space your family can enjoy in the meantime, knowing it is constructed to last. Swapping out worn surfaces for durable flooring or installing solid-core doors for better soundproofing adds a layer of quality that prospective buyers notice. Spaces that instantly elevate the entire home and significantly increase a property’s market appeal are easy to prioritize, but structural integrity and thoughtful finishes are the next line-item.
Beyond the resale value is the immediate lifestyle return in your day-to-day. A good remodel invests in a space that serves you right now, solving the practical friction of a busy life. Growing up in a family with five siblings, Deaven understands how mindful changes can affect the entire energy of a house. Adding a primary en suite or a basement bathroom can eliminate the morning shower line. Investing in functional changes, such as a pot filler or creating a dedicated rec zone, turns a standard house into a custom home, impacting how your family interacts and grows together.
The process at DC Brothers is designed to put power back into the customer’s hands. Deaven provides detailed line-item bids that break down exactly where funds are delegated. He encourages homeowners to be involved and is happy to show the work behind the walls. Understanding the interworkings of your home
“WHY WOULDN’T YOU TAKE THE TIME TO SHOW CLIENTS WHAT YOU’RE DOING? THAT OPENS THE DOOR FOR MORE TRUST AND UNDERSTANDING. THAT TRANSPARENCY STEMS INTO EVERYTHING ELSE THAT WE DO.”
puts you at a distinct advantage. Knowledge of the current state allows for informed choices and wise planning. He believes that providing more information only strengthens the final result. By putting the power back in the homeowner’s hands, he ensures they feel confident in every dollar spent.
Deaven is a firm believer in the power of local investment and incorporates it directly into his strategy. “I try to find like-minded trades and specialty trades that all share the same values,” Deaven explains. By building a network of reliable resources with the same dedication to honesty, he’s compounding increased transparency and trust. With a small team, every person on the job site is a reliable neighbor who cares about their reputation. They offer a level of accountability that large corporate firms cannot replicate. By investing in local craftsmen, you are keeping dollars in the community and ensuring the people in your home are neighbors who truly care about the result.
With their approachable style and open communication. Deaven and his team at DC Brothers provide a solid foundation for a project of any size.
Andrew B. Charles, CFP ®
Financial Advisor
Senior Portfolio Advisor
andrew.b.charles@ml.com
Merrill Lynch Wealth Management 2 East Mifflin Street Suite 900 Madison, WI 53703
608.283.2719 fa.ml.com/andrew-b-charles
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (MLPF&S) is a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, and Member SIPC. Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC and MLPF&S are wholly owned subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation.
The Bull Symbol and Merrill are registered trademarks of Bank of America Corporation. CFP Board owns the marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® , and CFP® (with plaque design) in the U.S.
A Senior Portfolio Advisor can help clients pursue their objectives by managing on a discretionary basis custom investment strategies, selecting from a wide range of Merrill model portfolios and third-party investment strategies. © 2025 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved. MAP6209646 | AD-01-25-2573 | 470944PM-0124 | 02/2025
Every treatment is performed by highly trained
from around the
Everything you need. One elegant
The Smartest Investment You’ll Ever Make: Your Smile
When people think about investments, they think about portfolios, real estate, and retirement accounts. But one of the most powerful investments you can make impacts your confidence, career, and daily interactions: your smile. Your smile influences first impressions, professional credibility, and how you feel about yourself. Yet many people delay treatment, assuming cosmetic dentistry is elective rather than strategic. In reality, modern minimally invasive dentistry can prevent long-term damage, reduce recurring repair costs, and eliminate years of quiet self-consciousness. At Madison Dentistry, the philosophy is simple: preserve what’s healthy, correct what’s compromised, and create results that last. When approached thoughtfully, investing in your smile pays dividends every single day.
The true return on investing in your smile isn’t solely measured in dollars. It shows up in boardrooms, photographs, conversations, and daily confidence. It prevents the cycle of short-term fixes that eventually become larger, more expensive problems. Strategic dentistry is about foresight — identifying small issues before they become major ones and creating stability that lasts for decades. At Madison Dentistry, they believe in doing dentistry once and doing it exceptionally well. Whether it’s a subtle enhancement or comprehensive rehabilitation, the goal is longevity, function, and natural beauty. Your smile works for you every day. The question is: is it working at its full potential? Now is the time to invest wisely.
“The true return on investing in your smile isn’t solely measured in dollars. It shows up in boardrooms, photographs, conversations, and daily confidence. It prevents the cycle of short-term fixes that eventually become larger, more expensive problems.”
Crowded or misaligned teeth do more than affect appearance; they accelerate wear, chipping, and gum recession. Invisalign discreetly corrects alignment, improving both function and longevity. Properly distributing bite forces reduces the risk of costly restorative work later. Orthodontic correction is often the foundational investment that protects enamel, enhances facial harmony, and prevents breakdown before it begins.
When wear, bite collapse, fractures, and aging combine, a comprehensive plan may be necessary. Full-mouth rehabilitation rebuilds the bite, restores proper function, and systematically harmonizes esthetics. Instead of repeatedly repairing failing teeth, invest in a stable, long-term solution. Patients often say they wish they had done it sooner because it eliminates chronic problems and ongoing patchwork dentistry.
Missing teeth creates a domino effect of bone loss, shifting teeth, and compromised chewing. Dental implants replace the root, not just the crown, preserving bone and restoring full function. Unlike bridges that rely on neighboring teeth, implants stand independently. They prevent future complications while restoring confidence, speech, and stability. Properly placed implants are one of dentistry’s most predictable long-term investments.
No-prep veneers enhance shape, color, and symmetry with little to no removal of natural tooth structure. Unlike traditional veneers that aggressively reduce enamel, this approach preserves long-term tooth strength. The result is a dramatic cosmetic upgrade with minimal biological cost. Patients gain confidence immediately while protecting their future dental health; a rare investment that delivers both aesthetic and structural returns.
Dr. Austin Wessell, DDS Dr. Collin Trainor, DDS
This data is a sampling of sold properties from February 2026. Source: IRES MLS system.
ARTICLE BY SOPHIE BROCK
FOUR SIMPLE WAYS TO INVEST IN YOUR MORNING AND START YOUR DAY OFF ON THE RIGHT FOOT
One of the best ways to invest in yourself is by creating a consistent and intentional morning routine. No matter how unpredictable or chaotic the rest of your day may become, starting your morning with self-care and purpose sets a positive tone that stays with you throughout the day. Once you develop a morning routine that truly resonates with you, you’ll look forward to it every night, knowing it will set the foundation for a productive and fulfilling day.
If you’re ready to elevate your mornings, here are some meaningful ways to invest in your routine and start each day on the right foot.
One of life’s simplest pleasures is savoring a homemade coffee each morning. While skipping the drive-thru may be tough at first, brewing your own allows you to appreciate the process—and chances are, you’ll end up preferring your own perfect cup of joe.
An hour-long gym session before work may not be realistic, but a quick morning walk is. Use this time to clear your mind, enjoy nature, and listen to your favorite podcast or artist—an easy way to start your day feeling relaxed.
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, yet often the most overlooked. Setting your alarm just minutes earlier to prepare a fresh, nutritious meal can transform your morning, fueling your body and mind for a more energized and productive day.
Starting your day with a book is far more calming than scrolling through social media. Reading in the morning helps ease you into the day, providing a peaceful and mindful escape that sets a positive, focused tone for what’s ahead.
Strategic Residential Planning Ensures Your Most Personal Investment Remains Protected by a Flourishing, Ambitious Community
AND PHOTOGRAPHY
BY JILL HEILMAN
The modern definition of a wise investment has shifted from a singular focus on a structure to the broader depth of a neighborhood. With a portfolio mindset, residents are now looking for a higher rate of return that encompasses personal connection, support, and growth. The Community of Bishops Bay had the foresight to build for this reality, creating a centralized community designed to work for its owners. Across seven neighborhoods with diverse characteristics, residents are brought together by a desire for a location that aligns with their lifestyle. With distinction in mind and connection at heart, this master-planned environment offers a return on investment that goes beyond equity, ensuring that a home is both a reflection of identity and a stable asset for the future. For those seeking permanent value that extends from personal health to long-term wealth, the following amenities illustrate how this community delivers on that promise.
The truest value of a neighborhood is the caliber of people within. The Community of Bishops Bay treats the social aspect as an asset to leverage, where the private clubhouse and the expanding layout of shared spaces naturally pull residents out of their homes and into a shared environment. Bishops Bay Country Club offers tiered memberships for a lifestyle or golf focus, providing access to a curated social life. Here, community is an active pursuit that fosters a form of social equity rarely found in modern suburbs. It is an investment in a culture where residents are partners in a high standard of living.
Surrounding geography serves as a high-value asset. Bordered by the North Mendota Wildlife Prairie and the Holy Wisdom Prairie Restoration, the neighborhoods are built into a landscape that offers views of Lake Mendota and the State Capitol. A portfolio of trails provides immediate access to vast stretches of preserved land, connecting residents directly to Governor Nelson State Park and the regional path to Waunakee. By designing lots that back onto permanent woodlands, restored prairie, or the manicured expanse of the golf course, the development is actively conscious of the role nature plays in the overall experience, ensuring your surroundings remain easily accessible and a protected part of your property’s value.
“There is a rare confidence that comes from knowing your home is part of a community that was built for generations to come.”
Physical activity is integrated as a core utility, with an abundance of recreation opportunities that make investing in personal health effortless. Residents can maintain a varied routine through a private fitness center, pool, hot tub, and pickleball courts, all supplemented by a vast trail system and local parks. With future phases set to include multi-purpose fields and a water trail, the Community continues to diversify its recreational portfolio. It is a rare environment that calculates a return on investment by the quality and vitality of your years spent here.
A wise investment requires a plan for long-term gain. At The Community of Bishops Bay, value is stabilized by a future-facing plan designed as a convenient, self-sustaining ecosystem. The upcoming Town Center prioritizes walkability, while a planned working farm and farmers market provide tangible luxury. For families, the reputation of the Waunakee school system offers a foundation for a reliable education. Security, handled with quiet sophistication, is offered through strategic gated areas to provide seclusion without isolation. While high standards maintain a cohesive level of prestige, residents are encouraged to select their own architect, diversifying designs and ensuring value will be retained through the enduring appeal of character.
This thoughtful structure guarantees that the neighborhood will continue to flourish and retain its status for decades to come. Choosing to live here is a commitment to a specific caliber of existence, ensuring that your most personal investment remains protected by a community that is as ambitious as you are. The result is the compounded interest of a life well lived.
APRIL 4TH
Public Safety Blood Drive
401 W Second St, Waunakee | 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Donate blood and help save lives at this community-focused Public Safety Blood Drive in Waunakee. Hosted at the fire department, the event invites participants to give a life-saving donation that can positively impact patients in need. This is a meaningful way to support local healthcare efforts and contribute to your community’s well-being.
APRIL 12TH
Beer, Bubbles, BALLET! - Central Midwest Ballet Academy
2831 Parmenter St, Middleton | 2:00 PM
Step into the studio for a lighthearted ballet experience designed just for adults. This upbeat class blends beginner-friendly ballet instruction with a fun social atmosphere where you can enjoy beer, wine, or bubbly between combinations. No prior dance experience is needed, just bring your sense of humor and get ready to move, mingle, and try something new. Must be 21+.
APRIL 16TH
1313 John Q Hammons Dr, Middleton | 4:00 PM
Industry professionals gather for an afternoon of networking, insights, and discussions about trends in real estate, development, and construction in the Capital Region. Attendees can connect with local experts, explore exhibit booths, hear from keynote speakers and panelists, and enjoy refreshments and hors d’oeuvres while gaining practical knowledge about current market opportunities and challenges.
APRIL 19TH
9in|9out Parent & Baby Expo at Madison Marriott South
706 John Nolen Dr, Madison | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Are you expecting or a new parent? Connect with local experts, discover essential resources, businesses, and brands and gain confidence in your birth and postpartum journey. Enjoy interactive sessions, a delicious mocktail bar, meet other parents, and score great swag! Don’t navigate parenthood alone—build your support team in one day. Tickets: $5 General | $30 VIP | Kids FREE
APRIL 21ST
Sprouts: Earth Day Party!
Willy Street Co-op West - 6825 University Ave Middleton | 4:00 PM
Celebrate Earth Day with fun and tasty kitchen activities! Make green smoothies, whip up veggies and dip, get a bit grossed out making edible dirt cups (with worms!), and then plant herb seeds to take home to grow in the kitchen window. Register on the Willy Co-op online events page. For kids age 5-12. $25 / $15 for Owners.
APRIL 24TH
Live Music at Capital Brewery: Sharona & Ray Ray
7734 Terrace Ave, Middleton | 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Enjoy a free evening of live acoustic music presented by Sharona & Ray Ray at Capital Brewery. This talented duo brings energetic pop and rock–inspired tunes to complement award-winning beers in the cozy Bier Stube. Grab a drink, unwind with friends, and soak up the laid-back atmosphere of great music and good company.
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