Surprise, AZ March 2026

THE Home Issue

GERBER INJURY LAW

The Arizona Personal Injury Law Firm Where Everybody Knows Your Name

At Gerber Injury Law, our commitment to excellence extends far beyond the courtroom. We are not just a law firm; we are a ded icated member of the community we serve. Our passion for justice is paralleled by our deep-rooted commitment to making a positive impact in our local community.

How Can Our Lawyers Help You?

Hiring a Phoenix personal injury lawyer to oversee your case can be the best decision you make after an accident. You cannot tru st an insurance company to handle your claim fairly unless you have a lawyer p rotecting your best interests. Insurance companies are more interested in their bo ttom line than your recovery.

“I Remain Committed To The Highest In Client Service.” – Ken Gerber

Lifestyle Letter

Growing up, I never wondered what home meant. My house always felt like home. It wasn’t because everything was perfect, but because it was filled with familiar voices, open doors, and the kind of love you could feel the moment you stepped inside. That feeling has stayed with me, and is what this month’s issue is all about.  Home means something different to each of us, yet it connects our whole community. It’s the meals shared after long days, the neighbors who become like family, the traditions we carry forward and the new ones we create. In these pages we celebrate all of it the big gatherings, the quiet corners, and the everyday moments that turn ordinary spaces into places we belong. This month we’re highlighting local stories, creative ideas, and the people who make our community so welcoming. Thank you for inviting us into your lives each month. We’re grateful to be part of a community that understands what truly matters isn’t the size of the house, but the heart inside it.

SAVANNAH MORELLO, PUBLISHER ASSISTANT @SURPRISECITYLIFESTYLE

March 2026

PUBLISHER

Faith Morello | faith.morello@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Savannah Morello | savannah.morello@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kylie Strawn-Badger, Angela Broockerd

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Gabriel at Bonafide Video, Inspired Homes by Heather, Dan Jenkins, Amanda Proudfit, Shasta Pools

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad

LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

scene

12545 N 300th Ln. Buckeye, AZ 85396

Located in the Teravalis Masterplan

From the Low $400s 1,880 - 2,712 Sq. Ft.

Buckeye, AZ 85326

From the Low $300s 1,315 - 3,241 Sq. Ft. | 2 - 6 Beds

5651 N. 205th Dr. Buckeye, AZ 85396 Active-Adult Community

From the Low $300s 1,070 - 1,324 Sq. Ft. | 2 Beds

25334 W. La Salle St. Buckeye, AZ 85326 From the Mid $300s

- 2,712 Sq. Ft. | 3 - 4 Beds

22155 N. Dusk Ln Maricopa, AZ 85139

8931 E. Caballero St. Mesa, AZ 85207 From the

7044 E. Bushy Tail Ln. San Tan Valley, AZ 85143

$400s

- 2,683 Sq. Ft. | 2 - 5 Beds

Shasta Pools 60th Anniversary

Surprise resident Skip Ast III and his father, the founder of Shasta Pools celebrate 60 years of serving the Valley they call home. They have built a great father, son legacy of building Shasta Pools and have continually reinvented themselves as times changed to better serve their community and customers.

Scan

Osteria Mia Now Open In Surprise

Osteria Mia warmly invites friends, family, and neighbors to enjoy good food and great company as the new restaurant opens here in Surprise. Enjoy delicious Italian food in a space where you can gather, laugh, and share meals together.

Photography by Mario Rana

Get the 10 Session Get the 10 Session Puppy Start Right Puppy Start Right Academy Bundle Academy Bundle

Designed to set you and your puppy up for

Designed to set you and your puppy up for success—on your schedule, in the comfort of success—on your schedule, in the comfort of your home (and A/C!). your home (and A/C!).

What’s Included: What’s Included:

• Puppy Socialization 101 – 1 session ($20 value)

• Puppy Socialization 101 – 1 session ($20 value)

• Puppy Pre-K – 3 sessions ($99 value)

• Puppy Pre-K – 3 sessions ($99 value)

• Fundamentals Course – 6 sessions ($180 value)

• Fundamentals Course – 6 sessions ($180 value)

• Bonus Tips for Calm Car Rides All for

• Bonus Tips for Calm Car Rides

— a

Back Nine Golf Now open

Golfers no longer have to wait for the perfect weather to enjoy the game they love. Back Nine is now open encouraging players of all skill levels the opportunity to play, practice, and compete year round.

BUILT WITH CARE, DESIGNED FOR LIVING

HOW ROBERT MULVIN BUILT ALL PRO SHADE CONCEPTS BY FOCUSING ON TRUST, DETAIL, AND OUTDOOR SPACES DESIGNED FOR EVERYDAY LIFE.

ARTICLE BY KYLIE STRAWN-BADGER PHOTOGRAPHY BY GABRIEL AT BONAFIDE

For Robert Mulvin, shade has never been just about blocking the sun. It’s about how a space feels. How it functions throughout the day. How it invites people to slow down, gather, and truly enjoy where they are.

“I saw a gap in the market where customers were just buying shade products; they were not buying trust, craftsmanship, and long-term solutions.” That insight led to the creation of All Pro Shade Concepts, a company built not on quick installs, but on thoughtful design and lasting relationships.

Like many businesses with staying power, All Pro Shade Concepts started small. In the early years, Robert was deeply hands-on, meeting with clients, installing

“We don’t operate like a typical shade company. We’re relationship-driven, process-focused, and obsessive about the details.”

systems, handling service calls, and learning the rhythm of the work firsthand. “Those early years taught me exactly what customers expect and what a team needs to succeed.” Being present throughout the process shaped his understanding of what homeowners truly value: reliability, care, and attention to detail.

As the company grew, so did its purpose. All Pro Shade Concepts began approaching outdoor spaces the same way one might approach interior design, with intention, balance, and an eye for how people live in their homes. “We don’t operate like a typical shade company. We’re relationship-driven, process-focused, and obsessive about the

details,” Robert shares. Each project is designed to enhance everyday life, not just solve a short-term problem.

That philosophy shows up in the quiet details. How light filters through a space. How a shaded patio extends the hours a family can comfortably spend outdoors. How a well-designed system continues to perform season after season. “Anyone can have a good year, very few can deliver excellence year after year,” Robert says, noting that consistency is what clients come back for.

At the heart of every project is trust. Clear communication, realistic expectations, and follow-through matter just as much as the final result. Some of the most

meaningful relationships have come from clients who arrived frustrated and left feeling confident and cared for.

Looking ahead, Robert envisions All Pro Shade Concepts as a brand synonymous with quality, known not only for its work, but for how it makes people feel. “I want the legacy to be that we built something that lasted,” he says. “Something people were proud to be a part of.”

That mindset extends to leadership as well. “If I expect excellence from others, I have to model it every single day.” It’s a simple philosophy, but one that continues to shape All Pro Shade Concepts, creating spaces designed for comfort, longevity, and a life well lived.

ARTICLE BY KYLIE STRAWN-BADGER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY INSPIRED HOMES BY HEATHER

DESIGNED FOR REAL LIFE

WHERE LIVABLE LUXURY, INTENTION, AND THOUGHTFUL DESIGN MEET

Inspired Homes by Heather is rooted in the belief that a home should support how people truly live, not just how it looks in photos. For founder Heather Hamby, the journey into design began organically, shaped by real projects and lived experience rather than a predetermined path. When she and her husband began flipping homes in 2019, Heather quickly found herself drawn to the design side of each renovation, discovering that shaping a space felt both creative and deeply meaningful. As she often shares, Inspired Homes by Heather was born of passion, experience, and a desire to create spaces that truly serve the people living in them.

That sense of purpose marked a shift from Heather’s previous career in the medical field, where she spent over a decade. While the industries were different, the responsibility felt familiar. She recognized that both roles required care, precision, and trust. Design became her way to continue making a meaningful impact, blending creativity with structure and intention. Today, that philosophy defines Inspired Homes by Heather, a full-service interior design and remodeling studio known for refined, livable spaces that feel personal and enduring.

Inspired Homes by Heather offers comprehensive interior design and remodeling services, including kitchens, bathrooms, custom cabinetry, whole-home transformations, and new construction consulting. Each project begins with listening, understanding a client’s lifestyle, routines, and long-term goals before any design decisions are made. Heather strongly believes every home should be as functional as it is beautiful, and she does not believe in one-size-fits-all design, because every project should be thoughtfully tailored to how clients live, not just how a space looks.

Clients are guided through space planning, 3D renderings, material and finish selections, and detailed project coordination with a sense of clarity and calm. Heather’s hands-on approach and close collaboration with trusted contractors and trade partners ensure that projects move seamlessly from concept to completion. The experience feels organized and approachable, even during large-scale remodels, keeping clients engaged and confident throughout the process.

“CABINETS DIRECT ALLOWS HOMEOWNERS, BUILDERS, AND CONTRACTORS TO ACCESS BEAUTIFULLY DESIGNED CABINETRY WITH GREATER EFFICIENCY AND VALUE.”

This same commitment to cohesion and efficiency inspired the launch of Cabinets Direct, the brand’s cabinetry and design showroom. Cabinets Direct offers high-quality custom and semi-custom cabinetry for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and closets, along with quartz surfaces, hardware, and expert design support. By offering a streamlined, direct-to-client approach, Cabinets Direct allows homeowners, builders, and contractors to access beautifully designed cabinetry with greater efficiency and value. Heather often explains that the benefit lies in offering better value without sacrificing style or quality, while maintaining a high standard of craftsmanship.

The integration of cabinetry and full-service design allows Inspired Homes by Heather to create spaces that feel cohesive from the inside out. Timelines are clearer, selections feel intentional, and the finished result reflects a thoughtful balance of form and function. Whether cabinetry is part of a larger remodel or a standalone service, the process remains refined and well-guided.

When clients first reach out, Heather prioritizes connection and communication. She takes time to understand goals, budgets, and expectations, outlining clear next steps so the experience feels exciting rather than overwhelming. She often emphasizes that clients can expect a personalized, well-guided experience from the first conversation, with hands-on support throughout every phase of the project.

What ultimately sets Inspired Homes by Heather apart is Heather’s personal investment in each home. With a background rooted in real estate and renovation, she understands both the design and construction sides of the process, allowing her to guide decisions with confidence and practicality. She is driven by the responsibility that comes with being trusted in someone’s home, knowing that a remodel is a deeply personal investment.

For Heather, success is measured not only by beautiful spaces but also by how those spaces enhance everyday life. She is motivated by the idea that the homes she designs will become part of her clients’ daily routines for years to come, which is why she holds herself to a high standard in every detail. At its core, Inspired Homes by Heather is built on trust, communication, and long-term relationships, creating homes that feel intentional, elevated, and unmistakably personal.

letter from the PUBLISHER

Home is one of those words that carries more meaning than we often give it credit for. It’s not just the place we return to at the end of the day it’s the space where our lives unfold in quiet, ordinary, and meaningful ways. Home is where routines are built, where celebrations happen, where we recharge, and where we can fully exhale. Over time, it becomes a reflection of who we are and what matters most to us. For me, the idea of home has evolved through different seasons of life. It has been shaped by growth, change, relationships, and yes family. Being a mom has added a new layer to what home means, but at its core, home has always been about creating a sense of comfort and belonging. It’s less about perfection and more about intention. The small details, the familiar sounds, the warmth that can’t quite be styled but can always be felt. This Home Issue is an exploration of that feeling. It’s about spaces that are lived in and loved, homes that tell stories, and environments that support the lives happening inside them. Whether your home is a quiet retreat, a lively gathering place, or something you’re still building, we hope these pages inspire you to see home not just as a place, but as an experience. Because a house becomes a home when it reflects the people who live there and the life they’re creating.

Faith Morello, Publisher

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAN JENKINS, AMANDA PROUDFIT

MID-CENTURY WARMTH, REIMAGINED

There’s a certain moment when a house stops feeling new and starts feeling like home. It isn’t marked by square footage or finishes alone. It is something quieter, more emotional. In this home, designer Kate Manz set out to do exactly that: give a newly built home a heartbeat and a soul.

Rather than treating the house as one sweeping statement, she approached each room as its own story, layered with meaning, memory, and texture. The result is a home that feels collected, personal, and deeply lived-in.

“My love for design goes hand in hand with the people and stories that bring it to life,” she says. “I absolutely love seeing the evolution from concept to completion and all the elements and people that help bring those ideas to reality.”

That philosophy becomes especially important in the home’s expansive open-concept living area, where scale could easily overpower intimacy.

THE OPEN CONCEPT, REIMAGINED

The main living space is defined by bringing the outside in with sweeping outdoor views and generous proportions. Rather than fighting that openness, embrace it.

“The big open concept room really highlights the expansive outdoor views,” she says, “but making intimate spaces within that open room was really important.”

A layered niche wall, created in collaboration with the interior architect Nick Flower, brings both structure and softness to the room. It introduces texture, depth, and a place for unique objects and family heirlooms to live, turning negative space into a personal gallery.

ENTRYWAY: A WARM WELCOME

The entryway sets the tone with a simple but powerful goal: Welcome to my home.

Natural stone underfoot grounds the space, while a soft vintage rug and living greenery immediately soften the experience. Art with personal meaning invites guests to linger rather than rush through.

POWDER BATH: SMALL ROOM, BOLD SPIRIT

If there’s one place Manz encourages clients to take risks, it’s the powder room. Here, she leaned into terracotta earth tones, layering textures and tile sizes for visual interest and warmth. Patterned and solid tiles work together, while textured wall coverings and a sculptural stone sink elevate the space from functional to delightful.

LOUNGE: A STUDY IN CALM AND DEPTH

Designed as a counterpoint to the openness of the main living area, the lounge is a cocoon, both peaceful, layered, and deeply versatile. It’s a place for reading, movie nights and slow mornings.

Rich tones and varied textures do the heavy lifting here, creating depth without heaviness. Soft lighting and custom upholstery make the room feel both intentional and effortless.

At its core, this home is a reminder that design isn’t about perfection, but rather it’s about feeling. By treating each room as its own narrative while weaving in warmth, history, and human connection, a space was created that already feels loved.

PROJECT CREDITS

Builder - Buildwell

Architect and Interior Architect - Flower Architecture

Designer - Kate Manz

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Three generations, countless pools, and a shared passion for creating backyard memories across Arizona.

ARTICLE BY KYLIE STRAWN-BADGER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHASTA POOLS

Nearly six decades ago, long before backyard pools became synonymous with Arizona living, a quiet vision was taking shape. In 1966, Bob Ast saw more than concrete and water; he saw the potential for connection, retreat, and family life unfolding under the desert sun. That vision became Shasta Pools, a company now celebrating its 60th year with the same

“There’s nothing like hearing the laughter of kids when we fill their pool for the first time.”

curiosity, craftsmanship, and care that defined its earliest days.

From the beginning, Shasta Pools was shaped by partnership. Bob Ast focused on sales and dreaming forward, while his brother, Skip Ast Sr., brought those ideas to life through construction. “That spirit of family partnership and innovation, one brother focused on vision, the other on craftsmanship, still guides us,” says Skip Ast III, Director of Sales and a third-generation member of the Ast family.

Today, Skip Sr. serves as CEO, his son Skip Jr. as president, and Skip Ast III oversees sales strategy and customer experience, each generation building upon the last, not by mandate, but by shared values.

For Skip Ast III, joining the family business was never assumed. Summers spent on job sites as a teenager were less about career planning and more about

learning humility from the ground up. “Those offthe-record experiences, tying rebar and cleaning job sites, taught me the business from the inside of the excavated hole up,” he reflects. Officially joining the company in 2005, he arrived through the same training process as any other new hire. “Joining Shasta was never my plan,” he admits. “In fact, a non-family member recruited me for the design team. Ultimately, I couldn’t resist the values my family lives by.”

Those values, faith, integrity, and care for people, are not slogans at Shasta Pools; they are daily practices. Skip credits his grandfather and father with shaping his understanding of leadership. “They taught me that there are only two eternal things, God and people, and both are worthy of all our energy,” he says. That belief shows up in small, often unseen ways: a president who still visits job sites to thank crews,

or a leader quietly wiping down a bathroom counter to make a space more welcoming. “His example of servant leadership isn’t just talk, it’s how he lives.”

Keeping pace with that standard is no small task. “My grandfather, at 88, and my dad still work Monday through Saturday,” Skip shares. “Their energy and dedication set a high bar that almost feels supernatural.” Yet it’s precisely that example, steady, disciplined, and rooted in service, that continues to inspire the next generation.

Ask Skip which project stands out most over nearly two decades, and he won’t point to a single design or innovation. Instead, he talks about moments. “There’s nothing like hearing the laughter of kids when they fill their pool for the first time,” he says. “Seeing their faces light up because they now have a little slice of vacation in their backyard, that’s why we do what we do.”

Innovation, however, has always been part of Shasta’s DNA. One lesser-known story begins on a family road trip to Disneyland, when Skip Sr. noticed a rancher spraying concrete to form a cattle trough. “He pulled over to learn more,” Skip recalls, while the rest of the family waited roadside. That moment led to the first use of shotcrete pool shells in Arizona, now an industry standard, and reflects the same curiosity driving Shasta’s modern advancements today.

Beyond backyards, Shasta’s mission of “Enhancing Lives” extends into the community through partnerships with local nonprofits, youth mentorship programs, and outreach initiatives. “To us, enhancing lives doesn’t stop at the backyard,” Skip says.

As Shasta Pools looks toward the future, growth is measured not in size, but in trust. “We aren’t motivated by being the biggest,” Skip explains. “We want every pool owner to feel like part of our extended family and to know they can trust us for generations.”

That commitment to people, to purpose, and to doing what’s right remains the true foundation beneath every Shasta pool, quietly shaping Arizona backyards into places where life happens, memories are made, and legacies endure.

We specialize in the long-term ownership and thoughtful repositioning of multifamily communities, guided by a disciplined approach to sustainable growth. By investing intentionally, improving properties with purpose, and prioritizing the people who live and work there, we create stronger communities designed to perform over time — not just for the next cycle

events

SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

MARCH 5TH

2026 Spring NASCAR Weekend

Phoenix Raceway - 7602 Jimmie Johnson Dr, Avondale, AZ | 4:00 PM

Don’t miss your chance to watch the sport’s biggest names battle it out in person. Witness the power, the speed, and the moments that make champions. Be there for the unforgettable moments when preparation meets opportunity and true champions rise.

MARCH 6TH

Spring Training 5K & Fun Run

Surprise Stadium - 15850 N Bullard Ave, Surprise, AZ | 7:00 PM

Join the fun at Surprise Stadium for the Surprise Spring Training 5K Fun Run. Participants will run or walk a scenic route through the city of Surprise before returning to the ballpark to cross the finish line on the field.

MARCH 7TH

Valleypalooza 2026

Paradise Valley Community College - 18401 N 32nd St, Phoenix, AZ | 9:00 AM

Get ready for a day packed with nonstop fun for all ages! Cool off and dance through the foam party, bounce houses, mini golf, Ninja Nation obstacle course, claw machine arcade games and more! Enjoy the live music. Sample the amazing food and treats. Shop from the vendors! Enjoy a live Bollywood dance performance and get a Henna tattoo!

MARCH 21ST

Out Of The Park Music Fest

Mark Coronado Park - 15960 N Bullard Ave Surprise, AZ | 2:00 PM

Don’t miss this epic celebration! Chart topping and rising country stars will rock the stage, and a multi genre mix of acclaimed bands and local artists will kick off the party! But wait, there’s more! Savor delicious eats from a variety of local food trucks, challenge your friends to larger-than-life yard games and enjoy activities for the whole family.

MARCH 21ST

Luke Days

14185 W Falcon St, Glendale,AZ | 9:00 AM

Luke Days returns! You won’t want to miss it as the sky roars to life as pilots showcase speed, precision, and the power of military aviation. Feel the thunder of jet engines, watch breathtaking aerial maneuvers, and nonstop action for the whole family.

MARCH 22ND

Spencer’s Place 5K Fun Run

Marley Park Heritage Clubhouse 15210 W Sweetwater Ave Surprise, AZ | 8:00 AM

Join us as we raise funds to further an Inclusive Workforce at Spencer’s Place and within our community.  We are committed to decreasing the alarming unemployment rate of Individuals with Disabilities by providing training and competitive employment.

Want to be featured?