Troy, MI March 2024

The Home Issue

HOME + DESIGN

STYLING ROOMS WITH SIMPLICITY

ARTS + CULTURE

EXPRESS YOURSELF WITH ORIGINAL ART

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES TROY’S ORIGINAL GOOD NEIGHBOR

HOME SERVICES

HELLO GORGEOUS GARAGE

Grow beyond expectations

It started with a smile and a handshake. Now you’re a regional leader. Reach into new markets — and stand up new offerings — with a business loan from Horizon Bank.

Troy 2555 Crooks Road

248- 781-2584

“Hello

Brittney

Home: So much rolled up into one little word

Home is our grounding. Our launchpad. Where we begin and end every day. While the particulars look different for each of us, the meaning and value it holds for all of us is undeniable.

Here's how author Wendy Wunder describes it: “The magic thing about home is that it feels good to leave, and it feels even better to come back.”

In this HOME edition, we wanted to highlight how you can express your individuality within your four walls. Like making your garage – the place most of us try to avoid – into a brag point. Or how you can infuse new, simple styles and original art into every room to help you relax. And to spark a little pride in your home decor skills, of course.

We feel like the lucky ones, as we got to learn more about the businesses and individuals that comprise this community we all call "home." We hope this small lens into their lives and work brings people together the way a Bobby D Burger does at a Troy Athens football game. (Yep, we talk about that in this issue.)

Every month, we hear from readers who keep this magazine for longer than just the month labeled on the cover. They say they hold onto it for months as more than just coffee table art or a home accessory. They want to share stories with friends, reference a local business or remember a fabulous recipe.

We feel proud to create a resource that is valued in our community and strive every month to deliver the value you expect. Thanks for letting us be a part of your home.

Happy March!

March 2024

Todd Haight | todd.haight@citylifestyle.com

Julie Flores | julie.flores@citylifestyle.com ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR

Margaret Haight | margaret.haight@citylifestyle.com

Todd Haight, Cindy Stewart, Nicolette Martin

Simran Bajwa (photosbysimba.com), Cindy Stewart

Corporate Team

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city scene

Want to be seen in the magazine?

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Women of all ages looking for holistic, high-quality OB/GYN care can rely on the expertise of Oakland Macomb Obstetrics & Gynecology.

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business monthly

Walsh president authors book on the power of leadership energy

The role of the new CEO (#newCEO) is less about being an executive and more about providing leadership energy. So says Suzy Siegle, President, CEO & Chief Champion of Walsh College, in her newly released book, "Chief Energy Officer: How high-performing leaders manage people, pressure, and profit to build thriving organizations" (Locus Mindset, 2023). Leaders who bring the right type of energy elevate their organization's vision, brand and results, according to Suzy. Available on Amazon.com

Scan to read more

Troy physical therapist earns pelvic health certification

Karen Gallardo, Clinical Director at FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers of Troy, has completed her Pelvic Health Certification, allowing her to treat patients with bladder and bowel control concerns (such as incontinence), pelvic pain and pregnancy-related pelvic conditions. Physical therapy can be highly effective in creating a pain-free life with good bladder and bowel control, physical activity, sexual health and laughter, according to Karen. Contact her at (248) 918-4966

Scan to read more

Detroit Regional Chamber retains Trion Solutions for payroll, HR

The Detroit Regional Chamber has retained Troy-based Trion Solutions, one of the nation’s largest professional employer organizations (PEOs), to help manage its payroll and HR functions. Trion assists more than 800 client companies across the U.S. with payroll processing, HR counsel, benefits administration, regulatory compliance, workers’ compensation and retirement planning. Trion is the largest minority-owned PEO in the U.S., certified by the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council and the National Minority Supplier Development Council. Visit www.RelyonTrion.com

SAVINGS, SERVICE with A SMILE

Not many women will tell you they followed in their father’s footsteps for a career, but Ann Percy did.

She ended up becoming Troy’s original Good Neighbor.

Growing up in Battle Creek, Ann loved that her Dad was one of the few fathers that could take part in her elementary school activities. Bob Gronewold was a State Farm Insurance agent and, as his own boss, he had flexibility with his job. That appealed to Ann. After a career in sales, she finally listened to her dad and became a State Farm agent.

“Over the years, as our careers overlapped, it was so special being able to attend meetings and conventions with my Dad, plus soak up all of his advice and knowledge,” Ann says. “I’ll always treasure those memories during the 10 years we both worked for State Farm. I do remember on his first visit to my new State Farm office, my dad’s important advice to me was to vacuum the office every day.”

His expertise helped, but she had to do the hard work. “I started my agency from scratch in 1990, with three to six home visits each day. I could estimate a policy quicker by hand than on a computer.”

Ann is now in her 34th year with State Farm. She specializes in policy reviews – going over your coverage to find gaps in what you have and what you actually need. “I’m looking to grow relationships with people who want an agent who offers advice as your family grows and your lives change.”

Ann has clients for whom she wrote policies 30 years ago and others who gave her baby gifts when she was pregnant with her children – Jack and Allie, now ages 27 and 23. Jack is a CPA with Doeren Mayhew; Allie works in Chicago in supply chain.

When Ann and her family moved to Troy in 2004, they found a great neighborhood near Schroeder Elementary School with lots of kids, the perfect place to raise their own children. As Ann’s State Farm insurance agency grew (she’s on her third Troy location, now at 4101 John R Road), she found time to volunteer at Jack and Allie’s schools plus teach Sunday School at their church.

But while the business grew, her family life went through some rough times. Her husband died suddenly in 2011. Ann’s strength and determination helped her as a now-single, working mom.

It was at Athens High School that Ann first met Bob Dowd, her son Jack’s travel lacrosse coach. To her surprise, Bob was also Athens’ assistant principal and athletic director; he coached in his spare time. Sometime later, Bob stopped by Ann’s office to talk about insurance coverage – or so she thought. She didn’t realize he was there to see her

One thing led to another. Their friendship grew and they married in 2018, after her children graduated from high school. Bob has a daughter Elizabeth and son Chris.

CONTINUED >

In elementary school, Ann made this special plate for her dad

Bob is well known around the Athens community, especially for his smoked pulled pork sold at the sports concession stands. The Athens High Boosters take pride in their concessions being named one of the best of all local high schools by the Detroit Free Press, and they even have a sandwich named after Bob, the Bobby D Burger. Bob retired from Athens last year but still plans on coaching and might be talked into smoking more pulled pork in the fall.

For now, Ann and Bob enjoy extended trips to Florida with their dogs, Beau and Chloe.

“I prefer to be in the office, but I do love the flexibility of remote work, especially this winter, as I recover from hip surgery. Plus, while working remotely on trips to Florida, I have complete faith in my staff, office manager Kellie Setelia and agent Janelle Turnas, both licensed State Farm agents.”

Ann loves giving back to the Troy community, following the example of her mom, Judy, who volunteered as she raised Ann and her three siblings. Ann joined the Troy Chamber of Commerce a number of years ago and the Boys & Girls Club of Troy Board in 2018. A lover of history, Ann is now focused on sponsoring and participating in Troy Historic Village events such as Troy Traffic Jam, Scarecrow Row, Victorian Christmas and other annual events.

She is a true leader, focused on her clients, her community, and her family. Like a good neighbor … Ann Percy is here!

Visit annpercyagent.com or call (248) 879-9690.

Hello Gorgeous Garage

Every day, I’m bombarded with ads for garage floor coverings promising 5, 10 or even 15-year warranties. So, how could I say no to a lifetime warranty from Hello Garage?

And who offers that, anyway? This company must have a secret recipe for floor coatings.

Turns out, two secret recipes.

First, polyaspartic floor coating that's remarkably more durable than traditional epoxy and polyurea.

And second, Jack Veltema, Troy business owner with designs on redefining the contractor industry –one garage, basement and commercial floor at a time.

“When people get Hello Garage, they get me,” Jack smiles. “No one looks out for you like the owner.”

Jack and his wife, Katie, took on the franchise ( HelloGarageOfMetroDetroit.com) a year ago and quickly discovered demand is high for durable floor coverings, customizable storage systems and highend garage accessories.

“Instead of moving, people are improving their homes,” he says. “Garages and basements are usually dirty and cluttered. Coming home to clean, organized spaces changes your mindset, especially when it’s done right the first time.”

Hello Garage’s polyaspartic floor coating is UV and heat-resistant and withstands almost anything you can drop on it. Epoxy and polyurea concrete floor coatings are more likely to crack, peel and discolor –which is why those warranties tend to be shorter.

Applying 100% polyaspartic for both the base and top coat provides better adhesion and long-term flexibility. This allows the coating to expand and contract as floors warm and cool. That makes it ideal for garages, basements, porches, patios, walkways and commercial spaces.

Industrial-grade storage and organization solutions complete the transformation, with slatwall and hanging systems, vacuums, cabinets, shelving, lighting and workbenches.

And it all comes with Jack, who worked 20 years in franchise development for Little Caesars. He led domestic and international teams building the global pizza brand, yet always harbored a dream to grow his own business.

Jack and Katie chose Hello Garage because of its passion for giving customers a fantastic experience.

“We show up on time, stand by our quotes and deliver what we say we’ll do. It’s that simple.”

Oh, yeah. And there’s that lifetime warranty.

“Only a few companies offer one, but read the fine print. We’re different. We offer a lifetime warranty on both labor and materials.”

In other words, you can redo your garage every few years, or you can do it once and be done.

Jack heads quoting and customer service, while Katie leads human resources and son Chuck is a promotions representative. Never mind that Chuck is in third grade; he’s fully committed.

“We run this as a family,” says Jack. “It sounds cliché, but we truly care about our clients and their overall experience. I’m the first person you talk to and I’ll be there until you’re happy.”

With a 5.0 Google rating, customers sound happy. Like Liz: “Working with Hello Garage was a great experience! From start to finish, they provided great service, were always timely and professional, and communicated well.”

And Gene: “What finalized the sale to my wife and me was when the salesperson/owner came to talk with us and respected our decision to just have the floor coating and no other services, and he did not try upselling as normal salespeople do.”

Comments like these energize Jack and his team. “We get to help people redesign their garage and organize their space. What could be more fun?”

For more, call (313) 450-9933

One-of-a-kind artwork creates a sense of luxury while letting you express your own style

Using art to elevate your home's style

When it comes to home decor, ya gotta have art. But have you considered original art?

It’s a powerful and personalized way to express yourself while elevating your home design. The question is, where do you begin?

“You don’t have to research artists or search for the perfect piece. Find something that’s interesting to you, something you think is beautiful,” says Karen Marderosian, Owner of TRA Art Group in Troy. “A great piece of art can live on its own and complement what’s around it. So, even just starting with a piece that has an aesthetic you like will be inherently a reflection of who you are.”

More people are integrating color and personality into their homes with original artwork rather than reproductions, says Gallery Director and Art Consultant Cristine Sankbeil.

“You may not want the same artwork you’ve seen in your neighbor’s home or even your doctor’s office. With original pieces, no one else has what you have, and that makes it even more intriguing and beautiful.”

“You may not want the same artwork you’ve seen in your neighbor’s home or even your doctor’s office. With original pieces, no one else has what you have, and that makes it even more intriguing and beautiful.”

The sisters-in-law recently acquired TRA, which was founded three decades ago. The gallery offers high-quality, one-of-a-kind creative works in a range of mediums – painting, sculpture, prints, paper, metalwork and forging.

TRA represents talented artists from around the country, many of whom are local or have close ties to Michigan. Hundreds of pieces are available to view on-site at the gallery, which is open to consumers and designers alike. It’s led by Cristine’s eye for matching environments with the appropriate work.

“Art doesn’t have to follow a specific style. You might like one piece that’s more floral and another that’s more abstract. Cristine can bring it all together through color,” says Karen. “She can see and understand how pieces will look in the space you’re trying to create, based on your vision and overall taste.”

Coming into a gallery for the first time may seem intimidating, but it quickly becomes a fun experience as you discover artists, investigate the range of styles and colors, and realize the art you’ll be adding to your home is truly one-of-a-kind.

“It’s more original and has never been seen before,” says Cristine. “That stirs a lot of interesting conversations when guests first experience the artistic environment you’ve created. It ultimately makes your home much more inviting.”

It often helps to see art in place, so TRA will bring pieces to your home or office so you can assess the size and impact of the works within your own space. Clients often discover that what they liked in the gallery, they love in their home.

The gallery’s professional installers make sure artwork is at the right height and well-integrated into the environment, so finishing the project is easy. “We’re there to help through every step,” says Cristine.

“Last week, a couple came in very nervous at first, but before long, they were going through our inventory, pulling art from drawers, and just loving it. Everyone should have that experience. Come explore and see what you like.”

TRA Art Group is located inside the Michigan Design Center, 1700 Stutz Drive (suite #29) in Troy. Call (248) 404-7337.

CONTINUED >

“Art doesn’t have to follow a specific style. You might like one piece that’s more floral and another that’s more abstract. Cristine can bring it all together through color.”

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TONE + TEXTURE

STYLE YOUR HOME IN TONES AND TEXTURES WITH DESIGN HELP FROM HOUZZ INTERIOR DESIGN EXPERTS

WOVEN + KNOTTED

LIVING BOHO-CHIC WITH WOVEN TEXTURES AND MACRAMÉ

Decorate your space with handmade textures such as the modern, maker revival of 1970s macramé and year-round tropical feel of wicker. MACRAMÉ Made through knotting instead of weaving, macramé can add a unique touch in many various ways. Houzz contributor Laura Gaskill suggests incorporating it as nursery decor, plant hangers, wall hangings and modern fiber arts. WICKER According to Houzz contributor Yanic Simard, “the best way to really embrace the luxury-cottage appeal of wicker and rattan is to combine different forms of the two in one space... Look for other unexpected places to add a natural twist to your home with a new material woven into your palette.”

AGAINST THE GRAIN

TIPS FOR DECORATING WITH NATURAL MATERIALS

Houzz contributor Katie Treggiden offers many ways to incorporate natural materials and natural-state timber into your home, including using wood to cover one wall in a home for a pleasing accent wall; featuring your firewood as a striking, stacked display; and mixing different types of wood and different finishes in the same space. “A simple way to incorporate the wood trend is to expose structural wooden beams already present in your home,” Katie says. “Instead of painting them or boxing them in, leave them raw or give them a coat of wax to enrich the tones.”

BRIGHTS + WHITES

ADDING TASTEFUL POPS OF COLOR TO YOUR WHITE ROOM

Do you feel like your all-white room is missing something? Houzz contributor Kelly Porter bets what’s missing is energy.

“The best way to add a spark to any space,” she says, “is with bright color.”

Kelly says green is one of the easiest colors to live with, looking organic even in its more vivid tones.

“When searching for the perfect bright green, think springtime—fresh green grass and newly sprouted leaves,” she says. “These greens have lively undertones that will look comfortable and warm in your white space.

Other colors Kelly recommends adding as accents are yellow, royal blue, orange, bluepurple, red-purple and sky blue.

MARCH 2024

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

MARCH 2ND, 9TH, 16TH AND 23RD

The Magic Soiree, Michigan's only magic comedy dinner show

Camp Ticonderoga, 5725 Rochester Road, Troy | 6:30 PM

Comedy plus magic? Imagine that. Your hosts are award-winning British comedy magicians Lady Sarah and Keith Fields (as seen on Fox TV and WXYZ). The evening starts with magicians who bring the magic right to your table and ends with a hilarious stage show, plus a delicious buffet dinner. Cash bar available. Tickets go fast; visit TheMagicSoiree.com.

MARCH 7TH

Troy Kiwanis Networking & Happy Hour

McVee's Pub and Grub, 1129 E. Long Lake Road, Troy | 5:30 PM

Join Troy Kiwanis for a Happy Hour to learn more about its new community mental health and suicide prevention teen counseling program, supported by the Troy School District. Learn how to encourage Troy youth and become involved. Hors d'oeuvres provided compliments of Troy Kiwanis; cash bar. For details, email kiwanisclubtroymi@gmail.com or call Vicki Cerven-Astell at (248) 561-8934.

MARCH 12TH

Fabulous Wine Dinner at Carrabba's Italian Grill

Carrabba's Italian Grill, 600 W. Big Beaver, Troy | 6:30 PM

Relax and enjoy authentic Italian cuisine and an exquisite four-course wine pairing with friends, family or co-workers. Explore the evening's featured wine and off-menu masterpieces, as well as camaraderie and special gifts, compliments of Proprietor Clint Richardson. Call (248) 269-0095 or visit Carrabbas.com for details and reservations. Discover why wine dinner guests at Carrabba's in Troy return month after month!

MARCH 12TH

Virtual Seminar on Bariatric Surgery Options

Virtual - Zoom | 12:00 PM

Thinking about weight-loss surgery and want to know your options? Join this free, no-obligation seminar on Zoom to learn about surgical options at the Beaumont weight-loss programs. With David Chengelis, M.D., of Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery in Troy. There's no cost but you must register in advance. Call (800) 633-7377 and choose option 2. You'll receive a link to the seminar.

MARCH 15TH

Backsplash Ideas for Kitchens and Baths (designer-led tour)

Michigan Design Center, 1700 Stutz Drive, Troy | 10:00 AM

In this free tour led by a professional designer, you'll explore the latest backsplash ideas for your kitchens and baths. Whether you're remodeling or just looking for some inspiration, this hour-long, in-person event is for you. Discover the hottest backsplash trends and creative designs to transform your space. To RSVP, visit michigandesign.com

MARCH 16TH

Real Estate Seminar for Sellers and Buyers in Today's Market

Troy Community Center, 3179 Livernois, Troy | 11:00 AM

Whether you're selling or buying, this free seminar will answer your questions about today's changing real estate market. Retiring, moving for work or helping your college-age kids make a smart decision? Come ask experts Alina Postolatii of AP Realty and Chris Suleymanov of NEXA Mortgage. To reserve your spot, call or text Alina at (734) 358-6303 or email alina@aprealtyco.com.