West Bloomfield, MI August 2025

Kids & Pets: The Very Heart of Our Homes

If there’s one theme that captures the spirit of this month’s issue, it’s care  — the way we care for our families, our pets, our futures and our community.

Let’s start with the people and places bringing that care to life right here in West Bloomfield. KB Dental has turned something most kids dread into something they actually enjoy — proving that a trip to the dentist can be more about laughter than fear, especially when care comes with a personal, family-friendly approach.

In this issue, you’ll also meet Jordan DiMercurio who, at just 18, has turned a summer window-washing job into Squeaks Window Cleaning — an 11-employee business built on drive, heart and hustle. He's an amazing young entrepreneur. We also highlight two incredible local grads and future leaders who’ve excelled in athletics and academics.

Planning for the future is another kind of care, especially when it comes to education. For families navigating the college planning process, you won't want to miss our feature on Education Planning Resources — a local nonprofit that helps families reduce college costs, avoid debt and protect their retirement.

And of course, we had to shine a light on Premier Pet Supply. This local favorite has grown into a small empire built on personal service, quality goods and a deep love for pets. Because for many of us, pets are more than companions — they’re family.

We hope this issue reminds you of the joy in nurturing what (and who) matters most. TODD

HAIGHT,

August 2025

PUBLISHER

Todd Haight | todd.haight@citylifestyle.com

CO-PUBLISHER

Margaret Meyer Haight margaret.haight@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Lynne Konstantin | lynne.konstantin@citylifestyle.com

SALES SUPPORT COORDINATOR

Katie Bode | katie.bode@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Allison Sommerville allison.sommerville@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Katie Currid, Linda Ditch, Bailey Hall, Jennifer Lovy, Leann Parker, Susan Thwing

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Simran Bajwa, Katie Currid, Leann Parker

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

COO Matthew Perry

CRO Jamie Pentz

VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson

VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders

AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas Learn

1: The Troy Chamber of Commerce Power Panel, June 18 at Trion Solutions: Moderator Jeff Caponigro, Tara Tomcsik-Husak, Rana Al-Igoe, Iris Steinberg, Lisa Toenniges. 2: Jeff Caponigro, Executive VP-Corporate Communications and Chief Marketing Officer of Trion Solutions, leads the panel discussion. 3: Panelists engage in dynamic discussion during audience Q&A at the Trion-hosted event.

Baker College Launches One-Year MBA Program

Baker College launches a one-year MBA program starting in August, designed for working professionals seeking accelerated career advancement. The innovative format features focused 4-week courses taken individually, 100-percent online flexibility and frequent start dates. Students complete their MBA in just one year while maintaining academic rigor; transfer students can bring up to nine graduate credits. Applications are now open for this affordable, fast-paced program that delivers in-demand skills without disrupting careers. Baker.edu/one-year-mba

Want to be featured?

Tenita Johnson Hosts Brand, Book, Bestseller LIVE Aug. 20-22

Authorpreneur Tenita “Bestseller” Johnson has written 25 books, including seven Amazon best-sellers, and is the founder and CEO of So It Is Written, a one-stop shop for the complete book process. On Aug. 20-22, Johnson hosts Brand, Book, Bestseller LIVE, a three-day intensive that helps speakers and coaches transform their expertise into bestselling books that generate six-figure income. Participants will develop their brand, write their book and create bestseller strategies. Aug. 20-22, Walsh College, Troy. Soitiswritten.net/bestseller-live

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Head of the Class

MEET THIS YEAR’S STAR STUDENTS — GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS WHO’VE EXCELLED IN ATHLETICS WHILE EARNING TOP MARKS.

ARTICLE BY LYNNE KONSTANTIN

ASHLEE FRANKFORD

HIGH SCHOOL West Bloomfield High School

AGE 17

CITY OF RESIDENCE West Bloomfield

COLLEGE ATTENDING IN THE FALL Eastern Michigan University

SPORT I’m a competitive dancer and was on the varsity poms team.

ACCOLADES DAR Good Citizenship Award; NHS Outstanding Leadership Award; West Bloomfield Youth Assistance Award; graduated Summa Cum Laude

MAJOR Occupational Therapy

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT THE SPORT YOU PLAY?

The sense of community, teamwork and the ability it allows me to express myself how I choose.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR ACADEMIC FIELDS?

Being able to be very hands-on in my academics and having people that I could go to when needed.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER A MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENT YOU’VE ACHIEVED?

I’m proud of having a positive impact on so many remarkable people and having so many others make their marks on me, as well. I’m fortunate to learn from each and every person I get to work with.

DO YOU HAVE A ROLE MODEL/MENTOR?

My mom, because of the way she has taught me to do things and how supportive she always is.

WHAT GOALS DO YOU HOPE TO ACHIEVE?

I hope that I can continue to positively impact those in my community and around the world. I also hope to become an occupational therapist and work with students with special needs.

TELL ME SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I have a pet bunny. Her name is Feather.

AZARIA D. MAY

HIGH SCHOOL West Bloomfield High School

AGE 18

CITY OF RESIDENCE Pontiac

COLLEGE ATTENDING IN THE FALL Michigan State University

SPORTS I play lacrosse and swim. I hope to do intramural lacrosse in college.

ACCOLADES Graduated Magna Cum Laude; Golden Opportunity Scholarship; Delta Sigma Theta Inc scholarship; KFI Stem Scholarship; JV Defensive Player of the Year (2023); Varsity Defensive Player of the Year (2024); Varsity Defensive Player of the Year (2025); Varsity Ground Ball Champ (2025); and two varsity letters from swim and lacrosse.

MAJOR Human Biology

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT THE SPORT YOU PLAY?

I love creating bonds with my teammates. At first you are just people on the same team, but some of these players have become my best friends. I cherish these people deeply to my heart and would not have met them if not for this sport. I also love the heat of the game — sometimes it gets intense but towards the end we know it was worth it and we put our all into the game.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR ACADEMIC FIELD?

I love that it challenges me intellectually and to think outside the box. Although I sometimes struggle with science and healthcare, my love for them has never wavered, but continued to grow.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THESE AREAS OF STUDY? WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM THEM?

I’m passionate about understanding the human body and making a real impact through healthcare, specifically orthodontics. From these experiences, I’ve learned discipline, critical thinking and how rewarding it is to help others through knowledge and care.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER A MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENT YOU’VE ACHIEVED?

One of my major accomplishments are my awards in lacrosse. I ran track my first year of high school because I wanted to follow in my family’s footsteps. I quickly realized that I was not going to be as good as them and I ended up quitting. My sophomore year of high school I found lacrosse and I was instantly good at it. I finally found something that was uniquely me and not a reflection of others and it truly helped me get in touch with who I am.

DO YOU HAVE A ROLE MODEL/MENTOR?

Some of the many role models in my life are: Detrice Schultz, my teetee and one of my biggest supporters since I was a child — she always pushed me to be great. Also, my mother, Chelita Schultz, is an extremely hard worker whose influence has made me a dedicated student and person. And Angela Davis: Although she’s much older than I am, she is my best friend and someone I look up to dearly. I hope to one day be able to achieve all that she has achieved in her life.

WHAT GOALS DO YOU HOPE TO ACHIEVE?

I have many goals for my future, but a few are that I hope to make a bigger impact in the world. Fewer than five percent of dentists are African American, and the number of orthodontists is even smaller. I want to show young Black students that this path is not only possible but powerful. Through dedication in college and dental school, I hope to maintain a standard of academic excellence that reflects both my work ethic and my passions for the field. I’d like to open my own practice that strives for diversity and provides affordable oral care for those who need it.

TELL ME SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU?

The main reason I want to become an orthodontist is because as a child I was very insecure about my smile, but I gained confidence with it. I want to help others reach this confidence, too.

FAMILY FUN TAKES FLIGHT

As summer starts to wind down, Michigan skies are heating up — literally. For those looking to end the season on a high note, Legacy Ballooning offers an unforgettable experience above the treetops, where sunsets stretch for miles and adventure takes flight.

Based in Troy and flying out of the Milford and South Lyon areas, Legacy Ballooning (legacyballooning.com) is Michigan’s only female-owned and operated hot air balloon-ride business. At the helm is Dawn McKenzie, a second-generation balloon pilot with more than 25 years of flying experience and a passion for sharing the sky.

“I grew up in the sport,” McKenzie said. “My dad ran FlyBalloons.net for more than four decades, and I was the only girl in a family of seven balloonists. I started crewing for him when I was a kid.”

That family legacy and her deep roots in Michigan’s ballooning community fuel her business today.

While many balloon rides involve large baskets packed with tourists, Legacy Ballooning offers something far more intimate: private flights.

“Think of it like the difference between a private jet and flying Spirit Airlines,” McKenzie said. “When you book with me, it’s your adventure.”

Each flight is a three-hour experience that begins with a quick ride from a meet-up spot in a chase vehicle to the launch site. After about 20 minutes of balloon inflation, passengers lift off and drift peacefully for 45 minutes to an hour, catching views of shimmering lakes, wandering wildlife and woodlands from above. The journey ends with a gentle landing, a toast of champagne and a celebratory return to where it all began.

The magic, though, is more than the view. It’s the silence. It’s the feeling of floating.

“There’s no steering wheel,” McKenzie says. “The wind decides where we go. You’re just up there, watching the world wake up or wind down. It’s surreal.”

Flights are scheduled at sunrise or just before sunset to catch the calmest winds and most beautiful light. McKenzie flies primarily on weekends but offers some weekday slots, too. Ballooning is highly weather-dependent, so flexibility is key. McKenzie stays in close contact with riders, updating them as the date approaches.

“Sometimes we know the night before if the weather’s a go. Other times, we’re making that call just hours before launch.“

As one of just 15 pilots nationwide invited to compete in the U.S. Women’s National Hot Air Balloon Championship, McKenzie is more than just a scenic tour guide — she’s an expert in flight dynamics and safety. She’s earned her FAA commercial pilot license, completed extensive ground school and in-air instruction and passed a rigorous flight test just like a fixed-wing pilot, but specialized for balloons.

And while many riders are checking off a bucket list dream, others are celebrating proposals, birthdays and anniversaries.

“We see a lot of group gifts,” she says. “Kids chipping in to give their parents a ride. Or someone who’s wanted to do it forever. People remember this for the rest of their lives.”

McKenzie’s passion doesn’t end in the sky. She also competes at hot air balloon festivals across the country and is now passing the flame to the next generation — her twin sons, who often crew alongside her.

For those who want a keepsake beyond memories, Legacy Ballooning offers an optional video package with 360-degree footage of the entire flight. It’s an immersive souvenir that brings the sky back down to earth.

As Michigan’s warm days dwindle and the scent of fall begins to creep in, there’s still time for one last summer thrill. And whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, a flight with Legacy Ballooning promises something rare: peace, wonder and a perspective you’ll never forget.

Best in Show

PREMIER PET SUPPLY BUILT A LOCAL EMPIRE ON PERSONAL SERVICE AND QUALITY GOODS.

Ordering pet food and supplies online is so fast and convenient that it’s easy to forget there are other ways to shop. Mike Palmer, owner of Premier Pet Supply, doesn’t discourage online shopping. He offers it, too (premierpetsupply.com).

However, the heart of his business model lies in something the internet can’t provide: a highly personalized shopping experience. That guiding philosophy has helped him grow Premier Pet Supply from a single neighborhood store in Beverly Hills into a thriving network of 13 locations across Metro Detroit, employing 280 people.

But don’t call it a chain — at least not in the traditional sense.

“I like to refer to us more as a family of stores,” Palmer says. “We’re the only Michigan-owned and family-owned pet-supply business in Southeast Michigan. Everyone else is venture capital-backed or publicly traded. That’s not who we are.”

Palmer, a 49-year-old Novi resident, began working for his uncle and company founder, Ray Hesano, while in high school. What started as a part-time job to earn money for college evolved into a career. At 21, Palmer was managing the store, and at 24, he bought into the business.

He began expanding by strategically partnering with a few employees and opening additional locations, which now include Troy, West Bloomfield, Novi, Rochester Hills, Detroit and more.

“We’ve always maintained outstanding customer service. That’s the easy part,” Palmer says. “It’s about getting to know the customer and the pets, building relationships and providing customers with a positive experience that will make them want to come back. The cherry on top is that they can do all that while supporting local.”

Premier sells products from nearly 30 Michigan-based companies. The local-first mindset may set Premier Pet Supply apart, but it also presents one of the company’s biggest hurdles.

“The biggest challenge right now is awareness,” Palmer says. “We offer convenience, price and service, but people don’t always realize they can get all that and still support local.”

Despite the challenging retail landscape and the grind of 15-hour days, Palmer shows no signs of slowing down.

His mission remains the same as it was when he first took over the store at 21.

When he’s not working, he enjoys spending time with his family. He and his wife, Rita, have four children between the ages of 18 and 22 — and two dogs. Palmer prioritizes community involvement as well, devoting his time and resources to helping animal rescue organizations — the stores have facilitated more than 10,000 pet adoptions — and participating in community education events and primarily-school presentations about animal safety and welfare. He’s also a frequent guest on Fox 2 and Channel 4 news.

PALMER’S FAVORITE PRODUCTS

With 30-plus years in the pet-supply business, Mike Palmer has seen some really good and some not-so-good pet products over the years. Here are some of his favorites.

Favorite Cat Food Brand: SMALLS. What he likes about it: Aside from the company culture, the food is gently cooked and ideal for cats because of the way it’s prepared. Cats require a significant amount of moisture in their diet.

“We offer convenience, price and service, but people don’t always realize they can get all that and still support local.”

Favorite Dog Toy: Toys made by Fluff & Tuff. What he likes about it: This Michigan company makes great-looking plush toys that are super durable.

Favorite Dog Treat: Hunter’s Healthy Treats. What he likes about it: From another Michigan company, this one based in Livonia, these treats are natural and have a soft texture and wholesome ingredients.

Most Unique Items in the Store: Premier offers products for all kinds of pets, including a variety of insect feeders (crickets, tomato worms and Dubia roaches).

Favorite Service: Do-it-yourself dog washing. Customers really appreciate the do-it-yourself dog wash rooms. “They’re private rooms, so it’s less stressful for the pet and the owner,” Palmer says. “They can come in and utilize all the supplies we provide, then leave the mess with us, rather than wrecking their bathroom or straining their back over a tub.”

Smart Start

ARTICLE BY SUSAN THWING

When Tom Krent talks about college planning, he doesn’t start with applications or financial aid. He starts with stress — and how to relieve it.

“Families are overwhelmed,” Krent says. “We walk alongside them with a plan. When people know their options and have a strategy, the stress melts away.”

Since 2013, Krent has been with Education Planning Resources (EPR; fprsllc.com), a Metro Detroit-based nonprofit founded in 2008 to help families reduce college costs, avoid debt and protect their retirement. While the organization’s services

HELPING FAMILIES

NAVIGATE THE COLLEGE-PLANNING JOURNEY.

are deeply strategic — reverse-engineering FAFSA scores, calculating long-term savings and navigating aid formulas — it’s also about mentorship, mission and the future of the next generation.

“We see the big picture,” says Krent, who has a background in engineering and a lifelong love of education. “We’re not just talking about paying for college. We’re talking about creating career pathways, smart financial planning and opening doors, no matter what path a student takes.”

That path may include a four-year university, but just as often it’s trade school, a community college or an apprenticeship. Krent and the EPR team help families navigate all routes with the same attention to academic fit and financial efficiency.

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE, PROFESSIONAL PURPOSE

Krent’s own college experience came with opportunities, including co-op programs, scholarships and work-study partnerships, that helped pave his way. But as a parent, he learned how savings plans like 529s can hurt financial aid eligibility. That disconnect between what families think helps and what actually does is part of what motivates him today.

“We were penalized 20 percent on FAFSA for doing what we thought was the right thing,” he says. “Families deserve to know how the system works – before it’s too late.”

EPR has developed software that calculates a student’s Student Aid Index (SAI) at any age. Their team includes former guidance counselors, admissions officers, educators and financial professionals, giving families both practical advice and academic insight.

“We’re volunteers, but this is one of the biggest quests of my life,” Krent says. “Helping families, especially students, understand their options and their power? That’s everything.”

A STATEWIDE MISSION, ONE FAMILY AT A TIME

Although EPR no longer has a physical office (they went virtual after COVID), they work with families across Michigan via Teams — they’ve guided families from Frankenmuth to Monroe, Detroit to Ann Arbor. In presentations at schools like Detroit Country Day, they connect students directly with professionals — from doctors to engineers — who share reallife career stories.

About half of EPR’s work is related to traditional college planning. The rest includes career coaching, mentorship, workstudy and helping adults retrain or relaunch their own careers.

“We help anyone seeking the next step,” Krent says. “Education looks different for everyone.”

TOM KRENT’S Top 5 Planning Tips

Every parent should know these, no matter where you are in your journey.

1. Start Now: Whether your child is 6 or 16, it’s never too early to explore career interests and financial strategy.

2. Explore Real Careers: Attend local conventions and career-focused events. Exposure sparks inspiration.

3. Be Strategic About Saving: Not all savings plans are FAFSA-friendly. Know the rules before you invest.

4. Maximize School Programs: Dual enrollment, co-op work/study and Early College options can save time and money.

5. Look Beyond the Sticker Price: Private colleges often offer more aid than public ones — don’t rule them out.

Making Smiles

A visit to the dentist isn’t at the top of most people’s list of favorite activities. The team at KB Dental wants to change that perception. Their goal: to make patients of all ages feel comfortable throughout their visit, and happy that they took steps to care for their oral health when they walk out the door.

With locations in West Bloomfield and Troy, KB Dental (kbdental.com) can be a one-stop shop for a family’s dental needs. When Kristen Balutowicz, DDS, bought the practice in 2016, she was determined that patients wouldn’t feel like they were going through an assembly line. The practice offers everything from basic oral hygiene services, including fillings and root canals, to

OPPOSITE,

more technical procedures such as restorative dental implants and cosmetic porcelain veneers, Invisalign and teeth whitening.

“We want to treat patients like an extension of our family, and provide good care in a friendly atmosphere,” Dr. Balutowicz says. “We offer a boutique-style experience with a very high standard of care that features the latest technology.

“We like to have fun, and we worked hard to build a team based on teamwork, where everyone works toward a common goal,” Dr. Balutowicz says of the group, which includes doctors Jennifer Murri, Dawn Mann, Sara Hannoodi and Ashley Metz-Suska. “We’re here for the patients, to do a good job and treat them well.”

For those anxious about visiting the dentist, KB Dental offers a comfort menu to help ease their nerves. The list includes weighted blankets, nitrous oxide gas, noise-cancelling headphones, sunglasses to block out the bright lights, televisions and squishy balls. When kids come for an appointment, each doctor takes the time to talk to them. They let children touch and hold the instruments and get creative in describing what’s going to happen.

“We know it’s not fun to have dental work done, so we want to celebrate when patients make a commitment to improving their oral health.”

“We have certain words for things we use, like sleepy juice, Mr. Bumpy, the polishing tool, and Mr. Whistle, the drill,” Dr. Balutowicz says. “And I will make up a story so they can try to picture what’s going on, like, ‘Okay, I’m going after the sugar bugs. Oh my gosh, there’s a mom sugar bug. She’s wearing purple shoes. Oh, there’s the baby sugar bug.’”

Adding to the “treat” in treatment: Each patient gets to choose a gift from the practice’s prize boxes. Kids choose from fun toy items after each procedure; an adult prize box offers a selection of gift certificates, wine, golf balls and more to choose from after completing their entire prescribed treatment.

“It’s a big hit,” Dr. Balutowicz says. “We know it’s not fun to have dental work done, so we want to celebrate when patients make a commitment to improving their oral health.”

THROW A PAWSOME BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR YOUR FURRY FRIEND

DIY DOG

BIRTHDAY PARTY

ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

DIY PARTY FAVORS FOR DOGS

Create delightful DIY party favors for your dog guests by filling small bags or boxes with goodies. Include a tennis ball for playtime fun and a selection of treats for them to enjoy. You can also add a small toy or chew for variety. These favors ensure that every pup goes home happy and tired from all the play and treats.

TREAT STATION FOR

OWNERS

Keep the human guests happy with a creative Treat Station for Owners. Use brand new, clean dog food bowls as serving dishes for snacks like chips, pretzels, and candies. Arrange the bowls on a table with a festive tablecloth and some dog-themed decorations. Label each bowl with fun names like “Puppy Chow” for trail mix or “Doggie Biscuits” for cookies.

HOW TO MAKE A DOG BIRTHDAY CAKE

A birthday party isn’t complete without a cake, even for dogs! To make a dog-friendly birthday cake, start with ingredients like peanut butter, bananas, and carrots. Mix 1 cup of flour, 1/4 cup of rolled oats, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of cinnamon in one bowl. In another bowl, blend 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce, 1/4 cup of peanut butter, 1 mashed banana, and 1/2 cup of grated carrots. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then pour the batter into a greased cake pan. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. Let it cool, then frost with a mixture of Greek yogurt and peanut butter. Decorate with dog treats and serve to your excited pup!

Cleaning Up

JORDAN DIMERCURIO HELPS HOMEOWNERS — WHILE GIVING HOPE TO THE HOMELESS.

Jordan DiMercurio started Squeaks Window Cleaning in 2023 after spending a summer as a window cleaner with a friend in Iowa.  He was 16 years old.

ARTICLE BY LINDA DITCH PHOTOGRAPHY BY SIMRAN BAJWA

Two years later, what started as a side hustle has grown into an 11-employee business. Squeaks (squeakswindowcleaning. com) not only cleans windows, but also gutters, solar panels and dryer vents, with power-washing services coming soon.

“We’re essentially a one-stop shop for homeowners, so they don’t have to go to different companies for each service,” DiMercurio says. “They can come to us and do everything with one trusted company.”

Since graduating from high school, DiMercurio says, “I’m pursuing entrepreneurship and living the dream. I enjoy what I’m doing right now, building a business. That’s what I love. That’s my passion,” he adds. “I’ve been so fortunate to know a lot of people who are in the positions I want to be in eventually. So, I get to learn from watching what they’re doing and then calling them to ask questions and meeting with them.”

DiMercurio’s faith also drives his business. When starting out, he would spend a lot of time knocking on doors to find customers. Some days he made $50 and others $300. But the process was dragging him down.

His brother, Josh, pointed out that in his own business as a longtime piano teacher, he never markets his business. He prays and turns it over to God.

“I thought, ‘Wow. That’s pretty nuts, but all right, Lord. I’m going to give this to you.’ I didn’t market the whole next week, and instead, I just prayed and sought Him. We landed two of our biggest accounts that week,” DiMercurio says.

Squeaks has also taken on a compassionate mission. Beyond earning money, the company’s vision expanded to helping people experiencing homelessness. Ten percent of their profits support Grace Centers of Hope (gracecentersofhope.org), a Michigan-based, faith-based organization that aids the homeless with shelter and food. The entire company also spends time volunteering with the nonprofit.

DiMercurio says homelessness has been on his heart for years. As a child, his parents took him to Grace Centers of Hope to volunteer, and the sight of them helping people in need left a lasting impression on him.

Beyond earning money, the company’s vision expanded to helping people experiencing homelessness. Ten percent of their profits support Grace Centers of Hope ( gracecentersofhope.org), a Michiganbased, faith-based organization that aids the homeless with shelter and food.

He realized that many homeless people want to change their situation but lack resources — particularly regarding mental health, often stemming from broken homes or circumstances they feel they can’t escape. The center offers hope, guidance and community support — beyond money and meals.

“Giving back as a business gives us something bigger to work for than just making money,” he says. “It gives us something that has a lasting impact. Money and goals — those things fade away, but helping people can have a generational impact. This is bigger than just making money; it’s about more than just having a successful business. It’s so much larger than that.”

This magazine is how Todd redefined success.

This is more than a role; it’s a platform for purpose. City Lifestyle publishers step into something bigger: the freedom to lead, the fulfillment of impact, and the pride of building something that matters.

The opportunity to lead with meaning is calling. Could your next chapter begin here?

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Explore open markets nationwide.

Summertime is busy time, and that often means eating on the go. Whether you’re at constant baseball games or meeting up for a regular play date, you’re probably bringing food along with you to feed your crew. And there’s no meal that’s as on-the-go friendly as the peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

And don’t get me wrong — I love a PB&J. But months of eating anything can get a little old, and this summer, I started to wonder if there was a way to zhuzh up the ol’ standby.

I was actually inspired by a sandwich at one of my favorite places to eat. All the restaurant’s sandwiches feature cheese. So color me surprised when I found that they had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich on the menu — with the addition of sheep’s cheese. And cue more surprise when I discovered that it was absolutely delicious.

IT’S PEANUT BUTTER JELLY TIME

CHANGE UP YOUR PB&J GAME BY DISCOVERING NEW WAYS TO ENJOY THE OL’ STANDBY

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATIE CURRID

All summer, I was craving this sandwich, a fresh PB&J sandwich on sourdough. I decided to try my own at home with what I had on hand, which was goat cheese. And it opened up a whole new world for me.

The PB&J with goat cheese started being my standard poolside sandwich this summer, and then I started talking to other people about it, spreading the gospel of the PB&J with cheese, and they would share their PB&J innovations with me. You could toast them! Put chips on them! Add bacon! The possibilities were endless.

The PB&J is so nostalgic and, yeah, sometimes, you just want a really basic one on white bread with grape jelly and creamy Jif like you had when you were a kid. But it’s also fun to be playful about it, which is nostalgic in its own way, too — being innovative and doing something a little weird or against the rules, just like when you were a kid.

HERE ARE SOME IDEAS TO CHANGE UP YOUR PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY SANDWICH:

Change up your bread: One easy way to liven up your sandwich is to use different bread. That sourdough you may have learned to make during the pandemic is a perfect bread to use, or you could opt for milk bread, a Japanese option that is fluffier and sweeter than white bread.

Get nutty: While most toddlers would balk at crunchy peanut butter, you’re an adult! You can try new things! If you don’t have the crunchy type on hand, you can also just add peanuts between your layers of peanut butter and jelly to get that crunchy fix.

Toast it: One of my favorite ways to make an “elevated” PB&J is to simply toast it. It’s really similar to grilled cheese — make your PB&J, and then spread some butter on the outside on both sides. Melt some butter in a pan and add your sandwich, flipping once browned. If you want to get really fancy, sprinkle some powdered sugar on before you cut into it. I promise it will be your new late-night craving.

New spreads: You probably already have a go-to jelly for your PB&J (mine is strawberry), but change it up a bit and try raspberry or apricot. Honey is a great addition, too! I’ve also heard ginger or lemon preserves are great, or you could try swapping the peanut butter out for something different nut butter, or even something worldly like tahini, which is a ground sesame seed paste with a similar flavor to peanut butter.

Fresh fruit: This is probably the simplest way to up your PB&J game, since technically, you’ve already got fruit on your sandwich in the form of jelly. Try adding some smashed raspberries or cut strawberries to yours next time you make one!

Add some spice: Putting some spice on your PB&J can add some interest. Sambal, an Indonesian chili paste, is a good option because it lends itself to sweetness, or Sriracha is an easy one since it’s a common fridge staple. I’m also a big fan of gochujang, a mildly spicy Korean paste with a hint of sweetness. It’s best to mix your spice in with your peanut butter before spreading it — it’ll remind you of satay!

Chip in: Probably the wackier idea you’ll see here, and one a toddler would either love or abhor, but chips on sandwiches are a great way to add crunchiness and saltiness to any sandwich — especially the PB&J. Apparently, Channing Tatum loves to eat Cheetos on his PB&J, though I’ve had others tell me they love to add Doritos — both the Nacho and Cool Ranch variety — to theirs, too.

Say cheese: As I said earlier, you’ve gotta try cheese on your PB&J. I’m a fan of goat cheese, specifically the honey variety, but plain versions or those with dried fruit are great, too. The trick is to set it out for 15-20 minutes before making your sandwich to soften it a bit, so it’s easier to spread on delicate bread.

It’s bacon!: Bacon lends itself well to peanut butter because it’s also both sweet and salty. If you’re opposed to adding straight-up strips of bacon to your sandwich, a bacon jam, which you can buy or make at home, is a good stepping stone to getting out of your comfort zone.

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