W.E Business 2026

Ready for What’s Next Built on a Strong Foundation

After more than 35 years serving WindsorEssex, GS Engineering has entered an exciting new chapter under Principal Engineers and owners Milena Stevanov and Tianna Dupuis. Together, they’re continuing the firm’s legacy while bringing fresh energy, practical solutions, and a long-term commitment to the clients and communities they serve.

Thank you to our clients, parners, and community for being a part of our story.

Contributors Contents

PAUL ST-PIERRE Publisher

BREANNE MCGINTY Managing Editor, Director of Sales

MARNIE ROBILLARD ................................................... Art Director

SABINE MAIN ..................................................... Creative Director

MACKENZIE COJOCAR Publication Assistant

GREG EDWARDS Graphic Designer

MEL MONCZAK ...................................... Senior Account Manager

CONTRIBUTORS

JESSE ZITER Writer

DEVAN MIGHTON ................................................................. Writer

JEN BRIGNALL-STRONG ....................................................... Writer

LUCY LANE Writer

TREVOR BOOTH Photographer

NICOLE BESTED Photographer

ADRIANA LIPARI ....................................................... Photographer

ANTHONY SHEARDOWN ........................................... Photographer

ANNA STANLEY Copy Editor

A Note

from our Managing Editor

06 BUILT ON CARE

For nearly 40 years, Norbert Bolger has been building homes, communities, and lasting trust across Windsor-Essex.

10 JANELLE STORY

The strongest workplaces don't choose between experience and fresh perspectives—they bring them together.

12

BUSINESS SHOWCASE

Featuring local businesses, entrepreneurs, and organizations from across Windsor-Essex.

Every business begins with an idea, but it is the people behind it who bring that idea to life, the faces that you see between these pages that continue to inspire us every day. Across our region, entrepreneurs and local leaders continue to invest in the Windsor-Essex community and leave a lasting impact.

This issue celebrates those individuals, the work they've built and the various paths it takes to become an entrepreneur. Within these pages, you'll discover organizations at different stages of their journey, like our cover story, Nor-Built. A local business built on the principle that exceptional craftsmanship begins with strong relationships and a commitment to the community.

As we look ahead, only three issues remain. There is still time to showcase your business and connect with thousands of readers before the year comes to a close. Welcome to W.E. Business.

Cheers,

Breanne McGinty

Breanne McGinty Managing Editor

In homebuilding, the finished structure matters - but for Norbert Bolger, what matters just as much is the life that will unfold inside it.

As founder and owner of NORBUILT Construction, Bolger has spent nearly four decades helping families, business owners, and communities across Windsor-Essex shape spaces that are functional, lasting, and deeply personal. Whether the project is a custom home, an accessible renovation, an additional dwelling unit, or a largescale neighbourhood development, his approach remains the same: listen carefully, build thoughtfully, and treat every client with respect.

"For us, it has always been about people," says Bolger. "Yes, we are builders, but we are also helping families create homes and helping communities grow. That responsibility means a lot to me, and we never take it lightly."

Founded in 1988, NOR-BUILT began as a small renovation-focused company and has grown into a full-service residential and commercial design-build contractor with a reputation for craftsmanship, professionalism, and personal service. Today, the company takes on a broad range of projects, from modest additions and renovations to fully custom executive homes and significant commercial work - all while maintaining the close client relationships that have defined the company from the beginning.

That consistency is one reason NOR-BUILT has earned such lasting respect in the region. Another is Bolger himself, whose knowledge of the industry is matched by a genuine warmth and groundedness that clients and colleagues quickly recognize. He began young, founded the company shortly before his twenty-first birthday, and has built not only an accomplished business, but a team-oriented culture that reflects his values.

Bolger is quick to credit the people around him for NOR-BUILT's success. He now leads a team of 15 and speaks with unmistakable appreciation about

the staff who help bring every project to life.

"I am able to do what I do because I work with an excellent staff," he says. "Our team cares about people. They are talented, they are professional, and they treat our clients with respect. I rely on them a great deal, and I am proud of what we accomplish together."

That emphasis on people extends directly to the customer experience. NOR-BUILT is known not simply for delivering quality work, but for taking the time to understand how clients want to live, what they need from a space, and what challenges they may be facing. Bolger understands that no two clients are the same - and that good building starts with good listening.

"Every client comes to us with a different story, different priorities, and different needs," he says. "A big part of our job is to really listen. When people feel heard and supported, you can create something that truly works for them - not just today, but for years to come."

That philosophy is especially clear in NOR-BUILT's work in accessible housing, aging-in-place design, and accessory dwelling units. The company has become a trusted name for projects that help people remain in their homes with dignity, independence, and comfort, regardless of age or mobility. These are not simply construction projects; they are life-enhancing solutions that allow clients and families to stay rooted in the communities they love.

Bolger is equally passionate about the broader issue of housing affordability; an area he believes deserves more attention and practical action. While NOR-BUILT is capable of highend custom work, he sees affordability and accessibility not as separate conversations, but as essential parts of responsible homebuilding.

"We need housing options for all stages of life and for a wide range of budgets," says Bolger. "That includes

thoughtful infill, additional dwelling units, accessible design, and finding ways to build more efficiently without sacrificing quality. The goal should always be to help more people find a place to live that suits their needs and their means."

This balance of vision and practicality is part of what makes Bolger such a respected voice in the industry. Under his leadership, NOR-BUILT built Amherstburg's first R-2000 home and became the first builder in town to construct a certified net-zero-ready home. The company also builds Energy Star-certified homes, reflecting an ongoing commitment to energy efficiency and environmental responsibility - choices that are good not only for the planet, but for homeowners managing long-term costs.

This summer, one of NOR-BUILT's most exciting projects is Brittany's Gate, an exclusive new development in Amherstburg's north end named after Bolger's daughter. Set across 18 executive-sized lots near Front Road and the Detroit River waterfront, the enclave is designed as a community of truly custom homes, with no two houses alike. Just under half the lots have already

been claimed, and the first homeowners have moved in.

"By design, no two homes are going to be the same," says Bolger. "Each one is created for the people who will live there. That gives the neighbourhood character, but more importantly, it gives homeowners something that feels authentically theirs."

Even in a signature development like Brittany's Gate, the emphasis remains less on prestige than on personalization. Bolger takes pride not only in the homes themselves, but in the care that shapes them - from siting and design to the streetscape and natural surroundings. For him, a successful development is one that contributes positively to the fabric of a town.

That wider perspective has also shaped NOR-BUILT's commercial portfolio. While many in Windsor-Essex know the company best for homebuilding, it has also completed major commercial projects, including the new Colchester Ridge Estate Winery (CREW). In 2021, Kimball Lumber in

Kingsville turned to NOR-BUILT to rebuild after a devastating fire caused extensive damage. Projects like these demonstrate the company's range, but also its reliability when communities and local institutions need trusted partners most.

Over the years, NOR-BUILT has received dozens of honours from respected industry organizations, including the 2024 Windsor-Essex Home Builder of the Year award. For Bolger, recognition is meaningful not because it draws attention, but because it reflects the standard his team works hard to uphold each day.

"We've been fortunate to receive a lot of recognition over the years," he says. "To me, those awards reflect the work our team puts in and the trust our clients place in us. That is what matters most."

Bolger's influence also reaches far beyond his own company. He is currently midway through a two-year term as chair of the Windsor Essex Home Builders' Association (WEHBA),

after decades of membership, board service, and previous leadership roles. His work there reflects another defining part of his character: a strong belief that the building industry must serve the public good.

"We do a great deal of advocacy work, and a lot of that is ultimately about the consumer," Bolger explains. "When we push for more practical policies, more attainable housing, or lower barriers to building, the goal is to help people. If we can make housing more accessible and more affordable, that benefits entire communities."

He points to recent progress on HST relief for new homes and lower development charges as meaningful steps toward easing the cost burden for buyers. For Bolger, these issues are not abstract policy debates - they directly affect whether young families, seniors, and working people can afford to put down roots.

That sense of responsibility is deeply personal, especially in Amherstburg, where Bolger grew up and still

Yes, we are builders, but we are also helping families create homes and helping communities grow. That responsibility means a lot to me, and we never take it lightly.

lives today. Though NOR-BUILT works across Windsor-Essex, including developments in LaSalle and projects in Essex and Kingsville, Amherstburg remains home in every sense.

"I've been to some very nice places, but Amherstburg is home," says Bolger. "It is a beautiful town, but more than that, it is a caring and close-knit community. People get to know each other here, and that matters. When you build in a place like this, you feel a real connection to it."

NOR-BUILT has long backed that connection with action. The company supports local charities and organizations including Make-A-Wish Canada, the Miracle League of Amherstburg, the Amherstburg Santa Claus Parade, and the Super Santa Walk/Run/Wheel. Bolger also serves on the board of the Bryerswood Youth Camp Optimist Club, which provides accessible and affordable opportunities for Essex County youth.

Through WEHBA, he has also supported projects such as additions to Safety Village and the new Ladies' Pavilion gathering space at Brentwood Recovery Home. He still speaks with pride about the association's 2005 Build for MRI charity initiative, which brought local contractors and community members together to build and sell a home in support of diagnostic imaging for Windsor Regional Hospital.

"Those are the kinds of projects that stay with you," he says. "When people come together and use their

skills to make a real difference, that means something."

That idea - making a real difference - may be the best way to understand both Norbert Bolger and NORBUILT Construction. Yes, the company builds homes, developments, and commercial spaces. But just as importantly, it builds trust, relationships, and a stronger sense of community.

After nearly 40 years in business,

Bolger remains energized by the work not simply because of what gets built, but because of who it serves. For clients, colleagues, and neighbours alike, that commitment is what sets NORBUILT apart.

NOR-BUILT Construction is headquartered at 1000 Alma Street in Amherstburg. For more information, or to book an appointment, call (519) 7361892 or email info@norbuilt.com.

The Competitive Advantage You’re Overlooking

By Dr. Janelle Abela

Leadership conversations about younger employees often begin with what they lack.

They don’t stay long enough. They expect flexibility. They ask too many questions. They challenge long-standing processes. They’re entitled.

What if we’ve been asking the wrong question?

After working with organizations across Canada and the United States –from manufacturing and healthcare to policing, education, professional sports, municipalities, and the public sector –I don’t see a generation that needs fixing. I see an opportunity that many organizations haven’t fully embraced.

The real competitive advantage isn’t found in choosing experience over youth or youth over experience. It’s found in creating workplaces where both make the other stronger.

For decades, organizations rewarded consistency. Today, they must reward adaptability. The organizations that will thrive are not necessarily those with the most experience – they’re the ones that learn the fastest.

That requires something many organizations unintentionally discourage: different ways of thinking.

Michelle Bonnici, Chief People Officer at ENWIN Utilities, describes one of today’s greatest leadership opportunities as bringing together employees with different experiences, communication styles, and expectations while ensuring valuable knowledge is shared across generations.

I couldn’t agree more. But I’d go one step further.

Too often, we talk about it as though it only flows one way – from experienced employees to younger ones. Experience absolutely matters. Institutional knowledge cannot be replaced. Neither can the fresh perspective of someone who hasn’t spent twenty years accepting, “this is how we’ve always done it.”

The strongest organizations don’t simply transfer knowledge. They exchange it. That exchange requires humility from everyone – regardless of age, title, or experience. I’ve seen that in leaders like Staff Sergeant Nick Goy of the LaSalle Police Service, who continues to learn from the people and communities he serves. His willingness to ask questions and remain a student of others demonstrates that great leadership begins with curiosity, not certainty.

One leader who embodies this mindset from a different generation is Cole Mucci, Founder and CEO of KingsOne Farms.

At 24 years old, Cole leads employees who, in many cases, have decades more life and work experience than he does. As the founder of one of Canada’s most advanced greenhouse lettuce operations, producing hundreds of thousands of heads of lettuce each week, he has built a business that continues to grow while leading a diverse and experienced team. Rather than trying to prove himself by pretending to have all the answers, he leads authentically. He has made a point of getting to know

the people on his team, understanding their backgrounds, and learning about the different cultures represented throughout the workplace.

Those actions are simple, but they communicate something powerful: you matter here.

When asked what it is like leading people older than himself, Cole doesn’t pretend it’s easy.

“It’s a little bit difficult when you have a team that’s older than you. Sometimes it’s challenging leading people who have so much more life and work experience than I do, but I’ve learned that listening and earning people’s respect goes a long way.”

Some leaders might see that as uncertainty. I see emotional intelligence— the future of leadership.

The strongest organizations don’t simply transfer knowledge. They exchange it. That exchange requires humility from everyone— regardless of age, title, or experience.”

Perhaps we’ve mistaken authenticity for inexperience.

“I don’t like ‘yes’ people. I value honesty, and I want people to tell me what they really think.” That authenticity is reflected in the culture Cole has built. “Everyone gets along and is comfortable and happy to be here.”

That’s more than workplace culture. It’s a different philosophy of leadership.

Perhaps what younger leaders bring isn’t entitlement at all. It’s transparency, collaboration, and a willingness to question assumptions. They are generally more comfortable questioning assumptions, experimenting with new ideas, embracing technology, and engaging directly with customers and communities in ways previous genera-

tions may not have considered. Those aren’t replacements for experience. They are complements to it.

Cole, for example, has embraced social media not simply as a marketing tool, but as a way to build authentic relationships with consumers. By showing the people and purpose behind the business and engaging directly with the public, he is connecting with audiences in ways that reflect how many younger generations expect to interact with organizations today.

Likewise, experienced employees bring judgment, context, trusted relationships, and lessons learned through years of navigating challenges. The strongest organizations don’t choose between those strengths. They combine them.

Unfortunately, many workplaces still frame generational differences as obstacles instead of assets. Younger employees become labelled as entitled. Older employees become labelled as resistant. The labels become the barrier.

The most innovative organizations I’ve worked with do something different. They create environments where questions are welcomed regardless of tenure. They encourage everyone to be mentors, everyone to challenge assumptions, and everyone to remain a learner. That’s what modern leadership looks like.

Innovation doesn’t begin with technology. It begins with people who feel safe enough to challenge assumptions, admit mistakes, share ideas, and ask, “Is there a better way?”

That is why psychological safety matters. Not because it makes people comfortable – but because it makes organizations better.

The future of work won’t be built by one generation. The real question is whether organizations are ready to learn from them. Because the greatest competitive advantage isn’t experience or youth. It’s the willingness to let each generation make the other stronger. W.E.

PFG Exit Planning

For what comes next.

By PFGM

Photos by Heike Delmore

Peter Dobrich opened Private Financial Group in January 1994. 32 years and a considerably larger client base later, he’s turned his attention to the part of business ownership most owners avoid planning for.

The exit.

In 2026, Dobrich earned the highly prestigious Certified Exit Planning Advisor credential through the globally recognized Exit Planning Institute. The CEPA designation puts a methodology around one of the least discussed problems in business ownership, which is the premise that many businesses owners hold the majority of their net worth inside a company, and that many wait until a health scare or an unsolicited offer suddenly forces the consideration of a sale.

Owners, Dobrich explains, tend to anticipate the financial mechanics of a sale. But everything else, including which family members may legitimately and enthusiastically want to take the business on, what an owner’s identity looks like once the company is no longer attached to it, and whether the name on the building survives the transaction at all, tend to go undiscussed.

“The hardest part of an exit is al-

most never the price,” says Dobrich. “Every owner has thought about the number, but a lot of them haven’t thought about how to maintain the same lifestyle after the sale. Or an owner might spend two years cleaning up the books and ten minutes about what he’s going to do afterwards. I’d rather flip that ratio.

“People assume exit planning is tax structure and valuation,” he continues. “But half of it is getting a family in a room and finding out they’ve been assuming something different for ten years.”

The work fits what PFG has always done, since the firm’s proprietary Life Print FORMula holds wealth management, risk, tax, income, philanthropy and legacy planning inside a single frame. A sale functions as a tax event, an estate event, and family event in the same moment, so treating those pieces separately can cost owners money and goodwill in equal measure. A business sale, after all, happens once, with owners having one attempt at it, usually with no practice and on someone else’s timeline. “I’d rather a business owner have a decade of runway,” says Dobrich supportively, “rather than a deadline.

“It’s why we always say, ‘Isn’t it time we talked?’”

Finding Hope Again

Windsor-Essex’s First BTL ExoMind Clinic is changing how we think about mental health

By Lucy Lane

Access to proper mental health treatment has been a polarizing subject for many. Patients often talk about long wait times, dismissal, and the trial and error of finding the proper treatment for their specific case; and as studies continue, we are now more informed than ever about the nuance that comes with a proper mental health diagnosis. For Shezad “Shezi” Jaffri and his mother Rafat, that reality stemmed from twelve years of lived heartbreak.

“There is nothing more painful than watching someone you love suffer while feeling powerless to help,” says Shezi, Co-Founder and Director of Serenity Wellness Clinic. He’s talking about his brother, whose battle with severe mental illness stretched across more than a decade of specialist’s visits, medications, hospital visits, and a revolving door that offered stability but never a real life. “He wasn’t suffering the way he had been, but he wasn’t living either; just existing.”

Watching someone reclaim not just their stability, but their spark and their will to move forward, is something our family will never forget."

That changed when the family discovered Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation or TMS. His mother, a former nurse and founder of Mental Health Awareness Amongst Muslims, was in awe as she watched her son’s mood swings that had defined daily life begin to settle, substance use fell away and for the first time in years, what the family had hoped for had finally happened, their beloved son and brother was back.

“Watching someone reclaim not just their stability, but their spark and their will to move forward, is something our family will never forget,” Shezi says.

Serenity Wellness Clinic opened its doors in April of this year and the response from patients and the medical community has already exceeded expectations. The clinic was built on the premise that if their family had to fight that hard to find access to TMS, how many other Windsor-Essex families were still searching?

TMS Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation works by delivering gentle elec-

tromagnetic pulses to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, the region of the brain responsible for mood, emotional regulation, and cognitive function. Those pulses prompt underactive neurons to fire, strengthening the brain’s neuroplasticity and encouraging the natural release of mood-regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.

“Think of it as a workout for the mind,” Shezi explains. “Just as exercise strengthens the body, TMS trains and strengthens the brain over time.”

Crucially, what TMS doesn’t involve is just as important as what it does. The procedure doesn’t require surgery, anesthesia, or medication in the bloodstream, and none of the common side effects that come with prescription. Sessions are short, patients remain fully awake, and when it’s done, they can drive themselves home.

Shezi is quick to point out that TMS isn’t only for people in crisis. Professionals chasing sharper focus, students preparing for exams, athletes seeking a mental edge, and anyone navigating the brain fog of burnout or menopause are increasingly finding their way to Serenity’s doors.

What sets Serenity apart in Windsor-Essex is the technology they’ve brought to the region. Serenity is the first and only clinic in the area offering the BTL ExoMind, one of the newest-generation TMS devices on the market, developed by BTL, a global leader in medical technology.

The EXOMIND is Health Canada licensed for the aiding in various mental health related ailments. Sessions are quiet and efficient and delivered in a relaxed, spa-like environment rather than a hospital setting which mirrors Serenity’s core philosophy that mental health care should feel dignified and human.

“Beyond these established applications, the field of neuromodulation continues to evolve rapidly. Researchers around the world are investigating the potential role of TMS technology in areas such as smoking cessation,

addiction medicine, neurological rehabilitation following stroke, and support for persistent symptoms following traumatic brain injury,” explains Shezi. “Early findings in these emerging fields have been encouraging, particularly in relation to neuroplasticity. While these applications remain under investigation and are not currently approved indications for EXOMIND in Canada, ongoing research continues to expand our understanding of how non-invasive brain stimulation may support future approaches to brain health and recovery.”

The reach of that device is already extending beyond the border. Patients from the Detroit area are crossing into Windsor specifically for access to this technology. As the science of neuromodulation advances, technologies such as EXOMIND are helping shape the future of mental wellness and neurological care.

“It costs nothing to ask a question,” Shezi says, “and that one conversation could change everything. It changed everything for us.” W.E.

Visit serenitywellnessclinic.ca, follow @Serenity.WellnessClinic on Instagram and TikTok, or book your consultation at 4510 Rhodes Dr., Unit 905, Windsor. Serenity Wellness Clinic where hope meets innovation.

Pickleplex Windsor

A Place to Play. A Place to Belong

By Devan Mighton

by Nicole Bested

When you walk through the doors at Pickleplex Windsor, you’re not just entering another sports facility—you’re becoming part of a community.

Whether you’re looking to stay active, meet new friends, improve your game, or enjoy a unique corporate team-building experience, Pickleplex Windsor offers something for everyone. Since opening in April 2025, its mission has been simple: create a welcoming place where people of every age, background, and skill level can enjoy Canada’s fastest-growing sport while building meaningful connections.

In just over a year, that vision has become reality. Today, more than 200 members, thousands of guest visits,

and players from across Windsor-Essex, Chatham-Kent, and beyond have made Pickleplex one of the region’s premier indoor pickleball destinations.

The journey began with local entrepreneur and passionate pickleball player Gina Facca. Frustrated by the lack of quality indoor playing opportunities during the winter months, she envisioned a dedicated facility designed specifically for pickleball. She brought the idea to the Spencer family of Imagine Cinemas, and together they began exploring how to bring that vision to life.

While developing the business plan, Facca and Sandi Spencer connected with Toronto entrepreneur

Steven Fry, who had been pursuing a remarkably similar vision—a scalable, dedicated indoor pickleball concept built through franchising. After several conversations and an all-day planning session, they realized their complementary experience in business operations, customer service, and franchise development made them stronger together. Rather than pursuing separate ventures, they joined forces to build something much bigger.

Today, Pickleplex operates 15 locations across Ontario and Alberta, including three corporate-owned clubs, with nearly 30 franchise agreements signed and more locations planned across Canada. The rapid growth is a

testament to a concept built around exceptional customer experiences and vibrant pickleball communities.

At the Windsor club, Facca and Spencer and their amazing team have created far more than a place to play— they’ve built a place where beginners feel comfortable taking their first swing and experienced players continue to develop their skills while building lasting friendships.

“One of the best things about pickleball is how accessible it is,” says Facca. “Almost anyone can step onto the court and enjoy themselves the very first time they play.”

That accessibility is one of the sport’s greatest strengths. It’s one of the few activities where grandparents, parents, and children can genuinely enjoy playing together. Equally important is the social side of the game. New friendships are formed every day, regular playing groups develop naturally, and many members say the community they’ve found is just as rewarding as the game itself.

To foster those connections, Pickleplex offers programming for every stage of a player’s journey. Complimentary Introduction to Pickleball sessions allow newcomers to try the sport with certified coaches and club-provided equipment. From there, players can progress through beginner development programs, coached open play, leagues, clinics, tournaments, and private lessons.

Players looking to elevate their game also have access to instruction from Canadian National Pickleball League professionals Evan Hollinsky and Lexi Debol. Pickleplex Windsor is also proud to be home to the Detroit-Windsor Drive, one of the founding franchises in the Canadian National Pickleball League.

Beyond recreation, Pickleplex has become one of Windsor-Essex’s premier destinations for corporate events,

school groups, birthday parties, and community organizations. Private court rentals, introductory coaching, meeting space, catering options, and social activities such as cornhole and ping pong create memorable experiences for groups of all sizes.

“We’ve been told it’s one of the easiest corporate events people have ever organized,” says Facca. “People are laughing within minutes, everyone gets involved regardless of athletic ability, and they leave already asking when they can come back.”

Located in Eastown Plaza at 1950 Lauzon Road, the nearly 18,000-squarefoot facility features six dedicated indoor, air-conditioned pickleball courts, a licensed lounge, meeting and social spaces, showers, and a fully stocked pro shop. Climate-controlled play means members and guests can enjoy the game comfortably every season.

As Pickleplex Windsor continues to grow, its commitment remains unchanged: listening to its members, continually improving the player experience, and strengthening the local pickleball community.

Whether you’re looking to learn a new sport, improve your skills, meet new friends, stay active, or host an unforgettable event, you’ll find much more than a pickleball club at Pickleplex Windsor.

You’ll discover a welcoming community, lasting friendships, and a place where people of all ages and abilities come together through the love of the game.

Pickleplex Windsor is more than a place to play, it’s truly a place to belong. W.E.

The Canadian family is changing. Parents are living longer. Adult children are taking longer to purchase their first home. More people are working remotely, and rising housing costs are encouraging families to rethink what “home” really needs to be.

For many Canadians, multi-generational living is no longer a compromise. It’s becoming one of the smartest ways to preserve both financial security and family connection.

Yet the homes we’ve traditionally built haven’t always kept pace. For generations they were designed for a single chapter of life. Today’s families are asking something different—not simply for more space, but for homes that adapt as life changes.

That thinking stayed with me as I recently toured a remarkable custom home in LaSalle. At first glance, it’s easy to admire the architecture, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. But as each room revealed itself, something more meaningful began to emerge. This wasn’t a home designed around today’s housing market. It was designed around tomorrow’s family.

Rather than beginning with square footage or luxury finishes, every de -

Designed for Generations One

sign decision appears to have started with a much simpler question:

“How can this home continue serving the people who live here—not just today, but many years from now?”

That philosophy reveals itself almost immediately. Approaching the home, there’s an understated confidence in its design. Nothing feels excessive or attention-seeking. Instead, every element—from the clean architectural lines to the carefully balanced proportions—suggests a home conceived with purpose rather than spectacle.

Crossing the threshold, your eye is naturally drawn toward the light beyond. Expansive windows, soaring ceilings and uninterrupted sightlines create an immediate sense of openness, while warm natural materials make the home feel welcoming rather than imposing. It’s the rare luxury residence that impresses not because it feels larger than life, but because it feels instantly comfortable.

As the home begins to unfold, another thoughtful design decision becomes apparent. The dining room, framed by its beautifully crafted coffered ceiling and warm brick feature wall, flows effortlessly into the kitchen

Home. Three Lifestyles.

By

and great room beyond. Every transition feels intentional, creating spaces that feel connected while allowing each room to maintain its own identity.

At the heart of the home, the kitchen, dining area and great room become more than shared living space—they become the backdrop for everyday life. It’s easy to imagine life naturally unfolding here: family gathered around the oversized island, conversations lingering long after dinner has ended, and ordinary moments becoming the memories that matter most.

It brings people together, perhaps nowhere more evident than in the main-floor in-law suite. Rather than being tucked away as an afterthought, it’s woven naturally into the rhythm of the home, allowing grandparents to remain part of everyday family life while still enjoying the comfort and independence of a private retreat. The goal was never simply to add another bedroom. It was to create a place where generations could share life’s everyday moments while preserving the dignity of having a space that’s entirely their own.

Every home that celebrates togetherness also needs a place for quiet retreat. Tucked just beyond the shared

living spaces, the primary suite offers exactly that. East-facing windows welcome the first light of each day, filling both the bedroom and ensuite with the warmth of the morning sun. It’s a subtle design decision, yet one that transforms the experience of the space, creating a peaceful place to begin each day before the home once again fills with activity.

Upstairs, spacious bedrooms and beautifully appointed bathrooms continue that same philosophy, offering privacy without isolation and ensuring every family member has a place to call their own.

While the main floor brings generations together, the lower level creates possibilities for the future.

Designed with the infrastructure to support a fully independent suite, it reflects the same philosophy found throughout the home: build for tomor-

row, not just today. Whether it becomes a private residence for an adult child, accommodations for extended family or an income-generating suite, the greatest luxury isn’t knowing exactly what tomorrow holds—it’s knowing your home is ready when tomorrow arrives.

As impressive as the architecture and finishes are, many of the home’s most important decisions are hidden behind the walls. Built by BK Cornerstone in 2022 with Energy Star certification, James Hardie siding, Andersen windows, advanced insulation systems and carefully engineered mechanicals reflect the same philosophy found throughout the home: if a home is designed for generations, it should be built to serve them.

Outside, that philosophy continues. The landscaping wasn’t designed to create more work—it was designed to create more freedom. Mainte -

This home isn't trying to impress through excess. It impresses through intention."

nance-free turf, durable materials and thoughtfully planned outdoor spaces reduce the time spent on upkeep, creating more opportunities to enjoy the covered outdoor living area, the swim spa and, most importantly, the people around them. Even the oversized tandem garage—with room for up to four vehicles using the integrated lift—reflects that same philosophy. It’s not simply about creating more space; it’s about creating flexibility for the way families live.

Like every other part of the property, the outdoors was designed to enrich family life rather than add to the weekend to-do list.

By the end of the tour, one thing becomes clear. This home isn’t tryi ng to impress through excess. It impresses through intention. For years, luxury homes competed by offering more— more square footage, more dramatic spaces and more amenities. Today, however, the conversation is shifting toward something more meaningful: homes that are flexible enough to evolve alongside the families who live in them. Perhaps that's the greatest luxury of all: not simply building a beautiful home, but building one that's prepared for whatever life brings next—a home designed not only for today but for the generations who follow. W.E.

Drawn to Perfection

Written by Lucy Lane

On weekends in Athens, a young Dunya Neroda would tag along with her mother to art school. Her family had fled Baghdad at the onset of the Gulf War in 1990, and Greece was a four-year stopover on the way to a new life in Canada. While the adults worked on their assigned pieces, Dunya drew alongside them studying the sketches and strokes that would later make her the most in-demand PMU (Permanent Makeup) artist in the region and beyond.

Dunya’s mother remains a working artist with “meticulous detail” as Dunya describes her. A trait that she’s passed down to her daughter, though it would take a couple of decades and one fateful advertisement for Dunya to discover exactly where it belonged.

After graduating high school in 2001, Dunya went into the dental field, first as an assistant and later as a hygienist, spending sixteen years in the field. In 2016, fate stepped in as she came across an ad for a microblading course in Toronto. With an interest in

the profession and the promise of clients through her inner circle, Dunya took the course without any idea of what would come next.

Dunya started her entrepreneurial journey by providing microblading treatments to a few friends, one of whom recommended her to a colleague at the hospital and soon the entire floor was calling. Within months, Dunya was booked two months out. The demand kept climbing until she secured a visa to work in Michigan, from where so many of her clients were crossing the border. Today, Shape Your Beauty operates in Windsor, Troy, Michigan and most recently Miami, Florida, where Dunya owns her own building, a convenient landing spot for the out-of-state clients who fly in to see her.

And they do fly in. Beyond her North American clientele, Dunya has welcomed clients from Dubai, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Egypt. She is also the only microblading artist ever reposted by Huda Beauty, one of the most influential names in the global beauty industry and has been featured on the platform multiple times.

Ask Dunya what sets her work apart and she’ll credit two traits, technique and time. Where her original training taught uniform, straight-line strokes across the brow, she developed her own pattern designed to mimic real hair, giving her work a dimensional, realistic finish that made her social media presence take off. Often posting polished reels of her process and her results, Dunya has leveraged her so -

cial media platform to showcase her impressive portfolio.

The truer measure of her artistry, she says, is how her work heals. Clients return five years later with brows that still look natural, and she posts those results proudly. Many artists can make a brow look good the day of the appointment, but Dunya’s precision is what makes it last. The needle held at exactly ninety degrees, the skin stretched taut, each stroke kept crisp, so the pigment never blurs together over time. Get any of it wrong, and hair strokes eventually blot and bleed into one another; get it right, and the work speaks for itself for years.

That same care extends to the chair itself. Permanent makeup is a trustbased service, and Dunya knows a nervous first timer when she sees one. For those clients, she walks through every step of the procedure, then pauses after her first pass of strokes and offers to show them the progress. The nerves almost always melt into excitement on the spot. Confident clients get the opposite, she waits until the very end and lets the reveal do the talking. Either way, the goal is the same one that has guided her from the beginning, she takes enormous pride in her work, and she wants every client to walk out happy.

Although her journey wasn’t linear, Dunya found her calling. From a young girl with a steady hand learning how to draw in Greece to a woman with a thriving, internationally recognized business, Dunya’s story is a reminder to hone our talents, trust our

Microblading Treatments

instincts, and answer the door when opportunity knocks.

To see Dunya’s work and her clients’ healed results, visit shapeyourbeauty.ca or follow along on Instagram @shape_your_beauty W.E.

Your Friendly Neighbourhood Pharmacy

Brady’s Drug Store keeps growing to keep our communities healthy and informed

By Devan Mighton

The right pharmacist should be a reliable health partner, a person you can lean on for the right advicewith your best interest at heart. The right pharmacist should also feel like a good neighbour and a trusted member of your community.

For Tim Brady, success has never been measured by the number of locations on a map. It’s measured by the relationships his team builds with the people who walk through the door each day.

Since opening in 2014, Brady’s Drug Store has grown into three locations serving Essex, Belle River, and Tilbury. While the business has grown, Brady says the idea behind it has always remained the same, “The philosophy of being a friendly pharmacy is our bedrock,” says Brady. “You should expect good care at any pharmacy. We strive not to say ‘no.’ We want

to help solve your problems to give you the care you need and not put up roadblocks.”

Brady’s patient-first approach has helped him, and his staff earn a reputation as the neighbourhood pharmacy where customers know they’ll be welcomed by name and treated with genuine care.

A focus on building trust and making healthcare easier to understand

Brady brings more than 25 years of pharmacy experience to the business. Since beginning his career in 2000, he has worked in hospitals, large pharmacy chains, and independent pharmacies in both Canada and the United States before opening Brady’s Drug Store. His commitment to patient-centred care has also seen him serve in leadership roles with the Ontario Pharmacists Association and St. Clair College’s Pharmacy Technician program, becoming a mentor to up-and-coming pharmacists throughout the region.

Brady believes that taking the time to explain medications and making patients feel comfortable leads to better health outcomes. This proactive approach has earned the pharmacy a loyal customer base, with many patients continuing to visit Brady’s even after moving to other neighbourhoods.

At Brady’s Drug Store, their team is not only chosen for their knowledge, but also their compassion and willingness to put patients first. As the company has grown, preserving that culture has always been one of Brady’s priorities.

“We’ve tried to make sure that philosophy carries through to everyone who works at Brady’s,” he explains. “My job is to support the team to help our patients get the best care possible.”

A commitment to your health

In Belle River, pharmacist Sam Edwards recently went above and beyond when he drove out of town to obtain urgently needed medication for a cancer patient after local supplies had run out. Over in Essex, lead pharmacist Victor Igbokwe is known for the time he spends helping patients understand complex medications, particularly those used to prevent blood clots and strokes. In Tilbury, pharmacy manager Heather Gaudet and pharmacy technician Teena Weaver have built strong relationships with residents through personalized, attentive care.

Healthcare is always evolving, and so is the role of the pharmacist. These days, Brady’s pharmacists can assess and prescribe for many minor ailments, extend prescriptions when

appropriate, and help patients manage chronic conditions and complex medication therapies—enhancing healthcare for patients across Windsor-Essex.

The recently renovated and expanded Tilbury location, which also features a walk-in clinic, exemplifies Brady’s ongoing commitment to investing in the communities his team serves.

The philosophy of being a friendly pharmacy is our bedrock.”

“No matter how busy we get, we always make time to talk to customers,” states Brady. “You’ll always get a real person answering the phone when you call us.”

According to Brady, his business wouldn’t be where it is today without both its dedicated staff and the loyal customers who have supported the pharmacy since its inception. “People can go anywhere, so the fact that they’ve trusted us with their healthcare is really moving,” he says. “We want people to feel taken care of when they come into the pharmacy—to feel better than when they came in.”

With its three locations, an experienced healthcare team, and a commitment to friendly, personalized service, Brady’s Drug Store continues to make Windsor-Essex a happier, healthier place. W.E.

Where Reliability Meets Quality

M&M Global Mechanical Services is here to keep you cool this summer!

By Devan Mighton

When it comes to heating and cooling, M&M Global Mechanical Services is here to get the job done right the first time. M&M Global is synonymous with peak reliability, whether they are keeping your home comfortable or keeping your company or factory running smoothly. Known for their commitment to quality, that reputation has helped M&M Global Mechanical Services build a strong rapport throughout Windsor and Essex County.

Founded in 2017, M&M Global Mechanical Services has grown into a trusted provider of residential, commercial, and industrial HVAC services. Whether you need emergency repairs, preventative maintenance, or largescale mechanical installations, M&M Global has earned the trust of customers through their professional workmanship, honest communication, and dependable service.

For Anthony Maggio and Troy Manson, M&M Global's owners, the company's success comes down to their core philosophy. cOur attention to detail and the service we provide are what set us apart,” Troy explains. It's a commitment that echoes through every person who represents their company. Every technician is licensed, insured, and trained to meet Ontario's industry standards, something that gives M&M Global's customers the confidence that every project matters and is completed in a safe and professional manner.

“Our customers know the job is going to be completed correctly," states Manson. “They can feel confident that the company doing the work is doing it right.”

Although many HVAC companies focus on furnaces and air conditioners in the family home, M&M Global Mechanical Services has developed extensive experience in both residential and commercial work. M&M Global installs and services air conditioning systems, furnaces, boilers, rooftop units, and a wide range of mechanical systems, while also offering preventative maintenance programs—all designed to keep equipment operating efficiently year-round.

“We probably do about 70 per cent commercial work," explains Manson. “The larger the project, the more involved we like to be. That type of work is more specialized.”

M&M Global is well-versed in providing HVAC solutions for condominium buildings, industrial facilities, and major commercial renovation projects. Among their recent projects, they have taken on HVAC work at Caesars Windsor, specialized mechanical work at the Paul Martin Building redevelopment, and new developments such as Lily Mac Town Homes and Apartments, The Griffon Apartments in LaSalle, and a Timberland Homes project, to name a few.

Handling projects of that size requires careful planning, competent technicians, and the ability to adapt to the unique needs of every client. Whether it's a small business, a factory, or someone's home, the same attention to detail remains the priority.

M&M Global is a strong proponent of preventative maintenance, an area where they encourage customers to think ahead instead of waiting for problems to develop. Regular inspections and servicing can often identify small issues before they become expensive repairs, while helping heating and cooling systems operate more efficiently and extend their lifespan. As such, customer service also plays a central role in every job M&M Global undertakes. Manson believes communication is just as important as technical expertise,

especially when customers are facing unexpected repair costs.

“We are transparent to the best of our ability," he says. “We diagnose the problem, walk customers through what we're seeing, and answer any questions they have. Repairs can be expensive and we never take for granted the financial impact an HVAC repair may have on the customer.”

Their straightforward approach has helped build lasting relationships with homeowners, property managers, and businesses throughout Windsor-Essex, as their customers know they can expect honest recommendations, clear explanations, and reliable service from start to finish.

As Windsor and Essex County continue to experience significant residential, commercial, and industrial growth, M&M Global Mechanical Services plans to grow alongside the community. “Our goal is to continue providing the same level of service we've offered for almost 10 years while continuing to grow and take on new, larger projects,” states Manson.

With experienced technicians, a commitment to quality workmanship, and an emphasis on transparency, M&M Global Mechanical Services continues as a trusted partner for heating, cooling, and mechanical solutions throughout the Windsor-Essex region. W.E.

Evolution, Intention Alignment

How Krystal Krawiec built Astral Medical on expertise, personal values, and a deeply human approach to confidence

By Jen Brignall-Strong

by Vicki Bartel and Nicole Bested

Before Astral Medical Esthetics became a well-established medical spa specializing in neurotoxin injectables, advanced dermal fillers and spa services, it started with a first-time entrepreneur driven by a simple goal: to build a career, and a life, of fulfillment.

Now, as Krystal Krawiec balances a busy clinic and full-time schooling to become a Nurse Practitioner, that means learning when to say yes, and more importantly, when to say no.

Yes to growth, continuous education, and the kind of work that energizes her. Yes to creating a space where her clients feel supported. But also, no; to unrealistic standards, to overdoing it, and to anything that compromises trust.

Seven years later, that equilibrium is what defines Astral, and its founder. It’s not just in the treatments themselves, but in the experience, the positivity, and the quiet confidence clients leave with.

“I love coming to work and having people excited to be there,” says Krystal.

Before her entrepreneurial journey unfolded, Krystal began her career as a registered nurse, working across multiple units throughout the hospital to gain experience in different facets of patient care.

“Once I got into nursing, I realized how truly incredible the medical field is,” she shares. “You can move around so much and train in so many different areas.”

While Krystal has a deep appreciation for her days on the front lines of healthcare, she acknowledges that it was a high stress position with long hours and little flexibility. She always felt like something was missing, or rather, that she was missing out.

“I kept thinking about how other people were living; seeing someone out during the day and wondering what they did for work,” she recalls. “I realized I wanted to build something of my own while still caring for people. That’s when I decided to start Astral.”

I love coming to work and having people excited to be there.”

To make that shift possible, she moved into a research role, working on studies with major pharmaceutical companies. The schedule gave her the space to begin building her business from the ground up; starting small, renting a single room at a salon and gradually growing her client base.

From there, Krystal leaned heavily into her education; investing in advanced education with world-renowned injectors across Europe and North America to keep up with new trends and safety protocols, eventually opening her own space in historic Walkerville.

“It’s busy,” she admits. “But when you’re passionate about what you’re doing, it doesn’t feel like stress; it feels worth it.”

Today, what began as a solo venture has evolved into a thriving clinic, complete with a hand-picked team she genuinely enjoys working alongside. Some are former St. Clair College Medical Esthetics Practitioner program students she’s trained herself, and one is her best friend, something she says has completely changed the day-to-day experience of running a business.

“I was able to hire my best friend, and we built a workplace we always wanted to exist where we can laugh every day and take care of clients.”

Beyond the growth and the team, what truly sets Astral apart is its philosophy; one rooted in restraint, education, and trust.

In an industry often associated with dramatic transformations, Krystal has earned a reputation for taking a more subtle approach. Her focus is on natural results that leave clients looking like themselves, albeit more refreshed.

That approach also means being honest, even when it’s not what a client expects.

“I say no all the time,” she explains. “If something isn’t right for someone, I won’t do it.”

That philosophy has built her reputation as much as her results. Clients trust that every recommendation is grounded in safety, evidence-based practice and genuine care.

“Astral has never just been about aesthetics. It’s about helping people feel more confident walking into a room, speaking up in a meeting, going on a first date, or finally taking the picture they’ve been avoiding.”

That attention to detail extends beyond the treatments themselves and into the entire experience of the space. At Astral, the environment is intentionally designed to feel calm and inviting, not clinical. Soft lighting, thoughtful design, and a focus on comfort help create a setting where clients can truly relax; something especially important for those who may feel nervous walking in for the first time.

For Krystal, it all comes down to how people feel.

“It is such an incredible feeling to know that people walk out happier.”

“I truly don’t feel like I’m going to work each day,” she says. “I get to spend my days working with my best friends, helping people feel more confident, and building something I’m deeply proud of. I feel incredibly lucky and I never take it for granted.” W.E.

Are You Being Served?

The Drive checks in with Kathy Borrelli, Member of Parliament for Windsor-Tecumseh-Lakeshore

By The Drive Magazine

“If you look at it,” says Kathy Borrelli, Member of Parliament for Windsor-Tecumseh-Lakeshore, “I've always been in service.”

Borrelli, who boasts an uncommonly diverse professional background for an elected official, is speaking with The Drive after attending a research and innovation event at St. Clair College. As she explains, meeting with and learning about constituents on days like today represent an extension of the community-focused work she’s done for several decades in Windsor-Essex. “My issues are not my issues,” she stresses. “They are the issues the community is experiencing.

To serve my constituency, I have to be a good listener; I need to hear what people are experiencing to take their concerns to Ottawa.”

Borrelli comes to federal politics on the back of a long, multifaceted, and prosperous career in the healthcare, private, and not-for-profit sectors. After a decade as a Registered Nurse, Borrelli enjoyed a 20-year entrepreneurial journey in the hospitality industry. She owned and operated several local hotspots, most memorably including the downtown fixtures Louie Linguine’s and Joker’s Night Club. After a period assisting the director of food and beverage for Casino Windsor, Borrelli bowed out of the bar and restaurant industry to take a position at Community Living Windsor. Borrelli spent 13 years with the not-for-profit organization, during which time she spearheaded a program that helped Windsorites with intellectual disabilities learn to work in hospitality. As Borrelli recalls, hundreds of graduates from that training course went on to find good, sustainable employment in food service.

Borrelli decided to enter electoral politics ahead of the 2021 federal election. “I never had plans for a political career,” she says now, “but it was important to me that people in this community had a better choice than the limited options that would have otherwise been available when they went to vote.”

A credible finish inspired Borrelli to stay in the game. Four years later, she was elected in a historically close contest.

According to the Parliamentary calendar, Borrelli now spends about 200 days each year in Ottawa and the remainder of her time taking the temperature of her riding. “The work in Ottawa is absolutely fascinating,” relates Borrelli, who recently proposed, commissioned, and oversaw a successful study in her capacity as a member of Parliament’s Standing Committee on Industry and Technology. “But the

work I do here in my constituency forms the work I do in Ottawa.

“I love being shoulder to shoulder with people and learning about the different businesses, schools, churches, and other organizations in our region,” says Borrelli, who relishes invitations to business events and cultural celebrations. “There are a lot of joyful things that happen in the community, and I love celebrating those special occasions with the people, agencies, and organizations that share in that joy.”

Borrelli, who bemoans the current cost of consumer essentials and identifies affordability as the number one issue facing Canadians, sees her new job as challenging as many impediments to that joy as possible. “When it costs more for groceries, housing, and getting to work, then what's left?” she wonders.

Borrelli is particularly concerned about food affordability and opposes a slew of “unnecessary taxes” at all points of the food-production cycle. “It scares me that youngsters—our future workers, our future leaders—may not be raised with a wholesome diet that will help keep them healthy throughout their lives,” she says. “It just seems like every step of the way, from before a seed is even planted, there are so many hoops for farmers to jump through and so many avoidable costs associated with their work.”

As what Borrelli calls “the tariff situation” with the United States continues to weaken Windsor-Essex industries, she advocates for more aggressive conversations with our neighbours across the river. “The fact that we haven’t negotiated,” says Borrelli, “is holding back the growth and profitability of the mold makers and tool and die industries. These manufacturers are critical to our economy—both for Windsor and across Canada.”

For example, as Borrelli explains, eighty percent of all tool and mold activity in Ontario is located in Windsor-Tecumseh-Lakeshore. The sector

There are a lot of joyful things that happen in the community, and I love celebrating those special occasions with the people who share in that joy."

accounts for 13,000 direct jobs and benefits nearly 40,000 more indirectly. Absent any real certainty about when a positive tariff agreement may materialize, some employers may decide to relocate to the United States or shut up shop altogether.

“Once they leave, they’re never coming back,” Borrelli cautions. “Without our foundational industries, how do we do all these big projects we want to do in Canada? Windsor is known for having some of the highest skilled workers in the world. We should be fighting for them—and we have fought, very proudly and very, very hard.”

Being a Conservative Member of Parliament, that fighting often involves arguing, debating, and asking questions of the government. “It’s been great to see that asking the right questions over and over again really does bring results,” she relates, citing the elimination of the consumer carbon tax. “I’ve experienced that when concerns are persistently related to government, they aren’t ignored.”

To Borrelli, this sort of scenario, still rooted in service, is not a million miles away from a busy hospital ward or bustling restaurant front of house.

“I've always liked jobs where you roll up your sleeves and dig in,” she promises. “And this is one of those jobs.” W.E.

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