Faces: Business 2023

INDEX

This special advertorial section is designed to provide readers of Downtown Newsmagazine with added insight into the people behind the businesses serving residents of this area. The majority of the photography is the work of Laurie Tennent of the Laurie Tennent Studio in Birmingham. Stories are the work of Lisa Brody, Dana Casadei and Hillary Anchill.

Page 3: Kathy Broock & Co. | Max Broock Realtors | Kathy Broock

Page 4: Kastler Construction Inc | Rick Kastler, Paul Kozicki

Page 5: Meredith Colburn Real Estate | The Agency Hall & Hunter | Meredith Colburn

Page 6: Private Wealth Mortgage Banker, US Bank | Mark V. Webberly

Page 7: Dean Sellers Ford | Liz and Dean Sellers

Page 8: College Choice Counseling | Barbara Connolly, J.D. CEP

Page 9: Hagopian World of Rugs | Suzanne Hagopian

Page 11: @properties Christie's International Real Estate | The Lynn Baker and Deby Gannes Team

Page 12: PARTNR HAUS | Kelli DeLaRosa, Mike Naert and Becky Peters

Page 13: Optik Birmingham | Dr. Joseph Ales, OD

Page 14: Hazel's | Beth Hussey and Emmele Herrold

Page 15: Roma Sposa Bridal Atelier | Anna Castaldi

Page 16: The Birmingham Tailor | Ali Cheaib

KATHY BROOCK & CO.

Kathy Broock

Max Broock Realtors

275 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009 | 248.318.4504

kathy@maxbroockhomes.com | www.kathybroock.com | Facebook: @kathybroockrealtor | Instagram: @kathybroock

athy Broock is a highly accomplished Michigan real estate professional, known for her exceptional track record and passion for the industry. With a family background spanning generations, real estate is deeply ingrained in her DNA. Kathy's unique ability to connect with clients on a personal level sets her apart from her peers.

K

Kathy understands that every client's needs and goals are different, and she approaches every transaction with a level of intuition and insight that only comes from a lifetime of experience. Her forte lies in the art of negotiating, where she shines brightest. Her ability to navigate difficult obstacles with grace and positivity has earned her the title of “Michigan's Number One Realtor" for 13 consecutive years. She has consistently adapted to changes in the market, making her a trusted advisor to her clients.

Success, for Kathy, is not just about the end result – it is also about the journey. Years of hard work, dedication, and commitment to her clients has

contributed to her vast network and range of opportunities. Kathy's impressive achievements have earned her numerous awards and accolades throughout her career. She was named one of the top real estate agents in the country by Real Estate Executive Magazine, a testament to her hard work.

Despite these remarkable achievements, Kathy remains humble and focused on providing the best possible service to her clients. “Every day starts at zero,” is a mantra that has served her well for decades.

Kathy's success is a direct result of her unwavering commitment to the work that she absolutely loves. Her ancestors, including her great-grandfather, would undoubtedly be proud to see her thriving in a profession that is so deeply-rooted in her family's history. As the legacy builds, Kathy continues to apply her traditional work ethic with modern, innovative ways to serve her community, reminding us that grit and devotion moves mountains: “I’m just getting started.”

Almost 30 years in business is quite an achievement and a reason for any business to celebrate. Rick Kastler, president, and Paul Kozicki, vice president, are marking 27 years as Kastler Construction, Inc.

They are celebrating this special achievement of enhancing and building metro Detroiters' luxurious living spaces. They don't just design and build houses; Kastler and Kozicki create homes.

Kastler Construction, Inc. is beloved by their clients in metro Detroit, with many, some on their second, third and even fourth Kastler project, looking to Kastler and Kozicki to enhance their current living environment, or build a new home instead of moving from their cherished neighborhood.

Kastler’s primary focus is building custom homes, cohesive home additions, whole house renovations, gourmet kitchens, and bathroom remodeling. Kastler and Kozicki said they find that homeowners are customizing their living spaces to make it work for them. Some homeowners prefer open floor plans; others choose designated rooms.

The team is also staying busy with new builds for clients who are looking for custom

homes, not cookie-cutter planned communities. They work to provide better floor plan layouts, many with dedicated spaces such as gourmet kitchens, home office space, mudrooms, wine cellars, custom closets and expanded garages.

Their use of technology has been a huge asset for their busy clients. Kastler and Kozicki are able to easily meet over Zoom, allowing the team and clients to stay up-todate on selections, quotes, and decisions. “Previously those meetings were in person, but by using technology that everyone is now more comfortable using we can move things along quicker,” Kastler noted.

A new development, Gaslight Estates-The Reserve, featuring four beautiful custom homes in Saugatuck, MI, is an exciting adventure for the company, as they branch out to an area they love.

“For us, it's all about helping clients create a space they’ll enjoy for many years and working through the details to give them the finished product that they are expecting,” Kozicki said.

Above: Paul Kozicki, Rick Kastler

A

MEREDITH COLBURN REAL ESTATE

Meredith Colburn

The Agency Hall & Hunter 442 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009 | 248.762.5319 www.meredithcolburn.com | Facebook: MeredithColburnRealEstate | Instagram: MeredithColburnRealEstate

ssociate Broker Meredith Colburn treasures teamwork, collaboration and legacy.

When Hall & Hunter Realtors, the firm she has been associated with for several years, became part of The Agency just over a year ago – it was the perfect match.

“The Agency takes a collaborative approach to real estate,” Colburn said. “We associated with a global network while maintaining the feel of a family.”

The Agency is a boutique brokerage that takes a “white glove” approach to the practice of real estate sales, just as Colburn has always done. “The addition of outstanding marketing and cutting edge technology,” she said, “was just icing on the cake.” Colburn’s highest priority is to provide a remarkable service experience to her clients. She continues to impart this ideal to her team members, all of whom know that prioritizing the needs of the client is paramount.

Teamwork, with both her clients and colleagues, is a key aspect to Colburn's longterm success in the competitive real estate marketplace. Colburn began her career 30 years ago, joining her mother and mentor, Nanci J. Rands, in the industry.

Colburn’s current team – which includes Nanci – has grown into a collaboration of “incredibly capable and effective, professional women who I trust completely to do an impeccable job.”

Colburn prides herself on having assembled a group of likeminded, talented women who each have the utmost respect for one another as well as an unfaltering commitment to their clients’ best outcome. Colburn maintains a leadership role for team members Jessica Weisman, Adriane Dundon and Caroline Johnson – all of whom work tirelessly to provide clients with outstanding representation. The team is further enhanced by Brooke Goodstein, who seamlessly handles their daily operations.

“At this point in my career, nearly everything is relationship-driven,” Colburn said. “Our reputation for being effective, extremely responsive, and easy to work with gets transactions to the closing table. It's tremendously rewarding. Our clients benefit from the strength of my relationships throughout the industry – it's what elevates our business and truly sets us apart.”

Mark Webberly, a private wealth mortgage banker who has been with U.S. Bank for the last 10 years and in the mortgage business for 30, says there's no secret sauce to his success. It comes down to caring about his clients and believing in the wide range of products he represents.

“I want to deliver a product to my clients that I would use myself,” he said. “My team and I are client-focused, always listening, educating, and providing custom solutions tailored to the best interest of our clients. I am comfortable with a full range of customers. I can handle everything from a first-time homebuyer to a client going through life changes. I understand how to work with busy executives, lawyers and doctors.”

Webberly began his career on Wall Street, providing him a deep understanding of market movement, before moving on to the mortgage business. And while he writes mortgage loans for homes all over the country, his

local roots extend back to high school, graduating from Seaholm High School. His father was a General Motors executive, with family moving around the world, and his mother a Realtor. He said that led him to have real estate in his blood. He continues to live in Birmingham with his wife.

His long history in the finance industry explains why he enjoys working with U.S. Bank, the fifth largest bank in the country with over $600 billion in assets. “We're a big bank that is very nimble and client-focused. I can offer my clients jumbo, construction, lot, conventional and government mortgage loans, all from a federally licensed national bank.”

He is licensed to write loans all across the country, for those moving, purchasing second homes, or helping their children buy their first home.

“If their parents trust me, so do their children – I'm here to help,” Webberly noted.

DEAN SELLERS FORD

Liz and Dean Sellers

2600 W. Maple Road, Troy, 48084 | 248.643.7500 sellersford.com | Facebook: Dean Sellers Ford

People not only feel comfortable purchasing and servicing their vehicles at Dean Sellers Ford, but coming in with their pets as well, who receive a dog treat.

“Every day you come in, there'll be somebody who will bring their dog,” said Liz Sellers, who currently runs the dealership with her siblings, Blair and Dean, who has been with the dealership for 36 years, and her son and nephews, beginning the business' fourth generation.

That family-friendly environment is part of what’s made Dean Sellers Ford so successful since its founding by Liz’s grandfather, Dean L. Sellers in 1948, and what’s kept people coming back for the last 75 years.

“Being in a family-run business, among competitors that have gotten to be corporate-run or private equity run is a huge differentiating factor for employees and customers,” Liz said. “Our employees feel a sense of value, a sense of accountability, a sense of tradition, in addition to our commitment to reputation, being able to be proud of what we represent and do for our customers.”

That factor goes back out into the community too. The Sellers have had

connections to Birmingham and Troy for decades, with generations of graduates from schools like Seaholm High School, where they sponsor tailgates and other community events.

While their goals remain similar to their grandfather’s in making sure their customers are treated the way they want to be treated, the third generation of Sellers are looking towards the future, too.

Dean Sellers Ford now offers a texting feature to keep clients up-to-date on their services. They are also preparing for Ford’s push for more electric vehicles by adding fast chargers at their dealership, which is not only a Model E Elite Dealer –a top electric vehicle designation by Ford – but a top 100 dealer nationwide in sales volume as well.

“The Ford product is tried and true, and has been all these years,” Liz said. “And I think the future is good, with high quality, high technology vehicles.”

COLLEGE CHOICE COUNSELING

Barbara Connolly’s clients come to her at one of the most stressful times of their lives: when they’re applying to college.

As a parent of four children she helped through high school and college, Connolly knows what an intense process it is for both students and parents. That’s partly why she started College Choice Counseling more than 20 years ago.

“I really didn’t understand what the school’s counselors were telling us...I thought there was a need for self-help,” Connolly said. “Once I started doing self-help...I became very expert at it.”

What began as a kitchen table-based referral business has grown into a fullscale company, with a team of 25 professional college counselors and tutors. Her students have been accepted to schools like Michigan, Michigan Ross, UCLA, Harvard, MIT, and many others.

CollegeCC offers tutors for numerous academic subjects for high school and

college-level courses, SAT/ACT prep, essay writing, resume preparation, in addition to college application assistance.

She said her holistic approach to educational consulting makes her unique in the field.

Her qualifications do, too. Connolly is a lawyer, professional member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association, and former admissions reader at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business, and the only Certified Educational Planner in Michigan.

She’s an advocate for her students who finds watching them succeed and grow to be very rewarding.

“When they genuinely, independently, come to me with excitement to tell me, ‘Look what I’ve done, look what I’ve achieved,’ that’s very, very gratifying,” Connolly said.

The Hagopian family name is synonymous throughout Metro Detroit for rugs.

Large, antique, and Oriental, anyone decorating a home knows this is the place to go. But what Suzanne Hagopian, of Hagopian World of Rugs, wants people to know of the family business that’s been serving the community since 1939, is the depth and breadth of their offerings.

“We have quite a bit of modern, textural, contemporary things. We have tribal rugs, Tibetan, Deco and '50s mid-century – we have such a wide variety. I’m always looking for cool, interesting, and unique rugs,” she said. They also offer a lot of versatile high-performance and indoor/outdoor rugs, including those made by well-known outdoor fabric company Sunbrella at a variety of price points. “It’s rare to see so much variety in one showroom.”

Suzanne has been in this business for nearly 45 years. She travels the world to source rugs from suppliers who have similar values around quality and

craftsmanship. “I like to offer rugs that are unique and fresh.

“My staff is very experienced, and they love rugs as much as I do. We all love the opportunity to help our customers and designers with important decisions around selecting rugs for their home or projects.”

Another thing that sets Hagopian apart is their Free In-home Trial program (FIT). “Customers love trying rugs in their home before they buy.”

“Some of the projects I love to support is our Student Design Competition with College of Creative Studies. We began this project over 30 years ago. Our Concert Series with Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings is another special project that we have supported for over 30 years, where we transform our showroom into an intimate venue for music lovers.”

Hagopian is not only the place for rugs but has been woven into the community for 84 years.

THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING DOWNTOWN

We like to say we are innovators producing products that go well beyond what others offer so it's nice when others recognize our work.

Our team, this year alone, garnered 10 awards in Society of Professional Journalists competition for our work in the categories of Health Reporting, Local Reporting, Explanatory Reporting, Environmental Reporting, Personal Columns, Magazine Page Design, Cover Design, and Portrait Photography.

But our greatest rewards each month come from those who follow us in our print product and the thousands who follow us online and through our email newsletter offerings.

DowntownPublications.com

OaklandConfidential.com

MetroIntelligencer.com

ThreatendPlanet.com

Facebook.com/downtownpublications

Twitter.com/DowntownPubs Instagram.com/DowntownNewsmagazine

Thanks for making Downtown Newsmagazine the dominant news source for the Birmingham/Bloomfield area.

@PROPERTIES

INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE

The Lynn Baker and Deby Gannes Team

F or nearly 25 years, Realtors Lynn Baker and Deby Gannes have provided tricounty residents with a personal, client-centric focus. Deby and Lynn are two of the top Luxury Real Estate Agents in southeastern Michigan. By developing lasting relationships with both buyers and sellers, the two women have been among the top listing agents throughout Metro Detroit.

Over the past few years, their team has grown. Long time assistants and Realtors Donna Rousseau and Jean Sander remain. New to the team are Hilary Petcoff and Jenifer McManus. Hilary is a real estate attorney, Realtor and MBA. She is skilled in the art of negotiation, which is a crucial trait in today’s tight real estate market. Jenifer is a Realtor, interior designer and a former mayor who assists with staging properties and knows what it means to be part of a local community.

“We have a team approach that will give you anything you need. We represent a diverse age group, and we’re building for the future,” reflects Deby.

This holistic approach towards client relations and a community focus led Deby and Lynn to their recent move to @properties Christie's International Real Estate. This partnership extends the team’s reach by utilizing additional marketing streams, including an increased social media presence and CRM that will enhance how they keep in touch with people. While staying up-to-date professionally, the women also rely on timeless style and skills to help their clients, which includes an in-person interview and home visit. The continued goal is to provide their clients with guidance throughout the home purchasing and selling process.

As Lynn said, “The view we have is to take our years of success, add the new technology and latest social media, giving our buyers and sellers the most updated, hands-on professional experience.”

PARTNR HAUS

Kelli DeLaRosa, Mike Naert and Becky Peters

2139 Cole Street, Birmingham, 48009 | 248.792.9717 partnrhaus.com

Becky Peters and Kelli DeLaRosa opened the doors of PARTNR HAUS nearly five years ago in response to the market’s need for a high quality, serviceoriented office furniture dealership. PARTNR HAUS now has nine employees, including Mike Naert, who became a partner in September 2022. The company designs and furnishes workplace environments and is the premier dealer for Kimball International in Michigan. Additionally, they offer their clients a hundred other furniture manufacturers to choose from to create an innovative, creative workspace.

PARTNR HAUS aims to elevate the client experience while providing solutions that influence culture and organizational growth. “We understand that effective collaboration and seamless communication are essential for organizations to

thrive. Our clients are looking for comfortable and healthy work environments for their employees, along with flexibility. Employees perform best when given the freedom to choose how and where they work.” Peters said.

Service is their watch word. Every client is important, whether they need one chair or an entire office redesigned and furnished. While furniture is a majority of their sales, they also have a commercial flooring division which Naert manages. In addition, PARTNR HAUS recently opened a design studio with a retail contract furniture storefront and an interior finishes library for the design community.

PARTNR HAUS is driving the future of workspaces, ensuring that organizations can thrive in an ever-evolving business landscape.

Above: Mike Naert, Becky Peters, Kelli DeLaRosa

When you enter OPTIK, you quickly realize you have entered a pretty cool optical boutique. With an extraordinary mix of exclusive fashion eyewear scarcely found in the US, the store boasts the largest selection of original, unused vintage frames. Owner and optometrist Dr. Joseph Ales, OD, says that “very few people in the country offer a selection like we have,” which includes frames made of vinyl, wood, buffalo horn, leather, 3D printed, and a variety of metals. He typically finds these frames through his travels across Europe; recently, he did a collaboration with a line from Budapest that uses vinyl records as the final frame layer on exclusive styles for the Motown Museum in honor of its 60th anniversary.

Of course, before picking out a pair of glasses comes the eye exam.

“This is a retail environment, but we offer testing that goes beyond the minimal standard of care. I have invested in some of the latest imaging instrumentation for diagnosing which can save the patient a trip to a specialist sometimes. The technology has advanced and unfortunately the minimal requirements in a primary exam has not increased so much. Patients really appreciate our offering these tests,” noted Ales.

Something else customers are thankful for? “As a boutique optical, we take vision insurance. Most do not. People get a luxury frame using their insurance and that is quite a savings for them.”

It is Dr. Ales’ artistic sensibility and attention to patient care that has made OPTIK a Birmingham staple for over two decades.

Above: Dr. Joseph Ales with Penny

F or more than a decade, Beth Hussey and Emmele Herrold dreamt of owning their own restaurant. The two first joined forces in 2012, with Hussey as operating partner and Herrold as executive chef of the successful Ferndale establishment OneEyed Betty's. They quickly discovered they a shared vision in the culinary industry –and a love of fresh-caught seafood.

As all great things do, the concept for Hazel's came in a flash of inspiration. Hussey found herself exploring the dining scene around the United States and in early 2018, she reached out to Herrold, to say, “It’s time to get the band back together.”

Downtown Birmingham was the place to be. A stroke of luck brought them to the enviable corner of Woodward and Maple, where they recognized the need for an approachable everyday restaurant. They created Hazel's, designed for a modern appetite with inspired-yet-accessible regional seafood dishes. The dining experience at Hazel’s is ideal for a date night – or a family dinner.

Herrold debuted the menu at Hazel’s with classic, familiar comfort foods. Flown-in fresh saltwater seafood has always been key to her menu. She now rotates the menus seasonally – consistently bringing authentic regional seafood dishes right home to the Mitten State.

Hazel’s begins each year with Hazel’s Crab Trap, an ode to Florida and New Orleans favorites. In spring, the Eastern Shore reels in the rich flavors of the Low Country and Atlantic Coast. By summer, Hazel’s Lobster Pound brings diners freshcaught lobster and a full menu of Maine favorites. And every fall, the dishes take on a hearty Pacific Northwest flair with Alaskan King Crab.

Hazel’s casual and approachable atmosphere comes courtesy of its caring, qualified staff. The restaurant offers open dining for 215 people, a welcoming horseshoe-shaped bar, a quaint outdoor grotto with 20 seats and a flexible event space. It’s the perfect place to gather with friends and dig into a pile of fresh seafood.

Above: Emmele Herrold, Beth Hussey

ROMA SPOSA BRIDAL ATELIER Anna Castaldi

708 N. Old Woodard Avenue, Birmingham, 48009 | 248.723.4300

romasposa.com

Anna Castaldi, founder and owner of Roma Sposa, Birmingham's premier bridal and evening wear boutique since 1996, said dressing a bride and her family is about trust, integrity and quality.

“What makes us special is we are here to take the pressure off the bride and her family. We are educated about every community and every tradition, and we respect that. We have experience and knowledge about the functions and what happens at the weddings. We personalize it to your needs and reflect who you are and how to wear a dress,” Castaldi explained.

Castaldi, born in Rome, travels all corners of the world, procuring the finest designer bridal, cocktail and evening dresses for all special occasions, including the Detroit Auto Show. Among the designers at Roma Sposa are Tony Ward, Zuhair Murad, Naheen Khan, Peter Langner, Yolan Cris and other exclusive designers.

Castaldi's approach to bridal design is rooted in the belief that every bride

should feel beautiful, confident, and comfortable on her wedding day. She works closely with each bride to help them choose their perfect style that reflects their style and personality, selecting only the highest-quality materials and meticulous attention to detail. Dresses can be custom-made by designers, and can be made by measurements to respect the woman’s silhouette and special needs, adding sleeves and covering shoulders to create the right and unique style for everyone.

“We're here to dress everyone in the family. Mothers are going to wear a gorgeous evening dress because she is the hostess of the night.”

Castaldi’s dedication to her craft, her clients, and her community has earned her a reputation as a respected and beloved figure in the bridal industry. Roma Sposa is a testament to her talent, her passion and her unwavering commitment to excellence.

THE BIRMINGHAM TAILOR

Ali Cheaib

139 W. Maple Road STE H, Birmingham, 48009 | 248.433.3703 Instagram: @bhamtailor

Ali Cheaib first picked up a needle and thread at the age of 13 in Beirut, Lebanon, where his family owned a small manufacturing business.

After emigrating to the United States, he worked at various tailor shops, eventually opening The Birmingham Tailor in 2002, where he quickly become a household name for his honesty in fitting and skilled craft tailoring.

Cheaib expanded his business to offer custom made-to-measure clothing for men and women, focusing on suits, sport coats, dress coats and shirts, many with unique linings. Clients are able to choose fabric from fine Italian, French and English mills, including Loro Piana, Scabal, Zegna, Gladson, Holland & Sherry, among others.

“Always, always, we focus on the quality,” Cheaib said. “We're tailors and clothiers. We make a big impact because we understand tailoring and how suits are supposed to fit, and focus on the current fashions of Europe.”

A wide variety of spectacular linings are available to choose from to

completely personalize the suits and jackets. Many custom suits are clients' wedding suits or designed – and monogrammed – for special events.

While those special events were on hold during the coronavirus pandemic, Cheaib said business is busy once again as weddings and other special occasions are planned for this year. During the pandemic, he stayed busy by focusing on giving back to the community which has given so much to him and his family. He made masks for essential workers from leftover and available fabric – and soon, for his many clients, who clamored for them.

Quality and fit are watchwords for Cheaib and his staff, who want everyone to walk out looking and feeling their best, because he views every client as a friend or neighbor since Cheaib and his wife Lisa, who often works alongside him, have lived, shopped and dined in Birmingham for over 20 years, along with daughter Jenna, 17, and son Hadi, 13.