VIE Magazine June 2023

E. F. SAN JUAN CRAFTS A

FAMILY LEGACY

THREE GENERATIONS OF CUSTOM ARCHITECTURAL MILLWORK

SEIZE THE DAY

TO THE F ULLEST

CHOONA CHASIN G DREAMS Choose Your Nature

WITH

KURT TOBIAS BRINGS STYLE OUTDOORS & OFFSHORE

THE GENTLEMEN’S ISSUE

PHOTO BY ED GUTENTAG

lazy beach days. summer sunsets. vacation vibes.

From the GULF to the BAY to the DUNE LAKES of 30A, We Are Your WATERFRONT SPECIALISTS.

“Our approach to real estate is different. We strive for excellence. We take the responsibility our clients give us with abundant gratitude. We’re knowledgeable. We’re enthusiastic. We love what we get to do every day. We work hard. We work smart. Whether you are selling property or buying property here on 30A or all across the Emerald Coast – we provide you with the experience, community knowledge, and commitment that fulfills your needs. Our “clients first” business philosophy provides you with the reassurance that every action we put in motion is with your best interest in mind.”

BRIAN BEASLEY, Broker Associate brian.beasley@compass.com | 828-337-3492

On the Cover

Choona owner and president Kurt Tobias calls this a “fish celebration”—the moment an angler’s battle is over, and his latest catch is hoisted proudly for the camera. This massive jack was caught just off the shores of Grayton Beach, Florida. It’s fitting, as Choona’s Grayton Ultra-Lightweight Hoodie is named for this favorite spot along the state’s Northwest Gulf Coast. Seen here in the Coastal Giraffe print, the Grayton Hoodie is the brand’s signature product, offering the ultimate lightweight yet protective fabric and a functional fit for outdoor adventures. Read and see more from Choona on page 24!

HOP IN AND LET’S RIDE! COOLNVINTAGE, BASED IN LISBON, PORTUGAL, RESTORES AND REDESIGNS ABOUT TEN ONE-OF-AKIND VINTAGE LAND ROVER DEFENDERS FOR CLIENTS PER YEAR.

LA VITALITÉ 83

84 Off the Grid: Journey to Tutka Bay Lodge

90 Listen Well: Podcasts for Alignment, Energy, and Inspiration

94 Petite pause: David Yarrow Photography

105

Vie is a French word meaning “life” or “way of living.” VIE magazine sets itself apart as a high-gloss publication that focuses on human-interest stories with heart and soul. From Seattle to NYC with a concentration in the Southeast, VIE is known for its unique editorial approach—a broad spectrum of deep content with rich photography. The award-winning magazine was founded in 2008 by husband-and-wife team Lisa and Gerald Burwell, owners of the specialty publishing and branding house known as The Idea Boutique®. From the finest artistically bound books to paperless digital publication and distribution, The Idea Boutique provides comprehensive publishing services to authors and organizations. Its team of creative professionals delivers a complete publishing experience—all that’s needed is your vision.

PUBLISHED

118

123 Petite pause: Simmer Down at The Quoin Hotel

THE LAST WORD 125

AU REVOIR! 129

Photo by Noah Custer

Photo courtesy of Coolnvintage

CREATIVE TEAM

CEO / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

LISA MARIE BURWELL

Lisa@VIEmagazine.com

FOUNDER / PUBLISHER

GERALD BURWELL

Gerald@VIEmagazine.com

EDITORIAL EDITOR

JORDAN STAGGS

Jordan@VIEmagazine.com

ASSISTANT EDITOR

EMME MARTIN

Emme@VIEmagazine.com

COPY EDITOR

WENDY ANDERSON

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

WENDY ANDERSON, SARAH FREEMAN, ANTHEA GERRIE, MYLES MELLOR, BROCK MEYER, CAROLYN O’NEIL, SUZANNE POLLAK, COLLEEN SACHS

ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY

ART DIRECTOR

SALLY NEAL Sally@VIEmagazine.com

CONTRIBUTING DESIGNER

TRACEY THOMAS

HANNAH VERMILLION

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

CRISTIANO BARNI, HUNTER BURGTORF, KYLE CARPENTER, LYNN CROW, NOAH CUSTER, JACK GARDNER, JEREMY GARRETSON, DASHA GORCHAKOVA, MICHAEL GREENBERG, ED GUTENTAG, BRENNA KNEISS, JEFF LANDRETH, ANGEL MONTALVO, CHRISTIAN PETERSEN, CARLO PIERONI, ROMONA ROBBINS, ANTHONY SMOOTS, JAMES THAYER, CHANDLER WILLIAMS, MATTHEW WILLIAMS, DAVID YARROW, CAPTURE THE COAST 30A, GETTY IMAGES, GREENWALT PRODUCTIONS, MODUS PHOTOGRAPHY, MOTORSPORTS PHOTOGRAPHER, SHUTTERSTOCK

ADVERTISING, SALES, AND MARKETING

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING

KELLY CURRY Kelly@VIEmagazine.com

MARKETING COORDINATORS

ADDIE STRICKLAND

HAILEY BETHKE

BRAND AMBASSADORS

LISA MARIE BURWELL Lisa@VIEmagazine.com

MARTA RATA Marta@VIEmagazine.com

AD MANAGER

ADDIE STRICKLAND Addie@VIEmagazine.com

The WIND BENEATH MY WINGS

A CELEBRATION OF LIFE, LOVE & MEN

W

ith June ushering in Father’s Day, we thought it was a great time to celebrate, honor, and be grateful for all the men in our lives. We have purposefully curated stories of interest to both males and females during VIE’s fifteen-year publishing legacy but will admit there is often more than a touch of femininity in most issues. This is our third issue dedicated to men, and we’re excited to share it!

Life is getting tougher post-COVID, and the pressures are significant for many—and sometimes especially for men, who don’t openly share their feelings as often as women. It’s given me pause to think about the men in my life—my husband and business partner, my dearly departed father, my nephews, my brothers, my pastor, and many of my colleagues in business—and I started thinking about how we could honor them and curate an issue just for them. In my life, I know I wouldn’t have achieved what I have or be half the person I am now without the support, love, and backing of the men who have been with me on the journey. To all of you, I send a big thank you! And to many of you, well wishes for a Happy Father’s Day.

I am in love with this Gentlemen’s Issue for several reasons (yes, I have been told I say this about every issue, but this one is an outlier). It’s new and fresh, and because it celebrates men, it looks a little more rugged and cool. The cover is a unique photo by Noah Custer of the handsome Renaissance man Kurt Tobias, who has been making waves in his life and community since launching his business, Choona, in 2019. Learn all about him and what he is doing to bring style outdoors and offshore when you take a deep dive into his interview with editor Jordan Staggs. Tobias and many others in this issue are disrupting the norm and doing things their way as they make their marks on the world.

Check out all the new initiatives at the family-owned and operated woodworking plant E. F. San Juan as the legacy of quality craftsmanship continues. The company’s third-generation production manager, Eddie San Juan, embarks on filming Season Two of a fresh new web series, Real Wood: Crafted Stories with Eddie San Juan. This behind-the-scenes look into the E. F. San Juan woodshop gives unique insights into how they craft custom architectural millwork, doors, gates, shutters, and much more for custom homes on the coast.

We wish you all a happy start to the summer season and hope long, lazy, sunny beachside days are in your future.

To my husband, Gerald “Jerry” Burwell, I am thankful and lucky to have you in my life. You are all I ever needed and wanted in a man!

To Life and Love!

—Lisa Marie Burwell CEO/Editor-in-Chief

Lisa Marie and Gerald Burwell on the set of How to View a Dream, a VIE documentary by AlohaBorah Media.

Photo by Anthony Smoots

We collaborate with talented photographers, writers, and other creatives on a regular basis, and we’re continually inspired by how they pour their hearts and souls into their crafts. Follow these creatives on social media and don’t forget to check out our account, @viemagazine.

IN THIS ISSUE, WE ASKED THE CREATIVES: IN YOUR OWN WORDS, WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A GOOD MAN?

STEVEN VANDEN HEUVEL

Founder & President, SORD Fishing Products

@sordfishingproducts

Being a good man to me starts with having a great relationship with Jesus and being a sacrificial leader in my marriage, with my family, in ministry, and with the guys who work for me. It means putting my desires aside and seeking the greater good for those around me. It means that I will stay consistent in the priorities I set for myself and take actions that match the things I have said are important. I believe another mark of a good man is present in the people he chooses to surround himself with and those who hold him accountable for being the best he can be.

man supports his community and doesn’t confuse confidence with arrogance or vulnerability with being weak. A good man respects and uplifts women, protects the defenseless, and perpetuates good home values. Often, what’s on TV or seen in the world aren’t examples of what “a good man” should be. By knowing what we’d like to see in ourselves and others, we can be the change we want to see and lead others to a status of being good. Lastly, a good man prays without ceasing. How can you know how to be a good man if you have no relationship with a great man like Christ? My ideas of what a good man looks like come from Him.

IT MEANS PUTTING MY DESIRES ASIDE AND SEEKING THE GREATER GOOD FOR THOSE AROUND ME. IT MEANS THAT I WILL STAY CONSISTENT IN THE PRIORITIES I SET FOR MYSELF AND TAKE ACTIONS THAT MATCH THE THINGS I HAVE SAID ARE IMPORTANT.

KURT TOBIAS Founder & President, Choona @choonaclothing

Defining what makes a man good is difficult without first acknowledging what makes him bad. I won’t write a dissertation on morality, but I believe our ideas of good and bad must be rooted in something bigger than ourselves, something unchanging, and for me, that’s Jesus. Because on my own, I know I am not “good.”

A good man is selfless with his time, money, and resources. He is consistent in how he pursues the people in his life and treats women with the respect they deserve. A good rule of thumb is that whatever culture is selling or telling me it takes to be good, I’d sprint in the other direction. Performing good actions isn’t the end goal; it’s a byproduct of a consistent, selfless life.

CHEF DERRICK LEWIS

Owner & Executive Chef, Well Kept Catering

@thewellkeptchef

In my opinion, being a good man means being a provider and a leader and being loving, chivalrous, respectful, protective, honest, forgiving, selfless, dependable, hardworking, family-oriented, and upstanding. It’s being slow to anger and keeping your word even when it may seem hard. A good man is a brother to strangers and a friend to the friendless, even in passerby moments. A good

BROCK MEYER

@brockmeyer2

I would say that being a good man means providing for your family, being present as a husband and father if you have a wife and kids, and raising your kids right so they grow up into good adults. Taking care of yourself, working hard, and just being kind to others goes a long way!

Guide & Content Creator, PCB Kayak Fishing Tours

How have you been?

Hey readers, how are you? We enjoyed seeing so many of you at the VIE x Digital Graffiti Awards Party in Alys Beach, Florida! Connecting with the community and our readers, whether through the pages of VIE or our social media channels, is at the heart of everything we do. If you are interested in being featured here, please tag @viemagazine in your Instagram posts and show us how you enjoy this issue.

@theideaboutique Who said never to judge a book by its cover? Certainly not us! How amazing is this cover art by our designer Sally Neal? A new romantic thriller, Janie Blue by Suzy Accola, will debut soon.

@juliakatemacesanjuan Spinning out over here knowing that Alys Beach will celebrate the 16th Annual Digital Graffiti in less than three days!

@burwell_associates Designing outdoor spaces that comfortably accommodate the whole family. Nothing says summer like a cookout and pool day. Photo of the @viemagazine 2022 Heritage Show Home by @modusphoto

@kdb17 Such a fun day last weekend attending @dcwaf’s Annual Charity Wine Auction—which benefits a host of Emerald Coast children’s nonprofits—on behalf of @viemagazine.

@pamplemoussepr “The gold Calacatta marble-clad bathroom at @fairmontbanff, with its slanted roof and large windows, invites guests to relax, linger a while, and enjoy the uninterrupted landscape outside.” —VIE magazine

LET’S TALK!

Send VIE your comments and photos on our social media channels or by emailing us at info@viemagazine.com. We’d love to hear your thoughts. They could end up in the next La conversation!

VIEmagazine.com

@rose_and_co_flowers A few of our favorite things . . .

Sartorial

Guided by the skilled jockey Javier Castellano, racehorse Mage triumphed in the Kentucky Derby on May 6, 2023. Inspired by this iconic event, Homme + Femme’s second collaboration with Churchill Downs pays homage to the enduring legacy of African American horsemen. Infusing the brand’s expressive designs with the vibrant spirit of the race, the collection presents a stunning range of apparel featuring varsity jackets, cardigans, crewneck sweatshirts, T-shirts, and hats. This seamless fusion of streetwear and Southern prep beautifully honors the remarkable heritage of the Derby.

Check out the collection and shop now at HommeFemme.com.

Photo by Michael Greenberg, courtesy of Homme+Femme

STRIKE A POSE

CHOOSE NAT URE

By JORDAN STAGGS

Photography courtesy of CHOONA CLOTHING

s a budding outdoorsman growing up in northern Virginia, Kurt Tobias never dreamed of founding a clothing brand one day. While fishing and fashion might not seem to mesh, Tobias and his team at Choona have proved that technical wear for the avid sportsman can be more than just khakis and cargos. The company’s lightweight, stylish, and functional clothing has already become a favorite among sportfishing enthusiasts, hikers, and beach bums alike along the white-sand Gulf Coast of Northwest Florida.

“Clothing was never part of the plan,” Tobias laughs. He graduated from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, with a degree in business management and information systems, then spent seven years working as an engineer in the electronics and aerospace industries before moving to Destin, Florida—a fateful decision. “I knew I wanted to pursue something that inspired people to spend more time outdoors. When my wife, Lindsay, and I moved to Destin, I quickly saw the opportunity the Florida Panhandle offered. This area didn’t have a men’s outdoor apparel brand that represented the Panhandle lifestyle.”

rom that niche that needed filling, plus a great love for all things outdoors, a brand was born. Tobias’s mission became to create activewear products that he would like to wear and protect the planet as much as possible in the process.

“With my background in manufacturing and industry research, I realized quickly how harsh the garment industry is on the earth,” he explains. “We made it a priority from day one that we would manufacture our products ethically and as sustainably as possible. Most outdoor brands are leading the push for fair labor wages for workers around the globe.”

A name for the brand did not immediately come to mind, Tobias recounts, and his trademark lawyer was pushing him to come up with a name and tagline for the business while they were in development. A coincidental lunch-break moment a few days later turned out to be fate once again: “I heard an Australian lady order a ‘chuna salad,’ aka ‘tuna salad,’” he recalls. “I quickly found out that Australians pronounce tuna that way, and I thought it was a fun, unique name for the brand with a distinct sportfishing tie-in. Then, we further defined Choona with our tagline—Choose Your Nature.”

Although they were living in Destin, Kurt and Lindsay quickly recognized that nearby Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, was a unique and special place that would be the perfect HQ for Choona and for Lindsay to expand her portfolio as a fine artist and muralist. “There are no corporate jobs here, so everyone is forced to be creative,” Kurt iterates. “It also means people move here and stay because they love the natural beauty and the amazing people who reside within it; I think these typically go hand in hand. Santa Rosa Beach inspired every element of Choona. We have such a supportive group of locals behind us; I’ve never experienced anything like it before! Our tagline, Choose Your Nature, goes very deep into the mindset of our community.”

We made it a priority from day one that we would manufacture our products ethically and as sustainably as possible.

Above and right: The Grayton Ultra-Lightweight Hoodie is Choona’s original and most popular piece of technical outdoor clothing, ideal for protecting avid fishermen and beachgoers from the sun and wind.

Opposite: Choona blends men’s activewear with casual, everyday favorites to create a wardrobe inspired by nature and perfect for the Gulf Coast of Florida and beyond.

hoona’s best-selling Grayton UltraLightweight Hoodie (named for Grayton Beach) was the original piece that inspired the birth of the brand and its growth, Tobias explains. “I did my research and knew this was a very competitive piece to kickstart the brand with, but something in my gut said to continue pushing the limits on our garment design. I wanted a hoodie with fun and unique prints that was the lightest, softest hoodie anyone had ever worn. So about two years and twentythousand dollars later, we finally nailed the perfect design. Most people don’t fully understand the time and money that go into designing and developing technical apparel—it teaches you a lot of patience!”

As one of the only brands in the outdoor technical apparel space that designs, develops, and manufactures its core products in the US, Choona is rapidly gaining popularity. These days, Tobias says, the most challenging part of the business is having the capital to meet the growing demand for products, both in the Florida Panhandle and beyond. Choona also engineers and tests every garment to ensure it meets the brand’s rigorous standards and will stand the test of time and wear.

ach piece designed is inspired by some element of the Florida Panhandle, so we get a lot of support from our local community and visitors to the area,” he continues. The brand expanded from the Grayton Ultra-Lightweight Hoodie to include crew-neck T-shirts, Henleys, pants, shorts that can double as swim trunks, graphic tees, hats, and more. Color patterns include the ever-popular Emerald Coast Camo, inspired by the colors of the nearby beaches, plus a Grey Camo, a tan-and-black Cheeky print inspired by the flatwoods trails around Santa Rosa Beach, and the quirky Tropical Giraffe print, which is precisely what it sounds like—giraffe-like spots in a beach-inspired palette.

Predictably, local retailers such as Bay Baits, Modus Captured, and others have welcomed Choona with open arms. Between in-store and online sales, the brand’s telltale patterns are recognizable almost anytime one is out and about in Santa Rosa Beach. “It will never get old to me seeing someone out in public wearing Choona!” Tobias shares.

In addition to keeping the environment top of mind, Tobias and his team set out to give back to people in need through the brand. Choona partners with Give 30A, a nonprofit that helps meet the needs of the local community and others from afar. Its current project is providing meals to malnourished children in Nicaragua, feeding as many mouths as possible. Each Choona garment sold provides five meals to kids in the city of León.

When he’s not hard at work developing and testing new products and exploring avenues for growth, Tobias, predictably, spends a lot of time on the water and at the beach. “I love fly-fishing and beach volleyball,” he says. Still, he admits, “Most of the time when I am on the water, we are shooting content or somehow indirectly creating for Choona.” As a result, many of the brand’s promotional images on social media or the website are candid shots from recent fishing trips, travels, and other outdoor adventures.

Above: This custom Surf Thump board by Almond Surfboards was inspired by Choona’s tropical giraffe pattern.

Santa Rosa Beach inspired every element of Choona.

We have such a supportive group of locals behind us.

etting up at local events has also proved fruitful in spreading brand awareness and making connections with other nature lovers in the community. “We will be at the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic in June,” Tobias shares.

“Come see us and say hi!” The fishing tournament, held this year from June 21–25 at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, is one of the biggest in the area and also includes a golf tournament, live music, fireworks, and more festivities held at the resort’s Baytowne Marina.

Visit ChoonaClothing.com to learn more, shop, or sign up for the newsletter, and follow their adventures on Instagram @choonaclothing. Choona also holds trunk shows at local retailers and events throughout the year, so follow along to see where they’ll be next!

Petite pause

Paul Sutton Bourbon originated from an Alabama family legacy of seven generations. R.M. Sutton, the grandfather of Paul Sutton Bourbon founder Myra Barginear, MD—along with his grandfather, father, and brothers—used to distill bourbon as a hobby when he wasn’t taking care of his family, repairing shrimp boats, and training horses. Now the bottled-in-bond, six-year-old, single barrel bourbon is garnering awards worldwide. The team also recently unveiled the Paul Sutton Bourbon 1972 Land Rover Defender with a built-in barrel and pouring station. Be on the lookout for it at upcoming festivals and events, and visit PaulSuttonBourbon.com to learn more. You can also find Paul Sutton Bourbon in our upcoming luxury coffee-table book, COOK by VIE

!

Photo courtesy of Paul Sutton Bourbon

“

—MARK TWAIN

The Seaside story that hasn’t been told . . . from the perspective of cofounder/visionary Daryl Rose Davis.

The ART of KEEPING TIME

WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT LUXURY WATCHES, A FEW THINGS

MIGHT COME TO MIND: excellence, legacy, precision.

A man’s timepiece must be efficient yet stylish, classic yet edgy, simple yet sophisticated. What a guy chooses to wear can reveal a lot about him. Is he the sportsman, the businessman, the athlete, the diver? The list goes on. Day to day, the race to stay on track with meetings, errands, and life never stops. We all turn to the ever-moving clock to track where we are and what we’re doing next.

The function of a smartwatch might cover all your bases, but the design leaves something to be desired for the fashion-forward man. Shouldn’t what’s on your wrist be a reflection of yourself? Check out our roundup of some of our favorite luxury watches for men this season, and remember: life is not a sprint; it’s a marathon, so take time out for the little things, too.

FINAL COUNT

Locman Montecristo Carbon, 41mm

$1,830 – Locman.it

HIP TO BE SQUARE

Tank Louis Cartier 18-Karat Gold and Alligator, 34mm $11,500 – MRPORTER.com

INSTANT CLASSIC

Briston Clubmaster Classic Acetate, 40mm $320–$350 – Briston-Watches.com

SPORT LUXURY

TWO-FACED

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Series $7,800–$22,900 – MRPORTER.com

GO GREEN

Bell &

05 Green Gold, 40mm $34,000 – BellRoss.com

Ross BR

Chopard Mille Miglia GTS, 44mm $12,000 – MRPORTER.com

A Culinary Dynasty

Chef Emeril Lagasse and his son, E.J., embody the perfect father-son team. They’re making waves in the restaurant industry and have a new project on the horizon. Through the Emeril Lagasse Foundation, they also inspire and enable young talents in the culinary, nutrition, and arts education fields. This remarkable duo will leave a lasting impact on the world, with E.J. stepping into more responsibility within the company and Emeril paving his legacy of culinary excellence through numerous projects this year. Learn more in VIE’s April 2023 issue and on VIE Speaks podcast!

Photo courtesy of Emeril’s

Le monde

GOES ROUND AND ROUND

In a breathtaking display of Formula 1 prowess, Max Verstappen emerged as the triumphant driver in the recent Miami Grand Prix in May 2023. His remarkable comeback from ninth on the grid to victory showcased his determination on the track. However, Verstappen was one of many drivers to captivate the crowd. Carlos Sainz, George Russell, and Sergio Perez delivered outstanding performances, highlighting the immense talent within the sport. The Miami Grand Prix also served as a testament to the surging popularity of Formula 1 in the US, as fans flocked to witness the action and soak in the electric atmosphere.

Daniel Ricciardo at the Miami Grand Prix 2022. Explore the exciting world of Formula 1 or get tickets at Formula1.com.

Photo by motorsports Photographer/ Shutterstock

Photo by

Sons in Aberdeen, Scotland

Interview by Wendy Anderson

Photography courtesy of Tall Ships America

There’s some good news. Even if you have been forced to give up the dream of a swashbuckling life as a pirate, there are still opportunities to experience a taste of high-seas adventure in the twenty-first century.

The heritage of the gorgeous tall ships that traversed the globe for hundreds of years is being preserved by many dedicated people and organizations. Some of these ships are the originals—literally floating museums— many of which have undergone substantial repairs and upgrades to ensure their seaworthiness. Others are replica ships that have been painstakingly recreated to reflect the glory of the originals. Approximately one hundred of these historic vessels are part of Tall Ships America, an umbrella organization dedicated to promoting sail training. As the group explains, “Different from learning to sail, sail training offers unique paths to adventure, personal growth, and education through the experience of sailing a tall ship. Each year more ships and programs are launched as schools, municipalities, museums, foundations, corporations, and individuals discover the almost limitless ways in which the sea and sailing ships can enrich the human experience.”

Sometimes we all need more adventure in our lives. Modern life has many perks, but it can cause us to feel buried under meetings, emails, bills, and traffic jams. As we seek to incorporate more excitement and beauty into our day-to-day activities, some of us yearn for the adventure that seems to belong to bygone eras: an explorer navigating the globe in search of new worlds, a naval captain vanquishing an enemy, or a young man running away from a troubled past for a life at sea.

From March 30 to April 30, 2023, Tall Ships America sponsored the Tall Ships Challenge, with nine beautiful vessels taking to the Gulf of Mexico to sail between St. Petersburg, Galveston, and Pensacola and participate in festivals in the ports. VIE sat down with James Thayer, captain of the San Diego-based tall ship Californian, after his return from serving as third mate of the nineteenth-century barque Elissa during the Challenge.

VIE:First, how did you get involved with tall ships?

James Thayer: My story is that I walked away from an interesting but stressful career as a director of engineering in communications technology to pursue interests I didn’t otherwise have time for—and unexpectedly became captain of a replica of an 1847 topsail schooner. My wife, who was a docent at the Maritime Museum of San Diego, learned that the museum was looking for blacksmiths to create the required parts for a tall ship they were building, the San Salvador. I had always wanted to try blacksmithing, so I took a course and joined the group.

The volunteer team is also responsible for maintenance on the museum’s ships, and they are among the first to be asked when the fleet needs a sailing crew. At the time I joined the crew, this included the replica HMS

Surprise, which was the tall ship featured in the movie Master and Commander, and Star of India, which is one of the oldest ships in the world that can still sail. Being a deckhand on both ships gave me a picture of how the individuals must work together to sail these incredible vessels—from the captain, who decides what will happen, to the first mate, who is the intermediary giving direction, to the crew, who makes it happen.

Coast Guard credentialing is required to become a “master” (captain), and the ships can’t sail without one. Over time I gained the experience and training required, first obtaining a license for 100-ton vessels, which includes ships like Californian. After a lot of sea time, further training, and a rigorous exam, I eventually completed the additional steps to upgrade to a 500-ton license, which is necessary to be an officer on the 367-ton Elissa

VIE:What is it like to sail a ship that is also a museum?

James: As the official tall ship of the state of California, Californian is a great ambassador of maritime heritage. We typically take people on four-hour day sails to let them experience sailing as it was 180 years ago. We also do overnight trips to the Channel Islands and up the coast. When Californian isn’t sailing, she is open to visitors as an exhibit at the Maritime Museum of San Diego.

As the official tall ship of the state of California, Californian is a great ambassador of maritime heritage. We typically take people on four-hour day sails to let them experience sailing as it was 180 years ago.

Above: A volunteer crew working hard during the Tall Ships Challenge

Photo by James Thayer

Right: The beautiful Elissa in full sail with a deck full of passengers

Photo by Greenwalt Productions

VIE:Tell us about Elissa and what the Tall Ships Challenge experience is like.

James: The Elissa is an original barque built in 1877. She was primarily engaged in “tramping”—delivering cargo wherever she found a need—a process that took her all over the world. In the 1970s, she was brought to Galveston for restoration. For eleven months of the year, Elissa serves as a floating museum at the Galveston Historic Seaport; for the remainder, she returns to her former glory as a sailing ship. This year the Seaport decided to sail Elissa to St. Petersburg, Florida, and then back to Galveston to participate in the Tall Ships Challenge. I had the privilege of serving as third mate under Captain John Svendsen.

It’s an amazing experience. For three weeks, your world shrinks. You exist on a vessel less than 150 feet on deck and 30 feet wide, with a crew of about forty, with only water around you. Being in the Gulf of Mexico, after you get out past the oil rigs, there is nothing to see but the sea, the sky, and some marine life. The crew becomes like family—you all share a common goal, and hopefully, you all get along. We also developed a camaraderie with the crew of the other participating ships.

We had mostly great weather. However, coming back, we encountered a fairly significant storm when a squall blew up out of nowhere just as it was getting dark. It was an intense challenge as we had to quickly trim the sails with heavy rain, little visibility, and dramatic lightning strikes flashing around us. Experiences like that remind us that with all our modern conveniences, we are still at the mercy of mother nature.

VIE:How can someone become involved in the Tall Ships Challenge? And for those who would like to experience a tall ship but stay close to land, what do you recommend?

James: Joining a crew in the Tall Ships Challenge does not require previous experience, but it does require a time commitment and a willingness to learn. For Elissa, the crew starts training with orientation in July and continues almost every weekend until spring, when the Challenge begins. For that reason, most crew members live near the ship’s home port of Galveston. Crew members with full-time jobs take their annual vacation during the Challenge.

Several of the nearly one hundred tall ships located at many ports around the nation, as well as the world, offer tickets for day sails or even overnight sails. Since museums and nonprofits own many of these ships, they welcome volunteers, and most offer training to be deckhands. Many of them can be toured while docked, which is a good option for those who begin to turn green at the thought of leaving land.

VIE:Thank you. Fair sailing!

For locating a tall ship near you, please visit TallShipsAmerica.org/vessels-programs. For information about the next Tall Ships Challenge, stay tuned for news on TallShipsAmerica.org/tall-ships-challenge.

Above left: Spanish replica NAO Trinidad participating in the Tall Ships Challenge

Photo by Greenwalt Productions

Above right: Guests aboard participating tall ships can tour the vessels to see what life below deck was like for sailors and passengers when these ships were a primary mode of worldwide transportation.

ou always hear stories about how great the Major Leagues are, but even those don’t do it justice,” says former MLB pitcher and current New York Mets scout Brett Campbell. “The stadiums, playing in front of tens of thousands of people, the hotels, the food—everything is first-class. Getting to play against guys you grew up idolizing, playing in stadiums you dreamed about playing in as a kid; yes, it was totally surreal. Growing up in Atlanta, I was a huge Braves fan. Luckily, during my time with the Nationals, I was able to face the Braves. I remember seeing Bobby Cox in the dugout, walking out to the bullpen. I asked my bullpen coach who I was about to face when I got into the game, and he said, ‘Andruw Jones, Brian McCann, and Jeff Francoeur.’ It got real, fast!”

Campbell grew up in Douglasville, Georgia, and played baseball for the University of Georgia until an elbow injury led to a transfer to Northwest Florida State College (Okaloosa-Walton Community College at the time), but he always dreamed of a bigger playing field. He completed his mathematics degree and was a shortstop at Kennesaw State University, where he met his wife, Stephanie. But Campbell’s baseball career was far from over after graduation.

Not many childhood dreams come true, but as Campbell says, “I one hundred percent wanted to be a professional baseball player when I was little. I was privileged to grow up in the dugout with my dad, who was just elected into the Georgia High School Coaches Hall of Fame. I learned the game’s intricacies from a very early age, which helped me throughout my career. I always knew that I would end up coaching, but my first dream was to play in the Major Leagues, and I was lucky for that to happen.”

Opposite: Canes Florida Panhandle youth baseball league director, coach, and New York Mets scout Brett Campbell coaching his son during a Canes game

“

I ALWAYS KNEW THAT I WOULD END UP COACHING, BUT MY FIRST DREAM WAS TO PLAY IN THE MAJOR LEAGUES, AND I WAS LUCKY FOR THAT TO HAPPEN.

In his last year of college, Campbell says he “started to see the writing on the wall” that being drafted to the MLB as a shortstop was doubtful. So when his coach asked him about pitching, he gave it a shot, throwing about twenty innings in college, and was drafted in the thirty-fourth round (out of forty).

“I signed for practically peanuts and just the chance to play,” he admits, but he also says he had faith he could do well. “My first full year of professional baseball, I started the season with thirty straight scoreless innings and led our organization in saves. A year and a half later, I pitched in the big leagues. It’s something that I take great pride in. I didn’t give up; I put my head down and outworked everyone.”

After a career as a Washington Nationals relief pitcher, Campbell became head coach at Georgia Perimeter College near Atlanta. His team was ranked as high as second in the country during his tenure. After two years, he received a call from a good friend and college teammate about a new career opportunity as a scout for the Texas Rangers— something he had never planned to do, but it made sense financially at the time.

“I went through the interview process and got the job,” Campbell recalls. “I also knew that scouting would open a lot of doors for me down the road, and it has. The relationships and network I have built with professional coaches and scouts, not to mention the college coaches I talk to daily about players, probably wouldn’t have happened otherwise.”

Scouting players at colleges and high schools all over the country in hopes of helping his teams draft the best picks for the Major Leagues has been rewarding, yet there’s a lot more to it than just watching games and meeting with players and coaches, Campbell shares. “The travel is tough. I cover almost the entire state of Florida and am responsible for any player I think is good enough to get drafted. I spend a good deal of my summer traveling to tournaments to identify players I like. Then I watch each player during his spring high school or college season. I write a report for every player, which gets sent to our office. I then must conduct interviews and in-home visits with each prospect to get to know him. Being a good player is just part of what it takes to be drafted. What type of kid is he? What kind of competitiveness and work ethic does he have? What are his parents like? What does his physique look like? Do I think he will continue improving, or is he maxed out? These questions are just the tip of the iceberg on getting a player in the draft.”

Although scouting has challenges and rewards, Campbell says he misses coaching and being in the dugout with the players. “That was a big reason I started the Canes in the Florida Panhandle,” he shares. After Campbell and his wife moved to South

Walton, Florida, when he started scouting, the need for another travel baseball league in the area presented him an opportunity to build upon his love of the game and coaching while sharing that love with his kids. “There was a travel ball organization here already, but we needed more teams to accommodate all the players in the area,” Campbell says.

The Canes Florida Panhandle Division, a branch of the national Canes Baseball league, is a youth travel baseball organization spanning Northwest Florida. The Canes is designed to provide opportunities for young players to develop the skills to play baseball at the collegiate level and to connect coaches and scouts with high school players as they near recruitment age.

Working to build the Canes Florida Panhandle Division has allowed Campbell to keep his pro scouting job while passing along his knowledge as a former player and coach. The organization has grown to multiple teams and hundreds of players that travel throughout the year for tournaments and regional games. “What separates the Canes from most other organizations is the contacts with colleges I have built through scouting,” Campbell says. “There isn’t a college coach in the country who I can’t pick up the phone and call about one of our players, especially in the Southeast. It’s the best of both worlds because coaching is truly where my heart is. All of our coaches also have extensive playing backgrounds at the high school, college, and professional levels.”

Above: Brett Campbell and Texas Rangers pitcher Cole Ragans, one of the players Campbell scouted for the MLB draft

Photo courtesy of Brett Campbell

“ WHAT SEPARATES THE CANES FROM MOST OTHER ORGANIZATIONS IS THE CONTACTS WITH COLLEGES I HAVE BUILT THROUGH SCOUTING.

He continues, “Starting a travel ball organization was always something I wanted to do. When I started my first travel ball team, we had fifteen or so kids who did not make the team. We just couldn’t take thirty kids on a roster. Cutting them was one of the toughest things I’ve had to do. But with all the families moving into the area, I knew we needed more than one travel ball organization to give kids a chance to play if they wanted. I also wanted to make sure I had my hand in every part of what was going on with each team—not just the eleven kids on my team—to make sure they were being taken care of, make sure their arms were being taken care of, make sure they were taught how to play the game the right way. When the Canes approached me about starting an organization in the Panhandle, it was a no-brainer. It’s the best travel ball organization in the country and has a ton of former players in the major leagues. When our teams go to tournaments, college recruiters and scouts know who we are and know they need to see our kids. And that’s what this is all about; taking care of them and teaching the right fundamentals but also providing the opportunity to be seen by people that can help get them to the next level.”

Having a hand in every aspect of the league has meant Campbell was involved in choosing coaches for the teams, deciding which tournaments the Canes would attend, and figuring out details such as uniforms, travel and lodging, practice plans, and the administration side of running the organization, which he admits “can get a little crazy at times.” Stephanie has been fundamental in helping with the organization, and it’s poised to continue growing this year with the fall league and going into spring 2024.

“The most rewarding part is seeing the improvement in the kids,” Campbell says. “Seeing them put in the hard work and translate it to the games makes it all worth it. But just getting to know the boys, getting to know the families, and creating lifelong relationships is why I do it. The rings and championships are great but come second to developing the players on and off the field—making sure they are good kids in the

community, making sure we equip them with the tools to handle failure, and how success comes from hard work. In travel ball, it has become all about winning, and while that is what we strive for each time we are on the field, it’s not the only thing we are worried about.”

At the end of the day, game, tournament, or season, a love of baseball and his players makes it all worth it for Campbell.

“I truly love the game,” he says. “I love everything that goes into it; the attention to detail, how the little things throughout the game add up to whether you win or lose, the strategy. I could go on forever. But most of all, baseball is a team game. It creates lifelong relationships and teaches our kids how to deal with failure and be team players. Baseball is the only sport where you can fail seven out of ten times and still be considered great. There are no other sports like that!”

The Canes Florida Panhandle Division fall tryouts for 7u–14u will be in August, while spring tryouts will occur in late fall. Visit CanesBaseballFL.com, Canes Florida Panhandle on Facebook, and Instagram @canesfloridapanhandle to learn more, see the coaching staff roster, or fill out a prospect form.

Above: Brett and Stephanie Campbell with their children, Hilton, Mac, and Dara Moon

Left: Campbell coaching his little leaguers during a Canes game

By Hailey Bethke

Photography courtesy of Coolnvintage

Powered Cool by Bringing Vintage Rovers Back to Life

IN A WORLD FULL OF NOISE, THERE ARE FEW MOMENTS WHEN WE QUIET THE EXTERNAL CHAOS AND FIND OUR CENTER. YET WE DO NOT ALWAYS NEED MEDITATION, A YOGA CLASS, OR A TROPICAL GETAWAY TO OFFER A RESET. FOR COOLNVINTAGE FOUNDER RICARDO PESSOA, DRIVING WITH THE WINDOWS DOWN IN A LAND ROVER DEFENDER AND FULLY EMBRACING THE ROAD AHEAD IS WHERE HE UNLOCKS PURE BLISS.

When you drive a vintage Land Rover, you have to separate what’s important from what’s not,” he says. “Leave your phone at home. Whatever you need to take care of, do it before you hop in for a drive— because now everything is about the journey. Not a bad metaphor for how to live life, is it?”

At Coolnvintage, each Land Rover is meticulously restored by a team of detail-driven craftsmen in Lisbon, Portugal. The vehicle is completely stripped

down to its chassis before undergoing more than one thousand hours of deep work. The result? A timeless, one-of-a-kind product that operates with the look of a retro vehicle and the ease of modern driving—all while maintaining a cool aesthetic, of course.

Inspired by his lifelong passion for the iconic vehicle, Pessoa says he first tasted real freedom while driving a Series 3 Land Rover. To him, vintage Land Rovers embody simplicity, honesty, stillness, and beauty: four qualities that ground him in the present moment. In a tech-centric world, Pessoa is passionate about finding

Le monde

Right: Coolnvintage, based in Lisbon, Portugal, restores and redesigns about ten vintage Land Rover Defenders for clients per year.

Opposite: Guests can also experience Coolnvintage through the brand’s vacation villa in the Sublime Comporta resort area just south of Lisbon on Portugal’s Atlantic Coast.

ways to appreciate the beauty that comes from the journey in front of us. Coolnvintage only takes on about ten vehicle renovations per year, pushing the current wait for one of their iconic Defenders to 2025.

In the meantime, you can rent their four-bedroom luxury villa in the seaside village of Comporta, Portugal! The home, designed by José Alberto Charrua, comes fully equipped with a classic orange Coolnvintage Defender for taking adventures with friends and family and exploring the area, where the warm-hearted locals value simplicity and work ethic.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT COOLNVINTAGE DEFENDERS, HEAD TO COOLNVINTAGE.COM OR FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM @COOLNVINTAGE.

To him, vintage Land Rovers embody simplicity, honesty, stillness, and beauty: four qualities that ground him in the present moment.

The Royal Scotsman, A Belmond Train, offers an all-encompassing experience through the heart of the Scottish Highlands with its two- to seven-night selection of themed journeys, all round-trip from Edinburgh Waverley station. Guests enjoy onboard dining in the two wood-paneled cars, live entertainment each evening, and an array of off-board excursions, including wild swimming, foraging, water rafting, whiskey tastings, and castle visits. New suites coming in 2024 will take the train’s accommodation categories to four: Grand Suites, Double, Twin, and Single cabins. Visit Belmond.com to learn more or book a trip.

Photo courtesy of Belmond

Did not strong connections draw me elsewhere, I believe Scotland would be the country I would choose to end my days in.

“

—BENJAMIN FRANKLIN

FROM HOUSTON TO MYRTLE BEACH, THEN HOBOKEN TO THE GULF COAST OF NORTHWEST FLORIDA, STEVEN VANDEN HEUVEL HAS LIVED HIS LIFE FROM COAST TO COAST. HE IS ONE OF THREE BROTHERS RAISED, AS HE SAYS, ON A “HEALTHY DOSE” OF SPORTS AND WITH A “CHIP ON HIS SHOULDER” AS THE YOUNGEST.

He was also diagnosed at age five with severe-to-profound hearing loss, which Heuvel says—perhaps surprisingly to some—changed his life for the better.

“It helped shape the way that I learned, solved problems, interacted with others, and ultimately it shaped me into the entrepreneur that I am today,” he shares. These skills and a love of sports and the outdoors have carried him in building a successful brand of tools and accessories for the avid fisherman, SORD Fishing Products.

The line of utility and fillet knives, pliers, apparel, and more has taken off, serving sportfishing men and women who live and fish “where the map turns blue”—mostly along America’s Gulf Coast and East Coast, but these products are useful anywhere the big game fish are biting! VIE caught Heuvel between charters and tournaments to chat about starting SORD, its top-rated products, and his favorite parts about fishing in the Florida Panhandle.

VIE: Did you always want to work in retail and product development, or did you fall into e-commerce by coincidence?

STEVEN VANDEN HEUVEL: I went to college at Coastal Carolina University outside Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where I majored in finance. I remember writing a ten-year plan for my life; I said that I wanted to become the CFO of an oil and gas company back in Texas. That

must be the furthest thing from what I am doing now, but I would not have it any other way. I moved up to Hoboken (the armpit of NYC) after graduation and worked for a small financial services company headquartered in the same building as a budding e-commerce startup called Jet.com (acquired by Walmart for $3.3B). The financial services company was undergoing an acquisition of its own, and I did not want to go with the new company, so I walked around to the Jet.com side of the offices and knocked door to door, trying to find a recruiter. I went into the recruiter’s office and stated that I wanted to help them grow their fishing category, create better quality products, and, quite frankly, the fishing side of their website looked like garbage.

I applied for the position, and instead of coming to my first interview ready to answer questions, I went with a pitch deck and a business plan of how to grow their share of the fishing market to $30 million in sales. I was hired a few

Below: SORD Fishing Products founder Steven Vanden Heuvel

weeks later as the category manager for fishing, hunting, and boating. Walmart had just announced the purchase of the company the month that I was hired. My boss, who had a passion for developing privatelabel products under the Ozark Trail name brand, was in California, and I was on vacation in Destin, Florida, when he called and asked if I wanted to take a trip with him to China to develop my line of fishing products for Walmart. I jumped at the opportunity. That was how I got my start in product development.

VIE: Wanting to start a business to fill a niche in the market is one thing, but how did you take that desire and make SORD a reality?

STEVEN: There was a pivotal moment when I was in Hoboken, and my dad had been diagnosed with a brain tumor. My parents had moved to Destin after I graduated high school. During one of many trips back there between when my dad was diagnosed and when he passed away, he gave me some words of advice about how he worked his whole life only to start really living it once he had

retired. After he passed away, those words were fresh in my head, and I fought through some of the deepest valleys of depression for about eighteen months.

When I left the Northeast, I knew that I was going to start my own business and had already started brainstorming what that would be. I had a few different ideas floating around my head, and SORD was the one I knew had three crucial points for building it into a successful business. First, there was a gap in the market for high-quality fillet knives and other tactical gear, presenting an incredible opportunity at the right time. Secondly, I could get the entire business up and running quickly with the knowledge I already had. And last, it would not take hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars to start.

I also knew I wanted to build a life where I was truly living and never felt like I was “going to work.” SORD allowed me to combine my passion for fishing and business.

Above: SORD’s SevenInch Fillet Knife and Nine-Inch Fillet Knife have carbon steel blades for superior edge retention and an anti-corrosive blade coating.

THEY ALSO EMPHASIZE HAVING THE BEST EQUIPMENT TO GET THE JOB DONE. THAT INSPIRED THE CRAZY ONES. I WANTED SORD TO BE KNOWN FOR BUILDING PRODUCTS THAT ARE INDESTRUCTIBLE, BUILT FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE CRAZY ABOUT FISHING.

The most rewarding part of the business is watching all the small wins start to add up. I remember taking my laptop to Starbucks for free Wi-Fi, and I refreshed my analytics to show that we had grossed our first ten thousand dollars. If you have ever seen the movie The Pursuit of Happyness, you can envision the scene where Will Smith’s character gets the job at the brokerage, and he’s out on the streets clapping and crying—that was me at that moment.

It has been incredible to take a step back and remember that what once started in a Starbucks has now moved into a full warehouse in Santa Rosa Beach, where I have my own office!

VIE: Tell us what your tagline “The Crazy Ones” means in your own words. What inspired it?

STEVEN: The Crazy Ones are the people for whom fishing is more than just a hobby; it is part of who they are. They spend hours researching a specific area and poring over articles, and they spend a lifetime pursuing the biggest fish that their waters have to offer. If you think of individuals who are crazy about anything, from competing in Ironman races to simply cooking a great brisket on a smoker, they are going to soak up as much information as they can. They also emphasize having the best equipment to get the job done. That inspired The Crazy Ones. I wanted SORD to be known for building products that are indestructible, built for people who are crazy about fishing.

VIE: What makes the Destin and 30-A area a great community for your HQ, aside from the world-class sportfishing?

STEVEN : We have a community of entrepreneurs that is second to none. I believe there is no better place in the country to start a business than this area because every other person I meet has their own business and is willing to help you in any way they can. We also have easy access to the major Gulf Coast fishing market from Tampa

Above: The SORD Seven-Inch Titanium Pliers feature replaceable tungsten carbide line cutters on the side.

Bay to Louisiana. We can be at an event in Tampa in six hours, then be in Orange Beach the following weekend. There is also a world-class community of The Crazy Ones who call the Florida Panhandle home. I believe the area is ripe for more outdoorfocused consumer brands; we’re surrounded by state forests, pristine beaches, incredible bays, and world-class fishing. The first pioneers of this were BOTE and YOLO in the paddleboard space, and the new guys on the block are SORD and Choona, but I truly believe the 30-A area will see a ton more outdoor-minded consumer brands get started here.

VIE: Which products are your top three bestsellers?

STEVEN: In the product development process, we get a full range of samples with different steels and put each through rigorous testing here in the 30-A area. The SORD bestsellers are our Seven-Inch Fillet Knife, Nine-Inch Fillet Knife, and Titanium Pliers. Fishermen are finicky people. They always have a specific preference for the knife that they choose. We can make accurate guesses on what someone would like based on what kind of fishing they prefer. Someone who spends most of their time in the bay system or inshore will typically want a seven-inch knife, while someone who spends all their time offshore would prefer a nine-inch knife. They will all prefer a set of titanium pliers because they do not rust, corrode, or seize up when fishing in saltwater; plus, they have replaceable line cutters on the side!

VIE: What’s your favorite area and species to fish, and why do you love it?

STEVEN: There is something special about leaving the Destin pass and fishing in what I consider to be our “home waters” offshore. My all-time favorite fish to target are wahoos—they are known for quick bursts of speed, and when one hits your

FISHERMEN ARE FINICKY PEOPLE. THEY ALWAYS HAVE A SPECIFIC PREFERENCE FOR THE KNIFE THAT THEY CHOOSE. WE CAN MAKE ACCURATE GUESSES ON WHAT SOMEONE WOULD LIKE BASED ON WHAT KIND OF FISHING THEY PREFER.

trolled bait, the line rips off the reel at an astounding pace. Wahoos are also easily accessible, only twenty to thirty miles off our coastline, and they make (someone will fight me on this) the best table fare of any fish that comes out of the Gulf of Mexico.

Readers in the Florida Panhandle can check out SORD Fishing Products at the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic at Sandestin June 21–25 or the Baypoint Billfish Open in Panama City Beach June 28–July 1. Visit SORDFishingProducts.com to learn more or shop now.

A TOWN OF IDEAS

—robert davis Seaside Founder/Visionary

Photo by Dave Warren

WRealood

CRAFTED STORIES with HOST EDDIE SAN JUAN

By ADDIE STRICKLAND

Photos courtesy of E.F. SAN JUAN

ustom houses are built to last generations and be passed down, captivating visitors and residents with beautiful details and stories of their own. Much of the work on a home like this happens before the ground is broken or a saw meets wood. The effort it takes to plan a new custom residence can be overlooked, and some details might go unnoticed even when it is completed. E. F. San Juan is a family-led company working with the best architects and builders to create some of those details, specializing in custom wood moulding, millwork, and cabinetry. Their portfolio of craftsmanship can be seen and experienced in the affluent communities along Scenic Highway 30-A and surrounding areas in Florida and beyond. With their work on display in some of the most critically acclaimed New Urbanist towns, such as Alys Beach, Rosemary Beach, and Seaside, E. F. San Juan’s far-reaching legacy and influence were built from a dream and maintained with generations worth of hard work.

Now, through the voice of operations manager Eddie San Juan, the story of these beautiful wood products is being shared from start to finish. Real Wood: Crafted Stories with Eddie San Juan is a video series created to take viewers behind the scenes and educate them on the tools and practices used in E. F. San Juan’s state-of-the-art workshop. The skilled craftsmanship of E. F. San Juan is displayed in every piece of art its team has created over the last four generations.

The San Juan family’s roots in the woodworking industry can be traced to the middle of the twentieth century. At that time, Eddie San Juan, father of company founder Edward F. “Ed” San Juan, was a master craftsman and cabinetmaker. Inspired by his father’s skill and entrepreneurial spirit, Ed started the company E. F. San Juan, Inc. in 1976, and his son, Edward, joined him in 1987. Eddie, Ed’s eldest grandson, joined the team in 2017, and his eldest granddaughter Lydia came aboard in 2019. In addition, Ed’s daughter-in-law, Mary Kathryn, and son-in-law, Buddy, are also part of the E. F. San Juan team.

As the patriarch of the family and business, Ed San Juan still regularly mentors craftspeople and oversees projects. Since 1976, his leadership has fostered a creative work environment where stunning wood pieces are crafted. The generational mindset of E. F. San Juan demonstrates the strength of its character and values as a company and the detail and care its team members put into all their work. Capturing the daily routine and lifestyle of the business is the only way to show how this generational legacy was built and is maintained. E. F. San Juan’s Real Wood series takes you to the shop floor and explores the inner workings of this state-ofthe-art woodworking facility.

Opposite and above: Edward A. San Juan, Edward “Ed” F. San Juan, and Eddie San Juan— three generations who run the custom architectural millwork, moulding, and cabinetry business in Youngstown, Florida

Opposite: Photo by Kyle Carpenter

THE GENERATIONAL MINDSET OF E. F. SAN JUAN DEMONSTRATES THE STRENGTH OF ITS CHARACTER AND VALUES AS A COMPANY AND THE DETAIL AND CARE ITS TEAM MEMBERS PUT INTO ALL THEIR WORK.

In Season One of Real Wood, Eddie gives viewers an up-close look at the production processes in E. F. San Juan’s expansive woodshop in Youngstown, Florida. Over four and a half decades of working with some of the top architects, builders, and interior designers in the business, the modest sawmill facility and tools have evolved to use the highest quality practices featuring the world’s finest woodworking equipment. Season One features five episodes, each showing a different product in the shop with details about the vision behind it and the tools of the trade. It is mesmerizing to watch this art being created as the

artist brings wood to life, and that wood, in turn, brings life to the home for which it is designed. This is a beautiful testament to how nature, coupled with a family’s craftsmanship and love for their practice, can produce a lasting legacy.

Additionally, the short film E. F. San Juan: Documenting a Family Legacy includes a home tour and other prominent names in architecture and construction talking about their work with E. F. San Juan, including Seaside, Florida, founder Robert Davis; architect Geoff Chick of Geoff Chick & Associates; and Todd Lance of Alys Beach Construction.

IT IS MESMERIZING TO WATCH THIS ART BEING CREATED AS THE ARTIST BRINGS WOOD TO LIFE, AND THAT WOOD, IN TURN, BRINGS LIFE TO THE HOME FOR WHICH IT IS DESIGNED.

Season Two of Real Wood, created and produced by The Idea Boutique with Color Earth Productions, will debut this summer. In addition to featuring some of the team’s favorite projects, it will include looks at the finished products in gorgeous custom homes across the Gulf Coast. Take a behind-the-scenes look at the workshop and let Eddie educate you on the techniques and processes used to produce the finest custom architectural mouldings, columns, windows, doors, gates, paneling, staircases, cabinetry, and more.

SeasonOneoftheRealWoodseriesisavailabletowatchatYoutube.com/@e.f.sanjuan8247 or EFSanJuan.com/videos. To stay connected with E. F. San Juan, follow them on Instagram at @e.f.sanjuan.

Left and opposite: Eddie San Juan on the set of Real Wood: Crafted Stories with Eddie San Juan Season One

Above: Edward and Ed working on a custom fireplace mantel in the state-of-the-art E. F. San Juan woodshop

Our second luxury coffee - table book, COOK by VIE, debuts in Summer 2023 as a celebration of Cocktails, Cuisine & Culture.

Published by

Rahm Slam

Jon Rahm Rodríguez is a Spanish professional golfer who made history as the 2023 Masters Champion at the famed Augusta National Golf Club this April. With a remarkable amateur career, including being ranked as the number one amateur golfer in the world for a record sixty weeks, Rahm turned professional in 2016. In 2021, he achieved a significant milestone by winning the U.S. Open, becoming the first Spanish golfer to do so. His Masters win also holds a special place in his heart and those of golf fans worldwide, as he secured his green jacket on April 9, the birthday of the late Seve Ballesteros, revered as Spain’s greatest golfer and the first to win at Augusta.

Check out more of Jon Rahm’s impressive career at PGAtour.com.

Photo by Christian Petersen/ Getty Images

INTERVIEW BY JORDAN STAGGS PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF KICKSTAND JENNY

JENNY' VOCAL KICKSTAND

BLAST-OFF

BAND LAUNCHES RECORD DEAL & NEW ALBUM

In an age when many listeners get their music recommendations from soundbites on TikTok and rarely listen to an album from start to finish, it’s refreshing to hear the story behind a new music collection from an artist or band. Kickstand Jenny, an alternative rock band based in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, released its debut concept album, Between The Lies, on June 9, 2023, calling it an in-depth look at “the death and rebirth of a soul, inspired by the death of live music during the COVID-19 pandemic and the desire to march on and rise up like a phoenix.”

The new full-length album was recorded in Nashville and features ten new tracks with excellent vocals from former L.A. Guns vocalist Scott Foster Harris and killer hits, licks, and riffs from guitarist Preston Morelock, bass ist Chris McComas, and drummer A.J. Sipos. It also includes vocalist Mark Slaughter of the rock band Slaughter, drummer Jim Riley of Rascal Flatts, and others. It was produced by legendary producer and songwriter Chas Sandford.

Signed to Spectra Music Group in 2022, Kickstand Jenny cites inspiration from all genres, from Van Halen to Prince, calling it “all the good stuff” that founder, songwriter, and guitarist Morelock loved since he was a child. We caught up with Morelock to talk about the band’s new album, upcoming tour, and more.

Preston Morelock: I’m from the small town of Church Hill, Tennessee. My father and uncles were in a successful gospel quartet. This is where my brothers and I got “the bug” to play and promote music. I’ve been lucky to play music professionally for most of my life.

A.J. Sipos (drummer) is from Pittsburg and has lived in Santa Rosa Beach for many years. He was around music his whole life, thanks to his mother. A.J. picked up drums around the year 2000 and started The Bottom’s Up Band. I met A.J. shortly after moving to Santa Rosa Beach in 2010 when he delivered furniture to my house and noticed all the guitars lying around. He mentioned that he was a drummer, and we shared contact information. It wasn’t until a few months later, after singing on stage with Sammy Hagar, that I decided I wanted to get back into playing again, so I gave A.J. a call, and we went to work. We had an immediate musical connection and have played together since 2010.

Chris was a victim of Craigslist, as we were auditioning for a bassist. He’s from Fort Walton Beach, Florida, and is a self-taught musician from a young age, but he started playing professionally in 2000. He made the cut!

We met our producer, Chas Sandford, during the 30A Songwriters Festival a few years ago. He came to one of our shows, and I recognized him (ironically, Chas had written a song for Sammy Hagar). After the show, we hung out, and he talked us into coming to his studio in Nashville to do some recording. Since Chas had previously written a few number-one hits and had produced artists such as Chicago, Stevie Nicks, Rod Stewart, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Stevie Ray Vaughn, it was a no-brainer for us to take him up on his offer.

We had played With Mark Slaughter in the past and have kept in touch with him. When the time came to work on this album, we sent him some demo songs, and he picked one he wanted to sing. Mark also lives about ten minutes from Chas’s studio, which made it convenient.

Between The Lies started as a demo for song licensing purposes. As we were working on the demo, I had a bunch of guys I was using

VIE: Tell us about Kickstand Jenny and how the band formed.

“

for each song—Scott Foster Harris was one of them. Scott is from Dallas, and his music career began in 2006 after he sustained an injury as a professional bull rider and moved to Nashville to start the band Zen Rizing. He then went to Los Angeles, where he joined L.A. Guns. I wanted him on the demo because he used to sing with L.A. Guns, and we had recently played with them. Secondly, his voice is magnificent, and I knew it would work perfectly for the songs I had written. After hearing him, Chas pretty much begged me to use him on all the songs and ask him to join the band. So, I called Scott that day and sent him all the songs to check out. He called me back the next day and said he loved the songs and wanted to be in the band.

That was the long and tedious story of how Kickstand Jenny was formed. It was years in the making, but worth every second to be with these guys!

VIE: What makes the Santa Rosa Beach area a great community for musicians?

Preston: I visited this area for years before finally moving here in 2010. I had been working at one of my grandfather’s auto dealerships for fifteen years, and my wife was almost finished with her medical residency. So we came down here on a whim, visited Sacred Heart Hospital, and they hired her on the spot. It was also the same time my grandfather was selling his business to retire, so the time was right for us to move. We always thought if it didn’t work out, we could go back to Tennessee, but this area felt like home within days.

Music wasn’t on my mind when I first moved here. I honestly had no clue how amazing the music community was until I started working in it again. It was a breath of fresh air! Not only are the tourists hungry for live music when they visit the area, but the locals are also very supportive throughout the year. I was more blown away after seeing how the community thrives around the multiple festivals and concerts.

We are so proud to live in this wonderful community. All the artists and supporters of music are top-notch. Being here has been a blessing in many ways, and we will always call this place home. I don’t think I could have picked a better place to live for a musician.

VIE: What are the most challenging and rewarding parts of making and performing music?

Preston: The most challenging thing for all of us is finding time to get together to work on things. We are all adults with jobs and families, so it takes a certain commitment to get together for rehearsals and meetings. Another issue is this social media business. We are old-school musicians, and the new way of doing things is the exact opposite of how it used to be. It used to be: step one—album release, step two—tour and promote. Now it’s: promote yourself online, make an album (or single) and release, then tour. Some would say social media makes it easier to promote yourself, and it probably

does, but it has been a learning curve to figure it all out. As soon as we figured out Facebook, we were told Instagram was the way to go; now TikTok is the craze. It’s exhausting, ha ha!

We love the positive feedback that comes from performing live. You can be on stage pouring your heart out and see even just one person digging what you are doing, and it makes it worth all the practice and effort. It’s also been pretty cool to see the feedback from the upcoming album. People are locking on to what we are doing. The YouTube views on our first single have blown us all away—fifty thousand views in two weeks. It’s crazy to see, and the album hasn’t been released yet. That’s pretty exciting for us.

VIE: Explain a little more about the concept of the album.

Preston: A concept album takes you on a musical journey and tells a story from beginning to end. The album is titled Between The Lies. The title and cover art represent the world we live in today, with such a fifty-fifty, push-pull, or yin-yang happening with politics and social issues. And with deepfakes and AI taking over everything, you really have to be smart about spotting what is true and what is a lie. Not to mention what you see on social media and the mainstream media. You sometimes have to read between the lines to decipher the lies.

The title on the cover art reads “between the lines” with the n in the word lines marked out. Then,

During the pandemic, the music was dead; and I wrote all the songs surrounding my feelings at the time; my feelings about the music.

there is a line in a yin-yang shape on the earth. That’s the reality—push-pull, truths-lies, good-evil, etcetera. The album was written and recorded during the pandemic, and the music reflects what was going on during that time. It’s a compilation about “the music.” During the pandemic, the music was dead, and I wrote all the songs surrounding my feelings at the time, my feelings about the music. The songs seem like we are talking about a loved one or a relationship with a person, but in reality, it’s all about the music.

VIE: What is your favorite track on the album, if you have one? Why or why not?

Preston: I personally love them all, but I might be a little biased! The consensus has been all over the place, too. To me, that is a good thing because it means multiple songs stand out, not just one or two. If I had to choose one, it would be “Never Gonna Let You Go.” I am a sucker for a good rock ballad, and that song has a special meaning to me. But if you ask me tomorrow, I might give a different answer.

VIE: Will there be a tour to promote the new album?

Preston: Our record label, Spectra Music Group, is handling all the touring details, so we will know more about the tour size and locations when the time comes. Spectra has some amazing acts under its wing, so we will likely be opening for one of them on the road. We’re excited about that because they have some of our favorite bands under the label.

P.S. If you’re wondering what the name Kickstand Jenny means, unfortunately, that’s a band secret, but rest assured, it’s a pretty good inside story!

Visit KickstandJenny.com to keep up with the band’s touring and local show schedule, and sign up for their newsletter for the most up-to-date information on Between The Lies, tours, and more. You can also find performance dates for Kickstand Jenny and thousands of other bands on BandsInTown.com.

B y BrockMeyer

Tips for the Big Catch

The Gulf of Mexico is known for having some of the best sportfishing in the world. Even if you don’t have a boat or haven’t booked an offshore charter during your vacation, you can still get in on the action! Fishing from the sandy beach (known as surf fishing), heading to the local pier, or taking a kayak expedition into the Gulf, bay, or coastal dune lakes can be great ways to “get your feet wet” and catch anything from pompano to whiting, redfish, snapper, grouper, trout, flounder, sheepshead, sharks, and more.

Check out a few fishing tips from Panhandle local surf and kayak fishing guide Brock Meyer, aka Pompano Brock, and get your reels ready for your next trip!

1. For fishing from any beach in the Panhandle, I would suggest using a two-hook pompano rig with pink and white floats. The bright colors attract the fish to your setup and entice more bites!

2. If you aren’t catching anything in a particular area, get up and move down the beach about 100 to 200 yards and see if you can find the fish. But it helps if you stay at least an hour or two in the original spot. Patience is the name of the game.

3. Look for a rip current to fish in. This is where the deeper water comes close to the shore—where you don’t want to swim when there are red flags or rough surf (always check the local surf conditions and read the warning at your public beach access before heading into the Gulf). You want to fish here because the current takes all the natural bait, such as sand fleas and coquina clams, out past the first sandbar, where big fish like to roam. The rip current will carry your line out there, too.

Photography courtesy of PCB Surf & Kayak Fishing Tours

Below: Northwest Florida fishing guide Brock Meyer with a scamp grouper fresh out of the Gulf of Mexico

1. Kayak fishing inshore can be extremely fun and rewarding. You don’t need a fancy boat or inshore skiff to catch fish in the bay. A simple pedal kayak is excellent, easy to maneuver, and much less expensive. I suggest using live or artificial shrimp bait under a popping cork for catching redfish, speckled trout, and many other species. Everything eats a shrimp!

2. When fishing around bridges and structures in the bay, whether you’re on a kayak or the bank, use a “Carolina” style fishing rig. It should have a small halfounce to one-ounce egg sinker with a twenty-pound fluorocarbon leader and 1/0 (one aught) circle hook. Any bait and tackle shop in the Panhandle will have the gear to set you up with what you need.

3. Offshore kayak fishing is a lot of fun. What I like to do is troll for pelagic species, including king mackerel, bonito, sailfish, blackfin tuna, and more. Get a live bait “stinger rig” (an extra hook added to the existing rig) with a frozen or live cigar minnow. Let it out around fifty yards behind you, then drift or pedal with the current.

4. You always want to make sure you are safe when you are on a kayak, whether in the Gulf, the bay, the lake, or the creek. Always tell someone on land where you are going and when you plan to get back, and make sure you have a life jacket, just in case.

Your best bet when getting started fishing in the Panhandle, especially if you’re used to fishing in freshwater creeks or lakes elsewhere in the country, is to hire a local guide to charter your first excursion and show you the ropes. Patience and knowledge are the keys to hooking your first fish and your last!

This page and opposite: Meyer leads surf and kayak fishing charters in the Florida Panhandle for anglers of all ages and skill levels.

Patience and knowledge are the keys to hooking your first fish and your last!

UNFORGETTABLE

La Florida Coastal Properties believes buying a home is about creating lifelong memories. Our associates are dedicated to making your experience just as memorable as your new home. With a warm approach, attention to detail, and deep understanding of the market, we guide you every step of the way. We will make your home-buying experience nothing short of extraordinary and truly unforgettable.

That’s the La Florida Difference.

EXPERIENCE IS THE DIFFERENCE

EXPERIENCE IS THE DIFFERENCE

EXPERIENCE Is The Difference

Is The Difference

We do what we do because we are passionate about the field of Real Estate and we execute with objectivity. With more than 40 years of experience coupled with our strong community alliances, La Florida has evolved into the ultimate brand for expertise, advice and support.

We do what we do because we are passionate about the field of Real Estate and we execute with objectivity. With more than 40 years of experience coupled with our strong community alliances, La Florida has evolved into the ultimate brand for expertise, advice and support.

That’s the La Florida Difference.

That’s the La Florida Difference.

32 East County Highway 30A, Suite J Santa Rosa Beach, Florida Office 850.231.7896 laflorida.com

Coastal Dune Lake on 30A as photographed by Jeff Landreth.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF LANDRETH

Coastal Dune Lake on 30A as photographed by Jeff Landreth.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF LANDRETH

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF LANDRETH

To book your stay or learn more, visit FourSeasons.com/ Baltimore.

of

La vitalité

A ZEST FOR LIFE

Experience the captivating botanical world crafted by greenery guru and Baltimore native Hilton Carter at the Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore. The exquisite botanical-themed Harbor-View Suite is adorned with a curated collection of greenery and bespoke planters through June 30, 2023. Indulge in moments of tranquility with a rejuvenating botanical cocktail and a soothing lavender bath soak. As a special treat, guests will receive a signed copy of Carter’s book, Living Wild: How to Plant Style Your Home and Cultivate Happiness , and the opportunity for a one-on-one call with him after their stay. He will also host a panel and book signing at the hotel on June 14.

Photo courtesy

Four Seasons

Journey to Tutka Bay Lodge

Interview by EMME MARTIN

Photography courtesy of WITHIN THE WILD

HIDDEN AMID THE AWEINSPIRING LANDSCAPES OF KACHEMAK BAY, ALASKA, LIES THE EXQUISITE TUTKA BAY LODGE—A HIDDEN GEM CAREFULLY NURTURED BY THE ADVENTUROUS SPIRITS OF KIRSTEN AND CARL DIXON.

At its heart, Tutka Bay is a love story beginning in 1980 when Kirsten and Carl met while working at the Alaska Native Medical Center. They married in 1981 and embarked on a remarkable journey to create their haven in the remote Alaskan wilderness. In 1992, they opened a sport-fishing lodge along the Yentna River, gradually adding cabins and bringing their visionary dream to life.

Today, Tutka Bay Lodge is a testament to Kirsten and Carl’s dedication to providing guests with a truly authentic Alaskan experience. Kirsten, an acclaimed chef with culinary expertise honed through extensive travels and training, infuses her love for cooking into every detail of the guest experience. From bespoke creations inspired by the surrounding landscapes and local ingredients to the acclaimed cookbooks that capture the essence of Alaskan cuisine, Kirsten’s culinary prowess is at the heart of Tutka Bay Lodge.

Tutka Bay Lodge takes pride in its dedication to sustainability. Kirsten and Carl place their respect for the environment at the core of the lodge’s operations. From construction to daily practices, they prioritize sustainable initiatives, minimizing their environmental footprint and promoting responsible practices. This commitment extends to the guest experience, where visitors can immerse themselves in awe-inspiring adventures that showcase Alaska’s natural wonders while fostering a profound respect for the environment.

VIE enjoyed chatting with Kirsten and Carl as they shared their dedication to providing authentic experiences at Tutka Bay Lodge, highlighting their unwavering commitment to sustainability, local culture, and the culinary delights that make every guest’s stay unforgettable.

VIE: How does Tutka Bay Lodge differentiate itself from other lodges in Alaska and worldwide?

KIRSTEN AND CARL: At Tutka Bay Lodge, we provide unique, immersive experiences that connect guests with the natural environment and local culture. We provide an intimate, family-like atmosphere and exceptional customer service. We only offer six guest cabins as part of our sustainability commitment. We offer a

variety of activities, such as fishing, kayaking, bird-watching, hiking, and cultural tours, as well as an award-winning culinary team. We are proud to be committed to sustainability and responsible, regenerative tourism. We are a small, family-owned lodge passionate about sharing our love for Alaska with our guests. We aim to provide meaningful experiences that will create lasting memories for all who visit us. We offer an authentic experience.

VIE: That sounds truly special. How do you incorporate local culture and history into the guest experience at Tutka Bay Lodge?

KIRSTEN AND CARL: We explore our hyper-local history regarding the three archeological sites on our property. One includes a 1,000-year-old native hearth where people prepared meals in prehistoric times. Locally, we visit the Alutiiq native village of Seldovia and explore the Russian history of our area. We have a “Stay Curious” lounge that offers many books, artifacts, and other museumquality depictions of life in the past.

VIE: So fascinating! Now, let’s talk about the culinary experience at Tutka Bay Lodge. Can you tell us more about the daily culinary sessions and what guests can expect to learn and experience?

KIRSTEN AND CARL: Guests are welcome to learn about specific techniques and recipes from the lodge with our chefs. For example, our Chef de Cuisine, Nick Wells, will teach guests to fillet a salmon and grill it on live fire. We have four trained chefs in our kitchen, as well as Kirsten Dixon and Mandy Dixon (mother and daughter owners), being trained chefs.

VIE: Count us in. What activities and excursions do guests have access to during their stay at the lodge?

KIRSTEN AND CARL: They can go sea kayaking around the Herring Islands to look for whales and sea otters, bear viewing along the Katmai Coast, deep-sea fishing for salmon or halibut, hike our thousands of acres of Park and wildlands, forage in our 25-acre old-growth forest, and explore our nearby volcanoes. We also visit the small village of Homer, Alaska, to explore art galleries and crafted beer pubs.

VIE: All of those sound incredible. If you could only recommend one activity or excursion for guests during their stay at Tutka Bay Lodge, what would it be and why?

KIRSTEN AND CARL: Bear-viewing for sure. Walking with wild bears as they fish for salmon shouldn’t be missed.

VIE: Can you describe the accommodations at the lodge and what types of amenities guests can expect to find in their rooms?

KIRSTEN AND CARL: Guests stay in one of our small curated guest cabins surrounding the lodge, where we take meals and socialize. Guest cabins offer ensuite baths, king-sized beds, designer linens, and custom amenities such as complimentary local drinks and snacks. In addition, each guest cabin offers Wi-Fi and boardwalk access to our extensive main deck overlooking the ocean, where we offer two hot tubs, games, seating areas, appetizers in the evening, and a beach-side bonfire.

VIE: How does the lodge strive to minimize its impact on the surrounding environment and promote sustainable tourism practices?

KIRSTEN AND CARL: We benchmark and measure our carbon footprint, food, and environmental waste. We recycle all we can, use local spring water, and

The silence from urban life is a change for many people who visit us—to hear nature sounds only is a gift.

all who visit us. We offer an authentic experience.

bio-cycle our wastewater (meaning that it is returned to a potable water condition). We do not use any products that harm the environment, both forest and ocean. We do not use any single-use plastics. We carbon offset all of our guest and staff transportation use.

VIE: What is the most surprising or unexpected aspect of operating a remote lodge like Tutka Bay, and how have you adapted to this challenge?

KIRSTEN AND CARL: We have been living remotely for over forty years. The most remarkable thing about living along the ocean is our two highand-low tides daily. During the low tides, we see many sea creatures normally hidden by the water. It’s a fascinating, ever-changing landscape. Also, the skies are incredible. We have dark skies in the winter where we can see billions of stars. And we have bioluminescence in the ocean at certain times of the year. At Tutka Bay Lodge, we have resident eagles that swoop and cry overhead, a pair of Great Blue Herons that live with us, and we see many other wild birds and animals, including a whole migration of hummingbirds. The silence from urban life is a change for many people who visit us—to hear nature sounds only is a gift. In

our early years, Carl and I didn’t have Internet access. We had few airplane deliveries and had to rely on them, so we had to live a much more “homesteader” lifestyle in those days. Now, we still have gardens, buy hyper-local foods from farmers’ markets and farmer friends, and only serve Alaska seafood. So, much of the remnants of those early years remain with us.

VIE: Tell us your plans and goals for Tutka Bay Lodge and Within the Wild Adventure Company.

KIRSTEN AND CARL: We are refining our lodge—remodeling guest cabins and building a new chef kitchen. We are increasing work with our non-profit, Be the Wild, which is committed to preserving and protecting wild places. We are exploring the rugged Outer Coast of the Gulf of Alaska, exploring new places to take our guests on adventures. We have redesigned our wellness program to be more nature-based, including forest and sound bathing, outdoor meditation, and other programs that bring people together in the natural world.

Readers can also check out our newest cookbook, Living Within the Wild. It has many stories of our lives in Alaska.

To book your stay or learn more, visit WithinTheWild.com.

We aim to provide meaningful experiences that will create lasting memories for

LISTEN WELL

FOR ALIGNMENT, ENERGY, AND INSPIRATION

PODCASTS

The radio is no longer just for morning talk shows and throwback tunes.

ith today’s technology, companies like Spotify and Apple run the world of communication. As societal connections have grown through social media and streaming platforms, we have turned back to honest conversations as entertainment, and podcasts have become one of the most prominent

ways consumers tune in for news and more. Every topic you could imagine, including sports, diet and exercise, finance, mental health, gaming, movies, and so much more, is easily accessible through a variety of podcasts with an extensive library of episodes. Enjoy this collection of podcasts we have pulled together for our Men’s Issue—though the takeaways can be inspiring for anyone. Next time you’re in the car, out for a run, or catching a flight, give them a listen!

Align with Aaron Alexander

This is a place where listeners focus on optimizing the mind, body, and movement through exploring unconventional approaches and unique viewpoints on all things health, wellness, and life. Alexander interviews top wellness experts and world-renowned thought leaders, including Byron Katie, Bruce Lipton, Aubrey Marcus, Jim Kwik, Marriane Williamson, Ben Greenfield, Robb Wolf, Shawn Stevenson, Abel James, Mark Sisson, Wim Hof, James Clear, Zach Bush, Gabby Reece, and many more. Get ready for deep conversations that open you up to new perspectives and ways of life that will ultimately take your mental, physical, and emotional wellness to the next level. Connect on Instagram @alignpodcast.

Comeback Stories

Enjoy inspirational tales of the recovery journey with Darren Waller, current tight end for the New York Giants, and Donny Starkins, an international yoga instructor, mindfulness teacher, and personal development coach. Each conversation recognizes that vulnerability is the pathway to connection, redefines what it means to be a man, and acknowledges that pain is part of the shared human experience. Head to ComebackStories.com or follow on Instagram @comebackstoriesshow to discover tools to find your center and see the guest lineup.

New Heights

unleash their best, most authentic selves. Interviews include fellow athletes, wellness experts, and entertainers, including Rainn Wilson, Darin Olien, Julie Piatt, Zach Braff, and many more. Learn more at RichRoll.com.

The GaryVee Audio Experience

Welcome to the GaryVee Audio Experience, hosted by entrepreneur, CEO, investor, content creator, and public speaker Gary Vaynerchuk, also known as GaryVee. On this podcast, you’ll find a mix of #AskGaryVee episodes, keynote speeches on marketing and business, segments from the viral DAILYVEE video series, interviews and fireside chats by the host, and new and current thoughts Vee records exclusively for this audio experience. Follow @garyvee on Instagram for more insights.

The mindbodygreen Podcast explores the infinite possibilities of health and well-being. Hosted by mindbodygreen founder and co-CEO Jason Wachob, each episode features a thoughtprovoking interview with a leader in the health space. Whether you’re thinking about changing what’s on your plate, how you move, or how you think, these conversations will surely offer solutions in whole-body health. Head to mindbodygreen.com to learn more.

Rich Roll Podcast

Football’s funniest family duo—Jason Kelce from the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis Kelce from the Kansas City Chiefs—team up to provide next-level access to life in the league as it unfolds. The brothers and Super Bowl champions drop weekly insights about their games and share unique perspectives on trending NFL news and sports headlines. Get entertaining stories from a combined twenty-one years in the league, off-field interests, and engaging conversations with special guests. Watch and listen to new episodes every Wednesday during the NFL season and check them out on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok @newheightshow for all the best moments. This podcast is a master class in personal and professional development as ultra-athlete, wellness evangelist, and bestselling author Rich Roll delves deep with the world’s brightest and most insightful thought leaders. Listen as he aims to educate, inspire, and empower his audience to

The Pivot Podcast is hosted by former NFL stars Ryan Clark, Fred Taylor, and Channing Crowder as they have a weekly sit-down with top athletes and entertainers about how to “Accept, Adjust, and Move Forward.” They say, “We are excited to be on this journey and promise to keep delivering impactful and entertaining content to listeners. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and we really can’t thank you enough for Pivoting with us. The best is yet to come.” Visit PivotPodcast.com and follow @thepivot on Instagram to learn more.

VIE Speaks: Conversations with Heart & Soul

Now wrapping up its second season, VIE Speaks: Conversations with Heart & Soul delivers inspiring and in-depth stories from entrepreneurs, artists, entertainers, and celebrities through authentic conversations with podcast host and VIE CEO/ editor-in-chief Lisa Marie Burwell. Check out Season Two on all podcast listening platforms, plus bonus episodes coming soon with Chef Emeril Lagasse and more! Be sure to follow @viespeaks on Instagram for the latest news.

The mindbodygreen Podcast

The Pivot Podcast

Janie blue by Suzy Accola

“This high-stakes thriller offers a great balance between romance, mystery, and edge-of-your-seat action. It’s the perfect beach read for this summer!”

Petite pause

David Yarrow is a Scottish photographer who creates stories through evocative black-andwhite images depicting wildlife, travel, sports, and fashion. His latest book, Storytelling, is now available for purchase. Look for more of his work coming in VIE’s July Issue! Visit www.DavidYarrow.photography to learn more or purchase a copy, and follow him on Instagram @davidyarrow.

The Residents © 2022 by David Yarrow

We must break new ground and continue to raise the bar. My best pictures are the ones I have not yet taken.

“

—DAVID YARROW

PHOTO BY KYLE CARPENTER

CREATED BY NATURE.

CRAFTED BY US.

The life of a tree, with each unique grain and texture, brings its majestic beauty to every home bearing the E. F. San Juan fingerprint. Since 1976, this third-generation family business has evolved from modest facilities and equipment to a state-of-the-art facility featuring the world’s finest woodworking equipment. Coupled with a highly skilled and dedicated workforce, the company continues to set the standard for quality architectural millwork, mouldings, stair parts, trim, paneling, cabinetry, and more in the Southeastern Coastal US and beyond.

Immortal Timepiece

Laughing Skull

$9,900 – BellRoss.com

This is a gentle reminder that men need a little spoiling too! Whether it’s a musky cologne or a Kentucky Derby letterman jacket, we’ve curated a selection to please any guy. And ladies, we know shopping for our male counterparts can be a tasking job, so push the “easy” button and browse this collection of looks, toys, and more. Elevate their style or find entertainment pieces you’ll both enjoy.

THE GENTLEMEN’S RESERVE

Bell & Ross BR 01

Sophisticated

Shape

Top It Off

Revolutionizing Urban Living

Seaside, Florida—born of Robert and Daryl Davis’s visionary spirits and now being carried forward by their son, Micah—embodies the essence of New Urbanism. Having grown up in this walkable community, Micah has embraced the transformative power of well-designed public spaces. As vice president of the Seaside Community Development Corporation, he educates visitors about the principles of New Urbanism, inspiring positive change in their neighborhoods. Together, Robert and Micah Davis shape Seaside into a living testament to the potential of thriving, sustainable communities worldwide.

To learn more about Seaside, its values, and its programs, connect with The Seaside Institute and its educational portal through SeasideInstitute.org.

Photo by Chandler Williams, Modus Photography

Photo by Jeremy Garretson, courtesy of The Shoals Suites & Slips

The Bon appétit!

BY JORDAN STAGGS PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF DERRICK LEWIS

As a boy growing up in Tuscaloosa, Alabama (Roll Tide), Derrick Lewis says he and his family did “what we do best when we could, which is fishing, hunting, work, school, church, and cooking.”

t was that last thing that inspired the young man, whose mother is a chef, to embark upon his culinary career when the time came.

“Outside of work, my mother provided meals with the church ministry, and my father, who does construction work, would sometimes cater his barbecue for grocery stores like Winn-Dixie, Bruno’s, and a few others,” Lewis says. “Being engulfed by such talent inadvertently piqued my interest and set me on a path to follow my dreams and go to culinary school at Culinard of Virginia College in Birmingham, Alabama.”

Influenced by the endless hard work of his parents, Lewis endured the grind through college, living and working in Tuscaloosa and then driving an hour for class each way, doing homework, and keeping his grades up. His efforts were worthwhile, earning him spots on the Dean’s List and President’s List, membership in Phi Beta Gamma, and a job offer from Walt Disney World. Lewis moved to Orlando after college and cooked at three different restaurants within the Disney property. “Accepting the invitation to Disney opened the door to all the possibilities that I probably wouldn’t have gotten back home,” he says.

Lewis went on to work in award-winning restaurants Luma in Winter Park and The Osprey in Baldwin Park, further honing his skills with the dream of opening a food truck one day.

“Not long after moving to Orlando, I started volunteering with kids at the Edible Education Experience,” he recalls. Part of the Emeril Lagasse Foundation Kitchen House and Culinary Garden, this nonprofit educates and inspires people of all ages to understand and appreciate food from seed to table.

“Based on the relationships built there, I was placed on their list of preferred caterers. That was the beginning of Well Kept Catering. I realized that I could capitalize and really connect with my clients through catering and began to see a future in that career. I’ve always loved cooking and placing a piece of me in front of guests and clients because I love to create moments and memories with food.”

Lewis moved south to Port St. Lucie, where he started Well Kept Catering and now thrives as a private chef. As for the name, he says, “Before culinary school, I had my hands in the fashion industry, working with fashion shows and personal styling. MrWellKept was my stylist/personal handle on Instagram because I was always dressed to the nines, and it fit. However, the beauty of being an artist is that

even though the art being created may change, my values didn’t. ‘Well Kept,’ to me, means that you keep something or someone in pristine condition because you appreciate and place value in it. My guests are left feeling kept very well by a chef who strives to exceed expectations. The Well Kept Chef is a title that exemplifies not only my attention to detail but also my work ethic, appreciation, and the quality of service I provide to my clients.”

Keeping his guests well fed and taken care of, whether for a private dinner or a large event, also means Lewis must work hard to keep himself well. Citing the vast difference between working at a restaurant and running your own catering company, he says, “When you have your own business, you make your schedule, but you have to create your schedule because now you’re the one handling marketing, social media, budgeting, menus, clients, meetings, etcetera. Since my last job in a restaurant, I’ve grown tremendously with multitasking, planning events, and handling managerial duties. I had to learn quickly!”

Planning and keeping a positive attitude are crucial for pulling off a great dinner or event, Lewis shares. He strives to maintain a healthy environment for his team during larger catering jobs and to be prepared for any challenge.

While there are many private chefs in the field now, especially since the start of the pandemic, he says, The Well Kept Chef stays busy. “I love event days when I get to see the foodies devour my food,” he says. “The moments that I create with family members, corporate events, weddings, or festivals are what I live for. I get to create food, have the masses

Above and opposite: Chef Derrick Lewis, owner of Well Kept Catering and a member of the James Beard Foundation’s Legacy Network, was a featured chef for Woodford Reserve’s Sip & Sense dinner series in Alys Beach, Florida, in the fall of 2022.

I’VE ALWAYS LOVED COOKING AND PLACING A PIECE OF ME IN FRONT OF GUESTS AND CLIENTS BECAUSE I LOVE TO CREATE MOMENTS AND MEMORIES WITH FOOD.

love it, be part of their moments, and curate the perfect memory for many—that is the most rewarding part.”

Last year, Lewis’s hard work and skills led him to become part of the acclaimed James Beard Foundation’s Legacy Network. This program “connects powerhouse industry veterans with the next generation to help build a more equitable future for hospitality and food media,” according to the foundation. “As a whole, the Legacy Network helps to address the historical gaps in mentorship and resources for Black American and Indigenous professionals. This experience will strengthen the cohort members’ professional visions and empower them to blaze paths for others.” In partnership with renowned bourbon producer Woodford Reserve, Lewis and eleven other mentees frequently met with the Legacy Network advisors over eight months to discuss their goals and how to reach them.

“Just to have been accepted into that program felt like I reached a monumental goal because all I’ve ever wanted was to be part of the James Beard program somehow,” Lewis says. “It opened doors for me to network, converse, and meet pioneers in the food industry. From creating food policies to helping those who have no clue how to achieve their goals, the Legacy Network steps in to fill the void for us ‘little people’ in the culinary industry. It felt like family.”

The James Beard opportunity also led to Lewis working with Woodford Reserve representative Darnell Edmonds on a special dinner series, Sip & Sense, held at a private courtyard home in Alys Beach, Florida, in October of 2022. The weekend dinner series paired food with bourbon, with the goal of thrilling all the guests’ senses through the flavor profiles of the bourbon and the chef’s creations combined. “This

was the first time I felt like I had a platform to showcase my skill and get credit for it,” Lewis says. “The team we had for that event worked so well, even though it was our first time; it felt like family working together. The synergy that transpired from the whole team in sync made me want to do it all over again. It was a great fit, thanks to the vision that Darnell explained to me about what he’d wanted to take root—the concept of the pairings and me having complete control over my food. I also can’t overlook that we were all people of color from different backgrounds. It was inspiring and pivotal to me. I’m very grateful Woodford Reserve gave me that moment to shine.”

Between catering gigs and creating private dinners for his clients, Lewis is gearing up to purchase his food truck this year—a dream finally coming true thanks to years of relentless work and preparation. He also loves to barbecue at home and make pizza from scratch in his backyard brick oven with his wife, Samantha. “I think my lovely wife, Sam, loves the build-your-own pizza part the most,” he says. “I’m also hoping to release some new spices and sauces for the holidays, so be on the lookout! Everything is moving very fast, but I’m trying my best to enjoy each moment I spend with my family. I want to thank my wife for all she does to support my goals. I love you!”

Heritage Dunes, Seagrove Beach, Florida

FORMULA 1 MIAMI GRAND PRIX 2023

The race is on! Formula 1 celebrated a hugely successful second annual Miami Grand Prix from May 5–7 at the Miami International Autodrome. PATRÓN is the first official tequila sponsor of the F1 Paddock Club, partner of Oracle Red Bull driver Checo Pérez, and now the official spirits partner of the Oracle Red Bull Racing team. They celebrated the weekend with star-studded events both on and off the track. The PATRÓN Pit Stop featured a live performance by Becky G., with notable guests including the cast of The Real Housewives of Miami. Following Red Bull driver Max Verstappen’s second Miami win on Sunday, Becky G. and actors Ben Barnes, Eli Brown, Kendrick Sampson, and Thomas Doherty made their way to the Oracle Red Bull Racing Team after-party at the Toejam Backlot.

Ben Barnes

Photography by Angel Montalvo, courtesy of PATRÓN

Becky G.

Max Verstappen at Miami Grand Prix 2022

Photo by motorsports Photographer/Shutterstock

David Beckham at Miami Grand Prix 2022

Photo by motorsports

Photographer/Shutterstock

Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso

Photo by Cristiano Barni/Shutterstock

Rocky Barnes

Miami International Autodrome

Photo by motorsports Photographer/Shutterstock

Hart Denton, Drew Ray Tanner, and Kendrick Sampson at the PATRÓN F1 Paddock Club Thomas Doherty

2023 UNDER THE SEA FUNDRAISER FOR UMA FLORIDA

The Under the Sea fundraiser on May 11 supported the fifth installation of the Underwater Museum of Art (UMA) in Grayton Beach. Guests viewed new UMA sculptures and enjoyed specialty cocktails and catering from local restaurants, including Bijoux, Black Bear Bread Company, Grayton Beach Catering, Grayton Corner Café, Marrow Chefs, Mozey’s, North Beach Social, Swiftly Catered, and Stinky’s Fish Camp. Live music by Stormfolk and headliner The Cleverlys rounded out the evening of fun and fundraising, produced by the Cultural Arts Alliance with Visit South Walton, Grand Boulevard Town Center, First National Bank, Florida Arts & Culture, Latitude Margaritaville, Merrill Lynch, Morning Star Foundation, Seaside Yacht Club, and South Walton Artificial Reef Association.

UMA artist and CAA Vice President Allison Wickey

Andy MacAlexander, Zachery Long, Jennifer Steele, Allison Wickey, Jim Richard, and Walt Hartley

UMA artist Chris Chubb (center) with family

Photos by Lynn Crow Photography

CAA board members Doug Foltz, Russell Carter, Nan Nagy, and Kevin Dooney

CHIP HILTON CELEBRATION OF LIFE GOLF CLASSIC 2023

Legacy Golf Club proudly held the return of the Annual Chip Hilton Celebration of Life Golf Classic on April 14, 2023, in Panama City Beach, Florida. The tournament benefited the Zimmerman Lab at UF Health Shands Hospital, “We are proud to host this special tournament in honor of Chip Hilton for the first time at his home course, Legacy Golf Club,” says Hilton, Inc. vice president of marketing Elise Whitman. “Chip was a beloved Hilton family member who valued friendship, unconditional love, and complete acceptance. He was an avid golfer who became an instructor, teaching his students valuable life lessons such as patience, perseverance, and determination.”

Lisa Burwell and Elise Whitman

Cody and Wendy Khan

Avery Doucette, Kyra Whitman, Connie Miller, Heather Register, and Elise Whitman

Ulysses and Diane Carlini

Arik Kono, Ethan Register, Jay Caiafa, and Colin MacDonald

2023 WALTON COUNTY ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Bradley Copeland is passionate about having a passion – and for her it’s art. Not just the creation – but how it’s a channel to express feelings and ideas, give purpose and heal us, physically and spiritually.

For Bradley, painting is a metaphor for navigating her life’s story, and when she began to open herself to the clues and symbols the paint presented instead of imposing the meaning, magical things began to happen. But it took a painful push from the universe to learn this lesson.

Painting has always been the 25-year-old artist’s favorite thing – her escape – since childhood; yet she really didn’t consider it a calling, just something she did on the side while trying to figure out life’s purpose.

Still, she was excited to work on her first solo show in her new studio, even taking a month off work to prepare. Two days before opening, Bradley spilled a pot of boiling water on herself; she couldn’t walk or work, only endure painful, daily treatment for her severe burns.

“I was close to losing everything,” says Bradley. “I couldn’t go back to work, but I had some commissions lined up, and then COVID happened… I couldn’t show, my only option was to paint.”

Bradley began promoting her work online, and interest snowballed. Suddenly she was so busy painting she couldn’t go back to her retail job, and this prolific young artist realized art was her life’s passion.

“I think everyone has gifts and abilities and things we love, and we are supposed to listen to clues in life… the Universe forced me and I’m so thankful,” says Bradley, whose story had just begun.

“Art is all over the place,” proclaims Bradley; “Everything I see in life I translate in as many different ways I can represent as possible.”

This wasn’t always her practice; in fact, Bradley became easily bored or discouraged by her detail-driven, hyperrealistic imagery, frustrated by her efforts to share personal experiences with the art she loved.

So, Bradley gave herself assignments of random topics to paint, with the only rule being it had to be ugly

and painted in as many different forms as possible. Something amazing began to happen – Bradley started having fun with her art.

Drag queens, with their bold, bright lips was an early assignment, leading to her series of Lips paintings – that opened up the local art scene to Bradley.

“The Lips are a symbol of femininity in raw forms, so much strength and ugliness in a beautiful way, and for drag queens – men who have more privilege – to put on women’s clothing is a huge sign of strength,” says Bradley.

She continues to use symbols in her work to represent different stories or hidden meanings, like the spirals inside a seashell which are also like the solar system, and to help her make sense of things.

Walton County’s 2023 Artist of the Year says it feels amazing to have been selected for this recognition. In her interview, Bradley says she was honest in telling her story, and her selection was the greatest compliment.

“The reason I paint is to process or sort my feelings or to make other people feel something, and all of that has to do with my story. It’s behind every piece that I make,” says Bradley.

The artist, who resides in Santa Rosa Beach, has more than 600 pieces in her collection with many works appearing in galleries across the Southeast, as well as her own studio. She has also appeared in several group and solo shows. She draws inspiration from the surrounding arts community, filled with friends, business owners and creatives with whom she’s bonded.

Still, Bradley’s passion for art is exceeded only by her desire to share how it has the power to heal others, just as it continues to do for her.

She teaches art classes weekly at the Walton Correctional Institution in DeFuniak Springs. She encourages residents to loosen up with the same messy process she uses, allowing the paint to dictate where it goes, and then finding the pictures or bits of beauty the paint brings out.

learn more about the artist of the year program at visitsouthwalton.com.

Previous Page: Bradley in her studio surrounded by several unique works.

This Page: Photos highlight the details of Bradley's artistic style, featuring one of her Lips paintings.

Still, Bradley’s passion for art is exceeded only by her desire to share how it has the power to heal others, just as it continues to do for her.

Quoin, pronounced “coin,” is a new twenty-four-room luxury hotel in Wilmington, Delaware, with a nature-filled identity, a Victorian-era influenced palette, and three distinct food and beverage concepts operated by Method Co. Its recently opened craft cocktail lounge, Simmer Down, emphasizes a low-andslow atmosphere, featuring the space’s original brick ceiling and a custom, room-spanning painted mural by the Reverend Michael Alan. The hotel derives its name from the Old French word meaning “corner” or “angle”—connecting the building’s history as a banking house and its corner-lot architecture through a single thread. Visit TheQuoinHotel.com to book a stay.

The pub, like pubs all over the world, was a place for debate and discussion, for the exchange of views and opinions, for argument and for the working out of problems.

“

—ALEX LA GUMA, A Walk in the Night and Other Stories

Photo by Matthew Williams

Solution on next page

THE LOVE OF THE GAME

BY MYLES MELLOR

ACROSS

1 Longtime Panthers quarterback, first name

3 #1 ranked golfer recently

8 NCAA Men’s Basketball champions, 2023

9 Centerpiece of a Celtics dynasty

10 Robert Griffin ___

11 ___ boom bah!

13 Like some retirements

15

Three-time Masters champ (2 words)

19 Drew’s 50 First Dates costar

21 Led the 76ers to the NBA Championship in 1983, ___ Malone 22

African American tennis player who won three grand slam singles titles, first name 25

DOWN

1 Pro Bowl NFL QB, Kirk

2 Key group in the New Zealand national rugby team, _____

3 Makes, as a putt

4 Philly’s QB, last name

5 He won five championships with the Lakers

6 Ball position in golf

7 NBA coach who won five championships 12 Frozen surface 14 Cardinals shirt color

33 Babe of baseball

Puzzle on previous page

‘You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.’

—Wayne Gretzky

“ ”

—Michael Scott

Au revoir!

BEFORE YOU GO . . .

We leave you with The Aerial BVI, a haven of tranquility and luxury. Visitors can unwind in the elegantly designed suites and villas, which combine modern style with local architectural themes, and indulge in a fusion of international and local cuisine at its gourmet restaurants. The resort offers eco-friendly activities, such as guided nature walks, bird-watching, and intimate encounters with Redemption Ranch’s zebras and horses, allowing guests to reconnect with nature. The private, pristine beaches offer ample opportunity for water sports, sunbathing, and relaxation. With its superior service and well-curated amenities, The Aerial BVI provides a unique, immersive vacation that leaves guests yearning for more.

Photo courtesy of The Aerial BVI

h o n o r i n g t h e p a s t . p l a y i n g t h e p r e s e n t . b u i l d i n g t h e f u t u r e