Local Success Stories
Publishing this magazine has been a full-circle moment for me. Growing up in this community was a privilegesurrounded by excellent schools, a thriving business ecosystem, and an enduring sense of pride. In that, it’s been a pleasure to now have this opportunity to celebrate all things local with the magazine. For our February issue, themed “Love Local,” we’re highlighting stories of local business owners whose journeys are deeply tied to this community—some who grew up here and others who chose the area as their home but have equally invested in uplifting it.
Take Tim Quigley, for example. At just 17, Tim negotiated a deal with his parents: a loan to open a jewelry store instead of heading to college. That bold decision gave rise to TQ Diamonds, which has now been helping people celebrate life’s biggest moments for 37 years. Tim and his wife Kim remain deeply committed to giving back to the community that has given them so much.
Then there’s Kelly Mulqueen, whose entrepreneurial spirit began as a Middleton High School student cleaning houses. During her time at UW-Madison, she founded “Scholarly Cleaners,” which later became “Happy House Cleaning.” Today, Kelly credits partnerships with other local businesses during the pandemic as a key to her success.
Kaitlin Walsh, owner of Lyon Road Art, blends her artistic talent with her medical roots. After earning a graduate degree in medical illustration, she launched Lyon Road Art to share her stunning anatomical paintings. Last year, she took her passion a step further by opening Lyon Road Art Academy in Waunakee, where she fosters creativity and connection through art.
Finally, we’re proud to spotlight The Madison Reading Project, founded by Rowan Childs. This organization enhances literacy through fun and engaging programs that make a lasting impact. In our interview with Rowan, we explored their successes, challenges, and how readers can get involved.
This issue celebrates the heart of our community—its people, their stories, and their unwavering commitment to building something meaningful. We hope these stories inspire you as much as they have us. As always, we welcome your thoughts and feedback.
Cheers,
February 2025
PUBLISHER
Cole Spitler | cole.spitler@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Tori Lynn | tori.charnetzki@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Alexis Venter | alexis.venter@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Karen Redfield
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Ashley Hicks
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
1 – 3: Victory Homes breaks ground in Waunakee for the inaugural Madison St. Jude Dream Home Showplace. 4: Red & White Winebar 5K to celebrate Heart Health and 5th Anniversary in business. 5: Baird Wealth Management Grand Re-Opening 6 – 7: Alloy Personal Training Grand Opening
MIDDLETON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
VICTORY HOMES
MIDDLETON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
RED & WHITE WINEBAR
VICTORY HOMES
MIDDLETON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
VICTORY HOMES
business monthly
Victory Homes, St. Jude Begin Madison Dream Home in Waunakee
Victory Homes of Wisconsin is building Madison’s inaugural St. Jude Dream Home Showplace, marked by a groundbreaking ceremony with St. Jude representatives, community leaders, and supporters. This collaboration aims to raise awareness of pediatric cancer and support St. Jude’s groundbreaking research and treatment. Proceeds from the home’s sale will benefit St. Jude, where families never pay for treatment, travel, housing, or food, allowing them to focus entirely on their child’s recovery.
TQ Diamonds Celebrates Love with Exclusive February Promotions
This February, TQ Diamonds invites you to celebrate Galentine’s Day with permanent jewelry parties! Hosts with five or more guests receive a free sterling silver bracelet, while attendees enjoy 10% off, champagne, and chocolates. Also, from February 10–14, purchases of $300+ include a dozen roses and a box of 12 Bundtinis from Nothing Bundt Cakes, 7414 Mineral Point Rd, Madison, WI. Visit TQ Diamonds to make your February unforgettable!
Carrington Lawn & Landscape Awarded for Local Project
Carrington Lawn & Landscape is honored to have won Unilock’s Award of Excellence for our work on a three-phase residential project in Verona, completed in 2024. Our design team creatively envisioned the comprehensive finished product from the start, which our production team expertly executed throughout each installation phase. As is often the case with complex projects, a partnership with great clients who are passionate and realistic contributes to the project’s ultimate success.
Photography by Carrington Lawn and Landscape
Photography by Ashley Hicks
Photography by Victory Homes
Yada Fair Trade & Resale is a local nonprofit that works with women and their children, helping them to feel known, valued and supported. We host special shopping events for the women to shop for free. We have also curated fair trade items from around the world that are survivor made.
We invite you to shop, donate and volunteer!
Visit yadaftr.com to learn more and GET INVOLVED!
Yada Fair Trade & Resale • 2620 Parmenter Street. Middleton, WI 53562
Collin Trainor, DDS
Austin Wessell, DDS
CREATING LASTING MEMORIES
Life is full of unforgettable moments, and at TQ Diamonds, Tim and Kim Quigley have built their business around being a part of these milestones. Whether it’s an engagement, a wedding, or the birth of a child, the Quigleys have dedicated themselves to providing a personal and meaningful experience for their clients’ special milestones.
ARTICLE BY TORI LYNN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHLEY HICKS
TQ Diamonds and the Quigley Family Legacy
“You get to be a part of everybody’s family at the best moments in life.”
“You get to be a part of everybody’s family at the best moments in life. The jewelry business is very sentimental. It’s very personal. I’m honored to have spent the last 38 Christmases assisting the Madison public with finding the gift that they truly love and they’re proud to present their significant other” says Tim Quigley, owner and founder of TQ Diamonds.
Tim’s fascination with gemstones started early. Always the romantic, he bought his high school girlfriend a pair of opal earrings. When he went back to the same store at the mall to replace the
one she’d lost, the price was more for one earring than it had been for the pair. Shocked, he ended up at a jewelry store on Odana Road where the replacement earring cost something like 10 bucks compared to the 70 at the big box store. He and the owner hit it off and he started working there as part of a marketing class.
After taking on more and more responsibility at that store, Tim convinced his parents to loan him the start-up funds for his own jewelry store instead of going to college. It was a tough sell to his risk-averse
parents, but they worked out a deal and he opened TQ Diamonds in 1987. He and Kim started dating a few years later. She started working at the store in 1995 and has been there ever since.
“During the marketing class, you had to come up with an entire business plan and he got a D on owning his own business. He always thinks that’s pretty funny” jokes his wife Kim.
High school marketing class notwithstanding, TQ Diamonds just celebrated 37 years in business, and they’ve become something of an institution in the community.
“The community has been awesome to us, and we try to give back as much as we can,” says Kim.
TQ Diamonds supports a variety of local non-profits and organizations throughout the year including Tellurian, Greywolf Foundation, Safe Harbor, and Bridge to Brighter. The Quigleys’ involvement in the community extends beyond donations. Tim is known for visiting local schools to talk about gemstones and geology, inspiring students to learn about the craft. This personal touch has left a lasting impression on many young people who later return to TQ Diamonds to mark their own milestones.
“One thing that I love the most about the business is you get to help people during the best of times. There are people I sold engagement rings to in the 80s and 90s and now their kids are coming
“We take pride in the fact that we offer a service to our clients. We spend a lot of time with them. We get to know them.”
in and buying engagement rings. I’m selling second generation engagement rings to people I saw as little kids growing up” says Tim. Their customers aren’t the only ones looking to the next generation - their children, Tanner and Taryn, have joined the business. Tanner focuses on sales, while Taryn is becoming a Graduate Gemologist with the Gemological Institute of America. The family dynamic adds another layer of connection to their work.
“Now all four of us are working together, so that’s been really awesome to have something that we can give to our kids after we decide that we’re finished.”
And with learning the business, comes learning the tradition of being a truly local jewelry store.
“We’re able to offer customization to our clients far outside what a big box store can do. What’s going to make you happy? What’s special to you? What’s unique?” Says Tim.
“We take pride in the fact that we offer a service to our clients. We spend a lot of time with them. We get to know them. We find out their stories, where they work, and what they do. If it’s just a guy shopping for his gal, we want to know everything about her so that we can lead him in the right direction. We want to treat ‘em like family.”
CLEAN house, HAPPY house,
Life-long Middleton resident, Kelly Mulqueen, began cleaning several of her teachers’ homes while attending Middleton High. Then pursuing her Animal Sciences degree at UW-Madison, she recruited classmates and officially began a cleaning company. The company was based out of her parents’ home which provided a meeting space for the staff and stored supplies. Her dad was in charge of laundering numerous loads of cleaning cloths. The support from her parents grew along with the support from the community. Kelly was also working at Louisianne’s during this time. When owners Gwen, Erik and John gave her a backpack vacuum the restaurant no longer needed, she was on her way. After graduation, Kelly knew that the obvious path for her was to continue entrepreneurship.
Rooted in Community, Growing with Purpose: Happy House’s Journey
ARTICLE BY KAREN REDFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHLEY HICKS
During Covid, when most business owners were rightfully fearful, Kelly partnered with other owners to gain traction even while doors were closed. Businesses that seemed to have nothing in common began doing giveaways together. Kelly is especially grateful for Nicki Prestigiacomo, owner of Grape Water, who shared numerous posts and sent referrals her way. With the increase in business, there was a lot more laundry to do and a commercial space was a must! Kelly began renting her first office from La Rae Richard, owner of The Cozy Home. La Rae wanted to bring color to a drab building in need of repairs along University Avenue. La Rae assisted Kelly with hands-on renovations. Kelly was inspired by La Rae’s knowledge, experience, and work ethic in a space you don’t often see women.
Now, with her new co-owner and fiancé, David Reichelderfer, they are looking forward to more success and new goals in 2025. Their energy and enthusiasm are infectious. Kelly’s focus remains creating an encouraging culture among her employees, as well as being part of a supportive community among other local business owners. Over our lunch at Sport Bowl, it was clear that Kelly and David knew the owner and servers there, too. The focus on people is a main factor in why employees at Happy House stay. The company knows when you attract and hire the best, you can consistently deliver the best quality to the clients and set the industry standards for professionalism. There is a science behind cleaning with the correct substances for each surface, and a method for doing things efficiently. Happy House employees are true professionals in their field. Employees are paid a competitive wage, performance bonuses, tips, two weeks of PTO, and the opportunity for growth within the company.
David’s background is in hospitality and construction management, where he’s managed large numbers of staff working hard, manual labor. His focus and challenge will be creating a unified culture among employees who work separately in different homes each day. As the business expands, it will remain firmly rooted in Middleton and steadfastly focused on a happy work culture as they look to expand their business and hire more cleaning technicians.
The Happy House logo cleverly highlights “us” in House, making it read “Happy Us” too. A smile underscores their motto: happy employees create happy homes. Schedule your cleaning today and experience the joy for yourself—visit their website! https://happyhousemadison.com/
ARTICLE BY ALEXIS VENTER AND COLE SPITLER PHOTOGRAPHY BY MADISON READING PROJECT & PROVIDED
“Our goal is to enhance literacy rates by offering an array of literacy resources and books”
120,000 Books a Year
How Madison Reading Project Reaches Kids in Need
Interview with Madison Reading Project’s founder and Co-Executive Director, Rowan Childs:
WHAT IS THE MADISON READING PROJECT’S MISSION?
“We’re a local nonprofit celebrating 10 years of providing children with literacy resources and free books. Our goal is to enhance literacy rates by offering an array of literacy resources and books so all children can see themselves reflected in the books they read.”
WHAT’S A SUCCESS STORY FROM YOUR WORK?
“One early success was at the Salvation Army, where our first program started, kids selected their own book for the holidays. There’s a lot of pride in choosing and writing your name on the nameplate. The kids were thrilled. When their parents came to pick them up, you could tell how excited they were about having their own books. That was one of the first moments I knew what we were doing was right.”
WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU FACE TODAY?
“The demand for our services is growing, sometimes faster than we can keep
up with. Our book center right now also can only hold so many books and so many staff and volunteers, so we try to be as innovative with what we can do. On average, we give out a hundred and twenty thousand books per year, which is a lot, but there’s still more need out there.”
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR EDUCATORS’ PROGRAM?
“Our educators’ program allows MCPASD teachers to select 25 free books per school year for their classrooms. This helps teachers bring fresh, engaging materials to students, as they play a critical role in fostering a love of reading in children.”
HOW CAN LOCAL RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES SUPPORT YOUR MISSION?
“There are many ways to help, including donations, volunteering, or sponsoring a program or event. Businesses can get involved by offering sponsorships or creative contributions - we’re always open to new ideas and appreciate any support.”
A BRUSH WITH JOY
ARTICLE BY TORI LYNN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHLEY HICKS
How Lyon Road Art Academy Enriches Lives in Waunakee
In an airy open studio in Waunakee, Kaitlin Walsh, the “CEO” behind Lyon Road Art, and Emilie Steinmann, academy manager and “genius of creativity” according to Kaitlin, are busy creating a space for the art curious of all ages to enjoy.
Kaitlin comes from a family full of medical professionals, and her art still pays homage to her medical roots. After earning a graduate degree in medical illustration, Lyon Road started as a way for Kaitlin to share her paintings of the “pretty, not gross” parts of anatomy with the world. With a husband in the military and frequent moves, the solo life of a painter had its advantages. But when they decided to settle in Waunakee, just focusing on her own work felt lonely.
“I knew I wanted to have a studio, and I thought I’d try teaching, in order to interact with the community and help other people find the same joy in art that I’ve had. I’m shocked by how much I enjoy teaching. It’s become such a necessity because I love my students so much and I love the joy I see in them.”
Kaitlin and Emilie met while working on a mural project in Waunakee. Right away, they knew they wanted to work together more.
“I reached out and said, let’s find some way to work together, and it evolved into I can help you”, says Emilie, who brings her own creative background to Lyon Road as the academy manager.
“I’ve always been a creative spirit. Everybody in my family has some sort of creative passion, whether it be quilting or woodworking or stained glass or something. Here, I get to expand upon all of my creative endeavors and share them with the students.”
Kaitlin and Emilie work to have Lyon Road Art Academy serve the community in the full sense of the word.
“When we’re coming up with our schedules, we think, what do our current students want? Where are their strengths? What do they want to get better at? For example, we know some kids who are into gaming and fantasy worlds so we’re offering a fantasy maps drawing course to give them an opportunity to have another creative outlet” says Emilie.
The academy offers four-week courses, workshops, open studio hours “Maker’s Space”, and monthly movie nights. The goal is to have many avenues for the community to access creativity, and enjoy the benefits that a regular art practice can have on mental health.
“I can’t believe how much this relieves my stress. It’s not that you’re not stressed when you’re painting, it’s that you’re so focused on your painting that it pushes out the other stress in your life” says Kaitlin.
From the start, Lyon Road was about more than the fine arts. For Kaitlin, the connections forged within these walls are the studio’s greatest success.
“I love when the studio starts to feel like a community, and the kids who didn’t know each other start to interact and hang out, helping one another on their projects. It makes me almost want to cry,” says Kaitlin.
“The kids are becoming their own squad. We did this, we made this happen” says Emilie.
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MEET SÒLAS
THE NATURAL BURIAL PRESERVE CHANGING HOW WE SAY GOODBYE
ARTICLE BY ALEXIS VENTER AND COLE SPITLER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHLEY HICKS
Sòlas Natural Burial Preserve is a 20-acre Natural Burial Cemetery located between Middleton and Waunakee. Recently opening on October 10th, Sòlas is only the second certified Natural Burial Cemetery in the State of Wisconsin. Eager to learn more about their business, we sat down with founder Madeline Wall to dive in.
What is a Natural Burial Preserve?
“The best way to describe it is to contrast it with the conventional burial - someone passes away, their body goes to a funeral home or is cremated, they’re placed in a casket, and buried in a concrete box in a cemetery, under manicured grass with a headstone. A natural burial is returning to what people have done since the beginning. There’s no embalming, the body is not put in a metal or treated wood casket but instead a shroud. The headstone is replaced with a planted tree or a digital headstone that can be viewed online. It removes unnecessary aspects of conventional burial and provides an environmentally friendly, pollution-free alternative.”
What does the process look like for families who choose natural burial?
“Many people still want to work with funeral homes, which we’re happy to accommodate. A plot can be selected and purchased in person or on our website for immediate use or reserved as a “pre-need” plot for the future. Burial can also be scheduled online.”
Why did you decide to start a natural burial preserve in Middleton?
“Most of the cemeteries in Dane County are close to or already full and people don’t often understand their options. Conventional burial is very expensive, an invasive process, and creates a lot of waste. Natural burial is about ¼ of the cost and doesn’t leave lasting pollution.”
How does sustainability play a role (outside of the burial process)?
“We try to use sustainable practices with the site itself. We don’t use pesticides and only use electric equipment when caring for the land. Our goal is to foster sustainability throughout the whole business.”
“It removes unnecessary aspects of conventional burial and provides an environmentally friendly, pollution-free alternative.”
—MADELINE WALL
Are there any common misconceptions about natural burial?
“Most people think it’ll be more expensive. Standard funeral home costs can run as high as $15,000 - $20,000. Our plots start at $4000, and there’s customization to the process.
People also wonder if there is religious affiliation with the cemetery - there’s not. We welcome anyone, regardless of your background.”
ARTICLE BY CHERYL PARTON
BY JANIE JONES
DIY VALENTINES
Simple Projects to Celebrate at Home
The first Valentines were handmade in the 18th century, long before printing presses and mass-produced options. Today, handmade signifies the ultimate in personal mots d’amour. Enjoy these sweet projects as a couple, a family, or with friends.
1. Arts
Create heart ornaments to hang on a Valentine’s Day tree. The ornaments can be used as clue cards for a Valentine's Day scavenger hunt. Participants find their picture on the tree and hunt for a hidden treasure.
2.Sweets
A home-based holiday is made complete with a dessert table. Whether made from scratch or store bought, a collection of decorated confections is as beautiful as the treats are delectable to eat.
3.Sentiments
Poetry is a most personal way to express your heart. No need to be intimidated by haiku, a short form of Japanese poetry. While there are several variations of the form, a traditional place to begin is with a seasonal word that divides 17 syllables into three lines of five/ seven/five. Simple and sweet.
ARTS SWEETS SENTIMENTS
WE ARE A Great Fit IF
You’re looking for a team of experienced professionals who stay up-to-date with the latest techniques, trends, and industry advancements, providing clients with exceptional and knowledgeable service. You value a warm and inviting atmosphere where smiling faces, delicious beverages, and friendly conversation await you.
You’re looking for a service provider that is dedicated to prioritizing the needs and preferences of each client, actively listening to their concerns, and customizing services accordingly.
You want to support a female owned business that values a team culture of collaboration, respect, and open communication among its employees.
2025
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
FEBRUARY 2ND
Scaled Up Reptile Expo
Marriott Madison West - 1313 John Q Hammons Dr Middleton, WI | 11:00 AM
Scaled Up Expos is coming to Middleton bringing reptiles, supplies, and fun! Explore a variety of unique reptile species, meet expert breeders, and shop for essential supplies. Whether you’re a first-time owner or seasoned enthusiast, this is a must-attend event. Admission: VIP $14 (10 a.m.), General $7 (11 a.m.–3 p.m.), Kids under 5 free.
FEBRUARY 6TH – 7TH
Piano Fondue with Francie & Josh
31 East Main Street, Suite 101, Waunakee, Wisconsin 53597 | 6:00 PM
Experience an unforgettable night of dueling pianos, music, and fun at Red & White Winebar! Tickets are $35 per person or $120 for a group of four. Gather your friends and join them for this lively event!
STARTING FEBRUARY 7TH
Madison Capitols Games at Bob Suters Legacy20 Arena
2616 N Pleasant View Rd, Middleton, WI | 7:05 PM
Upcoming Madison Capitols Games this month at Bob Suters Legacy 20 Area (formerly Capitol Ice Arena):
February 7th, 7:05 PM: vs. Chicago Steel
February 8th, 7:05 PM: vs. Dubuque Fighting Saints
February 14th and 15th, 7:05 PM: vs. Green Bay Gamblers
February 16th, 3:05 PM: vs. Des. Moines Buccaneers
February 22nd and 23rd, 7:05 and 3:05 PM: vs. Fargo Force
FEBRUARY 12TH
R&W European Cruise 2026: Cheers to Wine and Bourbon!
31 East Main Street, Suite 101, Waunakee, Wisconsin 53597 | 6:00 PM
Join Red & White Winebar to explore an unforgettable April 22-29, 2026, AmaWaterways river cruise from Luxembourg to Basel, Switzerland. Depart April 20 with an overnight flight and pre-night stay. All details will be shared at the meeting, and sign-ups begin that evening. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this highly anticipated trip!
FEBRUARY 19TH
Middleton Community Orchestra presents the Winter Young Artists Concert
2100 Bristol St Middleton, WI | 7:30 PM
Join the Middleton Community Orchestra for the Winter Young Artists Concert on Feb. 19, 2025, from 7:30–9 p.m. at the Middleton PAC. The concert will feature the winners of the MCO Young Artist Competition, with guest conductor Alexander Platt. Platt, renowned for his work with major orchestras and opera companies, brings his extensive experience to lead this special performance.
FEBRUARY 23RD
Invasive Species Removal Workday
Pheasant Branch Conservancy, exact location TBD | 12:00 PM
Join the Friends of Pheasant Branch Conservancy from 12-3PM to help remove invasive species! Using loppers and hand saws, they’ll be working to remove honeysuckle and buckthorn, opening the canopy to allow sunlight for beneficial plants. Enjoy fresh air, get some physical activity, and make a positive impact on the ecosystem. Check their website for location details!
