Driving Innovation
We’re committed to keeping our lot fresh with a diverse selection of new vehicles. Every week, you’ll find new inventory, from the latest models to unbeatable deals. Whether you’re in the market for a sleek sedan, a rugged SUV, or a powerful truck, we’ve got something new waiting for you.
TAKE $500 OFF THE PRICE OF YOUR NEXT RIDE WHEN YOU MENTION THIS AD! Visit us to discover your next ride.
Making magical memories this holiday season in Troy
With the spirit of the holidays among us, it seems we always try to replicate what made the season feel so magical in our youth.
I suppose that's why the traditions we set for our own families often mirror what we experienced as a child – the smells, the sounds, the lights, the special dish we prepare for the family meal. Everything that reflects the best of what we remember and cherish.
Many of those memories are from the community around us. Shopping at Somerset Collection. The Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony every December at City Hall. The Celebration of Light at Troy Historic Village. Or just simple family gatherings in our Troy homes. Like the memories three longtime Troy residents share in a special story in this issue.
There's nothing simple about Christmas with Lisa Hicks. The Troy resident is known for her extensive – and year-round – Christmas decor. You have to see it to believe it, and you will in this month's issue.
Stories like these, in this month's issue, are part of the joy we all feel as we highlight the magic of the season and what our city has to offer that helps spread holiday cheer.
To support families that struggle during this season, you'll also find a special story about the City Lifestyle Giving Campaign. Read on to discover how you can nominate someone from Troy to receive help this season through City Lifestyle's nonprofit that helped more than 150 families nationwide last year.
My hope for you this season is that you feel love and peace, and that we all remember to take care of one other with grace, empathy and love.
Happy Holidays!
TODD
HAIGHT, PUBLISHER
December 2024
PUBLISHER
Todd Haight | todd.haight@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Julie Flores | julie.flores@citylifestyle.com
STAFF WRITER
Marshall Zweig | marshall.zweig@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Allison Sommerville allison.sommerville@citylifestyle.com
ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR
Margaret Haight | margaret.haight@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Cindy Stewart, Marshall Zweig
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Simran Bajwa, Cindy Stewart
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen
With advanced security at the core of our managed IT services, we protect your business from evolving threats while delivering reliable, hassle-free technology management.
1: Howard Beatty IV Insurance Agency (hbivinsuranceagency.com) sponsors Hamilton Elementary PTA Jog-A-Thon; Howard V models swag 2: The ribbon-cutting ceremony for Xcel Collision (xcel-collision.com) with the Troy Chamber of Commerce 3: Esse Tuke (TheTukeFirm.com) and family dress up for The Tuke Firm’s annual Halloween costume party 4: George Pantelimon, Mayor Ethan Baker and Mike Spinetti celebrate the Grand Opening of Oven 360 (oven360.com) 5-7: Troy City Lifestyle’s First Anniversary Party
HOWARD BEATTY
l
a
c
b
business monthly
Greenline Lawn Service acquires Spartan Outdoor Services
Greenline Lawn Service of Troy (GreenlineLawnService.com) announces the acquisition of Spartan Outdoor Services LLC, which expands Greenline's service area and capabilities. This strategic move strengthens Greenline’s position in the landscaping and lawn care industry, enabling the company to offer enhanced services to residential and commercial clients. Greenline specializes in fertilization, bed maintenance, drainage, lawn maintenance, landscape, sprinklers and snow removal. For more about Greenline or a free estimate, call (248) 765-1626.
Scan to read more
Expedition Detroit Founder Appointed to Michigan Wildlife Council
Dan Cooke, founder of Expedition Detroit (expeditiondetroit.com), has been appointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to the Department of Natural Resources’ Michigan Wildlife Council. Dan will serve a two-year term as council member with a media and marketing background. The Michigan Wildlife Council was created by law to preserve Michigan’s rich hunting and fishing heritage, while advancing conservation and wildlife management. His responsibilities will include addressing wildlife conservation concerns within Southeast Michigan. For more, visit hereformioutdoors.org
Baker College gives students hands-on experiences through career exploration event
Baker College (baker.edu) recently participated in MiCareerQuest, a career exploration event designed to engage students in grades 8-10 with hands-on learning experiences. The Physical Therapy Assistant and Surgical Technology programs showcased exciting career pathways, as did representatives from The Auto/ Diesel Institute of Michigan. Through interactive exhibits and direct engagement, Baker helped students envision their future, supporting the growth of Michigan’s skilled workforce.
Making Spirits
JOIN OUR MISSION TO SPREAD WARMTH AND COMPASSION BY NOMINATING SOMEONE WHO DESERVES A CHRISTMAS BLESSING
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way.”
As the Christmas season approaches, we’re reminded of the power of community and kindness. This year, through City Lifestyle’s nonprofit, The Kingdom Building Foundation, we will help people who may be struggling quietly without the support they need. But we need your help to find them.
Over the past three years, this campaign has grown into something truly beautiful, touching the lives of more than 150 families nationwide last year alone. Each year, we’ve seen firsthand how generosity can bring relief, hope, and a renewed sense of faith in others.
One person we had the opportunity to help was an 11-year-old boy diagnosed with a rare eye cancer. After he had to undergo chemotherapy and surgery to remove his eye, his doctors recommended a prosthetic one, but insurance wouldn’t cover the cost, calling it “cosmetic.” When we heard his story, we knew we had to help. Because of this campaign, he got his prosthetic eye and a piece of his childhood back with it.
Another was a wife and mother of two who fought a yearlong health battle and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Just days before Christmas, she underwent surgery but passed away due to complications. Before her surgery, she received one of our cards and, in tears, told us this gift gave her some peace, knowing her family would have help in the difficult times ahead. It wasn’t just about the financial support but knowing that someone cared.
These stories remind us why this campaign is so meaningful. It’s not just
about writing checks; it’s about telling people they aren’t forgotten and that someone is there to lend a hand. It’s about giving families a moment of relief when the world feels unbearable.
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”
Together with Matthew Perry, President, Steven adds that the gratitude from recipients was overwhelming, affirming this tradition’s importance. “We believe God has blessed our company with success,” Matthew adds, “so we want to be a blessing to others.”
We know many more people could use a little help this Christmas, and that’s where you come in. Do you know someone who could use a blessing? We want to hear about them.
To nominate someone, scan the QR code or follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the form in our bio. Nominations are open from November 27 to December 10, 2024. Let’s bring hope to those who need it most.
The City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is completely confidential. No identities will be revealed or publicized. All entries will be read, and selections and the amount given to each recipient will be based on the severity of the need. For more information, visit KingdomBuildingFoundation.com
Reminiscing About Troy Christmases, Past and Present
LONGTIME TROY RESIDENTS ENSURE
MEMORIES AND TRADITIONS STAY ALIVE
What is it about Christmas that brings out the childlike wonder in all of us? Maybe it’s the wonderful memories that surround us during this special season.
I remember the joy of Christmas as a child. My brothers and sisters and I could open one present on Christmas Eve before we went to midnight mass. After we got home, we’d try to fall asleep fast. Then, early on Christmas morning, the six of us would wait patiently at the top of the stairs for our parents to wake up so we could find out what Santa left us under the Christmas tree.
Do you remember that feeling, too?
One of our favorite traditions was my Mom buying us special ornaments each Christmas. She’d write our name and the year on the bottom. When we got married or left home, she presented us with our box of ornaments to decorate our own Christmas tree. I’ve continued that tradition with my children and grandchildren, choosing ornaments that represented their hobbies, sports or favorite events for each year.
Some of these wonderful traditions fall away over the generations. With determined grandmothers like longtime Troy residents Norma Austin and Sue Allison, however, some stay just as they are.
Norma and her family always shared the traditional Christmas celebrations – a big holiday dinner, decorating the house and putting up the tree with daughters Sandy and Sherry. One of her favorites was singing carols while Sherry played the piano.
ARTICLE BY CINDY STEWART | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SIMRAN BAJWA
Troy grandmas Norma and Sue
Today, after nearly four decades in Troy, she holds on to her traditions.
“I still put up my Christmas Village,” says Norma, “and my tree topper is an angel I bought for my Mom in 1981. When she passed away in 1996, I brought it home with me from Tennessee. Now, I use it on my own Christmas tree every year. I’ll be sure to pass it down to one of my girls. It means so much to me, bringing back memories of my Mom and our Christmas holidays when I was a child.”
Sue Allison, a 43-year Troy resident, family and friend of Norma, remembers the wonderful Christmas holidays in Troy with family and friends.
“We always celebrated on Christmas Eve with the entire family. I love Christmas! We would decorate our house in Troy, inside and out, and turn on the lights the day after Thanksgiving.”
Sue remembers the holidays as a special time to gather with family and have a delicious meal. And she still does. Every Christmas Eve, she lays out one of her famous all-out feasts – turkey, ham and kielbasa plus all the trimmings like stuffing, mashed and sweet potatoes, green beans and a cranberry salad. While her kids always bring dessert, Sue still makes a pumpkin pie and strawberry cake.
Then there’s the Christmas tree – or, as Sue calls it, the memory tree.
“Our memory tree has ornaments we’ve collected over the years, and I love putting it up. I really treasure the ones my kids and grandkids made for me when they were young. We also took videos every Christmas since my son and daughter, Duane and Lorrie, were little. They complained about it every year, but now, as everyone has gotten older, it’s so nice to watch the videos and remember holidays past. It’s a wonderful way to keep our memories alive and for the grandchildren to see their parents celebrating Christmas as children.”
“It means so much to me, bringing back memories of my Mom and our Christmas holidays when I was a child.”
“Our memory tree has ornaments we’ve collected over the years, and I love putting it up. I really treasure the ones my kids and grandkids made for me when they were young.”
Sue also still makes fudge to give as gifts. It’s a special tradition, using her Mom’s recipe that’s over 100 years old, and now she enjoys making the fudge with her granddaughter Emma, who plans to continue that tradition.
As for Norma, her daughter, Sandy, is the one making the holiday meal and having the family gather at her home in Clarkston. While the years have flown by and many things have changed, both Sue and Norma hold tight to their happy memories of Christmas, past and present.
What are your favorite memories of the holidays in Troy? Let us know on Facebook (troycitylifestyle) and Instagram (troycitylifestyle).
Whether it’s investing some extra income, preparing a future for your family with your retirement secured, or saving for a home or education costs, we’re here to coach you through it. Contact us today to start creating a financial strategy tailored to your specific needs.
Paul Dries, AWMA™ Financial Advisor 45174 Cass Ave Utica, MI 48317 586-254-0881
TROY HOLIDAY WONDERLAND
Lisa Hicks’ fills her home with trees, lights and decorations – a monument to the holidays
ARTICLE BY MARSHALL ZWEIG
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SIMRAN BAJWA
They say spirit moves you. That would explain why Lisa Hicks is in motion from summertime until December 24: she catches the Christmas spirit very early – and fully.
“I had 25 trees last year,” says the Troy resident. “So I pace myself, because it’s a lot of work.”
“Jesus gave his life for us and we need to give as well. That’s what our drive is. We use it as a time to just give.”
Every year, Lisa’s home is a monument to the holidays, with trees, lights, decorations and themes in every nook and cranny of her house. There’s an elf tree, two snowmen, a Grinch area. In fact, we’re doing the interview in a gingerbread room.
I ask Lisa how this tradition started.
“I’ve always totally decorated for Christmas. But my baby daughter had a massive stroke at age 28, and I developed anxiety. Doing Christmas trees became stress relief for me.”
Lisa points. “For this tree, I probably would have done maybe 500 ornaments before. When I was trying to relieve my anxiety, I did a thousand.”
Lisa’s baby daughter is fine now, but the gilded house became a habit. Lisa adds more trees and new ideas every year, choosing her decorations intentionally.
“If you come in, I want you to feel first peace, and then happiness. I'm looking for things that make you smile. My whole kitchen is Candyland, and when the kids go in, they're like—“ Lisa beams to demonstrate their reaction. “That’s all you ever need.”
I wonder how living in a space teeming with Christmas decor impacts day-to-day life.
“My husband's always stepping on things,” Lisa laughs. “But he supports me 100 percent. He's not real thrilled, but he leaves me alone.”
Lisa’s pastor husband Zachary does enjoy when company comes over; he’s proud of Lisa’s handiwork. Lisa says when people come by, “they don’t really look at me. They just start snapping pictures and walking from room to room.”
I assume Lisa takes Christmas off, and I’m right. I ask what she feels on December 25.
CONTINUED >
“Absolute gratitude,” Lisa replies without hesitation. “I grew up very poor. There were 11 of us. But my mom made Christmas special. One year, all our toys came from the grocery store. You would have thought we had a million dollars worth of toys. We were so happy. When she passed, I kept that going in my mind: Christmas is always going to be special for my kids and me.”
I ask if any adornments pay homage to her mom. “She loved poinsettias," she tells me, "so I did a poinsettia tree for 35 years as a tribute to her.”
Lisa clearly inherited her mom’s giving spirit: she and Zachary operate the Love Outreach Homeless Shelter and Love-N-Kindness Veterans House, and last year they also sponsored a nearby COTS. I ask what Christmas spirit means to Lisa.
“We’re Christians, so for us, Jesus is the reason for the season,” Lisa declares. “Jesus gave his life for us and we need to give as well. That’s what our drive is. We use it as a time to just give.”
For anyone who wants to make their house look like hers, Lisa advises, “At the end of the year, get those 75-percent-off closeouts.” If you need a hand, Lisa and friend Alisha Bradford can help: their company, All Occasions Decor and More, decorates other people’s houses too.
I wonder where Lisa finds all the energy. She tells me about a butterfly tree she’s working on right now.
“I can be feeling sick, stressed, my leg might be aching,” she admits. “But I will start working on the butterfly tree, and immediately I calm down and the pain’s gone. It’s unbelievable. When we decorate, all our troubles go out the door.”
That’s all the time Lisa can spare; she’s got to get back to Christmas-ifying her house.
“I gotta go start with the butterflies,” she tells me. Then she catches herself. “Did you just hear me?”
I did; it was a totally different voice. Lisa agrees: “Totally different voice. That’s the sound of peace.”
ARTICLE BY MARSHALL ZWEIG | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SIMRAN BAJWA
THIS CLAWSON COLLISION TEAM ERASES THE SCARS OF AUTO ACCIDENTS WITH PRIDE AND EXCELLENCE
FROM AUDIS TO ACADIAS, WRECKED CARS BECOME LIKE NEW AT XCEL
The holiday season brings snowy roads and slippery conditions. If a winter accident happens, keep this name in mind: Xcel Collision in Clawson (xcel-collision.com)
I found out what drove owners Jerred Rich, Adam Parsons and Mark Hamm to open the new shop.
The three – with a combined half-century of auto repair experience – were tired of their expertise being muzzled.
Their expertise spans the spectrum of cars – from Aston Martin, Lexus, Audi, BMW, Infiniti, Porsche and other luxury vehicles to Toyota, Honda and Nissan and Ford, Stellantis and GM products.
There’s more to the Xcel team. Rachel Rich takes care of Xcel’s books. She constantly marvels at her husband and Adam’s craftsmanship.
“People just think you get in a wreck, take it to a shop and they fix it, bing bang boom.
“WE’VE BEEN A TEAM FOR THE PAST 12 YEARS,” JERRED SAYS. “WE’RE LIKE BROTHERS. THIS HAS BEEN A DREAM OF OURS.”
“Every other job I've worked did not want technicians talking to customers,” Adam explains. “You might tell the customer something the owner doesn’t want them to know. Here, we use what we know to help people.”
Jerred, Adam and Mark are working owners offering major accident repair, paint and color matching, and collision-related mechanical repair. “We’re hands-on guys,” Jerred tells me. “You bring your car to us, and we're the guys in the back actually doing the work.”
While other collision shops are owned by national chains, they’ve established a local family feel. “We have skin in the game,” Jerred says. “Every car we turn out has to be 100 percent.”
He loves the feeling he gets from a masterful repair. “When you see a vehicle come in just hammered, totally messed up, it's pretty gratifying to bring it back to preaccident condition.”
“I love when the customer picks it up all shined up,” Adam adds, “because they look at it and go… “ Adam mimes his mouth dropping open. “Yeah, they're amazed.”
The three have worked together at other shops. In fact, Mark has watched Jerred and Mark restore damaged vehicles for almost two decades. “As wrecked as these cars are, they make them look like they just came out of the showroom. It's wild to see.”
But there's a lot of artistry that goes into making it look the way it did coming off the production line. Jerred was an artist even in high school. I think that’s why he's so good at what he does.”
Jerred’s response is modest: “I look at us as Batman and Robin. Adam can do everything I can do, but he can also paint. He has the magic hand. So he’s Batman and I’m Robin.”
The two have been looking out for each other ever since they met working at a body shop. Jerred eventually left, promising Adam: “In the future, we will work together — I guarantee it.”
Three years later, Jerred was at a dealership, a job came open and he brought Adam over. “We’ve been a team for the past 12 years,” Jerred says. “We’re like brothers. This has been a dream of ours.”
Mark, with his sales and operational skills, became an integral part to launching and growing the business. When he’s not in the community, connecting with potential customers, he’s getting cars showroom-ready for their owners.
In addition to running the office, Rachel soothes customers coming in. “People are not having the best day, because there was an accident. We put them at ease and let them know we're gonna make it right.”
“WHEN YOU DROP OFF YOUR CAR HERE, THE JOB IS GOING TO GET DONE RIGHT. WE’RE DOING THE WORK OURSELVES.
WE’RE USING QUALITY PARTS. YOU’RE GONNA BE HAPPY.”
Then there’s General Manager Jack Presswood and Claims Estimator Al Guilmet. They work directly with your insurance company, so you don’t have to. “That back and forth can be exhausting if you’re just a client trying to get a car fixed,” Jack observes. “I have to be a bit of a metallurgist, a bit of a chemist and I have to understand physics and transfer of energy. There are a lot of things that go into how cars are built and why they need to be repaired with certain parts.”
Jack says the value Jerred and Adam’s experience brings to repairs is immeasurable.
“This is your second-biggest investment next to your house. Do you want somebody who fixes cars every day telling you how it needs to be repaired?” Jack asks rhetorically. “Or do you want to rely on an insurance adjuster who may not know what it takes to properly and safely put a car back together so it looks and drives like it did before the accident?”
Jerred agrees: “When you drop off your car here, the job is going to get done right. We're doing the work ourselves. We’re using quality parts. You're gonna be happy.” They partner with trusted mechanical repair vendors like Sunshade in Troy and 248 Garage in Royal Oak for the few areas where they’re not experts.
No matter how busy they get, it never really feels like work. They love erasing the scars of accidents, or as Jerred puts it, “bringing something back to life, as perfect as you possibly can.”
Contact Xcel at (248) 965-3432.
Earn a Game-Changing Graduate Degree
A graduate degree enhances your industry expertise and credibility while opening doors to new opportunities .
With flexible programs and expert facult y, we’re dedicated to helping you take your life and career to the next level E xplore a wide variet y of master’s and doctorate programs in some of today ’s most in - demand fields of study
• Master of B usiness Administration (M BA) 7 M BA options available
• Master of Science – Nursing (M SN)
• Master of Science – Occupational Therapy (M SOT )
• Doctor of B usiness Administration (DBA)
• Doctor of B usiness Administration –All B ut Dissertation (DBA-AB D)
• Doctor of Education – Educational Leadership (EdD) View more graduate programs at baker.edu/programs
DECEMBER 2024
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
DECEMBER 3RD, 11TH, 18TH, 22ND 4-Course Wine Dinner at Carrabba’s in Troy
Carrabba’s Italian Grill, 600 W. Big Beaver, Troy | 6:30 PM
The holidays mean more exceptional Wine Dinner events from Carrabba’s Italian Grill in Troy. You’ll love this four-course food, with featured wine and off-menu masterpieces, plus gifts compliments of the house. Traditional Wine Dinners will be December 3 and 11; Feast of the Seven Fishes Wine Dinners will be December 18 and 22. For reservations, visit Carrabbas.com or call (248) 269-0095.
DECEMBER 4TH, 11TH, 19TH
The Magic Soiree, Michigan’s only magic comedy dinner show
Camp Ticonderoga, 5725 Rochester Road, Troy | 6:30 PM
The Magic Soiree is offering mid-week holiday shows, perfect for couples, families and small groups. Plan a departmental holiday party or get the family together for a little magic. Don’t miss the Chef’s special holiday menu, plus clean comedy and lots of audience participation. But with only 64 seats, you’d better act fast. Visit TheMagicSoiree.com for tickets.
DECEMBER 8TH
Breakfast With Santa (Maggiano’s Troy)
2089 West Big Beaver Road Troy | 9:00 AM
Maggiano’s & Santa Claus invite you to enjoy a delicious breakfast prepared by the Executive Chef. Children can visit with Santa, share their holiday wish lists and decorate cookies. Breakfast served from 9 to 10 a.m. Face painting, cookie decorating, crafts and pictures with Santa from 10 to 11 a.m. Cost: $40 adults; $35 children. Call 513-794-0672 for more information.
Become Part Of The New Revolution Of Money
Liquid Mining is a future-forward Bitcoin mining and hosting operation offering investors a hedge against inflation through secured investments in Bitcoin mining, generating predictable annual returns paid quarterly. The expected overall return over thirty-six months is 8x - 10x.
We have a growing presence in southeast Michigan, with facilities in Pontiac, and other expansion opportunities being developed on the west side of the state.
Liquid Mining provides investors with a way to get involved in the Bitcoin ecosystem while earning an annual rate of return of at least 10%, paid monthly. This rate is projected to increase as our profitability
To learn more, go to Invest.LiquidMining.net
Money has changed many times since mankind started trading. Bitcoin is part of the next evolution of money.
“To
be the best restaurant, you need the best people.”
With more than a thousand employees at 24 restaurants, we know payroll and HR can be a huge headache.
That’s why we chose Trion, one of the most trusted Professional Employer Organizations in the country. With Trion’s PEO offerings, we no longer spend hours on HR paperwork and our employees get their questions answered faster. Trion eliminates the headaches for everyone, and happy employees make for great service.
That’s what our restaurants are known for, and that’s why we rely on Trion. Visit RelyonTrion.com.
– Joe Vicari, CEO
Joe Vicari Restaurant Group