ANNAPOLIS
Two women four oars one ocean
A Visit to Wyeth Country Grassroots Charities
ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY WATERFRONT REAL ESTATE The Face of
The Mr. Waterfront Team was established in 1994 from a love of the Annapolis waterfront. Our vision for a highly specialized real estate team, focused on lifestyle, was unique at the time and has been a pillar in the community for three decades.
Reid Buckley and Meagan Buckley continue this legacy while bringing innovation and a breadth of knowledge to the waterfront real estate market. Our reputation has been built on years of experience, and our white glove approach to each transaction offers customers an experience that is unlike any other. With more than $1.3 billion in career sales, The Mr. Waterfront Team is the go-to source for waterfront and water access properties in Annapolis and throughout Anne Arundel and Queen Anne’s County. Looking ahead, the team is excited to launch new partnerships emphasizing their luxury and water-oriented expertise.
Mr. Waterfront is more than a real estate team—we are a team of specialists built by family and we treat our customers like we would our
Waterfront Property, Our
ANNAPOLIS THE FACES OF
Welcome to The Faces of Annapolis 2024. In producing Faces, it has been our great pleasure to get to know these leaders in their fields. In these pages, you will read the success stories of highly accomplished professionals ready to serve a wide range of your needs. We invite you to save this edition and turn to it when you are looking to hire a professional.
You will be inspired by the unbelievable feat of Annapolitan Lauren “Nini” Champion and Canadian Lisa Roland, whose amazing adventure is chronicled in our cover story. In the “World’s Toughest Row,” we interviewed these athletes who shared details of their extraordinary sense of adventure and courage as they rowed across the Atlantic Ocean in 45 days.
Have you visited Wyeth Country in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania? If not, it is worth a trip to see where the American artist Andrew Wyeth produced many of his paintings.
The Faces of Annapolis represents three months of work and requires a great team effort. We offer tremendous thanks to Elizabeth Davis, Margie Boyd, Ryan and Samantha Gladhill, Amber Trainer, Diana Prevett, Tony and Amber Lewis, Pat Stainke, Dylan Roche, and Linda West for their work on this issue.
Enjoy!
Robert Haywood & Kymberly Taylor, Publishers robert@annapolishomemag.com kymberly@annapolishomemag.com
two women four oars one ocean
BY KYMBERLY TAYLOR Photography by Steve Simonsen and World’s Toughest RowThe 3,000-mile race began in La Gomera, Spain, on December 12, 2023, and finished in Antigua on January 27, 2024.
Lisa Roland (left) was raised in the foster care system and left at age 15 to go out on her own. The pair met at a dinner party in Antigua, and decided to row the race together.
Braving 30+ knot winds, brutal heat, and towering rogue waves, Team Ocean Grown, composed of Annapolitan Lauren “Nini” Champion and Canadian Lisa Roland, rowed over 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean in 45 days, breaking a world speed record for female rowing pairs.
Fueling their decision to take on the World’s Toughest Row was a deeply personal cause: to help change the lives of young adults who have aged out of the foster care system. “They are exceptionally vulnerable to high rates of homelessness, incarceration, teen pregnancy, and a lifelong dependence on the welfare system,” reflects Lisa, who entered the system at six months and left at age 15. Lisa and Nini have created the Bridges Over Water scholarship fund to help these young adults get a fresh start, pursuing careers in the maritime sector.
Lisa joins us for our Zoom interview from the Bahamas, where she is captaining a 60-foot sailing catamaran. Nini, who was raised in Annapolis, recently returned to her job as a rigging technician at The Rigging Company. She speaks with Annapolis Home in their offices in Eastport.
“one stroke at a time, one day at a time, one dollar at a time.”
- lauren “Nini” Champion
AHM: What motivated you to use your row to raise money to help kids who have aged out of foster care?
Lisa: I was actually raised in the system and placed in foster care at six months old. I was at the top of my class in high school but left at age 15. Unfortunately, I had to leave quite quickly. It was a very fast decision I had to make at that time. But I had started working quite young and had saved up a lot of my own money. I had my own place in about a week.
That time between 15 and 19 was a time when I looked forward in my life, and I didn’t think I was going to have a good life... I thought I would be desperate for the rest of my life. But I found the sailing industry, and now my life is very different. Being able to facilitate that same change for other young adults who came from where I came from is what this is about. We are looking for special people who have a lot of potential but have never had a chance to see what they can really do.
AHM: You and Nini met randomly in Antigua. What made you decide to row together?
Lisa: We met in Antigua, which is the finish line for the race. We were both working on sailboats. I was having a dinner party for a friend. Nini was there, and it was around the time when all the rowers were coming in from finishing the race. We were having a glass of wine, and I said, “I’ve been thinking about doing this row,” and Nini said, “I’ve been thinking of doing this row,” and that moment changed the next five years of our lives.
Lisa Roland and Nini Champion spent 3 years preparing for opening day and their journey in Invictus.
AHM: Neither one of you had rowed before. How did you prepare?
Nini: Along with daily rowing and weightlifting, we cross-trained, which included wakeboarding and kitesurfing. Also, we trained in the Caribbean, in the trade winds, seas, and elements.
The best training we had was in Invictus herself when we were able to fully purchase her a year and a half before the row. We completed over 140 hours of training in her in the USVI. Some daily rowing sessions, as well as some just over 3 days. The longer training sessions really allowed for us to get into the rhythm of watch rotation, food prep, water making etc. that would be essentially for our Atlantic race.
AHM: Tell us about daily life on your boat, the 24-foot Invictus.
Nini: We rowed 24 hours a day, holding a “2 on, 2 off” rowing rotation system to keep the boat moving constantly towards the finish line. One of us would row for 2 hours while the other one slept. The only time we rotated from that was when we were headed into the wind, rowing but just burning energy. That’s when we put the parachute anchor down.
The cabins are about four feet wide by six feet. I’m about 5'9" and can fit fully suspended in the aft cabin with the autopilot and chart plotter. I liked it. Nini slept in the bow and she was like a queen out there.
AHM: What did you eat?
Lisa: We tried freeze-dried foods and didn’t find them appetizing. At first, I wanted to buy a freezer and cook, but we have jobs, so I found something in between: a company called Freeze Dry Wholesaler. They have things like herbed chicken breast and avocado and black beans—lots of simple flavors. It came in all these bags, so we mixed them and weighed them all out. It took a really long time.
AHM: You’ve both logged plenty of hours at sea. What truly challenged you?
Nini: In the beginning, we had a huge weather system gusting 30-knot winds and waves that were the size of a storied building. It was interesting. Lots of the teams got really seasick. Not only did we not get seasick—we had fun! There was this really big wave. Our boat usually goes about 3.5 knots, which is about five miles an hour. We hit a wave and were surfing down and hit 14.7 knots!
Lisa: Both of us were like, “Wheee!” We had so much fun at sea, and everyone else was like, “When is this going to be over?”
AHM: Were you worried about rolling?
Lisa: We did capsize four days before the end of the race. We had Easterly seas, but then there were these random north rogue swells. Two waves peaked, and we were directly at the bottom. I looked up and, in literally a flash of a second, thought, ‘We’re going over.’ We got thrown hard. I was underwater, 2/3 of the way. Nini came up on one side of the boat—she had been sleeping—and then we self-righted. I slowly started realizing all my personal items that got washed away: my left shoe, my headphones, and my Holly Hansen jacket. I had to make a shoe with two neoprene socks, stuffed with more neoprene and then tied together. I used it for the rest of the row.
Invictus moved towards the finish line 24 hours per day, weather permitting. The rowers rotated every two hours.
AHM: Describe a tough moment for you.
Nini: It was when we were mid-row. We had light wind and brutal heat; it was mentally and physically challenging. Mentally, especially because the forecast kept predicting that the wind would arrive, and it never did fill in. During those moments, we were also at peak exhaustion—having to pull self out of bed and onto the oars was really just commitment and drive. You had to dig deep. We went through this transformation where you just had to accept it.
AHM: What kind of marine life did you see?
Nini: It was incredible. We saw stars that started at the horizon line and meteor showers. We also saw flying fish, dolphins, and whales. A shark lingered behind us. We tried to feed it tuna fish, but it said, “Yeahhh... I have better tuna out here.”
Lisa: My favorite whale was when I was on watch, and we were in a really good current. I was jamming with my headphones on. This whale surfaced right beside me and just looked at me like we were on the same highway.
AHM: You were basically rowing every 2 hours, 24 hours a day. Why put yourself through this?
Lisa: I was turning 30 soon and watching rowers coming in and having these life-changing experiences. I was ready to close out Chapter 1 of my life, that was pretty tumultuous. It was also, for
me, a physical manifestation of trauma release, just really truly letting it go. It happened for me. There were times when I really sat there and sat in those memories that I had blocked off and then just let them go.
Nini: It was something I had to do... a next-level perseverance. A huge part of this journey has been just making it to the starting line. There was this element where I said, ‘I can take on this challenge,’ but I had to prove it to myself. Doing fundraising, developing the cause, hearing people tell you “No” but continuing to go on. There was all the commitment, energy, drive, and hard work. Making it to the starting line was almost as difficult as the row itself.
AHM: What is your advice to those facing their own “3,000-mile ocean”?
Lisa: Take one step at a time. You don’t climb a mountain by jumping to the top. It’s one stroke at a time. Even when it’s really hard, keep going. Just don’t give up.
Nini: Take it one step at a time, and it accumulates. That’s how we made it this far—one stroke at a time, one day at a time, one dollar at a time. If you are ever feeling down, look to your mentors. Lisa and I work in the sailing industry, so having mentors who supported us [at the finish line in Antigua] made a huge difference.
After 45 days of rowing, Team Ocean Grown celebrates their record-breaking row for female pairs.
A celebration of expertise, small businesses, and entrepreneurship. Leading professionals share stories of their distinctive missions and commitment to service.
The Face of
AMANDA CHANDO INTERIOR DESIGN
In her Severn Avenue showroom, Details and Design founder Amanda Chando is surrounded by furniture, lighting, accessories, and vintage finds—all the elements of interior beauty and style.
Even so, she insists her work is all about the process. She and her team of designers get to know each client before they embark on the design phase. For Amanda, investing substantial time upfront ensures she delivers deeply personal spaces.
Years in the industry and a husband who is a home builder allow Amanda to speak the language of design with more insight than most. “I understand accurate numbers fast,” she says. She also understands that looking pretty is not everything. “If a space doesn’t function well, you will never be settled and truly happy in your home.”
As the sun sets over Spa Creek through her showroom windows, Amanda concludes, “I want this to be a firm where people come to know us, know our work, trust our process and allow us to give them the absolute best of ourselves.”
A FULL-SERVICE GARDEN CENTER The Face of
ELIZABETH ELLIOTT
Elizabeth Elliott’s dream of owning Himmel’s Landscape and Garden Center started 20 years ago as an employee at the Center. During those years, her gardening and landscaping knowledge grew, along with an interest in the ways native plants benefit local environments and support pollinators. In 2018, she bought Himmel’s from her former boss.
Today, Himmel’s is blossoming. It’s mission is clear: to help neighbors build a better, healthier, and more beautiful world. Himmel’s offers an extensive and affordable plant and flower selection, bulk mulch, stone, and soils available for pick-up or delivery, a beautiful and diverse selection of pottery and statuary, and a friendly and knowledgeable staff ready to provide unparalleled customer service.
Himmel’s detail-oriented team is equipped with design skills to bring your landscape dreams to reality, whether it’s a simple cleanup
or brand-new outdoor living space. What’s more, their inviting retail garden center is a community hub, offering interactive classes, fun events, and peaceful corners to enjoy nature.
Himmel’s also engages in Bay-friendly practices and is committed to educating the community about maintaining the health of the Bay. Landscape projects include shoreline restoration, reforestation, rain gardens, and custom pollinator gardens. Stop in to learn about volunteer activities that positively impact our neighborhoods.
The Face of COSMETIC INJECTIONS
ProMD Health
While most practices specialize in either making you look better or making you feel better, ProMD Health has the tools and the expertise to do both. This award-winning medical practice, founded by Baltimore native Dr. George Gavrila, stands out with its specialization in nonsurgical aesthetic treatments and procedures. At each of its locations, ProMD Health’s providers act like conductors of a great symphony, properly cueing the right instruments at the right times to have you both looking and feeling your best.
Patients of ProMD can expect personalized care as well as expertise and professionalism as they undergo cutting-edge treatments in a comfortable and welcoming environment. The practice also prides itself on its high national rankings for cosmetic products—11th in the country for Botox and 5th for Restylane, indicating ProMD Health’s significant expertise and experience in administering these popular cosmetic treatments and reflecting the trust and preference patients place in their services.
It is also a testament to ProMD’s effectiveness that they have successfully expanded its operations over the years, not merely to
different locations in Maryland but even across multiple states, demonstrating its growth and scalability in the competitive aesthetic medicine market.
Moreover, the establishment of a franchise model allows physicians to own their own ProMD Health practice, providing tools, support, and training necessary for success.
From left to right: Carla Cook, Vice President of Operations; Max Lenowitz, CRNP; Brynn Blackstock, Aesthetic Consultant; George Gavrila, MD/Founder & President; Molly Myers, Aesthetic Consultant; Victoria Thursby, CRNP; Kelly Battista, RN
ProMD Health
116 DEFENSE HWY, SUITE 302 ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401 410.449.2060 | ProMDHealth.com
INSTAGRAM: @ ProMDHealth FACEBOOK: ProMD Health
Celebrating 30 years in the industry, 2024 brings fresh breezes to Lynbrook of Annapolis, founded in 1994 by Ray Gauthier and Bryan Beauchemin. Gauthier has retired and Meredith Hillyer is at the helm as president, accompanied by a longstanding leadership team: Beauchemin, co-founder; Dennis Ulrich, vice president; and John Gaver, partner. Hillyer’s rise is no surprise—at eighteen, she interned at Lynbrook, hauling lumber and learning framing. Right after college, she joined the team officially, sharing its passion, observing skilled carpenters, and appreciating what it truly takes to create exquisite award-winning homes, each different from the last. Lynbrook is also expanding to include a service division, Lynbrook Legacy, to work with new and past clients alike. Lynbrook’s core mission, to build homes of exquisite quality, with a commitment to
value remains stronger than ever. As one homeowner says: “Thanks to Lynbrook for making us part of your family. You have been there since the beginning. It’s more than price and the delivered product. It’s a lifelong relationship.”
KITCHEN & BATH DESIGN The Face of
The 84 Lumber Annapolis Kitchen and Bath Design Studio stands out as a beacon of excellence in the realm of home design. At its core are two exceptionally talented designers, Helena Briggs and Johanne Côté. Their passion for creating functional yet aesthetically pleasing spaces is unparalleled. With an eye for detail that is nothing short of flawless, Briggs and Côté bring dreams to life, transforming ordinary kitchens and bathrooms into extraordinary havens.
From conceptualization to execution, Briggs and Côté guide clients through every step of the design process, ensuring that their vision becomes a reality. Their ability to blend practicality with innovation results in spaces that are not only beautiful but also highly efficient.
The 84 Lumber Annapolis Design Studio is the ultimate destination for those seeking a transformative design experience. Visit 1690 Balt-Annapolis Boulevard to browse their extensive collection of kitchen and bath essentials to help you create your dream space.
The Face of
Stepping into Annapolis Carpet & Flooring’s beautiful showroom is to enter a world of possibilities. Father and son team, Frank and Tony Inanloo offer the latest in wall-to-wall carpet and custom stair runners as well as hardwood, tile and luxury vinyl flooring, and area rugs.
Frank, Tony and their highly trained staff welcome homeowners, designers, and builders. From creating a welcoming entryway to defining living space, making an inviting family room, or protecting high-traffic areas, their wide selection of products and price points means customers can find flooring for every room in the house in a single shopping trip. With over 30 years in the business, Frank and Tony can advise on the right product for every situation.
THEY OFFER FULL INSTALLATION WITH A LIFETIME INSTALLATION GUARANTEE.
“A new spring means a fresh start—and why shouldn’t it?” asks Frank. “There has never been a better time to take inventory, to take a moment and focus on what’s next,” he adds. If what’s next for you is a new carpet or flooring, stop by Annapolis Carpet & Flooring and ask for Frank or Tony.
“Your vision is our mission!”
Everyone deserves and benefits from beautiful architectural design that is sustainable. This is the philosophy of Melanie Hartwig-Davis, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, owner of HD Squared Architects, an award-winning architecture, interiors, and consulting firm based in Annapolis.
Working with HD Squared means beautiful architecture and forward-thinking, sustainable design go hand in hand. Melanie and her team integrate sustainability into every project, preparing clients and communities to thrive in our changing environment.
HD Squared’s new and remodeled homes minimize their clients’ long-term operating costs by capitalizing on energy-efficient systems. Selective low maintenance material use reduces each
home’s carbon footprint. With each project, not only is a healthier living environment created for occupants inside, but also for local ecosystems on the outside.
When clients come to HD Squared, they can count on collaborative relationships, active listening, honest conversations, and a beautiful built reality to last for generations.
The Face of
MEGAN REILEY COMFORTABLE, FUNCTIONAL INTERIORS
Megan Reiley has been creating spaces that her clients get to call home for the past twelve years. She has tackled a wide variety of projects, ranging from a remodel after a burst pipe, enlivening a traditional condo in downtown Annapolis, to a top-to-bottom redesign of an elegant waterfront home.
For Megan, each project is a unique opportunity to listen carefully to her clients and interweave their tastes, experiences and dreams into designs that match their personalities. “My work has focused on creativity,” she says. “Making spaces more impactful, striking and colorful is an important part of what I do.”
But Megan considers the comfort and function of the space paramount to her designs. Clients rave about her ability to deliver interiors that are both usable and beautiful.
“It’s not an either/or,” Megan assures. “It’s a given that the work I create for my client’s interiors will look good. More important is that it fits their lifestyle. I want them to enjoy not just looking at the results, but getting pleasure from living in their new space.”
Dr. Emily Clarke-Pearson and her amazing team at Charm City Plastic Surgery are excited to welcome you to their new larger office in historic Fells Point, Baltimore. The new office has allowed Dr. Clarke-Pearson to expand her skincare and surgical services in a beautifully designed, boutique space. Warmth and compassion will always be central to her personalized care. This care is backed by surgical talent— Dr. Clarke-Pearson has been awarded America’s Best 150 Plastic Surgeons the past three years in Newsweek ’s rankings. She and her team will help you make a plan to feel great about the way you look—always with an emphasis on fresh and natural results. They look forward to welcoming you to the new office in 2024!
RICK JAKLITSCH PERSONAL INJURY LAW The Face of
What is the Jaklitsch Law Group?
In 1999, Rick founded the Jaklitsch Law Group with the goal of creating the number one personal injury firm in the state. Established on family principles, valuing open communication, trust, and empathy, the Jaklitsch Law Group quickly garnered a reputation for superior client service and case results. Today, the firm handles the most serious and catastrophic injury cases, and its four award-winning lawyers have become synonymous with significant settlements and verdicts for the seriously injured. This track record of success has repeatedly earned the Jaklitsch Law Group national awards and recognition, and is another reason why What’s Up? Annapolis is again recognizing Rick and his firm as Annapolis’ Face of Personal Injury Law.
Who is Rick Jaklitsch?
Rick is a nationally-acclaimed trial lawyer known for his unique style and massive verdicts. The son of a nurse and aerospace electrical engineer and one of nine children, Rick grew up in a modest home in nearby Baltimore. A father of two sons and husband to Judge Michele Jaklitsch, family values are the driving force and motivation behind Rick as a lawyer. The former Terrapin Club President and University of Maryland alumni can often be
found on the pickleball courts of Annapolis or cheering at any University of Maryland game.
Why is Rick The Face of Personal Injury Law?
Rick is widely regarded as one of the most decorated legal practitioners in the country. A lifetime member of many of the nation’s most prestigious groups of trial lawyers, Rick has received the highest possible peer-review ranking for legal ability and ethics. Rick has handled hundreds of cases resulting in 6- and 7-figure awards for his clients, and has a deep understanding of the effect devastating injuries have on his clients and their loved ones. Known as “The Big Dog,” Rick’s career-long commitment to his community and clients has once again earned him the title of Annapolis’ Face of Personal Injury Law.
GREG WIEDEMANN FAIA EASTERN SHORE ARCHITECTURE
Greg Wiedemann, FAIA, has been serving the Washington, D.C. region for more than 35 years, including numerous waterfront projects on both sides of Chesapeake Bay ranging from modern homes to historical renovations. With his extensive experience navigating the Critical Area regulations and historic preservation reviews, each of his clients gets personal attention from him as the firm’s principal. Recently, the practice has added a second office in Easton, which focuses on Maryland’s Eastern Shore waterfront.
Assisting him with each project is a talented team of architectural staff with years of award-winning design experience. The firm itself has received more than 100 design awards and its work has been featured in more than 200 articles and publications, and as a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, Wiedemann himself is distinct among the top 3% of architects nationwide.
Wiedemann Architects strives to create design solutions that celebrate the uniqueness of each site and that mitigate projectspecific challenges, while guided by the client’s aspirations and a commitment to sustainability. The firm takes pride knowing that each commission is unique and a timeless fit to its site.
ATLAS STONE FABRICATORS STONE FABRICATION The Face of
Atlas has been a family owned and operated business, fabricating and installing the finest natural and man-made stone projects for almost 25 years. Now led by Frank Damico Jr, Rick Nelson and Sheri Damico. The trio have led the business to new heights, investing heavily in keeping up with the latest technology in the shop, as well as recruiting experienced design consultants, templators, craftsmen and installers. The knowledgeable team follows a thorough, handson process with the customer to ensure the result is exactly what they expect, with no surprises.
Today, Atlas Stone’s boutique showroom in Odenton features stone slabs of every style imaginable. Longstanding relationships with suppliers in Brazil, Italy, India and elsewhere mean Atlas has a constantly evolving inventory of the highest quality classics and the latest trends, including porcelain and quartz. Although they pride themselves on custom jobs, they provide the same quality, service and competitive pricing for all sized projects from a vanity top to an entire house.
Atlas team members work hand-in-hand with clients to select the product that works best for them—from kitchen countertops, to intricate fireplace surrounds, shower walls, showstopping backlit accent walls, commercial applications and more. The proprietary Atlas design process has pushed the company to be the leader in stone fabrication throughout the region, combining personal service with the latest technological advancements. Each project is designed in 3-D with the client, prior to fabrication to ensure smooth installations and scores of happy, repeat customers.
GREG YOUNGER CUSTOM BUILDING The Face of
Greg Younger discovered he had a gift for craftsmanship and a talent for understanding how to remodel a home to fit a client’s needs when he was growing up working with his father in the construction business. Greg loved the satisfaction he felt when he completed a project and his clients were overjoyed with the results. To him, there was no better feeling. Today, Greg still works to achieve those same results in his role as founder and owner of Younger Construction, based in Annapolis.
Handling residential construction and light commercial construction, his company specializes in custom homes, renovations, additions, and kitchens and bathrooms in Anne Arundel, Prince George’s, and Queen Anne’s counties.
Before any work starts, Greg meets with potential clients to discuss their desires and vision. He listens to their expectations of the design, timeline, and budget. Greg’s infectious energy helps clients overcome their fears and get excited about the project.
After Greg gets to know the client’s needs, he helps them select a design they will be happy with in the long run. Even before the
work has begun, clients are amazed at the process. Greg and his detail-oriented crew do not cut any corners. They pride themselves on being perfectionists and they understand the importance of clean lines. Above all, they strive to meet and exceed all client expectations.
Greg checks in with his clients regularly to make sure they are happy with how the project is going. This personal touch engages clients and enables them to be part of the process. Instead of feeling like a chore, the project feels more like a fun hobby. Seeing the look of joy on a client’s face when a job is complete is what attracted Greg to the business decades ago. Today, it’s still his favorite part of the job.
McHale Landscape Design is a residential landscape architecture company and design-build firm dedicated to designing and constructing extraordinary residential gardens, pools, outdoor living areas, and home additions. Located on West Street, our Annapolis office has been a dedicated presence for eighteen years.
Founded by brothers Kevin and Steve McHale, celebrating 43 years in business, the brothers’ passion for the landscape industry began while mowing neighborhood lawns when they were just 10 and 12 years old. Their parents taught the value of hard work and financial accountability, and while in college at West Virginia University, the brothers initiated the business, starting with modest resources: a pickup truck, a wheelbarrow, two shovels, and a drafting board.
Since 1981, McHale has designed, constructed, and planted residential projects, including more than 450 award-winning
landscapes. Combining landscape architecture, horticulture knowledge, and field experience, our professionally licensed and certified staff help you create and maintain beautiful gardens and living spaces. With an interactive design-build process, McHale Landscape Design views every client as an important part of the team. Our goal is to be your single source for the entire project, from design, to implementation, to aftercare, and to develop lifelong relationships with our clients.
The Face of
LANDSCAPE DESIGN & OUTDOOR LIVING
M c HALE LANDSCAPE DESIGN
The Face of
It’s been more than 40 years since Mark T. White, Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer (CMKBD), a native Annapolitan, established Kitchen Encounters. In that time, the company has garnered a reputation for creative designs, quality cabinetry, and outstanding customer service.
The team of designers are all Certified Kitchen and Bath Designers (CKBD) by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA). They use their Interactive Design Process, developed by White himself, to guide clients to the best design solution for their home and family needs.
The company has earned numerous design awards and their work has appeared in dozens of regional and national publications as well as having been featured on HGTV.
The designers partner with some of the finest architects, interior designers, builders, and suppliers in the area. In 2022, Mark White was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award during the Annapolis Home Magazine’s Builder and Fine Design Awards banquet.
Kitchen Encounters’ unique design studio is a ‘50s Cape Cod house situated in the heart of the Annapolis Design District and features inspiring designs in a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Appointments are recommended but visitors can stop by 10:00AM–5:00PM Monday through Friday, or view a video tour on the website at kitchenencounters.biz.
The Face of
ADU APPLIANCES
Since 1982, ADU has been the source of kitchen appliances for home builders, kitchen designers, contractors, property managers, and homeowners remodeling their kitchens in the Mid-Atlantic region. We continue to grow and evolve with eight boutique-style showrooms that service Maryland, Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. Our showrooms are designed with functional kitchen spaces and vignettes to showcase the appliances and how they would look in the home, giving our customers the best inspiration of their dream kitchen. Our sales staff receives extensive, ongoing training with the products we carry, so you can be confident you are making the right choice for your next project. We understand the needs of builders, contractors, and remodelers and will work not only to select the appliances, but also to ensure they will meet the needs and specifications of your project. Visit adu.com today to select the closest showroom to you, or call 844-900-8600.
ARCHITECTURE The Face of JONATHAN RIVERA
Architect: Jonathan Rivera Architecture Builder: Pyramid BuildersJonathan Rivera Architecture offers creative solutions for custom homes, renovations, and additions throughout the Chesapeake region. With more than twenty years of award-winning residential design experience, Jonathan brings considerable insight to every project. His core belief is simple: Every detail matters.
That means Jonathan wants to hear absolutely everything you have in mind for your home. His hand-drawn sketches and 3-D renderings will then bring those details, and his ideas, to life.
His designs include expansive waterfront estates, floor-to-ceiling renovations of smaller historic homes, pool houses, party barns and more.
Concentrating on the details allows Jonathan to deliver a home unique to you. From traditional Hamptons shingle-style, to farmhouses, Spanish Revival and modern, when you work with Jonathan the result is a beautifully designed home, where details shine.
“Tile is fashion for your home,” says John Childs, owner and founder of Atlas Marble & Tile. John and the team at Atlas approach each customer with the knowledge that their home is probably their most valuable asset. Whether working directly with the homeowner or with their contractor, it is rewarding to help make a home a haven.
Atlas Marble & Tile just celebrated its 31st birthday, from the same office where the business began. They have expanded from one suite to seven, but the commitment to customer service remains the same. John attributes much of Atlas’ success to never compromising on customer service.
Atlas still has real people answering the phones, walking the showroom, and helping customers. That level of service has gone out of style in many businesses but not at Atlas.
Besides marble and tile, John’s biggest love is his family, including his wife of over 30 years, Jennifer, and his band Love In Vein— where he plays guitar and mandolin.
Styles have changed over the last 31 years and the showroom has grown tremendously, but you will still recognize the same oldfashioned commitment to customer service and a job well done.
The Face of
BRAD KAPPEL WATERFRONT REAL ESTATE
Make Your Move With Brad Kappel
Brad Kappel, Executive Vice President with TTR Sotheby’s International Realty, is the #1 Waterfront Real Estate Agent in Maryland. Brad has been serving residents of Anne Arundel County and the Eastern Shore for fifteen years in real estate, home construction and renovation. This experience allows him to offer authentic insight into each property’s current condition, value and potential.
Brad is grateful for the clients, colleagues, friends, and family who supported his success throughout his career and he is honored and grateful to have his achievements awarded with the distinction of joining the Top 100 Agents/ Teams WORLDWIDE with Sotheby’s International Realty. Brad adheres to the philosophy that clients deserve nothing short of excellence. From the initial meeting to navigating important decisions and the final settlement transaction, Brad works diligently to ensure 100% customer satisfaction.
Brad doesn’t just sell the waterfront lifestyle—he lives it! The Kappel family has called Annapolis home for three generations. When he’s not pursuing his passion in real estate, he is exploring the waterways of the Chesapeake Bay by boat or paddle board or spending time with his wife, two children and golden retriever at their home on the Severn River.
Visit BradKappel.com and tour his Luxury Property Portfolio
Make Your Move with Brad!
Notable Sales in 2023
Even before Harper’s Waterfront Restaurant opened its doors last year, the restaurant had a robust social media following. Wouldbe diners were anxious to experience the restaurant’s spectacular views at Turkey Point Marina & Yacht Club and promise of worldclass cuisine. If past experience predicts future success, Harper’s Waterfront Restaurant was guaranteed to be a success based on the credentials of its owner, Todd Harper, a veteran business owner and Executive Chef Brian Thornton (voted Best Chef in Annapolis this year). The duo were determined to create a unique dining experience for the area that marries classy and casual. When Harper’s Waterfront actually opened, the positive buzz was wellplaced. Reservations stacked up and social media reviews were positive about the food and the overall experience between patrons and the staff. This is just what General Manager Melissa Ebright
wants to hear. Ebright has been at the restaurant the past six months where she fine-tuned everything from front-of-the house staffing to the guest experience. “When you come to Harper’s, you are family and you are treated as such,” Ebright said. “Our guests are our family. We have an amazing menu and so is our staff. We don’t get up and come to work every day, we get up and come to our other home.”
MELANIE ERB SHUSHAN, CRNP AESTHETIC EXCELLENCE The Face of
Welcome to Annapolis Aesthetics, where natural results, trustworthy care, and experienced, well-trained staff are at the foundation of our business. Led by owner Melanie Erb Shushan, CRNP, our practice brings her twenty years of expertise to the heart of Severna Park. As a leader in aesthetic medicine, Melanie has garnered recognition among Washington D.C.’s elite clientele for her extensive knowledge, training, and dedication to excellence. Now, she brings her wealth of expertise in laser and injectable aesthetics to Annapolis and its surrounding communities. Alongside her commitment to professional excellence, Melanie resides in Severna Park with her five children, her loyal dog Bentley, and her husband, who shares her passion for serving the local community.
With a comprehensive range of non-surgical treatments, including injectables, laser procedures, SkinPen Microneedling/PRP, spa services, and weight management solutions, Annapolis Aesthetics specializes in custom-tailored treatment plans to meet each individual client’s needs. Whether you’re looking to enhance your natural beauty or need to address a specific concern, we’re here to help you achieve your aesthetic goals with confidence and peace of mind.
It’s not uncommon today to hear some negative chatter on social media about Botox and fillers, with some folks worried about looking “overdone” or “excessively filled.” We understand. At Annapolis Aesthetics, we’re all about keeping your enhancements
natural and subtle. Our goal? To make you look like the best version of yourself—refreshed, rejuvenated, and feeling beautiful.
With decades of experience and expertise in various fillers and toxins, we’ve mastered the art of achieving that refreshed and effortlessly youthful look. Think of it as hitting the rewind button on aging and removing five to seven years from your appearance. It comes from years of hands-on experience discerning what works best in the field of aesthetic enhancements.
We invite you to drop by our Medspa in Severna Park. Recently named “Annapolis Best Laser Hair Removal” by What’s Up Magazine, we’ve created a luxurious space with an experienced, trustworthy team of experts to help you feel relaxed, comfortable, and confident.
Schedule a complimentary consultation today at annapolisaesthetics.com and start your journey to “finding your beautiful” with us at Annapolis Aesthetics.
The Face of
FINANCIAL PLANNING GREGORY OSTROWSKI
Your financial future. Few things are as important or as intimidating to contemplate. From wealth management to retirement planning, handling your money isn’t a trip you should plan to take alone.
Greg Ostrowski understands this and develops strategies to address each client’s unique situation. His overarching goal is to provide visibility on a client’s “big picture,” so they can make proactive decisions. For those just starting to accumulate wealth, it might mean prioritizing and automating savings. For those nearing retirement, this might mean mapping out an income strategy—it’s one thing to save and grow assets, but another thing entirely to make a plan for assets to last.
As a long-time Annapolitan, Greg is the youngest of five children in a Navy family; his sister owns Weems Creek Nursery School in West Annapolis, where his brother also owns Redds Automotive. Greg’s wife, Sabrina, is an accountant in Annapolis and they have four children—Patrick, Evangeline, Everett, and Amelia. Greg holds a degree in finance from Villanova University. He is a Certified Financial Planner™ professional, a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™, and a Behavioral Financial Advisor™.
Over the years Greg has been recognized as a Top 40 Under 40 Registered Investment Advisor by WealthManagement.
com, featured in Baltimore Magazine as an eleven-time Five Star Wealth Manager and voted “Best Financial Advisor” in The Capital ’s Reader’s Choice awards four times. Scarborough Capital Management was also named as one of America’s Top Registered Investment Advisory Firms by Forbes in 2023.
In his spare time, Greg loves supporting his kids’ sports, cycling, Orangetheory Fitness, wakeboarding and Orioles baseball. Greg also serves on the St. Mary’s Alumni Association board and as a member of the Forbes Finance Council.
Getting to know you, your hopes, and your goals is an essential element in the wealth management equation. Creating strong client relationships is the foundation of Greg’s work.
JAMES KING HOSPITALITY The Face of
James King, Founder and CEO of Titan Hospitality Group which owns and operates The Blackwall Hitch (Annapolis, MD & Alexandria, VA), The Blackwall Barn & Lodge (Gambrills, MD, Columbia MD & Baltimore MD), The Lodge Annapolis (Annapolis, MD), The Farmhouse Gambrills (Gambrills, MD) and Smashing Grapes Kitchen & Wine Bar (Columbia, MD), has emerged as a true Titan of the restaurant industry.
King, a former State Delegate who is still frequently spotted in the halls of the State House advising current elected officials on small business matters, has fostered powerful relationships with key decision makers on both sides of the aisle. As President of the Maryland Restaurant Coalition, King led the successful fight to keep restaurants open during the pandemic, keeping thousands of county residents employed. He works tirelessly advocating for the restaurant industry and small businesses across the state.
Beginning with his work ethic and his unwavering dedication to establishing a culture in which his employees are considered family, his facilities are tended to as castles and his guests are treated like royalty, King has reinvented the team mentality.
King and Titan Hospitality are making long-term investments in the communities that surround his establishments and in the 500 employees that he was able to retain throughout the pandemic, a feat he is most proud of. “Our employees are equally as important as our guests and without them we have no business model. Our customers can feel that mentality when they dine with us and are extremely appreciative of that mindset,” King said.
King’s restaurant empire continues to expand with the development of four new restaurants in the next 18 months. In May he will open a new 8,000 square foot Smashing Grapes Kitchen & Wine Bar in Columbia’s Merriweather District followed by his newest concept The Farmhouse Gambrills which is slated to open in June 2024. King is also in lease negotiations for three more additional restaurants that will be announced in the summer of 2024.
Navigating Titan Hospitality through a pandemic, economic challenges, supply chain hurdles, staffing shortages, and inflationary obstacles, King continues to grow his regional footprint and his reputation as a Titan of the Hospitality industry!
TITAN HOSPITALITY GROUP
The Face of
In today’s digital age, the backbone of any business lies in the strength of its Information Technology infrastructure. From managing day-to-day operations to future growth and innovation, a strong IT framework can make the difference between a business’s success and failure. And that’s where ICSI comes in.
ICSI is a family-owned, Annapolis-based IT consulting firm, better known as a Managed Service Provider or MSP. For businesses without an in-house IT department, ICSI performs those duties.
“We wear many hats,” said Parissa Sedghi, ICSI Vice President of Operations, where she works with her parents and siblings. MSPs like ICSI play a pivotal role in ensuring seamless operations like help desk support, cybersecurity threat protection and protecting
companies from data loss. Through monitoring, maintenance, troubleshooting and advising companies on best products and practices, ICSI allows businesses to focus on their core tasks without IT-related distractions. “Our motto is: We manage your IT. You manage your business,” Sedghi added.
Design Solutions, Inc., led by Joni Zimmerman, has been at the forefront of the Annapolis design community for more than 35 years. Joni, with 45 years’ experience in design and architecture, and Andrea Wheeler, with 16 years in the kitchen and bath field, work both collaboratively and independently to design and help clients create spaces reflecting their own personal style that function well for their lifestyle.
Joni, drawing on experience with psychology and human dynamics, designs in layers, adding detail and interest to create spaces that are timelessly classic yet surprising and refreshing. Unique spatial challenges and redesign are some of her specialties.
Andrea, with training in art and design, brings an unexpected combination of shapes, colors, and textures to create balanced
environments. Both designers are adamant about selectingelements truly reflecting their clients’ preferences, subtly guided by trends yet thoughtfully designed to remain relevant for years. Always on the lookout for unusual materials and clever uses, Joni and Andrea strive to stay ahead of current design directions.
DAVID ORSO REAL ESTATE The Face of
You deserve the best...so hire the best.
If real estate agents charge about the same fee, then why wouldn’t you hire the absolute best to represent you? Similar fee with different client outcomes doesn’t seem fair. The market has shifted, and the stakes have been raised, which make it paramount to hire the professional you deserve—the very best in their field. David Orso is celebrating his 20th year in real estate, which has led to a curated system for maximum client outcomes for both sellers and buyers.
Since 2013, David Orso has been the No. 1 agent in Anne Arundel County for total real estate sales. This unprecedented accomplishment is wholly due to his CEO level marketing and negotiation skills combined with his deep commitment to superior client outcomes. When asked his secret to year-over-year elite performance, he stated, “When my clients win, I win. Always in that order.”
Now is the time to evaluate your potential real estate representation closely and dig deep into their experience in both stable and challenging markets.
You deserve the best...so hire the best.
KIM HOVELL ORIGINAL ART The Face of
As an artist turned entrepreneur, Kim Hovell knows investing in a work of art is a personal experience, so she aims to help her customers choose the piece that fits their home and style, working with her dedicated team from her flagship store on Main Street in Annapolis.
But this native Annapolitan wasn’t always creating art as a business. After receiving an art degree from Virginia Tech, Kim began painting in her spare time, exploring various subject matter and honing her singular style. Her confidence grew thanks to enthusiastic support from her early customers and she realized she could turn her passion into a career. After she opened her first store, she soon expanded into wholesale and home goods.
Kim finds inspiration in subjects close to her heart, infusing her artwork with unique perspective and style, all while focusing on creating “accessibly unique” pieces that will resonate with a broad
audience. Because she prioritizes customer experiences that connect each of her patrons with the right pieces for their personality and tastes, she has grown a loyal base with much repeat business.
This summer, Kim and her team plan to launch a new home collection and showcase it at premier home and gift markets with the hope that this will take the Kim Hovell brand to national prominence. With over 450 stores already carrying her products, the future looks promising, and the opportunity is there to make Kim Hovell a household name.
Unlock the incredible potential of your bond with your furry companion! At A Better Approach Dog Training, we specialize in fostering a unique working relationship between you and your dog. Our seasoned trainers not only teach obedience but also understand and speak your dog’s “love language.” Employing a balanced training method, we focus on nurturing mutual understanding and collaboration, establishing a foundation of trust and clear communication. From fundamental obedience to advanced skills, we’re dedicated to empowering you to become your dog’s best teammate. Discover the joy of a seamless partnership with your pup. Join A Better Approach Dog Training today and embark on a transformative journey towards a fulfilling relationship with your canine friend!
THE ARTS The Face of
Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts was established in 1979 as a public and private partnership with Anne Arundel County Public Schools, transforming the vacated Annapolis High School building into a central hub for the arts. Maryland Hall is the home of four resident companies: Annapolis Opera, Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, Ballet Theatre of Maryland, and Live Arts Maryland. A tremendous resource for greater Annapolis, Maryland Hall manages a renovated concert hall for the performing arts, sponsors an art gallery with changing exhibitions, and offers numerous art classes for all ages. Annapolis Home is a strong advocate for the arts, and we are pleased to present the dedicated leaders who have offices at Maryland Hall and bring enormous artistic energy to our city and beyond. Every one of these organizations deserves our support, most importantly by attending performances. Despite the wealth of resources at our fingertips in the internet age, which we experience primarily in isolation, nothing is as thrilling as attending a live performance or molding a pot out of wet clay.
J. Ernest Green, Artistic Director, Live Arts Maryland
Nicole Kelsch, Artistic Director, Ballet Theatre of Maryland
Jackie Coleman, Executive Director, Maryland Hall
Kathy Swekel, General Director, Annapolis Opera
Ralph W. Kuncl, Chief Executive Officer, Annapolis Symphony Orchestra
The Face of
ECO-LUXE GIFTING
MULAGA
With a highly curated selection of design-driven, eco-conscious goods, Green & Bean saves you the time and effort it takes to find the perfect gift.
Founder Ali Mulaga established Green & Bean with the philosophy that luxurious products and eco-conscious sensibilities can coexist.
From curated gift boxes to cozy, recycled wool blankets, backgammon sets, playing cards, single-origin spices, and essential oil candles — Green & Bean has products from over 50 independent brands that epitomize luxury, uniqueness, ethical production, and sustainability.
After an incredible 13-month pop-up experience in Annapolis, Green & Bean is returning to our flagship store in Bethesda! For
our greater Annapolis clientele — not to worry! Our comprehensive website makes gifting an easy experience from anywhere. All ordered gifts arrive perfectly wrapped in eco-friendly packaging, along with a handwritten note.
From corporate gifting to personal shopping and trinkets to treat yourself, stop by Green & Bean in Bethesda or check us out online the next time you are seeking a unique expression of your appreciation.
RICHARD CURTIS CONCIERGE REAL ESTATE The Face
Richard Curtis, owner of The Curtis Real Estate Company, based in Historic Annapolis, wants you to know exactly what concierge real estate means:
• Agents are empowered to negotiate commissions with their clients
• Fast response times and nimble, flexible client service
• Highly personalized, white glove, luxury service from beginning to the end of the transaction
“Because we don’t conform to a corporate business model or agenda, we make our clients’ wants and needs our highest and only priority,” says Richard. “Excellence, integrity, hard work and having the happiest of clients has always been our guiding philosophy.”
Staging, professional photography, drone photography, and highquality videos are available for each listing. Strong relationships
with mortgage lenders, home inspectors, and settlement agents help facilitatesmooth closings. An army of highly skilled contractors stand ready to help with work before listing, to remediate inspection findings or for post-purchase renovations.
If you are looking for a truly personal real estate experience, call The Curtis Real Estate Company and get the results that always work best for you.
MIKE DESHAIES ELECTRICAL SERVICES The Face of
When Mike Deshaies started his electrical business in 2011, his goals were simple: to personally provide stellar service to all the customers who sought out his business. “I thought I’d do this work myself forever,” said the Crofton business owner, who heads Deshaies Electrical Services with his wife. Skip forward to 2024. Deshaies’ early dreams are far from his current reality. His business, he says, has grown beyond his expectations, which started in residential services, and has since expanded into commercial and marine services with 15 employees. Deshaies attributes the success of his company to his commitment to reliability, timeliness and an ability to attract and hire good people. “You can teach people to be good electricians, but you can’t teach people to be good people,” he jokes. As a testament to Deshaies’s work, the company has earned nearly perfect online reviews and other accolades. One stand-out
letter is from a senior military official, which he has posted on a wall in his office. “Someone of that stature took his time to let us know that we did a good job. That makes me proud,” he adds. “We want out customers to know that we are not out to take their money. Our customers are our business. Without them, we have no business.”
The Face of
MUELLER HOMES LUXURY HANDCRAFTED HOMES
Over the past 30 years, Mueller Homes has developed a unique approach to custom home building that includes a dedicated project management team, full-service interior design, and the finest craftsmen to create the home of your dreams. This seamless integration of services demonstrates why Mueller Homes is at the forefront of innovation when it comes to building luxury homes.
The company now includes three divisions: Mueller Homes for custom home construction, Ella Lee Interiors for design, and Charles Henry Fine Woodworking for custom cabinetry and millwork. With this framework and the use of technology, Mueller Homes provides a more sophisticated approach to the entire custom home building design process. Floor plans, elevations, 3D renderings, and mood boards incorporate custom cabinet drawings and selections for every room of the home—incorporating finishes, fixtures, flooring, textiles, and furnishings for a totally immersive design experience.
“Our focus has always been centered around the client experience. The creation of an immersive design process has not only allowed
us to create a better experience, but one that is visually engaging and collaborative. This really maximizes efficiency, which is a huge benefit all around. Our design team (Ella Lee Interiors) works collaboratively with our cabinet makers (Charles Henry Fine Woodworking) to create and visualize the bespoke elements that make a home uniquely yours,” notes Paul Mueller Jr., president of Mueller Homes.
Mueller Homes leadership team (pictured above) carries out a very methodical approach to custom home building and this innovative team oversees the entire immersive design process.
Mueller Homes expertly handcrafts luxury custom homes for your lifestyle.
MUELLER HOMES
Michael Prokopchak, founder of Walnut Hill Landscape Company, discovered his love of plants when he was a teenager working at a local nursery. Over the years, he developed his knowledge of horticulture and the business of landscaping. In 2005, Mike purchased Walnut Hill farm in Saint Margaret’s. Finally, with space to start his own business, Walnut Hill Landscape Company was born.
Walnut Hill provides exceptional value by delivering unparalleled craftsmanship and service. Through their commitment to teamwork, relationships, professionalism, integrity, a superior image and keen attention to quality and detail, they have thrived while earning numerous national and local awards.
When clients work with Walnut Hill, they will find a wide range of services available to them, whether they need landscaping or hardscaping. They have a dedicated team of licensed landscape architects, designers, project managers and landscape industry-certified crews. Relationships with industry specialists allow them to manage complex projects while ensuring they capture the essence of the client’s desires, bringing their dreams to fruition.
Clients will also find a valuable emphasis on relationships, one where there is a clear communication from the design phase all the way through to installation. Walnut Hill always strives for a final product that reflects personal style and exceeds expectations.
Walnut Hill is a proud member of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), Landscape Contractors Association of MD, VA, D.C.(LCA), National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), American Institute of Architects (AIA) and Annapolis Design District.
The Face of
COASTAL POOLS CUSTOM POOL BUILDERS
As temperatures rise, nothing is better than a dip in a pool. But when it comes to a Coastal Pools’ pool, you don’t just want to dip, you want to luxuriate.
“Whether it’s transforming an outdated pool or designing a brandnew oasis, we take pride in delivering quality workmanship that stands the test of time,” said founder, Brad Hull.
Customers agree, based on a close-to-perfect set of reviews. “Coastal Pools built our pool seven years ago and every year it is the highlight of our summer,” wrote one customer. “They have exceeded our expectations every step of the process, from the initial consultation to the installation and now to the monthly service they provide,” said another customer.
“We prioritize the satisfaction and happiness of our clients,” Hull said of the accolades. “Our transparent communication, attention to detail and dedication to customer service earns us the trust and loyalty of our customers.”
The Face of
If designers Clayton and Jennifer Chavis could have taken a peek into the future, they may not have started Severna Park Kitchen and Bath in January 2020. A pandemic was about to upend businesses around the world. However, with hard work and determination, they thrived.
Today, Severna Park Kitchen and Bath serves clients in Maryland and beyond. The design team, made up of Clayton, Jennifer, Kristy and Stephanie, is passionate about creating beautiful kitchen and bath spaces that reflect their clients’ unique needs and styles. With over 60 years in combined experience, they work hard to create inspirational spaces, and believe that great design begins with connecting with the client.
“We took a leap of faith and haven’t looked back. We have a great group of designers who are like family. Together, we listen to our clients’ wishes. We take our motto seriously: Dream. Design. Deliver.”
RAINEY
Katie Rainey Design is a boutique design and interior architecture firm offering turn-key interiors for waterside living throughout the Chesapeake region.
Katie’s spaces are clean, inspired and allow the beauty of waterfront landscapes to flow seamlessly with the interiors of each home. “My clients are busy professionals and families who seek solace by the water,” says Katie. Her designs offer a respite from busy professional and personal lives.
Katie’s deep partnerships with building industry professionals set her apart. First, she solves spatial and structural flow issues to ensure interiors work the way her clients want them to. Then, she layers on beautiful interior detail, from custom cabinetry and lighting, to furnishings, artwork, and accessories to personalize the space.
Katie guides her clients from the initial planning stages through design selections, construction, and project management. She is with each client, every step of the way.
Katie’s favorite days are turning over the finished project. Nothing is more rewarding than seeing her clients’ faces light up with the realization that a space functions perfectly and reflects their personality completely.
ANN M. COVINGTON WOMEN & WEALTH The Face of
Established in 2012 by Ann M. Covington, CFP®, CPWA®, CovingtonAlsina is an Annapolis-based financial planning firm driven by a mission to empower clients, particularly women, in navigating all facets of their financial journey with a fresh perspective.
At CovingtonAlsina, the priority is always comprehensive financial planning and the various aspects that influence financial well-being beyond just investments, including health insurance, employer benefits, and property insurance. The team takes an approach that centers on understanding clients’ family goals and devising tailored strategies to pursue them, all delivered in a supportive and nonjudgmental manner.
Over the past decade, the firm has evolved to serve a diverse clientele while maintaining a strong focus on supporting women. Leveraging Ann’s knowledge of military and federal retirement systems, the firm provides insightful guidance to clients from various backgrounds.
As CovingtonAlsina continues to grow, its client base has expanded to include single men, married couples, and individuals from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, the firm continuously enhances its services and educational offerings, conducting approximately 40 workshops annually to ensure clients receive the highest level of support and guidance.
Above all, CovingtonAlsina remains committed to empowering individuals to achieve financial stability and success, one personalized strategy at a time.
Advisory services offered through CovingtonAlsina, a Registered Investment Advisor.
LANDMARK ROOFING ROOFING, WINDOWS & SIDING The Face of
Artie Hendricks and Rob Calhan, co-owners of Landmark Roofing, have a long history together. They grew up in Annapolis, graduated from Annapolis High School, were best man at each other’s weddings (both of their wife’s names are Melissa!), and decided to start a business together in 2015.
Now in their ninth year of business, Landmark continues to be a progressive, lean-forward company that focuses on providing the highest-quality roofing, siding, windows, and door products throughout Central Maryland. In addition, Landmark Roofing is also a certified commercial flat-roof contractor and is having great success in the commercial roofing space where they focus on the Thermoplastic Polyolefin process also known as TPO throughout Maryland.
Landmark sets itself apart from other roofing and siding companies in several ways. Landmark’s attention to detail and quality has earned them the highest certification level possible from GAF—the President’s Club Award, which only 2% of roofing contractors in the United States qualify for. Landmark Roofing has also earned the James Hardie Elite Preferred certification, which is based on rigid standards, including quality installations and customer reviews.
Landmark is proud of its residential and commercial certifications and their online reviews, as these are essential for any company to have when you are considering your roofing, siding or commercial roofing needs.
Landmark Roofing has a fundamental business principle to give back to the community. Annually, Landmark continues to provide a free roof for a family in need. Landmark recently has also been a major sponsor for the Anne Arundel County Food Bank’s Feeding Hope event, as well as sponsoring the Wellness House of Annapolis and many others local nonprofits. Hendricks and Calhan are driven to help and support by giving back to their community wherever and whenever they can.
The Face of
HEALTHY HOMES & ENERGY EFFICIENCY MATT HARGROVE
Based in Easton on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Total Home Performance (THP) got its start in 2009 when founder and owner Matt Hargrove, alongside close friends, launched the business from his parents’ garage. Originally conceived to offer energy audits as a process to help homeowners identify ways in which they could save energy while at the same time also making their homes healthier and more comfortable, THP swiftly evolved into a comprehensive home performance contracting company, offering an array of services for the recommendations they were making, while being driven by a collective passion for environmental preservation and a commitment to improving their customers’ homes.
Today, THP stands as a prominent player in the industry, employing 67 individuals and providing a spectrum of services, including energy audits, healthy home assessments, insulation, crawlspace encapsulation, and structural damage repair. Renowned for its excellence, THP has garnered multiple accolades, distinguishing itself for quality, high energy savings, and total production within diverse market segments and low-income housing programs.
But what really sets THP apart is its unwavering dedication to exceeding expectations on every project. With crew members boasting more than 12 years of experience, particularly in crawl spaces and attics, THP offers unmatched expertise. Moreover, the provision of free evaluations and estimates, facilitated by estimators
who were integral in the company’s inception, underscores THP’s commitment to customer satisfaction. With a stellar 4.9-star rating and a strong base of customer referrals, THP has a reputation for reliability, professionalism, and respect for property.
Among THP’s proudest achievements is its sustained growth, marked by the establishment of multiple divisions over the years, ranging from energy audits to HVAC services. As THP continues to expand its offerings, its commitment to excellence and customercentric approach remains unwavering.
As Matt puts it, “In our eyes it’s simple really, Most people have an accountant for their finances, a doctor for their health, and a mechanic for their car. That’s who we are for the home. Our goal is to create a home that improves the occupants health, lowers operating costs, and that operates at peak performance to create a home that is more comfortable to live in, all while preserving the home’s structural integrity.”
After years of friendly competition, Chesapeake Painting Services and Blue Star Paint and Property Services are thrilled to announce that they are merging.
The new company is founded on Blue Star and Chesapeake’s core principals: incredible customer service, the highest quality craftsmanship, clear communication, deep industry expertise, cleanliness, and above all, integrity.
To cement this exciting new chapter, owners Will Sheils and Steve Reilly purchased an expansive complex on Defense Highway to be the future home of the expanded company. The new complex will have dedicated showrooms in multiple buildings for kitchen and bath renovation, plumbing fixtures and electrical and lighting. Here, the craftsmanship and capabilities of this incredible new team will be on full display.
Whether you are renovating your dream home, upgrading an investment property, or redesigning your commercial property, Blue Star and Chesapeake look forward to working with you and turning your vision into an expertly crafted reality.
Richie Petitbon is the owner and president of Petitbon Alarm Company, founded in 1991.
His son Richie Petitbon III, business development specialist, joined the team in 2020 after earning his master’s at Alabama and Illinois.
Petitbon’s principles were founded upon the golden rule, highlighted by no long-term contracts and the most elite service in the industry. The company’s five-star reviews demonstrate commitment to service and excellence.
Every Petitbon team member is a licensed employee who lives in our community. Most have been on staff for over a decade, many for much longer!
The company’s tagline, “Defense—A Family Tradition,” is a nod to Richie’s father, Richie Petitbon Sr., whose name you may recognize as a former NFL player and one of the top defensive football coordinators of his time.
Richie often says, “My dad designed defense for the Redskins, and we design defense for your home and business.”
The Face of
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT
MARK HUMPHRIES
As an independent investment firm, Sentinel Financial Planning provides personalized investment portfolios utilizing stocks, bonds and options. Sentinel’s proprietary process is acquiring investments that appear undervalued, and selling investments when they reach their estimated full value.
Mark Humphries, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, has over a decade of investment management experience, as well as several years assisting employers with understanding their fiduciary responsibilities under federal law. Mark holds an undergraduate degree in Business and a graduate degree in Personal Financial Planning.
Mark and his wife have lived in the Annapolis area since 2012, and both of their children were born here. He has a strong sense of community, a trait he developed while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. Mark volunteers on numerous boards of local organizations,
putting his experience, skills and love for his community to work.
Mark’s overall unique approach to financial planning is simple: he treats clients with respect, he speaks with them candidly and casually to reduce anxiety. “I want clients to fully understand their investments because this eases uncertainties,” Mark said. “I want my clients to know that we are partners and that I am here for them every step of the way.”
The Face of
WATERFRONT BUILDING
DELBERT ADAMS CONSTRUCTION GROUP
Your home is your sanctuary, a place that infuses your life with joy. At Delbert Adams Construction Group, we're committed to building, remodeling, and maintaining the spaces that elevate your experience of living.
BUILD: Every home is unique and should reflect the lifestyle of its owner. Delbert Adams Construction Group crafts custom homes with an unwavering commitment to excellence. Our team brings together the industry's top professionals, renowned for exceptional craftsmanship, outstanding project management, and awardwinning spaces defined by artisanship and quality.
REMODEL: Whether it's a comprehensive remodel, an addition, or a historic renovation, our team is dedicated to creating spaces that reflect your personal style and meet your evolving needs. From lifestyle rooms to kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor living areas, we strive to transform your house into a home you love.
MAINTAIN: Home maintenance can be daunting and timeconsuming. That's where Gold Seal Services comes in. We provide comprehensive interior and exterior services, annual maintenance, routine repairs, and a range of concierge services to keep your home in perfect condition throughout the year.
The team at Delbert Adams Construction Group is excited to work with you to elevate your experience of living!
The Face of
For over 28 years, Architectural Window Supply has been a leading provider of high-quality windows and doors in Annapolis and is a cornerstone of the local architectural landscape. With a commitment to excellence in product and service, Architectural Window Supply has earned a reputation for delivering top-tier solutions tailored to each customer’s unique needs.
Their commitment to exemplary service extends to their stateof-the-art showroom. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in a curated selection of products from leading manufacturers, ranging from classic wooden windows to modern, energy-efficient designs.
Architectural Window Supply’s team combines extensive expertise with a solid commitment to customer service. With deep knowledge of windows and doors, they provide expert guidance
and personalized support to ensure a seamless experience for every client. Their dedication to excellence sets them apart as a trusted partner in the Annapolis architectural community.
Architectural Window Supply stands as a beacon of quality and reliability in Annapolis and beyond for those seeking top-tier windows and doors paired with exceptional service and support.
The Face of
STAHLEY THOMPSON HOMES LUXURY REAL ESTATE
When Jennifer Chino, lead of Stahley Thompson Homes, established her team, she knew exactly what was most important to her—putting clients first. She did not veer towards attaining sheer size or dominating real estate sales figures; instead, she set her sights on crafting an experience that would leave her clients eager to spread the word about her team.
She shares this approach with her fellow team members—Ashley Earle, Angela Hays and Whitney Jerdal—who have a combined 50 years of experience among them.
Drawing from her own journey, Chino understands firsthand the necessity for this client-centered approach, having navigated through seven agents during her own home-buying escapade nearly two decades ago. “I knew there was a need for a different kind of Realtor who listened to and put the client needs first,” she says. “I took that philosophy when I started my team.”
With a knack for discretion and the ability smooth the wrinkles in every transaction, Chino ensures her clients sail through their real
estate journey with minimal surprises, all in the pursuit of creating a seamless experience.
Jennifer puts a generous dose of personal touch into every interaction. From celebrating milestones like a company going public, to sharing the joy of a new baby, and marking birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, and weddings, she takes immense pride in the trust her clients place in her, inviting her to be part of their most cherished moments. It’s a testament to her unwavering commitment and the deep bonds she forms along the way.
NICK KFOURY The Face of HOME AUTOMATION
Nick Kfoury’s journey into cutting edge home technology began in the prestigious Hamptons, where he collaborated with high-profile clients to design and install sophisticated home theatre, automation and security systems.
Today, Maddox Audio Video Design works throughout greater Annapolis, the Eastern Shore, and Metro DC to craft bespoke home technology systems. “Our clients crave functionality, elegance and sophistication,” Nick remarks. “That’s why we prioritize concealed automation and high-fidelity audio/visual components that blend seamlessly with the home’s design.”
Concealed speakers, retractable screens, automated blinds, and artwork-displaying televisions are just a glimpse of the innovative solutions Maddox AV offers. Each project is meticulously tailored to meet clients’ unique preferences, ensuring a whole-home system that seamlessly integrates technology and functionality with the architectural nuances of each home.
Yet, perhaps the most remarkable feature of Maddox’s offerings is the seamless integration provided by their SMART home automation systems. Through a single tablet, smartphone interface or voice control clients gain complete control over every aspect of their home environment, from lighting and temperature to security and entertainment.
In a world where technology often feels impersonal, Maddox AV stands as a beacon of personalized innovation. With Nick Kfoury at the helm, the company continues to redefine smart living, one home at a time.
MMG TILE + STONE NATURAL STONE & PORCELAIN The Face of
“Our business is about relationships,” says Bobby Efthimiadis, President of MMG Tile & Stone.
Over the past 30 years, MMG has built relationships with quarries, manufacturers, and factories all over the world. MMG utilizes these connections to import the highest quality natural stone slabs, tile, mosaics, porcelain tile, and exterior paving solutions.
MMG recently moved to a new state of the art 20,000 square foot tile showroom, slab gallery and distribution facility, allowing the company to stock a wider variety of materials to better serve its client base.
Their extensive inventory enables MMG to serve custom builders, residential and commercial developers, architects, interior designers, homeowners and their dealer network of fabricators and tile showrooms nationwide.
MMG currently works with many of the top interior designers and architects around North America for both residential and
commercial projects. A recent notable project includes Imperfecto restaurant in the West End of Washington DC, which received acclaim in Architectural Digest and a Michelin star.
MMG values being able to work with suppliers all over the world to bring exceptional materials back to the community. “Our deep relationships let us provide products that dramatically enhance our client’s spaces, and in turn, increase the quality of their lives,” says Bobby.
Grassroots
CHARITIES
BY CHRISTINE FILLATLife is complicated. Hopelessness may seem overwhelming to some. Thankfully, there are people out there willing to help. Whether confronting homelessness, the challenges of parenting an autistic child, social anxiety, cancer, hunger, or suicide prevention for veterans, the charitable organizations in the following short selection may not be as well-known as others, but they are equally valuable.
1. Community Food Pantry, Royal Oak Community, United Methodist Church
Founded in the 18th century, Royal Oak remains a small country church. During COVID, it started a food pantry funded solely by donations to help the community. “This started as a metal cabinet on the porch and grew to become a full independent room with outside door access. The pantry was the only pantry in the county open 24 hours a day,” explains Talbot County resident and kitchen designer Joni Zimmerman. “Come as your need prevails and take what you need. It continues today and now goes through almost $2,000 per month for food,” she notes. Located inside the church, the Free Food Pantry is open 24/7. For more information, contact Tonya Hammon at tric@atlanticbb.net
2. Talbot Interfaith Shelter, Easton, Maryland
The Talbot Interfaith Shelter (TIS) is a resource for homeless individuals and families. Housed in two beautiful, established Easton homes, TIS provides a safe, stable place to live. The staff helps residents to evaluate their lives, learn how to manage money, and obtain a decent workforce job. With independent living as the ultimate goal, they continue to support them as they move from the shelter to transitional apartments and then to self-sufficiency. “We want to make sure that everyone is treated with dignity and respect and they feel at home while they’re here,” states executive director Julie Lowe. Visit talbotinterfaithshelter.org for more information on how you can help TIS.
3. Bowen Foundation
The Bowen Foundation honors the life of Bowen Levy, who was born with autism. Confronted with the expenses of caring for their autistic child, Bowen’s parents, Bryan and Tanya Levy, set up a foundation in 2007, when Bowen was five years old, to assist other families of autistic children financially. Just shy of his 18th birthday in 2019, Bowen died in a tragic accident. The Foundation says: “While we cannot bring Bowen back, we can and will stand steadfast in our commitment to support families with children like him through advocacy, education, and awarding of grant funds.” The Bowen Foundation is partnered with The Arc of the Central Chesapeake. Info: bowenfoundation.org
4. Valhalla Sailing Project
The Valhalla Sailing Project was created by veterans Michael Wood and Jay McGinnis in 2016 to help veterans regain a sense of purpose through competitive sailing. By offering free introductory clinics to veterans, the project gives them a chance to see if sailing is their sport. Participants learn by doing: after learning how to
sail, they can go on to race Wednesday and Thursday nights and take part in weekend regattas. Close to 800 veterans have gone through the program. “Outdoor related activities have a protective factor against suicidality. We know that this generation of veterans gravitates toward outdoor activity especially when engaged with other veterans,” states McGinnis. McGinnis himself credits sailing with saving his life. Valhalla Sailing Project works closely with Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. valhallasailing.org
5. Positive Strides Therapeutic Riding Center
Positive Strides Therapeutic Riding Center in Preston, Maryland has been fostering relationships between horses and humans since 1981. The riding center offers afterschool programs, therapeutic riding, health and mental wellness programs, and sessions for leadership groups. In their current spring riding session, they accommodate 30 riders a week. “Our horses are the most amazing therapists ever. They know what the riders need. They act accordingly. The horses are rock steady,” states Executive Director Kim Thomas. | Kim Thomas, Executive Director, Ashley Hopkins, Equine Manager: 443.239.4953, positivestridescenter.org
6. Katherine’s Light Foundation
Katherine’s Light Foundation was founded in memory of Katherine Mueller, who suffered from neuroendocrine cancer. Established by Robin and Larry Sells, Katherine’s mother and stepfather, the foundation is hosting a music festival on June 15 at the Severna Park Taphouse. Tickets are $25. Funds from Katherine’s Light Foundation (KLF) go to cancer research and assisting those with cancer. This year, KLF has established the Katherine Mueller Nursing Scholarship for the Anne Arundel Community College School of Nursing, and has also donated funds to the Baltimore Washington Medical Center Foundation for the Patient Care and Comfort Fund. Info: katherineslight.org
7. The Warrior Project
The Warrior Project is a support network for veterans to become established in entrepreneurship. Suicide prevention is the Project’s main objective. “When veterans come home, they are lost,” says founder Susan Frickey. Through workshops and one-on-one consulting, the Warrior Project helps veterans find their niche. For tactical questions, business plan development, and accounting considerations, contact Susan Frickey at sfsmllbiz@aol.com or 208.376.3143, warriorproject.org.
Great Escape WYETH COUNTRY
By Robert HaywoodThe artist Andrew Wyeth painted a local place and, in turn, significantly defined the place itself. In the mid-twentieth century, Wyeth lived and worked for much of his life in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, in the picturesque valley known as Brandywine country. The people, architecture, and landscape of the region are the subject matter of a large body of his work. (The other place he lived and worked was in Maine.) His humble studio in Chadds Ford is now open to visitors, along with his father’s, the famous illustrator of the early 20th century, N.C. Wyeth. Over the course of his life, the younger Wyeth painted hundreds of pictures that evoke—but do not copy—the everyday world around him. This world may be a tree stump or a barn, but whatever the subject, Wyeth was a remarkably skilled and observant painter who could turn an ordinary window into a haunting scene that tells a story about the passing of time and light. These are among the reasons Wyeth is a central figure in American art history.
Wyeth is most known for his large tempera paintings, such as Christina’s World (Museum of Modern Art, 1940), but his drawings and watercolors are remarkable. In fact, along with Winslow Homer and a handful of others, Wyeth is among the brilliant watercolorists in modern art.
Take a short road trip from the Annapolis area and view this talent on full display at the Brandywine Museum of Art, which is hosting an exhibition of Wyeth’s botanical drawings and paintings titled “Every Leaf & Twig: Andrew Wyeth’s Botanical Imagination.” The show runs through September 15, 2024. The museum hosts another show by his son, Jamie Wyeth, although the father is the superior artist. As evident in the botanicals watercolor show, Andrew Wyeth’s brushstrokes are delicate. In some paintings, they convey an astonishing lyricism; in others, a piercing agony. To deepen your experience, tour both his studio and his father’s.
Break for lunch at the lovely Terrain Nursery and Café and finish up your day touring one of the many local wineries. Or, if you are a history buff, check out the Brandywine Battlefield historic site. Fought on September 11, 1777, during the American Revolution, this was the battle where George Washington’s troops fell to the British, who went on to capture the nearby rebel capital of Philadelphia, which they held for nine months until their defeat in 1778.
©
Unframed: 19 ½ x 29 ½ in.
Collection of the Wyeth Foundation for American Art
© 2024 Wyeth Foundation for American Art/Artists Rights Society (ARS) New York
ART & HISTORY
Brandywine Battlefield www.brandywinebattlefield.org
Brandywine Conservancy and Museum of Art www.brandywine.org
Andrew Wyeth Studio www.brandywine.org/museum/historic-artistsstudios/andrew-wyeth-studio
N.C. Wyeth Studio www.brandywine.org/museum/historic-artistsstudios/nc-wyeth-house-studio
SELECT WINERIES
Chaddsford Winery www.chaddsford.com
Penns Woods Winery www.pennswoodswinery.com
GARDENS & CAFÉS
Chanticleer Garden www.chanticleergarden.org
Longwood Gardens www.longwoodgardens.org
Terrain Nursery, Garden Shop and Café www.shopterrain.com
ARCHITECTURE
HD Squared Architects
Jonathan Rivera Architecture
Wiedemann Architects
AESTHETICS & PLASTIC SURGERY
Annapolis Aesthetics
Charm City Plastic Surgery
ProMD Health
CONTRACTORS
Delbert Adams
Construction Group
Lynbrook of Annapolis
Mueller Homes
Younger Construction
INTERIOR & KITCHEN DESIGN
Design Solutions, Inc.
Details and Design
Katie Rainey Design
Kitchen Encounters
Seriously Sari Interiors
Severna Park Kitchen & Bath
Stuart Kitchens
LEGAL, FINANCIAL, AND INSURANCE
CovingtonAlsina
ANNAPOLIS
The Jaklitsch Law Group
Scarborough Capital Management
Sentinel Financial Planning
DINING & HOSPITALITY
Harper’s Waterfront
Titan Hospitality Group
REAL ESTATE
Brad Kappel
TTR | Sotheby’s International Realty
David Orso
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
The Curtis Real Estate Company
Engel & Völkers Annapolis
Reid Buckley’s Mr. Waterfront Team
Long & Foster Real Estate
Stahley Thompson Homes
Monument Sotheby’s International Realty
84 Lumber
ADU - Your Appliance Source
Annapolis Carpet & Flooring America
Architectural Window Supply
Atlas Stone Fabricators
Atlas Marble & Tile
Blinds to Go Annapolis
Blue Star Paint and Property Services
Chesapeake Painting Services
Deshaies Electrical Services
Landmark Roofing
Maddox Audio Video Design
MMG Marble + Tile
Petitbon Alarm Company
Total Home Performance
LANDSCAPE & OUTDOOR LIVING
Coastal Pools
Himmel’s Landscape and Garden Center
McHale Landscape Design
Walnut Hill Landscape Company
ART & GIFTS
Green & Bean Boutique
Kim Hovell Fine Art
Maryland Hall
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
A Better Approach to Dog Training
ICSI, International Computer Services, Inc.
At Engel & Völkers, we aren’t real estate agents; we are advisors. Our brand and culture are collaborative and committed to providing white-glove service to all clients. We believe luxury is an experience, not a price point.
We opened Engel & Völkers Annapolis five years ago. From our iconic building on West Street, our group now owns and operates the Engel & Völkers shops in Washington, DC, and Ocean City as well, allowing our advisors to service the entire DMV, Chesapeake region, Eastern Shore, and the Delmarva beaches.
We are highly selective about whom we choose to represent our brand. Our advisors are extraordinary people committed to providing precise knowledge and distinguished care.
For a truly exceptional real estate experience in greater Annapolis and beyond, contact Engel & Völkers today.
YO U ALWAYS K NOW A S TUA RT K ITC H E N .
SINCE 1955, WE’VE BEEN FIRST CHOICE FOR THE BEST KITCHEN IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD COME VISIT OUR SHOWROOMS EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR THE ROOM YOU’LL LOVE THE MOST IS HERE IN ONE PLACE AND, YOU’LL UNDERSTAND WHY SO MANY PEOPLE SAY, “NOTHING ADDS MORE VALUE TO YOUR HOME ”