kansas city homes & style may 2015

MA Y 2 015

K R I S T I N M A L F E R & A S S O C I A T E S816-536-0545

www.KristinMalfer.com

$110 million in sales in 2014

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KCH&S May 2015 | 9

CONTENTS

ABOUT THE COVER...Scoring in style and design, Matt Besler ofSporting KC invites us over to his turf.

PHOTO BY GARY ROHMAN

PHOTO BY MATT KOCOUREK

2015

1120 West 149th StreetOlathe, Kansas 66061

913.768.0068kcmillwork.com

KANSAS CITYMILLWORK

style of garage that would make my husband envious. Wrapped in

maple slatwall and stainless steel cabinets, organization reigned

with every tool and toy in its place. But my excitement was saved

for what was parked in the far bay, a 2005 Lotus Elise. Seeing my

face light up, an offer was extended to jump in, which I couldnt resist.

Also inside these pages youll find the gear you need to transform

your garage and some great eye frames you can show off as youre

tooling around town with the windows down. While you and your

garage look great, well make sure your house has its best foot

forward too. Curb appeal tips, amazing front doors, gardens and

porches have also made their way into this issue.

And meet Trish Reed, owner of Ten Talents Art. Shes the cause

of my fetish for hand painted wine glasses and the wonder woman

who creates these glasses for Stems: a garden soire.

Happy reading!

What a treat this issue has been! Full of welcoming places for

family and friends, I have had the opportunity to meet some very

special people who make Kansas City their home.

An invitation came to visit Matt Beslers home, captain of

Sporting Kansas City. The exuberance coming off of Matt and

his wife Amanda can be felt and seen throughout their home.

Contrary to the notion that their home might be filled to the brim

with soccer paraphernalia, this adorable couple has spent many a

weekend perusing shops in the West Bottoms, finding pieces that

add unique charm to their newlywed home.

Living with a family of gearheads, I was excited to see the two

garages we are featuring this month. Walking into the first garage,

I was swept into an American Pickers show. Signs, gadgets, and

tools that would make Mike and Frank envious surrounded the

garage, showcased on specially built shelving accessible by rolling

ladders. Home to wood working, antique treasures and a place to

relax, this is truly a man cave dream come true.

Motoring over to the next garage, anticipation built as I knew

what was inside. As the garage doors lifted, I was greeted with the

PUBLISHERS MESSAGE

KCH&S May 2015 | 11

B Y R E N E E D EMO T T

CHECK OUT KANSAS CITY TECHMAGProviding you and your business the latest in design, technology, hosting & more!

S E E P A G E 6 7{ {PHOTO BY M

ATT KOCOUREK

12 | KCH&S May 2015

Debbie SnitzSENIOR ACCOUNT [email protected]

Contributing WritersAnn E. Butenas | Jeanie Erwin | Gloria Gale

Rachael Hedgcoth | Tamara Tyree | Merritt Whitley

Contributing PhotographersMatt Kocourek | Gary Rohman | Josh Watts

homesandstylekc.com

Rene DemottPUBLISHER

[email protected]

Brenda MitchellASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER

[email protected]

Editorial, Sales and Back Issue Offices 4901 W. 136th Street, Leawood, Kansas66224. 913-827-4111, Fax 913-387-2020, [email protected]

Although every precaution is taken to ensure accuracy of published materials, KCH&Scannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors,and no recommendation regarding the quality of goods and/or service is implied.All contents of this magazine are copyrighted by Content Media, Inc. No part ofthis publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted inany form or by any means, electronically, mechanically, photocopying, recordingor otherwise, without the prior consent of the President of Content Media, Inc.7381 W. 133rd Street #200, Overland Park, Kansas 66213. Phone: 913-956-6605,Fax: 913-956-6603, [email protected]

Britton MillerSALES MANAGER

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Darin BensonART DIRECTOR

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Brett MillerEDITOR

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FIND US ON

KANSASCITYHOMESANDSTYLE KANSASCITYHOMES&STYLE KCHOMESSTYLEKCHSMAG

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e hear it time and time again: Content is king. At REAL Trends, we say that phraseshould be Local content is king. How can agents, brokers, and region offices

leverage the power of local expertise and knowledge in order to be the local expert?RE/MAX Mid-States & Dixie region has figured out a way.They use real.leads Agent Insights to showcase the company and its agents as the local

experts on real estate. They use their knowledge of the area and allow their agents tooffer insights to local sources and upload videos, photos, as well as information on placesof interest.

They have some of the most productive agents in the business, and they are leveragingthe ability to allow their 3,000+ agents to be the feet on the street local content creators whowill give valuable insights into areas in which consumers may be looking. Imagine what kind

of SEO monster this can be for long-tail searches.

Long-tail searches rely onkeywords that are less popularbecause they have fewercompetitors and rank lower. Forexample, a long tail keywordwould be homes with pools in theHighlands Ranch neighborhood,while a regular keyword is,Highlands Ranch homes.

Consider this: Consumerswho go beyond the basickeywords and search points ofinterest and areas in the regionusing long tail keywords willfind RE/MAX Mid-States& Dixie agents in theirsearches. Consumers canthen go to a specific agentand see how many insightsthat agent has contributed

(through the real.leads community)and directly link to the agents website from that result.

You can rest assured that the agent Insights are valid as agents have to verify their identityand affiliation with RE/MAX prior to having access to the contributing community. Also, allof the comments are filtered through the team at real.leads.

This is a unique approach to allowing agents, brokers, regional offices to collaborate fora valuable SEO end result.

Kansas & MissouriHomes and Real Estate

At Your Fingertips

RE /MAX HA S YOU C OVERED

www.remaxkc.com

RE/MAX MID-STATES& DIXIE REGION

2860 NE Kendallwood Parkway, Gladstone, MO 64119

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WRITTEN BY CADE MADISON, REAL TRENDS TECHNOLOGY STRATEGIST

S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T

W

14 | KCH&S May 2015

KCs premier painting company you can trustfor beautiful & professional projects.

Complete Interior Painting Cabinetry/Woodwork Refinishing & Restoration Faux Painting & Specialized Staining Exterior Painting & DecksNEW CONSTRUCTION RESIDENTIAL REMODEL COMMERCIAL

Contact John Ortela or Pedro Ortela for a Free Estimate | 913-269-9302 | [email protected]

Doors: Jeld-Wen | Plants, Flowers & Blue Planters: Suburban Lawn & GardenBrick Pavers: Acme Brick, Tile and Stone | Windows: PellaConcrete Steps/Patio: Paul Dusselier Basement Co.Glass Block: Weck (Regent style), Acme Brick, Tile and StoneCedar Siding: Schutte Lumber | Cedar Stain: Sikkens Cetol SRD in Natural, Home Depot

KCH&S May 2015 | 15

WELCOME

C O M M U N I T Y

H O M E O W N E R S

Oakmont Estates

Patricia & Gunnard Nelson

R E S O U R C E S

KCH&S had an opportunity to visit withChristina George co-owner of Collective Design Studio,

a full-service design studio specializing inresidential and commercial projects.

16 | KCH&S May 2015

TRADE SECRETSS T O R Y B Y J E A N I E E R W I N

KCHS:

CHRISTINA: Ask yourself some simple questions. 1. What am I

trying to accomplish? 2. Do I need a touch up or an extreme

makeover? 3. What will give me the most bang for the buck?

4. What am I seeing in new homes in my area? Asking these

types of questions will help guide you in setting a budget and

determining the most impactful things you can do.

KCHS:

CHRISTINA: Adding curb appeal to you home doesn't have to

break the bank. Paint is one of the easiest ways to make a big

impact to your home. Make a statement with a colorful front

door, good contrasting trim or by adding shutters. Removing old

overgrown overcrowded landscaping and replacing it with new will

have an immediate impact on your homes appearance.

KCHS:

CHRISTINA: Lighting. Make sure that your outside lights are up to

date. Having lights that are too small for the house is a common

mistake. Strategically placed landscape lighting can highlight your

homes best features.

KCHS:

CHRISTINA: Drive around your area and make notes of what you

like and dislike. 2. Purchase magazines and or consultant online

resources like Pinterest or Houzz. 3. Interior designers or landscape

designers can provide ideas, inspiration and knowledge.

KCHS:

CHRISTINA: My checklist in priority would be fixing the highest

visibility areas first. 1. Painting 2. Landscaping 3. Lighting

4. External hardware does everything match and does it fit

the style of your home? 5. Structural do you need to make

some larger investments like garage doors or driveways?

KCHS::

CHRISTINA: Picking the correct paint scheme. You may love

purple but choosing to paint your home that color may not be the

best choice. Consider paint colors that have broad appeal. Trim

and garage door can make a large impact on your home. When

picking a trim color avoid colors that are too similar to your base

color. You want a nice, but not too stark, contrast.

KCH&S May 2015 | 17

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13095 South Mur-Len RoadOlathe, KS 66062

Bus: [email protected]

Jason S. Parker, Agent13095 South Mur-Len Road

Olathe, KS 66062Bus: 913-764-0555

[email protected]

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816.756.3030WWW.ABCUTLERY.COM

[email protected]

THE DIFFERENCE

DetailsDetailsIS IN THE

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INSIDE OUT

20 | KCH&S May 2015

STUNNINGFront doors that make

a statement and complementthe character of your home.

Invitation

efficient doors on the market. You can easily customize your door

to perfectly match your home's architectural style. Finishes of

distressed antique custom doors, deep mahogany-varnished and

naturally tinted oak doors are trending high. Muted earth tones in

charcoal gray and chocolate brown are being used on door frames

or for trim work to add accent. Bright pops of color against neutral

are becoming more common. Bright yellow is a big trend for front

doors, as well as kelly greens and oranges.

Including glass in your door allows for the natural sunlight to filter

or flood into your home, depending on the style chosen. Textured

glass lends to added privacy, as does sandblasted glass and

stained glass. Clear glass looks stylish, but offers little privacy. To

help protect against that stray neighborhood baseball, you might

consider using toughened glass as it is treated to be more resistant.

Ready to hang your door? Be sure to take cost and performance

in consideration. Then comes the hard part style and color.

Have fun, be daring or be conservative just make sure its a

reflection of your unique style preference.

f you think doors are all about function and less about fashion,

think again. Front doors add a refreshing look to your homes

exterior, impacting your curb appeal and adding character to

your home. With todays hot door trends, this is not the time to

settle for just another door.

From the natural look to bright hues, make sure your front door

has sizzle. While everyone seems to have an opinion about the

best color and style for a front door, the choice is ultimately yours.

Your front door should blend with your exterior style, reflect your

personality and make a statement about your house.

Height and width seem to be another hot trend for entry doors.

Homeowners are choosing eight-foot doors as ceiling height

has trended in a similar direction. Tall doors add an immediate

dramatic effect to any home and creates an illusion of increased

interior space.

With its design flexibility and ability to mimic natural wood,

fiberglass doors are quickly rising to the top as the door of choice.

With its high insulation properties, it is one of the most energy-

KCH&S May 2015 | 21P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y O F K C M I L L W O R K / T H E R M A - T R U D O O R S

I

22 | KCH&S May 2015

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24 | KCH&S May 2015

ASPECTS

Garagesare now touting Look at me!The era has arrived this is the room to be in.Whether as a workshop, man cave or aclean lined space to park your car,the days are gone of the plain jane garage.

teve Olson of Leawood has the kind of garage in which he can

simultaneously lose himself and find himself. This is the space that

invites him to roll up his sleeves and fully immerse himself in whatever

hobbies intoxicate his spirit.

When general contractor Jay Brooks of Built By Leisure began this

job for Olson, he knew it would be born of a unique vision. This is not just

a man cave; it is a 1,350 square foot space that fully caters to Olsons love

of antiques.

Steve had been dreaming of having a space to do his antique work for

years, said Brooks. He has a passion for buying and selling antiques and

needed a place in which to keep and display all of his things.

Brooks and his team created this two-car garage space that sits

contiguous to the existing three-car garage that originally came with the

home. Carriage style cedar garage doors give way to an antique lovers

dream within. (Think: American Pickers meets Pawn Stars but with a fun

pop of local personality!)

I enjoyed the whole process of taking a vision and turning it into a

reality, conveyed Brooks. Steve would find interesting pieces, such as

old barn wood and tin, and tell us to make it work, appealing to his taste

for the rustic look.

Besides the obvious collection of all things antique, this man cave is home

to a cornucopia of goodies and perks that are as unique as the products

Steve fashions out of his antique treasures. (An entrepreneur at heart, one

of his businesses is Uniquities, which operates out of the Mission Road

Antique Mall.)

The stained concrete floor is durable and low maintenance. Surround

sound stereo allows Steve to pipe in whatever music he desires to nurture

his creative side. The stairs, counter and end tables are crafted from old

bowling alley sections. There is a custom-built vacuum system that easily

allows him to clean up any mess, and sleeves for tubing run to the basement

where an air compressor sits out of sight and out of earshot. Steve did not

want any cords or air hoses on the floor. They had to come from overhead.

KCH&S May 2015 | 25

PLEASE TURN THE PAGE

story byAnn Butenas photos byMatt Kocourek

26 | KCH&S May 2015

I wanted this to look like a living room when it was done, he said.

The garage is also wired for a future generator. A host of outlets are

always within reach, even in the ceiling, and ample lighting abounds, some

of which is encased in chicken feeders! Steve also has an indoor golf range

with laser screen.

Not to be overlooked is the elevator, which takes Steve down to the lower

walkout 1,350 square foot basement level used for storage.

I bought that off Craigslist, he smiled. We trimmed it out with rusty trim.

A sink stands next to the elevator and hot and cold spigots are in the

basement so he can fill up his mop bucket.

The ample 15-foot ceiling allows for those special projects.

I may work on a boat from time to time, Steve noted. The scissor truss

vaulted ceiling allows for this and I can put something on a lift when needed.

And when he is done with his work for the day, Steve can relax on the

couch and watch a bit of TV with his wife Carrie before the next wave of

inspiration hits.

My mind is always going, he laughed.

KCH&S May 2015 | 27

contractor: Built By Leisure

electrical: Teague Electric

plumbing: Action Plumbing Inc.

foundation: Paul Dusselier Basement Company

flatwork: Downey Construction

concrete Staining: Insideout Concrete Creations

garage doors: Clopay / Builders Overhead Door

stucco: Stucco Inspection & Repair


aving a garage built with his list of must haves has always been

on David Stewarts to do list. However, over the years those

must haves always found a way to get pushed further down the list as

other priorities in life took precedence.

But by September 2014, the timing was right and Stewart turned his

dream into reality at his Leawood home. And it was not something into

which he impulsively jumped.

Upon first entering the garage, if you sense the true essence of a

man cave, then please dont waver from that initial conclusion. With

so much to offer in terms of form, function and overall appeal, this

garage excites the senses with its unique vibe and perfect flow. It has

at last written all over it for Stewart.

In fact, it can be a challenge to figure out where to focus your attention

initially, but we can say that the 2005 Lotus Elise sports car does catch

your eye, and Stewart will tell you it definitely captured his heart.

I was on the waiting list for two years, he noted. It is the purest

sports car available.

And such a car deserves edgy yet sophisticated surroundings, as

evidenced by the exquisite granite garage flooring, the stainless steel

cabinetry, strategically placed artwork, and commercial slatwall.

There are 34 four by eight maple panels that make up the walls,

wrapping all the way around, said Stewart. These walls were placed over

the existing drywall which provides extra thermal and sound insulation.

Unique to the walls is the ability to place hooks anywhere on them to

story byAnn Butenas photos byMatt Kocourek

28 | KCH&S May 2015

With that extra space for his 12 ceiling, Stewart has the ability

to eventually install a lift in his garage to store an additional vehicle.

All wires are hidden from sight in this garage and Stewart can

control just about anything from the palm of his hand.

From my iPhone I can control the garage doors, the lights, the

sound system, the alarm system and I can even run the sprinklers,

he noted. All of this certainly begs the obvious question, Do you

ever go inside the house?

I dont have cable television in my garage, he laughed. So I

have to go inside at some point!

KCH&S May 2015 | 29

accommodate anything from garden tools to sports equipment to

artwork. They truly are multi-purpose walls.

Among the other goodies in this coveted space include spacious

cabinets that rest over the recycle bins; a compressor under the

work bench with in-wall plumbing; a refrigerator under the

workbench; a staircase in the back of the garage that leads to full

storage underneath and a high-lift garage door system that is the

envy of the neighborhood.

flooring: Granite Garage Floors high-lift garage door system: Radio Controlled Garage Doors under car plastic tiling: RaceDeck

slatwall sheets, chrome hangers/accessories: KC Store Fixtures aluminum corner trim: REW high velocity fan:Monte Carlo

maple cove and edge molding: Schutte Lumber akurum cabinets with stainless steel doors: IKEA automation system: LightCore Systems

speakers: Klipsch audio system controller: Home Theatre Direct Lync decora nickel finish switches and outlets: Home Depot

30 | KCH&S May 2015

ELEMENTSS T O R Y B Y M E G A N F E L L I N G

Taking over as one of the most popular areas tobecome stylish and well-designed, garages arehaving their day in the sun. Gone is the clutter andun-organization as todays garages are sleek andshiny with a place for everything.

Its easy to turn your garage into the space of yourdreams. Weve picked a few must haves that will getyou well on your way to creating a space you and yourcar will love.

GEAR

Enhance the character of your home with these eye catching carriage

house doors. Customizable by design, color, windows and hardware,

these

look like wood whilehaving the performance of insulated steel.

Garage

Perfect to sit on while at the work bench, this comfy

is designed for comfort,performance, and racing style. Equipped with a race shift knob that

allows you to shift your height settings, and a race suspension

spring with a steering wheel foot rest. With a chair like this,

you will stay planted into the seat no matter what

youre doing.

Let the outside in and keep the bugs

out with a foryour garage! Fully spring loaded to

make opening and closing quick

and easy, these screen doors feature

a fully retractable passage door

making it a breeze to go in and out.

These options willmake your kitchen jealous! With garage

systems that are 100% customizable, tools

and toys can be organized using wall rail

organizers or hidden behind cabinets to

maintain a clean and consistent look. Turn

your cluttered areas into functional, classy

spaces giving you more time to tinker with

your toys.

KCH&S May 2015 | 31

The draw of collecting

license plates continues

with this ! ! ! !. Made in the USA using heavygauge American steel and coating for a durable and long

lasting finish, this sign is drilled and riveted for easy hanging.

Providing a place for everything, ! provides the flexibility to design your garage space effectivelyand efficiently. These garage shelves are custom built to fit your garage and storage needs. The hook and bar

system is easily modified and rearranged as your storage needs change over time. Spend less time searching,

and more time doing.

Power up when the power is out! Equipped with a battery

backup, theres no worry of getting drenched in the

downpour with the ! ! . MyQ Technology provides monitoring andcontrol of your opener and houselights with

your smartphone, tablet or computer as well as

notification status of your garage door and lights.

Never again worry if you shut your garage door as

you heading out of town on vacation.

Give your hot rod its own

parking space marked by

this ! !

! ! ! .The edges are rounded

for extra rigidity and the

corners are drilled and

riveted for easy hanging.

KCH&S May 2015 | 33

ven though he may have an impressive following on the professional soccer field, Matt Besler,

Captain of Sporting KC, our hometowns winning soccer club, could potentially enjoy a cult

following of sorts on Pinterest.

While touring the Besler home, Amanda is quick to point out that Matt has had his hand at bringing

a bit of personality to its ambiance.

He made that, she noted, proudly pointing to a rugged tea light candleholder hanging on a wall

on the main level of their Cape Cod home in the heart of Prairie Village.

Matt offered his boyish grin upon realizing his inner design artist had been revealed, but there is far

more to this young man than meets the eye, and upon getting to know him and Amanda a bit more,

it becomes evident this newlywed couple is truly a winning team in and of itself.

Matt and Amanda became friends while in high school, but parted ways during college. Matt, a

graduate of Blue Valley West High School, attended the University of Notre Dame on a soccer

scholarship while pursuing a pre-med degree, and Amanda, a graduate of Olathe East High School,

studied business and marketing at the University of Kansas while also participating on the track and

cross country teams. They reconnected after college, and the rest is history.

After their December 14, 2013 wedding, they did not have to look far to find the right home in a

relaxing, tree-lined neighborhood that spoke to both of them.

This is a perfect place for us as newlyweds, explained Amanda. It is close to the Plaza yet still

has that suburban feel with a wonderful school district.

This newly remodeled home, originally built in 1945, is clearly living up to the couples expectations.

This is a great starter home, offered Matt. Prairie Village is known for houses like this one and

we feel this is a very safe and nice area. These homes have a lot of character to them, too.

Matt then points to the large picture window in the front room. That is one of my favorite parts of

this house, he smiled.

34 | KCH&S May 2015


AWINNING

TEAMSporting KCs Matt Beslerand wife Amanda scored the perfecthome to begin their life journeytogether on and off the field.

STORY BY Ann E. Butenas PHOTOS BY Gary Rohman

E

KCH&S May 2015 | 35

36 | KCH&S May 2015

around the dining room table to an old window that rests on its

side on a dresser in the master bedroom, wherein each pane is

home to a single photo.

Matt has added his personal touch in the downstairs bathroom,

where one of the walls is adorned with rustic wooden panels,

bringing warmth to the space without darkening it.

The open living area leads directly into the dining room, which is

situated across from an updated kitchen and connected to a

sunken sunroom, accented by tile flooring and large windows. A

door leading from the sunroom to the outdoors leads to a part of

the home that has always caught Matts attention: the backyard.

My dad and I did all of the landscaping back here, he noted.

I enjoy doing this kind of work.

The backyard is home to a spacious deck with ample furniture

and a fire pit as its central focus. Pavers line a small path

connecting the deck to the side of the house. Resting next to the

outside wall of that side of the house is a large antique wheel.

Matt loves wagon wheels, said Amanda. We found this one

at an antique store in the West Bottoms.

KCH&S May 2015 | 37

Upon first crossing the threshold into their four bedroom, two

bathroom abode, the open floor plan affords it a very spacious

appeal, which is perfect for when they entertain friends and family.

The interior of the home enjoys clean lines and inviting colors,

such as a subtle olive tone in the sun room complemented by a

bluish grey wash on most other walls that dont overwhelm.

Hardwood floors present throughout, with the occasional area

rug perfectly placed for balance and flow. The whimsical, eclectic

appeal of various dcor items gives the place a fun punch

of personality.

While their home is truly reflective of what means the most to

them in life family and friends, as evidenced by a myriad of

framed photos throughout the home it also boasts their own

unique and collective styles.

This place definitely has her touch, stated Matt, appearing to

give Amanda all of the credit for its photo-worthy appeal.

Without missing a beat, Amanda jokes, And I talk him into

things! We like to go down to the West Bottoms and pick out

various home decor items.

These items can be found all over the home, from vintage chairs PLEASE TURN THE PAGE

Matt indicated that his Grandma Julie had a wheel like

this one in her yard while he was growing up, and he enjoys

the comforting familiarity it brings him.

An established pear tree stands towards the back of the

yard, and the neatly manicured lawn is the perfect play place

for Gipper, the Beslers canine companion Matt rescued

several years ago. Gippers moniker is a nod to legendary

Notre Dame football coach, Knute Rockne, who famously

declared, Lets win one for the Gipper.

Circling back inside, Gipper was eager to show off her

room, which is the front downstairs bedroom.

She keeps watch by looking out the window here from

the bed, laughed Matt.

Across the hall is another bedroom, which the Beslers

have transformed into a home office. This is where Matt

tends to the administrative sides of his job and where

Amanda enjoys working from home for Charlie Hustle, a

vintage t-shirt company.

The narrow and steep staircase in the center of the home

leads to two additional bedrooms upstairs the master

bedroom on one end and another bedroom on the opposite

end, separated by a full bathroom in the middle.

Everywhere one looks, there are reminders of Matt and

Amandas taste for all things unique when it comes to

designing the interior of their home. A plush pillow with the


38 | KCH&S May 2015

KCH&S May 2015 | 39

40 | KCH&S May 2015

boxes, various soccer memorabilia, and a ping-pong table that has

seen its fair share of tournaments!

Despite their frenetic schedules, Matt and Amanda still find time

to frequent some of their favorite Kansas City eateries, including

Coal Vines, Rudys and the Blue Moose Bar and Grill.

Even though Matt undoubtedly could have been romanced into

joining a soccer club in Europe (after all, he was named to the U.S.

Mens National Teams final roster for the 2014 FIFA World Cup), his

heart belongs to his hometown.

It feels good to be living in Kansas City, he said. Weve started

something special with the team here and I want to continue to

build the brand of Sporting KC.

While Matts professional job is to assist his team with winning

games, his true love can be found here in this home with Amanda.

And while keeping score is reserved for the soccer field, it is

apparent Matt is truly counting his lifes blessings, and those seem

to be stacking up in his favor.

I feel truly grateful for all that I have, he reflected.

words Keep Calm and Dream On rests on a chair in the master

bedroom while framed photos of architectural points of interest

on the Notre Dame campus perfectly line the wall going down

the staircase.

And one cannot miss the inspirational message attached to the

wall just over the bottom stair, visible while coming down the stairs:

Play like a champion today! Based on Sporting KCs exciting

wins, its a safe bet Matt hits that with his hand for continued good

luck every time he comes down the stairs and prepares to leave the

house to go to work.

Just to the left after coming down the stairs is the kitchen, which

has been outfitted with all new stainless steel appliances and

granite countertops. This is also a space in the home where Matt

and Amanda demonstrate true teamwork.

She does most of the cooking, he said.

Amanda smiled and chimed in, But Matt will clean the dishes!

The basement, although not finished, still suggests it is a routine

gathering spot. It is home to the washer and dryer, assorted storage

KCH&S May 2015 | 41

42 | KCH&S May 2015

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I

Many people find that afterjumping in to the realestate market that it ismuch more complex and difficult to navigate than they had anticipated, even in a very positive real estate climate. To overcome these complexities, buyers and sellers turn to Realtors to gain the expert advantage.Homebuyers are looking at some stiff competition this spring, but

the competition will be worth the reward, say the experts at the KansasCity Regional Association of Realtors, or KCRAR.Home sales throughout the region are up more than 18 percent

(resale and new homes combined) compared to the same time lastyear. Sale prices are also showing growth, with the average price fornew and existing homes rising nearly 11 percent over last year. Anotherpositive piece of data for sellers is that homes are currently receiving94.5 percent of the original list price on average, explained DanONeill, 2015 president of KCRAR.Many homeowners who are selling are experiencing multiple offers,

often getting bids as soon as the property hits the multiple listing service(MLS) database.While this is great news for sellers, buyers are finding that the

market has remained quite competitive even through the winter months,as inventory dipped more than 6 percent below the level seen at thistime in 2014. With fewer homes to choose from, many Realtors arereporting homes selling faster and with multiple offers, ONeill shared. The tighter market presents a challenge for those in search of a

property; it presents an opportunity for potential sellers, venturedONeill.This decrease in inventory remains one of the largest challenges as

we approach the spring market. Our low home inventory combinedwith strong sales activity has moved our local housing supply into asellers market where buyer interest outweighs the available inventoryof homes for sale. What does the local home market need today? Moreinventory. Its a great time to contact a Realtor if you are consideringselling your home.


Home Buyer and Sellers Lookto Experts to Help NavigatePromising Spring Market

11150 Overbrook Road, Ste. 100 Leawood, KS 66211

(913) 661-1600www.kcrar.com

In a highly competitive climate, there is even more reason to contacta Realtor. Not all real estate agents are Realtors. A real estate agent isa REALTOR when he or she becomes a member of the NATIONALASSOCIATION OF REALTORS, the world's largest professionalassociation, which requires all members abide by a strict code of ethicsand provides critical support such as ongoing education and in-depthmarket research. All of these things aid the consumer in protecting theirinterests in a critical transaction. Kansas City home buyers and sellers have access to a wealth of highly

educated real estate advocates who can help them navigate the marketand gain the most advantage of a very exciting and positive market. In2001, the Metropolitan Kansas City Board of REALTORS in Missouriand the Johnson County Board of REALTORS in Kansas merged tobecome the Kansas City Regional Association of REALTORS. Todaythe Association is one of the largest and most respected real estate tradeorganizations in the country.

Whether you are ready to sell or eager to buy, a Realtor can provideyou all the information and resources you need to make the bestand most informed real estate decisions, so dont hesitate to seek

out their expertise. If you need toconnect with a local Realtor visit:

www.KCRealtorLink.com.

Scan Our Ad with Layarto Watch Our Video

on 2015 Home Expectations

52 | KCH&S May 2015

Story byJeanie ErwinPhotos by Matt Kocourek

Alluring gardens and entrywaysthat entice the senses

Entertaining is high on the list of priorities for homeowners

Ray and Jill Kowalik, who wanted a more dramatic entry

that would also provide a gathering place for guests to enjoy

the outdoors. The property also had a straight line of vision

to the front door, which they wanted to break up visually.

Because the Kowaliks love to utilize outdoor spaces,

landscape designer Maverick Pickering wanted to satisfy the

multi-facet needs of the property with a design that was

beautiful, compelling, and ultimately useful. Pickering

envisioned a design that was stunning from every angle and

incorporated the natural stone features the owners desired.

The design transforms the property with a new stone

walkway and front porch, a feature wall, a water feature,

and a cozy sitting area, all highlighted by night lighting.

The natural stone walkway and porch set off the front

of the entry using variegated Bluestone banded with solid

Bluestone, for a beautifully controlled design that highlights

the natural beauty and variations of stone.

Highlighting the entry is a 24 natural stone feature wall

which breaks up the line of vision to the front entry and

provides a backdrop for the plants and flowers, and serves

as a nightscape feature when lit.

The stone comes in huge sheets, similar to plywood,

and is precision cut and fabricated. The result is a clean,

sculptural design that provides and incredible richness to

the property, Pickering explained.

The walkway, wraps around the front of the home, opening

up to a beautiful custom fountain, creating an intimate

gathering place to maximize the utility of the space.

The south side gets all the sun and the owners wanted

to have a little niche and a small fountain to enjoy the

sunshine, as well as provide a quite escape. So we created

a wonderful sitting area that makes use of a fountain that

creates additional seating as well as adds visual interest to

the home.

Design and Installation: Maverick Landscaping with

Kelly Van Elders LA and Rick Barrett LA

Plants: Kat Nursery, Randys Lakeview Nursery, Colonial Nursery

Fabrication and Material: Sturgis Materials

Fountain Supply: Fountains Edge

Night lighting:Maverick Landscaping

Resources

KCH&S May 2015 | 53


The fountain incorporates the same stone and fits

seamlessly into the design, as if it was all naturally hewn from

the property. The fountain is a 48 stainless steel scupper

and inside the basin is lined in foil-backed gold glass.

At night, when the light is on, the fountain shimmers in a

glittery gold and is breathtaking, Pickering enthused.

Flowering plants and shrubs line the walkway adding

pops of color that draw your eyes to the various elements of

the design.

Ultimately, we achieved a design that is stately, beautiful,

and extends the use of the property, he concluded.

54 | KCH&S May 2015

Homeowner Ann Hall is dedicated to her front

yard garden, always wanting to make a splash

with color. With the front of the home facing

south, the sun and warmth make it ideal for her

flowering vision.

I have always admired lush flowering

gardens, so when I removed some shrubs I saw

it as the perfect opportunity. I replaced them

with lots of bright flowers and flowering plants.

I have a very flat front yard, with a full view

from the street, so I wanted to make the front

of the home something visually stimulating

from the road and passersby, said Hall of her

design vision.

In addition to the flowerbeds, the home entry

is flanked by low brick feature walls, which

serve as a backdrop for the flower beds as well

as the perfect place for her two stunning large

urns, which are brimming with flowers. Design and Installation: Homeowners and friendsResources

I actually do not have a green thumb. It is

more of an appreciation for those who do. I

have lots of help with my gardening endeavors,

and one of the most important places I get

help is with the garden urns. Fortunately I

have a close friend that is not only passionate

about gardening, but also exceptionally talented

at it. She designs something stunning each year

for me, gushed Hall of her friends talent.

While her garden is always in a state of flux,

with new things being added regularly, some

elements are staples.

I love things that drape and spill over like

hanging ferns. And I adore Caladiums and their

bright, interesting patterns, she smiled.

KCH&S May 2015 | 55


The front entry is a popular and strategic home improvement,

according to Maverick Landscaping owner, Maverick Pickering.

Upgrading the front entry is one of the most dramatic

and cost-effective home improvement choices. This area is

the focal point of your property yet improvements can be

achieved at a much lower price point than most other

improvements, Pickering shared of the cost-effectiveness of

the projects.

The homeowner in this project wanted to give their

home and entry a modern but rustic look for a warm and

inviting feel.

Using natural stone is something special. It is, admittedly,

more expensive than man-made alternatives. Yet nothing

adds the feeling of permanence, history, and solidity as does

natural stone. When using stone, I always want to provide

the most cost effective solutions. In this case, a stone overlay

was an option for the porch.

Pickering used a Buckskin Flagstone from Riverview Stone

that comes in warm colored variations and has a leathery

look. The stone was laid over the existing concrete porch.

Flagstone has a naturally varied thickness that, when

viewed as a raw edge, can look saw-toothed. To make

the edge uniformed, I banded it in street paver bricks for a fin-

ished edge, he explained of the process.

In addition to beauty, the bricks also add significant

interest to the project, he shared. The street pavers are

architecturally recycled. They once were street pavers, hand

crafted in the 1800s. You can even see an occasional

thumbprint in them. That adds so much to the story of

the home. There is a history behind the design that makes

it exciting.

Design and Installation: Maverick Landscaping

Materials: Riverview Stone, KC Brick

Resources

After many years in their home, the Ellysons dreamt of a new

landscape design that would complement and enhance their

Cape Cod style home. A more intimate atmosphere was desired,

which their spacious yard lent to many ideas.

They approached Kelly Van Elders, Landscape Architect, who

ultimately designed a magnificent plan that incorporated color,

texture, and stunning stonework. The front was so spacious that

we wanted to use features to break up the line of sight, declutter

the line of vision, and make it compelling from different angles,

Van Elders shared of the plan.

Some of the design challenges included working with a

landscape that included many fully mature trees and spaces that

transition from full shade to full sun. Another design challenge was

making a spacious yard feel more intimate, explained Van Elders.

I like to incorporate groupings of plants, whether it is five or

fifteen, for dramatic effect and the greatest impact, Van Elders

spoke of his plant choices and design. In this case, we had to be

especially selective in the plant choices as most plants favor either

full sun or full shade, or partial sun or shade. Most do not tolerate

both very well.

The result was a clean and sculptural design that incorporates

plenty of natural stone in the creation of walkways and feature walls.

After creating the landscape design, Van Elders handed the

project over to trusted landscape design and install expert,

Maverick Landscaping for installation and execution of the design.

56 | KCH&S May 2015

Design: Kelly Van Elders Landscape Architect

Installation: Maverick Landscaping

Plants: Kat Nursery

Stone: Sturgis Materials

Resources

The design called for the creation of an intimate courtyard using

a twenty-four inch high design feature wall, which partially encloses

the entry. The wall is natural stone and serves as a wonderful

backdrop for plants and is further highlighted by nightscape lighting,

shared Maverick Pickering.

The natural stone materials were selected to complement the

style of the home.

We used a beautiful Blue Flagstone for the walkway which only

gets more beautiful with age and stands up well to freeze-thaw

cycles. For the wall we used a complementary Antique Gray

Limestone which comes in multiple shades and blends well with

other stone, he explained.

Maverick only uses natural stone materials in design

implementation, something growing rarer he shared.

Nothing beats the look of natural stone; and projects like

this one only highlight this fact. People gravitate toward natural

stone because of its elegance and feeling of permanence. This

project highlights a beauty in stone that even the best and most

technologically advanced processes could never replicate,

asserted Maverick.

KCH&S May 2015 | 57

{OUTSTANDINGKANSAS CITY MANOF THE MONTH


T H E E X C L U S I V E M A N O F N O B I L I T Y S P O N S O R

Nobility

11620 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park KS 66210913-491-4861 noblehousejewelry.com

here is immeasurable reward in providing surgical interventions that give people

back their mobility. Each case is a new mystery; a complex puzzle that with the right

pieces in place can make a profound difference in a patients life. For the patient, the

interventions mean not only gaining mobility but regaining their lives; and for that there

are few words that can adequately describe the depth or breadth of importance.

Medicine was the natural choice for the humble, laid back, and congenial Dr. Greg

Horton, Orthopedic Surgeon at The University of Kansas Hospital.

I grew up on a farm doing things I loved, that involved mechanics and building but

did not see myself farming for the rest of my life. Dr. Horton explained I was good in

science and math, so medicine seemed like a good choice. Orthopedic surgery was

a natural choice because it satisfied my interest in mechanics as well as provided the

opportunity to work with great, people.

Growing up on the farm gave Dr. Horton an appreciation for hard work, but made

him an unlikely candidate for medicine he joked. I graduated Valedictorian in a class

of 29! It was not an excessively college-minded atmosphere but it was an excellent and

supportive atmosphere. While farming plays a huge role in influencing his life even

today, there was a physician in his family tree.

My great grandfather was an old horse and buggy doctor in the 1800s and perhaps

knowing that sort of inspired me. Family stories brought his experience to life and

evoked images of his great grandfather traveling long roads in his well-worn buggy,

leaving a cloud of dust in his wake. Medicine felt right.

While work keeps him very busy, Dr. Horton tries to spend as much time as he can

with family. Life passes so quickly, he reflected. It is so important to spend as much

time as you can with the people you love.

Making the most of your time is a common thread that runs throughout his

conversation and is the motivation behind all that he does.

Many years after I am gone I hope people can say that I was a good father, cared

deeply about my patients, and gave 100%.

Hard work is important to Dr. Horton, but he also realizes that levity is important.

If I could give one sage piece of advice to all that I meet it would be to not take yourself

too seriously. And dont take too seriously things you cant change. Laugh. Life is short.

Dr. Greg HortonORTHOPEDIC SURGEON

Named by his peers as a top doctor has not blown Dr Greg Hortons ego

out of proportion. I had a chance to meet this humanitarian when he repaired

ligaments and tendons on my left foot. This fine gentleman has a practice out

of KU Medical Center and every time I would go in for a progress report, his

practice was resonating with such positive energy. I would chat with people

waiting to see him, many had driven hours to meet this top doctor.

~ Zoe Herrington {Man of

T

hen you think of the word nobility, visions of aristocracy may come to mind with

people of eminence wearing powdered wigs and commanding an estate. Nobility

however, comes in many forms and sometimes greatness is found in the smallest things.

For Gina Fletcher, owner of Froggwoods holistic Pet Spa in Overland Park, nobility is

demonstrated by caring for our loyal companions.

After working for years in the grooming industry, Gina was dissatisfied with some of

the industry standards.

I saw things that were done out of convenience and not for the welfare of the pets.

Most people bring their pets to be groomed because they love them and want the best

care possible for them. There are many common practices in the industry that fall far

short of the best we want for our animal companions, and I wanted to change that, Gina

compassionately shared.

Out of this desire Froggwoods was born. The pet spa began as a small family business,

and without the help of big loans, and is truly a labor of love.

Unlike most pet grooming salons, Froggwoods practices holistic care with a focus on

the wellbeing of the whole pet. Every element of the spa is designed for the health and

comfort of the pet using only all natural products and the safest practices.

The salon does not use cage dryers, a practice that can be dangerous she explains.

Cage dryers are not necessarily groomer attended. A groomer can place the dog in

the cage, set up the dryer and move on to groom the next pet. It is easy to forget that that

the dryer is on. Even if it is on a timer, it can cause a lot of damage to the eyes and skin.

Gina has worked hard to create a calm and relaxing atmosphere, but it is not always

calm, she shared.

We are a cage-free (and cage-less, in the case of dogs whose owners prefer to keep

their pets separate) facility, so grooming day is also play day! There are often several pets

roaming the play area enjoying time with their friends.

Caring for pets is an honor for Gina, who sees it as a way of giving her best to those

that give so much to our society.

Pets add so much to our lives and serve us in so many ways. My passion is giving back

to them.

Nobility does not always need to be grand. Sometimes the smallest acts become great.

WomanOUTSTANDINGKANSAS CITY WOMANOF THE MONTH


T H E E X C L U S I V E W O M A N O F N O B I L I T Y S P O N S O R

of

Nobility

11620 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park KS 66210913-491-4861 noblehousejewelry.com

Gina FletcherOWNER OF FROGGWOODS

Working as a groomer for 13 years at a local business, Gina Fletcher

decided to take her dream and make it a reality in 2013. She started

Froggwoods, holistic pet spa and boarding facility in Rosana Square and

has never looked back! Clients drive over an hour to have their furry

companions pampered to perfection. Gina is everyones best friend, canine

and humans. Her favorite dog to groom? She loves and appreciates all of them.

~ Zoe Herrington

{W {

ouse prices are determined by housing supply, housing demand andhousing affordability.

Housing Supply: Whats the Outlook?

Here is a chart illustrating the supply of homes for sale as reported bythe US Census Bureau. This chart illustrates how many months it wouldtake to sell all the houses currently listed for sale, at the current pace ofhome sales. As you can see from the chart, housing supply hit a peak of 12 months

in 2010. On average, it took nearly a year to sell these homes likely with alower sale price due to the low demand. As the demand improved, housingsupply went down steadily.In 2014, the U.S. housing supply was relatively balanced at a 6-month

supply. Homes prices stabilized, while price increases leveled out from2013 levels, when housing supply was closer to 4 months.Today housing supply is 4.7 months on a national basis. This is

indicative of a sellers market, and buyers are competing with multipleoffers. This tells us that house prices could go up significantly in the nextseveral months.

Housing Supply: Whats the Trend?Housing demand is usually created when: People have jobs and are employed Real estate investors are optimistic about purchasing houses Homebuyers are confident enough to purchase a homeWe expect housing demand to increase from current levels through

spring 2015 as the job market and overall economy improves.

Spring 2015 Guide to House PricesBY CURT I S SCHARTZ , CMPS CERT I F I ED MORTGAGE PLANNER F IRST STATE BANK MORTGAGE

913-707-1525KCMortgagePlanner.com

[email protected] #454625

Housing Affordability:Can Buyers Afford Houses at Current Prices?

The National Association of Realtors publishes a Housing AffordabilityIndex. A value of 100 indicates a family with the median income hasexactly enough income to qualify for a mortgage on a median-priced home.An index above 100 signifies that a family earning the median incomehas more than enough income to qualify for a mortgage loan on a median-priced home, assuming a 20 percent down payment. Todays reading in the170 range means that median-income families have 170% of the incomerequired to qualify for a mortgage. As you can see from the chart, the housing affordability index was

generally between 70 and 110 in the 1980s. People were really strugglingto afford houses!In the 1990s, the affordability index was generally between 120 and 140.

Todays reading in the 170 range shows housing to be VERY affordable byhistorical standards.We expect the housing affordability index to go down from its current

level as house prices increase from current levels. ;Conclusion: we anticipate prices to increase over the next several

months, housing supply to remain low, housing demand to increase, andhomes to remain affordable for most buyers. Please contact me for aspecific solution to your situation. Curtis Schartz is a Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist (CMPS) with

First State Bank Mortgage. He has well over a decade of experience. Realtorsengage Curtis because he is creative, experienced, and passionate.


For free consultation and more information about mortgage loan programs, call Curtis at 913-707-1525. 2015 CMPS INSTITUTE. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

EQUAL HOUSINGLENDER

H

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62 | KCH&S May Issue

MERCANTILES T O R Y B Y T A M A R A T Y R E E

Whether eyeglasses, sunglasses or readers are your thing, style reigns

with todays frames. Colors and materials make for endless choices

resulting in a fashion statement that is truly you. And theres no better time

than now to take care of those baby blues as May is Healthy Vision Month.

Learn more on eye care at https://www.nei.nih.gov/hvm

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unique pair by layering a mix of 13 colorful wood layers.

Shown: Shaula frame. For a more in-depth look, watch their

video: & '%"$ Germanys ic! berlin has developedtheir Green Collection specifically for golfers. The lightweight frames of

each model are available in black, pearl and electric green, and

come with a distinctive electric green clip.

Shown: Guenther in Electric Green.

& &'%!" $California-based l.a. Eyeworks

believes A face is like a work of art.

It deserves a great frame. For frames to set you apart from the crowd,

this is your first stop. Shown: the Jarvis, a custom-

colored titanium base overlaid with violet crackle and

deep green Italian acetate. laeyeworks.com & '!#% $'The bespoke service from London-based TDTom Davies features hand crafted frames to suit your

face and features. Misplace your glasses frequently?

Each pair is finished with your name engraved inside the

temple arm! Shown: Frame 16033. &%!$'Belgian company theo Eyewear knows how to makeRoyals fans smile! The simple, monochromatic frames of the Mille

collection come in the perfect shade of Royals Blue (although they call it ink

fish). Shown: Mille+01 in Ink Fish. & ##'%%#"$ The Heart ofGold collection by Sama Eyewear features

plated titanium frames in your choice of 18k

gold, platinum or 18k rose gold, and are

adorned with Swarovski crystals. Shown: Heart

of Gold in 18k gold. ' #"%!#$ Inspired by Africa and itstextures, the Wild Love in Africa collection by

Etnia Barcelona reflects the textures of wood,

zebra, giraffe and horns. Shown: WLA Africa 03 in

HBVK. & !"$German line Lunor creates

contemporary frames based

on traditional design, including

the Rimless collection, made

famous by Steve Jobs. Shown:

Classic V Rimless frame.

& %% $'Who says readingglasses cant be cool and eco-friendly?! Stylish reading

glasses from eyeOs are produced from cotton and

colored with all-natural pigments derived from

vegetable extracts and minerals. Shown: O-Baby

frames in night burlwood.

KCH&S May Issue | 63

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64 | KCH&S May 2015

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F I N E A R T

Kansas City


STORY BY

MERRITT WHITLEY

D E S I G N

P R O G R A M

H O S T

,are paving the way in promotion and advertisement for both small,

and large businesses combined. Website design, hosting, and

programming are all key, and influential factors in maintaining and

developing vital relationships this day and age. Companies such

as Thryce Technology have built their business entirely around their

clientele, and intuitive, developmental strategies. It is a business

that thrives off of innovation, customer satisfaction and education.

Friends and business partners Patrick Mallahan, and Adam

Martin started their own business, Thryce Technology in the

summer of 2008. Adam and Patrick first met after working for

the same company, and were both frustrated with their previous

career positions. Therefore, the duo joined together to become

entrepreneurs and thus created Thryce Technology.

Thryce is a unique business name that was creatively

constructed and developed around the number three.

The three things we do are design, program, and host,

Martin said.

Obviously, three does not sound very interesting. So, we came

up with a different way to portray the trio of things that we offer as

a business.

Both Patrick and Adam, have extensive technological

backgrounds that have allowed them both to excel at what they

do. As a team, they have managed to use their own individual

experience and ideas to help grow a successful business together.

Adams computer experience began in college at Kansas

University, and eventually expanded deeper once he began his first

internship. During his internship, Adam was able to gain a little

bit of knowledge in a variety of specialized areas including motion

design, logo design, and internal applications.

Patrick started programming at a young age, and was

influenced into the profession by his father. It was a skill that

always seemed to come natural to him, he said.

His favorite part about working


T H R Y C E T E C H N O L O G YC O S T E F F E C T I V E & E F F I C I E N T

W E B D E S I G N& H O S T I N G

with technology is building, and creating new things. However, the

technology field does come with its inevitable challenges.

When you are in the industry that we are in, it is important to

consistently stay on the front line, Martin said. Anything that we

do now has the potential to be out of date in up to two weeks. Its

a challenge. We constantly find ourselves being students, and are

always learning to keep up.

Thryce Technology is a company that is entirely, and

uniquely based on fulfilling the customers needs in

every possible way.

We treat every client different, Mallahan said. We

give them all of our attention, figure out what they

need, and then we meet their goals.

One of the biggest benefits of working with

Thryce Technology is that it is cost effective, and

efficient.

Website costs these days are extremely

high, for most businesses, Mallahan said. We

like helping small businesses cost wise, and

making quality work affordable.

Ive had the pleasure of partnering with Thryce Technology over the past few years. I have had them develop

multiple websites for several businesses. They presented great ideas and followed through to completion in a

professional manor.

Adam Martin has designed several logos for my company. He listens to what the customer wants and adds his

own touch to come up with great logos and branding. His partner, Patrick Mallahan, makes sure the customer gets

a website that is functional and extremely easy for the clients customers to navigate.

From day one until completion their customer service was remarkable. I would recommend Thyrce to any small

business with full confidence that they would not only receive an outstanding website, but a website that they

would be proud to show their customers.~ Dustin Quick, www.quicksguns.com

Another unique difference between Thryce and other competitors

has been the businesss emphasis on educating their clients

throughout the process.

The biggest thing we want to do is educate people, Martin

said. We dont want to make people feel like we are talking above

them. Our goal is simply to help people understand, and make

sure we are all on the same page.

Thryce Technology works with a variety of clients, and finds

ways to meet the demands of each client individually. The client

always comes first, and building-trusting relationships remains the

first priority within the company. According to Mallahan, if they are

unable to meet a clients request initially, they will always find a way

to do so.

The hardest part about what we do is nailing down something

that is globally understood, Mallahan said. There are so many

different ways to use, design, and set up websites. We want to

create something that is easy for people to understand.

Patrick and Adam have been able to consistently, and almost

effortlessly work together so well because of their different ideas,

and contributing skill sets.

L O G O D E S I G N


{ {

Patrick and I are complete opposites, Martin said. I think that is what

continues to grow us. In the long run, we both have the same ideas, but we

also have different skill sets, he continued. Together, we are able to come

up with a variety of ways to solve the same problem.

As for the future, Adam Martin, and Patrick Mallahan plan on expanding

Thryce Technology, and moving forward in their ideas, beliefs, and business

endeavors.

Our word of mouth business has been steady, Mallahan said. However,

we would like to continue to grow, and eventually expand our business.

Adam was also in agreement, and says expansion is definitely a possibility

in the near future, but not only in generating advertisement.

Hopefully in five years we can add more employees, Martin said. That

way, Patrick and I can take on more of an administrative roll.

Technology is ever changing, and has become a major component in the

future of society. It influences and enables many established, and growing

businesses in their success on a day-to-day basis. It is a growing field that

offers versatility, and leaves an infinite amount of space for creativity and

development. Thryce Technology was created with the intention to inform,

create, and connect with people on a deeper level. It is a unique business

built with strong principles to set, and achieve goals. If you are interested in

more information about Thryce Technology, and the work that they do,

please visit their website

.


Patrick Mallahan Adam Martin

913.735.7714

WWW.THRYCE.COM

magine the meticulous time, effort and attention to detail

that goes into hand-painting an individual wine glass.

Now imagine single-handedly sterilizing, painting and

baking between 2,000 and 2,500 such wine glasses, each

with a whimsical floral design, over four months.

Trish Reed can do far more than imagine this scenario, because

she has perfected this art for the past eight years. So much so, in

fact, that she often wakes from sleep with her hand moving be-

cause shes been painting in her dreams.

An accomplished painter and owner of Ten Talents Art in

Overland Park, she is the creative force behind the coveted

souvenir wine glasses that have become synonymous with Overland

Parks popular summer fundraiser Stems: A Garden Soire.

A vivacious woman with a cheerful demeanor, the New York

natives path to painting was rooted in childhood moments spent

72 | KCH&S May 2015

INSPIRATIONSS T O R Y B Y R A C H A E L H E D G C O T H

StemwaExtordinai

doing crafts, art classes and decorative painting with her mother.

While at her core she loved painting, her professional life led to

an accounting degree and subsequent positions in education and

technology in Oklahoma.

She began to redefine her career aspirations when she moved

to Overland Park with her husband in 2001.

That same year, Reeds mother called and asked if she wanted

to attend a weeklong painting class taught by renowned painter

and One Stroke creator Donna Dewberry in Toronto.

Ultimately, Reed left Toronto fully believing that she could make

a career out of decorative painting.

Upon receiving One Stroke certification, she was immediately

asked to teach painting classes at several area Michaels.

I like to say that One Stroke is painting for impatient people,

laughs Reed.

Local artists enameledglassware is a stroke of genius.

I

KCH&S May 2015 | 73

Find Trish Reeds stunning hand-paintedglassware pieces at the Overland Park

Arboretum & Botanical Gardens gift shop.Or for more information visit

tentalentsart.com.

The One Stroke technique

entails double-loading a flat

brush with two or more colors

which facilitates blending, high-

lighting and shading all in

one stroke.

As Reed experimented with

surfaces and refined her painting

skills, she soon gravitated toward

painting on glass and creating

pieces that served as functional art.

I find that glass is more forgiving but it

is also very challenging, she says. You

have to be very sure of your stroke.

In 2006, a downtown Overland Park

craft show where Reed was selling her

crafts led to a fortuitous meeting

between Reed and planners for Stems,

a fundraising event at the Overland

Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens.

And the rest is history.

Now, every summer, attendees arrive

at the Stems event eager to discover the

years newest floral creation to grace Reeds repertoire

of past crowd favorites.

I usually do 10 to 12 designs every year, including

one new design that comes out each year, says

Reed. I also do pitchers, vases, trifle bowls and other

companion pieces.

Her collection thus far showcases the lotus flower in

blue, red, orange and aqua as well as the iris, sunflower,

poppy, pink Gerbera daisy, black-eyed Susan, purple

aster and an ornate botanical design.

Stems patrons will have to wait to learn what this

years new flower design will be, but Reed shares that

she is retiring last years pink ruffle flower.

While the Stems event is Reeds largest project, she

also paints glassware for other foundations, fundraisers,

weddings, bridal parties, sororities and more.

Above all, Reed is thrilled to be painting for her

livelihood.

I am so blessed that I get to do something I enjoy for

a living, says Reed.

No doubt her legions of loyal fans feel the same.

glasswa

For You

74 | KCH&S May 2015

INDULGENCESS T O R Y B Y G L O R I A G A L E

Dashing the notion that great wines stem only from selected regions,Kansas wineries are producing award winning harvests.

SOMERSET RIDGE VINEYARD AN

D WINERY, GUNNAR WILLIAMS

PHOTOGRAPHY

WHITE TAIL RUN WINERY, PHOTO BY BENJI HANKS

NIGHTHAWK VINEYARD AND WINERY

C u l t i v a t i n g w i n e i s a n a n c i e n t c r a f t .Though a romantic endeavor, the art of the vine is both humbling and rewarding.

May begins the season of visiting local wineries enjoying the spectacular views

of the vineyards while sipping samplings and partaking in scrumptious tastings.

Heres how three local wineries manage to persevere and uncork delectable

vintages year after year.

A l o n g t h e A r t i s a n A v e n u eCindy and Dennis Reynolds have been dedicated grape growers since 2001 when

they established Somerset Ridge Vineyard and Winery. Not before, however,

pursing the passion after trekking across wine regions here and abroad. Everything

they learned would soon point them toward cultivating their own fields pouring

heart and soul into their thriving winery.

Somerset Ridge holds its own, as an agritourist destination with 20 acres of

fledgling and mature vines resembling the fields of Bordeaux, though its actually

in Miami County.

While the vineyards make a bucolic first impression, after a stroll through the

vines people visit the tasting room to select among 14 varieties of Somersets

bounty. The Reynolds are particularly proud of their Crimson Cabernet, a ground-

breaking hybrid producing two gold medal-winning vintages. Sharing and learning

the art of wine is what makes life so interesting, says Cindy.

Further along Miami Countys wine trail a gravel road leads to an equally

charming destination, NightHawk Vineyard and Winery.

Owners Cathy and Don Warring culled their first harvest in 2008, Creating space

for more grapes ever since, says Cathy, looking over the 9-acre vineyard.

NightHawk is known as the unwind winery. And for good reason, NightHawk

is a place to sample 13 styles of wines then relax with views of the native Kansas

prairie. I think our mission statement; to recreate the timeless marriage between

good wine and friendship by bringing together like-minded people sharing the

riches of our vineyard says it all. Weve met absolutely amazing people who enjoy

relaxing with a favorite wine, says Cathy.

A sampling of NightHawks most popular wines includes: Vignoles a full-

bodied sweet floral white with a hint of apricot; Wild Fire Blush a blend of four

wines creating a refreshing blush; Chambourcin an award-winning dry red;

Sunrise Blush another award-winning blush with limited production and Seyval

Blanc an off-dry white made from the grape of the same name.

Dan Fuller admits tinkering around with growing grapes for 10 years was an

inspiration that led to opening his family vineyard in Edgerton White Tail Run

Winery in 2003.

I needed something to do in retirement and winemaking seemed like a decent

path. Then, when I won third place in a Kansas Grape Growers and Winemakers

Association competition, I figured it was time to get serious, says Dan.

Today, hes still tinkering on White Tail Runs 5.5 acres although tending to the

crop of 1,900 vines keeps Dan considerably busier. Luckily hes getting help from

his wife Nancy and children Dan Jr. and Christy.

Dans learned plenty over the years contributing to the successful harvest of 12

different kinds of wine including one bold vintage called Buck Naked! Theyre all

available in our tasting room on the property, at various retail outlets and the

Overland Park Farmers Market, he says.

The fruits of the vinecan be enjoyed at thesearea establishments.

CELLAR RATStocking over 800 wines, Cellar Rat i

kansas city homes & style may 2015

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