FSM February 2023

FEBRUARY 2023 COMPANY‘S FOUNDER IS INSPIRED BY HISTORY AND CULTURE 25 COFFEE WITH A CAUSE FUTURE MOVERS AND SHAKERS COMPRISE LEADERSHIP FRISCO CLASSES TAKING THE LEAD 14 SINGER-SONGWRITER REBEKAH PRIM USES HER TALENTS TO HELP OTHERS MAKING MUSIC 51 FRISCO INCLUSION COMMITTEE UNITES COMMUNITIES 20 ALL INCLUSIVE MEET CHEF GOLDA SUMPON 43 A PASSION FOR PASTRY

Calendar Taking the Lead By Lisa Sciortino All Inclusive By Lisa Sciortino Coffee with a Cause By Stephen Hunt Ask The Experts A Passion for Pastry By Ashli Urano Burger Time! - Rodeo Goat By Ashli Urano Making Music - and a Difference By Diann Nichols Now & Then By Bob Warren Did You Know 25 51 20 contents 02.2023 12 14 20 25 31 43 46 51 54 57 ON THE COVER Leadership Frisco XXVI Member Jeffrey Gregus, left, shakes hands with Frisco Fire Department Deputy Chief Scott Vetterick. 6 FRISCOSTYLE.COM

FEBRUARY 2023 7 No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2023 • All rights reserved.

managing director managing editor photographer director digital media digital media office manager director of business development advertising sales manager of client services videographer ANDREW JOHNSON LISA SCIORTINO BRI MORALES TUCKER COFFEY BEN JOHNSON BECKY JOHNSON GEORGE RODRIGUEZ TIM COSTELLO LINDSAY JOHNSON GEORGE KELLAS P.O. Box 1676, Frisco, Texas 75034 Phone: 972.335.1181 Fax: 214.722.2313 Toll Free: 877.781.7067 No portion of this publication may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. ©2023 All rights reserved. AD SALES : 972.335.1306 [email protected] > FRISCO STYLE GIVES BACK Frisco STYLE Magazine proudly sponsors Boys & Girls Clubs of Collin County, Frisco Arts, Melody of Hope, Frisco Family Services, Frisco Freedom Fest, Gary Burns Fun Run, the Rotary Club of Frisco and is a member of the Frisco Chamber of Commerce. Get the scoop on everything happening at Frisco STYLE. Readers will find a magazine library, recipes and extra article-related content on our website. Stay updated by visiting friscostyle.com. [email protected] www.friscostyle.com 8 FRISCOSTYLE.COM No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2023 • All rights reserved.

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Have you ever experienced an earworm? This awfulsounding creature isn’t actually an insect, but rather a song that plays on a seemingly endless (and oftenannoying) loop in one’s mind long after it has been heard or spoken about. I am frequently plagued by earworms that prove especially difficult to dislodge. Case in point: While writing and editing articles for this issue of Frisco STYLE, a ditty titled People in Your Neighborhood was on regular rotation in my brain (I can’t be the only one who watched way too much Sesame Street as a kid, right?). Try though I did, it was impossible to delete the chorus of this cheerful tune from my head: Oh, who are the people in your neighborhood? In your neighborhood? In your neighborhood? Say, who are the people in your neighborhood? The people that you meet each day. Maybe it was because I’m feeling a bit sentimental as I begin my second year as the magazine’s managing editor. It certainly has been an action packed 24 months, during which I’ve met a good many people throughout Frisco’s neighborhoods. I’ve interviewed civic leaders and soccer moms, barbers and bartenders, artists and architects, CEOs and chefs, educators and entrepreneurs. They have all shared an unabashed pride for Frisco and assuredness that there is nowhere else they would rather be. As we do each month, in this issue we introduce you to people who help make our neighborhoods — and our entire community — great, including members of the Frisco Inclusion Committee who advocate for and educate about Frisco’s ethnically and culturally diverse populations. We also take a look back at the service projects that have been successfully completed by members of the Leadership Frisco program since it was established more than a quarter-century ago. Also, meet Chef Golda Sumpon of Ollio Patisserie, who sells her decadent desserts at Frisco Fresh Market; singer-songwriter Rebekah Prim, who performs as part of the popular monthly Music on Main series; and former Frisconian Jessica Taylor, founder of Ezra Coffee, whose products are available on supermarket shelves throughout the Lone Star state. Is there someone in your neighborhood whose personal or professional story should be shared in Frisco STYLE? We want to learn about them. Email us at [email protected]. Frisco STYLE Magazine @friscostylemag LISA SCIORTINO LETTER FROM THE MANAGING EDITOR FEBRUARY 2023 11 No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2023 • All rights reserved.

Through February 26 North Texas Performing Arts performances Showtimes vary Willow Bend Center of the Arts, 6121 W. Park Blvd., Plano Youth players with North Texas Performing Arts star in productions including Pinkalicious, Aladdin Jr., The Trials of Alice in Wonderland and The Little Mermaid Jr. ntpa.org February 4-5 Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic! 3-5 p.m. Ford Center, 9 Cowboys Way, Frisco Catch this production featuring Sesame Street characters Elmo, Abby Cadabby and Big Bird in a sensory adventure live onstage. thestarinfrisco.com February 11 Trick-A-Trout 8- 11 a.m. Warren Sports Complex, 7599 Eldorado Parkway, Frisco Get “hooked” on fishing at this free annual event. The lake will be stocked with thousands of rainbow trout. Open to youths age 16 and younger (adults may assist). Following the event, the general public may fish at the lake. friscotexas.gov Frisco Starfest 6-10:30 p.m. Frisco Commons Park, 8000 McKinney Road, Frisco Attend the Texas Astronomical Society’s Star Party (second Saturday monthly, weather permitting) and join members and guests in observing and becoming educated about the night sky. texasastro.org February 11 Texas Legends 7:30 p.m. Comerica Center, 2601 Avenue of the Stars, Frisco Catch all of the action when NBA-G League team the Texas Legends takes on the G League Ignite. Tickets required. texas.gleague.nba.com February 16-19 2023 WOGA Classic and Valeri Liukin Invitational 8 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Ford Center, 9 Cowboys Way, Frisco This event will bring together the top gymnastic competitors from around the globe. thestarinfrisco.com February 17-March 5 Side by Side by Sondheim Showtimes vary Black Box Theater at Frisco Discovery Center, 8004 Dallas Parkway Suite 200, Frisco Presented by Theatre Frisco, this musical production will encompass the sophistication, wit, heart and genius of Broadway composer-lyricist Stephen Sondheim. Tickets required. theatrefrisco.com February 17 Music in the Chamber 8 p.m. Council Chambers, George A. Purefoy Municipal Center, 6101 Frisco Square Blvd., Frisco This intimate concert series, presented the third Friday monthly through June in Council Chambers, kicks off with a performance by internationally acclaimed musician Oliver Rajamani. Tickets are $10 for Frisco residents; $15 for nonresidents. Ages 8 and older may attend. friscotexas.gov February 18 Music on Main 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Locations throughout Frisco’s Rail District and Downtown More than a dozen area musicians perform live as part of this monthly music series that sets up at local businesses to create artimmersive shopping and dining experiences in the heart of our city. musiconmainfrisco.org February 24 Texas Legends 7:30 p.m. Comerica Center, 2601 Avenue of the Stars, Frisco Catch all of the action when NBA-G League team the Texas Legends takes on the Wisconsin Herd. Tickets required. texas.gleague.nba.com February 25 Texas Legends 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 3:30 p.m. Sunday Comerica Center, 2601 Avenue of the Stars, Frisco Don’t miss NBA G-League team the Texas Legends when they take on the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. Tickets required. texas.gleague.nba.com February 24-26 14th Annual Home & Garden Show Friday, 2-6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-6p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Credit Union of Texas Event Center, 200 E. Stacy Road #1350, Allen Home improvement and outdoorliving vendors will display their products and services at this annual show. Tickets required. showtechnology.com FEBRUARY calendar 12 FRISCOSTYLE.COM No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2023 • All rights reserved.

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As president/CEO of the Frisco Chamber of Commerce, Tony Felker knows well the benefits that can be had from participating in its long-running Leadership Frisco program. “The phrase that we say all the time is, `You don’t graduate from Leadership Frisco, you graduate into leadership,’” he says. In its 26th year, Leadership Frisco is a nine-month community leadership program that explores city government, education, service organizations, economic development and issues (among other topics) that impact Frisco and the surrounding area. Following thorough application and nomination processes, 25 individuals from throughout the community are selected to participate in the annual Leadership Frisco class, which begins in September with a kick-off day of team building and leadership development followed by a day-long ropes course event that build bonds between the classmates. Class members subsequently gather for a full day each month through the following May, attending various programs, panel discussions, site visits and similar events. They are required to attend city council and school board meetings, and also meet with various city and community leaders to learn about the people, places and practices that have helped to grow Frisco into a highly successful city. Previous speakers have included former Frisco City Manager George Purefoy, former Deputy City Manager Ron Patterson, former Mayor Bob Warren and members of the Frisco Economic Development Corporation team. Future movers and shakers comprise Leadership Frisco classes By Lisa Sciortino TAKING the LEAD Members of the Leadership XXV class Provided by Frisco Chamber of Commerce 14 FRISCOSTYLE.COM

“You always hear what is it that makes Frisco special (is) partnerships … but it’s another thing to hear that from the people who built this town,” Felker says, especially those who were instrumental in helping to bring to the city such important development deals as The Star, Toyota Stadium and the PGA headquarters. “By understanding the past and the people that were involved in that, now you understand the fabric of what makes Frisco special in our minds (and) you’re going to be a part of that as you go forward in leadership. … It’s actually getting to see and feel what has made Frisco what it is today and by doing that … we’re going to appreciate the past and carry it into the future.” Members of the Leadership I class Provided by Frisco Chamber of Commerce Members of the Leadership III class Provided by Frisco Chamber of Commerce The Friendship Park play structure was a Leadership Frisco class project. Provided by Frisco Chamber of Commerce FEBRUARY 2023 15 No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2023 • All rights reserved.

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Felker says about half of all chambers of commerce in the nation sponsor leadership-style programs that typically aim to develop leaders in their respective communities. “Every single one is a little bit different, but I think here in Frisco we have one of the best leadership curriculums around,” he says, crediting the Leadership Frisco Advisory Committee for that. The group, which is comprised of Leadership Frisco alums and others, is “continuously tweaking” class programming as well as “securing great speakers and taking feedback from the class members” to keep the program “fresh and relevant.” Leadership Frisco class members are also tasked with devising ideas for and working collectively to complete a class project each year that ultimately proves beneficial to Frisco and its residents. Previous Leadership Frisco classes worked to establish the city’s WaterWise water-saving initiative and the Little Free Library program. They have been involved with Special Olympics, raised funds for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Collin County and revitalized the Frisco Veterans Memorial, among other projects. Felker was a member of the Leadership Frisco Class III in 1999-2000 (a few years before he joined the Chamber of Commerce team), whose project established the city’s Clean It & Green It beautification initiative that continues today. Over the years, “We’ve had some great class projects that have come out of it,” he says, “but the bigger point of it is the group dynamics, learning to work through a project … to coalescing behind an idea that wasn’t your idea and still moving it forward. … All of those lessons to us are far more valuable than the actual class project.” Felker says he makes it a point to tell class members, “Without a doubt, going through Leadership Frisco Class III was the best thing that I ever did in terms of getting plugged into Frisco — the people that I met, connections that I made, the things I learned about the community.” FRESH and RELEVANT FEBRUARY 2023 17 No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2023 • All rights reserved.

Frisco resident Kevin Rackers is confident he will be able to say the same following his experience as a member of the current Leadership Frisco Class XXVI. A financial advisor with Edward Jones in Frisco, he is also a Frisco Chamber of Commerce Ambassador and previously served on the Frisco ISD Legislative Leadership Committee, which he says piqued his curiosity to “really just learn how the city works from all angles.” The experience ultimately prompted him to apply for Leadership Frisco. Rackers says he especially enjoyed attending the presentation by Purefoy and Patterson in which they shared about the development deal that brought Stonebriar Centre to the city in 2000. “They just gave such fun backgrounds on … how important it was for Frisco to win that mall,” he says. “Hearing those stories and behind-the-scenes conversations about what it takes to get something like that here, it was so interesting.” Leadership Class XXVI’s project — planning a fundraiser to be held this spring at TopGolf that will benefit Frisco’s population of special needs individuals over age 18 — was Rackers’ idea, spawned after the class visited and learned about the work being done by several local nonprofit organizations. “We’re becoming very well known in Frisco for a very friendly specialneeds community in our schools,” he says, but as students age out of the education system, the services available to them dwindle. “It’s back on the parents to handle a lot of the duties, so that’s our big focus that we’re trying to help them with.” Sharon White is a community outreach specialist with Frisco ISD. Desiring to “grow in my leadership,” she applied and was accepted to Leadership Frisco and currently serves as one of two co-leaders of Class XXVI. “It is such a privilege to work with 25 different people … really headstrong, independent, voracious, articulate leaders that represent a variety of people in Frisco,” White says. “To work with those individuals and grow in leadership is a real-world training process that you couldn’t get anywhere else.” White says she hopes the program will help her “find my area where I can give back within the community of Frisco. … It is only great based on the individuals within that community. … It takes a collaborative effort. It takes humility, leadership, perseverance, being willing to listen to others and to say, `How can I contribute?’” She encourages “everyone … who wants to stretch themselves to learn and grow in leadership (to) give yourself an opportunity to apply” for Leadership Frisco. “Recognize that you also have strengths, and you can grow in those strengths and give yourself that opportunity to be challenged,” White says. “I know this (experience) will change me professionally and personally. I will be … stepping up in different areas of the community. Leadership Frisco opens your eyes to those opportunities.” Lisa Sciortino is managing editor of Frisco STYLE Magazine. FRISCO’S LEADERS future “Meeting the people that make the decisions and getting to know them better … has really been interesting and hopefully is something I can take with me forever.” - Kevin Rackers Members of Leadership Frisco XXVI class attend a presentation 18 FRISCOSTYLE.COM No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2023 • All rights reserved.

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Frisco Inclusion Committee works to bring communities together By Lisa Sciortino Frisco is undeniably a melting pot of cultures. According to demographic data available on the City of Frisco’s website (friscotexas.gov), Frisco’s population in 2022 was estimated to be just shy of 224,000 people. Of those, nearly 50 percent of residents are white, 8 percent are black, .3 percent are American Indian, nearly 26 percent are Asian, and 13.5 percent are Hispanic. (The remaining 16.5 percent of our city’s population is desig- nated as “other” or a combination of two or more races or ethnicities.) As our city continues to grow, so does the need to build bonds, communication and understanding among its di- verse cultures. Members of the Frisco Inclusion Commit- tee are working to create “those opportunities for people to connect,” according to Saba Ilyas, who serves as the committee’s chair. A nonpolitical, mayoral ad-hoc committee, Frisco Inclusion Committee (facebook.com/OneFriscoTx) was formally established in 2019 to “advocate for the communities, to educate on the various communities that we have, to allow celebrations that feature these communities and educate the rest of our communities on what inclusion is through various collaborations with these amazing pockets of ethnicities and cultures and religions and abilities that exist within Frisco,” according to Ilyas. The committee also includes Vice Chair Sunitha Cheruvu; Board Member Sadaf Haq; and Board Secretary Renee Sample. Frisco Mayor Jeff Cheney, City Council Members Bill Woodard, Angelia Pelham and Tammy Meinersha- gen and Peter Burns (who has served on numerous city boards) are advisors for the committee while Frisco Chief Innovation Office Jason Cooley is its liaison with the city. 20 FRISCOSTYLE.COM

The need for such a committee in Frisco was recognized years ago, when Maher Maso was the city’s mayor, Ilyas says. “The Frisco of 2006, 2007, 2008 was very different than the Frisco of today.” It was “this beautiful city that was just starting to progress.” Ilyas’ family was among the founding families of the Islamic Center of Frisco, while Cheruvu’s family was among the five founding families of the Hindu Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple. “We were all trying to do different things to be more a part of the city as our communities grew in Frisco,” Ilyas recalls. Maso and then-Mayor Pro Tem Cheney, Ilyas says, understood the “need for a committee that allows people to be seen and heard and really feel like Frisco is also their city. “The change that happened (here) from a diversity standpoint was a lot in the beginning for the city. It really shook up the locals in a good way and a bad way. It’s a little daunting to see your city having a lot more people than you’re used to and from different ethnicities and backgrounds. So just having those conversations of, `How do we bring everyone together and move them together to the future?’ allowed us to have continued conversations.” Ilyas says there were also “several other community leaders who were doing things on their own” at the time to help the city become more inclusive. “At some point, we ended up crossing paths and having bigger conversations about how we do this together.” Some of those discussions included Maso and Cheney as well as the Frisco police and fire departments, among others. Once Cheney moved four years ago to establish the Frisco Inclusion Committee, Ilyas says, “We were given the charge to make sure the people in our communities feel seen and heard and felt like they belong.” In the years since, the committee has partnered with or otherwise had a role in several large community cultural festivals including the recent Lunar New Year Celebration that was held in Frisco in January. (The first such celebration occurred in 2021 at Simpson Plaza.) “The amount of people that came out to celebrate that, it was monumental,” Ilyas recalls, adding that Frisco Inclusion Committee CoChair Cheruvu was “very monumental” in making that inaugural event happen. “So many people walked away (calling it) Chinese New Year, and we were like, `No, it’s celebrated by so many countries that make up that region. It’s an Asian Lunar New Year,’ and we’ve been able to continue that, to help that community become stronger as a unit.” Being seen and heard “We were given the charge to make sure the people in our communities feel seen and heard and felt like they belong.” - Saba Ilyas FEBRUARY 2023 21 No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2023 • All rights reserved.

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Adds Cheruvu: “There’s lots of times where you have neighbors of a different background or your kids go to school with kids from different backgrounds, but you don’t necessarily have the connection to be able to reach out and understand them better or even just have a conversation. So, in many ways, Frisco Inclusion (Committee) is about making people feel welcome, (to) help understand each other better.” The committee has also previously been involved with the Diwali lamp lighting and celebration that took place at the Hyatt Regency, and the Kwanzaa lighting and African celebration that was held at Verona Villa as well as the Hispanic Heritage Festival that took place at Preston Trail Community Church. “We’ve learned as we’ve engaged with the community … and as you learn, you get to do better,” Cheruvu says. With the Hispanic Heritage Festival, “We learned how there are so many countries that are part of what people might consider Hispanic or Latin, but each country has so much pride and its own special flavor or culture and food and attire and dance and music,” she says. “There is a lot to continue to learn and celebrate in coming years. … We don’t all need to be PhDs in these various cultures, but we can certainly admire and understand the diversity and depths of the cultures that call Frisco home.” Late last year, the Frisco Inclusion Committee held its first Dining with Diversity community engagement event at Bigdish, a restaurant at the Shops at Stonebriar that specializes in Middle Eastern desserts. “Food is such a welcoming thing that brings people to- gether,” Ilyas says, “so we figured with all of these (ethnic) restaurants that are popping up in Frisco … let’s meet at a restaurant, let’s help a small business owner, let’s talk about their ethnic food, what that means to them, the cultural nuances and educational aspects that we can take away from that (and) at the same time having dialogue over food of different people sitting at a table getting to know each other in a safe space where they are at ease to ask some … questions without the fear of being disrespectful or hurting someone’s feelings. “I think a lot of what (the committee does) is trying to make those environments where people can ask some questions that they really want answers for, but they don’t want to seem disrespectful. They’re curious (and) want the right answers. Not everything that they hear about from others or Google is accurate, so they just want to hear it from someone and maybe understand.” Beyond focusing solely on race and culture, the committee also plans to work with Frisco’s veteran and disabled populations. “We are all community members,” Cheruvu reminds. Ilyas is excited about future projects and events in which the Frisco Inclusion Committee plans to be involved. In Frisco, “We have a potful of servant leaders … (who) either lived here or have moved here and are wanting to make this a better place not only for themselves but for their neighbors and their families,” she says. “There is a lot of growth and a lot of education that still needs to happen, but we’re moving in the right direction and we’re hoping to continue the work that we’re doing with the support of the city behind us.” “We can all learn from each other,” Cheruvu adds, “and I think that helps us to better understand each other and celebrate the commonalities we share as fellow Frisconians.” Lisa Sciortino is managing editor of Frisco STYLE Magazine. Making people feel welcome FEBRUARY 2023 23 No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2023 • All rights reserved.

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In February 2021, Jessica Taylor launched Ezra Coffee, a specialty brand of java that connects coffee, culture and African-American history. Ezra is a Hebrew word meaning “he who helps,” a central theme for a company whose coffee is ethically sourced with only high-quality beans from farms committed to paying their workers fair, responsible wages. Ezra Coffee currently offers six blends, each named for historically and culturally significant individuals, events, flavors and/or traditions including King Malcolm, a medium roast with a smoothness comparable to the eloquence of legendary civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. alongside the invigorating zest, passion, and pride of Malcolm X. One of the company’s most popular blends is Candied Yams, a seasonal blended light roast that infuses the sweet taste of the popular, classic Southern dish. Despite being a relatively new brand, Ezra Coffee is already being sold by Target, H-E-B, and Amazon — a testament to Taylor’s entrepreneurial spirit. “For us to get this done in 16 months is a feat. Our next thing is expanding our offerings. We’re looking at some new flavors, blends, new ways people can brew their coffee. “One thing my mother shared with me prior to her passing, sometimes you got to slow down and let the engine hum,” Taylor said. “I’m always running, wondering what’s next? Coffee isn’t the only focus for Taylor and her company. Giving back is also central to everything the it does. The Ezra Scholars’ Scholarship Program helps students experiencing financial insecurity defray some college-related expenses. In 2022, the program awarded scholarships to students attending Alabama State, Howard University in Washington, D.C., and Southern University in Lousiana. Company‘s founder is inspired by history and culture. By Stephen Hunt FEBRUARY 2023 25 Photos provided by Creative Voices PR

Taylor’s passion for and love of coffee comes from her childhood growing up in Atlanta, when she and her sister, Victoria, would visit their grandparents in Arkansas. Her mother would drop off the girls with a list of items they were not allowed to eat. “One thing I noticed is my grandmother every morning used to fix my grandfather this drink that always made the house smell,” she recalled. “I asked her if we can have some of this and my grandmother said it was on the list of stuff we’re not supposed to have. She left the kitchen, and my grandfather let us try it. So, we started sipping coffee with him in the summer.” Taylor went on to attend Belmont Abbey College in North Carolina, and also studied at University of Oxford in London before earning an undergraduate degree in business management. After graduating, she worked for Ohio State University and at Purdue University in Indiana, also earning a graduate degree in public administration from the University of Indiana before moving to Toulouse, France, and spending about a year visiting various countries. After a stint teaching public school in Charlotte, North Carolina, Taylor relocated to Texas in 2016. She called Frisco home until recently relocating to East Dallas, but remembers being drawn to Frisco by its simple charm. “I looked a lot of places — Carrollton, The Colony — and Frisco really spoke to me. I said, `OK, this is where I am going to stay,’” Taylor said. “It was diverse and new. It reminded me a lot of Atlanta. It had a lot of different things. Even though it’s a suburb, it still has a small-town feel to it. … That was one reason I really enjoyed staying here.” Familial Roots 26 FRISCOSTYLE.COM No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2023 • All rights reserved.

FEBRUARY 2023 27 “I know some people who have been trying to get their products on shelves for years. … For us to get this done in 16 months is a feat.” – Jessica Taylor

No matter where life has taken her, Taylor’s love of coffee has gotten stronger over the years. “It wasn’t until college that I noticed coffee tastes different. Our school opened a Starbucks on campus. I thought, `This is different,’” she said. “Then, I did my study experience [at Oxford] and noticed coffee over there tastes different. I went on a spring break trip and coffee there tasted different. Every time I would go somewhere, I would get a scarf and coffee. Right before the pandemic, I looked up and I had coffee from over 15 different countries.” Seeing her sister battle nut and soy allergies (meaning that she couldn’t use most creamers to flavor her coffee) got Taylor wondering how she could devise her own coffee blends for her only sibling to enjoy. Again, she tapped into her entrepreneurial spirit to find a way. “I was at home looking at YouTube learning how to roast coffee in a cast iron skillet because that’s what I had. Then, I would start flavoring the beans with things I learned about”, Taylor said. “Then, I had a party and [my sister] said I should sell” coffee. “She said it could make a difference.” Taylor then listed 25 people she knows who drink coffee, designed some blends and mailed them to those people along with a survey requesting their feedback. It was so overwhelmingly positive that it led her to find a coffee roaster in Grand Prairie that produced her first bags of java. Each bag of Ezra Coffee features Adinkra symbology from the African nation of Ghana, images representing empowering concepts such as friendship, humility and justice. Taylor also gives purchasers of Ezra Coffee a quick history lesson on the origins of each blend’s name on each bag. “I really enjoy history. I enjoy storytelling. I enjoy learning different things,” she said. “One thing about my grandfather, when he was drinking his coffee, he had a newspaper. Every morning, he was reading and educating himself on something. I wanted to have stories that were not rooted in adversity, that were not rooted in slavery. I wanted to highlight some of these unsung stories that we don’t hear about often, about how our collective American history has made us better. I want people to leave from Ezra and say, `Wow, I didn’t know that.’” Stephen Hunt is a longtime Frisco resident who has been drinking coffee longer than he can recall. Breaking new grounds 28 FRISCOSTYLE.COM No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2023 • All rights reserved.

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Ask The Expert CHIROPRACTIC CARE 360 WELLNESS 8715 Lebanon Road, Suite 100 Frisco, Texas 75034 214.705.0888 360chiropractic.net Dr. Matt Thomas, D.C. SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION What types of pain or conditions do chiropractors treat? Chiropractors can help aid in the treatment of all types of neuromusculoskeletal conditions. I would say that the most common are neck pain, back pain, headaches, shoulder, TMJ dysfunction, hip and knee pain, as well as radicular pain like sciatic nerve entrapment. Are adjustments safe? Absolutely! In comparison to other treatment methods like drugs, injections and surgeries, chiropractic adjustments are among the safest and most effective treatments available. The beauty of the adjustment is that it is in large part a very proactive approach to healthcare, not only helping to alleviate pain and discomfort, but also preventing long-term, immobilizing degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis of the spine. What makes your office stand out in comparison to other chiropractic clinics? 360 Wellness has been recognized as the best chiropractic clinic in Frisco, TX by Star Local Media every year for the past 10 years. Our providers are second to none, we give the highest quality of care and the staff prides themselves on providing the best service to our patients each and every visit. We are a fully functional wellness clinic that also specializes in neuropathy treatment, functional medicine and weight loss. For more than a decade, residents of Frisco have felt fortunate to have their health care needs attended to by Dr. Matt Thomas, owner of 360 Wellness. He offers a wealth of natural solutions, integrating the best aspects of advanced chiropractic care, nutrition, spinal decompression, soft tissue therapy and popular weight loss strategies. What services do your doctors provide? Two of our doctors on staff are board certified to treat neuropathy. Our practices utilizes spinal decompression, knee decompression, vibration therapy, massage therapy, shockwave therapy and other state of the art technology for best patient outcomes and clinical results. We are also the only facility of any kind in the Frisco area to offer the Superhuman Protocol. It is the latest buzz amongst celebrities, sports figures and active adults. There's no other technology with such an overwhelming body of evidence proven to slow the aging process at the cellular level, reduce inflammation and help the body regenerate itself naturally. Magnetism, oxygen and red-light therapy are the 3 steps of our Superhuman Protocol, the ultimate in Biostacking for optimal health and performance. We are so excited to bring this technology to the Frisco community! FEBRUARY 2023 31 No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2023 • All rights reserved.

PLUMBING LEGACY PLUMBING 15222 King Road, Suite 1002 Frisco, Texas 75034 903.801.9798 legacyplumbing.net How can I make sure my outside hose faucets weren’t damaged by the freeze? Most outdoor faucets in the North DFW area are a type called “frostproof.” Despite this name, they still freeze quite often due to various factors — most commonly hoses or attachments left on during freezing weather. Frost-proof faucets have a long part that goes back inside the wall. This is where the water actually turns off and on. If this long section of the faucet freezes, it can split open inside the wall. It won’t leak any water though, until the faucet is turned on. Pay very close attention to the base of the wall when you turn a faucet on for the first time in the spring. If you see any signs of water appear along the foundation, turn the faucet back off right away and don’t use it again until the faucet is replaced. Legacy Plumbing was started in 2006 by Texas Master Plumber Theron Young. He saw a need in the North Dallas area for a plumbing company that treated its employees with equity and its customers with true integrity. Seventeen years later, in 2023, Legacy Plumbing now has grown to over 50 employees and has a reputation for being the benchmark of superior customer service in the contractor industry. Theron and his wife, Michelle, have overseen the day-today operations of the company throughout the entire journey and remain as passionate as ever about the power of local businesses to spread good throughout the neighborhoods of North Texas. Ask The Expert How can I tell if there is a leaky pipe in my yard? When springtime rolls around, it may be hard to tell whether a suspiciously persistent wet spot in the yard is caused by the rain, your irrigation system or a plumbing pipe buried in the yard. The first step in determining whether there is a leak on any of the water pipes is something many homeowners can do themselves. Find and open the water meter enclosure. This is usually a round lid by the street that can be opened up with a “water meter key” purchased at your local hardware store. If the meter is analog, there will be a flow indicator (usually a red triangle or silver/black dial). If the meter is digital, the display will most likely cycle through several views to get to the GPM (gallons per minute) flow rate view. Any noticeable leak on the system (whether inside the house or on a pipe in the yard) should trigger movement of the flow indicator. Make sure everything in the house is leak-free (no dripping faucets, no runny toilets). If you still see movement at the meter and have a wet spot in the yard, it is very likely you have a leak either on the main plumbing or on the irrigation system if you have one. If you want to take it a step further, you can shut off the valve that supplies the irrigation system. Locate and open the irrigation valve box (usually a green rectangular lid in the area near the water meter). If the shut-off valve handles inside the box are in good condition, they can be closed by turning the handle clockwise. If the meter is still moving when the valves are closed, the leak is probably on the main water pipe in the yard and will need to be addressed by a licensed plumber instead of a sprinkler repair company. SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION 32 FRISCOSTYLE.COM No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2023 • All rights reserved.

Ask The Expert HOME REMODELING ELITE REMODELING 2930 Preston Road, Suite 980 Frisco, Texas 75034 972.573.8834 [email protected] elitehomeremodeling.com John Todd Owner | Elite Remodeling SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION What is unique about Elite Remodeling? Our people, our showroom, our processes and our commitment to overwhelming service. We have been in Frisco for 20 years and pride ourselves on delivering a quality product at a fair price and on time. We have a saying in the company: “We are not done until our customer tells us we are done.” Are there any “back of the envelope” methods to ballpark a “full” kitchen remodel? Yes, sort of. What I suggest is that homeowners take the square footage of their home (for example, 3,500 square feet) and multiply by $20-25 per square foot. For this 3,500 square-foot home, I would say the ballpark estimate is roughly $70,000- $87,500. From there, any additional changes to floorplans, types and styles of cabinets, type of stone material or any structural changes to the project could alter the price. Does your staff carry any professional designations? Yes, we do. In fact, we are the only remodeler in North Dallas that has certified remodelers, designers and accessibility specialists on staff. Collectively, we have 15 professional designations that our team has earned from the National Association of Home Builders Association (NAHB), the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) and the National Kitchens and Bath Association (NKBA). Additionally, we are active in all three associations’ Dallas chapters, having served as Education Committee Chair, Chapter President, National Finance Committee, National Builder & Remodelers Committee Chair and Board Member for the Professional Women in Building Council. How should a homeowner go about selecting a remodeler? I always suggest a homeowner go through following steps in selecting a remodeler: 1. Check Google and Houzz for reviews. 2. How long have they been in business? 3. Do they have a showroom you can visit? 4. Do they carry insurance? They should have general liability, builders’ risk and workers’ compensation for their employees. 5. What is the process they follow? The remodeler should be able to communicate with you a clear understanding of their processes and expected timelines for each phase. 6. Are they members of any industry associations? This is a must as it says the remodeler is a professional and supports their industry. 7. Will they provide you references for similar projects? This is a must. If they will not, move on. Also, we suggest asking for recent projects and one that was finished 3-5 years ago. The reason for the latter is to ask that referral how their warranty service has been. 8. What type of warranty do they provide? For example, labor and material warranties and for how long? If the job is structural, how many years does that include? FEBRUARY 2023 33 No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2023 • All rights reserved.

Ask The Expert MORTGAGE LENDING FAIRWAY INDEPENDENT MORTGAGE CORPORATION 8000 Warren Parkway, Suite 202 Frisco, Texas 75034 972.543.2403 fairwayindependentmc.com Pam and Gary Miller Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION Is this a good time to buy a home? Yes, now more than ever. We are going into the prime-time: Sellers want to list their properties in order to make the move during the summer months. There is predicted to be another housing shortage, due to new construction starts and homeowners wanting to hang on to the lower interest rates that they currently have. Will interest rates come back down? Rates have already started to come down. Many feel the rates will continue to come down in the next 12 months. What is the most popular program for a mortgage? A temporary buydown is the number one option currently. The buy down can be funded by the seller or the buyer. A 2/1 temporary buydown is a reduction of the current interest rate, 2% during the first year and 1% during the second year. Then, the rate reverts to the full note rate for the remainder of the loan. This program is available on Conventional, FHA, USDA, VA and Jumbo Loans. Should I get a pre-approval? Yes, today more than ever pre-approvals are very important. Having a preapproval from a reputable lender can make all the difference in your offer. How fast can I close my loan? The law requires a “7 day cooling-off period.” We can close on Day 8 of the application date. This option helps to compete with cash offers. Whether you’re looking to buy, build or refinance your home, our experienced mortgage professionals are here to help. At Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation, we offer a variety of loan options that can help you achieve homeownership with the speed and service you deserve. Plus, our mortgage professionals are dedicated to finding the right loan with great rates, terms and costs to meet your specific needs. Financing a home is one of the biggest commitments you will ever make - let us help guide you throughout the entire loan process from application to closing and beyond. We look forward to putting our mortgage service team to work for you! Pam NMLS#267016 Gary NMLS#268432 *A down payment is required if the borrower does not have full VA entitlement or when the loan amount exceeds the VA county limits. VA loans subject to individual VA Entitlement amounts and eligibility, qualifying factors such as income and credit guidelines, and property limits. **Pre-approval is based on a preliminary review of credit information provided to Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation, which has not been reviewed by underwriting. If you have submitted verifying documentation, you have done so voluntarily. Final loan approval is subject to a full underwriting review of support documentation including, but not limited to, applicants’ creditworthiness, assets, income information, and a satisfactory appraisal. Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation. NMLS#2289. 4750 S. Biltmore Lane, Madison, WI 53718, 1-866- 912-4800. All rights reserved. Fairway is not affiliated with any government agencies. This is not an offer to enter into an agreement. Not all customers will qualify. Information, rates and programs are subject to change without notice. All products are subject to credit and property approval. Other restrictions and limitations may apply. Equal Housing Opportunity. 34 FRISCOSTYLE.COM No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2023 • All rights reserved.

Ask The Expert CUSTOM DOORS FREEDOM IRON DOORS 1500 N. 1-35, Suite 110, Plaza 35 Carrollton, Texas 75006 972.445.3667 freedomirondoors.com Mika Parker-Crenshaw, Founder What are the benefits of a wrought iron door? Freedom Iron Doors’ projects increase the value, safety, security and curb appeal of your home. Freedom Iron Doors is a wonderful outlet for clients to have the freedom to express themselves and enhance the overall look of their home. Is my entranceway or back door big enough? Yes, our doors are completely customizable to fit any space. We can replace windows with sliding doors, add interior office doors, enclose your patio, or make an entire wall of glass. We do business with residential customers, restaurants and commercial buildings. No job is too big or too small! Am I choosing from prefabricated designs, or can I customize my door? All our projects are 100% custom to our clients’ vision and specifications. You dream it, we can build it! You have total freedom of design. We’ll walk you through conception to design to installation. Can you build a gate for my pool or new railing and spindles for my stairs? Yes! We build beautiful custom gates, spindles and railings for your stairs. Freedom Iron Doors is woman and veteran owned. Founder Mika ParkerCrenshaw and her team have been pioneers in the iron door industry for more than 18 years. From manufacturing to distribution and installation, Mika and the Freedom Family have been the leaders and trendsetters in the ornamental iron world. Freedom Iron Doors prides itself on hard work, honesty, trust and dependability. We are intentional with our clients, products and processes, providing top-notch customer service and craftsmanship. We strive for excellence on every job! It’s time you opened The Doors of Freedom. Is there a way to see some examples of the doors before we commit? Freedom’s showroom, located in Carrollton, Texas, offers a selection of millennial and traditional-style doors, all hand-forged 12-guage wrought iron with optional magnetic, removable iron screens. We will also be at the Collin County Home and Garden show at the Credit Union of Texas Event Center on Stacy Road in Allen, Texas, (February 24-26), and at the Annual Greater Frisco Home and Garden Show at the Ford Center on Cowboys Way in Frisco, Texas (March 17-19). Call 972-445-DOOR to schedule an appointment today, or visit our website, freedomirondoors.com. SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION FEBRUARY 2023 35 No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2023 • All rights reserved.

EARLY EDUCATION PRIMROSE SCHOOLS 4625 Eldorado Parkway 9166 Teel Parkway 4115 Ohio Drive primrosegriffinparc.com primroseprestmont.com primrosefriscomain.com DeDee & Kevin Gebhardt Owners, Primrose Schools SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION What advice do you have for parents who are looking for an early education provider? Choosing the right care for a child is one of the most important decisions you will make as a parent. Research tells us that the experiences children have in their first five years of life are critical to their intellectual, creative, physical and social-emotional development. A child’s healthy development depends on positive, engaging experiences during these early years of life. There is no factor more important to your decision than your impression when you visit a preschool. Many parents can tell if a school is right for their family based on how they and their child are greeted, how the children attending are interacting and how their questions are answered by the school director and staff. What makes the Primrose Schools curriculum unique? A key differentiator that sets Primrose apart from other early education providers is our exclusive, research-informed Balanced Learning® curriculum, which balances purposeful play with guidance from teachers to encourage curiosity, creativity, confidence, and compassion. Our curriculum also places a special emphasis on character development — helping nurture traits such as kindness, generosity, honesty and compassion. Nurturing character development during these years is just as crucial as setting the stage for other proficiencies. The earlier these softer skills are fostered, the more likely children are to be successful in school and later in life. DeDee Gebhardt and her husband, Kevin, are the proud owners of three Primrose schools in Frisco, Texas. As longtime residents of Frisco, they are committed to serving their community by helping develop the next generation of leaders through high-quality care and education. The Gebhardts own Primrose School of Griffin Parc, Primrose School of Main & Teel, and Primrose School of Prestmont. Ask The Expert What are important topics to consider when touring child care options? Early Learning Approach: You may be seeking an unstructured, play-based environment for your child; a more structured approach; or a balance of both. Know what you’re looking for and ask the school how the approach translates into the daily activities and classroom experiences. Learning Environment: Observe the children— how they are playing and learning, how the teachers interact with them, and the atmosphere of the classroom. Do the teachers create a loving, secure environment for the children to learn? Ask to see the rooms your child will grow into so you can get a full picture of the experience. Parent Communication: Being away from your child is difficult. Ask about the tools used to keep parents informed each day. Do they send a daily overview of the activities your child participates in? Do you know what your child ate for meals and snacks? Do they send pictures throughout the day? Good parent communication will help give you peace of mind. Safety: Ask about the safety precautions the school has in place, as well as whether it has an emergency plan for various situations. You’ll also want to know how they will communicate with you in the event of an emergency. Accountability: Not all providers are held accountable for meeting certain standards on a regular basis. If quality is a big must-have for you, look for national accreditation through Cognia (AdvanceEd), and ASQ for measured developmental standards. How can parents prepare for the transition to child care? As you’re busy getting your child ready to take this big step, it’s important to make time to think about yourself, too. Make mornings easier by creating a packing checklist and getting everything ready the night before. Take time for check-ins with your child’s teacher so you feel involved in his or her daily routine. Finally, remember that this is an emotional time for your family, be patient while adjusting to new routine and take things one day at a time. 36 FRISCOSTYLE.COM No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2023 • All rights reserved.

PERSONAL TRAINING IT LIFE SOLUTIONS 6235 Main Street Frisco, Texas 75034 469.922.3229 [email protected] fitness.itlifesolutions.com Bobby Virk Certified Personal Trainer SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION As a client, what can I expect? We provide clients a systematic, progressive and integrated training approach backed by science, experience and technology for ages 6 and older with various needs, goals and abilities. Our individualized approach allows for in-home, in-person, virtual and hybrid delivery of fitness and lifestyle eating to achieve and surpass your personal goals. What health and lifestyle benefits can I expect? Our coaching techniques promote a positive mood, improvements in selfesteem, body image and sleep practices as well as a reduction in depression and anxiety. What services do you offer? At It Life Solutions, we provide personal training, nutrition and meal planning and habit coaching services. What sets you apart from other personal trainers? Our experience and knowledge as a former athlete and coach, as well as our customer experience and utilization of integrated technology to monitor, change, achieve and surpass your health and fitness goals are what sets us apart in the crowded personal coaching field. What are your training hours? It Life Solutions offers personal training services from 7-11 a.m. and 1-9 p.m. Monday-Friday (weekend appointments are available upon request). It Life Solutions: Fitness Division As we all know, life can be unpredictable with the demands and stress of career, family, and life in general. Over the years, like many of us, I also got to a point where I was overweight and out of shape. But I decided for myself and my son, to take control and get healthier so I dropped 51 LBS in 4.5 months before the age of 40 and maintained ever since. Since I’ve enjoyed playing in team sports throughout my life, a former athlete, have been a former USAA Girls club volleyball coach, youth soccer coach, an avid fitness enthusiast, and through my own personal experience of becoming healthier, obtaining my certification was a natural next step in addition to my IT career so that I could help others attain their health and fitness goals. Learn about my personal journey and more at fitness.itlifesolutions.com. Bobby Virk is a National Academy of Sports Medicine certified personal trainer as well as an IT professional working for companies such as The Hershey Company, Dr Pepper, Nature Nate’s Honey Co., etc. Ask The Expert UNBEATABLE PRICING | MONTHLY SUBSCRIPTIONS | NO CONTRACTS NO CANCELATION FEES | POWERED BY TECHNOLOGY FEBRUARY 2023 37 No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2023 • All rights reserved.

PERSONAL INJURY LAW LAW OFFICES OF JEREMY W. McKEY 5899 Preston Road, Suite 203 Frisco, Texas 75034 214.855.8788 mckeylawfirm.com Jeremy W. McKey Board-Certified Personal Injury Attorney SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION Do I need an attorney? If you or a family member have been seriously injured by the negligence of another — whether it be a trucking accident, car accident, motorcycle accident or any other type of accident — you should seriously consider the assistance of an experienced personal injury attorney. An experienced personal injury attorney will help you determine if you are able to recover the compensation you deserve for the injuries and damages you or your family suffered, including current and future medical bills, lost wages, car repairs and pain and suffering. How much will a Personal Injury Attorney cost? An experienced, reputable personal injury law firm and attorney will charge a contingency fee. There are no upfront costs or expenses to the law firm, and the firm only gets paid a percentage of the settlement after a successful recovery. Most law firms charge between 33 and 45 percent of the recovery depending on the stage of the claim or when the recovery was obtained. At the conclusion of your case, the attorney must give you a written statement stating all funds collected, the deductions from that settlement amount and the net amount paid to the client. Mr. Jeremy McKey is a board-certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer and Managing Partner of The Law Offices of Jeremy W. McKey. He started his legal career by representing insurance companies in personal injury lawsuits and property damage claims, but now represents victims who have suffered injuries because of the actions of someone else. Mr. McKey's clients include individuals who have suffered severe or catastrophic injuries from car or commercial truck wrecks, motorcycle wrecks, bicycle accidents, slip and falls or work-related injuries, and more. Ask The Expert When should I hire a Personal Injury Attorney? If you or your family has been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you and/or your family member should consult a personal injury attorney immediately. Insurance companies, which will investigate and obtain evidence to use against you, will call you after an accident and request a statement that may be used against you later. An experienced personal injury attorney can determine what information an insurance company is entitled to and work to preserve and gather evidence to your advantage. How long will it take for my case to settle? All cases are different. The more significant the injuries are and the more potential monies that are involved, the longer it will take to settle. Typically, settlement discussions start when you are released from treatment by your doctor(s). In most cases, a settlement may be reached within a couple of months however some cases may take years to settle or go to trial. This is where an experienced personal injury attorney can advise about whether a settlement offer is fair or if litigation should be considered. How do you determine the value of my claim? No attorney or law firm should suggest a dollar value right away for your case right away. It is impossible to know what type of settlement to expect before thoroughly investigating and considering the extent of any injuries sustained, present and future medical costs, lost wages, future expenses, and pain and suffering. An experienced personal injury attorney will conduct and complete a thorough investigation. Each case is different and will yield a different result. 38 FRISCOSTYLE.COM No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2023 • All rights reserved.

Ask The Expert RETIREMENT PLANNING RETIREMENT INVESTMENT ADVISORS, INC. Retirement Investment Advisors, Inc. 9300 John Hickman Parkway, Suite 504 Frisco, Texas 75035 972.377.2850 [email protected] theretirementpath.com Chad Rudy, CFP® Executive Vice President In our current economic environment, what question are you being asked the most? Recently, inflation has been grabbing significant headlines. Many questions center around the impact of inflation on investment plans. Inflation has always been an important topic to consider in a long-term financial plan. It is essential to have a diversified investment strategy that helps you prepare for your dollar potentially buying less in the future. Is there a common mistake you see people make as they save for retirement? Not getting the full benefit of an employer retirement plan is a big mistake. If your employer matches contributions, at a minimum, you want to contribute enough to receive the full match while increasing your contributions to the maximum allowed by your employer’s plan. Also, begin saving as early as possible to reap the benefits of compound interest. Finally, you want to regularly review your employer’s investment options and adjust your selections to align with your personal financial goals. Your Guide on the Path to Retirement Chad Rudy, CFP®, Executive Vice President of Retirement Investment Advisors, Inc., has provided financial planning assistance in the Frisco area since 2009. “My greatest reward is developing a solid retirement plan with a client and seeing it come to fruition,” says Rudy. Making sure money lasts through retirement is the number one concern of retirees. “Being able to give my clients peace of mind is incredibly rewarding. No matter what the headlines say or what the market is doing, they can rest assured that we planned for these ups and downs. When we develop a retirement plan for our clients, we are looking decades down the road.” Rudy believes that working with an advisor is a key to his clients’ success. “Working with an advisor who can keep you on track is critical. It is easy to be distracted by current events. An advisor can keep you focused on your long-term goals.” Where should those thinking about retirement be focused? I recommend focusing on four main areas: financial, taxes, legal, and insurance. If there are gaps in these areas, it can complicate reaching your retirement goals and reduce the likelihood of providing you a lifetime of income. On our website, theretirementpath.com, we offer a Retirement Readiness Checklist as well as a Retirement Readiness Quiz to help prepare potential retirees. SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION FEBRUARY 2023 39 No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2023 • All rights reserved.

REAL ESTATE MASON REAL ESTATE 972.834.2548 [email protected] masonrealestate.net Shelby Mason Sokolash Broker Associate/Realtor® Should I buy now or wait for rates to drop? It likely will be some time before interest rates are significantly lower. I, along with Chris Jones, our preferred lender with CrossCountry Mortgage, believe there are many advantages to buying now as there is a good amount of inventory available. Purchasing at a higher interest rate means less buyer competition and better negotiation opportunities as well as the chance to refinance when interest rates drop. Also, sellers are more likely to negotiate on price and/ or give seller concessions, which can reduce funds out of pocket at closing or allow buyers to take advantage of Temporary Buydown programs, which lowers payments for the first one, two or three years. Dream Home .... We Got This! Shelby is a proud Collin County native and a dedicated realtor for 13 years. As a Broker Associate/Realtor® at the family-owned Mason Real Estate, she is passionate about creating long-lasting client relationships. She understands the importance of family and strives to provide the best possible experience with a simple, down-to-earth approach. With expert knowledge of the fast-paced DFW real estate market, Shelby is ready to help with your home-buying and selling needs. She has built a solid foundation of clients in this community through her professionalism, attention to detail and commitment to always put her clients’ needs first. What does the current housing market look like in Frisco? Frisco remains one of the hottest real estate markets in Dallas-Fort Worth. The average number of days that a home was on the market in the fourth quarter of 2022 was just 38 days, with sellers getting 98% of their list price. Also during that period, Frisco’s average home sales price was $750,000 compared to $659,000 in late 2021. There are currently more than 300 homes active on the market in Frisco with an average list price of $750,000. As we head into the start of the peak real estate season, we anticipate seeing these numbers grow significantly. Are we in a housing bubble that is getting ready to pop? I do not believe that we are headed toward a crash similar to what was experienced in 2008. The housing market is different now as the lending standards are far more stringent. Also, the number of people looking to purchase a home outweighs the supply of homes for sale. While the housing market will begin to stabilize, a housing crash is not anticipated. Ask The Expert SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION 40 FRISCOSTYLE.COM No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2023 • All rights reserved.

DENTISTRY STONEBRIAR SMILE DESIGN 3880 Parkwood Boulevard, Suite #103 Frisco, Texas 75034 469.361.0081 stonebriarsmiledesign.com Jill Wade, DDS, MAGD Kristi Moody, DDS Jodi Danna, DDS SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION How can I whiten my teeth? The easiest and most economical ways to whiten and brighten the appearance of your smile is with whitening gel that may be used at home, or as part of our in-office teeth whitening sessions. Your gums will be protected during the process, which takes about an hour to complete. A strong gel is applied to your teeth and, through heat activation, a brighter, whiter smile can be quickly achieved. If you have tried whitening procedures but desire an even brighter smile, veneers may be an option for you. Will my teeth have to be filed down for veneers? To achieve the best and longest-lasting results, some tooth structure must be removed. Without this critical step, the veneers would make your mouth look and feel bulkier and could also irritate your gums. This type of smile design is irreversible. In general, it is necessary to remove some tooth structure to create the smile of your dreams that will last a lifetime. Are clear aligners as effective as traditional braces? That is an excellent question! There are pros and cons associated with each. Many adults tend to enjoy clear aligners such as Invisalign or OrthoFX because they are basically invisible. This makes it easy to accommodate the wearing of aligners during treatment. While they are well-suited for making minor adjustments, there are some limitations. We advise patients to receive a scan and, with a dentist, select the best option for you. However, it is best to avoid inexpensive, at-home aligner systems that do not require a doctor’s supervision. Dr. Jill Wade, Dr. Kristi Moody, and Dr. Jodi Danna all bring years of experience to the table with one goal in mind: giving our patients the chance to enjoy beautiful smiles along with healthy bodies for years to come. To that end, we work alongside other physicians to manage your overall health and well-being, and we have gone out of our way to make sure that our team is as highly trained as possible. If you’re ready to start living a full and healthy life, call Stonebriar Smile Design today or visit stonebriarsmiledesign.com. Ask The Expert I had a tooth pulled and now have a space in my mouth. What are my options? Most patients choose a traditional bridge if the teeth around the space are foundationally sound, or opt for a dental implant. We love implants for the fact that they stand alone and do not touch other teeth, do not decay and can be brushed and flossed just like natural teeth. The health of your jawbone as well as the cosmetic zone within your mouth also play a role in deciding which option is best for you. What options are available to help prevent snoring? Lasers may be used to treat and tighten the flappy tissue in the back of the throat, which may reduce the sound associated with snoring. The procedure takes approximately 20 minutes to complete and it is easy with no downtime required. Depending on your unique anatomy, two or three treatments scheduled about 30 days apart may be required. FEBRUARY 2023 41 No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2023 • All rights reserved.

TAX SERVICES TAX TIME 9288 TX-121, Suite 350 Frisco, Texas 75035 214.619.0200 taxtimefrisco.com SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION If I get married during the year, how do we file? You and your spouse should collect all tax documents including, but not limited to, W2s, 1099s, mortgage interest statements, and investment income statements. Your marital status on December 31 determines whether you are considered married for that year. Married persons may file their Federal Income Tax return either jointly or separately. Both filing statuses have pros and cons, so it is essential to understand the implications of each. You sold a primary residence this year. How does that affect your taxes? When selling a primary residence, the IRS allows for a “capital gain exclusion.” This exclusion is up to $250,000 for individuals and $500,000 for married couples. This rule states that you must have occupied the residence for at least 24 months of the last five years. I started a small business as a side hustle, and it did well. How do I prepare for tax time? That’s great news! Throughout the year, you should have been keeping track of your gross income as well as all related expenses (i.e., supplies, office expenses, equipment, etc.). You will pay Federal and Self-Employment taxes on the profit from your business. Tax Time is a family owned-and-operated business servicing North Texas since 2006. With over 40 years of combined industry experience, Tax Time provides the best service in the area. We prepare federal and state returns for all 50 states in a family friendly atmosphere with a relaxed office environment. Establishing lifelong relationships is just as important as saving our clients’ money. Our professional staff works to provide the best tax preparation guidance and consultation year-round. Tax Time is the company you can trust to deliver results at industry-competitive prices. Tax Time provides personalized tax services specializing in individual and small business returns catered to your specific tax situation Ask The Expert What are the new laws for Venmo for businesses and how are small business owners affected? This is a hot topic this year as the IRS announced new reporting thresholds for third-party settlement organizations (TPSOs). The new law requires TPSOs to report total transactions for the year exceeding $600. For the tax year 2022, the IRS announced a delay in those reporting thresholds, but it is certainly something to be aware of for future years. To clarify: this is not a tax change, this is a reporting change. If you are receiving income for goods and services, you should be reporting your income regardless of whether you receive a 1099K or not. Personal transactions, such as a gift or payments from friends to split dinner, are not considered taxable income and should not be included on your tax return. PayPal and Venmo require that you select the purpose of the transaction, so personal payments should not be included on a 1099K. I bought and sold cryptocurrency. How does that affect my taxes? Since cryptocurrency exchanges haven’t been required to send 1099B forms, individuals who participate in cryptocurrency transactions have been responsible for self-reporting their gains, losses and mining. Buying and selling crypto is similar to buying and selling any other property. You report your proceeds along with your cost basis to determine your capital gain or capital loss. Capital gains are taxed at either the long-term capital gains rates or the shortterm capital gains rates, depending upon how long you held the currency. Capital losses, however, are limited to $3,000 per year. To help prepare this information for your taxes, we encourage our clients to use cryptocurrency software (such as CoinTracker) to easily integrate their crypto wallets and generate the appropriate tax information. 42 FRISCOSTYLE.COM No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2023 • All rights reserved.

Golda Sumpon’s journey from global IT executive to pastry chef is a testament to her dedication and the courage to follow her dreams. Her beautifully crafted French macarons and pastries are available at the Frisco Fresh Market, 9215 John W. Elliott Dr., in Frisco, as well as her brick-and-mortar store Ollio Patisserie, at 7552 Main St., in The Colony. Sumpon, who grew up in Sri Lanka, describes the island nation as being very cosmopolitan with a melting pot of cultural influences. While her interest in food started at a young age (courtesy of her mother’s cooking and her father’s appreciation for different types of cuisine), her own culinary knowledge went a step further. “I also have fusion experience because Sri Lanka used to be a colony under the Portuguese and Dutch, then under the British,” she explains. “We have a lot of cultural heritage from many European countries.” After graduating high school, Sumpon moved to the United States to attend college at Angelo State University in San Angelo. She was introduced to Texas cuisine and soon began experimenting with food in her own kitchen. However, it wasn’t until later that she recognized the depth of her passion for the culinary arts. By Ashli Urano CAREER CHANGE BROUGHT SUCCESS FOR CHEF GOLDA SUMPON FEBRUARY 2023 43 No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2023 • All rights reserved.

After earning a degree in computer science and math, Sumpon began working for technology company Hewlett Packard. She eventually became a high-ranking executive, managing multi-million dollar budgets while building her own team in India. Her role within the company allowed her to travel extensively. “My mind was not on a culinary track at the time, but it was coming to a point where I would think, ‘Oh, this is what food from Northern India tastes like, and this is what food from Southern India tastes like,’” Sumpon says. “I started to figure out how the geography and climate of each region lends itself to a different background and taste profile.” After 16 years with Hewlett Packard, she took a job with commercial data and analytics provider Dun & Bradstreet as senior director and leader of their global partner program. This position required continuous travel throughout the United States, giving Sumpon the opportunity to try different foods and expand her knowledge of a variety of cuisines. Despite her successful career, Sumpon says she began to feel restless. “I needed to do something for the community, but I was gone all the time. I also have kids and wanted to be more involved locally instead of globally,” she recalls. Sumpon decided to enroll in Collin College’s culinary program, despite the challenges of continuing to work full time while raising a family. “In between traveling, doing homework and attending night classes, I was trying to figure out if this was really what I wanted to do,” she says. “After a semester in culinary school, I told my husband this is something I definitely want. It’s nerve racking to make such a huge career change and totally leave it all behind, but it felt right.” Initially, Sumpon planned to focus on catering, but soon fell in love with all aspects of culinary school. This eventually led to her earning three degrees in culinary and pastry arts, along with hospitality/ restaurant management. It wasn’t long before her love for pastry surpassed all of her other interests. “With culinary people, it’s a real-time thing. If there’s not enough salt, then throw more in. You can be bolder with culinary because you know the result and can make adjustments. To my IT brain and the mathematical side of me, I like the structure that pastry provides.” A TASTE OF THE WORLD 44 FRISCOSTYLE.COM No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2023 • All rights reserved.

Sumpon was determined to find the perfect niche for her future business. She spent time researching and experimenting with different dessert options, ultimately deciding on macarons and pastries. To further hone her skills and understanding, she took a trip to New York City to visit the bakeries of some of the most well-respected pastry chefs in the industry. “I was able to meet with James Beard Awardwinning pastry chef Joanne Chang” of Flour Bakery + Café. “We stopped by Dominque Ansel’s bakery in SoHo and also went to Thomas Keller’s Bouchon,” she said. “I wanted to see what their signature offerings were.” Through this process, Sumpon says she was able to gain a better understanding of what customers were looking for and how to make her own business a success. As she continued planning, Sumpon utilized her corporate experience by hiring an ad agency to create a name for her new venture. “I wanted the name to spread love and joy, and be allinclusive without being restricted to baking,” she explains. “Through an intense process, the agency suggested Olio, which is an Italian word meaning ‘a dish of many ingredients.’ We changed the spelling a little bit, then decided on Ollio Patisserie. I put a lot of thought into what we wanted to represent to our customers.” In 2019, Sumpon began selling macarons, pastries and cookies from a booth at the Frisco Fresh Market. She was able to quickly establish herself and the business before the pandemic forced the market to close in March 2020. She and her family saw that as the perfect time to build their own commercial kitchen. In June 2021, she opened Ollio Patisserie in The Colony, which she runs with her husband, the couple’s three adult children and a pair of part-time employees. Ollio Patisserie’s menu is filled with an array of delicious options. Most items are available to purchase individually, as well as in gift boxes and sampler packs. Croissant flavors include spinach and feta, ham and cheese, butter, cream cheese and chocolate. The pastry selection includes sticky buns, danishes and cinnamon rolls. Snickerdoodles, chocolate chip and sugar cookies are also available, among other items. Sumpon offers some advice for those considering a career change like the one she made: “Be prepared to work hard and pay your dues while working your way up. … It’s not a fast road, but if you embrace the industry and go with the flow, you can achieve your goals.” Ashli Urano is a freelance writer obsessed with competitive tennis, true crime and her Goldendoodle named Sadie Kireina. THE RECIPE FOR SUCCESS FEBRUARY 2023 45 No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2023 • All rights reserved.

There’s a lot to love about Rodeo Goat’s innovative concept that continues to attract burger and craft beer enthusiasts across Texas. Having last year opened the eighth location of this Lone Star State chain, at 3111 Preston Road in Frisco, restaurateur Shannon Wynne and his business partners show no signs of slowing down. Rodeo Goat’s unique menu, featuring several burgers named after local celebrities, adds an extra touch of personality to the experience. Rodeo Goat’s locations showcase industrial elements such as cinder block walls and concrete floors. The Frisco location, which was previously home to a Romano’s Macaroni Grill restaurant, has undergone renovations to give it a similar industrial vibe. Goat-themed artwork and décor can be seen throughout the dining room and bar. A rodeo gate separates the main dining room from a smaller dining area in the back. Guests have a variety of green community tables and booths to choose from when picking the perfect spot to dine for lunch or dinner. Upon entering Rodeo Goat recently for lunch, a host waited to greet my husband and I as we walked down a short ramp. While soaking in the atmosphere, we could see cooks busily by Ashli Urano working in an open kitchen. Frisco location of Rodeo Goat is a winner 46 FRISCOSTYLE.COM

We also noticed a small bar with cheerful guests drinking craft beer and cocktails. The host smiled before asking, “Is this your first time dining at Rodeo Goat?” It was indeed, so he quickly detailed the menu before suggesting we pick any table or booth we liked. Once seated at a semi-quiet booth in the corner, our server, Austin, quickly arrived to take our drink order. After looking at the specialty drink menu, we asked for suggestions. Austin is an avid fan of the B-L-TX cocktail with TX whiskey, blackberries and lemonade, as well as the Rattlesnake, a sangria-swirled frozen margarita. His favorites soon became ours as well. For an appetizer, there was no doubt that we had to order the Steaming Pile. Tater tots, filled with cheese and cooked to a golden brown, provide the perfect base for the toppings that complete this dish. Crispy bacon bits add a salty, smoky flavor, while a fried egg adds a rich, velvety texture. Served in a small cast iron skillet with a side of spicy ranch dressing, the Steaming Pile was a definite winner. Rodeo Goat’s Cheese Fries Surprise is another must-have appetizer. A plate overflowing with fries is topped with cheddar cheese, bacon and sliced jalapenos. The “surprise” part of the dish is the house-made chili placed beneath the fries. (For those not interested in the chili, order the Cheese Fries No Surprise.) FEBRUARY 2023 47 No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2023 • All rights reserved.

Rodeo Goat has a “Battle of the Burgers” each month. Two burgers go head-tohead, with each customer’s order counting as one vote. During our visit, the competition was between a burger and chicken sandwich. The Fire in the Hole burger consists of a beef patty topped with pepper jack cheese, jalapeno poppers and slices, crispy bacon and Fresno aioli. We opted for the BFG, which features a succulent pickle-brined fried chicken breast slathered in buffalo sauce, topped with blue cheese crumbles, mixed greens and lemon aioli. There was no way we were leaving without trying the Chaca Oaxaca. The beef and chorizo patty brings a savory and spicy element to the burger. Sitting between a toasted bun, the burger is topped with queso fresco, pico de gallo, avocado spread, tabasco mayo and a fried egg over easy. It arrived with warm egg yolk running down the burger onto the plate. 48 FRISCOSTYLE.COM

For those who wish to order on the lighter side, Rodeo Goat offers an entrée-sized avocado Caesar salad. A bed of crispy romaine lettuce is topped with sliced Castelvetrano olives, chunks of fresh av - ocado and fried capers for added crunch. Tossed in a creamy Caesar dressing, the salad is finished with pumpernickel crou - tons and grated Parmesan cheese. Half of an avocado is filled with extra dress - ing and placed in the center of the salad. (Grilled chicken can be added to the salad for an additional cost.) Keeping vegans and vegetarians in mind, Rodeo Goat offers the Neil Young burg - er featuring a homemade vegan patty topped with hydroponic sprouts, ripe beefsteak tomato, creamy avocado and green goddess dressing. (The vegan patty can be substituted with the plantbased Impossible Burger patty.) For dessert, we went with Austin’s sug - gestion and ordered Goat Balls. Resem - bling doughnut holes, biscuit dough filled with brie is lightly fried, then drizzled with blackberry compote and sprinkled with powdered sugar. Another tempting choice is the Cow Patty, which is a Texas sheet cake topped with pecans and al - mond ice cream. During our lunch at Rodeo Goat, we were fortunate to have an attentive server, Austin, who stood out for having exten - sive knowledge of the menu, as well as a willingness to answer questions and of - fer solid recommendations. We left Ro - deo Goat feeling fulfilled in every way. Frisco STYLE Magazine dining reviews are not scheduled with or paid for by the featured restaurant. All reviews are com - pleted for the purpose of helping readers learn about and enjoy local dining options. Is there an area restaurant that you’d like us to review? Email us at info@friscostyle. com. Ashli Urano is a freelance writer obsessed with com - petitive tennis, true crime and her Goldendoodle named Sadie Kireina. FEBRUARY 2023 49

SSuummmmeerr ppaassss on sale now! Valid May 19 - September 4, 2023 417 lakefront dr., Little Elm www.thecoveatthelakefront.com Family individual Youth/Senior Resident non-resident $200 $125 $75 $275 $190 $110 50 FRISCOSTYLE.COM