Richardson’s 2023-2025 Mayor and City Council Members
My favorite dog was Dutchess. She was an Airedale. When I was a sophomore in high school, I saved my money and purchased her. She was a fabulous dog. She won her obedience class training as the best trained dog. She was loyal, smart and obedient. If I asked her to sit and stay, she would never move until I called her
Mary Bedosky and Marta Frey
Editor’s Note: Movers and shakers are people who make things happen, influencers whose energy creates positive change. They’re always busy and often pioneers in their respective fields. In each issue of Richardson Life Magazine, we highlight an individual, couple or group of people who we feel fits this definition. If you would like to nominate a mover and shaker to be celebrated in the pages of the magazine, email pmotte@hylogroup.com MARY BEDOSKY 2022 Citizen Of The Year By Patti Otte In March, the Richardson Chamber of Commerce honored individuals whose exceptional contributions to the community made a lasting impact in 2022. Small but mighty, fun and feisty Mary Bedosky was given the well-deserved title of Citizen of the Year. Mary grew up in Madison, Wisconsin, where she spent winters sledding and ice skating. Always a hard worker, Mary’s first job was cleaning the scuff marks off new men’s white shoes at the Nunn Bush Shoe Factory in Edgerton, Wisconsin. A music education major at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire, she specialized in voice and piano and was a lead singer in a rock band, “playing regular gigs with lots of 70’s music at a smoky bar with fellow music majors,” Mary recalls. The young musician also had a knack for business and her career took her in that direction. She has worked in retail store management, residential real estate and banking for many years. Currently, Mary works for Prosperity Bank in Richardson as the Banking Center President and will soon celebrate sixteen years with Prosperity. Mary describes herself as flexible, organized and a great partner. Mary’s greatest partnership was with Matthew, her soul mate and husband of twenty-six years, whom she lost in 2019. Mary and Matt moved from Rochester, NY, to Richardson in 1993. Together, in addition to pursuing separate careers, they owned a cigar shop in Richardson called Calypso Cigars, which Mary sold after Matt’s death. Her eyes still light up when she talks about Matt. Mary with her mom and brother Her father Lester, a small business owner himself, taught Mary the importance of relationships in business and giving back to the community. Her 91-year-old mom, Helen Ryan, lives with Mary now. A retired nurse and former amateur pilot, Helen “is a blast to live with – she always keeps me laughing,” states Mary fondly. Mary Happily Networking Mary and Matt in Wyoming Mary’s earliest memory of volunteering is selling tickets at the Kehl School of Dance recital back in Madison. She did so well that she won a pair of ballet shoes for selling the most tickets! Once she arrived in Richardson, Mary met longtime Richardson mover and shaker Bonnie Perry, who invited her to serve on the RSO Board. They collaborated on many causes over the years and Bonnie introduced Mary to several people who she now considers her best friends. Mary is a member of the Richardson East Rotary Club, the Executive After Hours and Women in Leadership committees of the Richardson Chamber, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Methodist Richardson Hospital Foundation. When asked what she would say to someone wanting to make a difference in the community, Mary states, “There are so many ways to give back. Network of Community Ministries and RALC come to mind. I would ask the person, ‘What is your passion?’ It is so much fun to work alongside others doing something you love and believe in.” Fellow volunteer and Logotology owner Monica Scott states, “Mary is smart and Mary’s March birthday celebration funny and has such a rich history in this community. I don’t think there is one aspect of this City that she hasn’t been involved in and is always open to sharing and brainstorming new ideas to build upon successes. She is one of those people who, when you talk to her, you know you have 100% of her attention. We are truly blessed to have her!!!” Mary’s March birthday celebration Besides “catching some rays” in her backyard pool, Mary loves the patio and vibe at Fernando’s, the concert hall at the Eisemann Center, and the Wildflower Festival. She also enjoys visiting and photographing lighthouses, drinking wine and chatting with friends, and shopping! When asked what she would like folks to remember her for, Mary replies, “I would hope that they talk about the great times we had together and how we improved our community as a team.” Congratulations, Mary. You’ve certainly made your community a better place simply by being you. MARTA FREY 2022 Volunteer Of The Year By Patti Otte Alex, Marta and Noah campaigning in 2017 Another awesome and accomplished leader, Marta Frey was honored as the Richardson Chamber of Commerce’s Volunteer of the Year. Marta was born in Puerto Rico before moving with her family to Richardson in 1976. Marta attended Dartmouth Elementary, Hamilton Park Elementary, Apollo Jr High and Berkner HS. She then graduated from Texas A&M University with a BA in history and languages. Early on, Marta’s family life centered around maintaining their Hispanic culture while learning about their new Texas home. Her family hosted potlucks incorporating Puerto Rican and Colombian (her father was from Colombia) cuisines with their American friends. Her childhood was spent sharing countless days with cousins, aunts and uncles. Marta’s family, including son Alex, a Richardson-based software engineer, and Noah, a market researcher living in Chicago, is a central part of her life. Says Marta, “My sons are my inspiration and provide my sense of direction. My mom, Myrta G. Gómez, a former educator, taught me why giving back is so important. And my father Hector, affectionately known as ‘Papapa’, was well-respected in the engineering consulting community and taught me to embrace a strong work ethic.” Marta continues, “Mimi (my mom) taught me to serve always, in all ways. She showed me how there can be creativity in who and how I serve, as long as I serve. As I child, I didn’t yet have causes I was
Richardson Symphony Orchestra
One of Richardson’s cultural crown jewels, the Richardson Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1961 by Maestro Chris Xeros and a group of dedicated volunteers. In 1990, Maestro Anshel Brusilow became the second conductor of the RSO. The orchestra continued to grow and is now recognized as one of the premiere orchestras in the region. It is the resident symphony of the Eisemann Center for Performing Arts and offers six concerts (four classical and two pops) each season. The orchestra consists of 70 professional musicians led by Music Director and Conductor Clay Couturiaux, who just completed his eleventh year with the RSO. The Symphony is supported by a dedicated Board of Directors, the Richardson Symphony League and community volunteers. According to Executive Director Laurie Garvie, “We are a small but mighty nonprofit, with just two full-time and one part-time staff members.” Throughout its history, the orchestra has been known for its innovative programming and as a showplace for brilliant up-and-coming talent. Many notable artists have made their DFW symphony debut with the RSO, including cellist Yo-Yo Ma, violinist Nadia Solaerno-Sonnenberg and pianist Behzod Abduraimov. In addition to its critically acclaimed concerts, the RSO is regarded as a leader in education and community outreach programs. The Ann & Charles Eisemann International Young Artists Competition annually draws talented young performers from around the world who compete for cash prizes and the opportunity to perform with the orchestra at its March concert. The orchestra is also involved in enriching the Fine Arts education of Richardson Independent School District students through Symphony Days, a three-part program culminating in all third graders attending a concert at the Eisemann Center. When asked what makes her glad to be associated with the RSO, Garvie states, “One of the things I’m most proud of is that we provide music beyond the walls of the concert hall to share the joy of live music with as many people as possible. Through the generous support of our donors, corporate sponsors, and the City of Richardson Cultural Arts Commission, we offer a wide variety of community outreach programs. Our newest platform is the RSO concert trailer, which enables us to transport a portable stage to casual settings – parks, neighborhood parties, Main Street celebrations, Light Up Lockwood, and several new locations in the months ahead.” Winners of the 2023 Ann & Charles Eisemann International Young Artists Competition with the Eisemann family and Maestro Couturiaux She continues, “I’m also proud of our podcast program, ‘Portraits in Music,’ which debuted in June 2020. Maestro Couturiaux shares his insight into the pieces to be performed at each concert. Most episodes include an interview with a principal musician or a guest artist. Several episodes feature conversations with RSO musicians and community supporters who have been instrumental in sustaining the RSO through their generous support. Our podcast has more than 3,000 downloads from 36 countries and 48 states in the USA and is produced by Ross Sivertsen.” Richardson Symphony Orchestra concert trailer The RSO just wrapped up an exciting sixty-first season. Joyce Yang returned to perform with the orchestra at their Season Finale Concert in April. An exceptional pianist who performed the Brahms Piano Concerto No. 1, Joyce is a powerhouse performer and such a joy to work with, which made for “an absolutely amazing weekend,” according to Garvie. During the February pops concert, “Fascinating Rhythm,” the orchestra was joined by two Broadway veterans, Capathia Jenkins and Aisha de Haas. It included chart-topping songs popularized by Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Judy Garland, and many more iconic vocalists. One of the RSO’s goals has been to collaborate with the Eisemann Center for Performing Arts to co-present a pops concert. That dream will soon come true as the two entities co-present Judy Collins with full orchestral accompaniment on January 27, 2024. For more information about the Richardson Symphony Orchestra, visit http://richardsonsymphony.org or follow the RSO on Instagram @Richardson_symphony. MAESTRO CLAY COUTURIAUX Music has been present throughout Clay Couturiaux’s life. He could sense the power of music when he started singing in the church choir at age 5. By age 8, young Clay was playing the piano, which soon fueled his interest in other instruments. By age 10, he had found his instrument: the violoncello. Because it was an orchestral instrument, the violoncello introduced Clay to the symphony orchestra and, through the orchestra, he gained an appreciation for all instruments. However, he admits to remaining biased toward the cello. After attending his first orchestra rehearsal as a cellist at age 12, he knew he wanted to be a conductor. Couturiaux said, “Understanding what a conductor actually did opened up a new world to me.” Although he views great composers as the “true geniuses” and is content to leave the work of composing to them, he believes the role of the orchestra is to perform and to “recreate their music.” That process of re-creation is driven by the conductor. Along his path to becoming a conductor, Couturiaux earned his Bachelor of Music in violoncello from the University of North Texas in Denton, graduating with honors in 1994. He then continued his studies at the University of North Texas, earning a Master’s and a Doctorate in orchestral conducting by 2000. In addition, he developed his conducting skills at the world-renowned Pierre Monteux School for Conductors and Orchestra Musicians in Maine and at the National Arts Centre Conductors Programme in Ottawa, Canada. Maestro Couturiaux is now the Assistant Director of Orchestral Studies at the University of North Texas, where he teaches fundamentals of con- ducting technique, advanced orchestral conducting, administrates the orchestral studies area, and is conductor of the UNT Concert Orchestra. Couturiaux describes the art of conducting as “one of the most complex and demanding activities in the realm of music” because three things must come together: the conductor’s personal study, the preparation of rehearsal, and the culmination of the performance itself. Clay Couturiaux is the proud father of two teenage daughters. In his free
Preston Stout
Tiger Woods appeared on The Mike Douglas Show at age 2, putting with Bob Hope. He shot 48 for nine holes at age three and was featured in Golf Digest at age five. Rory McIlroy started golfing at age 7. Preston Stout, on the other hand, grew up playing baseball, football, soccer and basketball. But in the summer after fifth grade, his parents enrolled him in a golf and tennis camp at Canyon Creek Country Club in Richardson. He fell in love with golf and, within a few months, played in his first tournament. Fast-forward just seven years and Preston Stout is now ranked #1 in the state of Texas on Golfweek and #4 on the AJGA Junior Golf Scoreboard. At eleven years old, Stout knew that golf was going to be a long-term passion: “The challenge and pressure was something I loved and quickly found very addicting.” From a young age, his dad taught Stout the value of a solid work ethic and the importance of passion and dedication. Stout credits his work ethic for setting him apart from other players his age. He states, “I love practicing and the satisfaction that it gives me after a long day of grinding on the golf course. I think a lot of kids get bored or distracted while practicing and that is something that has never been an issue for me.” Stout tries to emulate what he sees in successful pro golfers, noting that “All successful tour pros have very strong mental toughness and grit when competing. I believe I have this same mindset when on the golf course.” During his high school years, Stout typically practiced for two to three hours every day after school. That practice schedule changed, in between traveling to tournaments, to six to seven hours a day during the summertime. And in a fortuitous twist of fate, the pandemic provided Stout the chance to “live on the golf course, thanks to online school and limited class time.” He credits that time with improving his game significantly and catapulting him to success. JJ Pearce golf coach Steven Buchanan was Stout’s mentor and coach for four years. When asked to explain what he thinks makes Stout so special, he replies, “Preston brings a level of competitiveness to every event that makes him unique. Because golf is an individual sport, many players have a hard time learning what it means to compete. Preston played many sports growing up and I feel like he has transferred traits and qualities that he acquired from those sports into his overall golf game.” He continues, “He doesn’t just want to win the event; he wants to win leaving no doubt who the best player was. Selfishly, I have enjoyed knowing that, wherever we show up to play, I have the best player in the field.” Stout recently graduated from JJ Pearce High School and heads to Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, OK, this fall. This summer, he will transition from junior golf to amateur golf. In between tournaments and practice, Stout plans to soak in as much time on the lake fishing and hanging out with his buddies and family as he can. He also plans to be at the beach as much as possible. Just a few weeks ago, Stout received the prestigious Byron Nelson International Junior Golf Award, which “recognizes the achievements of junior golfers around the world who distinguish themselves with a high level of junior tournament play as well as excellence in academics, exceptional character and a commitment to community service.” When asked to reflect on his successes to date, Stout says, “God has definitely been the most influential thing in my life the past year. I have come to understand that I’m not just playing golf for myself or my family but playing to glorify God. He is the reason I have been blessed with the opportunities I have received today.” Stout’s mantra for living is “Never give up on your dreams.” He states, “I believe to get where you want to be in life, you will be tested and put through adversity. You have to overcome these challenges to be successful.” We’re rooting for you, Preston. You’re on your way. Preston and Mrs. Byron Nelson Preston with his parents Kelly and Chris USGA Tournament USGA Tournament Preston, Hailey Ashcraft, and JJ Pearce Coach Steven Buchanan
The Richardson Senior Center
A Special Village Within our City Limits In 1945, General Douglas MacArthur was tasked with overseeing the rebuilding of Japan following World War II. He did so from his walnutpaneled sixth floor office in Tokyo’s Dai Chi Life Insurance Company building. For inspiration, General MacArthur posted pictures in his office of Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln as well as a copy of his favorite poem by Samuel Ullman entitled “Youth.” n his timeless poem, Ullman envisions youthfulness as a state of mind, not the number of years a person has lived. He believed in embracing a spirit of wonder at every stage of life and experiencing beauty and cheer at every opportunity. It’s as if the founders of the Richardson Senior Center shared Ullman’s understanding of a life well-lived and, consequently, created a gathering place for those citizens aged fifty and older to continue truly living. Led by its energetic and enthusiastic Program and Senior Center Manager Susan Talbot, the thoughtfully redesigned Senior Center is home to a “village” of friends and neighbors who truly care about one another and are finding ways to enjoy this season of life together. Founded in 1993, the Senior Center moved to its current, convenient location at 820 W. Arapaho Rd. almost two years ago. Housed in a former bank building, the Senior Center boasts several flexible meeting spaces/classrooms, a fitness center, a pool room with three oft-used pool tables and spots for onlookers, a great selection of books and puzzles, four computers for members’ use, and a café which serves a light lunch every weekday. A small gift shop called the Robin’s Nest is filled with items handmade by members 50+ and run exclusively by those same seniors. The facility is clean, fresh and cheerfully appointed, a place where the magic of belonging happens Monday through Saturday thanks to the people who work and volunteer at the Richardson Senior Center. Susan Talbot and her team handle not only programming but also ensure that the visitors who use the facility feel at home and take advantage of its many opportunities for growth and enrichment. Susan strives to know each member well: she memorizes their names, their stories, their joys and even their sorrows. She calls each member by name because she believes in the importance of being known. Her self-proclaimed goal is to nourish the minds, health and wellbeing of each of the 400-500+ active members of the Senior Center. Frequent visitor Vivian Marino discovered the Center thanks to a move her parents made from Pittsburgh, PA, to Richardson to care for their grandchildren. At first the couple stayed close to home between times with family. Once they began visiting the Senior Center, however, their lives in Richardson changed in a beautiful way. Vivian’s mom began teaching ceramics at the Center and her dad taught line dancing to the other seniors. Vivian’s mom organized the Saturday night dances which still happen today. The couple were active at the Center for more than twenty years. After retiring from teaching in 2011, Vivian followed in her parents’ footsteps and joined the Senior Center as well. When asked what she would like Richardson residents to know about it, Vivian, now aged 77, replies, “I want the citizens of Richardson to be aware of the TREASURE that they have right here in our community. We learn from the younger members and we are enriched by the wisdom of our older members.” “Youth is not a time of life – it is a state of mind. It is not a matter of red cheeks, red lips and supple knees. It is a temper of the will; a quality of the imagination; a vigor of the emotions; it is a freshness of the deep springs of life. Youth means a temperamental predominance of courage over timidity, of the appetite for adventure over a life of ease. This often exists in a man of fifty, more than in a boy of twenty.” Joe Keffer, now 75 years young, lost his beloved wife of 50 years in March of 2021. While dealing with his grief, a loss of identity, purpose and friends, he began looking for an environment in which he could find intellectual, social and physical activities. The journey led him to Richardson’s Senior Center. There he found “the most fascinating people: lawyers, scientists, professors, investors and travelers.” Says Joe, the Center “provides a place to go; it is a reason to get out of bed in the morning and to live life again.” Vivian and Joe are just two of the countless seniors whose lives have been blessed by the Richardson Senior Center. For more information about the Center or to purchase a membership, call 972.744.4800 or visit http://cor.net. You’ll find the Senior Center within the Parks & Recreation Department’s information. “Senior citizens have a very diverse set of needs. Aging does not diminish our desire for a meaningful life; we need to stay active, engaged and connected. Social interaction is essential to prevent loneliness, isolation and even depression…Education and lifelong learning keep seniors involved and challenged. Many seniors still have the desire and capability to be of service to others as teachers and caregivers. The Richardson Senior Center is a unique facility where these needs are addressed daily.”
Shady’s Burgers & Brewhaha Celebrates Ten Years
The award-winning Shady’s Burgers & Brewhaha, a family-friendly neighborhood restaurant and bar, will celebrate ten years on April 1. The Best Burger in Dallas winner, according to the Dallas Observer’s Best of 2022, opened in 2013 in the Canyon Creek neighborhood of Richardson, Texas. Then, in 2015, a second Shady’s location opened in Richardson’s Lake Highlands. Both casual dining restaurants are still neighborhood favorites and Dallas destinations for many burger lovers. Five neighborhood friends became business partners when they decided one evening to come together to give families, friends and neighbors a unique place to gather while serving scratch kitchen favorites, local beers and the best margaritas in town. “We set out 10 years ago to build a neighborhood place with a great patio that served a variety of fresh dishes and cold beverages. We are excited to reach this milestone and look forward to another ten,” said Shady’s partner Don Bouvier. Shady’s will kick of the anniversary weekend Friday, March 31 at 3:00 pm with a continuous Happy Hour that will run through Sunday evening. In addition, Shady’s will debut their new light lager, Slim Shady’s, created by the Oak Highlands Brewery specifically for Shady’s in honor of the ten-year anniversary. “We are excited to introduce this new, flavorful, namesake beer to our customers and friends,” said Bouvier. “We know our guests are going to love it as much as we do.” Both Shady’s locations will celebrate all weekend long with giveaways, drawings, new merchandise, music and more. “We invite all our customers and friends to come out and celebrate with us by raising a glass to ten years,” said partner Greg Cooney. “The five partners have a lot to be thankful for, including our supportive families, stakeholders and the entire Shady’s team! We love to serve and we love our guests. They’ve become our Shady friends.” CCBC Enterprises is the parent company of Shady’s Burgers & Brewhaha and The Fifth Fireside Patio & Bar. The three restaurants are casual dining restaurants and bars with a focus on becoming neighborhood destinations that serve scratch food, local beers and cocktails.
Kim Quirk (Richardson Chamber of Commerce President)
A Chamber President is the CEO of the organization. The position is neither an elected one nor is it governed by term limits. Instead, the Chamber President is hired and managed by a Board of Directors.
Canyon Creek Country Club
Richardson Oasis Undergoing Major Renovation Canyon Creek Country Club, located in the heart of the Canyon Creek neighborhood, offers a variety of member privileges, including a championship 18-hole golf course, 13 outdoor tennis courts, 4 indoor courts, 10 outdoor pickleball courts and a resort-style pool experience. This family-friendly club offers year-round children’s programming, creative culinary experiences from an award-winning chef, and a variety of social venues. A multi-million dollar club reinvention is now in progress and on track to be completed in phases throughout 2023 as the club celebrates sixty years! Big changes are happening at CCCC: • Pool – The entire resort style pool area, including the adults-only area and kids’ amenities, is being upgraded with new surfaces, furniture and improvements to the bar and cabanas. Opening in late May. • Golf – A completely refined golf experience is underway with updates to the original course design plus a fleet of new golf carts. Opening late fall 2023. • Clubhouse – A refreshed dining concept will be unveiled along with the addition of an all-new modern fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment. Both will have gorgeous views of the upgraded golf course. A lovely patio area offers several seating options to enjoy a meal or drink with scenic views of the golf course. The Terrace Room is the perfect spot to host a celebratory dinner. I love that there are many spaces within the club to connect with friends and family or to have a quiet lunch and catch up on emails. The tennis lounge is a personal favorite, a cozy spot tucked away near the outdoor tennis courts. Even with construction taking place, the club’s doors are still open. Golf members can still play at select Invited Clubs locations. Tennis is in full swing (the courts were upgraded last year), 10 new pickleball courts just opened, and a full schedule of special member events, including Easter, Mother’s Day and more, keeps members busy. Canyon Creek Country Club is also the site of the immensely popular annual Fourth of July Parade and afterparty sponsored by the Canyon Creek Homeowners Association. Why we joined CCCC Our family loves that the country club resides in our local area and has something for everyone in our family. Ryan and Andrew play golf and we were looking for somewhere nearby where they could play often but enjoy other activities as well. The pool scene was also a huge draw for us. Typically, we join a pool in the summer to have a place to cool off on hot summer days. CCCC has three pools: a main resort style pool with diving board and water slide, a children’s pool and splash pad, and an adults-only pool. Private cabanas are available to rent and there’s an outdoor bar as well. From special dinners to golf and tennis tournaments to trunk shows to dive-in movies, the social calendar is filled with opportunities to connect with friends or meet new ones. I like to browse the Club Life App each week to see what’s happening. It’s an easy way to reserve tee times, view the calendar/hours and more. Canyon Creek Country Club is truly a Richardson gem. Andrea Overturf is the founder of the lifestyle blog Loubies and Lulu. She is a content creator focused on fitness, healthy living, style, travel, family, local attractions and more. Andrea and her husband Ryan have lived in Richardson since 2005 and have two children, Marisa (20) and Andrew (12). Find her at loubiesandlulu.com, @loubiesandlulu on Instagram and Facebook!
Karina Llergo: Cottonwood Art Festival’s
Featured Artist for Spring Show The City of Richardson is excited to announce that Karina Llergo, a multicultural heritage artist, will be featured at the spring Cottonwood Art Festival, set for May 6-7 at Cottonwood Park. A panel of jurors reviewed artwork from hundreds of artists competing in fourteen categories before choosing Llergo to represent the spring event. Born and raised in Mexico City, Karina Llergo studied with famed Mexican artist Roberto Cortazar and portraitist Enrique Estrada, who both saw great promise in the young artist. She holds a B.A. in graphic design and has advanced degrees in multimedia, animation and abstract art. Even though Llergo continued to pursue art in her free time, she enjoyed a highly successful corporate career in Mexico before moving to American in 2007. At that time, she transitioned to pursuing art on a full-time basis. Still based in Chicago more than a decade after arriving from Mexico, Llergo has earned numerous Outstanding Achievement and Best of Show awards at distinguished art shows throughout the United States. A lifelong dancer, competitive swimmer and yoga practitioner, Llergo’s paintings reflect her passionate interest in the human form; she turns human figures into fluid entities on canvas. Says Llergo, “With my art, I continually seek fresh ways to capture the magic of energy through the motion of the human body…I weave dance, air and water into my paintings to achieve an otherworldly likeness. My goal is that when you look closely at one of my pieces, you will not only see the ethereal images and feel their essential vitality, but also be moved to generate positive forces in your own life.” Llergo will be joined by more than 200 artists at the semi-annual juried Cottonwood Art Festival, a celebration of unique art, live music and food. Artists display in a variety of mediums, including jewelry, digital, 3D mixed media, wood, sculpture and more. Children have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the festival as well. The ArtStop Children’s Area boasts fun activities such as the basics of weaving, creating with clay, painting and more. Visitors who come hungry to Cottonwood will enjoy tasty festival favorites but will also find delicious new items this year. Entry into Cottonwood is FREE, including free parking. The festival will be open Saturday, May 6, from 10:00 am – 7:00 pm and again on Sunday, May 7, from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. More information about the Cottonwood Art Festival can be found at http://cottonwoodartfestival.com.
Desiree Johnson (founder of Justin Thyme Homes)
I’m Desiree Johnson, founder of Justin Thyme Homes. I’d like to share how I went from being a marketing director, flying all over the world and managing brands for Fortune 500 companies that included Dr. Pepper, T-Mobile, and American Airlines, to becoming a general contractor and owner of my own construction company. I feel lucky to be based in Richardson, and I hope that my story inspires other women who are looking to reinvent themselves. If you had told me twenty-five years ago that I would be a General Contractor, I would have laughed uproariously. But looking back, most of my life and work experiences seem to have been preparing me to become a GC. My story began when I was a kid and my dad worked for some large international companies. We left the United States when I was three and moved to Puerto Rico, then to Brazil, and finally to London. I spent twelve years abroad with my family, returning stateside when I was fifteen. As such, I became fluent in Spanish, a skill which would benefit me greatly as my career trajectory changed. Fast forward to 2004 when my husband Brad and I built our first home in the Texas Hill Country. I designed the home to scale on graph paper and then, with string and spikes, staked out every room – all while carrying my son Hatch in a Baby Bjorn on my back. I wanted to see how the home would fit within the trees, the land, and the view. As a result of that early planning visit, I ended up flipping the entire layout of the house for the sake of a big oak tree. As much as I loved that home, we had to leave it behind as we embarked on a new journey when we were transferred to Dallas for Brad’s job. We knew very little about the metroplex but wanted our new home to be close to Brad’s work, which was in Richardson. I was consulting from home, so I had no commute. We also wanted a great school district for Hatch. Our realtor kept taking us to newer neighborhoods further north, showing us generic homes with nice big closets. Much to our realtor’s dismay as he attempted to steer us elsewhere, we ended up buying on Flat Creek Drive in Richardson’s desirous Canyon Creek neighborhood. It fit our criteria, and we loved all the big trees and the fact that the homes weren’t “cookie-cutter.” It was truly a blessing…we’ve never lived anywhere so friendly and inviting, and so we were able to make friends easily and quickly integrate into the community. Over the years, we have purchased rental properties and moved twice more in Richardson. In those houses, I overhauled everything from foundations to layouts, electrical, plumbing, and more, all while making the homes beautiful and juggling my corporate workload. As friends and neighbors saw the results of the renovations, they began to request my services. I attribute their enthusiasm not only to my design choices but also to my ability to re-imagine a home and provide creative space solutions with better layouts. Sometimes the new vision requires making big changes such as taking out walls or moving entire HVAC systems. About ten years ago, while my husband and I were still renovating homes as a side business, I began to realize that my corporate job was coming to an end. For the first time, we were so busy with renovations that we had to hire a general contractor to help on one of our homes. What a poor experience that was! The GC didn’t proactively communicate with us, didn’t manage the budget accurately, and completely lacked creativity, a skill I took great pride in on my own renovation projects. Shortly thereafter, I remember saying to Brad one night, “You know, I am really good at this renovation business. I know I can deliver a great experience, especially for women who like proactive communication and a partner to bounce ideas off regarding their design choices. Plus, my corporate job is coming to an end…I don’t know when, but it’s coming.” Soon after that pivotal conversation, I began formalizing my company and stepped up my side renovation jobs in preparation for my departure from the corporate world. As fate would have it, most of my marketing team and I were let go two and a half years later. Thanks to that earlier conversation with Brad, I was ready! Even though the pay didn’t initially match what I was used to earning in corporate America, I’ve never regretted the change to business ownership. Home renovation and remodeling is my passion. It combines my previous business and management experience, my foreign language aptitude, and my creative skills. Now that I have my own business, I find it easy to manage complex schedules, deadlines, and multiple crews. I over-communicate with my clients. If a customer emails me, it’s rare that I don’t respond within an hour. To minimize monetary surprises, I create detailed up-front budgets (which I walk a client through before a contract is ever signed). In this industry, being successful means having a great crew, and I’ve worked with some of my regular team members for more than eight years. Because I am fluent in Spanish, I can effectively manage and easily communicate with some incredible crews who are most comfortable speaking in Spanish. Our business model allows us to be highly competitive on pricing for larger renovations, especially with whole-home gut jobs or large kitchen remodels. Women in particular love working with us because we are able to help with design choices in a very accommodating style. I chose Richardson as a place for my business because of its location and proximity to home. I like to show up on site almost every day (often multiple times a day), so living close is key. But more importantly, I love owning a business in Richardson because the city is filled with