At Southlake Style, we’re incredibly lucky to cover all of the amazing people and stories within the community every month, from students and citizens to volunteers and selfless servants. The features within our magazines this year tell some of the best stories we’ve written about yet.
1. John Merris Is Stoked For Success
As the CEO of the $2-billion company Solo Brands, John Merris has a love for the outdoors like no other. It’s no surprise that his countless weekends spent around the campfire telling stories and stargazing had an effect on his life. Today, he and his team continue to make new campfire memories through their cutting-edge products such as the Solo Stove and their new Solo Pi pizza oven.
2. Southlake Samaritans
Since the late 90s, people of all kinds of different backgrounds and beliefs flocked to Southlake. In our “Southlake Samaritans” feature, we tell the stories of a handful of city leaders who pay it forward in both big and small ways, including Carroll bus driver Larry Hughes, Old Union assistant principal Reigan O’Quinn, city councilmember Kathy Talley, Southlake Foundation president Kush Rao and dinosaurs Harriet and Millie. Yes, you read that right.
3. Love And Long Ears
From the bronzed trio to the family farm behind Feedstore BBQ, Southlake is a ‘burb that loves its burros. But few love back the same way the donkeys do at Loving Long Ears. Founded by Jules Peterson, Loving Long Ears Donkey Therapy and Sanctuary is a nonprofit that rescues and rehabilitates neglected or abused donkeys for therapeutic activities, and we loved sharing how Jules and her sanctuary continue to make a difference in both people’s and donkeys’ lives.
4. Living The Dream
In today’s world where so many have the freedom to work from just about anywhere, we still haven’t escaped the feel of the 9-to-5 grind. It got us thinking — who loves their job so much that they can’t imagine not being at the office? Whether it’s a zookeeper caring for elephants or a Lego master model builder, we found some area professionals whose career paths follow their passions. They show that if you love your job, you never work a day in your life.
5. Community Captain
Volunteers are the beating heart of Southlake, and the volunteer with the most community service hours in the city is undoubtedly Ken Stewart. An Air Force veteran and retired airline pilot, Ken’s volunteerism has taken him everywhere from Citizens On Patrol to the DPS North Training Facility. With over 4,000 hours and still going strong, people like Ken continuously work behind the scenes to help make Southlake a great place to live.