What exactly makes a power couple? My husband Robin and I stay plenty busy, publishing Gilbert City Lifestyle, being Chamber members, serving on various boards and committees, but I wouldn't call us a power couple. So, what earns that title in our community?
I think it starts with leaning into good. These Gilbert power couples have built businesses that people don't just visit once but love to visit again. They support our nonprofits not because it looks good, but because they genuinely care. They see opportunities to strengthen both their businesses and their community, understanding that those two things aren't separate.
The couples you're about to meet. They're something special. They've cracked the code on building together, not just wealth or Instagram-worthy moments, but real, lasting impact. They're raising families, creating jobs, championing causes that matter, and somehow making it all look easy – (We know it’s not!)
These aren't people chasing power couple status. They're simply doing what they love, side by side, and Gilbert gets to benefit from all that combined energy and heart. Their stories remind us that when two people align their talents and hearts toward something meaningful, extraordinary things happen right here in Gilbert.
Well, now that I have my definition, maybe we are sort of a power couple, but I am more thrilled to introduce you to a few more.
Shaun & Tenny Simpson
Tenny and Shaun’s love story began in a modern way, meeting online through eHarmony, but what they’ve built together is deeply rooted in connection, teamwork, and shared ambition. From the start, their bond was shaped by hard work, kindness, and a love for adventure, values that continue to guide both their relationship and their business journey owning Ta Lew Thai Bistro.
As a couple, their days balance intention and independence. They take care of business together, while still making space for their own time, understanding that strong partnerships thrive when individuality is respected. Their strengths are different but perfectly aligned. Tenny is the voice and the connector, while Shaun is focused on running the business. Together, those roles create a foundation that makes them stronger as a team.
One of their proudest moments came after opening their first location, a milestone that confirmed they could handle challenges side by side. During busy seasons, they lean on communication, listening, and mutual support. Even in stressful moments, simple things, like hugs or laughing while talking about their kids, keep them grounded.
They love date nights at Buck & Rider, North Italia, and Origen, but their favorite spot is Ta Lew Thai Bistro, which they call their second home. As they look ahead to launching a new business, Tenny and Shaun are proof that love, communication, and embracing different strengths make all the difference.
Curtis & Lindsey Burwell
Curtis and Lindsey’s story began in 2008 at the University of Oregon, where a college connection grew into a partnership rooted in respect, balance, and shared values. Those early years shaped how they move through life together today, with intention, humor, and a steady commitment to choosing one another.
They describe each other with genuine admiration. Curtis is competitive, dependable, and honest. Lindsey is kind, determined, and loyal. Their days follow a thoughtful rhythm that blends ambition and presence. Mornings start early with workouts and family routines before each steps into focused work. Curtis is a partner at Solar Pros, while Lindsey leads The Patch Method as CEO and founder and works as an Integrated Health Practitioner. Even with full schedules, they make time for midweek lunch “work dates” and protect evenings for connection, often ending the day snuggled on the couch, a tradition their girls insist on.
Their strengths complement beautifully. Curtis brings structure, precision, and steady leadership. Lindsey brings creativity, vision, and heart. During busy seasons, they rely on communication, empathy, and sacred date nights to stay grounded and aligned.
They love date nights at North Italia and Humble Bistro, and spending time around Epicenter or the SanTan Mall area. Curtis and Lindsey work so well together because they truly love and respect each other, and choose that daily.
Staci & Chandler Herdt
Introduced by family and brought together by perfect timing, Staci and Chandler’s relationship began when a long-suggested introduction finally turned into a first date. From that moment on, their connection felt natural and steady. Today, they’re celebrating 11 years of marriage and a partnership built on faith, trust, and deep respect for one another.
Working side by side at Perspire Sauna Studio, they’ve learned that collaboration starts with understanding each other’s strengths. Staci describes Chandler as compassionate, generous, and devoted, while Chandler sees Staci as loyal, dedicated, and genuine. They work together so well because they truly complement each other, balancing thoughtfulness with action, empathy with decisiveness, and vision with follow-through.
During stressful seasons, they pause, pray, and reset, reminding themselves they are always on the same team. Their advice to other couples building something meaningful together is simple but powerful: go for it, together. When trust, respect, and genuine admiration are at the center, working alongside your spouse becomes not just manageable but deeply rewarding.
When it’s time to step away and reconnect, they love date nights in downtown Gilbert, especially relaxed daytime coffee dates at Light Heart Coffee. More than the location, it’s the intentional time together, unplugged, present, and choosing each other, that keeps their relationship strong and grounded.
Jay Allen and Renee Lynn
Renee and Jay’s relationship is rooted in timing, healing, and a deep belief that some connections are simply meant to be. They first crossed paths during difficult seasons in their lives, when neither was ready for what the other would one day become. Years later, in their late 30s, they reconnected, stronger, wiser, and more grounded, and both believe there was an invisible string quietly tying them together all along.
From the start of their second chapter, their bond felt intentional. Jay describes Renee as sunshine, healing, and peace, while Renee sees Jay as loyal, kind, and protective. Their days begin slowly and deliberately, with time set aside for conversation, prayer, and choosing closeness before life gets busy. They move through life as a true team, valuing faith, communication, and presence above all else.
They often say they work so well together because they understand how rare their connection is. Having lived enough life and made enough wrong turns, they’re committed to doing whatever it takes to protect what they’ve found. Their differences, light and dark, planner and free spirit, create balance rather than friction, strengthening their partnership.
Jay is a touring musician and philanthropist, best known for his song "Blank Stares " and appearances on The Voice. Renee brings warmth and creativity through her work in events and media. Downtown Gilbert will always hold their hearts, especially walks ending with ice cream at Topo and time at the Epicenter at Agritopia, places that mirror their love for connection and doing life together.
Ann and Mike Schude
Mike and Ann’s story began long before boardrooms and business plans. They met as teenagers at Sunday night Teen Mass at St. Tim’s in Mesa, two kids from different high schools whose lives would quietly intertwine. What started young grew deeper over time as they navigated early jobs, first ventures, and eventually found themselves building not just a life together, but a career side by side.
What truly defines them isn’t just longevity in their business; it’s how well they understand each other. Mike describes Ann as spunky, sexy, and smart. Ann sees Mike as kind, passionate, and funny. They’re opposites in all the right ways. Mike is decisive and efficient, happiest working independently, while Ann is collaborative, thoughtful, and deeply people-focused.
Their relationship is fueled by humor and honesty. They often tease, banter, and laugh, especially at their own kids, and believe that shared laughter keeps things grounded. When stress hits, Mike unwinds creatively, while Ann prefers a great night out with a glass of wine.
Date nights usually involve trying a new restaurant in Gilbert, proudly calling themselves foodies despite playful disagreements. At the heart of it all, they work so well together because they share the same sense of humor and never stop choosing each other, at work and at home.
Kinsey-Beth & Neal Kendrick
Neal and Kinsey’s story is one of timing, growth, and choosing connection with intention. Though they graduated from the same high school in the same year, they didn’t truly meet until four years later through mutual friends. Neal was bartending, Kinsey was a familiar face on his shifts, and what began as a casual connection quickly turned into something lasting.
Today, they are partners in both life and business, owning and building their beverage catering brand together. Their relationship is grounded in shared values, strong work ethic, and a commitment to choosing each other daily. Kinsey describes Neal as handsome, funny, and resilient, while Neal sees Kinsey as visionary, driven, and kind. While they’re aligned at their core, their strengths differ in a way that creates balance, one leading with momentum and vision, the other bringing steadiness and follow-through.
Rather than one defining “we’ve got this” moment, their confidence comes from solving challenges together every day. Busy seasons are handled through clear communication, flexibility, and stepping in for one another without keeping score. One small but meaningful ritual grounds them nightly: no matter how full the day, they fall asleep with their feet touching, a simple reminder they’re never alone in it.
Their favorite date is a relaxed afternoon at Uprooted Kitchen, followed by coffee and a walk through Agritopia. And when conversation stretches long into the evening, the patio at Postino is always calling.
Steven and Lisa Northern
Steve and Lisa’s story began about 16 years ago while working together in a hospital, where a professional connection quickly grew into a partnership in every sense. What started as shared shifts and long days turned into a life built side by side. Today, they work together daily as the founders of Limitless TRT & Aesthetics, building a practice that reflects their shared values, trust, and commitment to patient care.
They describe each other with the same admiration that shows up in their work. Steve sees Lisa as vibrant, kind, and sexy, while Lisa describes Steve as driven, passionate, and innovative. Their days blend family life and running a growing practice, often joking that it feels like working with your best friend. Being together nearly 24/7 works for them because they genuinely enjoy it.
Their strengths are different but complementary. Lisa leads with calm, thoughtful clarity, while Steve brings decisive action and forward momentum. Together, they’ve navigated defining moments like welcoming their twins and opening their practice, proving they can handle anything as a team. Stress is met head-on through honest communication, with respect as their non-negotiable.
They make time for date nights, often trying new steakhouses like Origen Gilbert, and cherish slower moments at Gilbert Regional Park. At the core of it all, Steve and Lisa work so well together because they choose each other, every single day.
Robyn & James Patterson
Robyn and James’ love story started in a very modern way, on Bumble. After matching and talking for a few weeks, Robyn made the first move and asked James to grab a drink, and from that moment on, it felt like the beginning of something real. What followed was a relationship built on balance, intention, and growing together through life’s biggest milestones.
They describe each other with warmth and admiration. Robyn sees James as sensitive, loving, and hardworking. James describes Robyn as confident, a natural leader, and deeply loving. Their days are full and fast-paced, usually starting with a toddler wake-up call, coffee in hand, and kids running through the house. Evenings are reserved for family time, and once the kids are asleep, they slow things down, catching up, relaxing with their dogs, and reconnecting.
Their strengths are different but complementary. Robyn is a go-getter, while James takes time to process, allowing them to approach challenges from two perspectives. Parenthood solidified their “we’ve got this” moment, teaching them teamwork in its truest form. They protect their relationship with non-negotiables like date nights, vacations, and intentional “us” time to avoid burnout.
Their favorite dates include good food, wine, and time together, and they love spending time at Epicenter at Agritopia. At the core of it all, Robyn and James work so well together because they truly balance each other, as partners and as a team.