Home + Design

The Buzz About Bees

Why bees matter more than you think—and how to help Article by Terry Schuster The next time you pop an almond into your mouth or bite into a crisp apple, take a moment to thank a bee. While some people fear them or dismiss them as pests, bees are among the most essential contributors to our food system. “If they aren’t around, we simply don’t have food,” says Charlie Koenen, a beekeeper, advocate and president of the Milwaukee Waukesha Beekeepers Association in Brookfield. In fact, he is...

Sports + Recreation

Driven Beyond the Course

Wisco Carts are built for everyday adventures Article by Erin Treder | Photography by Abbie Miller What began as a nights-and-weekends hobby—buying and refurbishing golf carts—has grown into a full-fledged golf cart dealership for George DeGraffenreid and his  brother-in-law, Dan Sweeney. Today, the pair is celebrating more than five years in business. Wisco Carts, with two locations in Wisconsin: one in Muskego and another in Milton, offers everything a golf cart owner could want, including...

Food + Beverage

From Local Roots to Local Favorite

At The Elbow Room, food, family, and community come together. Article by Erin Treder | Photography by Samuel Perencevic/The Elbow Room Brookfield Jake Dehne likes to say he’s just a Brookfield guy—because that’s where his story begins.  Though he grew up in Waukesha, his connection to Brookfield has always run deep. His mother taught at Brookfield Academy, where Jake and his brother, Seth, attended school from kindergarten through senior year. Each day, he passed the bar and restaurant that...

Travel

Your Perfect Trip, Planned

Travel planner Jillian Gibas shares the strategies she uses to design thoughtful, stress-free vacations for her clients Article by Erin Treder | Photography by Makena Lee Photography Jillian Gibas formed her travel business during an RV trip around the country in 2020—and she hasn’t looked back since. A self-described independent traveler who doesn’t particularly enjoy tour groups or packaged itineraries, she aims to offer clients something different: perfectly customized travel plans...

Fitness

Welcome to REVIVAL

Brookfield’s new fitness club delivers a premier boxing and wellness experience Article by Erin Treder | Photography by Miles Priefer “My boxing journey was written when I was young,” Mari Bautista says. At just nine years old, she insisted her father teach her the sport—one she had spent years watching from the sidelines as he and her older cousins trained. What began as childhood curiosity quickly grew into something more, setting the foundation for a passion that would shape who she is...

Food + Beverage

Brookfield City Lifestyle: Meet the Publisher

Jessica Opat shares what inspires her Article by Erin Treder | Photography by Headshot by Abbie Miller 1. Core Principles My father always taught me the “3 Ds:” drive, desire, and determination. These principles have influenced my work ethic and mindset–and inspired me to handle every opportunity with passion and perseverance.   2 Early Influences I grew up in a rural area north of La Crosse, where we took care of family, friends, and neighbors. I’m still close with many of the friends...

Home + Design

Details That Define a Home

Venetian plaster and custom carpentry add dimension, craftsmanship, and enduring style Article by Marlie Boelk, JB Custom Brookfield’s homes reflect a balance of history and modern living—spaces built to last and to be lived in well. At JB Custom, we bring that same philosophy to every project, carefully selecting finishes that feel intentional, personal, and timeless, crafted not just to impress today but to endure for years to come. For homeowners, this level of craftsmanship is an...