Life + Culture

A Career Built on Community

Business Development Director Izak Battle connects people, purpose, and progress across Harford County. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Kerry Paradis Photography What does your role as Business Development Director look like day to day? A day in my life as a Business Development Director can take many forms. I may start my day in jeans and a polo at an outdoor event and end the day at a gala in a tuxedo! The great thing is, no matter the event or the attire, it is always in...

Life + Culture

A Rising Name in Racing

A young local driver blends skill, focus, and ambition behind the wheel. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Kerry Paradis Photography, Brendon Cronin At just 18, Havre de Grace native Brendon Cronin is already turning heads in the world of racing, moving from virtual tracks to national podiums in just a few short years. “I’ve liked cars all my life,” Cronin says. What began with a gifted steering wheel evolved into hours on iRacing, where he raced routinely and sharpened his...

Arts + Culture

Growth Backed By Experience

A seasoned team brings strategy, structure, and support to small businesses. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Kerry Paradis Photography A trio of experienced professionals with strong roots in Harford County is using their own approach to building businesses that thrive. Together, they’ve created a model grounded in partnership, shared expertise, and long-term impact. “Ten years ago, I had an IT company, DNA, and I dreamed of an empire, but didn’t know how it was going to work...

Local Services

Built on Values and Vision

A legacy built on service and connection Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Shane Cromwell, Nevins & Associates For the Klein family, business has always been about more than what’s on the shelves. It’s about people, connection, and a commitment that spans generations. “Originally, our family started out in the general grocery business in 1925 with a store in Fallston,” said Marshall Klein, the president of the family business. “We’ve grown from that single location to nine stores...

Professional Services

From Logistics to Literature

After years in leadership, Sam Polakoff began writing his next chapter. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers At just 13 years old, Sam Polakoff began working part-time for his father’s supply chain management company, TBB Global Logistics (now Nexterus). Six years later, after completing his associate’s degree, he took on a full-time role while working toward his bachelor’s degree in marketing at Towson University. Despite pledging at that time that he’d...

Food + Beverage

A Sophisticated Take on Summer Sipping

Bright strawberries, citrus, and basil come together in a refined cocktail for effortless entertaining. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Pairings Bistro and Contributing Photographers The bar team at Pairings Bistro works together to craft new and creative cocktails each season. This one is perfect for warm-weather sipping and was shaken up by Pairings as a signature cocktail at Harco City Lifestyle’s Launch Party in April. Try whipping it up for all of your summery gatherings that...

Food + Beverage

A Bright Sip for Sunny Days

Mucho Gusto shares its refreshing MG Mojito, a citrusy, minty cocktail perfect for warm weather and easy entertaining. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers Mucho Gusto’s first location opened in Bel Air in 2020 and has since thrived with expansions to Towson and Gambrills. While the menu boasts classic Mexican flavors in its tacos, enchiladas, and more, all crafted with locally-sourced ingredients when possible, it also serves up Maryland-style flavors in...

Life + Culture

Restoring Confidence Through Care and Connection

Helping women navigate treatment with confidence and care Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers For Michelle Ward, a longtime stylist at Hair Bliss in Bel Air, beauty has always been about more than appearances. It’s about helping women feel like themselves, especially during the moments when that feels hardest. “I think when I got into doing hair years and years ago, it was to make people feel good in my chair,” she said. “I want people going through chemo...

Life + Culture

Built on Movement

Turning a passion for fitness into a purposeful path Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Kerry Paradis Photography For Kelly Backert, the path to opening Kore Barre & Yoga didn’t begin with a business plan. It started with movement, connection, and a willingness to follow where life led. “I was in my early twenties and took group fitness classes, and I started to get into spin classes,” she said. What began as a personal interest quickly evolved. “In 2006, when my first son was born...

Life + Culture

Events with Heart and Purpose

A local entrepreneur shaping events with Intention and impact Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers Beth Laverick has spent years building events that feel easy to walk into and hard to leave. From her Baltimore Seafood Festival and Wine Fest to the Susquehanna Wine & Seafood Fest, her events are where families settle in, kids stay entertained, and the day unfolds simply with friends and family. Her path into the industry started early and almost by accident...