Auto + Marine

Sensible Luxury

The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus: Built For the Pace of Madison, and the Moments in Between Article by Middleton City Lifestyle | Photography by Provided by Lincoln DESIGNED WITH INTENTION In a world that rarely slows down, the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus feels like an intentional pause. It’s the kind of SUV that fits into daily life in Madison without asking for attention. Whether you’re heading down the Beltline, pulling into Hilldale, or escaping toward the lakes for the weekend, it guarantees a...

Life + Culture

Fathers Reflect on Their Lives as Role Models

Four Local Men on the Honest, Proud, and Humbling Reality of Fatherhood Article by Middleton City Lifestyle | Photography by Provided Mario Balistreri Business Owner, Consultant   YOUR PARENTING STYLE IN 3 VERBS: lead, encourage, support   HARDEST LESSON? Patience and not to assume there is an understanding.   HAS BECOMING A DAD CHANGED YOU? Completely. It cut through a lot of selfish thinking. Things that felt important don’t anymore. You start thinking about who your kids will...

Finance + Legal Services

The Benevolent Banker

A Fourth-Generation Business Built on a Precedent of Putting Customers, Coworkers, and the Community First Article by Jill Heilman | Photography by Ashley Hicks Media Co The heartbeat of this family legacy lives in the integrity of a handshake met with promise kept. Where a century of history is matched by a commitment to lead with a servant’s heart and common sense. The story of Great Midwest Bank began in 1935 with a vision for a cooperative institution. Back then, it was Milwaukee Federal...

Home Services

Respect the Trade

Don’t Call Me the Cleaning Lady Article by Kelly Mulqueen & MCL | Photography by Taryn Marie Photography As a woman-owned business, I built Happy House on a principle this industry often ignores: cleaning is skilled labor, not casual work. While I officially started my LLC in 2017, my experience began years earlier, cleaning homes in high school and then in college while pursuing an animal science degree at UW-Madison. Many cleaning business owners start the same way, picking up a mop without...

Beauty

From Siberia to Middleton

DG Beauty Salon - The Result of a Passionate Immigrant Mother of Four Article by Middleton City Lifestyle | Photography by Jill Heilman Dora Gyamtso’s journey began near the clear waters of Lake Baikal in Siberia, a region shaped by a rich blend of Russian and Mongolian heritage. From a young age, she carried a quiet determination and a sense that she was meant to build something of her own. Recognizing Dora’s potential, her parents guided her toward a career in accounting where she excelled...

Local Services

Through Her Lens

The Creative Journey of Lexia Frank Article by Lexia Frank | Photography by Studio Soma You studied Fine Art at UW–Madison before building a photography career around the country. What first sparked your interest? My late father was an *incredibly* talented hobbyist photographer, and one of my fondest memories was him teaching me to use his old Nikon 35mm film camera. Seeing the prints develop in the chemicals hooked me, and I never looked back. I LOVE storytelling, and photography became a...

Arts + Culture

Time to Meet the Editor

Meet the Woman Behind the Words; a Deep Thinker Dedicated to Translating the Authentic Spirit of Our Local Business Owners Article by Jill Heilman | Photography by Andrew Charles Jill is my name; words are my frame.  Not a word wrote goes without a thought unprovoked.  A story refined; a community heart stoked.  Whether a note or a quote, I aim to keep the local spirit afloat. I am elaborate and kind; I say what is on my mind.  And on my mind is you.  A community through and through.  ...

Life + Culture

Invested in The Community

These Community-Minded Business Leaders Are Driving Positive Change in Middleton and Across Dane County Article by Middleton City Lifestyle | Photography by Provided Invested in more than their careers, these leaders channel their energy and expertise into the community. From supporting local organizations to creating meaningful connections, their dedication is building a stronger Dane County. Shannon Davidson Shannon, Senior Vice President and Financial Advisor with the Davidson Knaack...

Health + Wellness

High-Yield Confidence

The Smartest Investment You'll Ever Make: Your Smile Article by Middleton City Lifestyle | Photography by Porvided When people think about investments, they think about portfolios, real estate, and retirement accounts. But one of the most powerful investments you can make impacts your confidence, career, and daily interactions: your smile. Your smile influences first impressions, professional credibility, and how you feel about yourself. Yet many people delay treatment, assuming cosmetic...

Home Services

Home Investments That Pay Daily Dividends

DC Brothers Repair and Remodel brings a family feel and honest perspective to every project, ensuring your home investments are informative and worth every penny. Article by Jill Heilman | Photography by Jill Heilman, Sourced We usually track our investments through digital accounts, but an impactful return may be right under your own roof. Deaven Carney-Wiedmer specializes in turning assets into something tangible, boosting the daily yields that often go unnoticed but work to improve your...