by The Good Life Park Cities | Aug 2, 2024 | Uncategorized
By Sarah Mitchell
Kristi Hoyl, originally from Greenville, Texas, is a graduate of Texas A&M. Her journey took her to Dallas, where she dedicated several years to serving the city in various capacities, including as Chief of Staff for two mayors. Her passion for education led her to co-found the Education is Freedom Foundation alongside Jim Keys, a venture she was involved in for a couple of years before transitioning to a role at Baylor Scott & White where she has been for the past two decades.
Ron Hoyl’s roots are in Canyon, Texas. He attended the University of Texas at Austin and later pursued law at Texas Tech School of Law. His career path brought him to Dallas in 1988, where he initially joined a law firm before moving in-house to a private equity group. After nearly a decade there, he joined Rockpoint Group, a private equity real estate firm headquartered in Boston, but with the convenience of working from Dallas. For the past 17 years, he has served as General Counsel for Rockpoint.
The couple’s paths crossed when Ron, a single father of two boys, was reconnected with an old friend who happened to be Kristi’s sorority sister. This friend played matchmaker at a 20th high school reunion, leading to Ron and Kristi meeting and eventually marrying in 2003. Six months into their marriage, Ron’s boys moved in with them full-time. They also welcomed a daughter, Sydney, who is now 19.
Since 2003, the Hoyls have resided in the Park Cities, off Potomac Ave. Kristi said, “It’s a wonderful neighborhood. It’s a family-centric neighborhood and the schools are great. For us, at that point in time, it was centrally located for our work. It checked all of the boxes for us.” The Hoyl children have flourished in their respective educational paths, with the boys starting in the Highland Park system. Alex, the eldest, graduated from Highland Park, while Luke transferred to Parrish Episcopal School his freshman year to pursue his passion for baseball. Sydney attended Hockaday from Pre-K through high school.
The Hoyl family cherishes their time together, particularly when traveling. Their favorite destinations include Italy, London, Cabo, and spending a few weeks each summer in Nantucket. Italy holds a special place in their hearts, having honeymooned on the Amalfi Coast. Closer to home, they enjoy their family lake house on Club Lake near Greenville, Texas, which Kristi describes as everyone’s happy place. “I think if you ask any of the kids, they would say that’s their favorite spot in the world,” said Kristi. “It’s a wonderful family time – laid back and casual. With a small ski boat and a large pontoon, it’s a perfect spot for family time.”
Alex, the eldest son, has been married for five years. The family’s love for animals is evident, with Alex owning six dogs as well as horses, Luke having two dogs, and Ron and Kristi having a dog named Jack.
Their daughter Sydney has embarked on a promising singing career. Her journey began with musical theater, progressing to vocal lessons and songwriting. A key moment came when they met Kim Sandusky, a vocal coach in Nashville who saw immense potential in Sydney. “She has been Beyonce’s vocal coach since she was 14,” explained Ron. “She fell in love with Sydney, and as we were leaving on the second day, she said, ‘I haven’t been more excited about a kid since Beyonce walked in the door at 14.’ That gave us the confirmation that we needed to support Syndney on her journey.” With Kim’s guidance, Sydney has honed her craft. Performing under the stage name Sydney Sherrill, she released her first album in 2023 and just released her second album last month. She has opened for Sheryl Crow and performed at significant events like the 50th anniversary of Cattle Barons Ball (headlined by Shania Twain) and sports events for the Texas Rangers, Carolina Hurricanes, and Dallas Sidekicks.
The Hoyls are deeply involved in philanthropic efforts, particularly with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League (DSOL). Sydney’s passion for music and her desire to ensure access to musical tools for all has driven her involvement. Kristi and Ron have been active supporters, underwriting chairs and co-chairing the DSO Gala. Additionally, Kristi has been a member of the Crystal Charity Ball since 2011 and has chaired the Cattle Barons Ball since 2010. Their commitment extends to Shatterproof, a national organization combating addiction, with Sydney also raising funds for the cause.
Reflecting on their journey, the Hoyls express gratitude for the opportunities they’ve had and the ability to support their children in pursuing their passions.
by The Good Life Park Cities | Jul 11, 2024 | Uncategorized
Janelle Stone Estate Services LLC is not your typical estate sale company. It’s a family-run operation with roots that run deep, both in the business and personal lives of its founder, Janelle Stone, who has a passion for helping others.
Janelle grew up in University Park, attended Highland Park High School (HPHS), and graduated from Baylor University with a degree in fashion merchandising. She later studied interior design in Houston. It was at a Young Life camp in Colorado, just after high school, that Janelle met Bill, her future husband. Both were bound for Baylor, and their paths crossed again on the first day of college. They dated for three years and married after their junior year. Bill pursued a career in law, while Janelle followed her passion for design.
Janelle’s career in estate sales began in the 1980s in Houston. She became an Accredited Member of International Society of Appraisers (ISA) in the 1990s but found her true calling in staging estate sales. Her talent for transforming homes into polished showcases, similar to designer showhouses or Neiman Marcus displays, set her apart in the industry.
Wen Stone, Janelle’s son, grew up immersed in the world of estate sales. While attending HPHS he discovered his love for the estate sale business while he and his siblings helped with sales on weekends. Wen earned a business degree from the University of Oklahoma (OU) in Norman, but after a stint in sales and logistics, he realized his true calling was with the family business. A chance encounter with Joe Crafton and Bubba Wood at one of his mother’s estate sales led him to work at Collectors Covey, an art and gun gallery, before joining Janelle full-time. For the past seven years, Wen has been a key player in the company, finding joy in the diversity of projects and the personal stories of their clients.
The Stones’ family history is as interesting as their careers. Janelle’s maternal grandparents were both orphans. Her grandfather, born in 1899, grew up in the Masonic home in Cleburne, Texas, which inspired the story “12 Mighty Orphans.” Her grandmother, who lost her parents young, moved to Dallas to be a chaperone for a car dealership owner’s daughter. Janelle’s parents met at Bradfield Elementary and church in Dallas. Her family’s roots in the city run deep.
Janelle and Bill’s own family journey is heartwarming. They have four children: Elissa, 37, Wes and Wen, both 31, who were adopted just a week apart from each other, and Llewellyn. “After having adopted Elissa six years earlier, we got a call one day from an adoption agency in Oklahoma City asking if we wanted a baby boy” explained Janelle. “Bill came running up to me in the carpool line at Bradfield asking me. Literally 24 hours later, the same scenario occurred again. We said ‘yes’ to both, and we ended up getting our boys a week apart.” After adopting three children, Janelle got the surprise of her life and became pregnant with daughter Llewellyn who is 29. Janelle embraces her role as tiger, fiercely protective and proud of her kids.
Estate sales with Janelle and Wen are more than just transactions; they are meticulously planned events. The Stones take pride in transforming spaces and offering a wide range of items, from workout equipment to fine art and jewelry and designer clothing. They have a keen eye for detail and a knack for recognizing the value in overlooked items, like the rare one of a kind pair of sconces they sold for more than many people pay for their home.
Working closely with a dedicated team, including Sarah Barerra, Molly March, Carlos Barerra, and Westin Brown, the Stones create an environment that feels more like family than a business. Their core group of six has been together for years, each member bringing unique skills to the table.
One of the more challenging aspects of their work is helping families through the emotional process of selling a loved one’s estate. They approach each sale with empathy and professionalism, often spending weeks, even months, preparing for a single event. Their dedication has taken them to various locations, temporarily living and working in different towns to ensure every sale is a success.
Travel is a love shared by all members of the family. Janelle is an avid traveler, particularly fond of Bali, while Wen recently honeymooned in St. Lucia. Family vacations have often taken them to Southeast Asia, but Wen is eager to organize more European adventures. Wen’s wife, Sara, lived in Paris for several years and the two have traveled several times to France and Europe together.
Despite the demands of running a business, Janelle and Wen find time to enjoy life in the Park Cities. They love dining at their favorite restaurants like R&D Kitchen and Mi Cocina, and after every successful estate sale, they celebrate at Rex’s. For Janelle, comfort food means two El Fenix cheese enchiladas with rice and beans, chips, and salsa.
In the world of estate sales, every day is different, and every project brings new challenges and rewards. For Janelle and Wen, it’s the gratitude of their clients that keeps them going. Whether they are handling fine jewelry, designer handbags, art, or silver, they find fulfillment in knowing they are helping people during significant transitions in their lives. As Wen puts it, “It’s truly a service you don’t know you need until you need it. Everyone continually says thank you and we become true friends with our clients and customers. That’s what keeps us going”.
by The Good Life Park Cities | Jun 7, 2024 | Uncategorized
By Sarah Mitchell
Kris Balekian Hayes and John H. Withers, Jr., are two individuals deeply embedded in the Park Cities community. Their lives, careers, and values intersect in a remarkable way, with a genuine commitment to family, community, and ethical practice, especially in the realm of family law.
Though Kris was born in Dallas, she grew up in Flower Mound. After graduating high school, she attended SMU for her undergraduate studies. Following her undergrad, she attended St. Mary’s in San Antonio for law school and graduate school, earning a MBA to compliment her law degree. After graduating from St. Mary’s, Kris found herself drawn to Park Cities, where she and her husband are raising four children, actively participating in their academic and sporting endeavors. “I moved to the Park Cities in 2000 after I graduated from law school,” she shared. “I got used to the years I spent at SMU, and there was no doubt in my mind that I was coming back. “Our oldest daughter is currently in college at the University of Arizona and will graduate next fall. We also have one child in Highland Park High School, one in Highland Park Middle School, and our youngest at Armstrong. Living in the Park Cities, it’s nice to be able to let them walk down the street or ride a bike around town and not have to worry.”
Now to, John, another Dallas native with a unique journey to the Park Cities. His path took him through Texas A&M’s Corps of Cadets and eventually to SMU for law school, a choice influenced by his family’s deep roots in the university. “My grandfather was Willis Tate, president of SMU from the mid-’50s to the mid-’70s and name sake for the Tate Lecture Series,” John shared. Not to mention that his grandparents met at SMU, and his Mother, Father, Uncle and Sisters, all attended SMU, this familial tie, combined with his fond memories of attending SMU football games since childhood, solidified his connection to Park Cities. Additionally, John’s tenure as Associate Judge for Highland Park, spanning approximately five years, highlights his active involvement in the local community. Reflecting on his appointment, he recalled a noteworthy incident involving the housing of inmates from University Park in Highland Park during a jail remodeling. “About 20 years ago, Pat Robertson was the judge for Highland Park,” John explained. “The city council appointed me to serve when Pat wasn’t present. This was during a time when they were remodeling the University Park jail, and they were housing their inmates at Highland Park. There was a rumor of fights breaking out due to the meals being served. Rumor had it that University Park would feed their prisoners Bubba’s Chicken, and Highland Park would feed theirs McDonald’s Quarter Pounders.”
Kris and John’s paths converged professionally in family law. John’s father was board certified in family law, which laid the foundation for his eventual focus on this area. “When I went to law school, it was with the intent to start a boutique family law firm with my Dad,” said John. “I ended up taking a detour and went to work for the DA’s office for five years and then a civil firm for three years before my father and I started our firm in 1996.” Kris, however, stumbled into family law through her own custody battle in 2004. “I opened my practice in 2003 but needed to hire my own family law lawyer in 2004,” shared Kris. “I then began to focus more on those cases myself over the years while growing my practice. In 2019, I decided to narrow my focus exclusively on family law.” John and Kris met during a time when John and his father had their firm located in the Expressway Tower. Kris had an office just down the hall. “They were class acts,” said Kris. “John and I would run into each other frequently. We also served together on the Board of Directors of the family law section of the Dallas Bar Association. Our paths kept crossing, and we decided it was a sign.”
Their approach to family law at Balekian Hayes, PLLC, reflects their shared values of honesty, integrity, and empathy. They prioritize treating clients with respect and providing superior service, mirroring how they would want to be treated in similar situations.
Outside of their legal careers, Kris and John lead lives enriched by family and hobbies. Kris, married for 18 years to another attorney, enjoys snowboarding in Sante Fe and spending time with her family. John, married for 40 years, is deeply involved in CrossFit and scouting, devoting his weekends to his granddaughters. “I was a scoutmaster for Troop 80 at Highland Park Presbyterian Church for about 11 years,” said John. “All three of my sons were Eagle Scouts, and now my granddaughters are Cub Scouts. My wife and I currently volunteer at the District and Council level.
Their shared neighborhood of Mockingbird Ln further solidifies their intertwined lives, where they often find commonalities and shared connections. Despite Kris being the lone non-Aggie in their dinner outings, their friendship remains strong, bonded by shared values and experiences.
Ultimately, Kris Hayes and John Withers, Jr., are the essence of Park Cities living—a blend of tradition, community, and shared values. Through their dedication to family law and active involvement in their community, they leave a lasting impact on both their clients and their neighborhood, embodying the spirit of compassion and integrity in their legal practice and personal lives.
by The Good Life Park Cities | May 9, 2024 | Uncategorized
By Sarah Mitchell
Meredith, a native of Dallas, grew up in a home on Stanhope, (just a stone’s throw from her current residence), while her husband, Corby, hails from Tyler. Their paths crossed at Camp Longhorn in Burnett, Texas, when Meredith was in high school, but they didn’t begin dating until later after both graduated from the University of Texas. Meredith, armed with a degree in advertising, ventured to San Francisco to pursue a career in her field. During a return trip to Dallas for the wedding of mutual friends, she reunited with Corby. Six months later, she made the decision to return permanently to Dallas, and the rest was history between the two. Corby works for locally-owned Benchmark Bank and loves the bank’s commitment to the community.
Transitioning from her role in advertising, Meredith has found fulfillment in her career in real estate. Reflecting on her journey, she recalls the influence of her mother’s entry into the industry during a challenging period in Dallas’s history. “When I was in third grade at Bradfield, my mom went to work for Allie Beth Allman,” she explained. “I witnessed her success and achievement in receiving the Rookie of the Year award her first year. I admired her ability to balance family and her career and that she had her own thing that she loved.” Meredith formed connections with industry leaders like Robbie Briggs and began her own real estate journey at the age of 24 with Briggs Freeman. Two years later, her mother came back to work, and they enjoyed a long and successful partnership. Over two decades later, her passion for homes, architecture, and, above all, people, continues. After 15 years at Briggs Freeman, Meredith made the leap to Compass five years ago and now leads the Meredith Ferrell Group.
Meredith and Corby are proud parents to two wonderful children. 15-year-old Madison, their oldest daughter, is a freshman at Highland Park High School and enjoys playing soccer. Meanwhile, Gigi, their youngest daughter, is in fifth grade at MIS and participates in competitive cheerleading.
When it comes to family vacations, their adventures often lead them to Telluride where they enjoy skiing and hiking. Equally loved are their travels to the different beaches of 30A.
Residing on Arcady, Courtney shares the same passion for community and renovation as Meredith. Originally from Lake Forest, a suburb of Chicago, Courtney went to Vanderbilt University and then the University of Virginia for her master’s degree in business. Her journey then took her to New York where she began a career with Goldman Sachs before moving back to Chicago and joining JLL. Her husband, Charlie, began his career at Compass Leasing and Management before also joining JLL where the two met. It was Charlie’s career with JLL that landed them in Dallas 10 years ago. “The draw of Highland Park was that it was similar in feel to Lake Forest,” said Courtney. “We knew it’s where we wanted to be.” Charlie now works for Cushman and Wakefield and has been in commercial real estate for over 30 years. They have two daughters, Victoria and Eliza. Victoria, 20, is a sophomore at the University of Texas, and Eliza is in fifth grade at MIS with Meredith and Corby’s daughter, Gigi. “Gigi was Eliza’s first friend in Dallas, and the girls met at Fairfax Park playing on the playground,” shared Courtney. “We got to know Meredith and her family and realized we have the same passion for community and preservation, so not only did our daughters bring us together, but our passion did as well.”
Recently retired from the corporate world, Courtney is now focusing on interior design with her business, Courtney Petit Design. “As a working mom, I had been on the road travelling frequently and always thought I would retire from my corporate job and then pursue my passion – decorating,” Courtney shared. “My mom was a decorator and had an antique store with her friend, so she was certainly an influence on me. She would frequently decorate and shift things in and out of our home showing us the art of the possible and how slight modifications in a home can make it feel new again.”
Courtney has first-hand experience when it comes to renovating and decor. The first house they moved into in Dallas, on Fairfax Avenue, needed work and remodeling. After successfully completing that project, they realized they didn’t have the right space to configure a pool. “We started looking for another home that had a pool,” explained Courtney. “We renovated and redecorated that next home as well on Beverly Drive. Later, I was on a walk and came across our current home and called Charlie and said, ‘This is the next one and the final one!’ It had that pre-war feel and room for a pool. We ended up renovating three houses in a six-year period, all within a four-block radius.” Courtney’s work has been featured in D Home and House Beautiful. Friends previously approached her about projects but until now, she hasn’t had the time to focus on it, but ultimately said, “Life is too short, and my time is now to be doing this.”
Vacations for the Petit family include excursions to Europe, with their favorite destination being Florence, Italy. They pick a city and immerse themselves in the culture saying, “We look at architecture, visit museums, and shop for antiques to incorporate into our home.”
Joining forces as Co-Chairs for Preservation Park Cities Home Tour, Meredith and Courtney look forward to giving back to the community that they love. “We want to make the history and architecture of the Park Cities relevant for our age group,” said Meredith. “The organization as a whole has received a lot of attention recently, and more clients our age are buying and renovating. There’s something about the emotion and feeling you get in an older home.”
They say it takes a village, and supermoms Meredith and Courtney couldn’t agree more. “We both have rockstar husbands that are present and involved. We also have really wonderful parents that step in to help out.” Meredith’s parents live a mile away and both commented on the importance of living so close to their children’s friends for carpool and playdates. “You have that amazing support all around you, just down the block. The kids can run down the street and have a playdate that doesn’t have to be pre-arranged or organized. Putting family first and staying true to family values is so important to us. Being in this community makes that easier. We are very humbled, fortunate and blessed to live in this community that provides that for us.”
The upcoming annual Park Cities Home Tour takes place on May 10th and features some of the most beautiful homes in the Park Cities. The tour is a tribute to those who share in the appreciation of historic architecture. Meredith and Courtney look forward to seeing you there!
by The Good Life Park Cities | Apr 9, 2024 | Uncategorized
By Sarah Mitchell
If you ever find yourself strolling through the streets of Highland Park, chances are you might bump into Carrie and Jason Morski. Though originally from New York, they have found the Park Cities the perfect place to call home.
Carrie, originally from upstate New York, attended D’youville University in Buffalo, where she not only pursued her degree but also played soccer for four years. After receiving her master’s in physical therapy, Carrie made her way to NYC where she worked for three years. Meanwhile, Jason, also from upstate New York, completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Buffalo and later moved to New York City as well. The two met for the first time in college and dated, and their relationship became more serious while they were both in New York City, with Jason proposing in Central Park.
After an initial move to Preston Hollow in 2006, the Morskis relocated to Highland Park in 2020. “We had so many people that were very helpful in assisting us with finding the right location,” explained Jason. “Rogers Healy spent time sharing stories about what it was like to grow up here and really helped to zero in on what neighborhoods to look for.” It was during Covid when the couple had a chance to step back and reassess what was important to them. “We determined that we wanted to be in a neighborhood where our kids could play with other kids,” they shared. “We wanted that same neighborhood feel that we grew up with the kids riding bikes down the street to a friend’s house or playing outside with the neighborhood kids.” Jason added, “The sense of community here is unmatched. People had told us that, but seeing really is believing. Everyone here is so friendly and helpful. In fact, when we moved in, a neighbor baked us a cake and delivered it with a handwritten note. We knew we were in the right place.”
During their time in Preston Hollow, their two children, Maxwell and Addison, attended Parish Episcopal. They are now students at Bradfield Elementary where Maxwell is in third grade and Addison is in first grade. Both Morski children, like Carrie, love soccer. “They started playing when they turned three, far earlier than when I started in high school,” said Carrie. With an initial start in YMCA soccer, they continued playing during their time at Parish Episcopal with Carrie as coach. They have since joined the team at Bradfield and play club soccer for HPSA. “They both still really enjoy it,” said Carrie. “When I tell Addison she has soccer practice, she is very excited and wants to know how much longer until practice starts. Both kids have excellent coaches and are natural athletes.” In addition to soccer, Maxwell also plays on the Scots club baseball team and a recreational basketball team on the Park Cities Baptist Church Upward league.
In addition to staying busy with the kids, Jason works for MFS Investment Management, one of the largest asset managers in the world, and is credited with inventing America’s first mutual fund in 1924. He also serves on the board of Preservation Park Cities. With a love for their historic Highland Park home and vintage cars, he has now taken on the chairman’s role of the PPC car show. “When we moved to the Park Cities, I began noticing a lot of classic cars and began asking around if there was a group that got together,” shared Jason. “When I found out there wasn’t, I hatched a plan to start one with the idea of getting together twice in the spring and fall for a local Cars and Coffee at Highland Park Village. I later found out about the car show at SMU and asked if I could help out.” After that 2022 car show, Polly and Dan McKeithen asked if he would consider taking over. “I decided it would be fun, and if would help Preservation Park Cities, I would do it.” The charity car show, set for April 20th this year, displays around 350 cars and has close to 2,000 attendees. With his own collection of classic cars, with a focus on vintage and modern Porches, in addition to a vintage Landcruiser, Jason said the one car that he will never give up is his 1976 Porche 911S that he purchased in Manhattan and restored.
Carrie enjoys staying active, and you can often find her walking with their mini Goldendoodle, Murphy. “We love to explore the neighborhood, and he goes with me to drop off the kids at school every day,” Carrie shared. “He has become so popular that the kids at school ask about him.” After taking off the last seven years to raise their children, Carrie is also now exploring her options for re-entering the workforce.
When they’re not involved in community events or sports activities, the Morskis enjoy family traditions and outings. From Colorado ski trips during spring break to sunny days on Florida beaches, their holiday traditions and vacations create memories that will last a lifetime. Regarding local destinations, they make the most of the culinary offerings with frequent trips to Mi Cocina, Café Pacific, Park House, and Honor Bar, saying, “We love Highland Park, and we are so glad we are here!”
