by The Good Life Park Cities | Dec 4, 2024 | Uncategorized
As 2024 comes to a close, we are presenting you with a special issue of The Good Life Park Cities. This issue focuses on some of the amazing residents and contributors we have featured over the years. We have had the privilege to introduce you to some fantastic Park Cities families and have been blessed with knowledgeable sponsors who enjoy sharing their expertise with our readers. This magazine wouldn’t be what it is today without the support of the community and readers like you!
In 2022, we met the Brattons. Geoff and Amy, who met during high school and married in 2002, have built a wonderful life together with their twin sons. Geoff owns Holt Veterinary clinic, where Amy contributes after she stepped away from her legal career to help manage the practice and raise their children. The family enjoys outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and cycling, frequently visiting their retreat in New Mexico to appreciate nature away from city life. We also learned of Geoff’s impressive 10,000 mile per year streak with biking!
We also learned about the Letier family and their fun holiday traditions such as their “Bloody Mary and Bacon Brunch” featuring over 30 pounds of bacon, homemade cinnamon rolls, and gallons of Bloody Mary’s. Scott is also known for Feast of Seven Fishes. Donna, co-founder of Gardenuity, says they have recently upgraded to a 10,000 square foot studio in the Dallas Design District. “We have programs weekly, and we love seeing our friends stop by for some shopping and planting,” she shared. Their oldest daughter, Madison, now lives only a couple of blocks away and works for Anchor Capital. The family has also grown with the addition of a new puppy named Newman!
In July of 2022, we featured the Furrates. Jamie, owner of Curtis Specialized Moving & Storage, has taught us the value of hiring professional movers and utilizing a full-service, white-glove company, as well as finding the best to store space for our items. They are a great family who have supported the Crystal Charity Ball and Cattle Baron’s Ball and were recent additions to University Park when we interviewed them in 2002.
A new year brought out more wonderful families including the Susens family! Scott and Beth have been Park Cities residents since 2004 with their two children, Miller and Michael. They enjoy cooking and growing their own vegetables and herbs. For over 20 years, they’ve upheld an amazing holiday tradition: delivering over 50 holiday cocktails on Christmas morning, with names that change yearly such as “Merry Mistletoe,” “Rosy Rudolph,” and “Dirty Snowball.” We’re all still patiently waiting for Beth to publish her secret recipes!
Lifelong Park Cities residents Burton and Leslie Rhodes were featured in our April issue of 2023. Burton works in residential real estate and devotes much of his time to Preservation Park Cities. He has helped highlight numerous homes in the “Preservation Park Cities Top 100” including 3615 Dartmouth Avenue, 4331 Belclaire Avenue, and Mouzon’s Folly at 3444 University Boulevard. Both he and Leslie are involved in the community and attend their children’s many sports activities. Thank you, Burton, for your contribution to Preservation Park Cities!
The Jim and Patty Moody, featured in June 2023, have been Park Cities residents for four generations. Patty Moody’s great-grandfather Joe E. Lawther was a visionary Dallas mayor who developed White Rock Lake, and her grandfather Lynn V. Lawther, whose name is on the plaque dedicating Williams Park, was Dallas County and University Park Commissioner. We learned of Jim’s contribution to transforming Methodist Hospital by initiating the CareFlite program and achieving Level I trauma status, leaving a legacy with the Methodist Moody Brain and Spine Institute upon retiring in 2019. He had recently authored “On Call: A Neurosurgeon’s Story of Serving God and Others,” chronicling his life, medical career, battle with pancreatic cancer, and faith. With six children and nine grandchildren, the family values vacations, holidays, and the tight-knit community.
Next up, we have the Burdettes. Elliott and Lisa share a love for travel, and their adventures have taken them to Paris and the Périgord region of France, Tanzania and Kenya. Recently, Lisa, the founder of The Dallas School of Etiquette, travelled to Washington DC with her granddaughter, Lila, to be featured on the cover of Mount Vernon Magazine. “As I teach all my students, George Washinton lived for the good of those yet to come rather than glorifying himself,” she shared. “I encourage all of my students to visit Mount Vernon, especially the presidential library. This journey has and continues to be an inspiration to me as I seek to teach children and adults how to connect with all cultures through etiquette.”
In November 2023, we met Jared and Melrose Hutchins, recent additions to the Park Cities. Jared’s wife, formerly the Society Editor of People Newspapers, was deeply involved in Dallas philanthropy, serving on boards like the Mayor’s Star Council, The Family Place, TACA, Readers 2 Leaders, and The Trinity Trust Foundation. Tragically, his wife passed away suddenly in 2020 prompting Jared to move to Highland Park in 2022 for its schools and community. Recently, Melrose recently started Kindergarten at Armstrong and loves walking to school every day. Additionally, Jared has started writing a book, and the family spent time together in Mexico for Thanksgiving and have plans to visit London and Paris over Christmas.
2024 has brought us some great families as well. In our first issue of the year, we featured the Hudes family. Living blocks away from the World Trade Center, Marshall and Angie relocated to Dallas after the events of September 11, settling in Highland Park. When their daughter, Kayla, was born, Marshall decided to shift gears, assisting his brother in opening an Italian restaurant in Dallas. What started as a small venture, Cafe Nostra transformed into a successful catering business, CN Catering. Kayla attends Highland Park High School and will be graduating this year. Congratulations, Kayla!
Carrie and Jason Morski, featured in April, were also from New York. They moved to Preston Hollow in 2006 and then relocated to Highland Park in 2020. Their children, Maxwell and Addison, are students at Bradfield Elementary and enjoy playing soccer. Jason serves on the board of Preservation Park Cities and is chairman of the PPC car show. They spoke of their love for travel – from Colorado ski trips during spring break to sunny days on Florida beaches. They also shared their favorite local destinations like Mi Cocina, Café Pacific, Park House, and Honor Bar.
We also had the privilege of featuring “supermoms” Meredith Ferrell and Courtney Petit. Meredith transitioned from a career in advertising to real estate, inspired by her mother’s success in the industry, and now leads her own real estate group. Courtney retired from a corporate career in finance to pursue interior design, following in her mother’s footsteps. The two families became friends through their children, and Meredith and Courtney were co-chairs of the 2024 Preservation Park Cities Home Tour, with the goal of making the history and architecture of the Park Cities relevant to their generation.
To wrap up our December “Best Of” issue, we would like to mention our July 2024 feature. We learned that the Stone family runs a family-owned estate sale business founded by Janelle Stone, who has a background in fashion merchandising and interior design from Baylor University. Janelle and her husband, Bill, have four children. Their son Wen joined the family business and has been a key contributor for seven years. Since our July article, Wen and his fiancée, Sara, have married and they are expecting a baby boy in March 2025. Congratulations to the entire Stone family!
Thank you to all the families that have been featured in our magazine! We look forward to meeting many more of you in 2025!
by The Good Life Park Cities | Nov 1, 2024 | Uncategorized
Kevin and Lynn Wisdom are enthusiastic Park Cities residents and are fortunate that their son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter are nearby residents as well. The unique character and charm of the community is not lost on them.
Kevin and Lynn’s journey together began through volunteer work. They met at a launch party organized by the Volunteer Center of Dallas which is now known as the Metroplex Volunteer Center. Lynn was working in community relations for JC Penney and was a Board Member for the Volunteer Center. Kevin attended and searching for volunteer organizations in which to participate. “I met Kevin during the party, and we met a couple of times after that,” Lynn shared. “I thought that he was a really nice guy, and I think that I need him on a committee.” Their friendship grew over time and they eventually began dating. Dating led to a marriage that has now lasted 26 years.
A commitment to volunteering and the community continues to be a big part of their lives together. They recently became members of Preservation Park Cities. Additionally, they support the Grant Halliburton Foundation which focuses on mental health resources for youth and suicide prevention. “We became involved about five years ago and act as sponsors of the organization,” Lynn noted. They are long-time supporters of the North Texas Food Bank and the Notre Dame School of Dallas. Dwell with Dignity, which helps families transitioning from homelessness to settling in their new homes, is also a project that they support.
Lynn’s background includes having lived across several states due to her father’s career as an executive with Marriott. Despite the moves, Texas became the place that she calls home. She carved out a career in in public relations and marketing, first with the Dallas Market Center, then JC Penney, and later with the Ingersoll Company. While with the Ingersoll Company. She represented major magazines such as Town and Country, Elle Decor and she helped launch Oprah Magazine for the Hearst Corporation out of New York City. She became owner of the former Ingersoll Company and owns what is now Wisdom Media.
Originally from St. Louis, Kevin was managing his family’s construction business of 53 years when he decided to become part of the world of real estate development. “I had this notion that I wanted to move to Dallas and work for one of the large real estate development companies. I was fortunate to begin that career by joining Trammell Crow Residential in 1983,” he said. While still having a passion for development, Kevin is spending a good bit of time acquiring land in East Texas in order to place conservation easements upon it while also managing wetlands mitigation.
Along those lines, just outside Athens, Texas, Kevin and Lynn have recently remodeled a home on their property which has a historical context. “The area was settled in 1840, and our property was established in 1883. As far as the remodel for the home, the structural components were sourced from a former goat barn on Ginger Murchison’s property. We were able to salvage the hand-hewn posts and beams,” Kevin said. “With components like that, we were able to create a structure with a good bit of character and historical integrity while including current, modern features as well”.
The property with acreage and the home is used as a place for recreation. Lynn enjoys cooking and entertaining. “I enjoy spending time on the various projects that come along with the property as well as creating projects for myself,” Kevin said. “The balance of my time is spent trying to convince Lynn that there are no bugs anywhere on the property.”
They try to get the family there as much as possible. “It’s a great opportunity for family time,” said Lynn, “particularly, with our granddaughter.” “The idea that our 10-year-old granddaughter who participates in ballet, cheer, equestrian and volleyball during the week is still excited to come to the property on weekends and run though the fields, fish and sit in a deer blind with Daddy warms my heart,” says Kevin.
Regarding their fellow Park Cities residents, their son Kyle, an SMU graduate, is a Senior Housing developer and he and his family live a mere five minutes away. His wife, Elizabeth, is a Senior Vice President with Allie Beth Allman. She is a former Dallas Cowboy cheerleader, and that experience has certainly added to the attraction of dance and cheer for their daughter.
When they are not “being rural” as Kevin calls it, they have a real focus on art and travel. Lynn prefers figurative work while Kevin is focused upon contemporary work. “We take turns selecting the purchases so we get some balance,” Lynn said. As far as travel is concerned, they have determined that Florence, Italy, is their favorite destination so far. They have a trip to Sicily and the Greek Islands scheduled to take place in the near future.
Quite simply, Kevin and Lynn love the Park Cities. As Lynn puts it, “Even though I’ve moved around a lot, Dallas has always been home and always will be. We love the community here – from parades to the lighting of the Christmas tree and everything in between”.
by The Good Life Park Cities | Oct 3, 2024 | Uncategorized
By Sarah Mitchell
Michelle Joyner’s journey began in Roanoke, Virginia, but her childhood was filled with moving around the South due to her dad’s job. By the time she was in the fourth grade, her family settled in Plano, Texas, where her parents still live today. Michelle has always had a passion for learning, which shows in her academic achievements. She attended Plano West High School, then went on to the University of Texas at Austin, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Her love for education then led Michelle to pursue further studies at Duke University, earning her Master of Science in Nursing and later returning to Duke to complete her Doctor of Nursing Practice in 2016.
It was while working as a new pediatric nurse practitioner in the pulmonology unit at Children’s Medical Center that Michelle met Rob. One day, while getting her hair done at her favorite salon in Plano, her hairstylist suggested she meet a guy who sounded perfect for her. Intrigued, Michelle was open to the idea but didn’t think much of it until later that evening when one of the doctors at work mentioned she had met her boyfriend on Match.com. Encouraged, Michelle decided to give online dating a try and created a profile. To her surprise, she matched with Rob Joyner, the very guy her hairstylist had mentioned. As Michelle put it, “The universe was going to have us meet one way or another!”
Rob’s story began in Greensboro, North Carolina, before his family moved to Plano when he was just three years old. Growing up just five miles from Michelle, their paths didn’t cross until much later. Rob attended public school in Plano before transferring to Jesuit for high school. With a passion for design, Rob initially pursued a degree in architecture at the University of Arkansas. “I’ve always been interested in architecture and design,” Rob shared. “As a kid, I played with Legos and thought the next step was to design homes and spaces.” However, after a year, he realized that architecture wasn’t the right fit for him, so he switched to business and transferred to the University of North Texas, where he completed his degree.
About ten years ago, Rob co-founded a legal software company that helps small and mid-sized law firms manage their operations. Rob is also an artist at heart. His love for painting started in college when, short on cash, a friend suggested he create his own art to decorate his apartment. This sparked a passion that Michelle encouraged him to rekindle years later. Rob’s big, chunky abstract pieces, often referred to as “blobs,” became a creative outlet. “When I start something, I do a lot of it,” said Rob. “It got to the point where we ran out of space in our house.” Michelle then set up an Instagram account under @paintedjoyner and they began selling some of his pieces. His art has not only filled their home but also supported various charities and auctions across Dallas, including Crystal Charity Ball, Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center, and Armstrong Elementary among others. One of his pieces raised $25,000 for Make-A-Wish North Texas earlier this year. Rob’s art is exhibited at various locations throughout the year, with Scout Design Studio and Stanley Korshak being the most recent.
Rob and Michelle’s first date is a story they love to tell. Michelle had a group of friends visiting and had made dinner reservations. She invited Rob, whom she hadn’t met in person yet, to join them. Rob arrived, eager to impress, but when it came time to pay for dinner, he realized he had forgotten his wallet. “I ended up paying for dinner,” Michelle laughed. “But there was something special about him, and I didn’t think twice about the situation. It led us to where we are now.” Rob added, “I did go back and get my wallet and paid for the rest of the evening. It was a bad look, though!”
Today, Rob and Michelle are the proud parents of 6-year-old twins, Joules and Ames. They love spending time as a family, especially on vacations to their favorite destinations like Charleston, where Rob’s parents have a beach house, and Destin, where Michelle’s parents also have a place. They also enjoy trips to Arizona, particularly the Ritz-Carlton in Dove Mountain, which offers the opportunity for the couple to relax and unwind in the desert. “Michelle and I are two people that don’t ever stop,” explained Rob. “By going out in the desert, it forces you to stop. It’s always a nice getaway for the two of us.”
In addition to her career and family life, Michelle runs a twin mom blog. She started the blog when her twins were just seven weeks old, sharing her experiences and challenges as a new twin mom. “Even though I’m a seasoned nurse practitioner dual certified in primary care and acute care pediatrics, I still felt clueless at first with how to handle two babies at once. I felt like at that time, there wasn’t enough information or real stories accessible to me. My mother-in-law Cheryl mentioned that I should start my own blog to help other twin moms in the same situation. So, I started sharing what I was going through and it evolved from there. It’s been a fun adventure and I love kids and have dedicated my entire career to children. It fits very naturally in my life and what I like to focus on.”
The Joyners stay busy with their kids, supporting Joules in her dance, cheerleading, and Girl Scouts, while Rob coaches Ames in football and basketball. “We have loved being a part of the Highland Park community. Before living here, we lived right outside of Highland Park and didn’t have that same community feel. To be able to go up to Armstrong and get to know the other parents has been really special to us. It’s been a great experience. We feel very blessed that we made it here.”
by The Good Life Park Cities | Sep 10, 2024 | Uncategorized
By Sarah Mitchell
Dan and Adam’s story is one of both new beginnings and preserving tradition. Dan, originally from Chicago, moved to Dallas in 2019 with his job at BMO Financial Group, which was expanding into Texas. He grew up in Arlington Heights, a suburb on the northwest side of Chicago, while his parents and brother’s family now reside in North Barrington. Dan went to college at Notre Dame and later received his MBA from Chicago Booth. Today, Dan is a Managing Director at BMO where he leads the bank’s Corporate Advisory practice. Adam, on the other hand, comes from a small town near Jackson, Mississippi. He moved to Dallas 25 years ago to attend SMU, where he studied international studies and economics, and has remained in the city ever since. Adam has lived in various neighborhoods throughout Dallas, offices in the Dallas Design District, and enjoys frequenting places like Snider Plaza and HP Village. Adam’s parents and brother’s family also live in Dallas in nearby Preston Hollow. He is the co-CEO and Owner of The Saxton Group and Saxton Properties Holdings, his family’s businesses, which operate over 75 McAlister’s Deli franchises and develop restaurant real estate projects across Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas.
Dan and Adam’s move to Beverly Drive was somewhat unexpected; they were only casually house hunting when they found their home, the second house they looked at. Built in 1929, they fell in love with the home’s location on tree-lined Beverly, leading to a two-year renovation and expansion project, which they documented on Instagram at The Beverly Casa (@thebeverlycasa). Working with Briggs Architecture & Design and Hudson Construction Group, they focused on preserving the house’s historical charm while incorporating modern touches. They sourced original materials, like bricks from the same quarry and reclaimed clay roof tiles, to maintain the house’s classic appearance. “We were inspired by the house as it was presented, saw that classic style of the house and the period in which it was built and wanted to honor and respect that, particularly on the outside,” explained Adam. “One of the most appealing things about the house is the classic view from the front street. We have an 80-year-old oak tree, and the limestone carving around the front door is exactly as it was when it was built in 1929. We really just went with what was here and tried to enhance it. On the inside, we kept everything we love about an older home like some of the more formal spaces – we have a library with a cozy fireplace, a marble entryway, and a downstairs gallery.” Dan added, “Each room has its own character to it, but it’s all cohesive.”
Their efforts to preserve their home have resulted in the property receiving landmarking status from Preservation Park Cities. Recently, Dan and Adam also received the 2024 Preservation Achievement Award from Preservation Dallas and The Beverly Casa was a featured episode on the popular web channel Homeworthy.
The couple’s journey together began in Dallas, where they met on the dating app Hinge. Their first date was dinner at Shinsei and a gallery opening at Samuel Lynne Gallery, where they later got engaged. They married in April 2022 at The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago. Adam has twin boys from a previous marriage, Patrick and Harry, who are ten years old and attend The Episcopal School of Dallas. Both boys are active, with one enjoying football and the other robotics and engineering. This summer, they participated in the University Park Makos swim team and enjoyed summer camp in Colorado.
Traveling is a shared passion for Dan and Adam. Their honeymoon took them to the Maldives, and they recently traveled to France with Patrick and Harry, marking the boys’ first big international trip. Regular visits to Aspen, Colorado, and Naples, Florida, to see family are also part of their routine.
Life in their neighborhood is perfect, with their two Golden Retrievers enjoying walks in the neighborhood and spending time at nearby Fairfax Park and Flippen Park. Dining out locally is a favorite pastime, with frequent visits to Mi Cocina and Lovers Seafood. Japanese cuisine holds a special place in their hearts, from casual sushi spots to upscale restaurants like Nobu. Even though he likes to try different foods, Dan’s favorite restaurant remains Chili’s, where he has ordered chicken fajitas since he was five years old. “It’s the only thing I’ve ever ordered,” he laughed. “Ever since I was five, it’s always been the chicken fajitas!” Highland Park Village is another cherished spot. “Sometimes we just go and walk around with nothing in mind,” explained Dan. “Other times we go for an afternoon drink or a meal. One of the things that I liked about the neighborhood when we were looking was the fact that there are sidewalks. Our last neighborhood didn’t have sidewalks and the accessibility here is great.”
Dan and Adam’s story is all about mixing new adventures with a love for history and tradition, both in their personal lives and how they renovated their home. Their dedication to keeping their home’s original charm while adding their flair shows how they live: respecting the past but always looking forward to what’s next – including welcoming a new family member! Dan and Adam are expecting another son, Asher Adam Saxton-Murphy, via surrogate in early 2025.
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”.
