Ballantyne isn’t just full of overachievers—it’s powered by people who refuse to phone it in. This week, we crossed paths with a roof-repairing water polo player, a Pilates pro with a pizza past, and the only auto detailer who can get pollen off your SUV and boost your CarFax.
If you’re wondering whether it’s possible to run a business, raise a family, and still have time to make a toasted bagel appointment with destiny—this community has answers.
In This Issue:
- 🏦 Gabby Starr redefines financial protection
- 🚗 Torri Suriano makes your car glisten like it’s headed to prom
- 🏡 Handy Andy’s team fixes your home and your faith in service
- 💧 Igor Isaev turns storms into testimonials
- 💪 Mike and Kim Libretto: from pizza to planks
- 🧳 Djarta Halliday books life-changing travel, one passport at a time
People Who Power the Neighborhood
If there were an Olympic event for practical compassion, Gabby Starr would medal in it. The former educator and current Transamerica advisor has turned the grim subject of long-term care planning into a conversation about empowerment. And she’s not selling fear—she’s teaching families how to protect themselves without feeling like they’ve wandered into an actuarial ghost story.
On the other end of the spectrum—but with equal gravitas—Djarta Halliday is reimagining travel as both escape and enrichment. By day she manages global clinical trials at Pfizer. By night (and weekend), she’s the quiet storm behind WanderLuxuryTravel—transforming client dreams into five-star itineraries without the Instagram fluff or chatbot help desk.
Grit, Grind, and Getting It Done
It’s easy to gripe about flaky contractors. It’s harder to hire someone who actually shows up. Enter Charlotte Mulch Men and More, where two college students saw a void and filled it—with mulch, elbow grease, and consistent follow-through. Yes, Ryan Merritt is 20. No, he will not ghost you.
Meanwhile, Handy Andy’s is the neighborhood’s unsung home repair department. Founder Andy and his partner Michael are the rare service pros who give honest estimates, show up on time, and don’t make you feel like you need to shower after a quote. They’re also planning classes for rookie homeowners—because knowing your sump pump from your shop vac is, frankly, overdue.
Rebuilding Roofs and Community
When Igor Isaev of Good Roofing & Restoration says he’s here to help, he means it. The Moldovan-born founder doesn’t just fix shingles—he triages your storm anxiety, hand-holds you through insurance, and occasionally breaks out the chainsaw to clear your driveway. His story reads like a Ted Talk waiting to happen: international athlete turned community cornerstone.
Shine, Strength, and Southern Charm
Ballantyne’s unofficial mayor of mobile detailing, Torri Suriano, makes your ride look so good you’ll stop parking nose-first. His business, At The Hop, is one of those rare hybrids: deeply professional, wildly convenient, and somehow still charmingly personal. Ceramic coating may not sound sexy—until your neighbor asks how your lease got upgraded.
And at The Daily Pilates, you’ll find an oasis of reformer machines, wood-paneled calm, and a vibe that says “chic New Orleans porch party meets wellness spa.” Owners Kim and Mike Libretto know how to stretch, sculpt, and support every muscle group—especially the overworked, coffee-fueled ones that hold up your parenting strategy.
Closing Deals, Opening Doors
Charlotte real estate isn’t a sprint—it’s a stress marathon. But Steven and Marie Lorimer are building reputations one open house at a time. Known for their meticulous prep, design savvy, and calm amid market chaos, they’ve become the go-to duo for families trying to make sense of Charlotte’s booming housing market—and keep their sanity intact.
What Fuels All This? Schmear. Obviously.
Every deadline met this week—every quote fact-checked and adjective reworded—was made possible by Einstein Bros. Bagels in Ballantyne. Located at 13736 Conlan Cir, their hazelnut brew is as essential as a functioning roof, and their toasted asiago with double shmear is basically a performance enhancer.
If you haven’t tried the turkey sausage egg white sandwich with honey almond shmear, it’s journalism fuel. Or parenting fuel. Or real estate closings fuel. We don’t judge.
What’s Next?
- ✉️ Send us your stories or photos — HOA drama, lizard rescue, or backyard makeover, we’re listening.
- 🥂 RSVP now for the May 22 Sip & Stroll at Ballantyne Country Club — wine, wandering, and meeting the people you’ve only seen in Facebook groups.
- 📩 Subscribe here and get the full Ballantyne buzz before your HOA president quotes it.
About the Author
Nell “Extra Schmear, No Shame” Thomas
Senior Writer | Strolling Ballantyne + The Charlotte Mercury
Fueled by Einstein Bros. hazelnut roast and bagels with a side of sass, Nell documents everything from political intrigue to Pilates reformers. When not reporting, she’s either refilling her coffee or silently judging your mulch pile.
Read more at strollingballantyne.com and cltmercury.com.
