This month’s Alumni Spotlight features alumnus Brandon Clement ’11, owner of Glenbrook Heating & Air Conditioning. He reflects on how Stevenson influenced his path, what’s helped him stand out in a competitive industry, and how a lesson from Coach McNamara still shapes the way he supports his customers and employees — including his sister Georgia Clement ’13, who leads the company’s customer service efforts.

Tell us about your business.

Brandon: As the owner of Glenbrook Heating and Air Conditioning, I run a family‑oriented HVAC business dedicated to providing high‑quality heating and cooling services. Together with my two cousins, Bill and Drew, and my sister Georgia ’13, I offer installations, repairs, and maintenance for residential and light‑commercial HVAC systems throughout the North Shore and surrounding areas.

What inspired you to start your business?

Brandon: My journey into the HVAC industry began with a passion for problem-solving and working with my hands. While at Stevenson, I took CAD and Introduction to Engineering classes, which inspired me to study Mechanical Engineering in college. What truly motivated me to start a business was the desire to build something of my own—something that reflects my values of quality workmanship and outstanding customer service.

What challenges did you face in starting your business, and how did you overcome them?

Brandon: Starting and growing a business comes with its fair share of challenges — from building a strong customer base to managing finances and assembling the right team. One of the biggest hurdles is earning customers’ trust in a competitive industry. We overcome this by prioritizing exceptional service, being honest in every interaction, and letting our work speak for itself. Word‑of‑mouth referrals and positive Google reviews play a significant role in our growth.

What is it like working with family members — including your sister and fellow Patriot Georgia Clement ’13?

Brandon: Working alongside my sister, Georgia, and my cousins, Billy and Drew, has been one of the most fun and fulfilling parts of owning Glenbrook Heating and Air Conditioning. Having family involved means we operate with a strong foundation of trust, shared values, and open communication. We each bring unique strengths to the business, and there is a deep sense of accountability and pride in what we’re building together. It’s not just about running a successful company—it’s about cultivating an organization that revolves around having fun, working hard, showing respect, and always doing what’s best for our customers.

How did your time at Stevenson shape you or influence your career path?

Brandon: Stevenson provided a great foundation in discipline, teamwork, and problem-solving. Whether through academics, sports, or extracurricular activities, I learned the importance of determination and leadership—both of which have been crucial in running my business.

Do you have a favorite memory from your time at Stevenson?

Brandon: There are too many great memories to count, but some of the best moments were spent with friends—whether in class, participating in athletics, or just enjoying the high school experience. Stevenson fostered a strong sense of community, which I still appreciate today.

Is there a piece of advice or lesson from a Stevenson teacher or coach that still resonates with you today?

Brandon: One lesson that has stuck with me is the importance of accountability, specifically regarding punctuality. Coach McNamara instilled in me that showing up on time is about more than just being present—it’s about commitment, responsibility, and not letting your team (now coworkers) down. Whether it was practice, a game, or a team meeting, being on time meant being ready to contribute and lead by example. That mindset has carried over into my professional life, where punctuality is crucial for delivering excellent service and maintaining trust with both customers and employees.

What is something you wish you knew when you were in high school that would have helped you in your career?

Brandon: I wish I had understood earlier how valuable the hands-on trades are. There’s a misconception that success only comes from a traditional college path, but the trades offer incredible opportunities for financial stability, independence, and personal fulfillment. If you enjoy working with your hands and problem-solving, there’s a lot of potential in this industry.

Do you have any advice for current Stevenson students interested in pursuing a career in your field or starting their own business?

Brandon: If you’re considering HVAC—or any trade—take the time to learn every aspect of the business, from technical skills to customer service and sales. Find a mentor, stay curious, and always be willing to put in the effort to master your craft. If you’re thinking of starting your own business, remember that integrity and hard work will take you far. Focus on building strong relationships and delivering value, and success will follow.

How can the Stevenson alumni community support your business?

Brandon: Supporting any local business is always important! If you or someone you know needs heating or air conditioning services, we’d love the opportunity to help. Even spreading the word, leaving a Google review, or following us on social media helps more than you’d think. Staying connected with the Stevenson community and supporting fellow alumni businesses is a great way to give back and keep the network strong.

Brandon Clement ‘11

Glenbrook Heating & Air Conditioning

Click to view the Stevenson Alumni Business & Professional Directory at PatsNetwork.com

This month's Alumni Spotlight features Karen Firsel '93, a successful on-camera TV Lifestyle Expert specializing in the latest trends in beauty, style, tech, home, and parenting. In this Q&A, Karen shares insights from her nearly three decades in television, including her career evolution, advice for students interested in TV or entrepreneurship, and the rewarding aspects of her work. Read on to discover her journey from producing behind the camera to becoming a trusted on-air personality and the challenges and triumphs she’s encountered along the way.

Tell us about your career.

Karen: For the last 10+ years, I have been working on-camera as a TV Lifestyle Expert specializing in all things trending in the areas of beauty, style, tech, home, and parenting. Over this time period, I have contributed fully curated segments for Chicago's NBC, ABC, FOX, and WGN stations and have also worked for Canada's #1 morning show—Breakfast Television—as a U.S. contributor.

Currently, I co-host a nationally syndicated shopping segment called Epic Deals by Best Reviews that highlights various brands and products. Our segment, which airs in over 200 markets across the country, reflects the evolution of television programming. Given the influx of streaming platforms and social media, traditional "old-school" advertising is no longer the gold standard in TV. Instead, networks and stations are procuring segment like ours that utilize QR code shopping calls to action, allowing the consumer to buy what they are seeing while the station shares in some of the partnership profits.

Prior to working on camera, I was a network television producer in New York for MSNBC and CNN. I transitioned back to Chicago in 2003 when I landed a dream job producing for The Oprah Winfrey Show. I helped produce hours of groundbreaking television; some of the highlights include Oprah’s 50th birthday, Oprah at the Oscars, and the show that broke the mold for TV and audience giveaways—Oprah's Great Car Giveaway.

What inspired you to pursue your career field?

Karen: When I was at Stevenson (shoutout to the Class of 1993!), I remember meeting with my college counselor, who was helping me with my college selection process. I really didn't know what I wanted to study, other than knowing I loved to write, tell engaging stories, and do something in television.

"I want to be the next Katie Couric!" I said in our meeting.

My counselor seemed… well… let's say, somewhat skeptical.

I went to the University of Illinois and majored in Broadcast Journalism. During my college summers, I lived in New York City and was fortunate enough to earn internships at World News Tonight with Peter Jennings and, the next summer, at The Late Show with David Letterman. I would mail my counselor some notes on letterhead from these shows—just to remind them (wink, wink) what I was up to.

Looking back, what is one decision you made that helped you succeed professionally?

Karen: The best decision I made when transitioning from producing behind the camera to being in front of it was taking a very conscious approach to being exactly the same on camera as I am in my everyday life. I wanted to make sure audiences could see and hear my true personality, which makes for an authentic delivery. I want audiences to know that I work really hard to curate my segments to include products and brands that I find, love, and use myself. I never want to do the "hard sell"—it doesn’t translate well and doesn’t seem genuine.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of working in your field?

Karen: I am so grateful that I have been able to do what I love for the last 30+ years. As a woman, I know it is really challenging to multitask and juggle the responsibilities of having a family while managing a career. The path I've taken has allowed me to do both. I work when I can, and I've been able to still be around for my kids (Emma, 17, and Eli, 14).

How did your time at Stevenson shape you or influence your career path?

Karen: I was never one for the math track, as it didn’t come as easily to me as English, reading, or writing. That said, Mr. Swan will always be one of my favorite teachers—he made math approachable and fun.

Do you have any advice for current Stevenson students interested in pursuing a career in your field?

Karen: I love mentoring students and young adults who often ask me about my career path. I always tell them the same thing: for television, real experience in the field has to be paired with classroom work. There is no substitute for internships—and most of them will be unpaid, which is a huge sacrifice when you're still in college and hustling to make it all work. But this is how it has to be done, so you can meet and align yourself with the right decision-makers who you can tap into when you're looking for your first job. Another piece of advice my mentor, Rick Kaplan, gave me was: "Never take no for an answer." In this cutthroat industry, you're going to face a lot of obstacles along your path... but do not give in or give up when a door shuts. You need a thick skin. Keep going!!!

Karen Firsel ‘93

Firsel Media

http://www.KarenFirsel.com

Click to view the Stevenson Alumni Business & Professional Directory at PatsNetwork.com

As we roll out the new Stevenson Alumni Business and Professional Directory, we’re excited to spotlight members of our alumni community. This month, Joseph Rosenfeld ’87 reflects on his career as an image consultant, recalling his SHS experience and how a combination of grit, resilience, and personal style allowed him to overcome adversity and build a fulfilling career.

Tell us about your business.

Joseph: I call myself an ‘Executive Presence Tactician’. I help top leaders fine-tune how people see and experience them to advance their leadership journey. What makes my work unique? Most experts in my field focus on the theory of executive presence—I focus on the execution. Every visual, verbal, and non-verbal element of your presence must align with your leadership. That’s what I do. My clients are top leaders in high tech, finance, real estate, and law. Not all are high-profile, but most are.

What inspired you to start your business?

Joseph: Throughout childhood, I was severely bullied. But what stung most was the daily taunt: “You’re ugly.” In my sophomore year at Stevenson, a few months after my father’s sudden passing, I discovered The Official Preppy Handbook, a cheeky, irreverent book that I treated like scripture.
I had an epiphany: I might never be tall, handsome, sexy, or hot, but I could have style. Style became the thing that revealed the real me. Sure enough, the kids stopped calling me ugly. That experience taught me an undeniable truth: how you show up in the world shapes how people experience you. This realization didn’t just change my life—it became my life’s work.

What challenges did you face in starting or growing your business, and how did you overcome them?

Joseph: The biggest challenge? People protecting their egos. The people who need my help the most often convince themselves they don’t need it. They think, “This isn’t for me.” Another challenge? The consulting industry is built on intangibles. The results I deliver are highly consequential, but they don’t always fit into a spreadsheet. The way I break through those objections? Giving people an experience. Just like I had my own epiphany at 15, my clients need their own transformative moment to truly see the impact of this work.

Do you have any advice for current Stevenson students interested in pursuing a career in your field or starting their own business?

Joseph: This isn’t a common career path, and I didn’t plan on it either.
But if you’ve ever struggled with your self-image or how the world perceives you, and if you’ve worked to transform that for yourself, then you understand this work on a deep level. To be truly great at this, you need empathy, insight, and an ability to see beyond what’s visible.

How did your time at Stevenson shape you or influence your career path?

Joseph: Because of the challenges I had with peers, school was tough. I found sanctuary with adults. The Guidance Office became my safe haven. My guidance counselor, Barbara Zivkovic, the director of pupil personnel services, Gayle Karhanek, and the college counselor, Marina Tatar, were my lifelines. I even helped Mrs. Tatar create the college resource room, a fun project that reminded me I had the ability to connect with people in meaningful ways.

Do you have a favorite memory from your time at Stevenson?

Joseph: Senior year, my social studies teacher saw something in me. Stevenson sponsored me to participate in the Illinois Citizen Experience, a program in Springfield where students from across the state formed a mock government.

Three unforgettable moments:
• My peers saw me as a leader and elected me “Governor.”
• I met Illinois Secretary of State Roland Burris.
• I returned to Stevenson to share my learnings with my class.
It was the first time I felt seen as a leader.

Is there a piece of advice or lesson from a Stevenson teacher or coach that still resonates with you today?

Joseph: A teacher once saw a talent and aptitude in me that I hadn’t fully seen in myself. If a teacher sees something in you, listen. They might recognize your potential before you do. Take action. That moment of recognition could change your life.

What is something you wish you knew when you were in high school that would have helped you in your career?

Joseph: That psychology would become a key part of my work! If Stevenson had offered a psych class back then, I’d have taken it in a heartbeat. Honestly? I’d probably be a world-class psychotherapist today.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of running your own business?

Joseph: The consequential impact. I started my career as a sales associate at Neiman Marcus on Michigan Avenue. That gave me access to fascinating people and a glimpse of what was possible. Now, I don’t just help people elevate their leadership presence. Clients have told me I’ve been a cultural change agent for enterprise-level businesses. I always say, the results for my clients are of high consequence. But they are for me, too.

Looking back, what is one decision you made that helped you succeed in your business?

Joseph: Never count me out. I am a one-man band of resilience. I am a relentless self-starter. Strategy alone is never enough. Any strategy will fail without execution. This is why I’m a proven tactician.

What do you think is the most important quality for an entrepreneur to have?

Joseph: Grit. There will be tough days that make you question everything.
Purpose. When you never lose sight of why you’re doing this, grit comes easier. Talent. Being great at your craft is different than being great at entrepreneurship. But when you’re relentless about your talent, your purpose fuels you and your grit carries you through the hard days to enjoy the triumphs. You can do it.

How can the Stevenson alumni community support your business?

Joseph: The best way to support me? Join my growing LinkedIn community, where I share insights, inspire, educate, and support leaders through my content. If my tactical approach resonates with you, reach out.

Joseph Rosenfeld ‘87

Image Consultant

https://josephrosenfeld.com

Click to view the Stevenson Alumni Business & Professional Directory at PatsNetwork.com

As we roll out the new Stevenson Alumni Business and Professional Directory, we’re excited to spotlight members of our alumni community. This month, we feature Dylan Richter ’08, owner of The Sweet Spot, a candy shop he started with his wife, Katie. Dylan shares his journey into the candy business, his favorite memories from Stevenson, and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Tell us about your business.

Dylan: The Sweet Spot is a family-owned, small-town sweet-tooth-satisfying destination. We offer an extensive selection of candies, treats, and drinks and provide a unique, family-friendly experience for the community. Each store features a giant selection of build-your-own Pick & Mix bulk candy bins, gourmet chocolates, rare international candies, kids' novelty and viral candies, glass bottle sodas, retro candy, ice cream novelties, and more. New options are introduced monthly. We have brick-and-mortar locations in Hillsboro, IL, and Highland, IL, but also have ‘virtual’ storefronts on DoorDash in 20 towns across the country, including downtown Chicago and Downers Grove. www.trythesweetspot.com

What inspired you to start your business?

Dylan: My wife, Katie, and I have always been big candy fans. We met in college, and she lived down the street from a candy store after graduating that we’d go to all the time. We’re the kind of people who spend too much at tourist-trap candy stores on vacation, but we never planned on doing anything with candy (other than eat it).

During COVID, we moved from Chicago back to her hometown of Hillsboro, IL, to spend time and help out with her dad, who was diagnosed with terminal cancer. I had been working since 2014 in Strategy & Operations at DoorDash and had the great privilege to experience that company’s growth, and I learned an incredible amount along the way. After a few challenging years, her dad passed away, and we decided it was time for something new. After experiencing ‘small-town life,’ I thought the community was overlooked and underserved from a retail standpoint and that there might be an opportunity to open something there.The idea for a candy shop came up, and we couldn’t shake it. Broad appeal, low price point, strong shelf life—and it’s fun! We opened The Sweet Spot in Hillsboro, IL, in July ’23 and just recently opened our second location in Highland, IL, in Nov. ’24.

What challenges did you face in starting or growing your business, and how did you overcome them?

Dylan: We were fortunate in that our community has been incredibly supportive ever since we opened, so there haven’t been any massive obstacles. The biggest challenge we’ve faced is really just doing something completely new and different for the very first time. We bought and renovated a building (I have zero handy skills, so ‘found other people to renovate’ is more accurate), so everything from deciding the floor plan, getting fixtures designed and made, to finding suppliers and inventory ordering frequency—the first six months were nonstop figuring out how to do something new for the first time. One of the big lessons I learned at DoorDash, given how quickly that company grew and changed, was that you don’t need to know how to do everything; you just need to be confident enough to believe you can get it done. I knew we wouldn’t do everything right, but we’d try hard, learn from it, and improve over time.

Do you have any advice for current Stevenson students interested in pursuing a career in your field or starting their own business?

Dylan: If you told me in high school that in my 30s I’d be running candy stores, I would have said a) that’s awesome, but b) there’s no way that’s right, and you’re crazy. I didn’t know what I wanted to do when I was in high school or in college—I still don’t know what I want to do when I grow up. My best advice would be if you think you’re interested in some field or career, start by asking people who work in that area about it. People will be happy to share their experience. Talk to people and, to the extent you can, go experience it yourself (shadow, volunteer, etc.). Just keep in the back of your mind that next month, next year, or five years from now, you may feel completely different or learn something or have some experience that results in you being interested in something completely different—and that’s okay!

How did your time at Stevenson shape you or influence your career path?

Dylan: I had a blast in high school. Especially now that I live in a small town (the town’s population is the same as Stevenson’s!), I realize and appreciate more the resources and experiences I had at Stevenson. I thought the ‘business’ classes in high school were fun and creative, but majoring in ‘business’ was the only thing I had an inkling about career-wise upon entering college. I was most serious about basketball at Stevenson, which is what led me to attend college at Wash U. I can’t say it was planned this way, but my first job out of college was in digital marketing for the Harlem Globetrotters. That led me to DoorDash, which led me to the candy store, so in a way, basketball at Stevenson is what put me down the path I’m on today!

Do you have a favorite memory from your time at Stevenson?

Dylan: Since I’ve graduated, the basketball program has had some incredible teams and players (Jalen Brunson!), but my junior year, we had a Cinderella run in the state tournament and got 4th, which was the furthest men’s basketball had gone in a long time. The opportunity to play in front of family and friends that I grew up with since I was a little kid was special. My freshman year in college, we won the DIII National Championship, but I still say my best basketball memories are from playing in high school. There’s nothing like it!

Is there a piece of advice or lesson from a Stevenson teacher or coach that still resonates with you today?

Dylan: There’s no singular line or lesson I can point to, but the work ethic, passion, accountability, and enjoyment I developed from my basketball coaches at Stevenson (Coach Ambrose, Coach Swan, Coach Pearl—I know there were more!) have been instrumental in everything I’ve done ever since.

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Alumna Anjini Grover '20 was among this year's newest group of Stevenson faculty and staff. We caught up with Anjini about her journey since graduating from SHS, what excites her most about her new teaching role, and how she likes to unwind outside of the classroom.

What division are you a part of and what is your role at Stevenson?

ANJINI: I am a part of the Mathematics Division where I teach AP Precalculus BC & Algebra 2 AB/BC.

What have you been up to since graduation?

ANJINI: I attended Miami University (OH) to receive a BS in Integrated Mathematics Education and a BA in Mathematics. I also spent a semester studying abroad in Barcelona!

How did your experience as a student at Stevenson influence your decision to return as a faculty member?

ANJINI: My experience as a student at Stevenson was truly wonderful. I was fortunate to have incredible teachers and access to countless opportunities that shaped who I am today. Returning as a faculty member feels like a full-circle moment, and I'm grateful to now work alongside the extraordinary individuals who had such a profound impact on my life.

What is the most surprising change at Stevenson since you were a student?

ANJINI: The Patriot Wellness Center! It is a remarkable new facility and definitely one of the most notable changes.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

ANJINI: Spending time with loved ones, practicing yoga, and spending time outdoors.

What are you most excited about in your new role at SHS?

ANJINI: I am most excited to work with students and be a small part of their educational journey.

Last month, after 33 years as a fine arts instructor, Tim officially retired from SHS. We caught up with him on his final day in the classroom to learn about his journey as an educator, how he'll stay busy in retirement, and what he'll miss most about his time as a Patriot.

Text edited for clarity and length.

How did you get your start at Stevenson?

TIM: I came to Stevenson straight from the University of Illinois in 1991. That summer, I interviewed with Dr. DuFour, who had just transitioned from principal to superintendent. He was incredibly smart, and I remember that each of my answers began with "that's a really good question."

It was a really hot summer day, and I drove up from Champaign in the 1978 Oldsmobile Omega that my dad had bought for me to use during my student teaching. The car didn’t have air conditioning, so I was glad to arrive early and cool off in the Wood Commons. I've always been grateful to teach in a school with air conditioning.

What inspired you to become a teacher, and how has that motivation evolved over your career?

TIM: My dad was a high school English teacher for over 40 years, so I have always had great respect for teachers and dedicated, high-quality teaching. Growing up, my heroes were the teachers, social workers, and counselors with whom my parents socialized.

My dad taught three generations of his own family: his youngest sister, all four of his children, and his oldest granddaughter. During high school and college in the 1980s, making money was always on my mind. In my freshman year at the University of Illinois, I studied both business and art for non-art majors. It was then that I realized life is short and you should follow your passions. When I took my first art education class—it might sound corny—I felt that teaching art was my calling. Art had always been my passion. I felt lucky because many of my college friends weren’t sure what they wanted to do with their lives. I knew exactly what I wanted to do.

What advice would you give to new teachers who are just starting their careers?

TIM: Give it your all and get to know your students. Teaching is a great profession where we get to talk about our passions all day long and help students grow. Remember, you are more than just a teacher.

For half of my teaching career, I wasn't a parent, so I considered myself an uncle to each of my students. I made an effort to understand their interests and guide them on their unique journeys. It's important to meet students where they are and start from there. Success will look different for every student.

What's something surprising that people might not know about you?

TIM: I am a dad. My husband, Doug Smithenry, and I have been together for what will be 30 years next October. Doug is now a dual-language first-grade teacher, but he used to teach art at Mundelein High School and created the mural of students studying at the entrance of the ILC here at Stevenson. We met at the wedding of a Stevenson art teacher. Both of our kids enjoyed the quality of teaching in the Little Patriot program here at Stevenson. Our daughter is about to graduate from Highland Park High School, and our son is just finishing 7th grade.

What do you think you’d be doing if you had not become a teacher?

TIM: I might have been a lawyer. I was accepted into several business/pre-law programs as a senior but chose Liberal Arts & Sciences at the University of Illinois. My mom’s only brother was a judge, and my dad’s oldest brother was an archbishop in the Catholic Church with a Ph.D. in canon law. One of my retirement goals is to become a student of the U.S. Constitution.

Many high school friends assumed I might go into politics because, if I was involved in something, I was in charge. During my senior year, I was president of our class, the National Honor Society, and the student council.

What will you miss most about Stevenson?

TIM: The people. I have always enjoyed my students and will miss the laughs that come with helping them achieve what they might not have thought possible. I have met, worked with and become very good friends with so many outstanding people through my years here at SHS.

What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?

TIM: I've mentioned that my dad was my teacher throughout much of high school. For four consecutive semesters, I had him for Sophomore Composition, British Literature, American Literature, and Creative Writing. At the end of almost every class, he would say, "Live a good life, you people!" Everyone in our family has taken that to heart and tried to live authentic and meaningful lives.

What are your plans for retirement? Any new skills, hobbies, interests, or projects in your future?

TIM: I plan to do a year of yoga and then go from there. It is my turn in the family to learn Spanish, so I intend to restart classes at the Instituto de Cervantes in the city. I plan to read great books. I love going to the gym and I also look forward to having the time to draw, paint, sculpt, and might also do some writing.

What legacy do you hope to leave/what do you hope to be remembered for at Stevenson?

TIM: Setting high standards for students and helping them to achieve the best that they can do. I hope to be remembered as a teacher who really cared about his students. I want them to live healthy and productive lives. I also hope they remember how much fun we’ve had in classes. I’ve been focused on building a community of artists within each class and that means learning about and from each other. I hope my students and colleagues will always be interested in learning about other people and cultures and grant respect for diversity.