At Winston Preparatory School, individualized education is not a strategy—it’s the foundation. The school supports students with learning differences such as dyslexia, ADHD and nonverbal learning disorders by deeply understanding their unique profiles and providing targeted academic and emotional growth. “Many of our students far exceed what people originally thought they were capable of,” says Head of School Kristen Atkins. Winston Prep’s personalized approach, including its Continuous Feedback System, helps students build independence, confidence and daily success. With expanded programs for post-high school support, Winston Prep is committed to transforming education—one individual learner at a time.

Winston Preparatory School,
1 Saint Vincents Drive, San Rafael,
415-993-5533, WinstonPrep.edu

At Wildflower Aesthetics & Wellness, founder and RN Julie Bones brings balance and harmony to each client’s unique features through a personalized and refined approach. With an emphasis on soft, natural and undetectable results, she artfully blends science with aesthetics to enhance beauty without compromising authenticity. Julie values genuine connection, taking time to listen, understand and guide—especially for those new to aesthetic care. Each treatment is thoughtfully customized. With her years of experience, expert injectables and medical-grade skincare, Wildflower offers a graceful, holistic experience rooted in trust, subtlety and a deep respect for individual beauty.

Wildflower Aesthetics & Wellness, Windsor Palms Plaza 2,
8465 Old Redwood Highway, Suite 627, Windsor,
707-494-1233, Wildflower-Aesthetics-Wellness.com

By 2030, one-third of Marin County’s residents will be 60 years old or older, with the greatest growth in that aging population expected to be seniors in their 80s. Growing older at Vivalon’s Healthy Aging Center represents a vibrant, fulfilling phase of life, not a slowing down. “People think life is not as interesting or as engaging as you get older,” says Stephanie McNally, Vivalon’s chief program officer. “That is the opposite here.” McNally credits Vivalon’s integrated model of elder care with meeting older adults’ mental, physical and social needs through connectedness, lifelong learning and advocacy, which enables them to age gracefully. 

Vivalon, 999 Third St., San Rafael,
415-456-9062, Vivalon.org

Since 1971, Vital Energy Solutions has helped Northern California families and businesses lower utility costs and embrace clean, reliable energy. As a third-generation, family-owned company, Vital designs custom solar, battery, generator and microgrid systems tailored to customers’ needs. Their expert team manages every step—from permitting to rebates—with care, craftsmanship and integrity. “We’re proud to stand alongside homeowners, farmers and business owners alike as they gain energy independence, reduce operating costs and strengthen long-term resilience,” says owner Jason Jackson. “For local businesses, our systems not only cut utility expenses, but also provide energy security, improve sustainability credentials and support future growth. It’s an honor to be trusted with their success.”

Vital Energy Solutions,
7064 Corline Ct., Building B, Sebastopol,
707-528-7652, VitalEnergySolar.com

David and Susan Gambill have been a Sonoma County gem for more than 17 years, and to hear them describe their creation process in chocolate and tea, you’d believe they were spinning gold. From their first tea truffle in France to their Sebastopol storefront, they’ve explored the chemistry of chocolate, its symphony of flavors, the way the best beans are sourced and how to sell their greatest product: smiles. “Only fine-flavor beans are used to make fine chocolate,” David says. “The flavor starts with the variety of bean that is grown; just like wine grapes, each step of the process then contributes to the final flavor, and each variety of cacao needs to be handled differently, from fermenting to roasting. A fine chocolate will linger in your mouth for many minutes. That’s one of the reasons that it takes very little fine chocolate to satisfy one’s desire.”

Sonoma Chocolatiers, 6988 McKinley St., Sebastopol,
707-829-1181, SonomaChocolatiers.com

A lot has changed in cosmetic dentistry—especially with preferred materials and complex treatment  techniques—since dentist Sean Wilson started practicing dentistry 25 years ago. Wilson, who also practices general dentistry, brings the most advanced dental developments to his practice, crediting the early influence of his mentor, Dr. Jeff Morley of San Francisco, a lifelong learner and world-renowned cosmetic dentist who taught cosmetic dentistry to practitioners around the globe. “A smile is the first thing people notice about you,” Wilson says. “It’s probably the most important thing, and it’s the one thing a person has control over and can change more than any other physical condition.”

Sean Wilson, DDS, 98 Montgomery Dr., Santa Rosa,
701-578-7424, SeanWilsonDDS.com

For Todd Lake, owner of Salt & Stone, there is something magical about restaurants and hospitality—though there’s nothing make-believe about the enchanting experience of a golden hour dinner at Salt & Stone. What began as a COVID-era precaution became an emblem of Sonoma County’s best views: intimate tables on a flagstone patio, surrounding a peaceful koi pond, nestled in the heart of the vineyards of Sonoma Valley. “The views are amazing and always changing with the season,” Lake says. “I believe that it literally elevates our ability to create incredible hospitality and guest experiences.”

Salt and Stone, 9900 Sonoma Hwy, Kenwood,
707-833-6326, SaltStoneKenwood.com

For more than 105 years, Pini Ace Hardware has served Novato as more than just a hardware store—it’s a trusted neighbor and local institution. Owned and operated by the Young family since 1968, Pini is now run by third- and fourth-generation family members committed to preserving the store’s small-town roots while evolving to meet modern needs. With two locations, Pini Hardware continues to prioritize customer service, offer tailored inventory and support local causes. As co-owner Tom Young puts it: “We wouldn’t be here without our community.” That spirit of mutual support remains at the heart of everything Pini Hardware does.

Pini Ace Hardware, 1535 South Novato Blvd.
and 191 San Marin Dr., Novato,
415-892-1577, PiniAceHardware.com

For more than 90 years, Ongaro & Sons has been the cornerstone of home comfort in Marin and Sonoma counties. Founded in 1932, this family-owned business has grown from a small plumbing shop to a full-service provider of plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical and solar solutions. Now in its fourth generation, Ongaro & Sons continues to evolve by embracing innovation and prioritizing customer satisfaction. “Our commitment to excellence starts with our people,” says CEO and great-grandson Ernest Ongaro. “We invest in training, ethics, and service to ensure every customer experience is exceptional.”

Ongaro & Sons, 719 Southpoint Boulevard, Petaluma,
707-908-8025, OngaroAndSons.com

Finding premium cannabis products shouldn’t be complicated. That’s why Monica Gray founded Nice Guys Delivery—to bring safe, high-quality cannabis directly to Marin County customers with ease and discretion. Since 2015, her team has provided expert guidance, exceptional service and a carefully curated selection of trusted products. “Our customers deserve a seamless experience, from ordering to delivery,” Monica says. As a leader in the industry, she also fights for fair regulations that keep legal cannabis businesses thriving. With Nice Guys Delivery, customers get more than just cannabis—they get reliability, education and a commitment to their well-being.

Nice Guys Delivery, Marin County, NiceGuysDelivery.com