COUNTRY VS. TOWN: MOLLY PAINTER LUCHT

MOLLY PAINTER LUCHT grew up in central Indiana, where her dad was an attorney, and her mom was a businesswoman. Molly’s dad instilled her competitive spirit, refined in sports, with basketball, tennis, and volleyball always in focus. Her mom taught her to strive to be the best version of herself. While Molly’s parents divorced when she was five, they modeled how to put their kids first despite challenges.

She set off to undergrad at Miami of Ohio, where she led various campus organizations, including the group responsible for planning campus activities on the beautiful, thriving campus, and was very involved with the alumni association.

After MU, she joined Hallmark Cards in Kansas City, then quickly moved to Chicago to follow her true passion in healthcare by working for Johnson & Johnson. During a nearly decade-long career at J&J, Molly thrived through a period of increasing responsibility while earning her MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Business. She found her calling in products that help diagnose rare diseases and has launched more than 12 products globally.

Alongside building her career, she married and had two children, Izzy and Gabe.

Molly’s next chapter is a lesson in what she calls, “It’s not what happens to us, but how we handle it.” After 10 years of marriage and moving from Chicago to Glen Ellyn, she divorced and moved back to Lincoln Park with her two kids. She loved this time, and it’s when she met her now-husband, Nate, on a first date at Topo Gigio in Chicago.

Fast forward two years: Nate asked, “Would you move to Hinsdale?” She initially gave him a side-eye as they were de-boarding a plane, but that quickly turned into a resounding “YES!” While she didn’t know much about Hinsdale, she knew she was in love and that they’d make a great team blending their families. Nate proposed in their kitchen, and they married at home in 2022.

They have five kids between them, aged 17, 15, 15, 13, and 12 and work hard to be the best parents. “Our family is strong, and, despite the challenges, we’ve grown closer and stronger,” she says.

“What I’m most proud of are my relationships. I draw strength from my family—my husband, kids, and step kids—and from my friends, old and new. I’m truly honored to be part of the Hinsdale community and thankful for all the women here. They have welcomed me with open arms, and I feel it!”

Do you have a mantra? Purpose, Passion, Heart: Your core purpose is where your talents and values intersect. I’m fortunate to have found this in my life. I strive to live every day around my core purpose— helping others grow and advocating for those in need, while creating value. That’s where my passion comes in. I love advocating and achieving results, and I have a strong desire to win. To me, it’s not about winning, but the will to win. My heart is huge, and sometimes it gets in the way. I love deeply, and when my stepdad, Clif, was passing away, he told me never to lose my “heart power.” There are days I wish I could, but it’s impossible. It’s just who I am. On your reading stack? The New Yorker, The Boundary Boss and I re-read Leadership from the Inside Out by Kevin Cashman almost every year. The Anxious Generation is a must-read for parents, as it explores how devices are shaping our kids’ lives. Podcast? I’m a Mel Robbins podcast addict and just listened to The Let Them Theory. What organizations do you support? I’m on the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Chicago, a cause close to my heart since I mentored Gabby for over 10 years. I also serve on the board of the Infant Welfare Society of Hinsdale, which raises funds for the Angel Harvey Center in Logan Square. This organization, founded over 100 years ago, has evolved into a comprehensive healthcare provider serving over 5,000 children. I’ve been involved with Autism Speaks, the Joffrey Women’s Board, and the Junior League of Chicago. I’m also thrilled to support my friends’ causes, such as Together at Peace, HJWC, and Chicago Lighthouse. Additionally, I host fundraising parties for the Hinsdale Historical Society’s Kitchen Walk with my friend Natalie. Currently, I’m leading the HMS PTO, which has been a rewarding experience seeing how the school operates and how well the community functions together. What’s your signature entertaining style? I think about how I want my guests to feel based on the occasion. 1) Formal Sit-Down Dinner: I love creating a space for strong conversations, ending the evening with a dance party. The tablescapes are beautiful thanks to Gathered Table, and Chef Beau creates the perfect menu, with Nate selecting the wine, 2) A Party with Something to Do: For my daughter’s 14th birthday, I organized a scavenger hunt around Hinsdale, which kept the kids engaged. We’ve also had gingerbread-making contests full of laughter 3) A Family Affair: We love hosting homecoming parties with activities for all ages. And we enjoy having a one-man band, like Jacob Sweet from Underwater People, who adds a special touch. Any daily rituals that make you feel centered? Making my bed every day is something my mom taught me—and it’s amazing how a simple act can set the tone for the day. Even if I accomplish nothing else, at least my bed is made with crisp sheets! Music you love? Nate’s college mix is a favorite, and I’m also known for belting out Baby Got Back at karaoke. My car is the “Taylor Car,” as I know every song in her Eras setlist by heart. Favorite travel spots? Capri (best honeymoon spot), the Swiss Alps, Santa Barbara, I also love the sunrise on Lake Wawsee in Indiana.

WHEN IN THE COUNTRY

What’s your go-to outfit? My favorite outfit is a T-shirt from Anthropologie with Rag & Bone jeggings and my 10-year-old Golden Goose sneakers (price per wear 10 cents!). Sometimes I throw on a jean jacket. My two favorite necklaces are a retro Lana Luck necklace, and one Nate gave me with letters for each child’s name (LEIGA) made by Imperfect Grace from a Sweet William trunk show. Is there anything you can’t leave the house without? I never take off my wedding ring or my mom’s ring—a stone my grandfather obtained during WW2 and had made for her when he was a physician in India. It reminds me of her strength and guidance. I also can’t leave without my Whistle App to track our dog Kelly, who’s always on the move! Where do they know you by name? The Hinsdale Middle School front desk, Vistro Prime, where we kicked off our wedding weekend, Zazu, and CorePower, where I love sculpting classes with Gina and Jackie, and Hot Power Fusion classes with Craig and Polly. If an ad agency asked you to write a commercial for Hinsdale, what would you say? “Come for the schools, stay for the amazing neighbors!” Will you share your favorite life hacks? Snappr Photo App for vacation photos; Walmart Plus for easy shopping; Last Chance for perfect stocking stuffers; Fiverr App for affordable admin and creative work; A Book and a Chai for virtual book clubs; Rachel J Styling to refresh your wardrobe without buying new clothes; Minted for managing my address book and personal CRM What’s in your bag? Noise Canceling earbuds for my son, NARS Star Woman Lip color, sunglasses, Le Labo LYS 41, Super Goop Glow Stick, and a black Sharpie. Best quick bite or hidden gem? Summer House, and Twin Anchors, and I love those potato skin bites at Home Slice. I love Mario Tricoci in the city, and Oakbrook Center for much-needed alone time. Do you have a favorite museum? The Shedd Aquarium and I used to love taking the kids to the Chicago Children’s Museum and The Museum of Ice Cream when they were younger. What is your favorite movie filmed or set in Chicago? The Breakfast Club