NO PLACE LIKE HOME

Growing up in Lake Forest, Matty Price Collins recalls “playing” at a desk in the office of Price Insurance, a business her great-grandfather founded in 1937. Today, she and brother Andrew are the fourth generation to lead the Lake Forest institution and that desk is where she works every day. “Lake Forest has a tight-knit community, and growing up here has been a rewarding experience that I truly cherish,” says Collins, explaining that she moved back to her hometown to join the family business soon after graduating from the University of Kansas. “I couldn’t imagine raising my family anywhere else. I grew up spending time in the office and now I have the joy of seeing my boys Cormac (age 4) and Killian (age 2) doing the same thing. If you swing by our office, there’s a good chance you’ll catch my sons or nieces stopping by for a visit.” These family bonds extend beyond business to supporting community institutions that are close to their heart—especially Misericordia Heart of Mercy, where Collins’ older brother, Austin, has been living for nearly 20 years. “Giving back to local organizations has always been an important value my parents instilled in me. We have been active supporters of Lake Forest Open Lands, Lake Forest Rec Center, Lake Forest Hospital, Gorton Center, Forest Park Beach, History Center of Lake Forest-Lake Bluff, and District 67,” says Collins. “But the cause I am most passionate about is Misericordia.” As a member of The Siblings Committee at Misericordia, she has served as a volunteer for multiple events and has run in marathons to raise money and awareness for the nonprofit “community of care.” While “work life balance” can be challenging, Collins says that working with her family in the community she loves makes it all that much easier. “The kindness and support from my neighbors are what makes living and operating a business in Lake Forest so special.” She recently took time from her busy schedule to share a few of her favorite things.

Favorite place you’ve ever golfed? We are fortunate to be members of Conway Farms Golf Club and have access to an incredible course close to home but for an away game, TPC Scottsdale. Go-to destination or activity when you need to relax and recharge? Focused Results in Lake Bluff. Lake Forest’s best kept secret is? Lake Forest Library. I have been blown away by the kindness of the staff, number of activities, and resources they have for children of all ages. Favorite North Shore restaurant? Pomeroy in Winnetka for a fun date night and Minos patio in the summer with the kids. If you could have a second home anywhere, it would be? Hilton Head, South Carolina. We would vacation there growing up and it is where my dad took my mom for their surprise honeymoon. Favorite holiday tradition? Mass on Christmas Eve at my in-law’s house. My husband Kevin is from a very large family (1 of 12) and every Christmas Eve they have their family priest perform mass at their home. It is a wonderfully intimate experience filled with lots of music. Place to escape for the weekend? The American Club in Kohler, Wisconsin. Fantastic golf, spa, and food. Next stamp on your passport will be? Mexico. My husband and I recently started an adults-only winter trip tradition. We have gone to Scottsdale, London, Turks and Caicos, and have our eyes set on Cabo this year. Favorite band or music artist? Zach Bryan has a big hold on me right now. My boys love him as well. Best book you’ve read this year? The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, by Taylor Jenkins Reid. I can’t wait for the movie. Person that inspires you? My parents. The older I get the more profound it is to me just how challenging raising a child with special needs is and the impact it has on your life. They always have a smile on their face, prioritize all their children equally, and have grown a longstanding successful business. It’s remarkable. Drink of choice? If we are discussing adult beverages, margarita or bust! Favorite winter activity? Paddle! I play for the Lake Forest Club, and it is the best activity to stay active and pass the time during the cold winter months. Beauty product you can’t live without? Tula brightening under-eye balm. New Year’s Resolution? Oh, there are many, but I would really like to read more books.