It is difficult to believe that Michael Maksin moved to Lee’s Summit only five years ago, as he has made his presence known to many organizations in our community in a short period of time.
He, wife Lynda and their three youngest children moved here after 25 winters in the Southwest suburbs of Chicago. They purposely chose Lee’s Summit because of the feel of the community, the people, the schools and the fact that their families can catch Amtrak from St. Louis where they grew up.

“Moving to Lee’s Summit was a daunting task at the time, but everything could not have worked out better,” he said.

To establish himself in Lee’s Summit, he researched local franchises and discovered N2 Publishing, a recognized company with tremendous culture and excellent leadership. After 30-plus years in corporate America, it was time for a change so the most attractive asset of the company was the opportunity to own his own business and to work in the community where he lives. Maskin recently started his fifth year of publishing “Around the Lake,” a neighborhood newsletter for the Lakewood community. N2 Publishing has 11 other publications in similar communities across the Kansas City metro.

“We have been blessed with great kids, dear friends and a loving family over the years which have always been at the center of our lives,” he said.

The oldest of Michael’s children is married and living in Frankfurt, Germany. His oldest son works at VA Hospital in Poplar Bluff, Mo. His youngest son is a sophomore at Missouri State University, which is where he and Lynda first dated many years ago. His youngest daughter starts her nursing journey at the University of Arkansas this summer.

He and Lynda have mixed feelings about being “empty nesters” after decades of parenting. They know it will take time to get used to a quiet house, but they are up for the challenge.
“If anyone has any tips to offer, we will take them,” Mike joked.

Maskin’s community involvement extends to many areas of Lee’s Summit, including being a “big fan” of Lee’s Summit CARES and seeing them build on their momentum with each year. One of the fun things he has done the past four years is manage the text voting for the Got Talent show.

He is also active in the Lee’s Summit Chamber serving on the Executive Board and the Ambassador committee. He volunteers for Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street. One of his favorite meetings each Thursday is the Rotary lunch at Unity Village. He also delivers lunches for One Good Meal.

“If you know what Lee’s Summit CARES stands for and what they do to enrich the lives of parents, kids and our community, it is hard not to want to help in some way,” he said of his passion for Lee’s Summit CARES. “There are many great organizations in Lee’s Summit but having been around kids my entire life with four siblings, attending college and raising four of our own, I have witnessed many of the challenges we see in society today. Building character and good habits (or not) starts at a very young age with our children. I find it very rewarding to help good people help others. I would encourage any local business or curious citizen to spend a little time learning about Lee’s Summit CARES and see if there is something they can do to help them in their efforts.”

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