Business Times of Edmond, Oklahoma March 2016 by Business Times of Edmond

IN BUSINESS

Gina L. Ressler, M.D.

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ED M O N D, O K L AH O MA

MARCH 2016

GENERAL MANAGER

VOL. 8 | NO. 3

INSIDE

2016

Lance Moler

SALES TEAM Terri Bohanan Allison Burger Nancy Sade

DR. GINA L. RESSLER

CONTRIBUTING Mike Crandall WRITERS AND Jim Denton PHOTOGRAPHERS Cyndy Hoenig Nick Massey Patty Miller Van Mitchell Tim Priebe Terri Schlichenmeyer Drew Harmon

Dr. Gina L. Ressler was a driving force working two jobs that fulfilled her passion of helping people both physically and aesthetically. But now, Ressler, an emergency medicine physician and owner of Signature Skin Care at 1300 E. Ninth in Edmond is facing her biggest challenge in life after suffering a hemorrhagic stroke last year caused by a brain bleed.

POSITION YOUR BRAND FOR SUCCESS: STORYTELLING

Karen Moore

How do I position my brand for success? What is the most compelling story I can tell about my business? Those are two of the most substantial questions we have to answer when running our businesses. In fact, the answers will determine whether the brand will gain traction in the marketplace, grow, and get shared by consumers— or not. EYE-OPENING TAX FILING CHANGES

I recently had cataract surgery and it opened my eyes to a few things, literally and figuratively. Some items that opened my eyes about as much as the surgery are the new forms and documentation that taxpayers must navigate for the 2016 filing season. Specifically there are new mandatory forms relate to the ObamaCare Individual Mandate.

OVERLY PROMOTIONAL MARKETING DOESN’T WORK

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IN BUSINESS

Gina L. Ressler, M.D.

Have you seen someone that came off extremely “sales-y” on social media? Someone who seemed to constantly be promoting his business, products, or services? It’s all too common. Many organizations don’t know what strategy to use when marketing online. So instead of coming up with a strategy, they default to treating it like traditional advertising. March 2016 | The Business Times

from our Publisher

Passion is one thing that drives us all

o our Readers: Passion is one thing that drives us all. Whether it leads us to our careers, our careers lead us to a new passion, or our passions simply give us a different perspective on life, one thing passion does for everyone is keep us moving when the curveballs send our lives in unexpected directions. In these pages you will find the stories of amazing Edmond business women who have chosen to share their passions with you this month. These women are shining examples of what makes Edmond a great place to grow! What are some of your passions? Do you know someone with amazing gifts who should be highlighted in the next issue of The Business Times? Please tell us about it. We love to hear your stories. Call 341-2121 or email kltompkins@edmondsun.com to brag about your passion!

The Business Times

March 2016 | The Business Times

E DMO N D, O K LA HOMA

Gina L. Ressler, M.D.

IN BUSINESS

March 2016 | The Business Times

By Van Mitchell | Special to The Business Times

r. Gina L. Ressler was a driving force working two jobs that fulfilled her passion of helping people both physically and aesthetically. But now, Ressler, an emergency medicine physician and owner of Signature Skin Care at 1300 E. Ninth in Edmond is facing her biggest challenge in life after suffering a hemorrhagic stroke last year caused by a brain bleed. After months away, Ressler is back where she wants to be – at the medical spa she opened over 14 years ago, although in a more limited physical capacity. She has regained most of her speech. “It’s been good to be back,” she said. Ressler said she was getting ready to go to work on Dec. 11, 2014, when she was overwhelmed with confusion. She lay down on her bed and within 30 minutes, was paralyzed on her right side and couldn’t speak. Her daughter, unable to reach her by phone at the home, rushed to the house and found her and rushed her to the hospital. “They (her employees) had been calling and calling me and they knew something was up,” Ressler said. “They knew I wouldn’t be absent from work.” Ressler was putting in many hours a week at her medical spa, as well as serving as an ER physician full time. She was working 48 hours starting on Friday night through Monday night -- every weekend at St. Anthony Shawnee Hospital Emergency Department.

“I was literally working two jobs for the past 14-anda-half years since I opened this business in 2001,” she said. “I am really an ER doctor that went into the medical spa business. I had the best of both worlds.” After her stroke, Ressler’s husband Dr. Larry L. Ressler stepped up to run the medical spa, along with his medical consulting and many other business interests. He, along with then Practice Manager, Michelle Reid and the rest of the Signature Skin Care staff helped to keep the medical spa going. “We salvaged the practice by everyone pulling together,” Gina said. “Then, just when Michelle left the practice, God brought Tiffany Sullivan (our current practice manager) to me. We were both going through physical health issues. She had tongue cancer and subsequent surgery to remove her tongue, and me with my stroke. We had these life changing events at almost the same time. We were brought to together by a mutual friend who was seeing us both for physical therapy.” Ressler said that while she is thankful for the help, she is sometimes frustrated by how her physical condition has limited her in performing all the medical procedures at the business, which she had always taken on herself. However, she acknowledges that she has hired the best aesthetic nurses, aestheticians, an aesthetic nurse practitioner and new practice manager to help run her beloved “finally back to normal and thriving” medical

March 2016 | The Business Times

“

While I am so thankful that I have the people that I have to come in and take care of my practice, I have had to relinquish a large part of it to them to take care of it. And, that’s new to me in that I’ve always kept my medical talents close to the vest.

”

spa business. “While I am so thankful that I have the people that I have to come in and take care of my practice, I have had to relinquish a large part of it to them to take care of it,” she said. “And, that’s new to me in that I’ve always kept my medical talents close to the vest.” Ressler said she decided to open the medical spa in 2001 after undergoing laser hair removal and seeing the success it had. “I had laser hair removal done on my legs and I thought it was the neatest thing since butter because it would take hair off permanently,” she said. Ressler said she asked her husband if they could purchase a laser hair removal machine and put it in their garage. “Naturally, the answer was no and so I decided that I would just open a medical spa,” she said. Ressler said along with laser hair removal, Signature Skin Care offers Botox, laser skin resurfacing, dermal fillers and the new natural five-year filler, Bellafill, for the face, bioidentical hormone replacement and more, including waxing and facials. All treatments are performed by a licensed nurse practitioner, skilled nurses and aestheticians certified in innovative cosmetic procedures. Dr. Larry L. Ressler offers the Bio-TE hormone replacement therapy with pellets, and, the Kybella treatments for submental fat or the “double chin”. “At Signature Skin Care, I see every day the positive impact 8

March 2016 | The Business Times

medical aesthetics have on our patients’ well-being and selfesteem,” Ressler said. “I had trained to be and worked as an emergency medicine physician for 20 years. I decided I wanted to expand my work and focus of medical, dermatological skincare. My life has been enhanced by helping men and women feel and look their best.” Ressler said she and her husband are embarking on a new business venture involving stem cells that will be based out of the medical spa. She said she has completed extensive research on the positive benefits of using stem cells and wants to start offering specialized treatments in Edmond. “We are going to open Oklahoma Stem Cell Institute,” she said. Ressler said her husband will be the medical director and perform the stem cell procedures. Ressler said she got her work ethic from her parents, who owned the Inciardi Greenhouse business in Stillwater. “I was the only child that could pick tomatoes in 110-degree weather and not pass out in the back of the greenhouse,” she said. “My parents gave me the desire to work hard and pursue my dreams.” Ressler said while the stroke changed her physically, it also changed her spiritually. “It brought me to a greater faith,” she said. “It started me on a new spiritual journey.”

IN BUSINESS

Angie Johnson By Van Mitchell | Special to The Business Times Photo By Karen Moore

aith has played a major role in Angie Johnson’s life both personally and professionally as she has continued to grow in her leadership skills. “I am a very spiritual person and I am a Christian,” said Johnson, senior vice president, Treasury Management regional sales manager for UMB Bank. “I was on the hunt to find my purpose. I knew I had to be living for something bigger than myself. I found that I was passionate about leading people.” That passion hasn’t gone unnoticed as she was recently named the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce 2016 Chairwoman. At UMB, Johnson is responsible for leading the Treasury Management sales teams in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Oklahoma, enriching the sales process through relationship enhancement, business development, innovation and building brand awareness. “What I do day-to-day is not really traditional banking,” Johnson said. “Sure, I deal with numbers and money but really my role is manager and leader. My job is to make sure they (bank team members) are developing in their careers and reaching their objectives and goals. Banking is an industry that is consistent yet ever changing. I get to fulfill my purpose in an industry that is solid.” Johnson has more than eight years’ experience in the banking and financial services industry. Prior to her role at UMB, she served as senior vice president of Cash Management at Coppermark Bank, which merged with Prosperity Bank in 2013. Johnson attended Oklahoma State University and Graduate School of Banking through University of Colorado–Boulder. She is an active member of her community serving on multiple boards including; chairwoman for the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors for Oklahoma Young Professional Leaders, and Oklahoma State University SSB Alumni Board. Johnson said she had several professional mentors at Coppermark Bank including Tom Legan and Jacque Fiegel. “They were mentors that encouraged me to grow more in my leadership,” Johnson said. “I’m grateful to UMB Bank for the current leadership opportunities afforded me. I’m lucky that I get to work for a strong organization that supports and encourages my strengths and skill set.” Johnson said faith has helped her through some challenging periods in her life including losing her mother to cancer at age seven. She was raised by her father and grandparents.

“We all have obstacles in life and you have to figure out how to overcome them and be better from them,” Johnson said. “That was a milestone that helped form me.” Another challenge for Johnson was being born with no hearing in her left ear. “I don’t hide it, but I also don’t promote it,” Johnson said. “I refuse to let it be a crutch. I have had to learn how to work to overcome it and work around it, just like anybody else in this world who has been dealt a set of challenges. Through this and losing my mom, I was always on this journey that there had to be a purpose for my life. I’ve been determined to wake up every day and live that purpose: to lead organizations and people to a better version of themselves. I want to bring value to an organization or person through one snapshot of time that our lives may be connected.” During her off-time Johnson is a big sports fan following OSU football and the Oklahoma City Thunder. She also loves music, reading and traveling. Johnson said she learns life lessons from her leadership experiences. “In the end, I tend to be the one walking away from my leadership experiences with the biggest ROI through the lessons I learn in return,” she said. “The biggest lesson being that through failure or success, we’re all nothing without God’s love and grace. Despite our mistakes in life, there is a peace and joy knowing that you are unconditionally loved. Each of us is destined for impact through whatever custombuilt platform we’ve been given. We all have a calling on our life. A big, God-sized calling.” March 2016 | The Business Times

IN BUSINESS

Brenda Bennett By Van Mitchell | Special to The Business Times Photo By Drew Harmon

rette Deimund on the outside was a bright 16-year-old high school sophomore who made excellent grades, was a gifted artist and pianist and had plenty of friends. But internal struggles that will never be fully understood by her parents and friends caused Brette to make what her mother calls a “very bad decision” in May 2012, when she died by suicide. Now her mother Brenda Bennett, vice president of communications at YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City, is sharing her daughter’s story and helping give a voice to those who are hurting and feel they have nowhere else to turn. “After Brette died I started hearing from friends and strangers about how their child was struggling,” Bennett said. “Everywhere I turned there was another story, specifically about the struggles that teenage girls were having. It got to a point where I really felt I was being called to share my story and Brette’s story specifically with teenage girls who were going through stress in their lives.” Bennett now gives presentations to groups about suicide awareness and prevention. “I put together a platform and will go out and speak to groups of girls as I am asked to,” she said. “I will present information from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and their statistics. I am not acting as a counselor. I am just taking the information that is out there and I am letting them know how to get help, or how to recognize when a friend is going through a crisis and who to reach out to if they are suicidal or depressed.” The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is the leading national not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide through research, education and advocacy, and to reaching out to people with mental disorders and those impacted by suicide. According to AFSP statistics suicide is the 10th leading cause of deaths in the United States and each year 42,773 Americans die by suicide. For every suicide there are 25 attempts and on average there are 117 suicides per day in the U.S. AFSP statistics also show that females attempt suicide three times more often than males. Bennett previously served as executive vice-president of marketing and advertising at Prodigal in Oklahoma City, managing the brand for the OKC Barons professional hockey team, and overseeing all aspects of marketing and advertising for Prodigal’s other sports and entertainment interests. It was her first day on the job that she learned about her daughter’s death. “The day I started at Prodigal is the day that I lost my

March 2016 | The Business Times

daughter,” Bennett said. “That year was horrible for me because I was learning about my new employer and the culture while trying to deal with my overwhelming grief. My new employer was very understanding, and the crazy schedule of my new job was actually good for me, because it kept me preoccupied and I didn’t have a lot of time to focus on myself. But it was also really hard. After just over a year at Prodigal, I realized that I wasn’t taking care of myself and I really needed to slow down.” Bennett was later told about a position opening with the YMCA. “I was at a point in my life where I felt like I needed to be giving back a little more, and I needed a healthy environment where I felt I was being nurtured as well,” Bennett said. “And the more I learned about the Y and what they do for the community, I was really interested in talking to the CEO (Mike Grady). The day I interviewed, I knew I was supposed to be here.” Bennett is in charge of all internal and external communications with the Greater YMCA of Oklahoma City. She said the YMCA and Grady have been very supportive of her efforts to share her story. “I have never worked for a CEO who is this concerned about his employees and the community,” she said. “If I could sum him up, he is the salt of the earth. He is a great man to work for.” In addition to giving presentations, Bennett also helps fundraise for the AFSP Out of the Darkness Walks which raises awareness about suicide and suicide prevention. Bennett said her daughter was beautiful inside and out. “She was a sophomore and she had a weighted grade point of 4.7,” she said. “She was talented and very kind hearted and never had a negative word to say about anybody.” Bennett who also has a son Connor, 22, said it has been a long and painful journey towards healing. “I kept going and going and fell apart when I could,” she said. “I screamed at God at the top of my lungs. I was mad. It was a couple of years before I could start talking about it again and really think along the lines of how I can help people through this and not drown in my own sorrow.” Bennett said while nothing will bring her daughter back she finds some solace in knowing she can try and help others. “I am really using any opportunity that presents itself to share the story and help,” she said. “I feel like this job (helping others) has helped get me healthy again.”

IN BUSINESS

Dr. Elisa Sparkes By Van Mitchell | Special to The Business Times Photo By Drew Harmon

r. Elisa Sparkes had thought she was preparing for a career in internal medicine before the opportunity arrived to help deliver a baby. That experience caused her to change career directions and is now a board certified OB/GYN who practices in Obstetrics and Gynecology at INTEGRIS Women’s Health Edmond locate at 4833 INTEGRIS Parkway Suite 200. “I was tracked to do internal medicine but I was able to help deliver a baby for the first time while doing my internship and it just clicked,” Sparkes said. “I was so excited. I realized it was something that I wanted to do the rest of my life.” Sparkes remembers calling her husband Justin who is an internal medicine physician at INTEGRIS Family Care Edmond East about her decision. “I called my husband and I said I knew what I wanted to do,” she said. “My husband said do you know the kind of lifestyle you are going to live? I told him I just can’t see myself doing anything else.” Sparkes started practicing medicine in 2006 and has since then delivered thousands of babies. “It feels like the good Lord put me here to do this,” she said. “I see patients from all ages and walks of life.” Sparkes said she is proud to be part of a great team at INTEGRIS. “I feel patient care should mirror that of the care I would desire for my own family,” she said. “Every time I help a mother deliver her baby, I feel privileged to be part of a very blessed event. The nursing staff is so supportive and they love what they do and they deliver the most amazing care of any facility I have been a part of.” That dedication to patient care hasn’t gone unnoticed. INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center and INTEGRIS Health Edmond have both received the 2016 Women’s Choice Award as one of America’s Best Hospitals for Obstetrics. This evidence-based designation is the only award that identifies the country’s best health care institutions based on robust criteria that consider female patient satisfaction, clinical excellence, and what women say they want from a hospital. The list of over 400 award winners, including INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center and INTEGRIS Health Edmond, represents hospitals that offer exceptional obstetric services which ranked above the national average for patient safety,

thereby supporting a woman’s decision when choosing the best for her maternity needs. The America’s Best Hospitals for Obstetrics scoring process is unique in that it is the only national list that is evidence-based and focuses on female patient satisfaction. INTEGRIS Health Edmond has also become a Level Two Care Nursery which allows it to care for neonates 33 weeks and above. Sparkes calls INTEGRIS a great place to work and says that enthusiasm starts at the top with Avilla Williams who serves as president of INTEGRIS Health Edmond. “Everyone comes to work with a smile on their face and you can feel that energy,” she said. “I think that starts with Avilla Williams from the start. She has always been supportive for our physicians and our staff members.” When she’s not busy caring for patients, Sparkes loves spending time with her family at the lake, shopping with my 11 year old daughter and traveling to new places. She lives in Edmond with her husband and their two children. “Justin and I from the start have wanted to work around each other from the time we met as medical students,” she said. “We are each other’s soul mates. Family is our priority. We support each other and respect each other.” Sparkes said patient care is more than just words to her. “I feel comfortable showing emotions,” she said. “I am not afraid to cry with my patients or hug my patients and provide them that support. We have to show them empathy and that we care.”

March 2016 | The Business Times

IN BUSINESS

Dr. Karen Mahlmeister By Kari Tompkins | Special to The Business Times Photo By Karen Moore

ew experiences are what make life a joy to live. Just ask Dr. Karen Mahlmeister. “For my 65th birthday, I made a list of 65 new things I wanted to do,” Dr. Karen said. Some of the things she has done involved conquering fears, but some were more mundane. “It’s not all about big things,” she said. “It can be as simple as trying a new restaurant.” Most recently, Dr. Karen has been learning to play pickleball. It was a new experience that led Dr. Karen to her current career. Before opening her new practice, Dr. Karen was a wellknown chiropractor in the area. That was before a surprise back fracture sent her searching for answers. “I have always tried to take care of myself. I exercise. I try to eat right,” Dr. Karen said. “But the doctors told me I had the spine of an 80-year-old at 60.” Her quest led her to learning about homeopathy. In addition to her spine, she was having problems as varied as rosacea and sleep problems. “I learned it’s all connected.” she said. “When we have problems like this, it is our bodies telling us there is something wrong, but often we ignore it. We tell ourselves ‘well, I’m just stressed,’ and don’t do anything about it until things get really bad.” After discovering help for herself, Dr. Karen sold her chiropractic business and opened her new practice, Dr. Karen’s Natural Health Solutions. And she recommends people pay attention when they feel something new in their bodies. It could be a warning that shouldn’t be ignored. Right now, Dr. Karen’s new passion is building her new house. “I designed it and then handed it over to the builder to make the finishing touches so it could be built,” she said. “It was a great experience, designing my house just the way I want it.” Dr. Karen’s Natural Health Solutions is located at 407 W. 15th St., Ste. 6. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 285-5557.

March 2016 | The Business Times

IN BUSINESS

Kathy Garrison By Van Mitchell | Special to The Business Times Photo By Karen Moore

athy Garrison stays very busy operating her business Churchill Preschool Academy located at 724 West 15th St. in Edmond and tries not to let anything slow her down in the process. That included a battle with breast cancer which she was diagnosed with in late 2012. “I went through the chemotherapy and radiation and I never missed a day of work,” Garrison said. “I worked my treatments around my work schedule. When you are self-employed you have to have a constitution to push through. I refused to let it get me down. I had to be strong for my kids and grandson.” Garrison opened Churchill in 1986 in a building behind the University of Central Oklahoma and later built her current location which she moved into 1993. She operates the business with her daughter Kristin. “We were first and foremost a preschool and pre-k program,” Garrison said. “We are not a daycare. We are a private school. We are an education-based program that prepares children for kindergarten, and we are now taking children up through the fifth grade.” Garrison’s two children are Kristin and son Caleb who died in 2013. She has a grandson Riley Garrison, age 13. Garrison said her family doesn’t have a history of cancer and she was surprised when she was diagnosed. “Nobody had it in my family,” she said. “It was shocking for me.” Garrison said she underwent surgery as well receiving treatment from the ProCure Proton Therapy Center in north Oklahoma City. During her treatment, Garrison’s daughter helped shoulder more of the load of running Churchill. “I couldn’t have done it without my daughter,” Garrison said. “She took it and ran.” Garrison said her son Caleb also showed strong support for her during her cancer battle. “He got me hats to wear when I didn’t have hair and they had a breast cancer awareness ribbon on them,” Garrison said. “He also emailed or Facebooked everybody that I ever knew and I had all these people calling me all of the time. My doctor asked me how was my support group. I said they are driving me crazy. It was things like that he did.”

Garrison said her treatments caused her to lose her hair which has now regrown. She said having a shaved head took her school children by surprise. “I had 46 kids over there with their jaws dropped asking me what happened to my hair,” she said. “I didn’t want the kids to be afraid. I shaved my head and wore a wig. I told them that Miss Kathy was sick but that the medicine was going to make me well.” Garrison is now cancer-free and says this experience has made her stronger. “I don’t sit around and feel sorry for myself,” she said. “It has made me stronger. I am happy with my life. I have won the battle and hopefully this won’t come back.” For more information about Church Preschool Academy call 341-4314.

March 2016 | The Business Times

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IN BUSINESS

Leslie Buford By Van Mitchell | Special to The Business Times Photo By Karen Moore

eslie Buford caught the running bug early in life when she took part in a school fitness program where she finished third in her class. The director of Marketing, Community Relations, and Volunteer Services, OU Medical Center Edmond hasn’t looked back since having run in 15 marathons including six Boston Marathons. “I caught the bug to run when I was 10 years old,” Buford said. “We did the Presidential Physical Fitness test and I came in third out of the entire fourth grade. Only two boys beat me and I have been running ever since.” Buford has been running for over 30 years and is competitive in just about everything she does. “I have always been a stubborn person,” Buford said. “I have two older brothers who said I couldn’t do what they were doing, and I always had to beat them after they said that. I think it is the competitive drive and the stubbornness. If you tell me that you don’t think I can do something I am sure going to do it and work my hardest to beat your pants off.” That competitive drive has also worked well for Buford in her professional career who will have been with OU Medical CenterEdmond nine years this July. “I do wear a lot of hats around here,” Buford said. “I do everything from the media relations side of the hospital. I do the marketing and the advertising, the social media. I assist with patients in the hospital and their (non-clinical) needs. I also manage our volunteer auxiliary and the hiring and training of our volunteers. If there is a random job here, it belongs to me.” Buford said there have been a lot of changes at OU Medical Center Edmond over the past few years. “The biggest change has been quietly over the last five years. We have added $30 million in renovations and equipment to this hospital,” Buford said. “The equipment and technology that they have brought in is amazing. We are only hospital here in Edmond that has a daVinci robot. We have a very state of art MRI machine that can handle patients up to 400 pounds.”

March 2016 | The Business Times

Buford said OU Medical Center Edmond has also added a sleep lab, senior clinic, new cancer treatment options, a freestanding emergency care center on the west side of Edmond and a helicopter pad. “We can take patients 24-hours a day because the helicopter pad is lit up at night,” she said. Next year marks the 70th anniversary since the hospital opened its doors. Buford said the cosmetic and equipment changes help showcase OU Medical Center Edmond’s commitment to the community. “Before this hospital and its equipment was dated, but now we can stand toe to toe to any of the larger hospitals in the metro area with what we can offer here,” she said. Buford runs an average of about six miles a day. This spring she will run her seventh Boston Marathon. “The only one that I missed since 2009 was the year of the (marathon) bombing which was 2013,” Buford said. “Where the first bomb went off is usually where my mom stands every year.” Buford said she hopes to continue running in other marathons across the country and eventually the globe. “It is always a challenge,” Buford said. “It is fun to go to different parts of the country and hopefully someday different parts of the world and meet new people.”

IN BUSINESS

Lissa Qualls By Van Mitchell | Special to The Business Times Photo By Karen Moore

issa Qualls has had a wide and varying career ranging from serving as a youth pastor to missionary to coffee shop owner. But her career trajectory took a twist when the opportunity presented itself to become a certified life coach and certified Strengths Strategy coach in Edmond. “We all need someone to ask us those tough questions that we don’t want to ask ourselves,” Qualls said. “I love sitting with people helping them achieve their goals. I coach people who are wanting to move forward. I help my clients find clarity in all areas of their lives as well as address blockages that are keeping them from attaining their goals.” Qualls previously served as a missionary with Youth For Christ USA & International. During her 20-plus years with them she served as the local Teen MoMs director as well as the local executive director. “I along with three other women wrote the first Teen MoMs Ministry manual,” she said. “I served as the first part-time National Teen MoMs director, which became Teen Parents, for numerous years and was then the first Full-Time Teen Parents director for one year. From there I served with International as the Americas Area training director. I primarily worked with Central and South America as well as eight Caribbean Islands.” Qualls then opened a coffee house in Enid in 2000 but later leased the business when she went to work full-time with YFC/ USA. In 2006 Qualls, along with 19 other Youth For Christ International leaders, was selected to go to Thailand for classroom training to become life coaches. “We were trained through an organization called CoachNet International,” she said. “I came back and was coach/mentored by Dr. Gary Reinecke, who wrote the training manual. After about nine months we went back to Thailand for more classroom and to be trained as coach trainers. As I did that I realized how much I enjoyed coaching. In 2015 I began another nine-month process with Strengths Strategy, Inc. to become a certified Strengths Strategy Coach. In November of 2015 I received my certification.” Qualls met her second husband Tim Jones of Edmond while traveling. She moved to Edmond in 2013. “I love Edmond,” she said. “I love the people here. I love the community.” Qualls said she began building her coaching business through networking and word of mouth. “I plugged into the (Edmond) chamber because I figured

that was the best place to get to know people,” she said. “I am a firm believer that if our eyes are open that opportunities are in front of us.” Qualls said her business clients come from all walks of life. She normally asks for a minimum three-month commitment. “I have coached a variety of people who were stuck,” Qualls said. “For some they were overwhelmed with all the things they needed to do in order to have a successful business. They were unclear of goals and planning and needed more accountability. For others they were stuck in careers that no longer fulfilled them. They needed to find the next chapter in their career. Then there are the ones who are needing the next chapter in their lives. Finding their purpose and heading towards it. I work in partnership with my clients for a period of 3 to 6 months. We meet weekly either in person, over the phone or on Skype.” Qualls said sessions last from 30 to 60 minutes. “Before each session I will send a questionnaire to get them ready for the session,” she said. “Then we will discuss the issues that are keeping them from being their best and discover ways to address those issues. “At the end of our coaching relationship, clients are more confident, blockages have been removed and they are ready to head forward in life.” Qualls said she isn’t surprised that her business has continued to grow because she works hard and knows there is need for her kind of services. “It hasn’t surprised me because I am one of those people that if you are going to do something you have to be intentional about doing it,” she said. “I don’t sit back and expect things to fall into my lap. I do practice what I preach.” For more information call 548-6072 or visit www. LifeCoachLissa.com March 2016 | The Business Times

IN BUSINESS

Margo Price By Van Mitchell | Special to The Business Times Photo By Karen Moore

argo Price watched her son James play little league baseball in Edmond and knew there was going to come a point where he wouldn’t be able to play with kids his own age because of his lack of skills. So Price set out with a plan that would offer an opportunity for children and adults with special needs to play baseball. The result was the creation of The Miracle League of Edmond which now features 12 teams that play both a fall and spring season. The spring season runs April 4-May 26 with games on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights at Mitch Park. “My son, James, played little league baseball through E.A.S.I. in Edmond until the spring of 2000,” said Price, director of Miracle League of Edmond. “He had a very positive experience as a player and received lots of encouragement from his fellow players and coaches. James was ending his fifth grade year of school and he was 11 years old. I knew he would not be able to continue playing baseball with children his own age because of his lack of skills. He was diagnosed with autism when he was 2 years old. I began the dream of forming a special needs league that next winter.” The Miracle League of Edmond is an organization that provides an opportunity for children and adults with special needs to play baseball. Price said everyone hits the ball either from an adult pitched ball or off of the T. “Everyone runs a base at a time until the last batter hits the home run to bring everyone into home plate,” she said. “There are no outs and we don’t keep score. There are ‘buddies’ for the players who need help playing the game. All ages play on Miracle League with the youngest being four.” Price started building the program in 2000 working with the Special Services of Edmond Public Schools to coordinate sending flyers to the special education students through their classroom teachers. “We had 10 students sign up for the 2001 season,” she said. “I recruited some “buddies” from the high school baseball team so each player would have a helper. It was a successful start.” Price was later introduced to Robbie Robertson and Katrina Shaklee of The Sports Group and joined forces in the winter of 2002 and began what was then the Adaptive Baseball League of Edmond (A.B.L.E.).

March 2016 | The Business Times

In April 2002 Shaklee helped Price begin the process of learning how to put together a league and form the teams to play for the season and make the schedule for the teams. In the summer of 2003 Price franchised with The Miracle League based in Atlanta, Ga. She then began her dream of building a field specifically designed for children with special needs. Price said the City of Edmond gave her permission to build a field at Mitch Park which was completed in 2006 and by 2014 there were 14 teams with 120 participants of all ages and all kinds of disabilities playing. Today, Price said there are 12 teams with about 12 players on each squad ranging from ages four to 61. Price said more Miracle League franchises have been added in Oklahoma. “I am no longer the only one in Oklahoma which is exciting to say,” Price said. “They have one in Lawton and I think Enid is in the process of putting a league together. The Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation got in contact with me to see whether it would be worthwhile to have one in Oklahoma City and I said absolutely.” Price said she is a firm believer in making sure special needs children and adults have the opportunity to be integrated in society. “I firmly believe that these kids deserve the chance to be as integrated into society as much as possible including playing baseball,” Price said. “I want the public to see them playing.” Price has a group of volunteers and a board of directors that helps with the games including those who serve as pitchers and catchers to help keep the athletes safe.

She said the Miracle League is so popular that she even has a group of special needs men who come to Edmond once a week from Ponca City to play ball. “It is a fun thing for them to do,” she said. Price said she grew up with a special needs brother and saw the importance of providing opportunities for him and others with special needs. “I went into special education in college because I wanted to make a difference,” she said. “It is my passion.” Price continued that passion for helping people with special needs and has been involved with Wings in Edmond. Its mission is to enhance the lives of adults with developmental disabilities through social, vocational and residential programs guided by principles of the Bible. She said her son James, who is now 27, works several jobs and enjoys getting to play baseball. “He loves to get into his uniform,” she said. “He really enjoys his teammates.” In addition to a $35 league fee Price receives donations from community members which helps to offset the costs of providing insurance for her players. Price said giving up three nights a week for eight weeks during the fall and spring to run the baseball games isn’t a big sacrifice for doing something she loves to do. “I truly love the kids,” she said. “I have never regretted being out there.”

Apply Today... The City of Edmond is now accepting applications for full-time, part-time and seasonal positions. Visit us on the web today at

edmondok.com/careers

359-4648 City of Edmond Jobline

The City of Edmond is an Equal Opportunity Employer March 2016 | The Business Times

BUSINESS MATTERS

CYNDY HOENIG S OCIAL STRATEGIES

Position your Brand for Success: Storytelling

ow do I position my brand for success? What is the most compelling story I can tell about my business? Those are two of the most substantial questions we have to answer when running our businesses. In fact, the answers will determine whether the brand will gain traction in the marketplace, grow, and get shared by consumers—or not. Human-to-human connections are the heart and soul of business. At the end of the day, you’re dealing with people — your company is solving problems, alleviating pain points, and providing delightful customer experiences. Revenue is something that happens as a byproduct of a sound business model and a positive customer experience. Storytelling is a powerful technique for building relationships. It’s an age-old concept that brings people together and keeps them engaged. It doesn’t matter where in the world you’re based or how much funding your startup has. Good stories give big voices to small ventures. That’s why it’s mission-critical that companies take the time up front to fully develop their approaches to storytelling. Storytelling and marketing go hand-in-hand. Just think about it. Whether you’re producing infographics, writing copy for a Facebook ad, or writing a free online guide, you need to capture your audience’s attention. How can you make your brand stand out? Storytelling. Put it on your website, social media profiles, blog, media kit, press releases and more. Brand storytelling is: • The reason why your company came to be • What motivates your team to wake up and come to work everyday • How your product came to be • What types of customers find value in working with your brand and why • A transparent view into the people behind the company • A relationship-building tool • More subtle than you realize • A concept that underscores your entire web presence • Something that your entire team, at organizational levels, embraces • A look into who you are as a company • Direct Brand storytelling is NOT: • A long-winded, 5-paragraph essay about your company • A blog post 20

March 2016 | The Business Times

• Something isolated • A fragmented view into your company • Something reserved for the marketing team only • A PR stunt • A viral video • A tool to manipulate customers and prospects • Boring • Artsy Contrary to popular belief, brand storytelling is not about your company. It’s about your customers and the value that they get when engaging with your product or service. The most powerful brand stories are the ones that prioritize customers as the stars. Think of your company as a supporting character. Don’t overthink this process. Storytelling is something that we do naturally. More often than not, we don’t even realize that we’re doing it. The problem is, it’s hard to write. Brand storytelling is more than what you write on your web or social media page to your customers. It’s more than your blog posts. It’s how you communicate your messaging. It’s your values. Your brand’s stories are values infused in every piece of copy, customer service answer, blog or social media post. Forget about marketing … This may sound counterintuitive, but it’s the key to successful marketing. Stop thinking like a marketer. Stop trying to sell your product, and instead, focus on developing human interest. Answer the question of why people should care about what your company has to say. That means being persuasive and appealing to emotion. Whatever you do, don’t be boring. Do not let the words on your page hide the personalities behind your organization. Share more than what you sell. Share your strengths, weaknesses and how you arrived at where you are today. One way to do this is by participating in the storytelling ecosystem. Just as you’re looking for customer testimonials and case studies, make sure to pay it forward. Be conversational … Authenticity is crucial to copywriting. If you’re overly formal or on guard, you’ll lose trust with your audience. And that’s because consumers can sense disingenuous messaging from miles away. From awkward stock photos with fake customers to false promises, empty messaging can only hurt your brand.

Be real instead. Be human. Pretend that you’re talking to a new friend over drinks or coffee. If you talk down to your customers and prospects (or show any indication of lack of respect), they’re going to stop listening immediately. Don’t dwell over whether or not you’re using perfect grammar. You can always hire a copywriter for that. Stop worrying about the occasional misplaced commas. Focus on developing your messaging instead. Conversational writing also means keeping it short. Write what you want to say. Get it all on paper. Then cut it. And cut it again. Stop trapping yourself into the mentality that you need a minimum word count to convey information effectively. Write what you feel like writing — with the exception that you can’t let your stories get too long and unwieldy. Too much writing on a blog post or webpage will make your readers feel distracted or lost. Say what you need to say in as few words as possible. There’s no need to try to sound smart. If you build a great product, your customers and prospects will perceive your company as incredibly smart. Brand strategists leverage a technique called a card sorting exercise. Create a list of keywords that are relevant to your brand. These could be keywords that your customers have said about your company, as well as descriptions chosen by your own employees. Transcribe these keywords onto note cards. Sort through the note cards to determine which words are most applicable to your brand. Separate these words from the words that aren’t relevant to your brand. Go through what’s left and rank the keywords in order of priority to your brand. Which are most relevant, and which aren’t? Because you’re working with note cards, you can organize these words visually. Assemble these words into sentences that describe your brand. CYNDY HOENIG is a PR strategist who owns Pure PR in Oklahoma City. She is the author of “600 PR, Marketing and Social Media Tips,” which is available as a free download at http://pureprokc.com/600-diy-pr-tips. She also is the author of “PR Rock Star.” Email Cyndy at cyndyhoenig@ymail.com or call 245-4668 for more information.

BUSINESS MATTERS

JIM DENTON L EDGER LINES

Eye-Opening Tax Filing Changes

recently had cataract surgery and it opened my eyes to a few things, literally and figuratively. First, life is more fun when you can see clearly, and secondly, when I look in the mirror these days, there are more wrinkles and my face is just sagging more than before. Still, it is much better to see the old version of Jim in the morning rather than dealing with his formerly clouded vision. Some items that opened my eyes about as much as the surgery are the new forms and documentation that taxpayers must navigate for the 2016 filing season. Specifically, there are new mandatory forms relate to the ObamaCare Individual Mandate. As in the past, you will be required to answer whether you have health coverage for the full year. According to the IRS, there are three ways to answer this question: 1) You, your spouse and dependents have qualifying health coverage for every month of the year, 2) You qualify for an exemption from the requirement to have health coverage (like taxpayers with Indian Health Service, Medicaid and TRICARE, etc.), or 3) You make a shared responsibility payment with your tax return for the deficit in your health coverage.

March 2016 | The Business Times

In order to police this, the IRS now requires providers to furnish individuals enrolled in health insurance coverage information in several ways:

“Forms 1095-A, B and C are informational returns much like Forms 1099 that taxpayers receive for interest, dividends and rent.” • Individuals enrolled in health insurance coverage through the Marketplace are to receive their information on Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement. • Individuals enrolled in a governmentsponsored health program are to receive Form 1095-B, Health Coverage. • Form 1095-C, Employer-Provided Health Insurance Offer and Coverage is the form that larger employers (with 50 or more full-time employees, including full-time equivalent employees in the previous year) must file with IRS and provide to the employee. Forms 1095-A, B and C are

informational returns much like Forms 1099 that taxpayers receive for interest, dividends and rent. These mandatory forms convey to you what was indicated to the IRS and generally should not be attached to the taxpayer’s individual tax return. Difficulties may arise over partial year coverage of dependents, adoptions, employment changes and calculation of the premium tax credit. Those questions are best left to tax professionals unless you are fluent in the tax law. By the way, due to the way the calendar is set up, individuals will have a few extra days to put their paperwork together and file it with the IRS. April 15, 2016, is an official District of Columbia holiday called Emancipation Day. As a result, taxpayers will have until April 18, 2016, to file their 2015 returns. For me, the end is in sight! JIM DENTON is a CPA and a managing partner with Arledge & Associates P.C. in Edmond. He may be reached via email at jim@jmacpas.com.

PHOTOS PROVIDED | EDMOND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

GROWING EDMOND

Ribbon Cuttings SAWAN SURGICAL AESTHETICS CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING Kamal T. Sawan, F.A.C.S. recently held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the grand opening of Sawan Surgical Aesthetics at 209 Lilac Drive, Suite 200 in Edmond. Through his experience as a plastic surgeon and the Chief of Plastic Surgery at the University of Oklahoma for 10 years, Dr. Sawan has been fervently focused on providing plastic surgery procedures that unearth each patient’s beauty in the most personalized way possible, all with a true artist’s eye. His remarkable insights, cuttingedge discoveries, intensive education, and exclusive techniques have made him a wanted and sought-after surgeon and educator in the cosmetic field worldwide. His patients experience both the art and the science of true beauty. Sawan’s services include Botox, facial filler treatments, facelifts, rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery, breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, liposuction and more. For more information, or to schedule a consultation, call 285-7660 or visit www.ssa.care.

FIRST BANK & TRUST CO. CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING First Bank & Trust Co. recently held a ribbon cutting to celebrate its grand opening at 2216 N.W. 164th St. in Edmond. First Bank & Trust Co. is a fullservice community bank established in 1988 with its home office in Duncan, Oklahoma with assets totaling $586 million. The mission of First Bank & Trust Co. is to exceed expectations through service excellence and to provide its communities and team members with opportunities and resources to flourish. For more information, call 509-7960 or visit www.fb247.com.

March 2016 | The Business Times

BUSINESS MATTERS

TIM PRIEBE WEBIFIABLE

Overly promotional marketing doesn’t work

ave you seen someone that came off extremely “sales-y” on social media? Someone who seemed to constantly be promoting his business, products or services? It’s all too common. Many organizations don’t know what strategy to use when marketing online. So instead of coming up with a strategy, they default to treating it like traditional advertising. They share products and services they offer, sales they have, events they’re putting on. “Look at how awesome we are!” and other variations seem to be all they post. In other words, they do nothing but share promotional content online! And because every once in a while someone shows interest, they think the “strategy” is working. Promotional content works in moderation. But too much will ruin the effectiveness of your online marketing. In fact, it quickly leaves a bad impression on your audience. A client of mine recently had a negative experience with someone being too promotional. My client asked for advice about a health issue on Facebook. Many people replied with helpful comments,

March 2016 | The Business Times

and others expressed their concern for her situation. Then right in the middle of all the well-wishers, someone started hawking his health drink. How do you think that made my client feel? Not surprisingly, she wasn’t happy about it. And because of how Facebook is set up, everyone that had already commented saw the new, overly promotional comment. Do you think there’s a chance some of them were turned off by it as well? So how do you make sure you’re not too promotional? First, know what’s promotional and what isn’t. Promotional content is anything about you and your organization. It doesn’t matter if you consider it informational. If it’s about you, it’s promotional. This can include things like: • Blogs that are case studies about how you helped someone • Email newsletters with details on a sale you’re having • Social media promoting an event you’re putting on • A video explaining how a product you offer works For many, that last one seems a bit

confusing. Even if it’s informational, if they have to buy a product you sell in order to make use of the video, it’s really promotional marketing. Second, use an appropriate amount of promotion. As a rule of thumb, stick to 10 percent. One tenth of a blog can be promotional, or one out every 10 blogs. One out of every 10 social media updates can be promotional. One tenth of an ebook can be promotional. Hopefully you get the idea. Some promotional content is actually beneficial. After all, online marketing is only useful if people know what you sell. But keep it in moderation if you want it to be effective. TIM PRIEBE is a public speaker, the author of the books “102 Tweets” and “Blog a Week” and the owner of T&S Online Marketing in Edmond. He can be reached by email at tim@tandsgo.com, by phone at 285-0348 ext. 5 or 509-9090, or online at www.tandsgo.com.

» C OME JU DGE

for Yourself.

GOLFERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD COME TO CHALLENGE THE JUDGE and the two other golf courses in Prattville at RTJ Capitol Hill. Bring your clubs and come take on Judge hole number 1, voted the favorite hole on the Trail. Complete your day in luxury at the Marriott and enjoy dining, firepits and guest rooms overlooking the Senator golf course. With the Marriott’s 20,000 square feet of meeting space, 96 guest rooms and luxurious Presidential Cottage combined with three world-class golf courses, business and pleasure can definitely interact in Prattville.

THE ROBERT TRENT JONES GOLF TRAIL AT CAPITOL HILL is home of the Yokohama Tire LPGA Classic on the Senator Course September 18 to 24, 2014. The Marriott Prattville is part of the Resort Collection on Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. Visit www.rtjgolf.com or call 800.949.4444 to learn more.

BUSINESS BRIEFS Understanding Diabetes Seminar Series Offered by INTEGRIS

Edmond’s Thompson, Pasby, Fredrickson recognized by OSCPA

Diabetes is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action or both (Source: American Diabetes Association). Diabetes can affect many parts of the body and can lead to serious complications such as cardiovascular disease, blindness, kidney damage and lower limb amputations (Source: Centers for Disease Control). It remains the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S., as of 2010. In 2012, the national prevalence was 29.1 million Americans, or 9.3 percent of the population diagnosed with diabetes. By contrast, data compiled in 2007 estimated 10.2 percent of Oklahomans age 18 years and older to be diagnosed with the disease. Because one third of all diabetes may be undiagnosed, the total number of adults with diabetes could currently be approximately 14.4 percent of Oklahoma adults (Source: 2008 State of the State’s Health Report). Despite the reality of this dismal outlook, diabetes is a condition that can successfully be managed with the assistance of a variety of resources, helping individuals to avoid or significantly diminish poor health outcomes. The community wellness department of INTEGRIS is offering a five-part series, “Understanding Diabetes,”the second Tuesday of each month, March through July, from 10-11:30 a.m. at INTEGRIS Health Edmond, 4801 INTEGRIS Parkway, in the Memorial classroom.

The Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Accountants released the names of its 2016 Trailblazers in conjunction with the March/ April special issue of the society’s magazine, CPAFOCUS. Only 20 OSCPA members are selected for the honor each year and three are Edmond residents Megan Fredrickson, CPA, a director of tax and principal with Jenson & Company, CPAs, P.C. in Edmond; Jacob Pasby, CPA, a controller with Arnold Oil Properties in Oklahoma City and Kristine Thompson, CPA, a tax manager with Eide Bailly, LLP in Oklahoma City. The Trailblazer program was established in 2010 to recognize the innovation, professional dedication and community commitment of the OSCPA’s New CPAs, defined as members who are under the age of 40 or who have five or fewer years of CPA experience. “We are honored to have (the Trailblazers) as members of our profession,” said OSCPA President Robin Byford, CPA, CFP, senior vice president of wealth management with Merrill Lynch in Oklahoma City. “Their leadership and talents are valuable to us for our future.” The 2016 Trailblazer honorees will be celebrated at the OSCPA’s 98th annual members meeting June 10 in Oklahoma City. THE OSCPA accepts Trailblazer nominations from members and nonmembers every year during summer and fall. The OSCPA Public Relations Committee selected this year’s class of Trailblazers from more than 40 nominations.

The seminar will be presented by Pam Patty, RD, LD, registered dietitian and diabetes educator, and will include the following topics.

Judy Vigil, LPN Joins Signature Skin Care as Aesthetic Nurse Injector

· Tuesday, March 8 – An overview of diabetes and the disease process: Know Your Numbers · Tuesday, April 12 – Blood Glucose Monitoring, A1C, Tips for Good Technique, Goals · Tuesday, May 10 – Medications, Complications, Steps for Prevention, Maintenance · Tuesday, June 21 – Nutrition 101, Nutrient Action, Portion Control, Food Models, Meal Planning · Tuesday, July 12 – Positive Lifestyle Behaviors, Wellness Strategies, Action Plans For more information to register, please call the INTEGRIS HealthLine at 951-2277.

March 2016 | The Business Times

Dr. Gina L. Ressler, medical director of Signature Skin Care, announces the addition of Judy Vigil, LPN as Aesthetic Nurse Injector for the Edmond Medical Spa. Vigil brings with her 20 years of aesthetic experience to Signature Skin Care. Her duties include Botox and dermal filler injections, as well as consulting with patients. Vigil is scheduled to work Mondays and Fridays at Signature Skin Care located in the LeCour Office Park at 9th and Bryant. Judy Vigil “Judy brings passion for healthcare to our clinic, and we are honored to have her on our team of professionals. We know that she will be a tremendous asset to SSC,” Ressler said. “She has advanced training in facial aesthetics and will have a very positive effect on our clients. She is passionate about skin care and a delight to work with. We know she will be extremely popular with our clients,” Ressler said. Ressler and Signature Skin Care have been serving Edmond since 2001. Dr. Larry L. Ressler joined the practice in Dec. 2014. Services include: laser skin treatments, laser hair removal, hormone replacement therapy for both men and women, permanent makeup, body reshaping, microdermabrasion and chemical peels; injectables including Botox, Xeomin, Bellafill, Juvederm, Volumn XC, Radiesse and Belotero and product lines including Derma Medics, Latisse, Skin Medica, Regenica and Baby Foot treatments. Signature Skin Care is at LeCour Office Park, 1300 E. Ninth, St. 6 at Ninth Street and Bryant. For more information, call 341-6009 or visit signatureskincare.com or facebook.com/signatureskincare.

BUSINESS BRIEFS OC-ALC units earn star status

Three Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex maintenance groups recently earned the highest honor for workplace safety and health under the nationwide Voluntary Protection Program. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration awarded Star status this month to the 76th Propulsion Maintenance Group, the 76th Commodities Maintenance Group and the 76th Maintenance Support Group. The simultaneous award hat trick is a first for the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex, which now has four VPP Star organizations. The 76th Software Maintenance Group and OC-ALC Staff office previously earned Star status. “I’m extremely proud of these three groups achieving VPP stars,” said OC-ALC Commander Brig. Gen. Mark Johnson. “It demonstrates just how committed our workforce, our union partners, and our leadership team is to workplace safety. The entire enterprise should be extremely proud of these accomplishments!” Jim Bligh, part of the VPP program management team and first vice president of the American Federation of Government Employees, Local 916, said the feat is also significant because it’s the first Star status achieved by Tinker industrial operations. “It’s really been good that our industrial areas have taken on the challenge of this program and done what it takes to get that recognition,” Mr. Bligh said. “We get the airplanes and engines out; we do what has to be done, and we’ve proven that we can all work together to get an elite safety status.” VPP is an “above and beyond” optional safety and health program for private and federal employers that already have outstanding safety and health programs. Organizations typically work for years to

Members of the 76th Commodities Maintenance Group, the 76th Maintenance Support Group and the 76th Propulsion Maintenance Group pose for a photo after the three groups were honored with Voluntary Protection Program Star Status. Pictured are, back row from left, Jimmie “Ty” Norton, American Federation of Government Employees Local 916; David Bates, Occupational Safety and Health Administration area director; Alex McCool, AFGE Local 916; Jim Bligh, AFGE Local 916 vice president; Larry Wood, special government employee, Valero Refinery retired; John Shriver, Valero; middle row from left, Jorge Delucca, OSHA; Col. Robert Jackson, 76th CMXG commander; Rodney Smith, Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex Safety; Kevin Lassahn, Valero; Mike Maddox, VPPPA president; Carl Dahms, AFGE Local 916 president; front row from left, Johnny VanBuskirk, Valero; Kelley Butler, 76th MXSG director, Gary Bristol, 72nd Air Base Wing Safety; Ericka Ross, AFGE Local 916; Maureen Sullivan, deputy assistant secretary Defense for Environment, Safety and Occupational Health; Brig. Gen. Mark Johnson, OC-ALC commander; and Lt. Col. Mike Allison, 76th PMXG deputy director. (Air Force photo by Kelly White)

become VPP Stars, undergoing rigorous inspections that involve dozens of employee interviews, workplace evaluations, safety management analysis and more. An OSHA team evaluated the three Tinker groups here last fall. “We’re extremely excited,” said Mike Mowles, deputy director of the 76th CMXG, which has more than 1,600 employees. “We’ve been working toward this for years. To finally get it done and have OSHA come out and validate what we already thought we knew, it’s a tremendous win.” Tinker management, unions, employees

and OSHA worked together for the Star honor. It recognizes “exemplary achievement in the prevention and control of occupational safety and health hazards, and the development, implementation and continuous improvement of their safety and health management system,” according to OSHA. A formal celebration coordinated with Air Logistics Complex leadership and Local 916 of the American Federation of Government Employees Union is set for February 3rd in Building 9001. March 2016 | The Business Times

BUSINESS BRIEFS Strata Leadership, LLC Acquires Principal Technologies Inc. Edmond Businessmen Nathan Mellor, Frank Smith lead acquisition team Edmond businessmen Nathan Mellor and Frank Smith, Principals of Strata Leadership, LLC, (Strata) a nationallyrecognized leadership development company based in Oklahoma City, together with Strata Vice President Lyn Watson, recently acquired Principal Technologies Inc. Founded in 1998, Principal Technologies Inc. is a specialty recruiting firm for professionals in IT, Engineering, Accounting and Human Resources. Principal Technologies recruits top Nathan Mellor talent for leading companies both regionally and nationally including direct hire, contract to hire, and temporary staffing positions. Mellor, Co-Founder and CEO of Strata Leadership since 2009, holds Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science in Education degrees from Harding University, the Master of Dispute Resolution degree from the Pepperdine University School of Law – Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution, and a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership degree from Pepperdine University. He has Frank Smith consulted, trained and lectured throughout America and abroad and has co-developed Leadership programs including Peace Through Business Rwanda and Four Star Debate with General Tommy Franks, which have been highlighted on CNN Inside Africa, FOX News, and FOX Radio. He and wife Christine have two daughters. Frank Smith, Co-Founder, Chairman and President of Strata Leadership since 2009, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting from Harding University and is a Certified Public Accountant. He worked as an auditor for KPMG, an accountant for Hertz Rent-a-Car, and as Chief Financial Officer for Beam’s Seatbelts before forming The Ark Group with the goal of starting an Employee Stock Ownership Plan to benefit his team through business ownership. Smith and Mellor formed Strata Leadership from a shared vision of helping leaders realize their goals and shape company culture. He and his wife Heidi have three children. ADD ONE … STRATA ACQUISITION According to Mellor, who will serve as CEO of Principal Technologies, the purchase will provide Strata Leadership the ability to meet a strategic need for companies the organization serves. “As we offer leadership development to companies across the United States, we are consistently asked how organizations can find good people, effectively train teams, communicate the message of the company, and develop growth strategies,” said Mellor. “We believe our acquisition of Principal Technologies will help us better serve our clients’ needs by providing them reliable access to quality employees who have been selected due to their demonstrated commitment to character and competence.” Lyn Watson, Vice President of Training and Coaching at Strata since 2011, has been named President of Principal Technologies. Watson, a graduate of the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor 28

March 2016 | The Business Times

of Arts in Journalism and Public Relations, brings more than 25 years of experience in recruitment, sales, management and organizational development to Principal Technologies. “I am privileged to lead the organization into its next phase of development and look forward to facilitating continued growth as Strata Leadership integrates its core offerings with those of Principal Technologies,” Watson said. Strata’s services include cultural analyses, assessments, executive coaching, training programs, strategic planning and the Character Core system. Strata is also home to the Academy of Sports and Character, Character First Education, and the Institute for Emerging Leaders. In addition to Oklahoma City, Strata maintains a presence in the Dallas Metroplex and in Fort Collins, Colo. “The acquisition of Principal Technologies broadens our ability to significantly enhance the services that each organization offers to better meet the needs of the companies we serve. Clients will now have access to expertise in recruiting the highest caliber of talent, with the potential to enhance their leadership and organizational structure for greater growth and success,” said Frank Smith. For more information about each company, visit strataleadership. com and principaltechnologies.com or contact Lyn Watson at 815-0001.

LOCAL

EATS By Van Mitchell | Special to The Business Times

ason Clark grew up in Edmond and later moved to Casper, Wyoming where he became familiar with a local restaurant called Eggington’s which he and his wife Jennifer frequented. When they moved back to Oklahoma, Clark said he envisioned opening an Eggington’s in Edmond. He contacted his long-time friend Stan Wimmer who also grew up in Edmond and had a background in the restaurant business to partner with on the project. Eggington’s located at 737 West Danforth Road opened for business last Nov. 30. Hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. seven days a week. It employees about 35 people. “The only other one of these is in Casper, Wyoming and it does phenomenal,” Clark said. “We had the opportunity to move back and I had been talking with Stan about this concept and I said the only person that I would do it with was him. I thought this would do really well here.” Wimmer said he and Clark traveled to Wyoming to visit with the Eggington’s owner about opening a restaurant and were able to secure a licensing agreement with him for Oklahoma. Wimmer said one aspect that intrigued him about the Eggington’s concept was its menu which featured a wide variety of breakfast and lunch/brunch items ranging from pancakes, biscuits and gravy, chicken salad, green chili, breakfast tacos, sandwiches to a specialty known as the Cowboy Skillet which includes ham, sausage, bacon, mushrooms, onions, peppers blanketed with country gravy and two eggs. “It is a little bigger menu than any breakfast place in town,” Wimmer said. Wimmer said although they haven’t done much advertising word has spread through word of mouth about the restaurant being open. “It has been about what we thought it would be,” Wimmer said. “We are getting larger (weekday) crowds and the weekends have been very busy.” Clark concurred. “It has been coming together really nicely,” Clark said. Clark said they wanted to open the restaurant in north Edmond. “We wanted to have a place in north Edmond because there really isn’t a place here,” Clark said. “It’s something that north Edmond really needed.” Clark said if the Edmond site does well

enough they might look at opening other locations in the Oklahoma City market. “If this does well we may open two or three more in Oklahoma City,” Clark said. For more information call 285-1580.

March 2016 | The Business Times

BUSINESS BOOK REVIEW

BY TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER | THE BOOKWORM SEZ

“Beating the Workplace Bully: A Tactical Guide to Taking Charge” by Lynne Curry c.2016, Amacom $17.95 / $25.50 Canada 244 pages

Lynne Curry

ometimes, you feel like you’re back in Sixth Grade. But you’re not – you’re at work, dealing with the same kind of bully you faced in the schoolyard. It’s just as frustrating now as it was then, but what can you do? You don’t have a teacher to run to, so read “Beating the Workplace Bully” by Lynne Curry instead. Once you graduated from high school, you figured you were done with those thugs who ruled the playground. But, says Curry, “Bullies and targets exist at all levels and in many organizations” and she can help the latter deal with the former. So what can you do when you’re on the receiving end of a workplace bully? First, Curry says, remember that, though “no one deserves to be bullied,” it’s “epidemic.” Ninety-six percent of respondents to a 2014 poll reported problems of bullying at work. It’s wise, therefore, to know why you’re a part of that majority. Next, understand that problems with co-workers don’t just “go away.” If there’s bully in the next cubicle, strive to break old habits and diffuse what’s making you a target. Know what kind of bully you’re dealing with, expand your comfort zone to prepare yourself for what needs to be done, and learn how to empower yourself and “confront confrontation” without stooping to a bully’s level. Stop playing the bully’s game by recognizing the eight “most common bully traps” and the tactics s/he uses to get under your skin. Don’t let your tormenter have any space in your brain; try to remain calm, neutral, and don’t get angry! Learn the power of the word “REALLY?” Be willing to record conversations (check your

March 2016 | The Business Times

local laws) and document, document, document. If you notice that colleagues are also having issues with this particular bully, enlist allies and ask for reinforcements. And finally, if you’re the boss with a bully on your staff, know how to handle what could become a very thorny situation for you and your business. Above all, remember: “don’t play nice – you can’t afford it.” Oh, how I wish I’d had a book like “Beating the Workplace Bully” back when I needed it! I’m sure it would’ve saved a lot of sleepless nights, job-jumping, and productivity loss, because author Lynne Curry’s advice is solid and straightforward without being rash or antagonizing. And that, as you’ll see here, is exactly what you need to deal with this all-too-common problem. Curry teaches a certain kind of stand-up-for-yourself Zen in this book, starting with basic hand-holding and moving on to what amounts to guerilla tactics with a lace glove. She also offers a series of quizzes at the end of each chapter, to help readers determine where they sit and what’s next. I found those particularly helpful, and I loved reading the case-studies that accompany each chapter and point. This is one of those books that you won’t regret having on your shelf, even if you don’t need it right now - because when you do, “Beating the Workplace Bully” will have you well-schooled. TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER is a book reviewer in Wisconsin. She may be reached via email at bookwormsez@yahoo.com.

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