Business Times, November 2014 by Business Times of Edmond

ED M O N D, O K LAH O MA

NOvember 2014

VOL. 6 | NO. 11

INSIDE

2014

PUBLISHER Karan Ediger 405-341-2121 kediger@edmondsun.com MANAGING Lisa Shearer EDITOR 405-341-2121 lshearer@edmondsun.com

Top 20 Under 40

Check out the profiles of the ‘Top 20 under 40’ who are making a difference in Edmond.

SALES TEAM Terri Bohanan Kaycee Wagner

How Will You Spend Your Pay Raise?

CONTRIBUTING Mike Crandall WRITERS Jim Denton Cyndy Hoenig Nick Massey Patty Miller Van Mitchell

Tim Priebe Terri Schlichenmeyer Mark Schlachtenhaufen

3 Steps to Shorter Sales Cycles

James Coburn

Most organizations (and most people) struggle needlessly with business/sales growth. Although it is seldom, if ever, easy it certainly can be easier than your current method. The vast majority of people spend way too much time on this causing them to work hard, when in fact they should work smart. There are three things you should do to shorten your sales cycles. Recurring Search Engine Activities on Your Website

Miss your Business Times? Call 341-2121 to get on our mailing list. Thanks! The Business Times is a monthly publication of The Edmond Sun devoted to business in the Edmond area. All rights reserved. Copyright © November 2014.

Good news! According to the Census Bureau, in 2013 the inflation-adjusted median income in the U.S. soared from $51,759 to $51,939. A whopping $180 per year or $15 per month! How will you spend that big raise? Keep in mind that this windfall doesn’t show up in a lump sum. Instead, the funds show up as part of your ongoing wage, so arguably in monthly installments.

In the past few issues, you’ve read search engine myths, learned how your ideal customer is looking for you and discovered some one-time activities that can help your search engine ranking. While all of those are important, the most powerful results come from taking that information and engaging in recurring activities.

Cover PhotoS by Julie Bragg and Tyler Smith | Special to the Business Times November 2014 | The Business Times

from our Publisher

Congratulations to this year’s Top 20 under 40

o our Readers: The other day I whipped some things out on my reporters. I have one Traditionalist (born 1920-1945) two Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964) and I am a Gen X (born 19651980). I was reading to them from a book by Strata Leadership LLC and explaining to them their key values, work styles, management styles, how they like to be lead and how they like to communicate and like to be communicated to. This brought up quite a lively discussion and we noticed some differences among us. This issue of The Business Times features the sixth annual Top 20 Under 40 businesspeople. Most everyone featured in this group is probably Gen Y. Gen Z has not quite entered the work force yet, but their time is coming! For Gen Y your key values, according to Strata Leadership, is self-expression, change and flexibility. You are willing to work as an expression of self, multi-tasking and want instant gratification. You have a collaborative management style with an “anyone can join our team” attitude. You lead by inviting participation, you don’t micromanage and you provide immediate feedback. And to no surprise your form of communication is cell, email, text, IM, blog or anything informal and immediate. did we nail it? Even if your traits follow more of a Gen X or Baby Boomer style because your parents raised you I suggest you thank them. You’re being featured for who you are and that’s huge! Now, remember, you’re here now, but don’t be afraid to follow your dreams. I once thought I’d be an MTV VJ. Newspaper publisher was not a vision

November 2014 | The Business Times

I had until some good mentors showed me the way. Secondly, like I did, choose good mentors and watch and listen to them closely. They’ve made mistakes and celebrated successes. They’ll be there to do the same with you. From all of us at The Business Times and The Edmond Sun, congratulations!

KARAN EDIGER is publisher of The Business Times of Edmond, The Edmond Sun and Community Connection.

Brian Attebery Business Owner

rian Attebery, 39, a trainer and owner of the Results Fitness and Nutrition Center, has an impressive résumé with his life. A former competitive bodybuilder for 12 years, Attebery won the title of Mr. Oklahoma in 2001 — amongst many titles — and competed in the sport’s national championships in 2005. He is responsible for the fitness and nutrition of five states in the Miss U.S.A. and Miss Teen U.S.A. pageant system and three states for the Miss America program. He has had many of his clients place in the finals at Miss U.S.A., Miss Teen U.S.A. and Miss America, including 25 preliminary Miss America swimsuit winners, the overall winner of Miss America 2007, Miss America Outstanding Teen 2011 (Oklahoma’s First Teen America) and Miss Teen U.S.A. 2001 and 2008. But his secret for success, Attebery says, “is not about me.” “I pray every day for guidance, blessings and direction from God,” said Attebery, an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Edmond. “I work hard, but I need Him to bless my path with the right employees, opportunities and send us the right clients to help. If we get a chance to show them what we can do, the rest will be taken care of.” Attebery said his favorite motto is “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

“Anyone that knows me will know that I am a passionate and compassionate person,” he said. Results Fitness trainers work with people age 8-91 with various goals and challenges, Attebery said. Results trainers are required to have exercise science-type degrees along with certifications. Weight loss is the goal for most clients who have lost up to 275 pounds with Attebery’s nutrition and fitness techniques. Attebery said he loves watching people change and seeing the look in their eyes when they learn what it takes to succeed. “So many people try to ‘figure it out’ on their own and just like any goal there are experts that can help you achieve those goals much faster than you trying to figure it out on your own,” he said. “There is help. There is hope.” Attebery said he has some very successful clients who have done amazing things with their chosen fields and he loves to learn from them. Attebery, who is active in First Presbyterian’s youth and music ministries, and his wife Jennifer are the proud parents of Cannon, 11, and Caris, 8. He also has mentored middle school youth via a First Presbyterian partnership with Central Middle School, located across the street from the church. — MARK SCHLACHTENHAUFEN

November 2014 | The Business Times

Christopher Berry YMCA executive

hristopher Berry, 27, of Edmond, associate executive director of the Edmond YMCA, got his start with the organization at the age of 16. “I responded to a YMCA ad in The Edmond Sun,” Berry said. “They were looking for youth soccer officials. I had never played soccer or watched soccer prior to applying, but I enjoyed sports and needed a job.” Berry continued his relationship with the YMCA through high school and college. During his 14-plus years with the organization, he has served as a sports official, member services associate, summer camp counselor, sports coordinator, sports director and most recently as associate executive director. In his role as the Edmond YMCA sports director for six years, Berry served more than 10,000 participants annually through traditional and non-traditional programs. He helps manage two facilities with an estimated 150,000 square feet combined. They serve more than 27,000 members. He shares in the supervision of 24 full-time and 486 part-time staff members. He assisted in raising more than $160,000 for the local annual campaign in 2014, and oversees a combined operations revenue budget of more than $5 million. Berry said his favorite part of his job is the people. “I get to interact with many people throughout the course of a day,” he said. “Seeing people develop and better

November 2014 | The Business Times

themselves brings a smile to my face. I also enjoy our team at the Edmond YMCA. My fellow staff members make coming in to work a great start to every day.” Professional achievements for Berry are the result of doing the right things, volunteering for roles and working hard. His favorite motto is “Be better, not bitter.” His advice for others includes always look for ways to improve yourself and be the best you can be. “Do not let things, situations or people affect you,” he said. Berry was part of the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Edmond Class 27. He was the 2008 Association of YMCA Professionals Chapter 71 Rookie of the Year and has served as race director for the Tie One On For Cancer Run benefiting the LIVESTRONG Program at the YMCA. He currently serves as the Oklahoma YMCA state alliance sports chairman and YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City sports team vice-chairman. He said the positions allow him to share knowledge and expertise while working with association and independent YMCAs of various sizes and diverse communities. Berry, who is single, lives in Edmond along with many family members. He coaches his nephew’s T-ball team.

— MARK SCHLACHTENHAUFEN

Lacee Bilke Florist/Designer

acee Bilke, 28, has grown up in the flower industry from working part-time in high school delivering flowers to earning a master’s degree in Adult Education Training. She received her bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing and received floral certification through Oklahoma State University while attending college. Bilke loves learning about flowers and floral arranging and plans on testing next summer in Denver for her American Institute of Floral Design accreditation. “There is a whole other world out there in floral arranging and decorating,” Bilke said. “Last summer I learned about composite flowers from a designer in the Ukraine, raffia weaving in floral bouquets from a designer in Belgium, dipping chicken wire in wax to use in the bouquets and while in Las Vegas saw the use of butterflies in arrangements.” Bilke’s grandmother Madeline opened her flower shop by the same name and it has been in the family ever since. “My mother came back after college 35 years ago to work in the flower shop and is still here, and my sister Lenzee takes care of the marketing,” Bilke said. Bilke enjoys the design end of the flower shop. She sits on the board of the Edmond Historic Preservation Trust, is a member of the Downtown Business

Association as well as sitting on the boards of the Oklahoma State Floral Association and the Ozark Floral Association. Lacee said when her mother wanted to go to Boston to a floral show Lacee she saw a different side of the floral business and wanted to stay working with floral designs. “No two days are the same,” Lacee said. “We do everything from weddings to home décor to holidays.” She and her sister teach floral seminars and in the summer she teaches sewing classes to 10- to 14-year-olds through the Oklahoma County Extension. Lacee also contributes to Pioneer Wholesale out of Ohio where she writes How To articles using permanent botanicals. “I just completed a pumpkin topiary and a fall wall hanging and next month will be a winter wreath,” Lacee said. Lacee said they are considering a second, smaller location, further out. “Recent renovation includes taking out the greenhouse built in the 1950s and remodeling the space to include a larger walk-in cooler so we can better prepare for holidays and weddings as well as have a place to teach floral classes. It will be nice to have a larger place to work in and display merchandise,” Lacee said. — PATTY MILLER

November 2014 | The Business Times

Emily Campbell Attorney

mily Campbell, 33, recently was elected to her law firm’s shareholder ranks, which will become effective when she returns from maternity leave in January. She has been an associate at Dunlop Codding, an intern during law school and the first undergraduate technical specialist hired by the firm. “I have worked here from the basement up going through files, being a runner and doing odd jobs that needed to be done at the firm,” Campbell said. Campbell is registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office. She graduated from Oklahoma City University School of Law in May 2007. Prior to law school, Campbell received her B.S. in Industrial Engineering in December 2003 from the University of Oklahoma where she currently serves on the OU College of Engineering Industrial & Systems Engineering Advisory Board and was the inaugural chairwoman of Ignite Oklahoma City where she continues to serve on the board of directors. She is a member of the Junior League of Oklahoma City, and has contributed more than 30 hours of volunteer service in the past year in that capacity. One day a patent attorney spoke during one of Campbell’s classes and intrigued her. “I checked out law school and decided it was something

November 2014 | The Business Times

I wanted to do and I fell in love with it. My job is a perfect combination of problem solving with science,” Campbell said. Campbell said she changed her major three times because there just wasn’t enough science in a business major for her. “It took me 4 1/2 years because I changed from business to mechanical and then industrial,” Campbell said. “My focus is primarily with trademarks and copyrights at Dunlop Codding.” She mentors one OU engineering student per year. “I have been mentoring a student from OU for two years now, and she is a senior this year,” Campbell said. She also teaches group fitness in Edmond at Key Health Institute. “Being fit is part of the balance of life. Mind, body, soul, we have to take care of all three,” Campbell added. She and her husband Robert Campbell have a 3-year-old daughter, Ellie, and had their second daughter Oct. 18. “I love the community of Edmond,” Campbell said. “We have a big journey ahead of us focusing on clients and building my practice as my husband and I are building our family.” — Patty Miller

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Sammy Flores Funeral Director

ammy Flores like other college students had a number of elective hours to take toward earning their degree. But one elective class about the psychology of grief and family loss helped direct Flores toward a career in the funeral service industry. “It really drew me in, and during the semester my grandfather passed away,” said Flores, funeral director/ manager of Crawford Funeral Service, 610 N.W. 178th St. in Edmond. “I spoke with the funeral home owner back home, whom I’m really close with, and he thought I should get involved first, to see if I would like it. So he referred me to some of his friends in the Oklahoma City metro. I applied for a job a month later and became an apprentice shortly after.” A 2006 Clinton High School graduate, Flores has been in the funeral industry for almost five years. He is a licensed funeral director/embalmer. Flores, who was the first family member on his father’s side to graduate college, said he felt a calling to be in this field. “I took a chance and fell in love with it. It felt right to me,” Flores said. “This isn’t just a job for me. It is a career. I love coming to work and helping families celebrate a life.” Flores, 26, said being a funeral director/manager requires him to wear several hats. “Some of my work duties include making the first call (with the family),” he said. “(It also involves) the removal from place of death back to our funeral home, arrangements of the funeral/memorial services, clerical and administrative services, consultations with clergy, cemeteries, crematories

November 2014 | The Business Times

and common carriers, embalming, dressing, casketing, cosmetology and pre-planning with families before the death has occurred.” Flores said one of the challenges of his job is saying goodbye to the families he has come to know. “When a family allows a total stranger to take care of their loved one, and they allow you into their lives, it’s hard letting go at the end because of the relationship we have built and the memories that were shared,” he said. Flores said the reward comes from helping families celebrate their loved ones. “At the end of the service, when a family looks directly at you, and tells you thank you in the most sincere way, that is what keeps me going,” he said. “Also, being bilingual helps with the Hispanic community because there are very few bilingual licensed funeral directors.” Flores, who attends Memorial Road Church of Christ, volunteers with Big Brother Big Sister of Oklahoma, and is a board member of Edmond AMBUCS, Edmond Young Professionals and is an Ambassador with the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce. He also volunteers at the Kids Place in Edmond and serves as a youth church camp counselor in the summer. He hopes to one day to own his own business. “I see myself right here in Edmond. I love this community and don’t want to be anywhere else. It is a thriving community and I look forward to see how Edmond keeps evolving,” he said. — Van Mitchell

Lawrence Fugett Banker

awrence Fugett is a believer in giving back and that has included serving as a volunteer and mentor to at-risk schools in the metro area. Fugett, assistant vice president/branch manager with Oklahoma Fidelity Bank, at 2225 W. Hefner Road in Oklahoma City, said mentoring is a great way to connect young people with a positive role model. He currently serves as a volunteer on the Greystone Upper Elementary Outreach Committee and served as a mentor/ basketball camp coach at Stanley Hupfeld Academy at Western Village. His wife Joy, a school teacher currently teaches at Greystone and previously taught at the Stanley Hupfeld Academy. “Volunteering is a big part of my life,” Fugett said. “When I first met my wife Joy she really wanted me to be a mentor because kids today don’t see a lot of positive role models especially in neighborhood at-risk schools.” Fugett, 37, graduated from Putnam City High School in 1996 and attended the University of Central Oklahoma on a football scholarship before a knee injury ended his playing career. “I am passionate about showing them that there are other ways you can be successful in life and that there are opportunities out there,” Fugett said. “If you work at it you can get there and be successful.” Fugett said while at UCO he decided he wanted to find a career that offered stability. In 2000, he started with MidFirst Bank as a customer service representative answering the phone and opening up new accounts. Fugett served as a banking center manager for

MidFirst bank for four years; assistant banking center manager at MidFirst Bank for three years and a senior personal banker at MidFirst for four years. “I took every opportunity that I could to go out to the branches and work where I could,” Fugett said. “I had a great opportunity to learn a lot. I also had some great mentors that I connected with.” Fugett came to work for Oklahoma Fidelity Bank in 2012 working at the Second Street location in Edmond. His current job duties include being responsible for business development, creating new relationships and generating business activity. “What really drew me to Oklahoma Fidelity was their commitment to community and trying to make a difference in peoples lives,” he said. Fugett is involved with the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce and serves on the steering and education committee with the Edmond Young Professionals and United Way Emerging Leaders/member. He has also served as a volunteer for the Urban League of Greater Oklahoma City Inc. and Habitat for Humanity with Oklahoma Fidelity Bank; Wilshire Church of Christ for school supply distribution; Oklahoma Regional Food Bank and UR Special Ministries of Edmond on a back-to-school clothing project. Fugett said he wants to get on to the commercial side of banking, which requires him earning a finance degree. He is finishing up coursework this fall at Oklahoma State UniversityOklahoma City and will transfer to UCO in the spring. — Van Mitchell

November 2014 | The Business Times

Miguel Gonzalez Banker

iguel Gonzalez is an example of reaching for the American dream and living it, he said. When he was 2 years old, he and his family immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico. A little more than two decades later, the 26-year-old is assistant vice president and consumer loan officer of Citizens Bank of Edmond. He began working at Citizens Bank in late 2007 while attending the University of Central Oklahoma. He also believes in giving back to his community by being a board member of Edmond Mobile Meals. Gonzalez believes in the purpose of serving the home-bound. “For some people we’re their only contact,” he said of his volunteerism. “I like that connection with them, being able to provide a lunch time meal for them.” Edmond residents and businesses have a sense of pride to be here, Gonzalez said. The community is proud of its progressive accomplishments, he added. Gonzalez first learned about business in his family’s restaurant in Ada. While at Citizens Bank he had served in several roles including teller, senior teller, personal banker, assistant manager. In 2011, he earned the bank’s Geneva Brooks Customer Service Award, which is voted on by his peers at the bank.

November 2014 | The Business Times

Gonzalez earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Central Oklahoma in 2011. He is currently working toward his MBA at Oklahoma Christian University. “Coming to this country, you’re not limited,” he said. When he has children they will be first-generation Americans. “There is no ceiling as long as you work for it,” he said. There is no indication that his inspiration has tapped out as it exudes in his personal and professional life. He continues to reach his personal best while helping others achieve their goals at Citizens Bank. Gonzalez continues to be invested in the community. In addition to his work with Edmond Mobile Meals, he also serves as a member of the Oklahoma Bankers Association’s Emerging Leaders program, the UCO Alumni Association and represents the bank in the Edmond’s Best Business Club. He said Citizens Bank has helped him to achieve his American dream, and he admires the bank’s outreach into the community. “It’s really inspiring,” he said. — James Coburn

Ann Gray Consultant

nn Gray, 28, of Edmond, left a comfortable position to live her dreams and contribute to the community in a powerful way. Gray began her career in strategic planning and growth strategies for organizations at a young age and recently established a new consulting firm in Edmond to help organizations in the nonprofit sector, small businesses and corporations grow in efficiency and profitability through innovative solutions. Her experience has contributed to her expertise and rapid rise. “My secret to success as a business owner is strategic planning,” Gray said. “I constantly plan and implement strategies, for my own business, that increase efficiencies and helps me add value and sustainability to the organization.” Gray said the thing she enjoys most about her job is the ability to increase efficiencies within organizations. What advice does she have for other business professionals? “Always plan and reinvest in yourself as a person,” Gray said. “It is also important to reinvest in your company, as a business owner. Planning out goals and implementation increases the likelihood of reaching the goals successfully.” An Oklahoma magazine recently announced that Gray is one of the recipients for its fourth annual 30 Under 30 Next Gen Awards. They honor individuals under the age of

30 who have shown professional achievement, community involvement and commitment to Oklahoma’s future. Gray, who is single, said the most important work she does is advocacy for youth in the foster care system of Oklahoma. She chairs the Oklahoma Post Adjudication Review Specialty Transition Board. It reviews cases of neglected and abused foster youth who are aging out of the foster care system within the next two years. “We advocate for their best interest by making recommendations to the court regarding their well-being,” Gray said. She is also a Court Appointed Special Advocate, and she volunteers with several young professionals groups. In her advocacy for foster youth, she enjoys making a difference in other people’s lives by providing a voice for youth who otherwise may not have the opportunity to express their wishes. As a court appointed special advocate, and an unofficial advocate for foster youth, Gray is developing a nonprofit organization to provide housing for foster youth who are transitioning/aging-out of foster care into independent living. She will provide transitional housing and permanent housing options through scattered sites in the community, she said. — MARK SCHLACHTENHAUFEN

November 2014 | The Business Times

Megan Greve Kitchen Designer

ecently chosen to join the National Kitchen and Bath Association 2015 “30 Under 30” program, Megan Greve joins a select group of young professionals who are excelling in today’s kitchen and bath industry. Greve began working at Edmond Kitchen & Bath in January 2007, and she will be recognized during the annual KBIS in Las Vegas on Jan. 20-22. We will be provided new opportunities for growth and development as well as acknowledgement of our current success. It is a great program and I am so excited for the opportunity,” the 29-year-old Greve said. A Registered Interior Designer, Greve attended the University of Central Oklahoma where she met and married her husband, Logan, in 2005. They moved to Edmond in 2006. “We carefully considered where we wanted to live. Ultimately, we chose Edmond because of the safety and excellent school systems, and it certainly didn’t hurt that it was close to college for me. Those are some of the same reasons we have stayed here. I am proud to call Edmond my home,” Megan said. Greve graduated with honors from the University of Central Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior

November 2014 | The Business Times

Design in 2008 and was chosen by the faculty to receive the Award of Excellence for the top graduating interior designer. She has since become both a registered interior designer with the state of Oklahoma and become National Council for Interior Design Qualification certified. Since 2007, Greve has been an integral part of the team at Edmond Kitchen & Bath LLC. The company provides fullservice design/build and remodels to the greater Oklahoma City area including Norman, Weatherford and Stillwater and specializes in large, creative, detail-oriented and challenging projects. Greve said Edmond Kitchen and Bath recently finished a 5,000 square foot showroom inside Hahn Appliance in Oklahoma City. “This venture was a unique collaboration between an appliance retailer and a kitchen design/build company. It was an amazing experience that afforded me many opportunities and learning experiences,” Greve said. In her personal life, Greve and her husband enjoy gardening and cooking with slow food principles, which emphasize taking pleasure in the processes of cooking, eating and sharing meals. — PATTY MILLER

Wesley Knight Banker

esley Knight started out like a lot of students entering college thinking they wanted to major in one field and end up doing something totally different for a career. Knight, 37, graduated from Putnam City West High School and enrolled at the University of Central Oklahoma majoring in psychology. It didn’t take Knight long to realize he wanted something different so he left UCO and entered the workforce, which eventually led him to the world of banking. Today, he serves as vice president of small business banking for Bank of America in the Edmond and north Oklahoma City area. He has been in that position since June 2013. “I had always been curious about, and interested in people’s behaviors, motivations, tendencies,” Knight said. “Also, I really liked the thought of the opportunity to help and advise people. So, when I enrolled at UCO, I picked psychology as my major. After a couple of years I realized that while I was still interested in the field, I wasn’t sure that I wanted to do it as a career. I decided to get out and work.” Knight said his first finance job came as a mortgage loan officer. “I really enjoyed that,” he said. “I realized that I enjoyed the numbers, the creativity around putting loans together, and that I was in a position to help people financially.” He later landed a job as a personal banker “I found that I really enjoyed how varied the job was,” Knight said. “I eventually got licensed to sell investments with my Series 6 and 63 and then was in a position to further provide advice and guidance to those clients. I think that’s what eventually made me realize that I really enjoyed banking

and that there was just so many ways we could work with, and help, our clients.” Knight began his banking career with Bank of America in 2009 where he served as an assistant vice-president/ branch manager. He left BOA and went to work for Bank of Oklahoma from 2012 to 2013 before being asked to return to BOA to help run its small business banking program. Knight graduated in 2012 from UCO with a degree in finance. He said he has been able to use his experience in finance helping small businesses to succeed. “Throughout the last five years, I’ve been fortunate enough to work with hundreds of business owners, and provide millions of dollars in financing that have helped grow companies. Whether it’s resulted in a company adding jobs, or working more efficiently, it’s extremely rewarding. I can’t imagine myself doing anything other than working in banking, with business clients,” he said. Knight serves on the board of the BOA Foundation Grant Committee charitable foundation. In 2013, the foundation gave more than $1.3 million to help Oklahoma nonprofit community organizations deliver services that address housing, hunger and workforce development. Knight is also involved in other service capacities. He is a board member for the Bella Foundation, a volunteer for Rebuilding Together OKC and is a mentor to the UCO College of Business Broncho Business Leaders program. “It has been a lot of fun to give some guidance and to give back,” he said of the UCO Business Leaders program. Knight said one of the ways he likes to relax from work is watching Denver Broncho games with his girlfriend Laura. — Van Mitchell

November 2014 | The Business Times

Jessica Lyle

Marketing/Community Relations

essica Lyle, 29, and her husband Josh Lyle live in Oklahoma City but she spends her days in Edmond as community relations coordinator for Edmond Electric. She has worked for the City of Edmond for nearly five years. Within the past year she transferred to Edmond Electric where community involvement keeps her dedicated to her work. “I get to be out in the community a lot more than what I was prior to (this),” Lyle said. “But even in my previous capacity as marketing assistant, I still got to deal with the community a lot.” The city is a great place serve as a professional in an atmosphere of engagement and excellent benefits, Lyle said. “They really take care of you,” she said. “The people are great to work with and there’s always something new to learn.” She worked for Citizens Bank of Edmond before she graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma in 2008. Lyle earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with emphasis in marketing and communications.

November 2014 | The Business Times

Her visibility is sought after as a professional and community leader. Lyle considers herself to be an outgoing young professional, who strives to do her best at everything that crosses my path. “I love new challenges and welcome them. I am a quick learner and am very passionate about finding new ways to do certain tasks,” she said. Today, she stays involved with the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce where she currently is going through Leadership Edmond. Lyle is also a Chamber Ambassador and a member of Edmond Young Professionals. She is on the chamber’s Military Affairs Council. Leadership is being a resource so that people know they can come to you for advice, she said, whether it’s in her field of work or outside of it. “I have seen a lot of growth,” she said. “Even though I am not a resident of Edmond, we are looking to move here in the future. The people here are really good. … I like that hometown feel.” — James Coburn

Trevor Randall Insurance Agent

revor Randall, 32, of Edmond, proprietor of a Farmers Insurance agency in Edmond, is a seventime qualifier for the company’s Topper Club, an achievement only the top 8-10 percent of agents in the country qualify for out of 14,000 agents. In 2013, fueled by a competitive drive to succeed, Randall finished third in Oklahoma with Farmers for homeowners insurance. Randall has well-trained staff members; if they do not know the answer to a client’s question they will work hard to find it, he said. Randall graduated from Edmond Memorial High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in business marketing from the University of Oklahoma. One of his first jobs out of college was working for another agent as a commercial producer and that exposure influenced his decision to pursue a career as an agent. “I love meeting people of all walks of life daily, and being able to help people build and protect the assets that they work hard for and to hopefully retire with security,” Randall said. He sells insurance options including earthquake coverage,

a growing need in recent years in the Edmond area. He sells flood insurance, builder’s risk insurance and business insurance. He also offers health insurance. Randall never stops networking, always building connections with individuals and businesses he can help or can help him and his customers, whether for insurance needs or other matters. He has been a leader for a Farmers disaster response team in the Moore tornado effort, assisting with food, water and claims assistance. He has volunteered for the United Way, cooking hundreds of hamburgers for the homeless and needy. He also volunteers with the Salvation Army as a bell ringer during the holidays. In August 2009, Randall married his wife Amber. He spends time away from the office with Amber, their children Presley and Chase and their two German shepherds. Randall and his family enjoy church, OU athletics, going to the lake, going to the gym and watching pretty much any sport. Amber plays in a soccer league and he plays in a basketball league. — Mark Schlachtenhaufen

November 2014 | The Business Times

Dana Rayburn Accountant

ana Rayburn knew something was missing in her life after graduating college and her professional career wasn’t giving her the fulfillment she wanted. So, the Edmond native, 40, went back to school to earn her degree in accounting and now is a partner at Cannon and Rayburn CPAs at 35 W. Main St. in Edmond. She has been a business partner since 2012. “I worked for the Federal Aviation Administration and I later went to OU and earned my liberal studies degree,” Rayburn said. “I always wanted to be an accountant, just like my grandpa, so I went back to UCO and earned my accounting degree and then got my CPA license.” Rayburn later went to work for Cole and Reed and later Kevin Burnett and Associates before the opportunity arrived to own her own CPA firm. “Right after graduation from UCO, I got my first job at a small firm as a bookkeeper,” Rayburn said. “I didn’t even know I liked taxes until I finished the annual bookkeeping for a client and my boss asked if I wanted to prepare the tax returns and I said yes. That is how I became a tax preparer.” Rayburn said she first partnered with Brenda Cannon and Randy Cannon joined a year later. She said the business partnership has been a blessing and was opened with no debt. In November of 2013, the firm became a Dave Ramsey Local Endorsed Provider. “We are so blessed here,” Rayburn said. “A lot of clients

November 2014 | The Business Times

followed me. People have been genuinely welcoming and the referrals have been amazing. We have doubled in size since just last year. We are a very casual, warm firm.” Rayburn said being her own boss is challenging but worth it. “I have learned to manage my time better,” she said of her multiple duties. “I call my clients when it is time to bring their stuff in and give them deadlines. I am pretty proactive. It’s harder but I know if I work harder the rewards will be greater. I wouldn’t have it any other way. It has been a great blessing.” Rayburn, who is married to her husband Greg, has a 21-year-old son Brock, 19-year-old step-daughter Alexis and 15-year-old step-daughter Raynee. Rayburn recently became involved with Leadership Edmond, which she says has given her a new sense and appreciation of how her local government and community work. “I woke up at 40 and wanted to be more involved with my government and my community,” she said. “I was tired of being mad because I didn’t know how to do anything about it.” Rayburn said she enjoys coming to work each day and helping her clients with taxes and their businesses. “I really care about my clients and I want to help them minimize their taxes,” she said. “I want them to know we are here for them.” — Van Mitchell

Ryan Siler Marketing Director

hen Ryan Siler and his wife Alyssa found out their daughter Hayden was born with Cystic Fibrosis, the Edmond couple decided to take action working to find a cure for CF. And, for Siler, that passion and dedication is also shown in his work as director, student affairs marketing and communications at the University of Central Oklahoma. “We knew she had the disease when she was born,” Siler said. “My wife and I decided we weren’t going to be that woe is me family. We may be knocked down but we are going to get up and we are going to fight this and do all we can to go out and find a cure and help support this disease and this organization.” Siler said they became co-chairs for the Breath of Life gala, which is the main fundraiser for the Sooner Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. “It has changed our life tremendously. We have been doing it for eight years now. That has really taught me a lot about the right way to do fundraising and the right way to perform development in this role,” he said. “It is what I have applied to my job now. It’s telling the story. It is why we have been successful.” CF is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder that affects mostly the lungs but also the pancreas, liver and intestine. Difficulty breathing is the most serious symptom and results from frequent lung infections. There is no cure for CF, but several treatment methods are available. In the United States, about 30,000 individuals have CF. Siler, 40, grew up in Edmond and graduated from Edmond Memorial High School before attending Tulsa University on a track and cross country scholarship. After graduating college, Siler worked in a variety of capacities in public relations, marketing, sales and project

management before arriving at UCO where he worked as development manager for the Wellness Department and was a part of the team promoting UCO’s Endeavor Games. Siler proved so successful at that job that he was asked to become director of marketing and communications under the Student Affairs division. The First Presbyterian Church of Edmond member said his job is a calling. “Through my faith I feel like I am called to be here,” he said. “I believe much is expected of me. That is how I try to live my life.” Siler said his athletic background has enabled to find a balance between work, family and his passion for running. He is a member of the Red Coyote running club and has run in races across the state and nation including the Boston Marathon where two years ago he ran a personal best. Siler said after that race he returned to his hotel near the race finish line when two bombs were exploded killing three people and injuring an estimated 264 others. “It was a bitter sweet experience because it was a good race for me,” he said. “After realizing what happened I called my wife and told her I was OK. The whole city was on lock down. It was horrible and devastating. It was like watching a bad movie.” Siler said he enjoys living and working in his hometown and feels blessed to lead the life he does. “It means a lot to me because having grown up in Edmond and having the opportunity to live and work here and contribute to the growth of Edmond is an absolute blessing and I don’t take it for granted,” Siler said. “It has really been an exciting journey and we have only just begun.” — Van Mitchell

November 2014 | The Business Times

Sommer Skinner Director of Operations

ommer Skinner was ready to move into her office the new Mercy Edmond, Interstate 35 location before a tornado struck the facility in 2013. The damage delayed the opening of the multispecialty facility, surgery center and fitness center at 15th Street and Interstate 35 for more than a year. But, Skinner, who serves as the director of operations for Mercy Edmond I-35, said the delay allowed Mercy officials to re-evaluate what the new facility would offer. “For the past year and a half we have been working on the building, the design, the move in and the opening here on I-35,” Skinner said. “It did give us the opportunity to look back and add some services that we didn’t originally plan on being here. We had that time to talk with our physicians and our patients to determine what are some services that would benefit us and the patients. Dermatology and behavioral health are some of those that come to mind.” Skinner, 31, grew up in Oklahoma City and attended the University of Oklahoma where she earned a bachelor’s degree in health and exercise sciences. She later earned her master’s degree in health care administration from OU Health Sciences. “I always knew I had an interest in health care and I didn’t know which path I wanted to take,” she said. “I got my undergraduate degree in health and exercise science and from there I decided from there that I wanted to get into

November 2014 | The Business Times

more of the administration and operations of health care and still have an impact on the patients and the community.” After graduating, Skinner went to work for Medibis, which merged with another company and became GenASCis LLC. She later took a job with Mercy’s physician recruitment department and then in Mercy’s clinic administration working as manager of strategic initiatives. Skinner has been with Mercy for five years and currently oversees the day-to-day business operations of the new facility. “It essentially means that from when a patient walks in the door to the minute they leave that they are able to get through the process,” Skinner said. “We work on staffing, patient complaints, supplies and budget, to patient and employee satisfaction. Basically I oversee everything and anything that happens in this building on a daily basis.” Skinner lives in Norman with her husband Grant and their 15-month-old daughter Savannah. She is currently going through the latest class of Leadership Edmond. Skinner said a favorite part of her job is getting to interact with patients and their families. “Edmond with all its walking and biking trails does have a focus on wellness,” she said. “I think Mercy having a site here really complements what Edmond is trying to do.” — Van Mitchell

Matt Stansbury Business Owner

att Stansberry is a familiar face in town with his band Matt Stansberry & The Romance, a band he started in 2011. He is also owner of Nominee Design Studio, which he formed in 2010. His band plays a variety of festivals, concerts and events across Edmond and the Oklahoma City metro that keep him plugged into the music scene and community-based events. “My company recently worked alongside Citizens Bank of Edmond to launch the first Heard on Hurd in downtown Edmond this year,” said Stansberry, 33. Stansberry attended Edmond Public Schools and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies at Oklahoma Christian University in 2004. Nominee Design Studio allows him to continue working with bands, record labels and management companies from all across the world, including projects for Peter Gabriel, Radiohead and Alabama Shakes. “My band can be based here, release albums and actively tour. It truly is the best of all worlds,” he said of living and working in Edmond. Stansberry volunteers through various music projects.

Sometimes it is through performing a fundraiser or charity event, but more times than not it is helping up-and-coming artists. When he is not playing music or working on design/ web projects, he spends time attending local events and supporting local restaurants. “We also worked on OKC Fest, the Peace Love and Goodwill Festival and a variety of other clients in the area including Organic Squeeze and Coolgreens,” Stansberry said. Stansberry and his wife, Mandy, attend Memorial Road Church of Christ with their three daughters including Vivian, 6, Violet, 5, and Vera, 2. “She’s an amazing mother and talented professional photographer,” he said of Mandy. Edmond is home, he said. Stansberry said he enjoys his co-workers at Nominee, along with the friends that he and his wife have developed very strong relationships with through the years. Family and friends keep them rooted, he said. — JAMES COBURN

November 2014 | The Business Times

Addison Stewart District Sales Coordinator

Stewart grew up in west Texas and didn’t think he would leave his home state unless the right business opportunity came along. He chose the latter and serves as district sales coordinator for Aflac covering Oklahoma and parts of Kansas, Texas, Arkansas and Missouri. “I love Edmond,” he said. “I have no intentions of leaving anytime soon.” He worked for Aflac in the Dallas-Fort Worth area before coming to Edmond. His office is at 3501 French Park Drive, Suite 80. Stewart said he spends about 75 percent of his time on the road visiting with clients and other Aflac managers. “I am a district sales manager,” he said. “What that means is that I manage about 180 to 200 accounts that vary in size from three to 1,200. We do work site benefits for businesses. I take care of everything from sales to back-end work, to putting out fires to training other agents. I have about six agents that I manage. About 75 percent of my time is not here. I am in the field.” Stewart said he enjoys the variety that his job offers him. “I am my own boss,” he said. “There is never a dull day. I am always in a different place working. I could be working in a white-collar law office one day and a warehouse the next.” Stewart said there have been a number of changes in insurance this year especially with the implantation of the Affordable Care Act. He said keeping up with all the evolving changes to the

November 2014 | The Business Times

federal health care law has been challenging. “The biggest challenge has been the health care reform and that revolving door of how often that changes and everybody’s perception of it,” he said. “The hardest part of it up until Jan. 1 of this year was getting people to come to terms that it was going to happen. Since then it has been keeping up with things that change.” Stewart said he tries to be involved with the community as much as possible and is a member of the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce and Edmond Young Professionals. When he isn’t working, Stewart said he likes to relax in the outdoors. “I like to work hard and play harder,” he said. “I hunt a lot, I play basketball and I go to the lake as often as I can. That is my stress relief.” Stewart said his future plans are continue to grow with Aflac. “I see myself growing with this,” he said. “It has grown faster than I ever anticipated. I am very thankful for that.”He equates starting his new venture to playing a round of golf and listening to God. “You get out there and hit a few good shots and you think you got the hang of it but then you shank it,” Baldwin said. “You think it is going to go down like you have conceived in your mind but it goes a completely different way. It goes the way God intended it to go. You have to be receptive enough to allow that to happen and use it the way He wants.” — Van Mitchell

Diana Vermeire Attorney

s a working parent, general litigator and employment law attorney, Diana Vermeire balances her life with family, work and community outreach through volunteerism. Her legal work with the firm GableGotwals lets Vermeire shine as a results-oriented advocate who works tirelessly on behalf of her clients. GableGotwals lists Vermeire’s extensive experience in the corporate and nonprofit sectors. Her service includes state and federal litigation; administrative, regulatory and legislative advocacy; policy analysis and management. Before joining Gable Gotwals, Vermeire served as a policy director of the American Civil Liberties Union Of Northern California. She and her husband Adam Vermeire have two sons, 5-year-old Luca and Beau, 3. “My older son just started at Centennial and so I’m trying to find time volunteering both in his classroom and

upcoming field trips,” said Vermeire, 39. She also volunteers with Oklahoma City Public Schools, Allied Arts and is a member of the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce Advisory Board. “Being out in the community and giving back certainly makes for a better life for the individual, for me,” Vermeire said. “But I also think it helps to grow the community.” Vermeire earned her juris doctorate at the Georgetown University Law Center after receiving a Bachelor of Art degree in Sociology at the University of Southern California. She returned to Edmond two years ago after living in other states. “It’s pretty amazing having gone to middle school and high school in Edmond and graduating from Edmond Public Schools to see the growth that has occurred in the past 20 years and to be a part of such a great community,” she said. — James Coburn

November 2014 | The Business Times

Toni Washington Food Service Coordinator

wo years ago when Edmond Mobile Meals started expanding and it became necessary to hire someone to help plan and organize the meal preparation, Toni Washington came on board with the organization that helps feed more than 200 home-bound residents a day. In August of 2012, Washington, 29, said during her interview process she drove past a sign that said, “Edmond, A Place to Grow.” “I prayed right then and there that this is where I would end up,” Washington said. As the food service coordinator, Washington’s job entails menu development, cooking and prep work, volunteer cook coordinating and supervising, cost comparison, inventory, ordering, community and client correspondence and just about everything that has to do with the food served to Edmond’s homebound residents. Born and raised in Ardmore, Washington graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology in 2007 and returned to Ardmore to become the Grace Day Center director for the Grace Center of Southern Oklahoma. While there Washington later developed a kids cooking program, Kids Can Cook. She also began to cater different events as a hobby and discovered she loved making food for large parties.

November 2014 | The Business Times

“Edmond Mobile Meals provided the unique opportunity of continuing to work for a nonprofit while also performing my passion of cooking. I’ve loved how things are developing in this area and staying here keeps me active on the weekends after a long week of work and school. There is always something to do and I find myself feeling refreshed after a busy weekend of festivals and visiting eclectic restaurants and shops,” she said. As a current student of Culinary Arts at Platt College, her time is limited but she always has been involved in her church. A member of People’s Church in northwest Oklahoma City, she serves in the children’s ministry each Sunday and currently is an assistant teacher with 4 and 5 year olds. Through her community groups at People’s Church, she has helped serve food at the Jesus House, done landscaping at Star Spencer High School and played with youth at a local boys group home. “I now feel like I have been adopted into this community by an incredible organization and amazing volunteers. I am honored to be recognized in Edmond for doing what I truly love: Cooking for people, putting as much of myself as I can into each dish,” Washington said. — PATTY MILLER

Matt Winzeler Banker

att Winzeler was working in Tulsa as a loan review manager when he began thinking about moving back to his hometown of Oklahoma City. After his wife Salem landed a job in Oklahoma City, Winzeler followed suit getting hired as a loan review manager for Arvest Bank three years ago. Last May he started his new role at Arvest as a commercial banker at the West Edmond Road branch between Kelly and Santa Fe. “I grew up in northwest Oklahoma City and went to Putnam North High school,” Winzeler said. “After graduating from Oklahoma State University in 2009 I started for RDK& Associates, a bank consulting firm in Tulsa. I did that for a couple of years and I wanted to get back to this area.” Winzeler, 28, said he is enjoying his new position with the bank. “I am basically the liaison between businesses and the bank,” he said. “I try to help businesses and the way they manage their cash. It can be anything from commercial loans to helping them facilitate what they need as far as treasury management services to asset management services.” Keith Kersten, Edmond community bank president for Arvest Bank, said Winzeler is a welcomed addition to the Arvest team. “Matt is quickly grasping his new role on the commercial side of the bank including networking and relationship

development, credit analysis, and portfolio management,” Kersten said. “Additionally, he is continuing in his leadership role in the community by becoming involved with various civic organizations and trade associations. Matt is off to a great start as an emerging leader within our community.” Winzeler said his foray into banking profession almost didn’t happen. After graduating with a business management degree the national recession hit and jobs in his field of study were scarce. That is until a family member stepped in and suggested he give banking a try. “My uncle is involved with that company out of Tulsa and he really encouraged me to give it a look and he thought I would be good at banking,” Winzeler said. “I looked into it and the more I agreed that I would be a good fit. It was by accident and I am glad that I did.” Since returning home, Winzeler has become involved in a variety of church and civic activities. He and his wife and their daughter Hallie attend Crossings Community Church and he is currently going through the latest class of Leadership Edmond. “I have really enjoyed it (Leadership Edmond),” he said. “It is neat to see how the city works from the inside and how different parts of the city come together to make the big machine work. It has been neat to meet new people. There are a lot of unique and talented people in the program.” — VAN MITCHELL

November 2014 | The Business Times

Always inspiring. Congratulations, Sommer Skinner, director of operations for Mercy Edmond I-35 and honoree of The Business Timesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Top 20 Under 40. Your Mercy colleagues thank you for your commitment, innovation and leadership. Your life is our lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work. mercy.net

MATT WINZELER COMMERCIAL BANKER Arvest would like to applaud Matt Winzeler, Commercial Banker, for his tremendous achievement of being recognized by the Business Times as one of their achievers under 40! (405) 419-3830 NMLS# 1196678 arvest.com

Member FDIC 28

November 2014 | The Business Times

Congratulations to

Jessica Lyle Business Times of Edmond

20 Under 40

The Central family congratulates Ryan Siler on being named among the 2014 “Top 20 under 40” by the Edmond Business Times!

Live Central

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL OKLAHOMA Edmond, OK • (405) 974-2000 • www.uco.edu TM

November 2014 | The Business Times

Ryan Siler Director of Marketing and Development Division of Student Affairs

business matters

Nick Massey Astute Investor

How Will You Spend Your Pay Raise?

ood news! According to the Census Bureau, in 2013 the inflation-adjusted median income in the U.S. soared from $51,759 to $51,939. A whopping $180 per year or $15 per month! How will you spend that big raise? Keep in mind that this windfall doesn’t show up in a lump sum. Instead, the funds show up as part of your ongoing wage, so arguably in monthly installments. So what to do with 15 bucks? Dinner and a movie? Hmmm. That would be difficult since the average meal out costs around $10 and the typical movie ticket is $8.38. This might be workable if the meal came from fast food (average cost $6.50), but if a babysitter is to be considered then it’s a no-go. How about a little more fuel in the tank? Well, energy costs fell in the past couple of months, but gas is still around $3 per gallon, so $15 would only buy about 5 gallons. That seems a little underwhelming. Maybe a monthly gym membership to take off some of the pounds put on by eating cheap fast food? Well, no, since the average gym runs $39.35 per month. Besides, even with the windfall, the average worker can’t buy a pair of jeans ($41.27), so what’s the point of working out? 32

November 2014 | The Business Times

If going out is too expensive and working out is too costly, then clearly people will choose to stay home. That’s good, because it appears that the one item people can afford with their newfound wealth is alcohol. The average bottle of wine is $12, while a six pack will set a person back $8. Now we’re talking! I know. This has been nothing but sarcasm so far. But the real problems with income in America are no laughing matter and the middle-class has been the most affected. Since 2007, median income has fallen every year until 2013, when the improvement was so slight that it was less than one-third of 1 percent. Even then, these numbers are adjusted for inflation as measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In their calculation of inflation, housing takes up more than 25 percent, so it acts as an anchor for all other categories. With food, education and medical costs all rising substantially in the past six years, it’s probable that the typical, homeowning family has experienced a much higher rate of inflation than what the BLS publishes in the consumer price index. Stories abound about investors, corporate leaders and bankers who’ve made fortunes since 2007. I’d imagine

many of them are true, given that corporate profits and equity markets both shot higher in the past six years. But for the typical American — the guy in the exact middle— financial life remains very difficult and half of all workers are worse off. We have years to go before the next generation — the millennials — pick up the baton and start spending with abandon. Meanwhile millions of Americans have to find a way to pay the daily bills, care for their children and prepare for their retirement. With incomes falling for five straight years and then a rebound of $180, this sounds like a situation setting up many people for failure. Thanks for reading. NICK MASSEY is a financial adviser and president of Householder Group Financial Advisors in Edmond. Massey can be reached at www.nickmassey.com. Investment advice offered through Householder Group Estate and Retirement Specialists, a registered investment adviser.

Business matters

Mike Crandall Growth S olutions

3 Steps to Shorter Sales Cycles

ost organizations (and most people) struggle needlessly with business/sales growth. Although it is seldom, if ever, easy it certainly can be easier than your current method. The vast majority of people spend way too much time on this causing them to work hard, when in fact they should work smart. Here are three things you should do to shorten your sales cycles. 1. Know exactly who you want to talk to when you call. Most organizations/ people have little if any clarity around who they want to talk to and ultimately sell to. Often we hear people say things like “I want to talk to anybody who … .” or “A good referral for us is anyone who needs … .” This causes us to think that everyone is a prospect we can sell to. Unfortunately it is also one of the greatest wasters of time, energy and money in sales/business growth. Ultimately it makes it hard to figure out who we should and should not spend time with. The more specific and clear we can be about this, the easier it is to ensure we are doing the right things, with the right people, at the right time.

November 2014 | The Business Times

2. Know exactly how to start the conversation. Once you know exactly who you want to talk to you can be extremely specific about how to start the conversation with them. Different people require we start conversations in different ways. When we know exactly who we want to talk to we can find much more personal ways to start the conversation. We may realize we know someone who can introduce us thus shortening the entire process greatly. Being specific about how to start ensures we are super-efficient with their time and with our own time. 3. Know exactly what the conversation should be. Once you know how to start the conversation you need to know what you want to talk about and what you want to happen during the conversation. The more specific you can detail what the conversation will be; sound like, etc., the easier it will be for you to ensure the appointments are a great use of time for them and for you. When we waste people’s time they do not think favorably of us ever. We get one shot at most opportunities and if you blow it you may never get another chance. The clearer you can be about what

you want to happen, the better chance you have at ensuring it will happen. Getting better at all three of these will allow you to save time, energy and possibly money in the process of growing your business/sales. Even getting better at one or two will make your life easier. So let me ask: Do you know exactly who you want to talk to, how to start the conversation and what you want the conversation to sound like? If you are honest with yourself you likely have great opportunity for improvement in one or more of the areas. If your answers bother you then find ways to begin working on it. If you are not sure how to work on fixing the issue/issues find a business growth consultant who can help.

MIKE CRANDALL lives in Edmond. He is a consultant, coach, trainer and speaker focused on sales, management and leadership development for proactive business growth. He can be reached via email at mike.crandall@sandler.com or by phone at 405-844-1700. For more information, go online to www.customgrowth.sandler.com.

Business matters

Tim Priebe Webifiable

Recurring Search Engine Activities on Your Website

n the past few issues, you’ve read search engine myths, learned how your ideal customer is looking for you and discovered some one-time activities that can help your search engine ranking. While all of those are important, the most powerful results come from taking that information and engaging in recurring activities. Just like dieting and exercising, you get the best results when you are active on a consistent, ongoing basis. Remember, the search engines are looking to match content with people looking for that content. So your ongoing activity should involve a lot of writing and publishing content. The most important place you should publish content is on your website. That’s where you have the most control of the environment. If your website is set up well, like we discussed last time, and you pair that with consistently updated content, your search engine ranking will rise over time. What kind of content do you need to publish? In today’s online ecosystem, blog articles are the best type of content. The content in those articles needs to fit all of the following requirements. • Useful to your audience — To know if your article is useful, use the acronym 36

November 2014 | The Business Times

P.I.E.: Promotional, Informational and Entertaining. The rule of thumb is that your blog articles should mostly be Informational to be useful to your audience. And if you think a given article is Informational, but it’s mostly information about your organization, it’s actually Promotional. • Quality writing — For quality writing, have other professionals you know and trust read your blog articles on a periodic basis, and give you honest feedback. If you’re like many other business owners and professionals, this may be the most challenging requirement. If your writing isn’t as good as you would like, it may be time to hire an outside person or organization to help. • Fit what your target market is looking for — To make sure the articles fit what your audience is looking for, just follow the practices I outlined in the column about how your ideal customer is looking for you. Put yourself in their mindset, searching as if you’ve never heard of you or your organization. Then make sure you write articles that fit those topics. • Updated on a consistent frequency — For frequency, I recommend a minimum of once a month. On the high end, once

a week seems to be the most often that someone can write articles if it’s not their primary job function. So if you’re the one running your business and blogging, the most you can probably keep up with is weekly. • Decent length — For length, a good rule of thumb is 300-600 words. But it’s OK to go a little shorter or quite a bit longer, as long as long as you’re sufficiently covering the topic you’re writing about. Don’t add fluff just to make it 300 words. And if it’s much longer than you’d like, consider splitting it into multiple articles. Blogging on a regular basis can be quite a bit of work, but can greatly help your ranking in the search engines. You will have to decide if it’s worth the investment of time for you. Of course, you may decide to have a professional help you on an ongoing basis to get the most consistent results. TIM PRIEBE is a public speaker, the author of the books “102 Tweets: Social Media Update Ideas for Businesses & Nonprofits” and “The Beginner’s Guide To Facebook Timeline for Business” and the owner of T&S Online Marketing in Edmond. He can be reached by email at tim@tandsgo.com, by phone at 405-285-0348 or online at www.tandsgo.com.

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business matters

JIM Denton L edger Lines

How to Set Goals That Can Be Accomplished E very year at about this time, some people start thinking about New Year’s resolutions. I must admit from my own experiences, that such a practice is fraught with peril and failure. In my own case, I’ve made resolutions to lose a few pounds. I made no plans. Just eat less, exercise more and the weight comes off. But all of the sudden, on Jan. 1, I’m reaching for the bag of dipping chips, a handful of spicy crackers, the liquid cheese in a can and something, anything chocolate before the second quarter of the first game on the first day of the year. Resolutions without plans are for amateurs. True goal setting is the way professionals do it. I doubt if anyone would dispute the strong relationship between setting and accomplishing worthwhile goals and the success of our businesses and careers. Virtually every successful businessperson that I’ve been around is a goal-oriented, driven person. Another characteristic is that they have the discipline to put aside everything that will distract them from achieving a goal. If such a goal is worthwhile, its achievement must be first and foremost. What are worthwhile goals? A worthwhile goal should be specific — such specificity keeps our mind focused on our goal and off the many distractions that will arise when we are striving to achieve it. A worthwhile goal should stretch our abilities. Our goal is a stretch goal if we’ve not done it before. A stretch goal is not easy and it moves us out of our comfort zone. Another characteristic is that the details of the tasks are not obvious to us at first. A worthwhile goal should be measurable. It has been said that if you can measure it, 38

November 2014 | The Business Times

you can manage it. I would say that it should be readily apparent to others by looking at your business that you have achieved the goal. Numerical results readily demonstrate a measure of success. A worthwhile goal has an appropriate timeframe. Meaningful goals should have specific due dates. I recommend goals of four months or less. Goals with time periods longer than four months need check points that indicate when certain milestones should be reached. Examples of worthwhile goals that fit these characteristics could be a new service offering or product line for customers, an over-the-top sales amount for the quarter, a new certification, the hiring of a new specialized employee, a business succession plan and a staff training plan. A process to accomplish your worthwhile goal would be: 1. Clarify your goal. Express your goal in easy-to-understand terms that clearly spell out what the goal is. A good test would be for you to share your goal with others and ask them to tell you what they believe the goal means. Be sure to clarify in the end what the goal should look like. 2. Choose the proper goal period. Consider using shorter periods of time than a year, such as quarters or trimesters. 3. Identify detailed tasks. Specifically identify and write down every task that must be accomplished to achieve the goal. If there is a logical order to accomplishing any of the tasks, show that in your list. 4. Assign due dates for each task. Commit to working on your goal a set number of hours per week. Calendar your due dates,

time slots and milestones. 5. Establish a system of accountability. Regularly report your progress to someone else and become self-accountable. 6. Show strong discipline and determination. You are never going to get really good at accomplishing goals if you don’t develop a high level of commitment to accomplish every goal you set. For example, let’s say I want to increase our annual sales by 20 percent over the next two years. How can I do that? First, I make clear what I want to happen by specifically stating (or clarifying) what the goal achievement would look like. I would then choose an initial goal period of one quarter so that I would be able to look at results and visualize the next steps for the following quarter. I would write down the specific steps and develop the logical order of steps to be taken. I would then assign the due dates for the tasks and assure that several hours each week are devoted to completing them. I would prepare a special sales report with our quarterly and overall goal appearing on it, present it to my accountability partner and discuss my progress with him regularly. I would make necessary changes to my plan if things were not working. Lastly, and most importantly, I would make all of this a top priority in my business. Now, back to my weight-loss resolution. I’ll try a little harder next year. 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.

November 2014 | The Business Times

BUSINESS CALENDAR Planning Commission 5:30 p.m. Nov. 4 (First and third Tuesday) City Council Chambers 20 S. Littler Ave. Visit www.edmondok.com to find the agenda REI Women’s Business Center Women’s Business Breakfast 8:15-10 a.m. Nov. 6 Kamp’s 1910 Café 10 N.E. 10th St., Oklahoma City Free parking at Kamp’s and also on Ninth St. To register, go online to www.reiwbc.org City Council 5:30 p.m. Nov. 10 (Second and fourth Mondays) City Council Chambers 20 S. Littler Ave. Visit www.edmondok.com to find the agenda Boulevard Rotary Club 6-7 p.m. Nov. 10 (Club meets every Monday) Louie’s Bar and Grill 1201 N.W. 178th St., Suite 101 For more information, http://facebook.com/ BoulevardRotary Centennial Kiwanis Club 6 p.m. Nov. 10 (Club meets every Monday) Italian Jim’s Restaurant 13 S. Broadway Edmond Summit Rotary Club 7 a.m. Nov. 11 (Meets every Tuesday) Mercy I-35 2017 W. I-35 Frontage Road For more information, call 405-CUEARLY

Oklahoma City American Marketing Association 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 13 (Second Thursday of the month) Will Rogers Theatre 4322 N. Western Ave., Oklahoma City, 73118 For more information, www.amaokc.org

Edmond Kiwanis Club Noon Nov. 12 (Club meets every Wednesday) Cherokee Room in Nigh University Center 100 N. University Drive Edmond Rotary Club Noon Nov. 12 (Club meets every Wednesday) Mercy at I-35 20147 W. I-35 Frontage Road For more information, facebook.com/ rotaryclubofedmond

Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours 5:30-7 p.m. Nov. 13 Twelve Oaks Restaurant 6100 N. Midwest Boulevard. No RSVP required for chamber members; cost free

Edmond Exchange Club 7 a.m. Nov. 13 (Club meets every Thursday) Room 213 in the Nigh University Center 100 N. University Drive For more information about the club, visit www.facebook.com/ EdmondMorningExchangeClub

Edmond Young Professionals EYP Leadership Latte 7:30-9 a.m. Nov. 18 Coffee Commission 309 S. Bryant Ave., Ste. 230 Speaker: Jill Castilla, president of Citizens Bank of Edmond RSVP required to www.edmondchamber.com. Seating is limited for this event

November 2014 | The Business Times

City Council 5:30 p.m. Nov. 24 (Second and fourth Monday) City Council Chambers 20 S. Littler Ave. Visit www.edmondok.com to find the agenda

Launch Pad FT Discovery at Lunchtime seminar Noon to 1 p.m. Nov. 18 Speaker: Joseph Palmer of Bott Radio Network Topic: What You Don’t Know About Google Can Help Your Competition Cost: Free. Call Launch Pad FT Business Incubator at 717-7730 to register

Edmond NARFE Chapter Monthly meeting for national active and retired federal employees 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 25 (Fourth Tuesday of the month) Oklahoma Christian University 2501 E. Memorial Road Lunch cost is $8.50. For more information, call Barbara Pritchard at 405-249-1399.

Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce Business Development Luncheon 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 13 Edmond Chamber 825 E. Second St. Speaker: Panel discussion Topic: Social Media for Your Business RSVP required at www.edmondchamber.com; Planning Commission Cost: $15 per person or 5:30 p.m. Nov. 18 $20 for non-members (First and third Tuesday) City Council Chambers Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce 20 S. Littler Ave. Women’s Power Luncheon Visit www.edmondok.com to find the agenda 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Nov. 14 Speaker: Christine Clifford Topic: Let’s Close a Deal! Turn Contacts Into Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce Paying Customers for your Company, Product, Morning Mingle 8-9:30 a.m. Nov. 19 Service or Cause AT&T Quail Creek Golf & Country Club 1255 E. Second St. 3501 Quail Creek Road, Oklahoma City RSVP required at www.edmondchamber.com No RSVP required and event is free for chamber members. Cost $25 for members and $30 for non-members and late registration Oklahoma Professional Sales Association Monthly meeting Edmond AMBUCS 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 19 Noon Nov. 14 Colcold Hotel (Club meets every Friday) 15 N. Robinson Ave. Cherokee Room in Nigh University Center Speaker: Dick Greenly, founder of Water4 100 N. University Drive Call June Cartwright at 405-820-9667 for and owner of Pumps OK More information at www.okpsa.org more information Edmond Evening Lions Club 6 p.m. Nov. 11 (Club meets second and fourth Tuesday) Johnnie’s 33 E. 33rd St. For more information, call Bob Austin at 285-4980

Edmond Economic Development Authority Board of Trustees 8:15 a.m. Nov. 18 (Third Tuesday) 825 E. Second St. Visit www.eeda.com; Call 340-0116

Edmond Noon Exchange Club Noon Nov. 19 (Normally the fourth Wednesday of the month) Italian Jim’s Restaurant 13 S. Broadway To learn more, visit https://www.facebook.com/edmondexchange

Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce Membership Luncheon 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 4 Oak Tree Country Club 700 Country Club Drive RSVP required to www.edmondchamber.com. Cost is $25 for members and $30 for non-members and late registration.

TO ADD your business event to this free calendar, email the details to lshearer@edmondsun.com.

GROWING EDMOND

Photos PROVIDED | EDMOND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Ribbon Cuttings

Oak Tree Country Club celebrates renovation

Legend at Jefferson’s Garden celebrates 15th anniversary

Legend at Jefferson’s Garden recently had a ribbon cutting to celebrate the 15th anniversary of its Edmond location at 15401 N. Pennsylvania Ave. Legend Senior Living is dedicated to serving the individual needs and choices of residents. At Legend Senior Living, they offer services that celebrate the independence and individual choices of those they serve. Legend Senior Living operates Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care and Nursing Home residences in Kansas, Oklahoma and Florida. For more information, call 405-715-1717 or visit www.legendseniorliving.com.

Oak Tree Country Club recently had a ribbon cutting to celebrate opening its brand new dining space to members and guests after several months of being under construction. The club was purchased by ClubCorp, a Dallas-based company, in May of last year. ClubCorp owns or operates a portfolio of more than 150 golf and country clubs in 25 states, the District of Columbia and two foreign countries. Since Oak Tree was purchased by ClubCorp, the club has undergone a multimillion-dollar capital improvement project that added stylish new décor and social features to enhance daily life for the members and their guests. Renovations included a new bar, grille and lounge, a new covered outdoor terrace with fire pit, golf course improvements, updated fitness center, pool and tennis facility improvements. Anyone interested in a tour of the facility and more information about the club or membership is encouraged to attend. RSVP is appreciated at 405-340-1010.

Xcess LLC celebrates occupancy of Downtown Edmond Plaza

Xcess LLC recently had a ribbon cutting to celebrate reaching full occupancy in the Downtown Edmond Plaza, 100 N. Broadway in Edmond. The Downtown Edmond Plaza is home to notable Edmond companies: Summit Co., Nominee Design Studio, Tack Designs, Andrea Howard Cakes, Le Trouve Gifts, Textbook Brokers, Tax and Retirement Planning Inc. and Kannard Jewelers. Xcess LLC is also pleased to welcome the two newest businesses to the Downtown Edmond Plaza: H Interiors LLC, an interior design studio, and Tara Nichols, life coach and photography. For more information, call 405-974-9137. 42

November 2014 | The Business Times

Broadmark Corp. LLC joins Chamber

The Broadmark Corp. LLC recently had a ribbon cutting and open house to celebrate joining the Edmond Chamber. The Broadmark Corp LLC is at 1015G Waterwood Parkway, Suite D2 in Edmond. The Broadmark Corp. LLC is a full-service marketing firm that specializes in website design, web hosting, search engine optimization and social media management for your business. For more information, call 405-315-8724 or visit www.broadmarkcorp.com..

Business Briefs Anderson joins Arledge and Associates

Edmond attorney named ‘Lawyer of the Year’

Emily S. Anderson has joined the tax staff at Arledge and Associates PC, the Edmond accounting firm announced. A licensed CPA and attorney, Anderson earned her Juris Doctor from the Oklahoma City University School of Law and has an accounting degree from the University of Central Oklahoma. Emily Anderson Anderson brings private, corporate and government experience to her practice at the firm. Arledge and Associates PC is a recognized leader in the accounting industry offering practical solutions in the areas of tax planning, auditing, consulting, accounting advisor services and client accounting.

Edmond resident Eric R. King was recently named as 2015 Best Lawyers in America’s Oklahoma City “Lawyer of the Year” for Energy Law. King is a shareholder with the firm of GableGotwals. Only a single lawyer in each practice area and designated metropolitan area is honored as the “Lawyer of the Year” by Best Eric R. King Lawyers. Honorees are selected based on particularly impressive voting averages received during peer-review assessments. Receiving this designation reflects the high level of respect a lawyer has earned among other leading lawyers in the same community and practice area for ability, professionalism and integrity. King received his bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma Christian College and his JD from the University of Oklahoma College of Law. GableGotwals is a full-service law firm of more than 90 attorneys representing a diversified client base in Oklahoma, the Southwest and across the nation.

Edmond business owner named a Top 100 Champion Mike Crandall, the principal owner of Sandler Training in Oklahoma, has been named a Top 100 Champion in the 2014 Small Business Influencer Awards. Crandall is an Edmond resident and a regular contributor to The Business Times of Edmond. The Small Business Influencer Awards honor those who are Mike Crandall influential to small businesses in North America, through the products, services, knowledge, information or support they provide to the small business market. The awards are designed to recognize the unsung heroes of small businesses — those who support and encourage entrepreneurs and small business owners, and help them achieve success and stay successful. The Champions are selected by a panel of judges steeped in the small business market. The Small Business Influencer Awards, now in their fourth year, enable the small business community to nominate and show their support for those that influence and support them. The awards have an open nomination period, followed by community voting and then a judging period by a group of industryknowledgeable judges. The Small Business Influencer Awards initiative is produced by Small Business Trends, an online publication, serving more than 6 million small business owners, stakeholders and entrepreneurs annually, and SmallBizTechnology.com, a media company that produces online content and live events educating small and midsized companies on how to strategically use technology as a tool to grow their businesses. The awards can be found on the web at: SMBInfluencers.com.

Online expert releases new blogging book Tim Priebe, owner of T&S Online Marketing in Edmond, recently released his newest business book, “Blog a Week: 52 Weeks of Business Blogging Topics.” Priebe, a regular contributor to The Business Times of Edmond, often writes about the benefits of blogging to businesses. In his newest book, he takes that advice Tim Priebe and turns it into a year’s worth of ideas to help business owners stay fresh as they establish their credibility as experts in their business or industry. Priebe says the book stops the dreaded writer’s block from destroying business owners’ good blogging intentions. He credits the book’s content as being suitable for any organization that wants to blog. His other books include “102 Tweets: Social Media Update Ideas for Businesses & Nonprofits” and “The Beginner’s Guide to Facebook Timeline for Business.” “Blog a Week” may be purchased online at Amazon, Lulu or the author’s website at blogaweek.com.

November 2014 | The Business Times

Business Book Review

by Terri Schlichenmeyer | The bookworm sez

“Glass Jaw: A Manifesto for Defending Fragile Reputations in an Age of Instant Scandal” by Eric Dezenhall c.2014, Twelve $27.00 / $30.00 Canada 288 pages

Eric Dezenhall Credit: Amy Raab

ometime overnight, your world exploded. Everything was fine when you left work yesterday. Never was heard a discouraging word all evening. But while you were sleeping, some snarky comments were posted on social media, and it went viral. Now you’ve got a mess to tamp down, apologies to make and a reputation to protect. But where do you begin? Can your business survive this sudden scandal? Author Eric Dezenhall says yes, but you need to proceed with caution. In his new book “Glass Jaw,” he explains. Your business is not indestructible. Maybe it used to be. Maybe, in a world long gone, it would’ve been iron-strong but today, your company is more fragile than you think it is. It’s altogether too easy for someone to hurt what you’ve built — and if, as they say in pugilistic circles, you can’t take a punch, then you have a glass jaw. For the most part, we can thank the internet for this. “Prior to current media conditions,” says Dezenhall, “we sinners could deny things, discreetly repent, or move on and reinvent ourselves.” Today, mistakes and rumors live online permanently, comments can be posted anonymously, web-based criticism may be unnecessarily vicious and scandal-lovers really don’t care if the allegations are true or not. Dezenhall calls it the “Fiasco Vortex,” in which the rumor or scandal whirls and circles like a cyclone until it’s uncontrollably “spread beyond the reach of available treatments.” And by “treatments,” he doesn’t mean you should hire a spin doctor or PR team to make the problem go away; those “experts may not be experts at all,” says Dezenhall, and employing them can backfire spectacularly. 44

November 2014 | The Business Times

Starting today, when it comes to your business’s reputation, remember that electronic communication lasts forever, “your challenge is someone else’s meal ticket,” and that “there are cameras everywhere.” Understand that social media can be your enemy as well as your friend. Ignore the clean-up clichés; they’re “baseless” and they won’t do you any good. Know the “ingredients of a scandal,” and forget about trying to “manage” a problem. Above all, remember that “Realism is the main ingredient in a survival cocktail. Getting knocked down can be healthy, provided that the experience frightens but doesn’t destroy.” I can’t think of a whole lot of things worse than waking up to a scandal — especially if it was a groundless attack from out of the blue. What’s perhaps scariest is that it can easily happen — and “Glass Jaw” explains what to do. Author Eric Dezenhall once worked in the White House, where spin is in, and that gives his words a definite weight. He’s blunt and commonsensical here but with a sureness that’s almost calming, and that absolutely helps when you’re in the thick of things. He then goes on to offer advice on standing up, shutting up and cleaning up. It’s frightening to think about your business’s vulnerability but since, of course, you’re best forearmed, you’ll want this on your office bookshelf. For anyone who runs a business today, having “Glass Jaw” is good ammo. Terri Schlichenmeyer is a book reviewer in Wisconsin. She may be reached via email at bookwormsez@yahoo.com.

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LAST LOOK

Craft Beer House Gets City Council’s OK By James Coburn | The Business Times

Photo by James Coburn | The Business Times

he Patriarch Craft Beer House and Lawn may open for business at 9 E. Edwards now that the Edmond City Council approved its site plan in late October by a vote of 4-1. Councilwoman Elizabeth Waner voted against the item. Applicant Steven Russell also gained approval earlier this month by the Central Edmond Urban Development Board, said Jan Fees, city planner for the Central Urban District. “In my mind it’s two thumbs up,” said Darrell Davis, city councilman. Russell and Bryce Thompson will revitalize a 1903 Victorian home at 9 E. Edwards. Hours of operation would be from 3 p.m. to midnight. This three-story 2,117-square-foot home was built by William Hunt. “There will be no food prepared in the actual building of the house,” Fees said. Only alcoholic beverages will be available in the building. The alcohol content will exceed 51 percent of the beverage, so a 21year age limitation will apply. Food trucks will sell food to patrons outside of the project, Fees said. The applicant will need to submit a property survey showing that the Patriarch exceeds the 300 feet of separation space from the business to the nearby Special Services School, Fees said. Four parking spaces are required for the building, based on its size, Fees said. There are no sensitive borders for the project. “The Fine Arts Institute does not have concerns about the Patriarch as neighbors,” said Shannon Price, executive director of the Fine Arts Institute of Edmond. Some nearby business owners were concerned that the business would create parking problems in the area. “Clearly, four parking spaces is not an appropriate measure for this,” Waner said. “It will not work if everybody claims the same parking spaces.” 46

November 2014 | The Business Times

Councilman Nick Massey said there is enough public parking and shared parking opportunities in the area to accommodate the Patriarch. “I think frankly if we’re going to expand downtown, we need to get used to the idea that you’re not always going to be able to park right up next to where you want to go,” Massey said. Walking a couple of blocks is typical for an urban area, Massey said. Fees pointed out there is no city standard for these outdoor parking uses in the front and in the rear. “We need to have a plan so we can address this issue that is occurring downtown,” Waner said. The entire property will have a solid fence, Russell said. No residential properties are within 500 feet of the proposed business. The entire project may have as many as 250 people there with outdoor seating in the front and back yards, Fees said. Shared trash bin service will be used for waste collection on the site. The applicant would be responsible for paving the alley to the east of the property. City staff accepted a 16-foot-wide alley. “I honestly feel the kind of use that’s proposed is going to require a 20-foot alley, which would be at the cost of the trees regardless of whether or not they are healthy,” Waner said. Mayor Charles Lamb said he would favor the alley being reconstructed in the same alley width that exists to the north, whether that is 16 or 17 feet. A pecan tree in the Mitzi’s Park area of the Fine Arts Institute and mature elm trees that are farther south on the alley cannot be guaranteed to survive the alley’s reconstruction, said Ryan Ochsner, urban forestry coordinator. “I think this is a terrific project for the downtown sector and wherever we are going to achieve our goal of revitalizing downtown Edmond,” Massey said.

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