Business Times, Sept 2015

REYNOLDS REYNOLDS LINCOLN LINCOLN OF OF EDMOND EDMOND REYNOLDS LINCOLN OF EDMOND

616 616 W W MEMORIAL MEMORIAL RD RD OKLAHOMA CITY, OK OKLAHOMA CITY, RD OK 73114 73114 616 W MEMORIAL 405-475-9000 405-475-9000 OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73114 WWW.REYNOLDSLINCOLNOFEDMOND.COM WWW.REYNOLDSLINCOLNOFEDMOND.COM 405-475-9000 WWW.REYNOLDSLINCOLNOFEDMOND.COM

ED M O N D, O K LAH O MA

September 2015

VOL. 7 | NO. 9

PUBLISHER Karan Ediger 405-341-2121 kediger@edmondsun.com SALES TEAM Terri Bohanan Maegan Newport

CONTRIBUTING Mike Crandall WRITERS AND Jim Denton PHOTOGRAPHERS Cyndy Hoenig Patti Locklear Nick Massey Patty Miller Van Mitchell Karen Moore Tim Priebe

INSIDE

2015

21 leaders

for the twenty first century

21 Leaders for the 21st Century

Congratulations to this year’s 21 Leaders for the 21st Century achievement winners.

6 End of an Era for Commodity Futures Trading

32

On July 6, 2015, trading in the Chicago and New York commodity pits went from the open outcry system of trading (i.e. screaming and yelling with hand signals because you couldn’t hear anything above the roar), to the silence of electronic trading. Things will never be the same.

How To Achieve Great PR By Synching Social Media And Customer Service

Terri Schlichenmeyer

34

Customer service is undoubtedly one of the most measurable and effective uses of social media. Feedback can be provided quickly, interaction can be handled at a moment’s notice and in a uniquely personal manner.

PLAN FOR THE FUTURE WITH A 401(K)

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 © September 2015.

36

We all need to plan for the future and one way that we can accomplish this in our business is through qualified retirement plans.

There are various types of retirement plans available to small business owners. Most employees are accustomed to a Sec. 401(k) plan.

September 2015 | The Business Times

3

from our Publisher

Humira Saqib

T

o our Readers: When you are young, as in under 40, you begin to realize how important securing mentors are. Some of them will come easy such as a teacher, parent, boss, or pastor and others will come unexpectedly.

Humira Saqib is a woman from Afghanistan who recently visited The Edmond Sun. Humira is participating in the Peace through Business program in Oklahoma City.

Humira owns her own news agency, magazine and website in Afghanistan. Afghan Women News Agency is the first and only woman news agency in Afghanistan. It focuses on women’s issues, such as human rights, women in politics and the women’s movement.

In visiting with Humira we learned a lot about each other’s countries, businesses, familes and even touched on topics like religion, marriage and divorce, work/life balance and more. She met with each department and we were all amazed at her compassion and eagerness to share as well as learn. At the end of the day we agreed we would serve as life long mentors to each other.

Take opportunities when you can. Approach each situation with an open mind and be willing to teach as well as learn. You never know who will become a mentor. Better yet, you never know when you will touch someone’s life and become his or her mentor.

Congratulations to this year’s 21 Leaders for the 21st Centuryachievement winners. No doubt you’ve had some great mentors along the way.

4

September 2015 | The Business Times

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

6

September 2015 | The Business Times

leaders 21

for the twenty first century

Reg Aldrich

By Van Mitchell Special to The Business Times

R

eg Aldrich grew up on his family’s farm in the Grant County community of Deer Creek where he learned some of the core values he shares today both personally and professionally as a financial representative with Country Financial.

“I grew up in a small town where everybody knew everybody,” Aldrich said. “You were instilled with an ability to help make things better, and I feel if you don’t accept that responsibility and take that on yourself then you don’t have any reason to complain. Nothing starts until you do something.”

Aldrich, 30, graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with a business management degree. He later started an internship which led to his current position with Country Financial where he is licensed in Oklahoma and Kansas.

“I graduated in 2008 which was a very bad time to graduate, but I was lucky enough to have an internship with a subsidiary with Express Personnel and worked for a company called Claimetrics and then transitioned to Country Financial,” he said.

Aldrich said he knew early on in his career he wanted to be in sales.

“I knew that I wanted to be in sales, and I wanted to work with people and making a difference,” he said. “The best part is that I get to sit here and do that.”

Country Financial headquartered in Bloomington, Ill is a full-fledged insurance and financial planning firm.

“We sell everything from home and auto insurance to life insurance and wealth management services,” Aldrich said.

“We don’t look at just one aspect of your life. We look at your global financial picture so that we can build that into a financial plan and make sure all your bases are covered.”

Aldrich is married to his wife Carley and they attend LifeChurch in Edmond. He is involved with Edmond Young Professionals, Oklahoma Heritage Association 2nd Century, Acacia Fraternity Alumni Association, University of Central Oklahoma Alumni Association, Metro Area Referral Connection Group and Edmond Hope Center.

He likes to spend his downtime watching sports, reading, attending Oklahoma City Thunder games, listening to music and eating at local eateries.

“I don’t eat at the chain restaurants,” he said. “I want to support local businesses and I want the money to stay here.”

Aldrich said he has been blessed to have had a strong support system throughout his life.

“I am very grateful to have a great support system that starts with my wife and down to my family and friends and business partners,” he said.

September 2015 | The Business Times

7

leaders 21

for the twenty first century

Shandy Belford

By Van Mitchell Special to The Business Times

S

handy Belford appreciates BancFirst’s loyalty to the small towns and communities that make Oklahoma great. It was there, in a small Western Oklahoma community working in the family business, that Shandy’s father taught her, “In business, it is simple: Be the exception not the rule.

Exceptional is what sets you apart from the rest. “ Growing up in a small business and making trips to the bank with her father may have helped steer Shandy into banking. “I realized very early the dedication required and the financial challenges that came along with the rewards of owning and growing your own business” Shandy said.

However, it was applying that wisdom to other small businesses that would be the key to Shandy’s success throughout her banking career.

Shandy serves the Edmond area as Vice-President and Commercial Lender at BancFirst Edmond. It was the BancFirst philosophy of educating Oklahoma youth and their grass-roots way of doing business that drew Shandy to BancFirst. Shandy explained, “BancFirst believes investing in the youth of our state is the only way Oklahoma will prosper. When the students of Oklahoma are educated, then our communities will grow. It’s only when our communities flourish will the state follow. And only then will BancFirst be successful.”

8

September 2015 | The Business Times

Shandy attended Southwestern where she graduated with a double major that has served her well: Finance and Management Information Systems. Shandy resides in Edmond with her husband Chris of 16 years, along with their daughter Lauren, 13, son Trent, 10 and their youngest son, Cooper, four months.

Shandy was a member of Leadership Edmond Class XXVIII, and serves as the incoming chair for the Leadership Edmond committee. She in an annual volunteer for the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon and for Edmond Public Schools and served on the board for Safe Kids OK for eight years. “Giving of your time to the community is very important” she said, “However, helping kids in our community is where you will usually find me.”

Shandy offices at BancFirst Edmond located on Bryant, just north of 15th but is looking forward to the fall opening of the new BancFirst at Kelly and Covell. “With two Edmond locations, and more than 100 others around the state, BancFirst is truly vested in the communities we serve. I’m so proud of our community. I love helping keep Edmond exceptional.”

leaders 21

for the twenty first century

Kayla Blount

By Van Mitchell Special to The Business Times

K

ayla D. Blount loves helping people and knew that she needed a change from working in the retail industry.

That change came after a friend suggested she give working for Liberty Mutual Insurance a chance where she now serves as lead sales representative for her Edmond office.

“I’ve been with Liberty Mutual Insurance for over eight years,” she said. “I got into it by accident. A friend of mine worked here and I was trying to get out of retail and she thought this would be a perfect match for me. She was right! I absolutely loved it. I love being around and helping people.”

Blount said a favorite part of her job is helping provide guidance for her clients and their insurance needs.

“I love providing clients with professional guidance and advice on the types of insurance to purchase, to ensure all the assets they’ve worked so hard to obtain are protected,” Blount said. “This not only includes their homes, autos, toys and finances, but security to provide financial assistance after the death of a loved one with life insurance.”

Blount, a Waynoka native, said insurance is not a one size fits all solution.

“Everyone has different needs and priorities,” she said. “The consultative visits with our clients help ensure their needs are met, and is an opportunity to build lifelong relationships and learn more about the community we work and serve.”

Blount, a University of Central Oklahoma graduate, said hard work and dedication has paid off for her team.

“I’ve been very blessed at Liberty Mutual,” Blount said. “Hard work, dedication, genuine care for our clients and long hours with my team have produced great results. We are top producers nationally with Liberty Mutual Insurance and have won numerous awards; Pace Setter Award 2x, Pace Setter Plus 3x, Mentor Achievement Award and Liberty Leaders.”

Blount is a member of the Edmond Summit Rotary and also sits on the Board of Directors for Citizens Caring for Children.

She is also involved with the Oklahoma County Senior Nutrition Program Foundation and is a member of the National Federation of Republican Women, the Oklahoma Federation of Republican Women and Red State Republican Women.

Volunteering is also an important staple of life for Blount and her husband Jeff who have been married almost nine years. They are members of Life Church.tv.

“I am a workaholic. It’s my parent’s fault. This and doing the right thing even when no one is watching were instilled in us from a young age,” she said. “If I am not working, then I am volunteering somewhere. Outside of work I’m a member of the Edmond Summit Rotary and currently serve on the Board as a past president. On a monthly basis we participate in Mobile Meals, volunteer at the Hope Center and read to elementary students. I also sit of the Board of Directors for Citizens Caring for Children and am the past Board Chair. This organization keeps me going due to the everyday blessings of the children. If you speak to any of our staff or volunteers, the blessings we receive from serving far outweigh the blessings of what we give.”

Faith is also an important factor in Blount’s life.

“It (faith) leads you to do the right thing,” she said. “It makes you feel good and you know that you are making a difference.”

Blount and her husband stay busy with traveling, spending time with their combined 18 nieces and nephews, playing music and gardening.

Blount’s husband is a member of the local music group SuperFreak.

“On the weekends I call myself a band widow because they travel a lot,” she said. “During the summer he calls himself a garden widow because I am an avid gardener and in the garden every moment I can. I have 72 rose bushes and several flower beds. I absolutely love to garden. My rose garden, hosta, lily, hydrangea and butterfly beds are my escape into God’s beautiful creations.”

September 2015 | The Business Times

9

leaders 21

for the twenty first century

Chelsea Bradshaw

By Van Mitchell Special to The Business Times

C

helsea Bradshaw had planned to attend law school following graduation from the University of Central Oklahoma.

But those plans changed when she started working at Citizens Bank in Edmond and became interested in banking compliance.

Bradshaw, who graduated with a criminal justice degree, now serves as the bank’s SVP, Chief Risk Officer.

“I started at Citizens Bank of Edmond as a teller during my junior year in college at UCO,” Bradshaw said. “I was working on a degree in criminal justice in hopes of eventually practicing criminal law. I immediately became fascinated with banking compliance, specifically anti-money laundering practices, which became a great opportunity because very few people find compliance fascinating.”

Bradshaw, who has been with Citizens for 11 years, said she enjoys the opportunities that banking affords her.

“Upon graduation after working at the bank for a couple of years, I felt like my career calling was to continue in banking at Citizens Bank of Edmond,” she said. “I continue to enjoy the challenges and opportunities of ensuring the bank maintains satisfactory regulatory compliance.”

Bradshaw has worked in a variety of positions at the bank including full-time teller, senior teller, personal banker, retail manager, operations, accounts payable, compliance and internal control.

“I really love my job,” she said. “I love the many aspects of my job. My day is never the same. Nothing is set in stone. My role in compliance is to guarantee we are able

10

September 2015 | The Business Times

to serve the needs of all our customers while maintaining satisfactory regulatory status to ensure the bank is always here to serve you.”

Bradshaw said banking is an industry where the products remain basically the same and the distinguishing factor is customer service.

She said Citizens Bank prides itself on being customer-friendly.

“We are a local bank that knows our customers,” she said. “Our customers drive our innovation, strategies and momentum. And we look forward to serving them as soon as they walk through the door.”

Bradshaw said Citizens is also committed to giving back to the community. She said that commitment is spearheaded by Citizens President and CEO Jill Castilla.

“Jill really pushes us to get out there and be a part of the community,” she said. “We are here because of them. We want to impact the community and the people. Participation in the community is part of the job description and the variety in roles contributes to my job fulfillment.”

Bradshaw is married to her husband, Ryan, and they have one son, Brody. She said working at Citizens is like being part of a family.

“It is a sense of family,” she said. “We are all very close-knit and we have common goals.”

Bradshaw said working at Citizens has provided her the opportunity to learn from quality leadership.

“We have really great mentors here,” she said. “It is a great place of development both personally and professionally.”

leaders 21

for the twenty first century

Crystal Carte

By Van Mitchell Special to The Business Times

C

rystal Carte says she is in her element when she gets to help someone with a designing project in their home or business.

And she is utilizing her passion and talent through her own business Carte’s Interiors, located at 507 S. Coltrane in Edmond which she opened a week after graduating college from Oklahoma State University in 2011, with a bachelor’s degree in interior design.

“I have had a passion for designing livable, awe-inspiring family homes from a young age,” she said. “I opened a week after graduation after college. We have definitely grown more rapidly than I expected.”

Carte is following in her family’s footsteps as her father has operated US Tile and Granite and Carte’s Superior Homes for 30 years.

“Growing up in the industry gave me the insight of the functionality of the business at an early age,” Carte said. “I feel very fortunate to be able to work with my family.”

Carte’s Interiors started selling flooring and window treatments and has now added full-design service including kitchen and bath design as well as custom headboards and bedding.

Carte said she has worked hard to grow her business.

“Through referrals from satisfied clients my company has established an impressive and loyal clientele base,” she said.

While at OSU, Carte earned recognition for her carpet design for the OSU Student Union renovation project and has been selected to be an interior designer in the Symphony Show House for the last four years. She has also been recognized as a Cherokee Native Artist.

Carte, 28, is a member of the Edmond Women’s Club and was Acquisition Chair for the 2015 EWC Gala. She is also a chair for the 2016 EWC Gala. She has donated design services for the EWC Gala, Heart Ball and the Heart Line Gala.

Carte attends Life Church in Edmond and likes to spend her free time with family and friends.

She said being her own boss has been a rewarding experience.

“I love my job,” she said. “I enjoy that it is always different.

I don’t have a 9 to 5 desk job.”

Carte, an Edmond North High School graduate, said she wanted to come back to Edmond after college to start her career.

“I wanted to come back to Edmond to continue the legacy of my father’s company while making my own footprint in the industry,” she said.

September 2015 | The Business Times

11

leaders 21

for the twenty first century

Caleb Coldwater

By Van Mitchell Special to The Business Times

C

aleb Coldwater had been working for a metro area car dealership when he decided he wanted to do something else.

As he was looking for work, a friend suggested he apply as a bank teller which was a profession that initially wasn’t on his radar.

Nine years later he serves as managing professional banker and vice president of retail with Citizens Bank of Edmond.

“I knew someone who worked for IBC and I needed a job, so I was hired as a teller,” Coldwater said. “I never pictured myself being in banking. I was 19 when I started and barely knew how to manage a checking account. I have been in banking for nine years now and I am still surprised how much I enjoy banking. “ Coldwater was born in Liberal, Kan., and raised in Laverne where he graduated high school. He took some college classes before starting in banking at IBC in 2006 and a year later landed at Citizens.

He and his wife Meagan live in Edmond.

Coldwater says his philosophy in banking is to see every customer as a long-time friend.

“I want to treat every person as if they have been banking with us for years,” he said. “When you see a person as an actual person not as a customer, you form bonds. When bonds are formed, you develop real compassion for those customers. In order for an organization to be successful in community involvement, that organization must have compassion for the people they serve. We have that compassion.”

Coldwater said he enjoys interacting with people.

“I love meeting and knowing people,” he said. “I love helping people understand how to budget and plan for the future.

Citizens Bank of Edmond allows me to use my gifts and talents in useful, productive ways. Citizens encourages its employees to leverage ourselves to work most efficiently and with constant, consistent excellence.”

That love of helping people also translates to Coldwater’s second job as the youth pastor at Highland Park Baptist Church.

12

September 2015 | The Business Times

“I am a youth pastor on the side,” he said. “I love doing it. It is an amazing opportunity.”

Coldwater said faith has long played a part in the decisions he makes in life.

“The church is my second home,” he said. “It is a place I love and where I can grow. My youth pastors had an amazing impact on my life and I wanted to continue that. The only reason I am in this position is because God has allowed me to.”

Coldwater said Citizens is committed to giving back to the community. He cited the example of Heard on Hurd, a monthly street festival in downtown Edmond featuring local food, music and shopping. The festival draws thousands of people downtown each month and underscores Citizens Bank of Edmond’s commitment to its hometown.

“Heard on Hurd is a great opportunity for us to get out there and let [the community] know that we do care,” he said. “Downtown Edmond is going to be a thriving place and we are trying to get that.”

Coldwater said another way the bank gives back to its employees is through a tuition assistance program.

“I love the opportunities for us to invest in our employees,” he said. “We now offer a tuition assistance program to give back to our employees who go back to college. We are going in a great direction.”

When he is not working, Coldwater and his wife like to hang out with a close-knit group of friends.

“We have a good group of friends we hang with,” he said. “Being around people I love really helps me to de-stress.”

Coldwater said he wants to continue growing his pastoring role and helping make a difference in a person’s life.

“I would love to do ministry full time, but if God has me be in banking I am going to do it to the best of my ability,” he said.

leaders 21

for the twenty first century

Dustin Davis

By Van Mitchell Special to The Business Times

D

ustin Davis says he learned about values and working hard while growing up in Duncan which he utilizes every day in his role as a partner in the in the Edmond law firm of Evans and Davis.

“I grew up in a small town. In Duncan everyone had to be involved to make the community work,” he said. “I saw my parents and grandparents and great grand-parents giving back to the community and to the church. That was kind of instilled in us at an early age.”

Davis served as student body president at Oklahoma Christian University where he received his undergraduate degree. After graduating from OC, he worked as a corporate banker in the Oklahoma City metro area while completing his master’s in Business Administration.

Davis graduated from Oklahoma City University’s School of Law and participated in an international study program at the historic Brasenose College at Oxford University through the Oklahoma University College of Law. Davis is a founding partner of the Evans & Davis Law Firm.

Evans and Davis provides estate planning and corporate legal service to clients from their offices in Edmond, Tulsa and Dallas, Texas.

Davis said building a business with his friend and business partner Bryan Evans has been both challenging and rewarding.

“It is kind of like a marriage,” he said. “We both grew up with similar backgrounds, and we have strong personalities and strong opinions. There are times when we butt heads but at the end of the day we work for the better good of our clients and our law firm.”

Davis said they started their law firm in Nichols Hills but eventually settled on Edmond for their headquarters.

“We looked at Edmond and we knew it was that same type of small-town feel,” he said. “Our business has reaped the rewards from it.”

Davis has received a number of state and national honors for his involvement in church and community nonprofit organizations.

He is a member of the Edmond Chamber of Commerce and is a graduate of Leadership Edmond Class XXVIII, as well as a member of the Second Century Organization through the Oklahoma Heritage Association.

Davis is licensed to practice in the Oklahoma Supreme Court and all Oklahoma District Courts, as well as the Federal District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma. He is a member of the American Bar Association, the Oklahoma Bar Association and the Oklahoma County Bar Association.

He has served on several board of directors for nonprofit organizations, including Oklahoma Christian University’s Board of Development, the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the Edmond Historical Society.

Davis said the law firm’s growth has far exceeded their expectations having eclipsed their 20-year business plan in just 10 years.

“We have seen tremendous growth,” he said. “We don’t want to be the biggest firm. We are very specific about the people we hire. I want to be with people that I trust and that I respect and that I feel comfortable around. We have tried to make our office more of a home because this is our work family.”

September 2015 | The Business Times

13

leaders 21

for the twenty first century

Karla Docter

By Van Mitchell Special to The Business Times

K

arla Docter has a passion for helping victims of domestic violence and sexual assault rebuild their lives.

And she is putting that to work every day for the YWCA of Oklahoma City as the senior director of Sexual Violence Prevention and Response.

Docter said she knew early in her career that she wanted to work in this field.

“I went to school for criminal justice, psychology and forensics,” she said. “I wanted to be ‘CSI’ before the show actually premiered. I realized that wasn’t the profession for me personally and that I could help people in a stronger capacity by working with victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. This is something that I hold very close to my heart.”

Docter graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee in 2005 with a Bachelor Science in criminal justice, minor psychology and certificate forensic science.

“These issues are very personal and important to me,” she said. “My adventures in this field began in Wisconsin, when I started volunteering at a women’s shelter. Within one month I became a part of their staff. This is truly the work I am supposed to do.”

Docter began her career at the YWCA of Oklahoma City in 2008 as the Crisis Advocacy Services Coordinator.

She currently oversees several programs including the

14

September 2015 | The Business Times

Forensic Exams, Sexual Assault Victim Advocacy and Prevention Education, while also writing the grants to support these necessary services.

“The YWCA provides wraparound crisis services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking for Oklahoma County,” Docter said. “Programs meet critical, lifesaving assistance through our emergency shelter, 24-hour crisis lines, individual and group support, 24-hour sexual assault programs and case management. As the message grows in the community, so does the reach of the YWCA and the safety net of services we offer.”

Docter is a Certified domestic and sexual violence response professional through the Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, a graduate from the Oklahoma Victim Assistance Academy and completed the nonprofit Management Certification Program through the Oklahoma Center for nonprofits.

Docter has worked to enhance services for victims of sexual violence in Oklahoma; she trains professionals throughout the state, as well as collaborated to implement an adult sexual assault support group and developed a one of a kind Teen Sexual Assault Program recognizing the unique needs of Oklahoma youth.

In 2009 she worked with others to establish the first Sexual Assault Awareness 5K in Oklahoma County – called

the “2 Minute 5K” because every two minutes someone in the U.S. is sexually assaulted. This year marked the seventh successful event.

Docter said Oklahoma is third in the nation for the number of women murdered by men and sixth in the nation for reported rapes per capita.

“This is a huge issue for our community and either directly or indirectly affects everyone,” she said.

Docter is frequently called upon to provide training to other allied professionals, healthcare professionals, college students and local law enforcement. She is oftentimes asked to participate in media interviews to discuss issues of teen dating violence and sexual violence awareness and prevention.

She is co-chair of the Oklahoma County SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Exam) steering committee and serves on the Sexual Assault Response Team, the Oklahoma Prevention Leadership Committee, Sex Offender Management Team, the Oklahoma Human Trafficking Task Force and the Violence Prevention and Response Committee.

The YWCA is the only certified shelter for battered women and their children in Oklahoma County and is currently constructing a new $15 million emergency shelter that will more than double the space it has now, to over 120 beds.

According to the YWCA website between 1998 and 2010, Oklahoma lost 1,509 victims to domestic violence and 12 independent studies report that 18-48 percent of battered women have delayed their decision to leave their batterer, or have returned to their batterer, out of fear for the welfare of their pets or livestock.

“With the new shelter we will be able to save more lives and help meet the demand in the community,” Docter said. “The current shelter will be repurposed into an extended stay facility where people can stay up to six months.”

Besides eliminating this violence, Docter said it is her goal to increase awareness and support regarding these issues in the Edmond community. Currently all rape exams are conducted for Oklahoma County in Oklahoma City, and one day she hopes sexual assault exams can be performed in Edmond.

“It is my dream to have space at a hospital in Edmond to perform sexual assault exams,” she said.

Docter said she enjoys coming to work each day because she knows that she is making a difference by helping others.

“I have never dreaded coming to work,” she said. “I do this because I love to provide hope and healing to others. Being able to empower others and provide hope to an individual who has none.”

WE SHARE THE DOGWOOD. NOW WE SHARE A NAME. ONB Bank is now Central Bank of Oklahoma.

For more than 10 years, we have been a member of the Central Bancompany family of banks. Adopting the Central Bank name is a natural progression as our family continues to grow and thrive. Our new name strengthens our connection with more than 140 locations throughout the region, where you will now have access to your accounts. Though we share a name, our bank maintains local decision-making authority; a business model that has stood the test of time. Rest assured that our ownership and people will remain the same, and our commitment to quality service continues to be our highest priority.

Strong roots. New name. Endless possibilities.

Member FDIC

September 2015 | The Business Times

15

leaders 21

for the twenty first century

Rebekah Graham

By Van Mitchell Special to The Business Times

R

ebekah Graham has relied heavily on faith to help her make decisions about her life both personally and professionally.

And it played an important role for her last year in deciding to turn down one job offer and a few days later accept a new job opportunity with Innovative Health Care Systems in Edmond where she serves as the MarComm Coordinator.

Graham has led the company in sponsoring community events such as the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk, Edmond Fine Arts Institutes 5K, and Edmond Mobile Meals EdFest.

“It was a God-thing,” Graham said of making the job decision.

“I actually interviewed for another job with a nonprofit and I declined it.”

Graham said Ron and Beth Decker with Innovative approached her about working for their company.

“I had no idea what I was getting into,” she said. “They created my position. It has been great. I wouldn’t change it for anything.”

Innovative has served clients in over 14 states, providing billing, coding, consulting and IT services to physicians and hospital groups.

Innovative is recognized as a leader in the healthcare business management and IT industry.

Graham and her husband Blake also relied on faith to create Martial Arts Ministry or MAM in 2008.

MAM, is a not-for-profit, 501c3 and has been serving the Edmond and Oklahoma City communities since its inception offering taekwondo (TKD) classes to students three years through adults.

“We felt like we had a calling to work with families that really can’t afford it,” Graham said. “We have been blessed by that.”

MAM has promoted three students to the rank of black belt, a five year or longer process, with five more eligible to promote within

16

September 2015 | The Business Times

the next year. Martial Arts Ministries has been recognized as Metro Family’s Best Martial Arts School for the past three years.

Graham serves as program director for MAM where her focus is to bring awareness of the company through building relationships in the community. Classes are led primarily by her husband and other instructors.

Graham attained her first degree black belt in American style taekwondo through the Wild Bunch Association in December 2006, and she has since been promoted to third degree black belt.

She has trained in several martial arts including taekwondo, kickboxing, krav maga and grappling. She enjoys sharing her knowledge with students and by offering Women’s Self Protection Classes to the community.

“I am passionate about teaching it (self-defense),” she said. “It gives me a lot of joy to go in and teach people how to protect themselves.”

Graham has become a member of the Edmond Chamber of Commerce and currently serves on the Annual Auction committee. She is also a member of the Edmond Young Professionals organization.

When not working Graham loves spending time with her husband and their three children. She also enjoys photography and cooking new foods.

Graham said giving back is something that was instilled in her at a young age and is blessed to be able to do that in both of her professional roles.

“It is the heart and the passion that God has put into me,” she said. “It was instilled in me as a kid and it is just part of me.”

leaders 21

for the twenty first century

Daniel Hackney

By Van Mitchell Special to The Business Times

D

r. Daniel Hackney was working as a server in a local Broken Arrow restaurant when he experienced lower back pain after picking up one tray too many.

After visiting a local chiropractor he learned that a misalignment of his spine was the root cause, and the weight of the trays merely amplified what was already there.

Through chiropractic adjustments he was able to feel and move better, allowing him to live life without the physical restrictions of poor mobility.

Hackney said it was at this point that he decided that he wanted to become a doctor of chiropractic to help other people the way he had been helped.

“I was a server at Red Robbins in Broken Arrow, and I was picking up too many of those oval trays and threw my back out at 18,” he said. “My mom took me to see a chiropractor and within a couple of adjustments I started feeling better. I thought this was cool. It really resonated well with me.”

Hackney graduated from Parker University College of Chiropractic in Dallas, Texas, where he and his wife Josiah received their Doctorate of Chiropractic, along with a Bachelors in Anatomy, and a Bachelors in Health and Wellness.

The couple married in 2012 and moved back to Oklahoma where they opened their own business Hackney Chiropractic, located at 408 S. Santa Fe Ave. in Edmond.

Hackney said getting to open their own business has taken a lot of sweat equity.

“To start out we didn’t have any money and had student loans,” he said. “So we both worked part-time jobs to get this going. It has been a lot of work. It has been like a roller coaster. It has been a long process.”

Hackney focuses on preventing injury and improving performance and recovery time in athletes. He accomplishes this through chiropractic adjustments and the use of KinesioTape.

Hackney said his plan is to further his education and become more involved with sports and athletics treatment.

He joked that he would love to become a chiropractor for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

“A long-term goal is to be a Thunder chiropractor,” he said. “I think that would be a lot of fun.”

Hackney said balancing work and home life is challenging.

“Trying to be a business partner and a husband at home has been a daily challenge because it is not easy to go home and not think about work especially when you are up here until nine at night,” he said.

Hackney credits his wife with helping to find that right balance.

“I tell everyone that if I was here by myself this thing would go down very quickly,” he said. “Josiah is the reason why everything comes together. If she wasn’t here I wouldn’t have been able to do this on my own.”

Hackney said a favorite part of his job is working with Josiah.

“I get to see her every day which is fun,” he said. “We have a good time here. It is probably knowing that my best support system is here with me all day every day.”

When they are not putting in long hours at the office, Hackney said the couple likes to play video games and board games, go bowling and crocheting.

Hackney said he isn’t afraid to admit he knows how to crochet and has sold knit items they made together.

“I wouldn’t admit it if I wasn’t good at it,” he said. “I am pretty good at it. We crocheted our way to Disney World for our honeymoon.”

For more information about Hackney Chiropractic call 388-2348.

September 2015 | The Business Times

17

leaders 21

for the twenty first century

Josiah Hackney

By Van Mitchell Special to The Business Times

W

hen Josiah Hackney was in high school she suffered headaches severe enough that she was sometimes in bed for the day by early afternoon.

At the urging of her mother, Hackney visited a chiropractor where she learned that all the time she spent looking down while studying was putting a strain on the muscles in her neck, which impacted the joints and in turn the nerves in the neck.

Her posture was causing the headaches.

The relief she received from her headaches spurred Hackney, who grew up in south Oklahoma City, to pursue a career as a chiropractor.

“I had headaches every day when I was about 16 and it got to a point where I thought this was my life. I am going to have a headache and not be able to do anything,” Hackney said.

“My mom said no we are going to figure this thing out and she took me to see a chiropractor. I got adjusted and I felt better. I thought this was awesome and I want to help people. At 16 I decided I wanted to be a chiropractor.”

Hackney earned her associate’s degree from Rose State College and furthered her education at Oklahoma City Community College before attending and graduating from Parker University College of Chiropractic in Dallas, where she received their Doctorate of Chiropractic, along with a Bachelors in Anatomy and a Bachelors in Health and Wellness.

During her time at Parker she met her future husband Daniel who also is a chiropractor. After graduating the 18

September 2015 | The Business Times

couple married and moved back to Oklahoma to open a practice together.

“We tried to figure out where our home was going to be,” she said. “We started driving around different areas and everything kind of pulled us towards Edmond.”

About a year ago, they opened Hackney Chiropractic, located at 408 S. Santa Fe Ave. on the southeast corner of South Santa Fe and Second Street.

Josiah Hackney specializes in women’s prenatal care and pediatrics. She is a Webster Technique certified by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association.

“We knew how we wanted to practice,” she said. “We wanted to spend more time with our patients, and we didn’t feel like we would have the freedom if we worked for someone else. Both of us wanted to see families. I wanted to see moms and babies. From the beginning we realized we were on the same page. We wanted our practice to feel like home. It just made sense for us to practice together.”

Hackney said she decided to focus on prenatal care and pediatrics because she saw there was a need.

“It is my passion because I know that I can make a difference,” she said. “I see me taking care of Edmond moms.

If you take care of mom and baby then it has a ripple effect on the rest of the family.”

Hackney said starting a new business venture with her husband has been challenging and rewarding.

“It has been difficult and frustrating but at the same time

rewarding and I couldn’t imagine life without it,� she said. “Being business partners forces us to be closer as husband and wife.�

Hackney said to help promote their business they have joined the Edmond Chamber of Commerce, several civic clubs and attended several area 5K races helping tape up and stretch racers.

She is the incoming president of the Centennial Kiwanis Club of Edmond and they have also joined a local bowling league as well. “We joined the chamber and we go out to these different races and talk to people,� she said. “Every interaction we have we try to explain who we are and what we do. The biggest growth has been through education and relationships.�

Hackney said the best part of working with her husband is watching him interact with patients. “The most rewarding thing is watching him interact with his patients and is making a difference in their lives,� she said.

When the couple isn’t working she said they like to relax by playing board games and video games and even do crocheting together.

She said the crochet items they made have helped out in prior tough financial times. “That is how we funded our honeymoon because we were both in school,� she said.

For more information about Hackney Chiropractic call 388-2348.

(GPRQG (FRQRPLF 'HYHORSPHQW $XWKRULW\

9LWDO 2XWGRRU $GYHUWLVLQJ 'DWH (VWDEOLVKHG 1XPEHU RI (PSOR\HHV 3URGXFW 6HUYLFH 2XWGRRU DGYHUWLVLQJ ELOOERDUGV :HEVLWH YLWDORXWGRRU FRP 9LWDO 2XWGRRU $GYHUWLVLQJ DQG RWKHU (GPRQG EXVLQHVVHV ZLOO EH IHDWXUHG LQ WKH (('$¡V EXVLQHVV QHZVOHWWHU 7KH $UURZ 7R YLHZ SDVW LVVXHV RI 7KH $UURZ YLVLW ZZZ HHGD FRP DUFKLYHV

September 2015 | The Business Times

19

leaders 21

for the twenty first century

Rory Laisle

By Van Mitchell Special to The Business Times

T

he road to parenthood for Rory Laisle and his wife Jenny has taken some very personal and tragic turns along the way including the loss of one child and several miscarriages.

But that hasn’t stopped the Edmond couple from sharing their story with others and helping spread their message of hope and determination to others.

The Laisles, who have one biological son, have adopted two more children through Deaconess Pregnancy and Adoption Services.

“My wife and I try to do whatever we can for that organization whether it is fundraising or being a part of a speaker’s panel to talk about our journey,” Laisle said. “I can’t say enough positive things about our experience or the organization and the selflessness of the birth parents who made that choice for their children.”

Laisle serves as Senior Vice President and Oklahoma Commercial Real Estate Manager at Oklahoma Fidelity Bank, which is a division of Fidelity Bank, a $1.7-billion privately held financial institution. His wife Jenny is an occupational therapist in the Edmond Public Schools.

Laisle graduated with a Bachelors of Business Administration from the University of Oklahoma; graduated with a MBA from Wichita State University; graduated from the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin and was part of the first graduating class from Edmond Santa Fe High School.

20

September 2015 | The Business Times

He has worked at Oklahoma Fidelity Bank/Fidelity Bank for the past 14 years in multiple roles including Retail Deposit Product Manager, Credit Analyst and then Senior Credit Analyst, Junior Loan Officer to Loan Officer to Oklahoma Commercial Real Estate Manager.

He originates loans all over the U.S. and currently manages a $250 million portfolio of commercial real estate loans.

Oklahoma Fidelity Bank, a division of Fidelity Bank, is a fourth-generation bank owned by the Bastian family of Wichita, Kan. Since 2004, Oklahoma Fidelity Bank has opened six branches in Oklahoma City, Edmond and Moore.

Laisle said he is proud to be a member of the Oklahoma Fidelity team.

“We are a fourth-generation owned bank and the Bastian family is a great group of people to work for,” he said. “It is an exciting field and I get to see a lot of projects come to fruition.

It’s been a wonderful experience.”

Laisle is a board member of the Edmond Public Schools Foundation, executive council member for the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame and is also an active member at Crossings Community Church.

Laisle said going through the challenges they have faced has brought his family closer together.

“It’s (parenthood) a game-changer,” Laisle said. “It makes you realize that there is more than just yourself. I have become more selfless. It has made my wife and myself closer.”

leaders 21

for the twenty first century

Joshua Lim

By Van Mitchell Special to The Business Times

J

oshua Lim knew he wanted to pursue an education in the United States but didn’t know where until a recruiter from the University of Central Oklahoma visited with him in his native Malaysia.

It was a dream match made for Lim, who now serves as a graduate assistant with the UCO Office of Diversity and Inclusion, a branch of UCO’s Student Life which aims to promote an educational environment that recognizes and celebrates the diverse culture of the campus.

“I wanted to study in the United States, and they had a recruiter that came there and that is how I learned about the university,” he said. “I came here and I fell in love with the school.”

The focus of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion is on researching, designing and implementing unique programs that promote the pursuit of academic success, encourage retention and enhance graduation rates of students. These programs serve to expand students’ cultural horizons, cultural competence and perspectives while honoring their respective cultural experiences.

As a graduate assistant, Lim, 28, advises student programming and facilitates questions about diversity throughout campus.

“Here at UCO we do a great job of embracing that diversity,” he said.

Lim completed his undergraduate work at UCO with a degree in public relations and has since been involved with a series of community events outside of campus including Citizens Bank of Edmond’s Heard on Hurd, 612OKC and Midtown’s H & 8th Night Market. He has also volunteered at the Plaza District Festival and deadCENTER, a local film festival.

“There is something about taking that involvement outside of campus,” he said. “Great community leaders like Jill Castilla (with Citizens Bank of Edmond), Amy Young (of 612OKC) and Brian Bergman (founder of H&8th Night Market) have all been instrumental in helping me pursue my passions by allowing me to be a part of their vision. Because I have had to make Oklahoma City my home as a transplant, I pride myself on being Malaysian-born and Oklahoma City-bred. The best way I knew how was to give back.”

Lim said it is important for him to give back to a university and community that has given him so much.

“Central is my home,” he said. “This university has provided me so many things. I think UCO prides itself on giving students a real life chance to challenge themselves. It is a dream come true to return to my alma mater to work and grow as a Student Affairs professional.”

Lim said he hopes to work in higher education after completing his master’s degree.

“This is the framework of what I want to do with my career, being in higher education and working with students,” he said.

“But being involved with civic engagement is important as well.

I believe both complement each pretty well.”

Lim said he has grown as a person during his time at UCO and in Oklahoma.

“I see that in the relationships that I have cultivated here,” he said. “I came here not knowing a soul and so many people have opened their hearts and their homes to me in the last couple of years. I have seen the way I have grown. The last four years I have tried to challenge myself and I hope to continue doing so.”

September 2015 | The Business Times

21

leaders 21

for the twenty first century

Greg Metcalfe

By Van Mitchell Special to The Business Times

G

reg Metcalfe knew he wanted to be a lawyer but was unsure what field of specialty he would pursue as a career.

An experience with litigation proved to be the spark that he was looking for.

“I wasn’t sure of the direction I wanted to take beyond graduation but I immediately got into some litigation opportunities upon graduation, and it was an excellent fit for me,” Metcalfe said. “I enjoy the work and the rest is history.”

Metcalfe is now a shareholder with the GableGotwals law firm in downtown Oklahoma City.

He has been litigating in state and federal courts, at both the trial and appellate levels, for more than a decade. He has handled hundreds of civil lawsuits and appeals involving a variety of diverse issues, including Internet and technology disputes, contract disputes, construction disputes, business litigation, oil and gas litigation, employment disputes, civil rights defense and tort claims.

“I enjoy the problem-solving nature of it (litigation),” he said.

“Every day is uniquely challenging. Every case presents that issue that needs a solution.”

Prior to working at GableGotwals, Metcalfe spent eight years serving as an assistant attorney general for Oklahoma.

During his tenure with the attorney general, he represented the State of Oklahoma against the State of Arkansas in an original action before the United States Supreme Court; argued appeals in the United States Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit; and participated in federal jury trials, bench trials and hearings. He also provided legal representation to the governor, legislators and numerous agencies, boards and commissions.

“It ratchets up the complexity and detail associated with litigation,” said Metcalfe of arguing before some of the higher

22

September 2015 | The Business Times

courts. “The higher you go up the more judicial minds are involved with the process.”

Metcalfe also served as Director of the Attorney General’s Patient Abuse and Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. He supervised the investigation and prosecution of Medicaid provider fraud and the abuse, neglect and financial exploitation of vulnerable patients in long-term care facilities throughout the state.

He was also responsible for the unit’s representation of the state in numerous qui tam cases filed under Oklahoma’s Medicaid False Claims Act, many of which were joint actions with the federal government and other state governments.

Given his interest in technology, Metcalfe has developed expertise regarding discovery of electronic information and began presenting continuing legal education courses on the subject in 2004.

Since 2009 Metcalfe has served as an e-discovery instructor for the National Association of Attorneys General. In this capacity, he travels to offices of attorneys general throughout the country to teach litigators about e-discovery.

“Most business records are now saved in digital form,” he said.

Metcalfe is a member of the Oklahoma Bar Association, Oklahoma County Bar Association and Federal Bar Association Oklahoma City Chapter.

Metcalfe is married to his wife Amy and they attend Victory Church in Edmond. He has two step-children Ashton Poarch and Keegan Poarch.

When he’s not working Metcalfe says he likes to spend time with his family and be involved with his church.

“I make it a point to spend as much time at home with my family as I can,” he said. “My primary outlet for the community is through my church.”

leaders 21

for the twenty first century

Ryan Morrison

By Van Mitchell Special to The Business Times

R

yan Morrison had been working his way up the corporate business ladder in various cities across the country but something was always missing.

Since graduating from college, Morrison always sought jobs where there was a direct relationship between level of effort and resulting reward. To him the corporate world could be too slow and bureaucratic.

Morrison decided to shift gears and joined his family’s business – The Morrison Group, a branding and distribution company that’s been based out of the Oklahoma City metro area since 1991.

He now serves as vice-president of sales and marketing at The Morrison Group which has 30-plus employees.

“It was always in the back of my mind as a viable alternative to the corporate rat race (joining The Morrison Group),” he said. “But my career was going really well. After years of deliberation, I decided to jump ship and I have never looked back. It’s been fantastic.”

Morrison is responsible for customer satisfaction and external communication to the 180,000 convenience stores throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Previously, he worked for Celanese, a global technology and specialty materials company. There he gained finance and strategy experience working in multiple departments including investor relations, strategic marketing and corporate development.

Prior to joining Celanese, Morrison worked in the finance and performance management practice of Accenture, a global management consulting, technology and outsourcing company. Clients varied across industries including telecom, electronics and utilities.

Morrison said his biggest, and perhaps most important, responsibility to date is growth of The Morrison Group.

“I think the Morrison Group’s offerings have really evolved,” Morrison said. “I have been here three years. In that time, we have become less of a pure distributor of branded product to more of a design and creative manufacturer.

We now aim to take responsibility for our customers’ brands, advising them on how they can stand out from the competition. This is derived through a cohesive retail look and promotional programs that bring in more foot traffic.”

Morrison said working in a family business certainly has its challenges.

“Every day is different,” he said. “We may not always agree at work, but at the end of the day, we joke at dinner while asking someone to pass the carrots like any other family.”

Outside of work, Ryan is an avid runner and reader and enjoys studying foreign languages and exploring any new restaurants or festivals that spring up in Oklahoma City.

He is also a member of the Edmond and Oklahoma City chambers of commerce.

September 2015 | The Business Times

23

leaders 21

for the twenty first century

Taylor Richardson

By Van Mitchell Special to The Business Times

T

aylor Richardson had been successfully involved with the insurance industry for several years but realized it wasn’t the long-term goal he was looking for.

After being with Allstate for six years and reaching the top two percent in the country, Richardson felt a calling to do something different.

After a lot of prayer, Richardson sold his two Allstate insurance agencies and with a new vision, started an independent agency called Elite Insurance Associates in Oklahoma City in 2012. Elite specializes in commercial property, home, auto and term life insurance.

“I loved Allstate and I am where I am today because of the training I learned from them,” he said. “I felt like God said go do something else, there’s something different planned for you”.

Richardson moved into his new Gaillardia Parkway office on July 1 with about eight employees and room for growth.

“One of our top priorities right now is adding the right team members to fulfill critical roles in service and sales,” Richardson said.

When speaking of the vision he implemented, Richardson said the focus is on helping people, not selling them something.

“We aren’t your typical insurance agency and our goal isn’t to find someone the lowest priced policy that they don’t understand and doesn’t adequately protect them in the event of a loss,” Richardson said. “If we can’t help someone, we are happy to refer them to someone who can.”

Richardson added, “Our staff have a holistic approach to insurance and work to make sure that every risk is

24

September 2015 | The Business Times

considered and coverage options are explained in a way that is easy to understand.

“I am working to change the perception of the insurance industry by setting standards that align with a trusted advisor, not a salesperson.” he said.

Richardson said he worked with several business groups including Sandler Training to help guide him with the direction he wanted the business to go.

Today, Elite Insurance is ranked as one of the Top 10 in Oklahoma for home and auto sales, as well as a Dave Ramsey Endorsed Local Provider.

Richardson said one of the perks of being his own boss is being able to spend more time with his family as well as indulge in other interests including playing golf and working out.

“I could work 60 hours a week and make more money, but everything I do I schedule around my family,” he said. “It gives me the lifestyle that I want and I get to make decisions based on my own objectives and values.”

Richardson is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma and is married to his wife Melissa and they have two children Bennett, 6, and Rachel, 3.

When speaking of plans for the future, Richardson reflects on the accomplishments and blessings of the past three years.

“It has been incredible,” said Richardson of the business growth. “I always lean on the words in Habakkuk 2:3 to keep me in perspective for the future. I can’t control when the vision comes to pass, but I can control the work that goes into it.”

leaders 21

for the twenty first century

Ryan Riggs

By Van Mitchell Special to The Business Times

R

yan Riggs didn’t know it at the time but he began laying the groundwork for his future while working for Coldiron Companies and pursuing his master’s degree at Oklahoma Christian University.

Riggs, assistant chief financial officer for Coldiron Companies, is set to become the new CFO in 2017 after the retirement of Steve Sims, the company’s vice-president and CFO. Riggs worked at Coldiron Companies, located at 200 N. Sooner Road in Edmond, from 2008 to 2011 before taking a job with Hertz working in their Fleet Accounting as a senior accountant.

A year later the Van Alstyne, Texas, native was recruited to come back to Coldiron and began his second stint with the company.

“The opportunity to come back and work for my boss Steve Sims, vice president/CFO and mentor was hard to pass up,” he said. “They reached out and came up with this offer where I would become the next CFO. They thought I would be a great fit.”

Riggs said the opportunity to come back to Coldiron was an easy choice.

“I was really excited to be offered that type of position,” Riggs said. “Plus I got the opportunity to come back to place I was familiar with and the people that I enjoyed working with.

It seemed to be a better fit of where I was wanting to go. It was too good of an offer to give up.”

Riggs said he gained valuable experience while at Hertz but was more comfortable with a smaller working environment.

“In May 2011 I begin working at Hertz which was a completely different environment than Coldiron Companies,” he said. “Coldiron at the time had less than 50 employees in the entire United States versus Hertz, a global car rental company. I gained a lot experience and skills at Hertz. Overall I found that I really enjoy working more in the small business atmosphere, and have my hands in all aspects of the business and not just one tiny piece of an international company.”

Coldiron Companies provides nationwide management of assets through transports, towing, inspections, recoveries, appraisals, storage and remarketing. Presently, the company operates out of 10 national offices with seven storage facilities complete with repair and management on site.

Riggs, 29, is married to his wife Piper, who is Edmond’s Mobile Meals executive director. The couple has an 18-monthold son Kinsler. They attend the Church of Christ at Oakdale.

He is also studying to pass his CPA exam which he says will serve him well as the new CFO in a few years.

Riggs said he will be spending the next year or so learning as much as he can under Sims so he can help continue make Coldiron Companies successful “He is a great guy who seems to care about my success,” Riggs said. “He is a good teacher.”

September 2015 | The Business Times

25

leaders 21

for the twenty first century

Meghan Thomas

By Van Mitchell Special to The Business Times

M

eghan Thomas had originally envisioned pursuing a career in the pharmaceutical sales business after college, but those plans changed after working parttime as a teller at Citizens Bank of Edmond.

Eleven years later, the Bartlesville native has worked her way up the ranks and now serves as a mortgage lender for Citizens.

“I never envisioned myself staying in banking,” Thomas said. “I truly thought as a college student it was a good way to make a little bit more money than I could in retail or a restaurant. I never thought I would fall in love with the people that I come across every day and work with. I loved it and I have stayed ever since. This is the path I am on and I enjoy it.”

Thomas graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma. While at UCO she worked part-time at Panera Bread where one of her customers suggested she apply at the bank which she did in 2004.

“I was in college working part-time at Panera Bread and one of my customers recommended that I apply with Citizens Bank of Edmond,” she said. “They were customers of the bank and said that my personality would fit perfectly within the culture, plus the hours would be more conducive with my school hours. Shortly after applying I was contacted for an interview and happily became a part of the Citizens family as a part-time teller. Over the past 10 years, I have worked in almost every department of the bank and continue to feel very grateful to that customer who recommended I step out of my

26

September 2015 | The Business Times

comfort zone. A part-time job turned into a career and an opportunity to make many lifelong friends.”

Thomas said as a mortgage lender everything she does is designed to evaluate the risks for both the bank and the customer.

“I personally expect others to maintain my confidential information safe from harm, so I take that responsibility very seriously for our customers,” she said.

Thomas said one of the most enjoyable parts of her job is helping people secure financing for a new home.

“The happiness is getting to a closing table and a customer literally wanting to give me a hug,” she said. “It is their gratefulness for getting them a new home or getting them refinanced to save them money. It is the joy that I get out of them that feeds me.”

Thomas said she also works hard to help people get their finances in shape so they can be approved for a mortgage.

“As a personal banker, I feel obligated to my customers and my community as their source of knowledge and also their source of mortgage questions and mortgage needs,” she said.

“It is never a no, it is a laundry list of things to work on to get to a yes.”

Thomas said working in banking has helped her grow as a person.

“I have grown as an individual,” she said. “It has taught me to be better with my financing and that I need to practice what I preach. It has made me a better consumer for my

community. It has made me more aware that I can teach those that I come across.”

Thomas credits part of that growth learning from Amy Bailey, the chief lending officer at Citizens.

“She has been a mentor of mine,” she said. “I envision myself as a mentor the way she carries herself.”

Thomas said as banking regulations continue to change, she works with Citizens’ compliance team to help keep her and her customers up to date with those changes.

“It is the team that we have here,” she said. “We have an amazing compliance team behind the scenes that is constantly keeping up with those regulatory changes and feeding it to us and educating us.”

Thomas said creating a bond with her customers is important.

“I cherish the trust that my customers place in me,” she said.

“The relationship that I have with each of them is more than just their banker. I am considered a friend and sometimes a family member. As a mortgage lender it is important to the process that the customers trust you completely. Because while it is an exciting time to purchase or refinance your home, it can also be stressful.

It is rewarding to see the joy on their face as they take the keys to their new home after a month of working together.”

Thomas said Citizens is big about giving back to the community through a variety of ventures and events including Heard on Hurd.

“Getting to network and give back to the community is one

of my favorite parts of the job,” she said. “I have been a part of Edmond for 20-plus years and I am proud to say that I have a small part in helping it grow. The gift of giving is always the most rewarding.”

Thomas said the gift of giving applies to all of her life.

“I give more to others than I would ever want to receive,” she said. “I hope that it is seen by everyone around me.”

Thomas, a member of the Osage Nation, is in the process of purchasing a home in Oklahoma City with plans to renovate it.

She plans to live in the home while doing the renovation.

“There is a constant to-do list,” she said. “I don’t rest. I will live in it and do most of the sweat labor of renovating.”

When she isn’t working, Thomas said she likes to relax by running or spending time with family and friends and her beloved Basset hound, Lucy.

“I’m a big runner,” she said. “I started training with a group of friends. I fell in love with running half-marathons.”

While dealing with the public is part of her job, Thomas said it may surprise people to know she is really an introvert.

“I am an introvert,” she said. “This is my comfort zone. Here I am the expert and you are walking into my bubble.”

Thomas said one of the perks of her new home is that it is very close to her church Crestwood Vineyard Church.

“I am very excited to hopefully buy a Vespa and every Sunday morning driving three blocks to church,” she said.

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 September 2015 | The Business Times

27

leaders 21

for the twenty first century

Brett Thompson

By Van Mitchell Special to The Business Times

B

rett Thompson had a desire following college at Oklahoma State University to be his own boss in business.

He got that opportunity when he became a financial advisor with Edward Jones, where he has served clients for the past 10 years.

“It was really a chance to own my own business,” said Thompson, who has an office located at 342 S. Santa Fe in Edmond. “It was an opportunity to manage my own schedule and manage my own life. It gave me the flexibility I wanted.”

Thompson earned his undergraduate degree from OSU in 2002 and his MBA in 2004.

He spent two years working in St. Louis for Edward Jones as an interim broker before getting the opportunity to return home to Oklahoma to take over his current office.

Thompson said working for Edward Jones is a win-win situation for him.

“It is like having your own small business but with the support of a major company behind you,” he said. “It is the best of both worlds.”

Thompson said he enjoys helping clients and prospects build and grow their financial portfolios.

“A large part of what I do is education,” he said. “I am

28

September 2015 | The Business Times

someone who is very interested in others and likes helping people no matter where they are financially. I look at this not only investing money but understanding who they are in life.

I am able to give clients that small personalized attention like they are dealing with a local entity.”

Thompson said he has grown his business based on some of the principles he learned from his parents who are both independent business people as well as from his own experiences.

“The key with what I do is client service,” he said. “And that is for every person that walks in here whether they are a prospect or a client.”

Thompson said he tries to remain a steadying force for his clients in both up and down markets.

“You find where clients tend to need you the most is in a down market,” he said. “Clients tend to grow closer to you because they going through a rough period. I always tell them this won’t last and there is always a brighter day coming.”

Thompson is married to his wife Natasha and they have two children: five-year-old Alexis and 3-month-old Bella.

When he is not working or spending time with family, Thompson finds himself creating art.

“I am big into drawing and painting,” he said.

leaders 21

for the twenty first century

Dan Weinmeister

By Van Mitchell Special to The Business Times

D

an Weinmeister says giving back is a natural fit for him, and he has been involved with a variety of causes including an Edmond-based community organization dedicated to helping build affordable housing for moderateincome families.

“I think missions are really important,” said Weinmeister, a land manager at Chesapeake Energy Corporation in Oklahoma City. “I volunteered a lot growing up through my church at First United Methodist Church of Nichols Hills. I felt like that was a great way to give back. I feel like I have a lot to give and I enjoy being involved with a lot of things. I was really drawn to it.”

Weinmeister currently serves as the vice-president for the board of Turning Point Ministries.

Founded in 2008, Turning Point Ministries is a non-profit Christian-based community organization dedicated to building affordable housing for hard-working, moderate-income families in Edmond.

Turning Point builds its homes with the help of volunteers and donors. The city of Edmond, churches, businesses, individuals, service clubs and foundations have all helped provide affordable housing for qualified deserving individuals and families in the community.

Turning Point is a “hands up, not a hand-out” ministry.

Houses are sold to selected qualified families and financed

with affordable loans.

“There isn’t a lot of affordable housing in Edmond,” Weinmeister said. “We felt there was a great need in the community for it and so far it has been well-received. It is a passion of mine and something that I really enjoy.”

Weinmeister graduated from Oklahoma State University with a business finance degree. He also has his real estate license and owns rental properties.

Weinmeister has been working at Chesapeake for five years.

“It is great,” he said. “My favorite part is there is always a new challenge. It is always unique and different.”

Weinmeister is marred to his wife Toni and they have three children including sons Nathan and Sullivan and newborn daughter Corinne.

When looking at where to live after graduation, Weinmeister said it wasn’t a difficult choice to plant roots in Edmond with his family.

He said he is honored to be recognized in the Business Times and looks forward to expanding his career.

“I feel like I am on a good track with my career,” he said. “I would like to see that continue. I am very much honored to be considered for this opportunity. I have to credit my upbringing and this great community, they both greatly influenced the person I am today.”

September 2015 | The Business Times

29

leaders 21

for the twenty first century

Koorosh Zahrai

By Van Mitchell Special to The Business Times

K

oorosh Zahrai has long had an interest in real estate and development and when the opportunity arrived for him to pursue that as a career he took it.

He currently serves as vice-president of business development for Plaza USA, LLC of Edmond which is overseeing the construction of Campbell Corner, a class-A retail and office building, at the corner of Campbell Street and Broadway.

The 16,000-square-foot facility will be completed this fall.

“I have always been interested in real estate, and development,” he said. “After graduating (college) and getting some experience in real estate I came back to Edmond to work for my father and his company, and the time was right to do some development in downtown Edmond. It has been a really good fit for me to work at Plaza USA.” Zahrai lives in Edmond and holds degrees from the University of Oklahoma’s Price College of Business and OU Honors College.

He is a member of the National Association for Business Economics, the Edmond Chamber of Commerce, Edmond’s Summit Rotary, the Capital Improvements Advisory Task Force and Edmond Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professionals Education and Networking committees.

30

September 2015 | The Business Times

Zahrai, who has been with Plaza USA, LLC for two years, said the Campbell Corner project will be adding to downtown Edmond’s growth.

“It is a fantastic addition to the downtown landscape,” he said. “Edmond has a very strong economy and is growing.

There has been quite a bit of demand for space in downtown Edmond and Campbell Corner is really a response to the needs of the community.”

Zahrai said there has been a lot of interest from businesses wanting to be in Campbell Corner.

“We have had quite a few businesses show interest,” he said. “We have some exciting things coming and we are very pleased with the response so far. Some of these businesses are trying to choose between Oklahoma City and Edmond, and this is an option to keep and attract new retailers to Edmond.”

Zahrai said the Campbell Corner project is the first of several opportunities for Plaza USA, LLC to put its stamp on the Edmond community.

“This is a job creator,” he said. “It will bring more foot traffic and jobs to downtown Edmond. “We have several projects in the pipeline. Campbell Corner is just one of a series of wonderful projects that we will be bringing to downtown Edmond.”

September 2015 | The Business Times

31

business matters

Nick Massey Astute Investor

End of an era for commodity futures trading

Y

ou might not have noticed a story in the Wall Street Journal in July, but it brought back interesting memories for me. On July 6, 2015, trading in the Chicago and New York commodity pits went from the open outcry system of trading (i.e. screaming and yelling with hand signals because you couldn’t hear anything above the roar), to the silence of electronic trading. Things will never be the same.

Early in my career in 1980, I became the commodities futures specialist for the Merrill Lynch office in Cupertino, Calif.

I was fortunate to spend some time on the floors of the Chicago Board of Trade and the New York Commodity Exchange to learn how things worked. As I traded from my office in Cupertino, I had a direct line to the floor to place trades. (This was before the Internet and all the modern technology we have today, so that was a big deal at the time.) To say it was exciting and stressful would be an incredible understatement.

You might recall the 1983 movie “Trading Places” with Eddie Murphy.

While it was a comedy, it depicts some of the elements of trading with great accuracy.

A favorite scene at the end of the movie was when Billy Ray Valentine (Eddie Murphy) and Louis Winthorpe III (Dan Ackroyd) took their bundle of money to 32

September 2015 | The Business Times

the frozen orange juice futures trading pit to get back at Mortimer and Randolph Duke.

They got everything right: The chaos of screaming brokers … order takers and pit traders pushing and shoving for their position… the hand signals marking order price and size to buyers and sellers… the acknowledgement of filled orders…

Now, that’s all over and most of the futures trading pits officially closed. The bright jackets, pushing, shoving, yelling and fierce competition have given way to the silent (and less expensive) form of trading on computers. Only one pit remains the old way: the S&P 500 futures and options pit.

People have made and lost fortunes in

“...The bright jackets, pushing, shoving, yelling, and fierce competition have given way to the silent (and less expensive) form of trading on computers.

Only one pit remains the old way: the S&P 500 futures and options pit.”

those pits. With everyone thrown into the mix, traders used to place orders based on the tone set in the room by their fellow traders. They read the crowd and acted.

Now the pits are all quiet. Trades are processed electronically without the fuss.

From Chicago to New York, from grains to gold, from cattle and hogs to Treasury bonds – even frozen orange juice – they’ve all conceded to computers.

There is good news though. The cost to trade futures is down dramatically. Not only are commissions and fees much lower with electronic trading, but trades will now be reported instantaneously. Better yet, human error is history!

At the risk of sounding like a dinosaur, I think I miss the excitement and action of the old way. While I might be a little nostalgic, I can’t deny it’s a change for the best; even if we’ll miss the good ol’ push and shove. When young traders in the future are told how it was and they don’t understand, we can just say, “Go watch the movie.” Thanks for reading.

NICK MASSEY is a financial advisor and president of Householder Group Financial Advisors in Edmond, OK. Nick can be reached at www.nickmassey.com. Investment advice offered through Householder Group Estate and Retirement Specialists, a registered investment advisor.

Congratulations to Reg Aldrich on being recognized as one of the 20 Under 40!

Thank you for your leadership, dedication, and service! We are proud of you and the way you uphold the COUNTRY Financialh standard and help your clients find their idea of financial security!

Contact Reg Aldrich with any insurance or financial planning needs!

Reg Aldrich Financial Representative 20686 3817 Northwest Expressway Ste Oklahoma City, OK 73112 reg.aldrich@countryfinancial.com

405.945.0094

Auto, home and business insurance policies issued by COUNTRY Mutual Insurance Company®, COUNTRY Preferred Insurance Company® and COUNTRY Casualty Insurance Company®. Life insurance policies issued by COUNTRY Life Insurance Company® and COUNTRY Investors Life Assurance Company®.

Fixed annuities issued by COUNTRY Investors Life Assurance Company®. All issuing companies located in Bloomington, IL.

0715-6522HO

business matters

Cyndy Hoenig S ocial Strategies

How to achieve great PR by synching social media, customer service

C

ustomer service is undoubtedly one of the most measurable and effective uses of social media. Feedback can be provided quickly, interaction can be handled at a moment’s notice and in a uniquely personal manner. If a community has been created and effectively promoted, customers can interact with one another, discussing issues they may be having, sharing tips, tricks and fixes that can help alleviate customer service problems before they turn in to PR disasters.

Providing customer service that creates a high-quality customer experience requires even more effort now than in the past.

A business owner has to be on his or her social media toes to be aware of troublesome issues before they are viewed hundreds of thousands of times and are shared across dozens or hundreds of blogs, social networks or forums in real time. They must be monitoring social media and prepared to take action to either make this consumer happy or to fight what may be incorrect information with positive and proactive communications.

These new social tools offer immediate, public places to excel in customer service, but they also provide countless megaphones to broadcast failures. With an eye on jumping on the social media bandwagon,

34

September 2015 | The Business Times

today’s smart businesses can identify the launch of a social media customer service program as an opportunity to start anew their communications programs and campaigns. Before embarking on a social media service campaign, businesses must ask themselves: Who manages social customer service?

In many businesses, online monitoring and social interactions are managed through the marketing silo. This is only effective for customer service if those in marketing can handle customer service issues in real time or have a communications plan with those who can communicate service issues as they arise.

Are we committed to speed? Social interactions, good and bad, spread in real time. Your business must not only commit to monitoring, but reacting in real time.

Do we have the right channel? What does “social media” mean for your business?

You must identify the channels your customers use. Are they active on Facebook?

Do they use forum groups? Do they use Twitter? Do they rely on Wiki’s? You cannot provide service unless you know where your customers are. Use data to change what you assume to what you know.

Have we picked our battles? In some cases your customers feel the need to voice their

opinion and even the best customer service initiatives won’t alter this opinion. In some cases, customers may take to the social web to share inaccurate information, scathing reviews or personal attacks that must be addressed. Your business needs to determine the cost and value in each of these scenarios, and pick your battles before they become public.

My advice is to hire the right people to execute your social media customer service programs and train them like official spokespeople. Like it or not, these people are now the frontline of your marketing and PR campaigns.

Brands can no longer wait until an issue hits mainstream media to react, nor can they rely on their positive relations with editors at a few media outlets to help protect their brand. Social media is changing the way brands must manage and monitor their brands. In fact, it already has.

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-prtips. She also is the author of “PR Rock Star.”

Email Cyndy at cyndyhoenig@ymail.com or call her at 405-245-4668 for more information.

OFFERING THE BEST IN OUTDOOR FURNITURE

“Congratulations Dustin on being named 20 under 40!

We are proud of you!

Your friends at Evans & Davis.”

UMBRELLAS • REPLACEMENT CUSHIONS IN STOCK

211 N. Broadway, edmoNd ok

(405) 286-2335

17 W. 1st ST. DOWNTOWN EDMOND 405-341-2770 www.swansonsfireplaceandpatio.com

www.evansdavis.com

TRUTH IN LENDING AND IN LIFE When you approach each deal, relationship and volunteer opportunity with a commitment to act with honesty and integrity, you establish a form of leadership by example that gets attention and inspires others. That’s Rory—a man of action whose word is his bond.

Rory, congratulations on being recognized as part of the 2015 class of 20 Under 40 and thank you for your uncompromising drive to move our company and our community

bravelyonward.com

September 2015 | The Business Times

35

business matters

JIM Denton L edger Lines

I

Plan for the future with a 401(K)

n an opening scene of an Andy Griffith Show episode, Andy and Barney are opening and reading their mail at the courthouse. Barney receives a letter that he reads aloud with delight to Andy.

The letter states that Barney is receiving a dividend of twenty-seven cents on his stock of “Amalgamated Oxidation and Aluminum Corporation of America.” Andy expressed some surprise in that he did not know Barney was in the stock market. Barney proudly replied that he owned “one-eighth of a share with Floyd, Wally and some of the boys.” He further explained: “Gotta plan for the future!”

We all need to plan for the future, and one way that we can accomplish this in our business is through qualified retirement plans.

There are various types of retirement plans available to small business owners.

Most employees are accustomed to a Sec. 401(k) plan. The 401(k) is the retirement plan of choice for corporate business employers. Such plans are popular with participants because many of the plans allow participants to invest their own money on a tax-deferred basis. With a 401(k) plan, employers can shelter their own retirement contributions and deduct those amounts paid on behalf of their employees.

Establishing a 401(k) can be done with most brokers, banks and trust companies.

Also, there are third-party administrators that can help you with record-keeping 36

September 2015 | The Business Times

tasks as well. In order to deduct your contributions, your plan must be approved by the Internal Revenue Service. To expedite this, the IRS has drafted prototype plans (traditional and safe-harbor) that contain typical provisions, lower contribution limits and ease some of the administrative burden.

It is often recommended that employers select one of the prototypes rather than attempt the determination letter process with the IRS. Participant accounts can be increased by: elective deferrals which are amounts that employees contribute from their own paychecks; employer matching contributions which are amounts that employers contribute to the plan on behalf of employees; employer non-elective contributions which are made regardless of any matching contribution and allocations of forfeitures. These amounts contributed to the plan originally for other employees

“In 2015, employees can contribute up to $18,000 to their own retirement. There is an overall limit of $53,000 that can be contributed by an employer on behalf of one employee for all retirement plans offered.”

who subsequently failed a plan vesting requirement. Earnings from investments are also a major source of increase to the plan participant’s account and can come from a number of sources. These include interest, dividends, capital gains and the unrealized change in the value of such investments.

Accounts may also be reduced for plan expenses in accordance with the plan governing document.

In 2015, employees can contribute up to $18,000 to their own retirement. There is an overall limit of $53,000 that can be contributed by an employer on behalf of one employee for all retirement plans offered. In addition, if the employee is older than age 50, a catchup contribution of $5,500 can be made.

When participants retire, they can withdraw their balances and roll them taxfree into an Individual Retirement Account and be taxed as the funds are withdrawn after age 59½.

As with most arrangements, there are numerous rules to follow so I would recommend getting with a retirement plan specialist that can help employee investments, reporting and tax filings.

As Barney says, “Gotta plan for the future!”

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.

Arledge & Associates Welcomes Alltizer Arledge and Associates welcomes Dr. Richard With more than 30 years of tax and accounting experience, Dr. Alltizer brings great knowledge and high standards of service and professionalism to his position as tax director.

Dr. Richard Alltizer Arledge & Associates, PC is a recognized leader in the areas of tax planning, auditing, consulting, accounting advisory services and client accounting.

a

2

Order Online or by Phone!

Arledge & Associates, P.C. CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

309 North Bryant, Edmond, OK 73034 Tel: 405.348.0615 www.jmacpas.com

FREE DELIVERY IN EDMOND!

CONGRATULATIONS,

RYAN MORRISON!

20 UN R 40 DE BRANDING • HOT & COLD CUPS • SIGNAGE & GRAPHICS • 3601 S. Broadway, Suite 1000, Edmond, OK 73013 • 800.888.1912 • morrisononline.com September 2015 | The Business Times

37

GROWING EDMOND

Photos PROVIDED | EDMOND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Ribbon Cuttings Fresh Coat celebrates grand opening

OSOI celebrates relocation Oklahoma Sports & Orthopedics Institute (OSOI) recently held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the relocation of its Edmond office to the St. Anthony Healthplex North at 13401 N. Western Ave. in Oklahoma City. OSOI has four locations throughout the metro.

OSOI is a medical practice that focuses on orthopedics and sports medicine. The physicians at OSOI evaluate and treat musculoskeletal injuries of all kinds, including sports related injuries, fracture diagnosis and management and comprehensive spine care. The OSOI physicians include Drs. James Bond, Richard Kirkpatrick, Scott de la Garza, Corey Ponder, Tim Geib, Brian Clowers, Zak Knutson, Ted Boehm and Seethal Madhavarapu. Two new physicians, Drs. Stuart Lisle and Megan Meier, will be joining the practice in August. For more information, call 478-7111 or visit www.osoi.com.

Martial Arts Ministries celebrate relocation Martial Arts Ministries recently held a ribbon cutting to celebrate its relocation to 1408 S. Fretz, Suite 3, in Edmond.

Martial Arts Ministries has been serving the Edmond community for seven years. They hosted an Open House July 18th. Martial Arts Ministries offers martial arts classes to students ages three and older. For more information, call 326-4515 or visit www.maministries.com.

38

September 2015 | The Business Times

Fresh Coat of Edmond recently held a ribbon cutting to celebrate its grand opening. Fresh Coat of Edmond is a residential and commercial painting company. They provide interior and exterior painting services, deck painting and staining and power washing. Fresh Coat of Edmond offers quality workmanship at an affordable cost. For more information, call 531-0655 or visit www.FreshCoatEdmond.com.

Eagle Dental celebrates 4th anniversary Eagle Dental recently held a ribbon cutting to celebrate its fouryear anniversary at 1400 E. 9th Street, Suite B, in Edmond. Drs. Steve Carson and Mary Martin have practiced together since 2003 and moved their general dentistry practice from Midwest City to Edmond in July of 2011. Both doctors have extensive experience in the field of dentistry, which began at OU College of Dentistry, where they graduated in 1984. You can find more about the history these doctors share on their website.

Eagle Dental’s motto is “Creating Smiles Every Day”, and every member of the team strives to do just that. They may create smiles by the beautiful, cosmetic dentistry that they deliver or simply by making sure every patient feels comfortable and happy when they are in their chairs. Not everyone comes into the office smiling, but they strive to make sure their patients are smiling when they leave.

Eagle Dental is a happy place where skilled dentists, hygienists, assistants and office staff work together to maintain and improve your oral health. They see patients from ages three to ninety-three and plan treatment based on the patient’s needs. Most dental services are provided, including gum treatment, implants, crowns, bridges and basic tooth-colored restorations.

Their office hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 8 a.m. to noon on occasional Fridays. New patients are very welcome. For more information, call 513-8516 or visit www.EagleDentalOK.com.

Photos PROVIDED | EDMOND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

GROWING EDMOND

Ribbon Cuttings Brookdale location celebrate new names Brookdale Edmond Danforth and Brookdale Edmond Santa Fe recently held ribbon cuttings to celebrate their new name.

Formerly Sterling House of Edmond, their new name reflects their connection to the Brookdale senior living family and the large network of services they provide for senior adults. These locations are two of several Brookdale communities across Oklahoma that are changing their names.

“We are very excited about this change,” said Danelle Zemke, executive director of Brookdale Edmond Danforth and Brookdale Edmond Santa Fe. “Becoming a part of Brookdale shows that we are a part of something bigger and that we are engaged in a nationwide mission to provide seniors with the highest quality of care, service and living accommodations.”

Brookdale, headquartered in Nashville, is the nation’s largest operator of senior living services. With approximately 1,150 communities in 46 states, Brookdale operates independent living, assisted living, dementia-care communities and continuing care retirement centers.

“At a Brookdale community, you know the people who work there have a passion for helping seniors,” Zemke said.

“Our associates have always provided exemplary care for our residents, and that will not change. We are proud of the care we have provided in Edmond in the past, and we look forward to continuing to provide that level of care in the future, as a part of the Brookdale family.”

Brookdale Edmond Danforth is located at 116 W. Danforth, and Brookdale Edmond Santa Fe is located at 1500 N. Santa Fe. For more information, call 330-9100 or visit www.brookdale.com.

September 2015 | The Business Times

39

Business Briefs Williams joins Citizens Bank of Edmond Board of Directors Citizens Bank of Edmond announced today that Avilla T. Williams, president of INTEGRIS Health Edmond, has joined the bank’s board of directors. Williams brings a proven record of leadership and a deep commitment to the Edmond community.

“I am thrilled to join the Citizens Bank of Edmond Board Avilla T. Williams of Directors,” Williams said. “The bank’s long history of serving the people of Edmond and the Oklahoma City metro area and maintaining ethical business practices are pivotal to my decision to serve on the board of directors.”

Williams has worked in clinical and administrative healthcare position for 36 years, and as president of INTEGRIS Health Edmond, leads a team of more than 400 physicians, nurses, clinicians and other healthcare professions in the delivery of patient care and community service.

Williams received a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Hawaii Pacific University in Honolulu and earned her master’s degree at Southern Nazarene University in Bethany.

“In her position at INTEGRIS Health Edmond, Avilla’s focus is on serving the community and leading a team of professionals to fulfill that mission better each and every day,” said Jill Castilla, president and CEO of Citizens Bank of Edmond. “That fits perfectly with our mission at Citizens Bank of Edmond. I’m excited to gain Avilla’s experience, wisdom and commitment to service for our board of directors.”

Williams also serves on the Edmond Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Butterfield Memorial Foundation Board of Directors, the Edmond Economic Development Authority Board of Trustees, the Wayman Tisdale Award Advisory Board, the Women’s Foundation of Oklahoma Advisory Board, the Langston University Urban Campuses Board of Trustees, is co-chair of the 2016 American Heart Association Go Red for Women, and a National Diversity Council speaker. She is a member of the Governing Council of the American Hospital Section for Metropolitan Hospitals, the Oklahoma Association for Healthcare Ethics and the Oklahoma Hospital Association.

The Oklahoma Hospital Association awarded her the Spirit of Transformation Award in 2011.

40

September 2015 | The Business Times

Apple Pay is here!

™

Now, make one-touch payments with

Apple Pay™ using your iPhone®6, iPad Air™2 and iPad mini™3. It’s quick, easy and secure.

Gone are the days of searching for the right card...payment has never been so easy!

One Location...Many Ways to Bank!

quailcreekbank.com • 122nd & N. May • 755-1000 • Member FDIC

Apple Pay is a third-party service provider and is not affiliated with Quail Creek Bank.

September 2015 | The Business Times

41

Business Book Review

by Terri Schlichenmeyer | The bookworm sez

“I Know How She Does It”

by Laura Vanderkam

c.2015, Penguin Portfolio $27.95 / $32.95 Canada 296 pages

T

he opportunity arrived on a silver platter.

It was almost irresistible, in fact, but the truth is that you’re looking for a new plate because your old one is full. You have no time to take another project no matter how wonderful it might be. That all could change, though, once you’ve read “I Know How She Does It” by Laura Vanderkam.

So you say your schedule is jam-packed. Between the kids, your job, your spouse, the house and other assorted obligations, you barely have time to take a shower. How do other, perhaps even busier, women do it?

Vanderkam, who’s written other books on this theme, wondered, too. She began “seeking out time logs” from working mothers who made at least six-figure incomes, and she studied how they spent their time. She calls it “The Mosaic Project,” and when she (and her participants) saw how they spent their days, it was eyeopening.

People tend to overestimate how much they work, she says, and underestimate how much they sleep. She noticed that, when a week was accounted for and all non-work-related activity was removed, some full-time-working women with children actually put in just under 34 hours of work. Her findings showed that even the highest average workweek was under 50 hours, total. And there was adequate sleep.

“If you work 46 hours per week and sleep 8 hours per night,” says Vanderkam, “that leaves 66 hours for other things.”

To maximize that leftover time, there are strategies that she recommends.

42

September 2015 | The Business Times

You may work odd hours but “be strategically seen.” Pop in to the office during regular work time, or occasionally go out after work with colleagues.

“Build in slack” so you’re not without breathing room in your schedule. Know “The Ten Secrets of Happier Parenting,” to enhance family time. Remember that eating a meal together as a family doesn’t necessarily mean dinner. Make date nights. Delegate chores and embrace the theme song from Frozen.

Above all, remember: “There are no points for martyrdom.”

Take care of yourself, and learn to use “pockets of time” to your advantage.

Sounds familiar? It did to me, too, perhaps because there’s not much new inside “I Know How She Does It.” Indeed, author Laura Vanderkam herself wrote something quite similar five years ago.

Even so, and as much as I enjoyed that book, there are quirks here that didn’t impress me. Readers, for one, will surely notice pages and pages of time logs from people they’ll likely never meet, which is interesting once or twice, but not any more than that. I also questioned the focus on high-income working mothers (just 4 percent of the population). This would have been a vastly different – and more approachable – book, had the author utilized a more widely representative base of participants.

Though this book is limited in its scope, I think readers who are seriously lacking time-management skills might get some help here. Most working mothers, however, have this covered. As for “I Know How She Does It,” they already do, too.

Terri Schlichenmeyer is a book reviewer in Wisconsin.

She may be reached via email at bookwormsez@yahoo.com.

eliminating racism empowering women ywca oklahoma city

YWCA Oklahoma City congratulates

KArlA DOCter

44

September 2015 | The Business Times

» COM E JU D G E

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.

J746JudgePRATT_CNHIMags.indd 1

3/28/14 12:1

LAST LOOK

Cost of playing football going up

By Patty Miller | Special to The Business Times

E

dmond School Board members voted 5-0 Monday to pay $1,527.50 per game to Island Grill Media and Entertainment for videoing the three Edmond schools’ football teams. The home games are still being played at the University of Central Oklahoma’s Wantland Stadium for the upcoming 2015-‘16 season with one addition to the contract.

“The school board wants the contract to include a performance clause,” said Mike Nunley, Edmond Public Schools athletic director. “If for some reason the company doesn’t produce a satisfactory product, then we will be prorating our cost. Of course, that excludes acts of God like lightning.”

The cost is $300 greater than last year’s cost by the same company which includes posting scores, play-by-plays and advertising on UCO’s state-of-the-art video board, commonly referred to as the Jumbotron. The cost comes out of the athletic department’s funds.

“Our increase in price is primarily to cover liability insurance costs which we covered last year,” said Chris Turner, owner of Island Grill Media and Entertainment. “We found out about the additional insurance being requested by UCO after the contracts were signed between the Edmond School District and UCO.” The cost also includes the hiring of the crew which includes a technical director, replay operator who also produces commercials and graphics, audio engineer, show control operator and three camera operators, Turner said.

There are three separate contracts that enable the three high 46

September 2015 | The Business Times

Workers lift up a section of a new scoreboard in 2003, Games will cost the school system $1,527.50 per game. Business Time File photo school football teams to play at Central’s Wantland Stadium. A contract for actual use of the stadium was approved between UCO and Edmond Public Schools including a charge of $8,350 to be paid for the use of the stadium for each football game. From 2011 to present the rental charge of the stadium was $7,250 per contest.

A second contract between the school district and Island Grill Media Entertainment will be signed with the acceptance of the performance clause by Island Grill Media and Entertainment and a third contract dealing with how much advertising revenue will be remitted to the school district from UCO. “The school district will be receiving the same percentage of the advertising sales as it received last year — 15 percent,” Nunley said.

“The school district made $40,025 which goes into the athletic fund.”

School board members commented they could see training students in the future to video the games and run the scoreboards as part of the district’s curriculum.

“I am excited about the future possibility of a video production class,” said Edmond School Board member Cynthia Benson. “This would provide an opportunity for students interested in video production to have hands-on learning.

“There are still a lot of details to work out for this to happen. I think every opportunity a student has to explore possible interests or careers in high school can help give direction for education or training needed after high school.”

LET’S GET DOWN TO BUSINESS Whether you’re just starting a business or managing an established company, FRANCIS TUTTLE CAN HELP.

BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SERVICES • • • • • •

Computer Software and Technology Training Continuing Education for Professional Licensures Customer Service Training Quality Management Systems Safety, Health, and Wellness Solutions Team Development

BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURIAL SERVICES • Assistance for entrepreneurs creating new ventures • Strategic planning • Ongoing consultation

francistuttle.edu/bis

405.717.4740

12777 N Rockwell Ave • Oklahoma City, OK 73142

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID EDMOND OK PERMIT NO. 84

HERE FOR YOU. At INTEGRIS, we are proud to say we’re Oklahoma’s largest healthcare system. And because we have specialists in more areas of care, we make certain that you have access to The Most Challenging Healing ™.

INTEGRIS HEALTH EDMOND CAMPUS INTEGRIS HEALTH EDMOND HOSPITAL Services include 24/7 Emergency Room, Med/Surg and ICU Patient Rooms, Women’s Center, Surgery & Endoscopy, Cardiac Catheterization Lab and Diagnostic Imaging 4801 INTEGRIS Parkway Between 2nd & 15th on I-35 Access Road East 405-657-3000 PHYSICIANS BUILDING INTEGRIS ORTHOPEDICS EDMOND J. Keith Gannaway, M.D. John Gruel, M.D., Non-Operative Suite 150 | 405-657-3990 INTEGRIS JIM THORPE OUTPATIENT REHABILITATION New facility and medical office building coming soon Suite 100 | 405-657-3800 INTEGRIS CARDIOVASCULAR PHYSICIANS Azhar Amil, M.D. Timothy Daly, M.D. Lance Garner, M.D. Santosh Prabhu, M.D. Steven Reiter, M.D. Gary Worcester, M.D. Suite 150 | 405-948-4040

IntegrisOK.com/Edmond

INTEGRIS EDMOND PHARMACY First Floor | 405-657-3900 INTEGRIS FAMILY CARE EDMOND EAST Justin Sparkes, D.O., Internal Medicine Chris Hayes, M.D., Family Medicine Douglas Riddle, M.D., Family Medicine Heather Wheeler, D.O., Family Medicine Elizabeth Montgomery, PA-C, Family Medicine Suite 200 | 405-657-3950 INTEGRIS WOMEN’S CARE Elisa Sparkes, D.O., OB/GYN Julie Hansen, M.D., OB/GYN Courtney Seacat, M.D., OB/GYN Daniel Tallerico, M.D., Gynecology Sonja Hughes, M.D., Gynecology Laura Stearman, M.D., Female Urology Suite 200 | 405-657-3950 INTEGRIS PAIN MANAGEMENT Atul Walia, D.O. Suite 150 | 405-945-4359 INTEGRIS HEALTH EDMOND GENERAL SURGERY Patrick Bell, M.D., General Surgery Joshua Carey, M.D., General Surgery 1700 Renaissance Blvd.

405-844-4300

INTEGRIS FAMILY CARE COFFEE CREEK Joel Grubbs, D.O., Family Medicine Emily Reed, M.D., Internal Medicine/Pediatrics Ashley Muckala, D.O., Internal Medicine S. Christopher Shadid, M.D., Family Medicine 2916 N. Kelly Avenue 405-715-5300 INTEGRIS ORTHOPEDICS EDMOND Michael Williams, M.D. 2916 N. Kelly Avenue 405-715-5320 INTEGRIS FAMILY CARE EDMOND RENAISSANCE Grand Wong, M.D., Family Medicine Doug Haynes, M.D., Family Medicine Caroline Merritt, D.O., Internal Medicine Brooke Nida, M.D., Pediatrics Amie Prough, M.D., Pediatrics 1700 Renaissance Blvd.

405-844-4300