Edmond Outlook September 2018

September 2018

Passion for Fashion Ivan Caro Finds Inspiration in Nature

Restore & Revive: HGTV Features Local Designer Magical Max Secret Life of a Mystery Shopper

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Features

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TRAINING NINJA-WARRIOR STYLE

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PASSION FOR FASHION

I’ve packed up most of my house. I’ve moved pretty much anything that would fit in my Volvo.

My moving tactics are simple. Going room to room, I assess my belongings. The belongings go into one of four piles. Move to new house, sell on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, donate to local non-profit, or throw in the trash.

Using this system has been fast and effective in every space - all except one. The photo closet.

What’s a photo closet? If you are of a certain age, you will understand.

If you are not, let me explain. Photos used to be printed on paper. And paper needs physical space. At my home, this space is a hall closet. Inside are thousands of photos. Some organized. Some in albums. Some just in boxes.

I prepare myself to pare down. To use my 4 pile system. Easier said than done. I’m overwhelmed. I see a pic of my old dog, Baron. Awww, such a good dog. And the house I grew up in on Maple Street. Oh, there’s my 3rd grade class picture with Mrs. Wells. And there’s the kids in their Kolache costumes. Whoa, my parents sitting under a waterfall in Jamaica. Oh, I haven’t seen these before… I start to divide up piles for the kids, I add additional piles for the grandkids. Then even more piles for relatives.

Examining thousands of things you are trying to pack slows down the process.

I make a deal with myself.

No paring down. No organizing - for now. For now, I will have a photo closet in the new house.

Which will help make it a home.

Ivan Caro finds inspiration in nature

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HIDALGO’S RESTAURANT

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MAGICAL MAX

Jumping, swinging, climbing with Dominic Pham

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Mexican favorites with a Peruvian accent

Facilitator of the impossible OUR HISTORY IN BRONZE

Sculptor fulfills her fourth Edmond commission RESTORE & REVIVE

HGTV features interior designer Paige Sheller SECRET LIFE OF A MYSTERY SHOPPER

Paid to shop. Sworn to secrecy

Business

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HENDERSON HILLS BAPTIST CHURCH

Extending a giving hand to others since 1964 CROWNE KITCHEN & BATH

Kitchen and bath design

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LOUISE TUCKER JONES

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DR. J. DAVID CHAPMAN

Dave Miller Back40 Design President

Visiting Mr. Wilson

Under Construction & Open for Business

Cover photography by Logan Walcher

ADVERTISING l Laura Beam at 405-301-3926 l laura@edmondoutlook.com MAILED MONTHLY TO 50,000 HOMES IN EDMOND/NORTH OKC 80 East 5th Street, Suite 130, Edmond, OK 73034 l 405-341-5599 l edmondoutlook.com l info@edmondoutlook.com September 2018 Volume 14, Number 9

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Edmond Outlook is a publication of Back40 Design, Inc.

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© 2018 Back40 Design, Inc.

PUBLISHER Dave Miller l ADVERTISING MANAGER Laura Beam l GRAPHIC DESIGN Adrian Townsend and Sable Furrh PHOTOGRAPHY Marshall Hawkins www.sundancephotographyokc.com l DISTRIBUTION Edmond Outlook is delivered FREE by direct-mail to 50,000 Edmond & North OKC homes.

Articles and advertisements in the Outlook do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the magazine or Back40 Design. Back40 Design does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. The acceptance of advertising by the Outlook does not constitute endorsement of the products, services or information. We do not knowingly present any product or service that is fraudulent or misleading in nature. The Outlook assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials.

FEATURELOOK

Training NinjaWarrior Style

By Amy Dee Stephens

“You move like a Ninja Warrior,” I said to Dominic Pham, owner of Phamily Fun and Fitness. He grinned.

I was an adult spectator at a 6-year-old birthday party. Kids were happily jumping, swinging and climbing on his obstacle course. Dominic demonstrated the next skill, running up a tall ramp wall and trying to touch the top. He lined the children up and encouraged each child to touch as high as possible, adjusting “I had it in my mind to expectations based on the size of each child. open a Ninja Warrior- Dominic moved with a calm confidence—with the style training center in stealth of a Ninja.

Edmond, one where I could train both adults and children.”

“I’ve tried to get on the American Ninja Warrior show three times,” Dominic admitted. “I was so close last year when it was in Oklahoma City. I stood in line for three weeks and placed 16th on the walk-on line, but they only took eleven, and the competition rained out.”

Six years ago, Dominic spent every weekend in Houston, TX, training at the biggest Ninja obstacle course in the United States. As a personal fitness trainer, he was confident in his athletic ability, but he feels like he didn’t understand how to play the “television game.” He walked-on instead of presubmitting a video application, and he began to doubt that his personal storyline would capture the heartstrings of television audiences. So he modified his plan of action.

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As I observed Dominic with the children at the birthday party, it was clear that he was making adjustments for every child, based on their athleticism.

He encouraged the fearful and pushed the fearless. Dominic was endlessly moving ropes, adjusting heights, and rearranging mats. He said that he’s constantly building new obstacles to push his advanced clients and himself further, which works new muscles and prevents boredom.

So that’s how I found myself taking my own personal Ninja Warrior training class. Since I’m not inclined toward athletics, I was a cautious student. Because of Dominic’s confident and calm nature, within the hour, Dominic had me swinging from rings, running up ramps, boxing, and yes, attempting to balance on a large rolling spool—all things I’d never done in my life.

“Changing attitudes is the rewarding part of what I do,” Dominic said. “I want people to learn how to make mistakes and get back up again. Part of the fun is overcoming the fear, attempting the unknown. I want to transform people’s lives, both physically and mentally.”

Dominic Pham

Dominic has now operated his fitness center for three years, offering personal and group training sessions, plus team-building and birthday parties. His goal is to teach individuals to become comfortable with their own body weight by using ninja obstacles, balance, martial arts and boxing. He has elderly clients

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“Although it’s my dream to get a shot on Ninja Warrior, and I’m still training for that in my own gym, I’m starting to think that maybe God has destined me to work with these kids and let them be the ones to shine on TV. I have several that have applied for the show,” Dominic said.

“I’m very patient with beginners, because they have fears,” Dominic said. “By learning how to land and have nice relaxed movements, you get more comfortable so that you can eventually balance on a circular object or roll out of a fall. Let me show you!”

“I had it in my mind to open a Ninja Warrior-style training center in Edmond, one where I could train both adults and children,” Dominic said. He quit his day job and worked in the oil field to accumulate the money he needed.

He began learning about owning a business and about safety requirements.

“Because I build many of the obstacles myself, I have to understand the structural engineering of strength and sway. I actually learned a lot of that in the oil field.”

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who specifically work on core muscle training and young clients who just want to have fun. Some of his child clients have their sights toward the new American Ninja Warrior Junior television show.

Believe me, I’m shocked by my new determination to tackle spool rolling again. I wish Dominic luck in his Ninja Warrior pursuit. In my book, he’s already a true ninja with a storyline that I can definitely get behind. He’s helping others push boundaries in surprising ways.

For more information on how to start your training, visit Phamily Fun and Fitness at www.phamilyfunfitness.com

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FEATURELOOK Ivan Caro was recently captivated by the beauty of a metallic green beetle laying in the parking lot—not because he likes bugs, but because he was attracted to the color. “When I looked closely, I was blown away that something from nature was so visually stunning.”

Caro is now sketching dress designs based on his exploration of beetles. He’s in the early stages of brainstorming, and he’s looking at bugs in a whole new way. “I’ve fallen in love with the aesthetics of beetles--the different curves and shapes. They emit a certain emotion, vibe and style.”

By Amy Dee Stephens

Although it’s too soon to reveal his ideas, Caro hinted that his interest in a collection of beetle-inspired clothing lies at different ends of the color spectrum. He loves the iridescence of the metallic beetles, but is equally fascinated by the black rhino beetle, whose texture reminds him of a black vinyl material.

It’s a glimpse into the mind of a wildly creative artist who is a graphic designer by day and a fashion designer in his free time. “I was one of those little kids who was born artistic,” Caro said. “Even before I was in kindergarten, I’d make a drawing and then put playdough on top of the paper to sculpt the drawing into 3-D.” For Caro, designing a garment is a 3-D process as well, because he thinks in terms of “constructing” the shape and drape of fabric. “That comes from my mother because she wanted to be a dressmaker. She used to take apart my grandmother’s clothes to see how they were made. I used to watch her deconstruct garments and reuse the fabric for other things. In my mind, I would start building my own versions. I even made my own Halloween costumes.”

Caro spent his earliest years in Mexico, but moved to Oklahoma City during elementary school. After finishing high school, he graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with a degree in graphic design. He is now a full-time designer for Saxum, where he loves overseeing the creative branding requests of his clients. His latest fashion client, however, was his younger sister, who challenged him to design her prom dress--a pink, flowy confection with an outer layer and cape made of sheer fabric. Not only did he achieve her approval, he is currently creating a documentary video of the process.

His best-known dress design is a period piece inspired by Renaissance royalty. “I’m part of a collective of photographers and videographers who create fashion photography projects, called Blackout Co.,” Caro said. “After we decided on the time period, I did research on fashions from the 1400s.

After making sketches, we selected a professional model so that I could construct the dress based on her measurements.” The final dress is made of metallic gold lace with a black tulle skirt.

Ivan Caro and Model.

Photo by Logan Walcher.

It’s easy to imagine Caro pinning such elegant fabric together in a fancy modern studio, but he actually uses his living room or his parents’ larger living room. During the final construction stages, his excitement spurs him forward to the point that he loses track of time, staying up all night.

Although his fashion skills are self-taught, he has presented several fashion illustration classes at the Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center. “I wish, growing up, I had been able to take something like that,” Caro said. “At some point, I see myself going to formal fashion school, not to change careers, but to enhance the direction of my art and creativity. I clearly have a passion for fashion. I don’t know where I’m headed, or even what will come from my beetle inspiration, but if the end result inspires one person, I will feel fulfilled.”

For more information, go to www.ivancaro.com

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FOODLOOK

Hidalgo’s Restaurant

By Laura Beam

A Taste of Mexico, A Place for Friends If you love great Mexican food (and who doesn’t?!), you can never get enough of trying new places or settling into a cozy booth at your favorite neighborhood restaurant for a delicious meal. Is there anything better than being instantly greeted with chips and salsa while you peruse a tasty menu?

Add in a vacation-like atmosphere with rockin’ tunes from the 80’s, laidback patio seating, a full bar, and sports on surrounding TVs and you’ve got pure dining pleasure.

After three years of delighting Edmond taste-seekers and serving up some of the most flavorful and inventive dishes, Hidalgo’s Restaurant has made its mark on the community. Owners Mariel and Juan Hidalgo, from Mexico and Ecuador, have crafted a diverse menu of Mexican favorites and Peruvian touches that keep customers coming back for more.

“The kitchen staff is excellent,” says Mariel. “They start cooking at 7-8am each day and make everything fresh daily.” One of the newest dishes gaining instant rave reviews is the Carne Asada Street Tacos. “The grilled steak is authentic, flavorful, and is plated with grilled onions and cilantro on the side and served with grilled mixed rice and beans,” Mariel explains.

Another house specialty, Hidalgo’s Parrilla, combines beef, chicken, shrimp, pork and Argentinian chorizo grilled with onions, tomatoes, bell peppers and crispy potatoes, served with guacamole, sour cream and Pico de Gallo.

It’s everything you could wish for on a plate. Just kick back and dig in.

This on-trend eatery has also introduced an exciting new chimichanga stuffed with a chile relleno -- no need to deliberate about what to order, just have both! “We started serving the ChimiChile a few months ago,” says Mariel. “Both items are so popular, so they are the perfect combo.”

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With a general manager who is Peruvian, many of Hidalgo’s dishes incorporate the indigenous spicy flair in items such as the ceviche. “Every Latin American country has a signature ceviche—fish or seafood cooked in citrus juice—and Peruvian, with shrimp and fish in lime juice, is considered one of the best ceviches in the world,” Mariel notes.

All of the traditional Mexican food staples you love, from enchiladas and tacos, to burritos and fajitas headline the menu as well. Hidalgo’s hearty appetizer selection is also a mainstay, featuring diverse choices like empanadas, taco wraps, taquitos, quesadillas and the most delicious chicken salad stuffed avocado—a light-hearted must-try that eats like a meal!

Even vegan and low-carb diners will find special dishes full of flavor at Hidalgo’s, like rotisserie chicken, grilled tilapia, veggie entrees and the burrito verde. An extensive cocktail, beer and wine menu rounds out this excellent restaurant and makes Hidalgo’s a great hangout for friends and family.

Mariel and Juan Hidalgo have tapped into something truly special in the Edmond dining community. With their own growing family of six—with new baby Andre at two months old, Emiliano at seven, Carlos at 16 and Caren at 19—they know the challenges and rewards of building lasting memories over great food and good times. They see it every day in their customers and relish the camaraderie. Don’t be surprised if they greet you and get to know you. It’s what local dining is all about.

Hidalgo’s is located at 200 S. Santa Fe in Edmond. Call (405) 285-2424 or visit hidalgosrestaurant.com.

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FEATURELOOK

Magical Max

By Amy Dee Stephens “How did he DO that?”

It’s a deeply gratifying phrase for any magician to hear. For Max Krause, that phrase encompasses the essence of his art form. “Art, music, or theater can all cause you to feel emotions, but I believe that magic is the only one that gives you such a true sense of wonder. When you see something disappear in your own hand, it’s an unexplainable experience,” Max said.

When Max makes a lemon appear or accurately picks a word out of an audience member’s head–it is magical! What makes it even more extraordinary is that Max performs his show—not on a distant stage—but a few feet from his small audience. “You won’t see me doing a lot of fast, crazy movements. I move real slow so that people can watch my hands easily. My goal is to perform with my audience, not for an audience.

Everybody gets to participate, and the individual decision that someone makes on stage is what causes impossible things to happen. I like to think of myself as a facilitator of the impossible.”

Max’s Magic Theater is new to the Oklahoma City scene. Max moved here and started performing in March. Not only is he selling out all seven shows each week, he’s top-ranked on Trip Advisor. Although he attributes his success to his humorous, quality show—he’s amazed at how quickly he’s been embraced by this community. “I’m blown away by the support here. Everyone’s so friendly, they come back multiple times, and they tell all their friends to come. It’s what I always dreamed of, but it’s never come together this well before. My magician friends are shocked by what’s going on in Oklahoma City—they’ve been visiting to see how this has happened so quickly.”

Max moved to Oklahoma City because of its central location in the United States and because of its growing tourism industry. He’s currently saving money to achieve his ultimate goal—to open an emporium of magic in Oklahoma City next year. “It includes a theater, a magic shop, two escape rooms and a party room. I’ll be bringing in performers from around the world and offering magic classes. It’s going to happen, and it’s going to be incredible!”

The enthusiasm Max has about his business venture is likely the same enthusiasm he had as a 10-year-old boy, when he decided that magic was his life’s calling. He was watching “The Bozo Show” on television and saw a magic performance by Whizzo the Wizard. Inspired, he instantly decided to become a magician. He started reading magic books and performing tricks for his friends at school.

“In Junior High, the principal called me in to see if I could perform in the school talent show. It turned out that a kid’s talent scout was in the audience.

She immediately hired me, and at the age of 15, I was doing 3-5 shows a weekend,” Max said. Thirty-seven years later, he still loves performing for all ages. “I’m not a character on stage, I’m just me. And the show isn’t about me, it’s about the audience and their reactions.”

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The most profound audience reaction Max ever had occurred when he’d been hired as a strolling magician at a restaurant. He would visit a table, offer to do a few tricks, and move on. A table of six surprised Max by politely refusing his show, but later, they changed their mind and invited him over. “They genuinely enjoyed the show. One woman, especially, laughed so hard that she had tears rolling down her face,” Max said. “Before they left, one of the men from the table came over to express his appreciation. He said, ‘That woman you had laughing so hard--she just left from burying her husband. We weren’t sure it was appropriate for you to entertain us, but it was the best thing that could have happened. You reminded us that there are wonderful things in the world, and that life has to go on.’ You talk about connecting with the audience.

No other compliment will ever be able to touch that.”

And yet, Max reaches audiences in new ways during every single performance. As rubber bands magically split and cards magically mend, he hears people’s awe as they ask, “How did he DO that?”

“It never grows old. That’s why I love to perform magic. I get to orchestrate an experience that might cause laughter or squeals, or just create an amazing sense of wonder.”

To learn more visit www.maxsmagictheatre.com

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FEATURELOOK

Our History in Bronze

By Amy Dee Stephens

It’s not surprising that Mary Lou Gresham talks about her sculptures as if they are living. For each of her historical figures, she studies photographs and histories until she feels that she knows each individual personally.

Then, her fingers capture their essence.

“See Ida Freeman’s delight at seeing the children getting into their books?”

Gresham asked, pointing fondly at her new statue of school teacher, Ida Freeman. “She’s watching their imaginations grow, and that’s rewarding to her.”

The Ida Freeman sculpture, “Lighting the Path,” is Edmond’s newest piece of public art and Gresham’s fourth commission for the city. Ida Freeman is now on the campus of the University of Central Oklahoma. At the dedication ceremony on July 27th, president of the Edmond Parks Foundation, Curt Munson, declared its location at the Old North building as a fitting site because of Ida Freeman’s impact as an educator. Ida not only attended teacher training at Old North in the early 1900s, she served as teacher and principal in Edmond for 38 years.

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Many children talk to “The Reader” like he’s a real person, just as Gresham does. “It always surprises me that people love him as much as I do.”

Edmond-based Gresham has spent many years as an artist, but she admits that it is risky business to create art on the chance someone will love and buy it—so she prefers commission work. She didn’t expect to be selected for her second sculpture, Kentucky Daisy.

“During the Land Run, Kentucky Daisy leaped off a moving train to claim land in Edmond,” Gresham said. “The other three artists who bid to design her were big names. I was David and they were Goliaths! But I was the only one that designed her leaping. To me, it was that leap that made her famous.

She’s poised in a moment—a moment between being a nobody and being “I am proud that her Daisy the legend. That’s why I named it “Leaping into History.” smile is just right,

Ida Freeman was a strict disciplinarian, but also incredibly influential to children. “If Ida was here today, she would look at us and say, ‘This is nonsense! I was just doing my job,”’ Munson said. “Although her career easily merits such a construct, she is also a representative of all educators.”

The 600-pound sculpture is displayed on a concrete bench that Gresham designed so that people could sit with Ida. “I wanted to ask Miss Ida how she’d do this. I hate to tell her anything,” said Gresham.

just like her photos. It The third sculpture Gresham completed captures the love she for the city was Russell Dougherty, the first Edmond man to die during World had for her students.”

War II. Gresham knew little about soldiers, but she connected with an expert. “He said, ‘I like what you’re doing. It’s important. Would it help if I brought a completely dressed mannequin to your art studio?’ So he did, and I’m pleased to say that Russell Dougherty is completely accurate, down to the connectors on his parachute harness. It’s like God took my hand and lead me through that sculpture.”

Gresham seems to specialize in smiles that are just right. Her first public sculpture, “The Reader,” has been loved by Edmond citizens since 1995.

Thousands of people have gazed into the sweet face of the old man reading a newspaper at the entrance to the Edmond public library. The face is that of her own grandfather.

“In the end, I know that art isn’t the most important thing out there. You don’t eat it. You don’t wear it. It doesn’t shelter you, so as far as basic survival, it’s not going to rate up there, but I’m so gratified when my art means something to people. I’m proud that of the 200 sculptures in Edmond, four of them are mine.”

“Grandfather had the cutest sense of humor, and he loved to tell jokes. He was such a gentleman. He never went out without his coat and tie. He loved my nanny so much. You could see the love in his eyes.”

Munson put it this way, “Without Mary Lou Gresham’s work, our city would be less beautiful.”

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For more information, visit www.marylougresham.com

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FEATURELOOK

Restore & Revive

By Amy Dee Stephens

Fifteen months ago, making a television show wasn’t on the radar of either Paige Sheller or Ty McBride. They’d each received an email that Sonar Entertainment had scouted them out as possible candidates for a show about remodeling historic homes in Oklahoma City. Although skeptical, friends and family convinced them to give it a shot. Now, they are the smiling faces on a new pilot show running on HGTV called Restore and Revive.

Getting to Know You…

Paige, owner of A-Line Designs, and Ty, owner of Wood Window Rescue, barely knew each other when the try-out process began, so they met for coffee and started getting to know each other. “We shared our philosophies about design and preservation, and we started working on projects together and getting to know each other’s families,” Ty said. “We come from different places, but we respect each other’s professions. Paige is a serious designer, not a DYI designer. She’s the real deal.”

Paige and Ty were prime candidates because they already had established, successful businesses. “Sonar wanted individuals who are successful in their own right to build a professional relationship on the show--instead of the usual model of using family teams or television personalities,” Ty said.

After a series of Skype interviews and screen tests, Paige and Ty received word that they’d been selected as partners for the pilot show. During the summer of 2017, they spent four months restoring and redesigning a historic home in Mesta Park on film.

“It was awesome and it was grueling,” Ty said. “We both have our own businesses to run, but two days each month, we had to turn everything off and smile for the camera.”

“We were working in a house with no air conditioning or working bathrooms,” Paige said. “But in the end, I’m really proud that the homeowners are happy. Ty is very talented at what he does, and I feel like the clients got a full A-Line Design experience, too. It was not just thrown together for TV.” 20

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Paige’s Perspective:

For Paige, the A-Line Design experience is what she’s built her 10-year business upon. “We make the client’s taste come to life, representing who they are and what they love. It’s not me stamping myself over and over again.

On film, they made it look like I did literally everything,” Paige said, “but I had my amazing team working behind the scenes. We were fortunate to use many subcontrators that I’ve worked with before, and most of the art, antiques and furniture came from local businesses.”

Ty’s Perspective:

Ty not only grew up in an old farmhouse, he helped his dad work on houses.

“Many people want to live in an old home, but they don’t know how to modernize it in a safe, respectful way that will last for the next generation,” Ty said. ”Restoring windows is just part of what our craftsmen do. It’s our niche, but the heart of the business is educating people about all aspects of building preservation, so that they alter it in harmless ways.”

That’s a Wrap!

Now, Paige and Ty wait. Their pilot episode began airing in August. If ratings go well, there’s a chance of filming a whole season of Restore and Revive.

The possibility is exciting, but both Paige and Ty are adamant that their businesses will carry on as usual. “God may have put this in my lap, but my clients won’t take a backseat to the show,” Paige said.

“I’m deeply rooted in Oklahoma, and I love seeing old houses saved,” Ty said. “Remodeling right is what I’m passionate about, and this show brings awareness to home restoration.”

“Neither Ty nor I had entertainment experience, but we dove in together, and I’m proud of what we did,” Paige said.

For more information go to www.hgtv.com/shows/restore-and-revive, a-linedesigns.com and woodwindowrescue.com

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BIZLOOK

By Maria Veres At the exits of the Henderson Hills Baptist Church parking lots, there are brand-new signs reading “You are sent.” They serve as reminders that church is more than singing and preaching. “It’s about being excited about Jesus, and taking that out into our work, our play, everything we do,” says the new Lead Teaching Pastor John Wohlgemuth. “Our faith can’t stay in our heads. It has to translate into our hearts and our hands.”

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Ministries of Jesus, a medical clinic ministering to body, soul, and spirit. During the teacher walkout in spring 2018, HHBC was also among several churches offering free day camps for any children who needed care.

The church’s modern campus features a gym, cafe, and spacious worship center. But many members recall leaner days. At one point the budget ran short when building a new worship center, and they had to make do with lime green shag carpeting. A square of that carpet hangs on the wall of their current space. “It reminds us to be humble,” says Wohlgemuth. “We’re nothing without Jesus.”

Wohlgemuth’s faith was forged in an unlikely place—the football fields of OSU, where he played for five years. “It was really amazing to see how God used that experience to draw me to follow Him,” he recalls. At OSU he met his wife Emily, and he began working with a local church youth group. That led to more opportunities to speak and teach. Eventually he followed the call to preach. “It wasn’t a writing-onthe-wall kind of call,” he says. “God just kept opening doors.” After serving at two other churches, he came to HHBC in June 2018.

matter what they look like or where they come from, even if we don’t agree with everything they say and do,” says Wohlgemuth. “Jesus welcomed us, unworthy as we were, and we want to welcome others the same way.”

HHBC has extended a giving hand to others ever since it began in 1964. “Our goal is to love every person no

The church is very involved in missions across the globe.

Closer to home, it operates several outreaches, including

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Pastor John Wohlgemuth

Wohlgemuth’s goal at HHBC isn’t to make sweeping changes, but to expand on the church’s strengths.

“Henderson has a substantial tradition of teaching God’s Word, and we get the blessing to build on that,” he says.

“We want this generation’s grandchildren and greatgrandchildren to have a church they love just as much as we do. The foundation is going to be the same.”

Learn more about Henderson Hills at hhbc.com.

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BIZLOOK

By Maria Veres

When customers order a granite countertop from

Crowne Kitchen and Bath, CEO Caleb Breer can tell them exactly where the stone came from—and he has probably visited the source himself. Breer travels all over the world and across the U.S. in search of the exotic granite that’s featured in many of Crowne’s installations. A recent trip took him to a quarry in the mountains of Vermont. “Most people don’t think about the fact that stone comes from a mountain,” says Breer. “You’re literally putting a piece of a mountain on your counter.”

Granite countertops used to be a luxury item, but now they’re found in most new homes and remodeling projects. “We can handle any size project from big installations down to $1000 countertops,” says Breer. Advances in technology have made it easier to get the stone out of the ground, driving down the price.

Crowne takes a unique approach to kitchen and bath construction. As well as sourcing the stone, Breer’s team manages the design and installation,

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meaning customers can rely on them to handle the whole project from start to finish. “We saw a need in the market to make things a little bit easier for the customer,” says Breer. “Anything we sell, we will install.”

Their efficient, customer-friendly model is getting a warm response. Crowne is the fifth fastestgrowing construction company in Oklahoma.

It made the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies in 2017, and it’s on track to repeat that success in 2018.

Based in Moore, the company opened an Edmond showroom in 2017. Breer and his team used an unusual tool to choose the new location— GoogleEarth. Viewed from satellite, the whole area around the site showed red where ground had been broken for new construction. “There was a huge opportunity for what we do,” says Breer.

With a Master’s Degree in construction administration from OU, Breer has been involved

Caleb Breer

in the industry for more than a decade. But his interest in design goes back to the days when he made a go-kart out of spare parts as a 13-year-old Kansas farm boy. “I’ve always loved building, making new things, and being creative,” he says.

Breer’s passion for innovation continues today.

Crowne is working on a proprietary process that will allow installations to be completed more quickly. Plans are also in the works to open several more Crowne Kitchen and Bath stores across the region.

Visit Crowne’s Edmond showroom at 164th and Portland, or view latest projects on their website at crownekb.com

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FEATURELOOK

Secret Life of a Mystery Shopper

By Amy Dee Stephens

My assignment was simple: discover the secrets behind one of Oklahoma’s greatest mystery shoppers. I was to rendezvous with this mystery woman at a local hotel restaurant. I would recognize her by her cheerful smile, but I didn’t even know her name. I’d been sworn to secrecy to protect her identity, lest she become recognizable and unable to continue her undercover work.

“Hi, Hon. You can call me Adventurous and Blessed,” she said in a lilting Oklahoma twang, “because that’s how this mystery shopping journey has been for me.”

“I’ll call you Addie B. for short,” I said. “So tell me straight, is mystery shopping a legit job?”

“It’s legit.” She glanced around the hotel and lowered her voice. “I got paid $3,000 dollars this summer to visit restaurants and stores to check out their customer service.”

“Sounds sneaky,” I said. “I suppose you disguise yourself? Dark sunglasses, floppy hats?”

“Better than that,” Addie B. said, giving me a knowing look. “I play the role of average middle-aged woman. I have a whole wardrobe of comfortable summer dresses.”

“So, you get paid to act normal?” I asked.

“Don’t underestimate my skills,” Addie B. said. “I specialize in acting like a regular customer. Not only do I get paid, I frequently earn free tanks of gas and reimbursed meals.”

“Sounds too good to be true,” I said with skepticism.

“I’ll let you in on a secret,” Addie B. said. “It’s all about organization. I plan carefully, fitting in several mystery shops a day while running regular errands. The first step is to...”

As Addie B. talked, her mysterious career began to take shape. Although Addie B.’s name is changed to protect her identity, she is real. She really does get paid to portray the role of a customer, and she really did make $3,000 this summer!

Addie B. first learned about mystery shopping as a retail manager. Her company hired shoppers to assess her store’s customer service. “Customer

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service is what any employer strives for, and mystery shoppers help identify strengths and weakness,” Addie B. said.

This summer, since her job schedule allowed for more weekday freedom, Addie B. decided to take her own mystery shopping from an occasional hobby to a business pursuit. Addie B. is now a contractor for nine different mystery shopping companies. “I can sometimes fit in ten shops in one day. I start by shopping a breakfast diner and end the day by shopping a restaurant for dinner. In between, I might shop at a dress store, go bowling, get an oil change and visit a car dealership.”

For each assignment, Addie B. has to ask certain questions or even visit the bathroom to assess its cleanliness. The harder ones involve high-pressure sales, where an associate tries to talk Addie B. into a large sale. Afterward, she submits a report about her experience. “I’ve mostly encountered delightful employees, but I’ve had three unpleasant experiences involving employees cursing around customers.”

Addie B. completed 175 mystery shops this summer. Only once was she sure someone figured her out. She was shopping a series of bank locations, and an employee that Addie B. already mystery shopped had moved to a different branch, so Addie B. was in the awkward position of replaying the same scenario with the same employee. “She probably recognized me, but we both went with it.”

Beyond the money, Addie B. has enjoyed the travel. “I mostly work in the Oklahoma City metro, but I’ve planned day trips all over the state. I pre-plan to mystery shop while I’m on vacation, too—and then my mileage becomes a business expense.” Addie B. recommends that anyone interested in mystery shopping should seek a knowledgeable friend to help navigate which companies are reputable. It’s also helpful to have availability during weekday hours.

“I’ve enjoyed meeting new people and visiting new places,” Addie B. said.

“I have an Oklahoma map in my house to mark all the towns I’ve visited.

It’s next to a plaque that says, ‘Say Yes to Adventures!’ That’s why I describe myself as Adventurous and Blessed.”

As I left my meeting with Addie B., the air was thick with Oklahoma humidity. I leaned against a light post to consider our conversation. Addie B. had admitted to the job of just…shopping. Maybe being a Mystery Shopper isn’t so mysterious after all.

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ALOOKBACK My children were young. Jay was a toddler in my arms and Aaron and Paula were preteen and younger. I thought it would be a good experience so we signed up. On our first visit, the supervisor at the facility let us know that Mr. Wilson was not exactly fond of people. He seldom had visitors and didn’t interact with other residents. She pointed us down a hallway and said, “Good luck!”

Visiting Mr. Wilson

She was absolutely right. The cranky gentleman was not pleased to see us. He wanted to know who we were and why we were there. Seemed reasonable. I explained. Made no sense to him.

Why would anyone visit someone they didn’t know? Actually, I was beginning to wonder the same thing. Upon leaving, I assured him we would be back. He let me know he did not expect us to return. “No one comes back,” he said. Well, there it was. He was lonely but had learned not to trust and have no expectations.

Today as I drove past a nursing home with beautiful crape myrtles blooming at the windows a memory came to me. Years ago, our church developed a program to “adopt” some people in nursing homes who had few friends or family to visit them.

Much to his amazement, my children and I visited a second time. He was surprised but still not happy. We visited again. He began to smile and interact with the kids. Then we found he was having a birthday so we showed up with a cake, ice cream and balloons. I still remember the surprise

By Louise Tucker Jones

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on his face and how much he enjoyed the small cups of ice cream and our “Happy Birthday” song.

He now looked forward to our visits.

Most of us enjoy holidays, parties and celebrations, but I also love memories. And today, I’m remembering Mr. Wilson, who departed this world years ago, but left behind some special memories for a young mother and her children.

There are so many lonely people around us. Why don’t you give someone a call? Better yet, make a visit. You will both be blessed!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Louise Tucker Jones is an award-winning author, inspirational speaker & founder of Wives With Heavenly Husbands, a support group for widows.

LouiseTJ@cox.net or LouiseTuckerJones.com.

CITYLOOK

Under Construction, Open for Business

By Dr. J. David Chapman

Downtown Edmond is undergoing some much-needed infrastructure improvements. The project includes installation of new storm drainage pipes in multiple locations downtown, along with new streetscape parking along Edwards and Campbell Streets. While this will be a gain to the residents of Edmond, it is not without pain. Nobody knows this pain better than Stephanie Carel. Stephanie, who owns Silverleaf Gems, is front and center to the seemingly never-ending construction.

There are two ways to get to this unique jewelry boutique. The first is down Campbell west of Broadway. This stretch of Campbell has literally been shut down with the entire road torn out for a month. The other, not ideal access, is the alley between Campbell and Edwards, which has now been shut down for approximately two weeks. While most of us living and working in downtown have been inconvenienced by this construction in one way or another, no one has been impacted to the degree of Silverleaf Gems and Stephanie Carel.

Stephanie is probably the biggest cheerleader for downtown Edmond and has managed to keep an incredibly positive attitude through all the construction.

She is even rumored to have provided the workers with cool refreshments on the hottest of summer days during the construction. She is one of the hardest working people in Edmond, serving as President of our local Downtown Edmond Business Association, Chairwoman of the Edmond Historic Trust, and serves as a board member of both the Edmond Historical Society and Museum and Edmond Arts Institute. It is ironic that the one of the biggest supporters of our downtown community has been affected the most. There is surely a lack of justice in that somewhere.

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When meeting with Stephanie this Saturday morning, I was actually able, finally, to drive down Campbell street and park right in front of the Silverleaf Gem boutique. The fact that the road was open brought a big smile to her face and a great sense of relief. How does a small business owner deal with this level of adversity and disruption to their business and how do they prepare?

Stephanie and the downtown merchants had about 6 months to prepare. She said the key is staying in front of your clients, constantly communicating with them on the best way to get to your location considering the latest street closings and construction. And this communication is done most effectively through social media. While she has definitely seen a decrease in sales, the use of social media, having a loyal client base, and support from friends and family has made the situation manageable. If you haven’t visited Stephanie and Silverleaf Gems, please do so today, and, while there will still be construction, there is now a convenient path to her front door.

Dr. J. David Chapman is an Associate Professor of Finance & Real Estate at UCO. jchapman7@uco.edu

80 East 5th St., Ste. 130 Edmond, OK 73034