HERE FOR YOU. At INTEGRIS, we are proud to say we’re Oklahoma’s largest health care 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 4509 INTEGRIS Parkway INTEGRIS ENT & FACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY Scott Shadfar, M.D. 405-657-3895 INTEGRIS JIM THORPE REHABILITATION SUITE 100 405-657-3800 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 PHYSICIANS BUILDING 4833 INTEGRIS Parkway INTEGRIS ORTHOPEDICS EDMOND Austin Taylor, M.D., Sports Medicine J. Keith Gannaway, M.D John Gruel, M.D., Non-Operative Suite 150 | 405-657-3990
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
INTEGRIS FAMILY CARE COFFEE CREEK Joel Grubbs, D.O., Family Medicine Emily Reed, M.D., Internal Medicine/Pediatrics S. Christopher Shadid, M.D., Family Medicine 2916 N. Kelly Avenue 405-715-5300
INTEGRIS EDMOND PHARMACY First Floor | 405-657-3900
INTEGRIS ORTHOPEDICS EDMOND Michael Williams, M.D. 2916 N. Kelly Avenue 405-715-5320
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 Dena O’Leary, M.D., Urogynecology (beginning July 11) Suite 200 | 405-657-3950
INTEGRIS FAMILY CARE EDMOND RENAISSANCE Grand Wong, M.D., Family Medicine Doug Haynes, M.D., Family Medicine Caroline Merritt, D.O., Internal Medicine Audrey Goodwin, M.D., Internal Medicine/Pediatrics (beginning July 18) Brooke Nida, M.D., Pediatrics Amie Prough, M.D., Pediatrics 1700 Renaissance Blvd. 405-844-4300
INTEGRIS PAIN MANAGEMENT Atul Walia, D.O. Michael McLaughlin, D.O. Suite 150 | 405-945-4359 INTEGRIS HEALTH EDMOND GENERAL SURGERY Patrick Bell, M.D., General Surgery Joshua Carey, M.D., General Surgery 405-657-3690
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6
Outlook August 2016
August 2016
Team-Building After a very successful first half of the year, Dave decided we could all use a little celebration and treated everyone to an afternoon together at Top Golf. In case you aren’t familiar, Top Golf is a facility full of individual driving range bays among other games, fun, and food. It combines digital with technical—offering a good time whether you are an expert or a novice.
30 Game On!
People of all ages gather monthly to play their favorite board and card games
The Back40 Design & Outlook Magazine team
We divided up across three bays at the end of the row and teed up for a good time. We quickly saw who had a knack for the sport, and who really just wanted to swing a club really hard. Luckily no one fell over the edge. Although, I somehow managed to pop a golf ball up and hit myself in the head. The entire team had a good time. Since Back40 and Outlook operate on different schedules, timelines, and sides of the office, it was the perfect opportunity to come together and drive home the fact we are all a part of one team—even if the bays were split girls vs boys. That’s the great thing about teambuilding, you don’t even realize you are doing it.
Dave Miller, Publisher & President
8 Facts & Figures 10 Louise
The Dating Game
13 Food
Socialized Cooking Short courses offer big entertainment
16 Business
Batteries Plus Bulbs People’s Church
34 My Outlook
Justin Lawrence, Pokemon Go Enthusiast
Front cover photography by Marshall Hawkins
Bethany Marshall, Creative Director
FEATURES
18 Junkin’
Allison Griffith has turned her talent for DIY into an enterprise
23 Sculpt Wild
Tom Tischler makes wildlife come alive in his sculptures
26 First-Hand Forensics
From the FBI to UCO, Dr. Tom Jourdan has had many work-life experiences that he now brings to his classroom
32 Smart Business
Francis Tuttle Technology Center offers small businesses the chance to succeed through the Launch Pad business incubator
To advertise, contact Laura Beam at (405) 301-3926 or laura@outlookoklahoma.com
OUTLOOK
80 East 5th Street, Suite 130, Edmond, OK 73034 Volume 12, Number 8
PUBLISHER Dave Miller
405-341-5599
Outlook is a publication of Back40 Design, Inc.
Creative Director Bethany Marshall
PHOTOGRAPHY Marshall Hawkins www.sundancephotographyokc.com
www.outlookoklahoma.com © 2016 Back40 Design, Inc.
info@outlookoklahoma.com
ADVERTISING MANAGER Laura Beam
DISTRIBUTION 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.
outlookoklahoma.com
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Back-To-School Around Town Families with schoolage children spent an average of $688.62 on apparel, shoes, supplies and electronics in 2012
Before the eraser, bread was used to erase mistakes
2.4% of children are considered to have Didaskaleinophobia, the fear of going to school
Crayola produces nearly 3 billion crayons each year
Around 480,000 yellow school buses carry 25 million children to & from school every day
A pencil can write 45,000 words or draw a line 35 miles long and will write in zero gravity, upside down, or under water
In 2012, there were 78 million students enrolled in school, from nursery to college
In 16th century Denmark, parents would pay their educators with food (namely, apples), since teachers couldn’t live off their small salaries Statistics provided by: Pioneer Woman, 2012 US Census, DoSomething.org, National Retail Federation
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Outlook August 2016
Now in its 15th year, Edmond Kitchen & Bath has grown and expanded, offering inspired home designs for the greater metro area! Led by Licensed Professional Interior Designers, their expert staff creates beautiful spaces that families love. Visit their showroom inside Hahn Appliance, open every day, or their Edmond showroom by appointment. See their exciting projects at edmondkitchen.com or call (405) 285-1926 for more. Generations Home Care, a private-pay agency specializing in sitter and companion care and personal services, now offers physical, occupational and speech therapy! Based in Edmond, Generations provides assessment and evaluation by a qualified RN, plus no contracts and low rates. Loved ones can live their life, their way, in their home. Visit gen-hc. com or call (405) 651-8462. Be inspired, challenged and amazed after hearing the story of how a girl born without legs was abandoned at birth, then grew up to be a State Champion tumbler at the Deaconness Pregnancy & Adoption Angels of Destiny event. It takes place at 6pm on Aug. 25 at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Tickets and sponsorships available at www.deaconessadoption.org or call (405) 949-4200 for info.
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9
Louise
The Dating Game by Louise Tucker Jones
Well, as my girlfriend would say, “I went and did it” She would follow that with, “Bless your heart!” Meaning, I had no idea what I was doing when I did what I did. And what was that? I joined the masses of online dating. I know some of you are absolutely shocked and before you applaud or judge me, let me tell you this was a difficult decision. Just the idea of dating after 50 years was sheer terror. I should also tell you that my oldest son and my brother were the ones encouraging me to do so, telling me my late husband would not want me to continually grieve or to stop living life. And since I don’t hang out at bars or casinos and live a fairly quiet life, I made the scary online plunge. So, as always, I’m letting my readers know what my world is like right now. Actually, it’s pretty much the same, except I may open my email to find that someone has sent me a smile or a message. And wait till you hear about my initiation into this online world. Oh my goodness! It is quite different from dating in my teens. Yep, that’s how long it has been. Carl and I married at 20 years of age, and believe me things are different now. Some happenings are actually funny. Here’s the deal for those who have never encountered the dating sites. Each person provides a profile of themselves—who they are, what they like, etc., along with pictures. In truth, it felt strange to get a message from a man because I was so used to being married. Had to
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Outlook August 2016
get past that. Then of all things, I noticed a picture on one gentleman’s page of a group of developmentally disabled athletes. Well, being the mother of a son with Down syndrome, that took my eye, until I read the post under the picture. He called them “retarded.” A huge no-no in the special needs community. I know some of you are already anticipating what I did. Yes, I wrote him a note and asked him to correct that little faux pas. He did not appreciate it. One of the athletes was his sister and his family used the term liberally. I was crazy enough to carry on a dialogue with him as to why he should change this. Finally, at one point, I reminded myself, “Louise, this is a dating site! You are not here to edit someone’s profile!” Obviously, we did not go further with that. And even though I did converse with other gentlemen online, when it came time to meet for coffee, I just couldn’t do it. I took a few months break then went on a Christian site and found my voice. One man began emailing me soon after I signed on. A few days later, my youngest son became very ill. I sent a brief message to the gentleman, asking him to pray for my son. He did. We became friends and eventually met, but no, we are not dating. I have been very careful on these sites to follow the rules and always let someone know where I would be when I finally decided to meet someone for coffee. And yes, I have gone out with some nice gentlemen who made me laugh and feel like life could be full again. So there you have my latest adventure. My subscribed time to this online site is almost over and I’m not renewing so I will soon be back to normal. That is, if you could ever call my life normal.
About the Author Louise Tucker Jones is an award-winning author, inspirational speaker and founder of the organization, Wives With Heavenly Husbands, a support group for widows. Email LouiseTJ@cox. net or visit LouiseTuckerJones.com.
outlookoklahoma.com
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Outlook August 2016
FOOD
Socialized Cooking Short courses offer big entertainment by Laura Beam
Thanks to the variety and popularity of reality cooking shows, our fascination with food has exploded into a new-age phenomenon. Tell me you wouldn’t stare and whisper if you saw Bobby Flay or Pioneer Woman at the grocery store. Cooking show celebs are like rock stars these days. And who can turn away when watching competitors create a dish from random ingredients like ground beef, Oreos and mint? Now that’s just good TV. Or a celeb-turned-chef who is sharing her secret for fluffier pancakes? Try to pry me away from that. Everyone loves good food, and creating it unites people in the most genuine way. Local institutions and restaurants are tapping into the trend and serving up exactly what aspiring cooks and curious amateurs crave: hands-on experience and a unique connection with family and friends. Cooking classes are interactive, informative and empowering, not to mention challenging and fun! Roll up your sleeves and prepare to be enlightened at one of Platt College’s numerous Edible Adventures short cooking courses. You’re not sweating your GPA and college degree here, or competing against rival chefs to avoid being chopped. You’re among friends and are expanding your horizons in a carefree, small-class setting.
Most classes are Friday evening from 6-10pm or Saturday from 11am-3pm, with a chef instructor who demonstrates the material, then guides guests through every step of the process. “The mood is always fun and the atmosphere is exciting,” comments Chef Jeff Howard, Director of Sushi making class Culinary Arts for Oklahoma at Platt College City and Tulsa campuses. “The culinary arts have really been thrust into the spotlight with shows like Top Chef and Masterchef. More and more people are getting the chance to see what goes on in a professional kitchen and want to be a part of it,” he says. Participants are often amazed at what they can accomplish in three to four short hours and are eager to taste the finished product continued on next page
outlookoklahoma.com
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Socialized Cooking, cont.
Children’s cooking class at Belle Kitchen
and take home the recipes. The class lineup reads like a menu of favorite foods: Gourmet Cupcakes, Clean Eating, Chocolatology, Dim Sum, Make Grilling More Thrilling, Pizzeria Pizza at Home, Sushi Madness, Date Night, Italian Cooking Made Easy, Girls Night Out, Brunch, Cooking for Kids & Parents, Smoking & Brining, plus seasonal classes. “There’s something for everyone who wants to learn to cook and have fun doing it,” Chef Howard says. “Guests get the chance to learn to cook like a professional, and if they make a mistake, it’s okay. The instructor is there to guide and adjust if necessary.” Classes are held at Platt College’s North OKC, Moore and Tulsa locations. For class and registration info, visit EdibleAdventuresPlattColleges.eventbrite.com or call (405) 749-2433 N. OKC, (405) 912-3260 Moore or (918) 895-9407 Tulsa. Across town, a magnificent new doughnut and pastry shop is taking baked goods to a whole new level...and teaching hungry fans all their secrets! Belle Kitchen, a favorite at the OSU-OKC Farmers Market, has now opened a store in North OKC. And what a find!
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Outlook August 2016
Each of their mouthwatering doughnuts, macarons, breads and other delicious baked treats is made on site throughout the day, using quality, natural ingredients—locally sourced whenever possible. If you’ve ever wondered what that common terminology, ‘quality ingredients’ really means, Belle Kitchen’s goodies describe it in every detail and every bite. Owner Cheryl Davenport has a simple food sensibility. “Everything Belle Kitchen creates is from scratch and from real ingredients with simple recipes. We embrace a variety of food philosophies and currently offer a vegan class and are planning to offer gluten-free classes this fall,” Davenport says. At Belle Kitchen, cooking classes are held right in the live, working kitchen--a spacious room with the high-tech hum of stainless steel appliances, yet a warm and welcoming mood. “The classes are very informational, super social and fun,” Davenport comments. “At the end of the class, there is a great deal of pride in the beautifully crafted treats. Participants take home at least a dozen of the topic of the class.” Kids classes, ages 4 and up feature doughnuts, quick breads, cookies, cupcakes, macarons and pies. Adult classes highlight macarons, éclairs and cream puffs for couples, beginner bread-making, doughnuts, vegan baked goods, cookies, quick breads and more. Private and group classes and children’s cooking birthday parties are also available. For class availability, visit belle-kitchen.com/belle-kitchen-classes or follow them on Facebook. Stop by 7509 N. May Ave., OKC or call (405) 430-5484 for details. Laura Beam is a business and food writer and 20-year advertising and marketing executive in radio, newspaper and magazines. Share new business tips and trends with her on LinkedIn or email Laura@outlookoklahoma.com.
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BUSINESS
Batteries Plus Bulbs by Morgan Day Brandon Boozer, manager of Batteries Plus Bulbs in Edmond
At Batteries Plus Bulbs in Edmond, the staff isn’t there to just sell. They’re there to find a solution to customers’ problems. “The rally cry we have in our store is: Solve the customer’s problem, and that doesn’t always mean we sell them a product,” said Brandon Boozer, who’s not a only self-proclaimed problem solver, but a professional one (Boozer’s business card reads “Chief Problem Solver,” after all). The store at 1601 S. Broadway, which opened in 2010, specializes in batteries, bulbs and smart-phone/tablet repair and has a team of three associates and a manager who undergo rigorous annual trainings to keep up with quickly evolving technology. “I would put Batteries Plus Bulbs’ staff up against anyone as experts,” Boozer said. “Between the depth and the breadth of what we have in the store, the expertise to back it up and the pricing to make
it work—we’re pretty much a one-stop shop.” What most don’t know is Batteries Plus Bulbs’ is also a wholesale supplier with almost 700 stores nationally, allowing it to offer items such as AA batteries and LED bulbs for less than wholesale clubs. “We’re one of Duracell’s biggest distributors and we also have our own private labels made in the USA,” Boozer said. “Availability is one of the big problems commercial customers have. Recently a customer said, ‘I need 200 batteries,’ and I said ‘No problem, I have 36,000 in stock. I think I can help you.’” Batteries Plus Bulbs is open every day, offering customers helpful advice and expert solutions whenever they need it, so the customer gets exactly what they want and not just what they can find. The staff also puts an emphasis on community involvement. They responded to the devastating 2013 Moore
tornado by giving flashlights and batteries to affected families, as well as every major school district and fire department in the metro area. In 2015, Batteries Plus Bulbs of OKC Metro was honored with the Community Development Leadership Award from the International Franchise Association. Boozer said customers are blown away by the large amount and variety of product offered in what looks like a tiny shop. “People will say ‘What kind of batteries?’ and I’ll say ‘Yes!’ Or they’ll say ‘What kind of bulbs?’ and I’ll say ‘Yes!’ We cover all types of batteries, whether it’s a AA or a 3,000 pound forklift battery. With lighting, it could be energy efficient LED light bulbs, the bulb behind the button of an elevator, or it could be stadium lighting, you know? It’s always ‘Yes, we can help!’” Learn more about Batteries Plus Bulbs at batteriesplus.com.
Trashy pick-up line #34
“You look a little tire-d, can I give you a lift?”
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Outlook August 2016
People’s Church by Austin Marshall Pastor Herbert Cooper and his wife Tiffany of People’s Church
In the spring of 2001, Pastor Herbert Cooper and his wife Tiffany felt called by God to uproot their successful ministry in Springfield, MO and relocate to Oklahoma City. Without knowing what the future had in store, the Coopers sold their home in January 2002 and launched People’s Church, holding their initial services in the AMC Theater at Quail Springs Mall. Sixty-five people attended their first service in the theater. People’s has grown to an attendance of over 5,000 people at its five locations, including three in the metro area. “Statistics show that most people wouldn’t drive more than 15-20 minutes to attend a church. So to help our church be able to reach their friends, family and neighbors in a very large metro area, we have created different locations for people to experience the hope of Christ,” says Michele Morris, Central Ministry
Director at People’s Church. Technology has fueled the church’s rapid expansion. “It made the idea of being a multisite church possible. We just launched our fifth location inside the Mabel Bassett Correctional Facility in McLoud, OK. We are able to have a full service inside the prison, with dynamic worship and practical teaching every single Sunday. That wouldn’t have been possible without technology,” Morris says. It’s not just locations that are benefiting from technology. “Social media allows us to communicate in a whole new way, not only with people who attend our church, but also with people that don’t currently attend church at all. Someone can ask us a question on Facebook, watch one of our services online, or even plan a visit on our website before they ever step through the doors of our church.” Community outreach plays a pivotal role
A SHORT TRIP WELL WORTH YOUR TIME
in the mission of People’s Church, particularly to those who are often marginalized in society. “We strive to reach those who are often forgotten about and to show them the love of Christ,” Morris explains. The church has helped beautify several schools in the metro area and also hosts an annual Day of Hope event for children whose parents are unable to purchase backpacks, supplies, and haircuts for back to school. Morris says People’s Church is a place for everyone. “A visitor can expect a friendly church that is both engaging and inspiring! We like to say that People’s Church is a place where ‘It’s OK not to be OK.’ You can come just like you are, with hurt, habits, and hang-ups. Everyone is welcome.” For locations, service times and more information, visit www.PeoplesChurch.tv.
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17
Junkin’
Allison Griffith has turned her talent for DIY into an enterprise
While her sisters played with dolls, Allison Griffith played with furniture. “When I would play Barbie with my sisters, I would make all the furniture and rearrange the rooms,” she recalls. “I would rearrange my bedroom all the time, find different ways to make it my own space. I think I always liked to do that.” Young Allison probably wouldn’t be surprised to find that she grew up to be at the helm of a DIY empire that includes her own website, book and appearances with local and national media. Still, even with her love to create and reimagine (including a self-described horrendous dresser she painted in college) furniture, her current career sometimes takes her by surprise.
Banking to Painting
“I was a cheapskate banker when my husband and I got married in 2007—we didn’t want to buy new furniture, so I started painting stuff,” says Allison. She started blogging about her projects in 2010. But when the house was full, her interest wasn’t satisfied. “Once I got done painting all of our furniture, I would buy stuff at garage sales, paint it, blog about it and sell it on Craig’s List.”
by Mari Farthing
People started to take notice and soon the demand far increased Allison’s available time to create. Blog commenters would ask for classes so they could learn her techniques. “I posted on my blog that I was going to teach a class and it filled up overnight. I would meet blog readers when I was out and they would show me pictures on their phones of things they created that were inspired by projects I had done.” A national paint company approached her to sell their new line of paint. The blog was booming, the workshops were filling up and soon Allison was being invited to appear on television and contribute to national websites. “I had a one-year-old and a hectic travel schedule at the bank. My little side hustle was completely out of control. My husband told me that I needed to quit the bank and do this full time when I was just ready to shut it down because it felt out of control.” That was in 2012. Allison took her husband’s advice and has been the full time owner of Refunk My Junk for the past four years.
Refunk My Junk
Allison sells her one-of-a-kind painted pieces and paint and supplies in Edmond at Serendipity Market and at the Feathered Nest in Oklahoma City, along with her own studio, The Paint Bar in Edmond where she also works on her projects. She teaches a variety of workshops that include introductory and advanced furniture painting, all about milk paint, and a variety of Pinterest-worthy projects. Workshops are an important part of Allison’s business because she wants everyone to know that they have the ability to do what she does. “I’m just an average person who has figured out how to make her home beautiful on a budget. I think if I can do it, anyone can,” continues Allison. “I’m not an interior designer, I’m not anybody fancy or special. I’m just
Before After
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Outlook August 2016
30 Minute Lamp Revamp Project someone who’s cheap and wanted her house to look good.” Even though she knows this now, it was not an easy concept for Allison to embrace about herself. “I think I resisted it for a long time because my identity was a professional in a corporate environment for fifteen years. It was such a stretch to think that I would be a selfemployed artist.”
Advice
For others trying to make a go of a creative business, Allison recommends to take it one day at a time. “It’s a lot of little baby steps—your ultimate goal is to work for yourself, get paid for your passion. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed when I have a million things to do and I ask ‘what’s the bite-sized thing I can do today?’” Say yes to the things that fit what you’re doing and don’t be afraid to say no. And be yourself. “My blog is a DIY blog, but I talk about being a work-at-home mom, about depression, about pregnancy—there’s tons of things I’ve talked about, not just painting furniture. You have to be authentic.” Find Allison online at RefunkMyJunk.com. For Outlook readers, use the coupon code OUTLOOK for a 10% discount on classes through August.
Allison recommends if you are new to painting furniture a small project is a great way to gain confidence and get your paint brush wet! Snag an inexpensive lamp from a thrift store or garage sale and in less than 30 minutes you can create custom lighting perfect for your decor! Step 1: Clean the lamp using Simple Green. This will help the paint to adhere and clean off any grease and grime. Step 2: Paint two coats of paint over the entire lamp. Allison recommends using a chalk type paint because it does not require any sanding or priming. Her go-to brand of chalk type paint is Heirloom Traditions Paint. Step 3: Allow to dry thoroughly. Step 4: Seal with furniture wax. Furniture wax will protect the paint finish and also give the item depth and dimension, adding interest to your piece. Step 5: Buff the furniture wax with a lint-free cloth to add a sheen and help the wax to cure properly.
Allison Griffith, owner of Refunk My Junk
outlookoklahoma.com
19
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Outlook August 2016
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Sculpt Wild Tom Tischler is a world-renowned sculptor of life-like bronze animals. His art is on display at more than 100 zoos and museums worldwide—but the Oklahoma City Zoo, alone, is home to an unprecedented seven pieces. Most visitors to the Oklahoma City Zoo have at least one photograph of a Tischler sculpture on their cell phone—maybe the cute baby rhino or the tiger lounging in the bamboo forest. He also created the 9-foot Komodo dragon, a baby giraffe, playful baby elephants, two diving otters, and most recently, a bison. “For one location to have so many pieces by one artist is unusual,” Tischler said. “Especially since they’ve been collected by different administrators over the last twenty years.” Tom Tischler at the unveiling of his Not surprisingly, bison sculpture at the OKC Zoo Tischler has strong ties to Oklahoma City. He is currently a resident of Australia, but his wife, Sherri Huntress, is originally from Oklahoma City, so the Tischlers visit her family several months each year. Animal magnetism is certainly a factor in their 30year marriage. They met while Tischler was showing his art at a zoo in Texas where Huntress was the veterinarian. “I’ve heard some unusual pick-up lines, but none as effective as the one Sherri used on me,” Tischler said. “She said, ‘I have a gorilla in the clinic, do you want to see it?’ I knew she was the girl for me.” Huntress has worked at the Oklahoma City Zoo off and on for years. Her veterinary career has given Tischler unprecedented access to animals. In 2001, Huntress was doing some summer work at the zoo when a female rhinoceros was due to deliver. “The day the baby arrived, Sherri called me and said, ‘Grab your camera—you’ve got to see this baby! It’s the cutest thing ever.’ To me, it looked really scrawny and terribly newborn, but I took pictures daily, and by the second or third week, he’d filled out and was as cute as he could get,” Tischler said. Using the photographs and measurements, Tischler created a precise 3-D replica of the newborn rhino during his first few weeks of
by Amy Dee Stephens
life. “That only happened because I’m married to a zoo vet.” The most recent Tischler sculpture to call Oklahoma City home is a bison placed in front of the zoo’s new veterinary hospital. The sculpture has sentimental significance for Tischler because it was requested in honor of a friend and long-time zookeeper, Ralph Harris. “Losing Ralph to cancer was tragic,” Tischler said. “Ralph’s wife, Linda, who is also a former zoo employee, approached me about a memorial that represented a species that Ralph worked with and their family connection to Chickasaw heritage. It was clear that the bison encapsulated everything she needed.” In December 2015, Tischler spoke at the bison dedication ceremony before a select group of friends, family and staff. A Chickasaw chief ceremonially blessed the attendees and Tischler’s sculpture. It was a moving moment for an artist who strives to convey dignity and serenity through his art. It isn’t terribly surprising that Tischler has a career in wildlife art, since his mother was an art teacher and his father was a veterinarian— but he certainly entered the field in an unconventional way. The native Texan has spent his early career as an architect and exhibit designer for zoos and museums around the world. He spent five years creating game reserves for the National Park system in Africa, where he had incredible wildlife experiences. Upon returning the United States, he’d decided to end his architectural career, but use his contacts abroad to become a safari travel agent. To find clients, he attended an exclusive art show in Texas, billed continued on next page
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Sculpt Wild, Cont’d
Tom Tischler, Sculptor
as having the best wildlife art in the world. “I’d spent years working with animals, mostly wild animals doing wild things,” Tischler said. “So I looked at the artwork and I was stunned. I had a moment of clarity when I realized what I was supposed to do with my life, although 30 years had already slipped by and I hadn’t done it.” By the end of the art show, Tischler decided to be a sculptor, not a travel agent. He approached the information booth to find out how to become an exhibitor at the next show, two years later. The information clerk asked, “How long have you been sculpting?” Tischler responded
that he hadn’t started yet. The clerk looked shocked and said he couldn’t possibly be in the next show. Tischler went home, bought a book on sculpting, created an elephant, and sold it. “And when the art show doors next opened, I was the artist who unlocked the doors from inside the display hall,” Tischler said. “I’d already sold artwork to every board member of the art show.” He spends more than 500 hundred hours developing most of his sculptures. He strives to accurately convey the natural behavior and personality of each animal in a way that viewers can see their intelligence and emotions. No matter how efficiently he tries to work, hours slip away as he adds or removes clay. “I approach my art as an architect,” Tischler said. “I do blueprints of the animal, creating architectural drawings from the top, sides and under view. I look at every photograph I can find, and study every body part.” According to Tischler, “There often seems to be more agony than ecstasy to the work, but at some point I’m forced to lay down my tools and admit that I’ve done the best that I can do. Hopefully, viewers can imagine that these animals are real and give them credit for having intelligence and emotion. It is my intention that people feel an affinity and responsibility toward wild creatures.” To learn more, visit www.tomtischler.com.
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Outlook August 2016
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First-Hand Forensics by Mari Farthing
Like the fictional Dr. Indiana Jones—professor by day, international man of intrigue by night—Dr. Tom Jourdan leads a dual life. In May, you could find him at UCO’s Forensic Science Institute teaching a classroom full of students, but prior to that, he was jetting off to Amman, Jordan, to work on a project for INTERPOL, the International Criminal Police Organization. “Every trip means I come back with new material for my courses,” says Jourdan.
Dr. Jourdan
While completing his own degrees in business administration and chemistry (including specialties in biochemistry, organic chemistry and nuclear chemistry), Jourdan met FBI analysts working on projects using nuclear chemistry. Their work stayed with him. After a brief teaching stint, he realized that joining the FBI was a “natural evolution” for him. “I kept hearing in my head that old adage, ‘those who can, do; those who can’t, teach.’ I thought, ‘why not?’” As an FBI field agent and laboratory examiner, Jourdan’s career took him around the world. His forensic chemistry background had him working on such high profile cases as the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, the Pan Am 103 bombing case out of Lockerbie, Scotland, the Oklahoma City Murrah Federal Building bombing, as well as the UNABOM case. After leaving fieldwork, he became the liaison between the FBI and the Department of Energy labs, a position that kept him traveling from coast to coast on a regular basis. In March of 2006, Jourdan was approached by his boss at the FBI, Dr. Dwight Adams, a UCO and OU graduate. “Dr. Adams and then UCO President Webb had been discussing the formation of a forensic science institute at UCO. President Webb had a law enforcement background so this project made sense for him.” Jourdan was asked
to come on to help develop the Institute—a request which came very near to his FBI retirement eligibility date. It felt as though he was being handed the perfect opportunity for a second career. Jourdan went on to assist Dr. Adams in setting up the Forensic Science Institute, the first of its kind in Oklahoma. “Dr. Adams has a biology background and I have a chemistry background, so our disciplines did not intersect—between the two of us, we could cover all the topics necessary for the program.” Only one caveat was made by Jourdan before agreeing to work on this venture. “I agreed to be the assistant director but wanted to be a chemistry professor also.” This dual appointment was the first of its kind at UCO, but it was an important distinction for Jourdan. After years of field and lab work with the FBI, Jourdan was back full circle to the classroom.
One of a Kind
During his years with the FBI, Jourdan was responsible for selecting agents to hire, but those with only a criminal justice or forensic science background weren’t the ones who made the cut. He felt his agents needed to be more well-rounded in their knowledge. “Those without the second degree looked academically weak.” Jourdan discovered that Adams felt the same way about agents. “We asked ourselves, how can we make the kinds of people we wished we could have hired?” To that end, the Forensic Science degree must be part of a double major, and can be coupled with any number of other disciplines. “A writer could couple it with an English degree. Couple it with a Funeral Services degree for a job as a coroner. Someone who wants to work in victim support could couple the forensic science degree with a sociology degree,” says Jourdan. Add biology for a job in DNA analysis or serology or an art degree to become a forensic artist. The possibilities are vast. There are undergraduate and graduate programs available in the Forensic Science Institute. Says Jourdan, “many of our students find technical work with their undergraduate degrees—at places such as the Analytical Research Labs here in OKC, OSBI Laboratory, the FAA Laboratory, as well as the Medical Examiner’s office. We also have 93% placement rate from our graduate program,” which has very stringent enrollment criteria.
Real-World Training
Dr. Tom Jourdan
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Outlook August 2016
Dr. Jourdan’s continued work as a consultant to both INTERPOL and the International Atomic Energy Agency means that his real-world experiences can be used to teach the next generation of forensic scientists. “Even though I’m retired from the FBI, I stay active in the atomic energy community,” says Jourdan. “Every project I work on involves some type of training for me,” training which is then brought back and informs future course work. What’s next for UCO’s version of Indiana Jones? Next month, Dr. Jourdan is heading to Lima, Peru to work on a project with INTERPOL, and a trip to Cuba with the International Atomic Energy Agency planned for October. From there, it’s anyone’s guess. Learn more about UCO’s Forensic Science Institute at www.uco.edu/forensics
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(minimum of 300 sq. ft.) Time to say out with the old tile and carpet and in with new wood floors. Are you dreaming of new wood floors, but dread the mess associated with tearing out your tile? Are you tired of your 70’s carpet, but the thought of working with unreliable installers stop you in your tracks? Kregger’s Floors and More is here to help. Not only does Paul Kregger and his crew offer outstanding friendly and dependable service, but they have also created a system that eliminates many of the hassles most associated with tile removal. Their new dust collection system minimizes the dust. Although their technique is not dust-free, Kregger says it is “light-years ahead of the rest.” With most companies, replacing tile can take a week or more. Besides eliminating much of the dust, with Kreggers, your floor can be free of tile and prepped for new flooring in no time. “Most people think that the task of replacing tile is more construction than they want to deal with. With our manpower and no ‘middle man,’ your tile can be gone in as little as one day!” said Kregger. The installers are what set Kregger’s apart. This ensures customers are getting someone who knows and shows skills he’s familiar with to install their flooring. “In some stores the installers are folks the store has known maybe a day, maybe a year. It’s hard to say. At Kregger’s all of our installers are long-time
employees or family members.” Edmondite Christy Dowell says, “We have a home full of Kregger’s floors! New wood floors, tile floors, rugs, a shower and soon to be carpet. Paul and Chris and the rest of their crew have been a pleasure to work with; always courteous, respectful and punctual. They are also very trustworthy. We left our home to them for a week and came back to beautiful wood floors. It seems to me that ‘satisfaction’ is their number one goal...and I am completely satisfied! I highly recommend Kregger’s Floors and More.” Kreggers is now offering an unbeatable $5.99 psf on genuine Mohawk hand-scraped wood
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In addition, Certified Auto Specialists does not add hidden or miscellaneous fees such as EPA charges or oil/antifreeze disposal costs. They consider that a part of doing business. “Most used oil recycling companies do not charge for their service,” Hayali notes. “In some instances they even pay to pick up your used oil.” Working directly with Hayali, Kyle DeForest moved from Kansas to Oklahoma in 2008 to pursue a career as an automotive technician. Prior to his move, DeForest was a top graduate at WYO TECH in automotive technology and chassis fabrication with high performance engines. While working in Oklahoma over the years, DeForest became ASE Master Certified as well as Nissan Master Certified. In the spring of 2014, Deforest left a local dealership and joined Certified Auto Specialists.
In their new shop for two years now, Hayali is very pleased at the number of customers who have followed them to their new location. Certified Auto Specialists believes that when they service a car, their company name is tied to that vehicle. “We know customers can be taken advantage of, so we strive to keep each and every customer happy and satisfied. We are proud to offer a clean shop, but above all, we are proud of our reputation,” Hayali remarks.
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Game On!
by Heide Brandes
Every Thursday night, 30 to 50 people wander into the Denny’s restaurant on 2nd Street in Edmond to battle it out with friends, strangers and family members.
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Some of them battle over chess pieces. Others engage in high-strategy attempts to build and develop holdings while trading and acquiring resources as they build settlements. Still others try to determine who amongst them are the werewolves devouring villagers. Welcome to game night, hosted by the Oklahoma Board Game Community, a group of game enthusiasts who host meet-ups and events with the sole purpose of playing board games, meeting others and simply having fun. “We are a group that organizes board game events for anyone all over Oklahoma City,” said co-founder Mike Dattolo. “We have events at places like Coop Ale Works once a month, the Microsoft Store, Denny’s and other places. We just play board games.” The organization, which can attract as many as 150 players at the events at Oklahoma City’s brewery Coop Ale Works, originally began between Dattolo and a friend. They met at a neighborhood clubhouse and let their friends know about it via Facebook. Soon, others were attending, bringing their own board games and the interest in the organization just grew. “People bring their own games to the events, but we have our own library of games that are easier to teach newcomers,” Dattolo said. “At any given time, we have 20 or 30 games going on. I think it’s become so popular because you can connect in real life. There is such an increase of
mathematical intelligence. In fact, a 2006 study conducted by Neller smart phone use and social media, that actually meeting in person, et. al showed that the game “Clue” was an effective tool in teaching moving pieces on a board and talking is something people want.” students the concept of deductive logic. Dattolo and his friend first started letting people know when game According to the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers nights were through a Meetup group. Soon, they had so many people undergoing a 20-year study of senior citizens to see if they developed attending that they founded a Facebook page and started a website. dementia found that participants who engaged in mental activities “It’s such a diverse group of people. We have families with kids, such as board games and crossword puzzles had a lower risk. The people who are 50 or 60 years old and young people. There is a huge study found that just one activity like board games once a week variety of people who love board games,” said Dattolo. “It’s such an reduced dementia risk by 7 percent, and that risk reduction increased inclusive hobby.” to a whopping 63 percent for those who played games more than once Most of the board games are “modern, designer” board games a week. like Settlers of Catan or big party games like “I think about the cognitive Telestrations. Werewolf is also a large-group board Even with technology, people still benefits a lot,” Dattolo said. game, but traditional card games like spades and like meeting in person, moving pieces “I have a 3-year-old and he hearts make an appearance as well. And despite the competitive nature of games, everyone at the on a board and talking to each other loves games. Another aspect is learning to lose graciously. event takes winning and losing in stride. Also, if you’re not very social, being out and about can be intimidating, “People tend to be easy-going,” he said. but playing games give you something automatically to talk about and Various gaming events are held monthly. Once a month, the group you really don’t have to think of things to say to be part of the crowd.” hosts an “Introduction to Board Gaming” night at Barnes and Noble Those interested in participating are encouraged to “just show up.” to teach newcomers some of the easier board games. The general game “We have new people at every event,” said Dattolo. “We have night is held each Thursday evening at Denny’s. A younger, bigger people ready to greet you and make you feel comfortable and welcome. party crowd tends to fill the Coop Ale Works event, held the third It’s a completely free group that welcomes everyone.” Saturday of every month. “I was surprised how big this has become,” said Dattolo. “We have For more information and a list of upcoming events, over 1,000 members in our Meetup group.” join their Facebook group by searching Oklahoma Playing board games in a large venue isn’t just about having fun, Board Game Community, view their Meetup page at though. According to multiple experts and studies, playing games www.meetup.com/okboardgame or visit okboardgame.com is good for the brain as well. According to Parenting Science, games that use strategy like Mastermind or chess help develop logical-
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Smart Business Francis Tuttle Technology Center’s Launch Pad offers burgeoning businesses the foundation they need to be successful by Morgan Day
Wander through Francis Tuttle Technology Center’s Launch Pad business incubator and you’ll see a whirlwind of activity from an eclectic mix of companies working to make their businesses successful. You might see an inventor who’s packaging his new product to sell at Walmart. He’s surrounded by pallets of product ready to hit shelves for the first time. Turn a corner and you might see software developers tapping away at their computers. You might come across a contractor whose crews are out in the field siding houses. On a busy day, it’s not uncommon to see interns claiming space along the hallway floors as they pore over their laptops. “You’ll see just about anything,” said Fred Green, director of the Launch Pad at Francis Tuttle. “It’s just a beehive of activity of business owners learning and producing and becoming sustainable businesses.” Overseeing the Launch Pad program, Green is tasked with first analyzing companies’ hurdles, then counseling business owners, offering technical assistance and finally coaching them through the duration of the program. He provides entrepreneurs with the information they need to make the right decisions for their companies, and, once the participants “graduate” out of the program, they’ll have the skills and experience they need to continue to grow their companies in the right direction. “At the Launch Pad, we work with small startup companies and sometimes early-stage companies and we analyze what their constraints might be that would prevent them from being successful,” he said. “We put together a timed series of milestones to address those constraints. And when we’ve done everything and the client has completed all the milestones, we boot’em back in the real world.”
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The Launch Pad at Francis Tuttle is located within the Francis Tuttle Business Innovation Center in Edmond. The business incubator houses eight furnished offices for clients and five areas ranging from 400 to 1,400 square feet that can be used for light manufacturing, warehousing, logistics or other laboratory applications. Clients also have access to two conference rooms and a classroom, all equipped with audiovisual capabilities. Its ultimate goal is to help entrepreneurs create a sustainable business that will contribute to regional economic growth and development. Green said it’s small businesses—like the ones involved in the Launch Pad—that have the biggest effect on the vitality of a region. “According to the Department of Commerce, 97 percent of employers in the state are small businesses,” he said. “The Devon Energy companies and Sonic Drive-Ins only represent 3 percent of companies that have employees.” When it comes to getting into the program, not all applicants make the cut. Green explains the criteria he looks for when selecting new candidates for the program. “They have to be coachable; that’s the first thing we look at,” he said. “We’ve turned down applicants who think they know it all
already. They need to be able to listen, to learn and to work within the program. What I also look for is if we (the program) can make a difference, if coming into this program is going to significantly improve the chances that this company will be successful and sustainable.” The incubator typically houses 11 companies, which is capacity. The business men and women typically spend between 12 and 36 months in the program. “Between 18 and 24 months is when our clients are ready to cut the umbilical cord,” Green said, adding six companies have graduated from the program since its start in August 2013. While business incubators began springing up in the US in 1958, the Launch Pad at Francis Tuttle started growing its roots three years ago as Peggy Geib, Francis Tuttle’s assistant superintendent for business and industry services, saw a need for small business development in the area and spearheaded the incubator. The program in Edmond is certified by the state and its clients see benefits because of that, Green said. As an Oklahoma Department of Commerce certified business incubator, the Launch Pad qualifies resident clients that are in good standing in the incubation program or approved graduates of an incubator program for a five-year state business income tax exemption, with an additional five-year exemption for businesses that do a majority of their sales outside of Oklahoma. Green said this certification also ensures continuity from program to program. What Green most wants the Edmond and greater Oklahoma City community to know is that, worldwide, business incubation has proved successful. The Launch Pad at Francis Tuttle is no exception. “Incubation, it works,” he said. “Companies that go through a program like this have a much higher probability of succeeding.” For more information about the Launch Pad at Francis Tuttle and to see if you meet the admission criteria, visit ww2.launchpadft.org.
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Justin Lawrence, Pokemon Go Enthusiast by Bethany Marshall
How long have you been a Pokemon fan? I played as a kid, loved it. Played the card games, video games, and watched the show What’s your favorite Pokemon and why? Bulbasaur, he is one of the original starter Pokemon, and he has a special place in my heart. What made you decide to incorporate the current Pokemon craze into your business? Here at Oklahoma Shirt Company, we were all playing it, and when you reach level 5 you have to pick a team. Naturally we all picked the same team. Then we thought, “Hey, we are screen-printers, we should make shirts!” “Let’s design the team colors for each squad, and then offer it to all of our friends to bring their shirts and we can print them!” What kind of Pokemon themed offers are you doing? We opened our doors to the public to come by and have their team logo for free on any garments that they provide! Have you seen any of the team shirts being worn out and about? On the day we started printing shirts I walked to S&B’s for lunch with my friend Ramones. He had just downloaded the game and I was walking him through all the tips and tricks. On our way back, we encountered a player near the The Womb Gym. Turns out, he was on team Mystic, same as me, so I said “Let’s go take this gym.” After we took the gym I invited him out to come get a team shirt printed. He then returned during our big print day just to thank us. He had been out playing in his team shirt the previous evening and encountered a large number of other team Mystic players that had also had team shirts printed by us. They teamed up and ended up with a group of around 20 to take over and hold all the gyms in the area and make some new friends. The shirts have brought the Pokemon community together in ways I don’t think we really expected. Why do you think it’s important for local businesses to have a role in cultural phenomenons like this? Adapt or die. At the heart of every business should be a spirit of hospitality. If you are not sensitive to this, then you will time after time miss your customers where they are or what is significant in their life at the moment. This concept, of taking the customer and converting them to a friend, is the driving force behind the success of our business.
Why do you think Pokemon are suddenly so popular again? We all never really do grow up, and any chance we have to rekindle or revisit our childhood loves, we are at a loss to not take advantage of it. What do you think the draw is of Pokemon Go? The accessibility of the product. Its free, it’s on everyone’s smartphone, and all the cool kids are doing it! What’s the coolest Pokemon you have caught on Pokemon Go? A pretty coveted creature known as Gyrados showed up in my living room the other night. That was pretty wild. All my buddies were pretty upset, as they have spent countless hours trying to find him. What do you think the impact of Pokemon Go is within our community? It is getting people outside, which is always good. People are being more active, engaging in social events, and having the chance to connect with their kids with walks, visits to local hotspots, and new adventures! Learn more about Oklahoma Shirt Company at www.oklahomashirtcompany.com
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