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VO LU M E S E V E N I S S U E E I G H T
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30 Moments
Cutest Pets
Critical events in the development of OKC.
Your picks for the 405’s cutest critters are in.
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D E PA R T M E N T S In the 405 14 TRENDING Essentials for the return of tailgating.
VO LU M E S E V E N I S S U E E I G H T
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16 WHAT’S ONLINE A look at social media in the 405. 18 SOCIAL HOUR People and events in the 405. 20 PERSON OF INTEREST Shorty Koger didn’t listen when people said women couldn’t make cowboy hats. 22 FASHION Back to nature for light and breezy summer styles.
Dining 110 GOOD TASTE Ned’s Starlite Lounge retools the classics in a fun, funky setting. 112 THE DISH On the hunt for the 405’s best fish and chips. 114 THE DRINK Local summer brews to help beat the heat. 116 LOCAL FLAVOR A guide to OKC’s best restaurants.
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Home
Out & About
120 ENTERTAINING 101 Beautiful glassware for summer refreshers.
130 ARTS & CULTURE The First Americans Museum is poised for its debut.
122 IN CONVERSATION WITH Randal Marshal shares how The Flower Truck OKC has grown.
132 ONE MORE THING Chip Fudge on the value of older things.
124 DESIGN A look inside Lance and Cindy Ruffel’s rockin’ Gaillardia home. 4
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134 LOOKING BACK 136 LAST LAUGH
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AUGUST 2021
VOLUME 7 • NUMBER 8
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405 Magazine Volume 7, Number 8, August 2021. 405 Magazine is published monthly by Hilltop Media Group at 1613 N. Broadway, Oklahoma City, OK 73103, 405.842.2266. ©Copyright 2021 Hilltop Media Group. All rights reserved. Reproduction of 405 Magazine content, in whole or part by any means, without the express written consent of the publisher is strictly prohibited. 405 Magazine is not responsible for the care of and/or return of unsolicited materials. 405 Magazine reserves the right to refuse advertising deemed detrimental to the community’s best interest or in questionable taste. Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of ownership or management. Basic annual subscription rate is $14.95. U.S. single-copy price is $4.95. Back issues are $9.50 each
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Past Inspiration, Future Aspiration he secret is out: Oklahoma City is one of the best places to live in the country. From 2019 until now, OKC’s population has grown by more than 1.1% (about 14,000 new residents) making it one of the top 10 cities where people are relocating, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. I’m sure you have noticed if you’ve attempted to dine out recently. With growing arts and entrepreneurship scenes, a metropolitan improvement plan that has received international attention and low costs of living and unemployment rates – OKC once again finds itself home to a fresh generation of newcomers looking for a better life. Not so long ago, I was one of those new arrivals. Before moving here in 2017, I was living in a high-rise in downtown Los Angeles and working in journalism, both as an on-camera TV news reporter and a magazine editor. My husband was heavily involved in the tech startup scene. After we had back-to-back daughters, our hopes and dreams started looking quite a bit different. Things like family time, homeownership, a large green yard and a tight-knit community became our new priorities. Most people in Oklahoma City are given those opportunities, but they are far from guaranteed in many major metropolitan areas. We knew there had to be a higher quality of life somewhere out there for ourselves, our two small children and our two old dogs. When we eventually landed in OKC, I had no idea what to expect. Would the American dream actually pan out? Was the media scene really growing? Was the economy genuinely prosperous? Did the hustle culture extend beyond Russell Westbrook? Are Oklahomans actually the nicest people in the world? One of the first things I did upon arrival was pick up a copy of 405 Magazine. I hoped it would give me ideas of events and restaurants to check out. I’m happy to report that Oklahoma City has exceeded our expectations in every way. Our family is thriving and truly happier than we’ve ever been. The community welcomed us with open arms, our girls spend their days playing outside, we take great pride in our home and property – and we are both in love with our careers. As we look to the bright future of our city, it is important to remember the people and events that got us to where we are today. In this issue of 405 Magazine we cover 30 Moments That Defined OKC (page 28). As someone relatively new to our town, I am thankful to learn more about what shaped this place I love so dearly. The
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feature highlights everything from the Land Run to the Murrah Building attack, the OKC Thunder, MAPS and more. It is mustread for recent transplants, as well as our esteemed residents who have helped establish this town for generations. As I consider the defining moments in my own life – marriage, children, careers, moves – one of the only constants has been my beloved dogs. My Boston Terrier and Rescue Mutt both turn 12 this year, and have been my babies since puppyhood. They have accompanied me through most of my adult life and I love them like family. Also in this issue (p.42) you will find your picks for the 405’s cutest pets. Because we know you also love them like family. I am thrilled to take on this new role as Editor-in-Chief of 405 Magazine and have the opportunity to give back to the city that has given so much to me. I look forward to connecting with you and living our best lives together in OKC!
Julie Partin EDITOR IN CHIEF
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In the 405 Natural Beauty
SHEVAUN WILLIAMS AND ASSOCIATES
Embrace simple, easy-living styles this summer. Page 22
Uncle Frank linen bandana print dress and green leaf earrings from Tener’s Western Outfitters; turquoise and gold beaded necklace from Kokopelli; vintage silk scarf from Jack Loves Jill Vintage; stretch bracelet from Cayman’s.
405MAGAZINE.COM
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IN THE 405
T R E N D I N G
Elevated Tailgating
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BY BENNE T T HILL
A F T E R W H AT S E E M E D like ages of not being able to enjoy our favorite sporting events, we are now able to return to our favorite fall pastime: football. Whether you are entertaining at home or tailgating in Norman or Stillwater, you are sure to step up your game day attire with these picks. 3
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1. Rag and Bone, Rosa Jean in North Star, Cayman's 2. Freyrs, Charlie Sunglasses, Boutique One 3. Veronica Beard, Matin Sweater, Gretta Sloane 4. Catstudio, Oklahoma Glass Set, Blue Seven 5. Moussy MV, Packard Short, Gretta Sloane 6. David Yurman, Renaissance Bracelet, BC Clark 7. Be Clear Handbags, The Aspen, Scout and Molly’s 8. Cecelia NY, Georgie Bootie, Betsy King 9. Vaneli, Yavin Sneaker, Betsy King 10. Totally Bamboo, Destination Okahoma Cutting Board, Blue Seven BC Clark, 5801 NW Grand, OKC, bcclark.com | Boutique One, 6478 Avondale, OKC, boutiqueone.store | Blue Seven, 7518 N. May, OKC, myblueseven.com Betsy King Shoes, 3001 Paseo, OKC, betsykingshoes,com | Cayman’s Clothiers, 2001 W. Main St., Norman, shop-caymans.com Gretta Sloane, 6476 Avondale, OKC, grettasloane.com | Scout & Molly’s, 5810 N. Classen, OKC, scoutandmollys.com 14
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IN THE 405
W H AT ’ S
BEST SHOT
@ S AU R AV S H R E S T H A _ P H OTO S
A R E YO U F O L L OW I N G us on Instagram? We post daily content from the magazine, as well as news and events happening in the 405. You can also tag us in your Best Shots of the 405 by using hashtag #your405
405 Magazine has an e-newsletter, the 405 Now, designed to keep you in the loop and give you a weekly rundown of our best stories from the week. Subscribe at 405magazine.com/newsletters
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IN THE 405
S O C I A L
H O U R
Impact OKC Annual Meeting A capacity crowd attended the annual meeting of Impact OKC, May 20 at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, where this year’s beneficiary of the organization’s $100,000 award was selected. Members enjoyed wine, dinner, and presentations from four local charities.
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1. Lauren Warkentine, Candace Pahl, Apple Saunier, Megan Hann 2. Josie Vinyard, Lauren Sargeant, Josh Kingcade 3. Erisa & Gabriel Bird 4. Debbie MacDonald, Beajai Webb
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Angels & Friends
1. Connie Lindley, Rayelee McFee, Lindsay Koskie 2. Brooke Willhite, Katie Beam 3. Kathy Prough, Susan Nash 4. Jeanna Davin, Sonya Epperson, Lisa Booth, Debbie Naifeh Engel 5. Aliese Martinez, Kayla Stangl 18
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FRAN KOZAKOWSKI
Arts Council Oklahoma City hosted its 54th annual Angels & Friends fundraiser, June 5 outdoors at West Village. Attendees listened to jazz performed by the Jay Wilkinson Octet. Proceeds will fund the organization’s programming including Festival of the Arts, Opening Night and the Twilight Concert Series.
IN THE 405
Shorty Koger holds a custom-made cowboy hat inside Shorty’s Hattery, the only female-operated hattery in the United States.
Shorty’s Tall Honor The National Cowgirl Hall of Fame will induct America’s only female-owned hattery owner, OKC’S Shorty Koger B Y K AY T E S P I L L M A N | P H O T O S B Y C H A R L I E N E U E N S C H WA N D E R
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or more than 30 years, Lavonna “Shorty” Koger hasn’t just been working in a male-dominated field – she’s been busting up perceptions in the Marlboro Man’s world. Located at 1007 S. Agnew Ave. in Stockyards City, Koger runs the only female-owned and operated hattery in the United States. And she has built a national reputation of handcrafting some of the highest quality cowboy and cowgirl hats in the country. From OKC cowboys and Osage County ranchers to stars like Lyle Lovett and Reba McEntire, her hats crown some of the biggest names in the Western community.
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People would always say, ‘A woman in Oklahoma doesn’t know what she is doing.’ But luckily, I was able to prove them wrong.”
To honor Koger’s long and successful career as a Western hatmaker, the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame in Ft. Worth, Texas, will induct her as one of its newest members this October. “People would always say, ‘A woman in Oklahoma doesn’t know what she is doing,’” Koger said. “But luckily, I was able to prove them wrong.” Koger is one of four women to be inducted this year, including another well-known Oklahoman, Miranda Lambert. “Shorty is not just a hatmaker; she is an artist,” said Patricia Riley, the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame executive director. “She is an artisan, and her work is like artwork. She lives the lifestyle. She is a cowgirl. There is nothing about her that doesn’t exemplify that title.” Riley said the women honored often don’t get the recognition in their field that they deserve, or that their male counterparts do, and these women like Koger who don’t seek the limelight deserve to be recognized. “For people like Shorty who are so unassuming and humble, it is a great call to make,” she said. Koger said the induction is humbling and serves as recognition of the hard work she’s put into growing her business, which is now in its 31st year. “It’s an amazing business, and I’ve loved every minute of it,” she said. “Not many people can say that about their livelihood, but I can’t ever remember having a bad day. I’m sure I did, but I’ve always been grateful and happy. I don’t know how I could be more blessed than I am right now.” That happiness follows a lot of hard work, Koger said. When she first started making hats, the end results were not always ready for display. “Lord, have mercy! I threw a bunch of hats away in the beginning because they were so horrible,” she said. “People would dig them out of the trash and put them on. It was actually pretty funny to see those terrible hats walking around.” From the little girl who idolized cowboys and rodeoed herself, induction into the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame brings her life full circle, she said. “It’s still sinking in because it is such a big honor,” Koger said. “I don’t know that the little kid who always wanted to be a cowboy in those awesome hats and boots would believe it.”
Hats are custom made for clients at Shorty’s Hattery.
The hattery produces about 2,000 hats by hand a year. “It’s been an awesome business for me, and I couldn’t be more proud of it,” Kroger said.
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IN THE 405
Back to Nature Hot summer days call for a stripped-down approach to beauty BY LINDA MILLER P H O T O S B Y S H E VA U N W I L L I A M S A N D A S S O C I AT E S
y the time August rolls around, many of us are growing weary of trying to stay cool while looking good as we endure Oklahoma’s scorching heat, wind and humidity. Perhaps the best strategy for weathering another hot month is to embrace a more natural, simple and easy-living approach to dressing. Prioritizing ease and comfort doesn’t translate to sloppy, uncaring or boring. It’s more about doing away with some of the excess, at least for now. Peel away the layers. Reach for light colors and lightweight fabrics, on repeat. Rethink hair and makeup. Opt for thin hoops or weightless studs instead of big, heavy earlobe-pulling earrings. Enjoy an understated chain and leave the layers of necklaces and stacks of bracelets in the jewelry box. Just as less jewelry offers a cooler look and feel, so does a dress that’s loose and flowy. Slip one on and go; it’s easy effort for a pulled-together look. Consider interesting prints, eyelets, lace and gingham in shift and relaxed styles. A T-shirt dress is another good choice, but stay away from thin, flimsy fabric that can cling. Many women agree that a dress is cooler than shorts or crop jeans. Anything tight or form-fitting seems to have little appeal this time of year. Not all fabrics or colors make it fun to be outside in August, even if it’s just to walk from the parking lot to a favorite store or into the office. Cotton and linen are breathable fabrics, making them hot weather favorites, and light colors reflect sunlight while dark colors absorb it. Anyone want to wear head-to-toe black right now? This is also a good time of year to reconsider hair products and hairstyles. Gobs of gel or mousse can make hair heavy and require more time to style. And if you sweat it out every morning straightening curly or wavy hair or blow-drying long locks for a sleek look, go natural a couple of times a week – or more. Your hair will thank you. Finally, swap full-coverage foundation for tinted moisturizer. Dust bronzer on cheekbones, forehead, chin and nose for a sun-kissed look … that has nothing to do with the actual sun, thanks to daily use of sunscreen. Then forgo liner and heavy matte lipstick and choose tinted lip balm or a subtle lip stain. Hopefully, these suggestions will make it easier to survive and enjoy the remaining sultry days of summer. Maybe it’ll even feel good to be free of some of the excess and embrace a more natural, uncomplicated fashion and beauty routine.
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Photography and art direction: Shevaun Williams Model: Addison Howell, The Tabb Agency Wardrobe stylist: Elizabeth Wheat Hair and makeup: Suzi Thompson Special thanks to The Greenhouse in Norman Betsy King Shoes, 3001 Paseo, OKC, betsykingshoes.com Cayman’s, 2001 W. Main, Norman, shop-caymans.com Jack Loves Jill Vintage, etsy.com/shop/jacklovesjillvintage Kokopelli, 12100 N. May, OKC, kokopelliokc.com Tener’s Western Outfitters, 4320 W. Reno, OKC, tenersboots.com
FA S H I O N
Pom-pom floral tiered dress by Sundress and stretch bracelet, both from Cayman’s.
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IN THE 405 Floral print dress by Emily Lovelock from Kokopelli; vintage western belt and straw hat from Jack Loves Jill Vintage.
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FA S H I O N
White linen blend maxi dress by Sea New York, gold sparkle gel sandal by Freedom Moses and gold rope bracelet, all from Cayman’s; earrings from Tener’s Western Outfitters.
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IN THE 405
Uncle Frank cotton Navajo weave dress with bell sleeves from Tener’s Western Outfitters; beaded drop earrings and Caroline Page quartz and silver bracelet from Kokopelli.
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FA S H I O N Coral desert landscape embroidered dress from Tener’s Western Outfitters; beaded drop earrings from Kokopelli; vintage beaded souvenir belts from Jack Loves Jill Vintage; Seychelles white quilted Velcro sandals from Betsy King Shoes.
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OKC ’ S MILESTONE MOMENTS
30 EVENTS THAT HELPED DEFINE OUR CITY By Melissa Mercer Howell & Larry O’Dell
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History is rife with small events that, when they reach their culmination, shape a future. Then there are the watershed moments – times such as the Civil War, Watergate or 9/11, when history is measured in “before” and “after.” With the help of the Oklahoma History Center, we’ve compiled a list of the 30 most influential moments in Oklahoma City’s history. Some events took place in a matter of seconds, others over many years, and some are continuing to unfold, but all have molded our city into what it is today.
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1887
Southern Kansas Railway established Oklahoma Station.
1907
First State Fair held in OKC. Current location of fairgrounds built in 1954.
1889
Land Run populates a city in one day. B OOMERS AN D SO O N ER S After the Civil War, the U.S. government renegotiated treaties that punished the Five Tribes (Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek and Seminole) in several ways, including taking their land in western Oklahoma to relocate Plains tribes. In the early 1880s, a Boomer movement evolved, clamoring to open Oklahoma land to American citizens. In 1889 the “Unassigned Lands” were open to non-Indian settlement. The Land Run of April 22, 1889, created a city overnight at the Oklahoma Station on the Southern Kansas Railway. It is estimated that 4,000 to 6,000 people claimed lots in the future Oklahoma City townsite. Many of the lots were claimed by more than one participant and contested, with some of these cases taking years to be settled. The new town incorporated on July 15, 1890. By 1900, the population of the city doubled to 10,037. Four more land runs and two land lotteries opened more opportunities to non-Indians, creating the core of Oklahoma Territory. 30
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1910
Meatpacking plants and the Oklahoma National Stockyards established.
P H O T O S C O UR T E S T Y O F T HE O K L A H O M A HI S T O R IC A L S O CIE T Y
THE BEG I N N I N G S O F O K C ' S CAT TL E MAR KET In the first decade of the 20th century, city leadership began to approach meatpacking companies across the nation to open facilities in Oklahoma City. Through incentives – including land, five years of tax exemptions, bonuses, a belt railroad and access to a streetcar line – Thomas Wilson of the Nelson Morris Company agreed to open the first plant. Soon, Schwarzschild and Sulzberger and Armour and Company followed. The Morris Company constructed the Oklahoma National Stockyards and created a livestock exchange. In 1922, the stockyards created a coliseum for rodeos and other events. The meatpacking plants served as an early city employment opportunity and created more than 4,000 jobs. Throughout the 20th century, the Oklahoma National Stockyards was a major market for stocker and feeder cattle. By the 1980s, the stockyard had become the nation’s No. 1 cattle market. The area is home to some of the city’s most iconic businesses, including Cattlemen’s Steakhouse and Langston’s Western Wear. Today, the Stockyards claims to be the largest stocker-feeder cattle market in the world.
1910
Capitol is moved to Oklahoma City and completed in 1917. ‘ SEA L DI SA P P EA R S I N DEA D OF N I GHT ’ Guthrie, the original territorial capital, was established as the Oklahoma state capital by U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt in 1907 and was to remain so until 1913. But by late 1909, a campaign was underway to move the capital to Oklahoma City. City fathers including E.K. Gaylord, publisher of The Oklahoman, used their considerable influence to sway voters and call for a statewide election to determine the location. Oklahoma then had a population of 1,657,155. The election was scheduled for June 11, 1910. Shawnee, Guthrie and Oklahoma City each were vying for the capital. Oklahoma City took an early lead, and by evening it was winning by 50,000 votes. But, according to news accounts, word got to W.B. Anthony, private secretary to Oklahoma Gov. Charles Haskell, that Guthrie residents had decided the city wouldn’t capitulate if Oklahoma City won the election. Haskell instructed Anthony to get an automobile – a rare commodity at the time – and go to Guthrie to get the state seal, which Anthony did. An account in The Oklahoman on June 15, 1910, was headlined “Seal Disappears in Dead of Night.” “We had an awful time dodging guards,” a companion of Anthony’s told The Oklahoman. “We turned off the lights on the automobile, and Anthony and myself crept around the state house, finally making an entrance into the Secretary of State’s office. There we found the seal. As we started out someone shouted, ‘Halt!’ but we kept going. The roads were muddy, but we had a good 60-horsepower machine, and we felt confident of making the trip successfully. I am still nervous from the night’s ride.” When news of the seal’s removal reached Guthrie residents, they were furious. Civic leaders filed a lawsuit to recover the seal and the city’s status as capital. Eventually, the legislature waded into the dispute and established the location of the capitol on its current site. 405MAGAZINE.COM
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WKY is established as one of the first radio stations west of the Mississippi River.
1920s
U.S. Highways 66 and 77 are constructed through OKC.
1928
Oklahoma City oil field is discovered, followed by the famed 1930 blowout of the Wild Mary Sudik No. 1.
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P H O T O S C O UR T E S T Y O F T HE O K L A H O M A HI S T O R IC A L S O CIE T Y
1922
1942
World War II Douglas Bomber Plant becomes Tinker Air Force Base (conducted sonic boom tests in 1964).
1931
OKC’s first skyscrapers, Ramsey Tower and First National Bank, are constructed.
1938
Fred Jones manufacturing plant begins operation in OKC.
MI LI TA R Y AVI AT I ON TA KES FLI GHT As World War II ramped up, the Oklahoma City fathers created the Oklahoma Industries Foundation. Through this organization, Oklahoma City proposed sites to the War Department to build Douglas Aircraft Plant and an aircraft maintenance depot. The city received both. During the war, Douglas manufactured military transport planes and bombers. Oklahoma City Air Depot became Tinker Field in October of 1942, honoring Gen. Clarence Tinker, who died on a bombing raid against the Japanese that year. The base maintained B-17, B-24 and B-29 bombers. Half of the Douglas and Tinker employees were women. When the war ended, Tinker Field absorbed the Douglas facility, and in 1947, it received its current name, Tinker Air Force Base. In 1948, the base was the site of the first tornado warning in America. Tinker has provided significant military and civilian positions for nearly 80 years. Midwest City, founded as a military support city, has prospered along with the base.
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1946
WKY television station signs on the air.
1946
Following WWII, the Civil Aviation Standardization Center is moved from Houston to Oklahoma City. STA NL EY DR APER ’ S AERO NAU T ICA L HU B Col. Bennett Griffin established the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) Standardization Center in Houston, Texas, in 1941, designed to train and license airplane instructors. By the end of World War II, the center appeared on then-Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce president Stanley Draper’s radar when he received word it was looking to relocate. Draper was betting on a significant increase in aeronautical commerce following the war, and was actively wooing government, military and business establishments to set up shop in Oklahoma City. Griffin, a friend of Draper’s, helped lobby acting director of the standardization center L.E. Shedenhelm to select Oklahoma City as its new location. In late 1945, Shedenhelm looked at six locations, but Draper and Fred Jones, Oklahoma City Aviation Committee chair, provided the sweetest deal. The Oklahoma City campus opened in spring 1946. Having been discharged from duty, Griffin was named the first director of the CAA academy. The need for better and uniform training became apparent when two commercial airliners collided in 1956. U.S. Sen. A.S. “Mike” Monroney of Oklahoma chaired the senate aviation committee and wrote legislation creating the Federal Aviation Agency, which replaced the Civil Aeronautics Administration in 1958. It was later renamed for the senator in 1978. Currently, the facility houses 133 buildings on 1,100 acres and employs 6,300 federal employees, contractors and students in the areas of airports, air traffic organization, aviation safety, commercial space transportation, security and hazardous materials safety. Every civilian air traffic controller, flight inspector and airways technician in the United States has received training at the center. 34
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1946
Kerr McGee establishes headquarters in OKC.
1950s
Interstates 40 and 35 intersect in OKC. HIGHWAYS AN D BYWAYS
P H O T O S C O UR T E S T Y O F T HE O K L A H O M A HI S T O R IC A L S O CIE T Y
On June 26, 1956, Congress approved the Federal-Aid Highway Act, also called the National Interstate and Defense Highways Act. It was a longtime vision of Pres. Dwight D. Eisenhower, and he celebrated the victory by signing it into law on June 29 of that year. The act directed the U.S. government to construct 41,000 miles of super-highways across the U.S that would facilitate commerce and military transport if necessary. The federal government would shoulder 90 percent of the cost, while states would contribute 10 percent. In Oklahoma, a network of two-lane U.S. and state highways stretched from Oklahoma City’s and Tulsa’s urban centers like spokes on a wagon wheel, said retired history professor Bill Corbett, who conducted research on Oklahoma’s roads. Though minimal by today’s standards, the U.S. highways were at least paved; many of the state highways remained partially unpaved.
The U.S. Department of Defense had several years earlier mapped out what it considered the most expeditious routes for a national highway system based on existing roads. The new Interstate 35 would replace the existing U.S. 77 that came south through Oklahoma, and Interstate 40 would parallel the original route of State Highways 3 and 9 east and west, as well as U.S. 66 farther west of Oklahoma City, Corbett said. “It completely revolutionized highway travel,” Corbett said. “The reason that the interstate system is here, or anywhere, is because of the federal government, which paid 90 percent of it. States paid very little. Sometimes people forget that. If it weren’t for the federal government, the state would have no interstate system.” With the exception of Interstate 44, which was completed in 1985, the Oklahoma segment of the interstate system was completed in 1975.
1953
Turner Turnpike opens connecting Tulsa and OKC.
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1958 AN ACT O F DI SO B EDI EN C E
It’s Aug. 19, 1958. Several children walk in from the hot August sun for a soda at the counter of Katz Drug Store in Oklahoma City. The children are Black – and until then, had been prohibited from sitting at the soda fountain counter because of the color of their skin. It is the first “sit-in” in Oklahoma City to protest the segregation policies of the time. Guiding them is Oklahoma Citybased educator and civil rights activist Clara Luper, who became an advisor for the NAACP Youth Council in 1957. “I never felt afraid, even as a 7-year-old child,” said Ayanna Najuma, an Oklahoma City resident who participated in the sit-in. “Some of the parents thought their children’s lives would be in jeopardy. But … it was something that I felt I needed to be doing.” Minutes from a 1959 NAACP meeting following the event in36
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dicate that the Oklahoma City sit-in was “by far the most successful, with 51 stores capitulating to the council’s efforts.” The others in 1958 were Wichita, Kansas; Louisville, Kentucky; Maywood, Illinois; and Indianapolis, Indiana. It was an act that created a lasting impact for the city. The Youth Council continued to conduct nonviolent demonstrations throughout the early 1960s, helping to end segregation in public accommodations in Oklahoma. Luper went on to become a prominent figure in the national civil rights movement. Maintaining her adherence to nonviolence, she participated in marches and demonstrations and was often jailed in her civil rights struggle. Luper died June 8, 2011, at the age of 88. In tribute to the work that was started on that day, Oklahoma City recently passed the MAPS4 initiative, which will fund restoration of the historic Freedom Center, home of the local civil rights movement. And the new Clara Luper center will serve as a civil rights museum for Oklahoma City and as a community gathering place.
P H O T O S C O UR T E S T Y O F T HE O K L A H O M A HI S T O R IC A L S O CIE T Y
Clara Luper spearheads civil rights sit-ins.
1963
The Dowell v. Oklahoma City federal court decision launches courtordered busing and integration of Oklahoma City schools.
1965 1961
National Finals Rodeo moves to Oklahoma City.
Urban Renewal begins demolishing much of downtown.
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1965
National Cowboy Hall of Fame, now the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, opens.
1975
Fall of Saigon at the end of the Vietnam War brings refugees to OKC, giving rise to a thriving Vietnamese community.
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1982
Penn Square Bank fails, setting off a cascade of banking woes nationwide. SCA N DA L I N T HE FI N A N C I A L SECTOR The failure of Oklahoma City’s Penn Square Bank, according to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., ranks as “one of the most publicized, most difficult and most colorful bank resolutions” in FDIC history. The declaration of insolvency that came on July 5, 1982, sent a devastating chain reaction through the U.S. banking system that affected financial institutions nationwide. The bank opened in Penn Square Shopping Center in 1960, boasting a drive-up window for convenience. In 1975, William P. “Beep” Jennings purchased the bank and instituted the concept of “merchant banking” that he had observed in Europe. He would grow profits by generating large energy loans and selling most of the loan to larger banks in other parts of the country. A fall in oil and gas prices – coupled with improperly documented loans and reckless practices of the bank’s executive vice president Bill G. Patterson, who oversaw oil and gas loans – led to the bank’s demise. Much of the burden fell on larger banks that held a majority of the loans, including Seattle First National Bank in Washington. It was the first bank to fail in the wake of the Penn Square debacle, followed by Continental Illinois National Bank and Trust Company in Chicago, which had participated in almost $1 billion in Penn Square loans. The scandal spurred a revision of state and national banking laws, including the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989 and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991. Only a few of Penn Square Bank’s principals were convicted of criminal offenses. Patterson was acquitted in federal court on 25 counts; however, he was sentenced to two years in prison for a kickback scheme, according to The Oklahoman.
1988
Remington Park brings pari-mutuel gambling to OKC.
P H O T O S C O UR T E S T Y O F T HE O K L A H O M A HI S T O R IC A L S O CIE T Y; M A P S : P H O T O P R O V ID E D
1993
Metropolitan Area Projects (MAPS) sales tax program is launched.
“We looked at everything. Finally, we decided the fairest thing was a sales tax. Whoever comes and buys in Oklahoma City will contribute,” Moore said. The initiative passed in December 1993. It funded construction of the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark; the Ford Center arena, now the Chesapeake arena; the Bricktown Canal; a new city library; and the Boathouse District. The plan also financed renovations to the Civic Center, State Fair Park and Cox Convention Center, as well as development of a trolley system.
As a result, Oklahoma City experienced a revitalization of its central core and improved its image. The first MAPS program was followed by MAPS for Kids in 2001, MAPS 3 in 2009 and MAPS 4 in 2019. According to the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, the economic impact of the MAPS projects has exceeded $7 billion. “I don’t think people know how much they owe Ron Norick, because he was the right guy at the right time. He changed this city,” Moore said.
‘THE RIG H T G UY AT T H E RIG H T TIM E ’ In 1991, when Oklahoma City failed to convince United Airlines to build a maintenance facility in the city, then-Mayor Ron Norick made a declaration to his dejected staff. “He said, ‘We have to find out why we’re not winning these things,’” said Rick J. Moore, Ph.D., who was assistant to the mayor at the time. Norick sent his staff to observe others cities – such as Buffalo, New York – that had constructed a downtown ballpark and a streetcar system. “I looked at it and thought, ‘This is what we need,’” Moore said. Once the city developed a list of nine public works projects to be completed at a cost of $350 million, staff debated on how the money would be raised. Eventually, it was decided it the city would launch a ballot initiative for a 1-cent sales tax. 405MAGAZINE.COM
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1995
Timothy McVeigh bombs the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building.
Decorated numerous times for his service in Afghanistan, Timothy McVeigh was discharged from the military in 1991. Four years later, he abandoned an explosive-filled Ryder truck outside the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building just before 9 a.m. on April 19, 1995, in an act of mass murder. McVeigh knew the death toll from the explosion would be high. He hoped it would be. He hoped it would send a message. Deeply radicalized by the FBI’s handling of the 1992 shoot-out at Ruby Ridge, Idaho, and the 1993 siege of the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas – both the result of weapons violations – McVeigh and his co-conspirator, Terry Nichols, hoped to target federal agencies responsible for the events. Since the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Secret Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and Explosives had regional offices in Oklahoma City, the Murrah building became their target, according to FBI records. The bomb detonated at exactly 9:02 a.m., blasting through the north side of the building. Emergency crews and news organizations from across the nation poured into Oklahoma City and prepared for the months it would take to sift through the rubble. McVeigh, meanwhile, headed north on Interstate 35 toward the Kansas border. In a twist of fate, he was pulled over shortly after 10 a.m. and was arrested on a weapons violation. Shortly before he was to be released on the traffic arrest, McVeigh was identified as a bombing suspect and turned over to the FBI. In the end, the death toll stood at 168 people, including 19 young children who were in the building’s day care center. More than 650 people were injured and more than 300 buildings were damaged or destroyed. Nichols and McVeigh were convicted in federal court. Nichols is serving a life sentence, while McVeigh received the death penalty and was executed in 2001. 40
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2005
New Orleans Hornets franchise temporarily relocates to OKC following Hurricane Katrina. The NBA team played two seasons in OKC.
B O MBIN G: C O UR T E S T Y O F T HE O K L A H O M A HI S T O R IC A L S O CIE T Y; H O R NE T S : A L A M Y
THE D ARK DAYS O F APR I L 1 9 9 5
2008
A group of community leaders, led by local businessman Clay Bennett, purchase the Seattle SuperSonics and move the team to Oklahoma City, renaming it the Thunder.
2012
The 50-story Devon Tower is completed.
THUNDER ST R UCK: O KC ’ S J O U R N E Y IN TO BIG L E AG U E BA SKET BA LL
T HUND E R : GE T T Y IM A GE S ; D E V O N T OW E R : C O UR T E S T O F D E V O N E NE R G Y
The dawn of the new millennium saw a revitalized Oklahoma City thanks to the Metropolitan Area Projects (MAPS) initiative and a city that had coalesced around the 1995 bombing of the Murrah Federal Building. Its appetite for professional sports also had been buoyed by the 2005 relocation of the New Orleans Hornets to Oklahoma City for two seasons, following the devastation imposed by Hurricane Katrina. In 2006, Clay Bennett gathered a group of Oklahoma City businessmen, formed the Professional Basketball Club and purchased the Seattle SuperSonics in July of that year from its ownership group led by Starbucks founder Howard Schultz. Meanwhile, as hopes for an NBA franchise grew in Oklahoma City, voters approved a $120 million renovation of the Ford Center on March 3, 2008, that included construction of a new practice facility. After a tumultuous two seasons in Seattle that culminated in the city’s rejection of a $220 expansion of KeyArena, Bennett’s group relocated the SuperSonics to Oklahoma City. The team was renamed the Thunder. The team quickly rebuilt – led by forward Kevin Durant and point guard Russell Westbrook – then qualified for the playoffs in its second season in Oklahoma City. The Thunder advanced to the Western Conference finals in both 2010–11 and 2013–14 seasons and to the NBA finals in 2011–12. While with the Thunder, Westbrook made NBA history by averaging a tripledouble and setting the league record for most triple-double games in a season during the 2016–17 season.
2020
OKC is home to one of the ground-zero events of the pandemic in the U.S., when several NBA players test positive for COVID-19. The Thunder home game on March 11 was halted as players entered the arena, signaling an end to the remainder of the season. 405MAGAZINE.COM
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cutest pets You sent us photos of your four-legged friends, and we gushed over the submissions. Check out these 405 pets – just a few picks of the litter. BY EVIE KLOPP HOLZER PHOTOS BY CHARLIE NEUENSCHWANDER
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blue AGE: 10 months BREED: Mini Aussiedoodle FAVORITE PASTIME: Playing fetch in
the sunshine. GREATEST FEAR: The vacuum. It’s
loud and confusing. FAVORITE SONG: Any quiet song. TRAVEL PREFERENCES: Blue is up
for a road trip anytime, anywhere. Just tell her, “Load up,” and she’s off! Her favorite place to sit is in the driver’s lap. You know, that front window has the best view. Traveling to the pet store is especially fun. (To the treat aisle, please!) She also perks up when she sees the road home. “Blue was a birthday present from my parents. She’s the best present I’ve ever received! I can’t imagine my life without this little fluff ball.” – C H AN DL E R WO OT E N
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lydia rose AGE: 4 BREED: Long Hair Chihuahua CULTURAL APPRECIATIONS: Visually, she relates to Andy
Warhol and his eye for pop culture. Musically, she’s drawn to ’80s rock. She gets that from her mom. FAVORITE FASHIONS: Lydia Rose and her mom have
matching puffer vests that they’ll take out on the town.
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If it's a formal occasion, that calls for pearls. She’s treated like a celebrity, but she requests, “No autographs, please.” “While she’s only four pounds, she’s fiercely protective of her mom – and not afraid to speak her mind. She’s a snuggle bunny, but, when it comes to playtime, she prefers to watch from a safe distance.” – C ARMEN GOMEZ
fantastic mr. fox AGE: 9 BREED: Siamese, Ragdoll and Maine Coon Mix HOBBIES: Mr. Fox sleeps at least 18 hours a day, often
cuddling with Salmon and Pickle. (He doesn’t realize they’re stuffed.) During waking hours, he enjoys string-toy play time, sitting in on Zoom meetings and bird watching. BEAUTY REGIMEN: With his flowing and plentiful locks, this
PHYSIQUE: At 16 pounds, Mr. Fox is a not-so-gentle giant. No
surface is safe. His owners built him a 10-foot-tall cat tower to manage his energetic, exploratory bursts and prevent him from breaking everything in their home. “Mr. Fox was adopted. He melted the first time we met, and we were instantly family. We needed him in our lives as much as he needed us in his.” – STAC EY D. MI L L ER AN D TON Y MOR TO N
cat is no stranger to grooming. He takes monthly baths, followed by an hour-long combing and blowout session. 405MAGAZINE.COM
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freddie
AGE: 5 BREED: Bearded Dragon EMOTIONAL RANGE: Freddie is a bit moody. One minute, he’s nestling on your shoulder. The next, he’s giving you the side-eye. Singing “You Are My Sunshine” cheers him up every time. When he’s really happy (or at least as happy as a lizard can be), he gives tiny kisses by licking your hand. FAVORITE COLOR: Freddie adores yellow, the
color his scales turn when he’s the most content! If he turns black, it’s best to back off.
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His scales turn a spooky shade when he’s getting a manicure (“Blue again?!”) or when he’s fed a less-than-satisfactory orange slice. PREFERRED ENVIRONMENT: Lying on his owner’s
chest with a blanket pulled up to his neck. Don’t even bother with a terrarium or heat lamp. This lizard is spoiled rotten. “Named after the king of rock, Freddie Mercury, Freddie the lizard has the same flair and fashion. People are always surprised with his puppy-like personality. He’s friendly and adventurous, and he will always be your go-to tanning buddy.” – AN N AB E L L A POT T S
manu AGE: 6 BREED: Samoyed CATCH PHRASE:
“Wooooooooooooooooo!” – his expression of pure excitement. GUILTY PLEASURE: Cardboard toilet paper rolls. Manu commonly sneaks them into the backyard for a midnight snack, and he can devour one in 20 seconds. PROFESSION: Manu’s chill and loving personality contributes to his successful career as a therapy dog. He works primarily in assisted living and memory care communities. He senses when someone needs a friendly face and some furry love, and he always delivers. His job performance exceeds expectations.
“Manu is part marshmallow, part cloud and part dog. He loves everyone he meets, and hopes they have some pets and yummy treats for him!” — BETSY OEI
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At Oklahoma City Volkswagen, we’re proud to be a part of the Oklahoma City, Norman, and Edmond communities. That’s why we’re so passionate about giving back. Our ongoing mission is to work one-on-one with a variety of organizations whose goal is to improve the lives of the public at large. In August, we’ll be bringing back our annual Backpack Drive—a back-to-school drive that aims to provide local underprivileged kids with new backpacks full of school supplies. We believe that every child deserves the right to own the tools they need to succeed in school. We hope you’ll help contribute to our efforts. You can drop off a backpack or school supplies anytime from August 1st–August 30th in our showroom. Thanks for ranking us #1 in the state for customer sales and service satisfaction. We hope to continue serving you just as well as you serve us.
OKCVW.COM | 405-551-8045
While shopping and doing business locally are rightly praised as a great way to keep financial resources close to home, there’s another aspect that’s more physical than fiscal. Developing personal relationships with the men and women who provide the products and services you need can be greatly beneficial, and face-to-face interactions help build a sense of community. The key professionals in these pages are more than excellent representatives of their chosen fields; they’re also your neighbors right here in central Oklahoma. These are people you should recognize, and names you should know.
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PROMOTION
T h e Fa ce of
HIP PR ESERVAT ION Brandon Johnson, MD
For patients of The Hip Clinic, hip surgery doesn’t have to mean hip replacement. With more than 2,000 hip procedures under his belt, Dr. Brandon Johnson offers minimally invasive arthroscopic outpatient procedures to preserve the hip joint, rather than replace it. “One of the common misconceptions I hear from patients is the assumption that hip surgery is hip replacement,” he said. “The mission of The Hip Clinic is to preserve the hip joint through proper diagnosis and treatment.” Hip arthroscopy is an outpatient procedure in which a camera is utilized along with small 50
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instruments to repair the hip joint. Johnson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who has pursued specialty arthroscopic training. “I’m from the metro area, and I saw there was a need for patients here to have the option for hip preservation, rather than the only option being hip replacement surgery,” he said. Johnson has patients ranging in age from 12 to 80, but the most common complaints are groin pain when sitting or persistent tenderness and pain on the outside of the hip. He said many patients come to him having been previously misdiagnosed. “Unfortunately, nearly all my patients have been told they have arthritis or need a hip replacement, or they have simply been told nothing is wrong,” he said. “The truth is they haven’t seen a qualified hip specialist to give them the proper diagnosis.”
Johnson is the only Oklahoma surgeon who is a member of the International Society of Hip Arthroscopy. Members must have extensive arthroscopic hip training and demonstrate expertise in practice. The clinic is located at 9800 Broadway Extension, Suite 203 in Oklahoma City. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 405.424.5417.
9800 Broadway Ext. Suite 203 Oklahoma City, OK 73114 (405) 424-5417 thehipclinicokc.com
PROMOTION 2 0 2 1
FAC E S of the
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(L to R) Latisha Heinlen, M.D., John Goetzinger, M.D., Heidi Rogers, M.D., Amanda Titus, M.D.
T h e Fa ces of
RHEUMATOLOGY RAO / OSSO Rheumatology Associates of Oklahoma (RAO) was founded by Latisha Heinlen, M.D. in July 2017, after completing her 2-year fellowship training in Rheumatology at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Dr. Heinlen and her team of specialists focus on treatment of rheumatic diseases using an in-house laboratory, on-site x-ray services and an infusion center located within the clinic for patient convenience. Dr. Heinlen and her three physician partners – Dr. Heidi Rogers, Dr. Amanda Titus and Dr. John Goetzinger – provide rheumatological care at four convenient metro locations including Nichols Hills, south Oklahoma City, Edmond and the newest location in Yukon. Their common goal is
to improve the health and well-being of Oklahomans by providing early access to state-of-the-art treatments set forth by a national standard, with a unique and compassionate focus on patient convenience and encompassing care. “There is a large need for rheumatologists in the Oklahoma City metro area and outlying communities within our state,” Dr. Heinlen said. “We know that early diagnosis and treatment of our diseases leads to better outcomes, so improving access to rheumatology provides better long-term treatment for patients. I wanted to have a place where all patient needs could be met.” Board certification is the standard for all physicians at RAO. Dr. Heinlen says, “If you need to see a specialist, make sure they are an expert in the field with the proper training and certification. In the end, we want what’s best for patients.”
Commonly Treated Diseases • Rheumatoid arthritis
• Lupus
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Inflammatory arthritis
• Vasculitis
• Gout and pseudogout
• Lupus and rheumatoid in pregnancy
Our Services • On-site laboratory
• X-rays
• Infusion Center
• Ultrasound guided joint injections
1616 S. Kelly, Edmond 73013 6516 S. Olie, Ste. G, OKC 73116 10001 S. Western Ave. Ste 202, OKC 73139 4400 Grant Blvd, Yukon 73099 (405) 608-8060 raoklahoma.com 405MAGAZINE.COM
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P ROM OTION
T h e Fa ce of
SHO U L DE R & K N E E S U RGE RY Ryan L. Nelson, D.O. Dr. Ryan L. Nelson’s passion for providing the best care while utilizing the latest techniques and medical advances led him to establish the Shoulder and Orthopedic Institute, located at 9800 Broadway Extension, Suite 203 in Oklahoma City. A fellowship-trained shoulder specialist who also practices general orthopedics, Nelson can perform complex procedures including total shoulder replacements, reverse total shoulder replacements and rotator cuff and labral repairs. He also provides complete care for sports injuries, workplace accidents and degenerative arthritis. The Shoulder and Orthopedic Institute provides personalized patient care, including operative and nonoperative care, utilizing the latest technology and minimally invasive surgery to provide the best results with the smallest incisions possible. “At the Shoulder and Orthopedic Institute, we strive to make our patients healthier, so they can lead happier, pain-free lives,” Nelson said. “From your first appointment to post-operative checkups and physical therapy, we focus on getting you back to the things you love as soon as possible.” He is one of the only surgeons in Oklahoma to have received fellowship training in shoulder and elbow surgery from the American Shoulder & Elbow Surgeons Association, and is certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery. Nelson and his Physician’s Assistant Madison Williams provide exceptional care for patients in and out of the operating room. “Dr. Nelson and his staff are fantastic,” said one patient. “He evaluated my problem and gave me options for treatment. When the time came for surgery, I was aware of everything. Surgery and recovery were a breeze, and I highly recommend him.”
9800 Broadway Ext., Suite 203 Oklahoma City, OK 73114 (405) 330-8847 nelsonorthopedics.com 52
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PROMOTION
T h e Fa ce of
HIP & K NEE R E PL AC E M E N T S U RGE RY
2 0 2 1
FAC E S of the
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Dr. Paul B. Jacob A pioneer in robotic hip and knee replacement, Dr. Paul B. Jacob is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon at Oklahoma Joint Reconstruction Institute. Jacob brings cutting-edge techniques and technology to the Oklahoma City area, including minimally invasive, rapid recovery joint replacement and robotically assisted hip and knee replacement. He is a pioneer in outpatient joint replacement, allowing some patients to go home the same day as their procedure and recover in the comfort of their own home. “If you’re in pain, don’t wait to take action,” he said. “Find someone who specializes in exactly what you need. We have exceptional staff, and I’m invested in my patients and quality outcomes.” Having performed more than 4,000 robotic-assisted surgeries, Jacob is one of the most experienced surgeons in robotic technology in Oklahoma. “Dr. Paul B. Jacob has compiled the best medical professionals to help and assist you throughout your surgery journey,” said one patient. “I am three weeks post-op for a hip replacement, and I feel great! I can’t say enough about the kind and compassionate care I received during the entire process thus far. This experience exceeded all my expectations plus more.” Jacob began his medical career as a physical therapist after receiving a master’s in physical therapy from Walsh University. He attended medical school at Ohio University and completed an orthopedic surgery residency at Doctors Hospital and Grant Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio. He then completed a prestigious fellowship in adult reconstruction at the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic (one of the top three orthopedic hospitals in the world as ranked by U.S. News & World Report). He is a member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and the American Academy of Hip and Knee Surgeons, and is an international instructor for robotically assisted hip and knee replacement. To schedule an evaluation, call 405.424.5426.
9800 Broadway Ext. Suite 201 Oklahoma City, OK 73114 (405) 424-5426 drpauljacob.com 405MAGAZINE.COM
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PROMOTION
(L to R) Laura Luick, M.D., Sheri Smith, M.D.
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FOOT & A N K L E SU RGERY OKFootMD Foot injuries can be debilitating. Many people live with the pain and restricted movement until it begins to impact their quality of life. But your injury doesn’t have to keep you on life’s sidelines. The fully trained orthopedic surgeons at OK Foot MD utilize new technology, treatment and advanced care to get patients back on their feet in no time at all. “When you experience foot pain, it’s hard to stay focused on your day-to-day life,” said Paul Kammerlocher, M.D. “When that happens, it’s 54
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natural that you may feel worried, anxious or concerned. We’re here to help alleviate your pain and anxiety.” With over 35 years of combined experience, Dr. Kammerlocher, along with Laura Luick, M.D. and Sheri Smith, M.D. at OK Foot MD are Oklahoma’s premier foot and ankle specialists. Their extensive orthopedic training and specialization goes beyond that of a typical podiatrist, allowing them to diagnose and treat many issues, including foot and ankle fractures, tendonitis, arthritis, sports injuries, heel pain, bunions, foot deformities, undiagnosed pain and more. The practice is growing and able to see patients quickly with clinics on both sides of the metro and doctors available in the clinics every day. The north office is located in the HPI Mediplex at 9800 Broadway Extension, Suite 201, and the south location is at 3115 SW 89th Street.
“We are proud of our established roots in the community and our reputation for excellence,” said Dr. Luick. “We enjoy making a difference in the lives of our patients by decreasing their pain and increasing their function so they can resume living life to the fullest.” If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort, don’t wait to take action. Call ( 405)286-STEP (7837) to schedule an appointment with the experienced team at OK Foot MD today.
S.W. 89th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73159 (405) 286-STEP (7387) okfootmd.care
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The Spine Clinic Dr. Brett Braly’s path to his present career as an orthopedic spine surgeon at The Spine Clinic of Oklahoma City began on a high school wrestling mat in Enid, Oklahoma. Braly sustained an injury during practice that ultimately resulted in a spinal fusion. It ended his wrestling career, but it gave focus to his dream of working in the medical field. At The Spine Clinic of Oklahoma City, Braly treats patients suffering from bulging disc, spinal cord injury, nerve pressure and much more. His first step is to seek treatment options to avoid surgery, but when those options fail, he’s
able to provide the latest techniques in spinal decompression, minimally invasive spine surgery, revision spine surgery and spinal fusion surgery. “For many patients suffering from chronic pain, day-to-day life can be difficult,” Braly said. “We want to get our patients active again while exposing them to as little risk as medically necessary. I believe in my heart that spine surgery, for the right diagnosis and done appropriately, does work. But if there is any way that we can save those patients from the trauma of surgery, that’s what I’m seeking.” Braly is invested in learning and mastering the latest techniques for minimally invasive spine surgery. Through commitment to specialty societies, clinical trials and in-house research, he can maintain the use of the safest methodologies. “I’m dedicated to finding the safest and most successful outcomes for all patients,” Braly
said. “Our goal is that patients feel significant relief from their pains and are capable of returning to a quality, active lifestyle.” If you’re suffering, Braly and the team at The Spine Clinic of Oklahoma City can get you back on your feet. Call 405.424.5415 to schedule an appointment.
9800 Broadway Ext., Ste. 203 Oklahoma City, OK 73114 (405) 424-5415 thespineclinicok.com 405MAGAZINE.COM
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(L to R) Brad Morse, Lauren Thompson, Matt Bennett, Olya McKee, Anna Sullivan, Emoly Walters, Crystal Liles, Kendra Lowder, Terra Kirby, Scott Kaserman, Wayne Kirby, Andra Erbar, Maddie Cloud, Stacia Ranallo, Julie Snowder, Michael Falen, Rob Allen, Juile Tibbs, Summer Tiffie, Alice Decker, Kate Brennan, Brooke Wood, Jenna Harper,
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LU XU RY R EAL ESTATE Sage Sotheby’s International Realty What started as a local family brokerage has since grown into a globalreaching luxury real estate phenomenon with a home base in Oklahoma City. Cousins Chris and Rob Allen partnered in 2017 to launch a fresh real estate brokerage designed to provide clients with the highest quality advice and service in OKC. Within a very short time, their combined skills and experience drove Sage Realty to become one of the top brokerages in central Oklahoma, and caught the attention of Sotheby’s International Realty. In 2019, Sage Realty Partners became the first Sotheby’s International Realty affiliate in Oklahoma. 56
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With nearly 50 agents to serve clients across the metro, Sage Sotheby’s International Realty also has worldwide reach through its Sotheby’s International Network to assist clients with their real estate needs, no matter the location. Sage’s global connections and referral network includes more than 1,000 Sotheby’s International Realty affiliates in 76 countries and territories. That means the firm represents the best of both worlds through a local and global reach; whether representing the Oklahoma City metro to an international audience or assisting moves from OKC to another country, agents can help clients anywhere they want to go. “When you work with a Sage Sotheby’s International Realty agent, you will receive service that is both professional and enjoyable,” said broker Rob Allen. “We have high standards. Being good isn’t good enough.” The firm is a one-stop-shop for anyone looking to buy or sell a home in the luxury real estate market. Sage Sotheby’s International
Chad Cundiff, Jennifer Kragh, Rebecca Avey, Megan Tabor, Mark Smith, Kayleigh Wilson, Doug Martin, John Robert Simon, Garryt Bryant, Elizabeth Isbill, Spencer Stone Not pictured: Chris Allen, Colbie Van Cleef, Gabrielle Hefner, Iman Hefner-Dangora, Kara Lewallen, Terry Fox, Tyler Burns, Alexis Hefner-Burkart
Realty associates are servant-hearted, putting clients’ interests before their own. They work together, collaborating on issues and supporting one another to provide the highest level of service in the industry. “We believe that everyone deserves million-dollar service,” said broker Chris Allen. “Luxury is an experience and not a price point.” The firm holds strong to its values of professionalism, respect, integrity, diligence and service. The associates are consummate professionals – experts in their field and in their market, who are constantly learning and growing through weekly continuing education and monthly webinars globally. For Sage Sotheby’s International Realty, real estate isn’t a weekend hobby; it’s a livelihood. Oklahoma’s state motto – Labor Conquers All Things – rings true to Sage Sotheby’s International Realty’s team. The agents work diligently to ensure their work is completed on time and to the highest standard. That includes staying up-to-date on the latest market trends, technology
and resources to ensure agents have the tools necessary to facilitate a seamless and efficient transaction. While luxury is synonymous with Sage Sotheby’s International Realty, the firm’s average home sale is less than $300k, which means they are experts in properties from the affordable to the aspirational.
6430 N. Western Ave. Nichols Hills, OK 73116 (405) 748-0405 sagesir.com 405MAGAZINE.COM
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(L to R) Robin Givens, Beverly Ahlefeld, Jason Grife, Travis Morelock, Jamie Lowe, Jessica Richey, and Miranda Morrison 58
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C UST OM C A BI N E T RY & C L O SE T S Wilshire Cabinet + Co Wilshire Cabinet + Co is a boutique cabinetry experience that pushes the envelope of design and quality. From planning to design and installation, clients count on co-owners Jason Grife and Travis Morelock and their talented team for unsurpassed service and attention to detail. Since opening its doors in 2017, Wilshire Cabinet + Co has revolutionized how Oklahomans buy cabinetry by offering a whole new standard of fresh inspiration and leading-edge innovation. Its team of cabinetry experts have more than 100 years of combined experience, and work with clients to navigate the process from design to product selection and installation. Product quality, expert staff and professional service set Wilshire Cabinet + Co apart from the rest. “Cabinets are one of the hardest-working fixtures in your home, so making investments in the most durable finish as well as the best hinges and glides available are key to longevity,” Morelock said. “We invest the time to understand your design aesthetic and how you live and use your home to help you choose from our wide range of styles and finishes.” Wilshire’s cabinetry features a multi-step, heatcured factory finish, which creates a beautiful, highly durable surface. Most of its residential cabinetry lines are also backed by a limited lifetime warranty for as long as the client lives in their home. Fine cabinetry is the foundation of the business, but Wilshire Cabinet + Co also offers collections of premium products to complete any project. The products offered in the OKC Gallery and Norman Annex showrooms reflect the very latest in design trends and are engineered to last. As Oklahoma’s Premier Dealer for Cambria® quartz, Wilshire offers a full set of large samples,
vignette installations and display slabs so clients have the tools they need to select the perfect quartz countertop for their project. Cambria® also stands apart from other luxury quartz companies by offering a transferable lifetime warranty as well as being the only American-made, family-owned quartz option on the market. Wilshire’s team of talented designers is passionate about clients’ projects and will work to transform the cabinetry of your dreams into a reality. “Service is built into every aspect of our process,” Grife said. “You work alongside our team of design specialists as you make selections for your project that fit your personal style and budget. Installations and warranties are managed and performed by our skilled, in-house service department rather than subcontractors.” The Wilshire team is also constantly evolving to meet the needs of clients. Launched in 2021, Wilshire Closets is redefining organizational storage solutions for closets as well as home offices, pantries, laundry rooms and garages. Combine all this with the team of specialists, a one-of-a-kind showroom, and an unrivaled customer experience and it’s easy to see why it rises to the top of the list. “We take time and care to make sure that the solution we provide for you is perfectly tailored to your needs and daily lifestyle,” Morelock said. “Our talented and specialized designers will inventory your existing closet and ask all the right questions so that the result is a beautifully organized space.” For unrivaled quality, customized service and attention to detail, there’s no better choice than Wilshire Cabinet + Co.
OKC Gallery 320 W. Wilshire Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK Norman Annex 226 E Main St Norman, OK wilshirecabinetco.com wilshireclosets.com 405MAGAZINE.COM
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C A N N A BI S Stability Cannabis In a volatile and fast-moving industry, Stability Cannabis lives up to its name. Oklahoma’s largest cultivator and distributor of medical marijuana combines professionalism, follow-through and consistency that resonates with customers. Stability Cannabis has 2.7 million square feet of cultivation and award-winning process 60
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operations to support hundreds of retail medical marijuana dispensaries statewide. Through its own retail stores, Stability sells direct to medical marijuana patients in the Oklahoma City metro. The company is led by Denver Kitch, David Lewis, Austin Clay and Drew Clayton, all of whom grew up in the Oklahoma City area and are raising their own families here. “The 405 delivers a quality of life across our professional and personal lives that simply can’t be replaced,” Kitch said. Over the past three years, Stability Cannabis has grown to 140+ employees operating five
sites across Oklahoma. This allows Stability to support a statewide distribution network which supplies tens of thousands of medical marijuana patients in Oklahoma. Despite its rapid growth, Stability prides itself on bringing professionalism to the cannabis industry, which has led to industry awards, a quickly expanding customer base and a solid workforce that consistently delivers. Stability Cannabis is an Oklahoma Cannabis Cup winner for Best Indica Flower and for Best Concentrate. “Through our plant cultivation, we bring peace of mind to people across the 405,”
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(L to R) Austin Clay, Denver Kitch, David Lewis, Drew Clayton
Clay said. “Our business brings us into contact with the greatest people on the planet: our friends and neighbors.” The team works to make Stability not just a leader in the cannabis field, but a leader in making a positive impact on Oklahoma. Oklahoma-based charitable organizations and events can seek financial support through the company’s charitable support arm, StabilityGives. Centrally located near I-40 and Meridian Avenue in Oklahoma City, Stability’s 4,000-square-foot super-
store has one of the largest product selections in the state and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. “Being patients ourselves, we built Stability with unique patient-focused experiences,” Lewis said. “We have an express lane to get customers in and out in under two minutes, a VIP concentrates section and an accessories counter where we can explain how all the hardware works.” Whether you’re a new patient or an existing customer, the team at Stability Cannabis is ready to help guide you.
4529 Enterprise Place Oklahoma City, OK 73128 (405) 212-2270 StabilityCannabis.com
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SA L E S L E A DE R SH I P Sandler Training At Sandler Training of Oklahoma, Mike Crandall and his team provide coaching, consulting and training for leadership, management, sales and communications professionals and organizations that are serious about professional development and growth. Sandler Training is the world’s largest training organization, with a methodology based on three key elements of success: attitude, behavior and technique. Whether you want to increase sales, grow your business or train your team, 62
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Crandall and the Sandler team have the tools to help clients on their path to success. “We specialize in solving tough, complex business challenges through proven systems for communicating with, developing and motivating people,” he said. “We work with clients in a broad spectrum of industries to help them learn how to maximize growth through people and processes to become the best they can be.” With guidance from Crandall, based in Oklahoma City, clients learn ways to read, understand and adapt communication with others to
improve interactions internally and externally to develop better connections and relationships to work smart – not hard. “There’s nothing ‘soft’ about the skills we teach at Sandler,” Crandall said. “Most people have trouble stepping back and figuring out what’s holding them back from success. It’s hard to get that perspective without an outside observer and mentor.” For more than 50 years, Sandler Training has provided solutions and measurable results through the Sandler Certification program, which provides unlimited opportunities
(L to R) Mike Crandall, Krystle Evans, David Curran, Doyce Crandall, Wade Tower
for Sandler sales professionals to enhance their sales skills as they advance through the four levels of certification. Upon completion, participants receive appropriate certification for each level. “One of the highest returns on investment you can get is through investing in yourself,” Crandall said. “Clients don’t fail, because we don’t let them. Through our programs, more than 1 million people have changed their thinking, developed skills and built habits that changed their lives.” Crandall earned a MBA in Leadership and Organizational Development from Oklahoma Christian University and a BS at the University of Nebraska. He is the author of the
best-selling book, Motivational Management the Sandler Way. Networking is essential to Crandall’s business. He is active in The Oklahoma Professional Sales Association, The National Speakers Association, The Oklahoma Business Ethics Consortium, The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, The Northwest Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce and The Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, he serves as the administrative council chair at Acts 2 United Methodist Church. “I love being able to share the Sandler Training method with the Oklahoma City community,” Crandall said. “It’s changed my life for the better, and it can change yours, too.”
5850 W. Wilshire Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 73132 (405) 844-1700 customgrowth.sandler.com 405MAGAZINE.COM
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F I N A NC I A L T E C H NOL O G Y Wyatt Worden If you asked 100,000 business owners what they thought of credit card processing fees, it’s probably fair to assume that all 100,000 would say they despise them, that they see them as nothing more than a necessary evil of doing business today. Wyatt Worden, co-founder and CEO of Telos Payment Processing, sees them differently. He sees them as a source of real change in the world. “Nearly all nonprofits, especially small nonprofits, are facing serious budget constraints that limit their capacity to accomplish their mission,” said Worden, “and having experience as a development officer for a small nonprofit, I know how hard it can be to raise money the traditional way.” On the other hand, every time a credit or debit card is used to make a purchase, a fee is charged, resulting in massive amounts of passive income to credit card processing companies. Enter Telos. Telos was created for the sole purpose of diverting a portion of those processing fees to nonprofits around the world, creating a consistent stream of passive income for nonprofits selected by Telos merchants. It’s not just about giving back, either. Offering competitive pricing and advanced technology is also necessary to earn a merchant’s processing business. To that end, Telos guarantees to meet or beat any competitor’s pricing and has invested heavily in its own processing platform, TelosPay, over the past year. Worden predicts accelerated growth for the company over the next five years, which, as he said, “should mean a lot of free money coming in for our nonprofit partners.”
123 E. Tonhawa St., Suite 110 Norman, OK 73069 (405) 310-1292 telosprocessing.com telospay.com 64
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(L to R) Dayse Viezcas, Andrea Worden, Jennifer Prilliman, Wyatt Worden, Darlene Carbitcher, Megan Brown, Stephanie Fryer
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NOR M A N LAW Worden & Carbitcher To quote Kanye – yes, that Kanye – “that don’t kill me, can only make me stronger.” In 2018, the founder of Worden & Carbitcher, Andrea Worden, had a serious medical emergency that permanently changed her life and took her away from the office for more than 12 months. “While I would never say I’d do it all over again or that I’m glad it happened, it did give me a new appreciation for the preciousness of life and my own resiliency,” she said.
In her absence, her new law partner, Darlene Carbitcher, and the rest of the team carried the load and kept things moving forward. Now, more than three years and a global pandemic later, the team is at its best, its strongest. Already this year, the firm has added a new equity partner, two new associates and additional support staff. In September, the firm will complete the purchase of the Norman Chamber of Commerce building and expand to additional locations throughout Oklahoma. “After spending the past three years in recovery mode,” says Worden, “it’s nice to know that Worden & Carbitcher is now officially back in growth mode.” With more than 50 years of combined legal experience, Worden & Carbitcher offers its
clients a team of seasoned attorneys, each of whom is committed to the firm’s mission: “to provide the service and representation they would want if they were the client.” Worden & Carbitcher represents clients in criminal matters, post-dispositional matters, expungements, divorce, child custody, guardianships, adoptions and probate.
124 E. Main St. Norman, OK 73069 (405) 360-8036 wordenfirm.com 405MAGAZINE.COM
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F I N A NC I A L PL A N N I NG Legacy Financial Advisors John Skurkey, founder and CEO of Legacy Financial Advisors, said there is something deeply satisfying about helping a family or small business craft a financial plan. “Seeing a client come in with uncertainty and leave with the assurance that they have a plan for the future, that will take care of them for generations to come, is everything to us,” he said. Skurkey brings more than 30 years of experience to his independent wealth management firm that specializes in working with small business owners, as well as individuals, families and those nearing retirement. In fact, the husband-wife team of John and Jacquelyn and their skilled staff excel at understanding clients’ planning needs regardless of the stage they are in. “As a testament to John’s commitment, knowledge and passion for serving our clients, he holds the highest professional licenses and designations in the industry: the CFP® Certified Financial Planner, AEP Accredited 66
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Estate Planner, CLU Chartered Life Underwriter, ChFC Chartered Financial Consultant and MSFS Master of Science in Financial Services, as well as SEC Series 6, 7, 63 and 65 Licenses,” said Jacquelyn Skurkey. The diversity of Legacy members’ ages is directly beneficial to solving the needs of multi-generational businesses and families, and allows the team to specialize in estate planning, business succession planning, asset management and retirement planning. “Our family clients find that we serve many of their needs above and beyond what many would consider typical financial planning. We take a multi-generational approach that looks at the big picture of our clients and families,” Skurkey said. “Helping our clients discover and prioritize what is most important to them now and in the future is our primary goal.” Legacy is a small firm, which allows more flexibility with their clients, giving them full access to the team. “It’s as easy as picking up the phone,” Skurkey said. The approach has led to rapid growth, even as they build relationships across generations. In a field that tends to be dominated with short-sighted ups and downs, Legacy Financial Advisers brings stability with holistic plans and big-picture strategies. Part of that strategy is a “quarterback” approach to financial planning that takes advantage of John Skurkey’s lifetime of experience, education and network of relationships, including working directly with other experts as needed to help clients have a better understanding and a clearer picture of the
decisions they are making and how that is affecting their wealth. Clients appreciate the values that Skurkey and his team bring to the task of financial planning. “We understand that all clients are important, and deserve emotional stability and well-being when it comes to their financial needs,” he said. The passion that drives the Legacy team comes from adherence to their core values: Integrity, Stability, Knowledge and Compassion. Seeing that commitment puts clients at ease. “Our loyal clients know they have an experienced team with over 30 years of access to industry professionals that are working together on their behalf,” Skurkey said. “This experience and our ability to communicate clearly allows us to bridge the gap and help our clients with all aspects of their planning needs.”
10005 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 legacyadvisorsok.com (405) 470-9190
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W E A LT H M A N AGE M E N T Alan Webb Family, faith and financial independence are all important to Quail Creek Investment Center Senior Vice President Alan Webb. As a nationally recognized Certified Estate Planner, Chartered Mutual Fund Counselor and Certified Retirement Counselor, Webb helps clients manage their wealth and plan for their families’ futures. “While we serve clients in all stages of life, we find that much of our business comes from those planning for retirement, or those in retirement needing ideas for how best to take income from accumulated assets,” Webb said. “But, no matter what our clients’ goals are, we’ve accomplished our job when they are truly confident in their financial stability.” Webb is a Registered Representative of LPL Financial, the nation’s largest independent securities brokerage firm in terms of total revenues. He has gained exceptional experience in the complex field of personal wealth management, and manages over 400 accounts. He and his wife, Anita, live in west Edmond, where they raised their two children, Brianne Kennemer and Dr. Tyler Webb, and are now watching their grandchildren grow up here. In 1985, they established a local non-profit, all-volunteer organization called Santa’s Cause, and have managed the charity for more than 35 years. They also support local charities such as Youth For Christ and Willow Pregnancy Support Services. “We love living in the 405,” Webb said. “We love doing business locally, and we like to think we bring a much-needed service to the 405.” Securities are offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered broker-dealer (member FINRA/SIPC). Insurance products are offered through LPL or its licensed affiliates. Quail Creek Bank and Quail Creek Investment Center are not registered as a broker-dealer. Registered representatives of LPL offer products and services using Quail Creek Investment Center and may also be employees of Quail Creek Bank. These products and services are being offered through LPL or its affiliates, which are separate entities from, and not affiliates of, Quail Creek Bank or Quail Creek Investment Center. Securities and insurance offered through LPL, or its affiliates are: Not FDIC Insured Not A Deposit
Not Bank Guarantee
Tracking #1-05164429
12201 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 755-1000 quailcreek.bank/invest 68
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May Lose Value
Not Insured by any Federal Government Agency
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(L to R) Carrie Leonard, Cassidy Brunsteter, John Carl, Keven Calonkey Carl, Lance Whitlow
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FIN E FU R N ITU R E Keven Calonkey Carl Customizable upholstery, one-of-a-kind rugs, unique accessories and luxurious wood pieces can all be found at the one, the only, Mister Robert. Since 1958, Mister Robert has been synonymous with quality, offering unique home furnishings and customized interior design services. The landmark family-owned and operated business continues to this day under the original mission of owner Keven Calonkey-Carl’s parents: to provide the finest service and merchandise and to make Oklahoma beautiful, one room at a time.
“Our clients appreciate our unique furnishings, which are always made to exacting standards,” said Calonkey-Carl. “They value timeless beauty, and they are committed to investing in their living and working spaces.” The 20,000-square-foot Mister Robert showroom is still thriving at its original location at 109 E. Main in Norman, and offers an incredible selection of furniture and decor. The professionally trained interior designers at Mister Robert offer customers a level of expertise that cannot be matched. “We offer a one-of-a-kind experience for customers that they can’t find anywhere else,” Calonkey-Carl said. Customers commend Mister Robert for its diverse product selection and unique
items – setting it apart from other stores, which frequently look alike. “We closely listen to what the customer wants,” Calonkey-Carl said. “No matter what your style, our professional design team is here to tailor your home or office exactly to your needs and desires.” Mister Robert is open Monday through Friday from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm.
109 E. Main St. Norman, OK 73069 (405) 321-1818 misterrobert.com 405MAGAZINE.COM
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Back Row (L to R): John A. Workun, CLO; Erin D. Batey, CCIO; James Griffith, CFO Front Row (L to R): Doug Fuller, CEO; Carol Fehrle, COO
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BA N K I NG Quail Creek Bank Since 1974, Quail Creek Bank has served northwest Oklahoma City with outstanding customer service for all banking needs. From business loans and account services to personal banking, Quail Creek Bank offers big bank products with a small bank heart. “As a locally owned bank dedicated to serving the Oklahoma City area, we want to be an active participant in improving our community. I attribute Quail Creek Bank’s success to our extremely loyal customers and our dedicated employees who consistently deliver personalized service. A culture has been created that 70
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allows our employees to excel and make a positive difference in those they serve,” said President/CEO Doug Fuller. With $841 million in assets, Quail Creek Bank is a strong, well-capitalized bank, which provides customers with a better banking experience. Quail Creek Bank is in the top 20 of the largest banks headquartered in Oklahoma, all from a single location at 12201 N. May Ave. in northwest Oklahoma City, and continues as one of the “Top Performing Banks” in the nation. The bank is committed to maintaining local ownership and preserving the trusted relationships formed since its inception. “Quail Creek Bank is a local bank with amazing customer service,” said one customer. “They have everything a big national bank would have, like an excellent mobile app, but with a local face to help you. It’s nice when you actually know your banker and can get help quickly.”
The officers and employees of Quail Creek Bank continue to exemplify the very best in today’s market by providing personal banking services to their customers and community with one of the best and most experienced community bank teams. Their commitment, coupled with the dedication of the bank to local ownership and local management, is a major testament to its continued existence and success.
12201 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 quailcreek.bank (405) 755-1000
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LU X U RY T I L E A N D CUSTOM ACCESSOR I ES Artisan Tile Studio Artisan Tile Studio opened in 2015 as a small boutique tile store catering to the interior design community, custom builders and homeowners. Thanks to its loyal clients, the
store recently expanded into its brand-new, state-ofthe-art 7,000-square-foot showroom and warehouse space located at 300 W. Wilshire Blvd. “The new showroom is very designer-friendly, and has been arranged to make the design and selection process easy and fun,” said owner Sydnye Steen. “We offer private meeting areas, as well as the most amazing exclusive and custom tile lines OKC has to offer.” In addition to its extensive selection of tile, the customer service provided by Artisan Tile Studio’s expert team further sets the store apart from the competition. “We provide one-on-one consulting and sales, and we will go the extra mile on every project to fulfill special requests and get customers exactly what they need,” Steen said.
Artisan Tile Studio is open 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday, and evenings and weekends by appointment.
300 W. Wilshire Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 242-2227 405MAGAZINE.COM
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EYEWEAR AND CARE Physician’s Optical Physician’s Optical is managed by Ben Blasi, ABOC, with support by Gayleen Adams. Owners Jay C. Johnston, MD, and J. Carter Johnston, OD, are onsite for medical and vision ophthalmic exams. Blasi is a board-certified optician with more than 15 years of experience, and his multitude of loyal patients is growing weekly as they experience his outgoing, caring personality coupled with his technical knowledge. Physician’s Optical specializes in unique, independent, European eyewear – frames that are made by hand in limited production numbers, many “small batch” or even custom-made to the patient’s specifications. Its experts love to present patients with something unique, something they haven’t seen or heard of before, something they haven’t seen in other offices or even anywhere else in the state of Oklahoma. When you couple these extremely special frames with the best lens technology in the world and an optical staff that has over 50 years of fitting glasses, the end product is a satisfied patient.
(L to R) Dr. J. Carter Johnston, Gayleen Adams, Ben Blasi A.B.O.C.
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4200 W. Memorial Rd. Ste. 101 Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 749-4285 physicians-optical.com
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HOR MON E T H E R A PY W ELLN ESS Dr. Noel Williams After more than a quarter of a century as a medical professional, Dr. Noel Williams is at the top of his field. What sets his practice at Optimal Health Associates apart is a focus on old-fashioned care with the latest advancements in hormone therapy. “We provide a human touch by calling with results, answering questions, caring for our
patients with a smile,” Williams said. “These elements can often get lost in the modern health care system.” Optimal Health treats both men and women with a wide range of services, including BioTE® hormone pellet therapy to treat hormone imbalance. This widely studied form of natural hormone therapy has the same molecular structure as human hormones, provides a suite of health benefits for users, lasts longer than other treatments and is among the best possible examples of Optimal Health’s commitment to providing the most comprehensive and progressive healthcare possible, with an emphasis on the individual. “Dr. Williams and his team have provided me with the best care I have ever received within the medical community,” said one patient. “They work in tandem to ensure accuracy in
treatment and diagnosis. Another very unique quality is their desire to treat the whole person. I feel blessed to have this medical team working on my behalf.” “I want to treat each patient holistically,” Williams said. “I want to look at the big picture, and make sure their everyday life is as good as possible. At Optimal Health, we endeavor to treat the whole person, not just symptoms.”
9800 Broadway Ext. Oklahoma City, OK 73114 (405) 715-4496 optimalhealthassociates.com 405MAGAZINE.COM
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F I N E J E W E L RY Naifeh Fine Jewelry Looking back a year, Valerie Naifeh is proud her company not only survived COVID, but in fact, thrived! During quarantine, Naifeh Fine Jewelry’s custom and repair business skyrocketed exponentially. It seems when people were staying home, cleaning out old jewelry boxes and uncovering projects they didn’t realize they had was productive and fun. Recycling gemstones you already own feels good, especially when they’re outdated and tired. Valerie Naifeh has always had a high regard for custom design, enjoying great satisfaction when working with a par74
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ticular person “to create a piece as unique as they are.” Naifeh Fine Jewelry has a 22-year history of top-notch design expertise, imbedded in the award-winning talent of its leader, Valerie Naifeh. She began her career as a model maker and finisher for a local jeweler in Tulsa while in college. During her apprenticeship, her love of gemstones and passion for creating fine jewelry grew, leading to the realization that “jewelry is not just gemology, it is art.” Two years ago, Naifeh moved her staff and showroom to Nichols Hills Plaza, where she was able to build a stateof-the art manufacturing studio and design lab. This stunning space brilliantly encapsulates Naifeh’s extravagant pieces, and harbors an expanded showroom that features a bar and bridal boutique – as well as gifts starting at just $25. When entering Naifeh Fine Jewelry, you’ll be greeted with not only dazzling pieces of
jewelry and beautiful art, but also a welcoming and personable staff. Having a comfortable and stylish area to display her curated collection of designer items, fine jewelry and gifts has always been Naifeh’s goal, because creating a pleasant atmosphere and personal relationships with her clients makes trips to Naifeh Fine Jewelry unlike any other jewelry boutique!
6471 Avondale Dr. Nichols Hills, OK 73116 (405) 607-4323 naifehfinejewelry.com
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(L to R) Stormy Benjamin; Rachel Schnider, RN; Jennifer Seal, RN; Bethany Cook APRN
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R E V I TA L I Z AT ION A N D R E GE N E R AT ION F OR W E L L N E S S Optimal Aesthetics Optimal Aesthetics is dedicated to improving its patients’ quality of life. The expert staff’s mission is to help make you look and feel your best by providing the most effective aesthetic and regenerative treatment options available. Staying abreast of the latest scientific developments in their field, they continually strive to provide state-of-the-art care for age-related issues. These different advances in regenerative medicine can help restore tissue performance through novel stimulations of cellular function, and are potentially applicable to a variety of aging events: Skin issues including wrinkles, lines, sun damage, age spots, scarring, acne, loss of elasticity, thinning skin and unwanted hair growth; sexual performance changes including erectile initiation and maintenance, vaginal lubrication, painful intercourse and orgasmic function; joint challenges involving pain, decreased range of motion, frozen shoulder,
plantar fasciitis, osteoarthritis or bone health stability and improvement; even general age-related symptoms including fatigue, muscle weakness, loss of mental clarity, thinning hair, poorer athletic performance, incontinence or weight gain. Relief is possible. Optimal Aesthetics is experienced in treating all these symptoms, and provides a variety of options to address these problems, including: • Stem cell derivative therapies • Laser treatments: Diolaze (LHR), Morpheus8 (RF), Lumecca (IPL) and MonaLisa Touch • Dermaplaning • Chemical peels and microneedling • Facial and hair rejuvenation with platelet-rich plasma/stem cell derivatives • Ozone therapy • IV vitamin infusions • Ultrasound “shock wave” therapy
Optimal Aesthetics is ready to help you look, feel and be better. Call 405.715.4496, option 5, to schedule a consultation or treatment.
9800 Broadway Ext. Oklahoma City, OK 73114 (405) 715-4496 optimalhealthassociates.com 405MAGAZINE.COM
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WOM E N ’S SHOE S Betsy King Betsy King. A Shoe Boutique is a unique shoe shop designed to cater to women with a desire for well-made, stylish shoes that reflect their personal tastes. The styles range from funky and colorful to chic and sophisticated, and all are carefully chosen by proprietress Betsy King to reflect the modern women in Oklahoma City. “Shoes can really give a woman a feeling of confidence,” King said. “I love seeing clients leave the boutique feeling beautiful and confident. I’m lucky to get to do what I love every day.” The small boutique, located at 3001 Paseo in the Paseo Arts District, has a warm and inviting atmosphere. King keeps the eclectic styles special by only carrying a size run, thus allowing new product to come in more frequently. “I really like to keep it special and unique,” she said. “I want you to leave knowing you won’t see your shoe everywhere else.” And because it’s a small shop, King knows the majority of her customers. “I love that I can get to know my clients, they then become repeat clients and, eventually, friends. We have created a sense of community here, and they trust me and come to me for fashion advice.” King’s Oklahoma roots have served her well in life and in business. She returned to OKC after a fashion career in New Orleans and Atlanta. “I was born and raised here, and I grew up with a strong support system that has only grown since opening the shop,” she said. The boutique is open Tuesday 11 am to 4 pm and Wednesday through Saturday 11 am to 5 pm. “My shop is my happy place” King said. “I strive to create a fun and welcoming spot to find fabulous shoes.”
3001 Paseo Oklahoma City, OK 73103 (405) 601-7776 betsykingshoes.com 76
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E N T E R TA I N M E N T Chris Semrau & Drew Gershenson From sold-out concerts to family-friendly events to monster truck rallies, the Chesapeake Energy Arena is the top entertainment arena in the region. In 2021, its staff and organizers are pulling out all the stops for a year of exciting events with safety top-of-mind. Perhaps best-known as the home of the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder, the Chesapeake Energy Arena offers something for anyone and everyone. “There has been a minimal number of events this past year due to COVID-19,” said General Manager Chris Semrau. “But we are ready to open back up with excitement and guest safety as our priorities. We’re busy preparing
the venue for the highest quality events and atmosphere possible.” Management team ASM Global has added new members to its highly experienced staff to bring a bigger and better experience to Oklahoma City. The arena is the city’s largest venue, with over 18,000 seats and hundreds of employees trained in offering a fan-centric guest experience, which sets it apart from the competition. Director of Programming Drew Gershenson said it’s a privilege to call Oklahoma home. “Oklahoma City is the heart of America,” Gershenson said. “The community is very supportive, the guests are friendly and
the city and the Thunder are great partners. We couldn’t ask for a better environment in which to live, work and play.” Top acts on the horizon include artists like Michael Bublé, Kane Brown and Elton John. Semrau and Gershenson said they are committed to offering opportunities for guests to create lasting memories, and the future is bright at Chesapeake Energy Arena.
100 W. Reno Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73102 (405) 602-8700 chesapeakearena.com 405MAGAZINE.COM
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C UST OM F U R N I SH I NG S Amie Cook & Janice Carty There’s no limit to what you can design at custom furniture and design store The Wood Garden. Owners Amie Cook and Janice Carty go above and beyond to transform clients’ homes into their own personal sanctuaries. The store offers a distinctive blend of custom-designed furniture, elegant bed linens, wall decor, lamps and gifts. “A home’s interior should be as unique as its owner,” Cook said. “Every homeowner needs it to work for them. We focus on comfort and functional pieces that work with the client’s lifestyle, with a goal to make their home feel both personal and comfortable.” Unlike big online companies or furniture warehouse chains, The Wood Garden is family-owned and focused on custom furniture and design. “Our main focus is to cater with service,” Cook said. “I think that’s what people know and have learned about us: We are service-oriented. We can do anything custom. We can do a room or a single piece of furniture.” Cook said customizing furniture includes choices in size, fabric, design and more. “We do custom pillows, artwork, lighting. If we don’t have it on the floor, we can search and help you find it,” she said. Their appreciation for individuality extends to more than furnishings, too. “OKC’s small businesses are what make our city’s shopping experience unique and personal,” Carty said. “We love our customers and our community.” The Wood Garden is open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 5 pm and Saturdays 11 am to 4 pm.
7650 N. Western Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 848-9663 78
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(L to R) Koltan Swadley, Brent Swadley, Keaton Swadley
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BA R BE QU E Swadley’s Bar-B-Q
Faith, family and fantastic food come together at Swadley’s Bar-B-Q restaurants. More than 80 years ago, Brent Swadley’s grandfather was in the business of smoking meats in his small general store in rural Texas. People came from all over to buy his smoked meats and special sauces. Over the years, though the recipes have changed slightly, Swadley’s has remained committed to quality with fresh, never frozen meats. The slow-cooked meats and sides made from scratch have made Swadley’s a household name.
“We time our ribs and brisket to be served fresh from the smoker, so that they’re tender, juicy and flavorful,” Swadley said. “Our menu also features sausage, burgers, chicken, chicken fried steak, catfish, a salad bar and 13 different sides. And it’s all made fresh, every day. There’s something for everyone to love.” The Swadley’s family of restaurants has hundreds of employees across its three concepts: Swadley’s Bar-B-Q, with eight metro locations; Jim’s Famous Kitchen, serving Nicoma Park; and Foggy Bottom Kitchen, the restaurant group’s newest concept. These restaurants can be found near some of Oklahoma’s favorite state parks, including Beaver’s Bend, Robbers Cave, Sequoyah, Lake Murray and Roman Nose. “We love Oklahoma and the great people who live here,” Swadley said. “Customers love
our casual atmosphere where they can gather with their family over a delicious meal.” Find a Swadley’s location near you by visiting their website at swadleys.com.
The Original 4000 N. Rockwell Ave. Bethany, OK 73008 (405) 413-7333 swadleys.com 405MAGAZINE.COM
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A E S T H E T IC PL A S T IC S U RGE RY Anureet K. Bajaj, MD, MBA Confident. Refreshed. Youthful. These are words used to describe how Dr. Anureet Bajaj’s patients feel after their experience at Bajaj Plastic Surgery. Focused. Thoughtful. Experienced. These are words used to describe Dr. Bajaj, a highly respected plastic surgeon who is widely recognized for cosmetic and aesthetic plastic surgery, including facial surgery, body sculpting and minimally invasive procedures. Dr. Bajaj provides patients with a private, concierge surgical experience at a new custom-built facility with an accredited surgery center. “As a surgeon, I enjoy speaking with and engaging with my patients,” she said. “I want to hear your story – that is one of the most important aspects of having a successful surgical outcome, because listening to your stories helps me to determine what are the right options for you.” Bajaj believes in “thoughtful plastic surgery.” She continually educates herself to improve the experience for her patients. She has incorporated ERAS (enhanced recovery after surgery) protocols into her practice, and thinks of little things – such as providing her patients with post-operative garments, ice packs, scar cream and a small gift in their surgery bags. She believes that the first step in being able to take care of others is to take care of ourselves – both mentally and physically. “The reality is women traditionally are caregivers,” she said. “And as caregivers, we sometimes neglect our health and appearance. But if we take the time to feel good about who we are, we are better equipped to care for our families and those around us.” Outside the operating room, Dr. Bajaj is an artist, writer and marathon runner, which she says helps clear her mind and keep her focused on her patients.
8106 N. May Ave. Suite B Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 810-8448 bajajplasticsurgery.com 80
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Jacqui Ford Law Jacqui Ford believes the best defense is a strong offense. And after 10 years of defending the constitutional rights of her clients at Jacqui Ford Law, she knows how to make (and win) her case. “I am committed to protecting my clients from government overreach, and I demand due process and fairness for all those accused,” she said. “When law enforcement, prosecutors and defense attorneys do their jobs well, then justice is more likely to prevail.” Justice is at the core of what drives Ford and her team at Jacqui Ford Law. “We want to help folks who are ready to step into being the best version of themselves,” she said. “We help support our clients through recovery efforts, family challenges and navigating the criminal justice system.” Ford works alongside law enforcement and prosecutors to help gather all the information necessary to make an informed decision in the search for truth and justice. “We don’t want to be part of the failing system that traumatizes the accused and their families,” she said. “We simultaneously work hard to do the same for the victims, their families and our entire community.” The team at Jacqui Ford Law believes in the power of teamwork, and proudly collaborates with other lawyers in cases that need special attention to get an ultimately just result. Their close-knit team is like family. “Our clients brag about our team and how we fight for our clients like they are our family,” she said. “We strive to empower our clients and to show them the path to follow to chase their dreams and keep hope and love in the forefront of all that we do.” Whether she is teaching, advocating, practicing law or just listening to the unheard, Ford loves to serve the community she calls home.
1621 N. Classen Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 73106 (405) 604-3200 fordlawokc.com
(L to R) Jacqui Ford and Grace Boyle 405MAGAZINE.COM
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(L to R) Tara Shorter, Tiffany Bankston, Taylor Dose, Janelle Wagner, Kelly Newman, Roya Popescu and Robin Markwell
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M E D SPA S + I N J E C TA BL E S RefineU Medspa Whether you’re looking to prevent the early signs of aging, reclaim a more youthful appearance or even attain your ideal body, the expertly trained medical staff at RefineU Medspa can help you. Led by owner Janelle Wagner, APRN C-NP, RefineU Medspa offers a diverse range of aesthetic treatments, including state-of-theart cosmetic procedures, injectables, lasers and non-invasive procedures. “The demand for aesthetic treatments is increasing in all cultures and 82
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ages,” Wagner said. “More people are seeking preventative care and starting procedures at a younger age. For many patients, injectables in combination with skin care and laser treatments allow them to delay or replace surgery or more invasive procedures.” Providers at RefineU Medspa, located at 13301 N Meridian Ave. Suite 300A in Oklahoma City, have years of experience and advanced training in aesthetics. They continually invest in themselves by learning and training and repetition to be the best in the field. “The business of aesthetics is uniquely personal, which is why excellent communication, trust and rapport are vital,” Wagner said. “It is our professional approach to make each patient feel comfortable while also educating them.” Founded in September 2019, the medspa continues to grow, bringing on new procedures and services to better serve patients while maintaining personalized and focused care.
“We have an amazing team that dedicates themselves to creating an exceptional patient experience that is based on obtaining optimal results for each individual patient,” Wagner said. “We are so lucky to be able to do what we love every day. As the saying goes, if you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life.”
13301 N. Meridian Ave. Suite 300A Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 849-5391 Refineuokc.com
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rosegold Rosegold owner Amber Kern shops for her modern, airy boutique with luxury and sustainability in mind. For the past five years, she’s supported small brands that focus on sustainability and ethical production practices, which sets her apart in the Oklahoma fashion scene. “We believe in conscious brands that make beautiful things,” Kern said. “We have a wide range of clients of all ages, styles and budgets, but the common thread is they have a sense of personal style and appreciate that we offer fun and unique pieces.” Located at 6423 Avondale Drive, rosegold offers responsibly made casual women’s apparel and accessories from smaller labels and a selection of luxury designer consignment items. The overall aesthetic is decidedly laid back and feminine, with artful elements and an inherent left coast ease. “We have some popular brands, but we feature a lot of smaller labels you won’t find everywhere around the city,” Kern said. “Finding responsibly made merchandise is definitely work – I spend hours researching and hunting – but it’s getting easier to find something sustainable.” The small size of the boutique allows Kern and her team to get to know rosegold customers personally and be engaged with the community. After a fashion career in Austin and Los Angeles, Kern is happy to be back home in Oklahoma and introduce the concept of sustainable fashion, which is growing in popularity. “We love offering feel-good fashion,” she said. “With growing awareness, sustainable style is no longer just expensive and granola.” The consignment section at rosegold features clothing, shoes and handbags from luxury fashion designers. “I like the idea of giving a second life to that category of clothing people might buy for one-time use,” Kern said. The boutique is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
6423 Avondale Dr. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 775-0105 shoprosegold.com 405MAGAZINE.COM
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I V T H E R A PY Jonathan Jordan & Dr. Chris Shadid Jonathan Jordan and Dr. Chris Shadid founded OK Cryo and Infusion IV Therapy as a means to offer better recovery options to athletes and serious fitness customers. IV therapy and cryo therapy provide immediate results for a range of needs – from hangovers to accelerated healing from sports-related injuries. “We started the businesses to build on to what our customer base needed,” Jordan says. “Working out of Lighthouse (and now Oklahoma Athletic Center), we had the opportunity to provide solutions for high school athletes, professionals, cross-fitters, weightlifters – everyone who took fitness seriously.” IV therapy infuses a cocktail of vitamins, amino acids, zinc and other ingredients to speed recovery, and unlike supplements or pills orally ingested, the IV begins to work almost immediately. Dr. Shadid said the infusions can also help people with chronic conditions, like immune deficiency. Cryo therapy sessions last three minutes, in which clients are subjected to temperatures between -150 and -250 degrees F. The goal is to reduce the skin temperature to 30 degrees F. “At that point, the system goes into fight/flight mode, and blood surges into the inner core,” Shadid says. “The patient gets a redirected flow of nutrient-blood. It helps with recovery from inflammation, increases metabolism, tightens skin and reduces cellulite.” OK Cryo works with protocols based on national guidelines to ensure the safety of their clients. Booking is available online.
(L to R) Jonathan Jordan, Raven Gonzaque, Dr. Chris Shadid
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3333 W. Hefner Rd. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 608-6828 okcryo.com
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(L to R) Eden Moore, Chris George and Justin Brannon
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R E SI DE N T I A L R E A L E S TAT E Chris George Homes Whether you are interested in historic homes, luxury properties, acreages, investment opportunities or new construction, the team at Chris George Homes has the experience, knowledge, connections and professionalism to meet all of your real estate needs. George has more than 17 years of experience selling Oklahoma City, Nichols Hills, Edmond and Deer Creek real estate. He has been a resident of Oklahoma City and Edmond for over 40 years, which means he knows the market, neighborhoods, schools and local economy. He has been in the top five
percent of Churchill Brown Realtors for the last 14 years. Alongside George, Realtors Justin Brannon and Eden Moore are serving clients in the Oklahoma City area. Brannon is also an Oklahoma City native who has more than eight years of experience in commercial real estate, marketing and graphic design. Moore is from the DFW metroplex, and has a background in helping clients with residential renovation projects, as well as with buying and selling homes in the Oklahoma City area. The Chris George Homes team also includes a home staging designer, professional photographer, social media marketer, graphic designer and administrative assistant. These experts have developed a proven home marketing plan with video marketing, social media networking and a strong online presence. “It’s not always what you see on HGTV,” George said. “While the real estate industry is always changing and moving in different direc-
tions, home improvements and trends move even quicker. It is always best to work with a professional Realtor in your local market to help you with all your real estate needs, from home value to what upgrades will bring the most value to your home.” No matter the location, let the team at Chris George Homes help you to find or sell your home today.
2814 W. Country Club Dr. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 627-0801 Chrisgeorgehomes.com 405MAGAZINE.COM
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DER M ATOLOGY Dr. Tracy Kuykendall At Skin Cancer Specialists of Oklahoma, patients are treated like family. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Tracy Kuykendall sees patients of all ages for all skincare concerns, from acne and rashes to psoriasis and skin cancers. Dr. Kuykendall has extensive knowledge and experience in the prevention, detection and treatment of skin cancer, as well as other conditions, diseases and disorders of the skin, hair and nails. “Our skin is our largest organ and should be treated with care at all ages and stages of life, from newborn babies to the elderly,” Dr. Kuykendall said. “Often I end up treating an entire family in my practice, and each person has unique skin concerns based on a combination of factors including lifestyle and age. One of my favorite parts of practicing medicine is getting to know patients on a personal level and addressing those concerns.” Located at 9 N. Bryant Ave. in Edmond, Skin Cancer Specialists of Oklahoma is a standalone building with easy parking and access for patients. Same-week appointments are available, and Dr. Kuykendall makes every effort to see urgent cases as quickly as possible, especially if patients are experiencing extreme discomfort. The clinic is operated by Southern Plains Medical Center, which was first established in Chickasha, Oklahoma, in 1915 and hosts more than 18 medical specialties and over 30 medical providers. Skin Cancer Specialists of Oklahoma is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. In-person and virtual office visits can be scheduled online at spmcmed.com.
9 N. Bryant Ave. Edmond, OK 73034 (405) 920-1788 86
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(L to R) Robert Helms, Brenda Helms, Megan Greve
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K ITCHEN DE SIGN+BU I L D Edmond Kitchen, Bath, Home
The team of Edmond Kitchen, Bath, Home LLC, led by Brenda and Robert Helms, brings more than 20 years of industry experience to every project they take on, giving clients a sense of confidence and peace of mind. The downtown Edmond showroom at 243 N. Broadway showcases an incredible selection of design materials, including custom cabinetry made right here in Oklahoma. Their licensed and degreed designers and tenured crew, some of whom have been with the firm for more than 15 years, use modern tools and software to expertly design, estimate and in-
stall projects that have been highly recognized in the design industry. Clients usually come to Edmond Kitchen, Bath, Home LLC with a problem to solve, whether it’s a bad layout that no longer functions or an outdated space that needs an overhaul. The design + build firm has an uncanny knack for engineering and problem-solving that keeps clients coming back for new projects. “We are known in the community as having both creative and technical skills to get the job done right and make it look beautiful,” said Robert Helms. “We are also a family business, which means something to Oklahomans. We consistently receive industry recognition for our work, but our growth as a company will always be slow and steady so as not to jeopardize our reputation for quality.” Through a process of design retainers, clients receive contractual pricing up front before any work begins, so that they can rest assured of no major surprises with regard to cost. The firm’s Licensed Interior Designers are trained in the construction process and estimating, which re-
sults in an on-time, on-budget, beautiful project – and often in repeat business in the home. “Creatively, I most enjoy working out floor plans for a new space,” said Brenda. “Personally, I love seeing a beautiful and highly functional project come together through the efforts of our team and the client. That is our goal, and is the ultimate reward!” The Edmond Kitchen, Bath, Home LLC showroom is open M-F 10-5 or by appointment.
243 N. Broadway Edmond, OK 73034 (405) 285-1926 Edmondkitchen.com 405MAGAZINE.COM
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I N T E R IOR DE SIG N J. Mark Taylor, Assoc. ASID, RCID As masters of space planning, envisioning and reinventing spaces, founding owner J. Mark Taylor and his staff are dedicated to taking any client’s vision from concept to completion. Taylor is an award-winning designer who has been creating captivating and inspiring environments for more than 30 years. His commercial projects include banks, law offices, urgent care clinics, automobile dealerships, corporate offices, churches and retail environments. His designs are a part of several iconic buildings and landmarks in Oklahoma as well as in countless luxury residences. His 88
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commercial and residential designs can be found in several other states, and have appeared both in print and on HGTV. Taylor’s inspiration toward interior design began at an early age when he became aware of architectural elements and how they work together to form functional, beautiful places. “At 10 years old, I was infatuated with airplanes and motor homes – how they fit so much function into so little space – and how beautiful places could be with good design,” Taylor said. Consulting an interior design professional equipped with the technical skills to design a safe and functional
space, and the artistic savvy to interpret a client’s vision and bring it to life in a beautiful environment, is the sound choice when beginning a design project of any size. For both residential and commercial projects, Taylor and his team at Traditions provide design solutions tailor-made to fit their clients’ personal style and taste.
3409 S. Broadway, Suite 100 Edmond, OK (33rd & Broadway) (405) 608-8899 traditionsedmond.com
(L to R) Sarah Loving, Miranda Calderon, Zak Hensley, Shelby Timms, Kara Bowes
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B O U T IQU E R E A L E S TAT E Kbb Real Estate
Trust is a two-way street for Kara Bowes, and she can find you the perfect home on that street through her brokerage Kbb Real Estate. With almost 20 years of experience in real estate, Bowes became a broker in 2011 and went out on her own in 2015. “It’s important to do business with those who trust and appreciate your words of wisdom,” Bowes said. “We are a local brokerage with a small team, and we work on a referral basis, so we trust our clients as we hope they trust us.”
Rather than focus on a specific area of the Oklahoma City metro, Bowes and her team go where her clients are and where they want to be. They are more flexible than some brokerages, and able to work around last-minute surprises or travel as needed. “We’ve been known to bring in our own families to help make a move happen when closing dates have changed,” she said. “Larger firms might discourage ‘over-helping’ or loaning someone your truck to help them move.” Bowes said a smaller team makes for better communication and a stronger bond with each other and clients. “We love people at my brokerage,” she said. “We like the new, excited first-time homebuyers, but we also love to help those who may have just lost a family member or lost a spouse and need to go into a retirement community.” The low cost of living makes Oklahoma an
attractive place to live, and it makes home ownership a reality for many who couldn’t do so in other markets. Making that dream come true keeps Bowes pushing forward for her clients and team. “Our dedication to our clients sets us apart,” she said. “The clients energize us, and winning the right home for them is a win for me.”
714 S. Dewey Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73109 (405) 361-4079 kbbrealestate.com 405MAGAZINE.COM
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OPHTHALMOLOGY
Dr. R. Michael Siatkowski There is a new face in the leadership role at the 405’s nationally ranked Dean McGee Eye Institute (DMEI). R. Michael Siatkowski, MD, MBA, joins the Faces of the 405 as the new chief executive officer of DMEI and the Edward L. Gaylord professor and chair of the University of Oklahoma (OU) Department of Ophthalmology. Prior to assuming the leadership role at DMEI on March 1, 2021, Dr. Siatkowski served as vice chair for academic affairs and ophthalmology residency program director for DMEI/OU. He has practiced as a pediatric and neuro-ophthalmologist at DMEI since 1999. “I am honored to be in this role,” Dr. Siatkowski said. “I am passionate about DMEI’s mission of serving all Oklahomans and the global community through excellence and leadership in patient care, education and vision research. Our doctors and scientists are working every day to put an end to vision loss through cutting-edge treatments and groundbreaking research. All of us at DMEI look forward to serving our fellow Oklahomans and improving their quality of life.” DMEI serves patients at four locations in the metro area – at the Oklahoma Health Center, Northwest OKC, Edmond and Oklahoma Children’s Hospital – plus a clinic in Lawton, and offers the full range of ophthalmology sub-specialties along with optometry. In addition to comprehensive eye exams for newborns to adults, services provided include cataract surgery, diabetic eye care, glaucoma treatment, LASIK vision correction and cosmetic eye and facial treatments. Siatkowski says, “Anyone in need of eye care should research all of the options available at DMEI. The spectrum and quality of care we provide are unmatched anywhere in the region. We would be honored to serve you.”
608 Stanton L. Young Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 73104 (405) 271-6060 dmei.org 90
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(L to R) Sang Lee, D.O. David A. Long II, MD, FACEP Mark Blubaugh, D.O.
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E M E RGE NC Y CARE Oklahoma ER & Hospital Frustrated by the current state of emergency medical care, a team of local physicians came together to form Oklahoma ER & Hospital, Oklahoma’s first micro-hospital, offering 24/7 comprehensive care for everything from illnesses to major trauma and even life-threatening conditions to patients. The fully licensed hospital is open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, and features concierge-level medical care in a comfortable, upscale and clean environment with no wait times and faster results for diagnostic imaging
and lab tests. It’s physician-owned, which means patients get a higher level of care and one-on-one time with doctors. The dedicated staff, nurses and physicians have the resources and expertise to get patients in and out within 1 hour. “The staff, nurses and doctor were very friendly and professional,” said one patient. “We didn’t have to wait very long, got an X-ray on the spot, got our results fast and everything was taken care of. It was definitely my best ER experience ever, and I will go again if I ever need to.” The state-of-the-art 18,000-square-foot facility is outfitted with the most advanced medical equipment and is designed with the idea that complete health, mind and body, begins with a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere. The beautifully designed interiors at Oklahoma ER & Hospital feel and look more like a modern hotel lobby than a sterile, cold medical
facility. The spacious patient rooms have flatscreen monitors and DirecTV. Designers have carefully selected interior colors and furnishings that are calming and comfortable. The hospital regularly hosts community events, blood drives and fundraisers. No matter the injury or ailment, Oklahoma ER & Hospital is ready and equipped to quickly treat you and your loved ones. This brand of inclusive, compassionate emergency care is the remedy for what ails Oklahoma.
15103 N. Pennsylvania Ave. Edmond, OK 73013 (405) 251-2300 okerhospital.com 405MAGAZINE.COM
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PR I VAT E BA N K I NG Valliance Bank A focus on relationship banking is what sets Valliance Bank apart. It’s a principle by which Valliance operates, with a focus on understanding customers’ goals and objectives to build loyalty. Valliance believes in bringing the bank to you, offering personal, business and private banking solutions for clients across multiple locations in Oklahoma and Texas. “We focus on making each client’s experience the best possible by providing tailored solutions to meet their specific needs,” said vice president and manager Stephanie Comer. “We strategize with them to develop a plan to fulfill the vision for their business.” Valliance Bank was established in Oklahoma City in 2004 as a financial partner to business owners and executives interested in customized solutions to their banking needs. The bank has grown to now include locations in Norman, Oklahoma, and Fort Worth and McKinney, Texas – all chartered to focus specifically on the needs of their local customers. “We are a local, community bank,” said Samantha Robertson, assistant vice president and commercial lender. “That’s important, because we are able to be responsive in a way that others simply cannot, as well as give back to the communities in which we serve. We don’t focus on transactions; we focus on relationships.” Valliance has assembled a team of friendly bankers who are responsive and willing to do whatever it takes to satisfy customers’ needs every day. “We get financial obstacles out of our clients’ way, so they can spend time building their business and doing what it is they do best,” Comer said.
(L to R) Stephanie Comer, Samantha Robertson
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210 Park Ave. #200 Oklahoma City, OK 73102 (405) 792-6400 valliance.bank
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I N J U RY L AW Joe Carson Joe Carson and his team at Warhawk Legal have established a solid reputation for building creative, effective and valuable solutions for clients’ legal issues. With more than 45 years of experience successfully representing clients, their attorneys are dedicated, experienced and above all, honest about how they can help with your case. Warhawk Legal will fight to get you the justice you are owed, and guide you through the turbulent and sometimes overwhelming experience of navigating the legal system in pursuit of your rights. “Joe Carson and his staff are unbelievable,” said one client. “I had no idea what to do or where to turn, and they calmed me down and helped me the entire time.” Carson and his firm have reached verdicts and settlements of more than $200 million for clients. Warhawk Legal has successfully represented clients in the areas of personal injury, wrongful death, product liability, medical malpractice, criminal defense and nursing home negligence, as well as oil and gas and environmental litigation. Potential clients receive free case evaluations/consultations, and most clients only pay if Warhawk wins the case. If Warhawk takes your case, they will prepare for trial from day one. Joe Carson has received numerous prestigious awards from the legal community – including an AV® rating from Martindale-Hubbell® and inclusion in the exclusive list of SuperLawyers® – and is a frequent speaker in the areas of litigation, personal injury and wrongful death matters. Hard-working, honest and accessible; that’s Warhawk Legal. Put your trust in them, and move forward with life.
127 N.W. 10th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73103 (405) 397-1717 warhawklegal.com 405MAGAZINE.COM
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FA M I LY L AW Holly Hefton, P.C. Courtroom theatrics, shady backroom deals and questionable ethical standards are all things you won’t find at Holly Hefton, P.C. Instead, you’ll find unmatched tenacity, exceptional loyalty and straightforward answers. The firm focuses on representation in family law, including divorce, custody, child support and visitation. Hefton and her staff offer personalized service to clients of all socioeconomic levels to achieve the best possible outcome. “Our job is to help clients resolve family issues with the least amount of contention possible,” Hefton said. “We listen to each client, and frame their needs based on their personal experience.” With 25 years of legal experience, Hefton has grown her team to include two staff attorneys, two contract attorneys and a paralegal. The Oklahoman named her Reader’s Choice Award Best Divorce Lawyer in Oklahoma City for the past seven years in a row. Clients admire and respect her dedication in and out of the courtroom. “I’m totally satisfied with having Holly and her team represent me during the course of my family court case,” said one client. “They were always willing to answer any questions that I had. My phone calls and emails were always responded to promptly and I was kept in the loop on things that were going on. The team is very nice, down-toearth, personable and very professional. I truly felt that they had all my best interests in mind.” Hefton also does volunteer work as a child’s advocate lawyer with Oklahoma Lawyers for Children, where she represents the desires of her clients who are separated from their family and in foster care. The organization honored her as Attorney Volunteer of the Year and awarded her the Mona Salyer Lambird Service to Children Award.
600 W. Sheridan Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73102 (405) 312-3366 HOLLYHEFTON.COM 94
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E N D OD ON T IC DE N T I S T RY
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Dr. Victoria Ball If a root canal sounds like your worst nightmare, you don’t know Dr. Victoria Ball. At Contemporary Endodontics of Oklahoma, Dr. Ball specializes in caring for the inside of the tooth when it becomes inflamed or infected. She diagnoses and treats complex causes of tooth pain, tooth abscesses caused by infection, cracked teeth and dental trauma. In many respects, she said, the fear of extremely painful root canals is outdated. “My field of dentistry involves treating the nerve of the tooth,” she said. “An endodontist is a highly specialized dental professional focusing on treating tooth pain.” Dr. Ball said if patients are experiencing pain when eating or drinking, they should act sooner rather than later. Waiting too long could result in greater pain, infection or even loss of the tooth. “If you’re eating ice cream, for example, and it’s painful when before it wasn’t, it’s a good idea to be examined to help avoid bigger problems in the future,” she said. Patients appreciate the attention they receive from Dr. Ball and her staff, especially since anxiety can be high when it comes to dental procedures. “I had a wonderful experience with Dr. Ball and her staff for my root canal,” said one patient. “They have a way of ensuring that you are comfortable, that everything is explained to you – and are very empathetic, which shows that they truly do care about you as a person, not just another patient. I highly recommend their practice.” Dr. Ball said root canals have evolved over the years and are much less painful than they once were. “There are modern techniques that have made root canal treatment easier for patients and allowed them to be more comfortable during and following the procedure,” Dr. Ball said. “The whole point of what we do is to relieve the patient from pain and help them save their natural teeth.”
2916 Astoria Way, Suite #100 Edmond, OK 73034 (405) 285-5042 ceoklahoma.com 405MAGAZINE.COM
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(L to R) David Hornbeek and Anthony (Tony) Blatt
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A RCH I T ECT U R E Hornbeek Blatt Architects When it comes to the seasoned and new faces of architecture, as well as personalized attention, unique design and award-winning experience, the team at Hornbeek Blatt Architects is unmatched. As a multi-faceted architectural firm making a strong transition in both its ownership and the rapidly changing second decade of the 21st century, the firm specializes in providing high quality designs for commercial and residential clients. Each project is tailored to meet its individual time, budget and sustainability needs. HB offers a wide range of complementary professional services to the benefit of each client and respective project. “We help clients find a design that uniquely satisfies their dreams and desires,” said Princi96
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pal David Hornbeek. “We are diligent in providing high-quality design regardless of the budget, which has led to creating innovative solutions and multiple award-winning projects.” The team understands that time, budget, quality and efficiency must be carefully balanced in order to deliver a successful project. HB is willing to provide the extra effort required by every owner to develop the appropriate functional scheme that each client deserves. One of their inherent responsibilities as planners and designers is to carefully examine the environmental impacts of all building design, construction, maintenance and long-term successful sustainable operation. In any project, HB works to reduce negative effects on the natural environment and enhance the working environment through proven design techniques.
“When we first start working with a client, it’s important that we listen to their needs and desires, from which we purposefully develop three-dimensional solutions that dovetail quality, schedule and budget,” said Principal Anthony Blatt. “That’s the expected criterion for our projects.” The firm has received regional and national recognition for its work, including numerous awards from the national and local chapters of the American Institute of Architects and the Association of General Contractors Build Oklahoma.
101 S. Broadway, Suite 200 Edmond, OK 73034 (405) 340-8552 HornbeekBlatt.com
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(L to R) Billy and Bill Wilson
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FINE W INES & ST E A K S Opus Prime Steakhouse Opus Prime Steakhouse is Oklahoma’s premier destination for the finest cuts of prime steak, fresh seafood from around the world and the state’s most extensive wine list, featuring almost 1,000 selections and focusing heavily on steakhouse favorites Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir. Most major wine regions are represented, as well as a deep selection of vintage and hard-to-find wines. One bottle of ultra-rare Domaine de la Romanee-Conti La Tache sells for over $10,000! Guests can enjoy great food and exceptional service in the dining room, on the patio or seat-
ed at the massive mahogany bar. Plans for a massive patio extension, complete with a large outdoor fireplace, have been finalized, and will add more than 1,400 square feet of luxury patio space. The menu at Opus features only the finest ingredients, including Chicago Stockyards filet mignon, seared perfectly and seasoned with kosher salt and butter. Other prime steaks are Nature Source beef, which is raised organically and never injected with hormones or antibiotics. Seafood at Opus is flown in fresh weekly from around the world, featuring Chilean seabass, Ora king salmon and Alaskan king crab legs. Further, Opus offers exotic meats such as Wagyu and locally sourced buffalo. After operating NIKZ at the Top in Founder’s Tower for 14 years, owners Bill and Billy Wilson made the decision to relocate to 800 W. Memorial Road to create a modern “old school” prime steakhouse. “The building is old world and feels like you’ve walked into a Chicago steakhouse
from years gone by,” Bill Wilson said. The seasoned and professional staff sets Opus apart, including some who have been with the restaurant group for as long as 25 years. “I think the fact that our guests know our staff and have developed a relationship with them over the years makes Opus a familiar and comfortable place to be,” said Billy Wilson. “Our food and wine is matched by the quality of our service.” Experience what Wine Spectator has rated the best selection of wine in Oklahoma, and reserve your table at OPUS. Reserve online with OpenTable or call 405.607.6787.
800 W. Memorial Rd. Oklahoma City, OK 73114 (405) 607-6787 opusprimesteakhouse.com 405MAGAZINE.COM
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C O SM E T IC DE N T I S T RY Geoff Potts, DDS As a native Oklahoman who’s no stranger to defining his own path, Geoff Potts is the epitome of spirit and determination. Whether as President of the University of Oklahoma’s RUF/NEKS organization or as the face of cosmetic dentistry in Norman for the past 23 years, he’s committed to the art of excellence and personal attention. Geoff Potts, DDS takes pride in his staff of only four members, including himself. The team has worked together for more than 15 years, resulting in relationships that Potts’ patients are quick to recognize. It’s not a traditional dental experience; this tight-knit 98
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group provides a sense of caring and trust in a setting that might otherwise elicit patient anxiety. Rather than a crowded waiting room with clinical decor, the setting of Potts’ dental office provides an atmosphere of intentional care and interest in his patients. With the highest level of technology and equipment, Potts offers a vast array of services, from cosmetic to general and restorative dentistry. Potts stated that his favorite aspect of business is “the opportunity to develop relationships with my patients that last for generations. It is very rewarding to see patients as children, who now bring their children to our office!” According to his family, Geoff Potts is the “world’s greatest” father to his beautiful, brilliant daughters, Annabella and Sophia, and “the perfect” husband to his wife of 24 years, Donna Potts – the pair began dating in high school! In addition to being the Face of Cosmetic Dentistry for 405 Magazine in the past, Potts is most fond of the multitude of honors awarded to him by his children, including the “Big Muscle” Award (circa 2006), “King Pong” (Ping Pong Champion),
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and his most cherished award, the “#1 Dad” Trophy, which was repurposed from the “King Pong” Trophy. While his family could continue listing his accolades, Geoff Potts is best described by what his patients admire most about his business: “The relationship between Dr. Potts and his staff, the genuine care/ concern that he has for his patients’ needs/ desires, and the artistry that delivers their beautiful ‘after’ smiles!”
1020 24th Ave. NW, Suite 101 Norman, OK 73069 (405) 447-5577 geoffpottsdds.com
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Back row L to R: Brenda Bolander, CFP® Chad Rudy, CFP® Carol Ringrose Alexander, CFP® Seated: Andrew Flinton, CFP® Randy Thurman, CFP®
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RE T I R E M E N T I N V E ST M E N T
Retirement Investment Advisors Navigating the retirement path can be challenging without a solid plan and a knowledgeable guide. Over the past 30 years, CEO Randy Thurman and President Andrew Flinton of Retirement Investment Advisors, Inc. have guided Oklahomans through life’s big moments: making college decisions,
getting the best out of work retirement plans, providing for health challenges, transitioning to retirement and crafting their legacies. Retirement Investment Advisors, Inc. is a local fee-only fiduciary retirement planning firm. Every advisor is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, which means they have obtained extensive professional and ethical training. The firm recently reached a milestone of $1 billion Assets Under Management (AUM). Many clients have been with the firm for decades, setting a foundation for success in future generations. “Oklahoma is our home and has some of the best people in the country,” Flinton said. “Our clients love the professional yet personal service they receive from us. We walk with our clients through many life stages, guiding them along the way to choose what is best for their family.” The firm offers complete transparency for its clients and a depth and breadth of expertise unrivaled in the industry.
“We’ve been fee-only since day one,” Flinton said. “That commitment comes from answering a simple question: Would we do business with our firm if we were on the other side of the table?” When you’re ready to say “yes,” Retirement Investment Advisors, Inc. can help map out your retirement goals or give you a “second look” at your existing portfolio with a complimentary initial consultation.
2925 United Founders Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 73112 (405) 842-3443 TheRetirementPath.com 405MAGAZINE.COM
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MOR T G AGE BA N K I NG
Jolynn Craig-Heath Financing a home is one of the largest transactions a person will undertake. Jolynn Craig-Heath has been fortunate enough to aid countless families and individuals through this process for the past 20 years. “In 2002, I had family members who bought a mortgage company,” she said. “They encouraged me to try out the business. Here I am, all these years later, still loving what I do.” Noticing the rampant fraud and unethical lending practices of the mid-2000s, and now the impersonal online lenders with high rates and fees, Craig-Heath prides herself on building a business of honesty and integrity. Her clients experience the personalized attention and better rates and fees of a smaller lender who lives and works in their community. After having been through many walks of life herself, Craig-Heath is able to guide people through the financial decisions that come with buying or refinancing a home. “I can remember having bad credit and digging through the couch for change,” she said. “Fortunately, I am in neither of those situations now, but I remember the struggles. I also know that mortgages are a great financial tool to help people achieve their longterm financial goals. It’s very fulfilling to lead people through the process.” Craig-Heath’s purpose in life is to positively impact the lives of individuals and families by providing wise mortgage advice and Godly direction to improve their financial future. Contact her at 405.265.1110 or visit myokhomeloan.com.
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T h e Fa ce of
A N T IQU E S Lee Anna Ward Lee Anna Ward started her career 31 years ago by offering authentic English antiques from a shop in her hometown of Pawhuska, Oklahoma. Once she moved her business to OKC, many other retailers discovered her excellent pricing, which meant her shop quickly became empty! Ward then closed the retail shop to begin a wholesale business for out-of-state antique stores, opening her warehouse several times a year
for public events. After deciding to focus mainly on the wholesale business, she recalled her father’s words: “Always remember your roots, it’s what keeps you grounded.” Ward quickly realized it was the public who launched her career, and felt the need to continue including the public in her business. Ward figured out a way to still do her wholesale business and provide items to the public: She moved her main office to a studio in Casady Square. Public events are now held in the studio instead of her warehouse. Authenticity is important to Ward, who travels to the UK four times a year to purchase all of her inventory. Antique carved furniture, china, Staffordshire and silver items are always found in the studio for the public. She is also an experienced designer, from commercial to residential projects, and despite what some might expect, designs for the client and their taste, not just the “English” aesthetic.
Customers quickly become friends to Ward, who welcomes each person with kindness and gratefulness. “After moving to the area 20 years ago with an already established business, the 405 quickly became my life, my home and my friends. For that I am forever grateful,” she says. All public events are found on Notting Hill Antiques’ social media pages and website, so the public can stay informed of events and items picked out just for them.
9303 N. Pennsylvania Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 842-1500 nottinghillantiques.com 405MAGAZINE.COM
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(L to R) Miles & Jayne Hall, Remi - Chief Greeting Dog, Sam Hixson, Kent Swenson, Stephen & Meghan Hall
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SA F E S
Lock It Up Safes LLC Are your most treasured possessions properly secured? The team at Lock It Up Safes can help. With a fully stocked showroom of 50+ safes of all sizes and brands to choose from, along with a knowledgeable and experienced sales team, they’ll ensure you get the safe that best fits your needs. Lock It Up Safes is family-owned and -operated, and provides full-service delivery and installation on every safe. Deliveries are made by the same team member who sells the safes, so 102
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our guests can feel secure. The team has been in the safe industry for more than 25 years. “We care about what we do and take pride in serving Oklahomans with the best products and service in the business,” said co-owner Sam Hixson. Miles Hall, who is also a co-owner, added, “Safety is our business.” All of Lock It Up’s inventory is listed and kept up to date on its website, along with video walkthroughs to display all of a safe’s features. Lock It Up offers a wide array of safes from the very best of manufacturers. “We’ve been told by guests they enjoy our upbeat, knowledgeable and friendly staff, along with a no-pressure sales environment,” said co-owner Stephen Hall. Kent Swenson, who is also a co-owner, said,
“We love that we get to meet so many different guests and educate them on an industry that we have dedicated ourselves to for so many years.” Lock It Up Safes is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and even on weekends by appointment.
716 W. 15th St. Edmond, OK 73013 (405) 331-7233 lockitupsafes.com
Look for the big yellow safe!
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(L to R) Ashley Weyland, Rachel Bussett
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C A N N A BI S L AW Bussett Legal Group, PLLC Rachel Bussett and Bussett Legal Group have been at the forefront of cannabis law since the beginning of legalization in Oklahoma. When the Department of Health created illegal, restrictive rules limiting access and use in 2018, Bussett filed the suit that overturned the rules and got Oklahoma’s green gold rush off to a running start. “We are a small family firm, and we’re all lady lawyers,” Bussett said. “I didn’t set out to create an all-female law firm, but that’s how it has developed. When starting the firm, I wanted to create a firm that allowed me to be a mother and a professional. In doing so I created a firm that supports and encourages the advancement of professional women with families.”
Bussett Legal Group is one of the few firms – if not the only one in Oklahoma City – that has the breadth of knowledge and experience to serve both cannabis companies and their employees with issues directly and indirectly related to cannabis. This is due to their members’ extensive experience in other areas of law including family, employment, business, estate planning and probate litigation, and criminal defense. Beyond that, though, they have excellent training and experience in helping businesses get started in the cannabis sector, with business creation, licensing, compliance, employee management, dispute resolution and other needs. “We cover the whole spectrum of legal needs for cannabis companies and their employees,” Bussett said. “I’ve been a supporter of legalization from the beginning, and we’ve worked hard to ensure cannabis companies and patients are represented fairly and well.” Bussett brings a wealth of experience in business working as a consultant with KPMG,
LLP, early in her career, including two years dedicated to working closely with the senior management of Fortune 500 companies in an effort to improve business operations. Junior partner Ashley Weyland offers extensive experience in family, civil and criminal litigation, as well, thereby guaranteeing that any legal issue related to cannabis can be represented by the team at Bussett Legal Group.
2201 N Classen Blvd Oklahoma City, OK 73106 (405) 605.8073 bussettlegal.com 405MAGAZINE.COM
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(L to R) Tripp and Glenn Harris
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I NS U R A NC E Glenn Harris & Associates Glenn Harris & Associates is an independent insurance agency founded in 1987 by Glenn S. Harris. Tripp Harris joined the team in 2021, and is proud to continue the Harris family legacy of serving the metro area’s insurance needs. As independent insurance agents representing many different insurance companies, Glenn Harris & Associates 104
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can carefully select its carriers in order to provide clients with the best level of service, price and coverage. That is the main advantage to using an independent insurance agency: It works to satisfy your needs. Glenn Harris & Associates specializes in managing complex commercial insurance risk and high net worth personal lines. Its agents love their clientele and the daily interaction of assisting them in various ways – their one-on-one service approach for all their insurance clients sets them apart. Glenn Harris & Associates works for you, not the insurance company.
13800 Quail Pointe Dr. Oklahoma City, OK 73134 (405) 842-5385 GHAinsurance.com
Win this House
St. Jude patient Josiah
Giveaway Date: August 26, 2021 Free Tours: July 17 - August 22
Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Sundays: noon - 5 p.m. 14242 Fox Lair Lane | Edmond, OK 73025
Bonus Prize: Get your ticket by August 5 for a chance to win a 2021 Nissan Sentra SV, courtesy of Bob Moore Auto Group.
Built by Shaw Homes in Fox Lair Estates, Edmond, OK. Estimated value $495,000.
National Sponsors
Get Tickets
dreamhome.org 800-592-1596
Local Sponsors
Giveaway is conducted by and benefits ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®. ©2021 ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. (DMH-120)
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION RETURNING IN OCTOBER 2021
This female-centric issue celebrates women from across the OKC metro. Share your own story and tell readers what’s next for your business or organization.
For more information about this issue and to discuss a comprehensive advertising plan that includes our other platforms, email info@405magazine.com or call 405.842.2266.
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Fine Fowl & Fixin’s
4309 N WESTERN AVE, OKC 405-604-0990 DRUMROOMOKC.COM
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Two Great Locations!
230 NE 1st St, OKC | 405-270-0660 4709 N WESTERN AVE, OKC | 405-602-3477 THEWEDGEPIZZERIA.COM
Dining Chip Shots Try these OKC takes on traditional British fish and chips. Page 120
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DINING The Nomad is a delicious mess, served with pepperoni as an homage to the previous tenant.
Timeless Tastes The classics are still in style at Ned’s Starlite Lounge BY GREG HORTON PHOTOS BY LE XI HOEBING
enilson Mazariegos walked into Ned’s Starlite Lounge in September 2018 and said, “I want a job.” “We were about two and a half weeks from opening,” Ned Shadid, Jr., said. “I told him, ‘Everyone wants a job.’” As it turned out, Mazariegos had a ton of experience, and he was able to wrangle a day and night crew for the new restaurant. He’s been the kitchen manager ever since, and along with Ned Jr. and his father, Ned Sr., has put together a comfort-food-driven kitchen with healthy options and weekly specials that bring in the locals. Located in the old Nomad building at 7301 N. May Ave., Ned’s Starlite Lounge is a mid-20th-century-style supper club, with a template borrowed from Ned Sr.’s childhood in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. “You have these neighborhood bars and supper clubs tucked into neighborhoods there,” Shadid, Jr., said. “So, my dad and I had kicked the idea of one of these neighborhood hangouts around for five or six years before the Nomad building became available.” The interior is funky retro, with Naugahyde, shag carpet (under the bar top) and vintage 1960s wallpaper that Shadid found at Ketch Design Centre. The buildout by Candelaria Foster took eight months, primarily because the facility was in such bad shape that it had to be taken down to the studs and rebuilt. The name is an homage to a club Shadid, Sr., loved back in Iowa, the Starlight Room. The senior Shadids started a catering business 37 years ago; it’s since grown into an operation
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large enough to service Oklahoma State football games in the club and suite levels (roughly 6,500 people per game). The transition from catering to restaurant thinking included what the younger Shadid calls a “big learning curve.” “I’m used to firing all the food at one time for 800 people or more, not organizing 12 tickets at expo with different firing times,” he said. “My dad opened more than 30 Big Ed’s when he was the franchise manager back in the day, but I had no experience with restaurants.” Ned’s Starlite Lounge was craft cocktail-heavy when it first opened, but Shadid said they quickly learned their core audience wasn’t a craft crowd. “We get lots of Nichols Hills folks,” he says. “If a guy drinks Dewar’s, he’s not going to ask for a craft menu; he’s going to drink his Dewar’s.”
Ned’s Starlite Lounge 7301 N May Ave Oklahoma City, OK nedsstarlitelounge.com
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The Mediterranean Jess is the bestselling appetizer on the menu.
At Ned’s Starlite Lounge, the atmosphere and aesthetic are as much a part of the experience as the food and drink.
So, the craft cocktails remain, but they’re no longer a point of emphasis. The beer list ranges from 35 to 45 options, including locals, and there’s a small wine list. The bar is usually full of regulars; some watching sports, some waiting for their car to be detailed next door – a relationship that’s worked for both operations – but all on a firstname basis with “Neddie,” as the younger Shadid is known. The restaurant hit our radar when we were looking for the best onion rings in OKC. Shadid’s was our “Best of the 405” editors’ pick for this year, and the rest of the menu is just as well-executed. The delicious wings come with a house-made rub that’s made with more than 50 ingredients. (You can get the rub on the onion rings, too, but try them without first.) Chicken-fried steak, the ridiculously delicious Nomad burger, shrimp and polenta and rotating weekly specials scratch the comfort food itch, but lighter options are available, as well. “We wanted a small, focused menu, where we could use items different ways,” Shadid said. “You can get salmon as an appetizer, sandwich or entrée. We have a veggie burger made in-house, too. We’re a scratch kitchen right down to our buffalo sauce.” At Ned’s Starlite Lounge, the atmosphere and aesthetic are as much a part of the experience as the food and drink, and they all combine to create just what the Shadids hoped for: a neighborhood hangout with great food and booze.
Ned’s take on shrimp and grits preserves the spirit of this classic but subs polenta cakes.
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DINING
Republic takes the crown for tartar sauce with the addition of capers.
ordon R a msay a side, the UK isn’t necessarily famous for its cuisine, and a long-running stereotype (the French are probably at least partially to blame) is that its food is just bland and uninteresting. In fact, Ramsay’s home country of Scotland is better known for haggis than anything else besides foggy nights. But one dish has endured in the U.S., and unfortunately, the Brits don’t really get credit for it. Fish and chips showed up in London’s East End in the middle of the 19th century; an Ashkenazi Jewish immigrant named Joseph Malin is credited with opening the first “chippy” in 1860. A form of the dish arrived in England roughly 300 years before Malin – when Sephardic Jewish refugees from Spain and Portugal brought “pescado frito” recipes from their home country – but the chips were added much later. (Predictably, France and Belgium have argued for years about which country first fried the potato, with both taking credit for it. It was probably Luxembourg.) The fish used has traditionally been a whitefish, most often cod, but it’s not unusual to find haddock and tilapia in the U.S. Good fish and chips might seem like a pipe dream so far from the coast, but fried catfish and French fries is the Okie version of fish and chips. More to the point, we also have some excellent plates of the more traditional cod and haddock styles around the 405. As a complete meal, it’s hard to beat the fish and chips at Hopscotch, Joe Jungmann’s pub at 10909 N. May. Every element – from the texture and flavor of the fish to the structure (it doesn’t fall apart), the flavorful, crispy batter and the fries – is close to perfect. It’s served traditionally, as in long, chunky “fish sticks,” with creamy tartar sauce and tangy coleslaw that also set this dish apart. Plus, Hopscotch has an excellent selection of local beers, as any good pub should.
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Fish and Chips Champs Where a British legacy meets OKC excellence BY GREG HORTON | PHOTO BY LE XI HOEBING
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Locally Owned Italian Restaurant Fresh Pasta Scratch Kitchen Craft Cocktails
Every element – from the texture and flavor of the fish to the structure (it doesn’t fall apart), the flavorful, crispy batter and the fries – is close to perfect.
Hopscotch combines a pub vibe with some of the very best fried fish in the city.
405-608-8866 piattookc.com
2920 NW 63rd Street, OKC
Pub W (four metro locations, pubdub.com) uses haddock for its version, fried in light, crispy batter. Once you add lemon and tartar sauce – it’s excellent – some of the nuances of the fish go away, but haddock tends to be milder than cod, so while the differences are minor, people who don’t go for “fishy” fish will likely prefer haddock. The batter at Republic Gastropub, 5830 N. Classen, benefits from Shiner Bock and Old Bay Seafood Seasoning. The combination adds an almost sweet note to the crunchy shell surrounding the cod, but more than anything, it moves the dish into a more complex, more interesting realm. For even more flavor, it adds capers to the tartar sauce, a delicious twist you won’t find elsewhere. McNellie’s, as is appropriate, serves up excellent fish and chips at 1100 N. Classen. The haddock comes out as a whole filet, which, while not traditional for the dish we inherited from England, does take it all the way back to the Jewish cooks who prepared pescado frito with whole filets prior to the Sabbath. McNellie’s version is simple and tasty, and the flavor of its batter was the best in the city. Off the Hook at 125 W. Britton uses tilapia in a version that’s straightforward Southern cooking. All dishes evolve, and tilapia makes sense in this part of the country – as does catfish – but the temptation at Off the Hook is to abandon the “chips” part in favor of mac ‘n’ cheese or okra. Go where your heart leads you.
THE WA I T IS OVER
N OW O P E N
PIZZA & BAR
405.849.5973 | VENNPIZZA .COM 9 1 5 W. B R I T TO N R D. , O KC
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Local Brews on Ice Beer to beat the Oklahoma heat this summer BY GREG HORTON PHOTO BY LE XI HOEBING
ummer beers, ideally speaking, are lighter in style, easier to drink and refreshing. Summer isn’t the time to challenge our taste buds with Bourbon barrels and smoke, after all. We’ve collected some of the beers we’ll be drinking this summer, including seasonal offerings and year-round styles that make sense in Oklahoma heat.
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Clark Crew Brew. This American light lager is made for Clark Crew BBQ by Norman’s Black Mesa Brewing Company, and it’s just what you want from a barbecue joint: a light, sessionable lager that’s right down the middle of the road in all the best ways. Fair Weather Friend, House Finch. One of our newest breweries is churning out fantastic beer, including this floral (barely) pilsner with a clean, crisp finish. Fair Weather Friend, Toasty Coast. It has coffee and chocolate, as a good porter should, and coconut isn’t uncommon, but fire-toasted coconut is a nice touch for this round, rich yet easy-drinking porter. Roughtail Brewing Company, Frickin’ Hazer Beams. This New England IPA is a year-round beer for the brewery, and a well-balanced brew with delicious tropical notes that’s perfect for summertime.
D R I N K
Roughtail Brewing Company, Sancho. They call it a “Mexican-style Gose,” and why not? It’s a soul ale with mango, fresh lime and ancho chile, and it’s super refreshing.
Elk Valley Brewing Company, Cucumber Saison. Fresh cucumbers and a low ABV make this summer refresher a sessionable beer for lake, sun, pool and shady afternoons.
Stonecloud, Lageritaville Lime Lager. The “Mexican-style” theme continues with this cerveza-esque, crushable beer with perfect lime intensity in a beautifully balanced summer beer.
Anthem Brewing, Afternoon Radler. This is a traditional radler, but the term most of us know is shandy. A blend of Anthem pilsner and blood orange juice, the radler was originally created for cyclists, but it’s easy to enjoy this crisp, snappy beer while sitting in your chair, too.
Skydance Brewing Company, Rez Dog. Pilsner meets ale in this yearround beer. Pilsner grain and ale yeast makes for a flavorful, well-balanced blonde ale. Skydance Brewing Company, Fancy Dance. Named as an homage to owner-brewer Jake Keyes’ Native American heritage, this hazy IPA is juicy with citrus and tropical notes. Skydance Brewing Company, Wow Factor. A hazy double IPA made with Mosaic, Strata and Trident hops for a refreshing load of tropical fruit notes.
The Big Friendly, Check Out My Kicks. Definitely a candidate for best name and label, this IPA is made with El Dorado hops for a punch of citrus, including a delicious note of orange on the finish. Vanessa House Beer Company, Creamsicle Slush Fund. The latest in the Slush Fund line is due out in early August, just in time for readers to enjoy this blend of sour ale, orange, vanilla and “marshmallow fluff.”
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DINING
L O C A L
F L AV O R
Dining Guide These listings are not related to advertising in 405 Magazine. If you find that a restaurant differs significantly from the information in its listing or your favorite restaurant is missing from the list, please let us know. Email info@405magazine.com DESIGNATION $ MOST ENTREES UNDER $10 $$ MOST ENTREES $10 TO $25
$$$ MOST ENTREES OVER $25
BEST OF THE 405 WINNER
SPONSORED LISTING
LUNCH CLARK CREW BBQ Travis Clark
a buffet in the building, but you get comple-
THE HAMILTON Tucked into Northpark
mentary tea with every meal. 4621 N. May,
Mall, this Okie-centric supper club features
OKC, 778.8469 $$
upscale casual dining with regional favorites like bison tartare, quail, and steaks, as
reached the pinnacle of pit master-dom SWADLEY’S BAR-B-Q
well as an excellent wine list and creative
he’s brought the delicious brisket, burnt
Family-owned and operated with a deep
cocktails. 12232 N. May, OKC, 849.5115 $$$
ends, championship beans and the best
commitment to OKC, Swadley’s serves up tra-
cornbread ever to OKC. 3510 NW Expy, OKC,
ditional barbecue, sandwiches and desserts
MAHOGANY PRIME STEAKHOUSE
724.8888 $$
for groups of all sizes. Multiple locations
The ambiance and service are sublime, but
throughout the metro. 2233 W Memorial,
fine aged steak broiled to perfection is the
OKC, 286.3838 $$
star. 3241 W Memorial, OKC, 748.5959; 100 W
when he won Jack Daniel’s competition, and
EMPIRE SLICE HOUSE This was
Main, OKC, 208.8800 $$$$
the city’s first by-the-slice pizzeria, but you
BRE AKFA S T/BRUNCH
can also get full pies, giant meatballs, fresh
DINNER NED’S STARLITE LOUNGE
salads, and a great selection of cocktails and CAFÉ ANTIGUA Authentic Guatemalan
local beer. The full menu is also available late
BOULEVARD STEAKHOUSE Perfect-
A funky dive into supper club glory, Ned’s
food in OKC, with traditional dishes like mo-
night inside or on the excellent patio. 1804
ly soigné ambiance down to the last detail
serves up the best onion rings n the city,
tuleños, machaca, and refried black beans.
NW 16th, OKC, 557.1760 $
and cuisine easily in the metro’s elite – a
pasta, fish, and chicken fried steak with
sumptuous, if pricy, masterpiece. 505 S
equal skill. An absolute treat with a solid bar.
Boulevard, Edmond, 715.2333 $$$$
7301 N May, OKC, 242.6100 $$
Full coffee service is available, and you’ll want extra green sauce. 1903 N. Classen
FLORENCE’S For more than 60 years, this
Blvd., OKC, 602.8984 $$
eastside eatery has been serving crispy fried chicken, hearty meatloaf, tangy greens, and
FRIDA SOUTHWEST This stunning
PATRONO Not only is Chef Jonathan Krell’s
CATTLEMEN’S Almost as old as
all the country cooking associated with soul
Southwestern-cuisine restaurant in Paseo is
food some of the best in OKC, the service at
the state itself, this Oklahoma institution’s
food. Don’t leave without trying the pear pie.
now one of the city’s must try destinations.
Patrono is professional, friendly and seamless.
immense corn-fed steaks and matchless
1437 NE 23rd, OKC, 427.3663 $$
Everything from the short rib empanadas
Krell is as adept at seafood as pasta and chops,
to the Mexican hot chocolate cheesecake is
so it’s impossible to go wrong with this spec-
perfection. 500 Paseo, OKC, 683.7432 $$$
tacular menu. 305 N Walker, OKC, 702.7660 $$$
atmosphere are history served anew every day. 1309 S Agnew, OKC, 236.0416 $$
OOZIE MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT Traditional Lebanese food
CHEEVER’S Southwestern-influenced
served in an unconventional setting – a med-
GORO RAMEN + IZAKAYA An “izakaya”
SCRATCH PASEO Delicious, scratch food
recipes (the chicken-fried steak is a house
ical building – but the hashwa, cabbage rolls,
is a Japanese pub, and this energetic Paseo
from one of the city’s best young chefs com-
specialty) and love of seafood drive the con-
stuffed eggplant, shwarma and specials will
District spot nails the mixture of great food,
bined with an excellent bar and quirky-cool wine
temporary comfort food in one of the city’s
make you forget the surroundings. Rustic and
sake and cocktails that make a pub a desti-
list. It’s mostly modern American, but surprises
finest dining destinations for lunch, dinner
delicious family restaurant that’s a true hidden
nation. 3000 Paseo, OKC, 900.6615 $$
abound. 605 NW 28th, OKC, 602.2302 $$
and brunch. 2409 N Hudson, OKC, 525.7007 $$
gem. 1211 N Shartel, Ste 102, OKC, 724.7659 $$
THE HUTCH ON AVONDALE Chef
PIZZERIA GUSTO Neapolitan-style
David Henry serves modern American
pizza (which uses an extremely hot fire to
cuisine with a creative twist a well as classic
quickly cook superfine flour crusts) stars
brunch fare, and the bar offers a full suite of
alongside Italy-inspired entrees, pastas and
tempting cocktails, wines and spirits. 6437
appetizers. 2415 N Walker, OKC, 437.4992 $$
Avondale, OKC, 842.1000 $$ QUEEN OF EGGROLLS Chef KC ChanNEIGHBORHOOD JAM Serving
sombat specializes in traditional Laotian food,
tasty takes on classic American dishes and
and while her egg rolls are the reason many
more specialized options, this breakfast-cen-
discover her, the larb, nam khao and capoon
tric spot aims to become a community favor-
are what eventually keeps them coming back.
ite. 15124 Lleytons Court, Edmond, 242.4161 $$
2815a NW 10th, OKC, 769.2417 $$
STITCH CAFÉ The hand pies got the
SHEESH MAHAL While billed as a
business started, and they are still delicious,
combination of Pakistani and Indian cuisine,
but the breakfast tacos, burritos and tots are
the menu will be familiar to fans of Indian
among the best options in the city. 835 W
food, with butter chicken, delicious curries,
Sheridan, OKC, 212.2346 $$
basmati rice, and fresh naan. You won’t find
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The Hamilton Lounge and Supperette specializes in Okie-centric dining, like this succotash chicken stack. You can find even more Okie favorites in the Dining Guide.
Ladies Lunch WHO
Enjoy a 1/2 price bottle of wine with the purchase of an entree Tuesdays 11:00AM - 2:00PM
Introducing a Bloody Mary Bar to Saturday Brunch at Ned’s! Brunch Time: 10:30AM - 3:00PM Brunch also available
How it Works: Sunday from 1) You buy the alcohol 10:30AM - 3:00PM 2) We provide the mix 3) Dress it up as much as you wish
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From simple to intricate designs, California Closets systems are custom designed specifically for you and the way you live.
californiaclosets.com/oklahoma DOW N TOW N EDM O N D 111 S Broadway 405.844.4880 ©2021 California Closet Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Franchises independently owned and operated.
Home
Summer Salute
CARLI ECONOMY
Delightful glassware and garnishes elevate happy hour. Page 120
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HOME
E N T E R TA I N I N G
Cocktail Cheers Cap off a summer day with refreshing and celebratory libations B Y S A R A G A E WAT E R S PHOTOS BY CARLI ECONOMY
Reach for the ice and mix a purple Empress 1908 Original Gin and tonic – plus thyme from the garden. Barware from BC Clark.
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ne doesn’t need much of an excuse for a nice cocktail at the end of the day. However, the August heat, and how to deal with it, might be a good one. A tall glass of water – be it still or sparkling – is most likely the healthier choice, so say yes to hydrating first and then go ahead and pour up your favorite libation. It may be as simple as a glass of wine, rose or prosecco. Or, if you are up for a little mixing, perhaps a margarita, a martini or a (purple) gin and tonic would provide the perfect “ah.” Once the choice of drink is made, the last thing to consider is the type of glass you choose to drink it from. A pretty glass can make all the difference. The feel of the slim stem of a wine glass, the celebratory look of a champagne f lute or the way the light is caught through a crystal highball are all ways that can add to the satisfaction of slowing things down and enjoying the act of closing out your day. Of course, there are many good non-alcoholic options out there as well. A simple tonic and lime or a mocktail of grapefruit juice, cranberry juice and soda water is equally refreshing. Finally, take a little time to also consider a garnish. Whether it be fruit, olives, salt or herbs, dress that drink up and offer a little “Salute!” to the end of your day. Better yet, to the beginning of the evening and a drop in the temperature. Now that’s most definitely a reason to raise a glass.
O
Designer Banded Shades Design Studio ™ Side Panels
405.848.0099 | blindalleyokc.com 3839 NW 63rd Street, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73116
Distinctive designs. Exceptional home furnishings.
405 .608.8899 3409 S. Broadway, S uite 100, Edmond (33rd & Broadway) t radi t i ons edmond.com
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HOME Randal Marsh has grown The Flower Truck OKC to occupy a new shop at 1714 Britton Road.
Before opening my own business, I spent 15 years in the floral business. In this nuanced career, you’re constantly learning, changing and adapting every single day.”
does most of our daily orders, and she boasts about 35 years in the floral design industry. Melissa Brumfield is my wedding and event planner. She’s been at it for over 10 years now. What inspired you to start The Flower Truck OKC?
Bouquets of Joy A conversation with Randal Marsh of The Flower Truck OKC B Y S A R A G A E WAT E R S | P H O T O S B Y R A C H E L M A U C I E R I
If you haven’t heard of The Flower Truck OKC, you’re missing out. The brainchild of Randal Marsh that came into being as a result of the pandemic, the company quickly became a popular point of interest in Oklahoma City. Now with a brick-and-mortar shop and happy clients, The Flower Truck is a mainstay. Marsh and his talented team are blissfully busy, providing joy and celebrating life through flowers. 122
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At the beginning of the pandemic, I found myself at home and out of work, due to the shutdown. Almost immediately, people were calling and texting me asking if I could still make a flower arrangement and deliver it for them. I was working alone, out of my kitchen. In less than a month, I realized I had something and now was the time for me to take that leap of faith. It just felt right. What is your educational experience in floral design?
All of my floral training has been on-the-job, as well as from attending design shows and workshops around the country. Before opening my own business, I spent 15 years in the floral business. In this nuanced career, you’re constantly learning, changing and adapting every single day. Do you employ other florists?
Right now I have two of the most talented and hard-working designers in my employ. Sandra McLennan
How has your business evolved?
In the beginning we were operating out of the truck, but we couldn’t have known how quickly we’d grow out of that. We soon found ourselves operating out of a design studio inside Factor 110 Events, and we spent our first year under their gracious wings. They gave us a space to grow and thrive – and boy, did we ever! After only one year, we’ve moved into our new home at 1714 W. Britton Rd. We do hope in the near future that we’re able to get back to having the truck as
I N
C O N V E R S AT I O N
W I T H
HAVE YOUR
BEST SUMMER Delightful arrangements are customdesigned for various occasions and seasons.
Celebrate the moment with a pleasing combination of bubbles and blooms.
Let light through, while blocking 100% UV Rays a place to shop for flowers and design, but for now we’re just too busy. That’s a problem we’ll happily live with. What do you enjoy about serving the Oklahoma City area?
While we deliver all over the metro, most of our clients are in Nichols Hills and Quail Creek. Having worked in this area all of my career, I’ve been able to really get to know my customers and their tastes,
preferences and even dislikes. You do a presentation bouquet for a ballet recital, a corsage for prom, and then – boom – they’re married, and you’re doing flowers for a baby shower. What are your favorite flowers?
I love thistles, hellebores, clematis, dahlias and hydrangeas. I just can’t live without peonies. Obviously, this is a hard one. I love them all! Don’t make me pick a favorite child!
Extend the life of your pergola Rain and shade protection all year
Call today for your
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405.506.0112 PERGOLACOVER.COM 7424 Melrose Lane, OKC
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HOME
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D E S I G N
Rock the House Lance and Cindy Ruffel’s new Gaillardia home is primed to party B Y E V IE K L O P P H O L Z E R | P H O T O S B Y C H L O E R E E D
hen you enter Cindy and Lance Ruffel’s home, you can see right through it. The glass wall separating the living room and backyard perfectly frames a firepit, pool and several large sandstone boulders, stacked high in the landscaping and hand-selected from southern Oklahoma. “The geology friends that Lance has say they have ‘rock envy,’” Cindy Ruffel said with a smile. “They’re like, ‘Oh, cool rocks. Lance, you did good.’” The home’s design uses rocks and minerals abundantly. Various marbles, quartzites and crystals make up the materials, and a stellar rock collection is displayed in the office. The hot tub mimics a natural hot spring, with large rocks strategically placed for seating. The Gaillardia home is a dream come true for geologist Lance Ruffel and his wife Cindy, who spent three years planning, building and designing it. “We designed it together, but Cindy came up with the idea of seeing through the house and not being distracted by anything,” Lance Ruffel said, noting the off-white walls and limestone floors are intentionally neutral so your eyes are drawn to the art on the walls and the view outside. “The large window allows for a big open, unbroken space.”
W
BAND OF PROS The Ruffels hired several talented individuals to fashion their ideal home. Total Environment helped with the rock-filled landscaping. KC Millworks provided cabinets and woodwork. Silex Interiors was the fabricator. Brock Harrison did all of the window treatments – as well as the flowery, flirty painting hanging in the bar. Others on the Ruffels’ dream team included architect Bailey Austin, builder Tim Smith and interior designer Laura Ellis Barnes. “I see in three dimensions as a geologist. It’s part of my work,” Lance Ruffel said. “I can take a rendition of a drawing and see what it looks like. I see in dimensions, and Cindy is great with color.” “Or Laura is great with color,” Cindy Ruffel interjects. Lance Ruffle answers with a shrug, “You were simpatico.” Each person brought different strengths to the process. “Lance would lay out the kitchen – as we were designing it – for functionality,” Barnes said. “[Meanwhile] Cindy wanted ‘wow’ moments everywhere. This project was about combining who they are as people – their styles, the things that they
love, and the pieces of art that they’ve invested in. Making it cohesive and pulling it all together – that all comes to design.” One “wow” factor is the formal dining room with a glass-enclosed wine room – much like you would see in a restaurant – and a custom-made crystal chandelier. Cindy Ruffel found a chandelier she loved on Pinterest, but she and Barnes couldn’t locate the source. So, they had a similar one made, resulting in the perfect awe-inspiring centerpiece for the room.
ABOVE: The Ruffels spend much time together in this casual and cozy shared office. LEFT: “Le Rende-vous” by French artist Louis Jaquet appropriately hangs in the bar, which is located just off the living room for easy entertaining.
PA RT Y ON The Ruffels moved into their home in November 2019 with parties at their new place already on the calendar. The timing was tight, with the first event scheduled within two weeks of move-in day. “My builder knew it; everybody knew it,” Cindy Ruffel said. “They really knocked it out for me.” Lance and Cindy Ruffel have five children and 11 grandchildren combined. They love hosting their 405MAGAZINE.COM
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HOME
ABOVE LEFT: The primary bathroom includes a marbletiled wet room with his-andhers tubs. LEFT: A Bernhardt Furniture bed and pair of Hickory Chairs in the primary bedroom are upholstered in Holly Hunt fabric. BELOW: Large-scale crystal chandeliers in the formal dining room were custom-made based on a photo Cindy Ruffel found online.
Solid Choices Interior designer Laura Ellis Barnes sourced slabs with unique veining and colors from Architectural Granite and Marble for Lance and Cindy Ruffel’s home. “With Lance being a geologist, we just couldn’t do averagelooking white marble,” she said. Barnes mixes different materials into her designs to increase longevity, too. “The trend has been white kitchens with white marble, but that’s going to put a time stamp on your kitchen,” she said. “Incorporating more interesting materials, colors and stones buys you some time in design.” The Ruffel home includes • Cristallo quartzite for the kitchen surround • Fusion quartzite for the kitchen island • Grey Goose marble in the primary bath • Bianco Superiore quartzite in the prep kitchen • Panda marble for the bar • Brazilian Fossil quartzite in the theater room • Lincoln Aurea Stone quartz in the laundry room • Cocada Blue marble in guest and powder baths
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BELOW LEFT: Intricately cut marble aligns perfectly with the woodwork on a guest bathroom vanity, thanks to a talented team of artisans.
D E S I G N
ABOVE: During parties, groups often gather around the waterfall island in the main kitchen while caterers work in the behindthe-scenes prep kitchen. TOP RIGHT: Interior Designer Laura Ellis Barnes with homeowner Cindy Ruffel. BOTTOM RIGHT: Visual Comfort lamps by Kelly Wearstler bookend a painting by local artist Suzanne Mears. RIGHT: Living room chairs are upholstered in a playful Scalamandre Leopardo fabric.
large family, as well as large groups of friends. Their party-ready home includes a bar positioned right off of the living room and a behind-thescenes prep kitchen. Caterers have their own work space, as well as easy access to the wine room and a commercial-grade dishwasher that washes and dries dishes in nine minutes. “It’s a party house,” Cindy Ruffel said. “We love to entertain.” “Before COVID hit, we had three parties, 60 to 80 people each,” Lance Ruffel said. “With the prep kitchen, it was very easy.” The first parties were extra special. The Ruffels were able to enjoy the fruits of their labor and see their guests respond to the many “wows” they carefully planned and incorporated into the home. “The first party was with Geo Wives,” Cindy Ruffel said. “We had a house full of people, and I remember we were standing at the bar talking. There were people everywhere and – all of a sudden – the lights turned on in the pool for the first time. I’d never seen the pool lit up.” The glowing pool, with the beautiful landscaping and boulders looming in the background, was one “wow” moment Cindy Ruffel won’t soon forget. 405MAGAZINE.COM
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The Painters of Pompeii Roman Frescoes from the National Archaeological Museum, Naples
Reserve your timed ticket today! This exhibiton is organized by the National Archaeological Museum, Naples and MondoMostre.
Out & About First Nations Stories
COURTESTY OF FIRST AMERICANS MUSEUM
After a long wait, the First Americans Museum is almost ready for its debut. Page 130
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OUT & ABOUT The First Americans Museum was designed around the four cardinal directions. The East Gate aligns with the sunrise of the vernal and autumnal equinoxes.
A Storied Destination Opening in September, the First Americans Museum connects past to present B Y K I M B E R LY B U R K
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Heritage Center, said the museum “will be a great space for Oklahoma’s non-Native residents and visitors to understand the diversity of Nations and cultures represented in Oklahoma. This is an important story that deserves the dedicated space and expertise that FAM will provide.” Tribal origin stories will be presented in the Tribal Nations Gallery, with artifacts featured in the Mezzanine Gallery. There’s a 175-seat theater for film screenings and poetry readings, a store with one-of-a-kind gift items, a full-service restaurant and a café. The museum architecture was designed around the four cardinal directions, said Ginny Underwood, a Comanche Nation member who is the museum’s marketing and communications manager. The East Gate will align precisely with the sunrise on the vernal and autumnal equinoxes. The Hall of the People, a large glass dome visible from I-40, represents a Wichita grass lodge. An earthen mound pays tribute to the mound-builder civilizations, and the walk to the top of the mound represents life’s journey. The festival grounds will host powwows, stickball games, concerts and cultural festivals. The Trail of Tears and all the journeys that brought Indigenous people to what was then Indian Territory are marked by the Remembrance Gate, said Wasserman, who is from the Thlopthlocco Tribal Town of the Muscogee Nation. Loretta Oden, who with her son founded the Corn Dance Café in Santa Fe, is the Native foods consultant for the restaurant and coffee shop.
This cultural center and museum will serve as a dynamic venue where tribal voices celebrate Native American culture and contributions to our state." - CHICKASAW NATION GOV. BILL ANOATUBBY
The galleries in the First Americans Museum will tell the genesis stories of the tribes and help visitors understand what it means to be a First American in Oklahoma today, curators said.
COURTESTY OF FIRST AMERICANS MUSEUM
he word “stories” is heard often when tribal chiefs talk about the soon-to-open First Americans Museum (FAM). “Through this museum, we carry forward our stories and culture for the benefit of all Americans, today and in the future,” said Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby. “Located in the heart of America and in the home of 39 federally recognized tribes, this museum is the perfect place at the perfect time to truly tell our stories with authenticity and respect,” said David Hill, Muscogee Nation principal chief. The museum is scheduled to open Sept. 18 near Interstates 35 and 40 in Oklahoma City. Senior Curator Heather Ahtone, who is Chickasaw and Choctaw, said all the tribes were consulted for the opening exhibition and will be represented with at least three objects within the 140 borrowed from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian. “We know the community has been waiting on this for a long time,” said Shoshana Wasserman, deputy director of the museum. “This is way more than a job for me. This is our culture. This is my life’s work.” “We expect the Choctaw people and other Native American tribes to be proud of this must-see destination,” said Choctaw Chief Gary Batton. “This museum is an attraction for the world to see.” Kelli Mosteller, director of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Cultural
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An earthen mound at the First Americans Museum, scheduled to open in September, pays tribute to the mound-builder civilizations.
“I’ve been involved with this museum project since they broke ground,” said Oden, who is Citizen Potawatomi. “People are really going to be impressed and amazed at the inside of the museum.” Oden said her menus will feature dishes representative of the 39 tribes in Oklahoma, including their diets in their original homelands. “We really were advanced cultures, but people don’t think of it that way,” Oden said. “We had extensive trade routes.” Store manager Tom Farris, who is Cherokee and Otoe-Missouria, said he expects visitors to be “blown away” by the jewelry, pottery, basketry, beadwork, carved wood and textiles the museum has asked Native artists to create. “We will have an entire kids’ section in a separate area of the store,” Farris said. “Things made for kids often aren’t culturally correct. We are working with Native authors
and presses that carry books that have been vetted.” Farris has worked for more than 20 years on the business side of art, and is himself an artist. “I don’t show my art where I work,” he said, “but I’ve always been trying to create a place where I would want to show my work.” Tribal leaders had for decades talked about the need for an intertribal museum, and the state came on board in 1994 with the creation of the Native American Cultural and Educational Authority, which Anoatubby currently chairs. A ground blessing was held in 2005 on property donated by Oklahoma City, and construction got underway near Interstates 35 and 40. Then came a time of state and federal funding cutbacks, and in 2012, state funding ran out and the property reverted to the city, Wasserman said. A Chickasaw Nation subsidiary asked for the opportunity to develop
All the tribes in Oklahoma were consulted for the opening exhibitions at the First Americans Museum.
the land around the museum site, and the sale of the land to the tribe led to a partnership also involving state funds and private money that allowed the museum to be completed. “This cultural center and museum will serve as a dynamic venue where tribal voices celebrate Native American culture and contributions to our state,” Anoatubby said. “Tribes are an active and stabilizing
force in Oklahoma with deep and permanent roots.” Admission during opening weekend will be $5 and by timed ticket only. On-site parking will not be available on Sept. 18-19. Shuttle service will be offered from parking lots across the metro, with a $5 charge to park and ride. More information is available on the museum website at famok.org. 405MAGAZINE.COM
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OUT & ABOUT
Chip Fudge in his garage with the non-racing part of the collection.
The Value of Older Things Chip Fudge buys relics and puts them back together BY GREG HORTON PHOTO BY STEVE SISNEY
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ome of his earliest and best memories are of exploring junk shops and antique stores – highbrow and low – with his grandmother. “She taught me the value of craftsmanship, the love of older things,” said Chip Fudge. It’s “John” officially, but to everyone who knows him, he’s “Chip.” An Oklahoma City entrepreneur, Fudge was born in Dallas, but his father’s job brought him north to the city he now calls home. “I dropped out of Putnam City High School in 1975 to join the ‘all volunteer’ army, as it was known then,” he says. Fudge didn’t take to military service, so he got out, got his GED and headed for Oklahoma State University, taking a pre-law track with a minor in philosophy. Before all that, though, he had a paper route.
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At 13, to facilitate that first job, he got a motorcycle; it was the beginning of a life-long romance. He loved taking things apart and – thankfully from his mother’s perspective – putting them back together again. (Not all children are built that way.) In high school, he and a buddy bought a 1958 Chevy, fixed it and sold it for $250. “I thought I’d killed the fatted calf,” Fudge said. The Bible reference comes out without hesitation, just another phrase in the mind of a furiously curious quester, tinkerer and learner who is earnest without being preachy. “The idea that I’d just made $250 doing something I enjoyed was worth celebrating.” Two years ago, he sold another car, a 1956 Lister-Maserati, for $1.1 million. It’s an interesting way to measure the trajectory of a life; possibly informative, incontrovertibly a milestone.
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I think we have a responsibility to build a city that our children and grandchildren will want to live in. That’s very important to me.”
December 19, 2020 - February 14, 2021
“It’s an unbelievable feeling to sell a car for a million dollars,” Fudge said, still with a note of disbelief. “I don’t usually make money on cars.” Since then, he sold a 1970 Lamborghini Miura for another $1 million. Fudge talks cars the way others talk the specific jargon of their trade: makes, models, the total number manufactured, who raced them and where, value, sell price, all the story-based details that make cars the kinds of objects people collect. That’s the fascinating thing about talking to Chip Fudge – you start with a car, and you end with a story about development in Oklahoma City or how a stained-glass portrait of John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Church, is hanging in an Oklahoma City bar. The stories meander, mostly without segues – sort of like a Sunday drive, back when cars were more a curiosity than utilitarian equipment. “I think we have a responsibility to build a city that our children and grandchildren will want to live in,” he said. “That’s very important to me.” That attitude follows from his love of old things: old buildings, old architecture and older people who think about things like legacies. He famously bought Dead People’s Stuff, an architectural antique store at 1900 Linwood, and made a beautiful new development of it, managed by his son Curran. The Fudge family has been in the collection agency business since 1957, but he doesn’t spend much time talking about it; a collection agency is not a beautiful old thing. There’s also real estate, two restaurants and so many projects it would take a whole magazine to detail them. When he opens his garage, a visitor’s eyes fall on the bar, and behind it, a beautiful old thing that he’s made shiny. “We built the whole garage around that,” he said, gesturing toward the centerpiece of the bar: a piece of equipment from Alemite, a company that’s been in the manufacturing business since 1918. We’re standing in a room with millions of dollars’ worth of cars, but he built the garage around this gorgeous beer dispenser. There may not be a better Chip Fudge moment – not because it helps us know him better, but as a lovely reminder that he values old, well-crafted things, and that has to be a virtue.
JULY 3 - AUGUST 29, 2021
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LOOKING BACK
Pizza Boss Jack “Sussy” Sussman’s saucy, mid-20th century restaurant empire in OKC BY GEORGE L ANG
t boggles the mind and pa ins the stomach, but there was no pizza in Ok la homa Cit y a s recently as the end of World War II. Jack “Sussy” Sussman, a businessman and gambler with his hands in some shady operations, played a key role in rectifying that problem and bet on introducing pizza to the plains. At the time and for decades afterward, Oklahoma City was the cafeteria capital of the world, a town where dining out meant going to a
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place that served many of the same things that might be prepared at home. Whoever introduced pizza to the city would have the corner on the market. Sussman was a regular at the Jamboree Supper Club, a bring-your-own-liquor establishment with exotic dancers that was operated by a wheeler-dealer named Jake Samara. Samara was frequently at odds with the law, getting shut down at various times for operating a slot machine on the premises or for having dancing in close proximity to alcohol. Sussman and Samara became friends and Samara hatched a plan. According to Dave Cathey of The Oklahoman, Samara suggested to Sussman that they should open an Italian restaurant, and that Samara would start calling his new business partner “Sussy,” which sounds vaguely Italian. In 1947, Sussy’s Italian Restaurant opened at 629 NE 23rd St., across from the Jamboree. In a newspaper advertisement from that
period, Sussy’s exhorts Oklahomans to “bring the family and dine in a true candlelight atmosphere. Economical too! Four persons can share a 14-inch pizza for about 35 cents apiece.” Sussy’s expanded quickly, creating an Italian cuisine empire that would come to include Jack Sussy’s Italian-American Restaurant and Steakhouse with locations on S. Robinson Avenue, N. Western Avenue and Sussy’s Tally-Ho Restaurant on N. Lincoln Boulevard. When one of his restaurants caught fire in 1966, Sussy got popped on an arson charge but was not convicted. The last restaurant Sussy opened was Nomad II, 7301 N May Ave., in 1975. Sussman died five years later, and Rick Bailey carried on the tradition at that location until 2016. The following year, Bailey opened a short-lived Sussy’s location at 200 S. Oklahoma Ave. in Bricktown, which served about 70 percent of the Nomad II menu, including the deep-fried pepperoni pizza that Sussy pioneered.
P H O T O S BY T HE O K L A H O M A N
Jack Sussy and his original location on NE 23rd.
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LAST LAUGH
Snapped! A sacrifice for the good of all mankind B Y L A U R E N R O T H | I L L U S T R AT I O N B Y J O S H U A B O Y D S T O N
of ten wonder if the volumes of true crime books, podcasts and TV programs I consume have given me a proclivity for crime. I can’t resist the siren song of a complicated love triangle, a workplace embezzler, a smooth-talking Casanova who never seems to mention his four other families, or the otherwise devoted wife who can’t pass up a sale on antifreeze. I ponder what would make someone snap – my mind is color-coding a mental flowchart of everything the killer did wrong. Does that make me a criminal in training? If and when I do finally snap, I hope that NBC’s beloved “Dateline” investigative journalist and narrator, Keith Morrison, will tell my story with his reassuring, grandfatherly tone, his lilting inflections and his vocal dismay as he lays out the twists and turns surrounding my case. Keith will paint a picture of me as the last person to harm someone else. “But ohhhhh, she did it, all right, and for reasons much darker and more twisted than an EF-5 moving north-northwest along the I-44 corridor,” he’ll softly croak. As Keith Morrison meticulously unravels my story, he’ll probably wring his hands as he simultaneously asks, “How could she?” and “Can you really blame her?” Inevitably, he’ll unearth my long-hidden, carefully curated list of targets contributing to my “Night of Great Reckoning” – the night I finally snapped.
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Spam Callers If anyone has done more to deserve placement at the top of the list than those champions of persistence, spam callers, it has to be the deviant who conjured the fake-conversation robocall. Woe to the individual who
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has ever owned a car long enough for its warranty to near expiration, or the person who casually looked online to compare quotes for home, auto or medical insurance. With its humanlike voice, the robocall will find you and trap you deep within its database. “Go ahead,” the robocall scoffs. “Block my local prefix phone number. I’ll just come up with a new one before I call you tomorrow.” Password Coders The password coder insidiously seeps into our day-to-day lives to tell us we’ve entered an incorrect password. Only after you’ve jumped through a soul-killing succession of hoops will the password coder allow you access: Confess you’ve forgotten your password, enter two or three email accounts you might have used for your user ID, enter a temporary password, create a new password that will be rejected because it must contain at least eight characters, one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number, one special character (but not a period or colon), and not a password you’ve used within the past 12 months or the word “password.” Why can’t password protocols be given up front? Because the password coder says they can’t, that’s why. Baggage Carousel Huggers If you’re one of the thousands of unenlightened passengers who insist on hovering within two feet of the airport’s baggage carousel as you wait for your luggage to come into view, it may surprise you to learn that you’re in everyone’s way. STEP AWAY FROM THE CONVEYOR, then let this notice be a warning. Step away or feature prominently on everyone else’s “Night of Great Reckoning” list.
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