Boyd Street August 2021

NORMANITES IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Caring for others is a way of life for the Lashar family. Whether it’s mentoring others, volunteering their time or serving professionally, Tim and Kelly’s goals are geared toward helping people, with a passion to serve.

“Tim and I both have entrepreneurial spirits and are blessed to have found a way to grow businesses and help people with specific needs,” Kelly said.

Kelly, originally from Ardmore, graduated from the University of Oklahoma and earned a master’s degree from Dallas Theological Seminary in Christian education. She taught at Community Christian School for several years and later served on staff at a church leading adult discipleship and care ministries.

After several years working in one-on-one counseling and mentorship, Kelly decided to get another master’s in counseling psychology from Southern Nazarene University and now works as a marriage therapist at Restore Behavioral Health in Norman.

“I believe our greatest need as humans is to feel connected to other people,” she said. “Marriage is something that is important to us. It is an honor for me to sit with couples in crisis or just

needing additional relationship and communication skills.”

Integrating theology and psychology, Restore offers both faith- and non-faith-based therapy services. She and her business partner, Gina Dixon, founded the clinic in 2016. They recently moved into a new 10,000 square foot building with over 30 providers.

“There’s never been a time when there’s been a greater need for good mental healthcare,” shared Tim. “Whether it’s for individuals or marriages, when dealing with pressures of life, it’s nice to know that they have a place to come to at Restore.”

Tim grew up in Plano, TX. He came to Norman for college and to play football for OU. After graduation and a brief stint in the NFL, he began working with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes before working at KNOR Radio before it became KREF.

At the prompting of Gordon’s Heat & Air owner Bruce Morain, Tim changed careers and went into the heating & air conditioning business, a completely new line of work. He has now been working in that industry for 27 years and started his own company, Lashar Home Comfort Systems, 14 years ago.

“The influence of Bruce and his father, Allen, still resonate on my business today,” Tim shared. “When I started the company, one of my goals was to build a company like the Morain family built in the community decades before.”

Most of their business comes from referrals and Tim is grateful for the community’s support.

“Kelly and I have had opportunities to relocate all across the country, but this is where we wanted to anchor our businesses. Norman is home,” he said.

Since Tim and Kelly are both businesses owners, giving back to the community in a variety of ways is important to them.

“As communities bleed into neighboring communities and jobs and shopping take us to other towns, we have always tried to keep our personal and business tax dollars in Norman,” Kelly said. “Even at the most basic level, we always try to visit local businesses to purchase office needs, eat meals and buy birthday presents.

“It was difficult to see businesses struggle during COVID and we are grateful that the Chamber of Commerce and our government helped keep them going. I hope all of us can remember how hard it is to start a small business and utilize it to support and maintain families.”

The Lashars met while Kelly was still in college at OU and have been married for 28 years. They have three daughters, all of which graduated from Norman North. The Lashar’s dedication to their community shows in the life they have built in Norman.

“If you draw a circle, most everything we’ve done since we got married has really been within six miles,” Kelly joked.

The Lashars have taught adult Sunday school classes and seminars together. Kelly has served as the president of the Norman North PTA and as a parent volunteer at Sooner Theater, while Tim has served on various local boards such as the Norman Youth Soccer Association, Red Cross, Sooner Theater and the Norman Chamber of Commerce. He has also served in civic clubs and as a member of the Norman Noon Rotary Club.

Kelly and Tim both graduated from Leadership Norman - Tim in 2001 and Kelly in 2020.

“The more you’re in Norman, the more it feels like a small town,” said Tim. “Norman is unique in that it’s the third-largest city in the state, but it’s still a community. We’ve always enjoyed that Norman is different in that regard.”

Kelly and Tim each share a history and a mutual love for sports. Kelly was a co-ed cheerleader for the Kansas City Chiefs football team in the early 90s. Tim played as a placekicker for OU from 1983-1987 and was a part of the 1985 National Championship team, earning the honor of co-MVP at the Orange Bowl game. In later years, they both devoted countless hours to soccer throughout their girls’ childhoods.

Together, the Lashars found their strength and purpose helping others.

“We have found our greatest impact and enjoyment through teaching, leading small groups and meeting with people on a more one-on-one level,” Kelly said. – BSM