Boyd Street Magazine January 2022

Remembering

Russell Schuchman

Normanites in the Spotlight

Sean & Dana Rieger

Local Prosecutors

Advocating for Justice

January 2022 • Issue 1 • Volume 21

Welcome Back

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8 | January 2022

Features

JANUARY CONTENTS 2022

ISSUE 1– VOLUME 21 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Mark Doescher

MANAGING EDITOR

Money Management Basics

20 by Callie Collins

Lindsay Cuomo

How the Financial Alliance of Norman brings banks and non-profits together to serve the community.

Mark Doescher

CONTRIBUTORS

Callie Collins | Lindsay Cuomo Kathy Hallren | Joy Hampton Shannon Hudzinski | Chelsey Kraft Bill Moakley | Rae Lynn Payton Chris Plank | Chat Williams

36

Advocating for Justice

26 by Chelsey Kraft

PHOTOGRAPHY

District Attorney Greg Mashburn highlights the work of local prosecutors.

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Normanite in the Spotlight:

30 Sean and Dana Rieger

by Chelsey Kraft A story that started over refried beans and pancakes has spanned 3 decades in Norman.

A Healing Place

36 by Joy Hampton

40

The Well offers health and wellness resources to county residents.

Aiming for New Heights

40 by Lindsay Cuomo

District leadership announces two new programs for high students.

The whirlwind week that lead to the hiring of new head football coach Brent Venables.

Remembering

by Lindsay Cuomo Community members, family remember longtime high school athletic trainer Russell Schuchman.

59

Healthy Resolutions from

44

Local Physicians

by Lindsay Cuomo

62 David Grissam

Service Spotlight:

by Bill Moakley

66

How to Stick With It in 2022

New Year, New Money Habits:

by Shannon Hudzinski - OUFCU

70 by Kathy Hallren - Joe’s Wines & Spirits

Norris Marine Boat Show

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Staff

Norman Regional Hospital:

82 by Rae Lynn Payton

Spotlights What’s Happening

Welcome Back Coach

54 Russell W. “Russ” Schuchman

Any articles, artwork or graphics created by Boyd Street Magazine or its contributors are sole property of Boyd Street Magazine and cannot be reproduced for any reason without permission.

Any opinions expressed in Boyd Street are not necessarily that of Boyd Street management.

15

Community Calendar

44 by Chris Plank

Boyd Street Magazine 2020 E. Alameda Norman, Oklahoma 73071 Phone: (405) 321-1400 E-mail: editor@boydstreet.com Copyright © Boyd Street Magazine

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COM M U N I T Y

Money Management Basics

Bankers and other industry professionals offer classes and seminars to low-income people.

How the Financial Alliance of Norman brings banks and non-profits together to serve the community

Bankers and other industry professionals offer classes and seminars to low-income people.

20 | January 2022

BY: CALLIE COLLINS

“The professionals who participate choose to do so because they truly care about helping others.”

F

inancial literacy is a crucial aspect of solving generational poverty. One Norman nonprofit is coordinating with other community organizations and financial institutions to offer sound, expert-backed information to the public without charge. The United Way of Norman coordinates the Financial Alliance of Norman, which brings collaborating partners together for multiple programs to meet diverse needs.

“Presenting information to low-income and no-income people is a service to the community that can make a tremendous difference in helping people learn about budgeting, the basics of money management and how to get ahead with what they have,” said Diane Murphree, director of community impact. “Helping people learn to pay bills ultimately leads to less stress in their lives.”

The program’s goal is promoting financial stability, a mission put into practice since its beginning in 2013.

Bankers and other industry professionals offer classes, seminars and the ability to answer questions. They choose to meet people where they are, without judgment, just facts and helpful information.

Past projects have included working with the Pioneer Library System to provide a video series educating the public on topics like payday loans, scams and fraud topics, reviewing credit scores and helping potential borrowers seek related remedies, focusing on getting out of debt and presenting to Norman Public Schools teachers about student loans, among many others. Last year, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) coordinated through the Financial Alliance of Norman provided filing help for more than 700 individuals.

An uptick in the no-income sector of the population over the past two years has stood out to Murphree. Job loss, evictions and other indicators of financial instability have increased throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nyky Wilson, assistant vice president and business banker at First Fidelity Bank, has seen firsthand the important difference knowledge can make in empowering people to take control of their finances.

“It can be scary for people, especially considering all the factors that go into finances, but I would want them to know what they are trying to do is achievable,” said Wilson. “We want our clients to understand their finances and feel comfortable asking the questions they need to get answers that can lead to being able to save and have a cushion.” boydstreet.com

The Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) of 1977 requires the Federal Reserve and federal banking regulators to formally encourage accredited financial institutions to participate in meeting local needs when it comes to middle and low-income areas. Many banks employ a CRA officer to help ensure annual compliance. Familiar names, like RCB Bank, Frontier Bank and Eide Bailly are just some of those that participate.

Although banks receive CRA credits for participation in initiatives like the Financial Alliance of Norman, Wilson highlighted the heart of the matter.

“The professionals who participate choose to do so because they truly care about helping others,” she said.

“They go above and beyond and are so generous with their time.”

Coordinated services with other non-governmental organizations, such as the Salvation Army, help bring resources to their clients, too. Case management is typically part of what is offered when those in need seek services, so referrals may happen from housing assistance programs or other aid agencies. Thunderbird Clubhouse, for example, serves individuals living with mental illness and the Financial Alliance of Norman offers seminar information along with a savings challenge that incentivizes participants to put money aside. A corresponding match plan is made possible through United Way funding to double their return on that investment in themselves.

Future plans include the possibility of adopting the Bridges Out of Poverty model, a national program that has already been implemented in Muscogee. Encouraging police officers, judges, social workers and others to also participate helps people in positions of authority view finances through other lenses, especially as they go to impose fines or penalties.

The Financial Alliance of Norman can direct you to the appropriate program or class in your area or let you know when another outreach effort is slated. Although course listings are available at unitedwaynorman.org/ financialstability, call Diane Murphree at 405-329-2025 for current information. – BSM

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COM M U N I T Y

Advoc ati ng fo r Just ice

District Attorney Greg Mashburn highlights the work of local prosecutors

T

he Oklahoma District 21 District Attorney’s office has a clear mission - “to seek justice, protect our communities and represent those who have been the victims of crime.”

District Attorney Greg Mashburn and First Assistant District Attorney Travis White are part of the team that strives to fulfill that mission for the citizens of Cleveland, McClain and Garvin Counties.

Mashburn has been the district attorney of District 21, the third largest DAs office in the state, for almost 15 years. He oversees a staff of about 75 employees, across three offices located in Norman, Purcell and Pauls Valley.

When it comes to his staff, Mashburn said he’d like for the community to know how dedicated the group is because, often, the only community members who see the attorneys in action are those who serve as trial jurors.

“I would just like the community to understand what a wonderful group of people they have here,” Mashburn stated. “And to also understand there’s a lot that’s going on behind the scenes to get to that point.”

White, who has worked in a variety of roles including in Oklahoma County and as general counsel for the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics prior to joining the team in Cleveland County, echoed Mashburn’s thoughts about the staff. In his past positions, White has worked with DAs offices across the state.

“We’ve been blessed with a bank of experience in this office that’s unmatched by any other,” White shared.

26 | January 2022

“That’s not to diminish other DAs offices because there’s a great deal of talent out there in the pool. But we just have a cluster of personalities that have a wealth of experience and wisdom in the handling of prosecutions.”

The staff consistently wins statewide awards, with Jan Sallee (Outstanding Witness Service Employee, 2019); Sarah Menefee (Outstanding Secretary, 2018); Michelle Maynord (Outstanding Bogus Check Employee, 2017); and Jennifer Austin (Mitch Sperry Memorial Award, 2016) securing honors in recent years, just to name a few.

When Mashburn first ran for DA in 2006, the office was only winning about 34 percent of its jury trials.

To him, that meant the office was either filing charges against guilty people who were then going free, or it was filing against not guilty people who were then still going through the trial process. Thus, one of Mashburn’s focuses has been to be effective in jury trials.

Mashburn said he loves the jury process because it’s “the barometer for what our community thinks about certain cases and certain crimes.”

Now, the jury trials won by the office are consistently between 80 and 100 percent.

This year, the DAs office has tried and won some high-profile cases, including a racketerring case against the “Murder Money Gang,” led by Assistant DAs Patrick Crowe and Jacobi Whatley. The office also tried the case involving the deaths of three Moore High School cross country runners, led by prosecutors Jennifer Austin and Christy Miller.

BY: CHELSEY KRAF T Another key component of the DAs office is working with different agencies throughout the community, including the local police departments through cases and in providing training at the academy. In 2008, the DA office team started the District 21 Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, which includes representatives from various agencies like the Sheriff’s Office and Moore Police Department.

When asked what their “why” is and why they do what they do, the answer was clear – taking care of victims of crimes and helping them through the judicial system.

“As a prosecutor, you get to do the right thing every time,” Mashburn explained. “That may mean pushing for the longest prison sentence possible. That may mean not filing a charge because the evidence isn’t there. Or it might mean getting somebody into treatment so they can deal with their addiction issues and stop committing crimes. That could mean dismissing the case because the search warrant was bad. Whatever the right thing is, we get to do it.

“Everybody understands that we have to be extremely ethical in the way that we do our job because when we sign a charge on somebody, we’re bringing the state of Oklahoma against one of its citizens,” Mashburn continued. “If we’re going to do that, then we need to make sure we’re filing the right charge on the right person, and doing that in the most ethical, highly responsible way that we can do it.”– BSM

District 21 DA Greg Mashburn

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COM M U N I T Y

NORMANITES IN THE SPOTLIGHT S e an and Dana Rieger

30 | January 2022

I

BY: CHELSEY KRAF T

t’s a story that started over refried beans and pancakes. have lived here since. Sean and Dana have found NorSean and Dana Rieger met while working as a cook man to be a “really good place” to raise kids and have a and waitress, respectively, for a Mexican restaurant in family, and they recalled weekends spent at the library, Stillwater. One night after their shift, Sean asked Dana going on “epic bike rides” to Starbucks or OU’s campus to go out for pancakes. Dana said yes, and the rest is and enjoying picnics at Lake Thunderbird, complete with fried chicken and a bag of chips purchased from history. the Homeland on Alameda Street.

Sean grew up in Norman, while Dana is originally from Mangum, which is in the southwest corner of the state. Dana added that Norman ended up being a perfect fit They both attended Oklahoma State University, where for them because of family, with Sean’s parents and othSean earned a bachelor’s degree in architecture and er family members living in Norman too and her parDana graduated with an apparel merchandising bach- ents being just two and a half hours away. elor’s degree.

The Riegers said they are proud of Norman, and both After dating for about three years, the Riegers married have been active within the community. Some of Sean’s in January 1993. They moved to Wichita, Kansas, and involvement throughout the years has included the Norlived there for three years before moving to Denver. man Chamber of Commerce, serving on the GovernEventually, Sean decided he’d like to pursue a law de- ment Affairs Committee right now and as chairman of the board and other positions in the past, and the Habgree and he applied to the University of Oklahoma. itat for Humanity board of directors.

The Riegers decided to return to Sean’s hometown in Currently, Dana is on the board of directors for both 1997. the Chamber and United Way, volunteers at Mount St. Around the same time, Sean’s family was in search of Mary High School and was previously active with Assomeone to oversee Rieger LLC, a real estate invest- sistance League. Both Sean and Dana have also served ment business that Sean’s grandfather started in the in various roles at McFarlin United Methodist Church.

1930s. Sean took on this role, while Dana worked as the manager of Harold’s Outlet on Campus Corner. The Growing up, Sean heard stories about when his grandpair was not necessarily planning to remain in Norman father used to ride horses on the streets near Porter Avlong term, but it ended up being a perfect fit for them. enue and others from his dad about how Flood Avenue was the edge of Norman.

“It was the best decision we ever made,” Sean said.

Sean said he understands that some people fear growth, Both Sean and Dana still operate the family’s LLC, but but due in part to both his long family history in Norman each also have grown their own businesses too, all of and the work he currently does, he also understands which are in one building at 136 Thompson Dr. in Nor- that all past generations have had their own problems man. Sean runs Rieger Law Group, which focuses pri- they have navigated too. marily on areas of real estate, construction and business “It makes you appreciate all those steps that happened, law, and Dana owns and manages Rieger Realty. and you realize that it’s going to be OK,” Sean exWhen the pair started having children, Dana realized plained. “We’re going to figure out how to grow to the she no longer wanted to work so many weekends, eve- next generation.” nings and holidays. At the time, Sean was looking to hire someone to manage various office tasks for the “I always appreciate a story,” Dana echoed. “I’ve heard LLC and law firm, and Dana suggested that maybe it stories about, ‘Remember when we used to go ride the horses over where the west-side Walmart is now?’ Sean could be her. has said that in his lifetime is when things grew past “The agreement was that we can fire each other anytime I-35, which is hard for me to comprehend… it just kind because marriage is more important than this arrange- of shows you generationally how Norman has grown.” ment,” recalled Dana, admitting there were some ups and downs after leaving her established job at Harold’s. The Riegers also love to travel, especially on car trips.

The family has visited 46 of the 50 states via car, missing However, the flexibility was well worth it for their fam- just Minnesota and Wisconsin in the contiguous United ily. They have three sons - Clayton, a graduate of Nor- States. Even though the couple enjoys seeing the rest of man North High School and now a sophomore at the the country with their kids, their roots are firmly plantUniversity of Michigan; Travis, a junior at Mount St. ed in Oklahoma.

Mary High School in Oklahoma City; and Grant, a sophomore also at Mount St. Mary. Eventually, Dana “We love to travel and go on road trips, but day in and decided to get her real estate broker’s license, which was day out, you need a community like Norman,” Sean shared. “This is home. I didn’t really think I’d be back when she started Rieger Realty. in Norman necessarily, but it’s been fantastic. And I Sean’s roots run deep in Norman. His family came to don’t think we’re ever leaving.”– BSM the area in the Land Run, and generations of Riegers boydstreet.com

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COM M U N I T Y

A He ali n g P la ce

The Well offers health and wellness resources to county residents

C

leveland County’s new wellness square, The Well, officially opened in November and offers free and low-cost classes that fit perfectly with New Year’s resolutions to improve your health or get your finances in order.

Financial literacy classes are free and cover a range of topics from estate planning to questions about social security, healthcare and retirement. There is no sales pitch included with these classes, just free information provided by experts in the field.

“We don’t want someone’s ability to pay to be a barrier to access,” said Executive Director Melody Bays.

“There is no membership fee. All of our programming is open to the public.”

While financial classes may not directly improve physical health, they can promote peace of mind and support quality of life, key elements in health and happiness.

Located at 210 S. James Garner Ave. in Norman, The Well is ideally situated for walkability within the downtown area. Free parking is available onsite.

The Well offers classes in cooking and nutrition, financial literacy and fitness. Additionally, Norman Regional’s Health@ The Well is a functional medicine clinic offering a patient-centered approach to health management.

CLASSES SUPPORT QUALITY OF LIFE

“There are many elements that go into improved quality of life,” Bays said. “Our mission is to make Cleveland County the healthiest and happiest it can be, and our programming is designed to support that vision.”

Fitness classes include yoga, Tai Chi and Zumba. Additionally, the Norman Farm Market will open at The Well in April 2022.

HEALTH@ THE WELL

Enrolling in a class at The Well is simple. On the website, thewellok.org, click on “Classes” in the menu bar to reveal the drop-down selection of categories where you can explore a variety of choices. There are multiple teachers and times to choose from with more developing along the way.

Norman Regional Health System’s Health@ The Well is a functional medicine clinic where three providers care for the community. Physician Dr. Castel Santana promotes five pillars of health and wellness: medical, physical, mental, spiritual and aesthetic. He focuses on trying to find the root problem of symptoms, such as food intolerance or mold exposure.

Cooking classes include everything from free classes in nutrition basics to low cost classes on healthy desserts, for example, where students get to make and eat or take the food with them.

Doctor of chiropractic, Angela Schmidt, provides specific chiropractic adjustments, helping patients with acute and chronic pain, pediatrics, pregnancy, sciatica and more. She is certified in Webster Technique, a specific

36 | January 2022

BY: JOY HAMPTON

chiropractic sacral analysis and adjustment through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association.

Nicole Garber is a board-certified nurse practitioner with interests in family planning, wellness, disease management and prevention.

Future events at the clinic will address keeping your heart and colon healthy and preventing stroke.

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS AT WORK The Well was created through a partnership between Cleveland County and the Cleveland County Health Department. Starting in April, it will be the new home of the Norman Farm Market bringing fresh produce and local wares to the walkable downtown area.

Many of the classes at The Well are provided through Moore Norman Technology Center, and the Pioneer Library System provides event programming for children and families.

boydstreet.com

Cleveland County Veteran Coordinator Charlie Neely offices at The Well, working with local veterans and their families to find the services and support they need.

“We wanted to provide a destination for activities that focus around wellness and health,” said County Commissioner Darry Stacy. “It’s been amazing to work with the team at the Health Department and at The Well to bring this vision to life.”

Bays said bringing health equity to Cleveland County is a thing near and dear to her heart. A social worker with a background in public health, Bays is passionate about helping people improve their lives through better health and wellness access.

“The Well is an example of how community partnerships and public funding can benefit a lot of people,” she said. – BSM

BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 37

COM M U N I T Y

A i m i n g for N ew H e ig h ts

District leadership announces two new programs for high school students

S

uperintendent Dr. Nick Migliorino said that his vision for Norman Public Schools is for “Norman schools to be the preferred choice” for parents and families.

“I am not naïve to the climate around public education around our state and the nation,” Migliorino shared in his recent State of the Schools report. “There are many different opinions about public schools right now but, if you boil it down, all the rhetoric is really about choice.

Do you have what I want for my kids and my family?

“Our job is to make sure we’re that choice. We want to be the choice school for all students.”

With that goal in mind, Migliorino said the district is starting an internship program this February which will provide high school students access to careers available in the community.

The new student-led format will pair businesses and students together so students can “gain confidence and a better understanding of the professional world” and provide students with “a clear roadmap for life after high school.”

40 | January 2022

“We are really excited about this opportunity,” Migliorino said. “We are asking students what they are interested in, where would they like to do an internship and then reaching out to businesses with a face and a name.”

The internships will earn class credit and help students explore their postsecondary plans. If you are interested in learning more about this new program as a parent or a potential employer, contact Dr. Kristi Gray at kristig@norman.k12.ok.us.

Also debuting in February, the district is partnering with several community stakeholders to create an Oklahoma Aviation Academy, a STEM-focused high school blending innovative industry connections. Incoming freshmen will be eligible to apply and begin course work in the fall of 2022.

Curriculum will include piloting classes, technical certifications and computer science and engineering coursework. Students will also be able to earn college credit and obtain preferential acceptance into OU’s College of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering or College of Aviation.

BY: LINDSAY CUOMO Community partners include the University of Oklahoma, ACORN, Moore Norman Technology Center, FAA, Tinker Air Force Base and Boeing.

“Aerospace and aviation is the second largest industry in the state,” Migliorino shared. “It’s an industry that has good-paying jobs and requires a highly skilled workforce.”

Migliorino said that there are plans to have a standalone building constructed to house the academy at Max Westheimer Airport, but he estimates that to happen in three to four years.

“We are moving fast forward with this,” he shared. “We could have taken a couple of years to study this, but we have 8th graders right now that would miss out. We are going to build this plane while we are flying it, pun intended.”

“We have a bold vision,” he added. “I am incredibly optimistic about the opportunities this public school is going to provide for students. This is not an elite school, there is no test to get in. The school hallways are going to match Norman. If you want in, we are going to figure out how to get you in.”

To learn more about the new academy, visit normanpublicschools.org/aviationacademy.– BSM

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S P O RT S

B

rent Venables is the head football coach for the Oklahoma Sooners. The hiring capped a wild and eventful 9-day stretch that started with a gut-wrenching loss and ended with a whole new direction. It was the perfect hire at the perfect time and precise medicine for a fan base that felt disrespected and betrayed.

THE HEARTBREAK This 9-day stretch begins in Stillwater, Oklahoma on Nov. 27 with the annual Bedlam Football game and the first piece of heartbreak for Sooner fans.

A desperation scramble by freshman quarterback Caleb Williams had set the Sooners up with a chance in the closing seconds to rally and beat in-state rival Oklahoma State. But the Cowboy defense prevented the Sooners from scoring and as the final seconds ticked off the clock, the Sooners had lost Bedlam, 37-33.

It was the first time that the Sooners would not play in the Big 12 Championship game since the matchup was restarted in 2017. The loss also broke a streak of six straight Big 12 Titles and officially eliminated Oklahoma from the playoff picture.

The weeks leading up to Bedlam had been littered with conversations about the future of Lincoln Riley. Many had thought Riley was on his way to Baton Rouge to take the vacant LSU job. Despite the frustration of the Bedlam loss, the Sooner coach seemed to calm some of those concerns with his post-game comments. Stopping a question mid-sentence with this: “Let me stop you right there. I’m not going to be the next coach at LSU,” Riley said. “Next question.”

The defiant stance in the face of the LSU rumors did seem to calm some of the uncertainty, but it was short lived. Just hours after proclaiming he was not going to LSU; Riley had reached an agreement to become the next head coach of the USC Trojans.

A PROGRAM THAT’S ABOUT THE PLAYERS The news of Riley leaving for USC shook the college football world and the Sooner Nation to its core. Riley became the first Oklahoma Sooner football coach to leave for another college program since Jim Tatum left to take the head coach position at Maryland in 1946.

Photos by: Mark Doescher

“When we met with the team today, I communicated to our players that our program is about them,” Sooner Athletic Director Joe Castiglione said after the shocking announcement. “It will always be bigger than any one person. And just as it’s always been, Oklahoma football is positioned for greatness.”

The good news for a stunned Sooner fan base was that a legend was waiting, and that legend was willing to step up when the program needed him most. Bob Stoops stepped up as the interim coach, grabbed his whistle, hit the recruiting trail, and reaffirmed the program is about more than one person.

“This is a real job, a great job, a great university with great leadership,” Stoops said at a Monday press conference following the Sun-

44 | January 2022

Welcome Back

BY: CHRIS PLANK

COACH

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BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 45

day announcement that Riley was leaving. “Just give it a little time and you’ll see that this is a little bump in the road. There is not one guy or one person in the history of the program that is bigger than the program, Coach Switzer, myself or Coach Riley.

The term “stealthy” was used by Porter Moser to describe Joe C’s approach when he was hired as the head basketball coach earlier this year. And the challenge is exacerbated when there is a fan base thirsty for information.

“What I told the players is that they are the program, players throughout these decades, they are OU football.

Not us as a coach. I’m getting in the Hall of Fame because of them. If they stick together, they will continue to be OU Football, championship football the way we are used to playing.”

“A lot of people are putting out bad information and a lot of people are putting out rumors and speculation and ‘what ifs’ and it’s not helpful,” said Jason Kersey of The Athletic. “It’s not good journalism, but it happens, and you deal with it. When others do things like that, the rest of us start getting questions. Is Dabo (Swinney) really a candidate? You must sift through it. It’s not easy.”

So, Bob Stoops, exactly one week before he was to be inducted into the college football hall of fame, took over the reins of the Oklahoma Sooners and Castiglione started his search.

THE SEARCH RAMPS UP On Saturday, Oklahoma lost to Oklahoma State in Bedlam. By Sunday, Lincoln Riley was on his way to USC, and on Monday Bob Stoops was the interim head coach. It was as wild of a stretch as Oklahoma football has ever witnessed.

But the rumors and stories around the coaching search may have presented more of a challenge for those who cover the Sooner football beat. Castiglione is notoriously clandestine when it comes to head coaching searches.

46 | January 2022

The rumor mill was churning and as the search progressed the theories continued to mount.

Everyone wanted current Clemson and former Sooner defensive coordinator Brent Venables to get the job, but what was taking so long? Was current Clemson coach Dabo Swinney really a candidate? And how in the world could an appearance in Oklahoma City by famous rapper Drake somehow be a clue to his interest. As Adam Schefter reported, had the Sooners truly targeted Kliff Kingsbury to be its next head coach? Is Matt Rhule interested in leaving the Carolina Panthers to take the job? Could a name like Josh Heupel or Dave Aranda be in the mix?

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A process that many expected to move quickly had suddenly started to drag out in some people’s opinions. Wednesday because Thursday and as Friday approached the feeling was that an announcement would not be coming until after the weekend.

But by Sunday afternoon…after an unpredictable and truly shocking week, the Sooners had their guy.

WE GOT OUR GUY… GET TO THE AIRPORT The Max Westheimer Airport in Norman is a typical private airport.

Since Ozzie’s Diner closed, the sole purpose of going to the airport would be to catch a flight or just watch the planes take off and land.

But on Sunday, Dec. 3, it became the focal point for a Sooner revival. A party that was grassroots at its core and necessary to celebrate a move that Sooner Football fans universally embraced.

Castiglione had found his guy. Brent Venables was the new head coach for the Oklahoma Sooners.

Venables introduction to his players came via Zoom as Castiglione introduced the new Sooner boss while flying back to Norman.

“We are the elite, when they talk about the elite programs in college football that’s Oklahoma,” Venables told the team. “And I know you guys know that.”

While the Sooner contingent was making its way from South Carolina to Norman, the fans started to arrive in anticipation of Venables arrival throughout the day.

“It was not what I thought it was going to be,” Kersey said. “We saw there was a flight scheduled to come back in Norman at around 5 p.m.

We waited and waited... ordered pizza… hung out and waited.

“Then the numbers grew. At first, it 48 | January 2022

was just 5 -10 fans. As more tracked the flight on social media, it became incredible and insane. All the while the flight keeps getting pushed back. They’re asking us what we know. It was a wild scene.”

“We will employ an exciting fast explosive and diverse offense,” Venables said at the celebration. “Combined with a physical, punishing, relentless and suffocating defense.”

As the crowd ballooned and the anticipation reached a fever pitch, the flight finally made its final approach around 10 p.m.

On that note, the crowd roared in approval.

“Welcome to Norman… Boomer Sooner” echoed from the control tower.

As the plane landed, Venables emerged to the Pride of Oklahoma playing Boomer Sooner and thousands of fans cheering the arrival of its new head coach. It was a party and the new Sooner Coach was loving every moment.

Venables quizzed fans on Sooner history, ran up and down the railing sharing high fives, and truly immersed himself and his family in the passion for Sooner football.

Then, the Voice of the Sooners Toby Rowland stepped up to interview the coach and said what everyone was thinking: “Brent Venables… Welcome Home.”

“Coming back to this is absolutely overwhelming,” Venables said. “The first time I get to lead a program, and it’s Oklahoma? Are you kidding me? It doesn’t get any better than this. It really doesn’t.”

A weeks’ worth of wait had paid off with the ultimate celebration of the return but, in all reality, the party was just getting started.

THE PARTY CONTINUES The celebration of the Venables hiring continued. Monday afternoon, just a week after holding a press conference that was littered with questions about the future of the Sooner football program, Castiglione and OU Athletics threw a party and invited all of Sooner nation to take part.

Despite chilly conditions, fans lined up outside of the Everest Training Center. Venables hammered home a new era at the University of Oklahoma.

As the new head coach walked towards the stage with all seven Sooner National Championship Trophies and many Jordan brand shoes on display, he was followed by players both past and present. Those players wore shirts that said, “We Are OU Football.”

The message was clear. This is a program bigger than one man, one player or one coach, and this was a program that is going to be physical. boydstreet.com

Venables was co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Oklahoma from 1999-2011, played at Kansas State and was a graduate assistant from 1993-95, linebackers coach from 1996-98 and defensive run game coordinator in 1998 under Bill Snyder before accepting a job with the Sooners.

During his tenure in Norman, the Sooners won a national championship in 2001 in addition to seven Big 12 titles.

Among the prominent players Venables coached are Roy Williams, Rocky Calmus, Teddy Lehman, Tommie Harris, Derrick Strait, Curtis Lofton and Travis Lewis.

In 13 seasons at Oklahoma, Venables helped lead the program to a 139-34 record. In the 13 seasons prior, the Sooners went just 92-55. In 10 seasons at Clemson, the Tigers were even better: 120-17. In the previous 10 seasons, Clemson went just 79-50, including 25-16 in three years under Dabo Swinney.

Venables has three national championship rings.

“Yeah, I’m so excited,” Bob Stoops said during his weekly appearance on The Ref Sports Radio Network. “You talk about the perfect fit for OU. His passion, toughness, and relentless attitude, he’s fantastic and I’m so excited about the future.

“I hope OU fans get it… I really believe with Brent and all he’s been through at Clemson and how they’ve been at the top of the college football world for years. He’s going to help us with new things, fresh ideas, new ways of doing things. It will make us better.”

“You feel like that’s a part of your fiber,” Venables added during his introductory press conference. “It’s not just a job – for me. You pour your life into it. You don’t just walk away and forget about it, good or bad. You try to learn from all of it.”

Nine crazy days in November - from losing a coach that many thought would be here for years to having a legend step in and steady the ship. Then, a coaching search filled with rumor and innuendo ended with a celebration of a new era of Sooner football.

It has been quite a ride already for Sooner football fans, and with Venables’ passion and energy the fun is just getting started.-19SM

BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 49

THANKS FOR LIVING UNITED! A big thank you to all of our community sponsors.

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HI GH S CH O O L S P ORTS

BY: LINDSAY CUOMO

Re m e m b e ring

R usse ll W. “R u ss” Schu ch man

Community members, family remember longtime high school athletic trainer

W

hen you dedicate nearly three decades to the health and safety of student athletes, you are going to leave an impression. Russell Schuchman, who died from injuries sustained during a car accident in December, will be remembered not only for his work but also for the role he served for many student athletes in the Norman district as a mentor and role model.

“Russ was somebody that always had an open door, even if an athlete wasn’t injured,” said Scott Bedigrew, athletic trainer at Norman North. “Once you’re his athlete, you are always going to be. That made him special. It’s going to be hard not having him here and I think a lot of people feel that way.”

Russ helped train student athletes across all sports at Norman High School and colleagues noted his passion for taking care of student athletes. Dan Quinn, Russ’ predecessor, shared that the students “meant the world” to Russ. Russ was an advocate for Norman athletes and for the important function of sports medicine across Oklahoma, even when the responsible course of action wasn’t always a popular one.

“Coaches and trainers have long had a love hate relationship,” shared Sherri Coale, former head coach for the Tigers girls’ basketball program and later for the Oklahoma Sooners. “We love them when they say our stud is okay to go back into the game, but we want to

54 | January 2022

put a spell on them and make them disappear when they say she’s not.

“It’s their job to see the invisible line between being hurt and being injured. (Russ) would patch them up and get them ready to go back out and play again but that is not all that he did. He listened to what they said and what they didn’t say. He was a helper in doing hard things. He has left an indelible impact on this community, this school and on the people who knew him well.”

Nan Schuchman, Russ’ wife, said the community’s support has helped begin the grieving process for their family and she is thankful for the support.

“The community has supported our family since the minute we found out he was in a wreck,” Nan said. “People were showing up at the hospital. The faculty at my school gathered snacks and things like that. People we hadn’t seen in years came to the funeral. It shows the love that the athletes, coaches and friends had for Russ.”

With his passing, Russ’ impact on those around him will extend beyond his role as a husband and father to Nan and sons , Reed and Rylan. His influence will continue to be felt by the countless students, friends and colleagues he touched during his nearly 30 years in service to the Norman community.– BSM

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H EA LT H

BY: LINDSAY CUOMO

HE A LT H Y RESO LUT IO N S FR OM LO C AL PH YS ICIANS

I

Local physicians share their resolutions for a happy and healthy 2022

f you are setting resolutions to improve your health, be inspired by these insights from local doctors about their own new year goals and tips to prioritize healthy habits. – BSM

“I encourage my patients to modify their foods for a more heart healthy diet. Make one change and then slowly make another to stay consistent. Package foods tend to have a lot of hidden sugar, so read the labels. Don’t just look at low fat products because they may still have a lot of sugar.”

Dr. Archana Gautam, MD, interventional cardiologist at Norman Regional

“My resolution is to get in shape by utilizing the little breaks in life.

Finding 30 minutes to exercise in the day can be tough when you’re busy with work but exercising for 10 minutes three times a day is a lot less daunting.”

Dr. Mohammad Farukhi, MD, weight loss surgeon at Norman Regional and Journey Clinic

“I am constantly trying to improve myself by reminding myself to be kind to others and myself. That no one is perfect and that change is a constant in life. That God is with me when I am down, afraid or lonely. This is a constant renewing of the mind that must take place every day. I hope my patients may find comfort in these words and resolve to take care of their mental, physical and spiritual health.”

Dr. Serena Mitroo, MD, internal medicine physician at Norman Regional

For 2022, I want to focus on getting healthier. Sure, that means losing weight, being more active and eating right. But it also means being more patient, more goal-driven, a bit more selfish, and just happier with who I am. Dr. Krishna Vedala, MD, internal medicine physician at Norman Regional

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BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 59

CARING FOR THE COMMUNITIES WE SERVE

W W W.O KCO O P.O R G

S ERV I C E S P OT L I G H T

BY: BILL MOAKLEY

Service Spotlight: David Grissam

T

Grissam’s work with ensuring those with hearing loss could do the job provided him with special insight into the needs of folks on the other end of the line, the general public that might be calling for help. He now heads Norman’s Special Needs, Alerts and Identification (S.A.I.D.) program, which he developed with officer Jason Rakesh.

The programs allow Norman citizens to self-identify as having special needs ranging from physical needs to hearing loss and mental health issues.

A native of McLoud, Grissam began his law enforcement career in 1989 with the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office as a detention officer. He applied and was hired to be a dispatcher in Norman in December 1995.

“We document that in our system and if something happens at their home address, or if their name comes through our system, we alert our responders with the information so they’re aware they’re dealing with a person with special needs,” Grissam explained. “Whether it be autism, Down Syndrome, deafness, etc., an officer gets an alert as to what those needs are.”

he ability to clearly hear communications as dispatcher for first responders is critical. For David Grissam, it’s also personal.

Grissam, who serves as a communications supervisor and trainer with the Norman Police Department, uses a cochlear implant to improve his hearing. A cochlear implant is a small electronic device that electrically stimulates the cochlear nerve in the ear.

A history of ear infections early in life led to Grissam suffering hearing loss. He was fitted with hearing aids and eventually underwent the procedure for a cochlear implant. After some work and wiring, the radios and phones Grissam was working with were able to be connected straight to his cochlear device.

“I can hear very well with it,” Grissam explained. “After the surgery and my first day having the implant, I was really nervous, not knowing what to expect. We had a vehicle pursuit and during the pursuit, I was able to hear things that my counterparts were missing. I was able to direct officers exactly where they needed to be according to what the officer was saying. The suspect was taken into custody without any issues.”

Grissam and Robert Stolz, a Norman radio technician, were responsible for the work that resulted in being able to connect the cochlear device to communications equipment. At the time it was done, research indicated it was the first such solution employed in the country.

In addition to communicating with police officers, Norman dispatchers also work with the Norman Fire Department, EMS units, animal control and parking services. At first, Grissam feared his hearing loss could result in the worst possible scenario.

“Those responders are our brothers,” Grissam said.

“They’re our family. My fear was they weren’t going to go home because I couldn’t hear them. I love my job, and once I realized that yes, I can do it, I became more and more comfortable and realized that I can continue to do this.”

62 | January 2022

The City of Moore has replicated Norman’s system.

Grissam also leads the training program for Norman’s new dispatchers, a lengthy process during which new hires go through an academy experience.

“It’s actually five weeks in a classroom environment,” Grissam explained. “We expose them to everything from the administrative side of the employment to our radio systems. We teach them crisis intervention techniques. We do a little bit of negotiations training.”

Dispatch trainers also go through emergency medical dispatch, CPR, active listening and, of course, special needs training. In addition, trainees listen to calls, tour police, fire and ambulance locations, and train on-the-job for 40 days prior to dispatching on their own. Grissam spends regular time “on the floor” of Norman’s dispatch center working to refine and improve operations.

In addition, he heads Norman’s Mobile Command Post in the event of a large-scale emergency in the area. He has also worked with the state 911 board and has undergone training with the National Weather Center in Norman in order to coordinate weather response needs with the Norman communications center.– BSM

This is a continuation of our series on public servants in Norman.

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N e w Yea r, New M oney Hab it s : H ow to Sti ck Wit h I t in 2022

I

f you’re like most people, you likely start each year with a list of resolutions to help you improve various aspects of your life. The list may include resolutions to help you become more physically fit, further your career growth and improve your personal relationships.

Another category of resolutions you may make centers on those that affect your finances.

If the latter is true, there’s probably a good chance that your list of resolutions for the new year looks the same, year after year … after year. Yes, it’s easy to come up with ways you can improve at year’s end, but seeing those resolutions through and actually making them happen is another story entirely.

Spend less, save more, pay down debt — how can you make 2022 the year you actually stick to these and other financial resolutions?

Below, we’ve compiled a list of tips that can help you keep your financial resolutions throughout the new year.

SET MEASURABLE GOALS Don’t just resolve to be better with money this year. Set realistic, measurable goals to help you stay on track and to ensure you’re actually making progress. For example, you can resolve to increase your savings by a certain amount by the time you hit the mid-year point, decide to trim your spending in a specific category by a set percentage or promise to pay all your bills on time for the entire year.

Bonus tip: To make it easier, keep those goals SMART: • Specific • Measurable • Achievable • Relevant • Time-based

SPEND MINDFULLY Creating a budget can take some time and lots of number crunching, but it’s not the real challenge of financial wellness. The hard part comes when you’ve got to actually stick to that budget and make it part of your life. And one reason many people don’t end up keeping their budget is because they spend money without consciously thinking.

Resolve to be more mindful about your spending this year, which means actually thinking about what you’re 66 | January 2022

doing when you swipe that card or hand over that cash to the cashier. You can accomplish this by taking a moment to think about what you’re purchasing and how much you’re paying for it. You can also set yourself up for better success by staying off your phone while you complete your in-store transactions.

Bonus tip: To make this easier, use this calculator to determine how much you actually earn in an hour, and to see how much of your work time you’re “spending” when you make a large purchase. Is it really worth the price?

PARTNER UP WITH A FRIEND According to MyFitnessPal.com, dieters who share their food diaries with a buddy lose twice as much weight. It’s basic psychology: When we know we have to answer to someone else, we’re more likely to stick to our resolutions — and this works for financial resolutions as well.

Choose a friend who is in a similar financial bracket as you are and has a comparable relationship with money.

Also, it helps if they have similar resolve to set and stick to those financial resolutions together. Set up a weekly time to review progress (or regression) you each have made, and make sure you both come prepared with details and proof to show how you’ve handled your money.

Bonus tip: To make it even easier, you can use a money management app, like Mint, to help you track your spending, find your weak areas, and stay accountable for your friend.

WRITE IT DOWN In an era where some people can go without touching a pen and paper for days, writing down New Year’s resolutions can seem obsolete, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t happen. The act of putting your financial resolutions into writing will help to imprint them on your memory. Plus, you’ll have a list of your resolutions to reference throughout the year to help keep you on track.

Bonus tip: Writing doesn’t need to be physical in order to count.

You can use a resolution-tracking app, like Strides, where you can record, track and reference your New Year’s resolutions at any time with just a few quick clicks.

Sticking to your financial resolutions isn’t easy. Follow the tips outlined here to make 2022 the year you truly get your finances into shape.

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BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 67

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L I FEST Y L E

BY: KATHY HALLREN | JOE’S WINES & SPIRITS

It’s 2022, Yeah!

2

021 has made us grateful for the support our customers have given us, and for the support we have been able to offer.

Many of you have taken this past year as an opportunity to broaden your horizons, trying your hand at cocktails or experimenting with new wines. Others have found that sparkling wine suits every occasion, large or small, an opinion I have always supported.

Since many of you may be starting the new year dieting, sample some of the new low-calorie wines without a guilty conscience. Cupcake has come out with Lighted Hearted Chardonnay or Rosé. Skinny Girl and Fit Vine both have several varietals.

This past year saw a rise in celebrity wines. Mary Jo Blige has a unique Rosé of Pinot Grigio. Maison No.

70 | January 2022

9, a crisp French rosé, is a project of Post Malone. Bon Jovi entered with Hampton Water, a “relaxed” rosé.

Snoop Dog put his face where the money is, on the front 19 Crimes Cali Red, a real crowd pleaser.

This year, I recommend you try some new techniques with your wine. Instead of serving white wine refrigerator cold, let it sit at room temperature for twenty minutes. Then try it compared to a glass directly from the refrigerator. You will generally find much more taste.

Try the same experiment in reverse for reds, one glass at room temperature and one about 60°. This is a good beginning to developing a tasting technique for wine.

Have a Happy New Year trying new wines!

Kathy Hallren

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BY: CHAT WILLIAMS | YOUTH PERFORMANCE

LI F EST Y L E

Fresh Start for the New Year

T

he start of a new year and fitness go hand-in-hand. Individuals of all ages set new goals for weight loss, enhanced fitness and health, improved muscular strength and endurance and improved athleticism. Many of these goals are short-lived and fizzle out within the first few months of the year.

Some of the challenges facing beginners include keeping the program fun, challenging and fresh. Changing the training program frequently is critical for fitness and exercise adherence. Try including set and repetition variations, incorporating circuit and interval training and, most importantly, changing up the exercises within each workout. A personal trainer can help with this process.

Incorporating new exercises on a regular basis may help keep you coming back for more. Kettlebells, battle ropes, landmines and suspension training are just a few of the modalities that can be added to traditional resistance training methods to maintain variety and creativity within a strength and conditioning program.

At Youth Performance, we incorporate multiple exercises on the turf to improve speed and agility using sleds, cones, hurdles and plyo boxes. We have a weekly challenge for kids that are ready for the next level.

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BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 75

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Wishing Our Members

and the Norman Community

A Healthy, Happy and Prosperous New Year.

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T HE DI N E G U I DE

the DINE guide

78 | January 2022

Legends Restaurant & Catering

Sauce It Up

Legends has served the Norman community and

Sauce It Up serves high-quality pizza, pasta and subs

the University of Oklahoma for over 50 years.

that can be grabbed fast, on the go, or enjoyed while

Legends is a stunning, intimate, casually up-scale

watching your favorite sports in the restaurant.

family-owned restaurant that is perfect for business

With an extensive appetizer, salad, pizza, sub and

meetings, gatherings, romantic dinners or casual

pasta menu, Sauce It Up has something delicious

meals. Private dining rooms and catering available.

for everyone in the family.

1313 W Lindsey St. • 405.329.8888

2627 Classen Blvd Ste. 104 • 405.857.7795

The Turn Grill @ Westwood Golf Course

Gringo Girl Tamales & Southern Eatery

Located at the Westwood Golf Course on the SE

Evolving from selling Tamales at central Oklahoma

corner of NW 24th and Robinson, The Turn Grill

farmers markets, Gringo Girl Tamales & Southern

offers a good meal at an affordable price to keep

Eatery has grown to a full-scale restaurant serving

your energy up for your next round. Check out their

a diverse menu of home-cooked favorites. From

Launch & Lunch special including $2 range tokens

nachos and loaded fries to chicken fried steak,

and Happy Hours every weekday.

tamales and fresh made pies, they have it all.

2400 Westport Dr • 405.360.7600

924 W Main St • 405.857.2202

Gaberino’s Homestyle Italian

Scratch Kitchen & Cocktails

Gaberino’s is a family-owned Italian restaurant

Scratch’s menu is crafted entirely from scratch

located on Ed Noble Parkway. They feature

and features smokehouse bacon, pan-seared fish,

homestyle recipes made from scratch, with gluten-

farm-fresh veggies and slow-roasted meats. They

free, vegetarian, vegan and low-carb options.

have a plethora of custom cocktails that will leave

Gaberino’s provides in-house dining, patio dining,

you wanting more. Come taste the difference a true

delivery, online and takeout services.

fresh, from Scratch experience can make.

400 Ed Noble Parkway • 405.310.2229

132 W Main St • 405.801.2900

Spare Time Sports Grill

The Mont

Spare Time Sports Grill is inside Sooner Bowl and

You won’t find a better spot for lunch, dinner,

features delicious food beyond what you’d expect at

or drinks than The Mont’s famous patio. Enjoy

a bowling alley. Great burgers, salads, sandwiches

enticing entrees, burgers, Mexican delicacies and a

and appetizers enhance the bowling experience or

world-famous swirl. Is it your birthday? The Mont

provide a great lunch or dinner spot. Carry out or

is the perfect place for your big birthday blowout

dine-in available.

party with all of your friends.

550 24th Ave NW • 405.360.3634

1300 Classen Blvd • 405.329.3330

Service Station

Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar

The Service Station has been Norman’s favorite

Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar specializes in preparing

neighborhood restaurant for 43 years. Stop by and

simple foods - such as the quintessential hamburger

try one of their famous burgers, sandwiches, salads,

- with a culinary passion to satisfy restaurant-goers’

steaks or seafood and grab a drink from their full

cravings like never before. The bar features an

bar. Enjoy a nice meal on the patio, inside the

ever-rotating selection of regional draft beers and

historic dining room or grab your food to go.

cocktails that are well beyond ordinary.

502 S Webster Ave • 405.364.2139

2050 24th Ave NW Ste 101 • 405.561.1067

Interurban

Penny Hill Deli Bar & Char

Interurban is a casual and fun concept featuring a

100% fresh meat. Handcrafted sandwiches. All-

wide variety of menu items catering to families, busy

natural ingredients. That’s what customers will

business professionals and baby boomers of all ages.

find when visiting Penny Hill Deli. Voted Norman’s

Their commitment to customers back in 1976 is the

favorite Deli for 14 years, the menu extends far

same today: good, fresh, quality food; reasonable

beyond normal deli offerings, with a full bar and

prices and friendly and attentive service.

multiple grilled entrees to entice all patrons.

1150 Ed Noble Dr. • 405.307.9200

1150 W Lindsey St. • 405.366.8767

Mr. Sushi

Thai Thai Asian Bistro

Mr. Sushi believes in quality and consistency, using

Thai Thai is a family run restaurant serving

only the freshest ingredients to prepare and present

delicious, authentic Thai food in Norman for over

every dish with care. From Yellowtail Sashimi

a decade. Everything on their menu is made fresh

to their creative Captain Crunch Roll, there is

daily. Join them for dine in at their location on 24th

something on the menu for everyone. Dine-in, take-

Avenue NE near Tecumseh or take home a meal for

out and delivery options are available.

you or the enitre family.

1204 N Interstate Dr. Ste 130. • 405.310.6669

3522 24th Ave NW Ste 100 • 405.310.2026

The Meating Place

405 Burger Bar

Located on Main St, just East of the railroad tracks,

Do you like big buns and real meat on your burgers?

The Meating Place’s permanent location serves

Then 405 Burger Bar is the place for you and your

delicious high-quality barbecue, local beer, craft

family. Featuring an extensive burger menu, full bar

cocktails in a lively atmosphere. Join them for trivia

and multiple TVs to catch the game, all just a short

night or stop by their food truck when you see it out

walk from OU’s stadium, 405 Burger Bar is perfect

and about around town.

for both pre and post-game celebrations.

121 E Main St. • 405.857.7431

1429 George Ave • 405.500.6750

Want to be included in our monthly Dine guide?

Call 405.321.1400 or contact us at sportstalk1400am@gmail.com

for more information on how you can be included every month! boydstreet.com

BOYD STREET MAGAZINE | 79

LI F E ST Y L E

BY: RAE LYNN PAYTON

Norris Marine Boat Show

Local marine dealership to host boat show in Norman

N

orris Marine’s upcoming boat show will feature great deals for next season, fully stocked and perfect to get you ready before summer comes around!

Norris Marine is a full-service boat dealership specializing in pontoon boats, fiberglass fishing, aluminum fishing, wakeboards and surf boats. Along with a service department, they are equipped to handle any boating needs.

They carry some of the very best-selling brands from around the country including Sun Tracker, Ranger, Regency, Nautique, Nitro and Tahoe.

Norris Marine celebrated their 50th year in business in 2021 and has employees that have been with the business for over 40 years.

“We’re a large-volume dealership with a family dealership culture,” shared Shawn Easton, owner and general manager of Norris Marine.

Their upcoming in-house boat show runs Jan. 1016 and will have the best pricing and promotions of the year. They’ve opted to utilize their own top-notch showroom, which is the largest in the OKC area, to feature their boats in a safe, controlled environment, making it ideal for all to visit.

Visitors can register for door prizes for the chance to win water sports equipment, accessories, life vests, surfboards and fishing tackle.

“Our goal is to pre-sale our inventory before the peak of the boating season,” Easton said. “We have inventory, and it’s a great time to get a boat.”

Despite supply chain challenges in some industries, Norris Marine is ahead of the game and prepared for the upcoming boat season. Because of the power and the size of their manufacturers, they have inventory in stock.

As a family-owned and operated dealership, customer service is crucial as they live out their core values of honesty,

82 | January 2022

integrity, teamwork and transparency in their daily work.

“Many of our customers end up being our friends,” Easton said. “Ultimately without them we don’t exist and we’re not in business. We encourage our customers to communicate with us if they feel we’re not living up to those values.”

“Everyone here loves and enjoys and lives out the boating lifestyle and that’s something that certainly separates us from our competition,” Easton added.

He loves being able to share his passion for the boating lifestyle with his customers, as he grew up on the lakes of Oklahoma, boating and fishing.

“Boating is a great way to spend time with your family and get kids to unplug and spend time in the great outdoors,” he said. “Hearing the stories about the great times that families spend together on the water on holiday weekends or when their kids learn to wake surf and seeing the smiles and hearing about the good times on the water is something that keeps me going.”

Easton said that his staff is dedicated to growth and community.

“Along with our culture and core values, we take an attitude and approach of continuous improvement and invest heavily in the training and education of our team so that we can better serve our customers and become more efficient. It ultimately allows us to thrive as a business and allows our staff to be successful and satisfied in their positions here at Norris Marine,” Easton explained.

Norris Marine supports several charitable organizations including Children’s Hospital Foundation, Fields and Futures and the Choctaw High School Fishing Team.

Learn more about Norris Marine, their services and their mission at norrismarine.com.– BSM

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