This is Oklahoma

This is Ron Black - Oklahoma Blood Institute

On this episode I chatted with translate patient Ron Black about his experience with OBI that saved his life. Ron grew up in Seattle and joined the navy. After being honorable discharged he found his way to Oklahoma. 

Arriving in Oklahoma Ron developed a love for hunting joining his already passionate energy for politics he dove into tv broadcasting with his hunting show and found his way onto the radio with his own three hour drive home show. So yes, I was bring judged on my radio interview skills by a master of the decks!

Ron suffered some health scares and found himself on the operating table waiting for a new liver. His transplant took a lot longer than usual and without the blood donations of Oklahoma donors he would simply not be here today. Like he says in this podcast he wouldn't be walking his daughters down the isle this year. 

Once he was cleared to work by his doctor he applied for a job with OBI and his now raising awareness about the blood donations that save Oklahoma lives. 

For more information on OBI go to www.obi.org

Contact them here www.obi.org/contact/

This episode is presented by the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, telling Oklahoma's stories through its people since 1927. For more information on the Oklahoma Hall of Fame go to www.oklahomahof.com and follow them on instagram for daily updates at www.instagram.com/oklahomahof 

#thisisoklahoma 

 

This is Julie Partin - Editor in Chief 405 Magazine

On this episode I chatted with Editor in Chief of 405 Magazine Julie Partin. Julie is a dynamic communicator with a diverse background in multimedia journalism and digital marketing. She has over 15 years of experience creating innovative content and a proven track record of using relevant technology to grow communities, causes, and brands.

She is currently Editor-in-Chief at 405 Magazine, a lifestyle publication serving central Oklahoma featuring restaurants, events, shopping and culture. Additionally she is a freelance spokesperson and comedic actress. She is represented by Magna Talent Agency for on-camera projects. She is in the cast of Konnect, produced by Life.ChurchTV, and maintains multiple spokesperson and commercial contracts.

For five years Julie was the Managing Editor for Project Inspired, the largest online community of Christian teen girls. She managed the website as well as the social channels team, contributing team and editorial duties. She also wrote articles and enjoyed connecting with the large community of young women readers.

Previously, Julie was a television personality in Los Angeles, California. She reported news and lifestyle content at CitiCABLE 3 and HCTV. She was also the host of CoupleTalk and AfterBuzzTV’s Grey’s Anatomy after show and podcast.

Julie graduated from Biola University where she studied Journalism and Theology. Her additional training includes WordPress, Google Ad Words & Analytics, PR Newswire, Intercom, Slack, improv, teleprompter, interviewing, reporting, writing, producing, social networking, blogging, internet marketing, and communication skills and conflict resolution.

Julie is currently located in Oklahoma City and available for contract work.

David Skidmore instagram www.instagram.com/imdavidskidmore 

This episode is presented by the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, telling Oklahomas story through its people since 1927. For more information on the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, go to www.oklahomahof.com and for daily updates follow them on instagram www.instagram.com/oklahomahof 

#thisisoklahoma 

This is Lee Allan Smith - Have Many Friends

On this episode I chatted with Lee Allan Smith, formerly known as Mr Oklahoma City. Lee's philosophy "have many friends"

Oklahoma native Lee Allan Smith graduated from the University of Oklahoma and began his career in radio and television production as a salesman when he joined Gaylord Broadcasting Company’s WKY Radio/TV. He eventually became president and general manager of KTVY (formerly WKY and currently KFOR) television. Smith produced the Stars and Stripes Show, which was televised nationally and often featured Bob Hope and a cast of celebrities and national sports figures. He was the project chair for the building of Aquaticus at the Oklahoma City Zoo and as president of Oklahoma Centennial Sports, Inc., brought the U.S. Olympic Festival to Oklahoma in 1989. Smith launched the “Festival of the Horse” in 1990, and only a year later the event was named among the top 100 attractions in North America. Known as “Mr. Oklahoma City,” Smith is president of OK Events, was named “Oklahoman of the Year” in 1990, presided over the grand re-opening of Oklahoma City’s Civic Center Music Hall in 2001 and was co-chairman of Oklahoma’s 2007 Centennial Events.

This episode is presented by the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, telling Oklahoma's story through it's people since 1927. For more information on the Oklahoma Hall of Fame go to www.oklahomahof.com and definitely follow them on instagram for daily updates www.instagram.com/oklahomahof 

#thisisoklahoma 

This is Wes Welker - One Day at a Time

On this episode I chatted with former NFL player Wes Welker. Wes was born in Oklahoma City on May 1, 1981.  He began his football career at Heritage Hall High School in Oklahoma City and during his Junior year, he helped lead his team to the 2A State Football Championship defeating Tishomingo High School.  He was named The Daily Oklahoman All-State Player of the Year and Oklahoma State Player of the Year by USA Today. Out of high school, Welker was offered a scholarship at Texas Tech to play for the Red Raiders.  His amazing athleticism prompted Welker to win the Mosi Tatupu Award, given annually to the best special teams’ player in college football. He was also named to the Sports Illustrated All-Decade Team as a punt returner.  Yet, after his senior year, Welker was not invited to the NFL Scouting Combine.

Welker signed as an undrafted free agent with the San Diego Chargers.  After the Chargers he decided to sign with the Miami Dolphins where he was mostly used on special teams. Welker joined the New England Patriots beginning a lustrous five year career with the team.  While in New England, Welker led the league in receptions in 2007, 2009 and 2011.  He holds the four highest single-season reception totals in Patriot history, as well as four of the top ten receiving yardage totals, including the franchise record.  Welker was selected to the Pro Bowl, the All-Pro Team, or both, in every season of his Patriots career.

In 2013, Welker signed a two-year, $12 million contract with the Denver Broncos. In his debut as a Bronco, Welker had nine receptions for 67 yards and two touchdowns against the Baltimore Ravens.  By week 11, Welker had more touchdowns than he had the entire previous season with the Patriots and as many as he had in any season with New England.  In January 2014, he earned his third AFC Championship win after he helped the Broncos defeat his former team, the New England Patriots.  In 2017, Wes became an NFL Assistant Coach for the Houston Texans and in 2019, he became the Wide Receivers Coach for the San Francisco 49ers.  He currently serves as the Wide Receivers Coach for the Miami Dolphins.

Learn more about the Wes Welker Foundation here: http://www.weswelkerfoundation.org

"CORRECTION - ROSE AFTER THE ROUND MONDAY IS AT QUAIL CREEK GC NOT CHICK N PICKEL"

This episode is presented by the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, telling Oklahoma's stories through its people since 1927. For more information on the Oklahoma Hall of Fame go to www.oklahomahof.com and for daily updates go to www.instagram.com/oklahomahof 

#thisisoklahoma 

This is Rachael Gruntmeir - Always Be Creative

From a young age, Oklahoma native Rachael Gruntmeir was always extremely creative. By the time she was two, she was able to use scissors and cut straight lines, incidentally leading to many an interesting self-inflicted haircut. As that two year-old, one of Rachael’s favorite activities was to complete her favorite 100 piece Barbie puzzle. By four she learned how to use a sewing machine. She would sit on her mother’s lap because she couldn’t reach the pedal. By the time she entered kindergarten, Rachael was cutting and sewing entirely on her own.

In college at Oklahoma State University, Rachael realized she still craved a more hands-on, creative field in which to work, so she moved to Oklahoma City and began attending the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO).

While at UCO she was selected to participate in the elite Charles Evans Studio where she was able to refine her design skills and complete her portfolio. While attending the university, Rachael would take excursions abroad with her mentor, Buffy Hughes, to study design even further in places such as Italy and France. This is where Rachael discovered her true love for other cultures, people and unique ways in which people all over the world design their own spaces.

Since college, Rachael has pursued a successful career as a creative and interior designer in Oklahoma working on several residential and commercial jobs. She is also passionate about giving back and contributing to make her community a better place. Rachael serves on the board for Midtown Association (2016 – Current) and is a member of the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce (2016 – Current). She was a guest speaker for MyHeart creative (2018), volunteers with local organizations, and is a small business advocate

Follow Rachael:

 www.instagram.com/blackscintilla

www.blackscintilla.com 

www.instagram.com/coruscatecreative 

www.coruscatecreative.com

Awards/Honors (Year Received)*

40 Under 40, Journal Record (2020)
Small Business Saturday Interviewee for The Oklahoman (2019)
NRF (National Retail Federation) podcast guest discussing small businesses (2019)
Congressional E-Commerce caucus panelist in D.C. (2019)
Small business luncheon guest hosted by Oklahoma City Mayor Holt (2019)
Discover Oklahoma featured business (2018)
40 Under 40, OKC Biz (2017)
Midtown Rotary guest speaker (2017)
Rose State College Small Business Conference keynote speaker
University of Central Oklahoma Interior Designer Department Speaker
Yelp award winner for the Small Business Coast to Coast annual gathering in San Francisco, CA (2016)

This episode is presented by the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, telling Oklahoma's story through its people since 1927. For more information on the Oklahoma Hall of Fame go to www.oklahomahof.com and follow them on instagram for daily updates www.instagram.com/oklahomahof 

#thisisoklahoma 

This is David Woods - Strategist, Master Executive Coach, Author, Speaker and CEO

On this episode I chatted with CEO David Woods about his career in business here in Oklahoma City. A career that has taken him all over the world. 

Davids current role is CEO of Magellan Executive Partners. As CEO, David is passionate about helping CEOs and owners grow their organizations, their leaders, and their team. David is an expert in strategic thinking, executive development and key leader coaching. David’s greatest attribute is the deep level of trust and friendship he builds with those he has the opportunity to know and serve.

A believer that the skills and wisdom of great leaders and great organizations can be taught, David has helped to author several of Magellan’s key growth programs including Strategic Orienteering, Master Executive and Leading UP.

Early in life David was voted “shyest boy” in high school. His years of national and international experi- ence have provided him opportunities to learn the skill of networking and building long-term executive relationships. Inspired by these interactions David authored the book “The Art of Networking... Beyond the Handshake” and is now a sought after speaker on this topic.

Notably, David is the former CEO of Ditch Witch® Construction Equipment. With more than 1600 em- ployees and 140 dealers in 40 countries, the company is the world’s largest manufacturer of under- ground construction equipment.

This episode is presented by the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, telling Oklahoma's story through its people since 1927. For more information on the Oklahoma Hall of Fame go to www.oklahomahof.com and definitely follow them on instagram for daily updates www.instagram.com/oklahomahof 

#thisisoklahoma 

This is Paula Marshall - Bama Companies

On this episode I chatted with 2021 Oklahoma Hall of Fame inductee Paula Marshall. We had aa blast talking about the recent PGA Championship and Paula's hole in one at Southern Hills. 

A third-generation Tulsan, Paula Marshall obtained her Associate’s Degree from Tulsa Community College and her Bachelors, Masters and Doctorate degrees from Oklahoma City University. Starting on the production line in her late teens and serving as CEO of the Tulsa-based international food manufacturer Bama Companies, Inc. for two decades, Marshall reinforces and models daily the mission of: People Helping People Be Successful with Caring and Accountability. The mission reaches beyond the workforce by supporting the families of employees and the community in which they live, work, and serve.

Under her leadership, Bama Companies has expanded its facilities to include seven locations worldwide and an increase in revenues from $30 million to more than $350 million. The company’s clientele includes the number one hamburger and number on pizza restaurant chains, providing for continued growth and new jobs. For the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability, Bama Companies was the first manufacturing B-Corp in Oklahoma.

In honoring the mission of Bama Companies, Marshall has started, served, and partnered with numerous organizations and causes in and around the Tulsa area, including Tulsa Chamber of Commerce, Tulsa Area United Way, the Margaret Hudson Program, DVIS, Food On The Move, and Ronald McDonald House Charities.

For her commitment to others, she has been recognized with numerous awards and recognitions, including induction to the Tulsa Hall of Fame, Advocate of the Year for DVIS, The Journal Record’s Woman of the Year, and named one of 25 Tulsans “Who Shaped Our City” by Tulsa People Magazine in 2011. Bama Companies has been recognized by the Tulsa Regional Chamber, McDonald’s, and Yum Brands as a top inclusive workplace and received the prestigious Malcom Baldridge National Quality Award by the U.S. Department of Commerce.

This episode is presented by the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, telling Oklahoma's story through its people since 1927. For more information on the Oklahoma Hall of Fame go to www.oklahomahof.com and for daily updates follow them on instagram, www.instagram.com/oklahomahof 

#thisisoklahoma 

This is Gov Bill Anoatubby - Governor of the Chickasaw Nation

On this episode I chatted with Governor Bill Anoatubby. He was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 2004 and a fun fact. When Governor Anoatubby took office in 1987, the Chickasaw Nation included 250 employees and an $11 million operating budget. Twenty years later the tribe included nearly 4,500 employees and an annual budget approaching $300 million. 

Governor Bill Anoatubby grew up in Tishomingo where he attended Tishomingo High School, playing on the football team and graduating in 1964. He attended Murray State College and graduated from East Central State College (now East Central University) in 1972 before serving in the Oklahoma Army National Guard. He began working for the Chickasaw Nation as director of tribal health services in 1975, becoming Lieutenant Governor in 1979 and Governor in 1987. Anoatubby has been instrumental in the development of numerous businesses owned and operated by the Chickasaw Nation and under his leadership the tribe was the first to successfully compact for its own health system. Anoatubby became a member and leader of the inter-tribal council of the Five Civilized Tribes since 1978, remaining active in a wide range of organizations including the Oklahoma Indian Affairs Commission, Trail of Tears National Historic Trail Advisory Committee of the U.S. Department of Interior, Leadership Oklahoma, and the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence. He is also the longtime chairman of the Native American Cultural and Educational Authority.

For more information on the Chickasaw Nation go to: 

https://chickasaw.net

This episode is presented by the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, telling Oklahoma's story through its people since 1927. For more information on the Oklahoma Hall of Fame go to www.oklahomahof.com or follow them on instagram for daily updates www.instagram.com./oklahomahof 

#thisisoklahoma

This is Mo Anderson - From Tenant Farmer’s Daughter to CEO of Keller Williams

On this episode I chatted with 2018 Oklahoma Hall of Fame Inductee Mo Anderson. The youngest of five, born to tenant farmers in rural Oklahoma, Mo Anderson was the first in her family to earn a college degree. She taught music in the public schools before entering the world of real estate. Her first Century 21 franchise quickly rose to the third-highest producing out of 7,500 locations in North America. She served on the Oklahoma Real Estate Commission, including 2 terms as chairman.

She convinced Keller Williams Realty Co-founder, Gary Keller, to expand his franchise company outside of Texas. Anderson became the regional owner for Keller Williams Realty Oklahoma. In 1995, Mo became the first CEO and co-owner of Keller Williams Realty International. The Company is now the number one Real Estate Franchise company in the world in size, units, and volume. She currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Board. Deemed one of America’s top 25 Influential Thought Leaders by REALTOR magazine and One of Real Estates Most Influential People, Anderson continues to cultivate the firm’s culture, inspiring 189,000 agents in 32 countries to maintain high standards of character.

She is the author of A Joy-filled Life: “Lessons from a Tenant Farmer’s Daughter Who Became a CEO”, and launched MoAnderson.com, an online mentoring community.

Anderson’s greatest legacy will be her philanthropic giving. Her local community, charitable organizations, and ministries around the world have been richly blessed by her belief that the higher purpose of business is to give, care, and share.

This episode is presented by the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, telling Oklahoma's story through its people since 1927. For more information on the Oklahoma Hall of Fame go to www.oklahomahof.com and follow them on instagram for daily updates www.instagram.com/oklahomahof 

#thisisoklahoma 

This is Gary Brooks - First National Center

On this episode I chatted with developer Gary Brooks about his 7 year project The First National Center in OKC. G

History comes to life yet again in Oklahoma City on April 12, 2022 with the grand debut of the region’s restored crown jewel, The National Autograph Collection, at the First National Center. The building originally opened in 1931 as an iconic bank and landmark monument, and stands proudly at 32-stories high to this day. Following an extensive restoration and one of the biggest renovations in the state's history, the former bank office tower has been transformed into a hotel with 146 guest rooms alongside opulent new apartment homes, restaurants, bars, and retail offerings.

 

Widely considered one of the region’s top architectural treasures, the First National Center is on the Historic Register and was once the largest building in Oklahoma. Oil drilling, the banking industry, and the history of Oklahoma City’s tremendous growth and its arduous challenges are all woven into the fabric of The First National Center, reflecting the 'Modern Frontier'

The First National Center is set to become Oklahoma City’s epicenter and ‘living room’, reimagining the 1.1 million square foot property into an Autography Collection Property, The First Residences at First National, Stock & Bond Steakhouse, Tellers Restaurant, The Great Hall bar, The Library of Distilled Spirits (in the bank vault), the National Ballroom, a barbershop, and a blowout bar – all under one roof. The restoration efforts include repairs to murals, decorative painted ceilings, stone columns, cast stone, metal finishes, vault doors, and safes. The Great Banking Hall has been fully restored and will be utilized as a public lobby. The basement and ground floor will encompass a mixture of high-end retail, multiple restaurants & bars, and commercial spaces. 

The Intersection of Old & New: Intentional Design

Redesigned and brought back to life by NE Development & Partners, ADG, 

This episode is presented by the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, telling Oklahoma's story through its people since 1927. For more information on the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, go to www.oklahomahof.com and for daily updates go to www.instagram.com/oklahomahof 

#thisisoklahoma