This is Oklahoma

This is Mike Beckham - Co-Founder & CEO of Simple Modern

On this episode I chatted with CEO of Simple Modern Mike Beckham about his journey from growing up in the state to leading one of Oklahoma's fastest growing companies. You may have seen or even used his products. The Simple Modern product range features in many big box stores around the country. Mike haas co-founded several e-commerce businesses that have cumulative sales of more than a billion dollars. But it wasn't always that way, he talks about his upbringing, his faith and ultimate goal to build lasting businesses that improve the lives of their employees and customers.

"Simple Modern seeks to develop exceptional stainless steel, vacuum insulated water bottles, tumblers, and travel mugs along with a vast assortment of backpacks, lunch bags, and food storage solutions. We are committed to doing business with excellence, placing the needs of others above our own, and delivering quality products that will simplify our lives."

www.simplemodern.com 

Mikes book recommendations: 

Walt Disney, By: Neal Gabler

Alexander Hamilton, By: Ron Chernow

Titan, By: Ron Chernow

Steve Jobs, By: Walter Isaacson

The Wright Brothers, By: David McCullough

Benjamin Franklin: An American Life, By: Walter Isaacson

Washington, By: Ron Chernow

Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power, By: Jon Meacham

Sam Walton, By: John Huey, Sam Walton

Shoe Dog, Phil Knight

 

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 go to www.instagram.com/oklahomahof 

#thisisoklahoma 

 

This is Wade Tower - Entertainer | MC | Speaker

On this episode I chatted with friend and performer Wade Tower. Going door to door in his neighborhood and performing from atop his dad's suitcase at the age of four seemed perfectly normal to Wade Tower. It all came so easy to him; making people laugh and impressing them with his voice. From these first childhood performances to headlining at national corporate events, Wade's focus has always been clear: entertain people with songs and stories about life, laughter and love. 

I saw Wade live singing in OKC at a restaurant and boy can he sing. 

Check Wade out for yourself www.wadetower.com 

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

This is Sabih Kalidy - A Friend For Life

On this episode I chatted with Sabih Kalidy of Kalidy Kia. Most of you will know Sabih from his Kia commercials "Poofy Hair and Weird Beard" but in todays episode we dive into his story. What made him who he is today, his background, upbringing, education and more. 

Sabih has worked extremely hard to achieve the levels of businesses success he has today. You will be shocked to hear he attended Medical school in the UK at the age of 27 after becoming a millionaire. However, he returned to OKC because he missed the car business. Sabih's enterprise covers mostly real estate and automobiles, two of my big passions so as you can imagine we had a great time chatting about houses and fast cars. 

If you are in the market for a vehicle, not just Kia but all cars go to www.kalidykia.com Tell them This is Oklahoma sent you. 

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 go to www.instagram.com/oklahomahof

#thisisoklahoma 

This is Traditions Leathercraft with KC

On todays episode I chatted with KC from Traditions Leathercraft in OKC. Traditions are a full service leather dealer with over 30 years in the leather industry. They are Oklahoma's largest wholesale leather distributor, whether it's a hobby or a business Traditions can take care of you. They also host classes to take you from novice to expert. I will be taking one of these classes in June and can not wait! 

They have a small store where all the products are made in Oklahoma, from wallets, purses, notepad cases, iPad cases, belts, honestly everything you can think of. 

www.traditionsleathercraft.com

Swinging K Family Farm products www.swingingkfarm.com

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 

This is Sun Deep Sharma - India to OKC | Will Rap For Change |

On this episode I chatted with musician Sun Deep about his love for rap music and how through his wife he was introduced to the genre. Sun Deep is from India but found his way to Oklahoma State and then on to Devon Energy where his day job is as a Geophysicist. Sun Deep is extremely passionate about his music but also putting it to use to raise money and awareness for his homeland. His event "Will Rap For Change" is March 19th 

Tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/will-rap-for-change-album-releaselistening-party-tickets-261280144947

Sun Deep has worked with a lot of Oklahoma artists on his latest album. Sending them just one sentence of inspiration. "What Does Change Mean To You?" 

Listen to Sun Deeps work here: https://linktr.ee/sundeep_

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 for daily updates go to www.instagram.com/oklahomahof 

#thisisoklahoma

This is Balanced Coffee Co

On this episode I chatted with Michael and Lexi owners of Balanced Coffee Co in Stillwater. Balanced Coffee has been open since 2017 and now has a second location at the Wesley Foundation. A dream of Lexi's has always been to open a coffee shop. So when life presented the opportunity for her to start fresh, she jumped in with Michael and her best friend. Michael and Lexi dove into the coffee scene, traveling to Oregon for an intense three days training. Returning to Stillwater they connected with Onyx Coffee Lab as their roaster and everything started to come together. 

A great cup of coffee and a great scene for you to study, chill, read and host events. For more information go to www.balancedcoffeeco.com and follow them on instagram www.instagram.com/balancedcoffeeco

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 

 

This is Denver Kitch - Stability Cannabis

On this episode I chatted with CEO of Stability Cannabis Denver Kitch. Denver grew up in Yukon and was a part of the very well known 2000's graduating class of Miller Baseball. Turning down a draft pick in Highschool he headed to OU with the hopes of turning Baseball into a career. Which he did until an injury and lack of love for the game brought him back to Oklahoma. Like most athletes who have committed themselves to one thing for so long he didn't know what to do when he returned. Fortunately getting into real estate helped channel his people skills into a successful business. 

However, in late 2018 he and a past work colleague started talking about the Cannabis business. With the pending legality in Oklahoma Cannabis was a big business opportunity for investors. Denver already having an established real estate business didn't want to change careers but entertained the idea of investing. Life had other plans and quickly he saw himself as CEO of his own operation having built a fantastic team of business savvy Oklahomans, ready to opening their own grow operation. Fast forward three years and they sold half of the company at an 88million dollar valuation... Thats 44million after just 3 years for 50% of the business! 

According to the Journal Record Denver is on the 2022 most admired CEO list and over the last three years Stability Cannabis has won award after award. https://journalrecord.com/2022/02/09/journal-record-announces-2022-most-admired-ceos/ 

Recognized for their companies business, employees, leadership etc. Their goal moving forward it to help more patients every year, as Oklahoma embraces the medical values of the plant moving forward. For more information on Stability Cannabis go to: www.stabilitycannabis.com

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 www.instagram.com/oklahomahof for daily updates.

#thisisoklahoma 

This is Clay Billman - Oklamerica

On this episode I chatted with fellow Oklahoma ambassador Clay Billman. Clay has the brand Oklamerica and in my opinion one of the best brand logos in the game! Clay talks about coming to Oklahoma, following in his mothers footsteps and studying at OSU. After college he jumped into the big world of advertising and Ackerman McQueen before returning to OSU where he now teaches a class on Sports Marketing and Branding as well as helping with the athletic departments branding. Clay tells us the story of how Oklamerica started, how his father has influenced some designs and how amazing it feels when you see someone wearing a shirt you designed. 

If you don't already know the brand go to www.oklamerica.com and follow them on instagram www.instagram.com/oklamerica 

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 follow them on social media for daily updates www.instagram.com/oklahomahof

#thisisoklahoma 

This is Bailey Wilson - Bondi Bowls GRAND OPENING!

On this episode I chatted with Bailey Wilson founder of Bondi Bowls. Bondi just opened their first store a couple of weeks ago. A year ago we chatted on the podcast about Bailey's origin story and the beginning of Bondi Bowls. A year and 6 months on from founding the company Bailey has 1 location 1 location coming and 17 trucks in 7 states across the country. A truly incredible achievement in such a short space of time. On todays podcast we talk about the new store, the menu and what it takes to become a franchisee of Bondi Bowls. If you haven't listened to Baileys previous episode please do, it helps set context to her story. Linked below. 

Episode 262 - Bailey & Bondi's Origin Story:

iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-is-bailey-wilson-bondi-bowls/id1387331955?i=1000504564013

Spotify: 

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5wh3QJeTpqk88t4wCkqVcj?si=eb3dd61e03d44fd8

For more information go to www.bondibowlsusa.com and follow them on instagram. www.instagram.com/bondibowls

Bondi Bowls secret instagram menu here www.instagram.com/bondi.bowls.secret.menu

 

This episode is presented by the Oklahoma Hall Of Fame. Telling Oklahoma's story through its people since 1927. For more information go to www.oklahomahof.com and on instagram www.instagram.com/oklahomahof

#thisisoklahoma 

This is Brett & Jessica Nelson | Midtown Autohaus

On this episode I chatted with fellow car enthusiasts Brett & Jess Nelson. Brett & Jess own a car storage facility in Midtown OKC. They share some great stories from their travels. From Brett's first sports car to flying all the way to Germany to collect something very special. We talk about the car community here in OKC as well as across the country and how the passion for cars brings people together. 

For more information on the storage facility head over to www.midtownautohaus.com and follow them on instagram www.instagram.com/midtownautohaus 

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 everyday updates follow them on instagram www.instagram.com/oklahomahof 

#thisisoklahoma