This is Oklahoma

This is Chris O'Hare - Tulsa University Graduate to Olympian

On this episode I chatted with fellow Brit Chris O'Hare. Chris is originally from Scotland. He grew up in a small town near Edinburgh and came to the states to run for and study at the University of Tulsa. While at Tulsa Chris won the Mile NCAA's title in 2012 with a time of 4:01. After graduating Chris signed with Adidas and with much success he was selected to compete in the 1500m at the 2016 Rio Olympics.  

Chris tells some great stories about his time in Tulsa, coming over from Scotland to study and run for the school. Meeting his wife, getting married, moving to Boston to train and compete. His experience at the Olympics and then returning to Tulsa where he his wife and two sons now live today. Chris is recovering after surgery and hopes to make the Tokyo Olympics later this season. 

Follow Chris on Instagram www.instagram.com/chrisohare1500.

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 follow them on social media www.instagram.com/oklahomahof 

#thisisoklahoma 

This is Jack & Jay Evans

On this episode I chatted with twin brothers Jack & Jay Evans. This podcast is a story of encouragement for anyone who is building their business or thinking of starting a business. A story of hard work and determination.  From extremely humble beginnings growing up in Enid Oklahoma, to owning two of OKC Metros most successful home building businesses. Both Jack and Jay took different paths to real estate but they took the risk and gave up steady jobs to chase their dreams. This is why is started this podcast, to share these untold and unknown stories to the public. If you search their respective business websites you'd never know the founding stories. But thankfully Jack and Jay have shared their story to offer others a word of encouragement and mentorship. 

www.twostructureshomes.com

www.timbercraft.co

#thisisoklahoma 

This is Jordan Evans

On this episode I chatted with Jordan Evans. Jordan works at ACOG. (Association of Central Oklahoma Governments) focusing mainly on pedestrian safety and accessibility. So if you like to walk places, cycle more and generally be outside. Jordan is working for you. Helping cities develop their sidewalks, cycle paths, login speed limits in downtown areas and much more. Development is a huge issue in Oklahoma City and surrounding areas and ACOG is working towards improving that. Jordan grew up in Deer Creek, fell in love with Cross Country running and attended Northwestern Oklahoma State on a scholarship. After a brief time at Paycom, Jordan went back to school to learn more about local government and now is full involved in making OKC and surrounding areas a better place. 

Don't forget! BIKE MONTH IS MAY! BIKE DAY IS MAY 21st RIDE YOUR BIKE! 

#ThisisOklahoma 

This is Justin Lawrence - Oklahoma Shirt Company

On this episode I chatted with Justin Lawrence, if you've ever driven down 10th street in OKC you most likely have seen his building. Theres a whopping great big mural on the front that says Oklahoma Shirt Company. Well, Justin is the man behind that and now a team of 55 employees too. But with all great businesses it didn't start like that. It started in his garage. Justin grew up new Eufaula Oklahoma. His Mom had him in all the activities as a kid and even helped him when he joined the OKC Magic Club. Growing up Justin loved music, he was in bands growing up, he's still in one now. Played at church, literally all of the above. Justin studied at UCO alongside music graphic design was a huge influence but something kept nagging at him and that was Med School. Listen in to todays podcast and hear Justins incredible story. His journey from his garage to making t-shirts for the OKC Thunder games is quite the listen. 

For more information on Justins company go to www.oklahomashirtcompany.com 

This episode is presented by the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. Telling Oklahoma's story through its people since 1927. Follow them on social media www.instagram.com/oklahomahof or online www.oklahomahof.com 

 

This is Custom Wood Fibers - Aaron Newton

On this episode I chatted with Aaron Newton owner of Custom Wood Fibers.

Custom Wood Fibers and Cedar Mulch LLC is the family-owned business of Aaron and Jennifer Newton. Aaron holds a B.S. in Forestry from Purdue University and Jennifer holds a B. S. in Biology from Indiana University. They have been in the cedar business since 1998 starting in Alabama where they built and operated a high production cedar sawmill for Aaron's family. After 6 years in Alabama the couple moved to Stillwater, OK and started Eastern Red Cedar Mulch LLC, the first of its kind in Oklahoma to grind whole cedar trees into mulch. Aaron and Jennifer developed a healthy market for cedar mulch and eventually acquired Custom Wood Fibers and Cedar Mulch LLC to further grow and diversify the business to include animal bedding and oilfield products.

Custom Wood Fibers and Cedar Mulch LLC moved to their current location in Oklahoma City in 2018.

In November 2019, Custom Wood Fibers was joined by Greg Ruark to further promote growth through outside sales. Greg's experience includes oilfield chemicals and Loss Circulation Material sales since 2007. He bought his first pair of cowboy boots in 2020.

For more information go to www.customwoodfibers.com

This episode is presented by the Made In Oklahoma Coalition, for more information on Made in Oklahoma products and services go to madeinoklahoma.com to learn more. 

This is Chris Cox - The House OKC

On this episode I chatted OKC native Chris Cox. Chris has a marketing agency called The House OKC. Targeting the restaurant industry in Oklahoma City. Chris tell us his great story about how the House started. How during the pandemic he founded The House Helps, a non profit aimed at helping the bars and restaurants stay afloat during the lockdown. As we all know businesses have been hit hard and some have unfortunately closed due to the demands of covid. Chris is a huge part of the industry in OKC. He loves tigers and no its not to do with Tiger King. He explains in the podcast why he loves tigers so much. As well as the impact the community has had on the local businesses owners during 2020. Podcast will be released tomorrow.

Follow Chris on instagram here www.instagram.com/thechriscox
online at www.thehouseokc.com

Thank you for listening and supporting the podcast.

This episode is presented by the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. Telling Oklahoma's story through its people since 1927. Follow them on instagram here www.instagram.com/oklahomahof and their website www.oklahomahof.com 

#thisisoklahoma

This is Nick Brown

On this episode I chatted with good friend Nick Brown. Nick is Deer Creek born and raised. Studied at UCO and from a young age has always had his ear to the ground on what's next in tech. Nick worked at Apple for 5 years and then started Dronebois with a few friends before diving into web domains, instagram names and general internet real estate. Recently Nick and previous podcast guest Hunter Owen traveled around the country 9000 miles in Hunters Can-am UTV on the Trans American Trail to launch Hunters new side by side company called SXS USA. www.sxsusa.com 

Follow Nick here:

www.instagram.com/nickbrownokc

www.instagram.com/dronebois

#thisisoklahoma 

 

This is Flying W Guest Ranch

On this episode I chatted with Burl about his business. The Flying W Guest Ranch between Sayre and Elk City in western Oklahoma. With 1,200 acres, the Flying W offers horseback trail rides (bring your own or saddle up one of theirs), wagon rides, beautiful scenery & abundant wildlife on a working cattle ranch. Visit the homestead dugout & view or participate in special excavations on the ranch at the largest buffalo kill site in the Southern Plains known to archaeologists today. Guided hunts available fall and winter. Cabins accommodate overnight guests and overnight camping is available on request (call for details). Meal functions for groups can be accommodated. Restaurant on-site.

www.facebook.com/flyingwguestranchoklahoma

www.flyingwguestranch.com 

This episode is presented by Oklahoma Agritourism. Hundreds of farms and ranches across the state invite you to explore and experience the intersection of agriculture and tourism - Oklahoma's growing adventure. Pet a pig, help with a harvest, lie around at the lodge, wind down with wine and more! However you want to experience agriculture? Let Oklahoma Agritourism be your guide. Start your adventure at Oklahomaagritourism.com 

This is Ben Jack Larado's Gourmet Foods

On this episode I chatted with Michael & Pam about their family business right here in Norman Oklahoma. Ben Jack Larado’s Gourmet Foods features our legendary Bloody Mary Mix, a perfectly balanced mixer that creates a zesty brunch cocktail. We are proud to ship our Ben Jack Larado’s Bloody Mary Mix across the United States. Each bottle is hand packed with a pickled asparagus spear (our swizzle stick!) continuing decades of family tradition dedicated to quality and consistency.

For more information on where you can purchase their products go to www.benjacklarado.com 

This episode is presented by the Made In Oklahoma Coalition. The Made In Oklahoma Coalition is your source for information on local food and beverage products. To learn more about Oklahoma made products and how to support MIO Coalition companies visit www.miocoalition.com 

This is Jonathan Batista - Principal Dancer OKC Ballet

On this episode I chatted with Principal Dancer of the OKC Ballet, Jonathan Batista. Jonathan started his training at a social project in the City of God Slums. His talent was then spotted by his teacher which took him to a pre-professional dance division at Alice Arja Ballet School where he started his journey in Classical Ballet. 

Batista was first seen by Edward Villella (Former Founder & Artistic Director of Miami City Ballet) and then by Jane Hackett (Former School Director at English National Ballet School) which offered him a full scholarship to English National Ballet School in London, UK. Batista also attended The Royal Ballet School.

Upon his Graduation in 2011 Batista went on to perform with major ballet companies such as English National Ballet, The National Ballet of Canada, Miami City Ballet, Boston Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet, and Oklahoma City Ballet. 

Batista has worked and performed Soloist & Principal Roles in many of the most renowned choreographers such as Helen Pickett, Val Caniparoli, Septime Webre, Jiri Kylian, Ma Cong, Jennifer Archibald, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, Marcelo Gomez, John Neuemeier, Christopher Wheeldom, Liam Scarlett, Jorma Ello, William Forsythe and more.

Batista's rep includes Principal and Solo Roles by choreographers such as Sir Frederick Ashton, Sir Kenneth MacMillan, August Bournonville, Marius Petipa, Rudolph Nureyev, Maurice Bejart, Harald Lander, Robert Joffrey and more.

Batista has also performed as a Guest in Galas and events in Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Germany, England, Switzerland & The United States.

Currently as a Principal Dancer with The Oklahoma City Ballet, Batista also serves as a private ballet master & coach, choreograph and teach groups via ZOOM for studios and students worldwide, and during his spare time he also serve as a Mentor and is wholeheartedly involved in charitable & humanitarian causes. 

Follow Jonathan on instagram here www.instagram.com/jonathanbatistaofficial

online at www.jonathanbatistaofficial.com

This episode is presented  by the oklahoma hall of fame. Telling Oklahoma's story through its people since 1927. Follow them online at www.oklahomahof.com and on social media www.instagram.com/oklahomahof