Fun Runs in the Family
I met Kyle Allison a few years ago, and was immediately fascinated by his entrepreneurial approach and his love for running a family business. The pandemic affected so many companies, with the hospitality industry hit especially hard.
Sarah Bytyqi: Success From Within
These days, Sarah Bytyqi, founder and managing broker at her real estate company Verbode, is considering trying to give herself a little more down time. Time to think, reflect, plan and enjoy her children and her friends.
Leap of Faith
Steve Burris took a leap of faith in 2010 when he stepped away from a 15-year executive position with Oklahoma City-based Hobby Lobby to open his own real estate business.
Rhapsody in Green
At the conclusion of the 2021 Senior PGA Championship, Alex Cojka stood in the middle of the 18th green hoisting the massive trophy. After four days, he had beat out some of the top former champions in the world at Tulsa’s Southern Hills Country Club.
A Helping Hand: Interview with Valerie Riley of LifeSquire
Sometimes it just feels like there’s not enough time in the day. With work, errands, and everyday tasks, we could all use an extra hand (or two) these days. Now, there’s a reasonable solution to the overflowing to-do lists that often consume our minds.
Keeping Music Alive with MusicFirst at The Jones Assembly
Remember the sweet sound of a live audience cheering to a thick guitar riff or a solo drum session? That feeling of singing to the melody of a favorite song alongside another person who appreciates music just as much as you do.
Moleculera Labs: Creating Hope Through Innovation with Dr. Shimasaki
As a co-founder of nine entrepreneurial ventures, four in Oklahoma, Craig Shimasaki, Ph.D., wrote the book on entrepreneurship. No, literally wrote the book. Dr. Shimasaki, co-founder and CEO of Oklahoma City-based Moleculera Labs, has authored three books on biotechnology entrepreneurship, beginning with his first title back in 2009, “The Business of Bioscience: What Goes into Making a Biotechnology Product.”
Interview with Eddie Edwards: The Intersection of Business and Academics
Eddie Edwards, the Executive Director of OU’s MBA program, is not your typical academic; his business background and experience has helped to reshape the program and its partnerships with businesses. Upon first meeting Eddie, you can’t help but be struck by how warm and genuine he is.
A Look Inside Omni Oklahoma City Hotel: Steve Keenan
As someone who enjoys staycations just as much as international travel, I am excited for the opening of the new Omni Oklahoma City Hotel in downtown. The hotel is another reminder of the impact MAPS continues to have on our growing city almost 30 years since MAPS 1 was first passed.
Unabashed Idealism When We Need it Most
The brand new, happily subversive nonprofit We are for Good and its hit podcast by the same name have been up and running for less than twelve months, yet it’s already been shining bright in a year that really needed it. Founded by Jonathan McCoy and Becky Endicott, We are for Good is determined to disrupt nonprofit fundraising, storytelling and access to resources in the best possible way.
A Look into Omni Hotel’s Tranquil Oasis: Mokara Spa
Walking into Mokara Spa in Omni Hotel is like stepping into a sunlit utopia—one where self-care and relaxation are top priorities. Simple, minimalist design details bring a sense of ease and tranquility. A feeling that there’s truly nowhere else you would rather be. The newly opened spa sits elegantly on the hotel’s third level, overlooking downtown Oklahoma City and boasts a variety of services and amenities.
Finding the Right Executive Coach: Rod Whitson
It takes a good executive coach to know one, and Rod Whitson is no exception to the rule. The Lead Private Advisory Board for Vistage has been president/CEO at four different companies, so he knows what it’s like to sit in the executive seat. “I've had to make the big calls and difficult decisions,” Whitson says. “And I understand the pressure when you take responsibility for the well-being of others—all of that gives my coaching a different perspective and different insights.”
The Well - Peter Carl’s Fine Collection
“There’s a difference between a collector and an acquirer,” Peter Carl said. “A collector is discerning and calculating. Always hunting and never satisfied.” He continued, “An acquirer, they’re in it for quantity, not quality. They’ll take anything whether or not it adds value.” Peter Carl would know. He used to collect Native American pueblo pottery, but he always wanted to own and operate his own liquor store.
Mira Bird: Interview with Christy Bruner
Walking into Mira Bird is like stepping into a free spirit’s daydream—neutral tones, macramé decor, lush greenery, and beachy feel that quickly transport you to your own personal oasis. Now open in Edmond, Mira Bird is a thoughtfully curated blend of eclectic…
Q&A with Sorgen Dentistry
In a time where self-care and health are more necessary than ever before, some have found themselves back at the dentist, taking care of that cavity or teeth cleaning that’s been put on the backburner for far too long. Sorgen Dentistry, a privately owned dental practice in Oklahoma City, offers a warm and inviting environment, even for those who tend to feel anxious at the dentist.
Q&A with Energy FC COO, Jeff Kretchmar
Jeff Kretchmar is the COO of the Energy FC, Oklahoma City’s professional soccer club. He has been with the Energy since day one and has made Oklahoma City his home.
Gerald Work: Keeping it Classic
Gerald Work is an extraordinary vintage automobile collector. He’s got an impeccable eye for classic cars, yet he isn’t worried about enjoying them: he doesn’t believe they should be put on a pedestal only for show.
Culture First, Business Second
Long before Mike Beckham co-founded his e-commerce venture, Simple Modern, in 2015, he took his first steps down the entrepreneur’s path as student body treasurer at Putnam City North High School. Beckham just didn’t recognize it at the time.
OK Pride: An Unlikely Activist
Sometimes a person’s heart can’t unfurl to its fully-formed, glorious, magnanimous size until it’s been well and truly shattered first. And sometimes what starts as heartbreak quickly becomes an awakening and the realization that you’ve just discovered your life’s purpose.
Art in the New Age with Objets Trouvés
Like its name, Objets Trouvés has a distinct elegance and sparks curiosity in everyone who has had the opportunity to look through the window or visit the space. Every art piece in the gallery, which has recently changed locations, has…