January 2016 Vol. 8, No. 1

PRePRodUction model shown. aPPeaRance sUBJect to chanGe.

availaBle now at Reynolds lincoln of edmond

Reynolds lincoln of edmond

600 w. memoRial Rd oklahoma city, ok 73114

405-475-9000 www.Reynoldslincolnofedmond.net

ED M O N D, O K LAH O MA

January 2016

VOL. 8 | NO. 1

INSIDE

2016

PUBLISHER Karan Ediger 405-341-2121 kediger@edmondsun.com SALES TEAM Terri Bohanan Allison Burger Nancy Sade CONTRIBUTING Mike Crandall WRITERS AND Jim Denton PHOTOGRAPHERS Cyndy Hoenig Nick Massey Patty Miller Van Mitchell Tim Priebe Terri Schlichenmeyer Drew Harmon

Mike Crandall

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Mike Crandall of Sandler Training says both small and large companies alike make the same mistakes when it comes to planning for future growth. Those mistakes he says keep them from reaching their full earning potential. “What most of them miss is what we call a growth strategy,” Crandall said.

Tall Oak Midstream

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Tall Oak Midstream, an Edmond-based energy company focused on midstream operations, recently hosted the Stars, Stripes and Pipes Invitational golf tournament at the Patriot Golf Club in Owasso. The tournament raised more than $275,000 for Folds of Honor.

Expeditions in Etiquette

Karen Moore

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Proper etiquette at the dinner table as well in the workforce can sometimes be a lost art no matter what the age. For Carey Sue Vega an etiquette expert with Expeditions in Etiquette in Edmond and Oklahoma City, it is never too late to learn the proper do’s and don’ts of being in a public or business setting.

Shop Central

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The Business Times is a monthly publication of The Edmond Sun devoted to business in the Edmond area. All rights reserved.

Copyright © January 2016.

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Austin Sheehy and Nathan Robinson, who serve as the student body president and vicepresident at UCO, had an idea to create a program that benefitted both the students and Edmond businesses. That idea led to the creation of Shop Central a mobile application which allows students to download the free app and learn about discounts being offered by local businesses to UCO students.

January 2016 | The Business Times

3

from our Publisher

Happy New Year!

T

o our Readers: A new month and now it’s a new year! How was 2015?

Are there pieces that are carrying over to 2016 or are you closing that chapter and moving on?

Business Times of Edmond has added new features for 2016, plus kept some of our more traditional themes. New to the calendar this year will be Women in Biz, Food, Food, Food, and a New Business Guide. We will also bring back your favorites like Health and Fitness, LibertyFest and of course, Top 20 Under 40 (or 21 Leaders Under 40 when the crop is just too good!)

Many readers reach out to me and ask how we come up with our topics and themes. It’s a fine science called listening. Community leaders have great ideas, and we try to listen when there is need for more information on Topics. Though we may not use all of the ideas we are given, each idea is valuable. So, if you have ideas you want to share or learn more about, just reach out to us.

Stay tuned...very shortly I will reveal how you can have Total Access to all of The Sun products!

KARAN EDIGER is publisher of The Business Times of Edmond and The Edmond Sun.

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January 2016 | The Business Times

Mike Crandall of Sandler Training

By Van Mitchell | Special to The Business Times

M

ike Crandall of Sandler Training says both small and large companies alike make the same mistakes when it comes to planning for future growth.

Those mistakes, he says, keep them from reaching their full earning potential.

“What most of them miss is what we call a growth strategy,” Crandall said. “A growth strategy provides the specifics about what they want it (business) to look like in the future. I always share that is not the same as a strategic plan. Most strategic plans miss key details that help leaders/owners make crucial decisions. A solid growth strategy includes fundamental things like how much growth we want, where we want it come from, by when, how we will achieve it, and why. This allows them to ensure time, energy and money is used wisely every day in their business.”

Crandall is a speaker, consultant, coach and trainer focused on sales, management and leadership development.

He said a goal for every client is to help them maximize each facet of their business.

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January 2016 | The Business Times

“When we help people build a really good business there are some things that we help them to really wrap their minds around,” he said. “We call this the ‘Four S’s.’” We actually put this in a pyramid. The top of the pyramids is skills, the layer below that is staff or people, the next level is structure, and the bottom layer, and the most important layer, is strategy. That is what we do, we want it to look like, and where do we want it to go?”

Crandall said it is important to link all of those things together.

“If you don’t have a clear strategy then you can’t build the proper structure which will prevent you from finding (or keeping) the best staff regardless of their skills,” he said. “We help our clients identify and learn how to tie these things together to build a better business. One of the greatest mistakes we see in business is people working harder then they need to, because they have not connected these things in a way that allows them to work smart.”

Crandall said that business outline works for all business sizes.

“We have found whether you a small solo entrepreneur, a medium business, or even a giant company in the Fortune

500, it can work,” Crandall said. “There are so many ways that growth strategy can help you with growing your business, you can apply to virtually any business – for profit or non-profit.”

Crandall said great businesses have focus and intentionality in everything they do.

“They operate proactively, not reactively,” he said. “They have systems and processes for everything, especially for sales/business growth. They have a growth strategy, which allows them to build the structure to be successful on that. This allows them to ensure they have the right staff with the correct skills.”

Crandall added even when the economy is down, great business leaders are proactive.

“When the economy is down the people who are worried are sitting in their office waiting for the phone to ring,” he said.

“The most proactive visionary leaders are saying now is the best opportunity to call on people and grow our business.”

Crandall added some businesses miss the importance of three areas of potential business growth of what, how and why.

“Most people struggle looking for what but they really tend to miss the how and the why,” he said. “There is a huge gap around the how.”

Crandall said his clients learn the importance of all three characteristics.

“We help people with not only the what but more importantly the how and the why of growing their business,” Crandall said. “We help them focus on the proper behaviors, habits and systems to grow proactively; and we help them learn how to have the guts to do the hard stuff.”

Crandall said most businesses spend time and energy tracking only lagging indicators in their business, when they should be tracking leading indicators. Often they don’t realize they have issues, challenges or problems until it is too late.

“If we only track things that have already happened we cannot fix them,” he said.

Crandall said the proper tracking of sales prospecting activities is often neglected through this process.

“A sales system tends to be a missing link in most businesses,” he said. “If I ask them what their system for sales is most people can’t tell me. However, almost every employee can tell me what their system for accounting is. I tell them that’s great that they have an accounting system, but if you are not selling enough you don’t need your accounting system.”

Crandall said business owners are often cautious when it comes to the amount of growth they want to see over a period of time.

“The biggest barriers to growth are fear, apathy, ignorance and ego,” he said.

Crandall said he works with clients to overcome these through a five-step process: learning awareness, knowledge, application, skill and habit.

Crandall said some businesses are built on great ideas while others are built on traditionally solid programs.

But both are built with the goal of long-term stability.

“A great idea helps but sometimes the best businesses don’t have a unique or fancy idea,” he said. “There are only so many people that can create Facebook. We have helped many people build amazing businesses with things that are not unique or fancy. Often some of the best businesses are things like electrical contracting, financial planning, web design, roofing or heating and air. Their success is not typically on a specific single cool idea but built on fundamentals that allow them to build a stable and reliable business.”

For more information about Sandler Training call 844-1700 or email mike. crandall@sandler.com or visit www.customgrowth.sandler.com January 2016 | The Business Times

7

TMidstream all Oak

By Van Mitchell | Special to The Business Times

T

all Oak Midstream, an Edmond-based energy company focused on midstream operations, recently hosted the Stars, Stripes and Pipes Invitational golf tournament at the Patriot Golf Club in Owasso.

The tournament raised more than $275,000 for Folds of Honor, an organization that provides education scholarships to the military families of those who have been killed or disabled while on active duty, said Ryan D. Lewellyn, president, CEO and founding partner of Tall Oak Midstream.

“We are driven by our core values, one of which is being a positive presence in the communities where we operate,” he said.

“It’s the foundation of the way we work, and we are proud to support the Folds of Honor and their mission. We have veterans on our team here at Tall Oak, and we want to do everything we can to support military families in need.”

Tall Oak Midstream Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit formed to raise funds and donate to regional charities, made the $275,000 gift that will benefit 55 military families with $5,000 scholarships.

This included a $250,000 check from the foundation and more than $25,000 dollars raised by the event for Folds of Honor.

The foundation presented a check to the Folds of Honor Nov. 2 at the Stars, Stripes and Pipes Invitational.

The foundation regularly supports Folds of Honor scholarships in Oklahoma. The Tall Oak Foundation also plans to support local Oklahoma City-based charities such as Junior Achievement, Allied Arts, United Way of Central Oklahoma and Edmond and Deer Creek Schools, said Lewellyn “The Folds is the largest organization that we support and we really like the fact that we can direct the dollars to individual

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January 2016 | The Business Times

scholarship recipients living in the areas that we serve,” he said.

Max Myers, chief financial officer for Tall Oak Midstream concurred.

“We wanted to figure out a way to raise funds to support the local charities we are involved with,” he said. “This was a good way bring us as a company and our suppliers and other relationships together. It is a great organization to support.”

Folds of Honor supports the more than one million dependents adversely impacted by the military deployment of a family member.

Nearly nine out of 10 do not qualify for federal scholarship assistance. Folds of Honor seeks to bridge the gap by providing annual educational scholarships to the military families of those who have been killed or disabled while in active duty.

These scholarships help support private education tuition, tutoring and educational summer camps for children K-12, as well as higher education tuition assistance for spouses and children.

Since its founding in 2007, Folds of Honor has awarded more than 7,500 scholarships, including over 2,000 in 2014 alone.

“Tall Oak and Folds of Honor both understand that freedom has a price,” said Major Ed Pulido, senior vice president of public relations and military affairs with the Folds of Honor Foundation.

“It is in that spirit that I would like to thank Tall Oak and everyone who contributed for investing in our nation’s heroes and their families. Together, we will make a difference in the lives of those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom.”

Tall Oak Midstream, LLC (“Tall Oak”) and Tall Oak Midstream II (“Tall Oak II) are midstream companies led by their four founders: Lewellyn, Myers, Carlos P. Evans, CCO; and Lindel R. Larison, COO. Lewellyn said he first learned about Folds of Honor after meeting its founder.

“I lived in Tulsa when I worked for another large natural gas pipeline company, and I met the founder of that organization on an airplane,” he said. “I got to know him and what the organization was all about.”

Lewellyn said they worked with Folds of Honor on creating the golf tournament to raise money for scholarships. He said the tournament included about 28 teams.

“It was an amazing turnout,” Lewellen said. “We actually had to turn people away.”

Lewellyn said plans call for adding a similar golf tournament in Oklahoma City this spring.

Tall Oak Midstream LLC (“Tall Oak”) and its equity partner EnCap Flatrock Midstream (“EnCap Flatrock”) today announced in December that a subsidiary of EnLink Midstream Partners, LP and EnLink Midstream LLC (together, “EnLink”) had signed definitive agreements to acquire subsidiaries of Tall Oak Midstream LLC for approximately $1.55 billion, subject to certain adjustments. These subsidiary entities hold substantially all of Tall Oak’s Oklahoma assets which include the STACK Natural Gas System, the STACK Crude Oil System and the CNOW Natural Gas System.

Lewellyn said Tall Oak’s management team will continue to pursue new midstream opportunities across North America through Tall Oak Midstream II LLC (“Tall Oak II”).

“There has been a lot of interest in acquiring Tall Oak’s assets over the past several months,” he said. “These are world-class assets located in the heart of some of the fastest growing and most economic plays in the United States. We wanted to ensure that our customers would be well served, so we were very selective when it came to choosing an acquirer. EnLink is a top-tier operator that shares our values and is well positioned to provide our MidContinent customers with exceptional service going forward. We are excited to work closely with the EnLink team over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition of services to capture the exciting growth opportunities that surround the Tall Oak assets.”

Lewellyn said the sale of the company and the success of the first golf tournament only bodes well for the future.

“We are going to continue on with other projects under Tall Oak Midstream and stay in Edmond,” he said. “All of our employees are going to stay in these offices, and we are going to keep building Midstream businesses. I think this (tournament) will just build on itself.”

Lewellyn said he and his business partners chose Folds of Honor for a simple reason.

“It is about people not forgetting the sacrifice they (military men and women and families) have made,” he said.

For more information, visit www.foldsofhonor.org.

January 2016 | The Business Times

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Carey Sue Vega

By Van Mitchell | Special to The Business Times

P

roper etiquette at the dinner table as well in the workforce can sometimes be a lost art no matter what the age.

For Carey Sue Vega an etiquette expert with Expeditions in Etiquette in Edmond and Oklahoma City, it is never too late to learn the proper do’s and don’ts of being in a public or business setting.

“Expeditions in Etiquette has been created to help participants cultivate the skills they need to prepare for the storms that life throws their way,” said Vega, who has been teaching etiquette to youth and adults for the last 14 years. “We teach manners and etiquette, professional, social and soft skills, with a fresh, fun, exciting, entertaining and modern approach.”

Vega who worked in the cruise industry for 10 years as a youth director and cruise director, said many people struggle with etiquette in business and casual settings.

“There were so many people I would meet that were uncomfortable in a formal setting,” she said. “My goal is to be approachable. I try to put a spin on it that it is more about hospitality than it is formality. We include fun and games in our curriculum to aid in the positive impact of teaching these important life skills. By learning these skills in a safe harbor, we’re helping to equip participants for smooth sailing of the professional and social seas of life.”

Vega and her husband offer etiquette classes at the Nigh University Center at the University of Central Oklahoma as well as the Central Oklahoma Home Builders Association in Oklahoma City.

“My husband works at UCO and we hold our youth classes for Edmond families at UCO in the Nigh University Center,” she said. “I have a number of corporate clients from the Edmond area, and the majority of the high school students who recently participated in the Interview Intensive were from Edmond North.”

Vega said she currently offers programming for grades 5-8, grades 9-12 and business etiquette and professional training for college students and professionals.

“I also provide custom training for businesses; such as customer service, trade show booth training, etiquette and the generations, the strategy of the business meal, and much more,” she said.

Vega said she first started working with fifth through eighth graders and eventually expanded to high school and adults.

“We started working with the younger students and that just

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January 2016 | The Business Times

snowballed,” she said. “I then added the high school kids and that led into the adult training.”

Vega works with her youth students during the fall and early spring where they learn proper etiquette on dinner manners and social skills as well as learning how to dance.

She said all their work is culminated with a formal dinner and dance where they practice the skills they have learned.

Vega said she has students from around the state.

“The kids come to us all through word of mouth,” she said. “We have kids from all over. I have a family that drives from Tishomingo to the Edmond location and a family from Weatherford who comes to the Oklahoma City location.”

Vega works with adult clients in several different methods including putting on seminars for businesses. Her presentation topics can range from how to feel completely confident in navigating dining etiquette, how to act in any professional situation, how to connect with others in social circumstances, how to manage your professional identity in a corporate world, and how to maintain etiquette in everyday situations.

Peter G. Pierce, an instructor at the University of Oklahoma praised Vega through her website on her etiquette seminars.

“Carey Sue is one of the best-received and popular presenters in Life After OU-A Survival Guide, a spring semester class for graduating seniors at the University of Oklahoma,” he said.

“She teaches segments on not only dining and social etiquette

but also business etiquette. She has been a regular in the course for six years (since 2009) and I hope for many more. She is knowledgeable, practical, entertaining and persuasive while keeping the attention and interest of 150, no mean feat.”

Additionally, Vega works with her students on how to handle social media.

“I tell them if it isn’t something that you don’t want your grandparents to read or if you wouldn’t want it as a headline in the newspaper don’t post it,” she said. “You have to be really careful about what you post because you are going to be applying for colleges or jobs and those schools and potential employers are looking at your social media profile.”

Vega said she continually reinforces in all her students the lessons they have learned.

“I don’t care if you have been with me for one year or eight years,” she said. “You are still going to get that gentle reminder of introduction, handshakes, posture and first impression and conversation skills.”

Vega said one of the perks of her job is watching her students succeed and be thankful.

“It is very rewarding,” she said. “For them to have a smile on their face, offer a firm handshake, and say thank you. It is huge.”

For more information call 721-1467 or email CareySue@ ExpeditionsInEtiquette.com or visit www.ExpeditionsInEtiquette.com

January 2016 | The Business Times

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Austin Sheehy, left, and Nathan Robinson are behind the UCO Shop Central app, which allows students to receive discounts at local businesses.

Drew Harmon | The Business Times

By Van Mitchell | Special to The Business Times

A

ustin Sheehy and Nathan Robinson who serve as the student body president and vice-president at the University of Central Oklahoma had an idea to create a program that benefitted both UCO students and Edmond businesses.

That idea led to the creation of Shop Central a mobile application which allows students to download the free app on their Android and IPhones and learn about discounts being offered by local businesses to UCO students. In turn local businesses get free advertising to a population of about 17,000 college students.

“Before we were even elected we were looking at ways we could serve the student body,” Robinson said. “And this is an idea that Austin came up with. What came from that idea is Shop Central.”

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January 2016 | The Business Times

Shop Central’s mission is simple. It is to help students discover the best local spots near UCO. “Shop Central helps motivate students to get out and support the unique local businesses in this city in exchange for an exclusive discount that we like to call a “Reward,” Sheehy said. “And with the release of our free iPhone app, we’ve made it easier than ever for students to find your business while they’re out-and-about.”

Shop Central is powered by the University of Central Oklahoma Student Association (UCOSA) and is made possible by local vendors that are participating.

“It is a student discount program and we have developed a mobile application for the Android and IPhone,” Sheehy said.

“It is designed to do three things. It gives discounts to students and secondly it supports Edmond businesses, and it continues to build the relationship between the university and Edmond. It is a really great program. We are really excited about it.”

Robinson said they started working on the app last spring.

“We started working on this last spring,” Robinson said.

“The thing with universities is that it takes a long time for things to happen. We have been working on this in our spare time and now all the leg work is done and we are now recruiting businesses.”

Sheehy said UCO and the Edmond Chamber of Commerce have been great supporters of the program.

“A huge asset to us has been the Edmond Chamber of Commerce,” Sheehy said. “We have met monthly or bi-monthly with the president of the Edmond Chamber and he has sort of shepherded us through this. They have been emailing out to all their members telling how they can sign up.”

Sheehy said seven businesses already joined Shop Central including Café Evoke and Flat Tire Burgers.

Robinson said they have been promoting the new app through a monthly video series they started to tell students what is happening on campus. He said they also put the videos on Facebook.

He said they will continue to visit local businesses next spring to promote the app.

“We feel like it sells itself because it is free to them,” he said.

Sheehy said the app gives students the opportunity to look at local businesses they didn’t know about.

“We have 17,000 students that are living in Edmond or

coming here a couple of times a week,” Sheehy said. “It would be nice to save them money at places that they are already going.

There are also a places in Edmond they don’t know about that we want to tell them about.”

Sheehy said they have worked hard to ensure the app will be around long after they both leave school.

“We both benefited greatly from UCO and we wanted to give back,” Sheehy said. “We wanted to make sure that the university took ownership of this program, and they have done a fantastic job.”

For more information visit www.uco.edu/shopcentral

Apply Today...

The City of Edmond is now accepting applications for full-time, part-time and seasonal positions.

Visit us on the web today at

edmondok.com/careers

359-4648 City of Edmond Jobline

The City of Edmond is an Equal Opportunity Employer January 2016 | The Business Times

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By Van Mitchell | Special to The Business Times

V

ictor Neal made a decision in the early 1990s to leave his home in the United Kingdom and travel to America to look for work in the travel industry.

His travels eventually landed him in Edmond where he went to work for Prime Time Travel, located at 18 N. Broadway.

This year marks his 25th anniversary with the company where he serves as chairman and CEO. He has owned Prime Time Travel since April 1, 2013.

“I went around to all the big travel agencies in the Oklahoma City area and talked to them all and eventually got here and talked to (former owner) Ron Perry,” Neal said. “He created a post for me. It was the best move that I ever made without a shadow of doubt. I have no desire to leave. I love being here.”

Neal actually left Prime Time Travel for a period of time to pursue other business ventures but later returned and began the process to start operating the company.

Today the company has five full-time employees and one parttime accountant.

Neal said Prime Time Travel offers clients the best airfare, accommodations, car rentals, train tickets, tours and cruises.

“Our expert consultants are continually comparing client ratings and researching top offers to supply your domestic or international travel needs, and we regularly match internet deals,” Neal said.

Additionally, Prime Tours of America is a division of Prime Time Travel that offers decades of combined travel planning experience and specializes in creating personalized trips to international destinations.

“We sell service as much as we sell travel,” said Matt Crow, business development manager.

Crow said Neal has instilled in all his employees the importance of caring about the customer and their needs.

“We really care about the client and he has really instilled that in us,” Crow said. “He tells us to treat people as you would want to be treated.”

Neal said treating others well extends to those connections he has made through his career.

“We are a niche business,” he said. “Over the years we have built up a tremendous amount of goodwill with hotels, drivers and guides, and we utilize that putting it (trips) together for people.”

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January 2016 | The Business Times

Prime Time Travel Chairman & CEO Victor Neal, left, and Business Development Manager Matt Crow.

Drew Harmon | The Business Times Neal said while the internet has allowed people to arrange their own travel plans, there is still a core group of individuals that like to have that personalized service.

“The people that we look after mainly are 55 or above,” he said. “These people don’t want to waste 60 hours trying to do something on the internet. Their time is worth more money than trying to save $10 on a booking. There is something more than having just the cheapest hotel.”

Neal said business has stayed busy throughout 2015 especially in months when there are less travel requests.

“We were going right through October where we used to fall off in August,” Neal said. “This year people were coming in on very short notice. We were struggling to keep up with all the traffic coming in.”

Prime Time Travel office hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Crow said they are now meeting with clients by appointment only in an effort to better personalize their service.

“We want to make sure that we can give them the time and attention that they need,” Crow said.

Neal said he wants to continue growing Prime Time Travel and has hired several energetic travel consultants.

“We want to build this organization,” Neal said. “We have a very young staff and all of them are passionate about travel. We are looking for them to drive this agency for the next 30 years.”

For more information call 340-1120 or (800) 522-7155 or email info@primetimetrvl.com or visit www.primetimetrvl.com

Local Realtors Honored

By Van Mitchell | Special to The Business Times

Barbara Sander, Affiliate of the Year

S

everal local REALTORS were honored recently by the Edmond Board of REALTORS at their annual inaugural banquet held at Gaillardia Country Club on Dec. 8. Bo Martin, Broker with Exit Realty Martin & Associates was installed as the 2016 president of the trade association. Other officers installed were Jim Webb with Coldwell Banker Select as presidentelect; Mike Cassidy with Metro First Realty as vice president; Dahlia Bridge with Coldwell Banker Select as treasurer; and Patrick Arie with Keller Williams Central OK as secretary. Newly-elected directors installed for the association were Karen Quinlin with Metro First Realty; Jilian Gardner with ERA Courtyard and Frank Schuster with RE/MAX Associates. They will serve with carry-over directors Lodi Hagler with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, Ron Ivey and Brad Reeser with Keller Williams Central OK and Krista Massad with Century 21 Goodyear Green.

Special recognitions were presented to Patricia Ayling with Keller Williams Elite, who was named the REALTOR of the Year for 2015. She was recognized for her many contributions as a leader in the industry. Ayling has been a member of the Edmond Board since 2003.

Also recognized was Melissa Little with 525 Realty Group named 2015 Most Cooperative REALTOR of the Year. This is a recognition that is awarded by peers from competing firms to the member who has contributed the most towards raising the professional standards and spirit of cooperation within the local association.

Barbara Sander with Old Republic Home Protection was named the 2015 Affiliate of the Year.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Victoria Caldwell with RE/MAX Associates. The Lifetime Achievement Award is to recognize leaders in the association for a minimum of 20 years.

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January 2016 | The Business Times

Victoria Caldwell, at right, Lifetime Achievement Award & Lodi Hagler, Board of Director

Melissa Little, at left, Most Cooperative REALTOR & Lodi Hagler, 2014 Most Cooperative REALTOR

Edmond Board of REALTORS Board of Directors, from left, include: Jim Webb, Patricia Ayling, Frank Schuster, Tonya Coffman, Bo Martin, Karen Quinlin, Ron Ivey, Jilian Gardner and Brad Reeser (missing – Mike Cassidy, Dahlia Bridge, Patrick Arie, Lodi Hagler and Krista Massad) Bo Martin, 2016 President and Patricia Ayling, 2015 Outgoing President

Patricia Ayling, REALTOR of the Year

January 2016 | The Business Times

17

business matters

JIM Denton L edger Lines

Top 12 Financial Health Ideas for the New Year H

ave you selected your word for year 2016 yet? I’ve thought some about different words and mine will be “focus.” I have found that if I focus on starting, fixing or eliminating something, I can work to get a process in place to alleviate a problem or start something positive. Focus is the key!

Here are 12 financial health ideas, one for each month of the new year. Focusing for one month on a single financial aspect can lead you to new ideas, which in turn can lead you to better solutions. I urge you to try the following: •Make January your get out of debt month. Start now to reduce the amount you owe to banks credit card companies, etc.

Raise the amount of your monthly principal payments to make substantial headway toward a debt-free status. Start now!

•February can be dedicated to reducing your tax burden. Get with your CPA and work on how you can change the timing and types of expenditures to save taxes.

•Use the month of March to focus on protecting your identity. Ask anyone who has had an identity theft issue in the last year or so, it can take significant time and sometimes money to clean up. Buy a shredder and reduce the stacks of statements that are lying around. Work on good habits like refraining from giving your information (Social Security numbers, bank credit account numbers, etc.) to anyone you don’t know and trust, listing 18

January 2016 | The Business Times

who has what information and what they have. Centralize and update your account information.

•April can be used to build your rainy day fund. In business you never know what will hit you next. Knowing that there is a safety net gives you some mental peace in turbulent times. Use rainy April to see how rapidly you can increase your emergency savings.

•Use the month of May to update your estate plan. Get with your estate planner to update your plan for any changes in estate tax laws. An out-of-date estate plan could cost your heirs significantly in taxes. Also, note any family changes (births, deaths and illnesses, etc.) and how they might affect your plan.

•June is a great month to collect your receivables. Focus on getting what’s due you from slow paying customers.

Explore accepting only cash and debit cards for payments.

•July can be create and follow a budget month. Nothing beats a solid financial plan.

Following your plan can keep you from being led financially astray. Review your budget for the year and consider any changes that you need to make going forward.

•August is the month to improve your financial reporting. Timely and accurate financial statements are a key component of any successful business. The goal is to make financial reporting a process and not a once-a-

year event merely to prepare your tax return.

•Review existing contracts in the month of September. Looking at your existing agreements with vendors to negotiate better terms and discounts. Ask for more favorable payments to suit your situation.

•October is when prices should fall so it’s time to ask for discounts. Your practice should be to never cease asking for discounts from vendors. Vendors know that you can easily take your business somewhere else.

•Minimize your inventory in November.

Explore “just-in-time” inventory solutions to assure that you have the right amount on hand when you need it and nothing more.

Evaluate excess inventory for obsolescence.

If inventory proves to be obsolete, it should be written off. Excess money tied up in inventory can cost you in property taxes.

•Use December to leverage social media to get the word out about your business.

Social media sites can complement or replace traditional advertising and serve as a great way to develop name recognition and interest to your business at a minimal cost.

I wish you a great and prosperous 2016!

JIM DENTON is a CPA and a managing partner with Arledge & Associates P.C. in Edmond.

He may be reached via email at jim@jmacpas.com.

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Trust Matters.

Especially when it’s your money.

Have you ever wondered who your financial advisor really works for? I work strictly for you. I work hard to build a relationship of trust by providing thoughtful, unbiased guidance and placing your interests first. Call today to schedule a consultation.

Located at Quail Creek Investment Center Alan J. Webb, CEPÂŽ, CMFCÂŽ, CRCÂŽ LPL Registered Representative MKT-06061-0410 Tracking #641747

122nd & N. May • Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 755-1000 (office)• (405) 751-0385 (fax) alan.webb@lpl.com • www.quailcreekbank.com/investments

Not FDIC Insured Not Bank Guaranteed Not Insured by any Federal Government Agency

May Lose Value Not a Bank Deposit

Securities offered through LPL Financial, member FINRA/ SIPC. Insurance products offered through LPL Financial or its licensed affiliates. Quail Creek Investment Center: not registered broker/dealer(s) nor affiliate(s) of LPL Financial.

January 2016 | The Business Times

19

Business matters

Tim Priebe Webifiable

Can social media generate dollars?

R

ecently, I was talking to a someone about his organization’s online marketing. We were discussing his website, but the topic of social media came up. He wasn’t convinced that social media could add to his bottom line.

In his case he was probably right! It was obvious from our brief conversation that his comfort level with social media was so low, it wasn’t likely to benefit his organization.

Certainly organizations can and do make social media and other online marketing platforms generate revenue, but not every platform is a good fit for every organization. How can you tell if social media can generate dollars for your organization?

First, you need to examine four elements for each social media platform you consider.

1. Audience How well does the audience of the platform match your target audience? If your target audience is CEOs, you might be better off utilizing LinkedIn rather than Facebook.

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January 2016 | The Business Times

2. Capabilities How well do the capabilities the platform offers match with your organization’s needs? For example, if one platform focuses on photos, but your organization has confidentiality concerns, it may not be a good option.

3. Culture How closely does the platform’s culture match your organization’s internal culture?

If the platform is extremely formal, and your company culture is informal, it may not be a good match.

4. Comfort Level This is the one that gets overlooked by many experts, but can have a huge impact. Even if a platform is a great fit for all the other elements, if you’re extremely uncomfortable using it, it won’t be effective for you.

Second, you need to give the social media platform time to work and have goals so that you know if it worked or not.

Come up with a deadline. Then decide what business goal you want to accomplish during that time period. Establish online milestones that tie back to that business goal. Block out time on your calendar to

work toward those milestones.

Finally, execute on a consistent basis!

Of course, the business goals will vary from organization to organization. A home builder might just need one home sold as a result of his online marketing a quarter to make his investment worth it. An insurance office may just need one additional referral partner every six months. A software development company may just need one job a year that’s a direct result of their online marketing.

If they don’t hit those goals, it’s time to make changes or move on!

So can social media actually generate dollars for your organization? While it definitely can for some organizations, whether it’s a good fit for yours or not is something you’ll have to discover for yourself.

Tim Priebe is a public speaker, the author of the books “102 Tweets” and “Blog a Week” and the owner of T&S Online Marketing in Edmond. He can be reached by email at tim@tandsgo.com, by phone at 285-0348 ext. 5 or 509-9090, or online at www.tandsgo.com.

» C OME JU DGE

for Yourself.

GOLFERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD COME TO CHALLENGE THE JUDGE and the two other golf courses in Prattville at RTJ Capitol Hill. Bring your clubs and come take on Judge hole number 1, voted the favorite hole on the Trail. Complete your day in luxury at the Marriott and enjoy dining, firepits and guest rooms overlooking the Senator golf course. With the Marriott’s 20,000 square feet of meeting space, 96 guest rooms and luxurious Presidential Cottage combined with three world-class golf courses, business and pleasure can definitely interact in Prattville.

THE ROBERT TRENT JONES GOLF TRAIL AT CAPITOL HILL is home of the Yokohama Tire LPGA Classic on the Senator Course September 18 to 24, 2014. The Marriott Prattville is part of the Resort Collection on Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail.

Visit www.rtjgolf.com or call 800.949.4444 to learn more.

business matters

Cyndy Hoenig S ocial Strategies

H

Crisis Communications, Be Prepared.

aven’t you ever heard that it’s critical to be prepared so you can respond to a PR crisis quickly? Well, if you haven’t, it’s never been as true as it is today. It isn’t if a crisis will appear in your future, it’s when.

How you handle the bad news will play a large role in how your good news will be met by the media in the future. Not having the right processes in place to pre-empt or deal with a crisis can easily turn a minor situation into a full-scale disaster. Corporate reputation is a delicate thing, with even the slightest tarnish affecting customer and stakeholder perception, sales and share price.

How can you protect that reputation and, if the worst happens, defend it?

Prevention is better than cure First it is crucial you have a communications policy that includes a process for tracking and responding to market issues effectively. A crisis can often be averted if you anticipate what’s happening out there, rather than being forced to react to it.

As the cause of an immediate crisis is often due to activity within the company, the policy should include a system for ensuring that the communications department and their agencies are quickly appraised of any developments such as redundancy, client losses or acquisitions. This will ensure everyone is communicating the same, up to date information.

Taking control of a crisis Second, whatever the scale and type of the crisis, you need to own it from the start. This is essential as, although it’s very rare that you can change negative opinion, you can contain and minimize it if you take control early on.

By tracking market issues you can become part of the debate from the start and hopefully defuse the situation. As public 22

January 2016 | The Business Times

interest builds you can have an impact on the evolution of an issue, and maintain control. The media will often influence the development or death of an issue so, it is essential to use it to make sure your view is heard.

Having a comprehensive communications policy that contains roles and responsibilities in a crisis is imperative. Ideally have one spokesperson to deal with media interviews but produce written statements where possible so your company representative doesn’t deviate from what you want them to say.

A question and answer document setting out the company stance and providing strict guidelines for comment will ensure that one single and consistent message is communicated. Make sure spokespeople use the statements and stick to the agenda, so a journalist cannot push them.

While it is imperative that you acknowledge a crisis situation as quickly as possible, keep statements factual and succinct, saying why the situation has arisen and what is being done about it.

Honesty is the best policy, as appearing to be open will keep the media on your side.

If you don’t talk to them they will become hostile.

Communicate regularly to update them either with statements or press conferences.

Never refuse to do an interview and never admit liability or speculate.

Keep it simple Last, understand what motivates the aggrieved and respond empathetically, answering all their concerns. A heavy-handed response won’t buy you any friends, which you need in a crisis.

Keep responses simple so they are easy to understand and there is no chance of them

being misunderstood. Don’t dilute your point by losing focus – keep to no more than three key messages to ensure your position is communicated correctly by the media and understood by your market.

Lessons to learn when protecting your company reputation To protect your reputation in the future, always evaluate the result you intended against the actual outcome of a crisis.

Reviewing the entire process will strengthen it and contain any future situations.

Checklist: • Are you prepared with facts and figures so you can respond to a crisis quickly?

• Have you written down lists of leading, difficult, tricky and downright nasty questions that could be asked of you in a controversial situation?

• Do you have the answers to them?

• Discuss your answers with your lawyer.

• Never say “No Comment.” It’s like pleading the 5th.

• Practice these questions and answers with your spokesperson.

• Do not restate misconceptions and wrong information.

• Respond promptly.

• If you don’t know the answer, say so, and offer to find it, immediately.

CYNDY HOENIG is a PR strategist who owns Pure PR in Oklahoma City.

She is the author of “600 PR, Marketing and Social Media Tips,” which is available as a free download at http://pureprokc.com/600-diy-pr-tips.

She also is the author of “PR Rock Star.”

Email Cyndy at cyndyhoenig@ymail.com or call 245-4668 for more information.

Business Briefs Edmond banker honored for work at OBA Compliance School Kindra Shantz, central document processor at Citizens Bank of Edmond, has been named an “Honors Graduate” of the 2015 Oklahoma Bankers Association Compliance School.

Shantz received her plaque Dec. 14 at Citizens Bank of Edmond.

Kathryn Ivey, OBA 2015 Compliance School chairman, presented the award.

Shantz was selected for the Compliance School honor based on her outstanding work on the school’s exam and his contributions and participation in class. She was chosen by the school’s regents, staff, faculty and students. Shantz was among 61 students who attended the school this year on Aug. 24-28 at the OBA’s Harris Event Center in Oklahoma City.

The OBA Compliance School, conducted annually, trains bank employees to deal with the many laws and regulations that affect bank lending and deposit functions. The school is designed to provide an extensive body of knowledge and information on consumer compliance, which can contribute to the development of compliance officers. Students return to their banks equipped to deal with compliance regulations that impact lending practices and deposit functions as well as other related federal and state laws and regulations.

The OBA conducts more than 70 educational programs and seminars each year, which reach more than 5,000 bankers across the state. The Association represents approximately 230 banks across the state and serves as the primary advocate for the banking industry. It’s also heavily involved in fraud training and prevention as well as legal and compliance services and communications for its member banks.

Local insurance agents have Property/Casualty insurance licenses

Daria Craig

Two local insurance agents have recently earned their Property/Casualty insurance licenses. Daria Craig and Ginny Gibbs, customer service and sales representatives for Michelle Schaefer Farmers Insurance recently passed their license exams through the Oklahoma Insurance Department.

They are now licensed for home, auto and commercial lines of business. They are also both Notaries.

“I’m proud of the professional service Daria and Ginny can now provide to our clients,” said Michelle Schaefer, agency owner. “We look forward to helping our neighbors in Edmond with their insurance needs.”

The Michelle Schaefer Agency has been appointed with Farmers Insurance since 1995. They are located at 19 E. Hurd in downtown Edmond.

Ginny Gibbs

January 2016 | The Business Times

23

business matters

Nick Massey Astute Investor

A Favorite Indicator for Market Valuation

W

arren Buffett is well-known when it comes to investing.

While he’s made a few bad calls recently, there’s no denying that he is among the best long-term investors of all time. One of his favorite valuation tools for looking at the overall market is one that looks at the ratio of total market capitalization (total market value) versus the U.S GDP number. A data provider called “GuruFocus” tracks the data back to 1970 using the Wilshire 5000 as proxy for the total market cap number.

How is that ratio looking today? You would think that after the third quarter correction, and a fourth quarter that didn’t exactly shoot the lights out, stocks might be at least modestly cheap. Nope.

Not even close.

U.S. stocks are valued at approximately 118 percent of GDP. That’s down from the highs earlier this year of 125 percent and certainly a far cry from the 148 percent we saw during the extremes of the late 1990’s tech bubble. But it’s still extremely expensive. The ratio would have to drop by another 8 percent just to get back to the levels of 2007, just before the 2008 meltdown started.

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January 2016 | The Business Times

Suffice it to say, the market is far from cheap, and that implies weak returns for the next several years. Investment returns are a product of three factors: dividend yield, economic growth and change in valuation. None of the three look great right now.

Market dividend yields are a modest 2 percent these days, and GDP growth has been just muddling along. A 2 percent dividend and 2 to 3 percent economic growth would get us to 4 or 5 percent stock returns. While not very exciting, that’s not a terrible return in this interest rate environment.

But then we get to valuations. Assuming that the market returns to its long-term average “market-cap-to-GDP” ratio, the years ahead don’t look so hot. GuruFocus crunched the numbers, and, based on current valuations, the market should return a measly 0.5 percent per year average over the next eight years.

Obviously, a lot can happen in eight years, and who knows what surprises are in store for us. But I think it’s fairly safe to say that the odds are not in your favor right now if you’re a buy-and-hold type of investor. If you want to earn a respectable

return over the next several years, you’re going to need to be a lot more active and consider strategies you might have never considered before.

Some people are value investors who enjoy looking for bargains. Others tend to focus on momentum strategies. Both value and momentum, if done well, have proven to be winning strategies over time.

My recommendation is to forget “buy and hold” for now. There is a time and a place for it, but this isn’t it. Whatever strategy you choose, make sure it gives you the ability to take risk off the table when necessary. At today’s prices, the next eight years looks like it will be a very rocky ride.

Thanks for reading.

NICK MASSEY is a financial advisor and president of Householder Group Financial Advisors in Edmond. Nick can be reached at www.nickmassey.com. Investment advice offered through Householder Group Estate and Retirement Specialists, a registered investment advisor.

Photos PROVIDED | EDMOND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

GROWING EDMOND

Ribbon Cuttings techJoYnT Academy celebrates grand opening techJoYnT Academy recently held a ribbon cutting to celebrate its grand opening at 180 W. 15th St. in Edmond. techJoYnT is a place where kids are exposed to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) in a fun way that makes it feel like play. STEM is an umbrella term that has gained much traction nationwide and is considered a vital set of skills and competencies for students to have to succeed in today’s fast-paced, technology driven business environment.

Studies have shown that there are currently 2.4 million STEM related jobs in the US. By 2020 that number is expected to grow to at least 9.2 million with that number continuing to exponentially increase, and far outpacing the number of quality STEM educated candidates.

The techJoYnT facility is host to a multitude of activities and programs for K-12 and beyond. Their programs include field trips, after school programs, day trips, spring/fall break camps and summer camps. They even offer professional development for college students, post-college graduates, educators and corporate teams. techJoYnT inspires kids with STEM using its G.E.A.R. (Game Design, Electronics, App Development and Robotics) initiative. A few of the sample courses include: Intro to Animation, Digital Graphic Arts, LEGO Robotics, Intro to 2D Games, Aerial Robotics, iOS App Development, Character Design and Humanoid Robotics.

As a part of the techJoYnT initiative, they also host several teams for STEM-based competitions such as BotBall, FIRST LEGO League, Game Design Summit, FIRST Tech. Challenge, and many more. They have recently finished building their Mobile STEM Lab, which they use to host BotBall teams at various schools. With a focus on children ages 7-14 (K-9th) techJoYnT has programs and challenges for all age ranges and skill levels.

For more information, call 345-5010 or visit www.techJoYnT.com.

Personal Touch Monograms celebrates 30th anniversary Personal Touch Monograms recently held a ribbon cutting to celebrate its 30th anniversary at 201 E. Ayers St. in Edmond. Personal Touch Monograms is a family-owned and operated business that has been serving the Edmond community since 1985. Deborah Fleetwood and her mother Julia Wolfe started the company together and continue to provide embroidery and monogramming services, as well as a variety of retail items, including sorority and fraternity gifts, baby gifts, apparel and more. For more information, call 348-3511 or visit www.personaltouchmonograms.com.

Mother Nature’s Pest & Lawn joins Edmond Chamber of commerce Mother Nature’s Pest & Lawn recently held a ribbon cutting to celebrate joining the Edmond Chamber. Mother Nature’s Pest & Lawn is a growing business that offers a variety of services to Oklahoma City and surrounding areas. Their services include pest control, termite control, attic insulation, and lawn services to keep your lawn green. For more information, visit www.pestsecret.com or call 278-8100 to schedule your free home and lawn inspection.

Payroll Vault celebrates grand opening

Eggington’s celebrates grand opening

Payroll Vault recently held a ribbon cutting to celebrate its grand opening at 923 N. Robinson Ave., Suite 400 in Oklahoma City. Payroll Vault is a national payroll company. Payroll Vault is now servicing the greater Oklahoma City area with payroll processing, payroll tax compliance, labor posters, HR library and support, background checks, drug testing, credit checks, workers’ compensation insurance, retirement programs, etc. For more information, call 492-6470 or visit www. payrollvault.com.

Eggington’s recently held a ribbon cutting to celebrate its grand opening at 737 W. Danforth in Edmond. Eggington’s started in Casper, Wyo. and is now continuing its tradition of excellence in Edmond.

Eggington’s strives to be the place to go for excellent food and service. A notch above the rest, they take pride in the quality of their ingredients.

Eggington’s specializes in breakfast, but their lunch is equally impressive.

For more information, call 285-1580 or visit www.eggingtons-hub.com.

January 2016 | The Business Times

25

GROWING EDMOND

Photos PROVIDED | EDMOND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Life Pharmacy celebrates anniversary

1-800-GOT-JUNK? celebrates grand opening

Life Pharmacy recently held a ribbon cutting to celebrate its one-year anniversary at 1260 W. Covell Road, Suite 124 in Edmond. Life Pharmacy provides many services, including free local delivery, curb-side delivery, immunizations, compounding and medication therapy management.

At Life Pharmacy you get the technology of large chain pharmacies with a small town feel. Life Pharmacy has an app for refilling prescriptions, and the staff knows you by name. They love answering questions from patients and keeping them well informed about their health. They work with both patients and physicians to formulate the best medication regimen needed to reach the patient’s goals.

For more information, call 562-4242 or visit www.YourLifePharmacy.com.

1-800-GOT-JUNK? recently held a ribbon cutting to celebrate its grand opening at 3030 N.W. Expressway in Oklahoma City. 1-800-GOT-JUNK? is a full-service, fully insured junk removal company. They offer junk removal services for your home or business. They’re the junk removal company that handles the tough stuff, and they ensure that your junk is recycled, donated or otherwise disposed of responsibly. They can take away almost any material they can fit in their trucks, without you ever lifting a finger. 1-800-GOT-JUNK? makes the ordinary business of junk removal exceptional. For more information, call 1-800-468-5865 or visit www.1800gotjunk.com.

Edmond Business Adds 17 Employees More than a dozen realtors have joined Edmond-based 525 Realty Group, the company’s owners announced recently.

525 Realty Group was launched in April of this year by mother and son team Mariana Lloyd and Benjamin Floyd.

Joining the team this month are Realtors Julie Davis, Karen Finchum, Katy Giles, Carol Grieb, Kori Hall, Jamie Hayes, Kimmi Houston, Melissa Little, Krista Lusey, Devrie Peoples, Mack Stewart, Christen Thomas, Lindsay Turner, Kirstie Wirth, Alesha Wilson and Anne Woody.

Lisa Morrison also joined the team as marketing coordinator.

All of the new hires are based in Edmond, with the exception of Peoples and Thomas, who are based in the Norman/Moore area.

“These women are some of the hardest working women in the business,” Floyd said. “Each one believes in the 525 Realty standard of providing personal service for every client, every time. We’re set on providing a team atmosphere and a support network that allows our realtors to work hard but also have some flexibility.”

“My mission is to create an environment that helps women become financially independent,” Lloyd said. “This has been a dream of mine for many years. I was a single mother and I know how difficult it is to provide a stable environment for your children as well as earn the money it takes to raise a child on your own.

“We have the one-on-one training as well as the staff to help them cross the T’s and dot the I’s, which leaves our realtors more time to do what they do best which is list and sell real estate.”

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January 2016 | The Business Times

BancFirst Edmond celebrates new location BancFirst Edmond recently held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the grand opening of its new location at 2125 N. Kelly Ave. in Edmond. The new location is just south of the intersection of Kelly and Covell.

The new office is approximately 3,400 square feet and houses six employees. This office is the second of three new Edmond branches planned for the coming years. “We are excited to open this great facility in Edmond,” says BancFirst Edmond president, Mark Lisle. “With this new location, we will be able to provide additional access for our customer base, while allowing us the opportunity to offer our experience and expertise to new customers.” Customers can visit the new location for general banking services, commercial and retail loans, treasury management services, insurance, investment services, and mortgage loans.

BancFirst entered the Edmond market in 1999 and is one of more than 25 BancFirst locations in the central Oklahoma area. Once a confederation of small community banks throughout the state, BancFirst is now Oklahoma’s largest state-chartered bank with assets of more than $6.4 billion. The BancFirst branch network currently spans 53 Oklahoma communities and includes more than 100 service locations. In 2015, Forbes ranked BancFirst in the top ten of their “Best Banks in America” and the only Oklahoma-based bank in the top 25. BancFirst has been named in the top 20 “Safest and Strongest Banks in the Nation” by Bank Director Magazine for eight consecutive years.

For more information, call 619-2270 or visit www.bancfirst.com.

Photos PROVIDED | EDMOND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Compass Benefit Solutions LLC celebrates grand opening Compass Benefit Solutions LLC recently held a ribbon cutting to celebrate its grand opening at 3815 E. Memorial Road in Edmond. Compass Benefit Solutions is one of Oklahoma’s largest benefit firms, providing health solutions to companies of all sizes. With over 100 years of combined experience, their staff is focused on meeting the health benefit and service needs of clients throughout Oklahoma and nationwide.

Compass Benefit Solutions is dedicated to providing the most competitive plans with the most efficient service and enrollment methods, and they are committed to keeping their clients’ plans compliant in all aspects, at all times.

While Compass Benefit Solutions has the experience and capabilities of a large firm, they pride themselves on providing personal service and oneon-one client relationships. Many companies have chosen Compass Benefit Solutions to provide their employee benefits because of their dedication to provide 24-hour service and efficient group enrollment processing.

For more information, call 478-3836 or visit www.compassbenefitsolutions.net.

GROWING EDMOND

Young Living Essential Oils joins the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce Rhonda Flint with Young Living Essential Oils recently held a ribbon cutting to celebrate joining the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce. Rhonda is a Wellness Educator and passionately teaches others how to incorporate essential oils into their lives in order to live a healthier, toxic-free life. Young Living has over 500 products, including genuine essential oils, oil-infused supplements, fluoride-free oral care products, non-toxic skin care items, hair care products free of SLS, and oil-infused products for your beloved pets.

Flint teaches several classes monthly but will also meet privately with individuals at no charge to show how the Young Living lifestyle can help others have a vibrant spring in their step and a contagious joy!

To find out how to get started, schedule a meeting or receive a few samples of an oil you are interested in, contact Flint at 596-5271. You can also visit her website at www.got-oils.com/yl/rhonda-flint to learn more about Young Living’s Seed to Seal process and to learn the many benefits that the oils can provide.

House of Vacuums celebrates new location House of Vacuums recently held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the grand opening of its new location at 1425 S. Santa Fe Ave., Suite B in Edmond.

House of Vacuums has been serving the Edmond community since 1976.

They enjoy meeting other business owners in the area through their membership in the Edmond Chamber, and they are pleased to help support some of the local schools, churches and other groups.

House of Vacuums sells a variety of upright and canister vacuums, as well as bags, belts, cleaning supplies and purifiers. They also employ professional service technicians for vacuum repair and cleaning. House of Vacuums also offers sewing machine service and repair.

Being a member of the Vacuum Dealer Trade Association (VDTA) for 25 years has enabled House of Vacuums to provide their customers with the information they need when purchasing a vacuum for their home. The staff at House of Vacuums enjoys talking to and getting to know customers and helping them choose the vacuum(s) and supplies that best meet their needs.

For more information, call 341-4750 or visit them at their new location.

Sarah Hail Smith joins Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce Sarah Hail Smith, Independent Sales Director with Mary Kay, recently held a ribbon cutting to celebrate joining the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce.

Smith started her Mary Kay business four years ago and has since earned three free cars, four diamond rings and a hundred other prizes.

She became an Independent Sales Director her seventh month in the business, which is a title awarded to the top two percent of the company.

Sarah is passionate about helping women look and feel great. Smith grew up in Edmond and received her bachelor’s degree from East Central University. You may also recognize her as your Realtor or Ozarka Water sales rep.

For more information, call 246-5032 or visit www.marykay.com/ sarahhailsmith.

January 2016 | The Business Times

27

LOCAL

EATS

By Van Mitchell | Special to The Business Times

W

hen Vetiana Phiasiripanyo’s business partner approached him with an idea for a new restaurant he decided it needed to be something that brought him back to the basics of cooking.

And that is on full display at the Hash Retro Diner located at 1149 E. 2nd St. in Edmond where he serves as the restaurant’s operating partner and executive chef.

The Hash is open from 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. every day.

“I fell in love the breakfast industry once I opened up my last restaurant Katie’s Country Griddle,” Phiasiripanyo said. “I wanted to go back to making from scratch. My business partner presented an idea on the table about getting into the restaurant business. I told him I wasn’t interested unless it involved multiple units. He was on board with that.”

Phiasiripanyo said they started looking at business concepts and decided that having a restaurant that focused on breakfast and lunch was the path they would take.

“I love diners and the nostalgia of it and this was the way we wanted to go,” he said.

The restaurant’s menu features a full slate of breakfast and lunch items including salads, burgers, sandwiches, sides and desserts.

“We have a collection of different dishes that have no antibodies,” he said. “We start fresh every day. I wanted to do a healthier approach to breakfast.”

The Hash opened on June 17 and Phiasiripanyo said he has been pleased with the community response.

“It is exceeding our expectations,” he said. “I didn’t expect to have the kind of success we have had so soon. It has grown every month. People are recognizing we are here.”

Phiasiripanyo, who has been involved with several other metro restaurants, said there is something exciting about working in a high pressure business.

“I love the lifestyle,” he said. “I enjoy the high pressure. I love the organized chaos of it all.”

Phiasiripanyo said future plans could include adding a second restaurant on the west side of Edmond.

“We are looking at expanding in west Edmond because we have a lot of customers that come from there,” he said. “It’s not the bottom line for us. It is the brand. Our ultimate goal is to become an Oklahoma staple.”

For more information call 471-6747 or visit their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/HRDEdmond

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January 2016 | The Business Times

LOCAL

the FIXX EATS

By Van Mitchell | Special to The Business Times

J

anelle Sparks and her husband Dan had always enjoyed cooking and thought about one day opening their own restaurant.

That idea didn’t go anywhere until Dan lost his job in 2014 and the Edmond couple made a leap of faith and become their own bosses with the opening of the Fixx located at 644 W. Edmond Road.

“We have enjoyed having friends and family over to our house for years, and often times burgers were on the menu,” Janelle said.

“I quit my job in 2013 to pursue the possibility of opening a burger place, but ended up deciding it would be really difficult to do without a partner. So the idea went to the back burner.”

She said God threw them an unexpected detour in the form of a job loss for Dan from Chesapeake Energy where he had worked almost 16 years.

Getting let go proved to be just the move the couple needed.

“When I got let go from my job I was there almost 16 years and I had this peace after leaving there,” Dan said. “I wasn’t worried. I knew I would do something. This finally gave us the opportunity to do something together.”

Janelle said they had limited restaurant experience but that wasn’t going to stop her from pursuing her dream.

“We have some restaurant experience, it was a long time ago and rather limited, but in a total leap of faith we began the journey that led us to creating The Fixx,” she said.

Janelle said she knew about the restaurant’s location after driving past it almost daily to and from work.

“I drove this path back and forth to work for seven years and I noticed all the traffic,” she said. “There was a lot of traffic but not a lot of sit-down places to eat.”

The Fixx offers a variety of burger choices, as well as other menu items including chicken, salads, chili and more. There is also a full-service bar.

Hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and closed Sunday.

Dan said they have worked hard to advertise their business and always ask each customer how they found out about them.

“We did a lot of word of mouth and we have had a lot of support from our families and friends,” he said. “We are growing and it has been a great success so far.”

Janelle said she relies heavily on her faith in making decisions.

“I have a lot of faith and I couldn’t have done it without my faith,” Janelle said. “There has been a lot of answered prayers.”

She added the Edmond community has welcomed them with open arms.

“You do feel how much people want you to be successful,” she said. “That is a nice feeling to have.”

For more information call 285-2311 or visit www.thefixx.com January 2016 | The Business Times

29

Business Book Review

by Terri Schlichenmeyer | The bookworm sez

“The Introvert Entrepreneur”

by Beth L. Buelow

c.2015, Perigee $15.95 / $20.95 Canada 272 pages

S

ometimes, you’d just like to run home.

It’s quieter there. No noise, no crowds, no networking or small talk. You’re a private person in a world seemingly filled with extroverts which makes things difficult when you’re trying to start a business. So how can you work around your need for solitude while you also need to work?

Read “The Introvert Entrepreneur” by Beth L. Buelow. It’s a good start.

People know you as somewhat of a loner. You don’t mind going solo; in fact, you rather prefer it but you can’t: you have a business to run, which creates its own challenges. Crowds are “draining,” but networking is essential. Self-promotion seems like bragging.

You like to think things through carefully, but your business needs quick answers.

Yep, like Bill Gates, Michael Jordan and Warren Buffet, you’re an introvert. The good news is that, also like them, your strengths as an introvert can actually enhance your entrepreneurship, while the obstacles you perceive could, with a little proper effort, become assets.

To begin, understand the “true definition” of introvert, and know where you stand within it. You may be surprised to see that you have attributes that lie on the extroverted side of “the spectrum,” which is normal, Buelow states. The thing to remember is that “slapping a label on you” isn’t what it’s all about.

Open up when communicating by knowing your strengths (introverts are wonderful listeners) and recognizing your challenges (we’re not always good at self-promotion). Embrace fear and remember that it “serves a purpose”; trying to be fearless teaches us nothing and besides, it’s “hogwash!”

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January 2016 | The Business Times

Know your FUDs (“fear, uncertainty and doubt”) because they represent “something that wants attention.” Learn to determine what’s a true fear and what’s just a discomfort; one is “unalterable,” while the other can be worked through. Understand that selling is not incompatible with introversion. Embrace social media; it may be an introvert’s best tool. And finally, learn to network.

“If you have to [do it] anyway, you might as well find a way to make it less painful and more profitable.”

As an introvert entrepreneur (note to my editors: Yes. Me!), I was eager to read this book. How can I change my stick-close-tohome tendencies in order to grow my business? The answer was in “The Introvert Entrepreneur,” but it took some digging.

There’s a lot of common knowledge in author Beth L. Buelow’s words, and it’s mixed in with advice from other entrepreneurs, as well as from Buelow herself. If you’ve been around the business block a time or two, that found-in-every-entrepreneurial-book-everprinted information won’t help you much.

The good stuff comes when Buelow goes past the superficial and into the real work of doing business as an introvert. There – especially in the chapters on fear and networking – are the reasons why I think this book is worth having.

In the end, I found what I truly needed here and, particularly if you’re an introverted business newbie, I think you will, too. For you, “The Introvert Entrepreneur” is a home run.

Terri Schlichenmeyer is a book reviewer in Wisconsin.

She may be reached via email at bookwormsez@yahoo.com.

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