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Only trust your home to a Pearl Network Contractor...
Gain peace of mind knowing your Anova installation is third-party certified by Pearl.
Improve your home’s energy efficiency.
Increase your home’s value by 5% or more!
How's your summer going so far? I hope you've found some time for a little R&R, whether that just means some quality pool time or a vacay to a place you really enjoy.
Welcome to our Men's issue. Here's what's in store for you:
• Were you a fan of country music singer/songwriter Toby Keith, who, tragically, passed away earlier this year after a valiant fight with cancer?
Beginning on page 16, we shine the spotlight on this extraordinary singer, songwriter, musician, producer, entertainer, entrepreneur, humanitarian, Oklahoman and patriot. Keith—who was born in Clinton, raised in Moore and anchored in Norman—left his indelible mark locally in more ways than his music and songwriting talent or business acumen. Read how generations of children battling cancer will continue to benefit from his philanthropic work here in Cleveland County.
• Each June, OKC City Lifestyle features several outstanding gentlemen whose influence extends beyond their profession into our community. This year, you’ll read (p. 26) about the owner of a business that specializes in custom indoor/outdoor architectural cast stone, the vice president and director of athletics at the University of Oklahoma, the owner of a custom home design business, and the CEO of our award-winning Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Gardens. All are outstanding not only in their professional life, but in the community as well.
• Meet Hayden Ware (p. 22). The owner of JSOC Roofing in Oklahoma City continued his family’s tradition of service by enlisting in the U.S. Army shortly after graduating from college. After attending the Ranger Indoctrination Program, he was assigned to the 2nd Ranger Battalion as part of the elite 75th Ranger Regiment in Fort Lewis, Washington. The famed regiment is the nation’s premier light infantry unit and special operations force and includes the elite Army Rangers, Delta Force and Seal teams. Hayden comes from a long line of military heroes. His father, Billy, was a Marine Corps Vietnam veteran, his grandfather, Bill Ware, served in the Navy during World War II, and his great-grandfather, Victor Hayden, was among the U.S. Army’s combat troops in World War I. Before closing, I'd like to wish all you dads out there a wonderful Father's Day. I love seeing more and more of you out there, at parks and festivals and other events, with sons and daughters in tow.
To all our readers and advertisers, I hope you enjoy this issue.
PUBLISHER
Jimmy Darden | jimmy.darden@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Jerri Culpepper | jerri.culpepper@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Tiarra “Tea” Harper | tharper0122@gmail.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Melissa "Mel" Drake
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Jerri Culpepper, Staci Elder Hensley
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Travis Caperton, Mel Drake Photography, Kaylin Hill/Kollab Creative Co., Shauna J. King/Ahh Shoot! Photography
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier
1-14:
critical funds for
and this year, more than $500,000 was raised, setting a new record.
The event raises Oklahoma City Ballet programs, 1: Latisha and Jonathan Heinlen, Susan and Steve Lobsinger, Michael and Niki McClintock 2: Stephanie and Faustino Kazenske with Mark Stout and Audrey Baggett 3: Natalie Fitzpatrick and Ashford Thomson at the Oklahoma City Ballet Ball on April 6 4: Ryan Jolicoeur-Nye, Annie Bohannon, Jo Lynne Jones 5: Rand and Jeanette Elliott mingle at the Ballet Ball, which carried the theme Coastal Cruise. 6: Brandon and Devin Trachman with Leigh Ann and Brett Price 7: Molly Collie, Presley Taylor, Tanner Jeffers, Mari Cook MedleyAfter experiencing first-hand care at Oklahoma Children's Hospital OU Health (OUHealth.com/Oklahoma-Childrens-Hospital) following a dog attack on their 4-year-old granddaughter, Fred Jones Family Foundation ( FredJonesFamilyFou ndation.com) family members are donating $162,500 to the hospital. The family expressed their gratitude by announcing Oklahoma Children’s Hospital as the 2023 Mary Eddy Jones Signature Gift recipient, in addition to personal family contributions. The gift funds an outpatient play gym, art therapy room, therapy dog park enhancements, trauma education and more.
Rosegold women’s boutique will open a second location in Casady Square Shopping Center offering men’s apparel in early June. Similar to Rosegold, the men’s shop will offer apparel and accessories from responsibly-made brands as well as luxury consignment items. Gent will host a fresh assortment of lines that are new to the region, focusing on sustainability while maintaining a moderate price point. For launch event updates, follow @gent.menswear on Instagram.
The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum recently opened an immersive, projection-mapped Find Your West exhibit, with 27 projectors and 768 LED tiles composed of over 23 million LED lights and representing work from more than 50 people from five different countries. The exhibit—the first museum project for Lighthouse Immersive, the world’s leading creator of projection-mapped immersive experiences—was made possible through generous donations from The Harold Hamm Foundation, Continental Resources and Larry and Polly Nichols.
His Music & Good Deeds Won’t Be Forgotten
ARTICLE BY JERRI CULPEPPER PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHAUNA J. KING/AHH SHOOT! PHOTOGRAPHYWhen Toby Keith passed away at the age of 62 on Feb. 5, 2024, the country music industry lost one of its living legends. As a recording artist and performer, Toby Keith built a career without parallel. The 10 billion streams, 100 million radio plays and 44 million albums sold are indications of just how far his music reached, as was writing a No. 1 single and achieving a top-drawing tour every year for more than two decades.
Among his most treasured accomplishments were the New York-based all-genre Songwriters Hall of Fame (2015), the National Medal of Arts (2021), the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (2021), and BMI Icon (2022). Most recently, Keith was named to the Class of 2024, Country Music Hall of Fame—country music’s highest honor. He will be inducted posthumously during a Medallion Ceremony on Oct. 20.
In addition, his many business interests, from his owned and operated record label, golf course and Luck E Strike tackle company to restaurants, movies, horses and a long-running association with Ford Trucks, explain how in 2013 Keith was named “Country’s $500 Million Man” by Forbes.
But locally, Keith—who was born in Clinton, raised in Moore and anchored in Norman—left his indelible mark in more ways than his music and songwriting talent or business acumen.
Keith’s annual golf classics fund the Toby Keith Foundation ( TobyKeithFoundation.org) and OK Kids Korral, a cost-free home for families of children dealing with a cancer diagnosis. The 19th installment of the charity event raised a record $1.8 million, bringing its all-total to nearly $18 million.
“I remember when I first started with the foundation 17 years ago. Someone said to me that nonprofits with a celebrity figurehead don’t last long because the person loses interest or other priorities take precedence,” said Juliet Nees-Bright, executive director of the Toby Keith Foundation.
“Nothing could be further from the truth with Toby. He and (wife) Tricia brought me on board and when we needed them, they were always there. Toby was full of ideas and resources, and yet, he was the perfect boss because he trusted us all to do our jobs.”
Nees-Bright added, “Toby decided to create a cost-free home for children battling cancer because one of his original band members had a daughter who benefited from similar services while she was receiving treatment at St. Jude’s.
“He had the dream of the Korral, created the board, named the facility and hosted his annual Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic for 19 years. Those proceeds have successfully funded the operations of our 25,000-square-foot facility. Everything inside the Korral is free of charge, from lodging to laundry. That was Toby’s vision, and his efforts made it possible.”
Nees-Bright recalled Toby recently remarking, “It’s my best gift I’ve ever given to the world” when talking about OK Kids Korral.
“What an amazing statement!” she exclaimed. “His music has touched millions, but the Korral has changed lives. The home-away-from-home he created brings joy and comfort and hope. There is nothing more beautiful.”
Keith’s local philanthropic efforts also included Ally’s House, a nonprofit group that helps Oklahoma children with cancer and their families, which was founded in 2004 and is named for Allison Webb, the 2-year-old daughter of Scott Webb, one of the country star’s original bandmates. Allison died Aug. 6, 2003, a month before her third birthday.
Shortly after Keith’s passing, Ally’s House Executive Director Linda Webb issued the following statement:
“Today we mourn the loss of Toby Keith, without whom Ally’s House would not have begun 20 years ago. His incredible talent, compassion and patriotism will be his legacy.
Ally loved Toby, as did the entire Webb family, and we salute the man and friend he was. We pray for his family and will be forever grateful for his huge heart. Godspeed, Toby.”
And in 2013, when a tornado ravaged his hometown, Keith was the face of the community and helped shoulder the cleanup with the OK Twister Relief Concert.
The impact made by this extraordinary singer, songwriter, musician, producer, entertainer, entrepreneur, humanitarian, Oklahoman and patriot will be profoundly felt for decades to come.
To learn more and/or to make a gift to the Toby Keith Foundation, visit TobyKeithFoundation.org or call 405.271.6552. Volunteers are also needed for cooking groups or groups that would like to sponsor a meal. In addition, because their clientele has weakened immune systems, the nonprofit is always in need of cleaning. Visit their website for details.
When multiple generations of a family defend their country through wartime military service, it creates a unique and special heritage. That’s why it’s no surprise that Hayden Ware—now owner of JSOC Roofing in Oklahoma City—continued his family’s tradition of service by enlisting in the U.S. Army shortly after graduating from college.
Hayden comes from a long line of military heroes. His father, Billy, was a Marine Corps Vietnam veteran, his grandfather, Bill Ware, served in the Navy during World War II, and his great-grandfather, Victor Hayden, was among the U.S. Army’s combat troops in World War I.
After earning his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Central Oklahoma, Hayden felt the strong pull of family tradition. He enlisted as an infantryman, and after training at Fort Benning was soon selected to attend the Ranger Indoctrination Program.
Upon completion, he was assigned to the 2nd Ranger Battalion as part of the elite 75th Ranger Regiment in Fort Lewis, Washington. The famed regiment is the nation’s premier light infantry unit and special operations force and includes the elite Army Rangers, Delta Force and Seal teams.
“I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to do with my degree, and it was in 2007 and 2008, right before the economic crash, so there weren’t a lot of jobs available,” Hayden said.
“So enlisting was a combination of continuing the family tradition and it being the best option for me. I played football and other sports all my life, and so the dynamics of being part of a team were similar, which I liked.”
While in the service, Hayden was deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan as part of the Global War on Terror, where he took part in more than 100 combat missions dismantling terrorist networks in and around Baghdad. In another assignment, under Task Force Red, his platoon conducted nightly raids, disrupting enemy supply lines and strongholds in both eastern Afghanistan and northwest Pakistan.
During his service, Hayden was promoted to sergeant, then later admitted to the Army’s officer candidate school. He would spend the final days of his career at Oklahoma’s Fort Sill and was honorably discharged at the rank of captain.
Returning to Oklahoma City was a homecoming for Hayden, who spent his early years in the state’s capitol city while his mother completed her master’s degree at UCO. From there the family moved to Kansas in order for his mother to pursue her doctorate in clinical psychology at the University of Kansas. Hayden would graduate from Olathe East High School in 2002.
He returned to his mother’s alma mater—where he played linebacker on the UCO Bronchos football team—and graduated in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.
ARTICLE BY STACI ELDER HENSLEYOnce out of the service, Ware spent a few years in the oil industry, but found it unsatisfying. Then he met future business partner Jerry Woods, who had been in the roofing business for more than 20 years. The two clicked, and the end result was the creation of JSOC Roofing in 2020. The veteran-owned company provides the full spectrum of roofing services across Oklahoma and Arkansas, and Hayden became the sole owner in April 2023.
“I came up with the name—Joint Special Operations Construction—as an homage to the military’s Joint Special Operations Command because I employ the very best workers in the city,” Hayden said.
“Between them, our crew leaders have nearly 70 years’ experience in roofing, painting and doing siding and gutters for residential and commercial clients. And as a roofer, you’re really only as good as the people working with you.
“We take pride in our roots as a veteran-owned company,” he added. “Our commitment to excellence is built on the values instilled during our time in the service.”
JSOC was born in the midst of the COVID shutdown, which required a significant leap of faith, but given his prior military experiences, Hayden said he wasn’t fazed.
“In 2020 everybody was going through it, and while it was a challenge, I was ready, and sometimes the best thing is to just forge ahead,” he said.
“Roofing hasn’t changed, and it never will—the goal is the same as it’s been forever. Take the old one off, and put on a new one.” (He also noted that because of its extreme temperatures, Oklahoma has the shortest roof life span of any state, with seven to eight years being the average.)
After traveling across the country and around the world, Hayden said he loves the Midwestern culture and that Oklahoma is the perfect fit. When not on the job site or office, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Samantha, a fellow UCO graduate and stay-at-home mom.
The couple has two children, Brynna and Asys, plus family dogs Hooch and Daisy. They spend time together outdoors almost every day, and particularly enjoy walks at nearby Lake Arcadia.
“I got into roofing to help people and spend more time with my family,” he said. “Everybody has a roof over their head, whether they own or rent, and repairing and replacing them has been pretty much a standard procedure for hundreds of years. What matters is when you have a professional, local team that you can trust.”
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Each June, OKC City Lifestyle features several outstanding gentlemen whose influence extends beyond their profession into our community.
ARTICLE BY JERRI CULPEPPERFrutos (“Giving Fruit”)
Hometown: Oklahoma City
Bio & Career Highlights
Genaro Arríaga is the owner of Renaissance Cast Stone, Arriagas Properties and Arriagas Auto Center in Oklahoma City. Renaissance Cast Stone specializes in custom indoor/outdoor architectural cast stone. Co-founder, Dando Frutos (“Giving Fruit”) foundation ( DandoFrutosOKC.org)
Community Service
Dando Frutos came about as a result of a comment made in December 2020 by a friend regarding a person in need of assistance (referred to him by a priest). The brothers visited the man, who had been paralyzed following a car accident and was unable to work to support his family. That visit led to many more by Genaro and his wife.
Inspired by this intervention, the brothers launched Dando Frutos to identify and help others. Disappointed by an initial lack of support, Genaro sought the help of their Bible study group, and several members agreed to help with caretaking responsibilities and fundraising efforts. Three years into the effort, the organization has succeeded in helping others, but continues to seek help to raise more funds.
“It is a good thing to give back to the community, not only because it gives you a purpose and a challenge to wrestle with, but also because it helps me realize every day how blessed I am,” Genaro says. Genaro, a catechist at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, added, “Every day the world is presenting us with many choices to make, but the correct choice is to always choose God and you will never lose, but always win.”
Favorite Quote: “With God all things are possible!” - Matthew 19:26
CONTINUED >
Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Bio & Career Highlights
Joseph “Joe” R. Castiglione began his tenure as University of Oklahoma vice president and director of athletics in 1998.
As head of the OU Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, Joe oversees 21 varsity sports programs (nearly 600 student-athletes) that compete at the NCAA Division I level and helps drive the department’s mission of creating Sooner MAGIC. OU’s athletics programs have combined for 43 all-time NCAA team championships, with 24 of those coming under Joe and with 17 earned since the start of the 2012-13 academic year.
Men’s gymnastics paces the university’s sports programs with 12 national team titles, followed by football (7), softball (7), wrestling (7), women’s gymnastics (6), baseball (2) and men’s golf (2). Living up to its “Inspiring Champions Today, Preparing Leaders for Tomorrow” mantra, OU Athletics also boasts a track record of excellence outside of athletics competition. Student-athletes have registered a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher each of the past 24 semesters.
OU will officially join the Southeastern Conference on July 1.
Community Involvement
Joe is involved in a variety of community initiatives, most notably the United Way, OU Food Pantry, and Food and Shelter.
Top 3 Honors & Awards
• Longest-tenured athletics director among all Football Bowl Subdivision schools, the highest level of college football in the country
• Six-time national athletics director of the year
• Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame inductee (2018)
Favorite Quote: “Many people beat the odds, but few try to change them.” – Unknown
Hometown: Luther (moved to Edmond in 1965)
Bio & Career Highlights
Don Hildebrand earned his associate degree in drafting and design from Oklahoma State University-OKC. He started designing homes in 1974 with Fillmore Design Group.
In 1995, he founded Don Hildebrand Home Designs (DonHildebrandHomeDesigns.com), a visionary architectural firm renowned for its innovative approach to residential design. With a commitment to blending functionality with aesthetics, the firm specializes in creating bespoke homes that reflect the unique personalities and lifestyles of their clients.
From modern masterpieces to timeless classics, Don Hildebrand Home Designs delivers exceptional craftsmanship and unparalleled quality in every project.
Community Service
• Involved in the Edmond Soccer Club for many years, serving as president in 1996-1997; he started the tournaments that are still being played.
• Board of deacons and elders at his church
Favorite quotes: “Form follows function” and “Form and Function are one.” – former ascribed to architect Louis H. Sullivan, the latter to Frank Lloyd Wright
Hometown: With a father in the military, the family lived in multiple locations.
This spring, the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden’s executive director/CEO, Dwight Lawson, is celebrating a decade of leadership at Oklahoma’s oldest and most popular cultural attraction (OKCZoo.org), with over 1 million visitors annually. Dwight has led dozens of the zoo’s award-winning capital improvement projects, which connect Oklahomans with wildlife and nature in bold new ways. Most recently, the zoo celebrated the completion of Expedition Africa, its most ambitious expansion ever.
Dwight is a founding member and vice president of the Turtle Survival Alliance, as well as a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, IUCN African Amphibian Specialist Group, Conservation Breeding Specialist Group and the Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group.
He also is a member of the Downtown OKC Rotary Club, a graduate of Leadership OKC and president of the Oklahoma City Adventure District.
• Sister Cities International Oklahoma City’s Global Vision Humanitarian Award (2024), for his work connecting Oklahomans with the world’s vanishing wildlife and wild places to spur conservation action
• 405 Magazine Business’s Social Sector’s Innovator of the Year award (2023)
• Hometown Hero Award (2022), awarded by the Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau to the OKC Zoo
Favorite famous quote: “Our task must be to free ourselves… by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty.” - Albert Einstein
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JUNE 1ST
Bluegrass, BBQ & Brews
Riversport OKC | 11:00 AM
Visit Riversport OKC this June for an evening of delicious food and live music at Bluegrass, BBQ & Brews. The festival will feature live bluegrass music from Oklahoma band The Bottom of the Barrel paired with barbecue, beer and summer activities, including tubing and surfing. RiversportOkc.org/Events/Bluegrass-Bbq-Brews
JUNE 8TH - 9TH
Will Rogers Gardens, OKC
Browse through thousands of potted plants, along with potting soil and pottery from a variety of regional vendors. The Will Rogers Gardens will be overflowing with gardening books and other tools to help you succeed in growing your own plants. Members of the Central Oklahoma Cactus and Succulent Society will also be on hand to answer questions. OklahomaCactus.com
JUNE 15TH
on the East
NE 23rd St., OKC | 3:00 PM
Juneteenth on the East will commemorate the history of emancipation in the United States. Visitors will also enjoy dance performances, food trucks, vendors, a car show, 5K and local small businesses in this historic area. Bring the whole family out to celebrate Juneteenth at this all-ages event. WithLoveOkc.org/Juneteenth
JUNE 16TH
Scissortail Park, OKC | 11:00 AM
This June, celebrate fathers and father figures during Oklahoma City's annual Father's Day Fest. This yearly event provides a safe and fun environment for family members of all ages. Enjoy live music, food trucks, inflatables and games spread throughout the park as well as local vendors selling unique wares of all kinds. ScissortailPark.org
JUNE 22ND
Stars & Stripes River Festival
Boathouse District, OKC | 9:00 AM
Celebrate the 4th of July holiday early with a day of action-packed activities. After playing a couple of rounds of yard games, savor a traditional hot dog and burger while topping it off with ice cream. When the sun sets, don't miss a scenic fireworks display over the Oklahoma River to finish out an exciting day. RiversportOkc.org/Events/Stars-Stripes-River-Festival
JUNE 25TH - 30TH
Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma presents: Mary Poppins
Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma, OKC
Everyone's favorite, practically perfect nanny takes the stage in this Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious musical adventure at the Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma Learn a lesson or two from the nanny who advises that "Anything can happen if you let it," in this entertaining production. LyricTheatreOkc.com/Shows/Mary-Poppins