FORTY UNDER 40 OKC’S UP-AND-COMING LEADERS
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Introduction This year’s class of Forty Under 40 is bold, inquisitive, creative and committed. Why? Most of its members are millennials born between the late 1970s and mid-1990s. To quote authors Neil Howe and William Strauss, who coined the word, “The millennial generation will entirely recast the image of youth from downbeat and alienated to upbeat and engaged — with potentially seismic
consequences for America.” These individuals are civic-minded, techno-savvy, environmentally conscious and creatively driven and live in an everchanging and sometimes revolutionary social media environment. This distinct blend drives millennials to invent and refine multiple platforms that drive ideas, solutions, innovation, growth and social change.
We wanted to get this illustrious group’s thoughts on happiness and what they would do if they were given unlimited resources? Here’s what they had to say: (continued next page)
Own your day in the news. PHOTOS, REPRINTS & PDF’S
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Aaron Soward Age 38 | CEO | Provision Concepts
“Happiness for me is being with my family and loved ones. It’s having the ability to fulfill my aspirations in life, to create things that will leave a mark of my existence.”
Adam Sampson Edwards III Age 38 | Chairman and Brand Ambassador | Waters Edge Winery
“Over the years, I’ve grown into what I term ‘my happy place.’ I accomplish this by making small, positive changes in my life on a daily basis and by chasing big dreams. By adopting these simple principles, I’ve learned to be very thankful for what I have and not obsess over what could be.”
Amanda Bradway Age 32 | Owner, Curator, Product Designer | DNA Galleries
“I’m very passionate about urban renewal. If resources were not an object, I would create tiny affordable homes and live/work spaces in concentrated areas that would allow artists to sustain creative careers and enjoy the same neighborly qualities we have in the Plaza District.”
Amber Sharples Age 38 | Executive Director | Oklahoma Arts Council
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“Happiness to me is an attitude rather than a feeling. Feelings and emotions are ephemeral, but happiness is derived from both personal and professional fulfillment.”
Ana Herrera
Age 31 | South Oklahoma City Community Organizer Neighborhood Alliance of Central Oklahoma
“I would support and provide resources to organizations that fight to eradicate hunger and promote education around the world. I would love for every country to have educational systems that support all types of learners and maximize the potential of every student.”
Britt Gotcher Age 37 | Regional Manager of Strategic Partnerships | Feed the Children
“If I had unlimited resources, the possibilities for making a difference in the world would be infinite. But my passion is feeding hungry children. I would use my resources to create sustainable sources of nutritious food around the world to make sure no child ever has to know the feeling of hunger.”
Charles Martin Age 38 | Creative Director | Literati Press Comics & Novels
“[Happiness is helping] build the culture I want to exist rather than searching for it on distant shores. Though writing is still a fundamental driver in my life, Literati’s ability to find and propel other emerging artists and writers is equally gratifying.”
292092418 2924 2918
Forty Under 40 Class Stats
Attended College
other 20%
OU
29%
OCU 9%
UCO 24%
OSU 18%
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Forty Under 40 Class Stats
57+29+86N 57N 57
Relationship Status
single 29%
other 8%
engaged 6%
married 57%
Elena Troya Age 39 | Adult Instructional Coordinator | Metro Technology Centers
“[With limitless resources] I would assist new business owners, providing low-interest loans like the ones that the Grameen Bank or Kiva provide. My biggest dream would be to provide means for people to help themselves.”
Elizabeth Newton Age 26 | Development Officer | Children’s Hospital Foundation
“Cheese. I’m only (partially) kidding. Happiness is being surrounded by my family and friends. Whether we’re on vacation, preparing Thanksgiving dinner or simply watching a movie on the couch, time with family is what I crave.”
Emily Frosaker Age 29 | Owner and Creator | Dry/Shop Blow-dry Bar and Boutique
“With a little inspiration from Elizabeth Gilbert combined with my life experiences so far, happiness equates to holding myself accountable, being true to my aspirations and accepting my journey as my own while constantly striving to make the most of it, stumbles and successes included.”
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Emily Rothrock Tate Age 33 | Contractor | Access Midstream
“Happiness means everyone is okay. There is enough food in the pantry, everyone is healthy, our love-cups are full and we have something to look forward to on the calendar. It’s the joy of creating or because of my involvement, an organization, work process or an event is now better, stronger or more efficient than it was before.”
Emily Williams Age 35 | Young Adult Services Coordinator | Metropolitan Library System
“I would open an art studio/ dog rescue. I’d blanket the city with books. I’d have a way to support all those great organizations that I admire, which do so much for the community already.”
Erin Rosas Age 32 | Interior Designer and Project Manager | Krittenbrink Architecture
“I believe happiness is when, at the end of the day, you can go home and enjoy what you have because you know you work hard for it and no matter what, there is always someone there who loves you for you. Happiness is that feeling of accomplishment, no matter the size.”
Legal professionals. Entrepreneurial spirits. Science experts. Tech gurus. Idea defenders. Intellectual property protectors.
12656523
Forty Under 40 Class Stats
Prepared for Retirement
nowhere near prepared
very prepared
WE ARE DUNLAP CODDING.
We are also part of a vibrant movement in Downtown Oklahoma City called Film Row. And it is much more than a place or a group of people.
12%
23%
somewhat prepared 65%
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Forty Under 40 Class Stats
Birth Order oldest 33%
middle 24%
youngest 34%
only child 9%
Estela Hernandez Age 37 | Owner/Director of Integration Services | Lone Star Construction LLC/ Age 37 | Owner/Director of Integration Services STAAR Foundation Lone Star Construction LLC/STAAR Foundation
“[With boundless resources] I would start by donating to organizations whose purpose is to strengthen families. Secondly, I would reform our education system by giving more control and resources to our teachers.”
Gilbert Magdaleno Age 29 | Festival of the Arts Director | Arts Council of Oklahoma City
“To me, happiness means enjoying my everyday life, whether it be a day at the office, at home trying out new recipes or an afternoon with family and friends.”
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR VICE PRESIDENT
LINDSAY LAIRD AND ALL OF THE
FORTY UNDER 40 HONOREES.
Jacqueline Sit Age 33 | Account Executive | Candor Public Relation
“I would open a 24/7 food resource center and cafeteria to ensure that no child would ever have to go to bed hungry. It would mean the world to me if I had the unlimited resources to feed every child in need.”
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somewhat optomistic 64%
Jeff Kline Age 26 | Associate Attorney | Bays Law Firm, P.C.
“I would work to develop better programs for America’s youth. I believe if young boys and girls become more active in community organizations, including the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, team sports, etc., our society would raise a better young generation of more civic-minded individuals.”
Jeremiah Rivers Age 30 | President/CEO | Rivers’ Edge Countertops, Inc.
“Happiness to me is knowing who I am and pushing myself every day to be a better person than I was the day before. Then using my abilities to add value to lives of those around me.”
Jessica Gwinner Age 30 | Director of Sales and Marketing | Gwinner Studios Ltd. Co.
CONGRATULATIONS! THE UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL OKLAHOMA IS PROUD TO RECOGNIZE
“Happiness means to have positive relationships with others and be at peace with myself. This happens not only when I overcome great obstacles, but in the simplicity of enjoying life. I am happiest when I invest in my relationships.”
Forty Under 40 Class Stats
64N729 64N 647 6429
Confidence in the Economy
not very optimistic 7%
extremely optimistic 29%
somewhat optimistic 6 4%
Kay Robinson DIRECTOR, STUDENT ENGAGEMENT - UCO CAMPUS ACTIVITIES
Thank you for the positive example you set for young leaders at the University of Central Oklahoma and throughout the Oklahoma City metro. It’s one of the many reasons why you are one of the okc.BIZ Forty Under 40!
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4112N323 41N 4132
Forty Under 40 Class Stats
libertarian
Political Affiliation
3%
independent 12%
none
democrat
12%
41%
republican 32%
Jonathan Fowler
Age 32 | Vice President of Operations | Fowler Holding Company
“If I had unlimited resources, I would make sure arts education was a part of every Oklahoma student’s curriculum.”
Joshua Hinkle Age 30 | Assistant Vice President | First American Bank
“I would make sure every school in the state of Oklahoma had a budgetary surplus. All programs, equipment needs, field trips, teacher workshops, media centers, classrooms, fine arts programs and early childhood development programs would never have to look for another dime to keep their activities at the highest possible level.”
Julia Adame LaGace Age 32 | Senior Bilingual Loan Officer | Bay Equity LLC
“I would spend my life giving back to my community. My children’s involvement would be of utmost importance to me. I would invest my time and money serving others in my hometown and also venture out to other places around the world.”
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Kay Robinson Age 37 | Director of Student Engagement | University of Central Oklahoma
“Happiness for me is relationships. It is my No. 1 value, and I feel most alive, happy and myself when I’m working on cultivating and growing relationships with my family, friends, colleagues and new people.”
Lindsay Laird Age 30 | Vice President | Saxum
“[With unlimited resources] I would work with a team to solve Oklahoma’s foster care challenges so every child has a loving home.”
Matthew McLarty Age 37 | Intern Architect/Designer | Bockus-Payne Associates Architects
“I would start a design and development firm that would concentrate on New Urbanism principles, it would have a side that would be a cross of architecture for humanity and bcWorkshop. I would also work on veterans’ issues and become a strong state advocacy partner.”
Forty Under 40 Class Stats
none
How many children do you have?
42% 18% 18% 16% 6%
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Forty Under 40 Class Stats
80218N 802 8018 80N
How many hours a week do you work?
right around 40 18%
40 plus
less than 40 2%
80%
Nancy Perdomo Age 25 | Community Outreach Specialist | Girl Scouts of Western Oklahoma
Russell Johnson Age 34 | Chef/Owner | Ludivine LLC/J3 LLC
“I think happiness means different things to us at different points in our lives. Right now, I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to get up every day and do something that I truly love for a living and to feel that in doing so, I get to play a small part in this remarkable revitalization that our city is experiencing.”
Sara Cowan Age 37 | Director/Co-Founder | Deluxe Oklahoma City Freelance Fact-checker | Oklahoma Today
“I would create an agency that helps girls getting out of the juvenile justice system to get back on their feet by providing them with a safe and healthy environment to live in. Many young girls have no choice but to go back to unsafe environments.”
“[With unlimited resources] I’d fund arts programs in public schools and raise all teacher salaries. Funding education is a great way to show we’re serious about progress in Oklahoma.”
Philip Wong
Sarah Bytyqi
Age 35 | Assistant Vice President | Republic Bank & Trust
Age 37 | Owner, Managing Broker and Real Estate Agent | Verbode
“I would invest my unlimited resources in the development of my community to its maximum potential. I would accomplish this by seeking the right people to constantly improve education, businesses and quality of life. Once a successful model was in place, I would expand that model to surrounding cities, states and across the globe.”
Robert Ruiz Age 35 | Marketing Manager | Plaza Mayor at the Crossroads
“I would figure out how to make sustainability a reality in order to make resources abundant for everyone. I feel like this is the root of most of our problems in the world and the solution is within our grasp.”
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“If I had unlimited resources, I would travel the world with my family for a few months every year to learn about cultures and people. My husband Andi and I would start a foundation in Kosovo to help feed, clothe and shelter families in need.” Forty Under 40 Class Stats
Where do you live?
Yukon 0%
Edmond 19% north OKC 19% west east OKC 3% OKC Midtown 16% 18% Downtown 9% south OKC/ Moore 6%
other 1%
Norman 9%
Forty Under 40 Class Stats
yes
Do you plan on staying in Oklahoma?
96%
40 40 U N D E R
no
undecided
2%
2%
Seth Cavin Age 39 | Founder and Principal Owner | Spur Design, LLC
“We are responsible for our own happiness. No other person or situation, good or bad, should make that determination for us. Our attitude and response to situations in life is key to maintaining happiness.”
Shane Jewell Age 34 | Executive Director | Oklahoma City Ballet
“I have learned as an adult we do not have the capacity for happiness as children do. We have learned too much to just enjoy the feeling. Standing in the lobby of The Nutcracker and watching all of these children about to see this classic production with Christmas right around the corner, that is happiness.”
Sheena Karami Age 30 | Vice-President, Office of the Chief Operations Officer Ackerman McQueen
“Happiness to me has so much to do with inner self. It’s about having a positive outlook and making a conscious decision to be present in the moment each and every day. Keep it simple; look for the good in every situation, be kind, do good work, smile, laugh and you’ll rarely be disappointed!”
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Forty Under 40 Class Stats
Religious Affiliation
Baptist
not religious
9%
26%
other 17%
Catholic 9%
Christian
Jewish
36%
3%
methodist 0%
Trent Willis Age 34 | Senior Vice President | RCB Bank
“[In regard to limitless funding] My desire would be to build upon those resources and provide opportunities for others, creating jobs allowing people to be more self-sufficient. People with great ideas are plentiful, and by giving these individuals a platform to build upon their specific ideas, I could help them succeed.”
Spencer Hicks
Tyler Johnson
Age 34 | Founding Member and Co-CEO | OKCcomedy
Age 37 | Vice President of Casino Operations | Remington Park Racing and Casino
“I would hire extremely bright and motivated people from all of the best companies in the world. My new company would solely focus on solving macro problems that trouble humanity, such as fresh water, education, human rights, clean air and fuels. I cannot imagine having unlimited resources and not attempting to improve humanity.”
“Happiness is laughter, a sold-out crowd’s worth of laughter. I’m happiest when I’m making others laugh.”
Stacey Pezold
Yenni Vance
Age 35 | Executive Vice President of Operations | Paycom Software
Age 37 | Digital Communications & Social Media Director Remington Park Racing and Casino & Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie
“Happiness to me means living a life of passion and purpose. I’m happiest when I am engaged in activities that are in line with the person I strive to become.”
“[Happiness is] To love and be loved. To be free. To love what I do. To have faith and dreams. To be the protagonist of positive changes in this life. To see the ones I love be successful. To be able to enjoy the little joys in life that really matter far more than tangible stuff.”
T.O. Bowman Age 29 | Interim Sustainability Director | City of Oklahoma City
“In terms of unlimited funding, I would likely create a regional, rail-based transit system in the metro area and a high-speed connection to Tulsa. Then hire Steve Martin to get all the children of the world to join hands and sing together in the spirit of harmony and peace.”
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Forty Under 40 Class Stats
Where do you work?
Yukon 0%
Edmond 20% north OKC 6% west east OKC 3% OKC Midtown 13% 6% Downtown 19% south OKC/ Moore 6%
other 12%
Norman 9%
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