OKC’S LEADERS ON THE RISE
CHRISTIN KING
CRYSTAL HEARD
HANA WAUGH
MIKE HOANG
BRYAN PORTER
KRISTAN EL-KHALED
TAYLOR FUDGE
AMANDA RODRIGUEZ
BOB FUNK, JR.
Wealth isn’t won in one move.
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NEXT: OKC's Leaders on the Rise
From real estate to business consulting, managing personal wealth to strengthening community connections with the OKC Thunder, these 10 Oklahomans are elevating their arenas and leading by example.
Influence & Innovation
Celebrating the innovators and leaders driving Oklahoma City’s business growth.
For every Oklahoma moment.
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Kendall Morgan Hammack kendall.morgan@405magazine.com
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A RETROSPECTIVE
On Their Way Up
How did Oklahoma City develop such a high caliber of leaders? It wasn’t by accident. Several of OKC’s renowned leadership development and networking organizations—such as Leadership Oklahoma City, Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, Junior League, SALLT, Polished and many more— have active, thriving chapters and members. I have always said one of my favorite things about OKC is how easy it is to get people on board with an idea. Not only is the culture here welcoming to people and companies with big dreams and visions; we encourage and become part of movements. People here make connections and support each other. From civic to corporate organizations, it’s what happens when the majority of Oklahoma City’s residents are friendly, driven doers.
We are so proud to present our first-ever issue of NEXT: OKC’s Leaders on the Rise. As we so often do, we opened this issue up to community submissions; we always have such incredible results when we collaborate with our audience. In this feature, Kristen Grace interviewed 10 of our city’s most dynamic people from 10 of its top local companies—individuals who have recently taken on new roles or started new initiatives—and Charlie Neuenschwander captured their personalities in intimate portrait sessions. They are the people shaping the future of our great city and we are honored to tell their stories (pg. 28).
Also in this issue we are thrilled to share the story of a local sweets baker who took a national stage by storm when she recently won an internationally televised baking competition (pg. 60), as well as a sleek and romantic modern home design spread (pg. 20).
In the spirit of February as the month of love, we bring you artsy date night ideas (pg. 58), and two fabulous new places to try for Valentine’s or Galentines: an Italian restaurant rich in family history (pg. 50) and a fresh greenhouse bar in Midtown (pg. 54).
I hope you and yours have a lovely and inspiring month!
Julie Partin EDITOR IN CHIEF
Bow Duel in Venice
Chouchane Siranossian, violin
Venice Baroque Orchestra
FEBRUARY 11
One of the finest period ensembles in the world, the Venice Baroque Orchestra returns to the Armstrong stage February 11, with virtuoso violinist Chouchane Siranossian. Their award-winning program “Bow Duel in Venice” features works for the violin by Baroque composers from Venice, including Vivaldi, Tartini, Locatelli and Veracini—all gifted at showing off the fireworks of the fiddle!
From Italy With Love
Three Italian Tenors
FEBRUARY 19
Direct from Rome, the Three Italian Tenors sing beloved Italian opera arias from Turandot and Rigoletto and favorite Italian love songs like “Mama” and “Volare.” Bellissimo!
February Finds
These minor touches leave substantial impressions
BY BENNETT HILL
Find romance in the little things this February. A stunning coffee and saucer set, meant to be enjoyed with the one you love most, might be set beside a picture frame topped with golden lovebirds sharing a peck. A set of romantic and feminine two-stoned studs is the perfect accessory and certainly apt for receiving the compliments that will come your way. A bubble skirt is flirty yet sophisticated, and couples handsomely with a demure Mary Jane which, like any classic love story, never gets old. Animal print adds a fierce touch to an otherwise polished look, revealing the wild side in all of us. Each piece in our closets, homes or jewelry boxes embody love in some form: timeless, lighthearted, sentimental and a little bit wild.
1.
Two Stone Mother-of-pearl Stud Earrings: BC Clark
2. Sofie the Label, Luna Dress: Refinery
3. Vista Alegre, Christian LacroixPrimavera Coffee Cups and Saucers: Millie Tucker
4. Xierna, Ryko Jacket: Edit & Co.
5. Intentionally Blank, Vandham Mary Jane: Betsy King Shoes
6. Michael Aram, Lovebirds Frame: BC Clark
deadCenter Film’s GlitterBall: Road to OZ
Photos by Doug Schwartz
deadCenter Film held its annual GlitterBall with a wondrous Wizard of Oz theme at the Oklahoma Contemporary. The sold-out event featured guests dressed in extravagant Oz-themed artistic fashion, live music, dancing, gourmet cuisine, cocktails and cinematic elements, and celebrated deadCenter’s new Executive Director Amy Janes, and honorees Anthony McDermid and Lissa Blaschke. Vendors included Kindt Steven Myers, Rocco, Mike Kinney, Photoville, Take Cover band, DJ Ostera and Constellation Brands liquor. Proceeds support deadCenter’s free statewide education programs and year-round initiatives, empowering future filmmakers and uniting Oklahoma through the art of cinema.
Bachelors Club of Oklahoma City’s 79th Annual Charity Ball
Photos by Candid Color Photography
The 79th annual Charity Ball was hosted by the Bachelors Club of Oklahoma City at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club. Vendors included Souled Out providing music and Big Apple Events, led by Willie Torres creating floral arrangements. The event raised $55,000 for the local nonprofit Focus on Home and presented 27 debutantes according to a longstanding tradition. With the $55,000 donation, the Bachelors Club has raised more than $1.2 million for the Oklahoma City community since the club started hosting the ball in 1945. Bachelors Club President Joseph Harroz selected Focus on Home as this year’s recipient, and presented the donation to CEO and founder Joli Sanders.
Checking In
Keep tabs on your health, and tap experts for advice
BY LAVINIA CRESWA
For many of us, learning how to do a selfbreast exam or self-testicular exam was part of health class in middle school. We were taught the importance of doing this monthly so that we could immediately let our doctor know if anything changed, in an effort to increase early cancer detection. However, for over 15 years, health organizations like U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists no longer recommend these self-exams.
Dr. Mitch Maddox, a family medicine physician in Oklahoma City, explained that “this is due to a lack of evidence that routine selfchecks improve outcomes, and because they may lead to unnecessary tests or procedures.” Conversely, they can also provide a false sense of security, as masses may be missed. “Even without formal self-exams, it’s still important to stay familiar with your own body so you can recognize changes and bring them to your healthcare provider’s attention,” Maddox said. Let your doctor know if you notice any skin puckering, masses, nipple discharge or have unexplained skin rashes.
In lieu of self-exams, these health organizations now recommend routine mammograms, beginning at age 40 for those at average risk. Those with a higher risk may also
require additional imaging, like an MRI, also performed annually.
But don’t forget about the rest of your body! Routine skin self-checks are important, especially for those with a higher risk of skin cancer. People with fair skin with light hair and eye color may be of higher risk, as well as those with a history of excessive sun exposure or tanning bed use, or a family history of skin cancer. “Self-skin checks can be useful for identifying potentially precancerous or cancerous lesions,” Maddox said. “Learn the ABCDEs of self-skin checks: asymmetry, border irregularity, color variation, diameter and evolution.” If you feel like a mole or freckle has a difference in any of these, schedule an appointment with your dermatologist.
Checking in with your oral health is one that is easy to forget. While it is important for everyone to take a peek inside their mouth regularly, Maddox said that it is especially important that “individuals with a history of tobacco use also monitor for lesions in the mouth, gums, head and neck.” First signs of trouble may include sores, lumps, red or white patches or a change in texture. Use a mirror to externally check your face and neck, then look on the inside of your lips and cheeks. Be sure to stick your tongue out and check all sides of it,
and say “ahh” to inspect your palate and the back of your throat. If you notice a new lump or sore that does not heal within two weeks, make an appointment with your dentist.
Maddox suggested keeping tabs on what is normal for you as a unique individual. “Changes that should prompt a visit to your healthcare provider may include changes in bowel or urinary habits, new or changing findings on the skin, hair or nails, unexplained bruising, persistent headaches, fatigue or any symptom that seems new or unusual for you.”
You are your own best advocate when it comes to your health, and being familiar with your own body is a powerful tool.
CHECK YOURSELF
Performing regular self-checks is a great first step in identifying things that may need to be addressed. Maddox emphasized, “The best way to prevent disease is to partner with a primary care provider you trust, who can help create a personalized plan based on your history and risk factors.”
She Saved My Life
Edmond resident Dawn R. had lived with the painful side effects of Peripheral Neuropathy for years. Her feet and legs hurt so intensely that every step felt unbearable. “My feet and legs were extremely painful and my doctor told me there was nothing they could do. He said I would have to take gabapentin the rest of my life,” Dawn shared.
Peripheral Neuropathy is caused by nerve damage and leads to burning, numbness, tingling, sharp pains, and reduced mobility. For Dawn, even simple movements like opening a door or using the restroom brought overwhelming discomfort. She often wondered how she could live for decades feeling this way. “How can you live for the next 30 years when you do not even want to get out of bed to do simple things?” She described the sensation as “like walking on glass.”
Dr. Toni Twitty explains that Dawn’s experience mirrors what millions face. “Unfortunately, Dawn’s story is all too familiar to the over 3 million people in the United States suffering with Peripheral
Neuropathy. Our patients come to the clinic with similar stories. They are not sleeping at night because of the burning in their feet. They have difficulty walking, shopping, or doing activities they love because of the pain. They are struggling with balance and living in fear that they might fall. Their doctors have told them to just live with the pain and they are taking medications that are not working or have uncomfortable side effects.”
Four months ago, Dawn found Be Well Acupuncture and the specialized program Dr. Toni has developed to treat Peripheral Neuropathy without invasive procedures or medications. Using the time tested science of acupuncture combined with technology developed by NASA to increase blood flow and accelerate healing, Dr. Toni and her team have created a breakthrough treatment option for this debilitating condition.
The results changed Dawn’s life. “Now when I go to bed at night I do not have the shooting pains. I do not have that burning sensation.
I do not have pain crawling up my legs,” she said. She now drives with confidence and has even returned to golf.
“It is life altering. As far as I am concerned, she saved my life.”
For more than a decade, Dr. Toni and her team have helped the community with advanced integrative medicine. They specialize in chronic pain cases that others have labeled hopeless or untreatable and consistently deliver life changing results.
If pain has kept you from doing what you love, it is time to call Be Well.
Let your golden years become truly golden.
Make an appointment today and mention this ad for an exclusive patient offer.
Be Well Acupuncture Real results. Real hope. Call today: 405-697-5121 For more information visit bewellokc.com
Pops of Pink
Bright accents and golden lighting add personality to a home designed by Nicole Rickey P. 20
Going Glam
Nicole Rickey transforms a Rose Creek home from basic to breathtaking
BY EVIE KLOPP HOLZER PHOTOS BY JASON PIERCE, NIMBLE IMAGE
When homeowner Kyleigh Brewer wanted to upgrade her Rose Creek home with more personal and distinctive designs, she turned to interior designer Nicole Rickey.
“My home before had some character, but did not really reflect my personal style,” Brewer said. “I have four boys and really wanted to add a touch of glam to reflect my personality and style.”
For design direction, Brewer referenced two vivid paintings she had commissioned from Lauren Elaine of LE Art. She loves the pieces and remembered how the local artist consulted her throughout the process on specific elements and colors.
“At the end, we decided to add metallic to pull out the gold in my furniture and fixtures— and that is one of my favorite things about the paintings,” said Brewer.
Brewer purchased a pair of blue velvet chairs to complement the art. While she knew she wanted to keep all of these items in her home, she needed help placing them within the larger context of the surrounding rooms. Rickey responded with a cohesive, creative plan.
“We literally designed the whole color scheme around those two paintings,” Rickey recalled.
Today, these special art pieces reverberate through the bright pinks and teals found in textiles, accessories and furniture. The living room, one of Brewer’s favorites, features
mirrored sofas with bright pink velvet throw pillows. (Rickey admitted she has a preference for pink, calling it her “signature color.”) The room’s symmetrical layout feels balanced and elegant, with the artwork fully celebrated.
The home’s road to transformation was not without surprises: A broken ice maker—and the ensuing flood—forced a kitchen overhaul. Rickey completely reimagined the kitchen, adding new cabinetry, a custom vent hood, a functional island and a striking circular bar area designed to be both functional and visually stunning, with marble and gold inlaid mosaic tile. Statement-making, golden light fixtures were installed in the kitchen and bar, as well as throughout the home.
DESIGNER
THE LIVING ROOM OPENS UP TO A BEAUTIFUL BAR AND KITCHEN, WHICH MAKES HOSTING A BREEZE.
A PAIR OF PAINTINGS BY LOCAL ARTIST LAUREN ELAINE (LE ART) INSPIRED COLORS FOR THE HOME.
“We accomplished a touch of glam and femininity through the light fixtures that we chose,” said Rickey.
The whole-home makeover included updates to each of the four boys’ bedrooms, and Brewer’s bedroom was reimagined with heartfelt and personalized touches. Rickey also upgraded the outdoor patio design to be more accommodating for the family.
Throughout the project, Rickey adhered to her design mantra: timeless, neutral foundations with colorful, flexible accents.
“Keep the base pieces classic, so the accents can change as life does,” she advises.
The final result? A sophisticated home that feels glamorous and intentional. Today, it is a home where Brewer enjoys hosting family and friends.
“I just wanted to help create a space for her that she was proud of,” Rickey said. “From one mother to another, that was an amazing gift.”
“Working with Nicole was a dream,” Brewer added. “I loved how well she got to know me and truly captured my style … I couldn’t be happier with how my home turned out. And I still love taking in all the beautiful details.”
FROM THE ENTRY TO THE KITCHEN AND BAR, RICKEY SOURCED STUNNING FIXTURES FROM HER LIGHTING STORE, LUXE LIGHTING.
Succession Planning: The Ultimate Act of Stewardship
From the revitalized skyline of downtown to the thriving family enterprises that anchor the local economy, leadership in the 405 is defined by vision and innovation. Yet, even the most successful leaders can overlook the single most important strategy for their company’s longevity: a comprehensive succession and estate plan.
Even if they acknowledge its importance, many business owners delay succession planning because they think it will be too complex or they simply don’t want to consider what will happen to their business when they’re gone, said Darin Drennan, wealth planner for Arvest Wealth Management’s Advanced Planning Team. As business assets often represent more than 70% of an entrepreneur’s net worth, according to recent Federal Reserve data, the absence of a plan can put decades of achievement at risk.
Despite the significant risks, many business owners delay developing a succession plan, said Drennan. “This same ‘I’ll deal with it later’ thinking is also common regarding their personal wealth,” he said. “They may assume there will be plenty of time to organize their affairs later, but unexpected events, such as an illness or accident, can force decisions under pressure.”
Many believe having a will is sufficient protection, but a will is merely a set of basic instructions, Drennan added. “Without additional estate planning tools, it must still navigate the probate process, which can be expensive and disruptive personally and to business operations.”
Where to Begin
Effective planning doesn’t have to be daunting, but it does require having the right advisors and a deliberate strategy. Drennan offered these steps to help you start the process:
• Start with a valuation. Conduct a detailed assessment of your business and personal assets, including ownership interests, intellectual property, real estate and insurance policies with a qualified valuation professional. If your successors will need financing, a professional valuation is often required by lenders.
• Build your advisory team. Include your financial advisor, accountant and an attorney who specializes in succession planning. Together, review ownership structures, tax exposure and transfer options such as gifting shares or selling equity to family members or key employees.
• Explore succession structures. Consider an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), management buyout or family limited partnership. The right choice depends on your business model, liquidity needs and long-term vision.
• Establish a living trust. A revocable living trust allows you to retain control during your lifetime, while ensuring a seamless management transition if you become incapacitated or pass away. It also avoids probate delays and maintains operational continuity.
• Create a continuity plan. Define who makes decisions if you are suddenly unavailable. Document procedures, designate signatories and outline interim leadership roles.
• Organize and communicate. Maintain a secure, centralized repository for key documents, from insurance policies to operating agreements, and share relevant materials with successors and fiduciaries.
• Review regularly. Revisit your plan every few years or following major business changes, such as a merger, acquisition or leadership shift.
• Leverage institutional expertise. Financial institutions, such as Arvest, offer dedicated succession services and continuity planning support. Our team of professionals can help execute transitions, settle estates efficiently and manage assets to sustain income for beneficiaries.
A Strategic Imperative
Succession and estate planning aren’t simply legal or financial exercises for owners. “It’s the ultimate act of stewardship,” said Drennan. “A succession and estate plan ensures that your company’s mission, culture and impact continue beyond your tenure. Having one safeguards the livelihoods of employees, families and communities that depend on your business.”
To learn more about Arvest Wealth Management services or to connect with a trust officer or client advisor, visit arvest.com/wealth.
Trust services provided by Arvest Bank. Arvest and its associates do not provide tax or legal advice. Investment products and services provided by Arvest Investments, Inc., doing business as Arvest Wealth Management, member FINRA/SIPC, an SEC registered investment adviser and a subsidiary of Arvest Bank.
Investments and Insurance Products: Not a Deposit, Not Guaranteed by the Bank or its Affiliates, Not FDIC Insured, Not Insured by Any Federal Government Agency, May Go Down in Value.
NEXT
OKC’S LEADERS ON THE RISE
by Kristen Grace photos by Charlie Neuenschwander
ver the past year, Oklahoma has attracted hundreds of new jobs by welcoming new companies, while entrepreneurs and small businesses across the state have found ways to invest in their communities. Oklahoma has become an increasingly important hub for advanced manufacturing, aerospace, energy and technology. Through community nominations, 405 Magazine has identified 10 business leaders on the rise in Oklahoma City from varied professional backgrounds. These leaders inspire through their success and philanthropic work. And all of them shared that listening carefully—to mentors, employees and customers—was a vital part of their success in the way they live and the way they seek to lead.
FEATURING
KRISTAN EL-KHALED • TAYLOR FUDGE
BOB FUNK, JR • CRYSTAL HEARD
MIKE HOANG
CHRISTIN KING • ERIN OLDFIELD
BRYAN PORTER
AMANDA RODRIGUEZ
HANA WAUGH
Hana Waugh, AIA President, Design & Build Robinson Park | Design & Build
SO MUCH OF MY JOB IS PROBLEMSOLVING AND ENCOURAGING TEAMWORK ON THE GROUND. I KNOW A LITTLE ABOUT A LOT OF THINGS. LISTENING IS SO IMPORTANT; GREAT IDEAS COME FROM COLLABORATION WITH THE TEAM.
Cord Construction Services as general contractor.
Waugh recalls, “For Perle Mesta, we started from the beginning by talking to Chef Black about his vision for the space. We were balancing many voices in the room—how to make it work for the hotel, for Chef Black, for the community. How do we turn these wild ideas into reality?
“It was a high priority to preserve the history of the Skirvin. We had to work to protect and keep the historic wall and floor tiles intact. We figured out how to cover the tile without damaging it, and I’m very proud of that. Cord Construction worked with us on protecting the tile.”
In 2025, the Skirvin Hotel was named Best City Center Historic Hotel by Historic Hotels of America, and the Journal Record recognized Waugh as a Rising Star in Architecture for the work she did for Perle Mesta. But true to her reputation for fostering collaboration, Waugh is quick to give credit to her team and to the other professionals she worked with on the ground. “So much of my job is problem-solving and encouraging teamwork on the ground. I know a little about a lot of things. Listening is so important; great ideas come from collaboration with the team. Great designers, construction professionals, architects—we need everyone’s eyes on it and to be able to collaborate.”
ince the beginning of Robinson Park’s Design & Build division in 2020, Oklahoma native Hana Waugh and her team have been elevating a blend of functionality and aesthetic excellence in projects such as the Corporate Tower lobby, FLINT Kitchen & Bar at Colcord Hotel, the renovation of the lobby at The Martinique in New York City, the Salesforce Tower Recreation Center in Indianapolis and various downtown Oklahoma City high-end office renovations.
In 2025, Waugh led her team in transforming the restaurant at The Skirvin Hilton, formerly known as Park Avenue Grill, into Perle Mesta—retaining the location’s historic charm while adding modern luxury for Chef Andrew Black. Robinson Park managed the construction on the ground and served as the lead architect for the overall project, working with Lingo Construction Services, Leo A. Daly as lead designer, Cooper House as branding agency and
What’s next on the horizon for Waugh? Robinson Park is building its own in-house general contracting service. She said, “I’m excited that we are now able to offer a more full-service experience for our clients. Now we can walk with them every step of the way through a project and steward their vision and intent from start to finish.”
After 29 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a dynamic IT and engineering professional, Crystal Heard retired in May of 2025—only to begin a new career pathway a few months later with Solomon Strategic Advisors. This time, she is focusing fully on what she calls her “soft” skill set.
Heard said with joy, “I always valued my IT skills, but as I matured, I realized that my abilities and strength in coaching and connecting others was my superpower. For many years, I was using my soft skills in organizations that I was a part of, but not my main career with the Air Force. As I matured and grew older, I began to have coworkers and leadership come to me and ask me to coach certain people at work, or to approach leadership about certain topics, sensitivity training or suicide resiliency days. So even in engineering and IT, those soft skills became very valuable.”
Crystal M. Heard, CISSP Executive Advisor, Solomon Strategic Advisors
A turning point in Heard’s career was giving a keynote address to Air Force staff about the lessons she had learned from her adversities and how she had used them to overcome. It was noticed that she connected with her mostly male audience.
Heard is a highly soughtafter speaker today for many organizations. She met Jessica Rimmer from Solomon Strategic Advisors on a technology panel they both sat on, and the two quickly realized they shared an interest in motivating people to become healthy leaders who could then multiply that health within their organizations.
I ALWAYS VALUED MY IT SKILLS, BUT AS I MATURED, I REALIZED THAT MY ABILITIES AND STRENGTH IN COACHING AND CONNECTING OTHERS WAS MY SUPERPOWER. "
When Heard retired, Rimmer reached out to offer her a position on the Solomon team. Knowing that working there would multiply her opportunities to work with groups and individuals to become stronger leaders and organizations, Heard accepted.
“Sharing all the things that I have learned! That I get to do this now with the Solomon team is an awesome opportunity and I love it.”
Heard will also be a professor of engineering at the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma Baptist University in 2026 in addition to her work at Solomon.
“I will tell my students that they will learn many job skills on the job—but they will have to keep cultivating personal and emotional intelligence all their life,” she said. “I also want our young leaders to know that their lives will have some twists and turns they won’t expect. They must have grace for themselves and their journey.”
Bryan Porter is the co-founder of Simple Modern, one of the world’s leading drinkware companies. It has partnered with the world’s largest brands: Amazon, Target, Walmart, Disney, the NFL and the NBA, just to name a few. Porter co-founded Simple Modern in 2015, scaling it from an Amazon-first startup to $250M in annual retail sales and 60+ million bottles sold. During this time, he served as Chief eCommerce Officer.
“We’re excited to have been able to give over $10 million to more than 1,000 non-profits this past decade, and we hope to do more,” he said. “Much of Simple Modern’s giving stays in Oklahoma, but a sizable amount reaches a national and international audience as well.”
When asked about what might have contributed to the success of Simple Modern, Porter said, “We were very early in drinkware to view our product as a fashion accessory rather than just a way to drink water. We think about our
Bryan Porter
President, Simple Ventures Co-Founder, Simple Modern
water bottles the way people think about shoes. Our strategy was to create many different colors—we were the first to do that in the drinkware industry, and it really resonated on Amazon.”
Porter is excited to be moving to the position of President of Simple Ventures, the holding company of Simple Modern. His focus will be finding highreturn investments through new consumer brands and serving as an advisor to Simple Modern and Trevi.
BELIEVING IN SOMEONE CAN BE TRANSFORMATIONAL. SOMEONE BELIEVING IN ME GOT ME OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE AND LIT THE FUSE ON MY PERSONAL GROWTH.
Asked for advice he would give to future leaders, Porter said, “Believing in someone can be transformational. Someone believing in me got me out of my comfort zone and lit the fuse on my personal growth. First-time leaders: Create an environment where your people experience both high challenge and your belief in them. Also, people want their leaders to be transparent. People will follow a leader who is honest with them.”
Simple Modern has simple, yet revolutionary, ideas about how to promote its company culture. Porter said, “At this company, we prioritize lunches together at the same table. Relationships tend to grow the most over a meal. It’s a good way to share our values and our lives and to prioritize encouragement over competition at this company.”
Porter summed up what Simple Modern is all about: “We view business as a force that can be very positive in the world. We want to rethink what for-profit business can look like. We want to continue to give generously. People should be the focus of the company. Employees growing personally and professionally. Partners treated relationally and valued as humans. Customers whose lives are better with our products. Non-profits more resourced to fight injustice.”
NEXT: OKC’S LEADERS ON THE RISE
I’M WHERE I AM TODAY BECAUSE I TOOK SOME LEAPS BEFORE I WAS COMPLETELY READY. I TELL OTHERS TO DO THE SAME AT TIMES—FIND YOUR STYLE AND YOUR VOICE AND LEAD BOLDLY.
Rodriguez then got a call from Governor Stitt’s team: “I thought it was a prank call at first. But Gov. Stitt wanted to tighten up financial processes, align state agencies and CFOs, help support the legislature and the cabinet and transform the budget—and [he] needed someone who could deal with difficult personalities while doing it. I took that role, and it was an incredible experience. It was wonderful to serve my state in that way.”
From there she was recruited by Accenture, one of the largest consulting firms in the world. “I loved being of service to others. Their expertise was incredible,” she said. “But I wanted to create a personal experience for our clients—infuse some hospitality aspects so that our clients feel surrounded by care. Sometimes we get a call from a business on the verge of insolvency, and we have to spring into triage mode immediately. I love that LYT is prepared do that.”
Amanda Rodriguez CEO and co-founder, Lyt Group LYT Group | Local Consulting Firm Operational
Efficiency Solutions | Oklahoma City, OK
n a 37-hour flight back from India a few years ago, Amanda Rodriguez and a co-worker began planning their own Oklahoma-based consulting and advisory firm to serve businesses of all sizes. In September of 2023, they launched LYT.
“We can offer all of the services a small business might need,” Rodriguez said. “We spent years in our careers learning accounting, finance, risk, audit, program and project management, strategy and process improvement and technology. We are long-time Oklahomans and we care so much about our state, and I think that resonates with people. We want to pour back into our businesses in this community.”
Rodriguez’s impressive career started at Chesapeake Energy, where she worked for 13 years. “I watched extreme growth happen during those years, and when we were facing bankruptcy, I became known as the ‘fixer’ through all areas of accounting,” she said. “Doug Lawler, the CEO at the time, pulled me into my first board meeting. I was asked to lead an internal audit. My goal was to form relationships, connect and support our teams in every single way that I could.”
In 2026, Rodriguez and her team at LYT are expecting an incredible season of growth. “The last two years have been about getting started, proof of concept, and our community has responded to it incredibly well. And I am ready to go; I want to measurably impact our clients. Everything is about the impact on the bottom line and driving results. We are evolving our identity to match the scale of our ambition. Lead with purpose, deliver with excellence and create transformative results for every client that we serve. I am so excited about this high-growth stage that we are about to walk into.”
Rodriguez’s advice to new leaders is not be a leader in title only. “Lead boldly through your actions,” she said. “I’m where I am today because I took some leaps before I was completely ready. I tell others to do the same at times—find your style and your voice and lead boldly.”
NEXT: OKC’S LEADERS ON THE RISE
Bob Funk, Jr. CEO, Express Employment International
025 was a year of upheaval for Express Employment International, and a year of grief and change for Bob Funk, Jr.
Bob Funk, Sr. and his best friend, Bill Stoller, founded the company in 1983. Since its founding and under their leadership, Express has grown into one of the largest privately held staffing companies in the world. Both men died within months of each other in 2025. As planned and prepared for, Funk, Jr. stepped up to become the company’s CEO and president.
In March, Bill Stoller said about him, “Bob is the perfect fit to step into this role. His passion for empowering entrepreneurs and his drive to provide hope through employment to millions of individuals and families are core to who he is. With his innovative mindset and strong leadership, I am confident that Express will continue its growth and success.”
LEADERSHIP IS A PRIVILEGE, AND YOU MUST ALWAYS TREAT IT THAT WAY. LEADERSHIP IS ALWAYS PERSONAL.
WHEN YOU LEAD, YOU ARE LEADING THE PERSON, YOU AREN’T LEADING THE DEPARTMENT.
Funk said, “I grew up in this business along with my mom and dad, who were serial entrepreneurs. We didn’t really talk about typical family things at the dinner table. When I stepped into this role, my goal for the first six months was just stability and continuity for our company. We lead best through influence and support—not control or mandate. I came in to calm the waters after losing the company’s founders.”
When asked about the vision for his company’s future, Funk is quick to answer. “At Express, we want to put a million people to work. Right now, we have 500,000 to 600,000 working. And for every person we put to work, we positively affect two others. If we can put a million people to work, that’s three million people that we have positively impacted. I believe that there is no better way to impact someone’s life than to provide a work opportunity. I firmly believe in the power of our work to create lasting change and build stronger communities.”
Funk is very intentional about the way meetings happen at Express: “They are a collaborative experience here. Everyone must bring their voice and participate. If we all agree, someone must argue the other side so that we can think through that perspective.”
Speaking to the next generation of young entrepreneurs and business leaders, Funk emphasized, “Leadership is a privilege, and you must always treat it that way. Leadership is always personal. When you lead, you are leading the person, you aren’t leading the department. The only thing that matters is the relationships you make and the people that you impact during your lifetime.
“Leadership is about empowerment, not position. Develop the people that you work with. Succeed together or die alone.”
There is a story that Christin King loves to tell that illustrates how important grocery stores are to the local economy of communities:
“Grocery is local. When we were building our communities, the first thing that they would build is a church, then a school, and then a store. That’s how involved grocery stores should be in our communities.”
HAC, Inc., headquarters are in Oklahoma City, and the prominent grocery chain has a significant presence in Oklahoma. As of 2021, HAC operates grocery stores under several well-known banners, including United, CashSaver and Homeland. Among these, Homeland stands out as HAC’s largest banner and is recognized as the largest locally owned grocery store chain in Oklahoma. HAC has been entirely employee-owned since 2011.
King explained, “This is important because when you shop at Homeland, you are putting money back into your local community and to those employee owners. Our employees have stock in the stores and are there to serve their
Christin King
Vice President of Brand, Digital & Communications, HAC, INC
communities, neighbors and friends. This is why we have such incredible customer service; when you shop at Homeland, you give back to your neighbors and friends. The people who work at our stores are so invested they are more likely to say hello and to go out of their way to help you find whatever it is that you need. The customer service is what sets these stores apart from big box chains.”
BUILD AND CULTIVATE RELATIONSHIPS WITH PEOPLE, AND REMEMBER THAT OKLAHOMA IS A VERY SMALL NETWORK OF PEOPLE. INVEST IN THE PEOPLE AROUND YOU—THAT MOMENTUM WILL CARRY YOU ON.
King is the leader of strategic marketing and partnership initiatives at HAC, and focuses on driving growth and engagement through campaigns, media plans and public relations. She said, “Collaboration is at the heart of what I do. At the end of the day, my mission is simple: Create marketing that matters. So many things end up in the Marketing Department. Building relationships with community partners is one of the largest parts of my job.
“We did a Turkey Giveaway for Thanksgiving and gave away 400 turkeys. For Christmas we had a Grab and Give, where our customers could donate $10 and help fund an entire meal for a family in the community. We serve so many communities across Oklahoma. I love working with the Thunder and with OU, and with other partners like the Oklahoma City YMCA and the Regional Food Bank. But I also love working with our smalltown stores who support their local school wrestling program, or the drive to raise money for band uniforms.”
King’s advice for new leaders?
“If you are working in Oklahoma, you will meet people and five years later, you will meet them again. Build and cultivate relationships with people, and remember that Oklahoma is a very small network of people. Invest in the people around you—that momentum will carry you on.”
ne year ago, the Oklahoma City Thunder promoted Erin Oldfield to Vice President of Community Engagement and Executive Director of Thunder Community Foundation. This past year, Oldfield has worked on a new strategic plan to enrich the Thunder’s civic and non-profit partnerships. She said, “We set out a new vision for what we wanted the foundation to do moving forward. We wanted to make sure that our donations reflect community needs. Last week, we launched our community foundation grant cycle, which is something we have never done before. We put $100,000 into the community on Giving Tuesday. Our goal is to create lasting, long-term change through deeper investments, not just through goodwill but through strategic, sustainable finances and resources.”
Oldfield said her team hosted “listening events” and spent time researching existing data from some non-profit community partners. “This year we spent time listening to our community partners, finding out what was truly helpful
Erin Oldfield
Vice
President, Community Engagement & Executive Director, Thunder Community Foundation
for them and what they needed. We would rather go a mile deep with them than a mile wide.”
When asked about her vision for the future, she said, “We are trying to stay in touch with what is coming next. I’m excited about a new program called Youth Innovation Pathways. We received a grant from Google for the first time this year that will allow us to set up a program in schools called Innovate-ED. This is brand new, but it will allow teachers to help their students explore machine learning and STEM. We must be forwardthinking in our giving and service to the community.”
THIS YEAR WE SPENT TIME LISTENING TO OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS, FINDING OUT WHAT WAS TRULY HELPFUL FOR THEM AND WHAT THEY NEEDED. WE WOULD RATHER GO A MILE DEEP WITH THEM THAN A MILE WIDE.
Oldfield said, “My favorite thing about my job is being a part of the growth of the organization. I have worked for non-profit organizations my entire career. When I saw the opening at the Thunder, I jumped at the chance to work for a world-class organization that truly embraces and emphasizes the importance of making a positive impact within the community.”
Her advice to young people who are interested in a career path like hers? “I am dedicated to service. The Thunder is my vehicle for maximizing what I want to achieve in my personal career; how I want to invest my personal time. I got here because I was service-led. I was so excited that this position existed with a team that I love as a fan. But I think that you need to be willing to do hard work, quietly and consistently.”
To get involved with the Thunder Community Foundation, fans can participate in initiatives, including bidding in online and in-game auctions; purchasing raffle tickets; and supporting the general fund. The work of the Thunder Community Foundation is made possible thanks to the support of generous fans, the community and corporate partners.
YOU ARE WHO YOU ASSOCIATE WITH. FIND PEOPLE WHOM YOU ADMIRE AND WANT TO BE LIKE AND SPEND TIME WITH THEM. CONNECT WITH THEM.
into our garages, the door shuts and we don’t have a chance to say hello to our neighbors.
“Architecture tends to reflect the values of a culture. As our houses have grown with our wealth, the bedrooms and closets have gotten bigger. The front porches and front yards have disappeared or shrunk significantly, while backyards have grown. We are inventing ways to isolate from one another and from our neighbors. We value our belongings and our privacy over community.
"We [at KM] try to be thoughtful about our architecture. Our homes are built with front porches, so that if your neighbor is out walking their dog, hopefully people will have a chance to say hello and meet one another. We bring a gift card when someone moves into one of our neighborhoods and have all the neighbors sign it, introducing them to the people around them. It’s their first introduction.”
Mike Hoang Owner and Founder, KM Communities Former President and Founder, Asian District Cultural Association
ike Hoang, owner of KM Communities and former president of the Asian District of Oklahoma City, is talking about his passion: using business to benefit the Oklahoma City community. “Business isn’t just about making money; it should benefit others as well. With KM Communities, I wanted to make money so that I could also donate to charities and provide a good living for my employees. But more than that, I love the idea of social entrepreneurship—the work you do can also work for the betterment of your community.”
KM Communities is a social enterprise in Oklahoma City that focuses on community development through real estate investment. It buys, renovates and rents homes, with a commitment to giving 20% of the profits back to the communities through local initiatives like tutoring and mentoring children in the neighborhoods it operates in. It also emphasizes building community relationships.
Hoang explained, “I get excited about the ideas of place-making and accidental community. Right now, we are the most connected we have ever been, yet the loneliest we have ever been. We have social media and texting. We drive
Hoang was born in Oklahoma. His father was a veterinarian in Vietnam and came here after the Vietnam War, where he had to work as a dishwasher while learning English and studying at night to get his degree again.
Hoang remembers how hard both his parents worked during this time to support the family. Perhaps their tremendous work ethic and need to find a new community at that time inspired him to build communities that benefit everyone.
In speaking to young people who aspire to become business leaders, Hoang advises, “You are who you associate with. Find people whom you admire and want to be like and spend time with them. Connect with them. Even if you can only read their books or listen to them online, seek your mentors out.”
BE OPEN AND MINDFUL TO ADVICE AND CRITIQUE. YOU WILL MAKE MISTAKES; EVERYONE DOES. BE READY TO STEP IN AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY.
As part of her journey to the position she holds today, El-Khaled graduated from the Cannon Financial Institute’s Trust School with honors in 2020 and holds the ABA’s Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor designation. “I have been a trust officer for about four years now. It is my passion. All along the way, the people in my office mentored me and helped me grow. They helped make me who I am today,” she said.
Having benefited immensely from being mentored, she gives back in mentoring others: ElKhaled is in her third year at Positive Tomorrows, where she meets one-on-one with a student once a week. She also serves on the board of directors for Calm Waters, which offers free grief support and counseling, and spends time providing free finance education to seniors, with the Seniors Living Truth Series. “They meet at Francis Tuttle Moore-Norman and at the Rockwell campus. I try to answer any financial questions they might have.”
Her advice to young leaders? “I would tell them to always be open to learning more about your resources and your mentors. Be open and mindful to advice and critique. You will make mistakes; everyone does. Be ready to step in and take responsibility.”
Kristan El-Khaled
Vice President, Trust Officer Arvest Wealth Management
ristan El-Khaled knows hard work and determination. In 2007, she was 19 years old and started as a teller at Arvest Bank. Today, she is Vice President, Trust Officer. From the time she was 18 years old until 2020, El-Khaled, a native Oklahoman, has worked two jobs. On top of working 60 hours a week, there were years when she attended college at night to earn a degree from UCO. Much of her hard work took place as she and her husband were raising their two daughters.
When El-Khaled says, “A good leader often grows from the bottom up. They know what their employees are going through,” you know that she is speaking from her own hard-won experience.
Taylor Fudge joined Claims Management Resources in 2009, the third generation managing partner of his family’s debt collection companies. His diverse background in legal, insurance and client relations brought innovation and growth to the legacy his grandparents and father started.
In the late 1980s, Taylor’s father, Chip Fudge, was asked to help with some property claims Southwestern Bell was struggling to recover. It was a lightbulb moment that opened his eyes to new opportunities. “My dad figured out that he liked negotiating with an insurance carrier and an insurance adjuster versus somebody with a past-due telephone bill.”
Claims Management Resources (CMR) began in Oklahoma City, which its headquarters and employees still call home. “We have over 35 years of
Taylor Fudge
Managing Partner,
Claims Management Resources
experience increasing recovery dollars on property damage claims for Departments of Transportation and utility companies,” Fudge said. “We provide claims recovery solutions for physical assets damaged in accidents such as utility poles, street signs, guardrail systems and underground facilities.”
CHECK YOUR EGO AT THE DOOR. LEAD WITH PURPOSE AND INTEGRITY. IF YOU THINK THAT YOU ARE A LEADER AND NO ONE IS FOLLOWING YOU, YOU’RE JUST OUT TAKING A WALK.
When asked about how he brings new employees into the culture of CMR, Fudge replied, “Our cultural transparency is essential. We believe there is a lot of power in sharing information and being informed about what is happening in our organization. We are only successful if we recover money for our clients. We believe in healthy competition, where we share a strong work ethic and work together. We also believe in working in teams, and we think that has brought us success today.
“We are looking for people who have a strong work ethic, a sense of urgency and the ability to be a team player—and at the end of the day, we want our people to go home and live their lives. I don’t need our employees to have a college degree; just smart, hardworking people.”
How is Fudge looking to the future of his company? He replied, “We are trying to grow the organization using new technology such as Lead Six Sigma. I want to find every tool possible to give our employees to recover their claims, close the file and move on to the next client as quickly as possible.”
Fudge’s advice to young leaders? “Check your ego at the door. Lead with purpose and integrity. If you think that you are a leader and no one is following you, you’re just out taking a walk.”
Brian Fayak
LEADING GROWTH WITH PURPOSE AT NEXTEP
Leadership, at its best, balances progress with people, and that balance defines Brian Fayak’s approach as CEO of Nextep. Since its founding in 1997, Nextep has evolved from a one-person operation into a nationwide human resources partner serving businesses across all 50 states. Fayak’s leadership style, rooted in service, transparency, and trust, has been instrumental in guiding that growth and shaping the company’s culture.
At a time when HR solutions are increasingly automated and impersonal, Fayak has focused on building a company that blends advanced technology with genuine human connection. Nextep’s PEO services, including payroll, benefits, compliance, and risk management, simplify operations for small and midsize businesses, helping owners feel supported and confident as they grow.
“We know small businesses drive employment and growth in this country, but they often struggle to offer timely, compliant HR services and Fortune 500-level benefits,” said Fayak. “It is our collective responsibility at Nextep to enhance people’s lives by empowering small businesses.”
What distinguishes Nextep is not just what it offers, but how it operates. Under Fayak’s leadership, the company has earned national recognition for customer service and workplace culture, reflecting a belief that strong internal values build trust and improve client outcomes. Transparent pricing and a service-focused mindset reinforce confidence in Nextep’s integrity and long-term commitment.
Beyond business, Fayak views leadership as a responsibility to the community. Through the Nextep Gives Back Foundation, the organization supports outreach initiatives nationwide and is nearing a milestone of one million dollars donated, reflecting his dedication to creating impact beyond the workplace.
For Brian Fayak, innovation isn’t just about scale or technology. It’s about building something lasting, ethical, and people-driven. This focus on meaningful, enduring progress aims to inspire confidence and respect in Nextep’s ongoing role in shaping the future of work.
1800 N Interstate Dr #119, Norman, OK 73072
Phone: 888-811-5150
www.nextep.com
Hart Brown, Saxum
WHEN THE STAKES ARE HIGH, CLARITY BECOMES THE ADVANTAGE – HART BROWN IS HELPING LEADERS NAVIGATE TRANSFORMATION WITH PURPOSE, NOT NOISE.
For Hart Brown, transformation has never been about chasing what is new. It has always been about helping leaders make decisions that hold up when conditions are uncertain, and the consequences are real. As President of AI and Transformation at Saxum, Brown works with executives who face those moments regularly, when technology is moving faster than policy, when public trust matters as much as performance and when the wrong call can echo far beyond the boardroom.
Brown’s career has been shaped at the intersection of innovation and responsibility. From advising organizations on artificial intelligence strategies to contributing to conversations on emerging technology policy, his work reflects a consistent belief that progress matters only when it is paired with accountability. He is known not for selling tools or trends, but for helping leaders ask better questions about how change should be introduced, who it serves and what it reshapes in the process, fostering trust in his leadership.
That philosophy is evident in Anticipate, a scenario-based planning and simulation platform Brown helped shape at Saxum. Rather than assuming the future will behave as expected, Anticipate gives leadership teams a way to work through multiple possibilities before urgency takes over, and helps to foster a sense of preparedness. By combining disciplined scenario planning with signal intelligence and machine learning, the platform enables leaders to test decisions, recognize early indicators of change and act
with intention rather than react under pressure, instilling confidence in their ability to navigate uncertainty.
Much of his work today centers on guiding organizations that operate in high-scrutiny environments, from public institutions and nonprofits to private enterprises whose decisions affect communities and public confidence. Brown brings a work perspective shaped not only by technology but by service. His involvement with education systems, humanitarian organizations, and international development efforts has reinforced his view that leadership in innovation carries a broader obligation to people, not just performance metrics.
At Saxum, Brown leads the firm’s AI and transformation practice, inspiring trust as he helps executive teams translate strategy into action, guiding them from uncertainty to clarity, from intention to momentum. Colleagues and clients see his steady, direct style as a source of confidence, especially when the stakes are high and the margin for error is thin.
In a marketplace crowded with voices promising disruption, Hart Brown has built a reputation for something quieter and more enduring. He helps leaders navigate change with discipline rather than noise, foresight rather than urgency, and responsibility rather than hype. Through his work at Saxum, Brown continues to show that true innovation is not defined by how fast organizations move, but by how well they lead when it matters most.
Dan Rotelli, Business Imaging Systems
LEADING WITH RESTRAINT IN AN ACCELERATED WORLD –
HOW DAN ROTELLI IS SHAPING A MORE THOUGHTFUL FUTURE FOR AI IN OKLAHOMA
For Dan Rotelli, innovation has never been about moving fast for the sake of speed. It has always been about moving deliberately, with a clear sense of responsibility for what technology changes and who it affects. As CEO of Business Imaging Systems, Rotelli has spent decades helping organizations modernize and his influence today is most visible in his guidance on Oklahoma’s approach to artificial intelligence.
Rotelli joined BIS early in his career and grew alongside the company, learning every layer of the business before eventually purchasing it. That long view has shaped his leadership style. He is not interested in quick wins or flashy promises. Instead, he focuses on building systems that last, relationships that hold, and strategies that make sense in the real world. Under his direction, BIS has moved from traditional document and imaging services into a new chapter centered on secure, practical AI adoption.
At the heart of that shift is Grooper, the company’s AI-enabled document processing platform. Rotelli helped shape its direction with a simple goal: to make advanced technology usable in the environments where organizations operate. Whether on-premises, in hybrid systems, or in the cloud, Grooper was built to give customers control, transparency and confidence as they automate critical workflows.
That same philosophy guided Rotelli’s most ambitious internal investment, Aristotle, a secure, on-premises AI system that BIS owns and operates. In a time when many organizations rely entirely on public platforms, Rotelli chose a different path. Aristotle exemplifies local stewardship, allowing BIS to test emerging tools, evaluate risks, and
explore capabilities without compromising data ownership or security. It reassures the audience that responsible innovation is rooted in accountability and local control.
Aristotle, the multi-million-dollar secure AI node owned and operated by BIS, is one of the most advanced systems of its kind in Oklahoma. Rare in scale and capability, it reflects Dan Rotelli’s outcome-driven leadership where technology is measured not by flash, but by how effectively it helps clients perform better, faster, and more securely across BIS’s two campuses.
Those who work with Rotelli often describe his leadership as steady and practical. He encourages organizations to start small, prove value, and scale responsibly. This deliberate approach fosters trust, showing his commitment to longterm, responsible AI development that the audience can rely on and respect.
Beyond technology, Rotelli’s influence extends into the community he calls home. Alongside his wife, Terra, he has helped foster a culture at BIS that values service as much as success, supporting veterans, local artists, youth programs, and organizations that strengthen Oklahoma’s civic fabric. This community involvement demonstrates his commitment to making a meaningful difference beyond AI, inspiring the audience with his holistic leadership.
In a moment when artificial intelligence is often framed as a race, Dan Rotelli is offering a different model of leadership in Oklahoma, favoring clarity over hype, trust over shortcuts and progress that earns its place. Through his work at BIS and his long-standing commitment to Oklahoma, Rotelli is helping shape a future where technology moves forward with intention, not distraction.
Redefining Financial Services in OKC: One Conversation at a Time
WYMER BROWNLEE WEALTH STRATEGIES
At Wymer Brownlee Wealth Strategies, the question isn’t “What do you need?” It’s “What’s your story?”
That distinction matters. This local firm understands that financial life touches everything: marriage, kids, community, even legacy. So over the past 20 years, they’ve built something different. A partnership based on depth, trust, and the understanding that money is never just about money.
“Anyone can focus on the numbers,” explains CEO Kyle Brownlee. “We want to know you. Your goals. Your family. What you’re building toward. We want people to feel heard and seen.”
That looks like a team who remembers your daughter just started college. Who calls to check in after you lose a parent. Who doesn’t just celebrate your business wins, but sits with you through the hard seasons of life.
This extends to how the firm operates, too. While many people work with separate firms for investments, insurance, and tax planning, Wymer Brownlee brings it all under one roof. Their team of wealth advisors, tax strategists, and accountants work from the same page. So investment strategies consider tax implications, retirement plans reflect business goals, and nothing falls through the cracks.
Because when your advisors know your story, they can build a plan that fits your life, not just your numbers.
Phase2
BUILDING OKLAHOMA’S DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE, ONE PARTNERSHIP AT A TIME
For nearly 30 years, Phase2 has been the technical force behind some of Oklahoma’s most critical systems. The company partners with state agencies, healthcare organizations, energy companies, and enterprises across the region to solve complex problems through strategy, engineering, design, and applied AI.
Phase2 has built systems that serve millions of Oklahomans, from modernizing legacy infrastructure for public agencies to developing AI-powered platforms that transform how businesses operate. When organizations face their toughest technical challenges, they turn to Phase2 because the team has proven they can deliver enterprise-scale solutions with reliability clients don’t have to think twice about.
As a 100% employee-owned company, each engineer, designer, project manager, and operational team member at Phase2 has real ownership in client success. This ownership
mindset translates into technical excellence and lasting partnerships that span years, not just projects.
“Some of Oklahoma’s most important organizations trust us to solve their hardest problems,” said Heath Clinton, CEO of Phase2. “We’ve built that trust by showing up with cutting-edge expertise and genuine care for nearly three decades.”
Based in Oklahoma City with a 100% onshore team and employees in 10+ states, Phase2 brings world-class engineering capabilities while remaining focused on relationships and true partnership. The company specializes in strategic consulting, software engineering, applied AI, UI/UX design, and more. From digital transformations to secure, mission-critical systems, Phase2 is committed to building technology that strengthens organizations and creates lasting impact across Oklahoma and beyond.
GRAVITRAX: STARTER SET MARBLE RUN
Vilona Michael V.MARKETING
V. Marketing is a full-service marketing agency built on relationships, creativity, and results. Founded by longtime connector and strategist Vilona Michael, the agency specializes in influencer marketing, social media strategy, PR, and brand storytelling that helps local and national brands authentically connect with their audiences.
For more than 16 years, V. Marketing has helped shape Oklahoma City’s growth by partnering with developers, nonprofits, restaurants, entertainment districts, shopping centers, and major organizations, including a professional sports team and large-scale community projects. Known for its white-glove service, the agency takes a highly personal, hands-on approach, curating meaningful partnerships and campaigns that feel authentic rather than transactional.
Vilona’s deep relationships across diverse communities, combined with her ability to amplify a brand’s story through trusted voices, sets V. Marketing apart. With a passion for supporting local businesses and elevating the people behind them, V. Marketing continues to play a key role in building a more vibrant and connected Oklahoma City.
www.vilonamarketing.com 405-308-7170
vilona@vilonamarketing.com
Instagram: @vmarketing LinkedIn: Vilona Michael
Photo by Ely Fair
DINING
Carletti's shares family recipes with lore and amore. P. 50
From Italy, With Love
Family stories combine and continue at
Carletti’s
BY MATT KIROUAC PHOTOS BY RACHEL MAUCIERI
t’s a tale as old as time: Two Italian families, intertwined by friendship and marriage, in the kind of globe-spanning love story usually reserved for the big screen. It all led to Carletti’s — a new Italian restaurant rooted in history and heritage, a staggering feat of historic preservation and the culmination of a veritable fairy tale that saw two Italian families cross the ocean to start anew in Oklahoma.
“To me, this is a museum of Oklahoma history,” mused Gina Foxhoven, one of the three historic preservationists — along with Chip Fudge and Larry Davis — behind Carletti’s, and the great-granddaughter of the restaurant’s namesake. As we chatted, overlooking sweeping views of the distant downtown skyline, that image of an edible museum comes to light. It’s in the vintage photos lining the walls, harkening back to when this space was the original Kentucky Club, a Prohibition-era speakeasy from 1939. It’s in the prints of people arrested here, for gambling and vice in the once-hidden social club.
That bucolic vision is in C&R Grocery, the rural Haileyville grocery that the Carletti and Ravaioli families built after emigrating from Italy, now revived as a small market in front of Carletti’s that’s stocked with sausages and cheeses from Lovera’s in Krebs. And it’s in the tear in Foxhoven’s eye as she reminisced about her uncle Robert, a wellspring of family history and inspiration, whose detailed stories laid the foundation for the restaurant’s branding. He passed away shortly after sharing his final story with Foxhoven in early 2025, and she announced the restaurant concept — steeped in family history — at his funeral. “I had been sending my new branding to him, and his family said on his deathbed he was smiling ear to ear,” she recalled. “It was a special gift to give him at the end of his life; the gift of the completion of writing our family story.”
That story, stemming from Giovanni Carletti operating a grocery store and boarding house in Haileyville, where he met fellow Italian immigrant Roberto Ravaioli, is woven into every facet of Carletti’s, along
BAKED COD AL LIMONE
THE KENTUCKY CLUB
NONNA'S LASAGNA, GIOVANNI'S MEATBALL, AND "RAVAIOLI" BOLOGNESE
with a suave new iteration of The Kentucky Club in the rear of the space. The two patriarchs became fast friends, and eventually in-laws, when Carletti’s daughter Palma married Ravaioli’s son Tony. Said Foxhoven, “It’s this epic love story that crossed the world and met in small-town Oklahoma.”
And today, that story continues at Carletti’s and The Kentucky Club, two beautiful concepts under one roof, intertwined as sincerely as the Carletti and Ravaioli families. Two-thirds of the space is Carletti’s, which features C&R Grocery in the front, followed by a lofty dining room, a private event space called the Horseshoe Room, a custom video wall depicting family footage and rows of curtained booths in cozy crannies inspired by horse stalls. Heritage is on the plate too, in the form of “sacred family recipes” like hulking meatballs, Nonna’s Lasagna and Ravaioli Bolognese. For dessert, guests can order tiramisu, lemon bars and Palma’s Torta Italiana by the spoonful, while cocktails from The Kentucky Club include a “Thoroughbred” selection of jockey-inspired originals (e.g., the
Wintergreen Julep with bourbon, mint syrup, bitters and powdered sugar) and family-influenced “Heritage” cocktails (e.g., The Pope’s Blessing, with rum, Licor 43, cold brew, coffee liqueur, whiskey, amaro and whipped cream). Food and drinks are the same in each space, and Chris Becker — founder of Oklahoma’s Della Terra pasta company — served as consulting chef.
Between bites, as sunset sinks over the Oklahoma State Capitol building in the distance, and the fireside Kentucky Club reaches a crescendo of clinking glassware, new details reveal more stories. Like the Chihuly-inspired ribbon hidden above the bar, and the chilly cream cheese mints handed out at the end of each meal, using Foxhoven’s Nonna’s recipe and cast in custom molds. It’s a form of heartfelt historic preservation and storytelling, intertwined through the harmonious heritages of a landmark space and sacred family histories.
“I treat this as a museum, as much as a restaurant,” Foxhoven said. “Where you can get lost in a little bit of storytelling along the way.”
THE POPE'S BLESSING COCKTAIL, AND THE QUARTET DESSERT SAMPLER
Greenhouse Effect
Bar Serra blossoms in Midtown
BY MATT KIROUAC PHOTOS BY RACHEL MAUCIERI
Billing itself as a “modern greenhouse restaurant,” a sleek all-day space soaked in sunlight from its Midtown perch, Bar Serra is bringing something fresh — though comfortably familiar — to the fast-growing district. It opens on the heels of its sister concept down the street, Malfi Enoteca, and the two Tulsa-born brands are exciting new entries along a burgeoning restaurant row. That’s according to Sheamus Feeley, whose namesake hospitality group partnered with McNellie’s Group on a project where the comforts of a neighborhood bar marry the sophistication of a modern greenhouse. It’s the perfect setting for the kinds of elevated-yet-accessible dishes and drinks being served at Bar Serra.
“We had this idea of creating something that is casual in its approach, but fun, and has a tremendous amount of energy,” Feeley explained. “The idea was to have something that people feel they can enjoy multiple times throughout the week, taking the idea of an all-day cafe, but continuing on to the end of day.”
Despite its name, Bar Serra is far more than just drinks, with dishes as inventive as they are wholesome, like Chicken Tikka Meatballs, or Feeley’s favorite, the minty kale salad strewn with peanut dressing. The quinoa-based Mediterranean bowl, meanwhile, is the best seller, heaped with cabbage, feta, hummus, tomatoes and cucumber-mint yogurt sauce. “It’s the kind of food that I crave, and you just want to eat, and you feel great walking away from it,” added Feeley. “Our goal is to create the best version of familiar things.”
Built for efficiency, the drinks follow that same ethos of elevated familiarity. Pre-batched and kegged cocktails, like margaritas and
Manhattans, ensure consistency and quality. “While we run different bar programs in different places, and while we know we make great cocktails, what’s nice is the guest knows they’ll come in and get the same cocktail the same way every time,” Feeley said, eschewing pomp and circumstance for reliability. “If you want to pop in before heading home, and want a simple, honest and good cocktail, you can have it every time.”
There’s also a compressed wine list, ticking all the fan-favorite boxes for bubbly, rosé, whites and reds, and a beer selection that runs the gamut from Tulsa-based American Solera on tap to non-alcoholic offerings and the simple pleasures of Stella Artois. And, as Feeley pointed out, it wouldn’t be a McNellie’s concept without Guinness.
It’s all part of that earnest dedication to elevating the familiar, while retaining the comforts of a neighborhood bar. Despite its sheen of newness, and its wall of greenery as verdant as the pistou with the fluffy whipped ricotta, there’s something familiar about Bar Serra. It’s the comfort of an all-day space, as perfect for a quick lunch as it is a swanky dinner date over crispy artichokes and Walnut Old Fashioneds. At once familiar and novel, it’s in rarified air as it carves its own cornerstone in the fast-growing neighborhood.
“The most important piece is to just be a great casual gathering place,” Feeley said. “This is the place that feels comfortable, and it feels inviting. It checks that bar piece, but it does it in a way that checks more of that ‘better for you’ box too.”
ESPRESSO MARTINI, CLOVER CLUB, WALNUT OLD FASHIONED, SEASONAL SPRITZ, AND MARGARITA ON DRAFT
COCKTAILS
CULTURE
Next Level Love
Enjoy our sweet conversation with "Next Level Baker" winner Stefanie Embree P. 60
ARTS 58 IN CONVO WITH 60 LOOKING BACK 62
Create as a Date
Artsy ideas for engaging evenings out
BY LAVINIA CRESWA
No matter how long you have been in a relationship, date nights can get a little … stagnant. Another dinner out or movie night is fine, but sometimes it is fun to do a new activity together and have some hands-on fun. Here are three local studios offering classes to get your creative juices flowing. And if you are not in a relationship, a best gal pal or bro is a perfect companion for all of these creative adventures.
Create your own piece of pottery at Prairie Pottery. Located at 7518 N. May Ave., Suite B, Prairie Pottery hosts a range of classes for every skill level. If you just want to try your hand at the wheel, it offers date night classes, (and girls’ night out classes!) where you can just learn the basic techniques of wheel throwing with your special someone. These date nights include drinks, tunes and good vibes. For those wanting a more in-depth education on recreating that famous scene from Ghost, a
four-week beginners wheel throwing class is also an option. In a relaxed, small-group setting, students learn how to control the pottery wheel, and receive instruction on hand positioning, centering the clay, glaze application and other basic techniques. By the end of the course, you will have four functional pieces to take home. This experience is sure to be fun and messy, so be sure to wear casual clothes and shoes.
Make a stained-glass piece at Strange Earth Studio. At 8855 E. Reno Ave., Suite 212 in Midwest City, Strange Earth Studio is where you and your date should head to learn how to make stained glass. While it also offers pottery classes and fun arts and crafts lessons, people have been raving about its stained-glass classes: Each month, this studio offers several workshops where you will receive step-by-step instruction on how to cut the class and create the pattern, as well as foiling and soldering to
create your very own stained-glass piece. Each two-hour class includes all of the materials and guidance needed so that you can bring your creation home. This is a great way to bring some color into your relationship, as well as your windows.
Become a jewelry designer with Cheyenne Sky Studio. In the heart of Midtown at 813 N. Hudson, Cheyenne Sky Studio is where you can become a jeweler and metalsmith in just six hours. With the intro classes, learn some of the basics of metalsmithing like setting the stone, soldering, sawing and texturizing metal to create a truly unique piece of jewelry. Working with sterling silver, you will create a ring and pendant or a ring and wrist cuff to take home with you at the end of the workshop. Nothing says date night like a new piece of jewelry!
Class size is limited for each of these studios, so be sure to sign up early to create a magical evening you will not forget.
If a hands-on experience is not your style, take your date to see Oklahoma City Ballet’s Romeo and Juliet, on stage at the OKC Civic Center Feb. 20-22. The classic tale of these star-crossed lovers will be beautifully performed by our city’s professional company and is very likely to take your breath away through incredible music and dance.
How Sweet It Is
Following her big win on “Next Level Baker,” Stefanie Embree shares her heart and talent
BY LAVINIA CRESWA PHOTOS BY CHARLIE NEUENSCHWANDER
Stefanie Embree is not afraid to dream and live big—as evident in her recent national television win on Fox’s “Next Level Baker” cooking competition.
Her story is one that is also full of heart. The former middle school orchestra teacher became a stay-at-home mom after having twins. Later, she and her husband welcomed two more children through adoption.
Embree fell in love with baking by binge-watching cooking shows and reading cookbooks “like novels,” she said. She also discovered a knack for perfecting recipes, frequently gathering family members to taste and determine the best.
In 2020, she and her husband sold their home to open OKC Sweets. Personal and professional challenges took the bakery on a
rocky ride until recent years, when OKC Sweets went viral for its Thunder-themed goodies— Embree recalled a long line out her bakery door. That’s when she was recruited as a contestant for “Next Level Baker.” (And local fans cheered as she tackled each bake-off—and won!)
We talked to Embree about her bakery, rise to success and passion for serving others.
What makes OKC Sweets unique?
“When people come into my bakery, I want them to really feel like we care about them. We’re always striving for people to know that they’re loved. At the end of the day, my goal is to love people and serve people and shine a light in our community … We’re more than just a bakery; we are intricately involved in stories and experiences in people’s lives.”
When did you open?
“We opened in June of 2020, when people weren’t really getting out or starting businesses. We just had this attitude that people need a little bit of joy in their lives. What better thing to bring joy than a bakery and sweets?”
A year of family health challenges made you rethink your business. Tell me about that time.
“We tried to sell the business, because we didn’t know how to keep it afloat, but it didn’t happen. So we took that as a sign: Our journey was not over yet. I just prayed, ‘God, I’ve been holding on so tightly, carrying all of this weight … I just give you my business. If this is what you want for me, I’m in and I’m going to work really, really hard as long as I have
DELICIOUS TREATS FROM OKC SWEETS
it.’ I had this epiphany that I can’t out-give God, right? It’s really changed the way I do things. And this year has been a really beautiful transition. It’s almost like a beauty-from-the-ashes situation for me personally.”
How did that change in mindset change your trajectory?
“I put myself back out there, put my business out there, and let go of a lot of that fear that had dominated my heart and my mind … I started posting on TikTok and Instagram, because I’d always done decorating videos, and people loved them … and so it was actually [last] April that a recruiter reached out about a holiday baking show with Gordon Ramsay, looking for talented bakers.”
What was that experience like?
“Putting myself out there, meeting these people that I normally would never meet— just loving on them—and competing, it was transformative. I came back from that experience ready to face the world and not be afraid to take risks and not be afraid to love people who are different from me. It changed me so much in a really wonderful way … I hope this is an inspiration to mothers, wives and women in general to be bold, use your talents, enjoy what you’re doing and be kind.”
What was it like to win?
“Winning ‘Next Level Baker’ was the most incredible feeling. Standing there in the midst of my fellow competitors—who are all phenomenal bakers, women and business owners—was a gift in and of itself. When Gordon Ramsay called out my name as the winner though, it was almost as if this breath I had been holding for years finally came out. In that moment, I knew that all I had been through—the sleepless nights, the tears, the difficult seasons—had all been worth it.”
STEFANIE EMBREE
WWelcome to Dairy
THE DECADES OF HISTORY BEHIND A CENTRAL OKC LANDMARK
BY LINDA MILLER PHOTO PROVIDED BY BRAUM’S
hy is a giant milk bottle perched on top of a tiny, triangular building at NW 24th Street and Classen Boulevard? To get attention, just as it has been doing since 1948.
The red brick building, interesting enough on its own, wasn’t always adorned with an eye-catching, supersized topper, though. Through the next several decades after its construction in 1930, the 380-squarefoot commercial building housed various businesses, including a realty company, grocery, florist, Vietnamese sandwich shop, fruit stand, laundry, investment company, barbecue shop, boutique and currently Milk Nail Salon.
Because of the tiny space, some previous businesses had to limit their wares, but the appeal of the unconventional and intriguing building made up for what it lacked in size. Early on, one advantage was the building’s location along a streetcar stop on what was a segment of the original Route 66. The line ran diagonally across Classen Boulevard.
The addition of a milk bottle on top of an already interesting building added to its appeal, especially when the existing store was renamed Milk Bottle Grocery in 1949. The bottle and each of the businesses have always been leased separately.
The towering, impossible-to-miss bottle, measuring 8 feet in diameter and close to 11 feet tall, has touted several milk brands in the last eight decades, including Sterling, Meadow Gold, Steffen’s and Townley’s. Braum’s, the name on the bottle since 1997, is well known in the state and the Oklahoma City metro area, where there’s a Braum’s ice cream and dairy store every few miles.
Sitting on a tiny speck of real estate, the iconic building is surrounded by larger businesses, traffic and century-old houses. It’s a distinctive and historic landmark.
The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1998. And for those who’ve never seen milk in a bottle, this biggerthan-life rendition mimics the real thing, complete with a tapered neck up to the rimmed mouth and a notched metal version of a paper bottle cap.
The bottle, which is exposed to the elements, got a facelift in 2021. Heat is especially hard on the metal bottle, so a special paint was used to allow for heat expansion.
The milk bottle building is a popular photo opportunity too, and will no doubt attract more visitors during this year’s Route 66 Centennial.
John Kilpatrick Jr., an Oklahoma City businessman and civic leader who died in 2005, purchased and preserved the building in the 1970s. His daughter Elise Kilpatrick inherited it, and a decade ago oversaw restoration work, bringing back original features and maintaining the building’s historic charm.
Oklahoma City has progressed considerably since 1948 when the large milk bottle found a home on top of a tiny triangle-shaped building on a minuscule piece of real estate. But isn’t it wonderful when something so special and interesting — like a sliver of a building and a large milk bottle — continues to entice passersby, beckoning them to slow down or stop and take a closer look?
THE ICONIC MILK BOTTLE BUILDING CONTINUES TO ATTRACT ATTENTION.
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Work has started at the Legacy at Covell at I-35 and Covell in Edmond. Plans show Whole Foods Market, Shake Shack, Cooper’s Hawk Winery &
6:00 PM • SPARROW BEGINNINGS MARCH 07, 2026
Chaired by Jason and Aimee Rowland
Follow the yellow brick road and join us for a nigh t to remember. The Emerald Gala supports our one-to-one mentoring program in Stillwater.
