Shows
The Boomer BriefingHow to Evolve Your Firms L&D ProgramWelcome to the Boomer Briefing Podcast, where we help you solve a critical business issue in 20 minutes or less. On this episode of the Boomer Briefing Podcast, Sandra Wiley, Shareholder and President at Boomer Consulting talks to Monika Turek about Learning and Development programs. Dive into the process of an L&D program, how it can help evolve your accounting firm, and important projects Monika Turek is working on at the moment. Sandra Wiley on Social Media: Twitter: @sandrawiley LinkedIn: @sandrawiley Monika/HoganTaylor on Social Media: LinkedIn: @mntu...
2024-02-2021 min
The Boomer BriefingMeasuring Success: Analyzing the Impact of Data GovernanceWelcome to the Boomer Briefing Podcast, where we help you solve a critical business issue in 20 minutes or less. On this episode of the Boomer Briefing Podcast, Marc Staut, Shareholder and Chief Innovation Technology Officer at Boomer Consulting speaks to Steve Perkins, Chief Information Officer at HoganTaylor about Data Governance. Marc Staut Social Media:Twitter: @CPATechGeek LinkedIn: @mstaut Steve/HoganTaylor Social Media: LinkedIn: @steveperkinscio HoganTaylor Facebook: @hogantaylorllp HoganTaylor Twitter: @hogantaylorllp HoganTaylor LinkedIn: @hogantaylor-llp HoganTaylor Instagram: @hogantaylorllp Look out for new episodes every Tuesday, i...
2023-10-1019 min
How That HappenedCindy Moehring - Business Integrity Leadership Initiative Cindy Moehring is the Founder and Executive Chair of the Business Integrity Leadership Initiative at Walton College. Before joining Walton College, she had 27 years of leadership experience, most recently at Walmart, Inc. where she spent the last 20 years collaborating with the Walmart Board of Directors, four of the five Walmart CEOs, C-suite executives, and other senior leaders to drive global, technology, culture, risk management and governance change across the enterprise. Moehring spearheaded the transformation of Walmart’s global culture of integrity in the wake of Walmart’s foreign corrupt practices act investigation. She developed and implemented a glob...
2023-05-2239 min
How That HappenedSchell Gower - ClearMark Marketing Agency Schell is a marketing consultant for personal brands and businesses and a certified brand guide. Her goal is to help you turn that passion into compelling messages, giving you a voice and a plan to reach others with passion. Schell’s passion is fueled by seeing companies thrive and their business grow when their message is clear. Before becoming an entrepreneur, Schell was in pharmaceutical sales. Her experience in sales, marketing and being a brand story guide makes her the best person to enlighten us on how to create strategic marketing plans, mistakes to avoid in our mar...
2023-04-1038 min
How That HappenedDavid Stanley - Full Sail Capital Rising from ashes to wealth is not just a narrative. David Stanley and his partners moved from zero to currently $1.6 billion. That sounds like a fairy tale, right? Today we hear it from David himself, who shares how, together with his partners, they grew Full Sail Capital. David earned business and finance degrees from the University of North Texas and is also a graduate of the Trust School at Northwestern University. He is a certified trust and financial advisor with a series 65 securities license. David is also a devoted husband and a proud dad and grandfather, and a...
2023-03-2043 min
How That HappenedBrandon Sebald - 7 Brew CoffeeBrandon Sebald is the CEO of Brew Crew LLC, the first franchisee for 7 Brew Coffee, which is an exciting and relatively new coffee brand and experience. 7 Brew has a license to open nearly 100 stores in Arkansas, Missouri, Louisiana, and Texas. Prior to his relationship with Seven Brew, Brandon was part of a Planet Fitness franchise group that had 92 locations across six states. He is also co-owner of a high-end custom home building company in Fayetteville, Arkansas. And then finally, Brandon is also a Buff City Soap franchisee with six New York stores and a territory to build...
2023-03-0331 min
How That HappenedTrent Shores - GableGotwals Trent Shores is a former United States Attorney and a shareholder at Gable Gotwals. He advises clients on complex litigation, Native American law and policy, cybersecurity, and high-stakes government and corporate investigations. He represents clients in state, federal, and tribal courts at all stages in the litigation process, including at trial and on appeal. Recently, Trent was named a Tribal Supreme Court Justice for the Kaw Nation and a U.S. Global Leadership Coalition’s Oklahoma Advisory Committee member. In this episode, Trent shares a backstory of how he got into the world of law, hi...
2023-02-2039 min
How That HappenedAshleigh Sutter – Intuit - Leading Transformational ChangeAshleigh Sutter CPA, the Director of US Accountant Sales at Intuit. With nearly 15 years of experience in the accounting industry, Sutter creates strong relationships with large accounting firms and industry partners. In this episode, learn the transformational changes happening to accounting and sales technology, particularly at Intuit, and how Ashleigh’s leadership has evolved throughout her career. In addition, Ashleigh shines light on what it’s like to transition from a large accounting firm to a sales leadership role at Intuit, as well as her most pivotal career moment. She speaks on how Intuit is innovating their accou...
2023-02-0636 min
How That HappenedEncore Episode - 11. Ron Siegenthaler - Xeta CommunicationsAs 2022 comes to a close, the How That Happened podcast team is on a short hiatus as we prepare for new content in 2023. We thought it would be a great time to highlight a previous episode, and that is our 2019 interview with entrepreneur and communicator, Ron Siegenthaler. How That Happened will return with a new episode in the new year. Ron Siegenthaler is chairman of Xeta Communications and Give.mobi LLC. He is also serves as President of Myriad Technologies and a Consultant for Rolled Alloys. Prior to these positions, Ron founded Metals Inc., a s...
2022-12-121h 00
How That Happened84. Dick Greenly – Water4 - Solving the Global Water CrisisDick Greenly is the Co-Founder of Water4, an organization on a mission to eradicate the world’s water crisis by bringing clean water access to every home, school, and clinic. Water4 is not your typical risk-adverse nonprofit… they want the risk because they believe in the power of pushing boundaries. In this episode, Dick covers the formation of Water4, the inspiration behind the nonprofit, and the impact it’s making on the world’s water infrastructure. Having been to 45 different countries, Water4 created momentum by training local communities in Africa to drill wells. As a result from the trai...
2022-11-2850 min
How That Happened83. Sharina Perry – Utopia Plastix – Plastic ReimaginedSharina Perry is the Founder of Utopia Plastix, a company that has created the plant-based alternative to plastic. Utopia Plastix is on a mission is to provide the best plant-based products while maintaining their goal to not create problems as they solve them. In this episode, Sharina shares how she developed her intense determination to change the world. She also covers how her plant studies accidentally led her to discover the use of crops as alternatives to petroleum, cotton, and wood. As someone who’s not a scientist, Sharina highlights her creative process for inventing the plastic-free stra...
2022-11-1455 min
How That Happened82. Jim Sliker – Central States Manufacturing - Strategies for Scaling an ESOPJim Sliker is the CEO of Central States Manufacturing, a 100% employee-owned (ESOP) company that produces metal building components for a variety of structures and applications. Jim earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Kettering University and an MBA from the University of Michigan. He serves on the Make-A-Wish Mid-South board, and the Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter board of directors. In this episode, Jim talks about Central States Manufacturing’s geographical saturation strategy for growing and scaling an American manufacturing company. He discusses the challenges the company has faced in their growth journey, and how...
2022-10-3142 min
How That Happened81. John Houston – JH Family of Companies - Building a Business on the Foundation of FaithJohn Houston is an entrepreneur and Founder of JH Family of Companies. From building 6 homes in their first year of business, to building 650 homes last year (that’s growth by 10,700%), John knows about growing and scaling a business. He’s also the author of “Finding My Way Home: A Journey to Discover Hope and A Life of Purpose.” In this episode, John discusses the impact of losing family members, losing financial security at a young age, and finding hope through faith and entrepreneurship. He also shares why he became an entrepreneur, and how he started his own homebuil...
2022-10-1747 min
The Data Sleuth Podcast72. Estate Case Stories with Brian Willingham and Clay GlasgowThis summer while at the ACFE Global Fraud Conference several speakers and friends of the podcast got together to play an escape room. Before and after the escape room adventure, Leah found herself engrossed in stories from investigators around the US and didn’t want the conversation to end. It was these valuable conversations that inspired the format for the next 6 episodes of the podcast. For the remainder of 2022, Leah is joined by investigators to share case stories from investigations worked in a variety of areas. In this episode, Leah is joined by Brian Wi...
2022-10-0432 min
How That Happened80. David McLaughlin – Pendulum Coaching – Creating a Mindful LeaderDavid McLaughlin is the Founder of Pendulum Coaching based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He is using his insight to help employers and employees work better together. With over 20 years of experience in coaching and consulting, David has also been committed to mindfulness and meditation for over 10 years. In this episode, David discusses what mindfulness is and how it impacts leaders in business. His philosophy is based on the commitment to wholeness, investing in yourself and others, and owning the results. He speaks on how organizations and employers can integrate mindfulness into their leadership to collaborate more effectively an...
2022-10-0239 min
How That Happened79. Ross Ledbetter & Cheryl Reeder - Reeder’s Auto & Tire – Tulsa’s Original Service StationRoss Ledbetter & Cheryl Reeder are third-generation owners of Reeder’s Auto and Tire in Tulsa, Oklahoma. They purchased the station nearly 15 years ago and have continued to build the brand Midtown knows today. Reeder’s sets itself apart because of its customer service, fueling options, highly skilled auto repair technicians, and in-house chef. In this episode, Ross and Cheryl discuss how Reeder’s is keeping up in a growing market, the division of labor between them, and the possibility of a second station. Additionally, Cheryl shares her experience growing up in the business, and her vision for creating...
2022-09-1931 min
How That Happened78. Kelley Scott – Clarehouse - Hospice in OklahomaKelley Scott is the Founder and Executive Director of Clarehouse, a loving home for people who are terminally ill and facing the end of life. Kelley has been a hospice nurse for over 36 years and founded Clarehouse nearly 20 years ago as a social model hospice. Nationally, she has created outcome pathways for end-of-life care in education and provides counseling and mentoring to others aspiring to provide social model hospices. In this episode, Kelley and Robert talk about her career in end-of-life care, the process she went through to open Clarehouse, and how she tested her social hospice...
2022-09-0543 min
How That Happened77. Randy Nail – HoganTaylor - Lessons in Leadership from Collegiate CoachesWithin our over 70 episodes of How That Happened, we’ve talked to and learned from several coaches from the world of sports. We’re sharing the key takeaways from those leaders to inspire you to continue growing your leadership skills and building the next generation of leaders. In this episode, Aaron Ackerman speaks with Randy Nail, CEO of HoganTaylor, about lessons in leadership through the lens of sports. Aaron and Randy listen to various short clips from past episodes featuring Chris Young, Dan Hays, and Sherri Coale, pulling powerful insights from each one. Our previous gues...
2022-08-2246 min
How That Happened76. Wendy Buxton - W Squared Enterprises - Pivoting to Private EquityWendy Buxton is the Owner and Managing Director of W Squared Enterprises where she provides strategic advisory services that help businesses modernize and grow their profits through operational performance management and digital enablement. Wendy also uses her vast private capital network to help companies unlock new sources of capital. Prior to her current role, Wendy was the President of LynnCo Supply Chain Solutions. Over her tenure, she transformed LynnCo from a small freight billing and auditing company to a marquee supply chain specialty firm trusted by executives and private equity firms. In this episode, Wendy...
2022-08-0836 min
How That Happened75. Leigh Richardson - The Brain Performance Center - How to Support and Improve Mental HealthLeigh Richardson is the Founder and Clinical Director of The Brain Performance Center in Dallas, Texas, where she utilizes her MBA, MS, Counseling, and board certifications to offer state of the art solutions for “brain problems”. She’s also an international speaker and the author of Turn Your Brain On to Get Your Game On. Leigh has studied human behavior for over 30 years, initially focused on organizational behavior and then shifting to human behavior after one of her sons suffered a traumatic brain injury. Whether it’s anxiety, ADHD, depression, insomnia, or brain injury, Leigh’s understanding of the bra...
2022-07-2537 min
How That Happened74. Jess Connolly - Staying Focused as a Mission-Driven EntrepreneurJess Connolly is a best-selling author, speaker, entrepreneur, podcaster, blogger, coach, and church leader. Not to mention, Jess is a wife and mother who’s passionate about empowering women to discover their place in the world and overcome the fear of pursuing their dreams. In this episode, Jess sheds light on her struggle in high school and the dramatic shift that enabled her to blossom into a confident, driven entrepreneur. She also speaks on her journey on becoming an entrepreneur and sought-after public speaker. Connolly also gives insight into the power of being vulnerable and sh...
2022-07-1135 min
How That Happened73. Stan Clark - Eskimo Joe’s - Secrets Behind Oklahoma’s Most Recognized BrandStan Clark is the Founder and CEO of Eskimo Joe’s, one of Oklahoma’s most recognized tourist attractions. As an entrepreneur, Stan has created multiple businesses and loves sharing the stories and secrets behind his entrepreneurial success. In this episode, Stan tells the story of how he created and grew Eskimo Joe’s in his early twenties to be the institution it is today. He talks about the origin of the Eskimo Joe’s name and logo, their journey in selling clothing and merchandise, and why he bought his business partner’s share of the company to become...
2022-06-2758 min
How That Happened72. Liam Martin – Time Doctor - Transitioning to an Asynchronous, Remote WorkforceLiam Martin is the co-founder and CMO of Time Doctor and Staff.com, one of the most popular time tracking and productivity software platforms for remote teams. He’s also a co-organizer of Running Remote, the world’s largest conference on building and scaling remote teams. Martin and his team enable companies to manage remote workers just as if they were in the same office, maintaining a high level of productivity. His thought leadership on remote work has been printed by top publications, including Forbes, The Huffington Post, and The Wall Street Journal. In this epis...
2022-06-1334 min
How That Happened71. Sherri Coale - Creating a Hall of Fame Career and TeamSherri Coale is a retired Hall of Fame basketball coach, writer, speaker, believer, and master motivator. For the past 25 years, Coale has served as the head women’s basketball coach at the University of Oklahoma where she is the winningest coach in OU history. She’s a true inspiration to women, athletes, coaches, and entrepreneurs across the country and she’s here to discuss it all on How That Happened. In this episode, Sherri sheds light on how she rebuilt and reinvigorated OU’s women’s basketball program from the ground up, strategies for developing a team cul...
2022-05-301h 07The Data Sleuth Podcast68. The Career Path of a Forensic Accountant with Hayden Lewellen, CPA, CFEA common question for forensic accounting experts is, “How do I break into this industry and become a forensic accountant?” In this week’s episode, Leah interviews Hayden Lewellen, a forensic accountant who started this career path with an FBI internship and a public accounting internship. Learn more about his journey and advice to others seeking guidance to join this fascinating career.Hayden Lewellen is a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Fraud Examiner. After graduating with his BSBA in Accounting in May of 2020 he successfully received his MBA and his CPA license within a year...
2022-05-1727 min
How That Happened70. Bart Milligan – Chick-fil-A – The Power of BrandingBart Milligan is the operator of two Chick-fil-A restaurants in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area. He holds a degree in accounting from Georgia State University and spent the early part of his career at Chick-fil-A’s corporate office located in Atlanta, Ga. In this episode, Bart speaks about the growth of the Chick-fil-A brand spanning his 20-year career with the restaurant chain as well as the motivation behind becoming a restaurant operator. Milligan shares the biggest lesson he took away was becoming a faithful steward of the business. Additionally, he discusses the decisions made by the Cat...
2022-05-1657 min
How That Happened69. Mike Dillard – Century Martial Arts – A Fighter’s Guide to Thriving in BusinessMike Dillard is the CEO of Century Martial Arts (Century), which was founded in 1976. Since then, Century has grown to be a worldwide leader of martial arts equipment and today conducts business in all 50 states and also 35 countries. Century conducts its own research and development (D&I), and is responsible for a number of important innovations in the martial arts industry. One of those innovations includes the first freestanding punching bag, Wavemaster, and the first Body Opponent Bag (BOB). Mike is an avid martial artist and has fought at a championship level facing some of t...
2022-05-0249 min
How That Happened68. Keith Glover – Producers Rice Mill – Leading a Farmer-Owned CooperativeKeith Glover is President and CEO of the farmer-owned cooperative Producers Rice Mill in Stuttgart, Arkansas, a position he has held for over 30 years. He is a CPA who earned his accounting degree from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. Glover previously served as a board member of the Miss Arkansas Scholarship Foundation from 2013 to 2018. His daughter Kristen, was named Miss Arkansas in 2011. Additionally, he served as Director on the board of the Little Rock branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis from 2014 to 2020. In this episode, Keith gives a look at the journey o...
2022-04-1841 min
How That Happened67. Chris Young – Oklahoma State University – Lessons in Leadership from a Tennis CoachChris Young is the Director of Tennis and the Head Coach of Women's Tennis at Oklahoma State University. He has been at the helm of the OSU tennis program for more than 12 years compiling a record of 204 wins against only 97 losses. Young has been credited with turning OSU tennis into an international program. Listen in as Chris deep dives into his leadership philosophy, covering his love of taking on challenges, his passion for bringing talented individuals together, and orchestrating wins that set a new precedent for everybody involved. In addition, he shares his belief that...
2022-04-0446 min
How That Happened66. John Hickey – Hall Estill – Cannabis Law in OklahomaJohn Hickey is a shareholder at Hall Estill, an Oklahoma-based law firm. He handles a wide variety of litigation matters such as commercial and construction law, bankruptcy, employment, and real estate. He has experience in both federal and state courts, as well as complex and multi-state cases. With over 30 years of experience, John is Hall Estill’s lead shareholder for the Cannabis Law Group. He graduated from the University of Indiana and went on to earn his law degree from the University of Tulsa. In this episode, John talks about how Oklahoma’s lenient cannabis regu...
2022-03-2148 min
How That Happened65. Jeff Wilkie – HoganTaylor – Managing Remote TeamsJeff Wilkie is a Principal at HoganTaylor and leads the Firm’s Human Capital Strategies (HCS) services—a role he’s held for seven years. This week we revisit highlights from previous episodes centered around particularly relevant issues, including remote and hybrid work, managing remote teams, and The Great Resignation. We begin with two clips featuring Jennifer Wilson of ConvergenceCoaching, who has been working remotely since 1995. Following the clips, Jeff gives his take on maximizing one’s leadership potential and moving the needle forward in the business when the team is not always in the same phys...
2022-03-071h 04
How That Happened64. Errin Stanger – Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub – Inspiring Innovation and Expanding OpportunitiesErrin Stanger is Director of Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of Arkansans by inspiring innovation and expanding opportunities. The Hub’s state-of-the-art facilities have provided tools and training to entrepreneurs, students and other makers, preparing them to join and grow Arkansas’s economic ecosystem. In today’s conversation, Errin discusses the ins-and-outs of Arkansas’ first makerspace and why there is no other venue like it. She speaks in particular about the infusion of art around the building alongside technology, as she believes in being “intentional about those creative collisions that can h...
2022-02-2145 min
How That Happened63. Nathaniel Harding – Cortado Ventures – Investing in Oklahoma’s Pioneering SpiritNathaniel Harding is a Managing Partner at Cortado Ventures, which launched in May of 2020 and is an Oklahoma-based venture fund focusing on early-stage technology B2B companies. In today’s conversation, Nathaniel discusses the spark that led to Cortado’s founding, his long-term goals, and lessons he learned after almost two years in business. Currently, Cortado has looked into over 900 companies and has partnered with 21 of them. Harding speaks to how Cortado was established during an opportune time when states such as Texas, Florida, and even Oklahoma are seeing an influx of new residents who have...
2022-02-0537 min
How That Happened62. Howard Tiersky – FROM, The Digital Transformation Agency – Winning Digital CustomersHoward Tiersky is a serial entrepreneur and author of the Wall Street bestseller Winning Digital Customers: The Antidote to Irrelevance. Since 2007, he has served as CEO of the management consulting firm FROM, The Digital Transformation Agency. In this episode, Howard dissects that all-too-common buzzword, “digital transformation”, explaining it via the evolution of nearly every aspect of our lives since 2010, from commerce, banking, and transportation, all the way to dating, fitness, and career. “It’s hard to find any domain in our lives that hasn’t been significantly shifted because of these smartphones in our pockets and other...
2022-01-2443 min
How That Happened61. Tara Lynn Thompson – How Powerful, Well-Placed Words Spur ActionTara Lynn Thompson is the author of the three-volume romantic action-adventure Another series. She also does a wide variety of work around marketing and content strategy. Tara speaks and teaches on writing for various audiences. She says that she has been confounding people with her descriptive writing since she was a 19-year-old beat reporter and states that she gets a “sharp, devious zing” when she keeps people guessing. Listen in as Tara explains why she opted to be a writing generalist and a people specialist. She also talks about how the idea of being omnipresent on s...
2022-01-1055 min
How That Happened60. Tiffany Hatcher – CrossFirst Bank Tulsa – Private Banking in the New NormalTiffany Hatcher is the President of CrossFirst Bank Tulsa. Her banking career spans over 30 years and includes roles in private client services, wealth management, and commercial banking. In her current role as Market President, Tiffany oversees all operations of CrossFirst Bank Tulsa, which includes lending, investing, marketing, and the development of new banking services. In this episode, Tiffany shares her professional journey from entry-level teller to running a bank almost three decades later. She then dives deep into CrossFirst Bank’s unique strengths-based culture (based on the StrengthsFinder assessment) and unpacks her own pa...
2021-12-1337 min
How That HappenedEncore Episode - 40. Brendan Quirk - Allied Cycle Works - Turning Your Passion Into a CareerBrendan Quirk is the CEO of Allied Cycle Works in Bentonville, Arkansas. Allied’s stated mission is “to make the best bicycles and components in the world, right here in America.” Brendan is also the Cycling Program Director for Runway Group, a Bentonville-based investment firm whose focus is the “cultivation of entrepreneurship and other business activity specific to the cycling industry.” Most recently, Brendan has served as the Non-Executive Director for North America for London’s Brompton Bicycle. In 1999, Brendan co-founded Competitive Cyclist, a retail bike shop, in Little Rock, Arkansas. He recounts the much smaller, pre-Armstrong market at th...
2021-11-2953 min
How That Happened59. Susan Lindberg – GableGotwals – What Businesses Should Know About Cybersecurity in 2021Susan Lindberg is an attorney and shareholder in the Tulsa office of GableGotwals. She has more than 25 years of experience as an attorney working in the energy sector working in a wide variety of issues, including oil and gas upstream, midstream, interstate natural gas pipeline, and tanking & terminalling businesses. Susan specializes in company-transforming transactions, corporate governance, and compliance matters. She has served as the Executive Vice President and General Counsel of SemGroup Corporation. She was also General Counsel and Corporate Secretary for Eni US Operating Co. Inc., and part of the U.S. executive team...
2021-11-1540 min
How That Happened58. Robert Wagner – 55 Questions to Ask Before You Sell Your BusinessAaron is joined by his co-host Robert Wagner, who leads the Advisory practice at HoganTaylor. Robert published the book 55 Questions to Ask Before You Sell Your Business on March 23, 2021. Robert shares the inspiration behind the book and the lessons he hopes readers will take away based on the opening statement he establishes at the very beginning of the first chapter: One day, your business will be owned by someone else. “Too many owners,” says Robert, “don’t plan for that process.” He makes the case that business owners need to be thinking—perhaps up to three years...
2021-11-0150 min
How That Happened57. Ande Burchfield – Burchfield Law – A Primer on Cryptocurrency and Blockchain TechnologyAnde Burchfield is an attorney with a focus on Decentralized Finance (DeFi) and blockchain technology. She has a particular interest in the tokenization of real estate securities and the development of infrastructure businesses supporting the efficacy and adoptability of the technology. Ande represents privately-owned businesses, real estate investors, registered transfer agents, and those involved in the blockchain and cryptocurrency space. She began her legal career working as FINRA and SEC counsel to public and private companies, including real estate investment trusts (REITs) and oil and gas exploration and production companies. In 2015, she founded Burchfield Law...
2021-10-1852 min
How That HappenedEncore Episode - 32. Preston Ackerman - FBI Special Agent - Navigating Through Cyber ThreatsPreston Ackerman is a Supervisory Special Agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He was assigned to FBI Headquarters on two separate occasions, supporting IT projects now in use throughout the FBI. Ackerman is currently assigned to the FBI's Oklahoma City Division Cyber Squad and is the program coordinator for computer intrusion matters covering Oklahoma's state. Prior to joining the FBI, he worked as a computer networking consultant. Preston’s background in cybercrime and IT projects has helped with his investigative career. Now, Preston has a special appreciation for the business world and small businesses. He loves work...
2021-10-0148 min
How That HappenedEncore Episode - 8. Tim O'Toole - Oklahoma State FairTim O'Toole is the current President and CEO of Oklahoma State Fair, Inc. and a long-standing fixture in Oklahoma City's entertainment landscape. Prior to joining the State Fair, Tim served as President and CEO of Oklahoma City's Triple-A baseball team. He has also played a role in many pivotal moments in Oklahoma City's history, including the 1989 US Olympic Festival, the opening of the Bricktown Ballpark, and multiple sales tax funded city initiatives. In this episode, Tim shares how his team manages to bring 10,000 - 50,000 people through the Oklahoma City fairgrounds gates each weekend. He also...
2021-09-2040 min
How That HappenedDan Hays - From Coach to Community Leader Dan Hays is the former head men’s basketball coach for Oklahoma Christian University (OC) in Edmond, Oklahoma. He spent 33 seasons as head coach at OC and recorded more wins than any coach in school history. While 2016 was his last season as head coach at OC, he returned to the program in April of 2019 and currently serves as special assistant to the head coach. With more than 720 career wins, Dan has been inducted into the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame–the highest athletic recognition in the state. He is also the recipient of the National Association of Basketball Coaches’ Gua...
2021-09-0751 min
How That HappenedJill Wagar – Leading a New Era of CommunityJill Wagar is currently the Deputy Director of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas. The museum, a nonprofit public charity founded by Alice Walton, opened its doors in November of 2011. Jill has been a staff member since Crystal Bridges’ inception. Her initial role at the museum was Director of Development, followed by Chief Strategy Officer. In this episode, Jill discusses the three main principles Crystal Bridges has implemented to usher in a new era of community: inclusion, diversity, and anti-racism. These principles strongly support the museum’s mission to build a community centered around acce...
2021-08-2342 min
How That HappenedHeather Nelson – The Future of the Solar Industry in the New NormalHeather Nelson is Co-founder and President at Seal Solar, a solar energy construction company which designs and installs solar energy systems for both residential and commercial applications. Seal was founded in 2012 and has grown quickly into one of the leading solar energy system providers in Arkansas. Heather started her career in the banking industry and served many years as a commercial lending officer until she co-founded Seal Solar with Josh Davenport. Heather was named the 2021 Business Executive of the Year. She holds an MBA at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and a Marketing...
2021-08-0254 min
How That HappenedMisti Staley – How a Personal Tragedy Led to Innovation in the Health IndustryMisti Staley is an artist by education and training and is also an inventor, having provided health industry aid and at-home medical equipment through the FreeArm Tube Feeding Assistant and the FreeArm Muscle. She is the founder and CEO of Staley House, LLC, and Director of the nonprofit Freeman Foundation. Misti was recently featured in the Success Stories section of Arkansas Business, the weekly business newspaper for the state of Arkansas. In 2019, she was named an Arkansas Business’s 40 Under 40 honoree. In this episode, Misti reflects on how heart and lung complications suffered by her so...
2021-07-1935 min
How That HappenedDr. Terry Neese – The Institute for Economic Empowerment of Women – Get Involved in Politics or Go Out of BusinessDr. Terry Neese is a serial entrepreneur who has founded numerous for-profit and nonprofit organizations, two of the most successful today being Terry Neese Personnel Services (which is now being run by her daughter, Kim) and the Institute for Economic Empowerment of Women (IEEW)—the latter of which discuss in-depth in today’s conversation. Dr. Neese made history in 1990 when she became the first woman nominated by a major political party for the seat of Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma. She was named an Outstanding Business Leader by the Northwood University Board of Trustees in 2006 and received an hono...
2021-07-061h 10
How That HappenedRick Lazio and Tyler Noesser – alliantgroup – Does Your Business Qualify for Tax Incentives?Rick Lazio and Tyler Noesser sit down for an in-depth discussion of alliantgroup, a leading tax specialty services provider working with CPA firms and their clients to ensure American companies receive the full benefit of federal and state tax credits, incentives, and deductions available to them. Alliantgroup is partnered with around 5000 CPA firms across the U.S. and is staffed by a wide variety of specialists from multiple sectors including technology, finance, and the public sphere. Alliantgroup’s decision to partner with professionals in these different fields is in line with their three-pronged approach to he...
2021-06-211h 11
How That Happened50. Tim Thornton – Tactical Electronics – Assisting the Armed ForcesTim Thornton is the founder and owner of Tactical Electronics, which provides EOD tools, CIED Training, and Tactical Inspection Cameras for military and law enforcement agencies. Not only is he a founder, he is also an inventor, international spy, and subject matter expert in terrorism. Tim started in this industry 20 years ago as an Instructor at Independent Intelligence Agency, where he taught special forces techniques, and noticed a lack of tools needed to achieve intelligence and military objectives. He then started making black boxes in his garage to meet those diagnostic needs, with the intent to help...
2021-06-0735 min
How That HappenedJohn Vuong – Local SEO Search – The Basics of SEOJohn Vuong is the founder of Local SEO Search, a full-service Search Engine Optimization company based in Toronto. The fourth child of Vietnamese immigrants to Canada, John began his work life at the age of ten with a paper route. Early in life, he realized that he had a passion for people and relationships. After graduating from Western University in Ontario, John held sales-related positions at RedToronto.com, Yellow Pages Group, and Jatheon Technologies. In 2013, after ten years as an employee, John took the leap into business ownership, launching Local SEO Search. In...
2021-05-2444 min
How That HappenedGeorge McGehrin – The McGehrin Group – The Future of Talent AcquisitionGeorge McGehrin is the Founder and President of The McGehrin Group, an executive search and personal branding firm based in the New York City metropolitan area. The McGehrin Group works with a wide variety of businesses from small firms to Fortune 1000 companies, placing C-suite executives and other top-level professionals. They also offer the most comprehensive and customized CEO professional branding and writing services, producing targeted LinkedIn profiles, resumes, and biographies that maximize their clients' potential. To say that George is well-connected and well-networked would be a drastic understatement: He is the 125th most connected person...
2021-05-1030 min
How That Happened47. Carmen Portillo - Cocoa Belle Chocolates - Turning Your Passions Into ProfitCarmen Portillo is the founder of Cocoa Belle Chocolates, an ethically sourced chocolate store in Little Rock, Arkansas. She initially pursued a career in finance before opening up Cocoa Belle and is now working with cannabis companies like CBDolce and Native Green Wellness. At the age of 19, Carmen set out to live in London. During her time there, she found herself feeling disheartened and solus with only chocolate to provide a sense of comfort. Here is where she fell in love with chocolate, wanting to dig into a passion; chocolate seemed like the only logical next step.
2021-04-2641 min
How That Happened46. Steve Harrison – Natural State Laboratories – Bringing Customer Service to the Forefront of the Lab IndustrySteve Harrison is the CEO of Natural State Laboratories, which was founded in 2018 to be a state-of-the-art molecular genetics and toxicology reference laboratory serving the needs of physicians and patients in Arkansas and throughout the United States. Having been in the laboratory space in and around Arkansas for the past several years, Steve came to realize throughout his journey that the customer service element was severely lacking in the industry as a whole. Because of this, the focus and purpose of both Steve and his business partner Jeff Weeks was “to redefine the lab industry an...
2021-04-1244 min
How That HappenedJeff Moore - OKPOP - Living HistoryJeff Moore is the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Museum of Popular Culture, or OKPOP, a forthcoming museum that that will honor the state’s greatest creative talents. When OKPOP opens its doors in late 2022, it will be the culmination of 15 years of planning and Jeff has been there since the beginning. OKPOP has been developed in partnership with the Oklahoma Historical Society, the institution where Jeff began his career as a curator. In 1995, Jeff had the opportunity to work on the Historical Society’s first new museum in decades, the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton, Okla. The...
2021-03-2947 min
How That HappenedMichael Blundetto - USA Dragon Boat Racing – All About Dragon Boat RacingMichael Blundetto has been a competitor in the United States Dragon Boat Team since 2001 and, since 2018, has served as a coach. He has been involved in dragon boat racing since its entrance into the North American sporting world in the early 1980s. In this episode, Michael talks all about the 2000-year-old Chinese heritage sport of dragon boat racing. He shares how he found himself at the forefront of a movement to take the sport out of obscurity and onto the world stage, earning him the moniker “Coach Mike” by his fellow dragon boat athletes around the world. He a...
2021-03-1548 min
How That HappenedRandy Hopper - Vexus Boats - Spearheading Industry InnovationRandy Hopper is the CEO of Vexus Boats, which manufactures premium fiberglass and aluminum bass boats in Flippin, Arkansas. Vexus opened the doors to its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in August 2017. Less than a year later, they were already shipping aluminum boats to a newly-created network of Vexus bass boat dealers. Prior to his current role with Vexus, Randy served a number of leadership positions at Ranger Boats. He joined the company during its startup days in 1968 and went on to serve as plant manager, VP Manufacturing, VP Engineering, and, finally, CEO. In this episode, Randy...
2021-03-0127 min
How That Happened42. Gordon Deal - Radio Personality - The Business of Selling AirGordon Deal is a radio personality who hosts the nationally syndicated radio program This Morning, America’s First News, previously called The Wall Street Journal This Morning. He has also worked as a writer and reporter at both WINS and WCBS in New York City. Gordon is a public service announcer for the New York Giants, and has been a voiceover artist since 1999. His clients for voice work have included AT&T, Stamps.com, Harry's, Go To Meeting, and The Great Courses. In this episode, Gordon shares his storied experience in “the business of selling air”...
2021-02-1548 min
How That HappenedToby Rowland - Voice of OU Athletics - Landing Your Dream JobToby Rowland is a two-time, Emmy-winning sportscaster, the author of a best-selling children's book Unhitch the Wagon, and currently the Sooners' voice. In addition, Toby hosts a morning sports talk show in Oklahoma City and coaching shows. Rowland started out as an accounting major in college before he realized it was not what he wanted to do long-term. Toby met with his college, where they put together a sports broadcasting degree. He later had an internship at Channel 9, and he started calling games his senior year at the university. He stayed on as Sports Director, calling sports g...
2021-02-0144 min
How That HappenedBrendan Quirk - Allied Cycle Works - Turning Your Passion Into a CareerBrendan Quirk is the CEO of Allied Cycle Works in Bentonville, Arkansas. Allied’s stated mission is “to make the best bicycles and components in the world, right here in America.” Brendan is also the Cycling Program Director for Runway Group, a Bentonville-based investment firm whose focus is the “cultivation of entrepreneurship and other business activity specific to the cycling industry.” Most recently, Brendan has served as the Non-Executive Director for North America for London’s Brompton Bicycle. In 1999, Brendan co-founded Competitive Cyclist, a retail bike shop, in Little Rock, Arkansas. He recounts the much smaller, pre-Armstrong market at th...
2021-01-1852 min
How That HappenedDavid Griffin - Griffin Communications - Communicating with a Focus on CommunityDavid Griffin is the President of Griffin Communications, a broad media company with assets in TV, radio, internet, and outdoor advertising. Griffin Communications is a family business that has been in existence since 1953. In this episode, David discusses the company’s history and how it has evolved to be among the leading media companies in Oklahoma, gives us an understanding of how the media world works, and explains how his family overcame tough measures to build a community-driven local business. Be sure to subscribe to "How That Happened" to receive our latest episodes, learn more ab...
2021-01-0443 min
How That HappenedJeff Williams - America's Car-Mart - Catering to Your CustomerJeff Williams is the CEO of America’s Car-Mart, a publicly-held company based in Bentonville, Arkansas. Car-Mart is focused exclusively on the integrated auto-sales and finance segment of the used car market. He started his career in the accounting field with initial stints at Arthur Andersen in Tulsa and Coopers & Lybrand in Dallas. Previous to joining America’s Car-Mart, Jeff was the CFO at WinCo, LLC, a distributor of animal health products. Jeff joined Car-Mart in 2005 as their CFO. He became President in 2016 and has been CEO since January of 2018. In this episode, Jeff shares how...
2020-12-2141 min
How That Happened"How That Happened" Episode 37: David Woods - Magellan Executive Partners - Expanding Your NetworkDavid Woods is the CEO of Magellan Executive Partners, a management consulting firm based in Edmond, Oklahoma. Previously, David served as CEO of Ditch Witch, Founder and CEO of EXIM Group, and Co-Founder and Partner at Cortado Ventures. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management at Oklahoma State University. In this episode, David reflects on how his entrepreneurial spirit led him to found his own company, why you should look at expanding your network as farming as opposed to hunting, and why, if all else fails, you can always count on being your authentic...
2020-12-0754 min
How That HappenedTom Gordon - Slim Chickens - Creating a Successful and Scalable BusinessTom Gordon is the founder and CEO of Slim Chickens, a fast-casual chicken restaurant chain based in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The chain has over 100 locations in 19 states, plus restaurants in Kuwait and the U.K. Slim Chickens was founded in 2003 and began franchising 10 years later in 2013. Tom and his co-founder Greg Smart have the ambitious goal of having 600 locations and annual revenues of over $1 billion in the next ten years. In this episode, Tom reflects on the decisions he made alongside co-founder Greg that led to the success of Slim Chicken. He shares the process of...
2020-11-2339 min
How That HappenedLee Cockerell - Creating Disney Magic in Your OrganizationLee Cockerell is the former Executive Vice President of Operations for the Walt Disney World® Resort. Over the span of ten years, Lee and a team of over 40,000 cast members were responsible for the operations of 20 resort hotels, 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, a shopping & entertainment village and the ESPN sports and recreation complex in addition to the ancillary operations tied to Walt Disney World® Resort. Lee also opened Disneyland Paris. Prior to Disney, Lee held leadership positions at Hilton and Marriott, as well as served in the U.S. Army. Since retiring, Lee has been busy helping or...
2020-11-0955 min
How That HappenedPhilip Huff - Computer Science Professor - Cyber Security Within Your OrganizationPhilip Huff is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and an Assistant Professor of Computer Science at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. He has spent nearly 20 years in the cybersecurity sector, working in IT security and critical infrastructure security. His areas of expertise include cybersecurity, internet of things, machine learning, and digital forensics. In this episode, Philip tackles important topics in the cybersecurity space that affect your business. He discusses the necessity that is cybersecurity, data privacy and the advancements that came with GDPR, and how to budget for and measure the effectiveness of...
2020-10-2641 min
How That HappenedTina Parkhill - Remaining Adaptable in BusinessTina Parkhill is a graduate of Oklahoma State University (OSU) and started her career in 1994, working for Ernest & Julio Gallo winery. After spending several years working in sales and management roles for solutions based companies, Tina decided to return to the liquor business and open Parkhill’s Liquors & Wine South on April 4, 2011. In addition to juggling the balance of family and work, Tina is also committed to giving back to the community. She is heavily involved in the Tulsa County Oklahoma State University Alumni Chapter and Family & Children’s Services. In this episode, Tina reveals what...
2020-10-1247 min
How That HappenedPreston Ackerman - FBI Special Agent - Navigating Through Cyber ThreatsPreston Ackerman is a Supervisory Special Agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He was assigned to FBI Headquarters on two separate occasions, supporting IT projects now in use throughout the FBI. Ackerman is currently assigned to the FBI's Oklahoma City Division Cyber Squad and is the program coordinator for computer intrusion matters covering Oklahoma's state. Prior to joining the FBI, he worked as a computer networking consultant. Preston’s background in cybercrime and IT projects has helped with his investigative career. Now, Preston has a special appreciation for the business world and small businesses. He loves work...
2020-09-2849 min
How That HappenedDaniel Burrus - Futurist Speaker, Business Strategist, Best-Selling AuthorDaniel Burrus is a strategic advisor to Fortune 500 companies, a New York Times and Wall Street Journal best-selling author, keynote speaker, and is widely considered one of the World’s Leading Futurist Speakers on Global Trends and Disruptive Innovation. Daniel has developed a great reputation for accurately predicting future technological changes and advancements over a career that has expanded more than three decades. This reputation has been bolstered by appearances on several news networks and publications, including PBS, CNN, Fox Business, Bloomberg, and more. In this episode, Daniel discusses how he anticipates changes in technology, ho...
2020-09-1453 min
How That HappenedAmy Stipe - GableGotwalsAmy Stipe is a Director and President of GableGotwals, a full-service, nationwide law firm with more than 100 attorneys. She is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma and has held leadership duties with a number of prestigious groups, including Oklahoma County Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division Task Force, Oklahoma Bar Association’s Mineral Law Section, and the Mineral Lawyers Society of Oklahoma City. Amy has spoken to a wide variety of groups, including the University of Oklahoma College of Law, the Mineral Lawyers Society of Oklahoma City, among others. She is committed to serving the community by vo...
2020-08-3144 min
How That HappenedDean Wegner - Authentically American ApparelDean Wegner is the Founder & CEO of Authentically American, a Veteran owned and American made premium apparel brand. He has a diverse background starting with being a West Point graduate, then a helicopter pilot and Army Ranger, as well as his tenure with Mars Inc. and Proctor & Gamble in business development roles. Wegner and his company celebrate patriotism and honor American heroes by donating a portion of their profits to Veteran and First Responder charities. In this episode, Dean discusses how he got started in the apparel industry, his process and the dedication behind creating...
2020-08-1743 min
How That HappenedSam Allred - Upstream AcademySam Allred is founder and director of Upstream Academy, a consultancy of passionate advisors who design processes, tools, and programs to help firms achieve greater success. He has spent many years in the accounting industry, including as an equity partner with Anderson ZurMuehlen & Co., P.C. in Montana. Allred has been regularly recognized as one of the major influencers in the accounting profession including being listed as one of Accounting Today’s Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting and also as one of IPA’s “Most Recommended Consultants.” He is one of the most sought-after speakers in the acco...
2020-08-0357 min
How That HappenedRichard Zahn - RLZ ConsultingRichard Zahn is the owner of RLZ Consulting, an agency that works to develop, implement, and fund growth strategies for small to medium-sized businesses. He previously worked as an executive coach and is a board member for several businesses in Oklahoma and Texas. While growing up, Richard’s family started Anthony Stores, a retail staple in Oklahoma. He went on to receive his bachelor’s degree from Yale University and master’s degree from Stanford University. In this episode, Richard discusses the lessons he learned from his entrepreneurial family, the importance of listening to your custome...
2020-07-2056 min
How That HappenedJody Maberry - Maberica, Inc.Jody Maberry has many roles including marketing consultant, copywriter, customer experience strategist, and podcast host and producer. He is the owner of Maberica, Inc. Jody found another passion, helping businesses deliver their message to their customers, after pivoting from former roles such as being a financial analyst and a park ranger. Jody works with a variety of corporations, including Disney, and hosts “Creating Disney Magic” with Lee Cockerell, former VP of Walt Disney World. In this episode, Jody discusses how vital customer experience is in business, how to be extremely thorough in creating a consistent, clea...
2020-07-0644 min
How That HappenedDr. Richard Kopke - Hough Ear InstituteDr. Richard Kopke is CEO of Hough Ear Institute, Director of the INTEGRIS Cochlear Implant Clinic, and a Legion of Merit award-winning Army veteran. After spending 26 years in the Army, Dr. Kopke started at Hough Ear Institute in 2004, and has since embodied their mission and dream, that all who have ears will hear. Dr. Kopke has been a mainstay in the medical community, assisting or leading numerous research projects and trainings to help surgeons throughout the world sharpen their skills. In this episode, Dr. Kopke discusses how the Army prepared him for leadership in business...
2020-06-2233 min
How That HappenedScott Lambert - Travertine Elevator InteriorsScott Lambert is the founder and owner of Travertine Elevator Interiors, a company that designs, manufactures, and installs elevator interiors. Along with his wife, Scott is a serial entrepreneur, having started a number of companies including window washing, auto detailing, siding and astro turf companies. He is currently building a 92-room hotel in Norman, Oklahoma. Scott founded Travertine Elevator Interiors with his wife in 1998. Since then, he has produced over $200 million worth of business across the United States. In this episode, Scott discusses how he became immersed in the elevator industry, despite receiving a degree...
2020-06-0848 min
How That HappenedKen Miller - Former Oklahoma State Senator and TreasurerKen Miller is an educator and former Oklahoma senator and treasurer. Before his political career, Ken was an economics professor at Oklahoma Christian University for several years. He has since become Vice President of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs for OG&E. Ken started his academic career not knowing the course but was quick to find his passion for economics. After receiving a master’s degree in economics and a PhD from the University of Oklahoma, Miller started a career in banking before becoming a professor and chairman of the Oklahoma Legislative Compensation Board in 1988. In th...
2020-05-2652 min
How That HappenedTim Wackel - Tim Wackel, Inc.Tim Wackel is the Founder and CEO of Tim Wackel, Inc., an on-demand or in-person tailored sales training platform for businesses. Prior to creating his business, Tim spent many years at Hewlett Packard (HP) and other technology companies in sales and sales management roles. Tim started his career as an electrical engineer, with no inclination to move into sales. However, after receiving a job offer in sales from HP, he gladly accepted. He soon ascended to a leadership role within the company and became enamored with the process of perfecting a sale. In this episode...
2020-05-1152 min
How That HappenedBryan Clifton - Myriad InsightBryan Clifton is the Founder and CEO of Myriad Insight, an advisory and strategic services company focused on assisting companies through transitional phases. Outside of Myriad Insight, Bryan is the Founder of Council of Entrepreneurs, an entrepreneurial peer advisory group, and a Partner at Clevyr, Inc., a custom software and applications solutions company. Bryan started his entrepreneurial journey from a young age, running a family business with his father. His lessons in business led him to start Myriad Insight six years ago. In this episode, Bryan discusses his early beginnings in helping run companies, how...
2020-04-2753 min
How That HappenedShelley Brander - Loops ProductionsShelley Brander is the Founder and CEO of Loops Productions, a luxury yarn boutique that offers a brick and mortar storefront and produces online, instructional classes that are consumed around the world. Loops Productions is a Tulsa-based company that has rapidly grown their online and global presence. Fifteen years ago, Shelley launched Loops Productions, with plans to establish a franchise model. She saw a need for classes that connect people, not only locally, but all around the world, so Shelley launched LoopsClub, a membership to a virtual community with celebrity yarn professionals. In this episode, S...
2020-04-1346 min
How That HappenedJennifer Wilson - ConvergenceCoaching, LLC.The novel Coronavirus has affected everyone’s day-to-day lives. Businesses and people alike are having to adapt to the new normal and have shifted how they go about working. Companies, some for the first time, have adjusted to a remote working model while supporting their employees from home. Working remotely is nothing new for Jennifer Wilson, this weeks’ guest on the “How That Happened” Podcast. Jennifer Wilson is the founder and CEO of ConvergenceCoaching, LLC., a fully remote Leadership Development Consultancy focused on the accounting profession. Prior to starting ConvergenceCoaching, Jennifer served as a Partner for BDO, a firm o...
2020-03-3047 min
How That HappenedWhitney and Ryan Huffman - Beyond TheoryWhitney and Ryan Huffman are the co-owners and founders of the full-service advertising and consultancy agency, Beyond Theory. After gaining years of experience in their respective industries, they launched the agency with a heavy focus on building relationships. In 2015, Ryan presented the idea to his wife, after realizing that he was already serving as a media and advertising consultant in his current role. In this episode, Whitney and Ryan discuss the moment they decided to start their own business, how each of their selling experiences have helped them form relationships, and how asking vulnerable questions...
2020-03-1651 min
How That HappenedMerritt Dake - Rock Dental BrandsMerritt Dake is the CEO of Rock Dental Brands, a dental partnership company striving to provide affordable and quality dental care in the northwest Arkansas and southern Missouri regions. Prior to joining the dental industry, Merritt was in the accounting industry, specializing in tax. Merritt joined Rock Dental Brands in 2012 and has seen significant growth in the company, starting from just 2 locations to now over 70 locations. In this episode, Merritt divulges some of the technology disruptors in the marketplace, how student loans are affecting the dental practice, and how they are striving to make dental...
2020-03-0240 min
How That HappenedSam Walker - Green Tree ProjectSam Walker is the owner of Green Tree Project, an eco-friendly, direct to you Christmas tree delivery company. Apart from working on her company, Sam runs the front office of Project 3810, a small business incubator. Sam started Green Tree Project in December 2016 after realizing that their traditions did not align with the nurturing, sustainable values their family implemented. In this episode, Sam discusses the path leading to her family starting this business, how she plans to scale it, and the struggle of leaving a steady corporate job to start a business. Make sure...
2020-02-1742 min
How That HappenedBob East - East Harding, Inc.Bob East is the co-founder and former owner of East Harding, Inc. and former CEO and owner of Advanced Cabling Systems. He founded East Harding, Inc. in 1974 and quickly grew it to primarily encompass commercial projects, including the convention center and baseball park in Little Rock, Ark. In 1998, Bob purchased Advanced Cabling Systems, a technology integration company specializing in structured cabling, fire alarm systems, intercom, and protection systems. Bob has been a community staple in Little Rock, serving as President of the Little Rock Downtown Partnership and working with the Little Rock Airport Commission, Arkansas Nature Conservancy...
2020-02-0345 min
How That HappenedTom Morgan - HoganTaylor TechnologyTom Morgan is a Consulting Executive at HoganTaylor Technology, a newly formed subsidiary of HoganTaylor LLP. He has more than 30 years of diverse IT experience in small, medium, and large companies, including more than 25 years of management experience encompassing all IT disciplines. For more than 10 years, Tom served as Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer for Dobson Communications Corporation before they were acquired by AT&T in 2007. He stayed on as Senior Vice President of Information Technology at AT&T until 2008, when Tom, founded RainRock IT which offered outsourced CIO services, hosting services, and cybersecurity, among...
2020-01-2053 min
How That HappenedCody Brumley - Immanuel Baptist ChurchCody Brumley is the newly appointed Pastor of Ministries and Missions at Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas. Prior to his current position, Cody served as Executive Pastor and second chair to the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church in Jenks, Oklahoma. He has served his local church for more than 11 years, perfecting the art of public speaking. The ability to communicate in public is an increasingly vital tool for church leaders. In this episode, Cody discusses how to overcome and utilize the fear of public speaking, how to present a speech directly with...
2020-01-0652 min
How That HappenedPhil Lancaster - Mammoth Energy ServicesPhil Lancaster is Vice President of Corporate Development for Mammoth Energy Services. He also serves as interim President of Cobra Energy Co. Prior to these positions, Phil started, grew, and sold REDBACK Energy Services, LLC. and Great White Energy Services. For more than 14 years, Phil has partnered with Wexford Capital to help assist dozens of new companies serving those startups in various roles from board member to CEO. In this episode, Phil discusses the most challenging obstacle in building new business relationships, his advice on how to build a high-performing team, and his philosophy on...
2019-12-1637 min
How That HappenedRon Siegenthaler - Xeta CommunicationsRon Siegenthaler is chairman of Xeta Communications and Give.mobi LLC. He also serves as President of Myriad Technologies and a Consultant for Rolled Alloys. Prior to these positions, Ron founded Metals Inc., a steel service center that distributes specialty metals throughout the Southern United States. Throughout his entrepreneurial career, Ron has had a hand in many industries in the Tulsa business community, including oil and gas, steel distribution, nonprofit, and communications. In 2011, Oklahoma State University’s Riata Entrepreneurship Center named Ron its Distinguished Entrepreneur of the Year. In this episode, Ron shares advice gleaned fr...
2019-12-0259 min
How That HappenedDr. Valerie Thompson - The Urban League of Greater Oklahoma CityDr. Valerie Thompson is the current President and CEO of Urban League of Greater Oklahoma City and a professor of Strategic Planning & Program Development for Nonprofits at Oklahoma City University. For more than 25 years, Valerie has served the Urban League of Greater Oklahoma City, a mainstay in the Oklahoma nonprofit community. The Urban League’s mission is to assist African Americans, other minorities and the poor to achieve social and economic equality. In this episode, Dr. Thompson discusses the benefits of running nonprofits like businesses, the challenges nonprofit organizations face in a crowded nonprofit sector an...
2019-11-1836 min
How That HappenedGina Wilson - Oklahoma Central Credit UnionGina Wilson is the current President and CEO of Oklahoma Central Credit Union, and has been a longstanding fixture in Tulsa’s financial industry. Prior to becoming President and CEO in 2002, Gina served Oklahoma Central Credit Union as a Collector, Teller, Loan Officer, Accountant, Marketer and Business Developer. In this episode, Gina discusses the challenges of staying service-focused in a mobile-centric industry, the importance of cybersecurity, and her organization’s mission to teach the community healthy practices in personal finance. Make sure to subscribe to "How That Happened" to receive our latest episodes, learn...
2019-11-0448 min
How That Happened8. Tim O'Toole - Oklahoma State FairTim O'Toole is the current President and CEO of Oklahoma State Fair, Inc. and a long-standing fixture in Oklahoma City's entertainment landscape. Prior to joining the State Fair, Tim served as President and CEO of Oklahoma City's Triple-A baseball team. He has also played a role in many pivotal moments in Oklahoma City's history, including the 1989 US Olympic Festival, the opening of the Bricktown Ballpark, and multiple sales tax funded city initiatives. In this episode, Tim shares how his team manages to bring 10,000 - 50,000 people through the Oklahoma City fairgrounds gates each weekend. He also...
2019-10-2140 min
How That HappenedMatthew Swaggart - HoldFast GearMatthew Swaggart is a photographer, designer, and Founder and Chief Executive Officer of HoldFast Gear. HoldFast Gear is a high-quality leather goods outfitter originally tailored to the photography industry. Matthew fell in love with photography at an early age and started his career as a professional wedding photographer. It was during this time that he saw a need for a camera strap that offered the ability to hold multiple cameras while providing a polished, professional look. Thus, the Money Maker was created. In this episode, Matthew tells the HoldFast Gear story and discusses the power...
2019-10-0758 min
How That HappenedKenneth Knoll - Goose & GanderKenneth Knoll is an investor, serial entrepreneur, Partner and Board Member of WeGoLook, and the CEO and Co-Founder of Goose & Gander, a consultancy focused on enabling adoption of emerging technologies and businesses. Prior to founding Goose & Gander, Kenneth served as the Chief Operating Officer at WeGoLook, an information validation company, until its acquisition in 2017. In this episode, Kenneth discusses his journey from venture investments to WeGoLook and Goose & Gander. He also examines the strategy behind the technology that drives the gig economy. For additional show notes, visit http://www.hogantaylor.com/how-that-happened-episode-6 Copyright 2019...
2019-09-231h 14
How That HappenedMatt Crafton - Crafton TullMatt Crafton is a retired Air Force engineer and current President and Chief Executive Officer of Crafton Tull, a professional design firm with offices throughout Arkansas and Oklahoma. Crafton Tull provides quality planning, architecture, engineering, and survey services to customers across the nation in the architecture, energy, infrastructure, planning, and transportation sectors. In this episode, Matt explores his engineering beginnings with the Air Force, the early days of Crafton Tull, and the adversities he’s faced as CEO. For additional show notes, visit http://www.hogantaylor.com/how-that-happened-episode-5 Copyright 2019 HoganTaylor LLP. Al...
2019-09-0942 min
How That HappenedErika and Chris Lucas - StitchCrewErika and Chris Lucas are the founders and owners of StitchCrew, a business accelerator that links entrepreneurs and new companies to capital, resources, and social networks to assist in the development of Oklahoma’s innovation economy. StitchCrew is a founder-first organization that was born out of an understanding that nobody builds a company alone. They believe that the fastest way to close wealth gaps and achieve economic mobility is by increasing the participation of traditionally overlooked entrepreneurs. In this episode, Erika and Chris discuss what it takes to build a strong entrepreneurial community, StitchCrew’s part...
2019-08-261h 01
How That HappenedDixie Agostino - Switchgear RecruitingDixie Agostino is the owner and founder of the award-winning, Tulsa-based staffing agency, SwitchGear Search and Recruiting. Dixie started SwitchGear in 2010 with a unique focus on individuals and relationships. In the years since its founding, SwitchGear has become a powerhouse staffing agency that has helped put countless people into positions where their skills and strengths are maximized. For her leadership, Dixie has been named a Journal Record Most Admired CEOs honoree and the Tulsa Regional Chamber’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year. In this episode, Dixie discusses the struggles and near-death experiences of her business, th...
2019-08-1244 min
How That HappenedJohn Allgood - Temple UniversityJohn Allgood is the Academic Director, Executive Master of Science Sport Business and Assistant Professor of Sport Business at Temple University. John began working in sport management in 1995 and quickly became an integral part of the Oklahoma sports landscape. He worked for Oklahoma City’s Triple-A baseball team, helped develop the OKC Energy FC soccer team, and taught Sport Management at the University of Oklahoma. Listen to this episode to hear stories about the business side of sports, the technology and innovations that are changing the profession, and the opportunities that led to the creation of...
2019-07-2945 min
How That HappenedGeoff Hager - Big Elk Energy SystemsGeoff Hager is CEO of Big Elk Energy Systems, a manufacturing company he founded with the goal of bringing the best possible talent and service to the energy industry. Join Geoff as he sits down with the “How That Happened” podcast to explore his career path and his emphasis on workplace culture and relationships. The show’s host, Robert Wagner, also speaks to Geoff about Big Elk’s resilience during past economic downturns, as well as the evolution and future of the energy industry. Listen to this episode to hear inspiring stories of leadership that will hel...
2019-07-1558 min
How That HappenedIntroducing "How That Happened" with Robert Wagner and Aaron Ackerman “How That Happened,” is a business and innovation success podcast hosted by HoganTaylor business advisors Robert Wagner and Aaron Ackerman. In this introductory episode, Robert and Aaron discuss the show's format and what they hope listeners will gain from their interviews with business and community leaders behind thriving organizations. They also share their answers to the five questions they ask each guest. Be sure to visit www.howthathappened.com for more episodes and additional materials.
2019-05-3124 min