Business Archives - The Oklahoma 100

State Shines in Inc. 5000

Twenty-eight Oklahoma companies made the Inc. 5000 list.

Inc. magazine unveiled its 36^th annual list of America’s fastest-growing private companies based on three-year sales percentage growth.

The list includes 28 Oklahoma companies, including two Tulsa companies that made the top 500 – Oklahoma LED and Casino Cash Trac.

“The Inc. 5000 is the most persuasive evidence that the American Dream is still alive,” Inc. President and Editor-in-Chief Eric Schurenberg said. “Determination, risk-taking and vision were the keys to their success.”

The average three-year revenue growth is 481 percent, and the minimum 2016 revenue to qualify is $2 million. View the full list.

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

Tulsa 100

Tulsa Native to Helm New Discovery Channel Show

The new Discovery Channel show "American Made Inventors" has roots in Tulsa. (Photo courtesy of American Made Inventors) Facebook)

A former Tulsa TV journalist has partnered with the Discovery Channel for “American Made Inventors.”

After a stint on “Shark Tank” in 2016, Jason Shackelford caught the attention of the network, which decided Shackelford and his partners, Dave Yonce and Billy Crimmins, may be capable of helming their own show. The reality show held casting calls in Tulsa and Oklahoma City for entrepreneurs to take to Yonce’s ranch for a chance to pitch their idea and secure a partnership that will change their business forever.

The first episode aired in September and now awaits its future on the Discovery Channel.

– Tori Garrett, Jones PR

Startup Scene

OK!NNOVATE Focuses on Oklahoma Entrepreneurs

OK!NNOVATE is working to make Oklahoma the place to be for entrepreneurs and startups.

Oklahoma is a prime location for entrepreneurial development.

A new program to assist entrepreneurs, launch startups and spur innovation is being created in Oklahoma City. OK!NNOVATE is designed to connect entrepreneurs to resources to accelerate and support their success. The program seeks to help these business leaders start, build and flourish within Oklahoma. These goals will be accomplished by providing space for these companies to grow as well as opportunities to secure funding through grants.

OK!NNOVATE will assist Oklahoma’s young talent, creating a place of action and impact and space to build community, culture and commerce for innovators.

– Adam Maxey, Jones PR

Business

US Data Breach Crisis

Know what to do after a data breach.

Crises can arise at any time and through no fault of your own. Protecting your personal brand is always at the center of good crisis planning.

As long as we rely on technology, we leave ourselves open to threats, including the most recent data breach at Equifax that potentially affects nearly 150 million people. We receive phishing emails regularly, and every time you swipe a credit card, you open the door to disaster.

There are resources available outlining the proper steps to mitigate these potential crises as to not affect you, your family or your business for years to come.

– Chuck Norman, APR, The North Carolina 100

The 100 Gal

Plans Revealed for Potential Norman Development

Renderings of the proposed development showcase the potential impact on the Norman community.

Last week Norman political and economic development leaders announced a major new entertainment and mixed-use development at University North Park, which is expected to generate $15 million in new taxes annually.

Located east of I-35 between Tecumseh and Rock Creek Roads, it is planned to include entertainment options, restaurants, hotels, an expo center and housing, all wrapping around a new sports arena that OU plans to use for future men’s and women’s basketball games.

Big kudos to OU Foundation President Guy Patton, Norman Mayor Lynne Miller and OU Athletic Director Joe Castiglione for this exciting vision. Boomer Sooner!

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

Tulsa 100

Craft Beer Bringing Tulsans Together

The Tulsa brewery puts a unique twist on traditional styles of ales that any personality and palate can enjoy.

One of Tulsa’s newest craft breweries features Belgian-style brews with an Oklahoma twist and brings inhabitants closer together with community-style seating.

“Crafted for community,” Cabin Boys Brewing is a 9,000-square-foot building located in Tulsa’s Pearl District. Opened by high school best friends Ryan Arnold, Austin McIlroy and McIlroy’s wife Lisa, the brewery combines the trio’s unique talents. Austin McIlroy is the brewmaster, Ryan Arnold leads marketing and business efforts for the brewery, and Lisa McIlroy is the artistic director and event coordinator.

For hours, beer specials and more information, visit Cabin Boys Brewing on Facebook.

– Kelly Hughes, Jones PR

Networking

Tickets Still Available For Lt. Gov. Young Professional Conference – Oct. 12

From topics such as Oklahoma’s craft beer scene and the OKC Thunder, to how young professionals can stay informed and climb the corporate ladder, the Lt. Governor’s Young Professionals Conference is a great opportunity for Oklahoma’s young professionals to engage and connect with professionals from all industries.

As keynote speaker, Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb will discuss his OK!NNOVATE plan to cultivate Oklahoma’s next generation to start and stay here. The conference will be at the Devon Tower on Thursday, Oct. 12 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, visit the Facebook page and register today.

– Ashley Ross, Jones PR

Business News

OK!NNOVATE Welcomes New COO

Newly hired OK!NNOVATE COO Joshua Fahrenbruck brings years of executive-level experience to the position.

The E Foundation for Oklahoma recently welcomed Joshua Fahrenbruck as chief operating officer of its new entrepreneurship program, OK!NNOVATE.

OK!NNOVATE is designed to connect entrepreneurs to resources that will accelerate and support their success. E Foundation President and CEO Michael Carnuccio believes OK!NNOVATE encourages innovative growth in Oklahoma. Fahrenbruck will oversee taking the program from its planning stages to a working reality. He explained the goal is to “cultivate and energize the place, programs, advisors and capital required to encourage founders and companies to start, grow and flourish in Oklahoma.”

Learn more on the E Foundation website.

– David Dishman, Jones PR

Management

Generation Z Has Different Priorities

Generation Z makes up one-fourth of the U.S. population. Its oldest members are now in their early 20s.

Unlike millennials, Generation Z (born after 1995) grew up in uncertain times, so they have different priorities. This is important for employers to know, because members of Generation Z are now seeking their first jobs.

Three things to know about Generation Z employees:

– They like to communicate via social media. Post jobs via their preferred platforms: YouTube, Snapchat and Instagram.

– Company culture is important to them, so show you care about your employees.

– They seek stability. Discuss long-term career opportunities, even if it’s a part-time job.

To retain Generation Z employees, offer flexibility, growth opportunities and job security.

– Christina Norton, Revenue Management Solutions

Business

The Benefits of LinkedIn

Here are four reasons why your business should use LinkedIn.

The impact LinkedIn can provide for businesses that want to generate leads, connect to professional peers, and build their brands is powerful, especially in the B2B arena.

1. LinkedIn surpassed Facebook as the top social platform for B2B marketers.

2. It’s an effective channel to position yourself as a professional leader and trusted influencer through thought leadership.

3. Over 467 million users are on LinkedIn.

4. LinkedIn ranked as the top social media site used for product launches among B2B marketers globally.

It allows the opportunity to connect organically with people throughout different industries. You never know where your next client will come from.

– Natalie Ghidotti, The Arkansas 100

Tulsa 100

Tulsa Business Offers Entrepreneurs Professional Work Space

36 Degrees North, named after the latitudinal line that runs through Tulsa, provides entrepreneurs a basecamp.

Working from home isn’t always everything it’s cracked up to be. However, a new office space dedicated to providing a professional work environment for Tulsa’s new businesses can help provide a solution.

36 Degrees North offers entrepreneurs and startup programs room to grow their businesses with more than 11,000 square feet of collaborative event space. The building includes a community hall, board rooms, classrooms, conference rooms and desks. The supply closet is well-stocked with typical office supplies.

36 Degrees North offers different levels of membership depending on the needs of each client, but day passes are also available.

– Tori Garrett, Jones PR

Business News

Metro 50 Award Winners Announced

For the fifth year in a row, Jones PR is selected for the Metro 50.

The Metro 50 awards banquet is one of Oklahoma City’s most prestigious events.

The awards are handed out to the fastest-growing, privately held companies in Oklahoma City based on percentage of annual growth between 2014 and 2016. To qualify, companies are required to have revenues of at least $1 million for the previous year.

On Sept. 25, Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett will announce the winners and crown the fastest-growing business in Oklahoma City. This unique award allows startups and established businesses to be recognized for their work.

Visit the website to see a list of 2017 winners.

– Adam Maxey, Jones PR

media

Trust Issues Don’t Keep News Seekers Away

Reuters Institute and University of Oxford gathered information from over 70,000 online news consumers in 36 countries, including the US and UK, to develop the 2017 report.

How we consume the news, our trust in various sources, along with our preferences for obtaining news continues to evolve.

The 2017 Digital News Report published by Reuters suggests that the appetite for news is strong, with 54 percent of respondents saying their consumption will grow. However, there continues to be declining trust in social media, with only 28 percent of those polled trusting the source of the news stories shared by family, friends and colleagues. Only 10 percent say social media will be their primary source of news in the future.

Do your preferences match up with the report?

– Chuck Norman, APR, The North Carolina 100

The 100 Gal

Companies Helping Hurricane Harvey Victims

OG&E sent 80 crew members early Monday morning to help cities impacted by Hurricane Harvey. (Photo courtesy of OG&E)

One thing Oklahoma companies know how to do well is help Americans in time of need. Hurricane Harvey’s impact on Texas prompted help from neighboring Oklahoma, with several companies stepping up.

More than 80 OG&E crew members traveled to help restore power, and PSO sent 300 utility workers to assist with repairs. While Oklahoma’s Red Cross and Salvation Army chapters have sent volunteers, Oklahoma is headquarters to Feed the Children — FTC Donate — which is providing disaster relief supplies to families.

There are many national companies helping hurricane victims that have already pledged to help those affected by the storm.

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

Hiring

Free to Live Announces New Executive Director

Reagan Hamlin became Free to Live Animal Sanctuary's new executive director Aug. 2.

Oklahoma’s largest no-kill animal sanctuary has a new executive director.

Reagan Hamlin took over the role at Free to Live Animal Sanctuary on Aug. 2.

Hamlin comes to the organization with more than 10 years experience in nonprofit fundraising and communications, according to Free to Live. She most recently was the assistant vice president for development at the University of Central Oklahoma.

Located in Edmond, Free to Live serves the Oklahoma community through its work. The sanctuary staff care for stray, neglected and abused animals. Those animals that are not adopted live out their lives peacefully at the sanctuary.

– Meghan Jackson, Jones PR

The 100 Gal

Small Business Leaders Visit White House

SBA Admin. Linda McMahon and Ivanka Trump take questions at The White House during a discussion called, “America Small Business-The Engine of the American Dream.”

President Donald Trump recently hosted a discussion with Small Business Administrator Linda McMahon and Ivanka Trump.

As one of 100 business owners to attend, I learned McMahon aims to re-image the Small Business Association so it’s more than America’s best-kept secret. Her highest priorities are lowering taxes for LLCs, S corporations and sole entrepreneurs paying the highest rates, plus mentorships and counseling to help visionaries execute their American dream.

Ivanka Trump prioritizes expanding apprenticeships with portable credentials across state lines, teaming industries with career tech colleges and empowering working families with affordable child care and family leave policies.

— Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

Business

Accommodating New Mothers at Work

The time when a new mother returns to work after maternity leave is called the "Fifth Trimester."

Returning to work after having a child can be a challenging transition. Regardless of which state or federal workplace laws apply, employers should consider these best practices for welcoming back new mothers:

– Talk to expecting employees about how much leave they will take and whether they may need flexible work hours when they return.

– Consider increasing a new mother’s workload gradually instead of expecting her to return to work at full capacity.

– When possible, avoid scheduling meetings beyond normal work hours, especially without notice.

– Allow breaks for mothers to pump breast milk in a comfortable, private space – not a bathroom.

– Lisa McGlynn, Fisher Phillips

Business

Find Your Partnerships

It’s all about teamwork.

One of the best tactics in your business arsenal already exists. Strategic partnerships are quickly becoming a necessity, especially in terms of marketing.

Partnerships can be created in a variety of ways but should include businesses or organizations that align with the mission of your company and have their own circle of influence. Recent high-profile partnerships include the Taco Bell “Taco Mode” Lyft Feature and Under Armour with rapper A$AP Rocky.

Who are your partnership opportunities? Find the players in your community by setting an objective, identifying those who will help you get there and complement your vision.

– Natalie Ghidotti, The Arkansas 100

The 100 Gal

Can You Pass the Drug Test?

Collaboration between business and health leaders is the prescription needed to fix the opioid epidemic in Oklahoma.

This question is no longer sufficient for employers to ask potential new hires. The misuse of prescription painkillers and synthetic opioids is well known, and its impact is devastating some companies to the level that The Journal Record hosted a panel discussion for the business community.

The most recent study from Castlight Health reported opioid abuse is costing employers about $18 billion per year in lost productivity and medical expenses. On average, 4-5% of employees who received an opioid prescription showed signs of abuse.

The best prescription is for businesses and health leaders to collaborate and remedy this epidemic.

— Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

Business

Don’t Let Your Website Get Stale if You Want to Engage

Continue to update your website to attract more business.

If you haven’t updated your website in years, you may be losing valuable leads for your business.

Web design trends change annually, and investing in a new site can be costly but worthwhile. There are cost-effective changes that you can make to be more current and influence your potential customers. High-quality original photography can speak volumes about your relevance and build trust. The popularity of video is still on the rise, and studies have shown video increases engagement.

Your budget may not allow a redesign annually, but you can keep your site competitive with strong copy and visuals.

– Chuck Norman, The North Carolina 100

The 100 Gal

Managing Business Through Summer Slump

Every business experiences the summer slump, but there are plenty of ways to liven up even the slowest of days.

Many business owners dread the summer slump. Instead, look at this opportunity to set up for a strong year-end finish, staff training and team-building fun.

Now that it’s mid-year, review the financials to ensure the company’s on track to meet year-end goals. Invest in your company by sending staff to professional conferences to learn new ideas to implement during these slow days.

Remember to have fun. Together, celebrate one of the national awareness days, such as Tequila Day on July 24 or Watermelon Day on August 3. Find more ideas at Days of the Year 2017.

— Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

Entertainment

The Jones Assembly Sets New OKC Standard

The Jones Assembly is Oklahoma City's newest hot spot for all things food, spirits and music. (Photo by Madison Rae Photos)

Located on the west end of downtown on Film Row, The Jones Assembly is Oklahoma City’s newest hot spot for food, spirits and music.

The 20,000-square-foot historic space, formerly part of Fred Jones Manufacturing Company, has been transformed into a 225-seat restaurant with separate downstairs and mezzanine bars with the capacity of 1,600 guests for live events. Music fans can expect around three concerts every month featuring national recording artists and local performers with weekly live music as well.

The Jones Assembly sets a new standard in Oklahoma City dining and nightlife. Learn more here.

– Ashley Ross, Jones PR

Tulsa 100

The Last Video Chain: Surviving the Era of Streaming

When bigger video rental chains shut their doors, Family Video remained afloat and continues to grow. (BRENDAN SULLIVAN/THE WORLD-HERALD)

With the emergence of streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, some may assume video rental companies have entered the age of the dinosaur.

Crystal Craig, manager at Family Video on 31st St. in Tulsa, continues to welcome customers with a friendly smile. Craig believes in-person interaction allows her to assist customers in finding exactly what they want.

When Blockbuster closed almost all locations in 2013, it was shocking, but Keith Hoogland, Family Video president, said, “They went out of business because of their business models.” Hoogland understands customers still crave the experience and instant connection through American movie culture.

– Jake Pasdach, Jones PR

marketing

Podcasts: Changing the Game

Apple's plans to make analytics available for podcasts could be a game-changer.

In today’s digital marketing age, analytics are everything.

And soon, the power of analytics to shape and rank content is coming to podcasts – already a medium with millions of listeners. Until now, podcasts have had few metrics, but when Apple launches podcast analytics later this year, marketers will gain valuable insights into how a podcast’s audience is engaging, such as:

– when and where people listen;

– if and when they stop listening;

– and whether they stay tuned for ads.

Analytics should make podcasts more appealing to marketers, in turn increasing financial support for podcasts – a win for marketers, producers and listeners.

– Kyle Parks, The Tampa Bay 100

The 100 Gal

Oklahoma Company Named Leading Healthcare IT Innovator

PatientLink Enterprises founder Debi Willis is proud to be one of the nation's "11 Leading Innovators."

An Oklahoma company makes another national innovator list. PatientLink Enterprises was selected by healthcare IT executives, policy makers and industry innovators as one of the “11 Leading Innovators” leading the digital disruption of healthcare.

Health Data Management magazine editors profiled these leaders as visionaries that are seeking better ways to use technology to improve patient care.

Founder Debi Willis has pioneered the exchange of data between patients, their physicians and research. “Our newest product, MyLinks, puts a personalized electronic medical record in the hands of every patient … multiplying the impact of electronic information and sharing — a game changer!” said Willis.

— Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

Community

Oklahoma City Unveils Name of MAPS 3 Park

Students from John Rex Elementary School helped announce the name of the new MAPS 3 downtown park.

On June 29, Oklahoma City leaders gathered to announce the newest downtown park, Scissortail Park. The park will span 70 acres and will be split into two sections: north and south.

“The MAPS 3 Park will be a gathering place for generations in Oklahoma City, and it needs a timeless name that’s meaningful to our community,” Mayor Cornett said. “The new park will be a place people will meet to enjoy the trails and water features, gather for concerts and events, spend time with their children, family and friends in a natural setting in the heart of a thriving city.”

– Jake Pasdach, Jones PR

public relations

Working With Influencers

Paying a trusted and respected social media influencer to post about your brand can boost your brand's credibility.

I’m a huge proponent of working with social media influencers. I believe that is where brands can get the most bang for their buck, especially with millennials.

Things to consider when working with influencers: how many followers do they have? Are their followers in your target audience? How often do they share sponsored posts? Do they have a high engagement rate?

Reaching out to someone with 100K+ Instagram followers can seem intimidating, but everyone I’ve reached out to has been kind, receptive and helpful. If it fits with your brand, consider partnering with an influencer on your next paid campaign.

– Haley Barton, The Atlanta 100

Atlanta