By ROD WALTON World Business Editor
Looking ahead isn’t always about predicting what will happen in the new year. Sometimes, it’s what you hope and fear about the future.
The Tulsa World asked a group of 17 local businesspeople, from nearly all sectors of the economy, about their resolutions and thoughts on 2014. The questions focused on what was important to them both professionally and personally. Some of it is all business, but it’s also more than that for many of these entrepreneurs and executives. They work long hours, but family time and peace of mind hold places of honor, too.
We let them do the talking. Inside our section, they respond to questions about business and personal resolutions, as well as their wishes and worries about the coming year.
The group who responded to our request for resolutions comes from banking, health care, energy, computers, construction and more. They wish for better government, economic development and, perhaps most of all, well-being.
All have one thing in common: They are hoping for a successful and fulfilling 2014.
Big surprise, right; that’s something most of us have in common.
Rod Walton 918-581-8457
business leaders’ new year’s resolutions
Resolution makers for 2014
- Melanie Hasty-Grant, financial adviser, Waterstone Private Wealth Management
- Steve Bradshaw, incoming CEO, BOK Financial Corp.
- Marcia MacLeod, senior vice president, WPX Energy Corp.
- Dave Ysebaert, CEO, Explorer Pipeline
- Susan Plank, CEO, YMCA of Greater Tulsa
- Dave Kollman, division president, Flintco
- Fred Menge, owner, Magnir
- Steve Antry, founder and CEO, Eagle Energy Exploration LLC
- Michael D. Cooke, president and managing partner, Hall Estill law firm
- Greg Gallant, president and CEO, Tulsa Federal Credit Union
- Scott Meacham, president and CEO, i2E
- Brandon Jackson, incoming president, Home Builders Association of Greater Tulsa
- Casey Goodwin, owner, Goodwin Company
- Scott Rumley, owner, BookKeeping Express
- Shannon Wilburn, CEO and co-founder, Just Between Friends Franchise System
- Clint Emerson, owner and main orthodontist, Esthetique Orthodontics & Facial System
- Meghan Donnelly, owner and founder, Inner Peace Yoga
What would you like to see happen in the local business community in the coming year?
Melanie Hasty-Grant, financial adviser, Waterstone Private Wealth Management
“Jobs, jobs, jobs. If everyone would stop fighting and start focusing on how to enhance the productivity of existing companies in the Tulsa area and how we can attract new business, then there will be plenty of resources for everybody. Citizens need to realize that Tulsa and the surrounding suburbs are not competing with each other, we are all having to compete with other states and countries for jobs and resources. Come together or wither.”
Meghan Donnelly, Inner Peace Yoga
“In 2014, I would like to see an increase in support of the preventive health industry such as bodywork, nutrition, exercise and activities that calm the nervous system and reduce mental, physical and emotional stress and pain. Wellness practices aid in boosting one’s immune system will allow many companies and individuals to save money on lost work time, sick time, pharmaceutical costs, surgeries etc. Even more importantly, businesses will notice an increase in employee morale, productivity, focus, pleasant work environment and customer service to the clients.”
Fred Menge, owner, Magnir
“I would like to see Dfest (music festival) come back as well as more nationally recognized events such as the 2013 Bassmaster Classic that draws people and business to Tulsa.”
Clint Emerson, Esthetique Orthodontics & Facial Beauty
“I would love for 2014 to be the breakout year for acceptance of truly hidden braces. More and more adults are turning to braces to help with bite issues that occur as we age, and there’s no reason to believe that you must settle for plastic trays or metal brackets on the outside surfaces of your teeth. I would love to see name brands such as Incognito become as popularized as Invisalign.”
Marcia MacLeod, senior vice president of human resources and administration, WPX Energy Inc.
“Continued economic growth is essential to building Tulsa’s tax base, but it’s vital that Tulsa continues its efforts to create opportunities for young people coming out of college so they find business prospects and a social environment that attracts and keeps them here. The revitalization of downtown Tulsa is a critical component to helping Tulsa keep its young talent. They are our next generation of business and community leaders in this city.”
Susan Plank, CEO, YMCA of Greater Tulsa
“I would like to see our community embrace healthy living as never before in the following ways:
“Walkable routes to schools, work and retail areas. Thirty minutes of physical education every day for every child in our schools. After-school and summer programs aimed at fitness for our kids. More opportunities for outdoor experiences for our kids. Every child given the opportunity to learn to swim.”
Dave Ysebaert, CEO, Explorer Pipeline
“Promote education and trade skills for the youth in Tulsa. With business expanding and the workforce aging, there is a need for more technically trained people.”
Scott Rumley, BookKeeping Express
“In the next year for Tulsa, I think it would be great to continue to see further workers compensation reforms. They have already begun at the state level. Our biggest challenge to attracting new businesses is that we are surrounded by states with more manageable workers compensation laws, and those laws benefit both the employer and the employee. So if we were to increase our workers comp laws, it would make business here more competitive and attractive.”
Shannon Wilburn, Just Between Friends Franchise Systems
“I would like to see more programs that bring seasoned business owners together with new business owners to help them avoid pitfalls that might hinder their success. In addition, I would like to see increased opportunity in Tulsa and Northeastern Oklahoma for Internships for college students.”
Dave Kollman, executive vice president and division president, Flintco
“I have been fortunate to join the Tulsa Regional Chamber on the intercity visit trips each year, to hear leaders from other cities — Louisville, Ky.; Indianapolis; Charlotte, N.C.; and Pittsburgh — share their secrets for success and lessons learned as they’ve forged ahead to do grow and develop their communities. I’d like to see private industry rally around our civic leaders to embrace this partnership to move Tulsa forward/succeed (in areas such as river development, education, commercial development, arts, retail, housing, etc.).”
Brandon Jackson, 2014 president, Home Builders Association of Greater Tulsa
“I would like to see more companies relocate to Tulsa in the coming year — especially in the energy sector. New companies have a domino effect of improving our economy with new jobs, new housing and new support jobs for those companies and employees. The energy sector is a great fit for our community and contributes very positively with above average property and sales tax collections.”
What are your business and personal resolutions for 2014?
Clint Emerson, Esthetique Orthodontics & Facial Beauty
“As the dawn of 2014 approaches, I can’t help but think about the age-old New Year’s resolution — exercise! Both my body and business are hitting the ‘middle age’ years, and they could both benefit from getting leaner and meaner. I turned 40 this year, and I feel my body was just waiting for that anniversary. Back pain, knee surgery and stubborn unwanted pounds. I am resolving to take up yoga to improve my flexibility and strengthen my core.
“My practice turns 7 this year and, like any business, suffers from the aches and pains of being a ‘living organism.’ Education courses, more staff training, new technology, more commitment to customer service. All of these improve my business’s flexibility and strengthen its core. Each year I want my business to become more efficient. Patients sense the relaxing mood that efficiency brings to the office.”
Steve Antry, CEO and founder, Eagle Energy Exploration LLC
“In that I feel so blessed personally, I am constantly assessing my life and trying to think of ways to help family and friends advance in their lives. I have always found that you get paid back in multiples in life by doing this. I consider my partners, employees and co-workers part of my extended family. With the launching of the new iteration of Eagle, I have a fresh new set of variables to apply that principle to, and plan to make great strides in that regard during 2014.”
Scott Meacham, president and CEO, i2E
“As far as an organization, we’re hoping to find a lot more great companies to get off the ground. We’re also hoping to be more efficient in our delivery of services. For Tulsa, we want to have our Immersion Program identify early concepts that could be viable business opportunities and get them on the right track.
“Personally, I hadn’t thought about that. I’m just hoping to get through this year.”
Brandon Jackson, 2014 president for the Home Builders Association of Greater Tulsa
“I have a combined business and personal resolution, which is to do a better job separating business hours from personal hours. In this technological age we are living in, customers have access to us via voicemail, email and text message 24 hours per day. I need to do a better job setting the customer’s expectations that I will reply to their questions during business hours. With smartphones, tablets and laptops, it is easy to find yourself working after business hours, during vacations, etc. That is not fair to the family and can lead to burnout from work.”
Steve Bradshaw, incoming CEO, BOK Financial Corp.
“Business: My primary goal is to keep the company focused on advising and assisting customers across all lines of business in an exceptional way. The regulatory environment and sluggish economy make growth difficult, so we must out-execute our competition in order to grow.
“Personally, I took 2013 off from my running commitment and have the weight to prove it. I’m anxious to get back into a better routine and prepare to participate in the Tulsa Run again in 2014.”
Duane Carns, Cookie Advantage
“We have an ongoing resolution for 2014 to increase our annual sales by an average of 50 percent. As certified coaches and trainers for John C. Maxwell, we have drawn from his book ‘The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth.’ The first law is our guide each day, the law of intentionality. By becoming intentional each day, it’s easier to stay on track in reaching your goals.”
Susan Plank, CEO, YMCA of Greater Tulsa
“To choose one item would be difficult, but I know that my time, my focus and much of my energy will be devoted to a major capital campaign. We have a very exciting plan to replace our well-used Thornton Y with what will be a state-of-the-art center that will provide a full spectrum of programs and services designed to help families and individuals achieve their health goals. It will become a center of support for healthy living made possible by a terrific collaboration with the OU School of Community Health.
“Personal: Take time to read to kids, expand my garden, walk farther and travel more.”
Casey Goodwin, owner of the Goodwin Company
“My business resolution for 2014 is that I would like to see continued growth in 2014. Toward the end of 2013, the housing market picked up for the first time since 2008. So I hope that in 2014 more people will want to build or remodel their homes.
“As far as my personal resolution, I want to find new ways to make my home even more energy efficient and maintenance free. I have already gone so far as to construct my home out of concrete. My utility bills are proof enough that I am headed in the right direction. Next year, I am applying for LEED certification and challenging myself to push the envelope even more as a builder and home owner.”
Michael D. Cooke, President and managing partner, Hall Estill
“From a business standpoint, I’d like to further expand Hall Estill’s Intellectual Property practice, grow our Northwest Arkansas office, and decrease the amount of paper our firm uses. Personally, I would like to fish more, see more of the U.S. and Mexico, and learn Spanish.”
Dave Kollman, executive vice president and division president, Flintco
“This year, my two college-aged sons and I got PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) certified in Belize in Central America. I am making a resolution to grow this tradition in 2014 with a trip to Cozumel in January and making an annual scuba diving trip with my boys! I’d also like to record my first hole-in-one in golf, but that’s an elusive goal —- seems there is a lack of talent!”
What do you see as the greatest potential risk to our economy in the new year?
Melanie Hasty-Grant, financial adviser, Waterstone Private Wealth Management
“The fear of economic risk is still fresh in everyone’s memories. How the markets adapt to the continued actions of the Federal Reserve and the future changes in interest rates will once again alter the risks you face in the coming year. With changes in health-care coverages, looming rising interest rates and increasing pressure of competition for jobs, you need to have a plan. The greatest risk you face might be your own lack of awareness and planning. That is why we share with our clients regularly to: Get Informed, Have a Plan, Take Action.”
Susan Plank, YMCA of Greater Tulsa
“More than 3 billion dollars is spent on diabetes in our state. We cannot continue to expend our resources treating a condition that can and should be prevented. We must help families and individuals eat better and move more so that those resources can be directed to improving the education of our children. Better health=improved education: That is my mantra!”
Steve Antry, Eagle Energy Exploration LLC
“The Affordable Care Act. I don’t believe this is hype. The government just can’t handle one-sixth of our economy with any semblance of efficiency. This will hurt all businesses and the overall economy of our country on a macro level. On a micro level, Eagle has always provided quality health insurance for our employees, so we really didn’t need the help.”
Michael D. Cooke, Hall Estill
“Two of the greatest potential risks moving into 2014 are the unforeseen effects of the change in the nation’s health-care and how the likely increase in interest rates will affect the economy.”
Brandon Jackson, Home Builders Association of Greater Tulsa
“Fear over political issues generated in Washington on topics such as the Affordable Care Act, the national debt, immigration, etc., that discourages businesses to expand, consumers to spend and financial institutions to lend. That type of fear can paralyze our local economy and stagnate growth and recovery.”
Marcia MacLeod, WPX Energy Inc.
“The energy industry has made such great strides recently in safely developing natural gas and oil domestically. So my hope is that the polarization in Congress will stop and both parties learn to work together with our industry to continue our path toward energy independence in the United States.”
Scott Meacham, i2E
“Usually it’s the federal government, as that’s been the story the last few years. It’s hard to get Congress to act in a way to just get the basic job done, like pass budgets. Though the recent budget agreement may be a sign of better things to come.”
Dave Kollman, Flintco
“There are positive things going on in the greater Tulsa area — the recent Macy’s announcement of 1,000-plus new jobs, expansion of health care and education and leisure venues across our community, our low unemployment rate, the energy boom, the public’s support in voting for the November Improve our Tulsa package — it’s hard to be pessimistic about Tulsa’s economy.
“However, consumers are still concerned about the continuing volatile markets, a 16-day government shutdown and a prolonged artificial stimulus program, that have all contributed to the public’s general doubt in U.S. economic stability. We have passed the low point in the economic cycle, and I am optimistic overall. Specific to Tulsa, because we have so many small businesses that thrive here, I am aware of concerns about the uncertainty of health-care program’s cost and what implications that may have on the growth of these small businesses in 2014.”