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In the lead up to Labor Day, we have put together a Q&A series we're calling "Q&Aid" with some of the top entrepreneurs and city/business leaders to get our volunteers' creative juices flowing. For the latest installment of our series, we sit down with Justin Thompson, founder of JTR Group. Editor's Notes: Justin is an advisor to the Lemon-Aid Project and JTR Group is a sponsor of our 25th anniversary celebration. Parts of this interview have also been edited and condensed for clarity.  Tell us a little bit about yourself. I own and operate 3 restaurants, a catering company, a bar, and a bakery, all in Tulsa OK. I have written and published a cookbook, been voted Tulsa's best chef multiple times, and I've opened 10 restaurants over the course of my career. Please tell us about your favorite lemonade stand experience. When I was a kid, me and a friend of mine decided to set up a lemonade stand at his house. The night before, we planned how much we were going to make, how much we were going to charge, made posters, talked about how we were going our spend our money, and every other detail we could think of, except one. The next morning, armed with our posters and our big ideas, we raced downstairs to make our lemonade and get started. We were all ready to go, except for that one thing - we forgot to ask his mom to get the supplies we needed form the store and she was already back from shopping. We didn't get to set up a lemonade stand that day, but I learned a lot about being prepared and making sure to have everything you need to be successful before endeavoring on a new venture. We ended up setting up a lemonade stand the following weekend, and I think we drank more than we sold. When did you know you wanted to do what you do now? I was in college, studying philosophy and zoology at OU, and working in a few kitchens to make extra money. I enjoyed cooking so much more than what I was studying and was so much better at it, so I decided that when I finished college, I'd go cook instead. Who is your biggest role model or mentor and why? I've always looked up to my mother. She's always been so supportive, caring, loving, and strong.
What did you wish you knew when you were a kid that you know now? That it would all be alright. What has been your greatest failure and what did it teach you? I opened a restaurant for a former employer in a part of town that I wasn't familiar with, and a concept that I wasn't comfortable with. It did not do well and ended up closing a year later. I learned that everyone is good/great at something. When you find out what you're good at, then spend your career getting better at it, rather than trying to figure out something different. What drives you to keep going when things get difficult? My employees rely on me to succeed, so that they can thrive in their jobs and careers. If I'm not the best restaurateur/entrepreneur I can be, then they suffer, and I don't want that.
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In the lead up to Labor Day, we have put together a Q&A series we're calling "Q&Aid" with some of the top entrepreneurs and city/business leaders to get our volunteers' creative juices flowing. For the latest installment of our series, we sit down with Xan Black, Executive Director of the Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance. Editor's Note: Parts of this interview have also been edited and condensed for clarity.  Tell us a little bit about yourself. I grew up in Midland, Texas, studied Petroleum Engineering at Texas Tech University and worked as an engineer for 8 years at Sun Oil Co. in Tulsa and in Oklahoma City. I got my Masters degree in Education in 2007 and taught math, physics and pre-engineering for 11 years. I am now the Executive Director of Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance. My husband Jeff and I live in Broken Arrow and have 5 children. Please tell us about your favorite lemonade stand experience. I love buying lemonade from kids who are enthusiastic salespeople and have a great idea of what they want to do with the money they earn. When did you know you wanted to do what you do now? I decided to become an engineer when I was a junior in high school. Who is your biggest role model or mentor and why? Dennis Queen is my biggest role model because he has a great heart for students and understands how to lead and care for people. This Lemon-Aid stand is my first entrepreneurial venture… any advice or suggestions? Look customers in the eye and be enthusiastic about sales. Ask how many cups of lemonade they would like to buy! What did you wish you knew when you were a kid that you know now? That "failing" is actually just learning and a part of the process - it's not the end. What has been your greatest failure and what did it teach you? One of my greatest failures is not asking for what I need. If you don't tell people what you need - you can't expect them to read your mind. You have to not be afraid and say that you need help. What drives you to keep going when things get difficult? I am so excited about making our city better for the next generation that it carries me through tough times. How do you feel you make a difference in the world? I think I make a difference in the world by making opportunities for students and teachers. Anything else you'd like to share?
If you have a dream and invite others to join you in accomplishing that goal, there's nothing you can't do! In the lead up to Labor Day, we have put together a Q&A series we're calling "Q&Aid" with some of the top entrepreneurs and city/business leaders to get our volunteers' creative juices flowing. For the latest installment of our series, we sit down with Caren Kelleher, president and founder of Gold Rush Vinyl. Editor's Note: Caren Kelleher is a Lemon-Aid Project board member. We are grateful for her ongoing support! Parts of this interview have also been edited and condensed for clarity.  Tell us a little bit about yourself. When I was thirteen I had my first big business idea: a Beatles-themed restaurant called The Octopus' Garden. It was such a good idea that the Fab Four's lawyers threatened to sue me! This unofficially started my career in music and business. Today, I am the founder and owner of Gold Rush Vinyl in Austin, Texas. Prior to starting Gold Rush, I was Head of Music App Partnerships at Google and launched both Google Music and Google Play. I also led business development at Songkick and Paste magazine. I hold an MBA from Harvard Business School and serves on the board of the Lemon-Aid Project and The Recording Academy. Please tell us about your favorite lemonade stand experience. I grew up in Maryland and remember my first lemonade stand, hosted with my friend Katie. We decided that her house had better foot traffic than mine and set-up shop there. At the end of the day we had made $8.00 and I remember her dad teaching us that we didn't really make $8.00 because of the costs of materials. It was an early lesson in the realities of business!
Who is your biggest role model or mentor and why? I'm so lucky to have such amazing parents, who have taught me so much and always been my biggest fans. They have shown me, through their examples, the importance of humility, kindness and hard work. It always meant so much to me growing up that my parents put our family first and that they showed up for all of my sporting events and concerts, but also that I got to see how well they treated their teams at work.
What did you wish you knew when you were a kid that you know now? It really is true that if you dream it, you can do it (so long as you are willing to learn, work hard and make sacrifices). I've seen so many of my dreams come true as an adult, but not without the support of my friends and family. Adults may tell you that your ideas are not realistic, but often times it is because they are trying to protect you from hurt feelings if your dreams don't come true. What has been your greatest failure and what did it teach you? After high school I really wanted to go to one college but did not get accepted. I was very upset and thought I was a failure. But the college I did go to gave many lifelong friendships and introduced me to opportunities that would not have been possible at the school I wanted to go to. It taught me that sometimes our failures are just making room for dreams we have yet to realize. What drives you to keep going when things get difficult? Being an entrepreneur can be a very lonely job, so I really try to let my friends, family and mentors know what I'm going through so they can boost me up when I am feeling low. It is important to share the good and the bad with people who are important to you, so they can help you see things clearly. My sister is someone who I especially trust to help me when things are tough. How do you feel you make a difference in the world? As a business owner, I take great pride in making jobs for other people. It makes my work very real and gives me an opportunity to share my blessings with others who want to work in the music industry. Anything else you'd like to share?
It is never too early to put your ideas out there into the world and to see how far you can chase them. "Tell everyone what you are doing--every minute of the day! Stories and passion sell lemonade."7/29/2019 In the lead up to Labor Day, we have put together a Q&A series we're calling "Q&Aid" with some of the top entrepreneurs and city/business leaders to get our volunteers' creative juices flowing. For the latest installment of our series, we sit down with Kathy Taylor, former Mayor of the City of Tulsa and Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation board member. Editor's Note: Parts of this interview have been edited and condensed for clarity.  Tell us a little bit about yourself. I recently served Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum as Chief of Economic Development from 2017-2018, drawing from years of experience as a business executive and corporate attorney. I currently serves as Chair of the Leadership Council for ImpactTulsa, Chair for the Regional Board of Reading Partners, sponsor of the USS Tulsa (LCS 16) and a member of the Board of SONIC®, America’s Drive-In®. I previously served as a resident fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School Institute of Politics, teaching a course on Pathways to Public Service. I am also a former Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce, Tourism and Workforce Development, and was an advisor to Governor Brad Henry as Chief of Education Strategy and Innovation. Please tell us about your favorite lemonade stand experience. Standing in the hot sun and tasting the fabulous sweet and sour of the lemonade When did you know you wanted to do what you do now? We focus on helping break down barriers for entrepreneurs in Tulsa. Who is your biggest role model or mentor and why? Governor George Nigh--he has a true north to make the state a better place.
What did you wish you knew when you were a kid that you know now? That everything does not have to be done in one day--and that you should be present in every moment. What has been your greatest failure and what did it teach you? Failure is a door to new opportunities. What drives you to keep going when things get difficult? Making a difference for others. How do you feel you make a difference in the world? Two ways--one on one--each day making a connection and sharing and learning with others--and secondly, supporting our foundation programs that support others to make a difference in their own lives by helping them break down barriers. Anything else you'd like to share?
Never give up. As Louisa May Alcott said- "I'm no longer afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my own ship". In the lead up to Labor Day, we have put together a Q&A series we're calling "Q&Aid" with some of the top entrepreneurs and city/business leaders to get our volunteers' creative juices flowing. For the latest installment of our series, we sit down with Elizabeth Frame Ellison, president and CEO of the Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation. Editor's Note: Parts of this interview have been edited and condensed for clarity.  Tell us a little bit about yourself. I am the President and CEO of the Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation, a nonprofit organization that seeks to decrease barriers associated with Tulsans achieving their goals through programming and grantmaking. Since 2009, I have been one of the driving forces of Tulsa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. My personal passion for this area led to LTFF’s partnership in founding 36 Degrees North, Tulsa Startup Series Powered by LTFF, Cultivate 918, and The Tulsa State of Entrepreneurship Report. In 2016 Ellison and the LTFF team founded Kitchen 66, Tulsa’s first-ever kick-start kitchen for food entrepreneurs. Since it opened, Kitchen 66 has served over 100 food entrepreneurs and 50% were female businesses. In November, 2018, I expanded this vision by opening Mother Road market, Tulsa's first food hall. In its first six months of operation, Mother Road Market merchants surpassed $4 million in revenue. Since I joined the LTFF staff in 2009, I've helped grow the organization from a staff of one to a staff of 50 people. I am married to Chris and have two boys, Taylor (8) and Wyatt (5) who LOVE flexing their entrepreneurial muscles (and their biceps) with lemonade stands and bake sales.
When did you know you wanted to do what you do now? I always knew I wanted a job where I got to help people. I started off in government as a Legislative Assistant for Congressman Boren. However, I'm not the best at patience and the bureaucratic nature of government was frustrating to me! I like working directly with programs like Kitchen 66 that help people go from idea to market QUICKLY and pivot if they discover a part of their model that doesn't work. Who is your biggest role model or mentor and why? My biggest role model and mentor is my mom, Kathy Taylor! After having two kids of my own, I have even more respect for her boundless energy and compassion. She had a full time job with a packed travel schedule and still managed to pack me lunch and make homemade dinners! Now she's my biggest cheerleader and brainstorm buddy and the best grandma any kid could ask for!
What did you wish you knew when you were a kid that you know now? It's OK to fail! I've learned so much more from failures than I ever have from succeeding.
What drives you to keep going when things get difficult?
The entrepreneurs who we work with every day! Their passion and unwavering commitment to their vision is infectious and addictive. In the lead up to Labor Day, we have put together a Q&A series we're calling "Q&Aid" with some of the top entrepreneurs and city/business leaders to get our volunteers' creative juices flowing. For the latest installment of our series, we sit down with Julia Hobbs Kivistik, president and founder of Human Truth Marketing and a pioneer in the field of cause branding. Editor's Notes: Julia is an advisor to the Lemon-Aid Project and we thank her for all of her support and guidance! Parts of this interview have also been edited and condensed for clarity.  Tell us a little bit about yourself. 20+ year senior executive in nonprofit/profit strategic partnerships to engage consumers/shopper and employees to create movements to make a difference. When did you know you wanted to do what you do now? When I quit my job as a mathematician working on the Hellfire missile to meeting the founder of Give Kids The World which fulfills the wish of terminally ill children to visit Disney World. He became my mentor in business and life. Who is your biggest role model or mentor and why? Henri Landwirth, the founder of Give Kids The World. He helped me believe that anything is possible and to never give up on your dream. He helped me shape my purpose which is, "To always inspire others to believe in themselves and their dreams. And that anything is possible." This Lemon-Aid stand is my first entrepreneurial venture… any advice or suggestions? Think about where people are when they get really thirsty - like the 9th hole of a golf course or after a long run in a popular or favorite park - places where people are thirsty! Pick a retailer that sells higher priced products and you'll be surprised at how much they might pay for your lemonade - which is all to help others in your/their community. Don't ask them when they enter the retailer - wait until they have bought something and and are headed toward their car. Small but important tip :) Find a company that is trying to get people to try their new product and sell your lemonade in a cup to help advertise the new product (ie. new product offering at X company ). What did you wish you knew when you were a kid that you know now? That people are naturally good and want to feel good about helping others. Just a smile, a thank you, a nod of appreciation goes a long way. Kindness matters. What has been your greatest failure and what did it teach you? My greatest failure is going after something I didn't get - but it taught me that you have to try and when you do, you may not get what you thought you wanted but a big new door opened up for you because you tried! What drives you to keep going when things get difficult? My mentors who told me (and I believe) that anything is possible. That no one else can define who you are in life - only you have that right. How do you feel you make a difference in the world? To live my purpose, "To always inspire others to believe in themselves and their dreams. And that anything is possible." Anything else you'd like to share?
Good luck. Be creative and trust yourself and your ideas. And know that you will be great! Thank you for creating an amazing Lemon-Aid Stand to "take a stand for others in your community" by doing something! In the lead up to Labor Day, we have put together a Q&A series we're calling "Q&Aid" with some of the top entrepreneurs and city/business leaders to get our volunteers' creative juices flowing. Our introductory interview is with Tulsa native Elliot Nelson, founder and CEO of McNellie's Group, which includes 10 unique brands spread across 20 locations, 4 cities and 2 states. Editor's Note: McNellie's Group is a sponsor of the Lemon-Aid Project and we are grateful for their support.  Tell us a little bit about yourself. I was born and raised in Tulsa. After going away to college, I came to home to pursue my dream of opening an Irish Pub. McNellie’s opened in 2004, and in the 15 years since I’ve been fortunate enough to grow our company to 20 restaurants and 1,000 employees, as well as play a significant role in the redevelopment of Tulsa’s downtown.
Who is your biggest role model or mentor and why? I have a lot of mentors and people I rely on for advice. I think it’s important to seek people out, to constantly learn and try to improve. It’s important to get other perspectives on life and business that can help you grow as an entrepreneur. That said, I think the person who had the biggest effect on my life as an entrepreneur is my dad. I learned by watching him at work and his management style affects how we run our business every day - he treated all his employees with respect and care. No matter their position or title, everyone matters to him. It’s the people that matter most, and we always try to prioritize them. This Lemon-Aid stand is my first entrepreneurial venture… any advice or suggestions? Work hard and don’t give up easily. Often times the thing that separates successful entrepreneurs from failed ones is determination and the ability to carry on. Things will be hard at times and that’s when you must work even harder. Also, don’t underestimate the importance of marketing. Whether you’re selling lemonade or cars or clothes, people need to know you’re there. They can’t buy what they can’t find or see. Put together a marketing plan to drive the most people to your business and constantly work on it. What did you wish you knew when you were a kid that you know now? Maybe that nothing is easy? There’s a shared experience amongst entrepreneurs that we all go through. It all takes hard work. From the smallest business to the biggest one, somewhere someone took some risks and worked very hard to make them happen.
What drives you to keep going when things get difficult? Purpose. I’ve spent most of my career trying to make Tulsa a better place to live. I think that’s why I’m here. And it’s a determination to see that through to the finish that keeps me going, knowing that I’m working towards a greater goal. How do you feel you make a difference in the world? Hopefully people’s lives are just a little bit better because McNellie’s Group exists. We hope our restaurants and hospitality improve lives one meal or a drink at a time, and we like to think our cities are better because we’re here. Also, I hope we’re making a difference in the lives of our employees by providing opportunities. Anything else you'd like to share?
Good luck! Entrepreneurship can be a lot of fun, but it takes hard work and determination. Don’t get discouraged, and don’t be afraid to celebrate the success along the way. Set some goals and go achieve them!  When we first decided to bring Lemon-Aid back for its 25th anniversary, we had so many amazing ideas but knew we had to start on the smaller side and grow into some of the activities we had brainstormed. But sometimes you also need to leap into the deep end head first, especially when you get repeated requests.
The first of those requests will be back this summer by popular demand: the original Lemon-Aid Stands and Kits. In nearly every conversation we had, someone would ask about the Lemon-Aid stands all over Tulsa. We originally felt it would be too much for us to take on, especially in our first year back. But then we went back to the drawing board and realized it was do-able. So we jumped right back in, offering up to 100 Lemon-Aid Kits for volunteers to set up around the City of Tulsa over Labor Day Weekend. But not surprisingly, the requests from Tulsa's very entrepreneurial youth didn't stop there. They wanted to learn as a part of this experience. Teachers, parents and youth themselves have reached out to us, asking for advice on what it takes to create the best Lemon-Aid stand possible. Since we don't have a one-size-fits-all answer, we thought this would be a great opportunity to gather tips and tricks from some of the most business-savvy, community-driven and entrepreneurial people we know. Introducing "Q&Aid," our new on-going interview series. We will ask a series of questions to some of the top entrepreneurs and city/business leaders both in and outside of Tulsa. We hope their answers and advise will get your creative juices flowing! Comment below with any leaders that you'd like to hear from. |
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