Ashley Dooley Cano
 Former Cosmetology Student Styles Her Own Success
Ashley Cano completed her training in Nail & Facial Technology at Metro Tech while in high school. While working as a nail & facial technician, she decided to continue her education in Cosmetology. Ashley attended Metro Tech’s adult cosmetology in the evenings and obtained her Cosmetology license. Cano now works at A New You salon and continues to update her skills. Along with basic cutting and coloring hair, Ashley specializes in hair extensions, make-up and more. Ashley said she enjoys making people feel good. Improving somebody’s look can give them more self-confidence. Now Ashley plans on getting her instructor license. Ashley recommends to others, “If there is a career you want to do, don’t give up. If you set your mind to it, you will accomplish your goals.”
Mark Hudson
 Former Electronics Student On Base with Tinker Air Force
Mark Hudson had worked about 30 years in Diesel Technology and had a degree from OSU-OKC. Following a leg injury, he found himself stuck at home for an extended period of time. To Mark, disability assistance was not an option. He wanted to be working. Mark was one of the first students to enroll in an online program for Electronics at Metro Tech. Although Mark did his studies from home, he was able to call or email Metro Tech’s electronic instructor, Brian Hart at any time or go to Metro Tech’s Aviation Career Campus to discuss his questions with Hart. Hudson liked that he was able to work at his own pace to complete the electronics program. While attending Metro Tech, Mark received his certification of ISCET (International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians.)
Mark Hudson now works at the Tinker Air Force Base Electronics Shop as an electronics mechanic. He mainly works on flight controls and electronics for aircraft. Hudson quickly moved up in salary which is over $50,000 a year. Hudson plans to keep his skills current so that he will always stay gainfully employed while keeping himself competitive for the job market.
Joshua Holt
 Former Graphic Arts Student Signs New Career
Joshua Holt had always been an artist and wanted to use his talents professionally. Joshua knew he would need the computer knowledge and skills to survive in the graphic design field. Holt graduated in May 2012 from Metro Tech, studying the career major IIllustrator/Production Artist and received certifications in Brainbench Indesign, Photoshop and Illustrator. He is currently attending OCCC and plans to graduate in 2014.
Joshua has been working at Sign Innovations as a graphic designer in production, fabrication and installation. He plans to eventually open his own company to help businesses with branding, web production and total business identity. Joshua said, “I am so grateful to my instructor, Ms. Vastardis and Metro Tech staff, for their encouragement and constant help. Metro Tech gave me a strong foundation for my career. That’s a ‘BIG’ thing for someone who has come from a troubled past.”
Cynthia Witt
 Radiologic Student Impresses Major OKC Hospital Staff
After graduating high school in 1993, Cynthia Witt worked in a nursing home as a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) and Certified Medication Aide (CMA). Cynthia then had children and became a homemaker, but knew she wanted to continue work in the health field. While Cynthia’s children were young, she took a few pre-requisite classes for nursing school. After a few years Witt applied to Metro Tech’s Radiologic Tech program. Cynthia said, “As an adult student, I was very surprised to see the wide age range of students in my class. I was relieved that I was not the only more mature person in the class.”
Metro Tech partners with several hospitals and clinics for students to practice their skills and to gain experience in different departments. Cynthia’s second clinical rotation was in surgery at the Bone and Joint Hospital at St. Anthony (BJHSA). In the fall of 2010, Witt was offered a Student Tech position at BJHSA. Cynthia graduated from Metro Tech in May 2011 and passed her certification exam for ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.) Now Cynthia’s daughter plans to become a Radiologic Technologist too.
Eric Smith
 Former Information Technology Student Now Laptop Manager at OSU Library
After completing college with a Business Administration degree, Eric Smith realized that he needed more job-specific skills. So Eric enrolled at Metro Tech to become a Desktop Support Technician and was concurrently enrolled at OSU-OKC for a degree in Computer Information Systems. While studying at Metro Tech, Eric received his A+ and Network+ certifications, knowing IT employers look for these type of certifications. Smith graduated from Metro Tech in May 2012 and moved to Stillwater, OK with his fiancé. There, Eric received a job at the Edmon Low Library at Oklahoma State University as a Laptop Manager. Eric said, “I really have enjoyed the work environment so far, as I get to mess with electronics and technology daily. The activities are not far from the work I did in class at Metro Tech.” He continued, “My Metro Tech instructor Dorothy Lyon-Lee worked effortlessly to provide an optimistic and positive learning environment for all their students.”
David Hopkins
 Physical Plant Saving the District Money
David Hopkins is a graduate of Metro Tech’s HVAC career major and has recently acquired his Unlimited Journeyman’s license, Boiler license and EPA license. These skills and licenses allow Metro Tech to keep all installations and equipment repairs for HVAC units in-house. Joe Meyer, Director of District Facilities Services, “We have had to rely on contractors until David came along. When comparing HVAC repairs cost from FY 11 to FY12, we estimate saving $40,000 to $50,000.” Meyer said. He continued, “The recent installation of heat and air units saved the District $6,500.”
Phil Miller, owner of Longwave, Inc.
 Metro Tech BIS Client Makes Metro 50 Again!
The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber selected Longwave, Inc. (LWI) as one of the top 50 fastest growing businesses in Oklahoma City. This is the ninth time that Longwave has received this award. Phil Miller of LWI has been a business & industry client of Metro Tech for several years and his businesses have grown quickly through the years. LWI staff have received training, consulting and funding for their business such as writing federal proposals, quality management, safety management, financial management systems and information technology. Through this training and funding, in 2012, Long Wave Inc was able to effectively train 5 new employees that increased their annual payroll by $263,000. Long Wave is a federal government contract company headquartered in Oklahoma City. The organization also celebrated its ninth year as an Inc. 500/5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies award winner.
Continental Resources
 Metro Tech Provides Training to Large Energy Firm
Since March 8, 2012 Metro Technology Centers has conducted (or scheduled) 27 Excel and Word classes for Continental Resources’ employees. Both teacher and class evaluations of the training have been excellent.
Continental Resources relocated their headquarters from Enid to Oklahoma City in early 2012, and have hired hundreds of new employees. Additional classes on PowerPoint and VISIO will also be provided. To date, approximately 162 class hours of training has been provided for over 270 students.
Continental Resources is a Top 10 petroleum liquids producer in the United States and the largest leaseholder in the nation’s premier oil play. Founded in 1967, Continental’s growth strategy has focused on crude oil since the 1980s. The company reported total revenues of $1.6 billion for 2011 and is on track to triple production and proved reserves from 2009 to 2014.
ClimateCraft
 TIP Training
Training for Industry Program (TIP) is a low-cost to no-cost training, provided by career technology centers, that help businesses expand their workforce. In existence since 1968, Oklahoma’s TIP has provided start-up training for virtually every sector of industry. Through Metro Tech, ClimateCraft received TIP funding to hire and train 25 new workers. This represents an increase in new wages of $720,220 annually.
ClimateCraft Inc is an industry leader in the manufacturing of custom air handling units. Their units can be applied in most healthcare, institutional, commercial and, industrial applications.
OKC Utilities Department
 Safety Performance Improved by 50%
With the help of Metro Technology Centers, The City of Oklahoma City Utilities Department has seen a 50% reduction of incidents over the last five years. A training plan was developed in 2007 and implemented a year later. Over the last four years, Metro Tech has trained a total of 29,694 employees in 2,799 classes. Safety training included trenching, shoring, excavating, confined space entry/rescue, Hazwopper, hazardous communication and heavy equipment operations, just to name a few. The City of OKC Utilities serves more than 500,000 people in Oklahoma City and some suburbs with outstanding quality water from Lake Draper, Hefner, and Overholser water treatment facilities.
 Tue Dinh
Former Graphic Design Student turned Entreprene
Tue Dinh attended Metro Tech from 2005-2008. He now owns his own production company, TuDi Productions. TuDi Productions provides web development, graphic design, film and photography. Along with an impressive resume and an Associate in Graphic Communications/Multimedia from Oklahoma City Community College, Tue will be adding a BFA in Graphic Design from UCO.
 Robert Powell
Former Aviation student now MIT Masters’ Student
Robert Powell made a decision four years ago to attend Prairie View A & M University in Texas after completing at Metro Technology Centers Aviation Career Campus. Now as a graduate from Prairie View A & M University with a Bachelors’ of Science in Civil Engineering, Powell has set his sights on some new, even more ambitious goals. Powell had the experienced research in the Engineering spectrum during his junior year of college. He joined the Massachusetts Institution of Technology (MIT) Summer Research Program that summer and has been continuing to do research for MIT ever since. Today, he is studying to receive his Masters of Science in Transportation at MIT.
 Maria Molina
PSA Student Promoted at Pottawatomie County
Public Safety Academy graduate, Maria Molina began working for the Pottawatomie County Public Safety Center after completing her training at Metro Tech in May, 2010. Since her employment she has been promoted to a Detention officer. PCPSC was impressed with the skills Molina has because of PSA and plans to hire future graduates.
 Kirt Billings
Hearing Impaired Student Hired at Tinker Air Force Base
Metro Tech provided Kirt Billings with an interpreter who was trained in the specific language of Aviation. Kirt completed his training and is now a certified Air Frame and Power Plant Aviation mechanic at Tinker Air Force Base. Kirt began at TinkerAFB as an intern and is now hired full-time.
 TFCU
TFCU Builds Learning Branch at Metro Tech
Metro Technology Centers and Tinker Federal Credit Union (TFCU) partnered together to provide service and education to students, staff and the general public. TFCU hosted the grand opening of its new facility in Metro Tech’s Information Technology Center (ITC) located on the Springlake campus. Metro Tech students enrolled in the financial services program will have opportunities to observe real-time activities at the branch. TFCU employees working at the branch will serve as trainers, as well as performing standard teller duties. Those who complete the program may apply for internships at TFCU’s MTC location. Metro Tech’s partnership with TFCU is a progressive step in becoming a full-service community school. The TFCU on-site service addresses the needs of students. All Metro Tech students and staff are eligible to become TFCU members.
 Todd
Goings
Student Sparks a Powerful
Business
Before attending Metro Tech, Todd Goings had been working
as a travel agent for six years. He saw the travel business
dwindling and did not like working inside, sitting at a desk.
While looking in the newspaper, he noticed that electricians
made fairly good wages. Goings attended Metro Tech’s
Electrical
Technology program full-time and graduated within nine
months in 1998.
Todd Goings completed
a four-year apprenticeship program and obtained his Journeyman’s
license. Then he was earning $17.00 an hour. A year and
a half ago, Goings received his contractor’s license
and jump-started his own business, Champion Electric. After
paying operating expenses for a business, Goings was able
to earn over $50,000 his first year. Todd said, “I
enjoy working outside and having a change of scenery. Having
my own business allows me to have total control: control
of the quality, hours and all aspects of business.”
Goings is thankful
to instructor Tony Thompson for his training in electrical
technology. Todd said, “Everything taught in the class
is used on the job. Everything about the training has been
helpful.”
 Jim
Patterson
Student
Succeeds With Career Change
Jim Patterson
had been working at a manufacturing company for over 20
years. He was almost 50 years old when the company laid-off
several workers and closed its Oklahoma City plant. Jim
did not have skills needed in a new job market.
The thought of
returning to school was very intimidating for Mr. Patterson.
When enrolling in Metro Tech's Computer
Repair and Networking (CRN) program, Jim did not pass
the math portion of his assessment test to enter the program.
Patterson attended Metro Tech's Academic Center lab to work
on his math skills. Within a few months, Jim's grade level
in math increased by three grades and he was able to enroll
in the CRN program. Even after Jim performed at the top
of his class, he decided computer repair was not his best
interest.
Jim Patterson
completed the Customer/Administrative
Services program in 2004.
He began working at the Office of Personnel Management for
the State of Oklahoma. Human Resources Manager Patricia
Ormerod stated, "Everyone is so pleased with Jim's
work performance. He really has a 'Can Do' attitude."
Jim attributes
his success to his instructor, Barbara Batchelor, specifically
for the time management skills he learned. Instructors at
Metro Tech expect you to succeed and make sure you gain
the skills needed for your career.
 Baker
and Sons
Safety Training for Small
Business
A little
bit of safety training can help expand a business quickly.
Arlington Baker had been in the painting business for most
of his life. In the year 2000, Baker had bid on a painting
job for an apartment complex. He was told he had to be certified
in lead-based paint before he was eligible to bid on the
job.
At first, it
seemed to be a hassle to take the training, but Arlington
and his sons were very surprised on how much they enjoyed
the classes they took at Metro Technology Centers. He said,
"We were surprised at how many risks are associated
with lead-based poisoning from paint. We have since learned
to take more protective measures. Lead exists in so many
areas that people are unaware. For instance, a ceramic coffee
cup you drink out of every day may contain lead-based paint."
Lead can be a silent hazard in homes and workplaces. "We
also want to be more environmentally conscious in our work,"
said Baker.
For $300 and
two days of training at Metro Tech, Baker and Sons were
able to receive certification by the Oklahoma Department
of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) and the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA). Since receiving certification, Baker and Sons
has received many more contracts and possibly government
contracts in the future. Several of their contracts have
been received from the City of Oklahoma City. Next they
plan to take more business development classes. Arlington
said, "The more you can learn, the better for your
business."
Metro Technology
Centers is the only technology center in Oklahoma accredited
by the ODEQ. Since 2002, Metro Tech has provided lead-based
paint training to 39 ODEQ-certified firms , 5 Native American
tribes and over 250 individuals. Lead-based paint classes
are available for abatement supervisors, abatement workers,
inspectors and risk assessors. See page 29 for more information.
 US
Cellular
Connecting with Metro Tech
US Cellular
launched its grand opening in the Oklahoma City market on
July 7, 2004, and swept through the metro like wild fire.
A great amount of coordination was involved in preparing
the new US Cellular workforce for the big event.
"Metro Technology
Centers was a key factor in preparing US Cellular's employees
and associates," said Director of Sales, Kenny Egli.
US Cellular brought 250 jobs to the Oklahoma City market
and continues to hire more employees. All 250 employees
were trained at Metro Tech within a few months.
"We were
so pleased with the convenient locations of Metro Tech throughout
the metro area, the flexible hours seven days a week and
easy access to the facilities and computers," continued
Egli,
"We wanted to train employees close to where they lived.
Metro Tech has five campuses with convenient locations on
the north and south sides of the city."
US Cellular has
been based in Chicago for 20 years. They currently have
over 4 ½ million customers across 26 states. The
company came to Oklahoma City after experiencing success
in Tulsa and cities in Texas. Since July 7, US Cellular
has opened 10 locations in Oklahoma City with 30 distribution
points selling their products.
US Cellular maintains
one of the industry's highest levels of customer satisfaction.
They believe the customer's experience and service after
the sale is more important than the product. "Customer
service training is an absolute, not an option," said
Egli.
The company also
believes in supporting the community through charitable
contributions, community relations programs and volunteer
activities. Keeping a strong community is important to US
Cellular for maintaining staff and customer satisfaction.
US Cellular plans to continue connecting with the community
for strong economic development in Oklahoma City.
 Wholesalers,
Inc.
Lee and Jen Gross
Whether wholesaling gadgets and gifts or sourcing new textile
products and high-end furnishings, Lee and Jen Gross never
lose their enthusiasm. The international couple works day
and night; days operating their successful retail store
and nights on the telephone to Asia, building a network
of suppliers for their new business, Wholesalers, Inc.
When Jen and
Lee began their new wholesale company two and a half years
ago, they contacted Metro Technology Centers' Economic Development
Center to help them pursue emerging business opportunities.
"Metro Tech helped us expand our thinking and take
the right steps to get our company to the next level,"
said Lee Gross. "Our relationship with the Metro Tech
team has been very valuable."
Metro Tech's
Government Contracts Specialist, Lynda Speller, was able
to connect Lee and Jen with key contacts in the Army Air
Force Exchange System. They recently completed a two-week
project at Tinker AFB to test market their new product line
within the base-exchange system. Metro Tech's New Business
Start up Coordinator, Denise Kennemer, helped the company
with basic business planning and identified a student of
Metro Tech's Print Design class to use his new skills to
help modify and enhance the packaging designs for Lee and
Jen's new products.
The Gross' began
their wholesale company after they identified a need to
improve the quality and packaging of products manufactured
overseas for resale in U.S. markets. Jen speaks fluent Mandarin
and Cantonese and is able to negotiate competitive prices
from suppliers without sacrificing quality.
The couple is
now expanding their wholesale operation to help others identify
suppliers in foreign countries. Their new product lines
are often tried and tested in their own retail store, Meridian
Tool, before marketing to prominent chain store operations.
Jen has over fifteen years experience working with vendors
in South America and Asia and is often asked to consult
on business dealings in these countries. "We can work
on retainer to consult with companies on any step of getting
their products made overseas, or they can hire us to manage
the process of sourcing with foreign suppliers for them."
Plans are on the drawing board for a warehouse that will
handle supply chain management activities for their clients.
"We also
enjoy exporting American-made products," says the couple.
"There is a growing demand in other countries for American-made
goods and we want to make these available to foreign markets,
as well."
 Duncan
Equipment
Pumping up the Volume of
Success!
From small
town to international business, Duncan Equipment is pumping
up success! The sole supplier for the Halliburton Centrifugal
Pump and a leader in supplying industrial materials and
equipment, Duncan Equipment Co. is a family-owned business
that has been in operation for more than fifty years.
Duncan Equipment
(DECO) was founded in Duncan, Oklahoma in 1948 and then
made Oklahoma City its new headquarters in 1981. Since then,
Duncan Equipment has expanded locations from Duncan and
Oklahoma City to Tulsa and Ponca City, Oklahoma; Dallas,
Wichita Falls and Sherman, Texas and Joplin, Missouri. Training
coordinator, Stacy Pierce said, "Metro Tech is a significant
part of our growth."
DECO first contacted
Metro Technology Centers and Tulsa Tech about seven years
ago to assist with training for their employees. Most of
their 150 employees have received some type of training,
mainly in computer applications, quality management, safety
or teleconferencing. Metro Tech was able to customize and
adapt software applications to the needs of each work site
and train workers at their location. CEO David Ragland said,
"Oklahoma Technology Centers are known as the premier
training centers in the nation. We know this to be true,
especially when we looked for training centers in Texas
and Missouri. No system is comparable to Oklahoma's CareerTech
system."
Metro Tech's
Business and Industry coordinator Nancy Bucklin has worked
very closely with DECO and commented, "They are a very
upscale, progressive company using advanced, high-tech equipment.
DECO has an extremely quality atmosphere with an outstanding
group of people."
DECO enjoys doing
business with a large variety of regional, national and
international customers such as Halliburton Energy Services,
General Motors, Bridgestone/Firestone, MerCruiser, Tinker
Air Logistic Systems, American Airlines, Autocraft and Fred
Jones Remanufacturing. Many of these companies were founded
in Oklahoma and have subsequently expanded into global markets.
 Jeff
Watts & Ryan Nelson
Members
of the Metro Tech Small Business Program and New Business
Start-Up Program
Jeff Watts, local
real estate developer and resident has deep roots in the
northeast Oklahoma City Area. When asked why he chose the
50th and Lincoln location for the new restaurant, Watts
said, "I really want to bring back the look and feel that
was indigenous to this neighborhood in the days when my
family settled here." As a first step in revitalizing the
historic district surrounding I-44 and Lincoln Boulevard,
Watts has partnered with lifelong friend and fellow restaurateur
Ryan Nelson to open a western-themed bar-b-que establishment.
Westin Lee's
Bar-B-Q is a member of the Small Business Program and New
Business Start-Up Program at Metro Technology Centers. "Metro
Tech has been a great supporter in many ways and we are
so appreciative. Denise Kennemer with the New Business Start
up program has worked closely with us to market our restaurant
during the early days of operation. Other staff members
with the Small Business Program have also offered some great
suggestions as well," says Watts. "We view Metro Tech as
a ready source of skilled employees as we grow and we see
them as a partner we can count on. The school and its staff
are committed to helping us be successful here.
Westin Lee's
Bar-B-Q, located conveniently at 610 NE 50th, opened for
business Fall 2003. The western-themed restaurant features
specially smoked beef, turkey, chicken, and pork selections
accompanied by Texas toast, a tasty assortment of side orders
and a brownie.
While dining
with co-workers, friends and family, customers can enjoy
a bit of the history of the area surrounding Lincoln Boulevard
and I44 (Old Route 66). Beautifully framed photographs feature
Oklahoma City businessmen, and other colorful personalities,
who played a key role in the early business and residential
development of the area.
 Stucco
textured walls contrast with a showcase of black and white
photographs, painstakingly gathered from sources including
the Western Heritage Museum at the University of Oklahoma,
the Frank Phillips' collection, and Watts' own family album,
are matted with darkly stained wood frames. These photos
celebrate the legendary figures, events, and lifestyles
of Oklahoma City's wonderful past as well as the many cultures
that the delicacy of real Bar-B-Q has touched and influenced.
"Almost every photo in the building has a direct link to
the businessmen and other personalities that were actively
engaged in early development of the area," says Watts.
"The Bar-B-Q
dining experience is completed by the addition of classic
sounds of John Coltraine, Miles Davis, and Ray Charles,
who have been long waiting the opportunity to mesh themselves
with the likes of Merle Haggard and Buck Owens. Westin Lee's
Bar-B-Q is a comfortable and affordable escape for a diverse
group of hungry patrons, tying them together with the same
great BBQ taste that connects the wild west days of The
Land Run with the booming days of Jazz in Kansas City and
Memphis", wrote Watts in a booklet prepared for the financial
side of the project.
The restaurant
features an executive dining room designed to accommodate
small groups for lunch and dinner meetings and can be reserved
simply by phoning the restaurant. This room is aptly named
"The Braniff Room" and is the home of several pieces of
memorabilia from the days of Braniff Airlines.
Future plans
call for expanding the restaurant to include a beautifully
designed and comfortably upscale jazz club where locals
may relax and enjoy food, beverages and music in a cozy
setting.
 Connie
Scothorn
Woman Business Owner in
the Metro Tech Small Business Management program
Connie Scothorn, president and owner of CLS and Associates
is one of less than half-a-dozen landscape architects in
Oklahoma City, trying to penetrate the commercial and residential
markets.
Landscape
architects generally work with architects and engineers
as plans for a development are created. "Landscape
architects integrate elements from architectural and civil
engineering and urban planning to pro-duce practical relationships
with the land," said Scothorn. "After they land
a contract and start the design process, it's easier if
the landscape architect is brought in early to be a consultant
on the various elements: how the land drains and how the
water stands in the yard, come together to make a pleasing
total development," she said.
Before
opening her landscape architectural firm, Scothorn was a
landscape contractor. Following that, she worked with the
Oklahoma State Department of Tourism and Recreation providing
site planning at state offices and parks. After being in
business nine years as a contractor, Connie felt that she
understood business and how to make it work and become profitable.
An architectural firm is different from a contracting firm,
though, she soon found out.
Scothorn
began looking for assistance to build her business. One
organization that stands behind its word and helps small
business is the Metro Technology Centers' business and industry
services. "I've worked with Frank Vascellaro, coordinator
of the school's small business management program, who has
really helped me on a lot of issues," she said. "I
think that he is really helping small business." To
contact CLS and Associates, call (605)525-2220 or visit
www.landscapesbycls.com.
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Korey
Bush
Ardyth
Cochran
Rachel
Lancaster
Glendora
Allen