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.

For more information on small business development, call Frank at (405)605-4788 or e-mail: frank.vascellaro@metrotech.org.

Korey Bush
Aviation Maintenance Technology: Adult Student

The next time you fly on a commercial airline, consider which members of the flight team were the most critical in getting you safely to your destination. Was it the pilot? Was it the air traffic controllers, or flight attendants? While you certainly couldn't fly without these people, most likely you've never considered the people most responsible for your safe journey-the mechanics, also known as Aviation Maintenance Technicians (AMT), who checked out the plane before you ever left the ground. While the AMT may not be the most glamorous job in the aviation profession, they hold more responsibility than any other person in the industry.

What makes a good AMT? Korey Bush, a 30-year-old graduate of Metro Technology Centers' Aviation Maintenance Technology program, answered that question. "It's quality training." Korey is one example of someone you should thank for keeping commercial airplanes up and running. He is an AMT at Delta Airlines at Dallas-Ft. Worth (DFW) Airport in Texas. Feeling unsatisfied with his previous job, Korey decided to make a career change. His father works in the aviation industry, so Korey felt it was a logical option for him too.

As aircraft become more sophisticated and complex, a thorough understanding of the systems involved is crucial. Korey said, "Metro Tech heavily trains students on the fundamentals of aircraft. They basically teach you to learn. There are many people I work with now who just never got the education I did. As a result, they stay in one area for their whole career because they cannot grasp other aspects of the aircraft." Korey hasn't always felt so positive about his AMT training. He began training at an expensive, private school in Texas. After realizing he wasn't receiving the quality of education for which he was paying, Korey decided to check out his options. Although a move to Oklahoma didn't sound too appealing, a visit to Metro Tech's Aviation Careers Campus changed his mind and, temporarily, his address. Korey commented, "At the school in Texas, I felt the attitude was pay your $18,000 in tuition, go through the motions, and hopefully pass the exams. It couldn't be more different at Metro Tech. Tuition at Metro Tech was under $5,000. The atmosphere at Metro Tech was relaxed, but very professional. We were always busy learning and working on the aircraft. The instructors had real-industry experience, and went out of their way to give us a little extra than what was required. At my first school in Texas, we only had two partial planes to work on, and at Metro Tech we had about 12, including a corporate jet and a 727. Better quality training and lower tuition, it didn't take me long to decide!"

Korey is now reaping the rewards of his training. Delta Airlines interviewed him before he even finished the program. He started at Delta making $19/hour, after 6-months he was at $23/hour, and now after just one year on the job, he is making $26.50/hour, plus overtime and benefits. Korey is happy to expand upon the benefits of entering his field. "I have worked 25 hours of overtime this month. That's an extra $1,000. I can travel free all over the world and Delta provides health insurance for my whole family, life insurance and a 401K. And, it's not just Delta. All of the major airlines have similar salary structure and benefits."

One might think a job with such enormous responsibility is overly stressful. That is not the case, according to Korey. He noted, "An AMT is never alone. We work closely as a team to complete complex repairs and jobs. Additionally, FAA compliance standards and Delta procedures are in place to take the some of the pressure off of me. These procedures leave no room for doubt about the quality of my work. The only stress I feel at work is that which I put on myself."

The future for Korey Bush is wide open. He just built a new house, and is establishing roots in his community. He said, "After a few more years, I can just about write my own ticket in the aviation field. I can go anywhere in the world and have a great career. There are so many different avenues to pursue in this industry." After gaining enough experience working on aircraft, he'd like to apply for Delta's Six Sigma training program. Six Sigma is a business philosophy targeted at increasing efficiency and production in all industries, with consultants in demand all over the world.

With the aviation industry currently facing a critical shortage of qualified, licensed AMTs, and job opportunities worldwide, excellent salary and benefits, there is plenty of room in this career field for more people like Korey Bush. For more information about Metro Technology Centers' Aviation Maintenance Technology program, call 405-424-TECH

Ardyth Cochran
Surgical Technology: Adult Student
Career changes can be scary for an adult. Especially when that career change requires you to go back to school and then to become certified in the field. That is exactly what Ardyth Cochran did at Metro Tech's Surgical Technology Program. Ardyth said that Metro Tech gave her the confidence in herself to make a career change, which was something she needed to make that all-important decision.

Ardyth knows what hard work and learning is all about. In May of 2001, Ardyth graduated from Metro Tech's Surgical Technology program with honors and was named Metro Tech's Outstanding Adult Student of the Year. This was not the only major accomplishment Ardyth received that May; she also graduated with an associate's degree from Oklahoma City Community College (OKCCC). All of the Metro Tech classes Ardyth took counted towards her associate's degree in Applied Science at OKCCC. Talking about her accomplishments, Ardyth said "The staff here (Metro Tech) is very friendly and are very willing to help you. They do everything possible to help you succeed."

Ardyth is currently working for Integris Baptist as a Certified Scrub Technician in the Operating Room. Ardyth's boss is very impressed with her ability to assist the doctors in the operating room. Ardyth's dream is to work in a medical facility and possibly continue with her education to become a First Assistant in an operating room.
In just one year Ardyth has earned an associates degree from OKCCC and become a certified surgical technologist, what a wonderful jump-start on her career. Ardyth is just one of many bright and shining stars that Metro Tech has produced.

Rachel Lancaster
Graphic Design: Adult Student

Oklahoma native Rachel Lancaster is going places. Literally. Lancaster, a 28 year-old Metro Tech graphic design graduate, just moved to Seattle, Washington to attend the Art Institute of Seattle. Rachel hadn't planned on a career in graphic design; but like many other young adults searching for a rewarding career, she discovered the answer was right under her nose, or in this case, hanging on the walls of her dorm room.

Rachel began her post-secondary education studying electrical engineering at Oklahoma State University. The posters of cars hanging on the walls of her dorm room led to the discovery of an interest in art and design. This interest brought her to Metro Tech's graphic design program, and it soon became a passion. Rachel noted, "I joined Mrs. Parks' class knowing only that I liked computers and those posters on my wall." Three years, many design awards, and a $36,000 SkillsUSA VICA scholarship later, Rachel is adjusting to her new role as a student at the Art Institute of Seattle.

Rachel won a scholarship after placing third in the Advertising Design competition at the National SkillsUSA Skill competition in 2001. Only one scholarship is awarded each year in advertising design, and both the first and second place winners declined the scholarship. Rachel, however, jumped at the opportunity to receive a full two-year tuition scholarship to attend any art institute in the United States. When faced with the decision of which art institute to attend, Seattle was an easy choice. "I had actually been considering a move to Seattle before the competition. It is such a beautiful and cultural city. I was lucky there is an Art Institute here," noted Lancaster.

Rachel attributes her success thus far to the knowledge she developed in Metro Tech's graphic design program. Rachel stated, "Thanks to Metro Tech's graphic design program, I understand the fundamental design concepts being taught in my new classes at the Art Institute. I can focus more attention on the creative portion of my assignments because I don't have to spend a lot of time learning the essential concepts of design." Rachel further credits Metro Tech Graphic Design instructor Anita Parks with the improved confidence of her own abilities. "Mrs. Parks helps motivate students and makes them want to be the best they can be."

Rachel plans to stay in Seattle and hopes to someday become a Creative Director at an advertising agency. With the graphic design skills she developed at Metro Tech and her extraordinary motivation, she will likely achieve that goal.

Glendora Allen
Health Science Technology: Adult Student

A Young Woman With Vision

Amid the hustle and bustle of staff moving through the corridors of Presbyterian Hospital, one young woman stands out. She moves quickly with poise and self-confidence. Her job-restoring patients on the rehabilitation unit to their highest level of functioning.

Glendora Allen, a physical therapist, knows what it means to have a vision and accomplish a goal. Glendora knew she wanted to do something in health care because it was a way to assist others. "I love helping people." "It's like a 'high' for me to help someone," she comments.

As a senior in high school, Glendora enrolled in the Medical Apprentice Careers program (now known as Health Science Technology) at Metro Tech under the instruction of Ms. Carole Brown. Glendora recalls, "By going through the program (at Metro Tech) it gave me a chance to see different fields (in health care) and I think when I went to the Veterans Administration Hospital, that's when I realized I wanted to do physical therapy." "I saw wound care being done and that was what I wanted to do. I loved it and that's what brought me here," she continues.

Glendora's vision was not without its challenges. "I had a son at age 16 and moved out on my own at age 17." She lived by herself with her son during her senior year in high school.

"I guess my son was my motivation to everything I've done and that I'm still accomplishing right now." "Because I was raised by a single parent, my mom on her own, I had to look at my life that I had with her and say 'I have a son and I can either do this or do that' so I chose to step up to give him (my son) a better life than what I grew up on."

After graduating from Douglass High School in 1994, Glendora attended Langston University. During her first year at Langston she lived on campus returning home on week-ends to be with her son. She describes this time as being pretty "laid back". "I wasn't frightened because I had already been on my own for a long period of time so staying focused was my biggest issue." "I had to stay focused to get through what I was doing." Glendora admits it was hard sharing a room with three other girls who had different attitudes and different ways of doing things. She can now reflect on that experience as being positive because her roommates were upper classmen and they helped her remain focused on her goal.

Glendora believes her biggest challenge was "people not thinking I would make it." The attitudes were "you have a child-go work to provide (for your child)." "They didn't think I could do both-go to work and go to school. I think that was the most challenging." Glendora recounts, "In some ways I think the system itself (was challenging)." "Trying to get assistance at times when I couldn't work because of school and the assistance wasn't provided." She continues, "It was difficult at those times-trying to find the next meal." "We had situations like that, but it all worked out in the end. I stayed focused and stayed on it."

Glendora describes herself as a very private person. She says, "I don't like bringing everybody into my situations." "I basically did everything on my own. If I had a problem I did more writing than anything just letting my feelings out that way."

Glendora, a young woman with vision, attributes her success to her faith as well as staying focused on her dream. "I have a strong background as a Christian. I go to church-a lot of praying." "You know, God is in this a whole lot. Sometimes I sit on my bed and cry and hold the Bible and try to read a verse that makes me feel better." "God just keeps me going. I have to keep my faith and be strong." "You have to really believe. If you doubt…….you won't succeed."

Glendora's advice to other young people: "Set your mind to what you want and set it as high as you want to set it. And then go for it. No matter what people tell you, you can do anything you set your mind to do."