From the pig pen to the ink pen
I always tell people I got my real education in a dairy barn in Jones, Oklahoma. That’s where my story began, with my parents and two brothers on our small hog and dairy farm. From the time I was 7, I was up at 5:00am every morning to feed hogs or milk cows. Every year, Dad would give my brothers and I six pigs each for our work on the farm. I opened my first checking account when I was nine years old and knew if I could make it to the local livestock show, the president of First State Bank of Jones would be handing out money. Growing up on the farm wasn’t easy, but boy did it teach me some valuable life lessons! I credit a lot of my success to my Dad, who taught me economics and the value of hard work. I never imagined as little boy on the farm that I’d one day be an entrepreneur selling real estate, to then have a career in banking, to eventually writing a book and being a published author. But I’m proud to have come all the way from the pig pen to the ink pen!
Real Estate to Banking
After graduating from high school, I got into the real estate business. My father-in-law took me under his wing and taught me everything he knew about sales. I was a full-time entrepreneur for eleven years, allowing me to experience the downfall of the Oklahoma economy in the 1980’s. This led to my transition into banking. Coming from a real estate background, I was hired by McClain Bank to market their repossessed properties. After about four years, I had worked myself out of a job, so the bank asked me to stay on. I then began my career as their agriculture lender. I never realized how valuable my experience from the farm would be until I stepped into a leadership role. I was able to draw on those experiences to encourage those who worked with me and help my customers reach their goals and dreams. It was an honor to be a part of the McClain Bank Family for 27.5 years.
Community Leadership
During my banking career, I was active in the Purcell Lions Club, Noble Chamber of Commerce and Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, serving terms as both Purcell Lions Club President and Noble Chamber President. I served on the Cleveland County Soil Conservation Board for seven years, the Cross Timbers RC&D Board for seven years, and also served in Jr. Achievement for ten years. In 1998, I was honored by being inducted into the Junior Achievement Hall of Fame. I was also chosen that same year to be part of the Oklahoma Agriculture Leadership Program, where the class had an opportunity to visit Argentina. I was inducted into the McClain Bank Hall of Fame in 2002, which honors those employees who have contributed immeasurably to the success of the bank. I enjoy giving back to the community by auctioneering for the chamber, various 4-H and FFA groups, and helping with other local fundraising events.
Your Chief Encouragement Officer
In January of 2020, I closed my banking chapter and officially “re-fired” back into the world of entrepreneurship. I am now coaching and mentoring as a certified Ziglar Legacy and Master coach. I’m also focusing again on real estate as a Sales Associate with Gene Cobb Auction & Realty, and I continue to serve on McClain Bank’s Board of Directors. I am proud to be a published author and speaker. I live on a ranch in Noble with my wife, Paula. We have two children, one son-in-law and one grandson. I am enjoying my new role as Chief Encouragement Officer and am passionate about helping others step into their purpose!