The Entrepreneur

Dr. Tony Woodlief

Dr. Tony Woodlief is Executive Vice President at State Policy Network, serving state think tanks across the U.S. Previously he served as president of the Bill of Rights Institute, devoted to teaching high school students about the Constitution. Before that, Tony was president of the Market-Based Management Institute, where he worked with businesses and non-profits to improve their performance. He has also served as president of the Mercatus Center, an economics research organization based at George Mason University. An alumnus of the University of North Carolina, he has a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Michigan, and an MFA in creative writing from Wichita State University. Tony’s essays have appeared in numerous publications including The Wall Street Journal, The London Times, and National Review, while his short fiction has appeared in Image, Ruminate, and Work. His project devoted to helping fathers develop better parenting habits can be found at IntentionalFathering.com. Tony lives with his wife and children in North Carolina.

David Lawrence

David is a native of Owasso, Oklahoma where he graduated from high school in 1998. David moved to Enid in 2012 to work on a project with his previous employer and fell in love with the community. While working in Enid, met his wife, Jennifer. Together they have 6 children, Kinzley Lebeda (16), Tyler Lawrence (16), Cassidy Lebeda (14), Ryker Lawrence (5), Easton Lawrence (5), and Faith Lawrence (Lost at 37 weeks). David began his career with Dense Mechanical as a Project Manager in September 2013 and by 2018 was a Vice President of the company. September 1, 2019, David purchased Dense Mechanical. Since then, David has worked to build and develop a team of industry leaders in Enid and has tripled the size of the company, including adding an Oklahoma City location. David and his family are members of World Harvest Church. He also serves on many boards within the community, including Oakwood Country Club, ERDA, United Way, for which he currently serves as Vice President. David is also an Honorary Commander for the Operations Group Commander. November 15, 2023, David purchased Pheasant Run Golf & Grill. Renovation is currently underway to improve the Golf course and restaurant experience.

Jennifer Lawrence

Jennifer Lawrence is the Marketing Director for Dense Mechanical, Pheasant Run Golf & Grill and Waymaker Coffee Company. With her creativity and drive, Jennifer has taken the challenge to learn new approaches to marketing. She has a passion to showcase the work of others and highlight her family business.

Stela Jantzen

Stela Jantzen is the executive director at Park Avenue Thrift, a nonprofit thrift store in Enid that funds several local nonprofits and schools that make Enid a great place to be. Stela Jantzen is an Enid Native and earned her degree in merchandising and marketing from Oklahoma State University. Upon moving back to Enid in 2009, Stela and her future husband Riley opened up their gift boutique, The Felt Bird, in downtown Enid. Stela started volunteering with Main Street Enid, a nonprofit organization working towards revitalizing downtown, and was hired as the assistant director in 2012. Stela’s love for retail and nonprofit came together when she was hired as executive director at Park Avenue Thrift in 2019. Stela has since helped enable the organization to give close to $2 million in the past 5 years to more than 50 Enid organizations that make the community she loves a great place to be.

Brady Sidwell

Brady Sidwell is the founder and President of Enterprise Grain Company, Enterprise Grain Malt, Sidwell Strategies, Sidwell Seed, 81 Feed and Seed, Sidwell transport, Arbitrage αlpha Solutions and most recently co-founder of Enid Brewing Co.. Mr. Sidwell is also a Limited Partner and member of the Advisory Board of Germin8 Ventures, a Food Tech Venture Capital firm based out of Chicago. Prior to his recent change in becoming an entrepreneurial business owner and commodity broker, Mr. Sidwell was Vice President of Global Strategy, Mergers & Acquisitions for the OSI Group, based out of its headquarters near Chicago. He first joined the company as VP of Corporate Strategy and Business Development for the Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa (APMEA), based in Hong Kong. At OSI, Mr. Sidwell was responsible for spearheading global strategy and M&A. Before joining OSI, Mr. Sidwell was Head of Food & Agribusiness Research and Advisory for Rabobank in North East Asia. He was responsible for cross-border F&A strategies for companies and investors across various sectors in the supply chain. While at Rabobank, Mr. Sidwell appeared regularly on Bloomberg, CNBC and Reuters TV to discuss the impacts of global and regional food & agriculture developments on Asian and global markets. Prior to Rabobank, Mr. Sidwell worked on project teams for the U.S. Embassy offices of the U.S.D.A. in South Korea and Thailand. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree cum laude in Agricultural Economics with a focus on International Marketing from Oklahoma State University and a Master of Economics degree from the University of Hong Kong where he studied as a Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholar to China. Mr. Sidwell was raised on a family farming operation in Goltry, OK, where he lives today with his wife Emily and their dog, Daisy.

Debbie Maxey

Debbie received her real estate license in 2006 and began selling property in the Northeast Oklahoma/ Grand Lake area where she specialized in first time residential buyers, lake properties, and farm and ranch. She also gained knowledge dealing with 184 Indian loans and tribal grant programs. Debbie moved back to her Enid Hometown in 2015 and continued her real estate profession, mostly with residential properties. Debbie recently expanded back to include the much loved Grand Lake area. Debbie believes and stands by the moto "Good People ~ Good Results" and loves helping people find the RIGHT type of property for their Financial Choice!

Cathy Perez-Whiteside

With over two decades of experience in the real estate industry, Cathy is not only highly qualified but also deeply committed to providing exceptional service. As the first Spanish-speaking REALTOR® in Enid, Cathy brings a unique perspective and invaluable expertise to her clients. She not only is a REALTOR® and Broker Associate but also has an ABR® and CRS designation. Beyond her professional endeavors, Cathy is a lover of the great outdoors. She enjoys quality time with her beloved Labrador, Daisy, at the dog park and enjoys cycling through Enid!

Curtis Tucker

Curtis D. Tucker, a.k.a. Shaggs, is a Digital Media Entrepreneur and publisher of Enid Buzz, an online community news and information provider. Tucker is also a blogger, podcaster, graphic designer, website builder, cartoonist, photographer, speaker and silk screener. Tucker built his first website in 1999 and quickly learned how to make money online. He launched Shaggy Duck Studio in 2000 and soon quit his full time advertising director position to work entirely from home. His other small business ventures include Chuckleberry’s Paper Card Company, Bottle Caps Mercantile and BuzzHead Radio.

Aaron Fuksa

Aaron Fuksa operates two service-based businesses in Enid, Oklahoma. He is a salesperson who enjoys day to day experiences of performing surface restoration, enhancement, & coatings. Along with his other business skills for painting, sign making & graphic design for home addressing. His goal is to show his artistic expression, while making a difference for others & himself. He chases the entrepreneurial dream of being a successful business in his community.

Brad Wallace

As the Chief Investment Officer at Stride Bank Wealth Management, Brad is responsible for directing the department’s investment strategies, asset allocation processes, and capital market research. As a first-generation college graduate, Brad shares the same grit required to be a successful entrepreneur and enjoys serving local business owners.

Yulissa Sweeney

Yulissa serves as an Investment Analyst at Stride Bank Wealth Management and is responsible for investment research, portfolio reporting, and due diligence, among other things. As a graduate of NWOSU, Yulissa is excited to share with her alma mater the role that her team plays in the life cycle of an entrepreneur.

Cory Nickelson

As a Portfolio Manager at Stride Bank Wealth Management, Cory’s responsibilities include managing client investment portfolios, constructing asset allocation frameworks, and conducting investment due diligence. Cory sees an entrepreneur's life cycle from a unique lens, helping entrepreneurs understand that becoming wealthy and staying wealth require two different skill sets.

Heather Palmer

Heather Palmer is a freelance marketing consultant and content creator. She has extensive experience in purchasing, planning, marketing, and advertising for retailers of all sizes. She started her career right here in Enid at Atwoods Ranch & Home buying live chickens. When she left corporate life behind, Heather was working at Cabela’s in Sidney, NE as an assortment and item planner. She moved back home to Enid and struck out on her own in 2016. Heather’s current clients include small businesses, non-profits, and corporations. You can see Heather’s handiwork on the Gaslight Theatre social media accounts, where she combines her love of theatre with her professional expertise, and on the Entrepreneur accounts she has managed for the last several years. Heather has a passion for helping small businesses and nonprofits make the most of their available resources. She looks forward to sharing tips and tricks with you at this year’s seminar!

Dr. Wayne McMillin

Dr. Wayne McMillin, currently serving as the Dean of Northwestern Oklahoma State University's Enid Campus, epitomizes dedication and leadership in the academic realm. With a B.S. in Psychology and a Minor in Biology from Northwestern Oklahoma State University in 1988, an M.A. in Experimental Psychology from the University of Central Oklahoma in 1994, and a Ph.D. in Applied Behavioral Studies from Oklahoma State University in 1999, Dr. McMillin has cultivated a robust educational background. His diverse professional journey includes roles as a DH Case Manager, Contract Manager/Statistician, and Adjunct Instructor of Psychology. Since joining Northwestern Oklahoma State University in 1997 as a Professor of Psychology, he has made significant contributions to the institution, becoming the Named Endowed Chair in Psychology for the Enid Campus in the summer of 2000. In May 2011, Dr. McMillin assumed the role of Dean, overseeing day-to-day operations, faculty development, budget management, and program development. His commitment to research is evident through numerous publications and presentations, addressing topics such as organizational socialization, psychological reactance, and safety climate models. Dr. Wayne McMillin's extensive educational background, combined with his diverse professional experiences, positions him as a key figure in fostering academic excellence and leadership at Northwestern Oklahoma State University.

Dr. Jerry Gustafson

Dr. Jerry Gustafson is a founding organizer of Northwestern Oklahoma State's annual seminar, The Entrepreneur. With a Ph.D. in Mathematics Education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Dr. Gustafson's educational journey includes a Financial Planning Graduate Certificate from Kansas State University and graduate studies in Computer Science at Oklahoma State University. As a Level IV Registered Stock Options Trader, Dr. Gustafson's career spans 12 years teaching high school mathematics and several more as a professor in Mathematics, Computer Science, E-Commerce, and Business. Notably, he has ventured into the business realm, owning Love Wedding Photography, Gustafson Rental Properties, and presiding over Bestboots.com. Dr. Jerry Gustafson's entrepreneurial acumen and multifaceted experiences make him a valuable contributor to the conference, offering insights that extend beyond the academic sphere.

Teri Allen

Professor Teri Allen, an accomplished business educator and small business owner, currently serves as an Instructor of Business at Northwestern Oklahoma State University. Her educational journey includes achieving Doctoral Candidacy in 2012 at North Central University, where she pursued a Ph.D. in Business Administration with a specialization in Financial Management. Prior to this, she earned a Master of Business Administration from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 1993 and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus on Finance in 1990, showcasing her commitment to continuous learning. Professor Allen holds significant licensures, including being a Certified Managerial Accountant, an Enrolled Agent with the IRS, and possessing an Oklahoma Secondary School Teaching Certification in Career Tech Business and Industry. Her teaching competencies encompass a range of subjects such as Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, Intermediate Accounting, Business Finance, and Financial Reporting & Analysis. Professor Allen's commitment to academic research is evident through her publications and presentations at various conferences, covering topics like student-managed investment portfolios and the incorporation of personal finance objectives in the college classroom. With a diverse career spanning over 30 years in accounting and finance, Professor Teri Allen brings a wealth of industry experience to her role, and her dedication is further underscored by her membership in the Institute of Management Accountants and Delta Mu Delta.

Dr. John Stockmeyer

Dr. John Stockmeyer, a distinguished professor of business at Northwestern Oklahoma State University, brings a rich tapestry of academic and practical experience to his role. With a Ph.D. in Marketing from the University of Missouri, an M.B.A. with a Marketing Emphasis from Rockhurst University, and a B.S.E. in Physics/Physical Science from the University of Central Missouri, Dr. Stockmeyer exemplifies a diverse educational background. Holding a State of Missouri Life Teaching Certificate for Physics/Physical Science Grades 7-12, he possesses an interdisciplinary approach to education. Dr. Stockmeyer's teaching competencies span a spectrum of marketing-related subjects, including Principles of Marketing, Technology and E-Commerce, Services Marketing, Marketing Communications, and Business Research. His research and scholarly interests delve into areas such as Crisis Management, Retail Design, Cognitive Biases, Ethics and Marketing, and Pedagogy with a focus on Teaching with Technology. With a career that spans nearly three decades, Dr. Stockmeyer has been a faculty member at NWOSU since 2013, contributing significantly to the institution's academic landscape. His career highlights include serving as the M.B.A. Program Director and Department Chair at Eastern New Mexico University, as well as initiating and designing a Disc Golf course on the NWOSU-Enid campus. Beyond academia, Dr. Stockmeyer has garnered practical experience through various service, warehouse, and retail industry positions, showcasing a holistic approach to business education.

Dr. Joseph Paul

Dr. Joseph Paul, a Professor of Business at Northwestern Oklahoma State University and a global expert in the field, brings a wealth of international experience and academic achievements to his role. Holding a Doctorate in Business Administration with a concentration in International Business from Argosy University, a Master of Business Administration from Texas A&M – Commerce, and degrees from O.U. India in Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting and Taxation, and Communication & Journalism, Dr. Paul exemplifies a comprehensive global perspective. With a Six-Sigma Black Belt Professional licensure, his teaching competencies span across Management, Operations Management, Managerial and Financial Accounting, Marketing, Strategic Management, International Business, and International Management. Dr. Paul's research interests delve into offshore outsourcing of U.S. MNCs and trends in corporate-level strategies within Corporate America. His illustrious career includes serving as an International Visiting Scholar in Oman, receiving the "Most Innovative & Learning Professor of Oklahoma Christian University" award in 2011, and making competitive presentations at conferences worldwide, including ACBSP. Dr. Paul has also worked as a management consultant for Dr Pepper & Snapple Group international Operations, held positions at DFW International Airport, KPMG, Andersen consultancy firms, and served as a CPE instructor at Arthur Andersen. His extensive experience includes over six years as a Senior Lecturer in Accounting in Ethiopia, training in Project Management, Tableau Visual Data Analytics, SAS language programming, and Total Quality Management. Dr. Joseph Paul's diverse background and contributions to academia and industry underscore his impactful presence in the field of business education.