OKC, OK June 2023

THE Gentlemen ' s ISSUE

LIFE + CULTURE

SPOTLIGHT ON BANK

COO JOSH PAPE

ENTERTAINMENT

FILMMAKING COUPLE

TURN SIGHTS ON OKC

HEALTH + WELLNESS

DOCS STRIKE RIGHT

NOTE WITH PATIENTS

Celebrating

Faithful

CASADY SCHOOL

9500 N. Pennsylvania • Oklahoma City, OK 73120 405.749.3100 • casady.org

Casady School is a PreK-12, independent, college preparatory Episcopal day school committed to deeper-level learning. Casady School welcomes a student body that reflects the diversity of the world around us and therefore does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, nationality, or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletics, and other school-administered programs generally accorded or made available to students at the School.

to the past while moving bravely into the future.

Greetings, Gentlemen!

Gentlemen: you are our focus this month! Inside these pages, you'll find stories about some of your outstanding neighbors and business leaders.

Have you seen the Netflix documentary Sr., about the life of maverick filmmaker and actor Robert Downey Sr., yet? The film explores Downey Sr.’s life and work, while also exploring personal themes ranging from creativity and mortality to fatherhood and generational trauma.

The film was produced by Downey Jr. alongside Susan Downey and a couple, Kevin and Emily Barclay Ford: documentary filmmakers who have decided to dive into the growing OKC filmmaking industry. See related story, page 25.

In another article, real estate agent and columnist Peter Levinson shares some tips on how to select a reputable Realtor when looking for a new home and, also importantly, when listing your current home for sale.

And speaking of new homes... Perhaps thus far you've been unable to find your "dream house." Architectural designer Don Hildebrand's philosophy on designing homes is simple: it should reflect the homebuyer’s style and lifestyle. Don Hildebrand Home Designs is where many people in the OKC metro and beyond have gone for help in designing a floor plan and exterior look that is just right for their new home.

I hope you, dear reader (ladies and gentlemen, both) will enjoy reading about these and some of your other industrious neighbors.

Before closing, I'd like to say Happy Father's Day to all our dads out there. Everywhere I go, from the grocery store to the park, I am seeing more dads hanging out with their kids. And that's a GOOD thing!

To our younger readers, Father's Day is a good time to let your dad know how much you love and appreciate him. Unfortunately, my own passed some years ago, and one of my biggest regrets is never sharing those thoughts with him. I'd give anything for just a few minutes with him to hug him tight and say "I love you." Don't miss your opportunity.

In closing, publisher Jimmy Darden and I always welcome feedback. Feel free to email me or post a message on our Facebook page!

June 2023

PUBLISHER

Jimmy Darden | jimmy.darden@citylifestyle.com

405.541.5650

MANAGING EDITOR

Jerri Culpepper | jerri.culpepper@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Kaylin Hill | kaylin.hill@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Lindsey Nantze | lindsey.nantze@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Brooke Barnett, Jerri Culpepper, Kristen Grace, Staci Elder Hensley, Annabella Potts

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Kaylin Hill, Denisse Toewes

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier

Community Bank, says his personal mission has always been the same:

and achieve their life goals. See related story, page 18.

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Photography

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business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Ballet Ball Deemed Smashing Success

Oklahoma City Ballet presented Ballet Ball: The New West on April 1 at the Omni Hotel in Oklahoma City. Co-chaired by Kylee Claire Rainbolt and Bailey Gordon, the gala was a smashing success in terms of both attendees (over 500) and dollars raised for the ballet company’s year-round programs. The event included cocktails, a seated dinner, dancing and a lively live auction. See related photos, page 12.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/OKC

WOODWORKS DISTILLING CO.

RETURNING TO THE ROOTS OF AN ANCIENT CRAFT

The story of distilling spirits has been written down through the ages, alongside the unfolding story of civilization itself. In some sense, what Woodworks Distilling Co. ( WoodworksDistilling.com) in Oklahoma City is doing today is simply returning to the roots of this craft: in small batches, drawing from local ingredients, and with artisanal attention.

"Woodworks Distilling honors this deep tradition, with every intention of writing its next chapter. That means that a story is told in every sip. Ours. And yours," said founder David Wood.

Woodworks Distilling currently produces award winning Vodkas and Gins, with two liqueurs coming soon and a rye and bourbon program that await the arrival of barrels. They offer a choice of sourced bourbon and rye, until that time comes.

Planning a fun night? David offers the following simple recipes that would be ideal for any gathering.

MUPPETS TAKE MANHATTAN

Ingredients

• 2 oz. Woodworks, Preface Series Rye

• 1 oz. Pathfinder

• 1 Dash Angostura Aromatic Bitters

• 1 Dash Angostura Orange Bitters

Directions

Stir on ice until very well chilled. Strain into chilled martini glass and garnish with a Maraska Cocktail Cherry.

THE

Ingredients

• 2 oz. Woodworks, Western Gin

• 1 oz. Wilfred’s Bittersweet

• Tonic water

Directions

Shake Gin & Wilfred’s on ice; strain and pour over ice in a rocks glass, top with tonic, and garnish with a rosemary sprig

WOODWORKS DISTILLING CO. 912 W Britton Rd. | Oklahoma City, OK 73114 405.849.9900 | info@woodworksdistilling.com

Meet Josh Pape

Josh Pape’s life and career have taken some unusual twists and turns prior to stepping into his new role as chief operating officer for Chickasaw Community Bank. However, his personal mission has always been the same: to work with people and help them develop and achieve their life goals.

In April, Josh was named as the bank’s COO. He also holds the title of executive vice president and serves as chairman of the Senior Loan Committee. In his new role, he oversees the overall management, administration, efficiency and compliance, working closely with CEO Gene Watson and senior executives.

He is responsible for providing strategic leadership to all divisions of the bank, including commercial, consumer, mortgage and tribal/governmental lending; retail banking; treasure management; marketing; and human resources. That’s no small task, given that the Chickasaw Community Bank is among the more successful community banks in the United States, with nearly $500 million in assets and more than $1.5 billion in assets under management.

Josh has been with CCB since 2021, and also worked for the bank from 2013 to 2019, spending two years in between as executive vice president for another local community bank. He said he is proud to be second in command at Chickasaw Community Bank and part of an institution that’s known for its stability and high-quality customer service.

His own affinity for the banking world was evident early on; Josh’s expertise includes retail, consumer and commercial lending; treasury management; and specialty CDFI lending. In 2022 he was selected

by the Independent Community Bankers Association as one of their “Top 40 Under 40: Emerging Community Bank Leaders.”

“For me, the biggest motivation I have now as COO, along with of course serving our customers, is to help our employees get where they want to go in their careers,” he said. “I enjoy advising them, helping them learn how to handle all types of situations with clients and coworkers, and helping them reach more than they ever thought they could achieve.

“It doesn’t matter whether they plan to stay in banking or not, I want to help them succeed. It may be a part-time teller who’s in college and plans on doing something else after graduating, but whoever that employee is, even if their time at our bank is a brief chapter in their book, I’d like it to be a good chapter.”

Josh grew up in eastern Oklahoma, graduating from Tahlequah High School. He entered college but ended up dropping out and joining the Air Force. He served on active duty in Iraq during Operation Enduring Freedom, where he worked as an aerospace ground equipment mechanic. Post-service, he became a probation officer with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections in Sequoyah County and married a former high school classmate, Jennifer Plant.

While he found working as a probation officer to be rewarding, “I felt that with getting married and looking at starting a family I needed something with better financial stability,” Josh said. Coincidentally, a friend was leaving a job with a large national bank’s local branch in Tahlequah and put in a good word for him.

“I was asked during the interview ‘How does your experience in corrections translate

“For me, the biggest motivation I have now as COO, along with of course serving our customers, is to help our employees get where they want to go in their careers.”

to banking?’ I replied that both jobs have the same mission. Both are all about asking people their goals for their lives, and then helping them develop and achieve those goals. I got the job.”

Josh’s 2007 career shift to banking proved to be the perfect career fit. Prior to joining the Chickasaw Community Bank team, he worked for Citizens Bank of Edmond, UMB Bank and Bank of America. He holds an undergraduate degree in business management from Western Governors University and is a graduate of the Oklahoma Bankers Association’s Commercial Lending School.

Josh is active in many professional and philanthropic boards and committees for organizations such as the ICBA, the Community Bankers Association of Oklahoma, Fight for

the Forgotten, Heroes in Waiting, the Air Force Association, SALLT and the National Society of Leadership & Success.

He enjoys spending time with Jennifer (a licensed real estate agent and a stay-at-home mom) and their young children, Ellie, 6, and Wyatt, 5. He’s also a huge fan of podcasts and golfing, and attends church regularly at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Edmond.

“My favorite story to tell is how I went from flunking out of college to becoming the first male college graduate in the Pape family,” he said. “At the end of the day, if I can help our team members accomplish what they need to know, to teach them that we all learn from our failures, like I did, then in the end we are going to help our customers in the same way.”

“At the end of the day, if I can help our team members accomplish what they need to know, to teach them that we all learn from our failures, like I did, then in the end we are going to help our customers in the same way.”

ENVISION YOUR DREAM HOME

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER’S PHILOSOPHY SIMPLE: HOMES SHOULD REFLECT HOMEOWNERS’ STYLE AND

What does your dream home look like?

Does it have a spacious floorplan? Or do you prefer a smaller footprint? Do you have a passion for a particular architectural style? Modern? Classical? Mid-century? Or perhaps a combination of styles? Do you want lots of windows for natural lighting? What about a grand staircase?

Architectural designer Don Hildebrand isn’t locked into any specific style. His philosophy on designing homes is simple: it should reflect the homebuyer’s style and lifestyle.

“Your home is where you rest, grow, entertain, live,” he likes to tell his clients. “When you design a house, it’s so much more than arranging rooms on paper. Its molding a unique place for you to experience life the way you live it.”

Don began designing houses in 1974; he holds an associate degree in drafting and design from Oklahoma State University-OKC. He founded his company, Don Hildebrand Home Designs ( DonHildebrandHomeDesigns.com), in 1995.

Over the years, he has designed plans ranging from 400-square-foot apartments to a 16,000-square-home, and homes from 16 feet wide to over 200 feet in length.

When a prospective client comes to him to discuss their ideas for their dream home, Don starts by listening carefully to what they envision as well as learning about their lifestyles and space needs. Some come with strong ideas on what they are looking for; others need more guidance and inspiration.

“Browse our plans, look at our photos, find ideas that you like or inspirations of your own,” he said. “Then, come visit us. We’ll talk about what your ideas are and add some of our own. Together, we’ll design a home that’s uniquely you.”

He added, “Our main service is designing the floor plan and exterior look for our clients. I have an initial meeting where I gather their wants in a new home. I just listen and take notes of their wants and needs. I will then do a preliminary sketch of the floor plan and front look of the house. We meet again to go over the sketch to make sure I have interpreted their ideals into a workable, livable plan.

“After this meeting, I will then do a draft with any revisions they have requested. After this is when they will usually meet with their builder, decorator, etc., to do any last changes before we produce the actual construction drawings.”

Husband and wife Kevin and Emily Barclay Ford both found their passion in the world of filmmaking before collaborating on an award-winning Netflix documentary that magnified their careers.

From a town in Northern California with around 500 people, Kevin first picked up a video camera from his aunt at the age of 10. Throughout high school, he filmed videos with his friends and learned the art of the craft from a retired German documentary filmmaker. He wanted to tell his own stories with experimentation through the medium, leading him to New York City and Los Angeles for most of his young life.

Emily, from Oklahoma (she grew up in north Edmond), was no stranger to the film world in high school, and she was fiercely determined to pursue her career at USC. She landed a job working on the set of the Steven Spielberg movie Twister and soon became a producer in Los Angeles.

Emily is also executive vice president of Team Downey, Susan and Robert Downey Jr.’s production company.

The pair worked internally with Robert Downey Jr. to develop documentary ideas, as Kevin previously shot countless hours of archived footage and behind-thescenes for the actor.

Once Downey Jr. was presented with the idea, he turned it down in favor of changing the subject of the film to his father. The documentary titled Sr. was born. At the time, the widely celebrated filmmaker Robert Downey Sr. had Parkinson’s disease. Both Kevin and Emily began the documentary as a reflection of Sr.’s filmmaking throughout his life, but they quickly realized the film would be taking another direction.

“The collaboration was born, and we all embarked at that time thinking it was probably going to be more of a cool, funky retrospective about his dad’s films,” Kevin

said. “I really don’t believe any of us set out thinking we were going to make a film about him facing his own mortality. But that is the nature of the documentary. And over the course of those couple years, that is what the film became. It was like a race against the clock to tell his story and to celebrate his filmmaking.”

Kevin and Emily captured Robert Downey Jr.’s tribute to his father while simultaneously forming connections with Sr. themselves. The documentary showcases Sr.’s reflections on life and shines a light on his relationship with his son, but during the process of filming, Sr. wanted to add his own twist. Kevin was pulled aside to a private editing bay with Robert Downey Sr. to cut another version of the documentary.

“What became apparent to me was that his version was really a last chance for him, while he was alive to revisit every single film he’d ever done,” Kevin says.

“Which were postcards from his past; he made like a collage of his whole life’s work and threw everything in the blender. So, it wasn’t chronological telling of a story for him, it was probably just an amazing trip down memory lane. I got to help him do that. So, we have these two different results, but I think our film, the released version, if you look at it and have that in mind, you see the artist at work and you start to see how his brain works.”

With such raw emotion translating through the camera lens, both Kevin and Emily shoulder creative and personal responsibility crafting the cinematic journey that is Sr. Following Robert Downey Sr.’s passing, the impact of Emily and Kevin’s role in producing, editing and championing the heart of the film remains everlasting.

“As a producer, I felt my contribution was important to honor Sr.’s spirit because when he was alive I felt protective of him,” Kevin says. “And then, after he was gone, I felt even more protective of him. Sr. was the kind of guy that was encouraging about following your art and passion. The fact that his name is not forgotten, his works pop up and people learn about him or even get curious, then it wasn’t for nothing. He didn’t just disappear. So, I think Robert Jr. was really right on the nose when he said, ‘I’d rather make a film about my dad.’”

After finishing Sr., the pair embarked on a journey to Oklahoma for Emily’s Heritage Hall High School reunion when they found themselves looking for a change. Despite the drastic differences between New York and Los Angeles, Kevin and Emily began to explore the filmmaking world in Oklahoma City.

“When we had come here before, it was always in the context of my family,” Emily says. “I was like, I think we just need to get our own place, be in the cool part of town, and just do our own thing and explore. Within 24 hours, Kevin said, ‘I don’t wanna leave. We’re not going.’”

After touring a few film production companies across the city, Kevin and Emily felt a strong sense of community and independent creativity throughout the industry.

“I’m mad that Sr. isn’t here now because I would love to tell him about how wonderful I feel things have worked out for us in Oklahoma City,” - Kevin

“A lot of people ask us about the film industry here. There are all the ingredients for it to grow. There’s the right stuff. And with some of these people that are already here and have been doing it for the many years that have led to this moment, we’re just trying to add our thoughts and hope to be a part of that growth.”

“I’M MAD THAT SR. ISN’T HERE NOW BECAUSE I WOULD LOVE TO TELL HIM ABOUT HOW WONDERFUL I FEEL THINGS HAVE WORKED OUT FOR US IN OKLAHOMA CITY.” - KEVIN

A FEW WORDS ABOUT THE CONCEPT OF STRENGTH

In today’s Western culture, what qualities are supposed to be associated with strength? I'm not referring to physical strength specifically. I'm asking you, the reader, if you had to describe the characteristics of a strong person, what would you say?

At 46, I am still not 100% certain about what it means to be strong for myself and those in my world. I wake up each day intending to strive toward that ideal. I consciously establish a morning routine to set me on the right path for the day. Yet, upon reflection at night, I realize that I have not always lived up to the standards I set for myself, whether in my words or actions.

Each day is a gift—an opportunity to be better than you were the day before.

The Stoic writer Marcus Aurelius said, “All that you've done before, or failed to do, is of no account. The past is dead and gone. Why carry yesterday's regrets on your back? Today is the first day of the rest of your life. Live now according to your principles."

So every day, you and I can strive to be the best version of ourselves.

I want to share with you a few actionable items to do in your life that you, if you are like me, want to be strong for yourself and those around you can do:

Get Healthy. Everything starts with the physical. If you can start conquering the body, the mind will follow. Begin by eating real food that fuels your body. Next, hit the gym. It affects how you feel about yourself immediately, and as you begin to feel and look better, it will affect how those around you perceive you.

Put Away Distractions. If you are constantly distracted by the unimportant things in life, those around you will not feel safe. Time to drop the video game controller and turn off the news feeds; why fill your mind with problems you have no actual intention of solving? Instead, listen to a good podcast or read a good book. Something that grows you as a human.

Be respectable. Dress and act the part. By this, care how you look throughout the day, not for others but for your self-confidence. When you feel confident, you will inspire others to be confident. Stand and sit straight; look people in the eyes when speaking. It shows you have respect for yourself and the one you are talking to.

Watch Your Words. You are not the star of a teenage drama, so stop gossiping. Be honest, even when it hurts. A quote attributed to Mark Twain goes, “If you tell the truth, you'll never have to remember anything.” And as my wife, Tara, reminds me, “Let my yes’s be yes, and my no’s be no.”

To summarize, remove gossip, tell the truth and don't ramble.

These four actionable tips will not help you be a strong person, but they will help strengthen your character. Practice these for the next month, and we will talk again in the next issue of OKC Lifestyle.

- MARCUS AURELIUS

"THE PAST IS DEAD AND GONE. WHY CARRY YESTERDAY'S REGRETS ON YOUR BACK?"

A sample of recently sold properties in OKC.

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

Red Earth Native American Cultural Festival

NATIONAL COWBOY MUSEUM & WESTERN HERITAGE CENTER

This exciting event features representatives from over 100 tribes. Over the years, Red Earth has matured into one of the most respected visual and performing arts events of its type, setting the standard for many of today's Indian art shows. See works by some of the nation's most celebrated artists. RedEarth.org/Pages/Festival-2023

Oklahoma Craft Beer Festival

OKLAHOMA STATE FAIR PARK, OKC | 1:00 PM

Oklahoma's oldest and largest craft beer festival returns with over 60 breweries from Oklahoma and beyond. Grab your friends and get ready to sample your favorite brews and seltzers, plus discover new recipes. OkCraftBeerFestival.com

Bluegrass, BBQ & Brews

RIVERSPORT OKC | 4:30 PM

Visit Riversport OKC this June for an evening of delicious food and live music at Bluegrass, BBQ & Brews. The festival will feature live bluegrass music from Oklahoma band The Bottom of the Barrel paired with barbecue, beer and summer activities at Riversport including tubing and surfing. RiverSportOkc.org/Events/Bluegrass-Bbq-Brews

deadCenter Film Festival

VARIOUS DOWNTOWN LOCATIONS

Choose from more than 1,400 independent movies by filmmakers across the globe. Films are screened in several downtown Oklahoma City locations. Don't miss the professional panel series, appearances by big-name visitors, the annual screenwriting competition and plenty of after-parties to connect with fellow cinephiles.  DeadCenterFilm.org

Juneteenth on the East

NE 23RD STREET

Celebrate Juneteenth in Oklahoma City with an all-day, family-friendly event featuring live music, interactive murals, dance performances and much more in the Eastside community. Visitors will also enjoy a performance by headliner and Grammy Award winner Mya, dance performances, food trucks, vendors, a car show, 5K and local small businesses in this historic area. WithLoveOkc.org/Juneteenth

Father's Day Fest

SCISSORTAIL PARK, OKC | 11:00 AM

This yearly event located in the heart of OKC provides a safe and fun environment that family members of all ages can enjoy. Enjoy live music, food trucks, inflatables and games spread throughout the park as well as local vendors selling unique wares of all kinds.

Bringing It Home

REAL ESTATE AGENT PETER LEVINSON COMBINES FAMILY

Real estate broker Peter Levinson has one crucial piece of advice for potential homebuyers, which is not to play what he calls “real estate agent roulette.”

“Sometimes, if you are looking at a property online, it might be tempting to click that button on a property search site to reach out to a real estate agent right on the spot,” he explains. “But, you literally have no idea who you might end up with, and finding the right agent is such a crucial part of your home buying experience.”

Instead, Peter recommends that homebuyers take the time to look for a reputable agent who works in their community, read online reviews and make sure the agent is supported by an experienced agency or brokerage.

“Search for the top agents in your area and read the reviews,” he adds. “Think of it this way, if you were going out for a nice dinner, you would take the time to look up the restaurant, read reviews and look at pictures.  Do that same diligence with your Realtor and be sure about who you are connecting with.”

Peter and his wife, Tara, have spent the past 17 years leading the Levinson Real Estate Team. Currently 35 agents strong, their team was recently ranked No. 1 in the

state and ninth in the nation by RealTrends, which identifies the country's most successful residential Realtors and teams. The Levinson Team merged with eXp Realty in November 2022 and sold more than 800 houses worth over $230 million last year.

Even with such impressive statistics, Peter says his proudest accomplishment is that his entire family has joined the Levinson team. Their oldest daughter Tiara is the sales manager for the team, while youngest daughter Tasha serves as operations manager. Their sons-in-law serve as lead listing agent and lead buying agent.

“As a parent, having them follow in our footsteps and join the business means we must have done something right,” he says, laughing. “It is so rewarding to be able to work together every day.”

Solving problems for the clients that he serves makes Peter’s job rewarding, which is exactly what he says a good real estate agent should do. He explains that homebuyers should expect their agent to help them sort through all the information available in listings, find solutions and put together a winning offer based on the real estate market.

For those considering putting their home on the market in the near future, Peter recommends working with a trusted agent

before making any changes, upgrades or renovations.

“My advice is to not make any changes to your current home until an agent comes and walks through,” he advises. “An experienced agent can help make suggestions for the types of changes that will really add value as well as help your home sell. Let the agent guide that process. Every home is unique, and an agent can give you that expert advice.”

When he isn’t busy selling homes, Peter provides life coaching and career development opportunities for new real estate agents. He is also an avid writer. His first book, Practical Real Estate Practices, is scheduled to be published this fall.

“For me, it’s so important to be able to meet face-to-face with all my clients, so I can find the best way to help,” he concludes.

“I encourage everyone I work with to think about what dreams, aspirations and goals might have been put to the side and realize that it is time to pick them back up and get going again. I love helping people live their best lives.”