Oklahoma Business Leaders

Bill Lobeck

His vision, financial management, and leadership skills have fueled the success of major brands in the car rental industry.

Bill Nash

Bill Nash shares the stories of how he founded United Bank, which he sold and later became Bank of America, serving as chairman of the Tulsa County Election Board and the Oklahoma Transportation Commission, and many other stories from his life.

Blue Cross Blue Shield

Learn the history of how health insurance came to Oklahoma.

Bob Anthony

Corporation commissioner Bob Anthony tells the story of C.R. Anthony and Anthony's Department stores.

Burt B. Holmes

A young man's business vision and a chance encounter with an old friend was the beginning of QuikTrip.

Carl Willis

These once-popular stamps traded like dollar bills and have an interesting Oklahoma connection.

Chester Cadieux

The story of building QuikTrip into one of Oklahoma's most beloved companies.

Clifton Taulbert

Overcoming obstacles of segregation, he went on to achieve success as an entrepreneur.

David Green

He combined business and faith to grow Hobby Lobby from one store to more than 450.

David Walters

A business and public policy enthusiast, David Walters founded Walters Power International and was the 24th Governor of the State of Oklahoma.

Denny Cresap

Working from a single truck, Denny Cresap grew his one-man operation into one of the top 20 largest Anheuser-Busch distributorships in the United States and became a prolific philanthropist throughout the state of Oklahoma.

Dick Carson

Dick Carson shares how his family's business became a pillar of entertainment promotion for over 66 years and three generations.

Don E. Pray

Although he grew up "in a garage," Don worked hard and achieved great success in his life while helping others along the way.

Ed Malzahn

His wisdom and guidance nurtured Ditch Witch into a competitor in the global marketplace.

Ed Taylor

A pioneer in the satellite communication business and philanthropist for many good causes.

Eddy Gibbs

Listen to the oral history of Eddy Gibbs, a prolific entrepreneur in the fencing and manufacturing industries, and renowned philanthropist, as he shares the story of his life founded on hard work, honesty, and giving -- a true rags-to-riches story.

Frank Riesinger

A master jeweler and craftsman who loved God, country, and family above all.

Frank Robson

A businessman, philanthropist, and member of the Sam Walton family.

Gene Rainbolt

Because of his investment in Oklahoma, thousands of individuals and businesses have flourished.

Harry A. Clarke Jr.

His family's claim to fame was Clarke's Good Clothes -- this is an Oklahoma retail success story.

Henry R. Kravis

Following the example of his parents, he achieved decades of success as an investor and NYC philanthropist.

Henry Zarrow

A generous heart and humble spirit make him one of Oklahoma's most beloved.

Herman Meinders

Herman's international company brings happiness and comfort to millions of people.

Howard Barnett

Businessman, public servant, and OSU-Tulsa President Emeritus Howard Barnett reflects on a career that spanned the private sector and state leadership—including his time as Chief of Staff to Governor Frank Keating—and shares advice on what it really takes to lead.

J. Paul Getty

Listen to the final interview of J. Paul Getty as he sits down with interviewer Bob Gregory in the film "A Man's Perspectives on Business and Life"

James C. Leake

In this 1998 interview, James C. Leake shares the journey he and his family faced when pioneering modern broadcast television in Oklahoma and Arkansas.

James L. Gallogly

The first Fortune 500 CEO to be appointed President of the University of Oklahoma.

Jenny Brouse

From Russian to Tulsa. Jenny and her son, Brian, tell the family's immigration story.

Jim Economou

In 1926, the Economou family introduced Tulsa to what became a local tradition: Coney Island hot weiners.

Jim Rodgers

A great surgeon, a good father, and a man whose indelible legacy includes revitalizing the legendary Cain's Ballroom and founding one of Oklahoma's most successful physician-owned hospitals.

Jim Stovall

Jim Stovall, author of The Ultimate Gift, shares his experience with going blind at the age of 29, his advocacy for people with blindness, how he founded the Narrative Television Network, and much more.

Joe Cappy

An influential part of the automotive industry's most dynamic times, Joe Cappy helmed the American Motors Corporation and was CEO of Dollar Thrifty car rental.

Joe Harwood

Joe Harwood turned his childhood dream into reality, becoming a leading owner of yacht clubs and marinas on Grand Lake. From working at Bomar’s Marina to acquiring Arrowhead and Cherokee Yacht Clubs, his story is a testament to passion, perseverance, and the evolving lake life of Oklahoma.

Joe McGraw

Joe McGraw, one of the founders of the McGraw Realtors and McGraw Commercial Properties, shares the lessons he's learned about business, life, and a legacy of success.

Joe Moore

He combined businessman and comforter as he gracefully guided people through times of loss.

John Brock

John Brock, a successful engineer, oil entrepreneur, education advocate, Korean War veteran, author, and Tulsa community leader, shares his wisdom and his fundamental rules for living a prosperous life.

John Bumgarner

Listen to the oral history of John Bumgarner, a legendary real estate entrepreneur, founder of BAM Properties, and the owner of the famous 320 S. Boston Building, Mid-Continent Tower, Kennedy Building, and many other properties throughout the greater Tulsa area.

John F. Hausam

After unwittingly avoiding death in war, he eventually established one of the largest real estate companies in Tulsa.

John Groendyke

John Groendyke, Chairman of the Board of Groendyke Transport, reflects on his father’s pioneering work in the tank truck industry, the impact of technology on trucking, and his love for classic cars. Listen as he shares stories of his family’s legacy and the evolution of the industry.

John Hughes

A legendary cattleman, John Hughes grew his family's ranch from 1,800 to over 12,000 acres during his 30-year agricultural career.

John Massey

John L. Massey, a true Oklahoma success story, built a remarkable career that spanned politics, business, banking, entrepreneurial education, and philanthropy.

John T. Nickel

A genuine love of nature drove his business decisions and led him down the path to preservation.

John Williams

John, co-founder of Williams Companies and long-time CEO, is also well-known for his community leadership.

Joseph H. Williams

As a business leader, he reshaped Williams Cos. but the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve is his lasting legacy.

Keith Bailey

Keith Bailey, former President, Chairman, and CEO of Williams Companies, shares stories of his early career; reflects on taking risks and building a lasting corporate culture; and looks back on his pivotal role in shaping one of America's major energy companies.

King Kirchner

From roughneck to co-founder of one of the largest U.S. onshore drilling companies, Unit Corporation.

L. Francis Rooney III

A leader on the homefront at Manhattan Construction and former U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican.

Lilah Marshall

A true pioneer, she built her family bakery, Bama, into an international company.

Mary Helen Stanley

Mary Helen Stanley is a centenarian who's not afraid to tell you exactly how she feels. A longtime teacher and always a hard worker, she was the owner of Stanley Funeral home, working until the age of 85 as a funeral director offering compassionate council to the grieving for decades.

Maxine Kelamis

Maxine Kelamis and her son, Bill, tell a story of immigration, food, and the American dream.

Nancy Sevenoaks

Nancy Sevenoaks, daughter of Oklahoma broadcast television pioneer James C. Leake, tells the story of her father's incredible life and legacy.

Paul Thornbrugh

Known as "Mr. Republican," Paul was a businessman, patriot, public servant, politician, and -- most proudly -- a family man.

Randy Foutch

His success as an oil and gas executive began with forming privately-held companies.

Ray Ackerman

Known as "Old Man River," Ray made as career as an ad man and entrepreneur.

Red Stevenson

Colorful businessman and high-flying storyteller.

Robert E. Thomas

The ambitious founder of Mapco chose Tulsa for its headquarters.

Robin Siegfried

The family's successful business, NORDAM, gives them the opportunity to give back to their community.

Roger Hardesty

Roger Hardesty rose from this rural Oklahoma half-dugout to become one of the nation's most prolific developers and entrepreneurs. Hear how he built his first homes, launched over 25 companies, and now gives back through the Hardesty Family Foundation.

Roger Wheeler

A riverting story of why the Boston Mafia murdered this Tulsa businessman.

Roy Bliss

Roy Bliss, retired President and COO of United Video, shares the beginnings of cable TV, Tulsa's legacy in shaping the television business, and his legacy as an industry pioneer.

Scott Petty

Scott Petty, the last owner of Petty's Fine Foods, recounts the store's founding, its rise to prominence, and its storied history until its closing in 2016 after faithfully serving Tulsa for more than 70 years.

Sid Patterson

His legacy lives on in Tulsa's buildings, in its road infrastructure, and in the "Up with Trees" program.

Stan Clark

Stan took Eskimo Joe's from a small college town bar to a national brand known worldwide for its quirky logo and cheese fries.

Steve Stephenson

After founding Steve's Sundry in 1947, he was cherished by Tulsa's readers and authors.

Steve Turnbo

Steve Turnbo, a legendary public relations executive and tireless advocate for the city of Tulsa, shares the story of his life, his work, and how he wishes to be remembered as an honest PR man.

Tom Clark

Tom's business skills and successes gave him the opportunity to make a lasting impact in Tulsa.

Wayne Creasy

The insurance business gave Wayne an interesting life which included real estate, Roy Clark, and Branson, Missouri.

William Ross

A leader in Oklahoma's state law and business communities.

William S. Atherton

Bill applied the work ethic and values he learned from his family to build a lasting, meaningful business legacy.

William Vandever

The story of Vandevers Department Store and the family's many years of faithful civic duty.