INTERVIEW WITH JIM WADE

Where did you grow up?
Midwest City, Oklahoma

Where did you go to college?  BBA in Finance from OU,  MBA from Central State University and J.D. from the OCU School of Law.

Do you have a family?
Wife, Martha, and two sons, James and Grant.

What is your current business?

President at BancFirst in Norman.

How long have you done this?
16 years.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The interaction with people of our community and the opportunity to see businesses and people of all ages succeed.

What do you enjoy least about your job?Unfortunately, sometimes we have difficulties with loans. That is always stressful.

What skills are needed to perform your job well?  You need to be a good communicator and a critical thinker to achieve the most effective results for your clients.

What inspires you?
My Christian faith. Additionally, I'm inspired by hard working people that clearly understand their goals and find true success in their lives. I'm a big fan of the underdog.

Did/do you have a mentor?
Obviously many people influence your life over the years. Of all those people that have been in my life, my high school football coach, Jim Darnell, made the most significant impression.

What advice would you give someone who is just starting out in their career? 
Be patient, your achievement will come. Also, don't expect someone to train or teach you. If you don't know what something is or means go figure it out for yourself. Make yourself indispensable. 

What one thing would you want someone new to this community to know about Norman/Moore?  This is a big city with small town values. 

Fun, Quick-Answer Questions:

Favorite food? I'll eat most anything; I'll go with cheeseburgers
Favorite college team? THE University of Oklahoma
Favorite pro team? New York Yankees
Dog or Cat person? Dog
Morning person or night owl? Morning
Favorite childhood television program? Gilligan's Island
If your life were a movie, what actor/actress would you have play you? Jack Nicholson
Weekend entertainment/hobby? Golf / Family
What one thing do you miss about being a kid? The lack of responsibility
CNN, ESPN or CNBC? ESPN
Coke or Pepsi? Pepsi
Messy or Neat? Messy
First job? Planning Department, City of Midwest City
First car? 1969 Triumph Spitfire
If you could take a trip tomorrow – where would you go? Nowhere. I would relax at home.
If stranded on a beach, what 3 things (not people) would you have to have? Music, Satellite TV, Golf Clubs (with plenty of golf balls)

 

Jim is serving as the co-chair of this year's United Way of Norman campaign. Learn more here.

INTERVIEW WITH JANIE MILUM

Where did you grow up? Central and East Central Oklahoma. Graduated from Graham High School in Weleetka, Oklahoma

Where did you go to college? Obtained her Bachelors and Masters Degrees from the University of Central Oklahoma. Completed her central administrative certificate work at the University of Oklahoma.

Do you have a family? Husband, Clinton. Two sons, Dwayne and Chris. A daughter-in-law, Devon and two grandchildren, Avery and Hudson.

What is your current business? My husband and I own and operate Clinton Milum Construction, LLC, a residential construction business. I am also a Moore City Council member.  

How long have you done this? After retiring as educators, Clinton and I began our home building business. I was elected to the Moore City Council 6 years ago.  

What do you enjoy most about your job? The community involvement. Serving the citizens of Moore and being involved in all the community activities.   

What do you enjoy least about your job? Not being able to do everything the Council would like to do, due to budgetary constraints or restrictions of bonds and federal funds.

What skills are needed to perform your job well? Being a good listener is extremely important. Having the will to do whatever it takes to do the job correctly. The willingness to get involved. 

What inspires you? The satisfaction of giving back to the community. Helping and serving the citizens of Moore. 

Did/do you have a mentor? Definitely my parents. They taught me the importance of having a work ethic and strong values.

What advice would you give someone who is just starting out in their career? Be a good listener. Be a well-rounded person by getting involved in your community, the schools or civic organizations. 

What one thing would you want someone new to this community to know about Norman/Moore? The great quality of life we enjoy in Moore.  We have excellent places to eat and shop, and there are numerous activities going on here all the time.   

Fun, Quick-Answer Questions:

Favorite food? Chicken enchilada casserole
Favorite pro team? I enjoy watching competitive swimming and diving
Dog or Cat person? Dog
Morning person or night owl? Morning person
Favorite childhood television program? Father Knows Best
If your life were a movie, what actor/actress would you have play you? June Cleaver or Donna Reed
Weekend entertainment/hobby? Working in the yard, Reading
What one thing do you miss about being a kid? Free time
CNN, ESPN or CNBC? CNN
Coke or Pepsi? Neither. Dr. Pepper!
Messy or Neat? Organized
First job? Office Assistant in the Freshman Girls Dorm at UCO
First car? Pontiac GTO
If you could take a trip tomorrow – where would you go? Ireland
If stranded on a beach, what 3 things (not people) would you have to have? My dog, food and books to read