INTERVIEW WITH MONTY STRICKLAND

Where did you grow up? Moore

Where did you go to college? OCCC & UCO

Do you have a family? Wife, Reagan; Son, Cole 9yrs; Daughter, Presley 3yrs.

What is your current business? Managing Broker/Realtor Coldwell Banker Carousel Realty,Moore, OK

How long have you done this? 7 years

What do you enjoy most about your job? I love helping people! I sometimes think it was what I was put on this earth to do. To me, there is nothing more gratifying than working really hard to find what someone wants in a home and then you take them in and they say, “This is EXACTLY what we were looking for!”

What do you enjoy least about your job? I hate making the “Unfortunately we are not going to be able to close today” phone call.

What skills or training are needed to perform your job well? Patience, Perseverance, People Skills, Ethics What inspires you? My family and hard working people who achieve success the right way, such as working hard, being honest and treating people with respect.

Did/do you have a mentor? I have several.

What advice would you give someone who is just starting out in their career? Don’t think you are going to tackle the world right out of the gate. Be ambitious but patient, work hard, treat people right and success will come with time.

What one thing would you want someone new to this community to know about Norman/Moore? It’s hard to only list one thing because there are so many great things about Moore. I guess if I had to pick one I would want them to know that the Community Leaders and City Government are fantastic people who truly care about the well being of the citizens and the future of the community.

Fun, Quick-Answer Questions:

Favorite food? Steak
Favorite college team? OU!
Favorite pro team? Dallas Cowboys
Dog or Cat person? Dog
Morning person or night owl? Definitely a night owl
Favorite childhood television program? Captain CAAAAAVVVEEE Maaaaaannnn!
If your life were a movie, what actor would you have play you? Brad Pitt
Weekend entertainment/hobby? Spending time with the family, Hunting/Fishing, Going to OU games.
What one thing do you miss about being a kid? Being able to go outside in the morning, fish/hunt/play all day and come home in time for dinner.
CNN, ESPN or CNBC? ESPN
Coke or Pepsi? Dr. Pepper
Messy or organized? Organized and slightly messy!
First job? Sacker at Buchanans
First car? 1970 Chevy Nova (still have it!)
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? Pictures, radio, survival knife

INTERVIEW WITH SUZANNE MCAULEY

Where did you grow up? Norman

Where did you go to college? University of Oklahoma BS in Arts and Sciences Masters in Educational and Community Renewal

Do you have a family? Husband Jim and 16 year old son Coleman

What is your current business? Vice President of Community Relations for First American Bank

How long have you done this? 1 year

What do you enjoy most about your job? The bank does so much in the community. It is wonderful to be part of making that happen. First American Bank won First Place for banks of our size for Financial Education at the American Bankers Association Marketing Awards Ceremony. We were very excited about that.

What do you enjoy least about your job? Lots of meetings

What skills or training are needed to perform your job well? Experience in the community is what I draw from every day. I have been very active in every community we have lived in, both professionally and as a volunteer. You need to stay connected and engaged in the community in which you live to do my job.

What inspires you? It is wonderful to be able to make a difference in the community in which I live. I am inspired every day by the changes I see taking place by the work done by the agencies and activities we support.

Did/do you have a mentor? My father, Pat Mayes, was my mentor. He instilled in me the responsibility that we all should be active and productive in the communities in which we live.

What advice would you give someone who is just starting out in their career? Be open to new experiences. No matter what they are you will draw on them as you progress through life.

What one thing would you want someone new to this community to know about Norman/Moore? Take it all in. There is so much to see and do.

Fun, Quick-Answer Questions:

Favorite food? Italian Food from Pete’s Place in Krebs, Oklahoma
Favorite college team? University of Oklahoma
Favorite pro team? OKC Thunder
Dog or Cat person? Dog. I have two. A King Charles Spaniel named Dublin and a Shar Pei named Petunia.
Morning person or night owl? Very much a morning person
Favorite childhood television program? Foreman Scotty
If your life were a movie, what actor would you have play you? Lassie
Weekend entertainment/hobby? Oil Painting
What one thing do you miss about being a kid? Not having a care in the world.
CNN, ESPN or CNBC? CNBC
Coke or Pepsi? Diet Dr. Pepper
Messy or organized? I am both. It may look like a mess on the outside, but I know where everything is.
First job? I oiled pews in the chapel at my family’s funeral home.
First car? Ford Mustang II
If you could take a trip tomorrow, where would you go? Europe
If stranded on a beach, what 3 things (not people) would you have to have? Water, matches and a knife