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10 Tulsans working to create a better city.
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TulsaPeople shines a spotlight on 10 Tulsans who are doing their part to make a difference in the community. From the arts to community advocacy to sports, these individuals — some whose faces you may recognize, some who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes — are working to create a better future, and city, for all of us.
Editor’s note: Special thanks to Tulsa leaders Keith Ballard, Cathy Burden, Gerry Clancy, Sandra Cousins, Desiree Doherty, Phil Lakin, Brian Paschal, Michael Patton and Kathy Taylor for providing nominations for our “Change Agents” feature.
The entrepreneur
Kelsy Eakin
President/CEO, Keltech
Why her: In 2005, Eakin started her own information technology company, Keltech, in a 500-square-foot garage with a staff of four. After making some cold calls around Tulsa, she eventually landed her first client — Bank of Oklahoma. Since then, the company has expanded to a staff of seven full-time employees and 10 contract employees; moved into its own offices; and become a known presence in the local information technology community. In April, Eakin was recognized as Young Entrepreneur of the Year at the Tulsa Metro Chamber’s annual Small Business Awards. In addition to her work with her company, Eakin has also been involved with Tulsa’s Young Professionals, Partners in Education, Tulsa Area United Way and The Rotary Club of Tulsa.
In her words
Why she is passionate about helping underprivileged children: My mom was a single mom until I was 11 and it was very difficult just to afford the necessities. There are so many opportunities that are not available to children due to circumstances that are beyond their control. When I talk to those children, I let them know that I have been in their shoes, and in no way does that mean they can’t achieve success; it just means that there might be some extra work involved. The beauty of the extra work is that once the goal is accomplished, the success is that much more rewarding.
Her greatest hope for Tulsa: My greatest hope for Tulsa is that we continue to build on the positive things that are already in place and focus on eliminating the negatives. We have fantastic leadership and a community full of individuals that want to contribute to the success of Tulsa. That in itself is something to be proud of.
Previous professional experience: Enterprise account manager for two large resellers in Chicago
Community involvement: Tulsa Metro Chamber, Tulsa’s Young Professionals, Partners in Education, Women Presidents’ Organization, National Association of Women Business Owners, MDA Tulsa, Tulsa Area United Way and The Rotary Club of Tulsa
Greatest professional achievement? I would have to say the day I was able to move out of my garage and into an actual office was a huge milestone in my career. It was pretty difficult to discuss complex projects on the phone with four people in an area that was less than 500 square feet. Our productivity increased and we liked each other again — it was great!
Greatest personal achievement? My greatest personal achievement happened on Nov. 20, 2008, and that was the day my son was born. He has brought so much joy into my life and he is a constant reminder that the best things in life truly are priceless.
What Tulsa leaders have influenced her and why? Three people come to mind. Don Parker (CIO, Bank of Oklahoma) has been a great mentor for me. When I first started Keltech, I was 21, in my garage and no formal education. To put it bluntly I was scared to death. He has told me more than once that as long as you have a moderate level of intelligence and a good work ethic that you can do anything regardless of circumstance. Karen Keith (Tulsa county commissioner) has shown me that women can do amazing things in business, at home and in the community. Bruce Bottomley (vice president of corporate sourcing, Bank of Oklahoma) has taught me so much relating to corporate contracts and agreements. When I first started my business, large corporate contracts were very intimidating to me. Bruce has definitely helped me learn the art of negotiation.
