Innovator profile Entrepreneurs Organization of Oklahoma

By: Journal Record Staff 

April 11, 2013 - Whether it’s helping some of the state’s most industrious minds learn better negotiation tactics, gain business development insight from their peers or learn how to balance life with their spouses, Entrepreneurs’ Organization of Oklahoma is focused on helping local entrepreneurs succeed as a whole – not just in their business.

“There is much more to entrepreneurship than merely business, which is why Entrepreneurs’ Organization of Oklahoma supports all areas of its members’ lives through exclusive learning, social, and family events. Most organizations for entrepreneurs or presidents only focus on running their business and not living a balanced and successful life in all areas,” said Clay Slaton, president of EO Oklahoma and CEO of Tulsa-based EngATech Inc.

Some of the benefits the organization provides members are the direct peer-to-peer learning, connections to experts and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

“Members share the personal and professional issues they face in a confidential, non-competitive environment. They learn and grow by sharing experiences with their peers, not simply by listening to advice,” Slaton said. “Knowledge gained from these events helps each member grow their business, creating more jobs and opportunities for Oklahoma employees.

“With a group of entrepreneurs in the top 4 percent of business owners in the U.S., there are bound to be innovations on a yearly basis, and we plan on continually raising the bar for bringing the highest level of benefit to those elite entrepreneurs in the Oklahoma area.”

Gabe Bass, managing partner at Oklahoma City’s Bass Law Firm, said the group’s Superstar Breakfasts have been an excellent opportunity to hear from local business and community leaders in an intimate and casual environment.

“The speakers seem relaxed and especially candid with our group. Superstar Breakfasts equal super high value,” Bass said.

“Since our organization is 100-percent member-run, and efficiently driven by extremely successful entrepreneurs,” Slaton said, “our dues are much less than the spinoff organizations with facilitators, but with many more benefits, and an elite, invitation-only criteria of revenue and ownership.”

In addition to annual dues, he said EO Oklahoma has strategic partners that help make that access to the elite group and events possible.