Verbode is one of several businesses Sarah owns with husband Andi. The 22-person firm helps potential home owners and buyers through the complicated and cumbersome process of buying or selling real estate. “What sets us apart is our knowledge of local areas,” Sarah said. She is inspired by her clients to understand individual needs in order to exceed expectations.

Sarah’s passion for excellent customer service started when she was only 14. Her first job was behind the counter of a bowling alley snack bar and she hasn’t looked back since. The Fort Worth native is a serial entrepreneur who has done everything from candle making to mortgage lending during her career. All while raising four kids, renovating her own dream home and most recently purchasing a farm in Spencer, Okla. complete with a peach orchard.

Verbode’s rapid growth hasn’t been without challenges, but the firm’s success has only fueled Sarah’s dreams for the future.

“I’d like to open a real estate business in Paris one day,” said Sarah, who will likely make that happen sooner rather later given her track record for success.

After graduating from OU in 1966, Bob received his commission as a transportation officer in the United States Army. Lieutenant Ford completed flight school and volunteered to go to Vietnam.  In his first six weeks, he became aircraft commander and took over the command of a helicopter detachment at  Hue, North Vietnam (40 miles from the DMZ). During 1967 and 1968, he flew more than 1,000 missions in Vietnam. Bob has written a book about his experiences in Vietnam, “Black Cat 2-1: The True Story of a Vietnam Helicopter Pilot and His Crew.”  For those whose voices were silenced in that faraway place or who have never told their stories, Bob creates a tribute that resounds with respect for those who served with honor.  We encourage you to pick up a copy and learn more about this American (and Oklahoma!)  Hero and his journey.

Upon his return to the States, Bob was deployed again – this time to Okeene, Oklahoma to run a major division of the family business.  Shawnee Milling acquired the Okeene Milling Company in 1911.  The Okeene Milling Company specializes in flour milling for bakeries and institutional customers. The mill has flourished under Bob’s leadership, attention to quality, financial stewardship and tenacity.

Bob works with The Mettise Group every quarter to assess and make strategic financial decisions. He said Sherry Dale’s advice has been invaluable throughout the years and he values the personal attention and care she demonstrates with her clients.

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Anglin PR specializes in internal and external research to help companies refine the messaging to effectively reach the client base. Debbie says that the primary objective is to identify an unique approach for each business. Anglin PR focuses on creating custom strategic solutions that work with the client’s big ideas and budget.

For any business, it’s difficult to look internally to see growth opportunities or potential missteps. Debbie sought out services from The Mettise Group to help her develop a long term strategic plan and goals to build a high performance team. She also receives financial consulting services from The Mettise Group to guide her in analyzing key metrics. Additionally, she is a member of the Posse. She loves being able to turn to fellow members in a very transparent and yet confidential way. “When I am stuck, I get compassion and trustworthy advice,” she says. All of these services help to steward her business and free up time to spend on client projects.

Clients are able to choose from six different rooms at The Escape. Each room has a puzzle which takes the participants approximately 1 hour to solve. The goal is for team members to work together to solve a puzzle in order to escape. The offering is much more than a board game. Participants gain a deeper understanding of themselves and fellow players as they work through the challenges.  From friends & family to company team building to game enthusiasts, The Escape offers an unique, challenging and fun hour of adventure.

Andrew is a client of The Mettise Group. He values the advice and counsel The Mettise Group has provided for strategies he would have overlooked. From the advice he has received, The Escape has improved its business administrative processes. Armed with that knowledge, Andrew plans to open more locations and bring The Escape experience to more markets and people.

In 2013, Norris graduated from the SBA Emerging Leaders program. He worked closely with mentor, Gene Hopper, from The Mettise Group. Through this mentorship, WasteSolutionsLLC has grown 1,000 percent. He found that instead of over-analyzing issues. He can now concentrate on the core values of his company. It’s helped him gain confidence to grow. He plans to branch out into city and commercial business. In 2016, Norris was named Small Business Person of the Year by the Lawton Fort Sill Chamber.

In 2008, Bethanie Britton saw buying Country Leisure Manufacturing as not only a fun opportunity but also a way to bring families together in the digital age. Country Leisure Manufacturing opened in 1986 and sold hot tubs, above-ground pools and maintenance services. Under Bethanie’s leadership, Country Leisure Manufacturing has expanded to include in-ground pools, splash pads, quality outdoor furniture and outdoor kitchens. They have become an overall quality outdoor lifestyle store. In addition to product expansion, Country Leisure Manufacturing also now provides education through a free Pool School. They strive to be a leader in educating consumers about the care and maintenance of their pool, splash pad or hot tub.

Bethanie said The Mettise Group provides support and is there when they need them. The Mettise Group provides different ideas and solutions to help her make her business even better.