also followed his passion. His interest in production and development led him to create his own t-shirt line, Big Cap Apparel. “The entrepreneurial spirit, based upon them being able to have their own business, funded their dreams,” said Greg. Vision for the future Today, Greg and his family are making incredible strides to build community within vacant spaces that once thrived, much like the scenes from those paintings in an elder’s home. Through his service on the board of Northeast Renaissance, Inc., Greg is a catalyst for ethical, place-based community development in Northeast Oklahoma City. “Northeast Renaissance is an attempt to remove or break down silos within our community so we can understand one another and leave a lasting impression on our next generation,” said Greg. Through his career, volunteerism and family, Greg is bringing a vibrant community mural to life. “It’s important that we do all that we can to be highly collaborative to find common ground with each other,” said Greg. “When one wins, we all win.” Editor’s note: This article is the second in a year-long series celebrating local dads. Author Lance Evans and husband Chris are fathers of Chrystian. Lance is director of communications for Variety Care, and he and Chris were voted MetroFamily’s 2021 Cool Pops.
Passing on an entrepreneurial spirit It was the summer of 2016 and Greg was returning home from a long workday. When he entered his house, he found his kids lounging on the couch, filling time before dinner. Greg saw the moment as a special opportunity. How could he keep his children engaged and busy by also teaching important concepts of community? After working as an insurance agent for years out of college, Greg started his own company working as a small business consultant. The same tactics and business strategies he was using to help build Oklahoma City’s workforce would serve as a catalyst to change his children and entire community. That day before dinner, Greg grabbed all three of his kids and a lawnmower. The rest is history. Greg walked his children to almost every home on his street and offered his neighbors an interesting proposition: “I will let my kids cut your grass for free!” Many neighbors accepted his offer while others insisted on payments. Greg graciously accepted the money but waited until the end of the summer to let his kids see the fruit of their labor. When it came time to decide what exactly to do with the $1,500 they raised that summer, Greg’s children made an interesting choice. They chose to invest their money back into their business. Today, all three of Greg’s children run successful businesses. Jordan, 18, runs Skin by J. After completing cosmetology school, Jordan opted to use the entrepreneurial skills she developed from the lawn care business to develop her own skin care line. Erick, 16, is passionate about culinary arts. He works weekends at the Eastside Eatery. The blend of everyday people mixed with delectable cuisines inspired him to start his own business, True Joy Bakery. His twin brother, Elijah,
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