Sisemore & Associates CEO named small business person of the year by Tulsa Regional Chamber
Shawn Collins and his Tulsa company have received both state and national accolades, but being named the small business person of the year tops those, he said.
“To be recognized by your peers, by local people in the business community here is really something special,” he said.
Collins is president and CEO of Sisemore & Associates, a land survey and civil engineering firm with roots in Tulsa dating to the mid-1960s.
He was named this year’s Small Business Person of the Year by the Tulsa Regional Chamber.
Collins has been president of Sisemore for the past six years. The company has about 20 employees.
It provides land survey work ranging from homeowners who want to build a fence to big projects such as the BOK Center downtown and every other Vision 2025 project in the Tulsa metro.
People are also reading…
Sisemore also conducted survey work on 41,000 acres for the former Bluestem Ranch, eventually sold by Ted Turner to the Osage Nation. The area is now in tribal trust and is known as the Osage Nation Ranch.
The survey work on that land was the largest in state history, Collins said.
He said about 80% of his company’s projects are based on reputation.
“Surveyors are always changing the way you see your future,” he said. “Brand recognition is very important to us.”
Collins has been providing land surveying in the Tulsa area for more than 30 years.
“Shawn’s impact extends beyond business, with active involvement in local and state initiatives that support the advancement of surveying and education,” a chamber news release said.
“His commitment to community and industry excellence embodies the spirit of the Small Business Person of the Year Award.”
The Tulsa Regional Chamber provided these summaries of this year’s other awards and winners:
Entrepreneurial Success: RumbleDrum, accepted by Todd Wade and Joe Mathis
Founded in 2017, RumbleDrum started as an event design company and quickly adapted during the pandemic by reimagining itself as a guest experiences company. From creating drive-thru testing and vaccination sites for Saint Francis Health System to consulting on tailgating and high-end donor experiences, RumbleDrum has prioritized creative guest experiences. Today, the company boasts nearly $7 million in sales and a team of 28, with projects across Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and Bentonville, Arkansas, and a growing presence in the region.
Manufacturer of the Year Award: MST Manufacturing, accepted by Kenny Statton
Thirty-five years ago, Kenneth Statton founded his first machine shop in Verdigris. After growing M&M Manufacturing into one of Tulsa’s largest aerospace job shops, Statton rebranded as MST Manufacturing, which now supports aerospace, defense and energy industries.
With a state-of-the-art 65,000-square-foot facility and more than 80 employees, MST has achieved annual sales of more than $30 million.
Diverse Small Business Champion: Ihloff Salon and Day Spa, accepted by Kate Cottrill
Founded in 1980 by Marilyn Ihloff, Ihloff Salon and Day Spa has been a beacon of inclusivity in Tulsa. For four decades, Ihloff Salon has not only excelled in service but has also become a leader in promoting diversity and community engagement, the chamber release said. Ihloff personnel actively support the chamber’s mosaic coalition, are members of Oklahoma’s Equality Business Alliance, and engage its staff with ongoing DEI education. It’s commitment extends to celebrating heritage months, supporting diverse local businesses, and raising funds for Tulsa’s Equality Center, the release said.
Excellence in Leadership: Jared Jordan, CEO of the Summit Club
Jared Jordan, CEO of the Summit Club, has played a pivotal role in shaping one of Tulsa’s most iconic institutions. Located on the top three floors at Sixth Street and Boulder Avenue, the Summit Club blends tradition and modernity, offering exceptional dining, networking, and events with views of downtown Tulsa and the Arkansas River.
Under Jared’s leadership, the Summit Club has become a cornerstone of Tulsa’s social and business life. His commitment to hospitality, attention to detail and community focus ensures every member’s experience is unforgettable, strengthening Tulsa’s growth and connection.
Rising Star Award: Derrick Alexander, Founder of Greater Works Wealth
Derrick Alexander of Greater Works Wealth has demonstrated dedication and ingenuity, seamlessly transitioning from a career in sports to becoming a leading financial expert in Tulsa, the release said. Since its inception in 2022, Greater Works Wealth has shown growth and established itself as a leader in financial advisory services, specializing in 401k plans, tax mitigation and fiduciary guidance. Alexander’s proactive approach, client care and community involvement highlight his potential and commitment to excellence, the chamber said.
Lifetime Achievement Award: Lynda Wingo and Jerry Holder
Lynda Wingo and Jerry Holder were instrumental in the creation and development of the chamber’s Tulsa Small Business Awards. They are also both past chairs of the Small Business Connection and have both been active supporters of the Tulsa Regional Chamber, and the small business community for decades.
The Tulsa World is where your story lives
‘);
var s = document.createElement(‘script’);
s.setAttribute(‘src’, ‘https://assets.revcontent.com/master/delivery.js’);
document.body.appendChild(s);
window.removeEventListener(‘scroll’, throttledRevContent);
__tnt.log(‘Load Rev Content’);
}
}
}, 100);
window.addEventListener(‘scroll’, throttledRevContent);
}