Don Owens

Ed Talley - Friend of The Day - 2.17.12 (read more)

Meeting the needs of others is one of the great callings of life in the Christian faith.  Ed has mastered this calling. 

He and his wife Karen have always had a heart for serving those, not only in far away places, but right in their own communities. 

I met Ed and Karen in a class at Southcliff Baptist Church more years ago than I can now recall.

In his pastoral roles, Ed has ensured that meeting the needs of the community, not just those inside the church building, is paramount. 

He and his wife are a living testimony to true religion in James 1:27. 

I appreciate Ed. We see eye to eye on most things,  not all things, but the dialogue helps me think and has made me better.

Ed is currenty serving at a church in Kileen, and now doubt, meeting the needs of his community and providing the content of Christ.

 

Brian Williamson - Friend of The Day - 2.16.12 (read more)

When I think back to being a junior high kid growing up outside of Chicago, there are a few names that are centric to most events:  Marc Lapitino, Heather Klopp, Steve and Mike Domark, Holly Dahlman, Ken Smith and Brian Williamson.

Without the grace of time, it would be hard to see how each of these people influenced me, but in reflection, it is clear.

Brian and I lived in an area of Wheaton known as Briarcliff.  He lived just down the street from me.  The memory that is clearest to me was from the day Marc passed away from a brain hemorrhage.  I missed school that day, but when word arrived I went directly to Brian's house.  I would have to suppose as kids, Marc's death was a new life reality to all of us.

I had the pleasure of reconnecting with Brian, Steve and Mike several months ago when I was in Chicago on business. 

Brian is creative and gregarious.  He is a man of faith and family. Just as when we were kids, he has an easy going fun loving spirit that make you feel welcomed instantly.

 He has that entrepreneurial drive that I envy so much in others. You can check his materials here http://bmwilliamson.wordpress.com/2011/05/27/how-to-build-relationships-with-decision-makers/ 

Once again, I am grateful for tools like FB so I could reconnect with an old friend and fine gentlemen.

 

Randy Templeton - Friend of The Day - 2.15.12 (read more)

I have always been impressed with risk takers.  Men and women that put the fate of their career, and so much more, into their own hands.  Randy is one of those individuals. Randy has a very successful agency in Spring, Texas.

I met Randy several years ago when we began our MGA. 

He is a connected and committed  person and has shown me and our company a great deal of kindness.

As is obvious to the casual observer, he is committed to his family and his faith as well.  He brings this way of life into the way he does business. 

In addition, he is a pilot, another thing that makes me envious and attests to his driven personality.

All the best Randy.  

 

Danae Owens - Friend of The Day - 2.14.12 (read more)

It's Valentine's so who else should be on this day but my bride.

In 1987 while sitting with a friend on Camp Bowie in Fort Worth Danae and her friend Stephanie pull up along side.  We all decide to go to Teen West, a dance club for teens back in the 80's.  Danae and I never danced together, but a few weeks later I got a phone call that she was going to be in my neighborhood, could she drop by.  We went for a walk and later a double date with friends.  She hated me.  But on some forcing from her friend to go on another double date, she went, and I guess I was better behaved that time.

Well over half of my life has been with Danae, 25 years, and I could not be more grateful.  She has a long and incredible story that makes her who she is, and you should ask her to share it with you some time.  She has overcome great obstacles in life and become a strong, talented, dedicated, faithful, fun loving person.

God knew she was the perfect person for me...I assume he is just playing a cruel joke on her.

She accepted a promise ring from me the summer of '88 and an engagement ring Christmas Eve of '91 and a wedding ring in June of '93. 

Danae left a career to pursue the care, education and growth of our children.  She has sacrificed much for her family, though I know she would not call it that.

My greatest memories in life are with her, and my greatest hopes include her.  She is a treasure.

Happy Valentine's Day Nae!

 

Kari Sue Pennell - Friend of The Day - 2.13.12 (read more)

It is a gift to instantly make people feel loved.  Kari, or as I know her "Mark's Mom" has that gift. 

However, I'm not sure it is as much of a gift, as it is a choice of how to live your life.  If it is a choice, she chose to have an extra abundance.

The first time I met Mark's Mom was on a trip back from the King Ranch.  She lives in Corpus Christi not seconds from the bay.  Mark Hall was stopping by to ensure her kitchen remodeling was going well.

I have only seen Kari a couple of times over the years, but her instant greetings full of warmth and kindness are not forgotten. 

In her children and grandchildren are all the evidence of an incredible mom, grandmother and person.

Cliff Foster - Friend of The Day - 2.10.12 (read more)

Some people have superior organization skills, like Cliff, but then that is the sign of a great engineering mind.

I met Cliff several years ago at Wedgwood and we have been running in some of the same circles ever since.  I just got back from a weekend at his farm out in East Texas where we must have shot every gun known to mankind.

Cliff knows a lot about a lot and he can enlighten you.  Like only a few other people I know, he is always in motion.  The guy seldom sits still for more than 5 seconds, but this makes him very efficient.

Cliff also understands the foundational words of James about what true religion.  He is a father of three, two that he and his wife adopted. 

Cliff must have the metabolism of a coyote because I have seen dew people climb a 14er, miles ahead of the group, chewing a granola bar, not stressing for breath, and wondering what is taking everyone else so long.

Cliff is a solid dependable person.

David Rutherford - Friend of The Day - 2.9.12 (read more)

There are a few people in your life that have profound input.  David is one of those people for me.

I met David while in college at Southcliff Baptist Church and for a while, he and I, Danae, and his future wife Rachel were inseparable. We had our weddings within two weeks of each, were in each others weddings, lived less than 100 feet away in an apartment complex, and experienced a lot together.

David helped me catapult one of my greatest adventures. The May Club. When he and I were in our 20's we set out for adventure in the Sacramento Mountains in new Mexico.  That tradition has continued every May for 17 years and included over 78 others.

The May Club has brought me additional friendships and experiences that have made my life very full.

David was a manager in retail for a number of years and then had the opportunity to go into full time professional ministry about 10 years ago.

Unfortunately, I have not seen David in well over two years.  However Da-Bi-Da, you know where I and the others can be found every May.

David is currently the children's minister at FBC of Fort Worth.

Eric Smith - Friend of The Day - 2.8.12 (read more)

In the time I have known Eric, 10 years, he has been a school principle, a soldier in Afghanistan, a student, a chaplin, a nurse, and is now serving full time again in the military at Fort Hood.  It makes me tired just thinking about.  But one thing for sure, he never stands in one place to long.

Eric is an avid outdoors man, a quality I always appreciate in a friend.  He is a dedicated husband and father of two fine young men.

As a professional minister he is unique.  Down to earth, open, a realist, with the ability to fit in and blend in with whatever crowd he is with - very Pauline.

As a soldier in Afghanistan, he's also a guy that puts his actions where his mouth is.  He is a defender of our way of life - Thanks Eric,

He's a fantastic person and I am proud that he runs around in some of my circles.  

Mona Reale Owens - Friend of The Day - 2.7.12 (read more)

I'm not sure how my brother was able to convince Mona to marry him, but he is a fortunate man.

I could not stress how fortunate our family is to have Mona.  She is a person that exhibits more positive qualities than I could list in this post.

Mona has raised three fine children on her own.  She is bright, articulate, caring, friendly, inclusive and a wealth of other worthy adjectives.

She clearly has made my brother a very happy man - he'd best be making her happy too.

Mona is a fine example of hard work and perseverance.  Love you, Don

Chris Shirley - Friend of The Day - 2.6.12 (read more) @SWBTS

I met Chris when he was the Minister of Education at Wedgwood Baptist Church in Fort Worth.  He is now teaching at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Chris has always had a mind for, what I consider the most important action element, Discipleship. Chris has not only been focused in this area, he has been published about it as well.

Chris is a great listener, a lost art, yet according to Boenhoffer, one of the most important ministries you can have.

I haven't seen Chris much in the past couple of years, but I am thankful for his leadership and inclusion during his time at Wedgwood.  I hope those in his classes are paying close attention to his person, they can learn a great deal from him.

Craig Kendrick - Friend of the Day - 2.3.12 (read more)

In business, many times you have the opportunity to meet incredibly exceptional people. Craig is exceptional. 

From our time working together words like: trustworthy, honorable, and dependable come to mind. 

I met Craig when he was a director for GMAC in the Texas market.  He has since left to lead in Flordia for Mercury Insurance a billion dollar powerhouse company. 

Craig is a great example for others of what a husband and father should be. I am grateful he crossed my path. 

Terry Lutke - Friend of The Day - 2.2.12 (read more)

Some people are just friendly to everyone and see the best in others right from the start.  That's Terry. 

I met Terry through a mutual friend Richard Sammons.  Richard invited Terry on a May Club trip several years back and he instantly connected with the crew.

Terry and his wife are blast to be around.  You can be assured with them you will have a relaxed and enjoyable time.  Terry was a great addition to TMC. 

He is an avid fisherman and we are always thrilled when he brings his fishing boat along.

He lives in Tulsa. Oklahoma and works for HILTI, where he and Richard met. 

He's a die hard conservative and I am confident I can count on his vote if I ever run for president :).

Miss ya buddy - hope to see you soon. 

Leah Ough - Friend of the Day - 2.1.12 (read more)

Some events in life define you and your actions for years to come.  The move to Texas in my sophmoreyear was one of those defining events.  It was when I felt most alone. Fortunately, there were a few people that made the move easier. 

Leah was one of those people that made the change easier.  

I met Leah at First Baptist Church of Crowley.  She was in the youth group there and one of the folks that was very kind to the stranger in town. 

Leah was also involved in journalism at Crowley high and was usually in Mitzie Johnson's room after school.  I remember numerous afternoon talks which made the transition to Texas easier. 

 I am thankful for FB and the opportunity to reconnect. 

 

Keith Nagengast (Nelson) - Friend of The Day - 1.31.12 (read more)

Well over 15 years ago now this young aggressive guy from New jersey comes to us looking for an internship in radio, it was Keith Nagengast.  For one of his first assignments I had him take a KLTY artist to the airport and had to tell him not to curse while she was in the car.  That was now a long time ago, and Keith is a very different man.

Keith took the reins at KLTY at my departure, and then took things there to a whole new level. He got married along the way and has 4, yes 4 little children.

If you had met him 15 years ago, you might think, "Jersey Shore", but today he's more like a Texan that won't let ago of his love of the Yankees.

One of the great honors in my life was when Keith asked ne to baptize him many years ago after he came to faith in Christ.  It was a privilege, and it's been a greater one watching his faith grow.

Make no mistake, he still has Jersey opinion and mannerisms, but he's quite the caring and giving person.

He continues to work for Salem Communications, and has taken his "Celebrate Freedom" to other states and new heights. When he arrived at KLTY all those years ago I changed his last name to Nelson...it makes me laugh that it stuck.

Keith and Robin and their four girls are pleasure. Keith has a huge heart, don't let the look fool you.

Trevor Sabsook - Friend of The Day - 1.30.12 (read more)

Trevor jumps on Facebook about once a year, and never on Twitter, so he may never see this post, however, Trevor is a valued friend.

I met Trevor in the late 90's when he and his wife lived right across the street from us in south Fort Worth near Crowley.  We were families with little children at the time which as many of you know makes for a busy life.

Trevor and I are both Jeep Wrangler enthusiast and we enjoy being outdoors. This made for an easy connect as we headed out camping, or boating,  It wasn't long before Trevor was coming on our annual May Club trip and the adventures continued.

Trevor is an even tempered person.  I know he's been angry, but I have never seen it.  He is fair to everyone and is very kind and forgiving.  He is a committed family man.

He, Jennifer, Sara and Emily now live way up north in Charlevoix, Michigan.  It is a beautiful place that I have had the opportunity to visit on occasion, but it sure is cold.

Trevor is the kind of person that has a place for everything and puts everything in its place. Don;t stand still or he might try and store you.

He's been a great friend and I am thankful for the many adventures we've shared.

 

 

Rafiq Rajpari - Friend of The Day - 1.27.12 (read more)

Some people are clearly born to lead, Rafiq is one of those men.

I met Rafiq a few years ago through our business.  He commands a room and meeting with great skill, but while some people have this ability, he adds the most important element, authenticity.

He always asks the hard but important questions, and when the business meeting is over, he's just as enjoyable to be around.

He and his team have been a pleasure to serve.

Rafiq is also a proud father that keeps us all up to date with photos of his pride and joy, Rabia.

He and his team also introduced me to one of my favorite drinks,  JagerBombs, which I have since added Diet Mountain Dew to create the Jager-Laser. 

Rafiq is a pleasure to serve and know. 

Joy Bruso Ollila - Friend of The Day - 1.26.12 (read more)

JTTW, or "Joy to the World", as she was named by our boss Chuck Brinkman, has been a special friend over the years.

I met JTTW when we working at KLUV in Dallas.  In the madness that was TK Communications and CBS Radio it was good to have a friend.

She is famous for her starting phrase, that you must draw out when saying from the bottom of your throat , "Awwwww.mannnnn!"

Over the years, as somewhat of a casual observer I have watched JTTW overcome a number of curve balls thrown in her life.  She has always done things with much thought and grace.

I have been thankful that despite changes in our careers, we've stayed connected.  I am always encouraged after a phone conversation with her.  JTTW is now living out in Arizona and I'm sure the desert will never be the same.

I have had the great pleasure of watching her overcome life's obstacles, and grow in her faith.  Miss ya, Doctor Don

Carol Ragland Marlow - Friend of The Day - 1.25.12 (read more)

There is one laugh you will never miss and never forget, it's the laugh of Carol Ragland.

I met Carol over 25 years ago.  Her brother Gerald and I were friends, and I was very fortunate to be included in countless numbers of Ragland family get-togethers.

Carol is almost always smiling and laughing.  She is energy in a room. 

There are some people in life that never say anything bad of others, Carol is one of those people.  Always positive, always friendly, always interested in how others are doing.

She has sung in a church choir for as long as I've known her, and it is just one more way she brings joy to others. She and her family have been a second family in my life ,of which I am eternally grateful.

 

Holly Dahlman - Friend of The Day - 1.24.12 (read more)

There are days that I am grateful for Facebook.  Had there only been one person that I haven't seen in over 25 years that I would have wanted to know about, it was Holly Dahlman. 

Dr. Holly Dahlman lives and has a practice in Baltimore. 

I met her when she moved in just down the street from us in Wheaton, Illinois when we were in junior high.  Best I remember, she and her brother and I and my brother must have played endless hours in the winter snow and summer heat.

When we were in 7th grade, she and I even performed in the talent show together.  We sang Kenny Rogers', "Don't Fall in Love with a Dreamer".  I still remember most of the words.

It must have been just before high school when Holly moved, and I can't remember where, but I think it was Colorado.  In those days, that was as far away as China, and you lose touch.

She was always a kind friend to me as a kid, I'm not sure I was very kind or behaved as nearly grateful as I was of her friendship.

Well FB allowed me to reconnect with her about the time she was fighting breast cancer.  I want to thank her for sharing her experience through her blogs.  They were encouraging to me, and I know must be very encouraging to women that have or will deal with the same disease.

It is clear that her faith is still the guiding force in her life. Even after all these years, thanks to technology, Dr. Dahlman is still just as inspiring as she was as a child.

All the best to you -

 

Gary Addison - Friend of The Day - 1.23.12 (read more)

No matter what life has thrown at him, Gary has always had a smile.

He is friendly and outgoing with anyone that crosses his path. He has never met a stranger.

I met Gary at Southcliff many years ago and I'm fortunate to have been touched by his charisma, humor, and kindness.

Gary has an entrepreneurial spirit that is supported by his positive outlook on life. He and Eric Flemming remind me a lot of each other, caring and encouraging.

He's been a dedicated father and is clearly a happily married man.