Welcome to the Business Boot-Up Edition of The Dreamers and Doers Podcast! We believe you are never too young to start a business. We’re bringing you live interviews from Loveworks Leadership in Norman, OK. Each episode will feature one of our student-run businesses where they will be sharing what they’ve learned by starting a business to encourage you to start yours too!

Powered by the Norman Chamber of Commerce and Sponsored by First United Bank.

Richie Splitt: President & CEO at Norman Regional Health System

Richie has served as the President and Chief Executive Officer at Norman Regional  Health System since 2017. He leads a team of more than 3,500 healers to fulfill the health  system’s mission of serving its community as a leader in health and wellness care.  Richie joined Norman Regional in 2013 as the chief administrative officer of the  Norman Regional HealthPlex.  After one week on the job, an EF-5 tornado destroyed the beloved Moore facility. This tragic and momentous event revealed Richie’s character as a strong, effective  and engaging leader in times of crisis. He helped Norman Regional and its  communities find hope, healing, pride and even joy in the face of adversity. Richie earned his Master of Science in Health and Exercise Science from OU and his Master of Business Administration from OCU. In 2020, he was named  Oklahoma’s Most Admired CEO by The Journal Record in the non-profit category. He currently serves as the board chair of the Norman Chamber of Commerce. 

Gookies

Gookies is a student business founded by 3 Loveworks students who are in the Business Boot Up program.  They make and sell cookies with gooey candy centers. Currently there are four flavors sold in two different sets—the Minty Bag and the Peanut Bag.  The business team is made up of three 8th grade students, Kaylee, an animal lover with too many pets to name, who enjoys listening to rock music, reading, writing, and playing the flute. Iris, the inventive baker- always willing to add new things to recipes – likes to read, play soccer and camp. And Kenton, who loves games, cooking, and the outdoors!  Their favorite cookies are chocolate chip or peanut butter, double chocolate caramel Gookie, and mint chocolate chip respectively.

Key Takeaways

• The importance of teamwork and knowing your strengths
• Have Fun!
• Know that you can’t control everything