Johnsons, WBC claim inaugural business awards
JOHNSONS OF KINGFISHER (left photo) was named the 2023 Large Business of the Year at the annual Chamber of Commerce Banquet while Walter Building Center (right photo) earned the Small Business of the Year award. Joining Chamber Executive Director Shauna R
The Kingfisher Chamber of Commerce unveiled two new awards during its 85th annual banquet on Monday.
In honoring both a small business and large business, it recognized two cornerstones of the community in Johnsons of Kingfisher and Walter Building Center.
Kingfisher’s initial Large Business of the Year (10 or more employees) winner is also one of its oldest.
“In 1927, E.P. Johnson had a vision and Johnsons of Kingfisher was born,” said Jenny Nusz in presenting the award.
Nusz recalled conversations with the late Mike Johnson as he discussed the multiple changes the company has made over the years.
“One thing he was proud of, though, is that they never had to lay anyone off and they always stayed in the black,” she said.
Nusz added that Johnsons has never wavered from its values.
“I believe that is one reason why they were selected for this award,” she said.
Making connections and building relationships with customers are why they continue to “drive and even fly in from all over the U.S. to our town,” Nusz added.
The support of the community - whether it be the youth or their peers - is another strong trait of Johnsons, said Nusz.
“Johnsons believes in helping as many local businesses as possible. They have even mentored competitors,” she said. “They know how supporting others, especially in these times, can really make a difference.
“They care and are concerned for our youth. They find ways to support, promote and mentor them.”
John Johnson and Jeff Johnson accepted the award on behalf of the company.
Brian Walter accepted the honor for Small Business of the Year (nine employees or fewer) and was later joined on stage by his family and several employees.
He was introduced by Brian Henderson, president of F&M Bank in Kingfisher. Henderson started with the quote: “In life, change is inevitable. In business, change is vital.”
Change certainly is relatable to Walter Building Center.
Henderson talked about Walter focusing on a career in construction as a student at Oklahoma State University, but “thoughts of his late father… led his heart back home with a determination to re-open his family’s business on Main Street.”
Change in career path wasn’t the only major move in store for Walter.
As Henderson explained, WBC was a hardware and lumber store from 1995 to 2007, but a major flood in August 2007 “forever changed things.”
“The company evolved from a hardware and lumber store, completely dependent on the owner and his family, to a thriving, rental-focused business with strong procedures and a team empowered with strategies to provide value with quality products, performance, friendliness and integrity,” Henderson said.
He continued to say that WBC was established and operates on the core values of honesty, hard work, friendliness, constant self-improvement and servant leadership.
“Two things that are certain when you walk in the door,” Henderson said. “You will be acknowledged immediately and you will be greeted by name if they know it!”
Being community-minded also put WBC at the top of the list, he said.
“This business is committed to the community and actively explores any opportunity to serve as they continue to make a big impact on a small town,” Henderson said.