Welcome to
The Real Deal Collective
Surround yourself with accomplished, diverse CEOs eager to share their knowledge and learn from you. Access advice and tools from our expert instructors who will challenge you to rethink, refine and recharge your business; to build the skills to take your business to the next level.
Scholarships will be available through our generous sponsors.
Applications open in May, due August 1.
Brought to you by:
The Real Deal Collective
The Real Deal Collective is a 6-month executive growth program that fosters collaboration and innovation to address your business' specific barriers. We provide education, access to capital, business planning, and an influential network of resources, to directly address barriers that cause businesses to get stuck. Each class consists of 20 diverse CEOs and business owners ready for the next strategic level.
Graduate Outcomes
The business owners who graduated from our "Real World MBA" (The Real Deal Collective) style training combined with Peer Groups (Tribes and Posses) and a Highly Engaged Network (Our Community Network) have had excellent outcomes.
70%
Increased Revenue
60%
Created New Jobs
76%
Adhered to Their Plan
30%
Secured New Capital
100%
Benefited from the Training, Planning and Network
Explore The Real Deal
The Real Deal curriculum is grounded in proven practices from national CEOs and teaches the real, actionable learning that small business owners need to create sustainable results and accelerate their growth. We’ll use our connections, experience and expertise to cultivate your own professional network of CEOs, connect you with funding and develop your individualized strategic business plan.
Influential Network of Resources
CONNECT WITH INDUSTRY EXPERTS & CEOS
Our six-month business growth program will connect you with other CEOs around Oklahoma City who understand what it is to own a business. Each class works together; you'll provide and receive feedback, share your expertise and learn from our civic leaders and community sponsors across numerous industries.
Education
POWERFUL CURRICULUM
Learn from your peers and our powerful curriculum. Sessions cover finances, marketing, sales, operations, leadership and how to create your own strategic plan. You'll walk away with a custom, concise 3-year Playbook™ to implement your vision.
Paul Crawford, CEO & President of Ordermatic
A Real Deal Collective Alumni
Access to Financing and Banking Insights
RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT STEPS
We facilitate access to financial resources and connect business owners with experienced advisors. We'll discuss banking and finances for taking your business to the next level.
Business Planning
INDIVIDUALIZED STRATEGIC PLANNING
Throughout the program, we will help you explore your business, evolve your vision, and craft a strategic 3-year growth plan. We refer to this as your Playbook™ because you can always find your next move inside.
Want to learn more before you apply?
Each class consists of 20 diverse CEOs and business owners ready for the next strategic level, so spots fill up fast. Join us for an information session, summer date to be announced soon.
Applications will be available by May 15, 2025.
Upcoming Events & Classes
Module 1: Your Playbook - Your Management ToolThu, Aug 08OU Price College of Business
Wed, Jul 17Zoom Meeting- Wed, Jul 17Zoom Meeting
Gene has more than 15 years of experience delivering real-world MBA-style training to entrepreneurs. Gene is an experienced entrepreneur, strategist, and adviser on high-performance organizations. She gets to the core of complex issues and finds the path forward - ensuring her clients get a real-world plan and financial metrics to accomplish their goals and coach to hold them accountable.
As an entrepreneur, she launched four companies (two venture-funded), secured a patent and commercialized diagnostic and technology products nationally. Organizationally, Gene has succeeded in a variety of industries, including corporate (Apple Computer, Inc.) health care (Harvard Medical School’s Joslin Diabetes Center) and state government (OU Health Science Center.)
Program Instructor
GENE HOPPER
Financial Strategy Expert
SHERRY DALE
Sherry is a Certified Public Accountant with a BA in Accounting and Economics. She started her career with two international accounting firms, Coopers & Lybrand and Arthur Andersen. She is a member of the Oklahoma Society of CPAs; treasurer and Vestry member for St Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church; and currently serves as Immediate Past Board Chair for ReMerge of Oklahoma County. Sherry has received multiple awards for her business and community involvement, including the Journal Record’s “50 Women Making a Difference”; Ernst and Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year, and SBA’s Accountant Advocate of the Year.
Serial entrepreneur, strategist, advisor, connector, mindfulness coach, and expert in building companies and high-performance teams. Sherry has owned, founded, and built companies in professional services, real estate, retail, wholesale, technology, and financial services. With executive-level experience in finance, operations, technology, strategic planning, and general management, Sherry has served in management for clients in multiple industries.
The Real Deal Modules
Your Playbook: Strategy, Vision, Values and Metrics
MODULE 1
August 2025
Demystifying Finances
MODULE 2
September 2025
Operational Excellence
MODULE 3
October 2025
Marketing and Sales
MODULE 4
November 2025
People and Leadership
MODULE 5
December 2025
Final Presentation
MODULE 6
December 2025
Testimonials
Brought to you by the Non-Profit
