Les Thomas SR, is a native Oklahoman and retired veteran. He honorably served in the United States Air Force for 20 years as the Lead Travel Pay Accountant amongst other high-level leadership duties and responsibilities. During that time, he served in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Les also made a career outside of the military as a notable music artist, traveling as a motivational speaker, and being a staple in his community. He’s been featured in three of the top five Hip Hop magazines; The Source, Hype Magazine, and Urban magazine. His final album entitled, “Vertical” is set to release in 2023. 

Most recently, Les gave his first Ted Talk titled, “It’s Never Too Late To Show Up” where he opens up on his life, his trauma filled childhood, and how it negatively impacted his early years of marriage and fatherhood. Les has since catapulted from having no true example of success in manhood to championing being an example of starting wrong, but finishing strong. In September of 2022, Les published his first book entitled, “Three Levels of Influence”. A blue print on mentorship. This book is making waves across the world as it has hit Best Seller in four different categories.  

During football and basketball seasons, you can catch Les on the microphone at Oklahoma State University games hyping up as many as 60,000 people. He takes great pride in helping fans have a great game day experience. Prior to being the voice of the game day experience, Les led pre-game chapel with the Football team. He delivered encouraging and motivational messages that helped set the mental stage for the players. 

Also, Les spends most of his time impacting the next generation. He’s the Executive Director of Campus Engagement at Urban Bridge OKC where he spends most of his time infusing Hope by creating pathways to health, wholeness, economic opportunity, and unlocking the greatness within. Les could serve anywhere in the world, but chooses to be planted in the heart of NEOKC.

Having a HUGE heart for the community, you can find Les in the mix of community events often serving with a smile. A few standouts are working with OKC Police Department F.A.C.T program every summer, serving as a Mentor at COJAC Correctional Facility, frequently sits with elected officials about how we can better serve the people of Oklahoma, Emceeing GALAs, Luncheons, and various events across the state. Les is very passionate about racial reconciliation. While fighting for unity, grace and love is his weapons of choice to combat division. Most recently Les received a Citation of Service from State Representatives. He currently serves on three boards; “Millwood Enrichment Foundation” Board, on the Executive Committee for “A Chance To Change” Board and “Christian Business MenConnection” Board. 

Les is a Co-Founder of Hope Culture LLC. Hope Culture is an organization that helps bring hope to the community of OKC by providing resources to community partners making a tremendous impact. During COVID they raised enough money to provide over 6,000 meals to those in need.

Les continues to reside in Oklahoma City and he will tell you that his greatest accomplishment is his family. He’s been married to Mary, his wife of 22 beautiful years. Together they have two amazing children. Their son, Les, is 24 and is completing his Masters at OCU. Their daughter, Leilah, is 21 in her junior year at Oklahoma State University. In his spare time, Les enjoys fishing, cooking out, and vacationing with his family.