Since our launch in October of 2013, Uber has had the opportunity to facilitate hundreds of thousands of rides for Oklahomans across the state. In the first of several posts, we wanted to celebrate the great people that move you.

Oklahomans, take a moment to meet the faces of uberX in your city.

[h2 class=”” span=””]Meet Kevin[/h2]

Prior to Uber, Kevin was a State Trooper in Oklahoma City for 30 years. During that time, Kevin was placed on several different assignments including the Executive Security Division, which provides security for high level politicians.

About two years ago, Kevin decided to retire from full-time employment, but was still seeking part time, flexible income opportunity. An avid basketball fan, Kevin came across Uber fro the first time while reading the sports page in his local newspaper. An article written about the OKC Thunder’s Nick Collison mentioned that he was the city’s first Uber rider, and Kevin thought that driving on the platform would work for him.

According to Kevin partnering with Uber has given him an additional income opportunity, with the freedom to pick his own hours. And the platform has been a great social network for him – as he’s made good friends with several other drivers.

Funny enough, recently Kevin had a chance encounter with Nick Collison, and let him know that “[He’s] the reason I drive for Uber!”

[h2 class=”” span=””]Meet William K[/h2]

What’s your favorite part about driving with Uber? “Hands down, the people. As an Uber driver, I get to meet all sorts of interesting people, local residents of Oklahoma, and out-of-town travelers. It’s fascinating to hear their stories. “

Prior to Uber, William K was a district manager for a major convenience store chain in Oklahoma City. Unfortunately, like make other Oklahomans, William K lost his house during the devastating tornado that hit the town of Moore in 2013. Trying to manage eight different convenience stores while temporarily living in a hotel room proved to be extremely difficult and left William K seeking an income that allowed for a greater amount of flexibility.

With Uber, William K mentions, he can “go offline and online whenever [he] wants,” providing him with total control over the hours he puts in.

It’s with that flexibility that William K can enjoy his real passions in life, visiting Lake Murray, running the smoker to cook up some delicious food, and boating.

– Team Uber Oklahoma