Oklahoma is known for many things. It is indeed a diverse and multi-cultural state. But without its people, it’s just another place on this vast planet. At Uniquelahoma, we have the opportunity to learn about all types of people who pursue interesting and unique endeavors. But within that mix of engaging talent and accomplishment, we often learn of those who give a little extra to better their communities while improving the lives of others. Allow me to introduce Todd Blackburn of Tulsa.
Blackburn is the owner of the technology company Techsico which is headquartered in Tulsa. The company also has offices in Oklahoma City, Houston, San Diego, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas. The company focuses on low voltage electric such as phones, fiber, and data installation, security and cell phone towers among other aspects of the low voltage industry. The company helps keep us connected to each other and the world.
One of the most interesting aspects of Blackburn was his choice to follow the path less influenced. Like most who have come of age in the past 30 years, one word seemed to be thrown around more than the rest. It appeared to many that college was the key to success. But for Blackburn, college did not seem to be his answer. Instead, he opted to enroll in Tulsa Tech and graduated with Electronics Industry Certificates. What he gained there would eventually benefit so many others in the years to come both in his own business and future students at Tulsa Tech.
“One of the things that have put me where I am today is the leadership skills I learned while attending Tulsa Tech,” Blackburn said. A proud alumnus of Tulsa Tech, he feels it’s his responsibility to give back to those who gave him the foundation to build a multi-million-dollar business and a network of services that help keep the business world moving into the future.
As we sat in the restaurant enjoying our lunch, I was surprised to learn that he didn’t go to a four-year university. Based upon the décor of his office, which is plastered with OU Sooner memorabilia, I naturally assumed OU to be his Alma Mater. I soon learned that he is simply an OU fan, but a true believer in Tulsa Tech and what it can offer those who choose it over a four-year university. Blackburn recently accepted a second offer to serve in the Tulsa Tech Education Foundation. He had served on the foundation in 2010 when his company was still rather small, but he felt at that time he didn’t have as much to offer. But his desire remained to give back to the school as the years passed on. Fast forward eight years, his company has grown exponentially and he knew the right time had come to get involved again and help those students who will one day be in the workforce with skills like the ones he learned while attending Tulsa Tech.
“I feel like I am at a point where I can have some influence and help the school become more than it has been in the past,” Blackburn said. With more time in his personal and professional schedule, he felt that it was the right time. The foundation focuses on helping those students who don’t have enough money to pay for all of their tuition, books, and tools. Upon acceptance to the foundation board, Blackburn began revitalizing the concept, “the more money we raise, the more students we can help.” Since he has been back on the foundation, he has been involved in the annual fundraiser, ‘Concert for a Cause’ which raised over $20,000. Blackburn not only helped in organizing the charity event, but he also donated significantly to the silent auction as well.
“I feel like I am at a point where I can have some influence and help the school become more than it has been in the past…”
But as a businessman and potential employer for Tulsa Tech graduates, Blackburn realizes the importance of reaching out to other companies who benefit from Tulsa Tech. Up until he accepted the invitation to join the foundation, most of the money that went to help students came from teacher donations and grants. He has since begun building relationships with area companies that can become corporate sponsors and will likely hire Tulsa Tech graduates. He explains to them the importance of donating to the foundation and ultimately to the students, which in turn can benefit them later when they require qualified employees.
“If we can go around to each of the businesses who will potentially hire these students and get a few hundred bucks to $1000, we would have a lot more money to give scholarships,” Blackburn said. Through his involvement in the foundation, he does more than just help students. He reminds us the value of any education regardless of the name on the building or the number of years it takes to achieve its degrees and certificates. Through his dedication to helping others, he further reminds us that by giving a little of ourselves we will create a return on an investment that is too high to ever calculate.
From the Tulsa Tech Website:
The Tulsa Technology Center Education Foundation was founded in 1983 to provide for students’ needs that could not be funded with public tax dollars. Without the financial assistance of the Foundation, many students would not complete educational programs and acquire the work skills and ethics to be self-supporting citizens.
For more information on the foundation, donating or corporate sponsorships, visit ttef.net or send an email to todd.blackburn@ttef.net

C. L. Harmon
Lead Author
C.L. Harmon a journalist and author.
He Has worked for several newspapers as a reporter and was the managing editor for a daily before starting his own paper, The Mannford Reporter in Mannford, Oklahoma.
The Mannford Reporter came with many life lessons and experiences that I may share one day. For now my focus and my love is Uniquelahoma!
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