GuthrieAmerica: Tyler Rudek

 Tyler Rudek

Where were you born specifically?

I was born at Midwest Regional Medical Center in Midwest City, OK but we lived in the Harrah area at the time.

When did you move to Guthrie?

I moved to Guthrie in 2014 and then I moved back in 2019 after my wife and I had our first child.

What's your favorite Guthrie-related memory?

Probably the most meaningful memory that I have was getting the opportunity to dedicate our daughter, Emalynn, to the Lord at Community Church in October of 2018. It was even more special as we were surrounded and prayed over by our families.

What's the best part about living in Guthrie?

I love the people of Guthrie. I have lived in several towns/cities throughout my life, but there is something unique about the people of Guthrie...there is a camaraderie and authenticity that is missing in most places.

What does Guthrie have that other towns don't?

There is such a great sense of community here in Guthrie. You cannot simply go into a store or restaurant in Guthrie without running into at least one person you know.

Are you a GHS alumni?

No, I am not. I graduated in 2002 from Porter, OK in a class of 27!

If you lived here at some point and moved back why?

I moved to Edmond just before I married my amazing wife, Rachel. We moved back to Guthrie after we had our first child. One of the primary reasons that we moved back was we realized how much time we were spending in Guthrie. We realized that Guthrie was our town, despite living in Edmond and quickly started the process of relocating to Guthrie.

Where do you currently work and how long?

I am currently the Associate Pastor at Community Church. I have been at Community Church for just over 3 years!

What do you love most about your job?

There are so many! Probably the thing that I love most about my job is the people. Every week at Community Church, I have the opportunity to connect with people from different backgrounds at so many different stages of life. I am blessed to get to hear their stories and sometimes walk with them through some of life's uncertain/difficult times.

How did you first hear or learn about the GuthrieAmerica brand?

I believe it was when I first saw Heady wearing the GuthrieAmerica t-shirt. Then, I kept seeing others representing those shirts and had to check it out.

Why do you wear GuthrieAmerica tee?

Other than the fact that I really liked the look of the shirt? By wearing my GuthrieAmerica shirt, I am able to tell everyone about my town. I have been amazed at how many times someone will start a conversation with me due to my shirt and then I get to share how amazing Guthrie is!

What are your favorite things to do in Guthrie?

One of our (my wife and I) favorite things to do in Guthrie occurs on Friday nights in the fall. We love Friday night football games and love how the community all comes out for it as well. Not only is it great to get to watch football, it is a great time to connect with many in the community.

How would you define what it means when you hear or say COMMUNITY WINS?

When we all come together with the same focus and same goals, great things can be achieved. A lot of people can accomplish some good things but so much more can be done when there is unity. I love that this is a focus of so many in Guthrie, whether in the good times or bad, this community comes together and we make it through.

Anything significant about your life you would like to share?

My father has been a Pastor most of my life and I am honored to serve as one as well. My parents had 4 boys, of which I am the 2nd. As my brothers and I have married, 3 of us have had daughters. 
I love watching just about every type of sporting event. I am a HUGE Chicago Cubs fan!

Lastly, we love SHOUT OUTS! Who do you want to give a shout out to?

My amazing wife, Rachel and my daughter, Emalynn Grace who, other than my relationship with Jesus, are the most important people in my life! We love our Community Church family!

Wait, one more. What does it mean to CHOOSE GUTHRIE?

I believe that it is making an effort to invest in our community. From doing business here to promoting Guthrie wherever we go.