Who Is Vandever? Who Is Batten?

Lauren Batten’s great-grandfather, Vern Vandever, founded Vandever’s Department Store in Oklahoma with his four brothers at the turn of the 20th century. He was a successful businessman whose company not only survived the Depression but also continued employing its employees through those difficult times. “Mr. Vern” was well loved within the Tulsa community, greeting every customer and their children by name as they entered the store. He was a generous, civic-minded leader who helped shape his local community.

Lauren Batten founded Vandever Batten in 1999 with one goal in mind: to strengthen the Charlotte community. She incorporated her great-grandfather’s name into the name of her consulting firm to honor his legacy of philanthropy and commitment to his community. Vandever Batten’s philosophy mirrors “Mr. Vern’s” customer focus and dedication to good works.