Lincoln Business Builder (March 2023)

6100 S. 58th Street, Suite C Lincoln, NE 68516 (402) 423-4225

www.hbal.org • info@hbal.org

Executive Committee

Lori Wellman, CKD, CGR, CAPS, President

Beau Daffer, President Elect

Jereme Montgomery, 1st Vice President

Perry Haralson, 2nd Vice President

Ryan Trausch, Secretary

Bob Bryant, Treasurer

Ward Fred Hoppe, Immediate Past President

Michaela Schwarten, Executive Vice President

Board of Directors

Megan Dreyer

Matt Firestone

Kenny German

Dave Lakin

Dan Loeck

Blake Pittack

Scott Schneider

Maria Semerad

Brett Sundberg

Sam Swartz

Bailey Ward

Tim Zeng

Remodelers Council

Ben Klein

Past Presidents

Jim Christo

Steve Fulton

Justin Johnson

Bo Jones

Matt Kinning

Mike Kinning

President’s Message

Lori Wellman, HBAL President

Once again, our HBAL staff coordinated a successful Home & Garden Show, drawing attendance from Lincoln and surrounding communities. We are fortunate to have such a well run event that provides HBAL members the opportunity to interact with the public one-onone to assist them with their upcoming projects. The Home & Garden Show also features the annual High School Residential Design Contests. Students’ designs are judged and then on display during the Show. We will honor the winners of this contest at the Tribute to Youth meeting in April.

For many years, the Home & Garden Show also featured an “If You Could Build a House” contest for elementary students. The project challenged students to draw their “dream house.” HBAL recently received a letter from a former participant highlighting how this contest impacted her career path and influenced her decision to go into engineering. Breanna Smith, who was recognized in 2009, received her Master of Architectural Engineering degree and is now working as an electrical engineer. Her mom expressed her gratitude, saying “You influence more young minds than you probably will ever know.” Read the full story on page 20.

Dan Klein, Sr.

Mike May

Herb Reese

Roger Reynolds

Mike Rezac

Denny Van Horn

HBAL Staff

Michaela Schwarten, Jennie Korth, Laure Husmann

It is important that we continue our outreach into the schools to let students and parents know about the many jobs available in our industry. If an opportunity arises to help a student with a school job shadow assignment, or if you would be interested in helping with a sponsorship for our upcoming Construction Career Day please do so. You never know what might spark someone’s interest in pursuing a career in our industry.

Calendar of Events

HOMEPAC & HBAL Board of Directors Meetings

2023 HBAL Corporate Partners

Mar. 2

HBAL • 6100 S. 58th Street, Ste. C

9:45 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.

Remodelers Council Meeting

Mar. 8

HBAL • 6100 S. 58th Street, Ste. C

11:30 a.m. • See page 21 for more info.

HBAL 101

Mar. 15

HBAL • 6100 S. 58th Street, Ste. C 11:30 a.m. • Lunch is provided.

Annual HBAL Chili Cook-off

Lincoln Firefighters Reception Hall

241 Victory Lane

Mar. 20

6:00 p.m. - Let the feast begin!

7:45 p.m. - Prizes awarded!

Admission: $15 per person

12 years & under are FREE

Member News

Our sympathy to Gary & Kathy Shunkwiler, Heartland of Nebraska Windows, on the death of Gary's father, Kenneth, who passed away on February 11, 2023.

Our sympathy to the family of John VerMaas, VerMaas Construction, who passed away on February 19, 2023. John was President of HBAL in 1974.

Construction Career Day

“Build Your Future, Build Our Nebraska”

Thursday, April 20, 2023

10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Hosted by:

• Hands-on Activities

• Construction Demonstrations

• Construction Career Booths

Haymarket Park

Lot 19 (south parking lot) 403 Line Drive Circle

If your business is interested in participating in this event, click here for the registration form or contact Jereme Montgomery at 402-525-5535 for more information.

HBAL's Annual Chili Cook-Off

Monday March 20 6:00 PM to 7:45 PM

Join

Event Sponsor: Black Hills Energy

Cornhusker Bank

Keg Beer provided by: Lincoln Federal Savings Bank

Cinnamon Rolls provided by: West Gate Bank Mortgage

Kids 12 years and younger are FREE!

Lincoln Firefighters Reception Hall 241 Victory Lane

Admission:

$15 per person

(12 years & under are FREE)

Bottled Water provided by: Water Treatment Pros

Door Prizes provided by:

Habitat ReStore

Lincoln Children's Museum

Lincoln Children's Zoo

Nebraska Furniture Mart

Raising Canes

If you are interested in donating a prize or sponsoring part of the event, please contact Michaela Schwarten at 402-423-4225 or info@hbal.org.

Chili Entrant Info

Cost for a booth: FREE

Chili preparation and booth set-up:

7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Exhibitors (cooks) will:

• Prepare 3 gallons of chili (in a roaster pan)

• Have their own meat thermometer

• Bring a table cover

• Provide their own threeprong extension cords

• Have the option to decorate your booth (Please, do not attach anything to the walls or use materials that cannot be easily swept. Thank you!)

• Name their chili

• Help with clean-up at the end of the night

HBAL will provide:

• 8 ft. table

• Chairs

• Electrical outlet

• Bowls, spoons, napkins

• Crackers

• Prizes

• Ladle

Current Chili Challengers

1. Cambria USA

2. Stephens & Smith Construction Co.

3. West Gate Bank

4. Ruth Hietbrink

5. Lincoln Federal Savings Bank

6. Habitat for Humanity

7. Window Option Specialists

8. Zeng Granite

9. Avid Realty

10. Aden Pressure Washing

11. White Castle Roofing

12. OPEN

Only one spot left! Contact Michaela Schwarten if you would like to enter the contest.

HBAL 101

Learn how to maximize your membership.

HBAL 101 offers a quick but comprehensive look at membership benefits, programs and events. We invite you to join us for an informal presentation covering everything you need to know to make the most of your membership investment.

Wednesday, March 15 | 11:30 a.m.

HBAL Office

6100 S. 58th St. Ste. C

Cost: FREE (includes lunch)

RSVP by March 11 to info@hbal.org or 402-423-4225 or use the code above.

HBAL Member Spotlight

Shannon Filing

Firm Owner and Certified Business and Leadership Coach

ActionCOACH Lincoln

Email: shannonfiling@actioncoach.com | Phone: 402-314-2181

Click here to view Shannon's full Member Spotlight.

Tell us about your family. I have been married to my husband, Travis, for 22 years. That seems to have flown by! I have a daughter Payton who is 21 and getting married in February and a son, Alex, who is 19. Alex is in the JATC electrical program.

What would be the theme song of your life right now? It’s My Life – Bon Jovi

What are you currently binge watching? Jack Ryan- started the entire series over before beginning season 3. Favorite place you’ve traveled? Rarotonga

What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever done? Went to Cuba

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? Guessing- We play the IMDB game of guess when this movie came out and I can get pretty darn close most of the time.

Who is someone who’s made a big impact on your life? Why? My husband. I don’t think I would have had the confidence to do 1/2 of what I do in my life without his support and encouragement. If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? Ricky Gervais because who doesn’t need a good laugh. What do you/did you love the most about your job? Unlocking the potential in people just as others have done for me. It is exciting to see people find strengths in themselves.

What career advice do you live by?

Who gave it to you? There is more work to be done- Linda Krei. When you have a passion and vision for your life and what you offer, you will always see that there is more good you can do and that keeps me going strong. Why not use your talents and gifts to benefit others if you have them?

What’s one skill you’d like to develop or sharpen this year? Story telling: I know we learn best through stories that compel and paint vivid pictures we will remember. I want to hone that skill.

What are your future goals and aspirations for your career? Build the coaching and leadership firm that makes it possible for any business leader to have access to education and support to grow. With strong business leaders, our community and our families also benefit. The ripple effect is limitless.

How has your career benefited from being a member of HBAL? I met a few members who are in various stages of their businesses and they are always willing to share their knowledge.

Any tips or advice for new HBAL members? Make sure you make the diligent effort to meet and engage the members. The relationships are strong but they always make room for new members to join the social circle.

To be considered for the next Member Spotlight, click here.

OFFICIAL SPONSORS

INTERIOR & RESIDENTIAL DESIGN CONTEST WINNERS

The Home Builders Association of Lincoln announced the winners of the Interior & Residential Design Contest at the 51st annual Nebraska Builders Home & Garden Show held at the Lancaster Event Center February 10-12. The two categories judged were Residential Drafting and Interior Design.

Winners of the Residential Drafting Contest:

• First Place, $100 – Collin Cartwright, Lincoln East High School

• Second Place, $75 – Ian Nebesniak, Lincoln East High School

• Third Place, $50 – Colin Standifer, Seward High School

Winners of the Interior Design Contest:

• First Place, $100 – Ava Simpson, Lincoln North Star High School

• Second Place, $75 – Jenna Johnson, Lincoln East High School

• Third Place, $50 – Julia Steffensmeier, Lincoln East High School

Residential Drafting judges were Marlene Stroup, Schwinn Homes, LLC; Greg Smith, Davis Design; Aubrey Wassung, Davis Design; and Dan Loeck, Loeck Designs. Interior Design judges were Delrae Hirschman, Delrae Designs; Kelli Fleek, Action

Plumbing & Heating; and Pam Magner, Reynolds Design & Remodeling.

Food Bank House

This year at the Home & Garden Show, 2,210 lbs. of food and $500 were collected for the Food Bank of Lincoln! This will provide over 3,150 meals for local families.

THANK YOU TO OUR FOOD

Ben Baker

Ryan Baker

Karen Barrett

Tom Barrett

Jim Christo

Vicki Christo

Joel Clark

Sue Eaton

Kamryn Harrison

Donelle Heitman

Austin Keeshan

Emery Korth

Caleb Mattison

Noah Miller

Sam Miller

Matt Norris

Ann Post

Audrey Post

Briana Scheef

Aiden Scheef

Terry Schwimmer

We would also like to thank Jeremy Carpenter, Eric McMann, Rick Willet, Jason Willet and Jonathan Goertzen from Willet Construction, Inc., Remodeling Specialists for assembling the house before the Show and Shawn Stranathan, Tom Brinkman, Jacob Samuelson and Chris Gruhn from Nebraska Building Products for taking it down.

BANK HOUSE VOLUNTEERS!

The Food Bank House was started in 2003 by the Remodelers Council.

The Career Academy Spring Job Fair

The Career Academy (TCA) is partnering with LIBA and the Lincoln Human Resources Management Association to host businesses from across Lancaster County at The Career Academy's Job/Internship Fair. TAfter great success at the last two job fairs, TCA is lookoing forward to this year's opportunity to help local businesses find qualified interns and TCA students to start successful careers.

When: Thursday, April 6th from 10:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.

Where: The Career Academy (Located on the SCC Campus, 8800 O Street).

Who: Students from The Career Academy (17-19 year olds who have completed 1-2 years of coursework in their SCC pathway).

Who (Part 2): Businesses interested in meeting with students looking for a job or Summer Internship.

Other: Free to attend. TCA will provide a table for businesses to set up materials. Lunch provided.

If you are interested in signing up, please click the following link: TCA Job Fair Sign Up or visit the TCA Website to learn more.

energy for now energy for the future

Wouldn’t it be great to have clean, efficient, and affordable energy that was here and ready to go? Even better, what if it was an abundant source—enough to last another century? Well, thankfully, you don’t have to make a choice. It’s Natural Gas.

January Board Report

Remodelers Council: Ben Klein

The Remodelers Council held their annual Holiday Party at the Country Club on December 15. Members participated in an ugly sweater contest and then played bingo. Ben Klein (LL Countertops) was installed as Chair for 2023, along with Jason Willet (Willet Construction) as Vice Chair and Megan Dreyer (CS Kitchen & Bath Studio) as Secretary. January’s meeting was postponed due to weather. It has been rescheduled for February 1. Christine Weeks of Eleanor Creative will be leading a discussion on marketing in uncertain times.

Membership Committee: The following new members were approved:

• Beckmann Cabinets Inc, Floyd

Beckmann - Sponsor: Mike Kinning

• Chiropractic USA, Justin SteinhauserSponsor: Mike Kinning

• CMG Mortgage, Michelle Van HornSponsor: Denny Van Horn

• Creative Builders, Jeremy MeyerSponsor: Beau Daffer

• Critel Buildings, Tayler CritelSponsor: Beau Daffer

• Elite Bath and Remodeling, Corey

Eckley - Sponsor: Beau Daffer

• Elite Egress, LLC, Mitchell JohnsonSponsor: Justin Brandt

• Fisher/Moser Flooring Inc., Mike Fisher

- Sponsor: Mike Kinning

• Frazier Construction Co, Inc., Travis

Frazier - Sponsor: Mike Kinning

• KBC Drywall, Jason Stoner - Sponsor: Denny Van Horn

• Lifestyles Realty Group, Susan

Buettner - Sponsor: Sherri Tafoya

• MDB Contracting Inc, Martin BohlingSponsor: Mike Kinning

• Mod Wattage Electric LLC, Megan

McKay - Sponsor: Denny Van Horn

• Morgan Construction, LLC, Bryce

Morgan - Sponsor: Jo Lewis

• Outback Fence Co., LLC, Chris

Gentele - Sponsor: Beau Daffer

• Prominent Exteriors, Alex HinkleySponsor: Beau Daffer

• Steffen Construction Specialists, Jason

Steffen - Sponsor: Mike Kinning

• Stewarts Concrete, William AlleySponsor: Mike Kinning

• Turner Design Works, Brandon Turner

- Sponsor: Hayley Lane

• Zone Fence, LLC, Curtiss JohnsonSponsor: Beau Daffer

HOMEPAC:

March 2 is the filing deadline for City elections. HOMEPAC conducted interviews for mayoral candidates during February. HBAL members who contribute at least $100 are voting members with HOMEPAC. Meetings are open to all HBAL members.

HBAL’s annual Legislative bill review with Radcliffe, Gilbertson & Brady was held January 25. The list of Legislative bills HBAL is following are available by contacting Michaela with the HBAL office. HBAL is opposing two code update bills.

One updates the state’s electrical code and the other updates the energy code.

Lincoln Transportation and Utilities (LTU) Sidewalks/Driveway

Inspections:

Beau Daffer, Jereme Montgomery, Maria Semerad and Michaela Schwarten met with LTU staff in January. LTU has defined winter conditions for pouring sidewalks and driveway approaches as Dec 15-Mar 15. During this time, they have changed requirements. Some new requirements include: no pouring on frozen ground. Temp of cement mix is 55 degrees. Air temp must be 35 degrees and rising. Maintain new concrete at 55 degrees for 72 hours. Provide a 5-day notice to inspect. Also requiring a cement mix that is used on streets and highways for sidewalks and approaches. This mix will be different color than driveways. Jereme Montgomery will be working with LTU on potential changes to the new requirements.

Stormwater Coalition:

The City Council approved the updated Drainage Criteria Manual/Stormwater runoff requirements with very few amendments. They did make a few amendments from the series of meetings the city held with engineers and there were a few added at the Planning Commission meeting in December which made the plan better. However, the bigger amendments the Stormwater Coalition wanted were not included.

Tammy Ward had an amendment approved which directs LTU to have a plan to look at structural solutions (dams, etc) in the next 6 months.

Careers in Construction:

April 20 will be HBAL’s annual Construction Career Day. The day will be split into two sessions. One for two hours in the morning, and one for two hours in the afternoon. The hope is there will be more schools outside of LPS who join.

Lincoln Home Builders Care Foundation:

Scholarships are available for high school students entering college and pursuing a degree in the construction field. Scholarship applications are due March 1.

HBAL Car Show:

Trophy and tent sponsorships are available for the car show, planned for May 6.

Ready to Build the Future

Last month, HBAL received an email from the mother of one of the 2009 "If I Could Build A House" elementary art winners. It is a great reminder of the impact we can have on the career paths of children as young as elementary students.

My daughter Breanna Smith was one of the winners when she was in grade school back in 2009. She was so excited. In fact, she still has her drawing and ribbon. It sparked something in her and influenced her life in an incredible way.

Breanna received her master's in Architectural Engineering. She is working full time as an electrical engineer and is now expanding her duties, moving into lighting design (her passion).

I wanted to let HBAL members know their investment of time and money in the multi-grade program did not go for naught. STEM classes work, but we (her parents) wonder if she would have been interested in Architectural Engineering had HBAL not provided her a window into that world.

We are excited and quite impressed to see so many women hold officer positions in your group. How things have changed from when I was our daughter’s age! Yet at Breanna’s office in Omaha, she is one of only two female engineers (one mechanical and one electrical) in a sea of men. Clearly there is still a long road ahead.

Thank you HBAL. You influence more young minds than you probably will ever know.

Jan Lipovsky

First, I want to thank everyone who was involved in this year's Home & Garden Show. It was a great turnout with so many builders and remodelers. I hope everyone had a chance to not only visit with new customers, but also had a chance to meet and greet with other HBAL and Remodelers Council members. These are the people you can lean on and learn from for your upcoming projects. Together as a group we will have success. Marketing ourselves as remodeling contractors can sometimes seem to be just too much. We are not only busy in our professional lives but in our personal lives as well. As you know, remodeling contractors need some form of marketing to grow and maintain your brand awareness and bring in leads for new customers. This can be website content, before and after photos, customer testimonials, branding or advertising. We also have an opportunity with the Remodelers Council to host an event at your place of business. With uncertain times, this is a great way to meet others in the industry and promote your business. Please reach out to the HBAL office if this is something you would like to do. You can reach out to any of the other Remodelers Council members and ask, "What are you doing to grow your business?"

Our next Remodelers Council meeting is March 8. Hope to see you there!

HBAL

Wednesday, March 8 11:30 a.m.

Cost: $15 for lunch

Please RSVP to info@hbal.org or call 402-423-4225 by Friday, March 3.

Publication of the Remodelers Council of Lincoln March 2023 • Vol. 26, No. 3

Ben Klein Remodelers Council Chairperson

Directory Changes

 Bill Trapp is the principal member of Ultimate Garage Door Solutions.

Email: bill@ultimategds.com

 Miranda Watson is a new affiliate member with Woods Bros. Realty.

Phone: 402-617-1748.

Email: miranda.watson@woodsbros.com.

 New address for Osborn Homes is 2601 Bretigne Circle, Lincoln, NE 68512.

 Joel Spaan is a new affiliate member with Wells Fargo Home Mortgage.

3808 N. 168th Street, Omaha, NE 68116.

Phone: 402-289-6782.

Cell: 402-490-4446.

Email: joel.m.spaan@wellsfargo.com.

 Katie Ulrich is a new affiliate member with Home Real Estate.

Phone: 402-432-4012.

Email: katie.ulrich@homerealestate.com.

 Brad Ulrich is a new affiliate member with Home Real Estate.

Phone: 402-499-1608.

Email: brad.ulrich@homerealestate.com

 Justin Faust is the new principal member of Thrasher Foundation Repair.

Email: justin.faust@gothrasher.com

 LH Real Estate, LLC is now Magnolia Real Estate.

Email: jaysa@magnoliane.com

 Amanda Wittmann is a new affiliate member with Lincoln American Electronics (LAE). Cell: 402-802-7070.

Email: amanda@laesolutions.com.

 Cody Schaaf is the new principal member of Richland Homes

Cell: 402-525-1171.

Email: cody@nebraskarealty.com.

 New address for Don Johnson Homes II, Inc. is 3030 W. Elgin Ave., Ste. 1, Lincoln, NE 68522.

 New address for BCW Builders is 2920 Walter Terrace, Roca, NE 68430-4452.

Thanks for Renewing!

(Please allow 60 days for names to appear on this list.)

72 Years

• U.S. Bank

71 Years

• Green's Furnace & Plumbing Co., Inc.

58 Years

• Capital Concrete Co.

48 Years

• NRG MediaBroadcast House

39 Years

• Rainwood Interiors

38 Years

• Hartland Homes

37 Years

• Heritage Builders, Inc.

• Kinning Design Build, Inc.

• Pioneer Printing, Inc.

35 Years

• Lincoln Cabinet

32 Years

• Zimmer Insurance Group

30 Years

• Schaefer's, Inc.

27 Years

• Ultimate Garage Door Services, LLC

26 Years

• Boyce Construction, Inc.

25 Years

• Seacrest & Kalkowski, PC, LLO

23 Years

• Maher Custom Homes

22 Years

• Neighbors Family Homes, Inc.

18 Years

• Caseyco, Inc.

17 Years

• Stuchlik & Associates Insurance

14 Years

• A1 Complete Services, Inc. dba

A1 Mold Testing & Remediation

• Holly Well Drilling, LLC

• K2 Geothermal

• NP Dodge Real Estate

• RE/MAX Concepts

13 Years

• Woita Homes, Inc.

12 Years

• Frontier Bank

11 Years

• McKinnis Inc

10 Years

• Habitat for Humanity of Lincoln

9 Years

• Schneider Custom Homes

7 Years

• RFD Sales Co., LLC

6 Years

• Destiny Homes, LLC

• GRNE Solar

• Home Solutions of Nebraska

• Remodel Nebraska, LLC Sunroom Specialists

• VirtuActive 3D Drafting & Design

• Zeng Granite, Inc.

5 Years

• A1 Cabinet & Granite

• Element Homes

4 Years

• All About Grass, LLC

• Farm Credit Services of America

• Organize by Design, LLC

• TCA Outdoor Power

3 Years

• ComfortMade Mattress Factory

• Gershman Mortgage

• High Ridge Builders

2 Years

• Concorde Management & Development, LLC

• Concrete Craft of Lincoln

• Decorative Concrete Coatings

• Home Pride Contractors, Inc.

• Novo Chiropractic Lincoln

• NuHAVEN Builders

1 Year

• Builders Supply Co., Inc.

• Madihay Custom Blinds

• Personal Touch Designs

• Provision Realty Group at RE/MAX Concepts

• Spelts Schultz Components

• THI Builders, Inc.

• Water Treatment Pros, LLC

• Xtream General Contracting, LLC

Building Permits

Building Permits