INTERACTIVE HOME DESIGN VirtuActive Brings Floorplans to Life in 3D

DAVID LAKIN, CO-FOUNDER, VIRTUACTIVE

Interactive Home Design

VIRTUACTIVE BRINGS FLOORPLANS TO LIFE IN 3D

Some people are visual learners.

Homeowners and business owners may have the opportunity to look at blueprints, but translating the flat lines of a drawing into reality may be difficult for some.

VirtuActive is a 3D drafting and design company with multiple locations and has answered the challenge by offering 3D representations of homes and businesses.

Co-founder David Lakin points out the benefits.

“3D almost works as a translator,” he said. “People can actually understand it. They don’t know how high the ceilings are or where the windows really are, how the room is laid out. I can partake and communicate more in a world in which I can visualize and understand.”

Lakin said it’s like flipping through camera views.

“They are able to use that during the design of a plan,” he said. “We can have them virtually walk through their house and can make live changes. What you’re seeing happen is they may not notice the line of sight when it’s being built, that’s when they can visualize it.”

He said they either must compromise or do change orders.

“Doing this during the design phase leads to a better client/designer relationship and it saves a lot of money,” he said. “I’ve had multiple new construction loan officers say that when they have clients that design in 3D rather than not, they’re saving up to 50% in reduction of change orders.”

Lakin said it saves time, money and client experience. They have done multiple remodels and designed hundreds of homes a year.

There are misconceptions in Lakin’s business.

“One thing we have struggled with is because if you look at our advertising the fun stuff to look at is 3D, people don’t understand we do the construction documents and floorplans,” he said. “It happens simultaneously. That applies in the residential world. Residents, we do everything.”

He said they might do some light commercial or just a 3D drawing for commercial, conceptual plans.

Growing interest

Lakin said there has been a lot of growth in the company since it began. The company has moved twice in two years, with a 50% square footage increase.

He anticipates 30 to 40 people will be employed by the end of the year.

“We have been putting a lot of infrastructure in place and systems in

I can partake and communicate more in a world in which I can visualize and understand.

- DAVID LAKIN, CO-FOUNDER, VIRTUACTIVE

place to do that,” he said. “It’s been intentional growth and coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are very blessed and fortunate because I know there were a lot of businesses on the wrong side of that.”

Giving back

VirtuActive works to give back to the community through philanthropic activities.

“Probably the biggest thing we are involved in is Angels Among Us. We were introduced a few years ago,” he said. “Two years ago we had a grand opening at our building with music and angels. For each family you are trying to raise around $3,000 to $4,000.”

Lakin said the event raised around $26,000.

“It helped even more families,” he said. “We have another one coming up on June 9 at our new office.”

Looking ahead

Lakin said the industry saw an increase when there was a drop in interest rates and a lot of people were working from home.

“We saw an uptick in remodels and additions — a lot of people were investing in their own homes,” he said. “We saw a big push for existing residences and because of the interest rates, a lot of people moved from the coast. We designed more houses for people from out of state in the last year than the last few years combined.”

Lakin said there was a lot of influence from people moving into Nebraska.

“There was a lot of movement of folks with interest rates, the pandemic and people renovating or wanting to get a bigger house,” he said. “Some of our growth is our doing but a lot of it is being in the right place at the right time.”

Lakin said in regards to drafting design, it’s heading more into the 3D and virtual world.

“You’re going to see 2D become archaic,” he said. “With residential, a lot of people have opinions on when the next bubble is or inflation. We have built the least amount of homes in the country since the 1940s.”

However, Lakin said people are still building and the demand is there, though the supply is not.

“The cost of building materials are up 50% over the last three years,” he said. “There’s got to be some sort of correction on price. It’s almost like it’s non-existent to have first time homebuyers now with the costs.” MBJ

3D RENDERINGS FROM VIRTUEACTIV.

DOLLHOUSE FRONT ELEVATION RENDER

DOLLHOUSE MAIN LEVEL

DOLLHOUSE WHISKEY ROOM RENDER

402-979-8100 • 1414 N 205TH ST. STE 2, ELKHORN, NE 68022

WEBSITE: WWW.VIRTUACTIVEHOUSEPLANS.COM

MEMBER spotlight:

JASON JAMES, BROKER/CO-OWNER OF HEARTLAND PROPERTIES, INC.

ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod I think what makes us especially unique tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna is that we are a real estate company that aliquyam erat, sed diam voluptua. builds and develops inventory.

-JASON JAMES, BROKER/CO-OWNER OF - NAME, TITLE HEARTLAND PROPERTIES, INC. ORGANIZATION

EXPERIENCED AND KNOWLEDGEABLE

HEARTLAND PROPERTIES, INC. GUIDES CLIENTS THROUGH REAL ESTATE ENDEAVORS

After 27 years in the industry, it’s no surprise that Jason James knows the world of real estate like the back of his hand. As a broker and co-owner of Iowa-based Heartland Properties, Inc., a brokerage firm that serves the Council Bluffs and Omaha area, James uses his expertise to help clients achieve their real estate goals.

With a team of more than 40 diversified agents with over 500 years of combined real estate experience, the firm handles a wide range of residential, commercial and farm transactions. Because the company is privately owned, James said there’s not a corporate feel for employees or clients, which really sets the firm apart in the industry.

“I think what makes us especially unique is that we are a real estate company that builds and develops inventory,” James said. “For example, we build subdivisions and create inventory for our agents — and even agents of other companies.”

Currently, Heartland Properties is focused on its new subdivision projects, as well as making a shift to build additional inventory and multi-family real estate to own and manage.

As an EO Nebraska member for the past nine years, James has collected many fond memories with fellow members, but perhaps the most memorable experience was a mystery trip to Costa Rica that allowed the group to truly bond with one another. He has also found immense value in the monthly EO forum meetings where he is able to confidentially share experiences and learn from the successes and mistakes of others.

“They say you can’t live long enough to make all the mistakes yourself,” James said. “So, you’re supposed to learn from others.”

Address: 535 West Broadway, Suite 100, Council Bluffs, IA 51503 Phone: 712.325.0445 Website: www.heartlandproperties.com Social Media: Facebook

EO NEBRASKA AT BERKSHIRE DAYS!

SELF MADE LOCAL, NATIONAL, AND INTERNATIONAL MEMBERS!

It was so great to have everyone back in person for another year of successful Berkshire events hosted by EO Nebraska. The week was full of learning, life-enhancing connections and lots of fun as we celebrated with EO colleagues from around the world! We closed out the festivities with our signature bash celebrating entrepreneurship with this years’ theme “Self Made,” featuring the talented makers and members of Nebraska. We were fortunate to meet one of our colleagues, Vince from the EO Philippines chapter. When we heard he traveled all the way to Nebraska to attend the annual Berkshire Shareholder’s meeting as one of his bucket list to-dos, EO Nebraska made sure he had the best seat in the house. The power of our EO network and the ways it helps build meaningful relationships never ceases to amaze us!

Email: PO BOX 540815 Omaha NE 68154 Website: hub.eonetwork.org Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn

Welcoming New President

VETA JEFFERY NAMED NEW PRESIDENT AND CEO

Last month Veta Jeffery began to serve as the next President and CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber. Jeffery took over for David G. Brown, who retired from that post after nearly 20 years.

Jeffery gained a great deal of experience convening public and private stakeholders while she was the Manager of Community Economic Development for the State of Missouri, having been appointed to the position by Governor Jay Nixon. Governor Nixon formed the Office of Community Engagement following the Ferguson protests. Jeffery’s engagement skills helped rebuild the business community in and around Ferguson and throughout the St. Louis region. She helped to establish workforce development programs to assist underserved communities, and helped to form the Governor’s Fellows Program, a unique corporate/public/nonprofit partnership driving internships for disadvantaged college students in Missouri.

“The success of our business community is critical to the future of our cities,” Jeffery said. “When we strengthen our businesses by helping them build capacity and grow their opportunities locally, regionally and nationally, we grow the economics of the communities we call home. By combining business growth in the Omaha region with strong workforce development efforts we become a magnet for attracting competitive talent.” She added, “Omaha is a beautiful, well-established place that offers business owners the opportunity to thrive. I am excited to lead this business community and workforce development charge and I am equally excited to call Omaha my new home.”

Jeffery’s most recent position was Chief Diversity Officer for St. Louis County. In this role, she worked closely with federal, state and local officials, as well as corporate partners and business owners. Jeffery brought a collaborative engagement style and thoughtful leadership to reach consensus on how to move communities forward.

“Bringing together diverse groups among our public and private partners is an essential piece of the work the Greater Omaha Chamber does,” said Leslie Andersen, chair of the Search Committee, former Greater Omaha Chamber Chair and current CEO of i3 Bank. “Veta’s experience as a leader and convener can only further enhance our current efforts.”

Prior to her St. Louis County work, Jeffery was instrumental in expanding the commercial, small business and mortgage services as Senior Vice President of Community and Economic Development for Midwest BankCentre in St. Louis. She drove programs that ensured banking products and services fit consumer needs across all economic groups as well as small, mid-sized and large business clients. This combination of public service, financial leadership and workforce development efforts uniquely qualifies Jeffery to lead the Greater Omaha Chamber.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Greater Omaha Chamber, I am excited to welcome Veta Jeffery to Omaha,” said Mickey Anderson, Chairman of the Greater Omaha Chamber. “I am convinced that she will provide the kind of transformational leadership we were looking for to take our Chamber and our community into the future.”

VETA JEFFERY, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF THE GREATER OMAHA CHAMBER

SAVE THESE dates:

JUNE 14: IGNITE SERIES: DIGITAL MARKETING DEFINED

promote your business

JUNE 17: BUSINESS ON THE GREEN

Pitch. Putt. Connect.

JUNE 23: MEMBER ORIENTATION

Covering all the benefits your Chamber membership offers

JUNE 28: VIRTUAL EVENT: MEET UP WITH THE PRESIDENT

How the Chamber can best serve your business?

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Greater Omaha Chamber, I am excited to welcome Veta Jeffery to Omaha.

-MICKEY ANDERSON, CHAIRMAN OF THE GREATER OMAHA CHAMBER

BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS

The Greater Omaha Chamber announced that the recipients of a 2022 Business Excellence Award have been chosen.

With nearly 70 nominations, 16 winners were ultimately selected. The selection committee chose the top companies from each category (Innovation, Leadership, Philanthropy & Sustained Excellence).

“Despite all of the challenges of the last few years, the Greater Omaha area business community continues to be an important example of success, generosity and leadership. These businesses being recognized are all doing something right and the Chamber is proud to thank them for their efforts,” said David G. Brown, President and CEO, Greater Omaha Chamber.

The winners of a Business Excellence Award are: Sustained Excellence

• Project Harmony Child Advocacy Center • QLI

Philanthropy

• Carol Joy Holling Camp, Conference and Retreat Center • Fontenelle Forest • i3 Bank • Omaha Public Power District • OrthoNebraska

Innovation

• Boys Town • Children’s Hospital & Medical Center • Hawkins Construction Company • Omaha Children’s Museum • Omaha Conservatory of Music

Leadership

• BFF Omaha • Carson Wealth • Spreetail • Tri-Faith Initiative 2021 Small Business of the Year: Stable Gray

Read more about the Greater Omaha Chamber’s Business Excellence Award Winners at https://www.omahachamber. org/2022-business-excellence-award-winners/

Address: 808 ConAgra Drive, Ste 400, Omaha, NE 68102

Contact Us: (402) 570-9955 | mjohnson@omahachamber.org

Website: www.omahachamber.org