JUNE 25, 2021
THE BUSINESS NEWSPAPER OF GREATER OMAHA, LINCOLN AND COUNCIL BLUFFS
$2.00
VOL. 47 NO. 26
The Harry A. Koch Co. approaches 105 years as FNIC Group
THIS WEEK ’S ISSUE:
by Michelle Leach
At 25 years, California Tacos & More plans to add barbeque to menu. – Page 2
Of
fic
re eT
nd
s
Demand for office space, amenities heavily nuanced among workplaces. – Page 6
ility
ab tain
Sus
Sustainability becomes bigger focus in 2021. – Page 25
One may assume that the notable structural and brand identity changes undertaken by legacy insurance firm, The Harry A. Koch Co., were triggered by the pandemic and its onslaught of respective changes. But the almost 105-yearold Omaha-headquartered firm’s transition to FNIC was well in the works before COVID-19 became a daily reality. With a running start to unify its 17 individual agencies in Nebraska, Illinois, South Dakota and Iowa, the organization has fittingly reaped early benefits from efforts that can be traced to September 2019. “2020 was an exceptional year for our group,” said President and CEO Scott Hill. “We not only broke our performance record, but we did it by 50%. And we’re ahead of last year’s performance year-to-date. With all the things that happened last year, the timing was good. We felt like we were poised for exceptional performance.” Founded by Harry A. Koch, Sr. Continued on page 12.
From left, President/CEO Scott Hill, Senior Vice President Clyde Wilberger, Chief Operating Officer Dave Jesse and Vice President of Human Resources Megan Thom have transitioned legacy insurance brand into unified firm. (Photo by Roger Humphries)
SOLVE Consulting rides demand for diversity, leadership training by Richard D. Brown
Omaha-based consulting firm SOLVE, which also has an office in Scottsdale, Arizona, is finding there’s no shortage of opportunities in working with mid-to-large sized businesses seeking help with diversity initiatives, executive coaching and a handful of other salient topics. According to President Merle Riepe, Ph.D., success for 50-some clients comes from their being able to identify, develop and retain their most important asset:
their people. “What we are is a leadership consulting firm to improve society’s relationship with work,” Riepe said. “Our experience is in advising companies to increase the accuracy of hiring and promotional decisions, develop exceptional leaders and creating great places to work.” Riepe, a Ralston native and psychologist with more than 15 years of experience who interned at the Lincoln Continued on page 12.
Hillside Solutions Director of Partnerships Brent Crampton worked with Greenslate Development and Alley Poyner Macchietto to design The Switch Beer and Food Hall, Omaha’s first zero-waste food hall. (Photo by Savannah Behrends)
Hillside Solutions pushes for early collaboration to save time, money by Savannah Behrends
Senior Strategist Debra Manning identifying opportunities for diversity training in businesses. (Photo by Roger Humphries)
By emphasizing unique benefits and opportunities, Hillside Solutions is helping Omaha-area residents and commercial companies rethink waste management practices. “There are ways to be a good steward for the planet while also fitting into the capitalistic society,” said Brent Crampton, director of partnerships. Take for example GreenSlate
Development’s The Switch Beer and Food Hall, which opened last year with the intention of being a zero-waste facility (less then 10% of waste goes to the landfill). The concept is based on a trend towards hyper-localism — essentially supporting and nurturing the local ecosystem — and sustainability. On one hand, The Switch gives local entrepreneurs an access point Continued on page 29.
