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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2020 CHI HEALTH CENTER OMAHA
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A section prepared by the staff of
CRE Summit — inside MARCH 13, 2020
THE BUSINESS NEWSPAPER OF GREATER OMAHA, LINCOLN AND COUNCIL BLUFFS
$2.00
VOL. 46 NO. 11
Mechanical Inc. tackles commercial projects with technical arsenal
THIS WEEK 'S ISSUE:
by Richard D. Brown
Artistico Interiors emphasizes industry associations for client satisfaction. – Page 2
40 er d Un 40 Broad professional skillset accelerates Hopkins’ career in the financial industry. – Page 3
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Current global economic conditions embody the notion of emotion versus fundamentals – Page 4
Three years ago when President/CEO Brian Helm of the Illinois-based Helm Group acquired Omaha’s historic Pitlor Mechnical — a 108-year-old family-owned company specializing in commercial plumbing, HVAC piping and service work — his decisions were largely based on the reputation of the company, its strong presence in the contracting community, an opportunity to get three dozen or so experienced employees, and the vitality of the Omaha business community. “By coming into eastern Nebraska and western Iowa we were comfortable about the overall direction of our company and our belief that a competitive edge can be gained by outspending the competition on technology,” Helm said. In the past three years since entering the local market, Mechanical has experienced just over 50% growth in Omaha. With the continued help from former Pitlor owner Steve Pitlor, the Continued on page 11.
From left, President and CEO Brian Helm and Vice President Matt Huenefeld … Growth in technical skills has aided in gaining more projects. (Photo by MBJ / Becky McCarville)
Consortio Group crosses 10-year mark with acquisitions, specialty niches, partnerships by Michelle Leach
Off of its 10th year, Consortio Group has grown by staying true to its name (“consortio” is Latin for “partnerships”), deepening its specialty expertise internally and through strategic partnerships, and with acquisitions, despite a start during a formidable time for the global economy. “When we started in 2009, we were in the throes of the great recession,” said Partner John Coffey. “Through persistence and hard work,
we were able to grow … Insurance can be confusing, so people in Omaha are looking for a partner and an expert to help them. Clients expect and demand that we keep up with the changes in insurance, and present them with new, good ideas to help them navigate.” Coffey continued, of its ominous 2009 launch date: “We didn’t know any different, that made us resilient.” Its offerings span commercial Continued on page 10. Optometrist and owner Michelle Meyer … Envisioning the future while carrying on the family business.
Family EyeCare Center changes hands, continues patient-focused tradition by Becky McCarville
Partners, from left, Dick and John Coffey … Origins in “throes of the great depression” enable insurance provider to guide clients through even most formidable challenges.
When Dr. Michelle Meyer took over Family EyeCare Center in January 2019, the transition was already seven years in the making. Her dad, Dr. Dean Meyer, began practicing optometry in Omaha about 40 years ago and opened Family EyeCare Center in 1995. The practice is located in Westwood Plaza at 12279 W. Center Road. “It’s been a transitional phase,
introducing me to the practice as an eye doctor, not just the daughter of Dr. Dean,” she said. “It didn’t happen overnight — we were talking throughout the years. He has patients who he’s seen since birth who are now married with children and that’s just a fun thing to see over the years. Now I’m seeing that too after seven years of little kids, now they’re in high school or college … it’s a really Continued on page 10.