MARCH 5, 2021
THE BUSINESS NEWSPAPER OF GREATER OMAHA, LINCOLN AND COUNCIL BLUFFS
$2.00
VOL. 47 NO. 10
Access Commercial targets multi-state project portfolio
THIS WEEK 'S ISSUE:
by Richard D. Brown
A connection for athlete endorsement ecosystem, Opendorse yields significant growth. – Page 2
40 er d Un 40 From opioids to COVID-19, Sundar Rajan seeks medical solutions through data. – Page 4
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Infrastructure to modernize, support future travel paramount alongside safety efforts. – Page 5
Access Commercial, with real estate, construction and capital management entities within its ownership partnership, is finding that taking a progressive route with multi-state small-to-midrange mixed-use projects can bring momentum and marketing visibility to its efforts. Principals Kirk Hanson, Jr. and Darren Hicks, who started their venture 12 years ago, have multiple projects in Nebraska, Iowa, North and South Dakota, Minnesota, Indiana and Illinois. Whatever the venue, Hanson said an important factor in the success of the 44-employee Access Commercial has been establishing the synergy based on strategic partnerships that maximize the value for every stakeholder in a project. “For us what’s important is the unique set of core values that we adhere to from top to bottom in our company,” Hanson said. “We’re also very forward thinking and we look at the technicalities in working with each of our tenants.” And such attention to detail has Continued on page 10.
From left, Principals Darren Hicks and Kirk Hanson at the Regency Landing project near 1-680 and Pacific Street … The commercial real estate firm is currently working on a wide variety of projects in the metro area. (Photo by MBJ / Becky McCarville)
Stories Coffee Co. uses creative approach to reach customers during pandemic year by Becky McCarville
When Brooke and Dan Loutzenhiser were looking to open a business that focused on the community and related to coffee, they jumped on the opportunity to buy Stories Coffee Co., when the opportunity came up about three years ago (Stories’ previous location was at 180th and Pacific streets). They found the perfect location
at 114th and Davenport streets and opened the brick-and-mortar store on March 23, 2020, a few days after the pandemic was declared and business restrictions were put in place. They opened their second location at The Switch Beer and Food Hall in the Blackstone District in November. “We were looking at starting up a company to connect here in the Continued on page 10. Owner and Operator Alex Pearson … Opening a fitness equipment service franchise during the pandemic no sweat for entrepreneur.
Fitness Machine Technicians off to fast start with niche in equipment service by Michelle Leach
Owners Dan and Brooke Loutzenhiser … Doubling down on opening two locations in 2020, looking to add more locations and diversify offerings.
What better way to reduce the onslaught of stress hormones generated during the pandemic than with exercise? However, with home gym equipment getting a work-out as COVID-19 persists, the trusty treadmill may make concerning noises, or the steady stationary bike may feature a perplexing “error” code. This is where Fitness Machine Technicians of Omaha and Lincoln comes into play, as that
rare national exercise equipment service provider. “There are some small mom and pop places that exist,” said Alex Pearson, the new local franchise owner and operator. “But the other national brands sell equipment. And, for those who sell equipment, there is brand loyalty.” Pearson noted the brand-agnostic franchisor maintains or repairs all sorts of commercial Continued on page 26.