ONYX | Fall 2023

O N Y X E x p r e s s Wa s h M e m b e r s h i p h a s n o w b e e n e x t e n d e d t o i n c l u d e a n y v e h i c l e i n a n

O N Y X c l i e n t ’s h o u s e h o l d . B r i n g y o u r v e h i c l e t o t h e a t t e n d a n t w i n d o w a t O N Y X E x p r e s s Wa s h .

Te l l t h e m y o u r h o m e a d d r e s s a n d t h a t y o u w o u l d l i k e t o e n r o l l a n a d d i t i o n a l h o u s e h o l d v e h i c l e .

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Publisher Todd Lemke

Associate Publisher Bill Sitzmann

Contributing Editor Tom Coleman, ONYX

Managing Editor Kim Carpenter

Ad Sales Gil Cohen gil@omahapublications.com

Graphic Designer Renee’ Ludwick

Accounting/ Operations Manager Kyle Fisher

SOLVING TRANSPORTATION NEEDS ONE DRIVER AT A TIME

CLIENT ADVISOR JIM GOLL

Story by Tamsen Butler // Photography by Bill Sitzmann

Jim Goll has been selling luxury vehicles for a long time–51 years, to be exact. Over the decades, he’s developed a style that his clients can’t help but appreciate.

to be here until I die, hopefully. It’s real rewarding for me.” Goll simply enjoys being around people too much to stop working.

Goll knew ONYX was the place for him after his first evaluation, or test, drive. “I’ll tell you a short story,” he started. “My first evaluation ride was with an 80-year-old woman from Glenwood, Iowa, in an M440i BMW. We go out and evaluate the car, we’re coming back on the expressway, and I looked over, and I said, ‘You know, Nancy, you’re doing 90 miles an hour.’ And she just looked over at me…and smiled. From that time on, I knew this was going to be a fun gig because customers are coming here because they love our cars.”

“I don’t look at it like I’m selling cars. I look at it like I’m solving the transportation needs of our clients,” he said.

Goll is a man of few words, but with good things to say. He chooses his words carefully and speaks thoughtfully, especially when it comes to the BMWs he assists clients in buying.

“When I go out on an evaluation drive, I usually don’t say a word, unless they ask a question. I let the car sell itself–and it does,” he said. “The name BMW is so popular. I don’t have to say, ‘This is a better car than that.’ I say, ‘Just drive the car.’ And if they say they’re going to go look at other luxury vehicles, I want them to. It makes my job a lot easier when they come back after looking at those other cars.

“I’m going to tell you the way it is, whether you like it or not,” Goll continued. “I sleep well at night when I follow this philosophy. I’ve told clients, ‘This isn’t the right car for you. If you want it, I’ll sell it to you.’ But I’m going to go over the pluses and the minuses.”

How does an ONYX client advisor learn to trust the vehicle to sell itself? Goll’s career started in 1972 when he joined his family’s Ford Lincoln Mercury dealership in Tekamah. “We were the smallest dealer in Nebraska to have a Lincoln franchise, and we established a niche that no one else did in the late ‘70s/early ‘80s,” said Goll. “We became the largest used Lincoln dealer in Nebraska. My forte has always been luxury vehicles.”

Goll eventually took over the dealership from his father and then sold it in 2004. At the suggestion of some friends, he didn’t retire, but instead kept selling luxury cars elsewhere. Six years ago, he joined ONYX. Unsurprisingly, he has no plans to stop working in the near future–or ever. “I’m not going to retire,” he asserted. “I’m going

Nancy did wind up buying the M440i. “And it makes it a lot more fun, providing them with something they really like a lot,” said Goll.

He enjoys working at ONYX because it’s unlike anywhere else he’s ever worked. “The way they do business here, the number one priority is customer satisfaction,” he explained. “And I’d also say management is very employee-oriented as far as taking care of their employees. They know everyone’s spouse’s name and everyone’s kids’ names.”

Getting another job selling cars after selling the Tekamah dealership wasn’t difficult because Goll’s reputation preceded him. When he initially spoke to the hiring manager at ONYX, he was told, “I don’t have any management positions open.” Goll replied, “I don’t want a management position. I only want to sell cars.”

After a brief pause, the manager pointed and said, “There’s your desk right there.”

Goll frequently finds himself in the position of a mentor to the newer client advisors, and frankly, everyone is newer than him as he has the most experience on the team. He enjoys the opportunity to mentor up-and-coming ONYX professionals and has a reputation among the team as approachable and knowledgeable. He says that he needs the younger client advisors just as much as they need him because together, they make a phenomenal team.

Goll has some clients who have been buying cars from him consistently for 40 years. And if it’s up to him, he’ll be solving their transportation needs for many, many more years to come.

For more information, visit onyxautomotive.com.

“I DON’T LOOK AT IT LIKE I’M SELLING CARS. I LOOK AT IT LIKE I’M SOLVING THE TRANSPORTATION NEEDS OF OUR CLIENTS,” JIM GOLL

SCAN, CLICK, & SCHEDULE ONYX’S ONLINE SERVICE SCHEDULING

Story by Holly McAtee // Photography by Bill Sitzmann

our check engine light has been on for a couple of days, and your car has been making a worrying grinding sound. Your workday is so busy that every time you find a minute to call a service department, it’s closed. On top of that, you pretty much live in your car driving children back and forth to practice and games, and dinner is on the run every night. When you finally do make time to call the dealership, another call comes in that you have to take. Then you hang up and remind yourself to call again later.

Scheduling time to service your vehicle is the last thing that you want to think about. Taking the time to call a dealership is inefficient. Wouldn’t it be better if there were a simple online way to book your service? What if you could just book an appointment with a simple click of a mouse while sittimg at yoru computer? Even better, what if you could conveniently use your mobile phone at anytime from any place that works for you?

Jordan Faust, director of customer experience for ONYX Automotive, recognized scheduling service was a challenge for clients. She set about creating a userfriendly system to make it easier. “We live in such a complicated world,” Faust said. “The service customers don’t always know how to deal with issues on their car. It’s our job to make it easier for them.”

With that in mind, she built a program with an online scheduler from scratch. “What could be complicated is actually simple,” Faust explained. “The new program is easy to read. The verbiage is simplified. Service is very complex, and this system is easy.”

ONYX’s Online Service Scheduling Process is quick and easy for clients, who simply visit www.onyxautomotive.com/ service and click on the black “Service Request” box. This takes them to several brief questions regarding the requested service and what times and dates work best. The system can save vehicle makes and models, which avoids having to repeat the process again during future service requests. The scheduling system additionally asks what kind of transportation is needed. Do clients need a shuttle?  A loaner car? Or do they prefer to wait?

After completing the short form, ONYX’s Customer Service Experience Team calls or texts to follow up with details and schedule service. Once the service request and appointment are confirmed, ONYX then sends a confirmation email and text, which include a link to add the appointment to a calendar.

The process is quick, simple and can be done at any time of the day or week. Clients can submit the form on weekends and/or when the service department is closed. If the request is submitted late at night, the Customer Service Experience Team calls in the morning to book an appointment.

Faust is happy with the scheduling system because it helps her team do their jobs more efficiently. She said, “I needed to make sure that my team had the tools and resources to do their job, and we have made it where they can do their job really well.”

Alycia Hanna, an ONYX customer experience team leader, said, “Clients like that it is a lot easier to schedule with our system, and they like that we give them a call right away.” Hanna added that clients can be very specific with their notes, which allows the care team to be more prepared when scheduling.

ONYX customers have given positive feedback on the new system. The form includes a customer satisfaction survey, and users typically rate the scheduling system a superlative 5 on a 1-5 scale. Instead of a complicated process to schedule your service, this process is immediately intuitive. “ONYX is all about making things simple for their customers,” Faust said. “In a world filled with complexity, we strive to simplify and elevate our customers’ experience. In the business of life, ONYX is there to make it easier for them.”

For information on ONYX’s Online Service Scheduling Process and to schedule an appointment, visit onyxautomotive.com/service.

“I NEEDED TO MAKE SURE THAT MY TEAM HAS THE TOOLS AND RESOURCES TO DO THEIR JOB, AND WE HAVE MADE IT WHERE THEY CAN DO THEIR JOB REALLY WELL.”

JORDAN FAUST

THE ULTIMATE BUYING EXPERIENCE

AMIE GAMBOIAN’S BMW X3 FROM ONYX: A BEST-IN-CLASS EXPERIENCE

“I PUT A LOT OF MILES ON MY VEHICLE BECAUSE OF MY BUSINESS, AND I NEVER HAVE TO BE CONCERNED WHEN I’M ON THE ROAD. THIS IS ONE OF THE MANY REASONS THAT I’LL STAY WITH BMW GOING FORWARD.”

AMIE GAMBOIAN

Story by Kim Carpenter // Photography by Bill Sitzmann

mie Gamboian knows a thing or two about high performance. A principal consultant for The Table Group, a firm dedicated to making employee work more fulfilling and companies more successful, she collaborates with CEOs and other executives to develop cohesive work cultures. As an expert in business coaching, leadership, strategic vision, and organizational health who’s worked with clients like Chick-fil-A, Harley Davidson, and Northwestern Mutual, it’s no surprise that Gamboian aligns her professional focus on high performance with the vehicle she drives—a BMW X3.

Gamboian is a relatively new convert to the Bavarian brand. She had previously driven a Cadillac Escalade, an SUV that was too overwhelming for her petite frame. It was difficult to see well, she confessed, and the seats were surprisingly uncomfortable.

Steve and Jeff Hinchcliff, the father-andson owners of ONYX Automotive with whom she closely worked to help create the company’s award-winning customer service ethos, understood her difficulties and recommended a superior fit, both literally and figuratively. The BMW X3, they suggested, would not only accommodate her and her passengers better, it would also provide for a more fitting complement to her efficiency-driven personality.

“I’m a small person. Prior to this, I had previously been a Cadillac driver, but being in a bigger vehicle was not comfortable for me. I actually had a backache just from putting my purse in the backseat,” Gamboian recounted of her challenges in the Escalade. “A big part of this vehicle, the X3, is that it really fits me. It’s a car that physically fits me so much better, and it also really fits what I value. It aligns with my priorities, and driving this made for such a fun transition.”

Indeed, BMW has engineered its TwinPower Turbo enhanced engines for reliability, versatility, and power output. The X3 sports activity vehicle, or SAV, which is part of BMW’s X-line, provides all-terrain performance and efficiency in a rugged yet sophisticated package. It delivers superior handling at every twist and turn in the road, a BMW hallmark, making this model an all-around standout and one of the most popular vehicles in the German automotive manufacturer’s fleet.

“It’s just a dynamic vehicle,” Gamboian explained of her pewter X3, which she purchased in 2019. “I love the sportiness coupled with the dependability. BMWs are known for being the Ultimate Driving Machine—and this is. It’s just so smooth.”

That dependability is key for the consultant. “I put a lot of miles on my vehicle because of my business, and I never have to be concerned when I’m on the road. This is one of the many reasons that I’ll stay with BMW going forward.”

Gamboian especially loves how seamlessly the driving technology is integrated throughout her SAV. “The whole technology system is incredible,” she enthused. “Just one dial can accomplish a large number of functions. It’s just phenomenal.”

Gamboian appreciates being able to choose between two modes of applications—turning the dial or switching over to tapping the console’s touchscreen. It’s a seamless transition that’s intuitive and simple to master.

“I love having the ability to do either the dial or the screen. I can do things like scheduling a service or checking those appointments. The technology connects to so many components and is so userfriendly. Everything is contained all in one system. It’s mind-boggling.”

Equally critical for Gamboian was the business behind her BMW. Given her profession, it’s imperative for the leadership consultant that she deal with an organization dedicated to the same exacting high performance ideals as her vehicle.

“ONYX has an extremely healthy, committed, and high-performing team, which is intentional, and all ONYX customers benefit from that best-in-class experience,” she explained. “That’s what gives them the competitive advantage in their day-today operations. When you have a healthy organization in place, you have high company morality and high engagement.”

That’s something Gamboian appreciates and demands not just as a consultant, but also as a client.

“When I purchase anything, it’s very important for me to understand the business,” she stated. “The Hinchcliffs have built an incredible company. A number one indicator of customer satisfaction is if people feel cared about. Through every interaction at ONYX, from the purchase to service, my husband and I felt valued and appreciated. That’s why we’ll continue to go back over and over again. I don’t just have a connection to my car. I have a connection to ONYX.”

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SEEING RED

A PREVIEW OF THE 2023 HUSKER FOOTBALL SEASON

Story by Lizzy Diamond

Fall is a big deal in Nebraska. It’s not because of pumpkin patches, cooler weather, or upcoming holidays. For many Nebraskans, the onset of autumn means the return of Cornhusker football. This season in particular is met with anxious excitement for the incoming of a new coaching staff.

2022 was not exactly a banner year for the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers. Last fall, the team ended their season with a 4-8 record, prompting UNL to fire former head coach Scott Frost. Matt Rhule takes over as head coach starting this year, and Nebraska football fans will be watching to see what he can do for the team.

Coach Rhule may be new to the Huskers, but he brings an impressive resume with him. He previously coached at Baylor and Temple universities. At both schools, Rhule went from one win in his first season to 10 or more wins in his third and fourth seasons. He coached two out of three of Temple University’s 10-win seasons and led the team to their first conference title in over four decades. Under Rhule’s coaching, the Baylor Bears finished their 2019 season with the most wins in the team’s history.

The new coach boasts more than just collegiate success, as he served as a head coach in the National Football League (NFL) for 38 games. The Carolina Panthers had lost the first eight games of the 2019 season before Rhule stepped in as head coach. With him at the helm, the Panthers had two back-to-back seasons with an 11-27 record. Throughout his coaching career, Rhule has proven his ability to bring teams back from a losing season. With time, he may be able to do the same with the Huskers. Fans will need to be patient to see what success he might bring for the team.

Along with their head coach, the majority of the Huskers’ coaching staff will be new this season. The new defensive coordinator Tony White comes to Nebraska from Syracuse University, which had the nation’s most improved defense in 2021. During his time at Syracuse, White received a nomination for National Assistant Coach of the Year in 2022 and worked with 24 future NFL players, 17 of whom were draft picks.

Marcus Satterfield joins the team as offensive coordinator. He previously worked as the offensive coordinator and quarterback coach at the University of South Carolina. Under Satterfield, the offense earned the third most passing yards in school history, fourth most points, and sixth most total yards. In the last nine seasons, Satterfield has coached 20 future NFL players. Along with his impressive career at South Carolina, Satterfield spent seven seasons as a part of Rhule’s coaching staff.

Along with Satterfield, Rhule is bringing on six other men who have been a part of his coaching staff in recent years. This includes special teams coordinator Ed Foley, running back coach EJ Barthel, secondary coach and defensive pass coordinator Evan Cooper, defensive line coach Terrance Knighton, wide receiver coach Garret McGuire, and linebacker coach Rob Dvoracek. Dvoracek has not only worked with Rhule as a fellow coach, but he also played for Rhule during his time at Temple.

In the fall, the Huskers will have 16 starters returning to the team. Among these starters is Luke Reimer, a senior linebacker, who has been named the team’s most productive returning player. Last season, he started in 10 games and led Nebraska with 86 tackles. He is 15th place for the most tackles in school history with 245 career tackles.

IN THE FALL, THE HUSKERS WILL HAVE 16 STARTERS RETURNING TO THE TEAM. AMONG THESE STARTERS IS LUKE REIMER, A SENIOR LINEBACKER, WHO HAS BEEN NAMED THE TEAM’S MOST PRODUCTIVE RETURNING PLAYER. LAST SEASON, HE STARTED IN 10 GAMES AND LED NEBRASKA WITH 86 TACKLES. HE IS 15TH PLACE FOR THE MOST TACKLES IN SCHOOL HISTORY WITH 245 CAREER TACKLES.

Also returning to the team is senior wide receiver Marcus Washington, who was regarded as the second most effective receiver last year. In 2022, Washington started in 10 games, caught 31 passes for 471 yards, and set career highs, all of which earned him his second-place ranking on the team.

Along with the returning players, the Corn huskers are bringing in some impressive first-year talent. Freshman wide receiver Malachi Coleman is moving across town from Lincoln East High School. He was selected to play in the 2023 All-Ameri can Bowl and Polynesian Bowl. Another All-American freshman is Cameron Len hardt from Staten Island, who was a 2023 Under Armour All-American. Princewill Umanmielen joins the defensive line from Austin, Texas. He was one of the top 300 recruits in the country.

The Huskers are also adding some no ticeably skilled transfers to the team. While they will also be new to the team, they bring collegiate experience that the first years do not have. Offensive lines man Ben Scott comes to Nebraska from Arizona State. At ASU, Scott started in 28 games, 11 of which were in the 2022 season. He was ranked 28th nationally in run blocking. Jeff Simms is transferring to Nebraska from Georgia Tech. He played three seasons as quarterback in Georgia. During that time, Simms was responsible for 5,500 yards of total offense. Whether transfers or first-years, the new players will all have an interesting impact on team dynamics.

Going into the 2023 season, all eyes will be on the new coaches and players, es pecially Coach Rhule. Only time will tell if he will be able to bring the team back from its losing streak. Based on his suc cess with other teams, however, hope grows for the Cornhuskers as they head into the fall.

For more information, visit huskers.com/ sports/football.

THROUGHOUT HIS COACHING CAREER, RHULE HAS PROVEN HIS ABILITY TO BRING TEAMS BACK FROM A LOSING SEASON. WITH TIME, HE MAY BE ABLE TO DO THE SAME WITH THE HUSKERS.

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M IS THE MOST POWERFUL LETTER IN THE WORLD THE BMW M TOWN TOUR AT ONYX AUTOMOTIVE

Story by Holly McAtee // Photography by Bill Sitzmann

“THIS CAR IS AMAZING. IT IS ALSO CONTROVERSIAL, BECAUSE IT WEIGHS ALMOST 7000 POUNDS, BUT IT MOVES WELL AND HUGS CORNERS WHEN IT DRIVES. A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE SKEPTICAL WHEN THEY SEE IT, BUT WHEN THEY DRIVE IT, THEY IMMEDIATELY BECOME FANS AND ARE CONVINCED THAT IT IS ONE OF THE MOST POWERFUL M CARS YET.”

JOSE GAYTAN

is for magnificent, marvelous, and majestic. And in the case of BMW M, the letter stands for “Motorsport,” with the subsidiary introduced in 1972 as a way to facilitate BMW’s racing program. Manufacturing evolved to include high-performance luxury vehicles for the general public, and on July 29th, ONYX Automotive hosted the BMW M Town Tour, an exclusive event that allowed auto enthusiasts to test drive models like the first-ever XM, the all-electric i4 M50, and the legendary M3 Competition, vehicles typically unavailable for test drives. And they were able to do so without an employee along for the ride.

“The event always draws a crowd of very optimistic and enthusiastic customers. They register for the event and drive as many of the tour cars as they want in an hour,” ONYX BMW Genius Julian Johnson said. “The route is about 15 minutes. Inside we have food, drinks, and complimentary mugs for the guests.” He explained that the event is highly popular because the showcased vehicles aren’t usually on display at the dealership. “It’s the rarity,” Johnson said. “The point of the tour is to get customers in vehicles they normally would never have the chance to drive.”

“Customers are always excited when they can drive an M car,” Jose Gaytan, BMW M Town Tour Manager, said. “The M cars are the pinnacle of the racing experience.”

Vince Tobia, who was also with the BMW M Town Tour, added, “The great thing about the tour is that you get the full experience on your own. Normally you must have someone ride with you when you test drive.”

The event lasted all day and went into the evening, which included a VIP party for clients and employees complete with dinner, open bar, an ice sculpture, and DJ. Drew Friesen, general manager for ONYX BMW, said, “People really saw this as an event where they could have fun behind the wheel of a car without feeling pressured to buy the car. It was nice to be at the dealership to learn what is on the horizon for BMW.”

This year’s lineup included the iX M60, XM, and an all-electric i4 M50, All of the M models are powerhouses engineered for drivers who demand the best performance from their vehicles. As the signs at the M Town Tour say, “M is the Most Powerful Letter in the World.”

THE XM

The XM is a revolutionary car, because it is BMW’s first powerful hybrid car which can switch between running on gas or on an electric powertrain, which gives it extra power on the road. It boasts a 4.4-liter BMW M TwinPower Turbo V-8 paired with plug-in hybrid technology and an M xDrive all-wheel drive system. The XM also has 644 horsepower and can hit 60 MPH in 4.1 seconds.

“This car is amazing,” Gaytan observed. “It is also controversial, because it weighs almost 7000 pounds, but it moves well and hugs corners when it drives. A lot of people are skeptical when they see it, but when they drive it, they immediately become fans and are convinced that it is one of the most powerful M cars yet.”

Test drivers were immediately smitten. “It is super sporty—almost scary,” observed Aun Shah, who was attending the BMW M Town Tour for the first time. “It was really fast and nimble. The interior quality was superb. If I was more courageous, I would get it.”

Steve Eckerman was similarly enthusiastic about his test drive. “The exhaust note was good,” he said. “The downshifts with the paddles were fun. It was fast!” Dave Pace finished his test drive impressed with how precisely the XM handled. “It drove really well for the size of it,” he explained. “The sound is great, and the headliner is insane.” His wife Lisa added, “It has a beautiful interior, and the handling is fabulous.” Matt Effken loved what the XM was capable of accomplishing on the road, noting, “The XM is all the power that you need and more. It’s been a very exhilarating event.” His wife Leanne agreed. “It’s a beautiful car,” she said. “Great stereo. Very impressive!”

THE i4 M50

The i4 M50 is BMW’s cutting-edge allelectric performance vehicle with an astonishing charging range of 279-307 miles. This luxurious four-door sports car has a horsepower of 396/443.

Test driver Russell Singleton was surprised by the electric vehicle’s power. “I really liked the iconic sounds; it gives a sense of emotion to the car,” he said. “The performance was better than I expected because it’s an electric car, but when you press your foot on the gas it really goes. It rode better than I thought. I was impressed.”

Lisa Pace liked driving the i4M50 best. “It was fun to drive,” she enthused. “It’s the electric version of a sports car.” Steve Eckerman added, “Great acceleration. Great handling. And it’s fast!” ›››

The IX M60i

The instant torque with this electric car hits 0-60 in under three seconds and makes it possible to hit a range of 300 miles on a single charge. It also provides both drivers and riders with pure comfort, sumptuous luxury, and top-of-thetechnology-line infotainment system.

The IX M60i electric car reminded Dave Pace of The Jetsons television show, known for its take on what the future would look like. “It’s space-agey,” he explained. “The power delivery was like pouring out syrup. It oozed out, but it was interesting.”

Aun Shah described the IX M60i as “a very comfortable, smooth ride. Nice to get in and out of. The acceleration was insane. You could feel your heart flutter.”

THE X7 M60

Similar to the XM, this vehicle has the same engine, same platform, and same chassis. The high-performance sport utility vehicle also has 523 horsepower and hits 0-65 miles in 4.5 seconds. Even with its superior power, it’s a great all-around car for a family given its third row of seats. The X7 M60 additionally gets superb gas mileage and can be taken off-roading, so it’s ideal for road trips.

If you missed the M Town Tour, it will return to ONYX next year so drivers can have the opportunity to test drive these high-performance vehicles and experience the newest ultimate driving machine and exactly why the letter M is the most powerful letter in the world.

For more information on BMW’s M Town series, visit onyxautomotive.com.

“I REALLY LIKED THE ICONIC SOUNDS; IT GIVES A SENSE OF EMOTION TO THE CAR,” HE SAID. “THE PERFORMANCE WAS BETTER THAN I EXPECTED BECAUSE IT’S AN ELECTRIC CAR, BUT WHEN YOU PRESS YOUR FOOT ON THE GAS IT REALLY GOES. IT RODE BETTER THAN I THOUGHT. I WAS IMPRESSED.”

RUSSELL SINGLETON

OMAHA’S NEW LUXURY DESTINATION

GUNDERSON’S JEWELERS TO JOIN ONYX AUTOMOTIVE AT HEARTWOOD PRESERVE

Story by Kim Carpenter // Images Provided

Amoment, a memory, a lifetime. For over 75 years, Gunderson’s Jewelers has commemorated all three with exquisite jewelry and precision timepieces. Starting in the summer of 2024, the family business will do so nestled within Omaha’s latest city hub, Heartwood Preserve, where the new retail store will offer both an expanded selection of exclusive items as well as numerous client-focused services. Forget journeying to Fifth Avenue or Rodeo Drive. Luxury abounds right here in the heart of the Midwest.

Heartwood Preserve is the ideal location for such a luxury Mecca. Already home to ONYX Automotive, the urban development underway in West Omaha features 500 mixed-use, pedestrian-friendly acres that will become a cornerstone for living, working, shopping, and enjoying recreation in the city. Central to the plan is the integration and protection of the area’s natural beauty, which will include some 80 acres of greenway corridors, bike paths, walking trails, and sidewalks lined with oak savannahs, woodlands, riparian corridors, and limestone.

That kind of setting is ideal for Gunderson’s, which has five Midwest stores, including one at Village Pointe in Omaha since 2013. It will wind down that retail space before the 2024 transition to the new Gunderson’s location. Currently under construction, the Heartwood Preserve facility will feature more than 25,000 square feet of combined retail and operations space that will house client-focused services such as a custom design studio, a Rolex repair facility, and an exclusive bridal salon focused on fine diamonds and mountings.

“We found the perfect location to present the future of the Gunderson’s brand,” said owner Brian Gunderson. “The Omaha market is dynamic and rapidly growing; we’re certain that Heartwood Preserve will be the new hot spot of luxury retail and recreation in the area. This location will set a new standard for our brand.”

That standard is emblematic of Gunderson’s, which prides itself on not simply being a jewelry store. Headquartered in Sioux City, Iowa, the jeweler is a privately-held, family-owned small business in its third generation of serving a growing list of devoted clients, who in turn are themselves treated like family members. For more than half a century, Gunderson’s has offered the highest quality diamonds, fine jewelry, and gifts and provided the service and quality that now make its name synonymous with luxury. Watchmaker George Gunderson founded the company in Sioux City in 1945, and the company’s roots in fine watches

are evident today in its dedication to luxury timepieces. The Gunderson’s family of stores includes two authorized Rolex dealers (in Omaha and Fargo), and each location carries a variety of timepieces such as Carl F. Bucherer, IWC, Omega, Tissot, Tudor, and NOMOS Glashütte.

And of course, there’s jewelry at a wide range of price points in all its iterations—rings, bracelets, necklaces, pendants, and earrings by designers such as Charles Krypell, Diabella, Kwiat, Picciotti, Sethi Couture, Messika, and Henri Daussi, among others. In addition to offering many of the same products and services that have kept the jewelry retailer a customer favorite for so many decades, the Heartwood Preserve retail space will offer a new array of jewelry previously unavailable in the Midwest, even in cities like Chicago and Minneapolis.

“Gunderson’s has, over the past five years, grown to where our buying relationships have allowed us access to brands previously only found on the coasts—or even recently exclusive to Europe,” said company president Breanne Demers, who also serves as a buyer for the jewelers. “Gunderson’s will be bringing that level of exclusive luxury to Omaha.”

“As the store grows, so too will the number of jewelry offerings,” added Cody Alwin, Gunderson’s Omaha Store Manager. “For example, there will be more men’s jewelry. We’re seeing a return to pieces like signet rings that were popular during the 1970s and ‘80s. We’ve always been a source of colored diamonds and gemstones, and our offerings will be on a whole other level at the new store. I’ve never seen another jewelry store like this—not at this scale.”

Alwin said the enhanced client services, which will include private salons for custom designs, will expand on services to individualize jewelry for clients. “People want something different, and our designers love to work with people to help them enhance what they already have while defining their own style.”

This is especially coveted for engagement rings where thousands of brands exist. Gunderson’s prides itself on offering couples the opportunity to create engagement rings through its custom design studio. “We work with them from the initial concept all the way through to the finished product,” Alwin explained. “It’s much like getting a custom-tailored suit or dress. Artists and goldsmiths work together and collaborate to create a unique engagement ring. Most work will be done right on site.”

FEATURE

Certified Rolex watchmakers will also handle Rolex watch maintenance and repair at the new Heartwood Preserve location, a major new service for Rolex watch aficionados, who currently must send their timepieces away for care. “Rolex has very stringent demands about how watch service is carried out,” Alwin explained. “Not every Rolex dealer can do Rolex service and repair. For example, specific lab coats must be worn; specific air purifiers must be installed. This is a very honored partnership.”

Tom Coleman, marketing director at ONYX Automotive, sees the addition of Gunderson’s to Heartwood Preserve as an exciting complement to the luxury car dealership. “This is a perfect business to join ONYX at Heartwood Preserve,” he said. “ONYX clients know luxury, and we’ve already heard how much they’re anticipating the new Gunderson’s location.”

Gunderson’s, too, is looking forward to the upcoming move to the new luxury hub. “The energy surrounding Heartwood Preserve is palpable,” said Demers. “We couldn’t be more excited for the future of West Omaha—and what role Gunderson’s will play in that story.”

Alwin agrees. “We’re really excited to be part of the new epicenter of luxury in Omaha and be part of this community. For more information, visit gundersons.com.

“THIS IS A PERFECT BUSINESS TO JOIN ONYX AT HEARTWOOD PRESERVE, ONYX CLIENTS KNOW LUXURY, AND WE’VE ALREADY HEARD HOW MUCH THEY’RE ANTICIPATING THE NEW GUNDERSON’S LOCATION.”

TOM COLEMAN

HAPPY HUNTING THE GOOD LIFE FOR GAME

Story by Kim Carpenter

Nebraska Game and Parks calls the state “the mixed-bag hunting capital of the Great Plains.”

Consider it a well-kept secret— one we don’t necessarily want to share with the rest of the country. Whether you’re aiming with archery, muzzleloaders, or firearms, you can experience some of the best hunting in the US within an easy road trip of home. Added bonus: permits are inexpensive in comparison to other states. Load your gear into your ONYX luxury vehicle and prepare for an autumnal adventure that at once puts your skills to the test while also providing for a relaxing, convivial experience in the great outdoors where the deer and the antelope roam in the state’s vast, open spaces. Best part? No matter the ONYX vehicle, you’ll have plenty of room to transport your prized trophies back home.

ANTELOPE

Technically known as pronghorn, this big game is the fastest land mammal in North America with a top speed of circa 60 mph. (They’re slightly faster than cheetahs at their lower speeds.) Pronghorn can maintain that speed for lengthy amounts of time, making them one of the most challenging quarry in the country. Herds were almost extinct at the beginning of the 20th century, and hunting them in Nebraska was banned for half a century until opening again in 1958. Today, pronghorn roam the northwestern part of the state, and hunting permits are for both archery and firearms.

BIGHORN SHEEP

Although the permits are limited, Nebraska has earned a reputation for producing enviable trophy rams. Unregulated hunting combined with disease and habitat loss led to the disappearance of the majestic animal in the state during the late 1800s, and it took almost a century for their reintroduction to gain a foothold in Nebraska. Today, the bighorn population in the Wildcat Hills and Pine Ridge is circa 300 rams, ewes, and lambs. Nebraska’s population of bighorns stands at approximately more than 300 rams, ewes, and lambs in both. ›››

DEER

With a long hunting season from September through mid January, hunters have months to score whitetail and mule deer trophy success. Whitetail deer, with a population of around half a million, are most prevalent in southeastern Nebraska counties, including Cass, Cedar, Dodge, Douglas, Gage, Jefferson, Johnson, Lancaster, Nemaha, Otoe, Pawnee, Richardson, Sarpy, Saunders, and Washington as well as along major river corridors, which boast best deer densities, genetics, nutrition, habitat, and the largest bucks. Whitetail can also be found in several western and central counties, such as Holt, Furnas, Keya Paha, and Lincoln. Mule deer are less populous at about 130,000 in the state, with a higher density in the western two-thirds part of the state, where there are more opportunities to hunt on public lands.

ELK

Once ubiquitous in Nebraska, elk became extinct by 1900. It took close to 70 years, but a small population returned from neighboring Wyoming, Colorado, and South Dakota, and by the mid 1980s, Nebraska held its first modern elk season. Now primarily present across western Nebraska’s rivers, valleys, and hills (sometimes veering into the central part of the state), the yearly passage of young bulls makes elk hunting season an especially rich trophy experience. Elk have habitats along the Niobrara River and the Sandhills in northern Nebraska, and elk units include Ash Creek, Bordeaux, Box Elder, Hat Creek, Niobrara West, and Niobrara East.

MOUNTAIN LIONS

One of the most elusive species in North America, mountain lions provide for some of the country’s most challenging hunting quarries. Relying on dogs and spotting tracks in snow are two of the most tried and true techniques for tracking them. Nebraska only recently recolonized mountain lions in the state, and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission approved hunting for mountain lions in the Pine Ridge area less than a decade ago in 2014. This year, the Commission expanded the area to include the Niobrara River Valley. The region is so limited, because the population is still struggling to create a resilient permanent foothold.

LOAD YOUR GEAR INTO YOUR ONYX LUXURY VEHICLE AND PREPARE FOR AN AUTUMNAL ADVENTURE THAT AT ONCE PUTS YOUR SKILLS TO THE TEST WHILE ALSO PROVIDING FOR A RELAXING, CONVIVIAL EXPERIENCE IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS WHERE THE DEER AND THE ANTELOPE ROAM IN THE STATE’S VAST, OPEN SPACES.

UPLAND BIRDS

Pheasants, quail, partridges, prairie chickens, and prairie grouse—oh my! Ring-necked pheasants have been a popular hunting tradition since the mid 1920s, and they exist statewide with a higher distribution in southwestern Nebraska and parts of the Panhandle, where there are more small grain crops and plenty of grass cover. Native to Nebraska, bobwhite quail are an edge species, meaning they make their homes where habitats such as grasslands and croplands merge. Bobwhites also like woody cover, while native shrub thickets like chokecherry and American plum serve as cozy coveys for quail. Although not native to the state, Hungarian, or gray, partridges and chukar partridges can both be found in Nebraska.

Two species of prairie grouse make their home in the Cornhusker state: the greater prairie chicken and the sharp-tailed grouse. The former like to range in the eastern Sandhills but also make their habitats in parts of the northeastern, south-central, and southwestern parts of the state. Prairie grouse tend to concentrate across large, open landscapes with few trees, like the mixed-grass prairie dunes of the Sand Hills.

WILD TURKEY

Extremely popular with hunters from around the country, Nebraska wild turkeys feature hybrid Merriams, a gamefarm cross, which means that most turkeys are a blend of two or more breeds. Given the natural Ponderosa pine habitat that Merriams prefer, wild turkeys in Nebraska can be found predominantly in the Pine Ridge in the northwest part of the state as well as the Niobrara River from south of Cody to north of Newport. Highest densities are located in the Niobrara River and Pine Ridge valleys and in parts of the Republican River. Due to both the abundance of wild turkeys and the beauty of the landscape, the Lake McConaughy/Keith County region is also a favorite destination for hunters.

WATERFOWL

More than 15 duck species migrate through Nebraska every autumn, and they traverse diverse habitats, including the unique variety of landscapes of Platte River sandbars, Rainwater Basin wetlands, and Sandhills lakes. Hunters often set their sites on mallard, American Wigeon, gadwall, northern shovelers, wood ducks, blue- and greenwinged teal, northern pintails as well as canvasback, redhead, or ring-necked duck. Canada geese arrive in November and make their way through the state through early January.

PUBLIC OR PRIVATE?

Public access isn’t plentiful in the Cornhusker state, with only 3% of land open. But that 3% includes 1.2 million acres of land across the entire state, which encompasses state, federal, and conservation partner lands plus privately-owned lands enrolled in the Open Fields and Waters (OFW) program, which opens an additional 346,000 acres of private land to hunters. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission operates with partners like the US Department of Agriculture, Pheasants Forever, the Nebraska Environmental Trust, and Natural Resource Districts to increase public hunting opportunities across Nebraska. Popular public lands include Platte River State Park, Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, Ashland State Wildlife Management Area, Schramm Park State Recreation Area, Kansas Bend Wildlife Management Area, Smith Falls State Park, and Fort Robinson State Park. Also, check out the Niobrara, North Platte, South Platte, Republican, Loup, and Elkhorn River systems for prime wild turkey hunting. With 97% of the state in private hands, most hunting is done on private lands. Ranches and retreats offer rich hunting experiences, but permission is required.

For more information on hunting in Nebraska, visit outdoornebraska.gov/hunt. For listings of public hunting lands, go to outdoornebraska.gov/guides-maps/ public-access-atlas.

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