Personnel

Boys Town National Research Hospital’s Dr. Mohan Mysore Honored for Critical Care Work Boys Town National Research Hospital salutes Dr. Mohan Mysore, medical director and pediatric critical care physician, on receiving the 2020 Barry A. Shapiro Memorial Award for Excellence in Critical Care Management from the Society of Critical Care Medicine. The award, which was presented in February at the Society’s 49th Critical Care Congress in Orlando, honored Dr. Mysore for his significant contributions to the practice of pediatric critical care. This includes his work in creating the Pediatric Advanced Care Unit at Boys Town National Research Hospital. The unit serves children who have undergone neurosurgical procedures and require intensive monitoring, as well as those suffering from respiratory distress, viral infections, and other conditions requiring critical care services. The six-bed Pediatric Advanced Care Unit has cared for more than 150 critically ill children since opening in June 2019. Boys Town National Research Hospital is an internationally recognized leader in clinical and research programs focusing on childhood deafness, developmental language disorder, and related communication disorders. Learn more online at www.boystownhospital.org.

22 Strictly Business APRIL 2020 Amy Mandarich and David Hannam Celebrate Anniversaries with Concentric Corporation Concentric Corporation celebrated two work anniversaries in March for Amy Mandarich and David Hannam. Amy has been at Concentric for two years as a business development manager while David Hannam, vice president, is celebrating his fourteenth year at Concentric. Both add unique value to Concentric’s community because of their dedication to their careers, experience in the industry, and their enthusiasm to always do their best. Amy has experience working as a manager in human resources, staffing, and business development. She excels in connecting with professionals on a deeper level, allowing her to truly find that perfect fit. Outside of work, Amy enjoys exploring different vacation spots and spending time with her loved ones. David has experience working as a college recruiter and in fundraising, sales, and business development. His experience and knowledge of the industry and market place make him a huge asset to Concentric. David enjoys spending time with his family whether at home or traveling the world. He also enjoys a good game of golf with his friends. Concentric is bringing back the fundamentals of recruiting, which starts with the relationship. They are upgrading the approach in executive search and recruiting by being deliberate and purposeful, always taking the extra step with their audience’s best interests in mind. They uncover true motives in hiring and career advancement by having transparent and honest conversations. This allows an execution of what Concentric likes to call connecting excellence. Once they determine the tangible skillset, culture fit, and urgency of both sides, they become the bridge between future hires and career paths. To learn more about Concentric Corporation, go to concentriccorp.com or follow them on social media (@ConcentricCorp). Amy Mandarich David Hannam

Strictly Business Editor and Operations Director Hannah Hundley Celebrates 2 Years On February 11, Strictly Business Editor and Director of Operations Hannah Hundley celebrated her two-year work anniversary with the magazine. Hannah’s role has taken on many forms since she first joined the team as executive assistant in 2018. Coming from a background in hospitality, tourism, and community planning, Hannah was excited to work for an organization dedicated to promoting local businesses. She eventually became full-time editor when the position opened up. During this time, she also took on a minor sales role, allowing her to meet with potential clients and attend more networking events in Lincoln and Omaha. Recently, Hannah transitioned into more of an operational role, handling events and various projects, while still overseeing major editorial aspects of the magazine. She appreciates the opportunities for professional growth that come with working for a small, family-owned business, and she admires founders/owners Shayne and Paige Zutavern for the impact they’ve made in the local community through the publication. Strictly Business is a trusted monthly news sources and effective advertising tool, publishing original content in print and online. To learn more, visit strictlybusinessomaha.com. To contact Hannah, call the office at (402) 466-3330 or email editor@strictlybusinessomaha.com.

BNI Heartland Announces Tracy Anderson as Omaha Area Member of the Year

BNI ®

Heartland is pleased to announce Tracy Anderson as their Omaha Area Member of the Year. Tracy was recognized at the Omaha Area BNI Regional Awards and Recognition Event in February. This annual event, which highlights member and chapter achievements, included about 100 small business owners and sales professionals dedicated to growing their businesses and increasing the economic footprint in the Omaha area.

Tracy Anderson owns and operates Caps Etc., which offers custom embroidery, T-shirt and hat printing, and screen printing services. Tracy has been an active BNI member since 2013. He currently serves as president of the Let’s Do Lunch Chapter in Omaha. In 2019, he led his chapter with 98% attendance and completed over 120 one-to-ones, which resulted in more than 150 referrals.

Ray Huse, BNI Heartland’s Omaha area director, said, “Tracy truly leads by example. He continually looks for ways to help members in his chapter grow their business, and as professionals. He exemplifies our Givers Gain ®

philosophy.”

This award is presented each year to one member for their commitment to BNI, dedication to their fellow members and BNI’s core values, and productivity within the chapter, and, ultimately, the region!

#PrintProudDigitalSmart BNI ®

is the world’s leading referral organization. Members generate word-of-mouth business for each other through structured, resultsdriven groups around the world. In 2019 alone, their members generated over $16 billion (USD) in revenue for member businesses. To learn more, visit bniheartland.com or contact (402) 880-6311 / info@bniheartland.com.

Tobi Mathouser Named Goodwill Omaha President and Chief Operating Officer Goodwill Omaha recently promoted Tobi Mathouser to president and chief operating officer. Mathouser has worked for Goodwill Omaha since 2006, and most recently has held the position of director of mission advancement. For the past year and a half, she has attended Goodwill Industries International’s Executive Development Program, an award-winning program designed to mold experienced leaders within Goodwill organizations. Mathouser has entered her new position with a vision for growth. She sees ways Goodwill Omaha can expand their employment services and grow their programs so they can keep increasing the number of people they serve. She intends to enhance every area of Goodwill Omaha’s operations moving forward in an effort to continually improve. Goodwill Industries, Inc., a private, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) agency governed by a local board of trustees, has been a leader in helping people fulfill their dreams through work since 1933. Their mission is to train and employ people with disabilities and others who may be at a competitive disadvantage in the job market. They do this by selling value-priced merchandise at 17 convenient locations in the Omaha area. Learn more at goodwillomaha.org.

CEDARS President Jim Blue Named Distinguished NEBRASKAlander CEDARS President Jim Blue was honored alongside his wife Susanne Blue, executive director of Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach, at the 2020 Statehood Day Banquet on February 29 in the State Capitol rotunda. The human services pioneers were selected by the NEBRASKAland Foundation board of directors for their incredible impact on the community.

McGill Restoration Brings on Jon Connealy to Sales Team McGill Restoration is proud to add a valuable member to their sales team with the hiring of Jon Connealy. Jon brings with him 20 years of experience in the construction industry, with 10 of those years spent representing concrete materials and accessories. In his previous role, Jon partnered with contractors, design professionals, and manufacturers to provide solutions to challenges faced in various phases of design, construction, maintenance, and repair by way of material sales and technical support. Jon’s primary areas of expertise are commercial concrete repair, waterproofing, and building envelope systems. Also, Jon continues to serve as the Region 5 director and secretariat for the International Concrete Repair Institute (ICRI) and will continue to serve the American Concrete Institute (ACI) of Nebraska as an instructor and examiner for the Adhesive Anchor Installer Certification. Jon was honored by ICRI in 2020, being awarded as a member of this year’s Forty under Forty class. McGill Restoration is very committed to investing in the development and training of their employees. They work hard to keep their employees busy year-round and try hard not to be a seasonal construction company. If you are interested in starting a career in the construction industry at a company that offers competitive benefit and compensation package, please apply on the McGill Restoration website at www.mcgillrestoration.com or contact the Lincoln office at (402) 438-4110.

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“I know of no one more deserving of this award,” said CEDARS board member and past NEBRASKAlander awardee, Judi gaiashkibos. “Jim’s passion for improving the health and well-being of children and youth is contagious. His exceptional leadership has provided a solid foundation to serve children and their families well into the future.”

#PrintProudDigitalSmart Since 1991, Jim has served as president of the CEDARS organization, an organization founded in Lincoln by caring community members who saw the tremendous needs that children and their families face every day. Under his leadership, the nationally-accredited CEDARS organization was the first-ever recipient of the Better Business Bureau’s Integrity Award for a nonprofit organization. CEDARS has been supporting children, youth, and their families for over 70 years and remains committed to helping kids in crisis and building strong families. This year, CEDARS will deliver services to over 2,000 children and their families. For more information or to find out how you can help, call (402) 434-5437, or visit www.cedarskids.org.

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Ambius Welcomes Patty Keith as Sales and Design Consultant Ambius recently welcomed Patty Keith as a new sales and design consultant. Patty’s new job duties include meeting with current and potential clients and presenting interior plant design ideas, ambient scenting, and holiday displays. She loves the concept of creating an inviting, warm, and happy space for her clients. Patty also loves that the importance of her work is evident throughout Omaha, as Ambius’s products and services can be found in law offices, accounting firms, insurance companies, corporate centers, office building lobbies, hotels, shopping malls, banks, hospitals, retail sites, and more. Patty’s hobbies include working out at the gym on a regular basis, paddle boarding, kayaking, and biking. Patty loves an outdoor adventure! She and her husband of 11 years enjoy traveling and tent camping and spending time with family. Patty is a proud mother of two children, a daughter and a son, and she has five grandchildren. Ambius services include live and artificial plant displays for businesses, complete office plant services, ambient scenting, commercial holiday decorations, and green wall design, installation, and maintenance. Learn more online at www.ambius.com or call (402) 987-8015 to congratulate Patty on her new position!

West Gate Bank Board Elects Brandi Ballan to Assistant VP, Business Banking Officer

The West Gate Bank ®

Board of Directors recently elected Brandi Ballan as assistant vice president and business banking officer. Ballan joined West Gate Bank in July 2018 as part of the Great Southern Bank acquisition in Omaha.

Ballan brings 15 years of banking experience to her role of business banking solutions officer. The business banking solutions team customizes products to enhance business banking portfolios and creates additional benefits for businesses, as well as develops and maintains account relationships. Ballan is also responsible for identifying and developing business relationships in the Omaha market. Ballan is on the guild board for Completely KIDS, is an ambassador for the West O Chamber, and participates in bank-sponsored community activities.

Brandi Ballan is located at West Gate Bank at 180th and Pacific and can be reached at (402) 758-8717 or bballan@westgate.bank.

West Gate Bank ®

is a family-owned community bank with 10 locations in Lincoln and Omaha. West Gate Bank is large enough to serve all your personal or commercial banking needs yet small enough to provide the outstanding personal service that only a community bank can deliver. Visit westgate.bank to learn more.

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First Responders Foundation Welcomes New Director, Jason Workman The First Responders Foundation recently welcomed Jason Workman as the new director of the First Responders Support Team Program (FRST). FRST supports the emotional and mental wellbeing of first responders and their families. This is accomplished through group workshops and programs, workplace training, spouse sessions, and one-on-one sessions. Jason has a passion for first responders and started the FRST Program as a volunteer. He is a licensed independent mental health practitioner, licensed alcohol and drug counselor, and clinically certified trauma professional. He has a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Grace University. He is also an adjunct professor at the University of Nebraska-Omaha, working with the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice. Jason’s experience includes working with first responders for the last 13 years as a law enforcement chaplain, and he is the regional clinical director for the state Critical Incident Stress Management Team. Jason has also served as a firefighter/EMT. The First Responders Foundations mission is to serve and honor all first responders and their families, build appreciation and respect for their work, and enhance public safety. For more information, please visit www.firstrespondersomaha.org. Jason can be reached at jason@ firstrespondersomaha.org.

#PrintProudDigitalSmart Prenger Solutions Group Expands Team with Andrew Menke and Ashley Winans Prenger Solutions Group (PSG), the leading provider of hands-on, digital fundraising services, hired two new team members to accommodate its rapid growth in providing digital fundraising solutions to Catholic dioceses, schools, and parishes. Andrew Menke is the director of client services and Ashley Winans serves as vice president leading strategy and implementation. Menke brings more than five years of professional experience in fundraising for Christian organizations leading planning studies, campaigns and stewardship programs helping to raise more than $50 million for his clients. Winans has dedicated her sixteenyear career to working in the nonprofit sector focusing on strategic planning, capital campaigns, major gift and annual fundraising, special events, and marketing. Since 2018, PSG has worked with more than 100 dioceses and archdioceses from Canada and the United States who participated in PSG’s comprehensive diocesan benchmarking study and reported that tried-and-true strategies are becoming less effective with each passing year. PSG has advanced their fundraising methods by providing help with databases, annual appeals, online giving, social media and an overall digital fundraising strategy. Prenger Solutions Group is a team of experts who provide digital fundraising solutions to Catholic dioceses, schools and parishes. Clients choose to partner with PSG in order to design and implement nextgeneration fundraising programs that include online giving, email marketing, donor software, data analytics, social media, website design and landing page optimization. To learn more, visit www. prengersolutions.com. Andrew Menke Ashley Winans

YP Summit Hosted by Greater Omaha Chamber Announces 2020 Change Makers The Greater Omaha Chamber recently honored “Change Makers”—emerging leaders shaping next-generation thought—during their YP Summit, the largest YP Summit in Nebraska and also the largest YP Summit in the nation. More than 1,500 young professionals gathered March 6 at CHI Health Center in Omaha to collaborate, connect, and innovate.

This year’s Change Makers include Darryl Brown Jr., founding and senior pastor of Kingdom Builders Christian Center of Omaha; Jasmine L. Harris, MPH, CHES, director of public policy and advocacy, RISE; Candias Jones, professional career coach, Mutual of Omaha; and Lynn Schneider, creative strategist, Emspace + Lovgren. Diagnosed with HIV in his 20s, Brown says he spent years coming to terms with the diagnosis, and ultimately forgave the man responsible. Currently, Brown provides sexual health education to youth and has created programming to help the homeless. Harris is director of public policy and advocacy at RISE, a career-building, community-growth initiative for currently and formerly incarcerated individuals. Her passion and commitment to fight for people impacted by the criminal justice system is an inspiration.

Darryl Brown Jr.

Jasmine L. Harris

Jones is a childhood sexual trauma and violence survivor. She channeled her experiences to create a career coaching program at Mutual of Omaha as an outlet for employees to share similar traumatic events in their personal and professional lives. Jones has established a replicable corporate framework to increase employee engagement and retention.

Candias Jones

Schneider is being recognized for her role in developing Emspace + Lovgren’s student outreach program, Forge. Now in its eighth year, Forge is a five-session program that invites 10–12 area communications and design students to gain unique insights into the profession and to begin building their own professional networks. By providing knowledge that students may not otherwise find in the classroom, Schneider helps to show a new generation of professionals there are incredible opportunities right here in Omaha. Lynn Schneider

APRIL 2020 Strictly Business 25 YP Summit organizers strive to provide a positive experience that energizes young professionals, celebrates many points of view, expands networks, and challenges attendees—all with the goal of extending everyone’s talents. The Greater Omaha Chamber is celebrating 15 years of empowering individuals through their mission of championing a thriving business community and a prosperous region through visionary leadership and collaboration. To learn about becoming a member, visit their website at omahachamber.org.

Zachary Baedke Joins Cornhusker Bank Team Cornhusker Bank is pleased to announce that Zachary Baedke has been added to the Cornhusker Bank team and will serve as senior banker/customer service manager at the bank’s new location at 11102 Blondo, STE 102 in Omaha. Allen Chaffee, Omaha Market President for Cornhusker Bank reported that “Zach’s knowledge gained from 10 years of banking experience makes him an excellent fit to handle branch management and complex customer service duties, including retail functions and consumer, home equity, and other personal loans for the bank’s Omaha customers.” Zach graduated from Concordia University in Seward, NE. He is a volunteer with Project Payback at Millard Public Schools and serves as the bass guitarist at Ignition Church in Bennington, NE. According to Barry Lockard, Cornhusker Bank President/CEO, “Zach knows the community and its needs and will take an individually-tailored approach to each customer’s situation.” The Cornhusker Bank team at the Blondo location live in Omaha and its surrounding communities. As neighbors and friends, providing the “WOW” experiences is among the most important things Cornhusker Bank can do to foster trusted, long-lasting relationships. Cornhusker Bank remains locally owned, demonstrating Nebraska values, stability, soundness, and showing a commitment to the Omaha community with the opening of its full service Omaha location in the spring of 2020. For more information visit www.CornhuskerBank.com.

CHAD Welcomes Ellen Grady as Director of Communications and Marketing CHAD (Combined Health Agencies Drive) is pleased to announce the hiring of Ellen Grady as its new director of communications and marketing. Grady has a background in marketing, nonprofit development, and journalism. The death of her mother in 2012 inspired Grady to leave a corporate position and become involved with several charities supported by CHAD.

“I saw firsthand the difference CHAD was making for hospice patients, as well as those affected by breast cancer and kidney disease,” Grady said. “I couldn’t have been happier when the opportunity arose to join the CHAD team.” In their spare time, Grady and her husband chase after their daughter, who is thriving after being born with complex medical conditions in 2017. As the mother of a child with special needs, Grady appreciates even more the role of health charities working to improve the lives of Nebraskans. CHAD is a local, donor-designation driven organization that has been raising funds for Nebraska’s premier health charities since 1972. Since its inception, CHAD has raised $58,159,054 for charities who are supporting those in need in the community. For more information on the organization’s achievements, visit www.chadnebraska.org/ annual-report.

UNICO Welcomes Mathiesen, Vetrovsky, and Johnson as Commercial Risk Advisors UNICO Group recently welcomed three new commercial risk advisors: Vagas Mathiesen, Jerod Vetrovsky, and Adam Johnson. Rent a water softener or reverse osmosis system for $ 4 95 * month

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Dai, Sheard, and Mann Celebrate Anniversaries with Big Birge Plumbing Scott Dai, Jeremiah Sheard, and James Mann recently celebrated anniversaries for their time working with Big Birge Plumbing. Scott has been a part of Big Birge Plumbing since 2018. He has extensive knowledge in the commercial plumbing department and is Big Birge’s commercial estimator. Scott is valued for being dependable, meticulous, and determined in his work. When he’s not educating other plumbers or sending out estimates, he enjoys spending his time on the camp ground with his wife and friends cooking up his famous bacon or hanging out with one or two of his grandchildren who love to use him as a jungle gym. Jeremiah also joined the Big Birge Plumbing team in 2018. He is a man of great energy and leadership capability who never lets his team down. Jeremiah stays true to his word and is a great team player. When he is not at plumbing school, on the commercial job site, or spending time with his children, you can find him working on vehicles of all types. He also used to be an avid wrestler and still admires the sport. James is a journeyman plumber with a calming and kind demeanor that can put any customer at ease when going through a plumbing emergency. James readily takes on the challenge of jobs that seem complicated. He started out in college getting a business degree, and then decided to go to trade school instead and become a plumber. When he’s not helping customers, he likes to spend time with his family out camping and going on lots of adventures together. Scott Dai Jeremiah Sheard James Mann It’s Not What You Know, It’s Who You Know and Who Knows You! At Strictly Business, we strive to recognize local businessmen Vagas comes to UNICO with over 10 years of experience in the insurance industry. Previously working for a smaller agency in Nebraska, he has built long-lasting relationships while also helping people understand coverages and filling coverage gaps. He has his Registered Workers’ Compensations Specialist (RWCS) designation to provide leading industry education to his clients. Vagas joined UNICO’s Commercial Advisor team in Omaha and can be reached at (402)361- 5913 or vmathiesen@unicogroup.com. Jerod is new to the insurance industry, but has been in advertising sales for nearly 20 years. His passion for helping clients become successful in their business is what drives him. Jerod is a part of UNICO’s Lincoln commercial advisor team and can be reached at (402) 434-7204 or jvetrovsky@unicogroup.com. Adam brings over his extensive experience in the insurance industry, having run an anti-fraud investigations unit prior to spending the last four years as an insurance agency owner. He has a desire to help people protect their assets, which is why he ventured into the insurance field. His diverse background allows him to provide a 360° approach to ensure there is peace of mind, knowing there will be no gaps in his client’s coverage. He has obtained the following designations: Fraud Claim Law Specialist (FCLS) and Fraud Claim Law Associate (FCLA). Adam joined UNICO’s commercial advisor team in Lincoln and can be reached at (402) 434-7280 or ajohnson@unicogroup.com. UNICO is a full-service insurance agency with services ranging from commercial insurance, workers’ compensation, and employee benefits, to personal insurance and financial planning. UNICO is dedicated to getting you the best insurance products and services available to protect you, your family, and your business. For more information, call (402) 434-7200 or visit unicogroup.com. Vagas Mathiesen Jerod Vetrovsky Adam Johnson W A T E R S O F T E N E R S · D R I N K I N G S Y S T E M S 402-235-5867 Shop and compare at iLoveMyWater.com ilovemywater.com * First 3 months @ $4.95/mo. with installation cost of $149; after introductory period, rental is $23/mo. 2020AquaSystems_3_68x2_41.indd 1 3/19/20 10:58 AM

#PrintProudDigitalSmart and women for their significant awards, promotions, achievements, and/or efforts in partnership with other organizations and the Omaha community. If you know of someone who meets these criteria and wish to include their news in our publication, please call (402) 466-3330 or submit your news via www.strictlybusinessomaha.com.

APRIL 2020 Strictly Business 27 The skilled professionals at Big Birge Plumbing have a passion for what they do. Whether you need help with a kitchen or bathroom remodel, water heater repair, gas or water piping, or the really fun stuff like drain cleaning and clogged toilets, Big Birge Plumbing will be there with a wrench and a smile. To learn more, please visit www.bigbirgeplumbing.com or call (402) 575-0102.