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Star City Six
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STAR CITY SIX ARTHUR
Arthur Fayman
INMOTION AUTO CARE
Meet Arthur Fayman, a master automotive technician at inMotion Auto Care.
Tell us a little about your business.
- inMotion opened back in 2012, when I was getting out of school. The owners, Sherri Stock and Jared McPike, started the company with the idea of having a trustworthy and honest place people could bring their vehicle for any services. I joined the team in 2014 as a maintenance technician and later moved up to a line technician position. How did you get started in the business? - I really enjoyed taking things apart as a child and fi guring out how they worked. My father had a 1992 Silverado that I always enjoyed working on. My parents would tell me that when I was young, I would walk up to people, shake their hand, and tell them I wanted to be a mechanic.
What is the biggest challenge you've faced professionally? - Working for places that treat their employees poorly. The automotive industry can be very diffi cult to work in. It can be very dog-eat-dog. Too often, the people running/managing the business only care about the profi ts and not the employees or customer. This leads to high employee turnover and a poor perception of the automotive industry. That is why I love inMotion. They treat their employees and customer very well.
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
- Graduating with a degree in automotive technology from Southeast Community College and attaining all eight of my ASE certifi cations to become an ASE Master Certifi ed Technician.
Tell us a little about your family. - My father Michael passed away in 2010. He's lived on by mother Jody, myself, and my four sisters. I also have a beautiful 3-year-old son named Harlan with my amazing fi ancé Natalie.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?
- I was not sure if I was going to graduate high school, but I realized after my father passed away how important an education is. I have never regretted pressing forward with my education.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I love hanging out with my family and doing projects around the house. I also really enjoy playing Dungeons & Dragons. I am in a group that meets biweekly to play.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most
people probably don't know? - My full name is Arthur Alexander Fayman. Everyone calls me Alex for short. Most people don't know my actual fi rst name.
Who inspires you? - My father. He was a carpenter for about 30 years and always worked hard to support and love his family. This instilled a great work ethic in all his children and an amazing love for family. Another source of inspiration in my life is my dear friend Pat Heng who passed away at the beginning of 2020. We worked together for fi ve years. He was my mentor and good friend. He helped me to become the technician I am today.
What local nonprofi t organization(s) are you passionate about or
involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - I used to volunteer at The Bay. It started out as a skate park but has evolved into an amazing community outreach center.
What is your favorite local restaurant? - Honest Abe's.
STAR CITY SIX MICHAELA
Michaela Halvorson
LEGACY RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES
Meet Michaela Halvorson, career counselor at Legacy Retirement Communities. Tell us a little about your business. - Legacy Retirement Communities is a family, locally owned and operated business. Our mission is to improve the way we age and how we perceive aging. We also work to enrich each and every person by valuing their potential and empowering them to fi nd success. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Realizing that sometimes I can be the “idiot in the room". This realization, however, has brought a great advantage. Although I might not understand at fi rst, I can always ask someone to explain it in a different way. Odds are, others don’t understand either. Being the “idiot in the room” could end up being an act of service to others.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your
life? - Discovering the word, “Ubuntu” which is Zulu for “‘Humanity’ or ‘I am because we are’”. This word has encouraged me to understand and follow my values, leading to extraordinary refl ections and conversations with others. Tell us a little about your family. - My husband Kevin and I will be married for four years this August. We love to travel and, in our free time, are music educators at Crossroads Percussion, a nonprofi t competitive drumline out of Des Moines, IA. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Sit in the sunshine and read any book by Pam Jenoff. I also enjoy going for long, leisurely runs.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that
most people probably don’t know? - I am a cymbal educator for the Iowa State University Cyclone Football ‘Varsity’ Marching Band—Go Cyclones! Who inspires you? - History. It’s fi lled with examples of determination, perseverance, resilience, intellects, and heroes. Its stories share what was, what is, and what could be. History inspires us to learn, grow, accept, question, challenge each other, and ultimately be better people.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever
received? - “Find what you love and let it kill you” from the book by Charles Bukowski, Can you Remember who you were before the world told you who you should be?
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered
as, what would it be? - Inspired. If you had a theme song, what would it be? - "Thank You for Being a Friend" by Andrew Gold.
What local nonprofi t organization(s) are you passionate about or
involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - Junior Achievement has been an excellent way to give back as a professional in the community by sharing expertise and strategy with the future workforce. From Kindergarten to high school, volunteering with JA is always an exceptional and fun adventure.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?
- Emotional Agility by Susan David, PhD. This is a phenomenal book if you are looking for a way to really connect with not only your emotions to live a balanced life, but your values and how you want to leave an impactful imprint on earth. What is your favorite movie? - Christopher Robin.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or
present, who would it be? - Elie Wiesel.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
- (402) 417-7292; michaela.halvorson@legacyretirement.com; www. legacyretirement.com. You can also connect with me on LinkedIn!
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STAR CITY SIX CHRISTOPHER
Christopher M. Ferdico
BERRY LAW
Meet Christopher M. Ferdico, the head of trial practice and general counsel at Berry Law. Tell us a little about your business. - Berry Law is a national Veterans Disability practice, and we are well known across Nebraska in the areas of Criminal Defense and Personal Injury. We have offi ces in both Lincoln and Omaha, but practice statewide and in Iowa. From attorneys to staff, approximately 30% of our employees are Veterans. The mission-focused, victory-driven, and never-quit attitude of our culture is very appealing. How did you get started in the business? - I’ve been practicing law since 1996. I grew up wanting to either be a lawyer or a chef. When I realized most chefs have to work evenings and weekends, I realized that didn’t sound as much fun. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Managing a 23-year military career while practicing law. This is also my greatest achievement. Tell us a little about your family. - I am married with four beautiful children ranging in age from 6 to 18—three boys and one daughter whom I am powerless against. What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - 9/11. It changed the trajectory of my career from being lawyer focused to military focused. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I enjoy the shooting sports. Anything from formal competition to plinking with my children.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that
most people probably don’t know? - I have enough tattoos to be a Marine. I appreciate that Tattoos have signifi cant cultural ties and were historically used to link people, their heritage, and life’s experiences. I have taken that approach in my tattoos which make them very meaningful. Who inspires you? - Our Veterans who have made the ultimate sacrifi ce. For those of us who have survived combat, we must continue to remember, live for, and protect the values that they died for.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever
received? - The best advice I give to my children is that the point of education is to learn how to think, not what to think.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered
as, what would it be? - Soldier.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what
would it be? - I'm a founder of Warfi ghter Tobacco Company, a premium Veteran-owned Cigar Company.
What local nonprofi t organization(s) are you passionate about or
involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - I am a charter member of American Legion Post 1919. We are trying to reenergize the American Legion in Lincoln to better serve all Veterans, young and old. What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - “The Things They Carried” by Tim O’Brien. I was honored to have lunch with him when he was here in Lincoln for a reading at the University of Nebraska. What is your favorite movie? - I don't know about favorite, but I can best quote The Princess Bride!
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or
present, who would it be? - Elon Musk and Leonardo da Vinci. I'd just watch them pick each other’s brains. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 704-8102; christopher@jsberrylaw.com; jsberrylaw.com.
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STAR CITY SIX JOSH
Josh Magwire
NEEMANN & SONS
Meet Josh Magwire, roofing project manager at Neemann & Sons. Tell us a little about your business. - We do almost anything for the exterior of your home including roofi ng, siding, gutters, windows, insulation, and Halo Lighting (Year-round holiday lighting). How did you get started in the business? - Worked for a family member's roofi ng company in Kearney out of high school with a friend. When he moved back to Lincoln, he started working at Neemann & Sons. He encouraged me to do the same. Fifteen years later, I'm still with the company! What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Finding good help and people who take pride in their work.
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
- Learning as much as I have about home exteriors. I have ran a roofi ng, siding, and gutters crew and carried out many other tasks during my time with Neemann & Sons. Tell us a little about your family. - My mom and dad live in Lincoln. My sister and brother-in-law live in Norfolk with my two nephews.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your
life? - Probably working for the Neemanns. They have given me countless opportunities to continue to succeed. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I recently purchased a cabin on the Missouri River with my sister and brotherin-law, so I try to get up there as much as possible.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most
people probably don’t know? - I love to travel out of the country. I'm very intrigued by other cultures. Who inspires you? - Friends, family, coworkers—anyone who I can learn something from.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve
ever received? - Live in the moment or day by day. You never know it will be your last. You can't predict the future and you can't dwell on the past.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered
as, what would it be? - Fun. If you could have a super power, what would it be? - Flying would make my job a lot easier. Which talent would you most like to have? - I'd like to play the piano.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in,
what would it be? - Something with woodworking. I like to work with my hands and be creative.
What local nonprofi t organization(s) are you passionate about or
involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - There isn't a specifi c organization but I believe in "Do unto others..." so I always try to help anyone in need in hopes they return the favor to others. What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - I enjoy audible books. The last one I listened to was Can't Hurt Me by David Goggins. What is your favorite movie? - Anything Avengers. What is your favorite TV show? - I've always been a fan of Dexter. What is your favorite local restaurant? - It used to be El Sitio before they closed. I'm always in the mood for Mexican food. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 423-4853; info@neemannandsons.com; neemannandsons.com.
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STAR CITY SIX KAY
Kay Bartek
WEST GATE BANK
Meet Kay Bartek, senior vice president, Lincoln retail market manager at West Gate Bank. Tell us a little about your business. - West Gate Bank is a family owned and operated bank that has been serving the Lincoln community for over 50 years. How did you get started in the business? - I have worked in banking for my entire career and really enjoy helping people understand and manage their fi nances in a way that is convenient for them.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - This past year with the COVID-19 pandemic was a challenge like no other. Trying to take care of our customers and our employees when we could not connect face to face at times, pushed us all to learn new ways. Even though we encountered challenges, I was extremely proud of how we utilized existing technology to keep moving forward. Tell us a little about your family. - My husband Doug is a computer programmer and does contract work with the State of Nebraska. We have two boys. Ryan is a 2021 graduate of Pius X High School and is planning to attend UNL this fall to major in business administration. Matthew will be a junior at Pius X High School and enjoys golf and basketball.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Having lunch or connecting with a friend or family member, taking some time for myself, or attending one of my kids’ events would be my top priorities. Who inspires you? - My niece and goddaughter Kelsey. She is currently going to school to become an eye doctor. She is incredibly driven, kindhearted, and faith-fi lled. I am so excited to watch her future unfold.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever
received? - Asking questions is the greatest way to direct and understand people. In management roles, we often feel it is best to advise and provide the answers. This reverse concept has proven to be so much more valuable for me.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered
as, what would it be? - Grateful.
If you could have a super power, what would it be? - The ability to teleport.
What local nonprofi t organization(s) are you passionate about
or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - I have served on the Board for the Southeast Nebraska Chapter of the American Red Cross for three years. This organization is so committed and supportive to people in their greatest time of need. I am also involved in Junior Achievement and commit to teaching a few fi nancial classes to students every year.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - I AM ___. The Untold Story of Success by Klyn Elsbury.
What is your favorite movie? - The Notebook.
What is your favorite TV show? - I am not a big TV watcher but do enjoy Friends reruns.
What is your favorite local restaurant? - Vincenzo’s Ristorante.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or
present, who would it be? - Kate Middleton. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 323-8970; kbartek@westgate.bank; westgate.bank.
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STAR CITY SIX TIM
Tim Zeng
ZENG GRANITE
Meet Tim Zeng, the owner of Zeng Granite.
Tell us a little about your business. - Zeng Granite is a professional stone fabrication and installation company. We focus on partnering with home builders and remodelers for their quartz and granite countertops.
How did you get started in the business? - I was working as a hotel remodeler when the Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln asked me to install two granite vanities. Everyone in that industry was getting rid of their cultured marble, and I had done some of that work, so I took a chance with the granite too. It worked out well, and I kept getting asked to do more stone vanities and countertops. So, it became my niche, and I worked hard to learn all that I could about the stone fabrication industry. There is such a need for quality stone fabricators and installers in this area of the country that there was no turning back after that!
Tell us a little about your family. - I live with my beautiful wife Kristen. We love going to movies, eating out at local restaurants, and working on home projects together. We also have a Golden Retriever, Henry, and his rescued siblings.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your
life? - Professionally, there was a turning point for me after I took a trip to Italy with the Stone Fabricator's Alliance. All business owners were on the trip, and we developed such great friendships and connections. The most impactful part of the trip was seeing how the Italians use and think of stone. It is so much more than countertops, it is a part of their culture. It has allowed me to think of stone and design in new and innovative ways. We are a safer, more cutting-edge shop because of that trip.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I love to spend time outdoors. So whether it's golfi ng, hunting, or camping, it is going to be a great day when I am outside.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you
that most people probably don’t know? - My lowest golf handicap was 0.8.
Who inspires you? - The integrator for Zeng Granite. She really pushes me to think bigger and in different ways about the business. She TRIES to keep me on track to work on my business not in my business.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve
ever received? - If you are going to cut it wrong, cut it long.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in,
what would it be? - Medicine. At one time, I had the desire to be a physician’s assistant. I really enjoy learning about the body and observing surgeries.
What is your favorite local restaurant? - Kristen and I love to eat at many different local places, but it seems our go-to right now is Piedmont Bistro by Venue, The Oven, or MoMo’s.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do
so? - We are the friendliest countertop business in Lincoln, and we love to talk to people in person or on the phone. So come on by our showroom at 3035 N 35th St. or give us a call at (402) 429-8412. You can also email info@zenggranite.com.
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