Strictly Business Magazine August 2018

LINCOLN • AUGUST 2018 TM

STRICTLY-BUSINESS.COM

We’ll Take Care Of Your Home PICTURED L TO R: RICH HAWTHORNE, MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN; MARY MCCOMBS, CO-FOUNDER; CHRIS MCCOMBS, CO-FOUNDER

• BUYING & SELLING A BUSINESS • BACK TO SCHOOL • FLEET MAINTENANCE • WEDDING PLANNING • APARTMENT LIVING • BUYING A HOME CLIENT SPOTLIGHT • CORNHUSKER BANK

Like It’s Our Own

Ben Bleicher

Thomas Rajkovich

Dr. Anthony Hatcher

Mike Grubbs

Thomas Huston

Adam Walter

Professional Realty Group - Woods Bros

ALLO Communications

Thomas Faux Finishing

Honest & Humble Construction

Hillcrest Health Services

Virtual C

AUGUST 2018 Strictly Business

Z.A.A. Inc./Strictly Business Magazine PO BOX 57397 Lincoln, NE 68505

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Z.A.A. Inc. LINCOLN, NE PERMIT 1328

Strictly Business AUGUST 2018

AUGUST 2018 Strictly Business

FOCUSING ON YOUR BRAND

PAIGE ZUTAVERN - President 402-730-0096 | Paige@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com

Magazine or Marketing Program: Is There a Difference? Anyone who has ever read a magazine, or even briefly flipped through the pages of one, is well aware that advertising is a key component, and in doing so, they are exposed to targeted marketing. Today, with more businesses than ever, across all industries, getting into the business of producing and distributing their own publications, it would appear the motive that factors into that decision has a promotional angle. I don’t blame them for throwing their hats in the ring – magazines, as an established media outlet with a captive audience specific to the content provided, whether it’s businesspeople or bicycle enthusiasts, are proven to be a highly effective marketing tool. Well played, indeed. Apparently, the recent introduction of Facebook’s print magazine has sparked a quite the debate of semantics in my industry. You heard that right, social media giant and the recently controversy-embattled Facebook now has a magazine gracing coffee tables in highly-strategic locations. Hardly seems like print publications are on the decline as many are being led to believe, eh? Anyhow, more to the point, consider the following thoughtprovoking article courtesy of author David Pilcher with Freeport Press: “Just last week we shared the news that Facebook has launched a print magazine. It’s true. Facebook – the behemoth of all things digital – announced the premier issue of Grow, according to Piet van Niekerk in FIPP. The magazine – a lifestyle magazine for the cool, rich business leader set – started cropping up recently in business class lounges at Heathrow and London hot spots, among other places. So, welcome, Mr. Z, to the ranks of magazine publisher. But hold on a minute before you go calling Facebook a publisher, according to this cheeky post in The Guardian. In response to people calling Grow a “magazine,” the post notes that Facebook’s Leah Woodington denies it’s a magazine, rather calling it a “business marketing programme.” “This is purely intended for marketing communications purposes,” Woodington has said. Why the distinction? As The Guardian reminds us, “Facebook aren’t publishers, or else they’d be responsible for the things that are published on their website.”

CONTENTS NEWS 4 Business 28 Personnel

36 Non-Profit 44 Health

SPOTLIGHTS

20 Star City Six 50 Client Spotlight: Cornhusker Bank

FEATURE STORIES 52 55 61 64 70 72 4

Buying & Selling A Business Back To School Fleet Maintenance Wedding Planning Apartment Living Buying A Home Strictly Business AUGUST 2018

Facebook, we see you. You’ve installed yourself as the gatekeeper of news, the arbiter of media trust, and even recently hired former CNN host and NBC News reporter Campbell Brown as your head of global news partnerships. But okay, you’re not a publisher. Call it print marketing – we’re totally okay with that. Print is a fantastic way to engage with your readers in a highly trusted medium. It’s a good call for any brand looking to build trust and credibility. Meanwhile, back where all media channels matter...we like your magazine, Zuck. Cheers.”

“Print is a fantastic way to engage with your readers…It’s a good call for any brand looking to build trust and credibility.”

Precisely, call it what you want to call it, po-tay-to / po-tah-to. Magazines, while quite the diverse bunch, all share one thing in common--they have always been about suggestively selling things to the readers. This is done in a number of ways, from a direct advertisement to selling an aspirational lifestyle in the imagery or providing recommendations in the articles. Using Strictly Business as an example, we are connecting businesses to businesses and businesses to consumers in our marketplace. Our clients advertise in the magazine to promote their products and services, establish familiarity, brand their businesses, drive new leads and sales, maintain top-of-mind awareness, educate, etc., thus it’s an incredible marketing tool. However, we are in the ranks of magazine in delivering news, columns, spotlights, and feature stories on a monthly basis that are informative and engaging, so our clients are also able capitalize on the content marketing aspect too. All potentially in the same issue, no less! Not to mention in modern times it’s common for all magazine content, ours included, to be posted online, backlinked to the client’s websites, and shared on social media channels. This crossover is just the opposite, proving that it’s a two-way street and utilizing both traditional and digital media to market your business is most likely to be in your best interest. So at the end of the day, why would Facebook, the social media kingpin that has the oft-undivided attention of billions around the world, enter into the world of print? Because they know it has value, especially in building brand and company credibility, and we do too – now, do you?

Let Strictly Business Magazine help you lock in your status as THE EXPERT in your industry, utilizing print, the internet and social media. Find out how by contacting Paige at (402) 466-3330.

ASK THE EXPERT gear80 26 27 ComPro

COLUMNS Friends4Lunch

31 48 Lincoln Independent Business Association 49 Lincoln Chamber of Commerce 51 Downtown Lincoln Association Strictly Business Magazine PO BOX 57397, Lincoln, NE 68505 P 402.466.3330 • F 402.466.3476 STRICTLY BUSINESS is not responsible for unsolicited material. All rights to submission, including letters, will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to our unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially or creatively, unless otherwise negotiated with the author. Nothing may be printed in whole or part without the written permission of the publisher. The publication of any advertisement in STRICTLY BUSINESS is not an endorsement of the advertiser or of the products or services advertised.

ABOUT THE COVER

We’ll Take Care Of Your Home

Like It’s Our Own

Life is busy. School is starting. We all want to be engaged in the parts of life in which we find joy - our family, work, and more. We seldom think of the home maintenance items that should be done on a regular basis. Your home is your biggest investment and maintaining is a must. Essentials is a proactive home maintenance program that was born out of an unseen necessity. Co-founded by the Lincoln native mother-son team Mary and Chris McCombs, it aims to fill the need of new and longtime homeowners who just either don’t have the time or the knowhow to maintain their homes. Essentials offers a variety of services to our clients, ranging from quarterly full home inspections and daily small home maintenance jobs to Home Watch and Prep To Show. Essentials is catered to the needs of each and every individual because each homeowner’s needs are different. Essentials comprehensive Home Watch program is designed to provide routine inspection and regular home maintenance checks while you are out of town. There’s no better feeling than knowing your home is safe and protected while you’re vacationing or absent for long periods of time. We will install timers for your lights, check your mail and bring in your paper, even move your vehicles in and out of the garage and restock your groceries before you come back from vacation. It’s a way to give you peace of mind about your home so that you can truly relax and live in the moment. Essentials is now offering Prep to Show services for homeowners looking to sell their homes too. We

can’t stress enough how important it is for your house to be in its best possible condition. You only get one chance to make a first impression and in today’s market, you don’t want to give buyers a reason to “look for a better one.” Your goal is to sell your house as quickly as possible, as time is money. Every house is as unique as the person who owns it, but when you put your home on the market, there are some universal truths you should abide by if you want to make even the most humble of abodes look like a million bucks. We will coordinate with you and your Realtor to prepare your home for sale. Our team of tried and true affiliates can assist with repairs, yard work and cleaning or whatever is needed to make your home rise above the others on the market. In short, Essentials is the perfect plan for any home. Think you have a friend who could really benefit from Essentials? Have a family member who just doesn’t have the time or ability to care for their home anymore? Looking to sell your home but not sure how to make sure it’s market ready? Then give us a call and experience the VIP treatment that we offer here at Essentials Home Services.

STRICTLY-BUSINESS.COM

LINCOLN • AUGUST 2018 TM

We’ll Take Care Of Your Home

PICTURED L TO R: RICH HAWTHORNE, MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN; MARY MCCOMBS, CO-FOUNDER; CHRIS MCCOMBS, CO-FOUNDER • BUYING & SELLING A BUSINESS • BACK TO SCHOOL • FLEET MAINTENANCE • WEDDING PLANNING • APARTMENT LIVING • BUYING A HOME CLIENT SPOTLIGHT • CORNHUSKER BANK

Like It’s Our Own

Ben Bleicher

Professional Realty Group - Woods Bros

Mike Grubbs

ALLO Communications

Thomas Rajkovich

Thomas Faux Finishing

Thomas Huston

Honest & Humble Construction

Dr. Anthony Hatcher

Hillcrest Health Services

Adam Walter

Virtual C

Z.A.A. Inc./Strictly Business Magazine PO BOX 57397 Lincoln, NE 68505

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Z.A.A. Inc. LINCOLN, NE PERMIT 1328

For more information about Essentials, LLC, visit: EssentialsHomeServices.com | (402) 473-5325 | Help@EssentialsHomeServices.com

PRODUCTION TEAM: Editor Amanda Wilson - Amanda@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Art Director Holly Ryan - Design@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com

Amanda

SALES TEAM: President/Sales Paige Zutavern - Paige@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Executive Assistant Hannah Hundley - Office@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Publisher/Founder/Accounting Shayne Zutavern - SZutavern@Yahoo.com TO SUBSCRIBE: Office@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com www.Strictly-Business.com/subscribe-strictly-business

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Celebrating 25 Years OF PROMOTING LOCAL EXPERTS! @sbmaglincoln

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AUGUST 2018 Strictly Business

BUSINESS NEWS Cleaning by Cathy Celebrates 18 Years in Business

Introducing DPC Unlimited LLC

DPC Unlimited LLC, a new specialty automotive retail store in Lincoln, Cleaning by Cathy recently opened its doors for business is celebrating 18 to meet the needs of clients locally years in business and beyond. in 2018! Owner Cathy Perkins established Cleaning by Cathy in 2000, and over the years A result of a partnership formed the business has grown from a one-woman cleaning operation to a robust in March, DPC Unlimited is utilizing small business serving residential and commercial clients and medical over 40 years of combined experience in the diesel repair and facilities. In addition, Cleaning by Cathy also does new construction trucking industry. The new store was established to work in conjunction clean-up as well as tenant or homeowner move-ins and move-outs. with an existing installation facility located at 7960 N. 56th St., Ste. B. Having always had a passion for cleaning, Cathy pursued an education in business to combine that knowledge with her natural talent and almost Short for Diesel Performance & Chrome, DPC Unlimited is a 15 years of experience and certifications in Housekeeping I, II, and III performance diesel and truck accessory outlet. From big rigs to she already possessed at the time. In 2008, she was the first individual light-duty pickups, DPC Unlimited offers the diesel performance to complete certification through Southeast Community College’s Business parts and tuning required for on- and off-road performance and Development Academy Entrepreneurship Training Program, which is now fuel economy. They also have your chrome and truck accessory needs covered, from the front to the back and the top to the bottom. At well-established in its own right. DPC Unlimited you’ll find a vast selection of performance parts and Using the most effective scientific cleaning techniques with an emphasis accessories from many manufacturers, including Lincoln Chrome, MBRP on germ control and cross contamination, you can expect quality services Exhaust, Grand General, Roadworks Mfg., Lifetime Lugnut Covers, provided IMPORTANT! by a dedicatedPLEASE and experienced professional with strong DSI Performance, Meyer Distribution, Xtreme Diesel Performance READ: OUR PROOF & PRODUCTION POLICY work ethic,At Signs integrity, and (XDP), Stark and FASS Diesel Fuel Systems. Additionally, Now, we take pride inattention precision - but theto ﬁnaldetail. examination for accuracy is the customer’s responsibility. Before giving approval please examineLighting, all proof’s carefully for the accuracy of information presented, including spelling, punctuation, numbers, graphics, colors, sizes and general layout. Our normal services are offered for semi-trucks, pick-ups, and farm implements. production cycle will begin from whenby the date approval isisreceived. We cannot accept changes or approvals verbally. The standard prooﬁng process is Cathy Perkins dba Cleaning Cathy a professional, semi-private, composed of an initial layout and two revisions maximum. Any revisions beyond that are subject to a $10 fee per revision or $60 per hour in design time. fully-insured business, and can be reached at (402) 465-8090. To learn more about how DPC Unlimited can help you with all of your “Experience the Extraordinary Feeling with Exceptional Cleaning!” performance and accessory needs, visit www.dpcunlimitedllc.com or contact (402) 466-0555 / dpcunlimited@yahoo.com.

Cheever Construction Completes Willard Community Center Renovation Project Willard Community Center recently celebrated the grand opening of its newly-renovated facility at 1245 S. Folsom St. on June 14. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was conducted by officials with the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce to mark the occasion at the open house event. Cheever Construction served as general contractor for the project, which included expansion of the existing 100-year-old facility with a new 3-story addition totaling 2,320 sq. ft. Additional renovations included installation of a new roof and windows, HVAC system, handicap accessible restrooms and an elevator. There are now five event rooms used for Center programming (available for rent) as well as two preschool rooms. Willard Community Center serves as the sole human service agency with a presence in southwest Lincoln. Willard focuses on youth development and education and also presents programs for those across the age spectrum, including senior adults. “We help area residents grow, connect and contribute to our community.” Learn more at www. willardcommunitycenter.org. Creating lasting impressions for over 60 years, Cheever Construction is an established and recognized company known for its honest, professional builders who deliver quality work time and time again. Cheever has built its own success by helping clients build theirs, and together, building a bright future for our community. For more information, visit cheeverconstruction.com. 6 Strictly Business AUGUST 2018

Express Life Chiropractic Opens, Announces Ribbon-Cutting Celebration Join Lincoln’s newest neurologically-based c hiropractors, Drs. Troy and Ashley Hayes, as they celebrate the opening of their practice, Express Life Chiropractic. A ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house, complete with office tours and raffle prizes, will take place on Wednesday, August 22 from 4-6 p.m. at their new location (8550 Andermatt Dr., Suite 2). Dr. Troy, a Nebraska native, knew from age 16 that he was going to pursue chiropractic as his profession. He graduated from University of Nebraska at Kearney with an exercise science degree and then went on to pursue his passion at Cleveland University - Kansas City, receiving his Doctorate in Chiropractic. Dr. Ashley grew up in Yankton, SD where the seed of chiropractic was planted in her life while swimming in high school and later college at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Ashley saw chiropractic as her way to help others live up to their God-given potential. She went on to receive her Doctorate in Chiropractic from Cleveland University-Kansas City as well, where she met Troy. Troy and Ashley’s journey brought them to Lincoln and they are excited and honored to serve the wonderful people here, and to see their lives change through principled chiropractic care. Learn more about how Express Life Chiropractic uses the most advanced chiropractic techniques available to give you better results and longer lasting effects at www.expresslifechiropractic.com, or contact (402) 318-5661 / expresslifechiropractic@gmail.com to schedule an appointment.

BUSINESS NEWS Southeast Community College Rebrands Business Incubator to Focus Suites Southeast Community College Entrepreneurship Center is pleased to announce the rebranding of its business incubator to Focus Suites. Focus Suites offers entrepreneurs an affordable, professional place to start or grow a business. The office spaces in the SCC Focus Suites rent for below market value and lease terms are flexible to assist business owners with managing their bottom line. Located on the third floor of the Center, Focus Suites provides free parking and free high-speed internet service to community members. There are currently 19 businesses in the Focus Suites. The SCC Entrepreneurship Center is a resource hub for entrepreneurs through the various stages of business development. Free business consulting is available for community members by appointment. Free “Perk Up Thursday” networking events are held on Thursday mornings at 10 a.m. where attendees enjoy a brief presentation and refreshments. Other services offered educate, enhance, and empower entrepreneurs. There is also fee-based business coaching, networking opportunities, and The Suite Spot, a drop-in workspace. The Center is located at 285 S. 68th Street Place in Lincoln. The NBDC Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC), Community Development Resources, SCORE, Junior Achievement, and Main Street Nebraska make their homes in the facility. For more information on Focus Suites or services offered at the SCC Entrepreneurship Center, visit www.southeast.edu/entrepreneurship or contact Director Steve Bors at (402) 437-2524.

NAI FMA Realty Brokers $19.2M Office Sale NAI FMA Realty, a leading provider of commercial real estate services, is pleased to announce an office investment sale in Lincoln, Nebraska for $19.2 million, the firm’s largest transaction to date. Ernst Capital Group, a private equity firm out of Sioux Falls, SD, purchased the Center on N, located in downtown Lincoln. NAI FMA’s Senior Associate Broker Chris Vasek represented the seller, 1221 Tower, LLC. The Class A property consists of 3/4 of a block on 12th and N streets, totaling 228,145 rentable sq. ft. The Center on N underwent significant capital improvements from 2014-2017 and is now 91% leased and anchored by Great Western Bank. The buildings are home to other prestigious tenants such as Davis Design, the State of Nebraska, Resource Pro, and New York Life.

• BRAND STRATEGY • WEBSITES • SOCIAL MEDIA • CAMPAIGNS • CONTENT • SEARCH VISIBILITY Serving Lincoln & Surrounding Communities. Contact Mary Lafferty at 402.202.9015 | www.NoRegretsMarketing.com

Dealing with strains, sprains or nagging pains? At Athletico, you can begin treatment right away so you can get back to doing the things you love.

Request your free injury screen at Athletico Lincoln! *

5633 S. 16th St., Ste. 600 • 402-205-8406 athletico.com/LincolnOpen

NAI FMA Realty was also awarded the property management, maintenance, and leasing contracts, which will continue under the new ownership. The addition of this portfolio expands NAI FMA’s thirdparty property management portfolio to more than 4 million square feet throughout Lincoln. Center on N will be leased by Vasek and managed by Michelle Wangler, NAI FMA’s senior property manager.

"I’m excited to bring Athletico and its legacy of quality care to the Lincoln community that I care so much about."

NAI FMA Realty is Southeast Nebraska’s leading full service commercial real estate services firm with over five decades of experience advising clients on commercial sales, leasing, property management, facility maintenance, lease administration, and project coordination services. As a member of NAI Global, a network of owner-operated commercial real estate brokerage firms, NAI FMA Realty can facilitate transactions around the nation and the world. For more information, visit www.naifmarealty.com.

Duane Wade, DPT, CSMT Clinic Manager *Per federal guidelines, beneficiaries of federal funded plans are not eligible for free injury screens.

AUGUST 2018 Strictly Business

BUSINESS NEWS Old Cheney Rehabilitation Announces 1st Anniversary Celebration Old Cheney Rehabilitation will be celebrating its one-year anniversary with the Lincoln community at a special event to be held on September 20 from 4:30-6:30 p.m.! Join the Old Cheney Rehabilitation team at the open house event featuring live music, BBQ fare and refreshments, and guided tours. Special guests of honor will be those who have been served in the past year and their family members, but all community members are cordially invited to attend the celebration. Be sure to mark your calendars and bring a family member, friend, coworker – the more, the merrier! Located at 5431 S. 16th Street, Old Cheney Rehabilitation is a state-ofthe-art facility where transitional care is provided for clients who require a regimen of therapy or skilled nursing following an acute hospital stay in order to ultimately return home. Accommodating strictly short-stay patients, Old Cheney Rehabilitation is focused solely on the goal of getting people “From here to home.” Amenities include a large gym, theatre room, free WiFi throughout the facility, private dining, and private suites with private showers. To achieve optimal outcomes, nursing services are provided 24/7 as well as Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy 7 days a week, up to 3 times a day. Complimentary transportation is provided from the hospital and to all appointments off-site during the patient’s stay. To find out more, visit www.oldcheneyrehab.com or call (531) 739-3200.

Strictly Business AUGUST 2018

Virtual C Moves Into New Office Space As of July 16, Virtual C has officially relocated to 1701 Windhoek Dr. in Lincoln. This new space includes a set of executive offices built to maximize creativity and collaboration. Additionally, Virtual C now has a dedicated training room where they can host events. Owner Adam Walter and his team are very excited to be taking the business to the next level with this expansion. Virtual C was founded by business and technology experts to empower companies to pursue their passions. They identified a gap in the business world wherein companies had nowhere to turn to gain trusted advice on technology. Thus, Virtual C’s mission is to be an unbiased partner to organizations and to help guide technology strategies and implementation to keep businesses operating at their most efficient level possible. Check out all of the services that Virtual C has to offer at www. virtualc.biz. Stay tuned for upcoming training opportunities at Virtual C’s new location! They are currently taking requests for topics, so if there is an area you feel your team could benefit from learning more about, email info@virtualc.biz. Additionally, there are currently two offices for rent in Virtual C’s new location. Those interested may contact Adam Walter via email at the above address.

BUSINESS NEWS Scholarship Golf Scramble

Eustis Body Shop Now Open in SE Lincoln

Sponsored by Lincoln Chapter #187 of the AFA Monday – September 24, 2018 Wilderness Ridge Golf Course

Doug Keller, owner of Eustis Body Shop, and Assistant Manager Ryan Clark are proud to announce their 6th Nebraska location now open at 88th and Highway 2. The new, stateof-the-art shop is equipped with the latest auto body repair technology and certified technicians to perform even the most complicated repairs. Eustis Body Shop began as a one-shop enterprise in 1979 when Doug Keller opened up the first shop in his hometown of Eustis, Nebraska. Even with multiple locations and over 50 employees, he has stayed true to his early belief in good quality business ethics. The company stands by their motto, “Where our customers send their friends.” For more information, please visit www.eustisbodyshop.com or call (402) 975-2168. Call or stop in for a free estimate today. Please join Eustis Body Shop for the Grand Opening of their Lincoln location at 88th and Highway 2 on Saturday, August 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guests will enjoy BBQ, prizes, and a special appearance from Axalta’s NASCAR Show Car #24, owned by Hendrick Motorsports’ No. 24 Axalta Chevy driven by William Byron. 10:30 am 12:00 pm 5:00 pm

Check in and lunch Shotgun start-scramble format Dinner and awards

Tournament fee: $100

Includes: Green fees, cart, lunch and dinner.

Contacts:

Fred Phelan fphelan@drexelhamilton.com 402-480-8897 Rick Holdcroft Rholdcroft@cox.net 402-350-4097

Lang Anderson lang.anderson1@gmail.com 402-499-1661

Air Force Association, Lincoln Chapter 187 Scholarship

Golf Scramble invite you to participate in the Scholarship Golf Scramble

Chances to win: Hole prizes & more!

Mail your check with your name, team members (if any) and contact phone number to : AFA Chapter 187 P.O. Box 84011 Lincoln, NE 68501

(Registration Form on Back)

Contacts: Fred Phelan 402.480.8897 Rick Holdcroft 402.350.4097 Lang Anderson 402.499.1661

Tax ID 47-6032496

Monday - September 24, 2018 Wilderness Ridge Golf Course Shotgun Start at Noon Contacts:

Fred Phelan fphelan@drexelhamilton.com 402-480-8897 Rick Holdcroft Rholdcroft@cox.net 402-350-4097

Tournament Fee: $100

Lang Anderson lang.anderson1@gmail.com 402-499-1661

Sponsored by Lincoln Chapter #187 of the AFA Monday – September 24, 2018 Wilderness Ridge Golf Course

10:30 am 12:00 pm 5:00 pm

Check in and lunch Shotgun start-scramble format Dinner and awards

Tournament fee: $100 Includes: Green fees, cart, lunch and dinner. Chances to win: Hole prizes & more! Register by September 17, 2018

Sign up by team or individually Mail your check with your name, team members (if any) and contact phone number to : AFA Chapter 187 P.O. Box 84011 Lincoln, NE 68501

(Registration Form on Back)

Tax ID 47-6032496

Includes: Green Fees, Cart, Lunch,Dinner & Prizes

Mail checks to: AFA Chapter 187 | P.O. Box 84011 | Lincoln, NE 68501

Understanding the Potential of Blockchain Technology Blockchain is creating a lot of buzz in the industry. There’s a lot of talk about blockchain and how it’s used with cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, but blockchain has the potential to do so much more. Blockchain is an effective tool that can be used in virtually any application or industry. Blockchain is a single database shared among many participants where each change to the database Jason Hagan, Director of is monitored and approved by each Treasury Service Product participant. The database is secured by cryptographic techniques and Strategy at First National Bank entries are recorded chronologically. “Blockchain solves for the limitations inherent in existing database architecture while improving security and accuracy,” said Jason Hagan, director of treasury service product strategy at First National Bank. “These are fairly straightforward concepts, but blockchain brings them together in a way that can be applied to a vast number of business processes.” Blockchain is an effective tool that can be used in virtually any application or industry. For example, blockchain has the potential to make big changes in agriculture. The transparency blockchain brings to the supply chain makes it easy to verify if a product is made sustainably, organically or by a specific producer. This transparency would also make it easier to identify contaminated food in the event of an outbreak. Today, when a recall occurs, it can take days or weeks to determine the source of contamination. Blockchain improves traceability, which in turn improves food safety. Currently, companies are in a “test and learn” phase with blockchain and there will likely be more point solutions for specific business processes that come to market in the next few years. “Even though blockchain technology is evolving, it isn’t revolutionary in and of itself. What will be revolutionary are the apps people are building on top of the blockchain foundation,” said Hagan. “If you’re a small- or mid-sized business wondering how to leverage blockchain technology, I suggest focusing on processes that are labor intensive or where data accuracy is paramount.” Member FDIC

AUGUST 2018 Strictly Business

BUSINESS NEWS Digital Sky Flies the Grand Canyon Flying a drone in the Grand Canyon is the dream of every would-be drone pilot out there, so much so that many try, and they’re often arrested. This is because a few years ago, a rule was created that made it unlawful to fly a drone from within a national park. However, if you’re being paid by a group that owns part of the Grand Canyon, exceptions are made to that rule. This was the case in late June when Digital Sky was contracted to be the first professional drone service company to capture aerial video of the Grand Canyon as part of Grand Canyon West’s new marketing campaign. Grand Canyon West is one of the more commercialized portions of the Grand Canyon, run by the Hualapai Tribe; it serves as a way to increase the tribe’s economic standing that doesn’t involve casinos or gambling. Flying the Grand Canyon presented several unique challenges. In addition to coordinating flights around the 300+ commercial helicopter flights into, out of, and through the Canyon, considerations had to be made for planning takeoffs and landings from moving boats in areas of river rapids. Digital Sky spent two days on the Colorado River filming the Hualapai River Runners, an action-packed adventure that takes guests down rapids ranging from Class 3 to Class 8. To check out the behind-the-scenes videos, head over to the Digital Sky Facebook page here: https://goo.gl/7HyjBb.

Faux Finish & Deco

Thomas Faux Finishing Now Serving Clients in Lincoln and Omaha Metro Areas Residential & Commerical

More and more people are choosing faux finishing/painting for their homes. Thomas Faux Finishing, owned and operated FA U X F I N I S H I N G by Thomas Rajkovich and Julie Uribe, officially entered the Metallic Plasters Foils Mica Lincoln and Omaha markets, Bead Builders Old WorldHome Textures making their official debut at theGlass Nebraska and Stencils Glitter More during Garden Show in February. They also showcased their&work the Spring Parade of Homes. 



Serving Lincoln, Omaha

and the Surrounding Areas Julie is a Lincoln native, but she and Thomas lived in Los Angeles for over 25 years before moving back to the area. They are excited to bring their expertise from high-endCall projects in L.A.atback to Nebraska. Julie 323-610-2387 Julie is the lead designer, working with interior designers or directly with the client to help them find the finish that works best for the space. Thomas has been a design artist for over 30 years and he performs the application of the selected finish.

You can already find the workings of Thomas Faux Finishing in The Preserve, Waterford Estates, Firethorn, Piedmont, North and South Edenton, and Boulder Ridge, along with many other homes throughout town. Their designs are even featured in Lincoln Custom Cabinet’s showroom!

Strictly Business AUGUST 2018

With services available for residential and commercial properties, Thomas Faux Finishing offers metallic plasters, textured designs, beaded effects, and other high-end decorative paint finishes. They are all custom and seamless, delivering a contemporary or transitional look that has the ability to completely transform any room. To learn more about Thomas Faux Finishing, contact Julie at (323) 610-2387 / julie.uribe01@gmail.com.

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Bundle and Save with Kinetic Business! • Speeds available up to 1 Gbps • Unlimited Internet with no data caps • Unlimited long distance plus 10 professional calling features • 24/7 technical support with priority treatment for business customers

To order, call 1-877-445-9462 windstream.com/Lincoln Visit our retail store located at 1440 M Street in Lincoln Kinetic by Windstream: Limited-time offer. Offer available for new customers only. Subject to availability. Promotional price requires a 24-month commitment. Price includes a total of $30 in credits in months 1-12 and $20 in credits in months 13-24. Includes up to 25 Mbps Business Class Internet based on speed qualification, dynamic IP, business access line, unlimited long distance and certain calling features. Business Class Internet: Windstream cannot guarantee speeds or uninterrupted, error-free service. Speed availability, actual performance, and provisioning may vary depending on customer location, terrain, Internet and network conditions, website traffic, and quality of customer equipment. Equipment: $5 monthly equipment fees may apply. Windstream-provided modems will be capable of in-business wireless networking, but devices supported by in-business wireless networking connections may experience speeds not equal to advertised speeds or the speed referenced in your High Speed Internet plan. With wireless networking, actual throughput speed may be impacted by several factors including interference from other equipment or devices at the location, distance from the modem, modem location, number and types of devices connected, physical obstructions, and time of day. To obtain advertised speed, connecting a device directly to the modem to provide a wired connection is recommended. Modem equipment must be returned upon termination, and if not, Windstream reserves the right to charge for the modem or a $100 fee. Unlimited Long Distance: Available on additional lines for an additional cost. Usage must be consistent with typical business voice usage. See windstream.com/ bizdisclaimer for examples. If inconsistent, Windstream may charge 10 cents per minute, restrict use or convert plan to Windstream 10. © 2018 Windstream Services, LLC. All rights reserved. Kinetic and Windstream are registered service marks or trademarks of Windstream Services, LLC. and/or its affiliates. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

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AUGUST 2018 Strictly Business 11 7/17/2018 1:33:36 PM

BUSINESS NEWS Next Date Announced for Murder Mystery Dinner at Jasmine Room by Venue

Infusionmedia Publishes New Personal Finance Book

In a world where there are no coincidences, does the clock stop when a murder takes place? Can you follow the clues to the murderer? Be careful, nothing may be what it appears…especially the time. Don’t miss out on all the excitement—get your tickets for the next Murder Mystery Dinner at Jasmine Room by Venue inside the Grand Manse for an evening of dinner and MURDER!

Infusionmedia has published the second edition of The Eight Points of Financial Confidence: Managing Your Life and Wealth by Jeff C. Johnson, CFP®, a wealth adviser with Buckingham Strategic Wealth in Lincoln, NE. If you want to know if you’re on the right track financially, The Eight Points of Financial Confidence can help. The “Eight Points” is a comprehensive planning checklist Jeff uses in his wealth management practice to advise his clients. This expanded and revised second edition adds almost 30 pages of new material and helpful real-life anecdotes to illustrate the main points. Geoffrey Brown, CAE, the CEO of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors, endorsed the book, saying, “Many Americans find money, identifying their financial goals, and planning for the future overwhelming. Jeff makes the key components of a personal financial plan accessible to all of us who are looking to be intentional and more at ease about the future. …[H]is guidance is the perfect starting point for anyone beginning to save for the future and a nice refresher for those who want to assess their progress.” The book will be available in August through jeffcjohnson.com and later through Amazon. Infusionmedia is a marketing and design agency in Lincoln that develops effective marketing tools for entrepreneurs and small businesses, focusing on custom book publishing, content marketing, and website development. Find out more at infusion.media or email hello@infusion.media.

This one-of-a-kind dining experience will take on Friday, August 17 with registration and cocktails from 6-6:30 p.m. followed by a chef-inspired buffet dinner presented by Venue Catering and Events. Throughout the evening, guests will be tasked with putting all the clues together to identify the killer. They have until 10 p.m. to solve the mystery! Ticket information: *$45 | General Admission Ticket | Dinner and show! | NOTE: Guests who wish to be seated together must select one person from the group to purchase all tickets at one time. *$440 | VIP Table Experience | 8 person minimum | 1 drink ticket per person | Priority buffet access | Dinner and show! In addition, guests are encouraged to bring new, unopened socks with them to the event to help Venue with their current collection efforts for shelters in Lincoln. Socks are the most requested items in shelters—any donation is appreciated! To learn more about Venue’s Murder Mystery Dinners, visit www. yourvenue.net or contact Lisa Petersen at (402) 499-3608 / lisa@ yourvenue.net.

Be Our Guest!

We would like to officially invite you to visit our office in Lincoln, Nebraska for our upcoming Get Plused and Leadership Toolbox events.

Get Plused | Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018 This event will help you discover our first-hand, award-winning best practices to creating an engaged workplace.

Leadership Toolbox | Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018 This day-long, development seminar that equips managers with the tools to implement immediately to help their teams outperform every day.

www.talentplus.com | 1.800.VARSITY

Strictly Business AUGUST 2018

Vetter Senior Living Receives National Great Place to Work® Certification Vetter Senior Living, a non-profit company serving seniors in five Midwestern states, is proud to announce that all of its locations have been certified as GREAT WORKPLACES by the independent analysts at Great Place to Work®. Vetter Senior Living (VSL) employs more than 3,500 people and earned this credential based on extensive ratings provided by its employees in anonymous surveys. Sumner Place Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation and Southlake Village Rehabilitation and Care Center are members of the VSL family. “We are thrilled with the results of this survey,” commented VSL President Glenn Van Ekeren. “We consider our team members to be Unsung Heroes, and having more than 90% of them say they take pride in their work, and 86% who have a great workplace is a strong testament to our mission, ‘Dignity in Life’.” “We applaud Vetter Senior Living for seeking certification and releasing its employees’ feedback,” said Kim Peters, executive vice president of Great Place to Work’s Certification Program. “These ratings measure its capacity to earn its own employees’ trust and create a great workplace - critical metrics that anyone considering working for or doing business with Vetter Senior Living should take into account as an indicator of high performance.” “The Great Place to Work certification is another tool to help us attract the best and brightest people to join our teams, which can only help us maintain a high quality of care for the seniors we serve,” said VSL chief people officer Rhonda Flanigan. A summary of these ratings can be found at reviews.greatplacetowork. com/vetter-senior-living. VSL employees completed 2,145 surveys, resulting in a 90% confidence level and a margin of error of ± 1.13.

BUSINESS NEWS Levrack Travels to Oshkosh for Air Show Levrack was honored to be a part of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2018 on July 23-28. Billed as the largest annual gathering of aviation enthusiasts worldwide, Levrack displayed its innovative storage system, which garnered a lot of interest from the attendees. Levrack has many uses, with one of those being the perfect storage unit for a hangar. Locally owned and operated, Levrack offers an original storage solution created to solve a common problem – garage clutter. Whether it’s for your home, shop, or business needs, Levrack’s exclusive system effectively triples your storage space by combining the best of pallet racking and mobile-aisle shelving. The patent-pending design is tougher, more efficient, and less expensive than other forms of high-density storage currently on the market. By utilizing Levrack, you’ll end up with a clean, organized, useful space to enjoy. Check out the website at www.levrack. com or contact Austin at (402) 875-9466 to learn more!

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Save the Date: Nebraska Bridal Show Returns to Holthus Convention Center Are you engaged or do you know someone who is? If so, mark your calendars for the 2019 Nebraska Bridal Show on Sunday, January 20 at the Holthus Convention Center in York. It’s an excellent opportunity to be introduced to some of the best vendors in the Nebraska wedding industry! Speaking of which, would you like to be among the vendors showcasing their offerings and connecting with hundreds of attendees at this upcoming event? Vendors are hand-picked from across the region in order to give couples options for each wedding category, highlighting the latest trends in bridal gowns, tuxedos, cake, décor, music, and more! Please contact the Holthus Convention Center at (402) 363-2675 or email info@holthusconventioncenter.com to request a vendor application or with any inquiries. Planning doesn’t have to be stressful, at the Nebraska Bridal Show it can be fun! So whether you’re interested in attending or becoming a vendor, learn more at holthusconventioncenter.com.

Raising Cane’s is Growing, Seeking Managers Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers first opened in Lincoln, NE in July 2006. Over the last 12 years, they have grown from one to four restaurants in the Lincoln area, and have added restaurants in Grand Island, Fremont, Kearney, and crossed borders into Iowa with their first restaurant in West Des Moines. In addition, on July 31, Raising Cane’s opened in Norfolk, and will be opening in North Platte at the end of August. With all the growth, and the new restaurants that are on the horizon for both 2018 and 2019, Raising Cane’s is looking for managers to join their team. Raising Cane’s offers a great benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life and pet insurance, 401k, 7 major holidays off throughout the year, up to 3 weeks of paid time off each year, relocation assistance and a fun atmosphere. Raising Cane’s tops the list on Nation’s Restaurant News as one of the fastest growing companies in the U.S., and they are looking for people to join their Nebraska and Iowa teams. Find out more on how to join this fast-growing team by applying at RaisingCanesJobs.com.

LOCATED IN SOUTH LINCOLN 1701 WINDHOEK DRIVE Offering a unique opportunity to lease individual office space by business need, all while working in a shared office environment with other business entities and local professionals. Space includes 16 individual offices; complete with reception area, multiple conference rooms, kitchenette, mail room and convenient parking. Access Point is located in Southwest Lincoln near 16th and Old Cheney. In close-proximity to Highway 2 & Highway 77. For more information or to schedule a tour call 402-570-1235 or email drudd@concordei.com AUGUST 2018 Strictly Business

BUSINESS NEWS GP Customs Remains Nebraska’s Only Ceramic Pro Paint Protection Dealer

Lost in Float Encourages Volunteering With New Promotion

GP Customs is honored to be among the elite ranks of Ceramic Pro Paint Protection Dealers, and is the only one in Nebraska still to date. Ceramic Pro is the world’s leading manufacturer of multi-layerable, clear, liquid nano-ceramic coatings. It has revolutionized the automotive, marine, aeronautics and heavy machine industries through the most technologicallyadvanced protective system available today. When applied professionally, it creates a permanent glossy, slick, and self-cleaning surface that preserves finish and paint luster. With GP Customs already specializing in high-end finishes for vehicles and watercraft, it only made sense to partner up with Ceramic Pro in 2016. In just two years’ time of maintaining this distinction, GP Customs has seen tremendous growth with this particular offering. “The proof is in the pudding,” states owner Robert Peinado. “In 2016, we were finishing around 5-7 vehicles with Ceramic Pro. This year, we are already around 50 vehicles. Word has spread fast, largely due to the fact that when customers see the finish, they are amazed. Moreover, it’s extremely convenient to not have to clean your vehicle all the time. With Ceramic Pro’s “hydrophobic effect,” water, dirt, and dust repel off the finish, along with scratch resistance from the protective layer. This product has changed the market for vehicle and watercraft maintenance forever – for one up-front cost, you’re investing in exceptional protection for the life of the vehicle.” For inquires on a Ceramic Pro 9H treatment or any other automotive accessories, contact GP Customs at (402) 421-0888 or visit www.gpcustoms.com.

Attention Lincoln community: Lost in Float has a special announcement to make! If you’re willing to take 4 hours out of your week to volunteer for a worthy cause, Lost in Float thinks you deserve a free session!

New Menu/Specials FREE Shrimp Special Order any of our Texas-sized steak dinners and get 5 fried shrimp FREE! Specials served: (Mon-Thurs 4:30pm - 9pm, Sat 12pm - 4pm & Sun 12pm - 9pm)

Check out our new menu! New Dinner For Two Special New Appetizers New Items

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Served with Light “Create Your Own Salad” with 3 throw-ins and 1 side dish of your choice

6oz Top Sirloin Steak *8oz add $2 Chicken Fried Steak Road Kill Steak Chicken Fried Chicken Loaded Chopped Sirloin Steak

Texas T-bone has been cutting all our steaks in house for over 25 years!

Stop in today! Mon-Fri open at 4:30pm | Sat-Sun open at 12pm (noon)

200 N 70th St. • 402-904-4666 • TexasTboneSteakhouse.com 14 Strictly Business AUGUST 2018

The owners at Lost in Float strongly believe that if someone really wants to come in and float, they should be able to do it even if they can’t afford the cost. Thus, they’ve come up with a great way to encourage fellow community members to give back, and in return, they’ll have the opportunity to take advantage of all of the benefits floating has to offer! Each time you volunteer 4 hours of time at a participating non-profit organization, simply go online and fill out the Hour Tracking Form on the Volunteer Page on Lost in Float’s website. You’ll receive an email notification when the credit has been added to your account, then call or log in online and schedule your session! To view all partnering organizations where you can volunteer and earn a free float, visit Lost in Float’s website at www.lostinfloat.com. Lost in Float is proud to have partnered with local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that the owners and team personally support and believe do quality work in our lovely community. However, they’re always looking to establish partnerships with new organizations! Those interested are welcome to send inquiries to support@ lostinfloat.com.

11th & Cornhusker McDonald’s Undergoes Major Remodel, Celebrates Grand Reopening The McDonald’s Restaurant at 1028 Saunders Ave. has undergone a major remodel! This location now features a state-of-the-art dining room, with self-ordering kiosks and table service to complete guests’ dining experience as well as touch-to-play interactive games for children. A side-by-side 24/7 drive-thru has also been added for a better customer service experience. Additionally, Mobile Order Pay is now offered through the McDonald’s Mobile App, which allows customers to pick up their meals three ways: dining inside, drive-thru, or curbside pick-up. These updates reflect McDonald’s willingness to listen to and ask for feedback to better serve guests, with a consistent dedication to 110% customer satisfaction. Other recent examples include offering 100% fresh beef on Quarter Pounder sandwiches, improving the quality in other menu items by removing preservatives, and having healthy options for children available in Happy Meals. McDonald’s also looks forward to expanding into the delivery market with UberEats here in Lincoln in the early fall. Also new, along with local employee benefits, educational employee benefits are now offered nationally with the McDonald’s Archways to Opportunities Program, with tuition reimbursement up to $2,500 after 90 days of employment. McDonald’s offers options for affordable online college classes and has a high school diploma program. Visit www.mcdonalds.com to join the email list or download the app for exclusive deals!

BUSINESS NEWS Mark’s Plumbing Moves to New Location, Debuts New Look for Fleet Due to much welcomed growth, Mark’s Plumbing has officially moved to a new location which will allow more space to conduct business operations. Mark’s Plumbing is now headquartered at 2045 S. Folsom St., Ste C. In addition, Mark’s Plumbing has given their fleet of service vehicles a fresh look with new wraps. You can now spot them driving all around town since they are very hard to miss! With this recent expansion and modern branding effort, it is definitely an exciting time for Mark’s Plumbing - a business that has been serving the Lincoln community for nearly 20 years. Turn to the professionals at Mark’s Plumbing Inc. for all of your general plumbing needs. Learn more at www.marksplbg.com or contact (402) 440-8151 / mikemontanez3@gmail.com.

Introducing Home Care Partners of Nebraska Please stop by and say hello at a Meet & Greet event Home Care Partners of Nebraska will be hosting on Thursday, August 16 at 10 a.m. It will be held at the SCC Entrepreneurship Center at 285 S. 68th Street Place (west side of the building, 3rd floor). Home Care Partners of Nebraska is locally owned by Andrew Carlson and Karla Frese. As a longtime professional in hospital and ‘patient-centered’ care, Andrew has a passion to promote education, communication, and coordination among providers by sharing information and identifying services and needs which impact older adults in Nebraska. Karla has dedicated her entire professional career to seniors and enjoys being able to inspire elders to live self-directed lives. Both Andrew and Karla have found a calling in supporting our aging population. Home Care Partners of Nebraska enriches lives, while offering an array of care services designed to enhance daily living, all designed with quality of life in mind for today and tomorrow. This caregiving provides seniors support in independent residences, assisted living, long-term care, hospice, or respite care. Please visit www.homecarepartnersofnebraska. com for more information or call (402) 780-1211 with any inquiries.

ATD Lincoln Announces Next Training Events In September, ATD Lincoln will host two events facilitated by Jonathan Halls with Trainer Mojo. Jonathan, author of Rapid Video Development for Trainers: How to Create Learning Videos Fast and Affordably, has taught media and learning strategies for more than 20 years. The first event will take place on Tuesday, September 25 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Room 214 of the Jack J. Huck Continuing Education Center (301 South 68th St.). The topic will be on how to make training videos using smartphones. The following training opportunity is a 3-day program on rapid video/media techniques for trainers. It will be held September 26-28 in the same location, running 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Participants will learn how to shoot and edit videos to ensure audio and visual is crystal clear in order to make trai ning videos more engaging and effective. Cost, additional information, and registration can be found at www. astdlincoln.org/calendar.

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Prep to Show Services New at Essentials Essentials is now offering “Prep to Show” services! The professionals at Essentials can’t stress enough how important it is for your house to be in its best possible condition. For homeowners, when it comes time to sell, you only get one chance to make a first impression and in today’s market, you don’t want to give buyers a reason to keep looking for a better one. Your goal is to sell your house as quickly as possible, as time is money. Every house is as unique as the person who owns it, but when you put your home on the market, there are some universal truths you should abide by if you want to make even the most humble of abodes look like a million bucks. Essentials will now coordinate with you and your realtor to prepare your home for sale. Their team of tried and true affiliates can assist with repairs, yard work and cleaning or whatever is needed to make your home rise above the others on the market. Contact Essentials at (402) 473-5325 for complete information.

inMOTION to Continue Backpack Fundraiser Through 2018-19 School Year It’s back to school time and inMOTION Auto Care is kicking off the new school year with another fundraiser in support of children here in our local community! Along with the inMOTION Auto Care Show & Shine taking place on August 4, inMOTION will continue raising funds for the Food Bank of Lincoln’s Back Pack program throughout the 2018-19 school year. Anyone wishing to help this great cause can “purchase” a backpack that will keep a child from going hungry for an entire weekend for just $7 at inMOTION, which in turn will match any contribution so the money goes twice as far! All proceeds will go directly to the Backpack Program. Many students receive their most nutritious meals during the school day. The Backpack Program was started to ensure kids with food insecurities had nutritious meals over the weekends. This program benefits over 3,500 elementary students in the Lincoln Public Schools district alone. The Food Bank is doing an incredible job to help these students; however, the need is great for this service. Many elementary schools have a wait list to get on the program. To donate, stop by inMOTION Auto Care anytime between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. or mail a check to inMOTION Auto Care at 131 Russwood Dr., Lincoln, NE 68505. Learn more about inMOTION Auto Care online at www.inmotionautocare.com or call (402) 486-9880. AUGUST 2018 Strictly Business 15

BUSINESS NEWS CBMC Lincoln Announces Upcoming Lunch Series Covering ‘The Integrated Life’ Interested in learning to live an “integrated life?” During lunc h times over four weeks in September and October, come join in the discussion of this important topic. In his foundational book, The Integrated Life, Ken Eldred addresses crucial questions like: What is work? Why work? What is your motivation to work? Who and what is currently informing your worldview? Do God and faith have any role in business, the work week, our daily pursuits? How might God factor in? One reviewer said, “The Integrated Life is a must read for anyone seeking significance, eternal purpose and joy in their work and business.” Another writes, “Whether you are a CEO or a bagboy at the supermarket, this book will show you how you can transform people, organizations and communities by serving others to glorify God.” If life and work sometimes feel like a frustrating round of activity to match your income to your expenses, the principles discussed will help you find vital connection between your spiritual life and your work life. For information, contact Dean O’Bryan at dobryan@cbmc.com or (402) 440-6816. CBMC Lincoln encourages men toward spiritual development, personal integrity, principled leadership, and a desire to impact leaders in the marketplace. Info can be found at Lincoln. cbmc.com.

Strictly Business AUGUST 2018

Walmart Supercenter Remodel Complete Lincoln residents got their first look at the newly-remodeled Walmart Supercenter at 8700 Andermatt Drive on June 29, as the much-anticipated project was completed. A grand reopening ribbon-cutting was held that morning with the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce to mark the occasion. Headlining the remodel is the installation of a Pickup Tower. Pickup Towers are 16 feet tall and function like high-tech vending machines, capable of fulfilling a customer’s online order in less than a minute. To use the tower, customers simply choose from millions of items available on Walmart.com and select the Pickup option at checkout. When the item arrives at the local store, an associate loads it into the Pickup Tower and the customer retrieves it by scanning a bar code sent to their smartphone. Customers will also enjoy many other store improvements: State-ofthe-art electronics department with interactive displays, addition of a Mother’s Room, refreshed pharmacy with new consultation room, new tool department with a new look and added variety of tools, self-checkouts at the front of the store to save customers time, updated apparel departments with new signage and fitting rooms, improved produce department layout to better reflect customer shopping patterns, and a new layout and larger assortment in the Home department. “We’re always looking for ways to make our customers’ lives easier,” said Store Manager Doug Hank. “We’re excited for everyone to come see how we are helping give time back to our customers with a new and improved shopping experience.”

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Better Business Bureau (BBB) Foundation will honor metro Lincoln’s ethical businesses and students at its Annual Integrity Awards Luncheon on Thursday, August 30 at the Nebraska Innovation Campus (NIC) Conference Center’s Banquet Hall, 2021 Transformation Drive in Lincoln. The luncheon and program is from 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. The keynote address will be delivered by the University of Nebraska’s Director of Athletics Bill Moos. He will speak about ethics and integrity in college athletics. For sponsorship opportunity information and/or to purchase places at the luncheon, go to bbb.org/nebraska and click on “2018 BBB Integrity Awards.” For questions, please call BBB Communications Department at (402) 898-8526 or (402) 898-8550. Please RSVP by Wednesday, August 15. This is a ticketless event – your reservation and payment are the only requirements to attend.

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Omaha Fashion Week Kicks Off New Season Omaha Fashion Week has proudly grown into the nation’s 5th largest fashion event, supporting more independent fashion designers than any other organization in the region! As the Midwest’s premier fashion event, Omaha Fashion Week connects designers, stylists, photographers, artists, and models through engaging opportunities, and spotlights fashion innovation and creative excellence. Omaha Fashion Week kicks off another season August 20-25! Doors to Omaha Design Center open each evening at 6 p.m. Before the shows, the Pretty in Patina Pre-Party will feature live entertainment and shopping in the *Pop-Up Shop Market, as well as the Borsheims Red Carpet Experience and the H&H Premier Vehicle Showcase! Plus, don’t miss out on the *VIP Lounge, where you can take in all the fashion and glamour with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and drinks from the Absolut Elyx VIP Bar! It all leads up to the main event: a packed show on the Allure Med Spa Runway to Beauty! See the full designer lineup and snag tickets online at www.omahafashionweek.com today! (*Please note: No VIP Lounge during Omaha Wedding Salon on August 20. No Pop-Up Shop Market during VIP Runway Finale on August 25.)

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redthread welcomed friends to check out their brand new office at 201 N. 7th Street, Suite 208 at a special event held on June 22. Now what’s all this about? Are you a passerby who has wondered what a bunch of 20-somethings are doing dancing above the windows at JTK? What you’re witnessing is redthread, a 4-year-old creative advertising agency in downtown Lincoln. In that time, redthread has grown from a tiny cohort of postgraduate freelancers to a company of 17+ hardworking creative professionals and marketing problem solvers. To make it official, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was conducted by the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, which wouldn’t have been complete without the big scissors, the redthread team, and the support of all of the amazing friends they’ve come to know and work with along the way. Check out what the hype is all about at www.redthreadads.com.

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Xcel Roofing Contributes to Completion of Habitat Houses Xcel Roofing is proud to be a mission partner with Habitat for Humanity in the communities in all seven markets where the company currently has offices and operations. Recently, Xcel Roofing donated materials and labor for roofing and siding to help complete projects in Lincoln and Omaha. In Lincoln, coinciding with Give to Lincoln Day on May 31, Xcel Roofing joined other volunteers to help complete a Habitat house in one day. In Omaha, as part of Habitat for Humanity’s Home Builders Blitz 2018, Xcel Roofing teamed up with professional builders and suppliers to come alongside and help with some of the homes built in the Adams Park neighborhood from June 4-8. Xcel Roofing is committed to helping more people build and improve decent places to call home, which only serves to strengthen the fabric and economies of the cities and towns in which we all live and work. By supporting Habitat for Humanity projects across the Midwest, the company is proud to be a part of assisting more families across the U.S. with building strength, stability, and self-reliance through improved shelter. For nearly 30 years, Xcel Roofing has provided customers with quality products and services for their residential and commercial properties, including replacement and repair of roofing, siding, windows, and gutters. Xcel Roofing is now serving customers and improving communities in six states, including Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, South Dakota and Minnesota. Call (402) 345-9235 today to schedule your free inspection or discuss your roofing or exterior needs. For more in-depth information about Xcel Roofing, visit loveourroof.com. AUGUST 2018 Strictly Business 17

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Fantastically Focused

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BUSINESS NEWS Yield Champions Field Day Dates and Locations Added Dennis Nun, president of Yield Champions, has announced the scheduling of a total of 11 fielddays in 6 states beginning the week of August 1318. On hand to address farmers, crop advisors, seed and fertilizers dealers in Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Michigan, Kansas and Missouri will be speakers including 24-Time NCGA National Yield Champion Jerry Cox* of Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Jerry will be sharing the steps he’s taken to increase his farm average corn yields over 100-Bushels per acre over the past 14 years. Dates/locations include: August 14 - Wanatah, IN*; August 15 - Lawton, IA*; August 16 - Juniata, NE*; August 17 - Cedar Rapids, NE*; August 21 - Marshall, MO; August 22 Decker, MI; August 28 - Axtell, KS; August 29 - McCook, NE; August 30 - Odessa, MO; September 5 - Moorefield, NE; September 6 - Royal, NE. Nun says, “We show growers how to lower production costs on a per acre and per bushel basis and that remains the key to profitability for farmers. At these events we will be sharing the impact of a new product INTENSIFY-PGR developed by 3-time world record soybean grower Kip Cullers that was just introduced this growing season.” Yield Champions exclusively markets the Conklin Company’s AgroVantage™ products for crop production. For more information, contact Dennis Nun at (402) 430-7727 or go to www.300BushelCorn. info or www.YieldChampions.com.

Roper & Sons Announces August Events This month’s Topic Breakfast, being held at 7:30 a.m. Thursday, August 16, features Personal and Business Coach Tim Matacio. Tim will share wit and wisdom to help audience members get the most out of their careers, retirement and beyond. Topic Breakfast, held on the third Thursday each month, is free and open to the public. To reserve your seat for Topic Breakfast, please call (402) 476-1225 or email info@roperandsons.com. Additionally, the Grief Program meets weekly on Sundays. These are open to the public, regardless of whether services were facilitated by Roper & Sons. 1st and 3rd Sundays: Guided Group with Facilitator Melissa Thorne, designed for those whose loss took place more than 18 months ago. Meets from 2 – 3:30 p.m. in the Reception Facility at 4300 O Street. 2nd and 4th Sundays: Structured Group with Facilitator Tiffany Eisenbraun, designed for those whose loss is more recent than 18 months, who may be addressing some more pressing first-time needs. Meets from 2 – 3:30 p.m. in the Reception Facility at 4300 O Street. 2nd and 4th Sundays: Substance Abuse Loss Group with Facilitators Brenda Moes and Tiffany Eisenbraun. Designed for those whose loved one died as a result of drug or alcohol use. Meets from 5-6 p.m. at the South Lincoln Chapel, 40th &Yankee Hill. Visit www.roperandsons.com to learn more.

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Strictly Business AUGUST 2018

BUSINESS NEWS WISB to Host Monthly Luncheon on August 8 The Women in Sales and Business (WISB) monthly meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 8 at The Venue in the NE/Lancaster Room at 4111 Pioneer Woods Drive, Lincoln, NE. The speaker will be Melinda Naber Beck, co-owner of Ridge View Accounting. She will be providing a general summary of the main tax law changes starting with the 2018 tax year due to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. More detail will be provided with regard to those changes that affect self-employed taxpayers and small business owners. Melinda Naber Beck is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) who has worked in the area of tax preparation for over five years. Ridge View Accounting & Tax, CPA, P.C. is a small, family-owned business that Melinda manages with her father, Keith Naber. The firm is currently seeking to hire one or two experienced tax preparers due to their rapid growth. The meeting starts with lunch at 11:30 a.m. with meeting following from 11:55 a.m. until 1 p.m. Cost is $18 which includes lunch (cost is $10 if you only attend the meeting). Please register online at www.wisblincoln. org on the Events page to RSVP. More information can also be found on the website or by contacting WISB via email at info@wisblincoln.org.

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International Thespian Festival Brings Top Students, Educators to UNL Campus For the 25th year in a row, students and hundreds of their sponsors, e d u c a t o r s a n d c h a p e ro n e s traveled from around the world to the Lied Center for Performing Arts at the University of NebraskaLincoln for the annual International Thespian Festival. The young actors represent some of the best and highly-motivated theatrical talent in the U.S. and abroad. The International Thespian Festival (ITF) is a week-long immersion in the theatre arts, especially for high-achieving middle and high school drama students and their teachers. ITF showcases outstanding school theatre productions on four professional stages and offers a wealth of learning and presentation opportunities encompassing all theatrical disciplines. For more than 50 years, ITF has been the preferred summer theatre experience for students and teachers alike, produced by the Educational Theatre Association and held at UNL. Students 12 and older came from as close as Lincoln, NE and as far away as Singapore to attend. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln city-campus and downtown Lincoln provide an ideal setting for this international festival with a combination of several world-class performing arts facilities, including the Lied Center for Performing Arts, Temple Building, Kimball Recital Hall, Westbrook Music Building and several other academic buildings and residence halls. A 2009 study by the Nebraska Division of Travel and Tourism estimates the annual economic impact of the festival at approximately $560,000 for businesses in the City of Lincoln. The conference is one of the many camps and conferences hosted during the summer at UNL.

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AUGUST 2018 Strictly Business

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Butherus, Maser & Love, a family owned and operated funeral home in Lincoln since 1883, recently unveiled its newest service: A 2009 Harley trike attached to a casket-toting trailer, fresh from a 2,000-hour makeover at a custom build shop. The idea grew out of the funeral home’s presence at local bike shows which is part of its marketing philosophy. To reach new customers, it gets involved in the city, introducing itself to clubs and communities. In this case, motorcyclists. “Because it doesn’t matter what the group is, everyone is going to need our services,” said Funeral Director Andy Elliott. Customers are increasingly trying to personalize their services, planning funerals that reflect their interests and blurring the traditional rites and rituals of visitation, church, and graveside services. Butherus, Maser & Love bought the used trike and carriage separately, and had the crew at Xotic Customs add a domed top, diamond-plate floor panels, and new upholstery. They gave both blue-and-silver paint jobs—the funeral home’s colors. The funeral home will charge the same fee as it does for its two traditional hearses and it’s available to anybody, cremation or casketed. To learn more about Butherus, Maser & Love, located at 4040 A St., and their services, visit www.bmlfh.com or call (402) 488-0934.

2017 was a year of change and 2018 is looking very much the same for Doorstep Diner Catering. With the addition of Chad Klein as partner, a rebrand and a new kitchen, growth was expected but the honors that came with it were quite a pleasant surprise. This year, Doorstep Diner Catering has received the Lincoln Journal Star’s People’s Choice Award for Best Caterer, Top 3 Caterers in Lincoln, and the LIBA Small Business Enterprising Gambler Award. Thank you to clients and the community for your continued support! So what lies ahead for Doorstep Diner Catering? Well, besides amazing cuisine, a team dedicated to excellent service, a hands-on approach to every event, and the willingness to dress up in Rockabilly for a wedding or make ants on a log at a client’s request, they’ve now opened a small event space. Doorstep Diner Catering is proud to introduce The Event Space at 5550. Light, airy and fresh, this space will accommodate up to 50 people and is perfect for wedding rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, birthday parties, corporate meetings, holiday parties and much more! There is even a small intimate room for two that you can book for a private 5-star experience. Let Doorstep Diner Catering help you create the experience you want so you can sit back, relax and let them do all the heavy lifting. For catering or event space inquiries, please contact Chad at (866) 505-2456 or visit www.doorstepdiner.com.

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Strictly Business AUGUST 2018

BUSINESS NEWS 5 Elements Massage Celebrates 3 Years August marks the 3-year anniversary for 5 Elements Massage, owned and operated by Erin Lange, resident LMT (Licensed Massage Therapist). Erin is dedicated to promoting positive health benefits through the art of massage. She is currently in the planning stages for expansion, which will include a larger space and bringing on an additional massage therapist. To celebrate 3 years, Erin invites all of her supportive clients—new and old—and anyone who is interested to come in to her massage studio (5221 S. 48th St., Ste. 10) for cake and free chair massages on Friday, August 10 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. For more information, please call Erin at (402) 617-7992, visit 5elementsNE.com, or find 5 Elements Massage on Facebook and Instagram.

Center Sphere Announces August Events Center Sphere hosts events each month that are open to the public in order to give non-members a chance to learn more about this amazing network. On Thursday, August 2 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., there will be a social event hosted by Cowboy Chicken at 2801 Pine Lake Rd. Then, on Thursday, August 16, from 8:30 to 10 a.m., Center Sphere will hold its monthly Coffee and Connections, hosted by Lona Anderson, fashion paramedic and style coach with Premier Designs Jewelry at Gianna’s Java & Gelato, 2241 O St., Ste. T. The following week, there will be a “Meet Center Sphere” opportunity on Wednesday, August 22, from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., back at Gianna’s Java & Gelato. The final event for the month is on Thursday, August 30, from 10 a.m. to noon, led by Traci Johns with Grow24 and Professional Reliable Organizing in the SCC Entrepreneurship Building, 285 S. 68th St. Plaza, Conference Room 214. Center Sphere is an established network of business professionals whose mission is to share referrals, ideas, and resources through genuine relationships. For more information, visit www.centersphere.com or contact Cheryl Hansen, area director for Lincoln, at (402) 499-2009 / Cheryl@ CenterSphere.com.

Control Depot Earns Designation as Belimo Platinum Distributor Control Depot was recently selected to be a Belimo Platinum Distributor. The “Platinum Distributor” program is the highest level of recognition that Belimo confers to a distributor and is based on providing controls expertise, application knowledge, and technical expertise for Belimo products. In 2018, there were only 29 U.S. distributors that achieved Platinum distributor status. Belimo is a global leader in the HVAC market, focusing on actuators, control valves, and sensors. Control Depot is proud to have been named a Belimo Platinum Distributor for 2018. Control Depot is a building automation and controls distributor serving Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and South Dakota. Specializing in the sales and support of a wide selection of residential and commercial controls and components for contractors and building owners, Control Depot offers quality products and services in a timely manner at affordable rates. Please contact Control Depot at (402) 934-0078 / sales@ controldepotinc.com or visit www.controldepotinc.com to learn more.

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Strictly Business AUGUST 2018

BEN

Ben Bleicher

PROFESSIONAL REALTY GROUP Professional Realty Group is a team of experienced real estate professionals with Woods Bros Realty who came together earlier this year to form what’s already become a powerhouse in the industry here in our local market. Collectively, they are able to help clients buy and sell residential and commercial properties in Lincoln and the surrounding areas as well as industrial, land development, and new construction. For the latter two, Professional Realty Group is honored to represent the new Foxtail Ridge development in Eagle, NE and Don Johnson Homes here in Lincoln. Ben Bleicher is a local real estate agent and the team lead for Professional Realty Group. Tell us a little about your business. - I’m the proud leader of a handful of excellent agents who operate under the Professional Realty Group. We strive to offer impeccable customer service to our clients, both buyers and sellers, who are our number one priority. How did you get started in the business? - A friend who’s also a realtor said he thought I would do great at real estate. I took a chance, got my license, and the rest is history. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - I’d say the recruiting aspect. I’ve been fortunate to find several new, highly motivated agents who are a great fit so far but there’s still plenty of room for us to grow. What has been your most important achievement professionally? - In 2017 I hit a personal record, closing over $20M in production and 90+ transactions. Tell us a little about your family. - I’m married to my best friend, Andrea, who is also a talented real estate professional and co-founder of PRG, and have two wonderful kids, Vincent (14) and Brynn (5). What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - Obtaining my real estate license and getting married. Both were definitely game changers. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Hanging with my family, relaxing. What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - That’s a story for another day. I only tell these things to my clients… What are you the most proud of? - My kids, wife, and my agents. All rockstars. What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - Never become complacent. There’s always a bigger and better goal to achieve. If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Loyal. If you had a theme song, what would it be? - “I Can’t Stop” by Flux Pavilion. If you could have a super power, what would it be? - Time travel. What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - Prospecting. I don’t have enough hours in a day...yet. If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - There isn’t one; I absolutely love what I do. What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - More than I can list, because I enjoy being a philanthropist. What is your favorite local restaurant? - Hiro88. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? Phone: (402) 419-6309 (feel free to call or text); Email: ben.bleicher@ woodsbros.com; Website: www.PRG-NE.com.

STAR CITY SIX

THOMAS

Thomas Rajkovich

THOMAS FAUX FINISHING Thomas Faux Finishing specializes in the design and application of decorative finishes that replicate the appearance of high-end materials such as marble, wood or stone. They also do faux painting, adding light, color and texture to the walls within homes and business locations in Lincoln, the Omaha Metro, and surrounding areas across southeast Nebraska. Tom Rajkovich, co-owner of Thomas Faux Finishing, is a commercial artist who applies his 30-plus years in the industry to the expert application of each client’s selected finish(es). Tell us a little about your business. - Thomas Faux Finishing is relatively new to the area. Our specialty is fine faux finishing and design. With services available for both residential and commercial properties, some examples of the work we create for our clients include metallic plasters, modern washboard and grasscloth textures, glass bead finishes, and other high-end decorative paint applications. These are all custom and seamless, delivering a contemporary or transitional look that has the ability to completely transform any room. If design isn’t your knack, we have a talented design consultant to help with your creative needs. How did you get started in the business? - It’s a passion of mine. I’ve been a commercial artist for over three decades and had the chance to really advance my skills during my time in Los Angeles. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Starting over with the process of building a solid client base now that we’ve relocated to the Midwest. All of our clients back in L.A. love the work that we have done for them, and so far the ones we are honored to have in Lincoln and Omaha, and even as far away as Fairbury, have too. What has been your most important achievement professionally? - Working on the Fairbury Theater renovation was quite satisfying. Recreating the ceiling stencils that were badly worn, and with much of them missing, in order to make them appear as they would have in their original state was a real undertaking. However, it truly was such gratifying work to restore this project that has been around for so many years. Tell us a little about your family. - My wife Julie and I recently moved to Lincoln to be close to her parents. Being from Michigan originally, I did miss the Midwest, especially the strong values and work ethic! What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Spending time with my wife is my favorite. Working on my fine art or projects around the house would probably be second. If you could have a super power, what would it be? - Probably to fly; wouldn’t it be cool to soar through the clouds? What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - I enjoy woodworking. Building guitars in particular is a great love of mine. If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - Probably a full-time fine artist. I would love to display my paintings at the local galleries. What is your favorite movie? - Goodfellas. What is your favorite local restaurant? - Dino’s Eastside Grille, they have fantastic burgers and pizza! If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Jimmy Page from Led Zeppelin. Having him talk about how he came up with the greatest rock songs in the history of music would be quite amazing! If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - For anyone who is interested in our services, it’s best to get in touch with my wife, Julie, at (323) 610-2387 or julie.uribe01@gmail.com.

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AUGUST 2018 Strictly Business

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Strictly Business AUGUST 2018

Hillcrest Health Services offers years of experience providing best-in-class care for aging adults through a continuum of services, which now includes Hillcrest Firethorn, a postacute rehabilitation center that opened in November 2017. Anthony Hatcher, DO, FAAFP is the chief medical officer at Hillcrest Health Services. Tell us a little about your business. - Hillcrest is a senior living company dedicated to enhancing the lives of aging adults, providing services such as independent and assisted living, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, long-term care, memory support, adult day services, certified skilled home health and in-home personal care, telehealth services and hospice care. How did you get started in the business? - I spent the past 30 years as a family physician and transitioned one year ago to this new role with the goal to assist with improving the health and wellbeing for aging adults. I wanted to be a part of a healthcare company dedicated to seniors and their health. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Being dropped off in Kuwait City after Desert Storm to facilitate the care for USAF military members with the local medical facilities. I was the only USAF physician in Kuwait, and I needed to develop relationships with the local health care providers to care for any injured members. What has been your most important achievement professionally? - I would not say I have a single most important achievement. Caring for each patient, helping them with their personal health issues, is always an important achievement for me. Tell us a little about your family. - I am married with five children ranging in age from 12-17, all active in various sports and outdoor activities. I enjoy watching them learn and grow as they become adults. What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? Accepting an Air Force Scholarship to assist with my medical education. It has shaped my professional career leading me to Offutt AFB and living in Omaha. I’m proud of being a former military member and having the ability to raise my family in Nebraska. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Be with my family at a ball game. What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I spent ten years in the USAF and was a flight surgeon. I was attached to a rescue squadron in Kuwait City and flew over 60 hours in an HH-60 rescue helicopter using only night vision goggles. What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - No matter what you choose to do in life, be the best you can be! If you had a theme song, what would it be? - Growing up in the 70s I am partial to rock music. I would have to say anything Led Zeppelin, especially “Stairway to Heaven.” What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - Our local food banks. There’s no reason a child or family should go hungry in our community or country with the wealth and resources we have. What is your favorite movie? - It’s a Wonderful Life. What is your favorite TV show? - HGTV’s Beachfront Bargain Hunt! What is your favorite local restaurant? - MoMo Pizzeria and Ristorante - love the food and the atmosphere. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? Email: ahatcher@hillcresthealth.com; Website: www.hillcresthealth.com.

STAR CITY SIX

MIKE

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ALLO COMMUNICATIONS ALLO Communications specializes in providing world-class communications services by creating gigabit communities, offering solutions to businesses, residents, and government entities. Mike Grubbs is the business sales leader at ALLO. Tell us a little about your business. - Other than being 100% fiber for Internet, TV and phone, what makes us stand out is our customer service. We have a local call center in each of the markets we do business, including Lincoln. That means a faster response and dedication to making sure our customers are happy. How did you get started in the business? - My path began in CAD engineering. Life has a funny way of redirecting us, though. I got into a career in nutrition for a while, and then pursued yet another very different opportunity working for Aliant Communications. Now 20 years later I am still in the telecommunications field. It’s something I know and like. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Finding my calling. After all of the different paths I took to get here, I’m so fortunate that I landed in sales where I was meant to be, with such a great company and a team I enjoy working with tremendously. What has been your most important achievement professionally? My advancement in sales has been the biggest one to date. Starting out new in sales, you’re at the bottom of the totem pole. You need to prove yourself to get anywhere, and with that the advancement will come. I did so enough that when the opportunity to work for ALLO came to me, it was an easy choice. I have to thank my Director Kathy Carstensen for thinking of me for this position. Tell us a little about your family. - I am originally from Fairbury, NE and the third child of four kids. I have a young son, Aiden, who just turned 11 years old. My longtime girlfriend Abby and I both work for ALLO. With her being here, and me knowing the team I work with for so long, it feels like a family here too. What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - The birth of my son. You don’t realize the dedication it takes to raise a child. We all think we know, but it’s a different story once you are holding your baby in your arms. I can probably say he has directed my life. I just want to give him everything he needs. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I am a gym junkie, so that’s usually where you will find me. I also like to spend time with my family. What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I used to play in a band when I was in high school. We actually wrote a song and recorded it in a professional studio. What are you the most proud of? - My son. No matter what happens, I am always going to be proud of his accomplishments. If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Joker. If you could have a super power, what would it be? - Flight! If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - Dietician. What is your favorite TV show? - Friends. If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Marilyn Monroe. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - Phone: (402) 261-7343; Email: mgrubbs@allophone.net; Website: www.allocommunications.com.

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Strictly Business AUGUST 2018

THOMAS

Thomas Huston

HONEST & HUMBLE CONSTRUCTION Honest & Humble Construction, LLC is a general contracting company that specializes in remodeling, restoration and repair, serving both residential and commercial clients. Thomas Huston is the owner of Honest & Humble Construction, LLC. Tell us a little about your business. - We do everything from the “honeydo list” to building on additions to a home. I founded the company in 2012, and expanded with new divisions and specialty crews in 2016 and 2017. Now that we are in 2018 our business is booming and people are recognizing our name, and more importantly, associating it with quality. How did you get started in the business? - I am a 3rd generation carpenter. I watched my dad and grandpa work with their hands all my life. My parents also owned rental properties growing up, so I got to learn how to repair and build things firsthand. When I got old enough, I still enjoyed working with my hands, so I figured I would make it my life’s work too. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Our rapid growth in a relatively short period of time. It’s a good thing, but having a room for all the equipment and tools needed has been a stretch. What has been your most important achievement professionally? - The past two years I have set my goals for amount of projects and income. I have met, and exceeded, both of those. Consistently doing that has felt like a huge achievement for me, and this year I’ve already surpassed my goals for 2018, so I just had to set them a little higher. Tell us a little about your family. - My parents both live here in Lincoln, but they are originally from Omaha. I grew up in the same house they live in today. My brother and his wife plus their baby girl live in North Carolina. They are both successful artists and just got married at the end of July here in Lincoln. My household consists of my girlfriend Danni, who also helps me run the business, and our dog, a white lab named Tobe. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Go sailing and being outside with my dog. What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - Even though being in construction you have to be able to draw, I’m actually very artistic and have painting and drawings throughout my house. I would have to say, though, that photography is my favorite. What are you the most proud of? - My brother, who has always been by my side. What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - “A closed mouth doesn’t get fed.” If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Honest. Which talent would you most like to have? - To play the piano. What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - Eventually I would like to start a charity to help out those who have Parkinson’s. What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. What is your favorite movie? - Howl’s Moving Castle. What is your favorite local restaurant? - The Blue Orchid. If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Andy Frisella, who is a motivational speaker. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? Phone: (402) 937-8228; Email: honestandhumble@gmail.com; Website: honesthumble.com.

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Virtual C offers executive consulting services, working with businesses to facilitate transformation and help navigate the technical waters. Adam Walter is the owner of Virtual C. Tell us a little about your business. - Essentially we come to you and act as an advocate to help you decide how to manage technical departments. This is done through agile transformation and remaining impartial to technical solutions. Don’t know what to do or where to go? We can coach you through it with strategy sessions and full mentoring/ coaching services for your management staff. We even offer fractional management services for companies on a tight budget or in between managers. How did you get started in the business? - Like many people, I realized that the corporate grind was not a good fit for me. The money and benefits were great but I was thirsty for a good challenge. I also wanted more flexibility in my life for my family. So I decided to found a company where I could utilize the last 20 years of knowledge to help other companies. With the idea of bringing C-level services to all companies, Virtual C was born. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Taking setbacks and turning them into opportunities. Just because a company is not a good fit or a project fails, it does not mean I am a failure. Sometimes you need to accept that a place is not a good fit or a project is not working and walk away or let it fail. As we say in our company, “Don’t be afraid of failure, evolve!” What has been your most important achievement professionally? - When I see an employee or peer succeed and played a part in that. Anyone can promote themselves, but helping someone else get to that next level in their career or seeing a business succeed because you stepped in and helped augment them, that is success to me. Tell us a little about your family. - We went from zero to four kids in four months. How is that for an opening line? My wife has a Master’s in Genetics, a Pharm. D and is currently a clinical pharmacist at the VA counseling patients. We had a wonderfully adventurous seven years of marriage before coming to the conclusion that biological kids were not in the cards, so we did our research and became foster parents. We eventually were identified as good adoptive parents for a sibling group of three amazing kids, two girls and little boy. Soon after, I was minding my own business at work and I got a call asking if I wanted to have a day-old baby. Tomorrow. I believe my response was something like, “Well I should probably check with my wife first.” We decided it would be a great idea and less than 24 hours later I was holding my son. Now our kids are 12, 11, 10 and 5 years old. They love music, playing in the pool, camping, and are a true joy in our lives. My wife and I are very much still in love after 14 years of marriage and try to dedicate time to each other every evening. What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I’m an All-American track athlete. What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - “It isn’t about finding the right person, it is about being the right person.” If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Gregarious. What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - Board game awesomeness. What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - Christ Lutheran Church. My faith is very important to me and I really have a passion for helping others in life. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? Email: adam@virtualc.biz; Website: www.virtualc.biz.

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AUGUST 2018 Strictly Business

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? Dad’s Annual Physical Most of us do a good job of making sure that the kids get their checkups, but what about the adults in your household? No one enjoys the part where we must get on the scale or have blood drawn for lab work. But we know that the accountability is good for us and we have heard the stories of someone who was diagnosed with an illness because of getting that annual physical and is very thankful for the early detection. Just do it! The saying an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure is very true when it comes to our health. Prevention is the goal. When an illness occurs, the cost of treatment, the duration of treatment, and the outcomes of the treatment are typically better with early diagnosis. Most health insurance plans provide Preventive Care at no charge and waive the deductible. The Affordable Care Act standardized the Preventive Care procedures that are required for individual health insurance policies and those offered by small employers. The recommended procedures vary by age, gender, and health risk factors. As an example, a bone density scan is generally covered as a preventive care procedure for women age 60 and older. If your doctor recommends a bone density scan and you are not yet 60 years old, it will probably not be covered as preventive care. It may be approved as a diagnostic procedure that will be subject to the deductible on your policy. Healthcare.gov is a good general resource. (www.healthcare. gov/coverage/what-marketplace-plans-cover/) You should review your health insurance plan for details on Preventive Care coverage in your policy. Medicare also provides for Preventive Care. A “Welcome to Medicare” preventive care visit occurs within the first 12 months of enrolling in Medicare Part B. Then, an annual Wellness visit is covered each year. “Your Guide to Medicare’s Preventive Services” is a 32-page booklet that can be downloaded or ordered from Medicare.gov.

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PERSONNEL NEWS

Family Physicians Group Welcomes Dr. Thomas A. Fischer Family Physicians Group, P.C. would like to welcome Dr. Thomas A. Fischer to their practice. Dr. Fischer will officially join the team on Monday, August 13. After graduating from the University of South Dakota and receiving his medical degree from the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, Dr. Fischer attended Family Medicine Residency in Lincoln at the Lincoln Medical Education Program, which he graduated from earlier this year. Dr. Fischer enjoys spending time with family and friends as well as outdoor activities, mostly biking and hiking, and playing music in his free time. Family Physicians Group, located at 770 N. Cotner Blvd. #205, wants to be your family’s partner in good health. Their board certified family practitioners and knowledgeable support staff care for all ages with the most up-to-date information and a wide array of services. They provide complete evaluations of acute illnesses in an extensive range of body systems, including Orthopedics, Ophthalmology, Cardiology, Pulmonary, Urology, Gastroenterology, Obstetrics/Gynecology, Nephrology, Endocrinology, Neurology, Dermatology, and Psychiatry. Learn more by visiting their website at www.fpg-lincoln.com or calling (402) 467-4661.

James Bowen Named New CEO of Five Nines Five Nines, Nebraska’s largest independently owned IT company co-founded by Nick Bock and James Bowen in 2006, has announced James Bowen as the new CEO of the company through a planned transition that has been years in the making. “In our journey to create a well operating 50/50 partnership, Nick became the CEO, and I led and performed a lot of the engineering effort. As Five Nines grew and prospered, we engaged Leadership Resources for strategic planning,” said James Bowen, new CEO of Five Nines. “During these discussions Nick and I identified that one day, years out, Nick’s goal was to either move on to other interests and opportunities or retire. We also discovered that Five Nines is and likely always will be my life’s work and passion.” In a detailed letter written by James about the transition, he stated. “I’m grateful for this opportunity and for the wonderful people who choose to make Five Nines their work family. Furthermore, I’m grateful for our clients who trust us with the management of their technology, the security and safety of their data, and the business continuity which protects their revenue.” To read the letter about this announcement from the new CEO, visit: www.gonines.com/letter.

Strictly Business AUGUST 2018

Founded on an intense desire to solve problems and build long-term relationships with clients, Five Nines leverages technology to drive business success. With offices in Lincoln, Omaha & Kearney, Five Nines advises the best IT solutions for Nebraska based businesses, offering Managed IT Services. Through its unique service model, Five Nines’ clients experience reduced costs, accelerated growth, and increased productivity. Learn more at: www.gonines.com.

PERSONNEL NEWS

New Hire, Promotions at Union Bank & Trust Union Bank & Trust (ubt.com) recently hired Scott Wanetka as vice president of consumer lending. Jade Hood was promoted to deposit Services officer and Taylor Hunt to customer service officer. Scott Wanetka, as vice president of consumer lending, will be leading UBT’s Credit Card and Patient Financing consumer lending business units. He brings 18 years of wide-ranging financial and retail industry experience to Union Bank, including 10 years in credit card marketing, operations, retail banking and Scott Wanetka retention strategies to his new role. Wanetka received his Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources from the University of Nebraska— Lincoln and is an avid outdoorsman and a strong supporter of local conservation and youth involvement efforts. A Milford resident, Wanetka is an active leader at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Seward and volunteers as a Hunter Education Instructor with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Jade Hood, now deposit services officer, leads the Input and Documentation team in Jade Hood ensuring all legal and regulatory requirements are followed regarding deposit account documentation. She joined Union Bank in 2004, progressing through the Customer Service career path before joining the Deposit Services area as assistant manager in 2015. Hood received an Associate Degree from Southeast Community College and is a graduate of the Nebraska Banker’s Association Operations School and UBT’s Leadership Development Program. She is a member of UBT’s Operations Advisory Group as well as both UBT’s and Lincoln’s Taylor Hunt Young Professionals Groups and serves her community through Union Bank’s Donations Committee and the United Way Women in Philanthropy group. Hood is a past board member of Heartland Big Brothers Big Sisters and past UBT United Way/Community Health Charities Campaign Committee Chair. Taylor Hunt, now customer service officer, is responsible for the overall management of the 70th & Pioneers branch in addition to leading the manager group with department projects, training initiatives, and operations. Hunt began his UBT career in 2012, holding numerous positions in the Customer Service Department, most recently as branch manager of the 70th & Pioneers location. Currently attending the University of Nebraska – Kearney, Hunt will hold a Bachelor of Arts in Business with minors in Marketing and Management as well as Certification in Project Management upon his completion. He is a graduate of UBT’s Leadership Development Program, is a member of Lincoln’s Young Professionals Group and serves on UBT’s Wellness Committee. Dedicated to investing in his community, Hunt is a United Way/Community Health Charities Emerging Leader and a UBT United Way/Community Health Charities Campaign Committee member.

It’s Not What You Know, It’s Who You Know & Who Knows You! At Strictly Business Magazine we strive to recognize local businessmen and women for their significant awards, promotions, ac hievements, and/or efforts in partnership with other organizations and the Lincoln community. If you know of someone who meets these criteria and wish to include their news in our publication, email us at office@strictlybusinessomaha.com.

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PERSONNEL NEWS Windstream Promotes Stephanie Frana to Consultant for Operations Support Windstream, a leading provider of advanced network communications, has announced the promotion of Stephanie Frana to consultant for operations support for Nebraska. “We are thrilled to have experienced and talented team members like Stephanie at Windstream,” said Brad Hedrick, president of Windstream Operations in Nebraska. “Having Stephanie in this new role will help support our community involvement efforts as we continue to invest and reinvest in the communities where we live and serve.” Frana will be tasked with developing and leading multiple marketing campaigns, as well as supporting the local Operations team on coordinating local community initiatives. She has been with Windstream for more than 19 years. She began her career in 1998 and has served as a local operations manager, sales support supervisor, and, more recently, as area retail sales manager. Frana holds a bachelor’s degree from Northwest Missouri State University and a master’s from Bellevue University. Windstream employs nearly 250 local community members in Nebraska. Additional information about Windstream is available at windstream.com or windstreamenterprise.com.

Community Action Welcomes Chad Frank Community Action is excited to announce the addition of Chad Frank to the agency’s Supportive Housing team. As the program’s administrator, Chad will lead the agency’s efforts to house homeless families and support them in achieving the ultimate goal of self-sufficiency. A graduate of UNL, Chad’s previous experience with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services will be invaluable to Community Action and the city of Lincoln. “We are excited to welcome Chad to our Supportive Housing team,” said Michelle Martinez, community services director at Community Action. “Chad’s experience with program administration and knowledge of community resources will provide our participants with the strong support they need to reach their goals and ultimately achieve economic stability.” Community Action’s Supportive Housing Program moves homeless families into a home and provides ongoing case management support for up to 24 months. While in the program, families receive empowering support in areas such as personal financial counseling, goal planning, employment search and stabilization, parenting skills, and tenant education. For more information about Community Action’s Supportive Housing Program, including how you can help, visit www.communityactionatwork. org or call (402) 471-4515.

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Strictly Business AUGUST 2018

Diane Pryor Joins Lincoln Chamber The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome Diane Pryor, who joins the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce as executive assistant to the president. Pryor comes to the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce as a longtime executive assistant to the managing partner and human resources coordinator, serving in that role for 28 years with BKD, LLP. Pryor is excited to join the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce to help assist with daily operations and strengthen connections with members and others throughout the community. A native of Lexington, Nebraska, Pryor has an associate’s degree from the Lincoln School of Commerce and loves meeting new people, staying connected to events in Lincoln and being active with outdoor sports and outdoor activities.

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Exciting Developments at Hillcrest: New Leaders Join Organization With the recent growth of Hillcrest Health Services, Hillcrest is happy to announce the addition of two new leaders with years of experience in senior health care. As Dave Creal accepts a promotion to vice president of facility operations, Michelle Yosick joins Hillcrest as a regional administrator. Yosick will be working with Hillcrest service line administrators on daily operations and quality measures. “With 20 years of working in the skilled Dave Creal nursing profession and regional experience, we believe Michelle will be a great asset to the facility operations team,” said Creal. Creal has been with Hillcrest since 2016, when he joined the team as a regional administrator responsible for operations and performance of Hillcrest Firethorn, Hillcrest Mable Rose, Hillcrest Millard and Hillcrest Shadow Lake. In his new position, Creal will join the executive team, becoming responsible for strategic planning for the future growth and development of the entire Hillcrest Michelle Yosick organization. Dottie Rice is also joining Hillcrest in a new position, regional director of clinical operations, and will oversee the organization’s clinical leadership committee and work closely with Chief Medical Officer Dr. Anthony Hatcher to identify programs to create new pathways and protocols for care. Rice comes to Hillcrest with more than 20 years of senior nursing care experience. “We’re excited about the clinical experience Dottie will bring to the organization,” said Dottie Rice Hatcher. Hillcrest Health Services offers the region’s largest continuum of health services for aging adults, including independent and assisted living, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, long-term care, memory support, adult day services, certified skilled home health and in-home personal care, telehealth services and hospice care. Hillcrest currently serves nearly 1,200 aging adults daily across 10 counties in Nebraska and Iowa. For more information, visit www.hillcresthealth.com.

FRIENDS4LUNCH

This Month: Wilderness Ridge On behalf of the Strictly Business team, we would like to invite you, your co-workers, and friends to join us at Wilderness Ridge for our next Friends4Lunch event on Wednesday, August 8 at 11:30 a.m. (Lunch prices range approximately $10-$18) Space is limited so please RSVP by Friday, August 3 to office@ strictlybusiness.com or call (402) 466-3330 and include how many guests will be dining with you. Wilderness Ridge offers upscale, casual dining in a rustic lodge setting. They change their menus seasonally, always featuring ingredients from local farms. From the moment you walk through their oversized, intricately carved front doors your dining experience will be one to remember. (Hint, ask them about the story behind the carvings.) When the weather is nice, enjoy a glass of wine, craft beer, or signature cocktail on their 9,000-square-foot deck and take in the beautiful views of the 18-hole golf course—and if you come on a weekend you can enjoy live music too! Lunch and dinner are served daily and a brunch buffet is offered every Sunday. Reservations are not required, but are available online.

Friends4Lunch is one of our continued monthly networking events held at one of our favorite local restaurants. The tradition was established in the hopes of offering a casual way to make valuable connections with friends and strangers alike in the area over lunch while supporting our clients and enjoying their amazing cuisine. AUGUST 2018 Strictly Business 33

PERSONNEL NEWS Chief Construction Welcomes Development Project Manager Andy Widman

Tabitha’s Chris Wismer Shares Hospice Expertise

Chief Construction recently expanded its development team by welcoming Andy Widman as the development project manager.

Tabitha, Nebraska’s leading Senior Care provider, congratulates Chris Wismer, Tabitha hospice administrator, on her recent appointment as the community engagement chair of the Nebraska Hospice and Palliative Care Association (NHPCA). NHPCA provides ongoing education, community presentations, advocacy, research and quality improvement data to help guide local hospice programs in promoting and sharing the benefits of end-of-life care. Wismer was one of the Nebraskans present at the recent Management and Leadership Conference and Advocacy Intensive in Washington D.C.

A Nebraska native, Widman, earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a master’s degree in architecture from the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago. After moving back to Lincoln, he became a licensed architect and worked for architectural firms that focused on the retail and education sectors. Widman left the architectural firm to work for a Lincoln development company where he focused on design and project management. He joined Chief Construction in early 2018. He has extensive experience managing University, office, and commercial projects from conception to completion. His attention to detail, understanding of the owner’s project goals, and team approach has helped many of the projects he has worked on to come in under budget and on schedule. Chief Construction is looking forward to utilizing his experience, knowledge and skills to continue to expand our capabilities. For more information about Chief Construction, a leading Midwest design-build, general contracting, and construction management company, visit www.chiefconstruction.build or call (308) 389-7222.

Wismer currently leads the longest running hospice program in the state, serving over 200 clients daily in 28 Nebraska counties. This includes overseeing offices and administrative team members in Lincoln, Nebraska City, York and Grand Island. Wismer has spent most of her career, over 32 years, in the healthcare industry. Prior to joining Tabitha in 2013, Wismer served as the executive director for AseraCare and was instrumental in developing regional offices in O’Neill and Grand Island. As the first and most experienced provider of hospice care in the state of Nebraska, Tabitha Hospice is the gold standard for quality, compassionate, end-of-life care. Tabitha Hospice care is provided wherever a client calls home, including an innovative hospice residence in Lincoln, The Journey House. Visit Tabitha.org to learn more.

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PERSONNEL NEWS Bryan Seck Joins Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development The Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development has named Bryan Seck the director of workforce development. Seck will continue a successful career connecting businesses to agencies that serve people in the community. As the employment skills developer with Prosper Lincoln, he helped create EmployLNK, a collaborative group of workforce development agencies to build efficient communication with businesses. Previously, Seck served as the homeless outreach specialist for Lincoln Public Schools, where he worked with more than 500 homeless students each year. He serves on the boards of Educare, Child Advocacy Center, Nonprofit Hub and the Lincoln Suicide Prevention Coalition and Homeless Coalition. In his new role, Seck will continue Prosper Lincoln initiatives to help those looking to transition from part-time jobs to full-time careers.

ServiceMaster PBM Promotes Victoria Bretthauer to Recruiter Ser viceMaster Professional Building Maintenance (PBM) of Lincoln has promoted their administrative assistant, Victoria Bretthauer, to recruiter. Victoria has been with the company since December of 2016. She is a Lincoln native with past work experience in the restaurant industry and lifeguarding for Lincoln City Pools. Since joining the company, her hard work and tenacity has helped her master many aspects of the business, from cleaning to her newest role in recruiting. Victoria is a very valuable team member and the management at ServiceMaster couldn’t be more thrilled to have her move up in the company and take on a major role in its continued success.

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Jason Peplinski Named to Investment News ‘40 Under 40’ List of Financial Advisors Jason J. Peplinski, MBA, FSS, LUTCF, a financial advisor in Lincoln, Nebraska, has been named by Investment News to its “40 Under 40” list. According to the publication, the 40 Under 40 project “shines a spotlight on the tremendous potential in the financial advice industry by finding often unrecognized young talent doing remarkable things.” The criteria used by the editorial staff to weigh 1,000+ nominations are: accomplishment to date, contribution to the industry, leadership and promise. Peplinski is Vice President of FP Wealth Management, Inc., President of Wealth Management Concepts, Inc., and an Investment Advisor Representative of Sagepoint Financial Inc., member of FINRA and SIPC. He holds Series 6, 7, 24, 26, and 66 securities licenses and has obtained the LUTCF (Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow) and FSS (Financial Services Specialist) designations. Wealth Management Concepts is located at 3801 Union Drive, Suite 106, Lincoln, NE 68516.

AUGUST 2018 Strictly Business

PERSONNEL NEWS Fellowship of Christian Athletes Welcomes Megan Fletcher

Nebraska Safety Council Recognizes Safety & Wellness Leaders

Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) would like to welcome their newest staff member, Megan Fletcher. Megan has answered God’s call to help minister to and through coaches in southeast Nebraska beginning August 1.

The Nebraska Safety Council recognized several award recipients at the Annual Safety and Wellness Legacy Awards Banquet held at The Country Club of Lincoln this spring. These awards honor exemplary leaders that have made a significant impact not just at work, but within the community for their safety or wellness efforts.

Megan comes to FCA from York, NE, where she was a part of the FCA leadership team. She went to college at Doane University, where she played volleyball. Megan went on to UNL to receive her Master’s degree in Nutrition and Health Sciences. Megan’s experience being a collegiate athlete has allowed God to transform her life to develop a heart and passion for discipleship. Thus, she can’t imagine discipling anyone better than coaches and has followed God’s call. A verse that has heavily influenced Megan’s life and is a foundation verse as she serves coaches and athletes is Acts 20:24, “But I count my life of no value to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of God’s grace.” To learn more about Fellowship of Christian Athletes and their mission to Engage, Equip, and Empower coaches for Christ, please contact the FCA office at (402) 464-2343 or visit nebraskafca.org.

The award recipients are: John Skretta, Norris School District Lifetime Wellness Ambassador Award; John Grimes, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. - Lifetime Safety Ambassador Award; Sherla Post, Cornhusker Bank - Professional Leadership Award; Jeannie Sands, Lincoln Surgical Hospital - Professional Leadership Award; Andrea Thieman, NIRMA - Professional Leadership Award; Will Tolliver, Lincoln Industries - Catalyst Award; Travis Lucas, Sampson Construction - Catalyst Award; Desiree Irish, MP Global Products, LLC - Catalyst Award; Troy Marker, Hexagon - Champion Award. This event’s premier sponsors included Assurity Life, Bryan Health, and Lincoln Industries. For more information about this event, please contact Nebraska Safety Council at nesc@nesafetycouncil.org or by phone at (402) 483-2511.

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PERSONNEL NEWS COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES

West Gate Bank® Promotes Three The West Gate Bank® Board of Directors has elected Jon Dittenber to Omaha chief lending officer; promoted Shawn Schreiner to Omaha Business Banking Solutions officer and Nick Theisen to business banking officer. Jon Dittenber joined the West Gate Bank team as vice president, commercial loans in September 2010. He was named senior vice president in December of 2017. In his new role, Dittenber will help build a commercial loan team in Omaha that will provide personal and business customers with West Gate Bank’s Jon Dittenber customized services. He will also remain active in the Lincoln market and continue to be a resource for current and new customers of the bank. Dittenber graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a Finance degree and has over 22 years of banking experience. He completed the Nebraska Bankers Association Leadership Program in 2016. Dittenber served as past-president of the Board of Directors for JDRF Lincoln and Greater Nebraska Chapter and sits on the house corporation for Sigma Chi Fraternity. Shawn Schreiner Jon Dittenber is located at West Gate Bank Pacific Springs at 1020 S. 179th Court in Omaha and can be reached at (402) 7588718 or jdittenber@westgate.bank. Shawn Schreiner began his career at West Gate Bank in April of 2015 as a teller at the Center branch before being promoted to teller supervisor at the West O branch. In May of 2016, Schreiner joined the Lincoln Business Banking Solutions team. The Business Banking Solutions team customizes products to enhance business banking portfolios and Nick Theisen creates additional benefits for businesses, as well as develop and maintain account relationships. Schreiner will continue those responsibilities for the Omaha Business Banking Solutions team, as well as identifying and developing business relationships in the Omaha market. He participates in various bank-supported community and volunteer activities. Shawn Schreiner is located at West Gate Bank Pacific Springs at 1020 S. 179th Court in Omaha and can be reached at (402) 758-8703 or sschreiner@westgate.bank. Nick Theisen began his career at West Gate Bank in June of 2014 as a teller at the Center branch. Theisen is a recent graduate from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with an emphasis in management. In his new role on the Lincoln Business Banking Solutions team, Theisen will customize product solutions for customers to enhance business banking portfolios and create additional benefits for businesses, as well as developing and maintaining business account relationships. He also participates in various banksupported community and volunteer activities. Nick Theisen is located at West Gate Bank Center at 6003 Old Cheney Road in Lincoln and can be reached at (402) 434-7810 or ntheisen@ westgate.bank. West Gate Bank® is a family-owned community bank celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2018. As a full-service banking institution, 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. West Gate Bank is committed to your success and invested in your financial well-being. “At West Gate Bank, our interest is you!” Visit westgate.bank for more information.

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NON-PROFIT NEWS Fresh Start Seeking Local Clothing Designers Air Force Association Lincoln Chapter #187 for 9th Annual Project Funway Benefit to Host Annual Scholarship Golf Scramble Are you creative? Do you have what it takes to win? Community members are invited to participate in Project Funway, a unique fundraising event coming up this fall. The theme is transformation and designers repurpose thrift shop clothing to create a new, creative, original garment. All of the garments will be featured in a runway show during the event. A panel of judges, and event attendees, will select the winners of the competition. All ages are welcome to participate. See entry form and rules at FreshStartHome.org/events. Businesses are also invited to participate as sponsors, and will be recognized during the event, in print and social media. Sponsorship levels range from $500 to $4,500. In addition to the runway show, Project Funway will include a silent auction, hors d’oeuvres and desserts. The Daisy Thrift Shop will also have a booth. Event tickets are $40 each. VIP tickets are $60 each, and include a private reception and priority seating for the show. Project Funway will be on Friday, November 2 at the Cornhusker Marriott Hotel. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. All proceeds will benefit Fresh Start, a transitional shelter that empowers women who are homeless to change their lives by recognizing and utilizing their strengths to overcome barriers to economic stability. For more information about purchasing tickets, entering as a designer, becoming a sponsor, or about Project Funway or Fresh Start, please visit www.FreshStartHome.org or contact Audrey at (402) 475-7777 / audreyb@freshstarthome.org.

On Monday, September 24 at Wilderness Ridge Golf Club, Lincoln Chapter #187 of the Air Force Association (AFA) will host the 12 O’Clock High Golf Tournament, their annual scholarship golf scramble. Check-in and lunch will begin at 10:30 a.m. with a shotgun start at noon. After an afternoon of teeing off, there will be dinner and an awards ceremony at 5 p.m. The tournament fee is $100 per golfer and includes green fees, cart, boxed lunch, chances to win hole prizes, and dinner buffet. Participants must register by September 17. Golfers can register by calling or emailing one of the following contacts: Fred Phelan - (402) 480-8897 / fphelan@drexelhamilton.com; Rick Holdcroft - (402) 350-4097 / Rholdcroft@cox.net; Lang Anderson - (402) 499-1661 / lang.anderson1@gmail.com. Payment can be made at the registration table on the day of the event. Alternatively, if mailing in a check, please make it payable to AFA Chapter 187 and send with name and contact information for yourself and any other team members included to the following address: P.O. Box 84011, Lincoln, NE 68501-4011. Corporate sponsorships are also available in the amounts of $1,000 for Premier Sponsors (includes special recognition throughout the tournament) and $250 for hole sponsors. All proceeds from the tournament enable Aerospace Education in Nebraska communities. The Lincoln Chapter #187 presents three $1,000 scholarships to deserving ROTC and Civil Air Patrol cadets. They also recognize a Lincoln “Teacher of the Year” and support AFA Cyber Patriot Teams in a nationwide computer defense competition.

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NON-PROFIT NEWS Down Syndrome Association for Families to Host New Parent Welcome Brunch On Saturday, August 11 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at Firespring (1201 Infinity Ct.), the medical outreach team at Down Syndrome Association for Families (DSAF) will host a new parent welcome and informational brunch. If you are or you know a parent who recently received a diagnosis of Down syndrome, this is an opportunity for you to attend or pass along the details. Receiving a diagnosis that your baby has Down syndrome can be overwhelming. DSAF wants to provide new and expecting parents with up-to-date information about Down syndrome and offer ways to help. Guest speakers will be on-hand to share pointers on common questions and ways to help your child with Down syndrome. Specialists will include an occupational therapist, physical therapist, pediatrician, speech pathologist, and early childhood specialist. A light brunch will be served and there is no cost to attend. Find full details and get registered online at dsafnebraska.org/event-2958266. Since 1995, DSAF has provided networking and a positive vision for the future to individuals with Down syndrome, their families, friends, educators, and professionals who share in their lives. For more information, contact Holly at (402) 421-1338 / medicaloutreach@ dsafnebraska.org.

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West Gate Bank, Schneider Electric Partner With Habitat Lincoln for Latest Build West Gate Bank, Schneider Electric and Habitat for Humanity of Lincoln are partnering together to build a decent and affordable home for Habitat homeowners, Khasro, Ginar and their four children. West Gate Bank donated $25,000 and Schneider Electric donated $22,500 as well as volunteers from each organization. “As a community bank, we understand that providing affordable housing is crucial to the continued growth of Lincoln,” said Carl Sjulin, president of West Gate Bank. “In recognizing the work that Habitat for Humanity of Lincoln is doing, we are honored to partner with them for this build.” “At Schneider Electric, we believe in building sustainable communities and we support Habitat for Humanity in its dedication to bringing people together to build decent and affordable homes,” said Chris Lasky, human resources manager. “Our mission is to ensure that ‘Life Is On’ everywhere, for everyone and at every moment—ensuring that energy is safe, reliable, efficient and sustainable—in every home.” The Habitat home kicked-off on Thursday, July 19 with a special wall raising ceremony including both organizations’ customers, employees and board members, joined by Khasro and Ginar. The build will continue over the next four months as the organizations work together in building homes, communities and hope. “We’re excited to partner with West Gate Bank and Schneider Electric to build an affordable home for a family in need of decent shelter,” says Josh Hanshaw, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Lincoln. “Our partners understand that we are all in this together. A decent home with an affordable mortgage builds strong and stable families. And strong and stable families build strong and stable communities.” For information on how you can get involved with Habitat for Humanity of Lincoln, visit www.lincolnhabitat.org.

AUGUST 2018 Strictly Business

NON-PROFIT NEWS Project Pink’d Expands Chef’s Table Survivorship Program to Lincoln

Educare Lincoln Literacy Program Graduate Khani Sharo Awarded for Achievement

There’s nothing more fun than a night out with the girls, great food and someone else doing the dishesespecially when you’re a breast cancer survivor. Recently, Project Pink’d debuted a favorite on their survivorship program menu, Chef’s Table, to survivors in Lincoln.

Khani Sharo is a parent who is a member of the Educare Lincoln family and a testimonial to the fact that not only do children learn and grow at Educare but families do too. Khani participated in Family Literacy classes at Educare Lincoln in partnership with Belmont Elementary School during the 2017/18 school year starting in January. Her story is one of determination. Khani, a Yazidi refugee from Iraq, was denied a formal education in her early years. The Family Literacy classes were Khani’s first opportunity for a form of formal education. Khani truly loved every minute she spent in class and had perfect attendance with the exception of one day her child was sick. Khani also embraced the full experience of the Family Literacy classes by attending every field trip offered along with every extracurricular activity. Khani participated in the classes with her husband, Naif. Together, they also embraced the opportunity to learn on computers when the chance was offered to them. Khani finished the class by accomplishing two years of progress in just four short months. To recognize Khani’s great accomplishments, she was recently awarded the 2018 Mayor’s Award for Language and Literacy Achievement. Congratulations Khani! Those who are interested in enrolling a student or would like to learn more about Educare Lincoln are encouraged to visit the website at www. educareschools.org/schools/lincoln-ne or call (402) 458-3171.

Attendees filled-up on nutrition information as a certified oncology nutritionist dispelled the myths of nutrition and cancer and a healthy cooking expert stirred up something special during a cooking demo and tasting party. At the end of this fun evening, participants were given all the ingredients needed to make the recipe at home. “We are excited and proud to welcome Lincoln to our Chef’s Table family. As we work each year to expand our reach, it was natural to include Lincoln as a host location this year, just as we expanded our Care to Share program to Lincoln last year. This is one of my favorite Project Pink’d programs, because I’ve always believed that good nutrition can play a big role in how we feel and how much energy we have to further our thriving goals. Learning to improve our lives and having a good time doing it - sounds like a great recipe to me. We appreciate our sponsors and donors for making it possible to bring Chef’s Table to Lincoln and we thank the community for welcoming us,” stated Cynthia Sturgeon, Project Pink’d founder and president.

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NON-PROFIT NEWS Youth for Christ: Fresh Colorado Peaches and Pears On Sale Now Youth for Christ/Parent Life peach and pear sales are now open! Don’t miss these tantalizing straight-out-ofthe-orchard Colorado peaches and pears. Order your lug (approx. 20 lbs.) through the new website: www.yfcpeaches.org. As always, your purchase of these delicious fruits help YFC serve students right here in our community. Order today! Pick up will be August 10 and 24 at Zion Church (5511 S. 27th St.). Youth for Christ Lincoln Area is a non-denominational, non-judgmental, non-profit organization serving youth in the Lincoln community and surrounding areas. Youth are engaged through three ministries: Campus Life for high school and middle school teens, Juvenile Justice for jailed teens, and Parent Life for pregnant and parenting teens. Through regular programming and special events, YFC Lincoln Area works with over 2,400 local youth with the goal of engaging them in a healthy relationship with God and others. To learn more about YFC Lincoln’s ministries, internships, or volunteering, visit yfclincoln.org or call (402) 420-7475.

Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach Selected as Community Partner Matt Talbot has been selected as a Community Partner as part of The Home Project, Zillow Group’s signature social i m p a c t p ro g ra m that addresses challenges around housing insecurity. As Pictured (L-R): Front Row - Sally Buchholz, Director of Development; Rosie Newell, Housing Case part of The Home Project, Matt Talbot Manager; Sheri Verkamp, Housing Locator; Susanne Blue, Executive Director; Samantha Herman, will receive $25,000 Customer Success Manager at Mortech; Doug in cash as well as Foral, General Manager at Mortech. Back Row in-kind contributions Kelsey Saunder, Intern; Glenn Schawang, Outreach that range from Specialist; Sara Sunderman, Outreach Coordinator; employee volunteer Jessica Roit, Diversion Specialist; Victoria O’Neil, t i m e t o p ro d u c t Coordinator of Volunteers. Photo Credit: Austin Lehr. development. Zillow Group’s Mortech, a cloud-based mortgage technology company, is based in Lincoln. “We are excited and grateful to be a Community Partner with Zillow Group,” said Susanne Blue, executive director. “We see this as a beautiful match of corporate and nonprofit values that will bring lots of hope and stability to the vulnerable working poor and homeless individuals we serve every day.” “We look forward to working with Matt Talbot,” said Samantha Tripoli, social impact manager at Zillow Group. “They are doing important work to support people who are experiencing housing insecurity and are vulnerable to falling into homelessness.” Matt Talbot’s homeless prevention programs include a permanent supportive housing program for chronically homeless individuals and families; transitional housing for homeless men and women who are active in their recovery from substance use addictions; the Landlord Liaison Project which forms partnerships between property managers, consumers and case managers to address the need of finding affordable housing for the homeless; and a Homeless Diversion Program which empowers persons on the edge of homelessness to identify safe and appropriate housing options and avoid a shelter stay. Learn more at www.mtko.org.

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NON-PROFIT NEWS

Girl Scouts, Ninja Competitor Maggi Thorne Last Call: City Impact Backpack Donation ‘Unleash Strong!’ at Challenge Course Drive Ends August 7 Two powerful female forces combined for an evening of strength, grit and determination at the Cornhusker State Games – just one event in a new partnership between a ninja and the state’s largest girl-serving organization. Nebraska Girl Scouts and American Ninja Warrior Competitor Maggi Thorne, of Lincoln, climbed, jumped and scrambled their way through a Ninja Challenge Course at Lincoln East High School during a special Girl Scouts Night on July 18. The event gave many girls the opportunity to challenge themselves and overcome obstacles. “In Girl Scouts, girls take the lead in discovering their own power, and testing themselves on a ninja course is an incredible way to find confidence while empowering their sister Girl Scouts,” Thorne said. “My hope is to help girls know their true selves and to never stop dreaming as they discover their purpose.” Girl Scouts provides a safe, no-limits space for girls to discover who they are, where their talents lie and what they care about most. As the organization issued a rallying cry to join and “Unleash Strong!” this summer, the partnership between Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska and Thorne, a former Girl Scout, was a natural fit. Soon, Girl Scouts will even be able to earn an official “BOW patch” that celebrates one’s inner and outer strength, overcoming obstacles and honoring one’s true self. The patch will feature Thorne’s trademark pink bow. To learn more about Girl Scouts, visit www.girlscoutsnebraska.org.

City Impact is a nonprofit organization with a mission to minister to vulnerable communities through wholistic youth, family and neighborhood development. In an effort to mentor, teach, empower and transform our urban neighborhoods, events are held throughout the year that aid in local youth’s ability to become successful leaders. Throughout the summer, City Impact is collecting backpacks for elementary, middle and high school students. The goal is to have backpacks in the hands of all 200 youth served by City Impact by the beginning of the school year. It’s hard for students to focus on their education when they lack necessities. Carrying a brand new backpack on the first day of school gives students an extra boost of confidence to start the year off well. Thank you to Scheels for their generous donation of 25 backpacks to support the kids at City Impact! You can help reach that goal of 200 by bringing a new backpack to City Impact on or before August 7, or making an online donation at cityimpact.org. City Impact’s biggest need is for teen backpacks - large and sturdy bags for middle and high school students. Help a student start the school year off right with a new backpack!

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NON-PROFIT NEWS

TeamMates Offers “A Way to Help Kids” Bob and Sally Schmieding, owners of the successful, 40-year-old Sc hmieding Concrete business, have always found ways to help Lincoln’s children. For years they have purchased eyeglasses for students in need, but they wanted to do more. “We need to find a way to help more kids,” Bob shared with his wife. But what? The couple began searching for new opportunities to impact area youth. Then Sally attended Lincoln TeamMates’ Recognition Dinner in January of 2018, an annual event that celebrates mentors and mentees. She was touched by the story of a donor who initiated a scholarship to honor his mother. “A light bulb went off in my mind,” Sally said. At the Spring Celebration in April of 2018, the Schmiedings were pleased to offer ten scholarships to help TeamMates’ mentees attend college. TeamMates depends on community-minded business owners like the Schmiedings who share the organization’s mission of inspiring youth to reach their full potential. If your business is interested in helping TeamMates support Lincoln’s youth, please call (402) 436-1990.

From Here To Home

Child Guidance Center is Here to Help With Back to School and Other Transitions Back to school! An exciting and nervewracking time of year. Healthy back to school transitions are important for both students and families and can help to ease stress, reduce nerves, and encourage excitement. Talk to your children about the structure of their day and new adventures they may embark on like school lunch, lockers, or class period changes. Start new family traditions with a first day of school breakfast or an end of summer celebration. Gently ease children, and yourselves as parents, out of the relaxed summer schedule into a less flexible school-like schedule such as new bedtime and wake-up routines. While end of summer transitions are great, they aren’t always easy. Child Guidance Center is here to help, whether it is back to school or other obstacles along the way. Child Guidance Center offers comprehensive behavioral and mental health care services in 16 Lincoln Public Schools as well as outpatient therapy services at their 25th & O location. For an appointment contact the intake coordinator at (402) 475-7666 or intake@child-guidance.org. For more information, visit www.child-guidance.org. Make it a great year!

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Dreamweaver Foundation Marks 5th Anniversary With Inaugural Fundraiser Dreamweaver Foundation is celebrating five years of making dreams come true for terminally ill seniors in the Greater Omaha Area by hosting their first fundraising event, presented by Pinnacle Bank. In the past, Dreamweaver has hosted an online auction that has raised over $1 million in its history and has contributed to the funding of over 100 bucket list dreams for seniors. The casual event will be held Thursday, September 20 at A View on State in Omaha. Guests will be treated to a cocktail reception and heavy hors d’oeuvres, followed by the excitement of a live auction. There will also be a silent auction and other opportunities for guests to have fun while supporting Dreamweaver’s mission. This year’s theme is Boots and Buckets. So, wear your favorite boots and help raise the spirits of terminally ill seniors by making dreams on their bucket lists come true. For more information or for tickets, visit www.dreamweaver.org.

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NON-PROFIT NEWS Small Groups Encouraged to Host Donor Days to Give Back to the Community

Friendship Home: Safe Quarters Volunteer Registration is Open

Nebraska Community Blood Bank invites you to make giving back simple and fun by hosting your own special Donor Day at one of its donor centers. Donor Day celebrations provide an opportunity for small groups of co-workers, friends, and family to donate blood together.

On October 21, over a thousand Friendship Home volunteers will head out to Lincoln neighborhoods with the goal of knocking on the door of every household to collect financial contributions for victims of domestic violence.

“Our group came together to donate blood in honor of my nephew Cameron’s birthday. Cameron was born prematurely at 26 weeks and was a fighter,” said Alicia McAtee. “Cameron’s parents are forever grateful for the short time they were able to spend with their son and the gift of blood donation that helped each day. For many of us, it was our first time donating and we were nervous. NCBB staff were wonderful and quickly calmed our nerves.” Depending on the number of participants, your Donor Day can take place over several hours in a single day or over the course of a few days. To get started, call (402) 486-9402 or email slemon@ncbb.org and Sandy Lemon will walk you through the steps. It’s recommended to reach out to schedule your Donor Day event at least two weeks ahead of time. For hours and locations of NCBB’s Lincoln donor centers, please visit NCBB.org.

Safe Quarters is Friendship Home’s largest annual fundraiser. Over $111,000 was raised last year and as a result, Friendship Home was able to change 1,500 lives. This will be the 16th year the entire Lincoln community participates in this event. Teams of volunteers are needed to walk Lincoln neighborhoods on Sunday, October 21. A team generally consists of 8-12 members and all ages are encouraged to participate. Volunteers will receive t-shirts and collection buckets for the drive. You can help provide “safe quarters” to someone in crisis. To register a volunteer team, visit www.friendshiphome.org. For questions and/ or more information about Safe Quarters, contact Sarah at saraht@ friendshiphome.org or (402) 434-0167. Funds collected during Safe Quarters provide safe confidential shelter, crisis services and ongoing support for families who are rebuilding their lives because of domestic violence. To access safe shelter and services, call (402) 437-9302.

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NON-PROFIT NEWS American Cancer Society to Host An Evening in Pink on August 23 An Evening in Pink, a celebration of breast cancer survivorship, will take place on August 23, from 5:30-7 p.m. with program from 6-6:30 p.m. at Hidden Valley Golf Course, 112th & Pine Lake Rd. This event, hosted by the American Cancer Society (ACS), will celebrate cancer survivors and it will be a time when those who have, and/or are currently battling breast cancer, can give each other confidence that one day we will defeat this disease. Join the ACS for an evening of fun, food, and prizes, featuring a presentation by Michelle Shklonick titled, “A Good Landing.” RSVP at EveningInPink.eventbrite.com. To learn more about An Evening in Pink, visit www.cancer.org or contact Heather Schommer at (402) 260-3284 / Heather.Schommer@Cancer.org.

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Young Building Professionals Raise Funds for Lighthouse The Home Builders Association of Lincoln’s Young Building Professionals (YBP) Council held its 2nd annual Light the Way 5K at Holmes Park on June 23. Over 80 runners participated in the race which raised over $2,000 for the Lighthouse After-School Program. Cash prizes were awarded to the first- and second-place winners in both men’s The YBP Light the Way 5K committee members pose with Lighthouse and women’s categories in the 5K fun participants for a post-race photo. run. Gift cards were awarded to the top two winners in the kid’s 1-mile fun run. The Lighthouse After-School Program offers middle and high school aged-youth academic support, evening meals and enrichment/ recreational activities during non-school hours, Monday through Friday, twelve months a year. The YBP Council began their partnership with the Lighthouse in 2017 through a variety of events including an ice cream social and game night. They also worked side-by-side with the students on property improvements and other building-related projects.

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Autism Family Network Promotes New Safety LNK Program The Autism Family Network has assisted families with autism-related diagnoses in Lincoln since 2006. One of the most exciting new programs that they are offering is Safety LNK. In a collaboration between the Lincoln Police Department, and the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, Safety LNK will provide resources for people with autism who wander. Advocacy Partnership is a collaborative endeavor between partner agencies Arc of Lincoln and Autism Family Network. The goal of the umbrella organization is to share resources and staff, and to work to protect shared interests. The Arc of Lincoln has advocated for the rights of persons with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities since 1952. They empower people and their families to protect their rights and interests, while enriching the quality of their lives. One of the unique services they offer is advocacy support at Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Individual Support Plans (ISPs). Contact: Arc of Lincoln at (402) 421-8866 / arclincoln.org or Autism Family Network at (402) 421-0874 / autismfamilynetworklincoln@ gmail.com / autismfamilynetwork.org.

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AUGUST 2018 Strictly Business

HEALTH NEWS Register Today for Lincoln Go Red For Women

Three words our clients love to see. Isn’t it time you start seeing them?

The American Heart Association’s annual Lincoln Go Red for Women event will be on Thursday, November 1 at 5 p.m. at the Embassy Suites (1040 P St.). Registration is now open and will remain open until the day of the event. Tickets for the Lincoln Go Red For Women are available at www.heart.org/lincolngored. Go Red For Women is sponsored nationally by Macy’s and CVS Health. Chaired by Nicole Sweigard and themed “The Queen of Hearts,” the event is part of the Go Red For Women movement that encourages local women to take charge of their heart health by making it a top priority so they can live stronger, longer lives. Guests will take part in silent and live auctions until 6:30 p.m., followed by a heart-healthy dinner program with a story of a local woman personally affected by heart disease.

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Lincoln Go Red For Women is one of the premier American Heart Association fundraising events both locally and across the nation. It celebrates the lives saved and improved because of everyone’s countless efforts. This event promises to be an engaging evening of fun and passion, bringing community and philanthropic women together. If your company is interested in being a sponsor for Lincoln Go Red For Women, please contact Liz Zillig at liz.zillig@heart.org or (402) 875-7372.

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O n Tu e s d ay, J u n e 2 6 , Advanced Medical Imaging (AMI) hosted the groundbreaking ceremony for the ambulatory surgery center that will be built adjacent to the current AMI imaging center at 7601 Pioneers Blvd. AMI executive board members, including Nebraska Medical Pictured (L-R): Kim Coleman, MD; Eric Vander Woude, MD; Mary Curtis, MD; Association’s 2017 Physician David Kiple, MD; Christopher Colling, MD; of the Year, Kim Coleman, Rahul Razdan, MD; Curtis Burhoop, MD. spoke about how the new facility will benefit Lincoln and the surrounding area. Jessica Shultis, Miss Nebraska 2018, works as a manager at the imaging center and spoke about her positive experience at AMI and other local medical facilities during her previous bouts with cancer. The 10,000-square-foot addition will be connected to the 24,000-squarefoot full-service imaging facility that opened in 2001. In April, the LincolnLancaster County Planning Commission approved the multimillion-dollar expansion and Cheever Construction won the general contracting bid to see the project through. Advanced Medical Imaging plans to be serving patients in the addition as soon as the fall of 2019. “This new ASC will allow independent physicians the opportunity to provide direct care to patients,” said Rahul Razdan, MD, a vascular and interventional radiologist and current president of AMI. “With healthcare prices on the rise, we want to be able to offer the community affordable options for the highest quality of care.” Advanced Medical Imaging’s full-service imaging center is located at 7601 Pioneers Blvd. in Lincoln. More information on the practice can be found at AMImaging.com or by calling (402) 484-6677.

HEALTH NEWS Legacy Arbors Staff Complete Certified Dementia Practitioner Training All staff at Legacy Arbors Memory Care have completed their Certified Dementia Practitioner training, administered by Michele Carlson. She is a Certified Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Trainer and Certified Dementia Practitioner along with several other certifications. She serves as the activity director at Legacy Arbors and is an invaluable resource for all Legacy Retirement Community residents and families. This training incorporates the most recent research and advancements in Alzheimer’s and dementia care. This eight-hour course allows staff to gain the valuable knowledge to better serve individuals with memory issues. Carlson has since expanded her training throughout all of the Legacy locations allowing for a better understanding of Alzheimer’s and dementia at every stage. Since 1995, Legacy Retirement Communities has provided Lincoln, Nebraska with award-winning elegance, superior care and countless reasons to live an enriched life. With four unique locations, the company has been voted Best of Lincoln for 20 years in a row, garnering awards for enrichment, care and resident engagement from national and international management organizations, including Argentum. From independent living to assisted living and memory care, Legacy Retirement Communities offers a world-class experience for its residents and employees. Learn more at www.legacyretirement.com.

Athletico Physical Therapy Opens in Lincoln On June 21, Athletico Physical Therapy opened a new location in Lincoln at 5633 S. 16th St., Ste. 600. Athletico recently partnered with Excel Physical Therapy, a leading physical therapy and industrial rehabilitation provider with thirteen clinics in Omaha and central Nebraska. Athletico is looking forward to providing quality care throughout the state of Nebraska. “After receiving my Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln and graduating from Creighton University’s DPT program, I took a job with Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center as a staff physical therapist. In that role I provided sports medicine outreach with Pius X High School, which led to coordinating the school’s sports outreach program for over 10 years,” said Duane Wade, DPT, CSMT and facility manager of Athletico. “Now I’m excited to bring Athletico and its legacy of quality care to the Lincoln community that I care so much about.” Services available at Athletico Lincoln are in the areas of physical therapy, workers’ compensation, and manual therapy. Those experiencing a nagging ache or pain are welcome to schedule a 30-minute free injury screening for a personal evaluation conducted by one of the clinic’s specialists. Practicing clear, consistent communication between therapist, physician and patient regarding progress, Athletico Lincoln provides ongoing patient education on diagnosis, treatment plans and prescribed home-exercise programs. Athletico Lincoln accepts all major insurance plans so you don’t need to worry about your visits not being covered. There are convenient hours, including early mornings, late evenings and Saturdays, with each initial evaluation scheduled within 24-48 hours of the patient’s request. To learn more, or to schedule an appointment, visit www.athletico.com/ Lincoln.

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AUGUST 2018 Strictly Business

HEALTH NEWS Parkinson’s Nebraska Gears Up for a Big September Parkinson’s Nebraska will be hosting two events in September. “Delay The Disease Instructor Training” is set to take place September 7-8 at the Grand Island YMCA (221 E South Front St.). It will cover evidence-based concepts for planning and implementing a community-based, Parkinson’s-specific exercise class based on the Delay the Disease Parkinson’s Fitness Program. Presenters will be OHIO Health Delay the Disease Trainers Jackie Russell and David Zid. This affordable training is open to the following professionals: PT/PTA, OT/COTA, RN, athletic trainer, or group exercise instructor with ACE, ACSM, NSCA, ISSA, or exercise physiologist certification(s). The cost is $225 to attend. At the end of the month, “Walk & Run The Park For Parkinson’s” - featuring the 1st Annual “Shake-A-Leg 5k!” will take place on Sunday, September 30 at Elmwood Park. The purpose of this event is to raise funds to support local Parkinson’s services and to celebrate the strength of the local Parkinson’s community. There will be a 1-mile walk route, a professionally-timed 5K run, a delightful brunch, access to a sponsor expo, live performances by local groups from the Parkinson’s community, activities for the kids, colorful t-shirts, and so much more! Registration links for both of these events can be found by going to parkinsonsnebraska.org. Contact Katrina Wulf for further questions at (402) 715-4707 / info@parkinsonsnebraska.org.

Registration Open for JDRF Lincoln One Walk Mark your calendars for the 2018 JDRF Lincoln One Walk on Sunday, September 23 at Haymarket Park presented by Nebraska Bank of Commerce and The Lee and Debbie Stuart Family Foundation! When you participate in the JDRF One Walk, the money you raise supports life-changing breakthroughs that give hope to everyone impacted by type 1 diabetes (T1D). And, you’ll have a great time doing it! That’s because you’ll walk with a committed community that’s passionate about doing whatever it takes to turn Type One into Type None. Last year, over 4,000 dedicated participants raised over $295,000 in support of T1D research! T1D is an autoimmune disease in which a person’s pancreas stops producing insulin, a hormone that enables people to get energy from food. It occurs when the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, called beta cells. T1D strikes both children and adults. Its onset has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. T1D comes on suddenly, causes dependence on injected or pumped insulin for life, and carries the constant threat of devastating complications. There is nothing you can do to prevent it, and presently - nothing you can do to get rid of it. The One Walk has one goal: To create a world without T1D. Help make a cure a reality and get registered now at walk.jdrf.org. For information on sponsorship opportunities, please contact the Lincoln and Greater Nebraska Chapter at (402) 484-8300 or jullstrom@jdrf.org.

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HEALTH NEWS Nebraska Hospital Association Foundation Announces Health Care Career Scholarships The Nebraska Hospital Association Research and Educational Foundation (NHAREF) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2018 Graduate Studies Tuition Aid Program and the Undergraduate Health Care Career Scholarship Program. In an effort to address the ongoing health care professional shortage, the NHAREF is assisting future industry leaders in their efforts to pursue a degree in health care or further their education through two scholarship programs — the Graduate Studies Tuition Aid Program and the Undergraduate Health Care Career Scholarship Program. The scholarship programs can also encourage Nebraskans to remain in the state as they establish their careers in health care. Four additional scholarships were offered this year due to a generous donation to the Health Care Career Scholarship Program from FocusOne Solutions and Aureus Medical Group. These scholarships assist students who are working toward a career to improve the health and well-being of Nebraska’s communities. Dan Nordstrom, Business Development Executive at FocusOne Solutions, says, “Aureus Medical and FocusOne Solutions are committed to helping NHA members by supporting Nebraska nurses to achieve their educational and career goals at NHA member hospitals.” For more information and a complete listing of the scholarship recipients, visit the NHA website at www.NebraskaHospitals.org.

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Right Foot Forward Fitness was proud to be among the sponsors of the Firth Fire Department’s “The Beat Goes On” 5K Fun Run, which was held on July 7. Several members of Right Foot Forward participated in the run as well. Over $3,500 was raised for the Fir th Fire Depar tment’s CPR program. That money will go towards the purchase of new Manikins used for training and making the program more accessible to the public. At Right Foot Forward Fitness, Lincoln’s #1 Functional Fitness Gym, workouts are specifically designed to utilize a wide array of equipment from battle ropes and kettle bells to suspension trainers and free weights. Every day is a new experience at Right Foot Forward Fitness – the workouts, from exercises to time domains, are constantly changing to keep the experience fun and varied! The focus isn’t just on achieving a killer beach body or getting ripped, but rather to help people recapture and maintain their health and fitness so they can do the things they love to do with the people they love to do them with – camping or hiking, days at the lake, bike rides, dogs, playing with the kids and grandkids, or just holding hands and taking walks. Check out the website at www.rightfootforwardfitness.com or contact (402) 202-4555 / jeff@rightfootforwardfitness.com to find out more. Start your fitness journey with Right Foot Forward Fitness today!

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LINCOLN INDEPENDENT BUSINESS ASSOCIATION by Coby Mach, President & CEO

402-466-3419 • www.liba.org

LIBA Backs City Council Resolution on Bids for Pershing Center Keep your privacy in style with a fence from Gardner Fencing. We believe in doing things right, which is why we use the best materials to ensure your fence is durable and long-lasting. All of this and the best prices in town are what separate Gardner Fencing from the competition.

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Recently there has been a lot of buzz about Pershing Center. We think that shining a bright light on the availability of this property is a positive step for Lincoln. The Lincoln Independent Business Association (LIBA) strongly supports Councilman John Camp’s resolution directing Mayor Buetler to issue a request for proposals for Pershing Center. Pershing Center has sat vacant for far too long. The time has come for the Mayor to get serious about selling the Pershing Center and get it on the tax rolls. The longer Pershing Center sits vacant, the more potential tax revenue for the City of Lincoln will be lost. In the meantime, the City is actually losing money on the property as it continues to spend approximately $120,000 a year to keep the building’s pipes from freezing, its alarm system working and for basic repairs. When Lincoln voters went to the polls in 2010 to approve the issuance of a $25 million bond to fund the construction of Pinnacle Bank arena, it was understood that the sale of Pershing Center would help offset the costs of building the new arena. It has been over five years since the Mayor last sought proposals for the sale of Pershing Center, and that process was marred by too many rules and regulations to expedite the sale or redevelopment of Pershing Center. We believe these extensive rules may have had a repressive effect on potential developers. The sale of Pershing Center is a win-win for the City of Lincoln. Not only does it offer a tremendous opportunity to contribute to the economic growth that is happening downtown, it also has the potential to provide much needed property tax relief for Lincoln homeowners. LIBA believes the sale and development of Pershing Center is the responsible business approach and is more than willing to help promote its sale or to listen to potential solutions. Would you like to join us at LIBA? Business memberships start at only $275 a year. However, individuals who are pro-business and believe in a conservative approach to government are also encouraged to join for only $110. For more information on joining LIBA, please call me at (402) 466-3419. You will also find more information about LIBA by visiting our web site www.liba.org. You can also find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LIBA.lincoln. Thank you and have a great day!

LIBA studies and promotes these types of issues that are important to businesses and our community. If you have an interest in joining LIBA, please call me at (402) 466-3419. LIBA membership is not restricted to just businesses. We also have “individual” memberships for those who want to help influence our local government decisions.

LINCOLN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE by Wendy Birdsall, President

402-436-2350 • www.lcoc.org

2018 Celebrate Business Awards Each year, the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce and its members gather to celebrate the success of the thousands of businesses in our city. As an organization that advocates for their success day in and day out, the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize those businesses who have made the biggest differences in the community and those people who continue to go above and beyond to make our business climate one of the most attractive in the region. This year, we are proud to honor six businesses and two individuals that lead the way in their fields and continue to make Lincoln a great city. These awards are meant to recognize businesses that are varied in their size, scope, and contribution to the community and workforce. Our 23rd annual Celebrate Business Awards Luncheon takes place on Wednesday, August 29 to showcase this year’s most visionary and community-driven businesses and individuals. Our Cornerstone Award is given to a large employer that contributes significantly to the local economy. Additionally, we present an award to the Small Business of the Year to honor those who grow our community. Awards are also given out for the Manufacturer of the Year and the Green Business of the Year, while the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award and Tourism Development Award round out the six honors bestowed upon local businesses. The two individual awards are a small way for us to honor those locally who have continued to make such an important and ongoing impact in our community. The Burnham Yates Citizenship Award is given to a local business leader who has made great charitable contributions to the city and continues to be a corporate leader. The Roger T. Larson Community Builder Award honors that person who has been able to provide leadership and influence through public service, making Lincoln a better place to live and work in. The business winners from 2017 included Speedway Motors, Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp. USA, Social Assurance, John Henry’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning Co, the Lincoln Marathon and Evol Empire Creative, while the individuals recognized were Jim Abel and Jon Camp. As you can see from this impressive list of last year’s winners, a wide section of the business community was represented for their continuing contributions to business in Lincoln. Our 2017 honorees were most worthy winners and we’re looking forward to awarding our 2018 recipients of these eight awards. As Lincoln continues to grow and thrive, it’s important that we take time to celebrate and praise the numerous successes in our community. It may be a product of modern life and our hectic day-to-day routines, but we think it’s important to take time and reflect on how we have become successful in the business community, how we can improve in the future and why we do what we do. At the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, it is our privilege to help businesses by supporting them in their growth and to build on the tremendous momentum our city enjoys. Our job at the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce is made possible by every single one of our members and the energy they bring to their respective organizations. We are eager to congratulate our 2018 winners and look ahead to what’s in store for the future for our vibrant city. To be a part of the 2018 Celebrate Business Luncheon, buy a ticket today at www.lcoc.com. The Chamber’s mission is to improve the lives of Lincoln residents by providing increased economic opportunity and can only be accomplished together. For more information, please contact Jaime Henning at jaimehenning@lcoc.com.

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CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

Cornhusker Bank

Gives to Community

The Cornhusker Bank mission, simply stated, is “We exist to serve by providing solutions for lifelong success.” Bank associates believe the easiest way to do this is by living life together. It is a concept every staff member strives for within the bank and with the community as a whole. Cornhusker Bank and its staff actively engage in giving back to the community in a variety of ways;

• Cornhusker Bank builds strong relationships throughout the community helping individuals and businesses achieve their financial goals.

• Each year the Bank provides funding through donations and sponsorships to hundreds of organizations and causes in our community.

• Cornhusker Bank organizes One Day Without Shoes for the benefit of the People’s City Mission annually each April. In 2018 over 200 organizations communitywide partnered with the Bank in collecting shoes for the event. Over 35,600 pairs of shoes were collected for the Mission to distribute to its clientele and cash donations collected for the Mission totaled $8,800. Additionally, over 200 individuals walked to raise awareness of the need for footwear in our own community.

• Fun events, conceived by the Bank’s talented associates, for customers, staff, and their families

Cornhusker Bank associates are generous with their volunteer time, not only for bank-sponsored events, but staff members are also involved in numerous organizations on their own time, serving on committees and boards, working as volunteers for various organizations, and fundraising for numerous causes. The time associates volunteer for nonprofits is ‘priceless’ and serves our community not only in the direct benefits of their valuable time and talents, but in engaging, inspiring, and motivating others in the community. As Cornhusker Bank celebrates its 115th anniversary in August of 2018, you are invited to stop in during Customer Appreciation Week, August 20-25, and experience our commitment to the community and your success. Cornhusker Bank remains Lincoln’s oldest locally owned bank, demonstrating stability, soundness and investing in the success of customers, associates, and community.

such as a free movie night are presented. This spring the bank screened Cars 3, introduced live by Larry the Cable Guy. Guests enjoyed a variety of treats provided by the Bank.

• The Bank holds a youth carnival which is open to the

public each summer. Cornhusker Bank staff is focused on improving the financial literacy rate in youth. By holding this fun and educational event just for kids they begin to think of banking in a more positive way, giving them happy, fun impressions of banks and bankers. This year’s carnival will be held on August 18, 2018 at Cornhusker Bank at 8310 O Street, and is a totally free event. Cornhusker Bank staff shares their time and efforts to run carnival-type games. The event will also feature an animal encounter from the Lincoln Children’s Zoo, a bouncy obstacle course, face painting, balloon artist, a free hot dog lunch and snacks, and prizes for all children who participate. Kids are encouraged to wear their favorite superhero costumes and to meet Cornhusker Bank’s own superheroes, Penny Wise and Super Bill.

• Cornhusker Bank also gives back to the community by presenting seminars on different financial

topics for the public to attend throughout the year. Simply check the website - www.CornhuskerBank. com - to see what’s coming up.

Strictly Business AUGUST 2018

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DOWNTOWN LINCOLN ASSOCIATION by Terry Uland, President

402-434-6900 • www.downtownlincoln.org

Green Flash Brewery Opens on P Street A taste of California has made its way to downtown Lincoln. Green Flash Brewhouse and Eatery opened up its doors at 1630 P Street (formerly Ploughshare) in early June. The Lincoln location is Green Flash’s first out-of-state brewery; the business began in 2002 in San Diego, where the beer is hoppy and business is hopping with a 4,000-square-foot tasting room and 30 beers on tap. Owners Mike and Lisa Hinkley were looking for a Midwest point to expand the brewery’s reach and were drawn to the state-of-the-art brewery formerly occupied by Ploughshare as well as Lincoln’s college crowd and downtown atmosphere. Lincoln manager Jeff Willett said the Lincoln brewing community has been welcoming, and he hopes Green Flash can stand out in their own way. “We have a much softer brewing process as far as how we treat the ingredients,” Willett said. “It’s quality-focused. We have smoother, more approachable beers in general.” Green Flash also offers a menu with plenty of starters, snacks, and sandwiches to pair with your beer. All of the menu items are made in house with ingredients sourced from regional farms. Willett said his personal favorite Green Flash brew is Le Freak, a hybrid ale combining Belgian-Style Trippel with an American Imperial IPA that’s described as “shockingly zesty.” Recently, Green Flash brewed their very first Lincoln-exclusive beer: The Mariana Trench Black IPA. Just like the name implies, it’s a dark, rich IPA. Jeff Hansen is the head brewer at Lincoln’s location. The plan is for Lincoln’s Green Flash to brew more Lincoln-exclusive beers while the large facility in San Diego handles the year-round “frontline” beer. “We want to be more creative,” Willett said. “We want to kind of be the ‘experimental lab’—the fun stuff.” Other future plans include a patio out front, a mural on the side of the building and to renovate the beer garden. While Green Flash’s “soft opening” was June 4, Willett said a grand opening is in the works for mid-August, and to look forward to a big party. Although the Green Flash location is not in the heart of downtown, Willett said the community is great and it’s not a long journey, so it’s been exciting to get people “off the beaten path” and further down P Street. Lately Green Flash has enjoyed hosting Lincoln cycling clubs that come in en masse for a cold beer after a long ride. The large loft event space is perfect for the occasion, Willett said. “We’re totally open to hosting any event that we can accommodate,” he said. “We have the space and it’s a lot of fun.” Green Flash is already getting involved with downtown events such as Lincoln Calling, where they will be a part of the Night Market and will have a specialty Lincoln Calling beer on tap. “Once we get our legs under us we hope to be a part of as many events as we can, and events we can do the most good with,” Willett said. “We want to be a part of the craft beer community. So far other breweries and the people coming in have been really supportive and really friendly. We’re just excited to be a part of it and move the scene forward.” Founded in 1967, the Downtown Lincoln Association provides services and champions initiatives for maintaining and enhancing our vibrant downtown. Our vision is to create an energetic downtown environment where we live, learn, work, invest and play. DLA has evolved into a multi-faceted organization supporting a wide range of programs and activities including maintenance, economic development and advocacy. For a complete listing of downtown businesses, events and residences visit downtownlincoln.org. ‘Like’ us on Facebook at facebook.com/downtownlincoln.

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BUYING & SELLING A BUSINESS When a business changes hands, it’s a big deal for both the buyer and the seller. With the substantial nature of this type of transaction, no matter which side you fall on, you’ll want to have a team of experts to guide you through it. The typical professionals to have actively involved and working on your behalf would include a business broker, an accountant, a banker, and a lawyer. “I can’t emphasize enough the importance of working with someone who specializes in the sale of businesses, with that education and experience to offer,” says Jethro Hopkins with No Coast Business Advisors. “A professional selling commercial real estate property and a professional selling the actual business, although obviously related in most cases, will have different training and working knowledge as well as different tools and resources at their disposal. You’ve probably all heard the advice that you don’t need to be good at many things, you just need to be great at one, and this is an excellent example of expert vs. generalist. If there’s ever real estate involved, I call my real estate contact and vice versa. Similarly, it’s to your advantage to work with a professional who has a solid network of professional contacts in the related specialty areas that encompass every aspect of the transaction. You can get solid referrals this way, too.” When looking to hire a business broker to buy or sell, in the initial meeting Hopkins advises to get the answers to the following questions in order to make the best decision: *When do they get paid and what do they get paid? (For obvious reasons.) *Who handles closing and is responsible for preparing the closing documents? (This could be a lawyer, broker or title company – there are different ways it’s handled.) *How are they going to market/advertise the business? (A Jethro Hopkins No Coast Business Advisors proactive approach and one that has a reach bigger than just Lincoln and Omaha is advised. Just putting up a listing on a website and waiting for someone to bite isn’t enough.) *How long have they been doing it? (Speaks to experience.) *Is your broker an owner, employee, or subcontractor? (An owner will almost always be the most invested in the outcome and how business is conducted throughout because it’s his/her reputation on the line. That’s not to say the others won’t do an excellent job, but it’s something to consider. Also, point of contact is important, such as if you’ll be regularly communicating with the owner or his/her secretary or assistant.) *How will they protect confidentiality? (Example: Any broker who takes pictures of your business for the listing, regardless if any signage is present, is not doing everything possible to protect the confidentiality of the sale. Particularly with the worldwide web, it’s very easy to connect the dots when you have the type of business and city in the listing.) *What references can you provide? (Be sure to ask for references from the specific broker, not just the brokerage. Individual performance is important. If they can’t provide you with references for any reason, whatever the case may be, it’s a big red flag and you can surely do better. Also, don’t just be satisfied with the fact that they provided references, follow up on them.) In agreement to the importance of a team approach, Kelsey Appleby with SP Group, P.C. further advises, “It is important to have a team of advisors. In addition to your accountant, these include attorneys, bankers, brokers, and consultants. Having an expert involved in the purchase or sale transaction from start to finish can reap numerous benefits as these experts know the right questions to ask and documents to request for a successful transaction. Furthermore, buying or selling a business is often an emotional decision. With Kelsey Appleby all of the emotions involved, it is important to SP Group, P.C. have an accountant or tax advisor provide an objective, yet expert opinion to the purchaser or seller of a business. Doing so will ease the process, provide more accurate information, and ultimately result in a better decision. Purchasing or selling a business is a complex process, and an accountant can provide advice regarding the business’s worth, the best structure for a given transaction, and the tax consequences of the sale.” Aside from the professionals involved, Appleby also notes the importance of timing and a few other key aspects. “It is best to plan the process of a purchase or sale over the span of a couple of years. Doing so can reduce the likelihood of rushing into or making uninformed decisions. Planning can also help the buyer or seller clean up the bookkeeping, take action to get the most out of the transaction, or even take advantage of certain conditions in the market. Knowing whether it is a sellers’ or buyers’ market or what tax legislation will be in place for the upcoming year 54 Strictly Business AUGUST 2018

can affect the decisions that go into a purchase or sale of a business. We have many clients come to us years in advance. They know they want to sell their business(es) in the near future and want advice regarding steps to take to make sure they are ready to sell when the right time and buyer comes along. Also with respect to timing, many clients forget about the tax consequences of selling a business and can be surprised by their income tax liability in the year of sale. Planning with a tax advisor can help to minimize the taxes owed or at least be prepared to pay them once April comes around. Oftentimes, an installment sale can be used to spread the proceeds of the sale over several years. This spreads the capital gain taxes from the sale over several years rather than a huge lump sum in one single tax year.” In conclusion, she states, “Buying or selling a business is an exciting time for both parties. However, the complexity of these transactions can leave business owners feeling overwhelmed. Finding a trustworthy accountant with expertise in buying/selling a business can make all the difference when making these life-changing decisions.” Finally, the legal advice from your lawyer will be invaluable for a number of different reasons. “Having handled the legal aspects of hundreds of business transitions, I’ve learned that the smoothest sales involve an attorney from the beginning to the end,” says Susan Napolitano with Berry Law Firm. “Ideally, a seller should visit with his or her attorney (and accountant) at least one tax year before listing the business for sale to prepare for a succession. It can be helpful when the seller’s attorney understands the seller’s day-to-day Susan Napolitano business, but it is imperative that the seller’s Berry Law Firm attorney understands the unique legal aspects of the seller’s business transition. I don’t need to know how to perform a root canal to sell a dental practice, but I better know the federal and state laws that govern the transfer of medical records. Preparing your business for sale by visiting your lawyer and your accountant well in advance of listing the business will help a seller get the best valuation and clean up any legal loose ends. It also puts your trusted advisors on notice that you are going to need them to protect your best interest and be your advocate throughout the sale transaction. As for advice, as was previously mentioned, beware of unqualified ‘consultants’ who want to broker the sale of your business. They feed on your fear of lawyer fees; they play up their knowledge of your industry to gain your trust, then they take 8-10% of your purchase price for themselves. I have seen very sophisticated professionals be taken by shady consultants and ultimately end up with final documents that were negotiated and drafted by a non-lawyer at a price much higher than a lawyer would have charged. A good business lawyer prepares you for the journey, informs your choices along the way, and fights for your best interest throughout the entire process. One unfortunate mistake that seems to arise from this misconception is mistrust, hostility, and blurred boundaries between advocates who should be working together for the client’s best interest. I’ve seen this occur most often between accountants and lawyers. Instead of respecting each other’s’ areas of expertise, they try to be a one-stop shop for the client. It should be a red flag if one of your advocates, without good reason, refuses to coordinate with another of your advocates. Also, do not ever hire a business broker who represents both sides of a transaction. Your advocate should be YOUR advocate—no one else’s.” Similarly, she also cautions, “Baby Boomers are retiring. For sellers, this means selling before peak inventory saturation. For buyers, this means a lot more due diligence in sorting good business investments from bad ones. Cultural shifts often create a temporary bath of market chaos that will be bliss for some and disastrous for others. When either buyers or sellers get overwhelmed or desperate, predators of all kinds come in and offer to lift the burden. Whether your sale or purchase outcome yields bliss or disaster is often determined by who you trust. Choose wisely. Finally, do things right the first time. Never rush through something, especially if you don’t understand it. Don’t allow anyone to rush you. Trust your gut.” The bottom line is that if you’re considering buying or selling a business, the team of seasoned experts you entrust with every aspect will determine the outcome. Choose wisely, indeed.

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Strictly Business AUGUST 2018

Back to

SCHOOL How is it possible that summer break is almost over already? *Sigh* Well, it’s officially time to complete all of the items on the “Back to School” checklist, from shopping for the necessities to medical checkups and any other preparations that pertain to you or your kids. Whether you’re in the age range of a college student or a parent who is getting everything in order for a Kindergartner all the way up to a high schooler, there are actually some basics that would pertain to anyone. Let’s get into a few of those! B2S Basics: Check-Ups It’s probably time to get into your doctor’s office for that annual physical if you haven’t already. Kristina Saunders with Honor Health & Wellness advises, “Physical exams are a big part of the back to school season for our clinic. Starting the school year out with an exam to ensure health screenings and immunizations are up to date is one of the first things parents do in preparation for the upcoming school year. Physical exams are required for children entering kindergarten and 7th grade in Lincoln Public Schools. In addition, children who plan on playing sports are required to have a sports physical Kristina Saunders prior to participation. The sports physical is Honor Health & Wellness a vital component in ensuring your athlete is healthy and aids in identifying any current and/or potential for injury or medical complications that could impact overall health and wellness.

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Additionally, non-traditional college students should also have a physical exam to make sure screenings and immunizations are up to date. Non-traditional students often have responsibilities in addition to school, including families and employment. High stress can lead to illness. Taking preventative steps at the beginning of the school year can help prevent missing classes and compounding stress later in the school year. It is especially important for children with asthma and allergies to have a physical exam prior to the beginning of the school year. The primary care provider will update asthma action plans to provide both families, children, and school health personnel with detailed instructions on how to identify asthma exacerbation and assist a child if one does occur at school. Requesting rescue inhalers for both school and home use is a good way to make sure your child is prepared in the event of breathing difficulty in any environment. Additionally, children with allergies that could lead to potential life-threatening situations including food allergies should discuss the use of epi-pens with their healthcare provider and request prescriptions for both home and school. Back to school physicals are a great time to review safety with children and parents. This includes traffic safety and the use of helmets when biking. It is also a good time to discuss what a child

Kim Armstrong Bachelor’s of Multidisciplinary Studies, Nonprofit Administration University of Nebraska at Omaha

AUGUST 2018 Strictly Business

should do if approached by a stranger. Taking the time to discuss study habits and stress management is important at the beginning of the school year too. Once school begins, we all become busy trying to keep up with sports, homework and daily life. Developing a plan for transportation, study times, meals, and unexpected illness at the beginning of the school year helps to decrease stress levels for families. 1801 PINE LAKE RD SUITE 12 EXTREMEPCs.com 402-807-7777

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The beginning of the school year can be especially stressful for children as they develop new relationships in the school environment. It is important to discuss with your child how to handle bullying. Keep the lines of communication open. Encourage your child to discuss the events of the day with you and help your child identify specific teachers and school personnel they may go to if they are feeling threatened at school. At the back to school appointment, we discuss the importance of developing a routine prior to school starting. This includes eating healthy meals at scheduled times, reevaluating screen time that often creeps up over the summer, and reestablishing bedtime routines. Meal times are a good way to teach healthy eating habits. Studies have shown that taking the time to eat a family meal in the evening has decreased the incidence of depression, substance abuse, and disordered eating. It helps improve the child’s self-esteem, school performance and overall well-being. Ensuring children have 5 servings of fruits and vegetables and at least 3 servings of low-fat dairy per day will help decrease incidence of obesity. It is also a great time to catch up on the day’s events and plan for upcoming activities. Kids are often more active in the summer. It is important to incorporate additional physical activity outside of school hours. Planning evening walks, swimming lessons, sports participation will help instill lifelong habits that will reduce illness later in life. Reestablishing bedtime routines can be a struggle for families. We become accustomed to staying up later; we all know the struggle of getting our kids out of bed when they have not had adequate sleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following guidelines for sleep: • Infants 4 to 12 months should sleep 12 to 16 hours per 24 hours (including naps) on a regular basis to promote optimal health. • Children 1 to 2 years of age should sleep 11 to 14 hours per 24 hours (including naps) on a regular basis to promote optimal health.

REPAIRS

• Children 3 to 5 years of age should sleep 10 to 13 hours per 24 hours (including naps) on a regular basis to promote optimal health. • Children 6 to 12 years of age should sleep 9 to 12 hours per 24 hours on a regular basis to promote optimal health.

PHONES

• Teenagers 13 to 18 years of age should sleep 8 to 10 hours per 24 hours on a regular basis to promote optimal health. Honor Health & Wellness is offering school and sports physicals for $35. We also take Medicaid and most commercial insurance. Same day scheduling for school/sports physical and acute illness is available.”

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The fun part of going back to school is definitely rocking a new look! No matter how young or old, there’s not a student around who doesn’t feel confident and ready to take on the new school year with a brand new hair style. Even simply cleaning up and giving new life to your current signature look can be just the personal transformation you need to get started on the right foot. This time around, trust the professionals at Ovation Salon to have you leaving with a fresh, modern ‘do. Likewise, dressing the part is always an important aspect of being a student in school. This may simply be new outfits that are classroom appropriate, but it could also very well include professional or dressy attire for events outside of it, such as practicums, job shadowing,

extracurricular activities, and so on. Here in Lincoln, right about now students are descending back on campus in droves. Especially if you’re attending UNL, it’s quite customary to get new Husker gear to show your school spirit and to be well prepared for any and all of the upcoming sporting events. Rachel’s Boutique is an excellent place to find Husker apparel, accessories and jewelry – and not just for college students, but for fans of all ages. As for what’s on trend, Cherie Travis with Rachel’s Boutique offers the following ideas: “New this year, it’s no surprise that anything “Frost” will be in high demand, and at Rachel’s, there’s a stylish bracelet that a lot of ladies have had their eye on. Also, keep in mind that everyone who attends sport events or concerts will need a clear plastic bag, and Rachel’s has a selection of quality bags that will last for a long time. Personal safety while on campus is also something to take into consideration. We Cherie Travis carry a line called Blo Vintage, which allows Rachel’s Boutique you to fashionable wear a whistle that can alert others if you’re ever in danger. If you’re looking for the newest jewelry line to hit stores, we’ve just introduced one called Waxing Poetic and have a great selection of pieces in the store. Rachel’s Boutique will be hosting a Joseph Ribkoff open house and trunk show on August 8 from 3-6 p.m., which is a great opportunity to select your own styles from samples that are both fashionable and functional. We’ll also be having a fall kickoff event on August 16th featuring the newest Brighton jewelry and accessories. Let us help you pick out staple pieces that you can mix and match to dress up or down, as well as some great accessories to tie your new looks together!” If there’s one specific back to school shopping item that’s universal for all ages of students, it’s getting a new pair of shoes (or several). Local athletic footwear authority Ann Ringlein with Lincoln Running Company offers some insight on choosing your shoes, along with some helpful news! She explains, “We want purchasing shoes to be a pleasant experience and we believe to do that you have to LOVE your shoes! Here is some information that may help you Ann Ringlein to understand shoes and why we suggest Lincoln Running Company certain styles. Different shoes for different sports and activities? YES! Running Shoes: These shoes are built for speed, cushion and support for moving forward. The uppers are built with mesh and synthetics overlays for lightweight-ness and just the right amount of support. The midsoles will have added cushioning agents to help prolong the life of the shoe. These shoes definitely are technical and need some guidance in choosing the correct shoe for your foot. Running shoes that are stiffer in the midsole will be more of a supportive shoe, while those that are more flexible will be for those who need less support. Walking Shoes: These shoes are built for stability and support for forward motion. In walking your heel will strike the ground first with each step, so the heel will be built up for that support. The uppers are usually synthetic leather for support and for fashion. Cross Trainers: These shoes are built for a ‘little bit of everything.’ There is cushioning and support for the forward motion of running and walking, yet there is lateral support built in the upper for sideways motion. These shoes

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will last so much longer for workouts that require lateral movements. Wearing a running shoe for these types of workouts wears the shoe out and doesn’t provide the stability you need.

If your shoes get wet running be sure to stuff the toes with paper towels. This helps absorb the moisture and retains the shape of the toe box.

Foot Type:

Don’t wash your shoes in the washing machine! Being submerged in water that long can really cause the midsole to lose cushioning, and who doesn’t want cush? If you feel the need to have clean shoes, scrub them up by hand with cold water and some liquid detergent.

Your foot shape helps us determine which shoes to bring out. There are no hard and fast rules but generally flat feet need more of a stability shoe, neutral arches are good in neutral shoes, and high arches need very cushioned shoes. Again, this is not ALWAYS the case, but we will be able to evaluate and suggest the proper shoe for you. If the shoe fits, wear it! When you come in for shoes be sure to let us bring out several different pairs. Everyone’s foot is different, that’s why we have so many shoes on the wall...but there is one just for you! Also, let us measure your feet. It is not unusual to go ½ - 1 size bigger in athletic shoes compared to your dress shoes. If you are able, come in for shoes at the end of the day, since feet swell with body heat and are always bigger then, similar to the end of a workout. Finally, the shoes need to feel good in the store. Don’t let someone convince you the shoes will ‘break in.’ Instead, what usually happens is your FOOT breaks in and that is not good! Take good care of these puppies! The shoes that is, because they will take care of you IF you take care of them! Wear your running shoes only for running. Wearing them for other sports will just break them down sooner. Don’t take your shoes off and on without untying them! Probably my biggest pet peeve! Doing this really breaks down the heel counter and can cause heel irritation and shoe wear.

Heat is the worst on shoes! Never dry your shoes, or leave them somewhere hot! In the sun, in your car, near a heat vent…all bad! Remember the number 400 miles. That is the maximum number of miles you should expect out of your shoes. After 400 miles you need to replace them to stay injury free! If you’re gearing up to go back to school, come see us for your footwear at Lincoln Running Co., 1213 Q St.” Specifically for athletic shoes for the various sports, if you have a student athlete who needs a new pair for the upcoming season, Play It Again Sports is an excellent place to check out. “We have a large assortment of new and quality used athletic shoes to outfit your kids as they go back to school,” says Diane Hesson with Play It Again Sports. “We’re also stocked up with equipment for the fall sports seasons - softball, football, volleyball, and youth soccer being the main ones. Shop early so you don’t miss out on the best selection! Play it Again Sports is YOUR neighborhood sporting goods store and our mission is to provide the best quality for the best price. We not only carry a large assortment of new and quality used sporting goods but also a great variety of fitness

Diane Hesson Play It Again Sports

Other upcoming SCC workshops . . . Lean Six Sigma

Process improvement can be challenging. But if the right people with the right Lean Six Sigma skills are involved, significant and sustainable change can be achieved. Register today for the upcoming training opportunities for Six Sigma White, Yellow, and Green Belt. Registrations also are being accepted for an evening Lean Manufacturing class that will begin Aug. 13.

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Classes and start dates: Aug. 13-29 . . .Lean Manufacturing, 6-8:45 p.m. Aug. 14-Oct. 11 . . . . . . . . . Six Sigma Green Belt training, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Sept. 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Six Sigma White Belt Sept. 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Six Sigma Yellow Belt

To register, go to: www.southeast.edu/continuing 60

Strictly Business AUGUST 2018

equipment – staying active is so important for your health, and to do your best in school you’ve got to stay healthy!” B2S Basics: New Supplies This is another one that we’re all familiar with in the weeks prior to the first day of school. There’s the pens and pencils, the notebooks, the highlighters, the organizers, the day planners – and so much more. Be sure to check out your local Sam’s Club for some great deals on items in larger quantities, enough so that you might be set for the entire school year. One less thing to worry about later on down the line when you’re busy with assignments, tests, projects, extracurricular activities, and also trying to have a social life. It’s also a great place for teachers to get their classroom supplies for the same reason – plenty on-hand to go around! B2S Basics: Tech Support There’s not much a student does these days without the assistance of a computer or electronic device. If you don’t have what you need right now, there’s still time to get set up and ready to go, no problem. With so many options, how do you know what’s right for your needs? Simple – take the guesswork out of it and ask a professional to help you decide! We did just that to provide some helpful advice for our readers.

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“Depending on what fits the needs of the student both a desktop or laptop computer are vital for school,” says Justin Nolte with EXTREME PCs. “With communications and homework being done over computers, computers are vital today for schooling. Laptops are great for the ability to be portable in the classroom and back home. Desktops can have their advantages, as they are more upgradeable and have a longer life span compared to a laptop. Laptops have a lot of restrictions on what can be upgraded due to their small form factor compared to desktops.

What is great about desktop computers is the ability to upgrade components easily should you need more power out of them for changing classes, etc. Students who will be taking general classes and need a computer for general use can cut costs down by only selecting what they need. Later if they decide to go into area such as graphic design, video editing, auto cad, architecture, engineering or a number of other professional uses, a desktop can easily be upgraded to fit any of those needs. When looking at computers, remember to look at total cost of ownership and be cognizant of down time. Several big box companies require a system to be mailed in for repair. This can result in significant downtime with the loss of ability to do school work or other things on the computer, and oftentimes extra costs in shipping back and forth to the repair center. At EXTREME PCs, we offer systems with LIFETIME Warranties so no matter what the issue is that comes up, parts or labor are covered for the life of the system. Additionally, we are local, so if you’re having an issue with any of our systems, bring it by and we can turn it around within 24 hours should a repair be needed.

Back To School Are You Ready?

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There’s always great back to school sales this time of year, and EXTREME PCs have several going that can be taken advantage of by anyone. We will offer $200 off select desktops and laptops and $10 off any computer service, or you can choose to double your RAM, double your hard drive storage, or increase your monitor size free of charge. Additionally, we offer financing with 0% interest for 12 months with approved credit! All EXTREME desktop systems come equipped with a LIFETIME Parts and Labor Warranty. No matter what comes up in the life of the system, it is covered!”

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FLEET MAINTENANCE If you have a fleet of vehicles, you likely know how important regular maintenance is to keeping you on the road while also managing costs to do so. It’s also equally important to you that your vehicles are safe for your team who are out on the road conducting business. Some businesses have an established program with select service providers, which is recommended, while others don’t operate in this way but could certainly stand to benefit from doing so. We’ve got a breakdown of all of the important W’s – Who, What, When, Where, and Why – that should be carefully considered and applied to the maintenance program for fleets of all sizes and uses. Who’s in Charge? When you don’t have someone dedicated to managing your fleet program, it’s easy for things not to get done when they need to be due to everyone assuming that someone else has it handled. Depending on your operation, it could work well to have the driver of the vehicle take responsibility for having the maintenance performed. Other times, this may be a dedicated position within your business responsible for the maintenance of all working vehicles. The key is to establish a system that ensures accountability for having the maintenance performed when it is needed – rather, at the certain intervals that are recommended by the manufacturer. Aside from who is managing your fleet vehicles, anyone who is involved in the operation or the servicing can provide helpful insight. By keeping your drivers and service professionals actively involved and listening to their feedback, you can draw a lot of helpful recommendations and ideas for best practices. With a team approach, you can ensure program effectiveness and compliance. What’s Next and When? Staying organized and having a checklist system for all of the necessary maintenance items will keep you in really great shape. The best part of partnering with any of the various automotive professionals for your tires, servicing, repairs, and so on is that they have excellent tracking systems they use and they’ll send out reminders when the time to have certain things done is approaching. Be sure to use that to your advantage! Items to include in your checklist to have performed at the recommended intervals: • Oil change (this is the most common sense of the bunch, but still, doesn’t hurt to set reminders) • All other fluids and filters (air, fuel, radiator, transmission, and even down to the washer fluid) • Heat and air conditioning systems • Belts and hoses • Exterior and interior lights • All major systems (fuel, brakes, exhaust, etc.) • Tires (and the wheels and rims, too) • Engine tune-up and check mounts • Frame and undercarriage (and regularly check for any leaks while you’re at it) • Drive shaft and CV joints • Airbags, safety belts, horns, windshield (all safety features should be fully functional at all times) Where to Go? As for the “where” as it applies to the location of your vehicles, tracking your vehicles through GPS can also give you a lot of

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information. By ensuring appropriate use, you can save on fuel costs, increase employee productivity, and enhance employee utilization. Many cutting-edge GPS tracking tools operate in real time, so you can communicate with everyone on your team on the go. Along with utilizing reports and recommendations generated by your service professionals, there are apps that provide data you can leverage. With daily, weekly, monthly and/or annual reports on critical items such as fuel, routing, driver stats, time, employee hours, and tracking, you have the data to make the best decisions for your fleet and your business. Then there’s the where as it applies to selecting your team of professionals. You want to be working with experts at a reputable facility that will work for you and your best interests. Start shopping for a service provider or repair facility before you need one; you can make better decisions when you are not rushed or in a panic. Always try to visit the shop before making the decision on who will repair your vehicle. Look for a neat, well-organized facility with modern equipment. Look for signs of professionalism in the customer service area, which might include civic and community service awards, memberships in local and national industry organizations, Better Business Bureau recognition or signage, customer service awards, etc. Ask if the staff is technically trained and competent, and expect to see certificates and industry credentials. Finally, there’s the where as it applies to visibility. Anywhere your vehicle is at any given time, you have a prime opportunity to promote your business. Not only should your vehicle look nice to promote a positive image, but vehicle wraps or signage are a very popular way to be seen everywhere you go. Keeping your vehicle in pristine condition as far as the body and paint, as well as incorporating your logo, will help you get recognized and make a great impression while you’re at it. Why Preventive Maintenance? Being proactive and keeping your vehicles well cared for will ensure you get the most out of your investment in each vehicle. It will keep your people working by avoiding any downtime when a vehicle is temporarily out of commission as well as any scheduling nightmares that would happen as a result of a breakdown. By keeping a vehicle running at peak performance, you’re also way less likely to be incurring any unexpected repair costs and you’ll get optimal mileage. Now, that’s not to say that there won’t be accidents or breakdowns that happen along the way, despite being on top of things and having all of the recommended services performed. When this happens, again as previously mentioned, you want to know exactly who to call and where to take it. Particularly when it comes to accident repair, remember that you, the vehicle owner or fleet manager, have the right to choose who will be working on your vehicles – not your insurance company. While they will certainly make recommendations, those are just that – recommendations, not obligations. Then, whether it’s anything from glass repair and replacement to paintless dent repair and collision/framework repair, having any type of repair done right away and not letting it fall to the wayside is just as important as preventive maintenance. Especially when the vehicle is still operable, it can be easy to say you’ll take care of it soon – and then time goes by and you haven’t gotten to it yet. In the meantime, there could be further damage/deterioration that could end up being more costly to fix, or safety issues that could compromise your business. Before we touched on keeping your vehicle looking nice as it relates to a positive image and making a good impression, but it also prevents rust and keeps your vehicle exterior in great condition. Going through the car wash regularly plus a good coat of wax, or even a protective coating that is professionally applied, will go a long way! Especially when vehicles are on the road quite a bit, it speeds up the process of corrosion due to salt, dust, bugs and debris that can build up quickly. Sure, it’s just vehicle maintenance - but in both the short and long run, it’s major and should be considered a priority. It’s important to have a fleet maintenance plan in place if you want to keep your wheels (and employees) on the road and not in the shop. Most vehicles have a recommended maintenance plan provided from the vehicle manufacturer, as well as from the parts and tire manufacturers in terms of servicing and replacement. Generally, this will include specific checks and maintenance to be performed at certain mileage intervals. If you haven’t followed the factory plan it’s not too late to start, and a local service center like the ones you see displayed on these pages can help get you back on track.

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Wedding Planning

Despite what you may have heard, planning your wedding does not have to be stressful. There is no reason to come crashing down from the high of getting engaged when you start thinking of all the things that need to get done in order for your special day to be absolutely perfect - especially when there are so many resources and professionals right here in Lincoln that can help you every step of the way. As we talked to some local experts about wedding planning, almost all of them shared one common piece of advice—plan ahead. Get on top of locking everything down right away. We know that probably sounds a little overwhelming, especially when you don’t know what “everything” entails, but if you keep reading, you’ll get a pretty good idea. Let’s start by setting the scene. While following with tradition and getting married in a church is still fairly common, these days many couples are opting for a more unique setting. For the latter, picking a location where both the ceremony and reception is another emerging trend. Since setting a date can’t be done without confirming the availability of the venue, make sure you are booking that first - and way in advance. Jaylynn Schubauer with Graduate Lincoln can attest to this. “I would say for our hotel, when booking one of the ballrooms, having a few different dates in mind will improve your chances of one being available. If you want a summer wedding, June specifically, I would start looking at venues as soon as possible. June tends to fill up quick, so the sooner you make a decision, the better your odds are of getting your preferred venue. Graduate Lincoln can accommodate the wedding ceremony, wedding reception, bridal shower, and rehearsal dinner. From grand mid-century inspired ballrooms to smaller spaces for intimate receptions, we have a spot that is just right for you. Our Ardis Ballroom is ideal for large events; with 5,800 square feet, it can hold up to 450 people. For medium-sized groups, we recommend the Scarlet Ballroom and Legends Ballroom. Both of these spaces have inspired personalities all their own that will enhance the atmosphere of any event. One thing that really sets us apart from other hotels and reception halls in Lincoln is that we have a Bridal Suite/Powder Room. This cozy, elegant lounge area is complete with luxe velvet couches, a wet bar, and a private outdoor patio. It’s the perfect place to start the day off relaxing and enjoying the company of your bridal party.” Another venue option in downtown Lincoln is the Talon Room, which offers a space that is unlike any other. On the lower level of the building with a tremendous amount of character that was formerly home to the famous Spaghetti Works, Talon Room has established itself as one of the most popular places to host weddings and receptions. Matthew Rogge with Talon Room shares some insight about this unique event spot. “What is so great about the Talon Room is that it can be as casual or as elegant as the guest wants it to be. With an old-fashioned Matthew Rogge wood bar, distressed brick walls, dark concrete floors, intimate lighting options—this space is Talon Room truly rustic, which people really like. We offer tables, chairs, tablecloths, set-up and tear-down assistance, an onsite bar, and catering options. We have enough round tables for parties of 150 people or less but our space can actually accommodate as many as 300 people for a stand-up event and up to 250 people for a sit-down event. We don’t have decorations available for use but DIY decor is a big thing right now, and those who book the space are free to transform it however they’d like. For a small fee, guests can actually come in and do all the set-up the day before so they don’t have to stress about it the day of the wedding. Then, we always let our wedding parties come in the next day to tear down their decorations for no extra charge. This kind of flexibility is what sets Talon Room apart. Since we’re just a small, one-room venue, we really give the wedding party our full attention. And even though wedding receptions are more common, we currently provide brides and grooms with the option to host their ceremony at Talon Room as well. Being able to have everything take place at one venue makes it so easy for everyone. I really encourage folks to go to our website to check out the 3D tour of the Talon Room if they are considering it for their wedding/reception venue. It’s a great way to get a feel for our space and to see if it’s a good fit for their special occasion.” 66 Strictly Business AUGUST 2018

Like Matthew noted, DIY decor for weddings is very popular because it is usually less expensive and it provides a personal touch to the event. Sara Reyes Sudman with Fields Floral also adds that DIY crafting can be a fun activity for the wedding families or bridesmaids to do together! “At Fields Floral, we see a lot of bachelorette groups come in to create DIY designs for the big day. They have fun putting floral centerpiece arrangements together while sipping wine and letting the creativity flow. We provide all the supplies and Sara Reyes Sudman we have snacks, too! It’s a great chance for the Fields Floral bridal party to bond, especially if some or all of them will be meeting each other for the first time. Fields Floral also offers personalized, stress-free planning for weddings and events. Our shop has so many different arrangements to choose from and we can also create one-of-a-kind arrangements to your specifications. We’ll make sure your flowers enhance the ambiance and bring joy to you, your attendants, your table tops, and your guests. Call to set up a consultation with us and bring pictures of your vision for your special day.” If you’ve attended a lot of weddings in Lincoln or you’re from the area, chances are you’ve heard of a lot of these places already... but there’s a new venue on the block folks! Cherie Anderson with Venue Events & Catering can tell you more about Lincoln’s newest destination for today’s engaged couples. “The Scottish Rite Ballroom just recently became one of Venue’s event spaces and we are very exciting to be booking weddings for 2019! Imagine—luxury of Gatsby’s roaring 20’s meets modern sophistication. It has a vintage charm to it. With Cherie Anderson a built-in stage, original wood dance floor, Venue Events & Catering opulent chandeliers, a fireplace, grand columns and archways—it definitely provides a lavish atmosphere. At Scottish Rite, located at 332 Centennial Mall S., couples have the ability to host their ceremony in the grand hall and reception in the attached banquet hall, and our team will go above and beyond to ensure everything goes smoothly. We have a butcher who cures and cuts meat in-house, a pastry chef who bakes scratch-based goodness, and some of the hardest working kitchen staff who take pride in everything served. When it comes to putting together a menu, many of our wedding clients are looking for something different, and that type of creativity is our specialty. Some of our most raved-about dishes have been the Steak House Burger Bar, Street Taco Bars and Gourmet Rice Bowls. These are examples of simple but tasty spreads, where guests get to decide what they want and are not left hungry if they have food allergies or are picky eaters. Altogether, Venue offers five private dining rooms and two large banquet facilities that hold up to 400 guests. If you book your wedding reception with Venue, we waive the room fee for your wedding rehearsal dinner or bridal shower in one of our private dining rooms. We also offer day-of wedding munchies/platters for the wedding party prior to the wedding as this is typically an all-day affair.” When contemplating which venue would be the perfect one for your various weddingrelated events, if you’re thinking upscale – why not take it 20 floors up? Deanna Walz with the Nebraska Club knows what we’re talking about. “From high up on the 20th floor of US Bank building in downtown Lincoln, the Nebraska Club offers a view of the city that impresses both in and out of town guests. The romantic lights of the city and the unparalleled view of a Nebraska sunset create an elegant ambiance. Rehearsal dinners provide a special Deanna Walz opportunity for the families of the bride and groom, along with other members of the Nebraska Club wedding party, to come together and toast to the upcoming union. At the Nebraska Club, we take these cherished moments very seriously. With our primary function as a fine dining

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restaurant, our chef excels at crafting meals for groups of 30-50 people, and our private rooms are just the right size for your prenuptial festivities. We can do more than rehearsal dinners, though. Our rooms, which can accommodate groups from 15 to 250, can also be rented out for receptions. Couples seem to gravitate towards our cosmopolitan energy as the vibe they want for their special day. With a downtown wedding, guests are able to access all that the city has to offer, having everything they need within walking distance. Keep the Nebraska Club in mind for your wedding. Call to learn more about our connections with florists, formal wear shops, DJ’s, bands, and photographers. You can also visit our website to view our banquet menu and wedding packet.” When learning more about the options at the various venues, you’ll want make note of which ones have their own built-in sound and lighting capabilities. For those that don’t, we suggest turning to Stratum Productions. They do a lot more than audio/visual, though. Daniel Anderson with Stratum Productions can elaborate. “We can do audio/visual in any indoor or outdoor setting. Aside from that, a few other services we provide include wireless up-lighting, string lighting, texture lighting, pinspots, standalone structures, and vintage Daniel Anderson ceremony backdrops—we even have a dry Stratum Productions ice machine that will make it look like you’re dancing on a cloud! Our photo booth is another one that’s a lot of fun for guests, and our newest service, #Printer, is becoming very popular as well. Since creating a “hashtag” for your wedding is basically a requirement these days, our #Printer service makes it possible for guests to actually print off the photos they post on social media using a wedding’s hashtag. Wedding parties love this because it’s so interactive and makes for a great keepsake to take home at the end of the night. We also have software that can virtually build a room so you can get a 3D walk-through of what your venue will look like with all the decorations and lighting features. This really helps in the planning stages so you can visualize what you still need and what to expect. At Stratum Productions, we don’t cut corners. We know this is the day that you’ve been waiting for your entire life. We make it a point to take very special care of our clients and everything we do can be customized to fit their needs.” Another venue consideration is the catering options available. Some places have a list of preferred caterers, while others have their own in-house kitchen. If you’re holding your reception somewhere that doesn’t provide food options, you’ll have the fun task of selecting a caterer. “With catering options designed to fit any need, we can create a menu that is perfect for your event,” says Joe Armstrong with Cowboy Chicken. “Whether it’s our famous wood fire rotisserie chicken, twice baked potatoes, and green beans or you’d Joe Armstrong like us to design a more elaborate menu, we’ll Cowboy Chicken be happy to accommodate. We do catering for small gatherings like showers and engagement parties but can also accommodate larger functions like the rehearsal dinner or the big day. As we know how important it is to stay within a budget for weddings, our clients benefit from the value we are able to provide with our offerings.” Armstrong also points out, “We have done a number of rehearsal dinners and weddings at all types of venues, and can work with any dietary restrictions. Our clients can select items from our menu or we can create something entirely different, and we are happy to schedule a tasting to assure that we are meeting – and hopefully surpassing – your expectations. Your catering company of choice should be able to help you get the important details in place so that no balls are dropped. This includes the amount of food appropriate for your event, all necessary items to complete the meal, and timing–who is responsible for delivery, set-up, table settings, service, and clean-up.” To continue along with the theme of having everything under one roof,

this next venue that we’d like to highlight is no exception. We asked Isabel Reichel with Wilderness Ridge to tell us a little bit about the wedding options they have to offer. “Wilderness Ridge is perfect for all things pertaining to weddings, from outdoor ceremonies on our stunning Wedding Island to receptions in our beautiful lodge-style banquet hall. Wilderness Ridge is surrounded by so much natural beauty, making it a lovely choice to book for your wedding festivities. On average, we book weddings about one year Isabel Reichel out, so make sure you plan ahead. If Saturdays Wilderness Ridge are booked and your date is flexible, I would encourage you to consider a Friday or Sunday wedding, which often has financial benefits too. My main piece of advice would be to never be afraid to ask questions. Ask about extra fees, such as cake cutting fees or automatically added charges. Additionally, if you are comparing venues, make sure to compare them fairly! Some venues are more expensive, but they include more services. For example, Wilderness Ridge does all the set up and teardown of the tables, chairs, table linens, etc. whereas other venues require the clients to do the work themselves. Though most of you are probably planning your wedding for next year, we are currently offering a wedding special for all weddings booked for November 2018 and February or March of 2019, with 25% off all purchased food and a complimentary champagne toast for all your guests. Our mountain-style lodge screams winter wedding, and this offer sweetens the deal. At this point, we’ve touched on some great venues to consider for when you tie the knot, but what about for when you pop the question? Let’s back up a little bit to the engagement as Jordyn tells us about how their Romance Package makes for the perfect proposal. “Imagine this: After a fantastic day with your sweetheart you arrive at Wilderness Ridge where our friendly staff is already waiting to escort you to your private room. The room is set up for just the two of you with a dozen roses, two large comfy chairs in front of the fireplace, chocolate covered strawberries and some bubbly. After an amazing four-course dinner you drop down on one knee and pop the question. The rest is history…” Enough said. We can’t talk about engagements without thinking of Sartor Hamann Jewelers, Lincoln’s fine jewelry store since 1905. They have so many cuts and colors to choose from when it comes to picking out the perfect rings. Anna Alcalde with Sartor Hamann Jewelers commented on the recent trends she’s noticing. “The most common thing we see now is couples coming in together to look at engagement rings and wedding bands. The woman will pick out her top three and then her guy will surprise her with one of those. Ladies aren’t opting for Anna Alcalde matching sets as much anymore either. Rose Sartor Hamann Jewelers gold is our most popular color of metal right now, and we see a lot of ladies mixing it with yellow gold bands for an attractive contrast. As far as styles go, the vintage and nature-inspired looks are very hot right now. We have amazing natural diamonds as well as a new budget-friendly choice of lab-created diamonds. Both are wonderful. Stop in and we’ll show you the difference. Although they weren’t dug up from the ground, lab diamonds are still real in the sense that they display the same chemical and optical properties as natural diamonds—plus they cost about 25% less and are eco-friendly! Win, win. At Sartor Hamann, we offer a special deal on our engagement rings. Anyone who purchases their ring from us will receive 15% off the men’s wedding band, and anyone who purchases both will get free silicone rings (there are 15 colors to choose from!). Sartor Hamann has more than just engagement rings too, though. We also have fun pieces that would make for a wonderful wedding gift or accessories for bridesmaids. A unique jewelry line we carry is “Maps” by A.Jaffe—select any address in the world (maybe where you met the love of your life) and let a diamond mark the place that changed everything. And getting matching bracelets for your bridal party is a great way to

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ensure everyone is going to look coordinated in pictures! Stop by Sartor Hamann, at one of our two locations in Lincoln, to check out all that we have to offer. Almost everyone on staff has been with us for over 10 years, so they are very knowledgeable.” While we’re on the topic of gifts, let’s talk about gift registries. Our best piece of advice? Be intentional. Don’t go crazy and add a million little things to your list. Instead, you should be very selective and pick out only quality items that will last and that you actually need. A great store in Lincoln that allows you to create a registry is Habitat, Lincoln’s premier kitchen and gift store. Jana Clark with Habitat has plenty of great ideas to offer, whether you’re deciding what you want as a couple or a guest who is selecting a gift for them. “Habitat has Jana Clark many name brand home decor and kitchen Habitat items that would make perfect wedding gifts; it’s our specialty. Right now the Le Creuset Round Dutch Oven sets have been very popular. This iconic line of kitchenware is indispensable in any kitchen. It’s great for newlyweds but also has high-quality pieces that anyone would appreciate. When you buy a gift at Habitat, depending on whether you’ll be able to attend or not, we can handle the gift wrapping or shipping.” Transportation is another factor to consider, especially if you aren’t holding your ceremony and wedding in the same venue. Lori Hiebner with Leisure Limousine & Sedan thinks you should arrive in style with one of their fabulous limos, SUVs, or party buses! “At Leisure Limo, we provide prompt, professional, affordable, and, most importantly, luxury transportation service for your wedding needs. Our chauffeurs have Lori Hiebner the ability to be flexible and will customize the Leisure Limousine & Sedan AUGUST 2018 Strictly Business 69

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trip as you go. We want you to have fun and not stress—let us take you where you need to go.” It’s very popular for wedding parties to take a party bus from the wedding to their reception, and Leisure Limo now offers at 34-passenger “Limo Bus” that is perfectly suited for the occasion. Think about bachelor and bachelorette parties too! These limo buses have Aux/Bluetooth/Sub/Amp capabilities, a DVD Player with two large video screens, leather seating, tinted windows for privacy, bar lighting, and coolers/champagne wells. Their stretch limos offer almost all of these amenities as well, plus each vehicle comes with a friendly, professional driver. They also offer transportation service for the bride and groom at the end of the night from the reception, as well as airport car and shuttle service for the wedding guests. They literally think of everything for you so that you can just sit back and enjoy the ride. One very important thing we have yet to address is in the bridal look department – the dresses, the tuxes or suits, the shoes and accessories, the hair styles – and all of the other details that come together to make one fine looking couple and bridal party. According to Lexi Walters, author of The Buff Bride’s Handbook: Get in Shape for Your Wedding Day, 80% of brides and over half the wedding party and family members will take steps to change their eating or exercise habits for the big day. “The trick is to make sure that those changes produce the results you’re looking for!” comments Jeff Madsen with Right Foot Forward Fitness. “Right Foot Forward Fitness offers a variety of ways for people to be in their best shape ever for the wedding. From personal training to private Jeff Madsen small group training limited to the wedding Right Foot Forward Fitness party and family members—we can help anyone achieve their goals. We can also provide accountability with diet and food choices supported with recipes, samples, and a food diary if it’s desired. We can come alongside people with as little or as much structure and support as they need and want. Here are the top three things wedding participants should know about their fitness: 1. You don’t need to go on a starvation diet but you do need lots of quality fresh whole foods. 2. Stop drinking your calories! Save your calories for those fresh whole foods. 3. Do your best…forget the rest. A solid effort will yield positive results; have fun with your fitness and when the big day comes, enjoy it knowing you look and, more importantly, feel great!” There are other “appearance solutions,” if you will, that can’t be attained through a gym membership or a trip to the spa. For example, hair loss or unwanted wrinkles. Fortunately, JMISKO surgical design | md has a lot of services to offer a soon-to-be bride and groom before the biggest day of their lives. Brianna Kuebler with JMISKO surgical design | md, recently named the Best Local Med Spa for 2018, gave us a look into these services. “One of the more noticeable trends that we’ve seen is that Brianna Kuebler younger brides are coming in for aesthetic JMISKO services such as BOTOX® and fillers. I think the notion of BOTOX® being used only by older women is starting to change. Your wedding day is the most photographed day in your life – brides, not matter their age, don’t want to look back and wish they would have taken care of their deep forehead lines. Similarly, BROTOX is growing in popularity. That’s right, we’ve started seeing men getting a little maintenance done, too. For women, we recommend taking advantage of the great prices we have on aesthetic/skin services like BOTOX®, fillers and laser skin treatments. We usually ask brides to come between 3-4 weeks

before their wedding if they are getting BOTOX® and/or fillers. The patient has full results after 2 weeks of injections. Depending on the laser skin treatment, time frame can vary, but usually takes longer. Plan on coming in 2-3 months before your big day if you do any CO2 Laser Treatment. For men, we have a variety of options for hair restoration and retention too. If you are looking to keep what you have and add some fullness, our hair retention options include written prescriptions by Dr. Misko, topical hair loss products, PRP/stem cell injections, or the laser hair cap. For more significant hair loss cases that require a transplant, we have several different options that fit every budget. For any of our hair retention options, come in 6-12 months before your wedding day. For the hair transplant options, we ask you to come in 12-18 months prior.” Now, after you’ve hit your goals and you’re looking like your best self, you might consider flaunting what you’ve got for your future spouse by taking some sexy, tasteful boudoir photos. Jamie Incontro with Boudoir Boutique offered some advice for our lady readers. “A boudoir photography session is a chance for you to wear sexy outfits, lingerie, dresses, or even go scantily clad and get your photographs taken. The photos are then usually given as a gift from bride to groom. Some ladies will hide them in a Jamie Incontro place for their man to find the morning of Boudoir Boutique their wedding, giving him a little sneak peek to get him excited for their wedding night. Every woman deserves to feel beautiful, desirable and sexy. Celebrate you and your inner beauty! It doesn’t matter if you are thin or plussized, young or mature, tall or short—tasteful boudoir photography has the power to make you feel sexy in your own skin. Boudoir Boutique has different session packages with prices depending on length of time, hair and makeup, and outfit changes. Your images will be ready to view and order approximately 7-10 days after your session and your order will be complete within 4-6 weeks depending on seasonal volume, so if you have a specific date you want the order done for, make sure you are scheduling at least 8 weeks in advance.” Finally, while we’ve covered quite a bit so far, we’ve really only scratched the surface on certain topics. To get a better grasp on the full scope of your wedding planning, we recommend attending the 2019 Nebraska Bridal Show on Sunday, January 20 at the Holthus Convention Center in York, NE. This show is an excellent way to learn about the best wedding vendors in the state. Vendors are handpicked from across the region in order to give couples options for each wedding category, highlighting the latest trends in bridal gowns, tuxedos, cake, décor, music, and more! Terri Carlson with Holthus Convention Center also notes, “The Holthus Convention Center makes an excellent wedding venue itself. Our west lobby is quickly becoming my favorite space in our facility. The west-facing, floor-to-ceiling windows make for a beautiful backdrop year-round, especially when there is a famous Nebraska sunset to really set the mood. The best part is that you can have a ceremony that has an outdoor feeling, but not have to worry about how unpredictable Mother Nature can be. So whether you’re Terri Carlson planning an intimate wedding reception for Holthus Convention Center 50 people or a larger celebration with up to 800 guests, our newer facility can accommodate your needs.”

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Located in the heart of the Haymarket District, Graduate Lincoln is the ideal venue to host your special day and all the festivities leading up to it. We offer a variety of distinct venues sure to Located in the heart of the Haymarket District, Graduate Lincoln is the ideal venue to host your

make your wedding celebrations memorable including grand ballrooms, intimate spaces, a bridal special day and all the festivities leading up to it. We offer a variety of distinct venues sure to

suite and an on-site restaurant. Book your event or room block today!

make your wedding celebrations memorable including grand ballrooms, intimate spaces, a bridal suite and an on-site restaurant. Book your event or room block today!

LO CATION LONorth CATION 141 9th Street Lincoln, NE9th 68508 141 North Street Lincoln, NE 68508

CONTACT CONTACT Tel: 402 475 1038

graduatehotels.com Tel: 402 475 1038 graduatehotels.com

On top of it all.

Weddings - Receptions Rehearsal Dinners - Showers Gift Opening Celebrations

True, there’s a lot that goes into planning and executing a dream wedding - but to sum it up best, it’s never too early to get started with your planning and if you can dream it, there’s a professional locally who can make it a reality!

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AUGUST 2018 Strictly Business

Apartment Living

While the housing market is booming right now, many here in Lincoln still prefer apartment living.

As for the reasoning behind that, and more specifically the benefits, Michael Holroyd with Holroyd Investment Properties notes, “The two largest benefits of living in an apartment home are financial and freedom. At HIP Realty, we take care of property upkeep 24/7, including maintenance and repair, landscaping, snow removal, and so much more. But living in an apartment home also means flexibility and peace of mind. We offer a variety of lease terms so our residents have choices. When questions arise, we have a full, friendly staff in our local office ready to help in any way we can. Working with a company that has all of these benefits can be a great way to stay on track with personal and financial goals.” There’s anywhere from efficiency to luxury options, with varying locations and amenities, so finding the right fit is all a matter of budget and preferences. Michael Holroyd Holroyd Investment Properties

“People are looking for a place to call home,” says Holroyd. “This vision is different for everyone. Some are looking for a location close to school, work, or entertainment. Other people may be looking for conveniences like washer/dryers in each unit, dishwashers, microwaves, etc. Some are looking for money-saving options such as a fitness center and pool to avoid that gym membership. Our apartment homes have a range of amenities to fit a variety of residents. Providing a great location, convenient amenities, and/or financial savings are all ways HIP Realty provides a place to call home.” In agreement, Michael Olderbak with Kabredlo’s Properties adds, “People are looking for more than just a place to stay. They are looking for a home in a community. Offering events at the apartment properties like a Halloween party, Santa visits, and summer BBQs are ways that we embrace our community.

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Residents also want to live in a community that is clean and beautiful. This means as just one example outside, having landscaped Michael Olderbak yards, and then inside, having modern kitchens. We have been upgrading our units Kabredlo’s Properties with new appliances and granite, which are both quite appealing. It’s become common for our residents to live in their homes for more than one leasing cycle, so it’s evident that more and more people have found that apartments are an excellent place to call home. One huge benefit of renting is that the residents do not have to pay expenses like property tax, homeowners insurance, and maintenance. With renting, there is also flexibility with location. If you do have to change jobs or schools, you are not tied to one address. Also, while we’re on the topic of flexibility, one misconception is that if you rent, you must live in a large apartment complex. We offer many different rental opportunities – there are varying sizes of complexes as well as single homes, duplexes, and multi-family conversions. Another misconception is that you are not able to have large dogs. As a family-run company, we consider pets part of our family and want our residents to have the same privilege. So, we have pet policies in place that give residents the ability to have their pets in their home.”

In closing, he advises, “Especially over the last couple years, the demand for apartments has increased. This means that our properties tend to have waitlist for units. We recommend that anyone interested is proactive in their search, allowing 3-6 months to find their next home.” As you might have noticed, there are a number of new apartment complexes here in Lincoln too. One of the newest is Aventine at Wilderness Hills, a beautiful property that is one of the more upscale apartment home communities, and in the quicklydeveloping area at 27th & Yankee Hill Rd. Regarding this growth and demand, Nancy Salmonson with Aventine at Wilderness Hills explains, “A big misconception is that people live in apartments because they cannot afford a home. This is absolutely not the case the majority of the time. Apartment rent is very comparable to mortgage payments these days, with a growing number of people choosing apartment living over home ownership for the worry-free lifestyle and convenience. Nancy Salmonson Aventine at Wilderness Hills

Today, apartment living has drastically changed from what it was even a decade ago. It is a way of life anymore as opposed to just a stepping stone. People are now making apartments their forever homes. Of course you still have some residents who are in a phase of transition, such as is common with a home purchase or employment transfers. But, more and more, people are choosing to make apartments their true homes. And again, since that’s the case, they are looking for worry-free convenience. They want to know that they will be taken care of in the community that they choose. As previously mentioned, another significant factor is a community that is pet friendly. So many renters today are pet owners and their four-legged family members are very important to them. As such, they want to know that their pets are welcome! She too highlights the main benefits, stating, “When something goes wrong in your apartment, you simply submit a service request and it is taken care of for you. Some other benefits are an onsite pool and fitness center, and a clubhouse that allows residents to rent space to host parties and other get-togethers. Also, no lawn mowing, no weed pulling, no snow shoveling…we take care of all of it.” In conclusion, she recommends, “There are so many beautiful communities in Lincoln. If you are looking for an apartment, make sure that you do your ‘homework.’ Take the time to personally visit each property that you are interested in and meet the onsite staff. There is a lot of information on the internet, but there is nothing like a face-to-face meeting.” In addition to the items of importance that are deal-breakers, which might be allowing pets or on-site amenities, there’s another big one – can you guess what it is? Internet connection is one of the modern fundamentals of any living space – well, any space at all where a person spends time for that matter. It’s not something that anyone likes having issues with, especially ongoing ones that can be downright infuriating. Many are under the impression that it could be compromised in an apartment community because of the volume of activity based on the number of people using it at any given time. An important thing to look for is if there is a direct connection to your apartment home, because it provides assurance that you’ll be able to operate all of your technology along with ease of access and a consistent high rate of speed, among other benefits. “With an increase in renters over the last five years across the country, there are raised expectations for improved amenities and services,” says Emily Schmitz with ALLO Communications.

“Residents want and expect the same entertainment services as home owners, and this is where ALLO’s direct connection can be a huge benefit to apartment living. Apartment hunters nowadays are running multiple devices at once, are interested in smart home capabilities, and want dependable streaming and gaming. Thus, high speed internet is one of the most important amenities prospective residents are seeking. ALLO’s network is 100% fiber Emily Schmitz optic, so a fiber connection is run directly to each individual unit. Customers will ALLO Communications notice reliably faster speeds, even during peak times. At every apartment complex where ALLO is available, the fiber is directly connected to each individual unit. This results in significant advantages such as expedited installations, increased signal strength, no data caps, and exceptionally reliable service. ALLO is a true, all-fiber service and our MDU team works closely with the property managers and residents throughout the stages of bringing fiber optic TV, Internet, and phone services to an apartment community. Once ALLO is live at a complex, we pride ourselves on being local, honest, exceptional, and hassle free for all of our customers.” In terms of the perfect place to call home, an apartment community here in Lincoln is it for quite a few people. Modern apartment living definitely has its perks - take it from us and take a tour or two, you’ll be amazed!

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If you’re looking to buy a home here in Lincoln in the coming months, you probably are already well aware you’re in good company. The market remains hot, with homes in all parts of town in high demand, especially at moderate price points. It does pose a challenge to find the perfect home and then put in the offer quick enough and in the amount that’s accepted, but that’s not to say you can’t find yours now or in the near future. There are two things to get started that are of great importance – meeting with your lender and securing a real estate agent. You’ll want to get preapproved before you start shopping for homes, mainly because you need to know what you can afford but also because it allows you to act quickly when you want to put in an offer on a home. Since it’s one of the biggest investments that a person makes in his/her lifetime, there are plenty of other important details to discuss and things to get in place throughout the process too. “Getting prequalified prior to doing any serious house hunting is a must,” advises Matt Gutschenritter with Cornhusker Bank. “This way you can have the peace of mind that you can afford and be comfortable with the price of the house before even looking at it. I would start this process as soon as you think you might even consider buying a house. The typical documentation that you will need includes two years of tax returns and W2s, copy of a current paystub, and bank, investment and retirement account Matt Gutschenritter statements.” Cornhusker Bank Specifically when it comes to mortgages, since these are typically range from 15-30 years, it’s not only advised to work with a local lender throughout the process of buying the home but also one that services their loans locally. “I would highly recommend that a buyer/borrower work with a local lender,” notes Gutschenritter. “Working with a local lender who has your best interests at hand is a huge benefit to any buyer. No transaction is the same and there are a lot of moving parts right up until the closing date. It is best to work with someone who is familiar with the local market where he or she works and lives. This is also someone with whom you can physically sit down with and have a face-to-face meeting. Overall, a local lender can simplify the home buying and financing process greatly. At Cornhusker Bank, most of our new home loans are serviced here in Lincoln, Nebraska. And so, when you eventually have a question on your loan, you can contact someone here locally, as opposed to someone in a Call Center halfway around the world.” As far as the current climate with respect to interest rates, he also explains, “I think most would agree that we are in a rising interest rate environment. If you are thinking of buying a house in the near future, it would be a good idea to get pre-qualified for financing. And working with Cornhusker Bank, there is no cost or obligation to

find out if you can get pre-qualified. You can also set up a plan to either save up for a down payment or clean up some past credit issues. Finally, while most people are familiar with interest rates being very important, they should also place a lot of attention on closing costs. If one company has slightly lower rates, but substantially higher closing costs, be sure to compare apples to apples. Be sure that you are comfortable with the house payment. It is never fun to buy a new house and yet not be able to enjoy some sort of social life because you have to save up for the next month’s house payment. Also, if you are aware that you may have some kind of upcoming move in the future, typically related to job or family, now may not be the right time to buy a new house. I say that mainly due to the upfront costs that you will encounter as well as the costs of selling sometime down the road. But overall, in closing, I would say that the home buying process is not as complicated as some would think. Just be sure you’re working with experienced professionals who are there to provide guidance and assist you with the steps you need to take and you’ll be in good hands.” Also weighing in on the financing aspect of a home purchase, Sandra Larsen with BancWise Realty adds, “The most important factor to consider when getting ready to buy a home is the financing. Buyers put themselves in the most favorable position when they connect with a great local lender who can get them preapproved. To mitigate risk, this is one thing buyers can proactively do ahead of time that will make a big difference. Most of us are not carrying around Sandra Larsen $100,000 - $1,000,000 in cash, so taking BancWise Realty out a mortgage is the other option. Be prepared to breathe deep and be patient with the process. If you don’t already have a lender selected, seek a reliable, trustworthy referral from your Realtor®. Do be aware that most experienced Realtors® will ask the buyer to obtain preapproval before looking at homes. Here’s why: Let’s say you go shopping for a home and you fall in love…now what? You’ve put yourself on an emotional roller coaster of loving the home but not being able to offer on it because you’re not preapproved and you have a house to sell. Home after home comes on the market and then sells and in the meantime, you tour more homes, fall in love again, it sells and this keeps happening over and over. We as Realtors® care about our clients and this is not something we want you to experience. We want the process to be as smooth and as simple as possible so you’re able to enjoy what is supposed to be a good thing! When done in the right order, it’s super fun and exciting. It is also better when the loan underwriting process is local, accessible, has reasonable terms, and can adapt quickly, because the federal regulations lenders have to abide by now are very cumbersome and time-consuming. Not to mention funny little unexpected requirements just pop up at the last minute. Be prepared to respond to your lender quickly when they request information. There are many good local lenders, but it’s best to know the person who’s helping you with the most important purchase in your life. Choose to work with someone you’ve met with in person, who can explain all of the different loan products and find one that’s best for you. Your lender will also probably share with you Rule # 1 once you’re in serious house-buying mode, and especially once you’re under contract to buy a house: ‘Do not use your credit for anything; don’t do anything out of the ordinary financially without talking to me (your lender) first to make sure it won’t affect the loan process. Don’t go buy a new car or new furniture or run up a $7,500 vacation on your Visa. Wait until the house closes.’ Going back to the importance of preapproval, in the current market conditions, most sellers won’t sign off on your offer without it. It’s a reasonable expectation to demonstrate to a seller how you’re going to pay for the home, right? As it stands now, most sellers in this market don’t need to accept an offer that is contingent upon your

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house selling either. There’s likely another buyer for that home who doesn’t have a house to sell. It’s a seller’s market for the most part in Lincoln these days. Making low-ball offers and asking for closing costs is, most of the time, not the best strategy to get the result you want, which is to buy the home you love. If you love it, other people probably do too. It is competitive out there but now is still a great time to buy a home. Rates continue to stay low and relatively speaking, Lincoln’s home prices are reasonable compared to national averages. Please discuss your particular scenario with a caring and competent Realtor® who can guide you through the entire process. We are here to help you make smart, educated decisions and navigate through inevitable setbacks and any issues that arise. We’ll do it with a calm demeanor and offer sound advice for solving problems along the way.” She concludes, “A key advantage of trusting a Realtor® when buying a home is simply experience. I am involved in buying and selling homes every day, while most folks will do it two to three times in their entire lives. Every endeavor has a standard process or professional protocol that takes place whether it’s planning a vacation, lighting a stage for a performance, catching a fish, or painting a house. Experienced practitioners in any profession complete the needed tasks to get from Point A to Point B better than one who does not practice that profession daily. Realtors® have had hours and hours of training, practice, and sheer repetition. Your Realtor® has toured hundreds and hundreds of homes in different price ranges and with different condition issues. We’ve processed many, many transactions. We’ve seen what happens when it’s not done right and unfortunately, what the sad consequences are as a result. Ultimately you’ll be so glad you took the step to trust a professional who will be with you from start to finish.” Further expanding on things to keep in mind when you’re ready to get started, Ben Bleicher with Professional Realty Group of Woods Bros Realty advises, “In order to have the best possible experience, there are a few things worth establishing before you begin to look at homes. First, and most important, talk to your bank. Get pre-approved. This helps to make sure buyers know what they can afford and what the lender will let them borrow. Second, try and come up with a list of Ben Bleicher needs / wants, areas of town that are of Professional Realty Group most interest, and specifics like number of Woods Bros Realty bedrooms, bathrooms, style of home, etc. Lastly, begin to look at homes. It’s better to see more than less. This helps mold those needs / wants, which ultimately helps ensure buyers are purchasing the right home. I’ve found that the best first step once I’m involved is to set up buyers in the MLS (Multiple Listing Service). This gives them access to the most accurate and up-to-date information about listings that meet their criteria. Currently, it’s a seller’s market. With interest rates threatening an increase, plus worries over the current political conditions influencing the market, people are hesitant. The market could easily turn to a buyer’s market, though. Right now I wouldn’t necessarily discourage buyers from jumping in, but rather I’d just advise to keep an eye on things. And just the same as with your lender, work with a reputable and experienced real estate agent. Experienced realtors can make the purchase process much easier. We know paperwork front to back, and have the knowledge to get through the entire process stress free. A good agent should be able to assist the buyer through all phases of the purchase with ease - the purchase agreement, title paperwork, inspections, etc. It is also our job to protect our clients, the buyers. Most experienced realtors have seen enough problem houses to know what major defects look like. Foundation issues, windows, roofs, HVAC, and some other items are typically big things to make sure are OK before moving forward.” Speaking of which, once you’ve found “the one,” there are a few things left to do before the deal is done. As you may suspect, one of those is the home inspection.

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Randy King, an InterNACHI Certified Master Inspector who has inspected over 8,000 homes of all shapes and sizes in southeast Nebraska and who has owned and operated King’s Home Inspections for 19 years, provides the following information to consider: “One important part of buying a home is having a professional home inspection done prior to purchase. This is usually done as part of the negotiation phase during the purchase process. Randy King King’s Home Inspections Schedule your home inspection as soon as possible after getting your offer accepted; usually home inspectors are in high demand and booked out several weeks. Most home inspection companies offer something called a “Whole House Inspection,” which is a comprehensive review of all aspects of your home - electrical, plumbing, heating and air conditioning, structural, interior and exterior finish, roofing, grounds and landscaping. These range from $400 to $600 depending on size of house, price, number of furnace and A/C units, etc. And it varies company to company. A home inspector is a generalist by nature, and a home inspection is a thorough review of all these areas. An inspection can discover defects or issues with a home that the buyer (and many times the seller) is not aware of, and these issues can then be dealt with prior to purchase. Additionally, other inspections such as termite, radon testing, mold, lead paint, or asbestos may be asked for as need arises. When choosing a home inspector, look for one who has years of experience and credentialing with a national association, such as International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), or National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI). Also, look at the education and experience of the inspector; if possible select one who is certified or a master inspector (meaning years of education and experience). Remember, while a home inspection is comprehensive, it is not invasive. This means your inspector will review readily accessible areas of a home, but will not dismantle water pipes to look at the insides, video scope a sewer line, look behind walls, water test a furnace heat exchanger, or any other invasive, exhaustive analysis of parts of the home. Those types of inspections are specialized and far beyond what a home inspector does. The home inspector often will refer you to a specialist for further evaluation if a component is suspect. You can purchase a home warranty to help cover things that may break or go bad. These are usually for one year and can be renewed. Ask your realtor or representative at your title company for more information on home warranties. On older homes or ones with equipment over 20 years old, it’s often a very wise investment. A home inspection is not a guarantee that nothing will go wrong with your house; that’s why home warranties are a good idea. Components in a house have a lifespan, and your home inspector can identify age of components and help you formulate a game plan on when to plan to remodel, replace, or upgrade components such as shingles, a water heater, or an HVAC system. This is important, especially if major systems have to be upgraded in the first few years of ownership, as it helps the buyers to know what major expenses they may be facing on a particular house.” Prior to settling on “the one” and going through the closing items, you’ll likely do your fair share of touring homes on the market and attending open houses. As for what to keep an eye out for during that process, and other home shopping tips and tricks, Mary McCombs with Essentials Home Care advises, “The thought of buying your dream home is exciting but scary at the time. You’ve made an appointment to see a few homes, but what should you look for during a home tour?

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It’s best to come armed with your cell phone or camera to take photos and notes of the features you like and don’t like. Believe me, everything starts to run together. By taking notes and photos you can sit down that evening to review your photos and notes. Rate each home, go back and visit those you have more questions about. Once inside a home, try everything. Follow common courtesy but don’t be shy—open and shut the cupboards, flush the toilets, and whip out the measuring tape. Here are a Mary McCombs few key things to look for on each home tour: Essentials • Number, location, and size of bedrooms • Number, location, and size of bathrooms • Closet and storage space • Number of floors • Sight lines through home • General floorplan • Age and condition of appliances • Light switches and number of sockets in each room • Plumbing and water pressure • Amount of natural light and views, if any • Noise levels inside and outside the home • Width and types of stairways • Porches and decks • Garage and/or parking capacity • Proximity to neighboring homes • Remodeling opportunities Curb Check – Before ever stepping out of the car, take a few minutes to look at the curb appeal of the home. What are the sidewalks and entrances like? Will the home need to be painted soon or does it have permanent siding or brick façade? Do the roof and windows appear to be in good shape? Will the plantings require lots of maintenance

or is there a steep slope that will be difficult to mow or drive up in the winter? Would any necessary changes be easy and affordable? Sun or Shade – Which way does the house face? Entertaining on the east or north side would be shadier in the summer evenings than those that face west or south. East facing windows allow in morning light while west ones draw in afternoon sunshine. Focus, Focus, Focus - It is easy to get distracted by how the seller has decorated the home. Paint and wallpaper are relatively inexpensive to change but major construction can be a deal breaker. Is the layout what you had in mind? Are the rooms large enough for your needs? What about closet space? Check out the lighting, is it adequate? Stair Way to Heaven - Pay attention to stairs. Are the stairs comfortable to go up and down? Is there a rail? Are there any squeaks or do they feel sturdy? Are there any turns or will the width be an issue when moving in furniture? Time for a fitting – Pull out the tape measure to be sure your furniture will fit. Pieces that look right in one space can appear surprisingly out of place in another. Quiet Please – Is the home quiet enough? Can you hear people in the other room or outside? Listen for things like traffic, plumbing, and barking dogs. Look Outside - Walk around the entire property and home. Pay attention to the age and condition of the roof and siding. Does the landscaping look like it will need a lot of work? Do you enjoy gardening? If not, look to see if the yardwork is minimal. Pay attention to the slope of the yard; make sure it slopes away from the house. School District – Look at the home school rankings. Even if you don’t have kids, it is important to know that homes in good school zones tend to preserve home value better and sell faster. How safe is it for kids to walk to school or will they need to take a bus? Location, Location, Location – Look at the condition of other homes in the area. You don’t want to buy the most expensive home in the

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neighborhood. Also consider any potential home’s proximity to your work, the charm of the neighborhood, how the home is situated on the lot, ease of access, noise from neighbors, traffic, and pets, as well as access to parks, shopping, schools, and public. Privacy – Look out the bedroom window, what do you see? Do you look right into your neighbor’s bathroom? Do you like to entertain outdoors? Is your neighbor close enough that they will be part of the party? The Neighborhood – It’s often said that you should own the smallest home in the nicest neighborhood that you can afford. You’ll have a great view! Drive around on weekdays and weekends, during the day and in the evening. Are homes in the neighborhood consistent in size and features? Do the neighbors keep the yards clean and tidy, or are there old cars and trash around? Is the neighborhood safe enough for people to walk, run, or bike, and are there children playing in the yards? Your Agent & You - Don’t be afraid to pick your agent’s brain for any unique qualities or flaws that stand out. Here are some questions to ask your agent: • What do you like about the home? • Is the price right for this area? • How long has this home been on the market? • How long have the current owners lived in the home? • How old is the home and why is it for sale? • Are you aware of any repairs that are needed? • Can we get a copy of the owner’s utility bills? • Is there a homeowner’s association fee? How much is it? Finally, McCombs touches on the importance of routine maintenance, whether it’s once you’ve become a new homeowner or the owner of a new home. “Preventive home maintenance is essential to increasing the value of your dream home. At Essentials we are in the business of keeping our client’s homes in tip-top shape and potentially saving our clients thousands of dollars in costly home repairs. A home is the one thing in your life that you will spend the most money on as well as the one place where you will spend most of your time. Our preventative maintenance program can help with any issue, from something as small as changing the batteries in your smoke detectors to something as big as finding a reputable contractor to help with some home remodeling. Our technicians are trained and experienced in all aspects of home maintenance and if there is something we cannot fix, we know just the people to call to help you get it fixed at a lower cost than most homeowners would spend.” Indeed, a real estate agent is your advocate and sounding board, so you should feel comfortable directing any and all of your questions, concerns, and ideas to the one you choose to work with as a buyer or seller. As for buyers, Pat Ohmberger with HOME Real Estate explains, “A home buyer needs a professional realtor who will answer questions as well as ask them, who listens and who provides an unbiased and realistic outlook. It’s important that my clients know what to expect and all of the Pat Ohmberger other things they need to make the best HOME Real Estate possible decisions. First, we set an appointment to meet at my office to explain the process of purchasing a home and set expectations. As a buyer’s agent my fiduciary responsibility is to you, the buyer. I provide the buyers with my expertise in taking them through a step-by-step process which will include educating them about the current market, assisting them to determine their purchase power, and negotiating the best offer possible. Communication and collaboration with all aspects of the process are ultimately the key to success.” She also notes, “My clients are counting on me to offer guidance and solutions that allow them to make wise decisions, which is not something to take lightly. It requires constantly keeping up with the ever-changing market and a number of variables. That’s fortunately

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hello! I am Pat Ohmberger... Let me get the door for you!

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Pat Ohmberger, CRS, GRI REALTOR® 402-432-2822

Lets' find you a new front door! e-mail: Pat.Ohmberger@HomeRealEstate.com www.PatOhmberger.HomeRealEstate.com AUGUST 2018 Strictly Business

I can sell your home for 3.5% To learn more before you buy or sell your home,

Call Sandra today! 402-499-9607 slarsen@bancwise.com

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a part of my job in which I take great interest. As a national director for the National Association of Realtors, I have been honored to provide input to the Economic Issues and Trends Forum regarding our market conditions. I also consult state legislators and have testified and hearings on issues that affect private property rights. This has exposed me to a lot of valuable learning experiences and interactions.” Offering a final piece of advice, she states, “Make a plan, be realistic and keep an open mind. Then look to your realtor to help you evaluate your options, be actively involved throughout the process, and negotiate favorable terms.” It can sure feel like work sometimes to buy or sell a house, but that’s usually nothing compared to the process of moving that ensues afterward. Well, for some, it could even be beforehand to stage the home or if it happens in a way that you’re in between places for a period of time. Anyhow, it’s not something that most look forward to doing, but the reward of relaxing in your brand new home after relocating is complete that is worth the effort put into the packing, storing, hauling, transferring, unpacking, and Rod Berens getting everything situated when all is said Store It All and done. We asked Rod Berens with Store It All to provide a few tips on the process of moving from his standpoint, to which he replied, “Purge, purge, purge. Many people keep moving junk until they no longer want to move it anymore. You can sort through your ‘treasures’ months before moving day. Pack up the items you want to save and keep moving boxes in a storage unit where you can sort them by room or area. This will make moving day much easier, quicker, and boxes will end up in the correct rooms. The more organized you are before you move, the easier and quicker you will get to enjoy your new home. Specific to temporary storage, he advises, “Most people don’t know how big of a storage unit they need. We ask them what they are storing and help them choose a unit. The most common is renting a unit that is too small making it very difficult to get to items in the unit. It is also important to make sure your stored items are insured. We offer insurance for the contents of the unit. Currently, we’re offering ½ month free, a free cylinder lock, and free truck rental, so if you’re going to be moving in the near future you can take full advantage of this promotion.” In agreement, Lee Saltzgaber with Hear tland Moving Company also emphasizes, “Being ready for the move is the most common issue we run into as packing is the most time consuming of the entire transition. So, start packing early. There is always more work than was first anticipated. With packing as well as the actual process of moving, be honest with yourself about how much you want to do yourself and what you want to hire someone to do for you.” While professionals take great care to Lee Saltzgaber ensure nothing is damaged in the process, Heartland Moving sometimes we aren’t so fortunate when Company moving our own personal belongings. Did you know there’s a business here in Lincoln that specializes in repair of damage caused during moving? The Damage Guy to the rescue! The business’s offerings include, but are not limited to, drywall repair, hardwood floor touch-ups, and furniture repair and touch-ups. When all is said and done, buying a home – whether you’re becoming a homeowner for the first time or purchasing one that you love even more than the last – is an incredibly exciting and proud moment in life. As long as you’ve got great people as part of your team of professionals to guide you through the process, you’re going to be in the home of your dreams before you know it!

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402-435-5555 â&#x20AC;¢ www.jhlincoln.com AUGUST 2018 Strictly Business

Strictly Business AUGUST 2018