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VANESSA

Vanessa Schmidt

MIDWEST GERIATRICS/FLORENCE HOME HEALTHCARE CENTER

Meet Vanessa Schmidt, the director of finance at Midwest Geriatrics/Florence Home Healthcare Center. Tell us a little about your business. - Midwest Geriatrics, or MGI, is an Omaha-based, nonprofit organization. Housed in Florence Home, we are the proud management team for Florence Home Healthcare Center, Royale Oaks Assisted Living, House of Hope Alzheimer’s Care, House of Hope Assisted Living, Senior Health Foundation, and Gerimed and Unimed Pharmacies. Our founder, Reverend Charles Savidge, had a vision to enhance the lives of seniors by providing quality, affordable care. While many things have changed since then, including the buildings, the neighborhood, the staff, the residents, and the families, one thing remains the same—our mission to inspire the individuals we serve to live life to the fullest. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - My biggest challenge professionally has been networking with other professionals. As an accountant, my mind is more analytically built. For years, networking events were very intimidating. Now, I enjoy getting to know people. Although, like any other introverted individual, I am exhausted after a full day of meeting new people.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- My most important achievement professionally would be passing my Certified Public Accountant exams. This certification requires an extensive amount of time and energy. Tell us a little about your family. - My family is very important to me. My husband and I have four beautiful children. Our oldest is in first grade and our youngest is learning to stand! They bring a lot of energy and joy to our lives. What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - The biggest turning point in my life was when I completed my master’s degree. Up until that point, I was torn between two different career paths. I was fortunate enough to gain experience in the accounting field as well as the collegiate coaching field. Ultimately, accounting was a great fit, and I can still coach on the weekends. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Going on a walk outside. No matter what season it is, there is beauty outdoors to experience and enjoy. In the winter, the walk may be up a snowy hill, just to sled down with my kids. Spring and fall walks are so beautiful with all the different colors. Early morning summer walks are enjoyable to jump start the day.

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered

as, what would it be? - Joyful. If you could have a super power, what would it be? - It would definitely be to fly. I am imagining something like Wonder Woman.

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily

work life? - Juggling a soccer ball or swimming laps.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what

would it be? - I would be a marine biologist. My childhood dream was to swim with dolphins and other marine animals. Unfortunately, biology was not my forte in school. What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - I am currently reading the Hangman’s Daughter series by Oliver Potzsch. Although, my favorite childhood book was The Trumpet of the Swan by E. B. White. What is your favorite local restaurant? - Brother Sebastian's Steakhouse.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?

- (402) 827-6000; vschmidt@shf.org; www.omahaseniorcare.org.

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TONY

Tony Mendiola

BATH FITTER

Meet Tony Mendiola, commercial sales consultant for Bath Fitter in Omaha. Tell us a little about your business. - Bath Fitter has been in business for over 35 years catering to the needs of businesses that look to enhance and refresh tubs and showers economically. Cost, time, and the degree of interruption are all important to us. We believe we have perfected the bathtub remodel process. Our team has done projects in the Omaha area for Creighton University, senior living, assisted living, property management companies, and several apartment complexes. How did you get started in the business? - Our National Recruiter found my resume, reviewed it, and invited me to apply. The rest fell into place, and I started with this excellent company in September of 2020. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - I would say getting the name “Bath Fitter” out to the Omaha Business Community. A lot of cold calls, emails, drop offs, and introductory meetings. Our simple, smart way to renovate baths has enhanced the value of bathroom renovation projects for commercial and residential properties alike. What has been your most important achievement professionally? - I was awarded the “Crystal Award for Excellance” for turning over an Employment Office here in Omaha and generating $1.5 million in sales. Tell us a little about your family. - I am divorced so just me, myself, and I in the Omaha area. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I try to golf, read, and go on walks in the summertime, among other activities.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most

people probably don’t know? - I'm good at cooking. Who inspires you? - Knute Rockne, Teddy Roosevelt, and Mickey Mantle.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever

received? - MGySgt (USMC) Nate Hiller once told me: “Never put yourself in a position where you are told you cannot do something, always be proactive and perform your best.”

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered

as, what would it be? - Fun-loving. If you had a theme song, what would it be? - "Time in a Bottle" by Jim Croce. Which talent would you most like to have? - I'd just like to continue obtaining as much knowledge as possible. You can never be smart enough to succeed in your personal and business life.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what

would it be? - I love consultative sales, human resources, and recruiting.

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or

involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - The Sword of Shannara, the first book of the Original Shannara Trilogy by Terry Brooks. I read it when I was 16 and have read the subsequent books ever since. What is your favorite movie? - Rio Bravo with John Wayne. The duet with Dean Martin and Ricky Nelson make the movie. What is your favorite TV show? - Blue Bloods. What is your favorite local restaurant? - Margarita's.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?

- (402) 690-2147; TMendiola@bathfitter.com; www.bathfitter.com/ us-en/location/omaha.

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ROBERT

Robert Durrett

BUDGET CAR AND TRUCK RENTAL OF NEBRASKA

Robert Durrett is the vice president and general manager for Budget Car and Truck Rental of Nebraska. Tell us a little about your business. - We are a privately owned franchise operating under the Budget Car and Truck Rental name in seven different markets across the country: Atlanta, Birmingham, Memphis, Wichita, Kansas City, Nebraska, and Salt Lake City. Here in Nebraska, we have multiple locations in Omaha, Lincoln, and one in Grand Island. We purchase, rent, and sell vehicles—adjusting inventory to meet rental and car sale demand is both challenging and fun. It is rewarding to have the autonomy we do to essentially run the company as if it were our own, and be in control and responsible for all aspects of the business. Our owners have built a successful company by “staying out of the way” and letting each GM run his or her own show. That philosophy takes a lot of trust, and from top-down we, in turn, treat this company like our own. How did you get started in the business? - After graduating from Clemson University with a business management degree in 2000, I started with our company in Atlanta, GA as a manager trainee. I have worked for our company in Atlanta, Wichita, and Omaha. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Navigating through all the changes the rental car business has gone through, certainly most recently the effects of COVID-19. It will be very interesting to see what happens with business travel in future years, as we have all become accustomed to working from home. What has been your most important achievement professionally? - Becoming a VP and GM in our company for the first time in Wichita, KS in 2007, which validated all the moves and hard work I put in. Tell us a little about your family. - I am married to Carolyn. We have two girls—Cora (4), Cate (2), and are expecting a baby boy in May 2021. What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - Moving to Omaha in 2012. I met my wife that same year, and we have been very happy here in Nebraska. I am not a Midwesterner by birth, but I would rather live in this part of the country than anywhere else. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Watch sports.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most

people probably don’t know? - I spent the last three years of high school in Montreal, Quebec. It was a very memorable (and cold) experience. Who inspires you? - My wife. She is kind, supportive, intelligent, driven, and does so much for our family.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever

received? - Take ownership and pride in everything you do, no matter what you’re doing. If you create a sense of urgency when there really isn’t one, then you will never have any problem performing under pressure— you only know one way to do things, and that’s 100% all the time.

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered

as, what would it be? - Generous.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what

would it be? - Sports management. A classmate of mine from my high school in Montreal (only 83 people in my class) is currently the GM of the Atlanta Braves. It is fun to follow his career path as a sports executive. What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - World Without End by Ken Follett. What is your favorite TV show? - Seinfeld. What is your favorite local restaurant? - M’s Pub. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 547-3020; robd@budgetnebraska.com; www.budgetnebraska.com.

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JESSICA

Jessica Renner

ENERGY STUDIO

Meet Jessica Renner, project manager at Energy Studio. Tell us a little about your business. - Energy Studio assists architects, engineers, and building owners in maximizing the energy efficiency of their buildings. Day to day, I build and analyze energy models for buildings of all types and complexities, including labs, schools, and office buildings. I provide feedback to project teams about their buildings’ current energy performance and identify bundles of energy conservation strategies to help meet energy goals. How did you get started in the business? - I graduated from the Architectural Engineering program at the University of Nebraska. I interned and spent my formative engineering years as an HVAC design engineer at Leo A Daly. It was fun to see how the concepts I was learning in school were applied in the real world, and it’s safe to say, that I was hooked on engineering.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- I’ve been at the Energy Studio for over seven years and have had different roles since I joined. It’s rewarding to be part of a company that started as three people to one that has doubled in size and opportunities. Also, last year, I was honored as one of Engineered Systems’ 20 Women to Watch in HVAC for my contributions to the industry. Tell us a little about your family. - I’ve been married to my wonderful husband Isaiah Renner for a little over a year and a half. We have a 14-year-old beagle who sleeps about 20 hours a day. What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - The year I turned 29—I changed my job, watched a long relationship end, and bought my first house in Omaha. It was when I started living for myself instead of listening to other people tell me what my life should look like. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Go on a walk outside, watch bad TV, or help on my husband’s food truck.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most

people probably don’t know? - I've done a little touring as a musician. For the very first tour, my best friend Tara and I packed a duffel bag of clothes and our musical instruments into my car and played 12 shows in 16 days on the East Coast. Who inspires you? - My boss and mentor, Amanda Bogner, who founded Energy Studio when she was 30 years old. I appreciate the positive example she sets by splitting her time between work, family, and a position on our city’s public power board of directors.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever

received? - “Just say yes and you’ll figure it out afterwards.” – Tina Fey If you could have a super power, what would it be? - The ability to stop time, Zack Morris style.

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or

involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - I’m very passionate about ASHRAE, a professional society for HVAC engineers that I have been involved with for 14 years. This has given me access to speaking opportunities, leadership development retreats, and networking connections that I otherwise wouldn't have had. What is your favorite local restaurant? - My husband is the owner/ chef of the Dire Lion Grille & Chippy, Omaha’s only English-style food truck, so you know my answer has to be him!

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?

- (888) 503-7591, Ext. 103; Jrenner@energystudioinc.com; www. energystudioinc.com.

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Jay Faylor

PINNACLE BANK

Meet Jay Faylor, vice president at Pinnacle Bank.

Tell us a little about your business. - Pinnacle Bank is a community bank owned by the Dinsdale family. We are a large enough bank to compete with the big banks, but by staying true to our values and by putting the customer first, we are able to offer our customers the best banking experience possible. Each of our banks are led by managers who make local decisions and run their banks with their own communities in mind. In my position, I work with business owners in a wide variety of industries to help them grow their organizations.

How did you get started in the business? - I took a part-time job in college working as a bank teller. After college, I moved back to Omaha and began working for Pinnacle Bank.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - The COVID-19 pandemic has been tough for bankers throughout the country. It’s been tough to see businesses struggle throughout the pandemic. Luckily, Pinnacle Bank was able to help thousands of small businesses through the SBA’s Payment Protection Program (PPP).

Tell us a little about your family. - My wife Carolyn and I have been happily married for two years! We are both from Omaha originally and are lucky to have several family members still living in the area.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, going to concerts, and playing golf. I had my first hole-in-one this past summer, which was definitely an exciting (and expensive) day on the golf course!

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that

most people probably don’t know? - I love to cook! My wife and I both enjoy trying new recipes. I smoked my first turkey for Thanksgiving and prime rib for Christmas. Both were excellent! Google and YouTube are definitely helpful when looking for a new recipe.

Who inspires you? - My parents are both big inspirations for me. They have both worked hard throughout their careers and always set a good example for me.

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about

or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands. I’ve been involved with the organization for several years and will be their Service League President in 2021. In high school, I volunteered at a local middle school and really enjoyed the experience. I knew once I got a little bit older that I wanted to continue to help children.

What is your favorite movie? - Lonesome Dove…it’s really long though!

What is your favorite TV show? - Seinfeld. I watch reruns and still laugh.

What is your favorite local restaurant? - Omaha is lucky to have so many great restaurant options! Rivera’s, Twisted Cork, and the Boiler Room are all personal favorites. All have excellent food!

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they

do so? - (402) 697-5992; Jay.Faylor@pinnbank.com; www. pinnbank.com.

DAN

Dan Headlee

UNIVERSAL GROUP

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“Improve the quality of your life by letting us improve the quality of your water. Our low-pressure sales experience Meet Dan Headlee, the president of Universal Group. $495* month is why 9 out of 10 people who talk to us...work with us.” Jeff White, Aqua Systems YOU SAVE *First 3 months @ $4.95/mo. *FIRST 3 MONTHS @ $4.95/MO. WITH Tell us a little about your business. - We are with installation cost of $149; after introductory period, rental is $23/mo. INSTALLATION COST OF $149; AFTER INTRODUCTORY PERIOD, RENTALS START AT $25/MO. an independent insurance agency serving our customers’ insurance and risk management needs. We offer business, personal, workman’s comp, and health and life insurance. Our roots are in Omaha, but we now have 402-235-5867 Shop and compare at iLoveMyWater.com ilovemywater.com offices in Arizona, Atlanta, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Wyoming. How did you get started in the business? - I went to work for my dad, WATER SOFTENERS · DRINKING SYSTEMS LET’S FEAST!Mike Headlee, in 1996, selling life insurance with Northwestern Mutual. I quickly realized that selling just life and health insurance was not for me as I wanted to branch out into property and casualty insurance which is what lead me to where I am today. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Learning 2020AquaSystems_3_68x2_41.indd 1 3/19/20 10:58 AM how to run a business and not let the business run me. What has been your most important achievement professionally? - When I purchased Loring & Company in 2013 with $3 million in sales and grew that to over $40 million within the seven states that we serve today. Tell us a little about your family. - I am married to my best friend Jess, and we share five adult kids together and a new grandson, plus LEGIT. TEXAS. BARBECUE. four furry kids. What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - Delivery. catering. curbside & carryout. When I realized that owning a business included responsibilities outside of the day-to-day tasks, meaning I am now responsible for the livelihood and success of our employees. Being in this position has given me a 15825 W Maple Rd. 402.408.2878 4102 Twin creek dr. ste 116 402.905.9673 dIckeys.com platform to help shape our employees and motivate them to further their careers and succeed. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I save my days off to take trips—whether it be within the U.S. or out of the country, I love experiencing new cultures, food, and seeing new things. Who inspires you? - My dad. He taught me a lot about selling and being a leader and a positive influence to those around me. Long-Term Rental. What is your favorite quote? - “A man must be big enough to admit his mistakes, smart enough to profit from them, and strong enough to No Long-Term Commitment. correct them." – John Maxwell

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered

as, what would it be? - Generous. If you could have a super power, what would it be? - I want to absorb everyone else’s talents/superpowers. Which talent would you most like to have? - Fly a plane.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what

would it be? - Being a venture capitalist.

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or

involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - We give to a variety of nonprofits throughout the year, including but not limited to: Together, Ronald McDonald House, Masonic-Eastern Star Home for Children in Fremont, Habitat for Humanity, and, most recently, we raised donations for Moving Veterans Forward. Looking for a great alternative to leasing or even purchasing? It’s time to rethink your personal or business transportation needs and try our Long-Term Rental Program. You can choose What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - The a new model vehicle for a competitive monthly rate. No cost Bible. It's the last book I read and a great book—if more people would for preventative maintenance and generous monthly miles are read it, front to back more than once, this world would be a better place. included. Best of all, no long-term commitment. What is your favorite TV show? - Curb Your Enthusiasm. What is your favorite local restaurant? - Rivera's for Mexican, La Casa BudgetNebraska.com/long-term-rental | 402-898-7250 | for pizza, and Mediterranean Bistro. longtermrental@budgetnebraska.com If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) ©2021 Budget Car and Truck Rental of Nebraska. A Budget System Licensee.399-8721; dheadlee@universalinsgroup.com; universalinsgroup.com.