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JEN

Jen Keller

STREAMLINE ENERGY SOLUTIONS AND HALO CUSTOM LIGHTING

Meet Jen Keller, co-owner of Streamline Energy Solutions and Halo Custom Lighting. Tell us a little about your business. - Streamline is a residential energy efficiency contractor, and Halo Custom Lighting focuses on insulation upgrades and exterior LED lighting. How did you get started in the business? - I started working for an insulation contractor right out of college 10 years ago. While working, I received my master's degree in global energy management and eventually partnered with my colleague to form Streamline and Halo.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Quitting a comfortable career to start my own businesses. Tell us a little about your family. - I have been married for a little over 10 years. We have a toy poodle that is very much our child. I love living back home in Omaha close to my family, although I miss the sunny southern Utah weather. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Exploring outside— biking, hiking, paddle boarding, etc. Who inspires you? - My mom. She was a single mother raising two girls. Despite working full-time, she always made it to all our extracurricular activities. She taught me the value of hard work and independence.

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

ever received? - Never settle for anything less than you deserve, whether it be personally or professionally.

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered

as, what would it be? - Driven. If you could have a super power, what would it be? - Teleporting to places all over the world. Skip the traffic and airlines!

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

work life? - Decorating cakes. Which talent would you most like to have? - Public speaking.

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

would it be? - Holistic medicine.

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about

or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - Rejuvenating Women helps victims of sex trafficking recover and get back on their feet. I run a large fundraiser every April called Save the Next Girl where all proceeds go to Rejuvenating Women. What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey. What is your favorite movie? - My Big Fat Greek Wedding. What is your favorite TV show? - New Girl. What is your favorite local restaurant? - Blue Sushi Sake Grill.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past

or present, who would it be? - Joe Rogan.

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

so? - (402) 512-4221; jen@streamlineenergysolutions.com; www. streamlineenergysolutions.com.

CHARLIE

Charlie Christenson

CHRISTENSON CLEANING & RESTORATION

Meet Charlie Christenson, owner of Christenson Cleaning & Restoration. Tell us a little about your business. - Christenson Cleaning & Restoration is a family-owned business that Cindy and Eric Christenson, my parents, started back in 1983. In order to make some extra money, they began cleaning one account in the evenings after their full-time jobs. This one account eventually grew into handfuls. In 2015, I took over the business when I was just 22, growing it into what it is today. Now, we service multiple cities and towns in Nebraska, and six states across the U.S. specializing in fire, water, and mold. Christenson Cleaning & Restoration is certified through the I.I.C.R.C., the E.P.A for lead paint removal, trained by Midwest Training Institute for mold remediation, and most recently certified through the G.B.A.C for COVID-19 disinfecting. How did you get started in the business? - I have helped out with the business ever since I can remember. From vacuuming to collecting trash around different accounts and anything else my parents asked me to do. I grew up in the janitorial industry. When I turned 16 and was able to drive, I got my own accounts to clean and supervise. Eventually, I became manager of the company, and as of six years ago, I became the owner. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Going from 15 employees to now well over 75 was a challenge at times. We started by adding systems and procedures to the day-to-day operations, focused on structuring the company, and training new employees— without losing sight of where we began. What has been your most important achievement professionally? - Growing the business while maintaining our loyal customer base is one thing I’m very proud of. We have not lost sight of where we began, yet have been able to improve ourselves along the way—making for an even better customer experience. We are still cleaning for families that my mom and dad cleaned for in 1983. I believe this speaks to the fact that we always put our customers first and never skimped on service. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I enjoy being outside. I would start by getting an iced coffee at a local coffee shop and going on a walk around the lake near my house. I am a very outgoing person, so I like to spend my time with friends and family. When I’m by myself, I like researching stocks and watching real estate shows. Who inspires you? - My mom inspires me in more ways than one. My mom passed away from pancreatic cancer, which is partly why I took over the business at such a young age. My mom was the most selfless person I know—always looking out for others. She had the strongest work ethic and instilled in me, from a very young age, how far you can get by working your hardest.

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

received? - “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re right.” – Henry Ford If you could have a super power, what would it be? - To go back in time.

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

would it be? - Stockbroker. What is your favorite movie? - The Godfather. What is your favorite TV show? - The Office. What is your favorite local restaurant? - Nicola’s Italian Wine & Fare.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or

present, who would it be? - Warren Buffet.

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

so? - (402) 463-7622; charlie@christensoncleaning.com; www. christensonclean.com.

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JUSTIN

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UNICO GROUP

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Start designing today at designyourownbath.com What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Learning to adapt to changing needs. For example, we have seen a large increase in the need for Cyber Liability coverage in the last few years. I have had to make sure I am consistently educating myself on coverage changes so that I can provide the best value to my clients. Tell us a little about your family. - I am married to my beautiful wife Kylie, and we have two daughters: Kyla (8) and Addysen (7). The girls are very involved in sports and dance which takes up a lot of our spare time. We also have two dogs: Wrigley, a Beagle/ Terrier mix (10) and Jet, an American Bull Dog/Lab Mix (1). What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?- Spending time with my girls and going for hikes, walks, or bike rides. We love spending time outside as it is a great opportunity to get some exercise.

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

ever received? - “Those who think they can and those who think they can’t are usually right.” – Confucious. This is a great reminder of the impact of positive thinking. If you could have a super power, what would it be? - The ability to fly. It would make getting around a lot easier!

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

what would it be? - I would choose to be an architect. I have always loved looking for unique buildings and can only imagine how the design concepts are crafted. What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - The last good book I read was The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod. It has really helped me organize my day and become more efficient in the morning. I highly recommend it. What is your favorite TV show? - One of my all-time favorite TV shows is How I Met Your Mother. I have watched the entire series twice!

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past

or present, who would it be? - I would love to have dinner with Will Ferrell. He has always been one of my favorite actors and I’m sure it would be a hilarious conversation.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 361-5921; Jlewandowski@unicogroup.com; unicogroup.com.

MARY

Mary Byrnes

LINCOLN FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK

Meet Mary Byrnes, vice president and mortgage loan officer at the Omaha Branch for Lincoln Federal Savings Bank located at 132nd and Dodge. Tell us a little about your business. - I am a real estate lender and assist people on purchasing, building, or refinancing a home to meet their financial needs. How did you get started in the business? - When I was about five years old, I would go to the bank with my parents when they closed on all the homes they purchased. The entire transaction fascinated me, and their loan officer was the only female lender in real estate lending in Omaha at the time. Ironically, when I was 18, I started working for that same institution. I actually got to work with her, and she let me look over files and sit in on the closings. This is what started me on my path to become a mortgage lender. To my knowledge, I am the longest running lender in the State. What has been your most important achievement professionally? - I was Governor appointed to the Commission on Housing and Homelessness and Keep Omaha Safe. In addition, I received sales and marketing awards from both the Metro Omaha Builders Association and Nebraska State Home Builders Association in the same year, and I was named Affiliate of the Year by the Omaha Area Board of REALTORS® . Tell us a little about your family. - My husband is retired, and we have two children. Our youngest, Elizabeth, is a senior at UNL. Her plan is to work in data analytics and will she will be pursuing her master's degree. Our son Kent is a Law Enforcement Officer in Colorado and was recently hit head on by semi-trailer. Though he is currently wheelchair bound, he is working on strengthening his legs to be able to walk again. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I love camping. Relaxing by a fire in the evening and enjoying the outdoors with family is peaceful to me. Who inspires you? - My parents! They worked full-time jobs and bought homes to create safe, clean, affordable housing for people to rent.

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

received? - You are going to fall down a few times and skin your knees. That’s okay. Get back up and start again. The fall will remind you what not to do again. Which talent would you most like to have? - Measuring twice and cutting once! I love DIY projects, but I get in such a rush to see the end result that I tend to have to start over because my impatience gets the best of me.

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

involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - I currently serve on the Board of the Omaha Municipal Land Bank, and we work to acquire vacant or dilapidated lots for the purpose of future use and growth of the community with much needed affordable housing and/ or to utilize the lots for community gardens. What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - My favorite genre is mystery or psychological thrillers, and my favorite author is Kendra Elliott. What is your favorite movie? - Sister Act—I've watched it too many times to count. What is your favorite local restaurant? - Joe Tess Place.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or

present, who would it be? - Mary Magdalene. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 493-5599; MByrnes@LincolnFed.com; MByrnes.LincolnFed.com.

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Sam Comfort

ANGEL GUARDIANS, INC.

Meet Sam Comfort, executive director at Angel Guardians, Inc. Tell us a little about your business. - Angel Guardians, Inc. (AGI) is a service provider for adults experiencing intellectual or developmental disabilities. At AGI, we take pride in providing community-based habilitative services that are person centered. Over 16 years, AGI has grown and strives to uphold the mission of improving the quality of life for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities in the areas of employment, fitness, socialization, and recreation.

How did you get started in the business? - I started as a paraeducator at Westside Communities Schools. I am proud of my background working my way up, starting as a direct support staff, coordinator, supervisor, and facilitator across multiple school districts and agencies. My mom, a retired Special Education teacher, provided opportunities early on for me to interact with people of different abilities and sparked my passion for the work we do at AGI.

Tell us a little about your family. - My wife Courtney and I have been married for almost nine years (happy anniversary on March 3) and have three children: Elsie (6), Evan (4), and Isla (1). They make life more enjoyable. Additionally, we are fortunate to have grandparents that live in Omaha. They provide us with support, for which we are incredibly thankful. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Spend time with family and friends, ideally on a golf course.

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

ever received? - “If you want to feel secure, do what you already know how to do. If you want to be a true professional and continue to grow…go on the cutting edge of your competence which means a temporary loss of security. So whenever you don’t quite know what you’re doing, know you are growing.” - Madeline Cheek Hunter

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered

as, what would it be? - Passionate. If you had a theme song, what would it be? - "Sunday Candy" by Donnie Trumpet and the Social Experiments. Which talent would you most like to have? - Artistic or musical talent. My current abilities include stick figures and clapping off beat.

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about

or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - Angel Guardians, Inc is the obvious answer, but there are many other agencies doing great work. I am the past president of Nebraska Transition College and a believer in their mission of empowering individuals with autism or other disabilities to learn, work, and live within our communities. What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - Tribal Leadership: Leveraging Natural Groups to Build Thriving Organization by Dave Logan and John King. What is your favorite movie? - Out Cold. What is your favorite TV show? - LetterKenny, it is a guilty pleasure. What is your favorite local restaurant? - Jams Midtown.

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

so? - (402) 614-8202, Ext. 2; sam@angelguardians.org; www. angelguardians.org.

LEX

Lex Ann Roach

NEBRASKA DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Meet Lex Ann Roach, the reemployment services regional manager at the Omaha area Nebraska Department of Labor location, serving Douglas, Washington, and Sarpy counties. Tell us a little about your business. - Nebraska Department of Labor (NDOL) reemployment services offers a full range of programs and resources to 1) help employers find the talent they are looking for; 2) help job seekers connect with their next opportunity; and 3) partner with community agencies as part of a wrap-around community approach to self-sufficiency. I oversee a workforce team including business services experts who help employers develop recruiting and upskilling plans. The reemployment team, by working with both job seekers and employers, can assist in the invaluable step of connecting the right people to the right jobs. Job seekers are assisted with pre-employment services such skills assessment and resume preparation. Businesses are supported to get the most out the state job board, NEworks.nebraska.gov, and to navigate the many programs designed to encourage workforce growth. In addition, we also provide added services for those that served in our military and eligible spouses. How did you get started in the business? - I am an example of the benefits of using reemployment services. I had the good fortune of connecting with the Omaha reemployment team as a job seeker while experiencing a career transition. I’m not just a cheerleader for reemployment services, I’m a result. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Nebraskans are hard workers and experiencing the pandemic-related unemployment crisis was heart-wrenching. I cannot tell you how many individuals told me that they had never, in their life, not been able to go to work. In response, I had the incredible experience of watching the Omaha reemployment team step-up, going above and beyond every day.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- As the pandemic began to impact our state, there was a decision to continue to allow public access to NDOL field offices. While addressing staff concerns and various unforeseen roadblocks, I am proud to say the reemployment team remained available to our community without fail. Tell us a little about your family. - I am lucky, and so grateful, that my husband Russ has always supported and encouraged me in all my career choices. We both made abrupt changes four years ago when we decided to relocate from Grand Island to Omaha to be closer to kids and grandkids. What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - I had considered earning a master’s degree as soon as I graduated with my bachelor’s, but it wasn’t until 2009, during the Great Recession, that I determined: If not now, when? As a result, I downplayed my work (and income) to have more time to devote to graduate school. It was a great decision and, after earning my master’s in the art of management, I earned my first experience in agency leadership.

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

people probably don’t know? - I grew up in the Nebraska Sandhills and come from a long line of ranchers. It was never my path; however, as a kid I, too, took part in moving cows, brandings, and putting up hay. Who inspires you? - My parents and grandparents always put their work first—ranchers are like that. No matter the conditions or challenges, I know that they faced something just as overwhelming and take pride in relying on that foundation.

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

- (402) 934-2392; lexann.roach@nebraska.gov; dol.nebraska.gov.

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