B2B - April/May 2024

STAND & DELIVER

OBI CREATIVE’S MARY ANN O’BRIEN

JUSTICE FOR ALL KUTAK ROCK’S PRO BONO LEGAL AID WORK

QUADRUPLE EXPERTISE ERVIN & SMITH’S NEW GUARD

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS

Member

Free

Topgolf

Kid's

PROUD TO SERVE BUSINESS, BIG AND SMALL.

17925 Barker

2nd Floor in contemporary modern medical office bldg. Premier location. 179th & Pacific.

Berkshire Hathaway HS

Ambassador Real Estate- Commercial Division

331 Village Pointe Plaza, Omaha NE 68118

BHHSAmbCommercial.com | 402.547.5064

EXECUTIVE publisher

Todd Lemke

associate publisher

Bill Sitzmann

EDITORIAL

editor-in-chief

Kim Carpenter

associate editor

Natalie Veloso

assignment editor

Claudia Moomey

senior staff writer

Julius Fredrick

contributors

Tamsen Butler

Holly McAtee

Heath Mello

Steve Jordon

Kara Schweiss

Deborah Ward

Chris Wolfgang

INFORMATION

advertising information

402.884.2000

subscribe online omahamagazine.com/ pages/subscribe

B2B Magazine is published six times annually by Omaha Magazine, LTD, P.O. Box 461208, Omaha NE 68046-1208. Telephone: 402.884.2000; fax 402.884.2001. Subscription rates: $12.95 for 4 issues (one year), $19.95 for 8 issues (two years). Multiple subscriptions at different rates are available. No whole or part of the contents herein may be reproduced without prior written permission of B2B Omaha Magazine, excepting individually copyrighted articles and photographs. Unsolicited manuscripts are accepted, however no responsibility will be assumed for such solicitations.

CREATIVE

creative director

Rachel Birdsall

sr. graphic designer

Renee Ludwick

graphic designer II

Nickie Robinson

graphic designer I

Joey Winton

photographers

Katie Anderson

Scott Drickey

Sarah Lemke

SALES

executive vice president sales & marketing

Gil Cohen

branding specialists

Dawn Dennis

George Idelman

Francine Flegg

contributing branding specialists

Greg Bruns

Tim McCormack

assistant to the publisher

Sandy Matson

senior sales coordinator

Alicia Hollins

sales coordinator

Sandi McCormack

OPERATIONS business manager

Kyle Fisher

ad traffic manager

David Trouba

digital manager

Luis De la Toba

distribution manager

Damian Ingersoll

FROM THE EDITOR

“B est” is a wonderful word. This simple, pithy superlative encapsulates so much: outstanding, first-rate, top, leading. There’s a lot packed into that one syllable, and unsurprisingly, there is a great deal packed into 2024’s “Best of B2B” issue. This annual publication showcases the best companies for businesses to work with, chosen by business leaders themselves. Whether it’s an electrician specializing in commercial properties or IT service providers, the “Best of B2B” serves as an indispensable guide for the next 12 months.

This issue also showcases the best in other respects. Mary Ann O’Brien, CEO and founder of OBI Creative, sat down with B2B to demonstrate why she’s one of the best in her industry so much so that the Greater Omaha Chamber inducted her into the Omaha Business Hall of Fame in 2023. Leanne Prewitt, CEO and president of Ervin & Smith, explains why she and colleagues Brittany Wozny, Katie Herzog, and Ashley Bails were the best to take the reins at the Omaha-based marketing agency when founder Doug Smith retired.

Of course, there are also “best practices” in business. Veteran business writer Steve Jordon takes a deep dive into how businesses can best navigate the political season to protect their shareholders, employees, clients, customers, and bottom lines. Kutak Rock, one of the best legal firms in the country, also shares why they partner with Legal Aid of Nebraska to provide top-rate legal counsel to those unable to afford it.

In sum, “best” may indeed be pithy, but there is a plethora of bests in the “Best of B2B.” Whether you are looking for the best service provider or want to read about some of the best business leaders in Omaha, this issue offers both.

Kim Carpenter is editor-in-chief at Omaha Publications. She can be reached for story suggestions and pitches at kim@omahapublications.com

ABOUT THE COVER

Mary Ann O’Brien’s work with OBI Creative has been so successful, the Greater Omaha Chamber inducted her into the Omaha Business Hall of Fame in 2023. Find out what drives her and how she harnesses her passion starting on page 38. Cover photography Bill Sitzmann | Cover design Renee Ludwick

2024 Results

Much has changed since B2B Magazine first rolled out its annual contest 17 years ago fresh categories to reflect shifting industry trends, fresh faces at the helm of businesses new and old, and even a fresh look for the coveted Best of B2B winner’s badge. However, at least one aspect remains constant: Omaha is a hotbed for enterprise, and the adaptable, industrious people behind the city’s thriving business community deserve recognition.

Now, just as in 2007, this special edition of B2B Magazine does just that showcasing and celebrating the best companies the metro has to offer, as chosen by the business community.

In the Building Services category, readers can learn where area business owners go for electrical services, snow removal, and more. Meanwhile, the Financial Services category offers insight on business-to-business necessities, such as payroll and investment services.

But not all categories revolve around work. The Food Services category informs leaders the best places to go for lunch-time meetings and happy hour, while Travel & Event Planning reveals the best avenues to plan the annual employee retreat.

Among these categories and more, business owners can rest easy knowing Omaha’s business community is humming with possibilities and well-earned pride in their work. Cheers to this year’s winners!

AND THE WINNERS ARE…

2021

With

To

100+

4,000+

Business clients have chosen Omaha Steaks to deliver safe and memorable gifts since 2020.

275k+

Custom

600k+

Coolers filled with gourmet gifts have been delivered to business gift recipients since 2020.

•

•

•

•

FOOD SERVICES

BANQUET FACILITY

A View Venues

Venues at the Granary

CATERER

Brandeis Catering

A Catered Affair

COFFEE PROVIDER

Host Coffee 402.339.0440 hostcoffee.net

PrairieFire Coffee

RESTAURANT - BUSINESS BREAKFAST

First Watch

Bailey’s

RESTAURANT - BUSINESS DINNER

Mahogany Prime Steakhouse

Monarch

RESTAURANT - BUISINESS HAPPY HOUR

Spezia

Twisted Cork

RESTAURANT - BUSINESS LUNCH

The Drover

Beacon Hills

Here for a reason.

Since opening in 2007, we’ve become Omaha's 10th largest bank, earned eleven 'Best Bank' titles, five Excellence Awards, and the 2023 'Best Bank to Work For' honor by American Banker.

Connect with our team today.

402.763.6000 | Member FDIC

Thank you for voting us #1 for 9 consecutive years!

•

•

•

•

• Guaranteed Lower Fees

•

• Top-rated Customer Service

• Gift & Loyalty Card Programs (Including the PinPoint Card Program) information call 402.502.9985 or AmericanPaymentSystems.com

• Top-rated Customer

• Gift & Loyalty Card (Including the PinPoint Card Program)

For

Local

•

• Guaranteed Lower Fees

•

•

•

• Low-cost Terminals & Point of Sale Systems

•

• Top-rated Customer Service

•

•

•

• Gift & Loyalty Card Programs

(Including the PinPoint Card Program)

For more information call 402.502.9985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystems.com a Local & Family Owned Business

2024 Results

BEST OF B2B 2024 SPONSORED PROFILES

PHOTOS & STORIES PROVIDED

Business involves many moving parts, as all owners and managers know. One day’s work may involve finding the best advertising agency to help with their marketing needs and managing IT solutions. The next day might involve meeting with an executive coach to help navigate HR decisions.

The following pages feature native content from Best of B2B winners, and because they won this contest, readers can be assured that they offer quality products and services.

SADOFF

E-RECYCLING & DATA DESTRUCTION

BEST CHOICE AWARD FOR ELECTRONICS RECYCLING

Thank you for making us your preferred choice!

Sadoff Iron and Metal Company is a 3rd generation family-owned business in the recycled materials industry with headquarters in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. We celebrated our 75th year in operation in 2022 and have six physical recycling facilities in Wisconsin. Our commitment to Nebraska began in 1999 with a greenfield location in Lincoln serving ferrous scrap metal recycling needs in Lancaster County. Expansion into nonferrous and electronics recycling followed and in 2012 we moved into a new facility in the Lincoln Air Park.

Growth of our Sadoff E-Recycling and Data Destruction business unit led to our location in La Vista, Nebraska in 2016. Recently we closed our stand-alone nonferrous recycling business in Omaha to re-focus on our Lincoln and La Vista operations. Our commitment and enthusiasm for our business in Nebraska remains as strong as ever and we are a proud part of the Nebraska business community!

We Recycle Nationwide.

SADOFF IRON & METAL

4400 WEST WEBSTER STREET LINCOLN, NE 68524

402.470.2510

SADOFF.COM

2024 Winner

SIX YEARS IN A ROW

BLUEPRINT ADVERTISING AGENCY

BluePrint is honored to win this award for the sixth year in a row. It is a testament to both their dedication to providing clients with the best possible results and the rapid growth BluePrint underwent in 2023. From staff to technology and software, BluePrint expanded their operations in major ways. However, with their growth, BluePrint stayed true to their mission: providing consistently high results and driving ROI for its clients.

The agency’s team of experienced marketers and creatives have a deep understanding of the latest marketing trends and technologies, and they use this knowledge to develop effective advertising campaigns that yield results. In today’s competitive business landscape, it’s more important than ever for businesses to get the most out of their advertising spend. BluePrint works to create campaigns that are tailored to each client’s specific needs and goals, and that will ultimately deliver a positive return on their investment.

For BluePrint, ROI is about proving their value to their clients. They need to show that their advertising campaigns are effective and that they are generating a positive ROI. This is where BluePrint sets themselves apart, providing complete transparency. Their unique software provides each client with reports on campaign performance, as well as by tracking metrics such as website traffic, sales, and leads.

The client uses this data to better understand where their money is being spent and what type of results it yields. Blueprint uses the data and analytics to track campaign performance. This information can then be used to make adjustments (as needed) and to ensure that campaigns are effective.

Client Satisfaction and Relationships

In addition to its focus on ROI, BluePrint also prides itself on its customer service. The agency’s team is always available to answer questions and provide support, and they work closely with clients to ensure that their campaigns are meeting their needs.

“We are committed to providing our clients with the best possible service,” said Ryan Pankoke, CEO. “We understand that every business is different, and we tailor our approach to meet the specific needs of each of our clients.”

Continued Success in 2024

With 2023 being such a big year for BluePrint, they are more motivated than ever to continue to grow. With the needs of each client being different, BluePrint has found themselves expanding their list of provided services. As a full-service advertising agency, they offer any service that will help their clients reach more customers. They look forward to the year ahead and strive for even more growth. BLUEPRINT

15705 W DODGE RD, SUITE 101 OMAHA, NE 68118

402.671.5000 BLUEPRINTADAGENCY.COM

2024 Winner

2023 Winner

2022 Winners

2020 Winner

2021 Winner

In today’s fiercely competitive business environment, the delineation between success and mediocrity often hinges on the quality of leadership within an organization. Recognizing this, Revela emerges as more than just a consultancy; it is a pivotal partner dedicated to forging leaders capable of navigating and conquering the complexities of the modern business world. Lead by Andrea Fredrickson, owner and co-founder, Revela transforms leadership from a conceptual ideal into a dynamic, driving force behind business growth and personal fulfillment.

“At Revela, we believe that leadership is the critical linchpin in achieving business success. It’s about more than just managing teams; it’s about inspiring change and driving results through clarity, vision, and resilience,” Fredrickson articulates, emphasizing the transformative impact of effective leadership.

Our approach acknowledges that impactful leadership is essential at all levels of an organization. With this in mind, we’ve developed a comprehensive suite of leadership development programs tailored

to address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by leaders at every stage of their journey. “Our goal is to equip leaders with the tools and insights needed to navigate the competitive landscape, ensuring they are not just participants in their industries but pioneers shaping the future,” Fredrickson adds, highlighting the ambition behind Revela’s mission.

Our proprietary training methodologies and custom-designed programs stand as the cornerstone of our strategy to elevate leadership capabilities. From personalized executive coaching aimed at refining strategic vision to dynamic workshops designed to foster collaboration, Revela ensures that leaders are prepared to lead with intention and impact. “At Revela, we’re committed to walking alongside our clients at every step, helping them unlock their full potential and achieve beyond what they thought possible,” says Fredrickson, encapsulating the essence of Revela’s philosophy.

Moreover, Revela’s holistic perspective on leadership extends beyond the confines of traditional training. We believe in the transformative power of leadership to enrich personal lives and strengthen communities, in addition to driving business

success. This holistic approach is woven into every aspect of our curriculum, encouraging leaders to drive positive change and contribute to a thriving workplace culture.

Partnering with Revela represents a commitment to excellence and a recognition that in the everevolving business landscape, the cultivation of strong, adaptable leaders is paramount. “With Revela, you’re investing in more than just leadership development; you’re embracing a partnership that redefines success for individuals, organizations, and communities alike,” Fredrickson concludes, inviting businesses to embark on this transformative journey.

With over 30 years of experience working with private companies, our greatest satisfaction comes from witnessing the ripple effect of positive change. Leaders, empowered and enlightened, go on to make a lasting impact on their teams, families, and communities.

2024 Winner

THE GRANARY

Event planning possibilities are endless at The Granary, Ralston’s premier, mixed-use development, where your social gatherings soar to new heights.

The roots of this remarkable event space date back to the early 1900s, when it served as an industrial grain storage and packaging facility for developing grocery stores across the Midwest. Today this modernized space holds four venues, blending its rustic charm with a revamped interior for a limitless range of event possibilities.

Venues at The Granary have two expansive indoor event rooms. The Crown Room and the Corbel Room are ideal for hosting corporate events, weddings, galas, fundraisers, cocktail parties, and more.

For outdoor affairs, the Granary Green beckons with its sprawling 14,000-square-foot space equipped with a 27-foot LED screen, artificial turf, extensive underground infrastructure, and bar.

Bushwackers Dance Hall and Saloon, the largest country bar in Nebraska, stands just below The Granary’s event spaces and is available for your company bar takeover with a stage, DJ, mechanical bull, games and dance instructors.

Despite undergoing extensive renovations, The Granary preserves its original exposed brick walls, soaring ceilings, and aged hardwood, which have endured for over a century. The historical details in this state-of-the-art facility seamlessly blend modern and traditional styles, infusing the venue with unique architectural character. The spaces are as flexible and customizable as your event requires.

Conveniently situated just off of I-80 and 72nd Street in Ralston.

The Granary, with its rich history and modern sophistication, is ready to host your next unforgettable event.

THE GRANARY

55 55 Granary Plaza

Ralston, NE 68127

402.943.8387

ATTHEGRANARY.COM

OMAHA MAGAZINE

TODD LEMKE

Omaha Magazine is the first and only Nebraska magazine to be accepted into the City and Regional Magazine Association. This association includes larger publications such as Washingtonian Magazine and 5280 out of Denver.

Publisher Todd Lemke said, “To be eligible for membership, a magazine must be audited on their content, and the publication must be primarily distributed through paid or requested subscriptions.”

The publication gained acceptance to CRMA by demonstrating a commitment to editorial content that focuses on the larger community and is independent of advertisers.

5921 S. 118TH CIR. OMAHA, NE 68137 402.884.2000

OMAHAMAGAZINE.COM

CROKER HUCK LAW FIRM

Croker Huck Law Firm is a full-service business law firm that specializes in real estate transactions and real estate development. The firm believes in growth and is proud to be part of the economic development of the Greater Omaha area. Croker Huck is known for pioneering work in creating and representing Sanitary and Improvement Districts (SIDS) that have helped drive the region’s expansion and development.

“One of the things that I enjoy about the development side is that you can take a piece of raw land and take it through the process of our clients purchasing the property, designing, rezoning and platting it, forming and advising the SID, and working with the developer in selling those lots. At the end of the day, you drive by what used to be farmland and now it is a housing, commercial or industrial development. There’s a certain pride in knowing that we helped them with the whole process,” said Martin Pelster, member at Croker Huck.

“We get to see the client’s vision and help them from the start through completion of the project,” added Liz Sevcik, member at Croker Huck.

CROKER HUCK LAW FIRM

2120 S. 72ND STREET, SUITE 1200 OMAHA, NE 68124

402.391.6777

CROKERLAW.COM

| STORY BY KARA SCHWEISS | PHOTO BY BILL SITZMANN

ASK. LISTEN. DELIVER.

MARY

ANN O’BRIEN’S STRATEGY FOR SUCCESS

In late August 2023, the Greater Omaha Chamber inducted five people into the Omaha Business Hall of Fame. Mary Ann O’Brien was one of those vaunted five, with the Chamber stating: “Her insatiable drive to find new and better ways to market and grow a business is matched only by her reverence for understanding the customer’s needs.”

Drive, indeed. O’Brien’s achievements as the CEO and founder of OBI Creative, the thriving advertising agency and marketing strategy firm she launched in Omaha in 2001, are too numerous to list. The public recognition came as no surprise to the people who know her well.

“She has always had innate curiosity which fuels her fire to move fast and dream big,” shared Kari Ketcham, Chief Development Officer for Ronald McDonald House Charities in Omaha and O’Brien’s former college roommate.

“Her brilliance shines through her focus and deliberate execution of her visions. I have really never seen anything like it. When she is passionate about an idea, she gets curious, learns, and makes it a reality. She also has a generosity of spirit and believes in the potential of everyone she meets. Her enthusiasm is contagious and she has a genuine interest in people, which builds trust and loyal relationships.”

O’Brien described the Omaha Business Hall of Fame induction as “truly an honor.”

“I think I’m the youngest inductee, and I think I’m the youngest woman inductee ever,” she said. “I actually get nervous bringing it up, because I’m like, ‘Did it really happen?’”

O’Brien is nationally recognized as a thought leader in her sector, particularly for her O’Brien Voice of the Customer™ and Voice of the Employee™ studies. OBI Creative is research-based and innovation-driven, she explained. It’s certainly award-winning. Above all, however, high ethical standards are paramount.

“Probably the award that I am personally most proud of is the Better Business Bureau Integrity Award we won in 2018,” O’Brien said. “We should be winning awards for great advertising…but how we do it with integrity really means a lot to me and makes me love this team. You can count on OBI. We say what we mean, and we do what we say; and whether we have a contract or not, if we make an agreement with you, we’re going to do it. That, to me, is integrity.”

Creativity is certainly important in marketing and branding, O’Brien continued, but so is solid data and thoughtful implementation. “It’s not about getting an ad out; it’s about getting an ad with the right message and the right offer to the right people out,” she said. Or, to put it another way: “We don’t use ‘hope’ as a strategy.

“It’s the difference (of) having a broad, strategic view of marketing, as well as how to execute. So, the ‘why’ as well as the ‘how.’ We’ve always been very data-based marketers, so very interested in customer insights. And we let those insights inspire the marketing plans that we put together, the media plans we put together, the creative campaigns that are developed.”

“MARY ANN HAS A KEEN EAR FOR THE VOICE OF THE CUSTOMER, WHICH MAKES HER AN INCREDIBLE LISTENER AND HELPS HER GET TO THE HEART OF HELPING CLIENTS.”

-KARI KETCHAM

“She’s all about getting down to brass tacks and understanding what really matters to the people in the arena, crafting marketing strategies that have traction, and bringing out the best qualities of a business,” Ketcham said. “Mary Ann has a keen ear for the voice of the customer, which makes her an incredible listener and helps her get to the heart of helping clients.”

That kind of listening is not only a quality for which O’Brien is known both personally and professionally, it’s also a focal point of her new book, “Ask & Deliver: Discover the Heart of Your Business by Listening to the Voice of Your Customers,” published by Forbes Books in December 2023. The book’s message is a simple formula for successful marketing: Ask customers what they want from your business. Listen to what they have to say. Deliver that experience.

The publisher’s description calls “Ask & Deliver,” available through multiple online and retail sources, a “must-read for anyone who’s ready to put their customers at the center of their business and take that business to the next level.” Readers have been giving it positive reviews from the start, with one Amazon customer observing, “The book, akin to a page-turning adventure, resonates not only with seasoned entrepreneurs but with anyone navigating life’s varied landscapes.”

FEATURE

Mary Ann O’Brien

“I LOVE BIG CHALLENGES WHEN IT COMES TO COMMUNICATIONS, AND SO I WANT TO FIND MORE OPPORTUNITIES, I WANT TO FIND AND BE AROUND SOME OF THE GREATEST THINKERS WITH THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES AND HAVE OBI HELP THEM SOLVE THEIR PROBLEMS.”

-MARY ANN O’BRIEN

Since 2018, O’Brien has served on the Forbes Agency Council, which has an invitation-only membership of successful public relations, media strategy, creative, and advertising agency executives. That association helped get her foot in the door with Forbes Books, O’Brien said, but she still had to pitch multiple concepts in a competitive process for a publisher that selects a limited number of titles per year.

“I didn’t want to self-publish,” she said, adding that although “Ask & Deliver” is the culmination of O’Brien’s long-held dream of publishing a book, the project which she launched in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic was more challenging than she had expected.

“But I’m so grateful I did it, because it commemorated the work that we’ve done,” she said. “I hope it’s easy enough for people to grasp the importance of what your brand really is, understanding your customer experiences, and making sure that you’re really delivering on the things you want to be delivering on as a company.”

Publishing her book and being named to the Omaha Business Hall of Fame aren’t a finale, O’Brien said. She and OBI have many busy days, months, and years ahead.

“I do a lot of visualization. I think a lot about the future. I want to be sitting at the desk of another CEO who has a huge challenge that we can help them solve. I love big challenges when it comes to communications, and so I want to find more opportunities, I want to find and be around some of the greatest thinkers with the biggest challenges and have OBI help them solve their problems,” she said. “I am pushing myself and my team to make sure that we can be the best fiduciary for our clients and help drive communications for them. I think it’s not just about communications, it’s about business…I want to keep helping other businesses grow.”

Mary Ann O’Brien’s book, “Ask & Deliver: Discover the Heart of Your Business by Listening to the Voice of Your Customers,” is available from most booksellers.

Visit books.forbes.com/books/ask-deliver for details. For more information about OBI Creative, visit obicreative.com.

B2B

We need to be working for the people and working together, all of us […] and that’s what public service is all about. And it’s a rewarding experience.”

-PJ MORGAN

PJ MORGAN TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS/COMMITTED TO PUBLIC SERVICE

Natural borders and weather cycles, historical sites and urban cores, tourist traps and local dives they all combine to contour a city’s identity. However, the spirit and mythos of an urban area lie with its citizens. Omaha claims an ‘oracle’ in Warren Buffett a title worthy of a figure who foresaw a global financial empire tucked between the corners of 35th and Farnam Streets. Others, however, are situated nearer the redbrick milieu of the Old Market; the ebbs and flows of I-80; the shifting facades of Elmwood, Rockbrook, and Dundee. They illuminate the city in a more direct, if not always more immediately recognizable, way. In this regard, few outshine Omaha real estate magnate and former mayor, PJ Morgan and perhaps none, his beaming smile.

“It’s Paul Morgan Jr., but when I was a little kid we had one phone, and my mom would call me PJ because my dad was Paul,” Morgan explained, the fond memory sparkling with his grin. “And that was the name that stuck with me throughout life, which is great.”

Indeed, Morgan’s initials would in time become a consistent and increasingly recognizable stamp on the Omaha metro, from ‘SOLD’ signs near Memorial Park to campaign flyers announcing runs for public office. Besides his namesake, Morgan’s parents, Paul and Lucille, instilled qualities in their son that not only remained intact throughout the decades, but were likely pivotal to his later success: resilience, diligence, and a broad-minded geniality that tempered differences and encouraged collaboration.

“Both my parents were born in Omaha. My mom was raised at St. James Orphanage, out in Benson on 60th; her mom died when she was about two,” he said of Lucille, who was among a handful of women working in vehicle manufacturing citywide. “[My dad’s] mom was a hairdresser, and that’s where he learned it and got the license and so on for a number of years when I was a young kid. And then he got into doing real estate [and] worked with NP Dodge for a time and then his own company, too.”

Despite his father’s real estate ventures, a young Morgan didn’t foresee a career in the housing market. Fresh out of college, good with numbers, and hungry for real world experience, he also understood that opportunity rarely knocks twice.

“I was thinking I wanted to be in banking and work for a bank when I was going to school out in Arizona,” Morgan recalled. “Then I came back and worked for a company out of Oklahoma City, American Standard Life and Accident Insurance Co. […] And I helped them with FHA [Federal Housing Administration) and VA (Veterans’ Affairs) loans. I was 21 at the time and got a real estate license [and] did some selling at their Twin City [development] over the South Omaha Bridge.”

After a couple years hammering out loans and closing on homes, an unexpected vacuum in leadership saw a 23-year-old Morgan helm an interim position as acting manager, “until they could find someone.” Seventeen years, 200 homes, and a promotion to company president later, Morgan’s tenure was anything but temporary and far from his only accomplishment.

Morgan consolidated his vitality, talent, and namesake into the PJ Morgan Company in 1967, an enterprise which would come to rival Nebraska’s largest firms with more than $200 million in managed properties and sales. While skilled in and clearly passionate about his career in real estate, profound words of the times all the more resonant for the forces that conspired to silence them stirred Morgan into public activity.

“I was young when John F. Kennedy was killed, and that had a dramatic effect that Friday afternoon, because he was so young and vibrant. And then in ’68 when Martin Luther was killed […] then in June, Bobby Kennedy was killed at the Ambassador Hotel,” Morgan recalled of the inspired yet tragic figures that formed his early ideals. “[Bobby] had a saying that he used, ‘This world is a world in which children suffer, [but we can lessen] the number of suffering children, and if you do not do this, then who will [do this]?’”

Before entering politics, Morgan worked on a board raising funds for cerebral palsy research a role he’d reprise in the 1980s as the American Cancer Society’s residential drive chairman. Later, having notched terms as a Nebraska State Senator (1970) and Douglas County Commissioner (1973), Morgan would help organize the first drive for Project Chance, “an organization on about 25th and Hamilton, helping young kids back then.” The Omaha Jaycees named him an “Outstanding Young Omahan” in 1973 for his engagement.

“I believe strongly in community service,” he averred.

FEATURE | STORY BY JULIUS FREDRICK | PHOTO BY BILL SITZMANN

Why do so many businesses choose credit unions?

“I’M JUST THANKFUL I CAN WORK. I LOVE IT AND I LOOK FORWARD TO IT. MY WIFE WILL TELL YOU, I LAY MY CLOTHES OUT THE NIGHT BEFORE BECAUSE I’M READY TO GO.”

-PJ MORGAN

After serving on the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s board of governors for a time and selling the PJ Morgan Company in 1986, Morgan determined to focus more on politics. A difficult decision, although his successful mayoral bid in 1989 proved it was the right one. With his business acumen and practicality combined with his affability and charitable nature, Morgan was popular on both sides of the aisle, and most importantly, with the people of Omaha his first job approval rating hit 82%.

“I feel like today, there’re too many people, whether Republican or Democrat, that work more for themselves and the party rather than the people. [Senator] Ed Zorinsky, who was really one of my best friends, said, ‘There’s not a Republican way or Democrat way to remove snow,’” Morgan said. “We need to be working for the people and working together, all of us […] and that’s what public service is all about. And it’s a rewarding experience.”

Morgan served as mayor until 1996, focusing on affordable housing, safer (drug-free) school zones, enhancing the Omaha Police Department, and overall economic development of the city. Afterward, he became CEO and vice-chairman of Lincoln-based Duncan Aviation. In 2010, he was elected Douglas County Commissioner for District 6, and he restarted and once again sold PJ Morgan Real Estate (this time, to its employees) in 2019. Today, he owns TCB Real Estate (short for “Taking Care of Business,” an ode to Morgan’s favorite artist, Elvis Presley). Always committed to service, he is again running for office this time, for County Commissioner of District 4.

“I’m just thankful I can work,” Morgan said, flashing his winning smile. “I love it and I look forward to it. My wife will tell you, I lay my clothes out the night before because I’m ready to go.”

For more information about TCB Real Estate, visit tcbomaha.com.

HOUCK TRANSIT ADVERTISING

PIONEERING TRANSIT ADVERTISING EXCELLENCE SINCE 1919:

It is uncommon for a small family business to celebrate its 105th anniversary but this year Houck Transit Advertising has accomplished just that. For four generations our company has collaborated with numerous organizations to help build their brand and achieve their marketing goals in a unique way. Houck’s commitment to fostering brand awareness has enabled us to provide a sustainable revenue stream to a crucial yet often overlooked public service: public transit.

For 30 years, Houck has been a steadfast partner to Omaha’s OMetro Transit System, overseeing the sales and management of its transit advertising program. This collaboration has annually generated substantial revenue, reaching into the hundreds of thousands of dollars for OMetro. By placing signs and wraps for local, regional and national brands on OMetro’s fleet of buses we are able to foster a strong private-public partnership that is important to all cities.

Throughout the country transit advertising has historically been a lesser known media option compared to other forms of advertising such as radio or TV. However, advertising on OMetro buses stands out as one of the most cost-effective and impactful methods to showcase brands and organizations throughout Omaha. With OMetro buses traversing thousands of miles each month, brands gain unparalleled visibility in the city’s busiest commercial, industrial, and

residential areas. Notably, transit advertising represents a unique opportunity for organizations to reinvest directly into their communities, as the majority of the funds raised through advertising go directly back to OMetro.

“Since we began working with OMetro many years ago we have seen Omaha grow and evolve into the thriving city that it is today. Our entire team feels privileged to collaborate with organizations of all sizes across the market area, aiding them in achieving their marketing objectives while providing revenue to OMetro.”

For over a century, Houck Transit Advertising has been founded on the principles of delivering exceptional service and value to our clients and partners. Our team remains dedicated to upholding this legacy and contributing to the vibrancy of Omaha’s advertising landscape.

| STORY BY STEVE JORDON | PHOTO BY BILL SITZMANN

TO BE OR NOT TO BE POLITICAL?

THE BUSINESS QUESTION FOR THE AGES

This is a tricky political time for business. A highly contentious presidential election is under way. Divisive social issues from gun control to immigration to LGBTQ rights are pending in the courts, Congress, and state legislatures.

News once found far inside the local newspaper inspires vitriol: interest rates, gasoline prices, inflation, unemployment, infrastructure projects even summer food programs for children of lowincome families.

“IT’S TOUGHER TODAY TO BE IN BUSINESS AND NOT POTENTIALLY OFFEND SOMEBODY. SOCIAL ISSUES ARE BECOMING INTERTWINED WITH BUSINESS DECISIONS AND PEOPLE’S POLITICAL PERSPECTIVES.”

-ANTHONY HENDRICKSON

“It’s tougher today to be in business and not potentially offend somebody,” said Dr. Anthony Hendrickson, business dean at Creighton University. “Social issues are becoming intertwined with business decisions and people’s political perspectives.”

Many business owners try to avoid politics since controversial issues can divide customers, vendors, shareholders, and prospective employees. From Warren Buffett’s international conglomerate to the shop on the corner, businesses approach politics with care.

“I think in general, issues have gotten more controversial,” said Jennifer Creager, senior vice president and lobbyist for the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce. “We try to always be in the center as much as we can, and sometimes walking that tightrope has gotten a little trickier.”

One local business owner whose company avoids politics altogether didn’t even want to discuss the reasons publicly, declining an interview through a spokesperson.

Others make at least some of their views known.

Heartland Pride, the Omaha organization that sponsors events and dialogue focused on LGTBQ rights, hosts an online directory of supporters that lists Omaha businesses, including ConAgra Brands, Bank of the West, Cox Communications, First Data, Godfather’s Pizza, the Nebraska Furniture Mart, and Union Pacific.

“Businesses have always been involved in politics,” said Huchen Liu, University of Nebraska at Omaha assistant professor of political science. But beyond the usual issues of taxes and regulation, companies today also face highly visible social and moral issues.

For example, a few years ago many businesses publicly embraced diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, only to face criticism now from conservatives for adopting a “liberal, woke agenda.” Many companies continue the same policies but “dial back” public stances to avoid backlash, Liu said.

Even the abortion issue, which he said might seem to have little direct impact on business operations, can involve employee health insurance coverage. Some companies are considering covering expenses for employees who might have to travel to another state for abortions.

“The company’s dragged into the abortion battle and becomes an unwitting participant in the culture war,” Liu said.

Consumers certainly impact the political stances of businesses, he continued. “Many people are caring

a lot more about the kind of business they’re buying from rather than the quality and price of goods.”

One long-standing way for businesses to influence public policy and the people elected to make public policy is through Chambers of Commerce. By supporting Chamber lobbying, individual businesses can avoid potential backlash from taking public stances or endorsing candidates.

Businesses are cautious when an issue divides public opinion, said Creager. “When something becomes black-and-white like that, a lot of companies don’t like to be in the middle of that divisiveness. They may have employees on both sides. They may have customers on both sides. It’s complex.”

Some larger businesses have their own government relations people considering political issues, she continued. “But a lot of Chamber members stand behind the Chamber. They give to the Chamber’s Political Action Committee.”

The Chamber’s leaders decide to support candidates and take stands on issues they consider pro-business, including some that can be considered controversial. For example, the Omaha Chamber favors increased legal immigration, LGBTQ non-discrimination, and “diversity, equity and inclusion” efforts because such issues can affect employment.

“Are we a welcoming community?” Creager asked. “Are we a welcoming state? Are we recognizing everyone’s value?”

When Chamber leaders can’t reach consensus, the group remains neutral. For example, several years ago, the Chamber declined to take a position on a legislative proposal on how much transparency is required when hiring a University of Nebraska president.

FEATURE

“MANY PEOPLE ARE CARING A LOT MORE ABOUT THE KIND OF BUSINESS THEY’RE BUYING FROM RATHER THAN THE QUALITY AND PRICE OF GOODS.” -HUCHEN LIU

FROM PAGE 47

“We wouldn’t get involved in an issue just to get involved,” Creager said. “It’s got to have some connection to business.”

While businesses can try to remain neutral, their owners’ individual views can spark criticism.

Warren Buffett has found his way into political controversy, even though the corporation he heads, Berkshire Hathaway Inc. of Omaha, does not make political contributions or take public stands on issues. Buffett, who declined an interview for this article, noted in 2012 that most people don’t have political action committees to influence government. “If you have an ability to speak out and you see things that you think are wrong, I think you ought to talk about them,” he said.

In 2003 the abortion controversy prompted Buffett to end a unique program that let Berkshire shareholders designate the corporation’s donations to charitable groups. Between 1981 and 2002, shareholders directed $197 million to charities they favored, most frequently churches.

But some money went to nonprofit pro-life and pro-choice groups. Berkshire received objections about the pro-choice donations, and some organizations boycotted 22 Berkshire subsidiaries.

“That did not concern us,” Buffett wrote in a Berkshire annual report. But when boycotts struck some independent franchise holders of Berkshireowned Pampered Chef, he wrote, “People who trusted us but who were neither employees of ours nor had a voice in Berkshire decision-making suffered serious losses of income. Advantages of the donation program,” he continued, “paled when they were measured against damage done to loyal associates who had with great personal effort built businesses of their own.”

Buffett has been a longtime supporter of women’s causes, a view shared by his late wife, Susan, and other family members. Buffett-funded charities supported research into reproductive health, including abortion-related medications. Abortion protestors showed up outside Berkshire’s annual shareholders meeting in Omaha for many years.

In 2011, Buffett said publicly that ultra-rich people, like himself, shouldn’t pay lower tax rates than middle-class Americans. President

Barack Obama whom Buffett endorsed as a candidate cited what he called the “Buffett Rule” and proposed a minimum income tax on those earning more than $1 million a year. It didn’t become law, and some shareholders complained that Buffett’s comments were outside his CEO duties. But others praised his public comments, including one shareholder who called him “kind of a beacon of light among billionaires.”

In 2016 Buffett endorsed Democrat Hillary Clinton for president and criticized her opponent, Republican Donald Trump, for what Buffett said were Trump’s business failings.

Regardless of Buffett’s politics, Berkshire’s Class A share price history is clear: $82,800 in 2003, $114,755 in 2011, $248,000 in 2016, and $542,600 at the end of 2023.

The business/politics situation continues to garner national attention, and the interest in politics and social issues is a business focus, Creighton Business Dean Hendrickson said.

Not long ago, new college graduates were pleased just to get jobs that could support themselves and their families, he said. “But the labor market has been so tight that students can pick and choose a lot more now.

“Students today tend to be drawn toward businesses that want to make a positive impact on the world, not just turn a profit and be financially sound. They want to do something that’s going to have a positive effect on society and the world. You will see students who may not be interested in working for a company that doesn’t embrace the political positions they may have.”

A student who strongly supports climate issues may turn down a job with a fossil fuel business, Hendrickson said, but such decisions are not always simple.

“What happens if they go to work for a public accounting firm and there’s a client in the oil and gas industry? Do they not want to do the audit or tax work?”

For more information, visit creighton.edu/business and omahachamber.org.

From

[L to R] Ashley Bails, Leanne Prewitt, Brittany Wozny, Katie Herzog

51

ERVIN & SMITH

SOLVING C-SUITE PROBLEMS WITH MARKETING

“We are aiming to decidedly not be what is ‘a full-service agency,’” said Leanne Prewitt, CEO and president of Omaha marketing agency Ervin & Smith. “Typically, someone comes to a full-service agency and says, ‘We need ‘blank.’ We need a website. We need a recruitment campaign.’ There might be a seed of truth in the fact that yes, you need a new website. That’s not why you’re here. The position of your company might not be clear. You might not have the full team aligned on what it is that you do. Your company culture might be poorly defined, or it might not align with how it’s defined.”

“WE HAVE TO UNDERSTAND THE ACTUAL VISION OF WHERE THE C-SUITE IS TRYING TO GO FROM A BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE. WORKING DIRECTLY WITH THEM AND THE PROBLEMS THAT KEEP THEM UP AT NIGHT. THAT MEANS THAT WE NEED SENIOR LEVEL FOLKS WHO UNDERSTAND COMPLEX BUSINESS PROBLEMS.”

-LEANNE PREWITT

To solve business problems effectively with marketing, Ervin & Smith’s new owners Prewitt, Brittany Wozny, Katie Herzog, and Ashley Bails are positioning the agency to provide a more consultative service. “We have to understand the actual vision of where the C-suite is trying to go from a business perspective,” Prewitt said. “Working directly with them and the problems that keep them up at night. That means that we

need senior level folks who understand complex business problems.”

It’s a shift in Ervin & Smith’s business model that’s been gradually taking place since 2021, when founder Doug Smith approached the quartet to take over executive leadership. On December 31, 2023, Smith officially turned over ownership of the agency to the four women.

“He will continue to be an advisor to our business as we go forward. We’re able to still tap him for questions, like, ‘Have you seen this before?’” Prewitt explained. “He’s been slowly stepping out of the ongoing client work and moving into this advisory role for several years now.”

Prewitt recalled “that magic week in August” in 2021 when she, Wozny, Herzog, and Bails began brainstorming what Ervin & Smith could look like a new operational direction that kept knowledge and expertise around.

“I was on maternity leave,” Prewitt shared, “and Smith said he wanted to come over. I thought it was to see the baby. We had been trying to schedule time for it. And I got a text: ‘Can I stop by?’ And I was just like, ‘Oh yeah; today would be great.’ So we were sitting outside, and he was holding my 7-week-old baby. And he just kind of said all in one sentence that the leadership had resigned and would I want to be the next president?”

Prewitt added that she could never have envisioned turning down the offer, but she also knew that meant her life would be very different. “I’d never run a company before. I was a good creative director, and I had some ideas about how a company should be run, but…you know, I

spent that evening talking with my husband and Googling what a president does.”

Her co-owners laughed with her about this, and for several minutes reminisced together about that “good, solid, very weird week” of meetings over Prewitt’s dining room table with her newborn baby.

“Which I think is fitting,” said Wozny, Ervin & Smith’s CFO. “Because between us we have 10 kids under the age of 13.”

“I don’t think there was much that we needed to discover about each other at that point,” said Bails, the agency’s CMO. She, Prewitt, and Herzog had all worked together closely at Ervin & Smith for several years. “I think more of the concern was making sure that folks had a sense of stability and understanding of the direction of the company. Making sure that people knew no one was going to be left behind as a result of a big leadership shift and what we knew was going to be a big directional shift for the company.”

It’s a directional shift made possible, in part, due to the broader scope of expertise in the executive team. Often, principals in marketing agencies have skill sets that are quite overlapped. “They’re typically all from the same vertical,” Prewitt explained, “so their expertise overlaps quite a bit. Ours is like a really nice Venn diagram with some solid overlapping in the middle. Each one of us has a lot of deep specialty in our individual vertical.”

FEATURE | STORY BY CHRIS WOLFGANG | PHOTO BY BILL SITZMANN

“What’s really interesting is that we’re truly able to be a company led by functional experts,” Herzog said. “Among the four of us, our expertise all falls in one of the four quadrants that’s critical to running an effective agency. You need to have solid creative, which is Leanne’s background. Solid strategy, which is my background. You have to have really polished execution that aligns with both of those things, which is where Ashley comes in. And then Britney and her significant expertise in financial management.”

Prewitt knew she didn’t want the role that the previous president had filled. “We have different backgrounds, different specialties, different managing philosophies,” she said. As she redefined the president’s role, the four women determined how to split responsibilities in a way that made sense for the agency’s new goals.

“WE WANT TO CREATE GREAT WORK, BUT WE WANT TO FEEL GOOD ABOUT HOW WE DID IT.”

-LEANNE PREWITT

“We wanted to be really intentional,” Herzog said, “and not just do what had always been done. We wanted to use this as an opportunity to rethink how to move forward. We’ve been working together for 10 years. Which rules can you break and which ones don’t work anymore?”

After about a year of one-on-one conversations with every person in the agency, an anonymous survey, and team Q-and-As to make sure that they knew all the concerns within the staff, the new executive team rolled out their vision at the end of 2022. For the next three years, the goal is for Ervin & Smith to stay under 30 employees.

“In order to have this senior-level consultative work that we’re talking about, we need people to stay and have longevity and trust each other and learn and make our processes flow efficiently,” Prewitt said. “There are some agencies that win awards and are known far and wide for the most amazing, incredible work and I’m a creative, I absolutely respect that but often, that comes at the expense of a work culture that works for people.

“It’s a lot of pressure, and it can be very toxic. You run through people quickly and bring in new freelance teams constantly because you burned out the last one. That’s not worth it. We want to create great work, but we want to feel good about how we did it. We didn’t yell at each other during the process, we didn’t grind through people, we didn’t give unthoughtful feedback so someone had to redo work three times. These are all things that we’ve seen in other agencies.”

Of course, every change in direction, no matter how carefully considered, will meet obstacles.

“We entered into this space with the previous leadership’s vision of getting bigger and hiring more people,” Wozny said, gesturing at the agency’s airy, light-filled second-floor offices in Aksarben Village. “Now that we’re being intentionally small and consultative, we don’t need this much space. So that’s something that we’ve been having to figure out. How do we use this space? How do we make sure that it still has a great vibe, even though it’s not completely full?”

They’ve considered a few options, but the visibility of the current space is a large plus. “We’re marketers,” Prewitt said with a laugh. “We know the value of visibility. And we know what it’s done for our profile, both as an agency and as an employer. So on one hand, it’s oversized for what we need, but there are so many pros with it. So how can we make it feel right for us in the moment?”

It’s just one example of how Prewitt, Wozny, Herzog, and Bails all have a deep appreciation for what other executives deal with.

“We’re running a business, too,” Prewitt said. “The ownership transfer was a change, but it was almost like a springboard. The deeper we get into running our business with efficiency, the greater understanding we have for what other executives are up against. Being able to connect those two things together has been very fruitful.”

For more information, visit ervinandsmith.com.

CRUISING ON A DREAM

JOHN UHRICH’S ROLLS ROYCE CULLINAN TURNS HEADS, ACCELERATES MOTIVATION

“Istarted in secondary ticket sales when I was 21 years old in September of 2003 with $100 in my bank account,” said John Uhrich, his early days as an entrepreneur defined by an exchange of grit for hard lessons; the price of admission for a career in sales. “We started with an ad in the Omaha World-Herald, that just said: ‘Buy and sell tickets.’ We primarily did Nebraska Football and College World Series […] The business was much different then, primarily cash transactions. And then, in 2006-2007, Stubhub came around and really changed how people purchased tickets.”

Uhrich, approaching 25 at the time of Stubhub’s paradigm-shifting ascent, saw an opportunity and he was nimble enough to seize it. Today, he owns one of the nation’s top secondary market ticket reselling companies, Box Office Ticket Sales, with around 40 employees spanning offices in Chicago, Fort Lauderdale, and Omaha. After 21 years of building his business, he’s also the proud owner of a new, rarified “statement piece:” the 2023 RollsRoyce ‘Black Badge’ Cullinan.

“There’s just a class, there’s a certain framework to the grill, that’s always been a classic. You can go back to a 1950s Rolls-Royce, and they’ve never changed that front grille,” Uhrich explained. “And you know, I think my staff has enjoyed looking at the car. I think it motivates a lot of people. I think it puts people in a spot to think about how to obtain those things being a great salesperson or investing and making those decisions down the road.”

Uhrich also noted that the vehicle is representative of the “flair and attitude” he aims to cultivate throughout his company culture. Between the upgraded performance of the Black Badge edition, the twin coach lines over a deep ‘Salamanca Blue’ exterior, and of course, the retractable ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ hood ornament, the Cullinan is practically moxie on wheels.

It’s the interior, however, that caught Uhrich’s eye over sportier options. The contrast of the ‘Muscari Blue’ and ‘Forge Yellow’ seats combined with the paneling supercharge the cabin with a kinetic energy the ignition switch and the twin-turbo V12 engine under the hood promise to make good on for the driver. Meanwhile, hundreds of fiber-optic lights sparkle the vehicle’s ceiling, creating the illusion of a starry night replete with shooting stars. While these features certainly impressed Uhrich during the test drive, it’s the relatively unembellished dashboard and silky smooth suspension that ultimately sold him on the Cullinan.

“It’s like floating on air,” Uhrich observed.

Still, there are some logistical issues inherent in owning one of 12 Cullinans in the state of Nebraska namely, the lack of service options. The nearest authorized dealer is in Minneapolis, although Uhrich plans to make Miami the Cullinan’s vacation home.

“It will probably be back and forth [between Omaha and Miami], and that makes it easy so you can get it serviced down there,” he said. “[There are] a few more Rolls Royce dealerships in South Florida than Omaha.”

Minor inconveniences aside, there’s a reason Uhrich’s business is headquartered in Omaha.

“We’ve found the workforce in Omaha to be a lot more reliable, steady, and coachable. And without a doubt, Omaha has been the best home for us and our 40 [local] employees,” he affirmed.

Ultimately, there’s a reason the Cullinan returns to dazzle the unassuming parking lot in front.

“I mentor a lot of young entrepreneurs you know, I got started at 21 [years old] I mentor a lot of people getting started in the business, [and] they want to see that statement piece at the end of the road, right?” Uhrich reiterated. “And the first two to five years is not going to be rewarding, it’s going to be a lot of stomach acid.”

For those willing to endure the early speed bumps and navigate the winding routes of entrepreneurship, the rewards can be monumental.

“It’s a masterpiece (the Cullinan) that you get for two decades of growth, consistency, and company culture it’s a statement for success.”

Visit boxofficeticketsales.com and rollsroycemotorcars.com/en_US/showroom/ cullinan.html for more information.

HOW

“ATTENDEES WILL TUMBLE DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE IN THE WHIMSICAL WONDERLAND THAT ALWAYS AWAITS YOU AT JUNKSTOCK.”

-SARA ALEXANDER

PEACE, LOVE, & JUNK JUNKSTOCK’S NATIONAL SUCCESS

Often when you talk to successful entrepreneurs, they tell you that their business idea developed out of finding something missing in their market. That was the case for Sara Alexander, founder of Junkstock. Alexander noticed the “junking” community in the Midwest was growing, but there weren’t any local events to bring people together.

It began with an idea of repurposed relics, great music, and food or as Alexander describes it, “Woodstock with Junk,” hence the name “Junkstock.” The result is an experience that takes attendees to another universe full of childhood whimsy, handmade goods, and inspiration to make homes unique.

Alexander’s love of repurposing old junk sparked when she was remodeling a foreclosure with her husband and kept finding cool stuff at thrift stores. She took some of her stuff to the Junk Jubilee in Des Moines where she met fellow junkers and talented artisans.

After the Jubilee, she rented a chicken coop at an old dairy farm in West Omaha for $100 a month and held monthly sales. Alexander has fond memories of working on her junk creations on the farm with her two children by her side. They helped her paint the tires forming the peace sign that now adorns Junkstock’s barn.

In 2012, Alexander opened a store in Papillion called The Junque Factory, where she sold her unique repurposed goods. One day, Danelle Schlegelmilch came into the shop and told Alexander how much she loved junk. Schlegelmilch had a public relations background and offered to help with the first Junkstock.

“WHEN PEOPLE COME TO JUNKSTOCK, THEY HAVE FUN, AND IT TAKES THEM TO A DIFFERENT PLACE, A VINTAGE FESTIVAL THAT MEETS THE MOST EPIC FLEA MARKET ON STEROIDS. IT HAS A LOT OF THE SAME PEACE AND LOVE OF WOODSTOCK, BUT ALSO HAS GREAT THINGS TO SEE AND BUY.”

-DANELLE SCHLEGELMILCH

The duo launched the inaugural event with 29 vendors in June 2012. Alexander reflected that Junkstock is a place for kindred souls to come together, and she is happy to be part of that. “I love bringing people together,” she said. “When people come to Junkstock, they have fun, and it takes them to a different place.” Schlegelmilch added that the event is “a vintage festival that meets the most epic flea market on steroids. It has a lot of the same peace and love of Woodstock, but also has great things to see and buy.”

As Junkstock grew, the duo needed a larger space. In 2016, Alexander and her husband bought a 135-acre farm in Waterloo where the family resides and holds Junkstock. Living on the farm gives them more time to put together the festivals and have even bigger themes along with permanent buildings and areas that can be used and redecorated year after year.

In the early days, they all did various jobs. Schlegelmilch took out the trash, while Alexander collected tickets. Their family and friends all pitched in to pull off successful events. Junkstock is still a family affair; the famous apple cinnamon donuts were the brainchild of Alexander’s husband, and their kids work the booth.

Junkstock has grown to an event with around 250 vendors and 12 live bands. It attracts an estimated 30,000 visitors annually. National media outlets have noticed; the biannual event has been named a top-rated festival by USA Today, Midwest Living, Better Homes & Gardens, and Country Living. Celebrities like Willie Nelson and the American Pickers have even attended the festival.

Having eccentric themes each year has contributed to the event’s success. For 2024, visitors can expect a hippie “Alice and Wonderland” theme. “Attendees will tumble down the rabbit hole in the whimsical wonderland that always awaits you at Junkstock,” Alexander said.

The founder believes that to be successful at something, one must be passionate about it. “I was always a person who did things 120%. The farm was such a great place to create. Looking back, I feel like I was put on this path with all the people that I met. I wasn’t driven by money. I was driven by the excitement of bringing people together. It didn’t feel like work it felt like fun,” she said.

Junkstock 2024 takes place May 3-5, May 10-12, September 27-29, and October 4-6. For more information visit Junkstock.com.

omAHA! | STORY BY HOLLY MCATEE | PHOTO BY BILL SITZMANN

58

IN THE OFFICE

TAMSEN BUTLER

PHOTO BY BILL SITZMANN

HUSCH BLACKWELL AN UPSCALE OFFICE FOR A BUSY TEAM

The team at law firm Husch Blackwell had numerous discussions about where to locate their office upon the expiration of their lease at the building on 132nd and Dodge. Should they return to the downtown area where their offices were once located, or should they find a new location nearby?

Staying in West Omaha proved to be the popular choice. When the team toured the building on Branch Street, they were struck by the campus, viewing it as an ideal choice. Ample parking and close proximity to the burgeoning Heartwood Preserve retail development immediately caught the team’s attention, as did the impressive exterior of the building.

Husch Blackwell’s new office is located near the Dodge Expressway, making the commute easier to navigate than it might have been had they returned to a downtown location. Some partners joked that they liked being near the ONYX Automotive campus because they can look out the window and watch their own luxury cars being serviced.

The entrance to the new Husch Blackwell space is welcoming, with a glowing fireplace and an attractive seating area that seems reminiscent of a living room in an upscale apartment. Visitors can either turn right to visit offices or veer left to stop by the Cather Café, a kitchen/breakroom that overlooks the retail development south of the building. Employees can enjoy snacks and coffee while taking a break in this space.

Truly, there’s not a bad view in the building. With ample natural light from an abundance of digitally controlled windows that adjust tint as the sun moves, the space has an open feel. The walls of the office feature artwork that was selected by an art committee comprising employees who wanted a say in the visuals they’d encounter while working. The committee, led by Senior Manager of Architecture & Design Samantha Puckett, seemed to favor monochromatic art, although new art is still scheduled to be displayed.

There’s no “corner office” at Husch Blackwell. Instead, a pleasant seating area with chairs and coffee dominates the corner, creating a space that is suitable for collaboration or a moment of relaxation.

Partner Adam Charlsen enjoys the new space, but is particularly proud of the records area, which is smaller than it has ever been before. “We reduced our records storage by 75%,” he said, proudly gesturing to the well-organized storage space. He said digitization and sending physical records offsite help keep the clutter down.

Throughout the office, the current trend of hoteling desks is apparent. With ample, flexible work areas alongside assigned offices, the Husch Blackwell office demonstrates an appreciation of flexibility in where and how their team works. They needed a space appropriate for hybrid workers and clients alike, along with those who prefer to work a traditional schedule in the office. Standing desks, lockers, and collaboration spaces demonstrate Husch Blackwell’s dedication to

allowing employees the flexibility they need to thrive in their positions.

“Clients absolutely love the new office,” said Charlsen, who went on to explain that the team can host client meetings, pitches, and parties in their new space. The building boasts some communal spaces to which tenants have access, such as a modern bar called the “Gold Room” and a gym featuring well-maintained equipment.

“THIS OFFICE IS A BIG WIN FOR US!”

-PARTNER ADAM CHARLSEN

“This office is a big win for us!” exclaimed Charlsen, a sentiment echoed by Zach Wiegert, Managing Principal at Goldenrod Companies, which owns the building. As the campus continues to grow, Charlsen and his team are thrilled to call Branch Street home for Husch Blackwell.

For more information, visit huschblackwell. com/offices/omaha_ne.

“THERE ARE A LOT OF FOLKS WHO HAVE UNMET LEGAL NEEDS BECAUSE OUR LEGAL SYSTEM IS INCREDIBLY COMPLICATED.”

-LAURIE HEER DALE

…AND JUSTICE FOR ALL KUTAK

ROCK’S PARTNERSHIP WITH LEGAL AID OF NEBRASKA HELPS THOUSANDS

Wrongfully evicted? Fighting for child custody? Denied health benefits?

For legal assistance with any of these cases, you may hire a lawyer for as low as $253 per hour!

Luckily for Nebraskans who don’t have tens of thousands of dollars to spare, there is a unique ace they can slip up their sleeves.

Legal Aid of Nebraska is an organization that provides civil legal services to low-income clients (defined by an average salary of about $22,000 per year) for free. Formed in 1963, according to their mission statement, they work to “ensure the fair enforcement of the law, to protect the rights of the people, and to address the urgent legal needs of our communities.” The organization was founded on the belief that everyone, regardless of socio-economic status, is entitled to proper legal representation.

To realize this goal, Legal Aid provides quality pro bono services, or professional work undertaken voluntarily without charge.

“There is a civil legal justice gap in the U.S., and that gap increases every year,” said Laurie Heer Dale, executive director at Legal Aid of Nebraska. “There is a growing number of people who are of low income who need critical legal services to address their day-to-day needs. We focus our work in four key priority areas to bridge that gap housing, family, public benefits, and finance.”

Unlike in criminal law, citizens are not entitled to professional representation for most civil cases. “There are a lot of folks who have unmet legal needs because our legal system is incredibly complicated,” Heer Dale explained. “Our court system is based on the notion that everybody who comes to court is going to have an attorney. Unfortunately, that’s not

the case. If a person doesn’t have access to an attorney, they are not going to get the same level of justice.”

Enter Kutak Rock. As one of the top law firms in the United States, Kutak Rock boasts over 550 lawyers and offices across the country. The firm was founded in 1965 by Bob Kutak and Harold Rock, who both held a deep sense of responsibility to their clients and their communities.

“Legal Aid is so important to the firm as a whole,” said Amy Van Horne, a partner at Kutak Rock and current president of the board of Legal Aid of Nebraska. “It’s been baked into the DNA of Kutak Rock from its founding; there was always a belief that one of the responsibilities of attorneys was to participate in and serve the local communities. Civil legal services to the poor were part of the responsibilities of every attorney according to Harold and Bob.”

The firm has upheld this belief since its inception, and it drives the work ethic and professional mission of every employee.

A match made in heaven, Kutak Rock and Legal Aid of Nebraska naturally came together in partnership a relationship that has been fostered and cherished by both companies since the beginning.

Kutak Rock earned Legal Aid of Nebraska’s 2023 Lifetime Law Firm Partner Equal Justice Award, commemorating the lifetime partnership of the two organizations. The legacy of Kutak Rock’s founders is carried on by its lawyers, who aim to do work that would make them proud.

“At Mr. Rock’s funeral,” Van Horne recalled, “one of the Legal Aid coordinators came up to me and let me know that she had absolutely no idea who

Harold Rock was before he had passed away. She just knew him as Harold, a regular volunteer for the organization.” The selfless donation of time and attention that Rock and Kutak gave to charitable organizations like Legal Aid is what they built their law firm to reflect, and those values are still apparent today.

“It’s been interesting to me to see our young lawyers especially are very committed to pro bono service across the board,” noted Van Horne. “It seems like the current recent graduates have the mindset that they want to help, and I think that’s really cool.”

When it comes to civil cases, more than 50% of people are unrepresented. Currently, the prominent area is eviction cases, in which more than 90% of tenants are unrepresented and cannot afford legal assistance. “When people think of our clients, there is often this preconceived notion that they are ‘deadbeats’ or people who can’t support themselves, which is not true at all,” Heer Dale said. “These people are often working multiple jobs and just can’t afford to pay a lawyer upwards of $250 per hour.”

Legal Aid works with a lot of people with disabilities, people who are chronically ill, and people who have children all of which make financial issues even more strenuous.

The partnership has helped countless Nebraskans, and the numbers show just that. “In 2022, we had an impact of more than $11 million on behalf of our clients,” Heer Dale noted. “In 2023, we had over 19,000 requests for assistance, and we’re looking at over a $13-million impact.”

For more information, visit legalaidofnebraska.org and kutakrock.com/offices/omaha.

BIZ + GIVING | STORY BY CLAUDIA MOOMEY | PHOTO BY BILL SITZMANN

LAUREN MICEK VARGAS

CHAMPIONING EDUCATION ACCESS AND EQUITY IN NEBRASKA

There are stories about education that resonate long after the school bell rings among these is the work of Lauren Micek Vargas. Vargas has left a mark on countless student journeys and now makes a difference in Omaha as an attorney and the co-founder, executive director, and CEO of the Education Rights Counsel (ERC).

Vargas’ advocacy began in 2007 when she joined Teach for America, an AmeriCorps program that placed her in a sixth-grade special education classroom in the Bronx, New York. Among her many students was Barbara, a bright soul with a physical disability. Vargas took on the responsibility to secure her a better educational setting. It became apparent that many more students, particularly kids of color living in poverty, were facing educational barriers without receiving services they required.

“AT ONE POINT, I WAS TOLD, ‘LISTEN, YOU DON’T KNOW THE LAW.’ I THOUGHT, ‘OKAY, THEN I’M GOING TO LEARN THE LAW.’”

-LAUREN MICEK VARGAS

“When teachers requested a better-suited curriculum, they would get shut down,” Vargas recalled. “At one point, I was told, ‘Listen, you don’t know the law.’ I thought, ‘Okay, then I’m going to learn the law.’” Returning to Nebraska, she attended Creighton University School of Law. An internship led her to become an Assistant Public Defender, and it was here that she observed the grim reality of the school-to-prison pipeline, primarily affecting brown and black children.

“Truancy is a perfect example,” Vargas shared. “Kids who don’t go to school for 20 or more days can be referred to the county attorney’s office; predominantly, these are kids of color, especially boys.” With co-founder Elizabeth Eynon-Kokrda, Vargas established Education Rights Counsel in 2017 to dismantle these barriers. ERC provides additional resources for practicing attorneys, offering support to those navigating education law.

One notable initiative is ERC’s involvement in juvenile courts, addressing the schoolhouse-to-jailhouse track and advocating for disabled children. These efforts were recognized by the Nebraska State Bar Association with the Award of Special Merit in 2022.

Vargas credits her team for these accomplishments, including Eynon-Kokrda, who has more than 20 years of education law experience. Initially her mentor, Eynon-Kokrda became a close friend as they merged their expertise to establish ERC together.

“We are a yin and a yang,” Eynon-Kokrda said. “I’ve had experience in education law; Lauren has experience with a master’s in special education and as a public defender working with children.

“I know what schools think and how they see it. She knows what families think and how they see it. We both realize there are many people who don’t see any of this.”

Last year, ERC trained over 2,600 people across Nebraska and offered insights to attorneys, probation officers, DHHS workers, and beyond. ERC’s goal is to build an alliance of education advocates for Nebraska’s future, Vargas said. “The students we’re assisting likely aren’t part of the wave

of young people leaving the state; they’re going to remain in our state and be part of this workforce.”

What keeps Vargas in Nebraska is the combination of opportunity and a supportive community, she explained. She values the state’s philanthropic environment where ideas are heard and her work is meaningful. “Lauren’s drive and passion are the most critical elements to being successful in what we do,” Eynon-Kokrda added. “She has an intense sense of justice an organization is only as strong as its core essence.” At 38 with two children of her own, Vargas reflects on her first teaching job. Her passion is fueled by success stories like that of her former student, Barbara. Now a Penn graduate headed to New York University to become a school psychologist, Barbara reconnected with Vargas through social media to share her accomplishments.

It’s in moments like these that Vargas sees the tangible results of her dedication a reminder that education advocacy isn’t just about laws; it’s about impacting the lives of students.

“I’m so grateful that I have this job, that people believe in this mission, and that families see its importance. We’ll continue this work until we see educational equity across the nation.”

For more information, visit educationrightscounsel.org.

“I’m so grateful that I have this job, that people believe in this mission, and that families see its importance. We’ll continue this work until we see educational equity across the nation.” -LAUREN MICEK VARGAS

THE PERFECT BLEND

M ixing business with pleasure is a trend that promises to bring increased benefits to Omaha.

After two strong years for the travel industry, both locally and nationally, experts agree that the travel boom is starting to level off. The economy and inflation are inspiring tighter budgets for getaways. In fact, a recent study by Destination Analysts found that tourists expect to spend an average of $3,505 on travel in the next 12 months, the lowest amount since 2021. However, vacations remain a priority for most households. When tighter budgets meet the desire to travel, creativity is born!

“Bleisure” Travel a blending of business and leisure travel is a re-emerging trend occurring one of two ways: business travelers add days to their stay and/or they bring their families along. Tourism Economics, an independent travel research company, predicts that 30% of all business trips will have some leisure component to them. This trend typically means adding days to the beginning or end of the work trip, which increases visitor spending at local restaurants, retail shops, attractions, and hotels.

Visit Omaha leans into the bleisure benefits. When selling the city to meeting and sporting event planners, the Visit Omaha sales team uses “Omaha: Where Work & Play Meet” on all promotional materials. This reminds planners that after the meeting is over, event attendees have a variety of entertainment options to choose from, not only a key factor in the host city selection process but also a way to convince attendees to transform their trip from business to bleisure. Considered an affordable destination, Omaha is keenly positioned to take advantage of the bleisure trend. Home to seven Fortune 500 and 1000 headquarters that attract business travelers from across the globe and home to the world’s best zoo, travel-worthy restaurants, and a vibrant art and history scene, Omaha has its own special blend to please these budding bleisurites.

Are you ready to test the trend? We are.

For more information, go to visitnebraska.com/ omaha-convention-visitors-bureau.

B2B

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES INDUSTRY PARTNER FOR 2024

J oining the Greater Omaha Chamber presents a wealth of opportunities for professional service businesses aiming to expand their networks, enhance their visibility, and contribute to the region’s economic development. As an integral part of Omaha’s vibrant business community, the Chamber’s programs and benefits are designed to foster growth, collaboration, and innovation among its professional service members.

Networking and Visibility: The Chamber organizes numerous networking events, offering members a platform to connect with other professionals, share ideas, and forge valuable partnerships. These events range from casual mixers to formal business dinners, ensuring there’s something suitable for every professional style and preference. Additionally, the Chamber provides opportunities for businesses to increase their visibility within the community through sponsorships, advertising, and listings in member directories.

Professional Development:

Education and skill development are at the heart of the Chamber’s offerings, with workshops, seminars, and webinars regularly scheduled to cover a wide array of topics relevant to professional service businesses. Whether it’s leadership training, marketing strategies, or the latest industry trends, these sessions are designed to equip members with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in an ever-evolving business landscape.

Advocacy & Economic Development: The Greater Omaha Chamber is a strong advocate for the business community, working tirelessly to promote policies that

support economic growth and a favorable business environment. By joining the Chamber, members have a voice in local, state, and federal policy discussions, ensuring their interests are represented and protected. Furthermore, the Chamber’s commitment to economic development initiatives helps attract new investments and job opportunities to the region, benefiting all members by fostering a robust economy.

For professional service businesses, membership in the Greater Omaha Chamber offers a unique blend of networking, professional development, advocacy, and recognition opportunities. By leveraging these benefits, businesses can enhance their market presence, engage with peers and policymakers, and contribute to the economic vitality of the Greater Omaha area. Joining the Chamber not only opens doors to new opportunities but also aligns businesses with a community of like-minded professionals committed to mutual success and the prosperity of the region.

Whether you are in accounting, marketing, project management, IT services, or any other professional service, there is no better partner to your future growth than the Greater Omaha Chamber. We look forward to working with you in growing your industry and our regional economy in 2024!

For more information, visit omahachamber.org.

Heath Mello is the CEO for the Greater Omaha Chamber.

Deborah Ward is the executive director of Omaha Convention and Visitors Bureau.