Edge Magazine - September 2015

SEPTEMBER

2015

Habitat for Humanity Building bonds beyond Omaha

Literary Talent Melissa Minassian’s debut novel

Alan Tipp

Sharing inspiration through design

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Each

DANIEL MULLER

month, Edge Magazine features individuals and businesses who have inspiring journeys, are leaders in the community, and give back to others in a variety of ways. We enjoy sharing their stories and helping connect our readers with them. In this issue we recognize individuals and organizations who share their creative talents and visions. Although they often start in small ways, the results can have big impacts and leave lasting impressions with everyone around them.

REACH US We want to hear from you. Ideas, suggestions, compliments and critiques, send them to us at Jack@EdgeMagazine.com

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Habitat for Humanity of Omaha has expanded its reach by providing a family with the opportunity to become first time homeowners outside of the city. Through a faith coalition partnership, the organization is building a home in Waterloo, NE, for Cindy Schneckenberger and her two children.

With the help and talents of individual volunteers, groups, and corporate sponsors, the family will be able to move into their new home by the Thanksgiving holiday.

Local author Melissa Minassian took a leap of faith when she published her first young adult novel, FLY. The e-book quickly climbed into the fourth spot on Amazon’s young adult fantasy list and was recently released in print by Tate

Publishing. She’s now working on several more books in the series and sharing her talent at book signings and events throughout the community.

The creativity of Alan Tipp is another story we’re excited to feature. As the long-time designer for Under Armor’s line of eyewear, his talent isn’t often unrecognized, but it’s appreciated by athletes and consumers worldwide. We also highlight the culinary talents of restaurant owner and chef of The Railcar, Jared Clarke, who recently launched a new menu full of creative dishes. Help us celebrate all of these local visionaries who bring a variety of talents for all of us to enjoy.

Jack Shotbolt Editor in Chief

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SEPTEMBER 2015

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SEPTEMBER 2015

M A G A Z I N E

EDITOR IN CHIEF Jack Shotbolt Jack@EdgeMagazine.com MANAGING EDITOR Kathy Rygg 402-490-3213 // KathyRygg@Hotmail.com DESIGNER Quentin Lueninghoener (402) 517-1228 // quentin@hanscompark.com PHOTO STAFF Valerie Wallace-Camp (217) 519-3245 // vwcphotography@mac.com Maureen Fritts Photography (402) 578-2963 // maureen@maureenfrittsphotography.com Tim Perry (402) 215-5479 // tim@timperryphotography.net ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jack Shotbolt (402) 250-3325 // Jack@EdgeMagazine.com CONTACT US P: (402) 250-3325 // F: (402) 892-7048 Jack@EdgeMagazine.com 15858 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha NE 68118 Edge is published monthly. Content copyright © 2015 Edge Magazine. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, without permission in writing from the publisher, Jack Shotbolt. Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, Edge assumes no responsibility therefore.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Edge Magazine, 15858 W Dodge Omaha, NE 68118

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Make it sparkle.

This isn’t just an errand – it’s an experience.

So make it your own.

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CONTENTS COVER story

OUR home 8

52

OUR hearts

WORTH the haul

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OUR leisure

22

40

MY concoction

32

42

OUR passion

OUR food

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44

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OUR home

Palatial living

i

t’s rare in Omaha to find an acreage merely minutes from the city.

But just north of Elkhorn in Bennington is a 14-acre property off a paved road. At the end of a stately driveway lined with maple trees sits a 7,400 sq. ft. home reminiscent of a European chateau surrounded by a lush lawn and natural grasslands that all make for a truly unique living experience.

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Homeowner Brian Gill purchased the home in 2012. He had been looking for an acreage that his family could enjoy but still be near the city. He said the property had everything they were looking for—a warm feel inside with plenty of room to spread out, and ample room for his two sons to run and play outside without having to worry about busy streets filled with traffic.

Gill hasn’t made any modifications to the home since purchasing it since he felt it was well built and well decorated. The original design plan was from

STORY BY KATHY RYGG 14-PAGE PHOTO PORTFOLIO BY

BY TIM PERRY

FRONT DOOR SEPTEMBER 2015

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OUR home

T WO -STO RY E N T RY

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FORMAL DINING ROOM

TUSCAN-STYLE DINETTE SEPTEMBER 2015

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OUR home

S T O N E A R C H WAY

D R I V E - I N S T Y L E M O V I E T H E AT E R

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SUN ROOM

SECOND FLOOR HALL

S P I R A L S TA I R S TO C U P O L A SEPTEMBER 2015

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OUR home

GOURMET KITCHEN

HIGH-END APPLIANCES

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CUSTOM WOODWORK

Kansas City and custom built on the acreage. There are a number of features he likes, one of which is simply the symmetrical layout. The home is positioned so that the driveway ends in the middle of it, with two garages on either side and a cupola in the center of the house that provides a bird’s eye view of the entire property.

“The dual garages are really nice from a functionality standpoint,” Gill said.

“And having a walk-out basement is great because you can see the entire acreage even from downstairs.” The basement’s 1950s theme includes a full kitchen and drive-in style movie theater room. “It’s fun to have movie nights and be able to grill hamburgers or make pizza where it’s out of the way.”

The main floor provides plenty of space for entertaining as well but still has a cozy feel. The spacious kitchen includes granite countertops, high-end stainless steel appliances, and birch cabinets. The dinette off the kitchen provides an old-world feel with stone walls and hand-painted ceiling. “It’s a comfortable, relaxing place to eat everyday meals, not a formal dining room,” Gill said. “You can watch the sun come up in the mornings as you’re eating breakfast.”

A sun room sits adjacent to the kitchen where Gill said his family grows herbs, and off to the side is a covered deck. Part of the backyard is fenced so pets have an enclosed area on the property. A wrought iron spiral staircase off

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OUR home

L U X U R I O U S M A S T E R B AT H

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MASTER BEDROOM SUITE SEPTEMBER 2015

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OUR home

G U E S T B AT H

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LIVING ROOM

BASEMENT LIVING ROOM SEPTEMBER 2015

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OUR home

O U T D O O R P L AYG R O U N D

P R I VAT E A C R E A G E

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LOWER LEVEL KITCHEN

the main level leads to a hardwood-covered landing area that can be used for a pool table or other entertainment space.

The house includes six bedrooms—the master on the main floor, four bedrooms on the second floor, and one in the basement.

“With six bedrooms it’s perfect for a larger family or to have extended family stay,” Gill said. All eight bathrooms have water filtration systems, and the house uses geothermal heating, which Gill said is efficient and economical.

Living on an acreage also has benefits such as the ability to be close to wildlife and away from city lights for stargazing. “The kids play with frogs in the pond, hang out in the air conditioned tower tree house, and roast marshmallows in the bonfire,” Gill said.

“We’ve even had deer come right up to the windows.”

With all of its unique interior features combined with the acreage and proximity to amenities of the city, Gill said it’s ideal for anyone who wants more space without the crammed feel of most neighborhoods. “As Elkhorn continues to grow, it’s an ideal location,” he said.

“There’s nothing like it in the area, and that’s hard to find.”

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OUR heart

Habitat for Humanity expands its reach west of Omaha

t

here are basic aspects of life that all children deserve: a good education, opportunities for development, and a safe, comfortable home to live in. Habitat for Humanity helps more than 40 families each year in North and South Omaha get on the right path to these goals through its homeownership program. And now the organization has extended its reach beyond Omaha.

A home build is currently in progress at the Homes at River Road development in Waterloo, NE. It’s the second home that has been built there, thanks to one of Habitat Omaha’s faith coalitions in the Elkhorn area, which is led by Bethany Lutheran Church whose donation made it possible for Habitat Omaha to purchase the home lot. They were also instrumental in getting the word out to schools in the area so that families could be identified and encouraged to apply.

futures B U ILD ING

Story by KATHY RYGG Photos by MAU REEN FRITTS PHOTOGRAPHY 22 |

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OUR heart

Habitat Omaha volunteer

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Cindy Schneckenberger and her two children were one of those families. Although living in Omaha, she had decided to enroll her children in DC West in Waterloo. “I didn’t see a lot of opportunities for them at their previous school,” she said. “I wanted them to attend a smaller school, and we really like it, but we also wanted to be a part of the community and live there.” Unfortunately, Cindy wasn’t yet in a position to qualify to purchase her own home in Waterloo.

Then last spring the school gave her an application for the Waterloo Habitat build. “I had thought owning a home would be in the distant future, so when this opportunity came, it was amazing,” Cindy said. She was one of about 25 applicants that went through Habitat Omaha’s family application process, which according to Faith Engagement Manager Janneane Gerot is based on three aspects: housing need, ability to pay, and willingness to partner.

The Family Selection Committee,

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OUR heart

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OUR heart

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OUR heart

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“It’s amazing to see people I don’t know give up their entire day to help build my home.” made up of independent volunteers, conducts a housing visit to determine need, and steady income must be present so that homeowners are able to pay the no-interest mortgage that Habitat Omaha offers. The willingness to partner requires that homeowners invest “sweat equity” into the build, contributing 350 hours toward the build of their own or another home.

Cindy found out she had been selected in June, and the build began in mid-July. “I was so lucky to be chosen, and the kids are so excited,” she said.

Volunteers are at the site weekly, and a number of local companies have been involved, such as Husker Siding Windows and Roofing, which donated the roofing, and insulation donations from Cornhusker Insulation. Other companies, such as 3M in Valley, NE, have sent out work groups to help with the build.

“It’s amazing to see people I don’t know give up their entire day to help build my home,” she added.

As an organization, Habitat Omaha has about 11,000 volunteers each year.

Gerot said volunteers don’t need previous construction experience or even be handy. Construction supervisors will teach skills on site, such as installing drywall and siding. “We always have a volunteer need and could use more sponsorships to help with the builds,” she said.

The ranch-style three bedroom, one bathroom home in Waterloo is due for completion by mid-November, and Gerot said the faith coalition hopes to have Cindy and her children moved into it by Thanksgiving. Cindy was able to pick out colors for the carpet, countertops, and exterior paint, and although she works full time she spends most of her weekends helping out with the build and has even gotten her children involved. “It’s such a rewarding experience,” she said. “I encourage everyone to volunteer their time because it means so much to the families.”

Homeowner Cindy Schneckenberger and Janneane Gerot with Habitat Omaha SEPTEMBER 2015

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OUR leisure

dynamic Three

D E S T I N AT I O N S

C O S TA R I C A N R A I N F O R E S T

BY

land

Golden Door Spa Resort | Escondido, Calif.

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BY

air

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Start by hiking and zip-lining near Arenal Volcano and then explore rainforests at Tenorio National Park. Within the park, observe amazingly diverse wildlife like macaws and sloths, then rest near the stunning blue waters and natural waterfalls of the Rio Celeste. In tranquil Playa Hermosa, dive, snorkel or even go white-water rafting. Throughout your journey, enjoy lavish accommodations with tiled bathrooms, soaker tubs and outdoor showers.

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R I V I E R A S A N D S PA N I S H S P L E N D O R S

BY

sea

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When to travel: June-Oct. 2016 When to book: 12 months in advance Why Rivieras and Spanish Splendors on Seabourn Sojourn: Sail to some of the Mediterranean’s most stunning ports, starting in artful Barcelona, where you can weave through the Gothic Quarter and tour abundant works of architecture. In Cuitadella de Monorca, stroll through cobbled streets and tour megalithic tombs, then sail to Santa Margherita and San Remo to take in bustling harbors, delightful gardens and ancient sanctuaries. Relax in a colorful café in St. Tropez, a haven for writers, artists and celebrities, and experience Riviera chic in Monaco, surrounded by yachts from across the globe.

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OUR passion

words I N SP I RATION WITH

n

Author Melissa Minassian shares her literary talent

atural talent comes in many forms—artists, singers, musicians, athletes—and most of those who are blessed with it will attest that it started at an early age.

Omaha author Melissa Minassian said her love for writing began at age five when she wrote stories, illustrated them, and even acted them out at home. Her childhood dream has finally come true with the publication of her first young

adult book, FLY: A Portal Chronicles Novel from Tate Publishing.

While in high school in Auburn, NE, Minassian began writing for her local newspaper and then went to journalism school where she earned a degree in Advertising and Public Relations. Following college she worked as the Interim Marketing Director for the Durham Museum but missed freelance writing and the creative outlet it enabled.

Story by KATHY RYGG | Photos by PHOTOS BY VALERIE WALLCE CAMP

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OUR passion

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Then an unusual twist of fate occurred on June 7, 2008. “I had the most vivid dream I’ve ever had in my life,” Minassian said. “I realized it was the story for the novel I had always wanted to write.”

She started fleshing out the details of her dream, and the rest of the story fell into place. “The process was fascinating,” she said. “Whenever I had spare time—evenings, weekends—I would work on it.”

She even went through the pregnancy of her daughter during that time, and after three years and 400 typed pages, she finally had the first draft.

Finishing a manuscript is a huge accomplishment, but it’s only the first step.

Thankfully, Minassian has a close friend who is a writer and editor and asked to look at the story. “I hadn’t told anyone I was writing a novel,” she said. “I trusted her with this baby of a manuscript, and she told me I had to get it published.

She was my first validation.” The two worked on revisions together for another year until they felt it was ready for publication.

Minassian tried to find a publisher but most won’t accept manuscripts without representation from a literary agent. So she decided to self-publish on Amazon and started with an eBook version, which came out in May 2012.

Due to challenges in her personal life at the time, she didn’t promote or market the book. But friends and family read it, left reviews, and word of mouth spread quickly. Before she knew, FLY

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OUR passion

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“It’s Sophie’s coming of age story, and she’s very much me at that age. It breaks down spiritual aspects in a fun story line that includes demons, angles, and spiritual aspects.” had earned the number four spot on Amazon’s young adult fantasy list. “It was very surreal,” she said. “I knew this is what I was supposed to be doing.”

She decided to once again reach out to a publisher. Tate Publishing had given her positive feedback the first time, and now that her book had enjoyed success on Amazon, they offered her a contract.

“We did three rounds of editing, but it was all minor,” Minassian explained.

“They didn’t change anything with the story, so it was a pretty painless process.”

Even the book’s cover design was easy to generate—Minassian had a vision for it during another dream.

The new print version of FLY released on July 14, 2015, with local press and book signings. The story is centered around two characters with the story told from both of their points of view.

Seventeen-year-old Sophie and nineteenyear-old Everett who is an agent with Portal, which is a paranormal task force

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and anti-warfare league. Sophie realizes she has the power to see into the spiritual realm, and Everett guides her through that process. “It’s Sophie’s coming of age story, and she’s very much me at that age,” Minassian said. “It breaks down spiritual aspects in a fun story line that includes demons, angles, and spiritual aspects.”

FLY is book one in a planned five book series. Minassian said all of the novels are already loosely outlined, and she’s half way through writing the second book, which she hopes to finish this fall. Her writing style incorporates fantasy, adventure, and plenty of humor.

Although it’s targeted at the young adult market, Minassian said she has lots of female adult readers and surprisingly, male adult readers too. “I’ve had readers tell me they’ve laughed out loud and cried while reading it,” she said. “There’s a bit of everything in this book. It’s my heart on paper.”

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WORTH THE HAUL NEBRASKA STATE FAIRGROUNDS

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MY concoction

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1

5

What you need: • 1 oz Appleton Rum • 2 oz Strawberry Syrup • 1 oz sparkling wine

• Splash of cranberry juice • Squeeze of lemon • Orange slice Pour ingredients into shaker

2

steps

Gently swirl

3

to the perfect cocktail THE BAR: The Railcar THE BARTENDER: Joshua THE DRINK: Prohibition Punch

4

5

Pour into a Tulip glass

Garnish with orange slice SEPTEMBER 2015

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OUR food

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The Railcar brings together a melting pot of culinary cultures

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An American classic Story by KATHY RYGG | Photos by MAUREEN FRITTS PHOTOGRAPHY 44 |

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maha’s strong heritage with the railroad contributed heavily to the blend of cultures enjoyed in the Midwest, especially with the variety of food found here. Chefs from around the world immigrated to the United States to work on passenger trains, cooking foods specifically to cater to the different ethnicities of workers. Today, Chef Jared Clarke, owner of The Railcar, offers a menu that still represents the great Melting Pot of the country.

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LOBSTER HUSH PUPPIES

CHARRED CARROT TOPS

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Clarke has an undergraduate degree in Food Science from the University of Nebraska—Lincoln and spent a number of years cooking for restaurants in Lincoln, Chicago, and then Omaha after moving back to be near family. He’s always had a fondness for the railroad and a strong interest in the influential role it played on American food. He had thought about the concept for a railroad themed restaurant for years, but he didn’t want it to be overly kid-orientated. Rather, he wanted it to be a causal, upscale restaurant that blended modern American food with different styles such as Italian, Greek, and Polish.

His vision turned into a reality in December 2012 when he opened The Railcar. Since then, Clarke continually focuses on giving his customers new experiences each time they come in.

This includes changing the menu six times per year and rotating specials every month. Because a majority of his ingredients are locally sourced, many of the menu items feature seasonal offerings. For example, in July and August, sandwiches include fresh tomato slices, then at the end of September tomatoes are made into a fresh jam spread, which he said heightens their flavor potential.

As fall approaches, Clarke has transitioned into some new offerings. One includes a smoked pork pastrami that’s brined, cured, smoked, and sliced inhouse. “Every year I try to master a new technique,” he said. “As a chef I always try to better myself and push myself to learn a new skill.” Another new feature is Clarke’s own version of chopped steak, which he ate growing up. His version is made with Wagyu beef from Blair, NE, cooked in a porter beer pan sauce and served with caramelized onions and country style potatoes. “It’s a modern type of rich, homey dish,” he said.

Other new features include lobster hush puppies, scallops topped with a fresh roasted corn pesto and apple chutney, and pork osso buco, which is traditionally a dish made with veal.

Clarke also likes to incorporate trends from other cities he visits while traveling. Charred vegetables are an example, and he added charred carrots to the new menu. “By providing a new cooking

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treatment that makes them taste more savory than sweet, it changes the whole flavor profile and provides a completely different experience,” Clarke explained.

“People are surprised we can get carrots to taste the way we do.”

Family style, or communal dining is another trend that Clarke said customers might enjoy. They can call ahead and order half a suckling pig for the entire table to share. “I’m always evolving with customers and what they want,” he said.

“Chefs like to try new things, and customers trust that I’ll come up with new items that they’ll like, which can be hard for small restaurants.”

Clarke does listen to his customers.

In fact, Railcar’s popular Sunday brunch is now offered on Saturdays as well, thanks to requests. And it’s not a typical American breakfast. The menu includes bistro style items such as chicken waffles with bourbon maple glaze, lemon ricotta pancakes, and different styles of eggs benedict as well as unlimited bloody marys. “People are looking for more unique options, and that’s what I’m trying to give them,” he said.”

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OUR business

Sunglass designer Alan Tipp blends style and innovation

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nyone who plays sports or has a child athlete is familiar with the Under Armor brand. Not only is the company gaining market share with its athletic apparel, but it’s making casual wear as well.

However, not everyone knows that since 2007 the company has also sold its own line of sunglasses, and Omaha native Alan Tipp has been involved in designing every single style.

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ideas B RIG HT

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Alan and his son, Asher

Tipp has always had a passion for design. After earning a degree in Industrial Design from Kansas University, he moved to Maryland and worked for 180s designing gloves, ear warmers, running apparel, and other products.

After the company was sold, he explored other options and found Eye King—an East Coast company that designs sunglasses for Hobie as well as private labels that are sold to retailers nationwide. Eye King was in discussions to license with Under Armor, and Tipp helped with the presentation, which earned him a job. He’s been designing for them ever since, competing against brand giants Nike and Oakley.

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OUR business

Alan Tipp and his wife Sonia, 9-year-old daughter, Adria, and 7-year-old son, Asher.

Now operating as a team of three, Tipp works primarily out of his home studio in Omaha. He and his wife, Sonia, and their children moved back to Omaha to be closer to family. He does travel internationally, attending trade shows, meeting with vendors, or conducting line reviews in Long Island, but a majority of his interaction with his team can be conducted via Skype.

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we’re doing what Nike an Oakley have teams of 30 people doing,” he said.

Creating a new line of 12-15 sunglass styles every year can seem overwhelming, but Tipp said he finds inspiration all around him. “I look to nature, other industries such as automotive parts, or even something like wristbands on watches,” he said. “I also design for efficiency and to solve for the unmet need by listening and observing athletes

and non-athletes.” Under Armor started out with sport sunglasses and now has lifestyle sunglasses as well.

Tipp has met with a number of athletes to design sunglasses, including Chase Elliott with NASCAR, Gary Woodland who plays on the PGA Tour, triathlete Chris McCormack, and even NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders. “I’ve been able to spend time in the lab with them, looking at different tints, or even

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be in the wind tunnel with them to see how the products work,” he said.

He also designed a clip used on NFL helmets that makes visors removable without using tools.

Fashion trends come and go, and although Tipp designs with fashion in mind, he said he tries to take a “less is more” approach. “The ‘barely there’ experience with sunglasses is a big theme for me,” he explained. “Sunglasses should be seamless, but they’re still a fashion item, so they have to look good aesthetically. You have to design around eye shapes, which are basic, but the rest of it is about being ahead of the curve, and that’s where science and art collide.”

Under Armor eye wear is currently sold in large sporting goods stores, Under Armor retail stores, and online.

“When we’re out and about, Alan can always spot someone wearing Under Armor sunglasses from across the room,” said his wife Sonia. “He might strike up a conversation and ask for feedback on the frames, but he never boasts that he’s the designer. That’s usually when our kids chime in and spill the beans.” Tipp is full of ideas for all kinds of products.

“What drives me is seeing real innovation and change within a product,” he said. “Whether it’s sunglasses, cell phone cases, or something else, it’s all about revolutionary versus evolutionary design.”

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