February 2020

FEBRUARY 2020

OMAHA'S SAVVY ENTREPRENEUR JAMES MANSKE

Nebraska Tech Collaborative brings jobs to the Heartland Enjoy a delectable dining experience at J. Coco

M A G A Z I N E

“she

changed

ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING.

She saved my life.”

Kenna

SEE HER STORY AT BOYSTOWN.ORG/KENNA

More than 7% of Youth Attempt Suicide

1

More teens and young adults die from suicide than from cancer, AIDS, pneumonia, influenza and chronic lung disease COMBINED. The Boys Town National Hotline is here to help, delivering a lifeline of hope and free, round-the-clock intervention for the most desperate youth in their most desperate hours.

Since just 2017, the specially-trained Boys Town counselors have helped prevent nearly 1,500 suicides in progress. We take pride in being right here when kids and families need us, providing life-changing care right in your own backyard.

1. As reported by the CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey for youth in grades 9-12.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the Boys Town National Hotline at 800-448-3000, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

1912-360-01

Help us continue our life-changing work. Just $18 per month will cover the cost of two calls to the Hotline.

Visit boystown.org/donate.

Find out more about Boys Town’s life-changing work.

Call 531-355-1300.

LETTER from the PUBLISHER

CHRISTOPHER TIERNEY

Back row: Ben Vankat, Quentin Lueninghoener, Kathy Rygg, Tom Patton, Shelly Nosbisch, Melissa Minassian, Chris Tierney Front row: Anna Hartman, Liz Rease, Carole Sprunk, Gabby Christensen

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

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Welcome

to a new year and new decade!

We are excited to bring our readers and advertising partners the same quality content you’ve come to know along with new ways to engage with Edge Magazine through continued events and social media efforts this year!

If this year has your business growing and needing more space, our cover feature, James Manske with Big Omaha Realty and Findyournextlease.com, will be able to help your business make its next transition. Having experienced his own growing pains over the years, James understands the frustrations and needs when it comes to expansion and wants to help make your next move easier.

Technology workers can be tough to place in Nebraska, which is why The Nebraska Tech Collaborative, an Aksarben Foundation initiative, is working to meet the growing needs of the tech workforce industry through a number of committees focused on obtaining and retaining tech workers in the Heartland.

If this year has you ready to upgrade your windows, roof, or siding, Scott Tafoya and his seasoned, professional team at Arcosanti, Inc., has the latest technology and highest quality products that you can trust.

If you’re looking for a cozy place to catch up with friends and family over a delicious lunch or dinner, J. Coco offers a fresh take on familiar fare.

Your feedback is important to us! We’d love to hear from you. If you haven’t yet subscribed to our sister publication, Dine Magazine, please sign up for your complimentary subscription on the website at dinenebraska.com.

Carole Sprunk Publisher

SPRING 2020

Making good businesses

GREAT BUSINESSES,

by providing professional HR administrative service.

LOCAL EXPLORER TO LEARN MORE VISITÂ WWW.LOCALEXPLORER.COM

a professional employer organization

myalliance.group tel: (402) 344-7700 2566 Leavenworth Street

Every great relationship starts with a strong foundation.

OMAHA 17445 Arbor Street, Suite 100 531-215-0060 4141 N. 156th Street, Suite 101 402-502-5558 WATERLOO 23804 Cedar Drive, Waterloo 402-779-2545

FEBRUARY 2020

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I S S U E

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FEBRUARY 2020

M A G A Z I N E

PUBLISHER AND OWNER Carole Sprunk (402) 587-2259 // Carole@EdgeMagazine.com MANAGING EDITOR Kathy Rygg (402) 490-3213 // Kathy@EdgeMagazine.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Gabby Christensen Anna Hartman Shelly Nosbisch DESIGNERS Quentin Lueninghoener (402) 517-1228 // Quentin@HanscomPark.com Ben Vankat Ben@HanscomPark.com PHOTO STAFF Christopher Tierney Photography (402) 350-5699 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Melissa Minassian (402) 490-3799 // Melissa@EdgeMagazine.com ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Liz Rease (402) 639-6622 // Liz@EdgeMagazine.com Tom Patton (402) 214-5070 // Tom@EdgeMagazine.com CONTACT US P: (402) 587-2259 Carole@EdgeMagazine.com PO Box 620 Elkhorn, NE 68022 Edge is published bi-monthly. Content copyright © 2020 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, Carole Sprunk. 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, PO Box 620, Elkhorn, NE 68022

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FEBRUARY 2020

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CONTENTS COVER story

OUR home 8

22

OUR business

OUR leisure

OUR passion

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34

50

MY concoction

OUR youth

36

56

30

OUR food

VARSITY corner

38

60

Every bean comes from a barrel

YOUR available at:

SPIRIT WORLD 67th & Center

VETERAN ADVOCACY

TEAM

LINDEN MARKET HY-VEE 132nd & West Dodge

HY-VEE

180th & Pacific Locally roasted in Omaha

WWW.CLOUTCOFFEE.COM

402-933-3300 I 13340 California St, Ste 202 Omaha, NE 68154 Ark-La-Tex Financial Services, LLC NMLS# 2143 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). All loans subject to borrower qualifying. This is not a commitment to lend. Other restrictions may apply.

Enjoy up to 2,100 sq.ft. of Luxury Living without the stress of home buying. www.edwardrose.com/lynbrook | 402-739-8215 FEBRUARY 2020

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OUR home

sanctuary SERENITY IN THE

t

ucked inside the rolling hills of The Sanctuary home development in Elkhorn, this lavish French country-style home exudes both comfort and luxury.

From the privacy to the wildlife to the unique scenery of the area, the location was ideal for owners Lana and the late Patrick Clarke, who recruited designer Marshall Wallman to bring this custom-built retreat to fruition.

The Clarkes, who moved into the lush estate in the spring of 2012, had every intention of deeming the property their forever home. However, their plan was halted by Patrick’s sudden passing in a tragic plane accident in the fall of 2012.

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Since then, Lana has decided to downsize, but the decision wasn’t easy. “This would have been our last home,” she said. “We loved our time here very much, and our family has enjoyed every aspect of the home. The craftsmanship and attention to detail throughout the design is what makes this space so flawless and special. Now, it’s time to allow a new family to experience its charm.”

Located in the Elkhorn School District, the 10,000-sq. ft. estate sits on just over two lots and features a dazzling backyard reminiscent of a city park. In fact, the unique shape of the property was designed around the winding trees, so as to not disturb the landscape. Beyond the gated entrance and sprawling three-car

STORY BY GABBY CHRISTENSEN PHOTO PORTFOLIO BY TOM KESSLER PHOTOGRAPHY

A VIEW FOR ALL FEBRUARY 2020

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OUR home

OPEN CONCEPT KITCHEN

garage, a dramatic stone arched entry proclaims elegance, foreshadowing what’s inside.

Upon entering, a two-story spiral staircase, striking woodwork, French doors, and grand arches are just a few of the distinct elements that draw attention.

Each room is unique, as varying textures of walls and beautifully contrasting ceilings display the immense personality of the home. Multiple fireplaces and cozy nooks also help to foster a warm and welcoming appeal throughout the home.

The six-bedroom, eight-bathroom home offers lavish living, dining, and kitchen areas that are ideal for large gatherings and entertaining. The gourmet kitchen features vaulted, beamed ceilings, a large center island, and a spacious pantry. Natural light seeps from one room to the next as grand windows offer a sweeping view of the grounds outside.

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COZY FIRESIDE LIVING

BUTLER’S KITCHEN

E X PA N S I V E E N T E RTA I N M E N T S PA C E

Onward into the expansive master suite, which features a chandelier and crown molded ceiling, a spa-like master bath and adjoining walk-in closet await.

From Lana’s perspective, one of the more favored rooms of the home has been the study/living area that lies at the entrance of the master bedroom. Inside, photos of family line the retreat, where Lana said she has successfully added her own touch of style, referred to as “grandma chic.”

Moving into the lower level of the house, there’s an additional kitchen featuring soapstone countertops, as well as a large living room with wooden beams overhead that originated from the Mattress Factory in Omaha. Also downstairs, a billiards area and theater room allow for excellent entertainment choices.

Around the corner also lies a customized dog wash area and a storage room that doubles as a safe room. For added conve-

COME JOIN THE FAMILY

Amy Chadwell DDS

We make it our mission to provide each patient with compassionate dental care of the highest quality in a friendly, caring environment by skilled employees, who are eager to provide you with exceptional service.

16909 Lakeside Hills Plz #111 Omaha NE, 68130

(402) 884-1828 • chadwelldentistry.com

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FEBRUARY 2020

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OUR home

UNIQUE LIGHT FIXTURES

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BUILD STRENGTH · IMPROVE BALANCE · INCREASE INDURANCE

WE CHANGE THE WAY PEOPLE MOVE. ONE ROTATION AT A TIME. SCHEDULE YOUR FREE SESSION TODAY! MINDY.DUFF@VERTICALLYALIGN.COM 402-250-2144 Retail bottles can be purchased to take home, or drink in the store.

We offer a selection of wines & craft beers to be enjoyed in a comfortable, unique atmosphere.

Vino Mas is perfect for hosting small to mid-size events. Live music 3 times a week!

Your one-stop wine store!

OMAHA CHIROPRACTIC AND SPORTS THERAPY 2055 N. 156TH ST

© 2020 Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork Co., Inc. I Photos © Roger Wade

ALL YOU NEED IS 10 MINUTES, 3 TIMES A WEEK

Kolbe Windows & Doors leads the industry with innovative products that push the boundaries and defy the limits of function, performance and style. Combine unlimited options and custom solutions to frame picturesque views from sunrise to sunset.

Contact the experts at Arcosanti, Inc. to schedule a personal design consultation today.

8415 G Street | Omaha, NE 68127 arcoroofing.net I 402.991.7667 FEBRUARY 2020

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OUR home

S P I R A L S TA I R C A S E W I T H I N T R I C AT E R A I L I N G

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D A Z Z L I N G E N T RY WAY

H O M E T H E AT E R W I T H A M P L E S E AT I N G FEBRUARY 2020

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OUR home

A D D I T I O N A L D E TA C H E D G A R A G E

DINING IN STYLE

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F R E N C H C O U N T RY R E T R E AT FEBRUARY 2020

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OUR home

D R A M AT I C G R A N D E N T R A N C E

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nience, the home also houses an elevator.

Outside, a large fire pit and covered patio face a captivating view of the grand yard.

Looking back, Lana fondly recalled family gatherings, Husker football parties, and time spent with grandchildren in the home. For the Clarkes, this abode was a safe haven that embodied love, family, and faith. Now, as Lana moves onto a new stage in her life, she hopes the home will offer the next owners the same kind of happiness she experienced.

“A great amount of thought went into the creation of this home,” she said. “The house has a lot of character and beautiful features. It will be a lovely space for the next family to treasure and enjoy.”

The luxurious home was listed in the summer of 2019. For additional information or to schedule a private showing, contact Jeff Cohn with kwELITE at (402) 452-0642.

RELAXING SITTING AREA

Simply for You KW Elite puts the client at the center through personalized concierge services and innovative technological advancements, including virtual reality.

We’ll save you time and money when you partner with our exclusive brokerage.

Want an Elite experience?

Contact Jeff Cohn to ask about preferred pricing for Edge Magazine readers

402.452.0642 jeff@kwelite.com 13520 California St. Omaha, NE 68154 ste. 250 kwELITE.com Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

FEBRUARY 2020

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OUR style

Upgrade your bedding Remember as a child how “getting to redo your room” was a major status symbol of moving up the age ladder in the kid universe? Remember how mature you felt when you graduated from character bedding to your “big kid room?” Few things symbolize adulthood more than possessing sophisticated bedding. Our designers have compiled the best tips and trends in today’s bedding. We dare you not to make your bed every morning when your linens are this beautiful!

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Today’s bedding is crisp and tailored. It is really intended to complement, not overpower, the beautiful bedframes that are available now. Upholstered beds are popular, providing a softness and contrast to the wood nightstands, dressers or other case pieces in the room.

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Bedspreads and coverlets are on trend in natural colors and textures. These fabrics and hues allow for a soothing, subtle look that is not jarring or disruptive in a space that is intended to be restful.

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Introduce color and interest with pillows in fabrics with saturated hues and metallic sheens.

We typically design custom bedding for our clients

Story by LINDI JANULEWICZ 20 |

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•

that incorporates three euro pillows across the back, with two shams and then a third layer of either an accent pillow or long bolster pillows.

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Folding a throw or bed scarf at the foot of the bed can provide a pretty contrast of color or texture, giving your bedding a finished look.

Don’t match bedding fabrics to wallcovering borders or drapery panels. This overuse of one fabric or pattern becomes overwhelming. Instead, rely on the expertise of a designer to pull a collection of fabrics in different colors and textures together for your bedding ensemble to give it a custom, sophisticated feel that you will enjoy for years to come!

Photos Courtesy of Interiors Joan & Associates

YOUR LUXURY EXPERT IN 2020

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We designed Sakoon The Spa around our belief that human

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connection is the primary drive in all people, and that human touch and self care are important life affirming actions. Whether you choose to come to the spa for a body wrap, massage, facial, or one of our medical wellness modalities, or quite simply an afternoon of bonding with friends in our lounge, we will strive to connect to you and serve your desires.

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THE PLACES YOU LIVE SHOULD REFLECT THE LIFE YOU Trusted experience. In-demand trends. Interior Design.

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Omaha | Lincoln | interiorsbyjoan.com

W W W. S A K O O N T H E S PA . C O M FEBRUARY 2020

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grow

ROOM to

James Manske helps position businesses for successful growth

Story by KATHY RYGG Photos by CHRISTOPHER TIERNEY PHOTOGRAPHY

E

ntrepreneurs are all too familiar with the challenge of starting a business out of their home or small office, only to quickly find themselves in need of a larger space. Rather than go through the frustrating process of driving around town looking for lease signs, enlisting the help of an expert saves time. It also helps eliminate the risk of moving into a space that is either too large or one that doesn’t allow for future growth and scalability.

James Manske with Big Omaha Realty and Findyournextlease.com has experienced all of these first-hand. An Omaha native, his entrepreneurial spirit began at a young age when he sold golf balls and soda to golfers on the course behind his parents’ house. In high school he started his own lawn business with 70 homes, which he eventually grew into Elkhorn Lawn Care with seven divisions that he

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still owns today. After earning degrees in finance and international business from the University of Nebraska Omaha, Manske experienced the growing pains of trying to find space for his lawn and landscape business, going from a home office, to small commercial offices, and finally needing large flex warehouse space for his growing staff and equipment. He soon realized there wasn’t

James Manske FEBRUARY 2020

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COVER story

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Located in the Missouri Ozark Mountains overlooking Table Rock Lake, Big Cedar Lodge offers inviting accommodations, spectacular restaurants and unparalleled nature attractions. Featuring five golf courses by the world’s top designers, an 18,000 square-foot spa, two marinas, a natural history museum and so much more, Big Cedar Lodge is the ideal destination. Call or visit the website to plan your getaway today.

Ranked the #1 Resort in the Midwest for 3 Consecutive Years – Travel and Leisure Magazine

800.225.6343 | BIGCEDAR.COM FEBRUARY 2020

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COVER story

anyone in the business of helping small companies transition through their growth stages.

Manske got his real estate broker license in the spring of 2018 and launched his leasing company a year later. He said his own experiences with finding space, coupled with his knowledge of Omaha, especially the West Omaha market and its demographics, and his network of professionals such as architects, attorneys, and other realtors, make him uniquely positioned to help businesses with up to 50 employees find space to meet their growing needs. “I know what it’s like to be on the business owner side and on the representation side,” he said.

Further, his services are free to the business; his compensation comes from the building landlord.

Industrial flex warehouse space is sparse around town, and construction costs are high, so space is difficult to find, especially stand-alone buildings in West Omaha. And with a prosperous economy, businesses are extending their existing leases longer, making it more difficult to find quick availability.

But that’s where Manske’s expertise is invaluable. He can do the leg work to find options and only bring in the business owner when necessary. “I’ve been in the trenches myself and have gone through all the growing pains of looking for space multiple times,” he said. “I also have a good track record and pride myself on how I operate as a business owner and member of the community.”

Not only does Manske help businesses find new

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space, he also helps them renegotiate their existing leases with renewals—another service he offers at no charge to the company. “Very often business owners and medical professionals don’t renegotiate their renewals or have someone to help represent them during the renegotiation process,” Manske explained. It’s often difficult for small businesses to plan for future growth, an area in which Manske excels. He knows how many work spaces can realistically fit into an office, how much equipment a warehouse can hold, or whether or not a space can be renovated for future growth. Ideally, the best time to start looking for new space is 6 to 12 months before the current lease expires.

After two years in the business, Manske’s goal for 2020 is to be a disruptor in the leasing industry by helping as many businesses as he can and help the market growth in Omaha. With a solid team on the lawn and landscape side, Manske has the flexibility to work with business owners according to their timeframe, showing space when it’s convenient for them and being available 24/7. His favorite part of what he does is handing the tenant their keys and seeing their excitement over the promise of growing their business. “It’s a big step for most small businesses, and I want to continue to work with them as their business grows and reaches new levels.” For more information, contact James Manske at James@BigOmahaRealty.com, or call 402-660-3453.

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FEBRUARY 2020

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OUR fashion

Baby, it’s cold outside 28 |

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Story by SUSIE KIZER Photos by Maria Kizer

A

re you dreaming of or planning a warm weather escape? If so, it can be difficult trying to decide what to pack for your beach getaway. A warm weather vacation is all about comfort and easy vibes so you’ll want to pack accordingly.

Here are three suggestions for a stylish look while on vacation, on the beach, sightseeing and shopping, or enjoying a relaxing dinner.

Casual Pool/Beach Days: Be sure to pack a swimsuit with a cute cover up, sandals, a woven bag for your beach/pool essentials, (sunglasses, reading material, cell phone, and sunscreen) and don’t forget a hat to protect your face from the sun! Bring a second (or third) swimsuit and cover up to be mixed and matched for a different stylish look every day.

Casual Sightseeing or Shopping: Rompers, loose fitting dresses, or skirts are a great option for sightseeing and/or shopping. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes or sandals and pair with a cute cross body bag to keep your valuables close. Grab a hat and sunscreen if you are planning to be out in the sun.

Evening Cocktails & Dinner: A silky, short dress, skirt, or slacks paired with a light jacket or wrap is a great option for enjoying cocktails at sunset or dinner near the beach. Add a stylish heel and a fashionable clutch purse to dress up any outfit. Adding a fun pair of earrings will add sparkle and the finishing touch to your fabulous look.

Fabulous Fashions Boutique has the latest spring fashions and accessories arriving daily. Whether you are headed to the tropics or just can’t wait to add to your spring wardrobe, we are always available to help you find your fabulous look. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to view our sales and events. We hope to see you soon!

Feel Fabulous, Look Fabulous, Be Fabulous!

Fabulous Fashions Boutique is an upscale contemporary women’s apparel and accessories boutique targeting sophisticated, trendy women of all ages.

www.fabulousfashionsomaha.com 14450 Eagle Run Drive | 402.578.3415 LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED

FEBRUARY 2020

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OUR business

a

Arcosanti sets the standard for conducting business with integrity

rcosanti, Inc. is a unique name befitting a unique company. The name stems from the words “architecture” and “ecology,” both of which have been passions for decades for local owner and Omaha native Scott Tafoya. What started as a roofing company has grown to include gutters, siding, and now custom, high-end windows. But what sets Arcosanti apart in an industry filled with similar businesses is the philosophy on which Tafoya has built his company and reputation for more than 20 years.

Story by KATHY RYGG

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bar

RAISING THE

P H OTO BY C H R I STO P H E R T I E R N E Y P H OTO G R A P H Y

FEBRUARY 2020

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OUR business

Joking that he must be the most over-educated roofer in the country, Tafoya earned a degree in architecture from the University of Nebraska Lincoln, and then went on to earn his MBA and worked toward a Master’s degree in architecture. However, while working for an architecture firm, he realized he’d rather build what he was drawing, so he started Arcosanti Homes. He was the first in Omaha to build an Energy Star home followed by the first green-certified home, and served as the president of the Nebraska Green Builders Association for 10 years.

After a successful run in home build32 |

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ing, the housing market bubble burst, and Tafoya “lost everything.” He started over by working for a local contractor, installing roofs, siding, decks, cabinets— anything that came along. During the process he learned a lot about the insurance claims side too. He eventually went out on his own, and installed five roofs his first year, working out of his truck with his dog by his side. Last year—only four years later—Arcosanti installed 350 roofs and has a dozen team members.

Admittedly, the rapid growth has made Tafoya uncomfortable at times. “I was extremely nervous to grow beyond something I could sustain,” he said. “I

don’t want to lose everything twice.”

Hiring other experts in the industry and trusting them to manage sales has enabled Tafoya to transition from salesman to CEO, so that he can focus on running the company. He also recognized that sustainability in the roofing industry meant storm-proofing it, so he decided to venture into a window division led by Scott Mann, who researched and found Wisconsin-based Kolbe windows, which specializes in high-end, custom full replacement windows.

Going forward Tafoya would like to have the siding and window divisions be the company’s bread and butter, with

PA U L A M O S E R

Back Row (L to R) George Schlotterbeck, Trent Renken, Mark Rasmussen, Terry Polsley Middle Row (L to R) Kim Jones, Erin Bifaro, Ryan Winkler, Dana Langfeldt Front Row (L to R) Tom Pfannenstiel, Buddy, Scott Tafoya, Scott Mann

roofing supplementing the business as it comes. Omaha has seen its fair share of hailstorms, so there are lots of new roofs in town, and as insurance coverage decreases and deductibles go up, the industry will become increasingly more difficult. There is also the battle against a low standard in the roofing industry.

Tafoya said while there are a number of other reputable roofers in town, there are many who aren’t. Arcosanti employs salaried people, not commissioned, who share his values and uphold the reputation and integrity that Tafoya, and his father before him, built locally. “I would never embarrass my father by conducting business in a way that he wouldn’t conduct his own business,” he said.

In fact, Tafoya is part of a network of other roofers from around the country who are like-minded. They install better products, don’t use canvasing techniques in neighborhoods to gain sales, instead working mainly with referrals, and employing professional, family-oriented people. “There’s less competition at the top, and that’s where we want to be,” he said. Having a green company is also still important to Tafoya. Using better products ensures that it won’t end up torn down and in a landfill in 10 years. Solar roofs would be his ideal, but unfortunately the Midwest doesn’t lend itself to that yet.

Technology is another focus for Arcosanti. Tafoya said he was one of the first roofers to obtain his insurance adjustor’s license as well as become licensed to fly a drone for roof inspections. He also purchased an Equipter for debris removal, which enables them to access the back of a home without tearing up landscaping. They also offer financing for windows and siding, a trend that will continue to increase. Tafoya said the biggest area for growth will be commercial projects. He said it takes time and patience to break into it, but Arcosanti paid its dues and has proven itself with smaller projects so now larger opportunities have opened up.

All that Arcosanti offers boils down to one thing: trust. Tafoya said you can trust them to do what they say they’ll do and they will stand behind it. “We’re not going anywhere, and we’re easy to find. We all live in town, too. We own our building, are here all year long, and you can get a hold of us if you call.

We’re easy to find. In this industry there is plenty of room for companies that operate with integrity.”

IT’S TIME TO BUILD YOUR

DREAM HOME!

It’s 2020 - the year your dream home becomes a reality! With the expertise of three generations of builders, you can trust Citadel Signature Homes to build it with the utmost in care and craftsmanship.

Getting to know you and creating your custom home go hand in hand. Contact us to start the conversation today.

MELISSA MINASSIAN

LINDSAY WARREN

Realtor, Elite NE Real Estate Team at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Owner, Citadel Signature Homes

402.490.3799

402.201.4213

FEBRUARY 2020

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OUR leisure

dynamic Three

D E S T I N AT I O N S

TOPPING ROSE HOUSE

BY

land

Topping Rose House | Bridgehampton, NY When to travel: Year-round When to book: 3-6 months in advance Why the Topping Rose House: Nestled in the heart of the Hamptons, the Topping Rose House is the Hamptons’ first full-service luxury hotel featuring 22 exquisite guestrooms spread throughout the property. Ideally situated within walking distance of numerous entertainment options, guests can conveniently visit boutiques, art galleries, cafés and more, so you’re sure to find activities suitable to the whole group. At the end of the day, relax and rejuvenate in the spa with entirely customized treatments just for you.

Travel and Transport Exclusive Offer*: Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability; complimentary full breakfast for two daily, $100 USD Spa Services credit, early check-in/check-out, subject to availability, complimentary Wi-Fi.

BY

air

Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea | Pleasant Holidays When to travel: Year-round When to book: 9-12 months in advance Why the Four Seasons Resort in Maui with Pleasant Holidays: Maui’s top Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond resort is nestled on 15 acres of the breathtaking Wailea Coast. This oceanfront property is world-renowned for its comfortable opulence, impeccable service and luxurious amenities. The resort is also home to one of the nation’s top-rated spas committed to wellness and three of Hawai‘i’s most acclaimed restaurants. This sophisticated home away from home caters to the needs and interests of all generations—offering worldclass activities, a museum quality art collection, and three pools overlooking the Pacific Ocean including an adults-only Serenity Pool. A Hawaiian vacation destination geared to action adventurers, those guests wishing to practice the fine art of doing nothing at all, and everyone in between.

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BY

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When to travel: Departures vary throughout the year When to book: 12-15 months in advance Why Panama Canal with Princess Cruises: Venturing from ocean to ocean your trip with Princess Cruises will be as memorable as your various destinations.

Soak in the exotic views from Los Angeles, CA to the lush terrain and calm waters of Central American paradises of Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama.

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F O U R S E A SO N S M A U I -WA I L E A FEBRUARY 2020

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MY concoction

Mantra Bar and Grille 6913 Maple St. (402) 933-1666 mantraomaha.com

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1

5

What you need: • Casamigos Blanco • Casamigos Mezcal • Fresh lime juice

• Honey simple syrup • Lime wedge

2 Combine first four ingredients in shaker with ice

steps

Shake well

3

to the perfect cocktail THE BAR: Mantra Bar and Grille THE BARTENDER: Jake THE DRINK: Honeysuckle

4

5

Pour into glass

Garnish with lime wedge FEBRUARY 2020

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OUR food

J. COCO 5203 Leavenworth St. (402) 884-2626 www.jcocoomaha.com

l JENNIFER COCO AND EXECUTIVE CHEF PEDRO GARCIA

Home-grown flavor Story by ANNA HARTMAN | Photos by CHRISTOPHER TIERNEY PHOTOGRAPHY 38 |

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ocated in the darling Dundee neighborhood, the dining room at J. Coco is flanked by cozy booths and a gorgeous bar, drawing diners in with warm wood tones and fixtures. Large picture windows afford sparkling street views, and in warmer months, a patio beckons with aromas of fresh vegetables and herbs. The engaging space, serving as a grocery in a past life, is a virtual extension of Executive Chef and owner Jennifer Coco’s personal dining room.

Large murals that depict vintage scenes of Omaha grocers also serve as acoustic panels, facilitating a quiet, elegant atmosphere. The historical scenes are complemented by unique and colorful modern art created by Michael Rhoades, another accomplished Omaha chef. Led by general manager Scott Thornton, service at the establishment is sincere, attentive, and unfussy. A private party room features an interesting Rhoades sculpture along one wall and a view into the bustling kitchen on the other.

A James Beard award semi-finalist, Coco is humble and kind, setting the tone for the jovial, pleasant, and relaxed atmosphere that reigns in both the dining room and kitchen. She boasts no formal training, starting at The Omaha Baking Company and working her way through college in various eateries.

Learning from local chefs, reading books, and good old-fashioned trial and error, Coco remembers a healthy dose of

ROASTED PORK SHANK FEBRUARY 2020

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OUR food

P I S TA C H I O C A K E

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HERBED SALMON ROULADE

C R A B R A N G O O N F L AT B R E A D FEBRUARY 2020

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OUR food

SEABASS

XO X ASTED QUINOA SALAD T

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“practicing and failing” in her early years in the industry. Stints at Omaha’s Spanna, V. Mertz, and the Flatiron Café further honed her skills and focused her flavors, earning her the James Beard nod and giving her the confidence to branch out and open her own spot.

According to Coco, the best thing about her job is the connections with others, forged in and out of the kitchen. “Every day is a different day,” she shared. “We ask ourselves daily how we can make the dining experience better.” J. Coco’s staff is grateful for regular patrons and thrilled when new diners discover the intimate eatery for the first time.

Executive Chef Pedro Garcia and Coco have known each other for more than 20 years, sharing experiences and flavors with warmth and love. Hailing from Oaxaca, Mexico, Garcia is a master saucier, able to seamlessly meld flavors from his childhood with the elevated dishes served at J. Coco.

Garcia’s eyes light up when sharing his thoughts on food, tradition, and history, while Coco sits back and listens with a smile. He cooks like his mother and loves to try new things. In Oaxaca, celebrations call for special dishes, and Garcia relishes the exploration of these flavors.

Purveyors such as Plum Creek Farms, In Season, Rosebud, and Omaha Steaks provide the beautiful raw materials needed to craft the flavorful, creative gustatory experiences regular diners know and love. The food resonates on many levels, evoking nostalgia while pleasing sophisticated palates. “Food has the ability to passionately connect people to memories,” remarked Coco. “We invite diners to celebrate not just special occasions, but every day.”

A wide variety of starter and salad options provide something for everyone. The Crab Rangoon Flatbread is bright and rich, while the Toasted Quinoa Salad is a beautiful, colorful creation, often featuring seasonal vegetables and fruits. Dressed with a light champagne and mustard vinaigrette, the dish is perfect for sharing.

Mains include the Herbed Salmon Roulade with forbidden rice, a dish so popular they recently brought it back to the menu. The entrée includes well-seasoned and prepared salmon perched atop gorgeous black rice, a sweet carrot ginger beurre fondue, and crisp salad of tender greens.

Another offering, the Seabass, presents an Asian flavor profile that features sake-marinated seabass served with crisp-tender marinated vegetables mingling with crispy vegetable pot stickers, drizzled with a tangy ginger vinaigrette, and dotted with a rich soy glaze.

Garcia said the Roasted Pork Shank reminds him of Oaxacan tamales—tender roasted meat falling off the bone, served with jalapeño grits reminiscent of masa, guajillo broth, finishing with the piquant bite of pickled red onion. Luscious desserts by local baker Tierney Neneman round out the meal, including the delicate pistachio cake with cream cheese buttercream.

Omaha offers a variety of dining options, and the advent of food trucks and popups have allowed greater accessibility for cooks to share their unique flavors and creations. Coco is grateful to be a part of such a dynamic, thriving community, whether through her namesake restaurant, mentoring upand-coming chefs, or donating her time and talents to various charitable organizations.

Stop in for a delectable meal at J. Coco—reservations are recommended, but small parties are happily seated at the bar.

A prix fixe dinner is available on Valentine’s Day, and patio time will be upon us soon. No matter the time of year, you are always welcome.

event coordination event design floral design specialty event rentals custom builds personalized gifts

Andrea Zahourek

Owner + Creative Director (402) 719-5067 www.azevents.co

FEBRUARY 2020

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OUR wellness

Stop struggling in school

By DR. STEPHEN STINN

If you receive negative emails from your child’s school or homework is becoming more and more of a struggle, a Brain-Body Disconnect could be why. No, they are not lazy.

They are not unintelligent, and it is not bad parenting.

Most forms of healthcare will follow a top-down approach, managing symptoms, instead of searching for the root cause. With my pediatric patients that are struggling in school, whether that is with concentration, focus, reading comprehension, sitting still, behavioral issues, etc., I look for any Brain-Body Disconnects that might exist.

If your satellite dish is getting unclear data, it will produce a fuzzy screen on your TV. The fuzzy screen isn’t actually the problem. It is the secondary condition to a much bigger primary condition, the satellite getting unclear data. The same is true with the human body. The lack of concentration, focus, reading comprehension, sitting still, etc. is a secondary condition to a bigger primary condition: a Brain-Body Disconnect.

The part of the brain called the cerebellum is often called “the brain within the brain” and filters information between the brain and the body. It determines whether your child will be able to read easily, write, behave, play sports in a coordinated fashion, develop social skills, and focus. If it is underdeveloped, your child has not unlocked their full potential in school.

These are the diagnostic indicators we look for to see if the cerebellum is underdeveloped and if your child is experiencing a Brain-Body Disconnect.

• Retained primitive reflexes: These are reflexes we are born with but they

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should go away by about 6 months of age. If they stick around, it is a direct indicator the brain stem has not fully developed which can cause many issues in school later on.

• Poor balance, coordination, and core strength: This is a direct window into the role of the cerebellum as well as the vestibular (balance) system, which feeds into the cerebellum.

• Poor Eye-Tracking: We use a state-ofthe-art tablet to quantify how your eyes are moving. For example, you will read off of this special tablet and it has sensors that show exactly where your eyes tracked when you read that page. Are your eyes actually moving across the line in a smooth fashion or are they jumping back and forth, up and down?

If you’re interested in learning more, call my office at 402.504.4676 for a complimentary phone consult. If you decide to move forward with a Complete Brain & Body Connection Examination, you will receive $100 off when you mention you saw us in Edge Magazine!

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Lisa M. Lehan Estate Planning Attorney lisa.lehan@koleyjessen.com 402.343.3881

1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 800 Omaha, NE 68124 koleyjessen.com

FEBRUARY 2020

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FEBRUARY 2020

| 47

THE WRITE PLAN

a column on estate and financial planning for everyone

Retirement savings rules change under new SECURE Act

By LISA M. LEHAN, J.D.

T

he Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019 was signed into law on December 20, 2019 as part of the federal government spending bill. The SECURE Act includes many provisions intended to help Americans save more for retirement.

The Act includes pension-related provisions that incentivize employers to adopt employer-sponsored plans and provide lifetime income options to employees, and also requires long-term part-time workers to be included in an employer’s 401(k) plan. As Americans live and work longer, the Act allows those who are still working to make contributions to a traditional IRA beyond age 70 ½.

The Act also makes changes to plan distribution requirements from employer-provided qualified retirement accounts (i.e., 401(k) accounts), traditional IRAs, and individual retirement annuities. Under prior law, an individual generally must begin “required minimum distributions” on April 1 of the calendar year following the later of the calendar year in which he or she reaches age 70 ½ or retires.

The SECURE Act increases the age for RMDs to age 72 for individuals who reach age 70 ½ after December 31, 2019. The prior RMD age was based on life expectancies set in the early 1960s.

This change has the potential to allow retirement accounts to grow without being reduced by distributions and

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taxes. If you turn 70 ½ in 2020, you should review your overall financial plan and potentially reconsider your withdrawal plans.

The SECURE Act also changes the rules for post-death RMDs by removing the “stretch-IRA” provisions. Under prior law, with proper planning a beneficiary could stretch out the RMDs over his or her own life expectancy, allowing longer tax-deferred growth.

Under the new law, for account owners who pass away on or after January 1, 2020, most beneficiaries are required to take their entire inherited retirement account within 10 years of the decedent’s death. This is the revenue raising component of the SECURE Act. There are exceptions for surviving spouses, minor children, as well as disabled and chronically ill beneficiaries.

In light of the SECURE Act’s changes to the post-death distribution rules, it is important to review your beneficiary designations, particularly if you’ve named a trust as a beneficiary to your retirement account. More than likely, your trust will need to be updated to comply with the new rules regarding distributions from inherited retirement accounts.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR I am a shareholder of Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O., located in One Pacific Place. My practice is focused on estate and tax planning. Outside of the office, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our three children. For help with your family’s estate and tax planning needs, please contact me directly at lisa.lehan@koleyjessen.com or 402.343.3881.

Gamification: The secret to motivating your employees

M Y T WO

cents S

S

S James Kernan serves as a principal consultant for Kernan Consulting and

provides coaching, advising, and mentoring programs to business owners and leaders.

The company offers one-on-one coaching, peer groups, and training as well.

Happy employees will always be more productive. Staff who like their jobs perform better, work harder, and stay with a company longer. Therefore, we need to look at ways to make work more fun and enjoyable. Gamification is one technique employers can use. By tapping into the competitive spirit and hunger for recognition, gratification, and feedback we all have, gamification can help you engage employees, improve productivity, and reduce staff turnover.

1. Identify goals for each employee and department you want to reach.

2. Determine the changes in skills and behavior required to reach your goals.

3. Design the game around your employees.

4. Make the purpose of the game clear to employees through weekly reinforcement and transparency.

5. Distribute rewards on a timely and consistent basis.

What Is Gamification?

Gamification is turning the operations, processes, and competition of gaming into a system that encourages participation and loyalty. The idea is to take something business-focused and make it fun, driving better engagement with your employees, vendors, and customers while creating a community in which everyone is driven to get involved. You can use games to encourage sales teams to close more deals, help desks to answer more calls, or customers to buy more products. When done right, it will get you faster results and even win you more long-term clients.

Make Sure It’s Fun Please don’t forget to make your game fun, or else all your effort will have been for naught. Involve employees in the process from start to finish. Consider creating a small group to present and beta test ideas, and then to serve as advocates for the game after it’s rolled out. Try to keep all your communication about the game positive and encouraging. Share the results with the team and point out the top producers. You’ll be surprised how reliably peers will poke at the low producers, so you won’t have to.

The Five-Step Process To set up gamification in your workplace, follow these steps:

When executed well, gamification can generate impactful results across an organization. It will give your business a positive boost while also making work more fun and enjoyable for your employees.

FEBRUARY 2020

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OUR passion

heartland HIGH-TECH

Story by KATHY RYGG Photos by CHRISTOPHER TIERNEY PHOTOGRAPHY

Nebraska Tech Collaborative aims to grow the state’s technology workforce

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With all that Omaha and the State of Nebraska have to offer, one of the biggest concerns shared by business, organizations, and government is the continued struggle to retain and attract tech workers. Community leaders have addressed the issue at various levels for a number of years but found it difficult to gain traction. Last year the Aksarben Foundation, which is celebrating its 125th year of addressing Nebraska’s most pressing needs, joined the effort and launched the Nebraska Tech Collaborative—a joint effort among stakeholders to grow

Nebraska’s tech workforce.

Local companies such as Nelnet, CQuence Health, and Mutual of Omaha, raised the flag to bring awareness to the issue, and Aksarben Foundation stepped in to help formalize the initiative so that all parties could work from a shared plan using the same research and set of terms, while recognizing that “there’s no one set plan,” according to Foundation President Sandra Reding. “A lot of companies are competing for talent, but they’re willing to come together to find ways around the same obstacle. We want to continue

N E B R A S K A T E C H C O L L A B O R AT I V E P R E S I D E N T J O N A VA N D E U N

FEBRUARY 2020

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OUR passion

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OUR passion

to move everyone forward and make an impact.”

Several committees were created, and a summit was held to hear concerns from business leaders, educators and philanthropists. They quickly realized the need to bring in someone to lead the initiative and hired Jona Van Deun, a Nebraska native who had been working in Washington, D.C. and recently made the move back to Omaha. In her first 90 days with Aksarben’s Nebraska Tech Collaborative, Van Deun met with the committees, each of which has a specified focus: pre-k through 12th grade, higher education, internships, talent attraction, career change, veterans, and diversity and inclusion. She also organized a follow-up summit that gathered more than 200 people, including the Governor of Nebraska, to get input on the issue.

“There have been a lot of great people already working on amazing programs and projects, but they don’t have time to connect, so our role is to be an aggregator and validator for the tech industry,” Van Deun said. “My job is to put focus and strategy into how we develop and attract talent to Nebraska, allowing both business and educators to weigh in on this issue.” Much of that initial work involves meeting as many people as possible and connecting people, from education, private sector, government, and especially the start-up community, which needs mentors, talent, and funding.

Each of the committees has developed actionable and scaleable plans that are being put into action. The committee addressing career change has been advocating for those individuals who are underemployed and looking to switch industries. With an abundance of call centers throughout Nebraska, there has been exploration around transitioning customer support staff into higher-skill, higher-wage technology workers and what type of training this would entail.

“Technology is at the forefront of nearly every job in every industry,” Van Deun said. “We need to start thinking 54 |

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and being more strategic on the frontend and support educators as they best try to prepare students for the careers of tomorrow.” The higher education committee is looking at ways to encourage both high school and college students to incorporate computer science courses into their course work to better prepare them for jobs that don’t even exist yet.

The University of Nebraska and the community college systems are each heavily invested in the initiative.

The internship committee is working with Millard Public Schools and Avenue Scholars Foundation on Intern Omaha, which seeks to pair high school students with businesses for paid internship opportunities and hands-on learning experiences. Talent attraction and retention is another large part of the initiative, and while each committee works to cover new ground and reach measurable progress in impacting this issue, each is also staying mindful of how to increase diversity and inclusion in what is the traditionally male-dominated field of technology. This step alone is thought to increase attraction and retention to the state. The Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce and Lincoln Chamber of Commerce have also joined together to create OptIn, an effort to aggregate available jobs through one online portal.

Refining and executing the best strategies is no easy task, but Van Deun exudes nothing but excitement and enthusiasm for what lies ahead.

“Everyone is working together to solve the same problem,” she said. “We all need tech talent to be successful, and when it is, we thrive as a community and as a state.” Nebraskans are known for being modest, but that’s one asset that has turned into a liability, according to Van Deun. “We’ve got a great story to tell, so we need to tell it more often and brag about it. With so many incredible companies and tech jobs right here, who wouldn’t want to come work right here in Nebraska?”

FEBRUARY 2020

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OUR youth

T

here are many ways that people connect with one another, but music is one way that spans generations. It’s what led sixteen-year-old Joseph Zhong, a junior at Millard North High School, to start his own music group, the Dreams Quartet, which later expanded into the Joy Group—a volunteer program in which Zhong teaches students and then they perform pieces together for retirement communities throughout the area.

Edge: When did you first start playing an instrument?

Joseph: I started off playing guitar and then clarinet. In third grade I started playing violin and fell in love with that and kept at it. But I’ve been performing since first grade, when I danced with the Nebraska Chinese Association.

Edge: When did you come up with the idea for the Joy Group?

Joseph: I started performing on my own in eighth grade, and then a few of my friends wanted to join me a year later so we formed the Dreams Quartet. A month after that we formed the Joy Group for elementary kids who wanted to perform but didn’t play an instrument yet. So I started teaching them.

Story by EDGE STAFF 56 |

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joy

SPREADNG

FEBRUARY 2020

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OUR youth

JOSEPH ZHONG

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Edge: Why did you decide to perform at retirement communities?

Edge: Do you perform anywhere other than retirement communities?

Joseph: There’s nothing better than seeing people smile while we perform. It helps us connect with one another. And the part I love most is talking to the elderly people after a concert and hearing how the music impacts them. Usually it brings back a happy memory for them and they comment on what a good experience it was. It’s really special.

Joseph: I perform with the Omaha Symphony during Christmas. It’s a lot of time and work, but it’s also a stress reliever from school.

Edge: How many students are in the Joy Group?

Joseph: There are between 20-30 people at any given time. It’s a lot to coordinate. I choose most of the music but also work with a piano teacher and a saxophone teacher for the kids who play those instruments since I don’t play them. We perform about 10 times per year.

Edge: What will happen to the Joy Group after you graduate from high school?

Joseph: I’m currently training someone to take over my role. In the beginning I just wanted to perform, but then it grew into this whole program, and I hope it will be sustainable.

Edge: What other activities are you involved in?

Joseph: I also run track and cross country for Millard North and am the vice president of the Math Club and participate in the science bowl.

Edge: Can anyone join the Joy Group?

Edge: What are your plans for the future?

Joseph: Yes, anyone can join as long as they are at least seven years old, and they can be from any school. We have kids from Millard, Westside, and even UNO.

Joseph: I’m thinking about going into either banking or cyber security. But music is such a big part of my life, no matter what I do, I can’t see music ever not being a part of it.

There’s nothing better than seeing people smile while we perform. It helps us connect with one another. And the part I love most is talking to the elderly people after a concert and hearing how the music impacts them.

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VARSITY corner

A MILITANT

MINDSET Paige Fixemer | Senior Millard South High School

By SHELLY NOSBISCH No one was more surprised than Millard South senior Paige Fixemer when her Premier volleyball coach Sarah Hughbanks pulled her aside two years ago and suggested she consider playing volleyball for the Army. “West Point? Me? No,” she recalled.

Hughbanks, who previously coached at West Point and served in the Army herself, saw potential in Fixemer. But it wasn’t until she talked to West Point volleyball coach Alma Kovaci Lee for an hour and a half on the phone that Paige’s interest was piqued.

Fixemer attended a volleyball camp at West Point the following summer, which is when she knew it was a fit. “I got this feeling that I belonged there.” She stayed in the barracks and got a taste of what it would be like as she watched the cadets go about their training. She was hooked. “I knew this was somewhere I could be happy and grow as a person.”

This past summer, Fixemer attended Summer Leadership Experience (SLE) training. According to her mother Sally, “It’s a day in the life of a cadet. You do PT (physical training), your classes, leadership and military training for seven days.” As part of her training, Fixemer was able to shoot an M4 and a grenade launcher in a simulation lab. “That was the best week of my life.”

Everyone at West Point is technically on a scholarship because it is 100 percent fully funded for all cadets. Being a recruited athlete helped a bit with admissions, but even with a Letter of Assurance (LOA), Fixemer still had to pass the medical exam, the candidate fitness assessment and get a nomination from one of her state representatives. Representative Don Bacon and Senators Ben Sasse and Deb Fisher each had their own application process, including a board interview.

“It’s so intimidating to sit across a table of eight people who are successful, retired military,” Fixemer said. It was a six month process, but she finally received nominations from both Representative Bacon and Senator Fisher in December.

Although Fixemer’s parents were nervous about having her go into the Army, Hughbanks reassured them as long as she is herself and does what she’s supposed to do, she’ll be fine. “If that’s where she wants to be, and that makes her happy, we’ll support her,” Sally said. Fixemer is excited about her future at West Point. “Same thing with volleyball and with life—if I set my mind to it, I’m going to do it.”

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CHRISTOPHER TIERNEY PHOTOGRAPHY

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VARSITY corner

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A WORLD OF

OPPORTUNITY Jakason Burks | Senior Burke High School

By SHELLY NOSBISCH When Jakason Burks started wrestling at five years old, he never imagined that someday he’d be traveling across the world to represent the United States. “I’m nothing special. Just a regular kid and a wrestler.” But in 2018, he and his older brother James were the first set of brothers to qualify for the Cadet World Team and to wrestle against the best wrestlers in the world at the United World Wrestling Championship in Croatia.

Now a senior, Burks wrestles for Omaha Burke High School from November through February and wrestles with MWC Wrestling Academy throughout the rest of the year, traveling the country. “I like traveling. The first time I got on a plane was because of wrestling.” He doesn’t have time for much else because wrestling is year-round. “When I have free time, I usually have to do my school work or relax when I can.” He enjoys the brotherhood on the Omaha Burke team. “This year, coming in, there were a lot of freshman and new kids so we had to build the brotherhood up again, but they’re putting a lot of effort in and working hard.”

Oklahoma State University will be Burk’s new home in the fall of 2020. He announced his decision to wrestle for the Cowboys on Twitter in February 2019, although the decision was difficult. “When it was time to start telling colleges where I wanted to go, it was tough.” He’d also visited the University of Nebraska Lincoln and Iowa State University, but when he got to Oklahoma State and wrestling coach John Smith talked to Burks about loyalty, “I just knew.” Burks is considering pursuing a career in real estate, but he’s also thought about following his mom’s footsteps and going into nursing.

Burks won the state tournament his sophomore and junior years and plans a repeat in 2020 for his senior year. “Confidence is a factor,” he said. “When I go to big tournaments, even though I know I’m ranked, I feel like I’ve got to live up to the expectations, but now I focus on just having fun like I used to instead of taking it so seriously.”

CHRISTOPHER TIERNEY PHOTOGRAPHY

FEBRUARY 2020

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