Edge Magazine October 2020

OCTOBER 2020

M A G A Z I N E

Classic meets contemporary at 402 Eat + Drink Share a laugh with cartoonist Jeff Koterba

JEFF COHN’S

TECH-POWERED APPROACH TO REAL ESTATE

Help Boys Town Youth Shine this Holiday Season “The thing about tangled Christmas lights is that most adults don't have the patience to untangle them. They just throw them out.

Before Boys Town, that's what all the adults in my life did. They just gave up on me.”

— A BOYS TOWN CHILD

The best part of untangling Christmas lights is seeing how beautiful they can be when you’re done.

Our children come to Boys Town tangled up in all kinds of ways, and your support gives us the ability to help them glow brighter than ever.

1912-360-05

Your donation truly shows our boys and girls they are worth the effort to make them shine.

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Find out more by calling 531-355-1300.

LETTER from the PUBLISHER

CHRISTOPHER TIERNEY

Anna Hartman, Carole Sprunk, Gabby Christensen, Kathy Rygg

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 the seven year anniversary issue of Edge Magazine! What a year it’s been. We are also celebrating the one year anniversary issue of our sister publication, Dine Magazine.

This issue is packed with so many great stories. Our cover feature, Jeff Cohn and his team at kwELITE, are rapidly growing and evolving the real estate industry. Using the latest in technology, he is creating an environment to educate, inspire, and motivate his team to reach the best version of themselves.

A business that stepped up to help the community during the pandemic was Core Bank. Its team processed 800 loans for the Paycheck Protection Program, which is a testament to its commitment to going above and beyond to help people and businesses.

One of the stories I am especially excited to share is that of Omaha World-Herald Editorial Cartoonist, Jeff Koterba. I enjoyed the funny pages growing up but also found myself drawn to his cartoons.

I found it fascinating the way a single cartoon can inspire a new way of thinking. Having just celebrated 31 years at the Omaha World-Herald, I’m excited to share his story.

There is a new eatery in Village Pointe.

402 Eat + Drink is a must stop for a delicious meal while out shopping. Afterward, head over to Rockbrook Village for a cocktail at the elegant September’s Upscale.

Our staff recently got some cool facemask swag thanks to artist Danielle Easdale who created them using the cover she designed for the April 2018 issue. We can now showcase Edge while we are doing our part to help keep others safe during this time.

We would love to hear from you.

Please follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn for updates to events that we hope to be having again soon. Here’s to another year of sharing your stories!

Stay well, Carole Sprunk Publisher

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OCTOBER 2020

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M A G A Z I N E

PUBLISHER AND OWNER Carole Sprunk (402) 587-2259 // Carole@EdgeMagazine.com CO-OWNER Michael Meyer (402) 517-0350 // Michael@EdgeMagazine.com MANAGING EDITOR Kathy Rygg (402) 490-3213 // Kathy@EdgeMagazine.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Gabby Christensen, Anna Hartman and Shelly Nosbisch DESIGNERS Quentin Lueninghoener (402) 517-1228 // Quentin@HanscomPark.com Ben Vankat Ben@HanscomPark.com PHOTO STAFF Christopher Tierney Photography (402) 350-5699 WMK Media (402) 621-0864 ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Gabby Christensen (402) 320-7080 // Gabby@EdgeMagazine.com Tom Patton (402) 214-5070 // Tom@EdgeMagazine.com Liz Rease (402) 639-6622 // Liz@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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WALMAN

MURPHY

KEYES

UNCOVERING YOUR STORY PEOPLE.

TALENT.

OPPORTUNIT Y.

(402) 290-2104 www.wmkmedia.com 8970 F Street • Suite 318 | Omaha, O C TO B E RNE 2 0 2 068127 |5

CONTENTS COVER story

OUR home 8

20

OUR food

OUR wellness

OUR passion

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38

50

OUR style

OUR youth

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56

32

OUR business

VARSITY corner

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60

CREATE YOUR

STAYCATION

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OUR home

t

ELEGANCE

BY THE

here’s definitely something to be said about the alluring combination of luxury and lakefront living that has many deeming it the “best of both worlds.� This 8,900 sq. ft. traditional French style property at Newport Landing Bennington Lake is just that. It offers a perfect blend of opulence and tranquility that so many potential homebuyers are craving.

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lake While the neighborhood exudes vacation vibes, bustling West Omaha is merely a short 8-minute drive and downtown nightlife only 20. This means that all of the amenities that accompany lake life, as well as city life, are well within reach from the property.

Settled on a beautiful private estate lot more than an acre in size, this spacious six-bedroom, seven-bathroom home was built to entertain and accommodate a larger family. Kelly Kontz, the realtor for the listing, emphasized the flexibility that the home can offer.

STORY BY GABBY CHRISTENSEN PHOTO PORTFOLIO BY AMOURA PRODUCTIONS

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OUR home

STUNNING VIEW

S P I R A L S TA I R C A S E

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AGILITY BALANCE COORDINATION

COMING SOON!

As part of our commitment to developing the whole athlete, we are now offering SPORT PERFORMANCE TRAINING.

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OUR home

ELEGANT DINING

SERENE BEDROOM

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OUR home

BILLIARDS ROOM

LOWER LEVEL BAR O C TO B E R 2 0 2 0

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OUR home

CA RV E D M A R B L E CO U N T E RTO PS

BEAUTIFUL FINISHES

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P R I VAT E W I N E C E L L A R

“The house presents itself as very French at first, but it could easily be given a more Mediterranean or contemporary style simply by changing some of the paint colors and light fixtures,” Kontz said. “The next homeowners have the opportunity to make the space their own and customize it to fit their unique style.” She has lived in Newport Landing at Bennington Lakes for 16 years and specializes in lake living and luxury properties. She said many do not realize the value of an existing luxury property.

“Before deciding to build a luxury home, I always encourage people to take a look at properties that are already out there first,” she said. “When building from scratch it can be fairly easy to go over budget quickly, as additional items are tacked on during the construction process. People should also keep in mind that most existing homes are situated on the best lots with the best views, and those spots will not be available again, especially for the price. For these reasons, an existing property can make the most sense in certain scenarios, especially the luxury home market in Omaha.”

For every listing, Kontz assists with the home staging process by bringing in accessories, helping to select color palettes, and also contributing to other decorative decisions. With this particular home, Kontz worked to create a casual feel, while also incorporating the home’s traditional French roots.

On the outside, the impressive sculpted landscaping and all-brick exterior foretell the elegance that is yet to come upon entering the 1.5 story home. A charming foyer, vaulted ceilings, a custom floating spiral staircase, and quality finishes decorate the inside. An inviting

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OUR home

E XQUISITE MASTER BEDROOM

R E L A X I N G M A S T E R B AT H

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ORANTE FIXTURES O C TO B E R 2 0 2 0

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study also lies nearby, offering both a daily workspace and a cozy place to retreat.

Beautifully carved marble countertops and high-end appliances fill the chef’s kitchen, and a formal dining space summons guests to feast while they take in a floor-to-ceiling window view of the front courtyard. A dreamy octagonal breakfast room sits just off the kitchen, and a spacious living room with a wet bar awaits, ready to accommodate the next gathering.

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private deck. Upstairs, three oversized bedrooms equipped with full en-suite bathrooms and walk-in closets provide all the space for a growing family or overnight house guests. Four fireplaces are positioned throughout the entirety of the home, bringing about a certain kind of warmth and splendor.

The lower level was made with entertainment in mind, as it houses a billiards room with a wet bar, wine cellar, theater, exercise room with steam shower, and additional guest room with a full bath.

Outside, the walk-out basement conve-

niently leads directly to the lake, as an oversized deck sits just above, granting a breathtaking view of the wide, no-wake cove.

“This home is equivalent to a dream vacation year round,” Kontz said. “The peace and quiet pairs perfectly with the luxurious details, making it the retreat of a lifetime for the next family.” For additional information or to schedule a private showing, contact Kelly Kontz with The Key Group - Berkshire Hathaway Home Services at (402) 290-4972 or visit The Key Group website: openadore.com.

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COVER story

clientcentered TECH-POWERED &

kwELITE extends modern experience with new market center

s

tepping outside of the box doesn’t come easily for everyone, but that’s certainly not the case for Jeff Cohn and his real estate team, who have found that embracing—and even chasing—change leads to success. One of Cohn’s latest ventures has been spearheading the opening of a Keller Williams franchise in Omaha, kwELITE.

Story by GABBY CHRISTENSEN Photos by WMK MEDIA

Jeff Cohn with kwELITE

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Located in the Advent Building at 17838 Burke Street, the new 10,000 sq. ft. one-stop shop, technology-powered market center will enhance the buying and selling process in various areas, including the services of mortgage, title, insurance, and financial planning.

Technology features at the office, such as virtual reality rooms for touring homes, a state-of-the-art training facility, and high-tech conference rooms, merge tradition and innovation to improve the way real estate transactions are completed with an overall goal to offer a 100% VIP experience for all involved.

As a Millard North High School and University of Nebraska Omaha graduate, Cohn’s real estate career began in 2006 after obtaining his license and joining his parents, Marc and Renae Cohn, at NP Dodge Real Estate. Cohn then worked under Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Ambassador Real Estate, where he not only established the fastest growing real estate team in history, but he also became the number one real estate team at Berkshire Worldwide. Making the shift to Keller Williams was a major move on Cohn’s part but was necessary for his vision to create a hybrid solution for clients and agents alike.

“Keller Williams is not a real estate

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company, it’s a technology company that happens to be in the business of coaching and consulting real estate businesses,” Cohn said. “We embrace technology to help agents and consumers make more money in less time, while also helping to improve and change lives.”

In less than a year, kwELITE has grown to a team of almost 100 agents in Nebraska and has expanded to several cities, including Gretna, Columbus and Lincoln. The intent is to have a presence in the top 10 cities in Nebraska and then work on expanding across the country. To support agents so that they can best serve clients, kwELITE emphasizes three main areas: education and training, lead generation and accountability, and systems technology.

In fact, each agent receives their own full-time mentor as well as a training curriculum that is specific to the agent’s level of expertise.

While some might assume serial entrepreneurs like Cohn are motivated by money, Cohn said that’s not an honest depiction of business people, as many take on a lot of risk in order to create a greater impact.

“My biggest motivator is helping others succeed,” Cohn said. “To me, success is defined by how we choose to live our lives in every moment. If we’re

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constantly trying to be better, that’s all that matters. We don’t need to compare ourselves to others; we need to compare ourselves to who we were yesterday and try to be even better, and not just business-wise, either. It’s also about improving spiritually, mentally, physically, and charitably. The willingness to change is key, and my number one goal is to create an environment that can serve as the vehicle to allow people to improve and ultimately realize their dreams.”

Cohn, a firm believer in “do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” said kwELITE strives to be a breath of fresh air in the industry, even if that means doing things that have never been done before. For example, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, kwELITE opened its training sessions in person and virtually (valued at $97 per month) to all agents in Omaha free of charge indefinitely.

As someone who has spoken on numerous stages to thousands of people, won Dancing With The Stars in Omaha, established a podcast with 12,000 downloads a month, and traveled across the

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world on a mission trip only to come back trilingual with a fresh perspective on life, Cohn has never been shy about trying something new. Through every experience, the husband and father of three has continually been inspired by others and learned from the triumphs and challenges.

“I subscribe to the mindset that the biggest loser is always the biggest winner,” Cohn said. “Those who choose to embrace failure and look at it as an

opportunity to learn and grow will be the ones who usually succeed. In a society where people don’t want to lose and don’t want people to see them lose, they sometimes try to do things that will not cause a loss, but in doing so, they lose.”

Looking ahead, kwELITE expects to open 100, if not more, expansion locations throughout the country with kwELITE serving as the hub for lead generation, training, accountability, technology, and transaction coordi-

nation. “kwELITE’s culture is about creating opportunities and helping others, while utilizing a tech-focused and customized approach to deliver the ultimate experience,” Cohn said. “We believe that it’s never too late to change, and it’s always important to strive to make a difference.”

For more information or to ask about preferred pricing for Edge magazine readers, contact Jeff Cohn at 402-4520642, jeff@kwelite.com.

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M Y T WO

cents S

S WWW.EDGEMAGAZINE.COM

THE

POWER OF

PRINT

We’ve heard for years that “print is dead.” Not only is this untrue, but in an age where digital information is consumed in a rapid-fire fashion, print has emerged as the steady winner. Today, 73% of adults feel reading a printed magazine or book is more enjoyable than reading on an electronic device.

Additionally, paper-based reading is preferred by every generation, including millennials.* What exactly is it about print that is so alluring? There are a number of important factors that are compelling reasons why every business needs to make print part of its marketing and branding campaign.

TRUSTWORTHY: Print media requires more time to produce, allowing for important steps like fact checking. Unlike its digital counterpart in which anyone 28 |

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can post “news” online within seconds, quality print media has the benefit of accuracy on its side so readers don’t have to second guess whether or not what they are reading is true. Magazine media is considered more inspiring, fulfilling, and trustworthy than websites or TV.* LONGEVITY: Printed material can last a lifetime. It doesn’t spend seconds on a screen and then vanish. It’s easy to retrieve when you want to look at it later. Quality publications sit on a coffee table or bookshelf where multiple people can enjoy it. In fact, readers of print magazines spend an average of 49.6 minutes reading it—that’s a captive audience!* INFLUENTIAL: Magazine readers are the strongest everyday influencers in multiple product categories, includ-

ing auto, financial, home, tech, travel, and sports. Considered “conversation catalysts,” magazine readers have a larger network of friends and are more active and engaged in social media than consumers of other forms of media.

QUALITY: Full color images, glossy pages, and attractive layout are all elements that go hand-in-hand with quality print magazines. Print is more pleasant to handle than a device, and it drives sensory involvement, which contributes to reader impact. It also elicits an emotional response, and it requires a slower read time, which helps retain the information being consumed.* So grab a copy of your favorite print magazine, sit back, relax, and enjoy all that is has to offer! *The Association of Magazine Media 2019 Magazine Media Factbook

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MY concoction

September’s Upscale Cocktail Lounge 11008 Prairie Brook Rd. (402) 599-3800 septembersupscale.com

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1

5

What you need: • 1.5 oz. SKYY Blood Orange Vodka • 1.5 oz. Grand Marnier

• 1.5 oz. fresh lemon juice • .75 oz. simple syrup • .5 oz. pasteurized egg white

2 Combine ingredients into sanitized shaker

steps

Shake well

3

to the perfect cocktail THE BAR: September’s Upscale THE BARTENDER: Doug THE DRINK: Orange Cognac Sour

4

5

Pour into chilled martini glass

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OUR food

Owner Janie Rogers and Executive Chef Oscar Hernandez

FRESH FLAVORS 402 Eat + Drink offers elevated food in a comfortable West Omaha setting Story by ANNA HARTMAN | Photos by CHRISTOPHER TIERNEY PHOTOGRAPHY 32 |

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lassic meets contemporary at the new Village Pointe eatery 402 Eat + Drink. Owned and operated

by Janie Rogers, the spot is a welcome addition to the West Omaha dining scene. Rogers is a bundle of smiling energy, running food and drinks, chatting with tables, and ensuring patrons are comfortable and content.

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OUR food

PCF AIRLINE CHICKEN BREAST

S H O R T Y M E LT

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P O R K S H O U L D E R TA C O S

Located in the former Finish Line sporting goods store, the space is comfortable, bright, and airy. Muted earth tones are offset by the deep blues and greens of the wall color, textiles, and seating. The west wall features a colorful mural by Omaha artist Justin Queal, with nods to the namesake area code and local skyline silhouettes.

When devising the decorating scheme for sister restaurant 712 Eat + Drink, Rogers spent time driving around the Council Bluffs area, taking hundreds of photographs of things that spoke to her that represented the area. The Omaha eatery concept was approached in the same manner but with a broader appeal.

A spacious bar boasts 16 taps, one with prosecco, another with kombucha, and the remaining 14 handles reserved for craft beers. The wine program is yet in its infancy, but the menu highlights several interesting wines by the glass to encourage patrons to try something new.

Since opening, the most popular dining spot is the well-shaded patio, situated along the outdoor mall’s main street.

Large pocket doors can be employed to wall off a private dining area, soon to be used for popular beer and wine pairing dinners.

Rogers has been in the industry since high school, starting out at a Council Bluffs Dairy Queen, then pulling double duty bartending nights and spending days working the real estate space. “I just like to work, to provide a hospitable experience and take care of people,” she said.

“Before we opened 712 Eat + Drink in Council Bluffs, I took a step back and homed in on what wasn’t there, a place I’d like to go.” Rogers enjoys healthy, fresh cuisine with interesting flavors and surprising textures and wanted to open a space that would feel appropriate for a business meeting or date night—“elevated but comfortable.”

To help bring her vision to life, she collaborated with Executive Chef Oscar Hernandez. Graduate of a local culinary program, Hernandez spent years honing his chops, working with the lauded chefs of M’s Pub, Pig and Finch, and The Market House, ultimately finding his niche in creating nuanced dishes with fresh ingredients and unique flavor combinations.

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OUR food

BEETS SALAD

Farms (PCF) chicken and sourcing seafood from local purveyor Jacobsen Fish Company. Mushrooms from Terra Firma Fungi are roasted and tucked into the Shorty Melt, a grilled sandwich elevated by red wine braised short rib, confit onion, and a truffle fondue. Topped with arugula for a peppery bite, the sandwich is served on sourdough and accompanied by golden, crisp French fries.

The PCF airline chicken breast is drizzled with flavorful jus and fanned across a bed of orecchiette tossed in a buttermilk and parmesan béchamel, scattered with fresh green snap peas and garnished with mint. A lighter option is the Crunchy Salad tossed in a light orange vinaigrette made with house vinegar.

Asian flavors shine in many dishes, including the Pork Shoulder Tacos, gochujang braised pork shoulder topped with a quick kimchi slaw of shaved Brussels sprouts on a corn tortilla, drizzled with avocado aioli and topped with green 36 |

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onion and radish.

The Beets Salad is a personal favorite of Rogers, who joked, “I could eat that salad every day!” Baby arugula is tossed in a beet vinaigrette, topped with roasted beets, grilled peaches, white wine poached figs, and finally sprinkled with goat cheese and pistachios.

Since opening her first restaurant in 2004, Rogers has seen trends ebb and flow, but she remains loyal to her original vision. More diners are requesting vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free offerings, craft beer breweries have grown exponentially, and local produce is even more accessible.

The Korean Stir Fry dish is one of those gluten-free options. Packed with flavor, Hernandez marries lemongrass-marinated shrimp with sweet potato noodle, vegetables, and pickled mushrooms, then finishes with sesame seeds and cashews for textural contrast.

The establishment is open for lunch,

dinner, and Sunday brunch. Sustainable practices are important to Rogers, and the team does all it can to encourage the effort through creative solutions. To wit, they crafted a simple syrup from spent coffee grinds for use in an inventive brunch cocktail and recently purchased biodegradable bar straws.

Opening during the pandemic proved challenging, but wearing masks and sanitizing surfaces is a natural extension of the experience Rogers is keen to provide. “We take care of people and strive to support our staff as well as our community.”

The winning combination of classic service and innovative food makes the new West Omaha establishment an exemplary spot for business lunches, date night, casual outings, and celebrations. Take advantage of warm fall days and pop in for lunch on the patio, the team at 402 Eat + Drink look forward to seeing you.

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OUR wellness

Needleless Acupuncture

By DR. ZACH KUCERA Each year in the United States, it is estimated that over $86 billion in wages are lost due to headaches and neck and back pain. That is over $235 million per day. Chiropractic and acupuncture treatments provide relief to people suffering with conditions like these every day. While chiropractic and acupuncture treatments have positive outcomes individually, when combined, results have the highest positive outcome.

Acupuncture is a 5000-year-old Chinese system of natural healing that is utilized without the need for drugs or invasive surgeries. The Chinese define health as “all parts of the body functioning normally.” At Kucera Chiropractic and Acupuncture, we utilize a form of acupuncture known as auricular therapy, which is performed in the office without needles.

There are over 200 acupuncture points in the ear alone. Based on the condition, different acupuncture points are stimulated to promote healing.

These points are stimulated with a tool that increases the accuracy of the points being stimulated.

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These acupuncture points target everything from allergies, migraines, shoulder complaints, and of course spinal pains.

The normal state of the body is not to be in pain. If you or anyone you know is suffering with pain and is ready to make a change, we would be honored to sit and address your concerns during a complimentary consultation. Everyone deserves to live an active and pain-free lifestyle. We believe in enabling our patients to do just that.

Chiropractic can help with over 2000 conditions.

Interested in finding out how chiropractic and acupuncture can help you? Walk in or call and schedule your consultation today at (531) 721-2050. We are conveniently located north of 204th and Dodge Street at 1404 N. 203rd Street, Suite 104.

“The doctor of the future will give no medicine but will interest patients in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease.”

– Thomas Edison

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OUR style

DESIGN 2 EXPERTISE 1

OLD AND NEW: A mix of modern pieces and antiques is always fresh, unexpected, and a foolproof way to create an eclectic, acquired look.

WALLCOVERINGS: Think hallways, powder rooms, the backs of built-in shelving, and even the inside of cabinets or other storage furniture pieces. This extra layer of color, pattern, and texture can up the interest factor in any of these spaces, giving you a true custom feel.

Our favorite tips 3

LOOK UP: We only notice things at eye level and below. We like to use wallcovering, hand painted faux finishes (even using shards of glass for added sparkle!), and architectural details like trusses, beams, and coffers to add interest to ceiling spaces.

4

PAINT: We are painting the ceilings and walls all the same color to create a monochromatic and cohesive look in a space. Never underestimate the power of changing a paint color and the effect that the finish of the paint (think matte, semigloss, etc.) will have.

5

TRENDS: Rely on a designer to help you decipher what timeless pieces to invest in and also what trendy pieces to inject for style and of-the-moment individuality.

6

FUNCTIONALITY: If you have pets and kids and a tendency to spill, then choose products that are both beautiful and low-maintenance. The selection of products and finishes that are actually meant to be lived in is astounding.

7

ART: Build a room around it and don’t underestimate its ability to transform a space. Art has the ability to affect your emotions and evoke your memories.

8

PERSONAL: Incorporate family heirlooms, personal treasures, and things that help to keep your individuality shining through.

9

PATTERNED CARPET: This design element adds interest to nearly every project. Don’t be afraid to go outside the box when selecting your next flooring.

10

SCALE: Be mindful of ceiling height, furniture size, walkways, accessory size, rug size, and lighting fixture size.

These key pieces must be proportionate to the size of the room or else the space will appear overstuffed or sparsely appointed.

Story by LINDI JANULEWICZ Photo by TOM KESSLER, KESSLER PHOTOGRAPHY

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Visit one of our showrooms: Omaha | Lincoln

Every bean comes from a barrel

available at:

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WORTH THE HAUL

HOTEL KANSAS CITY Whether traveling alone or with family, downtown Kansas City’s newest 15-suite, 144-room luxury hotel, Hotel Kansas City, will deliver an experience that embodies the Midwest’s historic character while introducing guests to the best in hospitality and culinary talents. Built in 1922, this Gothic Revival-style building is on the National Register of Historic Places and was formerly home to the Kansas City Club. Many of the architectural elements, such as stained glass and walnut accents, are still intact today.

Ideally located, hotel guests are within walking distance to several theaters, music, and entertainment venues including the newly named T-Mobile Center and the multi-venue KC Power & Light District. If you’d prefer not to drive during your stay, hop on the new KC Streetcar and head north to the River Market or head south to visit Union Station and Crown Center. Enjoy the shops and restaurants along the way as well.

Hotel Kansas City has a reimagined design that blends the City’s rich history while infusing a nuanced, progressive spirit of its own. Youthful yet sophisticated, you’ll find locals dropping by for coffee and pastries in the two-story grand lobby that is as elegant as it is powerful. From the marble floors and arched entryways to the hand-carved oak paneling and a magnificent 2,500-pound chandelier, guests are welcomed with an unmistakable hello. Other amenities include an onsite baker, free wi-fi, in room robes, and a 15th story private outdoor balcony that provides unparalleled views of the City.

Patrons will find touches of Kansas City throughout as they enjoy locally sourced art, coffee, beer, whiskey, and seasonal menu items.

Continuing to echo the hotel’s inventive take on Kansas City nostalgia, guests can enjoy culinary masterpieces from Midwest-inspired restaurant, The Town Company​, and its cellar saloon, E​l Gold (opening January 2021).​Developed by renowned Kansas City native chef Patrick Ryan and helmed by nationally known executive chef ​Johnny Leach,​both concepts will curate their own, distinct narratives of the historic City’s culinary traditions and leave guests with a cultured experience to remember.

Another nod to the hotel’s communal culture is its collection of unique event spaces that span more than 20,000 sq. ft., including a 6,000 sq. ft. indoor/outdoor private event space that overlooks the city. From historic and traditional to modern and unconventional, each room will be ideal for various festivities.

For more information about H ​ otel Kansas City​, please visit hotelkc.com.

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OUR business

Delivering a remarkable experience is at the heart of Core Bank

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xceptional customer experience is the gold standard for any business. But what truly sets a business apart is delivering that experience time and time again, in both the smallest and largest of ways. Core Bank is hyper-focused on that goal. In fact, its very name represents the company’s entire philosophy—that its customers are its core. That mission drives everything the company does, resulting in a place where people want to bank and work, and have fun doing it.

Steven Knapp and Craig McGarry

Story by KATHY RYGG Photos by CHRISTOPHER TIERNEY PHOTOGRAPHY 44 |

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OUR business

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Seven years ago, David Scott, Chairman of the Board for both Centennial Bank and Omaha State Bank, merged the two entities and named John Sorrell as President and CEO. Their vision was to create an unparalleled banking experience and build a headquarters in West Omaha that would exemplify their continued commitment to serving the community. Putting knowledgeable people who thrive on collaboration all under one roof was a key component to succeeding. Now with approximately 150 employees and seven locations — Core Bank has emerged as a local leader in the industry.

Breadth and depth of knowledge is key to Core Bank’s ability to deliver on its promises, and the company’s leadership team brings a wealth of experience. Craig McGarry is the Executive Vice President of the bank’s Private Client Group, and Steven Knapp is the Executive Vice President of Commercial Banking. McGarry has spent 40 years in the banking, trust, estate planning and investment arena, as well as holds a law degree from Creighton University.

Knapp brings 39 years of experience in banking and met McGarry while both worked at First National Bank of Omaha. Their shared passion for caring for others, hard work, and having fun creates a culture that is evident throughout the organization.

Core Bank recently rolled out its Private Client Group as a way to help individuals during life’s pivotal moments—think having a child, an upcoming retirement, or sudden loss of a loved one. McGarry explained that most people don’t have any previous experience with that type of event, but Core Bank’s team brings decades of shared experience helping people in those exact situations. “We bring a wealth of knowledge to the table, and it’s all unified here at a single point of delivery,” he said. The phrase “fiduciary is still fashionable” is one that Core Bank touts, meaning it’s always been a key part of the personalized services offered and customers will never have to worry about being “sold” a product.

Knapp oversees all of the bank’s lending functions, which include commercial, SBA, mortgage, and retail. Core Bank ranks third locally for home mortgage loan origination, which Knapp said “for a community bank, it speaks a lot about our folks.” Another testament to how hard the bank’s employees work to help customers is what they accomplished with regard to the recent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) as part of the CARES Act. Core Bank funded 800 PPP loans to small businesses and entrepreneurs, some of whom were not even Core Bank customers. “We got it done,” Knapp said. “Because of our SBA focus, we already had staff trained in government lending programs, so we had all the O C TO B E R 2 0 2 0

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OUR business

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right people and tools in place.”

Reflecting on the amazing effort on the lending side, McGarry said there was a “cultural issue at play” that contributed to their success with the PPP loans. “When you’re small like us and have people who don’t rest on their laurels, they make it happen. It’s not just about being at work; it’s about being there with a passion to help just one more person.” Fostering that culture relies heavily on having transparent communication throughout the organization, which McGarry summed up by saying, “we talk and take action.”

Taking action is made easier by Core Bank’s commitment to technology. Its headquarters is outfitted with everything needed to conduct business virtually, which made the transition to remote meetings during the pandemic nearly seamless. They can even adapt to hybrid meetings, where some individuals are in person and others join remotely.

All of this is done while ensuring data integrity. “Core was ahead in making the commitment to remote technology, so when the world changed, it wasn’t a scramble,” Knapp said.

No matter what an individual’s goal is, Core Bank wants to help them achieve it. Knapp said they excel at thinking outside the box to help their customers, which goes back to their focus on collaboration within teams and helping customers find answers. McGarry added, “We bring more than just expertise. We take personal delight in helping other people. Core is in our name for a reason. We want our customers to be the core of our organization.”

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OUR passion

Cartoonist Jeff Koterba helps people find common ground through comics

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sk anyone what their favorite section of a newspaper is, and many will say the funny pages. Whether it’s Peanuts, Blondie, or other timeless classics, good comics have a way of cutting through people’s differences and bringing them together, even if it’s just for a moment. It’s what creative Jeff Koterba strived to do daily with his editorial cartoons for the Omaha World-Herald as well as with his Chirpy comics that he co-creates with his son, Josh, and his grandkids.

Jeff Koterba

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Growing up in South Omaha, Koterba had equal fascinations with drawing, space, and journalism, thanks in part to his uncle who was a syndicated columnist who covered the early days of the country’s space program. Koterba studied both fine art and journalism while at the University of Nebraska Omaha and started his career as a sports cartoonist for the Kansas City Star. After nearly nine years as a freelance and self-syndicated cartoonist, he finally landed his dream job with the Omaha World-Herald, where he spent 31 years, making him one of about 20 full-time newspaper cartoonists in the country.

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explaining that the truth is not just one side or the other, but rather often has three and sometimes four different points of view. “It’s my job to document history in a creative, and hopefully humorous, way. But I’m not a bomb thrower. I focus on content and draw cartoons about how to find common ground without beating each other up.”

Building a rapport with readers has been paramount to Koterba’s longevity as a cartoonist. He regularly speaks to local service organizations and engages with readers whenever possible. Even if someone becomes angry at one of his cartoons, he encourages civil discourse. “I try to approach my work with humanity and kindness,” he said. “They are a sacred part of me.” A Catholic monk even once called his cartoons “little prayers sent into the world.”

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Having drawn an estimated 10,000 cartoons to date, Koterba must rely on numerous sources for inspiration. These include reading a variety of news sources from across the spectrum, walking, thinking, and most importantly, listening. He hones in on where people live, what they do with their time, and what touches them emotionally. He said he’s happy to have one good idea a day, and on the rare occasion he comes up with two good ideas in a day, Koterba calls it “magic” and “like elves that came in the night.” He also attributes his creativity, in part, to the fact he has Tourette’s syndrome, which was the subject of a TEDx talk he gave. Being a creative goes beyond cartooning—Koterba is also an author, singer, songwriter, and guitarist.

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runs. “I got five at bats per week. Did I strikeout sometimes? Yes. But if I got a homerun once a week, I was happy.”

Even when he’s critiquing his own work, Koterba tries to do it with kindness and find something about it he loves.

Similar to any industry, technology has had a life-changing impact on Koterba’s career, especially in the last six months. The tools of his trade used to include an oversized drawing table, paper, pencils, and watercolors. When the pandemic hit and he found himself at home without the space for all his usual tools of the trade, his son encouraged him to finally make the move to drawing comics on an iPad. “I haven’t had a moment that changed my life so dramatically as that first editorial cartoon I did on an iPad,” he said. “I miss the ink splatters on my drawing table, but it opens up new worlds to me.”

Despite having made the move to draw digitally, Koterba has a love for the

tactile experience that only print provides. He said it’s so satisfying to have a working relationship with an editor who has great vision and to have worked for a newspaper with writers and editors who work so hard. “It breaks my heart that everyone doesn’t subscribe to the paper,” he said. “You can’t get the local stories anywhere else that they report on.”

Despite all his accomplishments, Koterba said he feels like he’s “just getting started.” He misses playing with his band, the Prairie Cats, and wants to get back into painting and working on his graphic novels. He also believes in inspiring others and helps coach other creatives. “Creativity permeates our lives, and everyone is creative in some fashion.

When you embrace your obstacles and own vulnerabilities, it heightens your creativity. It doesn’t matter your age; do that creative thing you’ve always wanted to do.”

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OUR youth

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any little girls dream of becoming a dancer and often start dancing at a young age. That’s the path 18-year-old Emma Olson took when she started dancing at the age of two. But unlike many kids who eventually move on to other activities, Olson continued to stick with it, and the payoff has been 16 years of success both on and off the stage.

Emma Olson

Story by EDGE STAFF Photos by CHRISTOPHER TIERNEY PHOTOGRAPHY

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Edge: What types of dance have you studied over the years?

Edge: What is the most challenging aspect of dance?

Emma: I’ve done ballet, jazz, contemporary, tap, hip hop, and lyrical.

Emma: Not getting certain moves right away, that’s always frustrating.

Edge: Do you have a favorite?

Edge: What’s the most rewarding?

Emma: Contemporary is my favorite because it’s ballet based but more movement rather than technique, and it’s what I did for my solos, which are my favorite too.

Emma: Knowing I did my best during a performance, and then being rewarded for it.

Edge: What are some of the accomplishments you’ve earned?

Emma: My freshman year I won first place at nationals—it was the best I’ve ever danced! I also won Excellence in Technique and Showmanship, all for contemporary dance. I was also on my high school dance team (at Skutt Catholic High School) and we won state every year, usually got first or second place at regionals, and this year we placed eighth at nationals. We did jazz and hip hop for school, so it’s fun doing different things.

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Edge: What has dance taught you?

Emma: It taught me discipline, self-confidence, and focus, as well as determination and not giving up when something doesn’t go right the first time. It also taught me social skills. I would travel all over the country going to dance conventions and didn’t know anyone, so I had to make friends there.

week, 5-6 hours per night through high school and still have to keep her grades up.

Emma: Learning time management will be a big help for college, especially if I decide to go to med school. It will also help with my confidence for job interviews.

Edge: Do you plan to continue dancing while in college?

Emma: I’d like to take some classes for fun and maybe help teach. I’ve taught younger kids and helped people with their solos.

Edge: What do you enjoy doing when you’re not dancing?

Laura Olson (Emma’s mother): She is very outgoing and can walk out of anywhere and immediately have 20 friends.

Emma: I like to take art classes: painting, drawing, and pottery. I’m also going to be taking a music class as part of my honors program in college at UNL.

Emma: I used to be really quiet and shy!

Edge: How would you describe yourself?

Laura: She also has really good time management. She’d train 4-5 days a

Emma: I’m happy. I like to laugh a lot and can make friends with anyone.

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VARSITY corner

A DRIVING

FORCE

Izabella Pesicka Sophomore | Millard North High School

by SHELLY NOSBISCH Millard North varsity girls’ golfer Izabella Pesicka has a passion and a drive to succeed, but her parents’ support means everything. Her dad started taking her out at Champions Run Country Club when she was five years old. She participated in all the junior golf activities at Champions, but as she got older, she started playing in tournaments with Nebraska Junior Golf (NJG). This past July, she won the NJG Championship for girls age group 14-15.

In addition to golf, Pesicka also earned a spot on the JV Millard North tennis team but didn’t get to play due to COVID-19.

Her mom, Nicole Pesicka, says that “what makes Izabella a special athlete is that rather than needing someone else to light a fire under her, she has that fire within herself. She motivates herself to train and practice with the intensity to compete and win.”

Millard North golf coach Eric Welte agrees. “Bella is a very hard worker. Not only that, but nobody has to tell her to practice or what to work on. She is very self-motivated to get better at golf.”

Pesicka has loved being on the Millard North varsity girls golf team, especially the Sunday night team bonding dinners. “We had a really good team this year and placed third at the State tournament.

We’re hoping to win State this coming year. Also Coach Welte is so supportive and comes out to watch no matter where the tournament is.”

As is common with the game, Pesicka’s golf swing has occasionally given her trouble. “One week you’re on fire and your swing is consistent and then all of a sudden it is off and you’re hitting the ball right or left.” Her swing coaches, Mike Cornell and James Kinney, help her get back on track.

Her biggest comeback came during a Champions tournament. She started in the back nine and scored a 44, and then there was a three-hour rain delay. “When I came back out, I went from thinking I was going to lose, to playing one of my best rounds with a 37, one over par. I ended up getting first place and winning the tournament championship.”

Pesicka hopes to someday play golf for a Division I school in a warm climate, but she’s got a few years left to make her mark at Millard North.

CHRISTOPHER TIERNEY

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VARSITY corner

COMPETITIVE

NATURE

Nic Stoltenberg Class of 2020 | Skutt Catholic High School

by SHELLY NOSBISCH Recent Skutt Catholic High School graduate Nic Stoltenberg was destined to be a wrestler. He was hooked from the age of five after watching his older cousin wrestle at a tournament. “After we left the tournament I constantly just wanted to wrestle everyone and everything,” he said. “Wrestling became a part of my life from the first time I watched it.” His passion for wrestling paid off, as he became a three-time Nebraska state champion (2018 at 126 lbs., 2019 at 138 lbs., and 2020 at 152 lbs.).

Wrestling is a part of his family as well. “Three of my cousins won a combined six NSAA state titles. This always pushed me to be as good as them. My family always gave me their support in everything I chose to do, and I am very thankful for them.” This family support was even more important during Stoltenberg’s sophomore year when he cut his weight from 145 to 132 and then again down to 126. “Losing that much weight was one of the most difficult things I’ve ever had to do, but knowing I had my family, coaches, and teammates support gave me the drive to keep moving forward.”

The Skutt wrestling team was home to Stoltenberg.

“My team was more than just a team, we were a family.

We helped each other grow not just as athletes but as people.” Skutt wrestling Coach Mitch Waite said Stoltenberg is “a once in a generation type athlete. His mental toughness and his discipline continually improve. He was a student of the sport who displayed many strong attributes from his freshman year to his senior year and grew into not only a good athlete, but an even better person.”

Even when he’s with his friends, Stoltenberg is competitive whether they are playing spike ball or corn hole.

“I love being outdoors and staying busy.” He also enjoys camping with his family. “We usually take our camper and find new places to go every year.”

Stoltenberg sets high goals for himself and pushes himself to reach them. He plans to wrestle throughout his four years at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, but he won’t stop there. “It’s always been a dream of mine to wrestle at the NCAA tournament and bring home some hardware. After college I plan on coaching and following the sport of wresting til the day I die.”

CHRISTOPHER TIERNEY

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“People in America should really make an effort to come and see what exists here. It’s beyond one’s belief.”

– Gary Player

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