Cheers to the Gentlemen
June has a way of bringing people together, whether it’s gathering at a game, raising a glass with friends or celebrating the fathers and father figures who’ve shaped us. With Father’s Day right around the corner, this month felt like the perfect time to lean into our Gentleman’s Issue and all the ways men in our community show up, lead and live well.
Amid the excitement and energy of summer in Omaha, Garage Living Omaha brings order and intention straight to your garage. Their custom garage transformations combine thoughtful design with everyday functionality, creating spaces that are as polished as they are practical.
When it comes to what you drive, Superior Honda and Acura of Omaha deliver that same blend of performance and refinement with a focus on service that keeps customers coming back.
And speaking of loyalty, discipline and trust, every gentleman knows the importance of man’s best friend. Dog Training Elite Omaha takes that bond to the next level, helping owners and their dogs build stronger, more connected relationships through structure and consistency. Because a well-trained companion isn’t just impressive, it’s a reflection of the one holding the leash.
This issue is about more than great businesses, it’s about a mindset. One that values quality, connection and living well, whether you’re raising a glass, turning a wrench or taking a walk on the road less traveled.
Cheers!
STEPHANIE LEWIS, PUBLISHER @ELKHORNCITYLIFESTYLE
June 2026
PUBLISHER
Stephanie Lewis stephanie.m.lewis@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Nichole Peringer nichole.peringer@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Hailey Zebley hailey.zebley@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Stephanie Lewis, Hailey Zebley, Nichole Peringer, Katie Bobrow, Eve Bushman
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Nicholas Fisher, Cara Bresette-Yates, Brittany Dawn Short
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
Expertise Across Every Stage of Vision
Behind every great outcome is the right team.
At Vance Thompson Vision, our providers bring together advanced expertise across a full spectrum of services, including LASIK, refractive lens exchange, cataract, cornea, glaucoma, and eyelid procedures. Each treatment plan is tailored to your goals, your lifestyle, and your long-term vision.
With experience across every specialty, we guide you to the right solution at the right time so you can see clearly today and for years to come.
Schedule your consultation today by calling (402) 506-9970 or visiting vancethompsonvision.com.
city scene
1: Glow & Grow event by Chariots4Hope, empowers women to invest in themselves. 2: Hope blooms at Delivering Hope, the Cash and Cooper Foundation’s annual fundraising event. 3: Guests mingle at Cash and Cooper's annual fundraising event: Delivering Hope. 4: Ian Bingham, Shari Strong, Shannon Bingham, Ashley Mills and Sydney Smith support the building of The Josh Place. 5: Members of PRO Remodeling kicking off the 2026 Remodeled Home Show Tour. 6: Celebrating the start of the 2026 Remodeled Home Show Tour with PRO members and staff. 7: Colorful sips and snacks at the Celebrate & Sparkle event hosted by Heidi Marie Private Jeweler + Designer.
PRO REMODELING ORGANIZATION OF NE-IA
CHARIOTS4HOPE
PRO REMODELING ORGANIZATION OF NE-IA
BRIANNA PEARSON
NATALIE NOBLE PHOTOGRAPHY
HEIDI MARIE PRIVATE JEWELER + DESIGNER
NATALIE NOBLE PHOTOGRAPHY
8: Guests browse and shop at Heidi Marie Private Jeweler + Designer’s Celebrate & Sparkle event. 9: Weekly group dog training with Dog Training Elite Omaha keeps learned skills sharp. 10: Strong women pose post-workout at the LiVE iT FWD - LiFT-HER event.
HEIDI MARIE PRIVATE JEWELER
DOG TRAINING ELITE OMAHA
NAKIYA HARRIS
business monthly
Training for Man's Best Friend
Transform your dog, and your relationship, with help from Dog Training Elite Omaha. This award-winning, family-owned team offers customized in-home and group training for dogs of all ages, breeds and behavior levels, including aggressive dogs. From puppy basics to service and therapy training, their balanced, positive approach builds confidence, obedience and lasting bonds. With years of experience and flexible programs, they equip both dogs and owners for real-world success. Start with a free assessment today!
Scan to read more
The Sand Room Lounge Officially Opens at Indian Creek Golf Club
The Sand Room is now open to both members and the public at Indian Creek Golf Club, bringing new energy to the local dining and social scene. This modern lounge pairs handcrafted cocktails, elevated bar bites and private golf simulators with a relaxed yet upscale atmosphere. Guests can enjoy cozy indoor seating and scenic patios overlooking the course. Whether you’re finishing a round or starting your evening, The Sand Room offers the perfect place to unwind, connect and enjoy a refined experience.
The Approach Debuts At Indian Creek Golf Club
The Approach restaurant at Indian Creek Golf Club opened in April as part of a major expansion at Elkhorn’s favorite golf destinations. Designed as a “casual fine dining” concept, The Approach blends chef-driven cuisine with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Seasonal menus highlight Midwestern ingredients paired with cutting-edge culinary techniques. Open year-round to both golfers and the public, the restaurant offers a dining experience that is both elevated and approachable.
Dream Natural
Finely Built. Forsman’s Finest.
Forsman’s Finest Decks designs and builds custom decks, patio covers, and outdoor living spaces across the Omaha area. From the design to the final touches, their team handles every step with professionalism and attention to detail. Known for high-quality craftsmanship, clear communication, and clean job sites, they take pride in creating beautiful, long-lasting outdoor spaces that bring families together and enhance the way you enjoy your home.
FROM THEIR GARAGE TO YOURS
HOW GARAGE LIVING IS TRANSFORMING THE MODERN GARAGE
ARTICLE BY HAILEY ZEBLEY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICHOLAS FISHER
Chad and Theresa Nelson, owners of Garage Living, are redefining how homeowners think about their garages. What began as a personal project grew into a full-service business built on experience, quality craftsmanship and a hands-on approach that keeps clients engaged directly with the owners from start to finish.
Their path into the industry began with a desire for something better for their own home. With established careers behind them, they were ready for a new challenge. After researching options for their garage, Chad discovered Garage Living and was immediately drawn to the craftsmanship.
“When the garage is a mess, it drags your mood down right away. When it’s organized and clean, it changes how you feel about coming home.”
“He felt the cabinets, saw the quality and I remember him saying, ‘I don’t just want these in my garage. I want to be part of this,’” Theresa says.
That moment shaped what is now Garage Living, a business the couple runs together with a clear vision. Chad brings more than two decades of construction and home renovation experience, while Theresa transitioned from a 24-year career as an Omaha police officer into a full-time role; handling operations, design and client communication. Together, they balance technical expertise with a strong focus on client experience.
MORE THAN A NICHE SERVICE
Today the business is the complete solution for homeowners looking to transform one of the most overlooked spaces. From polyaspartic floor coatings and overhead storage to slatwall systems and custom steel cabinetry, projects range from simple upgrades to full garage makeovers designed for organization, function and lifestyle.
“The garage is the first thing people see when they come home and the last thing they see when they leave,” Theresa explains. “When it’s a mess, it drags your mood down right away. When it’s
organized and clean, it changes how you feel about coming home.”
What sets Garage Living apart is not just the range of services, but the consistency behind them. Every product is designed specifically for the brand, eliminating the variability that often comes with thirdparty sourcing.
“Everything we sell is designed and developed by Garage Living for Garage Living. We’re not reselling someone else’s cabinets. They’re our cabinets, our product line,” Theresa says.
That ownership extends into innovation. Chad and Theresa regularly bring
“By the end of the process, they’re amazed. Hearing clients say, ‘This looks just like the rendering,’ is a huge moment of recognition.”
client feedback into the design process, helping shape new solutions that reflect real needs. From integrating refrigerators into cabinetry to solving unique storage challenges, their work is guided by what homeowners ask for most.
“We kept seeing the same thing in Omaha: everybody has a refrigerator or a stand-up freezer in the garage, and everyone wanted it integrated into the cabinetry. That’s what pushed us to call corporate and say, ‘Let’s have a conversation,’” Chad says.
The result is a process that is both structured and personal. Clients typically connect through the website, phone or social platforms, with Theresa serving as the first point of contact. Early conversations focus on understanding the project and setting clear expectations, including transparent pricing from the start.
“We’re very open about our pricing. We want people to know exactly what they’re investing in before we ever step into their garage,” Theresa says.
From there, in-home consultations allow Chad and Theresa to evaluate the space, identify frustrations and design solutions that align with how the garage is used. They can even create detailed 3D renderings so clients can fully visualize the transformation before work begins.
“We start with a full 3D rendering so clients can clearly see what the finished project will look like,” Theresa explains. “By the end, they’re amazed. Hearing clients
say, ‘This looks just like the rendering,’ is a huge moment of recognition.”
That attention to detail continues through installation. Chad remains closely involved, often visiting every job site to ensure quality and maintain direct communication with homeowners. Most floor projects are completed in a day, while full renovations typically take only a few days.
For Chad, the most meaningful part of the process is the final reveal.
“I love seeing the look on the homeowner’s face when the job is done. Some can’t wait to put stuff in, they’ll even say ‘This looks so good, I don’t want to park my car in here now,’” Chad laughs.
That reaction reflects a broader shift in how garages are viewed. No longer just storage spaces, they are becoming extensions of the home that influence daily routines and overall quality of life.
For Chad and Theresa, Garage Living is built on that understanding. It’s about creating spaces that function better, feel better and reflect how people live. With direct access to the owners and a commitment to quality and transparency, the Nelsons offer a service that invites homeowners to rethink what their garage can be.
For those ready to transform their space, Chad and Theresa guide the process from start to finish. Reach out to Garage Living at https://www.garageliving.com/f/ omaha for a consultation, or connect directly at (402) 506-6601.
Chad and Theresa Nelson, Owners, Garage Living
BEAUTIFUL GARAGE INTERIORS
GARAGE LIVING OMAHA transforms ordinary garages into extraordinary spaces, blending style with functionality. Our expert team redefines garages into personalized spaces—whether you’re looking for a sleek storage solution or a customized living space. Enhance your home’s appeal and lifestyle.
20115 Oak St., SE Corner of 204th & W. Center Rd.
GARAGE LIVING OMAHA
Chaos to Calm
ARTICLE BY NICHOLE PERINGER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CB YATES PHOTOGRAPHY
Man’s Best Friend Meets Their Superhero, Bob Wiegand
Bob Wiegand, owner, Dog Training Elite Omaha and Millie.
Somewhere in Omaha, a family with the best intentions finds itself overwhelmed. There is love for their dog and a genuine desire to create a calm, structured home, but frustration builds after repeated failed attempts. Despite effort and care, the environment becomes stressful rather than peaceful.
For many pet owners in the Omaha area, this reality leads to a difficult decision: rehoming a pet due to a lack of training and support.
That is where Bob Wiegand of Dog Training Elite Omaha steps in.
Rather than letting your home feel chaotic or controlled by unwanted behaviors, Wiegand offers a path forward. His approach is efficient, intentional and transformative enough to leave clients wondering why they waited so long to call.
Wiegand has built a reputation as a steady, results-driven trainer. He often walks into homes where dogs are reactive, anxious or even muzzled, and within a few sessions, those same dogs are calm, responsive and settled at his feet.
It is fitting, then, that he was voted the No. 1 dog trainer in the 2025 Omaha Choice Awards.
A PERSONAL MISSION ROOTED IN OBSERVATION
Wiegand’s journey into dog training is grounded in care, patience and a natural ability to observe behavior. His experience is deeply personal, shaped in part by dogs like Norman, his longtime yellow Labrador, who has since passed away. Norman played a significant role in refining not only Wiegand’s training philosophy but also his character.
“Dogs are truly man’s best friend,” Wiegand affirms. “My love of dogs has just exponentially grown over the last four years that I’ve been training them. I just get a kick out of them. The personalities are so unique.”
Dog Training Elite Omaha opened in April 2022. Since then, client success stories have continued to grow, from families finding peace at home to individuals gaining life-changing support through highly trained service dogs.
Millie and Bob show off basic training commands.
Bob Weigand, Owner, Dog Training Elite Omaha
“I’ve personally had success with every dog I’ve trained, for every client. We are one of the few dog trainers in Omaha that will work with aggressive dogs.”
Wiegand’s work includes obedience training for the everyday dog but he also trains pups for PTSD support, seizure response, autism assistance, diabetic alert and mobility support. He’s even trained his personal dog, Millie, as a certified therapy dog who spends her Sunday afternoons frequenting local memory care facilities to sharpen her skills.
His mission centers on strengthening the human-dog connection through structure, communication and trust.
“Dogs want to be educated. They like to perform tasks,” Wiegand explains.
A MODERN APPROACH TO TRAINING
Wiegand’s philosophy contrasts sharply with outdated training methods rooted in fear or punishment. Instead, he emphasizes positive reinforcement and structured guidance, an approach that mirrors thoughtful, intentional parenting.
“Dogs crave clarity,” Wiegand emphasizes. “They want to understand what is expected of them.”
Through reward-based training, dogs learn boundaries while gaining confidence. Owners, in turn, learn how to communicate effectively and consistently.
One recent example illustrates this clearly. Wiegand entered a home where a dog was muzzled, barking and growling. At first glance, the behavior appeared aggressive. But through careful observation, he recognized conflicting signals. The dog’s tail wagged with excitement even as it reacted with fear.
“The tail was wagging. So the head and face are telling you one thing and the rest of the body is telling you another,” Wiegand notes. “Modifying behaviors is what it boils down to.”
Within minutes, Wiegand identified the root issue: confusion and lack of structure.
“The dog responded very well, stopped barking at us, stopped growling at us, still wore the muzzle, and now we’re three sessions in and the dog has done a 180-degree switch,” he adds.
By the end of the session, the same dog sat calmly at his feet.
This is not luck or coincidence. It is informed, intentional training built on understanding behavior at its core.
REAL SOLUTIONS FOR MODERN FAMILIES
Wiegand also addresses increasingly common challenges in today’s households, including blended families with multiple dogs, new babies or shifting home dynamics.
Whether it is integrating two dogs from separate households or helping a pet adjust to a growing family, these situations benefit from structured guidance. He recalls one young couple who kept their dogs separated upstairs and downstairs, rotating them around the clock.
“Now all four of them watch SportsCenter together,” Wiegand shares.
The emotional impact is immediate and meaningful. Clients often describe: returning home to a calm, undamaged space, walking their dogs without fear or anxiety and relaxing together as a family without constant management.
What once felt like “environmental gymnastics,” rotating dogs between rooms, managing tension or avoiding conflict, becomes simple, peaceful coexistence.
“A well-trained dog definitely provides comfort and makes life easier,” Wiegand explains. “You’re not always yelling at the dog like most people do.”
TRAINING THAT HAPPENS WHERE LIFE HAPPENS
Wiegand emphasizes that real change happens in the home, not just in theory.
“In-home coaching will always outperform anything you can learn online,” he adds.
By working directly within a client’s environment, Wiegand helps both dog and owner build confidence together. He also offers group classes to maintain skills in more distracting, real-world settings such as parks, stores and even airports.
His belief is simple: Every dog, regardless of breed, size or age, can be trained.
“Our motto is we work with every breed, every size,” Wiegand states.
“Man’s best friend isn’t born perfect,” he adds. “They’re trained with patience, structure and love.”
A TRAINER WHO TAKES ON THE TOUGH CASES
Wiegand is also known for working with reactive or aggressive dogs, cases many trainers avoid. His willingness to take on these challenges provides relief for owners who feel out of options.
“I’ve personally had success with every dog that I’ve trained for every client,” he says. “We are one of the few dog trainers in Omaha that will deal with aggressive dogs.”
Beyond behavior training, he prepares dogs for meaningful roles in the community, including therapy work in schools and nursing homes. Training begins with solid obedience, then advances to public access and certification.
Timelines vary based on the dog, owner commitment and individual circumstances, ranging from a few months to more than a year.
GIVING BACK
Wiegand offers discounts to: emergency medical personnel, health care professionals, educators, veterans and military personnel.
A STEADY PRESENCE IN OMAHA
In a field where quick fixes are often promised but rarely delivered, Wiegand stands out for his consistency and results. A no-nonsense trainer with a calm demeanor, a sharp eye for behavior, and a commitment to helping families restore balance in their homes, Bob Wiegand is a hero to man’s best friend and their owners.
At the end of the day, a well-trained dog is more than a companion. It is the foundation of a peaceful home.
For more information, visit dogtrainingelite.com/ omaha or call 531-999-6333. Mention this article in Elkhorn City Lifestyle for a 5% discount.
ARTICLE BY HAILEY ZEBLEY PHOTOGRAPHY
BY PERFORMANCE SOLUTIONS BY ROB
CAMPBELL
A Closer Look at the People-First Culture of Superior Honda and Acura of Omaha
Service You
Return To
Rooted in decades of local experience and steady growth, Superior Honda and Acura of Omaha has built a reputation extending well beyond its showroom. From its early days in Council Bluffs to its established presence in West Omaha, the dealership reflects a long-standing commitment to service, consistency and community connection.
The business has evolved over more than 40 years, growing from a small operation into a full-service dealership while maintaining a clear sense of identity. That continuity is driven in large part by leadership and a culture that prioritizes people.
Cody Gilmore, new car manager at Superior Honda and Acura of Omaha
New Car Manager Cody Gilmore, who has spent more than two decades with the dealership, points to the relationship between ownership and employees as a defining factor.
“In my time here, I’ve watched our ownership and general manager create a very close-knit working relationship with employees,” Gilmore says. “The result is a workplace where long-term careers are common and where customers are greeted by familiar faces year after year.”
That stability shapes the customer experience from the moment someone walks through the door. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, the team focuses on understanding individual needs and guiding customers accordingly.
“On the sales side, we focus on finding out what the customer’s wants and needs are and then we address the vehicle from there,” Gilmore explains.
The process is structured to be efficient while still allowing flexibility, helping customers feel informed and confident at every stage. Time and clarity are central to that experience.
A streamlined process begins with a conversation to narrow down options, followed by tailored vehicle presentations and test drives that reflect what matters most to the customer. From there, pricing and
financing are presented in a way that aligns with each individual’s preferences.
“Our reputation definitely means a lot to us. Transparency and building trust are always big,” Gilmore emphasizes.
That mindset continues beyond the initial purchase. If a customer encounters an issue, the team works to find a solution that maintains trust and satisfaction.
The dealership’s offerings further reinforce its credibility. As a Honda-focused retailer, it provides access to a full lineup of vehicles, including both hybrid and electric models. Customers can also explore a wide selection of certified preowned and used vehicles across multiple brands.
In addition to sales and leasing, Superior Honda and Acura of Omaha offer on-site financing, a full-service maintenance department and a parts center, creating a comprehensive automotive resource in one location.
Service plays a key role in maintaining longterm relationships. Many customers continue returning well after their initial purchase, relying on certified technicians for routine maintenance and repairs. That consistency has helped build a loyal customer base that extends beyond the immediate Omaha area.
“OUR OWNERSHIP AND GENERAL MANAGER CREATE A VERY CLOSE-KNIT WORKING RELATIONSHIP WITH EMPLOYEES. THE RESULT IS A WORKPLACE WHERE LONG-TERM CAREERS ARE COMMON AND WHERE CUSTOMERS ARE GREETED BY FAMILIAR FACES YEAR AFTER YEAR.”
The strength of the team is another defining element. With decades of combined experience, employees bring both knowledge and approachability to their roles. The dealership emphasizes diversity, with multilingual staff members who can assist customers from a variety of backgrounds. This inclusive approach ensures customers feel comfortable and supported throughout the buying process.
Community involvement remains an important part of the dealership’s identity. Through initiatives like Project Pink’d and local toy drives, Superior Honda and Acura of Omaha connects its business efforts with meaningful causes.
“We’ve done Project Pink’d for over a decade. Every Saturday in October we’re dressed in pink and a portion of every car we sell goes to Project Pink’d while the customer gets a discount too,” Gilmore states.
These efforts create a direct impact while allowing customers to participate in giving back.
Leadership continues to guide the dealership with a balance of high standards and steady support. That approach has helped foster a culture where employees are encouraged to grow and where customers benefit from a team that takes pride in its work.
At its core, Superior Honda and Acura of Omaha are defined by experience, consistency and a commitment to its customers.
“Buying a car can be a lot. It’s definitely overwhelming, especially if you don’t do it every day, so we try to take down as many roadblocks as possible,” Gilmore says.
For drivers looking for a dealership that combines a wide selection of vehicles with a thoughtful, customer-focused approach, Superior Honda and Acura of Omaha offer a trusted option.
To browse inventory, schedule a test drive or learn more about their services, visit their website, hondaofomaha.com, to get started.
SUMMER GRILL RECIPES
ARTICLE BY KATIE BOBROW
THESE DELICIOUS RECIPES ARE LIGHT, BRIGHT AND FEEL LIKE SUMMER
The sun has returned, and grilling season is upon us. With the nice weather comes vegetable gardens and fresh produce, along with the overwhelming desire to be outside as much as possible. We’ve compiled some fresh and light dishes that you can shop for at your local farmers market and whether you’re looking for a quick mid-week meal or something to grill for a crowd on the weekend these dishes won’t disappoint. These pair well together or can stand on their own!
INGREDIENTS:
• 2lbs. Outside skirt steak*
• 2 Tablespoons lime*
• 2 Tablespoons finely, chopped cilantro
• ¼ Cup olive oil or avocado oil
• ¼ White onion, finely chopped
• 1 Tablespoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS:
1. Place skirt steak into gallon freezer bag
2. Combine all other ingredients in bowl and mix. Pour over steak and marinate for 3-4 hours or overnight in the fridge.
3. Bring skirt steak to room temperature by letting it sit out for one hour.
4. Get your grill hot on one side and medium on the other.
SIMPLE SKIRT STEAK
5. Once the grill is ready, wipe excess marinade off steak. Starting on the hot side, place skirt steak on grill for 2 minutes per side, attaining a nice sear.
6. Transfer steak to the cooler side of grill and cook until the internal temp is 130°. Let rest for 10 minutes (temp will rise while resting).
7. Carve and serve. This dish pairs well with beans and rice or served as tacos. Following is a chimichurri sauce that compliments it nicely.
*Outside skirt steak is a more tender cut than inside skirt steak, for this recipe outside skirt is recommended. Do not use too much lime as the citrus can cook the meat before putting it on the grill, resulting in a tougher texture.
SUM MER
CHIMICHURRI
INGREDIENTS:
• ½ Cup parsley, finely chopped
• ½ Cup cilantro, finely chopped
• 2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 3 Cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Red chili (whole or deseeded depending on desired level of heat)
• ½ Teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 Teaspoon salt
• 1 Tablespoon lime juice (optional)
DIRECTIONS:
Combine all ingredients in a bowl. You can make this in the late morning and let it sit for around 4-6 hours, or you can make it the day before and let the flavors meld overnight in the fridge. Just be sure to take it out and get it to room temp before you serve it, as olive oil hardens in the fridge. Serve over skirt steak or tacos.
ROASTED CORN SALSA
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 Ears sweet corn
• 10oz. Cherry tomatoes
• ¼ Cup lime juice
• 1 Finely chopped jalapeno or serrano (whole or deseeded depending on desired level of heat)
• ¼ Cup cilantro, finely chopped
• ½ Cup white onion, chopped
• 2 Cloves garlic, minced
• Salt to taste
DIRECTIONS:
1. Grill corn, you do not need to soak the corn beforehand.
2. Place corn on the grill (inside their husks) over medium heat turning every few minutes.
3. After 10 to 12 minutes shuck the corn and put the cobs back on the grill for 2-4 minutes rotating frequently to achieve that charred look and flavor.
4. Cut the corn from the cob, place in bowl and add all other ingredients. Let the mixture meld for about an hour and serve with tortilla chips or as a taco garnish.
Your New FAVORITE LOUNGE
Choosing a financial advisor isn’t just about today’s decisions. It’s about
the right people beside you as your life, priorities, and complexity evolve.
At Realize Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley, Aron Huddleston and Nick Nalbach work as part of a collaborative, experienced team focused on long-term planning, disciplined investment strategy, and continuity across generations.
A thoughtful approach, built to evolve as life does.
Left to Right: Nick Nalbach & Aron Huddleston
Elkhorn
Nice? Is Whiskey On Ice
BY EVE BUSHMAN
ARTICLE
THE BEST WAY TO ENJOY YOUR WHISKEY: ON THE ROCKS, ROCK, NEAT, OR WITH WATER
In speaking to Whiskey lovers (most happen to be men, but do accept me in their brethren as a fellow enthusiast, writer, and educator), I’ve learned a great many opinions on how to drink Whiskey. Specifically, preferences on adding water and ice vary greatly.
A brand ambassador that I had the privilege of listening to recently said the obvious: both dilution and temperature change when you add ice, so if you are going to add something, a little water is best. I personally prefer to use a water dropper, so I can add one drop at a time until I get to the desired taste.
HERE ARE THE DIFFERENCES:
Rocks: Provides the highest rate of dilution as a lot of ice melts quickly. If you are drinking a barrel proof Whiskey, it kind of defeats the purpose as the distiller didn’t add water as they do in every other type of finished Whiskey.
On the Rock: The single rock, cube, or sphere is the slowest to melt and thought to be the most aesthetic. It’s nice if you want to stretch out your tasting. I often order on the rock if I want my drink to last longer.
Neat: This is the way single malt Scotch is served at a tasting event, in a branded Glencairn or Neat glass so that proper nosing for aromas can be achieved - and a dram of Scotch, smaller than an ounce, fits in them perfectly.
Water: As I mentioned above, quoting the brand ambassador, a little water is better for a fine Whiskey over any kind of ice. Often, if ordered with water, the water is served in a separate vessel on the side so you can add in as much as you want.
Quoting another expert on the subject, Richard Paterson of The Dalmore famously and enthusiastically demonstrates in his Scotch classes how to drink single malt Scotch Whiskey: Paterson fills a lowball glass to the rim with ice, adds Scotch and then ceremoniously throws it over his shoulder onto the carpet of the classroom – because that much ice makes the drink worthless. One more quote, never “add green tea or milk to Whiskey. You can add a little water, but not a lot of ice.”
Ultimately, the reason we add ice can be for aesthetics, to stretch out the time spent on one glass, for cooling, and for dilution. However, the number one reason enthusiasts add water is … drumroll please … because adding a little water actually opens up a Whiskey to show more aromas and flavors.
AN EXCERPT FROM EPISODE 6 OF SHARE THE LIFESTYLE, A CITY LIFESTYLE PODCAST
Photographer: Brittany Dawn Short
Creative Director: Jen Birn
Stylist: Stephanie Coultress O’Neill
Location: Hotel Saint Cecilia, Austin, TX
MIKE JOHNSON HAS BUILT HIS LIFE AROUND ONE QUIETLY RADICAL IDEA: THE STANDARD YOU SET PRIVATELY IS THE ONLY ONE THAT MATTERS.
After eight years in the Air Force, a celebrated run on national television, and a health crisis abroad that sent him deep into supply chains and ingredient certifications most founders never touch, the result is Oshun — a luxury ritual brand built on provenance you can trace and integrity you can verify. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Mike shares what it actually takes to build something worth putting your name on. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full episode.
Q: YOU BECAME A FAN FAVORITE ON THE BACHELORETTE AND THEN LEFT THE SPOTLIGHT. YOU MOVED TO MEXICO, LEARNED SPANISH, THEN COSTA RICA, AND BUILT A COMPANY. WHAT DID THAT EXPERIENCE TEACH YOU ABOUT HUMAN BEHAVIOR?
A: “If you’re a good person going in, that shows. If you’re not, that shows too. I also learned that people form this parasocial relationship with you — they assume things about you. When in all actuality, different circumstances bring out different parts of who you are. I was on TV trying to find love. The kindness people were showing after felt a bit fake, because they wanted to be a part of something that isn’t who I am individually, but a part of what they saw on TV. And so I had to get away from everybody and everything and the noise.”
THE QUIET STANDARD:
MIKE JOHNSON
“Too many people have prayed for me. So I’ve got to get up and do the walking.”
— Mike Johnson
Q: YOU JOINED THE AIR FORCE RIGHT OUT OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE. WHAT WERE YOU ACTUALLY RUNNING TOWARD?
A: “There was something in me that was saying: I’m not living up to my full potential. I was being a follower. My uncle said, ‘What’s going to make you become an adult the fastest?’ I said, obviously, the military. The Air Force broadened my thought process more than anything. We’re so caught up in our own perception — when you learn to understand different people’s perspectives, it adds to you in so many ways.”
Q: WITH OSHUN, YOU OWN YOUR MANUFACTURING, YOU EMPLOY A CHEMIST, EVERY PRODUCT HAS A BATCH NUMBER TRACEABLE TO ITS ORIGIN DATE. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GO THAT DEEP WITH THE BRAND?
A: “The EU bans 1,100 ingredients in personal care products. The U.S. bans nine. That’s my starting point. Oftentimes, it might be the same ingredient, but it comes from a place where it doesn’t have the highest purity. And 60% of what we put on our skin is absorbed. Every product Oshun makes carries a batch number that goes back to the exact day it was created — I can show you every single supplier, the date, the origin. I own more than one part of the supply chain because that’s the only way I can stand behind what’s in the bottle.”
This conversation is just the beginning. Mike goes deeper into why he’s buying land up north, the family in the Philippines who prayed over his factory floor, and what he’d tell every person ready to stop performing and start building. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle podcast.
MIKE JOHNSON
JUNE 2026
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
FRIDAY EVENINGS
Beats & Bites
Heartwood Park, 301 S. 145th St., Omaha | 5:00 PM
Beats & Bites Farmers Market brings a lively, community-focused evening to Heartwood Park with farm-fresh produce, handmade goods and specialty treats from local vendors. Guests can enjoy dinner, live music and lawn games, creating an inviting atmosphere that blends shopping, dining and entertainment into one vibrant weekly tradition.
JUNE 5TH
Summerfest at River’s Edge
Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park | 6:00 PM
Summerfest at River’s Edge returns as an official kickoff to summer, blending live music, interactive experiences and a signature drone show into one lively evening. With thousands in attendance, the free, family-friendly event offers an engaging mix of entertainment, community partnerships and outdoor fun; a memorable seasonal tradition along the riverfront.
JUNE 7TH
Ironman 70.3 Omaha
Lake Cunningham to Gallup Riverfront Park, Omaha | 7:00 AM
IRONMAN 70.3 Omaha delivers a high-energy endurance experience, guiding athletes through a scenic swim, rolling bike course and riverfront run that showcases Midwest landscapes and community spirit, establishing a new premier sporting tradition in the region!
CONTINUED
JUNE 20TH - 21ST
Father’s Day Car Show
Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum | 9:00 AM
The Father’s Day Car Show offers a distinctive celebration of automotive craftsmanship, showcasing classic, custom and modern vehicles displayed alongside historic aircraft. The immersive setting blends engineering, nostalgia and family-friendly engagement, creating a one-of-a-kind experience that honors innovation and timeless design.
JUNE 25TH - 27TH
Country Drive Live
Country Drive Golf Course, 951 Co. Rd. 4, Ashland | 5:00 PM
Country Drive Live delivers a dynamic country music experience that combines live performances, camping and a festival-style atmosphere into one immersive weekend. Hosted on a family-owned venue, the event pairs nationally touring artists with local talent, delivering a lively, community-driven celebration of music and summer nights. Day one begins at 5 p.m., day two at 4 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 1 p.m.
JUNE 26TH
Memorial Park Concert
Memorial Park, 6005 Underwood Ave., Omaha | 6:30 PM
The Memorial Park Concert stands as one of Omaha’s most anticipated summer traditions, featuring nationally recognized performers on a sweeping outdoor stage and a fireworks finale. Drawing thousands, the free, neighborhood celebration event features music, patriotism and neighborhood camaraderie; a memorable night under the open sky.
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