NOVEMBER 13, 2020
THE BUSINESS NEWSPAPER OF GREATER OMAHA, LINCOLN AND COUNCIL BLUFFS
THIS WEEK 'S ISSUE:
$2.00
VOL. 46 NO. 46
Thrasher adds guttering, acquisitions to its repertoire by Richard D. Brown
Corner Kick emerges from shutdown with new Maple location, another on the way. – Page 3
A ce AD lian p m Co
Americans with Disabilities Act marks 30 years as area organizations address new challenges. – Page 7
in en s omsines W u B
Local leadership mobilizes as pandemic amplifies inequities for women. – Page 21
Papillion-based Thrasher, a 45-year-old family-owned business that does waterproofing, foundation repair, egress windows and commercial work is expanding on two fronts: adding gutter replacement in the Omaha and Springfield, Missouri markets and acquiring smaller family-owned firms in Des Moines and Kansas City. However, President Dan Thrasher said that while the pandemic and continuing shortage of skilled workers are challenging, the firm expects to see a revenue increase of 20% this year and sales of $74 million. “We’re taking advantage of the right opportunities at the right time,” Thrasher said of the acquisitions of Kansas Basement & Foundation Repair in Wichita, Pier Masters in Kansas City, and Midwest Basement Systems in Des Moines. Additional Thrasher offices are taking advantage of growth opportunities in Sioux City and Continued on page 5.
President Dan Thrasher, left, and Vice President Nick Rohe … Taking advantage of growth opportunities. (Photo by MBJ / Becky McCarville)
Hancock Dana marks 35 years as demand for CPA tech tools, communication builds by Michelle Leach
So-called “simple ideas” of delivering high-value strategies have become a cornerstone of the business philosophy that Hancock Dana has built upon to grow to more than 50 employees in its 35 years. The value presented by their accounting, tax, estate and diverse consultative expertise has only been underscored in the current environment.
“Client needs have not diminished during 2020,” said Partner Hugh Hermanek. “In fact, many requests for consulting have increased.” So, Hermanek said the CPA firm based out of 12829 West Dodge Rd. in Omaha must have the right mix of talents in its lineup to provide services ranging from accounting and assurance, estate and wealth planning, Continued on page 4. Owner Nina Sodji … Building flavors of home by blending a kaleidoscope of culinary cultures.
Okra African Grill generates buzz with fusion of flavors and cultures by Becky McCarville
Partner Hugh Hermanek … CPA firm provides value to clients that need strategic-, stimulus-oriented guidance, estate and business planning.
Okra African Grill, opened just two days before the pandemic shutdown in March, isn’t owner Nina Sodji’s first venture. An entrepreneur at heart (her mother ran a business in Africa), Sodji first came to the U.S. from Togo in West Africa in 1994 at age 19 on a business visa. Ten years later, she had built up a niche market for African cuisine in Omaha and opened an African grocery store and café.
Now Sodji is applying lessons learned from those experiences, along with culinary and business management degrees, to her vision of introducing people to the rich cultures of African food. “Everywhere I go, I don’t see things as just … going in to eat — I go with more entrepreneurial eyes,” she said. “My main vision is to build a bridge between African food and American food.” She said that many other Continued on page 6.