FAB 50:
Business Journal
MAHER JAFARI BUILDS SECOND ACT
JAFARI RETURNS TO OMAHA, SPLITS TIME BETWEEN FILMMAKING AND REAL ESTATE
PAGE 20
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS
YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY ACROSS NEBRASKA & BEYOND
MBJ.COM
VOLUME 52, No. 41
$2.00
OCTOBER 2, 2026
Building at NFM LAYING THE GROUNDWORK, FURNISHING SUCCESS BY DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN
FEATURE
DESIGNING WHAT’S NEXT OMAHA BY DESIGN TURNS 25, GETS NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Walking through Gene Leahy Mall on a warm day in early September, Kene Okigbo, the recently named executive director of Omaha by Design, marvels at the park’s transformation from its original 1970s-era design to the reimagined space that opened in 2022. “It’s a huge transformation,” Okigbo said. “One thing I find interesting, some of the pieces ... are very similar to the original design but executed very differently.”
In 1979, an 8-year-old boy from Iowa City sat in a wrestling camp run by Dan Gable, who was in the middle of a nine-year national championship run at the University of Iowa. The following year he went to a football camp run by Hayden Fry, whose staff included Kirk Ferentz, Barry Alvarez, Bob Stoops and Bill Snyder; coaches who would go on to become some of the winningest in college football history. None of them, he would later reflect, was chasing the best player. They were developing the best person. Tony Boldt didn’t grow up to be an athlete or a coach. He grew up to run one of the largest home furnishings retailers in the United States. But the philosophy he absorbed on those practice fields — recruit for character, develop relentlessly, measure success by what people become — turned out to translate perfectly to a company built on exactly the same premise. Boldt joined Nebraska Furniture Mart in 2002 as a warehouse lead at Homemakers Furniture, a wholly owned NFM subsidiary in Des Moines, Iowa. He finished his business degree at Bellevue University while running the Des Moines store, moved to Omaha as appliance and electronics general sales manager, then to Kansas City as store director. In June 2017, he was named president and COO. In April 2021,
OMAHA BY DESIGN ON PAGE 14
NFM ON PAGE 06
THE RIPPLE EFFECT
INAUGURAL FUNDRAISER HELD FOODS FROM THE NINE SISTER CITIES SAMPLED
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VOLUME 52, No. 41 OCTOBER 2, 2026
Business Journal EVENT HIGHLIGHT
Established in 1975 Publisher / CEO Andrea “Andee” Hoig Executive Editor Daisy Hutzell-Rodman Editorial & Digital Content Coordinator Anna Blumenthal Sales and Business Development Jane Shinn
Casino Night Sets Record
PAGE 04
HARRISON FINANCIAL RAISES $200,000 FOR CHARITY PARTNERS
Advertising Assistant Julie Whitehead
THE RIPPLE EFFECT
United Way Day of Caring
PAGE 30
VOLUNTEERS UNIFY TO SERVE OMAHA-COUNCIL BLUFFS
Open Range Announcements
402-330-1760 mbj.com
NEW PARTNERSHIP, TECHSTARS FOUNDER COHORT
CONTRIBUTORS
CREATIVE: Jalapeño Designs • Mike Cottrell Waking Words, LLC • Rob Killmer PHOTOGRAPHY: Debra S. Kaplan Monica Sempek Photography Roger Humphries Photography SENIOR WRITERS: Dwain Hebda Kara Schweiss
OMAHA, Nebraska — Sept. 23, 2026 — Open Range and FNBO have announced a new partnership designed to strengthen Nebraska’s startup community and expand the resources, relationships and opportunities available to entrepreneurs across the state. The new Education & Access Development Program combines Open Range’s work connecting founders and strengthening Nebraska’s startup community with FNBO’s financial expertise, business resources and longstanding commitment to entrepreneurship and economic growth. Rather than focusing on a single program or event, the partnership will support initiatives aimed at helping founders build stronger companies, better understand their financial options, and connect with businesses and organizations that can help them grow. “Building a stronger startup and innovation ecosystem requires more than supporting founders at individual moments, it requires organizations willing to invest in the infrastructure that help entrepreneurs succeed long term,” said Laurel Oetken, CEO of Open Range. “FNBO understands the important role startups and entrepreneurs play in the future of our economy, and this collaboration gives us an opportunity to build new pathways between founders, financial institutions and the broader business community in Omaha.” The program will include initiatives designed to better support the way entrepreneurs understand banking and financing options as their companies grow, as well as better connect FNBO to the startup and innovation ecosystem. “We are excited to work alongside Open Range to help build the startup infrastructure that will support Nebraska’s next generation of entrepreneurs,” said Marc Butterfield, senior vice president of product and innovation at FNBO. “Strong founders create strong communities, and we are proud to play a role in that journey.” The collaboration reflects Open Range’s role as a backbone organization for Nebraska’s startup community, bringing together
EDITOR’S pick
WRITERS: Wendy Jordan Michelle Leach Tim Rohwer Brooke Strickland Wendy Townley Tim Trudell PRINTER: White Wolf Web Dedicated to Robert G. “Bob” Hoig (1932-2019) Founder Zane D. Randall (1925-2006) Co-founder LeAnne M. Iwan (1932-1986) First News Editor The Midlands Business Journal (ISSN 0194-4525) is published weekly by MBJ Inc. and is available for $2.00 per individual copy, $99 per year (print + digital) or $60 (digital only). Editorial offices are 8709 F St. #113, Omaha, NE 68127. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Midlands Business Journal, 8709 F St. #113, Omaha, NE 68127. All submissions to the Midlands Business Journal become the property of the Midlands Business Journal and will not be returned. ADVERTISING 402-330-1760 or sales@mbj.com Written permission must be obtained from Midlands Business Journal and MBJ, Inc., to post any of our stories or other published materials on a website. Under no circumstances, because of spamming potential and other issues, will permission be granted to transmit our stories by email. -- The Publisher
50 Years Strong:
Celebrating local and small business news in Nebraska and SW Iowa! Page 3 • October 2, 2026
founders, corporations, investors, universities, government and community partners to strengthen connections and address the gaps that can make it harder to build and grow a company here. For FNBO, the partnership creates a way to connect with entrepreneurs earlier as they build their companies, providing financial expertise and resources that can support stronger, more sustainable growth. Additional initiatives and programming from Open Range and FNBO will be announced throughout the coming year. Also announced recently was the latest founder cohort with Techstars. Techstars is a global startup accelerator and professional network. Open Range was a key force in bringing Techstars to Omaha and has been the organizing entity behind finding Nebraska applicants and assisting them with joining the Techstars Founder Catalyst pre-accelerator. Two cohorts have already completed the program, with the first in fall 2025 and the second this spring. The latest group is participating in the Techstars Founder Catalyst Global Fall 2026 Program, which lasts 10 weeks and consists of expert-led workshops and mentorship. The five startups selected to represent Greater Omaha and wider Nebraska are: Enzo Clean: Sells hygiene and cleaning products for athletes and their equipment. Led by Tamio Stehrenberger. Etholytics: Offers machine-learning technology centered on the monitoring and data collection of animal behavior. Led by Haley Beer. mNemo Automation: Builds secure artificial intelligence, custom apps and estate systems for homes and properties. Led by Jeremiah Jorgensen. Moonlit AI: Provides small businesses and marketing teams with data insights from analyzing their websites. The goal is to improve website functionality and customer experience. Led by Ashley Scalia. U-GoTrip: Helps travelers and their families plan and customize road trips on the go based on their wants and needs. Led by Ugo Okolo.
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EVENT highlight
Casino Night Sets Record
HARRISON FINANCIAL RAISES $200,000 FOR CHARITY PARTNERS BY DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTED Harrison Financial Services (HFS) hosted its ninth annual Casino Night fundraiser on the evening of Aug. 11 at Peter Fink’s Private Car Museum, marking the event’s most successful year to date. The event boasted more than 250 attendees, who helped raise more than $200,000 for three nonprofit partners: Breakthrough T1D, The Kim Foundation and Blood Cancer United. The total more than doubled last year’s fundraising figure. What began as an evening of fun and connection has grown into one of Harrison Financial Services’ signature philanthropic events, drawing sponsors and attendees eager to support the cause while enjoying an evening of gaming and entertainment. Harrison Financial Services covers all event expenses so that 100% of sponsorship donations go directly to the three nonprofit partners as opposed to overhead costs. The model reflects the company’s commitment to maximizing the impact of donors’ generosity. Breakthrough T1D funds research toward curing, preventing and treating type 1 diabetes. The Kim Foundation, based in Omaha, provides support and resources for people affected by mental illness. Blood Cancer United, formerly the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, funds research and support services for blood cancer patients and their families. Organizers credited the record-breaking total to the generosity of sponsors and attendees, along with the company’s continued investment in growing the event’s reach each year. Together, the funds raised will support programs that make a lasting difference in the lives of individuals and families served by all three organizations. In a social media post, Harrison Financial Services founder and CEO Tim Harrison said, “A huge thank you to everyone who helped make the evening unforgettable. I’m proud of what we accomplished and even more excited about what we’re building together.”
KATHY COURTNAGE AND TRACI HARRISON
JACK MCKEEGAN, HFS, AND TRAVIS BOURBON, BLOOD CANCER UNITED
THE COMBINED HEALTH AGENCIES DRIVE (CHAD) AND BLOOD CANCER UNITED TEAM WITH HFS’S JULIA HALONEN
TYLER PETITT AND TRACY FISHER
THE HARRISON FINANCIAL SERVICES TEAM
Page 4 • October 2, 2026
THE KIM FOUNDATION TEAM
MBJ BUSINESS insider
A weekly recap of current, relevant and breaking business news in the area Send your business news to editor@mbj.com
TOP THINGS TO KNOW CHI Center expansion hits final height
The $200 million CHI Health Center Omaha convention center expansion has reached its final height, with the 90,000-square-foot east-side addition on track for a fall 2027 opening. The project will add 25 meeting rooms, bringing the convention center to 41, while expanding total convention space to roughly 420,000 square feet. The investment is designed to help Omaha compete for larger conventions and could generate as much as $1.2 billion in new meetingrelated economic activity.
UNO starts $67.5M athletics build
The University of Nebraska at Omaha broke ground on a privately funded $67.5 million athletics project outside Baxter Arena. The investment includes the $55 million Howard L. Hawks Training Center, scheduled for summer 2028, and a $12.5 million Maverick Park Clubhouse, targeted for July 2027. The facilities will add practice and competition space, academic and sports-science resources, health services and community-event capacity while modernizing UNO’s athletics campus south of Center Street.
North Omaha grocery breaks ground
Heart Ministry Center broke ground Sept. 19 on a 25,000-square-foot nonprofit grocery store near 25th and Lake streets. The project is estimated at roughly $7 million and includes $1.5 million from Nebraska’s recovery-grant program. The full-service market is designed to bring fresh, affordable food to an area that has lacked a full-service grocery option while creating jobs for neighborhood residents and graduates of Heart Ministry’s Fresh Start training program.
Omaha funds North Freeway study
The Omaha City Council unanimously approved nearly $190,000 in city funding for a Reconnecting Communities study examining the North Freeway’s long-term impact on North Omaha. The broader program totals nearly $1.9 million, with most funding coming from federal sources, and will support planning, preliminary engineering, resident engagement and economic-development strategies. The corridor’s construction displaced more than 1,100 families and businesses, making redevelopment and connectivity central components of the study.
Farnam Bridge reopened
Omaha’s Farnam Street bridge over I-480 reopened Sept. 25, ending a nearly 10-month closure and restoring a key connection between Midtown, Blackstone and the interstate. The rebuilt bridge features brighter lighting, wider lanes and new sidewalks, including expanded southside space planned for a future bike lane. The demolition and reconstruction project remained within its approximately $20.6 million budget and finished months ahead of the original schedule.
Omaha weighs lower parking requirements
would reduce single-family and townhouse requirements to one space while cutting two-family housing from 1.5 to one. The ordinance also addresses parking for commercial trucks, RVs, boats and trailers as the city evaluates ways to reduce development costs and expand housing options.
316 Strategy Group moves to Elkhorn
Omaha marketing agency 316 Strategy Group signed a two-year lease at 2701 N. Main St. in Olde Towne Elkhorn and plans to open its new headquarters in October. The 23-person firm serves more than 100 clients with SEO, AI-search, web, content, video, social and advertising services. The new space will include photo, video and podcast studios alongside collaborative workspace, expanding the firm’s operating footprint in west Omaha.
Childcare franchise expands across Nebraska
The Learning Experience is planning four additional Nebraska childcare centers over the next three years, split between the Omaha and Lincoln metropolitan areas. The national franchise’s broader 12-center Michigan-Nebraska expansion is expected to add roughly 120,000 square feet, with individual centers capable of reaching 10,000 square feet, employing up to 30 staff and serving as many as 180 children. The expansion adds capacity to a growing earlychildhood market, with the company already operating and developing multiple Omaha-area locations.
Nebraska settles grain payment case
The Nebraska Public Service Commission dismissed a complaint against Ohio-based ethanol and grain processor The Andersons after the company resolved allegations involving payment for grain purchased from a Nebraska producer. Under a stipulated agreement, The Andersons will pay a $5,000 administrative fine while maintaining its Nebraska grain-dealer license in good standing. The company denies the alleged violations, and the agreement does not constitute an admission that violations occurred.
College opens $23M auto center
Central Community College opened its 42,000-square-foot Gosper Building Automotive Careers Training Center in Hastings. The $23 million facility replaces an automotive building more than 80 years old and houses the college’s automotive technology and auto-body programs, adding modern classrooms, labs and equipment. The investment expands training capacity for Nebraska’s automotive, manufacturing and skilled-trades workforce.
Omaha fund to spend $1 million
Omaha-based venture capital firm Proven Ventures announced plans to deploy the remaining $1 million of its flagship investment fund. Managing partners are targeting revenue-generating Nebraska startups with scalable models. The funds will range from $250,000 to $500,000 per company. This deployment aims to bolster the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem by backing local founders before the end of the year.
Omaha is considering a one-space-per-unit parking standard for new single-family homes, townhouses, duplexes and other two-family housing. Current requirements generally range from 1.5 to two spaces per unit; the proposal
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SBA fees fall for eligible loans
New U.S. Small Business Administration fee schedules that took effect Oct. 1 could eliminate the upfront guarantee fee on qualifying 7(a) loans of $700,000 or less for manufacturers, specified food-supply-chain businesses and businesses located in qualifying rural areas. The waiver applies to loans approved through Sept. 30, 2027, potentially reducing upfront borrowing costs for eligible companies financing equipment, expansion, working capital or real estate.
Rain improves Nebraska soil moisture
The USDA’s latest crop report for Nebraska shows rain improving soil moisture while slowing fieldwork during the week ending Sept. 20. Corn harvest reached 7% and soybean harvest 3%, both slightly ahead of last year but behind five-year averages, while producers reported 4.2 suitable fieldwork days. The conditions provide a timely operating indicator for grain handlers, agricultural lenders and other businesses tied to the harvest cycle.
Conagra tracks new snack demand
Conagra Brands’ second annual Future of Snacking report puts the U.S. snacking market at $198.2 billion and identifies growing consumer demand for bold flavors, functional benefits and recognizable ingredients. The analysis examined more than 53 million shopping transactions across 17,000 snacking products, with functional-fuel products reaching $19 billion in retail sales and high-protein snacks generating $12.1 billion. The data gives Omaha-based Conagra a detailed view of changing consumer demand across a major food category.
Kiewit sees nuclear buildout challenges
Kiewit Nuclear Solutions President Mike Rinehart said rising energy demand is pushing nuclear projects from planning toward execution, while workforce planning, supplychain constraints and increasingly complex engineering teams remain significant challenges. The Omaha contractor emphasized integrating engineering, procurement and construction to better quantify and manage project risk and improve cost and schedule certainty. The outlook points to potential long-term demand for specialized engineering and construction capabilities as nuclear infrastructure activity expands.
Grain firm defeats $7.9 million case
Omaha grain company Hansen-Mueller Co. secured a victory in federal bankruptcy court. The judge rejected a $7.9 million claim over grain proceeds brought by two bonding firms. This decision successfully frees up roughly $3.9 million that was previously held in reserve by the company’s primary lender, BMO Bank, allowing the business to redirect funds back into its daily operations.
State minimum wage increase capped
Nebraska business owners will adjust to a smaller mandatory minimum wage increase in 2027. A legislative cap passed last spring limits the state’s cost-of-living adjustment to 1.75%. As a result, the upcoming wage hike will be 29 cents lower ($15.26 vs. $15.55) than the voterapproved formula.
A CLOSER look Building at NFM
LAYING THE GROUNDWORK, FURNISHING SUCCESS NFM FROM PAGE 01
he became president and CEO — the first person outside the Blumkin family to hold the role in the company’s 88-year history. NFM, a Berkshire Hathaway company since 1983, operates stores in Omaha, Kansas City, Des Moines and The Colony, Texas. A fifth location in Cedar Park, Texas, is currently under development. MBJ: You’ve described learning from Ron and Irv Blumkin as “a fantastic ride.” But Ron has also said that consensus among family members can create friction — that a business needs one final decisionmaker. Those are two very different pictures. Nine years in, which one is actually true? Boldt: I’ve worked with and for the Blumkin family for 23 years. Their values aligned so much with my values that it helped me progress in the company quicker, because I wasn’t worried about day-to-day politics. I was just worried about doing the best I could for the company. I think, actually, it was more so that there wasn’t a family member who wanted the job. The fourth-generation Blumkin family is still in the business and I work very closely with them. For Ron, it’s still teaching and coaching and celebrations. Irv loves furniture merchandising and store design; I’m certainly not going to get in his way. But I will say there has never been a time since 2017 that if I made a final decision, they ever overturned it. When the decision is made, I make it, and that’s the final decision. They support me 110%, every step of the way, from day one to today. MBJ: Irv Blumkin has said he still drives by the Omaha store to make sure the lights are on. What does it mean to you when the person who handed you the company is still checking on it himself? Boldt: I think it’s wonderful. He’s a passionate man and I’m passionate as well. The more people who are looking after the business with that kind of mentality, the better off we’re going to be. Irv shows up every day, he’s working every day still. From my perspective, I love the fact that I have a partner in crime to make sure everything is operating the way it should be and that we’re still making people happy like we have for 88 years. MBJ: Your Bellevue University degree was completed through an NFM employee cohort, writing papers about leadership situations you were all actually living. You’ve said you would not be in this job without it. What did you figure out on paper that you hadn’t figured out just by doing the job? Boldt: I actually went to school three different times before I got my degree. First psychology, then I wanted to coach, my mom was a teacher for 30 years, I did my practicum with her and realized I probably didn’t have as much patience as she did. She’s got the patience of a saint. When I finally went back through NFM’s partnership with Bellevue, I felt like most of the time, the people from Nebraska Furniture Mart were the only ones who liked their current jobs. I think what that did is solidify, this is what the rest of the world looks like. What we’re building at Nebraska Furniture Mart is really something special. Leadership matters. That was the lesson. And it was something that as I continued to grow, I wanted to make sure I emphasized and continued.
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MIDLANDS BUSINESS JOURNAL BY DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DEBRA S. KAPLAN
Recruit for character, develop relentlessly, measure success by what people become. — TONY BOLDT PRESIDENT AND CEO NEBRASKA FURNITURE MART MBJ: Asked what a detractor would say about you, you’ve said they’d probably call your positivity fluff and not authentic, and that you set unreasonable expectations. Have you ever found out a detractor was right? Boldt: Certainly. I am far from perfect. I surround myself with people who aren’t afraid to tell me when I’ve done something wrong, those are the people I want around me. I have a saying: the minute you think you know it all, you know the least. I have an open door policy and I get feedback constantly from frontline staff. Sometimes they just don’t understand the why behind a decision, and once I explain it they’re like, OK, that makes sense. And sometimes they’re right. Being humble is extremely important. While you have to have a little bit of ego to make decisions on a regular basis, you can’t let your ego overwhelm your character. MBJ: We all know 2020 upended the world. Setting aside hybrid work and relaxed dress codes, what changed about how NFM operates that has actually stuck? Boldt: We made a conscious decision that our entire executive team, about 20 people, would meet every single day — seven days a week on a Teams call. We used to have one all-day executive meeting once a month. Now we meet five days a week, every single morning. It has made us so much more nimble. We’re solving problems every hour versus once a month. Something as simple as ad verbiage that’s confusing customers we can change it immediately rather than waiting for an entire cycle. Sometimes the meeting takes 15 minutes, sometimes the full hour. But it has changed how fast we can respond to both our customers and our employees. MBJ: NFM’s fifth store opens more than 40 years after Warren Buffett bought the company. Does “America’s largest home furnishings store” mean something different once there are five of them? Boldt: We are very planned about growth because our culture is so important. When most retailers open a new store, they might send five people to hire 25 more. When we open a store, it’s 1,200 people. We’re incentivizing up to 400 employees to go to Cedar Park, live there for several years, open the store and establish our culture. A lot of dominoes fall as people leave, it opens positions multiple layers down and provides tremendous opportunity for people already in the company. You get one chance to make a first impression, and we want to make sure that impression is outstanding. MBJ: Tariffs and supply costs are squeezing the industry. Where is the line between offering value and quietly asking your customer to accept less for the same price? Boldt: We shop our competitors every single day. Prices have gone up; tariffs, manufacturing costs, shipping delays, there’s been a ton of things that have caused cost increases. We’ve gone up with the market, but not nearly as much as costs have gone up, and we’ve still stayed the lowest. Beyond price, there’s no other furniture store where you can physically sit in 50 recliners and find the perfect one. You can’t do that online or in any other furniture store in the United States. We display hundreds of TVs. We have factorytrained sales staff throughout the store. There’s value in being able to actually see what you’re purchasing, and that’s something we can always offer.
QUICK FIVE Why do you carry a stone in your pocket? To remember what I’m grateful for. Every time I put my hand in my pocket, I touch my stone and I think about why I do this, for my family, my staff, the people who come into these doors. It keeps me from getting overwhelmed. It keeps me grounded. Where did the stone come from? The concept came from the book ‘The Secret,’ which talks about gratitude stones. I’ve had one in my pocket since about 2013. They’ve gone through the dry cleaner, through the wash, I’ve replaced them many times. But I pretty much have a rock in my pocket at all times. What does gratitude look like on an ordinary Tuesday? I think about being grateful every single day. It’s part of how I start my day. I’m grateful for my health, for my family, for being in a position where I can make a difference in people’s lives. Gratitude is a great way to stay rooted in your core values. What’s your go-to when work stress catches up with you? Meditation. I try to start every day at zero, because when you’re at zero, you can handle up to a five or six pretty easily. When you start the day at six and it goes to ten, you don’t handle it so well. Best $20 you’ve ever spent? Gratitude stones. They’re all small, they’re all different, they all give me a different vibe, and I rotate them as necessary. What they mean to me and what they do for me, that’s the best $20 you could ever spend.
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Daisy Hutzell-Rodman is the executive editor of Midlands Business Journal E: daisy@mbj.com P: 402-915-7551
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9/18/26 9:25 AM
MARQUEE
COOL OFFICE SPACE design
More Than a Workplace
OMAHA OFFICES SERVE AS AN EXTENSION OF COMPANY CULTURE BY ANNA BLUMENTHAL
ALYSIA RADICIA
RDG PLANNING & DESIGN
JENNA WILEY-BEVINS
Five years past the height of COVID-19 and remote work disruption, Omaha’s office market remains active with a continued flight-toquality trend. As companies continue to invest in highquality office spaces, those in the metro are looking at how to update basic office designs as well as competing against people’s homes. With “the office” being rethought to draw people back to work, employers across the metro are spending on design not to fill square footage but to give people a reason to leave the kitchen table. “The workplace has a lot of demands placed upon it,” said Alysia Radicia, interior designer at RDG Planning & Design. “As far as what employees are expecting of the workplace, they look to it to service a lot of their wellbeing needs. So not just a place to work, but a place to find fulfillment, to identify and build their purpose.”
Trend vs. fad
Radicia said companies today are heavily investing in social commons environments. Rather than the typical tucked-away break room where employees take short rests, Radicia said these areas are being rethought as social hubs. They are now placed in centrally located, high-demand spots in the floor plan, allowing employees to gather and build relationships. JH INTERIOR DESIGN
“The break room is no longer just a break room,” Radicia said. “It’s actually a place where connection is made.” For employers, Radicia said, the workplace also serves as an extension of company culture. If a company prides itself on collaboration, for example, it does not make sense to have a design consisting mainly of private offices with no social spaces. “A resonating theme that we see with a lot of organizations is that the workplace is also physically, with the interior design of it, an extension of the culture,” Radicia said. She said access to natural light has moved up on everybody’s list of needs and demands for their work environment. Meanwhile, traditional office features such as the stuffy boardroom have faded as companies move toward more flexible and adaptable conference rooms. As for hot desking, an office practice where employees do not have assigned desks but instead use available workspaces on a first-come, first-served basis, Radicia said it was a trend designers explored when hybrid work emerged. However, she does not see it sticking around or increasing in popularity as people want an assigned workstation.
Designing with intention
Overall, Radicia said flexibility is one of the main design features office spaces need today. “Real estate costs are increasing, and so (companies) want to make sure that they’re getting the most use out of all the space that they have,” Radicia said. Jenna Wiley-Bevins, director of design at JH Interior Design, echoed Radicia’s statement. She said companies are even more selective about furniture when designing office spaces, choosing materials that are easier to move and reconfigure. “We’re not trying to just fill a space to fill a space, it’s what do we actually need in this space for this person to work efficiently, versus let’s put a lot of furniture in here that’s not needed,” Wiley-Bevins said. Technology in design is also more important than ever, she said, as employees need easy access to conference rooms for calls and virtual meetings. “They’re asking that those spaces be available with better audio, with AV CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
1818 S. 204TH ST. (PHOTOS COURTESY OF JH INTERIOR DESIGN)
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MARQUEE
COOL OFFICE SPACE design
More Than a Workplace
OMAHA OFFICES SERVE AS AN EXTENSION OF COMPANY CULTURE FROM PRECEDING PAGE
BRAD STRITTMATTER
CEO OLSSON
equipment that is ready to go, so that video calls are more accessible and presentations can be done virtually,” Wiley-Bevins said. As for amenities such as cafes, lounges and fitness centers, both Wiley-Bevins and Radicia said they are crucial now. Radicia said mixed-use districts are becoming more popular for companies, so employees still have access to nearby amenities even if a company can’t offer those spaces within their office design. “Being able to have quick access to those things in close proximity to the workplace is huge, and so if the office doesn’t provide it itself, it needs to have it within a close proximity,” Radicia said.
Olsson as an example
As companies rethink what the office should look like, Olsson offers a recent example of how those ideas are taking shape. The engineering and design firm moved into its new Omaha office in June at 14500 Heartwood Row, Suite 200. The office is located inside The Row, a mixed-use area in the middle of Heartwood Preserve. More than 300 Olsson employees now occupy the second and third floors of the four-story, nearly 60,000-square-foot building. Olsson leaders discussed the office relocation and design process at a Sept. 9 project
Designed for People. Built for What’s Next. Sheppard’s Business Interiors partners with organizations to create spaces that support people and fit naturally into how they work every day. We work alongside you to guide decisions and design environments that enhance how people work, learn, care, and connect. Workplace
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We want to change the way you feel about the workplace. info@sbi-omaha.com | 402.393.8888 www.sbi-omaha.com
Page 10 • October 2, 2026
MIDLANDS BUSINESS JOURNAL OLSSON OMAHA OFFICE (PHOTOS BY ANNA BLUMENTHAL)
tour held by the Urban Land Institute Nebraska Satellite. Olsson’s office was previously located in Aksarben Village, where it moved in 2009. Olsson CEO Brad Strittmatter said being an original tenant there helped the company learn a lot about mixed-use districts. As the company grew, it needed about double the office space it had, prompting leaders to look elsewhere. However, Strittmatter wanted to remain in a centrally located area with nearby amenities. When the Olsson team met with the developers of Heartwood Preserve, a 500acre, mixed-use urban development in West Omaha near 144th and Dodge streets, Strittmatter said they saw another opportunity to be a catalyst for growth in a district. “We wanted to have a location that offers us more than just office space,” Strittmatter said. “It needed to have amenities. It needed to be attractive for our employees when clients or visitors came. We wanted it to be some place they look forward to coming to.” Strittmatter said Olsson tends to attract many young employees, so the company needed to consider that when determining which features to include in the new space. Michelle Roth, facilities senior specialist at Olsson, said many of the office’s features reflect the company’s hybrid work environment. Olsson has a companywide flexible work environment program where employees work with their leaders to create a schedule that best fits their role. The Omaha office provides employees with what Olsson calls “Zoom rooms,” or a hard-built room where people can go for a quieter, private space. Beyond hard-built solutions, Roth said the furniture was also selected with that idea in mind. For the first time, the company introduced a “hush booth,” a mobile hardfurniture solution that offers a quieter, booth-style environment for team meetings. “Some of those decisions that we made for this office take into account that a lot of our employees are meeting on Teams meetings day in and day out, so they’re at their desk,” Roth said. “Providing them a sit-stand environment so that they can have some ergonomic relief from sitting all day, but then also allowing them to have different meeting spaces.” Along with different work environments for individuals, Roth said Olsson also implemented more multipurpose spaces designed to encourage collaboration and connection.
A central room serves as a “training room,” with a detachable wall that allows the company to gather one large team for training or multiple groups for meetings. Rather than a traditional break room, Olsson’s office has a cafe environment for employees to enjoy. “Some of our employees that visit us have an opportunity to sit in almost like a Starbucks environment between meetings, or they can find a hush booth, or they can find some of our other collaborative workstations that they can occupy for the time of their visit,” Roth said.
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CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
MARQUEE
COOL OFFICE SPACE design
More Than a Workplace
OMAHA OFFICES SERVE AS AN EXTENSION OF COMPANY CULTURE RDG-ENTERPRISE PROPERTIES INC. (PHOTOS BY AJ BROWN IMAGING AND JACOB SHARP)
FROM PRECEDING PAGE
Creating higher productivity
Along with creating a more flexible and collaborative environment, the office is also intended to support how employees work and, ultimately, how the business performs. Jim Underwood, senior project manager at Olsson, said past offices have felt somewhat compartmentalized, without spaces where employees could connect with each other. Since moving into the new space, he said he has received a lot of positive feedback from employees and noticed an overall uptick in employee engagement. “Here, there are elements in the building that allow for a really open, collaborative, welcoming space,” Underwood said. “We’ve had a lot of positive feedback from our employees and see a lot of faces in the office day after day that maybe weren’t showing up as regularly.” For Wiley-Bevins, that connection between the physical workplace and employee performance is an important part of the value of thoughtful office design. “That productivity is higher because you’re in a space that works for you, that functions well, is efficient, provides you with the right pieces of furniture, and has enough natural light,” Wiley-Bevins said.
Growth Outpaces Funding
SARPY OUTLOOK WEIGHS STATE DEFICIT, POWER DEMAND, TALENT DAVID G. BROWN SPEAKS
BY DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN Sarpy County’s growth outruns the systems built to pay for it, speakers told business leaders at Tiburon Golf Club during the Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce Economic Outlook on Sept. 24. Tim Gay, president of Catalyst Public Affairs and a former state senator, said Nebraska faces a $208.6 million shortfall through June 30, 2027, and will sit $846.7 million below its minimum reserve in the next biennium. He blamed income tax cuts and rising property tax credits. Lawmakers could revisit a sales tax on services, he said. “Somebody’s gonna get taxed,” Gay said. “It’s just a matter of who.” Brook Aken, director of economic development and external relations for the Omaha Public Power District, said the utility hit a record summer peak of 3,285 megawatts in July, up 10% from a year earlier. OPPD’s nearly $6 billion capital program includes a third unit at Turtle Creek Station near Papillion. “The last several years, we’ve had rate increases,” she said. “I don’t envision that going away anytime soon.” Michael Helgerson, executive director of the Metropolitan Area Planning Agency, brought what he called “a hopeful message.” He noted Nebraska ranks 48th among states in winning competitive federal funding. MAPA’s new transformative regional investment prioritization system aims to build a pipeline of shovel-ready projects, and Helgerson said reaching the middle of the pack could mean tens of millions of dollars a year. David G. Brown, retired president and CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber, presented the Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce’s five-year plan, Prosper 2032, on
behalf of chamber President Karen Gibler. The plan names talent as the top constraint; Nebraska has 39 available workers for every 100 open jobs, according to the Nebraska Department of Labor. The chamber will spend 2027 laying groundwork. Brown urged state leaders to pair tax cuts with replacement revenue. “If you do one and not the other, you’ve dug yourself into an economic hole,” he said. Readers can learn more about Sarpy County’s growth in the Oct. 30 edition, which features the Sarpy County Growth Report.
Page 12 • October 2, 2026
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Page 13 • October 2, 2026
FEATURE KENE OKIGBO, THE NEWLY NAMED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF OMAHA BY DESIGN
Designing What’s Next OMAHA BY DESIGN TURNS 25, GETS NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OMAHA BY DESIGN FROM PAGE 01
Many projects would have started with a centerpiece such as the performance pavilion. Gene Leahy Mall started with the trees. Across the metro, crews typically install large infrastructure first and add trees and sidewalks near the end. The mall’s builders reversed that order. “The soil matrix that’s used for these trees and the fact that they planted them early ... what they said on this project was these trees are gonna be one of the most important things that we do, so we will place them in early and we will make sure that we don’t compress the soil strata and burden the trees,” Okigbo said. “The trees went up, fencing went out to make sure that as they were bringing in bigger infrastructure, that wasn’t impeded ... if you look at these trees and then compare them to the trees that are older across the street, the health of these is so drastically ... such a huge juxtaposition.” A landscape architect by trade, Okigbo naturally chose the park as a place to talk. The setting also invites reflection on Omaha by Design. In 2006, the nonprofit, working through Lively Omaha, chose Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates to draft a redevelopment plan for the park. The city never implemented that plan and didn’t revisit the mall’s redesign until it brought in BVH
Architecture for another look in 2012. That effort eventually grew into the $290 million RiverFront revitalization. David Levy, a partner at Baird Holm and Omaha by Design’s board president, said projects of that scale need several forces to converge at once: the right leadership, philanthropic dollars and related projects such as the streetcar. “Often if you really look at it, that’s what has to happen for really big projects to become reality,” Levy said. Scott Dobbe, Okigbo’s predecessor and now a partner and president of GreenSlate Development Partners, noted that much of the mall’s design predates even his eight years at the helm. “It just shows how long it takes to make some of these projects come to fruition,” Dobbe said. “In every way, it is aligned with the kind of vision we have for the city.”
A 25-year-old argument
Okigbo takes the helm as Omaha by Design marks its 25th anniversary. He succeeds Dobbe, who departed earlier this year.
Page 14 • October 2, 2026
MIDLANDS BUSINESS JOURNAL BY DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DEBRA S. KAPLAN
It’s really, really hard for a city government to (advocate for design) on its own. It’s really, really hard for design firms to do that on their own. — KENE OKIGBO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OMAHA BY DESIGN
Omaha by Design grew out of a civic visioning effort the Omaha Community Foundation began in 1999. The organization credits Bruce Lauritzen, Ken Stinson and John Gottschalk as its founders, and it later spun off as an independent nonprofit. Connie Spellman, then vice president of education for the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, where she created the Leadership Omaha program, became its founding executive director. Spellman later told Metropolis Magazine the work changed her own thinking: “I thought public space was a park, and you planted a flower or a tree.” Marty Shukert, a former Omaha planning director and a principal at RDG Planning & Design, Okigbo’s former firm, met Spellman through Leadership Omaha’s third class in the early 1980s. On Sept. 24, Omaha by Design presented Shukert with its Spellman Civic Impact Award, an honor named for her. “What she brought to it were tremendous organization skills, a real sense of what the city could be, and a sense of the environmental quality and places for people,” Shukert said. “I can think of few people who have contributed so much to the quality of the city.” A retail fight supplied the urgency. In 2003, Walmart and Home Depot bought land in southwest Omaha for a standard big-box development, and residents protested. Shukert recalls the Walmart proposal at 132nd and L streets. When the city asked for a more attractive design, he said, the company replied that Omaha had no design standards, so it didn’t have to do anything. “We didn’t have a basis for demanding better design of projects,” Shukert said. Okigbo, who calls the Walmart story one version of the organization’s origin, relishes the humbling lesson inside it. “We as a city said, ‘We’ve seen you do better. Why won’t you do better here?’” he said. “And having that thrown back at us: ‘You haven’t asked us to do better in the ways you need to. It’s not codified in policy anywhere, so why would we?’ Fair.” The organization responded by pushing the city to codify better design. Working with consultant Jonathan Barnett of Wallace Roberts & Todd, Omaha by Design drafted the Urban Design Element, 73 recommendations for the city’s master plan that reached from street corners and streetlights to watershed protection and a citywide trail system. Two years of negotiation with developers, residents and city officials followed before the City Council passed it unanimously. Shukert credits that policy work more than any single project. “Any time you see a building that has parking behind it instead of showing to the streets, that’s indicative of the influence of Omaha by Design,” Shukert said. “It really elevated the quality of what was being built in the private environment.” Levy, a zoning and land-use attorney, sees the same shift. “I think the practical effect of the Urban Design Element is that we do as a development community, and a community more broadly, pay more attention to design than we used to,” he said. The next test comes soon. The city has moved deep into its first master plan update in 30 years, and a comprehensive rewrite of the zoning ordinance follows, the step Levy calls “where the rubber meets the road.” He expects some to argue the changes go too far and others to say they fall short. “The fact that the city is undertaking those big projects and that we are having those discussions is great,” he said. Omaha by Design already holds a seat at that table. Under Dobbe, the organization partnered with the city and other nonprofits on We Make Omaha, the public engagement effort behind the new comprehensive plan. “This is one of those things that goes to the core of what Omaha by Design was created for, to create a vibrant and more livable city,” Dobbe said. Okigbo argues the organization fills a role no one else can: advocating for design excellence. “It’s really, really hard for a city government to do that on its own. It’s really, really hard for design firms to do that on their own,” Okigbo said. “It’s a lot more possible, with a lot more fluidity, if
there’s a group whose sole focus is taking on that charge.”
The test kitchen
As he walks, Okigbo ticks off the mall’s atypical choices. Loose tables and chairs dot the grounds, furniture that skeptics predicted would disappear. “As this was being installed, there were so many comments that those chairs weren’t going to be here two months from now,” he said. The chairs stayed. Along the pedestrian network linking downtown to the river, signs announce native habitat restoration, plantings Omahans once would have dismissed as overgrown. The habitat shelters butterflies, caterpillars and other small organisms, and it spares the city a mowing crew every three weeks. “It’s the most sustainable solution, and it’s also the most economically viable solution,” Okigbo said. “This has turned into a test kitchen — ‘No, that actually worked at Gene Leahy, we can pull that into somewhere else.’”
From Fargo to the director’s chair
Okigbo grew up in Fargo, North Dakota, and admits he fell into design. With help from his older sister, he landed in the predesign program at North Dakota State University. One class assignment asked students to redesign an urban plaza. Stumped, Okigbo approached a man sitting on a planter he had turned into a bench and asked what he liked and disliked about the space. His instructor later gave the approach a name. “The teacher said, ‘That was community engagement — talking to people about what they want to see in their community, in their backyards, and translating that into the built environment. That’s
Page 15 • October 2, 2026
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
Designing What’s Next
FEATURE
OMAHA BY DESIGN TURNS 25, GETS NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FROM PRECEDING PAGE
what landscape architects do,’” Okigbo said. That lesson steered his career. He moved to Omaha, rose to partner at RDG Planning & Design and earned Omaha by Design’s Young Urbanist honor at the Laurels Awards. The recognition brought an invitation from his predecessor to join the organization’s advisory council, where he served four years. When the executive director post opened, he told the board he would happily keep volunteering if a better candidate emerged. “It was a real honor, and a little bit of a surprise, when they said, ‘All right, we think it might be you,’” he said. The board wanted three qualities, Levy said: vision and experience in urban design and policy; connections in local government and philanthropy to advance the agenda and raise money; and experience running a nonprofit, down to the books and tax filings. “I have concluded it is probably impossible to find a single person who has all three of those at a high level, but I think we are very fortunate to have Kene, as he touches all three of those solidly,” Levy said.
Places, not spaces
Omaha by Design organizes its work around three areas of impact: vibrant and inclusive public spaces, a smart and connected metro, and equitable and sustainable development. As a landscape architect, Okigbo gravitates toward the first, which he describes as “the definition of places as opposed to spaces.” Then he offers what he calls his cop-out answer: “I don’t think you hit true success unless you have all three.” On housing, he credits Abe Lueders, the organization’s director of urban design and its affordable design fellow, with driving its Affordable by Design work. The effort, which works with the city and Front Porch Investments, identifies barriers developers face on affordable housing and builds a toolkit they can use. Shukert expects that work to remain a priority. “They are not a developer, but they can call attention to sites that will be important, and design issues that will be relevant to providing affordable housing and having it be good quality,” he said. He also sees room for improvement in how those buildings look. Omaha has added a wave of central-city apartment buildings, and he believes their design has fallen into a rut. “They tend to be brick boxes that are punctured by windows,” he said. “There’s some good examples of multifamily architecture, but it’s gotten pretty generic.”
Not no, but not yes
Okigbo also inherits programs that grew under Dobbe. The organization launched Open Omaha, a free event modeled on open-house programs in cities such as Chicago, Denver, New York and Toronto, which invites the public inside buildings and spaces across the metro. “You get a behind-the-scenes look at what the city has to offer,” Dobbe said. Its Art + Infrastructure project, meanwhile, left more than 40 public artworks around Omaha, including one on a grain elevator along the route to South Omaha. Supporters and colleagues keep asking Okigbo what he plans to change: Open Omaha, the office location, the size of the team. “My answer to all of that is: not no, but not yes — I need more information,” he said. He traces that patience to his design training, which begins with discovery. In his first weeks, he called board members, partners and people unfamiliar with the organization, asking what worked and what fell short. That listening will feed a formal strategic plan. Levy said Okigbo and the staff will likely work with a third-party consultant and community stakeholders to shape it. Dobbe looks forward to watching his successor put his own stamp on the organization. “I’m excited to see Kene and the team ... bring new voices to the conversation and think consciously about the kind of city that we want to become,” he said.
Proof in five years
Asked what should signal success five years from now, Okigbo hesitates. “I wish I had this answer in three months,” he said. “The biggest proof would be people seeing their expectations and ideas for how we can change the built environment acted on.” Back in the park, he notices details most visitors miss. A former professor, Dominic Fisher, taught him to watch whether benches stay fixed or move. Give people a perfectly placed seat, Okigbo said, and they still shift it a few inches before sitting down. “Everybody takes ownership of the space they’re going to be in,” he said. Around him, the loose chairs the skeptics wrote off sit scattered across the grounds, each one angled however its last occupant liked.
Page 16 • October 2, 2026
Omaha by Design Laurels Awards URBAN DESIGN ORGANIZATION CELEBRATED ITS 25TH ANNIVERSARY OMAHA, Nebraska — On Sept. 24, more than 200 civic leaders, creative professionals and community builders gathered at 11th and Jones streets for the 2026 Laurels Awards, an evening dedicated to people-centered urban design. Omaha by Design’s signature awards show and annual fundraiser celebrated the people and projects shaping the Greater Omaha metro area in inspiring ways. Nominations were submitted and recipients were selected by Omaha by Design’s advisory council. The Access & Mobility Award recognizes an individual, organization or project that has worked to enhance the way we move around the city and how its neighborhoods connect to one another. The nominees were Girard Trail Connection, North Saddle Creek Streetscape Improvements, Omaha Public Works Colored Pavement Policy; Heartland Bike Share Free Rides Program won. The Environment & Open Space Award recognizes an individual, organization or project that has worked to preserve or enhance the metro’s natural setting, park system or open spaces. Polina Gardens won the award; other nominees were Boyd Park, Heartwood Park and Papillion City Park. The Neighborhood Revitalization Award recognizes an individual, organization or business that has worked to preserve or enhance a neighborhood in the region. Nominated were MLK Square, North Omaha Visitors Center, OurStory Small Houses and Sonny’s. The award recipient was the South Omaha Mural Project. The Young Urbanist Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to making our metro an even better place to live, work and play. The nominees were Keenya Barnes-Heyward, Nicole Ebat, Mark McLaughlin and Matt Schafer. Kelli Bello, director of development and outreach at Joslyn Castle & Gardens, won. The Laurels Award, Omaha by Design’s highest honor, recognizes an individual, organization or project for significant contributions in furthering people-centered urban design and policy. This year’s winner was Omaha Public Library for the Central Library. The Spellman Civic Impact Award honors an individual whose consistent contributions have strengthened Omaha’s built environment and community life, making a lasting impact on the city. This year, the Omaha by Design Board of Directors chose to honor Marty Shukert. His work spans over five decades and has helped shape North and South Omaha neighborhoods, the renaissance of downtown, the RiverFront, housing and redevelopment programs, and the beginnings of Omaha’s trail system.
MARTY SHUKERT
KENE OKIGBO VISITS WITH A GUEST
BROOKLYN LARIMORE AND HAMZA HAQQI
RICHARD HARRISON
THE POLINA GARDENS TEAM
Page 17 • October 2, 2026
ISABELLE FLEMING HUGS KRISTINE GERBER
NONPROFIT news
Final Two Weeks of Season
OMAHA’S LOCAL PRODUCE HUBS DRIVE REGIONAL COMMERCE BY DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN PHOTOS BY BARRY DONSCHESKI As the 2026 regional harvest transitions into its final autumn surge, the Omaha metro area’s farmers market ecosystem stands as a testament to the resilience and growth of local commerce. With only two weekends remaining in the traditional open-air season, independent vendors and organizers are preparing for a high-volume final stretch. More than weekend points of sale, these markets have evolved into sophisticated business incubators, microsupply chains and critical community anchors that directly support hundreds of growers, makers and artisans. Omaha Farmers Market Old Market Onsite Manager Barry Donscheski said the fall portion of the Omaha Farmers Market is one of the best times to be there. “People love the cooler temps, and fall decorations, not to mention the treats and produce the fall brings,” Donscheski said. “We have without question, the best vendors of any farmers market in town.” In a time when digital transactions and global supply complexities abound, these local market spaces provide small businesses with face-to-face consumer relationships, turning agricultural roots into strong engines of economic development. The financial impact of these operations extends beyond the cost of fresh produce. By bridging the gap between urban commercial centers and rural agricultural producers, the markets stimulate economic growth. Independent food producers, artisanal bakers and crafters are given immediate market entry with minimal overhead barriers, sparking commercial innovation and testing viable consumer concepts in real time. The result is an entrepreneurial pipeline that strengthens the broader economy.
Old Market and Aksarben Village
merchant systems. Furthermore, these flagship urban markets act as critical entry points for broader socioeconomic integration. By accepting SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) tokens and participating in the Double Up Food Bucks initiative, these venues expand their consumer base, allowing lower-income urban demographics to participate directly in the local food economy.
The historic Old Market Farmers Market, located at 11th and Jackson streets, captures dense urban foot traffic every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Headed into its final day of the regular season on Oct. 10, this rain-or-shine market uses its historic warehouse backdrop — originally the city’s wholesale produce district — to connect seasonal growers with regional consumers. Vendors’ offerings fluctuate with the harvest, pivoting from spring starter seedlings to peak-summer produce and handcrafted goods, stimulating secondary economic activity for adjacent downtown dining and brick-and-mortar storefronts.
Expanding the Seasonal Runway
Operating under the same management structure, the Aksarben Village Farmers Market, situated at 67th Street and Mercy Road, serves as the state’s largest and most heavily trafficked venue. Open Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through its Oct. 11 season finale, Aksarben plays host to a massive consortium of more than 120 specialized growers, chefs and artisans. By clustering high-density retail traffic near Stinson Park, the venue blends public leisure with robust trade.
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While the outdoor weekly season faces an imminent October cutoff, local operators are increasingly developing strategies to extend the agribusiness revenue runway. The primary mechanism for this winter transition is the Omaha Holiday Market, scheduled for Dec. 5 and 6 at Aksarben Village. Operating from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., this seasonal extension transforms a summer-dependent agricultural pipeline into a year-round revenue loop for regional makers, allowing small businesses to capture vital holiday retail capital.
Among the city’s most unique economic structures is the Montclair Neighborhood Farmers Market, located inside St. Matthew’s Baptist Church at 1001 N. 30th St. Positioned where North Omaha, Midtown and Downtown converge, it serves as the metro area’s only yearround food market. Operating on Sundays from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and seasonally on Thursdays Integrated regional banking access, such as an on-site ATM situated near Kinkaider Brewing SERVICE BAYS + WASH BAY & SECURED TRUCK YARD from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., this producer-only venue seamlessly transitions between indoor and Company, facilitates high liquidity and smooth transactions across cash-preferred and digital outdoor spaces to defy the volatile Midwestern climate. Excellent I-80 & I-29 ACCESS 12,500 SF Industrial Flex 5.47 AC Jeff Johnson (402) 917-3035 FOR SALE
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Montclair’s commercial value is amplified by its formal partnership with Thrivival Academy. This joint venture hosts a youth entrepreneurship program, converting the traditional market footprint into a live-action corporate training ground. Young participants develop business frameworks, manufacture proprietary goods and navigate corporate mechanics like cash flow management and supply chain logistics. Mentored directly by senior vendors, these young business minds gain real-world experience, establishing a diverse pipeline of future local operators. As the final two weeks of the traditional outdoor markets wind down, the economic footprint of this seasonal network remains clear. By cultivating independent business ownership, reducing supply chain miles and keeping wealth localized, Omaha’s farmers markets continue to fortify the economic foundation of the entire metropolitan area.
Page 18 • October 2, 2026
NONPROFIT news
Voting Underway
‘COOLEST THING MADE IN NEBRASKA’ COMPETITION HIGHLIGHTS INNOVATION LINCOLN, Nebraska — Sept. 23, 2026 — The fifth annual Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska competition has unveiled its Top 16 products. From surgical robots to pain medication, participants now will decide which product will claim the 2026 title. Voting is open for the first round of the bracketstyle competition and will continue through 11:59 p.m. Oct. 4. Advanced rounds will follow during the rest of October. Manufacturers, community members, students and all Nebraskans are invited to cast their votes for their favorite product each week. The competition, put on by the Nebraska Chamber and Nebraska Manufacturing Alliance, and presented by Pinnacle Bank, celebrates Nebraska’s dynamic manufacturing industry, home to more than 100,000 Nebraskans working in manufacturing every day.
Abigail Bergstrom
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Top 16 product finalists are: • FiberCut – Bish Enterprises, Giltner • Avail Tow Bar – Blue Ox, Pender • Hi Rail Excavator and Snowblower – Ceres Group, Omaha • Ram Air Turbine Hub – Collins Aerospace, York • Nebraska License Plates – Cornhusker State Industries, Lincoln • Modular Housing – Family Built Homes, Gering • Fresh, Stone Milled Flour – Grand Republic Milling Company, Gering • Excedrin – Haleon, Lincoln • Precision Hunter Ammunition – Hornady Manufacturing, Grand Island • TAU-XR – Lindsay Corporation, Lindsay • Marble Pack-Off – Marble Technologies, Lincoln • Nirbuilt Airboats – Nirbuilt Airboats, Ashland • Animal Health IV Fluids – Nova-Tech, Inc., Grand Island • Popcorn – Popcorn County, USA, North Loup • PyraMAX Transmission Structures – Valmont Industries, Columbus • MIRA-miniRAS – Virtual Incision, Lincoln
“Nebraska makes some incredible products, and the people who make them deserve to be celebrated,” said Joseph Young, Nebraska Chamber President and CEO. “Manufacturing is a major economic engine for our state, supporting good jobs, strong communities and opportunities across Nebraska. The Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska lets us have some fun while telling a much bigger story: Nebraska manufacturers are innovative, competitive and making products that have an impact far beyond our state.” The tournament will help celebrate October as NE Manufacturing Month. The 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska will be announced Oct. 29 at the NE Chamber’s Manufacturing Summit in La Vista, where finalists will also be invited to display their products.
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FAB 50
MBJ’s Fab 50 is a profile series highlighting remarkable individuals shaping our business and nonprofit communities.
MAHER JAFARI, WRITER, PRODUCER AND DIRECTOR, CENTER PIVOT ENTERTAINMENT
Maher Jafari Builds Second Act JAFARI RETURNS TO OMAHA, SPLITS TIME BETWEEN FILMMAKING AND REAL ESTATE Maher Jafari’s Hollywood career began on a day that could have ended very differently. In 1997, a box truck hit Jafari’s car as he drove to meet a Screen Actors Guild agent, spinning him across the freeway. The recent George Washington University graduate walked away unharmed. Later that day, Alexandria Productions, where he’d interned, offered him his first job as an associate producer. Luck gets too much credit in his story, Jafari said. “I don’t necessarily believe in luck. I was offered that job because I’d already interned with them and earned it. You have to pay attention to the world around you, and realize when there’s an opportunity in another direction.” That instinct has carried Jafari through nearly three decades in entertainment.
Finding his fit
Jafari’s early break came as a floater at William Morris Agency, filling in for assistants during a computer systems changeover and orbiting clients including
Whoopi Goldberg and Hugh Jackman. Two lessons stuck. One was structural: he learned how fragmented the industry is, and where he fit within it, which turned out to be television. The other concerned people. “Everyone’s just people, and they’re all super stressed,” Jafari said. “If you can be a calm in the storm, you have a lot of value. I think you earn trust that way, and get to see what people need.” That approach carried him to Bruce Helford’s Mohawk Productions, where as development director he worked on more than 350 episodes of television, including “George Lopez,” “Freddie,” “The Drew Carey Show” and “Wanda at Large.” He later moved through development roles at three major studios, most recently at Kevin James’ Hey Eddie Productions at Sony, whose credits include “Zookeeper” and “Paul Blart: Mall Cop.” Jafari said a development director’s job comes down to constant reading, getting to know writers and hunting for ideas that can become a show.
Page 20 • October 2, 2026
MIDLANDS BUSINESS JOURNAL BY DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DEBRA S. KAPLAN
Everyone’s just people, and they’re all super stressed. If you can be a calm in the storm, you have a lot of value. I think you earn trust that way, and get to see what people need. — MAHER JAFARI
“It’s not random, but it feels like some days you’re just kind of picking stuff out of the air,” he said. Once a show starts running, Jafari becomes “a conduit,” reading scripts, sitting in on table reads and translating between a production team and what the studio and network need. The setting surprises people more than the creative work does. “A lot of the work gets done in little unglamorous boxes on studio lots with buzzing lights,” Jafari said. “There’s just a lot of not-pretty work in all parts of development and production. But that’s what makes the cool stuff that ends up getting seen.” That unglamorous world produced one memorably strange morning. Jafari pulled into his office, a converted house that doubled as Hey Eddie’s production space, and found police cars, a Humane Society van and what looked like an angry ape occupying his parking spot. “Come to find out it was not a real ape, but a really good animatronic ape being tested for ‘Zookeeper,’” Jafari said. “It was in a neighborhood, in this little office we had. Not a thing you expect to see pulling into your parking space.”
“There’s not a reason to shoot a movie here unless it’s of here, unless the story is from here, the creators are from here,” Jafari said. “The creative side isn’t a job you get hired for. It’s a thing you start. I think that’s the biggest piece we’re missing.” Real estate also allows Jafari to invest in place. “It’s nice to be able to make a physical difference in a home, in a neighborhood, and put somebody into that place who appreciates it,” said Jafari, who grew up in North Omaha and watched its neighborhoods rise and fall over the years. He acknowledges the skepticism that can follow real estate investment in a neighborhood. “It can have a bad connotation,” he said. “But when you’re helping move a neighborhood forward, and putting people into that place who are part of it, I think it’s a pretty valuable place to land.” The two trades overlap more than expected, he said. “You’re constantly solving problems that weren’t there when you woke up in the morning. In the end, you’re taking a vision and putting the right people together to make it come together.”
Coming home
Jafari, his wife and their toddler son left Los Angeles for Omaha in 2015. “Mostly (the move) was about family, and being closer to my parents,” he said. He’d already been visiting often to help his father, and gradually realized the move could work. Industry decentralization, later accelerated by the pandemic, made geography matter less than it once had. Jafari doesn’t miss the city so much as specific people, and the particular rhythm of a running television series. “You have kind of a giant family of people who are making something consistently over several years, and that’s very cool,” Jafari said. “It’s like summer camp versus forming a family for years together.” Jafari now splits his Omaha focus between two tracks: filmmaking and real estate. His short film “Damned If You Do” premiered at the Omaha Film Festival on March 2, 2024, then screened at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre on June 24, 2024, as part of the Dances With Films Festival. His production company, Center Pivot Entertainment, borrows its name from the irrigation equipment that dots the Nebraska landscape, and doubles as a mission statement. “My intention is to make things that are of Omaha, with people in Omaha, and take them out to the world,” Jafari said. “I don’t want to make a superhero movie in Omaha. I will if somebody wants me to, but I think there’s a lot of value in having things that are born here and made here.” Jafari has also addressed the Nebraska Legislature about building a sustainable local film industry, and he names the missing piece bluntly: not talent, but the volume of work needed to keep that talent here. Tax incentives can jump-start production, he said, but they can’t sustain a film industry. Nebraska needs homegrown storytellers and a pipeline that trains crews at every level, in his view.
FUN FACTS Which movie would you pick for the Criterion Collection, not necessarily a favorite, but one built to last? Jafari: “Comedy, mostly, with universal themes: ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,’ ‘Dazed and Confused,’ ‘Swingers’ and, lately, ‘Stand by Me,’ which I am revisiting with my son in mind.” Favorite spot in Hollywood that would surprise people? Jafari: “A hiking trail off Coldwater Canyon. Hiking’s not my thing, but my family and I walked it often with the dog.” The overheard trailside talk stuck with him: “It could be literally stars complaining about the ranger.” Hidden talent not many people know about? Jafari: “Musical theater. I minored in it in college, then kept it quiet for years; my wife didn’t hear me sing until a friend’s wedding, two years after our own wedding.” Favorite special-occasion dinner spot in Omaha? Jafari: “Au Courant. I go with what the chef gives us. I’m not going to pick better than him.”
Page 21 • October 2, 2026
MIDLANDS leaders
Danny Poulos
POULOS BRINGS A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE TO CRE AND CIVIC LIFE BY ANNA BLUMENTHAL Midlands Leaders is a weekly section showcasing individuals who are making an impact in the community through their professional and volunteer endeavors. To nominate someone for this section, email news@mbj.com with the individual’s name, position, company and email. Danny Poulos has been guided through his life by one mantra: protect your people. That philosophy has followed him from his childhood in Council Bluffs to graduate school in Washington, D.C., and into his current career as an acquisitions associate at OMCAP Investments. But while his guiding principle has remained constant, his path to commercial real estate has taken several turns. Poulos attended Creighton University, where he studied management and marketing and completed internships at companies including Union Pacific and FNBO. As graduation approached, however, he felt his studies had left him with a broad understanding of business without a clear direction. He decided to pursue graduate school at Georgetown University.
Interest in international affairs
His interest in Georgetown was shaped in part by a study-abroad experience in Australia, where he sought to reconnect with distant relatives. “It was just generations of being an ocean away,” Poulos said. “So I was like, ‘I think it’s time to go restart that that network.’” The experience also sparked an interest in foreign affairs, making Georgetown an increasingly natural fit. “There’s really no other place in the U.S. at least where you could have an intersection between business, politics and foreign policy as well,” Poulos said. “And so I thought, with all those global influences going on, that was the place I needed to get exposed to.” After graduate school, Poulos spent a year working as a contract specialist for the U.S. Department of Defense in Washington, D.C. The experience broadened his perspective, but it also clarified where he wanted to put that knowledge to work – back home to the Omaha area. “That helped me realize that there was still a lot of opportunity in Omaha, and if I could just bring a couple of the techniques that I had learned from abroad … I think it could really give whoever I was working with an edge when I got back,” Poulos said.
Moving to commercial real estate
Poulos was offered a role as an acquisitions associate at OMCAP Investments, a private equity real estate investment firm. One of his two bosses at OMCAP is a longtime family friend, and it was through this connection that he learned about the role and ultimately became the company’s sole employee, responsible for finding and evaluating commercial properties. “I had been ignoring that I was into commercial real estate for too long,” Poulos said. “I had done everything but it, and I was really ready to jump right in.” Poulos said he looks for quality, small-bay industrial properties and is drawn to places that have historically been underinvested in. “I love underdogs,” Poulos said. “I love parts of town where maybe historically investment has moved away, places where people might have struggled because the world might have turned its back on them.” OMCAP is only a year old, so Poulos said he is still looking to buy his first building, a goal he hopes to achieve soon. A typical day for Poulos involves attending networking meetings, holding one-on-ones with industry professionals and underwriting properties to evaluate financial risk. “I like talking to people and moving around,” Poulos said. “I think if I was always at a desk, I’d lose my mind. So I spend a lot of time socializing.”
Advocating for young professionals
While working to grow OMCAP’s network, Poulos got involved in the Greater Omaha Chamber young professionals program. When an opportunity came about to serve as the lead for the public policy committee, he immediately jumped at the chance, seeing it as a way to maintain a connection to his former work. “Getting involved there has really helped me advocate for issues that I find really important to me,” Poulos said. “I’m always standing up for young professionals and trying to find a way to make Omaha the most YP-friendly city we can be.” Poulos said one of the major issues he is focused on is affordable housing. During his time on the committee, he helped to lobby for the First-Time Homebuyer Savings Account Act, approved by Gov. Jim Pillen in April. The act
DANNY POULOS
creates tax-advantaged savings accounts to help residents save for a first home. Poulos said this issue matters to him because the Chamber YP committee worries about young professionals leaving and not returning. He said creating more of what he referred to as “sticky things” could help solve this issue. “We need to get young people physically invested here,” Poulos said. “I mean homeownership. I mean starting businesses here. Having jobs that may not relocate you.”
Finding personal success
As Poulos has served in this role, he has also enjoyed how accessible city leaders have been. He pointed to a personal success when he led a talk with Mayor John W. Ewing Jr. at the Chamber YP’s Advocacy Day event about advocating for young professionals in the city. “One thing that’s surprised me the most is just how fast paced the city can be if you want to put in the effort,” Poulos said. One networking lesson Poulos said he learned, is that attending a single networking event doesn’t help. Instead, he found going to the same events and groups on a regular basis helped create relationships. “There were quite a few networking things that I had done early on in my career where I thought, maybe if I just show up to this thing, I’ll get something out of it,” Poulos said. “And I realized that I wasn’t positioning myself in the spaces of what I was looking to achieve. And once I got a little bit more specific about where I go to network or who I’m talking to, it started paying off.”
e e d n A & y g with Win Page 22 • October 2, 2026
BUSINESS news
Charging into the Future
UNION PACIFIC DEBUTS FIRST TWO BATTERY-ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVES Omaha, Nebraska — Union Pacific Railroad announced on Sept. 23 the arrival technology’s performance, reliability and operational capabilities. of two battery-electric locomotives in Southern California, part of the company’s “This milestone reflects Wabtec’s shared commitment with Union Pacific to advancing ongoing investments in testing next-generation technologies in real-world operating the future of freight rail,” said Rafael Santana, Wabtec’s chairman and CEO. “By deploying environments. FLXdrive in daily operations, we’re building real-world insights needed to refine and scale The locomotives are the first of four FLXdrive battery-electric units built by Wabtec and battery-electric technology, delivering best-in-class value for our customers.” ordered by Union Pacific. Two additional locomotives are scheduled to arrive in October, Each locomotive provides roughly 2.7 megawatt-hours of energy storage and produces zero completing the four-unit fleet that will operate in the Greater Los Angeles area. tailpipe emissions during operation. “Union Pacific has never been content to stand still. Our industry is constantly evolving, and Rail is the most fuel-efficient way to move freight over land and can transport one ton if we’re not exploring what’s next, we risk being left behind,” said Union Pacific CEO Jim of freight nearly 500 miles on a single gallon of fuel. Union Pacific’s evaluation of batteryVena. “Testing technologies like battery-electric locomotives help us to better understand electric locomotives builds on the railroad’s ongoing investment in modernizing operations, what’s possible by putting these emerging technologies to work in actual railroad operations.” improving efficiency and advancing technologies that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions The FLXdrive, which is powered by approximately 7,000 battery cells, will undergo while supporting the future of freight transportation. extensive testing in a variety of railroad operations, including switching and providing local customer service. Operating in a busy rail yard will give Union Pacific valuable data on the Crossword by Myles Mellor
State Funding Assistance Granted WATER INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT RECOGNIZED Gibbon, Nebraska — On Sept. 28, Gov. Jim Pillen continued his recognition of communities that have utilized state resources to implement water infrastructure improvement projects. He was joined by Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE) Director Jesse Bradley and Gibbon Mayor Derrick Clevenger. Gibbon is partnering with DWEE to finalize $15 million in total financial assistance through Nebraska’s State Drinking Water (DW) and Clean Water (CW) State Revolving Fund (SRF) Programs. The SRF programs provide low-interest loans and loan forgiveness to communities for water infrastructure improvements. “This kind of infrastructure investment protects communities and improves quality of life for Nebraskans,” Pillen said. “Nebraska will continue to use the SRF to support communities like Gibbon to make sure Nebraskans have the infrastructure they need to thrive.” “SRF provides smaller communities with an important financing tool to complete necessary projects while being mindful of local resources and ratepayer costs,” Bradley said. “These projects are investments in reliable drinking water, wastewater treatment, and protection of Nebraska’s water resources.” Gibbon’s existing drinking water supply contains elevated levels of manganese, a naturally occurring element found in soil and water. The city is building a new wellfield source with lower manganese levels. Nearly $10 million in DW SRF funding is planned for this project. In addition to the drinking water project, Gibbon is also planning a wastewater modernization project to replace aging equipment and improve the community’s wastewater treatment, which will protect the health of people and wildlife in the Wood River Basin. Around $5 million in CW SRF funding is planned for this project. Through these SRF programs, approximately 42% of the project funding will receive loan forgiveness assistance. Compared with private financing options, the assistance is expected to save Gibbon residents $11 million to $15 million in repayments over the life of the financing.
Across 1. Prefix for a naval vessel’s name 4. African nation bordering the Sahara 8. Abbr. after many a general’s name 12. Immediately, in medical shorthand 14. Dated portable music player 15. Bryan High School nickname 16. Curved structure 17. Women’s professional golf organization, abbr. 18. Playful prank 19. Heat-resistant material used in kilns 21. Compass direction, abbr. 22. Long-distance letter-writing friend, 2 words 23. German philosopher 26. Mistake in judgment 28. Joan’s “Dynasty” role 30. Banking record, for short 33. Extinguish with water 35. Cease 36. Where Penguins and Ducks play, abbr. 37. Take a seat 38. Genetic molecule, abbr. 39. Fasten or wrap attractively, 2 words 41. Spanish word for hands 43. Low musical tone 44. Fleet of warships 46. El ___ (artist) 48. Disney theme park with a geodesic dome 49. Omaha Central High School nickname 52. Set of tools or equipment 53. Relating to a dispute settlement process 55. Deliberately causing pain 58. Small tart plum 59. Shakespearean villain who deceives Othello 60. Cook beans a second time 61. Jacket attachment 62. Russian emperor of old 63. Alien space vehicles, abbr.
64. Sews a garment’s edge 65. Legal conclusion? Down 1. Branch of the US military that flies, abbr. 2. Remove all covering 3. ____ Coeur Basilica 4. One of Omaha’s school districts 5. Spotted horse breed 6. Sluggish and tired 7. Boise’s state, abbr. 8. Fails to honor a promise 9. Consume food 10. Prefix meaning three 11. Military honor abbreviation for bravery, abbr. 13. Online world, informally, 2
Page 23 • October 2, 2026
words 15. Swiss city known for its art fair 20. Emergency resuscitation technique, abbr. 21. “Game of Thrones” character 24. Additional 25. Blackburn High School nickname 27. Regretting bitterly 29. Resorts offering relaxation treatments 30. Lick ___ promise, 2 words 31. Household task 32. Small cluster of trees 34. Place for keeping supplies 40. Nickname of Omaha South High School
41. “Good Will Hunting’s” Damon 42. Ocean floors 43. Connect it strongly, 2 words 45. Lace mat under a vase 47. Computer-generated imagery, briefly 50. Remove all traces of 51. Long heroic tales 53. Soothing plant gel 54. Traditional knowledge passed down 55. French wine classification term 56. Sports official, informally 57. Unexplained aerial sighting, for short 58. Quiet, please!
SPREAD THE word PAID ANNOUNCEMENTS
IN THE spotlight PAID ANNOUNCEMENTS
2026 Outstanding Clinics
Sarah Mastera
Three Nebraska Health Network clinics took home a 2026 Outstanding Clinic Award at the NHN Annual meeting on Tuesday, proving their commitment to advancing valuebased care, leadership and NHN‘s core values. These clinics have shown achievements in patient care, clinical quality and community service. NHN is proud to give the 2026 Outstanding Clinic Award to Arbor Heights Family Medicine; Methodist Physician Clinic Prairie Fields Family Medicine and Nebraska Medicine Family Medicine Clinic at Durham Outpatient Center.
Pinnacle Bank welcomes Sarah Mastera (NMLS# 1024409) to its Papillion Mortgage team. In her role as Mortgage Loan Officer, she will assist homebuyers in Papillion, La Vista and the surrounding areas with their home financing needs.
MASTERA JOINS PINNACLE BANK MORTGAGE TEAM
Mastera has 12 years of mortgage lending experience and a strong background in conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, jumbo, construction and renovation loans. Mastera earned her master’s and bachelor’s degrees from Murray State University. She recently relocated to Nebraska from Fargo, North Dakota. Her spouse, Peyton Mastera, is the new City Administrator for La Vista.
NEBRASKAHEALTHNETWORK.COM
About Pinnacle Bancorp: Founded in 1938, Pinnacle Bancorp, Inc., is a family-owned $20.2 billion regional banking organization operating in eight states with 62 branches in Nebraska. The company adheres to a community bank philosophy that values local decisions and local control. For more information, visit pinnbank.com.
UNICO Advances in Industry Rankings, Recognized on Top 100 Lists
PINNBANK.COM
UNICO Group, a nationally ranked top 100 insurance brokerage firm, continues its upward momentum in industry rankings, earning recognition on three of the insurance industry’s most respected Top 100 lists.
Jason Reed PINNACLE BANK WELCOMES REED TO TREASURY MANAGEMENT TEAM
UNICO advanced to #88 on Business Insurance’s Top 100 Brokers of U.S. Business list, reflecting the firm’s continued growth and strong performance in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Additionally, UNICO moved to #83 on the Dowling Hales Top 100 U.S. Agents and Brokers Report, based on brokerage revenue, and climbed to #72 on Insurance Journal’s Top 100 Property/Casualty Agencies ranking. “These rankings are a reflection of the strength, commitment, and expertise of our team,” said Ric Stoakes, CEO of UNICO. “While it’s rewarding to see our progress recognized by the industry, what matters most is what these achievements represent: our team’s dedication to serving clients well, building trusted relationships, and helping organizations navigate an increasingly complex risk environment. We remain focused on delivering meaningful value and long-term success for those we serve.” Each year, Business Insurance’s Directory of Brokers serves as a comprehensive ranking of the nation’s leading insurance brokerage firms. The Dowling Hales Report evaluates the top commercial-focused insurance agents and brokers in the United States based on revenue performance, while Insurance Journal’s Top 100 Property/Casualty Agencies list recognizes the largest and highest-performing independent agencies nationwide. Together, these rankings serve as respected benchmarks of growth, market leadership, and industry excellence.
UNICOGROUP.COM
Crossword by Myles Mellor – Answers
Papillion, NE Jason Reed is Pinnacle Bank‘s new Treasury Sales Officer serving the Papillion and Gretna region. In his new role, he will work with local businesses to manage cash flow, reduce fraud risk and identify banking solutions that improve efficiency. Reed brings more than six years of banking and treasury management experience. He most recently served as assistant branch manager in Colorado Springs at Bank of Colorado, Pinnacle Bank‘s sister institution. Reed is originally from Omaha and is a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He is excited to return to Nebraska and looks forward to serving the local community. About Pinnacle Bancorp: Founded in 1938, Pinnacle Bancorp, Inc., is a family-owned $20.2 billion regional banking organization operating in eight states with 63 branches in Nebraska. The company adheres to a community bank philosophy that values local decisions and local control. For more information, visit pinnbank.com.
PINNBANK.COM
Julie VanRoy COBALT CREDIT UNION APPOINTS NEW CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER Cobalt Credit Union is pleased to announce the appointment of Julie VanRoy as chief marketing officer. VanRoy brings more than 14 years of financial services marketing experience, with expertise in brand strategy, customer acquisition, lifecycle marketing, regulatory compliance and marketing operations. She will lead Cobalt‘s marketing, brand, communications and community engagement strategies to support member value and organizational growth. I am honored to join Cobalt and its leadership team, VanRoy said. Cobalt‘s commitment to empowering members and strengthening the communities it serves is clear. I look forward to sharing Cobalt‘s story and highlighting what sets this member-first credit union apart. VanRoy holds a bachelor’s degree from Wayne State College and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
COBALTCU.COM
Chad Hartnett PRINCIPAL AND SENIOR ACCOUNTING LEADER CHAD HARTNETT JOINS DLR GROUP DLR Group welcomes Principal and Senior Accounting Leader Chad Hartnett. Bringing over four decades of accounting and financial experience, Hartnett leads fiscal function, including overseeing a team across compliance, tax, billing, payroll, and treasury. His focus on scalability, process improvement, and talent development supports the firm‘s continued domestic and international growth.
DLRGROUP.COM Page 24 • October 2, 2026
LEGAL notices Midlands Business Journal Legal Notice Submission Guidelines Please visit https://mbj.column.us/place to submit all legal notices to the Midlands Business Journal. Through this platform, you can submit your notice, receive pricing information, make payment, track your notice, and receive proof of publication. For trade names, submit a copy of the approved Application for Registration of Trade Name from the Secretary of State (must include barcode in upper right-hand corner). Trade names run for one week only. The flat fee for a trade name is $50. As a publisher and not a legal advisor, we print notices exactly as they are submitted. Complimentary reruns are only provided when a notice was rejected or affected due to an MBJ error. All companies submitting notices are responsible for ensuring content meets state requirements and bearing the cost of republishing if the notice is rejected due to misinformation or missing information. Submitters are responsible for filing their notice with the Secretary of State as required by law. The deadline is noon on Monday for notices to start publishing that Friday. Payment must be received prior to publication. Questions? Contact our Legal Department at legals@mbj.com.
The Orr Law Group, PLLC 9375 Burt Street, Suite 200 Omaha, NE 68114 LEGAL NOTICE TO: Hamdi Shala, an Individual, and all others claiming an interest in the property, names unknown. YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that a Complaint has been filed against you in the District Court of Sarpy County, Nebraska, in the case entitled Naser Bytyci, as Guardian, and Lumni Bytyci, as Conservator, of Shkurta Bytyci, v. Hamdi Shala, an Individual, and all others claiming an interest in the property, names unknown, and filed at Case No. CI 26-1673. This lawsuit arises out of quiet title interest in certain real property (Parcel ID No. 011586094), legally described as follows: Lot 106, Brookside, a Subdivision in Sarpy County, Nebraska (a/k/a 10523 South 25th Avenue, Bellevue, Nebraska, 68123). Plaintiff, Hamdi Shala, et al., prays that title to the property be quieted and confirmed to the Plaintiff, for all rights, status, and legal relations, for the determination that Plaintiff is the true and correct owner of the property herein, and all other relief that the Court may deem fair and just. In order to defend this lawsuit, you must file and serve an Answer, or such Complaint will be taken as true, and judgment entered accordingly for the relief demanded in the Complaint filed against you. By: Dailp. Pat DANIEL P. BOST, #27297 CONNOR W. ORR, #26454 The Orr Law Group, PLLC 9375 Burt Street, Suite 200 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 402.408.6488 dan@orrlawgrp.com. |. connor@orrlawgrp.com | Attorneys for Plaintiff First publication September 25, 2026, final October 9, 2026 NOTICE OF MEETING SANITARY AND IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT NO. 29, SARPY COUNTY, NEBRASKA NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a meeting of the Board of Trustees of Sanitary and Improvement District No. 29 of Sarpy County, Nebraska, will be held on October 6, 2026, beginning at 7:00 p.m. at 20304 Westridge Road, Gretna, Nebraska, which meeting will be open to the public. AGENDA Sanitary and Improvement District No. 29 of Sarpy County, Nebraska October 6, 2026, 7:00 PM 1. Call Meeting to Order and Roll Call 2. Election Results and Election of Officers 3. Payment of Bills of the District 4. New Business 5. Resident & Miscellaneous Matters Including Public Comment 6. Adjournment First publication October 2, 2026 NOTICE OF AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION OF NAMWEST LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Certificate of Organization of NamWest LLC (the “LLC”) was amended and restated to supersede in its entirety the previous Articles of Organization filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on May 27, 2009, and any and all amendments, restatements or revisions thereto. The Amended and Restated Certificate of Organization was filed September 2, 2026. The LLC’s registered agent and office is McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, PC LLO, c/o Jon Blumenthal, 1601 Dodge Street, Suite 3700, Omaha, NE 68102. The LLC’s principal office address is 2121 Douglas Street, Attn: Property Manager, Omaha NE 68102. First publication September 25, 2026, final October 9, 2026 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT TO THE CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION OF HOMELINK OF AMERICA, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Certificate of Organization of HomeLink of America, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (“Company”), has been amended to change: (i) the name of the Company to Concio of America, LLC; (ii) change the Designated Office Address to 450 Regency Parkway, Suite 240, Omaha, Nebraska 68114; and (iii) change the name and address of the Registered Agent to DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 W Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The Amended Certificate of Organization was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on September 9, 2026. Dvorak Law Group, LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, NE 68114 First publication September 18, 2026, final October 2, 2026 LAMSON DUGAN & MURRAY, LLP Daniel J. Waters, Attorney 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, NE 68114 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF GRAPHIC ARTS,
NEBRASKA CHAPTER, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the dissolution of American Institute of Graphic Arts, Nebraska Chapter, Inc., a Nebraska nonprofit corporation (Corporation), effective September 18, 2026. The terms and conditions of such dissolution are, in general, that when all debts and obligations of the Corporation have been fully paid and satisfied and any remaining assets will be distributed in accordance with the Articles of Dissolution. Elizabeth Hunt, as President, is to manage the company’s affairs and distribute any remaining company assets. Parties with claims against the limited liability company are directed to submit them in writing to the attention of Lamson Dugan & Murray LLP, 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, NE 68114. All claims against the Corporation will be barred unless a proceeding to enforce such claims is commenced within five (5) years after the publication of this Notice. American Institute of Graphic Arts, Nebraska Chapter, Inc., a Nebraska nonprofit corporation By: Elizabeth Hunt, President. 4930-2567-9310, v. 1 First publication September 25, 2026, final October 9, 2026 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SFF ADAMS I, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that SFF Adams I, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 920 South 107th Avenue, Suite 250, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. Dvorak Law Group, LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, NE 68114 First publication October 2, 2026, final October 16, 2026 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF VITARUSH, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Vitarush, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 20875 Rawhide Road, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. Dvorak Law Group, LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, NE 68114 First publication October 2, 2026, final October 16, 2026 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF BENDIXEN CONSULTING, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Bendixen Consulting, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The address of the designated office is 3539 N. 45th Ave. Omaha, NE 68104. The name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is Margret Bendixen, 3539 N. 45th Ave. Omaha, NE 68104. The general nature of its business is to engage in any and all lawful business for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of Nebraska. First publication October 2, 2026, final October 16, 2026 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF A & D OLSON FARMS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that A & D Olson Farms, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 1618 South 118th Street, Omaha, Nebraska. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. Dvorak Law Group, LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, NE 68114 First publication October 2, 2026, final October 16, 2026 LAMSON DUGAN & MURRAY LLP Daniel J. Waters, Attorney 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, NE 68114 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF SEA BREEZE ESCAPE AT PONCE LANDING, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the formation of a limited liability company under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the limited liability company is Sea Breeze Escape at Ponce Landing, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 4406 South 220th St., Elkhorn, NE 68022. The name and address of the registered agent is LDM Business Services, Inc., 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, NE 68114. The general nature of the business to be transacted is all lawful business. The company commenced existence on September 25, 2026 and shall have perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the Members, as prescribed by the Operating Agreement. LDM Business Services, Inc. 4929-9913-9283, v. 1 First publication October 2, 2026, final October 16, 2026 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF EZFX, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that EZFX, LLC is a limited liability company organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The address of the initial designated office is 2328 S. 23rd St, Omaha, NE 68108. The name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is Uriel Aguayo, 2328 S. 23rd St, Omaha, NE 68108. The limited liability company is member-managed. First publication October 2, 2026, final October 16, 2026 CARLSON & BLAKEMAN, LLP MATTHEW WURSTNER, Attorney 11429 Davenport Street Omaha, NE 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF HOPE CARE TRANSPORT SERVICES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that HOPE CARE TRANSPORT SERVICES, LLC is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The initial designated office is 4324 N. 132nd St. #234, Omaha, NE 68164. The Company’s initial registered agent in the State of Nebraska is: MATTHEW WURSTNER, whose address is 11429 Davenport Street, Omaha, NE 68154. The purpose of the Company is to engage in any lawful business and activity, as may be mutually agreed upon by the Members from time to time, and which are not prohibited by the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The Company commenced with filing its Certificate of Organization on September 25, 2026, and shall have a perpetual period of duration. The Company is a Manager Managed Limited Liability Company. MATTHEW WURSTNER, Organizer First publication October 2, 2026, final October 16, 2026
Page 25 • October 2, 2026
PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BUSER LLP BENJAMIN J. PICK, Attorney 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, NE 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF CHRISSIE SCOTT INVESTMENTS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the organization of CHRISSIE SCOTT INVESTMENTS, LLC: 1. The name of the limited liability company is CHRISSIE SCOTT INVESTMENTS, LLC; and 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 19295 Poppleton Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68130, and the name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is Christina A. Scott, 19295 Poppleton Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68130. First publication September 25, 2026, final October 9, 2026 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF PEEWEES TRANSPORTPRO LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Peewees TransportPro LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 3925 R St., Omaha, NE 68107. The registered agent of Peewees TransportPro LLC is Northwest Registered Agent Service Inc at 200 S. 21st ST, STE. 400A, Lincoln, NE 68510. Statement of Change was filed on 09/16/2026. In that Statement of Change the Registered Agent and Address was changed to Juan D Martin at 3925 R St., Omaha, NE 68107. First publication September 25, 2026, final October 9, 2026 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF OMAHA 11102, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Omaha 11102, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 920 South 107th Avenue, Suite 250, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The Registered Agent of the Company is Jennifer L. Rattner, Esq., 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. First publication October 2, 2026, final October 16, 2026 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF TL-SMA ROCHESTER 2660, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that TL-SMA Rochester 2660, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 920 S. 107th Avenue, Suite 250, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. Dvorak Law Group, LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, NE 68114 First publication October 2, 2026, final October 16, 2026 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF JG OMAHA CONCRETE SOLUTIONS LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that JG OMAHA CONCRETE SOLUTIONS LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 4223 S 38th St Omaha, NE 68107. The registered agent of JG OMAHA CONCRETE SOLUTIONS LLC is JESUS GOMEZ-ACOSTA at 4223 S 38th St Omaha, NE 68107 First publication September 25, 2026, final October 9, 2026 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF TWO GIRLS – ONE CLOSET, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Two Girls – One Closet, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 20875 Rawhide Road, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. Dvorak Law Group, LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, NE 68114 First publication October 2, 2026, final October 16, 2026 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SOWER SC TIMBERLINE-SMA, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Sower SC Timberline-SMA, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 920 S. 107th Avenue, Suite 250, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. Dvorak Law Group, LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, NE 68114 First publication October 2, 2026, final October 16, 2026 LAMSON DUGAN & MURRAY LLP Daniel J. Waters, Attorney 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, NE 68114 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF OPLS HOLDING, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the formation of a limited liability company under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the limited liability company is OPLS Holding, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 9240 S. 124th St., Papillion, NE 68046. The name and address of the registered agent is LDM Business Services, Inc., 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, NE 68114. The general nature of the business to be transacted is all lawful business. The company commenced existence on September 25, 2026 and shall have perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the Members, as prescribed by the Operating Agreement. LDM Business Services, Inc. 4935-1032-6227, v. 1 First publication October 2, 2026, final October 16, 2026 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF COMMON ETHOS CONSULTING LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Common Ethos Consulting LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The street address of the initial designated office is 2201 South 42nd Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68105. The mailing address of the initial designated office is 4601 Catalyst Court, #1159, Omaha, Nebraska 68106. The initial agent for service of process is Registered Agents Inc., 200 S. 21st St., STE 400A, Lincoln, Nebraska 68510. First publication October 2, 2026, final October 16, 2026
LEGAL notices PANSING HOGAN ERNST & BUSER LLP EMILY F. MORDHORST, Attorney 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300 Omaha, NE 68114-3728 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF G&J ASSET GROUP, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the organization of G&J ASSET GROUP, LLC: 1. The name of the limited liability company is G&J ASSET GROUP, LLC; and 2. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office is 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114, and the name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is Emily F. Mordhorst, 10250 Regency Circle, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. First publication October 2, 2026, final October 16, 2026 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ARKSTONE, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Arkstone, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 3512 North 163rd Plaza, Omaha, Nebraska 68116. The Registered Agent of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. Dvorak Law Group, LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, NE 68114 First publication October 2, 2026, final October 16, 2026 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF KOUASSI HELPING HAND, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that KOUASSI HELPING HAND, LLC , a Nebraska limited liability company (the “Company”), has been duly organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, designating its registered agent as Thomas E. Horgan, an individual, with its registered office at 13304 West Center Rd, Ste. 109, Omaha, NE 68144. Its designated office address 7740 N 87th Street Omaha, NE 68122. The Company was organized for the purpose of engaging in the transaction of any lawful business and the performance of any lawful activities that a limited liability company may engage in under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Company shall have a perpetual existence unless dissolved in accordance with its Certificate of Organization, its Operating Agreement, or the Limited Liability Company Act. Unless otherwise provided in the Company’s Operating Agreement, the affairs of the Company are to be managed by its Managing Member(s). First publication October 2, 2026, final October 16, 2026 LAMSON DUGAN & MURRAY LLP Philip T. Sanberg 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, NE 68114 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF BALU, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the formation of a limited liability company under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the limited liability company is BALU, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 10605 Adams Drive, Omaha, NE 68127. The name and address of the registered agent is LDM Business Services, Inc., 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, NE 68114. The general nature of the business to be transacted is all lawful business. The company commenced existence on September 23, 2026, and shall have perpetual duration. The general nature of the business to be transacted is all lawful business. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the Members, as prescribed by the Operating Agreement. LDM Business Services, Inc. 4919-1993-1597, v. 1 First publication October 2, 2026, final October 16, 2026 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF PATCH AND PAINT BROS LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that PATCH AND PAINT BROS LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 1922 S. 18TH ST OMAHA, NE 68108. The registered agent of PATCH AND PAINT BROS LLC is SYLVIA LOPEZ with address 1922 S. 18TH ST OMAHA, NE 68108. First publication October 2, 2026, final October 16, 2026 SANITARY AND IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT NO. 29 IN SARPY COUNTY, NEBRASKA NOTICE OF BUDGET HEARING AND BUDGET SUMMARY PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given, in compliance with the provisions of State Statute Sections 13-501 to 13-513, that the governing body will meet on the 6th day of October 2026, at 7:30 o’clock p.m., at 20304 Westridge Road, Gretna, NE 68028 for the purpose of hearing support, opposition, criticism, suggestions or observations of taxpayers relating to the following proposed budget. The budget detail is available at Gretna City Hall during regular business hours. 2024-2025 Actual Disbursements & Transfers $61,886.65 2025-2026 Actual Disbursements & Transfers $28,505.64 2026-2027 Proposed Budget of Disbursements & Transfers $48,216.04 2026-2027 Necessary Cash Reserve $98,107.17 2026-2027 Total Resources Available $146,323.21 Total 2026-2027 Personal & Real Property Tax Requirement $32,342.71 Unused Budget Authority Created for Next Year $63.55 Breakdown of Property Tax: Personal and Real Property Tax Required for Non-Bond Purposes $20,860.09 Personal and Real Property Tax Required for Bonds $11,482.62 NOTICE OF SPECIAL HEARING TO SET FINAL TAX REQUEST PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given, in compliance with the provisions of State Statute Section 77-1632, that the governing body will meet on the 6th day of October 2026, at 7:45 o’clock p.m., at 20304 Westridge Road, Gretna, Nebraska 68028 for the purpose of hearing support, opposition, criticism, suggestions or observations of taxpayers relating to setting the final tax request. Operating Budget 2025 $45,574.06 2026 $48,216.04
Change 6% Property Tax Request 2025 $30,925.50 2026 $32,342.71 Change 5% Valuation 2025 17,876,010 2026 19,137,703 Change 7% Tax Rate 2025 0.173000 2026 0.169000 Change-2% Tax Rate if Prior Tax Request was at 0.161595 Current Valuation 1t First publication October 2, 2026 LAMSON DUGAN & MURRAY LLP Erin K. Artz, Attorney 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, NE 68114 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF AJA MAPLE GROUP, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the formation of a limited liability company under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the limited liability company is AJA Maple Group, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 11531 Portal Rd., Ste. 16, La Vista, NE 68128. The name and address of the registered agent is LDM Business Services, Inc., 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, NE 68114. The general nature of the business to be transacted is all lawful business. The company commenced existence on September 18, 2026 and shall have perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the Members, as prescribed by the Operating Agreement. LDM Business Services, Inc. 4920-0902-0624, v. 1 First publication September 25, 2026, final October 9, 2026 CROKER HUCK LAW FIRM MARTIN P. PELSTER, Attorney 2120 S. 72nd Street, Suite 1200 Omaha, NE 68124 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF TC ACCOMMODATOR 384, LLC AND NOTICE OF AMENDMENT The name of the limited liability company is TC Accommodator 384, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 8701 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, NE 68114. The name and address of the initial agent for service of process is Janet Clark, 8701 West Dodge Road, Suite 150, Omaha, NE 68114. An Amendment was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State on September 24, 2026, changing the name of the limited liability company from TC Accommodator 384, LLC to LTP South Dakota (Reverse Exchange), LLC, changing the designated office to 9808 South 148th Street, Omaha, NE 68138, changing the registered agent to Croker, Huck, Kasher, DeWitt, Anderson & Gonderinger, L.L.C., and changing the registered agent address to 2120 South 72nd Street, Suite 1200, Omaha, NE 68124. First publication October 2, 2026, final October 16, 2026 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF AGP EL PASO 801, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that AGP El Paso 801, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company 10730 Pacific Street, Suite 230, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The Registered Agent of the Company is Jennifer L. Rattner, Ringenberg & Rattner Law, LLC, 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. First publication September 25, 2026, final October 9, 2026ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Law Offices 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3450 Telephone 402-392-1250 Facsimile 402-392-0816 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF WAR EAGLE HOLDINGS, LLC War Eagle Holdings, LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office of the company is 16508 Riviera Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68136. The name and street and mailing address of the initial registered agent of the company for service of process are David C. Nelson, Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman LLP, 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3450. First publication September 18, 2026, final October 2, 2026 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF H&S OMNI MANAGEMENT, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that H&S Omni Management, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 920 S. 107th Avenue, Suite 250, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. Dvorak Law Group, LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, NE 68114 First publication October 2, 2026, final October 16, 2026 SEAN D. MOYLAN, Attorney 1010 South 120th Street, Suite 320 Omaha, NE 68154 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF CHIANG RING, LLC The name of the Company is Chiang Ring, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company engaging in NIL monetization. The initial registered agent is Sean Moylan located at 1010 S. 120th Street, Suite #320, Omaha, Nebraska 68154 . The initial designated office of the Company stated in the Certificate of Organization was 1010 S. 120th Street, Suite #320, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. This limited liability company commenced business on September 17, 2026. First publication September 25, 2026, final October 9, 2026 LAMSON DUGAN & MURRAY LLP Erin K. Artz, Attorney 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, NE 68114 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF FLAMINGO FILMS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the formation of a limited liability company under the laws
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of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the limited liability company is FLAMINGO FILMS, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 200 S. 21st ST. STE. 400A, Lincoln, NE 68510. The name and address of the registered agent is Nebraska Registered Agent LLC 200 S. 21st ST. STE. 400A, Lincoln, NE 68510. The general nature of the business to be transacted is all lawful business. The company commenced existence on August 20, 2026 and shall have perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the Members, as prescribed by the Operating Agreement. Erin K. Artz, Legal Counsel First publication September 25, 2026, final October 9, 2026 GREVENGOED LAW PLLC Tyler J. Grevengoed, Attorney 1901 Howard St., STE 224 Omaha, NE 68102 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SJR RENTALS LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that SJR RENTALS LLC, is organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The initial designated office is 709 W Angus Rd, Gretna, Nebraska 68028. The Company’s initial registered agent in the State of Nebraska is: Tyler J. Grevengoed, whose address is 1901 Howard Street, Suite 224, Omaha, Nebraska, 68102. The purpose of the Company is to engage in any lawful business and activity, as may be mutually agreed upon by the Members from time to time, and which are not prohibited by the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The Company commenced with filing its Certificate of Organization on September 14, 2026, and shall have a perpetual period of duration. The Company is a Member Managed Limited Liability Company. /s/ Tyler J. Grevengoed. Tyler J. Grevengoed, Organizer First publication September 25, 2026, final October 9, 2026 ABRAHAMS KASLOW & CASSMAN LLP, Law Offices 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3450 Telephone 402-392-1250 Facsimile 402-392-0816 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ROKEBY PROPERTIES, LLC Rokeby Properties, LLC has been organized as a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The street and mailing address of the initial designated office of the company is 16508 Riviera Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68136. The name and street and mailing address of the initial registered agent of the company for service of process are David C. Nelson, Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman LLP, 8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 300, Omaha, Nebraska 68114-3450. First publication September 18, 2026, final October 2, 2026 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF CHRONIC WELLNESS AND AESTHETICS LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Chronic Wellness and Aesthetics LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized pursuant to the Nebraska Revised Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The designated office of the Limited Liability Company is located at 17622 Douglas Circle, Omaha, Nebraska, 68118. The designated office of the Limited Liability Company is located at 17622 Douglas Circle, Omaha, NE 68118. The registered agent for service of process is Kristin Chronic, 17622 Douglas Circle, Omaha, NE, 68118. Kristin Chronic, Member/Owner. Dated: 9/16/2026 First publication September 25, 2026, final October 9, 2026 LEGACY DESIGN STRATEGIES, LLC, Attorneys 9859 S. 168th Ave Omaha, NE 68136 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF RABIH FAHED, LLC The name of the Limited Liability Company is RABIH FAHED, LLC. The designated office of the limited liability company is 1706 West Benjamin Avenue, Norfolk, NE 68701. The registered agent and office of the limited liability company is Rabih C. Fahed, at 1706 West Benjamin Avenue, Norfolk, NE 68701. The purpose for which the company is organized is to engage in any and all business which is lawful under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act of the State of Nebraska. The company commenced its existence on September 8, 2026, and the period of duration of the Company shall be perpetual. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by its Members in accordance with the company’s operating agreement. First publication September 18, 2026, final October 2, 2026 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF OMNICORP VALLEY 801, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Omnicorp Valley 801, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company 10730 Pacific Street, Suite 230, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The Registered Agent of the Company is Jennifer L. Rattner, Ringenberg & Rattner Law, LLC, 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. First publication September 25, 2026, final October 9, 2026 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF VAIDEN ESTHETICS, L.L.C. Pursuant to the Neb.Rev.St. §§ 21-193 & 21-117, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has formed a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The name of the Limited Liability Company is VAIDEN ESTHETICS, L.L.C. The address of the Company’s initial registered office in Nebraska is 1519 E. Church Rd., Plattsmouth, NE 68048 and the name of its registered agent at such address is Vickie Deans. The street and mailing address of the Company’s initial designated office is 1519 E. Church Rd., Plattsmouth, NE 68048. This company is organized to engage in and to do any lawful business for any lawful purpose, for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Company’s duration is perpetual beginning on the date the Certificate of Organization was filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Nebraska. The affairs of the limited liability company are conducted by Managers, Members and such other officers as may be provided for in the Operating Agreement.Vickie Deans, Member and Manager Michael Deans, Member and ManagerConnor W. Orr, Organizer 9375 Burt Street, Suite 200 Omaha, NE 68114, (402) 408-6488 First publication September 18, 2026, final October 2, 2026 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF OMNICORP GRETNA 801, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Omnicorp Gretna 801, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company 10730 Pacific Street, Suite 230, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The Registered Agent of the Company is Jennifer L. Rattner, Ringenberg & Rattner Law, LLC, 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 204, Omaha, Nebraska 68154. First publication September 25, 2026, final October 9, 2026
LEGAL notices LAMSON DUGAN & MURRAY LLP Daniel J. Waters, Attorney 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68114 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF ADVISORY MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the formation of a limited liability company under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the limited liability company is Advisory Management Solutions, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 11714 N. 175th Circle, Bennington, NE 68007. The name and address of the registered agent is LDM Business Services, Inc., 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, NE 68114. The general nature of the business to be transacted is all lawful business. The company commenced existence on September 11, 2026 and shall have perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the Members, as prescribed by the Operating Agreement. LDM Business Services, Inc. 4912-1057-4796, v. 1 First publication September 18, 2026, final October 2, 2026 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF KESTER MANAGEMENT AND CONSULTING, L.L.C. Pursuant to the Neb.Rev.St. §§ 21-193 & 21-117, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has formed a limited liability company under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The name of the Limited Liability Company is KESTER MANAGEMENT AND CONSULTING , L.L.C. The address of the Company’s initial registered office in Nebraska is 9375 Burt Street, Suite 200, Omaha, NE 68114 and the name of its registered agent at such address is Connor W. Orr. The street and mailing address of the Company’s initial designated office is 2843 Dale Lane, Arlington, NE 68002. This company is organized to engage in and to do any lawful business for any lawful purpose, for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Company’s duration is perpetual beginning on the date the Certificate of Organization was filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Nebraska. The affairs of the limited liability company are conducted by Manager, Member and such other officers as may be provided for in the Operating Agreement. Tyler Kester, Member and Manager Connor W. Orr, Organizer 9375 Burt Street, Suite 200 Omaha, NE 68114 (402) 408-6488 First publication October 2, 2026, final October 16, 2026 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF ARMBRUST STRATEGIES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Armbrust Strategies, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The address of the designated office is 11118 Jones Street, Omaha, NE 68154. The registered agent for service of process is Sebastian deMayo whose address is 11118 Jones Street, Omaha, NE 68154. The company was organized on August 27, 2026. The general nature of its business is to engage in any lawful business. First publication September 18, 2026, final October 2, 2026 LAMSON DUGAN & MURRAY LLP Daniel J. Waters, Attorney 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, NE 68114 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF GENEROSITY WEALTH PARTNERS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the formation of a limited liability company under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the limited liability company is Generosity Wealth Partners, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 14301 FNB PKWY, Suite 201, Omaha, NE 68154. The name and address of the registered agent is LDM Business Services, Inc., 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, NE 68114. The general nature of the business to be transacted is all lawful business. The company commenced existence on September 11, 2026 and shall have perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the Members, as prescribed by the Operating Agreement. LDM Business Services, Inc. 4917-0569-8508, v. 1 First publication September 18, 2026, final October 2, 2026 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF VALYOU THE FLIP, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that ValYou the Flip LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. Designated office address of the company: 2717 N 97 St, Omaha, NE 68134. Registered agent is Valerie Buresh 2717 N 97 St, Omaha, NE 68134 First publication September 25, 2026, final October 9, 2026 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF UNIFIED TAX STRATEGIES, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Unified Tax Strategies, LLC ( the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 17002 Marcy Street, Suite 120, Omaha, Nebraska 68118. The Registered Agent of the Company is Seth M. Neben, 17002 Marcy Street, Suite 120, Omaha, Nebraska 68118. Dvorak Law Group, LLC 9500 W. Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, NE 68114 First publication September 18, 2026, final October 2, 2026 ERICKSON | SEDERSTROM, P.C. 10330 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, NE 68114 NOTICE OF AMENDED CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION On September 17, 2026, an Amendment to the Certificate of Organization of DCHA Single Family, LLC was filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State to change the name of the organization to NASF Housing, LLC. First publication September 25, 2026, final October 9, 2026 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF DM360 BUSINESS TEAM, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that DM360 Business Team, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 19660 Woolworth Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68130 and with its initial agent for service of process as Deborah Juhlin, 19660 Woolworth Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68130. First publication September 18, 2026, final October 2, 2026 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF PLATINUM TOWING LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that PLATINUM TOWING LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The designated office of the limited liability company is 4830 Aspen Dr Omaha, NE 68157. The registered agent of PLATINUM TOWING LLC is ANTONIO FLORES DOMINGUEZ LLC 4830 Aspen Dr Omaha, NE 68157. First publication September 18, 2026, final October 2, 2026
NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SOWER VENTURES MANAGEMENT, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Sower Ventures Management, LLC (the “Company”) has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The Designated Office Address of the Company is 920 S. 107th Avenue, Suite 250, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. The Registered Agent and Office of the Company is DDLG Business Services, Inc., 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68114. Dvorak Law Group, LLC 9500 West Dodge Road, Suite 100 Omaha, NE 68114 First publication September 18, 2026, final October 2, 2026 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF MARCO MEDIA, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that MarCo Media, LLC has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The street address of the initial designated office is 20284 Wirt St, PO Box 180, Elkhorn, NE 68022. The name and street address of the initial agent for service of process is Ryan Ahart, 16235 Wood Dr, Omaha, NE 68130. The general nature of the business is to engage in any lawful business for which a limited liability company may be organized under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. First publication September 18, 2026, final October 2, 2026 LAMSON DUGAN & MURRAY LLP Daniel J. Waters, Attorney 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, NE 68114 NOTICE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF CHULA V, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the formation of a limited liability company under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and that the name of the limited liability company is Chula V, LLC. The address of the initial designated office is 9630 Koi Rock Dr. The name and address of the registered agent is LDM Business Services, Inc., 10306 Regency Parkway Drive, Omaha, NE 68114. The general nature of the business to be transacted is all lawful business. The company commenced existence on September 11, 2026 and shall have perpetual duration. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by the Members, as prescribed by the Operating Agreement. LDM Business Services, Inc. 4932-0475-8736, v. 1 First publication September 25, 2026, final October 9, 2026 LIKES MEYERSON HATCH LLC Scott A. Meyerson, Esq. 444 Regency Parkway Drive, #100 Omaha, NE 68114 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SPOT OUTDOOR LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Spot Outdoor LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, has been organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. The street and mailing address of the Company’s initial designated office is 9825 Grover Street, Omaha, NE 68124; and mailing address of the Company’s initial agent for service of process is 9825 Grover Street, Omaha, NE 68124; and the Company’s initial agent for service of process at such address is Darin N. Plautz. First publication September 18, 2026, final October 2, 2026 NOTICE OF AMENDED CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION OF CONTOUR BODY STRUCTURE, L.L.C. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an Amended Certificate of Organization Limited Liability Company of CONTOUR BODY STRUCTURE, L.L.C., was adopted by the Limited Liability Company on August 21, 2026, to change the Company to a professional service company providing medicine, surgery and healthcare, the full text of such Amended Certificate of Organization Limited Liability Company is on file with the Nebraska Secretary of State filed on September 4, 2026. ANTHONY L. GROSS, Authorized Representative 3018 South 87th Street, Omaha, NE 68124 First publication September 18, 2026, final October 2, 2026 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF SKOL HOLDINGS GROUP, LLC Designated Office: 8822 Quest Street, Omaha, NE 68122 Initial Agent/Address for Service: Lars T. Pedersen/8822 Quest Street, Omaha, NE 68122 First publication September 18, 2026, final October 2, 2026 LAMSON DUGAN & MURRAY LLP Craig W. Benson 10306 Regency Parkway Drive Omaha, NE 68114 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT TO CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION OF INTELLIGENT DJ, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an amendment to the Certificate of Organization of Intelligent DJ, LLC a Nebraska corporation, was filed with the Secretary of State on September 8, 2026, to change the name of the business to Intelligent Events, LLC. LDM Business Services, Inc., Registered Agent First publication September 18, 2026, final October 2, 2026 Julia K. Palzer 3555 Farnam St., Ste. 1000 Omaha, NE 68131 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF T & K TILE KREATIONS, LLC. The name of the Company is T & K TILE KREATIONS, LLC. The address of the registered office is 7621 Castle St., Papillion, Nebraska, 68046. The general nature of the Company is tile services. The Company commenced on September 9, 2026, and shall have perpetual existence. The affairs of the Company are to be conducted by Managing Member(s), the President, Secretary, Treasurer, and such other officers as the Members shall determine. First publication September 18, 2026, final October 2, 2026
NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF OLIVER INVESTMENTS, LLC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Oliver Investments, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 1328 N 181st Ave, Elkhorn, NE 68022. The initial agent for service of process of the Company is Bonnie Eisenhart, 1328 N 181st Ave, Elkhorn, NE 68022. The company is member-managed. Nature of the Company is real estate investments. First publication September 18, 2026, final October 2, 2026 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: IMMANUEL HOSPICE. Name of Applicant: Immanuel Address: 1044 N 115TH ST, STE 500, OMAHA, NE 68154 Applicant is NONPROFIT CORPORATION. If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Nebraska. Date of first use of name in Nebraska: 09/22/2026. General nature of business: Health care services. Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative /s/John P. Sigmon. First publication October 2, 2026 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: SATELLITE SALON. Name of Applicant: Eb Concepts, Inc. Address: 1120 S 105TH STREET, OMAHA NEBRASKA 68124 Applicant is CORPORATION. If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Nebraska. Date of first use of name in Nebraska: May 1, 2022. General nature of business: Hair Salon. Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative /s/Eric Burden. First publication October 2, 2026 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: SULLIVAN MEDICAL CONSULTING. Name of Applicant: SGFA Holdings, LLC. Address: 3506 S. 201ST CIRCLE, OMAHA NE 68130 Applicant is LLC. If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Nebraska. Date of first use of name in Nebraska: 09/12/2024. General nature of business: Medical Consulting. Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative /s/Gabriel Sullivan. First publication October 2, 2026 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: RICH MINDZ. Name of Applicant: Rich Girlz Pour, LLC Address: 3819 JONES STREET , APT 210, OMAHA, NE 68105 Applicant is LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Nebraska. Date of first use of name in Nebraska: 10/31/2025. General nature of business: Conscius Commerce. Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative /s/Erin K. Artz, Attorney. First publication October 2, 2026 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE NAME Trade Name to be registered is: IMMANUEL AT HOME. Name of Applicant: Immanuel Address: 1044 N 115TH ST., STE 500, OMAHA, NE 68154 Applicant is NONPROFIT CORPORATION. If other than an Individual, state under whose laws entity was formed: Nebraska. Date of first use of name in Nebraska: 09/23/2026. General nature of business: Health Care Services. Signature of Applicant or Legal Representative /s/John P. Sigmon. First publication October 2, 2026
BackOffice Associates, LLC d/b/a Syniti has multiple openings in Omaha, NE for Cnsltnt rspnsbl 4: deliver technology and biz solutions to clients across multiple industries. Req a bach. deg. comp sci, info sys, or clsly rltd fld+ 3 yrs of exprnc in data migrtn, data gov, of rltd data focused roles or any occptn where exp gnd. This pstn is 100% rmt & can be prfrmd from any home offc in the U.S. The role rprts 2 office in Omaha, NE and req 10% dom. trvl. Send resume to recruitment.americas@syniti.com with ref # “MK26” in subj line.
Page 27 • October 2, 2026
The Ripple Effect Where Giving Moves the Midlands
From the Publisher As many of you know, I am a 5K’er. From moving your body, to connecting with your community, to supporting a charity and cheering people on — the ripple effect is huge. It started when I turned 50. I had never done a 5K in my life, and for some reason that struck me as a challenge. I like to challenge myself. So I decided to do 50 of them. I learned more about myself that year than I had in a long time. I got up when I didn’t want to. I listened to my body in a way I never had before. I was silly — tutus, wigs, crazy glasses, sparkly visors, all the things that connect me back to the free-spirited Andee I was as a child. I liked it. So I kept going. I started a Facebook page, My 5K Journey, mostly to hold myself accountable and to share the photos I took along the way. The races kept adding up. This year I turned 60. You can guess where that went. Sixty races sounds like a lot until you see what one of them sets in motion. You move your body, and you feel better for the rest of the day — you’re a better colleague, friend, leader, pet parent and all-around human for it. You stand at a start line with a few hundred people, sometimes thousands, you would never otherwise meet. Everyone is there for their own reasons. You have runners chasing a personal best. You have families walking in memory of someone they loved. You have survivors letting everyone know they are not quitting. You have people who care fiercely about a cause — children, the elderly, animals, diversity, suicide prevention, organ donation, disabilities, families facing a diagnosis. And you have people running for those who cannot be there at all.
GET OUT THERE:
UPCOMING RACES AND WALKS OCTOBER Oct. 3 - Creighton University School of Medicine Walk for Wishes Chalco Hills Recreation Area | Make-A-Wish Oct. 4 - Breakthrough TID Walk, Omaha Union Bank & Trust at Heartwood Preserve Breakthrough TID (type 1 diabetes) Oct. 4 - Ditmars Spiked Apple 5K Ditmars Orchard & Vineyard | American Cancer Society Relay for Life
Your entry fee funds a program, a cause, a mission. Real dollars, doing real work, right here.
Oct. 11 — Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Omaha College of Saint Mary | Alzheimer’s Association, Nebraska Chapter
All along the way, there are cheers for you. And then you find yourself clapping, hooting, hollering and jumping up and down for people you do not know — along the route, and again as they cross the finish line long after you did. That part costs nothing, and I have come to believe it is one of the best things about any of this. We do not cheer enough — for others, or for ourselves.
Oct. 11 - Magical Marvelous Memories 5K Run/Walk Lake Cunningham | Memories for Kids
That is the ripple. It starts with one decision and refuses to stay that small — which is exactly what The Ripple Effect: Where Giving Moves the Midlands is about. Generosity travels a lot of ways in this community, and a fair amount of it travels three miles at a time, on a Saturday morning. Many of these races take you outside in a way most of us do not get anymore — around a beautiful lake, along a wooded trail, out where the only sound is a few hundred pairs of shoes on gravel. Others take you straight through downtown Omaha, past a high school, through a neighborhood where people are out on their lawns cheering. It is a true celebration. You will find upcoming races listed alongside this letter. Pick one. Walk it, run it, or come stand at the finish line and make noise for strangers. What I tell myself each and every day: keep showing up. The world needs you and me. I will be out there. Please come say hello. With gratitude for all you do,
Andrea “Andee” Hoig Owner, Publisher and CEO, Midlands Business Journal
Page 28 • October 2, 2026
Oct. 11 - Superhero Heart Run, Omaha Werner Park | Congenital heart disease research and support Oct. 11 - Iowa School for the Deaf Community 5K/10K Council Bluffs | lowa School for the Deaf Oct. 24 - AFSP Nebraska Run for Hope Stinson Park | American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
The Ripple Effect Where Giving Moves the Midlands
My 5K Journey
Page 29 • October 2, 2026
The Ripple Effect Where Giving Moves the Midlands United Way Day of Caring VOLUNTEERS UNIFY TO SERVE OMAHA-COUNCIL BLUFFS On Sept. 11, United Way of the Midlands (UWM) hosted its annual Day of Caring volunteer event. More than 1,000 volunteers donated nearly 1,500 hours of service to 71 projects for 29 local nonprofits across the OmahaCouncil Bluffs metro area. Participants included community volunteers, JAG Nebraska students, and nonprofit and corporate partners. Day of Caring is UWM’s largest day of service, where employee volunteer teams from local companies and individuals participated in projects like food distribution, yardwork, wrapping diapers and more.
CITY SPROUTS
RESTORING DIGNITY
Day of Caring carried added significance this year, marking the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks. UWM was proud to be part of Heartland Honors 9/11 — a volunteer-led effort bringing the metro together to remember, reflect and say thank you to service members, veterans and first responders through acts of service and remembrance. Some of the nonprofits at which people served were: Partnership 4 Kids, 1004 Farnam St. in Omaha, where volunteers sorted, stamped and stacked books for children. Heart Ministry Center, 2222 Binney St. in Omaha, where volunteers helped with various food pantry duties and distribution. InCommon Community Development, 1029 Park Ave. in Omaha, where volunteers assisted with painting, cleanup projects, landscaping and other tasks.
INCOMMON
The event was generously sponsored by Farmers National Company, GFiber, Max I. Walker and WoodmenLife. Anyone interested in getting involved and giving back with United Way can visit UnitedWayMidlands.org/Volunteer.
I BE BLACK GIRL
P4K
RESTORING DIGNITY
INCOMMON
RESTORING DIGNITY
Page 30 • October 2, 2026
VOLUNTEERS PARTICIPATED IN SEVERAL LOCATIONS
HEART MINISTRY
HEARTLAND HOPE MISSION
The Ripple Effect Where Giving Moves the Midlands Inaugural Fundraiser Held FOODS FROM THE NINE SISTER CITIES SAMPLED The Omaha Sister Cities Association, in partnership with Metro Community College’s Institute for the Culinary Arts, hosted its inaugural Around the World: A Taste of 9 on Sept. 26, bringing the flavors and cultures of Omaha’s nine sister cities together for one evening. The walk-around tasting event, held from 6 to 9 p.m. at the MCC Institute for the Culinary Arts, featured internationalinspired appetizers, beverages, cultural performances and opportunities for guests to mingle. Organizers designed the evening to celebrate Omaha’s global connections. “A Taste of 9 is an exciting new way for Omaha to experience the cultures represented by our nine Sister Cities,” Tim Clark, vice president of OSCA and committee chairman, said in a press release ahead of the event. “We’re pleased to partner with Metro Community College’s Culinary Institute to bring this celebration to life.” Proceeds supported OSCA’s educational, cultural exchange and international programs. The association promotes international understanding and friendship through cultural, educational and community exchange between Omaha and its nine sister cities around the world.
MARLON OKEREKE, JAMES ROBINSON, TIFFANY GAMBLE, CEDRIC PERKINS AND SAM QUARTEY
EMIKO UNNO
VAL MCPHERSON, JOANN FREDERICK, NANCY BEHRINGER AND GEORGE BEHRINGER
DEB SCHLEINING, DON SCHLEINING, LAURA WILLEY, ANDREW SCHILLING AND TRACY SCHILLING
SCOTT HENDERSON, SANDRA HOGAN, JANNA ARMBRUSTER AND ED MCNAMARA
DAIVA BINGINAITE, INGRIDA PAKALNISKYTE, DARIUS MAKAITIS, PALMIRA MENDEZ, RAMINTA URBONAVICIUS AND ARVYDAS URBONAVICIUS
MARK HOLST, TRACI MELANSON AND WILLIAM MELANSON
ANDEE HOIG, LAURA WILLEY, MICHAEL SCOTT, TIM CLARK AND AGNE DIZONA
AFRICAN DRUMMERS & DANCERS
MICHAEL SCOTT, PATTI CRAIG AND JOHNNY RODGERS
NANCY GOLDBERG, LARRY UEBNER AND JILL SLUPE
KEYUO CRAVER, LAVONYA GOODWIN AND DAN GOODWIN
AYAKA MATSUDA, HIKARU NASUKAWA, LORI ARIAS, MAKAYLA LEITING AND ASUKA YAMASAKI
BROOKS HUMPHREYS, CINDY HUMPHREYS, ANDREW SCHILLING, MIKE KELLY AND TRACY SCHILLING
Page 31 • October 2, 2026
RAMINTA URBONAVICIUS, ARVYDAS URBONAVICIUS AND DANGUOLE MARY ANTANELIS
SHELLEY DISHONG AND MARY JOCHIM
Husker Hounds
KAPLAN GRAPHY BY DEBRA S. BY TIM TRUDELL | PHOTO
OWNER SCOTT STRUNC
250 Businesses 250 Visionaries 250 Making a Difference lty Pays OffFAN DEDICATION Big Red Loya KA BUSINESS ON NEBRAS SCOTT STRUNC BUILDS
No Name N
utrition Ma
he said. through the whole thing,” “The fans have been the heroes had to get a real job. When they d to own I would have known he was destine “If it weren’t for our fans, Scott Strunc should have Growing a, there truly isn’t. Nebraska Cornhuskers. say there’s no place like Nebrask most proud of a business related to the his childhood. That BY TAMSEN “They’ve probably proven that more now; I’m probably irrelevant in early games BUTLER | PHO TRENT HURL up a Husker fan, he attended because we’ve been pretty college buddies TOGRAP EY, SECO around, with stillHY tripsND led to road BY KAYLEIGH GENERATI the fact that we’re A lot of turmoil, a lot of ON CO-OWNE obsession with the Big Red TIPTON 20 years now. R in football for going on about keep coming in to to other Big Eight schools. filling that stadium. They y of Nebraska Omaha, Strunc loyal.” firings, but the fans keep While a student at the Universit ed him be happy, but they’re always store. They might not always theFOU and his sister, a Marine, encourag reset, a use could he n, NDED: 1976 figured policema sign up in the Army as a military to Set military. the He FOU join to NDED BY: truck driver. r-focused in the Army Reserves as a ome Cust Strunc NANCY e, anywher a friend suggested he enlist gear AND DELYNN buy Husker canHUR Reserves. Knowing that people LEYservice, product selection and CUR spent 11 years in the Army RENT OW NERS:customer Husker Hounds’ the area. believes TRENT HUR g the store from others in LEY in separatin roles AND JOS HUR Strunc said. “I’ll write it down, quality play key ADD LEY RESS: to what the fansHwant,” Fan favorite probation officer in Omaha when he and “We listen some 203 2 N. 72ND look for what they’re asking for. So it’s not a Strunc was working as a Nebrask after we actively ST. andAHA OM Hounds in 1995, a year , NE 681 . his wife Janine opened Husker Osborne place.” 34 Tom cutter cookie in the day, Strunc 144 nship under Head Coach 69 WEST CEN for that young soldier back won its first national champio hit pay dirt as TER ROA If he had any advice OMAHA working out. Figure out D 84th and Center, the Struncs , NEhim 681to44 try harder if things weren’t Located in a strip center at tell would PHONE: the store became a fan favorite. n the space and adapt. was 30 402why realized they had outgrow -393-5812 here for 30 years, and it’s not the same as it After six years, the Struncs building across 402-33 “We’ve been(72ND ST.) things change in the a building of their own. A 3-1300Strunc “It’s still a good area, but said.CEN they had leased and sought ago,” (WEST on business. TER ROA whatever the next generati WEByears to D) big red flag signifying Strunc’s SITEso be able to adapt you better the street soon hoisted a AMENUT city, : NON locations, and -mortar RITI brick-and our d ON. HOURS: wants. We’ve always prioritize COM not been blind to the MON: 9:30 my heart lies. But I have also still where that that’s A.M .-8 P.M Loyal fans . buying more online, and so we’re making TUES-S Husker fans have years, 30 AT: are Hounds’ 9:30 people fact that A.M.-6 P.M For nearly 20 of Husker football program, SUN: CLO SED challenging times for the at a higher level.” . work remained faithful through Strunc said.
rket
No Name Nutrition Market
OMAHA’S OR IGINAL FAMI LY-OWNED HEALTH FO OD STORE As No
Name Nutrition Mark anniversary next year, co-ow et approaches its 50th think back to ner the humble begin Trent Hurley can’t help As a child, he but dealt with painf ning of this Omaha stapl e. and suffered ul canker sores throu and cold sores aspirin and popsi gh a regimen suggested by his physi cles. Then, his moth in at a nutrition er, Nancy Hurle cian of shop and asked y, stopped for According to Trent, the owne advice. probiotics and r at that time sugge a change to Trent canker sores ’s diet. As a result sted and cold sores , the painful cleared up withi “My mom was n two weeks. secretary and so impressed that she quit started worki ng there,” Trent her job as a a year, Nancy said. In less than and her husba nd, Lynn, bough Name Organ ic Vitamins & Supplements, t that store, No No Name Nutri and rebranded tion. it as
From run ning aroun running the busine d to
Trent and his ss brother, Todd, the store grow spent a great ing up. As a child, deal natural foods Trent pushed of time at his running the busin parents served and didn’t back against the pictur working in the ess. But maturity, along with e himself ever store as a child many days spent eventually fall and college stude in love with the nt, made Trent busin Long-time custo mers sometimes ess. remembering joke with Trent seeing him and about “little squirts.” Todd running around the store as “I grew to love the business,” Trent said. “It’s pretty inspiring
when people come back and say that we chang guiding them down a ed their lives by Though No Name path of good health.” Nutrition is now within the Omah a respected mains a tay they faced when area, Trent vividly recalled the difficulties they opened Center Road in the late 1980s their second location on West . “I remember $25 and walked aroun and $50 days,” he said. “People came in we were sitting d to buy a candy bar and a natural pop, there thinking, and we here?’” ‘What are we doing? Why are Despite the rough beginning, the Oakview Mall opening of in the Name Nutrition’s early 1990s changed the the nearby game second locati for No supplements on. As intere and st in nutritional 1990s with the healthy living grew, espec ially rise Nutrition becam of the internet, businesses in the late e increasingly like No Name consumers. sought-after by health-con scious
A varied
BE PART OF SOMETHING EXTRAORDINARY JOIN THESE IMPACT 250 BUSINESSES
More fantastic photos from m! Husker Hounds on mbj.co FOUNDED: 1995 RS: FOUNDERS/OWNE SCOTT STRUNC JANINE STRUNC 25-43 NO. OF EMPLOYEES: 58 PHONE: 402-255-00 WEBSITE: OM NDS.C HUSKERHOU RAPHY BY DEBRA S. KAPLAN
Sgt. Peffer’s Cafe
N | PHOTOG BY DAISY HUTZELL-RODMA
HOURS: AM-9 PM 9 PEFFER SAT: DANA MONOWNER SGT. PEFFER’S SUN: 10 AM-6 PM 1988 ED:PM 7 AM-7 FOUND FOOTBALL GAME DAY:
FOUNDED BY: TIM PEFFER DANA PEFFER CURRENT OWNER: YEES: ABOUT 35 NUMBER OF EMPLO ADDRESS: ROAD, 1501 N. SADDLE CREEK 68104 NE , OMAHA PHONE: 402-558-7717 OM WEBSITE: SGTPEFFERS.C HOURS: 11 A.M.-9 P.M. SUNDAY-THURSDAY: 11 A.M.-10 P.M. DAY: -SATUR FRIDAY
Page 7 • November 14, 2025
More fant No Name Nut astic photos from rition Market on mbj.com !
acy Lives On NESS A Delicious Leg IN BUSI OACHES FOUR DECADES
conventional medical interv ention. Trent educators at and his team heart, are knowledgeable spread rapidly about No how to take care and consistently try to help Name staff clients learn of themselve provided to client and the personalized atten Nutrition’s s. “You don’t want to go to the docto about wellness s and today’s team is no less tion they he said. “You r every time you and healthy living want to be able passionate Creek Road drives or offer medic e,”down Saddle Peffersneez to build your . Taking care nutrition and Dana al advice that Every morning, The body up throu not to diagnose diets and every should come what professional, gh challenges await. thing knowing not t Trent else.” from they lean on attributes Noto her restauran a medical boasts 37 years of their long years Name Nutritowner provide helpf of Sgt. Peffer’s Cafe, which based family family ion’s succe of experience ul, perso business.latest ss cuisine North Saddle Creek Road, to beingS.ataKAP to He derive While some client nalized guidance. faith-LAN guidance from RA 1501 s a great Italian homemade deal BY DEB s are simply curiou his faithserving HY of streng RAP living, others and th TOGthe as an adventure. and daylegac built. His advic DELL | sees s about healt PHOfrom every with are seeking relief y of what hier ‘What am I going to deal his like, for ailments that and I’m TIM TRUe to hopeful“Ibusin paren down BY drive ts literally ess “Devo owners reflec people that have had their first dates te your life persist despi ts this. te Page 19 • Septem said.”I’ve had as much Peffer others,” he said. to God wedding.” today?’” as you ber 26, 2025 and then we catered their and tohere, “That’s why we’re engaged getcan, helpin JUDITH REIS g here, and then in this business.” AIRES AND OWNERS
clientele Word-of-mouth
SGT. PEFFER’S CAFE APPR
ry Reis’ Bake
his Family-friendly vibes by her father, Tim, who began
The restaurant was founded partnered in Ames, Iowa. In 1979, he that hospitality journey at Minsky’s to launch Pefferoni’s, a concept with his brother, Walt Peffer, in May 1986 years. Tim left the company grew to 17 locations in seven Sgt. Peffer’s Cafe. and two years later, he founded restaurant started small but its the s, As with many new ventures, sauces and fresh ingredient homemade utilizing scratch-made dishes, as well as an year. Tim was an innovator led its expansion within a only set Sgt. drive-thru window that not for entrepreneur, installing a in the area, it now accounts Peffer’s apart from other pizzerias Catering also represents significant business. ’s 60% of the restaurant luncheons. from baby showers to funeral revenue, serving everything and pride that stressed work ethic Dana grew up in a home working in her patriarch’s footsteps, of of ownership. She followed college at the University at the restaurant while attending Nebraska Omaha.
that good work ethic, and I adopted “He just always had a really passion. He’s a said. “My dad has a lot of from him for sure,” Dana I love him very much.” very hardworking man, and Dana left management degree in 2008, After she earned a sports Tim when 2014 May in ies but returned to pursue other opportunit was unhappy in her job. needed hip surgery and she called my dad to this place,” she said. “I “I always felt drawn back He said, like where I’m at right now.’ crying and said, ‘Dad, I don’t time for good a is this maybe replaced, so ‘Well, I need to get my hips you to come back.’”
A new era
and nt of both the original location Dana took over manageme 2013. that Tim had opened in December family the Carter Lake restaurant the of life in the restaurant business, Through the ups and down various through changing tastes, persevered and weathered has pandemic, access and even a global construction projects affecting grace. saving a was window where once again Tim’s drive-thru Dana said. sales ever since we opened,” “We actually had the most Park.” “We had a line down to Metcalf carries into its fourth decade, Dana As Sgt. Peffer’s continues service. of hard work and community forward her father’s legacy say,” she said. could you guess I blood, “You know, it’s just in my product, My dad created a really good BY DAWN GON “I’m so humbled, I’m so grateful. fantastic photos from ZALES | PHO More for 37 years now.” TOGRAP and obviously we’ve lasted ! OWNERS MIKE BY on Cafe DEBmbj.com RA S. KAPLAN Sgt. Peffer’sHY AND LISA ROSS
The Corky
Page 26 • November 7, 2025
sing HEROES ors MUTisE TO FALLEN et Hon TRIB ITH W NavySTVRIE D S PAIRE ts FRESH PA
Canvas
FOUNDED: 2018 FOUNDED BY: ANGIE LEWIS CURRENT OWNERS: MIKE AND LISA ROS S ADDRESS: 200 S. 31S T AVE., SUI TE 4104 OMAHA, NE 402-637-4 68131 066 3700 S. 9TH ST., SUITE LINCOLN C , NE 68502 402-421-6 731 WEBSITE: CORKYCAN VAS.COM SOCIAL MED IA: LINKEDIN HOURS: M-F , 10 A.M.-5 P.M.
s redien mers who have had issue their baked Fresh ing said custo riences with h flour, Reis notice Using Frenc haven’t had those expe immediately An are . customers gluten c photos from consuming constantly comp Reis’ Bakery, with a white tablecloth in a More fantasti on mbj.com! ed y come in and rose Walking into s. red drap “The a er, good said. with had.” the corn idea,” he to Paris r setting, Reis’ Bakery as Missing the table in nothing “We had no what their recent trip single dinne women listed ingredients, to in front of a r the men and returned home from empty chair on using fresh what we make yet r items, hono prides itself not ry othe ldn’t and have bake wou I The vase , who that Reis said. it’s nothing soner of War they in Action/Pri prepackaged, MIA/POWs. into them, and can pronounce and . what goes the return of we don’t know you 2025 “We know America’s wars Reis’ Bakery is tied to “Everything FOUNDED: home, but and simple.” ly,” he said. S: The future of not only didn’t they come don’t know anything feed my fami iple syllables. It’s plain /OWNER , “We FOUNDERS was built “Many of them said owner Aires Reis. don’t have mult this country S re at,” that, because AIRES REI t s where they’ forge said. S him, Reis foodie , and we can’t Mike and are, Ross JUDITH REI braska ledge of food impressethes food about them that theyLisa Ne ies 5 are .” pass art lders know and the busin ionate abou PLOYEES: EM on their shou t busin Nebraskans’ that Nebraskans were ess of creatingNO. OF ess, them idea art. selve no Whil . they have alwa e not artist nts in thes,few “We had -21s3-2739 Lisa said. “We had to re-ev mersn they to Nebraska Whe ty,” he said. NE: 531 transpla loyal custo an appre transplants aluate content, were looking ys had PHO the team was ciation for it. they know quali been blessed with price points, New Yorkwife, Judith, are New Yorkce, the retired Navy petty putting toget The Corky Canvarou nd to own business, has what her for class Price TE: I come as in 2018 just aWE The bakery said. one servi purchasing n M points differ on of BSI Reis duty whe nt , Reis and his e eme bled open activ “We wantedthis. made good sens YOMAHA.COlocati urag canvas size, and es and the schedule.” been 19 years of ed something that extremely hum would at the enco KER ons offer week months it’s e. The Corky Canva ly and ha need was funREI After almost amazed and ‘You know, Oma Reis’ Bakery night classes for the supp really enjoy andSBA It’s. just that our custo customers have “I am always class opened Our managers and Thirsty Thurs s t you do.’ tell me, a natural move mers wha officer first options availa are very passi : team, loveour days, so and people we ” r URS Lisa It seemed like . PM and said. corne ble that may onate HO than -3 hters stop the a weekend class it and so AM e don’t be less expen treats out of Beyond provid of their daug sionally. . occaprodu sive ed you. Pleas N-FRI: 7:30is in ing pastries and ialist. MO Need sleep ing said. to spec cts creat Reis and tics of Reis PM ry, The Corky Canvain the ” services, the 8 AM-3 logis months, ck : essence a cottage bake been amazing. some processes will allowwitho d about six Unique cla in at 3 o’clo s is providing a place to SATcore Reis started e. That laste and it just blew come and SUNDAY have to come ut being an artist, Mike Automating sses create th and a half, kitchen at hom e. CLOSED art said. Classes at The goal is to not “Most of our about a mon the demand from hom the couple’s Corky Canvas staff has art exper “The next big business for meaning they change with the To se ience but simple. ive comp said. is have “We were in just couldn’t keep up with world or open have not at a high seasons, art right inromi morning,” he to other entrepreneurshe t andcreat never, ever “We level. the corporate bor back in our community offer individualiz seasonally themed art as up,” he said. well r go back to is the biggest ed options. A Reis’ advice mate the level of efforsaid. we can eithe thing,” “paint your pet” as classes that is that my neigh ry.’” requir that resti Withi thing es lots of prep y ght unde n the ’t I thou . Funn class, paint-and-sip “Don up a bake industry, the Rosse -mortar shop because their a picture of their work for the instructor. Custo for example, ought to open he said. istently ‘You ty,” busin up a brick-and cons g, s pet are mers provide quali ess in uniqu sayin been is privately advance of the e shop of its kind always and has Canvas instru class, and The ctors create a in Nebraska. The owned and theirs were the Brooklyn was doors in July its ber 14, 2025 Corky ed Novem stenc • open are first 8 art templates customer in class il that created by their Page Reis’ Bakery used in their studio to create a one-o will then be painted by the “That is proba staff, not a franchise. f-a-kind piece Some of their bly the most innov busy, Reis said. of art. other unique offeri ative thing we Like so many painted door mats ngs include porch businesses, the do,” signs, The Corky Canva COVID-19 pande Mike said. guests and later and wedding signs used for s greeting recep hung in the coupl (except the two operations. Laying off nearly mic changed tion special day. e’s home as a all of their team store managers) memento of their grab-and-go kits and coming up The Rosses attrib availa with ways to ute their succe have With COVID behin ble helped them to surviv More fantasti via conference ss to weekly e call so that the c photos from team meetings evolve their busin d them, the couple contin the pandemic. Omaha and Linco can participate The Corky ued ess in the Monday Canvas on ln managers of their customers. model to meet the shiftin to change and huddle. They Mike said. mbj.com! g needs and value share everything “People didn’t s , “We have the mone cover the busin The owners like y to come in and ess, the numb be very open ers, have a fun event marke about what is week, the challe to classify the meeting into ting and we try ,” going on with the wins for the nges and the to business,” he the performanc opportunities. locati said. ons are e of the well-v Their teams at both their guests, and ersed in creating positive experiences for Lisa helps to ensur engaged throu e that all staff gh her weekly members are visits to each Page 19 • Octobe studio. r 31, 2025
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