December/January/February 2013 B2B Omaha Magazine

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Omaha Mag

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Omaha’s Business-To-Business Magazine

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Ballot Inside!

Real Estate Visionary

Jay Noddle

Arts & Entertainment

R ALSTOn ARENA

2012 Nebraska/Iowa

ASID Awards

2012 NABCAP

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Omaha Magazine • 5921 S. 118th Circle • Omaha, NE 68137

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OMAHA’S BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS MAGAZINE • WINTER 2013 • VOLUME 12 • NUMBER 4 Now check out B2B Omaha Magazine online. Using flipbook technology to give you a whole new magazine reading experience.

inside

on the web: www.b2boma.com

FE AT URES Ervin & Smith. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 2012 Nebraska-Iowa Chapter ASID Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 2013 Best of B2B Omaha Ballot. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 brix Breaks New Ground . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Cover Feature: Jay Noddle Goes the Extra Mile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Buy Omaha Profiles: Albers Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Allotta Brownies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Andy Greenberg. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Holidynamics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Sandler Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Scott Enterprises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Special Section: Wealth Management Nebraska NABCAP Premier Advisors 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Social Media: Instagram Builds Brands. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Arts & Entertainment: The Ralston Arena. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 How I Roll: Mike Hogan’s Mercedes-Benz SL550 Roadster. . . 18 omAHA!: Macquariums by Jake Harms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

columns

Omaha CVB: Small Gifts, Big Return . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Office Furniture: Office Seating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

cover feature

Page 27

Business Ethics: Politics and Moral Distractions at Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Check us Out on Facebook and Find Out How to Subscribe and get a 50% discount. Search for Omaha Magazine.

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B2B Omaha Magazine • Winter 2013

www.OmahaPublications.com

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Publisher

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6450 Pine Street Omaha, NE 68106 402.778.6313 scottcenter.com

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Assistant to the publisher

Sandy Besch

Omaha publication Editor

Linda Persigehl Assistant Editor

Bailey Hemphill contact Howard Shrier at 402.548.4009 for more information

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Assistant Editor

Chris Wolfgang Art director

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Contributing Writers

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B2B Omaha Magazine • Winter 2013

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to subscribe: Send $12.95 for a one-year (four issues) to: B2B Omaha • PO Box 461208 Omaha, NE 68046-1208 www.b2boma.com a publication of Omaha Magazine B2B Omaha is published four times annually by Omaha Magazine, LTD, P.O. Box 461208, Omaha NE 68046-1208. Telephone: (402) 884-2000; fax (402) 884-2001. Subscription rates: $12.95 for 4 issues (one year), $19.95 for 8 issues (two years). Multiple subscriptions at different rates are available. No whole or part of the contents herein may be reproduced without prior written permission of B2B Omaha, excepting individually copyrighted articles and photographs.

Unsolicited manuscripts are accepted, however no responsibility will be assumed for such solicitations.

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Instagram Builds Brands

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The photo app has become more than just a tool for sharing photos. nstagram is this non-assuming app that is a snap to download

and use on your iPhone or Android. It helps us makes the most of our increasingly busy, visual, and social lives. And people love it. According to a recent Forbes article, Instagram saw “remarkable growth” in the first half of 2012, going from 15 million users early in the year to 80 million in July. That’s a 400 percent increase in users.

Founded by two Stanford grad geeks who majored in Management Science and Symbolic Systems with a focus in HumanComputer Interaction, the inspiration they got from working at Google, Microsoft, and a few start-ups led to the big idea—an easy way to take a photo, give it a cool effect, affix your location, tag your friends, and share with the world (or at least your world) through Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and more. With Instagram, you can broadcast a visual experience to thousands in a matter of seconds.

www.ReadOnlineNow.com

That’s what the world’s major br ands like about Instagr am

The Starbucks and Redbulls of the world may be obvious early adopters of the cool Instagram technology. Performers, fashion companies, and sports teams use Instagram to showcase what they do best. But savvy marketers in the halls of General Electric and other corporations are leveraging this tiny tool to make big waves in building their brands.

Here’s how GE did it: They birthed their Instagram account by sharing photos of their innovative jet engine and health care technology as “art.” Then they launched a contest inviting Instagrammers to share their photos of items that illustrate any of GE’s four main areas of innovation (moving, powering, curing, and building).

Contest photos were marked by a hashtag (that groups and feeds similar photos to users) “#GEInspiredMe,” and shared on GE’s Facebook page. This allowed other Instagrammers and Facebook fans to see and vote for the best photo. The winner was

flown to Germany to photograph a worldclass jet engine plant. A little ingenuity and a lot of creativity helped GE emotionally engage thousands of prospective customers and grow brand awareness and sales.

To see the more than 4,000 user photos submitted to GE, search “GEInspiredMe” from your Instagram account.

Interested in putting Instagram to work for your brand? Give us a call.

Wendy Wiseman Vice President & Creative Director of Zaiss & Company, a customer-based planning and communications firm in Omaha.

B2B Omaha Magazine • Winter 2013 7

arts entertainment

S tor y b y Chris W ol f gang • P hotos b y B ill S itzmann

Curtis Webb, arena general manager, right, with Ralston Mayor Don Groesser.

The Ralston Arena A moderate size and high-end amenities help

the new venue attract a large mix of events.

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B2B Omaha Magazine • Winter 2013

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hile Ralston’s new $36

million arena is impressive, drawing big crowds and solid reviews, it isn’t getting too big for its britches.

“We’re not going to target the U2s or the Bruce Springsteens,” said Lynn Higginbotham, marketing director for the arena. “But it’s a good size, a good fit.”

Modesty becomes it. The state-of-the-art arena can host 3,500 guests, and easily accommodated the crowd for its October 19 opening concert with country singer Rodney Atkins.

Upcoming events include rodeos, UFC (Ultimate Fighting) matches, high school games, and trade shows. The arena will also host the USHL Lancers (attracted by not one, but two sheets of ice), the UNO men’s basketball team, the IFL Omaha Beef Football, the Omaha Roller Girls, and the LFL (Lingerie Football League) Omaha Heart. “They draw about 16,000 in other venues,” Higginbotham said of Omaha’s own LFL team.

So the arena, at a quarter of that size, is hoping for a sell-out?

“That’s the goal, of course,” she said. www.OmahaPublications.com

While no event is too small for the arena, Higgenbotham said that its main purpose is to host major events. Direct competition with larger local facilities such as the Mid-America Center is, of course, out of the question. Such venues are able to seat twice as large a crowd.

“The larger places can adapt themselves to a smaller theater setting,” she explained, but Ralston Arena is poised to set itself apart. “We want more diverse entertainment and sports events,” Higgenbotham said. “The Ralston residents really took ownership of this venue.”

That could be because, previously, there were no other event facilities in Ralston, according to Curtis Webb, general manager of Ralston Arena. “People would drive into Omaha for entertainment,” he said.

The arena, which broke ground June 29, 2011, on what used to be Lakeview Golf Course, is Ralston’s answer to a need for taxable income. Since 2008, Mayor Don Groesser had been attempting to attract a retailer onto the space with little luck. “We started talking with the Lancers about an arena,” Groesser said. Due to the scarcity of ice time in Omaha, the hockey team was excited about the idea of an arena with a few thousand seats.

“Now that it’s here,” Webb said, “the venue should drive sales tax in the form of tickets, food, and beverage.” To pay down the debt of building the arena, LB 779 (or the Ralston Bill as it was known by the time it passed in 2010) puts 70 percent of the state’s portion of sales tax from any retailer within 600 yards of the arena toward the arena’s bill. As Groesser put it, “That’s basically how we’re going to pay for the building.”

As a result of this legislation, Groesser and Webb are encouraging more businesses to build within that 600-yard range of the arena.

“We just got Menards to build on 72nd and L,” Groesser said. He also plans to introduce a new four-story hotel next to the facility, the first floor of which will be shops along the lines of salons, clothing, and convenience.

“So another 10,000 square feet of retail,” he said. Add that on to the 4,600 square feet leased by The Dugout (clothing store) inside the arena itself.

“We need all the new retail we can possibly get,” Groesser explained. “Everything I’ve done, I’ve tried to make sure of that.” www.ReadOnlineNow.com

B2B Omaha Magazine • Winter 2013 9

feature S tor y b y leo a dam biga • P hotos b y bill sitzmann

Ervin & Smith The growing Omaha company feted for

its nurturing workplace environment puts employees first.

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B2B Omaha Magazine • Winter 2013

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xecutives at Omaha advertising-public relations firm Ervin & Smith say the company’s

recent growth and recognition as a top place to work and prosper are by-products of its considered emphasis on staff development.

2012 has seen the firm named one of Omaha’s Best Places to Work by Baird Holm LLP and the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, and as the Best Place for the Advancement of Women by Baird Holm and the Institute for Career Advancement Needs. Additionally, Ervin & Smith made this year’s Inc. magazine list of the nation’s fastest growing private companies after a 54 percent rise in revenue and significant staff increases from 2008 through 2011.

The agency, which employs more than 50 staffers, was founded in 1983 serving primarily financial services clients.

While the financial services segment remains strong with clients like TD Ameritrade and Weitz Funds, the firm’s also made splashes with campaigns for such clients as Catholic Charities of Omaha, the University of Nebraska Omaha, www.OmahaPublications.com

Voted #1 for 9 years in a row.

Left to right: Ellie Steinbrink–Director, Client Services, with the company for 6 years; Sara Hanlon–Vice President, 3 years; Katie Kemerling–Director, Account Planning, 6 years.

tel.800.608.3645 fax.800.929.8117 www.onesoucrebackground.com

Your People. Our Priority.®

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PO Box 24148, Omaha NE 68124

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and Immanuel Senior Living. Ervin & Smith does business out of its own building at 16934 Frances Street.

Vice President for Client Relations Heidi Mausbach says one reason the company thrives is it hires people congruent with its mission.

“When we’re hiring, we’re very insistent on people meeting the core values of creativity, resourcefulness, accountability, passion, collaboration, inspiration, and loyalty. It’s resulted in a culture of very like-minded, smart professionals. Everyone here works really well together.”

She says core agency practices support professional advancement.

“We do a lot of leadership luncheons.

Managers do one-on-one coaching to provide employees growth opportunities and immediate feedback. We encourage employees to get involved in community organizations and to serve on boards—We really believe that helps fuel not only your passion for work but for things you’re passionate about outside work.”

Mausbach says the economic downturn led Ervin & Smith to hone in on itself.

“Rather than focusing on what our clients were doing and worrying about what was going on in the economy, we said, ‘Let’s focus on what we can control—ourselves.’”

Through this introspective process, she says, Ervin & Smith identified its greatest assets as “smart professionals always pushing to the next level and never settling,” adding, “As a result we’re creating an environment where people love to come to work and enjoy what they do. By focusing on our people, we’re retaining and attracting top talent, and when you have the best talent, you attract like-minded clients.”

Co-founder and Executive Chairman Doug Smith has made the agency a haven for women moving into senior management.

Sharon Carleton began as a copywriter there and today is President and CEO. Mausbach’s followed a similar career trajectory.

“I started as Doug and Sharon’s assistant,” >>

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B2B Omaha Magazine • Winter 2013 11

CELEBRATING 25YEARS IN BUSINESS!

feature Heidi Mausbach–Vice President, Client Relations, with company for 12 years.

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B2B Omaha Magazine • Winter 2013

<< Mausbach says, “and they gave me a lot of opportunities, they allowed me take some risks, and as a result, I was able to work my way up. Doug has always looked for people who are experts in what they do and can get results. That’s always been our philosophy.

And that’s been my experience growing up in the agency. If you can prove and show performance, it doesn’t really matter your gender, your age, or any of that.”

Carleton says, “We’ve never had a women’s initiative. Instead, we’ve always put in place programs we think will help all our employees. Employees have ideas for the company or a client and we’re allowed to implement them. Over time, those individual ideas and opportunities have added up to a very supportive environment that both women and men appreciate.”

The firm’s Ms. Smith division has gained cachet as marketing-to-women specialists who consult with clients nationwide.

Carleton says Doug Smith nurtures this women-rising-to-the-top culture.

“Our culture has grown naturally from the foundation built by Doug Smith 30 years ago.

I’ve been lucky to have him as my employer, mentor, and friend throughout my career.

His generosity and encouragement keeps us positive and focused, pushing all of us to manage thoughtfully and strive for continuous improvement.”

To learn more about the company, visit www. ervinandsmith.com.

Read more of Leo Adam Biga’s work at leoadambiga.wordpress.com. www.OmahaPublications.com

Omaha CVB stor y b y dana mar k el • P hoto provi d e d b y O C V B

Prime Steak Fine Wine Premium Service

Small Gifts, Big Return

s 2012 comes to an end, it’s been a good year for Omaha, and 2013 is starting

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off in the same fashion. Big events, such as the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in January, continue to put Omaha on a national stage and create great buzz for our city. This time of year, we’re also reminded that sometimes the smaller, less shiny things can also be valuable.

Case in point, John Deere and Company held its 2012 North American Dealer meeting in Omaha this past August, bringing with it more than 4,100 overnight visitors. The economic impact of this one meeting was $7.3 million, including more than a half-million dollars generated in local taxes. In 2012, meetings booked through the Omaha Convention and Visitors Bureau infused more than $25 million into Omaha’s economy.

This illustrates the power meetings have on our local economy in terms we can all understand.

It’s been challenging to convey the economic importance of meetings to the local community, but we now have a new way to accurately calculate the impact and pass this important information along to the public.

In partnership with Destination Management Association International, the Omaha CVB has developed a new system of calculating the economic impact of meetings in Omaha and their value to the city and its residents. A trained researcher is now on staff to determine the impact and provide details, including the amount of money spent by visiting participants, meeting planners, and exhibitors, along with the taxes generated by the meeting. The Omaha CVB will calculate the impact for all meetings booked through its office, and will provide the service to other entities interested in determining the value of meetings at their facilities.

Happy Holidays, and here’s to a new year of toasting Omaha’s economic health.

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A

A plethora of company meetings help boost Omaha’s economy.

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Questions or comments? Email us at info@visitomaha.com.

Dana Markel, Executive Director, Omaha Convention & Visitors Bureau 1001 Farnam, Omaha, NE 68102 402-444-4660 • www.visitomaha.com www.ReadOnlineNow.com

Top 100 Restaurants in America

B2B Omaha Magazine • Winter 2013 13

Thank you for voting us

“Omaha’s Best Insurance Agency”

Insurance Solutions that have Withstood the Test of Time • Business Insurance • Employee Benefits • Surety Bonding • Safety & Loss Control Services • Family Insurance

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Take advantage of your environment as a powerful branding tool! We produce graphics and displays that create an atmosphere that motivates and instills pride in your employees, impresses your prospects and clients, creates the right buying atmosphere for your customers, and reinforces to shareholders that you have a vision for the company’s future.

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B2B Omaha Magazine • Winter 2013

www.OmahaPublications.com

asid 2012 awards

2012 Nebraska-Iowa ASID Project Awards Photographer TOM KESSLER

C

Healthcare Quality Living, Inc Ellen Turnage, Allied ASID Interiors Joan & Associates 13130 W. Dodge Rd Omaha, NE 68154 402-330-0685 elebrate Design! That’s exactly what the professional designers of the Nebraska-Iowa

Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) did during their annual awards dinner. The Nebraska-Iowa Chapter ASID recognized 35 of their members for outstanding design on September 27, 2012 at their Celebration of Design Dinner. Sixty-four projects were entered in categories ranging from Residential-Singular Space to Corporate-Hospitality, from Furniture, Product or Design Detail to Residential-Over 3,500 sq. ft. Projects were judged by the Michigan Chapter ASID based on 10 criteria including scale and proportion, effective use of materials, and overall design.

The projects shown here reflect the Contract winners from the Omaha area; these projects exemplify the wide scope of ways design can be used to not only enhance people’s quality of life but redefine beauty through innovation and creativity. Residential winners were featured in the November/December 2012 issue of Omaha Home.

www.ReadOnlineNow.com

The clients’ desire for a design that would improve the patients and staffs well-being drove this project. A residential ambience was a must. Materials and finishes were selected based on an evidence-based design theory for an escalated healing process.

B2B Omaha Magazine • Winter 2013 15

asid 2012 awards corporate Blue Cross Centre Leah Bauer, Allied ASID Leo A Daly 8600 Indian Hills Drive Omaha, NE 68114 402-397-7775 The sophisticated palette of this 10-story facility is timeless and showcases a large Nebraska photography exhibit and other local artists throughout the building.

Photographer Matthew DeBoer

Hospitality DOLCE Café Jeri Brittin, Allied ASID Jeri Brittin Interiors 402 S. 49th St. Omaha, NE 68132 402-203-9433 This space, both elegant and casual, has clean lines and a fresh color palette. Custom art was added to the space utilizing the owner/ chef’s own couture cakes as the subject.

Photographer Aleta Schleich

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B2B Omaha Magazine • Winter 2013

www.OmahaPublications.com

asid 2012 awards Healthcare Pinnacle Bank Headquarters Lori Krejci, Allied ASID Avant Architects 3337 N. 107th St. Omaha, NE 68134 402-981-4055 These corporate headquarters were designed to reflect Midwest business ethics through the use of natural materials and taking advantage of the views.

The client also requested sustainable design.

Photographer tom kessler

Healthcare Wellness Council of America Richard F. Klaas, ASID Omaha Interiors & Design 9344 W. Center Rd. Omaha, NE 68124 402-551-9503 This corporate headquarters was designed with an open plan that would stimulate the staff’s energy to be more productive and creative.

The color palette was derived from their logo.

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B2B Omaha Magazine • Winter 2013 17

how i roll S tor y b y S J M u ñ oz • P hotos b y bill sitzmann

Mike Hogan’s Mercedes-Benz SL550 Roadster

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B2B Omaha Magazine • Winter 2013

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f you were to ask Mike Hogan why he’s been a

Mercedes-Benz customer for almost 30 years, the answer is simple: Quality.

Hogan, who owns Papillion-based Hogan & Company, believes it’s important for businesses to focus on the quality of their products and services. He’s been a Mercedes-Benz customer since 1983 because he trusts the product—and as someone who’s been in the realty business over 35 years, trust means a lot to Hogan. “You would hope a company starts with a quality product and doesn’t cut corners,” Hogan professed. “I feel comfortable and safe with Mercedes-Benz. It’s something I’m proud to own.”

Having driven several Mercedes-Benz vehicles over the past few decades, Hogan currently spends his time on the road behind the wheel of a 2013 SL550 Roadster. As has www.OmahaPublications.com

THANKS FOR VOTING BETTER BUSINESS EQUIPMENT

THE BEST COPIER AND SUPPLY COMPANY IN OMAHA FOR THE SEVENTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR

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been the case with his past few cars, Hogan’s Roadster is black, as he’s become quite fond of that choice of vehicular color over the years. “[Black] has a real nice look to it,” he said.

Hogan enjoys the many high-end features of his SL550 Convertible, many of them standard. Some of his personal favorites: the push-to-start engine, the paddle shifters, the navigation system, and the ability to go top-up or top-down in just 14 seconds.

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to own.

Mike Hogan

The vehicle also contains an economy feature which shuts off the engine while the vehicle idles, another feature Hogan enjoys. No doubt the car’s 4.6L twin-turbo V-8 engine and 429 horsepower, as well as the sport lower-body styling are also appealing.

Prior to purchasing his first MercedesBenz, Hogan remembers “having his eyes on their vehicles” for some time, but he never knew if it was something he would be able to afford some day. Fortunately for Hogan, his hard work in real estate allowed him to enjoy the luxury of obtaining his dream vehicle.

One of Hogan’s favorite drives in his convertible is the round trip to Lincoln, Neb., for Husker game days. And though he’d love to drive the car year-round, he’s a protective and practical owner. He doesn’t take the car out in snow and ice or more than 100 miles from home, opting for an alternative ride.

Weather permitting, however, he’s rollin’ in the Roadster. www.ReadOnlineNow.com

B2B Omaha Magazine • Winter 2013 19

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B2B Omaha Magazine • Winter 2013

www.OmahaPublications.com

The Best of B2B Omaha celebrates businesses that help other businesses keep the Big O’s economy rolling!

Vote for those vendors you call time and time again. The results are anxiously awaited and celebrated the entire year. The results will be published in the Spring 2013 issue, on the stands and in your hands on March 1! Only the ballot printed in this Winter 2012 issue will be accepted. Minimum of 15 categories must be filled out. We will not accept copies or faxes. Ballots must be postmarked by December 31, 2012.

Please mail your entries to:

Goracke & Associates, CPA, 12110 Port Grace Blvd., Suite 200 La Vista, NE 68128

Omaha’s Business to Business Magazine

Professional Services

Building Services

Accounting Office _____________________________________

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B2B Omaha Magazine • Winter 2013 21

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B2B Omaha Magazine • Winter 2013

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www.alberscommunications.com B2B Omaha Magazine • Winter 2013 23

feature S tor y b y M i k e wat k ins • P hotos b y bill sitzmann

Dan Matuszek

brix Breaks New Ground The wine and spirits retailer strives to offer a full nosh experience.

A

fter more than 20 years traveling the country selling E&J Gallo wine, Dan

Matuszek was ready for something different but still very familiar.

An entrepreneur at heart, it had been his ambition for several years to open his own wine and spirits retail space—but he didn’t want it to stop there. His business vision included a bistro where people could meet, have dinner, and drink some great wine, as well as offer an events center for parties and gatherings throughout the year.

It took him a couple of years to put all the pieces together, but Matuszek realizes his dream every day he goes to work at brix in Village Pointe. His second location—currently under construction in Midtown Crossing and due for its grand opening January 10th—will have a similar vibe but with a very different layout and intent.

“We are responding to the market need in that area for this type of business where people have a place to meet after work or on the weekends, have some great food and drinks, or stop by on their way home to grab a couple of bottles or whatever they might need,” said Matuszek, relocated to Omaha from his native Wisconsin with his wife, who is from the area, in 1992.

“We have a great young chef, Erik Rickard, and our focus in Midtown is going to be to provide a great dining experience first. The location (former Republic of Couture spot) has a great veranda that holds 150, where people can sit and listen to Jazz on the Green or just relax with a meal and a great glass of wine.”

Unlike the Village Pointe location, which opened in 2009—first with the retail space and then the bistro and events center followed several months later—all three spaces will open simultaneously at the Midtown Crossing restaurant.

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B2B Omaha Magazine • Winter 2013

In addition to the usual fare—including imported Enomatic dispensing machines that allow guests to sample various wines by using a prepaid smart card—the Midtown spot will have more than 28 varieties of draft beer (unavailable at the Village Pointe location) and a mixologist for custom cocktails and craft drinks, a growing national trend.

Originally, Matuszek was looking to open a second location in the Old Market but couldn’t find the right building and location that would work for his brand. He was approached by Midtown Crossing more than a year ago about opening there, but, again, the right location wasn’t available at the time.

When the Republic of Couture closed in July—offering the right amount of space and built-in traffic—Matuszek and his business partners snatched up the location within a few days and started remodeling the space in August.

“Our new location will have the largest selection of beer in the city, great wine selection, a full menu, and a full experience,” Matuszek said. “The time is definitely right, and where else but in America can you build a locally owned business from scratch like brix? I wake up every day and never have to go to work because I love and believe in what I do. We want our guests to experience that same feeling when they come to enjoy a meal or glass of wine at brix.”

For more information about brix, including upcoming specials or to rent space in the events center at either location, visit www.brixomaha. com or www.facebook.com/brixomaha. www.OmahaPublications.com

omAHA! S tor y b y T raci O suna • P hotos b y C apture P hotograph y and videograph y

Jake Harms

Macquariums

Entrepreneur Jake Harms is swimming in sales.

I

f Jake Harms knew then what he knows now, would he still have ventured down

this entrepreneurial path? Yes, he says, but he adds, “If I divided out the time I had into it [by] the money that I’ve made, I would probably cry,” he chuckles.

Harms’ stumbled onto his labor of love a few years ago when, at work, he was asked to discard an old Apple iMac computer. “I’m the kind of guy who likes to tinker with things… tear them apart and see how they work,” he says. “So, instead of throwing it in the trash can, I brought it home.” He recalls that the computer sat in his garage for a few weeks, until one day he saw a picture on the internet of a fish tank made out of the same iMac computer. “The Apple iMac had a really neat design…the transparent case…They looked really cool and they were all different colors. I decided, I can make one of those.”

For fun, Harms set out to design a tank and researched which filters and lights would best suit his project. He made a few more, each time tweaking here and there until he perfected his design. “I had a buddy who thought it was pretty cool, so I made one for him. Then I made one for another buddy. I thought, ‘Oh, I could probably sell about 50 of these in a year.’ That’s kind of how it all started.”

Little did he know just how popular his little project would become. Since creating his first aquarium in late 2007, Harms has created a website and has sold close to 400 units. The units, which go for $299, can be ordered via his website and come built-to-order, with computer color and decorative details as options. With requests coming in from all over the world, Harms future looks pretty busy. “I get a lot of orders from the UK, Australia…I’ve shipped them to every www.ReadOnlineNow.com

corner of the world,” he says. “I don’t know how some people find out about them…I guess that’s the magic power of the internet.”

Harms has even sold one of his creations to an Apple executive. “I asked him if I should be worried about building and selling these [aquariums from iMac computers]. He pretty much said no because it’s not giving Apple a bad name. But if I was making a million on them, then there might be an issue.”

With profiles in magazines and newspapers, a website, and Facebook page, this “little hobby” has become more of a side business. In fact, there’s a waiting list for his creations. In addition to working full-time in carpentry and construction, Harms and his wife also have a wedding photography and videography business.

When he does sit down, he is usually working on his aquariums; either buffing them free of scratches and signs of wear, or massassembling them. “I never really build one at a time,” he says. “I always take apart, like, 10 or 20 at a time and modify them assemblyline style.” He has the creation process pretty much down to a science, so the building goes relatively quickly. It’s tracking down the monitors and getting them that can be the most time-consuming part. “It can be kind of a hassle getting them,” he says.

In addition to creating aquariums, Harms offers aquarium-building kits, for those who may have an iMac of their own and are handy enough to take on their own project.

With orders coming in faster than Harms can make them, he is beginning to consider future projects. “My plan is to start making other things out of computers. I’ll start to do that as soon as I can’t find any more of the iMacs,” he shares. But for the foreseeable future, he’s happy to stay busy doing what he loves. “There’s a lot of time involved, but I enjoy it a lot.”

B2B Omaha Magazine • Winter 2013 25

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B2B Omaha Magazine • Winter 2013

www.OmahaPublications.com

cover feature S tor y b y J udy horan • P hotos b y bill sitzmann an d provi d e d b y J ay N o d d le

Jay Noddle Goes the Extra Mile The Noddle Companies’ President and CEO tackles big jobs with the First National Tower, One Pacific Place, Gallup headquarters, and now Aksarben Village. www.ReadOnlineNow.com

“W

hen people are relying on you, you

better be prepared to show up with suggestions and a solution and go the extra mile. Leadership is about how you do when things are tough, not when they are easy.”

Tough was the word for 2008, added real estate developer Jay Noddle. “I was wondering if every decision I made would turn out to be wrong when the economy crashed. We were working in a time of change.

“Suddenly there were no experts in our industry…No one to ask because business hadn’t faced extreme economic challenges like those.”

Commitments were met and business improved, said Noddle, who believes his strength is strategic planning. >> B2B Omaha Magazine • Winter 2013 27

cover feature Noddle with team members at Noddle Cos.

What Omaha says about Jay Noddle Jay has enabled the vision of Aksarben Village to be realized. He is clearly one of those guys that is a difference-maker. He puts his heart and soul into a project and makes that project better.

— Dana Bradford, CEO, Waitt Company Jay Noddle is one of the most creative and dedicated Omaha real estate developers that I know. When I was mayor, he was a willing participant in the community dialogue. He was always at the table with ideas and resources.

— Hal Daub, former mayor of Omaha I think Aksarben Village will be a critical element to student life and entertainment as part of the UNO experience. It’s a shiny, new presence that is a real plus to young students. Jay probably has been the most important ingredient in its development and evolution.

— Howard Hawks, Ak-Sar-Ben Future Trust board member and member NU Board of Regents Jay is personally and professionally committed to elevating the design and function of our city.

His contributions to the development of both the Urban Design Element and the Environmental Element – now components of the city’s master plan – have given Omaha a workable blueprint for becoming an economically vibrant, healthy, and sustainable community.

— Connie Spellman, director, Omaha by Design [Jay] earned the trust and confidence of the city and Aksarben Trust to transform a critical piece of our community and our city’s history. He has exceeded all expectations.

Aksarben Village has quickly become a point of pride for our city and continues to grow stronger and more vibrant every day.

— Mike Fahey, former mayor of Omaha 28

B2B Omaha Magazine • Winter 2013

<< “We ask, ‘What do you believe you need? Why do you feel that way? What are the differences between your wants and needs?’ We’re focused on helping organizations think through those decisions and develop a vision and a strategy that will help achieve that vision.”

After returning to his hometown of Omaha in 1987 following 10 years in Denver where he attended college and worked, he founded Pacific Realty. The company turned into Grubb & Ellis/Pacific Realty in 1997 when it became an independent affiliate of the national company.

In 2003, he succeeded his father, Harlan Noddle, as president and CEO of Noddle Companies.

The company has been involved in 125 office and retail projects coast to coast.

“All we have is our reputation built on what we accomplished,” Noddle said. “We make sure we work within our capabilities.”

Think Big

Jay Noddle takes on the big jobs. The First National Tower that stretches 40 stories high.

One Pacific Place. Gallup headquarters. But his most ambitious project sits in the middle of an historical Omaha neighborhood.

“Aksarben Village is probably as good of an example of collaboration and teamwork as I’ve seen in my career,” said Noddle. “City, county, state, university, neighborhood associations, and bankers came together and said, ‘Let’s do this.’”

The 70-acre property near 67th and Center streets had been transferred by Douglas County to the nonprofit Aksarben Future Trust for development. Noddle was selected as the developer.

Omahans have an affection for the area that goes back to 1921, when the Knights of Ak-SarBen moved its racetrack and colosseum there. The finish line of the racetrack is now the lobby of the Courtyard by Marriott.

“Today, we have a vibrant, popular place woven into the community,” said Noddle, who looks out his office window and sees people walking, biking, and running.

The close vicinity of the University of Nebraska-Omaha and the College of Saint Mary encourages businesses to locate in the Village, he said. “The schools produce the workforce of the future. Business and industry are always looking for the best and the brightest. Aksarben www.OmahaPublications.com

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Village has opened a whole new world for UNO, which is aspiring to grow to 20,000 students by 2020.”

More development is underway in the Village.

1. Gordmans’ corporate offices will move into a new building near 67th and Frances streets during the first quarter of 2014. The retail chain is another example of why location near the university is a good match for business: Gordmans is active in the design of the UNO College of Business curriculum.

2. Courtyard by Marriott developers will open a Residence Inn in the Village in early 2014.

3. The first opportunity to own housing at Aksarben Village will happen in Summer 2014 at Residences in the Village.

More apartments—200—are joining the 400 already at the Village.

D.J.’s Dugout will have its own new building in March.

Waitt Company will relocate its headquarters to the newly built Aksarben Corporate Center, a joint venture with Waitt and the Noddle Companies. >>

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B2B Omaha Magazine • Winter 2013

cover feature Noddle with former mayor Mike Fahey enjoying a Husker game.

Jay at Play

When you look at what Noddle has accomplished, you ask, “When does he have time for a life?” As it turns out, he makes plenty of time for family and fun.

His youngest, Aaron, 13, attends eighth grade. Sam, 19, attends the University of Miami. Rebecca, 21, is studying social work at the University of Nebraska-at Omaha.

“I’m a soccer dad. And I like to cook.”

Noddle also enjoys golfing, scuba diving, and running and describes himself as “a big car guy.”

With a busier schedule, the Husker fan has had to subdue his Big Red fever. “I was a road warrior for the Huskers…Never missed a game, home or away.”

His wife, Kim, started a new business this year—The Art Room in Rockbrook Village.

The former District 66 art teacher offers classes and workshops. “It’s been a dream of hers as long as I’ve known her. She’s loving it,” said her proud husband.

Noddle joins volunteer organizations by looking for a connection to his interests.

He serves on the UNMC board of advisors and supports the Eppley Cancer Center (“My father had cancer”). He has been presidentelect and president of the Jewish Federation of Omaha (“That is our culture”) and is a trustee of the University of Nebraska Foundation.

Omaha by Design is a special interest.

“People think of sustainability as a liberal thing. But it’s not just recycling and green buildings. Sustainability promotes healthy living…Promotes interaction between people.

When we work creating places and activities, whether a park or a ballpark, people will come out of their buildings and interact.”

“We work around the country, and Omaha is a special place,” said Noddle. “Unless you get beyond our borders, you don’t realize that.” www.OmahaPublications.com

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OMAHA profiles

A

S FAR BACK AS he can remember, Tom Albers has had a passion for helping organizations achieve their goals by telling their stories. “Early in my career,” he said, “I learned how public relations can be a powerful management function to help organizations meet their corporate objectives.”

Albers Communications Group is now the largest public relations and social media firm in Omaha. “Our services are very scalable to both small and large businesses,” said Albers, President of Albers Communications.

With clients such as Home Instead Senior Care, Farmers National, Merry Maids, and Verizon Wireless, the group has grown to serve companies in 43 states.

“We work with businesses who want to use PR and social media to affordably increase their brand recognition, become known as their industry’s expert and newsmaker, and connect meaningfully with their current and prospective clients,” said Albers. By selecting a team of professionals focused on client service and results, Albers Communications Group becomes true partners with its clients, immersing into their cultures.

Clients keep coming back to Albers Communications because of the group’s investment in their success. “We’re continually learning about their business and industry,” Albers said. An ability to cost-effectively create positive exposure is also a plus, as well as fully integrating social media into PR campaigns.

“My philosophy has always been that if we do superior work for our clients and provide them with tangible results,” Albers said, “they will be our greatest source of new business.” A majority of the group’s new business does indeed come from referrals and positive word-of-mouth: Albers Communications actually doubled its staff in the last three years and has grown its revenues by an average of 10-20 percent in each of the last five.

Albers, an Omaha native, learned the business of PR from the ground up thanks to Nebraska public relations veterans Patty and Ed Leslie. “As a result, it was natural for me to start my own firm in 2000,” he said, “with the core purpose to build positive relationships for the benefit of our clients.” The culture of Albers Communications Group is reflective of that goal, with a staff of PR and social media professionals who are collaborative, innovative, positive, reliable, and responsive.

“My biggest sense of accomplishment comes from creating an environment where our team members can thrive and successfully deliver outstanding, measurable results for our clients,” Albers said.

Tom Albers

Albers Communications

P.O. Box 285 Bellevue, NE 68005 402-292-5553 alberscommunications.com www.ReadOnlineNow.com

B2B Omaha Magazine • Winter 2013 31

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OMAHA profiles

O

NCE UPON A TIME, Michelle kaiser baked carrot cake in New york for a restaurant frequented by Madonna, Mary Tyler Moore, and yoko Ono. But ever since 2010, she’s been turning out cakes, breads, cinnamon rolls, and her signature brownies at her own gourmet café in fremont, Alotta Brownies Bakery. “Baking is my comfort zone,” kaiser said. “It’s where I belong.”

Thanks to her years of training, from her grandma’s kitchen to New york culinary school and a french chef for a tutor, the Nebraska native has an extensive repertoire of developing and experimenting with recipes. Her brownies that were voted fudgiest in the upper Westside of Nyc paved the way for the 18 different varieties of brownie at Alotta.

Of course, while Alotta started out as a simple brownie shop, the bakery now produces more than 100 different items including a lunch menu. Wedding cakes are also a growing part of kaiser’s business, with many of the brides hailing from Omaha. Thanks to decorator Sally Hall-Muhs, the shop can do just about anything to a cake. “Once a customer buys a cake from us,” kaiser said, “they’re a lifelong customer!” She makes an effort to create a positive, fun environment and loves to hear how newcomers have run across her shop. “We are a destination location,” she added. kaiser’s goal of standout customer service brings out a special kind of loyalty from Alotta’s fanbase. “One of my favorite stories is about a customer who came into our bakery on a Monday to get a peanut butter roll,” she recalled . Though the bakery usually makes the famous peanut butter cinnamon rolls on the weekend, kaiser had a few extra to sell from a special order. “She told us that her friend was very sick with cancer and wasn’t eating,” kaiser said, “and that the only thing that sounded good to her was our peanut butter Michelle Kaiser Sally Hall-Muhs rolls.” The woman had driven two hours roundtrip to fetch the treats for her friend. “It was such a great feeling to know we had those rolls when she came to see us that morning. We like to say it was a meantto-be moment.”

When kaiser isn’t baking glorious treats, which is rarely, she’s spending time with her family of five.

Perhaps she’ll be fishing or helping her husband Jess with a honey-do list at the bakery or passing on the family baking Alotta Brownies Bakery tradition to her children. “I am very blessed,” 317 N. Main Street she said, “with a supportive family who Fremont, NE 68025 helps make our business successful.”

402-721-9400

www.readOnlinenow.com 32 B2B Omaha Magazine • Winter 2013

www.OmahaPublications.com B2B Omaha Magazine • Winter 2013 1

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OMAHA profiles

SPEAKING Of

ANDYGREENBERG

A

NDY GREENBERG IS ONE of the most listened to speakers and trainers in America as a result of his national radio spot. His book, Your High, co-written by Marian Shalander kaiser, will be released in January 2013.

Andy’s speaking and training services are very diversified and include sales, marketing, customer service, networking, and public speaking skills. He is also a highly respected Public Relations Specialist . Andy has been selected by national companies, local businesses, trade organizations, and chambers of commerce and frequently is asked to return to present another topic.

He is known for his creativeness, fun, and interactive and educational delivery style .

Andy has 35 years of experience with national companies as a sales and marketing expert . His main strength is motivating associates and friends to visualize and attain success and work together. His career started in consumer lending with a major national company .

His accomplishments include managing the marketing department of several $60 million businesses, creating and launching 12 new products, and re-branding a national company. He has won several national awards, has been quoted in USA Today, Associated Press, Inc Magazine, Omaha World-Herald, Strictly Business Magazine, Midlands Business Journal, and in various local news broadcasts .

Married for 42 years, Andy has visited 75 countries, all 50 U.S. states, every Major League ballpark, two World Series games, an All-Star game and the Home Run Derby . His sales career started by selling shoes door-to-door in New york City!

Although active in speaking and training for over 11 years, in July 2009 he started “Speaking of Andy Greenberg,” a life and business building-based company that through presentations, seminars, consulting, and coaching, he shares and teaches individuals and businesses how to stay motivated and excel in sales, marketing, leadership, networking, and customer service.

Three months later, “Getting UP with Andy Greenberg” was featured on Omaha’s most listened to daily radio show, “The Good Morning Show” with Gary Sadlemyer on 1110 kfAB. The segment, now in its third year, provides daily innovative insights on keeping motivated all day . Over 700 vignettes have been created to date! Andy was also a contributor on the Sunday kPTM fox 42 news with his personalized weekly vignettes.

Today he appears regularly on hundreds of radio stations and is heard by millions of people in the U.S. in a show called “your daily High with Andy Greenberg.” He has also been voted the 4th best dressed in Omaha!

To learn more about how Andy can motivate and train you and your business team, visit www.andygreenberg.wordpress.com or call 402-250-3895 or e-mail at speakingofandygreenberg@cox.net

Andy Greenberg

Andy Greenberg

402-250-3895 www.andygreenberg.wordpress.com

www.ReadOnlineNow.com

B2B Omaha Magazine • Winter 2013 33

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OMAHA profiles

W

HO WOULDN’T WANT TO walk into a Christmas wonderland every day at work? Every day at Holidynamics is a fun, festive, and dynamic day. The two-story showroom, which is open year-round at 10048 Scott circle in Omaha, is filled with all the products Holidynamics has to offer.

As a professional, full-service holiday company, Holidynamics sets the standard for high quality and unique holiday décor. Products include the highest quality trees and foliage, holiday ornaments, and metal-framed artwork covered in LEd or incandescent lights. Holidynamics also offers a full line of Lightlinks that are like nothing else on the market and a patented locking gear system that adjust to any angle you need, giving customers that special touch to their home. from the product install, removal, and storage, Holidynamics take the stress off the holiday decorating. Everyone has a special need for holiday designs, which Holidynamics can fill through their free in-home consultations.

Holidynamics has some of their product sold through the frontgate catalog, which mails to 300,000 American homes. The business also has over 400 affiliates nationwide, including canada and Mexico.

Scott Heese, Holidynamics President and cEO, was born and raised in Omaha and noticed a void in the holiday decorating industry. years ago, he found a need to design a unique and higher grade of holiday products to fill customers’ individual needs and wants . Scott is a creative and passionate person, who loves what he does—and it Scott Heese shows in every piece of holiday décor he designs. With the city of Omaha as his mentor, he decided to take the company to a national and international level. With showrooms throughout the United States and through the affiliate program, Holidynamics has taken holiday products to a whole new level .

Working on the 2013 product line, Scott envisions his customers’ wants . “Seeing a picture on a piece of paper to the finished product gives me the satisfaction when I see the smile on our customers face,” Holidynamics he says .

10048 Scott Circle

Omaha, NE 68122 402-505-6046 www.holidynamics.com

34

B2B Omaha Magazine • Winter 2013

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OMAHA profiles

F

OR COMPANIES WANTING TO see real change in their sales efforts as they seek to increase revenue, Sandler Training offers something beyond what other business development services supply. “Typically, [other firms] provide a national speaker for a multi-day seminar which contains some good stuff,” said karl Schaphorst, senior vice president of Sandler Training, “but [these] rarely result in real behavioral change in the participant.”

Real change is what businesses need if they’re looking to match their sales to their goals. Local to Nebraska and Iowa, sales trainers from Sandler will either show up at a client’s business to train the sales staff or provide instruction at Sandler’s own training center in Omaha. Regular reinforcement goes a long way in encouraging new behaviors. “We can do this economically because we are here serving our local clients,” Schaphorst said. “The Sandler System is a complete departure from traditional ‘features and benefits selling.’”

Effective selling happens when the sales culture of a business, from management down to the frontline salespeople, is deliberate. Sandler Training promotes a systematic process of engagement that’s repeatable with predictable outcomes for midsized to large companies.

While Sandler Training is a worldwide franchise, the Omaha franchise in particular has grown to include merchant services, real estate agents, benefit advisors, advertising sales, commodity traders, IT services, engineering consultants, and nonprofits. “We are a company that truly loves sales,” Schaphorst said. “We believe that sales is one of the greatest and highest-paying professions available to the worker. This is the attitude that fuels our culture and defines the type of people we employ.”

Schaphorst has a unique perspective of the Sandler System as a result of being a client of Sandler for five years. He found himself throwing out everything he’d been doing for 15 years as an HVAc salesman and exhorting colleagues to do the same . “It wasn’t long till all my direct reports stopped calling me karl and started calling me Sandler,” he said. “I didn’t mind one bit.”

Now, after two and a half years at Sandler Training, the Omaha native is loving what he calls his perfect career. “At the end of the day, my business is not about me,” Schaphorst said. “It’s about those I serve and pour into. My business is about raising the bar for the sales professional to heights they never thought possible. When that happens, that is a good day.”

Karl Schaphorst

Sandler Training

3828 Dodge St. Omaha, NE 68121 402-616-1098

www.ReadOnlineNow.com www.readOnlinenow.com

B2B B2BOmaha OmahaMagazine Magazine• •Winter Winter2013 2013 35 1

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OMAHA profiles

S

COTT SEATON IS A perfectionist. Ask anyone who works with him and they’ll tell you that attention to detail is everyone’s job at Scott Enterprises, a locally owned and operated commercial roofing operation based in Omaha. Seaton learned the value of thorough planning as a critical part of the installation process working alongside his father, who built specialty cold storage facilities all over the country. His dad “insisted on drawings and a plan of execution that took the tiniest details into consideration.” President Seaton started the roofing company 31 years ago while in college, following the philosophy “do quality work, provide excellent service, and the money will come.” That philosophy remains the same today .

In his 30 years in the business, Vice President Tim Wood has seen his share of shoddy roofing jobs installed by other companies. “I’ve seen roofs where it looks as if a crew just came in and nailed down a tarp,” he said. He’s also seen first-hand the havoc such second-rate roofing jobs can lead to for businesses: water damage to property inside, lost productivity of employees...Not to mention the cost of cleanup or roofing repairs or replacement. “from the start, [Scott Enterprises] does a professional job of designing and engineering the proper roofing system that will perform well on each building while meeting code,” said Wood. “This helps prevent issues from happening in the first place. And [our crews] try to make the installation process as seamless as possible.”

Added Seaton: “A lot of contractors do the work and walk away. We understand that if there are any issues with a roof, it’s our responsibility to make it right. We have a staff of six in our service department on call 24/7.”

Re-roofing jobs account for 65 percent of sales, Wood said . That’s not to say the company – which boasts it’s installed more roofs by the square foot than any other company in Nebraska – hasn’t had substantial new construction work …Td Ameritrade Stadium, Assurity Life, and farm credit Bureau offices, to name a few. “you don’t get those kinds of jobs if you don’t have a solid reputation for great quality and service at a competitive price,” said Seaton. Another way Scott Enterprises stand out from the competition is in product warranties. “Not all Scott Seaton tim Wood manufacturer warranties are created equal,” Wood said. “Some warranties are pro-rated depending on whether you meet their inspection and maintenance requirements . All the products we install offer no-dollar-limit warranties.”

In 2010, Scott Enterprises relocated to a new facility near 108th and Blair High Rd . The company also has a project manager in Lincoln to service clients within a 75-mile radius. Today, the company is poised for growth. “The biggest challenge we have is to educate [building owners and maintenance companies] on the practices and applications in roofing…so they make smart decisions when Scott Enterprises Inc. it comes to hiring contractors,” said Wood. Hiring someone to do Headquarters the job right the first time saves time and money . That’s what you 9684 N. 109th Ave. can count on with Scott Enterprises .

Omaha, NE 68142 402-571-2364

www.readOnlinenow.com 36 B2B Omaha Magazine • Winter 2013

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Tax Planning & Consulting Financial Statement Assurance Business Valuation & Litigation Support Information Technology Services Payroll / Bookkeeping Forensic Accounting Employee Benefit Plan Audits Estate Tax Planning Wealth Advisory Services Cost Segregation Studies R & D Tax Credits

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If you sit behind a desk regularly, you know how important it is to have a good chair. Many of us spend more hours in our office chair than all the other chairs and sofas in our life combined. Not having the right chair can cause lower back pain as well as neck and shoulder pain.

Studies have linked the comfort of a workplace directly to the efficiency levels of employees and employee turnover. In an average day, people spend 5.7 hours sitting in their chair and 7 hours sleeping in their bed. If you’re one of those people who spend hours in a chair, below are some guidelines to healthy seating.

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Remember, a quality chair should always have a lifetime warranty on the frame and mechanical parts and a 5-10 year warranty on fabric. Stop by All Makes at 25th & Farnam to see the latest in ergonomic office seating. The All Makes team is trained to help you make design and furniture purchases that fit your office atmosphere, your work style, and your budget.

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4315 South 50th Street 402.733.5500 B2B Omaha Magazine • Winter 2013 37

Wealth management

Nebraska NABCAP Premier Advisors

A

BOUT. The National Association of

Board Certified Advisory Practices (NABCAP) is an unaffiliated, nonprofit organization based in Colorado that was created to tackle the daunting challenge of identifying top practitioners, and through the process help reform the public’s perception of the industry and its professional membership. NABCAP currently has a presence in thirty-five plus U.S. markets.

The nonprofit along with its board of directors developed a formula designed to identify the best practices as determined by NABCAP. Separating and distinguishing the strongest practitioners from the industry’s pool of advisors is a solution with merit. The difficulty lies in the clear need for transparency. “I’m very interested and concerned about the integrity of the industry,” says Dr. Chuck King, NABCAP board vice president. “Our goal is to make sure that the people who make our list meet our guidelines. It’s not about just hanging out a shingle. One of the reasons I got involved was the need for more scrutiny.”

The public requires a reliable, independent resource to provide clarity for their financial decisions. NABCAP was formed to help clarify the picture. And while NABCAP knows there is no perfect solution, it is committed to promoting higher standards and

transparency, which are vital to the long-term success of the investing public. “We’re not just counting assets under management,” says King. “We’re interested in the processes used.

And we don’t just take anybody. This is not a pay-to-play Organization. I’m a big believer in free markets. And what makes free markets work is information, not a lot of regulations.

The more perfect the information, the more perfect the regulation.”

METHODOLOGY. The primary focus of NABCAP is to serve the needs of the investing public by helping identify top wealth managers. NABCAP and its board of directors created an unaffiliated evaluation process in which 20 categories of practice management are assessed. Advisors are invited and/ or nominated to participate by submitting an online questionnaire. The multi-step verification process utilizes independent resources to assess the accuracy and truthfulness of the information submitted by participating advisory practices. NABCAP’s methodology is unique in deciphering advisors because it is primarily objective, not subjective, and helps add transparency for the investor’s benefit.

Continued on page 42

Exemplary Wealth Managers Client Education & Customer Service Model

Kerik,Sadler, Smith & Assoc.

Ameriprise Financial Financial Planning

Moylan Kropp Retirement Planning, LLC Securities America risk Management

Vintage Financial Group, LLC Vintage Financial Group, LLC See Exemplary Wealth Managers description on page 42

NABCAP©2012 avg. $ assets Under Management per client

avg. # of clients per advisor

advisor to Support Staff

Bob Kenny RBC Wealth Management

$180,000

640

Carson Wealth Management Group Carson Wealth Management Group

$3,870,000

Craig Korkow Merrill Lynch

top 5 Specialties & Credentials

city, State Phone #

1:1

RP,IM,RS,PM,CM N/APP

Omaha, NE 402-392-6100

75

9:11

IM,RM,EP,PM,AM CHFC,CLU,CFA,CPA,CFP

Omaha, NE 402-697-5453

$950,000

175

1:2

RP,FP,WP,RS,RM CFP

Omaha, NE 402-496-5127

Egermier Wealth Management Group LPL Financial

$205,000

89

4:2

RP,FP,WP,CM,AM CHFC,CFP

Omaha, NE 402-861-9696

Ethen Bagley Group Merrill Lynch

$600,000

152

2:3

RP,FP,IM,PM,CM CFP

Omaha, NE 402-496-5192

advisor Practice Name Firm

38

B2B Omaha Magazine • Winter 2013

www.OmahaPublications.com

Wealth management

NABCAP©2012 avg. $ assets Under Management per client

avg. # of clients per advisor

advisor to Support Staff

Feltz WealthPLAN LPL Financial

$450,000

185

Frank J. Ward Ameriprise Financial

$250,000

Furstenau Financial Management LPL Financial

top 5 Specialties & Credentials

city, State Phone #

7:13

RP,FP,IM,CM,AM CFP

Omaha, NE 402-697-5450

300

2:2

RP,FP,SP,IM,CM N/APP

Omaha, NE 402-391-5400

$190,000

291

1:2

RP,WP,IM,PM,CM N/APP

Neligh, NE 402-887-4302

Harrison Financial Services Northwestern Mutual Investment Services

$1,810,000

70

2:5

FP,WP,IM,EP,CM CHFC,CLU,CPA,CIMA,CFP

Omaha, NE 402-892-2302

John “Buzz” Garlock RBC Wealth Management

$2,040,000

263

1:2

RP,FP,IM,RS,PM N/APP

Omaha, NE 402-392-6138

Kelley Investment Team RBC Wealth Management

$1,520,000

300

2:3

RP,FP,WP,IM,CM N/APP

Omaha, NE 402-392-6100

Ken Koop Morgan Stanley Smith Barney

$280,000

300

1:1

RP,FP,IM,AM,SA CRPS,CFP

Lincoln, NE 402-474-2400

Kerlik, Sadler, Smith & Associates Ameriprise Financial

$290,000

85

5:1

RP,FP,WP,EP,CM CFP

Omaha, NE 402-334-7265

Manarin Investment Counsel Manarin Investment Counsel

$210,000

277

9:11

RP,FP,IM,PM,CM CFA

Omaha, NE 402-330-1166

Militti Group Morgan Stanley Smith Barney

$1,275,000

42

3:1

RP,PP,RM,EP,CM N/APP

Omaha, NE 402-399-1513

Moylan Kropp RP, LLC Securities America

$380,000

125

4:1

RP,FP,WP,EP,CM CHFC,CLU,CPA,CFP

Omaha, NE 402-390-9066

Omaha Group Morgan Stanley Smith Barney

$1,560,000

60

5:2

HP,RS,ES,PM,CM CIMA,CPA,CFP

Omaha, NE 402-399-6141

Jeffrey D. Sharp SilverStone Group

$8,385,000

33

3:8

RP,WP,IM,EP,CM CHFC,CLU,CFP

Omaha, NE 402-964-5440

Slatterys & Hruby Group Merrill Lynch

$2,000,000

81

3:3

RP,RM,EP,PM,CM CIMA,CFP

Omaha, NE 402-496-5109

Terry W Curnes Curnes Financial Group

$620,000

90

11:4

RP,FP,WP,IM,PM CHFC,CLU,CFP

Omaha, NE 402-397-5440

Union Investment Management Group Union Bank & Trust

$1,860,000

150

10:5

FP,HP,PM,CM,SA CFA,CFP

Lincoln, NE 402-323-1253

Vintage Financial Group, LLC Vintage Financial Group, LLC

$75,000

500

4:4

RP,FP,WP,BP,EP CFP

Omaha, NE 402-932-7233

Welsh Group Morgan Stanley Smith Barney

$445,000

125

2:1

RP,FP,WP,PM,CM CFP

Omaha, NE 402-399-1541

$1,200,000

87

3:3

RP,FP,EP,CM,SA N/APP

Omaha, NE 402-391-5400

advisor Practice Name Firm

Williams Quinn Heimrod & Associates Ameriprise Financial www.ReadOnlineNow.com

B2B Omaha Magazine • Winter 2013 39

Wealth management NABCAP’s methodology is unique in deciphering advisors

Advisor by NABCAP in the future.

interviews with investors and advisors. One of NABCAP’s

because it is primarily objective, not subjective, and helps add

[c] Th e inclusion of a financial advisory practice on the

main objectives is to hold the investment advising community

transparency for the investor’s benefit. NABCAP takes pride

NABCAP Premier Advisor’s list should not be construed as an

to a higher standard, said Chuck King, NABCAP board vice

that its list of Premier Advisors is not merely defi ned by Assets

endorsement of the financial advisory practice by NABCAP or

president and dean emeritus of the School of Business and

Under Management (A.U.M.), revenues produced or even worse,

Omaha Magazine, Ltd.

Leadership at Colorado Christian University. To ensure the

popularity. Alternatively, NABCAP attempts to identify top

[d] Although NABCAP invites all advisors in a market to

best interest of the investing public, NABCAP does not accept

participate, the final decision lies with the advisor and as such

financial support from advisory practices, financial institutions,

CONSUMER USE. Even though NABCAP’s vetting

there may be advisors who would qualify but do not appear on the

or the media in exchange for beneficial reviews, rankings or

process is comprehensive in evaluating advisors, every single

list as they chose not to participate and if they were included some

industry insights. “Th is isn’t a money-driven effort,” said King.

practice on the list most likely will not fit you the investor. The

advisors on this list would not have been included.

“It’s designed purely to provide information to investors and not

advisors regardless of size, fi rm or affi liation.

list of advisory practices is in alphabetical order; NABCAP

[e] NABCAP screens candidates for regulatory compliance

to line someone’s pocket. Until financial advisors and banks and

believes there is not one perfect practice for every investor out

issues: checks and balances are imposed to limit the inclusion of

everyone else begins to police themselves we’re going to have

there. The fi rst step recommended by NABCAP is to narrow

an advisor with a negative regulatory history or multiple client

problems. It’s essential that markets are operating properly for

down the list of practices by average client size. It is recom-

complaints. These checks and balances include:

a free enterprise system to work.”

mended you select practices that have an average client size of

(i) NABCAP requires financial advisors to be registered/licensed

The nonprofit organization is achieving its overarching goal

½ - ¼ the size client you would estimate yourself, family or

financial advisors in good standing with state and federal regula-

of empowering the investing community by adding transpar-

business to be. For example, if you have approximately $2 mil-

tory bodies. In addition NABCAP requires financial advisors to

ency to financial services industry. NABCAP Premier Advisors

lion of investable assets then identify practices with an average

be in compliance with their respective broker/dealer or affiliated

lists are a powerful reference for investors to identify the top

client size of $500K- 1million. Th is way, you fall within the top

representation

wealth managers in their local market. Each market varies in

20% of a practice’s entire clientele. Th is increases the probability

(ii) NABCAP reviews each financial advisor and support staff ’s

size and is based on participation. Neither advisors nor firms pay

you receive the practice’s top shelf service, care and attention.

U-4 or ADV to verify their employment and compliance record.

to participate. With over 400,000 registered investment profes-

In addition to narrowing down the field of practices by average

(iii) If an advisory practice makes the list with a settlement on

sionals nationally NABCAP has their work cut out for them. The

size client, it is recommended you also reference the practice’s

their record we recommend that investors inquire with the advisory

nonprofit plans to expand it’s footprint to even more US markets

top 5 specialties and designations to assure they are equipped

practice as well with their supervisor for the nature of the settlement.

in the immediate future. Below is a chart of the current markets

and focused on handling your individual needs. Try to select at

[f] The supervisor survey is structured to make it equally easy

open to participation for advisors, and investors, you the reader,

least 3 practices to interview for different personalities, service

for a respondent to give negative or positive responses and the

to utilize the research for better informative decisions towards

models and practice methodologies.

method of calculating results incorporates both negative and posi-

personal financial needs. To learn more about NABCAP please

tive survey responses

visit www.NABCAP.org or email info@nabcap.org

EXEMPLARY ADVISOR EXPLANATION. NABCAP’s objective questionnaire assesses 20 categories of practice manage-

[g] NABCAP does not perform subjective analysis of the survey

ment of all participating advisors and while all the practices on

results but assigns numerical ratings based on questionnaire and

the list this year met NABCAP’s minimum objective criteria, the

survey responses, as well as third party verification.

following practices achieved exemplary scores in their respective

[h] 1,600+ direct contacts were made via email and mail in

categories. The highlighted categories were selected through

Omaha, NE and 36,000 indirect to subscribers for participation/

NABCAP’s independent investor research which concluded these

nomination of participants. Premier Advisors list will not exceed

three areas of practice management were the highest influencers

3.5% of each market’s financial advisory practices

in choosing a financial advisor: 1) Client Education & Customer

[i] NABCAP created the methodology and process. Rank

Service Model- This category reflects the actual service model the

Premier Advisors is contracted to administer the evaluation process.

practice employs and whether they incorporate any education of

[j] All advertisements in the special advertising section were

investments and/or markets to the client 2) Financial Planning-

sold exclusively by Omaha Magazine, Ltd. and not endorsed in

this category reflects what level the practice/advisor implements

any way by NABCAP.

financial planning when servicing clientele 3) Risk Management

NABCAP VIEWPOINT:As impossible as it may seem,

- this category measures what systems and policies are utilized

the U.S. population has experienced some slight growth on

to potentially help mitigate and manage the risk of the markets.

the heels of the second worst recession this country has ever

NABCAP’s focus is to provide objective diff erentiation between

experienced. According to CapGemini’s World Wealth Report

financial advisory practices and through their evaluation process

2011, the population of High Net-worth Individuals in North

to help add transparency to the Financial Services Industry. Even

America has risen 25% since 2008. Even considering this slight

though the NABCAP Premier Advisors’ list is comprehensive it

incline in personal wealth, the fundamentals on the current

should not be considered exhaustive and the following disclaimers

US economy are still in an unstable state with talks of possibly

should be considered:

entering another recessionary period. It remains critical that

[a] To ensure the best interests of the investing public, NABCAP

investors are able to identify quality wealth managers to assist

does not accept financial support from advisory practices, financial

them in weathering these challenging market environments.

institutions or the media in exchange for beneficial reviews, rank-

NABCAP’s objective research has proven to identify quality

ings or industry insight. NABCAP is not affiliated with any advisor

practitioners in over 35+ US markets since the recession.

or financial institution participating in the survey.

The National Association of Board Certified Advisory

[b] Selecting a NABCAP Premier Advisor is no guarantee as

Practices (NABCAP) was created in 2008 by it’s board of

to future investment success nor is there any guarantee that the

directors — representing industry insiders, investors and non-

selected financial advisory practice will be designated as a Premier

industry professionals — with over four years of research and

40

B2B Omaha Magazine • Winter 2013

Credentials Index: CEP- Certified Estate Planner CFA- Chartered Financial Analyst CFP- Certified Financial Planner CIMA- Certified Investment Management Analyst CAIA- Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst CPWA- Certified Private Wealth Advisor CHFC- Chartered Financial Consultant CRPS- Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist CLU- Chartered Life Underwriter MCEP- Master Certified Estate Planner CPA- Certified Public Accountant AIF- Accredited Investment Fiduciary Specialties Index: RP: Retirement Planning FP: Financial Planning EP: Estate Planning SP: Special Needs Planning PP: Philanthropic Planning BP: Business Planning WP: Wealth Preservation/Insurance CP: Capital Preservation CM: Comprehensive Wealth Management AM: Asset Allocation Management PM: Portfolio Management IM: Investment Management RM: Risk Management LM: Liability Management RS: Retirement Services CS: Corporate Services FS: Family Office Services ES: Executive Services PA: Professional Athletes HP: High Profiled Individuals LC: Low Cost Provider SA: Separately Managed Accounts

www.OmahaPublications.com

OMAHA MAGAZINE’S

wealthmanagement WINNERS

The Militti Group at Morgan Stanley

What are you doing differently to provide your clients with added value?

Early this year we made it a priority to meet with our clients to discuss favorable gift and estate laws which could expire at the end of 2012; the impetus being the host of uncertainties coming from the presidential election. Our mission was to help our clients be in line early with their estate attorney and CPA so we would have a plan in place should there be a need to act. We proactively accomplished this by introducing our select clientele to our firm’s Wealth Planning Center – here services are available to clients and prospective clients with a minimum of $5 million investible assets or $10 million net-worth. Working alongside the Wealth Planning Center we were able to bring a breadth of perspective to help develop highly sophisticated solutions. The Wealth Planning Center is not intended to replace a client’s attorney or CPA; rather work in concert with these key relationships to help achieve smarter results. The Militti Group works with the Wealth Planning Center to help our clientele make difficult estate planning decisions so our clients can make meaningful differences in the lives of others.

How is your team different?

Our team is a family practice -- father, daughter, and son -- so we focus our efforts on families and family businesses to help identify particular multigenerational wealth planning needs. We take a very holistic approach to portfolio and risk management; which means we dig deep to focus on what is meaningful in a client’s life and develop strategies to help achieve their goals. How we do this is by utilizing wealth planning tools developed to help determine and measure client needs, wants, wishes and risk tolerance. These tools help us deliver tailored, risk-based portfolio strategies which are aligned with each client’s goals.

e.J. militti, Jr. Financial Advisor

Importantly, we firmly believe a solid wealth and risk-management strategy is one that incorporates both sides of a client’s balance sheet.

This means we can assist you with portfolio management, insurances and other wealth planning solutions through our access to private banking and lending services.

This material does not provide individually tailored investment advice. Any information presented is general in nature and is not intended to provide individually tailored investment advice. The strategies and/or investments referenced may not be suitable for all investors as the appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor’s individual circumstances and objectives. Investing involves risks and there is always the potential of losing money when you invest.

Morgan Stanley, its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. This material was not intended or written to be used for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters.

The investments listed may not be suitable for all investors.

Morgan Stanley recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments, and encourages investors to seek the advice of a financial advisor. The appropriateness of a particular investment will depend upon an investor’s individual circumstances and objectives.

Life insurance, disability income insurance, and long-term care insurance are offered through Morgan Stanley licensed insurance agency affiliates.

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, LLC. Member SIPC. www.ReadOnlineNow.com

E.J. Militti, Jr. Financial Advisor E.J. helps develop financial plans and investment policy statements for affluent clients and institutions, with a focus on business owners and corporate executives. Particular areas of interests: portfolio risk assessment, retirement planning, estate planning, business succession, endowments, foundations, family special needs planning, structured settlements, charitable remainder trusts, philanthropies and non-profit entities. Education: MBA from Creighton University; undergraduate degree in Finance from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Edward J. Militti, Sr. Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor (not pictured)

Carroll Militti-Hacker Financial Advisor (not pictured)

13625 california Street, Ste. 400 Omaha, NE 68154 402-399-1513 www.morganstanleyfa.com/milittigroup B2B Omaha Magazine • Winter 2013 41

OMAHA MAGAZINE’S

wealthmanagement WINNERS

Vintage Financial group

What is the process you take each customer through?

During each client’s individual process, we first lead them through a series of questions which most people have never put into words. Questions like: what do you want to achieve for yourself, who is relying on you, what would you like to provide for them, how do you want to protect your family or employees, and what kind of legacy do you want to leave behind? Before we can help someone achieve their personal best, many times we have to help them unravel and create their future. Our monetary fears can sometimes inhibit us from dreaming in a way that ultimately inspires the most creative and effective plans.

Risk Manageme

nt

Describe your practice’s risk management philosophy.

It’s first based on protection of assets. We perform an analysis to determine the need to shift responsibility from the client and a self insure option to an insurance company to protect those assets. We may utilize life insurance, disability insurance, or long term care insurance. We believe it may be suitable for our clients to take a small risk by paying premiums to avoid a catastrophic risk that would devastate their plan and ability to leave a legacy

Patrick m. ricketts mindy S. helfrich

Insurance products from the Principal Financial Group® are issued by Principal National Life Insurance Company (except in New York), Principal Life Insurance Company and the companies available through the Preferred Product Network, Inc. Securities and advisory products offered through Princor Financial Services Corporation, 800/247-1737, member SIPC. Principal National, Principal Life, the Preferred Product Network, and Princor® are members of the Principal Financial Group®, Des Moines, IA 50392. Bradford R. Burwell, Kirstin J. Ricketts, Mindy S. Helfrich and Patrick M. Ricketts, Principal National and Principal Life Financial Representatives, Princor Registered Representatives and Financial Advisors. Vintage Financial Group, LLC. is not an affiliate of any company of the Principal Financial Group.

Kirstin J. ricketts, CFP®

Bradford r. Burwell Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP® and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP® Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

OMAHA MAGAZINE’S

wealthmanagement WINNERS

14217 dayton circle, Suite #3 Omaha, NE 68137 402-932-7233

Craig D. Korkow, CFP®, CrPC® of merrill lynch

What is your philosophy on what it means to be a financial advisory practice: Our guiding principle and mission is over 95 years old—“client first”—as stated by Charles E. Merrill himself.

The foundation of which begins by listening. Only then can we garner the necessary understanding to help the individual or organizational client successfully identify the respective financial goal. We can then work to develop the potential solutions with our vast access to resources for goal accomplishment.

Define the added value of your services in relationship to your fees: Our value-add is in providing a holistic approach to financial planning. Leaving nothing uncovered. To truly become a family or organizational adjunct chief financial officer, it requires the specialist resources of which our firm has access, and the knowledge of how to put those resources to work. It is exemplified in our industry leading and unwavering commitment to continuing education and training.

Craig D. Korkow, CFP®, CRPC® Craig D. Korkow is principle of the Korkow Group and is a First Vice President-Wealth Management with Merrill Lynch, Omaha, NE. After graduating Summa Cum Laude in Economics from South Dakota State University and leaving the US Army as a Captain, he joined Merrill Lynch in 2000. Craig specializes in retirement planning for organizations and individuals. Craig is a Teammates mentor, member of the Knights of Aksarben RCR board, and Founder of the Rough N’ Ready Challenge Rodeo for Children with Special Needs

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B2B Omaha Magazine • Winter 2013

1044 N. 115th Street, Suite 500 Omaha, NE 68154 402-496-5127 http://fa.ml.com/korkow_group www.OmahaPublications.com

OMAHA MAGAZINE’S

wealthmanagement WINNERS This year marks the 25th anniversary of Feltz WealthPLAN. This significant milestone is an accomplishment to be celebrated. Among other things, it’s a testament to our team’s ability to successfully assist clients with their financial planning and wealth management needs. Just as our firm has changed in the past 25 years, so have the needs of our clients and, most certainly, so has the economic climate, especially in the past five years. As anyone who watches the markets knows, volatility has become the new norm. That’s why now, perhaps more than ever, the counsel of an experienced team of financial planners, such as the ones we’ve assembled at Feltz WealthPLAN, is vital to growing and protecting our client’s future.

Our wealth advisors have consistently been rated among the best in the country, including Feltz WealthPLAN President Todd Feltz being named one of America’s Top 1000 Financial Advisors by Barron’s Magazine in 2012. (America’s Top 1000 Financial Advisors is based on assets managed, revenue, and quality of practice.)

Our anniversary year makes this a time to celebrate and reflect, but it’s also a time of transition – for our firm and our clients.

Last fall, Feltz WealthPLAN became its own Registered Investment Advisor registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Feltz WealthPLAN A Registered Investment Advisor Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC

What is your philosophy on what it means to be a financial advisory practice?

Financial Planning, or Return-on-Life, is the heart and soul of Feltz WealthPLAN. The opportunity to guide our clients throughout each phase of their life, helping them prepare for the future provides our greatest satisfaction.

What is your practice’s customer service model?

Feltz WealthPLAN’s customer service model consists of three distinct teams: Financial Planning, Investment, and Support.

Each team specializes in a particular area to ensure clients receive the attention to detail they deserve.

Our Financial Planning team is the forefront of customer service; meeting with clients to define their goals and implementing a comprehensive financial plan for their future.

The Investment team handles the research, implements the investment models, and monitors the market and economy.

Our Support team assists clients through coordination of Vision1* data entry, ongoing transaction coordination, and is a daily resource for clients who have questions or concerns.

What is the process your practice takes each client through?

Our Vison1 program provides the framework for the Financial Planning process. As we work with clients to gather and enter their current financial information, Vision1 prepares clear, concise reports: • Balance Sheet – Summary of all assets and liabilities • Cash Flow – High level view of cash inflow and outflow • Stress Test – Monte Carlo simulation provides the probability of the plan’s success

Front row, left to right: Jamie O’Brien, Dan Feltz, todd Feltz, Kevin O’mara Back row, left to right: Brent O’mara, Wade Behlen, ryan Feltz

www.ReadOnlineNow.com

Feltz WealthPlan

Over 25 years of Excellence

• • •

Withdrawals & Planned Distributions – Gives an indication of portfolio longevity Education Planning – Provides options for meeting educational expenses Estate Planning –Asset distribution and possible tax consequences

As each report is reviewed, it becomes clear as to which areas need attention and which areas are already on track with the client’s goals. Focusing on specific action items makes the financial planning process less daunting and clients are encouraged as appropriate changes are put in place.

During appointments, the advisor will review current models and their importance to the client’s overall investment strategy. Our advisors also update their clients on the market outlook and discuss the implications this may have on their financial planning. *Vision1 is a comprehensive system that combines our client’s entire financial information (investments, loans, mortgage, insurance, etc.) into one secure location to enhance their financial planning experience. Vision1 also contains an online vault that stores and protects valuable documents such as wills, trusts, deeds, and passports in a secure electronic format.

101 S. 108th Ave, 2nd floor Omaha, NE 68154 402-333-5448 www.feltzWP.com B2B Omaha Magazine • Winter 2013 43

OMAHA MAGAZINE’S

wealthmanagement WINNERS What is your philosophy on what It means to be a financial advisory practice?

The Slatterys/ Hruby Group provides wealth management services to affluent families and trusts. We help clients articulate their goals, then guide them with appropriate strategies for investments, lending, wealth transfer, and philanthropy with particular emphasis on tax minimization and wealth preservation. By formally reviewing and understanding a client’s total assets and liabilities, we are able to develop customized solutions to address their unique needs and challenges. For clients, we seek to have a profound impact on both their financial and personal lives. Our ultimate responsibility is to help clients achieve their aspirations for themselves, future generations and their communities. Within that effort, we provide the personal attention and high level of service that significant wealth warrants.

Slatterys/Hruby Group of merrill lynch

Describe your practices’ investment philosophy: We apply a comprehensive wealth allocation framework to a client’s balance sheet. In the simplest form you could state it as Risk Allocation precedes Asset Allocation. The framework process enables clients to construct appropriate portfolios allocating all their assets, featuring the home, mortgage, and market investments. The resulting frameworks are designed to meet client needs and preferences. The framework brings together Portfolio theory with aspects of Behavioral Finance to overlay a client’s risk exposures on to their balance sheet. The application of our investment philosophy is typically executed within an Advisory relationship.

What is the process you take each customer through?

We use a comprehensive, values based financial planning process. Our process starts with our initial Discovery meeting, where we take the time to learn about the individuals values, interests, past experience and goals. Extensive analysis is done by our staff Certified Financial Planning (CFP®) practitioner to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the current situation. From there we develop investment and advanced planning strategies specific to their goals and needs. Once a relationship is engaged, we meet on a quarterly basis to review advanced planning topics and investment performance. The analysis that was done initially is updated on at least an annual basis or as life changes warrant. l -r: timothy Slattery, Jr., Peggy Fehncke, Stephen hruby, Cima®, Kandis Schissel, CFP®, Daniel Slattery

OMAHA MAGAZINE’S

wealthmanagement WINNERS

1044 N. 115th Street Omaha, NE 68154 402-496-5152 www .totalmerrill .com

Kelley investment team of rBC Wealth management

How do you define your business model?

Our mission is to provide solutions and counsel to select individuals and their families. We advise, guide, and motivate our clients to implement strategies that help simplify their lives, as well as grow and preserve their capital. Our team works in concert with our clients’ other advisors, such as Certified Public Accountants and attorneys to formulate customized and comprehensive strategic life solutions.

Describe your practice’s investment philosophy: Investing is a means to an end. We work to best align clients’ portfolios with their specific needs to achieve long term goals.

We use a variety of financial assets/instruments to build out a client’s portfolios which may include a combination of individual stocks, corporate and municipal bonds, mutual funds, ETF’s, annuities and insurance products.

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B2B Omaha Magazine • Winter 2013

l -r: margie Carstens, roJeanne tamborini, Dick Kelley, Cindi Olsen, rick Kelley

1120 S 101st St # 300 Omaha, NE 68124 402-392-6114 kelleyinvestmentteam .com www.OmahaPublications.com

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Securities America Proud to support some of the nation’s leading financial professionals.

Congratulations

Kimberly Kropp of Moylan Kropp Retirement Planning, LLC for being recognized as a top wealth manager in Omaha.

Member FINRA/SIPC

www.securitiesamerica.com

Kimberly Kropp, CFP®, ChFC, CLU Patrick Moylan, CFP® Sean Moylan, CFP®, ChFC, CLU Devin Moylan

www.mkrp.com

Moylan Kropp Retirement Planning is not affiliated with Securities America. www.ReadOnlineNow.com

B2B Omaha Magazine • Winter 2013 45

business ethics B y B everly J . Kra c her , P H . D.

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Thanks for voting us Best of B2B!

COMPLETE REMODEL Begins January 2, 2013

T

Politics and Moral Distractions at Work he elections were over in November, but the political conversations con-

tinue in the workplace.

“How did this happen? I can’t believe he’s President!”

“When is Congress going to get over the bipartisanship and get to work?”

“Those Super PACs completely changed the game. All they did was lie, and no one held them accountable!”

“I am so angry about the political climate in Washington that I could burst!”

It’s not just employee conversations over the cubicle walls. Employers are talking politics, too. For example, David Siegel is the founder and CEO of Westgate Resorts, the largest privately owned time-share company in the world. He sent a memo to his 7,000 employees before the election stating that they need to worry about their jobs if Barack Obama gets re-elected.

Obamacare and higher taxes, Siegel argued, are running his firm into the ground (Bloomberg Businessweek, October 10, 2012).

When should employees and employers feel comfortable expressing political views at work?

The Business Ethics Alliance held its fall dialogue last October about politics, business, and ethics. One reocurring theme was that political conversations at work are morally acceptable, as long as they do not take away from the real purpose of business. In keeping with this idea, the point was made that business leaders can, and should, educate employees about how to unify their voices on political positions that can greatly affect the stability of the firm or its industry.

So the bottom line is—stick to business. Don’t get distracted from business while at work.

Focus, focus, focus.

But there is something unsaid here, some unspoken truth that is left out of this bottom line picture. This unspoken truth was beautifully expressed after the Business Ethics Alliance Dialogue by Stuart Chittenden on his SquishTalks blog: “If businesses’ inflexibly require employees to engage only in subjects or topics that are… purely related to work, then the outcome inevitably is minimal breakthrough success for that business, a bland organizational culture, and impossible personal growth and fulfillment for the employee.”

Stuart helps us recognize the unspoken truth of the bottom line paradigm. When we focus only on business at work, we deny the human yearnings that deeply engage us. In one sense, being whole people at work is actually advantageous for business. Success in business can be measured by the numbers, but also by enlivening cultures and human flourishing. In other words, politics and moral distractions can positively feed business success.

Yet…is there more to the unspoken truth? I cannot help but press our reflection one step further…because thus far we are making the “business case” for why we should break through to our deeply held political and moral values at work. But what if, just what if, human dignity and flourishing is not merely an instrument for business success but is, rather, its raison d’etre?

And these human yearnings are the real source of the ethics that drive us to do and be better.

Respect Freedom Human dignity Deeper Being human Breaking through to the real Beverly Kracher, Ph.D. Executive Director, Business Ethics Alliance Chair of Business Ethics & Society College of Business, Creighton University

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B2B Omaha Magazine • Winter 2013

www.OmahaPublications.com

It’s refreshing knowing that

we ALIGN.

With three hospitals, 20 clinics in the greater metro area, a nursing college and a medical supply company, being connected is crucial for the best care…Cox embodies that same care to us with value.

Patient information is key and having electronic patient records at your fingertips at any moment is critical. Cox overlays technology to make connectivity work 24/7.

We’re connected…

with Cox Business…because of Cox Business.

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Businesses all around the greater metro area make a connection with Cox.

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