Faces of Lincoln 2024

FACES of Lincoln

2024

OUR DATA

CATCH Intelligence enhances organizational ef ciency and performance by transforming data into actionable intelligence through world-class analytics systems. Our core data services helped 5 State Agencies alone ag $4 Billion in fraud, waste abuse — delivering a 20,000% ROI.

CATCH INTELLIGENCE CORE DATA SERVICES INCLUDE:

OUR DATA ANALYTICS SAVES BILLIONS DETECTING FRAUD, WASTE AND ABUSE FOR GOVERNMENT AND CORPORATIONS. BOLD statement? It's a fact.

CATCH Intelligence enhances organizational ef ciency and performance by transforming data into actionable intelligence through world-class analytics systems. Our core data services have helped 5 State Agencies alone ag $4 Billion in fraud, waste and abuse — delivering a 20,000% ROI.

out

the

CATCH INTELLIGENCE CORE DATA SERVICES INCLUDE:

Strategy · Governance · Management · Quality Control · Cleansing · Migration

Conversions · Analytics · AI/ML/GenAI · Dashboarding & Reporting · Cloud Hosting

Lead by Knowing and call 402-715-5800 Ext. 101 for a free, confidential consultation with Mark Floersch, our CEO.

Lead by Knowing and call 402-715-5800 Ext. 101 for a free, confidential consultation with Mark Floersch, our CEO.

CATCHintelligence.com

Governor Jim Pillen STATE OF NEBRASKA

GOVERNOR

Nebraska is the best place in the world to live because of the people and because it is the safest place to raise a family.

Lincoln, the second largest city, is home to our iconic State Capitol, and it’s where the people’s business of the state is conducted. It’s the home of the Huskers and of course, Memorial Stadium, where we all come together to support our team.

Lincoln is thriving, receiving national accolades for its job growth and quality of life. It has always been a special place for me, from the time I was a kid, and especially now as Governor.

Lincoln is a first-rate community to raise kids. It has great schools. It’s affordable. It boasts fun family attractions such as the Lincoln Children’s Zoo, Lincoln Children’s Museum, and the Historic Haymarket. Lincoln continues to grow in popularity with tourists from far and wide.

I could brag about our Capital City all day long! I welcome you to come experience the Good Life with us in Lincoln.

Governor’s Office

P.O. Box 94848

Lincoln, NE 68509-4848

Phone: 402-471-2244

gov.nebraska.gov

WHO ARE THE FACES OF LINCOLN?

They are the people Lincolnites think of first when they need experts, pros, and the best in the business. They are maestros, mavens, and masters. They are the go-to people who have made it their business to be the best at what they do.

Lincoln is home to the Huskers and the Nebraska State Capitol, but it is also home to an innovative and robust business community. In this inaugural edition of FACES of Lincoln, you will see our pages filled with the stories of what makes each business great. Some highlight customer service, while others focus on continual innovation.

Everyone featured in this publication is the “FACE” of their field. Director of Sales Janell Folkerts and Publisher Todd Lemke cultivated this list to showcase prominent leaders in a variety of fields. The following pages introduce more than 50 companies and people, who are the best in the area.

Those who wish to be considered for FACES of Lincoln 2025 are welcome to contact Janell at 402-884-2018 or janell@nebraskapublications.com; or Todd at 402-884-2023 or todd@nebraskapublications.com.

Table of Contents

Leirion Gaylor Baird CITY OF LINCOLN MAYOR

Welcome to the Quality-ofLife Capital of the Country!

In Lincoln, almost every home is a stone’s throw away from a public park or trail. We’re a safe community with top-notch schools and strong infrastructure that contribute to a quality of life that sets the standard for students, young professionals, families, and seniors.

Yet, we’re more than where you live; we’re where you work and thrive. As a gigabit city, our diverse economy, smart growth plans, and team spirit make Lincoln a hotspot for career growth and business success, including a bustling startup scene.

And get ready to cheer! The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s volleyball team is ranked Number One in the nation and recently broke the world record for attendance at a women’s sporting event! Our community shines artistically, too— think Zoo Bar, Bourbon Theatre, Lied Center, Pinewood Bowl, and Pinnacle Bank Arena. Lincoln also makes a wonderful playground for families, with amenities like the Children’s Zoo, Children’s Museum, and Morrill Hall.

Come check out Lincoln in our new golden era, shimmering with culture, energy, and opportunity!

Mayor’s Office

555 S 10th St., No. 301 Lincoln, NE 68508

402-441-7511

lincoln.ne.gov/city/mayor

Tyler Mannix ICE CREAM

402 CREAMERY

4

02 Creamery is known for their homemade ice cream, which allows them to use quality ingredients and create unique, fun flavors, sometimes by using spicy innovation.

“We collaborated with Runza and created a chili-and-cinnamon roll ice cream flavor,” owner Tyler Mannix said. “We were thinking, ‘What is the most Nebraska thing we can turn into ice cream?’ Runza was at the top of the list.”

The flavor combined homemade cinnamon rolls and their premium ice cream base with Runza’s chili seasoning.

The company enjoys collaborating with many local creators, including High Society Cheesecake and Kinkaider

Brewing Co. They also allow others in the community the chance to help create new ice cream flavors—including the “Monster Cookie,” which features peanut butter ice cream with gobs of oatmeal cookie dough, M&Ms, and milk chocolate chips.

“Every year we do a ‘Customer Creation Month,’” Mannix said. “A customer came up with this creation, we sold it, and it was so popular, we continued to sell it.”

It’s these special touches that make 402 Creamery the premier place to get ice cream in Lincoln.

402 Creamery

Village Gardens

7101 Kentwell Lane

Lincoln, NE 68516

402-318-5236

Telegraph District

330 S. 21st Street

Lincoln, NE 68510

402-413-2238

Fallbrook

570 Fallbrook Blvd. Ste 102

Lincoln, NE 68521

402-413-2239

402creamery.com

REAL ESTATE

THE 1867 COLLECTIVE

Rachel Rentschler, co-owner of The 1867 Collective, has been a licensed realtor since 2016 and has been working in property management since 2006. The Lincoln native attended several of the local school systems—from grade school through college—and understands the unique desires of people moving into and around this city.

That knowledge enables her to connect clients on a variety of needs. Aside from helping people buy and sell their homes, she retains relationships with clients long after they have closed on their properties.

“I moved some clients to an acreage outside of Lincoln,” Rentschler said. “The previous owners left some cats, which the new owners didn’t want.” Rentschler trapped the cats and took them to the Humane Society for the clients.

She recently created an app with a web developer who understands real estate. The app connects clients to leaders in others industries, such as plumbers, electricians, and attorneys, so clients have people Rentschler knows to be trusted advisers at their fingertips.

This, along with Rentschler’s vast real estate knowledge, is why people use The 1867 Collective.

The 1867 Collective

135 Lakewood Drive Lincoln, NE 68510 402-430-7431

Our slogan is “Always Honest Answers.” We came up with that a decade ago, because we pride outselves on doing business with honor and integrity. That’s tough for consumers to find, but we approach business like everyone is a part of what we do. When we approach service like that, it’s easy to do the right thing.

For example, we won’t tell people that they need seven parts to repair their vehicle when they only need two. We’re completely transparent with what is in their best interests and what they need to get their vehicles on the road safely. We make the right decision for the customer first and foremost. This approach allows us to build trust organically. Over the years, vehicles have come to us from other locations that haven’t been able to fix their issue. With the skillset of our ASE master technicians, who

specialize in both foreign and domestic vehicles of all makes and models, we can solve any problem.

This problem-solving is why we’ve won Lincoln Choice awards two years in a row. We have customers who drive three or four hours from places like Marysville, Kansas, and Council Bluffs, Iowa, to have us service their vehicles. We are grateful for their trust, and we continue to provide them with “Always Honest Answers.”

A1

1117 L Street

Lincoln, NE 68508

402-477-4660

a1autolincoln.com

Melissa Dodge & Dr. Jaime Dodge, M D

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE

ALETHEIA INTEGRATIVE

Dr. Jaime Dodge and Melissa Dodge created Aletheia Integrative Medicine to offer a medical approach that combines traditional and functional medicine and new innovations with time-tested healing pathways in order to provide patients with renewed hope as their natural healing resources are restored.

Their accessible and available board-certified physicians keep families on the path to optimal health and provide expedient help toward renewed health when the unexpected happens. By incorporating natural approaches such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy, PRP therapy, near-infrared light, thermography, IV infusions, and supplements, Aletheia Integrative Medicine provides patients with new strategies for their bodies to heal the way they were designed.

Dr. Dodge is a personalized care physician who has experience that includes practicing in rural settings of Nebraska

and Iowa, providing emergency and hospital medicine in larger settings, serving in military medicine, and training and teaching other physicians.

“We’re looking for patients who are seeking optimal health for themselves and their families,” Dr. Dodge explained. “We aim to come alongside them to help navigate their treatment options for good outcomes and be mindful of their time and money along the way.”

Aletheia Integrative

5445 Red Rock Lane, Suite 300 Lincoln, NE 68516 531-333-2037

aletheia.md

Janell Folkerts

PUBLIC SPEAKER AGENCY ALLUR

TALENT AGENCY

Event planners need speakers to present specific messages, often ones that solve problems while also relating to the audience. Janell Folkerts, owner of Allur Talent Agency, knows this. With 20 years of working with the business community, she’s an expert at finding the perfect speaker for any event.

Hiring a keynote speaker is the best way to bring authenticity to your event and create a memorable experience.

“A lot of other speaker agencies wait for people to come to them,” Folkerts said. “I am active in promoting my speakers. On the speaker side, when someone is interested in working with me, I can help them with personal branding and with producing a book to go with the speaking engagements.”

Those who want to book a speaker will deal with one person: Folkerts. She handles the entire business, from finding that perfect speaker within a niche to negotiating with speakers and planners. And she can work within a variety of budgets.

“Helping clients find the right speaker to meet their objectives and help to connect with the right audience is my passion,” she said.

Allur Talent Agency

Lincoln, NE

402-545-0982

allurtalent.com

janell@allurtalent.com

Altitude Motion Media Team

Content creation is a big part of any marketing budget these days, but video, specifically, takes time, energy, and knowledge to be effective. That’s where Altitude Motion Media enters the picture.

The company understands the needs of their clients and provides creative content for a flat rate, which is different from their competitors, who often charge different fees for creation and editing.

The needs of companies have changed recently, and Altitude Motion Media has adapted by often providing more than just one video for a customer. The company also generates micro content pieces that can be especially effective on social media and create an innovative look for the client that endures for several months.

“Those are valuable to businesses,” CEO and Creative Director Ryan Lindbeck said. “Even though you are paying us for one video, you often get several.”

Altitude Motion Media produces content quickly while simultanouesly staying on trend. The five-employee team prides itself on keeping customers informed of progress while turning content around quickly. They also pick up the phone themselves. When customers call, they answer. The result is a creative team that delivers on-trend content within budget.

Altitude Motion Media

Lincoln, NE

402-417-0678

altitudemotion.com

team@altitudemotion.com

Antique Anthology masterfully intertwines antiquity with modernity. Visitors discover a treasury of unique items, such as vintage apothecary bottles, and modern touches, such as artworks, that delight for decades.

“I spend hours curating and selecting,” owner Janelle Mueller said. “I’ll have customers come in and say ‘Wow, I’ve never seen that before!’”

The boutique is also a showcase for local artisans, from woodworkers to Lincoln artists crafting handmade paper. Globally sourced textiles and handwoven pillows allow homes to weave in distant stories.

It’s a shop that satisfies lovers of oldworld, unique pieces and those who want the latest trends. Antique Anthology

offers a diverse, harmonious collection for multiple price points.

“If you can’t afford an antique area rug, you might be able to afford a small rug that you can put on top of your coffee table,” Mueller said. “There are different ways to get a look.”

Singular antiques, specialty artwork, considerate gifts, and culinary treasures transform each dwelling into a narrative of distinctiveness, blending variety with attainability.

Antique Anthology

690 Monroe Street

Bennet, NE 68317

402-310-7355

anthologynebraska.com

Frantz Antoine RESIDENTAL ROOFING

ANTOINE EXTERIORS

When Frantz Antoine opened Antoine Exteriors in spring 2021, he knew the values he wanted to convey in his business.

The company works hard to be honest and accountable, make customers feel like family, engage in the community, call customers back the same day, and communicate with them every step of their process. The employees are passionate about their roles and responsibilities within the company, and Antoine and his team show up to work with a positive mindset.

These values are so important to Antoine and his business, that he holds a class twice a week in which the team comes together to work on improving both their work and themselves as people.

“I want customers to feel comfortable, like they can trust us,” Antoine said. “Are we listening and giving them their options?”

The bottom line, for Antoine, is building an honest, accountable business that leads to great relationships with customers. This is because he wants customers to know that Antoine Exteriors is the reliable option when it comes to residential roofing in Lincoln.

Antoine Exteriors

1701 Windhoek Drive, Suite 120 Lincoln, NE 68512

402-260-1099

antoineexteriorsllc.com

Aaron Newell ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE SOLUTIONS

AR SOLUTIONS

Innovation is what sets AR Solutions apart from the competition. Aaron Newell, AR Solutions President and CEO, is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to do just that. The company has created a payment system that records each part of the collection process. When sending out communications via email, AR Solutions’ system tracks if an email has been opened or read. This vital information then triggers the next step in the collection process.

AR Solutions has a secure, confidential, and robust website for consumers to pay online, negotiate payments, ask questions, and set up payment reminders. It offers a variety of payment methods, which make it convenient for consumers. It accepts payments through electronic funds transfer (EFT), debit cards, credit cards, Facebook, Venmo, Cash App, and more. This allows payments to be collected faster and more efficiently.

“I have been amazed at the success rate we have had through consumers utilizing our customized payment platform. We have determined that when consumers get a chance to communicate with us in a way that is easy and convenient for them, the results speak for themselves,” Newell said.

AR Solutions

7111 A Street, Suite 200 Lincoln, NE 68510 402-817-3929

arsolutionsinc.com

Dr. Olivia Bayer, DC

NATURAL WEIGHT LOSS AND BODY CONTOURING

ASCEND AESTHETICS

Ascend Aesthetics’ mission is to treat both aesthetic and physical health challenges holistically so people can live their best lives. Their patients see physical transformations as well as transformations with their confidence. The result isn’t just a new look—it’s a new empowered lifestyle.

“We have a long-lasting impact,” owner Dr. Olivia Bayer said. “Everything we have is curated to empower you to feel better physically for your whole life, not just your event or photo.”

Ascend Aesthetics uses many innovative, high-tech pieces of equipment, such as Emsculpt Neo, which reduces fat and boosts muscle. Once in the office, patients are also delighted to discover that services feature range of techniques, nutrition counseling, and aesthetic services such as skin tightening procedures, massages, and more.

Bayer practices what she preaches. Having tried many weight loss programs and devices, she is particularly proud to offer the Ascend Slim Program, a sixweek, medically supervised metabolic reset. Patients use anti-inflammatory, whole foods and nutritional support formulas to lose about 15% of their body weight. Since the program resets the metabolism, the weight stays off.

Ascend Aesthetics

South

1600 Normandy Court, Suite 106 Lincoln, NE 68512

531-500-0244

North

5611 NW 1st Street, Suite 105 Lincoln, NE 68521

402-480-6680

slimdownne.com

Those in need of a skilled criminal defense lawyer will find a caring and tireless advocate in Sarah Newell. That is why she is writing the book on criminal defense for the Nebraska State Bar Association. Her treatise on Criminal Practice and Procedure from the defense perspective will be published in 2025.

Newell has nearly 20 years of experience in criminal law. She has represented clients on all manner of charges, helping people navigate the system on everything from traffic cases to capital murder.

She has defended thousands of clients statewide in more than 40 jury trials, including 50+ homicide cases. She has achieved acquittals and appellate reversals for clients in everything from Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Resisting Arrest, to Sexual Assault and Homicide.

These results have earned Newell her reputation as a smart, tenacious lawyer who fights hard for every client. But, helping clients move on with their lives is the real reward. “Knowing that you fought for someone when nobody else would is the thing that keeps me going,” she said.

Berry Law

6940 O St., No. 400

Lincoln, NE 68510

402-466-8444

berrylaw.com

John Berry PERSONAL INJURY LAW BERRY LAW

Lincolnites seriously injured in a car accident have a law firm they can trust.

Founded by Vietnam veteran John Stevens Berry Sr. more than 50 years ago, Berry Law continues to protect the constitutional rights of its clients in the courtroom and beyond. The Berry Law team is now led by Iraq War veteran John S. Berry Jr.

“You can’t have safety without accountability. That means holding both the negligent parties and the insurance companies accountable,” CEO John S. Berry Jr. said.

Berry points out that it’s not just the injured person who is affected by serious injury accidents. Family members also feel the pain.

“Our job is to help our clients and their families overcome their financial setbacks so that they can focus on their physical recovery and get back to pursuing their goals and dreams,” Berry said.

Berry Law

6940 O St., No. 400 Lincoln, NE 68510

402-466-8444

berrylaw.com

Chris Bell, President & Dave Bishop, CEO OFFICE EQUIPMENT

Much like having a computer program that fizzles out right before a big project is due, having a copier or printer break down right before needing 10 copies of printouts is stressful. Fortunately, the people at Bishop Business are professionals at office equipment—it’s all they do.

“We’re family-owned and operated,” President Chris Bell said. “We represent the biggest brands and the best technology in the industry—Xerox, HP, Toshiba, EPSON, and more.”

The people who work at Bishop Business make working with Bishop Business efficient and easy for customers. With their customer-first culture, they pride themselves on being quick to call people back and fix problems on a variety of brands.

Add to that, many of the people who work for Bishop Business have been in the office equipment industry for many years, whether as salespeople or technicians.

Because in this ever-evolving, highly technical world, it is still people who make the machines work and others want to work with them. That’s what makes Bishop Business the experts in office equipment.

Bishop Business

5253 R Street

Lincoln, NE 68504

402-660-6341

bbec.com

Blake Pittack

HOME BUILDERS

BLAKE BUILDERS

Blake Pittack has built his company on doing the right thing and by maintaining honesty and integrity in a business where it would be easy to cut corners.

“We always do what’s right, even if it costs us a little extra money here or there,” he said. “If there’s going to be a delay in the product, it’s better to be honest up front.”

That integrity extends to the quality of service that Blake Builders provides. Pittack started in commercial construction, which uses a project manager as well as a project superintendent for each project. In many residential businesses, the project manager also acts as field manager, but Pittack sees the value in keeping separate staff members for these distinct jobs.

The company maintains quality and its reputation through clear client communication. Blake Builders work hard to respond to clients within 24 hours. It is crucial to Pittack that his staff keeps clients abreast of all project updates, and his staff structure ensures his company is a leader in his field.

“We have good systems and processes set up for success,” Pittack said.

Blake Builders

8301 Cody Drive, Suite C Lincoln, NE 68512

402-459-0496

buildwithblake.com

Mark Floersch & Janet Tschudin DATA

CATCH Intelligence would like to recognize Janet Tschudin, Vice President of Organizational Development, for her outstanding leadership and years of dedicated service to coaching our people. CATCH Intelligence regularly recognizes key employees for their outstanding service through a gift of our most prized “Goliath Award.”

“Thank you, Janet, for your outstanding service!” CEO Mark Floersch said. CATCH Intelligence is dedicated to helping customers “Lead by Knowing” and use actionable intelligence to become more data driven.

The company is proud to be headquartered in Nebraska, and for 22 years, it has been helping customers turn their data into gold to improve their business performance and results. The CATCH Brand Promise is to deliver the world’s best and most cost-effective data management

and analytics systems while providing the greatest value to customers.

Services extend across industries, offering limitless potential in AI, ML, data science, and GenAI. Notably, CATCH Intelligence has been combatting fraud in government during the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting state organizations, and aiding in fund recovery.

“We are so excited to help our customers use Data Analytics to make a positive difference in the world,” Floersch said.

CATCH Intelligence

402-715-5800

catchintelligence.com

CBD American Shaman Team

CBD & THC DISPENSARIES

CBD AMERICAN SHAMAN

People interested in using CBD and THC to help treat conditions such as chronic pain, insomnia, or anxiety will find three CBD American Shaman locations in Lincoln that can fit their needs.

“We are U.S.-Hemp-Authority-certified, which is the highest standard in the industry,” franchise owner Brandon Ford said.

American Shaman uses a proprietary nanotechnology that breaks down the particle size of the cannabinoids to make their products more bioavailable to the body with faster and higher absorption rates.

Their products come from top-grade hemp plants grown on agriculturally responsible farms right here in the USA.

They offer CBD and THC in a variety of products to fit customers’ specific needs, including oils, gummies, topicals, capsules, and more. They even have products for pets.

“Beginning your journey with CBD or hemp products can feel intimidating at first, but we are passionate about helping our customers find a solution that works for them,” Ford said.

CBD American Shaman

27th & Cornhusker

2662 Cornhusker Hwy.

Lincoln, NE 68521

531-500-3672

48th & O

233 N. 48th Street, Suite I

Lincoln, NE 68504

402-580-1614

16th & Old Cheney

1600 Normandy Court, Suite 102

Lincoln, NE 68512

402-840-0393

cbdamericanshaman.com

Aaron Young CATERING CHEFAUCHEF

When people book events through ChefauChef, they work with the same people throughout the entire process. Chef Aaron Young said that is one thing that sets his company apart from others.

“There’s a lot of turnover in this industry,” said Young, who started ChefauChef in 2012. “How many times has someone planned something a year and a half in advance, and by the time of the event, they are dealing with someone different?”

That process starts from the time someone makes contact with Chef Aaron. As long as a customer knows who, when, and how many people will be served, he can start customizing a service and doing so on a budget if needed. He works with each customer himself to craft the perfect menu for them.

Chef Aaron and his team work together to curate and prepare the perfect culinary experience. They make sure they deliver on time, no matter the circumstances, and to serve the best possible food to all guests.

“I love serving. That’s one of my gifts, is service. I truly enjoy it,” Young said.

ChefauChef

643 S. 25th Street, Suite 7 Lincoln, NE 68510

402-474-2233

chefauchef.com

Erika

Jensen

CHOCOLATERIE

THE CHOCOLATE SEASON

When customers step into The Chocolate Season, they find that the visual buffet of colors and textures can only be matched by the aromatics

of freshly brewed coffee and the intoxicating scent of chocolate. Owner Erika Jensen has made chocolate and the art of flavor pairing her life’s passion.

“When you take the time to learn the chemistry behind ganache formulation and pair that with tasting travels across the U.S. and Europe, you create the perfect recipe for unique and exciting product development,” she said.

That is exactly how she created one of her favorite truffles, “Snozzberry.” While enjoying local brews with husband, Bradley, at Kinkaider Brewing Co., she

began to ponder if her Snozzberry Sour could actually turn into a chocolate bon bon.

“I tasted bright raspberry notes, but loved that as a sour. It wasn’t heavy or hoppy,” Jensen said. She concocted a caramelized ganache with raspberry puree and raspberry and passionfruit chocolates and then shelled it in yuzu chocolate for extra pucker. She then painted the chocolate to mimic the beer’s branding.

“I love making chocolate fun; every taste should be an experience,” she said.

The Chocolate Season

3855 Village Lane, Suite 100 Lincoln, NE 68516

402-466-1139

www.thechocolateseason.com

CKF Team

CABINETRY & COUNTERTOPS

CKF is best known for their broad selection of countertops and cabinets that suit a wide range of design styles and price points. Their Lincoln showroom allows customers to view modern, full-size displays, utilizing the different materials, finishes, and applications they offer.

The company has been in business for over a century and employs more than 200 people across five locations in Nebraska, Iowa, and Kansas. The team in Lincoln has more than 30 years of local experience, making them the best resource for custom cabinetry and countertops in the area.

The process begins with a visit to CKF’s showroom or their virtual gallery for inspiration, materials, and finishes as well as hardware options and design

functionality. CKF works with a variety of clients and project scales, designing everything from an entire kitchen as part of a new build to major kitchen renovations and larger commercial projects like apartment complexes and offices. CKF’s talented team is equipped with the knowledge and expertise to create the customized cabinet and countertop solutions that best meet each client’s needs and budget.

CKF Team

6100 S. 57th Street A Lincoln, NE 68516

402-423-0025

ckfco.com

Chris Krueger PILATES CLUB PILATES

Club Pilates Lincoln opened in July 2023 and is already making waves with the innovative form of exercise called Pilates.

Studio owner Chris Krueger is committed to bringing health and wellness to the Lincoln community. She ensures that members receive the best possible Pilates experience while in her studio and that when they leave, they are moving better, feeling better, and living better. Those who join a class at Club Pilates feel supported and encouraged by their peers as well as instructors.

All Club Pilates instructors have been through 500 hours of training and are nationally certified in this form of exercise, which was originally done by elite athletes and dancers.

Krueger also actively engages with the community through a variety of organizations. Her passion for fitness and her dedication to Pilates values have created a welcoming and supportive atmosphere at Club Pilates.

Members are welcomed into a bright studio, where instructors offer classes for all types of fitness levels, from high intensity and strength training to mobility and recovery. The practice gives people the chance to live a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Club Pilates

8222 Holdrege Street, Suite 7 Lincoln, NE 68505

531-500-1456

clubpilateslincoln.com

Renting a storage unit for one’s special items often means trusting those items to someone else, and the folks at Dino’s Storage know that a personal touch means a lot to their customers.

“We have a person at every location,” owner Lisa Paladino said. “A lot of businesses are going to automation with kiosks and the internet, and the customers never see a person.”

The family-owned business has been in storage for 25 years and takes pride in being involved in the community. They can be found hosting free tailgates on game days as well as hosting other events for the family with food trucks and a dog-shaped bounce house.

Dino’s has storage units conveniently located downtown near Memorial Stadium. This is perfect for tailgaters who want to store their grill, pop-up tent, and other tailgate accessories throughout the season versus hauling them downtown every game day. This location is also perfect for college students who need a spot to store their things during the summer.

At the Northern Lights location, customers will find a modern storage facility with an indoor loading area and climate-controlled storage.

Dino’s Storage

North

1945 N. 84th Street

Lincoln, NE 68505

402-975-2566

Downtown

601 J Street

Lincoln, NE 68508

402-486-3466

dinosstorage.com

David J. Duff HOME INSURANCE

FARM BUREAU FINANCIAL SERVICES

Ahome is most people’s largest investment, which is why investing in the right home insurance and home insurance adviser is key.

Those who go through David Duff for their home insurance will find a representative who works hard to make sure his clients have the best care possible. He enjoys helping others and coming up with the right insurance strategy for their needs.

“I like taking care of people, I like being there for when people need me and being able to provide good, prompt service,” Duff said.

He understands that people often call insurance agents when things go wrong, which is why he has built his business on honesty and customer service. Whether it’s a house fire, theft, or burst water pipe, Duff can help clients weather the storms with his personable, caring manner.

“If something goes wrong, you need to be there for them,” Duff said.

Farm Bureau Financial Services

8600 S. 30th Street, Suite 114

Lincoln, NE 68114

402-423-7109

fbfs.com

Jason McDonald & Heath Koontz FIRE & SAFETY

GENERAL FIRE & SAFETY

Businesses that need help with fire protection, whether that is a sprinkler system that rains on the kitchenette due to burnt popcorn, an alarm that goes off in the middle of the night, or anything else, can rest assured that the folks at General Fire & Safety have them covered.

“Our number one thing is our customer service,” said owner Jason McDonald, noting that they always answer the phone and provide licensed and certified technicians who pride themselves on doing a thorough, correct job.

The full-line, fire protection provider services, repairs, maintains, and installs fire sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, fire suppression systems, and fire extinguishers. Whatever the need, all it takes is one phone call.

General Manager and Director of Operations Heath Koontz noted that the company is Nebraska-owned and has more than 50 service technicians available 24 hours a day to take care of any fire protection needs.

McDonald echoed the sentiment, stating, “At the end of the day, life is all about our family and friends and making sure we stay safe.”

General Fire & Safety 8301 Cody Drive Lincoln, NE 68512 402-261-0116

lincolngfs.com

Crystal Bock Thiessen & Jake Thiessen FARM TO TABLE CAFÉ HUB CAFÉ

Hub Café started with the idea of making the best ingredients in Lincoln come to life and highlighting the local growers and producers behind them in a chef-driven way.

That’s the core of Hub Café, which leans into its farm-to-table aesthetic, from the food served in the dining room to the seasonal, weekly farmers market that is hosted in the patio area adjacent to the park.

“We work hard to develop relationships with small, local farmers and use their products in our menu,” owner and Executive Chef Jake Thiessen said.

“We offer many creative twists on comfort foods,” co-owner Crystal Bock

Thiessen added. A good example is the breakfast skillet, which uses local kale, house-made breakfast sausage, and goat feta from Shadowbrook farm. The dish comes with a side of rustic toast from Le Quartier.

The restaurant’s name reflects its location on the confluence of Lincoln’s many bicycle trails as well as its position as a hub for local growers and people who enjoy their food and locally-sourced beers and ciders.

Hub Café

250 N. 21st Street, No. 3

Lincoln, NE 68503

402-474-2453

hubcafelincoln.com

Michelle Keogh & Scott Lockard

REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

HAMPTON ENTERPRISES

“

Little things matter” is a phrase often said by detail-oriented people and professionals. That phrase is a business model known as “The Hampton Way” at Hampton Enterprises.

“You’ll hear our employees drive by and say, ‘I did that,’ or ‘That’s part of what we do,’” President Michelle Keogh said. “You get that sense of ownership, because our employees care about the customer as much as leadership does.”

In 2023, Hampton Enterprises celebrated its 75th anniversary. A significant benefit for their clients is Hampton’s small, yet caring, approach. Customers work directly with dedicated professionals, who oversee their property management and construction needs, ensuring clients know whom to call for help.

“The company wasn’t built just to maximize profits; it was built with a responsibility toward our employees,” Keogh said. “We refer to employees as family, because that commitment is deeply rooted in our core values.”

When it comes to the construction side of the business, President Scott Lockard continues the theme of Hampton being a family that builds synergy between clients and employees.

“We have a long list of customers who use us for their projects and come back to us because of the relationship we have built with them as well as the trust they have in us. We believe that construction is more than just building a building or remodeling a space. It’s the process that matters and how you treat your customers,” Lockard said.

That has led to employees who have been with the company for 35, even 40,

years, including many who started in entry-level positions and worked their way to management because of their care for and pride in the company. The family-oriented, quality-first culture has led to success throughout the city in the form of over 900,000 square feet of property.

It’s not just about the bottom line; it’s about the employees and the customers.

Hampton Enterprises

3400 Plantation Drive, Suite 110

Lincoln, NE 68516

402-489-8858

hampton1.com

Team

Interiors Joan and Associates is Lincoln’s premier interior design firm offering individual attention for small or large projects. Originally opening in Fremont in 1963 as “Interiors by Joan” after the founder Joan Sorenson, a second location opened in Omaha in 1985. In 2003, the firm expanded to Lincoln.

The award-winning design firm is family owned by Kris Patton. Kris is a third-generation interior designer, following the examples set by her mother and former owner, Diane Gernstein, former partner Nancy Pesavento, and her grandmother, Joan Sorenson, the firm’s founder.

“As designers, we take inspiration from everything we do. The knowledge of many different styles keeps our designers fresh and distinctive. We listen to our clients and figure out what they want for their space. There’s a lot of psychology involved,” Patton said.

“We show them things they can’t do themselves. We take them outside of their comfort zones and show them things that are unique to them. The relationships grow as the designers get to know the individual,” Patton added. “Our designers aren’t just pushing a trend or their personal style—they help the clients find what they want.”

Interiors Joan & Associates

4131 Pioneer Woods Drive Lincoln, NE 68506

402-488-2600

interiorsbyjoan.com

Dr. Jessica Jacobson, DO, FAACS COSMETIC SURGERY

JACOBSON COSMETIC SURGERY

Aproverb says a good surgeon has an eagle’s eye, a lion’s heart, and a lady’s hand. With Dr. Jessica Jacobson, people in Lincoln now have a lady’s hand when it comes to cosmetic surgery. She opened her practice in March 2022 and has found that people appreciate having female representation in this male-dominated field.

Patients say it’s refreshing to have a female surgeon and that gives them one less thing to worry about.

“You’re talking about your biggest physical insecurities,” Dr. Jacobson said. “I can help my patients feel even more comfortable.”

That comfort level is a big part of their service as a boutique cosmetic surgery practice and continues through the all-female staff, who understand proceeding with cosmetic surgery is a personal decision.

They assist with giving patients the most comfortable experience possible, even before setting foot in the door. Through their forward-facing online presence, prospective patients know exactly whom and what to expect.

“There’s an ease to feeling like you already know your surgeon, which puts the doctor-patient relationship in a more collaborative light,” Dr. Jacobson said.

Jacobson Cosmetic Surgery

1630 S. 70th Street, Suite 202

Lincoln, NE 68506

531-254-5458

jacobsoncosmeticsurgery.com

Kathy Plunkett

ADVERTISING & EDITORIAL PHOTOGRAPHY

KATHY PLUNKETT PHOTOGRAPHY

Photographer Kathy Plunkett is exceptional at connecting with people and telling stories with authenticity through her camera.

One recent client wanted to refresh their photo library. The shoot was two days at three locations and involved about 30 different groups of people. The time spent with each group was short, and the people were not paid models, so Plunkett had to connect quickly with the subjects to capture real moments. The resulting photos told the story of a busy, vibrant business where people of all types came together.

Plunkett began in photography when someone who had seen her vacation photos asked her to take photos of their band. That one photo session in 2003 hooked Plunkett on being an advertising and editorial photographer. She started a business while keeping her engineering career, and by 2013, she was a full-time photographer.

Plunkett’s engineering background made her an expert on organizing shoots and finding solutions to meet the client’s creative and budgetary needs.

“But most importantly,” she said, “for a photo to feel authentic, it has to be fun for those in front of the camera. I make sure of that.”

Kathy Plunkett Photography

2124 Y Street, Number 123 Lincoln, NE 68503 402-853-4657

kathyplunkett.com

Those needing insulation in their homes will find one company in Lincoln whose passion for their business means they will give you the best: the best product, the best service, and the best quality.

“As I got into insulation, I just got really interested in the building science and how important insulation was to people,” owner Nate Krieser said. “There’s a lot of times I’ll have contractors send me pictures just to get my thoughts on things.”

He immerses himself in his business and especially loves putting together the puzzles of fancy or older homes that have unique corners and tight spaces. He loves the tough envelopes and the houses that are particularly challenging to insulate properly. “When you have some of these

houses that are more intricate, you really have to know and understand which type of insulation will work best in each situation,” he said.

It’s not just the physical space puzzles that Krieser enjoys. He also loves figuring out how the insulation contributes to good air circulation and how to seal houses properly.

“We have so many options. I really feel like there isn’t anything we can’t get done properly,” Krieser said.

Krieser Drywall & Insulation

1445 182nd Road

Seward, NE 68434

402-432-2031

krieserdrywall.com

Kung Fu Tea franchisee Paulina Nguyen loves introducing people to her family-owned company’s bubble tea, and she and her team take pride and care in every batch of boba they make.

Kung Fu Tea makes their drinks with either a honey or a brown-sugar boba, which is created from tapioca starch. They make it fresh every four hours to ensure the best possible quality.

“We cook the brown sugar boba for about 20 extra minutes,” Nguyen said. “It’s really sweet and soft, but chewy.”

Along with the tapioca-based boba, Nguyen and her staff at Kung Fu Tea offer a wide variety of toppings, such as adzuki beans, jellies, and popping

bubbles, which have a thin, gel-like skin with fresh juice inside that bursts when squeezed. The tea shop offers four different kinds of tea—black, green, Oolong, and Thai—and an impressively large drink selection. “We have over 100 drinks,” Nguyen said, adding that she and her staff can make exactly the type of bubble tea each customers wants.

“Whenever I see people happy with their food or drink,” she said, “I’m so happy.”

Kung Fu Tea

2755 Jamie Lane, Number 2

Lincoln, NE 68516

531-500-1323

kungfutea.com

Dr. Emily S. Willett, DDS, MS ORTHODONTICS

Life is about relationships—and although amazing and life-changing smiles speak for themselves, it’s the strong relationships and trust that form the solid foundation for Lincoln Orthodontics.

“Our treatment is entirely individualized and patient-focused. I carefully consider what options are best for each patient after learning about their needs and wants,” Dr. Emily S. Willett said. “The orthodontic process should be an enjoyable process for patients of any age, and the results should exceed expectations always.”

That’s why Dr. Willett’s practice is always buzzing with happy activity. All day long, you’ll see young kids with happy parents, teens who are excitedly sharing their successes, adults grateful to see

their new smiles, and cheerful Lincoln Orthodontics team members there to help every step of the way.

Dr. Willett and her team at Lincoln Orthodontics build strong relationships by focusing on how communication can be tailored to each patient. The consistent feedback from happy patients is that the explanation and guidance provided are above and beyond their expectations. Dr. Willett and each member of her team wants you to “Go Big and Smile Bigger!”

Lincoln Orthodontics

6825 S. 27th Street, Number 202

Lincoln, NE 68512

402-489-8841

lincoln-orthodontics.com

L Kelly Jensen GPS SERVICES LINCTRACK GPS

incTrack GPS is a trailblazer in vehicle GPS tracking and dash camera solutions, transforming the service industry since 2011. Their mission is clear: empower businesses through cutting-edge technology and unwavering customer support.

Specializing in AI-integrated vehicle tracking and dash cameras, LincTrack offers real-time insights into employee locations, job durations, and driving behavior. What sets them apart is a local, hands-on approach. Backed by experts and lifetime hardware warranties, LincTrack ensures seamless integration tailored to clients’ needs.

CEO Kelly Jensen brings 15 years of industry experience, making LincTrack GPS the Midwest’s largest reseller. The reason to choose them? LincTrack GPS stands out as a steadfast partner for streamlined fleet management, guiding clients towards efficiency, cost savings, and optimized operations.

Clients will be delighted to experience fleet management reimagined with LincTrack GPS.

LincTrack GPS

1050 N. Sixth Road Palmyra, NE 68418 402-314-0037

linctrack.com

Chris Vasek COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

LINE PARTNERS

LINE stands for Lincoln, Nebraska, which is an appropriate term for this full-service commercial real estate business.

“Most of our employees are lifetime Lincolnintes,” owner Chris Vasek said. “We are based out of here, and we are solely focused on building our business here.”

Knowing the city and the people who live in the city means they understand the needs of their clients, and the team members understand their strengths. Vasek himself is great at property brokerage, and his team includes experts in property management, maintenance, general contracting, and REO property disposition. “It takes all of us being on the same page,” Vasek said. “Culture is really big for us in

creating an effective mechanism to bring people the best. I have a great team that can help in doing that.”

Beyond the variety of services, the company is in this business for the people. Real estate is a relationship–based business, and Vasek and his team are proud that they have created a business in which they are seen as likable, trustworthy, and knowledgable.

LINE Partners

1001 S. 70th Street, Suite 225

Lincoln, NE 68510

402-477-9300

LINEpartners.com

Liza Mendoza-House knows that trying to get fit and lose weight is tough, but also that doing so can transform one’s life. She’s been there—she herself lost 70 lbs in the early 2000s.

“I built the program that I was looking for when I needed to lose the weight,” Mendoza-House said.

That’s one reason why her facility is all fitness class-based. Clients of LP Fitness Transformation Center will find a wide variety of classes, including toning, Bootcamps, kickboxing, and yoga, which help them achieve their fitness goals.

LP Fitness Transformation Center has sessions seven days a week with over 32 class times available to accommodate a

variety of schedules. Each client receives an accountability and nutrition coach, who checks in with them daily to make sure they are staying on track with their nutrition and fitness goals.

“We are more than just a gym. We are a community of individuals who are supportive of each other through our individual health journeys. We have a unique and positive environment unlike anything else in Lincoln,” MendozaHouse said.

LP Fitness Transformation Center

200 N. 66th Street, Suite 207

Lincoln, NE 68505

402-730-2359

lpfitnessne.com

Lizett Nissenson, the owner of Maven Tile and Stone, has been in the tile and stone industry for over 20 years.

She is a certified Ceramic Tile Consultant and Tile Specialist. In June 2022, Nissenson moved her business from the West Coast to Lincoln.

Maven Tile and Stone works with builders, designers, architects, and homeowners to provide and offer a full-service design studio. This means they not only offer tiles and installation but also take into consideration the infrastructure and architecture of the house, adding value to each client’s home while tastefully keeping design as an emphasis.

Maven Tile and Stone has had the privilege of working with many high-profile clients in the entertainment industry in one-of-a-kind unique homes and commercial spaces.

Nissenson won the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business of the Year in 2022. She was also awarded Woman Entrepreneur of the Year for her industry in 2021.

“Whether you are a homeowner or a professional, we are ready to help you create the home and space of your dreams,” Nissenson said.

Shane Geise ELECTRICIANS

PRECISION LIGHTING & ELECTRIC

Lighting a pathway to a garden is different from lighting a pool or hot tub and different from working in a bucket truck to reach wiring or lighting in a difficult area of a business. Precision Lighting & Electric, though, is there to help with any type of electric or lighting need.

“We have 24/7 service, and we have experts in every single field of electrical,” owner Shane Geise said. “When you make an appointment with us, we get to you in a timely manner, and we hit our deadlines.”

Precision Lighting & Electric works in high-voltage, commercial, residential, data, fire alarm, security, and more. With over 100 employees, their dedicated team of professionals is ready to help you with any electrical need you might have.

With their customer-first mindset, Precision Lighting & Electric makes sure that every job is done well and done right, and they treat you and your property like family. “We won’t turn away any job.” Geist said. “There is no job too small or too big for us to handle.”

Precision Lighting & Electric

6128 Havelock Avenue

Lincoln, NE 68507

402-521-4101

precisionelectricne.com

Scott & Ryan Stara VEHICLE WRAPS

REVOLUTION WRAPS

Businesses who want to make a large impact with their marketing for a reasonable price can do so by branding their company vehicles through Revolution Wraps. Ryan Stara, vice president and CFO, noted that vehicle wraps garner between 30,000 and 70,000 impressions per vehicle per day.

“The image your wrapped vehicle projects when you are in a neighborhood is so much more than a vehicle that might just have a magnet,” he said.

An additional benefit of a wrap is that it adds a layer of protection between a vehicle’s paint and outside factors, making the product a good investment for any fleet vehicle, especially when companies lease their vehicles.

Regardless of budget, Revolution Wraps will work with anyone, and they can even use specialty materials like reflective vinyl, so that at night, when a light shines on the vehicle, the graphics glow.

In many cases, Revolution Wraps has started brand standards for companies by creating graphics for fleet vehicles. That’s how they partner with clients to build a bigger brand.

Revolution Wraps

1811 Cornhusker Hwy Lincoln, NE 68521

402-475-2886

revolutionwraps.com

Ryan “ Rosi e” Rosenstiel SPORTS BAR

ROSIE’S SPORTS BAR & GRILL

People looking to watch the big game with friends in a relaxed atmosphere where the staff knows everyone’s name will do well at Rosie’s. In fact, no matter where someone sits at their establishment, the game is sure to be visible.

“We’re very proud of that. We have an obnoxious amount of TVs,” said owner Ryan Rosenstiel of the dozens of TVs available for viewing. “There’s not a bad seat. No matter where you are, you always have an eye on the game. We make sure every table position has an eye on a TV that you can see and see well.”

Besides, the drinks are some of the most affordable in town. Rosenstiel is originally from a small town, and he cultivates a small-town atmosphere with big-city service, which includes providing high-quality bar food made from scratch.

“We care about people having fun, and as we are a big sports town, we make sure we’re ready for the fans,” Rosenstiel said.

Rosie’s Sports Bar & Grill

1501 Center Park Road

Lincoln, NE 68512

402-420-6262

rosiessportsbar.com

Dan

“ Rowd y” Rau

PAYMENTS RUN PAYMENTS

Collecting payment from customers can be nerve-racking for any business owner. Fortunately, with Rowdy and his team at Run Payments, this task is made simpler.

Rowdy has built his business on being a trusted consultant and adviser to the business owners with whom Run Payments works. Although most people focus on lower fees, Rowdy realizes there may be other solutions for his customers.

“I understand their business,” Rowdy said. “I ask questions about how they run their business, what their technologies are, how they process payments. Maybe it’s an auto dealership, a lumber company, or a retail store. Those are different businesses with very different needs.”

Through these questions, Rowdy has created a product matrix that allows Run Payments to package solutions for different businesses, and he’s been working with this matrix for nearly five times as long as the average payments adviser.

He has built relationships with people all around the world over the past 15 years, which is what gives Run Payments the solutions-based business that makes people want to “Run with Rowdy.”

Run Payments

Lincoln, NE

402-630-3472

runpayments.io

rowdy@runpayments.io

Jordan Hamann Heiser

FINE JEWELERS SARTOR HAMANN JEWELERS

Jordan Hamann Heiser has jewelry in her blood. She grew up around the jewelry business that has been in Lincoln since 1905. In fact, her great-grandfather, William Hamann, joined the company in 1955, and many family members have worked there. Hamann Heiser has worked in every single position in the business— from gift wrapping to cleaning jewelry to retail to the operations side of the business.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in business marketing with a minor in economics, from the University of NebraskaLincoln, Hamann Heiser earned a Graduate Gemologist degree from the Gemological Institute of America in Carlsbad, California, where she learned everything about diamonds and other gemstones and the jewelry industry.

“We do a lot of appraisal work here for estate purposes, for insurance purposes,” Hamann Heiser said.

Team members at every level of the company—from executive to design to sales—are accredited. That includes master bench jewelers and certified jewelry professionals, appraisers, and buyers. All ensure that customers of this fourth-generation family-owned and operated company can find jewelry on the cutting edge of style, fashion, and technology.

“I consider myself and my team very well rounded in the industry,” Hamann Heiser said.

Sartor Hamann Jewelers

Downtown

11150 O Street

Lincoln, NE 68508

402-476-8561

South 2900 Pine Lake Road

Lincoln, NE 68516

402-420-2244

sartorhamann.com

Heidi Wubbels EVENT VENUES

SEVEN WILLOWS WEDDINGS & EVENTS

Nestled on a picturesque 30-acre horse farm only 15 minutes south of Lincoln, is Seven Willows, a 10,000-square-foot, Amish-built, barn venue.

Naming it after their seven kids, Aaron and Heidi Wubbels of Hickman, Nebraska, realized the need for a venue that seats up to 400 and can be versatile for any look—from rustic and Boho to formal and glam. “We like to call it ‘Barn Bougie,’” Heidi said. “We knew we had the property to do it, and being on all paved roads was huge, so we sketched up our dream barn in a notebook and started the process to build the perfect space for weddings and events.”

From the jaw-dropping chandeliers to the 40-foot stone fireplace, it is sure to please.

Brides and grooms will love the large suites to get ready in, and the in-house catering and bar options fit every taste and budget.

“It’s been a blessing to watch it all come together and meet so many individuals and book so many events,” Heidi said.

Seven Willows Weddings & Events

7600 Panama Road

Hickman, NE 68372

402-610-3121

sevenwillowsvenue.com

Cody Schmick

DISTILLERY, BREWERY & GERMAN BIERHAUS

SIDESHOW SPIRITS, KINKAIDER BREWING CO. & BIERHAUS MAISSCHUÄLER

Entrepreneur Cody Schmick has cultivated three distinct spots where people can experience a great night out on the town.

Sideshow Spirits is the first legal distillery in Lincoln. It offers a cocktail lounge, event space, tasting room, and distillery tours. Sideshow specializes in Bourbon and single-malt whiskey.

“This is a relatively new industry for Nebraska, but everything in Nebraska is conducive to making Bourbon,” Schmick said. “Legally, corn has to be the dominant grain in order for the product to be called Bourbon. Our swings in temperature are great, because you want those barrels to contract and expand, and they impart more flavor.”

Kinkaider Brewery’s Tap Room is located on Lincoln’s old train platform, convenient for those attending Husker games and shows at Pinnacle Bank arena or visiting the capitol.

Bierhaus Maisschäler offers community seating at 16-foot-long tables and German beer, sausage, and pretzels. Polka bands often fill the air and pack the house with a festive atmosphere.

From sips of local spirits to swigs from Biersteins, Cody Schmick has made sure Lincolnites and visitors have it all: three concepts—all in downtown Lincoln.

Sideshow Spirits, Kinkaider Brewing, & Bierhaus Maisschäler

Sideshow Spirits

1630 P Street

Lincoln, NE 68508

sideshowspirits.com

Kinkaider Brewing Co.

201 N. 7th Street

Lincoln, NE 68508

kinkaider.com

Bierhaus Maisschäler

151 N. 8th Street

Lincoln, NE 68508

bierhausne.com

Michelle Boden

LIFE INSURANCE

MICHELLE BODEN AGENCY

Michelle Boden’s passion for making sure people are protected is evident in the way she and her team work. “People work hard to get where they are in life, but sometimes the world throws us the unexpected,” Boden said.

Life insurance is complicated, and as the world and life circumstances change, consulting with an agent can help you understand how best to protect you and your family. “We help people reach their goals,” Boden said.

Her office takes the time customers need to understand their wants and needs. In addition, her office offers policies that can help with long-term needs and annuities, services that not every office offers.

Boden is an agent who prides herself in providing financial stability and excellent asset quality, maintaining solid product portfolios, and paying claims.

These factors add up so that clients know when they go to Michelle Boden, they will be taken care of, their goals will be heard, and their assets will be protected.

Michelle Boden Agency

5740 Old Cheney Road, Suite 9

Lincoln, NE 68516

402-421-1100

michelleboden.com

Dr. Meghan Hungerford, DDS

COSMETIC & GENERAL DENTISTRY

SMILE INNOVATIONS DENTISTRY

Looking and feeling one’s best starts at Smile Innovations Dentistry.

Dr. Meghan Hungerford has been practicing dentistry for 10+ years and uses her experience and passion for dentistry to enhance the smiles of her patients.

Using a patient-focused philosophy, Dr. Hungerford takes the extra time to get to know each patient. “I love to see kids.

It’s good to interact with them when they are little so they are comfortable seeing a dentist from the start,” she said. “Having a dentist where the entire family can be treated in the same office is convenient and reassuring for children.”

Using modern technology, Dr. Hungerford provides efficient treatment options to her patients, who leave the office informed to make their own decisions. “We can provide same-day crowns using a 3D scanner, and we utilize dental laser technology to reduce healing time and the time the patient is in the chair,” Dr. Hungerford said.

Cosmetic dentistry has become increasingly popular—whether it is simply

brightening the smile with laser whitening treatments or a complete smile makeover utilizing crowns, veneers, or implants, Dr. Hungerford provides her patients with customized treatment plans to fit their needs.

Along with general and cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Hungerford also provides facial esthetic services, giving patients the benefit of a great smile that goes beyond their smile. “When smiling, the focus is on lips

and teeth, however it also reaches into our eyes,” she said. Utilizing her dental laser, Dr. Hungerford can provide facial laser treatments that help improve fine lines and wrinkles throughout the entire face.

Each patient is unique and special at Smile Innovations Dentistry. Dr. Hungerford and her staff look forward to meeting new patients and helping them to reach their dental and cosmetic goals.

Smile Innovations Dentistry

4110 A Street

Lincoln, NE 68510

402-484-8444

smileinnovationsdentistry.com

Pokey Black SOUTHERN CUISINE

A TASTE OF LOUISIANA

Chef and owner Pokey Black takes pride in bringing his native Louisiana dishes to Lincoln, introducing people to flavors they may never have eaten before.

“I am from the South, so I know how it tastes,” said Black, a native of Lake Charles, Louisiana. He had been to other local places that were Louisiana-foodthemed, but, like eating an aunt’s chicken soup as opposed to Mom’s, the food just wasn’t quite what he was used to eating.

That’s why he opened a Southern cuisine restaurant in the Heartland and why he takes several trips home annually to source quality ingredients and spices— from crawfish to filé powder.

The people of Lincoln responded. Black opened June 30, 2020, and within one month, people lined all the way down the street waiting for food. They still serve crowds of people, and they take serving people to heart, including those in need.

“I feed the homeless once a month or on the holidays,” Black said. “Because of my business, I’m able to do it big.”

Big heart, big flavor—that’s ‘A Taste of Louisiana.’”

5955

atasteoflouisianane.com

Dr. Brittney Keller, DC HOLISTIC FAMILY HEALTH & WELLNESS

THRIVE FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC

Tteam

itself on providing a high level of truly authentic care for the entire body.

Dr. Brittney Keller and her team excel at finding and removing interference to the nervous system to help people self heal.

“God gave our bodies the ability to heal and regulate themselves when there’s no interference,” Dr. Keller said.

They often work with women having problems with conception and follow them through to a safe, natural birth. Thrive Family Chiropractic helps with babies who are colicky, gassy, or having problems nursing. Their practice helps children alleviate problems with

allergies or asthma—all through figuring out the stresses and interferences on the nervous system.

The doctors at Thrive specialize in the Webster Technique, a method of analysis and gentle correction especially important for use on pregnant patients. They also specialize in helping their patients remedy common coughs or fevers through natural remedies such as essential oils or herbs.

“That will make a big impact on the child’s health later on in life,” Dr. Keller said.

Thrive Family Chiropractic

5960 Vandervoort Drive, Number 120

Lincoln, NE 68516

402-615-6022

thrivelincoln.com

he

at Thrive Family Chiropractic prides

Nikki Ostrander haș worked with a wide variety of businesses in her commercial insurance practice, some conventional, others not so much.

“You have to be an expert in every type of business you work with,” she said. “I am committed to being an expert in commercial insurance and an expert in a customer’s business.”

For example, someone with a hydroponic lettuce farm needed a specific coverage, so Nikki worked to find the solution. “I spent hours talking to this customer, I looked at YouTube videos, I looked at plans of her building. We visited the site,” Nikki shared. “Seeing what we’re dealing with is imperative in our business.”

In a newer, specialty business, there are lot of unknown risks. Nikki’s relationship with her underwriter enabled her to have credibility, and she understood and clearly expressed her customer’s risk to get the necessary coverage.

“I was able to sell that policy because of my commitment and my partnership with my carrier. It took a couple of extra weeks, but we were able to go to the insurance companies and get what we needed.”

Feeling the energy one had years ago is a wish of many. Often people think that with age inevitably comes fatigue, hormonal symptoms, or weight gain. The staff at Vitalize Health think differently.

“We take a comprehensive approach, looking at your labs, but also your lifestyle, stress levels, medical history, and symptoms. Our ultimate goal is to find the root cause of your symptoms,” Jacquie Stewart said.

What Stewart and her partner, Raime Misko, often find is that it’s a combination of many things, and they understand that each person is different. Each new patient undergoes a customized lab panel and is queried about their medical history before a customized medical regimen is recommended.

It’s an approach that works for anybody, at any age.

“So often we hear, ‘I just don’t feel like myself anymore. I keep hearing that my labs are ‘normal,’” Misko said. “That’s not normal. We pride ourselves on listening to our patients and mutually developing a plan that may look different than the traditional model the patient may be used to.”

Vitalize Health

2200 S. 40th Street, Suite 102 Lincoln, NE 68506 402-413-0717

vitalizehealthne.com

Nick Vuko TIRE SALES & SERVICE

WALKER TIRE POINT S

Walker Tire Point S works hard find the right tires for people. “They might have someone commuting to and from Omaha or someone who just drives their vehicle around town,” President Nick Vuko said. “Those two people would need different tires. That’s why the staff takes time to ask questions such as, ‘What type of driving do you do? What is your budget? How many miles do you put on your car?’”

The company also offers a full-service auto shop with ASE-certified technicians. They can help with check-engine lights, suspension and steering, brakes, and diagnosis.

Walker was founded in 1951 and has been locally and family-owned since that time, so guests know they are getting experience. Since the beginning, they

have been at the forefront of bringing great tires to Lincoln with brands such as Micheline, Bridgestone, Toyo, Nokin, and more.

“My father took over in 1983. He’s trained all his kids in tires and tire sales,” said Vuko. “That history, accompanied by our affiliation with Point S Co-Op, makes us the best.”

Walker Tire Point S

Downtown 830 M Street

Lincoln, NE 68508

402-476-3388

South

4221 S. 48th Street

Lincoln, NE 68506

402-488-4700

North 5535 Arbor Road

Lincoln, NE 68514

402-464-3500

pointstire.com

The George & Lavelle Families

PERSONAL BANKING

WESTERN NATIONAL BANK

In April 2023, Western National Bank expanded its business into Lincoln’s city limits. While Western National Bank is familiar in the rural areas of southeast Nebraska and northeast Kansas, it is new to Lincoln.

Owners Dallen George and Brian Lavelle have worked in the banking industry for over 30 years. In that time, they have perfected a business model that builds authentic and personal customer relationships while providing services usually associated with larger banks. With a new Lincoln branch, they are set to give even more people access to its friendly staff and impressive range of banking services.

When calling or visiting one of their 11 locations across Nebraska and Kansas, customers can expect to be greeted with easy-going smiles and attitudes of people eager to help. “So many of our customers enjoy being part of a bank that knows them by name,” Marketing Specialist Cecilia Striler said.

The George and Lavelle families want all customers to know that Western National Bank is a top-tier financial institution and a business that invests in building relationships with the people it serves.

Western National Bank

5931 S. 58th Street, Suite G

Lincoln, NE 68516

402-413-2095

mywnb.com

Chandler Merry WINDOWS WINDOW OPTION SPECIALISTS

People coming to Window Option Specialists may be surprised to find out that a window is more than a piece of glass. The folks at Window Option Specialists can give customers the full picture, from the technical side to the design side.

“People often say when they are here, we far and away gave them the best information and offered the best products based on that information,” President Chandler Merry said.

The folks at Window Option Specialists are self-proclaimed “window geeks” and have fun educating people about their products. Whether you are looking to replace your existing windows or install new ones, they have you covered. They are constantly researching energy efficiency, industry innovations, and customized products.

“One of the unique aspects about us is just the amount of knowledge and years of experience we have at this company,” Merry continued. “We have been a family owned business since 1996.”

Add to this their focus on being relational with each customer. Up to 80% of their customers come from referrals. This is why they are Lincoln’s expert in windows.

Window Option Specialists

4900 Vine Street

Lincoln, NE 68504

402-466-2777

windowoptionspecialists.com