ONYX - Volume 5 | Issue 02 | Winter 2026

VOLUME 5 | ISSUE 02 | WINTER 2026 2026 MINI COUNTRYMAN | BEST OF OMAHA | BIG GROVE BREWERY

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VOLUME 5 | ISSUE 02 WINTER 2026

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ASSOCIATE SPOTLIGHT JORGE ESCAMILLA

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CLIENT SPOTLIGHT LES BEAUCHAMP

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GOURMET BIG GROVE BREWERY

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DRIVING GOOD FOUNDATION ONYX AUTOMOTIVE SUPPORTS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH 2025

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ENTERTAINMENT HENRY DOORLY ZOO AND AQUARIUM

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CLIENT BENEFIT ONYX EARNS ANOTHER “BEST OF OMAHA” TITLE FOR 2026

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FEATURE 2026 MINI COUNTRYMAN

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ROAD TRIP WINTER SWIMMING SPOTS WORTH THE DRIVE

Publisher Todd Lemke

Contributing Editor Tom Coleman, ONYX

Graphic Designer Nickie Robinson

Associate Publisher Bill Sitzmann

Managing Editor Natalie Veloso

Photo Editor Sarah Lemke

Accounting/ Operations Manager Kyle Fisher

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A BETTER WAY TO BUY A CAR Jorge Escamilla’s Approach to Customer-First Financing Story by Holly McAtee // Photography by Sarah Lemke

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ome might dread the finance department at a dealership, but at ONYX Automotive, the process isn’t just about crunching numbers. It’s about building trust. Your time is money, and the ONYX finance department does everything they can to save you time and money when you are financing your vehicle.

“People say that financing vehicles is stressful, but most people that leave my office say it was the easiest experience.

I treat people how I would like to be treated. I treat people how I would like someone to treat my mom,” said Jorge Escamilla, Finance Manager at ONYX. “I like meeting people, and I enjoy talking to my customers.”

“Jorge has been in the auto business a long time,” said Chad Anderson, General Manager at ONYX Automotive. “He was a service manager with Kia for many years. Having that background is good, because he understands the mechanics and maintenance of the vehicle and how it relates to protecting your investment.”

When you’re financing your vehicle with the ONYX team, you can be sure that the process will be seamless. The employees are tenured. Everyone jumps in to help.

“It’s kind of like what Walt Disney says about helping people,” Escamilla said. “If people are within 6 feet, we reach out to help them. Sometimes people want to ask a question, but they’re shy. We would rather have someone be asked six times than not enough times.”

Escamilla has always been a fan of cars.

Growing up, his uncle worked at a GM plant in Mexico City. His uncle would bring home cars and take him to visit the plant.

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“I always wanted to have cool cars. It wasn’t to impress anybody or to show off. It was just because I liked them,” Escamilla said.

One of his favorite cars that he’s owned was a ’69 G-Body Cutlass. He’s had a couple of Corvettes. He’s currently on the hunt for a ’64 Chevy that he can buy and do all the work on himself. Right now, he has a Borusan Turkish blue BMW M3 Competition.

In Escamilla’s office, there’s a large painting of the first sketch of the Mini Coupé on a napkin. Behind his desk, he has LEGO cars that he’s built himself—his love of cars is clear as you look around the room. Outside of ONYX, Escamilla and his wife, Tiffany, enjoy traveling with their two Shelties. A photo of the couple with their dogs also hangs on his office wall.

At ONYX, the finance team takes pride in making every customer feel supported for the road ahead. “We give the best service as a team,” Escamilla said. “We make the process easy. Our customers always tell us it was a good experience.”

Escamilla said he puts himself in the client’s shoes. “I like to ask questions to see how many miles they drive a year, do they have kids, do they have pets?

These questions help figure out their needs,” he said.

I asked Escamilla about leasing versus buying vehicles. “I think leasing is a great opportunity for people. It gives you the ability to pay for the depreciation and not the whole car,” he explained. “Leasing gives you the ability to get a quicker

“PEOPLE SAY THAT FINANCING VEHICLES IS STRESSFUL, BUT MOST PEOPLE THAT LEAVE MY OFFICE SAY IT WAS THE EASIEST EXPERIENCE.” - JORGE ESCAMILLA trade cycle. Buying is for people who plan on keeping their cars a bit longer.

This gives them a chance to pay off the car and have no payments after that.”

There’s an advantage to working with ONYX’s finance department rather than going to another financial institution.

They cut out the legwork. “Our whole process is different. We don’t like to say no—we try to say yes,” Escamilla added.

Working with ONYX saves you a lot of trips and a lot of time.

“I’m a talker,” he said. “So, when I find someone I like to talk to, we will spend hours together doing paperwork, and it seems like a shorter time. It goes by quick, because we’re both talking. Most people, when they leave my office, say it was the easiest experience they have had buying a car.”

For more information, visit onyxautomotive.com.

ASSOCIATE SPOTLIGHT

CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

THE MINI EVANGELIST

How a MINI Cooper Became Les Beauchamp’s Signature Ride Story by Kara Schweiss // Photography by Sarah Lemke

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n bow-hunting gear or with his full-sleeve tattoo visible, Les Beauchamp looks like he should be driving a giant pickup, not chuckling at the pickup drivers who poke fun at his MINI Cooper S’s compact size or call it a “toy.”

“I’m confident in my masculinity and my choice of a MINI, but I’ve been offered many times by guys with trucks to have them toss it in the back of their truck to take me where I’m going,” he said. “I laugh and I think, ‘Enjoy your truck and your gas bill at the same time…too bad for you.’”

He’s had his current MINI since 2017, and he’s been loyal to the brand since he purchased his first MINI in 2006 on a whim.

It was only a few years after the 2003 remake of the movie “The Italian Job,” in which MINI Coopers were central to the plot, serving as nimble and speedy postheist getaway cars. So, the MINI’s iconic hipness definitely played a part in influencing his first purchase, Beauchamp said.

“We were driving down the road, and my two children saw a MINI for sale on a corner and said, ‘Dad, you have got to buy that car,’” he recalled. “And I did!”

That first beloved MINI was yellow. In 2011, Beauchamp purchased a cream-colored MINI with a black top. He was so pleased with the service from the ONYX team that he returned six years later for his current vehicle, which his now-adult, “aesthetically gifted” son helped him select in graphite gray with darker pin-striping on the hood and each side.

“We chose it because it was classically cool,” Beauchamp said, adding that the look is nicely complemented by a black interior

with red accents, including the stitching around the steering wheel.

The small vehicle/powerful engine combination of the brand also appealed to Beauchamp, who’s known for his long association with Lifegate Church.

“You know, I’m an evangelist for Jesus, but I’m kind of an evangelist for MINI Cooper,” he said, adding that his practice of encouraging a test drive has brought some new followers into the fold. “I know if they get in my car and drive it, they may begin the MINI adventure...If you came by our church during service and looked at the parking lot, you would see several MINIs.” Beauchamp touts the MINI’s practicality, and said the interior is surprisingly roomy.

“I purchased that yellow one from a guy who was 6-foot-3. And when I purchased it, I asked, ‘Are you selling it because of your height?’ He said, ‘Absolutely not,’…they were getting another car [as] a family car,” he said. “I am all of 5-foot-8. I feel like I can do jumping jacks in it.”

Beauchamp found the MINI to be just fine for hauling children around, he said.

“They’re both grown now, and we have grandchildren,” he said. “I have a dream, even, of being able to give one of my grandkids this car.”

He’s also already dreaming a bit about what his own next MINI could be, maybe even a top-end JCW (John Cooper Works) model with a turbocharged engine and luxury touches, including the latest infotainment technology. Beauchamp said he especially likes its practical features, which include a headlight spray-cleaning system. He said he also loves the classic MINIs he’s seen in London, but admitted that he doesn’t have the mechanical skills to maintain a showpiece vehicle.

“I’ve dreamt about owning one of them,” he said. “Yet, at the same time, I want to move fast and hard and not worry about hurting the car.”

He meticulously maintains his current MINI, though, meaning that he doesn’t take it hunting (although it could easily handle the weight of a 200-pound deer or 250-plus-pound elk). However, Beauchamp said, “If you came to my garage any fall after I’ve harvested a deer, I will let it age hanging in my garage, and my MINI will be right up against a hanging deer.”

Like his custom license plate touts, life is good for Beauchamp, but his MINI is merely one factor.

“I think MINI Cooper people have unique stories,” he said. “People have said, ‘Life must be good because you have a MINI.’ I’ve had this license plate because my wife battled breast cancer and became very near death, and she’s alive by the grace of God. And so I want to declare to everyone: ‘Life’s good.’ And not just because I drive a MINI.”

“I’M AN EVANGELIST FOR JESUS, BUT I’M KIND OF AN EVANGELIST FOR MINI COOPER.” —LES BEAUCHAMP

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GOURMET

PINTS BY THE FIRE

Big Grove’s Cozy Arrival in Omaha Story by Isaac Nielsen // Photography by Sarah Lemke

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ig Grove Brewery’s arrival in Omaha has been a long time coming. After years of success in Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, Solon, and Des Moines, the beloved brewery crossed state lines and opened its doors at the end of September. Tucked inside the Catalyst space near UNMC, the Omaha location carries over everything that made Big Grove such a hit back home: bold food, craft beer, and a sense of warmth, both literal and metaphorical.

For anyone worried about parking, that’s not an issue here.

A spacious parking garage sits right next door, making it an easy stop for both locals and visitors. Once inside, you’re greeted by a space that feels both modern and familiar, with lots of wood details and soft lighting. A handful of TVs line the walls, and the open design makes it feel lively.

The first thing that grabs your attention, though, is the outdoor space. It’s a signature part of Big Grove’s brand, and Omaha’s location doesn’t disappoint. The heated patio is sprawling, dotted with tables and multiple fireplaces. Even on a chilly, drizzly night, the warmth radiating from the fires and the large covered awning kept us comfortable in T-shirts.

It’s the kind of place where you could easily lose track of time over a beer or two.

Speaking of beer, the selection is focused—not one of those breweries with a hundred options that make you give up and order water. Big Grove keeps it simple, with a handful of solid choices that showcase their range. The Das Is Good, Ja! Berliner Weisse stood out. It’s a wheat sour that’s light and dry, with just enough hops to keep things interesting. If you’re not in the mood for an IPA but still want something crisp and tart, it’s an excellent pick. For hop lovers, the double IPA holds its own, while the English pale ale and American light lager offer more traditional routes. Those four beers, along with a few rotating seltzers and mocktails, are Omaha exclusives. They even serve Climbing Kites, a THC-infused sparkling water and a first for many local drinkers. The seltzers leaned a bit too light for our taste, but they’d make a fine summer drink.

The food also anchors the experience. We started with the brewer’s board, a shareable platter that could even double as a meal. It’s centered around a giant soft pretzel with a spread of house-smoked jagerwurst sausages, cornichon pickles, sauerkraut, beer cheese, and maple mustard tucked in the gaps. The sausages are thick-cut and meaty, while the beer cheese is everything you want it to be. The maple mustard stole the show, with its tangy sweetness playing perfectly against the savory sausage. The sauerkraut is more cabbageforward than salty, and the tiny pickles add a crisp finish.

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GOURMET

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GOURMET The brewpub burger lived up to its billing, with juicy, rich patties. The bun was soft but sturdy, the melted American cheese was a nostalgic touch, and it’s a big portion: Odds are you won’t leave hungry.

Big Grove’s menu stretches well beyond the typical brewpub comfort zone. For a lighter or less traditional option, the stir-fry noodle bowl with chicken was a standout. Served with chopsticks and packed with flavor, it hit that sweet spot of being rich without being heavy. The dish can also be customized with tofu, salmon, or shrimp, making it a versatile choice for anyone wanting something beyond burgers and fries.

Those looking for familiar favorites can still find them: Reubens, french dips, and fried chicken sandwiches all make an appearance. The menu also lists a few pasta dishes, from a simple mac and cheese to a roasted mushroom pasta. Entrees like steak frites, pan-seared salmon, and tuna poke round out the options for a sit-down dinner, while desserts like sticky toffee pudding and rotating cheesecakes tempt from afar. We were too full to try them this time, but that’s what return visits are for.

If there’s one note of patience required, it’s the pace. Service ran a little slow, but not frustratingly so. It fits the setting: Big Grove isn’t the place to grab a quick bite before a show; it’s the place you settle into for an evening of conversation and good food.

Between the firelight outside and the buzz of conversation inside, the wait feels more like part of the rhythm than a drawback.

Big Grove Brewery has managed to transplant its Iowa roots into Omaha without missing a beat. It’s not just another taproom, it’s a gathering spot. Whether you’re here for a pretzel and pint, or a full dinner under the awning, Big Grove makes you feel right at home. And with a Kansas City location already in the works for 2026, it’s clear that this midwestern brewery’s story is just getting started.

For more information, visit biggrove.com/pages/ omaha-taproom.

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ONYX Automotive Supports Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2025 Column by Lindsey Hinchcliff-Crotty // Photo Provided

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ach October, communities across the country come together in a sea of pink to honor those affected by breast cancer, raise awareness, and promote early detection. At ONYX Automotive, this movement holds a special place in our hearts—and this year, the team once again stepped up through its Driving Good initiative.

Throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month, ONYX partnered with its team members, customers, and local healthcare professionals to make a lasting difference. The 2025 campaign directed 100% of the proceeds to Nebraska Medicine Lymphedema Prevention Program for breast cancer patients, a vital program focused on providing resources, education, and care for those recovering from treatment.

“Breast cancer impacts so many lives—our families, friends, and neighbors,” said a representative from ONYX Automotive.

“Supporting awareness and prevention

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programs in our community is one way we can help ensure patients receive the care they deserve.”

On Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, ONYX team members joined together for Pink Out Day, wearing pink attire or a Driving Good Breast Cancer Awareness T-shirt to show their support. The dealership also distributed pink ribbon pins throughout the month, creating a powerful visual reminder of hope and unity.

To complement Pink Out Day, ONYX created a tribute board, inviting both customers and team members to honor the journeys of those affected by breast cancer. Participants added the names of loved ones, creating a collective display of courage, resilience, and remembrance.

The tribute board serves as a heartfelt space to reflect, support, and celebrate the strength of survivors and families.

As part of the H+H Group, ONYX raised $2,695 from the proceeds of the Driving Good Pink Out Day T-Shirts and donations

from team members and clients—100% of these funds will support the Nebraska Medicine Lymphedema Prevention Program for breast cancer patients.

Education is always an important part of ONYX’s efforts. With support from the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), the dealership provided informational resources on breast cancer prevention and awareness. These materials helped spark conversations and encouraged proactive health practices.

For ONYX Automotive, Driving Good is more than a slogan—it’s a commitment to making a tangible impact. By raising awareness, honoring survivors, and supporting critical local health programs, the ONYX team continues to demonstrate how the automotive industry can drive more than vehicles: it can drive change.

Together, we can raise awareness, inspire hope, and keep Driving Good forward. In the next issue, I look forward to sharing with you more exciting events through our Driving Good initiative.

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OMAHA’S BEST KEPT WINTER SECRET

The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium Story by Naomi Heu // Photo provided by Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

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ENTERTAINMENT

Lied Jungle. Travel through the deep underwater, the dry desert air, the depths of swamps and caves, and the rainsoaked jungle, all safely from the cold outside. Luckily, all of these exhibits are located near each other at the front entrance, making for easy travel between each of them and from your car.

no rain, ice, or snow and the temperature hits over 50 degrees before 1 p.m., you’re in luck. Chug along through the northern half of the zoo on the train, take a break from walking by catching a ride on the tram, or view the African Grasslands from the treetops on the Skyfari.

Pricing differs depending on the ride.

Farther from the entrance are other exhibits that are still well worth the walk.

The Asian Highlands are located in the northwest corner of the zoo, but are arguably the most ideal to visit during this time. After a fresh snowfall, the exhibit truly makes you feel like you are in the majestic Himalayas.

During the holidays, enjoy the exciting Zoolightful, open this year through Jan. 11. A festive holiday experience with activities such as a light show, a North Pole visit, and private igloos, this event is the perfect way to partake in some holiday magic.

Animals in this exhibit are more likely to be active due to the colder temperature.

The takin and goral alpine often roam their grassy fields, and the Amur tiger is sure to be out and about—not needing to rest in the shade as it normally does in hotter temperatures. At the peak of the summit, the snow leopard may be on top of one of the many heated rocks in its cliff-like mountainous habitat.

Another exhibit to check out are the sea lions at the Owen Sea Lion Shores.

Opened in 2020, the new habitat contains a 275,000-gallon pool, as well as state-of-the-art amenities for the sea lions and harbor seals to replicate a natural environment. Although observing these animals outdoors might make for a chilly experience, this exhibit has a 40-foot-long underwater viewing window, so you can comfortably watch the animals swim for as long as you like while safely sheltered.

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s winter rolls in, Omaha transforms into a sparkling, snowdusted wonderland full of exciting adventures. Although many activities are put on hold until the springtime, visiting the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is not one of them. Most exhibits are still easily accessible, and you can take advantage of this time to explore other aspects of the zoo that you might not traverse to during the summertime.

The zoo’s indoor exhibits can still be perfectly enjoyed year-round. These exhibits include Scott Aquarium, Desert Dome, Mahoney Kingdoms of the Night, and the

This time of year, take the chance to watch a movie at the Lozier Giant Screen Theater. The IMAX theater has multiple showings throughout each day from a selection of documentaries exploring different environments and the animals that live there. Learn about these beautiful animals with roaring surround sound on a 75-foot-wide screen. Admission is free for zoo members or $7 for non-members.

Be sure to dress warmly while visiting the zoo in the winter. Wear layers and your favorite hat, gloves, and scarf. Bring extra blankets if you have younger children and strollers. The walk between exhibits can get cold, so bundling up is key to staying warm and safe.

Visiting the zoo in the winter also means less crowds. View animals up close without fighting for a spot at the front, and take your time walking through exhibits. Depending on the time and day you visit, it can feel like you have the zoo all to yourself.

Winter hours at the zoo are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. They are open every day besides Christmas Day. As you’re thinking of things to do in the wintertime this year, don’t cross Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium off your list, because there are still many activities to do and animals to see. Don’t miss the chance to visit the zoo and enjoy a unique winter experience.

For more information, visit omahazoo.com.

On warmer days, you might be able to catch a ride on the train, tram, or Skyfari.

These three attractions operate yearround weather permitting. So, if there is

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CLIENT BENEFIT

WINNING ON REPEAT:

ONYX Earns Another “Best of Omaha” Title for 2026 Story by Natalie Veloso // Photography by Sarah Lemke

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or the fifth consecutive year, ONYX Automotive has been named Omaha’s Best Luxury Car Dealer in Omaha Magazine’s Best of Omaha awards—an honor determined entirely by public vote.

ONYX has consistently topped the category since opening its doors, claiming the first place spot every year from 2021 through 2026.

That kind of consistency doesn’t happen by chance, said Chad Anderson, ONYX’s General Manager.

“In our first few years of operation, it was one of those things we felt we needed to campaign for,” Anderson said. “We’d have email blasts going out. We’d have pop-up tents on desks inside the facilities that said, ‘scan the QR code to vote for us,’ and we’d be doing handouts when people visited. In the last few years, I wouldn’t say it’s become less important, but we aren’t asking clients to do this on our behalf. It just keeps coming naturally.”

It’s that genuine loyalty that makes ONYX’s repeat wins especially meaningful.

The Best of Omaha distinction represents the voice of the community, recognizing businesses that deliver consistent excellence.

“When you’re serving luxury clients, there are high expectations,” Anderson said.

“We not only have to meet those expectations, but go above and beyond to leave the client with a lasting feeling. After every visit, they leave thinking, ‘that’s the best luxury dealer experience I’ve ever had.’ That’s our mantra.”

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Service that Sets the Standard Anderson said ONYX’s approach to service has been intentional from the beginning, designed to anticipate clients’ needs and eliminate friction from the ownership experience.

“One essential need we identified early on in our existence was to grow our service department very thoughtfully,” he said. “Clients rely on one major thing in the luxury vehicle world, and that’s having a car to drive while theirs is in service.”

That insight shaped ONYX’s operations in a major way. Knowing that availability can make or break a service experience, the dealership invested heavily in its loaner fleet and service capacity.

“If you were to call around town and compare us to any other luxury store, their availability sits anywhere from 10 days to 30 days,” Anderson explained.

“So, we built our business surrounding our availability of loaner cars and appointments. We staffed our people to handle 70 appointments a day, and therefore, we store maybe 110 loaner cars. Anytime someone needs a car, they’ve got one. It’s a large investment to make, but it certainly works, and our customers don’t have to wait to have their vehicle serviced.”

That operational efficiency is matched by technical expertise. “Having nextday or same-day service also completely depends on the quality talent we have,” Anderson added. “We have six master technicians at ONYX, which is one of the highest numbers in the country with that kind of experience. We’re a top 10 dealer, so we have to recruit top talent in order to get these cars fixed and get them fixed right.”

Driven by Excellence While Best of Omaha represents local recognition, ONYX’s goals are national in scope. The dealership measures itself against the highest standards in the industry, pursuing top-tier awards that reflect excellence across every facet of the business.

“We set our goals at the beginning of the year,” Anderson said. “What do we want to achieve? We want to be a Center of Excellence Award winner. We want to be a Bulldog Award winner. We want to be a Pinnacle Award winner. These are the brands that are associated with the top

dealers in the country, and we’ve received those recognitions repeatedly. We want to continue to be the Best of Omaha amongst other luxury stores.”

“WHEN YOU’RE SERVING LUXURY CLIENTS, THERE ARE HIGH EXPECTATIONS. WE NOT ONLY HAVE TO MEET THOSE EXPECTATIONS, BUT GO ABOVE AND BEYOND TO LEAVE THE CLIENT WITH A LASTING FEELING.” - CHAD ANDERSON

With five first-place wins as Omaha’s Best Luxury Car Dealer, every award serves as motivation to keep delivering the level of care clients have come to expect.

“We’re grateful that being the Best of Omaha became an honor we didn’t have the need to go chasing,” Anderson said. “Clients are making it happen on their own, which I think is super cool. It really goes to show that we’re doing something right.”

For more information, visit onyxautomotive.com.

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FEATURE

2026 MINI COUNTRYMAN More than Meets the Eye Story by Dwain Hebda // Photography by Sarah Lemke

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he MINI has always been something of an enigma. Compacts aren’t known to provide room, yet from its original design in the 1950s, its creators delivered just that: a little trooper that comfortably sat four adults.

Low-cost cars aren’t supposed to be innovative, yet the MINI offered a revolutionary sideways-mounted engine that allowed it to maximize cabin space.

Compacts aren’t supposed to deliver a lot of driving pleasure, either, but the MINI did, earning its spurs in racing thanks to its wide go-kart stance, handling, balance, and grip. It even had its own nerdy charm, making it a fun and fashion-setting vehicle that just about anyone could afford.

Today, MINI is still delivering smart, quirky autos that have been updated for modern drivers without losing any of what made the car so iconic in the first place. Leading the charge is the 2026 Countryman, which is changing the way people view the brand, getting raves from consumers and the auto press alike in the process.

“The appeal of the brand through the ages, you could say, is that it goes against the popular vote. It’s had a personality that’s stood on its own from its inception, and that’s still the case today,” said Dave Arbaugh, MINI sales manager for ONYX Automotive. “Ironically, that kind of worked against it a little bit because of this idea that people drove a MINI because it was just an extension their own personality. You didn’t drive one because of the utility or the features.”

“Now, however, the cars are so good you could take the badging off it and just set it side by side with a list of features and attributes against anybody else, and it holds its place,” he added. “The Countryman specifically is that competitive in its space.”

“THE PEOPLE WHO GIVE IT A TEST DRIVE HAVE BEEN IMPRESSED, AND I THINK IT CAN STAND TOE TO TOE WITH ANYTHING OUT THERE AS FAR AS FEATURES AND CONVENIENCE.” - DAVE ARBAUGH

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FEATURE

The 2026 Countryman exemplifies this fact, offering three models that combined fall in the starting MSRP range of $38,900 to $46,900.

The base S ALL4 model and sportier LCW ALL4 offer 241 HP and 312 HP, respectively, thanks to a two-liter MINI TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder 16-valve engine that combines a twinscroll turbocharger with variable valve control (Double-VANOS and Valvetronic) and highprecision direct injection. Both models feature a seven-speed double clutch transmission, with the LCW upping the ante with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.

A third model, the SE ALL4, boasts a dual allelectric motor with a total power output of 308 HP and 364 lb-ft of torque, harnessed to an automatic single-speed transmission with two regeneration levels. All three models maintain the brand’s legendary handling thanks to ALL4 all-wheel drive, standard, as well as dynamic stability control and four-wheel antilock disc brakes and cornering brake control.

“When a MINI Cooper Hardtop is too small, the 2026 Countryman offers much of the same charm, style, and fun in a larger package,” wrote Motortrend. “The gas-only Countryman S is well-rounded, with eager acceleration, entertaining handling and strong brakes. The all-electric Countryman SE is the quickest MINI we’ve ever tested.”

None of that will exactly raise eyebrows among the driving public, given the auto’s long-held motoring reputation, but a look inside the cabin is sure to surprise some people who haven’t checked out the brand lately. The Countryman offers five seats and just shy of 25 cubic feet of cargo space—56 cubic feet with the back seats flat. Ambient lighting, a panoramic glass roof, and suave styling of the seats and dashboard complete the picture.

“The MINI Countryman begs a contradictory question: Is a big MINI still a MINI?” posited Austin Parsons for Car and Driver. “The answer is yes—and no. While it brings signature MINI quirkiness both inside and out, the Countryman’s sizable proportions (compared to the rest of the MINI lineup) and quality interior make it a model that competes with subcompact luxury SUVs instead of small hatchbacks.

“Passenger space is generous in the front seat and adults of all sizes will have no trouble getting comfortable. The rear seat is less roomy but still far more spacious than what you’ll find in the brand’s Cooper hatchback, and all but the tallest individuals will be fine for road-tripping from the second row.”

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FEATURE Part of what always delighted Mini fans was the car’s reputation for smart design that allowed for more features to be packed into less space with style.

The Countryman upholds this legacy starting with a 9.4-inch circular infotainment display. The high-definition OLED panel allows users smooth interface with the car’s Operating System 9 while offering several customizable options to showcase their individual style. A six-speaker audio setup is standard with an available Harman Kardon 12-speaker upgrade.

Arbaugh beamed when talking about the car, noting the many creature comforts and onboard technology had done nothing to dampen the fun of driving the brawniest MINI yet.

“The phrase that we’ve always used is it’s a street legal go-kart because it truly has a go-kart feel,” he said, “but we’ve moved from the heritage of this go-kart feel throughout the 1950s and 1960s where we won a lot of iconic road races and whatnot, to become the urban pavement car that it is known for today. Where we are now is we’re broadening that appeal and showing people it can get around in the dirt and snow and still be fun.

[The Countryman] is just really unexpected that way.”

“It’s just cool, you know, it’s not a normal car but it definitely offers something for the masses,” Arbaugh continued. “The people who give it a test drive have been impressed, and I think it can stand toe-to-toe with anything out there as far as features and convenience.”

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ROAD TRIP

PLUNGE INTO THE NEW YEAR

Photo provided by Great Wolf Lodge

Winter Swimming Spots Worth the Drive Story by Isaac Nielsen // Photos Provided

W

hen the midwestern cold hits and the sidewalks get slick, the instinct to hibernate is real. But winter doesn’t always have to mean dry land, even in Omaha. Around the region, indoor pools and warm-water escapes offer a perfect reset just in time for the New Year. Here’s a curated road-trip-ready list of winter swim spots—family-friendly and reliably warm—so you can trade cabin fever for chlorine.

YMCA of Greater Omaha metroymca.org/schedules/pool With more than a dozen locations, the YMCA network around Omaha is a go-to for winter swimming. Each offers a pool schedule for lap swim, family swim, and even lessons—perfect timing before hitting an outdoor spot this summer. Many branches keep steady winter hours and provide affordable membership and day-pass options. The YMCA is an excellent option for swimmers who want structured lap time or water-walking. Check the YMCA pool schedule pages to find lap lanes and family swim windows at the branch most convenient for you.

Salvation Army Omaha Kroc Center omahakroc.org If you’re after community access, lap lanes, and family swim lessons without an overnight stay, the Kroc Center’s aquatics complex is a great option near South Omaha. The Kroc offers a lap pool, recreational swim windows, and open swim hours, featuring a fun 81,877-gallon leisure pool. It’s structured around memberships and day passes, and hosts classes and programming for all ages.

Lied Lodge at Arbor Day Farm (Nebraska City) arbordayfarm.org/stay-with-us Don’t mind a bit of a drive? Lied Lodge might be your best bet. For a quieter, restorative swim with views of trees instead of tile, Lied Lodge’s indoor pool at Arbor Day Farm is an elegant option. The pool, along with its accompanying hot tub and cedar sauna, are open year-round for lodge guests, so plan ahead if you’re thinking of making this a day trip.

Great Wolf Lodge (Kansas City) greatwolf.com Of course, if you’re already hitting the road, why not visit the granddaddy of them all? If you want an all-in-one splash day, Great Wolf Lodge in nearby Kansas City is the grand prize: a 38,000-squarefoot indoor water park kept at a comfortable temperature yearround, with slides, a lazy river, and a water playground that makes winter feel like summer. Day passes are available for non-guests, and the lodge runs special packages and seasonal offers that make an overnight stay worth considering for families who want to squeeze the most fun into a weekend.

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ROAD TRIP Hotel Pools in Omaha If you’re craving an easy swim and a touch of comfort without driving far, Omaha’s hotels make surprisingly good winter retreats. Many offer heated indoor pools perfect for a quick dip or a mini staycation. Downtown favorites like the Embassy Suites by Hilton Omaha Downtown Old Market and the DoubleTree by Hilton Omaha Downtown both feature year-round indoor pools ideal for a break from the mundane. Farther

Photo provided by YMCA of Greater Omaha

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west, the Hampton Inn & Suites Omaha Southwest–La Vista and the Hilton Garden Inn Omaha Aksarben Village are reliable picks for families or couples who want a low-key swim with modern amenities.

While most hotels limit pool access to overnight guests, several—especially during slower winter months—offer day-use passes or flexible booking options. A quick call ahead ensures availability and keeps your winter swim plans stress-free.

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