LAND ROVER DEFENDER OCTA | DYNAMITE WOODFIRE GRILL | DRIVEN TO WIN
“People don’t think about how things end up on their doorstep. We do.”
Brian Elsasser Commercial Lending
THE BOLDLY REDESIGNED BMW X7.
Th e b a r fo r l u x u r y h a s b e e n ra i s e d . W i t h a d v a n c e d t e c h n o l o g y a n d a n e x q u i s i t e i n t e r i o r, t h e re d e s i g n e d B M W X 7 o f fe rs a n e l e g a n t a n d m e m o ra b l e d r i v i n g e x p e r i e n c e
Ta ke c h a rg e o f t h e j o u r n ey w i t h u p t o 5 2 3 h o rs e p o w e r a t yo u r d i s p o s a l , a n d a r r i ve a t yo u r d e s t i n a t i o n w i t h u n m i s t a ka b l e p re s e n c e . Th e l a t e s t m o d e l i n c l u d e s u n i q u e fe a t u re s s u c h a s s p l i t h e a d l i g h t s a n d B M W ’ s l a t e s t i D r i ve 8 o p e ra t i n g sy s t e m E n j oy o n e o f t h re e ro w s o f p l u s h l e a t h e r s e a t s t h a t g u a ra n t e e a l u x u r i o u s r i d e , n o m a t t e r w h e re yo u s i t .
W i t h t h e l a t e s t f i n i s h i n g t o u c h e s , p a c ka g e d i n i t s g ra n d s i l h o u e t t e , t h e 2 0 2 3 B M W X 7 d e m a n d s t o b e n o t i c e d .
Th i s i s t h e U l t i m a t e D r i v i n g M a c h i n e . ®
Co n t a c t a C l i e n t A d v i s o r a t B M W o f O m a h a t o l e a r n m o re a b o u t t h e B M W X 7 t o d a y.
BMW of Omaha 14800 Branch Street
Omaha, NE 68154 (402) 3939700
bmwofomaha com
CHRIS DIXON
Keeping BMWs Running Right and Technicians Moving Forward
Story by Isaac Nielsen // Photography by Sarah Lemke
For Chris Dixon, BMW shop foreman at ONYX, the path to a leadership role in one of the automotive industry’s most technologically sophisticated service departments started two decades ago on the East Coast.
“I went to automotive tech school at Manchester Community College [in New Hampshire],” Dixon recalled. “I graduated there and started working at a BMW dealer in 2005, and I’ve been with BMW ever since.”
That commitment to the brand took him on a tour through several dealerships across the eastern United States, including stops in New Hampshire, North Carolina, and Boston. But when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Dixon looked for a change. Amid a more stringent l ockdown in Boston, he found a role in Omaha, a location he viewed as a bit more open geographically.
He couldn’t have timed the move better. Starting as a technician, he learned the ins and outs of the shop quickly enough to step up when an opportunity presented itself.
“I did that for almost a full year, and the shop foreman at the time moved into the service manager role, so there was an opening for the foreman position,” Dixon said. “It’s really all about timing. Those positions typically do not get advertised outside, it’s usually always an inside hire, so you have to be at the right place at the right time, and I was.”
As a shop foreman, Dixon wears many hats. He helps technicians diagnose the cars and works with customers, going for ride-alongs and hearing their concerns. He even works with the field engineer to try to help him diagnose problems. But of all his responsibilities, assisting his employees tops the list.
“Helping guys out, coaching them, helping them become better technicians and better at diagnostics, that’s the part I really enjoy most about this job,” he said.
A major part of Dixon’s role is helping technicians meet BMW’s high standards for training and certification. He helps with Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifications and assists his employees in becoming Master Technicians, a key goal for BMW.
But servicing high-tech vehicles isn’t as easy of a task as it might have been when Dixon started 20 years ago. Today’s vehicles are as much computers as they are machines, presenting a whole new set of obstacles for his team.
“The most challenging thing right now in the industry, for us, is the vehicle infotainment systems, everything from the radio systems, entertainment, phone connection, and CarPlay,” Dixon said. “Trying to diagnose and sort all of that stuff is a big challenge, for sure. The other big challenge we have involves charging complaints with the electric vehicles.”
Despite those challenges, Dixon and his team remain focused on delivering toptier service.
“We really try to do ‘best in class’ here at ONYX,” he said. “We bring the cars in, and we fix them right the first time and get them back to the customer as quickly as possible.”
Outside the shop, Dixon is an outdoorsman, finding adventure through his love of snowboarding and mountain biking. That love of the outdoors could be behind his idea of the perfect road trip, visiting some of America’s most beautiful spots behind the wheel of something special.
“I’d probably take our [BMW] M2 because it’s the last manual we offer, and I really like manual cars,” Dixon said. “I’d probably take it out to Utah or Arizona, maybe do some canyon driving. I’ve never done that before.”
For more information, visit onyxautomotive.com.
“HELPING GUYS OUT, COACHING THEM, HELPING THEM BECOME BETTER TECHNICIANS AND BETTER AT DIAGNOSTICS, THAT’S THE PART I REALLY ENJOY MOST ABOUT THIS JOB.” - CHRIS DIXON
HE ALTHY HUSTLE
Story by Natalie Veloso // Photography by Sarah Lemke
I Sarah Peter Finds Balance Between Wellness, Business, and the Road
t’s a bright morning in Omaha, and Sarah Peter is already in motion, greeting staff at her Regency cafe before hopping into her sleek Range Rover Sport with a satin wrap— a deep blue she calls “Bougie Blue”—for another supply run. As co-owner of Cafe Botanica, a wellness-focused cafe with locations in both Omaha and Lincoln, her
days are full of purposeful movement: checking in with teams, delivering catering orders, and managing the business.
When Peter relocated from California, she was struck by the lack of healthy grab-and-go spots in the Midwest. “Back home, places serving smoothies and acai bowls were always packed,” she said.
That California wellness culture sparked an idea: bringing nutritious, whole-foodbased meals to the heartland.
Cafe Botanica’s menu includes smoothies, cold-pressed juices, smoothie bowls, wraps, salads, and more—sourced local and organic when available.
“At Cafe Botanica, our mission is to bring real, nourishing food to Lincoln and Omaha,” she said. “We often cater to collegiate athletes—including the Huskers—so we know how important nutrition is for performance. My husband played for Nebraska, so fueling athletes hits close to home.”
Running a business across two cities is no small feat, but having her friend and business partner, Angela Manzitto, by her side helps keep everything running seamlessly. Manzitto, who worked as a healthcare provider for 15 years, runs the operations side while Peter handles creative and branding duties. With two storefronts to cover and countless moving parts, staying mobile is part of the job.
“When I’m on the move, my Sport really comes in handy,” Peter said. “It’s reliable, spacious, and helps me stay efficient— whether I’m delivering a catering order, setting up a juice sampling event, or mak-
“I RELY ON CARPLAY CONSTANTLY—FOR NEWS, WEATHER, PODCASTS, AND TEXTS WHILE I’M ON THE GO. THE GPS IS ESSENTIAL—I HAVE A TERRIBLE SENSE OF DIRECTION, SO IT’S SAVED ME MORE TIMES THAN I CAN COUNT. ”
— SARAH PETER
ing a quick supply run between stores.” As an added bonus, the mini fridge between the front seats fit Cafe Botanica’s coldpressed juices perfectly.
With a full trunk and back-to-back tasks to complete, Peter counts on smart design and thoughtful tech features.
“I rely on CarPlay constantly—for news, weather, podcasts, and texts while I’m on the go,” she explained. “The GPS is essential—I have a terrible sense of direction, so it’s saved me more times than I can count.”
Like Peter, Manzitto relies on her own Range Rover to keep pace with their busy schedule. Her vehicle offers the same quality of performance and style— helping her stay on the move while supporting the mission they’ve built together.
“Driving between our Omaha and Lincoln locations multiple times a week could feel like a grind—but not in my Range Rover,” Manzitto said. “The smooth ride, spacious interior, and high-end amenities make the drive something I actually look forward to.” Manzitto has relied on ONYX Automotive for her vehicles over the years, valuing the team’s straightforward process.
“Working with them on my last Range Rover purchase was a great experience,” she said. “At the end of the day, it’s about choosing tools and partners that align with your values and support your goals—and for me, that’s exactly what my Range Rover and the team at ONYX do every single day.”
Peter’s own connection to the Land Rover brand started young. “My dad drove a Range Rover for as long as I can remember. I always thought it was the coolest car, and that definitely stuck with me,” she said. She upgraded to a Range Rover Sport in 2009 that she relied on for 16 years. Her newest and current model, a Range Rover Sport Dynamic SE, is a perfect fit for her lifestyle.
When it came time to upgrade, she knew exactly where to turn. Peter’s relationship with some of the ONYX Automotive team spans more than 15 years. “The ONYX team has always been great to work with,” she said. “We met Phil and Freddie back in 2008, and we’ve trusted them ever since.”
That trust carried through to her most recent purchase. “Working with them— and Roxy, Don, and Jorge—has been a smooth, personal experience,” she said.
That level of care and attention made the transition to a new vehicle feel less like a transaction and more like a milestone.
“Saying goodbye to the car I had for 16 years was emotional,” she reflected. “So many road trips, family memories, and meaningful moments packed into those miles.”
Over time, the older tech simply began to fall behind, Peter said. “I’m a big fan of innovation, so I’ve really enjoyed upgrading to something that makes life easier with all the modern features.”
And her Range Rover Sport? It’s the ride that keeps up.
Cafe Botanica is located at 7811 Pioneers Blvd in Lincoln and 10319 Pacific Street in Omaha. For more information, visit cafe-botanica.com.
WHERE THERE’S FIRE, THERE’S FLAVOR
A Night at Dynamite
Story by Isaac Nielsen // Photography by Sarah Lemke
It starts with a line of fire—literally. A sleek wall of flames flickers across the glass-paned facade of Dynamite Woodfire Grill, hinting at the warmth within. Situated at the base of The Farnam Hotel, a clean, upscale establishment in its own right, the restaurant would be easy to miss were it not for the signature flames and a small, block-lettered label that simply reads, “DYNAMITE.” Inside, the glow emitted by the fire in front transforms into service that glows equally bright. With extraordinary service and savory dishes, Dynamite smolders with grace and luxury.
Unsure of which drinks to order, we explained our vague drink preferences–one citrusy, one fruity–to our friendly server, who returned with a pair of mocktails that nailed it. One, a concoction made with real blood oranges, was sharp and sweet, living up to its bright appearance. The other mocktail was nearly the opposite in appearance. I was served an electric blue glass that turned out to be blue raspberry, a nostalgic, tasty surprise. Both were so refreshing that we didn’t need another all night.
For those with a more refined palate, Dynamite offers a varying menu of cocktails, spirits, and beer, sure to quench any diner’s thirst. The wine list is even longer, almost dauntingly so—if you were to read every option, you’d miss half the night.
After receiving our drinks, we quickly decided on the Reuben Croquettes as an appetizer. A play on the classic sandwich born in Omaha, this dish was the unquestioned highlight of the night. Served as five golden balls roughly resembling hushpuppies, the dish didn’t taste much like a Reuben, but that wasn’t a bad thing. Crispy on the outside with a soft,
rich center, the spheres were stuffed with a mixture of corned beef, kraut, and cream cheese, and were topped with pickled red onions, mustard seeds, and a Thousand Island aioli. Since my first visit, I’ve considered returning just to try them again. The “shareables” list also includes stuffed olives, crab cakes, and a jumbo shrimp cocktail, each of which can’t be a bad option, if the croquettes are any indication.
After we were provided with a sweet cornbread that might be slightly dry for some tastes (though it was perfect for ours), it was time for the entrees to carry the torch. The New York Strip, cooked exactly to order, was top-notch, providing rich flavor and punctuated by a slight charred crunch. We ordered the chimichurri sauce as an accompaniment, but it can also be served with a red wine demi, bearnaise, au poivre, horseradish, or the house steak sauce. Of the sides available, we of course had to go with the truffle mac and cheese. It was tasty, but with a slightly soupy texture, it didn’t quite blow us away like the appetizer and entrees did.
Meanwhile, the Farnam Burger proved that even the most pedestrian item on the menu can be elevated when done right. With local ground beef, it was perfectly juicy and full of flavor, and the toppings set it apart from most burgers I’ve had. With Japanese mayonnaise, homemade pickles, tomatoes, red onion, and chiffonade lettuce, each ingredient was finely diced, an experience different from the standard offerings of your local fast-food joint. The fries that came with the burger were equally unique, crispy and topped with pecorino cheese and spices.
GOURMET
The portions were ample enough that we had no need for dessert, but the menu made it tempting. Dynamite offers ice cream from eCreamery, white chocolate panna cotta, seven-layer chocolate cake (how do you even make a cake with that many layers?), and raspberry cheesecake—each dessert is tough to resist. If you can hold back, the cornbread is enough of a sweet finisher on its own.
The warm atmosphere was matched by a buzzing Saturday night ambience, so if you’re looking for quiet conversation, a weeknight might be a better option. Featuring full breakfast and brunch menus in addition to its dinner offerings, Dynamite can accommodate visitors at most hours throughout the day—the restaurant is open from 7 to 11 a.m. and 5 to 10 p.m. on weekdays, with a twohour extension through lunch on weekends. No matter what time you visit, Dynamite wins its customers over with impressive flavor and excellent service. It’s the kind of place where fire is part of the architecture, but it’s the warmth that stays with you.
For more information, visit dynamitewoodfiregrill.com.
RED FOR A REASON
ONYX Joins the Fight Against Heart Disease
Column by Lindsey Hinchcliff-Crotty // Image Provided
At ONYX Automotive, we proudly recognized Heart Awareness Month in February and honored those impacted by heart disease and stroke. With heart disease being a leading cause of death in the United States, it’s vital to raise awareness and encourage heart-healthy practices. Thanks to the generosity of our team, clients, and community, we raised over $3,000 for the American Heart Association, making a meaningful impact in the fight against heart disease.
On Feb. 21, 2025, ONYX took part in Wear Red Day! Everyone was encouraged to wear red to show their support in the fight against heart disease and stroke. It was a simple and powerful way to raise awareness and spark conversations about heart health. The ONYX team also had the option to purchase a special Wear Red Day Driving Good T-shirt with a $15 donation to the American Heart Association.
Our clients joined us in supporting the American Heart Association through two simple actions. Clients could round up their purchase to the nearest dollar when checking out at one of our service centers—every cent of the round-up amount was donated to the American Heart Association. Clients could also make a direct donation using our Driving Good app to donate any amount.
The ONYX team is integral to our efforts to promote heart health. Throughout February, our team wore red ribbon pins to show their support. This was a simple, yet effective choice to show their support and provide awareness of the cause outwardly.
During the month, we also offered valuable resources for our team and clients, including heart-healthy recipes and preventative health information from the American Heart Association. Additionally, ONYX provided CPR training in February
and will continue to offer training to the team throughout the year.
The most important reason we support Heart Awareness Month is to create greater awareness of heart disease and stroke. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 5 people in the United States died from heart disease in 2022. By coming together as a community, we can take steps toward reducing these numbers and improving heart health for all.
Thank you to everyone who made the ONYX Heart Awareness Month 2025 impactful. In the next issue, I will share how ONYX’s participation in the Food Bank for the Heartland’s annual Strike Out Hunger campaign helps support another vital community cause.
For more information, visit onyxautomotive.com/driving-good
S a y h e l l o t o t h e 2 0 2 5 B M W i 4 .
3939700 bmwofomaha.com T H E N E W E L E C T R I C STA N DA R D.
FARM-TO-TABLE
Food, Festivals, and Fun at Nelson Produce Farm
Story by Natalie McGovern // Photography by Sarah Lemke
If country life is your vibe, then Nelson Produce is a pastoral haven. Nestled on a back road in Valley, Nebraska, the local farm and its roadside produce stands have been drawing the community together since 2019. The farm itself sees plenty of traffic each year, hosting a myriad of community events and festivals each season—perfect for birthdays, events, holidays, or just spending a day away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Children and students can spend a day at the farm experiencing traditions like visiting the petting zoo, home to goats, sheep, chickens, and pigs. Kids (and kids at heart) can climb towering hay bales, explore tire piles and a playset, feed animals in the Quonset hut, enjoy yard games, and get hands-on in the garden or outdoor mud kitchen.
With farm-to-table menus that serve fresh produce, Nelson’s meal offerings are equally hard to beat. Their dinners are as aesthetic and curated as any Instagrammable table spread or Pinterest dinner party photo. With dinner parties on the rise, farm-to-table dinners are a perfect alternative to restaurant dining, offering the freshest ingredients and more sustainable food options such as seasonal, non-certified organic produce and farm-raised beef. Visitors can enjoy wood-fired pizzas and homemade ice cream—including a special berries and cream flavor, packed with real fruit chunks—for a delicious way to round out their visit.
Nelson’s is also well-known for its seasonal produce roadside stands in both Elkhorn and Millard, open through October 30, offering a wide variety of fresh, locally-grown fruits and vegetables. At Nelson’s Produce Indoor Market, onsite at the farm during summer months, shoppers can stock up on more farmto-table staples like onions, sweet peppers, potatoes, zucchini, yellow squash, green beans, and cucumbers, along
with juicy favorites like Roma and cherry tomatoes, watermelons, strawberries, cantaloupes, and peaches—making it easy to bring the freshness of the farm straight to your kitchen.
Festivals held at Nelson Produce are another popular favorite, drawing large crowds each year. One of the most anticipated events annually is the Sunflower Fest, held August 15–September 1, where visitors can stroll through blooming fields and pick their own wildflowers. With over 300,000 sunflowers to choose from, the U-pick sunflower patch features 15 unique varieties, sunflower maze adventures, and butterfly release ceremonies. As you pick flowers, you might even encounter a sofa or a piano along the way, enhancing your rustic experience with novelty photo ops.
Other seasonal festivals include:
Strawberry Fest
June 6-8, 13-15
This annual festival offers all-you-caneat strawberries, themed crafts and games, sweet treats and drinks, animal interactions, farm activities, and hayrack rides for the whole family to enjoy.
Freedom Fest
June 27
An “All-American night under the Stars,” this summer event features a firework display and All-American food and treats throughout the evening.
Sweet Corn Fest
July 11-13
For corn lovers, this is the corniest festival you’ll find around! The Sweet Corn Fest features an all-you-can-eat corn bar with tasty toppings, farm tours, and plenty of fun surprises. Plus, it’s the only time of the season you can pick your own corn.
Watermelon Fest
July 25-27; Aug. 1-3
The ultimate summer celebration and one of the largest watermelon farms in the Midwest, Nelson Produce grows over six varieties of watermelon and cantaloupe that visitors can eat as much of as they want. Guests will also find fresh watermelon slushy drinks (only available during the festival!), a watermelon eating contest, and even watermelon skiing.
Truck and Tractor Days
Sept. 26-28
Experience antique tractor displays, kiddie tractor pull contests, a tractor parade through the farm, rides in a semi-combine, and even homemade ice cream churned by an old John Deere tractor. Tractor days is packed with interactive, fun, history and hands-on experiences.
Tulip Festival
2026 Dates To Be Announced
Nelson Produce introduced its first ever Tulip Festival this spring, with four acres of tulips featuring 400,000 bulbs and 35-plus stunning varieties. Guests can take home the most beautiful tulips for an interactive springtime experience.
Holiday events include the annual “Boo Bash,” where kids can dress up for a costume contest, trick-or-treat around the farm, and meet special guests like the fairytale ice queen, Elsa. Whether you’re visiting in spring, summer, or fall, Nelson Produce Farm remains a reliable, nostalgic slice of farm life the whole family is guaranteed to enjoy.
For more information, visit nelsonfarmproduce.com
SHOWROOM SHINE
ONYX 360 Ceramic Coverage Offers Holistic Care for Your Car That Lasts
Story by Jen Litton // Photography by Sarah Lemke
When purchasing a high-end vehicle, you want to make sure it’s kept in premium shape for a long time. Designed to maximize your new car’s longevity, the ONYX 360 Ceramic package is just one example of how ONYX Automotive delivers the very best in automotive services and treatments.
ONYX 360 Ceramic is a top-of-the-line ceramic coating that offers total exterior and interior coverage to keep your car looking its best with a “showroom shine” for a guaranteed 36 months.
“Ceramic is kind of the top shelf, so to speak. It’s the top-level paint protection you can do to a nice, high-end car,” said Jeff Hinchcliff, President of The H+H Group, a family-owned and operated business serving Nebraskans since 1930.
Aside from the surface of the car, one distinction that sets ONYX Automative’s protective coating apart from others is the additional protection provided to the rest of the car. “It’s not only on the paint, but we also do the ceramic coating on the wheels,” he added. “[It’s also] the interior, including the carpeting and the seats.”
“It’s a whole 360 ceramic protection package, not just painting,” Hinchcliff said.
How it Works
Nebraskans know all too well how vehicles are battered during the summer months with harmful UV rays, environmental contaminants, and insect acids. Year-round, our cars bear the brunt of environmental abuse, from sun, to snow, and everything in between. Luckily, the product works overtime to repel dirt and liquids. When you purchase the ONYX 360 Ceramic package, you’ll receive added surface coverage, shine, and superior hydrophobic protection.
First, your car will be treated with XPEL FUSION PLUS™ Ceramic Coating, a special coating that bonds at the molecular level to seal and protect surfaces. ONYX’s professional teams apply FUSION PLUS™ to your car’s paint, windows, wheels, brake calipers, and interior surfaces.
“We put it on the glass, because it’s like Rain-X. Ceramic will do essentially the same thing on glass, except it just lasts longer,” Hinchcliff said.
At the 18-month mark, it’s time to stop in for your coating refresh, complimentary detail, and carpet stain removal. “We take the car, we clean it, detail it, and then we apply a top coat mixture so that the ceramic is operating at its fullest ability, providing all the protection it can,” Hinchcliff said.
Treating the inside of the car is done with a different type of coating that includes a stain-repellant to help extend that newcar feeling. “On the inside, it helps with keeping the plastic shinier, and keeps your car looking newer, longer,” he added.
This exclusive ceramic coating treatment package has the maintenance period pre-built into it for maximum results. The 36-month warranty ensures that all components and parts covered with FUSION PLUS™ are protected from oxidation, loss of gloss, UV damage, color fading, and staining.
Installation of your ceramic coating takes a full day to install and cure, so plan your time accordingly with a new purchase. Additionally, this exclusive offering is only available at the time of purchase at ONYX Automotive. Check with your ONYX representative if you have any questions.
“ON THE INSIDE, IT HELPS WITH KEEPING THE PLASTIC SHINIER, AND KEEPS YOUR CAR LOOKING NEWER, LONGER.”
- JEFF HINCHCLIFF
No Chamois Needed
Any standard automobile purchase from ONYX comes with three years of complimentary top-tier car washes, but clients who purchase a ONYX 360 Ceramic coating package receive a special car wash service designed for ceramic coating. “It applies an incremental ceramic top coat every time you go through the car wash to help keep it maintained, and to keep its shine,” Hinchcliff said.
In this day and age, hand-washing cars is truly more of a passion project reserved for the most loyal of car fans. “Nobody really has time to hand-wash their cars,” Hinchcliff said. ONYX’s customized car wash, safe for ceramic-coated cars, makes it extremely simple to maintain your car’s beauty and shine.
Hinchcliff added that many other ceramic car packages from independent places advise against automatic car washes and instead recommend to wash by hand. Thankfully, ONYX’s custom ceramic coating car wash puts this option miles beyond the competition.
For more information, visit onyxautomotive.com/360-ceramic.
DARE TO DREAM
The 2025 Defender OCTA is a Rare Gem
Story by Dwain Hebda // Images provided
Throughout the history of automaking, there have been vehicles that have failed to live up to their billing, and there are models that meet expectations. Then there’s the Defender OCTA by Land Rover for which, it would seem, no amount of hype is too great.
Not unlike the snowy hillsides, sandy dunes, swampy marshlands, and mountain turns it blows through with ease, the Defender OCTA has conquered every hyperbole those in the know—and especially those in the auto press—can dream up.
“If there’s another road car on sale with a broader range of abilities, we’ve yet to drive it…of its type, the OCTA is the best there is,” crowed Steve Sutcliffe of AutoExpress.com.
“I’m standing in front of a car wearing a Defender badge that will comfortably challenge a Ferrari F50 in a traffic-light sprint with its 0-62 mph time of 3.8 seconds… (that) can also hurtle across landscapes that would reduce its Italian counterpart to fusilli-sized pieces, pronto,” gushed Rory FH Smith of Gentleman’s Journal
Closer to home, the praise is no less abundant. ONYX Automotive sales managers Michael Igwenma and Phil Hatten have seen their share of cars-of-themoment and even they are left scrambling for the words to adequately describe the Defender OCTA phenomenon.
“Between the two of us, we probably have 50 years of auto experience,” Hatten said. “There’s not many times a new vehicle gets here and both of us are like, ‘Wow.’ This one is something else.”
With a model as eye-popping as the Defender OCTA, it’s hard to know where to start in describing it, but the power plant is as good as any. The vehicle pairs a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 with an eight-speed automatic transmission to churn out 626 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque.
All that juice can be apportioned correctly to road conditions, thanks to
“OCTA Mode,” activated by a button on the steering wheel. OCTA Mode includes a new Off-Road Launch control for loose surfaces, while the terrain response system provides settings to handle sand, mud, grass, gravel, snow, and rock crawling. Ideal driving conditions? Switch to Comfort or Dynamic modes for over-the-road and let ’er rip.
“The Defender OCTA is catching past customers’ eyes but also sparking interest in people who just like really fast cars,” Hatten said. “It’s getting the attention of the people who have the Ferraris and the Lamborghinis.”
For as sexy as that all is, it is the suspension that is getting the lion’s share of attention. Land Rover took its already world-beating air suspension and improved it with a hydraulic interlink system that pumps hydraulic fluid around the four corners of the car to smooth out even the gnarliest terrain while keeping all four tires on the road through curves and turns. It is an engineering marvel that gets a true motorist’s blood pumping, including Igwenma’s.
“To me, the big thing was the 6D Dynamics suspension. This is first of its class and there is no vehicle out there in the world that’s actually done anything like this,” Igwenma said. “It’s got a hydraulic interlink which handles and grips the road, even for a heavier vehicle, when you’re turning at higher speeds. There’s minimum sway either left or right where you’re turning really fast. It’s probably the best-riding car you’re ever going to drive for its class.”
From a design perspective, the OCTA gives the driver off-road capability without a tank-like appearance. Taller and wider than the standard Defender 110, the OCTA introduces a touch of design elegance into what is still a beast for the outdoors. Thus, at the same time, it allows for wading up to 3.3 feet deep and provides better scaling capabilities due to greater ground clearance and specially developed 33-inch tires. It also looks very good doing it.
Even the very name, “OCTA,” specifically refers to the OCTAhedral shape of cut diamonds, indicative of both durability and luxury.
“Just the little things that they did to the wheel arches, the wheel spats, the front grill,” Hatten said. “It doesn’t take too long to look at it to know that it is 100% different than the regular Defender that’s sitting on the showroom floor.”
With all of that going for it, one might think the OCTA was soon to be seen on every street and corner in America. The fact that it isn’t has less to do with performance and design excellence or even the fact it starts out at around $150,000 MSRP. No, the reason spotting one is roughly akin to spotting Sasquatch along Interstate 80 is because there’s just not that many to be had, and what ones are delivered to local dealerships are gone just as quickly.
“The vehicle started showing up at dealers within the last 30 days,” Hatten said. “They don’t last very long; ours lasted for two days on the showroom floor. Plus, this is not a car that you can order just because you want one. They are being produced in very limited numbers. We got our hands on one, and there’s a chance we’ll get another one, but that wouldn’t be until the fall when we’d see that.”
“Our manufacturer does a great job of marketing, so they put the word out and they’ve been putting the buzz on this vehicle since about a year ago,” Igwenma said. “It’s created a lot of buzz and there were a lot of spy photos out there in the media, if you follow any of that. Unfortunately, to Phil’s point, it’s not going to be a vehicle that’s available for the masses.”
So therein lies the rub: nearly everything short of running out of gas that the Defender OCTA owner could face on or off the road has been solved, except the fact that the vehicle itself is one of the most elusive finds of the production automotive world. If you’re fortunate enough to have the opportunity to purchase one yourself, chances are it will exceed your wildest expectations.
“Is it fun?” asked Eric Stafford of Car & Driver , rhetorically. “After two days and roughly 400 miles of driving on the paved highways, gravel roads, rocky trails and sand dunes…it’s clear the OCTA excels at everything.
For more information, visit onyxautomotive.com.
DRIVEN TO WIN ONYX Automotive Earns National Recognition for Fourth Consecutive Year
Story by Natalie Veloso // Photography by Sarah Lemke
In the luxury automotive world, not all awards are created equal. For the fourth year in a row, ONYX Automotive accomplished what few luxury dealerships nationwide can claim: repeatedly earning both the BMW Center of Excellence Award and the MINI Golden Bulldog Award, the highest national honors for dealers of each brand.
The BMW Center of Excellence Award is reserved for dealerships that deliver top-tier customer experience, high-volume performance, and consistent operational excellence. Only a select few earn the honor annually.
Meanwhile, MINI’s Golden Bulldog Award has become MINI’s most coveted dealer award, celebrating not just operational excellence and sales, but also brand alignment and delivery of a best-in-class customer experience. ONYX has received the Golden Bulldog every year since the award was created—a perfect four-for-four streak.
“The standard for receiving these awards is to be better and better each year as metrics and expectations increase,” General Manager Drew Friesen said. “We plan to continue to do so.”
Awards might arrive once a year, but the work behind them happens daily. For Friesen, ONYX’s winning streak starts and ends with the team’s internal culture.
“When we look at the number of associates who have been with us from the beginning, we see a lot of familiar faces,” Friesen said. “The ONYX journey started five years ago, and our level of retention is extremely high, at about 78%. Our team members stay with us because they continue to be passionate about making the experience great for our customers.”
That consistency is no accident. ONYX conducts anonymous associate engagement surveys, asking questions like, “What can we
improve?” and “Why do you choose us?” The leadership team uses the feedback to adjust throughout the year, re-surveying later to track growth. “We want to know why our associates choose us and what we can do to make sure they’re happy doing what they do,” Friesen said.
That feedback loop—listen, improve, repeat—does more than just strengthen the team. It improves the customer experience, which in turn strengthens the dealership’s national standing. “The awards are great,” Friesen added. “But what’s better is that we’re continuing to grow.”
While the prestigious BMW and MINI awards take center stage in the trophy case, ONYX’s standout performance spans all four of its luxury brands—including Jaguar and Land Rover. “One of our biggest goals is to earn top recognition for each of our brands. The competition is incredibly tough, with demanding metrics. While we didn’t win Land Rover this time, we came in fourth place, and for Jaguar, we came in seventh place out of 150 dealers,” Friesen said. “That’s a pretty big deal.”
The Land Rover Pinnacle Award is one of the most competitive dealer recognitions in the country, and Friesen believes ONYX is closing in fast. “We’re very, very proud of what we were able to accomplish in 2024,” he said. “We hope to bring that award home in 2025.”
Behind every five-star customer review, service visit, and successful sale is a person who makes it happen. ONYX invests in onboarding, ongoing training, and mentorship—ensuring consistency and excellence across departments. Friesen is quick to credit the team as the reason behind the growth streak, pointing to thoughtful leadership as a key driver of their performance.
“WE ALWAYS LOOK TO GROW OUR BUSINESS, AND THAT’S THE EXPECTATION FOR THIS NEXT YEAR. WITH EACH CONSECUTIVE WIN, THE GOALS BECOME MORE CHALLENGING TO ACHIEVE AS THE BAR CONTINUES TO BE RAISED. ONYX IS UP TO THE TASK.”
— DREW FRIESEN, GENERAL MANAGER
With four years of dual wins under their belt, the question is: what’s next?
“We’re very excited about 2025 because of the all-new MINI product line,” Friesen said. “Every product that’s on the road right now and up for sale is a brand-new model, with brand-new trend lines and all-new updates on the interior.”
But new models are only part of the plan. After once again sweeping two of the highest honors in the luxury vehicle sector, ONYX isn’t treating this as a lucky streak, but the new standard. That means more vehicles sold, more service appointments fulfilled, more customer interactions, and more opportunities to deliver an elite experience.
“We always look to grow our business, and that’s the expectation for this next year,” Friesen said. “With each consecutive win, the goals become more challenging to achieve as the bar continues to be raised. ONYX is up to the task.”
For more information, visit onyxautomotive.com .
THE REFRESHED AND REIMAGINED BMW 330i.
The 330i now has an upgraded interior and connectivit y, all housed inside the classic 3 Series silhouette. Innovative driver assistance, a new curved display and a toggle selector make it even more seamless to get wherever you need to go. And one look at the premium interior is all it takes to know the 330i is a smooth ride.
As one of the longestrunning car models in America, the 3 Series just doesn’t have stagnancy in its DNA. The 3 means moving forward in every way.
This is the Ultimate Driving Machine ®
Contact a Client Advisor at bmwofomaha.com to learn more about the BMW 330i today.
(402) 3939700
bmwofomaha.com
Made with CGI
KIMBERLY CREEK
A Retreat Away from Home
Story by Natalie McGovern // Image provided
Kimberly Creek Retreat offers something for everyone seeking a getaway or a luxury glamping escape. Living up to its tagline— “explore nature while relaxing in luxury”— this wooded retreat spans over 20 acres just outside Omaha in Ashland, Nebraska. Guests can choose from cozy glamping cabins to spacious geodesic domes, all available year-round. The property is surrounded by cedar trees and walkable trails, making it easy to unwind and reconnect with nature.
Much like Airbnb or Vrbo, Kimberly Creek offers a range of lodging options for weekend getaways or longer stays with a variety of unique accommodations to choose from. A nice alternative to the often rough and rugged experience of camping, glamping is an elevated version of enjoying the outdoors—complete with comfortable lodging, amenities, and nature views. Owned by business partners Mike Kennedy and Chris Petersen, the acreage started out as family-owned land. Kennedy and Petersen decided to expand the property in 2018 and build lodging to rent out to guests.
Glamping at Kimberly Creek is an immersive experience with an ode to agriculture and the bucolic beauty of the area. You can stay in The Grain Bin—yes, an actual renovated silo—which sleeps five people with two queen beds and one twin, complete with a hot tub and fire pit to rent. For a cozy, intimate stay, The Fireside has two bedrooms and comes with a hot tub, spacious deck, and gazebo for taking in the scenery.
For group events like family reunions, corporate retreats, or bachelorette getaways, communal lodging is ideal. The Ranch resembles a log cabin with charming
rustic-style dwellings and can sleep up to six people, including two queen beds and one double trundle. Their largest retreat, The Sundowner, houses eight comfortably with three queen beds and one Queen Murphy, a gazebo, and a hot tub.
The Loft is perfect if you have kids—it sleeps up to five and is outfitted with two queen beds and a trundle bed fit for tots. The space is also wheelchair accessible. There’s even something for tiny house lovers at The Homestead, a tiny house cabin that sleeps up to six with a main queen bed, one loft Queen, and one child sleeper bed. The Nook and the Cranny are glamping pods similar in size that offer the same amenities. The only difference— The Nook comes with a hot tub.
There are three geodesic domes available to rent, ranging in sizes from King to Queen. Domes for rent are uniquely made of lattice-shell marine-grade vinyl, which is water and weather resistant. The King Dome boasts a 24-foot geodetic interior and sleeps six with two queen beds and one king bed. It’s complete with a spiral staircase and upper level. The Queen Dome is an estimated 300 square feet and features a bay window and ladder to the loft, generating solar gain and a regulated temperature inside. The communal, contemporary Sanctuary Dome comfortably sleeps six.
Each unit is outfitted with spacious, highend amenities including walk-in showers, microwaves, refrigerators (full or mini), toasters, coffee makers, and propane fire pits. Rates are affordable with a range of pricing options to fit different budgets. The property is wheelchair accessible, and while most units welcome pets, the domes are an exception and do not allow them.
“GLAMPING AT KIMBERLY CREEK IS AN IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE WITH AN ODE TO AGRICULTURE AND THE BUCOLIC BEAUTY OF THE AREA.” - NATALIE MCGOVERN
There are also plenty of dining options during your stay. Kimberly Creek offers a homemade, farm-to-table menu and a continental breakfast featuring egg and ham or egg and sausage bakes. Guests can also enjoy foil-pack entrees with steak or chicken, pre-packaged snacks like beef jerky, trail mix, granola bars, or cookies, and even deluxe s’mores served in waffle cones. Prefer to cook your own meals? Propane tanks and barbecue grills are available for guest use. Or, if you’re in the mood to dine out, check out local favorites in Ashland like Parker’s Smokehouse, Round the Bend Steakhouse, and Ruhlman’s Steakhouse, or enjoy a wine tasting at Glacial Till Vineyard & Cider House.
There’s no shortage of adventure at Kimberly Creek. Designed as a place to unwind and unplug, the retreat offers no Wi-Fi, but plenty of engaging activities instead. Guests can take part in kidfriendly scavenger hunts, a UFO-themed geocaching adventure for teens, treasure hunts, a playground, and even an interactive escape room inspired by “Dynamite Pete.” Local UFO lore is woven into these games, adding a touch of mystery. The land itself is steeped in Nebraska history—legend has it a powder monkey hermit known as “Dynamite Pete” once lived in a nearby cave along Pawnee Creek, often heard playing “Turkey in the Straw” on his fiddle.
Kimberly Creek Retreat is far more than just camping. With 11 unique units already established, owners Kennedy and Petersen have plans to add one more in the near future.
For more information, visit kimberlycreekretreat.com.
