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“I’M GOING TO TRAVEL THE COUNTRY WITH THIS CAR. I KNOW A LOT OF PEOPLE WILL BUY A VEHICLE LIKE THIS AND REALLY BABY IT, BUT THAT’S NOT THE PLAN. I’M PUTTING SNOW TIRES ON IT. THIS IS MY DAILY DRIVE, IT HAS TO GO WHEREVER I GO.”
- NATHAN HOGENMILLER
TAKING THE SCENIC ROUTE
Nathan Hogenmiller Finds the Right Ride for the Road Ahead
Story by Sara Locke // Photography by Bill Sitzmann
Nathan Hogenmiller took a winding road to a successful medical career and has enjoyed all of the sights along the way.
“I went to school in Omaha my whole life,” Hogenmiller said. “St. Joan of Arc for grade school, Creighton Prep for high school. University of Nebraska-Omaha for college, then the University of Nebraska Medical Center for a nursing degree. And now I’m graduating residency from UNMC.”
While his education and career have taken a few twists and turns, they served to remind him just how much the journey is the destination.
“I feel like my careers are a vast dichotomy,” he said. “Over the years, I realized if I knew more, I could do more. I could help in a more impactful way. I come from a healthcare family. I’d gone to nursing school. I decided to go back to school to become an ER doctor.”
While he didn’t initially hear the call to healthcare, it was always in the background.
“When I left Prep, I went to college with the intent to go to medical school, because it seemed like that was what I was supposed to do,” he said. “The push didn’t come from my parents, but rather from that general idea of, ‘If you get good grades, you’re smart, and you want to help people, then healthcare is the obvious career path.’ But it wasn’t a massive calling for me, so I left. I decided to go back in 2014, seven years later. There was a lot of course correction, and it took more classes and an accelerated learning program.”
The longer you head in a direction you didn’t intend, he said, the longer the road back becomes. But for Hogenmiller, there were no regrets, only sights to see along the way.
“I don’t necessarily recommend the path I took, but I’m really glad I did it,” he said. “It was humbling and enlightening.”
But the ride isn’t over, and it’s only getting better from here.
“Healthcare doesn’t give you pats on the back like other jobs do,” Hogenmiller said. “You can literally save a life, and your only thanks is seeing them leave the floor knowing that they would have died without you. Knowing for yourself that you’ve made a difference. But it isn’t a self-serving life. You’re doing your job just for the love of it.”
With a job as physically and emotionally taxing as emergency medicine, Hogenmiller believes it’s important to balance your life with hobbies and interests that ground and gratify you.
“I’m a motorsports guy,” he said. “I grew up racing motocross, go-karts. It’s always been an interest of mine.”
When undertaking his residency, Hogenmiller vowed that upon his graduation from the program, he would gift himself something that would marry his love of motorsports, travel, and luxury. His plan was to replace his well-loved Mustang with an upgraded version, but another future goal changed his mind.
“I just got married back in February,” he said. “Dane [Gengler] was helping me consider my options and mentioned that Mustangs don’t have four doors. Looking forward—thinking about starting a family—we were going to need something more practical.”
But the team at ONYX showed Hogenmiller that practical didn’t have to mean a minivan.
“I do a lot of traveling in the mountains, and I wanted something with turbos,” he
said. “Dane suggested I look at a BMW, and I have always had a sweet spot for the M3.”
Hogenmiller recalled a high school acquaintance driving an E46 M3. “It had the manual sequential, so you didn’t have to use the clutch to switch between gears. It was brand new at the time and so cool,” he said. “I remembered that car so vividly and had kept my eye on a few M3s through the years. It had been on my mind, so when Dane suggested it, it finally just felt like the right time.”
Dane sent Hogenmiller to Daniel Schwartz, who walked him through the process.
“I had a great idea of what I wanted before I ever walked in,” Hogenmiller said. “I had my vehicle fully built online, but still had a lot of questions about specs and other options. Daniel made the buying process really straightforward.”
Hogenmiller is enjoying his 2027 BMW M3, even taking it to the first Sportscar Saturday of the year.
“It was crazy to have a 14-year-old kid come up to me and ask, ‘Is that thing dravit grey?’ It really just shows you that the M3 is truly an iconic motorsports car,” he said. “I’m hoping to instill that same appreciation into my future child.”
The journey has only just begun, and Hogenmiller may not know where he’s going next, but he knows exactly how he’s getting there.
“I’m going to travel the country with this car,” he said. “I know a lot of people will buy a vehicle like this and really baby it, but that’s not the plan. I’m putting snow tires on it. This is my daily drive, it has to go wherever I go.”
Visit onyxautomotive.com for more information.
Maressa Dice Helps Vehicles Look Their Best
Story by Kara Schweiss // Photography by Sarah Lemke
AS SHINING SERVICE
manager of ONYX car wash services, Maressa Dice views a high-quality car wash as more than just a regular errand for vehicle owners. It protects a vehicle’s hard surfaces and removes potentially corrosive contaminants from road salt and tree sap to gravel dust and bird droppings. It enhances and sustains the fine look of exterior features that make vehicle beautiful and unique.
So, in Dice’s view, a good wash is not only necessary maintenance to keep high-end, luxury vehicles looking their best, but the before-and-after process itself serves as a boost to the driver’s mood and reflects pride in ownership.
“I think it makes you feel good,” she said. “It warms your heart a little, in my opinion, being able to see the difference of your car being muddy and then coming out clean.”
Dice has been in the car wash sector for nearly a decade and will soon complete her second year with ONYX. Every day, she brings clients the satisfying experience of departing in a vehicle that’s spotless on the outside and tidy on the inside. At the same time, Dice fosters the friendly and welcoming atmosphere that every facet of doing business with ONYX has become known for.
Dice oversees a premier wash experience that is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday/Saturday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The wash experience also emphasizes a detail of care with features that include a grime soak and bug blaster, highpressure underbody wash, rain repellant for glass, wheel clean and tire shine, hot wax, spot-free rinse, turbo dry, and more.
“We offer one wash, and that’s our topof-the-line wash; it adds an extra shine,” Dice said, adding that even the conveyor that guides vehicles through the wash is top-notch. “We also have free vacuums to offer, and we have complimentary air fresheners and towels out there as well.”
She also emphasized the exclusivity of ONYX car wash services. Although ONYX customers can purchase family packages, the services are not available to members of the general public.
“IT WARMS YOUR HEART A LITTLE, IN MY OPINION, BEING ABLE TO SEE THE DIFFERENCE OF YOUR CAR BEING MUDDY AND THEN COMING OUT CLEAN.”
-MARESSA DICE
“We are a private car wash, so you can only wash with us if you bought your vehicle from ONYX, or if you live or work in the Heartwood Preserve area,” Dice said. ONYX Automotive was the first business to launch operations at the development in 2020.
Dice, who’s in her mid-20s, said she’s driven the same car since she was 16 years old, and of course, it’s well-maintained and always clean. As practical as she is, Dice has also admired some amazing vehicles that have made their way through her car wash and is quick to name her dream car.
“It would be a Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing,” she said. “Other than that, it would probably be a BMW M4. I just love the luxury of it.”
Dice enjoys her work so much that she’s brought in family members; a sister and brother-in-law both work for ONYX, and her father was once in the business as well. “It’s really cool to see my family sometimes walking through the hallway.”
When she is not at work, Dice said she enjoys spending time with her family. She occasionally puts another skill to use: having attended nail school, she sometimes does manicures for friends and family members as a creative hobby.
What makes ONYX a great place to work and what distinguishes the business from competition in the area and beyond, she said, is the team.
“It’s the people,” she said. “It is such a very friendly, motivating place to work. When you’re walking down the hall, you’ll see people just smiling at you. You say, ‘Good morning,’ and it just makes your whole day.”
Dice fits in well with the positive work culture. She said she has a commitment to high standards and a continuous improvement mindset that factored into meeting challenges, adapting to new responsibilities, and moving up to the position of a manager in her field at a relatively early age.
“(It’s due to) my willingness to learn and improve constantly,” she said. “I always enjoy wanting to learn new things and trying to improve myself in any way.”
For more information, visit onyxautomotive.com.
A SWEETER SWING
Approach Tees Up New Chapter at Indian Creek
Story by Isaac Nielsen // Photography by Sarah Lemke
For many in the Omaha area and beyond, the Indian Creek course in Elkhorn has been a hot spot for high-quality golf since it opened in 1992. It’s served as the home of the Pinnacle Bank Championship, a major stop on the Korn Ferry Tour, since 2017, and for good reason.
But after a multi-million dollar clubhouse renovation was completed in May, visitors finally have a reason to stay after the last hole, or even come by without playing at all.
Approach, a new restaurant at the center of the renovation, is a perfect fit overlooking the challenging course. It’s billed as casual fine dining and the menu is ambitious enough to separate it from your average grill. Meanwhile, the place still has the same old golf course feel in the best way possible, serving guests who may be dressed for dinner or coming straight from a round.
The dining room sets the tone quickly. With the blinds open, the big windows look out over Indian Creek’s course. Inside, the design is bright and new, with light wood, sleek surfaces, a small open-feeling bar, and creative overhead lighting. There is also a patio, which should become one of the better seats in Elkhorn when the weather cooperates. It’s flexible, as the restaurant’s webpage suggests, describing Approach as a place where golf shoes are welcome and walk-ins are encouraged.
Cocktails were a good starting point. Approach offers a list of eight curated signature mixes in addition to the usual offerings, and we tried the strawberry margarita and white peach palmer. The margarita arrived a warm red served with lime, and packed more flavor than the average margarita usually delivers. The palmer was much quieter and bordered on weak, but would be perfect for those craving something more refreshing. It’s sweet, floral, and built from a long list of ingredients including white peach, elderflower, white tea, gin, lemon, coconut, and bergamot. It was pleasant, but could have been a bit stronger to compete with the margarita.
The smoked salmon dip as an appetizer was probably the biggest surprise. Served cold, it takes a minute to get used to, but is then quite excellent. Mixed with olive oil and chives and served with house bread, it was thick and salty, with enough richness to stand up to the bread, which had a soft, rich side. The dinner appetizer menu also includes small plates such as empanadas, beef skewers, mussels, a coppa plate, and more, offering a little something for everyone.
The black bird cheesesteak was sweeter than expected, and it was a great take on a usually straightforward classic. Thin shaved ribeye, onions, Swissstyle American cheese, and a generous helping of pickled peppers came tucked in a soft hoagie bun. The peppers shaped the meal with a sweet tang that cut through the beef and cheese. The fries as a side were crisp and satisfying, everything one would hope fries would be at a golf course clubhouse. Approach’s sandwich section is compact at dinner, with burgers and a honey butter fried chicken sandwich also listed. All sandwiches come with fries.
The 8-ounce sirloin was another delicious twist on a familiar favorite. It was cooked on the rarer side, topped with miso bordelaise, and served with parsnip pomme puree. Our server told us the steak was aged for four weeks and cooked on a flat top to build a deeper sear. The beef had a richer crust than expected, and the sauce brought a fresh tang along with a little sweetness. The parsnip puree leaned sweeter than a traditional potato puree, and a side of asparagus was seasoned well and cooked tender without turning limp.
That sweetness became the through line of the meal. It made obvious sense in the cheesesteak, where the pickled red peppers did a lot of the work. It was more unexpected with the steak and the puree. Depending on what you like, that may be Approach’s most distinctive trait. The kitchen seems comfortable taking familiar dishes in slightly different directions without pushing them too far.
The service matched the ambience of the restaurant as a whole. Our server was enthusiastic without hovering, and the staff were informed and able to put guests all around us at ease. That’s a good thing for a restaurant like Approach, which is trying to serve several audiences at once, from worn-out golfers to couples or families enjoying a nice night out. This model is even evident in their lunch menu, which adds hand-tossed neo-Neapolitan pizzas and other daytime plates to the mix.
Approach is still trying to make a strong first impression, and it’s doing so successfully. Far exceeding the word “clubhouse,” the new hot spot for golfers and families has established an identity and reputation for comfortable dining with a polished edge.
For more information, visit indiancreekexperience.com/restaurant.
A SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
The Story Behind ONYX’s Signature Scent
Story by Naomi Heu // Photography by Sarah Lemke
Upon entering the large glass doors of ONYX Automotive, a fresh, floral scent immediately greets anyone that walks in. The scent was designed with the help of ScentAir, a custom scent company, to create an atmosphere that feels welcoming, luxurious, and truly represents what ONYX stands for.
ScentAir creates custom fragrances for brands to strategically shape customer experience and strengthen brand identity. ScentAir also creates fragrances for personal use, as their services include professional-quality home fragrances for everyday living spaces.
The use of scent as a branding tool has become increasingly more common among businesses who are seeking to create memorable customer experiences. Research has shown that smell is closely tied to memory and emotion, making fragrance a powerful way for companies to strengthen connections with clients.
Businesses like hotels, luxury retailers, casinos, and automotive businesses often use signature scents to help distinguish themselves from competitors. When customers repeatedly encounter the same fragrance, they may begin to associate that scent with a particular brand, making it easier to remember long after leaving the business.
“If you’ve ever walked into a hotel, resort, or retail store and thought, ‘It smells amazing in here,’ there’s a good chance that it was ScentAir,” said Michelle Anna Alfano, marketing content manager for ScentAir.
For client-facing companies like ONYX, a custom scent offers another way to shape a client’s first impression and reinforce the atmosphere they want visitors to experience.
“Creating a custom signature scent with ScentAir begins with a comprehensive brand immersion, where fragrance experts explore every nuance of a brand’s identity, from visual style and marketing materials to the ambiance of physical spaces,” Alfano said.
From those insights, the team at ScentAir will select top, middle, and base notes to create a fragrance that captures the brand’s essence, Alfano explained.
Businesses can also opt to choose from ScentAir’s extensive curated fragrance library as an alternative option, and that is what ONYX decided to do.
ScentAir brought 16 different notes to ONYX, each with a distinct scent and purpose for creating a different atmosphere. ONYX was thorough in their search for the right combination, being deliberate in the decision process.
Some scents were too strong, too bold. But ONYX evaluated each one to select something that was uniquely them, balancing freshness and sophistication.
Tom Coleman, marketing director for ONYX, described the scent as fresh and flowery, like a bouquet of flowers or a garden. He emphasized, however, that it is not overpowering. “It’s completely organic, non-toxic, and allergy-free,” Coleman said. “So for those who are sensitive to smell, it isn’t too strong. It shouldn’t negatively affect anyone who enters the building.”
The decision to create a custom scent was an intentional choice by ONYX. “Creating a custom scent was a professional decision that we made to improve the ONYX brand and to curate a better experience for our clients,” Coleman said.
The fragrance has been integrated since ONYX Automotive opened its doors in 2019, and has been associated with the ONYX brand for clients and employees alike ever since. The building stays fresh with this scent through an advanced ventilation system.
“There’s a distribution system that pushes the scent through the air vents every couple of hours,” Coleman said. This provides an easy way to infuse the building throughout the day and keeps the scent from becoming stale.
The custom fragrance at ONYX is more than just a pleasant smell. The scent has become part of their luxury identity and helps create a memorable experience from the moment clients walk through the door.
Every aspect of ONYX is designed to create an elevated experience, from the presentation of vehicles to the lounge and service areas. Along with attention to details of its vehicles and customer service, ONYX has also invested in its atmosphere and environment. While visitors may not immediately identify the scent, there is not doubt they notice the atmosphere it helps create.
Through its partnership with ScentAir, ONYX clients now leave with not only a positive impression of the business, but also a familiar floral scent that cannot be found anywhere else.
Visit onyxautomotive.com for more information.
“CREATING A CUSTOM SCENT WAS A PROFESSIONAL DECISION THAT WE MADE TO IMPROVE THE ONYX BRAND AND TO CURATE
DRIVING GOOD IN ACTION:
ONYX Supports Kids Can Community Center
Column by Lindsey Hinchcliff-Crotty // Photography Provided
ATONYX Automotive, giving back isn’t just a value, it’s a commitment brought to life through meaningful action. During National Volunteer Week in April 2026, The H+H Group, a part of the ONYX Automotive team, partnered with United Way of the Midlands to make a direct impact in the Omaha community.
In a high-energy volunteer session, the team successfully assembled 420 snack kits for children in need. While a snack might seem like a small thing, for a child in an after-school program, it represents the fuel they need to focus, learn, and grow.
These kits were delivered to students participating in programs at Kids Can Community Center, supporting their vital early childhood education and after-school programs in South Omaha. Each kit provided not just nourishment, but a small reminder that their community cares.
This volunteer event was part of a larger metro-wide movement coordinated by United Way of the Midlands. Carly Weld, director of volunteerism at United Way of the Midlands, highlighted the scale of the week’s impact. “We were honored to have the H+H Group volunteer during National Volunteer Week,” she said. “During this special week, 131 volunteers assembled 2,740 kits with essential items to support the vital programming of our nine nonprofit partners.”
That sentiment was echoed by Shawna Forsberg, president and CEO of United Way of the Midlands: “We’re proud to partner with businesses who share a deep commitment to volunteerism and giving back. Through Good on the Go and other volunteer efforts, we see the true spirit of service in action—teams coming together to support local nonprofits and strengthen our community.”
This initiative is part of the broader ONYX Automotive Driving Good program, which focuses on creating positive change in the communities where team members live and work. Events like this reflect the power of teamwork—not just within the workplace, but in service to others.
The 25 team members of ONYX who volunteered truly stepped up to lead by example. ONYX was honored to be invited by United Way of the Midlands to participate in such a meaningful week.
From assembling snack kits to strengthening community partnerships, ONYX Automotive continues to demonstrate what it means to lead with purpose. Through collaboration, compassion, and action, they’re helping drive a better future.
Visit onyxautomotive.com/driving-good for more information.
THE SOUND OF SEPTEMBER
Shadow Ridge Music Festival’s Eighth Year of Music With a Mission
Story by Natalie Veloso // Photography Provided
Every September, thousands of concertgoers make their way to the picturesque grounds of Shadow Ridge for a night of outdoor entertainment that celebrates some of alternative rock’s biggest names. This year will mark the eighth annual Shadow Ridge Music Festival, slated to make its anticipated return on Sept. 11.
The festival is gearing up to once again reinforce its reputation as Omaha’s longest-running consecutive annual independent music event. This year’s lineup features Blues Traveler, Gin Blossoms, Spin Doctors, and The Samples, carrying on the tradition of bringing iconic artists from the 1990s to early 2000s to west Omaha.
Organizers expect attendance to top 5,000 guests as the festival continues to attract audiences from across the Midwest. Festival founder Justin Shanahan said that while the lineup is a major draw, creating an unforgettable experience is the event’s guiding philosophy.
“Year after year, we’re intentional about delivering an experience that feels elevated while staying true to the community and memories that built this festival,” Shanahan said.
The outdoor setting is part of what continues to distinguish the festival from a traditional arena concert. Taking place on the grounds of Shadow Ridge at 188th and Pacific streets, festival-goers can spend the evening experiencing performances while enjoying cold beverages from the beer garden and food offerings from more than a dozen Omaha restaurants and local food trucks.
“SHADOW RIDGE MUSIC FESTIVAL HAS ALWAYS BEEN ABOUT CREATING NOSTALGIC MOMENTS THAT STICK WITH YOU. GREAT MUSIC, GREAT PEOPLE, AND A SETTING THAT FEELS SPECIAL.”
- JUSTIN SHANAHAN
The event is centered on the music, and this year’s recognizable names come with a history of sharing the stage. Blues Traveler, Gin Blossoms, and Spin Doctors enjoyed a successful “Spin Gin Traveler” tour last year, and returned to the road together in 2026 by popular demand.
Blues Traveler, formed in New Jersey in the late 1980s, are known for harmonicadriven hits including “Run-Around” and “Hook.” Arizona-based Gin Blossoms helped define alternative radio in the early 1990s with songs such as “Hey Jealousy” and “Allison Road,” while New York’s Spin Doctors became synonymous with the era through hits like “Two Princes” and “Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong.”
The Samples will be familiar reggae-rock faces on the Shadow Ridge stage this year, as the Colorado-based band previously played the festival in 2023.
Throughout its history, Shadow Ridge Music Festival has welcomed other iconic performers including 311, Bush, The Fray, Violent Femmes, Collective Soul, O.A.R., Barenaked Ladies, Blue October, and Everclear. Each year’s lineup builds
on the last, giving Omaha audiences an opportunity to experience nationally touring acts in an outdoor setting close to home.
Community involvement and charitable partnerships are also central to the festival’s mission. The 2026 charitable partner is the 50 Mile March Foundation, a Nebraska nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans facing PTSD and homelessness while advancing its longterm Community of Hope campus vision in Bellevue. A portion of every ticket sold will directly support the organization’s work.
The partnership carries additional significance this year, as the festival falls on Sept. 11, marking the 25th anniversary of the attacks and the national Day of Remembrance.
“We wanted to pay proper tribute to our veterans on this 25th anniversary of Sept. 11,” Shanahan said. “The 50 Mile March is doing impactful work in our community, and we’re honored to have them be our charity partner this year.”
The 2026 festival is approaching quickly with one of the festival’s strongest lineups
to date. For fans of ‘90s alternative rock, it’s an end-of-summer celebration worth marking on the calendar. Organizers continue investing in improved production quality and guest amenities from year to year, though Shanahan said the goal has never changed.
“Shadow Ridge Music Festival has always been about creating nostalgic moments that stick with you,” Shanahan said. “Great music, great people, and a setting that feels special.”
The Shadow Ridge Music Festival takes place Friday, Sept. 11, at Shadow Ridge in West Omaha. Tickets and additional information are available at shadowridgemusicfestival.com.
SAMANTHA DICKSON
A HIG HER STANDARD
Quality Behind Every Pre-Owned Vehicle
Story by Holly McAtee // Photography by Bill Sitzmann
When you buy a pre-owned vehicle from ONYX Automotive, you can be confident that your vehicle has been through a rigorous certified pre-owned inspection. The team at ONYX only puts out the best vehicles.
“We’re particular with what we choose to sell,” said Dave Arbaugh, pre-owned sales manager. “We don’t do any as-is cars—we inspect every car. Our clients know that they are getting as close to a new car as they can. Most of our pre-owned cars come with a warranty.”
Service manager Samantha Dickson works with her team of factory-trained technicians to ensure that only the highest quality vehicles are put on the lot. The open road multi-point inspection has every vehicle driven at least 5 miles at 55 miles per hour.
They listen to any noises and check for steering and break issues. The exterior is checked for body damage. Under the hood, they make sure all services have been performed and that the filters are good. They also check belts, suspension, and bushings. If there is anything that needs to be fixed, it’s taken care of before it’s put on the lot.
Dickson enjoys providing a strong vehicle for advisors to sell, so that clients always feel confident in their purchase. She knows that she has done everything in her power to make that happen.
The pre-owned department at ONYX is fed by the ONYX brands. Most of the trade-ins are luxury vehicles, because ONYX clientele take good care of their cars, Arbaugh said. “I can tell you where most of the cars on our lot came from. I know the history of the car and the previous owner of the car,” he added.
ONYX knows even pre-owned luxury vehicles are a big investment. They work hard to provide the best vehicles along with superior service. The staff takes the time to understand their clients. Their approach is more about the relationship than just making a sale.
“Our clients say our process is easier than at other dealerships,” said Daniel Schwartz, pre-owned sales advisor. “It’s less hassle than they are used to. We make their experience personalized. At the initial visit, we find out what’s important to them. We work hard to accomplish their goals.”
Arbaugh said the automotive industry wasn’t the career path he thought he would take before finding what he thought would be a short-term job at ONYX. He’s now been with the auto group for 16 years, rising from a sales advisor to a manager. He enjoys the relationships with the clients and his staff.
“We try to be problem solvers,” Arbaugh said. “That resonates a lot with me. We recognize that everyone that walks through these doors has a problem that they want to solve. They could want a
lower car payment, or they need a vehicle with more space. It’s our job to find out what they want so they will trust us when we create a solution for them. I don’t want to sell someone something that’s solving one problem but creating another problem.”
“Things don’t end wrong, they start wrong. We start it right by having everything good to go on the lot. So, it will end right,” Schwartz said.
Schwartz likes the way that he gets to meet new people with his job. “You never know who you will meet. It’s great to meet new friends.”
Arbaugh enjoys getting to know his staff and clients and developing friendships. “Now as a manager, I interact with my team and I get to know them every day and understand their lives to give them direction and support.”
Investing in a pre-owned vehicle at ONYX Automotive isn’t just about getting a high-quality vehicle—it’s about entering into a great partnership with the ONYX team so you can drive away with peace of mind.
Visit onyxautomotive.com for more information.
“OUR CLIENTS SAY OUR PROCESS IS EASIER THAN AT OTHER DEALERSHIPS. IT’S LESS HASSLE THAN THEY ARE USED TO. WE MAKE THEIR EXPERIENCE PERSONALIZED.”
DANIEL SCHWARTZ
STRIKE A POSE
MINI Paul Smith Editions
Story by Dwain Hebda // Photography Provided
ASa category, MINI Cooper drivers are known for tastes that run slightly offcenter. Ever since it was first launched, the car has been engineered to match that design aesthetic—individualized and quirky, yet retaining an air of decorum that is unfailingly British.
Yet, even this beloved oddball of the automotive world needs to shake things up periodically, and this summer is one of those times. Behold, the impending arrival of the MINI Paul Smith Edition, designed by the famed artist and designer in his third collaboration with the automaker.
“It’s not often that you see two icons of British design work together in this way, and it’s wonderful that our partnership has carried on over so many years,” Sir Paul Smith said in advance media materials.
“The MINI Paul Smith Edition has been a real privilege and a wonderful opportunity…new colors and new unexpected details that will be a welcomed surprise.”
Dave Arbaugh, pre-owned sales manager with ONYX Automotive in Omaha, said the much-anticipated release is bound to cause excitement among the MINI faithful.
“MINI’s kind of known for special editions and they come up with some quirky things,” he said. “The Paul Smith Edition is one of the most authentic special editions. It’s just really unabashedly British, and it’s iconic along with the brand.
“Think of it this way: if a guy that wants to buy a suit, he’s going to go buy a suit. A guy that wants to show his personality and have a little bit of fun with it probably buys a Paul Smith suit. It’s the same thing with MINI. People buy MINIs more with their heart. They want that personality, and Paul Smith gets that, taking the underlying classic British style and then adding playful, unexpected details and colors throughout.”
Born in Nottingham, England, in 1946, Sir Paul Smith is an icon in the world of fashion and creative industries. Having worked as a buyer and boutique manager before opening his own business in 1970, he burst into fashion with his first men’s collection in 1976.
By the 1980s, he, along with Giorgio Armani, pioneered a more relaxed cut for the formal men’s suit, making it his own through playful touches such as contrasting linings and other unexpected details. He dubbed his approach “classic with a twist,” and that tag has been the benchmark for everything that would follow.
In the late 1990s, Smith’s trademark colored stripes inspired a collaboration with MINI for the first time. The Paul Smith MINI appeared in 1998, a limited run of 1,800 cars, the most famous featuring “Paul Smith Blue” paint and anthracite wheels. Following a one-off in 1999, he came back with 2021’s MINI STRIP, featuring a minimalist design and simplistic detailing. The following year, MINI Recharged by Paul Smith appeared, a sustainable electric model designed with his input.
“MINI CUSTOMERS TEND TO APPRECIATE VEHICLES WITH CHARACTER, AND SPECIAL EDITIONS LIKE THIS GIVE PEOPLE SOMETHING THAT FEELS A LITTLE MORE PERSONAL AND UNIQUE THAN A STANDARD VEHICLE.”
-DAVE ARBAUGH
VEH ICLE FEATURE
The 2026 collaboration is the largest and most comprehensive yet, and includes the MINI Cooper Paul Smith Edition in petrol and all-electric models: MINI Cooper 5-Door Paul Smith Edition and MINI Cooper Convertible Paul Smith Edition. The mechanical elements and physical specs of the special edition models are identical to regular MINI models, but the design elements leave no doubt that these limited-edition models are something special, both inside and out.
The cabin offers exclusive upholstery and a dashboard in a unique color and material combination. According to the MINI website, models also feature unexpected design touches including signature stripes, new color MINI logo, and color stitching on the steering wheel, all reflecting Paul Smith’s distinctive style, right down to the stereo speakers.
“Paul Smith’s design philosophy fits very naturally with MINI, which has always been a brand centered around personality, individuality, and fun,” Arbaugh said. “From my perspective, that’s really what makes this collaboration work. MINI customers tend to appreciate vehicles with character, and special editions like this give people something that feels a little more personal and unique than a standard vehicle.”
Each model comes in distinctive exterior colors: inspired white, statement grey, and the classic midnight black. The body paint is complemented by exclusive exterior accents and a unique roof design in the signature MINI black band in a new black-blue color, and an optional Nottingham green, featuring a subtle yet unmistakable Paul Smith stripe detail.
“THE PAUL SMITH EDITION IS ONE OF THE MOST AUTHENTIC SPECIAL EDITIONS. IT’S JUST REALLY UNABASHEDLY BRITISH, AND IT’S ICONIC ALONG WITH THE BRAND.” -DAVE ARBAUGH
“The color schemes are understated, but very different,” Arbaugh said. “That Nottingham green as an accent color, especially paired with this shade of off-white, what they’re calling inspired white, just looks super cool.
“The stripes on the roof are a subtle nod back to another car back in the 1990s that Paul Smith did that’s all just crazy stripes, so there’s some acknowledgement of history there. People might also remember the super minimalistic one he did that was cool in its own way, but this new collaboration is, I think, going to be more fun.”
Visit onyxautomotive.com for more information.
THE REFRESHED AND REIMAGINED BMW 330i.
The 330i now has an upgraded interior and connectivity, 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.®
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Made with CGI.
A TRIP THROUGH IOWA HISTORY
Visit the Covered Bridges of Madison County
Story by Natalie McGovern
Photography by Jared Bady
Where can you find rolling hills along an idyllic countryside, Americana charm, and a historic remnant of America’s past? Welcome to Winterset, Iowa. Located nearly 30 miles southwest of Des Moines, Iowa, this quaint town is known for its world-renowned covered bridges that elegantly grace the countryside. When it comes to Iowa tourism, the covered bridges of Madison County are a staple attraction, offering visitors a memorable day-trip excursion to central Iowa.
A total of 19 covered bridges were built in Madison County between 1868 and 1889. During westward settlement expansion, covered bridges were built to guard against wind, snow, and rain, providing protection for wooden support trusses underneath. Resembling barns, these practical wood coverings also helped encourage cattle to cross, and they were often painted an inexpensive deep red ochre to mimic the familiar structures.
Six Bridges Still Standing
Only six covered bridges remain in Madison County today, spanning the area’s quiet, winding country waterways—the most famous being the Roseman Bridge. Over time, the elements, floods, fires, collisions, and demolition caused the others to slowly disappear as they deteriorated. The county has worked diligently to reconstruct and preserve these historic landmarks, and all six remaining bridges have required rehabilitation to restore their original character and functionality.
Roseman Covered Bridge
Seventeen minutes away from Winterset, the Roseman Bridge is prominently featured in the 1995 film, The Bridges of Madison County . Built in 1883 by Harvey P. Jones and George K. Foster, it’s 107 feet long and features arches for horse carriages to pass through. Referenced as the site where a storybook romance took place in the critically acclaimed film, the timber structure is alleged to be “haunted.” Legend has it that in 1892, deputies descended upon a band of outlaws. After a single gunshot rang out, a runaway fugitive disappeared into thin air, never to be found again.
ROAD TRIP
Holliwell Covered Bridge
The Holliwell Bridge is the longest timber-truss covered bridge in the state. Built in 1880, it spans 122 feet and is custom built with a wooden bow-arch roof, unlike the standard criss-cross pattern of other bridge designs. It has required frequent maintenance due to collapse. In the late 1860s, the county began sheathing the bridge with wooden through trusses, shingle roofs, and plank siding. It was built by Benton Jones and Foster and is also prominently featured in The Bridges of Madison County
Hogback Covered Bridge
Extending over the Middle River Water Trail, the rustic Hogback Bridge features a queen post frame overlay and arch with a flat roof. It’s the last timber-truss bridge to have been built in the county by Harvey and Foster, still in its original location. The Hogback spans 98 feet suspended over the tranquil North River. Visit at dusk and you might catch a glimpse of mist rising over the water.
Cedar Covered Bridge
Also known as the Casper or Storrs Bridge, this structure uses town lattice trusses and features a queen post overlay. Although it was renovated in 1998, the bridge unfortunately was destroyed by arson twice, in 2002 and again in 2017. Two replicas were built to commemorate the original structure, one in 2004 and the last in 2019. The Cedar Bridge is the only covered bridge that is accessible to vehicular traffic.
Cutler-Donahoe Covered Bridge
The Cutler-Donahoe Bridge was designed and built by Eli Cox in 1870. It uses town lattice trusses with an overlay queen post frame, a gable roof, and native white pines (likely sourced from Oregon), measuring between 79 and 82 feet long. The bridge was rehabilitated in 1997 and moved 18 miles north of Winterset to the entrance of Winterset City Park.
Imes Covered Bridge
Constructed in 1870, the Imes Bridge spans 81 feet long and features town lattice trusses and a pitched roof. The Imes is the oldest bridge in the county and has withstood centuries of weather. It was relocated twice, with its final resting place landing in the city park of St. Charles, Iowa. The bridge even survived floorboard structural failure during a calamitous event involving a truck hauling 18 tons of corn.
The Novel, Film, and Musical
In 1992, Robert James Waller published the romance novel, The Bridges of Madison County , where a farmwife has a chance meeting with a National Geographic photojournalist, and they carry on an intense, yet brief, dalliance.
Following the success of the best-selling novel, it was quickly adapted to film. Who could forget the sweeping romantic period drama that earned Meryl Streep an Academy Award for best actress? Clint Eastwood helmed the project, starring as Robert, and Streep played the role of Francesca. The iconic Cedar Bridge was featured as a focal point during pivotal
scenes, as were the Roseman and Holliwell covered bridges. It was filmed on location in Madison County and in Winterset.
Later in 2014, The Bridges of Madison County musical opened on Broadway, with Kelli O’Hara in the role of Francesca and Steven Pasquale as Robert. With music by Jason Robert Brown and based on the screenplay by Marsha Norman, it won the Tony Award that year for best original score and orchestration.
Festival and Other Attractions
The Madison County Covered Bridge Festival takes place annually during October, hosting regular tours of the six remaining bridges. First held in 1970, it features an antique car show, marble shooting, Civil War reenactments, antique tractor rides, vendors, live music, and many more old fashioned activities.
Several wineries nearby pay homage to the town’s covered bridge history with wine selections bearing the names of five bridges, alongside a signature blush wine as a tribute to the character of Francesca.
Throughout centuries, couples have etched their names in the wooden frames of these structures representing romance and history. If you’re looking for the nostalgic beauty of yesteryear, these famous bridge locations provide the ideal ambiance and a rustic landscape. Make a day trip of it and set out to explore the bridges of Madison County.
Visit
exploremadisoncounty.com/covered_bridges for more information.
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