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River City Six
OMAHA’S PREMIERE EVENT PHOTOGRAPHER
Corporate & Private Events Non-Profit Events Commercial/Branding Head Shots/Seniors 402-203-7908 | www.monicasempekphotography.com
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Start designing today at designyourownbath.com STAN Stan Smith HEARTLAND INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Meet Stan Smith, the director of operations for Heartland International, Inc. and sales director for Conklin Roofi ng Systems. Tell us a little about your business. - Back in 1977, Conklin formulated acrylic roofi ng coatings, which offers superior protection against the elements and provides substantial energy effi ciency. With more than 40 years of tested, proven, and trusted performance to deliver unsurpassed value for building owners, property managers, and contractors alike, no other company offers what Conklin does. I maintain and service our client list and build new relations with prospective clients. How did you get started in the business? - My wife and I moved to Hickman in the summer of 2001. I responded to an ad in The Daily Nebraskan. This contact led me to Dennis Nun with Heartland International. Dennis is now my great friend and mentor. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Due to an accident and becoming a paraplegic in 1981, I was often judged by the fact that I am in a wheelchair. I was denied for many jobs I interviewed for because, I believe, people saw the chair before they saw me. What has been your most important achievement professionally? - Achieving the status of director in the Conklin organization and earning the respect from other professionals. Tell us a little about your family. - I married my wife Vicky in May of 1974, and we have been blessed with four beautiful children and 10 grandchildren. In June of 2010, we lost our youngest son, Spencer, from a motorcycle accident.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?
- In December of 1978, I dedicated my life to Jesus Christ and asked Him to direct my path. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I love spending time with my wife and working in our yard.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most
people probably don’t know? - I was a professional rodeo cowboy and participated in steer wrestling, bareback, calf roping, and team roping until my accident in 1981.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve
ever received? - I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered
as, what would it be? - Faithful. If you had a theme song, what would it be? - “Always Stay Humble and Kind” by Tim McGraw.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in,
what would it be? - An auctioneer. My second son has achieved this very successfully.
What local nonprofi t organization(s) are you passionate about or
involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - Any homeless outreach organization. We are very thankful for the blessings we have and want to give to those that are less fortunate. What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. What is your favorite TV show? - The Price is Right.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or
present, who would it be? - Casey Tibbs, the famous world saddle and bareback bronc riding champion. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 318-1743; ssmith.conklin@gmail.com; www.thesecureroof.com.
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BRETT Brett Becker MORTON BUILDINGS
Meet Brett Becker, area manager for Morton Buildings. Tell us a little about your business. - Morton Buildings started off as a fence company in 1903 and has grown to be the icon of post-frame construction in 2020. Morton has innovated its way to success and has survived through many worldwide issues. We care about our customers and go the distance in making sure we live up to our tradition. How did you get started in the business? - I have always had a strong interest with community relations and construction. Being able to be a part of a building project for a customer brings satisfaction knowing that we are building for generations of enjoyment. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Whether the project is commercial, residential, or agricultural, we are always adapting and overcoming various obstacles involving site excavation, zoning, permitting, and everything else that is involved with the building process. Morton understands the process and has a streamline approach in being successful.
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
- I have been a part of a countless number of projects that have brought enjoyment to families and business owners alike. It is not just what goes into the project that measures success, it is the customers smile at the end that allows me to measure my achievements. Tell us a little about your family. - I have been married since 2002 and have three children. My wife Stephanie Becker is a successful real estate agent with Better Homes and Gardens for buyers and sellers. We have been a staple point within the Omaha Metro area for over 20 years. We enjoy a variety of activities, everything from travel to quiet evenings at home creating our own serenity.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?
- After graduating high school and heading to college, I felt a sense of independence. From that point, I was on my own and successfully obtained my four-year degree and furthered my journey in life. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Go on nature hikes. Who inspires you? - That’s easy; my family inspires me to do my best each and every day.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever
received? - Never make excuses, just do your best and move forward.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered
as, what would it be? - Industrious. If you had a theme song, what would it be? - “Nobody Does It Better” by Carly Simon, the James Bond theme song. If you could have a super power, what would it be? - I like to travel, so being able to fl y would really help with reducing my airline costs.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily
work life? - Landscaping. Which talent would you most like to have? - Architecture. What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - Good to Great authored by Jim Collins. What is your favorite TV show? - The Goldbergs.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past
or present, who would it be? - My father who passed away several years ago.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
- Offi ce: (402) 786-3000 / Cell: (402) 405-3093; brett.becker@ mortonbuildings.com; www.mortonbuildings.com.
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SHELLY Shelly Hermsen NORTH RISK PARTNERS
Meet Shelly Hermsen, the account manager – employee Benefi ts at North Risk Partners. Tell us a little about your business. - North Risk Partners is one of the largest, privately owned independent insurance agencies in the Midwest with over 300 employees in 26 locations in Iowa, Minnesota, and Nebraska. We work hard to help our clients face risk head-on, fi nding them the best fi t insurance for their employees. We support them with keeping up with industry changes as they happen. I enjoy working with and building relationships with our clients to better learn their specifi c benefi t needs to assist them with their claims, enrollment and benefi t needs. How did you get started in the business? - After being a stay-at-home mom for many years, I decided it was time to get out of the house and back into the workforce. I went to work in a part-time/temporary position for a major health insurance carrier in their small group installation and renewal department. A few years later, I decided to go to work for an insurance brokerage where I can work directly with clients providing service with their various needs. I also get to work with many different carriers who provide coverage for the numerous benefi ts we offer, such as health, dental, vision, life, and disability. Tell us a little about your family. - I was born and raised in Omaha. I am married to my husband Dave and we live in Elkhorn. I have three children: Ashlynn (26), Jarret (24), and Kyle (21); and three stepchildren named Jordyn, Gage, and Hunter. Dave and I have two granddaughters— Brixtyn (4) and Brogyn (2 months)—whom we love spending time with! What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - In the winter, it might be curling up with a warm blanket and watching a movie. However, in the summer, I enjoy meeting up with friends and family and enjoying good food, drinks, and live music. Who inspires you? - My kids! They make me proud of the young adults they have become.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever
received? - My grandmother always told me to “Kill’em with kindness!”
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered
as, what would it be? - Kind. Which talent would you most like to have? - To be a good singer. I love music but am not gifted with any sort of singing talent.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what
would it be? - To be a nurse and help people be well. I have a very weak stomach and do not like the site of blood, so that profession was out of the question for me.
What local nonprofi t organization(s) are you passionate about or
involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - The Backpack Program through the Omaha Food Bank. I enjoy supporting them because I know how many children are helped by this program on a daily basis. What is your favorite movie? - I love movies, but it is hard to pick just one! Among my favorites are The Proposal with Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds, any movie starring Morgan Freeman, and Toy Story. What is your favorite TV show? - Game of Thrones. What is your favorite local restaurant? - Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar for their mouthwatering fi let mignon and relaxing atmosphere.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do
so? - (402) 905-9059; shelly.hermsen@northriskpartners.com; www. northriskpartners.com.
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NICOLE Nicole Jesse LA CASA PIZZARIA
Meet Nicole Jesse, general manager and coowner of La Casa Pizzaria.
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Tell us a little about your business. - Founded by my grandparents Joe and Nellie Patane in 1953, we continue to be
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family owned and operated by third and fourth generations. We make a unique thin crust pizza and our signature pizza features freshly grated 402-235-5867 Shop and compare at iLoveMyWater.com ilovemywater.com Romano cheese and ground beef that is seasoned and cooked in house. We use original family recipes for our pasta sauces, salad dressings, desserts, and other house specialties. Besides dine-in service and take-out, W A T E R S O F T E N E R S · D R I N K I N G S Y S T E M S we also have a party room, do limited caterings, and have a Food Truck. 2020AquaSystems_3_68x2_41.indd 1 ONE CALL. ONE SOURCE. How did you get started in the business? - I started working at La Casa when I was 14 as a hostess. Our mom was looking to retire, so my 3/19/20 10:58 AM Products & Services Life Safety Consulting Fire Alarm Systems brother Joel and I were offered an opportunity to become ow ners in 1985. The rest is history, as they say! Full Service Fire Protection Company Fire Sprinkler Systems Restaurant Systems What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Our industry has faced many challenges over the years, but I would have to say that the current COVID pandemic has been the biggest. It’s added health risks, anxiety, and greater uncertainty that must be addressed for both staff and customers. What has been your most important achievement professionally? - I was inducted into the Omaha Hospitality Hall of Fame in 2013. It was very humbling and special to me because I was chosen by my peers. My grandfather Joe was inducted in 2009, so I’m honored to share that accomplishment with him!
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Tell us a little about your family. - John and I married in 1986. We met while both working at La Casa back in 1978 and started dating in 1981. (I’ll let you do the math.) We have three children: Nick, Madeleine, and Genevieve. We welcomed two more to the family last year when Leah Svingen married Nick and Joel Warden married Madeleine.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?
- Becoming a mother. My view of life and the world changed instantly, in a very good way. www.FireGuardUSA.com
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What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I love to garden and care for many houseplants. I also love to bake.
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What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most
people probably don’t know? - Baseball is my favorite sport.
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What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever
received? - “Positively impacting even one person’s life is a life welllived.” Another good one is: “What other people say about you is none of your business.”
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If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered
as, what would it be? - Courageous.
What local nonprofi t organization(s) are you passionate about or
involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - John and I volunteer with Habitat for Humanity because we are passionate about safe, affordable housing. I am also on the Board for Mercy High School (my alma mater) because I care about education for women. Through La Casa, I have also been able to support local organizations that provide food security. What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - I really like historical fi ction and non-fi ction. I recently read All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or
present, who would it be? - My grandparents. I was pretty young when they were still alive, and I’d love to ask them about their lives back in Sicily and early days in the U.S. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 556-6464; nicole@lacasapizzaria.net; lacasapizzaria.net.
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BRETT Brett Boyer CENTER SPHERE
Meet Brett Boyer, CEO of Center Sphere. Tell us a little about your business. - Center Sphere is the leading professional network in the region. We’re focused on being a platform for growth for those serving their communities in any capacity. We believe that relationships trump any transactional business, as you do business with people who you know and trust. How did you get started in the business? - In March 2010, we saw a need in Omaha for a better way to network. So, I guess you could say we started out of necessity for our own businesses, at the time, as well as our colleagues in the community. What has been your most important achievement professionally? - The achievement that I am most proud of professionally is that, through The Network and our awesome members, we have raised over $500,000 for local not-for-profi t ventures! The majority of these funds came in the last four years. Tell us a little about your family. - I am blessed to have married my best friend Jessica, who is a stylist and business owner in Omaha. We have a son named Jepson who recently turned two years old. He is our pride and joy, and he loves dinosaurs and golf! What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - When I realized for myself that money cannot buy happiness and what you do for a living should never fully defi ne you as a person, it’s only part of who you are. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I love to travel and spend precious time with my family. Owning a business, there aren’t really days off…only slower days.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most
people probably don’t know? - I love to cook. It relaxes me when I am in need of a stress reliever. Who inspires you? - Anyone who has overcome adversity in their life and not allowed it to control their outcome. Everyone has a story to write and failures to learn from.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever
received? - “We cannot help everyone, but everyone can help someone.” - Ronald Reagan
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered
as, what would it be? - Selfl ess. If you could have a super power, what would it be? - To read people’s minds. Which talent would you most like to have? - I wish I could play the guitar.
What local nonprofi t organization(s) are you passionate about or
involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - Center Sphere supports local nonprofi ts, as one of our core values is giving back. We currently have 52 nonprofi ts represented in The Network today. What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - I read Daily Insights with Zig Ziglar every day. What is your favorite movie? - Anchorman. What is your favorite TV show? - The Offi ce. What is your favorite local restaurant? - Taste of Thailand.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or
present, who would it be? - Zig Ziglar.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
- (402) 650-5380; info@centersphere.com; www.centersphere.com.
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MONICA Monica Sempek MONICA SEMPEK PHOTOGRAPHY
Meet Monica Sempek, founder and owner of Monica Sempek Photography. Tell us a little about your business. - Monica Sempek Photography is located in a beautiful event space in Omaha that comfortably holds 40 people. Since my niche is events, I created my offi ce as an event space. Life is made up of events. Events can be as simple as needing a new “mug shot” for your business profi le or as exquisite as a wedding with a guest list of fi ve hundred people. My role is to capture the experience and the emotion. If you need images for a magazine, I create an experience that will showcase your business in a way that will draw the attention of future clients. If you are a nonprofi t and need to tell your story, I will capture images that will capture the heart of your mission. If you are hosting an event or conference, I will capture images that will not only showcase the event, but the images will be used to draw in guests for your next event. If you are marrying the love of your life, I will capture all the love and emotions of your special day so that when your grandchildren look at those images they feel as they were there with you. How did you get started in your business? - When I lost my sister over 10 years ago, I was so heartbroken that I decided to grow a memorial garden. I always say the fl owers are so beautiful because of all the tears I watered them with when I dug it up it up by hand. My husband gave me a camera that year, and I started taking images of my beautiful fl owers. Soon, I was capturing the neighbor’s fl owers, my family’s fl owers, and then it was fl owers all around Omaha. As most photographers, I was soon asked to start taking photos at family parties. It was then that I noticed it was the expression on people’s faces that I loved to capture most. I ended up encountering a professional in the marketing world, and I will never forget what he said to me: “You do have a gift; you see things through a different lens.” That’s what it took for me to start dreaming of my future as a photographer. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - COVID has changed the landscape for creatives. This is my third year in business, and it was lining up to be the biggest one yet as I’ve gotten my name out in the community. All of a sudden, the phone stopped ringing. It was a devastation so many can relate to. I had to dig deep to fi nd the inner strength to move forward. Events, weddings, and meetings are now virtual so I have to learn how to adapt my business to the new normal. I am now working on turning my event space into a place where people can create this online content such as podcast and YouTube videos.
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
- I was recently recognized by the Greater Omaha Chamber for Excellence in Philanthropy. Winning an award for my heart of giving means the world to me, and confi rms I started my business for the right reasons. Tell us a little about your family - I married my high school sweetheart. We have four amazing sons, two soon-to-be daughterin-laws, and two adorable grandsons. I also have a mom who is my best friend. They all live in Omaha, and we have family dinner every Sunday. There is nothing more important to me than family.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve
ever received? - “If you do God’s will, he pays the bill.” I remind myself of this every day. I built my business to give back. My goal is to use my lens to capture the story of nonprofi ts and allow my images to be their voice. If I continue this, my business will always succeed.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
- (402) 203-7908; info@monicasempekphotography.com; www. monicasempekphotography.com.
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Save the Date Friday, September 11, 2020 | 5:30 - 9 pm Zutavern Residence, 9200 Holdrege St, Lincoln Tickets: $40 (Includes food and drinks). Tables of 6 or 8 available for purchase. Inclement Weather Reschedule Date: Friday, September 18, 2020
Festivities Will Include: Silent & Live Auction • Complimentary Hors d’oeuvres & Cocktails Live Music • Build Your Own Fairy Garden • & Much More! PRESENTED BY:
Domesti-PUPS is a 501c3 nonprofit organization based in Lincoln, NE providing therapy dogs, service dogs for persons with disabilities, and trained rescue dogs. Domesti-PUPS mission is to improve the quality of life for persons with special needs through the assistance of animals, and to promote awareness through education.
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT Michelle O’Dea at michelle.ashley.odea@gmail.com or Paige Zutavern at (402) 466-3330 / office@strictlybusinessomaha.com
