Personnel

Strictly Business Welcomes Dillon Crawford Strictly Business recently welcomed Dillon Crawford to the team as art director. Dillon’s passion for working with clients to create compelling ads and layout design for the magazine make him a perfect fi t for the position. He is responsible for communicating with clients and building ads that market their businesses in ways that translate to improved visibility and customer attraction and retention. He also performs all layout for the magazine and has become the go-to photographer for all things visual. When Dillon’s not creating compelling design at the offi ce, you’ll likely fi nd Dillon following sports— especially football—creating tasty dishes at the helm of the grill, golfi ng, fi shing, hiking, or watching thought-provoking fl icks. Strictly Business has been a reliable news source and effective advertising tool in Omaha for 14 years. To learn more, visit strictly-business.com. Dillon can be reached directly at design@strictlybusinessomaha.com or by calling the offi ce at (402) 466-3330.

Berry Law Attorneys Make Prestigious Super Lawyers List for Fourth Consecutive Year Super Lawyers recently recognized Berry Law attorneys John S. Berry, Jr., Justin Kalemkiarian, and Seth Morris with three of their annual awards, marking the fourth consecutive year that Berry Law lawyers have made the prestigious list. For the 2020 Great Plains list, John S. Berry, Jr. was honored as a Super Lawyer, while Justin and Seth were recognized as Rising Stars. The awards stem from peer nominations, evaluations, and independent research, and Super Lawyers selects only the highest and most impressive attorneys for the award. Of those nominated, only 5% are John S. Berry Jr. selected to the Super Lawyers list and only 2.5% of candidates under the age of 40 are named to the Rising Stars list. John S. Berry Jr. practices primarily in criminal defense, assisting clients in some of the toughest battles in their lives. He is a past president of the Nebraska Criminal Defense Attorneys Association and is a fellow of the American Board of Criminal Lawyers. He has lectured in areas of criminal defense, trial skills, and veterans’ disability appeals. This marks John’s third consecutive of recognition Justin Kalemkiarian by Super Lawyers. Justin represents clients facing criminal charges in state and federal courts. He practices primarily in criminal defense and related civil and license-defense cases, emphasizing drug crimes, Title IX allegations, white-collar crimes, and professional license defense. Justin was also named a Great Plains Rising Star by Super Lawyers in 2019. Seth has trial experience in civil and criminal cases at the state and federal levels. Primarily handling criminal-defense cases, this is Seth’s Seth Morris fi rst year being named a Rising Star. For more information about Berry Law, visit BerryLawFirm.com or contact Emily Schweitzer at (402) 466-8444 or marketing@jsberrylaw.com.

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KPE Promotes Jennifer Schoening to Manager of Marketing KPE Architecture – Engineering – Forensics is proud to announce that they promoted former front desk receptionist Jennifer Schoening to manager of marketing in July. Jennifer started with KPE just over a year ago, coming from more than seven years of work in the retail-management industry. Jennifer’s leap of faith into a new industry has paid off with this promotion. Her hard work and determination shined through and quickly became a valuable asset for KPE.

KPE is a full service architectural and engineering fi rm providing critical interdisciplinary in-house design services. For more than 20 years, clients have collaborated with KPE to create enduring places for living, learning, working, and community gathering. Each year, KPE investigates hundreds of property-loss claims, including structural integrity, roof damage, HVAC failures, plumbing failures, fi res, and construction errors. KPE is proud to have a representation of 30% of women behind their brand. Professionals from all disciplines work side-by-side as design collaborators to create facilities that address specifi c client needs and are able to serve clients all across the Great Plains.

To learn more about KPE Architecture – Engineering – Forensics, visit kpe-inc.com, or contact Jennifer at (888) 484-4939 / jschoening@kpe-inc.com.

Nebraska Community Foundation Welcomes Michael Wunder as Community Storyteller Nebraska Community Foundation (NCF) proudly welcomes Michael Wunder of Lincoln to its growing network of communitydevelopment specialists. Since joining the staff in March as a community storyteller, the Omaha native has worked with numerous volunteers in the NCF network’s more than 250 communities to share their stories of success and help promote their ongoing efforts to strengthen Greater Nebraska. Wunder’s work will appear on NCF’s website, nebcommfound.org, as well as in newsletters and reports.

Wunder graduated from the University of Nebraska-Omaha with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Prior to joining NCF, he spent fi ve years covering multiple southeast Nebraska communities as a reporter for two weekly newspapers—The Waverly News and The Voice News of Southeast Nebraska. During that time, he received multiple writing and photography awards, include the Nebraska Press Association’s 2017 Outstanding Young Journalist Award for weekly newspaper journalists.

Headquartered in Lincoln, Nebraska Community Foundation unleashes abundant assets, inspires charitable giving, and connects ambitious people to build stronger communities and a greater Nebraska. The Foundation serves communities, donors, and organizations by providing fi nancial management, strategic development, education, and training to a statewide network of 1,500 volunteers serving 260 communities. In the last fi ve years, 44,476 contributions have been made to NCF and its affi liated funds. Since 1994, they have reinvested $355 million in Nebraska’s people and places. For more information, visit NebraskaHometown.org.

OCTOBER 2020 Strictly Business 23

Xcel Roofi ng Welcomes Pastor Logan Merrick as Sales Representative In June, Xcel Roofi ng welcomed Logan Merrick as their new sales representative. Also a pastor, Logan’s responsibilities include inspecting home exteriors, including the roof, siding, windows, and gutters, plus walking customers through the insurance process. Originally from Florida, Logan and his wife and four children moved to Nebraska three years ago to start a church. He has a background in ministry and his family enjoys serving right alongside him. The church they started, recently renamed Doxa Church, is currently meeting in a house with members of the community. Logan also served as a pastor and chaplain for the Neb raska National Guard serving the 126 Chemical Unit out of Omaha. He recently decided he wanted to expand his professional endeavors beyond his ministries, and his dedication to our troops and their families stood out to Xcel. Logan feels passionate about Xcel’s insistence on honesty, integrity and involvement in community and is proud to work for a company whose values align closely with his own. All of Xcel’s employees share a love for the Omaha community and feels passionately about honesty and integrity. To learn more, go to loveourroof.com or follow Excel Roofing on Facebook (@ XcelRoofi ngLoveOurRoof). To reach Logan directly, call (816) 382-1296 or email him at LoganMerrick@loveourroof.com.

Schmid Was Honorary Starter at PLV Schools Foundation Annual Golf Tourney With his long-time support of Papillion La Vista Community Schools and the entire community, it was fi tting that Al Schmid served as the honorary starter for the 34th Annual PapillionLa Vista Schools Foundation Swing for Kids Golf Tournament on August Honorary Starter Al Schmid 3 at Eagle Hills Golf Course. Schmid (left) and Papillion La Vista kicked off the day with a ceremonial Schools Foundation Executive swing, joined by Schools Foundation Director John Erickson. Executive Director John Erickson, Superintendent Dr. Andy Rikli, and La Vista Mayor Doug Kindig. Sc hmid’s dedication to the Foundation golf tournament spans more than three decades, and he has supported Papillion La Vista Honorary Starter Al Schmid Schools as a business leader, donor, (fourth from right) with his parent, grandparent, and friend. family members who turned Schmid also has served on multiple out to support him. boards and committees, including the Papillion La Vista Board of Education, and he was inducted into the Papillion La Vista Community Hall of Fame as Community Booster in 2010. This was the 34th Annual Swing for Kids Golf Tournament to benefi t the Papillion-La Vista Schools Foundation. More than 115 golfers hit the course at 11 a.m. All proceeds raised will support 15 ongoing programs that allow for exceptional educational experiences for students in Papillion La Vista Community Schools. For more information about the Papillion-La Vista Schools Foundation, please visit plvschoolsfoundation.org.

24 Strictly Business OCTOBER 2020

Ovation Heartwood Preserve Hires Jennifer Neid as Community Relations Director Ovation by Heartwood Preserve recently announced the hiring of Jennifer Neid to fi ll the community relations director position. Jennifer brings a celebrated, decades-long hospitality background to Heartwood Preserve, including years of bringing large conventions, people, and jobs, to the Omaha Convention Center. She knows that Omaha is a hidden jewel and now enjoys telling families throughout the region about Ovation Heartwood Preserve and how it’s different from any other senior community of its kind. As the community relations direc tor, it is Jennifer’s job to tell the story of the region’s lifestyle village that offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Jennifer is a lifelong Husker fan, growing up in a Lil’ Red family and graduating with a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. When she isn’t cheering on her favorite school or supporting the residents at Ovation Heartwood preserve, she’s off camping, scuba diving, traveling, or reading. Ovation Heartwood Preserve offers exceptional, residential living and experiences and innovative technology options that allow guests to communicate with family, friends, and the world around them. To learn more, visit ovationheartwoodpreserve.com or call (402) 999-7900.

Millard Business Association Spotlights Members Ashley O’Neal and Matt Pinkerton The Millard Business Association (MBA) is pleased to recognize two of its outstanding members—Ashley O’Neal and Matt Pinkerton. MBA has thrived over the last 13 years because of outstanding members like these two, who are respected and admired for their community dedication, strong work ethic, and leadership. Ashley is the marketing director at SignIT, leads the Millard Business Young Professional Committee, and is co-chair of the Golf Committee. SignIT helped the community with signs for restaurants and businesses Ashley O’Neal when COVID-19 started with shutdowns. Ashley worked diligently to get the word out to help others with free SignIT signs. Ashely’s clients know her to be passionate, motivated, and professional. Matt Pinkerton is a financial advisor at Prudential Financial. He started the Millard Masterminds referral group, is vice president of the MBA Young Professionals Group, and is very active in MBA. Matt is a strong believer in honesty, integrity, confi dentiality, and the utmost professionalism. His clients have come to know and expect regular contact for account Matt Pinkerton reviews, rapid responses to questions, prompt resolutions, individualized goals, and personalized strategies. If you’re a business owner who wants to get more involved with likeminded individuals and the community at large, the Millard Business Association is a terrifi c outlet. As a member, you’ll fi nd yourself in the perfect environment to share and connect with other professionals in a way that adds value, creates opportunities, and is fun for all. Learn more at millardbusinessassociation.org or connect on Facebook (@ MillardBusinessAssociation).

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West Gate Bank ® Welcomes Chad Tettenborn, Nick Parker to Omaha Branches

The West Gate Bank ® Board of Directors is pleased to welcome Chad Tettenborn as vice president, commercial loan offi cer, and Nick Parker as assistant vice president, business banking solutions offi cer. Tettenborn brings 15 years of experience in Fi nancial Services to his new role at West Gate Bank. He will develop relationships in the Omaha market to assist commercial lending clients with their business-fi nancing needs, including real-estate lending. He will be available to counsel customers on different credit options and use West Gate Bank resources to help them meet other business needs.

Chad Tettenborn

Originally from Omaha, Tettenborn received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Nebraska Wesleyan University and his MBA from Creighton University. He serves on the Finance Committee for Kids Can Community Center and is a past board member and treasurer; serves as an Advisory Board member for the Nebraska Enterprise Fund; and is active in St Margaret Mary’s Church. Chad Nick Parker Tettenborn is located at West Gate Bank ® Pacifi c Springs branch at 1020 South 179th Ct. and can be reached at (402) 758-8723 or ctettenborn@westgate.bank. A native of Omaha, Nebraska, Nick graduated from Metropolitan Community College in Omaha with an Associate of Science degree in Criminal Justice and from Bellevue University with a Bachelor of Science in Management. He brings 15 years of banking experience to his role with the Business Banking Solutions team, for which he will customize product solutions for customers to enhance business banking portfolios and create additional benefi ts for businesses, as well as develop and maintain business account relationships. Nick served as Chairman of the Board for the Ralston Area Chamber of Commerce in 2017 and 2020 and has been on the Board of Directors since 2011. He also serves on the Board for the YMCA Armbrust Chapter and volunteers with the Gretna Volunteer Fire Department. He coached Millard United Elite Baseball from 2014- 19 and was the assistant coach for Millard United Classic in 2020. Nick Parker is located at West Gate Bank at 9775 Q St. and can be reached at (402) 731-2179 or nparker@westgate.bank. West Gate Bank ® is a family-owned community bank with 10 locations in Lincoln and Omaha. West Gate Bank is large enough to serve all your personal or commercial banking needs yet small enough to provide the outstanding personal service that only a community bank can deliver. At West Gate Bank, their interest is you! Visit westgate.bank for more information.

It’s Not What You Know, It’s Who You Know and Who Knows You! At Strictly Business, w e s t r i v e t o recognize local businessmen and women for their signifi cant awards, promotions, achievements, and/ or efforts in partnership with other organizations and the Omaha community. If you know of someone who meets these criteria and wish to include their news in our publication, please call (402) 466-3330, email editor@strictlybusinessomaha.com, or submit your news online via www.strictlybusinessomaha.com.

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True North Technologies Brings On Tasha Dahlberg as Chief Integration Offi cer True North Technologies, a Lincoln-based business launched by Renee Sobotka, recently brought Tasha M. Dahlberg onto the team as chief integration offi cer. Tasha is eager to hit the ground running by implementing and cultivating the company’s vision and culture. Tasha, a Nebraska native from Lincoln, brings exciting strengths including restorative, command, relator, activator, and achiever to the True North family. Throughout her career, Tasha has never shied away from rolling up her sleeves and getting her hands dirty. One thing is for sure, she is always willing to go the extra mile for her company and colleagues. From helping with a rapidly approaching deadline to hosting a last-minute event, Tasha is always there with a signature side dish in hand. She has one daughter who serves in the military and four very active boys at home. Tasha spends her off-hours busing them from one hockey tournament to the next while making sure her husband and his coaching staff are fed before they hit the bench. No one likes a hangry coach! True North Technologies makes technology simple with website and mobile app development, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), branding, and social media marketing. Learn more online at www.go-tnt.com or call (402) 420-5101.

Care Consultants for the Aging Welcomes Interns Amelia Lee and Natalie Stathos Care Consultants for the Aging in Omaha is excited to announce that they have brought on two new interns, Amelia Lee and Natalie Stathos. Both joined the team in mid-August and attend Creighton University. Amelia is currently getting her undergraduate degree in Healthcare Administration and policy and will be interning for two months. She has been leading some projects with Care Consultants Home Care in getting reviews, planning events, and learning from their customer-service programs. She enjoys playing Amelia Lee on the golf team at Creighton and is from Denver, CO. Amelia is excited to be learning things by actually being hands-on and loves that Care Consultants is a welcoming, kind, guiding environment. Natalie is currently working as an administrative intern and is in charge of updating the resource handbook and company website, as well as confi rming aspects of multiple caregivers’ applications. This includes verifying that their Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) licenses are active, verifying employment with past and current employers, and calling personal Natalie Stathos references. Natalie’s passion for geriatric care was sparked when she spent time acting as her grandfather’s primary caregiver following his stroke in 2016. She hopes to pursue a career in assisted-living administration and obtain her MBA. Care Consultants for the Aging’s home care services provide the elderly and their adult children with support in their home, in the form of companionship, running errands, providing care, giving medications, and the like. To learn more, visit careconsultants.com or call (402) 398-1848.

OCTOBER 2020 Strictly Business 25