september/october/november 2015 b2b omaha
DESCRIPTION
September/October/November 2015 B2B OmahaTRANSCRIPT
FALL 2015
BALLET NEBRASKArsquoS ERIKA OVERTURFF
A PAS DE DEUX BETWEEN BUSINESS AND THE ARTS
YEAR OF THE STARTUPENTRPRENEURAL IMMERSION
SCISSORS amp SCOTCH SNIP-SNIP-SIP-SIP
CO-LAB SKATE BOARDS AND PING-PONG
0 874470 63856
10gt
US
$3
25
E
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04emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
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Omah
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omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 05
2015 WinnerOm
aharsquos
Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
2014 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
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06emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
publisher
TODD LEMKE
editor
DAVID WILLIAMS
associate editor
DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN
editorial intern
HALLE MASON
creative director
BILL SITZMANN
art director
KRISTEN HOFFMAN
senior graphic designer
RACHEL JOY
graphic designer
MATTHEW WIECZOREK
graphic design intern
MALINDA RATCLIFF
contributing
photographers
SCOTT DRICKEY
layout design
WEBSTER
operations
TYLER LEMKE
event director
ERIN COX
accounting
HOLLEY GARCIA-CRUZ
distribution manager
MIKE BREWER
B2B Magazine is published four times annually by Omaha Magazine LTD PO Box 461208 Omaha NE 68046-1208 Telephone (402) 884-2000 fax (402) 884-2001 Subscription rates $1295 for 4 issues (one year) $1995 for 8 issues (two years) Multiple subscriptions at different rates are available No whole or part of the contents herein may be reproduced without prior written permission of B2B Omaha Magazine excepting individually copyrighted articles and photographs Unsolicited manuscripts are accepted however no responsibility will be assumed for such solicitations
contributing writers
LEO ADAM BIGA APRIL CHRISTENSON ANTHONY FLOTT JASON FOX ANNA HENSEL ALLISON JANDA BEVERLY KRACHER ELIZABETH MACK DOUG SCHURING DEB WARD WENDY WISEMAN
account executives
GREG BRUNS GIL COHEN KYLE FISHER ANGIE HALL GEORGE IDELMAN GWEN LEMKE
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SANDY BESCH MATSON
account assistants
JESSICA CULLINANE DAWN DENNIS JUSTIN IDELMAN JESSICA LINHART ALICIA SMITH HOLLINS
advertising information
402-884-2000
subscribe online
OMAHAMAGAZINECOMSUBSCRIBE $1295 FOR ONE-YEAR (FOUR ISSUES)
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AHA MAGAZINErsquoS
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Omah
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402-571-4926
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Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
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ine
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NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
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omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 07
DEPARTMENTS SPECIALemspSECTIONS
COLUMNS
FEATURES
TABLEemspOFemspCONTENTS
COVERemspFEATURE
09emsp FROM THE EDITOR Playing Big
26emsp OFFICE FURNITURE Office Origins
51emsp OMAHA CVB Husker Coach Has Tourism Twin
61emsp THE BRAND BRIEF The Language Of Brand Irrelevance
63emsp B4B TD2 Touts B4B
66emsp ETHICS Wicked Problems
34emsp BUY OMAHA PROFILES Cox Communications
35emsp THE FIRM DEAL REVIEW Playing Big Edition
22
28 5210 OUTLOOK NEBRASKAA Sight For Non-Seeing Eyes
SCISSORS amp SCOTCH Snip-Snip-Sip-Sip
YEAR OF THE STARTUPEntrpreneural Immersion
BALLET NEBRASKAA PAS DE DEUX BETWEEN BUSINESS AND THE ARTS
14emsp omAHA Ervin amp Smith
19emsp BRANDREBRAND Controlled Comfort
30emsp HOW I ROLL Whatrsquos That Thing
56emsp IN THE OFFICE Co-Lab
64emsp BIZ + GIVING Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew
08emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Who Will Be Votedthe Best of Omaha
Look for our December 2015special issue as we unveilyour cityrsquos newest roster ofldquoBestsrsquo in everything from
pizzza to plumbing
OM
AHA MAGAZINErsquoSOM
AHA MAGAZINErsquoS
BestOfOmahacom
OmahaHas Spoken
AND THE BALLOTS ARE IN
The Second AnnualOmaha Magazine
Best of Omaha FestivalUniversity of Nebraska at Omaha
Baxter Arena | Nov 21 2015
SAVE THE DATE
november 21
20
15
sec
ond annual
OM
AHA
MAGAZINErsquoS
KETV 7 bull BAXTER AREN
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(402) 905 9511OmarEventscom
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omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 09
09
PLAYING BIGCompiling this issue of B2B magazine got me thinking about Scott Andersonrsquos 2013 book Playing Big In it the founder of Anderson Partners who is now the CEO of Doubledare speaks of forgetting your limitations and remembering the powerful person you are
Erika Overturff was 27 when she realized that the ballet company of which she was a member was doomed She was an artist a professionally trained dancer Business savvy Management skills An understanding of how to fund a new performance company Not so much
Overturff had a list of limitations a mile long but today she is a founding member and artistic director of Ballet Nebraska the regionrsquos only professional dance company as it enters its sixth season She discovered the powerful person that she was and with a lot of help in mentoring and connecting along the way shersquos learned to play big in elevating the cultural landscape of a city
Our cover story is not about a dance company so much as it is about a communityrsquos ability to get things done when its people and its businesses share a common vision Omaha has always been a special place one with a ldquocan dordquo spirit While other cities struggle we survive even thrive
Omaha knows how to play big
That theme is reflected throughout the stories on the pages that follow stories of creativity passion talentmdasheven faith
The same motif that of playing big is mirrored in The Firm Deal Review the magazine-within-a-magazine found beginning on page 35 No one setting out to purchase a business thinks small and the stories told by The Firm represent microcosms of the very definition of what it means to think dream and play big
Andersonrsquos book pays particular attention to smaller cultures which is fitting because most of the entities profiled in this magazine dwell in the arena of small business Itrsquos a strata where core values are perhaps most critical but how is it that even in the smallest of businesses the simple maxim of ldquostaying truerdquo can remain so very elusive
Read on to uncover what has worked for some of the most compelling entrepreneurs in Omaha
And donrsquot forget to play big
B2B
David Williams is editor of B2B a publication of Omaha Magazine LTD Williams can reached at davidomahamagazinecom
FROM THE EDITOR BY DAVID WILLIAMS
10emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Scissors amp Scotch Co-Owner Erik Anderson
Erik Anderson was new to Omaha and needed a haircut
A good one
The guy had a sales job and needed to look sharp But who to trust with his precious locksmdashsome chain
ldquoYou never know what kind of haircut yoursquore going to getrdquo Anderson says ldquoYou could get a great haircut or walk out of there looking like a doofus Irsquom not going to go that route
ldquoI started going to womenrsquos salons I knew I could trust themrdquo
SHAVE AND A HAIRCUTSNIP-SNIP-SIP-SIP
FEATURE | BY ANTHONY FLOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
10
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 11
That was two years ago Now Anderson gets his rsquodo done at his own placemdashScissors amp Scotch which opened in March at 2835 South 170th Plaza
As its name suggests therersquos much more to Scissors amp Scotch than just a great cut The new shop offers an upscale grooming experience featuring traditional barbering services (in plush old-school barber chairs) and modern spa treatments steamed towels hot lather neck shaves scalp neck shoulder and hand massages paraffin hand dips facial and skin services coloringshellipeven nose waxings Therersquos a shoe shine station on Thursdays And full body massages are on the way
All for dudes
Oh yeah and when customers are done one of five complimentary hand-crafted whiskey cocktails await them in a private lounge
ldquoTherersquos nothing like this right nowrdquo Anderson says ldquoI would put it up against any place in the country
ldquoItrsquos not just a haircut at Scissors amp Scotch itrsquos an experience We havenrsquot had one person come back and say lsquoThat was terriblersquo Most guys are like lsquoWow that was awesomersquordquo
Anderson didnrsquot do it all alone Hersquos equal partners with longtime friend Sean Finley whom he grew up with in Prairie Village Kansas and Tanner Wiles a friend he met at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where Anderson played baseball before earning his degree in 2011
Anderson later worked for Federated Insurance which moved him from Minneapolis to Omaha in April 2013 Thatrsquos when he first went looking for a haircut While researching his options Anderson saw that menrsquos grooming had become the fastest growing part of the beauty industry
ldquoThat really intrigued me and I got really excited about itrdquo
CONTINUEDemspONemsp12
12emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp11
Why not open his own place Anderson brought that idea to Finley and Wiles one night at a bar in early 2014 Not one of them had any experience in the grooming industry but the trio soon discussed the idea by group text message Then they met regularly working on documents and video conferencing via Google Hangouts Wiles worked in sales at Ambulatory Care in Kansas City Finley completed his law degree in Columbia Missouri (hersquos now a corporate attorney at Husch Blackwell in Kansas City)
They hammered out the concept of Scissors amp Scotch leveraged whatever assets they possessed at such tender ages (Finley and Wiles are 27 Anderson 26) and got an SBA loan In August 2014 they signed a lease at Shops of Legacy This March they opened with nine employees not counting themselves
104 5th St Fullerton NE 68638 308-550-0632 signdan170yahoocomSignCraftersMidwestcom
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omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 13
Response exceeded expectations Six weeks after opening Scissors amp Scotch averaged 80 new clients per week and about 30 haircuts a day More than 60 percent of the customers opted for the $52 ldquo15-year servicerdquo (as in the age of fine Scotch) Its membership programmdashthe Scotch-inspired 10- 15- and 25-year packages with escalating benefits at each levelmdashwas expected to generate 100 sales the first year Scissors amp Scotch sold 90 the first month
ldquoItrsquos really encouragingrdquo Anderson says ldquoEach week wersquove done more haircuts than the previous week since we openedrdquo
And all of it by word-of-mouth advertising (though Scissors amp Scotch recently started advertising on AM 590)
ldquoIrsquove had a lot of guys say lsquoThis is Omaha Nebraska right This is something I expect to see in a Chicago or a New York or a Dallasrsquordquo
Thanks to Anderson Omaha it is
B2B
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14emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
ldquoPeople need vacation to recharge and get inspired to continue to love what they dordquo she says ldquoA lot of times when you give people that break they come back more energized and with great ideas It makes them happier it makes us a better companyrdquo-HEIDI MOUSBACH
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 15
GOING TO THE DOGSERVIN amp SMITHrsquoS RELAXED AWARD-WINNING VIBE
OMAHA | BY ANTHONY FLOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Want to know how much fun it is to work at Omaha digital marketing firm Ervin amp Smith Just ask Peanut Gwen Duke or Daphne Jane
They wonrsquot talk to youhellipbut yoursquoll probably see their tails wagging
ldquoAny week we have probably a couple dogs in the officerdquo says Heidi Mausbach Ervin amp Smith president and CEO ldquoYou find them at your desk begging for a little treat They follow their owners around the agencyrdquo
The furry friends are there as one of many workplace benefits garnering Ervin amp Smith attention here and nationally In February the agency founded 31 years ago by Executive Chairman Doug Smith made the 2015 Best Places to Work in Omaha list sponsored by Baird Holm and the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce That came three months after Advertising Age ranked Ervin amp Smith number 13 on its list of 40 Best Places to Work in Advertising amp Media based on hiring practices benefits packages salaries office perks and more
ldquoYou spendhellipa good percentage of your life at workrdquo Mausbach says ldquoYou want to be at a place you love to come to People do love it here You donrsquot dread Monday morningrdquo
Even if yoursquore on vacationmdashwhich is unlimited at Ervin amp Smith as are sick and personal days The new leave policy established in January 2014 is among the most intriguing initiatives at the agency
ldquoPeople are free to come and go as long as they are fulfilling their client commitments and meeting their other goalsrdquo Mausbach says
So have employees been abusing the policy with copious vacation days Mausbach canrsquot saymdashErvin amp Smith isnrsquot tracking days If therersquos any challenge to the time-off policy itrsquos been with employees not taking enough personal time Mausbach who joined the agency 15 years ago was among those who took ldquoa lot lessrdquo vacation than she typically would
ldquoPeople need vacation to recharge and get inspired to continue to love what they dordquo she says ldquoA lot of times when you give people that break they come back more energized and with great ideas It makes them happier it makes us a better companyrdquo
While employees appreciate the flexibility the policy allows them to get away from work Ervin amp Smith has seen benefits in the officemdashless idle activity greater communication and collaboration and perhaps best of all fewer and shorter meetings as employees focus on goals and commitments
CONTINUEDemspONemsp16
15
16emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp15
The company also allows employees to work from home as needed or even full-time from cities across the country (one Ervin amp Smith employee lives in Washington another in Colorado) The company also established an annual ldquoSlush FUNdrdquo giving each employee $100 to spend on something that will enhance company culture such as a popcorn machine Some pooled their money to buy meditation classes open to everyone Others adopted a family at Christmas
Workplace enhancements can be simple A couple of years of ago the agency added a ping pong table Sometimes thatrsquos where the best work happens ldquoItrsquos interesting how their minds workrdquo Mausbach says ldquoA lot of times theyrsquore playing and brainstorming There are amazing ideas that come out of work and play at the same timerdquo
Other initiatives to enhance the Ervin amp Smith environment include redesigned offices an expanded client conference room
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 17
a per-person training budget more than twice the industry average catered lunches and happy hours and a monthly wellness stipend reimbursing employees up to $25 a month
The most popular benefit is Flame Schoedermdash a professional certified life coach made available for monthly development sessions
ldquoOf all the benefits they feel this is the one definitely helping them the most professionally and personallyrdquo Mausbach says
The initiatives seem to work Ervin amp Smith promoted 12 employees and hired 15 others last year Its retention rate in 2014 was 84 percent better than the typical industry rate of 70 percent or worse Mausbach cites
Ervin amp Smith is building employee relationships Perks are great People are better
Making Ervin amp Smith a doggone great place to work
B2B
8 ConsecutiveYears
Thanks Omaha for 30 Years2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
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A+ Rating20 Consecutive Years
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6450 Pine Street | 402-778-6313ScottCentercom
17
18emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
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Superior quality exceptional service
If you are a CEO key executive or business owner call 4024017560
copy 2015 Vistage Worldwide Inc 14_261_3131 kkk
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omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 19
Leo Costanzo Anne Taylor and Alan Hove of Controlled Comfort
BRANDREBRAND | BY ELIZABETH MACK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Jingle writers have done their job if they create an earwormmdasha song so catchy it sticks in your head and wonrsquot leave ldquoWhen I tell people I work at Controlled Comfort they immediately start singing the jinglerdquo says Alan Hove who along with co-owners Leo Costanzo and Anne Taylor purchased Controlled Comfort in 2004 ldquoItrsquos the best form of advertising we could ever hope forrdquo
CONTINUEDemspONemsp20
SINGING A HAPPY TUNEJINGLING ALL THE WAY
19
20emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
John Sievers
Businesses Are Buying SmarterThe All Makesrsquo team is trained to help you make design decisions and furniture purchases that fi t your offi ce atmosphere your work style and your budget Visit All Makesrsquo redesigned showroom to see the latest in new offi ce furniture pre-owned offi ce furniture and business technology
wwwallmakescom Omaha 2558 Farnam St | 4023412413 Lincoln 3333 O St | 4024777131
Thank you for voting us 1 for 10 consecutive years
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Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
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CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp19
Most people in the Omaha metro area are familiar with that animated female voice belting out ldquoControlled ComfortndashKeep it Under Controoooooolrdquo Many locals probably would not guess the companyrsquos logo (an angel) but could at least hum a few bars of the jingle Whether a catchy tune is annoying or enjoyable is a matter of opinion but once that musical worm has worked its way into your psyche you are forced to remember the product which is exactly what advertisers hope for
When companies change ownership one major decision is whether or not to maintain the same brand image and the current owners of Controlled Comfort knew they wanted things to stay pretty much the same when they took ownership
ldquoWe love our jinglerdquo says Taylor ldquoWhen we purchased the company we knew we wanted to maintain the image and keep the logo and jingle We couldnrsquot ask for a better form of advertisingrdquo
Research shows that music increases recall and simple melodies with simple lyrics stick with a consumer not only for the short term but often the long-term Remember ldquoI Wish I Were an Oscar Meyer Weinerrdquo Even if it has been years since you have actually heard it chances are you can still sing the entire song Controlled Comfortrsquos brand may not be as huge as Oscar Meyerrsquos but their jingle has stood the test of time being sung on local radio and TV for nearly 20 years with no end in sight
Taylor recounts how in the mid-1990s local musician Johnny Ray Gomez produced the jingle for a radio spot
ldquoThe previous owners purchased a year of radio advertising and it came with a jinglerdquo Taylor says
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
THANKS OMAHA
Embroidery middot Screen Printing middot Promotional Digital Printing middot Mailing middot Company Stores
13747 F St 4025961002 ideal-imagescom
ldquoWhen we purchased the company we knew we wanted to maintain the image and keep the logo and jingle We couldnrsquot ask for a better form of advertisingrdquo-ANNE TAYLOR
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 21
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For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
At the time they had no idea they did not retain exclusive rights to the melody
ldquoI just recently heard the song while I was traveling in western Nebraska It was quite a shockrdquo she adds with a laugh
Branding is all about creating an image of a business that will stick in a customerrsquos mind Though most businesses rely on visual advertising to create their brand jingles can be an additional way to increase awareness and create staying power People often remember a catchy tune Throw the company name and their phone number in the jingle lyrics and customers may not even need to look up the contact information
ldquoIf I forget the phone number I just sing the jinglerdquo says one local customer
Though original jingles declined in recent years as more large companies turn to popular songs for their advertising a few local companies still spend at least some marketing dollars on jingles Whether you think it annoying or catchy a jingle may be your best advertising investment
B2B
4023333062 | planitomahacom | 10832 old mill road suite 5 | omaha ne 68154
planitomaha A national and
regional powerhouse in
meetings conferences amp
events
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
22emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 2
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 23
How is it that Midlands Choice has come to make an investment in of all things a ballerina
Sure the bottom line of any insurance entity is driven by risk managementmdashthe investing of premium revenues to hedge against claims
But taking stock in Claire Goodwillie a company dancer with Ballet Nebraska
The Midlands Choice example is repeated all across the metro as area businesses support a broad array of arts nonprofits ones that dwell in everything from tutus to tempura
And the table is set for a new era of collaboration between business and the arts because philanthropic giving in America has finally returned to pre-recession levels
Contributions which totaled $358 billion in 2014 surpassed 2007rsquos pre-recession level of $355 billion Additionally giving was up from all major sourcesmdashindividuals corporations foundations and bequestsmdashaccording to Giving USA an annual report compiled by the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and the Giving USA Foundation of Chicago
ldquoEight out of nine types of charitable organizations we measure saw increased contributions and thatrsquos good news for the
BALLET NEBRASKAA PAS DE DEUX BETWEEN BUSINESS AND THE ARTS
philanthropic sector as a wholerdquo W Keith Curtis told Omaha Magazine in an email Curtis is chair of Giving USA Foundation and president of the nonprofit consulting firm The Curtis Group ldquoThe 60-year high for charitable giving in 2014 is a great story about resilience and perseverancerdquo
Themes of resilience and perseverance define the Ballet Nebraska story
Erika Overturff was 27 years old when the ballet company of which she was a dancer and resident choreographer appeared doomed She had no money She had no business acumen
That was 2009 Flash forward to 2015 and Overturff now 33 founder and artistic director of Ballet Nebraska is leading the regionrsquos only professional dance company into its sixth season
In a city known for its ldquocan-dordquo spirit this story could be about almost any local arts nonprofit but the unlikely saga of Ballet Nebraska is told here because it is perhaps the most improbable of tales one that best reveals what a business community and the arts can do when they share a common vision
CONTINUEDemspONemsp24
BY DAVID WILLIAMS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
23COVERemspFEATURE
24emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp23
Like settling into your seat with a program before the lights dim at any performing arts venue itrsquos probably best to start by reviewing the cast of characters
THE CONNECTORHal Daub knows people Especially in a city of six degrees of separation that is in reality much more like two or three degrees the former Omaha mayor (1995-2001) and US Congressman (1981-1989) who has served on countless nonprofit boards and is now a partner at Husch Blackwellhellipknows people
ldquoWhen I was first introduced to Hal and he offered to helprdquo Overturff says ldquoI assumed that meant he was going to maybe make a few calls and do a little name-droppingrdquo Daub it turned out would become a key player in the often delicate pas de deux that is the coupling of business and the arts ldquoHe not only made those calls but he set up the appointmentshellipand then he came along to personally introduce me and stand by my side in front of those who would become some of the most generous funders of Ballet Nebraskardquo
ldquoThe reason I am so fascinated by what Erika has donerdquo says Daub ldquois that Omaha is a city that has clearly evolved to become a place that is not just metropolitan but truly cosmopolitanrdquo And investing in the arts Daub believes makes good business sense ldquoThe social environment of a citymdashits arts and entertainmentmdashis critical in attracting and retaining the best workforce Ballet Nebraska Opera Omaha the Omaha Symphony Omaha Performing Artshellipthose and so many others are the organizations that help keep the best talent in Omahardquo
THE ADVOCATEMichelle Clark is Union Pacificrsquos general director of information technologies which means she probably knows more than a little about computer viruses As a three-year board member of Ballet Nebraska shersquos also seen how supporting the arts can go viral
ldquoEmployee generosity is furthered by the use of the companyrsquos matching gifts programrdquo Clark explains ldquoThis creates a sense of pride for employees and Union Pacific is supportive of the communities in which we live and work The employees of Union Pacific are very generous and have supported fundraising drives not only for Ballet Nebraska but a number of organizations such as the Womenrsquos Center for Advancement and JDRFrdquo
Employees should never underestimate their power to play a key role in advocating for nonprofits within their organizations
ldquoI am passionate about the art of dance especially ballet and Ballet Nebraskardquo Clark says ldquoDance inspires my creativity and provides insights to see beyond the obvious My hope is that by providing individuals with the awareness of opportunities to experience and support the art of dance they will find their own inspiration to apply to their own liferdquo
And just as stubborn computer viruses are often cloyingly messy to eradicate once discovered Union Pacificrsquos relationship with Ballet Nebraska has a ldquostickinessrdquo of its own Clark was preceded on the Ballet Nebraska board by Gayla Thal the companyrsquos senior vice president and general counsel
THE BULLDOGDonrsquot let the gentle demeanor of Midlands Choice vice president Greta Vaught fool you Supporting the arts is often a visceral experience and Vaughtrsquos passion for dance exerted itself on multiple levels in the early stages of growth at Ballet Nebraska
ldquoMidlands Choice has always been supportive of my work in the communityrdquo says the board chair of Ballet Nebraska
ldquoWe like to listen to our people when making such decisionsrdquo says Midlands Choice President and CEO Thomas E Press rdquoIt is important for us to know that our giving has real meaning for them their families and their communitiesrdquo
ldquoI looked at what Erika was trying to dordquo Vaught continues ldquoand I thought it was brave but impossible But all along the way I just kept going back to the thought that if one of my daughters [Mia now 15 and Hannah now 19] wanted to try something so bold one day thatrdquohellipinsert long pausehellipldquoIrsquom sorry this is making me cry I would just hope that people with experience and connections and dollars would shepherd my daughters along like so many people have done with Erika and Ballet Nebraskardquo
Okay so maybe ldquoThe Bulldogrdquo wasnrsquot such a great character name for this role after all
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 25
Fast-Paced Public Relations
Customer-Based Planning and Communications
402-964-9293 11626 Nicholas Street
zaisscocom
For the Connected World
Every story Every tweet Every interaction
PR is vital to your bottom line now more than ever
Join the world of innovative PR ndash partner with experts
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Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Best PR Agency 7 Years Running
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
THE ARTISTldquoI had to do a lot of on-the-job learning when I decided to try to launch a dance companyrdquo Overturff says ldquoWe were lucky in that we got our nonprofit status right away but I didnrsquot know anything about the business side of things and really nothing about raising funds I was moved by every $5 check that came in but it took a lot of mentoring advice and counsel to get us to where we are today as a fully funded professional performance companyrdquo
Ballet Nebraska now has a paid staff of 22 including nine salaries paid to company dancers Today Overturffrsquos once-nonexistent business connections run deep Personal contributions from the likes of philanthropists Richard Holland and Fred and Eve Simon further fuel the growth of ballet in Omaha Foundations also play a major role in funding A recent gift of $124000 from the Iowa West Foundation is the largest in Ballet Nebraska history
ldquoTalented professionals from all over the world that have trained their whole lives to pursue a career in dance now come to Omaha in the hopes of performing with Ballet Nebraska as we serve the state and western Iowa in performances education outreach and morerdquo she says ldquoA ballet companymdashany performing arts company any arts organizationmdashis about its peoplehellipthe artists the staff and hardworking selfless volunteers But it is the people of Omaha from the smallest donations to the relationships we have with such great businesses that makes it all happenrdquo
B2B
26emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
26OFFICE FURNITURE BY DOUG SCHURING
OFFICE ORIGINS
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE MODERN WORKPLACE
For all the time we spend in our office very few of us are familiar with how that space came to be You may actually be surprised by the events and inventions that helped form the work environment we know today From the development of the railroad to innovations in communication our current corporate habits structures and tools have all played a role In his book CubedmdashA Secret History of the Workplace Nikil Saval shapes the advances that created the conventional office we are familiar with today
The advent of the Morse telegraph spawned long-distance communication Then starting in 1860 a series of technological innovations changed the possibilities of the workplace the use of iron framework permitted the construction of taller buildings and elevators assisted the climb The Remington typewriter entered the office in 1874 Bellrsquos telephone was patented two years later
At the same time railroads expanded across the country reducing transportation costs and extending markets for goods and services Additionally railroads produced an organizational transformation still in use today The coordination of trains required employees housed in structures all across the country bringing a variety of offices to the American landscape Between the executive the manager and the workerhellipthe organizational chart was born
The invention of telecommunications fostered the speed of information to surge creating more
Doug Schuring is the director of sales administration at All Makes Office Equipment Co
work and subsequently more workers As these workers moved into new structures the spaces reflected their various levels of management In 1915 the Metal Office Furniture Company (now Steelcase) invented the modern deskmdasha flat metal table outfitted with file drawers The new desks massed together in defined rows offered managers full visual access to the goings-on of the workplace and this ldquosea of desksrdquo became the norm for decades Lockers and various cabinets popular in the Great Depression era became vertical files once steel became readily available after World War II
In 1968 Herman Miller introduced the first panel system with attached components Designed by Robert Propst the Action Office system revolutionized the ldquoofficerdquo in form flexibility and cost Other furniture manufacturers mimicked the modular system which became the norm for many businesses
Up to the rsquo90s the personal computerrsquos popularity grew and the relative size of work stations decreased between 25-50 percent By the middle of that decade the dot-com revolution on the West Coast created an unprecedented workplace culture The formal atmosphere of the office became much more casual and discontent for the Dilbert-esque cubicle grew Subsequently creative furniture solutions evolved with the desire to be more mobile leading the way
In the early 2000rsquos collaborative open offices grew in popularity New and improving
technologies now offer connectivity in the office home or public spaces As a result nearly every company today is adapting and using new furnishings as a tool to attract new workers At the same time retaining existing employees is equally important The goal is to make everyone more effective and efficient in their work
Whether you work in an office from home in the local coffee shop or out of an airline terminal you may start to notice that much of the furniture is beginning to look very similar As long as you are able to connect to technology you can work from virtually anywhere
B2B
SEPTEMBER 24 2015 Ralston Arena7300 Q Street
Ralston NE 68127
CONNECT MARKET SUCCEED
Looking for INNOVATIVE MARKETING IDEAS Want to BOOST SALES AND ADD ROI Need to ANALYZE DATA TO GROW MARKET SHARE
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omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 27
28emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Outlook Nebraska CEO Eric Stueckrath
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 29
On the surface it looks just like any other office or factory As you enter Outlook Nebraska Inc (ONI) yoursquore greeted by a friendly front desk attendant and led past a perfectly ordinary-looking workspace Entering their factory where they manufacture such paper products as rolls of hand towels you wouldnrsquot suspect that it is different from any other assembly line
But explore a little deeper
Walking past one office you might see a man typing away on a keyboard his laptop closed in front of him He doesnrsquot need it open to know what hersquos typing Hersquos visually impaired and utilizing computer software that reads the words aloud as he types
On the factory floor raised edges guard the walkway so sightless employees can feel their way around Over on the assembly line visually impaired workers can use a computer screen to zoom in on the product at various stages of production to assess the process
ONI is a non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance the life of the blind and visually impaired through employment opportunities and training Almost all the employees at ONI are blind or visually impaired from factory workers to IT professionals Some were born blind others lost their sight later in life ONI aims to help them all re-enter the workforce in a meaningful way
A SIGHT FOR NON-SEEING EYES
OUTLOOK NEBRASKA
ldquoThey get used to being on their feetrdquo says ONI CEO Eric Stueckrath ldquoWe offer jobs for [people with] entry-level skill sets and all of the positions are at or above minimum wage We give them the tools to help build those skill setsrdquo
ONI also offers personalized life-skills training geared to whatrsquos important to the individual from personal banking to cooking to operating a computer
The American Foundation for the Blind estimates that as many as 70 percent of blind adults in the US are unemployed As the largest employer of the blind in the Omaha metro area ONI is working to make an impact
ldquoWe work with organizations that are committed to hiring the visually impairedrdquo Stuekrath says ldquoAdvocacy is definitely part of what we dordquo
ONI is currently in the midst of a $2 million capital campaign that will allow them to complete a large-scale renovation project at their facility The renovation will create more space for the general public and give them the ability to offer additional training programs
In addition to working with adults blind and visually-impaired youth are a primary focus for Stuekrath and ONI
ldquoMy heart really gravitates toward themrdquo Stuekrath says
ONI partners with youth organizations on a number of initiatives including a sports camp for visually-impaired youth called Camp Abilities Nebraska Attendees can try archery swimming bowling track and field and more as a means to build confidence
ldquoThey donrsquot need to be coddledrdquo Stuekrath says adding that he often tells parents of blind children ldquoYour kid needs to get out there and bump his head and experience liferdquo
At ONI everything comes back to the organizationrsquos mission Stuekrath says
ldquoWe give them the tools they need to gain greater independencerdquo
B2B
FEATURE | BY APRIL CHRISTENSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY COLIN CONCES
29
30emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Layne and Pam Yahnke and Their VW Thing
Shakespeare wrote of love and betrayal Tolkien of hobbits and wizards Steinbeck and Faulkner of the indomitable American spirit
Layne Yahnke writes about his VW Thing
Yes the two-wheel-drive off-road convertible military vehicle first manufactured for the West German Army as ldquoType 181rdquo in 1968 VW churned them out until 1983 including two years in the United States when marketed as ldquoThe Thingrdquo
Yahnke got his Thing in 2000 for $5500 Hersquos lovingly restored it most importantly giving it a peppy new motor that makes it Autobahn-worthy
WHATrsquoS THAT THING
LANE YAHNKErsquoS UNUSUAL VOLKSWAGEN
HOW I ROLL | BY ANTHONY FLOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Therersquos only one other Thing in Omaha and Yahnkersquos gets lots of second and third looks when hersquos whipping down the Dodge Street Expressway from his Elkhorn home Especially when the doors are off and windshield is down
Everyone wants to know abouthellipthe Thing
Thus Yahnke penned ldquoIt Takes a Village to Build a VW Thingrdquo an ode to those who helped him with his beloved ridemdashhis sons Omaha VW Club members engine and body shops and parts stores
CONTINUEDemspONemsp32
30
SIGN UP TODAYdolnebraskagovsides
Questions phone - 402-471-9910 email - ndoluisidesnebraskagov
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E-Response saves treesNo more paper 350rsquos
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32emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Locally Owned in Papillion Ne402-740-0800 bull apconstructomahacom
Insurance claims
welcomeIf your roof sustained fire snow or hail
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arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
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Steve Kowalski
Call or Text Message(402 ) 453-6000
abetterexposurecom steveabetterexposurecom
Passion Creativity Experience
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp31
ldquoI wrote that right after the engine transplantrdquo says Yahnke an Omaha native and vice president at Essex Corp provider of senior living communities ldquoI guess I was moved I get so many inquiries about it and I really feel so fondly about itrdquo
Itrsquos not his first Thing Yahnke and his wife of 38 years Pam owned one before their four children came along As the kids have come and gone so have the cars
Lots of them
Yahnke figures he has owned 60 automobiles in his life His car fancy began as a kid growing up in Dundee where a friendrsquos dad spent his spare time restoring English cars Yahnke spent hours in his garage and developed a love for Triumphs and MGs His first car purchase was a 1962 Triumph for $425 in 1972 It wasnrsquot long though until he sold it at a profit
ldquoThatrsquos what kicked off the buying and selling of English carsrdquo he says ldquoI discovered I could enjoy my transportation but then as soon as someone wanted to buy it for more than I paid for it out it wentrdquo
ldquoWhere Accounting Meets ResultsrdquoProviding Accounting and Quickbooks Services
For Metro Businesses
Denise Martin I 9252077634Deniseheartlandaccountabilitycom
wwwHeartlandAccountAbilitycom
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 33
These days you never know what will be parked in the Yahnke driveway Currently therersquos a Honda pickup a VW Jetta VW Multivan and a 2001 Audi TT Quatro Convertiblemdashpurchased in apropos silver for his 25th wedding anniversary
Itrsquos the Thing he most enjoys driving He logs about 1000 miles on it each year Most of those have come toplessmdashYahnke long ago gave it away to another Thing enthusiast and now only drives it sans roof
ldquoAnyone who sees this car has only seen it top-downrdquo he says ldquoI just got caught once in the rain and that was probably a month ago The cool thing about the Thing is you leave it out in the sun and it dries out and is ready to gordquo
It says ldquoSummer is hererdquo Yahnke says
ldquoPeople speed up all the time to try to figure out what it is Itrsquos just a happy car and itrsquos so darn versatile It puts smiles on peoplesrsquo facesrdquo
B2B
Quality Carpet Cleaning Since 2004
4026806523
Cleaning ServicesCarpet CleaningUpholstery CleaningMattress CleaningTile amp Grout CleaningPet TreatmentsConcrete CleaningConcrete CleaningAuto Interior Cleaning24 Hour Water Damage
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omahamagazinecom SPECIALemspADVERTISINGemspSECTIONemspemsp |emsp SUMMERemsp2015emsp |emsp 34
ABOUT OUR BUSINESS
Cox Business started in 2000 as the commercial services division of Cox Communications Over the past 15 years we have experienced strong growth and are on our target to achieve $2 billion in revenue in the near future
Cox Business owns operates and maintains its own network providing leading-edge technology solutions for voice internet networking and digital TV We also offer robust business continuity and disaster recovery solutions which is of increasing importance to businesses in the greater Omaha area Our customers include such key verticals as education hospitality government and healthcare We maintain a significant focus on Omaha small business mid-markets and large local companies as well
We consider our employees to be our most precious asset as they have the responsibility of taking care of our customers At Cox Business we are fortunate to have an extremely tenured and engaged team of employees What sets us apart from our competition is the fact that while we are a large robust and progressive company we still possess
the nimbleness of a smaller company in our ability to deliver creative solutions under tight timelines We pride ourselves on having very little bureaucracy and that translates to happy customers The fact that Cox Business has won 15 JD Power Awards for customer satisfaction over the past 11 years is a notable accomplishment for us and we work hard to deliver on that promise of excellence every day
ABOUT LYNNE
I have led sales and operations teams in the communications industry for 20 years 10 of those years with Cox Communications My husband Pat and I just celebrated our first full year in Omaha and wonder why it took us so long to find this jewel of a community Our daughter Kaylin starts law school next month at the University of San Diego
I have two passions in my professional life mentoring employees who are working on leadership development (which includes working with two to three emerging leaders at any given time) and continuing to drive efforts in hiring fostering a diverse workforce There
is a challenge in STEM fields of under-represented groups My company Cox Communications is also very passionate about this and holds the distinction of inclusion in Diversity Incrsquos top 50 companies
My personal passions include travel social media and Italian cooking
B2B
COX BUSINESSLYNNE SANGIMINO
Cox Business 401 N 117th St Omaha NE 68154 coxbusinesscom 4029340830
Cradickrsquos Husker PowerTEXAN RETURNS HOME FOR BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY PG 8
Marlon Lofgren Koley Jessen PC LLOKEEPING THE FOCUS WHERE IT BELONGS PG 4
Seasoned Advice for Buyers(THE BOUNCY KIND) PG 5
PLAYING BIG EDITION
Fall
2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
2
Volume 1 Issue 5
Published by The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
PresidentEditor bull Cortney Sells
DirectorAssistant Editor bull Cassandra Powers
In-House Legal Counsel bull Susanne Miller
Outreach Coordinator bull Rene Rademacher
Marketing Development bull Rachael Rand
Business Broker bull Breann Becerra
Referring Broker bull Elizabeth Jones
Marketing Division bull Adam Jaime
Development Liaison bull Holley Garcia
Client Services bull Nycole Wandvik-Tolle
Client Services bull Julie OrsquoBrien
Community Relations bull Mike Sells
Contributing Writers
Marlon Lofgren bull Kathy Rygg bull Maureen Tierney
Design bull OBI Creative
Photography bull Bill Sitzmann
To Subscribe
The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
210 N 78 St
Omaha NE 68114
4029985288
infothefirmb2bcom
Advertising Inquiries
4028842000
toddomahamagazinecom
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Columns
4 Seller Financing
Koley Jessen PC LLO Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
14 Executive Impact Getting Into the Big Office
Departments
5 Seasoned Advice for
Business Buyers (The Bouncy Kind)
12 Building a Legacy while
Building Racks New Chapter to Becklerrsquos Career
The Bottom Line
Sells Insights
Playing Big
Husker PowerTexan returns home to
Nebraska for business opportunity
pg8
Many business owners have marginal experience in the trades in which their
organizations specialize While it may seem counterintuitive to buy or start a company situated around an industry in which one has little experience there is a certain com-petitive edge to the equation A buyer or president need only know enough to begin before surrounding him or herself with the right personnel to tackle the minute details What is paramount is the grander scheme of
management and operations which allows one to flex refined business acumen Not only does distance from fieldwork free up time to put in place a robust and refined plan but it leaves open other avenues for portfolio expansion Grow your business expand operations or begin other busi-ness ventures The possibilities are only as small as the mindset held by your team The FIRM
Special Section
7 Fresh Off The Firm The Firm Business Brokerage has
over $80 million dollars in assets under
management of current cash flowing
businesses for sale ndash from medical
practices to commercial services to large
manufacturing companies
by Cortney Sells presidenteditor
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
3Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
4
IF PROPERLY STRUCTURED AND DOCUMENTED SELLER FINANCING IS REALLY NO DIFFERENT FROM FINANCING THAT WOULD OTHERWISE BE PROVIDED BY A BANKTYING IT ALL TOGETHEREven the most savvy of ldquonumbers peoplerdquo need a leg up in negotiating a purchase As with so many aspects of doing business retaining experienced legal counsel enables you to keep the focus where it belongsmdashemploying your entrepreneurial skills in the identification and acquisition of profitable business ventures The FIRM
Seller Financing Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
written by Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
Seller financing can often be a criti-cal factor in getting a business sold
If properly structured and documented seller financing is really no different from financing that would otherwise be provided by a bank Below is a brief guide to navi-gating the issues normally encountered in seller financing
FIRST THINGS FIRSTThe first question is usually that of how to structure and document the financing The buyer should be expected to sign a prom-issory note evidencing the loan from the seller with interest and repayment terms mutually agreeable to both parties The seller might also require that the buyer grant the seller a security interestlien in the pur-chased assets to secure the loan Itrsquos also not unusual for a seller to require that the individual owners of the buyer (assuming the buyer is an entity) personally guarantee the loan In most cases the documents are usually pretty straightforward and do not need to be overly complicated
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
ADDITIONAL LAYERSIf a bank is also financing the sale the seller will most likely be required by the bank to sign a subordination agreement This is an agreement between the bank usually referred to as the ldquosenior lenderrdquo and the seller referred to as the ldquojunior lenderrdquo A subordination agreement sets forth the terms between the lenders as to each entityrsquos right to receive loan pay-ments from the buyer and the priority of their respective security interestsliens in the purchased assets The document will usually state that the senior lenderrsquos loan and security interestliens shall at all times be superior to those of the junior lender until the senior loan is paid in full Most lenders are willing to discuss and negoti-ate the junior lenderrsquos right to receive loan payments from the borrower Lien priority status however is rarely compromised by senior lenders in subordination agreements The senior lender will insist on having a first priority security interestlien in the pur-chased assets
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Whether yoursquore a first-time entre-preneur or an experienced business
owner purchasing a company is a critical investment financially and emotionally To help increase the likelihood of it being a success in both areas there are a number of aspects to keep in mind when evaluating if a business is the right fit gt
Seasoned Advice for Business Buyers(The Bouncy Kind)
written by Kathy Rygg
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Jerry Rachwalik
5Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
6
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
lt Jerry Rachwalik has been researching companies for the past three years waiting for the right opportunity to arise His search was the result of spending his career work-ing for larger organizations in a number of areas including delivery installation cus-tomer service inventory accounts receiv-ables and scheduling where he managed up to 35 people at a time
Policies and philosophies can change when working for a corporation Sometimes they become less family friendly ldquoWith the previous companies I worked forrdquo Rachwalik says ldquothey switched from caring about em-ployees to making money and the bottom line I stuck it out for several years and then decided I needed something differentrdquo
An entrepreneur by nature Rachwalik has over the last seven years built up a rental business buying foreclosed homes and duplex properties completely reno-vating them and then renting them back out He now has 15 properties and enjoys helping families by providing nice homes that are affordable ldquoI want people to feel good when they come home at night after a long day at workrdquo he says Rachwalik want-ed to find a business that allowed him the flexibility to respond to his tenants when needed from simple plumbing issues to furnaces going kaput
When he first started looking for a new business Rachwalik was drawn to home health care because of his experience help-ing to take care of relatives And it was a growing field Nothing was available at the time so he expanded his options and be-gan researching businesses in a variety of industries Those included a flooring com-pany sandwich shop and even a hair salon
ldquoI was open to anything and if I could make the numbers work then I would consider itrdquo he explains
Then The Firm Business Brokerage pre-sented him with an opportunity that was the right match Bounce U in Omaha There were a number of factors that appealed to Rachwalik First and foremost were the financials but it would also offer him the flexibility he needed for his rental business A big advantage was that an entire team was already in place one seasoned in man-aging staff and scheduling parties ldquoThey do a great jobrdquo he says ldquoI donrsquot plan on making any personnel changesrdquo
But what hersquos most looking forward to with this new venture is the fun positive environment Bounce Ursquos primary business is its birthday party packages featuring the companyrsquos oversized inflatibles and Rachwalik said he canrsquot wait to watch the excitement on the kids faces when they walk through the door ldquoEveryone there is happyrdquo he says ldquoThe kids are happy the parents are happy and the employees running the parties are happy Itrsquoll be a big change from the environments I used to work inrdquo Hersquos already planning to have his twin grand-daughtersrsquo birthday party there too
His transition included a week of training with the companyrsquos corporate facility in Ari-zona as well as on-site training Even though the Omaha location is an existing store all of Rachwalikrsquos training was structured as though itrsquos a brand new site
Bounce U has traditionally partnered with local restaurants to provide food for birth-day parties but Rachwalik wants to explore the option to build a kitchen of his own
He also hopes to continue to grow the business by at least 5 annually ldquoAnything I do I will communicate with my employees and get their input and suggestions firstrdquo he adds
For anyone who is considering buying a business or is going through the process Rachwalik stresses to be open minded and not rule anything out ldquoIf an opportunity is presented to you run the numbers and see if you can make it workrdquo he says ldquoI did a complete flip-flop on the type of business I thought I wanted versus what I ended up purchasing But if you keep looking yoursquoll eventually find a matchrdquo The FIRM
ldquoTHE KIDS ARE HAPPY THE PARENTS ARE HAPPY AND THE EMPLOYEES RUNNING THE PARTIES ARE HAPPY ITrsquoLL BE A BIG CHANGE FROM THE ENVIRONMENTS I USED TO WORK INrdquo
-Jerry Rachwalik
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Fresh Off The Firm Featured Listings for Sale
Suburban Bar amp Grill with VolleyballOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $26413 PRICE $115000
Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity in an area with only two other bars nearby Serving up a gorgeous and well-maintained volleyball court along with pool tables and a jukebox this bar and grill is a favorite with the locals Business is fully staffedmdashowner works very part time hours
Rain Gutter Sales amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $145200 PRICE $415000
This business is a dealer for high-end rain gutter covers These products are con-structed of high-quality aluminum and sur-gical-grade stainless steel and are strong enough to hold up to four feet of snow or 20 pounds of debris Profit margin is 48
Large-Scale Assembly amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $743732 PRICE $2200000
This well-established installation and assembly business in central Nebraska prides itself on providing many numerous building solutions for businesses and building owners in their area They install and assemble metal frames including grain silos pole barns and buildings
Photo Booth Business Running on Autopilot OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $36419 PRICE $88900
Photo booths are the ldquoin thingrdquo at weddings and parties In business for seven years this business is one of the largest in town Wedding couples hoping to capture the fun memories of the day make up 67 of the clients Includes four booths and one trailer
Southwest Omaha Dental PracticeOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $129745 PRICE $380000
Professional staff and excellent customer service are the hallmarks of this practice Using the latest technology the business offers an array of dental services including teeth cleaning veneers crowns bleaching and trauma services The owner is currently working only 20 hours a week
Small Animal Vet Clinic in Omaha OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $158287 PRICE $440000
For over 30 years this animal care clinic has prioritized customer care They are currently offering services to over 2000 families and are the second largest veterinary clinic in the area The business is split 7030 between dogs and cats
Buildersrsquo Material amp Supply CompanyOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $364880 PRICE $933000
This highly reputable company established in 1976 and located just north of Omaha provides quality and reliable services and supplies Building supply inventory includes garage door lumber windows trims siding roofing materials and more Approximately 90 of customers are repeat clientele
High-Growth Plumbing Company OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $157774 PRICE $445000
This non-union plumbing company has consistent growth of over $130000 a year in sales The full service plumbing contractor has business that is currently 50 commercial and 50 residential
90+ available business opportunities for sale Please visit TheFirmBusinessBrokeragecom for details
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
7Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
Matt Cradick
The Deal ReviewReason For Sale Fresh start after 25+ years in the industrySeller Transition Period Over eight monthsType of Sale Asset Purchase AgreementLender Access Bank Mack LaRock
ldquoYOU SHOULD INTERVIEW FOR A BUSINESS JUST LIKE YOU
WOULD FOR A JOBrdquo CRADICK EXPLAINS ldquoIT HAS TO BE THE
RIGHT FIT YOU DONrsquoT WANT TO BE ONE OF THE MANY FA-
TALITIES THAT HAPPEN SO OFTEN IN NEW BUSINESSrdquo
-Shaun Heldt
From Retail to RoofingHow to be Successful When Buying a Business
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Spending almost 20 years working in retail for major corporations and then
buying a siding and roofing contracting company may seem like a major leap but for Matt Cradick owner of Husker Ham-mer Siding Windows and Roofing it was the best business move hersquos ever made And thatrsquos saying a lot for someone who moved 11 times in 19 years across nine different states
Cradick had been living in Houston Texas where he worked for Target Corporation He had worked his way up through the com-pany and another promotion was on the horizon which meant another move With three young children at home Cradick de-cided it was time to put down some roots Having grown up in Lincoln Nebraska he wanted to be near family and Midwestern values He started researching businesses for sale and was eventually led to The Firm which in turn led him to Husker Hammer
The move from a big corporate environ-ment to a small contracting business didnrsquot intimidate Cradick With Target he oversaw 200 people so he knew he brought strong management and operational skills The challenge he says was learning the ins and outs of construction He didnrsquot need to be the one hammering away on the roofmdashhe needed learn a new business segment
ldquoSwitching industries can be nerve-rack-ingrdquo Cradick says ldquobut the owner was will-ing to stay on board for six months during the transitionrdquo That partnership was an invaluable tool during the changeover gt
A Publication of The Firm Business BrokerageA Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
9Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
10
lt Husker Hammer was started in 1998 as a one-man operation and had been built up to a multimillion dollar business Cradick was impressed with the mission statement values system of the company and the strong workforce that was already in place And the price of the company lined up well with the financials ldquoWhat Husker has that others in the industry donrsquotrdquo says the man whose faith is central to his deal-ings ldquois a strong ethical foundation with a Christian backgroundrdquo
There were a number of other elements Cradick sought when buying his business ones he believes all potential business own-ers need to keep in mind The first is to make sure you have a proper support team in place to help make a sound financial deci-sion That includes having a good business valuation and a good business broker who can point you in the right direction to ensure a match for both parties
Once yoursquore in the process of purchasing he adds make sure you have a capable net-work of attorneys a seasoned financial team and solid internal help to ensure yoursquore suc-cessful from the start ldquoYou should interview
for a business just like you would for a jobrdquo Cradick explains ldquoIt has to be the right fit You donrsquot want to be one of the many fatal-ities that happen so often in new businessrdquo
To help ensure the company continues to be successful Cradick plans to main-tain Husker Hammerrsquos competitive edges which he says includes his 11000-sq-ft state-of-the-art showroom in Elkhorn He reformatted the space to better fit his busi-ness model before building out additional second-floor space that is now rented to other entrepreneurs
The showroom features all of the window siding and roofing products available to customers Samples are one thing Cradick says but he knows the power of customers seeing actual colors in actual sizes
ldquoOur philosophy is to build peace of mind for homeowners and be with them every step through the processrdquo he says ldquoWord of mouth is our number one lead source which was true in retail as wellrdquo
Happy employees to Cradick are just as important as happy customers He sub-scribes to a simple philosophymdashlistening to employees and doing so with respect
ldquoWith big corporations you deal with a lot of politicsrdquo he says ldquoNow if therersquos politics itrsquos because Irsquove generated it Itrsquos a nice change to be in a small business where you have more leeway to ensure yoursquore creating a positive work environment which creates a happy workforcerdquo
Working for a smaller company also allows for more opportunities to become involved in the community Husker Hammer is active in local chambers of commerce the Open Door Mission and is currently helping on a Habitat for Humanity build in Waterloo They have also been accredited by the Bet-ter Business Bureau since 2000 and won the Better Business Integrity Award
Cradickrsquos business is currently 90 percent residential and 10 percent commercial He hopes to increase their reach in proper-ty management and general contracting while maintaining the high-quality residen-tial sales that built the business ldquoBecause of our showroomrdquo he says ldquopeople come
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
to us We donrsquot do the high pressure sales at the kitchen table We listen We let the homeowners do the talkingrdquo
Growing geographically is also a goal Cradick hopes to expand to surrounding areas including his hometown of Lincoln
ldquoSo far itrsquos been a great moverdquo he says ldquoand I look forward to continuing to be known as an ethical long-lasting company My daughters and wife are excited to be back in the Midwest around grandparents and family Their school district is great and the full year-round climate has been a welcome change from living in the south Plus I was averaging 50000 miles per year in travel so itrsquos nice to sleep in your own bed every nightrdquo The FIRM
For more information on this or any for sale listings call The Firm Business Brokerage directly
11Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
The Deal ReviewBusiness Established 1987Reason for Sale Retirement (Transla-tion More time with a fishing pole)Ownerrsquos Profit $495004Type of Loan SBA with Core Bank
12
Back to the FutureBuilding a Business Legacy
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Itrsquos not uncommon for someone who has spent a number of years in corporate
America to shift gears into entrepreneur-ship Being your own boss certainly has its advantages But for Scott Beckler who recently purchased Lewis Installers in Gret-na his reason for taking on a new business venture had more to do with honoring not only his fatherrsquos legacy but building one of his own
Beckler started his career as a business education teacher then moved to a corpo-rate career in technology But for a number of years he kept an eye on businesses for sale hoping that just the right opportunity would come along
ldquoMy dad was an entrepreneur who owned his own real estate insurance companyrdquo
Beckler says ldquoDespite the fact he had on-going health issues he still got up every day put on a coat and tie and went out to make a sale He was a very successful busi-nessman and I wanted to honor his legacyrdquo
After contacting The Firm and discuss-ing what he was looking for in a business the team suggested Lewis Installers which specializes in industrial conveyor and rack systems At first it seemed like a big de-parture for him ldquoShelving and logistical systems isnrsquot something that jumps out at yourdquo Beckler says But the more he looked into it the more he realized it had many of the elements he wanted in a business The most obvious advantage was that the company was located in Gretna where he lives Add to that the fact that the seller lives just up the road from him
Scott Beckler
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
For purposes of this article this overview is based on the buying and selling entities being corporations or entities taxed as corporations
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
4420 Izard Street Omaha4022938707 bull 8887380296
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
HAVE YOUR MINOR ROOF LEAKS BECOME A MAJOR ANNOYANCEDonrsquot Wait Any Longer Call Us Now
ldquoAfter meeting him and hitting it offrdquo Beckler says ldquowe quickly realized it was a match on both sidesrdquo
Other signs also pointed in the right di-rection The financials were good The size of the business was ideal The competitive landscape was promising Beckler also real-ized that his corporate background fit well with this new business
ldquoAlthough itrsquos an entirely different indus-tryrdquo he says ldquomany of the business princi-ples are the samehellipproject management customer service delivery vendor man-agement and cost containment Irsquove been doing all of those for yearsrdquo
His background in technology will also be a valuable asset in his new business Not only has he established relationships with large vendors built over the years but his from-the-ground-up experience with data centers means that he is already eying in-novative automation and other technology differentiators At the same time hersquos look-ing forward to learning the daily operations of the company and having a hand in every part of the business from bidding to closing to payroll
ldquoIt will be challenging coming from a big business background where Irsquove only been involved in the peripheryrdquo Beckler says
ldquoNow Irsquoll be involved in all of itrdquo
Lewis Installers being a family-owned business is what hersquos most excited about He says itrsquos a company with a good repu-tation thatrsquos known for quality and meeting deadlinesmdashall driven by a strong Midwest-ern work ethic
Itrsquos the sort of company Beckler believes that would make his father proud
ldquoI want this business to be a legacy for my familyrdquo Beckler says ldquoMy hope is that it could stay in the family with my own kids and grandkidsrdquo The FIRM
13Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Om
aharsquo
s Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
14
When considering the purchase of an existing business very few realize
that lack of experience in an industry can actually lead to success One simply needs a sound financial plan and a good team to fill in the gaps Removing the added stress of fieldwork and focusing solely on the management of finances and operation allows for greater opportunities It makes for the dynamic advantage of some outside impartiality when seeking areas of improve-ment and growth
One man who has made this transition from having marginal knowledge in an in-dustry to leading a successful plumbing and HVAC operation is Mark Evans president of Burton Plumbing Before taking over Burton Evans had a successful plumbing distribu-torship serving four states but it was his desire to own and to travel less that put him into the hands of Burton Friesz The founder of Burton Plumbing Friesz had been a customer and friend of Evansrsquo when the two discussed a possible expansion into residential service Evans put his busi-ness experience to work for Burton in July 1995 and his education in the minutiae of plumbing and HVAC began
While he hasnrsquot worked in the field as a licensed plumbing contractor Evans has dipped his feet in several areas within the running of Burtonhellipand often at the same time Before hiring the essential personnel that have enabled him to narrow his role Ev-ans served as manager marketer customer service representative and dispatcher Such a list of duties for one man is a daunting task but ldquoI worked my way to being able to work on the business rather than in the business [a strategy] taught to me by my business coachrdquo says Evans
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
REMOVING THE ADDED STRESS OF FIELDWORK AND FOCUSING SOLELY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF FINANCES AND OPERATION ALLOWS FOR GREATER OPPORTUNITIES
Executive Impact Moving Into the Boardroom From Employee to President
written by Maureen Tierney | Co-written by Mark Evans and Julie OrsquoBrien
Eventually Evans was able to step back and bring on a general manager and a ware-house operator that has allowed him to
ldquofocus on growth opportunities marketing and cash flowrdquo
Evansrsquo experience is not unique It is com-mon for brokerages to deal with buyers seeking to own companies within a cer-tain field but ldquoonly two people out of the nearly 100 closings [wersquove had] have come in for the same business that they ended up purchasingrdquo says Julie OrsquoBrien client services and paralegal with The Firm What it comes down to is as simple as the bot-tom line Buyers are looking to leverage their talents and experience in a marriage between a management philosophy and business model Those in the market for an acquisition are ldquobuying based on profit number of staff ability to get financing and mostly their strengths and passionsrdquo says OrsquoBrien Experience in a particular industry is certainly valuable but is no predictor of success when the right financial mind comes along
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Even so making up for a lack of practical knowledge requires the proper equipment most notably in the form of managers and employees The right talent in the field can be a growth experience and provide an opportunity to learn the ropes before taking a full swing at things A total deficit in knowl-edge hardly makes for good leadership and for this reason many ldquonew business owners like to take a birdrsquos eye view of the operation rather than diving in and getting their hands dirty right awayhellipgiving them the opportunity to watch [how] things have been done before implementing changesrdquo says OrsquoBrien
Approaching ownership in this way also allows for further financial acquisitions an avenue which Evans has taken In addition to owning Burton Plumbing Evans operates four other companies One might assume this much responsibility to be a stretch but Evans sees his role as ldquokeeping a pulse on things I like to lead people in growth per-sonally and on the business siderdquo
Getting started can be a challenge which is why OrsquoBrien works closely with potential buyers to find the right fit ldquoWe assist all the wayrdquo she says ldquoWe work with the buyer on projections business plans [and] we introduce them to trusted advisorsrdquo from attorneys and CPAs to financial advisors and insurance agents
Itrsquos this helpful backing of experts that eases the difficult task of ownership and only proves that one can certainly switch from a blue collar to a white one The FIRM
CONTRACTING BUSINESSES LISTED BY THE FIRM
201
5 P
roje
cted
201
5 Y
TD
201
4
201
3
201
2
30
0
15
28
14
12
11
16
15Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Omaharsquos Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
It may seem like I pulled a muscle making this stretch but Keith Backsen the new boss at the Omaha Convention amp Visitors Bureau seems to have an awful lot in common with new Husker Coach Mike Riley
Coach Riley spent a total of 14 seasons at Oregon State before heading to Huskerland Backsen also comes from that neck of the woods having spent 11 years of his career in Portland Oregon and another 11 years in Spokane Washington selling both cities as prime places for convention and leisure travelers
At Oregon State Coach Riley built the football program into a consistent winner and regular conference contender At Visit Spokane Backsen opened sales offices in Washington DC and Chicago that led to increased convention bookings Backsen also worked on the public campaign to expand the Spokane Convention Center with a $65 million bond issue The expansion coupled with increased hotel inventory allowed Spokane to pursue large conventions and more than doubled convention bookings in Spokane
Riley has experience at the highest level of football serving as the head coach of the San Diego Chargers and as a head coach in both the Canadian and World Football Leagues Same for Backsen he worked in Dallas and Chicago as the director of sales for Global Experience Specialists a global leader in the world of event planning Backsen supervised five sales offices in a nine-state region generating annual sales in excess of $70 million
Riley is known as one of the most professional and nicest men in the profession a coach who is greatly admired by his peers I kid you not Backsen is described the same way by colleaguesmdashone of the most genuine and skilled men in the business a well respected professional who has the insight and experience to get the job done (Note the $70M stat above)
Come the first game both men will have a stadium filled with fans cheering them on In Backsenrsquos case his stadium is the entire city of Omaha where the fans are the 434353 residents who will reap the rewards of Omaharsquos growing tourism economy
B2B
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 51
51HUSKER
COACH HAS TOURISM
TWIN
OMAHA CVB BY DEB WARD
Deb Ward is the director of marketingcommunications Omaha Convention and Visitorrsquos Bureau
Keith Backsen
52 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Jason Feldman and Sebastian Hunt
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 53
The emerging startup accelerator scene supports creative-minded risk-takers looking for an edge to follow their passion and bring their ideas to fruition
Sebastian Hunt 25 is passionate about giving entrepreneurs like himself a nurturing space to test out their concepts The University of Nebraska at Omaha economics graduate interned with various local employers and surveyed the area startup community when an idea struck him for a by-application curriculum-based residency program serving new entrepreneurs That inspiration turned into Year of the Startup
Launched in 2014 the program operates out of a humble house at 4036 Burt Street in the St Cecilia Cathedral neighborhood Hunt and co-founder Jason Feldman 28 room there with young residency fellows whose startup ventures range from making bio-fuels to providing night owl shuttle services They are a millennial bunch who favor sneakers and sandals They take informal meetings to nearby CaliCommons and Lisarsquos Radial Cafe They variously hunch over laptops or tablets and carry smartphones as appendages
YEAR OF THE STARTUP
ENTREPRENEURAL IMMERSION
This communal work-live space model for business mavericks is new to Omaha The usual startup accelerator is a concentrated 90-day off-site program Omaha has a few of these notably Straight Shot Hunt saw a need for a program that invites a broader range of people into the accelerator fold and supports them much nearer to the start of their dream than other programs
ldquoWe feel like we can take people at very early stages because we are four times as long as the average programrdquo says Hunt who adds that Year of the Startup is also not tech-centric like many programs tend to be ldquoIn our model we substitute intensity for duration I think a lot of the learning here comes through unstructured serendipitous interactions we have that is not curriculum-based itrsquos just happenstance
ldquoWith a house there are so many different ways you can bring ideas and people together I think thatrsquos maybe that critical binding agent and sense of place that helps accomplish thingsrdquo
He says in this intimate environment ldquotherersquos no other choice but to immerse yourself in the settingrdquo adding ldquoWersquore always hanging out in the living room or out back talking about startup stuffmdashmonetization strategies capitalization tables vested equity entity structuresrdquo
ldquoItrsquos this immersive experience of camaraderie of these natural flows and idea generationrdquo Feldman says
Hunt says ldquoThis is very difficult to get bored with because therersquos always somebody whose business is either in crisis or growth stage or some interesting part of the curverdquo
ldquoHow could we get bored when wersquore creating a platform with four startups and all we get to do is ideationrdquo Feldman says ldquoItrsquos a constant buzz we get from interacting with these startup founders and helping them build their ideasrdquo
Built into the program are activities that encourage fellows to break out of their comfort zone and to offer honest criticism of each otherrsquos ideas
Hunt compiles multiple data points on the startups
ldquoWersquore developing really deep insight about how do people start successful businessesrdquo
The program utilizes mentors from the entrepreneurial community
ldquoWe bring in people who are experts in specific areas to talk on those topicsrdquo Feldman says
ldquoThey get ideas flowingrdquo Hunt says of the mentors
Feldman says he regularly covers with fellows ldquothe major components of what you need to look at to start your businessrdquo and then mentors like Mike Kolker owner of graphic design firm Simplify teach lessons about operational efficiency and ldquohow to simplify running a businessrdquo
Hunt is a newcomer to all this and goes by instinct as much as research to support his vision
CONTINUED ON 54
FEATURE | BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
53
54 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
70 Years of Business in Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
4027335500 | 4315 South 50th Street
402-333-5722 bull wwwsw-fencecom
Thanks for Voting SampW Fence the Best Again in 2015
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B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
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AUDIO VISUAL SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDEbull System designengineeringbull Sales
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B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
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aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER 2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
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ConnectWITH YOURCOMMUNITY
Donrsquot forget to visitOmahaMagazinecom to read
all of our titles online
Omaha MagazineEncounter B2B 60PlusHerFamily OmahaHome
CONTINUED FROM 53
ldquoI just had an irrational confidence market insights and a great theoretical background thanks to primary research I completed and to lessons I learned from Phillip Phillips Michael OrsquoHara and Art Diamond in UNOrsquos economics department I read constantly about who the players were in the startup world so I was fairly preparedrdquo
Even though he directs a startup program he only started participating in one himself (Venture School) He acknowledges Year of the Startup is a by-the-seat-of-your-pants experiment
ldquoComing out of college I had student loans and not a ton of money Irsquove held two jobs to finance the project Now the project is financed by a combination of me working and renting out one room One-hundred percent of the money our entrepreneurs pay in rent will be returned in full and so everybody has a strong incentive to follow through with the program That may be what makes us sustainablerdquo
Hersquos working on securing corporate sponsorship for the program Meanwhile he wants to help get participating startups to the next level
ldquoWersquore functioning like a pre-accelerator at this point We want to get our startups profitable and then refer them to the Straight Shots so they can focus on growth in a pure accelerator programrdquo
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 55
Mercedes-Benz of Omaha14335 Hillsdale Ave Omaha NE 68137wwwOmahaMercedescomContact John Williams anytime at 4029819262
of Omaha of Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
As Year of the Startup moved into a larger house in Omaharsquos Little Italy district on July 1 and a new class of fellows arrives Hunt says there are ldquointeresting talks happening right now to bring this to other citiesrdquo He and Feldman say economic development agencies are willing to pay a license fee for them to do startup houses in other cities The partners are having proprietary software developed that will enable new startup houses to replicate their branded Omaha model
They look forward to engaging with the emerging 10th Street cultural district but may keep the midtown house to accommodate growth
Hunt and Feldman believe theyrsquore catching the wave or tipping point of a big new startup rush and theyrsquore betting their model is poised to be a niche player in this wild frontier of entrepreneurial prospecting
B2B
56 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
It is an unassuming space but if you have made your way to TD Ameritrade Park Filmstreams or Hot Shops chances are yoursquove passed one of the most vibrant offices in Omaha
The fact that Co-Lab (short for Creative Collaborators) is not a traditional work space is certainly one of its best features Located inside the Tip Top building at 15th and Cumming streets is a project dreamed up by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture who happens to share the main floor of the building Based in the heart of a once-isolated section of the city Co-Labrsquos funky creative vibe is making waves In fact that vibe seeps into Omaharsquos everyday bringing about small changes pushing our city toward a more innovative future
CO-LABGIVING OMAHA WORKERS A MORE
COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE
IN THE OFFICE | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
56
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 57
Home to 18 businesses plus Alley Poyner Macchietto Co-Lab is free of walls and signage It is also free from traditional office norms For instance you donrsquot just walk over to your neighborrsquos space for a brainstorming sessionmdashyou skateboard At least you do if yoursquore Dave Nelson of SecretPenguin a leading experimental branding agency The best part is that the businesses surrounding SecretPenguin appreciate the break from tradition ldquoThatrsquos the beautiful part about being around like-minded good people and businessesrdquo Nelson says
CONTINUED ON 58
58 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 59
CONTINUED FROM 57
In addition to having pathways large enough to skateboard or bike through the space also provides Co-Labbers with a kitchen various conference rooms bike storage bathrooms and a battleground (otherwise known as the ping-pong table) Walking in the main doors clients and employees alike are greeted from the front desk while catching a view of the five-story open atrium basking in the glow of sunshine from the skylight Workers can also access the fitness room and rooftop deck sharing amenities with TipTop apartment residents who use a separate entrance
CONTINUED ON 60
The Harry A Koch CoInsurance amp Financial ConsultantsMember of First Insurance Group LLC
60 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
CONTINUED FROM 59
Businesses in Co-Lab all creativity-related range from entrepreneurs to start-ups to non-profits to small businesses The art varies in form but runs through the space like an electric current At Zicafoose Textiles Mary Zicafoose works steadily on her loom creating gorgeous tapestries 4Site Programming is where Joi Brown works as an independent consultant for performing arts centers across the nation Heartland B-Cycle a large-scale municipal bike sharing system brings art in the form of economical convenience Holly Boyer a founder of non-profit organization Mission Matters explains that one of the best things about having an office at Co-Lab is feeling the innovative positive energy from the moment you walk in the door So while individuals may join Co-Lab with a business-minded focus or a more creative vibe finding a yin to their yang is just a shout away
ldquoThere is certainly a wonderful built-in support network that comes along with working in a collaborative environmentrdquo quips Omaha Creative Institute Executive Director Emily Moody ldquoEverything from sharing ideas and finding ways to collaborate with an organization different than yours to sharing a staplerrdquo
At the heart of making it work says Laura Alley of Alley Poyner itrsquos simply playing well with others
The skateboarding ping-pong playing creatives do that well
B2B
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6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
AT THE OFFICE amp ON THE GO
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Plantronics BackBeat
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13
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
- BB1015_fntCvr_125
- BB1015_fntEdit_125
- BB1015_bkEdit_125
- BB1015_bkCvr_125
-
E
NP Dodge Real Estate is an established leader with a reputation for expertise in representing the finest homes Because of our powerful local brand we were chosen to represent Luxury Portfolio Internationalreg ndash a ldquoby-invitationrdquo global luxury real estate network
Luxury Portfolio Internationalreg our global marketing partnerbull Attracts millions of high net-worth buyers around the globebull Reaches 47 million affluent consumers each yearbull Markets over $44 billion of global luxury property in 50+ countries
VISIT NPDODGELUXURYPORTFOLIOCOM
GLOBAL MARKETING
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Strong leadership is a powerful thing At Marco we have
a reputation for passionate employees happy customers
and community giving because our leadership empowers
us to be the best So when Ernst amp Young named CEO
Jeff Gau a 2015 Entrepreneur of the Year in the Upper
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empower thousands of businesses to work smarter
dream bigger and take technology further Learn more
at marconetcommpowering
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Jeff Gau CEOMarco Inc
taking technology furthermarconetcom mpowering
04emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Get Discovered Get Discovered
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
SleightAdvertisingcom
Sleight advert is ingrsquos advanced onl ine marketing helps your business stand out from the competit ion
With our SEO content development responsive design and web video our team can dramatical ly increase your search results
CALL OR CLICK TODAY FOR A NO-OBLIGATION ASSESSMENTOF YOUR ONLINE PRESENCE
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 05
2015 WinnerOm
aharsquos
Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
2014 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
let us help transform your transactions
1601 Dodge StreetOmaha NE 681024025747224TSYSOmahacom
Omaharsquos Payments PeopleThank you for putting us to work for you
copy 2015 Total System Services Increg All rights reserved worldwide TSYSreg is a federally registered service mark of Total System Services Inc TSYS Merchant Solutions is a registered ISOMSP of both First National Bank of Omaha Omaha Nebraska and Synovus Bank Columbus Georgia
06emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
publisher
TODD LEMKE
editor
DAVID WILLIAMS
associate editor
DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN
editorial intern
HALLE MASON
creative director
BILL SITZMANN
art director
KRISTEN HOFFMAN
senior graphic designer
RACHEL JOY
graphic designer
MATTHEW WIECZOREK
graphic design intern
MALINDA RATCLIFF
contributing
photographers
SCOTT DRICKEY
layout design
WEBSTER
operations
TYLER LEMKE
event director
ERIN COX
accounting
HOLLEY GARCIA-CRUZ
distribution manager
MIKE BREWER
B2B Magazine is published four times annually by Omaha Magazine LTD PO Box 461208 Omaha NE 68046-1208 Telephone (402) 884-2000 fax (402) 884-2001 Subscription rates $1295 for 4 issues (one year) $1995 for 8 issues (two years) Multiple subscriptions at different rates are available No whole or part of the contents herein may be reproduced without prior written permission of B2B Omaha Magazine excepting individually copyrighted articles and photographs Unsolicited manuscripts are accepted however no responsibility will be assumed for such solicitations
contributing writers
LEO ADAM BIGA APRIL CHRISTENSON ANTHONY FLOTT JASON FOX ANNA HENSEL ALLISON JANDA BEVERLY KRACHER ELIZABETH MACK DOUG SCHURING DEB WARD WENDY WISEMAN
account executives
GREG BRUNS GIL COHEN KYLE FISHER ANGIE HALL GEORGE IDELMAN GWEN LEMKE
assistant to the publisher
SANDY BESCH MATSON
account assistants
JESSICA CULLINANE DAWN DENNIS JUSTIN IDELMAN JESSICA LINHART ALICIA SMITH HOLLINS
advertising information
402-884-2000
subscribe online
OMAHAMAGAZINECOMSUBSCRIBE $1295 FOR ONE-YEAR (FOUR ISSUES)
OM
AHA MAGAZINErsquoS
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Locally Owned amp Operatedabestrashcom | 8123 Christensen Lane
402-571-4926
CO M M E R C I A Lbull Waste Disposalbull Rear Load Containersbull Front Load Containersbull Rec ycl ing
R E S I D E N T I A Lbull Dependable Weekly Trash Ser vicebull Trash Car ts amp Rec ycl ing Binsbull Weekly Rec ycl ing bull Weekly Yard Waste
CO M PAC T O R Sbull Stationar y Compac torsbull Self-Contained Compac torsbull Cardboard Compac torsbull Rec ycl ingbull Compac tor Maintenance Per formed
CO N S T R U C T I O N amp C L E A N - U Pbull Rol l-O ff Containersbull CampD Landfi l lbull CampD Rec ycl ingbull Green Build Ser vices
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Qualit y Dependable Trash amp Rec yc ling Ser vice
2014 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 07
DEPARTMENTS SPECIALemspSECTIONS
COLUMNS
FEATURES
TABLEemspOFemspCONTENTS
COVERemspFEATURE
09emsp FROM THE EDITOR Playing Big
26emsp OFFICE FURNITURE Office Origins
51emsp OMAHA CVB Husker Coach Has Tourism Twin
61emsp THE BRAND BRIEF The Language Of Brand Irrelevance
63emsp B4B TD2 Touts B4B
66emsp ETHICS Wicked Problems
34emsp BUY OMAHA PROFILES Cox Communications
35emsp THE FIRM DEAL REVIEW Playing Big Edition
22
28 5210 OUTLOOK NEBRASKAA Sight For Non-Seeing Eyes
SCISSORS amp SCOTCH Snip-Snip-Sip-Sip
YEAR OF THE STARTUPEntrpreneural Immersion
BALLET NEBRASKAA PAS DE DEUX BETWEEN BUSINESS AND THE ARTS
14emsp omAHA Ervin amp Smith
19emsp BRANDREBRAND Controlled Comfort
30emsp HOW I ROLL Whatrsquos That Thing
56emsp IN THE OFFICE Co-Lab
64emsp BIZ + GIVING Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew
08emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Who Will Be Votedthe Best of Omaha
Look for our December 2015special issue as we unveilyour cityrsquos newest roster ofldquoBestsrsquo in everything from
pizzza to plumbing
OM
AHA MAGAZINErsquoSOM
AHA MAGAZINErsquoS
BestOfOmahacom
OmahaHas Spoken
AND THE BALLOTS ARE IN
The Second AnnualOmaha Magazine
Best of Omaha FestivalUniversity of Nebraska at Omaha
Baxter Arena | Nov 21 2015
SAVE THE DATE
november 21
20
15
sec
ond annual
OM
AHA
MAGAZINErsquoS
KETV 7 bull BAXTER AREN
A
(402) 905 9511OmarEventscom
FacebookndashOmar Arts amp Events 4383 Nicholas Omaha NE 68131 Suite 230
The Newest Event Venue B lends Timeless Craf tsmanship with Every Amenity
ldquoThe Sandler Selling System is so contrarian to traditional sales methods and yet it makes so much sense We have found it to be highly effective The system really worksrdquo ndash RJ Lipert - President General Fire amp Safety
T 402-403-43343828 Dodge St bull Omaha NE 68131kschaphorstsandlercom
Karl SchaphorstOwner
Are you tired of wasting time bullpresenting to prospects that have no need bullpresenting to prospects that have no money bullpresenting to prospects that canrsquot make a decision
Join us for an executive briefing to learn moreabout how Sandler Training can grow your business bullAugust 20th bullSeptember 17th bullOctober 15th bullNovember 19th
Register at wwwkarlschaphorstsandlercomOr call us at 402-403-4334
Suffering from Flatlining SalesWe Can Help
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 09
09
PLAYING BIGCompiling this issue of B2B magazine got me thinking about Scott Andersonrsquos 2013 book Playing Big In it the founder of Anderson Partners who is now the CEO of Doubledare speaks of forgetting your limitations and remembering the powerful person you are
Erika Overturff was 27 when she realized that the ballet company of which she was a member was doomed She was an artist a professionally trained dancer Business savvy Management skills An understanding of how to fund a new performance company Not so much
Overturff had a list of limitations a mile long but today she is a founding member and artistic director of Ballet Nebraska the regionrsquos only professional dance company as it enters its sixth season She discovered the powerful person that she was and with a lot of help in mentoring and connecting along the way shersquos learned to play big in elevating the cultural landscape of a city
Our cover story is not about a dance company so much as it is about a communityrsquos ability to get things done when its people and its businesses share a common vision Omaha has always been a special place one with a ldquocan dordquo spirit While other cities struggle we survive even thrive
Omaha knows how to play big
That theme is reflected throughout the stories on the pages that follow stories of creativity passion talentmdasheven faith
The same motif that of playing big is mirrored in The Firm Deal Review the magazine-within-a-magazine found beginning on page 35 No one setting out to purchase a business thinks small and the stories told by The Firm represent microcosms of the very definition of what it means to think dream and play big
Andersonrsquos book pays particular attention to smaller cultures which is fitting because most of the entities profiled in this magazine dwell in the arena of small business Itrsquos a strata where core values are perhaps most critical but how is it that even in the smallest of businesses the simple maxim of ldquostaying truerdquo can remain so very elusive
Read on to uncover what has worked for some of the most compelling entrepreneurs in Omaha
And donrsquot forget to play big
B2B
David Williams is editor of B2B a publication of Omaha Magazine LTD Williams can reached at davidomahamagazinecom
FROM THE EDITOR BY DAVID WILLIAMS
10emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Scissors amp Scotch Co-Owner Erik Anderson
Erik Anderson was new to Omaha and needed a haircut
A good one
The guy had a sales job and needed to look sharp But who to trust with his precious locksmdashsome chain
ldquoYou never know what kind of haircut yoursquore going to getrdquo Anderson says ldquoYou could get a great haircut or walk out of there looking like a doofus Irsquom not going to go that route
ldquoI started going to womenrsquos salons I knew I could trust themrdquo
SHAVE AND A HAIRCUTSNIP-SNIP-SIP-SIP
FEATURE | BY ANTHONY FLOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
10
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 11
That was two years ago Now Anderson gets his rsquodo done at his own placemdashScissors amp Scotch which opened in March at 2835 South 170th Plaza
As its name suggests therersquos much more to Scissors amp Scotch than just a great cut The new shop offers an upscale grooming experience featuring traditional barbering services (in plush old-school barber chairs) and modern spa treatments steamed towels hot lather neck shaves scalp neck shoulder and hand massages paraffin hand dips facial and skin services coloringshellipeven nose waxings Therersquos a shoe shine station on Thursdays And full body massages are on the way
All for dudes
Oh yeah and when customers are done one of five complimentary hand-crafted whiskey cocktails await them in a private lounge
ldquoTherersquos nothing like this right nowrdquo Anderson says ldquoI would put it up against any place in the country
ldquoItrsquos not just a haircut at Scissors amp Scotch itrsquos an experience We havenrsquot had one person come back and say lsquoThat was terriblersquo Most guys are like lsquoWow that was awesomersquordquo
Anderson didnrsquot do it all alone Hersquos equal partners with longtime friend Sean Finley whom he grew up with in Prairie Village Kansas and Tanner Wiles a friend he met at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where Anderson played baseball before earning his degree in 2011
Anderson later worked for Federated Insurance which moved him from Minneapolis to Omaha in April 2013 Thatrsquos when he first went looking for a haircut While researching his options Anderson saw that menrsquos grooming had become the fastest growing part of the beauty industry
ldquoThat really intrigued me and I got really excited about itrdquo
CONTINUEDemspONemsp12
12emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp11
Why not open his own place Anderson brought that idea to Finley and Wiles one night at a bar in early 2014 Not one of them had any experience in the grooming industry but the trio soon discussed the idea by group text message Then they met regularly working on documents and video conferencing via Google Hangouts Wiles worked in sales at Ambulatory Care in Kansas City Finley completed his law degree in Columbia Missouri (hersquos now a corporate attorney at Husch Blackwell in Kansas City)
They hammered out the concept of Scissors amp Scotch leveraged whatever assets they possessed at such tender ages (Finley and Wiles are 27 Anderson 26) and got an SBA loan In August 2014 they signed a lease at Shops of Legacy This March they opened with nine employees not counting themselves
104 5th St Fullerton NE 68638 308-550-0632 signdan170yahoocomSignCraftersMidwestcom
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omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 13
Response exceeded expectations Six weeks after opening Scissors amp Scotch averaged 80 new clients per week and about 30 haircuts a day More than 60 percent of the customers opted for the $52 ldquo15-year servicerdquo (as in the age of fine Scotch) Its membership programmdashthe Scotch-inspired 10- 15- and 25-year packages with escalating benefits at each levelmdashwas expected to generate 100 sales the first year Scissors amp Scotch sold 90 the first month
ldquoItrsquos really encouragingrdquo Anderson says ldquoEach week wersquove done more haircuts than the previous week since we openedrdquo
And all of it by word-of-mouth advertising (though Scissors amp Scotch recently started advertising on AM 590)
ldquoIrsquove had a lot of guys say lsquoThis is Omaha Nebraska right This is something I expect to see in a Chicago or a New York or a Dallasrsquordquo
Thanks to Anderson Omaha it is
B2B
THANK YOU OMAHA
402733232212310 K Plaza Ste 108
BEST FLORISTldquoTaylor Maderdquo for ALL
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12050 Pacific Street | Omaha NE 68154 | +1 402 255 6060 | nainpdodgecom
The NAI NP Dodge
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14emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
ldquoPeople need vacation to recharge and get inspired to continue to love what they dordquo she says ldquoA lot of times when you give people that break they come back more energized and with great ideas It makes them happier it makes us a better companyrdquo-HEIDI MOUSBACH
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 15
GOING TO THE DOGSERVIN amp SMITHrsquoS RELAXED AWARD-WINNING VIBE
OMAHA | BY ANTHONY FLOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Want to know how much fun it is to work at Omaha digital marketing firm Ervin amp Smith Just ask Peanut Gwen Duke or Daphne Jane
They wonrsquot talk to youhellipbut yoursquoll probably see their tails wagging
ldquoAny week we have probably a couple dogs in the officerdquo says Heidi Mausbach Ervin amp Smith president and CEO ldquoYou find them at your desk begging for a little treat They follow their owners around the agencyrdquo
The furry friends are there as one of many workplace benefits garnering Ervin amp Smith attention here and nationally In February the agency founded 31 years ago by Executive Chairman Doug Smith made the 2015 Best Places to Work in Omaha list sponsored by Baird Holm and the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce That came three months after Advertising Age ranked Ervin amp Smith number 13 on its list of 40 Best Places to Work in Advertising amp Media based on hiring practices benefits packages salaries office perks and more
ldquoYou spendhellipa good percentage of your life at workrdquo Mausbach says ldquoYou want to be at a place you love to come to People do love it here You donrsquot dread Monday morningrdquo
Even if yoursquore on vacationmdashwhich is unlimited at Ervin amp Smith as are sick and personal days The new leave policy established in January 2014 is among the most intriguing initiatives at the agency
ldquoPeople are free to come and go as long as they are fulfilling their client commitments and meeting their other goalsrdquo Mausbach says
So have employees been abusing the policy with copious vacation days Mausbach canrsquot saymdashErvin amp Smith isnrsquot tracking days If therersquos any challenge to the time-off policy itrsquos been with employees not taking enough personal time Mausbach who joined the agency 15 years ago was among those who took ldquoa lot lessrdquo vacation than she typically would
ldquoPeople need vacation to recharge and get inspired to continue to love what they dordquo she says ldquoA lot of times when you give people that break they come back more energized and with great ideas It makes them happier it makes us a better companyrdquo
While employees appreciate the flexibility the policy allows them to get away from work Ervin amp Smith has seen benefits in the officemdashless idle activity greater communication and collaboration and perhaps best of all fewer and shorter meetings as employees focus on goals and commitments
CONTINUEDemspONemsp16
15
16emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp15
The company also allows employees to work from home as needed or even full-time from cities across the country (one Ervin amp Smith employee lives in Washington another in Colorado) The company also established an annual ldquoSlush FUNdrdquo giving each employee $100 to spend on something that will enhance company culture such as a popcorn machine Some pooled their money to buy meditation classes open to everyone Others adopted a family at Christmas
Workplace enhancements can be simple A couple of years of ago the agency added a ping pong table Sometimes thatrsquos where the best work happens ldquoItrsquos interesting how their minds workrdquo Mausbach says ldquoA lot of times theyrsquore playing and brainstorming There are amazing ideas that come out of work and play at the same timerdquo
Other initiatives to enhance the Ervin amp Smith environment include redesigned offices an expanded client conference room
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 17
a per-person training budget more than twice the industry average catered lunches and happy hours and a monthly wellness stipend reimbursing employees up to $25 a month
The most popular benefit is Flame Schoedermdash a professional certified life coach made available for monthly development sessions
ldquoOf all the benefits they feel this is the one definitely helping them the most professionally and personallyrdquo Mausbach says
The initiatives seem to work Ervin amp Smith promoted 12 employees and hired 15 others last year Its retention rate in 2014 was 84 percent better than the typical industry rate of 70 percent or worse Mausbach cites
Ervin amp Smith is building employee relationships Perks are great People are better
Making Ervin amp Smith a doggone great place to work
B2B
8 ConsecutiveYears
Thanks Omaha for 30 Years2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
4023999233 | wwwsparklingkleancom
A+ Rating20 Consecutive Years
Exceptional Event Space amp Catering
Wersquoll make your next event one to remember
6450 Pine Street | 402-778-6313ScottCentercom
17
18emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
ESPELITE SERVICE PROFESSIONALS
Superior quality exceptional service
If you are a CEO key executive or business owner call 4024017560
copy 2015 Vistage Worldwide Inc 14_261_3131 kkk
Discover what thousands of CEOs already know Vistage works
Get answers Take action Like you the members of a Vistage Advisory Board are proven business leaders and critical thinkers They have smart ideas and insightful opinions and this is the forum to express them At our monthly meetings yoursquoll encounter lively discussions where business leaders tell it like it is If you find that refreshing then be our guest at our next monthly group meeting
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 19
Leo Costanzo Anne Taylor and Alan Hove of Controlled Comfort
BRANDREBRAND | BY ELIZABETH MACK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Jingle writers have done their job if they create an earwormmdasha song so catchy it sticks in your head and wonrsquot leave ldquoWhen I tell people I work at Controlled Comfort they immediately start singing the jinglerdquo says Alan Hove who along with co-owners Leo Costanzo and Anne Taylor purchased Controlled Comfort in 2004 ldquoItrsquos the best form of advertising we could ever hope forrdquo
CONTINUEDemspONemsp20
SINGING A HAPPY TUNEJINGLING ALL THE WAY
19
20emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
John Sievers
Businesses Are Buying SmarterThe All Makesrsquo team is trained to help you make design decisions and furniture purchases that fi t your offi ce atmosphere your work style and your budget Visit All Makesrsquo redesigned showroom to see the latest in new offi ce furniture pre-owned offi ce furniture and business technology
wwwallmakescom Omaha 2558 Farnam St | 4023412413 Lincoln 3333 O St | 4024777131
Thank you for voting us 1 for 10 consecutive years
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp19
Most people in the Omaha metro area are familiar with that animated female voice belting out ldquoControlled ComfortndashKeep it Under Controoooooolrdquo Many locals probably would not guess the companyrsquos logo (an angel) but could at least hum a few bars of the jingle Whether a catchy tune is annoying or enjoyable is a matter of opinion but once that musical worm has worked its way into your psyche you are forced to remember the product which is exactly what advertisers hope for
When companies change ownership one major decision is whether or not to maintain the same brand image and the current owners of Controlled Comfort knew they wanted things to stay pretty much the same when they took ownership
ldquoWe love our jinglerdquo says Taylor ldquoWhen we purchased the company we knew we wanted to maintain the image and keep the logo and jingle We couldnrsquot ask for a better form of advertisingrdquo
Research shows that music increases recall and simple melodies with simple lyrics stick with a consumer not only for the short term but often the long-term Remember ldquoI Wish I Were an Oscar Meyer Weinerrdquo Even if it has been years since you have actually heard it chances are you can still sing the entire song Controlled Comfortrsquos brand may not be as huge as Oscar Meyerrsquos but their jingle has stood the test of time being sung on local radio and TV for nearly 20 years with no end in sight
Taylor recounts how in the mid-1990s local musician Johnny Ray Gomez produced the jingle for a radio spot
ldquoThe previous owners purchased a year of radio advertising and it came with a jinglerdquo Taylor says
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
THANKS OMAHA
Embroidery middot Screen Printing middot Promotional Digital Printing middot Mailing middot Company Stores
13747 F St 4025961002 ideal-imagescom
ldquoWhen we purchased the company we knew we wanted to maintain the image and keep the logo and jingle We couldnrsquot ask for a better form of advertisingrdquo-ANNE TAYLOR
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 21
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
At the time they had no idea they did not retain exclusive rights to the melody
ldquoI just recently heard the song while I was traveling in western Nebraska It was quite a shockrdquo she adds with a laugh
Branding is all about creating an image of a business that will stick in a customerrsquos mind Though most businesses rely on visual advertising to create their brand jingles can be an additional way to increase awareness and create staying power People often remember a catchy tune Throw the company name and their phone number in the jingle lyrics and customers may not even need to look up the contact information
ldquoIf I forget the phone number I just sing the jinglerdquo says one local customer
Though original jingles declined in recent years as more large companies turn to popular songs for their advertising a few local companies still spend at least some marketing dollars on jingles Whether you think it annoying or catchy a jingle may be your best advertising investment
B2B
4023333062 | planitomahacom | 10832 old mill road suite 5 | omaha ne 68154
planitomaha A national and
regional powerhouse in
meetings conferences amp
events
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
22emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 2
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 23
How is it that Midlands Choice has come to make an investment in of all things a ballerina
Sure the bottom line of any insurance entity is driven by risk managementmdashthe investing of premium revenues to hedge against claims
But taking stock in Claire Goodwillie a company dancer with Ballet Nebraska
The Midlands Choice example is repeated all across the metro as area businesses support a broad array of arts nonprofits ones that dwell in everything from tutus to tempura
And the table is set for a new era of collaboration between business and the arts because philanthropic giving in America has finally returned to pre-recession levels
Contributions which totaled $358 billion in 2014 surpassed 2007rsquos pre-recession level of $355 billion Additionally giving was up from all major sourcesmdashindividuals corporations foundations and bequestsmdashaccording to Giving USA an annual report compiled by the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and the Giving USA Foundation of Chicago
ldquoEight out of nine types of charitable organizations we measure saw increased contributions and thatrsquos good news for the
BALLET NEBRASKAA PAS DE DEUX BETWEEN BUSINESS AND THE ARTS
philanthropic sector as a wholerdquo W Keith Curtis told Omaha Magazine in an email Curtis is chair of Giving USA Foundation and president of the nonprofit consulting firm The Curtis Group ldquoThe 60-year high for charitable giving in 2014 is a great story about resilience and perseverancerdquo
Themes of resilience and perseverance define the Ballet Nebraska story
Erika Overturff was 27 years old when the ballet company of which she was a dancer and resident choreographer appeared doomed She had no money She had no business acumen
That was 2009 Flash forward to 2015 and Overturff now 33 founder and artistic director of Ballet Nebraska is leading the regionrsquos only professional dance company into its sixth season
In a city known for its ldquocan-dordquo spirit this story could be about almost any local arts nonprofit but the unlikely saga of Ballet Nebraska is told here because it is perhaps the most improbable of tales one that best reveals what a business community and the arts can do when they share a common vision
CONTINUEDemspONemsp24
BY DAVID WILLIAMS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
23COVERemspFEATURE
24emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp23
Like settling into your seat with a program before the lights dim at any performing arts venue itrsquos probably best to start by reviewing the cast of characters
THE CONNECTORHal Daub knows people Especially in a city of six degrees of separation that is in reality much more like two or three degrees the former Omaha mayor (1995-2001) and US Congressman (1981-1989) who has served on countless nonprofit boards and is now a partner at Husch Blackwellhellipknows people
ldquoWhen I was first introduced to Hal and he offered to helprdquo Overturff says ldquoI assumed that meant he was going to maybe make a few calls and do a little name-droppingrdquo Daub it turned out would become a key player in the often delicate pas de deux that is the coupling of business and the arts ldquoHe not only made those calls but he set up the appointmentshellipand then he came along to personally introduce me and stand by my side in front of those who would become some of the most generous funders of Ballet Nebraskardquo
ldquoThe reason I am so fascinated by what Erika has donerdquo says Daub ldquois that Omaha is a city that has clearly evolved to become a place that is not just metropolitan but truly cosmopolitanrdquo And investing in the arts Daub believes makes good business sense ldquoThe social environment of a citymdashits arts and entertainmentmdashis critical in attracting and retaining the best workforce Ballet Nebraska Opera Omaha the Omaha Symphony Omaha Performing Artshellipthose and so many others are the organizations that help keep the best talent in Omahardquo
THE ADVOCATEMichelle Clark is Union Pacificrsquos general director of information technologies which means she probably knows more than a little about computer viruses As a three-year board member of Ballet Nebraska shersquos also seen how supporting the arts can go viral
ldquoEmployee generosity is furthered by the use of the companyrsquos matching gifts programrdquo Clark explains ldquoThis creates a sense of pride for employees and Union Pacific is supportive of the communities in which we live and work The employees of Union Pacific are very generous and have supported fundraising drives not only for Ballet Nebraska but a number of organizations such as the Womenrsquos Center for Advancement and JDRFrdquo
Employees should never underestimate their power to play a key role in advocating for nonprofits within their organizations
ldquoI am passionate about the art of dance especially ballet and Ballet Nebraskardquo Clark says ldquoDance inspires my creativity and provides insights to see beyond the obvious My hope is that by providing individuals with the awareness of opportunities to experience and support the art of dance they will find their own inspiration to apply to their own liferdquo
And just as stubborn computer viruses are often cloyingly messy to eradicate once discovered Union Pacificrsquos relationship with Ballet Nebraska has a ldquostickinessrdquo of its own Clark was preceded on the Ballet Nebraska board by Gayla Thal the companyrsquos senior vice president and general counsel
THE BULLDOGDonrsquot let the gentle demeanor of Midlands Choice vice president Greta Vaught fool you Supporting the arts is often a visceral experience and Vaughtrsquos passion for dance exerted itself on multiple levels in the early stages of growth at Ballet Nebraska
ldquoMidlands Choice has always been supportive of my work in the communityrdquo says the board chair of Ballet Nebraska
ldquoWe like to listen to our people when making such decisionsrdquo says Midlands Choice President and CEO Thomas E Press rdquoIt is important for us to know that our giving has real meaning for them their families and their communitiesrdquo
ldquoI looked at what Erika was trying to dordquo Vaught continues ldquoand I thought it was brave but impossible But all along the way I just kept going back to the thought that if one of my daughters [Mia now 15 and Hannah now 19] wanted to try something so bold one day thatrdquohellipinsert long pausehellipldquoIrsquom sorry this is making me cry I would just hope that people with experience and connections and dollars would shepherd my daughters along like so many people have done with Erika and Ballet Nebraskardquo
Okay so maybe ldquoThe Bulldogrdquo wasnrsquot such a great character name for this role after all
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 25
Fast-Paced Public Relations
Customer-Based Planning and Communications
402-964-9293 11626 Nicholas Street
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For the Connected World
Every story Every tweet Every interaction
PR is vital to your bottom line now more than ever
Join the world of innovative PR ndash partner with experts
2015 Winner
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arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Best PR Agency 7 Years Running
2015 Winner
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arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
THE ARTISTldquoI had to do a lot of on-the-job learning when I decided to try to launch a dance companyrdquo Overturff says ldquoWe were lucky in that we got our nonprofit status right away but I didnrsquot know anything about the business side of things and really nothing about raising funds I was moved by every $5 check that came in but it took a lot of mentoring advice and counsel to get us to where we are today as a fully funded professional performance companyrdquo
Ballet Nebraska now has a paid staff of 22 including nine salaries paid to company dancers Today Overturffrsquos once-nonexistent business connections run deep Personal contributions from the likes of philanthropists Richard Holland and Fred and Eve Simon further fuel the growth of ballet in Omaha Foundations also play a major role in funding A recent gift of $124000 from the Iowa West Foundation is the largest in Ballet Nebraska history
ldquoTalented professionals from all over the world that have trained their whole lives to pursue a career in dance now come to Omaha in the hopes of performing with Ballet Nebraska as we serve the state and western Iowa in performances education outreach and morerdquo she says ldquoA ballet companymdashany performing arts company any arts organizationmdashis about its peoplehellipthe artists the staff and hardworking selfless volunteers But it is the people of Omaha from the smallest donations to the relationships we have with such great businesses that makes it all happenrdquo
B2B
26emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
26OFFICE FURNITURE BY DOUG SCHURING
OFFICE ORIGINS
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE MODERN WORKPLACE
For all the time we spend in our office very few of us are familiar with how that space came to be You may actually be surprised by the events and inventions that helped form the work environment we know today From the development of the railroad to innovations in communication our current corporate habits structures and tools have all played a role In his book CubedmdashA Secret History of the Workplace Nikil Saval shapes the advances that created the conventional office we are familiar with today
The advent of the Morse telegraph spawned long-distance communication Then starting in 1860 a series of technological innovations changed the possibilities of the workplace the use of iron framework permitted the construction of taller buildings and elevators assisted the climb The Remington typewriter entered the office in 1874 Bellrsquos telephone was patented two years later
At the same time railroads expanded across the country reducing transportation costs and extending markets for goods and services Additionally railroads produced an organizational transformation still in use today The coordination of trains required employees housed in structures all across the country bringing a variety of offices to the American landscape Between the executive the manager and the workerhellipthe organizational chart was born
The invention of telecommunications fostered the speed of information to surge creating more
Doug Schuring is the director of sales administration at All Makes Office Equipment Co
work and subsequently more workers As these workers moved into new structures the spaces reflected their various levels of management In 1915 the Metal Office Furniture Company (now Steelcase) invented the modern deskmdasha flat metal table outfitted with file drawers The new desks massed together in defined rows offered managers full visual access to the goings-on of the workplace and this ldquosea of desksrdquo became the norm for decades Lockers and various cabinets popular in the Great Depression era became vertical files once steel became readily available after World War II
In 1968 Herman Miller introduced the first panel system with attached components Designed by Robert Propst the Action Office system revolutionized the ldquoofficerdquo in form flexibility and cost Other furniture manufacturers mimicked the modular system which became the norm for many businesses
Up to the rsquo90s the personal computerrsquos popularity grew and the relative size of work stations decreased between 25-50 percent By the middle of that decade the dot-com revolution on the West Coast created an unprecedented workplace culture The formal atmosphere of the office became much more casual and discontent for the Dilbert-esque cubicle grew Subsequently creative furniture solutions evolved with the desire to be more mobile leading the way
In the early 2000rsquos collaborative open offices grew in popularity New and improving
technologies now offer connectivity in the office home or public spaces As a result nearly every company today is adapting and using new furnishings as a tool to attract new workers At the same time retaining existing employees is equally important The goal is to make everyone more effective and efficient in their work
Whether you work in an office from home in the local coffee shop or out of an airline terminal you may start to notice that much of the furniture is beginning to look very similar As long as you are able to connect to technology you can work from virtually anywhere
B2B
SEPTEMBER 24 2015 Ralston Arena7300 Q Street
Ralston NE 68127
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omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 27
28emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Outlook Nebraska CEO Eric Stueckrath
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 29
On the surface it looks just like any other office or factory As you enter Outlook Nebraska Inc (ONI) yoursquore greeted by a friendly front desk attendant and led past a perfectly ordinary-looking workspace Entering their factory where they manufacture such paper products as rolls of hand towels you wouldnrsquot suspect that it is different from any other assembly line
But explore a little deeper
Walking past one office you might see a man typing away on a keyboard his laptop closed in front of him He doesnrsquot need it open to know what hersquos typing Hersquos visually impaired and utilizing computer software that reads the words aloud as he types
On the factory floor raised edges guard the walkway so sightless employees can feel their way around Over on the assembly line visually impaired workers can use a computer screen to zoom in on the product at various stages of production to assess the process
ONI is a non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance the life of the blind and visually impaired through employment opportunities and training Almost all the employees at ONI are blind or visually impaired from factory workers to IT professionals Some were born blind others lost their sight later in life ONI aims to help them all re-enter the workforce in a meaningful way
A SIGHT FOR NON-SEEING EYES
OUTLOOK NEBRASKA
ldquoThey get used to being on their feetrdquo says ONI CEO Eric Stueckrath ldquoWe offer jobs for [people with] entry-level skill sets and all of the positions are at or above minimum wage We give them the tools to help build those skill setsrdquo
ONI also offers personalized life-skills training geared to whatrsquos important to the individual from personal banking to cooking to operating a computer
The American Foundation for the Blind estimates that as many as 70 percent of blind adults in the US are unemployed As the largest employer of the blind in the Omaha metro area ONI is working to make an impact
ldquoWe work with organizations that are committed to hiring the visually impairedrdquo Stuekrath says ldquoAdvocacy is definitely part of what we dordquo
ONI is currently in the midst of a $2 million capital campaign that will allow them to complete a large-scale renovation project at their facility The renovation will create more space for the general public and give them the ability to offer additional training programs
In addition to working with adults blind and visually-impaired youth are a primary focus for Stuekrath and ONI
ldquoMy heart really gravitates toward themrdquo Stuekrath says
ONI partners with youth organizations on a number of initiatives including a sports camp for visually-impaired youth called Camp Abilities Nebraska Attendees can try archery swimming bowling track and field and more as a means to build confidence
ldquoThey donrsquot need to be coddledrdquo Stuekrath says adding that he often tells parents of blind children ldquoYour kid needs to get out there and bump his head and experience liferdquo
At ONI everything comes back to the organizationrsquos mission Stuekrath says
ldquoWe give them the tools they need to gain greater independencerdquo
B2B
FEATURE | BY APRIL CHRISTENSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY COLIN CONCES
29
30emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Layne and Pam Yahnke and Their VW Thing
Shakespeare wrote of love and betrayal Tolkien of hobbits and wizards Steinbeck and Faulkner of the indomitable American spirit
Layne Yahnke writes about his VW Thing
Yes the two-wheel-drive off-road convertible military vehicle first manufactured for the West German Army as ldquoType 181rdquo in 1968 VW churned them out until 1983 including two years in the United States when marketed as ldquoThe Thingrdquo
Yahnke got his Thing in 2000 for $5500 Hersquos lovingly restored it most importantly giving it a peppy new motor that makes it Autobahn-worthy
WHATrsquoS THAT THING
LANE YAHNKErsquoS UNUSUAL VOLKSWAGEN
HOW I ROLL | BY ANTHONY FLOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Therersquos only one other Thing in Omaha and Yahnkersquos gets lots of second and third looks when hersquos whipping down the Dodge Street Expressway from his Elkhorn home Especially when the doors are off and windshield is down
Everyone wants to know abouthellipthe Thing
Thus Yahnke penned ldquoIt Takes a Village to Build a VW Thingrdquo an ode to those who helped him with his beloved ridemdashhis sons Omaha VW Club members engine and body shops and parts stores
CONTINUEDemspONemsp32
30
SIGN UP TODAYdolnebraskagovsides
Questions phone - 402-471-9910 email - ndoluisidesnebraskagov
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E-Response saves treesNo more paper 350rsquos
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32emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Locally Owned in Papillion Ne402-740-0800 bull apconstructomahacom
Insurance claims
welcomeIf your roof sustained fire snow or hail
damage the repairs can be costly We are your wind and hail damage experts and accept insurance claims so you wonrsquot
have to pay for the repair work yourself
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Residential Roofing bull Roof Maintenance amp Repair bull Licensed Bonded amp Insured
Steve Kowalski
Call or Text Message(402 ) 453-6000
abetterexposurecom steveabetterexposurecom
Passion Creativity Experience
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp31
ldquoI wrote that right after the engine transplantrdquo says Yahnke an Omaha native and vice president at Essex Corp provider of senior living communities ldquoI guess I was moved I get so many inquiries about it and I really feel so fondly about itrdquo
Itrsquos not his first Thing Yahnke and his wife of 38 years Pam owned one before their four children came along As the kids have come and gone so have the cars
Lots of them
Yahnke figures he has owned 60 automobiles in his life His car fancy began as a kid growing up in Dundee where a friendrsquos dad spent his spare time restoring English cars Yahnke spent hours in his garage and developed a love for Triumphs and MGs His first car purchase was a 1962 Triumph for $425 in 1972 It wasnrsquot long though until he sold it at a profit
ldquoThatrsquos what kicked off the buying and selling of English carsrdquo he says ldquoI discovered I could enjoy my transportation but then as soon as someone wanted to buy it for more than I paid for it out it wentrdquo
ldquoWhere Accounting Meets ResultsrdquoProviding Accounting and Quickbooks Services
For Metro Businesses
Denise Martin I 9252077634Deniseheartlandaccountabilitycom
wwwHeartlandAccountAbilitycom
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 33
These days you never know what will be parked in the Yahnke driveway Currently therersquos a Honda pickup a VW Jetta VW Multivan and a 2001 Audi TT Quatro Convertiblemdashpurchased in apropos silver for his 25th wedding anniversary
Itrsquos the Thing he most enjoys driving He logs about 1000 miles on it each year Most of those have come toplessmdashYahnke long ago gave it away to another Thing enthusiast and now only drives it sans roof
ldquoAnyone who sees this car has only seen it top-downrdquo he says ldquoI just got caught once in the rain and that was probably a month ago The cool thing about the Thing is you leave it out in the sun and it dries out and is ready to gordquo
It says ldquoSummer is hererdquo Yahnke says
ldquoPeople speed up all the time to try to figure out what it is Itrsquos just a happy car and itrsquos so darn versatile It puts smiles on peoplesrsquo facesrdquo
B2B
Quality Carpet Cleaning Since 2004
4026806523
Cleaning ServicesCarpet CleaningUpholstery CleaningMattress CleaningTile amp Grout CleaningPet TreatmentsConcrete CleaningConcrete CleaningAuto Interior Cleaning24 Hour Water Damage
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omahamagazinecom SPECIALemspADVERTISINGemspSECTIONemspemsp |emsp SUMMERemsp2015emsp |emsp 34
ABOUT OUR BUSINESS
Cox Business started in 2000 as the commercial services division of Cox Communications Over the past 15 years we have experienced strong growth and are on our target to achieve $2 billion in revenue in the near future
Cox Business owns operates and maintains its own network providing leading-edge technology solutions for voice internet networking and digital TV We also offer robust business continuity and disaster recovery solutions which is of increasing importance to businesses in the greater Omaha area Our customers include such key verticals as education hospitality government and healthcare We maintain a significant focus on Omaha small business mid-markets and large local companies as well
We consider our employees to be our most precious asset as they have the responsibility of taking care of our customers At Cox Business we are fortunate to have an extremely tenured and engaged team of employees What sets us apart from our competition is the fact that while we are a large robust and progressive company we still possess
the nimbleness of a smaller company in our ability to deliver creative solutions under tight timelines We pride ourselves on having very little bureaucracy and that translates to happy customers The fact that Cox Business has won 15 JD Power Awards for customer satisfaction over the past 11 years is a notable accomplishment for us and we work hard to deliver on that promise of excellence every day
ABOUT LYNNE
I have led sales and operations teams in the communications industry for 20 years 10 of those years with Cox Communications My husband Pat and I just celebrated our first full year in Omaha and wonder why it took us so long to find this jewel of a community Our daughter Kaylin starts law school next month at the University of San Diego
I have two passions in my professional life mentoring employees who are working on leadership development (which includes working with two to three emerging leaders at any given time) and continuing to drive efforts in hiring fostering a diverse workforce There
is a challenge in STEM fields of under-represented groups My company Cox Communications is also very passionate about this and holds the distinction of inclusion in Diversity Incrsquos top 50 companies
My personal passions include travel social media and Italian cooking
B2B
COX BUSINESSLYNNE SANGIMINO
Cox Business 401 N 117th St Omaha NE 68154 coxbusinesscom 4029340830
Cradickrsquos Husker PowerTEXAN RETURNS HOME FOR BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY PG 8
Marlon Lofgren Koley Jessen PC LLOKEEPING THE FOCUS WHERE IT BELONGS PG 4
Seasoned Advice for Buyers(THE BOUNCY KIND) PG 5
PLAYING BIG EDITION
Fall
2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
2
Volume 1 Issue 5
Published by The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
PresidentEditor bull Cortney Sells
DirectorAssistant Editor bull Cassandra Powers
In-House Legal Counsel bull Susanne Miller
Outreach Coordinator bull Rene Rademacher
Marketing Development bull Rachael Rand
Business Broker bull Breann Becerra
Referring Broker bull Elizabeth Jones
Marketing Division bull Adam Jaime
Development Liaison bull Holley Garcia
Client Services bull Nycole Wandvik-Tolle
Client Services bull Julie OrsquoBrien
Community Relations bull Mike Sells
Contributing Writers
Marlon Lofgren bull Kathy Rygg bull Maureen Tierney
Design bull OBI Creative
Photography bull Bill Sitzmann
To Subscribe
The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
210 N 78 St
Omaha NE 68114
4029985288
infothefirmb2bcom
Advertising Inquiries
4028842000
toddomahamagazinecom
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Columns
4 Seller Financing
Koley Jessen PC LLO Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
14 Executive Impact Getting Into the Big Office
Departments
5 Seasoned Advice for
Business Buyers (The Bouncy Kind)
12 Building a Legacy while
Building Racks New Chapter to Becklerrsquos Career
The Bottom Line
Sells Insights
Playing Big
Husker PowerTexan returns home to
Nebraska for business opportunity
pg8
Many business owners have marginal experience in the trades in which their
organizations specialize While it may seem counterintuitive to buy or start a company situated around an industry in which one has little experience there is a certain com-petitive edge to the equation A buyer or president need only know enough to begin before surrounding him or herself with the right personnel to tackle the minute details What is paramount is the grander scheme of
management and operations which allows one to flex refined business acumen Not only does distance from fieldwork free up time to put in place a robust and refined plan but it leaves open other avenues for portfolio expansion Grow your business expand operations or begin other busi-ness ventures The possibilities are only as small as the mindset held by your team The FIRM
Special Section
7 Fresh Off The Firm The Firm Business Brokerage has
over $80 million dollars in assets under
management of current cash flowing
businesses for sale ndash from medical
practices to commercial services to large
manufacturing companies
by Cortney Sells presidenteditor
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
3Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
4
IF PROPERLY STRUCTURED AND DOCUMENTED SELLER FINANCING IS REALLY NO DIFFERENT FROM FINANCING THAT WOULD OTHERWISE BE PROVIDED BY A BANKTYING IT ALL TOGETHEREven the most savvy of ldquonumbers peoplerdquo need a leg up in negotiating a purchase As with so many aspects of doing business retaining experienced legal counsel enables you to keep the focus where it belongsmdashemploying your entrepreneurial skills in the identification and acquisition of profitable business ventures The FIRM
Seller Financing Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
written by Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
Seller financing can often be a criti-cal factor in getting a business sold
If properly structured and documented seller financing is really no different from financing that would otherwise be provided by a bank Below is a brief guide to navi-gating the issues normally encountered in seller financing
FIRST THINGS FIRSTThe first question is usually that of how to structure and document the financing The buyer should be expected to sign a prom-issory note evidencing the loan from the seller with interest and repayment terms mutually agreeable to both parties The seller might also require that the buyer grant the seller a security interestlien in the pur-chased assets to secure the loan Itrsquos also not unusual for a seller to require that the individual owners of the buyer (assuming the buyer is an entity) personally guarantee the loan In most cases the documents are usually pretty straightforward and do not need to be overly complicated
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
ADDITIONAL LAYERSIf a bank is also financing the sale the seller will most likely be required by the bank to sign a subordination agreement This is an agreement between the bank usually referred to as the ldquosenior lenderrdquo and the seller referred to as the ldquojunior lenderrdquo A subordination agreement sets forth the terms between the lenders as to each entityrsquos right to receive loan pay-ments from the buyer and the priority of their respective security interestsliens in the purchased assets The document will usually state that the senior lenderrsquos loan and security interestliens shall at all times be superior to those of the junior lender until the senior loan is paid in full Most lenders are willing to discuss and negoti-ate the junior lenderrsquos right to receive loan payments from the borrower Lien priority status however is rarely compromised by senior lenders in subordination agreements The senior lender will insist on having a first priority security interestlien in the pur-chased assets
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Whether yoursquore a first-time entre-preneur or an experienced business
owner purchasing a company is a critical investment financially and emotionally To help increase the likelihood of it being a success in both areas there are a number of aspects to keep in mind when evaluating if a business is the right fit gt
Seasoned Advice for Business Buyers(The Bouncy Kind)
written by Kathy Rygg
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Jerry Rachwalik
5Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
6
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
lt Jerry Rachwalik has been researching companies for the past three years waiting for the right opportunity to arise His search was the result of spending his career work-ing for larger organizations in a number of areas including delivery installation cus-tomer service inventory accounts receiv-ables and scheduling where he managed up to 35 people at a time
Policies and philosophies can change when working for a corporation Sometimes they become less family friendly ldquoWith the previous companies I worked forrdquo Rachwalik says ldquothey switched from caring about em-ployees to making money and the bottom line I stuck it out for several years and then decided I needed something differentrdquo
An entrepreneur by nature Rachwalik has over the last seven years built up a rental business buying foreclosed homes and duplex properties completely reno-vating them and then renting them back out He now has 15 properties and enjoys helping families by providing nice homes that are affordable ldquoI want people to feel good when they come home at night after a long day at workrdquo he says Rachwalik want-ed to find a business that allowed him the flexibility to respond to his tenants when needed from simple plumbing issues to furnaces going kaput
When he first started looking for a new business Rachwalik was drawn to home health care because of his experience help-ing to take care of relatives And it was a growing field Nothing was available at the time so he expanded his options and be-gan researching businesses in a variety of industries Those included a flooring com-pany sandwich shop and even a hair salon
ldquoI was open to anything and if I could make the numbers work then I would consider itrdquo he explains
Then The Firm Business Brokerage pre-sented him with an opportunity that was the right match Bounce U in Omaha There were a number of factors that appealed to Rachwalik First and foremost were the financials but it would also offer him the flexibility he needed for his rental business A big advantage was that an entire team was already in place one seasoned in man-aging staff and scheduling parties ldquoThey do a great jobrdquo he says ldquoI donrsquot plan on making any personnel changesrdquo
But what hersquos most looking forward to with this new venture is the fun positive environment Bounce Ursquos primary business is its birthday party packages featuring the companyrsquos oversized inflatibles and Rachwalik said he canrsquot wait to watch the excitement on the kids faces when they walk through the door ldquoEveryone there is happyrdquo he says ldquoThe kids are happy the parents are happy and the employees running the parties are happy Itrsquoll be a big change from the environments I used to work inrdquo Hersquos already planning to have his twin grand-daughtersrsquo birthday party there too
His transition included a week of training with the companyrsquos corporate facility in Ari-zona as well as on-site training Even though the Omaha location is an existing store all of Rachwalikrsquos training was structured as though itrsquos a brand new site
Bounce U has traditionally partnered with local restaurants to provide food for birth-day parties but Rachwalik wants to explore the option to build a kitchen of his own
He also hopes to continue to grow the business by at least 5 annually ldquoAnything I do I will communicate with my employees and get their input and suggestions firstrdquo he adds
For anyone who is considering buying a business or is going through the process Rachwalik stresses to be open minded and not rule anything out ldquoIf an opportunity is presented to you run the numbers and see if you can make it workrdquo he says ldquoI did a complete flip-flop on the type of business I thought I wanted versus what I ended up purchasing But if you keep looking yoursquoll eventually find a matchrdquo The FIRM
ldquoTHE KIDS ARE HAPPY THE PARENTS ARE HAPPY AND THE EMPLOYEES RUNNING THE PARTIES ARE HAPPY ITrsquoLL BE A BIG CHANGE FROM THE ENVIRONMENTS I USED TO WORK INrdquo
-Jerry Rachwalik
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Fresh Off The Firm Featured Listings for Sale
Suburban Bar amp Grill with VolleyballOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $26413 PRICE $115000
Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity in an area with only two other bars nearby Serving up a gorgeous and well-maintained volleyball court along with pool tables and a jukebox this bar and grill is a favorite with the locals Business is fully staffedmdashowner works very part time hours
Rain Gutter Sales amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $145200 PRICE $415000
This business is a dealer for high-end rain gutter covers These products are con-structed of high-quality aluminum and sur-gical-grade stainless steel and are strong enough to hold up to four feet of snow or 20 pounds of debris Profit margin is 48
Large-Scale Assembly amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $743732 PRICE $2200000
This well-established installation and assembly business in central Nebraska prides itself on providing many numerous building solutions for businesses and building owners in their area They install and assemble metal frames including grain silos pole barns and buildings
Photo Booth Business Running on Autopilot OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $36419 PRICE $88900
Photo booths are the ldquoin thingrdquo at weddings and parties In business for seven years this business is one of the largest in town Wedding couples hoping to capture the fun memories of the day make up 67 of the clients Includes four booths and one trailer
Southwest Omaha Dental PracticeOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $129745 PRICE $380000
Professional staff and excellent customer service are the hallmarks of this practice Using the latest technology the business offers an array of dental services including teeth cleaning veneers crowns bleaching and trauma services The owner is currently working only 20 hours a week
Small Animal Vet Clinic in Omaha OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $158287 PRICE $440000
For over 30 years this animal care clinic has prioritized customer care They are currently offering services to over 2000 families and are the second largest veterinary clinic in the area The business is split 7030 between dogs and cats
Buildersrsquo Material amp Supply CompanyOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $364880 PRICE $933000
This highly reputable company established in 1976 and located just north of Omaha provides quality and reliable services and supplies Building supply inventory includes garage door lumber windows trims siding roofing materials and more Approximately 90 of customers are repeat clientele
High-Growth Plumbing Company OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $157774 PRICE $445000
This non-union plumbing company has consistent growth of over $130000 a year in sales The full service plumbing contractor has business that is currently 50 commercial and 50 residential
90+ available business opportunities for sale Please visit TheFirmBusinessBrokeragecom for details
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
7Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
Matt Cradick
The Deal ReviewReason For Sale Fresh start after 25+ years in the industrySeller Transition Period Over eight monthsType of Sale Asset Purchase AgreementLender Access Bank Mack LaRock
ldquoYOU SHOULD INTERVIEW FOR A BUSINESS JUST LIKE YOU
WOULD FOR A JOBrdquo CRADICK EXPLAINS ldquoIT HAS TO BE THE
RIGHT FIT YOU DONrsquoT WANT TO BE ONE OF THE MANY FA-
TALITIES THAT HAPPEN SO OFTEN IN NEW BUSINESSrdquo
-Shaun Heldt
From Retail to RoofingHow to be Successful When Buying a Business
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Spending almost 20 years working in retail for major corporations and then
buying a siding and roofing contracting company may seem like a major leap but for Matt Cradick owner of Husker Ham-mer Siding Windows and Roofing it was the best business move hersquos ever made And thatrsquos saying a lot for someone who moved 11 times in 19 years across nine different states
Cradick had been living in Houston Texas where he worked for Target Corporation He had worked his way up through the com-pany and another promotion was on the horizon which meant another move With three young children at home Cradick de-cided it was time to put down some roots Having grown up in Lincoln Nebraska he wanted to be near family and Midwestern values He started researching businesses for sale and was eventually led to The Firm which in turn led him to Husker Hammer
The move from a big corporate environ-ment to a small contracting business didnrsquot intimidate Cradick With Target he oversaw 200 people so he knew he brought strong management and operational skills The challenge he says was learning the ins and outs of construction He didnrsquot need to be the one hammering away on the roofmdashhe needed learn a new business segment
ldquoSwitching industries can be nerve-rack-ingrdquo Cradick says ldquobut the owner was will-ing to stay on board for six months during the transitionrdquo That partnership was an invaluable tool during the changeover gt
A Publication of The Firm Business BrokerageA Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
9Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
10
lt Husker Hammer was started in 1998 as a one-man operation and had been built up to a multimillion dollar business Cradick was impressed with the mission statement values system of the company and the strong workforce that was already in place And the price of the company lined up well with the financials ldquoWhat Husker has that others in the industry donrsquotrdquo says the man whose faith is central to his deal-ings ldquois a strong ethical foundation with a Christian backgroundrdquo
There were a number of other elements Cradick sought when buying his business ones he believes all potential business own-ers need to keep in mind The first is to make sure you have a proper support team in place to help make a sound financial deci-sion That includes having a good business valuation and a good business broker who can point you in the right direction to ensure a match for both parties
Once yoursquore in the process of purchasing he adds make sure you have a capable net-work of attorneys a seasoned financial team and solid internal help to ensure yoursquore suc-cessful from the start ldquoYou should interview
for a business just like you would for a jobrdquo Cradick explains ldquoIt has to be the right fit You donrsquot want to be one of the many fatal-ities that happen so often in new businessrdquo
To help ensure the company continues to be successful Cradick plans to main-tain Husker Hammerrsquos competitive edges which he says includes his 11000-sq-ft state-of-the-art showroom in Elkhorn He reformatted the space to better fit his busi-ness model before building out additional second-floor space that is now rented to other entrepreneurs
The showroom features all of the window siding and roofing products available to customers Samples are one thing Cradick says but he knows the power of customers seeing actual colors in actual sizes
ldquoOur philosophy is to build peace of mind for homeowners and be with them every step through the processrdquo he says ldquoWord of mouth is our number one lead source which was true in retail as wellrdquo
Happy employees to Cradick are just as important as happy customers He sub-scribes to a simple philosophymdashlistening to employees and doing so with respect
ldquoWith big corporations you deal with a lot of politicsrdquo he says ldquoNow if therersquos politics itrsquos because Irsquove generated it Itrsquos a nice change to be in a small business where you have more leeway to ensure yoursquore creating a positive work environment which creates a happy workforcerdquo
Working for a smaller company also allows for more opportunities to become involved in the community Husker Hammer is active in local chambers of commerce the Open Door Mission and is currently helping on a Habitat for Humanity build in Waterloo They have also been accredited by the Bet-ter Business Bureau since 2000 and won the Better Business Integrity Award
Cradickrsquos business is currently 90 percent residential and 10 percent commercial He hopes to increase their reach in proper-ty management and general contracting while maintaining the high-quality residen-tial sales that built the business ldquoBecause of our showroomrdquo he says ldquopeople come
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
to us We donrsquot do the high pressure sales at the kitchen table We listen We let the homeowners do the talkingrdquo
Growing geographically is also a goal Cradick hopes to expand to surrounding areas including his hometown of Lincoln
ldquoSo far itrsquos been a great moverdquo he says ldquoand I look forward to continuing to be known as an ethical long-lasting company My daughters and wife are excited to be back in the Midwest around grandparents and family Their school district is great and the full year-round climate has been a welcome change from living in the south Plus I was averaging 50000 miles per year in travel so itrsquos nice to sleep in your own bed every nightrdquo The FIRM
For more information on this or any for sale listings call The Firm Business Brokerage directly
11Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
The Deal ReviewBusiness Established 1987Reason for Sale Retirement (Transla-tion More time with a fishing pole)Ownerrsquos Profit $495004Type of Loan SBA with Core Bank
12
Back to the FutureBuilding a Business Legacy
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Itrsquos not uncommon for someone who has spent a number of years in corporate
America to shift gears into entrepreneur-ship Being your own boss certainly has its advantages But for Scott Beckler who recently purchased Lewis Installers in Gret-na his reason for taking on a new business venture had more to do with honoring not only his fatherrsquos legacy but building one of his own
Beckler started his career as a business education teacher then moved to a corpo-rate career in technology But for a number of years he kept an eye on businesses for sale hoping that just the right opportunity would come along
ldquoMy dad was an entrepreneur who owned his own real estate insurance companyrdquo
Beckler says ldquoDespite the fact he had on-going health issues he still got up every day put on a coat and tie and went out to make a sale He was a very successful busi-nessman and I wanted to honor his legacyrdquo
After contacting The Firm and discuss-ing what he was looking for in a business the team suggested Lewis Installers which specializes in industrial conveyor and rack systems At first it seemed like a big de-parture for him ldquoShelving and logistical systems isnrsquot something that jumps out at yourdquo Beckler says But the more he looked into it the more he realized it had many of the elements he wanted in a business The most obvious advantage was that the company was located in Gretna where he lives Add to that the fact that the seller lives just up the road from him
Scott Beckler
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
For purposes of this article this overview is based on the buying and selling entities being corporations or entities taxed as corporations
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
4420 Izard Street Omaha4022938707 bull 8887380296
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
HAVE YOUR MINOR ROOF LEAKS BECOME A MAJOR ANNOYANCEDonrsquot Wait Any Longer Call Us Now
ldquoAfter meeting him and hitting it offrdquo Beckler says ldquowe quickly realized it was a match on both sidesrdquo
Other signs also pointed in the right di-rection The financials were good The size of the business was ideal The competitive landscape was promising Beckler also real-ized that his corporate background fit well with this new business
ldquoAlthough itrsquos an entirely different indus-tryrdquo he says ldquomany of the business princi-ples are the samehellipproject management customer service delivery vendor man-agement and cost containment Irsquove been doing all of those for yearsrdquo
His background in technology will also be a valuable asset in his new business Not only has he established relationships with large vendors built over the years but his from-the-ground-up experience with data centers means that he is already eying in-novative automation and other technology differentiators At the same time hersquos look-ing forward to learning the daily operations of the company and having a hand in every part of the business from bidding to closing to payroll
ldquoIt will be challenging coming from a big business background where Irsquove only been involved in the peripheryrdquo Beckler says
ldquoNow Irsquoll be involved in all of itrdquo
Lewis Installers being a family-owned business is what hersquos most excited about He says itrsquos a company with a good repu-tation thatrsquos known for quality and meeting deadlinesmdashall driven by a strong Midwest-ern work ethic
Itrsquos the sort of company Beckler believes that would make his father proud
ldquoI want this business to be a legacy for my familyrdquo Beckler says ldquoMy hope is that it could stay in the family with my own kids and grandkidsrdquo The FIRM
13Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Om
aharsquo
s Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
14
When considering the purchase of an existing business very few realize
that lack of experience in an industry can actually lead to success One simply needs a sound financial plan and a good team to fill in the gaps Removing the added stress of fieldwork and focusing solely on the management of finances and operation allows for greater opportunities It makes for the dynamic advantage of some outside impartiality when seeking areas of improve-ment and growth
One man who has made this transition from having marginal knowledge in an in-dustry to leading a successful plumbing and HVAC operation is Mark Evans president of Burton Plumbing Before taking over Burton Evans had a successful plumbing distribu-torship serving four states but it was his desire to own and to travel less that put him into the hands of Burton Friesz The founder of Burton Plumbing Friesz had been a customer and friend of Evansrsquo when the two discussed a possible expansion into residential service Evans put his busi-ness experience to work for Burton in July 1995 and his education in the minutiae of plumbing and HVAC began
While he hasnrsquot worked in the field as a licensed plumbing contractor Evans has dipped his feet in several areas within the running of Burtonhellipand often at the same time Before hiring the essential personnel that have enabled him to narrow his role Ev-ans served as manager marketer customer service representative and dispatcher Such a list of duties for one man is a daunting task but ldquoI worked my way to being able to work on the business rather than in the business [a strategy] taught to me by my business coachrdquo says Evans
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
REMOVING THE ADDED STRESS OF FIELDWORK AND FOCUSING SOLELY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF FINANCES AND OPERATION ALLOWS FOR GREATER OPPORTUNITIES
Executive Impact Moving Into the Boardroom From Employee to President
written by Maureen Tierney | Co-written by Mark Evans and Julie OrsquoBrien
Eventually Evans was able to step back and bring on a general manager and a ware-house operator that has allowed him to
ldquofocus on growth opportunities marketing and cash flowrdquo
Evansrsquo experience is not unique It is com-mon for brokerages to deal with buyers seeking to own companies within a cer-tain field but ldquoonly two people out of the nearly 100 closings [wersquove had] have come in for the same business that they ended up purchasingrdquo says Julie OrsquoBrien client services and paralegal with The Firm What it comes down to is as simple as the bot-tom line Buyers are looking to leverage their talents and experience in a marriage between a management philosophy and business model Those in the market for an acquisition are ldquobuying based on profit number of staff ability to get financing and mostly their strengths and passionsrdquo says OrsquoBrien Experience in a particular industry is certainly valuable but is no predictor of success when the right financial mind comes along
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Even so making up for a lack of practical knowledge requires the proper equipment most notably in the form of managers and employees The right talent in the field can be a growth experience and provide an opportunity to learn the ropes before taking a full swing at things A total deficit in knowl-edge hardly makes for good leadership and for this reason many ldquonew business owners like to take a birdrsquos eye view of the operation rather than diving in and getting their hands dirty right awayhellipgiving them the opportunity to watch [how] things have been done before implementing changesrdquo says OrsquoBrien
Approaching ownership in this way also allows for further financial acquisitions an avenue which Evans has taken In addition to owning Burton Plumbing Evans operates four other companies One might assume this much responsibility to be a stretch but Evans sees his role as ldquokeeping a pulse on things I like to lead people in growth per-sonally and on the business siderdquo
Getting started can be a challenge which is why OrsquoBrien works closely with potential buyers to find the right fit ldquoWe assist all the wayrdquo she says ldquoWe work with the buyer on projections business plans [and] we introduce them to trusted advisorsrdquo from attorneys and CPAs to financial advisors and insurance agents
Itrsquos this helpful backing of experts that eases the difficult task of ownership and only proves that one can certainly switch from a blue collar to a white one The FIRM
CONTRACTING BUSINESSES LISTED BY THE FIRM
201
5 P
roje
cted
201
5 Y
TD
201
4
201
3
201
2
30
0
15
28
14
12
11
16
15Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Omaharsquos Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
It may seem like I pulled a muscle making this stretch but Keith Backsen the new boss at the Omaha Convention amp Visitors Bureau seems to have an awful lot in common with new Husker Coach Mike Riley
Coach Riley spent a total of 14 seasons at Oregon State before heading to Huskerland Backsen also comes from that neck of the woods having spent 11 years of his career in Portland Oregon and another 11 years in Spokane Washington selling both cities as prime places for convention and leisure travelers
At Oregon State Coach Riley built the football program into a consistent winner and regular conference contender At Visit Spokane Backsen opened sales offices in Washington DC and Chicago that led to increased convention bookings Backsen also worked on the public campaign to expand the Spokane Convention Center with a $65 million bond issue The expansion coupled with increased hotel inventory allowed Spokane to pursue large conventions and more than doubled convention bookings in Spokane
Riley has experience at the highest level of football serving as the head coach of the San Diego Chargers and as a head coach in both the Canadian and World Football Leagues Same for Backsen he worked in Dallas and Chicago as the director of sales for Global Experience Specialists a global leader in the world of event planning Backsen supervised five sales offices in a nine-state region generating annual sales in excess of $70 million
Riley is known as one of the most professional and nicest men in the profession a coach who is greatly admired by his peers I kid you not Backsen is described the same way by colleaguesmdashone of the most genuine and skilled men in the business a well respected professional who has the insight and experience to get the job done (Note the $70M stat above)
Come the first game both men will have a stadium filled with fans cheering them on In Backsenrsquos case his stadium is the entire city of Omaha where the fans are the 434353 residents who will reap the rewards of Omaharsquos growing tourism economy
B2B
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 51
51HUSKER
COACH HAS TOURISM
TWIN
OMAHA CVB BY DEB WARD
Deb Ward is the director of marketingcommunications Omaha Convention and Visitorrsquos Bureau
Keith Backsen
52 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Jason Feldman and Sebastian Hunt
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 53
The emerging startup accelerator scene supports creative-minded risk-takers looking for an edge to follow their passion and bring their ideas to fruition
Sebastian Hunt 25 is passionate about giving entrepreneurs like himself a nurturing space to test out their concepts The University of Nebraska at Omaha economics graduate interned with various local employers and surveyed the area startup community when an idea struck him for a by-application curriculum-based residency program serving new entrepreneurs That inspiration turned into Year of the Startup
Launched in 2014 the program operates out of a humble house at 4036 Burt Street in the St Cecilia Cathedral neighborhood Hunt and co-founder Jason Feldman 28 room there with young residency fellows whose startup ventures range from making bio-fuels to providing night owl shuttle services They are a millennial bunch who favor sneakers and sandals They take informal meetings to nearby CaliCommons and Lisarsquos Radial Cafe They variously hunch over laptops or tablets and carry smartphones as appendages
YEAR OF THE STARTUP
ENTREPRENEURAL IMMERSION
This communal work-live space model for business mavericks is new to Omaha The usual startup accelerator is a concentrated 90-day off-site program Omaha has a few of these notably Straight Shot Hunt saw a need for a program that invites a broader range of people into the accelerator fold and supports them much nearer to the start of their dream than other programs
ldquoWe feel like we can take people at very early stages because we are four times as long as the average programrdquo says Hunt who adds that Year of the Startup is also not tech-centric like many programs tend to be ldquoIn our model we substitute intensity for duration I think a lot of the learning here comes through unstructured serendipitous interactions we have that is not curriculum-based itrsquos just happenstance
ldquoWith a house there are so many different ways you can bring ideas and people together I think thatrsquos maybe that critical binding agent and sense of place that helps accomplish thingsrdquo
He says in this intimate environment ldquotherersquos no other choice but to immerse yourself in the settingrdquo adding ldquoWersquore always hanging out in the living room or out back talking about startup stuffmdashmonetization strategies capitalization tables vested equity entity structuresrdquo
ldquoItrsquos this immersive experience of camaraderie of these natural flows and idea generationrdquo Feldman says
Hunt says ldquoThis is very difficult to get bored with because therersquos always somebody whose business is either in crisis or growth stage or some interesting part of the curverdquo
ldquoHow could we get bored when wersquore creating a platform with four startups and all we get to do is ideationrdquo Feldman says ldquoItrsquos a constant buzz we get from interacting with these startup founders and helping them build their ideasrdquo
Built into the program are activities that encourage fellows to break out of their comfort zone and to offer honest criticism of each otherrsquos ideas
Hunt compiles multiple data points on the startups
ldquoWersquore developing really deep insight about how do people start successful businessesrdquo
The program utilizes mentors from the entrepreneurial community
ldquoWe bring in people who are experts in specific areas to talk on those topicsrdquo Feldman says
ldquoThey get ideas flowingrdquo Hunt says of the mentors
Feldman says he regularly covers with fellows ldquothe major components of what you need to look at to start your businessrdquo and then mentors like Mike Kolker owner of graphic design firm Simplify teach lessons about operational efficiency and ldquohow to simplify running a businessrdquo
Hunt is a newcomer to all this and goes by instinct as much as research to support his vision
CONTINUED ON 54
FEATURE | BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
53
54 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
70 Years of Business in Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
4027335500 | 4315 South 50th Street
402-333-5722 bull wwwsw-fencecom
Thanks for Voting SampW Fence the Best Again in 2015
Wersquore Not Just About Fences
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Thank You for Voting Us Best of B2Btrade 4 Years in a Row
AUDIO VISUAL SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDEbull System designengineeringbull Sales
bull Installationbull Maintenance and Service
bull Equipment Rental and Operation
2700 sq ft of rental facility for conferencing meetings training sessions receptions gatherings webinars
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER 2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
ConnectWITH YOURCOMMUNITY
Donrsquot forget to visitOmahaMagazinecom to read
all of our titles online
Omaha MagazineEncounter B2B 60PlusHerFamily OmahaHome
CONTINUED FROM 53
ldquoI just had an irrational confidence market insights and a great theoretical background thanks to primary research I completed and to lessons I learned from Phillip Phillips Michael OrsquoHara and Art Diamond in UNOrsquos economics department I read constantly about who the players were in the startup world so I was fairly preparedrdquo
Even though he directs a startup program he only started participating in one himself (Venture School) He acknowledges Year of the Startup is a by-the-seat-of-your-pants experiment
ldquoComing out of college I had student loans and not a ton of money Irsquove held two jobs to finance the project Now the project is financed by a combination of me working and renting out one room One-hundred percent of the money our entrepreneurs pay in rent will be returned in full and so everybody has a strong incentive to follow through with the program That may be what makes us sustainablerdquo
Hersquos working on securing corporate sponsorship for the program Meanwhile he wants to help get participating startups to the next level
ldquoWersquore functioning like a pre-accelerator at this point We want to get our startups profitable and then refer them to the Straight Shots so they can focus on growth in a pure accelerator programrdquo
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 55
Mercedes-Benz of Omaha14335 Hillsdale Ave Omaha NE 68137wwwOmahaMercedescomContact John Williams anytime at 4029819262
of Omaha of Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
As Year of the Startup moved into a larger house in Omaharsquos Little Italy district on July 1 and a new class of fellows arrives Hunt says there are ldquointeresting talks happening right now to bring this to other citiesrdquo He and Feldman say economic development agencies are willing to pay a license fee for them to do startup houses in other cities The partners are having proprietary software developed that will enable new startup houses to replicate their branded Omaha model
They look forward to engaging with the emerging 10th Street cultural district but may keep the midtown house to accommodate growth
Hunt and Feldman believe theyrsquore catching the wave or tipping point of a big new startup rush and theyrsquore betting their model is poised to be a niche player in this wild frontier of entrepreneurial prospecting
B2B
56 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
It is an unassuming space but if you have made your way to TD Ameritrade Park Filmstreams or Hot Shops chances are yoursquove passed one of the most vibrant offices in Omaha
The fact that Co-Lab (short for Creative Collaborators) is not a traditional work space is certainly one of its best features Located inside the Tip Top building at 15th and Cumming streets is a project dreamed up by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture who happens to share the main floor of the building Based in the heart of a once-isolated section of the city Co-Labrsquos funky creative vibe is making waves In fact that vibe seeps into Omaharsquos everyday bringing about small changes pushing our city toward a more innovative future
CO-LABGIVING OMAHA WORKERS A MORE
COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE
IN THE OFFICE | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
56
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 57
Home to 18 businesses plus Alley Poyner Macchietto Co-Lab is free of walls and signage It is also free from traditional office norms For instance you donrsquot just walk over to your neighborrsquos space for a brainstorming sessionmdashyou skateboard At least you do if yoursquore Dave Nelson of SecretPenguin a leading experimental branding agency The best part is that the businesses surrounding SecretPenguin appreciate the break from tradition ldquoThatrsquos the beautiful part about being around like-minded good people and businessesrdquo Nelson says
CONTINUED ON 58
58 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 59
CONTINUED FROM 57
In addition to having pathways large enough to skateboard or bike through the space also provides Co-Labbers with a kitchen various conference rooms bike storage bathrooms and a battleground (otherwise known as the ping-pong table) Walking in the main doors clients and employees alike are greeted from the front desk while catching a view of the five-story open atrium basking in the glow of sunshine from the skylight Workers can also access the fitness room and rooftop deck sharing amenities with TipTop apartment residents who use a separate entrance
CONTINUED ON 60
The Harry A Koch CoInsurance amp Financial ConsultantsMember of First Insurance Group LLC
60 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
CONTINUED FROM 59
Businesses in Co-Lab all creativity-related range from entrepreneurs to start-ups to non-profits to small businesses The art varies in form but runs through the space like an electric current At Zicafoose Textiles Mary Zicafoose works steadily on her loom creating gorgeous tapestries 4Site Programming is where Joi Brown works as an independent consultant for performing arts centers across the nation Heartland B-Cycle a large-scale municipal bike sharing system brings art in the form of economical convenience Holly Boyer a founder of non-profit organization Mission Matters explains that one of the best things about having an office at Co-Lab is feeling the innovative positive energy from the moment you walk in the door So while individuals may join Co-Lab with a business-minded focus or a more creative vibe finding a yin to their yang is just a shout away
ldquoThere is certainly a wonderful built-in support network that comes along with working in a collaborative environmentrdquo quips Omaha Creative Institute Executive Director Emily Moody ldquoEverything from sharing ideas and finding ways to collaborate with an organization different than yours to sharing a staplerrdquo
At the heart of making it work says Laura Alley of Alley Poyner itrsquos simply playing well with others
The skateboarding ping-pong playing creatives do that well
B2B
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Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
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Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott EnterprisesFor more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
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For more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
TD Ameritrade Park | First National Bank Tower | Midtown Crossing | Village Pointe | Childrenrsquos Hospital Aksarben Village | Joslyn Art Museum | Fred amp Pamela Buffett Cancer Center | UNO Community Arena
6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
AT THE OFFICE amp ON THE GO
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13
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
- BB1015_fntCvr_125
- BB1015_fntEdit_125
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- BB1015_bkCvr_125
-
Strong leadership is a powerful thing At Marco we have
a reputation for passionate employees happy customers
and community giving because our leadership empowers
us to be the best So when Ernst amp Young named CEO
Jeff Gau a 2015 Entrepreneur of the Year in the Upper
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empower thousands of businesses to work smarter
dream bigger and take technology further Learn more
at marconetcommpowering
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taking technology furthermarconetcom mpowering
04emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Get Discovered Get Discovered
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
SleightAdvertisingcom
Sleight advert is ingrsquos advanced onl ine marketing helps your business stand out from the competit ion
With our SEO content development responsive design and web video our team can dramatical ly increase your search results
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omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 05
2015 WinnerOm
aharsquos
Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
2014 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
let us help transform your transactions
1601 Dodge StreetOmaha NE 681024025747224TSYSOmahacom
Omaharsquos Payments PeopleThank you for putting us to work for you
copy 2015 Total System Services Increg All rights reserved worldwide TSYSreg is a federally registered service mark of Total System Services Inc TSYS Merchant Solutions is a registered ISOMSP of both First National Bank of Omaha Omaha Nebraska and Synovus Bank Columbus Georgia
06emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
publisher
TODD LEMKE
editor
DAVID WILLIAMS
associate editor
DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN
editorial intern
HALLE MASON
creative director
BILL SITZMANN
art director
KRISTEN HOFFMAN
senior graphic designer
RACHEL JOY
graphic designer
MATTHEW WIECZOREK
graphic design intern
MALINDA RATCLIFF
contributing
photographers
SCOTT DRICKEY
layout design
WEBSTER
operations
TYLER LEMKE
event director
ERIN COX
accounting
HOLLEY GARCIA-CRUZ
distribution manager
MIKE BREWER
B2B Magazine is published four times annually by Omaha Magazine LTD PO Box 461208 Omaha NE 68046-1208 Telephone (402) 884-2000 fax (402) 884-2001 Subscription rates $1295 for 4 issues (one year) $1995 for 8 issues (two years) Multiple subscriptions at different rates are available No whole or part of the contents herein may be reproduced without prior written permission of B2B Omaha Magazine excepting individually copyrighted articles and photographs Unsolicited manuscripts are accepted however no responsibility will be assumed for such solicitations
contributing writers
LEO ADAM BIGA APRIL CHRISTENSON ANTHONY FLOTT JASON FOX ANNA HENSEL ALLISON JANDA BEVERLY KRACHER ELIZABETH MACK DOUG SCHURING DEB WARD WENDY WISEMAN
account executives
GREG BRUNS GIL COHEN KYLE FISHER ANGIE HALL GEORGE IDELMAN GWEN LEMKE
assistant to the publisher
SANDY BESCH MATSON
account assistants
JESSICA CULLINANE DAWN DENNIS JUSTIN IDELMAN JESSICA LINHART ALICIA SMITH HOLLINS
advertising information
402-884-2000
subscribe online
OMAHAMAGAZINECOMSUBSCRIBE $1295 FOR ONE-YEAR (FOUR ISSUES)
OM
AHA MAGAZINErsquoS
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Locally Owned amp Operatedabestrashcom | 8123 Christensen Lane
402-571-4926
CO M M E R C I A Lbull Waste Disposalbull Rear Load Containersbull Front Load Containersbull Rec ycl ing
R E S I D E N T I A Lbull Dependable Weekly Trash Ser vicebull Trash Car ts amp Rec ycl ing Binsbull Weekly Rec ycl ing bull Weekly Yard Waste
CO M PAC T O R Sbull Stationar y Compac torsbull Self-Contained Compac torsbull Cardboard Compac torsbull Rec ycl ingbull Compac tor Maintenance Per formed
CO N S T R U C T I O N amp C L E A N - U Pbull Rol l-O ff Containersbull CampD Landfi l lbull CampD Rec ycl ingbull Green Build Ser vices
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
2015 Winner
Omah
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B2B OMAHArsquoS
Qualit y Dependable Trash amp Rec yc ling Ser vice
2014 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 07
DEPARTMENTS SPECIALemspSECTIONS
COLUMNS
FEATURES
TABLEemspOFemspCONTENTS
COVERemspFEATURE
09emsp FROM THE EDITOR Playing Big
26emsp OFFICE FURNITURE Office Origins
51emsp OMAHA CVB Husker Coach Has Tourism Twin
61emsp THE BRAND BRIEF The Language Of Brand Irrelevance
63emsp B4B TD2 Touts B4B
66emsp ETHICS Wicked Problems
34emsp BUY OMAHA PROFILES Cox Communications
35emsp THE FIRM DEAL REVIEW Playing Big Edition
22
28 5210 OUTLOOK NEBRASKAA Sight For Non-Seeing Eyes
SCISSORS amp SCOTCH Snip-Snip-Sip-Sip
YEAR OF THE STARTUPEntrpreneural Immersion
BALLET NEBRASKAA PAS DE DEUX BETWEEN BUSINESS AND THE ARTS
14emsp omAHA Ervin amp Smith
19emsp BRANDREBRAND Controlled Comfort
30emsp HOW I ROLL Whatrsquos That Thing
56emsp IN THE OFFICE Co-Lab
64emsp BIZ + GIVING Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew
08emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Who Will Be Votedthe Best of Omaha
Look for our December 2015special issue as we unveilyour cityrsquos newest roster ofldquoBestsrsquo in everything from
pizzza to plumbing
OM
AHA MAGAZINErsquoSOM
AHA MAGAZINErsquoS
BestOfOmahacom
OmahaHas Spoken
AND THE BALLOTS ARE IN
The Second AnnualOmaha Magazine
Best of Omaha FestivalUniversity of Nebraska at Omaha
Baxter Arena | Nov 21 2015
SAVE THE DATE
november 21
20
15
sec
ond annual
OM
AHA
MAGAZINErsquoS
KETV 7 bull BAXTER AREN
A
(402) 905 9511OmarEventscom
FacebookndashOmar Arts amp Events 4383 Nicholas Omaha NE 68131 Suite 230
The Newest Event Venue B lends Timeless Craf tsmanship with Every Amenity
ldquoThe Sandler Selling System is so contrarian to traditional sales methods and yet it makes so much sense We have found it to be highly effective The system really worksrdquo ndash RJ Lipert - President General Fire amp Safety
T 402-403-43343828 Dodge St bull Omaha NE 68131kschaphorstsandlercom
Karl SchaphorstOwner
Are you tired of wasting time bullpresenting to prospects that have no need bullpresenting to prospects that have no money bullpresenting to prospects that canrsquot make a decision
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omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 09
09
PLAYING BIGCompiling this issue of B2B magazine got me thinking about Scott Andersonrsquos 2013 book Playing Big In it the founder of Anderson Partners who is now the CEO of Doubledare speaks of forgetting your limitations and remembering the powerful person you are
Erika Overturff was 27 when she realized that the ballet company of which she was a member was doomed She was an artist a professionally trained dancer Business savvy Management skills An understanding of how to fund a new performance company Not so much
Overturff had a list of limitations a mile long but today she is a founding member and artistic director of Ballet Nebraska the regionrsquos only professional dance company as it enters its sixth season She discovered the powerful person that she was and with a lot of help in mentoring and connecting along the way shersquos learned to play big in elevating the cultural landscape of a city
Our cover story is not about a dance company so much as it is about a communityrsquos ability to get things done when its people and its businesses share a common vision Omaha has always been a special place one with a ldquocan dordquo spirit While other cities struggle we survive even thrive
Omaha knows how to play big
That theme is reflected throughout the stories on the pages that follow stories of creativity passion talentmdasheven faith
The same motif that of playing big is mirrored in The Firm Deal Review the magazine-within-a-magazine found beginning on page 35 No one setting out to purchase a business thinks small and the stories told by The Firm represent microcosms of the very definition of what it means to think dream and play big
Andersonrsquos book pays particular attention to smaller cultures which is fitting because most of the entities profiled in this magazine dwell in the arena of small business Itrsquos a strata where core values are perhaps most critical but how is it that even in the smallest of businesses the simple maxim of ldquostaying truerdquo can remain so very elusive
Read on to uncover what has worked for some of the most compelling entrepreneurs in Omaha
And donrsquot forget to play big
B2B
David Williams is editor of B2B a publication of Omaha Magazine LTD Williams can reached at davidomahamagazinecom
FROM THE EDITOR BY DAVID WILLIAMS
10emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Scissors amp Scotch Co-Owner Erik Anderson
Erik Anderson was new to Omaha and needed a haircut
A good one
The guy had a sales job and needed to look sharp But who to trust with his precious locksmdashsome chain
ldquoYou never know what kind of haircut yoursquore going to getrdquo Anderson says ldquoYou could get a great haircut or walk out of there looking like a doofus Irsquom not going to go that route
ldquoI started going to womenrsquos salons I knew I could trust themrdquo
SHAVE AND A HAIRCUTSNIP-SNIP-SIP-SIP
FEATURE | BY ANTHONY FLOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
10
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 11
That was two years ago Now Anderson gets his rsquodo done at his own placemdashScissors amp Scotch which opened in March at 2835 South 170th Plaza
As its name suggests therersquos much more to Scissors amp Scotch than just a great cut The new shop offers an upscale grooming experience featuring traditional barbering services (in plush old-school barber chairs) and modern spa treatments steamed towels hot lather neck shaves scalp neck shoulder and hand massages paraffin hand dips facial and skin services coloringshellipeven nose waxings Therersquos a shoe shine station on Thursdays And full body massages are on the way
All for dudes
Oh yeah and when customers are done one of five complimentary hand-crafted whiskey cocktails await them in a private lounge
ldquoTherersquos nothing like this right nowrdquo Anderson says ldquoI would put it up against any place in the country
ldquoItrsquos not just a haircut at Scissors amp Scotch itrsquos an experience We havenrsquot had one person come back and say lsquoThat was terriblersquo Most guys are like lsquoWow that was awesomersquordquo
Anderson didnrsquot do it all alone Hersquos equal partners with longtime friend Sean Finley whom he grew up with in Prairie Village Kansas and Tanner Wiles a friend he met at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where Anderson played baseball before earning his degree in 2011
Anderson later worked for Federated Insurance which moved him from Minneapolis to Omaha in April 2013 Thatrsquos when he first went looking for a haircut While researching his options Anderson saw that menrsquos grooming had become the fastest growing part of the beauty industry
ldquoThat really intrigued me and I got really excited about itrdquo
CONTINUEDemspONemsp12
12emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp11
Why not open his own place Anderson brought that idea to Finley and Wiles one night at a bar in early 2014 Not one of them had any experience in the grooming industry but the trio soon discussed the idea by group text message Then they met regularly working on documents and video conferencing via Google Hangouts Wiles worked in sales at Ambulatory Care in Kansas City Finley completed his law degree in Columbia Missouri (hersquos now a corporate attorney at Husch Blackwell in Kansas City)
They hammered out the concept of Scissors amp Scotch leveraged whatever assets they possessed at such tender ages (Finley and Wiles are 27 Anderson 26) and got an SBA loan In August 2014 they signed a lease at Shops of Legacy This March they opened with nine employees not counting themselves
104 5th St Fullerton NE 68638 308-550-0632 signdan170yahoocomSignCraftersMidwestcom
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omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 13
Response exceeded expectations Six weeks after opening Scissors amp Scotch averaged 80 new clients per week and about 30 haircuts a day More than 60 percent of the customers opted for the $52 ldquo15-year servicerdquo (as in the age of fine Scotch) Its membership programmdashthe Scotch-inspired 10- 15- and 25-year packages with escalating benefits at each levelmdashwas expected to generate 100 sales the first year Scissors amp Scotch sold 90 the first month
ldquoItrsquos really encouragingrdquo Anderson says ldquoEach week wersquove done more haircuts than the previous week since we openedrdquo
And all of it by word-of-mouth advertising (though Scissors amp Scotch recently started advertising on AM 590)
ldquoIrsquove had a lot of guys say lsquoThis is Omaha Nebraska right This is something I expect to see in a Chicago or a New York or a Dallasrsquordquo
Thanks to Anderson Omaha it is
B2B
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402733232212310 K Plaza Ste 108
BEST FLORISTldquoTaylor Maderdquo for ALL
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The NAI NP Dodge
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14emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
ldquoPeople need vacation to recharge and get inspired to continue to love what they dordquo she says ldquoA lot of times when you give people that break they come back more energized and with great ideas It makes them happier it makes us a better companyrdquo-HEIDI MOUSBACH
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 15
GOING TO THE DOGSERVIN amp SMITHrsquoS RELAXED AWARD-WINNING VIBE
OMAHA | BY ANTHONY FLOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Want to know how much fun it is to work at Omaha digital marketing firm Ervin amp Smith Just ask Peanut Gwen Duke or Daphne Jane
They wonrsquot talk to youhellipbut yoursquoll probably see their tails wagging
ldquoAny week we have probably a couple dogs in the officerdquo says Heidi Mausbach Ervin amp Smith president and CEO ldquoYou find them at your desk begging for a little treat They follow their owners around the agencyrdquo
The furry friends are there as one of many workplace benefits garnering Ervin amp Smith attention here and nationally In February the agency founded 31 years ago by Executive Chairman Doug Smith made the 2015 Best Places to Work in Omaha list sponsored by Baird Holm and the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce That came three months after Advertising Age ranked Ervin amp Smith number 13 on its list of 40 Best Places to Work in Advertising amp Media based on hiring practices benefits packages salaries office perks and more
ldquoYou spendhellipa good percentage of your life at workrdquo Mausbach says ldquoYou want to be at a place you love to come to People do love it here You donrsquot dread Monday morningrdquo
Even if yoursquore on vacationmdashwhich is unlimited at Ervin amp Smith as are sick and personal days The new leave policy established in January 2014 is among the most intriguing initiatives at the agency
ldquoPeople are free to come and go as long as they are fulfilling their client commitments and meeting their other goalsrdquo Mausbach says
So have employees been abusing the policy with copious vacation days Mausbach canrsquot saymdashErvin amp Smith isnrsquot tracking days If therersquos any challenge to the time-off policy itrsquos been with employees not taking enough personal time Mausbach who joined the agency 15 years ago was among those who took ldquoa lot lessrdquo vacation than she typically would
ldquoPeople need vacation to recharge and get inspired to continue to love what they dordquo she says ldquoA lot of times when you give people that break they come back more energized and with great ideas It makes them happier it makes us a better companyrdquo
While employees appreciate the flexibility the policy allows them to get away from work Ervin amp Smith has seen benefits in the officemdashless idle activity greater communication and collaboration and perhaps best of all fewer and shorter meetings as employees focus on goals and commitments
CONTINUEDemspONemsp16
15
16emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp15
The company also allows employees to work from home as needed or even full-time from cities across the country (one Ervin amp Smith employee lives in Washington another in Colorado) The company also established an annual ldquoSlush FUNdrdquo giving each employee $100 to spend on something that will enhance company culture such as a popcorn machine Some pooled their money to buy meditation classes open to everyone Others adopted a family at Christmas
Workplace enhancements can be simple A couple of years of ago the agency added a ping pong table Sometimes thatrsquos where the best work happens ldquoItrsquos interesting how their minds workrdquo Mausbach says ldquoA lot of times theyrsquore playing and brainstorming There are amazing ideas that come out of work and play at the same timerdquo
Other initiatives to enhance the Ervin amp Smith environment include redesigned offices an expanded client conference room
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 17
a per-person training budget more than twice the industry average catered lunches and happy hours and a monthly wellness stipend reimbursing employees up to $25 a month
The most popular benefit is Flame Schoedermdash a professional certified life coach made available for monthly development sessions
ldquoOf all the benefits they feel this is the one definitely helping them the most professionally and personallyrdquo Mausbach says
The initiatives seem to work Ervin amp Smith promoted 12 employees and hired 15 others last year Its retention rate in 2014 was 84 percent better than the typical industry rate of 70 percent or worse Mausbach cites
Ervin amp Smith is building employee relationships Perks are great People are better
Making Ervin amp Smith a doggone great place to work
B2B
8 ConsecutiveYears
Thanks Omaha for 30 Years2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
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A+ Rating20 Consecutive Years
Exceptional Event Space amp Catering
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6450 Pine Street | 402-778-6313ScottCentercom
17
18emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
ESPELITE SERVICE PROFESSIONALS
Superior quality exceptional service
If you are a CEO key executive or business owner call 4024017560
copy 2015 Vistage Worldwide Inc 14_261_3131 kkk
Discover what thousands of CEOs already know Vistage works
Get answers Take action Like you the members of a Vistage Advisory Board are proven business leaders and critical thinkers They have smart ideas and insightful opinions and this is the forum to express them At our monthly meetings yoursquoll encounter lively discussions where business leaders tell it like it is If you find that refreshing then be our guest at our next monthly group meeting
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 19
Leo Costanzo Anne Taylor and Alan Hove of Controlled Comfort
BRANDREBRAND | BY ELIZABETH MACK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Jingle writers have done their job if they create an earwormmdasha song so catchy it sticks in your head and wonrsquot leave ldquoWhen I tell people I work at Controlled Comfort they immediately start singing the jinglerdquo says Alan Hove who along with co-owners Leo Costanzo and Anne Taylor purchased Controlled Comfort in 2004 ldquoItrsquos the best form of advertising we could ever hope forrdquo
CONTINUEDemspONemsp20
SINGING A HAPPY TUNEJINGLING ALL THE WAY
19
20emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
John Sievers
Businesses Are Buying SmarterThe All Makesrsquo team is trained to help you make design decisions and furniture purchases that fi t your offi ce atmosphere your work style and your budget Visit All Makesrsquo redesigned showroom to see the latest in new offi ce furniture pre-owned offi ce furniture and business technology
wwwallmakescom Omaha 2558 Farnam St | 4023412413 Lincoln 3333 O St | 4024777131
Thank you for voting us 1 for 10 consecutive years
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Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
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CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp19
Most people in the Omaha metro area are familiar with that animated female voice belting out ldquoControlled ComfortndashKeep it Under Controoooooolrdquo Many locals probably would not guess the companyrsquos logo (an angel) but could at least hum a few bars of the jingle Whether a catchy tune is annoying or enjoyable is a matter of opinion but once that musical worm has worked its way into your psyche you are forced to remember the product which is exactly what advertisers hope for
When companies change ownership one major decision is whether or not to maintain the same brand image and the current owners of Controlled Comfort knew they wanted things to stay pretty much the same when they took ownership
ldquoWe love our jinglerdquo says Taylor ldquoWhen we purchased the company we knew we wanted to maintain the image and keep the logo and jingle We couldnrsquot ask for a better form of advertisingrdquo
Research shows that music increases recall and simple melodies with simple lyrics stick with a consumer not only for the short term but often the long-term Remember ldquoI Wish I Were an Oscar Meyer Weinerrdquo Even if it has been years since you have actually heard it chances are you can still sing the entire song Controlled Comfortrsquos brand may not be as huge as Oscar Meyerrsquos but their jingle has stood the test of time being sung on local radio and TV for nearly 20 years with no end in sight
Taylor recounts how in the mid-1990s local musician Johnny Ray Gomez produced the jingle for a radio spot
ldquoThe previous owners purchased a year of radio advertising and it came with a jinglerdquo Taylor says
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
THANKS OMAHA
Embroidery middot Screen Printing middot Promotional Digital Printing middot Mailing middot Company Stores
13747 F St 4025961002 ideal-imagescom
ldquoWhen we purchased the company we knew we wanted to maintain the image and keep the logo and jingle We couldnrsquot ask for a better form of advertisingrdquo-ANNE TAYLOR
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 21
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
At the time they had no idea they did not retain exclusive rights to the melody
ldquoI just recently heard the song while I was traveling in western Nebraska It was quite a shockrdquo she adds with a laugh
Branding is all about creating an image of a business that will stick in a customerrsquos mind Though most businesses rely on visual advertising to create their brand jingles can be an additional way to increase awareness and create staying power People often remember a catchy tune Throw the company name and their phone number in the jingle lyrics and customers may not even need to look up the contact information
ldquoIf I forget the phone number I just sing the jinglerdquo says one local customer
Though original jingles declined in recent years as more large companies turn to popular songs for their advertising a few local companies still spend at least some marketing dollars on jingles Whether you think it annoying or catchy a jingle may be your best advertising investment
B2B
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planitomaha A national and
regional powerhouse in
meetings conferences amp
events
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
22emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 2
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 23
How is it that Midlands Choice has come to make an investment in of all things a ballerina
Sure the bottom line of any insurance entity is driven by risk managementmdashthe investing of premium revenues to hedge against claims
But taking stock in Claire Goodwillie a company dancer with Ballet Nebraska
The Midlands Choice example is repeated all across the metro as area businesses support a broad array of arts nonprofits ones that dwell in everything from tutus to tempura
And the table is set for a new era of collaboration between business and the arts because philanthropic giving in America has finally returned to pre-recession levels
Contributions which totaled $358 billion in 2014 surpassed 2007rsquos pre-recession level of $355 billion Additionally giving was up from all major sourcesmdashindividuals corporations foundations and bequestsmdashaccording to Giving USA an annual report compiled by the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and the Giving USA Foundation of Chicago
ldquoEight out of nine types of charitable organizations we measure saw increased contributions and thatrsquos good news for the
BALLET NEBRASKAA PAS DE DEUX BETWEEN BUSINESS AND THE ARTS
philanthropic sector as a wholerdquo W Keith Curtis told Omaha Magazine in an email Curtis is chair of Giving USA Foundation and president of the nonprofit consulting firm The Curtis Group ldquoThe 60-year high for charitable giving in 2014 is a great story about resilience and perseverancerdquo
Themes of resilience and perseverance define the Ballet Nebraska story
Erika Overturff was 27 years old when the ballet company of which she was a dancer and resident choreographer appeared doomed She had no money She had no business acumen
That was 2009 Flash forward to 2015 and Overturff now 33 founder and artistic director of Ballet Nebraska is leading the regionrsquos only professional dance company into its sixth season
In a city known for its ldquocan-dordquo spirit this story could be about almost any local arts nonprofit but the unlikely saga of Ballet Nebraska is told here because it is perhaps the most improbable of tales one that best reveals what a business community and the arts can do when they share a common vision
CONTINUEDemspONemsp24
BY DAVID WILLIAMS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
23COVERemspFEATURE
24emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp23
Like settling into your seat with a program before the lights dim at any performing arts venue itrsquos probably best to start by reviewing the cast of characters
THE CONNECTORHal Daub knows people Especially in a city of six degrees of separation that is in reality much more like two or three degrees the former Omaha mayor (1995-2001) and US Congressman (1981-1989) who has served on countless nonprofit boards and is now a partner at Husch Blackwellhellipknows people
ldquoWhen I was first introduced to Hal and he offered to helprdquo Overturff says ldquoI assumed that meant he was going to maybe make a few calls and do a little name-droppingrdquo Daub it turned out would become a key player in the often delicate pas de deux that is the coupling of business and the arts ldquoHe not only made those calls but he set up the appointmentshellipand then he came along to personally introduce me and stand by my side in front of those who would become some of the most generous funders of Ballet Nebraskardquo
ldquoThe reason I am so fascinated by what Erika has donerdquo says Daub ldquois that Omaha is a city that has clearly evolved to become a place that is not just metropolitan but truly cosmopolitanrdquo And investing in the arts Daub believes makes good business sense ldquoThe social environment of a citymdashits arts and entertainmentmdashis critical in attracting and retaining the best workforce Ballet Nebraska Opera Omaha the Omaha Symphony Omaha Performing Artshellipthose and so many others are the organizations that help keep the best talent in Omahardquo
THE ADVOCATEMichelle Clark is Union Pacificrsquos general director of information technologies which means she probably knows more than a little about computer viruses As a three-year board member of Ballet Nebraska shersquos also seen how supporting the arts can go viral
ldquoEmployee generosity is furthered by the use of the companyrsquos matching gifts programrdquo Clark explains ldquoThis creates a sense of pride for employees and Union Pacific is supportive of the communities in which we live and work The employees of Union Pacific are very generous and have supported fundraising drives not only for Ballet Nebraska but a number of organizations such as the Womenrsquos Center for Advancement and JDRFrdquo
Employees should never underestimate their power to play a key role in advocating for nonprofits within their organizations
ldquoI am passionate about the art of dance especially ballet and Ballet Nebraskardquo Clark says ldquoDance inspires my creativity and provides insights to see beyond the obvious My hope is that by providing individuals with the awareness of opportunities to experience and support the art of dance they will find their own inspiration to apply to their own liferdquo
And just as stubborn computer viruses are often cloyingly messy to eradicate once discovered Union Pacificrsquos relationship with Ballet Nebraska has a ldquostickinessrdquo of its own Clark was preceded on the Ballet Nebraska board by Gayla Thal the companyrsquos senior vice president and general counsel
THE BULLDOGDonrsquot let the gentle demeanor of Midlands Choice vice president Greta Vaught fool you Supporting the arts is often a visceral experience and Vaughtrsquos passion for dance exerted itself on multiple levels in the early stages of growth at Ballet Nebraska
ldquoMidlands Choice has always been supportive of my work in the communityrdquo says the board chair of Ballet Nebraska
ldquoWe like to listen to our people when making such decisionsrdquo says Midlands Choice President and CEO Thomas E Press rdquoIt is important for us to know that our giving has real meaning for them their families and their communitiesrdquo
ldquoI looked at what Erika was trying to dordquo Vaught continues ldquoand I thought it was brave but impossible But all along the way I just kept going back to the thought that if one of my daughters [Mia now 15 and Hannah now 19] wanted to try something so bold one day thatrdquohellipinsert long pausehellipldquoIrsquom sorry this is making me cry I would just hope that people with experience and connections and dollars would shepherd my daughters along like so many people have done with Erika and Ballet Nebraskardquo
Okay so maybe ldquoThe Bulldogrdquo wasnrsquot such a great character name for this role after all
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 25
Fast-Paced Public Relations
Customer-Based Planning and Communications
402-964-9293 11626 Nicholas Street
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For the Connected World
Every story Every tweet Every interaction
PR is vital to your bottom line now more than ever
Join the world of innovative PR ndash partner with experts
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arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
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THE ARTISTldquoI had to do a lot of on-the-job learning when I decided to try to launch a dance companyrdquo Overturff says ldquoWe were lucky in that we got our nonprofit status right away but I didnrsquot know anything about the business side of things and really nothing about raising funds I was moved by every $5 check that came in but it took a lot of mentoring advice and counsel to get us to where we are today as a fully funded professional performance companyrdquo
Ballet Nebraska now has a paid staff of 22 including nine salaries paid to company dancers Today Overturffrsquos once-nonexistent business connections run deep Personal contributions from the likes of philanthropists Richard Holland and Fred and Eve Simon further fuel the growth of ballet in Omaha Foundations also play a major role in funding A recent gift of $124000 from the Iowa West Foundation is the largest in Ballet Nebraska history
ldquoTalented professionals from all over the world that have trained their whole lives to pursue a career in dance now come to Omaha in the hopes of performing with Ballet Nebraska as we serve the state and western Iowa in performances education outreach and morerdquo she says ldquoA ballet companymdashany performing arts company any arts organizationmdashis about its peoplehellipthe artists the staff and hardworking selfless volunteers But it is the people of Omaha from the smallest donations to the relationships we have with such great businesses that makes it all happenrdquo
B2B
26emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
26OFFICE FURNITURE BY DOUG SCHURING
OFFICE ORIGINS
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE MODERN WORKPLACE
For all the time we spend in our office very few of us are familiar with how that space came to be You may actually be surprised by the events and inventions that helped form the work environment we know today From the development of the railroad to innovations in communication our current corporate habits structures and tools have all played a role In his book CubedmdashA Secret History of the Workplace Nikil Saval shapes the advances that created the conventional office we are familiar with today
The advent of the Morse telegraph spawned long-distance communication Then starting in 1860 a series of technological innovations changed the possibilities of the workplace the use of iron framework permitted the construction of taller buildings and elevators assisted the climb The Remington typewriter entered the office in 1874 Bellrsquos telephone was patented two years later
At the same time railroads expanded across the country reducing transportation costs and extending markets for goods and services Additionally railroads produced an organizational transformation still in use today The coordination of trains required employees housed in structures all across the country bringing a variety of offices to the American landscape Between the executive the manager and the workerhellipthe organizational chart was born
The invention of telecommunications fostered the speed of information to surge creating more
Doug Schuring is the director of sales administration at All Makes Office Equipment Co
work and subsequently more workers As these workers moved into new structures the spaces reflected their various levels of management In 1915 the Metal Office Furniture Company (now Steelcase) invented the modern deskmdasha flat metal table outfitted with file drawers The new desks massed together in defined rows offered managers full visual access to the goings-on of the workplace and this ldquosea of desksrdquo became the norm for decades Lockers and various cabinets popular in the Great Depression era became vertical files once steel became readily available after World War II
In 1968 Herman Miller introduced the first panel system with attached components Designed by Robert Propst the Action Office system revolutionized the ldquoofficerdquo in form flexibility and cost Other furniture manufacturers mimicked the modular system which became the norm for many businesses
Up to the rsquo90s the personal computerrsquos popularity grew and the relative size of work stations decreased between 25-50 percent By the middle of that decade the dot-com revolution on the West Coast created an unprecedented workplace culture The formal atmosphere of the office became much more casual and discontent for the Dilbert-esque cubicle grew Subsequently creative furniture solutions evolved with the desire to be more mobile leading the way
In the early 2000rsquos collaborative open offices grew in popularity New and improving
technologies now offer connectivity in the office home or public spaces As a result nearly every company today is adapting and using new furnishings as a tool to attract new workers At the same time retaining existing employees is equally important The goal is to make everyone more effective and efficient in their work
Whether you work in an office from home in the local coffee shop or out of an airline terminal you may start to notice that much of the furniture is beginning to look very similar As long as you are able to connect to technology you can work from virtually anywhere
B2B
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omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 27
28emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Outlook Nebraska CEO Eric Stueckrath
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 29
On the surface it looks just like any other office or factory As you enter Outlook Nebraska Inc (ONI) yoursquore greeted by a friendly front desk attendant and led past a perfectly ordinary-looking workspace Entering their factory where they manufacture such paper products as rolls of hand towels you wouldnrsquot suspect that it is different from any other assembly line
But explore a little deeper
Walking past one office you might see a man typing away on a keyboard his laptop closed in front of him He doesnrsquot need it open to know what hersquos typing Hersquos visually impaired and utilizing computer software that reads the words aloud as he types
On the factory floor raised edges guard the walkway so sightless employees can feel their way around Over on the assembly line visually impaired workers can use a computer screen to zoom in on the product at various stages of production to assess the process
ONI is a non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance the life of the blind and visually impaired through employment opportunities and training Almost all the employees at ONI are blind or visually impaired from factory workers to IT professionals Some were born blind others lost their sight later in life ONI aims to help them all re-enter the workforce in a meaningful way
A SIGHT FOR NON-SEEING EYES
OUTLOOK NEBRASKA
ldquoThey get used to being on their feetrdquo says ONI CEO Eric Stueckrath ldquoWe offer jobs for [people with] entry-level skill sets and all of the positions are at or above minimum wage We give them the tools to help build those skill setsrdquo
ONI also offers personalized life-skills training geared to whatrsquos important to the individual from personal banking to cooking to operating a computer
The American Foundation for the Blind estimates that as many as 70 percent of blind adults in the US are unemployed As the largest employer of the blind in the Omaha metro area ONI is working to make an impact
ldquoWe work with organizations that are committed to hiring the visually impairedrdquo Stuekrath says ldquoAdvocacy is definitely part of what we dordquo
ONI is currently in the midst of a $2 million capital campaign that will allow them to complete a large-scale renovation project at their facility The renovation will create more space for the general public and give them the ability to offer additional training programs
In addition to working with adults blind and visually-impaired youth are a primary focus for Stuekrath and ONI
ldquoMy heart really gravitates toward themrdquo Stuekrath says
ONI partners with youth organizations on a number of initiatives including a sports camp for visually-impaired youth called Camp Abilities Nebraska Attendees can try archery swimming bowling track and field and more as a means to build confidence
ldquoThey donrsquot need to be coddledrdquo Stuekrath says adding that he often tells parents of blind children ldquoYour kid needs to get out there and bump his head and experience liferdquo
At ONI everything comes back to the organizationrsquos mission Stuekrath says
ldquoWe give them the tools they need to gain greater independencerdquo
B2B
FEATURE | BY APRIL CHRISTENSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY COLIN CONCES
29
30emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Layne and Pam Yahnke and Their VW Thing
Shakespeare wrote of love and betrayal Tolkien of hobbits and wizards Steinbeck and Faulkner of the indomitable American spirit
Layne Yahnke writes about his VW Thing
Yes the two-wheel-drive off-road convertible military vehicle first manufactured for the West German Army as ldquoType 181rdquo in 1968 VW churned them out until 1983 including two years in the United States when marketed as ldquoThe Thingrdquo
Yahnke got his Thing in 2000 for $5500 Hersquos lovingly restored it most importantly giving it a peppy new motor that makes it Autobahn-worthy
WHATrsquoS THAT THING
LANE YAHNKErsquoS UNUSUAL VOLKSWAGEN
HOW I ROLL | BY ANTHONY FLOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Therersquos only one other Thing in Omaha and Yahnkersquos gets lots of second and third looks when hersquos whipping down the Dodge Street Expressway from his Elkhorn home Especially when the doors are off and windshield is down
Everyone wants to know abouthellipthe Thing
Thus Yahnke penned ldquoIt Takes a Village to Build a VW Thingrdquo an ode to those who helped him with his beloved ridemdashhis sons Omaha VW Club members engine and body shops and parts stores
CONTINUEDemspONemsp32
30
SIGN UP TODAYdolnebraskagovsides
Questions phone - 402-471-9910 email - ndoluisidesnebraskagov
Sign up now for a free paperless way to return unemployment insurance information
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Keep your taxes lowAvoid unnecessary charges
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32emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Locally Owned in Papillion Ne402-740-0800 bull apconstructomahacom
Insurance claims
welcomeIf your roof sustained fire snow or hail
damage the repairs can be costly We are your wind and hail damage experts and accept insurance claims so you wonrsquot
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Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
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Call or Text Message(402 ) 453-6000
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CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp31
ldquoI wrote that right after the engine transplantrdquo says Yahnke an Omaha native and vice president at Essex Corp provider of senior living communities ldquoI guess I was moved I get so many inquiries about it and I really feel so fondly about itrdquo
Itrsquos not his first Thing Yahnke and his wife of 38 years Pam owned one before their four children came along As the kids have come and gone so have the cars
Lots of them
Yahnke figures he has owned 60 automobiles in his life His car fancy began as a kid growing up in Dundee where a friendrsquos dad spent his spare time restoring English cars Yahnke spent hours in his garage and developed a love for Triumphs and MGs His first car purchase was a 1962 Triumph for $425 in 1972 It wasnrsquot long though until he sold it at a profit
ldquoThatrsquos what kicked off the buying and selling of English carsrdquo he says ldquoI discovered I could enjoy my transportation but then as soon as someone wanted to buy it for more than I paid for it out it wentrdquo
ldquoWhere Accounting Meets ResultsrdquoProviding Accounting and Quickbooks Services
For Metro Businesses
Denise Martin I 9252077634Deniseheartlandaccountabilitycom
wwwHeartlandAccountAbilitycom
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 33
These days you never know what will be parked in the Yahnke driveway Currently therersquos a Honda pickup a VW Jetta VW Multivan and a 2001 Audi TT Quatro Convertiblemdashpurchased in apropos silver for his 25th wedding anniversary
Itrsquos the Thing he most enjoys driving He logs about 1000 miles on it each year Most of those have come toplessmdashYahnke long ago gave it away to another Thing enthusiast and now only drives it sans roof
ldquoAnyone who sees this car has only seen it top-downrdquo he says ldquoI just got caught once in the rain and that was probably a month ago The cool thing about the Thing is you leave it out in the sun and it dries out and is ready to gordquo
It says ldquoSummer is hererdquo Yahnke says
ldquoPeople speed up all the time to try to figure out what it is Itrsquos just a happy car and itrsquos so darn versatile It puts smiles on peoplesrsquo facesrdquo
B2B
Quality Carpet Cleaning Since 2004
4026806523
Cleaning ServicesCarpet CleaningUpholstery CleaningMattress CleaningTile amp Grout CleaningPet TreatmentsConcrete CleaningConcrete CleaningAuto Interior Cleaning24 Hour Water Damage
wwwLegacyCarpetCleaningcom
omahamagazinecom SPECIALemspADVERTISINGemspSECTIONemspemsp |emsp SUMMERemsp2015emsp |emsp 34
ABOUT OUR BUSINESS
Cox Business started in 2000 as the commercial services division of Cox Communications Over the past 15 years we have experienced strong growth and are on our target to achieve $2 billion in revenue in the near future
Cox Business owns operates and maintains its own network providing leading-edge technology solutions for voice internet networking and digital TV We also offer robust business continuity and disaster recovery solutions which is of increasing importance to businesses in the greater Omaha area Our customers include such key verticals as education hospitality government and healthcare We maintain a significant focus on Omaha small business mid-markets and large local companies as well
We consider our employees to be our most precious asset as they have the responsibility of taking care of our customers At Cox Business we are fortunate to have an extremely tenured and engaged team of employees What sets us apart from our competition is the fact that while we are a large robust and progressive company we still possess
the nimbleness of a smaller company in our ability to deliver creative solutions under tight timelines We pride ourselves on having very little bureaucracy and that translates to happy customers The fact that Cox Business has won 15 JD Power Awards for customer satisfaction over the past 11 years is a notable accomplishment for us and we work hard to deliver on that promise of excellence every day
ABOUT LYNNE
I have led sales and operations teams in the communications industry for 20 years 10 of those years with Cox Communications My husband Pat and I just celebrated our first full year in Omaha and wonder why it took us so long to find this jewel of a community Our daughter Kaylin starts law school next month at the University of San Diego
I have two passions in my professional life mentoring employees who are working on leadership development (which includes working with two to three emerging leaders at any given time) and continuing to drive efforts in hiring fostering a diverse workforce There
is a challenge in STEM fields of under-represented groups My company Cox Communications is also very passionate about this and holds the distinction of inclusion in Diversity Incrsquos top 50 companies
My personal passions include travel social media and Italian cooking
B2B
COX BUSINESSLYNNE SANGIMINO
Cox Business 401 N 117th St Omaha NE 68154 coxbusinesscom 4029340830
Cradickrsquos Husker PowerTEXAN RETURNS HOME FOR BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY PG 8
Marlon Lofgren Koley Jessen PC LLOKEEPING THE FOCUS WHERE IT BELONGS PG 4
Seasoned Advice for Buyers(THE BOUNCY KIND) PG 5
PLAYING BIG EDITION
Fall
2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
2
Volume 1 Issue 5
Published by The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
PresidentEditor bull Cortney Sells
DirectorAssistant Editor bull Cassandra Powers
In-House Legal Counsel bull Susanne Miller
Outreach Coordinator bull Rene Rademacher
Marketing Development bull Rachael Rand
Business Broker bull Breann Becerra
Referring Broker bull Elizabeth Jones
Marketing Division bull Adam Jaime
Development Liaison bull Holley Garcia
Client Services bull Nycole Wandvik-Tolle
Client Services bull Julie OrsquoBrien
Community Relations bull Mike Sells
Contributing Writers
Marlon Lofgren bull Kathy Rygg bull Maureen Tierney
Design bull OBI Creative
Photography bull Bill Sitzmann
To Subscribe
The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
210 N 78 St
Omaha NE 68114
4029985288
infothefirmb2bcom
Advertising Inquiries
4028842000
toddomahamagazinecom
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Columns
4 Seller Financing
Koley Jessen PC LLO Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
14 Executive Impact Getting Into the Big Office
Departments
5 Seasoned Advice for
Business Buyers (The Bouncy Kind)
12 Building a Legacy while
Building Racks New Chapter to Becklerrsquos Career
The Bottom Line
Sells Insights
Playing Big
Husker PowerTexan returns home to
Nebraska for business opportunity
pg8
Many business owners have marginal experience in the trades in which their
organizations specialize While it may seem counterintuitive to buy or start a company situated around an industry in which one has little experience there is a certain com-petitive edge to the equation A buyer or president need only know enough to begin before surrounding him or herself with the right personnel to tackle the minute details What is paramount is the grander scheme of
management and operations which allows one to flex refined business acumen Not only does distance from fieldwork free up time to put in place a robust and refined plan but it leaves open other avenues for portfolio expansion Grow your business expand operations or begin other busi-ness ventures The possibilities are only as small as the mindset held by your team The FIRM
Special Section
7 Fresh Off The Firm The Firm Business Brokerage has
over $80 million dollars in assets under
management of current cash flowing
businesses for sale ndash from medical
practices to commercial services to large
manufacturing companies
by Cortney Sells presidenteditor
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
3Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
4
IF PROPERLY STRUCTURED AND DOCUMENTED SELLER FINANCING IS REALLY NO DIFFERENT FROM FINANCING THAT WOULD OTHERWISE BE PROVIDED BY A BANKTYING IT ALL TOGETHEREven the most savvy of ldquonumbers peoplerdquo need a leg up in negotiating a purchase As with so many aspects of doing business retaining experienced legal counsel enables you to keep the focus where it belongsmdashemploying your entrepreneurial skills in the identification and acquisition of profitable business ventures The FIRM
Seller Financing Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
written by Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
Seller financing can often be a criti-cal factor in getting a business sold
If properly structured and documented seller financing is really no different from financing that would otherwise be provided by a bank Below is a brief guide to navi-gating the issues normally encountered in seller financing
FIRST THINGS FIRSTThe first question is usually that of how to structure and document the financing The buyer should be expected to sign a prom-issory note evidencing the loan from the seller with interest and repayment terms mutually agreeable to both parties The seller might also require that the buyer grant the seller a security interestlien in the pur-chased assets to secure the loan Itrsquos also not unusual for a seller to require that the individual owners of the buyer (assuming the buyer is an entity) personally guarantee the loan In most cases the documents are usually pretty straightforward and do not need to be overly complicated
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
ADDITIONAL LAYERSIf a bank is also financing the sale the seller will most likely be required by the bank to sign a subordination agreement This is an agreement between the bank usually referred to as the ldquosenior lenderrdquo and the seller referred to as the ldquojunior lenderrdquo A subordination agreement sets forth the terms between the lenders as to each entityrsquos right to receive loan pay-ments from the buyer and the priority of their respective security interestsliens in the purchased assets The document will usually state that the senior lenderrsquos loan and security interestliens shall at all times be superior to those of the junior lender until the senior loan is paid in full Most lenders are willing to discuss and negoti-ate the junior lenderrsquos right to receive loan payments from the borrower Lien priority status however is rarely compromised by senior lenders in subordination agreements The senior lender will insist on having a first priority security interestlien in the pur-chased assets
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Whether yoursquore a first-time entre-preneur or an experienced business
owner purchasing a company is a critical investment financially and emotionally To help increase the likelihood of it being a success in both areas there are a number of aspects to keep in mind when evaluating if a business is the right fit gt
Seasoned Advice for Business Buyers(The Bouncy Kind)
written by Kathy Rygg
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Jerry Rachwalik
5Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
6
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
lt Jerry Rachwalik has been researching companies for the past three years waiting for the right opportunity to arise His search was the result of spending his career work-ing for larger organizations in a number of areas including delivery installation cus-tomer service inventory accounts receiv-ables and scheduling where he managed up to 35 people at a time
Policies and philosophies can change when working for a corporation Sometimes they become less family friendly ldquoWith the previous companies I worked forrdquo Rachwalik says ldquothey switched from caring about em-ployees to making money and the bottom line I stuck it out for several years and then decided I needed something differentrdquo
An entrepreneur by nature Rachwalik has over the last seven years built up a rental business buying foreclosed homes and duplex properties completely reno-vating them and then renting them back out He now has 15 properties and enjoys helping families by providing nice homes that are affordable ldquoI want people to feel good when they come home at night after a long day at workrdquo he says Rachwalik want-ed to find a business that allowed him the flexibility to respond to his tenants when needed from simple plumbing issues to furnaces going kaput
When he first started looking for a new business Rachwalik was drawn to home health care because of his experience help-ing to take care of relatives And it was a growing field Nothing was available at the time so he expanded his options and be-gan researching businesses in a variety of industries Those included a flooring com-pany sandwich shop and even a hair salon
ldquoI was open to anything and if I could make the numbers work then I would consider itrdquo he explains
Then The Firm Business Brokerage pre-sented him with an opportunity that was the right match Bounce U in Omaha There were a number of factors that appealed to Rachwalik First and foremost were the financials but it would also offer him the flexibility he needed for his rental business A big advantage was that an entire team was already in place one seasoned in man-aging staff and scheduling parties ldquoThey do a great jobrdquo he says ldquoI donrsquot plan on making any personnel changesrdquo
But what hersquos most looking forward to with this new venture is the fun positive environment Bounce Ursquos primary business is its birthday party packages featuring the companyrsquos oversized inflatibles and Rachwalik said he canrsquot wait to watch the excitement on the kids faces when they walk through the door ldquoEveryone there is happyrdquo he says ldquoThe kids are happy the parents are happy and the employees running the parties are happy Itrsquoll be a big change from the environments I used to work inrdquo Hersquos already planning to have his twin grand-daughtersrsquo birthday party there too
His transition included a week of training with the companyrsquos corporate facility in Ari-zona as well as on-site training Even though the Omaha location is an existing store all of Rachwalikrsquos training was structured as though itrsquos a brand new site
Bounce U has traditionally partnered with local restaurants to provide food for birth-day parties but Rachwalik wants to explore the option to build a kitchen of his own
He also hopes to continue to grow the business by at least 5 annually ldquoAnything I do I will communicate with my employees and get their input and suggestions firstrdquo he adds
For anyone who is considering buying a business or is going through the process Rachwalik stresses to be open minded and not rule anything out ldquoIf an opportunity is presented to you run the numbers and see if you can make it workrdquo he says ldquoI did a complete flip-flop on the type of business I thought I wanted versus what I ended up purchasing But if you keep looking yoursquoll eventually find a matchrdquo The FIRM
ldquoTHE KIDS ARE HAPPY THE PARENTS ARE HAPPY AND THE EMPLOYEES RUNNING THE PARTIES ARE HAPPY ITrsquoLL BE A BIG CHANGE FROM THE ENVIRONMENTS I USED TO WORK INrdquo
-Jerry Rachwalik
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Fresh Off The Firm Featured Listings for Sale
Suburban Bar amp Grill with VolleyballOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $26413 PRICE $115000
Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity in an area with only two other bars nearby Serving up a gorgeous and well-maintained volleyball court along with pool tables and a jukebox this bar and grill is a favorite with the locals Business is fully staffedmdashowner works very part time hours
Rain Gutter Sales amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $145200 PRICE $415000
This business is a dealer for high-end rain gutter covers These products are con-structed of high-quality aluminum and sur-gical-grade stainless steel and are strong enough to hold up to four feet of snow or 20 pounds of debris Profit margin is 48
Large-Scale Assembly amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $743732 PRICE $2200000
This well-established installation and assembly business in central Nebraska prides itself on providing many numerous building solutions for businesses and building owners in their area They install and assemble metal frames including grain silos pole barns and buildings
Photo Booth Business Running on Autopilot OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $36419 PRICE $88900
Photo booths are the ldquoin thingrdquo at weddings and parties In business for seven years this business is one of the largest in town Wedding couples hoping to capture the fun memories of the day make up 67 of the clients Includes four booths and one trailer
Southwest Omaha Dental PracticeOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $129745 PRICE $380000
Professional staff and excellent customer service are the hallmarks of this practice Using the latest technology the business offers an array of dental services including teeth cleaning veneers crowns bleaching and trauma services The owner is currently working only 20 hours a week
Small Animal Vet Clinic in Omaha OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $158287 PRICE $440000
For over 30 years this animal care clinic has prioritized customer care They are currently offering services to over 2000 families and are the second largest veterinary clinic in the area The business is split 7030 between dogs and cats
Buildersrsquo Material amp Supply CompanyOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $364880 PRICE $933000
This highly reputable company established in 1976 and located just north of Omaha provides quality and reliable services and supplies Building supply inventory includes garage door lumber windows trims siding roofing materials and more Approximately 90 of customers are repeat clientele
High-Growth Plumbing Company OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $157774 PRICE $445000
This non-union plumbing company has consistent growth of over $130000 a year in sales The full service plumbing contractor has business that is currently 50 commercial and 50 residential
90+ available business opportunities for sale Please visit TheFirmBusinessBrokeragecom for details
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
7Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
Matt Cradick
The Deal ReviewReason For Sale Fresh start after 25+ years in the industrySeller Transition Period Over eight monthsType of Sale Asset Purchase AgreementLender Access Bank Mack LaRock
ldquoYOU SHOULD INTERVIEW FOR A BUSINESS JUST LIKE YOU
WOULD FOR A JOBrdquo CRADICK EXPLAINS ldquoIT HAS TO BE THE
RIGHT FIT YOU DONrsquoT WANT TO BE ONE OF THE MANY FA-
TALITIES THAT HAPPEN SO OFTEN IN NEW BUSINESSrdquo
-Shaun Heldt
From Retail to RoofingHow to be Successful When Buying a Business
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Spending almost 20 years working in retail for major corporations and then
buying a siding and roofing contracting company may seem like a major leap but for Matt Cradick owner of Husker Ham-mer Siding Windows and Roofing it was the best business move hersquos ever made And thatrsquos saying a lot for someone who moved 11 times in 19 years across nine different states
Cradick had been living in Houston Texas where he worked for Target Corporation He had worked his way up through the com-pany and another promotion was on the horizon which meant another move With three young children at home Cradick de-cided it was time to put down some roots Having grown up in Lincoln Nebraska he wanted to be near family and Midwestern values He started researching businesses for sale and was eventually led to The Firm which in turn led him to Husker Hammer
The move from a big corporate environ-ment to a small contracting business didnrsquot intimidate Cradick With Target he oversaw 200 people so he knew he brought strong management and operational skills The challenge he says was learning the ins and outs of construction He didnrsquot need to be the one hammering away on the roofmdashhe needed learn a new business segment
ldquoSwitching industries can be nerve-rack-ingrdquo Cradick says ldquobut the owner was will-ing to stay on board for six months during the transitionrdquo That partnership was an invaluable tool during the changeover gt
A Publication of The Firm Business BrokerageA Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
9Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
10
lt Husker Hammer was started in 1998 as a one-man operation and had been built up to a multimillion dollar business Cradick was impressed with the mission statement values system of the company and the strong workforce that was already in place And the price of the company lined up well with the financials ldquoWhat Husker has that others in the industry donrsquotrdquo says the man whose faith is central to his deal-ings ldquois a strong ethical foundation with a Christian backgroundrdquo
There were a number of other elements Cradick sought when buying his business ones he believes all potential business own-ers need to keep in mind The first is to make sure you have a proper support team in place to help make a sound financial deci-sion That includes having a good business valuation and a good business broker who can point you in the right direction to ensure a match for both parties
Once yoursquore in the process of purchasing he adds make sure you have a capable net-work of attorneys a seasoned financial team and solid internal help to ensure yoursquore suc-cessful from the start ldquoYou should interview
for a business just like you would for a jobrdquo Cradick explains ldquoIt has to be the right fit You donrsquot want to be one of the many fatal-ities that happen so often in new businessrdquo
To help ensure the company continues to be successful Cradick plans to main-tain Husker Hammerrsquos competitive edges which he says includes his 11000-sq-ft state-of-the-art showroom in Elkhorn He reformatted the space to better fit his busi-ness model before building out additional second-floor space that is now rented to other entrepreneurs
The showroom features all of the window siding and roofing products available to customers Samples are one thing Cradick says but he knows the power of customers seeing actual colors in actual sizes
ldquoOur philosophy is to build peace of mind for homeowners and be with them every step through the processrdquo he says ldquoWord of mouth is our number one lead source which was true in retail as wellrdquo
Happy employees to Cradick are just as important as happy customers He sub-scribes to a simple philosophymdashlistening to employees and doing so with respect
ldquoWith big corporations you deal with a lot of politicsrdquo he says ldquoNow if therersquos politics itrsquos because Irsquove generated it Itrsquos a nice change to be in a small business where you have more leeway to ensure yoursquore creating a positive work environment which creates a happy workforcerdquo
Working for a smaller company also allows for more opportunities to become involved in the community Husker Hammer is active in local chambers of commerce the Open Door Mission and is currently helping on a Habitat for Humanity build in Waterloo They have also been accredited by the Bet-ter Business Bureau since 2000 and won the Better Business Integrity Award
Cradickrsquos business is currently 90 percent residential and 10 percent commercial He hopes to increase their reach in proper-ty management and general contracting while maintaining the high-quality residen-tial sales that built the business ldquoBecause of our showroomrdquo he says ldquopeople come
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
to us We donrsquot do the high pressure sales at the kitchen table We listen We let the homeowners do the talkingrdquo
Growing geographically is also a goal Cradick hopes to expand to surrounding areas including his hometown of Lincoln
ldquoSo far itrsquos been a great moverdquo he says ldquoand I look forward to continuing to be known as an ethical long-lasting company My daughters and wife are excited to be back in the Midwest around grandparents and family Their school district is great and the full year-round climate has been a welcome change from living in the south Plus I was averaging 50000 miles per year in travel so itrsquos nice to sleep in your own bed every nightrdquo The FIRM
For more information on this or any for sale listings call The Firm Business Brokerage directly
11Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
The Deal ReviewBusiness Established 1987Reason for Sale Retirement (Transla-tion More time with a fishing pole)Ownerrsquos Profit $495004Type of Loan SBA with Core Bank
12
Back to the FutureBuilding a Business Legacy
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Itrsquos not uncommon for someone who has spent a number of years in corporate
America to shift gears into entrepreneur-ship Being your own boss certainly has its advantages But for Scott Beckler who recently purchased Lewis Installers in Gret-na his reason for taking on a new business venture had more to do with honoring not only his fatherrsquos legacy but building one of his own
Beckler started his career as a business education teacher then moved to a corpo-rate career in technology But for a number of years he kept an eye on businesses for sale hoping that just the right opportunity would come along
ldquoMy dad was an entrepreneur who owned his own real estate insurance companyrdquo
Beckler says ldquoDespite the fact he had on-going health issues he still got up every day put on a coat and tie and went out to make a sale He was a very successful busi-nessman and I wanted to honor his legacyrdquo
After contacting The Firm and discuss-ing what he was looking for in a business the team suggested Lewis Installers which specializes in industrial conveyor and rack systems At first it seemed like a big de-parture for him ldquoShelving and logistical systems isnrsquot something that jumps out at yourdquo Beckler says But the more he looked into it the more he realized it had many of the elements he wanted in a business The most obvious advantage was that the company was located in Gretna where he lives Add to that the fact that the seller lives just up the road from him
Scott Beckler
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
For purposes of this article this overview is based on the buying and selling entities being corporations or entities taxed as corporations
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
4420 Izard Street Omaha4022938707 bull 8887380296
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
HAVE YOUR MINOR ROOF LEAKS BECOME A MAJOR ANNOYANCEDonrsquot Wait Any Longer Call Us Now
ldquoAfter meeting him and hitting it offrdquo Beckler says ldquowe quickly realized it was a match on both sidesrdquo
Other signs also pointed in the right di-rection The financials were good The size of the business was ideal The competitive landscape was promising Beckler also real-ized that his corporate background fit well with this new business
ldquoAlthough itrsquos an entirely different indus-tryrdquo he says ldquomany of the business princi-ples are the samehellipproject management customer service delivery vendor man-agement and cost containment Irsquove been doing all of those for yearsrdquo
His background in technology will also be a valuable asset in his new business Not only has he established relationships with large vendors built over the years but his from-the-ground-up experience with data centers means that he is already eying in-novative automation and other technology differentiators At the same time hersquos look-ing forward to learning the daily operations of the company and having a hand in every part of the business from bidding to closing to payroll
ldquoIt will be challenging coming from a big business background where Irsquove only been involved in the peripheryrdquo Beckler says
ldquoNow Irsquoll be involved in all of itrdquo
Lewis Installers being a family-owned business is what hersquos most excited about He says itrsquos a company with a good repu-tation thatrsquos known for quality and meeting deadlinesmdashall driven by a strong Midwest-ern work ethic
Itrsquos the sort of company Beckler believes that would make his father proud
ldquoI want this business to be a legacy for my familyrdquo Beckler says ldquoMy hope is that it could stay in the family with my own kids and grandkidsrdquo The FIRM
13Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Om
aharsquo
s Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
14
When considering the purchase of an existing business very few realize
that lack of experience in an industry can actually lead to success One simply needs a sound financial plan and a good team to fill in the gaps Removing the added stress of fieldwork and focusing solely on the management of finances and operation allows for greater opportunities It makes for the dynamic advantage of some outside impartiality when seeking areas of improve-ment and growth
One man who has made this transition from having marginal knowledge in an in-dustry to leading a successful plumbing and HVAC operation is Mark Evans president of Burton Plumbing Before taking over Burton Evans had a successful plumbing distribu-torship serving four states but it was his desire to own and to travel less that put him into the hands of Burton Friesz The founder of Burton Plumbing Friesz had been a customer and friend of Evansrsquo when the two discussed a possible expansion into residential service Evans put his busi-ness experience to work for Burton in July 1995 and his education in the minutiae of plumbing and HVAC began
While he hasnrsquot worked in the field as a licensed plumbing contractor Evans has dipped his feet in several areas within the running of Burtonhellipand often at the same time Before hiring the essential personnel that have enabled him to narrow his role Ev-ans served as manager marketer customer service representative and dispatcher Such a list of duties for one man is a daunting task but ldquoI worked my way to being able to work on the business rather than in the business [a strategy] taught to me by my business coachrdquo says Evans
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
REMOVING THE ADDED STRESS OF FIELDWORK AND FOCUSING SOLELY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF FINANCES AND OPERATION ALLOWS FOR GREATER OPPORTUNITIES
Executive Impact Moving Into the Boardroom From Employee to President
written by Maureen Tierney | Co-written by Mark Evans and Julie OrsquoBrien
Eventually Evans was able to step back and bring on a general manager and a ware-house operator that has allowed him to
ldquofocus on growth opportunities marketing and cash flowrdquo
Evansrsquo experience is not unique It is com-mon for brokerages to deal with buyers seeking to own companies within a cer-tain field but ldquoonly two people out of the nearly 100 closings [wersquove had] have come in for the same business that they ended up purchasingrdquo says Julie OrsquoBrien client services and paralegal with The Firm What it comes down to is as simple as the bot-tom line Buyers are looking to leverage their talents and experience in a marriage between a management philosophy and business model Those in the market for an acquisition are ldquobuying based on profit number of staff ability to get financing and mostly their strengths and passionsrdquo says OrsquoBrien Experience in a particular industry is certainly valuable but is no predictor of success when the right financial mind comes along
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Even so making up for a lack of practical knowledge requires the proper equipment most notably in the form of managers and employees The right talent in the field can be a growth experience and provide an opportunity to learn the ropes before taking a full swing at things A total deficit in knowl-edge hardly makes for good leadership and for this reason many ldquonew business owners like to take a birdrsquos eye view of the operation rather than diving in and getting their hands dirty right awayhellipgiving them the opportunity to watch [how] things have been done before implementing changesrdquo says OrsquoBrien
Approaching ownership in this way also allows for further financial acquisitions an avenue which Evans has taken In addition to owning Burton Plumbing Evans operates four other companies One might assume this much responsibility to be a stretch but Evans sees his role as ldquokeeping a pulse on things I like to lead people in growth per-sonally and on the business siderdquo
Getting started can be a challenge which is why OrsquoBrien works closely with potential buyers to find the right fit ldquoWe assist all the wayrdquo she says ldquoWe work with the buyer on projections business plans [and] we introduce them to trusted advisorsrdquo from attorneys and CPAs to financial advisors and insurance agents
Itrsquos this helpful backing of experts that eases the difficult task of ownership and only proves that one can certainly switch from a blue collar to a white one The FIRM
CONTRACTING BUSINESSES LISTED BY THE FIRM
201
5 P
roje
cted
201
5 Y
TD
201
4
201
3
201
2
30
0
15
28
14
12
11
16
15Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Omaharsquos Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
It may seem like I pulled a muscle making this stretch but Keith Backsen the new boss at the Omaha Convention amp Visitors Bureau seems to have an awful lot in common with new Husker Coach Mike Riley
Coach Riley spent a total of 14 seasons at Oregon State before heading to Huskerland Backsen also comes from that neck of the woods having spent 11 years of his career in Portland Oregon and another 11 years in Spokane Washington selling both cities as prime places for convention and leisure travelers
At Oregon State Coach Riley built the football program into a consistent winner and regular conference contender At Visit Spokane Backsen opened sales offices in Washington DC and Chicago that led to increased convention bookings Backsen also worked on the public campaign to expand the Spokane Convention Center with a $65 million bond issue The expansion coupled with increased hotel inventory allowed Spokane to pursue large conventions and more than doubled convention bookings in Spokane
Riley has experience at the highest level of football serving as the head coach of the San Diego Chargers and as a head coach in both the Canadian and World Football Leagues Same for Backsen he worked in Dallas and Chicago as the director of sales for Global Experience Specialists a global leader in the world of event planning Backsen supervised five sales offices in a nine-state region generating annual sales in excess of $70 million
Riley is known as one of the most professional and nicest men in the profession a coach who is greatly admired by his peers I kid you not Backsen is described the same way by colleaguesmdashone of the most genuine and skilled men in the business a well respected professional who has the insight and experience to get the job done (Note the $70M stat above)
Come the first game both men will have a stadium filled with fans cheering them on In Backsenrsquos case his stadium is the entire city of Omaha where the fans are the 434353 residents who will reap the rewards of Omaharsquos growing tourism economy
B2B
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 51
51HUSKER
COACH HAS TOURISM
TWIN
OMAHA CVB BY DEB WARD
Deb Ward is the director of marketingcommunications Omaha Convention and Visitorrsquos Bureau
Keith Backsen
52 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Jason Feldman and Sebastian Hunt
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 53
The emerging startup accelerator scene supports creative-minded risk-takers looking for an edge to follow their passion and bring their ideas to fruition
Sebastian Hunt 25 is passionate about giving entrepreneurs like himself a nurturing space to test out their concepts The University of Nebraska at Omaha economics graduate interned with various local employers and surveyed the area startup community when an idea struck him for a by-application curriculum-based residency program serving new entrepreneurs That inspiration turned into Year of the Startup
Launched in 2014 the program operates out of a humble house at 4036 Burt Street in the St Cecilia Cathedral neighborhood Hunt and co-founder Jason Feldman 28 room there with young residency fellows whose startup ventures range from making bio-fuels to providing night owl shuttle services They are a millennial bunch who favor sneakers and sandals They take informal meetings to nearby CaliCommons and Lisarsquos Radial Cafe They variously hunch over laptops or tablets and carry smartphones as appendages
YEAR OF THE STARTUP
ENTREPRENEURAL IMMERSION
This communal work-live space model for business mavericks is new to Omaha The usual startup accelerator is a concentrated 90-day off-site program Omaha has a few of these notably Straight Shot Hunt saw a need for a program that invites a broader range of people into the accelerator fold and supports them much nearer to the start of their dream than other programs
ldquoWe feel like we can take people at very early stages because we are four times as long as the average programrdquo says Hunt who adds that Year of the Startup is also not tech-centric like many programs tend to be ldquoIn our model we substitute intensity for duration I think a lot of the learning here comes through unstructured serendipitous interactions we have that is not curriculum-based itrsquos just happenstance
ldquoWith a house there are so many different ways you can bring ideas and people together I think thatrsquos maybe that critical binding agent and sense of place that helps accomplish thingsrdquo
He says in this intimate environment ldquotherersquos no other choice but to immerse yourself in the settingrdquo adding ldquoWersquore always hanging out in the living room or out back talking about startup stuffmdashmonetization strategies capitalization tables vested equity entity structuresrdquo
ldquoItrsquos this immersive experience of camaraderie of these natural flows and idea generationrdquo Feldman says
Hunt says ldquoThis is very difficult to get bored with because therersquos always somebody whose business is either in crisis or growth stage or some interesting part of the curverdquo
ldquoHow could we get bored when wersquore creating a platform with four startups and all we get to do is ideationrdquo Feldman says ldquoItrsquos a constant buzz we get from interacting with these startup founders and helping them build their ideasrdquo
Built into the program are activities that encourage fellows to break out of their comfort zone and to offer honest criticism of each otherrsquos ideas
Hunt compiles multiple data points on the startups
ldquoWersquore developing really deep insight about how do people start successful businessesrdquo
The program utilizes mentors from the entrepreneurial community
ldquoWe bring in people who are experts in specific areas to talk on those topicsrdquo Feldman says
ldquoThey get ideas flowingrdquo Hunt says of the mentors
Feldman says he regularly covers with fellows ldquothe major components of what you need to look at to start your businessrdquo and then mentors like Mike Kolker owner of graphic design firm Simplify teach lessons about operational efficiency and ldquohow to simplify running a businessrdquo
Hunt is a newcomer to all this and goes by instinct as much as research to support his vision
CONTINUED ON 54
FEATURE | BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
53
54 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
70 Years of Business in Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
4027335500 | 4315 South 50th Street
402-333-5722 bull wwwsw-fencecom
Thanks for Voting SampW Fence the Best Again in 2015
Wersquore Not Just About Fences
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
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Thank You for Voting Us Best of B2Btrade 4 Years in a Row
AUDIO VISUAL SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDEbull System designengineeringbull Sales
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B2B
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aharsquos Business to Business M
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ine
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NER bull 2012 bull WIN
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Donrsquot forget to visitOmahaMagazinecom to read
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Omaha MagazineEncounter B2B 60PlusHerFamily OmahaHome
CONTINUED FROM 53
ldquoI just had an irrational confidence market insights and a great theoretical background thanks to primary research I completed and to lessons I learned from Phillip Phillips Michael OrsquoHara and Art Diamond in UNOrsquos economics department I read constantly about who the players were in the startup world so I was fairly preparedrdquo
Even though he directs a startup program he only started participating in one himself (Venture School) He acknowledges Year of the Startup is a by-the-seat-of-your-pants experiment
ldquoComing out of college I had student loans and not a ton of money Irsquove held two jobs to finance the project Now the project is financed by a combination of me working and renting out one room One-hundred percent of the money our entrepreneurs pay in rent will be returned in full and so everybody has a strong incentive to follow through with the program That may be what makes us sustainablerdquo
Hersquos working on securing corporate sponsorship for the program Meanwhile he wants to help get participating startups to the next level
ldquoWersquore functioning like a pre-accelerator at this point We want to get our startups profitable and then refer them to the Straight Shots so they can focus on growth in a pure accelerator programrdquo
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 55
Mercedes-Benz of Omaha14335 Hillsdale Ave Omaha NE 68137wwwOmahaMercedescomContact John Williams anytime at 4029819262
of Omaha of Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
As Year of the Startup moved into a larger house in Omaharsquos Little Italy district on July 1 and a new class of fellows arrives Hunt says there are ldquointeresting talks happening right now to bring this to other citiesrdquo He and Feldman say economic development agencies are willing to pay a license fee for them to do startup houses in other cities The partners are having proprietary software developed that will enable new startup houses to replicate their branded Omaha model
They look forward to engaging with the emerging 10th Street cultural district but may keep the midtown house to accommodate growth
Hunt and Feldman believe theyrsquore catching the wave or tipping point of a big new startup rush and theyrsquore betting their model is poised to be a niche player in this wild frontier of entrepreneurial prospecting
B2B
56 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
It is an unassuming space but if you have made your way to TD Ameritrade Park Filmstreams or Hot Shops chances are yoursquove passed one of the most vibrant offices in Omaha
The fact that Co-Lab (short for Creative Collaborators) is not a traditional work space is certainly one of its best features Located inside the Tip Top building at 15th and Cumming streets is a project dreamed up by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture who happens to share the main floor of the building Based in the heart of a once-isolated section of the city Co-Labrsquos funky creative vibe is making waves In fact that vibe seeps into Omaharsquos everyday bringing about small changes pushing our city toward a more innovative future
CO-LABGIVING OMAHA WORKERS A MORE
COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE
IN THE OFFICE | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
56
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 57
Home to 18 businesses plus Alley Poyner Macchietto Co-Lab is free of walls and signage It is also free from traditional office norms For instance you donrsquot just walk over to your neighborrsquos space for a brainstorming sessionmdashyou skateboard At least you do if yoursquore Dave Nelson of SecretPenguin a leading experimental branding agency The best part is that the businesses surrounding SecretPenguin appreciate the break from tradition ldquoThatrsquos the beautiful part about being around like-minded good people and businessesrdquo Nelson says
CONTINUED ON 58
58 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 59
CONTINUED FROM 57
In addition to having pathways large enough to skateboard or bike through the space also provides Co-Labbers with a kitchen various conference rooms bike storage bathrooms and a battleground (otherwise known as the ping-pong table) Walking in the main doors clients and employees alike are greeted from the front desk while catching a view of the five-story open atrium basking in the glow of sunshine from the skylight Workers can also access the fitness room and rooftop deck sharing amenities with TipTop apartment residents who use a separate entrance
CONTINUED ON 60
The Harry A Koch CoInsurance amp Financial ConsultantsMember of First Insurance Group LLC
60 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
CONTINUED FROM 59
Businesses in Co-Lab all creativity-related range from entrepreneurs to start-ups to non-profits to small businesses The art varies in form but runs through the space like an electric current At Zicafoose Textiles Mary Zicafoose works steadily on her loom creating gorgeous tapestries 4Site Programming is where Joi Brown works as an independent consultant for performing arts centers across the nation Heartland B-Cycle a large-scale municipal bike sharing system brings art in the form of economical convenience Holly Boyer a founder of non-profit organization Mission Matters explains that one of the best things about having an office at Co-Lab is feeling the innovative positive energy from the moment you walk in the door So while individuals may join Co-Lab with a business-minded focus or a more creative vibe finding a yin to their yang is just a shout away
ldquoThere is certainly a wonderful built-in support network that comes along with working in a collaborative environmentrdquo quips Omaha Creative Institute Executive Director Emily Moody ldquoEverything from sharing ideas and finding ways to collaborate with an organization different than yours to sharing a staplerrdquo
At the heart of making it work says Laura Alley of Alley Poyner itrsquos simply playing well with others
The skateboarding ping-pong playing creatives do that well
B2B
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arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott Enterprises
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For more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
TD Ameritrade Park | First National Bank Tower | Midtown Crossing | Village Pointe | Childrenrsquos Hospital Aksarben Village | Joslyn Art Museum | Fred amp Pamela Buffett Cancer Center | UNO Community Arena
6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
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2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
- BB1015_fntCvr_125
- BB1015_fntEdit_125
- BB1015_bkEdit_125
- BB1015_bkCvr_125
-
04emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Get Discovered Get Discovered
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
SleightAdvertisingcom
Sleight advert is ingrsquos advanced onl ine marketing helps your business stand out from the competit ion
With our SEO content development responsive design and web video our team can dramatical ly increase your search results
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2015 WinnerOm
aharsquos
Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
2014 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
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1601 Dodge StreetOmaha NE 681024025747224TSYSOmahacom
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06emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
publisher
TODD LEMKE
editor
DAVID WILLIAMS
associate editor
DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN
editorial intern
HALLE MASON
creative director
BILL SITZMANN
art director
KRISTEN HOFFMAN
senior graphic designer
RACHEL JOY
graphic designer
MATTHEW WIECZOREK
graphic design intern
MALINDA RATCLIFF
contributing
photographers
SCOTT DRICKEY
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WEBSTER
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TYLER LEMKE
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ERIN COX
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HOLLEY GARCIA-CRUZ
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MIKE BREWER
B2B Magazine is published four times annually by Omaha Magazine LTD PO Box 461208 Omaha NE 68046-1208 Telephone (402) 884-2000 fax (402) 884-2001 Subscription rates $1295 for 4 issues (one year) $1995 for 8 issues (two years) Multiple subscriptions at different rates are available No whole or part of the contents herein may be reproduced without prior written permission of B2B Omaha Magazine excepting individually copyrighted articles and photographs Unsolicited manuscripts are accepted however no responsibility will be assumed for such solicitations
contributing writers
LEO ADAM BIGA APRIL CHRISTENSON ANTHONY FLOTT JASON FOX ANNA HENSEL ALLISON JANDA BEVERLY KRACHER ELIZABETH MACK DOUG SCHURING DEB WARD WENDY WISEMAN
account executives
GREG BRUNS GIL COHEN KYLE FISHER ANGIE HALL GEORGE IDELMAN GWEN LEMKE
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SANDY BESCH MATSON
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JESSICA CULLINANE DAWN DENNIS JUSTIN IDELMAN JESSICA LINHART ALICIA SMITH HOLLINS
advertising information
402-884-2000
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AHA MAGAZINErsquoS
2015 Winner
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arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
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Locally Owned amp Operatedabestrashcom | 8123 Christensen Lane
402-571-4926
CO M M E R C I A Lbull Waste Disposalbull Rear Load Containersbull Front Load Containersbull Rec ycl ing
R E S I D E N T I A Lbull Dependable Weekly Trash Ser vicebull Trash Car ts amp Rec ycl ing Binsbull Weekly Rec ycl ing bull Weekly Yard Waste
CO M PAC T O R Sbull Stationar y Compac torsbull Self-Contained Compac torsbull Cardboard Compac torsbull Rec ycl ingbull Compac tor Maintenance Per formed
CO N S T R U C T I O N amp C L E A N - U Pbull Rol l-O ff Containersbull CampD Landfi l lbull CampD Rec ycl ingbull Green Build Ser vices
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Qualit y Dependable Trash amp Rec yc ling Ser vice
2014 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 07
DEPARTMENTS SPECIALemspSECTIONS
COLUMNS
FEATURES
TABLEemspOFemspCONTENTS
COVERemspFEATURE
09emsp FROM THE EDITOR Playing Big
26emsp OFFICE FURNITURE Office Origins
51emsp OMAHA CVB Husker Coach Has Tourism Twin
61emsp THE BRAND BRIEF The Language Of Brand Irrelevance
63emsp B4B TD2 Touts B4B
66emsp ETHICS Wicked Problems
34emsp BUY OMAHA PROFILES Cox Communications
35emsp THE FIRM DEAL REVIEW Playing Big Edition
22
28 5210 OUTLOOK NEBRASKAA Sight For Non-Seeing Eyes
SCISSORS amp SCOTCH Snip-Snip-Sip-Sip
YEAR OF THE STARTUPEntrpreneural Immersion
BALLET NEBRASKAA PAS DE DEUX BETWEEN BUSINESS AND THE ARTS
14emsp omAHA Ervin amp Smith
19emsp BRANDREBRAND Controlled Comfort
30emsp HOW I ROLL Whatrsquos That Thing
56emsp IN THE OFFICE Co-Lab
64emsp BIZ + GIVING Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew
08emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Who Will Be Votedthe Best of Omaha
Look for our December 2015special issue as we unveilyour cityrsquos newest roster ofldquoBestsrsquo in everything from
pizzza to plumbing
OM
AHA MAGAZINErsquoSOM
AHA MAGAZINErsquoS
BestOfOmahacom
OmahaHas Spoken
AND THE BALLOTS ARE IN
The Second AnnualOmaha Magazine
Best of Omaha FestivalUniversity of Nebraska at Omaha
Baxter Arena | Nov 21 2015
SAVE THE DATE
november 21
20
15
sec
ond annual
OM
AHA
MAGAZINErsquoS
KETV 7 bull BAXTER AREN
A
(402) 905 9511OmarEventscom
FacebookndashOmar Arts amp Events 4383 Nicholas Omaha NE 68131 Suite 230
The Newest Event Venue B lends Timeless Craf tsmanship with Every Amenity
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T 402-403-43343828 Dodge St bull Omaha NE 68131kschaphorstsandlercom
Karl SchaphorstOwner
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Suffering from Flatlining SalesWe Can Help
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 09
09
PLAYING BIGCompiling this issue of B2B magazine got me thinking about Scott Andersonrsquos 2013 book Playing Big In it the founder of Anderson Partners who is now the CEO of Doubledare speaks of forgetting your limitations and remembering the powerful person you are
Erika Overturff was 27 when she realized that the ballet company of which she was a member was doomed She was an artist a professionally trained dancer Business savvy Management skills An understanding of how to fund a new performance company Not so much
Overturff had a list of limitations a mile long but today she is a founding member and artistic director of Ballet Nebraska the regionrsquos only professional dance company as it enters its sixth season She discovered the powerful person that she was and with a lot of help in mentoring and connecting along the way shersquos learned to play big in elevating the cultural landscape of a city
Our cover story is not about a dance company so much as it is about a communityrsquos ability to get things done when its people and its businesses share a common vision Omaha has always been a special place one with a ldquocan dordquo spirit While other cities struggle we survive even thrive
Omaha knows how to play big
That theme is reflected throughout the stories on the pages that follow stories of creativity passion talentmdasheven faith
The same motif that of playing big is mirrored in The Firm Deal Review the magazine-within-a-magazine found beginning on page 35 No one setting out to purchase a business thinks small and the stories told by The Firm represent microcosms of the very definition of what it means to think dream and play big
Andersonrsquos book pays particular attention to smaller cultures which is fitting because most of the entities profiled in this magazine dwell in the arena of small business Itrsquos a strata where core values are perhaps most critical but how is it that even in the smallest of businesses the simple maxim of ldquostaying truerdquo can remain so very elusive
Read on to uncover what has worked for some of the most compelling entrepreneurs in Omaha
And donrsquot forget to play big
B2B
David Williams is editor of B2B a publication of Omaha Magazine LTD Williams can reached at davidomahamagazinecom
FROM THE EDITOR BY DAVID WILLIAMS
10emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Scissors amp Scotch Co-Owner Erik Anderson
Erik Anderson was new to Omaha and needed a haircut
A good one
The guy had a sales job and needed to look sharp But who to trust with his precious locksmdashsome chain
ldquoYou never know what kind of haircut yoursquore going to getrdquo Anderson says ldquoYou could get a great haircut or walk out of there looking like a doofus Irsquom not going to go that route
ldquoI started going to womenrsquos salons I knew I could trust themrdquo
SHAVE AND A HAIRCUTSNIP-SNIP-SIP-SIP
FEATURE | BY ANTHONY FLOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
10
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 11
That was two years ago Now Anderson gets his rsquodo done at his own placemdashScissors amp Scotch which opened in March at 2835 South 170th Plaza
As its name suggests therersquos much more to Scissors amp Scotch than just a great cut The new shop offers an upscale grooming experience featuring traditional barbering services (in plush old-school barber chairs) and modern spa treatments steamed towels hot lather neck shaves scalp neck shoulder and hand massages paraffin hand dips facial and skin services coloringshellipeven nose waxings Therersquos a shoe shine station on Thursdays And full body massages are on the way
All for dudes
Oh yeah and when customers are done one of five complimentary hand-crafted whiskey cocktails await them in a private lounge
ldquoTherersquos nothing like this right nowrdquo Anderson says ldquoI would put it up against any place in the country
ldquoItrsquos not just a haircut at Scissors amp Scotch itrsquos an experience We havenrsquot had one person come back and say lsquoThat was terriblersquo Most guys are like lsquoWow that was awesomersquordquo
Anderson didnrsquot do it all alone Hersquos equal partners with longtime friend Sean Finley whom he grew up with in Prairie Village Kansas and Tanner Wiles a friend he met at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where Anderson played baseball before earning his degree in 2011
Anderson later worked for Federated Insurance which moved him from Minneapolis to Omaha in April 2013 Thatrsquos when he first went looking for a haircut While researching his options Anderson saw that menrsquos grooming had become the fastest growing part of the beauty industry
ldquoThat really intrigued me and I got really excited about itrdquo
CONTINUEDemspONemsp12
12emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp11
Why not open his own place Anderson brought that idea to Finley and Wiles one night at a bar in early 2014 Not one of them had any experience in the grooming industry but the trio soon discussed the idea by group text message Then they met regularly working on documents and video conferencing via Google Hangouts Wiles worked in sales at Ambulatory Care in Kansas City Finley completed his law degree in Columbia Missouri (hersquos now a corporate attorney at Husch Blackwell in Kansas City)
They hammered out the concept of Scissors amp Scotch leveraged whatever assets they possessed at such tender ages (Finley and Wiles are 27 Anderson 26) and got an SBA loan In August 2014 they signed a lease at Shops of Legacy This March they opened with nine employees not counting themselves
104 5th St Fullerton NE 68638 308-550-0632 signdan170yahoocomSignCraftersMidwestcom
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omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 13
Response exceeded expectations Six weeks after opening Scissors amp Scotch averaged 80 new clients per week and about 30 haircuts a day More than 60 percent of the customers opted for the $52 ldquo15-year servicerdquo (as in the age of fine Scotch) Its membership programmdashthe Scotch-inspired 10- 15- and 25-year packages with escalating benefits at each levelmdashwas expected to generate 100 sales the first year Scissors amp Scotch sold 90 the first month
ldquoItrsquos really encouragingrdquo Anderson says ldquoEach week wersquove done more haircuts than the previous week since we openedrdquo
And all of it by word-of-mouth advertising (though Scissors amp Scotch recently started advertising on AM 590)
ldquoIrsquove had a lot of guys say lsquoThis is Omaha Nebraska right This is something I expect to see in a Chicago or a New York or a Dallasrsquordquo
Thanks to Anderson Omaha it is
B2B
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14emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
ldquoPeople need vacation to recharge and get inspired to continue to love what they dordquo she says ldquoA lot of times when you give people that break they come back more energized and with great ideas It makes them happier it makes us a better companyrdquo-HEIDI MOUSBACH
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 15
GOING TO THE DOGSERVIN amp SMITHrsquoS RELAXED AWARD-WINNING VIBE
OMAHA | BY ANTHONY FLOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Want to know how much fun it is to work at Omaha digital marketing firm Ervin amp Smith Just ask Peanut Gwen Duke or Daphne Jane
They wonrsquot talk to youhellipbut yoursquoll probably see their tails wagging
ldquoAny week we have probably a couple dogs in the officerdquo says Heidi Mausbach Ervin amp Smith president and CEO ldquoYou find them at your desk begging for a little treat They follow their owners around the agencyrdquo
The furry friends are there as one of many workplace benefits garnering Ervin amp Smith attention here and nationally In February the agency founded 31 years ago by Executive Chairman Doug Smith made the 2015 Best Places to Work in Omaha list sponsored by Baird Holm and the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce That came three months after Advertising Age ranked Ervin amp Smith number 13 on its list of 40 Best Places to Work in Advertising amp Media based on hiring practices benefits packages salaries office perks and more
ldquoYou spendhellipa good percentage of your life at workrdquo Mausbach says ldquoYou want to be at a place you love to come to People do love it here You donrsquot dread Monday morningrdquo
Even if yoursquore on vacationmdashwhich is unlimited at Ervin amp Smith as are sick and personal days The new leave policy established in January 2014 is among the most intriguing initiatives at the agency
ldquoPeople are free to come and go as long as they are fulfilling their client commitments and meeting their other goalsrdquo Mausbach says
So have employees been abusing the policy with copious vacation days Mausbach canrsquot saymdashErvin amp Smith isnrsquot tracking days If therersquos any challenge to the time-off policy itrsquos been with employees not taking enough personal time Mausbach who joined the agency 15 years ago was among those who took ldquoa lot lessrdquo vacation than she typically would
ldquoPeople need vacation to recharge and get inspired to continue to love what they dordquo she says ldquoA lot of times when you give people that break they come back more energized and with great ideas It makes them happier it makes us a better companyrdquo
While employees appreciate the flexibility the policy allows them to get away from work Ervin amp Smith has seen benefits in the officemdashless idle activity greater communication and collaboration and perhaps best of all fewer and shorter meetings as employees focus on goals and commitments
CONTINUEDemspONemsp16
15
16emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp15
The company also allows employees to work from home as needed or even full-time from cities across the country (one Ervin amp Smith employee lives in Washington another in Colorado) The company also established an annual ldquoSlush FUNdrdquo giving each employee $100 to spend on something that will enhance company culture such as a popcorn machine Some pooled their money to buy meditation classes open to everyone Others adopted a family at Christmas
Workplace enhancements can be simple A couple of years of ago the agency added a ping pong table Sometimes thatrsquos where the best work happens ldquoItrsquos interesting how their minds workrdquo Mausbach says ldquoA lot of times theyrsquore playing and brainstorming There are amazing ideas that come out of work and play at the same timerdquo
Other initiatives to enhance the Ervin amp Smith environment include redesigned offices an expanded client conference room
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 17
a per-person training budget more than twice the industry average catered lunches and happy hours and a monthly wellness stipend reimbursing employees up to $25 a month
The most popular benefit is Flame Schoedermdash a professional certified life coach made available for monthly development sessions
ldquoOf all the benefits they feel this is the one definitely helping them the most professionally and personallyrdquo Mausbach says
The initiatives seem to work Ervin amp Smith promoted 12 employees and hired 15 others last year Its retention rate in 2014 was 84 percent better than the typical industry rate of 70 percent or worse Mausbach cites
Ervin amp Smith is building employee relationships Perks are great People are better
Making Ervin amp Smith a doggone great place to work
B2B
8 ConsecutiveYears
Thanks Omaha for 30 Years2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
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6450 Pine Street | 402-778-6313ScottCentercom
17
18emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
ESPELITE SERVICE PROFESSIONALS
Superior quality exceptional service
If you are a CEO key executive or business owner call 4024017560
copy 2015 Vistage Worldwide Inc 14_261_3131 kkk
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Get answers Take action Like you the members of a Vistage Advisory Board are proven business leaders and critical thinkers They have smart ideas and insightful opinions and this is the forum to express them At our monthly meetings yoursquoll encounter lively discussions where business leaders tell it like it is If you find that refreshing then be our guest at our next monthly group meeting
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 19
Leo Costanzo Anne Taylor and Alan Hove of Controlled Comfort
BRANDREBRAND | BY ELIZABETH MACK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Jingle writers have done their job if they create an earwormmdasha song so catchy it sticks in your head and wonrsquot leave ldquoWhen I tell people I work at Controlled Comfort they immediately start singing the jinglerdquo says Alan Hove who along with co-owners Leo Costanzo and Anne Taylor purchased Controlled Comfort in 2004 ldquoItrsquos the best form of advertising we could ever hope forrdquo
CONTINUEDemspONemsp20
SINGING A HAPPY TUNEJINGLING ALL THE WAY
19
20emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
John Sievers
Businesses Are Buying SmarterThe All Makesrsquo team is trained to help you make design decisions and furniture purchases that fi t your offi ce atmosphere your work style and your budget Visit All Makesrsquo redesigned showroom to see the latest in new offi ce furniture pre-owned offi ce furniture and business technology
wwwallmakescom Omaha 2558 Farnam St | 4023412413 Lincoln 3333 O St | 4024777131
Thank you for voting us 1 for 10 consecutive years
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp19
Most people in the Omaha metro area are familiar with that animated female voice belting out ldquoControlled ComfortndashKeep it Under Controoooooolrdquo Many locals probably would not guess the companyrsquos logo (an angel) but could at least hum a few bars of the jingle Whether a catchy tune is annoying or enjoyable is a matter of opinion but once that musical worm has worked its way into your psyche you are forced to remember the product which is exactly what advertisers hope for
When companies change ownership one major decision is whether or not to maintain the same brand image and the current owners of Controlled Comfort knew they wanted things to stay pretty much the same when they took ownership
ldquoWe love our jinglerdquo says Taylor ldquoWhen we purchased the company we knew we wanted to maintain the image and keep the logo and jingle We couldnrsquot ask for a better form of advertisingrdquo
Research shows that music increases recall and simple melodies with simple lyrics stick with a consumer not only for the short term but often the long-term Remember ldquoI Wish I Were an Oscar Meyer Weinerrdquo Even if it has been years since you have actually heard it chances are you can still sing the entire song Controlled Comfortrsquos brand may not be as huge as Oscar Meyerrsquos but their jingle has stood the test of time being sung on local radio and TV for nearly 20 years with no end in sight
Taylor recounts how in the mid-1990s local musician Johnny Ray Gomez produced the jingle for a radio spot
ldquoThe previous owners purchased a year of radio advertising and it came with a jinglerdquo Taylor says
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
THANKS OMAHA
Embroidery middot Screen Printing middot Promotional Digital Printing middot Mailing middot Company Stores
13747 F St 4025961002 ideal-imagescom
ldquoWhen we purchased the company we knew we wanted to maintain the image and keep the logo and jingle We couldnrsquot ask for a better form of advertisingrdquo-ANNE TAYLOR
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 21
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
At the time they had no idea they did not retain exclusive rights to the melody
ldquoI just recently heard the song while I was traveling in western Nebraska It was quite a shockrdquo she adds with a laugh
Branding is all about creating an image of a business that will stick in a customerrsquos mind Though most businesses rely on visual advertising to create their brand jingles can be an additional way to increase awareness and create staying power People often remember a catchy tune Throw the company name and their phone number in the jingle lyrics and customers may not even need to look up the contact information
ldquoIf I forget the phone number I just sing the jinglerdquo says one local customer
Though original jingles declined in recent years as more large companies turn to popular songs for their advertising a few local companies still spend at least some marketing dollars on jingles Whether you think it annoying or catchy a jingle may be your best advertising investment
B2B
4023333062 | planitomahacom | 10832 old mill road suite 5 | omaha ne 68154
planitomaha A national and
regional powerhouse in
meetings conferences amp
events
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
22emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 2
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 23
How is it that Midlands Choice has come to make an investment in of all things a ballerina
Sure the bottom line of any insurance entity is driven by risk managementmdashthe investing of premium revenues to hedge against claims
But taking stock in Claire Goodwillie a company dancer with Ballet Nebraska
The Midlands Choice example is repeated all across the metro as area businesses support a broad array of arts nonprofits ones that dwell in everything from tutus to tempura
And the table is set for a new era of collaboration between business and the arts because philanthropic giving in America has finally returned to pre-recession levels
Contributions which totaled $358 billion in 2014 surpassed 2007rsquos pre-recession level of $355 billion Additionally giving was up from all major sourcesmdashindividuals corporations foundations and bequestsmdashaccording to Giving USA an annual report compiled by the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and the Giving USA Foundation of Chicago
ldquoEight out of nine types of charitable organizations we measure saw increased contributions and thatrsquos good news for the
BALLET NEBRASKAA PAS DE DEUX BETWEEN BUSINESS AND THE ARTS
philanthropic sector as a wholerdquo W Keith Curtis told Omaha Magazine in an email Curtis is chair of Giving USA Foundation and president of the nonprofit consulting firm The Curtis Group ldquoThe 60-year high for charitable giving in 2014 is a great story about resilience and perseverancerdquo
Themes of resilience and perseverance define the Ballet Nebraska story
Erika Overturff was 27 years old when the ballet company of which she was a dancer and resident choreographer appeared doomed She had no money She had no business acumen
That was 2009 Flash forward to 2015 and Overturff now 33 founder and artistic director of Ballet Nebraska is leading the regionrsquos only professional dance company into its sixth season
In a city known for its ldquocan-dordquo spirit this story could be about almost any local arts nonprofit but the unlikely saga of Ballet Nebraska is told here because it is perhaps the most improbable of tales one that best reveals what a business community and the arts can do when they share a common vision
CONTINUEDemspONemsp24
BY DAVID WILLIAMS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
23COVERemspFEATURE
24emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp23
Like settling into your seat with a program before the lights dim at any performing arts venue itrsquos probably best to start by reviewing the cast of characters
THE CONNECTORHal Daub knows people Especially in a city of six degrees of separation that is in reality much more like two or three degrees the former Omaha mayor (1995-2001) and US Congressman (1981-1989) who has served on countless nonprofit boards and is now a partner at Husch Blackwellhellipknows people
ldquoWhen I was first introduced to Hal and he offered to helprdquo Overturff says ldquoI assumed that meant he was going to maybe make a few calls and do a little name-droppingrdquo Daub it turned out would become a key player in the often delicate pas de deux that is the coupling of business and the arts ldquoHe not only made those calls but he set up the appointmentshellipand then he came along to personally introduce me and stand by my side in front of those who would become some of the most generous funders of Ballet Nebraskardquo
ldquoThe reason I am so fascinated by what Erika has donerdquo says Daub ldquois that Omaha is a city that has clearly evolved to become a place that is not just metropolitan but truly cosmopolitanrdquo And investing in the arts Daub believes makes good business sense ldquoThe social environment of a citymdashits arts and entertainmentmdashis critical in attracting and retaining the best workforce Ballet Nebraska Opera Omaha the Omaha Symphony Omaha Performing Artshellipthose and so many others are the organizations that help keep the best talent in Omahardquo
THE ADVOCATEMichelle Clark is Union Pacificrsquos general director of information technologies which means she probably knows more than a little about computer viruses As a three-year board member of Ballet Nebraska shersquos also seen how supporting the arts can go viral
ldquoEmployee generosity is furthered by the use of the companyrsquos matching gifts programrdquo Clark explains ldquoThis creates a sense of pride for employees and Union Pacific is supportive of the communities in which we live and work The employees of Union Pacific are very generous and have supported fundraising drives not only for Ballet Nebraska but a number of organizations such as the Womenrsquos Center for Advancement and JDRFrdquo
Employees should never underestimate their power to play a key role in advocating for nonprofits within their organizations
ldquoI am passionate about the art of dance especially ballet and Ballet Nebraskardquo Clark says ldquoDance inspires my creativity and provides insights to see beyond the obvious My hope is that by providing individuals with the awareness of opportunities to experience and support the art of dance they will find their own inspiration to apply to their own liferdquo
And just as stubborn computer viruses are often cloyingly messy to eradicate once discovered Union Pacificrsquos relationship with Ballet Nebraska has a ldquostickinessrdquo of its own Clark was preceded on the Ballet Nebraska board by Gayla Thal the companyrsquos senior vice president and general counsel
THE BULLDOGDonrsquot let the gentle demeanor of Midlands Choice vice president Greta Vaught fool you Supporting the arts is often a visceral experience and Vaughtrsquos passion for dance exerted itself on multiple levels in the early stages of growth at Ballet Nebraska
ldquoMidlands Choice has always been supportive of my work in the communityrdquo says the board chair of Ballet Nebraska
ldquoWe like to listen to our people when making such decisionsrdquo says Midlands Choice President and CEO Thomas E Press rdquoIt is important for us to know that our giving has real meaning for them their families and their communitiesrdquo
ldquoI looked at what Erika was trying to dordquo Vaught continues ldquoand I thought it was brave but impossible But all along the way I just kept going back to the thought that if one of my daughters [Mia now 15 and Hannah now 19] wanted to try something so bold one day thatrdquohellipinsert long pausehellipldquoIrsquom sorry this is making me cry I would just hope that people with experience and connections and dollars would shepherd my daughters along like so many people have done with Erika and Ballet Nebraskardquo
Okay so maybe ldquoThe Bulldogrdquo wasnrsquot such a great character name for this role after all
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 25
Fast-Paced Public Relations
Customer-Based Planning and Communications
402-964-9293 11626 Nicholas Street
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For the Connected World
Every story Every tweet Every interaction
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Join the world of innovative PR ndash partner with experts
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arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
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THE ARTISTldquoI had to do a lot of on-the-job learning when I decided to try to launch a dance companyrdquo Overturff says ldquoWe were lucky in that we got our nonprofit status right away but I didnrsquot know anything about the business side of things and really nothing about raising funds I was moved by every $5 check that came in but it took a lot of mentoring advice and counsel to get us to where we are today as a fully funded professional performance companyrdquo
Ballet Nebraska now has a paid staff of 22 including nine salaries paid to company dancers Today Overturffrsquos once-nonexistent business connections run deep Personal contributions from the likes of philanthropists Richard Holland and Fred and Eve Simon further fuel the growth of ballet in Omaha Foundations also play a major role in funding A recent gift of $124000 from the Iowa West Foundation is the largest in Ballet Nebraska history
ldquoTalented professionals from all over the world that have trained their whole lives to pursue a career in dance now come to Omaha in the hopes of performing with Ballet Nebraska as we serve the state and western Iowa in performances education outreach and morerdquo she says ldquoA ballet companymdashany performing arts company any arts organizationmdashis about its peoplehellipthe artists the staff and hardworking selfless volunteers But it is the people of Omaha from the smallest donations to the relationships we have with such great businesses that makes it all happenrdquo
B2B
26emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
26OFFICE FURNITURE BY DOUG SCHURING
OFFICE ORIGINS
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE MODERN WORKPLACE
For all the time we spend in our office very few of us are familiar with how that space came to be You may actually be surprised by the events and inventions that helped form the work environment we know today From the development of the railroad to innovations in communication our current corporate habits structures and tools have all played a role In his book CubedmdashA Secret History of the Workplace Nikil Saval shapes the advances that created the conventional office we are familiar with today
The advent of the Morse telegraph spawned long-distance communication Then starting in 1860 a series of technological innovations changed the possibilities of the workplace the use of iron framework permitted the construction of taller buildings and elevators assisted the climb The Remington typewriter entered the office in 1874 Bellrsquos telephone was patented two years later
At the same time railroads expanded across the country reducing transportation costs and extending markets for goods and services Additionally railroads produced an organizational transformation still in use today The coordination of trains required employees housed in structures all across the country bringing a variety of offices to the American landscape Between the executive the manager and the workerhellipthe organizational chart was born
The invention of telecommunications fostered the speed of information to surge creating more
Doug Schuring is the director of sales administration at All Makes Office Equipment Co
work and subsequently more workers As these workers moved into new structures the spaces reflected their various levels of management In 1915 the Metal Office Furniture Company (now Steelcase) invented the modern deskmdasha flat metal table outfitted with file drawers The new desks massed together in defined rows offered managers full visual access to the goings-on of the workplace and this ldquosea of desksrdquo became the norm for decades Lockers and various cabinets popular in the Great Depression era became vertical files once steel became readily available after World War II
In 1968 Herman Miller introduced the first panel system with attached components Designed by Robert Propst the Action Office system revolutionized the ldquoofficerdquo in form flexibility and cost Other furniture manufacturers mimicked the modular system which became the norm for many businesses
Up to the rsquo90s the personal computerrsquos popularity grew and the relative size of work stations decreased between 25-50 percent By the middle of that decade the dot-com revolution on the West Coast created an unprecedented workplace culture The formal atmosphere of the office became much more casual and discontent for the Dilbert-esque cubicle grew Subsequently creative furniture solutions evolved with the desire to be more mobile leading the way
In the early 2000rsquos collaborative open offices grew in popularity New and improving
technologies now offer connectivity in the office home or public spaces As a result nearly every company today is adapting and using new furnishings as a tool to attract new workers At the same time retaining existing employees is equally important The goal is to make everyone more effective and efficient in their work
Whether you work in an office from home in the local coffee shop or out of an airline terminal you may start to notice that much of the furniture is beginning to look very similar As long as you are able to connect to technology you can work from virtually anywhere
B2B
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Ralston NE 68127
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omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 27
28emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Outlook Nebraska CEO Eric Stueckrath
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 29
On the surface it looks just like any other office or factory As you enter Outlook Nebraska Inc (ONI) yoursquore greeted by a friendly front desk attendant and led past a perfectly ordinary-looking workspace Entering their factory where they manufacture such paper products as rolls of hand towels you wouldnrsquot suspect that it is different from any other assembly line
But explore a little deeper
Walking past one office you might see a man typing away on a keyboard his laptop closed in front of him He doesnrsquot need it open to know what hersquos typing Hersquos visually impaired and utilizing computer software that reads the words aloud as he types
On the factory floor raised edges guard the walkway so sightless employees can feel their way around Over on the assembly line visually impaired workers can use a computer screen to zoom in on the product at various stages of production to assess the process
ONI is a non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance the life of the blind and visually impaired through employment opportunities and training Almost all the employees at ONI are blind or visually impaired from factory workers to IT professionals Some were born blind others lost their sight later in life ONI aims to help them all re-enter the workforce in a meaningful way
A SIGHT FOR NON-SEEING EYES
OUTLOOK NEBRASKA
ldquoThey get used to being on their feetrdquo says ONI CEO Eric Stueckrath ldquoWe offer jobs for [people with] entry-level skill sets and all of the positions are at or above minimum wage We give them the tools to help build those skill setsrdquo
ONI also offers personalized life-skills training geared to whatrsquos important to the individual from personal banking to cooking to operating a computer
The American Foundation for the Blind estimates that as many as 70 percent of blind adults in the US are unemployed As the largest employer of the blind in the Omaha metro area ONI is working to make an impact
ldquoWe work with organizations that are committed to hiring the visually impairedrdquo Stuekrath says ldquoAdvocacy is definitely part of what we dordquo
ONI is currently in the midst of a $2 million capital campaign that will allow them to complete a large-scale renovation project at their facility The renovation will create more space for the general public and give them the ability to offer additional training programs
In addition to working with adults blind and visually-impaired youth are a primary focus for Stuekrath and ONI
ldquoMy heart really gravitates toward themrdquo Stuekrath says
ONI partners with youth organizations on a number of initiatives including a sports camp for visually-impaired youth called Camp Abilities Nebraska Attendees can try archery swimming bowling track and field and more as a means to build confidence
ldquoThey donrsquot need to be coddledrdquo Stuekrath says adding that he often tells parents of blind children ldquoYour kid needs to get out there and bump his head and experience liferdquo
At ONI everything comes back to the organizationrsquos mission Stuekrath says
ldquoWe give them the tools they need to gain greater independencerdquo
B2B
FEATURE | BY APRIL CHRISTENSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY COLIN CONCES
29
30emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Layne and Pam Yahnke and Their VW Thing
Shakespeare wrote of love and betrayal Tolkien of hobbits and wizards Steinbeck and Faulkner of the indomitable American spirit
Layne Yahnke writes about his VW Thing
Yes the two-wheel-drive off-road convertible military vehicle first manufactured for the West German Army as ldquoType 181rdquo in 1968 VW churned them out until 1983 including two years in the United States when marketed as ldquoThe Thingrdquo
Yahnke got his Thing in 2000 for $5500 Hersquos lovingly restored it most importantly giving it a peppy new motor that makes it Autobahn-worthy
WHATrsquoS THAT THING
LANE YAHNKErsquoS UNUSUAL VOLKSWAGEN
HOW I ROLL | BY ANTHONY FLOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Therersquos only one other Thing in Omaha and Yahnkersquos gets lots of second and third looks when hersquos whipping down the Dodge Street Expressway from his Elkhorn home Especially when the doors are off and windshield is down
Everyone wants to know abouthellipthe Thing
Thus Yahnke penned ldquoIt Takes a Village to Build a VW Thingrdquo an ode to those who helped him with his beloved ridemdashhis sons Omaha VW Club members engine and body shops and parts stores
CONTINUEDemspONemsp32
30
SIGN UP TODAYdolnebraskagovsides
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32emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Locally Owned in Papillion Ne402-740-0800 bull apconstructomahacom
Insurance claims
welcomeIf your roof sustained fire snow or hail
damage the repairs can be costly We are your wind and hail damage experts and accept insurance claims so you wonrsquot
have to pay for the repair work yourself
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Residential Roofing bull Roof Maintenance amp Repair bull Licensed Bonded amp Insured
Steve Kowalski
Call or Text Message(402 ) 453-6000
abetterexposurecom steveabetterexposurecom
Passion Creativity Experience
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp31
ldquoI wrote that right after the engine transplantrdquo says Yahnke an Omaha native and vice president at Essex Corp provider of senior living communities ldquoI guess I was moved I get so many inquiries about it and I really feel so fondly about itrdquo
Itrsquos not his first Thing Yahnke and his wife of 38 years Pam owned one before their four children came along As the kids have come and gone so have the cars
Lots of them
Yahnke figures he has owned 60 automobiles in his life His car fancy began as a kid growing up in Dundee where a friendrsquos dad spent his spare time restoring English cars Yahnke spent hours in his garage and developed a love for Triumphs and MGs His first car purchase was a 1962 Triumph for $425 in 1972 It wasnrsquot long though until he sold it at a profit
ldquoThatrsquos what kicked off the buying and selling of English carsrdquo he says ldquoI discovered I could enjoy my transportation but then as soon as someone wanted to buy it for more than I paid for it out it wentrdquo
ldquoWhere Accounting Meets ResultsrdquoProviding Accounting and Quickbooks Services
For Metro Businesses
Denise Martin I 9252077634Deniseheartlandaccountabilitycom
wwwHeartlandAccountAbilitycom
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 33
These days you never know what will be parked in the Yahnke driveway Currently therersquos a Honda pickup a VW Jetta VW Multivan and a 2001 Audi TT Quatro Convertiblemdashpurchased in apropos silver for his 25th wedding anniversary
Itrsquos the Thing he most enjoys driving He logs about 1000 miles on it each year Most of those have come toplessmdashYahnke long ago gave it away to another Thing enthusiast and now only drives it sans roof
ldquoAnyone who sees this car has only seen it top-downrdquo he says ldquoI just got caught once in the rain and that was probably a month ago The cool thing about the Thing is you leave it out in the sun and it dries out and is ready to gordquo
It says ldquoSummer is hererdquo Yahnke says
ldquoPeople speed up all the time to try to figure out what it is Itrsquos just a happy car and itrsquos so darn versatile It puts smiles on peoplesrsquo facesrdquo
B2B
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Cleaning ServicesCarpet CleaningUpholstery CleaningMattress CleaningTile amp Grout CleaningPet TreatmentsConcrete CleaningConcrete CleaningAuto Interior Cleaning24 Hour Water Damage
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omahamagazinecom SPECIALemspADVERTISINGemspSECTIONemspemsp |emsp SUMMERemsp2015emsp |emsp 34
ABOUT OUR BUSINESS
Cox Business started in 2000 as the commercial services division of Cox Communications Over the past 15 years we have experienced strong growth and are on our target to achieve $2 billion in revenue in the near future
Cox Business owns operates and maintains its own network providing leading-edge technology solutions for voice internet networking and digital TV We also offer robust business continuity and disaster recovery solutions which is of increasing importance to businesses in the greater Omaha area Our customers include such key verticals as education hospitality government and healthcare We maintain a significant focus on Omaha small business mid-markets and large local companies as well
We consider our employees to be our most precious asset as they have the responsibility of taking care of our customers At Cox Business we are fortunate to have an extremely tenured and engaged team of employees What sets us apart from our competition is the fact that while we are a large robust and progressive company we still possess
the nimbleness of a smaller company in our ability to deliver creative solutions under tight timelines We pride ourselves on having very little bureaucracy and that translates to happy customers The fact that Cox Business has won 15 JD Power Awards for customer satisfaction over the past 11 years is a notable accomplishment for us and we work hard to deliver on that promise of excellence every day
ABOUT LYNNE
I have led sales and operations teams in the communications industry for 20 years 10 of those years with Cox Communications My husband Pat and I just celebrated our first full year in Omaha and wonder why it took us so long to find this jewel of a community Our daughter Kaylin starts law school next month at the University of San Diego
I have two passions in my professional life mentoring employees who are working on leadership development (which includes working with two to three emerging leaders at any given time) and continuing to drive efforts in hiring fostering a diverse workforce There
is a challenge in STEM fields of under-represented groups My company Cox Communications is also very passionate about this and holds the distinction of inclusion in Diversity Incrsquos top 50 companies
My personal passions include travel social media and Italian cooking
B2B
COX BUSINESSLYNNE SANGIMINO
Cox Business 401 N 117th St Omaha NE 68154 coxbusinesscom 4029340830
Cradickrsquos Husker PowerTEXAN RETURNS HOME FOR BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY PG 8
Marlon Lofgren Koley Jessen PC LLOKEEPING THE FOCUS WHERE IT BELONGS PG 4
Seasoned Advice for Buyers(THE BOUNCY KIND) PG 5
PLAYING BIG EDITION
Fall
2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
2
Volume 1 Issue 5
Published by The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
PresidentEditor bull Cortney Sells
DirectorAssistant Editor bull Cassandra Powers
In-House Legal Counsel bull Susanne Miller
Outreach Coordinator bull Rene Rademacher
Marketing Development bull Rachael Rand
Business Broker bull Breann Becerra
Referring Broker bull Elizabeth Jones
Marketing Division bull Adam Jaime
Development Liaison bull Holley Garcia
Client Services bull Nycole Wandvik-Tolle
Client Services bull Julie OrsquoBrien
Community Relations bull Mike Sells
Contributing Writers
Marlon Lofgren bull Kathy Rygg bull Maureen Tierney
Design bull OBI Creative
Photography bull Bill Sitzmann
To Subscribe
The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
210 N 78 St
Omaha NE 68114
4029985288
infothefirmb2bcom
Advertising Inquiries
4028842000
toddomahamagazinecom
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Columns
4 Seller Financing
Koley Jessen PC LLO Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
14 Executive Impact Getting Into the Big Office
Departments
5 Seasoned Advice for
Business Buyers (The Bouncy Kind)
12 Building a Legacy while
Building Racks New Chapter to Becklerrsquos Career
The Bottom Line
Sells Insights
Playing Big
Husker PowerTexan returns home to
Nebraska for business opportunity
pg8
Many business owners have marginal experience in the trades in which their
organizations specialize While it may seem counterintuitive to buy or start a company situated around an industry in which one has little experience there is a certain com-petitive edge to the equation A buyer or president need only know enough to begin before surrounding him or herself with the right personnel to tackle the minute details What is paramount is the grander scheme of
management and operations which allows one to flex refined business acumen Not only does distance from fieldwork free up time to put in place a robust and refined plan but it leaves open other avenues for portfolio expansion Grow your business expand operations or begin other busi-ness ventures The possibilities are only as small as the mindset held by your team The FIRM
Special Section
7 Fresh Off The Firm The Firm Business Brokerage has
over $80 million dollars in assets under
management of current cash flowing
businesses for sale ndash from medical
practices to commercial services to large
manufacturing companies
by Cortney Sells presidenteditor
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
3Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
4
IF PROPERLY STRUCTURED AND DOCUMENTED SELLER FINANCING IS REALLY NO DIFFERENT FROM FINANCING THAT WOULD OTHERWISE BE PROVIDED BY A BANKTYING IT ALL TOGETHEREven the most savvy of ldquonumbers peoplerdquo need a leg up in negotiating a purchase As with so many aspects of doing business retaining experienced legal counsel enables you to keep the focus where it belongsmdashemploying your entrepreneurial skills in the identification and acquisition of profitable business ventures The FIRM
Seller Financing Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
written by Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
Seller financing can often be a criti-cal factor in getting a business sold
If properly structured and documented seller financing is really no different from financing that would otherwise be provided by a bank Below is a brief guide to navi-gating the issues normally encountered in seller financing
FIRST THINGS FIRSTThe first question is usually that of how to structure and document the financing The buyer should be expected to sign a prom-issory note evidencing the loan from the seller with interest and repayment terms mutually agreeable to both parties The seller might also require that the buyer grant the seller a security interestlien in the pur-chased assets to secure the loan Itrsquos also not unusual for a seller to require that the individual owners of the buyer (assuming the buyer is an entity) personally guarantee the loan In most cases the documents are usually pretty straightforward and do not need to be overly complicated
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
ADDITIONAL LAYERSIf a bank is also financing the sale the seller will most likely be required by the bank to sign a subordination agreement This is an agreement between the bank usually referred to as the ldquosenior lenderrdquo and the seller referred to as the ldquojunior lenderrdquo A subordination agreement sets forth the terms between the lenders as to each entityrsquos right to receive loan pay-ments from the buyer and the priority of their respective security interestsliens in the purchased assets The document will usually state that the senior lenderrsquos loan and security interestliens shall at all times be superior to those of the junior lender until the senior loan is paid in full Most lenders are willing to discuss and negoti-ate the junior lenderrsquos right to receive loan payments from the borrower Lien priority status however is rarely compromised by senior lenders in subordination agreements The senior lender will insist on having a first priority security interestlien in the pur-chased assets
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Whether yoursquore a first-time entre-preneur or an experienced business
owner purchasing a company is a critical investment financially and emotionally To help increase the likelihood of it being a success in both areas there are a number of aspects to keep in mind when evaluating if a business is the right fit gt
Seasoned Advice for Business Buyers(The Bouncy Kind)
written by Kathy Rygg
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Jerry Rachwalik
5Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
6
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
lt Jerry Rachwalik has been researching companies for the past three years waiting for the right opportunity to arise His search was the result of spending his career work-ing for larger organizations in a number of areas including delivery installation cus-tomer service inventory accounts receiv-ables and scheduling where he managed up to 35 people at a time
Policies and philosophies can change when working for a corporation Sometimes they become less family friendly ldquoWith the previous companies I worked forrdquo Rachwalik says ldquothey switched from caring about em-ployees to making money and the bottom line I stuck it out for several years and then decided I needed something differentrdquo
An entrepreneur by nature Rachwalik has over the last seven years built up a rental business buying foreclosed homes and duplex properties completely reno-vating them and then renting them back out He now has 15 properties and enjoys helping families by providing nice homes that are affordable ldquoI want people to feel good when they come home at night after a long day at workrdquo he says Rachwalik want-ed to find a business that allowed him the flexibility to respond to his tenants when needed from simple plumbing issues to furnaces going kaput
When he first started looking for a new business Rachwalik was drawn to home health care because of his experience help-ing to take care of relatives And it was a growing field Nothing was available at the time so he expanded his options and be-gan researching businesses in a variety of industries Those included a flooring com-pany sandwich shop and even a hair salon
ldquoI was open to anything and if I could make the numbers work then I would consider itrdquo he explains
Then The Firm Business Brokerage pre-sented him with an opportunity that was the right match Bounce U in Omaha There were a number of factors that appealed to Rachwalik First and foremost were the financials but it would also offer him the flexibility he needed for his rental business A big advantage was that an entire team was already in place one seasoned in man-aging staff and scheduling parties ldquoThey do a great jobrdquo he says ldquoI donrsquot plan on making any personnel changesrdquo
But what hersquos most looking forward to with this new venture is the fun positive environment Bounce Ursquos primary business is its birthday party packages featuring the companyrsquos oversized inflatibles and Rachwalik said he canrsquot wait to watch the excitement on the kids faces when they walk through the door ldquoEveryone there is happyrdquo he says ldquoThe kids are happy the parents are happy and the employees running the parties are happy Itrsquoll be a big change from the environments I used to work inrdquo Hersquos already planning to have his twin grand-daughtersrsquo birthday party there too
His transition included a week of training with the companyrsquos corporate facility in Ari-zona as well as on-site training Even though the Omaha location is an existing store all of Rachwalikrsquos training was structured as though itrsquos a brand new site
Bounce U has traditionally partnered with local restaurants to provide food for birth-day parties but Rachwalik wants to explore the option to build a kitchen of his own
He also hopes to continue to grow the business by at least 5 annually ldquoAnything I do I will communicate with my employees and get their input and suggestions firstrdquo he adds
For anyone who is considering buying a business or is going through the process Rachwalik stresses to be open minded and not rule anything out ldquoIf an opportunity is presented to you run the numbers and see if you can make it workrdquo he says ldquoI did a complete flip-flop on the type of business I thought I wanted versus what I ended up purchasing But if you keep looking yoursquoll eventually find a matchrdquo The FIRM
ldquoTHE KIDS ARE HAPPY THE PARENTS ARE HAPPY AND THE EMPLOYEES RUNNING THE PARTIES ARE HAPPY ITrsquoLL BE A BIG CHANGE FROM THE ENVIRONMENTS I USED TO WORK INrdquo
-Jerry Rachwalik
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Fresh Off The Firm Featured Listings for Sale
Suburban Bar amp Grill with VolleyballOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $26413 PRICE $115000
Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity in an area with only two other bars nearby Serving up a gorgeous and well-maintained volleyball court along with pool tables and a jukebox this bar and grill is a favorite with the locals Business is fully staffedmdashowner works very part time hours
Rain Gutter Sales amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $145200 PRICE $415000
This business is a dealer for high-end rain gutter covers These products are con-structed of high-quality aluminum and sur-gical-grade stainless steel and are strong enough to hold up to four feet of snow or 20 pounds of debris Profit margin is 48
Large-Scale Assembly amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $743732 PRICE $2200000
This well-established installation and assembly business in central Nebraska prides itself on providing many numerous building solutions for businesses and building owners in their area They install and assemble metal frames including grain silos pole barns and buildings
Photo Booth Business Running on Autopilot OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $36419 PRICE $88900
Photo booths are the ldquoin thingrdquo at weddings and parties In business for seven years this business is one of the largest in town Wedding couples hoping to capture the fun memories of the day make up 67 of the clients Includes four booths and one trailer
Southwest Omaha Dental PracticeOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $129745 PRICE $380000
Professional staff and excellent customer service are the hallmarks of this practice Using the latest technology the business offers an array of dental services including teeth cleaning veneers crowns bleaching and trauma services The owner is currently working only 20 hours a week
Small Animal Vet Clinic in Omaha OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $158287 PRICE $440000
For over 30 years this animal care clinic has prioritized customer care They are currently offering services to over 2000 families and are the second largest veterinary clinic in the area The business is split 7030 between dogs and cats
Buildersrsquo Material amp Supply CompanyOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $364880 PRICE $933000
This highly reputable company established in 1976 and located just north of Omaha provides quality and reliable services and supplies Building supply inventory includes garage door lumber windows trims siding roofing materials and more Approximately 90 of customers are repeat clientele
High-Growth Plumbing Company OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $157774 PRICE $445000
This non-union plumbing company has consistent growth of over $130000 a year in sales The full service plumbing contractor has business that is currently 50 commercial and 50 residential
90+ available business opportunities for sale Please visit TheFirmBusinessBrokeragecom for details
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
7Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
Matt Cradick
The Deal ReviewReason For Sale Fresh start after 25+ years in the industrySeller Transition Period Over eight monthsType of Sale Asset Purchase AgreementLender Access Bank Mack LaRock
ldquoYOU SHOULD INTERVIEW FOR A BUSINESS JUST LIKE YOU
WOULD FOR A JOBrdquo CRADICK EXPLAINS ldquoIT HAS TO BE THE
RIGHT FIT YOU DONrsquoT WANT TO BE ONE OF THE MANY FA-
TALITIES THAT HAPPEN SO OFTEN IN NEW BUSINESSrdquo
-Shaun Heldt
From Retail to RoofingHow to be Successful When Buying a Business
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Spending almost 20 years working in retail for major corporations and then
buying a siding and roofing contracting company may seem like a major leap but for Matt Cradick owner of Husker Ham-mer Siding Windows and Roofing it was the best business move hersquos ever made And thatrsquos saying a lot for someone who moved 11 times in 19 years across nine different states
Cradick had been living in Houston Texas where he worked for Target Corporation He had worked his way up through the com-pany and another promotion was on the horizon which meant another move With three young children at home Cradick de-cided it was time to put down some roots Having grown up in Lincoln Nebraska he wanted to be near family and Midwestern values He started researching businesses for sale and was eventually led to The Firm which in turn led him to Husker Hammer
The move from a big corporate environ-ment to a small contracting business didnrsquot intimidate Cradick With Target he oversaw 200 people so he knew he brought strong management and operational skills The challenge he says was learning the ins and outs of construction He didnrsquot need to be the one hammering away on the roofmdashhe needed learn a new business segment
ldquoSwitching industries can be nerve-rack-ingrdquo Cradick says ldquobut the owner was will-ing to stay on board for six months during the transitionrdquo That partnership was an invaluable tool during the changeover gt
A Publication of The Firm Business BrokerageA Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
9Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
10
lt Husker Hammer was started in 1998 as a one-man operation and had been built up to a multimillion dollar business Cradick was impressed with the mission statement values system of the company and the strong workforce that was already in place And the price of the company lined up well with the financials ldquoWhat Husker has that others in the industry donrsquotrdquo says the man whose faith is central to his deal-ings ldquois a strong ethical foundation with a Christian backgroundrdquo
There were a number of other elements Cradick sought when buying his business ones he believes all potential business own-ers need to keep in mind The first is to make sure you have a proper support team in place to help make a sound financial deci-sion That includes having a good business valuation and a good business broker who can point you in the right direction to ensure a match for both parties
Once yoursquore in the process of purchasing he adds make sure you have a capable net-work of attorneys a seasoned financial team and solid internal help to ensure yoursquore suc-cessful from the start ldquoYou should interview
for a business just like you would for a jobrdquo Cradick explains ldquoIt has to be the right fit You donrsquot want to be one of the many fatal-ities that happen so often in new businessrdquo
To help ensure the company continues to be successful Cradick plans to main-tain Husker Hammerrsquos competitive edges which he says includes his 11000-sq-ft state-of-the-art showroom in Elkhorn He reformatted the space to better fit his busi-ness model before building out additional second-floor space that is now rented to other entrepreneurs
The showroom features all of the window siding and roofing products available to customers Samples are one thing Cradick says but he knows the power of customers seeing actual colors in actual sizes
ldquoOur philosophy is to build peace of mind for homeowners and be with them every step through the processrdquo he says ldquoWord of mouth is our number one lead source which was true in retail as wellrdquo
Happy employees to Cradick are just as important as happy customers He sub-scribes to a simple philosophymdashlistening to employees and doing so with respect
ldquoWith big corporations you deal with a lot of politicsrdquo he says ldquoNow if therersquos politics itrsquos because Irsquove generated it Itrsquos a nice change to be in a small business where you have more leeway to ensure yoursquore creating a positive work environment which creates a happy workforcerdquo
Working for a smaller company also allows for more opportunities to become involved in the community Husker Hammer is active in local chambers of commerce the Open Door Mission and is currently helping on a Habitat for Humanity build in Waterloo They have also been accredited by the Bet-ter Business Bureau since 2000 and won the Better Business Integrity Award
Cradickrsquos business is currently 90 percent residential and 10 percent commercial He hopes to increase their reach in proper-ty management and general contracting while maintaining the high-quality residen-tial sales that built the business ldquoBecause of our showroomrdquo he says ldquopeople come
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
to us We donrsquot do the high pressure sales at the kitchen table We listen We let the homeowners do the talkingrdquo
Growing geographically is also a goal Cradick hopes to expand to surrounding areas including his hometown of Lincoln
ldquoSo far itrsquos been a great moverdquo he says ldquoand I look forward to continuing to be known as an ethical long-lasting company My daughters and wife are excited to be back in the Midwest around grandparents and family Their school district is great and the full year-round climate has been a welcome change from living in the south Plus I was averaging 50000 miles per year in travel so itrsquos nice to sleep in your own bed every nightrdquo The FIRM
For more information on this or any for sale listings call The Firm Business Brokerage directly
11Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
The Deal ReviewBusiness Established 1987Reason for Sale Retirement (Transla-tion More time with a fishing pole)Ownerrsquos Profit $495004Type of Loan SBA with Core Bank
12
Back to the FutureBuilding a Business Legacy
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Itrsquos not uncommon for someone who has spent a number of years in corporate
America to shift gears into entrepreneur-ship Being your own boss certainly has its advantages But for Scott Beckler who recently purchased Lewis Installers in Gret-na his reason for taking on a new business venture had more to do with honoring not only his fatherrsquos legacy but building one of his own
Beckler started his career as a business education teacher then moved to a corpo-rate career in technology But for a number of years he kept an eye on businesses for sale hoping that just the right opportunity would come along
ldquoMy dad was an entrepreneur who owned his own real estate insurance companyrdquo
Beckler says ldquoDespite the fact he had on-going health issues he still got up every day put on a coat and tie and went out to make a sale He was a very successful busi-nessman and I wanted to honor his legacyrdquo
After contacting The Firm and discuss-ing what he was looking for in a business the team suggested Lewis Installers which specializes in industrial conveyor and rack systems At first it seemed like a big de-parture for him ldquoShelving and logistical systems isnrsquot something that jumps out at yourdquo Beckler says But the more he looked into it the more he realized it had many of the elements he wanted in a business The most obvious advantage was that the company was located in Gretna where he lives Add to that the fact that the seller lives just up the road from him
Scott Beckler
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
For purposes of this article this overview is based on the buying and selling entities being corporations or entities taxed as corporations
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
4420 Izard Street Omaha4022938707 bull 8887380296
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
HAVE YOUR MINOR ROOF LEAKS BECOME A MAJOR ANNOYANCEDonrsquot Wait Any Longer Call Us Now
ldquoAfter meeting him and hitting it offrdquo Beckler says ldquowe quickly realized it was a match on both sidesrdquo
Other signs also pointed in the right di-rection The financials were good The size of the business was ideal The competitive landscape was promising Beckler also real-ized that his corporate background fit well with this new business
ldquoAlthough itrsquos an entirely different indus-tryrdquo he says ldquomany of the business princi-ples are the samehellipproject management customer service delivery vendor man-agement and cost containment Irsquove been doing all of those for yearsrdquo
His background in technology will also be a valuable asset in his new business Not only has he established relationships with large vendors built over the years but his from-the-ground-up experience with data centers means that he is already eying in-novative automation and other technology differentiators At the same time hersquos look-ing forward to learning the daily operations of the company and having a hand in every part of the business from bidding to closing to payroll
ldquoIt will be challenging coming from a big business background where Irsquove only been involved in the peripheryrdquo Beckler says
ldquoNow Irsquoll be involved in all of itrdquo
Lewis Installers being a family-owned business is what hersquos most excited about He says itrsquos a company with a good repu-tation thatrsquos known for quality and meeting deadlinesmdashall driven by a strong Midwest-ern work ethic
Itrsquos the sort of company Beckler believes that would make his father proud
ldquoI want this business to be a legacy for my familyrdquo Beckler says ldquoMy hope is that it could stay in the family with my own kids and grandkidsrdquo The FIRM
13Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Om
aharsquo
s Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
14
When considering the purchase of an existing business very few realize
that lack of experience in an industry can actually lead to success One simply needs a sound financial plan and a good team to fill in the gaps Removing the added stress of fieldwork and focusing solely on the management of finances and operation allows for greater opportunities It makes for the dynamic advantage of some outside impartiality when seeking areas of improve-ment and growth
One man who has made this transition from having marginal knowledge in an in-dustry to leading a successful plumbing and HVAC operation is Mark Evans president of Burton Plumbing Before taking over Burton Evans had a successful plumbing distribu-torship serving four states but it was his desire to own and to travel less that put him into the hands of Burton Friesz The founder of Burton Plumbing Friesz had been a customer and friend of Evansrsquo when the two discussed a possible expansion into residential service Evans put his busi-ness experience to work for Burton in July 1995 and his education in the minutiae of plumbing and HVAC began
While he hasnrsquot worked in the field as a licensed plumbing contractor Evans has dipped his feet in several areas within the running of Burtonhellipand often at the same time Before hiring the essential personnel that have enabled him to narrow his role Ev-ans served as manager marketer customer service representative and dispatcher Such a list of duties for one man is a daunting task but ldquoI worked my way to being able to work on the business rather than in the business [a strategy] taught to me by my business coachrdquo says Evans
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
REMOVING THE ADDED STRESS OF FIELDWORK AND FOCUSING SOLELY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF FINANCES AND OPERATION ALLOWS FOR GREATER OPPORTUNITIES
Executive Impact Moving Into the Boardroom From Employee to President
written by Maureen Tierney | Co-written by Mark Evans and Julie OrsquoBrien
Eventually Evans was able to step back and bring on a general manager and a ware-house operator that has allowed him to
ldquofocus on growth opportunities marketing and cash flowrdquo
Evansrsquo experience is not unique It is com-mon for brokerages to deal with buyers seeking to own companies within a cer-tain field but ldquoonly two people out of the nearly 100 closings [wersquove had] have come in for the same business that they ended up purchasingrdquo says Julie OrsquoBrien client services and paralegal with The Firm What it comes down to is as simple as the bot-tom line Buyers are looking to leverage their talents and experience in a marriage between a management philosophy and business model Those in the market for an acquisition are ldquobuying based on profit number of staff ability to get financing and mostly their strengths and passionsrdquo says OrsquoBrien Experience in a particular industry is certainly valuable but is no predictor of success when the right financial mind comes along
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Even so making up for a lack of practical knowledge requires the proper equipment most notably in the form of managers and employees The right talent in the field can be a growth experience and provide an opportunity to learn the ropes before taking a full swing at things A total deficit in knowl-edge hardly makes for good leadership and for this reason many ldquonew business owners like to take a birdrsquos eye view of the operation rather than diving in and getting their hands dirty right awayhellipgiving them the opportunity to watch [how] things have been done before implementing changesrdquo says OrsquoBrien
Approaching ownership in this way also allows for further financial acquisitions an avenue which Evans has taken In addition to owning Burton Plumbing Evans operates four other companies One might assume this much responsibility to be a stretch but Evans sees his role as ldquokeeping a pulse on things I like to lead people in growth per-sonally and on the business siderdquo
Getting started can be a challenge which is why OrsquoBrien works closely with potential buyers to find the right fit ldquoWe assist all the wayrdquo she says ldquoWe work with the buyer on projections business plans [and] we introduce them to trusted advisorsrdquo from attorneys and CPAs to financial advisors and insurance agents
Itrsquos this helpful backing of experts that eases the difficult task of ownership and only proves that one can certainly switch from a blue collar to a white one The FIRM
CONTRACTING BUSINESSES LISTED BY THE FIRM
201
5 P
roje
cted
201
5 Y
TD
201
4
201
3
201
2
30
0
15
28
14
12
11
16
15Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Omaharsquos Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
It may seem like I pulled a muscle making this stretch but Keith Backsen the new boss at the Omaha Convention amp Visitors Bureau seems to have an awful lot in common with new Husker Coach Mike Riley
Coach Riley spent a total of 14 seasons at Oregon State before heading to Huskerland Backsen also comes from that neck of the woods having spent 11 years of his career in Portland Oregon and another 11 years in Spokane Washington selling both cities as prime places for convention and leisure travelers
At Oregon State Coach Riley built the football program into a consistent winner and regular conference contender At Visit Spokane Backsen opened sales offices in Washington DC and Chicago that led to increased convention bookings Backsen also worked on the public campaign to expand the Spokane Convention Center with a $65 million bond issue The expansion coupled with increased hotel inventory allowed Spokane to pursue large conventions and more than doubled convention bookings in Spokane
Riley has experience at the highest level of football serving as the head coach of the San Diego Chargers and as a head coach in both the Canadian and World Football Leagues Same for Backsen he worked in Dallas and Chicago as the director of sales for Global Experience Specialists a global leader in the world of event planning Backsen supervised five sales offices in a nine-state region generating annual sales in excess of $70 million
Riley is known as one of the most professional and nicest men in the profession a coach who is greatly admired by his peers I kid you not Backsen is described the same way by colleaguesmdashone of the most genuine and skilled men in the business a well respected professional who has the insight and experience to get the job done (Note the $70M stat above)
Come the first game both men will have a stadium filled with fans cheering them on In Backsenrsquos case his stadium is the entire city of Omaha where the fans are the 434353 residents who will reap the rewards of Omaharsquos growing tourism economy
B2B
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 51
51HUSKER
COACH HAS TOURISM
TWIN
OMAHA CVB BY DEB WARD
Deb Ward is the director of marketingcommunications Omaha Convention and Visitorrsquos Bureau
Keith Backsen
52 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Jason Feldman and Sebastian Hunt
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 53
The emerging startup accelerator scene supports creative-minded risk-takers looking for an edge to follow their passion and bring their ideas to fruition
Sebastian Hunt 25 is passionate about giving entrepreneurs like himself a nurturing space to test out their concepts The University of Nebraska at Omaha economics graduate interned with various local employers and surveyed the area startup community when an idea struck him for a by-application curriculum-based residency program serving new entrepreneurs That inspiration turned into Year of the Startup
Launched in 2014 the program operates out of a humble house at 4036 Burt Street in the St Cecilia Cathedral neighborhood Hunt and co-founder Jason Feldman 28 room there with young residency fellows whose startup ventures range from making bio-fuels to providing night owl shuttle services They are a millennial bunch who favor sneakers and sandals They take informal meetings to nearby CaliCommons and Lisarsquos Radial Cafe They variously hunch over laptops or tablets and carry smartphones as appendages
YEAR OF THE STARTUP
ENTREPRENEURAL IMMERSION
This communal work-live space model for business mavericks is new to Omaha The usual startup accelerator is a concentrated 90-day off-site program Omaha has a few of these notably Straight Shot Hunt saw a need for a program that invites a broader range of people into the accelerator fold and supports them much nearer to the start of their dream than other programs
ldquoWe feel like we can take people at very early stages because we are four times as long as the average programrdquo says Hunt who adds that Year of the Startup is also not tech-centric like many programs tend to be ldquoIn our model we substitute intensity for duration I think a lot of the learning here comes through unstructured serendipitous interactions we have that is not curriculum-based itrsquos just happenstance
ldquoWith a house there are so many different ways you can bring ideas and people together I think thatrsquos maybe that critical binding agent and sense of place that helps accomplish thingsrdquo
He says in this intimate environment ldquotherersquos no other choice but to immerse yourself in the settingrdquo adding ldquoWersquore always hanging out in the living room or out back talking about startup stuffmdashmonetization strategies capitalization tables vested equity entity structuresrdquo
ldquoItrsquos this immersive experience of camaraderie of these natural flows and idea generationrdquo Feldman says
Hunt says ldquoThis is very difficult to get bored with because therersquos always somebody whose business is either in crisis or growth stage or some interesting part of the curverdquo
ldquoHow could we get bored when wersquore creating a platform with four startups and all we get to do is ideationrdquo Feldman says ldquoItrsquos a constant buzz we get from interacting with these startup founders and helping them build their ideasrdquo
Built into the program are activities that encourage fellows to break out of their comfort zone and to offer honest criticism of each otherrsquos ideas
Hunt compiles multiple data points on the startups
ldquoWersquore developing really deep insight about how do people start successful businessesrdquo
The program utilizes mentors from the entrepreneurial community
ldquoWe bring in people who are experts in specific areas to talk on those topicsrdquo Feldman says
ldquoThey get ideas flowingrdquo Hunt says of the mentors
Feldman says he regularly covers with fellows ldquothe major components of what you need to look at to start your businessrdquo and then mentors like Mike Kolker owner of graphic design firm Simplify teach lessons about operational efficiency and ldquohow to simplify running a businessrdquo
Hunt is a newcomer to all this and goes by instinct as much as research to support his vision
CONTINUED ON 54
FEATURE | BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
53
54 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
70 Years of Business in Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
4027335500 | 4315 South 50th Street
402-333-5722 bull wwwsw-fencecom
Thanks for Voting SampW Fence the Best Again in 2015
Wersquore Not Just About Fences
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
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AUDIO VISUAL SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDEbull System designengineeringbull Sales
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B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
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aharsquos Business to Business M
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ine
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ConnectWITH YOURCOMMUNITY
Donrsquot forget to visitOmahaMagazinecom to read
all of our titles online
Omaha MagazineEncounter B2B 60PlusHerFamily OmahaHome
CONTINUED FROM 53
ldquoI just had an irrational confidence market insights and a great theoretical background thanks to primary research I completed and to lessons I learned from Phillip Phillips Michael OrsquoHara and Art Diamond in UNOrsquos economics department I read constantly about who the players were in the startup world so I was fairly preparedrdquo
Even though he directs a startup program he only started participating in one himself (Venture School) He acknowledges Year of the Startup is a by-the-seat-of-your-pants experiment
ldquoComing out of college I had student loans and not a ton of money Irsquove held two jobs to finance the project Now the project is financed by a combination of me working and renting out one room One-hundred percent of the money our entrepreneurs pay in rent will be returned in full and so everybody has a strong incentive to follow through with the program That may be what makes us sustainablerdquo
Hersquos working on securing corporate sponsorship for the program Meanwhile he wants to help get participating startups to the next level
ldquoWersquore functioning like a pre-accelerator at this point We want to get our startups profitable and then refer them to the Straight Shots so they can focus on growth in a pure accelerator programrdquo
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 55
Mercedes-Benz of Omaha14335 Hillsdale Ave Omaha NE 68137wwwOmahaMercedescomContact John Williams anytime at 4029819262
of Omaha of Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
As Year of the Startup moved into a larger house in Omaharsquos Little Italy district on July 1 and a new class of fellows arrives Hunt says there are ldquointeresting talks happening right now to bring this to other citiesrdquo He and Feldman say economic development agencies are willing to pay a license fee for them to do startup houses in other cities The partners are having proprietary software developed that will enable new startup houses to replicate their branded Omaha model
They look forward to engaging with the emerging 10th Street cultural district but may keep the midtown house to accommodate growth
Hunt and Feldman believe theyrsquore catching the wave or tipping point of a big new startup rush and theyrsquore betting their model is poised to be a niche player in this wild frontier of entrepreneurial prospecting
B2B
56 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
It is an unassuming space but if you have made your way to TD Ameritrade Park Filmstreams or Hot Shops chances are yoursquove passed one of the most vibrant offices in Omaha
The fact that Co-Lab (short for Creative Collaborators) is not a traditional work space is certainly one of its best features Located inside the Tip Top building at 15th and Cumming streets is a project dreamed up by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture who happens to share the main floor of the building Based in the heart of a once-isolated section of the city Co-Labrsquos funky creative vibe is making waves In fact that vibe seeps into Omaharsquos everyday bringing about small changes pushing our city toward a more innovative future
CO-LABGIVING OMAHA WORKERS A MORE
COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE
IN THE OFFICE | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
56
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 57
Home to 18 businesses plus Alley Poyner Macchietto Co-Lab is free of walls and signage It is also free from traditional office norms For instance you donrsquot just walk over to your neighborrsquos space for a brainstorming sessionmdashyou skateboard At least you do if yoursquore Dave Nelson of SecretPenguin a leading experimental branding agency The best part is that the businesses surrounding SecretPenguin appreciate the break from tradition ldquoThatrsquos the beautiful part about being around like-minded good people and businessesrdquo Nelson says
CONTINUED ON 58
58 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 59
CONTINUED FROM 57
In addition to having pathways large enough to skateboard or bike through the space also provides Co-Labbers with a kitchen various conference rooms bike storage bathrooms and a battleground (otherwise known as the ping-pong table) Walking in the main doors clients and employees alike are greeted from the front desk while catching a view of the five-story open atrium basking in the glow of sunshine from the skylight Workers can also access the fitness room and rooftop deck sharing amenities with TipTop apartment residents who use a separate entrance
CONTINUED ON 60
The Harry A Koch CoInsurance amp Financial ConsultantsMember of First Insurance Group LLC
60 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
CONTINUED FROM 59
Businesses in Co-Lab all creativity-related range from entrepreneurs to start-ups to non-profits to small businesses The art varies in form but runs through the space like an electric current At Zicafoose Textiles Mary Zicafoose works steadily on her loom creating gorgeous tapestries 4Site Programming is where Joi Brown works as an independent consultant for performing arts centers across the nation Heartland B-Cycle a large-scale municipal bike sharing system brings art in the form of economical convenience Holly Boyer a founder of non-profit organization Mission Matters explains that one of the best things about having an office at Co-Lab is feeling the innovative positive energy from the moment you walk in the door So while individuals may join Co-Lab with a business-minded focus or a more creative vibe finding a yin to their yang is just a shout away
ldquoThere is certainly a wonderful built-in support network that comes along with working in a collaborative environmentrdquo quips Omaha Creative Institute Executive Director Emily Moody ldquoEverything from sharing ideas and finding ways to collaborate with an organization different than yours to sharing a staplerrdquo
At the heart of making it work says Laura Alley of Alley Poyner itrsquos simply playing well with others
The skateboarding ping-pong playing creatives do that well
B2B
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2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott Enterprises
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bull TD Ameritrade Parkbull First National Bank Towerbull Midtown Crossingbull Village Pointe Shopping Centerbull UNO Weber Fine Arts Buildingbull Childrenrsquos Hospital
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For more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
TD Ameritrade Park | First National Bank Tower | Midtown Crossing | Village Pointe | Childrenrsquos Hospital Aksarben Village | Joslyn Art Museum | Fred amp Pamela Buffett Cancer Center | UNO Community Arena
6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
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13
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
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- BB1015_fntCvr_125
- BB1015_fntEdit_125
- BB1015_bkEdit_125
- BB1015_bkCvr_125
-
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 05
2015 WinnerOm
aharsquos
Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
2014 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
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1601 Dodge StreetOmaha NE 681024025747224TSYSOmahacom
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06emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
publisher
TODD LEMKE
editor
DAVID WILLIAMS
associate editor
DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN
editorial intern
HALLE MASON
creative director
BILL SITZMANN
art director
KRISTEN HOFFMAN
senior graphic designer
RACHEL JOY
graphic designer
MATTHEW WIECZOREK
graphic design intern
MALINDA RATCLIFF
contributing
photographers
SCOTT DRICKEY
layout design
WEBSTER
operations
TYLER LEMKE
event director
ERIN COX
accounting
HOLLEY GARCIA-CRUZ
distribution manager
MIKE BREWER
B2B Magazine is published four times annually by Omaha Magazine LTD PO Box 461208 Omaha NE 68046-1208 Telephone (402) 884-2000 fax (402) 884-2001 Subscription rates $1295 for 4 issues (one year) $1995 for 8 issues (two years) Multiple subscriptions at different rates are available No whole or part of the contents herein may be reproduced without prior written permission of B2B Omaha Magazine excepting individually copyrighted articles and photographs Unsolicited manuscripts are accepted however no responsibility will be assumed for such solicitations
contributing writers
LEO ADAM BIGA APRIL CHRISTENSON ANTHONY FLOTT JASON FOX ANNA HENSEL ALLISON JANDA BEVERLY KRACHER ELIZABETH MACK DOUG SCHURING DEB WARD WENDY WISEMAN
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GREG BRUNS GIL COHEN KYLE FISHER ANGIE HALL GEORGE IDELMAN GWEN LEMKE
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402-884-2000
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OMAHAMAGAZINECOMSUBSCRIBE $1295 FOR ONE-YEAR (FOUR ISSUES)
OM
AHA MAGAZINErsquoS
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Omah
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B2B OMAHArsquoS
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402-571-4926
CO M M E R C I A Lbull Waste Disposalbull Rear Load Containersbull Front Load Containersbull Rec ycl ing
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aharsquos Business to Business M
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ine
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NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
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omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 07
DEPARTMENTS SPECIALemspSECTIONS
COLUMNS
FEATURES
TABLEemspOFemspCONTENTS
COVERemspFEATURE
09emsp FROM THE EDITOR Playing Big
26emsp OFFICE FURNITURE Office Origins
51emsp OMAHA CVB Husker Coach Has Tourism Twin
61emsp THE BRAND BRIEF The Language Of Brand Irrelevance
63emsp B4B TD2 Touts B4B
66emsp ETHICS Wicked Problems
34emsp BUY OMAHA PROFILES Cox Communications
35emsp THE FIRM DEAL REVIEW Playing Big Edition
22
28 5210 OUTLOOK NEBRASKAA Sight For Non-Seeing Eyes
SCISSORS amp SCOTCH Snip-Snip-Sip-Sip
YEAR OF THE STARTUPEntrpreneural Immersion
BALLET NEBRASKAA PAS DE DEUX BETWEEN BUSINESS AND THE ARTS
14emsp omAHA Ervin amp Smith
19emsp BRANDREBRAND Controlled Comfort
30emsp HOW I ROLL Whatrsquos That Thing
56emsp IN THE OFFICE Co-Lab
64emsp BIZ + GIVING Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew
08emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Who Will Be Votedthe Best of Omaha
Look for our December 2015special issue as we unveilyour cityrsquos newest roster ofldquoBestsrsquo in everything from
pizzza to plumbing
OM
AHA MAGAZINErsquoSOM
AHA MAGAZINErsquoS
BestOfOmahacom
OmahaHas Spoken
AND THE BALLOTS ARE IN
The Second AnnualOmaha Magazine
Best of Omaha FestivalUniversity of Nebraska at Omaha
Baxter Arena | Nov 21 2015
SAVE THE DATE
november 21
20
15
sec
ond annual
OM
AHA
MAGAZINErsquoS
KETV 7 bull BAXTER AREN
A
(402) 905 9511OmarEventscom
FacebookndashOmar Arts amp Events 4383 Nicholas Omaha NE 68131 Suite 230
The Newest Event Venue B lends Timeless Craf tsmanship with Every Amenity
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T 402-403-43343828 Dodge St bull Omaha NE 68131kschaphorstsandlercom
Karl SchaphorstOwner
Are you tired of wasting time bullpresenting to prospects that have no need bullpresenting to prospects that have no money bullpresenting to prospects that canrsquot make a decision
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omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 09
09
PLAYING BIGCompiling this issue of B2B magazine got me thinking about Scott Andersonrsquos 2013 book Playing Big In it the founder of Anderson Partners who is now the CEO of Doubledare speaks of forgetting your limitations and remembering the powerful person you are
Erika Overturff was 27 when she realized that the ballet company of which she was a member was doomed She was an artist a professionally trained dancer Business savvy Management skills An understanding of how to fund a new performance company Not so much
Overturff had a list of limitations a mile long but today she is a founding member and artistic director of Ballet Nebraska the regionrsquos only professional dance company as it enters its sixth season She discovered the powerful person that she was and with a lot of help in mentoring and connecting along the way shersquos learned to play big in elevating the cultural landscape of a city
Our cover story is not about a dance company so much as it is about a communityrsquos ability to get things done when its people and its businesses share a common vision Omaha has always been a special place one with a ldquocan dordquo spirit While other cities struggle we survive even thrive
Omaha knows how to play big
That theme is reflected throughout the stories on the pages that follow stories of creativity passion talentmdasheven faith
The same motif that of playing big is mirrored in The Firm Deal Review the magazine-within-a-magazine found beginning on page 35 No one setting out to purchase a business thinks small and the stories told by The Firm represent microcosms of the very definition of what it means to think dream and play big
Andersonrsquos book pays particular attention to smaller cultures which is fitting because most of the entities profiled in this magazine dwell in the arena of small business Itrsquos a strata where core values are perhaps most critical but how is it that even in the smallest of businesses the simple maxim of ldquostaying truerdquo can remain so very elusive
Read on to uncover what has worked for some of the most compelling entrepreneurs in Omaha
And donrsquot forget to play big
B2B
David Williams is editor of B2B a publication of Omaha Magazine LTD Williams can reached at davidomahamagazinecom
FROM THE EDITOR BY DAVID WILLIAMS
10emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Scissors amp Scotch Co-Owner Erik Anderson
Erik Anderson was new to Omaha and needed a haircut
A good one
The guy had a sales job and needed to look sharp But who to trust with his precious locksmdashsome chain
ldquoYou never know what kind of haircut yoursquore going to getrdquo Anderson says ldquoYou could get a great haircut or walk out of there looking like a doofus Irsquom not going to go that route
ldquoI started going to womenrsquos salons I knew I could trust themrdquo
SHAVE AND A HAIRCUTSNIP-SNIP-SIP-SIP
FEATURE | BY ANTHONY FLOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
10
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 11
That was two years ago Now Anderson gets his rsquodo done at his own placemdashScissors amp Scotch which opened in March at 2835 South 170th Plaza
As its name suggests therersquos much more to Scissors amp Scotch than just a great cut The new shop offers an upscale grooming experience featuring traditional barbering services (in plush old-school barber chairs) and modern spa treatments steamed towels hot lather neck shaves scalp neck shoulder and hand massages paraffin hand dips facial and skin services coloringshellipeven nose waxings Therersquos a shoe shine station on Thursdays And full body massages are on the way
All for dudes
Oh yeah and when customers are done one of five complimentary hand-crafted whiskey cocktails await them in a private lounge
ldquoTherersquos nothing like this right nowrdquo Anderson says ldquoI would put it up against any place in the country
ldquoItrsquos not just a haircut at Scissors amp Scotch itrsquos an experience We havenrsquot had one person come back and say lsquoThat was terriblersquo Most guys are like lsquoWow that was awesomersquordquo
Anderson didnrsquot do it all alone Hersquos equal partners with longtime friend Sean Finley whom he grew up with in Prairie Village Kansas and Tanner Wiles a friend he met at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where Anderson played baseball before earning his degree in 2011
Anderson later worked for Federated Insurance which moved him from Minneapolis to Omaha in April 2013 Thatrsquos when he first went looking for a haircut While researching his options Anderson saw that menrsquos grooming had become the fastest growing part of the beauty industry
ldquoThat really intrigued me and I got really excited about itrdquo
CONTINUEDemspONemsp12
12emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp11
Why not open his own place Anderson brought that idea to Finley and Wiles one night at a bar in early 2014 Not one of them had any experience in the grooming industry but the trio soon discussed the idea by group text message Then they met regularly working on documents and video conferencing via Google Hangouts Wiles worked in sales at Ambulatory Care in Kansas City Finley completed his law degree in Columbia Missouri (hersquos now a corporate attorney at Husch Blackwell in Kansas City)
They hammered out the concept of Scissors amp Scotch leveraged whatever assets they possessed at such tender ages (Finley and Wiles are 27 Anderson 26) and got an SBA loan In August 2014 they signed a lease at Shops of Legacy This March they opened with nine employees not counting themselves
104 5th St Fullerton NE 68638 308-550-0632 signdan170yahoocomSignCraftersMidwestcom
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EmbroideryPolos Jackets T-Shirts Hats amp More
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omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 13
Response exceeded expectations Six weeks after opening Scissors amp Scotch averaged 80 new clients per week and about 30 haircuts a day More than 60 percent of the customers opted for the $52 ldquo15-year servicerdquo (as in the age of fine Scotch) Its membership programmdashthe Scotch-inspired 10- 15- and 25-year packages with escalating benefits at each levelmdashwas expected to generate 100 sales the first year Scissors amp Scotch sold 90 the first month
ldquoItrsquos really encouragingrdquo Anderson says ldquoEach week wersquove done more haircuts than the previous week since we openedrdquo
And all of it by word-of-mouth advertising (though Scissors amp Scotch recently started advertising on AM 590)
ldquoIrsquove had a lot of guys say lsquoThis is Omaha Nebraska right This is something I expect to see in a Chicago or a New York or a Dallasrsquordquo
Thanks to Anderson Omaha it is
B2B
THANK YOU OMAHA
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BEST FLORISTldquoTaylor Maderdquo for ALL
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14emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
ldquoPeople need vacation to recharge and get inspired to continue to love what they dordquo she says ldquoA lot of times when you give people that break they come back more energized and with great ideas It makes them happier it makes us a better companyrdquo-HEIDI MOUSBACH
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 15
GOING TO THE DOGSERVIN amp SMITHrsquoS RELAXED AWARD-WINNING VIBE
OMAHA | BY ANTHONY FLOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Want to know how much fun it is to work at Omaha digital marketing firm Ervin amp Smith Just ask Peanut Gwen Duke or Daphne Jane
They wonrsquot talk to youhellipbut yoursquoll probably see their tails wagging
ldquoAny week we have probably a couple dogs in the officerdquo says Heidi Mausbach Ervin amp Smith president and CEO ldquoYou find them at your desk begging for a little treat They follow their owners around the agencyrdquo
The furry friends are there as one of many workplace benefits garnering Ervin amp Smith attention here and nationally In February the agency founded 31 years ago by Executive Chairman Doug Smith made the 2015 Best Places to Work in Omaha list sponsored by Baird Holm and the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce That came three months after Advertising Age ranked Ervin amp Smith number 13 on its list of 40 Best Places to Work in Advertising amp Media based on hiring practices benefits packages salaries office perks and more
ldquoYou spendhellipa good percentage of your life at workrdquo Mausbach says ldquoYou want to be at a place you love to come to People do love it here You donrsquot dread Monday morningrdquo
Even if yoursquore on vacationmdashwhich is unlimited at Ervin amp Smith as are sick and personal days The new leave policy established in January 2014 is among the most intriguing initiatives at the agency
ldquoPeople are free to come and go as long as they are fulfilling their client commitments and meeting their other goalsrdquo Mausbach says
So have employees been abusing the policy with copious vacation days Mausbach canrsquot saymdashErvin amp Smith isnrsquot tracking days If therersquos any challenge to the time-off policy itrsquos been with employees not taking enough personal time Mausbach who joined the agency 15 years ago was among those who took ldquoa lot lessrdquo vacation than she typically would
ldquoPeople need vacation to recharge and get inspired to continue to love what they dordquo she says ldquoA lot of times when you give people that break they come back more energized and with great ideas It makes them happier it makes us a better companyrdquo
While employees appreciate the flexibility the policy allows them to get away from work Ervin amp Smith has seen benefits in the officemdashless idle activity greater communication and collaboration and perhaps best of all fewer and shorter meetings as employees focus on goals and commitments
CONTINUEDemspONemsp16
15
16emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp15
The company also allows employees to work from home as needed or even full-time from cities across the country (one Ervin amp Smith employee lives in Washington another in Colorado) The company also established an annual ldquoSlush FUNdrdquo giving each employee $100 to spend on something that will enhance company culture such as a popcorn machine Some pooled their money to buy meditation classes open to everyone Others adopted a family at Christmas
Workplace enhancements can be simple A couple of years of ago the agency added a ping pong table Sometimes thatrsquos where the best work happens ldquoItrsquos interesting how their minds workrdquo Mausbach says ldquoA lot of times theyrsquore playing and brainstorming There are amazing ideas that come out of work and play at the same timerdquo
Other initiatives to enhance the Ervin amp Smith environment include redesigned offices an expanded client conference room
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 17
a per-person training budget more than twice the industry average catered lunches and happy hours and a monthly wellness stipend reimbursing employees up to $25 a month
The most popular benefit is Flame Schoedermdash a professional certified life coach made available for monthly development sessions
ldquoOf all the benefits they feel this is the one definitely helping them the most professionally and personallyrdquo Mausbach says
The initiatives seem to work Ervin amp Smith promoted 12 employees and hired 15 others last year Its retention rate in 2014 was 84 percent better than the typical industry rate of 70 percent or worse Mausbach cites
Ervin amp Smith is building employee relationships Perks are great People are better
Making Ervin amp Smith a doggone great place to work
B2B
8 ConsecutiveYears
Thanks Omaha for 30 Years2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
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A+ Rating20 Consecutive Years
Exceptional Event Space amp Catering
Wersquoll make your next event one to remember
6450 Pine Street | 402-778-6313ScottCentercom
17
18emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
ESPELITE SERVICE PROFESSIONALS
Superior quality exceptional service
If you are a CEO key executive or business owner call 4024017560
copy 2015 Vistage Worldwide Inc 14_261_3131 kkk
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Get answers Take action Like you the members of a Vistage Advisory Board are proven business leaders and critical thinkers They have smart ideas and insightful opinions and this is the forum to express them At our monthly meetings yoursquoll encounter lively discussions where business leaders tell it like it is If you find that refreshing then be our guest at our next monthly group meeting
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 19
Leo Costanzo Anne Taylor and Alan Hove of Controlled Comfort
BRANDREBRAND | BY ELIZABETH MACK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Jingle writers have done their job if they create an earwormmdasha song so catchy it sticks in your head and wonrsquot leave ldquoWhen I tell people I work at Controlled Comfort they immediately start singing the jinglerdquo says Alan Hove who along with co-owners Leo Costanzo and Anne Taylor purchased Controlled Comfort in 2004 ldquoItrsquos the best form of advertising we could ever hope forrdquo
CONTINUEDemspONemsp20
SINGING A HAPPY TUNEJINGLING ALL THE WAY
19
20emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
John Sievers
Businesses Are Buying SmarterThe All Makesrsquo team is trained to help you make design decisions and furniture purchases that fi t your offi ce atmosphere your work style and your budget Visit All Makesrsquo redesigned showroom to see the latest in new offi ce furniture pre-owned offi ce furniture and business technology
wwwallmakescom Omaha 2558 Farnam St | 4023412413 Lincoln 3333 O St | 4024777131
Thank you for voting us 1 for 10 consecutive years
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp19
Most people in the Omaha metro area are familiar with that animated female voice belting out ldquoControlled ComfortndashKeep it Under Controoooooolrdquo Many locals probably would not guess the companyrsquos logo (an angel) but could at least hum a few bars of the jingle Whether a catchy tune is annoying or enjoyable is a matter of opinion but once that musical worm has worked its way into your psyche you are forced to remember the product which is exactly what advertisers hope for
When companies change ownership one major decision is whether or not to maintain the same brand image and the current owners of Controlled Comfort knew they wanted things to stay pretty much the same when they took ownership
ldquoWe love our jinglerdquo says Taylor ldquoWhen we purchased the company we knew we wanted to maintain the image and keep the logo and jingle We couldnrsquot ask for a better form of advertisingrdquo
Research shows that music increases recall and simple melodies with simple lyrics stick with a consumer not only for the short term but often the long-term Remember ldquoI Wish I Were an Oscar Meyer Weinerrdquo Even if it has been years since you have actually heard it chances are you can still sing the entire song Controlled Comfortrsquos brand may not be as huge as Oscar Meyerrsquos but their jingle has stood the test of time being sung on local radio and TV for nearly 20 years with no end in sight
Taylor recounts how in the mid-1990s local musician Johnny Ray Gomez produced the jingle for a radio spot
ldquoThe previous owners purchased a year of radio advertising and it came with a jinglerdquo Taylor says
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
THANKS OMAHA
Embroidery middot Screen Printing middot Promotional Digital Printing middot Mailing middot Company Stores
13747 F St 4025961002 ideal-imagescom
ldquoWhen we purchased the company we knew we wanted to maintain the image and keep the logo and jingle We couldnrsquot ask for a better form of advertisingrdquo-ANNE TAYLOR
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 21
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
At the time they had no idea they did not retain exclusive rights to the melody
ldquoI just recently heard the song while I was traveling in western Nebraska It was quite a shockrdquo she adds with a laugh
Branding is all about creating an image of a business that will stick in a customerrsquos mind Though most businesses rely on visual advertising to create their brand jingles can be an additional way to increase awareness and create staying power People often remember a catchy tune Throw the company name and their phone number in the jingle lyrics and customers may not even need to look up the contact information
ldquoIf I forget the phone number I just sing the jinglerdquo says one local customer
Though original jingles declined in recent years as more large companies turn to popular songs for their advertising a few local companies still spend at least some marketing dollars on jingles Whether you think it annoying or catchy a jingle may be your best advertising investment
B2B
4023333062 | planitomahacom | 10832 old mill road suite 5 | omaha ne 68154
planitomaha A national and
regional powerhouse in
meetings conferences amp
events
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
22emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 2
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 23
How is it that Midlands Choice has come to make an investment in of all things a ballerina
Sure the bottom line of any insurance entity is driven by risk managementmdashthe investing of premium revenues to hedge against claims
But taking stock in Claire Goodwillie a company dancer with Ballet Nebraska
The Midlands Choice example is repeated all across the metro as area businesses support a broad array of arts nonprofits ones that dwell in everything from tutus to tempura
And the table is set for a new era of collaboration between business and the arts because philanthropic giving in America has finally returned to pre-recession levels
Contributions which totaled $358 billion in 2014 surpassed 2007rsquos pre-recession level of $355 billion Additionally giving was up from all major sourcesmdashindividuals corporations foundations and bequestsmdashaccording to Giving USA an annual report compiled by the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and the Giving USA Foundation of Chicago
ldquoEight out of nine types of charitable organizations we measure saw increased contributions and thatrsquos good news for the
BALLET NEBRASKAA PAS DE DEUX BETWEEN BUSINESS AND THE ARTS
philanthropic sector as a wholerdquo W Keith Curtis told Omaha Magazine in an email Curtis is chair of Giving USA Foundation and president of the nonprofit consulting firm The Curtis Group ldquoThe 60-year high for charitable giving in 2014 is a great story about resilience and perseverancerdquo
Themes of resilience and perseverance define the Ballet Nebraska story
Erika Overturff was 27 years old when the ballet company of which she was a dancer and resident choreographer appeared doomed She had no money She had no business acumen
That was 2009 Flash forward to 2015 and Overturff now 33 founder and artistic director of Ballet Nebraska is leading the regionrsquos only professional dance company into its sixth season
In a city known for its ldquocan-dordquo spirit this story could be about almost any local arts nonprofit but the unlikely saga of Ballet Nebraska is told here because it is perhaps the most improbable of tales one that best reveals what a business community and the arts can do when they share a common vision
CONTINUEDemspONemsp24
BY DAVID WILLIAMS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
23COVERemspFEATURE
24emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp23
Like settling into your seat with a program before the lights dim at any performing arts venue itrsquos probably best to start by reviewing the cast of characters
THE CONNECTORHal Daub knows people Especially in a city of six degrees of separation that is in reality much more like two or three degrees the former Omaha mayor (1995-2001) and US Congressman (1981-1989) who has served on countless nonprofit boards and is now a partner at Husch Blackwellhellipknows people
ldquoWhen I was first introduced to Hal and he offered to helprdquo Overturff says ldquoI assumed that meant he was going to maybe make a few calls and do a little name-droppingrdquo Daub it turned out would become a key player in the often delicate pas de deux that is the coupling of business and the arts ldquoHe not only made those calls but he set up the appointmentshellipand then he came along to personally introduce me and stand by my side in front of those who would become some of the most generous funders of Ballet Nebraskardquo
ldquoThe reason I am so fascinated by what Erika has donerdquo says Daub ldquois that Omaha is a city that has clearly evolved to become a place that is not just metropolitan but truly cosmopolitanrdquo And investing in the arts Daub believes makes good business sense ldquoThe social environment of a citymdashits arts and entertainmentmdashis critical in attracting and retaining the best workforce Ballet Nebraska Opera Omaha the Omaha Symphony Omaha Performing Artshellipthose and so many others are the organizations that help keep the best talent in Omahardquo
THE ADVOCATEMichelle Clark is Union Pacificrsquos general director of information technologies which means she probably knows more than a little about computer viruses As a three-year board member of Ballet Nebraska shersquos also seen how supporting the arts can go viral
ldquoEmployee generosity is furthered by the use of the companyrsquos matching gifts programrdquo Clark explains ldquoThis creates a sense of pride for employees and Union Pacific is supportive of the communities in which we live and work The employees of Union Pacific are very generous and have supported fundraising drives not only for Ballet Nebraska but a number of organizations such as the Womenrsquos Center for Advancement and JDRFrdquo
Employees should never underestimate their power to play a key role in advocating for nonprofits within their organizations
ldquoI am passionate about the art of dance especially ballet and Ballet Nebraskardquo Clark says ldquoDance inspires my creativity and provides insights to see beyond the obvious My hope is that by providing individuals with the awareness of opportunities to experience and support the art of dance they will find their own inspiration to apply to their own liferdquo
And just as stubborn computer viruses are often cloyingly messy to eradicate once discovered Union Pacificrsquos relationship with Ballet Nebraska has a ldquostickinessrdquo of its own Clark was preceded on the Ballet Nebraska board by Gayla Thal the companyrsquos senior vice president and general counsel
THE BULLDOGDonrsquot let the gentle demeanor of Midlands Choice vice president Greta Vaught fool you Supporting the arts is often a visceral experience and Vaughtrsquos passion for dance exerted itself on multiple levels in the early stages of growth at Ballet Nebraska
ldquoMidlands Choice has always been supportive of my work in the communityrdquo says the board chair of Ballet Nebraska
ldquoWe like to listen to our people when making such decisionsrdquo says Midlands Choice President and CEO Thomas E Press rdquoIt is important for us to know that our giving has real meaning for them their families and their communitiesrdquo
ldquoI looked at what Erika was trying to dordquo Vaught continues ldquoand I thought it was brave but impossible But all along the way I just kept going back to the thought that if one of my daughters [Mia now 15 and Hannah now 19] wanted to try something so bold one day thatrdquohellipinsert long pausehellipldquoIrsquom sorry this is making me cry I would just hope that people with experience and connections and dollars would shepherd my daughters along like so many people have done with Erika and Ballet Nebraskardquo
Okay so maybe ldquoThe Bulldogrdquo wasnrsquot such a great character name for this role after all
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 25
Fast-Paced Public Relations
Customer-Based Planning and Communications
402-964-9293 11626 Nicholas Street
zaisscocom
For the Connected World
Every story Every tweet Every interaction
PR is vital to your bottom line now more than ever
Join the world of innovative PR ndash partner with experts
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Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Best PR Agency 7 Years Running
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
THE ARTISTldquoI had to do a lot of on-the-job learning when I decided to try to launch a dance companyrdquo Overturff says ldquoWe were lucky in that we got our nonprofit status right away but I didnrsquot know anything about the business side of things and really nothing about raising funds I was moved by every $5 check that came in but it took a lot of mentoring advice and counsel to get us to where we are today as a fully funded professional performance companyrdquo
Ballet Nebraska now has a paid staff of 22 including nine salaries paid to company dancers Today Overturffrsquos once-nonexistent business connections run deep Personal contributions from the likes of philanthropists Richard Holland and Fred and Eve Simon further fuel the growth of ballet in Omaha Foundations also play a major role in funding A recent gift of $124000 from the Iowa West Foundation is the largest in Ballet Nebraska history
ldquoTalented professionals from all over the world that have trained their whole lives to pursue a career in dance now come to Omaha in the hopes of performing with Ballet Nebraska as we serve the state and western Iowa in performances education outreach and morerdquo she says ldquoA ballet companymdashany performing arts company any arts organizationmdashis about its peoplehellipthe artists the staff and hardworking selfless volunteers But it is the people of Omaha from the smallest donations to the relationships we have with such great businesses that makes it all happenrdquo
B2B
26emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
26OFFICE FURNITURE BY DOUG SCHURING
OFFICE ORIGINS
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE MODERN WORKPLACE
For all the time we spend in our office very few of us are familiar with how that space came to be You may actually be surprised by the events and inventions that helped form the work environment we know today From the development of the railroad to innovations in communication our current corporate habits structures and tools have all played a role In his book CubedmdashA Secret History of the Workplace Nikil Saval shapes the advances that created the conventional office we are familiar with today
The advent of the Morse telegraph spawned long-distance communication Then starting in 1860 a series of technological innovations changed the possibilities of the workplace the use of iron framework permitted the construction of taller buildings and elevators assisted the climb The Remington typewriter entered the office in 1874 Bellrsquos telephone was patented two years later
At the same time railroads expanded across the country reducing transportation costs and extending markets for goods and services Additionally railroads produced an organizational transformation still in use today The coordination of trains required employees housed in structures all across the country bringing a variety of offices to the American landscape Between the executive the manager and the workerhellipthe organizational chart was born
The invention of telecommunications fostered the speed of information to surge creating more
Doug Schuring is the director of sales administration at All Makes Office Equipment Co
work and subsequently more workers As these workers moved into new structures the spaces reflected their various levels of management In 1915 the Metal Office Furniture Company (now Steelcase) invented the modern deskmdasha flat metal table outfitted with file drawers The new desks massed together in defined rows offered managers full visual access to the goings-on of the workplace and this ldquosea of desksrdquo became the norm for decades Lockers and various cabinets popular in the Great Depression era became vertical files once steel became readily available after World War II
In 1968 Herman Miller introduced the first panel system with attached components Designed by Robert Propst the Action Office system revolutionized the ldquoofficerdquo in form flexibility and cost Other furniture manufacturers mimicked the modular system which became the norm for many businesses
Up to the rsquo90s the personal computerrsquos popularity grew and the relative size of work stations decreased between 25-50 percent By the middle of that decade the dot-com revolution on the West Coast created an unprecedented workplace culture The formal atmosphere of the office became much more casual and discontent for the Dilbert-esque cubicle grew Subsequently creative furniture solutions evolved with the desire to be more mobile leading the way
In the early 2000rsquos collaborative open offices grew in popularity New and improving
technologies now offer connectivity in the office home or public spaces As a result nearly every company today is adapting and using new furnishings as a tool to attract new workers At the same time retaining existing employees is equally important The goal is to make everyone more effective and efficient in their work
Whether you work in an office from home in the local coffee shop or out of an airline terminal you may start to notice that much of the furniture is beginning to look very similar As long as you are able to connect to technology you can work from virtually anywhere
B2B
SEPTEMBER 24 2015 Ralston Arena7300 Q Street
Ralston NE 68127
CONNECT MARKET SUCCEED
Looking for INNOVATIVE MARKETING IDEAS Want to BOOST SALES AND ADD ROI Need to ANALYZE DATA TO GROW MARKET SHARE
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omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 27
28emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Outlook Nebraska CEO Eric Stueckrath
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 29
On the surface it looks just like any other office or factory As you enter Outlook Nebraska Inc (ONI) yoursquore greeted by a friendly front desk attendant and led past a perfectly ordinary-looking workspace Entering their factory where they manufacture such paper products as rolls of hand towels you wouldnrsquot suspect that it is different from any other assembly line
But explore a little deeper
Walking past one office you might see a man typing away on a keyboard his laptop closed in front of him He doesnrsquot need it open to know what hersquos typing Hersquos visually impaired and utilizing computer software that reads the words aloud as he types
On the factory floor raised edges guard the walkway so sightless employees can feel their way around Over on the assembly line visually impaired workers can use a computer screen to zoom in on the product at various stages of production to assess the process
ONI is a non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance the life of the blind and visually impaired through employment opportunities and training Almost all the employees at ONI are blind or visually impaired from factory workers to IT professionals Some were born blind others lost their sight later in life ONI aims to help them all re-enter the workforce in a meaningful way
A SIGHT FOR NON-SEEING EYES
OUTLOOK NEBRASKA
ldquoThey get used to being on their feetrdquo says ONI CEO Eric Stueckrath ldquoWe offer jobs for [people with] entry-level skill sets and all of the positions are at or above minimum wage We give them the tools to help build those skill setsrdquo
ONI also offers personalized life-skills training geared to whatrsquos important to the individual from personal banking to cooking to operating a computer
The American Foundation for the Blind estimates that as many as 70 percent of blind adults in the US are unemployed As the largest employer of the blind in the Omaha metro area ONI is working to make an impact
ldquoWe work with organizations that are committed to hiring the visually impairedrdquo Stuekrath says ldquoAdvocacy is definitely part of what we dordquo
ONI is currently in the midst of a $2 million capital campaign that will allow them to complete a large-scale renovation project at their facility The renovation will create more space for the general public and give them the ability to offer additional training programs
In addition to working with adults blind and visually-impaired youth are a primary focus for Stuekrath and ONI
ldquoMy heart really gravitates toward themrdquo Stuekrath says
ONI partners with youth organizations on a number of initiatives including a sports camp for visually-impaired youth called Camp Abilities Nebraska Attendees can try archery swimming bowling track and field and more as a means to build confidence
ldquoThey donrsquot need to be coddledrdquo Stuekrath says adding that he often tells parents of blind children ldquoYour kid needs to get out there and bump his head and experience liferdquo
At ONI everything comes back to the organizationrsquos mission Stuekrath says
ldquoWe give them the tools they need to gain greater independencerdquo
B2B
FEATURE | BY APRIL CHRISTENSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY COLIN CONCES
29
30emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Layne and Pam Yahnke and Their VW Thing
Shakespeare wrote of love and betrayal Tolkien of hobbits and wizards Steinbeck and Faulkner of the indomitable American spirit
Layne Yahnke writes about his VW Thing
Yes the two-wheel-drive off-road convertible military vehicle first manufactured for the West German Army as ldquoType 181rdquo in 1968 VW churned them out until 1983 including two years in the United States when marketed as ldquoThe Thingrdquo
Yahnke got his Thing in 2000 for $5500 Hersquos lovingly restored it most importantly giving it a peppy new motor that makes it Autobahn-worthy
WHATrsquoS THAT THING
LANE YAHNKErsquoS UNUSUAL VOLKSWAGEN
HOW I ROLL | BY ANTHONY FLOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Therersquos only one other Thing in Omaha and Yahnkersquos gets lots of second and third looks when hersquos whipping down the Dodge Street Expressway from his Elkhorn home Especially when the doors are off and windshield is down
Everyone wants to know abouthellipthe Thing
Thus Yahnke penned ldquoIt Takes a Village to Build a VW Thingrdquo an ode to those who helped him with his beloved ridemdashhis sons Omaha VW Club members engine and body shops and parts stores
CONTINUEDemspONemsp32
30
SIGN UP TODAYdolnebraskagovsides
Questions phone - 402-471-9910 email - ndoluisidesnebraskagov
Sign up now for a free paperless way to return unemployment insurance information
Submit separation information online
Free - No postage costsno sign-up fee
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E-Response saves treesNo more paper 350rsquos
Keep your taxes lowAvoid unnecessary charges
Avoid Late responses ampLoss of appeal rights
32emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Locally Owned in Papillion Ne402-740-0800 bull apconstructomahacom
Insurance claims
welcomeIf your roof sustained fire snow or hail
damage the repairs can be costly We are your wind and hail damage experts and accept insurance claims so you wonrsquot
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Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
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Steve Kowalski
Call or Text Message(402 ) 453-6000
abetterexposurecom steveabetterexposurecom
Passion Creativity Experience
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp31
ldquoI wrote that right after the engine transplantrdquo says Yahnke an Omaha native and vice president at Essex Corp provider of senior living communities ldquoI guess I was moved I get so many inquiries about it and I really feel so fondly about itrdquo
Itrsquos not his first Thing Yahnke and his wife of 38 years Pam owned one before their four children came along As the kids have come and gone so have the cars
Lots of them
Yahnke figures he has owned 60 automobiles in his life His car fancy began as a kid growing up in Dundee where a friendrsquos dad spent his spare time restoring English cars Yahnke spent hours in his garage and developed a love for Triumphs and MGs His first car purchase was a 1962 Triumph for $425 in 1972 It wasnrsquot long though until he sold it at a profit
ldquoThatrsquos what kicked off the buying and selling of English carsrdquo he says ldquoI discovered I could enjoy my transportation but then as soon as someone wanted to buy it for more than I paid for it out it wentrdquo
ldquoWhere Accounting Meets ResultsrdquoProviding Accounting and Quickbooks Services
For Metro Businesses
Denise Martin I 9252077634Deniseheartlandaccountabilitycom
wwwHeartlandAccountAbilitycom
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 33
These days you never know what will be parked in the Yahnke driveway Currently therersquos a Honda pickup a VW Jetta VW Multivan and a 2001 Audi TT Quatro Convertiblemdashpurchased in apropos silver for his 25th wedding anniversary
Itrsquos the Thing he most enjoys driving He logs about 1000 miles on it each year Most of those have come toplessmdashYahnke long ago gave it away to another Thing enthusiast and now only drives it sans roof
ldquoAnyone who sees this car has only seen it top-downrdquo he says ldquoI just got caught once in the rain and that was probably a month ago The cool thing about the Thing is you leave it out in the sun and it dries out and is ready to gordquo
It says ldquoSummer is hererdquo Yahnke says
ldquoPeople speed up all the time to try to figure out what it is Itrsquos just a happy car and itrsquos so darn versatile It puts smiles on peoplesrsquo facesrdquo
B2B
Quality Carpet Cleaning Since 2004
4026806523
Cleaning ServicesCarpet CleaningUpholstery CleaningMattress CleaningTile amp Grout CleaningPet TreatmentsConcrete CleaningConcrete CleaningAuto Interior Cleaning24 Hour Water Damage
wwwLegacyCarpetCleaningcom
omahamagazinecom SPECIALemspADVERTISINGemspSECTIONemspemsp |emsp SUMMERemsp2015emsp |emsp 34
ABOUT OUR BUSINESS
Cox Business started in 2000 as the commercial services division of Cox Communications Over the past 15 years we have experienced strong growth and are on our target to achieve $2 billion in revenue in the near future
Cox Business owns operates and maintains its own network providing leading-edge technology solutions for voice internet networking and digital TV We also offer robust business continuity and disaster recovery solutions which is of increasing importance to businesses in the greater Omaha area Our customers include such key verticals as education hospitality government and healthcare We maintain a significant focus on Omaha small business mid-markets and large local companies as well
We consider our employees to be our most precious asset as they have the responsibility of taking care of our customers At Cox Business we are fortunate to have an extremely tenured and engaged team of employees What sets us apart from our competition is the fact that while we are a large robust and progressive company we still possess
the nimbleness of a smaller company in our ability to deliver creative solutions under tight timelines We pride ourselves on having very little bureaucracy and that translates to happy customers The fact that Cox Business has won 15 JD Power Awards for customer satisfaction over the past 11 years is a notable accomplishment for us and we work hard to deliver on that promise of excellence every day
ABOUT LYNNE
I have led sales and operations teams in the communications industry for 20 years 10 of those years with Cox Communications My husband Pat and I just celebrated our first full year in Omaha and wonder why it took us so long to find this jewel of a community Our daughter Kaylin starts law school next month at the University of San Diego
I have two passions in my professional life mentoring employees who are working on leadership development (which includes working with two to three emerging leaders at any given time) and continuing to drive efforts in hiring fostering a diverse workforce There
is a challenge in STEM fields of under-represented groups My company Cox Communications is also very passionate about this and holds the distinction of inclusion in Diversity Incrsquos top 50 companies
My personal passions include travel social media and Italian cooking
B2B
COX BUSINESSLYNNE SANGIMINO
Cox Business 401 N 117th St Omaha NE 68154 coxbusinesscom 4029340830
Cradickrsquos Husker PowerTEXAN RETURNS HOME FOR BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY PG 8
Marlon Lofgren Koley Jessen PC LLOKEEPING THE FOCUS WHERE IT BELONGS PG 4
Seasoned Advice for Buyers(THE BOUNCY KIND) PG 5
PLAYING BIG EDITION
Fall
2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
2
Volume 1 Issue 5
Published by The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
PresidentEditor bull Cortney Sells
DirectorAssistant Editor bull Cassandra Powers
In-House Legal Counsel bull Susanne Miller
Outreach Coordinator bull Rene Rademacher
Marketing Development bull Rachael Rand
Business Broker bull Breann Becerra
Referring Broker bull Elizabeth Jones
Marketing Division bull Adam Jaime
Development Liaison bull Holley Garcia
Client Services bull Nycole Wandvik-Tolle
Client Services bull Julie OrsquoBrien
Community Relations bull Mike Sells
Contributing Writers
Marlon Lofgren bull Kathy Rygg bull Maureen Tierney
Design bull OBI Creative
Photography bull Bill Sitzmann
To Subscribe
The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
210 N 78 St
Omaha NE 68114
4029985288
infothefirmb2bcom
Advertising Inquiries
4028842000
toddomahamagazinecom
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Columns
4 Seller Financing
Koley Jessen PC LLO Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
14 Executive Impact Getting Into the Big Office
Departments
5 Seasoned Advice for
Business Buyers (The Bouncy Kind)
12 Building a Legacy while
Building Racks New Chapter to Becklerrsquos Career
The Bottom Line
Sells Insights
Playing Big
Husker PowerTexan returns home to
Nebraska for business opportunity
pg8
Many business owners have marginal experience in the trades in which their
organizations specialize While it may seem counterintuitive to buy or start a company situated around an industry in which one has little experience there is a certain com-petitive edge to the equation A buyer or president need only know enough to begin before surrounding him or herself with the right personnel to tackle the minute details What is paramount is the grander scheme of
management and operations which allows one to flex refined business acumen Not only does distance from fieldwork free up time to put in place a robust and refined plan but it leaves open other avenues for portfolio expansion Grow your business expand operations or begin other busi-ness ventures The possibilities are only as small as the mindset held by your team The FIRM
Special Section
7 Fresh Off The Firm The Firm Business Brokerage has
over $80 million dollars in assets under
management of current cash flowing
businesses for sale ndash from medical
practices to commercial services to large
manufacturing companies
by Cortney Sells presidenteditor
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
3Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
4
IF PROPERLY STRUCTURED AND DOCUMENTED SELLER FINANCING IS REALLY NO DIFFERENT FROM FINANCING THAT WOULD OTHERWISE BE PROVIDED BY A BANKTYING IT ALL TOGETHEREven the most savvy of ldquonumbers peoplerdquo need a leg up in negotiating a purchase As with so many aspects of doing business retaining experienced legal counsel enables you to keep the focus where it belongsmdashemploying your entrepreneurial skills in the identification and acquisition of profitable business ventures The FIRM
Seller Financing Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
written by Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
Seller financing can often be a criti-cal factor in getting a business sold
If properly structured and documented seller financing is really no different from financing that would otherwise be provided by a bank Below is a brief guide to navi-gating the issues normally encountered in seller financing
FIRST THINGS FIRSTThe first question is usually that of how to structure and document the financing The buyer should be expected to sign a prom-issory note evidencing the loan from the seller with interest and repayment terms mutually agreeable to both parties The seller might also require that the buyer grant the seller a security interestlien in the pur-chased assets to secure the loan Itrsquos also not unusual for a seller to require that the individual owners of the buyer (assuming the buyer is an entity) personally guarantee the loan In most cases the documents are usually pretty straightforward and do not need to be overly complicated
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
ADDITIONAL LAYERSIf a bank is also financing the sale the seller will most likely be required by the bank to sign a subordination agreement This is an agreement between the bank usually referred to as the ldquosenior lenderrdquo and the seller referred to as the ldquojunior lenderrdquo A subordination agreement sets forth the terms between the lenders as to each entityrsquos right to receive loan pay-ments from the buyer and the priority of their respective security interestsliens in the purchased assets The document will usually state that the senior lenderrsquos loan and security interestliens shall at all times be superior to those of the junior lender until the senior loan is paid in full Most lenders are willing to discuss and negoti-ate the junior lenderrsquos right to receive loan payments from the borrower Lien priority status however is rarely compromised by senior lenders in subordination agreements The senior lender will insist on having a first priority security interestlien in the pur-chased assets
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Whether yoursquore a first-time entre-preneur or an experienced business
owner purchasing a company is a critical investment financially and emotionally To help increase the likelihood of it being a success in both areas there are a number of aspects to keep in mind when evaluating if a business is the right fit gt
Seasoned Advice for Business Buyers(The Bouncy Kind)
written by Kathy Rygg
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Jerry Rachwalik
5Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
6
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
lt Jerry Rachwalik has been researching companies for the past three years waiting for the right opportunity to arise His search was the result of spending his career work-ing for larger organizations in a number of areas including delivery installation cus-tomer service inventory accounts receiv-ables and scheduling where he managed up to 35 people at a time
Policies and philosophies can change when working for a corporation Sometimes they become less family friendly ldquoWith the previous companies I worked forrdquo Rachwalik says ldquothey switched from caring about em-ployees to making money and the bottom line I stuck it out for several years and then decided I needed something differentrdquo
An entrepreneur by nature Rachwalik has over the last seven years built up a rental business buying foreclosed homes and duplex properties completely reno-vating them and then renting them back out He now has 15 properties and enjoys helping families by providing nice homes that are affordable ldquoI want people to feel good when they come home at night after a long day at workrdquo he says Rachwalik want-ed to find a business that allowed him the flexibility to respond to his tenants when needed from simple plumbing issues to furnaces going kaput
When he first started looking for a new business Rachwalik was drawn to home health care because of his experience help-ing to take care of relatives And it was a growing field Nothing was available at the time so he expanded his options and be-gan researching businesses in a variety of industries Those included a flooring com-pany sandwich shop and even a hair salon
ldquoI was open to anything and if I could make the numbers work then I would consider itrdquo he explains
Then The Firm Business Brokerage pre-sented him with an opportunity that was the right match Bounce U in Omaha There were a number of factors that appealed to Rachwalik First and foremost were the financials but it would also offer him the flexibility he needed for his rental business A big advantage was that an entire team was already in place one seasoned in man-aging staff and scheduling parties ldquoThey do a great jobrdquo he says ldquoI donrsquot plan on making any personnel changesrdquo
But what hersquos most looking forward to with this new venture is the fun positive environment Bounce Ursquos primary business is its birthday party packages featuring the companyrsquos oversized inflatibles and Rachwalik said he canrsquot wait to watch the excitement on the kids faces when they walk through the door ldquoEveryone there is happyrdquo he says ldquoThe kids are happy the parents are happy and the employees running the parties are happy Itrsquoll be a big change from the environments I used to work inrdquo Hersquos already planning to have his twin grand-daughtersrsquo birthday party there too
His transition included a week of training with the companyrsquos corporate facility in Ari-zona as well as on-site training Even though the Omaha location is an existing store all of Rachwalikrsquos training was structured as though itrsquos a brand new site
Bounce U has traditionally partnered with local restaurants to provide food for birth-day parties but Rachwalik wants to explore the option to build a kitchen of his own
He also hopes to continue to grow the business by at least 5 annually ldquoAnything I do I will communicate with my employees and get their input and suggestions firstrdquo he adds
For anyone who is considering buying a business or is going through the process Rachwalik stresses to be open minded and not rule anything out ldquoIf an opportunity is presented to you run the numbers and see if you can make it workrdquo he says ldquoI did a complete flip-flop on the type of business I thought I wanted versus what I ended up purchasing But if you keep looking yoursquoll eventually find a matchrdquo The FIRM
ldquoTHE KIDS ARE HAPPY THE PARENTS ARE HAPPY AND THE EMPLOYEES RUNNING THE PARTIES ARE HAPPY ITrsquoLL BE A BIG CHANGE FROM THE ENVIRONMENTS I USED TO WORK INrdquo
-Jerry Rachwalik
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Fresh Off The Firm Featured Listings for Sale
Suburban Bar amp Grill with VolleyballOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $26413 PRICE $115000
Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity in an area with only two other bars nearby Serving up a gorgeous and well-maintained volleyball court along with pool tables and a jukebox this bar and grill is a favorite with the locals Business is fully staffedmdashowner works very part time hours
Rain Gutter Sales amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $145200 PRICE $415000
This business is a dealer for high-end rain gutter covers These products are con-structed of high-quality aluminum and sur-gical-grade stainless steel and are strong enough to hold up to four feet of snow or 20 pounds of debris Profit margin is 48
Large-Scale Assembly amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $743732 PRICE $2200000
This well-established installation and assembly business in central Nebraska prides itself on providing many numerous building solutions for businesses and building owners in their area They install and assemble metal frames including grain silos pole barns and buildings
Photo Booth Business Running on Autopilot OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $36419 PRICE $88900
Photo booths are the ldquoin thingrdquo at weddings and parties In business for seven years this business is one of the largest in town Wedding couples hoping to capture the fun memories of the day make up 67 of the clients Includes four booths and one trailer
Southwest Omaha Dental PracticeOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $129745 PRICE $380000
Professional staff and excellent customer service are the hallmarks of this practice Using the latest technology the business offers an array of dental services including teeth cleaning veneers crowns bleaching and trauma services The owner is currently working only 20 hours a week
Small Animal Vet Clinic in Omaha OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $158287 PRICE $440000
For over 30 years this animal care clinic has prioritized customer care They are currently offering services to over 2000 families and are the second largest veterinary clinic in the area The business is split 7030 between dogs and cats
Buildersrsquo Material amp Supply CompanyOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $364880 PRICE $933000
This highly reputable company established in 1976 and located just north of Omaha provides quality and reliable services and supplies Building supply inventory includes garage door lumber windows trims siding roofing materials and more Approximately 90 of customers are repeat clientele
High-Growth Plumbing Company OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $157774 PRICE $445000
This non-union plumbing company has consistent growth of over $130000 a year in sales The full service plumbing contractor has business that is currently 50 commercial and 50 residential
90+ available business opportunities for sale Please visit TheFirmBusinessBrokeragecom for details
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
7Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
Matt Cradick
The Deal ReviewReason For Sale Fresh start after 25+ years in the industrySeller Transition Period Over eight monthsType of Sale Asset Purchase AgreementLender Access Bank Mack LaRock
ldquoYOU SHOULD INTERVIEW FOR A BUSINESS JUST LIKE YOU
WOULD FOR A JOBrdquo CRADICK EXPLAINS ldquoIT HAS TO BE THE
RIGHT FIT YOU DONrsquoT WANT TO BE ONE OF THE MANY FA-
TALITIES THAT HAPPEN SO OFTEN IN NEW BUSINESSrdquo
-Shaun Heldt
From Retail to RoofingHow to be Successful When Buying a Business
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Spending almost 20 years working in retail for major corporations and then
buying a siding and roofing contracting company may seem like a major leap but for Matt Cradick owner of Husker Ham-mer Siding Windows and Roofing it was the best business move hersquos ever made And thatrsquos saying a lot for someone who moved 11 times in 19 years across nine different states
Cradick had been living in Houston Texas where he worked for Target Corporation He had worked his way up through the com-pany and another promotion was on the horizon which meant another move With three young children at home Cradick de-cided it was time to put down some roots Having grown up in Lincoln Nebraska he wanted to be near family and Midwestern values He started researching businesses for sale and was eventually led to The Firm which in turn led him to Husker Hammer
The move from a big corporate environ-ment to a small contracting business didnrsquot intimidate Cradick With Target he oversaw 200 people so he knew he brought strong management and operational skills The challenge he says was learning the ins and outs of construction He didnrsquot need to be the one hammering away on the roofmdashhe needed learn a new business segment
ldquoSwitching industries can be nerve-rack-ingrdquo Cradick says ldquobut the owner was will-ing to stay on board for six months during the transitionrdquo That partnership was an invaluable tool during the changeover gt
A Publication of The Firm Business BrokerageA Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
9Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
10
lt Husker Hammer was started in 1998 as a one-man operation and had been built up to a multimillion dollar business Cradick was impressed with the mission statement values system of the company and the strong workforce that was already in place And the price of the company lined up well with the financials ldquoWhat Husker has that others in the industry donrsquotrdquo says the man whose faith is central to his deal-ings ldquois a strong ethical foundation with a Christian backgroundrdquo
There were a number of other elements Cradick sought when buying his business ones he believes all potential business own-ers need to keep in mind The first is to make sure you have a proper support team in place to help make a sound financial deci-sion That includes having a good business valuation and a good business broker who can point you in the right direction to ensure a match for both parties
Once yoursquore in the process of purchasing he adds make sure you have a capable net-work of attorneys a seasoned financial team and solid internal help to ensure yoursquore suc-cessful from the start ldquoYou should interview
for a business just like you would for a jobrdquo Cradick explains ldquoIt has to be the right fit You donrsquot want to be one of the many fatal-ities that happen so often in new businessrdquo
To help ensure the company continues to be successful Cradick plans to main-tain Husker Hammerrsquos competitive edges which he says includes his 11000-sq-ft state-of-the-art showroom in Elkhorn He reformatted the space to better fit his busi-ness model before building out additional second-floor space that is now rented to other entrepreneurs
The showroom features all of the window siding and roofing products available to customers Samples are one thing Cradick says but he knows the power of customers seeing actual colors in actual sizes
ldquoOur philosophy is to build peace of mind for homeowners and be with them every step through the processrdquo he says ldquoWord of mouth is our number one lead source which was true in retail as wellrdquo
Happy employees to Cradick are just as important as happy customers He sub-scribes to a simple philosophymdashlistening to employees and doing so with respect
ldquoWith big corporations you deal with a lot of politicsrdquo he says ldquoNow if therersquos politics itrsquos because Irsquove generated it Itrsquos a nice change to be in a small business where you have more leeway to ensure yoursquore creating a positive work environment which creates a happy workforcerdquo
Working for a smaller company also allows for more opportunities to become involved in the community Husker Hammer is active in local chambers of commerce the Open Door Mission and is currently helping on a Habitat for Humanity build in Waterloo They have also been accredited by the Bet-ter Business Bureau since 2000 and won the Better Business Integrity Award
Cradickrsquos business is currently 90 percent residential and 10 percent commercial He hopes to increase their reach in proper-ty management and general contracting while maintaining the high-quality residen-tial sales that built the business ldquoBecause of our showroomrdquo he says ldquopeople come
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
to us We donrsquot do the high pressure sales at the kitchen table We listen We let the homeowners do the talkingrdquo
Growing geographically is also a goal Cradick hopes to expand to surrounding areas including his hometown of Lincoln
ldquoSo far itrsquos been a great moverdquo he says ldquoand I look forward to continuing to be known as an ethical long-lasting company My daughters and wife are excited to be back in the Midwest around grandparents and family Their school district is great and the full year-round climate has been a welcome change from living in the south Plus I was averaging 50000 miles per year in travel so itrsquos nice to sleep in your own bed every nightrdquo The FIRM
For more information on this or any for sale listings call The Firm Business Brokerage directly
11Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
The Deal ReviewBusiness Established 1987Reason for Sale Retirement (Transla-tion More time with a fishing pole)Ownerrsquos Profit $495004Type of Loan SBA with Core Bank
12
Back to the FutureBuilding a Business Legacy
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Itrsquos not uncommon for someone who has spent a number of years in corporate
America to shift gears into entrepreneur-ship Being your own boss certainly has its advantages But for Scott Beckler who recently purchased Lewis Installers in Gret-na his reason for taking on a new business venture had more to do with honoring not only his fatherrsquos legacy but building one of his own
Beckler started his career as a business education teacher then moved to a corpo-rate career in technology But for a number of years he kept an eye on businesses for sale hoping that just the right opportunity would come along
ldquoMy dad was an entrepreneur who owned his own real estate insurance companyrdquo
Beckler says ldquoDespite the fact he had on-going health issues he still got up every day put on a coat and tie and went out to make a sale He was a very successful busi-nessman and I wanted to honor his legacyrdquo
After contacting The Firm and discuss-ing what he was looking for in a business the team suggested Lewis Installers which specializes in industrial conveyor and rack systems At first it seemed like a big de-parture for him ldquoShelving and logistical systems isnrsquot something that jumps out at yourdquo Beckler says But the more he looked into it the more he realized it had many of the elements he wanted in a business The most obvious advantage was that the company was located in Gretna where he lives Add to that the fact that the seller lives just up the road from him
Scott Beckler
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
For purposes of this article this overview is based on the buying and selling entities being corporations or entities taxed as corporations
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
4420 Izard Street Omaha4022938707 bull 8887380296
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
HAVE YOUR MINOR ROOF LEAKS BECOME A MAJOR ANNOYANCEDonrsquot Wait Any Longer Call Us Now
ldquoAfter meeting him and hitting it offrdquo Beckler says ldquowe quickly realized it was a match on both sidesrdquo
Other signs also pointed in the right di-rection The financials were good The size of the business was ideal The competitive landscape was promising Beckler also real-ized that his corporate background fit well with this new business
ldquoAlthough itrsquos an entirely different indus-tryrdquo he says ldquomany of the business princi-ples are the samehellipproject management customer service delivery vendor man-agement and cost containment Irsquove been doing all of those for yearsrdquo
His background in technology will also be a valuable asset in his new business Not only has he established relationships with large vendors built over the years but his from-the-ground-up experience with data centers means that he is already eying in-novative automation and other technology differentiators At the same time hersquos look-ing forward to learning the daily operations of the company and having a hand in every part of the business from bidding to closing to payroll
ldquoIt will be challenging coming from a big business background where Irsquove only been involved in the peripheryrdquo Beckler says
ldquoNow Irsquoll be involved in all of itrdquo
Lewis Installers being a family-owned business is what hersquos most excited about He says itrsquos a company with a good repu-tation thatrsquos known for quality and meeting deadlinesmdashall driven by a strong Midwest-ern work ethic
Itrsquos the sort of company Beckler believes that would make his father proud
ldquoI want this business to be a legacy for my familyrdquo Beckler says ldquoMy hope is that it could stay in the family with my own kids and grandkidsrdquo The FIRM
13Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Om
aharsquo
s Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
14
When considering the purchase of an existing business very few realize
that lack of experience in an industry can actually lead to success One simply needs a sound financial plan and a good team to fill in the gaps Removing the added stress of fieldwork and focusing solely on the management of finances and operation allows for greater opportunities It makes for the dynamic advantage of some outside impartiality when seeking areas of improve-ment and growth
One man who has made this transition from having marginal knowledge in an in-dustry to leading a successful plumbing and HVAC operation is Mark Evans president of Burton Plumbing Before taking over Burton Evans had a successful plumbing distribu-torship serving four states but it was his desire to own and to travel less that put him into the hands of Burton Friesz The founder of Burton Plumbing Friesz had been a customer and friend of Evansrsquo when the two discussed a possible expansion into residential service Evans put his busi-ness experience to work for Burton in July 1995 and his education in the minutiae of plumbing and HVAC began
While he hasnrsquot worked in the field as a licensed plumbing contractor Evans has dipped his feet in several areas within the running of Burtonhellipand often at the same time Before hiring the essential personnel that have enabled him to narrow his role Ev-ans served as manager marketer customer service representative and dispatcher Such a list of duties for one man is a daunting task but ldquoI worked my way to being able to work on the business rather than in the business [a strategy] taught to me by my business coachrdquo says Evans
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
REMOVING THE ADDED STRESS OF FIELDWORK AND FOCUSING SOLELY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF FINANCES AND OPERATION ALLOWS FOR GREATER OPPORTUNITIES
Executive Impact Moving Into the Boardroom From Employee to President
written by Maureen Tierney | Co-written by Mark Evans and Julie OrsquoBrien
Eventually Evans was able to step back and bring on a general manager and a ware-house operator that has allowed him to
ldquofocus on growth opportunities marketing and cash flowrdquo
Evansrsquo experience is not unique It is com-mon for brokerages to deal with buyers seeking to own companies within a cer-tain field but ldquoonly two people out of the nearly 100 closings [wersquove had] have come in for the same business that they ended up purchasingrdquo says Julie OrsquoBrien client services and paralegal with The Firm What it comes down to is as simple as the bot-tom line Buyers are looking to leverage their talents and experience in a marriage between a management philosophy and business model Those in the market for an acquisition are ldquobuying based on profit number of staff ability to get financing and mostly their strengths and passionsrdquo says OrsquoBrien Experience in a particular industry is certainly valuable but is no predictor of success when the right financial mind comes along
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Even so making up for a lack of practical knowledge requires the proper equipment most notably in the form of managers and employees The right talent in the field can be a growth experience and provide an opportunity to learn the ropes before taking a full swing at things A total deficit in knowl-edge hardly makes for good leadership and for this reason many ldquonew business owners like to take a birdrsquos eye view of the operation rather than diving in and getting their hands dirty right awayhellipgiving them the opportunity to watch [how] things have been done before implementing changesrdquo says OrsquoBrien
Approaching ownership in this way also allows for further financial acquisitions an avenue which Evans has taken In addition to owning Burton Plumbing Evans operates four other companies One might assume this much responsibility to be a stretch but Evans sees his role as ldquokeeping a pulse on things I like to lead people in growth per-sonally and on the business siderdquo
Getting started can be a challenge which is why OrsquoBrien works closely with potential buyers to find the right fit ldquoWe assist all the wayrdquo she says ldquoWe work with the buyer on projections business plans [and] we introduce them to trusted advisorsrdquo from attorneys and CPAs to financial advisors and insurance agents
Itrsquos this helpful backing of experts that eases the difficult task of ownership and only proves that one can certainly switch from a blue collar to a white one The FIRM
CONTRACTING BUSINESSES LISTED BY THE FIRM
201
5 P
roje
cted
201
5 Y
TD
201
4
201
3
201
2
30
0
15
28
14
12
11
16
15Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Omaharsquos Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
It may seem like I pulled a muscle making this stretch but Keith Backsen the new boss at the Omaha Convention amp Visitors Bureau seems to have an awful lot in common with new Husker Coach Mike Riley
Coach Riley spent a total of 14 seasons at Oregon State before heading to Huskerland Backsen also comes from that neck of the woods having spent 11 years of his career in Portland Oregon and another 11 years in Spokane Washington selling both cities as prime places for convention and leisure travelers
At Oregon State Coach Riley built the football program into a consistent winner and regular conference contender At Visit Spokane Backsen opened sales offices in Washington DC and Chicago that led to increased convention bookings Backsen also worked on the public campaign to expand the Spokane Convention Center with a $65 million bond issue The expansion coupled with increased hotel inventory allowed Spokane to pursue large conventions and more than doubled convention bookings in Spokane
Riley has experience at the highest level of football serving as the head coach of the San Diego Chargers and as a head coach in both the Canadian and World Football Leagues Same for Backsen he worked in Dallas and Chicago as the director of sales for Global Experience Specialists a global leader in the world of event planning Backsen supervised five sales offices in a nine-state region generating annual sales in excess of $70 million
Riley is known as one of the most professional and nicest men in the profession a coach who is greatly admired by his peers I kid you not Backsen is described the same way by colleaguesmdashone of the most genuine and skilled men in the business a well respected professional who has the insight and experience to get the job done (Note the $70M stat above)
Come the first game both men will have a stadium filled with fans cheering them on In Backsenrsquos case his stadium is the entire city of Omaha where the fans are the 434353 residents who will reap the rewards of Omaharsquos growing tourism economy
B2B
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 51
51HUSKER
COACH HAS TOURISM
TWIN
OMAHA CVB BY DEB WARD
Deb Ward is the director of marketingcommunications Omaha Convention and Visitorrsquos Bureau
Keith Backsen
52 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Jason Feldman and Sebastian Hunt
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 53
The emerging startup accelerator scene supports creative-minded risk-takers looking for an edge to follow their passion and bring their ideas to fruition
Sebastian Hunt 25 is passionate about giving entrepreneurs like himself a nurturing space to test out their concepts The University of Nebraska at Omaha economics graduate interned with various local employers and surveyed the area startup community when an idea struck him for a by-application curriculum-based residency program serving new entrepreneurs That inspiration turned into Year of the Startup
Launched in 2014 the program operates out of a humble house at 4036 Burt Street in the St Cecilia Cathedral neighborhood Hunt and co-founder Jason Feldman 28 room there with young residency fellows whose startup ventures range from making bio-fuels to providing night owl shuttle services They are a millennial bunch who favor sneakers and sandals They take informal meetings to nearby CaliCommons and Lisarsquos Radial Cafe They variously hunch over laptops or tablets and carry smartphones as appendages
YEAR OF THE STARTUP
ENTREPRENEURAL IMMERSION
This communal work-live space model for business mavericks is new to Omaha The usual startup accelerator is a concentrated 90-day off-site program Omaha has a few of these notably Straight Shot Hunt saw a need for a program that invites a broader range of people into the accelerator fold and supports them much nearer to the start of their dream than other programs
ldquoWe feel like we can take people at very early stages because we are four times as long as the average programrdquo says Hunt who adds that Year of the Startup is also not tech-centric like many programs tend to be ldquoIn our model we substitute intensity for duration I think a lot of the learning here comes through unstructured serendipitous interactions we have that is not curriculum-based itrsquos just happenstance
ldquoWith a house there are so many different ways you can bring ideas and people together I think thatrsquos maybe that critical binding agent and sense of place that helps accomplish thingsrdquo
He says in this intimate environment ldquotherersquos no other choice but to immerse yourself in the settingrdquo adding ldquoWersquore always hanging out in the living room or out back talking about startup stuffmdashmonetization strategies capitalization tables vested equity entity structuresrdquo
ldquoItrsquos this immersive experience of camaraderie of these natural flows and idea generationrdquo Feldman says
Hunt says ldquoThis is very difficult to get bored with because therersquos always somebody whose business is either in crisis or growth stage or some interesting part of the curverdquo
ldquoHow could we get bored when wersquore creating a platform with four startups and all we get to do is ideationrdquo Feldman says ldquoItrsquos a constant buzz we get from interacting with these startup founders and helping them build their ideasrdquo
Built into the program are activities that encourage fellows to break out of their comfort zone and to offer honest criticism of each otherrsquos ideas
Hunt compiles multiple data points on the startups
ldquoWersquore developing really deep insight about how do people start successful businessesrdquo
The program utilizes mentors from the entrepreneurial community
ldquoWe bring in people who are experts in specific areas to talk on those topicsrdquo Feldman says
ldquoThey get ideas flowingrdquo Hunt says of the mentors
Feldman says he regularly covers with fellows ldquothe major components of what you need to look at to start your businessrdquo and then mentors like Mike Kolker owner of graphic design firm Simplify teach lessons about operational efficiency and ldquohow to simplify running a businessrdquo
Hunt is a newcomer to all this and goes by instinct as much as research to support his vision
CONTINUED ON 54
FEATURE | BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
53
54 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
70 Years of Business in Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
4027335500 | 4315 South 50th Street
402-333-5722 bull wwwsw-fencecom
Thanks for Voting SampW Fence the Best Again in 2015
Wersquore Not Just About Fences
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Thank You for Voting Us Best of B2Btrade 4 Years in a Row
AUDIO VISUAL SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDEbull System designengineeringbull Sales
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B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
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aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER 2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
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ConnectWITH YOURCOMMUNITY
Donrsquot forget to visitOmahaMagazinecom to read
all of our titles online
Omaha MagazineEncounter B2B 60PlusHerFamily OmahaHome
CONTINUED FROM 53
ldquoI just had an irrational confidence market insights and a great theoretical background thanks to primary research I completed and to lessons I learned from Phillip Phillips Michael OrsquoHara and Art Diamond in UNOrsquos economics department I read constantly about who the players were in the startup world so I was fairly preparedrdquo
Even though he directs a startup program he only started participating in one himself (Venture School) He acknowledges Year of the Startup is a by-the-seat-of-your-pants experiment
ldquoComing out of college I had student loans and not a ton of money Irsquove held two jobs to finance the project Now the project is financed by a combination of me working and renting out one room One-hundred percent of the money our entrepreneurs pay in rent will be returned in full and so everybody has a strong incentive to follow through with the program That may be what makes us sustainablerdquo
Hersquos working on securing corporate sponsorship for the program Meanwhile he wants to help get participating startups to the next level
ldquoWersquore functioning like a pre-accelerator at this point We want to get our startups profitable and then refer them to the Straight Shots so they can focus on growth in a pure accelerator programrdquo
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 55
Mercedes-Benz of Omaha14335 Hillsdale Ave Omaha NE 68137wwwOmahaMercedescomContact John Williams anytime at 4029819262
of Omaha of Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
As Year of the Startup moved into a larger house in Omaharsquos Little Italy district on July 1 and a new class of fellows arrives Hunt says there are ldquointeresting talks happening right now to bring this to other citiesrdquo He and Feldman say economic development agencies are willing to pay a license fee for them to do startup houses in other cities The partners are having proprietary software developed that will enable new startup houses to replicate their branded Omaha model
They look forward to engaging with the emerging 10th Street cultural district but may keep the midtown house to accommodate growth
Hunt and Feldman believe theyrsquore catching the wave or tipping point of a big new startup rush and theyrsquore betting their model is poised to be a niche player in this wild frontier of entrepreneurial prospecting
B2B
56 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
It is an unassuming space but if you have made your way to TD Ameritrade Park Filmstreams or Hot Shops chances are yoursquove passed one of the most vibrant offices in Omaha
The fact that Co-Lab (short for Creative Collaborators) is not a traditional work space is certainly one of its best features Located inside the Tip Top building at 15th and Cumming streets is a project dreamed up by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture who happens to share the main floor of the building Based in the heart of a once-isolated section of the city Co-Labrsquos funky creative vibe is making waves In fact that vibe seeps into Omaharsquos everyday bringing about small changes pushing our city toward a more innovative future
CO-LABGIVING OMAHA WORKERS A MORE
COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE
IN THE OFFICE | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
56
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 57
Home to 18 businesses plus Alley Poyner Macchietto Co-Lab is free of walls and signage It is also free from traditional office norms For instance you donrsquot just walk over to your neighborrsquos space for a brainstorming sessionmdashyou skateboard At least you do if yoursquore Dave Nelson of SecretPenguin a leading experimental branding agency The best part is that the businesses surrounding SecretPenguin appreciate the break from tradition ldquoThatrsquos the beautiful part about being around like-minded good people and businessesrdquo Nelson says
CONTINUED ON 58
58 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 59
CONTINUED FROM 57
In addition to having pathways large enough to skateboard or bike through the space also provides Co-Labbers with a kitchen various conference rooms bike storage bathrooms and a battleground (otherwise known as the ping-pong table) Walking in the main doors clients and employees alike are greeted from the front desk while catching a view of the five-story open atrium basking in the glow of sunshine from the skylight Workers can also access the fitness room and rooftop deck sharing amenities with TipTop apartment residents who use a separate entrance
CONTINUED ON 60
The Harry A Koch CoInsurance amp Financial ConsultantsMember of First Insurance Group LLC
60 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
CONTINUED FROM 59
Businesses in Co-Lab all creativity-related range from entrepreneurs to start-ups to non-profits to small businesses The art varies in form but runs through the space like an electric current At Zicafoose Textiles Mary Zicafoose works steadily on her loom creating gorgeous tapestries 4Site Programming is where Joi Brown works as an independent consultant for performing arts centers across the nation Heartland B-Cycle a large-scale municipal bike sharing system brings art in the form of economical convenience Holly Boyer a founder of non-profit organization Mission Matters explains that one of the best things about having an office at Co-Lab is feeling the innovative positive energy from the moment you walk in the door So while individuals may join Co-Lab with a business-minded focus or a more creative vibe finding a yin to their yang is just a shout away
ldquoThere is certainly a wonderful built-in support network that comes along with working in a collaborative environmentrdquo quips Omaha Creative Institute Executive Director Emily Moody ldquoEverything from sharing ideas and finding ways to collaborate with an organization different than yours to sharing a staplerrdquo
At the heart of making it work says Laura Alley of Alley Poyner itrsquos simply playing well with others
The skateboarding ping-pong playing creatives do that well
B2B
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For more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
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6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
AT THE OFFICE amp ON THE GO
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13
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
- BB1015_fntCvr_125
- BB1015_fntEdit_125
- BB1015_bkEdit_125
- BB1015_bkCvr_125
-
06emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
publisher
TODD LEMKE
editor
DAVID WILLIAMS
associate editor
DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN
editorial intern
HALLE MASON
creative director
BILL SITZMANN
art director
KRISTEN HOFFMAN
senior graphic designer
RACHEL JOY
graphic designer
MATTHEW WIECZOREK
graphic design intern
MALINDA RATCLIFF
contributing
photographers
SCOTT DRICKEY
layout design
WEBSTER
operations
TYLER LEMKE
event director
ERIN COX
accounting
HOLLEY GARCIA-CRUZ
distribution manager
MIKE BREWER
B2B Magazine is published four times annually by Omaha Magazine LTD PO Box 461208 Omaha NE 68046-1208 Telephone (402) 884-2000 fax (402) 884-2001 Subscription rates $1295 for 4 issues (one year) $1995 for 8 issues (two years) Multiple subscriptions at different rates are available No whole or part of the contents herein may be reproduced without prior written permission of B2B Omaha Magazine excepting individually copyrighted articles and photographs Unsolicited manuscripts are accepted however no responsibility will be assumed for such solicitations
contributing writers
LEO ADAM BIGA APRIL CHRISTENSON ANTHONY FLOTT JASON FOX ANNA HENSEL ALLISON JANDA BEVERLY KRACHER ELIZABETH MACK DOUG SCHURING DEB WARD WENDY WISEMAN
account executives
GREG BRUNS GIL COHEN KYLE FISHER ANGIE HALL GEORGE IDELMAN GWEN LEMKE
assistant to the publisher
SANDY BESCH MATSON
account assistants
JESSICA CULLINANE DAWN DENNIS JUSTIN IDELMAN JESSICA LINHART ALICIA SMITH HOLLINS
advertising information
402-884-2000
subscribe online
OMAHAMAGAZINECOMSUBSCRIBE $1295 FOR ONE-YEAR (FOUR ISSUES)
OM
AHA MAGAZINErsquoS
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Locally Owned amp Operatedabestrashcom | 8123 Christensen Lane
402-571-4926
CO M M E R C I A Lbull Waste Disposalbull Rear Load Containersbull Front Load Containersbull Rec ycl ing
R E S I D E N T I A Lbull Dependable Weekly Trash Ser vicebull Trash Car ts amp Rec ycl ing Binsbull Weekly Rec ycl ing bull Weekly Yard Waste
CO M PAC T O R Sbull Stationar y Compac torsbull Self-Contained Compac torsbull Cardboard Compac torsbull Rec ycl ingbull Compac tor Maintenance Per formed
CO N S T R U C T I O N amp C L E A N - U Pbull Rol l-O ff Containersbull CampD Landfi l lbull CampD Rec ycl ingbull Green Build Ser vices
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Qualit y Dependable Trash amp Rec yc ling Ser vice
2014 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 07
DEPARTMENTS SPECIALemspSECTIONS
COLUMNS
FEATURES
TABLEemspOFemspCONTENTS
COVERemspFEATURE
09emsp FROM THE EDITOR Playing Big
26emsp OFFICE FURNITURE Office Origins
51emsp OMAHA CVB Husker Coach Has Tourism Twin
61emsp THE BRAND BRIEF The Language Of Brand Irrelevance
63emsp B4B TD2 Touts B4B
66emsp ETHICS Wicked Problems
34emsp BUY OMAHA PROFILES Cox Communications
35emsp THE FIRM DEAL REVIEW Playing Big Edition
22
28 5210 OUTLOOK NEBRASKAA Sight For Non-Seeing Eyes
SCISSORS amp SCOTCH Snip-Snip-Sip-Sip
YEAR OF THE STARTUPEntrpreneural Immersion
BALLET NEBRASKAA PAS DE DEUX BETWEEN BUSINESS AND THE ARTS
14emsp omAHA Ervin amp Smith
19emsp BRANDREBRAND Controlled Comfort
30emsp HOW I ROLL Whatrsquos That Thing
56emsp IN THE OFFICE Co-Lab
64emsp BIZ + GIVING Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew
08emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Who Will Be Votedthe Best of Omaha
Look for our December 2015special issue as we unveilyour cityrsquos newest roster ofldquoBestsrsquo in everything from
pizzza to plumbing
OM
AHA MAGAZINErsquoSOM
AHA MAGAZINErsquoS
BestOfOmahacom
OmahaHas Spoken
AND THE BALLOTS ARE IN
The Second AnnualOmaha Magazine
Best of Omaha FestivalUniversity of Nebraska at Omaha
Baxter Arena | Nov 21 2015
SAVE THE DATE
november 21
20
15
sec
ond annual
OM
AHA
MAGAZINErsquoS
KETV 7 bull BAXTER AREN
A
(402) 905 9511OmarEventscom
FacebookndashOmar Arts amp Events 4383 Nicholas Omaha NE 68131 Suite 230
The Newest Event Venue B lends Timeless Craf tsmanship with Every Amenity
ldquoThe Sandler Selling System is so contrarian to traditional sales methods and yet it makes so much sense We have found it to be highly effective The system really worksrdquo ndash RJ Lipert - President General Fire amp Safety
T 402-403-43343828 Dodge St bull Omaha NE 68131kschaphorstsandlercom
Karl SchaphorstOwner
Are you tired of wasting time bullpresenting to prospects that have no need bullpresenting to prospects that have no money bullpresenting to prospects that canrsquot make a decision
Join us for an executive briefing to learn moreabout how Sandler Training can grow your business bullAugust 20th bullSeptember 17th bullOctober 15th bullNovember 19th
Register at wwwkarlschaphorstsandlercomOr call us at 402-403-4334
Suffering from Flatlining SalesWe Can Help
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 09
09
PLAYING BIGCompiling this issue of B2B magazine got me thinking about Scott Andersonrsquos 2013 book Playing Big In it the founder of Anderson Partners who is now the CEO of Doubledare speaks of forgetting your limitations and remembering the powerful person you are
Erika Overturff was 27 when she realized that the ballet company of which she was a member was doomed She was an artist a professionally trained dancer Business savvy Management skills An understanding of how to fund a new performance company Not so much
Overturff had a list of limitations a mile long but today she is a founding member and artistic director of Ballet Nebraska the regionrsquos only professional dance company as it enters its sixth season She discovered the powerful person that she was and with a lot of help in mentoring and connecting along the way shersquos learned to play big in elevating the cultural landscape of a city
Our cover story is not about a dance company so much as it is about a communityrsquos ability to get things done when its people and its businesses share a common vision Omaha has always been a special place one with a ldquocan dordquo spirit While other cities struggle we survive even thrive
Omaha knows how to play big
That theme is reflected throughout the stories on the pages that follow stories of creativity passion talentmdasheven faith
The same motif that of playing big is mirrored in The Firm Deal Review the magazine-within-a-magazine found beginning on page 35 No one setting out to purchase a business thinks small and the stories told by The Firm represent microcosms of the very definition of what it means to think dream and play big
Andersonrsquos book pays particular attention to smaller cultures which is fitting because most of the entities profiled in this magazine dwell in the arena of small business Itrsquos a strata where core values are perhaps most critical but how is it that even in the smallest of businesses the simple maxim of ldquostaying truerdquo can remain so very elusive
Read on to uncover what has worked for some of the most compelling entrepreneurs in Omaha
And donrsquot forget to play big
B2B
David Williams is editor of B2B a publication of Omaha Magazine LTD Williams can reached at davidomahamagazinecom
FROM THE EDITOR BY DAVID WILLIAMS
10emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Scissors amp Scotch Co-Owner Erik Anderson
Erik Anderson was new to Omaha and needed a haircut
A good one
The guy had a sales job and needed to look sharp But who to trust with his precious locksmdashsome chain
ldquoYou never know what kind of haircut yoursquore going to getrdquo Anderson says ldquoYou could get a great haircut or walk out of there looking like a doofus Irsquom not going to go that route
ldquoI started going to womenrsquos salons I knew I could trust themrdquo
SHAVE AND A HAIRCUTSNIP-SNIP-SIP-SIP
FEATURE | BY ANTHONY FLOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
10
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 11
That was two years ago Now Anderson gets his rsquodo done at his own placemdashScissors amp Scotch which opened in March at 2835 South 170th Plaza
As its name suggests therersquos much more to Scissors amp Scotch than just a great cut The new shop offers an upscale grooming experience featuring traditional barbering services (in plush old-school barber chairs) and modern spa treatments steamed towels hot lather neck shaves scalp neck shoulder and hand massages paraffin hand dips facial and skin services coloringshellipeven nose waxings Therersquos a shoe shine station on Thursdays And full body massages are on the way
All for dudes
Oh yeah and when customers are done one of five complimentary hand-crafted whiskey cocktails await them in a private lounge
ldquoTherersquos nothing like this right nowrdquo Anderson says ldquoI would put it up against any place in the country
ldquoItrsquos not just a haircut at Scissors amp Scotch itrsquos an experience We havenrsquot had one person come back and say lsquoThat was terriblersquo Most guys are like lsquoWow that was awesomersquordquo
Anderson didnrsquot do it all alone Hersquos equal partners with longtime friend Sean Finley whom he grew up with in Prairie Village Kansas and Tanner Wiles a friend he met at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where Anderson played baseball before earning his degree in 2011
Anderson later worked for Federated Insurance which moved him from Minneapolis to Omaha in April 2013 Thatrsquos when he first went looking for a haircut While researching his options Anderson saw that menrsquos grooming had become the fastest growing part of the beauty industry
ldquoThat really intrigued me and I got really excited about itrdquo
CONTINUEDemspONemsp12
12emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp11
Why not open his own place Anderson brought that idea to Finley and Wiles one night at a bar in early 2014 Not one of them had any experience in the grooming industry but the trio soon discussed the idea by group text message Then they met regularly working on documents and video conferencing via Google Hangouts Wiles worked in sales at Ambulatory Care in Kansas City Finley completed his law degree in Columbia Missouri (hersquos now a corporate attorney at Husch Blackwell in Kansas City)
They hammered out the concept of Scissors amp Scotch leveraged whatever assets they possessed at such tender ages (Finley and Wiles are 27 Anderson 26) and got an SBA loan In August 2014 they signed a lease at Shops of Legacy This March they opened with nine employees not counting themselves
104 5th St Fullerton NE 68638 308-550-0632 signdan170yahoocomSignCraftersMidwestcom
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EmbroideryPolos Jackets T-Shirts Hats amp More
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omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 13
Response exceeded expectations Six weeks after opening Scissors amp Scotch averaged 80 new clients per week and about 30 haircuts a day More than 60 percent of the customers opted for the $52 ldquo15-year servicerdquo (as in the age of fine Scotch) Its membership programmdashthe Scotch-inspired 10- 15- and 25-year packages with escalating benefits at each levelmdashwas expected to generate 100 sales the first year Scissors amp Scotch sold 90 the first month
ldquoItrsquos really encouragingrdquo Anderson says ldquoEach week wersquove done more haircuts than the previous week since we openedrdquo
And all of it by word-of-mouth advertising (though Scissors amp Scotch recently started advertising on AM 590)
ldquoIrsquove had a lot of guys say lsquoThis is Omaha Nebraska right This is something I expect to see in a Chicago or a New York or a Dallasrsquordquo
Thanks to Anderson Omaha it is
B2B
THANK YOU OMAHA
402733232212310 K Plaza Ste 108
BEST FLORISTldquoTaylor Maderdquo for ALL
your floral needs since 1950rdquo
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NAI means wersquore worldwide NP Dodge means wersquore local With more than 375 offices around the globe and more than 150 years in Omaha
How can we help your business
12050 Pacific Street | Omaha NE 68154 | +1 402 255 6060 | nainpdodgecom
The NAI NP Dodge
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14emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
ldquoPeople need vacation to recharge and get inspired to continue to love what they dordquo she says ldquoA lot of times when you give people that break they come back more energized and with great ideas It makes them happier it makes us a better companyrdquo-HEIDI MOUSBACH
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 15
GOING TO THE DOGSERVIN amp SMITHrsquoS RELAXED AWARD-WINNING VIBE
OMAHA | BY ANTHONY FLOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Want to know how much fun it is to work at Omaha digital marketing firm Ervin amp Smith Just ask Peanut Gwen Duke or Daphne Jane
They wonrsquot talk to youhellipbut yoursquoll probably see their tails wagging
ldquoAny week we have probably a couple dogs in the officerdquo says Heidi Mausbach Ervin amp Smith president and CEO ldquoYou find them at your desk begging for a little treat They follow their owners around the agencyrdquo
The furry friends are there as one of many workplace benefits garnering Ervin amp Smith attention here and nationally In February the agency founded 31 years ago by Executive Chairman Doug Smith made the 2015 Best Places to Work in Omaha list sponsored by Baird Holm and the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce That came three months after Advertising Age ranked Ervin amp Smith number 13 on its list of 40 Best Places to Work in Advertising amp Media based on hiring practices benefits packages salaries office perks and more
ldquoYou spendhellipa good percentage of your life at workrdquo Mausbach says ldquoYou want to be at a place you love to come to People do love it here You donrsquot dread Monday morningrdquo
Even if yoursquore on vacationmdashwhich is unlimited at Ervin amp Smith as are sick and personal days The new leave policy established in January 2014 is among the most intriguing initiatives at the agency
ldquoPeople are free to come and go as long as they are fulfilling their client commitments and meeting their other goalsrdquo Mausbach says
So have employees been abusing the policy with copious vacation days Mausbach canrsquot saymdashErvin amp Smith isnrsquot tracking days If therersquos any challenge to the time-off policy itrsquos been with employees not taking enough personal time Mausbach who joined the agency 15 years ago was among those who took ldquoa lot lessrdquo vacation than she typically would
ldquoPeople need vacation to recharge and get inspired to continue to love what they dordquo she says ldquoA lot of times when you give people that break they come back more energized and with great ideas It makes them happier it makes us a better companyrdquo
While employees appreciate the flexibility the policy allows them to get away from work Ervin amp Smith has seen benefits in the officemdashless idle activity greater communication and collaboration and perhaps best of all fewer and shorter meetings as employees focus on goals and commitments
CONTINUEDemspONemsp16
15
16emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp15
The company also allows employees to work from home as needed or even full-time from cities across the country (one Ervin amp Smith employee lives in Washington another in Colorado) The company also established an annual ldquoSlush FUNdrdquo giving each employee $100 to spend on something that will enhance company culture such as a popcorn machine Some pooled their money to buy meditation classes open to everyone Others adopted a family at Christmas
Workplace enhancements can be simple A couple of years of ago the agency added a ping pong table Sometimes thatrsquos where the best work happens ldquoItrsquos interesting how their minds workrdquo Mausbach says ldquoA lot of times theyrsquore playing and brainstorming There are amazing ideas that come out of work and play at the same timerdquo
Other initiatives to enhance the Ervin amp Smith environment include redesigned offices an expanded client conference room
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 17
a per-person training budget more than twice the industry average catered lunches and happy hours and a monthly wellness stipend reimbursing employees up to $25 a month
The most popular benefit is Flame Schoedermdash a professional certified life coach made available for monthly development sessions
ldquoOf all the benefits they feel this is the one definitely helping them the most professionally and personallyrdquo Mausbach says
The initiatives seem to work Ervin amp Smith promoted 12 employees and hired 15 others last year Its retention rate in 2014 was 84 percent better than the typical industry rate of 70 percent or worse Mausbach cites
Ervin amp Smith is building employee relationships Perks are great People are better
Making Ervin amp Smith a doggone great place to work
B2B
8 ConsecutiveYears
Thanks Omaha for 30 Years2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
4023999233 | wwwsparklingkleancom
A+ Rating20 Consecutive Years
Exceptional Event Space amp Catering
Wersquoll make your next event one to remember
6450 Pine Street | 402-778-6313ScottCentercom
17
18emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
ESPELITE SERVICE PROFESSIONALS
Superior quality exceptional service
If you are a CEO key executive or business owner call 4024017560
copy 2015 Vistage Worldwide Inc 14_261_3131 kkk
Discover what thousands of CEOs already know Vistage works
Get answers Take action Like you the members of a Vistage Advisory Board are proven business leaders and critical thinkers They have smart ideas and insightful opinions and this is the forum to express them At our monthly meetings yoursquoll encounter lively discussions where business leaders tell it like it is If you find that refreshing then be our guest at our next monthly group meeting
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 19
Leo Costanzo Anne Taylor and Alan Hove of Controlled Comfort
BRANDREBRAND | BY ELIZABETH MACK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Jingle writers have done their job if they create an earwormmdasha song so catchy it sticks in your head and wonrsquot leave ldquoWhen I tell people I work at Controlled Comfort they immediately start singing the jinglerdquo says Alan Hove who along with co-owners Leo Costanzo and Anne Taylor purchased Controlled Comfort in 2004 ldquoItrsquos the best form of advertising we could ever hope forrdquo
CONTINUEDemspONemsp20
SINGING A HAPPY TUNEJINGLING ALL THE WAY
19
20emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
John Sievers
Businesses Are Buying SmarterThe All Makesrsquo team is trained to help you make design decisions and furniture purchases that fi t your offi ce atmosphere your work style and your budget Visit All Makesrsquo redesigned showroom to see the latest in new offi ce furniture pre-owned offi ce furniture and business technology
wwwallmakescom Omaha 2558 Farnam St | 4023412413 Lincoln 3333 O St | 4024777131
Thank you for voting us 1 for 10 consecutive years
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp19
Most people in the Omaha metro area are familiar with that animated female voice belting out ldquoControlled ComfortndashKeep it Under Controoooooolrdquo Many locals probably would not guess the companyrsquos logo (an angel) but could at least hum a few bars of the jingle Whether a catchy tune is annoying or enjoyable is a matter of opinion but once that musical worm has worked its way into your psyche you are forced to remember the product which is exactly what advertisers hope for
When companies change ownership one major decision is whether or not to maintain the same brand image and the current owners of Controlled Comfort knew they wanted things to stay pretty much the same when they took ownership
ldquoWe love our jinglerdquo says Taylor ldquoWhen we purchased the company we knew we wanted to maintain the image and keep the logo and jingle We couldnrsquot ask for a better form of advertisingrdquo
Research shows that music increases recall and simple melodies with simple lyrics stick with a consumer not only for the short term but often the long-term Remember ldquoI Wish I Were an Oscar Meyer Weinerrdquo Even if it has been years since you have actually heard it chances are you can still sing the entire song Controlled Comfortrsquos brand may not be as huge as Oscar Meyerrsquos but their jingle has stood the test of time being sung on local radio and TV for nearly 20 years with no end in sight
Taylor recounts how in the mid-1990s local musician Johnny Ray Gomez produced the jingle for a radio spot
ldquoThe previous owners purchased a year of radio advertising and it came with a jinglerdquo Taylor says
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
THANKS OMAHA
Embroidery middot Screen Printing middot Promotional Digital Printing middot Mailing middot Company Stores
13747 F St 4025961002 ideal-imagescom
ldquoWhen we purchased the company we knew we wanted to maintain the image and keep the logo and jingle We couldnrsquot ask for a better form of advertisingrdquo-ANNE TAYLOR
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 21
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For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
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bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
At the time they had no idea they did not retain exclusive rights to the melody
ldquoI just recently heard the song while I was traveling in western Nebraska It was quite a shockrdquo she adds with a laugh
Branding is all about creating an image of a business that will stick in a customerrsquos mind Though most businesses rely on visual advertising to create their brand jingles can be an additional way to increase awareness and create staying power People often remember a catchy tune Throw the company name and their phone number in the jingle lyrics and customers may not even need to look up the contact information
ldquoIf I forget the phone number I just sing the jinglerdquo says one local customer
Though original jingles declined in recent years as more large companies turn to popular songs for their advertising a few local companies still spend at least some marketing dollars on jingles Whether you think it annoying or catchy a jingle may be your best advertising investment
B2B
4023333062 | planitomahacom | 10832 old mill road suite 5 | omaha ne 68154
planitomaha A national and
regional powerhouse in
meetings conferences amp
events
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
22emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 2
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 23
How is it that Midlands Choice has come to make an investment in of all things a ballerina
Sure the bottom line of any insurance entity is driven by risk managementmdashthe investing of premium revenues to hedge against claims
But taking stock in Claire Goodwillie a company dancer with Ballet Nebraska
The Midlands Choice example is repeated all across the metro as area businesses support a broad array of arts nonprofits ones that dwell in everything from tutus to tempura
And the table is set for a new era of collaboration between business and the arts because philanthropic giving in America has finally returned to pre-recession levels
Contributions which totaled $358 billion in 2014 surpassed 2007rsquos pre-recession level of $355 billion Additionally giving was up from all major sourcesmdashindividuals corporations foundations and bequestsmdashaccording to Giving USA an annual report compiled by the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and the Giving USA Foundation of Chicago
ldquoEight out of nine types of charitable organizations we measure saw increased contributions and thatrsquos good news for the
BALLET NEBRASKAA PAS DE DEUX BETWEEN BUSINESS AND THE ARTS
philanthropic sector as a wholerdquo W Keith Curtis told Omaha Magazine in an email Curtis is chair of Giving USA Foundation and president of the nonprofit consulting firm The Curtis Group ldquoThe 60-year high for charitable giving in 2014 is a great story about resilience and perseverancerdquo
Themes of resilience and perseverance define the Ballet Nebraska story
Erika Overturff was 27 years old when the ballet company of which she was a dancer and resident choreographer appeared doomed She had no money She had no business acumen
That was 2009 Flash forward to 2015 and Overturff now 33 founder and artistic director of Ballet Nebraska is leading the regionrsquos only professional dance company into its sixth season
In a city known for its ldquocan-dordquo spirit this story could be about almost any local arts nonprofit but the unlikely saga of Ballet Nebraska is told here because it is perhaps the most improbable of tales one that best reveals what a business community and the arts can do when they share a common vision
CONTINUEDemspONemsp24
BY DAVID WILLIAMS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
23COVERemspFEATURE
24emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp23
Like settling into your seat with a program before the lights dim at any performing arts venue itrsquos probably best to start by reviewing the cast of characters
THE CONNECTORHal Daub knows people Especially in a city of six degrees of separation that is in reality much more like two or three degrees the former Omaha mayor (1995-2001) and US Congressman (1981-1989) who has served on countless nonprofit boards and is now a partner at Husch Blackwellhellipknows people
ldquoWhen I was first introduced to Hal and he offered to helprdquo Overturff says ldquoI assumed that meant he was going to maybe make a few calls and do a little name-droppingrdquo Daub it turned out would become a key player in the often delicate pas de deux that is the coupling of business and the arts ldquoHe not only made those calls but he set up the appointmentshellipand then he came along to personally introduce me and stand by my side in front of those who would become some of the most generous funders of Ballet Nebraskardquo
ldquoThe reason I am so fascinated by what Erika has donerdquo says Daub ldquois that Omaha is a city that has clearly evolved to become a place that is not just metropolitan but truly cosmopolitanrdquo And investing in the arts Daub believes makes good business sense ldquoThe social environment of a citymdashits arts and entertainmentmdashis critical in attracting and retaining the best workforce Ballet Nebraska Opera Omaha the Omaha Symphony Omaha Performing Artshellipthose and so many others are the organizations that help keep the best talent in Omahardquo
THE ADVOCATEMichelle Clark is Union Pacificrsquos general director of information technologies which means she probably knows more than a little about computer viruses As a three-year board member of Ballet Nebraska shersquos also seen how supporting the arts can go viral
ldquoEmployee generosity is furthered by the use of the companyrsquos matching gifts programrdquo Clark explains ldquoThis creates a sense of pride for employees and Union Pacific is supportive of the communities in which we live and work The employees of Union Pacific are very generous and have supported fundraising drives not only for Ballet Nebraska but a number of organizations such as the Womenrsquos Center for Advancement and JDRFrdquo
Employees should never underestimate their power to play a key role in advocating for nonprofits within their organizations
ldquoI am passionate about the art of dance especially ballet and Ballet Nebraskardquo Clark says ldquoDance inspires my creativity and provides insights to see beyond the obvious My hope is that by providing individuals with the awareness of opportunities to experience and support the art of dance they will find their own inspiration to apply to their own liferdquo
And just as stubborn computer viruses are often cloyingly messy to eradicate once discovered Union Pacificrsquos relationship with Ballet Nebraska has a ldquostickinessrdquo of its own Clark was preceded on the Ballet Nebraska board by Gayla Thal the companyrsquos senior vice president and general counsel
THE BULLDOGDonrsquot let the gentle demeanor of Midlands Choice vice president Greta Vaught fool you Supporting the arts is often a visceral experience and Vaughtrsquos passion for dance exerted itself on multiple levels in the early stages of growth at Ballet Nebraska
ldquoMidlands Choice has always been supportive of my work in the communityrdquo says the board chair of Ballet Nebraska
ldquoWe like to listen to our people when making such decisionsrdquo says Midlands Choice President and CEO Thomas E Press rdquoIt is important for us to know that our giving has real meaning for them their families and their communitiesrdquo
ldquoI looked at what Erika was trying to dordquo Vaught continues ldquoand I thought it was brave but impossible But all along the way I just kept going back to the thought that if one of my daughters [Mia now 15 and Hannah now 19] wanted to try something so bold one day thatrdquohellipinsert long pausehellipldquoIrsquom sorry this is making me cry I would just hope that people with experience and connections and dollars would shepherd my daughters along like so many people have done with Erika and Ballet Nebraskardquo
Okay so maybe ldquoThe Bulldogrdquo wasnrsquot such a great character name for this role after all
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 25
Fast-Paced Public Relations
Customer-Based Planning and Communications
402-964-9293 11626 Nicholas Street
zaisscocom
For the Connected World
Every story Every tweet Every interaction
PR is vital to your bottom line now more than ever
Join the world of innovative PR ndash partner with experts
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Best PR Agency 7 Years Running
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
THE ARTISTldquoI had to do a lot of on-the-job learning when I decided to try to launch a dance companyrdquo Overturff says ldquoWe were lucky in that we got our nonprofit status right away but I didnrsquot know anything about the business side of things and really nothing about raising funds I was moved by every $5 check that came in but it took a lot of mentoring advice and counsel to get us to where we are today as a fully funded professional performance companyrdquo
Ballet Nebraska now has a paid staff of 22 including nine salaries paid to company dancers Today Overturffrsquos once-nonexistent business connections run deep Personal contributions from the likes of philanthropists Richard Holland and Fred and Eve Simon further fuel the growth of ballet in Omaha Foundations also play a major role in funding A recent gift of $124000 from the Iowa West Foundation is the largest in Ballet Nebraska history
ldquoTalented professionals from all over the world that have trained their whole lives to pursue a career in dance now come to Omaha in the hopes of performing with Ballet Nebraska as we serve the state and western Iowa in performances education outreach and morerdquo she says ldquoA ballet companymdashany performing arts company any arts organizationmdashis about its peoplehellipthe artists the staff and hardworking selfless volunteers But it is the people of Omaha from the smallest donations to the relationships we have with such great businesses that makes it all happenrdquo
B2B
26emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
26OFFICE FURNITURE BY DOUG SCHURING
OFFICE ORIGINS
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE MODERN WORKPLACE
For all the time we spend in our office very few of us are familiar with how that space came to be You may actually be surprised by the events and inventions that helped form the work environment we know today From the development of the railroad to innovations in communication our current corporate habits structures and tools have all played a role In his book CubedmdashA Secret History of the Workplace Nikil Saval shapes the advances that created the conventional office we are familiar with today
The advent of the Morse telegraph spawned long-distance communication Then starting in 1860 a series of technological innovations changed the possibilities of the workplace the use of iron framework permitted the construction of taller buildings and elevators assisted the climb The Remington typewriter entered the office in 1874 Bellrsquos telephone was patented two years later
At the same time railroads expanded across the country reducing transportation costs and extending markets for goods and services Additionally railroads produced an organizational transformation still in use today The coordination of trains required employees housed in structures all across the country bringing a variety of offices to the American landscape Between the executive the manager and the workerhellipthe organizational chart was born
The invention of telecommunications fostered the speed of information to surge creating more
Doug Schuring is the director of sales administration at All Makes Office Equipment Co
work and subsequently more workers As these workers moved into new structures the spaces reflected their various levels of management In 1915 the Metal Office Furniture Company (now Steelcase) invented the modern deskmdasha flat metal table outfitted with file drawers The new desks massed together in defined rows offered managers full visual access to the goings-on of the workplace and this ldquosea of desksrdquo became the norm for decades Lockers and various cabinets popular in the Great Depression era became vertical files once steel became readily available after World War II
In 1968 Herman Miller introduced the first panel system with attached components Designed by Robert Propst the Action Office system revolutionized the ldquoofficerdquo in form flexibility and cost Other furniture manufacturers mimicked the modular system which became the norm for many businesses
Up to the rsquo90s the personal computerrsquos popularity grew and the relative size of work stations decreased between 25-50 percent By the middle of that decade the dot-com revolution on the West Coast created an unprecedented workplace culture The formal atmosphere of the office became much more casual and discontent for the Dilbert-esque cubicle grew Subsequently creative furniture solutions evolved with the desire to be more mobile leading the way
In the early 2000rsquos collaborative open offices grew in popularity New and improving
technologies now offer connectivity in the office home or public spaces As a result nearly every company today is adapting and using new furnishings as a tool to attract new workers At the same time retaining existing employees is equally important The goal is to make everyone more effective and efficient in their work
Whether you work in an office from home in the local coffee shop or out of an airline terminal you may start to notice that much of the furniture is beginning to look very similar As long as you are able to connect to technology you can work from virtually anywhere
B2B
SEPTEMBER 24 2015 Ralston Arena7300 Q Street
Ralston NE 68127
CONNECT MARKET SUCCEED
Looking for INNOVATIVE MARKETING IDEAS Want to BOOST SALES AND ADD ROI Need to ANALYZE DATA TO GROW MARKET SHARE
For more information or to register please visit wwwOmahaAdvertisingXcom
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 27
28emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Outlook Nebraska CEO Eric Stueckrath
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 29
On the surface it looks just like any other office or factory As you enter Outlook Nebraska Inc (ONI) yoursquore greeted by a friendly front desk attendant and led past a perfectly ordinary-looking workspace Entering their factory where they manufacture such paper products as rolls of hand towels you wouldnrsquot suspect that it is different from any other assembly line
But explore a little deeper
Walking past one office you might see a man typing away on a keyboard his laptop closed in front of him He doesnrsquot need it open to know what hersquos typing Hersquos visually impaired and utilizing computer software that reads the words aloud as he types
On the factory floor raised edges guard the walkway so sightless employees can feel their way around Over on the assembly line visually impaired workers can use a computer screen to zoom in on the product at various stages of production to assess the process
ONI is a non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance the life of the blind and visually impaired through employment opportunities and training Almost all the employees at ONI are blind or visually impaired from factory workers to IT professionals Some were born blind others lost their sight later in life ONI aims to help them all re-enter the workforce in a meaningful way
A SIGHT FOR NON-SEEING EYES
OUTLOOK NEBRASKA
ldquoThey get used to being on their feetrdquo says ONI CEO Eric Stueckrath ldquoWe offer jobs for [people with] entry-level skill sets and all of the positions are at or above minimum wage We give them the tools to help build those skill setsrdquo
ONI also offers personalized life-skills training geared to whatrsquos important to the individual from personal banking to cooking to operating a computer
The American Foundation for the Blind estimates that as many as 70 percent of blind adults in the US are unemployed As the largest employer of the blind in the Omaha metro area ONI is working to make an impact
ldquoWe work with organizations that are committed to hiring the visually impairedrdquo Stuekrath says ldquoAdvocacy is definitely part of what we dordquo
ONI is currently in the midst of a $2 million capital campaign that will allow them to complete a large-scale renovation project at their facility The renovation will create more space for the general public and give them the ability to offer additional training programs
In addition to working with adults blind and visually-impaired youth are a primary focus for Stuekrath and ONI
ldquoMy heart really gravitates toward themrdquo Stuekrath says
ONI partners with youth organizations on a number of initiatives including a sports camp for visually-impaired youth called Camp Abilities Nebraska Attendees can try archery swimming bowling track and field and more as a means to build confidence
ldquoThey donrsquot need to be coddledrdquo Stuekrath says adding that he often tells parents of blind children ldquoYour kid needs to get out there and bump his head and experience liferdquo
At ONI everything comes back to the organizationrsquos mission Stuekrath says
ldquoWe give them the tools they need to gain greater independencerdquo
B2B
FEATURE | BY APRIL CHRISTENSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY COLIN CONCES
29
30emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Layne and Pam Yahnke and Their VW Thing
Shakespeare wrote of love and betrayal Tolkien of hobbits and wizards Steinbeck and Faulkner of the indomitable American spirit
Layne Yahnke writes about his VW Thing
Yes the two-wheel-drive off-road convertible military vehicle first manufactured for the West German Army as ldquoType 181rdquo in 1968 VW churned them out until 1983 including two years in the United States when marketed as ldquoThe Thingrdquo
Yahnke got his Thing in 2000 for $5500 Hersquos lovingly restored it most importantly giving it a peppy new motor that makes it Autobahn-worthy
WHATrsquoS THAT THING
LANE YAHNKErsquoS UNUSUAL VOLKSWAGEN
HOW I ROLL | BY ANTHONY FLOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Therersquos only one other Thing in Omaha and Yahnkersquos gets lots of second and third looks when hersquos whipping down the Dodge Street Expressway from his Elkhorn home Especially when the doors are off and windshield is down
Everyone wants to know abouthellipthe Thing
Thus Yahnke penned ldquoIt Takes a Village to Build a VW Thingrdquo an ode to those who helped him with his beloved ridemdashhis sons Omaha VW Club members engine and body shops and parts stores
CONTINUEDemspONemsp32
30
SIGN UP TODAYdolnebraskagovsides
Questions phone - 402-471-9910 email - ndoluisidesnebraskagov
Sign up now for a free paperless way to return unemployment insurance information
Submit separation information online
Free - No postage costsno sign-up fee
Respond quickly toseparation requests
E-Response saves treesNo more paper 350rsquos
Keep your taxes lowAvoid unnecessary charges
Avoid Late responses ampLoss of appeal rights
32emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Locally Owned in Papillion Ne402-740-0800 bull apconstructomahacom
Insurance claims
welcomeIf your roof sustained fire snow or hail
damage the repairs can be costly We are your wind and hail damage experts and accept insurance claims so you wonrsquot
have to pay for the repair work yourself
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
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Steve Kowalski
Call or Text Message(402 ) 453-6000
abetterexposurecom steveabetterexposurecom
Passion Creativity Experience
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp31
ldquoI wrote that right after the engine transplantrdquo says Yahnke an Omaha native and vice president at Essex Corp provider of senior living communities ldquoI guess I was moved I get so many inquiries about it and I really feel so fondly about itrdquo
Itrsquos not his first Thing Yahnke and his wife of 38 years Pam owned one before their four children came along As the kids have come and gone so have the cars
Lots of them
Yahnke figures he has owned 60 automobiles in his life His car fancy began as a kid growing up in Dundee where a friendrsquos dad spent his spare time restoring English cars Yahnke spent hours in his garage and developed a love for Triumphs and MGs His first car purchase was a 1962 Triumph for $425 in 1972 It wasnrsquot long though until he sold it at a profit
ldquoThatrsquos what kicked off the buying and selling of English carsrdquo he says ldquoI discovered I could enjoy my transportation but then as soon as someone wanted to buy it for more than I paid for it out it wentrdquo
ldquoWhere Accounting Meets ResultsrdquoProviding Accounting and Quickbooks Services
For Metro Businesses
Denise Martin I 9252077634Deniseheartlandaccountabilitycom
wwwHeartlandAccountAbilitycom
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 33
These days you never know what will be parked in the Yahnke driveway Currently therersquos a Honda pickup a VW Jetta VW Multivan and a 2001 Audi TT Quatro Convertiblemdashpurchased in apropos silver for his 25th wedding anniversary
Itrsquos the Thing he most enjoys driving He logs about 1000 miles on it each year Most of those have come toplessmdashYahnke long ago gave it away to another Thing enthusiast and now only drives it sans roof
ldquoAnyone who sees this car has only seen it top-downrdquo he says ldquoI just got caught once in the rain and that was probably a month ago The cool thing about the Thing is you leave it out in the sun and it dries out and is ready to gordquo
It says ldquoSummer is hererdquo Yahnke says
ldquoPeople speed up all the time to try to figure out what it is Itrsquos just a happy car and itrsquos so darn versatile It puts smiles on peoplesrsquo facesrdquo
B2B
Quality Carpet Cleaning Since 2004
4026806523
Cleaning ServicesCarpet CleaningUpholstery CleaningMattress CleaningTile amp Grout CleaningPet TreatmentsConcrete CleaningConcrete CleaningAuto Interior Cleaning24 Hour Water Damage
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omahamagazinecom SPECIALemspADVERTISINGemspSECTIONemspemsp |emsp SUMMERemsp2015emsp |emsp 34
ABOUT OUR BUSINESS
Cox Business started in 2000 as the commercial services division of Cox Communications Over the past 15 years we have experienced strong growth and are on our target to achieve $2 billion in revenue in the near future
Cox Business owns operates and maintains its own network providing leading-edge technology solutions for voice internet networking and digital TV We also offer robust business continuity and disaster recovery solutions which is of increasing importance to businesses in the greater Omaha area Our customers include such key verticals as education hospitality government and healthcare We maintain a significant focus on Omaha small business mid-markets and large local companies as well
We consider our employees to be our most precious asset as they have the responsibility of taking care of our customers At Cox Business we are fortunate to have an extremely tenured and engaged team of employees What sets us apart from our competition is the fact that while we are a large robust and progressive company we still possess
the nimbleness of a smaller company in our ability to deliver creative solutions under tight timelines We pride ourselves on having very little bureaucracy and that translates to happy customers The fact that Cox Business has won 15 JD Power Awards for customer satisfaction over the past 11 years is a notable accomplishment for us and we work hard to deliver on that promise of excellence every day
ABOUT LYNNE
I have led sales and operations teams in the communications industry for 20 years 10 of those years with Cox Communications My husband Pat and I just celebrated our first full year in Omaha and wonder why it took us so long to find this jewel of a community Our daughter Kaylin starts law school next month at the University of San Diego
I have two passions in my professional life mentoring employees who are working on leadership development (which includes working with two to three emerging leaders at any given time) and continuing to drive efforts in hiring fostering a diverse workforce There
is a challenge in STEM fields of under-represented groups My company Cox Communications is also very passionate about this and holds the distinction of inclusion in Diversity Incrsquos top 50 companies
My personal passions include travel social media and Italian cooking
B2B
COX BUSINESSLYNNE SANGIMINO
Cox Business 401 N 117th St Omaha NE 68154 coxbusinesscom 4029340830
Cradickrsquos Husker PowerTEXAN RETURNS HOME FOR BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY PG 8
Marlon Lofgren Koley Jessen PC LLOKEEPING THE FOCUS WHERE IT BELONGS PG 4
Seasoned Advice for Buyers(THE BOUNCY KIND) PG 5
PLAYING BIG EDITION
Fall
2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
2
Volume 1 Issue 5
Published by The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
PresidentEditor bull Cortney Sells
DirectorAssistant Editor bull Cassandra Powers
In-House Legal Counsel bull Susanne Miller
Outreach Coordinator bull Rene Rademacher
Marketing Development bull Rachael Rand
Business Broker bull Breann Becerra
Referring Broker bull Elizabeth Jones
Marketing Division bull Adam Jaime
Development Liaison bull Holley Garcia
Client Services bull Nycole Wandvik-Tolle
Client Services bull Julie OrsquoBrien
Community Relations bull Mike Sells
Contributing Writers
Marlon Lofgren bull Kathy Rygg bull Maureen Tierney
Design bull OBI Creative
Photography bull Bill Sitzmann
To Subscribe
The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
210 N 78 St
Omaha NE 68114
4029985288
infothefirmb2bcom
Advertising Inquiries
4028842000
toddomahamagazinecom
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Columns
4 Seller Financing
Koley Jessen PC LLO Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
14 Executive Impact Getting Into the Big Office
Departments
5 Seasoned Advice for
Business Buyers (The Bouncy Kind)
12 Building a Legacy while
Building Racks New Chapter to Becklerrsquos Career
The Bottom Line
Sells Insights
Playing Big
Husker PowerTexan returns home to
Nebraska for business opportunity
pg8
Many business owners have marginal experience in the trades in which their
organizations specialize While it may seem counterintuitive to buy or start a company situated around an industry in which one has little experience there is a certain com-petitive edge to the equation A buyer or president need only know enough to begin before surrounding him or herself with the right personnel to tackle the minute details What is paramount is the grander scheme of
management and operations which allows one to flex refined business acumen Not only does distance from fieldwork free up time to put in place a robust and refined plan but it leaves open other avenues for portfolio expansion Grow your business expand operations or begin other busi-ness ventures The possibilities are only as small as the mindset held by your team The FIRM
Special Section
7 Fresh Off The Firm The Firm Business Brokerage has
over $80 million dollars in assets under
management of current cash flowing
businesses for sale ndash from medical
practices to commercial services to large
manufacturing companies
by Cortney Sells presidenteditor
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
3Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
4
IF PROPERLY STRUCTURED AND DOCUMENTED SELLER FINANCING IS REALLY NO DIFFERENT FROM FINANCING THAT WOULD OTHERWISE BE PROVIDED BY A BANKTYING IT ALL TOGETHEREven the most savvy of ldquonumbers peoplerdquo need a leg up in negotiating a purchase As with so many aspects of doing business retaining experienced legal counsel enables you to keep the focus where it belongsmdashemploying your entrepreneurial skills in the identification and acquisition of profitable business ventures The FIRM
Seller Financing Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
written by Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
Seller financing can often be a criti-cal factor in getting a business sold
If properly structured and documented seller financing is really no different from financing that would otherwise be provided by a bank Below is a brief guide to navi-gating the issues normally encountered in seller financing
FIRST THINGS FIRSTThe first question is usually that of how to structure and document the financing The buyer should be expected to sign a prom-issory note evidencing the loan from the seller with interest and repayment terms mutually agreeable to both parties The seller might also require that the buyer grant the seller a security interestlien in the pur-chased assets to secure the loan Itrsquos also not unusual for a seller to require that the individual owners of the buyer (assuming the buyer is an entity) personally guarantee the loan In most cases the documents are usually pretty straightforward and do not need to be overly complicated
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
ADDITIONAL LAYERSIf a bank is also financing the sale the seller will most likely be required by the bank to sign a subordination agreement This is an agreement between the bank usually referred to as the ldquosenior lenderrdquo and the seller referred to as the ldquojunior lenderrdquo A subordination agreement sets forth the terms between the lenders as to each entityrsquos right to receive loan pay-ments from the buyer and the priority of their respective security interestsliens in the purchased assets The document will usually state that the senior lenderrsquos loan and security interestliens shall at all times be superior to those of the junior lender until the senior loan is paid in full Most lenders are willing to discuss and negoti-ate the junior lenderrsquos right to receive loan payments from the borrower Lien priority status however is rarely compromised by senior lenders in subordination agreements The senior lender will insist on having a first priority security interestlien in the pur-chased assets
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Whether yoursquore a first-time entre-preneur or an experienced business
owner purchasing a company is a critical investment financially and emotionally To help increase the likelihood of it being a success in both areas there are a number of aspects to keep in mind when evaluating if a business is the right fit gt
Seasoned Advice for Business Buyers(The Bouncy Kind)
written by Kathy Rygg
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Jerry Rachwalik
5Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
6
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
lt Jerry Rachwalik has been researching companies for the past three years waiting for the right opportunity to arise His search was the result of spending his career work-ing for larger organizations in a number of areas including delivery installation cus-tomer service inventory accounts receiv-ables and scheduling where he managed up to 35 people at a time
Policies and philosophies can change when working for a corporation Sometimes they become less family friendly ldquoWith the previous companies I worked forrdquo Rachwalik says ldquothey switched from caring about em-ployees to making money and the bottom line I stuck it out for several years and then decided I needed something differentrdquo
An entrepreneur by nature Rachwalik has over the last seven years built up a rental business buying foreclosed homes and duplex properties completely reno-vating them and then renting them back out He now has 15 properties and enjoys helping families by providing nice homes that are affordable ldquoI want people to feel good when they come home at night after a long day at workrdquo he says Rachwalik want-ed to find a business that allowed him the flexibility to respond to his tenants when needed from simple plumbing issues to furnaces going kaput
When he first started looking for a new business Rachwalik was drawn to home health care because of his experience help-ing to take care of relatives And it was a growing field Nothing was available at the time so he expanded his options and be-gan researching businesses in a variety of industries Those included a flooring com-pany sandwich shop and even a hair salon
ldquoI was open to anything and if I could make the numbers work then I would consider itrdquo he explains
Then The Firm Business Brokerage pre-sented him with an opportunity that was the right match Bounce U in Omaha There were a number of factors that appealed to Rachwalik First and foremost were the financials but it would also offer him the flexibility he needed for his rental business A big advantage was that an entire team was already in place one seasoned in man-aging staff and scheduling parties ldquoThey do a great jobrdquo he says ldquoI donrsquot plan on making any personnel changesrdquo
But what hersquos most looking forward to with this new venture is the fun positive environment Bounce Ursquos primary business is its birthday party packages featuring the companyrsquos oversized inflatibles and Rachwalik said he canrsquot wait to watch the excitement on the kids faces when they walk through the door ldquoEveryone there is happyrdquo he says ldquoThe kids are happy the parents are happy and the employees running the parties are happy Itrsquoll be a big change from the environments I used to work inrdquo Hersquos already planning to have his twin grand-daughtersrsquo birthday party there too
His transition included a week of training with the companyrsquos corporate facility in Ari-zona as well as on-site training Even though the Omaha location is an existing store all of Rachwalikrsquos training was structured as though itrsquos a brand new site
Bounce U has traditionally partnered with local restaurants to provide food for birth-day parties but Rachwalik wants to explore the option to build a kitchen of his own
He also hopes to continue to grow the business by at least 5 annually ldquoAnything I do I will communicate with my employees and get their input and suggestions firstrdquo he adds
For anyone who is considering buying a business or is going through the process Rachwalik stresses to be open minded and not rule anything out ldquoIf an opportunity is presented to you run the numbers and see if you can make it workrdquo he says ldquoI did a complete flip-flop on the type of business I thought I wanted versus what I ended up purchasing But if you keep looking yoursquoll eventually find a matchrdquo The FIRM
ldquoTHE KIDS ARE HAPPY THE PARENTS ARE HAPPY AND THE EMPLOYEES RUNNING THE PARTIES ARE HAPPY ITrsquoLL BE A BIG CHANGE FROM THE ENVIRONMENTS I USED TO WORK INrdquo
-Jerry Rachwalik
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Fresh Off The Firm Featured Listings for Sale
Suburban Bar amp Grill with VolleyballOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $26413 PRICE $115000
Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity in an area with only two other bars nearby Serving up a gorgeous and well-maintained volleyball court along with pool tables and a jukebox this bar and grill is a favorite with the locals Business is fully staffedmdashowner works very part time hours
Rain Gutter Sales amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $145200 PRICE $415000
This business is a dealer for high-end rain gutter covers These products are con-structed of high-quality aluminum and sur-gical-grade stainless steel and are strong enough to hold up to four feet of snow or 20 pounds of debris Profit margin is 48
Large-Scale Assembly amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $743732 PRICE $2200000
This well-established installation and assembly business in central Nebraska prides itself on providing many numerous building solutions for businesses and building owners in their area They install and assemble metal frames including grain silos pole barns and buildings
Photo Booth Business Running on Autopilot OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $36419 PRICE $88900
Photo booths are the ldquoin thingrdquo at weddings and parties In business for seven years this business is one of the largest in town Wedding couples hoping to capture the fun memories of the day make up 67 of the clients Includes four booths and one trailer
Southwest Omaha Dental PracticeOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $129745 PRICE $380000
Professional staff and excellent customer service are the hallmarks of this practice Using the latest technology the business offers an array of dental services including teeth cleaning veneers crowns bleaching and trauma services The owner is currently working only 20 hours a week
Small Animal Vet Clinic in Omaha OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $158287 PRICE $440000
For over 30 years this animal care clinic has prioritized customer care They are currently offering services to over 2000 families and are the second largest veterinary clinic in the area The business is split 7030 between dogs and cats
Buildersrsquo Material amp Supply CompanyOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $364880 PRICE $933000
This highly reputable company established in 1976 and located just north of Omaha provides quality and reliable services and supplies Building supply inventory includes garage door lumber windows trims siding roofing materials and more Approximately 90 of customers are repeat clientele
High-Growth Plumbing Company OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $157774 PRICE $445000
This non-union plumbing company has consistent growth of over $130000 a year in sales The full service plumbing contractor has business that is currently 50 commercial and 50 residential
90+ available business opportunities for sale Please visit TheFirmBusinessBrokeragecom for details
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
7Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
Matt Cradick
The Deal ReviewReason For Sale Fresh start after 25+ years in the industrySeller Transition Period Over eight monthsType of Sale Asset Purchase AgreementLender Access Bank Mack LaRock
ldquoYOU SHOULD INTERVIEW FOR A BUSINESS JUST LIKE YOU
WOULD FOR A JOBrdquo CRADICK EXPLAINS ldquoIT HAS TO BE THE
RIGHT FIT YOU DONrsquoT WANT TO BE ONE OF THE MANY FA-
TALITIES THAT HAPPEN SO OFTEN IN NEW BUSINESSrdquo
-Shaun Heldt
From Retail to RoofingHow to be Successful When Buying a Business
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Spending almost 20 years working in retail for major corporations and then
buying a siding and roofing contracting company may seem like a major leap but for Matt Cradick owner of Husker Ham-mer Siding Windows and Roofing it was the best business move hersquos ever made And thatrsquos saying a lot for someone who moved 11 times in 19 years across nine different states
Cradick had been living in Houston Texas where he worked for Target Corporation He had worked his way up through the com-pany and another promotion was on the horizon which meant another move With three young children at home Cradick de-cided it was time to put down some roots Having grown up in Lincoln Nebraska he wanted to be near family and Midwestern values He started researching businesses for sale and was eventually led to The Firm which in turn led him to Husker Hammer
The move from a big corporate environ-ment to a small contracting business didnrsquot intimidate Cradick With Target he oversaw 200 people so he knew he brought strong management and operational skills The challenge he says was learning the ins and outs of construction He didnrsquot need to be the one hammering away on the roofmdashhe needed learn a new business segment
ldquoSwitching industries can be nerve-rack-ingrdquo Cradick says ldquobut the owner was will-ing to stay on board for six months during the transitionrdquo That partnership was an invaluable tool during the changeover gt
A Publication of The Firm Business BrokerageA Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
9Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
10
lt Husker Hammer was started in 1998 as a one-man operation and had been built up to a multimillion dollar business Cradick was impressed with the mission statement values system of the company and the strong workforce that was already in place And the price of the company lined up well with the financials ldquoWhat Husker has that others in the industry donrsquotrdquo says the man whose faith is central to his deal-ings ldquois a strong ethical foundation with a Christian backgroundrdquo
There were a number of other elements Cradick sought when buying his business ones he believes all potential business own-ers need to keep in mind The first is to make sure you have a proper support team in place to help make a sound financial deci-sion That includes having a good business valuation and a good business broker who can point you in the right direction to ensure a match for both parties
Once yoursquore in the process of purchasing he adds make sure you have a capable net-work of attorneys a seasoned financial team and solid internal help to ensure yoursquore suc-cessful from the start ldquoYou should interview
for a business just like you would for a jobrdquo Cradick explains ldquoIt has to be the right fit You donrsquot want to be one of the many fatal-ities that happen so often in new businessrdquo
To help ensure the company continues to be successful Cradick plans to main-tain Husker Hammerrsquos competitive edges which he says includes his 11000-sq-ft state-of-the-art showroom in Elkhorn He reformatted the space to better fit his busi-ness model before building out additional second-floor space that is now rented to other entrepreneurs
The showroom features all of the window siding and roofing products available to customers Samples are one thing Cradick says but he knows the power of customers seeing actual colors in actual sizes
ldquoOur philosophy is to build peace of mind for homeowners and be with them every step through the processrdquo he says ldquoWord of mouth is our number one lead source which was true in retail as wellrdquo
Happy employees to Cradick are just as important as happy customers He sub-scribes to a simple philosophymdashlistening to employees and doing so with respect
ldquoWith big corporations you deal with a lot of politicsrdquo he says ldquoNow if therersquos politics itrsquos because Irsquove generated it Itrsquos a nice change to be in a small business where you have more leeway to ensure yoursquore creating a positive work environment which creates a happy workforcerdquo
Working for a smaller company also allows for more opportunities to become involved in the community Husker Hammer is active in local chambers of commerce the Open Door Mission and is currently helping on a Habitat for Humanity build in Waterloo They have also been accredited by the Bet-ter Business Bureau since 2000 and won the Better Business Integrity Award
Cradickrsquos business is currently 90 percent residential and 10 percent commercial He hopes to increase their reach in proper-ty management and general contracting while maintaining the high-quality residen-tial sales that built the business ldquoBecause of our showroomrdquo he says ldquopeople come
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
to us We donrsquot do the high pressure sales at the kitchen table We listen We let the homeowners do the talkingrdquo
Growing geographically is also a goal Cradick hopes to expand to surrounding areas including his hometown of Lincoln
ldquoSo far itrsquos been a great moverdquo he says ldquoand I look forward to continuing to be known as an ethical long-lasting company My daughters and wife are excited to be back in the Midwest around grandparents and family Their school district is great and the full year-round climate has been a welcome change from living in the south Plus I was averaging 50000 miles per year in travel so itrsquos nice to sleep in your own bed every nightrdquo The FIRM
For more information on this or any for sale listings call The Firm Business Brokerage directly
11Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
The Deal ReviewBusiness Established 1987Reason for Sale Retirement (Transla-tion More time with a fishing pole)Ownerrsquos Profit $495004Type of Loan SBA with Core Bank
12
Back to the FutureBuilding a Business Legacy
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Itrsquos not uncommon for someone who has spent a number of years in corporate
America to shift gears into entrepreneur-ship Being your own boss certainly has its advantages But for Scott Beckler who recently purchased Lewis Installers in Gret-na his reason for taking on a new business venture had more to do with honoring not only his fatherrsquos legacy but building one of his own
Beckler started his career as a business education teacher then moved to a corpo-rate career in technology But for a number of years he kept an eye on businesses for sale hoping that just the right opportunity would come along
ldquoMy dad was an entrepreneur who owned his own real estate insurance companyrdquo
Beckler says ldquoDespite the fact he had on-going health issues he still got up every day put on a coat and tie and went out to make a sale He was a very successful busi-nessman and I wanted to honor his legacyrdquo
After contacting The Firm and discuss-ing what he was looking for in a business the team suggested Lewis Installers which specializes in industrial conveyor and rack systems At first it seemed like a big de-parture for him ldquoShelving and logistical systems isnrsquot something that jumps out at yourdquo Beckler says But the more he looked into it the more he realized it had many of the elements he wanted in a business The most obvious advantage was that the company was located in Gretna where he lives Add to that the fact that the seller lives just up the road from him
Scott Beckler
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
For purposes of this article this overview is based on the buying and selling entities being corporations or entities taxed as corporations
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
4420 Izard Street Omaha4022938707 bull 8887380296
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
HAVE YOUR MINOR ROOF LEAKS BECOME A MAJOR ANNOYANCEDonrsquot Wait Any Longer Call Us Now
ldquoAfter meeting him and hitting it offrdquo Beckler says ldquowe quickly realized it was a match on both sidesrdquo
Other signs also pointed in the right di-rection The financials were good The size of the business was ideal The competitive landscape was promising Beckler also real-ized that his corporate background fit well with this new business
ldquoAlthough itrsquos an entirely different indus-tryrdquo he says ldquomany of the business princi-ples are the samehellipproject management customer service delivery vendor man-agement and cost containment Irsquove been doing all of those for yearsrdquo
His background in technology will also be a valuable asset in his new business Not only has he established relationships with large vendors built over the years but his from-the-ground-up experience with data centers means that he is already eying in-novative automation and other technology differentiators At the same time hersquos look-ing forward to learning the daily operations of the company and having a hand in every part of the business from bidding to closing to payroll
ldquoIt will be challenging coming from a big business background where Irsquove only been involved in the peripheryrdquo Beckler says
ldquoNow Irsquoll be involved in all of itrdquo
Lewis Installers being a family-owned business is what hersquos most excited about He says itrsquos a company with a good repu-tation thatrsquos known for quality and meeting deadlinesmdashall driven by a strong Midwest-ern work ethic
Itrsquos the sort of company Beckler believes that would make his father proud
ldquoI want this business to be a legacy for my familyrdquo Beckler says ldquoMy hope is that it could stay in the family with my own kids and grandkidsrdquo The FIRM
13Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Om
aharsquo
s Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
14
When considering the purchase of an existing business very few realize
that lack of experience in an industry can actually lead to success One simply needs a sound financial plan and a good team to fill in the gaps Removing the added stress of fieldwork and focusing solely on the management of finances and operation allows for greater opportunities It makes for the dynamic advantage of some outside impartiality when seeking areas of improve-ment and growth
One man who has made this transition from having marginal knowledge in an in-dustry to leading a successful plumbing and HVAC operation is Mark Evans president of Burton Plumbing Before taking over Burton Evans had a successful plumbing distribu-torship serving four states but it was his desire to own and to travel less that put him into the hands of Burton Friesz The founder of Burton Plumbing Friesz had been a customer and friend of Evansrsquo when the two discussed a possible expansion into residential service Evans put his busi-ness experience to work for Burton in July 1995 and his education in the minutiae of plumbing and HVAC began
While he hasnrsquot worked in the field as a licensed plumbing contractor Evans has dipped his feet in several areas within the running of Burtonhellipand often at the same time Before hiring the essential personnel that have enabled him to narrow his role Ev-ans served as manager marketer customer service representative and dispatcher Such a list of duties for one man is a daunting task but ldquoI worked my way to being able to work on the business rather than in the business [a strategy] taught to me by my business coachrdquo says Evans
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
REMOVING THE ADDED STRESS OF FIELDWORK AND FOCUSING SOLELY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF FINANCES AND OPERATION ALLOWS FOR GREATER OPPORTUNITIES
Executive Impact Moving Into the Boardroom From Employee to President
written by Maureen Tierney | Co-written by Mark Evans and Julie OrsquoBrien
Eventually Evans was able to step back and bring on a general manager and a ware-house operator that has allowed him to
ldquofocus on growth opportunities marketing and cash flowrdquo
Evansrsquo experience is not unique It is com-mon for brokerages to deal with buyers seeking to own companies within a cer-tain field but ldquoonly two people out of the nearly 100 closings [wersquove had] have come in for the same business that they ended up purchasingrdquo says Julie OrsquoBrien client services and paralegal with The Firm What it comes down to is as simple as the bot-tom line Buyers are looking to leverage their talents and experience in a marriage between a management philosophy and business model Those in the market for an acquisition are ldquobuying based on profit number of staff ability to get financing and mostly their strengths and passionsrdquo says OrsquoBrien Experience in a particular industry is certainly valuable but is no predictor of success when the right financial mind comes along
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Even so making up for a lack of practical knowledge requires the proper equipment most notably in the form of managers and employees The right talent in the field can be a growth experience and provide an opportunity to learn the ropes before taking a full swing at things A total deficit in knowl-edge hardly makes for good leadership and for this reason many ldquonew business owners like to take a birdrsquos eye view of the operation rather than diving in and getting their hands dirty right awayhellipgiving them the opportunity to watch [how] things have been done before implementing changesrdquo says OrsquoBrien
Approaching ownership in this way also allows for further financial acquisitions an avenue which Evans has taken In addition to owning Burton Plumbing Evans operates four other companies One might assume this much responsibility to be a stretch but Evans sees his role as ldquokeeping a pulse on things I like to lead people in growth per-sonally and on the business siderdquo
Getting started can be a challenge which is why OrsquoBrien works closely with potential buyers to find the right fit ldquoWe assist all the wayrdquo she says ldquoWe work with the buyer on projections business plans [and] we introduce them to trusted advisorsrdquo from attorneys and CPAs to financial advisors and insurance agents
Itrsquos this helpful backing of experts that eases the difficult task of ownership and only proves that one can certainly switch from a blue collar to a white one The FIRM
CONTRACTING BUSINESSES LISTED BY THE FIRM
201
5 P
roje
cted
201
5 Y
TD
201
4
201
3
201
2
30
0
15
28
14
12
11
16
15Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Omaharsquos Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
It may seem like I pulled a muscle making this stretch but Keith Backsen the new boss at the Omaha Convention amp Visitors Bureau seems to have an awful lot in common with new Husker Coach Mike Riley
Coach Riley spent a total of 14 seasons at Oregon State before heading to Huskerland Backsen also comes from that neck of the woods having spent 11 years of his career in Portland Oregon and another 11 years in Spokane Washington selling both cities as prime places for convention and leisure travelers
At Oregon State Coach Riley built the football program into a consistent winner and regular conference contender At Visit Spokane Backsen opened sales offices in Washington DC and Chicago that led to increased convention bookings Backsen also worked on the public campaign to expand the Spokane Convention Center with a $65 million bond issue The expansion coupled with increased hotel inventory allowed Spokane to pursue large conventions and more than doubled convention bookings in Spokane
Riley has experience at the highest level of football serving as the head coach of the San Diego Chargers and as a head coach in both the Canadian and World Football Leagues Same for Backsen he worked in Dallas and Chicago as the director of sales for Global Experience Specialists a global leader in the world of event planning Backsen supervised five sales offices in a nine-state region generating annual sales in excess of $70 million
Riley is known as one of the most professional and nicest men in the profession a coach who is greatly admired by his peers I kid you not Backsen is described the same way by colleaguesmdashone of the most genuine and skilled men in the business a well respected professional who has the insight and experience to get the job done (Note the $70M stat above)
Come the first game both men will have a stadium filled with fans cheering them on In Backsenrsquos case his stadium is the entire city of Omaha where the fans are the 434353 residents who will reap the rewards of Omaharsquos growing tourism economy
B2B
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 51
51HUSKER
COACH HAS TOURISM
TWIN
OMAHA CVB BY DEB WARD
Deb Ward is the director of marketingcommunications Omaha Convention and Visitorrsquos Bureau
Keith Backsen
52 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Jason Feldman and Sebastian Hunt
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 53
The emerging startup accelerator scene supports creative-minded risk-takers looking for an edge to follow their passion and bring their ideas to fruition
Sebastian Hunt 25 is passionate about giving entrepreneurs like himself a nurturing space to test out their concepts The University of Nebraska at Omaha economics graduate interned with various local employers and surveyed the area startup community when an idea struck him for a by-application curriculum-based residency program serving new entrepreneurs That inspiration turned into Year of the Startup
Launched in 2014 the program operates out of a humble house at 4036 Burt Street in the St Cecilia Cathedral neighborhood Hunt and co-founder Jason Feldman 28 room there with young residency fellows whose startup ventures range from making bio-fuels to providing night owl shuttle services They are a millennial bunch who favor sneakers and sandals They take informal meetings to nearby CaliCommons and Lisarsquos Radial Cafe They variously hunch over laptops or tablets and carry smartphones as appendages
YEAR OF THE STARTUP
ENTREPRENEURAL IMMERSION
This communal work-live space model for business mavericks is new to Omaha The usual startup accelerator is a concentrated 90-day off-site program Omaha has a few of these notably Straight Shot Hunt saw a need for a program that invites a broader range of people into the accelerator fold and supports them much nearer to the start of their dream than other programs
ldquoWe feel like we can take people at very early stages because we are four times as long as the average programrdquo says Hunt who adds that Year of the Startup is also not tech-centric like many programs tend to be ldquoIn our model we substitute intensity for duration I think a lot of the learning here comes through unstructured serendipitous interactions we have that is not curriculum-based itrsquos just happenstance
ldquoWith a house there are so many different ways you can bring ideas and people together I think thatrsquos maybe that critical binding agent and sense of place that helps accomplish thingsrdquo
He says in this intimate environment ldquotherersquos no other choice but to immerse yourself in the settingrdquo adding ldquoWersquore always hanging out in the living room or out back talking about startup stuffmdashmonetization strategies capitalization tables vested equity entity structuresrdquo
ldquoItrsquos this immersive experience of camaraderie of these natural flows and idea generationrdquo Feldman says
Hunt says ldquoThis is very difficult to get bored with because therersquos always somebody whose business is either in crisis or growth stage or some interesting part of the curverdquo
ldquoHow could we get bored when wersquore creating a platform with four startups and all we get to do is ideationrdquo Feldman says ldquoItrsquos a constant buzz we get from interacting with these startup founders and helping them build their ideasrdquo
Built into the program are activities that encourage fellows to break out of their comfort zone and to offer honest criticism of each otherrsquos ideas
Hunt compiles multiple data points on the startups
ldquoWersquore developing really deep insight about how do people start successful businessesrdquo
The program utilizes mentors from the entrepreneurial community
ldquoWe bring in people who are experts in specific areas to talk on those topicsrdquo Feldman says
ldquoThey get ideas flowingrdquo Hunt says of the mentors
Feldman says he regularly covers with fellows ldquothe major components of what you need to look at to start your businessrdquo and then mentors like Mike Kolker owner of graphic design firm Simplify teach lessons about operational efficiency and ldquohow to simplify running a businessrdquo
Hunt is a newcomer to all this and goes by instinct as much as research to support his vision
CONTINUED ON 54
FEATURE | BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
53
54 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
70 Years of Business in Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
4027335500 | 4315 South 50th Street
402-333-5722 bull wwwsw-fencecom
Thanks for Voting SampW Fence the Best Again in 2015
Wersquore Not Just About Fences
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
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aharsquos Business to Business M
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ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER 2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
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ConnectWITH YOURCOMMUNITY
Donrsquot forget to visitOmahaMagazinecom to read
all of our titles online
Omaha MagazineEncounter B2B 60PlusHerFamily OmahaHome
CONTINUED FROM 53
ldquoI just had an irrational confidence market insights and a great theoretical background thanks to primary research I completed and to lessons I learned from Phillip Phillips Michael OrsquoHara and Art Diamond in UNOrsquos economics department I read constantly about who the players were in the startup world so I was fairly preparedrdquo
Even though he directs a startup program he only started participating in one himself (Venture School) He acknowledges Year of the Startup is a by-the-seat-of-your-pants experiment
ldquoComing out of college I had student loans and not a ton of money Irsquove held two jobs to finance the project Now the project is financed by a combination of me working and renting out one room One-hundred percent of the money our entrepreneurs pay in rent will be returned in full and so everybody has a strong incentive to follow through with the program That may be what makes us sustainablerdquo
Hersquos working on securing corporate sponsorship for the program Meanwhile he wants to help get participating startups to the next level
ldquoWersquore functioning like a pre-accelerator at this point We want to get our startups profitable and then refer them to the Straight Shots so they can focus on growth in a pure accelerator programrdquo
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 55
Mercedes-Benz of Omaha14335 Hillsdale Ave Omaha NE 68137wwwOmahaMercedescomContact John Williams anytime at 4029819262
of Omaha of Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
As Year of the Startup moved into a larger house in Omaharsquos Little Italy district on July 1 and a new class of fellows arrives Hunt says there are ldquointeresting talks happening right now to bring this to other citiesrdquo He and Feldman say economic development agencies are willing to pay a license fee for them to do startup houses in other cities The partners are having proprietary software developed that will enable new startup houses to replicate their branded Omaha model
They look forward to engaging with the emerging 10th Street cultural district but may keep the midtown house to accommodate growth
Hunt and Feldman believe theyrsquore catching the wave or tipping point of a big new startup rush and theyrsquore betting their model is poised to be a niche player in this wild frontier of entrepreneurial prospecting
B2B
56 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
It is an unassuming space but if you have made your way to TD Ameritrade Park Filmstreams or Hot Shops chances are yoursquove passed one of the most vibrant offices in Omaha
The fact that Co-Lab (short for Creative Collaborators) is not a traditional work space is certainly one of its best features Located inside the Tip Top building at 15th and Cumming streets is a project dreamed up by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture who happens to share the main floor of the building Based in the heart of a once-isolated section of the city Co-Labrsquos funky creative vibe is making waves In fact that vibe seeps into Omaharsquos everyday bringing about small changes pushing our city toward a more innovative future
CO-LABGIVING OMAHA WORKERS A MORE
COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE
IN THE OFFICE | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
56
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 57
Home to 18 businesses plus Alley Poyner Macchietto Co-Lab is free of walls and signage It is also free from traditional office norms For instance you donrsquot just walk over to your neighborrsquos space for a brainstorming sessionmdashyou skateboard At least you do if yoursquore Dave Nelson of SecretPenguin a leading experimental branding agency The best part is that the businesses surrounding SecretPenguin appreciate the break from tradition ldquoThatrsquos the beautiful part about being around like-minded good people and businessesrdquo Nelson says
CONTINUED ON 58
58 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 59
CONTINUED FROM 57
In addition to having pathways large enough to skateboard or bike through the space also provides Co-Labbers with a kitchen various conference rooms bike storage bathrooms and a battleground (otherwise known as the ping-pong table) Walking in the main doors clients and employees alike are greeted from the front desk while catching a view of the five-story open atrium basking in the glow of sunshine from the skylight Workers can also access the fitness room and rooftop deck sharing amenities with TipTop apartment residents who use a separate entrance
CONTINUED ON 60
The Harry A Koch CoInsurance amp Financial ConsultantsMember of First Insurance Group LLC
60 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
CONTINUED FROM 59
Businesses in Co-Lab all creativity-related range from entrepreneurs to start-ups to non-profits to small businesses The art varies in form but runs through the space like an electric current At Zicafoose Textiles Mary Zicafoose works steadily on her loom creating gorgeous tapestries 4Site Programming is where Joi Brown works as an independent consultant for performing arts centers across the nation Heartland B-Cycle a large-scale municipal bike sharing system brings art in the form of economical convenience Holly Boyer a founder of non-profit organization Mission Matters explains that one of the best things about having an office at Co-Lab is feeling the innovative positive energy from the moment you walk in the door So while individuals may join Co-Lab with a business-minded focus or a more creative vibe finding a yin to their yang is just a shout away
ldquoThere is certainly a wonderful built-in support network that comes along with working in a collaborative environmentrdquo quips Omaha Creative Institute Executive Director Emily Moody ldquoEverything from sharing ideas and finding ways to collaborate with an organization different than yours to sharing a staplerrdquo
At the heart of making it work says Laura Alley of Alley Poyner itrsquos simply playing well with others
The skateboarding ping-pong playing creatives do that well
B2B
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arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott Enterprises
SCOTTENTERPRISES
In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott EnterprisesFor more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
bull TD Ameritrade Parkbull First National Bank Towerbull Midtown Crossingbull Village Pointe Shopping Centerbull UNO Weber Fine Arts Buildingbull Childrenrsquos Hospital
402-571-2364 | wwwScottEntcom9684 N 109th Street Omaha NE 68142
For more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
TD Ameritrade Park | First National Bank Tower | Midtown Crossing | Village Pointe | Childrenrsquos Hospital Aksarben Village | Joslyn Art Museum | Fred amp Pamela Buffett Cancer Center | UNO Community Arena
6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
AT THE OFFICE amp ON THE GO
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Plantronics BackBeat
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Plantronics CS540
Wireless
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Clean Your BrowserRemove Temporary Internet Files
Delete Adware and CookiesDefrag Hard Drives
Intall Current Microsoft PatchesInstall Microsoft Security Updates
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13
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
- BB1015_fntCvr_125
- BB1015_fntEdit_125
- BB1015_bkEdit_125
- BB1015_bkCvr_125
-
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 07
DEPARTMENTS SPECIALemspSECTIONS
COLUMNS
FEATURES
TABLEemspOFemspCONTENTS
COVERemspFEATURE
09emsp FROM THE EDITOR Playing Big
26emsp OFFICE FURNITURE Office Origins
51emsp OMAHA CVB Husker Coach Has Tourism Twin
61emsp THE BRAND BRIEF The Language Of Brand Irrelevance
63emsp B4B TD2 Touts B4B
66emsp ETHICS Wicked Problems
34emsp BUY OMAHA PROFILES Cox Communications
35emsp THE FIRM DEAL REVIEW Playing Big Edition
22
28 5210 OUTLOOK NEBRASKAA Sight For Non-Seeing Eyes
SCISSORS amp SCOTCH Snip-Snip-Sip-Sip
YEAR OF THE STARTUPEntrpreneural Immersion
BALLET NEBRASKAA PAS DE DEUX BETWEEN BUSINESS AND THE ARTS
14emsp omAHA Ervin amp Smith
19emsp BRANDREBRAND Controlled Comfort
30emsp HOW I ROLL Whatrsquos That Thing
56emsp IN THE OFFICE Co-Lab
64emsp BIZ + GIVING Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew
08emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Who Will Be Votedthe Best of Omaha
Look for our December 2015special issue as we unveilyour cityrsquos newest roster ofldquoBestsrsquo in everything from
pizzza to plumbing
OM
AHA MAGAZINErsquoSOM
AHA MAGAZINErsquoS
BestOfOmahacom
OmahaHas Spoken
AND THE BALLOTS ARE IN
The Second AnnualOmaha Magazine
Best of Omaha FestivalUniversity of Nebraska at Omaha
Baxter Arena | Nov 21 2015
SAVE THE DATE
november 21
20
15
sec
ond annual
OM
AHA
MAGAZINErsquoS
KETV 7 bull BAXTER AREN
A
(402) 905 9511OmarEventscom
FacebookndashOmar Arts amp Events 4383 Nicholas Omaha NE 68131 Suite 230
The Newest Event Venue B lends Timeless Craf tsmanship with Every Amenity
ldquoThe Sandler Selling System is so contrarian to traditional sales methods and yet it makes so much sense We have found it to be highly effective The system really worksrdquo ndash RJ Lipert - President General Fire amp Safety
T 402-403-43343828 Dodge St bull Omaha NE 68131kschaphorstsandlercom
Karl SchaphorstOwner
Are you tired of wasting time bullpresenting to prospects that have no need bullpresenting to prospects that have no money bullpresenting to prospects that canrsquot make a decision
Join us for an executive briefing to learn moreabout how Sandler Training can grow your business bullAugust 20th bullSeptember 17th bullOctober 15th bullNovember 19th
Register at wwwkarlschaphorstsandlercomOr call us at 402-403-4334
Suffering from Flatlining SalesWe Can Help
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 09
09
PLAYING BIGCompiling this issue of B2B magazine got me thinking about Scott Andersonrsquos 2013 book Playing Big In it the founder of Anderson Partners who is now the CEO of Doubledare speaks of forgetting your limitations and remembering the powerful person you are
Erika Overturff was 27 when she realized that the ballet company of which she was a member was doomed She was an artist a professionally trained dancer Business savvy Management skills An understanding of how to fund a new performance company Not so much
Overturff had a list of limitations a mile long but today she is a founding member and artistic director of Ballet Nebraska the regionrsquos only professional dance company as it enters its sixth season She discovered the powerful person that she was and with a lot of help in mentoring and connecting along the way shersquos learned to play big in elevating the cultural landscape of a city
Our cover story is not about a dance company so much as it is about a communityrsquos ability to get things done when its people and its businesses share a common vision Omaha has always been a special place one with a ldquocan dordquo spirit While other cities struggle we survive even thrive
Omaha knows how to play big
That theme is reflected throughout the stories on the pages that follow stories of creativity passion talentmdasheven faith
The same motif that of playing big is mirrored in The Firm Deal Review the magazine-within-a-magazine found beginning on page 35 No one setting out to purchase a business thinks small and the stories told by The Firm represent microcosms of the very definition of what it means to think dream and play big
Andersonrsquos book pays particular attention to smaller cultures which is fitting because most of the entities profiled in this magazine dwell in the arena of small business Itrsquos a strata where core values are perhaps most critical but how is it that even in the smallest of businesses the simple maxim of ldquostaying truerdquo can remain so very elusive
Read on to uncover what has worked for some of the most compelling entrepreneurs in Omaha
And donrsquot forget to play big
B2B
David Williams is editor of B2B a publication of Omaha Magazine LTD Williams can reached at davidomahamagazinecom
FROM THE EDITOR BY DAVID WILLIAMS
10emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Scissors amp Scotch Co-Owner Erik Anderson
Erik Anderson was new to Omaha and needed a haircut
A good one
The guy had a sales job and needed to look sharp But who to trust with his precious locksmdashsome chain
ldquoYou never know what kind of haircut yoursquore going to getrdquo Anderson says ldquoYou could get a great haircut or walk out of there looking like a doofus Irsquom not going to go that route
ldquoI started going to womenrsquos salons I knew I could trust themrdquo
SHAVE AND A HAIRCUTSNIP-SNIP-SIP-SIP
FEATURE | BY ANTHONY FLOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
10
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 11
That was two years ago Now Anderson gets his rsquodo done at his own placemdashScissors amp Scotch which opened in March at 2835 South 170th Plaza
As its name suggests therersquos much more to Scissors amp Scotch than just a great cut The new shop offers an upscale grooming experience featuring traditional barbering services (in plush old-school barber chairs) and modern spa treatments steamed towels hot lather neck shaves scalp neck shoulder and hand massages paraffin hand dips facial and skin services coloringshellipeven nose waxings Therersquos a shoe shine station on Thursdays And full body massages are on the way
All for dudes
Oh yeah and when customers are done one of five complimentary hand-crafted whiskey cocktails await them in a private lounge
ldquoTherersquos nothing like this right nowrdquo Anderson says ldquoI would put it up against any place in the country
ldquoItrsquos not just a haircut at Scissors amp Scotch itrsquos an experience We havenrsquot had one person come back and say lsquoThat was terriblersquo Most guys are like lsquoWow that was awesomersquordquo
Anderson didnrsquot do it all alone Hersquos equal partners with longtime friend Sean Finley whom he grew up with in Prairie Village Kansas and Tanner Wiles a friend he met at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where Anderson played baseball before earning his degree in 2011
Anderson later worked for Federated Insurance which moved him from Minneapolis to Omaha in April 2013 Thatrsquos when he first went looking for a haircut While researching his options Anderson saw that menrsquos grooming had become the fastest growing part of the beauty industry
ldquoThat really intrigued me and I got really excited about itrdquo
CONTINUEDemspONemsp12
12emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp11
Why not open his own place Anderson brought that idea to Finley and Wiles one night at a bar in early 2014 Not one of them had any experience in the grooming industry but the trio soon discussed the idea by group text message Then they met regularly working on documents and video conferencing via Google Hangouts Wiles worked in sales at Ambulatory Care in Kansas City Finley completed his law degree in Columbia Missouri (hersquos now a corporate attorney at Husch Blackwell in Kansas City)
They hammered out the concept of Scissors amp Scotch leveraged whatever assets they possessed at such tender ages (Finley and Wiles are 27 Anderson 26) and got an SBA loan In August 2014 they signed a lease at Shops of Legacy This March they opened with nine employees not counting themselves
104 5th St Fullerton NE 68638 308-550-0632 signdan170yahoocomSignCraftersMidwestcom
FREE DELIVERY
Orders over $100
EmbroideryPolos Jackets T-Shirts Hats amp More
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Your Logo Here
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 13
Response exceeded expectations Six weeks after opening Scissors amp Scotch averaged 80 new clients per week and about 30 haircuts a day More than 60 percent of the customers opted for the $52 ldquo15-year servicerdquo (as in the age of fine Scotch) Its membership programmdashthe Scotch-inspired 10- 15- and 25-year packages with escalating benefits at each levelmdashwas expected to generate 100 sales the first year Scissors amp Scotch sold 90 the first month
ldquoItrsquos really encouragingrdquo Anderson says ldquoEach week wersquove done more haircuts than the previous week since we openedrdquo
And all of it by word-of-mouth advertising (though Scissors amp Scotch recently started advertising on AM 590)
ldquoIrsquove had a lot of guys say lsquoThis is Omaha Nebraska right This is something I expect to see in a Chicago or a New York or a Dallasrsquordquo
Thanks to Anderson Omaha it is
B2B
THANK YOU OMAHA
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BEST FLORISTldquoTaylor Maderdquo for ALL
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Locally Owned Since 1950
NAI means wersquore worldwide NP Dodge means wersquore local With more than 375 offices around the globe and more than 150 years in Omaha
How can we help your business
12050 Pacific Street | Omaha NE 68154 | +1 402 255 6060 | nainpdodgecom
The NAI NP Dodge
Difference
Services we offer
14emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
ldquoPeople need vacation to recharge and get inspired to continue to love what they dordquo she says ldquoA lot of times when you give people that break they come back more energized and with great ideas It makes them happier it makes us a better companyrdquo-HEIDI MOUSBACH
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 15
GOING TO THE DOGSERVIN amp SMITHrsquoS RELAXED AWARD-WINNING VIBE
OMAHA | BY ANTHONY FLOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Want to know how much fun it is to work at Omaha digital marketing firm Ervin amp Smith Just ask Peanut Gwen Duke or Daphne Jane
They wonrsquot talk to youhellipbut yoursquoll probably see their tails wagging
ldquoAny week we have probably a couple dogs in the officerdquo says Heidi Mausbach Ervin amp Smith president and CEO ldquoYou find them at your desk begging for a little treat They follow their owners around the agencyrdquo
The furry friends are there as one of many workplace benefits garnering Ervin amp Smith attention here and nationally In February the agency founded 31 years ago by Executive Chairman Doug Smith made the 2015 Best Places to Work in Omaha list sponsored by Baird Holm and the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce That came three months after Advertising Age ranked Ervin amp Smith number 13 on its list of 40 Best Places to Work in Advertising amp Media based on hiring practices benefits packages salaries office perks and more
ldquoYou spendhellipa good percentage of your life at workrdquo Mausbach says ldquoYou want to be at a place you love to come to People do love it here You donrsquot dread Monday morningrdquo
Even if yoursquore on vacationmdashwhich is unlimited at Ervin amp Smith as are sick and personal days The new leave policy established in January 2014 is among the most intriguing initiatives at the agency
ldquoPeople are free to come and go as long as they are fulfilling their client commitments and meeting their other goalsrdquo Mausbach says
So have employees been abusing the policy with copious vacation days Mausbach canrsquot saymdashErvin amp Smith isnrsquot tracking days If therersquos any challenge to the time-off policy itrsquos been with employees not taking enough personal time Mausbach who joined the agency 15 years ago was among those who took ldquoa lot lessrdquo vacation than she typically would
ldquoPeople need vacation to recharge and get inspired to continue to love what they dordquo she says ldquoA lot of times when you give people that break they come back more energized and with great ideas It makes them happier it makes us a better companyrdquo
While employees appreciate the flexibility the policy allows them to get away from work Ervin amp Smith has seen benefits in the officemdashless idle activity greater communication and collaboration and perhaps best of all fewer and shorter meetings as employees focus on goals and commitments
CONTINUEDemspONemsp16
15
16emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp15
The company also allows employees to work from home as needed or even full-time from cities across the country (one Ervin amp Smith employee lives in Washington another in Colorado) The company also established an annual ldquoSlush FUNdrdquo giving each employee $100 to spend on something that will enhance company culture such as a popcorn machine Some pooled their money to buy meditation classes open to everyone Others adopted a family at Christmas
Workplace enhancements can be simple A couple of years of ago the agency added a ping pong table Sometimes thatrsquos where the best work happens ldquoItrsquos interesting how their minds workrdquo Mausbach says ldquoA lot of times theyrsquore playing and brainstorming There are amazing ideas that come out of work and play at the same timerdquo
Other initiatives to enhance the Ervin amp Smith environment include redesigned offices an expanded client conference room
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 17
a per-person training budget more than twice the industry average catered lunches and happy hours and a monthly wellness stipend reimbursing employees up to $25 a month
The most popular benefit is Flame Schoedermdash a professional certified life coach made available for monthly development sessions
ldquoOf all the benefits they feel this is the one definitely helping them the most professionally and personallyrdquo Mausbach says
The initiatives seem to work Ervin amp Smith promoted 12 employees and hired 15 others last year Its retention rate in 2014 was 84 percent better than the typical industry rate of 70 percent or worse Mausbach cites
Ervin amp Smith is building employee relationships Perks are great People are better
Making Ervin amp Smith a doggone great place to work
B2B
8 ConsecutiveYears
Thanks Omaha for 30 Years2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
4023999233 | wwwsparklingkleancom
A+ Rating20 Consecutive Years
Exceptional Event Space amp Catering
Wersquoll make your next event one to remember
6450 Pine Street | 402-778-6313ScottCentercom
17
18emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
ESPELITE SERVICE PROFESSIONALS
Superior quality exceptional service
If you are a CEO key executive or business owner call 4024017560
copy 2015 Vistage Worldwide Inc 14_261_3131 kkk
Discover what thousands of CEOs already know Vistage works
Get answers Take action Like you the members of a Vistage Advisory Board are proven business leaders and critical thinkers They have smart ideas and insightful opinions and this is the forum to express them At our monthly meetings yoursquoll encounter lively discussions where business leaders tell it like it is If you find that refreshing then be our guest at our next monthly group meeting
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 19
Leo Costanzo Anne Taylor and Alan Hove of Controlled Comfort
BRANDREBRAND | BY ELIZABETH MACK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Jingle writers have done their job if they create an earwormmdasha song so catchy it sticks in your head and wonrsquot leave ldquoWhen I tell people I work at Controlled Comfort they immediately start singing the jinglerdquo says Alan Hove who along with co-owners Leo Costanzo and Anne Taylor purchased Controlled Comfort in 2004 ldquoItrsquos the best form of advertising we could ever hope forrdquo
CONTINUEDemspONemsp20
SINGING A HAPPY TUNEJINGLING ALL THE WAY
19
20emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
John Sievers
Businesses Are Buying SmarterThe All Makesrsquo team is trained to help you make design decisions and furniture purchases that fi t your offi ce atmosphere your work style and your budget Visit All Makesrsquo redesigned showroom to see the latest in new offi ce furniture pre-owned offi ce furniture and business technology
wwwallmakescom Omaha 2558 Farnam St | 4023412413 Lincoln 3333 O St | 4024777131
Thank you for voting us 1 for 10 consecutive years
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp19
Most people in the Omaha metro area are familiar with that animated female voice belting out ldquoControlled ComfortndashKeep it Under Controoooooolrdquo Many locals probably would not guess the companyrsquos logo (an angel) but could at least hum a few bars of the jingle Whether a catchy tune is annoying or enjoyable is a matter of opinion but once that musical worm has worked its way into your psyche you are forced to remember the product which is exactly what advertisers hope for
When companies change ownership one major decision is whether or not to maintain the same brand image and the current owners of Controlled Comfort knew they wanted things to stay pretty much the same when they took ownership
ldquoWe love our jinglerdquo says Taylor ldquoWhen we purchased the company we knew we wanted to maintain the image and keep the logo and jingle We couldnrsquot ask for a better form of advertisingrdquo
Research shows that music increases recall and simple melodies with simple lyrics stick with a consumer not only for the short term but often the long-term Remember ldquoI Wish I Were an Oscar Meyer Weinerrdquo Even if it has been years since you have actually heard it chances are you can still sing the entire song Controlled Comfortrsquos brand may not be as huge as Oscar Meyerrsquos but their jingle has stood the test of time being sung on local radio and TV for nearly 20 years with no end in sight
Taylor recounts how in the mid-1990s local musician Johnny Ray Gomez produced the jingle for a radio spot
ldquoThe previous owners purchased a year of radio advertising and it came with a jinglerdquo Taylor says
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
THANKS OMAHA
Embroidery middot Screen Printing middot Promotional Digital Printing middot Mailing middot Company Stores
13747 F St 4025961002 ideal-imagescom
ldquoWhen we purchased the company we knew we wanted to maintain the image and keep the logo and jingle We couldnrsquot ask for a better form of advertisingrdquo-ANNE TAYLOR
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 21
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
At the time they had no idea they did not retain exclusive rights to the melody
ldquoI just recently heard the song while I was traveling in western Nebraska It was quite a shockrdquo she adds with a laugh
Branding is all about creating an image of a business that will stick in a customerrsquos mind Though most businesses rely on visual advertising to create their brand jingles can be an additional way to increase awareness and create staying power People often remember a catchy tune Throw the company name and their phone number in the jingle lyrics and customers may not even need to look up the contact information
ldquoIf I forget the phone number I just sing the jinglerdquo says one local customer
Though original jingles declined in recent years as more large companies turn to popular songs for their advertising a few local companies still spend at least some marketing dollars on jingles Whether you think it annoying or catchy a jingle may be your best advertising investment
B2B
4023333062 | planitomahacom | 10832 old mill road suite 5 | omaha ne 68154
planitomaha A national and
regional powerhouse in
meetings conferences amp
events
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
22emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 2
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 23
How is it that Midlands Choice has come to make an investment in of all things a ballerina
Sure the bottom line of any insurance entity is driven by risk managementmdashthe investing of premium revenues to hedge against claims
But taking stock in Claire Goodwillie a company dancer with Ballet Nebraska
The Midlands Choice example is repeated all across the metro as area businesses support a broad array of arts nonprofits ones that dwell in everything from tutus to tempura
And the table is set for a new era of collaboration between business and the arts because philanthropic giving in America has finally returned to pre-recession levels
Contributions which totaled $358 billion in 2014 surpassed 2007rsquos pre-recession level of $355 billion Additionally giving was up from all major sourcesmdashindividuals corporations foundations and bequestsmdashaccording to Giving USA an annual report compiled by the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and the Giving USA Foundation of Chicago
ldquoEight out of nine types of charitable organizations we measure saw increased contributions and thatrsquos good news for the
BALLET NEBRASKAA PAS DE DEUX BETWEEN BUSINESS AND THE ARTS
philanthropic sector as a wholerdquo W Keith Curtis told Omaha Magazine in an email Curtis is chair of Giving USA Foundation and president of the nonprofit consulting firm The Curtis Group ldquoThe 60-year high for charitable giving in 2014 is a great story about resilience and perseverancerdquo
Themes of resilience and perseverance define the Ballet Nebraska story
Erika Overturff was 27 years old when the ballet company of which she was a dancer and resident choreographer appeared doomed She had no money She had no business acumen
That was 2009 Flash forward to 2015 and Overturff now 33 founder and artistic director of Ballet Nebraska is leading the regionrsquos only professional dance company into its sixth season
In a city known for its ldquocan-dordquo spirit this story could be about almost any local arts nonprofit but the unlikely saga of Ballet Nebraska is told here because it is perhaps the most improbable of tales one that best reveals what a business community and the arts can do when they share a common vision
CONTINUEDemspONemsp24
BY DAVID WILLIAMS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
23COVERemspFEATURE
24emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp23
Like settling into your seat with a program before the lights dim at any performing arts venue itrsquos probably best to start by reviewing the cast of characters
THE CONNECTORHal Daub knows people Especially in a city of six degrees of separation that is in reality much more like two or three degrees the former Omaha mayor (1995-2001) and US Congressman (1981-1989) who has served on countless nonprofit boards and is now a partner at Husch Blackwellhellipknows people
ldquoWhen I was first introduced to Hal and he offered to helprdquo Overturff says ldquoI assumed that meant he was going to maybe make a few calls and do a little name-droppingrdquo Daub it turned out would become a key player in the often delicate pas de deux that is the coupling of business and the arts ldquoHe not only made those calls but he set up the appointmentshellipand then he came along to personally introduce me and stand by my side in front of those who would become some of the most generous funders of Ballet Nebraskardquo
ldquoThe reason I am so fascinated by what Erika has donerdquo says Daub ldquois that Omaha is a city that has clearly evolved to become a place that is not just metropolitan but truly cosmopolitanrdquo And investing in the arts Daub believes makes good business sense ldquoThe social environment of a citymdashits arts and entertainmentmdashis critical in attracting and retaining the best workforce Ballet Nebraska Opera Omaha the Omaha Symphony Omaha Performing Artshellipthose and so many others are the organizations that help keep the best talent in Omahardquo
THE ADVOCATEMichelle Clark is Union Pacificrsquos general director of information technologies which means she probably knows more than a little about computer viruses As a three-year board member of Ballet Nebraska shersquos also seen how supporting the arts can go viral
ldquoEmployee generosity is furthered by the use of the companyrsquos matching gifts programrdquo Clark explains ldquoThis creates a sense of pride for employees and Union Pacific is supportive of the communities in which we live and work The employees of Union Pacific are very generous and have supported fundraising drives not only for Ballet Nebraska but a number of organizations such as the Womenrsquos Center for Advancement and JDRFrdquo
Employees should never underestimate their power to play a key role in advocating for nonprofits within their organizations
ldquoI am passionate about the art of dance especially ballet and Ballet Nebraskardquo Clark says ldquoDance inspires my creativity and provides insights to see beyond the obvious My hope is that by providing individuals with the awareness of opportunities to experience and support the art of dance they will find their own inspiration to apply to their own liferdquo
And just as stubborn computer viruses are often cloyingly messy to eradicate once discovered Union Pacificrsquos relationship with Ballet Nebraska has a ldquostickinessrdquo of its own Clark was preceded on the Ballet Nebraska board by Gayla Thal the companyrsquos senior vice president and general counsel
THE BULLDOGDonrsquot let the gentle demeanor of Midlands Choice vice president Greta Vaught fool you Supporting the arts is often a visceral experience and Vaughtrsquos passion for dance exerted itself on multiple levels in the early stages of growth at Ballet Nebraska
ldquoMidlands Choice has always been supportive of my work in the communityrdquo says the board chair of Ballet Nebraska
ldquoWe like to listen to our people when making such decisionsrdquo says Midlands Choice President and CEO Thomas E Press rdquoIt is important for us to know that our giving has real meaning for them their families and their communitiesrdquo
ldquoI looked at what Erika was trying to dordquo Vaught continues ldquoand I thought it was brave but impossible But all along the way I just kept going back to the thought that if one of my daughters [Mia now 15 and Hannah now 19] wanted to try something so bold one day thatrdquohellipinsert long pausehellipldquoIrsquom sorry this is making me cry I would just hope that people with experience and connections and dollars would shepherd my daughters along like so many people have done with Erika and Ballet Nebraskardquo
Okay so maybe ldquoThe Bulldogrdquo wasnrsquot such a great character name for this role after all
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 25
Fast-Paced Public Relations
Customer-Based Planning and Communications
402-964-9293 11626 Nicholas Street
zaisscocom
For the Connected World
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Join the world of innovative PR ndash partner with experts
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Best PR Agency 7 Years Running
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
THE ARTISTldquoI had to do a lot of on-the-job learning when I decided to try to launch a dance companyrdquo Overturff says ldquoWe were lucky in that we got our nonprofit status right away but I didnrsquot know anything about the business side of things and really nothing about raising funds I was moved by every $5 check that came in but it took a lot of mentoring advice and counsel to get us to where we are today as a fully funded professional performance companyrdquo
Ballet Nebraska now has a paid staff of 22 including nine salaries paid to company dancers Today Overturffrsquos once-nonexistent business connections run deep Personal contributions from the likes of philanthropists Richard Holland and Fred and Eve Simon further fuel the growth of ballet in Omaha Foundations also play a major role in funding A recent gift of $124000 from the Iowa West Foundation is the largest in Ballet Nebraska history
ldquoTalented professionals from all over the world that have trained their whole lives to pursue a career in dance now come to Omaha in the hopes of performing with Ballet Nebraska as we serve the state and western Iowa in performances education outreach and morerdquo she says ldquoA ballet companymdashany performing arts company any arts organizationmdashis about its peoplehellipthe artists the staff and hardworking selfless volunteers But it is the people of Omaha from the smallest donations to the relationships we have with such great businesses that makes it all happenrdquo
B2B
26emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
26OFFICE FURNITURE BY DOUG SCHURING
OFFICE ORIGINS
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE MODERN WORKPLACE
For all the time we spend in our office very few of us are familiar with how that space came to be You may actually be surprised by the events and inventions that helped form the work environment we know today From the development of the railroad to innovations in communication our current corporate habits structures and tools have all played a role In his book CubedmdashA Secret History of the Workplace Nikil Saval shapes the advances that created the conventional office we are familiar with today
The advent of the Morse telegraph spawned long-distance communication Then starting in 1860 a series of technological innovations changed the possibilities of the workplace the use of iron framework permitted the construction of taller buildings and elevators assisted the climb The Remington typewriter entered the office in 1874 Bellrsquos telephone was patented two years later
At the same time railroads expanded across the country reducing transportation costs and extending markets for goods and services Additionally railroads produced an organizational transformation still in use today The coordination of trains required employees housed in structures all across the country bringing a variety of offices to the American landscape Between the executive the manager and the workerhellipthe organizational chart was born
The invention of telecommunications fostered the speed of information to surge creating more
Doug Schuring is the director of sales administration at All Makes Office Equipment Co
work and subsequently more workers As these workers moved into new structures the spaces reflected their various levels of management In 1915 the Metal Office Furniture Company (now Steelcase) invented the modern deskmdasha flat metal table outfitted with file drawers The new desks massed together in defined rows offered managers full visual access to the goings-on of the workplace and this ldquosea of desksrdquo became the norm for decades Lockers and various cabinets popular in the Great Depression era became vertical files once steel became readily available after World War II
In 1968 Herman Miller introduced the first panel system with attached components Designed by Robert Propst the Action Office system revolutionized the ldquoofficerdquo in form flexibility and cost Other furniture manufacturers mimicked the modular system which became the norm for many businesses
Up to the rsquo90s the personal computerrsquos popularity grew and the relative size of work stations decreased between 25-50 percent By the middle of that decade the dot-com revolution on the West Coast created an unprecedented workplace culture The formal atmosphere of the office became much more casual and discontent for the Dilbert-esque cubicle grew Subsequently creative furniture solutions evolved with the desire to be more mobile leading the way
In the early 2000rsquos collaborative open offices grew in popularity New and improving
technologies now offer connectivity in the office home or public spaces As a result nearly every company today is adapting and using new furnishings as a tool to attract new workers At the same time retaining existing employees is equally important The goal is to make everyone more effective and efficient in their work
Whether you work in an office from home in the local coffee shop or out of an airline terminal you may start to notice that much of the furniture is beginning to look very similar As long as you are able to connect to technology you can work from virtually anywhere
B2B
SEPTEMBER 24 2015 Ralston Arena7300 Q Street
Ralston NE 68127
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Looking for INNOVATIVE MARKETING IDEAS Want to BOOST SALES AND ADD ROI Need to ANALYZE DATA TO GROW MARKET SHARE
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omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 27
28emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Outlook Nebraska CEO Eric Stueckrath
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 29
On the surface it looks just like any other office or factory As you enter Outlook Nebraska Inc (ONI) yoursquore greeted by a friendly front desk attendant and led past a perfectly ordinary-looking workspace Entering their factory where they manufacture such paper products as rolls of hand towels you wouldnrsquot suspect that it is different from any other assembly line
But explore a little deeper
Walking past one office you might see a man typing away on a keyboard his laptop closed in front of him He doesnrsquot need it open to know what hersquos typing Hersquos visually impaired and utilizing computer software that reads the words aloud as he types
On the factory floor raised edges guard the walkway so sightless employees can feel their way around Over on the assembly line visually impaired workers can use a computer screen to zoom in on the product at various stages of production to assess the process
ONI is a non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance the life of the blind and visually impaired through employment opportunities and training Almost all the employees at ONI are blind or visually impaired from factory workers to IT professionals Some were born blind others lost their sight later in life ONI aims to help them all re-enter the workforce in a meaningful way
A SIGHT FOR NON-SEEING EYES
OUTLOOK NEBRASKA
ldquoThey get used to being on their feetrdquo says ONI CEO Eric Stueckrath ldquoWe offer jobs for [people with] entry-level skill sets and all of the positions are at or above minimum wage We give them the tools to help build those skill setsrdquo
ONI also offers personalized life-skills training geared to whatrsquos important to the individual from personal banking to cooking to operating a computer
The American Foundation for the Blind estimates that as many as 70 percent of blind adults in the US are unemployed As the largest employer of the blind in the Omaha metro area ONI is working to make an impact
ldquoWe work with organizations that are committed to hiring the visually impairedrdquo Stuekrath says ldquoAdvocacy is definitely part of what we dordquo
ONI is currently in the midst of a $2 million capital campaign that will allow them to complete a large-scale renovation project at their facility The renovation will create more space for the general public and give them the ability to offer additional training programs
In addition to working with adults blind and visually-impaired youth are a primary focus for Stuekrath and ONI
ldquoMy heart really gravitates toward themrdquo Stuekrath says
ONI partners with youth organizations on a number of initiatives including a sports camp for visually-impaired youth called Camp Abilities Nebraska Attendees can try archery swimming bowling track and field and more as a means to build confidence
ldquoThey donrsquot need to be coddledrdquo Stuekrath says adding that he often tells parents of blind children ldquoYour kid needs to get out there and bump his head and experience liferdquo
At ONI everything comes back to the organizationrsquos mission Stuekrath says
ldquoWe give them the tools they need to gain greater independencerdquo
B2B
FEATURE | BY APRIL CHRISTENSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY COLIN CONCES
29
30emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Layne and Pam Yahnke and Their VW Thing
Shakespeare wrote of love and betrayal Tolkien of hobbits and wizards Steinbeck and Faulkner of the indomitable American spirit
Layne Yahnke writes about his VW Thing
Yes the two-wheel-drive off-road convertible military vehicle first manufactured for the West German Army as ldquoType 181rdquo in 1968 VW churned them out until 1983 including two years in the United States when marketed as ldquoThe Thingrdquo
Yahnke got his Thing in 2000 for $5500 Hersquos lovingly restored it most importantly giving it a peppy new motor that makes it Autobahn-worthy
WHATrsquoS THAT THING
LANE YAHNKErsquoS UNUSUAL VOLKSWAGEN
HOW I ROLL | BY ANTHONY FLOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Therersquos only one other Thing in Omaha and Yahnkersquos gets lots of second and third looks when hersquos whipping down the Dodge Street Expressway from his Elkhorn home Especially when the doors are off and windshield is down
Everyone wants to know abouthellipthe Thing
Thus Yahnke penned ldquoIt Takes a Village to Build a VW Thingrdquo an ode to those who helped him with his beloved ridemdashhis sons Omaha VW Club members engine and body shops and parts stores
CONTINUEDemspONemsp32
30
SIGN UP TODAYdolnebraskagovsides
Questions phone - 402-471-9910 email - ndoluisidesnebraskagov
Sign up now for a free paperless way to return unemployment insurance information
Submit separation information online
Free - No postage costsno sign-up fee
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E-Response saves treesNo more paper 350rsquos
Keep your taxes lowAvoid unnecessary charges
Avoid Late responses ampLoss of appeal rights
32emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Locally Owned in Papillion Ne402-740-0800 bull apconstructomahacom
Insurance claims
welcomeIf your roof sustained fire snow or hail
damage the repairs can be costly We are your wind and hail damage experts and accept insurance claims so you wonrsquot
have to pay for the repair work yourself
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
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Steve Kowalski
Call or Text Message(402 ) 453-6000
abetterexposurecom steveabetterexposurecom
Passion Creativity Experience
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp31
ldquoI wrote that right after the engine transplantrdquo says Yahnke an Omaha native and vice president at Essex Corp provider of senior living communities ldquoI guess I was moved I get so many inquiries about it and I really feel so fondly about itrdquo
Itrsquos not his first Thing Yahnke and his wife of 38 years Pam owned one before their four children came along As the kids have come and gone so have the cars
Lots of them
Yahnke figures he has owned 60 automobiles in his life His car fancy began as a kid growing up in Dundee where a friendrsquos dad spent his spare time restoring English cars Yahnke spent hours in his garage and developed a love for Triumphs and MGs His first car purchase was a 1962 Triumph for $425 in 1972 It wasnrsquot long though until he sold it at a profit
ldquoThatrsquos what kicked off the buying and selling of English carsrdquo he says ldquoI discovered I could enjoy my transportation but then as soon as someone wanted to buy it for more than I paid for it out it wentrdquo
ldquoWhere Accounting Meets ResultsrdquoProviding Accounting and Quickbooks Services
For Metro Businesses
Denise Martin I 9252077634Deniseheartlandaccountabilitycom
wwwHeartlandAccountAbilitycom
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 33
These days you never know what will be parked in the Yahnke driveway Currently therersquos a Honda pickup a VW Jetta VW Multivan and a 2001 Audi TT Quatro Convertiblemdashpurchased in apropos silver for his 25th wedding anniversary
Itrsquos the Thing he most enjoys driving He logs about 1000 miles on it each year Most of those have come toplessmdashYahnke long ago gave it away to another Thing enthusiast and now only drives it sans roof
ldquoAnyone who sees this car has only seen it top-downrdquo he says ldquoI just got caught once in the rain and that was probably a month ago The cool thing about the Thing is you leave it out in the sun and it dries out and is ready to gordquo
It says ldquoSummer is hererdquo Yahnke says
ldquoPeople speed up all the time to try to figure out what it is Itrsquos just a happy car and itrsquos so darn versatile It puts smiles on peoplesrsquo facesrdquo
B2B
Quality Carpet Cleaning Since 2004
4026806523
Cleaning ServicesCarpet CleaningUpholstery CleaningMattress CleaningTile amp Grout CleaningPet TreatmentsConcrete CleaningConcrete CleaningAuto Interior Cleaning24 Hour Water Damage
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omahamagazinecom SPECIALemspADVERTISINGemspSECTIONemspemsp |emsp SUMMERemsp2015emsp |emsp 34
ABOUT OUR BUSINESS
Cox Business started in 2000 as the commercial services division of Cox Communications Over the past 15 years we have experienced strong growth and are on our target to achieve $2 billion in revenue in the near future
Cox Business owns operates and maintains its own network providing leading-edge technology solutions for voice internet networking and digital TV We also offer robust business continuity and disaster recovery solutions which is of increasing importance to businesses in the greater Omaha area Our customers include such key verticals as education hospitality government and healthcare We maintain a significant focus on Omaha small business mid-markets and large local companies as well
We consider our employees to be our most precious asset as they have the responsibility of taking care of our customers At Cox Business we are fortunate to have an extremely tenured and engaged team of employees What sets us apart from our competition is the fact that while we are a large robust and progressive company we still possess
the nimbleness of a smaller company in our ability to deliver creative solutions under tight timelines We pride ourselves on having very little bureaucracy and that translates to happy customers The fact that Cox Business has won 15 JD Power Awards for customer satisfaction over the past 11 years is a notable accomplishment for us and we work hard to deliver on that promise of excellence every day
ABOUT LYNNE
I have led sales and operations teams in the communications industry for 20 years 10 of those years with Cox Communications My husband Pat and I just celebrated our first full year in Omaha and wonder why it took us so long to find this jewel of a community Our daughter Kaylin starts law school next month at the University of San Diego
I have two passions in my professional life mentoring employees who are working on leadership development (which includes working with two to three emerging leaders at any given time) and continuing to drive efforts in hiring fostering a diverse workforce There
is a challenge in STEM fields of under-represented groups My company Cox Communications is also very passionate about this and holds the distinction of inclusion in Diversity Incrsquos top 50 companies
My personal passions include travel social media and Italian cooking
B2B
COX BUSINESSLYNNE SANGIMINO
Cox Business 401 N 117th St Omaha NE 68154 coxbusinesscom 4029340830
Cradickrsquos Husker PowerTEXAN RETURNS HOME FOR BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY PG 8
Marlon Lofgren Koley Jessen PC LLOKEEPING THE FOCUS WHERE IT BELONGS PG 4
Seasoned Advice for Buyers(THE BOUNCY KIND) PG 5
PLAYING BIG EDITION
Fall
2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
2
Volume 1 Issue 5
Published by The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
PresidentEditor bull Cortney Sells
DirectorAssistant Editor bull Cassandra Powers
In-House Legal Counsel bull Susanne Miller
Outreach Coordinator bull Rene Rademacher
Marketing Development bull Rachael Rand
Business Broker bull Breann Becerra
Referring Broker bull Elizabeth Jones
Marketing Division bull Adam Jaime
Development Liaison bull Holley Garcia
Client Services bull Nycole Wandvik-Tolle
Client Services bull Julie OrsquoBrien
Community Relations bull Mike Sells
Contributing Writers
Marlon Lofgren bull Kathy Rygg bull Maureen Tierney
Design bull OBI Creative
Photography bull Bill Sitzmann
To Subscribe
The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
210 N 78 St
Omaha NE 68114
4029985288
infothefirmb2bcom
Advertising Inquiries
4028842000
toddomahamagazinecom
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Columns
4 Seller Financing
Koley Jessen PC LLO Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
14 Executive Impact Getting Into the Big Office
Departments
5 Seasoned Advice for
Business Buyers (The Bouncy Kind)
12 Building a Legacy while
Building Racks New Chapter to Becklerrsquos Career
The Bottom Line
Sells Insights
Playing Big
Husker PowerTexan returns home to
Nebraska for business opportunity
pg8
Many business owners have marginal experience in the trades in which their
organizations specialize While it may seem counterintuitive to buy or start a company situated around an industry in which one has little experience there is a certain com-petitive edge to the equation A buyer or president need only know enough to begin before surrounding him or herself with the right personnel to tackle the minute details What is paramount is the grander scheme of
management and operations which allows one to flex refined business acumen Not only does distance from fieldwork free up time to put in place a robust and refined plan but it leaves open other avenues for portfolio expansion Grow your business expand operations or begin other busi-ness ventures The possibilities are only as small as the mindset held by your team The FIRM
Special Section
7 Fresh Off The Firm The Firm Business Brokerage has
over $80 million dollars in assets under
management of current cash flowing
businesses for sale ndash from medical
practices to commercial services to large
manufacturing companies
by Cortney Sells presidenteditor
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
3Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
4
IF PROPERLY STRUCTURED AND DOCUMENTED SELLER FINANCING IS REALLY NO DIFFERENT FROM FINANCING THAT WOULD OTHERWISE BE PROVIDED BY A BANKTYING IT ALL TOGETHEREven the most savvy of ldquonumbers peoplerdquo need a leg up in negotiating a purchase As with so many aspects of doing business retaining experienced legal counsel enables you to keep the focus where it belongsmdashemploying your entrepreneurial skills in the identification and acquisition of profitable business ventures The FIRM
Seller Financing Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
written by Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
Seller financing can often be a criti-cal factor in getting a business sold
If properly structured and documented seller financing is really no different from financing that would otherwise be provided by a bank Below is a brief guide to navi-gating the issues normally encountered in seller financing
FIRST THINGS FIRSTThe first question is usually that of how to structure and document the financing The buyer should be expected to sign a prom-issory note evidencing the loan from the seller with interest and repayment terms mutually agreeable to both parties The seller might also require that the buyer grant the seller a security interestlien in the pur-chased assets to secure the loan Itrsquos also not unusual for a seller to require that the individual owners of the buyer (assuming the buyer is an entity) personally guarantee the loan In most cases the documents are usually pretty straightforward and do not need to be overly complicated
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
ADDITIONAL LAYERSIf a bank is also financing the sale the seller will most likely be required by the bank to sign a subordination agreement This is an agreement between the bank usually referred to as the ldquosenior lenderrdquo and the seller referred to as the ldquojunior lenderrdquo A subordination agreement sets forth the terms between the lenders as to each entityrsquos right to receive loan pay-ments from the buyer and the priority of their respective security interestsliens in the purchased assets The document will usually state that the senior lenderrsquos loan and security interestliens shall at all times be superior to those of the junior lender until the senior loan is paid in full Most lenders are willing to discuss and negoti-ate the junior lenderrsquos right to receive loan payments from the borrower Lien priority status however is rarely compromised by senior lenders in subordination agreements The senior lender will insist on having a first priority security interestlien in the pur-chased assets
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Whether yoursquore a first-time entre-preneur or an experienced business
owner purchasing a company is a critical investment financially and emotionally To help increase the likelihood of it being a success in both areas there are a number of aspects to keep in mind when evaluating if a business is the right fit gt
Seasoned Advice for Business Buyers(The Bouncy Kind)
written by Kathy Rygg
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Jerry Rachwalik
5Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
6
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
lt Jerry Rachwalik has been researching companies for the past three years waiting for the right opportunity to arise His search was the result of spending his career work-ing for larger organizations in a number of areas including delivery installation cus-tomer service inventory accounts receiv-ables and scheduling where he managed up to 35 people at a time
Policies and philosophies can change when working for a corporation Sometimes they become less family friendly ldquoWith the previous companies I worked forrdquo Rachwalik says ldquothey switched from caring about em-ployees to making money and the bottom line I stuck it out for several years and then decided I needed something differentrdquo
An entrepreneur by nature Rachwalik has over the last seven years built up a rental business buying foreclosed homes and duplex properties completely reno-vating them and then renting them back out He now has 15 properties and enjoys helping families by providing nice homes that are affordable ldquoI want people to feel good when they come home at night after a long day at workrdquo he says Rachwalik want-ed to find a business that allowed him the flexibility to respond to his tenants when needed from simple plumbing issues to furnaces going kaput
When he first started looking for a new business Rachwalik was drawn to home health care because of his experience help-ing to take care of relatives And it was a growing field Nothing was available at the time so he expanded his options and be-gan researching businesses in a variety of industries Those included a flooring com-pany sandwich shop and even a hair salon
ldquoI was open to anything and if I could make the numbers work then I would consider itrdquo he explains
Then The Firm Business Brokerage pre-sented him with an opportunity that was the right match Bounce U in Omaha There were a number of factors that appealed to Rachwalik First and foremost were the financials but it would also offer him the flexibility he needed for his rental business A big advantage was that an entire team was already in place one seasoned in man-aging staff and scheduling parties ldquoThey do a great jobrdquo he says ldquoI donrsquot plan on making any personnel changesrdquo
But what hersquos most looking forward to with this new venture is the fun positive environment Bounce Ursquos primary business is its birthday party packages featuring the companyrsquos oversized inflatibles and Rachwalik said he canrsquot wait to watch the excitement on the kids faces when they walk through the door ldquoEveryone there is happyrdquo he says ldquoThe kids are happy the parents are happy and the employees running the parties are happy Itrsquoll be a big change from the environments I used to work inrdquo Hersquos already planning to have his twin grand-daughtersrsquo birthday party there too
His transition included a week of training with the companyrsquos corporate facility in Ari-zona as well as on-site training Even though the Omaha location is an existing store all of Rachwalikrsquos training was structured as though itrsquos a brand new site
Bounce U has traditionally partnered with local restaurants to provide food for birth-day parties but Rachwalik wants to explore the option to build a kitchen of his own
He also hopes to continue to grow the business by at least 5 annually ldquoAnything I do I will communicate with my employees and get their input and suggestions firstrdquo he adds
For anyone who is considering buying a business or is going through the process Rachwalik stresses to be open minded and not rule anything out ldquoIf an opportunity is presented to you run the numbers and see if you can make it workrdquo he says ldquoI did a complete flip-flop on the type of business I thought I wanted versus what I ended up purchasing But if you keep looking yoursquoll eventually find a matchrdquo The FIRM
ldquoTHE KIDS ARE HAPPY THE PARENTS ARE HAPPY AND THE EMPLOYEES RUNNING THE PARTIES ARE HAPPY ITrsquoLL BE A BIG CHANGE FROM THE ENVIRONMENTS I USED TO WORK INrdquo
-Jerry Rachwalik
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Fresh Off The Firm Featured Listings for Sale
Suburban Bar amp Grill with VolleyballOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $26413 PRICE $115000
Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity in an area with only two other bars nearby Serving up a gorgeous and well-maintained volleyball court along with pool tables and a jukebox this bar and grill is a favorite with the locals Business is fully staffedmdashowner works very part time hours
Rain Gutter Sales amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $145200 PRICE $415000
This business is a dealer for high-end rain gutter covers These products are con-structed of high-quality aluminum and sur-gical-grade stainless steel and are strong enough to hold up to four feet of snow or 20 pounds of debris Profit margin is 48
Large-Scale Assembly amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $743732 PRICE $2200000
This well-established installation and assembly business in central Nebraska prides itself on providing many numerous building solutions for businesses and building owners in their area They install and assemble metal frames including grain silos pole barns and buildings
Photo Booth Business Running on Autopilot OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $36419 PRICE $88900
Photo booths are the ldquoin thingrdquo at weddings and parties In business for seven years this business is one of the largest in town Wedding couples hoping to capture the fun memories of the day make up 67 of the clients Includes four booths and one trailer
Southwest Omaha Dental PracticeOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $129745 PRICE $380000
Professional staff and excellent customer service are the hallmarks of this practice Using the latest technology the business offers an array of dental services including teeth cleaning veneers crowns bleaching and trauma services The owner is currently working only 20 hours a week
Small Animal Vet Clinic in Omaha OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $158287 PRICE $440000
For over 30 years this animal care clinic has prioritized customer care They are currently offering services to over 2000 families and are the second largest veterinary clinic in the area The business is split 7030 between dogs and cats
Buildersrsquo Material amp Supply CompanyOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $364880 PRICE $933000
This highly reputable company established in 1976 and located just north of Omaha provides quality and reliable services and supplies Building supply inventory includes garage door lumber windows trims siding roofing materials and more Approximately 90 of customers are repeat clientele
High-Growth Plumbing Company OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $157774 PRICE $445000
This non-union plumbing company has consistent growth of over $130000 a year in sales The full service plumbing contractor has business that is currently 50 commercial and 50 residential
90+ available business opportunities for sale Please visit TheFirmBusinessBrokeragecom for details
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
7Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
Matt Cradick
The Deal ReviewReason For Sale Fresh start after 25+ years in the industrySeller Transition Period Over eight monthsType of Sale Asset Purchase AgreementLender Access Bank Mack LaRock
ldquoYOU SHOULD INTERVIEW FOR A BUSINESS JUST LIKE YOU
WOULD FOR A JOBrdquo CRADICK EXPLAINS ldquoIT HAS TO BE THE
RIGHT FIT YOU DONrsquoT WANT TO BE ONE OF THE MANY FA-
TALITIES THAT HAPPEN SO OFTEN IN NEW BUSINESSrdquo
-Shaun Heldt
From Retail to RoofingHow to be Successful When Buying a Business
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Spending almost 20 years working in retail for major corporations and then
buying a siding and roofing contracting company may seem like a major leap but for Matt Cradick owner of Husker Ham-mer Siding Windows and Roofing it was the best business move hersquos ever made And thatrsquos saying a lot for someone who moved 11 times in 19 years across nine different states
Cradick had been living in Houston Texas where he worked for Target Corporation He had worked his way up through the com-pany and another promotion was on the horizon which meant another move With three young children at home Cradick de-cided it was time to put down some roots Having grown up in Lincoln Nebraska he wanted to be near family and Midwestern values He started researching businesses for sale and was eventually led to The Firm which in turn led him to Husker Hammer
The move from a big corporate environ-ment to a small contracting business didnrsquot intimidate Cradick With Target he oversaw 200 people so he knew he brought strong management and operational skills The challenge he says was learning the ins and outs of construction He didnrsquot need to be the one hammering away on the roofmdashhe needed learn a new business segment
ldquoSwitching industries can be nerve-rack-ingrdquo Cradick says ldquobut the owner was will-ing to stay on board for six months during the transitionrdquo That partnership was an invaluable tool during the changeover gt
A Publication of The Firm Business BrokerageA Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
9Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
10
lt Husker Hammer was started in 1998 as a one-man operation and had been built up to a multimillion dollar business Cradick was impressed with the mission statement values system of the company and the strong workforce that was already in place And the price of the company lined up well with the financials ldquoWhat Husker has that others in the industry donrsquotrdquo says the man whose faith is central to his deal-ings ldquois a strong ethical foundation with a Christian backgroundrdquo
There were a number of other elements Cradick sought when buying his business ones he believes all potential business own-ers need to keep in mind The first is to make sure you have a proper support team in place to help make a sound financial deci-sion That includes having a good business valuation and a good business broker who can point you in the right direction to ensure a match for both parties
Once yoursquore in the process of purchasing he adds make sure you have a capable net-work of attorneys a seasoned financial team and solid internal help to ensure yoursquore suc-cessful from the start ldquoYou should interview
for a business just like you would for a jobrdquo Cradick explains ldquoIt has to be the right fit You donrsquot want to be one of the many fatal-ities that happen so often in new businessrdquo
To help ensure the company continues to be successful Cradick plans to main-tain Husker Hammerrsquos competitive edges which he says includes his 11000-sq-ft state-of-the-art showroom in Elkhorn He reformatted the space to better fit his busi-ness model before building out additional second-floor space that is now rented to other entrepreneurs
The showroom features all of the window siding and roofing products available to customers Samples are one thing Cradick says but he knows the power of customers seeing actual colors in actual sizes
ldquoOur philosophy is to build peace of mind for homeowners and be with them every step through the processrdquo he says ldquoWord of mouth is our number one lead source which was true in retail as wellrdquo
Happy employees to Cradick are just as important as happy customers He sub-scribes to a simple philosophymdashlistening to employees and doing so with respect
ldquoWith big corporations you deal with a lot of politicsrdquo he says ldquoNow if therersquos politics itrsquos because Irsquove generated it Itrsquos a nice change to be in a small business where you have more leeway to ensure yoursquore creating a positive work environment which creates a happy workforcerdquo
Working for a smaller company also allows for more opportunities to become involved in the community Husker Hammer is active in local chambers of commerce the Open Door Mission and is currently helping on a Habitat for Humanity build in Waterloo They have also been accredited by the Bet-ter Business Bureau since 2000 and won the Better Business Integrity Award
Cradickrsquos business is currently 90 percent residential and 10 percent commercial He hopes to increase their reach in proper-ty management and general contracting while maintaining the high-quality residen-tial sales that built the business ldquoBecause of our showroomrdquo he says ldquopeople come
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
to us We donrsquot do the high pressure sales at the kitchen table We listen We let the homeowners do the talkingrdquo
Growing geographically is also a goal Cradick hopes to expand to surrounding areas including his hometown of Lincoln
ldquoSo far itrsquos been a great moverdquo he says ldquoand I look forward to continuing to be known as an ethical long-lasting company My daughters and wife are excited to be back in the Midwest around grandparents and family Their school district is great and the full year-round climate has been a welcome change from living in the south Plus I was averaging 50000 miles per year in travel so itrsquos nice to sleep in your own bed every nightrdquo The FIRM
For more information on this or any for sale listings call The Firm Business Brokerage directly
11Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
The Deal ReviewBusiness Established 1987Reason for Sale Retirement (Transla-tion More time with a fishing pole)Ownerrsquos Profit $495004Type of Loan SBA with Core Bank
12
Back to the FutureBuilding a Business Legacy
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Itrsquos not uncommon for someone who has spent a number of years in corporate
America to shift gears into entrepreneur-ship Being your own boss certainly has its advantages But for Scott Beckler who recently purchased Lewis Installers in Gret-na his reason for taking on a new business venture had more to do with honoring not only his fatherrsquos legacy but building one of his own
Beckler started his career as a business education teacher then moved to a corpo-rate career in technology But for a number of years he kept an eye on businesses for sale hoping that just the right opportunity would come along
ldquoMy dad was an entrepreneur who owned his own real estate insurance companyrdquo
Beckler says ldquoDespite the fact he had on-going health issues he still got up every day put on a coat and tie and went out to make a sale He was a very successful busi-nessman and I wanted to honor his legacyrdquo
After contacting The Firm and discuss-ing what he was looking for in a business the team suggested Lewis Installers which specializes in industrial conveyor and rack systems At first it seemed like a big de-parture for him ldquoShelving and logistical systems isnrsquot something that jumps out at yourdquo Beckler says But the more he looked into it the more he realized it had many of the elements he wanted in a business The most obvious advantage was that the company was located in Gretna where he lives Add to that the fact that the seller lives just up the road from him
Scott Beckler
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
For purposes of this article this overview is based on the buying and selling entities being corporations or entities taxed as corporations
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
4420 Izard Street Omaha4022938707 bull 8887380296
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
HAVE YOUR MINOR ROOF LEAKS BECOME A MAJOR ANNOYANCEDonrsquot Wait Any Longer Call Us Now
ldquoAfter meeting him and hitting it offrdquo Beckler says ldquowe quickly realized it was a match on both sidesrdquo
Other signs also pointed in the right di-rection The financials were good The size of the business was ideal The competitive landscape was promising Beckler also real-ized that his corporate background fit well with this new business
ldquoAlthough itrsquos an entirely different indus-tryrdquo he says ldquomany of the business princi-ples are the samehellipproject management customer service delivery vendor man-agement and cost containment Irsquove been doing all of those for yearsrdquo
His background in technology will also be a valuable asset in his new business Not only has he established relationships with large vendors built over the years but his from-the-ground-up experience with data centers means that he is already eying in-novative automation and other technology differentiators At the same time hersquos look-ing forward to learning the daily operations of the company and having a hand in every part of the business from bidding to closing to payroll
ldquoIt will be challenging coming from a big business background where Irsquove only been involved in the peripheryrdquo Beckler says
ldquoNow Irsquoll be involved in all of itrdquo
Lewis Installers being a family-owned business is what hersquos most excited about He says itrsquos a company with a good repu-tation thatrsquos known for quality and meeting deadlinesmdashall driven by a strong Midwest-ern work ethic
Itrsquos the sort of company Beckler believes that would make his father proud
ldquoI want this business to be a legacy for my familyrdquo Beckler says ldquoMy hope is that it could stay in the family with my own kids and grandkidsrdquo The FIRM
13Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Om
aharsquo
s Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
14
When considering the purchase of an existing business very few realize
that lack of experience in an industry can actually lead to success One simply needs a sound financial plan and a good team to fill in the gaps Removing the added stress of fieldwork and focusing solely on the management of finances and operation allows for greater opportunities It makes for the dynamic advantage of some outside impartiality when seeking areas of improve-ment and growth
One man who has made this transition from having marginal knowledge in an in-dustry to leading a successful plumbing and HVAC operation is Mark Evans president of Burton Plumbing Before taking over Burton Evans had a successful plumbing distribu-torship serving four states but it was his desire to own and to travel less that put him into the hands of Burton Friesz The founder of Burton Plumbing Friesz had been a customer and friend of Evansrsquo when the two discussed a possible expansion into residential service Evans put his busi-ness experience to work for Burton in July 1995 and his education in the minutiae of plumbing and HVAC began
While he hasnrsquot worked in the field as a licensed plumbing contractor Evans has dipped his feet in several areas within the running of Burtonhellipand often at the same time Before hiring the essential personnel that have enabled him to narrow his role Ev-ans served as manager marketer customer service representative and dispatcher Such a list of duties for one man is a daunting task but ldquoI worked my way to being able to work on the business rather than in the business [a strategy] taught to me by my business coachrdquo says Evans
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
REMOVING THE ADDED STRESS OF FIELDWORK AND FOCUSING SOLELY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF FINANCES AND OPERATION ALLOWS FOR GREATER OPPORTUNITIES
Executive Impact Moving Into the Boardroom From Employee to President
written by Maureen Tierney | Co-written by Mark Evans and Julie OrsquoBrien
Eventually Evans was able to step back and bring on a general manager and a ware-house operator that has allowed him to
ldquofocus on growth opportunities marketing and cash flowrdquo
Evansrsquo experience is not unique It is com-mon for brokerages to deal with buyers seeking to own companies within a cer-tain field but ldquoonly two people out of the nearly 100 closings [wersquove had] have come in for the same business that they ended up purchasingrdquo says Julie OrsquoBrien client services and paralegal with The Firm What it comes down to is as simple as the bot-tom line Buyers are looking to leverage their talents and experience in a marriage between a management philosophy and business model Those in the market for an acquisition are ldquobuying based on profit number of staff ability to get financing and mostly their strengths and passionsrdquo says OrsquoBrien Experience in a particular industry is certainly valuable but is no predictor of success when the right financial mind comes along
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Even so making up for a lack of practical knowledge requires the proper equipment most notably in the form of managers and employees The right talent in the field can be a growth experience and provide an opportunity to learn the ropes before taking a full swing at things A total deficit in knowl-edge hardly makes for good leadership and for this reason many ldquonew business owners like to take a birdrsquos eye view of the operation rather than diving in and getting their hands dirty right awayhellipgiving them the opportunity to watch [how] things have been done before implementing changesrdquo says OrsquoBrien
Approaching ownership in this way also allows for further financial acquisitions an avenue which Evans has taken In addition to owning Burton Plumbing Evans operates four other companies One might assume this much responsibility to be a stretch but Evans sees his role as ldquokeeping a pulse on things I like to lead people in growth per-sonally and on the business siderdquo
Getting started can be a challenge which is why OrsquoBrien works closely with potential buyers to find the right fit ldquoWe assist all the wayrdquo she says ldquoWe work with the buyer on projections business plans [and] we introduce them to trusted advisorsrdquo from attorneys and CPAs to financial advisors and insurance agents
Itrsquos this helpful backing of experts that eases the difficult task of ownership and only proves that one can certainly switch from a blue collar to a white one The FIRM
CONTRACTING BUSINESSES LISTED BY THE FIRM
201
5 P
roje
cted
201
5 Y
TD
201
4
201
3
201
2
30
0
15
28
14
12
11
16
15Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Omaharsquos Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
It may seem like I pulled a muscle making this stretch but Keith Backsen the new boss at the Omaha Convention amp Visitors Bureau seems to have an awful lot in common with new Husker Coach Mike Riley
Coach Riley spent a total of 14 seasons at Oregon State before heading to Huskerland Backsen also comes from that neck of the woods having spent 11 years of his career in Portland Oregon and another 11 years in Spokane Washington selling both cities as prime places for convention and leisure travelers
At Oregon State Coach Riley built the football program into a consistent winner and regular conference contender At Visit Spokane Backsen opened sales offices in Washington DC and Chicago that led to increased convention bookings Backsen also worked on the public campaign to expand the Spokane Convention Center with a $65 million bond issue The expansion coupled with increased hotel inventory allowed Spokane to pursue large conventions and more than doubled convention bookings in Spokane
Riley has experience at the highest level of football serving as the head coach of the San Diego Chargers and as a head coach in both the Canadian and World Football Leagues Same for Backsen he worked in Dallas and Chicago as the director of sales for Global Experience Specialists a global leader in the world of event planning Backsen supervised five sales offices in a nine-state region generating annual sales in excess of $70 million
Riley is known as one of the most professional and nicest men in the profession a coach who is greatly admired by his peers I kid you not Backsen is described the same way by colleaguesmdashone of the most genuine and skilled men in the business a well respected professional who has the insight and experience to get the job done (Note the $70M stat above)
Come the first game both men will have a stadium filled with fans cheering them on In Backsenrsquos case his stadium is the entire city of Omaha where the fans are the 434353 residents who will reap the rewards of Omaharsquos growing tourism economy
B2B
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 51
51HUSKER
COACH HAS TOURISM
TWIN
OMAHA CVB BY DEB WARD
Deb Ward is the director of marketingcommunications Omaha Convention and Visitorrsquos Bureau
Keith Backsen
52 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Jason Feldman and Sebastian Hunt
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 53
The emerging startup accelerator scene supports creative-minded risk-takers looking for an edge to follow their passion and bring their ideas to fruition
Sebastian Hunt 25 is passionate about giving entrepreneurs like himself a nurturing space to test out their concepts The University of Nebraska at Omaha economics graduate interned with various local employers and surveyed the area startup community when an idea struck him for a by-application curriculum-based residency program serving new entrepreneurs That inspiration turned into Year of the Startup
Launched in 2014 the program operates out of a humble house at 4036 Burt Street in the St Cecilia Cathedral neighborhood Hunt and co-founder Jason Feldman 28 room there with young residency fellows whose startup ventures range from making bio-fuels to providing night owl shuttle services They are a millennial bunch who favor sneakers and sandals They take informal meetings to nearby CaliCommons and Lisarsquos Radial Cafe They variously hunch over laptops or tablets and carry smartphones as appendages
YEAR OF THE STARTUP
ENTREPRENEURAL IMMERSION
This communal work-live space model for business mavericks is new to Omaha The usual startup accelerator is a concentrated 90-day off-site program Omaha has a few of these notably Straight Shot Hunt saw a need for a program that invites a broader range of people into the accelerator fold and supports them much nearer to the start of their dream than other programs
ldquoWe feel like we can take people at very early stages because we are four times as long as the average programrdquo says Hunt who adds that Year of the Startup is also not tech-centric like many programs tend to be ldquoIn our model we substitute intensity for duration I think a lot of the learning here comes through unstructured serendipitous interactions we have that is not curriculum-based itrsquos just happenstance
ldquoWith a house there are so many different ways you can bring ideas and people together I think thatrsquos maybe that critical binding agent and sense of place that helps accomplish thingsrdquo
He says in this intimate environment ldquotherersquos no other choice but to immerse yourself in the settingrdquo adding ldquoWersquore always hanging out in the living room or out back talking about startup stuffmdashmonetization strategies capitalization tables vested equity entity structuresrdquo
ldquoItrsquos this immersive experience of camaraderie of these natural flows and idea generationrdquo Feldman says
Hunt says ldquoThis is very difficult to get bored with because therersquos always somebody whose business is either in crisis or growth stage or some interesting part of the curverdquo
ldquoHow could we get bored when wersquore creating a platform with four startups and all we get to do is ideationrdquo Feldman says ldquoItrsquos a constant buzz we get from interacting with these startup founders and helping them build their ideasrdquo
Built into the program are activities that encourage fellows to break out of their comfort zone and to offer honest criticism of each otherrsquos ideas
Hunt compiles multiple data points on the startups
ldquoWersquore developing really deep insight about how do people start successful businessesrdquo
The program utilizes mentors from the entrepreneurial community
ldquoWe bring in people who are experts in specific areas to talk on those topicsrdquo Feldman says
ldquoThey get ideas flowingrdquo Hunt says of the mentors
Feldman says he regularly covers with fellows ldquothe major components of what you need to look at to start your businessrdquo and then mentors like Mike Kolker owner of graphic design firm Simplify teach lessons about operational efficiency and ldquohow to simplify running a businessrdquo
Hunt is a newcomer to all this and goes by instinct as much as research to support his vision
CONTINUED ON 54
FEATURE | BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
53
54 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
70 Years of Business in Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
4027335500 | 4315 South 50th Street
402-333-5722 bull wwwsw-fencecom
Thanks for Voting SampW Fence the Best Again in 2015
Wersquore Not Just About Fences
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Thank You for Voting Us Best of B2Btrade 4 Years in a Row
AUDIO VISUAL SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDEbull System designengineeringbull Sales
bull Installationbull Maintenance and Service
bull Equipment Rental and Operation
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B2B
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aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER 2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
ConnectWITH YOURCOMMUNITY
Donrsquot forget to visitOmahaMagazinecom to read
all of our titles online
Omaha MagazineEncounter B2B 60PlusHerFamily OmahaHome
CONTINUED FROM 53
ldquoI just had an irrational confidence market insights and a great theoretical background thanks to primary research I completed and to lessons I learned from Phillip Phillips Michael OrsquoHara and Art Diamond in UNOrsquos economics department I read constantly about who the players were in the startup world so I was fairly preparedrdquo
Even though he directs a startup program he only started participating in one himself (Venture School) He acknowledges Year of the Startup is a by-the-seat-of-your-pants experiment
ldquoComing out of college I had student loans and not a ton of money Irsquove held two jobs to finance the project Now the project is financed by a combination of me working and renting out one room One-hundred percent of the money our entrepreneurs pay in rent will be returned in full and so everybody has a strong incentive to follow through with the program That may be what makes us sustainablerdquo
Hersquos working on securing corporate sponsorship for the program Meanwhile he wants to help get participating startups to the next level
ldquoWersquore functioning like a pre-accelerator at this point We want to get our startups profitable and then refer them to the Straight Shots so they can focus on growth in a pure accelerator programrdquo
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 55
Mercedes-Benz of Omaha14335 Hillsdale Ave Omaha NE 68137wwwOmahaMercedescomContact John Williams anytime at 4029819262
of Omaha of Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
As Year of the Startup moved into a larger house in Omaharsquos Little Italy district on July 1 and a new class of fellows arrives Hunt says there are ldquointeresting talks happening right now to bring this to other citiesrdquo He and Feldman say economic development agencies are willing to pay a license fee for them to do startup houses in other cities The partners are having proprietary software developed that will enable new startup houses to replicate their branded Omaha model
They look forward to engaging with the emerging 10th Street cultural district but may keep the midtown house to accommodate growth
Hunt and Feldman believe theyrsquore catching the wave or tipping point of a big new startup rush and theyrsquore betting their model is poised to be a niche player in this wild frontier of entrepreneurial prospecting
B2B
56 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
It is an unassuming space but if you have made your way to TD Ameritrade Park Filmstreams or Hot Shops chances are yoursquove passed one of the most vibrant offices in Omaha
The fact that Co-Lab (short for Creative Collaborators) is not a traditional work space is certainly one of its best features Located inside the Tip Top building at 15th and Cumming streets is a project dreamed up by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture who happens to share the main floor of the building Based in the heart of a once-isolated section of the city Co-Labrsquos funky creative vibe is making waves In fact that vibe seeps into Omaharsquos everyday bringing about small changes pushing our city toward a more innovative future
CO-LABGIVING OMAHA WORKERS A MORE
COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE
IN THE OFFICE | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
56
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 57
Home to 18 businesses plus Alley Poyner Macchietto Co-Lab is free of walls and signage It is also free from traditional office norms For instance you donrsquot just walk over to your neighborrsquos space for a brainstorming sessionmdashyou skateboard At least you do if yoursquore Dave Nelson of SecretPenguin a leading experimental branding agency The best part is that the businesses surrounding SecretPenguin appreciate the break from tradition ldquoThatrsquos the beautiful part about being around like-minded good people and businessesrdquo Nelson says
CONTINUED ON 58
58 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 59
CONTINUED FROM 57
In addition to having pathways large enough to skateboard or bike through the space also provides Co-Labbers with a kitchen various conference rooms bike storage bathrooms and a battleground (otherwise known as the ping-pong table) Walking in the main doors clients and employees alike are greeted from the front desk while catching a view of the five-story open atrium basking in the glow of sunshine from the skylight Workers can also access the fitness room and rooftop deck sharing amenities with TipTop apartment residents who use a separate entrance
CONTINUED ON 60
The Harry A Koch CoInsurance amp Financial ConsultantsMember of First Insurance Group LLC
60 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
CONTINUED FROM 59
Businesses in Co-Lab all creativity-related range from entrepreneurs to start-ups to non-profits to small businesses The art varies in form but runs through the space like an electric current At Zicafoose Textiles Mary Zicafoose works steadily on her loom creating gorgeous tapestries 4Site Programming is where Joi Brown works as an independent consultant for performing arts centers across the nation Heartland B-Cycle a large-scale municipal bike sharing system brings art in the form of economical convenience Holly Boyer a founder of non-profit organization Mission Matters explains that one of the best things about having an office at Co-Lab is feeling the innovative positive energy from the moment you walk in the door So while individuals may join Co-Lab with a business-minded focus or a more creative vibe finding a yin to their yang is just a shout away
ldquoThere is certainly a wonderful built-in support network that comes along with working in a collaborative environmentrdquo quips Omaha Creative Institute Executive Director Emily Moody ldquoEverything from sharing ideas and finding ways to collaborate with an organization different than yours to sharing a staplerrdquo
At the heart of making it work says Laura Alley of Alley Poyner itrsquos simply playing well with others
The skateboarding ping-pong playing creatives do that well
B2B
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2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott Enterprises
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In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott EnterprisesFor more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
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For more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
TD Ameritrade Park | First National Bank Tower | Midtown Crossing | Village Pointe | Childrenrsquos Hospital Aksarben Village | Joslyn Art Museum | Fred amp Pamela Buffett Cancer Center | UNO Community Arena
6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
AT THE OFFICE amp ON THE GO
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13
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
- BB1015_fntCvr_125
- BB1015_fntEdit_125
- BB1015_bkEdit_125
- BB1015_bkCvr_125
-
08emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Who Will Be Votedthe Best of Omaha
Look for our December 2015special issue as we unveilyour cityrsquos newest roster ofldquoBestsrsquo in everything from
pizzza to plumbing
OM
AHA MAGAZINErsquoSOM
AHA MAGAZINErsquoS
BestOfOmahacom
OmahaHas Spoken
AND THE BALLOTS ARE IN
The Second AnnualOmaha Magazine
Best of Omaha FestivalUniversity of Nebraska at Omaha
Baxter Arena | Nov 21 2015
SAVE THE DATE
november 21
20
15
sec
ond annual
OM
AHA
MAGAZINErsquoS
KETV 7 bull BAXTER AREN
A
(402) 905 9511OmarEventscom
FacebookndashOmar Arts amp Events 4383 Nicholas Omaha NE 68131 Suite 230
The Newest Event Venue B lends Timeless Craf tsmanship with Every Amenity
ldquoThe Sandler Selling System is so contrarian to traditional sales methods and yet it makes so much sense We have found it to be highly effective The system really worksrdquo ndash RJ Lipert - President General Fire amp Safety
T 402-403-43343828 Dodge St bull Omaha NE 68131kschaphorstsandlercom
Karl SchaphorstOwner
Are you tired of wasting time bullpresenting to prospects that have no need bullpresenting to prospects that have no money bullpresenting to prospects that canrsquot make a decision
Join us for an executive briefing to learn moreabout how Sandler Training can grow your business bullAugust 20th bullSeptember 17th bullOctober 15th bullNovember 19th
Register at wwwkarlschaphorstsandlercomOr call us at 402-403-4334
Suffering from Flatlining SalesWe Can Help
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 09
09
PLAYING BIGCompiling this issue of B2B magazine got me thinking about Scott Andersonrsquos 2013 book Playing Big In it the founder of Anderson Partners who is now the CEO of Doubledare speaks of forgetting your limitations and remembering the powerful person you are
Erika Overturff was 27 when she realized that the ballet company of which she was a member was doomed She was an artist a professionally trained dancer Business savvy Management skills An understanding of how to fund a new performance company Not so much
Overturff had a list of limitations a mile long but today she is a founding member and artistic director of Ballet Nebraska the regionrsquos only professional dance company as it enters its sixth season She discovered the powerful person that she was and with a lot of help in mentoring and connecting along the way shersquos learned to play big in elevating the cultural landscape of a city
Our cover story is not about a dance company so much as it is about a communityrsquos ability to get things done when its people and its businesses share a common vision Omaha has always been a special place one with a ldquocan dordquo spirit While other cities struggle we survive even thrive
Omaha knows how to play big
That theme is reflected throughout the stories on the pages that follow stories of creativity passion talentmdasheven faith
The same motif that of playing big is mirrored in The Firm Deal Review the magazine-within-a-magazine found beginning on page 35 No one setting out to purchase a business thinks small and the stories told by The Firm represent microcosms of the very definition of what it means to think dream and play big
Andersonrsquos book pays particular attention to smaller cultures which is fitting because most of the entities profiled in this magazine dwell in the arena of small business Itrsquos a strata where core values are perhaps most critical but how is it that even in the smallest of businesses the simple maxim of ldquostaying truerdquo can remain so very elusive
Read on to uncover what has worked for some of the most compelling entrepreneurs in Omaha
And donrsquot forget to play big
B2B
David Williams is editor of B2B a publication of Omaha Magazine LTD Williams can reached at davidomahamagazinecom
FROM THE EDITOR BY DAVID WILLIAMS
10emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Scissors amp Scotch Co-Owner Erik Anderson
Erik Anderson was new to Omaha and needed a haircut
A good one
The guy had a sales job and needed to look sharp But who to trust with his precious locksmdashsome chain
ldquoYou never know what kind of haircut yoursquore going to getrdquo Anderson says ldquoYou could get a great haircut or walk out of there looking like a doofus Irsquom not going to go that route
ldquoI started going to womenrsquos salons I knew I could trust themrdquo
SHAVE AND A HAIRCUTSNIP-SNIP-SIP-SIP
FEATURE | BY ANTHONY FLOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
10
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 11
That was two years ago Now Anderson gets his rsquodo done at his own placemdashScissors amp Scotch which opened in March at 2835 South 170th Plaza
As its name suggests therersquos much more to Scissors amp Scotch than just a great cut The new shop offers an upscale grooming experience featuring traditional barbering services (in plush old-school barber chairs) and modern spa treatments steamed towels hot lather neck shaves scalp neck shoulder and hand massages paraffin hand dips facial and skin services coloringshellipeven nose waxings Therersquos a shoe shine station on Thursdays And full body massages are on the way
All for dudes
Oh yeah and when customers are done one of five complimentary hand-crafted whiskey cocktails await them in a private lounge
ldquoTherersquos nothing like this right nowrdquo Anderson says ldquoI would put it up against any place in the country
ldquoItrsquos not just a haircut at Scissors amp Scotch itrsquos an experience We havenrsquot had one person come back and say lsquoThat was terriblersquo Most guys are like lsquoWow that was awesomersquordquo
Anderson didnrsquot do it all alone Hersquos equal partners with longtime friend Sean Finley whom he grew up with in Prairie Village Kansas and Tanner Wiles a friend he met at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where Anderson played baseball before earning his degree in 2011
Anderson later worked for Federated Insurance which moved him from Minneapolis to Omaha in April 2013 Thatrsquos when he first went looking for a haircut While researching his options Anderson saw that menrsquos grooming had become the fastest growing part of the beauty industry
ldquoThat really intrigued me and I got really excited about itrdquo
CONTINUEDemspONemsp12
12emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp11
Why not open his own place Anderson brought that idea to Finley and Wiles one night at a bar in early 2014 Not one of them had any experience in the grooming industry but the trio soon discussed the idea by group text message Then they met regularly working on documents and video conferencing via Google Hangouts Wiles worked in sales at Ambulatory Care in Kansas City Finley completed his law degree in Columbia Missouri (hersquos now a corporate attorney at Husch Blackwell in Kansas City)
They hammered out the concept of Scissors amp Scotch leveraged whatever assets they possessed at such tender ages (Finley and Wiles are 27 Anderson 26) and got an SBA loan In August 2014 they signed a lease at Shops of Legacy This March they opened with nine employees not counting themselves
104 5th St Fullerton NE 68638 308-550-0632 signdan170yahoocomSignCraftersMidwestcom
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Orders over $100
EmbroideryPolos Jackets T-Shirts Hats amp More
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omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 13
Response exceeded expectations Six weeks after opening Scissors amp Scotch averaged 80 new clients per week and about 30 haircuts a day More than 60 percent of the customers opted for the $52 ldquo15-year servicerdquo (as in the age of fine Scotch) Its membership programmdashthe Scotch-inspired 10- 15- and 25-year packages with escalating benefits at each levelmdashwas expected to generate 100 sales the first year Scissors amp Scotch sold 90 the first month
ldquoItrsquos really encouragingrdquo Anderson says ldquoEach week wersquove done more haircuts than the previous week since we openedrdquo
And all of it by word-of-mouth advertising (though Scissors amp Scotch recently started advertising on AM 590)
ldquoIrsquove had a lot of guys say lsquoThis is Omaha Nebraska right This is something I expect to see in a Chicago or a New York or a Dallasrsquordquo
Thanks to Anderson Omaha it is
B2B
THANK YOU OMAHA
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BEST FLORISTldquoTaylor Maderdquo for ALL
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14emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
ldquoPeople need vacation to recharge and get inspired to continue to love what they dordquo she says ldquoA lot of times when you give people that break they come back more energized and with great ideas It makes them happier it makes us a better companyrdquo-HEIDI MOUSBACH
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 15
GOING TO THE DOGSERVIN amp SMITHrsquoS RELAXED AWARD-WINNING VIBE
OMAHA | BY ANTHONY FLOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Want to know how much fun it is to work at Omaha digital marketing firm Ervin amp Smith Just ask Peanut Gwen Duke or Daphne Jane
They wonrsquot talk to youhellipbut yoursquoll probably see their tails wagging
ldquoAny week we have probably a couple dogs in the officerdquo says Heidi Mausbach Ervin amp Smith president and CEO ldquoYou find them at your desk begging for a little treat They follow their owners around the agencyrdquo
The furry friends are there as one of many workplace benefits garnering Ervin amp Smith attention here and nationally In February the agency founded 31 years ago by Executive Chairman Doug Smith made the 2015 Best Places to Work in Omaha list sponsored by Baird Holm and the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce That came three months after Advertising Age ranked Ervin amp Smith number 13 on its list of 40 Best Places to Work in Advertising amp Media based on hiring practices benefits packages salaries office perks and more
ldquoYou spendhellipa good percentage of your life at workrdquo Mausbach says ldquoYou want to be at a place you love to come to People do love it here You donrsquot dread Monday morningrdquo
Even if yoursquore on vacationmdashwhich is unlimited at Ervin amp Smith as are sick and personal days The new leave policy established in January 2014 is among the most intriguing initiatives at the agency
ldquoPeople are free to come and go as long as they are fulfilling their client commitments and meeting their other goalsrdquo Mausbach says
So have employees been abusing the policy with copious vacation days Mausbach canrsquot saymdashErvin amp Smith isnrsquot tracking days If therersquos any challenge to the time-off policy itrsquos been with employees not taking enough personal time Mausbach who joined the agency 15 years ago was among those who took ldquoa lot lessrdquo vacation than she typically would
ldquoPeople need vacation to recharge and get inspired to continue to love what they dordquo she says ldquoA lot of times when you give people that break they come back more energized and with great ideas It makes them happier it makes us a better companyrdquo
While employees appreciate the flexibility the policy allows them to get away from work Ervin amp Smith has seen benefits in the officemdashless idle activity greater communication and collaboration and perhaps best of all fewer and shorter meetings as employees focus on goals and commitments
CONTINUEDemspONemsp16
15
16emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp15
The company also allows employees to work from home as needed or even full-time from cities across the country (one Ervin amp Smith employee lives in Washington another in Colorado) The company also established an annual ldquoSlush FUNdrdquo giving each employee $100 to spend on something that will enhance company culture such as a popcorn machine Some pooled their money to buy meditation classes open to everyone Others adopted a family at Christmas
Workplace enhancements can be simple A couple of years of ago the agency added a ping pong table Sometimes thatrsquos where the best work happens ldquoItrsquos interesting how their minds workrdquo Mausbach says ldquoA lot of times theyrsquore playing and brainstorming There are amazing ideas that come out of work and play at the same timerdquo
Other initiatives to enhance the Ervin amp Smith environment include redesigned offices an expanded client conference room
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 17
a per-person training budget more than twice the industry average catered lunches and happy hours and a monthly wellness stipend reimbursing employees up to $25 a month
The most popular benefit is Flame Schoedermdash a professional certified life coach made available for monthly development sessions
ldquoOf all the benefits they feel this is the one definitely helping them the most professionally and personallyrdquo Mausbach says
The initiatives seem to work Ervin amp Smith promoted 12 employees and hired 15 others last year Its retention rate in 2014 was 84 percent better than the typical industry rate of 70 percent or worse Mausbach cites
Ervin amp Smith is building employee relationships Perks are great People are better
Making Ervin amp Smith a doggone great place to work
B2B
8 ConsecutiveYears
Thanks Omaha for 30 Years2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
4023999233 | wwwsparklingkleancom
A+ Rating20 Consecutive Years
Exceptional Event Space amp Catering
Wersquoll make your next event one to remember
6450 Pine Street | 402-778-6313ScottCentercom
17
18emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
ESPELITE SERVICE PROFESSIONALS
Superior quality exceptional service
If you are a CEO key executive or business owner call 4024017560
copy 2015 Vistage Worldwide Inc 14_261_3131 kkk
Discover what thousands of CEOs already know Vistage works
Get answers Take action Like you the members of a Vistage Advisory Board are proven business leaders and critical thinkers They have smart ideas and insightful opinions and this is the forum to express them At our monthly meetings yoursquoll encounter lively discussions where business leaders tell it like it is If you find that refreshing then be our guest at our next monthly group meeting
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 19
Leo Costanzo Anne Taylor and Alan Hove of Controlled Comfort
BRANDREBRAND | BY ELIZABETH MACK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Jingle writers have done their job if they create an earwormmdasha song so catchy it sticks in your head and wonrsquot leave ldquoWhen I tell people I work at Controlled Comfort they immediately start singing the jinglerdquo says Alan Hove who along with co-owners Leo Costanzo and Anne Taylor purchased Controlled Comfort in 2004 ldquoItrsquos the best form of advertising we could ever hope forrdquo
CONTINUEDemspONemsp20
SINGING A HAPPY TUNEJINGLING ALL THE WAY
19
20emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
John Sievers
Businesses Are Buying SmarterThe All Makesrsquo team is trained to help you make design decisions and furniture purchases that fi t your offi ce atmosphere your work style and your budget Visit All Makesrsquo redesigned showroom to see the latest in new offi ce furniture pre-owned offi ce furniture and business technology
wwwallmakescom Omaha 2558 Farnam St | 4023412413 Lincoln 3333 O St | 4024777131
Thank you for voting us 1 for 10 consecutive years
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
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CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp19
Most people in the Omaha metro area are familiar with that animated female voice belting out ldquoControlled ComfortndashKeep it Under Controoooooolrdquo Many locals probably would not guess the companyrsquos logo (an angel) but could at least hum a few bars of the jingle Whether a catchy tune is annoying or enjoyable is a matter of opinion but once that musical worm has worked its way into your psyche you are forced to remember the product which is exactly what advertisers hope for
When companies change ownership one major decision is whether or not to maintain the same brand image and the current owners of Controlled Comfort knew they wanted things to stay pretty much the same when they took ownership
ldquoWe love our jinglerdquo says Taylor ldquoWhen we purchased the company we knew we wanted to maintain the image and keep the logo and jingle We couldnrsquot ask for a better form of advertisingrdquo
Research shows that music increases recall and simple melodies with simple lyrics stick with a consumer not only for the short term but often the long-term Remember ldquoI Wish I Were an Oscar Meyer Weinerrdquo Even if it has been years since you have actually heard it chances are you can still sing the entire song Controlled Comfortrsquos brand may not be as huge as Oscar Meyerrsquos but their jingle has stood the test of time being sung on local radio and TV for nearly 20 years with no end in sight
Taylor recounts how in the mid-1990s local musician Johnny Ray Gomez produced the jingle for a radio spot
ldquoThe previous owners purchased a year of radio advertising and it came with a jinglerdquo Taylor says
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
THANKS OMAHA
Embroidery middot Screen Printing middot Promotional Digital Printing middot Mailing middot Company Stores
13747 F St 4025961002 ideal-imagescom
ldquoWhen we purchased the company we knew we wanted to maintain the image and keep the logo and jingle We couldnrsquot ask for a better form of advertisingrdquo-ANNE TAYLOR
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 21
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
At the time they had no idea they did not retain exclusive rights to the melody
ldquoI just recently heard the song while I was traveling in western Nebraska It was quite a shockrdquo she adds with a laugh
Branding is all about creating an image of a business that will stick in a customerrsquos mind Though most businesses rely on visual advertising to create their brand jingles can be an additional way to increase awareness and create staying power People often remember a catchy tune Throw the company name and their phone number in the jingle lyrics and customers may not even need to look up the contact information
ldquoIf I forget the phone number I just sing the jinglerdquo says one local customer
Though original jingles declined in recent years as more large companies turn to popular songs for their advertising a few local companies still spend at least some marketing dollars on jingles Whether you think it annoying or catchy a jingle may be your best advertising investment
B2B
4023333062 | planitomahacom | 10832 old mill road suite 5 | omaha ne 68154
planitomaha A national and
regional powerhouse in
meetings conferences amp
events
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
22emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 2
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 23
How is it that Midlands Choice has come to make an investment in of all things a ballerina
Sure the bottom line of any insurance entity is driven by risk managementmdashthe investing of premium revenues to hedge against claims
But taking stock in Claire Goodwillie a company dancer with Ballet Nebraska
The Midlands Choice example is repeated all across the metro as area businesses support a broad array of arts nonprofits ones that dwell in everything from tutus to tempura
And the table is set for a new era of collaboration between business and the arts because philanthropic giving in America has finally returned to pre-recession levels
Contributions which totaled $358 billion in 2014 surpassed 2007rsquos pre-recession level of $355 billion Additionally giving was up from all major sourcesmdashindividuals corporations foundations and bequestsmdashaccording to Giving USA an annual report compiled by the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and the Giving USA Foundation of Chicago
ldquoEight out of nine types of charitable organizations we measure saw increased contributions and thatrsquos good news for the
BALLET NEBRASKAA PAS DE DEUX BETWEEN BUSINESS AND THE ARTS
philanthropic sector as a wholerdquo W Keith Curtis told Omaha Magazine in an email Curtis is chair of Giving USA Foundation and president of the nonprofit consulting firm The Curtis Group ldquoThe 60-year high for charitable giving in 2014 is a great story about resilience and perseverancerdquo
Themes of resilience and perseverance define the Ballet Nebraska story
Erika Overturff was 27 years old when the ballet company of which she was a dancer and resident choreographer appeared doomed She had no money She had no business acumen
That was 2009 Flash forward to 2015 and Overturff now 33 founder and artistic director of Ballet Nebraska is leading the regionrsquos only professional dance company into its sixth season
In a city known for its ldquocan-dordquo spirit this story could be about almost any local arts nonprofit but the unlikely saga of Ballet Nebraska is told here because it is perhaps the most improbable of tales one that best reveals what a business community and the arts can do when they share a common vision
CONTINUEDemspONemsp24
BY DAVID WILLIAMS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
23COVERemspFEATURE
24emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp23
Like settling into your seat with a program before the lights dim at any performing arts venue itrsquos probably best to start by reviewing the cast of characters
THE CONNECTORHal Daub knows people Especially in a city of six degrees of separation that is in reality much more like two or three degrees the former Omaha mayor (1995-2001) and US Congressman (1981-1989) who has served on countless nonprofit boards and is now a partner at Husch Blackwellhellipknows people
ldquoWhen I was first introduced to Hal and he offered to helprdquo Overturff says ldquoI assumed that meant he was going to maybe make a few calls and do a little name-droppingrdquo Daub it turned out would become a key player in the often delicate pas de deux that is the coupling of business and the arts ldquoHe not only made those calls but he set up the appointmentshellipand then he came along to personally introduce me and stand by my side in front of those who would become some of the most generous funders of Ballet Nebraskardquo
ldquoThe reason I am so fascinated by what Erika has donerdquo says Daub ldquois that Omaha is a city that has clearly evolved to become a place that is not just metropolitan but truly cosmopolitanrdquo And investing in the arts Daub believes makes good business sense ldquoThe social environment of a citymdashits arts and entertainmentmdashis critical in attracting and retaining the best workforce Ballet Nebraska Opera Omaha the Omaha Symphony Omaha Performing Artshellipthose and so many others are the organizations that help keep the best talent in Omahardquo
THE ADVOCATEMichelle Clark is Union Pacificrsquos general director of information technologies which means she probably knows more than a little about computer viruses As a three-year board member of Ballet Nebraska shersquos also seen how supporting the arts can go viral
ldquoEmployee generosity is furthered by the use of the companyrsquos matching gifts programrdquo Clark explains ldquoThis creates a sense of pride for employees and Union Pacific is supportive of the communities in which we live and work The employees of Union Pacific are very generous and have supported fundraising drives not only for Ballet Nebraska but a number of organizations such as the Womenrsquos Center for Advancement and JDRFrdquo
Employees should never underestimate their power to play a key role in advocating for nonprofits within their organizations
ldquoI am passionate about the art of dance especially ballet and Ballet Nebraskardquo Clark says ldquoDance inspires my creativity and provides insights to see beyond the obvious My hope is that by providing individuals with the awareness of opportunities to experience and support the art of dance they will find their own inspiration to apply to their own liferdquo
And just as stubborn computer viruses are often cloyingly messy to eradicate once discovered Union Pacificrsquos relationship with Ballet Nebraska has a ldquostickinessrdquo of its own Clark was preceded on the Ballet Nebraska board by Gayla Thal the companyrsquos senior vice president and general counsel
THE BULLDOGDonrsquot let the gentle demeanor of Midlands Choice vice president Greta Vaught fool you Supporting the arts is often a visceral experience and Vaughtrsquos passion for dance exerted itself on multiple levels in the early stages of growth at Ballet Nebraska
ldquoMidlands Choice has always been supportive of my work in the communityrdquo says the board chair of Ballet Nebraska
ldquoWe like to listen to our people when making such decisionsrdquo says Midlands Choice President and CEO Thomas E Press rdquoIt is important for us to know that our giving has real meaning for them their families and their communitiesrdquo
ldquoI looked at what Erika was trying to dordquo Vaught continues ldquoand I thought it was brave but impossible But all along the way I just kept going back to the thought that if one of my daughters [Mia now 15 and Hannah now 19] wanted to try something so bold one day thatrdquohellipinsert long pausehellipldquoIrsquom sorry this is making me cry I would just hope that people with experience and connections and dollars would shepherd my daughters along like so many people have done with Erika and Ballet Nebraskardquo
Okay so maybe ldquoThe Bulldogrdquo wasnrsquot such a great character name for this role after all
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 25
Fast-Paced Public Relations
Customer-Based Planning and Communications
402-964-9293 11626 Nicholas Street
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For the Connected World
Every story Every tweet Every interaction
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Join the world of innovative PR ndash partner with experts
2015 Winner
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arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Best PR Agency 7 Years Running
2015 Winner
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arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
THE ARTISTldquoI had to do a lot of on-the-job learning when I decided to try to launch a dance companyrdquo Overturff says ldquoWe were lucky in that we got our nonprofit status right away but I didnrsquot know anything about the business side of things and really nothing about raising funds I was moved by every $5 check that came in but it took a lot of mentoring advice and counsel to get us to where we are today as a fully funded professional performance companyrdquo
Ballet Nebraska now has a paid staff of 22 including nine salaries paid to company dancers Today Overturffrsquos once-nonexistent business connections run deep Personal contributions from the likes of philanthropists Richard Holland and Fred and Eve Simon further fuel the growth of ballet in Omaha Foundations also play a major role in funding A recent gift of $124000 from the Iowa West Foundation is the largest in Ballet Nebraska history
ldquoTalented professionals from all over the world that have trained their whole lives to pursue a career in dance now come to Omaha in the hopes of performing with Ballet Nebraska as we serve the state and western Iowa in performances education outreach and morerdquo she says ldquoA ballet companymdashany performing arts company any arts organizationmdashis about its peoplehellipthe artists the staff and hardworking selfless volunteers But it is the people of Omaha from the smallest donations to the relationships we have with such great businesses that makes it all happenrdquo
B2B
26emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
26OFFICE FURNITURE BY DOUG SCHURING
OFFICE ORIGINS
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE MODERN WORKPLACE
For all the time we spend in our office very few of us are familiar with how that space came to be You may actually be surprised by the events and inventions that helped form the work environment we know today From the development of the railroad to innovations in communication our current corporate habits structures and tools have all played a role In his book CubedmdashA Secret History of the Workplace Nikil Saval shapes the advances that created the conventional office we are familiar with today
The advent of the Morse telegraph spawned long-distance communication Then starting in 1860 a series of technological innovations changed the possibilities of the workplace the use of iron framework permitted the construction of taller buildings and elevators assisted the climb The Remington typewriter entered the office in 1874 Bellrsquos telephone was patented two years later
At the same time railroads expanded across the country reducing transportation costs and extending markets for goods and services Additionally railroads produced an organizational transformation still in use today The coordination of trains required employees housed in structures all across the country bringing a variety of offices to the American landscape Between the executive the manager and the workerhellipthe organizational chart was born
The invention of telecommunications fostered the speed of information to surge creating more
Doug Schuring is the director of sales administration at All Makes Office Equipment Co
work and subsequently more workers As these workers moved into new structures the spaces reflected their various levels of management In 1915 the Metal Office Furniture Company (now Steelcase) invented the modern deskmdasha flat metal table outfitted with file drawers The new desks massed together in defined rows offered managers full visual access to the goings-on of the workplace and this ldquosea of desksrdquo became the norm for decades Lockers and various cabinets popular in the Great Depression era became vertical files once steel became readily available after World War II
In 1968 Herman Miller introduced the first panel system with attached components Designed by Robert Propst the Action Office system revolutionized the ldquoofficerdquo in form flexibility and cost Other furniture manufacturers mimicked the modular system which became the norm for many businesses
Up to the rsquo90s the personal computerrsquos popularity grew and the relative size of work stations decreased between 25-50 percent By the middle of that decade the dot-com revolution on the West Coast created an unprecedented workplace culture The formal atmosphere of the office became much more casual and discontent for the Dilbert-esque cubicle grew Subsequently creative furniture solutions evolved with the desire to be more mobile leading the way
In the early 2000rsquos collaborative open offices grew in popularity New and improving
technologies now offer connectivity in the office home or public spaces As a result nearly every company today is adapting and using new furnishings as a tool to attract new workers At the same time retaining existing employees is equally important The goal is to make everyone more effective and efficient in their work
Whether you work in an office from home in the local coffee shop or out of an airline terminal you may start to notice that much of the furniture is beginning to look very similar As long as you are able to connect to technology you can work from virtually anywhere
B2B
SEPTEMBER 24 2015 Ralston Arena7300 Q Street
Ralston NE 68127
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omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 27
28emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Outlook Nebraska CEO Eric Stueckrath
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 29
On the surface it looks just like any other office or factory As you enter Outlook Nebraska Inc (ONI) yoursquore greeted by a friendly front desk attendant and led past a perfectly ordinary-looking workspace Entering their factory where they manufacture such paper products as rolls of hand towels you wouldnrsquot suspect that it is different from any other assembly line
But explore a little deeper
Walking past one office you might see a man typing away on a keyboard his laptop closed in front of him He doesnrsquot need it open to know what hersquos typing Hersquos visually impaired and utilizing computer software that reads the words aloud as he types
On the factory floor raised edges guard the walkway so sightless employees can feel their way around Over on the assembly line visually impaired workers can use a computer screen to zoom in on the product at various stages of production to assess the process
ONI is a non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance the life of the blind and visually impaired through employment opportunities and training Almost all the employees at ONI are blind or visually impaired from factory workers to IT professionals Some were born blind others lost their sight later in life ONI aims to help them all re-enter the workforce in a meaningful way
A SIGHT FOR NON-SEEING EYES
OUTLOOK NEBRASKA
ldquoThey get used to being on their feetrdquo says ONI CEO Eric Stueckrath ldquoWe offer jobs for [people with] entry-level skill sets and all of the positions are at or above minimum wage We give them the tools to help build those skill setsrdquo
ONI also offers personalized life-skills training geared to whatrsquos important to the individual from personal banking to cooking to operating a computer
The American Foundation for the Blind estimates that as many as 70 percent of blind adults in the US are unemployed As the largest employer of the blind in the Omaha metro area ONI is working to make an impact
ldquoWe work with organizations that are committed to hiring the visually impairedrdquo Stuekrath says ldquoAdvocacy is definitely part of what we dordquo
ONI is currently in the midst of a $2 million capital campaign that will allow them to complete a large-scale renovation project at their facility The renovation will create more space for the general public and give them the ability to offer additional training programs
In addition to working with adults blind and visually-impaired youth are a primary focus for Stuekrath and ONI
ldquoMy heart really gravitates toward themrdquo Stuekrath says
ONI partners with youth organizations on a number of initiatives including a sports camp for visually-impaired youth called Camp Abilities Nebraska Attendees can try archery swimming bowling track and field and more as a means to build confidence
ldquoThey donrsquot need to be coddledrdquo Stuekrath says adding that he often tells parents of blind children ldquoYour kid needs to get out there and bump his head and experience liferdquo
At ONI everything comes back to the organizationrsquos mission Stuekrath says
ldquoWe give them the tools they need to gain greater independencerdquo
B2B
FEATURE | BY APRIL CHRISTENSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY COLIN CONCES
29
30emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Layne and Pam Yahnke and Their VW Thing
Shakespeare wrote of love and betrayal Tolkien of hobbits and wizards Steinbeck and Faulkner of the indomitable American spirit
Layne Yahnke writes about his VW Thing
Yes the two-wheel-drive off-road convertible military vehicle first manufactured for the West German Army as ldquoType 181rdquo in 1968 VW churned them out until 1983 including two years in the United States when marketed as ldquoThe Thingrdquo
Yahnke got his Thing in 2000 for $5500 Hersquos lovingly restored it most importantly giving it a peppy new motor that makes it Autobahn-worthy
WHATrsquoS THAT THING
LANE YAHNKErsquoS UNUSUAL VOLKSWAGEN
HOW I ROLL | BY ANTHONY FLOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Therersquos only one other Thing in Omaha and Yahnkersquos gets lots of second and third looks when hersquos whipping down the Dodge Street Expressway from his Elkhorn home Especially when the doors are off and windshield is down
Everyone wants to know abouthellipthe Thing
Thus Yahnke penned ldquoIt Takes a Village to Build a VW Thingrdquo an ode to those who helped him with his beloved ridemdashhis sons Omaha VW Club members engine and body shops and parts stores
CONTINUEDemspONemsp32
30
SIGN UP TODAYdolnebraskagovsides
Questions phone - 402-471-9910 email - ndoluisidesnebraskagov
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32emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Locally Owned in Papillion Ne402-740-0800 bull apconstructomahacom
Insurance claims
welcomeIf your roof sustained fire snow or hail
damage the repairs can be costly We are your wind and hail damage experts and accept insurance claims so you wonrsquot
have to pay for the repair work yourself
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Residential Roofing bull Roof Maintenance amp Repair bull Licensed Bonded amp Insured
Steve Kowalski
Call or Text Message(402 ) 453-6000
abetterexposurecom steveabetterexposurecom
Passion Creativity Experience
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp31
ldquoI wrote that right after the engine transplantrdquo says Yahnke an Omaha native and vice president at Essex Corp provider of senior living communities ldquoI guess I was moved I get so many inquiries about it and I really feel so fondly about itrdquo
Itrsquos not his first Thing Yahnke and his wife of 38 years Pam owned one before their four children came along As the kids have come and gone so have the cars
Lots of them
Yahnke figures he has owned 60 automobiles in his life His car fancy began as a kid growing up in Dundee where a friendrsquos dad spent his spare time restoring English cars Yahnke spent hours in his garage and developed a love for Triumphs and MGs His first car purchase was a 1962 Triumph for $425 in 1972 It wasnrsquot long though until he sold it at a profit
ldquoThatrsquos what kicked off the buying and selling of English carsrdquo he says ldquoI discovered I could enjoy my transportation but then as soon as someone wanted to buy it for more than I paid for it out it wentrdquo
ldquoWhere Accounting Meets ResultsrdquoProviding Accounting and Quickbooks Services
For Metro Businesses
Denise Martin I 9252077634Deniseheartlandaccountabilitycom
wwwHeartlandAccountAbilitycom
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 33
These days you never know what will be parked in the Yahnke driveway Currently therersquos a Honda pickup a VW Jetta VW Multivan and a 2001 Audi TT Quatro Convertiblemdashpurchased in apropos silver for his 25th wedding anniversary
Itrsquos the Thing he most enjoys driving He logs about 1000 miles on it each year Most of those have come toplessmdashYahnke long ago gave it away to another Thing enthusiast and now only drives it sans roof
ldquoAnyone who sees this car has only seen it top-downrdquo he says ldquoI just got caught once in the rain and that was probably a month ago The cool thing about the Thing is you leave it out in the sun and it dries out and is ready to gordquo
It says ldquoSummer is hererdquo Yahnke says
ldquoPeople speed up all the time to try to figure out what it is Itrsquos just a happy car and itrsquos so darn versatile It puts smiles on peoplesrsquo facesrdquo
B2B
Quality Carpet Cleaning Since 2004
4026806523
Cleaning ServicesCarpet CleaningUpholstery CleaningMattress CleaningTile amp Grout CleaningPet TreatmentsConcrete CleaningConcrete CleaningAuto Interior Cleaning24 Hour Water Damage
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omahamagazinecom SPECIALemspADVERTISINGemspSECTIONemspemsp |emsp SUMMERemsp2015emsp |emsp 34
ABOUT OUR BUSINESS
Cox Business started in 2000 as the commercial services division of Cox Communications Over the past 15 years we have experienced strong growth and are on our target to achieve $2 billion in revenue in the near future
Cox Business owns operates and maintains its own network providing leading-edge technology solutions for voice internet networking and digital TV We also offer robust business continuity and disaster recovery solutions which is of increasing importance to businesses in the greater Omaha area Our customers include such key verticals as education hospitality government and healthcare We maintain a significant focus on Omaha small business mid-markets and large local companies as well
We consider our employees to be our most precious asset as they have the responsibility of taking care of our customers At Cox Business we are fortunate to have an extremely tenured and engaged team of employees What sets us apart from our competition is the fact that while we are a large robust and progressive company we still possess
the nimbleness of a smaller company in our ability to deliver creative solutions under tight timelines We pride ourselves on having very little bureaucracy and that translates to happy customers The fact that Cox Business has won 15 JD Power Awards for customer satisfaction over the past 11 years is a notable accomplishment for us and we work hard to deliver on that promise of excellence every day
ABOUT LYNNE
I have led sales and operations teams in the communications industry for 20 years 10 of those years with Cox Communications My husband Pat and I just celebrated our first full year in Omaha and wonder why it took us so long to find this jewel of a community Our daughter Kaylin starts law school next month at the University of San Diego
I have two passions in my professional life mentoring employees who are working on leadership development (which includes working with two to three emerging leaders at any given time) and continuing to drive efforts in hiring fostering a diverse workforce There
is a challenge in STEM fields of under-represented groups My company Cox Communications is also very passionate about this and holds the distinction of inclusion in Diversity Incrsquos top 50 companies
My personal passions include travel social media and Italian cooking
B2B
COX BUSINESSLYNNE SANGIMINO
Cox Business 401 N 117th St Omaha NE 68154 coxbusinesscom 4029340830
Cradickrsquos Husker PowerTEXAN RETURNS HOME FOR BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY PG 8
Marlon Lofgren Koley Jessen PC LLOKEEPING THE FOCUS WHERE IT BELONGS PG 4
Seasoned Advice for Buyers(THE BOUNCY KIND) PG 5
PLAYING BIG EDITION
Fall
2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
2
Volume 1 Issue 5
Published by The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
PresidentEditor bull Cortney Sells
DirectorAssistant Editor bull Cassandra Powers
In-House Legal Counsel bull Susanne Miller
Outreach Coordinator bull Rene Rademacher
Marketing Development bull Rachael Rand
Business Broker bull Breann Becerra
Referring Broker bull Elizabeth Jones
Marketing Division bull Adam Jaime
Development Liaison bull Holley Garcia
Client Services bull Nycole Wandvik-Tolle
Client Services bull Julie OrsquoBrien
Community Relations bull Mike Sells
Contributing Writers
Marlon Lofgren bull Kathy Rygg bull Maureen Tierney
Design bull OBI Creative
Photography bull Bill Sitzmann
To Subscribe
The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
210 N 78 St
Omaha NE 68114
4029985288
infothefirmb2bcom
Advertising Inquiries
4028842000
toddomahamagazinecom
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Columns
4 Seller Financing
Koley Jessen PC LLO Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
14 Executive Impact Getting Into the Big Office
Departments
5 Seasoned Advice for
Business Buyers (The Bouncy Kind)
12 Building a Legacy while
Building Racks New Chapter to Becklerrsquos Career
The Bottom Line
Sells Insights
Playing Big
Husker PowerTexan returns home to
Nebraska for business opportunity
pg8
Many business owners have marginal experience in the trades in which their
organizations specialize While it may seem counterintuitive to buy or start a company situated around an industry in which one has little experience there is a certain com-petitive edge to the equation A buyer or president need only know enough to begin before surrounding him or herself with the right personnel to tackle the minute details What is paramount is the grander scheme of
management and operations which allows one to flex refined business acumen Not only does distance from fieldwork free up time to put in place a robust and refined plan but it leaves open other avenues for portfolio expansion Grow your business expand operations or begin other busi-ness ventures The possibilities are only as small as the mindset held by your team The FIRM
Special Section
7 Fresh Off The Firm The Firm Business Brokerage has
over $80 million dollars in assets under
management of current cash flowing
businesses for sale ndash from medical
practices to commercial services to large
manufacturing companies
by Cortney Sells presidenteditor
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
3Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
4
IF PROPERLY STRUCTURED AND DOCUMENTED SELLER FINANCING IS REALLY NO DIFFERENT FROM FINANCING THAT WOULD OTHERWISE BE PROVIDED BY A BANKTYING IT ALL TOGETHEREven the most savvy of ldquonumbers peoplerdquo need a leg up in negotiating a purchase As with so many aspects of doing business retaining experienced legal counsel enables you to keep the focus where it belongsmdashemploying your entrepreneurial skills in the identification and acquisition of profitable business ventures The FIRM
Seller Financing Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
written by Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
Seller financing can often be a criti-cal factor in getting a business sold
If properly structured and documented seller financing is really no different from financing that would otherwise be provided by a bank Below is a brief guide to navi-gating the issues normally encountered in seller financing
FIRST THINGS FIRSTThe first question is usually that of how to structure and document the financing The buyer should be expected to sign a prom-issory note evidencing the loan from the seller with interest and repayment terms mutually agreeable to both parties The seller might also require that the buyer grant the seller a security interestlien in the pur-chased assets to secure the loan Itrsquos also not unusual for a seller to require that the individual owners of the buyer (assuming the buyer is an entity) personally guarantee the loan In most cases the documents are usually pretty straightforward and do not need to be overly complicated
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
ADDITIONAL LAYERSIf a bank is also financing the sale the seller will most likely be required by the bank to sign a subordination agreement This is an agreement between the bank usually referred to as the ldquosenior lenderrdquo and the seller referred to as the ldquojunior lenderrdquo A subordination agreement sets forth the terms between the lenders as to each entityrsquos right to receive loan pay-ments from the buyer and the priority of their respective security interestsliens in the purchased assets The document will usually state that the senior lenderrsquos loan and security interestliens shall at all times be superior to those of the junior lender until the senior loan is paid in full Most lenders are willing to discuss and negoti-ate the junior lenderrsquos right to receive loan payments from the borrower Lien priority status however is rarely compromised by senior lenders in subordination agreements The senior lender will insist on having a first priority security interestlien in the pur-chased assets
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Whether yoursquore a first-time entre-preneur or an experienced business
owner purchasing a company is a critical investment financially and emotionally To help increase the likelihood of it being a success in both areas there are a number of aspects to keep in mind when evaluating if a business is the right fit gt
Seasoned Advice for Business Buyers(The Bouncy Kind)
written by Kathy Rygg
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Jerry Rachwalik
5Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
6
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
lt Jerry Rachwalik has been researching companies for the past three years waiting for the right opportunity to arise His search was the result of spending his career work-ing for larger organizations in a number of areas including delivery installation cus-tomer service inventory accounts receiv-ables and scheduling where he managed up to 35 people at a time
Policies and philosophies can change when working for a corporation Sometimes they become less family friendly ldquoWith the previous companies I worked forrdquo Rachwalik says ldquothey switched from caring about em-ployees to making money and the bottom line I stuck it out for several years and then decided I needed something differentrdquo
An entrepreneur by nature Rachwalik has over the last seven years built up a rental business buying foreclosed homes and duplex properties completely reno-vating them and then renting them back out He now has 15 properties and enjoys helping families by providing nice homes that are affordable ldquoI want people to feel good when they come home at night after a long day at workrdquo he says Rachwalik want-ed to find a business that allowed him the flexibility to respond to his tenants when needed from simple plumbing issues to furnaces going kaput
When he first started looking for a new business Rachwalik was drawn to home health care because of his experience help-ing to take care of relatives And it was a growing field Nothing was available at the time so he expanded his options and be-gan researching businesses in a variety of industries Those included a flooring com-pany sandwich shop and even a hair salon
ldquoI was open to anything and if I could make the numbers work then I would consider itrdquo he explains
Then The Firm Business Brokerage pre-sented him with an opportunity that was the right match Bounce U in Omaha There were a number of factors that appealed to Rachwalik First and foremost were the financials but it would also offer him the flexibility he needed for his rental business A big advantage was that an entire team was already in place one seasoned in man-aging staff and scheduling parties ldquoThey do a great jobrdquo he says ldquoI donrsquot plan on making any personnel changesrdquo
But what hersquos most looking forward to with this new venture is the fun positive environment Bounce Ursquos primary business is its birthday party packages featuring the companyrsquos oversized inflatibles and Rachwalik said he canrsquot wait to watch the excitement on the kids faces when they walk through the door ldquoEveryone there is happyrdquo he says ldquoThe kids are happy the parents are happy and the employees running the parties are happy Itrsquoll be a big change from the environments I used to work inrdquo Hersquos already planning to have his twin grand-daughtersrsquo birthday party there too
His transition included a week of training with the companyrsquos corporate facility in Ari-zona as well as on-site training Even though the Omaha location is an existing store all of Rachwalikrsquos training was structured as though itrsquos a brand new site
Bounce U has traditionally partnered with local restaurants to provide food for birth-day parties but Rachwalik wants to explore the option to build a kitchen of his own
He also hopes to continue to grow the business by at least 5 annually ldquoAnything I do I will communicate with my employees and get their input and suggestions firstrdquo he adds
For anyone who is considering buying a business or is going through the process Rachwalik stresses to be open minded and not rule anything out ldquoIf an opportunity is presented to you run the numbers and see if you can make it workrdquo he says ldquoI did a complete flip-flop on the type of business I thought I wanted versus what I ended up purchasing But if you keep looking yoursquoll eventually find a matchrdquo The FIRM
ldquoTHE KIDS ARE HAPPY THE PARENTS ARE HAPPY AND THE EMPLOYEES RUNNING THE PARTIES ARE HAPPY ITrsquoLL BE A BIG CHANGE FROM THE ENVIRONMENTS I USED TO WORK INrdquo
-Jerry Rachwalik
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Fresh Off The Firm Featured Listings for Sale
Suburban Bar amp Grill with VolleyballOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $26413 PRICE $115000
Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity in an area with only two other bars nearby Serving up a gorgeous and well-maintained volleyball court along with pool tables and a jukebox this bar and grill is a favorite with the locals Business is fully staffedmdashowner works very part time hours
Rain Gutter Sales amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $145200 PRICE $415000
This business is a dealer for high-end rain gutter covers These products are con-structed of high-quality aluminum and sur-gical-grade stainless steel and are strong enough to hold up to four feet of snow or 20 pounds of debris Profit margin is 48
Large-Scale Assembly amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $743732 PRICE $2200000
This well-established installation and assembly business in central Nebraska prides itself on providing many numerous building solutions for businesses and building owners in their area They install and assemble metal frames including grain silos pole barns and buildings
Photo Booth Business Running on Autopilot OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $36419 PRICE $88900
Photo booths are the ldquoin thingrdquo at weddings and parties In business for seven years this business is one of the largest in town Wedding couples hoping to capture the fun memories of the day make up 67 of the clients Includes four booths and one trailer
Southwest Omaha Dental PracticeOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $129745 PRICE $380000
Professional staff and excellent customer service are the hallmarks of this practice Using the latest technology the business offers an array of dental services including teeth cleaning veneers crowns bleaching and trauma services The owner is currently working only 20 hours a week
Small Animal Vet Clinic in Omaha OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $158287 PRICE $440000
For over 30 years this animal care clinic has prioritized customer care They are currently offering services to over 2000 families and are the second largest veterinary clinic in the area The business is split 7030 between dogs and cats
Buildersrsquo Material amp Supply CompanyOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $364880 PRICE $933000
This highly reputable company established in 1976 and located just north of Omaha provides quality and reliable services and supplies Building supply inventory includes garage door lumber windows trims siding roofing materials and more Approximately 90 of customers are repeat clientele
High-Growth Plumbing Company OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $157774 PRICE $445000
This non-union plumbing company has consistent growth of over $130000 a year in sales The full service plumbing contractor has business that is currently 50 commercial and 50 residential
90+ available business opportunities for sale Please visit TheFirmBusinessBrokeragecom for details
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
7Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
Matt Cradick
The Deal ReviewReason For Sale Fresh start after 25+ years in the industrySeller Transition Period Over eight monthsType of Sale Asset Purchase AgreementLender Access Bank Mack LaRock
ldquoYOU SHOULD INTERVIEW FOR A BUSINESS JUST LIKE YOU
WOULD FOR A JOBrdquo CRADICK EXPLAINS ldquoIT HAS TO BE THE
RIGHT FIT YOU DONrsquoT WANT TO BE ONE OF THE MANY FA-
TALITIES THAT HAPPEN SO OFTEN IN NEW BUSINESSrdquo
-Shaun Heldt
From Retail to RoofingHow to be Successful When Buying a Business
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Spending almost 20 years working in retail for major corporations and then
buying a siding and roofing contracting company may seem like a major leap but for Matt Cradick owner of Husker Ham-mer Siding Windows and Roofing it was the best business move hersquos ever made And thatrsquos saying a lot for someone who moved 11 times in 19 years across nine different states
Cradick had been living in Houston Texas where he worked for Target Corporation He had worked his way up through the com-pany and another promotion was on the horizon which meant another move With three young children at home Cradick de-cided it was time to put down some roots Having grown up in Lincoln Nebraska he wanted to be near family and Midwestern values He started researching businesses for sale and was eventually led to The Firm which in turn led him to Husker Hammer
The move from a big corporate environ-ment to a small contracting business didnrsquot intimidate Cradick With Target he oversaw 200 people so he knew he brought strong management and operational skills The challenge he says was learning the ins and outs of construction He didnrsquot need to be the one hammering away on the roofmdashhe needed learn a new business segment
ldquoSwitching industries can be nerve-rack-ingrdquo Cradick says ldquobut the owner was will-ing to stay on board for six months during the transitionrdquo That partnership was an invaluable tool during the changeover gt
A Publication of The Firm Business BrokerageA Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
9Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
10
lt Husker Hammer was started in 1998 as a one-man operation and had been built up to a multimillion dollar business Cradick was impressed with the mission statement values system of the company and the strong workforce that was already in place And the price of the company lined up well with the financials ldquoWhat Husker has that others in the industry donrsquotrdquo says the man whose faith is central to his deal-ings ldquois a strong ethical foundation with a Christian backgroundrdquo
There were a number of other elements Cradick sought when buying his business ones he believes all potential business own-ers need to keep in mind The first is to make sure you have a proper support team in place to help make a sound financial deci-sion That includes having a good business valuation and a good business broker who can point you in the right direction to ensure a match for both parties
Once yoursquore in the process of purchasing he adds make sure you have a capable net-work of attorneys a seasoned financial team and solid internal help to ensure yoursquore suc-cessful from the start ldquoYou should interview
for a business just like you would for a jobrdquo Cradick explains ldquoIt has to be the right fit You donrsquot want to be one of the many fatal-ities that happen so often in new businessrdquo
To help ensure the company continues to be successful Cradick plans to main-tain Husker Hammerrsquos competitive edges which he says includes his 11000-sq-ft state-of-the-art showroom in Elkhorn He reformatted the space to better fit his busi-ness model before building out additional second-floor space that is now rented to other entrepreneurs
The showroom features all of the window siding and roofing products available to customers Samples are one thing Cradick says but he knows the power of customers seeing actual colors in actual sizes
ldquoOur philosophy is to build peace of mind for homeowners and be with them every step through the processrdquo he says ldquoWord of mouth is our number one lead source which was true in retail as wellrdquo
Happy employees to Cradick are just as important as happy customers He sub-scribes to a simple philosophymdashlistening to employees and doing so with respect
ldquoWith big corporations you deal with a lot of politicsrdquo he says ldquoNow if therersquos politics itrsquos because Irsquove generated it Itrsquos a nice change to be in a small business where you have more leeway to ensure yoursquore creating a positive work environment which creates a happy workforcerdquo
Working for a smaller company also allows for more opportunities to become involved in the community Husker Hammer is active in local chambers of commerce the Open Door Mission and is currently helping on a Habitat for Humanity build in Waterloo They have also been accredited by the Bet-ter Business Bureau since 2000 and won the Better Business Integrity Award
Cradickrsquos business is currently 90 percent residential and 10 percent commercial He hopes to increase their reach in proper-ty management and general contracting while maintaining the high-quality residen-tial sales that built the business ldquoBecause of our showroomrdquo he says ldquopeople come
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
to us We donrsquot do the high pressure sales at the kitchen table We listen We let the homeowners do the talkingrdquo
Growing geographically is also a goal Cradick hopes to expand to surrounding areas including his hometown of Lincoln
ldquoSo far itrsquos been a great moverdquo he says ldquoand I look forward to continuing to be known as an ethical long-lasting company My daughters and wife are excited to be back in the Midwest around grandparents and family Their school district is great and the full year-round climate has been a welcome change from living in the south Plus I was averaging 50000 miles per year in travel so itrsquos nice to sleep in your own bed every nightrdquo The FIRM
For more information on this or any for sale listings call The Firm Business Brokerage directly
11Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
The Deal ReviewBusiness Established 1987Reason for Sale Retirement (Transla-tion More time with a fishing pole)Ownerrsquos Profit $495004Type of Loan SBA with Core Bank
12
Back to the FutureBuilding a Business Legacy
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Itrsquos not uncommon for someone who has spent a number of years in corporate
America to shift gears into entrepreneur-ship Being your own boss certainly has its advantages But for Scott Beckler who recently purchased Lewis Installers in Gret-na his reason for taking on a new business venture had more to do with honoring not only his fatherrsquos legacy but building one of his own
Beckler started his career as a business education teacher then moved to a corpo-rate career in technology But for a number of years he kept an eye on businesses for sale hoping that just the right opportunity would come along
ldquoMy dad was an entrepreneur who owned his own real estate insurance companyrdquo
Beckler says ldquoDespite the fact he had on-going health issues he still got up every day put on a coat and tie and went out to make a sale He was a very successful busi-nessman and I wanted to honor his legacyrdquo
After contacting The Firm and discuss-ing what he was looking for in a business the team suggested Lewis Installers which specializes in industrial conveyor and rack systems At first it seemed like a big de-parture for him ldquoShelving and logistical systems isnrsquot something that jumps out at yourdquo Beckler says But the more he looked into it the more he realized it had many of the elements he wanted in a business The most obvious advantage was that the company was located in Gretna where he lives Add to that the fact that the seller lives just up the road from him
Scott Beckler
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
For purposes of this article this overview is based on the buying and selling entities being corporations or entities taxed as corporations
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
4420 Izard Street Omaha4022938707 bull 8887380296
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
HAVE YOUR MINOR ROOF LEAKS BECOME A MAJOR ANNOYANCEDonrsquot Wait Any Longer Call Us Now
ldquoAfter meeting him and hitting it offrdquo Beckler says ldquowe quickly realized it was a match on both sidesrdquo
Other signs also pointed in the right di-rection The financials were good The size of the business was ideal The competitive landscape was promising Beckler also real-ized that his corporate background fit well with this new business
ldquoAlthough itrsquos an entirely different indus-tryrdquo he says ldquomany of the business princi-ples are the samehellipproject management customer service delivery vendor man-agement and cost containment Irsquove been doing all of those for yearsrdquo
His background in technology will also be a valuable asset in his new business Not only has he established relationships with large vendors built over the years but his from-the-ground-up experience with data centers means that he is already eying in-novative automation and other technology differentiators At the same time hersquos look-ing forward to learning the daily operations of the company and having a hand in every part of the business from bidding to closing to payroll
ldquoIt will be challenging coming from a big business background where Irsquove only been involved in the peripheryrdquo Beckler says
ldquoNow Irsquoll be involved in all of itrdquo
Lewis Installers being a family-owned business is what hersquos most excited about He says itrsquos a company with a good repu-tation thatrsquos known for quality and meeting deadlinesmdashall driven by a strong Midwest-ern work ethic
Itrsquos the sort of company Beckler believes that would make his father proud
ldquoI want this business to be a legacy for my familyrdquo Beckler says ldquoMy hope is that it could stay in the family with my own kids and grandkidsrdquo The FIRM
13Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Om
aharsquo
s Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
14
When considering the purchase of an existing business very few realize
that lack of experience in an industry can actually lead to success One simply needs a sound financial plan and a good team to fill in the gaps Removing the added stress of fieldwork and focusing solely on the management of finances and operation allows for greater opportunities It makes for the dynamic advantage of some outside impartiality when seeking areas of improve-ment and growth
One man who has made this transition from having marginal knowledge in an in-dustry to leading a successful plumbing and HVAC operation is Mark Evans president of Burton Plumbing Before taking over Burton Evans had a successful plumbing distribu-torship serving four states but it was his desire to own and to travel less that put him into the hands of Burton Friesz The founder of Burton Plumbing Friesz had been a customer and friend of Evansrsquo when the two discussed a possible expansion into residential service Evans put his busi-ness experience to work for Burton in July 1995 and his education in the minutiae of plumbing and HVAC began
While he hasnrsquot worked in the field as a licensed plumbing contractor Evans has dipped his feet in several areas within the running of Burtonhellipand often at the same time Before hiring the essential personnel that have enabled him to narrow his role Ev-ans served as manager marketer customer service representative and dispatcher Such a list of duties for one man is a daunting task but ldquoI worked my way to being able to work on the business rather than in the business [a strategy] taught to me by my business coachrdquo says Evans
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
REMOVING THE ADDED STRESS OF FIELDWORK AND FOCUSING SOLELY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF FINANCES AND OPERATION ALLOWS FOR GREATER OPPORTUNITIES
Executive Impact Moving Into the Boardroom From Employee to President
written by Maureen Tierney | Co-written by Mark Evans and Julie OrsquoBrien
Eventually Evans was able to step back and bring on a general manager and a ware-house operator that has allowed him to
ldquofocus on growth opportunities marketing and cash flowrdquo
Evansrsquo experience is not unique It is com-mon for brokerages to deal with buyers seeking to own companies within a cer-tain field but ldquoonly two people out of the nearly 100 closings [wersquove had] have come in for the same business that they ended up purchasingrdquo says Julie OrsquoBrien client services and paralegal with The Firm What it comes down to is as simple as the bot-tom line Buyers are looking to leverage their talents and experience in a marriage between a management philosophy and business model Those in the market for an acquisition are ldquobuying based on profit number of staff ability to get financing and mostly their strengths and passionsrdquo says OrsquoBrien Experience in a particular industry is certainly valuable but is no predictor of success when the right financial mind comes along
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Even so making up for a lack of practical knowledge requires the proper equipment most notably in the form of managers and employees The right talent in the field can be a growth experience and provide an opportunity to learn the ropes before taking a full swing at things A total deficit in knowl-edge hardly makes for good leadership and for this reason many ldquonew business owners like to take a birdrsquos eye view of the operation rather than diving in and getting their hands dirty right awayhellipgiving them the opportunity to watch [how] things have been done before implementing changesrdquo says OrsquoBrien
Approaching ownership in this way also allows for further financial acquisitions an avenue which Evans has taken In addition to owning Burton Plumbing Evans operates four other companies One might assume this much responsibility to be a stretch but Evans sees his role as ldquokeeping a pulse on things I like to lead people in growth per-sonally and on the business siderdquo
Getting started can be a challenge which is why OrsquoBrien works closely with potential buyers to find the right fit ldquoWe assist all the wayrdquo she says ldquoWe work with the buyer on projections business plans [and] we introduce them to trusted advisorsrdquo from attorneys and CPAs to financial advisors and insurance agents
Itrsquos this helpful backing of experts that eases the difficult task of ownership and only proves that one can certainly switch from a blue collar to a white one The FIRM
CONTRACTING BUSINESSES LISTED BY THE FIRM
201
5 P
roje
cted
201
5 Y
TD
201
4
201
3
201
2
30
0
15
28
14
12
11
16
15Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Omaharsquos Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
It may seem like I pulled a muscle making this stretch but Keith Backsen the new boss at the Omaha Convention amp Visitors Bureau seems to have an awful lot in common with new Husker Coach Mike Riley
Coach Riley spent a total of 14 seasons at Oregon State before heading to Huskerland Backsen also comes from that neck of the woods having spent 11 years of his career in Portland Oregon and another 11 years in Spokane Washington selling both cities as prime places for convention and leisure travelers
At Oregon State Coach Riley built the football program into a consistent winner and regular conference contender At Visit Spokane Backsen opened sales offices in Washington DC and Chicago that led to increased convention bookings Backsen also worked on the public campaign to expand the Spokane Convention Center with a $65 million bond issue The expansion coupled with increased hotel inventory allowed Spokane to pursue large conventions and more than doubled convention bookings in Spokane
Riley has experience at the highest level of football serving as the head coach of the San Diego Chargers and as a head coach in both the Canadian and World Football Leagues Same for Backsen he worked in Dallas and Chicago as the director of sales for Global Experience Specialists a global leader in the world of event planning Backsen supervised five sales offices in a nine-state region generating annual sales in excess of $70 million
Riley is known as one of the most professional and nicest men in the profession a coach who is greatly admired by his peers I kid you not Backsen is described the same way by colleaguesmdashone of the most genuine and skilled men in the business a well respected professional who has the insight and experience to get the job done (Note the $70M stat above)
Come the first game both men will have a stadium filled with fans cheering them on In Backsenrsquos case his stadium is the entire city of Omaha where the fans are the 434353 residents who will reap the rewards of Omaharsquos growing tourism economy
B2B
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 51
51HUSKER
COACH HAS TOURISM
TWIN
OMAHA CVB BY DEB WARD
Deb Ward is the director of marketingcommunications Omaha Convention and Visitorrsquos Bureau
Keith Backsen
52 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Jason Feldman and Sebastian Hunt
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 53
The emerging startup accelerator scene supports creative-minded risk-takers looking for an edge to follow their passion and bring their ideas to fruition
Sebastian Hunt 25 is passionate about giving entrepreneurs like himself a nurturing space to test out their concepts The University of Nebraska at Omaha economics graduate interned with various local employers and surveyed the area startup community when an idea struck him for a by-application curriculum-based residency program serving new entrepreneurs That inspiration turned into Year of the Startup
Launched in 2014 the program operates out of a humble house at 4036 Burt Street in the St Cecilia Cathedral neighborhood Hunt and co-founder Jason Feldman 28 room there with young residency fellows whose startup ventures range from making bio-fuels to providing night owl shuttle services They are a millennial bunch who favor sneakers and sandals They take informal meetings to nearby CaliCommons and Lisarsquos Radial Cafe They variously hunch over laptops or tablets and carry smartphones as appendages
YEAR OF THE STARTUP
ENTREPRENEURAL IMMERSION
This communal work-live space model for business mavericks is new to Omaha The usual startup accelerator is a concentrated 90-day off-site program Omaha has a few of these notably Straight Shot Hunt saw a need for a program that invites a broader range of people into the accelerator fold and supports them much nearer to the start of their dream than other programs
ldquoWe feel like we can take people at very early stages because we are four times as long as the average programrdquo says Hunt who adds that Year of the Startup is also not tech-centric like many programs tend to be ldquoIn our model we substitute intensity for duration I think a lot of the learning here comes through unstructured serendipitous interactions we have that is not curriculum-based itrsquos just happenstance
ldquoWith a house there are so many different ways you can bring ideas and people together I think thatrsquos maybe that critical binding agent and sense of place that helps accomplish thingsrdquo
He says in this intimate environment ldquotherersquos no other choice but to immerse yourself in the settingrdquo adding ldquoWersquore always hanging out in the living room or out back talking about startup stuffmdashmonetization strategies capitalization tables vested equity entity structuresrdquo
ldquoItrsquos this immersive experience of camaraderie of these natural flows and idea generationrdquo Feldman says
Hunt says ldquoThis is very difficult to get bored with because therersquos always somebody whose business is either in crisis or growth stage or some interesting part of the curverdquo
ldquoHow could we get bored when wersquore creating a platform with four startups and all we get to do is ideationrdquo Feldman says ldquoItrsquos a constant buzz we get from interacting with these startup founders and helping them build their ideasrdquo
Built into the program are activities that encourage fellows to break out of their comfort zone and to offer honest criticism of each otherrsquos ideas
Hunt compiles multiple data points on the startups
ldquoWersquore developing really deep insight about how do people start successful businessesrdquo
The program utilizes mentors from the entrepreneurial community
ldquoWe bring in people who are experts in specific areas to talk on those topicsrdquo Feldman says
ldquoThey get ideas flowingrdquo Hunt says of the mentors
Feldman says he regularly covers with fellows ldquothe major components of what you need to look at to start your businessrdquo and then mentors like Mike Kolker owner of graphic design firm Simplify teach lessons about operational efficiency and ldquohow to simplify running a businessrdquo
Hunt is a newcomer to all this and goes by instinct as much as research to support his vision
CONTINUED ON 54
FEATURE | BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
53
54 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
70 Years of Business in Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
4027335500 | 4315 South 50th Street
402-333-5722 bull wwwsw-fencecom
Thanks for Voting SampW Fence the Best Again in 2015
Wersquore Not Just About Fences
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Thank You for Voting Us Best of B2Btrade 4 Years in a Row
AUDIO VISUAL SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDEbull System designengineeringbull Sales
bull Installationbull Maintenance and Service
bull Equipment Rental and Operation
2700 sq ft of rental facility for conferencing meetings training sessions receptions gatherings webinars
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER 2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
ConnectWITH YOURCOMMUNITY
Donrsquot forget to visitOmahaMagazinecom to read
all of our titles online
Omaha MagazineEncounter B2B 60PlusHerFamily OmahaHome
CONTINUED FROM 53
ldquoI just had an irrational confidence market insights and a great theoretical background thanks to primary research I completed and to lessons I learned from Phillip Phillips Michael OrsquoHara and Art Diamond in UNOrsquos economics department I read constantly about who the players were in the startup world so I was fairly preparedrdquo
Even though he directs a startup program he only started participating in one himself (Venture School) He acknowledges Year of the Startup is a by-the-seat-of-your-pants experiment
ldquoComing out of college I had student loans and not a ton of money Irsquove held two jobs to finance the project Now the project is financed by a combination of me working and renting out one room One-hundred percent of the money our entrepreneurs pay in rent will be returned in full and so everybody has a strong incentive to follow through with the program That may be what makes us sustainablerdquo
Hersquos working on securing corporate sponsorship for the program Meanwhile he wants to help get participating startups to the next level
ldquoWersquore functioning like a pre-accelerator at this point We want to get our startups profitable and then refer them to the Straight Shots so they can focus on growth in a pure accelerator programrdquo
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 55
Mercedes-Benz of Omaha14335 Hillsdale Ave Omaha NE 68137wwwOmahaMercedescomContact John Williams anytime at 4029819262
of Omaha of Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
As Year of the Startup moved into a larger house in Omaharsquos Little Italy district on July 1 and a new class of fellows arrives Hunt says there are ldquointeresting talks happening right now to bring this to other citiesrdquo He and Feldman say economic development agencies are willing to pay a license fee for them to do startup houses in other cities The partners are having proprietary software developed that will enable new startup houses to replicate their branded Omaha model
They look forward to engaging with the emerging 10th Street cultural district but may keep the midtown house to accommodate growth
Hunt and Feldman believe theyrsquore catching the wave or tipping point of a big new startup rush and theyrsquore betting their model is poised to be a niche player in this wild frontier of entrepreneurial prospecting
B2B
56 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
It is an unassuming space but if you have made your way to TD Ameritrade Park Filmstreams or Hot Shops chances are yoursquove passed one of the most vibrant offices in Omaha
The fact that Co-Lab (short for Creative Collaborators) is not a traditional work space is certainly one of its best features Located inside the Tip Top building at 15th and Cumming streets is a project dreamed up by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture who happens to share the main floor of the building Based in the heart of a once-isolated section of the city Co-Labrsquos funky creative vibe is making waves In fact that vibe seeps into Omaharsquos everyday bringing about small changes pushing our city toward a more innovative future
CO-LABGIVING OMAHA WORKERS A MORE
COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE
IN THE OFFICE | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
56
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 57
Home to 18 businesses plus Alley Poyner Macchietto Co-Lab is free of walls and signage It is also free from traditional office norms For instance you donrsquot just walk over to your neighborrsquos space for a brainstorming sessionmdashyou skateboard At least you do if yoursquore Dave Nelson of SecretPenguin a leading experimental branding agency The best part is that the businesses surrounding SecretPenguin appreciate the break from tradition ldquoThatrsquos the beautiful part about being around like-minded good people and businessesrdquo Nelson says
CONTINUED ON 58
58 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 59
CONTINUED FROM 57
In addition to having pathways large enough to skateboard or bike through the space also provides Co-Labbers with a kitchen various conference rooms bike storage bathrooms and a battleground (otherwise known as the ping-pong table) Walking in the main doors clients and employees alike are greeted from the front desk while catching a view of the five-story open atrium basking in the glow of sunshine from the skylight Workers can also access the fitness room and rooftop deck sharing amenities with TipTop apartment residents who use a separate entrance
CONTINUED ON 60
The Harry A Koch CoInsurance amp Financial ConsultantsMember of First Insurance Group LLC
60 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
CONTINUED FROM 59
Businesses in Co-Lab all creativity-related range from entrepreneurs to start-ups to non-profits to small businesses The art varies in form but runs through the space like an electric current At Zicafoose Textiles Mary Zicafoose works steadily on her loom creating gorgeous tapestries 4Site Programming is where Joi Brown works as an independent consultant for performing arts centers across the nation Heartland B-Cycle a large-scale municipal bike sharing system brings art in the form of economical convenience Holly Boyer a founder of non-profit organization Mission Matters explains that one of the best things about having an office at Co-Lab is feeling the innovative positive energy from the moment you walk in the door So while individuals may join Co-Lab with a business-minded focus or a more creative vibe finding a yin to their yang is just a shout away
ldquoThere is certainly a wonderful built-in support network that comes along with working in a collaborative environmentrdquo quips Omaha Creative Institute Executive Director Emily Moody ldquoEverything from sharing ideas and finding ways to collaborate with an organization different than yours to sharing a staplerrdquo
At the heart of making it work says Laura Alley of Alley Poyner itrsquos simply playing well with others
The skateboarding ping-pong playing creatives do that well
B2B
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2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott Enterprises
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In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott EnterprisesFor more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
bull TD Ameritrade Parkbull First National Bank Towerbull Midtown Crossingbull Village Pointe Shopping Centerbull UNO Weber Fine Arts Buildingbull Childrenrsquos Hospital
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For more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
TD Ameritrade Park | First National Bank Tower | Midtown Crossing | Village Pointe | Childrenrsquos Hospital Aksarben Village | Joslyn Art Museum | Fred amp Pamela Buffett Cancer Center | UNO Community Arena
6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
AT THE OFFICE amp ON THE GO
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13
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
- BB1015_fntCvr_125
- BB1015_fntEdit_125
- BB1015_bkEdit_125
- BB1015_bkCvr_125
-
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 09
09
PLAYING BIGCompiling this issue of B2B magazine got me thinking about Scott Andersonrsquos 2013 book Playing Big In it the founder of Anderson Partners who is now the CEO of Doubledare speaks of forgetting your limitations and remembering the powerful person you are
Erika Overturff was 27 when she realized that the ballet company of which she was a member was doomed She was an artist a professionally trained dancer Business savvy Management skills An understanding of how to fund a new performance company Not so much
Overturff had a list of limitations a mile long but today she is a founding member and artistic director of Ballet Nebraska the regionrsquos only professional dance company as it enters its sixth season She discovered the powerful person that she was and with a lot of help in mentoring and connecting along the way shersquos learned to play big in elevating the cultural landscape of a city
Our cover story is not about a dance company so much as it is about a communityrsquos ability to get things done when its people and its businesses share a common vision Omaha has always been a special place one with a ldquocan dordquo spirit While other cities struggle we survive even thrive
Omaha knows how to play big
That theme is reflected throughout the stories on the pages that follow stories of creativity passion talentmdasheven faith
The same motif that of playing big is mirrored in The Firm Deal Review the magazine-within-a-magazine found beginning on page 35 No one setting out to purchase a business thinks small and the stories told by The Firm represent microcosms of the very definition of what it means to think dream and play big
Andersonrsquos book pays particular attention to smaller cultures which is fitting because most of the entities profiled in this magazine dwell in the arena of small business Itrsquos a strata where core values are perhaps most critical but how is it that even in the smallest of businesses the simple maxim of ldquostaying truerdquo can remain so very elusive
Read on to uncover what has worked for some of the most compelling entrepreneurs in Omaha
And donrsquot forget to play big
B2B
David Williams is editor of B2B a publication of Omaha Magazine LTD Williams can reached at davidomahamagazinecom
FROM THE EDITOR BY DAVID WILLIAMS
10emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Scissors amp Scotch Co-Owner Erik Anderson
Erik Anderson was new to Omaha and needed a haircut
A good one
The guy had a sales job and needed to look sharp But who to trust with his precious locksmdashsome chain
ldquoYou never know what kind of haircut yoursquore going to getrdquo Anderson says ldquoYou could get a great haircut or walk out of there looking like a doofus Irsquom not going to go that route
ldquoI started going to womenrsquos salons I knew I could trust themrdquo
SHAVE AND A HAIRCUTSNIP-SNIP-SIP-SIP
FEATURE | BY ANTHONY FLOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
10
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 11
That was two years ago Now Anderson gets his rsquodo done at his own placemdashScissors amp Scotch which opened in March at 2835 South 170th Plaza
As its name suggests therersquos much more to Scissors amp Scotch than just a great cut The new shop offers an upscale grooming experience featuring traditional barbering services (in plush old-school barber chairs) and modern spa treatments steamed towels hot lather neck shaves scalp neck shoulder and hand massages paraffin hand dips facial and skin services coloringshellipeven nose waxings Therersquos a shoe shine station on Thursdays And full body massages are on the way
All for dudes
Oh yeah and when customers are done one of five complimentary hand-crafted whiskey cocktails await them in a private lounge
ldquoTherersquos nothing like this right nowrdquo Anderson says ldquoI would put it up against any place in the country
ldquoItrsquos not just a haircut at Scissors amp Scotch itrsquos an experience We havenrsquot had one person come back and say lsquoThat was terriblersquo Most guys are like lsquoWow that was awesomersquordquo
Anderson didnrsquot do it all alone Hersquos equal partners with longtime friend Sean Finley whom he grew up with in Prairie Village Kansas and Tanner Wiles a friend he met at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where Anderson played baseball before earning his degree in 2011
Anderson later worked for Federated Insurance which moved him from Minneapolis to Omaha in April 2013 Thatrsquos when he first went looking for a haircut While researching his options Anderson saw that menrsquos grooming had become the fastest growing part of the beauty industry
ldquoThat really intrigued me and I got really excited about itrdquo
CONTINUEDemspONemsp12
12emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp11
Why not open his own place Anderson brought that idea to Finley and Wiles one night at a bar in early 2014 Not one of them had any experience in the grooming industry but the trio soon discussed the idea by group text message Then they met regularly working on documents and video conferencing via Google Hangouts Wiles worked in sales at Ambulatory Care in Kansas City Finley completed his law degree in Columbia Missouri (hersquos now a corporate attorney at Husch Blackwell in Kansas City)
They hammered out the concept of Scissors amp Scotch leveraged whatever assets they possessed at such tender ages (Finley and Wiles are 27 Anderson 26) and got an SBA loan In August 2014 they signed a lease at Shops of Legacy This March they opened with nine employees not counting themselves
104 5th St Fullerton NE 68638 308-550-0632 signdan170yahoocomSignCraftersMidwestcom
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Orders over $100
EmbroideryPolos Jackets T-Shirts Hats amp More
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omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 13
Response exceeded expectations Six weeks after opening Scissors amp Scotch averaged 80 new clients per week and about 30 haircuts a day More than 60 percent of the customers opted for the $52 ldquo15-year servicerdquo (as in the age of fine Scotch) Its membership programmdashthe Scotch-inspired 10- 15- and 25-year packages with escalating benefits at each levelmdashwas expected to generate 100 sales the first year Scissors amp Scotch sold 90 the first month
ldquoItrsquos really encouragingrdquo Anderson says ldquoEach week wersquove done more haircuts than the previous week since we openedrdquo
And all of it by word-of-mouth advertising (though Scissors amp Scotch recently started advertising on AM 590)
ldquoIrsquove had a lot of guys say lsquoThis is Omaha Nebraska right This is something I expect to see in a Chicago or a New York or a Dallasrsquordquo
Thanks to Anderson Omaha it is
B2B
THANK YOU OMAHA
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How can we help your business
12050 Pacific Street | Omaha NE 68154 | +1 402 255 6060 | nainpdodgecom
The NAI NP Dodge
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14emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
ldquoPeople need vacation to recharge and get inspired to continue to love what they dordquo she says ldquoA lot of times when you give people that break they come back more energized and with great ideas It makes them happier it makes us a better companyrdquo-HEIDI MOUSBACH
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 15
GOING TO THE DOGSERVIN amp SMITHrsquoS RELAXED AWARD-WINNING VIBE
OMAHA | BY ANTHONY FLOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Want to know how much fun it is to work at Omaha digital marketing firm Ervin amp Smith Just ask Peanut Gwen Duke or Daphne Jane
They wonrsquot talk to youhellipbut yoursquoll probably see their tails wagging
ldquoAny week we have probably a couple dogs in the officerdquo says Heidi Mausbach Ervin amp Smith president and CEO ldquoYou find them at your desk begging for a little treat They follow their owners around the agencyrdquo
The furry friends are there as one of many workplace benefits garnering Ervin amp Smith attention here and nationally In February the agency founded 31 years ago by Executive Chairman Doug Smith made the 2015 Best Places to Work in Omaha list sponsored by Baird Holm and the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce That came three months after Advertising Age ranked Ervin amp Smith number 13 on its list of 40 Best Places to Work in Advertising amp Media based on hiring practices benefits packages salaries office perks and more
ldquoYou spendhellipa good percentage of your life at workrdquo Mausbach says ldquoYou want to be at a place you love to come to People do love it here You donrsquot dread Monday morningrdquo
Even if yoursquore on vacationmdashwhich is unlimited at Ervin amp Smith as are sick and personal days The new leave policy established in January 2014 is among the most intriguing initiatives at the agency
ldquoPeople are free to come and go as long as they are fulfilling their client commitments and meeting their other goalsrdquo Mausbach says
So have employees been abusing the policy with copious vacation days Mausbach canrsquot saymdashErvin amp Smith isnrsquot tracking days If therersquos any challenge to the time-off policy itrsquos been with employees not taking enough personal time Mausbach who joined the agency 15 years ago was among those who took ldquoa lot lessrdquo vacation than she typically would
ldquoPeople need vacation to recharge and get inspired to continue to love what they dordquo she says ldquoA lot of times when you give people that break they come back more energized and with great ideas It makes them happier it makes us a better companyrdquo
While employees appreciate the flexibility the policy allows them to get away from work Ervin amp Smith has seen benefits in the officemdashless idle activity greater communication and collaboration and perhaps best of all fewer and shorter meetings as employees focus on goals and commitments
CONTINUEDemspONemsp16
15
16emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp15
The company also allows employees to work from home as needed or even full-time from cities across the country (one Ervin amp Smith employee lives in Washington another in Colorado) The company also established an annual ldquoSlush FUNdrdquo giving each employee $100 to spend on something that will enhance company culture such as a popcorn machine Some pooled their money to buy meditation classes open to everyone Others adopted a family at Christmas
Workplace enhancements can be simple A couple of years of ago the agency added a ping pong table Sometimes thatrsquos where the best work happens ldquoItrsquos interesting how their minds workrdquo Mausbach says ldquoA lot of times theyrsquore playing and brainstorming There are amazing ideas that come out of work and play at the same timerdquo
Other initiatives to enhance the Ervin amp Smith environment include redesigned offices an expanded client conference room
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 17
a per-person training budget more than twice the industry average catered lunches and happy hours and a monthly wellness stipend reimbursing employees up to $25 a month
The most popular benefit is Flame Schoedermdash a professional certified life coach made available for monthly development sessions
ldquoOf all the benefits they feel this is the one definitely helping them the most professionally and personallyrdquo Mausbach says
The initiatives seem to work Ervin amp Smith promoted 12 employees and hired 15 others last year Its retention rate in 2014 was 84 percent better than the typical industry rate of 70 percent or worse Mausbach cites
Ervin amp Smith is building employee relationships Perks are great People are better
Making Ervin amp Smith a doggone great place to work
B2B
8 ConsecutiveYears
Thanks Omaha for 30 Years2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
4023999233 | wwwsparklingkleancom
A+ Rating20 Consecutive Years
Exceptional Event Space amp Catering
Wersquoll make your next event one to remember
6450 Pine Street | 402-778-6313ScottCentercom
17
18emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
ESPELITE SERVICE PROFESSIONALS
Superior quality exceptional service
If you are a CEO key executive or business owner call 4024017560
copy 2015 Vistage Worldwide Inc 14_261_3131 kkk
Discover what thousands of CEOs already know Vistage works
Get answers Take action Like you the members of a Vistage Advisory Board are proven business leaders and critical thinkers They have smart ideas and insightful opinions and this is the forum to express them At our monthly meetings yoursquoll encounter lively discussions where business leaders tell it like it is If you find that refreshing then be our guest at our next monthly group meeting
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 19
Leo Costanzo Anne Taylor and Alan Hove of Controlled Comfort
BRANDREBRAND | BY ELIZABETH MACK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Jingle writers have done their job if they create an earwormmdasha song so catchy it sticks in your head and wonrsquot leave ldquoWhen I tell people I work at Controlled Comfort they immediately start singing the jinglerdquo says Alan Hove who along with co-owners Leo Costanzo and Anne Taylor purchased Controlled Comfort in 2004 ldquoItrsquos the best form of advertising we could ever hope forrdquo
CONTINUEDemspONemsp20
SINGING A HAPPY TUNEJINGLING ALL THE WAY
19
20emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
John Sievers
Businesses Are Buying SmarterThe All Makesrsquo team is trained to help you make design decisions and furniture purchases that fi t your offi ce atmosphere your work style and your budget Visit All Makesrsquo redesigned showroom to see the latest in new offi ce furniture pre-owned offi ce furniture and business technology
wwwallmakescom Omaha 2558 Farnam St | 4023412413 Lincoln 3333 O St | 4024777131
Thank you for voting us 1 for 10 consecutive years
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp19
Most people in the Omaha metro area are familiar with that animated female voice belting out ldquoControlled ComfortndashKeep it Under Controoooooolrdquo Many locals probably would not guess the companyrsquos logo (an angel) but could at least hum a few bars of the jingle Whether a catchy tune is annoying or enjoyable is a matter of opinion but once that musical worm has worked its way into your psyche you are forced to remember the product which is exactly what advertisers hope for
When companies change ownership one major decision is whether or not to maintain the same brand image and the current owners of Controlled Comfort knew they wanted things to stay pretty much the same when they took ownership
ldquoWe love our jinglerdquo says Taylor ldquoWhen we purchased the company we knew we wanted to maintain the image and keep the logo and jingle We couldnrsquot ask for a better form of advertisingrdquo
Research shows that music increases recall and simple melodies with simple lyrics stick with a consumer not only for the short term but often the long-term Remember ldquoI Wish I Were an Oscar Meyer Weinerrdquo Even if it has been years since you have actually heard it chances are you can still sing the entire song Controlled Comfortrsquos brand may not be as huge as Oscar Meyerrsquos but their jingle has stood the test of time being sung on local radio and TV for nearly 20 years with no end in sight
Taylor recounts how in the mid-1990s local musician Johnny Ray Gomez produced the jingle for a radio spot
ldquoThe previous owners purchased a year of radio advertising and it came with a jinglerdquo Taylor says
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
THANKS OMAHA
Embroidery middot Screen Printing middot Promotional Digital Printing middot Mailing middot Company Stores
13747 F St 4025961002 ideal-imagescom
ldquoWhen we purchased the company we knew we wanted to maintain the image and keep the logo and jingle We couldnrsquot ask for a better form of advertisingrdquo-ANNE TAYLOR
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 21
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
At the time they had no idea they did not retain exclusive rights to the melody
ldquoI just recently heard the song while I was traveling in western Nebraska It was quite a shockrdquo she adds with a laugh
Branding is all about creating an image of a business that will stick in a customerrsquos mind Though most businesses rely on visual advertising to create their brand jingles can be an additional way to increase awareness and create staying power People often remember a catchy tune Throw the company name and their phone number in the jingle lyrics and customers may not even need to look up the contact information
ldquoIf I forget the phone number I just sing the jinglerdquo says one local customer
Though original jingles declined in recent years as more large companies turn to popular songs for their advertising a few local companies still spend at least some marketing dollars on jingles Whether you think it annoying or catchy a jingle may be your best advertising investment
B2B
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planitomaha A national and
regional powerhouse in
meetings conferences amp
events
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
22emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 2
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 23
How is it that Midlands Choice has come to make an investment in of all things a ballerina
Sure the bottom line of any insurance entity is driven by risk managementmdashthe investing of premium revenues to hedge against claims
But taking stock in Claire Goodwillie a company dancer with Ballet Nebraska
The Midlands Choice example is repeated all across the metro as area businesses support a broad array of arts nonprofits ones that dwell in everything from tutus to tempura
And the table is set for a new era of collaboration between business and the arts because philanthropic giving in America has finally returned to pre-recession levels
Contributions which totaled $358 billion in 2014 surpassed 2007rsquos pre-recession level of $355 billion Additionally giving was up from all major sourcesmdashindividuals corporations foundations and bequestsmdashaccording to Giving USA an annual report compiled by the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and the Giving USA Foundation of Chicago
ldquoEight out of nine types of charitable organizations we measure saw increased contributions and thatrsquos good news for the
BALLET NEBRASKAA PAS DE DEUX BETWEEN BUSINESS AND THE ARTS
philanthropic sector as a wholerdquo W Keith Curtis told Omaha Magazine in an email Curtis is chair of Giving USA Foundation and president of the nonprofit consulting firm The Curtis Group ldquoThe 60-year high for charitable giving in 2014 is a great story about resilience and perseverancerdquo
Themes of resilience and perseverance define the Ballet Nebraska story
Erika Overturff was 27 years old when the ballet company of which she was a dancer and resident choreographer appeared doomed She had no money She had no business acumen
That was 2009 Flash forward to 2015 and Overturff now 33 founder and artistic director of Ballet Nebraska is leading the regionrsquos only professional dance company into its sixth season
In a city known for its ldquocan-dordquo spirit this story could be about almost any local arts nonprofit but the unlikely saga of Ballet Nebraska is told here because it is perhaps the most improbable of tales one that best reveals what a business community and the arts can do when they share a common vision
CONTINUEDemspONemsp24
BY DAVID WILLIAMS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
23COVERemspFEATURE
24emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp23
Like settling into your seat with a program before the lights dim at any performing arts venue itrsquos probably best to start by reviewing the cast of characters
THE CONNECTORHal Daub knows people Especially in a city of six degrees of separation that is in reality much more like two or three degrees the former Omaha mayor (1995-2001) and US Congressman (1981-1989) who has served on countless nonprofit boards and is now a partner at Husch Blackwellhellipknows people
ldquoWhen I was first introduced to Hal and he offered to helprdquo Overturff says ldquoI assumed that meant he was going to maybe make a few calls and do a little name-droppingrdquo Daub it turned out would become a key player in the often delicate pas de deux that is the coupling of business and the arts ldquoHe not only made those calls but he set up the appointmentshellipand then he came along to personally introduce me and stand by my side in front of those who would become some of the most generous funders of Ballet Nebraskardquo
ldquoThe reason I am so fascinated by what Erika has donerdquo says Daub ldquois that Omaha is a city that has clearly evolved to become a place that is not just metropolitan but truly cosmopolitanrdquo And investing in the arts Daub believes makes good business sense ldquoThe social environment of a citymdashits arts and entertainmentmdashis critical in attracting and retaining the best workforce Ballet Nebraska Opera Omaha the Omaha Symphony Omaha Performing Artshellipthose and so many others are the organizations that help keep the best talent in Omahardquo
THE ADVOCATEMichelle Clark is Union Pacificrsquos general director of information technologies which means she probably knows more than a little about computer viruses As a three-year board member of Ballet Nebraska shersquos also seen how supporting the arts can go viral
ldquoEmployee generosity is furthered by the use of the companyrsquos matching gifts programrdquo Clark explains ldquoThis creates a sense of pride for employees and Union Pacific is supportive of the communities in which we live and work The employees of Union Pacific are very generous and have supported fundraising drives not only for Ballet Nebraska but a number of organizations such as the Womenrsquos Center for Advancement and JDRFrdquo
Employees should never underestimate their power to play a key role in advocating for nonprofits within their organizations
ldquoI am passionate about the art of dance especially ballet and Ballet Nebraskardquo Clark says ldquoDance inspires my creativity and provides insights to see beyond the obvious My hope is that by providing individuals with the awareness of opportunities to experience and support the art of dance they will find their own inspiration to apply to their own liferdquo
And just as stubborn computer viruses are often cloyingly messy to eradicate once discovered Union Pacificrsquos relationship with Ballet Nebraska has a ldquostickinessrdquo of its own Clark was preceded on the Ballet Nebraska board by Gayla Thal the companyrsquos senior vice president and general counsel
THE BULLDOGDonrsquot let the gentle demeanor of Midlands Choice vice president Greta Vaught fool you Supporting the arts is often a visceral experience and Vaughtrsquos passion for dance exerted itself on multiple levels in the early stages of growth at Ballet Nebraska
ldquoMidlands Choice has always been supportive of my work in the communityrdquo says the board chair of Ballet Nebraska
ldquoWe like to listen to our people when making such decisionsrdquo says Midlands Choice President and CEO Thomas E Press rdquoIt is important for us to know that our giving has real meaning for them their families and their communitiesrdquo
ldquoI looked at what Erika was trying to dordquo Vaught continues ldquoand I thought it was brave but impossible But all along the way I just kept going back to the thought that if one of my daughters [Mia now 15 and Hannah now 19] wanted to try something so bold one day thatrdquohellipinsert long pausehellipldquoIrsquom sorry this is making me cry I would just hope that people with experience and connections and dollars would shepherd my daughters along like so many people have done with Erika and Ballet Nebraskardquo
Okay so maybe ldquoThe Bulldogrdquo wasnrsquot such a great character name for this role after all
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 25
Fast-Paced Public Relations
Customer-Based Planning and Communications
402-964-9293 11626 Nicholas Street
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For the Connected World
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2015 Winner
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B2B OMAHArsquoS
Best PR Agency 7 Years Running
2015 Winner
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B2B OMAHArsquoS
THE ARTISTldquoI had to do a lot of on-the-job learning when I decided to try to launch a dance companyrdquo Overturff says ldquoWe were lucky in that we got our nonprofit status right away but I didnrsquot know anything about the business side of things and really nothing about raising funds I was moved by every $5 check that came in but it took a lot of mentoring advice and counsel to get us to where we are today as a fully funded professional performance companyrdquo
Ballet Nebraska now has a paid staff of 22 including nine salaries paid to company dancers Today Overturffrsquos once-nonexistent business connections run deep Personal contributions from the likes of philanthropists Richard Holland and Fred and Eve Simon further fuel the growth of ballet in Omaha Foundations also play a major role in funding A recent gift of $124000 from the Iowa West Foundation is the largest in Ballet Nebraska history
ldquoTalented professionals from all over the world that have trained their whole lives to pursue a career in dance now come to Omaha in the hopes of performing with Ballet Nebraska as we serve the state and western Iowa in performances education outreach and morerdquo she says ldquoA ballet companymdashany performing arts company any arts organizationmdashis about its peoplehellipthe artists the staff and hardworking selfless volunteers But it is the people of Omaha from the smallest donations to the relationships we have with such great businesses that makes it all happenrdquo
B2B
26emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
26OFFICE FURNITURE BY DOUG SCHURING
OFFICE ORIGINS
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE MODERN WORKPLACE
For all the time we spend in our office very few of us are familiar with how that space came to be You may actually be surprised by the events and inventions that helped form the work environment we know today From the development of the railroad to innovations in communication our current corporate habits structures and tools have all played a role In his book CubedmdashA Secret History of the Workplace Nikil Saval shapes the advances that created the conventional office we are familiar with today
The advent of the Morse telegraph spawned long-distance communication Then starting in 1860 a series of technological innovations changed the possibilities of the workplace the use of iron framework permitted the construction of taller buildings and elevators assisted the climb The Remington typewriter entered the office in 1874 Bellrsquos telephone was patented two years later
At the same time railroads expanded across the country reducing transportation costs and extending markets for goods and services Additionally railroads produced an organizational transformation still in use today The coordination of trains required employees housed in structures all across the country bringing a variety of offices to the American landscape Between the executive the manager and the workerhellipthe organizational chart was born
The invention of telecommunications fostered the speed of information to surge creating more
Doug Schuring is the director of sales administration at All Makes Office Equipment Co
work and subsequently more workers As these workers moved into new structures the spaces reflected their various levels of management In 1915 the Metal Office Furniture Company (now Steelcase) invented the modern deskmdasha flat metal table outfitted with file drawers The new desks massed together in defined rows offered managers full visual access to the goings-on of the workplace and this ldquosea of desksrdquo became the norm for decades Lockers and various cabinets popular in the Great Depression era became vertical files once steel became readily available after World War II
In 1968 Herman Miller introduced the first panel system with attached components Designed by Robert Propst the Action Office system revolutionized the ldquoofficerdquo in form flexibility and cost Other furniture manufacturers mimicked the modular system which became the norm for many businesses
Up to the rsquo90s the personal computerrsquos popularity grew and the relative size of work stations decreased between 25-50 percent By the middle of that decade the dot-com revolution on the West Coast created an unprecedented workplace culture The formal atmosphere of the office became much more casual and discontent for the Dilbert-esque cubicle grew Subsequently creative furniture solutions evolved with the desire to be more mobile leading the way
In the early 2000rsquos collaborative open offices grew in popularity New and improving
technologies now offer connectivity in the office home or public spaces As a result nearly every company today is adapting and using new furnishings as a tool to attract new workers At the same time retaining existing employees is equally important The goal is to make everyone more effective and efficient in their work
Whether you work in an office from home in the local coffee shop or out of an airline terminal you may start to notice that much of the furniture is beginning to look very similar As long as you are able to connect to technology you can work from virtually anywhere
B2B
SEPTEMBER 24 2015 Ralston Arena7300 Q Street
Ralston NE 68127
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omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 27
28emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Outlook Nebraska CEO Eric Stueckrath
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 29
On the surface it looks just like any other office or factory As you enter Outlook Nebraska Inc (ONI) yoursquore greeted by a friendly front desk attendant and led past a perfectly ordinary-looking workspace Entering their factory where they manufacture such paper products as rolls of hand towels you wouldnrsquot suspect that it is different from any other assembly line
But explore a little deeper
Walking past one office you might see a man typing away on a keyboard his laptop closed in front of him He doesnrsquot need it open to know what hersquos typing Hersquos visually impaired and utilizing computer software that reads the words aloud as he types
On the factory floor raised edges guard the walkway so sightless employees can feel their way around Over on the assembly line visually impaired workers can use a computer screen to zoom in on the product at various stages of production to assess the process
ONI is a non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance the life of the blind and visually impaired through employment opportunities and training Almost all the employees at ONI are blind or visually impaired from factory workers to IT professionals Some were born blind others lost their sight later in life ONI aims to help them all re-enter the workforce in a meaningful way
A SIGHT FOR NON-SEEING EYES
OUTLOOK NEBRASKA
ldquoThey get used to being on their feetrdquo says ONI CEO Eric Stueckrath ldquoWe offer jobs for [people with] entry-level skill sets and all of the positions are at or above minimum wage We give them the tools to help build those skill setsrdquo
ONI also offers personalized life-skills training geared to whatrsquos important to the individual from personal banking to cooking to operating a computer
The American Foundation for the Blind estimates that as many as 70 percent of blind adults in the US are unemployed As the largest employer of the blind in the Omaha metro area ONI is working to make an impact
ldquoWe work with organizations that are committed to hiring the visually impairedrdquo Stuekrath says ldquoAdvocacy is definitely part of what we dordquo
ONI is currently in the midst of a $2 million capital campaign that will allow them to complete a large-scale renovation project at their facility The renovation will create more space for the general public and give them the ability to offer additional training programs
In addition to working with adults blind and visually-impaired youth are a primary focus for Stuekrath and ONI
ldquoMy heart really gravitates toward themrdquo Stuekrath says
ONI partners with youth organizations on a number of initiatives including a sports camp for visually-impaired youth called Camp Abilities Nebraska Attendees can try archery swimming bowling track and field and more as a means to build confidence
ldquoThey donrsquot need to be coddledrdquo Stuekrath says adding that he often tells parents of blind children ldquoYour kid needs to get out there and bump his head and experience liferdquo
At ONI everything comes back to the organizationrsquos mission Stuekrath says
ldquoWe give them the tools they need to gain greater independencerdquo
B2B
FEATURE | BY APRIL CHRISTENSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY COLIN CONCES
29
30emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Layne and Pam Yahnke and Their VW Thing
Shakespeare wrote of love and betrayal Tolkien of hobbits and wizards Steinbeck and Faulkner of the indomitable American spirit
Layne Yahnke writes about his VW Thing
Yes the two-wheel-drive off-road convertible military vehicle first manufactured for the West German Army as ldquoType 181rdquo in 1968 VW churned them out until 1983 including two years in the United States when marketed as ldquoThe Thingrdquo
Yahnke got his Thing in 2000 for $5500 Hersquos lovingly restored it most importantly giving it a peppy new motor that makes it Autobahn-worthy
WHATrsquoS THAT THING
LANE YAHNKErsquoS UNUSUAL VOLKSWAGEN
HOW I ROLL | BY ANTHONY FLOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Therersquos only one other Thing in Omaha and Yahnkersquos gets lots of second and third looks when hersquos whipping down the Dodge Street Expressway from his Elkhorn home Especially when the doors are off and windshield is down
Everyone wants to know abouthellipthe Thing
Thus Yahnke penned ldquoIt Takes a Village to Build a VW Thingrdquo an ode to those who helped him with his beloved ridemdashhis sons Omaha VW Club members engine and body shops and parts stores
CONTINUEDemspONemsp32
30
SIGN UP TODAYdolnebraskagovsides
Questions phone - 402-471-9910 email - ndoluisidesnebraskagov
Sign up now for a free paperless way to return unemployment insurance information
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E-Response saves treesNo more paper 350rsquos
Keep your taxes lowAvoid unnecessary charges
Avoid Late responses ampLoss of appeal rights
32emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Locally Owned in Papillion Ne402-740-0800 bull apconstructomahacom
Insurance claims
welcomeIf your roof sustained fire snow or hail
damage the repairs can be costly We are your wind and hail damage experts and accept insurance claims so you wonrsquot
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Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
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Call or Text Message(402 ) 453-6000
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CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp31
ldquoI wrote that right after the engine transplantrdquo says Yahnke an Omaha native and vice president at Essex Corp provider of senior living communities ldquoI guess I was moved I get so many inquiries about it and I really feel so fondly about itrdquo
Itrsquos not his first Thing Yahnke and his wife of 38 years Pam owned one before their four children came along As the kids have come and gone so have the cars
Lots of them
Yahnke figures he has owned 60 automobiles in his life His car fancy began as a kid growing up in Dundee where a friendrsquos dad spent his spare time restoring English cars Yahnke spent hours in his garage and developed a love for Triumphs and MGs His first car purchase was a 1962 Triumph for $425 in 1972 It wasnrsquot long though until he sold it at a profit
ldquoThatrsquos what kicked off the buying and selling of English carsrdquo he says ldquoI discovered I could enjoy my transportation but then as soon as someone wanted to buy it for more than I paid for it out it wentrdquo
ldquoWhere Accounting Meets ResultsrdquoProviding Accounting and Quickbooks Services
For Metro Businesses
Denise Martin I 9252077634Deniseheartlandaccountabilitycom
wwwHeartlandAccountAbilitycom
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 33
These days you never know what will be parked in the Yahnke driveway Currently therersquos a Honda pickup a VW Jetta VW Multivan and a 2001 Audi TT Quatro Convertiblemdashpurchased in apropos silver for his 25th wedding anniversary
Itrsquos the Thing he most enjoys driving He logs about 1000 miles on it each year Most of those have come toplessmdashYahnke long ago gave it away to another Thing enthusiast and now only drives it sans roof
ldquoAnyone who sees this car has only seen it top-downrdquo he says ldquoI just got caught once in the rain and that was probably a month ago The cool thing about the Thing is you leave it out in the sun and it dries out and is ready to gordquo
It says ldquoSummer is hererdquo Yahnke says
ldquoPeople speed up all the time to try to figure out what it is Itrsquos just a happy car and itrsquos so darn versatile It puts smiles on peoplesrsquo facesrdquo
B2B
Quality Carpet Cleaning Since 2004
4026806523
Cleaning ServicesCarpet CleaningUpholstery CleaningMattress CleaningTile amp Grout CleaningPet TreatmentsConcrete CleaningConcrete CleaningAuto Interior Cleaning24 Hour Water Damage
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omahamagazinecom SPECIALemspADVERTISINGemspSECTIONemspemsp |emsp SUMMERemsp2015emsp |emsp 34
ABOUT OUR BUSINESS
Cox Business started in 2000 as the commercial services division of Cox Communications Over the past 15 years we have experienced strong growth and are on our target to achieve $2 billion in revenue in the near future
Cox Business owns operates and maintains its own network providing leading-edge technology solutions for voice internet networking and digital TV We also offer robust business continuity and disaster recovery solutions which is of increasing importance to businesses in the greater Omaha area Our customers include such key verticals as education hospitality government and healthcare We maintain a significant focus on Omaha small business mid-markets and large local companies as well
We consider our employees to be our most precious asset as they have the responsibility of taking care of our customers At Cox Business we are fortunate to have an extremely tenured and engaged team of employees What sets us apart from our competition is the fact that while we are a large robust and progressive company we still possess
the nimbleness of a smaller company in our ability to deliver creative solutions under tight timelines We pride ourselves on having very little bureaucracy and that translates to happy customers The fact that Cox Business has won 15 JD Power Awards for customer satisfaction over the past 11 years is a notable accomplishment for us and we work hard to deliver on that promise of excellence every day
ABOUT LYNNE
I have led sales and operations teams in the communications industry for 20 years 10 of those years with Cox Communications My husband Pat and I just celebrated our first full year in Omaha and wonder why it took us so long to find this jewel of a community Our daughter Kaylin starts law school next month at the University of San Diego
I have two passions in my professional life mentoring employees who are working on leadership development (which includes working with two to three emerging leaders at any given time) and continuing to drive efforts in hiring fostering a diverse workforce There
is a challenge in STEM fields of under-represented groups My company Cox Communications is also very passionate about this and holds the distinction of inclusion in Diversity Incrsquos top 50 companies
My personal passions include travel social media and Italian cooking
B2B
COX BUSINESSLYNNE SANGIMINO
Cox Business 401 N 117th St Omaha NE 68154 coxbusinesscom 4029340830
Cradickrsquos Husker PowerTEXAN RETURNS HOME FOR BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY PG 8
Marlon Lofgren Koley Jessen PC LLOKEEPING THE FOCUS WHERE IT BELONGS PG 4
Seasoned Advice for Buyers(THE BOUNCY KIND) PG 5
PLAYING BIG EDITION
Fall
2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
2
Volume 1 Issue 5
Published by The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
PresidentEditor bull Cortney Sells
DirectorAssistant Editor bull Cassandra Powers
In-House Legal Counsel bull Susanne Miller
Outreach Coordinator bull Rene Rademacher
Marketing Development bull Rachael Rand
Business Broker bull Breann Becerra
Referring Broker bull Elizabeth Jones
Marketing Division bull Adam Jaime
Development Liaison bull Holley Garcia
Client Services bull Nycole Wandvik-Tolle
Client Services bull Julie OrsquoBrien
Community Relations bull Mike Sells
Contributing Writers
Marlon Lofgren bull Kathy Rygg bull Maureen Tierney
Design bull OBI Creative
Photography bull Bill Sitzmann
To Subscribe
The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
210 N 78 St
Omaha NE 68114
4029985288
infothefirmb2bcom
Advertising Inquiries
4028842000
toddomahamagazinecom
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Columns
4 Seller Financing
Koley Jessen PC LLO Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
14 Executive Impact Getting Into the Big Office
Departments
5 Seasoned Advice for
Business Buyers (The Bouncy Kind)
12 Building a Legacy while
Building Racks New Chapter to Becklerrsquos Career
The Bottom Line
Sells Insights
Playing Big
Husker PowerTexan returns home to
Nebraska for business opportunity
pg8
Many business owners have marginal experience in the trades in which their
organizations specialize While it may seem counterintuitive to buy or start a company situated around an industry in which one has little experience there is a certain com-petitive edge to the equation A buyer or president need only know enough to begin before surrounding him or herself with the right personnel to tackle the minute details What is paramount is the grander scheme of
management and operations which allows one to flex refined business acumen Not only does distance from fieldwork free up time to put in place a robust and refined plan but it leaves open other avenues for portfolio expansion Grow your business expand operations or begin other busi-ness ventures The possibilities are only as small as the mindset held by your team The FIRM
Special Section
7 Fresh Off The Firm The Firm Business Brokerage has
over $80 million dollars in assets under
management of current cash flowing
businesses for sale ndash from medical
practices to commercial services to large
manufacturing companies
by Cortney Sells presidenteditor
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
3Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
4
IF PROPERLY STRUCTURED AND DOCUMENTED SELLER FINANCING IS REALLY NO DIFFERENT FROM FINANCING THAT WOULD OTHERWISE BE PROVIDED BY A BANKTYING IT ALL TOGETHEREven the most savvy of ldquonumbers peoplerdquo need a leg up in negotiating a purchase As with so many aspects of doing business retaining experienced legal counsel enables you to keep the focus where it belongsmdashemploying your entrepreneurial skills in the identification and acquisition of profitable business ventures The FIRM
Seller Financing Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
written by Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
Seller financing can often be a criti-cal factor in getting a business sold
If properly structured and documented seller financing is really no different from financing that would otherwise be provided by a bank Below is a brief guide to navi-gating the issues normally encountered in seller financing
FIRST THINGS FIRSTThe first question is usually that of how to structure and document the financing The buyer should be expected to sign a prom-issory note evidencing the loan from the seller with interest and repayment terms mutually agreeable to both parties The seller might also require that the buyer grant the seller a security interestlien in the pur-chased assets to secure the loan Itrsquos also not unusual for a seller to require that the individual owners of the buyer (assuming the buyer is an entity) personally guarantee the loan In most cases the documents are usually pretty straightforward and do not need to be overly complicated
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
ADDITIONAL LAYERSIf a bank is also financing the sale the seller will most likely be required by the bank to sign a subordination agreement This is an agreement between the bank usually referred to as the ldquosenior lenderrdquo and the seller referred to as the ldquojunior lenderrdquo A subordination agreement sets forth the terms between the lenders as to each entityrsquos right to receive loan pay-ments from the buyer and the priority of their respective security interestsliens in the purchased assets The document will usually state that the senior lenderrsquos loan and security interestliens shall at all times be superior to those of the junior lender until the senior loan is paid in full Most lenders are willing to discuss and negoti-ate the junior lenderrsquos right to receive loan payments from the borrower Lien priority status however is rarely compromised by senior lenders in subordination agreements The senior lender will insist on having a first priority security interestlien in the pur-chased assets
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Whether yoursquore a first-time entre-preneur or an experienced business
owner purchasing a company is a critical investment financially and emotionally To help increase the likelihood of it being a success in both areas there are a number of aspects to keep in mind when evaluating if a business is the right fit gt
Seasoned Advice for Business Buyers(The Bouncy Kind)
written by Kathy Rygg
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Jerry Rachwalik
5Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
6
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
lt Jerry Rachwalik has been researching companies for the past three years waiting for the right opportunity to arise His search was the result of spending his career work-ing for larger organizations in a number of areas including delivery installation cus-tomer service inventory accounts receiv-ables and scheduling where he managed up to 35 people at a time
Policies and philosophies can change when working for a corporation Sometimes they become less family friendly ldquoWith the previous companies I worked forrdquo Rachwalik says ldquothey switched from caring about em-ployees to making money and the bottom line I stuck it out for several years and then decided I needed something differentrdquo
An entrepreneur by nature Rachwalik has over the last seven years built up a rental business buying foreclosed homes and duplex properties completely reno-vating them and then renting them back out He now has 15 properties and enjoys helping families by providing nice homes that are affordable ldquoI want people to feel good when they come home at night after a long day at workrdquo he says Rachwalik want-ed to find a business that allowed him the flexibility to respond to his tenants when needed from simple plumbing issues to furnaces going kaput
When he first started looking for a new business Rachwalik was drawn to home health care because of his experience help-ing to take care of relatives And it was a growing field Nothing was available at the time so he expanded his options and be-gan researching businesses in a variety of industries Those included a flooring com-pany sandwich shop and even a hair salon
ldquoI was open to anything and if I could make the numbers work then I would consider itrdquo he explains
Then The Firm Business Brokerage pre-sented him with an opportunity that was the right match Bounce U in Omaha There were a number of factors that appealed to Rachwalik First and foremost were the financials but it would also offer him the flexibility he needed for his rental business A big advantage was that an entire team was already in place one seasoned in man-aging staff and scheduling parties ldquoThey do a great jobrdquo he says ldquoI donrsquot plan on making any personnel changesrdquo
But what hersquos most looking forward to with this new venture is the fun positive environment Bounce Ursquos primary business is its birthday party packages featuring the companyrsquos oversized inflatibles and Rachwalik said he canrsquot wait to watch the excitement on the kids faces when they walk through the door ldquoEveryone there is happyrdquo he says ldquoThe kids are happy the parents are happy and the employees running the parties are happy Itrsquoll be a big change from the environments I used to work inrdquo Hersquos already planning to have his twin grand-daughtersrsquo birthday party there too
His transition included a week of training with the companyrsquos corporate facility in Ari-zona as well as on-site training Even though the Omaha location is an existing store all of Rachwalikrsquos training was structured as though itrsquos a brand new site
Bounce U has traditionally partnered with local restaurants to provide food for birth-day parties but Rachwalik wants to explore the option to build a kitchen of his own
He also hopes to continue to grow the business by at least 5 annually ldquoAnything I do I will communicate with my employees and get their input and suggestions firstrdquo he adds
For anyone who is considering buying a business or is going through the process Rachwalik stresses to be open minded and not rule anything out ldquoIf an opportunity is presented to you run the numbers and see if you can make it workrdquo he says ldquoI did a complete flip-flop on the type of business I thought I wanted versus what I ended up purchasing But if you keep looking yoursquoll eventually find a matchrdquo The FIRM
ldquoTHE KIDS ARE HAPPY THE PARENTS ARE HAPPY AND THE EMPLOYEES RUNNING THE PARTIES ARE HAPPY ITrsquoLL BE A BIG CHANGE FROM THE ENVIRONMENTS I USED TO WORK INrdquo
-Jerry Rachwalik
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Fresh Off The Firm Featured Listings for Sale
Suburban Bar amp Grill with VolleyballOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $26413 PRICE $115000
Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity in an area with only two other bars nearby Serving up a gorgeous and well-maintained volleyball court along with pool tables and a jukebox this bar and grill is a favorite with the locals Business is fully staffedmdashowner works very part time hours
Rain Gutter Sales amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $145200 PRICE $415000
This business is a dealer for high-end rain gutter covers These products are con-structed of high-quality aluminum and sur-gical-grade stainless steel and are strong enough to hold up to four feet of snow or 20 pounds of debris Profit margin is 48
Large-Scale Assembly amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $743732 PRICE $2200000
This well-established installation and assembly business in central Nebraska prides itself on providing many numerous building solutions for businesses and building owners in their area They install and assemble metal frames including grain silos pole barns and buildings
Photo Booth Business Running on Autopilot OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $36419 PRICE $88900
Photo booths are the ldquoin thingrdquo at weddings and parties In business for seven years this business is one of the largest in town Wedding couples hoping to capture the fun memories of the day make up 67 of the clients Includes four booths and one trailer
Southwest Omaha Dental PracticeOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $129745 PRICE $380000
Professional staff and excellent customer service are the hallmarks of this practice Using the latest technology the business offers an array of dental services including teeth cleaning veneers crowns bleaching and trauma services The owner is currently working only 20 hours a week
Small Animal Vet Clinic in Omaha OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $158287 PRICE $440000
For over 30 years this animal care clinic has prioritized customer care They are currently offering services to over 2000 families and are the second largest veterinary clinic in the area The business is split 7030 between dogs and cats
Buildersrsquo Material amp Supply CompanyOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $364880 PRICE $933000
This highly reputable company established in 1976 and located just north of Omaha provides quality and reliable services and supplies Building supply inventory includes garage door lumber windows trims siding roofing materials and more Approximately 90 of customers are repeat clientele
High-Growth Plumbing Company OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $157774 PRICE $445000
This non-union plumbing company has consistent growth of over $130000 a year in sales The full service plumbing contractor has business that is currently 50 commercial and 50 residential
90+ available business opportunities for sale Please visit TheFirmBusinessBrokeragecom for details
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
7Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
Matt Cradick
The Deal ReviewReason For Sale Fresh start after 25+ years in the industrySeller Transition Period Over eight monthsType of Sale Asset Purchase AgreementLender Access Bank Mack LaRock
ldquoYOU SHOULD INTERVIEW FOR A BUSINESS JUST LIKE YOU
WOULD FOR A JOBrdquo CRADICK EXPLAINS ldquoIT HAS TO BE THE
RIGHT FIT YOU DONrsquoT WANT TO BE ONE OF THE MANY FA-
TALITIES THAT HAPPEN SO OFTEN IN NEW BUSINESSrdquo
-Shaun Heldt
From Retail to RoofingHow to be Successful When Buying a Business
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Spending almost 20 years working in retail for major corporations and then
buying a siding and roofing contracting company may seem like a major leap but for Matt Cradick owner of Husker Ham-mer Siding Windows and Roofing it was the best business move hersquos ever made And thatrsquos saying a lot for someone who moved 11 times in 19 years across nine different states
Cradick had been living in Houston Texas where he worked for Target Corporation He had worked his way up through the com-pany and another promotion was on the horizon which meant another move With three young children at home Cradick de-cided it was time to put down some roots Having grown up in Lincoln Nebraska he wanted to be near family and Midwestern values He started researching businesses for sale and was eventually led to The Firm which in turn led him to Husker Hammer
The move from a big corporate environ-ment to a small contracting business didnrsquot intimidate Cradick With Target he oversaw 200 people so he knew he brought strong management and operational skills The challenge he says was learning the ins and outs of construction He didnrsquot need to be the one hammering away on the roofmdashhe needed learn a new business segment
ldquoSwitching industries can be nerve-rack-ingrdquo Cradick says ldquobut the owner was will-ing to stay on board for six months during the transitionrdquo That partnership was an invaluable tool during the changeover gt
A Publication of The Firm Business BrokerageA Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
9Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
10
lt Husker Hammer was started in 1998 as a one-man operation and had been built up to a multimillion dollar business Cradick was impressed with the mission statement values system of the company and the strong workforce that was already in place And the price of the company lined up well with the financials ldquoWhat Husker has that others in the industry donrsquotrdquo says the man whose faith is central to his deal-ings ldquois a strong ethical foundation with a Christian backgroundrdquo
There were a number of other elements Cradick sought when buying his business ones he believes all potential business own-ers need to keep in mind The first is to make sure you have a proper support team in place to help make a sound financial deci-sion That includes having a good business valuation and a good business broker who can point you in the right direction to ensure a match for both parties
Once yoursquore in the process of purchasing he adds make sure you have a capable net-work of attorneys a seasoned financial team and solid internal help to ensure yoursquore suc-cessful from the start ldquoYou should interview
for a business just like you would for a jobrdquo Cradick explains ldquoIt has to be the right fit You donrsquot want to be one of the many fatal-ities that happen so often in new businessrdquo
To help ensure the company continues to be successful Cradick plans to main-tain Husker Hammerrsquos competitive edges which he says includes his 11000-sq-ft state-of-the-art showroom in Elkhorn He reformatted the space to better fit his busi-ness model before building out additional second-floor space that is now rented to other entrepreneurs
The showroom features all of the window siding and roofing products available to customers Samples are one thing Cradick says but he knows the power of customers seeing actual colors in actual sizes
ldquoOur philosophy is to build peace of mind for homeowners and be with them every step through the processrdquo he says ldquoWord of mouth is our number one lead source which was true in retail as wellrdquo
Happy employees to Cradick are just as important as happy customers He sub-scribes to a simple philosophymdashlistening to employees and doing so with respect
ldquoWith big corporations you deal with a lot of politicsrdquo he says ldquoNow if therersquos politics itrsquos because Irsquove generated it Itrsquos a nice change to be in a small business where you have more leeway to ensure yoursquore creating a positive work environment which creates a happy workforcerdquo
Working for a smaller company also allows for more opportunities to become involved in the community Husker Hammer is active in local chambers of commerce the Open Door Mission and is currently helping on a Habitat for Humanity build in Waterloo They have also been accredited by the Bet-ter Business Bureau since 2000 and won the Better Business Integrity Award
Cradickrsquos business is currently 90 percent residential and 10 percent commercial He hopes to increase their reach in proper-ty management and general contracting while maintaining the high-quality residen-tial sales that built the business ldquoBecause of our showroomrdquo he says ldquopeople come
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
to us We donrsquot do the high pressure sales at the kitchen table We listen We let the homeowners do the talkingrdquo
Growing geographically is also a goal Cradick hopes to expand to surrounding areas including his hometown of Lincoln
ldquoSo far itrsquos been a great moverdquo he says ldquoand I look forward to continuing to be known as an ethical long-lasting company My daughters and wife are excited to be back in the Midwest around grandparents and family Their school district is great and the full year-round climate has been a welcome change from living in the south Plus I was averaging 50000 miles per year in travel so itrsquos nice to sleep in your own bed every nightrdquo The FIRM
For more information on this or any for sale listings call The Firm Business Brokerage directly
11Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
The Deal ReviewBusiness Established 1987Reason for Sale Retirement (Transla-tion More time with a fishing pole)Ownerrsquos Profit $495004Type of Loan SBA with Core Bank
12
Back to the FutureBuilding a Business Legacy
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Itrsquos not uncommon for someone who has spent a number of years in corporate
America to shift gears into entrepreneur-ship Being your own boss certainly has its advantages But for Scott Beckler who recently purchased Lewis Installers in Gret-na his reason for taking on a new business venture had more to do with honoring not only his fatherrsquos legacy but building one of his own
Beckler started his career as a business education teacher then moved to a corpo-rate career in technology But for a number of years he kept an eye on businesses for sale hoping that just the right opportunity would come along
ldquoMy dad was an entrepreneur who owned his own real estate insurance companyrdquo
Beckler says ldquoDespite the fact he had on-going health issues he still got up every day put on a coat and tie and went out to make a sale He was a very successful busi-nessman and I wanted to honor his legacyrdquo
After contacting The Firm and discuss-ing what he was looking for in a business the team suggested Lewis Installers which specializes in industrial conveyor and rack systems At first it seemed like a big de-parture for him ldquoShelving and logistical systems isnrsquot something that jumps out at yourdquo Beckler says But the more he looked into it the more he realized it had many of the elements he wanted in a business The most obvious advantage was that the company was located in Gretna where he lives Add to that the fact that the seller lives just up the road from him
Scott Beckler
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
For purposes of this article this overview is based on the buying and selling entities being corporations or entities taxed as corporations
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
4420 Izard Street Omaha4022938707 bull 8887380296
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
HAVE YOUR MINOR ROOF LEAKS BECOME A MAJOR ANNOYANCEDonrsquot Wait Any Longer Call Us Now
ldquoAfter meeting him and hitting it offrdquo Beckler says ldquowe quickly realized it was a match on both sidesrdquo
Other signs also pointed in the right di-rection The financials were good The size of the business was ideal The competitive landscape was promising Beckler also real-ized that his corporate background fit well with this new business
ldquoAlthough itrsquos an entirely different indus-tryrdquo he says ldquomany of the business princi-ples are the samehellipproject management customer service delivery vendor man-agement and cost containment Irsquove been doing all of those for yearsrdquo
His background in technology will also be a valuable asset in his new business Not only has he established relationships with large vendors built over the years but his from-the-ground-up experience with data centers means that he is already eying in-novative automation and other technology differentiators At the same time hersquos look-ing forward to learning the daily operations of the company and having a hand in every part of the business from bidding to closing to payroll
ldquoIt will be challenging coming from a big business background where Irsquove only been involved in the peripheryrdquo Beckler says
ldquoNow Irsquoll be involved in all of itrdquo
Lewis Installers being a family-owned business is what hersquos most excited about He says itrsquos a company with a good repu-tation thatrsquos known for quality and meeting deadlinesmdashall driven by a strong Midwest-ern work ethic
Itrsquos the sort of company Beckler believes that would make his father proud
ldquoI want this business to be a legacy for my familyrdquo Beckler says ldquoMy hope is that it could stay in the family with my own kids and grandkidsrdquo The FIRM
13Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Om
aharsquo
s Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
14
When considering the purchase of an existing business very few realize
that lack of experience in an industry can actually lead to success One simply needs a sound financial plan and a good team to fill in the gaps Removing the added stress of fieldwork and focusing solely on the management of finances and operation allows for greater opportunities It makes for the dynamic advantage of some outside impartiality when seeking areas of improve-ment and growth
One man who has made this transition from having marginal knowledge in an in-dustry to leading a successful plumbing and HVAC operation is Mark Evans president of Burton Plumbing Before taking over Burton Evans had a successful plumbing distribu-torship serving four states but it was his desire to own and to travel less that put him into the hands of Burton Friesz The founder of Burton Plumbing Friesz had been a customer and friend of Evansrsquo when the two discussed a possible expansion into residential service Evans put his busi-ness experience to work for Burton in July 1995 and his education in the minutiae of plumbing and HVAC began
While he hasnrsquot worked in the field as a licensed plumbing contractor Evans has dipped his feet in several areas within the running of Burtonhellipand often at the same time Before hiring the essential personnel that have enabled him to narrow his role Ev-ans served as manager marketer customer service representative and dispatcher Such a list of duties for one man is a daunting task but ldquoI worked my way to being able to work on the business rather than in the business [a strategy] taught to me by my business coachrdquo says Evans
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
REMOVING THE ADDED STRESS OF FIELDWORK AND FOCUSING SOLELY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF FINANCES AND OPERATION ALLOWS FOR GREATER OPPORTUNITIES
Executive Impact Moving Into the Boardroom From Employee to President
written by Maureen Tierney | Co-written by Mark Evans and Julie OrsquoBrien
Eventually Evans was able to step back and bring on a general manager and a ware-house operator that has allowed him to
ldquofocus on growth opportunities marketing and cash flowrdquo
Evansrsquo experience is not unique It is com-mon for brokerages to deal with buyers seeking to own companies within a cer-tain field but ldquoonly two people out of the nearly 100 closings [wersquove had] have come in for the same business that they ended up purchasingrdquo says Julie OrsquoBrien client services and paralegal with The Firm What it comes down to is as simple as the bot-tom line Buyers are looking to leverage their talents and experience in a marriage between a management philosophy and business model Those in the market for an acquisition are ldquobuying based on profit number of staff ability to get financing and mostly their strengths and passionsrdquo says OrsquoBrien Experience in a particular industry is certainly valuable but is no predictor of success when the right financial mind comes along
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Even so making up for a lack of practical knowledge requires the proper equipment most notably in the form of managers and employees The right talent in the field can be a growth experience and provide an opportunity to learn the ropes before taking a full swing at things A total deficit in knowl-edge hardly makes for good leadership and for this reason many ldquonew business owners like to take a birdrsquos eye view of the operation rather than diving in and getting their hands dirty right awayhellipgiving them the opportunity to watch [how] things have been done before implementing changesrdquo says OrsquoBrien
Approaching ownership in this way also allows for further financial acquisitions an avenue which Evans has taken In addition to owning Burton Plumbing Evans operates four other companies One might assume this much responsibility to be a stretch but Evans sees his role as ldquokeeping a pulse on things I like to lead people in growth per-sonally and on the business siderdquo
Getting started can be a challenge which is why OrsquoBrien works closely with potential buyers to find the right fit ldquoWe assist all the wayrdquo she says ldquoWe work with the buyer on projections business plans [and] we introduce them to trusted advisorsrdquo from attorneys and CPAs to financial advisors and insurance agents
Itrsquos this helpful backing of experts that eases the difficult task of ownership and only proves that one can certainly switch from a blue collar to a white one The FIRM
CONTRACTING BUSINESSES LISTED BY THE FIRM
201
5 P
roje
cted
201
5 Y
TD
201
4
201
3
201
2
30
0
15
28
14
12
11
16
15Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Omaharsquos Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
It may seem like I pulled a muscle making this stretch but Keith Backsen the new boss at the Omaha Convention amp Visitors Bureau seems to have an awful lot in common with new Husker Coach Mike Riley
Coach Riley spent a total of 14 seasons at Oregon State before heading to Huskerland Backsen also comes from that neck of the woods having spent 11 years of his career in Portland Oregon and another 11 years in Spokane Washington selling both cities as prime places for convention and leisure travelers
At Oregon State Coach Riley built the football program into a consistent winner and regular conference contender At Visit Spokane Backsen opened sales offices in Washington DC and Chicago that led to increased convention bookings Backsen also worked on the public campaign to expand the Spokane Convention Center with a $65 million bond issue The expansion coupled with increased hotel inventory allowed Spokane to pursue large conventions and more than doubled convention bookings in Spokane
Riley has experience at the highest level of football serving as the head coach of the San Diego Chargers and as a head coach in both the Canadian and World Football Leagues Same for Backsen he worked in Dallas and Chicago as the director of sales for Global Experience Specialists a global leader in the world of event planning Backsen supervised five sales offices in a nine-state region generating annual sales in excess of $70 million
Riley is known as one of the most professional and nicest men in the profession a coach who is greatly admired by his peers I kid you not Backsen is described the same way by colleaguesmdashone of the most genuine and skilled men in the business a well respected professional who has the insight and experience to get the job done (Note the $70M stat above)
Come the first game both men will have a stadium filled with fans cheering them on In Backsenrsquos case his stadium is the entire city of Omaha where the fans are the 434353 residents who will reap the rewards of Omaharsquos growing tourism economy
B2B
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 51
51HUSKER
COACH HAS TOURISM
TWIN
OMAHA CVB BY DEB WARD
Deb Ward is the director of marketingcommunications Omaha Convention and Visitorrsquos Bureau
Keith Backsen
52 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Jason Feldman and Sebastian Hunt
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 53
The emerging startup accelerator scene supports creative-minded risk-takers looking for an edge to follow their passion and bring their ideas to fruition
Sebastian Hunt 25 is passionate about giving entrepreneurs like himself a nurturing space to test out their concepts The University of Nebraska at Omaha economics graduate interned with various local employers and surveyed the area startup community when an idea struck him for a by-application curriculum-based residency program serving new entrepreneurs That inspiration turned into Year of the Startup
Launched in 2014 the program operates out of a humble house at 4036 Burt Street in the St Cecilia Cathedral neighborhood Hunt and co-founder Jason Feldman 28 room there with young residency fellows whose startup ventures range from making bio-fuels to providing night owl shuttle services They are a millennial bunch who favor sneakers and sandals They take informal meetings to nearby CaliCommons and Lisarsquos Radial Cafe They variously hunch over laptops or tablets and carry smartphones as appendages
YEAR OF THE STARTUP
ENTREPRENEURAL IMMERSION
This communal work-live space model for business mavericks is new to Omaha The usual startup accelerator is a concentrated 90-day off-site program Omaha has a few of these notably Straight Shot Hunt saw a need for a program that invites a broader range of people into the accelerator fold and supports them much nearer to the start of their dream than other programs
ldquoWe feel like we can take people at very early stages because we are four times as long as the average programrdquo says Hunt who adds that Year of the Startup is also not tech-centric like many programs tend to be ldquoIn our model we substitute intensity for duration I think a lot of the learning here comes through unstructured serendipitous interactions we have that is not curriculum-based itrsquos just happenstance
ldquoWith a house there are so many different ways you can bring ideas and people together I think thatrsquos maybe that critical binding agent and sense of place that helps accomplish thingsrdquo
He says in this intimate environment ldquotherersquos no other choice but to immerse yourself in the settingrdquo adding ldquoWersquore always hanging out in the living room or out back talking about startup stuffmdashmonetization strategies capitalization tables vested equity entity structuresrdquo
ldquoItrsquos this immersive experience of camaraderie of these natural flows and idea generationrdquo Feldman says
Hunt says ldquoThis is very difficult to get bored with because therersquos always somebody whose business is either in crisis or growth stage or some interesting part of the curverdquo
ldquoHow could we get bored when wersquore creating a platform with four startups and all we get to do is ideationrdquo Feldman says ldquoItrsquos a constant buzz we get from interacting with these startup founders and helping them build their ideasrdquo
Built into the program are activities that encourage fellows to break out of their comfort zone and to offer honest criticism of each otherrsquos ideas
Hunt compiles multiple data points on the startups
ldquoWersquore developing really deep insight about how do people start successful businessesrdquo
The program utilizes mentors from the entrepreneurial community
ldquoWe bring in people who are experts in specific areas to talk on those topicsrdquo Feldman says
ldquoThey get ideas flowingrdquo Hunt says of the mentors
Feldman says he regularly covers with fellows ldquothe major components of what you need to look at to start your businessrdquo and then mentors like Mike Kolker owner of graphic design firm Simplify teach lessons about operational efficiency and ldquohow to simplify running a businessrdquo
Hunt is a newcomer to all this and goes by instinct as much as research to support his vision
CONTINUED ON 54
FEATURE | BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
53
54 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
70 Years of Business in Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
4027335500 | 4315 South 50th Street
402-333-5722 bull wwwsw-fencecom
Thanks for Voting SampW Fence the Best Again in 2015
Wersquore Not Just About Fences
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Thank You for Voting Us Best of B2Btrade 4 Years in a Row
AUDIO VISUAL SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDEbull System designengineeringbull Sales
bull Installationbull Maintenance and Service
bull Equipment Rental and Operation
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B2B
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aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER 2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
ConnectWITH YOURCOMMUNITY
Donrsquot forget to visitOmahaMagazinecom to read
all of our titles online
Omaha MagazineEncounter B2B 60PlusHerFamily OmahaHome
CONTINUED FROM 53
ldquoI just had an irrational confidence market insights and a great theoretical background thanks to primary research I completed and to lessons I learned from Phillip Phillips Michael OrsquoHara and Art Diamond in UNOrsquos economics department I read constantly about who the players were in the startup world so I was fairly preparedrdquo
Even though he directs a startup program he only started participating in one himself (Venture School) He acknowledges Year of the Startup is a by-the-seat-of-your-pants experiment
ldquoComing out of college I had student loans and not a ton of money Irsquove held two jobs to finance the project Now the project is financed by a combination of me working and renting out one room One-hundred percent of the money our entrepreneurs pay in rent will be returned in full and so everybody has a strong incentive to follow through with the program That may be what makes us sustainablerdquo
Hersquos working on securing corporate sponsorship for the program Meanwhile he wants to help get participating startups to the next level
ldquoWersquore functioning like a pre-accelerator at this point We want to get our startups profitable and then refer them to the Straight Shots so they can focus on growth in a pure accelerator programrdquo
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 55
Mercedes-Benz of Omaha14335 Hillsdale Ave Omaha NE 68137wwwOmahaMercedescomContact John Williams anytime at 4029819262
of Omaha of Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
As Year of the Startup moved into a larger house in Omaharsquos Little Italy district on July 1 and a new class of fellows arrives Hunt says there are ldquointeresting talks happening right now to bring this to other citiesrdquo He and Feldman say economic development agencies are willing to pay a license fee for them to do startup houses in other cities The partners are having proprietary software developed that will enable new startup houses to replicate their branded Omaha model
They look forward to engaging with the emerging 10th Street cultural district but may keep the midtown house to accommodate growth
Hunt and Feldman believe theyrsquore catching the wave or tipping point of a big new startup rush and theyrsquore betting their model is poised to be a niche player in this wild frontier of entrepreneurial prospecting
B2B
56 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
It is an unassuming space but if you have made your way to TD Ameritrade Park Filmstreams or Hot Shops chances are yoursquove passed one of the most vibrant offices in Omaha
The fact that Co-Lab (short for Creative Collaborators) is not a traditional work space is certainly one of its best features Located inside the Tip Top building at 15th and Cumming streets is a project dreamed up by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture who happens to share the main floor of the building Based in the heart of a once-isolated section of the city Co-Labrsquos funky creative vibe is making waves In fact that vibe seeps into Omaharsquos everyday bringing about small changes pushing our city toward a more innovative future
CO-LABGIVING OMAHA WORKERS A MORE
COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE
IN THE OFFICE | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
56
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 57
Home to 18 businesses plus Alley Poyner Macchietto Co-Lab is free of walls and signage It is also free from traditional office norms For instance you donrsquot just walk over to your neighborrsquos space for a brainstorming sessionmdashyou skateboard At least you do if yoursquore Dave Nelson of SecretPenguin a leading experimental branding agency The best part is that the businesses surrounding SecretPenguin appreciate the break from tradition ldquoThatrsquos the beautiful part about being around like-minded good people and businessesrdquo Nelson says
CONTINUED ON 58
58 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 59
CONTINUED FROM 57
In addition to having pathways large enough to skateboard or bike through the space also provides Co-Labbers with a kitchen various conference rooms bike storage bathrooms and a battleground (otherwise known as the ping-pong table) Walking in the main doors clients and employees alike are greeted from the front desk while catching a view of the five-story open atrium basking in the glow of sunshine from the skylight Workers can also access the fitness room and rooftop deck sharing amenities with TipTop apartment residents who use a separate entrance
CONTINUED ON 60
The Harry A Koch CoInsurance amp Financial ConsultantsMember of First Insurance Group LLC
60 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
CONTINUED FROM 59
Businesses in Co-Lab all creativity-related range from entrepreneurs to start-ups to non-profits to small businesses The art varies in form but runs through the space like an electric current At Zicafoose Textiles Mary Zicafoose works steadily on her loom creating gorgeous tapestries 4Site Programming is where Joi Brown works as an independent consultant for performing arts centers across the nation Heartland B-Cycle a large-scale municipal bike sharing system brings art in the form of economical convenience Holly Boyer a founder of non-profit organization Mission Matters explains that one of the best things about having an office at Co-Lab is feeling the innovative positive energy from the moment you walk in the door So while individuals may join Co-Lab with a business-minded focus or a more creative vibe finding a yin to their yang is just a shout away
ldquoThere is certainly a wonderful built-in support network that comes along with working in a collaborative environmentrdquo quips Omaha Creative Institute Executive Director Emily Moody ldquoEverything from sharing ideas and finding ways to collaborate with an organization different than yours to sharing a staplerrdquo
At the heart of making it work says Laura Alley of Alley Poyner itrsquos simply playing well with others
The skateboarding ping-pong playing creatives do that well
B2B
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2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
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Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott Enterprises
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Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott EnterprisesFor more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
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For more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
TD Ameritrade Park | First National Bank Tower | Midtown Crossing | Village Pointe | Childrenrsquos Hospital Aksarben Village | Joslyn Art Museum | Fred amp Pamela Buffett Cancer Center | UNO Community Arena
6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
AT THE OFFICE amp ON THE GO
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13
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
- BB1015_fntCvr_125
- BB1015_fntEdit_125
- BB1015_bkEdit_125
- BB1015_bkCvr_125
-
10emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Scissors amp Scotch Co-Owner Erik Anderson
Erik Anderson was new to Omaha and needed a haircut
A good one
The guy had a sales job and needed to look sharp But who to trust with his precious locksmdashsome chain
ldquoYou never know what kind of haircut yoursquore going to getrdquo Anderson says ldquoYou could get a great haircut or walk out of there looking like a doofus Irsquom not going to go that route
ldquoI started going to womenrsquos salons I knew I could trust themrdquo
SHAVE AND A HAIRCUTSNIP-SNIP-SIP-SIP
FEATURE | BY ANTHONY FLOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
10
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 11
That was two years ago Now Anderson gets his rsquodo done at his own placemdashScissors amp Scotch which opened in March at 2835 South 170th Plaza
As its name suggests therersquos much more to Scissors amp Scotch than just a great cut The new shop offers an upscale grooming experience featuring traditional barbering services (in plush old-school barber chairs) and modern spa treatments steamed towels hot lather neck shaves scalp neck shoulder and hand massages paraffin hand dips facial and skin services coloringshellipeven nose waxings Therersquos a shoe shine station on Thursdays And full body massages are on the way
All for dudes
Oh yeah and when customers are done one of five complimentary hand-crafted whiskey cocktails await them in a private lounge
ldquoTherersquos nothing like this right nowrdquo Anderson says ldquoI would put it up against any place in the country
ldquoItrsquos not just a haircut at Scissors amp Scotch itrsquos an experience We havenrsquot had one person come back and say lsquoThat was terriblersquo Most guys are like lsquoWow that was awesomersquordquo
Anderson didnrsquot do it all alone Hersquos equal partners with longtime friend Sean Finley whom he grew up with in Prairie Village Kansas and Tanner Wiles a friend he met at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where Anderson played baseball before earning his degree in 2011
Anderson later worked for Federated Insurance which moved him from Minneapolis to Omaha in April 2013 Thatrsquos when he first went looking for a haircut While researching his options Anderson saw that menrsquos grooming had become the fastest growing part of the beauty industry
ldquoThat really intrigued me and I got really excited about itrdquo
CONTINUEDemspONemsp12
12emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp11
Why not open his own place Anderson brought that idea to Finley and Wiles one night at a bar in early 2014 Not one of them had any experience in the grooming industry but the trio soon discussed the idea by group text message Then they met regularly working on documents and video conferencing via Google Hangouts Wiles worked in sales at Ambulatory Care in Kansas City Finley completed his law degree in Columbia Missouri (hersquos now a corporate attorney at Husch Blackwell in Kansas City)
They hammered out the concept of Scissors amp Scotch leveraged whatever assets they possessed at such tender ages (Finley and Wiles are 27 Anderson 26) and got an SBA loan In August 2014 they signed a lease at Shops of Legacy This March they opened with nine employees not counting themselves
104 5th St Fullerton NE 68638 308-550-0632 signdan170yahoocomSignCraftersMidwestcom
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Orders over $100
EmbroideryPolos Jackets T-Shirts Hats amp More
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omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 13
Response exceeded expectations Six weeks after opening Scissors amp Scotch averaged 80 new clients per week and about 30 haircuts a day More than 60 percent of the customers opted for the $52 ldquo15-year servicerdquo (as in the age of fine Scotch) Its membership programmdashthe Scotch-inspired 10- 15- and 25-year packages with escalating benefits at each levelmdashwas expected to generate 100 sales the first year Scissors amp Scotch sold 90 the first month
ldquoItrsquos really encouragingrdquo Anderson says ldquoEach week wersquove done more haircuts than the previous week since we openedrdquo
And all of it by word-of-mouth advertising (though Scissors amp Scotch recently started advertising on AM 590)
ldquoIrsquove had a lot of guys say lsquoThis is Omaha Nebraska right This is something I expect to see in a Chicago or a New York or a Dallasrsquordquo
Thanks to Anderson Omaha it is
B2B
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BEST FLORISTldquoTaylor Maderdquo for ALL
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14emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
ldquoPeople need vacation to recharge and get inspired to continue to love what they dordquo she says ldquoA lot of times when you give people that break they come back more energized and with great ideas It makes them happier it makes us a better companyrdquo-HEIDI MOUSBACH
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 15
GOING TO THE DOGSERVIN amp SMITHrsquoS RELAXED AWARD-WINNING VIBE
OMAHA | BY ANTHONY FLOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Want to know how much fun it is to work at Omaha digital marketing firm Ervin amp Smith Just ask Peanut Gwen Duke or Daphne Jane
They wonrsquot talk to youhellipbut yoursquoll probably see their tails wagging
ldquoAny week we have probably a couple dogs in the officerdquo says Heidi Mausbach Ervin amp Smith president and CEO ldquoYou find them at your desk begging for a little treat They follow their owners around the agencyrdquo
The furry friends are there as one of many workplace benefits garnering Ervin amp Smith attention here and nationally In February the agency founded 31 years ago by Executive Chairman Doug Smith made the 2015 Best Places to Work in Omaha list sponsored by Baird Holm and the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce That came three months after Advertising Age ranked Ervin amp Smith number 13 on its list of 40 Best Places to Work in Advertising amp Media based on hiring practices benefits packages salaries office perks and more
ldquoYou spendhellipa good percentage of your life at workrdquo Mausbach says ldquoYou want to be at a place you love to come to People do love it here You donrsquot dread Monday morningrdquo
Even if yoursquore on vacationmdashwhich is unlimited at Ervin amp Smith as are sick and personal days The new leave policy established in January 2014 is among the most intriguing initiatives at the agency
ldquoPeople are free to come and go as long as they are fulfilling their client commitments and meeting their other goalsrdquo Mausbach says
So have employees been abusing the policy with copious vacation days Mausbach canrsquot saymdashErvin amp Smith isnrsquot tracking days If therersquos any challenge to the time-off policy itrsquos been with employees not taking enough personal time Mausbach who joined the agency 15 years ago was among those who took ldquoa lot lessrdquo vacation than she typically would
ldquoPeople need vacation to recharge and get inspired to continue to love what they dordquo she says ldquoA lot of times when you give people that break they come back more energized and with great ideas It makes them happier it makes us a better companyrdquo
While employees appreciate the flexibility the policy allows them to get away from work Ervin amp Smith has seen benefits in the officemdashless idle activity greater communication and collaboration and perhaps best of all fewer and shorter meetings as employees focus on goals and commitments
CONTINUEDemspONemsp16
15
16emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp15
The company also allows employees to work from home as needed or even full-time from cities across the country (one Ervin amp Smith employee lives in Washington another in Colorado) The company also established an annual ldquoSlush FUNdrdquo giving each employee $100 to spend on something that will enhance company culture such as a popcorn machine Some pooled their money to buy meditation classes open to everyone Others adopted a family at Christmas
Workplace enhancements can be simple A couple of years of ago the agency added a ping pong table Sometimes thatrsquos where the best work happens ldquoItrsquos interesting how their minds workrdquo Mausbach says ldquoA lot of times theyrsquore playing and brainstorming There are amazing ideas that come out of work and play at the same timerdquo
Other initiatives to enhance the Ervin amp Smith environment include redesigned offices an expanded client conference room
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 17
a per-person training budget more than twice the industry average catered lunches and happy hours and a monthly wellness stipend reimbursing employees up to $25 a month
The most popular benefit is Flame Schoedermdash a professional certified life coach made available for monthly development sessions
ldquoOf all the benefits they feel this is the one definitely helping them the most professionally and personallyrdquo Mausbach says
The initiatives seem to work Ervin amp Smith promoted 12 employees and hired 15 others last year Its retention rate in 2014 was 84 percent better than the typical industry rate of 70 percent or worse Mausbach cites
Ervin amp Smith is building employee relationships Perks are great People are better
Making Ervin amp Smith a doggone great place to work
B2B
8 ConsecutiveYears
Thanks Omaha for 30 Years2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
4023999233 | wwwsparklingkleancom
A+ Rating20 Consecutive Years
Exceptional Event Space amp Catering
Wersquoll make your next event one to remember
6450 Pine Street | 402-778-6313ScottCentercom
17
18emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
ESPELITE SERVICE PROFESSIONALS
Superior quality exceptional service
If you are a CEO key executive or business owner call 4024017560
copy 2015 Vistage Worldwide Inc 14_261_3131 kkk
Discover what thousands of CEOs already know Vistage works
Get answers Take action Like you the members of a Vistage Advisory Board are proven business leaders and critical thinkers They have smart ideas and insightful opinions and this is the forum to express them At our monthly meetings yoursquoll encounter lively discussions where business leaders tell it like it is If you find that refreshing then be our guest at our next monthly group meeting
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 19
Leo Costanzo Anne Taylor and Alan Hove of Controlled Comfort
BRANDREBRAND | BY ELIZABETH MACK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Jingle writers have done their job if they create an earwormmdasha song so catchy it sticks in your head and wonrsquot leave ldquoWhen I tell people I work at Controlled Comfort they immediately start singing the jinglerdquo says Alan Hove who along with co-owners Leo Costanzo and Anne Taylor purchased Controlled Comfort in 2004 ldquoItrsquos the best form of advertising we could ever hope forrdquo
CONTINUEDemspONemsp20
SINGING A HAPPY TUNEJINGLING ALL THE WAY
19
20emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
John Sievers
Businesses Are Buying SmarterThe All Makesrsquo team is trained to help you make design decisions and furniture purchases that fi t your offi ce atmosphere your work style and your budget Visit All Makesrsquo redesigned showroom to see the latest in new offi ce furniture pre-owned offi ce furniture and business technology
wwwallmakescom Omaha 2558 Farnam St | 4023412413 Lincoln 3333 O St | 4024777131
Thank you for voting us 1 for 10 consecutive years
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp19
Most people in the Omaha metro area are familiar with that animated female voice belting out ldquoControlled ComfortndashKeep it Under Controoooooolrdquo Many locals probably would not guess the companyrsquos logo (an angel) but could at least hum a few bars of the jingle Whether a catchy tune is annoying or enjoyable is a matter of opinion but once that musical worm has worked its way into your psyche you are forced to remember the product which is exactly what advertisers hope for
When companies change ownership one major decision is whether or not to maintain the same brand image and the current owners of Controlled Comfort knew they wanted things to stay pretty much the same when they took ownership
ldquoWe love our jinglerdquo says Taylor ldquoWhen we purchased the company we knew we wanted to maintain the image and keep the logo and jingle We couldnrsquot ask for a better form of advertisingrdquo
Research shows that music increases recall and simple melodies with simple lyrics stick with a consumer not only for the short term but often the long-term Remember ldquoI Wish I Were an Oscar Meyer Weinerrdquo Even if it has been years since you have actually heard it chances are you can still sing the entire song Controlled Comfortrsquos brand may not be as huge as Oscar Meyerrsquos but their jingle has stood the test of time being sung on local radio and TV for nearly 20 years with no end in sight
Taylor recounts how in the mid-1990s local musician Johnny Ray Gomez produced the jingle for a radio spot
ldquoThe previous owners purchased a year of radio advertising and it came with a jinglerdquo Taylor says
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
THANKS OMAHA
Embroidery middot Screen Printing middot Promotional Digital Printing middot Mailing middot Company Stores
13747 F St 4025961002 ideal-imagescom
ldquoWhen we purchased the company we knew we wanted to maintain the image and keep the logo and jingle We couldnrsquot ask for a better form of advertisingrdquo-ANNE TAYLOR
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 21
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(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
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bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
At the time they had no idea they did not retain exclusive rights to the melody
ldquoI just recently heard the song while I was traveling in western Nebraska It was quite a shockrdquo she adds with a laugh
Branding is all about creating an image of a business that will stick in a customerrsquos mind Though most businesses rely on visual advertising to create their brand jingles can be an additional way to increase awareness and create staying power People often remember a catchy tune Throw the company name and their phone number in the jingle lyrics and customers may not even need to look up the contact information
ldquoIf I forget the phone number I just sing the jinglerdquo says one local customer
Though original jingles declined in recent years as more large companies turn to popular songs for their advertising a few local companies still spend at least some marketing dollars on jingles Whether you think it annoying or catchy a jingle may be your best advertising investment
B2B
4023333062 | planitomahacom | 10832 old mill road suite 5 | omaha ne 68154
planitomaha A national and
regional powerhouse in
meetings conferences amp
events
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
22emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 2
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 23
How is it that Midlands Choice has come to make an investment in of all things a ballerina
Sure the bottom line of any insurance entity is driven by risk managementmdashthe investing of premium revenues to hedge against claims
But taking stock in Claire Goodwillie a company dancer with Ballet Nebraska
The Midlands Choice example is repeated all across the metro as area businesses support a broad array of arts nonprofits ones that dwell in everything from tutus to tempura
And the table is set for a new era of collaboration between business and the arts because philanthropic giving in America has finally returned to pre-recession levels
Contributions which totaled $358 billion in 2014 surpassed 2007rsquos pre-recession level of $355 billion Additionally giving was up from all major sourcesmdashindividuals corporations foundations and bequestsmdashaccording to Giving USA an annual report compiled by the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and the Giving USA Foundation of Chicago
ldquoEight out of nine types of charitable organizations we measure saw increased contributions and thatrsquos good news for the
BALLET NEBRASKAA PAS DE DEUX BETWEEN BUSINESS AND THE ARTS
philanthropic sector as a wholerdquo W Keith Curtis told Omaha Magazine in an email Curtis is chair of Giving USA Foundation and president of the nonprofit consulting firm The Curtis Group ldquoThe 60-year high for charitable giving in 2014 is a great story about resilience and perseverancerdquo
Themes of resilience and perseverance define the Ballet Nebraska story
Erika Overturff was 27 years old when the ballet company of which she was a dancer and resident choreographer appeared doomed She had no money She had no business acumen
That was 2009 Flash forward to 2015 and Overturff now 33 founder and artistic director of Ballet Nebraska is leading the regionrsquos only professional dance company into its sixth season
In a city known for its ldquocan-dordquo spirit this story could be about almost any local arts nonprofit but the unlikely saga of Ballet Nebraska is told here because it is perhaps the most improbable of tales one that best reveals what a business community and the arts can do when they share a common vision
CONTINUEDemspONemsp24
BY DAVID WILLIAMS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
23COVERemspFEATURE
24emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp23
Like settling into your seat with a program before the lights dim at any performing arts venue itrsquos probably best to start by reviewing the cast of characters
THE CONNECTORHal Daub knows people Especially in a city of six degrees of separation that is in reality much more like two or three degrees the former Omaha mayor (1995-2001) and US Congressman (1981-1989) who has served on countless nonprofit boards and is now a partner at Husch Blackwellhellipknows people
ldquoWhen I was first introduced to Hal and he offered to helprdquo Overturff says ldquoI assumed that meant he was going to maybe make a few calls and do a little name-droppingrdquo Daub it turned out would become a key player in the often delicate pas de deux that is the coupling of business and the arts ldquoHe not only made those calls but he set up the appointmentshellipand then he came along to personally introduce me and stand by my side in front of those who would become some of the most generous funders of Ballet Nebraskardquo
ldquoThe reason I am so fascinated by what Erika has donerdquo says Daub ldquois that Omaha is a city that has clearly evolved to become a place that is not just metropolitan but truly cosmopolitanrdquo And investing in the arts Daub believes makes good business sense ldquoThe social environment of a citymdashits arts and entertainmentmdashis critical in attracting and retaining the best workforce Ballet Nebraska Opera Omaha the Omaha Symphony Omaha Performing Artshellipthose and so many others are the organizations that help keep the best talent in Omahardquo
THE ADVOCATEMichelle Clark is Union Pacificrsquos general director of information technologies which means she probably knows more than a little about computer viruses As a three-year board member of Ballet Nebraska shersquos also seen how supporting the arts can go viral
ldquoEmployee generosity is furthered by the use of the companyrsquos matching gifts programrdquo Clark explains ldquoThis creates a sense of pride for employees and Union Pacific is supportive of the communities in which we live and work The employees of Union Pacific are very generous and have supported fundraising drives not only for Ballet Nebraska but a number of organizations such as the Womenrsquos Center for Advancement and JDRFrdquo
Employees should never underestimate their power to play a key role in advocating for nonprofits within their organizations
ldquoI am passionate about the art of dance especially ballet and Ballet Nebraskardquo Clark says ldquoDance inspires my creativity and provides insights to see beyond the obvious My hope is that by providing individuals with the awareness of opportunities to experience and support the art of dance they will find their own inspiration to apply to their own liferdquo
And just as stubborn computer viruses are often cloyingly messy to eradicate once discovered Union Pacificrsquos relationship with Ballet Nebraska has a ldquostickinessrdquo of its own Clark was preceded on the Ballet Nebraska board by Gayla Thal the companyrsquos senior vice president and general counsel
THE BULLDOGDonrsquot let the gentle demeanor of Midlands Choice vice president Greta Vaught fool you Supporting the arts is often a visceral experience and Vaughtrsquos passion for dance exerted itself on multiple levels in the early stages of growth at Ballet Nebraska
ldquoMidlands Choice has always been supportive of my work in the communityrdquo says the board chair of Ballet Nebraska
ldquoWe like to listen to our people when making such decisionsrdquo says Midlands Choice President and CEO Thomas E Press rdquoIt is important for us to know that our giving has real meaning for them their families and their communitiesrdquo
ldquoI looked at what Erika was trying to dordquo Vaught continues ldquoand I thought it was brave but impossible But all along the way I just kept going back to the thought that if one of my daughters [Mia now 15 and Hannah now 19] wanted to try something so bold one day thatrdquohellipinsert long pausehellipldquoIrsquom sorry this is making me cry I would just hope that people with experience and connections and dollars would shepherd my daughters along like so many people have done with Erika and Ballet Nebraskardquo
Okay so maybe ldquoThe Bulldogrdquo wasnrsquot such a great character name for this role after all
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 25
Fast-Paced Public Relations
Customer-Based Planning and Communications
402-964-9293 11626 Nicholas Street
zaisscocom
For the Connected World
Every story Every tweet Every interaction
PR is vital to your bottom line now more than ever
Join the world of innovative PR ndash partner with experts
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Best PR Agency 7 Years Running
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
THE ARTISTldquoI had to do a lot of on-the-job learning when I decided to try to launch a dance companyrdquo Overturff says ldquoWe were lucky in that we got our nonprofit status right away but I didnrsquot know anything about the business side of things and really nothing about raising funds I was moved by every $5 check that came in but it took a lot of mentoring advice and counsel to get us to where we are today as a fully funded professional performance companyrdquo
Ballet Nebraska now has a paid staff of 22 including nine salaries paid to company dancers Today Overturffrsquos once-nonexistent business connections run deep Personal contributions from the likes of philanthropists Richard Holland and Fred and Eve Simon further fuel the growth of ballet in Omaha Foundations also play a major role in funding A recent gift of $124000 from the Iowa West Foundation is the largest in Ballet Nebraska history
ldquoTalented professionals from all over the world that have trained their whole lives to pursue a career in dance now come to Omaha in the hopes of performing with Ballet Nebraska as we serve the state and western Iowa in performances education outreach and morerdquo she says ldquoA ballet companymdashany performing arts company any arts organizationmdashis about its peoplehellipthe artists the staff and hardworking selfless volunteers But it is the people of Omaha from the smallest donations to the relationships we have with such great businesses that makes it all happenrdquo
B2B
26emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
26OFFICE FURNITURE BY DOUG SCHURING
OFFICE ORIGINS
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE MODERN WORKPLACE
For all the time we spend in our office very few of us are familiar with how that space came to be You may actually be surprised by the events and inventions that helped form the work environment we know today From the development of the railroad to innovations in communication our current corporate habits structures and tools have all played a role In his book CubedmdashA Secret History of the Workplace Nikil Saval shapes the advances that created the conventional office we are familiar with today
The advent of the Morse telegraph spawned long-distance communication Then starting in 1860 a series of technological innovations changed the possibilities of the workplace the use of iron framework permitted the construction of taller buildings and elevators assisted the climb The Remington typewriter entered the office in 1874 Bellrsquos telephone was patented two years later
At the same time railroads expanded across the country reducing transportation costs and extending markets for goods and services Additionally railroads produced an organizational transformation still in use today The coordination of trains required employees housed in structures all across the country bringing a variety of offices to the American landscape Between the executive the manager and the workerhellipthe organizational chart was born
The invention of telecommunications fostered the speed of information to surge creating more
Doug Schuring is the director of sales administration at All Makes Office Equipment Co
work and subsequently more workers As these workers moved into new structures the spaces reflected their various levels of management In 1915 the Metal Office Furniture Company (now Steelcase) invented the modern deskmdasha flat metal table outfitted with file drawers The new desks massed together in defined rows offered managers full visual access to the goings-on of the workplace and this ldquosea of desksrdquo became the norm for decades Lockers and various cabinets popular in the Great Depression era became vertical files once steel became readily available after World War II
In 1968 Herman Miller introduced the first panel system with attached components Designed by Robert Propst the Action Office system revolutionized the ldquoofficerdquo in form flexibility and cost Other furniture manufacturers mimicked the modular system which became the norm for many businesses
Up to the rsquo90s the personal computerrsquos popularity grew and the relative size of work stations decreased between 25-50 percent By the middle of that decade the dot-com revolution on the West Coast created an unprecedented workplace culture The formal atmosphere of the office became much more casual and discontent for the Dilbert-esque cubicle grew Subsequently creative furniture solutions evolved with the desire to be more mobile leading the way
In the early 2000rsquos collaborative open offices grew in popularity New and improving
technologies now offer connectivity in the office home or public spaces As a result nearly every company today is adapting and using new furnishings as a tool to attract new workers At the same time retaining existing employees is equally important The goal is to make everyone more effective and efficient in their work
Whether you work in an office from home in the local coffee shop or out of an airline terminal you may start to notice that much of the furniture is beginning to look very similar As long as you are able to connect to technology you can work from virtually anywhere
B2B
SEPTEMBER 24 2015 Ralston Arena7300 Q Street
Ralston NE 68127
CONNECT MARKET SUCCEED
Looking for INNOVATIVE MARKETING IDEAS Want to BOOST SALES AND ADD ROI Need to ANALYZE DATA TO GROW MARKET SHARE
For more information or to register please visit wwwOmahaAdvertisingXcom
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 27
28emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Outlook Nebraska CEO Eric Stueckrath
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 29
On the surface it looks just like any other office or factory As you enter Outlook Nebraska Inc (ONI) yoursquore greeted by a friendly front desk attendant and led past a perfectly ordinary-looking workspace Entering their factory where they manufacture such paper products as rolls of hand towels you wouldnrsquot suspect that it is different from any other assembly line
But explore a little deeper
Walking past one office you might see a man typing away on a keyboard his laptop closed in front of him He doesnrsquot need it open to know what hersquos typing Hersquos visually impaired and utilizing computer software that reads the words aloud as he types
On the factory floor raised edges guard the walkway so sightless employees can feel their way around Over on the assembly line visually impaired workers can use a computer screen to zoom in on the product at various stages of production to assess the process
ONI is a non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance the life of the blind and visually impaired through employment opportunities and training Almost all the employees at ONI are blind or visually impaired from factory workers to IT professionals Some were born blind others lost their sight later in life ONI aims to help them all re-enter the workforce in a meaningful way
A SIGHT FOR NON-SEEING EYES
OUTLOOK NEBRASKA
ldquoThey get used to being on their feetrdquo says ONI CEO Eric Stueckrath ldquoWe offer jobs for [people with] entry-level skill sets and all of the positions are at or above minimum wage We give them the tools to help build those skill setsrdquo
ONI also offers personalized life-skills training geared to whatrsquos important to the individual from personal banking to cooking to operating a computer
The American Foundation for the Blind estimates that as many as 70 percent of blind adults in the US are unemployed As the largest employer of the blind in the Omaha metro area ONI is working to make an impact
ldquoWe work with organizations that are committed to hiring the visually impairedrdquo Stuekrath says ldquoAdvocacy is definitely part of what we dordquo
ONI is currently in the midst of a $2 million capital campaign that will allow them to complete a large-scale renovation project at their facility The renovation will create more space for the general public and give them the ability to offer additional training programs
In addition to working with adults blind and visually-impaired youth are a primary focus for Stuekrath and ONI
ldquoMy heart really gravitates toward themrdquo Stuekrath says
ONI partners with youth organizations on a number of initiatives including a sports camp for visually-impaired youth called Camp Abilities Nebraska Attendees can try archery swimming bowling track and field and more as a means to build confidence
ldquoThey donrsquot need to be coddledrdquo Stuekrath says adding that he often tells parents of blind children ldquoYour kid needs to get out there and bump his head and experience liferdquo
At ONI everything comes back to the organizationrsquos mission Stuekrath says
ldquoWe give them the tools they need to gain greater independencerdquo
B2B
FEATURE | BY APRIL CHRISTENSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY COLIN CONCES
29
30emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Layne and Pam Yahnke and Their VW Thing
Shakespeare wrote of love and betrayal Tolkien of hobbits and wizards Steinbeck and Faulkner of the indomitable American spirit
Layne Yahnke writes about his VW Thing
Yes the two-wheel-drive off-road convertible military vehicle first manufactured for the West German Army as ldquoType 181rdquo in 1968 VW churned them out until 1983 including two years in the United States when marketed as ldquoThe Thingrdquo
Yahnke got his Thing in 2000 for $5500 Hersquos lovingly restored it most importantly giving it a peppy new motor that makes it Autobahn-worthy
WHATrsquoS THAT THING
LANE YAHNKErsquoS UNUSUAL VOLKSWAGEN
HOW I ROLL | BY ANTHONY FLOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Therersquos only one other Thing in Omaha and Yahnkersquos gets lots of second and third looks when hersquos whipping down the Dodge Street Expressway from his Elkhorn home Especially when the doors are off and windshield is down
Everyone wants to know abouthellipthe Thing
Thus Yahnke penned ldquoIt Takes a Village to Build a VW Thingrdquo an ode to those who helped him with his beloved ridemdashhis sons Omaha VW Club members engine and body shops and parts stores
CONTINUEDemspONemsp32
30
SIGN UP TODAYdolnebraskagovsides
Questions phone - 402-471-9910 email - ndoluisidesnebraskagov
Sign up now for a free paperless way to return unemployment insurance information
Submit separation information online
Free - No postage costsno sign-up fee
Respond quickly toseparation requests
E-Response saves treesNo more paper 350rsquos
Keep your taxes lowAvoid unnecessary charges
Avoid Late responses ampLoss of appeal rights
32emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Locally Owned in Papillion Ne402-740-0800 bull apconstructomahacom
Insurance claims
welcomeIf your roof sustained fire snow or hail
damage the repairs can be costly We are your wind and hail damage experts and accept insurance claims so you wonrsquot
have to pay for the repair work yourself
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
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Steve Kowalski
Call or Text Message(402 ) 453-6000
abetterexposurecom steveabetterexposurecom
Passion Creativity Experience
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp31
ldquoI wrote that right after the engine transplantrdquo says Yahnke an Omaha native and vice president at Essex Corp provider of senior living communities ldquoI guess I was moved I get so many inquiries about it and I really feel so fondly about itrdquo
Itrsquos not his first Thing Yahnke and his wife of 38 years Pam owned one before their four children came along As the kids have come and gone so have the cars
Lots of them
Yahnke figures he has owned 60 automobiles in his life His car fancy began as a kid growing up in Dundee where a friendrsquos dad spent his spare time restoring English cars Yahnke spent hours in his garage and developed a love for Triumphs and MGs His first car purchase was a 1962 Triumph for $425 in 1972 It wasnrsquot long though until he sold it at a profit
ldquoThatrsquos what kicked off the buying and selling of English carsrdquo he says ldquoI discovered I could enjoy my transportation but then as soon as someone wanted to buy it for more than I paid for it out it wentrdquo
ldquoWhere Accounting Meets ResultsrdquoProviding Accounting and Quickbooks Services
For Metro Businesses
Denise Martin I 9252077634Deniseheartlandaccountabilitycom
wwwHeartlandAccountAbilitycom
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 33
These days you never know what will be parked in the Yahnke driveway Currently therersquos a Honda pickup a VW Jetta VW Multivan and a 2001 Audi TT Quatro Convertiblemdashpurchased in apropos silver for his 25th wedding anniversary
Itrsquos the Thing he most enjoys driving He logs about 1000 miles on it each year Most of those have come toplessmdashYahnke long ago gave it away to another Thing enthusiast and now only drives it sans roof
ldquoAnyone who sees this car has only seen it top-downrdquo he says ldquoI just got caught once in the rain and that was probably a month ago The cool thing about the Thing is you leave it out in the sun and it dries out and is ready to gordquo
It says ldquoSummer is hererdquo Yahnke says
ldquoPeople speed up all the time to try to figure out what it is Itrsquos just a happy car and itrsquos so darn versatile It puts smiles on peoplesrsquo facesrdquo
B2B
Quality Carpet Cleaning Since 2004
4026806523
Cleaning ServicesCarpet CleaningUpholstery CleaningMattress CleaningTile amp Grout CleaningPet TreatmentsConcrete CleaningConcrete CleaningAuto Interior Cleaning24 Hour Water Damage
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omahamagazinecom SPECIALemspADVERTISINGemspSECTIONemspemsp |emsp SUMMERemsp2015emsp |emsp 34
ABOUT OUR BUSINESS
Cox Business started in 2000 as the commercial services division of Cox Communications Over the past 15 years we have experienced strong growth and are on our target to achieve $2 billion in revenue in the near future
Cox Business owns operates and maintains its own network providing leading-edge technology solutions for voice internet networking and digital TV We also offer robust business continuity and disaster recovery solutions which is of increasing importance to businesses in the greater Omaha area Our customers include such key verticals as education hospitality government and healthcare We maintain a significant focus on Omaha small business mid-markets and large local companies as well
We consider our employees to be our most precious asset as they have the responsibility of taking care of our customers At Cox Business we are fortunate to have an extremely tenured and engaged team of employees What sets us apart from our competition is the fact that while we are a large robust and progressive company we still possess
the nimbleness of a smaller company in our ability to deliver creative solutions under tight timelines We pride ourselves on having very little bureaucracy and that translates to happy customers The fact that Cox Business has won 15 JD Power Awards for customer satisfaction over the past 11 years is a notable accomplishment for us and we work hard to deliver on that promise of excellence every day
ABOUT LYNNE
I have led sales and operations teams in the communications industry for 20 years 10 of those years with Cox Communications My husband Pat and I just celebrated our first full year in Omaha and wonder why it took us so long to find this jewel of a community Our daughter Kaylin starts law school next month at the University of San Diego
I have two passions in my professional life mentoring employees who are working on leadership development (which includes working with two to three emerging leaders at any given time) and continuing to drive efforts in hiring fostering a diverse workforce There
is a challenge in STEM fields of under-represented groups My company Cox Communications is also very passionate about this and holds the distinction of inclusion in Diversity Incrsquos top 50 companies
My personal passions include travel social media and Italian cooking
B2B
COX BUSINESSLYNNE SANGIMINO
Cox Business 401 N 117th St Omaha NE 68154 coxbusinesscom 4029340830
Cradickrsquos Husker PowerTEXAN RETURNS HOME FOR BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY PG 8
Marlon Lofgren Koley Jessen PC LLOKEEPING THE FOCUS WHERE IT BELONGS PG 4
Seasoned Advice for Buyers(THE BOUNCY KIND) PG 5
PLAYING BIG EDITION
Fall
2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
2
Volume 1 Issue 5
Published by The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
PresidentEditor bull Cortney Sells
DirectorAssistant Editor bull Cassandra Powers
In-House Legal Counsel bull Susanne Miller
Outreach Coordinator bull Rene Rademacher
Marketing Development bull Rachael Rand
Business Broker bull Breann Becerra
Referring Broker bull Elizabeth Jones
Marketing Division bull Adam Jaime
Development Liaison bull Holley Garcia
Client Services bull Nycole Wandvik-Tolle
Client Services bull Julie OrsquoBrien
Community Relations bull Mike Sells
Contributing Writers
Marlon Lofgren bull Kathy Rygg bull Maureen Tierney
Design bull OBI Creative
Photography bull Bill Sitzmann
To Subscribe
The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
210 N 78 St
Omaha NE 68114
4029985288
infothefirmb2bcom
Advertising Inquiries
4028842000
toddomahamagazinecom
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Columns
4 Seller Financing
Koley Jessen PC LLO Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
14 Executive Impact Getting Into the Big Office
Departments
5 Seasoned Advice for
Business Buyers (The Bouncy Kind)
12 Building a Legacy while
Building Racks New Chapter to Becklerrsquos Career
The Bottom Line
Sells Insights
Playing Big
Husker PowerTexan returns home to
Nebraska for business opportunity
pg8
Many business owners have marginal experience in the trades in which their
organizations specialize While it may seem counterintuitive to buy or start a company situated around an industry in which one has little experience there is a certain com-petitive edge to the equation A buyer or president need only know enough to begin before surrounding him or herself with the right personnel to tackle the minute details What is paramount is the grander scheme of
management and operations which allows one to flex refined business acumen Not only does distance from fieldwork free up time to put in place a robust and refined plan but it leaves open other avenues for portfolio expansion Grow your business expand operations or begin other busi-ness ventures The possibilities are only as small as the mindset held by your team The FIRM
Special Section
7 Fresh Off The Firm The Firm Business Brokerage has
over $80 million dollars in assets under
management of current cash flowing
businesses for sale ndash from medical
practices to commercial services to large
manufacturing companies
by Cortney Sells presidenteditor
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
3Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
4
IF PROPERLY STRUCTURED AND DOCUMENTED SELLER FINANCING IS REALLY NO DIFFERENT FROM FINANCING THAT WOULD OTHERWISE BE PROVIDED BY A BANKTYING IT ALL TOGETHEREven the most savvy of ldquonumbers peoplerdquo need a leg up in negotiating a purchase As with so many aspects of doing business retaining experienced legal counsel enables you to keep the focus where it belongsmdashemploying your entrepreneurial skills in the identification and acquisition of profitable business ventures The FIRM
Seller Financing Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
written by Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
Seller financing can often be a criti-cal factor in getting a business sold
If properly structured and documented seller financing is really no different from financing that would otherwise be provided by a bank Below is a brief guide to navi-gating the issues normally encountered in seller financing
FIRST THINGS FIRSTThe first question is usually that of how to structure and document the financing The buyer should be expected to sign a prom-issory note evidencing the loan from the seller with interest and repayment terms mutually agreeable to both parties The seller might also require that the buyer grant the seller a security interestlien in the pur-chased assets to secure the loan Itrsquos also not unusual for a seller to require that the individual owners of the buyer (assuming the buyer is an entity) personally guarantee the loan In most cases the documents are usually pretty straightforward and do not need to be overly complicated
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
ADDITIONAL LAYERSIf a bank is also financing the sale the seller will most likely be required by the bank to sign a subordination agreement This is an agreement between the bank usually referred to as the ldquosenior lenderrdquo and the seller referred to as the ldquojunior lenderrdquo A subordination agreement sets forth the terms between the lenders as to each entityrsquos right to receive loan pay-ments from the buyer and the priority of their respective security interestsliens in the purchased assets The document will usually state that the senior lenderrsquos loan and security interestliens shall at all times be superior to those of the junior lender until the senior loan is paid in full Most lenders are willing to discuss and negoti-ate the junior lenderrsquos right to receive loan payments from the borrower Lien priority status however is rarely compromised by senior lenders in subordination agreements The senior lender will insist on having a first priority security interestlien in the pur-chased assets
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Whether yoursquore a first-time entre-preneur or an experienced business
owner purchasing a company is a critical investment financially and emotionally To help increase the likelihood of it being a success in both areas there are a number of aspects to keep in mind when evaluating if a business is the right fit gt
Seasoned Advice for Business Buyers(The Bouncy Kind)
written by Kathy Rygg
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Jerry Rachwalik
5Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
6
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
lt Jerry Rachwalik has been researching companies for the past three years waiting for the right opportunity to arise His search was the result of spending his career work-ing for larger organizations in a number of areas including delivery installation cus-tomer service inventory accounts receiv-ables and scheduling where he managed up to 35 people at a time
Policies and philosophies can change when working for a corporation Sometimes they become less family friendly ldquoWith the previous companies I worked forrdquo Rachwalik says ldquothey switched from caring about em-ployees to making money and the bottom line I stuck it out for several years and then decided I needed something differentrdquo
An entrepreneur by nature Rachwalik has over the last seven years built up a rental business buying foreclosed homes and duplex properties completely reno-vating them and then renting them back out He now has 15 properties and enjoys helping families by providing nice homes that are affordable ldquoI want people to feel good when they come home at night after a long day at workrdquo he says Rachwalik want-ed to find a business that allowed him the flexibility to respond to his tenants when needed from simple plumbing issues to furnaces going kaput
When he first started looking for a new business Rachwalik was drawn to home health care because of his experience help-ing to take care of relatives And it was a growing field Nothing was available at the time so he expanded his options and be-gan researching businesses in a variety of industries Those included a flooring com-pany sandwich shop and even a hair salon
ldquoI was open to anything and if I could make the numbers work then I would consider itrdquo he explains
Then The Firm Business Brokerage pre-sented him with an opportunity that was the right match Bounce U in Omaha There were a number of factors that appealed to Rachwalik First and foremost were the financials but it would also offer him the flexibility he needed for his rental business A big advantage was that an entire team was already in place one seasoned in man-aging staff and scheduling parties ldquoThey do a great jobrdquo he says ldquoI donrsquot plan on making any personnel changesrdquo
But what hersquos most looking forward to with this new venture is the fun positive environment Bounce Ursquos primary business is its birthday party packages featuring the companyrsquos oversized inflatibles and Rachwalik said he canrsquot wait to watch the excitement on the kids faces when they walk through the door ldquoEveryone there is happyrdquo he says ldquoThe kids are happy the parents are happy and the employees running the parties are happy Itrsquoll be a big change from the environments I used to work inrdquo Hersquos already planning to have his twin grand-daughtersrsquo birthday party there too
His transition included a week of training with the companyrsquos corporate facility in Ari-zona as well as on-site training Even though the Omaha location is an existing store all of Rachwalikrsquos training was structured as though itrsquos a brand new site
Bounce U has traditionally partnered with local restaurants to provide food for birth-day parties but Rachwalik wants to explore the option to build a kitchen of his own
He also hopes to continue to grow the business by at least 5 annually ldquoAnything I do I will communicate with my employees and get their input and suggestions firstrdquo he adds
For anyone who is considering buying a business or is going through the process Rachwalik stresses to be open minded and not rule anything out ldquoIf an opportunity is presented to you run the numbers and see if you can make it workrdquo he says ldquoI did a complete flip-flop on the type of business I thought I wanted versus what I ended up purchasing But if you keep looking yoursquoll eventually find a matchrdquo The FIRM
ldquoTHE KIDS ARE HAPPY THE PARENTS ARE HAPPY AND THE EMPLOYEES RUNNING THE PARTIES ARE HAPPY ITrsquoLL BE A BIG CHANGE FROM THE ENVIRONMENTS I USED TO WORK INrdquo
-Jerry Rachwalik
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Fresh Off The Firm Featured Listings for Sale
Suburban Bar amp Grill with VolleyballOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $26413 PRICE $115000
Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity in an area with only two other bars nearby Serving up a gorgeous and well-maintained volleyball court along with pool tables and a jukebox this bar and grill is a favorite with the locals Business is fully staffedmdashowner works very part time hours
Rain Gutter Sales amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $145200 PRICE $415000
This business is a dealer for high-end rain gutter covers These products are con-structed of high-quality aluminum and sur-gical-grade stainless steel and are strong enough to hold up to four feet of snow or 20 pounds of debris Profit margin is 48
Large-Scale Assembly amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $743732 PRICE $2200000
This well-established installation and assembly business in central Nebraska prides itself on providing many numerous building solutions for businesses and building owners in their area They install and assemble metal frames including grain silos pole barns and buildings
Photo Booth Business Running on Autopilot OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $36419 PRICE $88900
Photo booths are the ldquoin thingrdquo at weddings and parties In business for seven years this business is one of the largest in town Wedding couples hoping to capture the fun memories of the day make up 67 of the clients Includes four booths and one trailer
Southwest Omaha Dental PracticeOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $129745 PRICE $380000
Professional staff and excellent customer service are the hallmarks of this practice Using the latest technology the business offers an array of dental services including teeth cleaning veneers crowns bleaching and trauma services The owner is currently working only 20 hours a week
Small Animal Vet Clinic in Omaha OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $158287 PRICE $440000
For over 30 years this animal care clinic has prioritized customer care They are currently offering services to over 2000 families and are the second largest veterinary clinic in the area The business is split 7030 between dogs and cats
Buildersrsquo Material amp Supply CompanyOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $364880 PRICE $933000
This highly reputable company established in 1976 and located just north of Omaha provides quality and reliable services and supplies Building supply inventory includes garage door lumber windows trims siding roofing materials and more Approximately 90 of customers are repeat clientele
High-Growth Plumbing Company OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $157774 PRICE $445000
This non-union plumbing company has consistent growth of over $130000 a year in sales The full service plumbing contractor has business that is currently 50 commercial and 50 residential
90+ available business opportunities for sale Please visit TheFirmBusinessBrokeragecom for details
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
7Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
Matt Cradick
The Deal ReviewReason For Sale Fresh start after 25+ years in the industrySeller Transition Period Over eight monthsType of Sale Asset Purchase AgreementLender Access Bank Mack LaRock
ldquoYOU SHOULD INTERVIEW FOR A BUSINESS JUST LIKE YOU
WOULD FOR A JOBrdquo CRADICK EXPLAINS ldquoIT HAS TO BE THE
RIGHT FIT YOU DONrsquoT WANT TO BE ONE OF THE MANY FA-
TALITIES THAT HAPPEN SO OFTEN IN NEW BUSINESSrdquo
-Shaun Heldt
From Retail to RoofingHow to be Successful When Buying a Business
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Spending almost 20 years working in retail for major corporations and then
buying a siding and roofing contracting company may seem like a major leap but for Matt Cradick owner of Husker Ham-mer Siding Windows and Roofing it was the best business move hersquos ever made And thatrsquos saying a lot for someone who moved 11 times in 19 years across nine different states
Cradick had been living in Houston Texas where he worked for Target Corporation He had worked his way up through the com-pany and another promotion was on the horizon which meant another move With three young children at home Cradick de-cided it was time to put down some roots Having grown up in Lincoln Nebraska he wanted to be near family and Midwestern values He started researching businesses for sale and was eventually led to The Firm which in turn led him to Husker Hammer
The move from a big corporate environ-ment to a small contracting business didnrsquot intimidate Cradick With Target he oversaw 200 people so he knew he brought strong management and operational skills The challenge he says was learning the ins and outs of construction He didnrsquot need to be the one hammering away on the roofmdashhe needed learn a new business segment
ldquoSwitching industries can be nerve-rack-ingrdquo Cradick says ldquobut the owner was will-ing to stay on board for six months during the transitionrdquo That partnership was an invaluable tool during the changeover gt
A Publication of The Firm Business BrokerageA Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
9Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
10
lt Husker Hammer was started in 1998 as a one-man operation and had been built up to a multimillion dollar business Cradick was impressed with the mission statement values system of the company and the strong workforce that was already in place And the price of the company lined up well with the financials ldquoWhat Husker has that others in the industry donrsquotrdquo says the man whose faith is central to his deal-ings ldquois a strong ethical foundation with a Christian backgroundrdquo
There were a number of other elements Cradick sought when buying his business ones he believes all potential business own-ers need to keep in mind The first is to make sure you have a proper support team in place to help make a sound financial deci-sion That includes having a good business valuation and a good business broker who can point you in the right direction to ensure a match for both parties
Once yoursquore in the process of purchasing he adds make sure you have a capable net-work of attorneys a seasoned financial team and solid internal help to ensure yoursquore suc-cessful from the start ldquoYou should interview
for a business just like you would for a jobrdquo Cradick explains ldquoIt has to be the right fit You donrsquot want to be one of the many fatal-ities that happen so often in new businessrdquo
To help ensure the company continues to be successful Cradick plans to main-tain Husker Hammerrsquos competitive edges which he says includes his 11000-sq-ft state-of-the-art showroom in Elkhorn He reformatted the space to better fit his busi-ness model before building out additional second-floor space that is now rented to other entrepreneurs
The showroom features all of the window siding and roofing products available to customers Samples are one thing Cradick says but he knows the power of customers seeing actual colors in actual sizes
ldquoOur philosophy is to build peace of mind for homeowners and be with them every step through the processrdquo he says ldquoWord of mouth is our number one lead source which was true in retail as wellrdquo
Happy employees to Cradick are just as important as happy customers He sub-scribes to a simple philosophymdashlistening to employees and doing so with respect
ldquoWith big corporations you deal with a lot of politicsrdquo he says ldquoNow if therersquos politics itrsquos because Irsquove generated it Itrsquos a nice change to be in a small business where you have more leeway to ensure yoursquore creating a positive work environment which creates a happy workforcerdquo
Working for a smaller company also allows for more opportunities to become involved in the community Husker Hammer is active in local chambers of commerce the Open Door Mission and is currently helping on a Habitat for Humanity build in Waterloo They have also been accredited by the Bet-ter Business Bureau since 2000 and won the Better Business Integrity Award
Cradickrsquos business is currently 90 percent residential and 10 percent commercial He hopes to increase their reach in proper-ty management and general contracting while maintaining the high-quality residen-tial sales that built the business ldquoBecause of our showroomrdquo he says ldquopeople come
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
to us We donrsquot do the high pressure sales at the kitchen table We listen We let the homeowners do the talkingrdquo
Growing geographically is also a goal Cradick hopes to expand to surrounding areas including his hometown of Lincoln
ldquoSo far itrsquos been a great moverdquo he says ldquoand I look forward to continuing to be known as an ethical long-lasting company My daughters and wife are excited to be back in the Midwest around grandparents and family Their school district is great and the full year-round climate has been a welcome change from living in the south Plus I was averaging 50000 miles per year in travel so itrsquos nice to sleep in your own bed every nightrdquo The FIRM
For more information on this or any for sale listings call The Firm Business Brokerage directly
11Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
The Deal ReviewBusiness Established 1987Reason for Sale Retirement (Transla-tion More time with a fishing pole)Ownerrsquos Profit $495004Type of Loan SBA with Core Bank
12
Back to the FutureBuilding a Business Legacy
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Itrsquos not uncommon for someone who has spent a number of years in corporate
America to shift gears into entrepreneur-ship Being your own boss certainly has its advantages But for Scott Beckler who recently purchased Lewis Installers in Gret-na his reason for taking on a new business venture had more to do with honoring not only his fatherrsquos legacy but building one of his own
Beckler started his career as a business education teacher then moved to a corpo-rate career in technology But for a number of years he kept an eye on businesses for sale hoping that just the right opportunity would come along
ldquoMy dad was an entrepreneur who owned his own real estate insurance companyrdquo
Beckler says ldquoDespite the fact he had on-going health issues he still got up every day put on a coat and tie and went out to make a sale He was a very successful busi-nessman and I wanted to honor his legacyrdquo
After contacting The Firm and discuss-ing what he was looking for in a business the team suggested Lewis Installers which specializes in industrial conveyor and rack systems At first it seemed like a big de-parture for him ldquoShelving and logistical systems isnrsquot something that jumps out at yourdquo Beckler says But the more he looked into it the more he realized it had many of the elements he wanted in a business The most obvious advantage was that the company was located in Gretna where he lives Add to that the fact that the seller lives just up the road from him
Scott Beckler
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
For purposes of this article this overview is based on the buying and selling entities being corporations or entities taxed as corporations
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
4420 Izard Street Omaha4022938707 bull 8887380296
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
HAVE YOUR MINOR ROOF LEAKS BECOME A MAJOR ANNOYANCEDonrsquot Wait Any Longer Call Us Now
ldquoAfter meeting him and hitting it offrdquo Beckler says ldquowe quickly realized it was a match on both sidesrdquo
Other signs also pointed in the right di-rection The financials were good The size of the business was ideal The competitive landscape was promising Beckler also real-ized that his corporate background fit well with this new business
ldquoAlthough itrsquos an entirely different indus-tryrdquo he says ldquomany of the business princi-ples are the samehellipproject management customer service delivery vendor man-agement and cost containment Irsquove been doing all of those for yearsrdquo
His background in technology will also be a valuable asset in his new business Not only has he established relationships with large vendors built over the years but his from-the-ground-up experience with data centers means that he is already eying in-novative automation and other technology differentiators At the same time hersquos look-ing forward to learning the daily operations of the company and having a hand in every part of the business from bidding to closing to payroll
ldquoIt will be challenging coming from a big business background where Irsquove only been involved in the peripheryrdquo Beckler says
ldquoNow Irsquoll be involved in all of itrdquo
Lewis Installers being a family-owned business is what hersquos most excited about He says itrsquos a company with a good repu-tation thatrsquos known for quality and meeting deadlinesmdashall driven by a strong Midwest-ern work ethic
Itrsquos the sort of company Beckler believes that would make his father proud
ldquoI want this business to be a legacy for my familyrdquo Beckler says ldquoMy hope is that it could stay in the family with my own kids and grandkidsrdquo The FIRM
13Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Om
aharsquo
s Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
14
When considering the purchase of an existing business very few realize
that lack of experience in an industry can actually lead to success One simply needs a sound financial plan and a good team to fill in the gaps Removing the added stress of fieldwork and focusing solely on the management of finances and operation allows for greater opportunities It makes for the dynamic advantage of some outside impartiality when seeking areas of improve-ment and growth
One man who has made this transition from having marginal knowledge in an in-dustry to leading a successful plumbing and HVAC operation is Mark Evans president of Burton Plumbing Before taking over Burton Evans had a successful plumbing distribu-torship serving four states but it was his desire to own and to travel less that put him into the hands of Burton Friesz The founder of Burton Plumbing Friesz had been a customer and friend of Evansrsquo when the two discussed a possible expansion into residential service Evans put his busi-ness experience to work for Burton in July 1995 and his education in the minutiae of plumbing and HVAC began
While he hasnrsquot worked in the field as a licensed plumbing contractor Evans has dipped his feet in several areas within the running of Burtonhellipand often at the same time Before hiring the essential personnel that have enabled him to narrow his role Ev-ans served as manager marketer customer service representative and dispatcher Such a list of duties for one man is a daunting task but ldquoI worked my way to being able to work on the business rather than in the business [a strategy] taught to me by my business coachrdquo says Evans
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
REMOVING THE ADDED STRESS OF FIELDWORK AND FOCUSING SOLELY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF FINANCES AND OPERATION ALLOWS FOR GREATER OPPORTUNITIES
Executive Impact Moving Into the Boardroom From Employee to President
written by Maureen Tierney | Co-written by Mark Evans and Julie OrsquoBrien
Eventually Evans was able to step back and bring on a general manager and a ware-house operator that has allowed him to
ldquofocus on growth opportunities marketing and cash flowrdquo
Evansrsquo experience is not unique It is com-mon for brokerages to deal with buyers seeking to own companies within a cer-tain field but ldquoonly two people out of the nearly 100 closings [wersquove had] have come in for the same business that they ended up purchasingrdquo says Julie OrsquoBrien client services and paralegal with The Firm What it comes down to is as simple as the bot-tom line Buyers are looking to leverage their talents and experience in a marriage between a management philosophy and business model Those in the market for an acquisition are ldquobuying based on profit number of staff ability to get financing and mostly their strengths and passionsrdquo says OrsquoBrien Experience in a particular industry is certainly valuable but is no predictor of success when the right financial mind comes along
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Even so making up for a lack of practical knowledge requires the proper equipment most notably in the form of managers and employees The right talent in the field can be a growth experience and provide an opportunity to learn the ropes before taking a full swing at things A total deficit in knowl-edge hardly makes for good leadership and for this reason many ldquonew business owners like to take a birdrsquos eye view of the operation rather than diving in and getting their hands dirty right awayhellipgiving them the opportunity to watch [how] things have been done before implementing changesrdquo says OrsquoBrien
Approaching ownership in this way also allows for further financial acquisitions an avenue which Evans has taken In addition to owning Burton Plumbing Evans operates four other companies One might assume this much responsibility to be a stretch but Evans sees his role as ldquokeeping a pulse on things I like to lead people in growth per-sonally and on the business siderdquo
Getting started can be a challenge which is why OrsquoBrien works closely with potential buyers to find the right fit ldquoWe assist all the wayrdquo she says ldquoWe work with the buyer on projections business plans [and] we introduce them to trusted advisorsrdquo from attorneys and CPAs to financial advisors and insurance agents
Itrsquos this helpful backing of experts that eases the difficult task of ownership and only proves that one can certainly switch from a blue collar to a white one The FIRM
CONTRACTING BUSINESSES LISTED BY THE FIRM
201
5 P
roje
cted
201
5 Y
TD
201
4
201
3
201
2
30
0
15
28
14
12
11
16
15Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Omaharsquos Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
It may seem like I pulled a muscle making this stretch but Keith Backsen the new boss at the Omaha Convention amp Visitors Bureau seems to have an awful lot in common with new Husker Coach Mike Riley
Coach Riley spent a total of 14 seasons at Oregon State before heading to Huskerland Backsen also comes from that neck of the woods having spent 11 years of his career in Portland Oregon and another 11 years in Spokane Washington selling both cities as prime places for convention and leisure travelers
At Oregon State Coach Riley built the football program into a consistent winner and regular conference contender At Visit Spokane Backsen opened sales offices in Washington DC and Chicago that led to increased convention bookings Backsen also worked on the public campaign to expand the Spokane Convention Center with a $65 million bond issue The expansion coupled with increased hotel inventory allowed Spokane to pursue large conventions and more than doubled convention bookings in Spokane
Riley has experience at the highest level of football serving as the head coach of the San Diego Chargers and as a head coach in both the Canadian and World Football Leagues Same for Backsen he worked in Dallas and Chicago as the director of sales for Global Experience Specialists a global leader in the world of event planning Backsen supervised five sales offices in a nine-state region generating annual sales in excess of $70 million
Riley is known as one of the most professional and nicest men in the profession a coach who is greatly admired by his peers I kid you not Backsen is described the same way by colleaguesmdashone of the most genuine and skilled men in the business a well respected professional who has the insight and experience to get the job done (Note the $70M stat above)
Come the first game both men will have a stadium filled with fans cheering them on In Backsenrsquos case his stadium is the entire city of Omaha where the fans are the 434353 residents who will reap the rewards of Omaharsquos growing tourism economy
B2B
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 51
51HUSKER
COACH HAS TOURISM
TWIN
OMAHA CVB BY DEB WARD
Deb Ward is the director of marketingcommunications Omaha Convention and Visitorrsquos Bureau
Keith Backsen
52 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Jason Feldman and Sebastian Hunt
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 53
The emerging startup accelerator scene supports creative-minded risk-takers looking for an edge to follow their passion and bring their ideas to fruition
Sebastian Hunt 25 is passionate about giving entrepreneurs like himself a nurturing space to test out their concepts The University of Nebraska at Omaha economics graduate interned with various local employers and surveyed the area startup community when an idea struck him for a by-application curriculum-based residency program serving new entrepreneurs That inspiration turned into Year of the Startup
Launched in 2014 the program operates out of a humble house at 4036 Burt Street in the St Cecilia Cathedral neighborhood Hunt and co-founder Jason Feldman 28 room there with young residency fellows whose startup ventures range from making bio-fuels to providing night owl shuttle services They are a millennial bunch who favor sneakers and sandals They take informal meetings to nearby CaliCommons and Lisarsquos Radial Cafe They variously hunch over laptops or tablets and carry smartphones as appendages
YEAR OF THE STARTUP
ENTREPRENEURAL IMMERSION
This communal work-live space model for business mavericks is new to Omaha The usual startup accelerator is a concentrated 90-day off-site program Omaha has a few of these notably Straight Shot Hunt saw a need for a program that invites a broader range of people into the accelerator fold and supports them much nearer to the start of their dream than other programs
ldquoWe feel like we can take people at very early stages because we are four times as long as the average programrdquo says Hunt who adds that Year of the Startup is also not tech-centric like many programs tend to be ldquoIn our model we substitute intensity for duration I think a lot of the learning here comes through unstructured serendipitous interactions we have that is not curriculum-based itrsquos just happenstance
ldquoWith a house there are so many different ways you can bring ideas and people together I think thatrsquos maybe that critical binding agent and sense of place that helps accomplish thingsrdquo
He says in this intimate environment ldquotherersquos no other choice but to immerse yourself in the settingrdquo adding ldquoWersquore always hanging out in the living room or out back talking about startup stuffmdashmonetization strategies capitalization tables vested equity entity structuresrdquo
ldquoItrsquos this immersive experience of camaraderie of these natural flows and idea generationrdquo Feldman says
Hunt says ldquoThis is very difficult to get bored with because therersquos always somebody whose business is either in crisis or growth stage or some interesting part of the curverdquo
ldquoHow could we get bored when wersquore creating a platform with four startups and all we get to do is ideationrdquo Feldman says ldquoItrsquos a constant buzz we get from interacting with these startup founders and helping them build their ideasrdquo
Built into the program are activities that encourage fellows to break out of their comfort zone and to offer honest criticism of each otherrsquos ideas
Hunt compiles multiple data points on the startups
ldquoWersquore developing really deep insight about how do people start successful businessesrdquo
The program utilizes mentors from the entrepreneurial community
ldquoWe bring in people who are experts in specific areas to talk on those topicsrdquo Feldman says
ldquoThey get ideas flowingrdquo Hunt says of the mentors
Feldman says he regularly covers with fellows ldquothe major components of what you need to look at to start your businessrdquo and then mentors like Mike Kolker owner of graphic design firm Simplify teach lessons about operational efficiency and ldquohow to simplify running a businessrdquo
Hunt is a newcomer to all this and goes by instinct as much as research to support his vision
CONTINUED ON 54
FEATURE | BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
53
54 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
70 Years of Business in Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
4027335500 | 4315 South 50th Street
402-333-5722 bull wwwsw-fencecom
Thanks for Voting SampW Fence the Best Again in 2015
Wersquore Not Just About Fences
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
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AUDIO VISUAL SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDEbull System designengineeringbull Sales
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B2B
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aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER 2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
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ConnectWITH YOURCOMMUNITY
Donrsquot forget to visitOmahaMagazinecom to read
all of our titles online
Omaha MagazineEncounter B2B 60PlusHerFamily OmahaHome
CONTINUED FROM 53
ldquoI just had an irrational confidence market insights and a great theoretical background thanks to primary research I completed and to lessons I learned from Phillip Phillips Michael OrsquoHara and Art Diamond in UNOrsquos economics department I read constantly about who the players were in the startup world so I was fairly preparedrdquo
Even though he directs a startup program he only started participating in one himself (Venture School) He acknowledges Year of the Startup is a by-the-seat-of-your-pants experiment
ldquoComing out of college I had student loans and not a ton of money Irsquove held two jobs to finance the project Now the project is financed by a combination of me working and renting out one room One-hundred percent of the money our entrepreneurs pay in rent will be returned in full and so everybody has a strong incentive to follow through with the program That may be what makes us sustainablerdquo
Hersquos working on securing corporate sponsorship for the program Meanwhile he wants to help get participating startups to the next level
ldquoWersquore functioning like a pre-accelerator at this point We want to get our startups profitable and then refer them to the Straight Shots so they can focus on growth in a pure accelerator programrdquo
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 55
Mercedes-Benz of Omaha14335 Hillsdale Ave Omaha NE 68137wwwOmahaMercedescomContact John Williams anytime at 4029819262
of Omaha of Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
As Year of the Startup moved into a larger house in Omaharsquos Little Italy district on July 1 and a new class of fellows arrives Hunt says there are ldquointeresting talks happening right now to bring this to other citiesrdquo He and Feldman say economic development agencies are willing to pay a license fee for them to do startup houses in other cities The partners are having proprietary software developed that will enable new startup houses to replicate their branded Omaha model
They look forward to engaging with the emerging 10th Street cultural district but may keep the midtown house to accommodate growth
Hunt and Feldman believe theyrsquore catching the wave or tipping point of a big new startup rush and theyrsquore betting their model is poised to be a niche player in this wild frontier of entrepreneurial prospecting
B2B
56 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
It is an unassuming space but if you have made your way to TD Ameritrade Park Filmstreams or Hot Shops chances are yoursquove passed one of the most vibrant offices in Omaha
The fact that Co-Lab (short for Creative Collaborators) is not a traditional work space is certainly one of its best features Located inside the Tip Top building at 15th and Cumming streets is a project dreamed up by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture who happens to share the main floor of the building Based in the heart of a once-isolated section of the city Co-Labrsquos funky creative vibe is making waves In fact that vibe seeps into Omaharsquos everyday bringing about small changes pushing our city toward a more innovative future
CO-LABGIVING OMAHA WORKERS A MORE
COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE
IN THE OFFICE | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
56
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 57
Home to 18 businesses plus Alley Poyner Macchietto Co-Lab is free of walls and signage It is also free from traditional office norms For instance you donrsquot just walk over to your neighborrsquos space for a brainstorming sessionmdashyou skateboard At least you do if yoursquore Dave Nelson of SecretPenguin a leading experimental branding agency The best part is that the businesses surrounding SecretPenguin appreciate the break from tradition ldquoThatrsquos the beautiful part about being around like-minded good people and businessesrdquo Nelson says
CONTINUED ON 58
58 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 59
CONTINUED FROM 57
In addition to having pathways large enough to skateboard or bike through the space also provides Co-Labbers with a kitchen various conference rooms bike storage bathrooms and a battleground (otherwise known as the ping-pong table) Walking in the main doors clients and employees alike are greeted from the front desk while catching a view of the five-story open atrium basking in the glow of sunshine from the skylight Workers can also access the fitness room and rooftop deck sharing amenities with TipTop apartment residents who use a separate entrance
CONTINUED ON 60
The Harry A Koch CoInsurance amp Financial ConsultantsMember of First Insurance Group LLC
60 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
CONTINUED FROM 59
Businesses in Co-Lab all creativity-related range from entrepreneurs to start-ups to non-profits to small businesses The art varies in form but runs through the space like an electric current At Zicafoose Textiles Mary Zicafoose works steadily on her loom creating gorgeous tapestries 4Site Programming is where Joi Brown works as an independent consultant for performing arts centers across the nation Heartland B-Cycle a large-scale municipal bike sharing system brings art in the form of economical convenience Holly Boyer a founder of non-profit organization Mission Matters explains that one of the best things about having an office at Co-Lab is feeling the innovative positive energy from the moment you walk in the door So while individuals may join Co-Lab with a business-minded focus or a more creative vibe finding a yin to their yang is just a shout away
ldquoThere is certainly a wonderful built-in support network that comes along with working in a collaborative environmentrdquo quips Omaha Creative Institute Executive Director Emily Moody ldquoEverything from sharing ideas and finding ways to collaborate with an organization different than yours to sharing a staplerrdquo
At the heart of making it work says Laura Alley of Alley Poyner itrsquos simply playing well with others
The skateboarding ping-pong playing creatives do that well
B2B
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Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott Enterprises
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For more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
TD Ameritrade Park | First National Bank Tower | Midtown Crossing | Village Pointe | Childrenrsquos Hospital Aksarben Village | Joslyn Art Museum | Fred amp Pamela Buffett Cancer Center | UNO Community Arena
6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
AT THE OFFICE amp ON THE GO
Headsets by
Plantronics BackBeat
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Plantronics CS540
Wireless
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Clean Your BrowserRemove Temporary Internet Files
Delete Adware and CookiesDefrag Hard Drives
Intall Current Microsoft PatchesInstall Microsoft Security Updates
Update Drivers
13
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
- BB1015_fntCvr_125
- BB1015_fntEdit_125
- BB1015_bkEdit_125
- BB1015_bkCvr_125
-
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 11
That was two years ago Now Anderson gets his rsquodo done at his own placemdashScissors amp Scotch which opened in March at 2835 South 170th Plaza
As its name suggests therersquos much more to Scissors amp Scotch than just a great cut The new shop offers an upscale grooming experience featuring traditional barbering services (in plush old-school barber chairs) and modern spa treatments steamed towels hot lather neck shaves scalp neck shoulder and hand massages paraffin hand dips facial and skin services coloringshellipeven nose waxings Therersquos a shoe shine station on Thursdays And full body massages are on the way
All for dudes
Oh yeah and when customers are done one of five complimentary hand-crafted whiskey cocktails await them in a private lounge
ldquoTherersquos nothing like this right nowrdquo Anderson says ldquoI would put it up against any place in the country
ldquoItrsquos not just a haircut at Scissors amp Scotch itrsquos an experience We havenrsquot had one person come back and say lsquoThat was terriblersquo Most guys are like lsquoWow that was awesomersquordquo
Anderson didnrsquot do it all alone Hersquos equal partners with longtime friend Sean Finley whom he grew up with in Prairie Village Kansas and Tanner Wiles a friend he met at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where Anderson played baseball before earning his degree in 2011
Anderson later worked for Federated Insurance which moved him from Minneapolis to Omaha in April 2013 Thatrsquos when he first went looking for a haircut While researching his options Anderson saw that menrsquos grooming had become the fastest growing part of the beauty industry
ldquoThat really intrigued me and I got really excited about itrdquo
CONTINUEDemspONemsp12
12emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp11
Why not open his own place Anderson brought that idea to Finley and Wiles one night at a bar in early 2014 Not one of them had any experience in the grooming industry but the trio soon discussed the idea by group text message Then they met regularly working on documents and video conferencing via Google Hangouts Wiles worked in sales at Ambulatory Care in Kansas City Finley completed his law degree in Columbia Missouri (hersquos now a corporate attorney at Husch Blackwell in Kansas City)
They hammered out the concept of Scissors amp Scotch leveraged whatever assets they possessed at such tender ages (Finley and Wiles are 27 Anderson 26) and got an SBA loan In August 2014 they signed a lease at Shops of Legacy This March they opened with nine employees not counting themselves
104 5th St Fullerton NE 68638 308-550-0632 signdan170yahoocomSignCraftersMidwestcom
FREE DELIVERY
Orders over $100
EmbroideryPolos Jackets T-Shirts Hats amp More
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Your Logo Here
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 13
Response exceeded expectations Six weeks after opening Scissors amp Scotch averaged 80 new clients per week and about 30 haircuts a day More than 60 percent of the customers opted for the $52 ldquo15-year servicerdquo (as in the age of fine Scotch) Its membership programmdashthe Scotch-inspired 10- 15- and 25-year packages with escalating benefits at each levelmdashwas expected to generate 100 sales the first year Scissors amp Scotch sold 90 the first month
ldquoItrsquos really encouragingrdquo Anderson says ldquoEach week wersquove done more haircuts than the previous week since we openedrdquo
And all of it by word-of-mouth advertising (though Scissors amp Scotch recently started advertising on AM 590)
ldquoIrsquove had a lot of guys say lsquoThis is Omaha Nebraska right This is something I expect to see in a Chicago or a New York or a Dallasrsquordquo
Thanks to Anderson Omaha it is
B2B
THANK YOU OMAHA
402733232212310 K Plaza Ste 108
BEST FLORISTldquoTaylor Maderdquo for ALL
your floral needs since 1950rdquo
Locally Owned Since 1950
NAI means wersquore worldwide NP Dodge means wersquore local With more than 375 offices around the globe and more than 150 years in Omaha
How can we help your business
12050 Pacific Street | Omaha NE 68154 | +1 402 255 6060 | nainpdodgecom
The NAI NP Dodge
Difference
Services we offer
14emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
ldquoPeople need vacation to recharge and get inspired to continue to love what they dordquo she says ldquoA lot of times when you give people that break they come back more energized and with great ideas It makes them happier it makes us a better companyrdquo-HEIDI MOUSBACH
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 15
GOING TO THE DOGSERVIN amp SMITHrsquoS RELAXED AWARD-WINNING VIBE
OMAHA | BY ANTHONY FLOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Want to know how much fun it is to work at Omaha digital marketing firm Ervin amp Smith Just ask Peanut Gwen Duke or Daphne Jane
They wonrsquot talk to youhellipbut yoursquoll probably see their tails wagging
ldquoAny week we have probably a couple dogs in the officerdquo says Heidi Mausbach Ervin amp Smith president and CEO ldquoYou find them at your desk begging for a little treat They follow their owners around the agencyrdquo
The furry friends are there as one of many workplace benefits garnering Ervin amp Smith attention here and nationally In February the agency founded 31 years ago by Executive Chairman Doug Smith made the 2015 Best Places to Work in Omaha list sponsored by Baird Holm and the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce That came three months after Advertising Age ranked Ervin amp Smith number 13 on its list of 40 Best Places to Work in Advertising amp Media based on hiring practices benefits packages salaries office perks and more
ldquoYou spendhellipa good percentage of your life at workrdquo Mausbach says ldquoYou want to be at a place you love to come to People do love it here You donrsquot dread Monday morningrdquo
Even if yoursquore on vacationmdashwhich is unlimited at Ervin amp Smith as are sick and personal days The new leave policy established in January 2014 is among the most intriguing initiatives at the agency
ldquoPeople are free to come and go as long as they are fulfilling their client commitments and meeting their other goalsrdquo Mausbach says
So have employees been abusing the policy with copious vacation days Mausbach canrsquot saymdashErvin amp Smith isnrsquot tracking days If therersquos any challenge to the time-off policy itrsquos been with employees not taking enough personal time Mausbach who joined the agency 15 years ago was among those who took ldquoa lot lessrdquo vacation than she typically would
ldquoPeople need vacation to recharge and get inspired to continue to love what they dordquo she says ldquoA lot of times when you give people that break they come back more energized and with great ideas It makes them happier it makes us a better companyrdquo
While employees appreciate the flexibility the policy allows them to get away from work Ervin amp Smith has seen benefits in the officemdashless idle activity greater communication and collaboration and perhaps best of all fewer and shorter meetings as employees focus on goals and commitments
CONTINUEDemspONemsp16
15
16emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp15
The company also allows employees to work from home as needed or even full-time from cities across the country (one Ervin amp Smith employee lives in Washington another in Colorado) The company also established an annual ldquoSlush FUNdrdquo giving each employee $100 to spend on something that will enhance company culture such as a popcorn machine Some pooled their money to buy meditation classes open to everyone Others adopted a family at Christmas
Workplace enhancements can be simple A couple of years of ago the agency added a ping pong table Sometimes thatrsquos where the best work happens ldquoItrsquos interesting how their minds workrdquo Mausbach says ldquoA lot of times theyrsquore playing and brainstorming There are amazing ideas that come out of work and play at the same timerdquo
Other initiatives to enhance the Ervin amp Smith environment include redesigned offices an expanded client conference room
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 17
a per-person training budget more than twice the industry average catered lunches and happy hours and a monthly wellness stipend reimbursing employees up to $25 a month
The most popular benefit is Flame Schoedermdash a professional certified life coach made available for monthly development sessions
ldquoOf all the benefits they feel this is the one definitely helping them the most professionally and personallyrdquo Mausbach says
The initiatives seem to work Ervin amp Smith promoted 12 employees and hired 15 others last year Its retention rate in 2014 was 84 percent better than the typical industry rate of 70 percent or worse Mausbach cites
Ervin amp Smith is building employee relationships Perks are great People are better
Making Ervin amp Smith a doggone great place to work
B2B
8 ConsecutiveYears
Thanks Omaha for 30 Years2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
4023999233 | wwwsparklingkleancom
A+ Rating20 Consecutive Years
Exceptional Event Space amp Catering
Wersquoll make your next event one to remember
6450 Pine Street | 402-778-6313ScottCentercom
17
18emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
ESPELITE SERVICE PROFESSIONALS
Superior quality exceptional service
If you are a CEO key executive or business owner call 4024017560
copy 2015 Vistage Worldwide Inc 14_261_3131 kkk
Discover what thousands of CEOs already know Vistage works
Get answers Take action Like you the members of a Vistage Advisory Board are proven business leaders and critical thinkers They have smart ideas and insightful opinions and this is the forum to express them At our monthly meetings yoursquoll encounter lively discussions where business leaders tell it like it is If you find that refreshing then be our guest at our next monthly group meeting
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 19
Leo Costanzo Anne Taylor and Alan Hove of Controlled Comfort
BRANDREBRAND | BY ELIZABETH MACK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Jingle writers have done their job if they create an earwormmdasha song so catchy it sticks in your head and wonrsquot leave ldquoWhen I tell people I work at Controlled Comfort they immediately start singing the jinglerdquo says Alan Hove who along with co-owners Leo Costanzo and Anne Taylor purchased Controlled Comfort in 2004 ldquoItrsquos the best form of advertising we could ever hope forrdquo
CONTINUEDemspONemsp20
SINGING A HAPPY TUNEJINGLING ALL THE WAY
19
20emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
John Sievers
Businesses Are Buying SmarterThe All Makesrsquo team is trained to help you make design decisions and furniture purchases that fi t your offi ce atmosphere your work style and your budget Visit All Makesrsquo redesigned showroom to see the latest in new offi ce furniture pre-owned offi ce furniture and business technology
wwwallmakescom Omaha 2558 Farnam St | 4023412413 Lincoln 3333 O St | 4024777131
Thank you for voting us 1 for 10 consecutive years
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp19
Most people in the Omaha metro area are familiar with that animated female voice belting out ldquoControlled ComfortndashKeep it Under Controoooooolrdquo Many locals probably would not guess the companyrsquos logo (an angel) but could at least hum a few bars of the jingle Whether a catchy tune is annoying or enjoyable is a matter of opinion but once that musical worm has worked its way into your psyche you are forced to remember the product which is exactly what advertisers hope for
When companies change ownership one major decision is whether or not to maintain the same brand image and the current owners of Controlled Comfort knew they wanted things to stay pretty much the same when they took ownership
ldquoWe love our jinglerdquo says Taylor ldquoWhen we purchased the company we knew we wanted to maintain the image and keep the logo and jingle We couldnrsquot ask for a better form of advertisingrdquo
Research shows that music increases recall and simple melodies with simple lyrics stick with a consumer not only for the short term but often the long-term Remember ldquoI Wish I Were an Oscar Meyer Weinerrdquo Even if it has been years since you have actually heard it chances are you can still sing the entire song Controlled Comfortrsquos brand may not be as huge as Oscar Meyerrsquos but their jingle has stood the test of time being sung on local radio and TV for nearly 20 years with no end in sight
Taylor recounts how in the mid-1990s local musician Johnny Ray Gomez produced the jingle for a radio spot
ldquoThe previous owners purchased a year of radio advertising and it came with a jinglerdquo Taylor says
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
THANKS OMAHA
Embroidery middot Screen Printing middot Promotional Digital Printing middot Mailing middot Company Stores
13747 F St 4025961002 ideal-imagescom
ldquoWhen we purchased the company we knew we wanted to maintain the image and keep the logo and jingle We couldnrsquot ask for a better form of advertisingrdquo-ANNE TAYLOR
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 21
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
At the time they had no idea they did not retain exclusive rights to the melody
ldquoI just recently heard the song while I was traveling in western Nebraska It was quite a shockrdquo she adds with a laugh
Branding is all about creating an image of a business that will stick in a customerrsquos mind Though most businesses rely on visual advertising to create their brand jingles can be an additional way to increase awareness and create staying power People often remember a catchy tune Throw the company name and their phone number in the jingle lyrics and customers may not even need to look up the contact information
ldquoIf I forget the phone number I just sing the jinglerdquo says one local customer
Though original jingles declined in recent years as more large companies turn to popular songs for their advertising a few local companies still spend at least some marketing dollars on jingles Whether you think it annoying or catchy a jingle may be your best advertising investment
B2B
4023333062 | planitomahacom | 10832 old mill road suite 5 | omaha ne 68154
planitomaha A national and
regional powerhouse in
meetings conferences amp
events
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
22emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 2
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 23
How is it that Midlands Choice has come to make an investment in of all things a ballerina
Sure the bottom line of any insurance entity is driven by risk managementmdashthe investing of premium revenues to hedge against claims
But taking stock in Claire Goodwillie a company dancer with Ballet Nebraska
The Midlands Choice example is repeated all across the metro as area businesses support a broad array of arts nonprofits ones that dwell in everything from tutus to tempura
And the table is set for a new era of collaboration between business and the arts because philanthropic giving in America has finally returned to pre-recession levels
Contributions which totaled $358 billion in 2014 surpassed 2007rsquos pre-recession level of $355 billion Additionally giving was up from all major sourcesmdashindividuals corporations foundations and bequestsmdashaccording to Giving USA an annual report compiled by the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and the Giving USA Foundation of Chicago
ldquoEight out of nine types of charitable organizations we measure saw increased contributions and thatrsquos good news for the
BALLET NEBRASKAA PAS DE DEUX BETWEEN BUSINESS AND THE ARTS
philanthropic sector as a wholerdquo W Keith Curtis told Omaha Magazine in an email Curtis is chair of Giving USA Foundation and president of the nonprofit consulting firm The Curtis Group ldquoThe 60-year high for charitable giving in 2014 is a great story about resilience and perseverancerdquo
Themes of resilience and perseverance define the Ballet Nebraska story
Erika Overturff was 27 years old when the ballet company of which she was a dancer and resident choreographer appeared doomed She had no money She had no business acumen
That was 2009 Flash forward to 2015 and Overturff now 33 founder and artistic director of Ballet Nebraska is leading the regionrsquos only professional dance company into its sixth season
In a city known for its ldquocan-dordquo spirit this story could be about almost any local arts nonprofit but the unlikely saga of Ballet Nebraska is told here because it is perhaps the most improbable of tales one that best reveals what a business community and the arts can do when they share a common vision
CONTINUEDemspONemsp24
BY DAVID WILLIAMS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
23COVERemspFEATURE
24emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp23
Like settling into your seat with a program before the lights dim at any performing arts venue itrsquos probably best to start by reviewing the cast of characters
THE CONNECTORHal Daub knows people Especially in a city of six degrees of separation that is in reality much more like two or three degrees the former Omaha mayor (1995-2001) and US Congressman (1981-1989) who has served on countless nonprofit boards and is now a partner at Husch Blackwellhellipknows people
ldquoWhen I was first introduced to Hal and he offered to helprdquo Overturff says ldquoI assumed that meant he was going to maybe make a few calls and do a little name-droppingrdquo Daub it turned out would become a key player in the often delicate pas de deux that is the coupling of business and the arts ldquoHe not only made those calls but he set up the appointmentshellipand then he came along to personally introduce me and stand by my side in front of those who would become some of the most generous funders of Ballet Nebraskardquo
ldquoThe reason I am so fascinated by what Erika has donerdquo says Daub ldquois that Omaha is a city that has clearly evolved to become a place that is not just metropolitan but truly cosmopolitanrdquo And investing in the arts Daub believes makes good business sense ldquoThe social environment of a citymdashits arts and entertainmentmdashis critical in attracting and retaining the best workforce Ballet Nebraska Opera Omaha the Omaha Symphony Omaha Performing Artshellipthose and so many others are the organizations that help keep the best talent in Omahardquo
THE ADVOCATEMichelle Clark is Union Pacificrsquos general director of information technologies which means she probably knows more than a little about computer viruses As a three-year board member of Ballet Nebraska shersquos also seen how supporting the arts can go viral
ldquoEmployee generosity is furthered by the use of the companyrsquos matching gifts programrdquo Clark explains ldquoThis creates a sense of pride for employees and Union Pacific is supportive of the communities in which we live and work The employees of Union Pacific are very generous and have supported fundraising drives not only for Ballet Nebraska but a number of organizations such as the Womenrsquos Center for Advancement and JDRFrdquo
Employees should never underestimate their power to play a key role in advocating for nonprofits within their organizations
ldquoI am passionate about the art of dance especially ballet and Ballet Nebraskardquo Clark says ldquoDance inspires my creativity and provides insights to see beyond the obvious My hope is that by providing individuals with the awareness of opportunities to experience and support the art of dance they will find their own inspiration to apply to their own liferdquo
And just as stubborn computer viruses are often cloyingly messy to eradicate once discovered Union Pacificrsquos relationship with Ballet Nebraska has a ldquostickinessrdquo of its own Clark was preceded on the Ballet Nebraska board by Gayla Thal the companyrsquos senior vice president and general counsel
THE BULLDOGDonrsquot let the gentle demeanor of Midlands Choice vice president Greta Vaught fool you Supporting the arts is often a visceral experience and Vaughtrsquos passion for dance exerted itself on multiple levels in the early stages of growth at Ballet Nebraska
ldquoMidlands Choice has always been supportive of my work in the communityrdquo says the board chair of Ballet Nebraska
ldquoWe like to listen to our people when making such decisionsrdquo says Midlands Choice President and CEO Thomas E Press rdquoIt is important for us to know that our giving has real meaning for them their families and their communitiesrdquo
ldquoI looked at what Erika was trying to dordquo Vaught continues ldquoand I thought it was brave but impossible But all along the way I just kept going back to the thought that if one of my daughters [Mia now 15 and Hannah now 19] wanted to try something so bold one day thatrdquohellipinsert long pausehellipldquoIrsquom sorry this is making me cry I would just hope that people with experience and connections and dollars would shepherd my daughters along like so many people have done with Erika and Ballet Nebraskardquo
Okay so maybe ldquoThe Bulldogrdquo wasnrsquot such a great character name for this role after all
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 25
Fast-Paced Public Relations
Customer-Based Planning and Communications
402-964-9293 11626 Nicholas Street
zaisscocom
For the Connected World
Every story Every tweet Every interaction
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Join the world of innovative PR ndash partner with experts
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B2B OMAHArsquoS
Best PR Agency 7 Years Running
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
THE ARTISTldquoI had to do a lot of on-the-job learning when I decided to try to launch a dance companyrdquo Overturff says ldquoWe were lucky in that we got our nonprofit status right away but I didnrsquot know anything about the business side of things and really nothing about raising funds I was moved by every $5 check that came in but it took a lot of mentoring advice and counsel to get us to where we are today as a fully funded professional performance companyrdquo
Ballet Nebraska now has a paid staff of 22 including nine salaries paid to company dancers Today Overturffrsquos once-nonexistent business connections run deep Personal contributions from the likes of philanthropists Richard Holland and Fred and Eve Simon further fuel the growth of ballet in Omaha Foundations also play a major role in funding A recent gift of $124000 from the Iowa West Foundation is the largest in Ballet Nebraska history
ldquoTalented professionals from all over the world that have trained their whole lives to pursue a career in dance now come to Omaha in the hopes of performing with Ballet Nebraska as we serve the state and western Iowa in performances education outreach and morerdquo she says ldquoA ballet companymdashany performing arts company any arts organizationmdashis about its peoplehellipthe artists the staff and hardworking selfless volunteers But it is the people of Omaha from the smallest donations to the relationships we have with such great businesses that makes it all happenrdquo
B2B
26emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
26OFFICE FURNITURE BY DOUG SCHURING
OFFICE ORIGINS
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE MODERN WORKPLACE
For all the time we spend in our office very few of us are familiar with how that space came to be You may actually be surprised by the events and inventions that helped form the work environment we know today From the development of the railroad to innovations in communication our current corporate habits structures and tools have all played a role In his book CubedmdashA Secret History of the Workplace Nikil Saval shapes the advances that created the conventional office we are familiar with today
The advent of the Morse telegraph spawned long-distance communication Then starting in 1860 a series of technological innovations changed the possibilities of the workplace the use of iron framework permitted the construction of taller buildings and elevators assisted the climb The Remington typewriter entered the office in 1874 Bellrsquos telephone was patented two years later
At the same time railroads expanded across the country reducing transportation costs and extending markets for goods and services Additionally railroads produced an organizational transformation still in use today The coordination of trains required employees housed in structures all across the country bringing a variety of offices to the American landscape Between the executive the manager and the workerhellipthe organizational chart was born
The invention of telecommunications fostered the speed of information to surge creating more
Doug Schuring is the director of sales administration at All Makes Office Equipment Co
work and subsequently more workers As these workers moved into new structures the spaces reflected their various levels of management In 1915 the Metal Office Furniture Company (now Steelcase) invented the modern deskmdasha flat metal table outfitted with file drawers The new desks massed together in defined rows offered managers full visual access to the goings-on of the workplace and this ldquosea of desksrdquo became the norm for decades Lockers and various cabinets popular in the Great Depression era became vertical files once steel became readily available after World War II
In 1968 Herman Miller introduced the first panel system with attached components Designed by Robert Propst the Action Office system revolutionized the ldquoofficerdquo in form flexibility and cost Other furniture manufacturers mimicked the modular system which became the norm for many businesses
Up to the rsquo90s the personal computerrsquos popularity grew and the relative size of work stations decreased between 25-50 percent By the middle of that decade the dot-com revolution on the West Coast created an unprecedented workplace culture The formal atmosphere of the office became much more casual and discontent for the Dilbert-esque cubicle grew Subsequently creative furniture solutions evolved with the desire to be more mobile leading the way
In the early 2000rsquos collaborative open offices grew in popularity New and improving
technologies now offer connectivity in the office home or public spaces As a result nearly every company today is adapting and using new furnishings as a tool to attract new workers At the same time retaining existing employees is equally important The goal is to make everyone more effective and efficient in their work
Whether you work in an office from home in the local coffee shop or out of an airline terminal you may start to notice that much of the furniture is beginning to look very similar As long as you are able to connect to technology you can work from virtually anywhere
B2B
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Ralston NE 68127
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Looking for INNOVATIVE MARKETING IDEAS Want to BOOST SALES AND ADD ROI Need to ANALYZE DATA TO GROW MARKET SHARE
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omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 27
28emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Outlook Nebraska CEO Eric Stueckrath
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 29
On the surface it looks just like any other office or factory As you enter Outlook Nebraska Inc (ONI) yoursquore greeted by a friendly front desk attendant and led past a perfectly ordinary-looking workspace Entering their factory where they manufacture such paper products as rolls of hand towels you wouldnrsquot suspect that it is different from any other assembly line
But explore a little deeper
Walking past one office you might see a man typing away on a keyboard his laptop closed in front of him He doesnrsquot need it open to know what hersquos typing Hersquos visually impaired and utilizing computer software that reads the words aloud as he types
On the factory floor raised edges guard the walkway so sightless employees can feel their way around Over on the assembly line visually impaired workers can use a computer screen to zoom in on the product at various stages of production to assess the process
ONI is a non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance the life of the blind and visually impaired through employment opportunities and training Almost all the employees at ONI are blind or visually impaired from factory workers to IT professionals Some were born blind others lost their sight later in life ONI aims to help them all re-enter the workforce in a meaningful way
A SIGHT FOR NON-SEEING EYES
OUTLOOK NEBRASKA
ldquoThey get used to being on their feetrdquo says ONI CEO Eric Stueckrath ldquoWe offer jobs for [people with] entry-level skill sets and all of the positions are at or above minimum wage We give them the tools to help build those skill setsrdquo
ONI also offers personalized life-skills training geared to whatrsquos important to the individual from personal banking to cooking to operating a computer
The American Foundation for the Blind estimates that as many as 70 percent of blind adults in the US are unemployed As the largest employer of the blind in the Omaha metro area ONI is working to make an impact
ldquoWe work with organizations that are committed to hiring the visually impairedrdquo Stuekrath says ldquoAdvocacy is definitely part of what we dordquo
ONI is currently in the midst of a $2 million capital campaign that will allow them to complete a large-scale renovation project at their facility The renovation will create more space for the general public and give them the ability to offer additional training programs
In addition to working with adults blind and visually-impaired youth are a primary focus for Stuekrath and ONI
ldquoMy heart really gravitates toward themrdquo Stuekrath says
ONI partners with youth organizations on a number of initiatives including a sports camp for visually-impaired youth called Camp Abilities Nebraska Attendees can try archery swimming bowling track and field and more as a means to build confidence
ldquoThey donrsquot need to be coddledrdquo Stuekrath says adding that he often tells parents of blind children ldquoYour kid needs to get out there and bump his head and experience liferdquo
At ONI everything comes back to the organizationrsquos mission Stuekrath says
ldquoWe give them the tools they need to gain greater independencerdquo
B2B
FEATURE | BY APRIL CHRISTENSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY COLIN CONCES
29
30emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Layne and Pam Yahnke and Their VW Thing
Shakespeare wrote of love and betrayal Tolkien of hobbits and wizards Steinbeck and Faulkner of the indomitable American spirit
Layne Yahnke writes about his VW Thing
Yes the two-wheel-drive off-road convertible military vehicle first manufactured for the West German Army as ldquoType 181rdquo in 1968 VW churned them out until 1983 including two years in the United States when marketed as ldquoThe Thingrdquo
Yahnke got his Thing in 2000 for $5500 Hersquos lovingly restored it most importantly giving it a peppy new motor that makes it Autobahn-worthy
WHATrsquoS THAT THING
LANE YAHNKErsquoS UNUSUAL VOLKSWAGEN
HOW I ROLL | BY ANTHONY FLOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Therersquos only one other Thing in Omaha and Yahnkersquos gets lots of second and third looks when hersquos whipping down the Dodge Street Expressway from his Elkhorn home Especially when the doors are off and windshield is down
Everyone wants to know abouthellipthe Thing
Thus Yahnke penned ldquoIt Takes a Village to Build a VW Thingrdquo an ode to those who helped him with his beloved ridemdashhis sons Omaha VW Club members engine and body shops and parts stores
CONTINUEDemspONemsp32
30
SIGN UP TODAYdolnebraskagovsides
Questions phone - 402-471-9910 email - ndoluisidesnebraskagov
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Free - No postage costsno sign-up fee
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E-Response saves treesNo more paper 350rsquos
Keep your taxes lowAvoid unnecessary charges
Avoid Late responses ampLoss of appeal rights
32emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Locally Owned in Papillion Ne402-740-0800 bull apconstructomahacom
Insurance claims
welcomeIf your roof sustained fire snow or hail
damage the repairs can be costly We are your wind and hail damage experts and accept insurance claims so you wonrsquot
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Passion Creativity Experience
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp31
ldquoI wrote that right after the engine transplantrdquo says Yahnke an Omaha native and vice president at Essex Corp provider of senior living communities ldquoI guess I was moved I get so many inquiries about it and I really feel so fondly about itrdquo
Itrsquos not his first Thing Yahnke and his wife of 38 years Pam owned one before their four children came along As the kids have come and gone so have the cars
Lots of them
Yahnke figures he has owned 60 automobiles in his life His car fancy began as a kid growing up in Dundee where a friendrsquos dad spent his spare time restoring English cars Yahnke spent hours in his garage and developed a love for Triumphs and MGs His first car purchase was a 1962 Triumph for $425 in 1972 It wasnrsquot long though until he sold it at a profit
ldquoThatrsquos what kicked off the buying and selling of English carsrdquo he says ldquoI discovered I could enjoy my transportation but then as soon as someone wanted to buy it for more than I paid for it out it wentrdquo
ldquoWhere Accounting Meets ResultsrdquoProviding Accounting and Quickbooks Services
For Metro Businesses
Denise Martin I 9252077634Deniseheartlandaccountabilitycom
wwwHeartlandAccountAbilitycom
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 33
These days you never know what will be parked in the Yahnke driveway Currently therersquos a Honda pickup a VW Jetta VW Multivan and a 2001 Audi TT Quatro Convertiblemdashpurchased in apropos silver for his 25th wedding anniversary
Itrsquos the Thing he most enjoys driving He logs about 1000 miles on it each year Most of those have come toplessmdashYahnke long ago gave it away to another Thing enthusiast and now only drives it sans roof
ldquoAnyone who sees this car has only seen it top-downrdquo he says ldquoI just got caught once in the rain and that was probably a month ago The cool thing about the Thing is you leave it out in the sun and it dries out and is ready to gordquo
It says ldquoSummer is hererdquo Yahnke says
ldquoPeople speed up all the time to try to figure out what it is Itrsquos just a happy car and itrsquos so darn versatile It puts smiles on peoplesrsquo facesrdquo
B2B
Quality Carpet Cleaning Since 2004
4026806523
Cleaning ServicesCarpet CleaningUpholstery CleaningMattress CleaningTile amp Grout CleaningPet TreatmentsConcrete CleaningConcrete CleaningAuto Interior Cleaning24 Hour Water Damage
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omahamagazinecom SPECIALemspADVERTISINGemspSECTIONemspemsp |emsp SUMMERemsp2015emsp |emsp 34
ABOUT OUR BUSINESS
Cox Business started in 2000 as the commercial services division of Cox Communications Over the past 15 years we have experienced strong growth and are on our target to achieve $2 billion in revenue in the near future
Cox Business owns operates and maintains its own network providing leading-edge technology solutions for voice internet networking and digital TV We also offer robust business continuity and disaster recovery solutions which is of increasing importance to businesses in the greater Omaha area Our customers include such key verticals as education hospitality government and healthcare We maintain a significant focus on Omaha small business mid-markets and large local companies as well
We consider our employees to be our most precious asset as they have the responsibility of taking care of our customers At Cox Business we are fortunate to have an extremely tenured and engaged team of employees What sets us apart from our competition is the fact that while we are a large robust and progressive company we still possess
the nimbleness of a smaller company in our ability to deliver creative solutions under tight timelines We pride ourselves on having very little bureaucracy and that translates to happy customers The fact that Cox Business has won 15 JD Power Awards for customer satisfaction over the past 11 years is a notable accomplishment for us and we work hard to deliver on that promise of excellence every day
ABOUT LYNNE
I have led sales and operations teams in the communications industry for 20 years 10 of those years with Cox Communications My husband Pat and I just celebrated our first full year in Omaha and wonder why it took us so long to find this jewel of a community Our daughter Kaylin starts law school next month at the University of San Diego
I have two passions in my professional life mentoring employees who are working on leadership development (which includes working with two to three emerging leaders at any given time) and continuing to drive efforts in hiring fostering a diverse workforce There
is a challenge in STEM fields of under-represented groups My company Cox Communications is also very passionate about this and holds the distinction of inclusion in Diversity Incrsquos top 50 companies
My personal passions include travel social media and Italian cooking
B2B
COX BUSINESSLYNNE SANGIMINO
Cox Business 401 N 117th St Omaha NE 68154 coxbusinesscom 4029340830
Cradickrsquos Husker PowerTEXAN RETURNS HOME FOR BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY PG 8
Marlon Lofgren Koley Jessen PC LLOKEEPING THE FOCUS WHERE IT BELONGS PG 4
Seasoned Advice for Buyers(THE BOUNCY KIND) PG 5
PLAYING BIG EDITION
Fall
2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
2
Volume 1 Issue 5
Published by The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
PresidentEditor bull Cortney Sells
DirectorAssistant Editor bull Cassandra Powers
In-House Legal Counsel bull Susanne Miller
Outreach Coordinator bull Rene Rademacher
Marketing Development bull Rachael Rand
Business Broker bull Breann Becerra
Referring Broker bull Elizabeth Jones
Marketing Division bull Adam Jaime
Development Liaison bull Holley Garcia
Client Services bull Nycole Wandvik-Tolle
Client Services bull Julie OrsquoBrien
Community Relations bull Mike Sells
Contributing Writers
Marlon Lofgren bull Kathy Rygg bull Maureen Tierney
Design bull OBI Creative
Photography bull Bill Sitzmann
To Subscribe
The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
210 N 78 St
Omaha NE 68114
4029985288
infothefirmb2bcom
Advertising Inquiries
4028842000
toddomahamagazinecom
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Columns
4 Seller Financing
Koley Jessen PC LLO Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
14 Executive Impact Getting Into the Big Office
Departments
5 Seasoned Advice for
Business Buyers (The Bouncy Kind)
12 Building a Legacy while
Building Racks New Chapter to Becklerrsquos Career
The Bottom Line
Sells Insights
Playing Big
Husker PowerTexan returns home to
Nebraska for business opportunity
pg8
Many business owners have marginal experience in the trades in which their
organizations specialize While it may seem counterintuitive to buy or start a company situated around an industry in which one has little experience there is a certain com-petitive edge to the equation A buyer or president need only know enough to begin before surrounding him or herself with the right personnel to tackle the minute details What is paramount is the grander scheme of
management and operations which allows one to flex refined business acumen Not only does distance from fieldwork free up time to put in place a robust and refined plan but it leaves open other avenues for portfolio expansion Grow your business expand operations or begin other busi-ness ventures The possibilities are only as small as the mindset held by your team The FIRM
Special Section
7 Fresh Off The Firm The Firm Business Brokerage has
over $80 million dollars in assets under
management of current cash flowing
businesses for sale ndash from medical
practices to commercial services to large
manufacturing companies
by Cortney Sells presidenteditor
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
3Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
4
IF PROPERLY STRUCTURED AND DOCUMENTED SELLER FINANCING IS REALLY NO DIFFERENT FROM FINANCING THAT WOULD OTHERWISE BE PROVIDED BY A BANKTYING IT ALL TOGETHEREven the most savvy of ldquonumbers peoplerdquo need a leg up in negotiating a purchase As with so many aspects of doing business retaining experienced legal counsel enables you to keep the focus where it belongsmdashemploying your entrepreneurial skills in the identification and acquisition of profitable business ventures The FIRM
Seller Financing Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
written by Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
Seller financing can often be a criti-cal factor in getting a business sold
If properly structured and documented seller financing is really no different from financing that would otherwise be provided by a bank Below is a brief guide to navi-gating the issues normally encountered in seller financing
FIRST THINGS FIRSTThe first question is usually that of how to structure and document the financing The buyer should be expected to sign a prom-issory note evidencing the loan from the seller with interest and repayment terms mutually agreeable to both parties The seller might also require that the buyer grant the seller a security interestlien in the pur-chased assets to secure the loan Itrsquos also not unusual for a seller to require that the individual owners of the buyer (assuming the buyer is an entity) personally guarantee the loan In most cases the documents are usually pretty straightforward and do not need to be overly complicated
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
ADDITIONAL LAYERSIf a bank is also financing the sale the seller will most likely be required by the bank to sign a subordination agreement This is an agreement between the bank usually referred to as the ldquosenior lenderrdquo and the seller referred to as the ldquojunior lenderrdquo A subordination agreement sets forth the terms between the lenders as to each entityrsquos right to receive loan pay-ments from the buyer and the priority of their respective security interestsliens in the purchased assets The document will usually state that the senior lenderrsquos loan and security interestliens shall at all times be superior to those of the junior lender until the senior loan is paid in full Most lenders are willing to discuss and negoti-ate the junior lenderrsquos right to receive loan payments from the borrower Lien priority status however is rarely compromised by senior lenders in subordination agreements The senior lender will insist on having a first priority security interestlien in the pur-chased assets
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Whether yoursquore a first-time entre-preneur or an experienced business
owner purchasing a company is a critical investment financially and emotionally To help increase the likelihood of it being a success in both areas there are a number of aspects to keep in mind when evaluating if a business is the right fit gt
Seasoned Advice for Business Buyers(The Bouncy Kind)
written by Kathy Rygg
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Jerry Rachwalik
5Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
6
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
lt Jerry Rachwalik has been researching companies for the past three years waiting for the right opportunity to arise His search was the result of spending his career work-ing for larger organizations in a number of areas including delivery installation cus-tomer service inventory accounts receiv-ables and scheduling where he managed up to 35 people at a time
Policies and philosophies can change when working for a corporation Sometimes they become less family friendly ldquoWith the previous companies I worked forrdquo Rachwalik says ldquothey switched from caring about em-ployees to making money and the bottom line I stuck it out for several years and then decided I needed something differentrdquo
An entrepreneur by nature Rachwalik has over the last seven years built up a rental business buying foreclosed homes and duplex properties completely reno-vating them and then renting them back out He now has 15 properties and enjoys helping families by providing nice homes that are affordable ldquoI want people to feel good when they come home at night after a long day at workrdquo he says Rachwalik want-ed to find a business that allowed him the flexibility to respond to his tenants when needed from simple plumbing issues to furnaces going kaput
When he first started looking for a new business Rachwalik was drawn to home health care because of his experience help-ing to take care of relatives And it was a growing field Nothing was available at the time so he expanded his options and be-gan researching businesses in a variety of industries Those included a flooring com-pany sandwich shop and even a hair salon
ldquoI was open to anything and if I could make the numbers work then I would consider itrdquo he explains
Then The Firm Business Brokerage pre-sented him with an opportunity that was the right match Bounce U in Omaha There were a number of factors that appealed to Rachwalik First and foremost were the financials but it would also offer him the flexibility he needed for his rental business A big advantage was that an entire team was already in place one seasoned in man-aging staff and scheduling parties ldquoThey do a great jobrdquo he says ldquoI donrsquot plan on making any personnel changesrdquo
But what hersquos most looking forward to with this new venture is the fun positive environment Bounce Ursquos primary business is its birthday party packages featuring the companyrsquos oversized inflatibles and Rachwalik said he canrsquot wait to watch the excitement on the kids faces when they walk through the door ldquoEveryone there is happyrdquo he says ldquoThe kids are happy the parents are happy and the employees running the parties are happy Itrsquoll be a big change from the environments I used to work inrdquo Hersquos already planning to have his twin grand-daughtersrsquo birthday party there too
His transition included a week of training with the companyrsquos corporate facility in Ari-zona as well as on-site training Even though the Omaha location is an existing store all of Rachwalikrsquos training was structured as though itrsquos a brand new site
Bounce U has traditionally partnered with local restaurants to provide food for birth-day parties but Rachwalik wants to explore the option to build a kitchen of his own
He also hopes to continue to grow the business by at least 5 annually ldquoAnything I do I will communicate with my employees and get their input and suggestions firstrdquo he adds
For anyone who is considering buying a business or is going through the process Rachwalik stresses to be open minded and not rule anything out ldquoIf an opportunity is presented to you run the numbers and see if you can make it workrdquo he says ldquoI did a complete flip-flop on the type of business I thought I wanted versus what I ended up purchasing But if you keep looking yoursquoll eventually find a matchrdquo The FIRM
ldquoTHE KIDS ARE HAPPY THE PARENTS ARE HAPPY AND THE EMPLOYEES RUNNING THE PARTIES ARE HAPPY ITrsquoLL BE A BIG CHANGE FROM THE ENVIRONMENTS I USED TO WORK INrdquo
-Jerry Rachwalik
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Fresh Off The Firm Featured Listings for Sale
Suburban Bar amp Grill with VolleyballOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $26413 PRICE $115000
Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity in an area with only two other bars nearby Serving up a gorgeous and well-maintained volleyball court along with pool tables and a jukebox this bar and grill is a favorite with the locals Business is fully staffedmdashowner works very part time hours
Rain Gutter Sales amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $145200 PRICE $415000
This business is a dealer for high-end rain gutter covers These products are con-structed of high-quality aluminum and sur-gical-grade stainless steel and are strong enough to hold up to four feet of snow or 20 pounds of debris Profit margin is 48
Large-Scale Assembly amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $743732 PRICE $2200000
This well-established installation and assembly business in central Nebraska prides itself on providing many numerous building solutions for businesses and building owners in their area They install and assemble metal frames including grain silos pole barns and buildings
Photo Booth Business Running on Autopilot OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $36419 PRICE $88900
Photo booths are the ldquoin thingrdquo at weddings and parties In business for seven years this business is one of the largest in town Wedding couples hoping to capture the fun memories of the day make up 67 of the clients Includes four booths and one trailer
Southwest Omaha Dental PracticeOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $129745 PRICE $380000
Professional staff and excellent customer service are the hallmarks of this practice Using the latest technology the business offers an array of dental services including teeth cleaning veneers crowns bleaching and trauma services The owner is currently working only 20 hours a week
Small Animal Vet Clinic in Omaha OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $158287 PRICE $440000
For over 30 years this animal care clinic has prioritized customer care They are currently offering services to over 2000 families and are the second largest veterinary clinic in the area The business is split 7030 between dogs and cats
Buildersrsquo Material amp Supply CompanyOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $364880 PRICE $933000
This highly reputable company established in 1976 and located just north of Omaha provides quality and reliable services and supplies Building supply inventory includes garage door lumber windows trims siding roofing materials and more Approximately 90 of customers are repeat clientele
High-Growth Plumbing Company OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $157774 PRICE $445000
This non-union plumbing company has consistent growth of over $130000 a year in sales The full service plumbing contractor has business that is currently 50 commercial and 50 residential
90+ available business opportunities for sale Please visit TheFirmBusinessBrokeragecom for details
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
7Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
Matt Cradick
The Deal ReviewReason For Sale Fresh start after 25+ years in the industrySeller Transition Period Over eight monthsType of Sale Asset Purchase AgreementLender Access Bank Mack LaRock
ldquoYOU SHOULD INTERVIEW FOR A BUSINESS JUST LIKE YOU
WOULD FOR A JOBrdquo CRADICK EXPLAINS ldquoIT HAS TO BE THE
RIGHT FIT YOU DONrsquoT WANT TO BE ONE OF THE MANY FA-
TALITIES THAT HAPPEN SO OFTEN IN NEW BUSINESSrdquo
-Shaun Heldt
From Retail to RoofingHow to be Successful When Buying a Business
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Spending almost 20 years working in retail for major corporations and then
buying a siding and roofing contracting company may seem like a major leap but for Matt Cradick owner of Husker Ham-mer Siding Windows and Roofing it was the best business move hersquos ever made And thatrsquos saying a lot for someone who moved 11 times in 19 years across nine different states
Cradick had been living in Houston Texas where he worked for Target Corporation He had worked his way up through the com-pany and another promotion was on the horizon which meant another move With three young children at home Cradick de-cided it was time to put down some roots Having grown up in Lincoln Nebraska he wanted to be near family and Midwestern values He started researching businesses for sale and was eventually led to The Firm which in turn led him to Husker Hammer
The move from a big corporate environ-ment to a small contracting business didnrsquot intimidate Cradick With Target he oversaw 200 people so he knew he brought strong management and operational skills The challenge he says was learning the ins and outs of construction He didnrsquot need to be the one hammering away on the roofmdashhe needed learn a new business segment
ldquoSwitching industries can be nerve-rack-ingrdquo Cradick says ldquobut the owner was will-ing to stay on board for six months during the transitionrdquo That partnership was an invaluable tool during the changeover gt
A Publication of The Firm Business BrokerageA Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
9Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
10
lt Husker Hammer was started in 1998 as a one-man operation and had been built up to a multimillion dollar business Cradick was impressed with the mission statement values system of the company and the strong workforce that was already in place And the price of the company lined up well with the financials ldquoWhat Husker has that others in the industry donrsquotrdquo says the man whose faith is central to his deal-ings ldquois a strong ethical foundation with a Christian backgroundrdquo
There were a number of other elements Cradick sought when buying his business ones he believes all potential business own-ers need to keep in mind The first is to make sure you have a proper support team in place to help make a sound financial deci-sion That includes having a good business valuation and a good business broker who can point you in the right direction to ensure a match for both parties
Once yoursquore in the process of purchasing he adds make sure you have a capable net-work of attorneys a seasoned financial team and solid internal help to ensure yoursquore suc-cessful from the start ldquoYou should interview
for a business just like you would for a jobrdquo Cradick explains ldquoIt has to be the right fit You donrsquot want to be one of the many fatal-ities that happen so often in new businessrdquo
To help ensure the company continues to be successful Cradick plans to main-tain Husker Hammerrsquos competitive edges which he says includes his 11000-sq-ft state-of-the-art showroom in Elkhorn He reformatted the space to better fit his busi-ness model before building out additional second-floor space that is now rented to other entrepreneurs
The showroom features all of the window siding and roofing products available to customers Samples are one thing Cradick says but he knows the power of customers seeing actual colors in actual sizes
ldquoOur philosophy is to build peace of mind for homeowners and be with them every step through the processrdquo he says ldquoWord of mouth is our number one lead source which was true in retail as wellrdquo
Happy employees to Cradick are just as important as happy customers He sub-scribes to a simple philosophymdashlistening to employees and doing so with respect
ldquoWith big corporations you deal with a lot of politicsrdquo he says ldquoNow if therersquos politics itrsquos because Irsquove generated it Itrsquos a nice change to be in a small business where you have more leeway to ensure yoursquore creating a positive work environment which creates a happy workforcerdquo
Working for a smaller company also allows for more opportunities to become involved in the community Husker Hammer is active in local chambers of commerce the Open Door Mission and is currently helping on a Habitat for Humanity build in Waterloo They have also been accredited by the Bet-ter Business Bureau since 2000 and won the Better Business Integrity Award
Cradickrsquos business is currently 90 percent residential and 10 percent commercial He hopes to increase their reach in proper-ty management and general contracting while maintaining the high-quality residen-tial sales that built the business ldquoBecause of our showroomrdquo he says ldquopeople come
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
to us We donrsquot do the high pressure sales at the kitchen table We listen We let the homeowners do the talkingrdquo
Growing geographically is also a goal Cradick hopes to expand to surrounding areas including his hometown of Lincoln
ldquoSo far itrsquos been a great moverdquo he says ldquoand I look forward to continuing to be known as an ethical long-lasting company My daughters and wife are excited to be back in the Midwest around grandparents and family Their school district is great and the full year-round climate has been a welcome change from living in the south Plus I was averaging 50000 miles per year in travel so itrsquos nice to sleep in your own bed every nightrdquo The FIRM
For more information on this or any for sale listings call The Firm Business Brokerage directly
11Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
The Deal ReviewBusiness Established 1987Reason for Sale Retirement (Transla-tion More time with a fishing pole)Ownerrsquos Profit $495004Type of Loan SBA with Core Bank
12
Back to the FutureBuilding a Business Legacy
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Itrsquos not uncommon for someone who has spent a number of years in corporate
America to shift gears into entrepreneur-ship Being your own boss certainly has its advantages But for Scott Beckler who recently purchased Lewis Installers in Gret-na his reason for taking on a new business venture had more to do with honoring not only his fatherrsquos legacy but building one of his own
Beckler started his career as a business education teacher then moved to a corpo-rate career in technology But for a number of years he kept an eye on businesses for sale hoping that just the right opportunity would come along
ldquoMy dad was an entrepreneur who owned his own real estate insurance companyrdquo
Beckler says ldquoDespite the fact he had on-going health issues he still got up every day put on a coat and tie and went out to make a sale He was a very successful busi-nessman and I wanted to honor his legacyrdquo
After contacting The Firm and discuss-ing what he was looking for in a business the team suggested Lewis Installers which specializes in industrial conveyor and rack systems At first it seemed like a big de-parture for him ldquoShelving and logistical systems isnrsquot something that jumps out at yourdquo Beckler says But the more he looked into it the more he realized it had many of the elements he wanted in a business The most obvious advantage was that the company was located in Gretna where he lives Add to that the fact that the seller lives just up the road from him
Scott Beckler
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
For purposes of this article this overview is based on the buying and selling entities being corporations or entities taxed as corporations
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
4420 Izard Street Omaha4022938707 bull 8887380296
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
HAVE YOUR MINOR ROOF LEAKS BECOME A MAJOR ANNOYANCEDonrsquot Wait Any Longer Call Us Now
ldquoAfter meeting him and hitting it offrdquo Beckler says ldquowe quickly realized it was a match on both sidesrdquo
Other signs also pointed in the right di-rection The financials were good The size of the business was ideal The competitive landscape was promising Beckler also real-ized that his corporate background fit well with this new business
ldquoAlthough itrsquos an entirely different indus-tryrdquo he says ldquomany of the business princi-ples are the samehellipproject management customer service delivery vendor man-agement and cost containment Irsquove been doing all of those for yearsrdquo
His background in technology will also be a valuable asset in his new business Not only has he established relationships with large vendors built over the years but his from-the-ground-up experience with data centers means that he is already eying in-novative automation and other technology differentiators At the same time hersquos look-ing forward to learning the daily operations of the company and having a hand in every part of the business from bidding to closing to payroll
ldquoIt will be challenging coming from a big business background where Irsquove only been involved in the peripheryrdquo Beckler says
ldquoNow Irsquoll be involved in all of itrdquo
Lewis Installers being a family-owned business is what hersquos most excited about He says itrsquos a company with a good repu-tation thatrsquos known for quality and meeting deadlinesmdashall driven by a strong Midwest-ern work ethic
Itrsquos the sort of company Beckler believes that would make his father proud
ldquoI want this business to be a legacy for my familyrdquo Beckler says ldquoMy hope is that it could stay in the family with my own kids and grandkidsrdquo The FIRM
13Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Om
aharsquo
s Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
14
When considering the purchase of an existing business very few realize
that lack of experience in an industry can actually lead to success One simply needs a sound financial plan and a good team to fill in the gaps Removing the added stress of fieldwork and focusing solely on the management of finances and operation allows for greater opportunities It makes for the dynamic advantage of some outside impartiality when seeking areas of improve-ment and growth
One man who has made this transition from having marginal knowledge in an in-dustry to leading a successful plumbing and HVAC operation is Mark Evans president of Burton Plumbing Before taking over Burton Evans had a successful plumbing distribu-torship serving four states but it was his desire to own and to travel less that put him into the hands of Burton Friesz The founder of Burton Plumbing Friesz had been a customer and friend of Evansrsquo when the two discussed a possible expansion into residential service Evans put his busi-ness experience to work for Burton in July 1995 and his education in the minutiae of plumbing and HVAC began
While he hasnrsquot worked in the field as a licensed plumbing contractor Evans has dipped his feet in several areas within the running of Burtonhellipand often at the same time Before hiring the essential personnel that have enabled him to narrow his role Ev-ans served as manager marketer customer service representative and dispatcher Such a list of duties for one man is a daunting task but ldquoI worked my way to being able to work on the business rather than in the business [a strategy] taught to me by my business coachrdquo says Evans
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
REMOVING THE ADDED STRESS OF FIELDWORK AND FOCUSING SOLELY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF FINANCES AND OPERATION ALLOWS FOR GREATER OPPORTUNITIES
Executive Impact Moving Into the Boardroom From Employee to President
written by Maureen Tierney | Co-written by Mark Evans and Julie OrsquoBrien
Eventually Evans was able to step back and bring on a general manager and a ware-house operator that has allowed him to
ldquofocus on growth opportunities marketing and cash flowrdquo
Evansrsquo experience is not unique It is com-mon for brokerages to deal with buyers seeking to own companies within a cer-tain field but ldquoonly two people out of the nearly 100 closings [wersquove had] have come in for the same business that they ended up purchasingrdquo says Julie OrsquoBrien client services and paralegal with The Firm What it comes down to is as simple as the bot-tom line Buyers are looking to leverage their talents and experience in a marriage between a management philosophy and business model Those in the market for an acquisition are ldquobuying based on profit number of staff ability to get financing and mostly their strengths and passionsrdquo says OrsquoBrien Experience in a particular industry is certainly valuable but is no predictor of success when the right financial mind comes along
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Even so making up for a lack of practical knowledge requires the proper equipment most notably in the form of managers and employees The right talent in the field can be a growth experience and provide an opportunity to learn the ropes before taking a full swing at things A total deficit in knowl-edge hardly makes for good leadership and for this reason many ldquonew business owners like to take a birdrsquos eye view of the operation rather than diving in and getting their hands dirty right awayhellipgiving them the opportunity to watch [how] things have been done before implementing changesrdquo says OrsquoBrien
Approaching ownership in this way also allows for further financial acquisitions an avenue which Evans has taken In addition to owning Burton Plumbing Evans operates four other companies One might assume this much responsibility to be a stretch but Evans sees his role as ldquokeeping a pulse on things I like to lead people in growth per-sonally and on the business siderdquo
Getting started can be a challenge which is why OrsquoBrien works closely with potential buyers to find the right fit ldquoWe assist all the wayrdquo she says ldquoWe work with the buyer on projections business plans [and] we introduce them to trusted advisorsrdquo from attorneys and CPAs to financial advisors and insurance agents
Itrsquos this helpful backing of experts that eases the difficult task of ownership and only proves that one can certainly switch from a blue collar to a white one The FIRM
CONTRACTING BUSINESSES LISTED BY THE FIRM
201
5 P
roje
cted
201
5 Y
TD
201
4
201
3
201
2
30
0
15
28
14
12
11
16
15Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Omaharsquos Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
It may seem like I pulled a muscle making this stretch but Keith Backsen the new boss at the Omaha Convention amp Visitors Bureau seems to have an awful lot in common with new Husker Coach Mike Riley
Coach Riley spent a total of 14 seasons at Oregon State before heading to Huskerland Backsen also comes from that neck of the woods having spent 11 years of his career in Portland Oregon and another 11 years in Spokane Washington selling both cities as prime places for convention and leisure travelers
At Oregon State Coach Riley built the football program into a consistent winner and regular conference contender At Visit Spokane Backsen opened sales offices in Washington DC and Chicago that led to increased convention bookings Backsen also worked on the public campaign to expand the Spokane Convention Center with a $65 million bond issue The expansion coupled with increased hotel inventory allowed Spokane to pursue large conventions and more than doubled convention bookings in Spokane
Riley has experience at the highest level of football serving as the head coach of the San Diego Chargers and as a head coach in both the Canadian and World Football Leagues Same for Backsen he worked in Dallas and Chicago as the director of sales for Global Experience Specialists a global leader in the world of event planning Backsen supervised five sales offices in a nine-state region generating annual sales in excess of $70 million
Riley is known as one of the most professional and nicest men in the profession a coach who is greatly admired by his peers I kid you not Backsen is described the same way by colleaguesmdashone of the most genuine and skilled men in the business a well respected professional who has the insight and experience to get the job done (Note the $70M stat above)
Come the first game both men will have a stadium filled with fans cheering them on In Backsenrsquos case his stadium is the entire city of Omaha where the fans are the 434353 residents who will reap the rewards of Omaharsquos growing tourism economy
B2B
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 51
51HUSKER
COACH HAS TOURISM
TWIN
OMAHA CVB BY DEB WARD
Deb Ward is the director of marketingcommunications Omaha Convention and Visitorrsquos Bureau
Keith Backsen
52 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Jason Feldman and Sebastian Hunt
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 53
The emerging startup accelerator scene supports creative-minded risk-takers looking for an edge to follow their passion and bring their ideas to fruition
Sebastian Hunt 25 is passionate about giving entrepreneurs like himself a nurturing space to test out their concepts The University of Nebraska at Omaha economics graduate interned with various local employers and surveyed the area startup community when an idea struck him for a by-application curriculum-based residency program serving new entrepreneurs That inspiration turned into Year of the Startup
Launched in 2014 the program operates out of a humble house at 4036 Burt Street in the St Cecilia Cathedral neighborhood Hunt and co-founder Jason Feldman 28 room there with young residency fellows whose startup ventures range from making bio-fuels to providing night owl shuttle services They are a millennial bunch who favor sneakers and sandals They take informal meetings to nearby CaliCommons and Lisarsquos Radial Cafe They variously hunch over laptops or tablets and carry smartphones as appendages
YEAR OF THE STARTUP
ENTREPRENEURAL IMMERSION
This communal work-live space model for business mavericks is new to Omaha The usual startup accelerator is a concentrated 90-day off-site program Omaha has a few of these notably Straight Shot Hunt saw a need for a program that invites a broader range of people into the accelerator fold and supports them much nearer to the start of their dream than other programs
ldquoWe feel like we can take people at very early stages because we are four times as long as the average programrdquo says Hunt who adds that Year of the Startup is also not tech-centric like many programs tend to be ldquoIn our model we substitute intensity for duration I think a lot of the learning here comes through unstructured serendipitous interactions we have that is not curriculum-based itrsquos just happenstance
ldquoWith a house there are so many different ways you can bring ideas and people together I think thatrsquos maybe that critical binding agent and sense of place that helps accomplish thingsrdquo
He says in this intimate environment ldquotherersquos no other choice but to immerse yourself in the settingrdquo adding ldquoWersquore always hanging out in the living room or out back talking about startup stuffmdashmonetization strategies capitalization tables vested equity entity structuresrdquo
ldquoItrsquos this immersive experience of camaraderie of these natural flows and idea generationrdquo Feldman says
Hunt says ldquoThis is very difficult to get bored with because therersquos always somebody whose business is either in crisis or growth stage or some interesting part of the curverdquo
ldquoHow could we get bored when wersquore creating a platform with four startups and all we get to do is ideationrdquo Feldman says ldquoItrsquos a constant buzz we get from interacting with these startup founders and helping them build their ideasrdquo
Built into the program are activities that encourage fellows to break out of their comfort zone and to offer honest criticism of each otherrsquos ideas
Hunt compiles multiple data points on the startups
ldquoWersquore developing really deep insight about how do people start successful businessesrdquo
The program utilizes mentors from the entrepreneurial community
ldquoWe bring in people who are experts in specific areas to talk on those topicsrdquo Feldman says
ldquoThey get ideas flowingrdquo Hunt says of the mentors
Feldman says he regularly covers with fellows ldquothe major components of what you need to look at to start your businessrdquo and then mentors like Mike Kolker owner of graphic design firm Simplify teach lessons about operational efficiency and ldquohow to simplify running a businessrdquo
Hunt is a newcomer to all this and goes by instinct as much as research to support his vision
CONTINUED ON 54
FEATURE | BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
53
54 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
70 Years of Business in Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
4027335500 | 4315 South 50th Street
402-333-5722 bull wwwsw-fencecom
Thanks for Voting SampW Fence the Best Again in 2015
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B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
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aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER 2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
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ConnectWITH YOURCOMMUNITY
Donrsquot forget to visitOmahaMagazinecom to read
all of our titles online
Omaha MagazineEncounter B2B 60PlusHerFamily OmahaHome
CONTINUED FROM 53
ldquoI just had an irrational confidence market insights and a great theoretical background thanks to primary research I completed and to lessons I learned from Phillip Phillips Michael OrsquoHara and Art Diamond in UNOrsquos economics department I read constantly about who the players were in the startup world so I was fairly preparedrdquo
Even though he directs a startup program he only started participating in one himself (Venture School) He acknowledges Year of the Startup is a by-the-seat-of-your-pants experiment
ldquoComing out of college I had student loans and not a ton of money Irsquove held two jobs to finance the project Now the project is financed by a combination of me working and renting out one room One-hundred percent of the money our entrepreneurs pay in rent will be returned in full and so everybody has a strong incentive to follow through with the program That may be what makes us sustainablerdquo
Hersquos working on securing corporate sponsorship for the program Meanwhile he wants to help get participating startups to the next level
ldquoWersquore functioning like a pre-accelerator at this point We want to get our startups profitable and then refer them to the Straight Shots so they can focus on growth in a pure accelerator programrdquo
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 55
Mercedes-Benz of Omaha14335 Hillsdale Ave Omaha NE 68137wwwOmahaMercedescomContact John Williams anytime at 4029819262
of Omaha of Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
As Year of the Startup moved into a larger house in Omaharsquos Little Italy district on July 1 and a new class of fellows arrives Hunt says there are ldquointeresting talks happening right now to bring this to other citiesrdquo He and Feldman say economic development agencies are willing to pay a license fee for them to do startup houses in other cities The partners are having proprietary software developed that will enable new startup houses to replicate their branded Omaha model
They look forward to engaging with the emerging 10th Street cultural district but may keep the midtown house to accommodate growth
Hunt and Feldman believe theyrsquore catching the wave or tipping point of a big new startup rush and theyrsquore betting their model is poised to be a niche player in this wild frontier of entrepreneurial prospecting
B2B
56 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
It is an unassuming space but if you have made your way to TD Ameritrade Park Filmstreams or Hot Shops chances are yoursquove passed one of the most vibrant offices in Omaha
The fact that Co-Lab (short for Creative Collaborators) is not a traditional work space is certainly one of its best features Located inside the Tip Top building at 15th and Cumming streets is a project dreamed up by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture who happens to share the main floor of the building Based in the heart of a once-isolated section of the city Co-Labrsquos funky creative vibe is making waves In fact that vibe seeps into Omaharsquos everyday bringing about small changes pushing our city toward a more innovative future
CO-LABGIVING OMAHA WORKERS A MORE
COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE
IN THE OFFICE | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
56
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 57
Home to 18 businesses plus Alley Poyner Macchietto Co-Lab is free of walls and signage It is also free from traditional office norms For instance you donrsquot just walk over to your neighborrsquos space for a brainstorming sessionmdashyou skateboard At least you do if yoursquore Dave Nelson of SecretPenguin a leading experimental branding agency The best part is that the businesses surrounding SecretPenguin appreciate the break from tradition ldquoThatrsquos the beautiful part about being around like-minded good people and businessesrdquo Nelson says
CONTINUED ON 58
58 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 59
CONTINUED FROM 57
In addition to having pathways large enough to skateboard or bike through the space also provides Co-Labbers with a kitchen various conference rooms bike storage bathrooms and a battleground (otherwise known as the ping-pong table) Walking in the main doors clients and employees alike are greeted from the front desk while catching a view of the five-story open atrium basking in the glow of sunshine from the skylight Workers can also access the fitness room and rooftop deck sharing amenities with TipTop apartment residents who use a separate entrance
CONTINUED ON 60
The Harry A Koch CoInsurance amp Financial ConsultantsMember of First Insurance Group LLC
60 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
CONTINUED FROM 59
Businesses in Co-Lab all creativity-related range from entrepreneurs to start-ups to non-profits to small businesses The art varies in form but runs through the space like an electric current At Zicafoose Textiles Mary Zicafoose works steadily on her loom creating gorgeous tapestries 4Site Programming is where Joi Brown works as an independent consultant for performing arts centers across the nation Heartland B-Cycle a large-scale municipal bike sharing system brings art in the form of economical convenience Holly Boyer a founder of non-profit organization Mission Matters explains that one of the best things about having an office at Co-Lab is feeling the innovative positive energy from the moment you walk in the door So while individuals may join Co-Lab with a business-minded focus or a more creative vibe finding a yin to their yang is just a shout away
ldquoThere is certainly a wonderful built-in support network that comes along with working in a collaborative environmentrdquo quips Omaha Creative Institute Executive Director Emily Moody ldquoEverything from sharing ideas and finding ways to collaborate with an organization different than yours to sharing a staplerrdquo
At the heart of making it work says Laura Alley of Alley Poyner itrsquos simply playing well with others
The skateboarding ping-pong playing creatives do that well
B2B
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Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott Enterprises
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6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
AT THE OFFICE amp ON THE GO
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Plantronics BackBeat
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Intall Current Microsoft PatchesInstall Microsoft Security Updates
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13
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
- BB1015_fntCvr_125
- BB1015_fntEdit_125
- BB1015_bkEdit_125
- BB1015_bkCvr_125
-
12emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp11
Why not open his own place Anderson brought that idea to Finley and Wiles one night at a bar in early 2014 Not one of them had any experience in the grooming industry but the trio soon discussed the idea by group text message Then they met regularly working on documents and video conferencing via Google Hangouts Wiles worked in sales at Ambulatory Care in Kansas City Finley completed his law degree in Columbia Missouri (hersquos now a corporate attorney at Husch Blackwell in Kansas City)
They hammered out the concept of Scissors amp Scotch leveraged whatever assets they possessed at such tender ages (Finley and Wiles are 27 Anderson 26) and got an SBA loan In August 2014 they signed a lease at Shops of Legacy This March they opened with nine employees not counting themselves
104 5th St Fullerton NE 68638 308-550-0632 signdan170yahoocomSignCraftersMidwestcom
FREE DELIVERY
Orders over $100
EmbroideryPolos Jackets T-Shirts Hats amp More
SignageBanners Vehicle Vinyl Decals amp More
Find us on Facebook facebookcomsigncraftersmidwest
Your Logo Here
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 13
Response exceeded expectations Six weeks after opening Scissors amp Scotch averaged 80 new clients per week and about 30 haircuts a day More than 60 percent of the customers opted for the $52 ldquo15-year servicerdquo (as in the age of fine Scotch) Its membership programmdashthe Scotch-inspired 10- 15- and 25-year packages with escalating benefits at each levelmdashwas expected to generate 100 sales the first year Scissors amp Scotch sold 90 the first month
ldquoItrsquos really encouragingrdquo Anderson says ldquoEach week wersquove done more haircuts than the previous week since we openedrdquo
And all of it by word-of-mouth advertising (though Scissors amp Scotch recently started advertising on AM 590)
ldquoIrsquove had a lot of guys say lsquoThis is Omaha Nebraska right This is something I expect to see in a Chicago or a New York or a Dallasrsquordquo
Thanks to Anderson Omaha it is
B2B
THANK YOU OMAHA
402733232212310 K Plaza Ste 108
BEST FLORISTldquoTaylor Maderdquo for ALL
your floral needs since 1950rdquo
Locally Owned Since 1950
NAI means wersquore worldwide NP Dodge means wersquore local With more than 375 offices around the globe and more than 150 years in Omaha
How can we help your business
12050 Pacific Street | Omaha NE 68154 | +1 402 255 6060 | nainpdodgecom
The NAI NP Dodge
Difference
Services we offer
14emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
ldquoPeople need vacation to recharge and get inspired to continue to love what they dordquo she says ldquoA lot of times when you give people that break they come back more energized and with great ideas It makes them happier it makes us a better companyrdquo-HEIDI MOUSBACH
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 15
GOING TO THE DOGSERVIN amp SMITHrsquoS RELAXED AWARD-WINNING VIBE
OMAHA | BY ANTHONY FLOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Want to know how much fun it is to work at Omaha digital marketing firm Ervin amp Smith Just ask Peanut Gwen Duke or Daphne Jane
They wonrsquot talk to youhellipbut yoursquoll probably see their tails wagging
ldquoAny week we have probably a couple dogs in the officerdquo says Heidi Mausbach Ervin amp Smith president and CEO ldquoYou find them at your desk begging for a little treat They follow their owners around the agencyrdquo
The furry friends are there as one of many workplace benefits garnering Ervin amp Smith attention here and nationally In February the agency founded 31 years ago by Executive Chairman Doug Smith made the 2015 Best Places to Work in Omaha list sponsored by Baird Holm and the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce That came three months after Advertising Age ranked Ervin amp Smith number 13 on its list of 40 Best Places to Work in Advertising amp Media based on hiring practices benefits packages salaries office perks and more
ldquoYou spendhellipa good percentage of your life at workrdquo Mausbach says ldquoYou want to be at a place you love to come to People do love it here You donrsquot dread Monday morningrdquo
Even if yoursquore on vacationmdashwhich is unlimited at Ervin amp Smith as are sick and personal days The new leave policy established in January 2014 is among the most intriguing initiatives at the agency
ldquoPeople are free to come and go as long as they are fulfilling their client commitments and meeting their other goalsrdquo Mausbach says
So have employees been abusing the policy with copious vacation days Mausbach canrsquot saymdashErvin amp Smith isnrsquot tracking days If therersquos any challenge to the time-off policy itrsquos been with employees not taking enough personal time Mausbach who joined the agency 15 years ago was among those who took ldquoa lot lessrdquo vacation than she typically would
ldquoPeople need vacation to recharge and get inspired to continue to love what they dordquo she says ldquoA lot of times when you give people that break they come back more energized and with great ideas It makes them happier it makes us a better companyrdquo
While employees appreciate the flexibility the policy allows them to get away from work Ervin amp Smith has seen benefits in the officemdashless idle activity greater communication and collaboration and perhaps best of all fewer and shorter meetings as employees focus on goals and commitments
CONTINUEDemspONemsp16
15
16emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp15
The company also allows employees to work from home as needed or even full-time from cities across the country (one Ervin amp Smith employee lives in Washington another in Colorado) The company also established an annual ldquoSlush FUNdrdquo giving each employee $100 to spend on something that will enhance company culture such as a popcorn machine Some pooled their money to buy meditation classes open to everyone Others adopted a family at Christmas
Workplace enhancements can be simple A couple of years of ago the agency added a ping pong table Sometimes thatrsquos where the best work happens ldquoItrsquos interesting how their minds workrdquo Mausbach says ldquoA lot of times theyrsquore playing and brainstorming There are amazing ideas that come out of work and play at the same timerdquo
Other initiatives to enhance the Ervin amp Smith environment include redesigned offices an expanded client conference room
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 17
a per-person training budget more than twice the industry average catered lunches and happy hours and a monthly wellness stipend reimbursing employees up to $25 a month
The most popular benefit is Flame Schoedermdash a professional certified life coach made available for monthly development sessions
ldquoOf all the benefits they feel this is the one definitely helping them the most professionally and personallyrdquo Mausbach says
The initiatives seem to work Ervin amp Smith promoted 12 employees and hired 15 others last year Its retention rate in 2014 was 84 percent better than the typical industry rate of 70 percent or worse Mausbach cites
Ervin amp Smith is building employee relationships Perks are great People are better
Making Ervin amp Smith a doggone great place to work
B2B
8 ConsecutiveYears
Thanks Omaha for 30 Years2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
4023999233 | wwwsparklingkleancom
A+ Rating20 Consecutive Years
Exceptional Event Space amp Catering
Wersquoll make your next event one to remember
6450 Pine Street | 402-778-6313ScottCentercom
17
18emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
ESPELITE SERVICE PROFESSIONALS
Superior quality exceptional service
If you are a CEO key executive or business owner call 4024017560
copy 2015 Vistage Worldwide Inc 14_261_3131 kkk
Discover what thousands of CEOs already know Vistage works
Get answers Take action Like you the members of a Vistage Advisory Board are proven business leaders and critical thinkers They have smart ideas and insightful opinions and this is the forum to express them At our monthly meetings yoursquoll encounter lively discussions where business leaders tell it like it is If you find that refreshing then be our guest at our next monthly group meeting
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 19
Leo Costanzo Anne Taylor and Alan Hove of Controlled Comfort
BRANDREBRAND | BY ELIZABETH MACK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Jingle writers have done their job if they create an earwormmdasha song so catchy it sticks in your head and wonrsquot leave ldquoWhen I tell people I work at Controlled Comfort they immediately start singing the jinglerdquo says Alan Hove who along with co-owners Leo Costanzo and Anne Taylor purchased Controlled Comfort in 2004 ldquoItrsquos the best form of advertising we could ever hope forrdquo
CONTINUEDemspONemsp20
SINGING A HAPPY TUNEJINGLING ALL THE WAY
19
20emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
John Sievers
Businesses Are Buying SmarterThe All Makesrsquo team is trained to help you make design decisions and furniture purchases that fi t your offi ce atmosphere your work style and your budget Visit All Makesrsquo redesigned showroom to see the latest in new offi ce furniture pre-owned offi ce furniture and business technology
wwwallmakescom Omaha 2558 Farnam St | 4023412413 Lincoln 3333 O St | 4024777131
Thank you for voting us 1 for 10 consecutive years
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp19
Most people in the Omaha metro area are familiar with that animated female voice belting out ldquoControlled ComfortndashKeep it Under Controoooooolrdquo Many locals probably would not guess the companyrsquos logo (an angel) but could at least hum a few bars of the jingle Whether a catchy tune is annoying or enjoyable is a matter of opinion but once that musical worm has worked its way into your psyche you are forced to remember the product which is exactly what advertisers hope for
When companies change ownership one major decision is whether or not to maintain the same brand image and the current owners of Controlled Comfort knew they wanted things to stay pretty much the same when they took ownership
ldquoWe love our jinglerdquo says Taylor ldquoWhen we purchased the company we knew we wanted to maintain the image and keep the logo and jingle We couldnrsquot ask for a better form of advertisingrdquo
Research shows that music increases recall and simple melodies with simple lyrics stick with a consumer not only for the short term but often the long-term Remember ldquoI Wish I Were an Oscar Meyer Weinerrdquo Even if it has been years since you have actually heard it chances are you can still sing the entire song Controlled Comfortrsquos brand may not be as huge as Oscar Meyerrsquos but their jingle has stood the test of time being sung on local radio and TV for nearly 20 years with no end in sight
Taylor recounts how in the mid-1990s local musician Johnny Ray Gomez produced the jingle for a radio spot
ldquoThe previous owners purchased a year of radio advertising and it came with a jinglerdquo Taylor says
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
THANKS OMAHA
Embroidery middot Screen Printing middot Promotional Digital Printing middot Mailing middot Company Stores
13747 F St 4025961002 ideal-imagescom
ldquoWhen we purchased the company we knew we wanted to maintain the image and keep the logo and jingle We couldnrsquot ask for a better form of advertisingrdquo-ANNE TAYLOR
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 21
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
At the time they had no idea they did not retain exclusive rights to the melody
ldquoI just recently heard the song while I was traveling in western Nebraska It was quite a shockrdquo she adds with a laugh
Branding is all about creating an image of a business that will stick in a customerrsquos mind Though most businesses rely on visual advertising to create their brand jingles can be an additional way to increase awareness and create staying power People often remember a catchy tune Throw the company name and their phone number in the jingle lyrics and customers may not even need to look up the contact information
ldquoIf I forget the phone number I just sing the jinglerdquo says one local customer
Though original jingles declined in recent years as more large companies turn to popular songs for their advertising a few local companies still spend at least some marketing dollars on jingles Whether you think it annoying or catchy a jingle may be your best advertising investment
B2B
4023333062 | planitomahacom | 10832 old mill road suite 5 | omaha ne 68154
planitomaha A national and
regional powerhouse in
meetings conferences amp
events
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
22emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 2
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 23
How is it that Midlands Choice has come to make an investment in of all things a ballerina
Sure the bottom line of any insurance entity is driven by risk managementmdashthe investing of premium revenues to hedge against claims
But taking stock in Claire Goodwillie a company dancer with Ballet Nebraska
The Midlands Choice example is repeated all across the metro as area businesses support a broad array of arts nonprofits ones that dwell in everything from tutus to tempura
And the table is set for a new era of collaboration between business and the arts because philanthropic giving in America has finally returned to pre-recession levels
Contributions which totaled $358 billion in 2014 surpassed 2007rsquos pre-recession level of $355 billion Additionally giving was up from all major sourcesmdashindividuals corporations foundations and bequestsmdashaccording to Giving USA an annual report compiled by the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and the Giving USA Foundation of Chicago
ldquoEight out of nine types of charitable organizations we measure saw increased contributions and thatrsquos good news for the
BALLET NEBRASKAA PAS DE DEUX BETWEEN BUSINESS AND THE ARTS
philanthropic sector as a wholerdquo W Keith Curtis told Omaha Magazine in an email Curtis is chair of Giving USA Foundation and president of the nonprofit consulting firm The Curtis Group ldquoThe 60-year high for charitable giving in 2014 is a great story about resilience and perseverancerdquo
Themes of resilience and perseverance define the Ballet Nebraska story
Erika Overturff was 27 years old when the ballet company of which she was a dancer and resident choreographer appeared doomed She had no money She had no business acumen
That was 2009 Flash forward to 2015 and Overturff now 33 founder and artistic director of Ballet Nebraska is leading the regionrsquos only professional dance company into its sixth season
In a city known for its ldquocan-dordquo spirit this story could be about almost any local arts nonprofit but the unlikely saga of Ballet Nebraska is told here because it is perhaps the most improbable of tales one that best reveals what a business community and the arts can do when they share a common vision
CONTINUEDemspONemsp24
BY DAVID WILLIAMS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
23COVERemspFEATURE
24emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp23
Like settling into your seat with a program before the lights dim at any performing arts venue itrsquos probably best to start by reviewing the cast of characters
THE CONNECTORHal Daub knows people Especially in a city of six degrees of separation that is in reality much more like two or three degrees the former Omaha mayor (1995-2001) and US Congressman (1981-1989) who has served on countless nonprofit boards and is now a partner at Husch Blackwellhellipknows people
ldquoWhen I was first introduced to Hal and he offered to helprdquo Overturff says ldquoI assumed that meant he was going to maybe make a few calls and do a little name-droppingrdquo Daub it turned out would become a key player in the often delicate pas de deux that is the coupling of business and the arts ldquoHe not only made those calls but he set up the appointmentshellipand then he came along to personally introduce me and stand by my side in front of those who would become some of the most generous funders of Ballet Nebraskardquo
ldquoThe reason I am so fascinated by what Erika has donerdquo says Daub ldquois that Omaha is a city that has clearly evolved to become a place that is not just metropolitan but truly cosmopolitanrdquo And investing in the arts Daub believes makes good business sense ldquoThe social environment of a citymdashits arts and entertainmentmdashis critical in attracting and retaining the best workforce Ballet Nebraska Opera Omaha the Omaha Symphony Omaha Performing Artshellipthose and so many others are the organizations that help keep the best talent in Omahardquo
THE ADVOCATEMichelle Clark is Union Pacificrsquos general director of information technologies which means she probably knows more than a little about computer viruses As a three-year board member of Ballet Nebraska shersquos also seen how supporting the arts can go viral
ldquoEmployee generosity is furthered by the use of the companyrsquos matching gifts programrdquo Clark explains ldquoThis creates a sense of pride for employees and Union Pacific is supportive of the communities in which we live and work The employees of Union Pacific are very generous and have supported fundraising drives not only for Ballet Nebraska but a number of organizations such as the Womenrsquos Center for Advancement and JDRFrdquo
Employees should never underestimate their power to play a key role in advocating for nonprofits within their organizations
ldquoI am passionate about the art of dance especially ballet and Ballet Nebraskardquo Clark says ldquoDance inspires my creativity and provides insights to see beyond the obvious My hope is that by providing individuals with the awareness of opportunities to experience and support the art of dance they will find their own inspiration to apply to their own liferdquo
And just as stubborn computer viruses are often cloyingly messy to eradicate once discovered Union Pacificrsquos relationship with Ballet Nebraska has a ldquostickinessrdquo of its own Clark was preceded on the Ballet Nebraska board by Gayla Thal the companyrsquos senior vice president and general counsel
THE BULLDOGDonrsquot let the gentle demeanor of Midlands Choice vice president Greta Vaught fool you Supporting the arts is often a visceral experience and Vaughtrsquos passion for dance exerted itself on multiple levels in the early stages of growth at Ballet Nebraska
ldquoMidlands Choice has always been supportive of my work in the communityrdquo says the board chair of Ballet Nebraska
ldquoWe like to listen to our people when making such decisionsrdquo says Midlands Choice President and CEO Thomas E Press rdquoIt is important for us to know that our giving has real meaning for them their families and their communitiesrdquo
ldquoI looked at what Erika was trying to dordquo Vaught continues ldquoand I thought it was brave but impossible But all along the way I just kept going back to the thought that if one of my daughters [Mia now 15 and Hannah now 19] wanted to try something so bold one day thatrdquohellipinsert long pausehellipldquoIrsquom sorry this is making me cry I would just hope that people with experience and connections and dollars would shepherd my daughters along like so many people have done with Erika and Ballet Nebraskardquo
Okay so maybe ldquoThe Bulldogrdquo wasnrsquot such a great character name for this role after all
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 25
Fast-Paced Public Relations
Customer-Based Planning and Communications
402-964-9293 11626 Nicholas Street
zaisscocom
For the Connected World
Every story Every tweet Every interaction
PR is vital to your bottom line now more than ever
Join the world of innovative PR ndash partner with experts
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Best PR Agency 7 Years Running
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
THE ARTISTldquoI had to do a lot of on-the-job learning when I decided to try to launch a dance companyrdquo Overturff says ldquoWe were lucky in that we got our nonprofit status right away but I didnrsquot know anything about the business side of things and really nothing about raising funds I was moved by every $5 check that came in but it took a lot of mentoring advice and counsel to get us to where we are today as a fully funded professional performance companyrdquo
Ballet Nebraska now has a paid staff of 22 including nine salaries paid to company dancers Today Overturffrsquos once-nonexistent business connections run deep Personal contributions from the likes of philanthropists Richard Holland and Fred and Eve Simon further fuel the growth of ballet in Omaha Foundations also play a major role in funding A recent gift of $124000 from the Iowa West Foundation is the largest in Ballet Nebraska history
ldquoTalented professionals from all over the world that have trained their whole lives to pursue a career in dance now come to Omaha in the hopes of performing with Ballet Nebraska as we serve the state and western Iowa in performances education outreach and morerdquo she says ldquoA ballet companymdashany performing arts company any arts organizationmdashis about its peoplehellipthe artists the staff and hardworking selfless volunteers But it is the people of Omaha from the smallest donations to the relationships we have with such great businesses that makes it all happenrdquo
B2B
26emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
26OFFICE FURNITURE BY DOUG SCHURING
OFFICE ORIGINS
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE MODERN WORKPLACE
For all the time we spend in our office very few of us are familiar with how that space came to be You may actually be surprised by the events and inventions that helped form the work environment we know today From the development of the railroad to innovations in communication our current corporate habits structures and tools have all played a role In his book CubedmdashA Secret History of the Workplace Nikil Saval shapes the advances that created the conventional office we are familiar with today
The advent of the Morse telegraph spawned long-distance communication Then starting in 1860 a series of technological innovations changed the possibilities of the workplace the use of iron framework permitted the construction of taller buildings and elevators assisted the climb The Remington typewriter entered the office in 1874 Bellrsquos telephone was patented two years later
At the same time railroads expanded across the country reducing transportation costs and extending markets for goods and services Additionally railroads produced an organizational transformation still in use today The coordination of trains required employees housed in structures all across the country bringing a variety of offices to the American landscape Between the executive the manager and the workerhellipthe organizational chart was born
The invention of telecommunications fostered the speed of information to surge creating more
Doug Schuring is the director of sales administration at All Makes Office Equipment Co
work and subsequently more workers As these workers moved into new structures the spaces reflected their various levels of management In 1915 the Metal Office Furniture Company (now Steelcase) invented the modern deskmdasha flat metal table outfitted with file drawers The new desks massed together in defined rows offered managers full visual access to the goings-on of the workplace and this ldquosea of desksrdquo became the norm for decades Lockers and various cabinets popular in the Great Depression era became vertical files once steel became readily available after World War II
In 1968 Herman Miller introduced the first panel system with attached components Designed by Robert Propst the Action Office system revolutionized the ldquoofficerdquo in form flexibility and cost Other furniture manufacturers mimicked the modular system which became the norm for many businesses
Up to the rsquo90s the personal computerrsquos popularity grew and the relative size of work stations decreased between 25-50 percent By the middle of that decade the dot-com revolution on the West Coast created an unprecedented workplace culture The formal atmosphere of the office became much more casual and discontent for the Dilbert-esque cubicle grew Subsequently creative furniture solutions evolved with the desire to be more mobile leading the way
In the early 2000rsquos collaborative open offices grew in popularity New and improving
technologies now offer connectivity in the office home or public spaces As a result nearly every company today is adapting and using new furnishings as a tool to attract new workers At the same time retaining existing employees is equally important The goal is to make everyone more effective and efficient in their work
Whether you work in an office from home in the local coffee shop or out of an airline terminal you may start to notice that much of the furniture is beginning to look very similar As long as you are able to connect to technology you can work from virtually anywhere
B2B
SEPTEMBER 24 2015 Ralston Arena7300 Q Street
Ralston NE 68127
CONNECT MARKET SUCCEED
Looking for INNOVATIVE MARKETING IDEAS Want to BOOST SALES AND ADD ROI Need to ANALYZE DATA TO GROW MARKET SHARE
For more information or to register please visit wwwOmahaAdvertisingXcom
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 27
28emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Outlook Nebraska CEO Eric Stueckrath
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 29
On the surface it looks just like any other office or factory As you enter Outlook Nebraska Inc (ONI) yoursquore greeted by a friendly front desk attendant and led past a perfectly ordinary-looking workspace Entering their factory where they manufacture such paper products as rolls of hand towels you wouldnrsquot suspect that it is different from any other assembly line
But explore a little deeper
Walking past one office you might see a man typing away on a keyboard his laptop closed in front of him He doesnrsquot need it open to know what hersquos typing Hersquos visually impaired and utilizing computer software that reads the words aloud as he types
On the factory floor raised edges guard the walkway so sightless employees can feel their way around Over on the assembly line visually impaired workers can use a computer screen to zoom in on the product at various stages of production to assess the process
ONI is a non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance the life of the blind and visually impaired through employment opportunities and training Almost all the employees at ONI are blind or visually impaired from factory workers to IT professionals Some were born blind others lost their sight later in life ONI aims to help them all re-enter the workforce in a meaningful way
A SIGHT FOR NON-SEEING EYES
OUTLOOK NEBRASKA
ldquoThey get used to being on their feetrdquo says ONI CEO Eric Stueckrath ldquoWe offer jobs for [people with] entry-level skill sets and all of the positions are at or above minimum wage We give them the tools to help build those skill setsrdquo
ONI also offers personalized life-skills training geared to whatrsquos important to the individual from personal banking to cooking to operating a computer
The American Foundation for the Blind estimates that as many as 70 percent of blind adults in the US are unemployed As the largest employer of the blind in the Omaha metro area ONI is working to make an impact
ldquoWe work with organizations that are committed to hiring the visually impairedrdquo Stuekrath says ldquoAdvocacy is definitely part of what we dordquo
ONI is currently in the midst of a $2 million capital campaign that will allow them to complete a large-scale renovation project at their facility The renovation will create more space for the general public and give them the ability to offer additional training programs
In addition to working with adults blind and visually-impaired youth are a primary focus for Stuekrath and ONI
ldquoMy heart really gravitates toward themrdquo Stuekrath says
ONI partners with youth organizations on a number of initiatives including a sports camp for visually-impaired youth called Camp Abilities Nebraska Attendees can try archery swimming bowling track and field and more as a means to build confidence
ldquoThey donrsquot need to be coddledrdquo Stuekrath says adding that he often tells parents of blind children ldquoYour kid needs to get out there and bump his head and experience liferdquo
At ONI everything comes back to the organizationrsquos mission Stuekrath says
ldquoWe give them the tools they need to gain greater independencerdquo
B2B
FEATURE | BY APRIL CHRISTENSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY COLIN CONCES
29
30emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Layne and Pam Yahnke and Their VW Thing
Shakespeare wrote of love and betrayal Tolkien of hobbits and wizards Steinbeck and Faulkner of the indomitable American spirit
Layne Yahnke writes about his VW Thing
Yes the two-wheel-drive off-road convertible military vehicle first manufactured for the West German Army as ldquoType 181rdquo in 1968 VW churned them out until 1983 including two years in the United States when marketed as ldquoThe Thingrdquo
Yahnke got his Thing in 2000 for $5500 Hersquos lovingly restored it most importantly giving it a peppy new motor that makes it Autobahn-worthy
WHATrsquoS THAT THING
LANE YAHNKErsquoS UNUSUAL VOLKSWAGEN
HOW I ROLL | BY ANTHONY FLOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Therersquos only one other Thing in Omaha and Yahnkersquos gets lots of second and third looks when hersquos whipping down the Dodge Street Expressway from his Elkhorn home Especially when the doors are off and windshield is down
Everyone wants to know abouthellipthe Thing
Thus Yahnke penned ldquoIt Takes a Village to Build a VW Thingrdquo an ode to those who helped him with his beloved ridemdashhis sons Omaha VW Club members engine and body shops and parts stores
CONTINUEDemspONemsp32
30
SIGN UP TODAYdolnebraskagovsides
Questions phone - 402-471-9910 email - ndoluisidesnebraskagov
Sign up now for a free paperless way to return unemployment insurance information
Submit separation information online
Free - No postage costsno sign-up fee
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E-Response saves treesNo more paper 350rsquos
Keep your taxes lowAvoid unnecessary charges
Avoid Late responses ampLoss of appeal rights
32emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Locally Owned in Papillion Ne402-740-0800 bull apconstructomahacom
Insurance claims
welcomeIf your roof sustained fire snow or hail
damage the repairs can be costly We are your wind and hail damage experts and accept insurance claims so you wonrsquot
have to pay for the repair work yourself
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Residential Roofing bull Roof Maintenance amp Repair bull Licensed Bonded amp Insured
Steve Kowalski
Call or Text Message(402 ) 453-6000
abetterexposurecom steveabetterexposurecom
Passion Creativity Experience
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp31
ldquoI wrote that right after the engine transplantrdquo says Yahnke an Omaha native and vice president at Essex Corp provider of senior living communities ldquoI guess I was moved I get so many inquiries about it and I really feel so fondly about itrdquo
Itrsquos not his first Thing Yahnke and his wife of 38 years Pam owned one before their four children came along As the kids have come and gone so have the cars
Lots of them
Yahnke figures he has owned 60 automobiles in his life His car fancy began as a kid growing up in Dundee where a friendrsquos dad spent his spare time restoring English cars Yahnke spent hours in his garage and developed a love for Triumphs and MGs His first car purchase was a 1962 Triumph for $425 in 1972 It wasnrsquot long though until he sold it at a profit
ldquoThatrsquos what kicked off the buying and selling of English carsrdquo he says ldquoI discovered I could enjoy my transportation but then as soon as someone wanted to buy it for more than I paid for it out it wentrdquo
ldquoWhere Accounting Meets ResultsrdquoProviding Accounting and Quickbooks Services
For Metro Businesses
Denise Martin I 9252077634Deniseheartlandaccountabilitycom
wwwHeartlandAccountAbilitycom
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 33
These days you never know what will be parked in the Yahnke driveway Currently therersquos a Honda pickup a VW Jetta VW Multivan and a 2001 Audi TT Quatro Convertiblemdashpurchased in apropos silver for his 25th wedding anniversary
Itrsquos the Thing he most enjoys driving He logs about 1000 miles on it each year Most of those have come toplessmdashYahnke long ago gave it away to another Thing enthusiast and now only drives it sans roof
ldquoAnyone who sees this car has only seen it top-downrdquo he says ldquoI just got caught once in the rain and that was probably a month ago The cool thing about the Thing is you leave it out in the sun and it dries out and is ready to gordquo
It says ldquoSummer is hererdquo Yahnke says
ldquoPeople speed up all the time to try to figure out what it is Itrsquos just a happy car and itrsquos so darn versatile It puts smiles on peoplesrsquo facesrdquo
B2B
Quality Carpet Cleaning Since 2004
4026806523
Cleaning ServicesCarpet CleaningUpholstery CleaningMattress CleaningTile amp Grout CleaningPet TreatmentsConcrete CleaningConcrete CleaningAuto Interior Cleaning24 Hour Water Damage
wwwLegacyCarpetCleaningcom
omahamagazinecom SPECIALemspADVERTISINGemspSECTIONemspemsp |emsp SUMMERemsp2015emsp |emsp 34
ABOUT OUR BUSINESS
Cox Business started in 2000 as the commercial services division of Cox Communications Over the past 15 years we have experienced strong growth and are on our target to achieve $2 billion in revenue in the near future
Cox Business owns operates and maintains its own network providing leading-edge technology solutions for voice internet networking and digital TV We also offer robust business continuity and disaster recovery solutions which is of increasing importance to businesses in the greater Omaha area Our customers include such key verticals as education hospitality government and healthcare We maintain a significant focus on Omaha small business mid-markets and large local companies as well
We consider our employees to be our most precious asset as they have the responsibility of taking care of our customers At Cox Business we are fortunate to have an extremely tenured and engaged team of employees What sets us apart from our competition is the fact that while we are a large robust and progressive company we still possess
the nimbleness of a smaller company in our ability to deliver creative solutions under tight timelines We pride ourselves on having very little bureaucracy and that translates to happy customers The fact that Cox Business has won 15 JD Power Awards for customer satisfaction over the past 11 years is a notable accomplishment for us and we work hard to deliver on that promise of excellence every day
ABOUT LYNNE
I have led sales and operations teams in the communications industry for 20 years 10 of those years with Cox Communications My husband Pat and I just celebrated our first full year in Omaha and wonder why it took us so long to find this jewel of a community Our daughter Kaylin starts law school next month at the University of San Diego
I have two passions in my professional life mentoring employees who are working on leadership development (which includes working with two to three emerging leaders at any given time) and continuing to drive efforts in hiring fostering a diverse workforce There
is a challenge in STEM fields of under-represented groups My company Cox Communications is also very passionate about this and holds the distinction of inclusion in Diversity Incrsquos top 50 companies
My personal passions include travel social media and Italian cooking
B2B
COX BUSINESSLYNNE SANGIMINO
Cox Business 401 N 117th St Omaha NE 68154 coxbusinesscom 4029340830
Cradickrsquos Husker PowerTEXAN RETURNS HOME FOR BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY PG 8
Marlon Lofgren Koley Jessen PC LLOKEEPING THE FOCUS WHERE IT BELONGS PG 4
Seasoned Advice for Buyers(THE BOUNCY KIND) PG 5
PLAYING BIG EDITION
Fall
2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
2
Volume 1 Issue 5
Published by The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
PresidentEditor bull Cortney Sells
DirectorAssistant Editor bull Cassandra Powers
In-House Legal Counsel bull Susanne Miller
Outreach Coordinator bull Rene Rademacher
Marketing Development bull Rachael Rand
Business Broker bull Breann Becerra
Referring Broker bull Elizabeth Jones
Marketing Division bull Adam Jaime
Development Liaison bull Holley Garcia
Client Services bull Nycole Wandvik-Tolle
Client Services bull Julie OrsquoBrien
Community Relations bull Mike Sells
Contributing Writers
Marlon Lofgren bull Kathy Rygg bull Maureen Tierney
Design bull OBI Creative
Photography bull Bill Sitzmann
To Subscribe
The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
210 N 78 St
Omaha NE 68114
4029985288
infothefirmb2bcom
Advertising Inquiries
4028842000
toddomahamagazinecom
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Columns
4 Seller Financing
Koley Jessen PC LLO Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
14 Executive Impact Getting Into the Big Office
Departments
5 Seasoned Advice for
Business Buyers (The Bouncy Kind)
12 Building a Legacy while
Building Racks New Chapter to Becklerrsquos Career
The Bottom Line
Sells Insights
Playing Big
Husker PowerTexan returns home to
Nebraska for business opportunity
pg8
Many business owners have marginal experience in the trades in which their
organizations specialize While it may seem counterintuitive to buy or start a company situated around an industry in which one has little experience there is a certain com-petitive edge to the equation A buyer or president need only know enough to begin before surrounding him or herself with the right personnel to tackle the minute details What is paramount is the grander scheme of
management and operations which allows one to flex refined business acumen Not only does distance from fieldwork free up time to put in place a robust and refined plan but it leaves open other avenues for portfolio expansion Grow your business expand operations or begin other busi-ness ventures The possibilities are only as small as the mindset held by your team The FIRM
Special Section
7 Fresh Off The Firm The Firm Business Brokerage has
over $80 million dollars in assets under
management of current cash flowing
businesses for sale ndash from medical
practices to commercial services to large
manufacturing companies
by Cortney Sells presidenteditor
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
3Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
4
IF PROPERLY STRUCTURED AND DOCUMENTED SELLER FINANCING IS REALLY NO DIFFERENT FROM FINANCING THAT WOULD OTHERWISE BE PROVIDED BY A BANKTYING IT ALL TOGETHEREven the most savvy of ldquonumbers peoplerdquo need a leg up in negotiating a purchase As with so many aspects of doing business retaining experienced legal counsel enables you to keep the focus where it belongsmdashemploying your entrepreneurial skills in the identification and acquisition of profitable business ventures The FIRM
Seller Financing Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
written by Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
Seller financing can often be a criti-cal factor in getting a business sold
If properly structured and documented seller financing is really no different from financing that would otherwise be provided by a bank Below is a brief guide to navi-gating the issues normally encountered in seller financing
FIRST THINGS FIRSTThe first question is usually that of how to structure and document the financing The buyer should be expected to sign a prom-issory note evidencing the loan from the seller with interest and repayment terms mutually agreeable to both parties The seller might also require that the buyer grant the seller a security interestlien in the pur-chased assets to secure the loan Itrsquos also not unusual for a seller to require that the individual owners of the buyer (assuming the buyer is an entity) personally guarantee the loan In most cases the documents are usually pretty straightforward and do not need to be overly complicated
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
ADDITIONAL LAYERSIf a bank is also financing the sale the seller will most likely be required by the bank to sign a subordination agreement This is an agreement between the bank usually referred to as the ldquosenior lenderrdquo and the seller referred to as the ldquojunior lenderrdquo A subordination agreement sets forth the terms between the lenders as to each entityrsquos right to receive loan pay-ments from the buyer and the priority of their respective security interestsliens in the purchased assets The document will usually state that the senior lenderrsquos loan and security interestliens shall at all times be superior to those of the junior lender until the senior loan is paid in full Most lenders are willing to discuss and negoti-ate the junior lenderrsquos right to receive loan payments from the borrower Lien priority status however is rarely compromised by senior lenders in subordination agreements The senior lender will insist on having a first priority security interestlien in the pur-chased assets
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Whether yoursquore a first-time entre-preneur or an experienced business
owner purchasing a company is a critical investment financially and emotionally To help increase the likelihood of it being a success in both areas there are a number of aspects to keep in mind when evaluating if a business is the right fit gt
Seasoned Advice for Business Buyers(The Bouncy Kind)
written by Kathy Rygg
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Jerry Rachwalik
5Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
6
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
lt Jerry Rachwalik has been researching companies for the past three years waiting for the right opportunity to arise His search was the result of spending his career work-ing for larger organizations in a number of areas including delivery installation cus-tomer service inventory accounts receiv-ables and scheduling where he managed up to 35 people at a time
Policies and philosophies can change when working for a corporation Sometimes they become less family friendly ldquoWith the previous companies I worked forrdquo Rachwalik says ldquothey switched from caring about em-ployees to making money and the bottom line I stuck it out for several years and then decided I needed something differentrdquo
An entrepreneur by nature Rachwalik has over the last seven years built up a rental business buying foreclosed homes and duplex properties completely reno-vating them and then renting them back out He now has 15 properties and enjoys helping families by providing nice homes that are affordable ldquoI want people to feel good when they come home at night after a long day at workrdquo he says Rachwalik want-ed to find a business that allowed him the flexibility to respond to his tenants when needed from simple plumbing issues to furnaces going kaput
When he first started looking for a new business Rachwalik was drawn to home health care because of his experience help-ing to take care of relatives And it was a growing field Nothing was available at the time so he expanded his options and be-gan researching businesses in a variety of industries Those included a flooring com-pany sandwich shop and even a hair salon
ldquoI was open to anything and if I could make the numbers work then I would consider itrdquo he explains
Then The Firm Business Brokerage pre-sented him with an opportunity that was the right match Bounce U in Omaha There were a number of factors that appealed to Rachwalik First and foremost were the financials but it would also offer him the flexibility he needed for his rental business A big advantage was that an entire team was already in place one seasoned in man-aging staff and scheduling parties ldquoThey do a great jobrdquo he says ldquoI donrsquot plan on making any personnel changesrdquo
But what hersquos most looking forward to with this new venture is the fun positive environment Bounce Ursquos primary business is its birthday party packages featuring the companyrsquos oversized inflatibles and Rachwalik said he canrsquot wait to watch the excitement on the kids faces when they walk through the door ldquoEveryone there is happyrdquo he says ldquoThe kids are happy the parents are happy and the employees running the parties are happy Itrsquoll be a big change from the environments I used to work inrdquo Hersquos already planning to have his twin grand-daughtersrsquo birthday party there too
His transition included a week of training with the companyrsquos corporate facility in Ari-zona as well as on-site training Even though the Omaha location is an existing store all of Rachwalikrsquos training was structured as though itrsquos a brand new site
Bounce U has traditionally partnered with local restaurants to provide food for birth-day parties but Rachwalik wants to explore the option to build a kitchen of his own
He also hopes to continue to grow the business by at least 5 annually ldquoAnything I do I will communicate with my employees and get their input and suggestions firstrdquo he adds
For anyone who is considering buying a business or is going through the process Rachwalik stresses to be open minded and not rule anything out ldquoIf an opportunity is presented to you run the numbers and see if you can make it workrdquo he says ldquoI did a complete flip-flop on the type of business I thought I wanted versus what I ended up purchasing But if you keep looking yoursquoll eventually find a matchrdquo The FIRM
ldquoTHE KIDS ARE HAPPY THE PARENTS ARE HAPPY AND THE EMPLOYEES RUNNING THE PARTIES ARE HAPPY ITrsquoLL BE A BIG CHANGE FROM THE ENVIRONMENTS I USED TO WORK INrdquo
-Jerry Rachwalik
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Fresh Off The Firm Featured Listings for Sale
Suburban Bar amp Grill with VolleyballOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $26413 PRICE $115000
Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity in an area with only two other bars nearby Serving up a gorgeous and well-maintained volleyball court along with pool tables and a jukebox this bar and grill is a favorite with the locals Business is fully staffedmdashowner works very part time hours
Rain Gutter Sales amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $145200 PRICE $415000
This business is a dealer for high-end rain gutter covers These products are con-structed of high-quality aluminum and sur-gical-grade stainless steel and are strong enough to hold up to four feet of snow or 20 pounds of debris Profit margin is 48
Large-Scale Assembly amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $743732 PRICE $2200000
This well-established installation and assembly business in central Nebraska prides itself on providing many numerous building solutions for businesses and building owners in their area They install and assemble metal frames including grain silos pole barns and buildings
Photo Booth Business Running on Autopilot OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $36419 PRICE $88900
Photo booths are the ldquoin thingrdquo at weddings and parties In business for seven years this business is one of the largest in town Wedding couples hoping to capture the fun memories of the day make up 67 of the clients Includes four booths and one trailer
Southwest Omaha Dental PracticeOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $129745 PRICE $380000
Professional staff and excellent customer service are the hallmarks of this practice Using the latest technology the business offers an array of dental services including teeth cleaning veneers crowns bleaching and trauma services The owner is currently working only 20 hours a week
Small Animal Vet Clinic in Omaha OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $158287 PRICE $440000
For over 30 years this animal care clinic has prioritized customer care They are currently offering services to over 2000 families and are the second largest veterinary clinic in the area The business is split 7030 between dogs and cats
Buildersrsquo Material amp Supply CompanyOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $364880 PRICE $933000
This highly reputable company established in 1976 and located just north of Omaha provides quality and reliable services and supplies Building supply inventory includes garage door lumber windows trims siding roofing materials and more Approximately 90 of customers are repeat clientele
High-Growth Plumbing Company OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $157774 PRICE $445000
This non-union plumbing company has consistent growth of over $130000 a year in sales The full service plumbing contractor has business that is currently 50 commercial and 50 residential
90+ available business opportunities for sale Please visit TheFirmBusinessBrokeragecom for details
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
7Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
Matt Cradick
The Deal ReviewReason For Sale Fresh start after 25+ years in the industrySeller Transition Period Over eight monthsType of Sale Asset Purchase AgreementLender Access Bank Mack LaRock
ldquoYOU SHOULD INTERVIEW FOR A BUSINESS JUST LIKE YOU
WOULD FOR A JOBrdquo CRADICK EXPLAINS ldquoIT HAS TO BE THE
RIGHT FIT YOU DONrsquoT WANT TO BE ONE OF THE MANY FA-
TALITIES THAT HAPPEN SO OFTEN IN NEW BUSINESSrdquo
-Shaun Heldt
From Retail to RoofingHow to be Successful When Buying a Business
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Spending almost 20 years working in retail for major corporations and then
buying a siding and roofing contracting company may seem like a major leap but for Matt Cradick owner of Husker Ham-mer Siding Windows and Roofing it was the best business move hersquos ever made And thatrsquos saying a lot for someone who moved 11 times in 19 years across nine different states
Cradick had been living in Houston Texas where he worked for Target Corporation He had worked his way up through the com-pany and another promotion was on the horizon which meant another move With three young children at home Cradick de-cided it was time to put down some roots Having grown up in Lincoln Nebraska he wanted to be near family and Midwestern values He started researching businesses for sale and was eventually led to The Firm which in turn led him to Husker Hammer
The move from a big corporate environ-ment to a small contracting business didnrsquot intimidate Cradick With Target he oversaw 200 people so he knew he brought strong management and operational skills The challenge he says was learning the ins and outs of construction He didnrsquot need to be the one hammering away on the roofmdashhe needed learn a new business segment
ldquoSwitching industries can be nerve-rack-ingrdquo Cradick says ldquobut the owner was will-ing to stay on board for six months during the transitionrdquo That partnership was an invaluable tool during the changeover gt
A Publication of The Firm Business BrokerageA Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
9Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
10
lt Husker Hammer was started in 1998 as a one-man operation and had been built up to a multimillion dollar business Cradick was impressed with the mission statement values system of the company and the strong workforce that was already in place And the price of the company lined up well with the financials ldquoWhat Husker has that others in the industry donrsquotrdquo says the man whose faith is central to his deal-ings ldquois a strong ethical foundation with a Christian backgroundrdquo
There were a number of other elements Cradick sought when buying his business ones he believes all potential business own-ers need to keep in mind The first is to make sure you have a proper support team in place to help make a sound financial deci-sion That includes having a good business valuation and a good business broker who can point you in the right direction to ensure a match for both parties
Once yoursquore in the process of purchasing he adds make sure you have a capable net-work of attorneys a seasoned financial team and solid internal help to ensure yoursquore suc-cessful from the start ldquoYou should interview
for a business just like you would for a jobrdquo Cradick explains ldquoIt has to be the right fit You donrsquot want to be one of the many fatal-ities that happen so often in new businessrdquo
To help ensure the company continues to be successful Cradick plans to main-tain Husker Hammerrsquos competitive edges which he says includes his 11000-sq-ft state-of-the-art showroom in Elkhorn He reformatted the space to better fit his busi-ness model before building out additional second-floor space that is now rented to other entrepreneurs
The showroom features all of the window siding and roofing products available to customers Samples are one thing Cradick says but he knows the power of customers seeing actual colors in actual sizes
ldquoOur philosophy is to build peace of mind for homeowners and be with them every step through the processrdquo he says ldquoWord of mouth is our number one lead source which was true in retail as wellrdquo
Happy employees to Cradick are just as important as happy customers He sub-scribes to a simple philosophymdashlistening to employees and doing so with respect
ldquoWith big corporations you deal with a lot of politicsrdquo he says ldquoNow if therersquos politics itrsquos because Irsquove generated it Itrsquos a nice change to be in a small business where you have more leeway to ensure yoursquore creating a positive work environment which creates a happy workforcerdquo
Working for a smaller company also allows for more opportunities to become involved in the community Husker Hammer is active in local chambers of commerce the Open Door Mission and is currently helping on a Habitat for Humanity build in Waterloo They have also been accredited by the Bet-ter Business Bureau since 2000 and won the Better Business Integrity Award
Cradickrsquos business is currently 90 percent residential and 10 percent commercial He hopes to increase their reach in proper-ty management and general contracting while maintaining the high-quality residen-tial sales that built the business ldquoBecause of our showroomrdquo he says ldquopeople come
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
to us We donrsquot do the high pressure sales at the kitchen table We listen We let the homeowners do the talkingrdquo
Growing geographically is also a goal Cradick hopes to expand to surrounding areas including his hometown of Lincoln
ldquoSo far itrsquos been a great moverdquo he says ldquoand I look forward to continuing to be known as an ethical long-lasting company My daughters and wife are excited to be back in the Midwest around grandparents and family Their school district is great and the full year-round climate has been a welcome change from living in the south Plus I was averaging 50000 miles per year in travel so itrsquos nice to sleep in your own bed every nightrdquo The FIRM
For more information on this or any for sale listings call The Firm Business Brokerage directly
11Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
The Deal ReviewBusiness Established 1987Reason for Sale Retirement (Transla-tion More time with a fishing pole)Ownerrsquos Profit $495004Type of Loan SBA with Core Bank
12
Back to the FutureBuilding a Business Legacy
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Itrsquos not uncommon for someone who has spent a number of years in corporate
America to shift gears into entrepreneur-ship Being your own boss certainly has its advantages But for Scott Beckler who recently purchased Lewis Installers in Gret-na his reason for taking on a new business venture had more to do with honoring not only his fatherrsquos legacy but building one of his own
Beckler started his career as a business education teacher then moved to a corpo-rate career in technology But for a number of years he kept an eye on businesses for sale hoping that just the right opportunity would come along
ldquoMy dad was an entrepreneur who owned his own real estate insurance companyrdquo
Beckler says ldquoDespite the fact he had on-going health issues he still got up every day put on a coat and tie and went out to make a sale He was a very successful busi-nessman and I wanted to honor his legacyrdquo
After contacting The Firm and discuss-ing what he was looking for in a business the team suggested Lewis Installers which specializes in industrial conveyor and rack systems At first it seemed like a big de-parture for him ldquoShelving and logistical systems isnrsquot something that jumps out at yourdquo Beckler says But the more he looked into it the more he realized it had many of the elements he wanted in a business The most obvious advantage was that the company was located in Gretna where he lives Add to that the fact that the seller lives just up the road from him
Scott Beckler
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
For purposes of this article this overview is based on the buying and selling entities being corporations or entities taxed as corporations
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
4420 Izard Street Omaha4022938707 bull 8887380296
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
HAVE YOUR MINOR ROOF LEAKS BECOME A MAJOR ANNOYANCEDonrsquot Wait Any Longer Call Us Now
ldquoAfter meeting him and hitting it offrdquo Beckler says ldquowe quickly realized it was a match on both sidesrdquo
Other signs also pointed in the right di-rection The financials were good The size of the business was ideal The competitive landscape was promising Beckler also real-ized that his corporate background fit well with this new business
ldquoAlthough itrsquos an entirely different indus-tryrdquo he says ldquomany of the business princi-ples are the samehellipproject management customer service delivery vendor man-agement and cost containment Irsquove been doing all of those for yearsrdquo
His background in technology will also be a valuable asset in his new business Not only has he established relationships with large vendors built over the years but his from-the-ground-up experience with data centers means that he is already eying in-novative automation and other technology differentiators At the same time hersquos look-ing forward to learning the daily operations of the company and having a hand in every part of the business from bidding to closing to payroll
ldquoIt will be challenging coming from a big business background where Irsquove only been involved in the peripheryrdquo Beckler says
ldquoNow Irsquoll be involved in all of itrdquo
Lewis Installers being a family-owned business is what hersquos most excited about He says itrsquos a company with a good repu-tation thatrsquos known for quality and meeting deadlinesmdashall driven by a strong Midwest-ern work ethic
Itrsquos the sort of company Beckler believes that would make his father proud
ldquoI want this business to be a legacy for my familyrdquo Beckler says ldquoMy hope is that it could stay in the family with my own kids and grandkidsrdquo The FIRM
13Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Om
aharsquo
s Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
14
When considering the purchase of an existing business very few realize
that lack of experience in an industry can actually lead to success One simply needs a sound financial plan and a good team to fill in the gaps Removing the added stress of fieldwork and focusing solely on the management of finances and operation allows for greater opportunities It makes for the dynamic advantage of some outside impartiality when seeking areas of improve-ment and growth
One man who has made this transition from having marginal knowledge in an in-dustry to leading a successful plumbing and HVAC operation is Mark Evans president of Burton Plumbing Before taking over Burton Evans had a successful plumbing distribu-torship serving four states but it was his desire to own and to travel less that put him into the hands of Burton Friesz The founder of Burton Plumbing Friesz had been a customer and friend of Evansrsquo when the two discussed a possible expansion into residential service Evans put his busi-ness experience to work for Burton in July 1995 and his education in the minutiae of plumbing and HVAC began
While he hasnrsquot worked in the field as a licensed plumbing contractor Evans has dipped his feet in several areas within the running of Burtonhellipand often at the same time Before hiring the essential personnel that have enabled him to narrow his role Ev-ans served as manager marketer customer service representative and dispatcher Such a list of duties for one man is a daunting task but ldquoI worked my way to being able to work on the business rather than in the business [a strategy] taught to me by my business coachrdquo says Evans
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
REMOVING THE ADDED STRESS OF FIELDWORK AND FOCUSING SOLELY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF FINANCES AND OPERATION ALLOWS FOR GREATER OPPORTUNITIES
Executive Impact Moving Into the Boardroom From Employee to President
written by Maureen Tierney | Co-written by Mark Evans and Julie OrsquoBrien
Eventually Evans was able to step back and bring on a general manager and a ware-house operator that has allowed him to
ldquofocus on growth opportunities marketing and cash flowrdquo
Evansrsquo experience is not unique It is com-mon for brokerages to deal with buyers seeking to own companies within a cer-tain field but ldquoonly two people out of the nearly 100 closings [wersquove had] have come in for the same business that they ended up purchasingrdquo says Julie OrsquoBrien client services and paralegal with The Firm What it comes down to is as simple as the bot-tom line Buyers are looking to leverage their talents and experience in a marriage between a management philosophy and business model Those in the market for an acquisition are ldquobuying based on profit number of staff ability to get financing and mostly their strengths and passionsrdquo says OrsquoBrien Experience in a particular industry is certainly valuable but is no predictor of success when the right financial mind comes along
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Even so making up for a lack of practical knowledge requires the proper equipment most notably in the form of managers and employees The right talent in the field can be a growth experience and provide an opportunity to learn the ropes before taking a full swing at things A total deficit in knowl-edge hardly makes for good leadership and for this reason many ldquonew business owners like to take a birdrsquos eye view of the operation rather than diving in and getting their hands dirty right awayhellipgiving them the opportunity to watch [how] things have been done before implementing changesrdquo says OrsquoBrien
Approaching ownership in this way also allows for further financial acquisitions an avenue which Evans has taken In addition to owning Burton Plumbing Evans operates four other companies One might assume this much responsibility to be a stretch but Evans sees his role as ldquokeeping a pulse on things I like to lead people in growth per-sonally and on the business siderdquo
Getting started can be a challenge which is why OrsquoBrien works closely with potential buyers to find the right fit ldquoWe assist all the wayrdquo she says ldquoWe work with the buyer on projections business plans [and] we introduce them to trusted advisorsrdquo from attorneys and CPAs to financial advisors and insurance agents
Itrsquos this helpful backing of experts that eases the difficult task of ownership and only proves that one can certainly switch from a blue collar to a white one The FIRM
CONTRACTING BUSINESSES LISTED BY THE FIRM
201
5 P
roje
cted
201
5 Y
TD
201
4
201
3
201
2
30
0
15
28
14
12
11
16
15Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Omaharsquos Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
It may seem like I pulled a muscle making this stretch but Keith Backsen the new boss at the Omaha Convention amp Visitors Bureau seems to have an awful lot in common with new Husker Coach Mike Riley
Coach Riley spent a total of 14 seasons at Oregon State before heading to Huskerland Backsen also comes from that neck of the woods having spent 11 years of his career in Portland Oregon and another 11 years in Spokane Washington selling both cities as prime places for convention and leisure travelers
At Oregon State Coach Riley built the football program into a consistent winner and regular conference contender At Visit Spokane Backsen opened sales offices in Washington DC and Chicago that led to increased convention bookings Backsen also worked on the public campaign to expand the Spokane Convention Center with a $65 million bond issue The expansion coupled with increased hotel inventory allowed Spokane to pursue large conventions and more than doubled convention bookings in Spokane
Riley has experience at the highest level of football serving as the head coach of the San Diego Chargers and as a head coach in both the Canadian and World Football Leagues Same for Backsen he worked in Dallas and Chicago as the director of sales for Global Experience Specialists a global leader in the world of event planning Backsen supervised five sales offices in a nine-state region generating annual sales in excess of $70 million
Riley is known as one of the most professional and nicest men in the profession a coach who is greatly admired by his peers I kid you not Backsen is described the same way by colleaguesmdashone of the most genuine and skilled men in the business a well respected professional who has the insight and experience to get the job done (Note the $70M stat above)
Come the first game both men will have a stadium filled with fans cheering them on In Backsenrsquos case his stadium is the entire city of Omaha where the fans are the 434353 residents who will reap the rewards of Omaharsquos growing tourism economy
B2B
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 51
51HUSKER
COACH HAS TOURISM
TWIN
OMAHA CVB BY DEB WARD
Deb Ward is the director of marketingcommunications Omaha Convention and Visitorrsquos Bureau
Keith Backsen
52 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Jason Feldman and Sebastian Hunt
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 53
The emerging startup accelerator scene supports creative-minded risk-takers looking for an edge to follow their passion and bring their ideas to fruition
Sebastian Hunt 25 is passionate about giving entrepreneurs like himself a nurturing space to test out their concepts The University of Nebraska at Omaha economics graduate interned with various local employers and surveyed the area startup community when an idea struck him for a by-application curriculum-based residency program serving new entrepreneurs That inspiration turned into Year of the Startup
Launched in 2014 the program operates out of a humble house at 4036 Burt Street in the St Cecilia Cathedral neighborhood Hunt and co-founder Jason Feldman 28 room there with young residency fellows whose startup ventures range from making bio-fuels to providing night owl shuttle services They are a millennial bunch who favor sneakers and sandals They take informal meetings to nearby CaliCommons and Lisarsquos Radial Cafe They variously hunch over laptops or tablets and carry smartphones as appendages
YEAR OF THE STARTUP
ENTREPRENEURAL IMMERSION
This communal work-live space model for business mavericks is new to Omaha The usual startup accelerator is a concentrated 90-day off-site program Omaha has a few of these notably Straight Shot Hunt saw a need for a program that invites a broader range of people into the accelerator fold and supports them much nearer to the start of their dream than other programs
ldquoWe feel like we can take people at very early stages because we are four times as long as the average programrdquo says Hunt who adds that Year of the Startup is also not tech-centric like many programs tend to be ldquoIn our model we substitute intensity for duration I think a lot of the learning here comes through unstructured serendipitous interactions we have that is not curriculum-based itrsquos just happenstance
ldquoWith a house there are so many different ways you can bring ideas and people together I think thatrsquos maybe that critical binding agent and sense of place that helps accomplish thingsrdquo
He says in this intimate environment ldquotherersquos no other choice but to immerse yourself in the settingrdquo adding ldquoWersquore always hanging out in the living room or out back talking about startup stuffmdashmonetization strategies capitalization tables vested equity entity structuresrdquo
ldquoItrsquos this immersive experience of camaraderie of these natural flows and idea generationrdquo Feldman says
Hunt says ldquoThis is very difficult to get bored with because therersquos always somebody whose business is either in crisis or growth stage or some interesting part of the curverdquo
ldquoHow could we get bored when wersquore creating a platform with four startups and all we get to do is ideationrdquo Feldman says ldquoItrsquos a constant buzz we get from interacting with these startup founders and helping them build their ideasrdquo
Built into the program are activities that encourage fellows to break out of their comfort zone and to offer honest criticism of each otherrsquos ideas
Hunt compiles multiple data points on the startups
ldquoWersquore developing really deep insight about how do people start successful businessesrdquo
The program utilizes mentors from the entrepreneurial community
ldquoWe bring in people who are experts in specific areas to talk on those topicsrdquo Feldman says
ldquoThey get ideas flowingrdquo Hunt says of the mentors
Feldman says he regularly covers with fellows ldquothe major components of what you need to look at to start your businessrdquo and then mentors like Mike Kolker owner of graphic design firm Simplify teach lessons about operational efficiency and ldquohow to simplify running a businessrdquo
Hunt is a newcomer to all this and goes by instinct as much as research to support his vision
CONTINUED ON 54
FEATURE | BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
53
54 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
70 Years of Business in Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
4027335500 | 4315 South 50th Street
402-333-5722 bull wwwsw-fencecom
Thanks for Voting SampW Fence the Best Again in 2015
Wersquore Not Just About Fences
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Thank You for Voting Us Best of B2Btrade 4 Years in a Row
AUDIO VISUAL SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDEbull System designengineeringbull Sales
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aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER 2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
ConnectWITH YOURCOMMUNITY
Donrsquot forget to visitOmahaMagazinecom to read
all of our titles online
Omaha MagazineEncounter B2B 60PlusHerFamily OmahaHome
CONTINUED FROM 53
ldquoI just had an irrational confidence market insights and a great theoretical background thanks to primary research I completed and to lessons I learned from Phillip Phillips Michael OrsquoHara and Art Diamond in UNOrsquos economics department I read constantly about who the players were in the startup world so I was fairly preparedrdquo
Even though he directs a startup program he only started participating in one himself (Venture School) He acknowledges Year of the Startup is a by-the-seat-of-your-pants experiment
ldquoComing out of college I had student loans and not a ton of money Irsquove held two jobs to finance the project Now the project is financed by a combination of me working and renting out one room One-hundred percent of the money our entrepreneurs pay in rent will be returned in full and so everybody has a strong incentive to follow through with the program That may be what makes us sustainablerdquo
Hersquos working on securing corporate sponsorship for the program Meanwhile he wants to help get participating startups to the next level
ldquoWersquore functioning like a pre-accelerator at this point We want to get our startups profitable and then refer them to the Straight Shots so they can focus on growth in a pure accelerator programrdquo
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 55
Mercedes-Benz of Omaha14335 Hillsdale Ave Omaha NE 68137wwwOmahaMercedescomContact John Williams anytime at 4029819262
of Omaha of Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
As Year of the Startup moved into a larger house in Omaharsquos Little Italy district on July 1 and a new class of fellows arrives Hunt says there are ldquointeresting talks happening right now to bring this to other citiesrdquo He and Feldman say economic development agencies are willing to pay a license fee for them to do startup houses in other cities The partners are having proprietary software developed that will enable new startup houses to replicate their branded Omaha model
They look forward to engaging with the emerging 10th Street cultural district but may keep the midtown house to accommodate growth
Hunt and Feldman believe theyrsquore catching the wave or tipping point of a big new startup rush and theyrsquore betting their model is poised to be a niche player in this wild frontier of entrepreneurial prospecting
B2B
56 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
It is an unassuming space but if you have made your way to TD Ameritrade Park Filmstreams or Hot Shops chances are yoursquove passed one of the most vibrant offices in Omaha
The fact that Co-Lab (short for Creative Collaborators) is not a traditional work space is certainly one of its best features Located inside the Tip Top building at 15th and Cumming streets is a project dreamed up by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture who happens to share the main floor of the building Based in the heart of a once-isolated section of the city Co-Labrsquos funky creative vibe is making waves In fact that vibe seeps into Omaharsquos everyday bringing about small changes pushing our city toward a more innovative future
CO-LABGIVING OMAHA WORKERS A MORE
COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE
IN THE OFFICE | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
56
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 57
Home to 18 businesses plus Alley Poyner Macchietto Co-Lab is free of walls and signage It is also free from traditional office norms For instance you donrsquot just walk over to your neighborrsquos space for a brainstorming sessionmdashyou skateboard At least you do if yoursquore Dave Nelson of SecretPenguin a leading experimental branding agency The best part is that the businesses surrounding SecretPenguin appreciate the break from tradition ldquoThatrsquos the beautiful part about being around like-minded good people and businessesrdquo Nelson says
CONTINUED ON 58
58 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 59
CONTINUED FROM 57
In addition to having pathways large enough to skateboard or bike through the space also provides Co-Labbers with a kitchen various conference rooms bike storage bathrooms and a battleground (otherwise known as the ping-pong table) Walking in the main doors clients and employees alike are greeted from the front desk while catching a view of the five-story open atrium basking in the glow of sunshine from the skylight Workers can also access the fitness room and rooftop deck sharing amenities with TipTop apartment residents who use a separate entrance
CONTINUED ON 60
The Harry A Koch CoInsurance amp Financial ConsultantsMember of First Insurance Group LLC
60 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
CONTINUED FROM 59
Businesses in Co-Lab all creativity-related range from entrepreneurs to start-ups to non-profits to small businesses The art varies in form but runs through the space like an electric current At Zicafoose Textiles Mary Zicafoose works steadily on her loom creating gorgeous tapestries 4Site Programming is where Joi Brown works as an independent consultant for performing arts centers across the nation Heartland B-Cycle a large-scale municipal bike sharing system brings art in the form of economical convenience Holly Boyer a founder of non-profit organization Mission Matters explains that one of the best things about having an office at Co-Lab is feeling the innovative positive energy from the moment you walk in the door So while individuals may join Co-Lab with a business-minded focus or a more creative vibe finding a yin to their yang is just a shout away
ldquoThere is certainly a wonderful built-in support network that comes along with working in a collaborative environmentrdquo quips Omaha Creative Institute Executive Director Emily Moody ldquoEverything from sharing ideas and finding ways to collaborate with an organization different than yours to sharing a staplerrdquo
At the heart of making it work says Laura Alley of Alley Poyner itrsquos simply playing well with others
The skateboarding ping-pong playing creatives do that well
B2B
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Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott Enterprises
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For more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
TD Ameritrade Park | First National Bank Tower | Midtown Crossing | Village Pointe | Childrenrsquos Hospital Aksarben Village | Joslyn Art Museum | Fred amp Pamela Buffett Cancer Center | UNO Community Arena
6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
AT THE OFFICE amp ON THE GO
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13
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
- BB1015_fntCvr_125
- BB1015_fntEdit_125
- BB1015_bkEdit_125
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omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 13
Response exceeded expectations Six weeks after opening Scissors amp Scotch averaged 80 new clients per week and about 30 haircuts a day More than 60 percent of the customers opted for the $52 ldquo15-year servicerdquo (as in the age of fine Scotch) Its membership programmdashthe Scotch-inspired 10- 15- and 25-year packages with escalating benefits at each levelmdashwas expected to generate 100 sales the first year Scissors amp Scotch sold 90 the first month
ldquoItrsquos really encouragingrdquo Anderson says ldquoEach week wersquove done more haircuts than the previous week since we openedrdquo
And all of it by word-of-mouth advertising (though Scissors amp Scotch recently started advertising on AM 590)
ldquoIrsquove had a lot of guys say lsquoThis is Omaha Nebraska right This is something I expect to see in a Chicago or a New York or a Dallasrsquordquo
Thanks to Anderson Omaha it is
B2B
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402733232212310 K Plaza Ste 108
BEST FLORISTldquoTaylor Maderdquo for ALL
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14emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
ldquoPeople need vacation to recharge and get inspired to continue to love what they dordquo she says ldquoA lot of times when you give people that break they come back more energized and with great ideas It makes them happier it makes us a better companyrdquo-HEIDI MOUSBACH
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 15
GOING TO THE DOGSERVIN amp SMITHrsquoS RELAXED AWARD-WINNING VIBE
OMAHA | BY ANTHONY FLOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Want to know how much fun it is to work at Omaha digital marketing firm Ervin amp Smith Just ask Peanut Gwen Duke or Daphne Jane
They wonrsquot talk to youhellipbut yoursquoll probably see their tails wagging
ldquoAny week we have probably a couple dogs in the officerdquo says Heidi Mausbach Ervin amp Smith president and CEO ldquoYou find them at your desk begging for a little treat They follow their owners around the agencyrdquo
The furry friends are there as one of many workplace benefits garnering Ervin amp Smith attention here and nationally In February the agency founded 31 years ago by Executive Chairman Doug Smith made the 2015 Best Places to Work in Omaha list sponsored by Baird Holm and the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce That came three months after Advertising Age ranked Ervin amp Smith number 13 on its list of 40 Best Places to Work in Advertising amp Media based on hiring practices benefits packages salaries office perks and more
ldquoYou spendhellipa good percentage of your life at workrdquo Mausbach says ldquoYou want to be at a place you love to come to People do love it here You donrsquot dread Monday morningrdquo
Even if yoursquore on vacationmdashwhich is unlimited at Ervin amp Smith as are sick and personal days The new leave policy established in January 2014 is among the most intriguing initiatives at the agency
ldquoPeople are free to come and go as long as they are fulfilling their client commitments and meeting their other goalsrdquo Mausbach says
So have employees been abusing the policy with copious vacation days Mausbach canrsquot saymdashErvin amp Smith isnrsquot tracking days If therersquos any challenge to the time-off policy itrsquos been with employees not taking enough personal time Mausbach who joined the agency 15 years ago was among those who took ldquoa lot lessrdquo vacation than she typically would
ldquoPeople need vacation to recharge and get inspired to continue to love what they dordquo she says ldquoA lot of times when you give people that break they come back more energized and with great ideas It makes them happier it makes us a better companyrdquo
While employees appreciate the flexibility the policy allows them to get away from work Ervin amp Smith has seen benefits in the officemdashless idle activity greater communication and collaboration and perhaps best of all fewer and shorter meetings as employees focus on goals and commitments
CONTINUEDemspONemsp16
15
16emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp15
The company also allows employees to work from home as needed or even full-time from cities across the country (one Ervin amp Smith employee lives in Washington another in Colorado) The company also established an annual ldquoSlush FUNdrdquo giving each employee $100 to spend on something that will enhance company culture such as a popcorn machine Some pooled their money to buy meditation classes open to everyone Others adopted a family at Christmas
Workplace enhancements can be simple A couple of years of ago the agency added a ping pong table Sometimes thatrsquos where the best work happens ldquoItrsquos interesting how their minds workrdquo Mausbach says ldquoA lot of times theyrsquore playing and brainstorming There are amazing ideas that come out of work and play at the same timerdquo
Other initiatives to enhance the Ervin amp Smith environment include redesigned offices an expanded client conference room
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 17
a per-person training budget more than twice the industry average catered lunches and happy hours and a monthly wellness stipend reimbursing employees up to $25 a month
The most popular benefit is Flame Schoedermdash a professional certified life coach made available for monthly development sessions
ldquoOf all the benefits they feel this is the one definitely helping them the most professionally and personallyrdquo Mausbach says
The initiatives seem to work Ervin amp Smith promoted 12 employees and hired 15 others last year Its retention rate in 2014 was 84 percent better than the typical industry rate of 70 percent or worse Mausbach cites
Ervin amp Smith is building employee relationships Perks are great People are better
Making Ervin amp Smith a doggone great place to work
B2B
8 ConsecutiveYears
Thanks Omaha for 30 Years2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
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6450 Pine Street | 402-778-6313ScottCentercom
17
18emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
ESPELITE SERVICE PROFESSIONALS
Superior quality exceptional service
If you are a CEO key executive or business owner call 4024017560
copy 2015 Vistage Worldwide Inc 14_261_3131 kkk
Discover what thousands of CEOs already know Vistage works
Get answers Take action Like you the members of a Vistage Advisory Board are proven business leaders and critical thinkers They have smart ideas and insightful opinions and this is the forum to express them At our monthly meetings yoursquoll encounter lively discussions where business leaders tell it like it is If you find that refreshing then be our guest at our next monthly group meeting
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 19
Leo Costanzo Anne Taylor and Alan Hove of Controlled Comfort
BRANDREBRAND | BY ELIZABETH MACK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Jingle writers have done their job if they create an earwormmdasha song so catchy it sticks in your head and wonrsquot leave ldquoWhen I tell people I work at Controlled Comfort they immediately start singing the jinglerdquo says Alan Hove who along with co-owners Leo Costanzo and Anne Taylor purchased Controlled Comfort in 2004 ldquoItrsquos the best form of advertising we could ever hope forrdquo
CONTINUEDemspONemsp20
SINGING A HAPPY TUNEJINGLING ALL THE WAY
19
20emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
John Sievers
Businesses Are Buying SmarterThe All Makesrsquo team is trained to help you make design decisions and furniture purchases that fi t your offi ce atmosphere your work style and your budget Visit All Makesrsquo redesigned showroom to see the latest in new offi ce furniture pre-owned offi ce furniture and business technology
wwwallmakescom Omaha 2558 Farnam St | 4023412413 Lincoln 3333 O St | 4024777131
Thank you for voting us 1 for 10 consecutive years
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp19
Most people in the Omaha metro area are familiar with that animated female voice belting out ldquoControlled ComfortndashKeep it Under Controoooooolrdquo Many locals probably would not guess the companyrsquos logo (an angel) but could at least hum a few bars of the jingle Whether a catchy tune is annoying or enjoyable is a matter of opinion but once that musical worm has worked its way into your psyche you are forced to remember the product which is exactly what advertisers hope for
When companies change ownership one major decision is whether or not to maintain the same brand image and the current owners of Controlled Comfort knew they wanted things to stay pretty much the same when they took ownership
ldquoWe love our jinglerdquo says Taylor ldquoWhen we purchased the company we knew we wanted to maintain the image and keep the logo and jingle We couldnrsquot ask for a better form of advertisingrdquo
Research shows that music increases recall and simple melodies with simple lyrics stick with a consumer not only for the short term but often the long-term Remember ldquoI Wish I Were an Oscar Meyer Weinerrdquo Even if it has been years since you have actually heard it chances are you can still sing the entire song Controlled Comfortrsquos brand may not be as huge as Oscar Meyerrsquos but their jingle has stood the test of time being sung on local radio and TV for nearly 20 years with no end in sight
Taylor recounts how in the mid-1990s local musician Johnny Ray Gomez produced the jingle for a radio spot
ldquoThe previous owners purchased a year of radio advertising and it came with a jinglerdquo Taylor says
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
THANKS OMAHA
Embroidery middot Screen Printing middot Promotional Digital Printing middot Mailing middot Company Stores
13747 F St 4025961002 ideal-imagescom
ldquoWhen we purchased the company we knew we wanted to maintain the image and keep the logo and jingle We couldnrsquot ask for a better form of advertisingrdquo-ANNE TAYLOR
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 21
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
At the time they had no idea they did not retain exclusive rights to the melody
ldquoI just recently heard the song while I was traveling in western Nebraska It was quite a shockrdquo she adds with a laugh
Branding is all about creating an image of a business that will stick in a customerrsquos mind Though most businesses rely on visual advertising to create their brand jingles can be an additional way to increase awareness and create staying power People often remember a catchy tune Throw the company name and their phone number in the jingle lyrics and customers may not even need to look up the contact information
ldquoIf I forget the phone number I just sing the jinglerdquo says one local customer
Though original jingles declined in recent years as more large companies turn to popular songs for their advertising a few local companies still spend at least some marketing dollars on jingles Whether you think it annoying or catchy a jingle may be your best advertising investment
B2B
4023333062 | planitomahacom | 10832 old mill road suite 5 | omaha ne 68154
planitomaha A national and
regional powerhouse in
meetings conferences amp
events
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
22emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 2
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 23
How is it that Midlands Choice has come to make an investment in of all things a ballerina
Sure the bottom line of any insurance entity is driven by risk managementmdashthe investing of premium revenues to hedge against claims
But taking stock in Claire Goodwillie a company dancer with Ballet Nebraska
The Midlands Choice example is repeated all across the metro as area businesses support a broad array of arts nonprofits ones that dwell in everything from tutus to tempura
And the table is set for a new era of collaboration between business and the arts because philanthropic giving in America has finally returned to pre-recession levels
Contributions which totaled $358 billion in 2014 surpassed 2007rsquos pre-recession level of $355 billion Additionally giving was up from all major sourcesmdashindividuals corporations foundations and bequestsmdashaccording to Giving USA an annual report compiled by the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and the Giving USA Foundation of Chicago
ldquoEight out of nine types of charitable organizations we measure saw increased contributions and thatrsquos good news for the
BALLET NEBRASKAA PAS DE DEUX BETWEEN BUSINESS AND THE ARTS
philanthropic sector as a wholerdquo W Keith Curtis told Omaha Magazine in an email Curtis is chair of Giving USA Foundation and president of the nonprofit consulting firm The Curtis Group ldquoThe 60-year high for charitable giving in 2014 is a great story about resilience and perseverancerdquo
Themes of resilience and perseverance define the Ballet Nebraska story
Erika Overturff was 27 years old when the ballet company of which she was a dancer and resident choreographer appeared doomed She had no money She had no business acumen
That was 2009 Flash forward to 2015 and Overturff now 33 founder and artistic director of Ballet Nebraska is leading the regionrsquos only professional dance company into its sixth season
In a city known for its ldquocan-dordquo spirit this story could be about almost any local arts nonprofit but the unlikely saga of Ballet Nebraska is told here because it is perhaps the most improbable of tales one that best reveals what a business community and the arts can do when they share a common vision
CONTINUEDemspONemsp24
BY DAVID WILLIAMS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
23COVERemspFEATURE
24emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp23
Like settling into your seat with a program before the lights dim at any performing arts venue itrsquos probably best to start by reviewing the cast of characters
THE CONNECTORHal Daub knows people Especially in a city of six degrees of separation that is in reality much more like two or three degrees the former Omaha mayor (1995-2001) and US Congressman (1981-1989) who has served on countless nonprofit boards and is now a partner at Husch Blackwellhellipknows people
ldquoWhen I was first introduced to Hal and he offered to helprdquo Overturff says ldquoI assumed that meant he was going to maybe make a few calls and do a little name-droppingrdquo Daub it turned out would become a key player in the often delicate pas de deux that is the coupling of business and the arts ldquoHe not only made those calls but he set up the appointmentshellipand then he came along to personally introduce me and stand by my side in front of those who would become some of the most generous funders of Ballet Nebraskardquo
ldquoThe reason I am so fascinated by what Erika has donerdquo says Daub ldquois that Omaha is a city that has clearly evolved to become a place that is not just metropolitan but truly cosmopolitanrdquo And investing in the arts Daub believes makes good business sense ldquoThe social environment of a citymdashits arts and entertainmentmdashis critical in attracting and retaining the best workforce Ballet Nebraska Opera Omaha the Omaha Symphony Omaha Performing Artshellipthose and so many others are the organizations that help keep the best talent in Omahardquo
THE ADVOCATEMichelle Clark is Union Pacificrsquos general director of information technologies which means she probably knows more than a little about computer viruses As a three-year board member of Ballet Nebraska shersquos also seen how supporting the arts can go viral
ldquoEmployee generosity is furthered by the use of the companyrsquos matching gifts programrdquo Clark explains ldquoThis creates a sense of pride for employees and Union Pacific is supportive of the communities in which we live and work The employees of Union Pacific are very generous and have supported fundraising drives not only for Ballet Nebraska but a number of organizations such as the Womenrsquos Center for Advancement and JDRFrdquo
Employees should never underestimate their power to play a key role in advocating for nonprofits within their organizations
ldquoI am passionate about the art of dance especially ballet and Ballet Nebraskardquo Clark says ldquoDance inspires my creativity and provides insights to see beyond the obvious My hope is that by providing individuals with the awareness of opportunities to experience and support the art of dance they will find their own inspiration to apply to their own liferdquo
And just as stubborn computer viruses are often cloyingly messy to eradicate once discovered Union Pacificrsquos relationship with Ballet Nebraska has a ldquostickinessrdquo of its own Clark was preceded on the Ballet Nebraska board by Gayla Thal the companyrsquos senior vice president and general counsel
THE BULLDOGDonrsquot let the gentle demeanor of Midlands Choice vice president Greta Vaught fool you Supporting the arts is often a visceral experience and Vaughtrsquos passion for dance exerted itself on multiple levels in the early stages of growth at Ballet Nebraska
ldquoMidlands Choice has always been supportive of my work in the communityrdquo says the board chair of Ballet Nebraska
ldquoWe like to listen to our people when making such decisionsrdquo says Midlands Choice President and CEO Thomas E Press rdquoIt is important for us to know that our giving has real meaning for them their families and their communitiesrdquo
ldquoI looked at what Erika was trying to dordquo Vaught continues ldquoand I thought it was brave but impossible But all along the way I just kept going back to the thought that if one of my daughters [Mia now 15 and Hannah now 19] wanted to try something so bold one day thatrdquohellipinsert long pausehellipldquoIrsquom sorry this is making me cry I would just hope that people with experience and connections and dollars would shepherd my daughters along like so many people have done with Erika and Ballet Nebraskardquo
Okay so maybe ldquoThe Bulldogrdquo wasnrsquot such a great character name for this role after all
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 25
Fast-Paced Public Relations
Customer-Based Planning and Communications
402-964-9293 11626 Nicholas Street
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For the Connected World
Every story Every tweet Every interaction
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Join the world of innovative PR ndash partner with experts
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arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
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THE ARTISTldquoI had to do a lot of on-the-job learning when I decided to try to launch a dance companyrdquo Overturff says ldquoWe were lucky in that we got our nonprofit status right away but I didnrsquot know anything about the business side of things and really nothing about raising funds I was moved by every $5 check that came in but it took a lot of mentoring advice and counsel to get us to where we are today as a fully funded professional performance companyrdquo
Ballet Nebraska now has a paid staff of 22 including nine salaries paid to company dancers Today Overturffrsquos once-nonexistent business connections run deep Personal contributions from the likes of philanthropists Richard Holland and Fred and Eve Simon further fuel the growth of ballet in Omaha Foundations also play a major role in funding A recent gift of $124000 from the Iowa West Foundation is the largest in Ballet Nebraska history
ldquoTalented professionals from all over the world that have trained their whole lives to pursue a career in dance now come to Omaha in the hopes of performing with Ballet Nebraska as we serve the state and western Iowa in performances education outreach and morerdquo she says ldquoA ballet companymdashany performing arts company any arts organizationmdashis about its peoplehellipthe artists the staff and hardworking selfless volunteers But it is the people of Omaha from the smallest donations to the relationships we have with such great businesses that makes it all happenrdquo
B2B
26emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
26OFFICE FURNITURE BY DOUG SCHURING
OFFICE ORIGINS
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE MODERN WORKPLACE
For all the time we spend in our office very few of us are familiar with how that space came to be You may actually be surprised by the events and inventions that helped form the work environment we know today From the development of the railroad to innovations in communication our current corporate habits structures and tools have all played a role In his book CubedmdashA Secret History of the Workplace Nikil Saval shapes the advances that created the conventional office we are familiar with today
The advent of the Morse telegraph spawned long-distance communication Then starting in 1860 a series of technological innovations changed the possibilities of the workplace the use of iron framework permitted the construction of taller buildings and elevators assisted the climb The Remington typewriter entered the office in 1874 Bellrsquos telephone was patented two years later
At the same time railroads expanded across the country reducing transportation costs and extending markets for goods and services Additionally railroads produced an organizational transformation still in use today The coordination of trains required employees housed in structures all across the country bringing a variety of offices to the American landscape Between the executive the manager and the workerhellipthe organizational chart was born
The invention of telecommunications fostered the speed of information to surge creating more
Doug Schuring is the director of sales administration at All Makes Office Equipment Co
work and subsequently more workers As these workers moved into new structures the spaces reflected their various levels of management In 1915 the Metal Office Furniture Company (now Steelcase) invented the modern deskmdasha flat metal table outfitted with file drawers The new desks massed together in defined rows offered managers full visual access to the goings-on of the workplace and this ldquosea of desksrdquo became the norm for decades Lockers and various cabinets popular in the Great Depression era became vertical files once steel became readily available after World War II
In 1968 Herman Miller introduced the first panel system with attached components Designed by Robert Propst the Action Office system revolutionized the ldquoofficerdquo in form flexibility and cost Other furniture manufacturers mimicked the modular system which became the norm for many businesses
Up to the rsquo90s the personal computerrsquos popularity grew and the relative size of work stations decreased between 25-50 percent By the middle of that decade the dot-com revolution on the West Coast created an unprecedented workplace culture The formal atmosphere of the office became much more casual and discontent for the Dilbert-esque cubicle grew Subsequently creative furniture solutions evolved with the desire to be more mobile leading the way
In the early 2000rsquos collaborative open offices grew in popularity New and improving
technologies now offer connectivity in the office home or public spaces As a result nearly every company today is adapting and using new furnishings as a tool to attract new workers At the same time retaining existing employees is equally important The goal is to make everyone more effective and efficient in their work
Whether you work in an office from home in the local coffee shop or out of an airline terminal you may start to notice that much of the furniture is beginning to look very similar As long as you are able to connect to technology you can work from virtually anywhere
B2B
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Ralston NE 68127
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omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 27
28emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Outlook Nebraska CEO Eric Stueckrath
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 29
On the surface it looks just like any other office or factory As you enter Outlook Nebraska Inc (ONI) yoursquore greeted by a friendly front desk attendant and led past a perfectly ordinary-looking workspace Entering their factory where they manufacture such paper products as rolls of hand towels you wouldnrsquot suspect that it is different from any other assembly line
But explore a little deeper
Walking past one office you might see a man typing away on a keyboard his laptop closed in front of him He doesnrsquot need it open to know what hersquos typing Hersquos visually impaired and utilizing computer software that reads the words aloud as he types
On the factory floor raised edges guard the walkway so sightless employees can feel their way around Over on the assembly line visually impaired workers can use a computer screen to zoom in on the product at various stages of production to assess the process
ONI is a non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance the life of the blind and visually impaired through employment opportunities and training Almost all the employees at ONI are blind or visually impaired from factory workers to IT professionals Some were born blind others lost their sight later in life ONI aims to help them all re-enter the workforce in a meaningful way
A SIGHT FOR NON-SEEING EYES
OUTLOOK NEBRASKA
ldquoThey get used to being on their feetrdquo says ONI CEO Eric Stueckrath ldquoWe offer jobs for [people with] entry-level skill sets and all of the positions are at or above minimum wage We give them the tools to help build those skill setsrdquo
ONI also offers personalized life-skills training geared to whatrsquos important to the individual from personal banking to cooking to operating a computer
The American Foundation for the Blind estimates that as many as 70 percent of blind adults in the US are unemployed As the largest employer of the blind in the Omaha metro area ONI is working to make an impact
ldquoWe work with organizations that are committed to hiring the visually impairedrdquo Stuekrath says ldquoAdvocacy is definitely part of what we dordquo
ONI is currently in the midst of a $2 million capital campaign that will allow them to complete a large-scale renovation project at their facility The renovation will create more space for the general public and give them the ability to offer additional training programs
In addition to working with adults blind and visually-impaired youth are a primary focus for Stuekrath and ONI
ldquoMy heart really gravitates toward themrdquo Stuekrath says
ONI partners with youth organizations on a number of initiatives including a sports camp for visually-impaired youth called Camp Abilities Nebraska Attendees can try archery swimming bowling track and field and more as a means to build confidence
ldquoThey donrsquot need to be coddledrdquo Stuekrath says adding that he often tells parents of blind children ldquoYour kid needs to get out there and bump his head and experience liferdquo
At ONI everything comes back to the organizationrsquos mission Stuekrath says
ldquoWe give them the tools they need to gain greater independencerdquo
B2B
FEATURE | BY APRIL CHRISTENSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY COLIN CONCES
29
30emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Layne and Pam Yahnke and Their VW Thing
Shakespeare wrote of love and betrayal Tolkien of hobbits and wizards Steinbeck and Faulkner of the indomitable American spirit
Layne Yahnke writes about his VW Thing
Yes the two-wheel-drive off-road convertible military vehicle first manufactured for the West German Army as ldquoType 181rdquo in 1968 VW churned them out until 1983 including two years in the United States when marketed as ldquoThe Thingrdquo
Yahnke got his Thing in 2000 for $5500 Hersquos lovingly restored it most importantly giving it a peppy new motor that makes it Autobahn-worthy
WHATrsquoS THAT THING
LANE YAHNKErsquoS UNUSUAL VOLKSWAGEN
HOW I ROLL | BY ANTHONY FLOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Therersquos only one other Thing in Omaha and Yahnkersquos gets lots of second and third looks when hersquos whipping down the Dodge Street Expressway from his Elkhorn home Especially when the doors are off and windshield is down
Everyone wants to know abouthellipthe Thing
Thus Yahnke penned ldquoIt Takes a Village to Build a VW Thingrdquo an ode to those who helped him with his beloved ridemdashhis sons Omaha VW Club members engine and body shops and parts stores
CONTINUEDemspONemsp32
30
SIGN UP TODAYdolnebraskagovsides
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32emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Locally Owned in Papillion Ne402-740-0800 bull apconstructomahacom
Insurance claims
welcomeIf your roof sustained fire snow or hail
damage the repairs can be costly We are your wind and hail damage experts and accept insurance claims so you wonrsquot
have to pay for the repair work yourself
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Residential Roofing bull Roof Maintenance amp Repair bull Licensed Bonded amp Insured
Steve Kowalski
Call or Text Message(402 ) 453-6000
abetterexposurecom steveabetterexposurecom
Passion Creativity Experience
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp31
ldquoI wrote that right after the engine transplantrdquo says Yahnke an Omaha native and vice president at Essex Corp provider of senior living communities ldquoI guess I was moved I get so many inquiries about it and I really feel so fondly about itrdquo
Itrsquos not his first Thing Yahnke and his wife of 38 years Pam owned one before their four children came along As the kids have come and gone so have the cars
Lots of them
Yahnke figures he has owned 60 automobiles in his life His car fancy began as a kid growing up in Dundee where a friendrsquos dad spent his spare time restoring English cars Yahnke spent hours in his garage and developed a love for Triumphs and MGs His first car purchase was a 1962 Triumph for $425 in 1972 It wasnrsquot long though until he sold it at a profit
ldquoThatrsquos what kicked off the buying and selling of English carsrdquo he says ldquoI discovered I could enjoy my transportation but then as soon as someone wanted to buy it for more than I paid for it out it wentrdquo
ldquoWhere Accounting Meets ResultsrdquoProviding Accounting and Quickbooks Services
For Metro Businesses
Denise Martin I 9252077634Deniseheartlandaccountabilitycom
wwwHeartlandAccountAbilitycom
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 33
These days you never know what will be parked in the Yahnke driveway Currently therersquos a Honda pickup a VW Jetta VW Multivan and a 2001 Audi TT Quatro Convertiblemdashpurchased in apropos silver for his 25th wedding anniversary
Itrsquos the Thing he most enjoys driving He logs about 1000 miles on it each year Most of those have come toplessmdashYahnke long ago gave it away to another Thing enthusiast and now only drives it sans roof
ldquoAnyone who sees this car has only seen it top-downrdquo he says ldquoI just got caught once in the rain and that was probably a month ago The cool thing about the Thing is you leave it out in the sun and it dries out and is ready to gordquo
It says ldquoSummer is hererdquo Yahnke says
ldquoPeople speed up all the time to try to figure out what it is Itrsquos just a happy car and itrsquos so darn versatile It puts smiles on peoplesrsquo facesrdquo
B2B
Quality Carpet Cleaning Since 2004
4026806523
Cleaning ServicesCarpet CleaningUpholstery CleaningMattress CleaningTile amp Grout CleaningPet TreatmentsConcrete CleaningConcrete CleaningAuto Interior Cleaning24 Hour Water Damage
wwwLegacyCarpetCleaningcom
omahamagazinecom SPECIALemspADVERTISINGemspSECTIONemspemsp |emsp SUMMERemsp2015emsp |emsp 34
ABOUT OUR BUSINESS
Cox Business started in 2000 as the commercial services division of Cox Communications Over the past 15 years we have experienced strong growth and are on our target to achieve $2 billion in revenue in the near future
Cox Business owns operates and maintains its own network providing leading-edge technology solutions for voice internet networking and digital TV We also offer robust business continuity and disaster recovery solutions which is of increasing importance to businesses in the greater Omaha area Our customers include such key verticals as education hospitality government and healthcare We maintain a significant focus on Omaha small business mid-markets and large local companies as well
We consider our employees to be our most precious asset as they have the responsibility of taking care of our customers At Cox Business we are fortunate to have an extremely tenured and engaged team of employees What sets us apart from our competition is the fact that while we are a large robust and progressive company we still possess
the nimbleness of a smaller company in our ability to deliver creative solutions under tight timelines We pride ourselves on having very little bureaucracy and that translates to happy customers The fact that Cox Business has won 15 JD Power Awards for customer satisfaction over the past 11 years is a notable accomplishment for us and we work hard to deliver on that promise of excellence every day
ABOUT LYNNE
I have led sales and operations teams in the communications industry for 20 years 10 of those years with Cox Communications My husband Pat and I just celebrated our first full year in Omaha and wonder why it took us so long to find this jewel of a community Our daughter Kaylin starts law school next month at the University of San Diego
I have two passions in my professional life mentoring employees who are working on leadership development (which includes working with two to three emerging leaders at any given time) and continuing to drive efforts in hiring fostering a diverse workforce There
is a challenge in STEM fields of under-represented groups My company Cox Communications is also very passionate about this and holds the distinction of inclusion in Diversity Incrsquos top 50 companies
My personal passions include travel social media and Italian cooking
B2B
COX BUSINESSLYNNE SANGIMINO
Cox Business 401 N 117th St Omaha NE 68154 coxbusinesscom 4029340830
Cradickrsquos Husker PowerTEXAN RETURNS HOME FOR BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY PG 8
Marlon Lofgren Koley Jessen PC LLOKEEPING THE FOCUS WHERE IT BELONGS PG 4
Seasoned Advice for Buyers(THE BOUNCY KIND) PG 5
PLAYING BIG EDITION
Fall
2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
2
Volume 1 Issue 5
Published by The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
PresidentEditor bull Cortney Sells
DirectorAssistant Editor bull Cassandra Powers
In-House Legal Counsel bull Susanne Miller
Outreach Coordinator bull Rene Rademacher
Marketing Development bull Rachael Rand
Business Broker bull Breann Becerra
Referring Broker bull Elizabeth Jones
Marketing Division bull Adam Jaime
Development Liaison bull Holley Garcia
Client Services bull Nycole Wandvik-Tolle
Client Services bull Julie OrsquoBrien
Community Relations bull Mike Sells
Contributing Writers
Marlon Lofgren bull Kathy Rygg bull Maureen Tierney
Design bull OBI Creative
Photography bull Bill Sitzmann
To Subscribe
The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
210 N 78 St
Omaha NE 68114
4029985288
infothefirmb2bcom
Advertising Inquiries
4028842000
toddomahamagazinecom
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Columns
4 Seller Financing
Koley Jessen PC LLO Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
14 Executive Impact Getting Into the Big Office
Departments
5 Seasoned Advice for
Business Buyers (The Bouncy Kind)
12 Building a Legacy while
Building Racks New Chapter to Becklerrsquos Career
The Bottom Line
Sells Insights
Playing Big
Husker PowerTexan returns home to
Nebraska for business opportunity
pg8
Many business owners have marginal experience in the trades in which their
organizations specialize While it may seem counterintuitive to buy or start a company situated around an industry in which one has little experience there is a certain com-petitive edge to the equation A buyer or president need only know enough to begin before surrounding him or herself with the right personnel to tackle the minute details What is paramount is the grander scheme of
management and operations which allows one to flex refined business acumen Not only does distance from fieldwork free up time to put in place a robust and refined plan but it leaves open other avenues for portfolio expansion Grow your business expand operations or begin other busi-ness ventures The possibilities are only as small as the mindset held by your team The FIRM
Special Section
7 Fresh Off The Firm The Firm Business Brokerage has
over $80 million dollars in assets under
management of current cash flowing
businesses for sale ndash from medical
practices to commercial services to large
manufacturing companies
by Cortney Sells presidenteditor
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
3Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
4
IF PROPERLY STRUCTURED AND DOCUMENTED SELLER FINANCING IS REALLY NO DIFFERENT FROM FINANCING THAT WOULD OTHERWISE BE PROVIDED BY A BANKTYING IT ALL TOGETHEREven the most savvy of ldquonumbers peoplerdquo need a leg up in negotiating a purchase As with so many aspects of doing business retaining experienced legal counsel enables you to keep the focus where it belongsmdashemploying your entrepreneurial skills in the identification and acquisition of profitable business ventures The FIRM
Seller Financing Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
written by Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
Seller financing can often be a criti-cal factor in getting a business sold
If properly structured and documented seller financing is really no different from financing that would otherwise be provided by a bank Below is a brief guide to navi-gating the issues normally encountered in seller financing
FIRST THINGS FIRSTThe first question is usually that of how to structure and document the financing The buyer should be expected to sign a prom-issory note evidencing the loan from the seller with interest and repayment terms mutually agreeable to both parties The seller might also require that the buyer grant the seller a security interestlien in the pur-chased assets to secure the loan Itrsquos also not unusual for a seller to require that the individual owners of the buyer (assuming the buyer is an entity) personally guarantee the loan In most cases the documents are usually pretty straightforward and do not need to be overly complicated
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
ADDITIONAL LAYERSIf a bank is also financing the sale the seller will most likely be required by the bank to sign a subordination agreement This is an agreement between the bank usually referred to as the ldquosenior lenderrdquo and the seller referred to as the ldquojunior lenderrdquo A subordination agreement sets forth the terms between the lenders as to each entityrsquos right to receive loan pay-ments from the buyer and the priority of their respective security interestsliens in the purchased assets The document will usually state that the senior lenderrsquos loan and security interestliens shall at all times be superior to those of the junior lender until the senior loan is paid in full Most lenders are willing to discuss and negoti-ate the junior lenderrsquos right to receive loan payments from the borrower Lien priority status however is rarely compromised by senior lenders in subordination agreements The senior lender will insist on having a first priority security interestlien in the pur-chased assets
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Whether yoursquore a first-time entre-preneur or an experienced business
owner purchasing a company is a critical investment financially and emotionally To help increase the likelihood of it being a success in both areas there are a number of aspects to keep in mind when evaluating if a business is the right fit gt
Seasoned Advice for Business Buyers(The Bouncy Kind)
written by Kathy Rygg
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Jerry Rachwalik
5Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
6
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
lt Jerry Rachwalik has been researching companies for the past three years waiting for the right opportunity to arise His search was the result of spending his career work-ing for larger organizations in a number of areas including delivery installation cus-tomer service inventory accounts receiv-ables and scheduling where he managed up to 35 people at a time
Policies and philosophies can change when working for a corporation Sometimes they become less family friendly ldquoWith the previous companies I worked forrdquo Rachwalik says ldquothey switched from caring about em-ployees to making money and the bottom line I stuck it out for several years and then decided I needed something differentrdquo
An entrepreneur by nature Rachwalik has over the last seven years built up a rental business buying foreclosed homes and duplex properties completely reno-vating them and then renting them back out He now has 15 properties and enjoys helping families by providing nice homes that are affordable ldquoI want people to feel good when they come home at night after a long day at workrdquo he says Rachwalik want-ed to find a business that allowed him the flexibility to respond to his tenants when needed from simple plumbing issues to furnaces going kaput
When he first started looking for a new business Rachwalik was drawn to home health care because of his experience help-ing to take care of relatives And it was a growing field Nothing was available at the time so he expanded his options and be-gan researching businesses in a variety of industries Those included a flooring com-pany sandwich shop and even a hair salon
ldquoI was open to anything and if I could make the numbers work then I would consider itrdquo he explains
Then The Firm Business Brokerage pre-sented him with an opportunity that was the right match Bounce U in Omaha There were a number of factors that appealed to Rachwalik First and foremost were the financials but it would also offer him the flexibility he needed for his rental business A big advantage was that an entire team was already in place one seasoned in man-aging staff and scheduling parties ldquoThey do a great jobrdquo he says ldquoI donrsquot plan on making any personnel changesrdquo
But what hersquos most looking forward to with this new venture is the fun positive environment Bounce Ursquos primary business is its birthday party packages featuring the companyrsquos oversized inflatibles and Rachwalik said he canrsquot wait to watch the excitement on the kids faces when they walk through the door ldquoEveryone there is happyrdquo he says ldquoThe kids are happy the parents are happy and the employees running the parties are happy Itrsquoll be a big change from the environments I used to work inrdquo Hersquos already planning to have his twin grand-daughtersrsquo birthday party there too
His transition included a week of training with the companyrsquos corporate facility in Ari-zona as well as on-site training Even though the Omaha location is an existing store all of Rachwalikrsquos training was structured as though itrsquos a brand new site
Bounce U has traditionally partnered with local restaurants to provide food for birth-day parties but Rachwalik wants to explore the option to build a kitchen of his own
He also hopes to continue to grow the business by at least 5 annually ldquoAnything I do I will communicate with my employees and get their input and suggestions firstrdquo he adds
For anyone who is considering buying a business or is going through the process Rachwalik stresses to be open minded and not rule anything out ldquoIf an opportunity is presented to you run the numbers and see if you can make it workrdquo he says ldquoI did a complete flip-flop on the type of business I thought I wanted versus what I ended up purchasing But if you keep looking yoursquoll eventually find a matchrdquo The FIRM
ldquoTHE KIDS ARE HAPPY THE PARENTS ARE HAPPY AND THE EMPLOYEES RUNNING THE PARTIES ARE HAPPY ITrsquoLL BE A BIG CHANGE FROM THE ENVIRONMENTS I USED TO WORK INrdquo
-Jerry Rachwalik
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Fresh Off The Firm Featured Listings for Sale
Suburban Bar amp Grill with VolleyballOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $26413 PRICE $115000
Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity in an area with only two other bars nearby Serving up a gorgeous and well-maintained volleyball court along with pool tables and a jukebox this bar and grill is a favorite with the locals Business is fully staffedmdashowner works very part time hours
Rain Gutter Sales amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $145200 PRICE $415000
This business is a dealer for high-end rain gutter covers These products are con-structed of high-quality aluminum and sur-gical-grade stainless steel and are strong enough to hold up to four feet of snow or 20 pounds of debris Profit margin is 48
Large-Scale Assembly amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $743732 PRICE $2200000
This well-established installation and assembly business in central Nebraska prides itself on providing many numerous building solutions for businesses and building owners in their area They install and assemble metal frames including grain silos pole barns and buildings
Photo Booth Business Running on Autopilot OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $36419 PRICE $88900
Photo booths are the ldquoin thingrdquo at weddings and parties In business for seven years this business is one of the largest in town Wedding couples hoping to capture the fun memories of the day make up 67 of the clients Includes four booths and one trailer
Southwest Omaha Dental PracticeOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $129745 PRICE $380000
Professional staff and excellent customer service are the hallmarks of this practice Using the latest technology the business offers an array of dental services including teeth cleaning veneers crowns bleaching and trauma services The owner is currently working only 20 hours a week
Small Animal Vet Clinic in Omaha OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $158287 PRICE $440000
For over 30 years this animal care clinic has prioritized customer care They are currently offering services to over 2000 families and are the second largest veterinary clinic in the area The business is split 7030 between dogs and cats
Buildersrsquo Material amp Supply CompanyOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $364880 PRICE $933000
This highly reputable company established in 1976 and located just north of Omaha provides quality and reliable services and supplies Building supply inventory includes garage door lumber windows trims siding roofing materials and more Approximately 90 of customers are repeat clientele
High-Growth Plumbing Company OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $157774 PRICE $445000
This non-union plumbing company has consistent growth of over $130000 a year in sales The full service plumbing contractor has business that is currently 50 commercial and 50 residential
90+ available business opportunities for sale Please visit TheFirmBusinessBrokeragecom for details
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
7Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
Matt Cradick
The Deal ReviewReason For Sale Fresh start after 25+ years in the industrySeller Transition Period Over eight monthsType of Sale Asset Purchase AgreementLender Access Bank Mack LaRock
ldquoYOU SHOULD INTERVIEW FOR A BUSINESS JUST LIKE YOU
WOULD FOR A JOBrdquo CRADICK EXPLAINS ldquoIT HAS TO BE THE
RIGHT FIT YOU DONrsquoT WANT TO BE ONE OF THE MANY FA-
TALITIES THAT HAPPEN SO OFTEN IN NEW BUSINESSrdquo
-Shaun Heldt
From Retail to RoofingHow to be Successful When Buying a Business
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Spending almost 20 years working in retail for major corporations and then
buying a siding and roofing contracting company may seem like a major leap but for Matt Cradick owner of Husker Ham-mer Siding Windows and Roofing it was the best business move hersquos ever made And thatrsquos saying a lot for someone who moved 11 times in 19 years across nine different states
Cradick had been living in Houston Texas where he worked for Target Corporation He had worked his way up through the com-pany and another promotion was on the horizon which meant another move With three young children at home Cradick de-cided it was time to put down some roots Having grown up in Lincoln Nebraska he wanted to be near family and Midwestern values He started researching businesses for sale and was eventually led to The Firm which in turn led him to Husker Hammer
The move from a big corporate environ-ment to a small contracting business didnrsquot intimidate Cradick With Target he oversaw 200 people so he knew he brought strong management and operational skills The challenge he says was learning the ins and outs of construction He didnrsquot need to be the one hammering away on the roofmdashhe needed learn a new business segment
ldquoSwitching industries can be nerve-rack-ingrdquo Cradick says ldquobut the owner was will-ing to stay on board for six months during the transitionrdquo That partnership was an invaluable tool during the changeover gt
A Publication of The Firm Business BrokerageA Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
9Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
10
lt Husker Hammer was started in 1998 as a one-man operation and had been built up to a multimillion dollar business Cradick was impressed with the mission statement values system of the company and the strong workforce that was already in place And the price of the company lined up well with the financials ldquoWhat Husker has that others in the industry donrsquotrdquo says the man whose faith is central to his deal-ings ldquois a strong ethical foundation with a Christian backgroundrdquo
There were a number of other elements Cradick sought when buying his business ones he believes all potential business own-ers need to keep in mind The first is to make sure you have a proper support team in place to help make a sound financial deci-sion That includes having a good business valuation and a good business broker who can point you in the right direction to ensure a match for both parties
Once yoursquore in the process of purchasing he adds make sure you have a capable net-work of attorneys a seasoned financial team and solid internal help to ensure yoursquore suc-cessful from the start ldquoYou should interview
for a business just like you would for a jobrdquo Cradick explains ldquoIt has to be the right fit You donrsquot want to be one of the many fatal-ities that happen so often in new businessrdquo
To help ensure the company continues to be successful Cradick plans to main-tain Husker Hammerrsquos competitive edges which he says includes his 11000-sq-ft state-of-the-art showroom in Elkhorn He reformatted the space to better fit his busi-ness model before building out additional second-floor space that is now rented to other entrepreneurs
The showroom features all of the window siding and roofing products available to customers Samples are one thing Cradick says but he knows the power of customers seeing actual colors in actual sizes
ldquoOur philosophy is to build peace of mind for homeowners and be with them every step through the processrdquo he says ldquoWord of mouth is our number one lead source which was true in retail as wellrdquo
Happy employees to Cradick are just as important as happy customers He sub-scribes to a simple philosophymdashlistening to employees and doing so with respect
ldquoWith big corporations you deal with a lot of politicsrdquo he says ldquoNow if therersquos politics itrsquos because Irsquove generated it Itrsquos a nice change to be in a small business where you have more leeway to ensure yoursquore creating a positive work environment which creates a happy workforcerdquo
Working for a smaller company also allows for more opportunities to become involved in the community Husker Hammer is active in local chambers of commerce the Open Door Mission and is currently helping on a Habitat for Humanity build in Waterloo They have also been accredited by the Bet-ter Business Bureau since 2000 and won the Better Business Integrity Award
Cradickrsquos business is currently 90 percent residential and 10 percent commercial He hopes to increase their reach in proper-ty management and general contracting while maintaining the high-quality residen-tial sales that built the business ldquoBecause of our showroomrdquo he says ldquopeople come
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
to us We donrsquot do the high pressure sales at the kitchen table We listen We let the homeowners do the talkingrdquo
Growing geographically is also a goal Cradick hopes to expand to surrounding areas including his hometown of Lincoln
ldquoSo far itrsquos been a great moverdquo he says ldquoand I look forward to continuing to be known as an ethical long-lasting company My daughters and wife are excited to be back in the Midwest around grandparents and family Their school district is great and the full year-round climate has been a welcome change from living in the south Plus I was averaging 50000 miles per year in travel so itrsquos nice to sleep in your own bed every nightrdquo The FIRM
For more information on this or any for sale listings call The Firm Business Brokerage directly
11Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
The Deal ReviewBusiness Established 1987Reason for Sale Retirement (Transla-tion More time with a fishing pole)Ownerrsquos Profit $495004Type of Loan SBA with Core Bank
12
Back to the FutureBuilding a Business Legacy
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Itrsquos not uncommon for someone who has spent a number of years in corporate
America to shift gears into entrepreneur-ship Being your own boss certainly has its advantages But for Scott Beckler who recently purchased Lewis Installers in Gret-na his reason for taking on a new business venture had more to do with honoring not only his fatherrsquos legacy but building one of his own
Beckler started his career as a business education teacher then moved to a corpo-rate career in technology But for a number of years he kept an eye on businesses for sale hoping that just the right opportunity would come along
ldquoMy dad was an entrepreneur who owned his own real estate insurance companyrdquo
Beckler says ldquoDespite the fact he had on-going health issues he still got up every day put on a coat and tie and went out to make a sale He was a very successful busi-nessman and I wanted to honor his legacyrdquo
After contacting The Firm and discuss-ing what he was looking for in a business the team suggested Lewis Installers which specializes in industrial conveyor and rack systems At first it seemed like a big de-parture for him ldquoShelving and logistical systems isnrsquot something that jumps out at yourdquo Beckler says But the more he looked into it the more he realized it had many of the elements he wanted in a business The most obvious advantage was that the company was located in Gretna where he lives Add to that the fact that the seller lives just up the road from him
Scott Beckler
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
For purposes of this article this overview is based on the buying and selling entities being corporations or entities taxed as corporations
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
4420 Izard Street Omaha4022938707 bull 8887380296
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
HAVE YOUR MINOR ROOF LEAKS BECOME A MAJOR ANNOYANCEDonrsquot Wait Any Longer Call Us Now
ldquoAfter meeting him and hitting it offrdquo Beckler says ldquowe quickly realized it was a match on both sidesrdquo
Other signs also pointed in the right di-rection The financials were good The size of the business was ideal The competitive landscape was promising Beckler also real-ized that his corporate background fit well with this new business
ldquoAlthough itrsquos an entirely different indus-tryrdquo he says ldquomany of the business princi-ples are the samehellipproject management customer service delivery vendor man-agement and cost containment Irsquove been doing all of those for yearsrdquo
His background in technology will also be a valuable asset in his new business Not only has he established relationships with large vendors built over the years but his from-the-ground-up experience with data centers means that he is already eying in-novative automation and other technology differentiators At the same time hersquos look-ing forward to learning the daily operations of the company and having a hand in every part of the business from bidding to closing to payroll
ldquoIt will be challenging coming from a big business background where Irsquove only been involved in the peripheryrdquo Beckler says
ldquoNow Irsquoll be involved in all of itrdquo
Lewis Installers being a family-owned business is what hersquos most excited about He says itrsquos a company with a good repu-tation thatrsquos known for quality and meeting deadlinesmdashall driven by a strong Midwest-ern work ethic
Itrsquos the sort of company Beckler believes that would make his father proud
ldquoI want this business to be a legacy for my familyrdquo Beckler says ldquoMy hope is that it could stay in the family with my own kids and grandkidsrdquo The FIRM
13Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Om
aharsquo
s Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
14
When considering the purchase of an existing business very few realize
that lack of experience in an industry can actually lead to success One simply needs a sound financial plan and a good team to fill in the gaps Removing the added stress of fieldwork and focusing solely on the management of finances and operation allows for greater opportunities It makes for the dynamic advantage of some outside impartiality when seeking areas of improve-ment and growth
One man who has made this transition from having marginal knowledge in an in-dustry to leading a successful plumbing and HVAC operation is Mark Evans president of Burton Plumbing Before taking over Burton Evans had a successful plumbing distribu-torship serving four states but it was his desire to own and to travel less that put him into the hands of Burton Friesz The founder of Burton Plumbing Friesz had been a customer and friend of Evansrsquo when the two discussed a possible expansion into residential service Evans put his busi-ness experience to work for Burton in July 1995 and his education in the minutiae of plumbing and HVAC began
While he hasnrsquot worked in the field as a licensed plumbing contractor Evans has dipped his feet in several areas within the running of Burtonhellipand often at the same time Before hiring the essential personnel that have enabled him to narrow his role Ev-ans served as manager marketer customer service representative and dispatcher Such a list of duties for one man is a daunting task but ldquoI worked my way to being able to work on the business rather than in the business [a strategy] taught to me by my business coachrdquo says Evans
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
REMOVING THE ADDED STRESS OF FIELDWORK AND FOCUSING SOLELY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF FINANCES AND OPERATION ALLOWS FOR GREATER OPPORTUNITIES
Executive Impact Moving Into the Boardroom From Employee to President
written by Maureen Tierney | Co-written by Mark Evans and Julie OrsquoBrien
Eventually Evans was able to step back and bring on a general manager and a ware-house operator that has allowed him to
ldquofocus on growth opportunities marketing and cash flowrdquo
Evansrsquo experience is not unique It is com-mon for brokerages to deal with buyers seeking to own companies within a cer-tain field but ldquoonly two people out of the nearly 100 closings [wersquove had] have come in for the same business that they ended up purchasingrdquo says Julie OrsquoBrien client services and paralegal with The Firm What it comes down to is as simple as the bot-tom line Buyers are looking to leverage their talents and experience in a marriage between a management philosophy and business model Those in the market for an acquisition are ldquobuying based on profit number of staff ability to get financing and mostly their strengths and passionsrdquo says OrsquoBrien Experience in a particular industry is certainly valuable but is no predictor of success when the right financial mind comes along
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Even so making up for a lack of practical knowledge requires the proper equipment most notably in the form of managers and employees The right talent in the field can be a growth experience and provide an opportunity to learn the ropes before taking a full swing at things A total deficit in knowl-edge hardly makes for good leadership and for this reason many ldquonew business owners like to take a birdrsquos eye view of the operation rather than diving in and getting their hands dirty right awayhellipgiving them the opportunity to watch [how] things have been done before implementing changesrdquo says OrsquoBrien
Approaching ownership in this way also allows for further financial acquisitions an avenue which Evans has taken In addition to owning Burton Plumbing Evans operates four other companies One might assume this much responsibility to be a stretch but Evans sees his role as ldquokeeping a pulse on things I like to lead people in growth per-sonally and on the business siderdquo
Getting started can be a challenge which is why OrsquoBrien works closely with potential buyers to find the right fit ldquoWe assist all the wayrdquo she says ldquoWe work with the buyer on projections business plans [and] we introduce them to trusted advisorsrdquo from attorneys and CPAs to financial advisors and insurance agents
Itrsquos this helpful backing of experts that eases the difficult task of ownership and only proves that one can certainly switch from a blue collar to a white one The FIRM
CONTRACTING BUSINESSES LISTED BY THE FIRM
201
5 P
roje
cted
201
5 Y
TD
201
4
201
3
201
2
30
0
15
28
14
12
11
16
15Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Omaharsquos Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
It may seem like I pulled a muscle making this stretch but Keith Backsen the new boss at the Omaha Convention amp Visitors Bureau seems to have an awful lot in common with new Husker Coach Mike Riley
Coach Riley spent a total of 14 seasons at Oregon State before heading to Huskerland Backsen also comes from that neck of the woods having spent 11 years of his career in Portland Oregon and another 11 years in Spokane Washington selling both cities as prime places for convention and leisure travelers
At Oregon State Coach Riley built the football program into a consistent winner and regular conference contender At Visit Spokane Backsen opened sales offices in Washington DC and Chicago that led to increased convention bookings Backsen also worked on the public campaign to expand the Spokane Convention Center with a $65 million bond issue The expansion coupled with increased hotel inventory allowed Spokane to pursue large conventions and more than doubled convention bookings in Spokane
Riley has experience at the highest level of football serving as the head coach of the San Diego Chargers and as a head coach in both the Canadian and World Football Leagues Same for Backsen he worked in Dallas and Chicago as the director of sales for Global Experience Specialists a global leader in the world of event planning Backsen supervised five sales offices in a nine-state region generating annual sales in excess of $70 million
Riley is known as one of the most professional and nicest men in the profession a coach who is greatly admired by his peers I kid you not Backsen is described the same way by colleaguesmdashone of the most genuine and skilled men in the business a well respected professional who has the insight and experience to get the job done (Note the $70M stat above)
Come the first game both men will have a stadium filled with fans cheering them on In Backsenrsquos case his stadium is the entire city of Omaha where the fans are the 434353 residents who will reap the rewards of Omaharsquos growing tourism economy
B2B
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 51
51HUSKER
COACH HAS TOURISM
TWIN
OMAHA CVB BY DEB WARD
Deb Ward is the director of marketingcommunications Omaha Convention and Visitorrsquos Bureau
Keith Backsen
52 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Jason Feldman and Sebastian Hunt
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 53
The emerging startup accelerator scene supports creative-minded risk-takers looking for an edge to follow their passion and bring their ideas to fruition
Sebastian Hunt 25 is passionate about giving entrepreneurs like himself a nurturing space to test out their concepts The University of Nebraska at Omaha economics graduate interned with various local employers and surveyed the area startup community when an idea struck him for a by-application curriculum-based residency program serving new entrepreneurs That inspiration turned into Year of the Startup
Launched in 2014 the program operates out of a humble house at 4036 Burt Street in the St Cecilia Cathedral neighborhood Hunt and co-founder Jason Feldman 28 room there with young residency fellows whose startup ventures range from making bio-fuels to providing night owl shuttle services They are a millennial bunch who favor sneakers and sandals They take informal meetings to nearby CaliCommons and Lisarsquos Radial Cafe They variously hunch over laptops or tablets and carry smartphones as appendages
YEAR OF THE STARTUP
ENTREPRENEURAL IMMERSION
This communal work-live space model for business mavericks is new to Omaha The usual startup accelerator is a concentrated 90-day off-site program Omaha has a few of these notably Straight Shot Hunt saw a need for a program that invites a broader range of people into the accelerator fold and supports them much nearer to the start of their dream than other programs
ldquoWe feel like we can take people at very early stages because we are four times as long as the average programrdquo says Hunt who adds that Year of the Startup is also not tech-centric like many programs tend to be ldquoIn our model we substitute intensity for duration I think a lot of the learning here comes through unstructured serendipitous interactions we have that is not curriculum-based itrsquos just happenstance
ldquoWith a house there are so many different ways you can bring ideas and people together I think thatrsquos maybe that critical binding agent and sense of place that helps accomplish thingsrdquo
He says in this intimate environment ldquotherersquos no other choice but to immerse yourself in the settingrdquo adding ldquoWersquore always hanging out in the living room or out back talking about startup stuffmdashmonetization strategies capitalization tables vested equity entity structuresrdquo
ldquoItrsquos this immersive experience of camaraderie of these natural flows and idea generationrdquo Feldman says
Hunt says ldquoThis is very difficult to get bored with because therersquos always somebody whose business is either in crisis or growth stage or some interesting part of the curverdquo
ldquoHow could we get bored when wersquore creating a platform with four startups and all we get to do is ideationrdquo Feldman says ldquoItrsquos a constant buzz we get from interacting with these startup founders and helping them build their ideasrdquo
Built into the program are activities that encourage fellows to break out of their comfort zone and to offer honest criticism of each otherrsquos ideas
Hunt compiles multiple data points on the startups
ldquoWersquore developing really deep insight about how do people start successful businessesrdquo
The program utilizes mentors from the entrepreneurial community
ldquoWe bring in people who are experts in specific areas to talk on those topicsrdquo Feldman says
ldquoThey get ideas flowingrdquo Hunt says of the mentors
Feldman says he regularly covers with fellows ldquothe major components of what you need to look at to start your businessrdquo and then mentors like Mike Kolker owner of graphic design firm Simplify teach lessons about operational efficiency and ldquohow to simplify running a businessrdquo
Hunt is a newcomer to all this and goes by instinct as much as research to support his vision
CONTINUED ON 54
FEATURE | BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
53
54 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
70 Years of Business in Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
4027335500 | 4315 South 50th Street
402-333-5722 bull wwwsw-fencecom
Thanks for Voting SampW Fence the Best Again in 2015
Wersquore Not Just About Fences
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Thank You for Voting Us Best of B2Btrade 4 Years in a Row
AUDIO VISUAL SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDEbull System designengineeringbull Sales
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B2B
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aharsquos Business to Business M
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ine
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NER bull 2012 bull WIN
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arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
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ConnectWITH YOURCOMMUNITY
Donrsquot forget to visitOmahaMagazinecom to read
all of our titles online
Omaha MagazineEncounter B2B 60PlusHerFamily OmahaHome
CONTINUED FROM 53
ldquoI just had an irrational confidence market insights and a great theoretical background thanks to primary research I completed and to lessons I learned from Phillip Phillips Michael OrsquoHara and Art Diamond in UNOrsquos economics department I read constantly about who the players were in the startup world so I was fairly preparedrdquo
Even though he directs a startup program he only started participating in one himself (Venture School) He acknowledges Year of the Startup is a by-the-seat-of-your-pants experiment
ldquoComing out of college I had student loans and not a ton of money Irsquove held two jobs to finance the project Now the project is financed by a combination of me working and renting out one room One-hundred percent of the money our entrepreneurs pay in rent will be returned in full and so everybody has a strong incentive to follow through with the program That may be what makes us sustainablerdquo
Hersquos working on securing corporate sponsorship for the program Meanwhile he wants to help get participating startups to the next level
ldquoWersquore functioning like a pre-accelerator at this point We want to get our startups profitable and then refer them to the Straight Shots so they can focus on growth in a pure accelerator programrdquo
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 55
Mercedes-Benz of Omaha14335 Hillsdale Ave Omaha NE 68137wwwOmahaMercedescomContact John Williams anytime at 4029819262
of Omaha of Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
As Year of the Startup moved into a larger house in Omaharsquos Little Italy district on July 1 and a new class of fellows arrives Hunt says there are ldquointeresting talks happening right now to bring this to other citiesrdquo He and Feldman say economic development agencies are willing to pay a license fee for them to do startup houses in other cities The partners are having proprietary software developed that will enable new startup houses to replicate their branded Omaha model
They look forward to engaging with the emerging 10th Street cultural district but may keep the midtown house to accommodate growth
Hunt and Feldman believe theyrsquore catching the wave or tipping point of a big new startup rush and theyrsquore betting their model is poised to be a niche player in this wild frontier of entrepreneurial prospecting
B2B
56 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
It is an unassuming space but if you have made your way to TD Ameritrade Park Filmstreams or Hot Shops chances are yoursquove passed one of the most vibrant offices in Omaha
The fact that Co-Lab (short for Creative Collaborators) is not a traditional work space is certainly one of its best features Located inside the Tip Top building at 15th and Cumming streets is a project dreamed up by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture who happens to share the main floor of the building Based in the heart of a once-isolated section of the city Co-Labrsquos funky creative vibe is making waves In fact that vibe seeps into Omaharsquos everyday bringing about small changes pushing our city toward a more innovative future
CO-LABGIVING OMAHA WORKERS A MORE
COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE
IN THE OFFICE | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
56
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 57
Home to 18 businesses plus Alley Poyner Macchietto Co-Lab is free of walls and signage It is also free from traditional office norms For instance you donrsquot just walk over to your neighborrsquos space for a brainstorming sessionmdashyou skateboard At least you do if yoursquore Dave Nelson of SecretPenguin a leading experimental branding agency The best part is that the businesses surrounding SecretPenguin appreciate the break from tradition ldquoThatrsquos the beautiful part about being around like-minded good people and businessesrdquo Nelson says
CONTINUED ON 58
58 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 59
CONTINUED FROM 57
In addition to having pathways large enough to skateboard or bike through the space also provides Co-Labbers with a kitchen various conference rooms bike storage bathrooms and a battleground (otherwise known as the ping-pong table) Walking in the main doors clients and employees alike are greeted from the front desk while catching a view of the five-story open atrium basking in the glow of sunshine from the skylight Workers can also access the fitness room and rooftop deck sharing amenities with TipTop apartment residents who use a separate entrance
CONTINUED ON 60
The Harry A Koch CoInsurance amp Financial ConsultantsMember of First Insurance Group LLC
60 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
CONTINUED FROM 59
Businesses in Co-Lab all creativity-related range from entrepreneurs to start-ups to non-profits to small businesses The art varies in form but runs through the space like an electric current At Zicafoose Textiles Mary Zicafoose works steadily on her loom creating gorgeous tapestries 4Site Programming is where Joi Brown works as an independent consultant for performing arts centers across the nation Heartland B-Cycle a large-scale municipal bike sharing system brings art in the form of economical convenience Holly Boyer a founder of non-profit organization Mission Matters explains that one of the best things about having an office at Co-Lab is feeling the innovative positive energy from the moment you walk in the door So while individuals may join Co-Lab with a business-minded focus or a more creative vibe finding a yin to their yang is just a shout away
ldquoThere is certainly a wonderful built-in support network that comes along with working in a collaborative environmentrdquo quips Omaha Creative Institute Executive Director Emily Moody ldquoEverything from sharing ideas and finding ways to collaborate with an organization different than yours to sharing a staplerrdquo
At the heart of making it work says Laura Alley of Alley Poyner itrsquos simply playing well with others
The skateboarding ping-pong playing creatives do that well
B2B
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2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott Enterprises
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bull TD Ameritrade Parkbull First National Bank Towerbull Midtown Crossingbull Village Pointe Shopping Centerbull UNO Weber Fine Arts Buildingbull Childrenrsquos Hospital
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For more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
TD Ameritrade Park | First National Bank Tower | Midtown Crossing | Village Pointe | Childrenrsquos Hospital Aksarben Village | Joslyn Art Museum | Fred amp Pamela Buffett Cancer Center | UNO Community Arena
6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
AT THE OFFICE amp ON THE GO
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13
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
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- BB1015_fntEdit_125
- BB1015_bkEdit_125
- BB1015_bkCvr_125
-
14emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
ldquoPeople need vacation to recharge and get inspired to continue to love what they dordquo she says ldquoA lot of times when you give people that break they come back more energized and with great ideas It makes them happier it makes us a better companyrdquo-HEIDI MOUSBACH
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 15
GOING TO THE DOGSERVIN amp SMITHrsquoS RELAXED AWARD-WINNING VIBE
OMAHA | BY ANTHONY FLOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Want to know how much fun it is to work at Omaha digital marketing firm Ervin amp Smith Just ask Peanut Gwen Duke or Daphne Jane
They wonrsquot talk to youhellipbut yoursquoll probably see their tails wagging
ldquoAny week we have probably a couple dogs in the officerdquo says Heidi Mausbach Ervin amp Smith president and CEO ldquoYou find them at your desk begging for a little treat They follow their owners around the agencyrdquo
The furry friends are there as one of many workplace benefits garnering Ervin amp Smith attention here and nationally In February the agency founded 31 years ago by Executive Chairman Doug Smith made the 2015 Best Places to Work in Omaha list sponsored by Baird Holm and the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce That came three months after Advertising Age ranked Ervin amp Smith number 13 on its list of 40 Best Places to Work in Advertising amp Media based on hiring practices benefits packages salaries office perks and more
ldquoYou spendhellipa good percentage of your life at workrdquo Mausbach says ldquoYou want to be at a place you love to come to People do love it here You donrsquot dread Monday morningrdquo
Even if yoursquore on vacationmdashwhich is unlimited at Ervin amp Smith as are sick and personal days The new leave policy established in January 2014 is among the most intriguing initiatives at the agency
ldquoPeople are free to come and go as long as they are fulfilling their client commitments and meeting their other goalsrdquo Mausbach says
So have employees been abusing the policy with copious vacation days Mausbach canrsquot saymdashErvin amp Smith isnrsquot tracking days If therersquos any challenge to the time-off policy itrsquos been with employees not taking enough personal time Mausbach who joined the agency 15 years ago was among those who took ldquoa lot lessrdquo vacation than she typically would
ldquoPeople need vacation to recharge and get inspired to continue to love what they dordquo she says ldquoA lot of times when you give people that break they come back more energized and with great ideas It makes them happier it makes us a better companyrdquo
While employees appreciate the flexibility the policy allows them to get away from work Ervin amp Smith has seen benefits in the officemdashless idle activity greater communication and collaboration and perhaps best of all fewer and shorter meetings as employees focus on goals and commitments
CONTINUEDemspONemsp16
15
16emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp15
The company also allows employees to work from home as needed or even full-time from cities across the country (one Ervin amp Smith employee lives in Washington another in Colorado) The company also established an annual ldquoSlush FUNdrdquo giving each employee $100 to spend on something that will enhance company culture such as a popcorn machine Some pooled their money to buy meditation classes open to everyone Others adopted a family at Christmas
Workplace enhancements can be simple A couple of years of ago the agency added a ping pong table Sometimes thatrsquos where the best work happens ldquoItrsquos interesting how their minds workrdquo Mausbach says ldquoA lot of times theyrsquore playing and brainstorming There are amazing ideas that come out of work and play at the same timerdquo
Other initiatives to enhance the Ervin amp Smith environment include redesigned offices an expanded client conference room
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 17
a per-person training budget more than twice the industry average catered lunches and happy hours and a monthly wellness stipend reimbursing employees up to $25 a month
The most popular benefit is Flame Schoedermdash a professional certified life coach made available for monthly development sessions
ldquoOf all the benefits they feel this is the one definitely helping them the most professionally and personallyrdquo Mausbach says
The initiatives seem to work Ervin amp Smith promoted 12 employees and hired 15 others last year Its retention rate in 2014 was 84 percent better than the typical industry rate of 70 percent or worse Mausbach cites
Ervin amp Smith is building employee relationships Perks are great People are better
Making Ervin amp Smith a doggone great place to work
B2B
8 ConsecutiveYears
Thanks Omaha for 30 Years2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
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A+ Rating20 Consecutive Years
Exceptional Event Space amp Catering
Wersquoll make your next event one to remember
6450 Pine Street | 402-778-6313ScottCentercom
17
18emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
ESPELITE SERVICE PROFESSIONALS
Superior quality exceptional service
If you are a CEO key executive or business owner call 4024017560
copy 2015 Vistage Worldwide Inc 14_261_3131 kkk
Discover what thousands of CEOs already know Vistage works
Get answers Take action Like you the members of a Vistage Advisory Board are proven business leaders and critical thinkers They have smart ideas and insightful opinions and this is the forum to express them At our monthly meetings yoursquoll encounter lively discussions where business leaders tell it like it is If you find that refreshing then be our guest at our next monthly group meeting
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 19
Leo Costanzo Anne Taylor and Alan Hove of Controlled Comfort
BRANDREBRAND | BY ELIZABETH MACK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Jingle writers have done their job if they create an earwormmdasha song so catchy it sticks in your head and wonrsquot leave ldquoWhen I tell people I work at Controlled Comfort they immediately start singing the jinglerdquo says Alan Hove who along with co-owners Leo Costanzo and Anne Taylor purchased Controlled Comfort in 2004 ldquoItrsquos the best form of advertising we could ever hope forrdquo
CONTINUEDemspONemsp20
SINGING A HAPPY TUNEJINGLING ALL THE WAY
19
20emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
John Sievers
Businesses Are Buying SmarterThe All Makesrsquo team is trained to help you make design decisions and furniture purchases that fi t your offi ce atmosphere your work style and your budget Visit All Makesrsquo redesigned showroom to see the latest in new offi ce furniture pre-owned offi ce furniture and business technology
wwwallmakescom Omaha 2558 Farnam St | 4023412413 Lincoln 3333 O St | 4024777131
Thank you for voting us 1 for 10 consecutive years
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arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
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CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp19
Most people in the Omaha metro area are familiar with that animated female voice belting out ldquoControlled ComfortndashKeep it Under Controoooooolrdquo Many locals probably would not guess the companyrsquos logo (an angel) but could at least hum a few bars of the jingle Whether a catchy tune is annoying or enjoyable is a matter of opinion but once that musical worm has worked its way into your psyche you are forced to remember the product which is exactly what advertisers hope for
When companies change ownership one major decision is whether or not to maintain the same brand image and the current owners of Controlled Comfort knew they wanted things to stay pretty much the same when they took ownership
ldquoWe love our jinglerdquo says Taylor ldquoWhen we purchased the company we knew we wanted to maintain the image and keep the logo and jingle We couldnrsquot ask for a better form of advertisingrdquo
Research shows that music increases recall and simple melodies with simple lyrics stick with a consumer not only for the short term but often the long-term Remember ldquoI Wish I Were an Oscar Meyer Weinerrdquo Even if it has been years since you have actually heard it chances are you can still sing the entire song Controlled Comfortrsquos brand may not be as huge as Oscar Meyerrsquos but their jingle has stood the test of time being sung on local radio and TV for nearly 20 years with no end in sight
Taylor recounts how in the mid-1990s local musician Johnny Ray Gomez produced the jingle for a radio spot
ldquoThe previous owners purchased a year of radio advertising and it came with a jinglerdquo Taylor says
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
THANKS OMAHA
Embroidery middot Screen Printing middot Promotional Digital Printing middot Mailing middot Company Stores
13747 F St 4025961002 ideal-imagescom
ldquoWhen we purchased the company we knew we wanted to maintain the image and keep the logo and jingle We couldnrsquot ask for a better form of advertisingrdquo-ANNE TAYLOR
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 21
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
At the time they had no idea they did not retain exclusive rights to the melody
ldquoI just recently heard the song while I was traveling in western Nebraska It was quite a shockrdquo she adds with a laugh
Branding is all about creating an image of a business that will stick in a customerrsquos mind Though most businesses rely on visual advertising to create their brand jingles can be an additional way to increase awareness and create staying power People often remember a catchy tune Throw the company name and their phone number in the jingle lyrics and customers may not even need to look up the contact information
ldquoIf I forget the phone number I just sing the jinglerdquo says one local customer
Though original jingles declined in recent years as more large companies turn to popular songs for their advertising a few local companies still spend at least some marketing dollars on jingles Whether you think it annoying or catchy a jingle may be your best advertising investment
B2B
4023333062 | planitomahacom | 10832 old mill road suite 5 | omaha ne 68154
planitomaha A national and
regional powerhouse in
meetings conferences amp
events
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
22emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 2
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 23
How is it that Midlands Choice has come to make an investment in of all things a ballerina
Sure the bottom line of any insurance entity is driven by risk managementmdashthe investing of premium revenues to hedge against claims
But taking stock in Claire Goodwillie a company dancer with Ballet Nebraska
The Midlands Choice example is repeated all across the metro as area businesses support a broad array of arts nonprofits ones that dwell in everything from tutus to tempura
And the table is set for a new era of collaboration between business and the arts because philanthropic giving in America has finally returned to pre-recession levels
Contributions which totaled $358 billion in 2014 surpassed 2007rsquos pre-recession level of $355 billion Additionally giving was up from all major sourcesmdashindividuals corporations foundations and bequestsmdashaccording to Giving USA an annual report compiled by the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and the Giving USA Foundation of Chicago
ldquoEight out of nine types of charitable organizations we measure saw increased contributions and thatrsquos good news for the
BALLET NEBRASKAA PAS DE DEUX BETWEEN BUSINESS AND THE ARTS
philanthropic sector as a wholerdquo W Keith Curtis told Omaha Magazine in an email Curtis is chair of Giving USA Foundation and president of the nonprofit consulting firm The Curtis Group ldquoThe 60-year high for charitable giving in 2014 is a great story about resilience and perseverancerdquo
Themes of resilience and perseverance define the Ballet Nebraska story
Erika Overturff was 27 years old when the ballet company of which she was a dancer and resident choreographer appeared doomed She had no money She had no business acumen
That was 2009 Flash forward to 2015 and Overturff now 33 founder and artistic director of Ballet Nebraska is leading the regionrsquos only professional dance company into its sixth season
In a city known for its ldquocan-dordquo spirit this story could be about almost any local arts nonprofit but the unlikely saga of Ballet Nebraska is told here because it is perhaps the most improbable of tales one that best reveals what a business community and the arts can do when they share a common vision
CONTINUEDemspONemsp24
BY DAVID WILLIAMS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
23COVERemspFEATURE
24emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp23
Like settling into your seat with a program before the lights dim at any performing arts venue itrsquos probably best to start by reviewing the cast of characters
THE CONNECTORHal Daub knows people Especially in a city of six degrees of separation that is in reality much more like two or three degrees the former Omaha mayor (1995-2001) and US Congressman (1981-1989) who has served on countless nonprofit boards and is now a partner at Husch Blackwellhellipknows people
ldquoWhen I was first introduced to Hal and he offered to helprdquo Overturff says ldquoI assumed that meant he was going to maybe make a few calls and do a little name-droppingrdquo Daub it turned out would become a key player in the often delicate pas de deux that is the coupling of business and the arts ldquoHe not only made those calls but he set up the appointmentshellipand then he came along to personally introduce me and stand by my side in front of those who would become some of the most generous funders of Ballet Nebraskardquo
ldquoThe reason I am so fascinated by what Erika has donerdquo says Daub ldquois that Omaha is a city that has clearly evolved to become a place that is not just metropolitan but truly cosmopolitanrdquo And investing in the arts Daub believes makes good business sense ldquoThe social environment of a citymdashits arts and entertainmentmdashis critical in attracting and retaining the best workforce Ballet Nebraska Opera Omaha the Omaha Symphony Omaha Performing Artshellipthose and so many others are the organizations that help keep the best talent in Omahardquo
THE ADVOCATEMichelle Clark is Union Pacificrsquos general director of information technologies which means she probably knows more than a little about computer viruses As a three-year board member of Ballet Nebraska shersquos also seen how supporting the arts can go viral
ldquoEmployee generosity is furthered by the use of the companyrsquos matching gifts programrdquo Clark explains ldquoThis creates a sense of pride for employees and Union Pacific is supportive of the communities in which we live and work The employees of Union Pacific are very generous and have supported fundraising drives not only for Ballet Nebraska but a number of organizations such as the Womenrsquos Center for Advancement and JDRFrdquo
Employees should never underestimate their power to play a key role in advocating for nonprofits within their organizations
ldquoI am passionate about the art of dance especially ballet and Ballet Nebraskardquo Clark says ldquoDance inspires my creativity and provides insights to see beyond the obvious My hope is that by providing individuals with the awareness of opportunities to experience and support the art of dance they will find their own inspiration to apply to their own liferdquo
And just as stubborn computer viruses are often cloyingly messy to eradicate once discovered Union Pacificrsquos relationship with Ballet Nebraska has a ldquostickinessrdquo of its own Clark was preceded on the Ballet Nebraska board by Gayla Thal the companyrsquos senior vice president and general counsel
THE BULLDOGDonrsquot let the gentle demeanor of Midlands Choice vice president Greta Vaught fool you Supporting the arts is often a visceral experience and Vaughtrsquos passion for dance exerted itself on multiple levels in the early stages of growth at Ballet Nebraska
ldquoMidlands Choice has always been supportive of my work in the communityrdquo says the board chair of Ballet Nebraska
ldquoWe like to listen to our people when making such decisionsrdquo says Midlands Choice President and CEO Thomas E Press rdquoIt is important for us to know that our giving has real meaning for them their families and their communitiesrdquo
ldquoI looked at what Erika was trying to dordquo Vaught continues ldquoand I thought it was brave but impossible But all along the way I just kept going back to the thought that if one of my daughters [Mia now 15 and Hannah now 19] wanted to try something so bold one day thatrdquohellipinsert long pausehellipldquoIrsquom sorry this is making me cry I would just hope that people with experience and connections and dollars would shepherd my daughters along like so many people have done with Erika and Ballet Nebraskardquo
Okay so maybe ldquoThe Bulldogrdquo wasnrsquot such a great character name for this role after all
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 25
Fast-Paced Public Relations
Customer-Based Planning and Communications
402-964-9293 11626 Nicholas Street
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For the Connected World
Every story Every tweet Every interaction
PR is vital to your bottom line now more than ever
Join the world of innovative PR ndash partner with experts
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arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
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THE ARTISTldquoI had to do a lot of on-the-job learning when I decided to try to launch a dance companyrdquo Overturff says ldquoWe were lucky in that we got our nonprofit status right away but I didnrsquot know anything about the business side of things and really nothing about raising funds I was moved by every $5 check that came in but it took a lot of mentoring advice and counsel to get us to where we are today as a fully funded professional performance companyrdquo
Ballet Nebraska now has a paid staff of 22 including nine salaries paid to company dancers Today Overturffrsquos once-nonexistent business connections run deep Personal contributions from the likes of philanthropists Richard Holland and Fred and Eve Simon further fuel the growth of ballet in Omaha Foundations also play a major role in funding A recent gift of $124000 from the Iowa West Foundation is the largest in Ballet Nebraska history
ldquoTalented professionals from all over the world that have trained their whole lives to pursue a career in dance now come to Omaha in the hopes of performing with Ballet Nebraska as we serve the state and western Iowa in performances education outreach and morerdquo she says ldquoA ballet companymdashany performing arts company any arts organizationmdashis about its peoplehellipthe artists the staff and hardworking selfless volunteers But it is the people of Omaha from the smallest donations to the relationships we have with such great businesses that makes it all happenrdquo
B2B
26emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
26OFFICE FURNITURE BY DOUG SCHURING
OFFICE ORIGINS
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE MODERN WORKPLACE
For all the time we spend in our office very few of us are familiar with how that space came to be You may actually be surprised by the events and inventions that helped form the work environment we know today From the development of the railroad to innovations in communication our current corporate habits structures and tools have all played a role In his book CubedmdashA Secret History of the Workplace Nikil Saval shapes the advances that created the conventional office we are familiar with today
The advent of the Morse telegraph spawned long-distance communication Then starting in 1860 a series of technological innovations changed the possibilities of the workplace the use of iron framework permitted the construction of taller buildings and elevators assisted the climb The Remington typewriter entered the office in 1874 Bellrsquos telephone was patented two years later
At the same time railroads expanded across the country reducing transportation costs and extending markets for goods and services Additionally railroads produced an organizational transformation still in use today The coordination of trains required employees housed in structures all across the country bringing a variety of offices to the American landscape Between the executive the manager and the workerhellipthe organizational chart was born
The invention of telecommunications fostered the speed of information to surge creating more
Doug Schuring is the director of sales administration at All Makes Office Equipment Co
work and subsequently more workers As these workers moved into new structures the spaces reflected their various levels of management In 1915 the Metal Office Furniture Company (now Steelcase) invented the modern deskmdasha flat metal table outfitted with file drawers The new desks massed together in defined rows offered managers full visual access to the goings-on of the workplace and this ldquosea of desksrdquo became the norm for decades Lockers and various cabinets popular in the Great Depression era became vertical files once steel became readily available after World War II
In 1968 Herman Miller introduced the first panel system with attached components Designed by Robert Propst the Action Office system revolutionized the ldquoofficerdquo in form flexibility and cost Other furniture manufacturers mimicked the modular system which became the norm for many businesses
Up to the rsquo90s the personal computerrsquos popularity grew and the relative size of work stations decreased between 25-50 percent By the middle of that decade the dot-com revolution on the West Coast created an unprecedented workplace culture The formal atmosphere of the office became much more casual and discontent for the Dilbert-esque cubicle grew Subsequently creative furniture solutions evolved with the desire to be more mobile leading the way
In the early 2000rsquos collaborative open offices grew in popularity New and improving
technologies now offer connectivity in the office home or public spaces As a result nearly every company today is adapting and using new furnishings as a tool to attract new workers At the same time retaining existing employees is equally important The goal is to make everyone more effective and efficient in their work
Whether you work in an office from home in the local coffee shop or out of an airline terminal you may start to notice that much of the furniture is beginning to look very similar As long as you are able to connect to technology you can work from virtually anywhere
B2B
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Ralston NE 68127
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omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 27
28emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Outlook Nebraska CEO Eric Stueckrath
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 29
On the surface it looks just like any other office or factory As you enter Outlook Nebraska Inc (ONI) yoursquore greeted by a friendly front desk attendant and led past a perfectly ordinary-looking workspace Entering their factory where they manufacture such paper products as rolls of hand towels you wouldnrsquot suspect that it is different from any other assembly line
But explore a little deeper
Walking past one office you might see a man typing away on a keyboard his laptop closed in front of him He doesnrsquot need it open to know what hersquos typing Hersquos visually impaired and utilizing computer software that reads the words aloud as he types
On the factory floor raised edges guard the walkway so sightless employees can feel their way around Over on the assembly line visually impaired workers can use a computer screen to zoom in on the product at various stages of production to assess the process
ONI is a non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance the life of the blind and visually impaired through employment opportunities and training Almost all the employees at ONI are blind or visually impaired from factory workers to IT professionals Some were born blind others lost their sight later in life ONI aims to help them all re-enter the workforce in a meaningful way
A SIGHT FOR NON-SEEING EYES
OUTLOOK NEBRASKA
ldquoThey get used to being on their feetrdquo says ONI CEO Eric Stueckrath ldquoWe offer jobs for [people with] entry-level skill sets and all of the positions are at or above minimum wage We give them the tools to help build those skill setsrdquo
ONI also offers personalized life-skills training geared to whatrsquos important to the individual from personal banking to cooking to operating a computer
The American Foundation for the Blind estimates that as many as 70 percent of blind adults in the US are unemployed As the largest employer of the blind in the Omaha metro area ONI is working to make an impact
ldquoWe work with organizations that are committed to hiring the visually impairedrdquo Stuekrath says ldquoAdvocacy is definitely part of what we dordquo
ONI is currently in the midst of a $2 million capital campaign that will allow them to complete a large-scale renovation project at their facility The renovation will create more space for the general public and give them the ability to offer additional training programs
In addition to working with adults blind and visually-impaired youth are a primary focus for Stuekrath and ONI
ldquoMy heart really gravitates toward themrdquo Stuekrath says
ONI partners with youth organizations on a number of initiatives including a sports camp for visually-impaired youth called Camp Abilities Nebraska Attendees can try archery swimming bowling track and field and more as a means to build confidence
ldquoThey donrsquot need to be coddledrdquo Stuekrath says adding that he often tells parents of blind children ldquoYour kid needs to get out there and bump his head and experience liferdquo
At ONI everything comes back to the organizationrsquos mission Stuekrath says
ldquoWe give them the tools they need to gain greater independencerdquo
B2B
FEATURE | BY APRIL CHRISTENSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY COLIN CONCES
29
30emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Layne and Pam Yahnke and Their VW Thing
Shakespeare wrote of love and betrayal Tolkien of hobbits and wizards Steinbeck and Faulkner of the indomitable American spirit
Layne Yahnke writes about his VW Thing
Yes the two-wheel-drive off-road convertible military vehicle first manufactured for the West German Army as ldquoType 181rdquo in 1968 VW churned them out until 1983 including two years in the United States when marketed as ldquoThe Thingrdquo
Yahnke got his Thing in 2000 for $5500 Hersquos lovingly restored it most importantly giving it a peppy new motor that makes it Autobahn-worthy
WHATrsquoS THAT THING
LANE YAHNKErsquoS UNUSUAL VOLKSWAGEN
HOW I ROLL | BY ANTHONY FLOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Therersquos only one other Thing in Omaha and Yahnkersquos gets lots of second and third looks when hersquos whipping down the Dodge Street Expressway from his Elkhorn home Especially when the doors are off and windshield is down
Everyone wants to know abouthellipthe Thing
Thus Yahnke penned ldquoIt Takes a Village to Build a VW Thingrdquo an ode to those who helped him with his beloved ridemdashhis sons Omaha VW Club members engine and body shops and parts stores
CONTINUEDemspONemsp32
30
SIGN UP TODAYdolnebraskagovsides
Questions phone - 402-471-9910 email - ndoluisidesnebraskagov
Sign up now for a free paperless way to return unemployment insurance information
Submit separation information online
Free - No postage costsno sign-up fee
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E-Response saves treesNo more paper 350rsquos
Keep your taxes lowAvoid unnecessary charges
Avoid Late responses ampLoss of appeal rights
32emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Locally Owned in Papillion Ne402-740-0800 bull apconstructomahacom
Insurance claims
welcomeIf your roof sustained fire snow or hail
damage the repairs can be costly We are your wind and hail damage experts and accept insurance claims so you wonrsquot
have to pay for the repair work yourself
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Residential Roofing bull Roof Maintenance amp Repair bull Licensed Bonded amp Insured
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Call or Text Message(402 ) 453-6000
abetterexposurecom steveabetterexposurecom
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CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp31
ldquoI wrote that right after the engine transplantrdquo says Yahnke an Omaha native and vice president at Essex Corp provider of senior living communities ldquoI guess I was moved I get so many inquiries about it and I really feel so fondly about itrdquo
Itrsquos not his first Thing Yahnke and his wife of 38 years Pam owned one before their four children came along As the kids have come and gone so have the cars
Lots of them
Yahnke figures he has owned 60 automobiles in his life His car fancy began as a kid growing up in Dundee where a friendrsquos dad spent his spare time restoring English cars Yahnke spent hours in his garage and developed a love for Triumphs and MGs His first car purchase was a 1962 Triumph for $425 in 1972 It wasnrsquot long though until he sold it at a profit
ldquoThatrsquos what kicked off the buying and selling of English carsrdquo he says ldquoI discovered I could enjoy my transportation but then as soon as someone wanted to buy it for more than I paid for it out it wentrdquo
ldquoWhere Accounting Meets ResultsrdquoProviding Accounting and Quickbooks Services
For Metro Businesses
Denise Martin I 9252077634Deniseheartlandaccountabilitycom
wwwHeartlandAccountAbilitycom
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 33
These days you never know what will be parked in the Yahnke driveway Currently therersquos a Honda pickup a VW Jetta VW Multivan and a 2001 Audi TT Quatro Convertiblemdashpurchased in apropos silver for his 25th wedding anniversary
Itrsquos the Thing he most enjoys driving He logs about 1000 miles on it each year Most of those have come toplessmdashYahnke long ago gave it away to another Thing enthusiast and now only drives it sans roof
ldquoAnyone who sees this car has only seen it top-downrdquo he says ldquoI just got caught once in the rain and that was probably a month ago The cool thing about the Thing is you leave it out in the sun and it dries out and is ready to gordquo
It says ldquoSummer is hererdquo Yahnke says
ldquoPeople speed up all the time to try to figure out what it is Itrsquos just a happy car and itrsquos so darn versatile It puts smiles on peoplesrsquo facesrdquo
B2B
Quality Carpet Cleaning Since 2004
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Cleaning ServicesCarpet CleaningUpholstery CleaningMattress CleaningTile amp Grout CleaningPet TreatmentsConcrete CleaningConcrete CleaningAuto Interior Cleaning24 Hour Water Damage
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omahamagazinecom SPECIALemspADVERTISINGemspSECTIONemspemsp |emsp SUMMERemsp2015emsp |emsp 34
ABOUT OUR BUSINESS
Cox Business started in 2000 as the commercial services division of Cox Communications Over the past 15 years we have experienced strong growth and are on our target to achieve $2 billion in revenue in the near future
Cox Business owns operates and maintains its own network providing leading-edge technology solutions for voice internet networking and digital TV We also offer robust business continuity and disaster recovery solutions which is of increasing importance to businesses in the greater Omaha area Our customers include such key verticals as education hospitality government and healthcare We maintain a significant focus on Omaha small business mid-markets and large local companies as well
We consider our employees to be our most precious asset as they have the responsibility of taking care of our customers At Cox Business we are fortunate to have an extremely tenured and engaged team of employees What sets us apart from our competition is the fact that while we are a large robust and progressive company we still possess
the nimbleness of a smaller company in our ability to deliver creative solutions under tight timelines We pride ourselves on having very little bureaucracy and that translates to happy customers The fact that Cox Business has won 15 JD Power Awards for customer satisfaction over the past 11 years is a notable accomplishment for us and we work hard to deliver on that promise of excellence every day
ABOUT LYNNE
I have led sales and operations teams in the communications industry for 20 years 10 of those years with Cox Communications My husband Pat and I just celebrated our first full year in Omaha and wonder why it took us so long to find this jewel of a community Our daughter Kaylin starts law school next month at the University of San Diego
I have two passions in my professional life mentoring employees who are working on leadership development (which includes working with two to three emerging leaders at any given time) and continuing to drive efforts in hiring fostering a diverse workforce There
is a challenge in STEM fields of under-represented groups My company Cox Communications is also very passionate about this and holds the distinction of inclusion in Diversity Incrsquos top 50 companies
My personal passions include travel social media and Italian cooking
B2B
COX BUSINESSLYNNE SANGIMINO
Cox Business 401 N 117th St Omaha NE 68154 coxbusinesscom 4029340830
Cradickrsquos Husker PowerTEXAN RETURNS HOME FOR BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY PG 8
Marlon Lofgren Koley Jessen PC LLOKEEPING THE FOCUS WHERE IT BELONGS PG 4
Seasoned Advice for Buyers(THE BOUNCY KIND) PG 5
PLAYING BIG EDITION
Fall
2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
2
Volume 1 Issue 5
Published by The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
PresidentEditor bull Cortney Sells
DirectorAssistant Editor bull Cassandra Powers
In-House Legal Counsel bull Susanne Miller
Outreach Coordinator bull Rene Rademacher
Marketing Development bull Rachael Rand
Business Broker bull Breann Becerra
Referring Broker bull Elizabeth Jones
Marketing Division bull Adam Jaime
Development Liaison bull Holley Garcia
Client Services bull Nycole Wandvik-Tolle
Client Services bull Julie OrsquoBrien
Community Relations bull Mike Sells
Contributing Writers
Marlon Lofgren bull Kathy Rygg bull Maureen Tierney
Design bull OBI Creative
Photography bull Bill Sitzmann
To Subscribe
The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
210 N 78 St
Omaha NE 68114
4029985288
infothefirmb2bcom
Advertising Inquiries
4028842000
toddomahamagazinecom
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Columns
4 Seller Financing
Koley Jessen PC LLO Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
14 Executive Impact Getting Into the Big Office
Departments
5 Seasoned Advice for
Business Buyers (The Bouncy Kind)
12 Building a Legacy while
Building Racks New Chapter to Becklerrsquos Career
The Bottom Line
Sells Insights
Playing Big
Husker PowerTexan returns home to
Nebraska for business opportunity
pg8
Many business owners have marginal experience in the trades in which their
organizations specialize While it may seem counterintuitive to buy or start a company situated around an industry in which one has little experience there is a certain com-petitive edge to the equation A buyer or president need only know enough to begin before surrounding him or herself with the right personnel to tackle the minute details What is paramount is the grander scheme of
management and operations which allows one to flex refined business acumen Not only does distance from fieldwork free up time to put in place a robust and refined plan but it leaves open other avenues for portfolio expansion Grow your business expand operations or begin other busi-ness ventures The possibilities are only as small as the mindset held by your team The FIRM
Special Section
7 Fresh Off The Firm The Firm Business Brokerage has
over $80 million dollars in assets under
management of current cash flowing
businesses for sale ndash from medical
practices to commercial services to large
manufacturing companies
by Cortney Sells presidenteditor
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
3Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
4
IF PROPERLY STRUCTURED AND DOCUMENTED SELLER FINANCING IS REALLY NO DIFFERENT FROM FINANCING THAT WOULD OTHERWISE BE PROVIDED BY A BANKTYING IT ALL TOGETHEREven the most savvy of ldquonumbers peoplerdquo need a leg up in negotiating a purchase As with so many aspects of doing business retaining experienced legal counsel enables you to keep the focus where it belongsmdashemploying your entrepreneurial skills in the identification and acquisition of profitable business ventures The FIRM
Seller Financing Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
written by Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
Seller financing can often be a criti-cal factor in getting a business sold
If properly structured and documented seller financing is really no different from financing that would otherwise be provided by a bank Below is a brief guide to navi-gating the issues normally encountered in seller financing
FIRST THINGS FIRSTThe first question is usually that of how to structure and document the financing The buyer should be expected to sign a prom-issory note evidencing the loan from the seller with interest and repayment terms mutually agreeable to both parties The seller might also require that the buyer grant the seller a security interestlien in the pur-chased assets to secure the loan Itrsquos also not unusual for a seller to require that the individual owners of the buyer (assuming the buyer is an entity) personally guarantee the loan In most cases the documents are usually pretty straightforward and do not need to be overly complicated
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
ADDITIONAL LAYERSIf a bank is also financing the sale the seller will most likely be required by the bank to sign a subordination agreement This is an agreement between the bank usually referred to as the ldquosenior lenderrdquo and the seller referred to as the ldquojunior lenderrdquo A subordination agreement sets forth the terms between the lenders as to each entityrsquos right to receive loan pay-ments from the buyer and the priority of their respective security interestsliens in the purchased assets The document will usually state that the senior lenderrsquos loan and security interestliens shall at all times be superior to those of the junior lender until the senior loan is paid in full Most lenders are willing to discuss and negoti-ate the junior lenderrsquos right to receive loan payments from the borrower Lien priority status however is rarely compromised by senior lenders in subordination agreements The senior lender will insist on having a first priority security interestlien in the pur-chased assets
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Whether yoursquore a first-time entre-preneur or an experienced business
owner purchasing a company is a critical investment financially and emotionally To help increase the likelihood of it being a success in both areas there are a number of aspects to keep in mind when evaluating if a business is the right fit gt
Seasoned Advice for Business Buyers(The Bouncy Kind)
written by Kathy Rygg
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Jerry Rachwalik
5Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
6
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
lt Jerry Rachwalik has been researching companies for the past three years waiting for the right opportunity to arise His search was the result of spending his career work-ing for larger organizations in a number of areas including delivery installation cus-tomer service inventory accounts receiv-ables and scheduling where he managed up to 35 people at a time
Policies and philosophies can change when working for a corporation Sometimes they become less family friendly ldquoWith the previous companies I worked forrdquo Rachwalik says ldquothey switched from caring about em-ployees to making money and the bottom line I stuck it out for several years and then decided I needed something differentrdquo
An entrepreneur by nature Rachwalik has over the last seven years built up a rental business buying foreclosed homes and duplex properties completely reno-vating them and then renting them back out He now has 15 properties and enjoys helping families by providing nice homes that are affordable ldquoI want people to feel good when they come home at night after a long day at workrdquo he says Rachwalik want-ed to find a business that allowed him the flexibility to respond to his tenants when needed from simple plumbing issues to furnaces going kaput
When he first started looking for a new business Rachwalik was drawn to home health care because of his experience help-ing to take care of relatives And it was a growing field Nothing was available at the time so he expanded his options and be-gan researching businesses in a variety of industries Those included a flooring com-pany sandwich shop and even a hair salon
ldquoI was open to anything and if I could make the numbers work then I would consider itrdquo he explains
Then The Firm Business Brokerage pre-sented him with an opportunity that was the right match Bounce U in Omaha There were a number of factors that appealed to Rachwalik First and foremost were the financials but it would also offer him the flexibility he needed for his rental business A big advantage was that an entire team was already in place one seasoned in man-aging staff and scheduling parties ldquoThey do a great jobrdquo he says ldquoI donrsquot plan on making any personnel changesrdquo
But what hersquos most looking forward to with this new venture is the fun positive environment Bounce Ursquos primary business is its birthday party packages featuring the companyrsquos oversized inflatibles and Rachwalik said he canrsquot wait to watch the excitement on the kids faces when they walk through the door ldquoEveryone there is happyrdquo he says ldquoThe kids are happy the parents are happy and the employees running the parties are happy Itrsquoll be a big change from the environments I used to work inrdquo Hersquos already planning to have his twin grand-daughtersrsquo birthday party there too
His transition included a week of training with the companyrsquos corporate facility in Ari-zona as well as on-site training Even though the Omaha location is an existing store all of Rachwalikrsquos training was structured as though itrsquos a brand new site
Bounce U has traditionally partnered with local restaurants to provide food for birth-day parties but Rachwalik wants to explore the option to build a kitchen of his own
He also hopes to continue to grow the business by at least 5 annually ldquoAnything I do I will communicate with my employees and get their input and suggestions firstrdquo he adds
For anyone who is considering buying a business or is going through the process Rachwalik stresses to be open minded and not rule anything out ldquoIf an opportunity is presented to you run the numbers and see if you can make it workrdquo he says ldquoI did a complete flip-flop on the type of business I thought I wanted versus what I ended up purchasing But if you keep looking yoursquoll eventually find a matchrdquo The FIRM
ldquoTHE KIDS ARE HAPPY THE PARENTS ARE HAPPY AND THE EMPLOYEES RUNNING THE PARTIES ARE HAPPY ITrsquoLL BE A BIG CHANGE FROM THE ENVIRONMENTS I USED TO WORK INrdquo
-Jerry Rachwalik
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Fresh Off The Firm Featured Listings for Sale
Suburban Bar amp Grill with VolleyballOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $26413 PRICE $115000
Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity in an area with only two other bars nearby Serving up a gorgeous and well-maintained volleyball court along with pool tables and a jukebox this bar and grill is a favorite with the locals Business is fully staffedmdashowner works very part time hours
Rain Gutter Sales amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $145200 PRICE $415000
This business is a dealer for high-end rain gutter covers These products are con-structed of high-quality aluminum and sur-gical-grade stainless steel and are strong enough to hold up to four feet of snow or 20 pounds of debris Profit margin is 48
Large-Scale Assembly amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $743732 PRICE $2200000
This well-established installation and assembly business in central Nebraska prides itself on providing many numerous building solutions for businesses and building owners in their area They install and assemble metal frames including grain silos pole barns and buildings
Photo Booth Business Running on Autopilot OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $36419 PRICE $88900
Photo booths are the ldquoin thingrdquo at weddings and parties In business for seven years this business is one of the largest in town Wedding couples hoping to capture the fun memories of the day make up 67 of the clients Includes four booths and one trailer
Southwest Omaha Dental PracticeOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $129745 PRICE $380000
Professional staff and excellent customer service are the hallmarks of this practice Using the latest technology the business offers an array of dental services including teeth cleaning veneers crowns bleaching and trauma services The owner is currently working only 20 hours a week
Small Animal Vet Clinic in Omaha OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $158287 PRICE $440000
For over 30 years this animal care clinic has prioritized customer care They are currently offering services to over 2000 families and are the second largest veterinary clinic in the area The business is split 7030 between dogs and cats
Buildersrsquo Material amp Supply CompanyOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $364880 PRICE $933000
This highly reputable company established in 1976 and located just north of Omaha provides quality and reliable services and supplies Building supply inventory includes garage door lumber windows trims siding roofing materials and more Approximately 90 of customers are repeat clientele
High-Growth Plumbing Company OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $157774 PRICE $445000
This non-union plumbing company has consistent growth of over $130000 a year in sales The full service plumbing contractor has business that is currently 50 commercial and 50 residential
90+ available business opportunities for sale Please visit TheFirmBusinessBrokeragecom for details
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
7Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
Matt Cradick
The Deal ReviewReason For Sale Fresh start after 25+ years in the industrySeller Transition Period Over eight monthsType of Sale Asset Purchase AgreementLender Access Bank Mack LaRock
ldquoYOU SHOULD INTERVIEW FOR A BUSINESS JUST LIKE YOU
WOULD FOR A JOBrdquo CRADICK EXPLAINS ldquoIT HAS TO BE THE
RIGHT FIT YOU DONrsquoT WANT TO BE ONE OF THE MANY FA-
TALITIES THAT HAPPEN SO OFTEN IN NEW BUSINESSrdquo
-Shaun Heldt
From Retail to RoofingHow to be Successful When Buying a Business
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Spending almost 20 years working in retail for major corporations and then
buying a siding and roofing contracting company may seem like a major leap but for Matt Cradick owner of Husker Ham-mer Siding Windows and Roofing it was the best business move hersquos ever made And thatrsquos saying a lot for someone who moved 11 times in 19 years across nine different states
Cradick had been living in Houston Texas where he worked for Target Corporation He had worked his way up through the com-pany and another promotion was on the horizon which meant another move With three young children at home Cradick de-cided it was time to put down some roots Having grown up in Lincoln Nebraska he wanted to be near family and Midwestern values He started researching businesses for sale and was eventually led to The Firm which in turn led him to Husker Hammer
The move from a big corporate environ-ment to a small contracting business didnrsquot intimidate Cradick With Target he oversaw 200 people so he knew he brought strong management and operational skills The challenge he says was learning the ins and outs of construction He didnrsquot need to be the one hammering away on the roofmdashhe needed learn a new business segment
ldquoSwitching industries can be nerve-rack-ingrdquo Cradick says ldquobut the owner was will-ing to stay on board for six months during the transitionrdquo That partnership was an invaluable tool during the changeover gt
A Publication of The Firm Business BrokerageA Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
9Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
10
lt Husker Hammer was started in 1998 as a one-man operation and had been built up to a multimillion dollar business Cradick was impressed with the mission statement values system of the company and the strong workforce that was already in place And the price of the company lined up well with the financials ldquoWhat Husker has that others in the industry donrsquotrdquo says the man whose faith is central to his deal-ings ldquois a strong ethical foundation with a Christian backgroundrdquo
There were a number of other elements Cradick sought when buying his business ones he believes all potential business own-ers need to keep in mind The first is to make sure you have a proper support team in place to help make a sound financial deci-sion That includes having a good business valuation and a good business broker who can point you in the right direction to ensure a match for both parties
Once yoursquore in the process of purchasing he adds make sure you have a capable net-work of attorneys a seasoned financial team and solid internal help to ensure yoursquore suc-cessful from the start ldquoYou should interview
for a business just like you would for a jobrdquo Cradick explains ldquoIt has to be the right fit You donrsquot want to be one of the many fatal-ities that happen so often in new businessrdquo
To help ensure the company continues to be successful Cradick plans to main-tain Husker Hammerrsquos competitive edges which he says includes his 11000-sq-ft state-of-the-art showroom in Elkhorn He reformatted the space to better fit his busi-ness model before building out additional second-floor space that is now rented to other entrepreneurs
The showroom features all of the window siding and roofing products available to customers Samples are one thing Cradick says but he knows the power of customers seeing actual colors in actual sizes
ldquoOur philosophy is to build peace of mind for homeowners and be with them every step through the processrdquo he says ldquoWord of mouth is our number one lead source which was true in retail as wellrdquo
Happy employees to Cradick are just as important as happy customers He sub-scribes to a simple philosophymdashlistening to employees and doing so with respect
ldquoWith big corporations you deal with a lot of politicsrdquo he says ldquoNow if therersquos politics itrsquos because Irsquove generated it Itrsquos a nice change to be in a small business where you have more leeway to ensure yoursquore creating a positive work environment which creates a happy workforcerdquo
Working for a smaller company also allows for more opportunities to become involved in the community Husker Hammer is active in local chambers of commerce the Open Door Mission and is currently helping on a Habitat for Humanity build in Waterloo They have also been accredited by the Bet-ter Business Bureau since 2000 and won the Better Business Integrity Award
Cradickrsquos business is currently 90 percent residential and 10 percent commercial He hopes to increase their reach in proper-ty management and general contracting while maintaining the high-quality residen-tial sales that built the business ldquoBecause of our showroomrdquo he says ldquopeople come
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
to us We donrsquot do the high pressure sales at the kitchen table We listen We let the homeowners do the talkingrdquo
Growing geographically is also a goal Cradick hopes to expand to surrounding areas including his hometown of Lincoln
ldquoSo far itrsquos been a great moverdquo he says ldquoand I look forward to continuing to be known as an ethical long-lasting company My daughters and wife are excited to be back in the Midwest around grandparents and family Their school district is great and the full year-round climate has been a welcome change from living in the south Plus I was averaging 50000 miles per year in travel so itrsquos nice to sleep in your own bed every nightrdquo The FIRM
For more information on this or any for sale listings call The Firm Business Brokerage directly
11Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
The Deal ReviewBusiness Established 1987Reason for Sale Retirement (Transla-tion More time with a fishing pole)Ownerrsquos Profit $495004Type of Loan SBA with Core Bank
12
Back to the FutureBuilding a Business Legacy
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Itrsquos not uncommon for someone who has spent a number of years in corporate
America to shift gears into entrepreneur-ship Being your own boss certainly has its advantages But for Scott Beckler who recently purchased Lewis Installers in Gret-na his reason for taking on a new business venture had more to do with honoring not only his fatherrsquos legacy but building one of his own
Beckler started his career as a business education teacher then moved to a corpo-rate career in technology But for a number of years he kept an eye on businesses for sale hoping that just the right opportunity would come along
ldquoMy dad was an entrepreneur who owned his own real estate insurance companyrdquo
Beckler says ldquoDespite the fact he had on-going health issues he still got up every day put on a coat and tie and went out to make a sale He was a very successful busi-nessman and I wanted to honor his legacyrdquo
After contacting The Firm and discuss-ing what he was looking for in a business the team suggested Lewis Installers which specializes in industrial conveyor and rack systems At first it seemed like a big de-parture for him ldquoShelving and logistical systems isnrsquot something that jumps out at yourdquo Beckler says But the more he looked into it the more he realized it had many of the elements he wanted in a business The most obvious advantage was that the company was located in Gretna where he lives Add to that the fact that the seller lives just up the road from him
Scott Beckler
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
For purposes of this article this overview is based on the buying and selling entities being corporations or entities taxed as corporations
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
4420 Izard Street Omaha4022938707 bull 8887380296
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
HAVE YOUR MINOR ROOF LEAKS BECOME A MAJOR ANNOYANCEDonrsquot Wait Any Longer Call Us Now
ldquoAfter meeting him and hitting it offrdquo Beckler says ldquowe quickly realized it was a match on both sidesrdquo
Other signs also pointed in the right di-rection The financials were good The size of the business was ideal The competitive landscape was promising Beckler also real-ized that his corporate background fit well with this new business
ldquoAlthough itrsquos an entirely different indus-tryrdquo he says ldquomany of the business princi-ples are the samehellipproject management customer service delivery vendor man-agement and cost containment Irsquove been doing all of those for yearsrdquo
His background in technology will also be a valuable asset in his new business Not only has he established relationships with large vendors built over the years but his from-the-ground-up experience with data centers means that he is already eying in-novative automation and other technology differentiators At the same time hersquos look-ing forward to learning the daily operations of the company and having a hand in every part of the business from bidding to closing to payroll
ldquoIt will be challenging coming from a big business background where Irsquove only been involved in the peripheryrdquo Beckler says
ldquoNow Irsquoll be involved in all of itrdquo
Lewis Installers being a family-owned business is what hersquos most excited about He says itrsquos a company with a good repu-tation thatrsquos known for quality and meeting deadlinesmdashall driven by a strong Midwest-ern work ethic
Itrsquos the sort of company Beckler believes that would make his father proud
ldquoI want this business to be a legacy for my familyrdquo Beckler says ldquoMy hope is that it could stay in the family with my own kids and grandkidsrdquo The FIRM
13Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Om
aharsquo
s Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
14
When considering the purchase of an existing business very few realize
that lack of experience in an industry can actually lead to success One simply needs a sound financial plan and a good team to fill in the gaps Removing the added stress of fieldwork and focusing solely on the management of finances and operation allows for greater opportunities It makes for the dynamic advantage of some outside impartiality when seeking areas of improve-ment and growth
One man who has made this transition from having marginal knowledge in an in-dustry to leading a successful plumbing and HVAC operation is Mark Evans president of Burton Plumbing Before taking over Burton Evans had a successful plumbing distribu-torship serving four states but it was his desire to own and to travel less that put him into the hands of Burton Friesz The founder of Burton Plumbing Friesz had been a customer and friend of Evansrsquo when the two discussed a possible expansion into residential service Evans put his busi-ness experience to work for Burton in July 1995 and his education in the minutiae of plumbing and HVAC began
While he hasnrsquot worked in the field as a licensed plumbing contractor Evans has dipped his feet in several areas within the running of Burtonhellipand often at the same time Before hiring the essential personnel that have enabled him to narrow his role Ev-ans served as manager marketer customer service representative and dispatcher Such a list of duties for one man is a daunting task but ldquoI worked my way to being able to work on the business rather than in the business [a strategy] taught to me by my business coachrdquo says Evans
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
REMOVING THE ADDED STRESS OF FIELDWORK AND FOCUSING SOLELY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF FINANCES AND OPERATION ALLOWS FOR GREATER OPPORTUNITIES
Executive Impact Moving Into the Boardroom From Employee to President
written by Maureen Tierney | Co-written by Mark Evans and Julie OrsquoBrien
Eventually Evans was able to step back and bring on a general manager and a ware-house operator that has allowed him to
ldquofocus on growth opportunities marketing and cash flowrdquo
Evansrsquo experience is not unique It is com-mon for brokerages to deal with buyers seeking to own companies within a cer-tain field but ldquoonly two people out of the nearly 100 closings [wersquove had] have come in for the same business that they ended up purchasingrdquo says Julie OrsquoBrien client services and paralegal with The Firm What it comes down to is as simple as the bot-tom line Buyers are looking to leverage their talents and experience in a marriage between a management philosophy and business model Those in the market for an acquisition are ldquobuying based on profit number of staff ability to get financing and mostly their strengths and passionsrdquo says OrsquoBrien Experience in a particular industry is certainly valuable but is no predictor of success when the right financial mind comes along
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Even so making up for a lack of practical knowledge requires the proper equipment most notably in the form of managers and employees The right talent in the field can be a growth experience and provide an opportunity to learn the ropes before taking a full swing at things A total deficit in knowl-edge hardly makes for good leadership and for this reason many ldquonew business owners like to take a birdrsquos eye view of the operation rather than diving in and getting their hands dirty right awayhellipgiving them the opportunity to watch [how] things have been done before implementing changesrdquo says OrsquoBrien
Approaching ownership in this way also allows for further financial acquisitions an avenue which Evans has taken In addition to owning Burton Plumbing Evans operates four other companies One might assume this much responsibility to be a stretch but Evans sees his role as ldquokeeping a pulse on things I like to lead people in growth per-sonally and on the business siderdquo
Getting started can be a challenge which is why OrsquoBrien works closely with potential buyers to find the right fit ldquoWe assist all the wayrdquo she says ldquoWe work with the buyer on projections business plans [and] we introduce them to trusted advisorsrdquo from attorneys and CPAs to financial advisors and insurance agents
Itrsquos this helpful backing of experts that eases the difficult task of ownership and only proves that one can certainly switch from a blue collar to a white one The FIRM
CONTRACTING BUSINESSES LISTED BY THE FIRM
201
5 P
roje
cted
201
5 Y
TD
201
4
201
3
201
2
30
0
15
28
14
12
11
16
15Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Omaharsquos Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
It may seem like I pulled a muscle making this stretch but Keith Backsen the new boss at the Omaha Convention amp Visitors Bureau seems to have an awful lot in common with new Husker Coach Mike Riley
Coach Riley spent a total of 14 seasons at Oregon State before heading to Huskerland Backsen also comes from that neck of the woods having spent 11 years of his career in Portland Oregon and another 11 years in Spokane Washington selling both cities as prime places for convention and leisure travelers
At Oregon State Coach Riley built the football program into a consistent winner and regular conference contender At Visit Spokane Backsen opened sales offices in Washington DC and Chicago that led to increased convention bookings Backsen also worked on the public campaign to expand the Spokane Convention Center with a $65 million bond issue The expansion coupled with increased hotel inventory allowed Spokane to pursue large conventions and more than doubled convention bookings in Spokane
Riley has experience at the highest level of football serving as the head coach of the San Diego Chargers and as a head coach in both the Canadian and World Football Leagues Same for Backsen he worked in Dallas and Chicago as the director of sales for Global Experience Specialists a global leader in the world of event planning Backsen supervised five sales offices in a nine-state region generating annual sales in excess of $70 million
Riley is known as one of the most professional and nicest men in the profession a coach who is greatly admired by his peers I kid you not Backsen is described the same way by colleaguesmdashone of the most genuine and skilled men in the business a well respected professional who has the insight and experience to get the job done (Note the $70M stat above)
Come the first game both men will have a stadium filled with fans cheering them on In Backsenrsquos case his stadium is the entire city of Omaha where the fans are the 434353 residents who will reap the rewards of Omaharsquos growing tourism economy
B2B
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 51
51HUSKER
COACH HAS TOURISM
TWIN
OMAHA CVB BY DEB WARD
Deb Ward is the director of marketingcommunications Omaha Convention and Visitorrsquos Bureau
Keith Backsen
52 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Jason Feldman and Sebastian Hunt
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 53
The emerging startup accelerator scene supports creative-minded risk-takers looking for an edge to follow their passion and bring their ideas to fruition
Sebastian Hunt 25 is passionate about giving entrepreneurs like himself a nurturing space to test out their concepts The University of Nebraska at Omaha economics graduate interned with various local employers and surveyed the area startup community when an idea struck him for a by-application curriculum-based residency program serving new entrepreneurs That inspiration turned into Year of the Startup
Launched in 2014 the program operates out of a humble house at 4036 Burt Street in the St Cecilia Cathedral neighborhood Hunt and co-founder Jason Feldman 28 room there with young residency fellows whose startup ventures range from making bio-fuels to providing night owl shuttle services They are a millennial bunch who favor sneakers and sandals They take informal meetings to nearby CaliCommons and Lisarsquos Radial Cafe They variously hunch over laptops or tablets and carry smartphones as appendages
YEAR OF THE STARTUP
ENTREPRENEURAL IMMERSION
This communal work-live space model for business mavericks is new to Omaha The usual startup accelerator is a concentrated 90-day off-site program Omaha has a few of these notably Straight Shot Hunt saw a need for a program that invites a broader range of people into the accelerator fold and supports them much nearer to the start of their dream than other programs
ldquoWe feel like we can take people at very early stages because we are four times as long as the average programrdquo says Hunt who adds that Year of the Startup is also not tech-centric like many programs tend to be ldquoIn our model we substitute intensity for duration I think a lot of the learning here comes through unstructured serendipitous interactions we have that is not curriculum-based itrsquos just happenstance
ldquoWith a house there are so many different ways you can bring ideas and people together I think thatrsquos maybe that critical binding agent and sense of place that helps accomplish thingsrdquo
He says in this intimate environment ldquotherersquos no other choice but to immerse yourself in the settingrdquo adding ldquoWersquore always hanging out in the living room or out back talking about startup stuffmdashmonetization strategies capitalization tables vested equity entity structuresrdquo
ldquoItrsquos this immersive experience of camaraderie of these natural flows and idea generationrdquo Feldman says
Hunt says ldquoThis is very difficult to get bored with because therersquos always somebody whose business is either in crisis or growth stage or some interesting part of the curverdquo
ldquoHow could we get bored when wersquore creating a platform with four startups and all we get to do is ideationrdquo Feldman says ldquoItrsquos a constant buzz we get from interacting with these startup founders and helping them build their ideasrdquo
Built into the program are activities that encourage fellows to break out of their comfort zone and to offer honest criticism of each otherrsquos ideas
Hunt compiles multiple data points on the startups
ldquoWersquore developing really deep insight about how do people start successful businessesrdquo
The program utilizes mentors from the entrepreneurial community
ldquoWe bring in people who are experts in specific areas to talk on those topicsrdquo Feldman says
ldquoThey get ideas flowingrdquo Hunt says of the mentors
Feldman says he regularly covers with fellows ldquothe major components of what you need to look at to start your businessrdquo and then mentors like Mike Kolker owner of graphic design firm Simplify teach lessons about operational efficiency and ldquohow to simplify running a businessrdquo
Hunt is a newcomer to all this and goes by instinct as much as research to support his vision
CONTINUED ON 54
FEATURE | BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
53
54 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
70 Years of Business in Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
4027335500 | 4315 South 50th Street
402-333-5722 bull wwwsw-fencecom
Thanks for Voting SampW Fence the Best Again in 2015
Wersquore Not Just About Fences
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
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NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
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Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
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Thank You for Voting Us Best of B2Btrade 4 Years in a Row
AUDIO VISUAL SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDEbull System designengineeringbull Sales
bull Installationbull Maintenance and Service
bull Equipment Rental and Operation
2700 sq ft of rental facility for conferencing meetings training sessions receptions gatherings webinars
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER 2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
ConnectWITH YOURCOMMUNITY
Donrsquot forget to visitOmahaMagazinecom to read
all of our titles online
Omaha MagazineEncounter B2B 60PlusHerFamily OmahaHome
CONTINUED FROM 53
ldquoI just had an irrational confidence market insights and a great theoretical background thanks to primary research I completed and to lessons I learned from Phillip Phillips Michael OrsquoHara and Art Diamond in UNOrsquos economics department I read constantly about who the players were in the startup world so I was fairly preparedrdquo
Even though he directs a startup program he only started participating in one himself (Venture School) He acknowledges Year of the Startup is a by-the-seat-of-your-pants experiment
ldquoComing out of college I had student loans and not a ton of money Irsquove held two jobs to finance the project Now the project is financed by a combination of me working and renting out one room One-hundred percent of the money our entrepreneurs pay in rent will be returned in full and so everybody has a strong incentive to follow through with the program That may be what makes us sustainablerdquo
Hersquos working on securing corporate sponsorship for the program Meanwhile he wants to help get participating startups to the next level
ldquoWersquore functioning like a pre-accelerator at this point We want to get our startups profitable and then refer them to the Straight Shots so they can focus on growth in a pure accelerator programrdquo
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 55
Mercedes-Benz of Omaha14335 Hillsdale Ave Omaha NE 68137wwwOmahaMercedescomContact John Williams anytime at 4029819262
of Omaha of Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
As Year of the Startup moved into a larger house in Omaharsquos Little Italy district on July 1 and a new class of fellows arrives Hunt says there are ldquointeresting talks happening right now to bring this to other citiesrdquo He and Feldman say economic development agencies are willing to pay a license fee for them to do startup houses in other cities The partners are having proprietary software developed that will enable new startup houses to replicate their branded Omaha model
They look forward to engaging with the emerging 10th Street cultural district but may keep the midtown house to accommodate growth
Hunt and Feldman believe theyrsquore catching the wave or tipping point of a big new startup rush and theyrsquore betting their model is poised to be a niche player in this wild frontier of entrepreneurial prospecting
B2B
56 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
It is an unassuming space but if you have made your way to TD Ameritrade Park Filmstreams or Hot Shops chances are yoursquove passed one of the most vibrant offices in Omaha
The fact that Co-Lab (short for Creative Collaborators) is not a traditional work space is certainly one of its best features Located inside the Tip Top building at 15th and Cumming streets is a project dreamed up by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture who happens to share the main floor of the building Based in the heart of a once-isolated section of the city Co-Labrsquos funky creative vibe is making waves In fact that vibe seeps into Omaharsquos everyday bringing about small changes pushing our city toward a more innovative future
CO-LABGIVING OMAHA WORKERS A MORE
COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE
IN THE OFFICE | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
56
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 57
Home to 18 businesses plus Alley Poyner Macchietto Co-Lab is free of walls and signage It is also free from traditional office norms For instance you donrsquot just walk over to your neighborrsquos space for a brainstorming sessionmdashyou skateboard At least you do if yoursquore Dave Nelson of SecretPenguin a leading experimental branding agency The best part is that the businesses surrounding SecretPenguin appreciate the break from tradition ldquoThatrsquos the beautiful part about being around like-minded good people and businessesrdquo Nelson says
CONTINUED ON 58
58 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 59
CONTINUED FROM 57
In addition to having pathways large enough to skateboard or bike through the space also provides Co-Labbers with a kitchen various conference rooms bike storage bathrooms and a battleground (otherwise known as the ping-pong table) Walking in the main doors clients and employees alike are greeted from the front desk while catching a view of the five-story open atrium basking in the glow of sunshine from the skylight Workers can also access the fitness room and rooftop deck sharing amenities with TipTop apartment residents who use a separate entrance
CONTINUED ON 60
The Harry A Koch CoInsurance amp Financial ConsultantsMember of First Insurance Group LLC
60 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
CONTINUED FROM 59
Businesses in Co-Lab all creativity-related range from entrepreneurs to start-ups to non-profits to small businesses The art varies in form but runs through the space like an electric current At Zicafoose Textiles Mary Zicafoose works steadily on her loom creating gorgeous tapestries 4Site Programming is where Joi Brown works as an independent consultant for performing arts centers across the nation Heartland B-Cycle a large-scale municipal bike sharing system brings art in the form of economical convenience Holly Boyer a founder of non-profit organization Mission Matters explains that one of the best things about having an office at Co-Lab is feeling the innovative positive energy from the moment you walk in the door So while individuals may join Co-Lab with a business-minded focus or a more creative vibe finding a yin to their yang is just a shout away
ldquoThere is certainly a wonderful built-in support network that comes along with working in a collaborative environmentrdquo quips Omaha Creative Institute Executive Director Emily Moody ldquoEverything from sharing ideas and finding ways to collaborate with an organization different than yours to sharing a staplerrdquo
At the heart of making it work says Laura Alley of Alley Poyner itrsquos simply playing well with others
The skateboarding ping-pong playing creatives do that well
B2B
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Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
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Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott Enterprises
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6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
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2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
- BB1015_fntCvr_125
- BB1015_fntEdit_125
- BB1015_bkEdit_125
- BB1015_bkCvr_125
-
ldquoPeople need vacation to recharge and get inspired to continue to love what they dordquo she says ldquoA lot of times when you give people that break they come back more energized and with great ideas It makes them happier it makes us a better companyrdquo-HEIDI MOUSBACH
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 15
GOING TO THE DOGSERVIN amp SMITHrsquoS RELAXED AWARD-WINNING VIBE
OMAHA | BY ANTHONY FLOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Want to know how much fun it is to work at Omaha digital marketing firm Ervin amp Smith Just ask Peanut Gwen Duke or Daphne Jane
They wonrsquot talk to youhellipbut yoursquoll probably see their tails wagging
ldquoAny week we have probably a couple dogs in the officerdquo says Heidi Mausbach Ervin amp Smith president and CEO ldquoYou find them at your desk begging for a little treat They follow their owners around the agencyrdquo
The furry friends are there as one of many workplace benefits garnering Ervin amp Smith attention here and nationally In February the agency founded 31 years ago by Executive Chairman Doug Smith made the 2015 Best Places to Work in Omaha list sponsored by Baird Holm and the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce That came three months after Advertising Age ranked Ervin amp Smith number 13 on its list of 40 Best Places to Work in Advertising amp Media based on hiring practices benefits packages salaries office perks and more
ldquoYou spendhellipa good percentage of your life at workrdquo Mausbach says ldquoYou want to be at a place you love to come to People do love it here You donrsquot dread Monday morningrdquo
Even if yoursquore on vacationmdashwhich is unlimited at Ervin amp Smith as are sick and personal days The new leave policy established in January 2014 is among the most intriguing initiatives at the agency
ldquoPeople are free to come and go as long as they are fulfilling their client commitments and meeting their other goalsrdquo Mausbach says
So have employees been abusing the policy with copious vacation days Mausbach canrsquot saymdashErvin amp Smith isnrsquot tracking days If therersquos any challenge to the time-off policy itrsquos been with employees not taking enough personal time Mausbach who joined the agency 15 years ago was among those who took ldquoa lot lessrdquo vacation than she typically would
ldquoPeople need vacation to recharge and get inspired to continue to love what they dordquo she says ldquoA lot of times when you give people that break they come back more energized and with great ideas It makes them happier it makes us a better companyrdquo
While employees appreciate the flexibility the policy allows them to get away from work Ervin amp Smith has seen benefits in the officemdashless idle activity greater communication and collaboration and perhaps best of all fewer and shorter meetings as employees focus on goals and commitments
CONTINUEDemspONemsp16
15
16emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp15
The company also allows employees to work from home as needed or even full-time from cities across the country (one Ervin amp Smith employee lives in Washington another in Colorado) The company also established an annual ldquoSlush FUNdrdquo giving each employee $100 to spend on something that will enhance company culture such as a popcorn machine Some pooled their money to buy meditation classes open to everyone Others adopted a family at Christmas
Workplace enhancements can be simple A couple of years of ago the agency added a ping pong table Sometimes thatrsquos where the best work happens ldquoItrsquos interesting how their minds workrdquo Mausbach says ldquoA lot of times theyrsquore playing and brainstorming There are amazing ideas that come out of work and play at the same timerdquo
Other initiatives to enhance the Ervin amp Smith environment include redesigned offices an expanded client conference room
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 17
a per-person training budget more than twice the industry average catered lunches and happy hours and a monthly wellness stipend reimbursing employees up to $25 a month
The most popular benefit is Flame Schoedermdash a professional certified life coach made available for monthly development sessions
ldquoOf all the benefits they feel this is the one definitely helping them the most professionally and personallyrdquo Mausbach says
The initiatives seem to work Ervin amp Smith promoted 12 employees and hired 15 others last year Its retention rate in 2014 was 84 percent better than the typical industry rate of 70 percent or worse Mausbach cites
Ervin amp Smith is building employee relationships Perks are great People are better
Making Ervin amp Smith a doggone great place to work
B2B
8 ConsecutiveYears
Thanks Omaha for 30 Years2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
4023999233 | wwwsparklingkleancom
A+ Rating20 Consecutive Years
Exceptional Event Space amp Catering
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6450 Pine Street | 402-778-6313ScottCentercom
17
18emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
ESPELITE SERVICE PROFESSIONALS
Superior quality exceptional service
If you are a CEO key executive or business owner call 4024017560
copy 2015 Vistage Worldwide Inc 14_261_3131 kkk
Discover what thousands of CEOs already know Vistage works
Get answers Take action Like you the members of a Vistage Advisory Board are proven business leaders and critical thinkers They have smart ideas and insightful opinions and this is the forum to express them At our monthly meetings yoursquoll encounter lively discussions where business leaders tell it like it is If you find that refreshing then be our guest at our next monthly group meeting
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 19
Leo Costanzo Anne Taylor and Alan Hove of Controlled Comfort
BRANDREBRAND | BY ELIZABETH MACK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Jingle writers have done their job if they create an earwormmdasha song so catchy it sticks in your head and wonrsquot leave ldquoWhen I tell people I work at Controlled Comfort they immediately start singing the jinglerdquo says Alan Hove who along with co-owners Leo Costanzo and Anne Taylor purchased Controlled Comfort in 2004 ldquoItrsquos the best form of advertising we could ever hope forrdquo
CONTINUEDemspONemsp20
SINGING A HAPPY TUNEJINGLING ALL THE WAY
19
20emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
John Sievers
Businesses Are Buying SmarterThe All Makesrsquo team is trained to help you make design decisions and furniture purchases that fi t your offi ce atmosphere your work style and your budget Visit All Makesrsquo redesigned showroom to see the latest in new offi ce furniture pre-owned offi ce furniture and business technology
wwwallmakescom Omaha 2558 Farnam St | 4023412413 Lincoln 3333 O St | 4024777131
Thank you for voting us 1 for 10 consecutive years
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp19
Most people in the Omaha metro area are familiar with that animated female voice belting out ldquoControlled ComfortndashKeep it Under Controoooooolrdquo Many locals probably would not guess the companyrsquos logo (an angel) but could at least hum a few bars of the jingle Whether a catchy tune is annoying or enjoyable is a matter of opinion but once that musical worm has worked its way into your psyche you are forced to remember the product which is exactly what advertisers hope for
When companies change ownership one major decision is whether or not to maintain the same brand image and the current owners of Controlled Comfort knew they wanted things to stay pretty much the same when they took ownership
ldquoWe love our jinglerdquo says Taylor ldquoWhen we purchased the company we knew we wanted to maintain the image and keep the logo and jingle We couldnrsquot ask for a better form of advertisingrdquo
Research shows that music increases recall and simple melodies with simple lyrics stick with a consumer not only for the short term but often the long-term Remember ldquoI Wish I Were an Oscar Meyer Weinerrdquo Even if it has been years since you have actually heard it chances are you can still sing the entire song Controlled Comfortrsquos brand may not be as huge as Oscar Meyerrsquos but their jingle has stood the test of time being sung on local radio and TV for nearly 20 years with no end in sight
Taylor recounts how in the mid-1990s local musician Johnny Ray Gomez produced the jingle for a radio spot
ldquoThe previous owners purchased a year of radio advertising and it came with a jinglerdquo Taylor says
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
THANKS OMAHA
Embroidery middot Screen Printing middot Promotional Digital Printing middot Mailing middot Company Stores
13747 F St 4025961002 ideal-imagescom
ldquoWhen we purchased the company we knew we wanted to maintain the image and keep the logo and jingle We couldnrsquot ask for a better form of advertisingrdquo-ANNE TAYLOR
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 21
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For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
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Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
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For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
At the time they had no idea they did not retain exclusive rights to the melody
ldquoI just recently heard the song while I was traveling in western Nebraska It was quite a shockrdquo she adds with a laugh
Branding is all about creating an image of a business that will stick in a customerrsquos mind Though most businesses rely on visual advertising to create their brand jingles can be an additional way to increase awareness and create staying power People often remember a catchy tune Throw the company name and their phone number in the jingle lyrics and customers may not even need to look up the contact information
ldquoIf I forget the phone number I just sing the jinglerdquo says one local customer
Though original jingles declined in recent years as more large companies turn to popular songs for their advertising a few local companies still spend at least some marketing dollars on jingles Whether you think it annoying or catchy a jingle may be your best advertising investment
B2B
4023333062 | planitomahacom | 10832 old mill road suite 5 | omaha ne 68154
planitomaha A national and
regional powerhouse in
meetings conferences amp
events
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
22emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 2
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 23
How is it that Midlands Choice has come to make an investment in of all things a ballerina
Sure the bottom line of any insurance entity is driven by risk managementmdashthe investing of premium revenues to hedge against claims
But taking stock in Claire Goodwillie a company dancer with Ballet Nebraska
The Midlands Choice example is repeated all across the metro as area businesses support a broad array of arts nonprofits ones that dwell in everything from tutus to tempura
And the table is set for a new era of collaboration between business and the arts because philanthropic giving in America has finally returned to pre-recession levels
Contributions which totaled $358 billion in 2014 surpassed 2007rsquos pre-recession level of $355 billion Additionally giving was up from all major sourcesmdashindividuals corporations foundations and bequestsmdashaccording to Giving USA an annual report compiled by the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and the Giving USA Foundation of Chicago
ldquoEight out of nine types of charitable organizations we measure saw increased contributions and thatrsquos good news for the
BALLET NEBRASKAA PAS DE DEUX BETWEEN BUSINESS AND THE ARTS
philanthropic sector as a wholerdquo W Keith Curtis told Omaha Magazine in an email Curtis is chair of Giving USA Foundation and president of the nonprofit consulting firm The Curtis Group ldquoThe 60-year high for charitable giving in 2014 is a great story about resilience and perseverancerdquo
Themes of resilience and perseverance define the Ballet Nebraska story
Erika Overturff was 27 years old when the ballet company of which she was a dancer and resident choreographer appeared doomed She had no money She had no business acumen
That was 2009 Flash forward to 2015 and Overturff now 33 founder and artistic director of Ballet Nebraska is leading the regionrsquos only professional dance company into its sixth season
In a city known for its ldquocan-dordquo spirit this story could be about almost any local arts nonprofit but the unlikely saga of Ballet Nebraska is told here because it is perhaps the most improbable of tales one that best reveals what a business community and the arts can do when they share a common vision
CONTINUEDemspONemsp24
BY DAVID WILLIAMS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
23COVERemspFEATURE
24emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp23
Like settling into your seat with a program before the lights dim at any performing arts venue itrsquos probably best to start by reviewing the cast of characters
THE CONNECTORHal Daub knows people Especially in a city of six degrees of separation that is in reality much more like two or three degrees the former Omaha mayor (1995-2001) and US Congressman (1981-1989) who has served on countless nonprofit boards and is now a partner at Husch Blackwellhellipknows people
ldquoWhen I was first introduced to Hal and he offered to helprdquo Overturff says ldquoI assumed that meant he was going to maybe make a few calls and do a little name-droppingrdquo Daub it turned out would become a key player in the often delicate pas de deux that is the coupling of business and the arts ldquoHe not only made those calls but he set up the appointmentshellipand then he came along to personally introduce me and stand by my side in front of those who would become some of the most generous funders of Ballet Nebraskardquo
ldquoThe reason I am so fascinated by what Erika has donerdquo says Daub ldquois that Omaha is a city that has clearly evolved to become a place that is not just metropolitan but truly cosmopolitanrdquo And investing in the arts Daub believes makes good business sense ldquoThe social environment of a citymdashits arts and entertainmentmdashis critical in attracting and retaining the best workforce Ballet Nebraska Opera Omaha the Omaha Symphony Omaha Performing Artshellipthose and so many others are the organizations that help keep the best talent in Omahardquo
THE ADVOCATEMichelle Clark is Union Pacificrsquos general director of information technologies which means she probably knows more than a little about computer viruses As a three-year board member of Ballet Nebraska shersquos also seen how supporting the arts can go viral
ldquoEmployee generosity is furthered by the use of the companyrsquos matching gifts programrdquo Clark explains ldquoThis creates a sense of pride for employees and Union Pacific is supportive of the communities in which we live and work The employees of Union Pacific are very generous and have supported fundraising drives not only for Ballet Nebraska but a number of organizations such as the Womenrsquos Center for Advancement and JDRFrdquo
Employees should never underestimate their power to play a key role in advocating for nonprofits within their organizations
ldquoI am passionate about the art of dance especially ballet and Ballet Nebraskardquo Clark says ldquoDance inspires my creativity and provides insights to see beyond the obvious My hope is that by providing individuals with the awareness of opportunities to experience and support the art of dance they will find their own inspiration to apply to their own liferdquo
And just as stubborn computer viruses are often cloyingly messy to eradicate once discovered Union Pacificrsquos relationship with Ballet Nebraska has a ldquostickinessrdquo of its own Clark was preceded on the Ballet Nebraska board by Gayla Thal the companyrsquos senior vice president and general counsel
THE BULLDOGDonrsquot let the gentle demeanor of Midlands Choice vice president Greta Vaught fool you Supporting the arts is often a visceral experience and Vaughtrsquos passion for dance exerted itself on multiple levels in the early stages of growth at Ballet Nebraska
ldquoMidlands Choice has always been supportive of my work in the communityrdquo says the board chair of Ballet Nebraska
ldquoWe like to listen to our people when making such decisionsrdquo says Midlands Choice President and CEO Thomas E Press rdquoIt is important for us to know that our giving has real meaning for them their families and their communitiesrdquo
ldquoI looked at what Erika was trying to dordquo Vaught continues ldquoand I thought it was brave but impossible But all along the way I just kept going back to the thought that if one of my daughters [Mia now 15 and Hannah now 19] wanted to try something so bold one day thatrdquohellipinsert long pausehellipldquoIrsquom sorry this is making me cry I would just hope that people with experience and connections and dollars would shepherd my daughters along like so many people have done with Erika and Ballet Nebraskardquo
Okay so maybe ldquoThe Bulldogrdquo wasnrsquot such a great character name for this role after all
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 25
Fast-Paced Public Relations
Customer-Based Planning and Communications
402-964-9293 11626 Nicholas Street
zaisscocom
For the Connected World
Every story Every tweet Every interaction
PR is vital to your bottom line now more than ever
Join the world of innovative PR ndash partner with experts
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Best PR Agency 7 Years Running
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
THE ARTISTldquoI had to do a lot of on-the-job learning when I decided to try to launch a dance companyrdquo Overturff says ldquoWe were lucky in that we got our nonprofit status right away but I didnrsquot know anything about the business side of things and really nothing about raising funds I was moved by every $5 check that came in but it took a lot of mentoring advice and counsel to get us to where we are today as a fully funded professional performance companyrdquo
Ballet Nebraska now has a paid staff of 22 including nine salaries paid to company dancers Today Overturffrsquos once-nonexistent business connections run deep Personal contributions from the likes of philanthropists Richard Holland and Fred and Eve Simon further fuel the growth of ballet in Omaha Foundations also play a major role in funding A recent gift of $124000 from the Iowa West Foundation is the largest in Ballet Nebraska history
ldquoTalented professionals from all over the world that have trained their whole lives to pursue a career in dance now come to Omaha in the hopes of performing with Ballet Nebraska as we serve the state and western Iowa in performances education outreach and morerdquo she says ldquoA ballet companymdashany performing arts company any arts organizationmdashis about its peoplehellipthe artists the staff and hardworking selfless volunteers But it is the people of Omaha from the smallest donations to the relationships we have with such great businesses that makes it all happenrdquo
B2B
26emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
26OFFICE FURNITURE BY DOUG SCHURING
OFFICE ORIGINS
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE MODERN WORKPLACE
For all the time we spend in our office very few of us are familiar with how that space came to be You may actually be surprised by the events and inventions that helped form the work environment we know today From the development of the railroad to innovations in communication our current corporate habits structures and tools have all played a role In his book CubedmdashA Secret History of the Workplace Nikil Saval shapes the advances that created the conventional office we are familiar with today
The advent of the Morse telegraph spawned long-distance communication Then starting in 1860 a series of technological innovations changed the possibilities of the workplace the use of iron framework permitted the construction of taller buildings and elevators assisted the climb The Remington typewriter entered the office in 1874 Bellrsquos telephone was patented two years later
At the same time railroads expanded across the country reducing transportation costs and extending markets for goods and services Additionally railroads produced an organizational transformation still in use today The coordination of trains required employees housed in structures all across the country bringing a variety of offices to the American landscape Between the executive the manager and the workerhellipthe organizational chart was born
The invention of telecommunications fostered the speed of information to surge creating more
Doug Schuring is the director of sales administration at All Makes Office Equipment Co
work and subsequently more workers As these workers moved into new structures the spaces reflected their various levels of management In 1915 the Metal Office Furniture Company (now Steelcase) invented the modern deskmdasha flat metal table outfitted with file drawers The new desks massed together in defined rows offered managers full visual access to the goings-on of the workplace and this ldquosea of desksrdquo became the norm for decades Lockers and various cabinets popular in the Great Depression era became vertical files once steel became readily available after World War II
In 1968 Herman Miller introduced the first panel system with attached components Designed by Robert Propst the Action Office system revolutionized the ldquoofficerdquo in form flexibility and cost Other furniture manufacturers mimicked the modular system which became the norm for many businesses
Up to the rsquo90s the personal computerrsquos popularity grew and the relative size of work stations decreased between 25-50 percent By the middle of that decade the dot-com revolution on the West Coast created an unprecedented workplace culture The formal atmosphere of the office became much more casual and discontent for the Dilbert-esque cubicle grew Subsequently creative furniture solutions evolved with the desire to be more mobile leading the way
In the early 2000rsquos collaborative open offices grew in popularity New and improving
technologies now offer connectivity in the office home or public spaces As a result nearly every company today is adapting and using new furnishings as a tool to attract new workers At the same time retaining existing employees is equally important The goal is to make everyone more effective and efficient in their work
Whether you work in an office from home in the local coffee shop or out of an airline terminal you may start to notice that much of the furniture is beginning to look very similar As long as you are able to connect to technology you can work from virtually anywhere
B2B
SEPTEMBER 24 2015 Ralston Arena7300 Q Street
Ralston NE 68127
CONNECT MARKET SUCCEED
Looking for INNOVATIVE MARKETING IDEAS Want to BOOST SALES AND ADD ROI Need to ANALYZE DATA TO GROW MARKET SHARE
For more information or to register please visit wwwOmahaAdvertisingXcom
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 27
28emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Outlook Nebraska CEO Eric Stueckrath
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 29
On the surface it looks just like any other office or factory As you enter Outlook Nebraska Inc (ONI) yoursquore greeted by a friendly front desk attendant and led past a perfectly ordinary-looking workspace Entering their factory where they manufacture such paper products as rolls of hand towels you wouldnrsquot suspect that it is different from any other assembly line
But explore a little deeper
Walking past one office you might see a man typing away on a keyboard his laptop closed in front of him He doesnrsquot need it open to know what hersquos typing Hersquos visually impaired and utilizing computer software that reads the words aloud as he types
On the factory floor raised edges guard the walkway so sightless employees can feel their way around Over on the assembly line visually impaired workers can use a computer screen to zoom in on the product at various stages of production to assess the process
ONI is a non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance the life of the blind and visually impaired through employment opportunities and training Almost all the employees at ONI are blind or visually impaired from factory workers to IT professionals Some were born blind others lost their sight later in life ONI aims to help them all re-enter the workforce in a meaningful way
A SIGHT FOR NON-SEEING EYES
OUTLOOK NEBRASKA
ldquoThey get used to being on their feetrdquo says ONI CEO Eric Stueckrath ldquoWe offer jobs for [people with] entry-level skill sets and all of the positions are at or above minimum wage We give them the tools to help build those skill setsrdquo
ONI also offers personalized life-skills training geared to whatrsquos important to the individual from personal banking to cooking to operating a computer
The American Foundation for the Blind estimates that as many as 70 percent of blind adults in the US are unemployed As the largest employer of the blind in the Omaha metro area ONI is working to make an impact
ldquoWe work with organizations that are committed to hiring the visually impairedrdquo Stuekrath says ldquoAdvocacy is definitely part of what we dordquo
ONI is currently in the midst of a $2 million capital campaign that will allow them to complete a large-scale renovation project at their facility The renovation will create more space for the general public and give them the ability to offer additional training programs
In addition to working with adults blind and visually-impaired youth are a primary focus for Stuekrath and ONI
ldquoMy heart really gravitates toward themrdquo Stuekrath says
ONI partners with youth organizations on a number of initiatives including a sports camp for visually-impaired youth called Camp Abilities Nebraska Attendees can try archery swimming bowling track and field and more as a means to build confidence
ldquoThey donrsquot need to be coddledrdquo Stuekrath says adding that he often tells parents of blind children ldquoYour kid needs to get out there and bump his head and experience liferdquo
At ONI everything comes back to the organizationrsquos mission Stuekrath says
ldquoWe give them the tools they need to gain greater independencerdquo
B2B
FEATURE | BY APRIL CHRISTENSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY COLIN CONCES
29
30emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Layne and Pam Yahnke and Their VW Thing
Shakespeare wrote of love and betrayal Tolkien of hobbits and wizards Steinbeck and Faulkner of the indomitable American spirit
Layne Yahnke writes about his VW Thing
Yes the two-wheel-drive off-road convertible military vehicle first manufactured for the West German Army as ldquoType 181rdquo in 1968 VW churned them out until 1983 including two years in the United States when marketed as ldquoThe Thingrdquo
Yahnke got his Thing in 2000 for $5500 Hersquos lovingly restored it most importantly giving it a peppy new motor that makes it Autobahn-worthy
WHATrsquoS THAT THING
LANE YAHNKErsquoS UNUSUAL VOLKSWAGEN
HOW I ROLL | BY ANTHONY FLOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Therersquos only one other Thing in Omaha and Yahnkersquos gets lots of second and third looks when hersquos whipping down the Dodge Street Expressway from his Elkhorn home Especially when the doors are off and windshield is down
Everyone wants to know abouthellipthe Thing
Thus Yahnke penned ldquoIt Takes a Village to Build a VW Thingrdquo an ode to those who helped him with his beloved ridemdashhis sons Omaha VW Club members engine and body shops and parts stores
CONTINUEDemspONemsp32
30
SIGN UP TODAYdolnebraskagovsides
Questions phone - 402-471-9910 email - ndoluisidesnebraskagov
Sign up now for a free paperless way to return unemployment insurance information
Submit separation information online
Free - No postage costsno sign-up fee
Respond quickly toseparation requests
E-Response saves treesNo more paper 350rsquos
Keep your taxes lowAvoid unnecessary charges
Avoid Late responses ampLoss of appeal rights
32emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Locally Owned in Papillion Ne402-740-0800 bull apconstructomahacom
Insurance claims
welcomeIf your roof sustained fire snow or hail
damage the repairs can be costly We are your wind and hail damage experts and accept insurance claims so you wonrsquot
have to pay for the repair work yourself
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
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Steve Kowalski
Call or Text Message(402 ) 453-6000
abetterexposurecom steveabetterexposurecom
Passion Creativity Experience
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp31
ldquoI wrote that right after the engine transplantrdquo says Yahnke an Omaha native and vice president at Essex Corp provider of senior living communities ldquoI guess I was moved I get so many inquiries about it and I really feel so fondly about itrdquo
Itrsquos not his first Thing Yahnke and his wife of 38 years Pam owned one before their four children came along As the kids have come and gone so have the cars
Lots of them
Yahnke figures he has owned 60 automobiles in his life His car fancy began as a kid growing up in Dundee where a friendrsquos dad spent his spare time restoring English cars Yahnke spent hours in his garage and developed a love for Triumphs and MGs His first car purchase was a 1962 Triumph for $425 in 1972 It wasnrsquot long though until he sold it at a profit
ldquoThatrsquos what kicked off the buying and selling of English carsrdquo he says ldquoI discovered I could enjoy my transportation but then as soon as someone wanted to buy it for more than I paid for it out it wentrdquo
ldquoWhere Accounting Meets ResultsrdquoProviding Accounting and Quickbooks Services
For Metro Businesses
Denise Martin I 9252077634Deniseheartlandaccountabilitycom
wwwHeartlandAccountAbilitycom
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 33
These days you never know what will be parked in the Yahnke driveway Currently therersquos a Honda pickup a VW Jetta VW Multivan and a 2001 Audi TT Quatro Convertiblemdashpurchased in apropos silver for his 25th wedding anniversary
Itrsquos the Thing he most enjoys driving He logs about 1000 miles on it each year Most of those have come toplessmdashYahnke long ago gave it away to another Thing enthusiast and now only drives it sans roof
ldquoAnyone who sees this car has only seen it top-downrdquo he says ldquoI just got caught once in the rain and that was probably a month ago The cool thing about the Thing is you leave it out in the sun and it dries out and is ready to gordquo
It says ldquoSummer is hererdquo Yahnke says
ldquoPeople speed up all the time to try to figure out what it is Itrsquos just a happy car and itrsquos so darn versatile It puts smiles on peoplesrsquo facesrdquo
B2B
Quality Carpet Cleaning Since 2004
4026806523
Cleaning ServicesCarpet CleaningUpholstery CleaningMattress CleaningTile amp Grout CleaningPet TreatmentsConcrete CleaningConcrete CleaningAuto Interior Cleaning24 Hour Water Damage
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omahamagazinecom SPECIALemspADVERTISINGemspSECTIONemspemsp |emsp SUMMERemsp2015emsp |emsp 34
ABOUT OUR BUSINESS
Cox Business started in 2000 as the commercial services division of Cox Communications Over the past 15 years we have experienced strong growth and are on our target to achieve $2 billion in revenue in the near future
Cox Business owns operates and maintains its own network providing leading-edge technology solutions for voice internet networking and digital TV We also offer robust business continuity and disaster recovery solutions which is of increasing importance to businesses in the greater Omaha area Our customers include such key verticals as education hospitality government and healthcare We maintain a significant focus on Omaha small business mid-markets and large local companies as well
We consider our employees to be our most precious asset as they have the responsibility of taking care of our customers At Cox Business we are fortunate to have an extremely tenured and engaged team of employees What sets us apart from our competition is the fact that while we are a large robust and progressive company we still possess
the nimbleness of a smaller company in our ability to deliver creative solutions under tight timelines We pride ourselves on having very little bureaucracy and that translates to happy customers The fact that Cox Business has won 15 JD Power Awards for customer satisfaction over the past 11 years is a notable accomplishment for us and we work hard to deliver on that promise of excellence every day
ABOUT LYNNE
I have led sales and operations teams in the communications industry for 20 years 10 of those years with Cox Communications My husband Pat and I just celebrated our first full year in Omaha and wonder why it took us so long to find this jewel of a community Our daughter Kaylin starts law school next month at the University of San Diego
I have two passions in my professional life mentoring employees who are working on leadership development (which includes working with two to three emerging leaders at any given time) and continuing to drive efforts in hiring fostering a diverse workforce There
is a challenge in STEM fields of under-represented groups My company Cox Communications is also very passionate about this and holds the distinction of inclusion in Diversity Incrsquos top 50 companies
My personal passions include travel social media and Italian cooking
B2B
COX BUSINESSLYNNE SANGIMINO
Cox Business 401 N 117th St Omaha NE 68154 coxbusinesscom 4029340830
Cradickrsquos Husker PowerTEXAN RETURNS HOME FOR BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY PG 8
Marlon Lofgren Koley Jessen PC LLOKEEPING THE FOCUS WHERE IT BELONGS PG 4
Seasoned Advice for Buyers(THE BOUNCY KIND) PG 5
PLAYING BIG EDITION
Fall
2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
2
Volume 1 Issue 5
Published by The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
PresidentEditor bull Cortney Sells
DirectorAssistant Editor bull Cassandra Powers
In-House Legal Counsel bull Susanne Miller
Outreach Coordinator bull Rene Rademacher
Marketing Development bull Rachael Rand
Business Broker bull Breann Becerra
Referring Broker bull Elizabeth Jones
Marketing Division bull Adam Jaime
Development Liaison bull Holley Garcia
Client Services bull Nycole Wandvik-Tolle
Client Services bull Julie OrsquoBrien
Community Relations bull Mike Sells
Contributing Writers
Marlon Lofgren bull Kathy Rygg bull Maureen Tierney
Design bull OBI Creative
Photography bull Bill Sitzmann
To Subscribe
The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
210 N 78 St
Omaha NE 68114
4029985288
infothefirmb2bcom
Advertising Inquiries
4028842000
toddomahamagazinecom
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Columns
4 Seller Financing
Koley Jessen PC LLO Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
14 Executive Impact Getting Into the Big Office
Departments
5 Seasoned Advice for
Business Buyers (The Bouncy Kind)
12 Building a Legacy while
Building Racks New Chapter to Becklerrsquos Career
The Bottom Line
Sells Insights
Playing Big
Husker PowerTexan returns home to
Nebraska for business opportunity
pg8
Many business owners have marginal experience in the trades in which their
organizations specialize While it may seem counterintuitive to buy or start a company situated around an industry in which one has little experience there is a certain com-petitive edge to the equation A buyer or president need only know enough to begin before surrounding him or herself with the right personnel to tackle the minute details What is paramount is the grander scheme of
management and operations which allows one to flex refined business acumen Not only does distance from fieldwork free up time to put in place a robust and refined plan but it leaves open other avenues for portfolio expansion Grow your business expand operations or begin other busi-ness ventures The possibilities are only as small as the mindset held by your team The FIRM
Special Section
7 Fresh Off The Firm The Firm Business Brokerage has
over $80 million dollars in assets under
management of current cash flowing
businesses for sale ndash from medical
practices to commercial services to large
manufacturing companies
by Cortney Sells presidenteditor
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
3Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
4
IF PROPERLY STRUCTURED AND DOCUMENTED SELLER FINANCING IS REALLY NO DIFFERENT FROM FINANCING THAT WOULD OTHERWISE BE PROVIDED BY A BANKTYING IT ALL TOGETHEREven the most savvy of ldquonumbers peoplerdquo need a leg up in negotiating a purchase As with so many aspects of doing business retaining experienced legal counsel enables you to keep the focus where it belongsmdashemploying your entrepreneurial skills in the identification and acquisition of profitable business ventures The FIRM
Seller Financing Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
written by Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
Seller financing can often be a criti-cal factor in getting a business sold
If properly structured and documented seller financing is really no different from financing that would otherwise be provided by a bank Below is a brief guide to navi-gating the issues normally encountered in seller financing
FIRST THINGS FIRSTThe first question is usually that of how to structure and document the financing The buyer should be expected to sign a prom-issory note evidencing the loan from the seller with interest and repayment terms mutually agreeable to both parties The seller might also require that the buyer grant the seller a security interestlien in the pur-chased assets to secure the loan Itrsquos also not unusual for a seller to require that the individual owners of the buyer (assuming the buyer is an entity) personally guarantee the loan In most cases the documents are usually pretty straightforward and do not need to be overly complicated
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
ADDITIONAL LAYERSIf a bank is also financing the sale the seller will most likely be required by the bank to sign a subordination agreement This is an agreement between the bank usually referred to as the ldquosenior lenderrdquo and the seller referred to as the ldquojunior lenderrdquo A subordination agreement sets forth the terms between the lenders as to each entityrsquos right to receive loan pay-ments from the buyer and the priority of their respective security interestsliens in the purchased assets The document will usually state that the senior lenderrsquos loan and security interestliens shall at all times be superior to those of the junior lender until the senior loan is paid in full Most lenders are willing to discuss and negoti-ate the junior lenderrsquos right to receive loan payments from the borrower Lien priority status however is rarely compromised by senior lenders in subordination agreements The senior lender will insist on having a first priority security interestlien in the pur-chased assets
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Whether yoursquore a first-time entre-preneur or an experienced business
owner purchasing a company is a critical investment financially and emotionally To help increase the likelihood of it being a success in both areas there are a number of aspects to keep in mind when evaluating if a business is the right fit gt
Seasoned Advice for Business Buyers(The Bouncy Kind)
written by Kathy Rygg
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Jerry Rachwalik
5Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
6
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
lt Jerry Rachwalik has been researching companies for the past three years waiting for the right opportunity to arise His search was the result of spending his career work-ing for larger organizations in a number of areas including delivery installation cus-tomer service inventory accounts receiv-ables and scheduling where he managed up to 35 people at a time
Policies and philosophies can change when working for a corporation Sometimes they become less family friendly ldquoWith the previous companies I worked forrdquo Rachwalik says ldquothey switched from caring about em-ployees to making money and the bottom line I stuck it out for several years and then decided I needed something differentrdquo
An entrepreneur by nature Rachwalik has over the last seven years built up a rental business buying foreclosed homes and duplex properties completely reno-vating them and then renting them back out He now has 15 properties and enjoys helping families by providing nice homes that are affordable ldquoI want people to feel good when they come home at night after a long day at workrdquo he says Rachwalik want-ed to find a business that allowed him the flexibility to respond to his tenants when needed from simple plumbing issues to furnaces going kaput
When he first started looking for a new business Rachwalik was drawn to home health care because of his experience help-ing to take care of relatives And it was a growing field Nothing was available at the time so he expanded his options and be-gan researching businesses in a variety of industries Those included a flooring com-pany sandwich shop and even a hair salon
ldquoI was open to anything and if I could make the numbers work then I would consider itrdquo he explains
Then The Firm Business Brokerage pre-sented him with an opportunity that was the right match Bounce U in Omaha There were a number of factors that appealed to Rachwalik First and foremost were the financials but it would also offer him the flexibility he needed for his rental business A big advantage was that an entire team was already in place one seasoned in man-aging staff and scheduling parties ldquoThey do a great jobrdquo he says ldquoI donrsquot plan on making any personnel changesrdquo
But what hersquos most looking forward to with this new venture is the fun positive environment Bounce Ursquos primary business is its birthday party packages featuring the companyrsquos oversized inflatibles and Rachwalik said he canrsquot wait to watch the excitement on the kids faces when they walk through the door ldquoEveryone there is happyrdquo he says ldquoThe kids are happy the parents are happy and the employees running the parties are happy Itrsquoll be a big change from the environments I used to work inrdquo Hersquos already planning to have his twin grand-daughtersrsquo birthday party there too
His transition included a week of training with the companyrsquos corporate facility in Ari-zona as well as on-site training Even though the Omaha location is an existing store all of Rachwalikrsquos training was structured as though itrsquos a brand new site
Bounce U has traditionally partnered with local restaurants to provide food for birth-day parties but Rachwalik wants to explore the option to build a kitchen of his own
He also hopes to continue to grow the business by at least 5 annually ldquoAnything I do I will communicate with my employees and get their input and suggestions firstrdquo he adds
For anyone who is considering buying a business or is going through the process Rachwalik stresses to be open minded and not rule anything out ldquoIf an opportunity is presented to you run the numbers and see if you can make it workrdquo he says ldquoI did a complete flip-flop on the type of business I thought I wanted versus what I ended up purchasing But if you keep looking yoursquoll eventually find a matchrdquo The FIRM
ldquoTHE KIDS ARE HAPPY THE PARENTS ARE HAPPY AND THE EMPLOYEES RUNNING THE PARTIES ARE HAPPY ITrsquoLL BE A BIG CHANGE FROM THE ENVIRONMENTS I USED TO WORK INrdquo
-Jerry Rachwalik
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Fresh Off The Firm Featured Listings for Sale
Suburban Bar amp Grill with VolleyballOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $26413 PRICE $115000
Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity in an area with only two other bars nearby Serving up a gorgeous and well-maintained volleyball court along with pool tables and a jukebox this bar and grill is a favorite with the locals Business is fully staffedmdashowner works very part time hours
Rain Gutter Sales amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $145200 PRICE $415000
This business is a dealer for high-end rain gutter covers These products are con-structed of high-quality aluminum and sur-gical-grade stainless steel and are strong enough to hold up to four feet of snow or 20 pounds of debris Profit margin is 48
Large-Scale Assembly amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $743732 PRICE $2200000
This well-established installation and assembly business in central Nebraska prides itself on providing many numerous building solutions for businesses and building owners in their area They install and assemble metal frames including grain silos pole barns and buildings
Photo Booth Business Running on Autopilot OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $36419 PRICE $88900
Photo booths are the ldquoin thingrdquo at weddings and parties In business for seven years this business is one of the largest in town Wedding couples hoping to capture the fun memories of the day make up 67 of the clients Includes four booths and one trailer
Southwest Omaha Dental PracticeOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $129745 PRICE $380000
Professional staff and excellent customer service are the hallmarks of this practice Using the latest technology the business offers an array of dental services including teeth cleaning veneers crowns bleaching and trauma services The owner is currently working only 20 hours a week
Small Animal Vet Clinic in Omaha OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $158287 PRICE $440000
For over 30 years this animal care clinic has prioritized customer care They are currently offering services to over 2000 families and are the second largest veterinary clinic in the area The business is split 7030 between dogs and cats
Buildersrsquo Material amp Supply CompanyOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $364880 PRICE $933000
This highly reputable company established in 1976 and located just north of Omaha provides quality and reliable services and supplies Building supply inventory includes garage door lumber windows trims siding roofing materials and more Approximately 90 of customers are repeat clientele
High-Growth Plumbing Company OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $157774 PRICE $445000
This non-union plumbing company has consistent growth of over $130000 a year in sales The full service plumbing contractor has business that is currently 50 commercial and 50 residential
90+ available business opportunities for sale Please visit TheFirmBusinessBrokeragecom for details
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
7Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
Matt Cradick
The Deal ReviewReason For Sale Fresh start after 25+ years in the industrySeller Transition Period Over eight monthsType of Sale Asset Purchase AgreementLender Access Bank Mack LaRock
ldquoYOU SHOULD INTERVIEW FOR A BUSINESS JUST LIKE YOU
WOULD FOR A JOBrdquo CRADICK EXPLAINS ldquoIT HAS TO BE THE
RIGHT FIT YOU DONrsquoT WANT TO BE ONE OF THE MANY FA-
TALITIES THAT HAPPEN SO OFTEN IN NEW BUSINESSrdquo
-Shaun Heldt
From Retail to RoofingHow to be Successful When Buying a Business
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Spending almost 20 years working in retail for major corporations and then
buying a siding and roofing contracting company may seem like a major leap but for Matt Cradick owner of Husker Ham-mer Siding Windows and Roofing it was the best business move hersquos ever made And thatrsquos saying a lot for someone who moved 11 times in 19 years across nine different states
Cradick had been living in Houston Texas where he worked for Target Corporation He had worked his way up through the com-pany and another promotion was on the horizon which meant another move With three young children at home Cradick de-cided it was time to put down some roots Having grown up in Lincoln Nebraska he wanted to be near family and Midwestern values He started researching businesses for sale and was eventually led to The Firm which in turn led him to Husker Hammer
The move from a big corporate environ-ment to a small contracting business didnrsquot intimidate Cradick With Target he oversaw 200 people so he knew he brought strong management and operational skills The challenge he says was learning the ins and outs of construction He didnrsquot need to be the one hammering away on the roofmdashhe needed learn a new business segment
ldquoSwitching industries can be nerve-rack-ingrdquo Cradick says ldquobut the owner was will-ing to stay on board for six months during the transitionrdquo That partnership was an invaluable tool during the changeover gt
A Publication of The Firm Business BrokerageA Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
9Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
10
lt Husker Hammer was started in 1998 as a one-man operation and had been built up to a multimillion dollar business Cradick was impressed with the mission statement values system of the company and the strong workforce that was already in place And the price of the company lined up well with the financials ldquoWhat Husker has that others in the industry donrsquotrdquo says the man whose faith is central to his deal-ings ldquois a strong ethical foundation with a Christian backgroundrdquo
There were a number of other elements Cradick sought when buying his business ones he believes all potential business own-ers need to keep in mind The first is to make sure you have a proper support team in place to help make a sound financial deci-sion That includes having a good business valuation and a good business broker who can point you in the right direction to ensure a match for both parties
Once yoursquore in the process of purchasing he adds make sure you have a capable net-work of attorneys a seasoned financial team and solid internal help to ensure yoursquore suc-cessful from the start ldquoYou should interview
for a business just like you would for a jobrdquo Cradick explains ldquoIt has to be the right fit You donrsquot want to be one of the many fatal-ities that happen so often in new businessrdquo
To help ensure the company continues to be successful Cradick plans to main-tain Husker Hammerrsquos competitive edges which he says includes his 11000-sq-ft state-of-the-art showroom in Elkhorn He reformatted the space to better fit his busi-ness model before building out additional second-floor space that is now rented to other entrepreneurs
The showroom features all of the window siding and roofing products available to customers Samples are one thing Cradick says but he knows the power of customers seeing actual colors in actual sizes
ldquoOur philosophy is to build peace of mind for homeowners and be with them every step through the processrdquo he says ldquoWord of mouth is our number one lead source which was true in retail as wellrdquo
Happy employees to Cradick are just as important as happy customers He sub-scribes to a simple philosophymdashlistening to employees and doing so with respect
ldquoWith big corporations you deal with a lot of politicsrdquo he says ldquoNow if therersquos politics itrsquos because Irsquove generated it Itrsquos a nice change to be in a small business where you have more leeway to ensure yoursquore creating a positive work environment which creates a happy workforcerdquo
Working for a smaller company also allows for more opportunities to become involved in the community Husker Hammer is active in local chambers of commerce the Open Door Mission and is currently helping on a Habitat for Humanity build in Waterloo They have also been accredited by the Bet-ter Business Bureau since 2000 and won the Better Business Integrity Award
Cradickrsquos business is currently 90 percent residential and 10 percent commercial He hopes to increase their reach in proper-ty management and general contracting while maintaining the high-quality residen-tial sales that built the business ldquoBecause of our showroomrdquo he says ldquopeople come
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
to us We donrsquot do the high pressure sales at the kitchen table We listen We let the homeowners do the talkingrdquo
Growing geographically is also a goal Cradick hopes to expand to surrounding areas including his hometown of Lincoln
ldquoSo far itrsquos been a great moverdquo he says ldquoand I look forward to continuing to be known as an ethical long-lasting company My daughters and wife are excited to be back in the Midwest around grandparents and family Their school district is great and the full year-round climate has been a welcome change from living in the south Plus I was averaging 50000 miles per year in travel so itrsquos nice to sleep in your own bed every nightrdquo The FIRM
For more information on this or any for sale listings call The Firm Business Brokerage directly
11Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
The Deal ReviewBusiness Established 1987Reason for Sale Retirement (Transla-tion More time with a fishing pole)Ownerrsquos Profit $495004Type of Loan SBA with Core Bank
12
Back to the FutureBuilding a Business Legacy
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Itrsquos not uncommon for someone who has spent a number of years in corporate
America to shift gears into entrepreneur-ship Being your own boss certainly has its advantages But for Scott Beckler who recently purchased Lewis Installers in Gret-na his reason for taking on a new business venture had more to do with honoring not only his fatherrsquos legacy but building one of his own
Beckler started his career as a business education teacher then moved to a corpo-rate career in technology But for a number of years he kept an eye on businesses for sale hoping that just the right opportunity would come along
ldquoMy dad was an entrepreneur who owned his own real estate insurance companyrdquo
Beckler says ldquoDespite the fact he had on-going health issues he still got up every day put on a coat and tie and went out to make a sale He was a very successful busi-nessman and I wanted to honor his legacyrdquo
After contacting The Firm and discuss-ing what he was looking for in a business the team suggested Lewis Installers which specializes in industrial conveyor and rack systems At first it seemed like a big de-parture for him ldquoShelving and logistical systems isnrsquot something that jumps out at yourdquo Beckler says But the more he looked into it the more he realized it had many of the elements he wanted in a business The most obvious advantage was that the company was located in Gretna where he lives Add to that the fact that the seller lives just up the road from him
Scott Beckler
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
For purposes of this article this overview is based on the buying and selling entities being corporations or entities taxed as corporations
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
4420 Izard Street Omaha4022938707 bull 8887380296
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
HAVE YOUR MINOR ROOF LEAKS BECOME A MAJOR ANNOYANCEDonrsquot Wait Any Longer Call Us Now
ldquoAfter meeting him and hitting it offrdquo Beckler says ldquowe quickly realized it was a match on both sidesrdquo
Other signs also pointed in the right di-rection The financials were good The size of the business was ideal The competitive landscape was promising Beckler also real-ized that his corporate background fit well with this new business
ldquoAlthough itrsquos an entirely different indus-tryrdquo he says ldquomany of the business princi-ples are the samehellipproject management customer service delivery vendor man-agement and cost containment Irsquove been doing all of those for yearsrdquo
His background in technology will also be a valuable asset in his new business Not only has he established relationships with large vendors built over the years but his from-the-ground-up experience with data centers means that he is already eying in-novative automation and other technology differentiators At the same time hersquos look-ing forward to learning the daily operations of the company and having a hand in every part of the business from bidding to closing to payroll
ldquoIt will be challenging coming from a big business background where Irsquove only been involved in the peripheryrdquo Beckler says
ldquoNow Irsquoll be involved in all of itrdquo
Lewis Installers being a family-owned business is what hersquos most excited about He says itrsquos a company with a good repu-tation thatrsquos known for quality and meeting deadlinesmdashall driven by a strong Midwest-ern work ethic
Itrsquos the sort of company Beckler believes that would make his father proud
ldquoI want this business to be a legacy for my familyrdquo Beckler says ldquoMy hope is that it could stay in the family with my own kids and grandkidsrdquo The FIRM
13Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Om
aharsquo
s Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
14
When considering the purchase of an existing business very few realize
that lack of experience in an industry can actually lead to success One simply needs a sound financial plan and a good team to fill in the gaps Removing the added stress of fieldwork and focusing solely on the management of finances and operation allows for greater opportunities It makes for the dynamic advantage of some outside impartiality when seeking areas of improve-ment and growth
One man who has made this transition from having marginal knowledge in an in-dustry to leading a successful plumbing and HVAC operation is Mark Evans president of Burton Plumbing Before taking over Burton Evans had a successful plumbing distribu-torship serving four states but it was his desire to own and to travel less that put him into the hands of Burton Friesz The founder of Burton Plumbing Friesz had been a customer and friend of Evansrsquo when the two discussed a possible expansion into residential service Evans put his busi-ness experience to work for Burton in July 1995 and his education in the minutiae of plumbing and HVAC began
While he hasnrsquot worked in the field as a licensed plumbing contractor Evans has dipped his feet in several areas within the running of Burtonhellipand often at the same time Before hiring the essential personnel that have enabled him to narrow his role Ev-ans served as manager marketer customer service representative and dispatcher Such a list of duties for one man is a daunting task but ldquoI worked my way to being able to work on the business rather than in the business [a strategy] taught to me by my business coachrdquo says Evans
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
REMOVING THE ADDED STRESS OF FIELDWORK AND FOCUSING SOLELY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF FINANCES AND OPERATION ALLOWS FOR GREATER OPPORTUNITIES
Executive Impact Moving Into the Boardroom From Employee to President
written by Maureen Tierney | Co-written by Mark Evans and Julie OrsquoBrien
Eventually Evans was able to step back and bring on a general manager and a ware-house operator that has allowed him to
ldquofocus on growth opportunities marketing and cash flowrdquo
Evansrsquo experience is not unique It is com-mon for brokerages to deal with buyers seeking to own companies within a cer-tain field but ldquoonly two people out of the nearly 100 closings [wersquove had] have come in for the same business that they ended up purchasingrdquo says Julie OrsquoBrien client services and paralegal with The Firm What it comes down to is as simple as the bot-tom line Buyers are looking to leverage their talents and experience in a marriage between a management philosophy and business model Those in the market for an acquisition are ldquobuying based on profit number of staff ability to get financing and mostly their strengths and passionsrdquo says OrsquoBrien Experience in a particular industry is certainly valuable but is no predictor of success when the right financial mind comes along
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Even so making up for a lack of practical knowledge requires the proper equipment most notably in the form of managers and employees The right talent in the field can be a growth experience and provide an opportunity to learn the ropes before taking a full swing at things A total deficit in knowl-edge hardly makes for good leadership and for this reason many ldquonew business owners like to take a birdrsquos eye view of the operation rather than diving in and getting their hands dirty right awayhellipgiving them the opportunity to watch [how] things have been done before implementing changesrdquo says OrsquoBrien
Approaching ownership in this way also allows for further financial acquisitions an avenue which Evans has taken In addition to owning Burton Plumbing Evans operates four other companies One might assume this much responsibility to be a stretch but Evans sees his role as ldquokeeping a pulse on things I like to lead people in growth per-sonally and on the business siderdquo
Getting started can be a challenge which is why OrsquoBrien works closely with potential buyers to find the right fit ldquoWe assist all the wayrdquo she says ldquoWe work with the buyer on projections business plans [and] we introduce them to trusted advisorsrdquo from attorneys and CPAs to financial advisors and insurance agents
Itrsquos this helpful backing of experts that eases the difficult task of ownership and only proves that one can certainly switch from a blue collar to a white one The FIRM
CONTRACTING BUSINESSES LISTED BY THE FIRM
201
5 P
roje
cted
201
5 Y
TD
201
4
201
3
201
2
30
0
15
28
14
12
11
16
15Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Omaharsquos Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
It may seem like I pulled a muscle making this stretch but Keith Backsen the new boss at the Omaha Convention amp Visitors Bureau seems to have an awful lot in common with new Husker Coach Mike Riley
Coach Riley spent a total of 14 seasons at Oregon State before heading to Huskerland Backsen also comes from that neck of the woods having spent 11 years of his career in Portland Oregon and another 11 years in Spokane Washington selling both cities as prime places for convention and leisure travelers
At Oregon State Coach Riley built the football program into a consistent winner and regular conference contender At Visit Spokane Backsen opened sales offices in Washington DC and Chicago that led to increased convention bookings Backsen also worked on the public campaign to expand the Spokane Convention Center with a $65 million bond issue The expansion coupled with increased hotel inventory allowed Spokane to pursue large conventions and more than doubled convention bookings in Spokane
Riley has experience at the highest level of football serving as the head coach of the San Diego Chargers and as a head coach in both the Canadian and World Football Leagues Same for Backsen he worked in Dallas and Chicago as the director of sales for Global Experience Specialists a global leader in the world of event planning Backsen supervised five sales offices in a nine-state region generating annual sales in excess of $70 million
Riley is known as one of the most professional and nicest men in the profession a coach who is greatly admired by his peers I kid you not Backsen is described the same way by colleaguesmdashone of the most genuine and skilled men in the business a well respected professional who has the insight and experience to get the job done (Note the $70M stat above)
Come the first game both men will have a stadium filled with fans cheering them on In Backsenrsquos case his stadium is the entire city of Omaha where the fans are the 434353 residents who will reap the rewards of Omaharsquos growing tourism economy
B2B
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 51
51HUSKER
COACH HAS TOURISM
TWIN
OMAHA CVB BY DEB WARD
Deb Ward is the director of marketingcommunications Omaha Convention and Visitorrsquos Bureau
Keith Backsen
52 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Jason Feldman and Sebastian Hunt
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 53
The emerging startup accelerator scene supports creative-minded risk-takers looking for an edge to follow their passion and bring their ideas to fruition
Sebastian Hunt 25 is passionate about giving entrepreneurs like himself a nurturing space to test out their concepts The University of Nebraska at Omaha economics graduate interned with various local employers and surveyed the area startup community when an idea struck him for a by-application curriculum-based residency program serving new entrepreneurs That inspiration turned into Year of the Startup
Launched in 2014 the program operates out of a humble house at 4036 Burt Street in the St Cecilia Cathedral neighborhood Hunt and co-founder Jason Feldman 28 room there with young residency fellows whose startup ventures range from making bio-fuels to providing night owl shuttle services They are a millennial bunch who favor sneakers and sandals They take informal meetings to nearby CaliCommons and Lisarsquos Radial Cafe They variously hunch over laptops or tablets and carry smartphones as appendages
YEAR OF THE STARTUP
ENTREPRENEURAL IMMERSION
This communal work-live space model for business mavericks is new to Omaha The usual startup accelerator is a concentrated 90-day off-site program Omaha has a few of these notably Straight Shot Hunt saw a need for a program that invites a broader range of people into the accelerator fold and supports them much nearer to the start of their dream than other programs
ldquoWe feel like we can take people at very early stages because we are four times as long as the average programrdquo says Hunt who adds that Year of the Startup is also not tech-centric like many programs tend to be ldquoIn our model we substitute intensity for duration I think a lot of the learning here comes through unstructured serendipitous interactions we have that is not curriculum-based itrsquos just happenstance
ldquoWith a house there are so many different ways you can bring ideas and people together I think thatrsquos maybe that critical binding agent and sense of place that helps accomplish thingsrdquo
He says in this intimate environment ldquotherersquos no other choice but to immerse yourself in the settingrdquo adding ldquoWersquore always hanging out in the living room or out back talking about startup stuffmdashmonetization strategies capitalization tables vested equity entity structuresrdquo
ldquoItrsquos this immersive experience of camaraderie of these natural flows and idea generationrdquo Feldman says
Hunt says ldquoThis is very difficult to get bored with because therersquos always somebody whose business is either in crisis or growth stage or some interesting part of the curverdquo
ldquoHow could we get bored when wersquore creating a platform with four startups and all we get to do is ideationrdquo Feldman says ldquoItrsquos a constant buzz we get from interacting with these startup founders and helping them build their ideasrdquo
Built into the program are activities that encourage fellows to break out of their comfort zone and to offer honest criticism of each otherrsquos ideas
Hunt compiles multiple data points on the startups
ldquoWersquore developing really deep insight about how do people start successful businessesrdquo
The program utilizes mentors from the entrepreneurial community
ldquoWe bring in people who are experts in specific areas to talk on those topicsrdquo Feldman says
ldquoThey get ideas flowingrdquo Hunt says of the mentors
Feldman says he regularly covers with fellows ldquothe major components of what you need to look at to start your businessrdquo and then mentors like Mike Kolker owner of graphic design firm Simplify teach lessons about operational efficiency and ldquohow to simplify running a businessrdquo
Hunt is a newcomer to all this and goes by instinct as much as research to support his vision
CONTINUED ON 54
FEATURE | BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
53
54 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
70 Years of Business in Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
4027335500 | 4315 South 50th Street
402-333-5722 bull wwwsw-fencecom
Thanks for Voting SampW Fence the Best Again in 2015
Wersquore Not Just About Fences
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
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B2B
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aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER 2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
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ConnectWITH YOURCOMMUNITY
Donrsquot forget to visitOmahaMagazinecom to read
all of our titles online
Omaha MagazineEncounter B2B 60PlusHerFamily OmahaHome
CONTINUED FROM 53
ldquoI just had an irrational confidence market insights and a great theoretical background thanks to primary research I completed and to lessons I learned from Phillip Phillips Michael OrsquoHara and Art Diamond in UNOrsquos economics department I read constantly about who the players were in the startup world so I was fairly preparedrdquo
Even though he directs a startup program he only started participating in one himself (Venture School) He acknowledges Year of the Startup is a by-the-seat-of-your-pants experiment
ldquoComing out of college I had student loans and not a ton of money Irsquove held two jobs to finance the project Now the project is financed by a combination of me working and renting out one room One-hundred percent of the money our entrepreneurs pay in rent will be returned in full and so everybody has a strong incentive to follow through with the program That may be what makes us sustainablerdquo
Hersquos working on securing corporate sponsorship for the program Meanwhile he wants to help get participating startups to the next level
ldquoWersquore functioning like a pre-accelerator at this point We want to get our startups profitable and then refer them to the Straight Shots so they can focus on growth in a pure accelerator programrdquo
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 55
Mercedes-Benz of Omaha14335 Hillsdale Ave Omaha NE 68137wwwOmahaMercedescomContact John Williams anytime at 4029819262
of Omaha of Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
As Year of the Startup moved into a larger house in Omaharsquos Little Italy district on July 1 and a new class of fellows arrives Hunt says there are ldquointeresting talks happening right now to bring this to other citiesrdquo He and Feldman say economic development agencies are willing to pay a license fee for them to do startup houses in other cities The partners are having proprietary software developed that will enable new startup houses to replicate their branded Omaha model
They look forward to engaging with the emerging 10th Street cultural district but may keep the midtown house to accommodate growth
Hunt and Feldman believe theyrsquore catching the wave or tipping point of a big new startup rush and theyrsquore betting their model is poised to be a niche player in this wild frontier of entrepreneurial prospecting
B2B
56 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
It is an unassuming space but if you have made your way to TD Ameritrade Park Filmstreams or Hot Shops chances are yoursquove passed one of the most vibrant offices in Omaha
The fact that Co-Lab (short for Creative Collaborators) is not a traditional work space is certainly one of its best features Located inside the Tip Top building at 15th and Cumming streets is a project dreamed up by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture who happens to share the main floor of the building Based in the heart of a once-isolated section of the city Co-Labrsquos funky creative vibe is making waves In fact that vibe seeps into Omaharsquos everyday bringing about small changes pushing our city toward a more innovative future
CO-LABGIVING OMAHA WORKERS A MORE
COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE
IN THE OFFICE | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
56
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 57
Home to 18 businesses plus Alley Poyner Macchietto Co-Lab is free of walls and signage It is also free from traditional office norms For instance you donrsquot just walk over to your neighborrsquos space for a brainstorming sessionmdashyou skateboard At least you do if yoursquore Dave Nelson of SecretPenguin a leading experimental branding agency The best part is that the businesses surrounding SecretPenguin appreciate the break from tradition ldquoThatrsquos the beautiful part about being around like-minded good people and businessesrdquo Nelson says
CONTINUED ON 58
58 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 59
CONTINUED FROM 57
In addition to having pathways large enough to skateboard or bike through the space also provides Co-Labbers with a kitchen various conference rooms bike storage bathrooms and a battleground (otherwise known as the ping-pong table) Walking in the main doors clients and employees alike are greeted from the front desk while catching a view of the five-story open atrium basking in the glow of sunshine from the skylight Workers can also access the fitness room and rooftop deck sharing amenities with TipTop apartment residents who use a separate entrance
CONTINUED ON 60
The Harry A Koch CoInsurance amp Financial ConsultantsMember of First Insurance Group LLC
60 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
CONTINUED FROM 59
Businesses in Co-Lab all creativity-related range from entrepreneurs to start-ups to non-profits to small businesses The art varies in form but runs through the space like an electric current At Zicafoose Textiles Mary Zicafoose works steadily on her loom creating gorgeous tapestries 4Site Programming is where Joi Brown works as an independent consultant for performing arts centers across the nation Heartland B-Cycle a large-scale municipal bike sharing system brings art in the form of economical convenience Holly Boyer a founder of non-profit organization Mission Matters explains that one of the best things about having an office at Co-Lab is feeling the innovative positive energy from the moment you walk in the door So while individuals may join Co-Lab with a business-minded focus or a more creative vibe finding a yin to their yang is just a shout away
ldquoThere is certainly a wonderful built-in support network that comes along with working in a collaborative environmentrdquo quips Omaha Creative Institute Executive Director Emily Moody ldquoEverything from sharing ideas and finding ways to collaborate with an organization different than yours to sharing a staplerrdquo
At the heart of making it work says Laura Alley of Alley Poyner itrsquos simply playing well with others
The skateboarding ping-pong playing creatives do that well
B2B
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Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott Enterprises
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6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
AT THE OFFICE amp ON THE GO
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Plantronics BackBeat
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Clean Your BrowserRemove Temporary Internet Files
Delete Adware and CookiesDefrag Hard Drives
Intall Current Microsoft PatchesInstall Microsoft Security Updates
Update Drivers
13
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
- BB1015_fntCvr_125
- BB1015_fntEdit_125
- BB1015_bkEdit_125
- BB1015_bkCvr_125
-
16emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp15
The company also allows employees to work from home as needed or even full-time from cities across the country (one Ervin amp Smith employee lives in Washington another in Colorado) The company also established an annual ldquoSlush FUNdrdquo giving each employee $100 to spend on something that will enhance company culture such as a popcorn machine Some pooled their money to buy meditation classes open to everyone Others adopted a family at Christmas
Workplace enhancements can be simple A couple of years of ago the agency added a ping pong table Sometimes thatrsquos where the best work happens ldquoItrsquos interesting how their minds workrdquo Mausbach says ldquoA lot of times theyrsquore playing and brainstorming There are amazing ideas that come out of work and play at the same timerdquo
Other initiatives to enhance the Ervin amp Smith environment include redesigned offices an expanded client conference room
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 17
a per-person training budget more than twice the industry average catered lunches and happy hours and a monthly wellness stipend reimbursing employees up to $25 a month
The most popular benefit is Flame Schoedermdash a professional certified life coach made available for monthly development sessions
ldquoOf all the benefits they feel this is the one definitely helping them the most professionally and personallyrdquo Mausbach says
The initiatives seem to work Ervin amp Smith promoted 12 employees and hired 15 others last year Its retention rate in 2014 was 84 percent better than the typical industry rate of 70 percent or worse Mausbach cites
Ervin amp Smith is building employee relationships Perks are great People are better
Making Ervin amp Smith a doggone great place to work
B2B
8 ConsecutiveYears
Thanks Omaha for 30 Years2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
4023999233 | wwwsparklingkleancom
A+ Rating20 Consecutive Years
Exceptional Event Space amp Catering
Wersquoll make your next event one to remember
6450 Pine Street | 402-778-6313ScottCentercom
17
18emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
ESPELITE SERVICE PROFESSIONALS
Superior quality exceptional service
If you are a CEO key executive or business owner call 4024017560
copy 2015 Vistage Worldwide Inc 14_261_3131 kkk
Discover what thousands of CEOs already know Vistage works
Get answers Take action Like you the members of a Vistage Advisory Board are proven business leaders and critical thinkers They have smart ideas and insightful opinions and this is the forum to express them At our monthly meetings yoursquoll encounter lively discussions where business leaders tell it like it is If you find that refreshing then be our guest at our next monthly group meeting
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 19
Leo Costanzo Anne Taylor and Alan Hove of Controlled Comfort
BRANDREBRAND | BY ELIZABETH MACK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Jingle writers have done their job if they create an earwormmdasha song so catchy it sticks in your head and wonrsquot leave ldquoWhen I tell people I work at Controlled Comfort they immediately start singing the jinglerdquo says Alan Hove who along with co-owners Leo Costanzo and Anne Taylor purchased Controlled Comfort in 2004 ldquoItrsquos the best form of advertising we could ever hope forrdquo
CONTINUEDemspONemsp20
SINGING A HAPPY TUNEJINGLING ALL THE WAY
19
20emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
John Sievers
Businesses Are Buying SmarterThe All Makesrsquo team is trained to help you make design decisions and furniture purchases that fi t your offi ce atmosphere your work style and your budget Visit All Makesrsquo redesigned showroom to see the latest in new offi ce furniture pre-owned offi ce furniture and business technology
wwwallmakescom Omaha 2558 Farnam St | 4023412413 Lincoln 3333 O St | 4024777131
Thank you for voting us 1 for 10 consecutive years
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp19
Most people in the Omaha metro area are familiar with that animated female voice belting out ldquoControlled ComfortndashKeep it Under Controoooooolrdquo Many locals probably would not guess the companyrsquos logo (an angel) but could at least hum a few bars of the jingle Whether a catchy tune is annoying or enjoyable is a matter of opinion but once that musical worm has worked its way into your psyche you are forced to remember the product which is exactly what advertisers hope for
When companies change ownership one major decision is whether or not to maintain the same brand image and the current owners of Controlled Comfort knew they wanted things to stay pretty much the same when they took ownership
ldquoWe love our jinglerdquo says Taylor ldquoWhen we purchased the company we knew we wanted to maintain the image and keep the logo and jingle We couldnrsquot ask for a better form of advertisingrdquo
Research shows that music increases recall and simple melodies with simple lyrics stick with a consumer not only for the short term but often the long-term Remember ldquoI Wish I Were an Oscar Meyer Weinerrdquo Even if it has been years since you have actually heard it chances are you can still sing the entire song Controlled Comfortrsquos brand may not be as huge as Oscar Meyerrsquos but their jingle has stood the test of time being sung on local radio and TV for nearly 20 years with no end in sight
Taylor recounts how in the mid-1990s local musician Johnny Ray Gomez produced the jingle for a radio spot
ldquoThe previous owners purchased a year of radio advertising and it came with a jinglerdquo Taylor says
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
THANKS OMAHA
Embroidery middot Screen Printing middot Promotional Digital Printing middot Mailing middot Company Stores
13747 F St 4025961002 ideal-imagescom
ldquoWhen we purchased the company we knew we wanted to maintain the image and keep the logo and jingle We couldnrsquot ask for a better form of advertisingrdquo-ANNE TAYLOR
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 21
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
At the time they had no idea they did not retain exclusive rights to the melody
ldquoI just recently heard the song while I was traveling in western Nebraska It was quite a shockrdquo she adds with a laugh
Branding is all about creating an image of a business that will stick in a customerrsquos mind Though most businesses rely on visual advertising to create their brand jingles can be an additional way to increase awareness and create staying power People often remember a catchy tune Throw the company name and their phone number in the jingle lyrics and customers may not even need to look up the contact information
ldquoIf I forget the phone number I just sing the jinglerdquo says one local customer
Though original jingles declined in recent years as more large companies turn to popular songs for their advertising a few local companies still spend at least some marketing dollars on jingles Whether you think it annoying or catchy a jingle may be your best advertising investment
B2B
4023333062 | planitomahacom | 10832 old mill road suite 5 | omaha ne 68154
planitomaha A national and
regional powerhouse in
meetings conferences amp
events
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
22emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 2
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 23
How is it that Midlands Choice has come to make an investment in of all things a ballerina
Sure the bottom line of any insurance entity is driven by risk managementmdashthe investing of premium revenues to hedge against claims
But taking stock in Claire Goodwillie a company dancer with Ballet Nebraska
The Midlands Choice example is repeated all across the metro as area businesses support a broad array of arts nonprofits ones that dwell in everything from tutus to tempura
And the table is set for a new era of collaboration between business and the arts because philanthropic giving in America has finally returned to pre-recession levels
Contributions which totaled $358 billion in 2014 surpassed 2007rsquos pre-recession level of $355 billion Additionally giving was up from all major sourcesmdashindividuals corporations foundations and bequestsmdashaccording to Giving USA an annual report compiled by the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and the Giving USA Foundation of Chicago
ldquoEight out of nine types of charitable organizations we measure saw increased contributions and thatrsquos good news for the
BALLET NEBRASKAA PAS DE DEUX BETWEEN BUSINESS AND THE ARTS
philanthropic sector as a wholerdquo W Keith Curtis told Omaha Magazine in an email Curtis is chair of Giving USA Foundation and president of the nonprofit consulting firm The Curtis Group ldquoThe 60-year high for charitable giving in 2014 is a great story about resilience and perseverancerdquo
Themes of resilience and perseverance define the Ballet Nebraska story
Erika Overturff was 27 years old when the ballet company of which she was a dancer and resident choreographer appeared doomed She had no money She had no business acumen
That was 2009 Flash forward to 2015 and Overturff now 33 founder and artistic director of Ballet Nebraska is leading the regionrsquos only professional dance company into its sixth season
In a city known for its ldquocan-dordquo spirit this story could be about almost any local arts nonprofit but the unlikely saga of Ballet Nebraska is told here because it is perhaps the most improbable of tales one that best reveals what a business community and the arts can do when they share a common vision
CONTINUEDemspONemsp24
BY DAVID WILLIAMS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
23COVERemspFEATURE
24emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp23
Like settling into your seat with a program before the lights dim at any performing arts venue itrsquos probably best to start by reviewing the cast of characters
THE CONNECTORHal Daub knows people Especially in a city of six degrees of separation that is in reality much more like two or three degrees the former Omaha mayor (1995-2001) and US Congressman (1981-1989) who has served on countless nonprofit boards and is now a partner at Husch Blackwellhellipknows people
ldquoWhen I was first introduced to Hal and he offered to helprdquo Overturff says ldquoI assumed that meant he was going to maybe make a few calls and do a little name-droppingrdquo Daub it turned out would become a key player in the often delicate pas de deux that is the coupling of business and the arts ldquoHe not only made those calls but he set up the appointmentshellipand then he came along to personally introduce me and stand by my side in front of those who would become some of the most generous funders of Ballet Nebraskardquo
ldquoThe reason I am so fascinated by what Erika has donerdquo says Daub ldquois that Omaha is a city that has clearly evolved to become a place that is not just metropolitan but truly cosmopolitanrdquo And investing in the arts Daub believes makes good business sense ldquoThe social environment of a citymdashits arts and entertainmentmdashis critical in attracting and retaining the best workforce Ballet Nebraska Opera Omaha the Omaha Symphony Omaha Performing Artshellipthose and so many others are the organizations that help keep the best talent in Omahardquo
THE ADVOCATEMichelle Clark is Union Pacificrsquos general director of information technologies which means she probably knows more than a little about computer viruses As a three-year board member of Ballet Nebraska shersquos also seen how supporting the arts can go viral
ldquoEmployee generosity is furthered by the use of the companyrsquos matching gifts programrdquo Clark explains ldquoThis creates a sense of pride for employees and Union Pacific is supportive of the communities in which we live and work The employees of Union Pacific are very generous and have supported fundraising drives not only for Ballet Nebraska but a number of organizations such as the Womenrsquos Center for Advancement and JDRFrdquo
Employees should never underestimate their power to play a key role in advocating for nonprofits within their organizations
ldquoI am passionate about the art of dance especially ballet and Ballet Nebraskardquo Clark says ldquoDance inspires my creativity and provides insights to see beyond the obvious My hope is that by providing individuals with the awareness of opportunities to experience and support the art of dance they will find their own inspiration to apply to their own liferdquo
And just as stubborn computer viruses are often cloyingly messy to eradicate once discovered Union Pacificrsquos relationship with Ballet Nebraska has a ldquostickinessrdquo of its own Clark was preceded on the Ballet Nebraska board by Gayla Thal the companyrsquos senior vice president and general counsel
THE BULLDOGDonrsquot let the gentle demeanor of Midlands Choice vice president Greta Vaught fool you Supporting the arts is often a visceral experience and Vaughtrsquos passion for dance exerted itself on multiple levels in the early stages of growth at Ballet Nebraska
ldquoMidlands Choice has always been supportive of my work in the communityrdquo says the board chair of Ballet Nebraska
ldquoWe like to listen to our people when making such decisionsrdquo says Midlands Choice President and CEO Thomas E Press rdquoIt is important for us to know that our giving has real meaning for them their families and their communitiesrdquo
ldquoI looked at what Erika was trying to dordquo Vaught continues ldquoand I thought it was brave but impossible But all along the way I just kept going back to the thought that if one of my daughters [Mia now 15 and Hannah now 19] wanted to try something so bold one day thatrdquohellipinsert long pausehellipldquoIrsquom sorry this is making me cry I would just hope that people with experience and connections and dollars would shepherd my daughters along like so many people have done with Erika and Ballet Nebraskardquo
Okay so maybe ldquoThe Bulldogrdquo wasnrsquot such a great character name for this role after all
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 25
Fast-Paced Public Relations
Customer-Based Planning and Communications
402-964-9293 11626 Nicholas Street
zaisscocom
For the Connected World
Every story Every tweet Every interaction
PR is vital to your bottom line now more than ever
Join the world of innovative PR ndash partner with experts
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Best PR Agency 7 Years Running
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
THE ARTISTldquoI had to do a lot of on-the-job learning when I decided to try to launch a dance companyrdquo Overturff says ldquoWe were lucky in that we got our nonprofit status right away but I didnrsquot know anything about the business side of things and really nothing about raising funds I was moved by every $5 check that came in but it took a lot of mentoring advice and counsel to get us to where we are today as a fully funded professional performance companyrdquo
Ballet Nebraska now has a paid staff of 22 including nine salaries paid to company dancers Today Overturffrsquos once-nonexistent business connections run deep Personal contributions from the likes of philanthropists Richard Holland and Fred and Eve Simon further fuel the growth of ballet in Omaha Foundations also play a major role in funding A recent gift of $124000 from the Iowa West Foundation is the largest in Ballet Nebraska history
ldquoTalented professionals from all over the world that have trained their whole lives to pursue a career in dance now come to Omaha in the hopes of performing with Ballet Nebraska as we serve the state and western Iowa in performances education outreach and morerdquo she says ldquoA ballet companymdashany performing arts company any arts organizationmdashis about its peoplehellipthe artists the staff and hardworking selfless volunteers But it is the people of Omaha from the smallest donations to the relationships we have with such great businesses that makes it all happenrdquo
B2B
26emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
26OFFICE FURNITURE BY DOUG SCHURING
OFFICE ORIGINS
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE MODERN WORKPLACE
For all the time we spend in our office very few of us are familiar with how that space came to be You may actually be surprised by the events and inventions that helped form the work environment we know today From the development of the railroad to innovations in communication our current corporate habits structures and tools have all played a role In his book CubedmdashA Secret History of the Workplace Nikil Saval shapes the advances that created the conventional office we are familiar with today
The advent of the Morse telegraph spawned long-distance communication Then starting in 1860 a series of technological innovations changed the possibilities of the workplace the use of iron framework permitted the construction of taller buildings and elevators assisted the climb The Remington typewriter entered the office in 1874 Bellrsquos telephone was patented two years later
At the same time railroads expanded across the country reducing transportation costs and extending markets for goods and services Additionally railroads produced an organizational transformation still in use today The coordination of trains required employees housed in structures all across the country bringing a variety of offices to the American landscape Between the executive the manager and the workerhellipthe organizational chart was born
The invention of telecommunications fostered the speed of information to surge creating more
Doug Schuring is the director of sales administration at All Makes Office Equipment Co
work and subsequently more workers As these workers moved into new structures the spaces reflected their various levels of management In 1915 the Metal Office Furniture Company (now Steelcase) invented the modern deskmdasha flat metal table outfitted with file drawers The new desks massed together in defined rows offered managers full visual access to the goings-on of the workplace and this ldquosea of desksrdquo became the norm for decades Lockers and various cabinets popular in the Great Depression era became vertical files once steel became readily available after World War II
In 1968 Herman Miller introduced the first panel system with attached components Designed by Robert Propst the Action Office system revolutionized the ldquoofficerdquo in form flexibility and cost Other furniture manufacturers mimicked the modular system which became the norm for many businesses
Up to the rsquo90s the personal computerrsquos popularity grew and the relative size of work stations decreased between 25-50 percent By the middle of that decade the dot-com revolution on the West Coast created an unprecedented workplace culture The formal atmosphere of the office became much more casual and discontent for the Dilbert-esque cubicle grew Subsequently creative furniture solutions evolved with the desire to be more mobile leading the way
In the early 2000rsquos collaborative open offices grew in popularity New and improving
technologies now offer connectivity in the office home or public spaces As a result nearly every company today is adapting and using new furnishings as a tool to attract new workers At the same time retaining existing employees is equally important The goal is to make everyone more effective and efficient in their work
Whether you work in an office from home in the local coffee shop or out of an airline terminal you may start to notice that much of the furniture is beginning to look very similar As long as you are able to connect to technology you can work from virtually anywhere
B2B
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Ralston NE 68127
CONNECT MARKET SUCCEED
Looking for INNOVATIVE MARKETING IDEAS Want to BOOST SALES AND ADD ROI Need to ANALYZE DATA TO GROW MARKET SHARE
For more information or to register please visit wwwOmahaAdvertisingXcom
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 27
28emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Outlook Nebraska CEO Eric Stueckrath
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 29
On the surface it looks just like any other office or factory As you enter Outlook Nebraska Inc (ONI) yoursquore greeted by a friendly front desk attendant and led past a perfectly ordinary-looking workspace Entering their factory where they manufacture such paper products as rolls of hand towels you wouldnrsquot suspect that it is different from any other assembly line
But explore a little deeper
Walking past one office you might see a man typing away on a keyboard his laptop closed in front of him He doesnrsquot need it open to know what hersquos typing Hersquos visually impaired and utilizing computer software that reads the words aloud as he types
On the factory floor raised edges guard the walkway so sightless employees can feel their way around Over on the assembly line visually impaired workers can use a computer screen to zoom in on the product at various stages of production to assess the process
ONI is a non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance the life of the blind and visually impaired through employment opportunities and training Almost all the employees at ONI are blind or visually impaired from factory workers to IT professionals Some were born blind others lost their sight later in life ONI aims to help them all re-enter the workforce in a meaningful way
A SIGHT FOR NON-SEEING EYES
OUTLOOK NEBRASKA
ldquoThey get used to being on their feetrdquo says ONI CEO Eric Stueckrath ldquoWe offer jobs for [people with] entry-level skill sets and all of the positions are at or above minimum wage We give them the tools to help build those skill setsrdquo
ONI also offers personalized life-skills training geared to whatrsquos important to the individual from personal banking to cooking to operating a computer
The American Foundation for the Blind estimates that as many as 70 percent of blind adults in the US are unemployed As the largest employer of the blind in the Omaha metro area ONI is working to make an impact
ldquoWe work with organizations that are committed to hiring the visually impairedrdquo Stuekrath says ldquoAdvocacy is definitely part of what we dordquo
ONI is currently in the midst of a $2 million capital campaign that will allow them to complete a large-scale renovation project at their facility The renovation will create more space for the general public and give them the ability to offer additional training programs
In addition to working with adults blind and visually-impaired youth are a primary focus for Stuekrath and ONI
ldquoMy heart really gravitates toward themrdquo Stuekrath says
ONI partners with youth organizations on a number of initiatives including a sports camp for visually-impaired youth called Camp Abilities Nebraska Attendees can try archery swimming bowling track and field and more as a means to build confidence
ldquoThey donrsquot need to be coddledrdquo Stuekrath says adding that he often tells parents of blind children ldquoYour kid needs to get out there and bump his head and experience liferdquo
At ONI everything comes back to the organizationrsquos mission Stuekrath says
ldquoWe give them the tools they need to gain greater independencerdquo
B2B
FEATURE | BY APRIL CHRISTENSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY COLIN CONCES
29
30emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Layne and Pam Yahnke and Their VW Thing
Shakespeare wrote of love and betrayal Tolkien of hobbits and wizards Steinbeck and Faulkner of the indomitable American spirit
Layne Yahnke writes about his VW Thing
Yes the two-wheel-drive off-road convertible military vehicle first manufactured for the West German Army as ldquoType 181rdquo in 1968 VW churned them out until 1983 including two years in the United States when marketed as ldquoThe Thingrdquo
Yahnke got his Thing in 2000 for $5500 Hersquos lovingly restored it most importantly giving it a peppy new motor that makes it Autobahn-worthy
WHATrsquoS THAT THING
LANE YAHNKErsquoS UNUSUAL VOLKSWAGEN
HOW I ROLL | BY ANTHONY FLOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Therersquos only one other Thing in Omaha and Yahnkersquos gets lots of second and third looks when hersquos whipping down the Dodge Street Expressway from his Elkhorn home Especially when the doors are off and windshield is down
Everyone wants to know abouthellipthe Thing
Thus Yahnke penned ldquoIt Takes a Village to Build a VW Thingrdquo an ode to those who helped him with his beloved ridemdashhis sons Omaha VW Club members engine and body shops and parts stores
CONTINUEDemspONemsp32
30
SIGN UP TODAYdolnebraskagovsides
Questions phone - 402-471-9910 email - ndoluisidesnebraskagov
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Submit separation information online
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E-Response saves treesNo more paper 350rsquos
Keep your taxes lowAvoid unnecessary charges
Avoid Late responses ampLoss of appeal rights
32emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Locally Owned in Papillion Ne402-740-0800 bull apconstructomahacom
Insurance claims
welcomeIf your roof sustained fire snow or hail
damage the repairs can be costly We are your wind and hail damage experts and accept insurance claims so you wonrsquot
have to pay for the repair work yourself
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Residential Roofing bull Roof Maintenance amp Repair bull Licensed Bonded amp Insured
Steve Kowalski
Call or Text Message(402 ) 453-6000
abetterexposurecom steveabetterexposurecom
Passion Creativity Experience
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp31
ldquoI wrote that right after the engine transplantrdquo says Yahnke an Omaha native and vice president at Essex Corp provider of senior living communities ldquoI guess I was moved I get so many inquiries about it and I really feel so fondly about itrdquo
Itrsquos not his first Thing Yahnke and his wife of 38 years Pam owned one before their four children came along As the kids have come and gone so have the cars
Lots of them
Yahnke figures he has owned 60 automobiles in his life His car fancy began as a kid growing up in Dundee where a friendrsquos dad spent his spare time restoring English cars Yahnke spent hours in his garage and developed a love for Triumphs and MGs His first car purchase was a 1962 Triumph for $425 in 1972 It wasnrsquot long though until he sold it at a profit
ldquoThatrsquos what kicked off the buying and selling of English carsrdquo he says ldquoI discovered I could enjoy my transportation but then as soon as someone wanted to buy it for more than I paid for it out it wentrdquo
ldquoWhere Accounting Meets ResultsrdquoProviding Accounting and Quickbooks Services
For Metro Businesses
Denise Martin I 9252077634Deniseheartlandaccountabilitycom
wwwHeartlandAccountAbilitycom
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 33
These days you never know what will be parked in the Yahnke driveway Currently therersquos a Honda pickup a VW Jetta VW Multivan and a 2001 Audi TT Quatro Convertiblemdashpurchased in apropos silver for his 25th wedding anniversary
Itrsquos the Thing he most enjoys driving He logs about 1000 miles on it each year Most of those have come toplessmdashYahnke long ago gave it away to another Thing enthusiast and now only drives it sans roof
ldquoAnyone who sees this car has only seen it top-downrdquo he says ldquoI just got caught once in the rain and that was probably a month ago The cool thing about the Thing is you leave it out in the sun and it dries out and is ready to gordquo
It says ldquoSummer is hererdquo Yahnke says
ldquoPeople speed up all the time to try to figure out what it is Itrsquos just a happy car and itrsquos so darn versatile It puts smiles on peoplesrsquo facesrdquo
B2B
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Cleaning ServicesCarpet CleaningUpholstery CleaningMattress CleaningTile amp Grout CleaningPet TreatmentsConcrete CleaningConcrete CleaningAuto Interior Cleaning24 Hour Water Damage
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omahamagazinecom SPECIALemspADVERTISINGemspSECTIONemspemsp |emsp SUMMERemsp2015emsp |emsp 34
ABOUT OUR BUSINESS
Cox Business started in 2000 as the commercial services division of Cox Communications Over the past 15 years we have experienced strong growth and are on our target to achieve $2 billion in revenue in the near future
Cox Business owns operates and maintains its own network providing leading-edge technology solutions for voice internet networking and digital TV We also offer robust business continuity and disaster recovery solutions which is of increasing importance to businesses in the greater Omaha area Our customers include such key verticals as education hospitality government and healthcare We maintain a significant focus on Omaha small business mid-markets and large local companies as well
We consider our employees to be our most precious asset as they have the responsibility of taking care of our customers At Cox Business we are fortunate to have an extremely tenured and engaged team of employees What sets us apart from our competition is the fact that while we are a large robust and progressive company we still possess
the nimbleness of a smaller company in our ability to deliver creative solutions under tight timelines We pride ourselves on having very little bureaucracy and that translates to happy customers The fact that Cox Business has won 15 JD Power Awards for customer satisfaction over the past 11 years is a notable accomplishment for us and we work hard to deliver on that promise of excellence every day
ABOUT LYNNE
I have led sales and operations teams in the communications industry for 20 years 10 of those years with Cox Communications My husband Pat and I just celebrated our first full year in Omaha and wonder why it took us so long to find this jewel of a community Our daughter Kaylin starts law school next month at the University of San Diego
I have two passions in my professional life mentoring employees who are working on leadership development (which includes working with two to three emerging leaders at any given time) and continuing to drive efforts in hiring fostering a diverse workforce There
is a challenge in STEM fields of under-represented groups My company Cox Communications is also very passionate about this and holds the distinction of inclusion in Diversity Incrsquos top 50 companies
My personal passions include travel social media and Italian cooking
B2B
COX BUSINESSLYNNE SANGIMINO
Cox Business 401 N 117th St Omaha NE 68154 coxbusinesscom 4029340830
Cradickrsquos Husker PowerTEXAN RETURNS HOME FOR BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY PG 8
Marlon Lofgren Koley Jessen PC LLOKEEPING THE FOCUS WHERE IT BELONGS PG 4
Seasoned Advice for Buyers(THE BOUNCY KIND) PG 5
PLAYING BIG EDITION
Fall
2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
2
Volume 1 Issue 5
Published by The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
PresidentEditor bull Cortney Sells
DirectorAssistant Editor bull Cassandra Powers
In-House Legal Counsel bull Susanne Miller
Outreach Coordinator bull Rene Rademacher
Marketing Development bull Rachael Rand
Business Broker bull Breann Becerra
Referring Broker bull Elizabeth Jones
Marketing Division bull Adam Jaime
Development Liaison bull Holley Garcia
Client Services bull Nycole Wandvik-Tolle
Client Services bull Julie OrsquoBrien
Community Relations bull Mike Sells
Contributing Writers
Marlon Lofgren bull Kathy Rygg bull Maureen Tierney
Design bull OBI Creative
Photography bull Bill Sitzmann
To Subscribe
The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
210 N 78 St
Omaha NE 68114
4029985288
infothefirmb2bcom
Advertising Inquiries
4028842000
toddomahamagazinecom
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Columns
4 Seller Financing
Koley Jessen PC LLO Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
14 Executive Impact Getting Into the Big Office
Departments
5 Seasoned Advice for
Business Buyers (The Bouncy Kind)
12 Building a Legacy while
Building Racks New Chapter to Becklerrsquos Career
The Bottom Line
Sells Insights
Playing Big
Husker PowerTexan returns home to
Nebraska for business opportunity
pg8
Many business owners have marginal experience in the trades in which their
organizations specialize While it may seem counterintuitive to buy or start a company situated around an industry in which one has little experience there is a certain com-petitive edge to the equation A buyer or president need only know enough to begin before surrounding him or herself with the right personnel to tackle the minute details What is paramount is the grander scheme of
management and operations which allows one to flex refined business acumen Not only does distance from fieldwork free up time to put in place a robust and refined plan but it leaves open other avenues for portfolio expansion Grow your business expand operations or begin other busi-ness ventures The possibilities are only as small as the mindset held by your team The FIRM
Special Section
7 Fresh Off The Firm The Firm Business Brokerage has
over $80 million dollars in assets under
management of current cash flowing
businesses for sale ndash from medical
practices to commercial services to large
manufacturing companies
by Cortney Sells presidenteditor
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
3Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
4
IF PROPERLY STRUCTURED AND DOCUMENTED SELLER FINANCING IS REALLY NO DIFFERENT FROM FINANCING THAT WOULD OTHERWISE BE PROVIDED BY A BANKTYING IT ALL TOGETHEREven the most savvy of ldquonumbers peoplerdquo need a leg up in negotiating a purchase As with so many aspects of doing business retaining experienced legal counsel enables you to keep the focus where it belongsmdashemploying your entrepreneurial skills in the identification and acquisition of profitable business ventures The FIRM
Seller Financing Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
written by Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
Seller financing can often be a criti-cal factor in getting a business sold
If properly structured and documented seller financing is really no different from financing that would otherwise be provided by a bank Below is a brief guide to navi-gating the issues normally encountered in seller financing
FIRST THINGS FIRSTThe first question is usually that of how to structure and document the financing The buyer should be expected to sign a prom-issory note evidencing the loan from the seller with interest and repayment terms mutually agreeable to both parties The seller might also require that the buyer grant the seller a security interestlien in the pur-chased assets to secure the loan Itrsquos also not unusual for a seller to require that the individual owners of the buyer (assuming the buyer is an entity) personally guarantee the loan In most cases the documents are usually pretty straightforward and do not need to be overly complicated
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
ADDITIONAL LAYERSIf a bank is also financing the sale the seller will most likely be required by the bank to sign a subordination agreement This is an agreement between the bank usually referred to as the ldquosenior lenderrdquo and the seller referred to as the ldquojunior lenderrdquo A subordination agreement sets forth the terms between the lenders as to each entityrsquos right to receive loan pay-ments from the buyer and the priority of their respective security interestsliens in the purchased assets The document will usually state that the senior lenderrsquos loan and security interestliens shall at all times be superior to those of the junior lender until the senior loan is paid in full Most lenders are willing to discuss and negoti-ate the junior lenderrsquos right to receive loan payments from the borrower Lien priority status however is rarely compromised by senior lenders in subordination agreements The senior lender will insist on having a first priority security interestlien in the pur-chased assets
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Whether yoursquore a first-time entre-preneur or an experienced business
owner purchasing a company is a critical investment financially and emotionally To help increase the likelihood of it being a success in both areas there are a number of aspects to keep in mind when evaluating if a business is the right fit gt
Seasoned Advice for Business Buyers(The Bouncy Kind)
written by Kathy Rygg
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Jerry Rachwalik
5Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
6
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
lt Jerry Rachwalik has been researching companies for the past three years waiting for the right opportunity to arise His search was the result of spending his career work-ing for larger organizations in a number of areas including delivery installation cus-tomer service inventory accounts receiv-ables and scheduling where he managed up to 35 people at a time
Policies and philosophies can change when working for a corporation Sometimes they become less family friendly ldquoWith the previous companies I worked forrdquo Rachwalik says ldquothey switched from caring about em-ployees to making money and the bottom line I stuck it out for several years and then decided I needed something differentrdquo
An entrepreneur by nature Rachwalik has over the last seven years built up a rental business buying foreclosed homes and duplex properties completely reno-vating them and then renting them back out He now has 15 properties and enjoys helping families by providing nice homes that are affordable ldquoI want people to feel good when they come home at night after a long day at workrdquo he says Rachwalik want-ed to find a business that allowed him the flexibility to respond to his tenants when needed from simple plumbing issues to furnaces going kaput
When he first started looking for a new business Rachwalik was drawn to home health care because of his experience help-ing to take care of relatives And it was a growing field Nothing was available at the time so he expanded his options and be-gan researching businesses in a variety of industries Those included a flooring com-pany sandwich shop and even a hair salon
ldquoI was open to anything and if I could make the numbers work then I would consider itrdquo he explains
Then The Firm Business Brokerage pre-sented him with an opportunity that was the right match Bounce U in Omaha There were a number of factors that appealed to Rachwalik First and foremost were the financials but it would also offer him the flexibility he needed for his rental business A big advantage was that an entire team was already in place one seasoned in man-aging staff and scheduling parties ldquoThey do a great jobrdquo he says ldquoI donrsquot plan on making any personnel changesrdquo
But what hersquos most looking forward to with this new venture is the fun positive environment Bounce Ursquos primary business is its birthday party packages featuring the companyrsquos oversized inflatibles and Rachwalik said he canrsquot wait to watch the excitement on the kids faces when they walk through the door ldquoEveryone there is happyrdquo he says ldquoThe kids are happy the parents are happy and the employees running the parties are happy Itrsquoll be a big change from the environments I used to work inrdquo Hersquos already planning to have his twin grand-daughtersrsquo birthday party there too
His transition included a week of training with the companyrsquos corporate facility in Ari-zona as well as on-site training Even though the Omaha location is an existing store all of Rachwalikrsquos training was structured as though itrsquos a brand new site
Bounce U has traditionally partnered with local restaurants to provide food for birth-day parties but Rachwalik wants to explore the option to build a kitchen of his own
He also hopes to continue to grow the business by at least 5 annually ldquoAnything I do I will communicate with my employees and get their input and suggestions firstrdquo he adds
For anyone who is considering buying a business or is going through the process Rachwalik stresses to be open minded and not rule anything out ldquoIf an opportunity is presented to you run the numbers and see if you can make it workrdquo he says ldquoI did a complete flip-flop on the type of business I thought I wanted versus what I ended up purchasing But if you keep looking yoursquoll eventually find a matchrdquo The FIRM
ldquoTHE KIDS ARE HAPPY THE PARENTS ARE HAPPY AND THE EMPLOYEES RUNNING THE PARTIES ARE HAPPY ITrsquoLL BE A BIG CHANGE FROM THE ENVIRONMENTS I USED TO WORK INrdquo
-Jerry Rachwalik
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Fresh Off The Firm Featured Listings for Sale
Suburban Bar amp Grill with VolleyballOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $26413 PRICE $115000
Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity in an area with only two other bars nearby Serving up a gorgeous and well-maintained volleyball court along with pool tables and a jukebox this bar and grill is a favorite with the locals Business is fully staffedmdashowner works very part time hours
Rain Gutter Sales amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $145200 PRICE $415000
This business is a dealer for high-end rain gutter covers These products are con-structed of high-quality aluminum and sur-gical-grade stainless steel and are strong enough to hold up to four feet of snow or 20 pounds of debris Profit margin is 48
Large-Scale Assembly amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $743732 PRICE $2200000
This well-established installation and assembly business in central Nebraska prides itself on providing many numerous building solutions for businesses and building owners in their area They install and assemble metal frames including grain silos pole barns and buildings
Photo Booth Business Running on Autopilot OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $36419 PRICE $88900
Photo booths are the ldquoin thingrdquo at weddings and parties In business for seven years this business is one of the largest in town Wedding couples hoping to capture the fun memories of the day make up 67 of the clients Includes four booths and one trailer
Southwest Omaha Dental PracticeOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $129745 PRICE $380000
Professional staff and excellent customer service are the hallmarks of this practice Using the latest technology the business offers an array of dental services including teeth cleaning veneers crowns bleaching and trauma services The owner is currently working only 20 hours a week
Small Animal Vet Clinic in Omaha OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $158287 PRICE $440000
For over 30 years this animal care clinic has prioritized customer care They are currently offering services to over 2000 families and are the second largest veterinary clinic in the area The business is split 7030 between dogs and cats
Buildersrsquo Material amp Supply CompanyOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $364880 PRICE $933000
This highly reputable company established in 1976 and located just north of Omaha provides quality and reliable services and supplies Building supply inventory includes garage door lumber windows trims siding roofing materials and more Approximately 90 of customers are repeat clientele
High-Growth Plumbing Company OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $157774 PRICE $445000
This non-union plumbing company has consistent growth of over $130000 a year in sales The full service plumbing contractor has business that is currently 50 commercial and 50 residential
90+ available business opportunities for sale Please visit TheFirmBusinessBrokeragecom for details
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
7Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
Matt Cradick
The Deal ReviewReason For Sale Fresh start after 25+ years in the industrySeller Transition Period Over eight monthsType of Sale Asset Purchase AgreementLender Access Bank Mack LaRock
ldquoYOU SHOULD INTERVIEW FOR A BUSINESS JUST LIKE YOU
WOULD FOR A JOBrdquo CRADICK EXPLAINS ldquoIT HAS TO BE THE
RIGHT FIT YOU DONrsquoT WANT TO BE ONE OF THE MANY FA-
TALITIES THAT HAPPEN SO OFTEN IN NEW BUSINESSrdquo
-Shaun Heldt
From Retail to RoofingHow to be Successful When Buying a Business
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Spending almost 20 years working in retail for major corporations and then
buying a siding and roofing contracting company may seem like a major leap but for Matt Cradick owner of Husker Ham-mer Siding Windows and Roofing it was the best business move hersquos ever made And thatrsquos saying a lot for someone who moved 11 times in 19 years across nine different states
Cradick had been living in Houston Texas where he worked for Target Corporation He had worked his way up through the com-pany and another promotion was on the horizon which meant another move With three young children at home Cradick de-cided it was time to put down some roots Having grown up in Lincoln Nebraska he wanted to be near family and Midwestern values He started researching businesses for sale and was eventually led to The Firm which in turn led him to Husker Hammer
The move from a big corporate environ-ment to a small contracting business didnrsquot intimidate Cradick With Target he oversaw 200 people so he knew he brought strong management and operational skills The challenge he says was learning the ins and outs of construction He didnrsquot need to be the one hammering away on the roofmdashhe needed learn a new business segment
ldquoSwitching industries can be nerve-rack-ingrdquo Cradick says ldquobut the owner was will-ing to stay on board for six months during the transitionrdquo That partnership was an invaluable tool during the changeover gt
A Publication of The Firm Business BrokerageA Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
9Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
10
lt Husker Hammer was started in 1998 as a one-man operation and had been built up to a multimillion dollar business Cradick was impressed with the mission statement values system of the company and the strong workforce that was already in place And the price of the company lined up well with the financials ldquoWhat Husker has that others in the industry donrsquotrdquo says the man whose faith is central to his deal-ings ldquois a strong ethical foundation with a Christian backgroundrdquo
There were a number of other elements Cradick sought when buying his business ones he believes all potential business own-ers need to keep in mind The first is to make sure you have a proper support team in place to help make a sound financial deci-sion That includes having a good business valuation and a good business broker who can point you in the right direction to ensure a match for both parties
Once yoursquore in the process of purchasing he adds make sure you have a capable net-work of attorneys a seasoned financial team and solid internal help to ensure yoursquore suc-cessful from the start ldquoYou should interview
for a business just like you would for a jobrdquo Cradick explains ldquoIt has to be the right fit You donrsquot want to be one of the many fatal-ities that happen so often in new businessrdquo
To help ensure the company continues to be successful Cradick plans to main-tain Husker Hammerrsquos competitive edges which he says includes his 11000-sq-ft state-of-the-art showroom in Elkhorn He reformatted the space to better fit his busi-ness model before building out additional second-floor space that is now rented to other entrepreneurs
The showroom features all of the window siding and roofing products available to customers Samples are one thing Cradick says but he knows the power of customers seeing actual colors in actual sizes
ldquoOur philosophy is to build peace of mind for homeowners and be with them every step through the processrdquo he says ldquoWord of mouth is our number one lead source which was true in retail as wellrdquo
Happy employees to Cradick are just as important as happy customers He sub-scribes to a simple philosophymdashlistening to employees and doing so with respect
ldquoWith big corporations you deal with a lot of politicsrdquo he says ldquoNow if therersquos politics itrsquos because Irsquove generated it Itrsquos a nice change to be in a small business where you have more leeway to ensure yoursquore creating a positive work environment which creates a happy workforcerdquo
Working for a smaller company also allows for more opportunities to become involved in the community Husker Hammer is active in local chambers of commerce the Open Door Mission and is currently helping on a Habitat for Humanity build in Waterloo They have also been accredited by the Bet-ter Business Bureau since 2000 and won the Better Business Integrity Award
Cradickrsquos business is currently 90 percent residential and 10 percent commercial He hopes to increase their reach in proper-ty management and general contracting while maintaining the high-quality residen-tial sales that built the business ldquoBecause of our showroomrdquo he says ldquopeople come
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
to us We donrsquot do the high pressure sales at the kitchen table We listen We let the homeowners do the talkingrdquo
Growing geographically is also a goal Cradick hopes to expand to surrounding areas including his hometown of Lincoln
ldquoSo far itrsquos been a great moverdquo he says ldquoand I look forward to continuing to be known as an ethical long-lasting company My daughters and wife are excited to be back in the Midwest around grandparents and family Their school district is great and the full year-round climate has been a welcome change from living in the south Plus I was averaging 50000 miles per year in travel so itrsquos nice to sleep in your own bed every nightrdquo The FIRM
For more information on this or any for sale listings call The Firm Business Brokerage directly
11Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
The Deal ReviewBusiness Established 1987Reason for Sale Retirement (Transla-tion More time with a fishing pole)Ownerrsquos Profit $495004Type of Loan SBA with Core Bank
12
Back to the FutureBuilding a Business Legacy
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Itrsquos not uncommon for someone who has spent a number of years in corporate
America to shift gears into entrepreneur-ship Being your own boss certainly has its advantages But for Scott Beckler who recently purchased Lewis Installers in Gret-na his reason for taking on a new business venture had more to do with honoring not only his fatherrsquos legacy but building one of his own
Beckler started his career as a business education teacher then moved to a corpo-rate career in technology But for a number of years he kept an eye on businesses for sale hoping that just the right opportunity would come along
ldquoMy dad was an entrepreneur who owned his own real estate insurance companyrdquo
Beckler says ldquoDespite the fact he had on-going health issues he still got up every day put on a coat and tie and went out to make a sale He was a very successful busi-nessman and I wanted to honor his legacyrdquo
After contacting The Firm and discuss-ing what he was looking for in a business the team suggested Lewis Installers which specializes in industrial conveyor and rack systems At first it seemed like a big de-parture for him ldquoShelving and logistical systems isnrsquot something that jumps out at yourdquo Beckler says But the more he looked into it the more he realized it had many of the elements he wanted in a business The most obvious advantage was that the company was located in Gretna where he lives Add to that the fact that the seller lives just up the road from him
Scott Beckler
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
For purposes of this article this overview is based on the buying and selling entities being corporations or entities taxed as corporations
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
4420 Izard Street Omaha4022938707 bull 8887380296
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
HAVE YOUR MINOR ROOF LEAKS BECOME A MAJOR ANNOYANCEDonrsquot Wait Any Longer Call Us Now
ldquoAfter meeting him and hitting it offrdquo Beckler says ldquowe quickly realized it was a match on both sidesrdquo
Other signs also pointed in the right di-rection The financials were good The size of the business was ideal The competitive landscape was promising Beckler also real-ized that his corporate background fit well with this new business
ldquoAlthough itrsquos an entirely different indus-tryrdquo he says ldquomany of the business princi-ples are the samehellipproject management customer service delivery vendor man-agement and cost containment Irsquove been doing all of those for yearsrdquo
His background in technology will also be a valuable asset in his new business Not only has he established relationships with large vendors built over the years but his from-the-ground-up experience with data centers means that he is already eying in-novative automation and other technology differentiators At the same time hersquos look-ing forward to learning the daily operations of the company and having a hand in every part of the business from bidding to closing to payroll
ldquoIt will be challenging coming from a big business background where Irsquove only been involved in the peripheryrdquo Beckler says
ldquoNow Irsquoll be involved in all of itrdquo
Lewis Installers being a family-owned business is what hersquos most excited about He says itrsquos a company with a good repu-tation thatrsquos known for quality and meeting deadlinesmdashall driven by a strong Midwest-ern work ethic
Itrsquos the sort of company Beckler believes that would make his father proud
ldquoI want this business to be a legacy for my familyrdquo Beckler says ldquoMy hope is that it could stay in the family with my own kids and grandkidsrdquo The FIRM
13Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Om
aharsquo
s Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
14
When considering the purchase of an existing business very few realize
that lack of experience in an industry can actually lead to success One simply needs a sound financial plan and a good team to fill in the gaps Removing the added stress of fieldwork and focusing solely on the management of finances and operation allows for greater opportunities It makes for the dynamic advantage of some outside impartiality when seeking areas of improve-ment and growth
One man who has made this transition from having marginal knowledge in an in-dustry to leading a successful plumbing and HVAC operation is Mark Evans president of Burton Plumbing Before taking over Burton Evans had a successful plumbing distribu-torship serving four states but it was his desire to own and to travel less that put him into the hands of Burton Friesz The founder of Burton Plumbing Friesz had been a customer and friend of Evansrsquo when the two discussed a possible expansion into residential service Evans put his busi-ness experience to work for Burton in July 1995 and his education in the minutiae of plumbing and HVAC began
While he hasnrsquot worked in the field as a licensed plumbing contractor Evans has dipped his feet in several areas within the running of Burtonhellipand often at the same time Before hiring the essential personnel that have enabled him to narrow his role Ev-ans served as manager marketer customer service representative and dispatcher Such a list of duties for one man is a daunting task but ldquoI worked my way to being able to work on the business rather than in the business [a strategy] taught to me by my business coachrdquo says Evans
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
REMOVING THE ADDED STRESS OF FIELDWORK AND FOCUSING SOLELY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF FINANCES AND OPERATION ALLOWS FOR GREATER OPPORTUNITIES
Executive Impact Moving Into the Boardroom From Employee to President
written by Maureen Tierney | Co-written by Mark Evans and Julie OrsquoBrien
Eventually Evans was able to step back and bring on a general manager and a ware-house operator that has allowed him to
ldquofocus on growth opportunities marketing and cash flowrdquo
Evansrsquo experience is not unique It is com-mon for brokerages to deal with buyers seeking to own companies within a cer-tain field but ldquoonly two people out of the nearly 100 closings [wersquove had] have come in for the same business that they ended up purchasingrdquo says Julie OrsquoBrien client services and paralegal with The Firm What it comes down to is as simple as the bot-tom line Buyers are looking to leverage their talents and experience in a marriage between a management philosophy and business model Those in the market for an acquisition are ldquobuying based on profit number of staff ability to get financing and mostly their strengths and passionsrdquo says OrsquoBrien Experience in a particular industry is certainly valuable but is no predictor of success when the right financial mind comes along
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Even so making up for a lack of practical knowledge requires the proper equipment most notably in the form of managers and employees The right talent in the field can be a growth experience and provide an opportunity to learn the ropes before taking a full swing at things A total deficit in knowl-edge hardly makes for good leadership and for this reason many ldquonew business owners like to take a birdrsquos eye view of the operation rather than diving in and getting their hands dirty right awayhellipgiving them the opportunity to watch [how] things have been done before implementing changesrdquo says OrsquoBrien
Approaching ownership in this way also allows for further financial acquisitions an avenue which Evans has taken In addition to owning Burton Plumbing Evans operates four other companies One might assume this much responsibility to be a stretch but Evans sees his role as ldquokeeping a pulse on things I like to lead people in growth per-sonally and on the business siderdquo
Getting started can be a challenge which is why OrsquoBrien works closely with potential buyers to find the right fit ldquoWe assist all the wayrdquo she says ldquoWe work with the buyer on projections business plans [and] we introduce them to trusted advisorsrdquo from attorneys and CPAs to financial advisors and insurance agents
Itrsquos this helpful backing of experts that eases the difficult task of ownership and only proves that one can certainly switch from a blue collar to a white one The FIRM
CONTRACTING BUSINESSES LISTED BY THE FIRM
201
5 P
roje
cted
201
5 Y
TD
201
4
201
3
201
2
30
0
15
28
14
12
11
16
15Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Omaharsquos Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
It may seem like I pulled a muscle making this stretch but Keith Backsen the new boss at the Omaha Convention amp Visitors Bureau seems to have an awful lot in common with new Husker Coach Mike Riley
Coach Riley spent a total of 14 seasons at Oregon State before heading to Huskerland Backsen also comes from that neck of the woods having spent 11 years of his career in Portland Oregon and another 11 years in Spokane Washington selling both cities as prime places for convention and leisure travelers
At Oregon State Coach Riley built the football program into a consistent winner and regular conference contender At Visit Spokane Backsen opened sales offices in Washington DC and Chicago that led to increased convention bookings Backsen also worked on the public campaign to expand the Spokane Convention Center with a $65 million bond issue The expansion coupled with increased hotel inventory allowed Spokane to pursue large conventions and more than doubled convention bookings in Spokane
Riley has experience at the highest level of football serving as the head coach of the San Diego Chargers and as a head coach in both the Canadian and World Football Leagues Same for Backsen he worked in Dallas and Chicago as the director of sales for Global Experience Specialists a global leader in the world of event planning Backsen supervised five sales offices in a nine-state region generating annual sales in excess of $70 million
Riley is known as one of the most professional and nicest men in the profession a coach who is greatly admired by his peers I kid you not Backsen is described the same way by colleaguesmdashone of the most genuine and skilled men in the business a well respected professional who has the insight and experience to get the job done (Note the $70M stat above)
Come the first game both men will have a stadium filled with fans cheering them on In Backsenrsquos case his stadium is the entire city of Omaha where the fans are the 434353 residents who will reap the rewards of Omaharsquos growing tourism economy
B2B
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 51
51HUSKER
COACH HAS TOURISM
TWIN
OMAHA CVB BY DEB WARD
Deb Ward is the director of marketingcommunications Omaha Convention and Visitorrsquos Bureau
Keith Backsen
52 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Jason Feldman and Sebastian Hunt
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 53
The emerging startup accelerator scene supports creative-minded risk-takers looking for an edge to follow their passion and bring their ideas to fruition
Sebastian Hunt 25 is passionate about giving entrepreneurs like himself a nurturing space to test out their concepts The University of Nebraska at Omaha economics graduate interned with various local employers and surveyed the area startup community when an idea struck him for a by-application curriculum-based residency program serving new entrepreneurs That inspiration turned into Year of the Startup
Launched in 2014 the program operates out of a humble house at 4036 Burt Street in the St Cecilia Cathedral neighborhood Hunt and co-founder Jason Feldman 28 room there with young residency fellows whose startup ventures range from making bio-fuels to providing night owl shuttle services They are a millennial bunch who favor sneakers and sandals They take informal meetings to nearby CaliCommons and Lisarsquos Radial Cafe They variously hunch over laptops or tablets and carry smartphones as appendages
YEAR OF THE STARTUP
ENTREPRENEURAL IMMERSION
This communal work-live space model for business mavericks is new to Omaha The usual startup accelerator is a concentrated 90-day off-site program Omaha has a few of these notably Straight Shot Hunt saw a need for a program that invites a broader range of people into the accelerator fold and supports them much nearer to the start of their dream than other programs
ldquoWe feel like we can take people at very early stages because we are four times as long as the average programrdquo says Hunt who adds that Year of the Startup is also not tech-centric like many programs tend to be ldquoIn our model we substitute intensity for duration I think a lot of the learning here comes through unstructured serendipitous interactions we have that is not curriculum-based itrsquos just happenstance
ldquoWith a house there are so many different ways you can bring ideas and people together I think thatrsquos maybe that critical binding agent and sense of place that helps accomplish thingsrdquo
He says in this intimate environment ldquotherersquos no other choice but to immerse yourself in the settingrdquo adding ldquoWersquore always hanging out in the living room or out back talking about startup stuffmdashmonetization strategies capitalization tables vested equity entity structuresrdquo
ldquoItrsquos this immersive experience of camaraderie of these natural flows and idea generationrdquo Feldman says
Hunt says ldquoThis is very difficult to get bored with because therersquos always somebody whose business is either in crisis or growth stage or some interesting part of the curverdquo
ldquoHow could we get bored when wersquore creating a platform with four startups and all we get to do is ideationrdquo Feldman says ldquoItrsquos a constant buzz we get from interacting with these startup founders and helping them build their ideasrdquo
Built into the program are activities that encourage fellows to break out of their comfort zone and to offer honest criticism of each otherrsquos ideas
Hunt compiles multiple data points on the startups
ldquoWersquore developing really deep insight about how do people start successful businessesrdquo
The program utilizes mentors from the entrepreneurial community
ldquoWe bring in people who are experts in specific areas to talk on those topicsrdquo Feldman says
ldquoThey get ideas flowingrdquo Hunt says of the mentors
Feldman says he regularly covers with fellows ldquothe major components of what you need to look at to start your businessrdquo and then mentors like Mike Kolker owner of graphic design firm Simplify teach lessons about operational efficiency and ldquohow to simplify running a businessrdquo
Hunt is a newcomer to all this and goes by instinct as much as research to support his vision
CONTINUED ON 54
FEATURE | BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
53
54 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
70 Years of Business in Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
4027335500 | 4315 South 50th Street
402-333-5722 bull wwwsw-fencecom
Thanks for Voting SampW Fence the Best Again in 2015
Wersquore Not Just About Fences
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Thank You for Voting Us Best of B2Btrade 4 Years in a Row
AUDIO VISUAL SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDEbull System designengineeringbull Sales
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B2B
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aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
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NER bull 2012 bull WIN
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Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
ConnectWITH YOURCOMMUNITY
Donrsquot forget to visitOmahaMagazinecom to read
all of our titles online
Omaha MagazineEncounter B2B 60PlusHerFamily OmahaHome
CONTINUED FROM 53
ldquoI just had an irrational confidence market insights and a great theoretical background thanks to primary research I completed and to lessons I learned from Phillip Phillips Michael OrsquoHara and Art Diamond in UNOrsquos economics department I read constantly about who the players were in the startup world so I was fairly preparedrdquo
Even though he directs a startup program he only started participating in one himself (Venture School) He acknowledges Year of the Startup is a by-the-seat-of-your-pants experiment
ldquoComing out of college I had student loans and not a ton of money Irsquove held two jobs to finance the project Now the project is financed by a combination of me working and renting out one room One-hundred percent of the money our entrepreneurs pay in rent will be returned in full and so everybody has a strong incentive to follow through with the program That may be what makes us sustainablerdquo
Hersquos working on securing corporate sponsorship for the program Meanwhile he wants to help get participating startups to the next level
ldquoWersquore functioning like a pre-accelerator at this point We want to get our startups profitable and then refer them to the Straight Shots so they can focus on growth in a pure accelerator programrdquo
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 55
Mercedes-Benz of Omaha14335 Hillsdale Ave Omaha NE 68137wwwOmahaMercedescomContact John Williams anytime at 4029819262
of Omaha of Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
As Year of the Startup moved into a larger house in Omaharsquos Little Italy district on July 1 and a new class of fellows arrives Hunt says there are ldquointeresting talks happening right now to bring this to other citiesrdquo He and Feldman say economic development agencies are willing to pay a license fee for them to do startup houses in other cities The partners are having proprietary software developed that will enable new startup houses to replicate their branded Omaha model
They look forward to engaging with the emerging 10th Street cultural district but may keep the midtown house to accommodate growth
Hunt and Feldman believe theyrsquore catching the wave or tipping point of a big new startup rush and theyrsquore betting their model is poised to be a niche player in this wild frontier of entrepreneurial prospecting
B2B
56 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
It is an unassuming space but if you have made your way to TD Ameritrade Park Filmstreams or Hot Shops chances are yoursquove passed one of the most vibrant offices in Omaha
The fact that Co-Lab (short for Creative Collaborators) is not a traditional work space is certainly one of its best features Located inside the Tip Top building at 15th and Cumming streets is a project dreamed up by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture who happens to share the main floor of the building Based in the heart of a once-isolated section of the city Co-Labrsquos funky creative vibe is making waves In fact that vibe seeps into Omaharsquos everyday bringing about small changes pushing our city toward a more innovative future
CO-LABGIVING OMAHA WORKERS A MORE
COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE
IN THE OFFICE | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
56
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 57
Home to 18 businesses plus Alley Poyner Macchietto Co-Lab is free of walls and signage It is also free from traditional office norms For instance you donrsquot just walk over to your neighborrsquos space for a brainstorming sessionmdashyou skateboard At least you do if yoursquore Dave Nelson of SecretPenguin a leading experimental branding agency The best part is that the businesses surrounding SecretPenguin appreciate the break from tradition ldquoThatrsquos the beautiful part about being around like-minded good people and businessesrdquo Nelson says
CONTINUED ON 58
58 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 59
CONTINUED FROM 57
In addition to having pathways large enough to skateboard or bike through the space also provides Co-Labbers with a kitchen various conference rooms bike storage bathrooms and a battleground (otherwise known as the ping-pong table) Walking in the main doors clients and employees alike are greeted from the front desk while catching a view of the five-story open atrium basking in the glow of sunshine from the skylight Workers can also access the fitness room and rooftop deck sharing amenities with TipTop apartment residents who use a separate entrance
CONTINUED ON 60
The Harry A Koch CoInsurance amp Financial ConsultantsMember of First Insurance Group LLC
60 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
CONTINUED FROM 59
Businesses in Co-Lab all creativity-related range from entrepreneurs to start-ups to non-profits to small businesses The art varies in form but runs through the space like an electric current At Zicafoose Textiles Mary Zicafoose works steadily on her loom creating gorgeous tapestries 4Site Programming is where Joi Brown works as an independent consultant for performing arts centers across the nation Heartland B-Cycle a large-scale municipal bike sharing system brings art in the form of economical convenience Holly Boyer a founder of non-profit organization Mission Matters explains that one of the best things about having an office at Co-Lab is feeling the innovative positive energy from the moment you walk in the door So while individuals may join Co-Lab with a business-minded focus or a more creative vibe finding a yin to their yang is just a shout away
ldquoThere is certainly a wonderful built-in support network that comes along with working in a collaborative environmentrdquo quips Omaha Creative Institute Executive Director Emily Moody ldquoEverything from sharing ideas and finding ways to collaborate with an organization different than yours to sharing a staplerrdquo
At the heart of making it work says Laura Alley of Alley Poyner itrsquos simply playing well with others
The skateboarding ping-pong playing creatives do that well
B2B
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2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott Enterprises
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For more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
TD Ameritrade Park | First National Bank Tower | Midtown Crossing | Village Pointe | Childrenrsquos Hospital Aksarben Village | Joslyn Art Museum | Fred amp Pamela Buffett Cancer Center | UNO Community Arena
6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
AT THE OFFICE amp ON THE GO
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13
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
- BB1015_fntCvr_125
- BB1015_fntEdit_125
- BB1015_bkEdit_125
- BB1015_bkCvr_125
-
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 17
a per-person training budget more than twice the industry average catered lunches and happy hours and a monthly wellness stipend reimbursing employees up to $25 a month
The most popular benefit is Flame Schoedermdash a professional certified life coach made available for monthly development sessions
ldquoOf all the benefits they feel this is the one definitely helping them the most professionally and personallyrdquo Mausbach says
The initiatives seem to work Ervin amp Smith promoted 12 employees and hired 15 others last year Its retention rate in 2014 was 84 percent better than the typical industry rate of 70 percent or worse Mausbach cites
Ervin amp Smith is building employee relationships Perks are great People are better
Making Ervin amp Smith a doggone great place to work
B2B
8 ConsecutiveYears
Thanks Omaha for 30 Years2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
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A+ Rating20 Consecutive Years
Exceptional Event Space amp Catering
Wersquoll make your next event one to remember
6450 Pine Street | 402-778-6313ScottCentercom
17
18emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
ESPELITE SERVICE PROFESSIONALS
Superior quality exceptional service
If you are a CEO key executive or business owner call 4024017560
copy 2015 Vistage Worldwide Inc 14_261_3131 kkk
Discover what thousands of CEOs already know Vistage works
Get answers Take action Like you the members of a Vistage Advisory Board are proven business leaders and critical thinkers They have smart ideas and insightful opinions and this is the forum to express them At our monthly meetings yoursquoll encounter lively discussions where business leaders tell it like it is If you find that refreshing then be our guest at our next monthly group meeting
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 19
Leo Costanzo Anne Taylor and Alan Hove of Controlled Comfort
BRANDREBRAND | BY ELIZABETH MACK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Jingle writers have done their job if they create an earwormmdasha song so catchy it sticks in your head and wonrsquot leave ldquoWhen I tell people I work at Controlled Comfort they immediately start singing the jinglerdquo says Alan Hove who along with co-owners Leo Costanzo and Anne Taylor purchased Controlled Comfort in 2004 ldquoItrsquos the best form of advertising we could ever hope forrdquo
CONTINUEDemspONemsp20
SINGING A HAPPY TUNEJINGLING ALL THE WAY
19
20emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
John Sievers
Businesses Are Buying SmarterThe All Makesrsquo team is trained to help you make design decisions and furniture purchases that fi t your offi ce atmosphere your work style and your budget Visit All Makesrsquo redesigned showroom to see the latest in new offi ce furniture pre-owned offi ce furniture and business technology
wwwallmakescom Omaha 2558 Farnam St | 4023412413 Lincoln 3333 O St | 4024777131
Thank you for voting us 1 for 10 consecutive years
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Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
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CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp19
Most people in the Omaha metro area are familiar with that animated female voice belting out ldquoControlled ComfortndashKeep it Under Controoooooolrdquo Many locals probably would not guess the companyrsquos logo (an angel) but could at least hum a few bars of the jingle Whether a catchy tune is annoying or enjoyable is a matter of opinion but once that musical worm has worked its way into your psyche you are forced to remember the product which is exactly what advertisers hope for
When companies change ownership one major decision is whether or not to maintain the same brand image and the current owners of Controlled Comfort knew they wanted things to stay pretty much the same when they took ownership
ldquoWe love our jinglerdquo says Taylor ldquoWhen we purchased the company we knew we wanted to maintain the image and keep the logo and jingle We couldnrsquot ask for a better form of advertisingrdquo
Research shows that music increases recall and simple melodies with simple lyrics stick with a consumer not only for the short term but often the long-term Remember ldquoI Wish I Were an Oscar Meyer Weinerrdquo Even if it has been years since you have actually heard it chances are you can still sing the entire song Controlled Comfortrsquos brand may not be as huge as Oscar Meyerrsquos but their jingle has stood the test of time being sung on local radio and TV for nearly 20 years with no end in sight
Taylor recounts how in the mid-1990s local musician Johnny Ray Gomez produced the jingle for a radio spot
ldquoThe previous owners purchased a year of radio advertising and it came with a jinglerdquo Taylor says
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
THANKS OMAHA
Embroidery middot Screen Printing middot Promotional Digital Printing middot Mailing middot Company Stores
13747 F St 4025961002 ideal-imagescom
ldquoWhen we purchased the company we knew we wanted to maintain the image and keep the logo and jingle We couldnrsquot ask for a better form of advertisingrdquo-ANNE TAYLOR
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 21
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
At the time they had no idea they did not retain exclusive rights to the melody
ldquoI just recently heard the song while I was traveling in western Nebraska It was quite a shockrdquo she adds with a laugh
Branding is all about creating an image of a business that will stick in a customerrsquos mind Though most businesses rely on visual advertising to create their brand jingles can be an additional way to increase awareness and create staying power People often remember a catchy tune Throw the company name and their phone number in the jingle lyrics and customers may not even need to look up the contact information
ldquoIf I forget the phone number I just sing the jinglerdquo says one local customer
Though original jingles declined in recent years as more large companies turn to popular songs for their advertising a few local companies still spend at least some marketing dollars on jingles Whether you think it annoying or catchy a jingle may be your best advertising investment
B2B
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planitomaha A national and
regional powerhouse in
meetings conferences amp
events
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
22emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 2
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 23
How is it that Midlands Choice has come to make an investment in of all things a ballerina
Sure the bottom line of any insurance entity is driven by risk managementmdashthe investing of premium revenues to hedge against claims
But taking stock in Claire Goodwillie a company dancer with Ballet Nebraska
The Midlands Choice example is repeated all across the metro as area businesses support a broad array of arts nonprofits ones that dwell in everything from tutus to tempura
And the table is set for a new era of collaboration between business and the arts because philanthropic giving in America has finally returned to pre-recession levels
Contributions which totaled $358 billion in 2014 surpassed 2007rsquos pre-recession level of $355 billion Additionally giving was up from all major sourcesmdashindividuals corporations foundations and bequestsmdashaccording to Giving USA an annual report compiled by the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and the Giving USA Foundation of Chicago
ldquoEight out of nine types of charitable organizations we measure saw increased contributions and thatrsquos good news for the
BALLET NEBRASKAA PAS DE DEUX BETWEEN BUSINESS AND THE ARTS
philanthropic sector as a wholerdquo W Keith Curtis told Omaha Magazine in an email Curtis is chair of Giving USA Foundation and president of the nonprofit consulting firm The Curtis Group ldquoThe 60-year high for charitable giving in 2014 is a great story about resilience and perseverancerdquo
Themes of resilience and perseverance define the Ballet Nebraska story
Erika Overturff was 27 years old when the ballet company of which she was a dancer and resident choreographer appeared doomed She had no money She had no business acumen
That was 2009 Flash forward to 2015 and Overturff now 33 founder and artistic director of Ballet Nebraska is leading the regionrsquos only professional dance company into its sixth season
In a city known for its ldquocan-dordquo spirit this story could be about almost any local arts nonprofit but the unlikely saga of Ballet Nebraska is told here because it is perhaps the most improbable of tales one that best reveals what a business community and the arts can do when they share a common vision
CONTINUEDemspONemsp24
BY DAVID WILLIAMS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
23COVERemspFEATURE
24emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp23
Like settling into your seat with a program before the lights dim at any performing arts venue itrsquos probably best to start by reviewing the cast of characters
THE CONNECTORHal Daub knows people Especially in a city of six degrees of separation that is in reality much more like two or three degrees the former Omaha mayor (1995-2001) and US Congressman (1981-1989) who has served on countless nonprofit boards and is now a partner at Husch Blackwellhellipknows people
ldquoWhen I was first introduced to Hal and he offered to helprdquo Overturff says ldquoI assumed that meant he was going to maybe make a few calls and do a little name-droppingrdquo Daub it turned out would become a key player in the often delicate pas de deux that is the coupling of business and the arts ldquoHe not only made those calls but he set up the appointmentshellipand then he came along to personally introduce me and stand by my side in front of those who would become some of the most generous funders of Ballet Nebraskardquo
ldquoThe reason I am so fascinated by what Erika has donerdquo says Daub ldquois that Omaha is a city that has clearly evolved to become a place that is not just metropolitan but truly cosmopolitanrdquo And investing in the arts Daub believes makes good business sense ldquoThe social environment of a citymdashits arts and entertainmentmdashis critical in attracting and retaining the best workforce Ballet Nebraska Opera Omaha the Omaha Symphony Omaha Performing Artshellipthose and so many others are the organizations that help keep the best talent in Omahardquo
THE ADVOCATEMichelle Clark is Union Pacificrsquos general director of information technologies which means she probably knows more than a little about computer viruses As a three-year board member of Ballet Nebraska shersquos also seen how supporting the arts can go viral
ldquoEmployee generosity is furthered by the use of the companyrsquos matching gifts programrdquo Clark explains ldquoThis creates a sense of pride for employees and Union Pacific is supportive of the communities in which we live and work The employees of Union Pacific are very generous and have supported fundraising drives not only for Ballet Nebraska but a number of organizations such as the Womenrsquos Center for Advancement and JDRFrdquo
Employees should never underestimate their power to play a key role in advocating for nonprofits within their organizations
ldquoI am passionate about the art of dance especially ballet and Ballet Nebraskardquo Clark says ldquoDance inspires my creativity and provides insights to see beyond the obvious My hope is that by providing individuals with the awareness of opportunities to experience and support the art of dance they will find their own inspiration to apply to their own liferdquo
And just as stubborn computer viruses are often cloyingly messy to eradicate once discovered Union Pacificrsquos relationship with Ballet Nebraska has a ldquostickinessrdquo of its own Clark was preceded on the Ballet Nebraska board by Gayla Thal the companyrsquos senior vice president and general counsel
THE BULLDOGDonrsquot let the gentle demeanor of Midlands Choice vice president Greta Vaught fool you Supporting the arts is often a visceral experience and Vaughtrsquos passion for dance exerted itself on multiple levels in the early stages of growth at Ballet Nebraska
ldquoMidlands Choice has always been supportive of my work in the communityrdquo says the board chair of Ballet Nebraska
ldquoWe like to listen to our people when making such decisionsrdquo says Midlands Choice President and CEO Thomas E Press rdquoIt is important for us to know that our giving has real meaning for them their families and their communitiesrdquo
ldquoI looked at what Erika was trying to dordquo Vaught continues ldquoand I thought it was brave but impossible But all along the way I just kept going back to the thought that if one of my daughters [Mia now 15 and Hannah now 19] wanted to try something so bold one day thatrdquohellipinsert long pausehellipldquoIrsquom sorry this is making me cry I would just hope that people with experience and connections and dollars would shepherd my daughters along like so many people have done with Erika and Ballet Nebraskardquo
Okay so maybe ldquoThe Bulldogrdquo wasnrsquot such a great character name for this role after all
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 25
Fast-Paced Public Relations
Customer-Based Planning and Communications
402-964-9293 11626 Nicholas Street
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For the Connected World
Every story Every tweet Every interaction
PR is vital to your bottom line now more than ever
Join the world of innovative PR ndash partner with experts
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arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
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THE ARTISTldquoI had to do a lot of on-the-job learning when I decided to try to launch a dance companyrdquo Overturff says ldquoWe were lucky in that we got our nonprofit status right away but I didnrsquot know anything about the business side of things and really nothing about raising funds I was moved by every $5 check that came in but it took a lot of mentoring advice and counsel to get us to where we are today as a fully funded professional performance companyrdquo
Ballet Nebraska now has a paid staff of 22 including nine salaries paid to company dancers Today Overturffrsquos once-nonexistent business connections run deep Personal contributions from the likes of philanthropists Richard Holland and Fred and Eve Simon further fuel the growth of ballet in Omaha Foundations also play a major role in funding A recent gift of $124000 from the Iowa West Foundation is the largest in Ballet Nebraska history
ldquoTalented professionals from all over the world that have trained their whole lives to pursue a career in dance now come to Omaha in the hopes of performing with Ballet Nebraska as we serve the state and western Iowa in performances education outreach and morerdquo she says ldquoA ballet companymdashany performing arts company any arts organizationmdashis about its peoplehellipthe artists the staff and hardworking selfless volunteers But it is the people of Omaha from the smallest donations to the relationships we have with such great businesses that makes it all happenrdquo
B2B
26emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
26OFFICE FURNITURE BY DOUG SCHURING
OFFICE ORIGINS
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE MODERN WORKPLACE
For all the time we spend in our office very few of us are familiar with how that space came to be You may actually be surprised by the events and inventions that helped form the work environment we know today From the development of the railroad to innovations in communication our current corporate habits structures and tools have all played a role In his book CubedmdashA Secret History of the Workplace Nikil Saval shapes the advances that created the conventional office we are familiar with today
The advent of the Morse telegraph spawned long-distance communication Then starting in 1860 a series of technological innovations changed the possibilities of the workplace the use of iron framework permitted the construction of taller buildings and elevators assisted the climb The Remington typewriter entered the office in 1874 Bellrsquos telephone was patented two years later
At the same time railroads expanded across the country reducing transportation costs and extending markets for goods and services Additionally railroads produced an organizational transformation still in use today The coordination of trains required employees housed in structures all across the country bringing a variety of offices to the American landscape Between the executive the manager and the workerhellipthe organizational chart was born
The invention of telecommunications fostered the speed of information to surge creating more
Doug Schuring is the director of sales administration at All Makes Office Equipment Co
work and subsequently more workers As these workers moved into new structures the spaces reflected their various levels of management In 1915 the Metal Office Furniture Company (now Steelcase) invented the modern deskmdasha flat metal table outfitted with file drawers The new desks massed together in defined rows offered managers full visual access to the goings-on of the workplace and this ldquosea of desksrdquo became the norm for decades Lockers and various cabinets popular in the Great Depression era became vertical files once steel became readily available after World War II
In 1968 Herman Miller introduced the first panel system with attached components Designed by Robert Propst the Action Office system revolutionized the ldquoofficerdquo in form flexibility and cost Other furniture manufacturers mimicked the modular system which became the norm for many businesses
Up to the rsquo90s the personal computerrsquos popularity grew and the relative size of work stations decreased between 25-50 percent By the middle of that decade the dot-com revolution on the West Coast created an unprecedented workplace culture The formal atmosphere of the office became much more casual and discontent for the Dilbert-esque cubicle grew Subsequently creative furniture solutions evolved with the desire to be more mobile leading the way
In the early 2000rsquos collaborative open offices grew in popularity New and improving
technologies now offer connectivity in the office home or public spaces As a result nearly every company today is adapting and using new furnishings as a tool to attract new workers At the same time retaining existing employees is equally important The goal is to make everyone more effective and efficient in their work
Whether you work in an office from home in the local coffee shop or out of an airline terminal you may start to notice that much of the furniture is beginning to look very similar As long as you are able to connect to technology you can work from virtually anywhere
B2B
SEPTEMBER 24 2015 Ralston Arena7300 Q Street
Ralston NE 68127
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omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 27
28emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Outlook Nebraska CEO Eric Stueckrath
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 29
On the surface it looks just like any other office or factory As you enter Outlook Nebraska Inc (ONI) yoursquore greeted by a friendly front desk attendant and led past a perfectly ordinary-looking workspace Entering their factory where they manufacture such paper products as rolls of hand towels you wouldnrsquot suspect that it is different from any other assembly line
But explore a little deeper
Walking past one office you might see a man typing away on a keyboard his laptop closed in front of him He doesnrsquot need it open to know what hersquos typing Hersquos visually impaired and utilizing computer software that reads the words aloud as he types
On the factory floor raised edges guard the walkway so sightless employees can feel their way around Over on the assembly line visually impaired workers can use a computer screen to zoom in on the product at various stages of production to assess the process
ONI is a non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance the life of the blind and visually impaired through employment opportunities and training Almost all the employees at ONI are blind or visually impaired from factory workers to IT professionals Some were born blind others lost their sight later in life ONI aims to help them all re-enter the workforce in a meaningful way
A SIGHT FOR NON-SEEING EYES
OUTLOOK NEBRASKA
ldquoThey get used to being on their feetrdquo says ONI CEO Eric Stueckrath ldquoWe offer jobs for [people with] entry-level skill sets and all of the positions are at or above minimum wage We give them the tools to help build those skill setsrdquo
ONI also offers personalized life-skills training geared to whatrsquos important to the individual from personal banking to cooking to operating a computer
The American Foundation for the Blind estimates that as many as 70 percent of blind adults in the US are unemployed As the largest employer of the blind in the Omaha metro area ONI is working to make an impact
ldquoWe work with organizations that are committed to hiring the visually impairedrdquo Stuekrath says ldquoAdvocacy is definitely part of what we dordquo
ONI is currently in the midst of a $2 million capital campaign that will allow them to complete a large-scale renovation project at their facility The renovation will create more space for the general public and give them the ability to offer additional training programs
In addition to working with adults blind and visually-impaired youth are a primary focus for Stuekrath and ONI
ldquoMy heart really gravitates toward themrdquo Stuekrath says
ONI partners with youth organizations on a number of initiatives including a sports camp for visually-impaired youth called Camp Abilities Nebraska Attendees can try archery swimming bowling track and field and more as a means to build confidence
ldquoThey donrsquot need to be coddledrdquo Stuekrath says adding that he often tells parents of blind children ldquoYour kid needs to get out there and bump his head and experience liferdquo
At ONI everything comes back to the organizationrsquos mission Stuekrath says
ldquoWe give them the tools they need to gain greater independencerdquo
B2B
FEATURE | BY APRIL CHRISTENSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY COLIN CONCES
29
30emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Layne and Pam Yahnke and Their VW Thing
Shakespeare wrote of love and betrayal Tolkien of hobbits and wizards Steinbeck and Faulkner of the indomitable American spirit
Layne Yahnke writes about his VW Thing
Yes the two-wheel-drive off-road convertible military vehicle first manufactured for the West German Army as ldquoType 181rdquo in 1968 VW churned them out until 1983 including two years in the United States when marketed as ldquoThe Thingrdquo
Yahnke got his Thing in 2000 for $5500 Hersquos lovingly restored it most importantly giving it a peppy new motor that makes it Autobahn-worthy
WHATrsquoS THAT THING
LANE YAHNKErsquoS UNUSUAL VOLKSWAGEN
HOW I ROLL | BY ANTHONY FLOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Therersquos only one other Thing in Omaha and Yahnkersquos gets lots of second and third looks when hersquos whipping down the Dodge Street Expressway from his Elkhorn home Especially when the doors are off and windshield is down
Everyone wants to know abouthellipthe Thing
Thus Yahnke penned ldquoIt Takes a Village to Build a VW Thingrdquo an ode to those who helped him with his beloved ridemdashhis sons Omaha VW Club members engine and body shops and parts stores
CONTINUEDemspONemsp32
30
SIGN UP TODAYdolnebraskagovsides
Questions phone - 402-471-9910 email - ndoluisidesnebraskagov
Sign up now for a free paperless way to return unemployment insurance information
Submit separation information online
Free - No postage costsno sign-up fee
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E-Response saves treesNo more paper 350rsquos
Keep your taxes lowAvoid unnecessary charges
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32emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Locally Owned in Papillion Ne402-740-0800 bull apconstructomahacom
Insurance claims
welcomeIf your roof sustained fire snow or hail
damage the repairs can be costly We are your wind and hail damage experts and accept insurance claims so you wonrsquot
have to pay for the repair work yourself
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
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Call or Text Message(402 ) 453-6000
abetterexposurecom steveabetterexposurecom
Passion Creativity Experience
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp31
ldquoI wrote that right after the engine transplantrdquo says Yahnke an Omaha native and vice president at Essex Corp provider of senior living communities ldquoI guess I was moved I get so many inquiries about it and I really feel so fondly about itrdquo
Itrsquos not his first Thing Yahnke and his wife of 38 years Pam owned one before their four children came along As the kids have come and gone so have the cars
Lots of them
Yahnke figures he has owned 60 automobiles in his life His car fancy began as a kid growing up in Dundee where a friendrsquos dad spent his spare time restoring English cars Yahnke spent hours in his garage and developed a love for Triumphs and MGs His first car purchase was a 1962 Triumph for $425 in 1972 It wasnrsquot long though until he sold it at a profit
ldquoThatrsquos what kicked off the buying and selling of English carsrdquo he says ldquoI discovered I could enjoy my transportation but then as soon as someone wanted to buy it for more than I paid for it out it wentrdquo
ldquoWhere Accounting Meets ResultsrdquoProviding Accounting and Quickbooks Services
For Metro Businesses
Denise Martin I 9252077634Deniseheartlandaccountabilitycom
wwwHeartlandAccountAbilitycom
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 33
These days you never know what will be parked in the Yahnke driveway Currently therersquos a Honda pickup a VW Jetta VW Multivan and a 2001 Audi TT Quatro Convertiblemdashpurchased in apropos silver for his 25th wedding anniversary
Itrsquos the Thing he most enjoys driving He logs about 1000 miles on it each year Most of those have come toplessmdashYahnke long ago gave it away to another Thing enthusiast and now only drives it sans roof
ldquoAnyone who sees this car has only seen it top-downrdquo he says ldquoI just got caught once in the rain and that was probably a month ago The cool thing about the Thing is you leave it out in the sun and it dries out and is ready to gordquo
It says ldquoSummer is hererdquo Yahnke says
ldquoPeople speed up all the time to try to figure out what it is Itrsquos just a happy car and itrsquos so darn versatile It puts smiles on peoplesrsquo facesrdquo
B2B
Quality Carpet Cleaning Since 2004
4026806523
Cleaning ServicesCarpet CleaningUpholstery CleaningMattress CleaningTile amp Grout CleaningPet TreatmentsConcrete CleaningConcrete CleaningAuto Interior Cleaning24 Hour Water Damage
wwwLegacyCarpetCleaningcom
omahamagazinecom SPECIALemspADVERTISINGemspSECTIONemspemsp |emsp SUMMERemsp2015emsp |emsp 34
ABOUT OUR BUSINESS
Cox Business started in 2000 as the commercial services division of Cox Communications Over the past 15 years we have experienced strong growth and are on our target to achieve $2 billion in revenue in the near future
Cox Business owns operates and maintains its own network providing leading-edge technology solutions for voice internet networking and digital TV We also offer robust business continuity and disaster recovery solutions which is of increasing importance to businesses in the greater Omaha area Our customers include such key verticals as education hospitality government and healthcare We maintain a significant focus on Omaha small business mid-markets and large local companies as well
We consider our employees to be our most precious asset as they have the responsibility of taking care of our customers At Cox Business we are fortunate to have an extremely tenured and engaged team of employees What sets us apart from our competition is the fact that while we are a large robust and progressive company we still possess
the nimbleness of a smaller company in our ability to deliver creative solutions under tight timelines We pride ourselves on having very little bureaucracy and that translates to happy customers The fact that Cox Business has won 15 JD Power Awards for customer satisfaction over the past 11 years is a notable accomplishment for us and we work hard to deliver on that promise of excellence every day
ABOUT LYNNE
I have led sales and operations teams in the communications industry for 20 years 10 of those years with Cox Communications My husband Pat and I just celebrated our first full year in Omaha and wonder why it took us so long to find this jewel of a community Our daughter Kaylin starts law school next month at the University of San Diego
I have two passions in my professional life mentoring employees who are working on leadership development (which includes working with two to three emerging leaders at any given time) and continuing to drive efforts in hiring fostering a diverse workforce There
is a challenge in STEM fields of under-represented groups My company Cox Communications is also very passionate about this and holds the distinction of inclusion in Diversity Incrsquos top 50 companies
My personal passions include travel social media and Italian cooking
B2B
COX BUSINESSLYNNE SANGIMINO
Cox Business 401 N 117th St Omaha NE 68154 coxbusinesscom 4029340830
Cradickrsquos Husker PowerTEXAN RETURNS HOME FOR BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY PG 8
Marlon Lofgren Koley Jessen PC LLOKEEPING THE FOCUS WHERE IT BELONGS PG 4
Seasoned Advice for Buyers(THE BOUNCY KIND) PG 5
PLAYING BIG EDITION
Fall
2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
2
Volume 1 Issue 5
Published by The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
PresidentEditor bull Cortney Sells
DirectorAssistant Editor bull Cassandra Powers
In-House Legal Counsel bull Susanne Miller
Outreach Coordinator bull Rene Rademacher
Marketing Development bull Rachael Rand
Business Broker bull Breann Becerra
Referring Broker bull Elizabeth Jones
Marketing Division bull Adam Jaime
Development Liaison bull Holley Garcia
Client Services bull Nycole Wandvik-Tolle
Client Services bull Julie OrsquoBrien
Community Relations bull Mike Sells
Contributing Writers
Marlon Lofgren bull Kathy Rygg bull Maureen Tierney
Design bull OBI Creative
Photography bull Bill Sitzmann
To Subscribe
The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
210 N 78 St
Omaha NE 68114
4029985288
infothefirmb2bcom
Advertising Inquiries
4028842000
toddomahamagazinecom
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Columns
4 Seller Financing
Koley Jessen PC LLO Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
14 Executive Impact Getting Into the Big Office
Departments
5 Seasoned Advice for
Business Buyers (The Bouncy Kind)
12 Building a Legacy while
Building Racks New Chapter to Becklerrsquos Career
The Bottom Line
Sells Insights
Playing Big
Husker PowerTexan returns home to
Nebraska for business opportunity
pg8
Many business owners have marginal experience in the trades in which their
organizations specialize While it may seem counterintuitive to buy or start a company situated around an industry in which one has little experience there is a certain com-petitive edge to the equation A buyer or president need only know enough to begin before surrounding him or herself with the right personnel to tackle the minute details What is paramount is the grander scheme of
management and operations which allows one to flex refined business acumen Not only does distance from fieldwork free up time to put in place a robust and refined plan but it leaves open other avenues for portfolio expansion Grow your business expand operations or begin other busi-ness ventures The possibilities are only as small as the mindset held by your team The FIRM
Special Section
7 Fresh Off The Firm The Firm Business Brokerage has
over $80 million dollars in assets under
management of current cash flowing
businesses for sale ndash from medical
practices to commercial services to large
manufacturing companies
by Cortney Sells presidenteditor
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
3Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
4
IF PROPERLY STRUCTURED AND DOCUMENTED SELLER FINANCING IS REALLY NO DIFFERENT FROM FINANCING THAT WOULD OTHERWISE BE PROVIDED BY A BANKTYING IT ALL TOGETHEREven the most savvy of ldquonumbers peoplerdquo need a leg up in negotiating a purchase As with so many aspects of doing business retaining experienced legal counsel enables you to keep the focus where it belongsmdashemploying your entrepreneurial skills in the identification and acquisition of profitable business ventures The FIRM
Seller Financing Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
written by Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
Seller financing can often be a criti-cal factor in getting a business sold
If properly structured and documented seller financing is really no different from financing that would otherwise be provided by a bank Below is a brief guide to navi-gating the issues normally encountered in seller financing
FIRST THINGS FIRSTThe first question is usually that of how to structure and document the financing The buyer should be expected to sign a prom-issory note evidencing the loan from the seller with interest and repayment terms mutually agreeable to both parties The seller might also require that the buyer grant the seller a security interestlien in the pur-chased assets to secure the loan Itrsquos also not unusual for a seller to require that the individual owners of the buyer (assuming the buyer is an entity) personally guarantee the loan In most cases the documents are usually pretty straightforward and do not need to be overly complicated
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
ADDITIONAL LAYERSIf a bank is also financing the sale the seller will most likely be required by the bank to sign a subordination agreement This is an agreement between the bank usually referred to as the ldquosenior lenderrdquo and the seller referred to as the ldquojunior lenderrdquo A subordination agreement sets forth the terms between the lenders as to each entityrsquos right to receive loan pay-ments from the buyer and the priority of their respective security interestsliens in the purchased assets The document will usually state that the senior lenderrsquos loan and security interestliens shall at all times be superior to those of the junior lender until the senior loan is paid in full Most lenders are willing to discuss and negoti-ate the junior lenderrsquos right to receive loan payments from the borrower Lien priority status however is rarely compromised by senior lenders in subordination agreements The senior lender will insist on having a first priority security interestlien in the pur-chased assets
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Whether yoursquore a first-time entre-preneur or an experienced business
owner purchasing a company is a critical investment financially and emotionally To help increase the likelihood of it being a success in both areas there are a number of aspects to keep in mind when evaluating if a business is the right fit gt
Seasoned Advice for Business Buyers(The Bouncy Kind)
written by Kathy Rygg
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Jerry Rachwalik
5Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
6
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
lt Jerry Rachwalik has been researching companies for the past three years waiting for the right opportunity to arise His search was the result of spending his career work-ing for larger organizations in a number of areas including delivery installation cus-tomer service inventory accounts receiv-ables and scheduling where he managed up to 35 people at a time
Policies and philosophies can change when working for a corporation Sometimes they become less family friendly ldquoWith the previous companies I worked forrdquo Rachwalik says ldquothey switched from caring about em-ployees to making money and the bottom line I stuck it out for several years and then decided I needed something differentrdquo
An entrepreneur by nature Rachwalik has over the last seven years built up a rental business buying foreclosed homes and duplex properties completely reno-vating them and then renting them back out He now has 15 properties and enjoys helping families by providing nice homes that are affordable ldquoI want people to feel good when they come home at night after a long day at workrdquo he says Rachwalik want-ed to find a business that allowed him the flexibility to respond to his tenants when needed from simple plumbing issues to furnaces going kaput
When he first started looking for a new business Rachwalik was drawn to home health care because of his experience help-ing to take care of relatives And it was a growing field Nothing was available at the time so he expanded his options and be-gan researching businesses in a variety of industries Those included a flooring com-pany sandwich shop and even a hair salon
ldquoI was open to anything and if I could make the numbers work then I would consider itrdquo he explains
Then The Firm Business Brokerage pre-sented him with an opportunity that was the right match Bounce U in Omaha There were a number of factors that appealed to Rachwalik First and foremost were the financials but it would also offer him the flexibility he needed for his rental business A big advantage was that an entire team was already in place one seasoned in man-aging staff and scheduling parties ldquoThey do a great jobrdquo he says ldquoI donrsquot plan on making any personnel changesrdquo
But what hersquos most looking forward to with this new venture is the fun positive environment Bounce Ursquos primary business is its birthday party packages featuring the companyrsquos oversized inflatibles and Rachwalik said he canrsquot wait to watch the excitement on the kids faces when they walk through the door ldquoEveryone there is happyrdquo he says ldquoThe kids are happy the parents are happy and the employees running the parties are happy Itrsquoll be a big change from the environments I used to work inrdquo Hersquos already planning to have his twin grand-daughtersrsquo birthday party there too
His transition included a week of training with the companyrsquos corporate facility in Ari-zona as well as on-site training Even though the Omaha location is an existing store all of Rachwalikrsquos training was structured as though itrsquos a brand new site
Bounce U has traditionally partnered with local restaurants to provide food for birth-day parties but Rachwalik wants to explore the option to build a kitchen of his own
He also hopes to continue to grow the business by at least 5 annually ldquoAnything I do I will communicate with my employees and get their input and suggestions firstrdquo he adds
For anyone who is considering buying a business or is going through the process Rachwalik stresses to be open minded and not rule anything out ldquoIf an opportunity is presented to you run the numbers and see if you can make it workrdquo he says ldquoI did a complete flip-flop on the type of business I thought I wanted versus what I ended up purchasing But if you keep looking yoursquoll eventually find a matchrdquo The FIRM
ldquoTHE KIDS ARE HAPPY THE PARENTS ARE HAPPY AND THE EMPLOYEES RUNNING THE PARTIES ARE HAPPY ITrsquoLL BE A BIG CHANGE FROM THE ENVIRONMENTS I USED TO WORK INrdquo
-Jerry Rachwalik
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Fresh Off The Firm Featured Listings for Sale
Suburban Bar amp Grill with VolleyballOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $26413 PRICE $115000
Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity in an area with only two other bars nearby Serving up a gorgeous and well-maintained volleyball court along with pool tables and a jukebox this bar and grill is a favorite with the locals Business is fully staffedmdashowner works very part time hours
Rain Gutter Sales amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $145200 PRICE $415000
This business is a dealer for high-end rain gutter covers These products are con-structed of high-quality aluminum and sur-gical-grade stainless steel and are strong enough to hold up to four feet of snow or 20 pounds of debris Profit margin is 48
Large-Scale Assembly amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $743732 PRICE $2200000
This well-established installation and assembly business in central Nebraska prides itself on providing many numerous building solutions for businesses and building owners in their area They install and assemble metal frames including grain silos pole barns and buildings
Photo Booth Business Running on Autopilot OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $36419 PRICE $88900
Photo booths are the ldquoin thingrdquo at weddings and parties In business for seven years this business is one of the largest in town Wedding couples hoping to capture the fun memories of the day make up 67 of the clients Includes four booths and one trailer
Southwest Omaha Dental PracticeOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $129745 PRICE $380000
Professional staff and excellent customer service are the hallmarks of this practice Using the latest technology the business offers an array of dental services including teeth cleaning veneers crowns bleaching and trauma services The owner is currently working only 20 hours a week
Small Animal Vet Clinic in Omaha OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $158287 PRICE $440000
For over 30 years this animal care clinic has prioritized customer care They are currently offering services to over 2000 families and are the second largest veterinary clinic in the area The business is split 7030 between dogs and cats
Buildersrsquo Material amp Supply CompanyOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $364880 PRICE $933000
This highly reputable company established in 1976 and located just north of Omaha provides quality and reliable services and supplies Building supply inventory includes garage door lumber windows trims siding roofing materials and more Approximately 90 of customers are repeat clientele
High-Growth Plumbing Company OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $157774 PRICE $445000
This non-union plumbing company has consistent growth of over $130000 a year in sales The full service plumbing contractor has business that is currently 50 commercial and 50 residential
90+ available business opportunities for sale Please visit TheFirmBusinessBrokeragecom for details
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
7Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
Matt Cradick
The Deal ReviewReason For Sale Fresh start after 25+ years in the industrySeller Transition Period Over eight monthsType of Sale Asset Purchase AgreementLender Access Bank Mack LaRock
ldquoYOU SHOULD INTERVIEW FOR A BUSINESS JUST LIKE YOU
WOULD FOR A JOBrdquo CRADICK EXPLAINS ldquoIT HAS TO BE THE
RIGHT FIT YOU DONrsquoT WANT TO BE ONE OF THE MANY FA-
TALITIES THAT HAPPEN SO OFTEN IN NEW BUSINESSrdquo
-Shaun Heldt
From Retail to RoofingHow to be Successful When Buying a Business
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Spending almost 20 years working in retail for major corporations and then
buying a siding and roofing contracting company may seem like a major leap but for Matt Cradick owner of Husker Ham-mer Siding Windows and Roofing it was the best business move hersquos ever made And thatrsquos saying a lot for someone who moved 11 times in 19 years across nine different states
Cradick had been living in Houston Texas where he worked for Target Corporation He had worked his way up through the com-pany and another promotion was on the horizon which meant another move With three young children at home Cradick de-cided it was time to put down some roots Having grown up in Lincoln Nebraska he wanted to be near family and Midwestern values He started researching businesses for sale and was eventually led to The Firm which in turn led him to Husker Hammer
The move from a big corporate environ-ment to a small contracting business didnrsquot intimidate Cradick With Target he oversaw 200 people so he knew he brought strong management and operational skills The challenge he says was learning the ins and outs of construction He didnrsquot need to be the one hammering away on the roofmdashhe needed learn a new business segment
ldquoSwitching industries can be nerve-rack-ingrdquo Cradick says ldquobut the owner was will-ing to stay on board for six months during the transitionrdquo That partnership was an invaluable tool during the changeover gt
A Publication of The Firm Business BrokerageA Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
9Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
10
lt Husker Hammer was started in 1998 as a one-man operation and had been built up to a multimillion dollar business Cradick was impressed with the mission statement values system of the company and the strong workforce that was already in place And the price of the company lined up well with the financials ldquoWhat Husker has that others in the industry donrsquotrdquo says the man whose faith is central to his deal-ings ldquois a strong ethical foundation with a Christian backgroundrdquo
There were a number of other elements Cradick sought when buying his business ones he believes all potential business own-ers need to keep in mind The first is to make sure you have a proper support team in place to help make a sound financial deci-sion That includes having a good business valuation and a good business broker who can point you in the right direction to ensure a match for both parties
Once yoursquore in the process of purchasing he adds make sure you have a capable net-work of attorneys a seasoned financial team and solid internal help to ensure yoursquore suc-cessful from the start ldquoYou should interview
for a business just like you would for a jobrdquo Cradick explains ldquoIt has to be the right fit You donrsquot want to be one of the many fatal-ities that happen so often in new businessrdquo
To help ensure the company continues to be successful Cradick plans to main-tain Husker Hammerrsquos competitive edges which he says includes his 11000-sq-ft state-of-the-art showroom in Elkhorn He reformatted the space to better fit his busi-ness model before building out additional second-floor space that is now rented to other entrepreneurs
The showroom features all of the window siding and roofing products available to customers Samples are one thing Cradick says but he knows the power of customers seeing actual colors in actual sizes
ldquoOur philosophy is to build peace of mind for homeowners and be with them every step through the processrdquo he says ldquoWord of mouth is our number one lead source which was true in retail as wellrdquo
Happy employees to Cradick are just as important as happy customers He sub-scribes to a simple philosophymdashlistening to employees and doing so with respect
ldquoWith big corporations you deal with a lot of politicsrdquo he says ldquoNow if therersquos politics itrsquos because Irsquove generated it Itrsquos a nice change to be in a small business where you have more leeway to ensure yoursquore creating a positive work environment which creates a happy workforcerdquo
Working for a smaller company also allows for more opportunities to become involved in the community Husker Hammer is active in local chambers of commerce the Open Door Mission and is currently helping on a Habitat for Humanity build in Waterloo They have also been accredited by the Bet-ter Business Bureau since 2000 and won the Better Business Integrity Award
Cradickrsquos business is currently 90 percent residential and 10 percent commercial He hopes to increase their reach in proper-ty management and general contracting while maintaining the high-quality residen-tial sales that built the business ldquoBecause of our showroomrdquo he says ldquopeople come
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
to us We donrsquot do the high pressure sales at the kitchen table We listen We let the homeowners do the talkingrdquo
Growing geographically is also a goal Cradick hopes to expand to surrounding areas including his hometown of Lincoln
ldquoSo far itrsquos been a great moverdquo he says ldquoand I look forward to continuing to be known as an ethical long-lasting company My daughters and wife are excited to be back in the Midwest around grandparents and family Their school district is great and the full year-round climate has been a welcome change from living in the south Plus I was averaging 50000 miles per year in travel so itrsquos nice to sleep in your own bed every nightrdquo The FIRM
For more information on this or any for sale listings call The Firm Business Brokerage directly
11Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
The Deal ReviewBusiness Established 1987Reason for Sale Retirement (Transla-tion More time with a fishing pole)Ownerrsquos Profit $495004Type of Loan SBA with Core Bank
12
Back to the FutureBuilding a Business Legacy
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Itrsquos not uncommon for someone who has spent a number of years in corporate
America to shift gears into entrepreneur-ship Being your own boss certainly has its advantages But for Scott Beckler who recently purchased Lewis Installers in Gret-na his reason for taking on a new business venture had more to do with honoring not only his fatherrsquos legacy but building one of his own
Beckler started his career as a business education teacher then moved to a corpo-rate career in technology But for a number of years he kept an eye on businesses for sale hoping that just the right opportunity would come along
ldquoMy dad was an entrepreneur who owned his own real estate insurance companyrdquo
Beckler says ldquoDespite the fact he had on-going health issues he still got up every day put on a coat and tie and went out to make a sale He was a very successful busi-nessman and I wanted to honor his legacyrdquo
After contacting The Firm and discuss-ing what he was looking for in a business the team suggested Lewis Installers which specializes in industrial conveyor and rack systems At first it seemed like a big de-parture for him ldquoShelving and logistical systems isnrsquot something that jumps out at yourdquo Beckler says But the more he looked into it the more he realized it had many of the elements he wanted in a business The most obvious advantage was that the company was located in Gretna where he lives Add to that the fact that the seller lives just up the road from him
Scott Beckler
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
For purposes of this article this overview is based on the buying and selling entities being corporations or entities taxed as corporations
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
4420 Izard Street Omaha4022938707 bull 8887380296
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
HAVE YOUR MINOR ROOF LEAKS BECOME A MAJOR ANNOYANCEDonrsquot Wait Any Longer Call Us Now
ldquoAfter meeting him and hitting it offrdquo Beckler says ldquowe quickly realized it was a match on both sidesrdquo
Other signs also pointed in the right di-rection The financials were good The size of the business was ideal The competitive landscape was promising Beckler also real-ized that his corporate background fit well with this new business
ldquoAlthough itrsquos an entirely different indus-tryrdquo he says ldquomany of the business princi-ples are the samehellipproject management customer service delivery vendor man-agement and cost containment Irsquove been doing all of those for yearsrdquo
His background in technology will also be a valuable asset in his new business Not only has he established relationships with large vendors built over the years but his from-the-ground-up experience with data centers means that he is already eying in-novative automation and other technology differentiators At the same time hersquos look-ing forward to learning the daily operations of the company and having a hand in every part of the business from bidding to closing to payroll
ldquoIt will be challenging coming from a big business background where Irsquove only been involved in the peripheryrdquo Beckler says
ldquoNow Irsquoll be involved in all of itrdquo
Lewis Installers being a family-owned business is what hersquos most excited about He says itrsquos a company with a good repu-tation thatrsquos known for quality and meeting deadlinesmdashall driven by a strong Midwest-ern work ethic
Itrsquos the sort of company Beckler believes that would make his father proud
ldquoI want this business to be a legacy for my familyrdquo Beckler says ldquoMy hope is that it could stay in the family with my own kids and grandkidsrdquo The FIRM
13Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Om
aharsquo
s Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
14
When considering the purchase of an existing business very few realize
that lack of experience in an industry can actually lead to success One simply needs a sound financial plan and a good team to fill in the gaps Removing the added stress of fieldwork and focusing solely on the management of finances and operation allows for greater opportunities It makes for the dynamic advantage of some outside impartiality when seeking areas of improve-ment and growth
One man who has made this transition from having marginal knowledge in an in-dustry to leading a successful plumbing and HVAC operation is Mark Evans president of Burton Plumbing Before taking over Burton Evans had a successful plumbing distribu-torship serving four states but it was his desire to own and to travel less that put him into the hands of Burton Friesz The founder of Burton Plumbing Friesz had been a customer and friend of Evansrsquo when the two discussed a possible expansion into residential service Evans put his busi-ness experience to work for Burton in July 1995 and his education in the minutiae of plumbing and HVAC began
While he hasnrsquot worked in the field as a licensed plumbing contractor Evans has dipped his feet in several areas within the running of Burtonhellipand often at the same time Before hiring the essential personnel that have enabled him to narrow his role Ev-ans served as manager marketer customer service representative and dispatcher Such a list of duties for one man is a daunting task but ldquoI worked my way to being able to work on the business rather than in the business [a strategy] taught to me by my business coachrdquo says Evans
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
REMOVING THE ADDED STRESS OF FIELDWORK AND FOCUSING SOLELY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF FINANCES AND OPERATION ALLOWS FOR GREATER OPPORTUNITIES
Executive Impact Moving Into the Boardroom From Employee to President
written by Maureen Tierney | Co-written by Mark Evans and Julie OrsquoBrien
Eventually Evans was able to step back and bring on a general manager and a ware-house operator that has allowed him to
ldquofocus on growth opportunities marketing and cash flowrdquo
Evansrsquo experience is not unique It is com-mon for brokerages to deal with buyers seeking to own companies within a cer-tain field but ldquoonly two people out of the nearly 100 closings [wersquove had] have come in for the same business that they ended up purchasingrdquo says Julie OrsquoBrien client services and paralegal with The Firm What it comes down to is as simple as the bot-tom line Buyers are looking to leverage their talents and experience in a marriage between a management philosophy and business model Those in the market for an acquisition are ldquobuying based on profit number of staff ability to get financing and mostly their strengths and passionsrdquo says OrsquoBrien Experience in a particular industry is certainly valuable but is no predictor of success when the right financial mind comes along
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Even so making up for a lack of practical knowledge requires the proper equipment most notably in the form of managers and employees The right talent in the field can be a growth experience and provide an opportunity to learn the ropes before taking a full swing at things A total deficit in knowl-edge hardly makes for good leadership and for this reason many ldquonew business owners like to take a birdrsquos eye view of the operation rather than diving in and getting their hands dirty right awayhellipgiving them the opportunity to watch [how] things have been done before implementing changesrdquo says OrsquoBrien
Approaching ownership in this way also allows for further financial acquisitions an avenue which Evans has taken In addition to owning Burton Plumbing Evans operates four other companies One might assume this much responsibility to be a stretch but Evans sees his role as ldquokeeping a pulse on things I like to lead people in growth per-sonally and on the business siderdquo
Getting started can be a challenge which is why OrsquoBrien works closely with potential buyers to find the right fit ldquoWe assist all the wayrdquo she says ldquoWe work with the buyer on projections business plans [and] we introduce them to trusted advisorsrdquo from attorneys and CPAs to financial advisors and insurance agents
Itrsquos this helpful backing of experts that eases the difficult task of ownership and only proves that one can certainly switch from a blue collar to a white one The FIRM
CONTRACTING BUSINESSES LISTED BY THE FIRM
201
5 P
roje
cted
201
5 Y
TD
201
4
201
3
201
2
30
0
15
28
14
12
11
16
15Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Omaharsquos Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
It may seem like I pulled a muscle making this stretch but Keith Backsen the new boss at the Omaha Convention amp Visitors Bureau seems to have an awful lot in common with new Husker Coach Mike Riley
Coach Riley spent a total of 14 seasons at Oregon State before heading to Huskerland Backsen also comes from that neck of the woods having spent 11 years of his career in Portland Oregon and another 11 years in Spokane Washington selling both cities as prime places for convention and leisure travelers
At Oregon State Coach Riley built the football program into a consistent winner and regular conference contender At Visit Spokane Backsen opened sales offices in Washington DC and Chicago that led to increased convention bookings Backsen also worked on the public campaign to expand the Spokane Convention Center with a $65 million bond issue The expansion coupled with increased hotel inventory allowed Spokane to pursue large conventions and more than doubled convention bookings in Spokane
Riley has experience at the highest level of football serving as the head coach of the San Diego Chargers and as a head coach in both the Canadian and World Football Leagues Same for Backsen he worked in Dallas and Chicago as the director of sales for Global Experience Specialists a global leader in the world of event planning Backsen supervised five sales offices in a nine-state region generating annual sales in excess of $70 million
Riley is known as one of the most professional and nicest men in the profession a coach who is greatly admired by his peers I kid you not Backsen is described the same way by colleaguesmdashone of the most genuine and skilled men in the business a well respected professional who has the insight and experience to get the job done (Note the $70M stat above)
Come the first game both men will have a stadium filled with fans cheering them on In Backsenrsquos case his stadium is the entire city of Omaha where the fans are the 434353 residents who will reap the rewards of Omaharsquos growing tourism economy
B2B
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 51
51HUSKER
COACH HAS TOURISM
TWIN
OMAHA CVB BY DEB WARD
Deb Ward is the director of marketingcommunications Omaha Convention and Visitorrsquos Bureau
Keith Backsen
52 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Jason Feldman and Sebastian Hunt
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 53
The emerging startup accelerator scene supports creative-minded risk-takers looking for an edge to follow their passion and bring their ideas to fruition
Sebastian Hunt 25 is passionate about giving entrepreneurs like himself a nurturing space to test out their concepts The University of Nebraska at Omaha economics graduate interned with various local employers and surveyed the area startup community when an idea struck him for a by-application curriculum-based residency program serving new entrepreneurs That inspiration turned into Year of the Startup
Launched in 2014 the program operates out of a humble house at 4036 Burt Street in the St Cecilia Cathedral neighborhood Hunt and co-founder Jason Feldman 28 room there with young residency fellows whose startup ventures range from making bio-fuels to providing night owl shuttle services They are a millennial bunch who favor sneakers and sandals They take informal meetings to nearby CaliCommons and Lisarsquos Radial Cafe They variously hunch over laptops or tablets and carry smartphones as appendages
YEAR OF THE STARTUP
ENTREPRENEURAL IMMERSION
This communal work-live space model for business mavericks is new to Omaha The usual startup accelerator is a concentrated 90-day off-site program Omaha has a few of these notably Straight Shot Hunt saw a need for a program that invites a broader range of people into the accelerator fold and supports them much nearer to the start of their dream than other programs
ldquoWe feel like we can take people at very early stages because we are four times as long as the average programrdquo says Hunt who adds that Year of the Startup is also not tech-centric like many programs tend to be ldquoIn our model we substitute intensity for duration I think a lot of the learning here comes through unstructured serendipitous interactions we have that is not curriculum-based itrsquos just happenstance
ldquoWith a house there are so many different ways you can bring ideas and people together I think thatrsquos maybe that critical binding agent and sense of place that helps accomplish thingsrdquo
He says in this intimate environment ldquotherersquos no other choice but to immerse yourself in the settingrdquo adding ldquoWersquore always hanging out in the living room or out back talking about startup stuffmdashmonetization strategies capitalization tables vested equity entity structuresrdquo
ldquoItrsquos this immersive experience of camaraderie of these natural flows and idea generationrdquo Feldman says
Hunt says ldquoThis is very difficult to get bored with because therersquos always somebody whose business is either in crisis or growth stage or some interesting part of the curverdquo
ldquoHow could we get bored when wersquore creating a platform with four startups and all we get to do is ideationrdquo Feldman says ldquoItrsquos a constant buzz we get from interacting with these startup founders and helping them build their ideasrdquo
Built into the program are activities that encourage fellows to break out of their comfort zone and to offer honest criticism of each otherrsquos ideas
Hunt compiles multiple data points on the startups
ldquoWersquore developing really deep insight about how do people start successful businessesrdquo
The program utilizes mentors from the entrepreneurial community
ldquoWe bring in people who are experts in specific areas to talk on those topicsrdquo Feldman says
ldquoThey get ideas flowingrdquo Hunt says of the mentors
Feldman says he regularly covers with fellows ldquothe major components of what you need to look at to start your businessrdquo and then mentors like Mike Kolker owner of graphic design firm Simplify teach lessons about operational efficiency and ldquohow to simplify running a businessrdquo
Hunt is a newcomer to all this and goes by instinct as much as research to support his vision
CONTINUED ON 54
FEATURE | BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
53
54 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
70 Years of Business in Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
4027335500 | 4315 South 50th Street
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Thanks for Voting SampW Fence the Best Again in 2015
Wersquore Not Just About Fences
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
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aharsquos Business to Business M
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CONTINUED FROM 53
ldquoI just had an irrational confidence market insights and a great theoretical background thanks to primary research I completed and to lessons I learned from Phillip Phillips Michael OrsquoHara and Art Diamond in UNOrsquos economics department I read constantly about who the players were in the startup world so I was fairly preparedrdquo
Even though he directs a startup program he only started participating in one himself (Venture School) He acknowledges Year of the Startup is a by-the-seat-of-your-pants experiment
ldquoComing out of college I had student loans and not a ton of money Irsquove held two jobs to finance the project Now the project is financed by a combination of me working and renting out one room One-hundred percent of the money our entrepreneurs pay in rent will be returned in full and so everybody has a strong incentive to follow through with the program That may be what makes us sustainablerdquo
Hersquos working on securing corporate sponsorship for the program Meanwhile he wants to help get participating startups to the next level
ldquoWersquore functioning like a pre-accelerator at this point We want to get our startups profitable and then refer them to the Straight Shots so they can focus on growth in a pure accelerator programrdquo
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 55
Mercedes-Benz of Omaha14335 Hillsdale Ave Omaha NE 68137wwwOmahaMercedescomContact John Williams anytime at 4029819262
of Omaha of Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
As Year of the Startup moved into a larger house in Omaharsquos Little Italy district on July 1 and a new class of fellows arrives Hunt says there are ldquointeresting talks happening right now to bring this to other citiesrdquo He and Feldman say economic development agencies are willing to pay a license fee for them to do startup houses in other cities The partners are having proprietary software developed that will enable new startup houses to replicate their branded Omaha model
They look forward to engaging with the emerging 10th Street cultural district but may keep the midtown house to accommodate growth
Hunt and Feldman believe theyrsquore catching the wave or tipping point of a big new startup rush and theyrsquore betting their model is poised to be a niche player in this wild frontier of entrepreneurial prospecting
B2B
56 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
It is an unassuming space but if you have made your way to TD Ameritrade Park Filmstreams or Hot Shops chances are yoursquove passed one of the most vibrant offices in Omaha
The fact that Co-Lab (short for Creative Collaborators) is not a traditional work space is certainly one of its best features Located inside the Tip Top building at 15th and Cumming streets is a project dreamed up by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture who happens to share the main floor of the building Based in the heart of a once-isolated section of the city Co-Labrsquos funky creative vibe is making waves In fact that vibe seeps into Omaharsquos everyday bringing about small changes pushing our city toward a more innovative future
CO-LABGIVING OMAHA WORKERS A MORE
COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE
IN THE OFFICE | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
56
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 57
Home to 18 businesses plus Alley Poyner Macchietto Co-Lab is free of walls and signage It is also free from traditional office norms For instance you donrsquot just walk over to your neighborrsquos space for a brainstorming sessionmdashyou skateboard At least you do if yoursquore Dave Nelson of SecretPenguin a leading experimental branding agency The best part is that the businesses surrounding SecretPenguin appreciate the break from tradition ldquoThatrsquos the beautiful part about being around like-minded good people and businessesrdquo Nelson says
CONTINUED ON 58
58 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 59
CONTINUED FROM 57
In addition to having pathways large enough to skateboard or bike through the space also provides Co-Labbers with a kitchen various conference rooms bike storage bathrooms and a battleground (otherwise known as the ping-pong table) Walking in the main doors clients and employees alike are greeted from the front desk while catching a view of the five-story open atrium basking in the glow of sunshine from the skylight Workers can also access the fitness room and rooftop deck sharing amenities with TipTop apartment residents who use a separate entrance
CONTINUED ON 60
The Harry A Koch CoInsurance amp Financial ConsultantsMember of First Insurance Group LLC
60 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
CONTINUED FROM 59
Businesses in Co-Lab all creativity-related range from entrepreneurs to start-ups to non-profits to small businesses The art varies in form but runs through the space like an electric current At Zicafoose Textiles Mary Zicafoose works steadily on her loom creating gorgeous tapestries 4Site Programming is where Joi Brown works as an independent consultant for performing arts centers across the nation Heartland B-Cycle a large-scale municipal bike sharing system brings art in the form of economical convenience Holly Boyer a founder of non-profit organization Mission Matters explains that one of the best things about having an office at Co-Lab is feeling the innovative positive energy from the moment you walk in the door So while individuals may join Co-Lab with a business-minded focus or a more creative vibe finding a yin to their yang is just a shout away
ldquoThere is certainly a wonderful built-in support network that comes along with working in a collaborative environmentrdquo quips Omaha Creative Institute Executive Director Emily Moody ldquoEverything from sharing ideas and finding ways to collaborate with an organization different than yours to sharing a staplerrdquo
At the heart of making it work says Laura Alley of Alley Poyner itrsquos simply playing well with others
The skateboarding ping-pong playing creatives do that well
B2B
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Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
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For more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
TD Ameritrade Park | First National Bank Tower | Midtown Crossing | Village Pointe | Childrenrsquos Hospital Aksarben Village | Joslyn Art Museum | Fred amp Pamela Buffett Cancer Center | UNO Community Arena
6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
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2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
- BB1015_fntCvr_125
- BB1015_fntEdit_125
- BB1015_bkEdit_125
- BB1015_bkCvr_125
-
18emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
ESPELITE SERVICE PROFESSIONALS
Superior quality exceptional service
If you are a CEO key executive or business owner call 4024017560
copy 2015 Vistage Worldwide Inc 14_261_3131 kkk
Discover what thousands of CEOs already know Vistage works
Get answers Take action Like you the members of a Vistage Advisory Board are proven business leaders and critical thinkers They have smart ideas and insightful opinions and this is the forum to express them At our monthly meetings yoursquoll encounter lively discussions where business leaders tell it like it is If you find that refreshing then be our guest at our next monthly group meeting
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 19
Leo Costanzo Anne Taylor and Alan Hove of Controlled Comfort
BRANDREBRAND | BY ELIZABETH MACK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Jingle writers have done their job if they create an earwormmdasha song so catchy it sticks in your head and wonrsquot leave ldquoWhen I tell people I work at Controlled Comfort they immediately start singing the jinglerdquo says Alan Hove who along with co-owners Leo Costanzo and Anne Taylor purchased Controlled Comfort in 2004 ldquoItrsquos the best form of advertising we could ever hope forrdquo
CONTINUEDemspONemsp20
SINGING A HAPPY TUNEJINGLING ALL THE WAY
19
20emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
John Sievers
Businesses Are Buying SmarterThe All Makesrsquo team is trained to help you make design decisions and furniture purchases that fi t your offi ce atmosphere your work style and your budget Visit All Makesrsquo redesigned showroom to see the latest in new offi ce furniture pre-owned offi ce furniture and business technology
wwwallmakescom Omaha 2558 Farnam St | 4023412413 Lincoln 3333 O St | 4024777131
Thank you for voting us 1 for 10 consecutive years
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp19
Most people in the Omaha metro area are familiar with that animated female voice belting out ldquoControlled ComfortndashKeep it Under Controoooooolrdquo Many locals probably would not guess the companyrsquos logo (an angel) but could at least hum a few bars of the jingle Whether a catchy tune is annoying or enjoyable is a matter of opinion but once that musical worm has worked its way into your psyche you are forced to remember the product which is exactly what advertisers hope for
When companies change ownership one major decision is whether or not to maintain the same brand image and the current owners of Controlled Comfort knew they wanted things to stay pretty much the same when they took ownership
ldquoWe love our jinglerdquo says Taylor ldquoWhen we purchased the company we knew we wanted to maintain the image and keep the logo and jingle We couldnrsquot ask for a better form of advertisingrdquo
Research shows that music increases recall and simple melodies with simple lyrics stick with a consumer not only for the short term but often the long-term Remember ldquoI Wish I Were an Oscar Meyer Weinerrdquo Even if it has been years since you have actually heard it chances are you can still sing the entire song Controlled Comfortrsquos brand may not be as huge as Oscar Meyerrsquos but their jingle has stood the test of time being sung on local radio and TV for nearly 20 years with no end in sight
Taylor recounts how in the mid-1990s local musician Johnny Ray Gomez produced the jingle for a radio spot
ldquoThe previous owners purchased a year of radio advertising and it came with a jinglerdquo Taylor says
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
THANKS OMAHA
Embroidery middot Screen Printing middot Promotional Digital Printing middot Mailing middot Company Stores
13747 F St 4025961002 ideal-imagescom
ldquoWhen we purchased the company we knew we wanted to maintain the image and keep the logo and jingle We couldnrsquot ask for a better form of advertisingrdquo-ANNE TAYLOR
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 21
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Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
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Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
At the time they had no idea they did not retain exclusive rights to the melody
ldquoI just recently heard the song while I was traveling in western Nebraska It was quite a shockrdquo she adds with a laugh
Branding is all about creating an image of a business that will stick in a customerrsquos mind Though most businesses rely on visual advertising to create their brand jingles can be an additional way to increase awareness and create staying power People often remember a catchy tune Throw the company name and their phone number in the jingle lyrics and customers may not even need to look up the contact information
ldquoIf I forget the phone number I just sing the jinglerdquo says one local customer
Though original jingles declined in recent years as more large companies turn to popular songs for their advertising a few local companies still spend at least some marketing dollars on jingles Whether you think it annoying or catchy a jingle may be your best advertising investment
B2B
4023333062 | planitomahacom | 10832 old mill road suite 5 | omaha ne 68154
planitomaha A national and
regional powerhouse in
meetings conferences amp
events
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
22emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 2
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 23
How is it that Midlands Choice has come to make an investment in of all things a ballerina
Sure the bottom line of any insurance entity is driven by risk managementmdashthe investing of premium revenues to hedge against claims
But taking stock in Claire Goodwillie a company dancer with Ballet Nebraska
The Midlands Choice example is repeated all across the metro as area businesses support a broad array of arts nonprofits ones that dwell in everything from tutus to tempura
And the table is set for a new era of collaboration between business and the arts because philanthropic giving in America has finally returned to pre-recession levels
Contributions which totaled $358 billion in 2014 surpassed 2007rsquos pre-recession level of $355 billion Additionally giving was up from all major sourcesmdashindividuals corporations foundations and bequestsmdashaccording to Giving USA an annual report compiled by the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and the Giving USA Foundation of Chicago
ldquoEight out of nine types of charitable organizations we measure saw increased contributions and thatrsquos good news for the
BALLET NEBRASKAA PAS DE DEUX BETWEEN BUSINESS AND THE ARTS
philanthropic sector as a wholerdquo W Keith Curtis told Omaha Magazine in an email Curtis is chair of Giving USA Foundation and president of the nonprofit consulting firm The Curtis Group ldquoThe 60-year high for charitable giving in 2014 is a great story about resilience and perseverancerdquo
Themes of resilience and perseverance define the Ballet Nebraska story
Erika Overturff was 27 years old when the ballet company of which she was a dancer and resident choreographer appeared doomed She had no money She had no business acumen
That was 2009 Flash forward to 2015 and Overturff now 33 founder and artistic director of Ballet Nebraska is leading the regionrsquos only professional dance company into its sixth season
In a city known for its ldquocan-dordquo spirit this story could be about almost any local arts nonprofit but the unlikely saga of Ballet Nebraska is told here because it is perhaps the most improbable of tales one that best reveals what a business community and the arts can do when they share a common vision
CONTINUEDemspONemsp24
BY DAVID WILLIAMS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
23COVERemspFEATURE
24emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp23
Like settling into your seat with a program before the lights dim at any performing arts venue itrsquos probably best to start by reviewing the cast of characters
THE CONNECTORHal Daub knows people Especially in a city of six degrees of separation that is in reality much more like two or three degrees the former Omaha mayor (1995-2001) and US Congressman (1981-1989) who has served on countless nonprofit boards and is now a partner at Husch Blackwellhellipknows people
ldquoWhen I was first introduced to Hal and he offered to helprdquo Overturff says ldquoI assumed that meant he was going to maybe make a few calls and do a little name-droppingrdquo Daub it turned out would become a key player in the often delicate pas de deux that is the coupling of business and the arts ldquoHe not only made those calls but he set up the appointmentshellipand then he came along to personally introduce me and stand by my side in front of those who would become some of the most generous funders of Ballet Nebraskardquo
ldquoThe reason I am so fascinated by what Erika has donerdquo says Daub ldquois that Omaha is a city that has clearly evolved to become a place that is not just metropolitan but truly cosmopolitanrdquo And investing in the arts Daub believes makes good business sense ldquoThe social environment of a citymdashits arts and entertainmentmdashis critical in attracting and retaining the best workforce Ballet Nebraska Opera Omaha the Omaha Symphony Omaha Performing Artshellipthose and so many others are the organizations that help keep the best talent in Omahardquo
THE ADVOCATEMichelle Clark is Union Pacificrsquos general director of information technologies which means she probably knows more than a little about computer viruses As a three-year board member of Ballet Nebraska shersquos also seen how supporting the arts can go viral
ldquoEmployee generosity is furthered by the use of the companyrsquos matching gifts programrdquo Clark explains ldquoThis creates a sense of pride for employees and Union Pacific is supportive of the communities in which we live and work The employees of Union Pacific are very generous and have supported fundraising drives not only for Ballet Nebraska but a number of organizations such as the Womenrsquos Center for Advancement and JDRFrdquo
Employees should never underestimate their power to play a key role in advocating for nonprofits within their organizations
ldquoI am passionate about the art of dance especially ballet and Ballet Nebraskardquo Clark says ldquoDance inspires my creativity and provides insights to see beyond the obvious My hope is that by providing individuals with the awareness of opportunities to experience and support the art of dance they will find their own inspiration to apply to their own liferdquo
And just as stubborn computer viruses are often cloyingly messy to eradicate once discovered Union Pacificrsquos relationship with Ballet Nebraska has a ldquostickinessrdquo of its own Clark was preceded on the Ballet Nebraska board by Gayla Thal the companyrsquos senior vice president and general counsel
THE BULLDOGDonrsquot let the gentle demeanor of Midlands Choice vice president Greta Vaught fool you Supporting the arts is often a visceral experience and Vaughtrsquos passion for dance exerted itself on multiple levels in the early stages of growth at Ballet Nebraska
ldquoMidlands Choice has always been supportive of my work in the communityrdquo says the board chair of Ballet Nebraska
ldquoWe like to listen to our people when making such decisionsrdquo says Midlands Choice President and CEO Thomas E Press rdquoIt is important for us to know that our giving has real meaning for them their families and their communitiesrdquo
ldquoI looked at what Erika was trying to dordquo Vaught continues ldquoand I thought it was brave but impossible But all along the way I just kept going back to the thought that if one of my daughters [Mia now 15 and Hannah now 19] wanted to try something so bold one day thatrdquohellipinsert long pausehellipldquoIrsquom sorry this is making me cry I would just hope that people with experience and connections and dollars would shepherd my daughters along like so many people have done with Erika and Ballet Nebraskardquo
Okay so maybe ldquoThe Bulldogrdquo wasnrsquot such a great character name for this role after all
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 25
Fast-Paced Public Relations
Customer-Based Planning and Communications
402-964-9293 11626 Nicholas Street
zaisscocom
For the Connected World
Every story Every tweet Every interaction
PR is vital to your bottom line now more than ever
Join the world of innovative PR ndash partner with experts
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Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Best PR Agency 7 Years Running
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
THE ARTISTldquoI had to do a lot of on-the-job learning when I decided to try to launch a dance companyrdquo Overturff says ldquoWe were lucky in that we got our nonprofit status right away but I didnrsquot know anything about the business side of things and really nothing about raising funds I was moved by every $5 check that came in but it took a lot of mentoring advice and counsel to get us to where we are today as a fully funded professional performance companyrdquo
Ballet Nebraska now has a paid staff of 22 including nine salaries paid to company dancers Today Overturffrsquos once-nonexistent business connections run deep Personal contributions from the likes of philanthropists Richard Holland and Fred and Eve Simon further fuel the growth of ballet in Omaha Foundations also play a major role in funding A recent gift of $124000 from the Iowa West Foundation is the largest in Ballet Nebraska history
ldquoTalented professionals from all over the world that have trained their whole lives to pursue a career in dance now come to Omaha in the hopes of performing with Ballet Nebraska as we serve the state and western Iowa in performances education outreach and morerdquo she says ldquoA ballet companymdashany performing arts company any arts organizationmdashis about its peoplehellipthe artists the staff and hardworking selfless volunteers But it is the people of Omaha from the smallest donations to the relationships we have with such great businesses that makes it all happenrdquo
B2B
26emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
26OFFICE FURNITURE BY DOUG SCHURING
OFFICE ORIGINS
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE MODERN WORKPLACE
For all the time we spend in our office very few of us are familiar with how that space came to be You may actually be surprised by the events and inventions that helped form the work environment we know today From the development of the railroad to innovations in communication our current corporate habits structures and tools have all played a role In his book CubedmdashA Secret History of the Workplace Nikil Saval shapes the advances that created the conventional office we are familiar with today
The advent of the Morse telegraph spawned long-distance communication Then starting in 1860 a series of technological innovations changed the possibilities of the workplace the use of iron framework permitted the construction of taller buildings and elevators assisted the climb The Remington typewriter entered the office in 1874 Bellrsquos telephone was patented two years later
At the same time railroads expanded across the country reducing transportation costs and extending markets for goods and services Additionally railroads produced an organizational transformation still in use today The coordination of trains required employees housed in structures all across the country bringing a variety of offices to the American landscape Between the executive the manager and the workerhellipthe organizational chart was born
The invention of telecommunications fostered the speed of information to surge creating more
Doug Schuring is the director of sales administration at All Makes Office Equipment Co
work and subsequently more workers As these workers moved into new structures the spaces reflected their various levels of management In 1915 the Metal Office Furniture Company (now Steelcase) invented the modern deskmdasha flat metal table outfitted with file drawers The new desks massed together in defined rows offered managers full visual access to the goings-on of the workplace and this ldquosea of desksrdquo became the norm for decades Lockers and various cabinets popular in the Great Depression era became vertical files once steel became readily available after World War II
In 1968 Herman Miller introduced the first panel system with attached components Designed by Robert Propst the Action Office system revolutionized the ldquoofficerdquo in form flexibility and cost Other furniture manufacturers mimicked the modular system which became the norm for many businesses
Up to the rsquo90s the personal computerrsquos popularity grew and the relative size of work stations decreased between 25-50 percent By the middle of that decade the dot-com revolution on the West Coast created an unprecedented workplace culture The formal atmosphere of the office became much more casual and discontent for the Dilbert-esque cubicle grew Subsequently creative furniture solutions evolved with the desire to be more mobile leading the way
In the early 2000rsquos collaborative open offices grew in popularity New and improving
technologies now offer connectivity in the office home or public spaces As a result nearly every company today is adapting and using new furnishings as a tool to attract new workers At the same time retaining existing employees is equally important The goal is to make everyone more effective and efficient in their work
Whether you work in an office from home in the local coffee shop or out of an airline terminal you may start to notice that much of the furniture is beginning to look very similar As long as you are able to connect to technology you can work from virtually anywhere
B2B
SEPTEMBER 24 2015 Ralston Arena7300 Q Street
Ralston NE 68127
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Looking for INNOVATIVE MARKETING IDEAS Want to BOOST SALES AND ADD ROI Need to ANALYZE DATA TO GROW MARKET SHARE
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omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 27
28emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Outlook Nebraska CEO Eric Stueckrath
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 29
On the surface it looks just like any other office or factory As you enter Outlook Nebraska Inc (ONI) yoursquore greeted by a friendly front desk attendant and led past a perfectly ordinary-looking workspace Entering their factory where they manufacture such paper products as rolls of hand towels you wouldnrsquot suspect that it is different from any other assembly line
But explore a little deeper
Walking past one office you might see a man typing away on a keyboard his laptop closed in front of him He doesnrsquot need it open to know what hersquos typing Hersquos visually impaired and utilizing computer software that reads the words aloud as he types
On the factory floor raised edges guard the walkway so sightless employees can feel their way around Over on the assembly line visually impaired workers can use a computer screen to zoom in on the product at various stages of production to assess the process
ONI is a non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance the life of the blind and visually impaired through employment opportunities and training Almost all the employees at ONI are blind or visually impaired from factory workers to IT professionals Some were born blind others lost their sight later in life ONI aims to help them all re-enter the workforce in a meaningful way
A SIGHT FOR NON-SEEING EYES
OUTLOOK NEBRASKA
ldquoThey get used to being on their feetrdquo says ONI CEO Eric Stueckrath ldquoWe offer jobs for [people with] entry-level skill sets and all of the positions are at or above minimum wage We give them the tools to help build those skill setsrdquo
ONI also offers personalized life-skills training geared to whatrsquos important to the individual from personal banking to cooking to operating a computer
The American Foundation for the Blind estimates that as many as 70 percent of blind adults in the US are unemployed As the largest employer of the blind in the Omaha metro area ONI is working to make an impact
ldquoWe work with organizations that are committed to hiring the visually impairedrdquo Stuekrath says ldquoAdvocacy is definitely part of what we dordquo
ONI is currently in the midst of a $2 million capital campaign that will allow them to complete a large-scale renovation project at their facility The renovation will create more space for the general public and give them the ability to offer additional training programs
In addition to working with adults blind and visually-impaired youth are a primary focus for Stuekrath and ONI
ldquoMy heart really gravitates toward themrdquo Stuekrath says
ONI partners with youth organizations on a number of initiatives including a sports camp for visually-impaired youth called Camp Abilities Nebraska Attendees can try archery swimming bowling track and field and more as a means to build confidence
ldquoThey donrsquot need to be coddledrdquo Stuekrath says adding that he often tells parents of blind children ldquoYour kid needs to get out there and bump his head and experience liferdquo
At ONI everything comes back to the organizationrsquos mission Stuekrath says
ldquoWe give them the tools they need to gain greater independencerdquo
B2B
FEATURE | BY APRIL CHRISTENSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY COLIN CONCES
29
30emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Layne and Pam Yahnke and Their VW Thing
Shakespeare wrote of love and betrayal Tolkien of hobbits and wizards Steinbeck and Faulkner of the indomitable American spirit
Layne Yahnke writes about his VW Thing
Yes the two-wheel-drive off-road convertible military vehicle first manufactured for the West German Army as ldquoType 181rdquo in 1968 VW churned them out until 1983 including two years in the United States when marketed as ldquoThe Thingrdquo
Yahnke got his Thing in 2000 for $5500 Hersquos lovingly restored it most importantly giving it a peppy new motor that makes it Autobahn-worthy
WHATrsquoS THAT THING
LANE YAHNKErsquoS UNUSUAL VOLKSWAGEN
HOW I ROLL | BY ANTHONY FLOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Therersquos only one other Thing in Omaha and Yahnkersquos gets lots of second and third looks when hersquos whipping down the Dodge Street Expressway from his Elkhorn home Especially when the doors are off and windshield is down
Everyone wants to know abouthellipthe Thing
Thus Yahnke penned ldquoIt Takes a Village to Build a VW Thingrdquo an ode to those who helped him with his beloved ridemdashhis sons Omaha VW Club members engine and body shops and parts stores
CONTINUEDemspONemsp32
30
SIGN UP TODAYdolnebraskagovsides
Questions phone - 402-471-9910 email - ndoluisidesnebraskagov
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Free - No postage costsno sign-up fee
Respond quickly toseparation requests
E-Response saves treesNo more paper 350rsquos
Keep your taxes lowAvoid unnecessary charges
Avoid Late responses ampLoss of appeal rights
32emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Locally Owned in Papillion Ne402-740-0800 bull apconstructomahacom
Insurance claims
welcomeIf your roof sustained fire snow or hail
damage the repairs can be costly We are your wind and hail damage experts and accept insurance claims so you wonrsquot
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arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
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Passion Creativity Experience
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp31
ldquoI wrote that right after the engine transplantrdquo says Yahnke an Omaha native and vice president at Essex Corp provider of senior living communities ldquoI guess I was moved I get so many inquiries about it and I really feel so fondly about itrdquo
Itrsquos not his first Thing Yahnke and his wife of 38 years Pam owned one before their four children came along As the kids have come and gone so have the cars
Lots of them
Yahnke figures he has owned 60 automobiles in his life His car fancy began as a kid growing up in Dundee where a friendrsquos dad spent his spare time restoring English cars Yahnke spent hours in his garage and developed a love for Triumphs and MGs His first car purchase was a 1962 Triumph for $425 in 1972 It wasnrsquot long though until he sold it at a profit
ldquoThatrsquos what kicked off the buying and selling of English carsrdquo he says ldquoI discovered I could enjoy my transportation but then as soon as someone wanted to buy it for more than I paid for it out it wentrdquo
ldquoWhere Accounting Meets ResultsrdquoProviding Accounting and Quickbooks Services
For Metro Businesses
Denise Martin I 9252077634Deniseheartlandaccountabilitycom
wwwHeartlandAccountAbilitycom
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 33
These days you never know what will be parked in the Yahnke driveway Currently therersquos a Honda pickup a VW Jetta VW Multivan and a 2001 Audi TT Quatro Convertiblemdashpurchased in apropos silver for his 25th wedding anniversary
Itrsquos the Thing he most enjoys driving He logs about 1000 miles on it each year Most of those have come toplessmdashYahnke long ago gave it away to another Thing enthusiast and now only drives it sans roof
ldquoAnyone who sees this car has only seen it top-downrdquo he says ldquoI just got caught once in the rain and that was probably a month ago The cool thing about the Thing is you leave it out in the sun and it dries out and is ready to gordquo
It says ldquoSummer is hererdquo Yahnke says
ldquoPeople speed up all the time to try to figure out what it is Itrsquos just a happy car and itrsquos so darn versatile It puts smiles on peoplesrsquo facesrdquo
B2B
Quality Carpet Cleaning Since 2004
4026806523
Cleaning ServicesCarpet CleaningUpholstery CleaningMattress CleaningTile amp Grout CleaningPet TreatmentsConcrete CleaningConcrete CleaningAuto Interior Cleaning24 Hour Water Damage
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omahamagazinecom SPECIALemspADVERTISINGemspSECTIONemspemsp |emsp SUMMERemsp2015emsp |emsp 34
ABOUT OUR BUSINESS
Cox Business started in 2000 as the commercial services division of Cox Communications Over the past 15 years we have experienced strong growth and are on our target to achieve $2 billion in revenue in the near future
Cox Business owns operates and maintains its own network providing leading-edge technology solutions for voice internet networking and digital TV We also offer robust business continuity and disaster recovery solutions which is of increasing importance to businesses in the greater Omaha area Our customers include such key verticals as education hospitality government and healthcare We maintain a significant focus on Omaha small business mid-markets and large local companies as well
We consider our employees to be our most precious asset as they have the responsibility of taking care of our customers At Cox Business we are fortunate to have an extremely tenured and engaged team of employees What sets us apart from our competition is the fact that while we are a large robust and progressive company we still possess
the nimbleness of a smaller company in our ability to deliver creative solutions under tight timelines We pride ourselves on having very little bureaucracy and that translates to happy customers The fact that Cox Business has won 15 JD Power Awards for customer satisfaction over the past 11 years is a notable accomplishment for us and we work hard to deliver on that promise of excellence every day
ABOUT LYNNE
I have led sales and operations teams in the communications industry for 20 years 10 of those years with Cox Communications My husband Pat and I just celebrated our first full year in Omaha and wonder why it took us so long to find this jewel of a community Our daughter Kaylin starts law school next month at the University of San Diego
I have two passions in my professional life mentoring employees who are working on leadership development (which includes working with two to three emerging leaders at any given time) and continuing to drive efforts in hiring fostering a diverse workforce There
is a challenge in STEM fields of under-represented groups My company Cox Communications is also very passionate about this and holds the distinction of inclusion in Diversity Incrsquos top 50 companies
My personal passions include travel social media and Italian cooking
B2B
COX BUSINESSLYNNE SANGIMINO
Cox Business 401 N 117th St Omaha NE 68154 coxbusinesscom 4029340830
Cradickrsquos Husker PowerTEXAN RETURNS HOME FOR BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY PG 8
Marlon Lofgren Koley Jessen PC LLOKEEPING THE FOCUS WHERE IT BELONGS PG 4
Seasoned Advice for Buyers(THE BOUNCY KIND) PG 5
PLAYING BIG EDITION
Fall
2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
2
Volume 1 Issue 5
Published by The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
PresidentEditor bull Cortney Sells
DirectorAssistant Editor bull Cassandra Powers
In-House Legal Counsel bull Susanne Miller
Outreach Coordinator bull Rene Rademacher
Marketing Development bull Rachael Rand
Business Broker bull Breann Becerra
Referring Broker bull Elizabeth Jones
Marketing Division bull Adam Jaime
Development Liaison bull Holley Garcia
Client Services bull Nycole Wandvik-Tolle
Client Services bull Julie OrsquoBrien
Community Relations bull Mike Sells
Contributing Writers
Marlon Lofgren bull Kathy Rygg bull Maureen Tierney
Design bull OBI Creative
Photography bull Bill Sitzmann
To Subscribe
The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
210 N 78 St
Omaha NE 68114
4029985288
infothefirmb2bcom
Advertising Inquiries
4028842000
toddomahamagazinecom
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Columns
4 Seller Financing
Koley Jessen PC LLO Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
14 Executive Impact Getting Into the Big Office
Departments
5 Seasoned Advice for
Business Buyers (The Bouncy Kind)
12 Building a Legacy while
Building Racks New Chapter to Becklerrsquos Career
The Bottom Line
Sells Insights
Playing Big
Husker PowerTexan returns home to
Nebraska for business opportunity
pg8
Many business owners have marginal experience in the trades in which their
organizations specialize While it may seem counterintuitive to buy or start a company situated around an industry in which one has little experience there is a certain com-petitive edge to the equation A buyer or president need only know enough to begin before surrounding him or herself with the right personnel to tackle the minute details What is paramount is the grander scheme of
management and operations which allows one to flex refined business acumen Not only does distance from fieldwork free up time to put in place a robust and refined plan but it leaves open other avenues for portfolio expansion Grow your business expand operations or begin other busi-ness ventures The possibilities are only as small as the mindset held by your team The FIRM
Special Section
7 Fresh Off The Firm The Firm Business Brokerage has
over $80 million dollars in assets under
management of current cash flowing
businesses for sale ndash from medical
practices to commercial services to large
manufacturing companies
by Cortney Sells presidenteditor
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
3Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
4
IF PROPERLY STRUCTURED AND DOCUMENTED SELLER FINANCING IS REALLY NO DIFFERENT FROM FINANCING THAT WOULD OTHERWISE BE PROVIDED BY A BANKTYING IT ALL TOGETHEREven the most savvy of ldquonumbers peoplerdquo need a leg up in negotiating a purchase As with so many aspects of doing business retaining experienced legal counsel enables you to keep the focus where it belongsmdashemploying your entrepreneurial skills in the identification and acquisition of profitable business ventures The FIRM
Seller Financing Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
written by Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
Seller financing can often be a criti-cal factor in getting a business sold
If properly structured and documented seller financing is really no different from financing that would otherwise be provided by a bank Below is a brief guide to navi-gating the issues normally encountered in seller financing
FIRST THINGS FIRSTThe first question is usually that of how to structure and document the financing The buyer should be expected to sign a prom-issory note evidencing the loan from the seller with interest and repayment terms mutually agreeable to both parties The seller might also require that the buyer grant the seller a security interestlien in the pur-chased assets to secure the loan Itrsquos also not unusual for a seller to require that the individual owners of the buyer (assuming the buyer is an entity) personally guarantee the loan In most cases the documents are usually pretty straightforward and do not need to be overly complicated
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
ADDITIONAL LAYERSIf a bank is also financing the sale the seller will most likely be required by the bank to sign a subordination agreement This is an agreement between the bank usually referred to as the ldquosenior lenderrdquo and the seller referred to as the ldquojunior lenderrdquo A subordination agreement sets forth the terms between the lenders as to each entityrsquos right to receive loan pay-ments from the buyer and the priority of their respective security interestsliens in the purchased assets The document will usually state that the senior lenderrsquos loan and security interestliens shall at all times be superior to those of the junior lender until the senior loan is paid in full Most lenders are willing to discuss and negoti-ate the junior lenderrsquos right to receive loan payments from the borrower Lien priority status however is rarely compromised by senior lenders in subordination agreements The senior lender will insist on having a first priority security interestlien in the pur-chased assets
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Whether yoursquore a first-time entre-preneur or an experienced business
owner purchasing a company is a critical investment financially and emotionally To help increase the likelihood of it being a success in both areas there are a number of aspects to keep in mind when evaluating if a business is the right fit gt
Seasoned Advice for Business Buyers(The Bouncy Kind)
written by Kathy Rygg
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Jerry Rachwalik
5Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
6
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
lt Jerry Rachwalik has been researching companies for the past three years waiting for the right opportunity to arise His search was the result of spending his career work-ing for larger organizations in a number of areas including delivery installation cus-tomer service inventory accounts receiv-ables and scheduling where he managed up to 35 people at a time
Policies and philosophies can change when working for a corporation Sometimes they become less family friendly ldquoWith the previous companies I worked forrdquo Rachwalik says ldquothey switched from caring about em-ployees to making money and the bottom line I stuck it out for several years and then decided I needed something differentrdquo
An entrepreneur by nature Rachwalik has over the last seven years built up a rental business buying foreclosed homes and duplex properties completely reno-vating them and then renting them back out He now has 15 properties and enjoys helping families by providing nice homes that are affordable ldquoI want people to feel good when they come home at night after a long day at workrdquo he says Rachwalik want-ed to find a business that allowed him the flexibility to respond to his tenants when needed from simple plumbing issues to furnaces going kaput
When he first started looking for a new business Rachwalik was drawn to home health care because of his experience help-ing to take care of relatives And it was a growing field Nothing was available at the time so he expanded his options and be-gan researching businesses in a variety of industries Those included a flooring com-pany sandwich shop and even a hair salon
ldquoI was open to anything and if I could make the numbers work then I would consider itrdquo he explains
Then The Firm Business Brokerage pre-sented him with an opportunity that was the right match Bounce U in Omaha There were a number of factors that appealed to Rachwalik First and foremost were the financials but it would also offer him the flexibility he needed for his rental business A big advantage was that an entire team was already in place one seasoned in man-aging staff and scheduling parties ldquoThey do a great jobrdquo he says ldquoI donrsquot plan on making any personnel changesrdquo
But what hersquos most looking forward to with this new venture is the fun positive environment Bounce Ursquos primary business is its birthday party packages featuring the companyrsquos oversized inflatibles and Rachwalik said he canrsquot wait to watch the excitement on the kids faces when they walk through the door ldquoEveryone there is happyrdquo he says ldquoThe kids are happy the parents are happy and the employees running the parties are happy Itrsquoll be a big change from the environments I used to work inrdquo Hersquos already planning to have his twin grand-daughtersrsquo birthday party there too
His transition included a week of training with the companyrsquos corporate facility in Ari-zona as well as on-site training Even though the Omaha location is an existing store all of Rachwalikrsquos training was structured as though itrsquos a brand new site
Bounce U has traditionally partnered with local restaurants to provide food for birth-day parties but Rachwalik wants to explore the option to build a kitchen of his own
He also hopes to continue to grow the business by at least 5 annually ldquoAnything I do I will communicate with my employees and get their input and suggestions firstrdquo he adds
For anyone who is considering buying a business or is going through the process Rachwalik stresses to be open minded and not rule anything out ldquoIf an opportunity is presented to you run the numbers and see if you can make it workrdquo he says ldquoI did a complete flip-flop on the type of business I thought I wanted versus what I ended up purchasing But if you keep looking yoursquoll eventually find a matchrdquo The FIRM
ldquoTHE KIDS ARE HAPPY THE PARENTS ARE HAPPY AND THE EMPLOYEES RUNNING THE PARTIES ARE HAPPY ITrsquoLL BE A BIG CHANGE FROM THE ENVIRONMENTS I USED TO WORK INrdquo
-Jerry Rachwalik
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Fresh Off The Firm Featured Listings for Sale
Suburban Bar amp Grill with VolleyballOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $26413 PRICE $115000
Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity in an area with only two other bars nearby Serving up a gorgeous and well-maintained volleyball court along with pool tables and a jukebox this bar and grill is a favorite with the locals Business is fully staffedmdashowner works very part time hours
Rain Gutter Sales amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $145200 PRICE $415000
This business is a dealer for high-end rain gutter covers These products are con-structed of high-quality aluminum and sur-gical-grade stainless steel and are strong enough to hold up to four feet of snow or 20 pounds of debris Profit margin is 48
Large-Scale Assembly amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $743732 PRICE $2200000
This well-established installation and assembly business in central Nebraska prides itself on providing many numerous building solutions for businesses and building owners in their area They install and assemble metal frames including grain silos pole barns and buildings
Photo Booth Business Running on Autopilot OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $36419 PRICE $88900
Photo booths are the ldquoin thingrdquo at weddings and parties In business for seven years this business is one of the largest in town Wedding couples hoping to capture the fun memories of the day make up 67 of the clients Includes four booths and one trailer
Southwest Omaha Dental PracticeOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $129745 PRICE $380000
Professional staff and excellent customer service are the hallmarks of this practice Using the latest technology the business offers an array of dental services including teeth cleaning veneers crowns bleaching and trauma services The owner is currently working only 20 hours a week
Small Animal Vet Clinic in Omaha OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $158287 PRICE $440000
For over 30 years this animal care clinic has prioritized customer care They are currently offering services to over 2000 families and are the second largest veterinary clinic in the area The business is split 7030 between dogs and cats
Buildersrsquo Material amp Supply CompanyOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $364880 PRICE $933000
This highly reputable company established in 1976 and located just north of Omaha provides quality and reliable services and supplies Building supply inventory includes garage door lumber windows trims siding roofing materials and more Approximately 90 of customers are repeat clientele
High-Growth Plumbing Company OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $157774 PRICE $445000
This non-union plumbing company has consistent growth of over $130000 a year in sales The full service plumbing contractor has business that is currently 50 commercial and 50 residential
90+ available business opportunities for sale Please visit TheFirmBusinessBrokeragecom for details
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
7Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
Matt Cradick
The Deal ReviewReason For Sale Fresh start after 25+ years in the industrySeller Transition Period Over eight monthsType of Sale Asset Purchase AgreementLender Access Bank Mack LaRock
ldquoYOU SHOULD INTERVIEW FOR A BUSINESS JUST LIKE YOU
WOULD FOR A JOBrdquo CRADICK EXPLAINS ldquoIT HAS TO BE THE
RIGHT FIT YOU DONrsquoT WANT TO BE ONE OF THE MANY FA-
TALITIES THAT HAPPEN SO OFTEN IN NEW BUSINESSrdquo
-Shaun Heldt
From Retail to RoofingHow to be Successful When Buying a Business
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Spending almost 20 years working in retail for major corporations and then
buying a siding and roofing contracting company may seem like a major leap but for Matt Cradick owner of Husker Ham-mer Siding Windows and Roofing it was the best business move hersquos ever made And thatrsquos saying a lot for someone who moved 11 times in 19 years across nine different states
Cradick had been living in Houston Texas where he worked for Target Corporation He had worked his way up through the com-pany and another promotion was on the horizon which meant another move With three young children at home Cradick de-cided it was time to put down some roots Having grown up in Lincoln Nebraska he wanted to be near family and Midwestern values He started researching businesses for sale and was eventually led to The Firm which in turn led him to Husker Hammer
The move from a big corporate environ-ment to a small contracting business didnrsquot intimidate Cradick With Target he oversaw 200 people so he knew he brought strong management and operational skills The challenge he says was learning the ins and outs of construction He didnrsquot need to be the one hammering away on the roofmdashhe needed learn a new business segment
ldquoSwitching industries can be nerve-rack-ingrdquo Cradick says ldquobut the owner was will-ing to stay on board for six months during the transitionrdquo That partnership was an invaluable tool during the changeover gt
A Publication of The Firm Business BrokerageA Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
9Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
10
lt Husker Hammer was started in 1998 as a one-man operation and had been built up to a multimillion dollar business Cradick was impressed with the mission statement values system of the company and the strong workforce that was already in place And the price of the company lined up well with the financials ldquoWhat Husker has that others in the industry donrsquotrdquo says the man whose faith is central to his deal-ings ldquois a strong ethical foundation with a Christian backgroundrdquo
There were a number of other elements Cradick sought when buying his business ones he believes all potential business own-ers need to keep in mind The first is to make sure you have a proper support team in place to help make a sound financial deci-sion That includes having a good business valuation and a good business broker who can point you in the right direction to ensure a match for both parties
Once yoursquore in the process of purchasing he adds make sure you have a capable net-work of attorneys a seasoned financial team and solid internal help to ensure yoursquore suc-cessful from the start ldquoYou should interview
for a business just like you would for a jobrdquo Cradick explains ldquoIt has to be the right fit You donrsquot want to be one of the many fatal-ities that happen so often in new businessrdquo
To help ensure the company continues to be successful Cradick plans to main-tain Husker Hammerrsquos competitive edges which he says includes his 11000-sq-ft state-of-the-art showroom in Elkhorn He reformatted the space to better fit his busi-ness model before building out additional second-floor space that is now rented to other entrepreneurs
The showroom features all of the window siding and roofing products available to customers Samples are one thing Cradick says but he knows the power of customers seeing actual colors in actual sizes
ldquoOur philosophy is to build peace of mind for homeowners and be with them every step through the processrdquo he says ldquoWord of mouth is our number one lead source which was true in retail as wellrdquo
Happy employees to Cradick are just as important as happy customers He sub-scribes to a simple philosophymdashlistening to employees and doing so with respect
ldquoWith big corporations you deal with a lot of politicsrdquo he says ldquoNow if therersquos politics itrsquos because Irsquove generated it Itrsquos a nice change to be in a small business where you have more leeway to ensure yoursquore creating a positive work environment which creates a happy workforcerdquo
Working for a smaller company also allows for more opportunities to become involved in the community Husker Hammer is active in local chambers of commerce the Open Door Mission and is currently helping on a Habitat for Humanity build in Waterloo They have also been accredited by the Bet-ter Business Bureau since 2000 and won the Better Business Integrity Award
Cradickrsquos business is currently 90 percent residential and 10 percent commercial He hopes to increase their reach in proper-ty management and general contracting while maintaining the high-quality residen-tial sales that built the business ldquoBecause of our showroomrdquo he says ldquopeople come
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
to us We donrsquot do the high pressure sales at the kitchen table We listen We let the homeowners do the talkingrdquo
Growing geographically is also a goal Cradick hopes to expand to surrounding areas including his hometown of Lincoln
ldquoSo far itrsquos been a great moverdquo he says ldquoand I look forward to continuing to be known as an ethical long-lasting company My daughters and wife are excited to be back in the Midwest around grandparents and family Their school district is great and the full year-round climate has been a welcome change from living in the south Plus I was averaging 50000 miles per year in travel so itrsquos nice to sleep in your own bed every nightrdquo The FIRM
For more information on this or any for sale listings call The Firm Business Brokerage directly
11Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
The Deal ReviewBusiness Established 1987Reason for Sale Retirement (Transla-tion More time with a fishing pole)Ownerrsquos Profit $495004Type of Loan SBA with Core Bank
12
Back to the FutureBuilding a Business Legacy
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Itrsquos not uncommon for someone who has spent a number of years in corporate
America to shift gears into entrepreneur-ship Being your own boss certainly has its advantages But for Scott Beckler who recently purchased Lewis Installers in Gret-na his reason for taking on a new business venture had more to do with honoring not only his fatherrsquos legacy but building one of his own
Beckler started his career as a business education teacher then moved to a corpo-rate career in technology But for a number of years he kept an eye on businesses for sale hoping that just the right opportunity would come along
ldquoMy dad was an entrepreneur who owned his own real estate insurance companyrdquo
Beckler says ldquoDespite the fact he had on-going health issues he still got up every day put on a coat and tie and went out to make a sale He was a very successful busi-nessman and I wanted to honor his legacyrdquo
After contacting The Firm and discuss-ing what he was looking for in a business the team suggested Lewis Installers which specializes in industrial conveyor and rack systems At first it seemed like a big de-parture for him ldquoShelving and logistical systems isnrsquot something that jumps out at yourdquo Beckler says But the more he looked into it the more he realized it had many of the elements he wanted in a business The most obvious advantage was that the company was located in Gretna where he lives Add to that the fact that the seller lives just up the road from him
Scott Beckler
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
For purposes of this article this overview is based on the buying and selling entities being corporations or entities taxed as corporations
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
4420 Izard Street Omaha4022938707 bull 8887380296
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
HAVE YOUR MINOR ROOF LEAKS BECOME A MAJOR ANNOYANCEDonrsquot Wait Any Longer Call Us Now
ldquoAfter meeting him and hitting it offrdquo Beckler says ldquowe quickly realized it was a match on both sidesrdquo
Other signs also pointed in the right di-rection The financials were good The size of the business was ideal The competitive landscape was promising Beckler also real-ized that his corporate background fit well with this new business
ldquoAlthough itrsquos an entirely different indus-tryrdquo he says ldquomany of the business princi-ples are the samehellipproject management customer service delivery vendor man-agement and cost containment Irsquove been doing all of those for yearsrdquo
His background in technology will also be a valuable asset in his new business Not only has he established relationships with large vendors built over the years but his from-the-ground-up experience with data centers means that he is already eying in-novative automation and other technology differentiators At the same time hersquos look-ing forward to learning the daily operations of the company and having a hand in every part of the business from bidding to closing to payroll
ldquoIt will be challenging coming from a big business background where Irsquove only been involved in the peripheryrdquo Beckler says
ldquoNow Irsquoll be involved in all of itrdquo
Lewis Installers being a family-owned business is what hersquos most excited about He says itrsquos a company with a good repu-tation thatrsquos known for quality and meeting deadlinesmdashall driven by a strong Midwest-ern work ethic
Itrsquos the sort of company Beckler believes that would make his father proud
ldquoI want this business to be a legacy for my familyrdquo Beckler says ldquoMy hope is that it could stay in the family with my own kids and grandkidsrdquo The FIRM
13Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Om
aharsquo
s Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
14
When considering the purchase of an existing business very few realize
that lack of experience in an industry can actually lead to success One simply needs a sound financial plan and a good team to fill in the gaps Removing the added stress of fieldwork and focusing solely on the management of finances and operation allows for greater opportunities It makes for the dynamic advantage of some outside impartiality when seeking areas of improve-ment and growth
One man who has made this transition from having marginal knowledge in an in-dustry to leading a successful plumbing and HVAC operation is Mark Evans president of Burton Plumbing Before taking over Burton Evans had a successful plumbing distribu-torship serving four states but it was his desire to own and to travel less that put him into the hands of Burton Friesz The founder of Burton Plumbing Friesz had been a customer and friend of Evansrsquo when the two discussed a possible expansion into residential service Evans put his busi-ness experience to work for Burton in July 1995 and his education in the minutiae of plumbing and HVAC began
While he hasnrsquot worked in the field as a licensed plumbing contractor Evans has dipped his feet in several areas within the running of Burtonhellipand often at the same time Before hiring the essential personnel that have enabled him to narrow his role Ev-ans served as manager marketer customer service representative and dispatcher Such a list of duties for one man is a daunting task but ldquoI worked my way to being able to work on the business rather than in the business [a strategy] taught to me by my business coachrdquo says Evans
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
REMOVING THE ADDED STRESS OF FIELDWORK AND FOCUSING SOLELY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF FINANCES AND OPERATION ALLOWS FOR GREATER OPPORTUNITIES
Executive Impact Moving Into the Boardroom From Employee to President
written by Maureen Tierney | Co-written by Mark Evans and Julie OrsquoBrien
Eventually Evans was able to step back and bring on a general manager and a ware-house operator that has allowed him to
ldquofocus on growth opportunities marketing and cash flowrdquo
Evansrsquo experience is not unique It is com-mon for brokerages to deal with buyers seeking to own companies within a cer-tain field but ldquoonly two people out of the nearly 100 closings [wersquove had] have come in for the same business that they ended up purchasingrdquo says Julie OrsquoBrien client services and paralegal with The Firm What it comes down to is as simple as the bot-tom line Buyers are looking to leverage their talents and experience in a marriage between a management philosophy and business model Those in the market for an acquisition are ldquobuying based on profit number of staff ability to get financing and mostly their strengths and passionsrdquo says OrsquoBrien Experience in a particular industry is certainly valuable but is no predictor of success when the right financial mind comes along
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Even so making up for a lack of practical knowledge requires the proper equipment most notably in the form of managers and employees The right talent in the field can be a growth experience and provide an opportunity to learn the ropes before taking a full swing at things A total deficit in knowl-edge hardly makes for good leadership and for this reason many ldquonew business owners like to take a birdrsquos eye view of the operation rather than diving in and getting their hands dirty right awayhellipgiving them the opportunity to watch [how] things have been done before implementing changesrdquo says OrsquoBrien
Approaching ownership in this way also allows for further financial acquisitions an avenue which Evans has taken In addition to owning Burton Plumbing Evans operates four other companies One might assume this much responsibility to be a stretch but Evans sees his role as ldquokeeping a pulse on things I like to lead people in growth per-sonally and on the business siderdquo
Getting started can be a challenge which is why OrsquoBrien works closely with potential buyers to find the right fit ldquoWe assist all the wayrdquo she says ldquoWe work with the buyer on projections business plans [and] we introduce them to trusted advisorsrdquo from attorneys and CPAs to financial advisors and insurance agents
Itrsquos this helpful backing of experts that eases the difficult task of ownership and only proves that one can certainly switch from a blue collar to a white one The FIRM
CONTRACTING BUSINESSES LISTED BY THE FIRM
201
5 P
roje
cted
201
5 Y
TD
201
4
201
3
201
2
30
0
15
28
14
12
11
16
15Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Omaharsquos Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
It may seem like I pulled a muscle making this stretch but Keith Backsen the new boss at the Omaha Convention amp Visitors Bureau seems to have an awful lot in common with new Husker Coach Mike Riley
Coach Riley spent a total of 14 seasons at Oregon State before heading to Huskerland Backsen also comes from that neck of the woods having spent 11 years of his career in Portland Oregon and another 11 years in Spokane Washington selling both cities as prime places for convention and leisure travelers
At Oregon State Coach Riley built the football program into a consistent winner and regular conference contender At Visit Spokane Backsen opened sales offices in Washington DC and Chicago that led to increased convention bookings Backsen also worked on the public campaign to expand the Spokane Convention Center with a $65 million bond issue The expansion coupled with increased hotel inventory allowed Spokane to pursue large conventions and more than doubled convention bookings in Spokane
Riley has experience at the highest level of football serving as the head coach of the San Diego Chargers and as a head coach in both the Canadian and World Football Leagues Same for Backsen he worked in Dallas and Chicago as the director of sales for Global Experience Specialists a global leader in the world of event planning Backsen supervised five sales offices in a nine-state region generating annual sales in excess of $70 million
Riley is known as one of the most professional and nicest men in the profession a coach who is greatly admired by his peers I kid you not Backsen is described the same way by colleaguesmdashone of the most genuine and skilled men in the business a well respected professional who has the insight and experience to get the job done (Note the $70M stat above)
Come the first game both men will have a stadium filled with fans cheering them on In Backsenrsquos case his stadium is the entire city of Omaha where the fans are the 434353 residents who will reap the rewards of Omaharsquos growing tourism economy
B2B
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 51
51HUSKER
COACH HAS TOURISM
TWIN
OMAHA CVB BY DEB WARD
Deb Ward is the director of marketingcommunications Omaha Convention and Visitorrsquos Bureau
Keith Backsen
52 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Jason Feldman and Sebastian Hunt
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 53
The emerging startup accelerator scene supports creative-minded risk-takers looking for an edge to follow their passion and bring their ideas to fruition
Sebastian Hunt 25 is passionate about giving entrepreneurs like himself a nurturing space to test out their concepts The University of Nebraska at Omaha economics graduate interned with various local employers and surveyed the area startup community when an idea struck him for a by-application curriculum-based residency program serving new entrepreneurs That inspiration turned into Year of the Startup
Launched in 2014 the program operates out of a humble house at 4036 Burt Street in the St Cecilia Cathedral neighborhood Hunt and co-founder Jason Feldman 28 room there with young residency fellows whose startup ventures range from making bio-fuels to providing night owl shuttle services They are a millennial bunch who favor sneakers and sandals They take informal meetings to nearby CaliCommons and Lisarsquos Radial Cafe They variously hunch over laptops or tablets and carry smartphones as appendages
YEAR OF THE STARTUP
ENTREPRENEURAL IMMERSION
This communal work-live space model for business mavericks is new to Omaha The usual startup accelerator is a concentrated 90-day off-site program Omaha has a few of these notably Straight Shot Hunt saw a need for a program that invites a broader range of people into the accelerator fold and supports them much nearer to the start of their dream than other programs
ldquoWe feel like we can take people at very early stages because we are four times as long as the average programrdquo says Hunt who adds that Year of the Startup is also not tech-centric like many programs tend to be ldquoIn our model we substitute intensity for duration I think a lot of the learning here comes through unstructured serendipitous interactions we have that is not curriculum-based itrsquos just happenstance
ldquoWith a house there are so many different ways you can bring ideas and people together I think thatrsquos maybe that critical binding agent and sense of place that helps accomplish thingsrdquo
He says in this intimate environment ldquotherersquos no other choice but to immerse yourself in the settingrdquo adding ldquoWersquore always hanging out in the living room or out back talking about startup stuffmdashmonetization strategies capitalization tables vested equity entity structuresrdquo
ldquoItrsquos this immersive experience of camaraderie of these natural flows and idea generationrdquo Feldman says
Hunt says ldquoThis is very difficult to get bored with because therersquos always somebody whose business is either in crisis or growth stage or some interesting part of the curverdquo
ldquoHow could we get bored when wersquore creating a platform with four startups and all we get to do is ideationrdquo Feldman says ldquoItrsquos a constant buzz we get from interacting with these startup founders and helping them build their ideasrdquo
Built into the program are activities that encourage fellows to break out of their comfort zone and to offer honest criticism of each otherrsquos ideas
Hunt compiles multiple data points on the startups
ldquoWersquore developing really deep insight about how do people start successful businessesrdquo
The program utilizes mentors from the entrepreneurial community
ldquoWe bring in people who are experts in specific areas to talk on those topicsrdquo Feldman says
ldquoThey get ideas flowingrdquo Hunt says of the mentors
Feldman says he regularly covers with fellows ldquothe major components of what you need to look at to start your businessrdquo and then mentors like Mike Kolker owner of graphic design firm Simplify teach lessons about operational efficiency and ldquohow to simplify running a businessrdquo
Hunt is a newcomer to all this and goes by instinct as much as research to support his vision
CONTINUED ON 54
FEATURE | BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
53
54 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
70 Years of Business in Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
4027335500 | 4315 South 50th Street
402-333-5722 bull wwwsw-fencecom
Thanks for Voting SampW Fence the Best Again in 2015
Wersquore Not Just About Fences
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
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Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER 2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
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ConnectWITH YOURCOMMUNITY
Donrsquot forget to visitOmahaMagazinecom to read
all of our titles online
Omaha MagazineEncounter B2B 60PlusHerFamily OmahaHome
CONTINUED FROM 53
ldquoI just had an irrational confidence market insights and a great theoretical background thanks to primary research I completed and to lessons I learned from Phillip Phillips Michael OrsquoHara and Art Diamond in UNOrsquos economics department I read constantly about who the players were in the startup world so I was fairly preparedrdquo
Even though he directs a startup program he only started participating in one himself (Venture School) He acknowledges Year of the Startup is a by-the-seat-of-your-pants experiment
ldquoComing out of college I had student loans and not a ton of money Irsquove held two jobs to finance the project Now the project is financed by a combination of me working and renting out one room One-hundred percent of the money our entrepreneurs pay in rent will be returned in full and so everybody has a strong incentive to follow through with the program That may be what makes us sustainablerdquo
Hersquos working on securing corporate sponsorship for the program Meanwhile he wants to help get participating startups to the next level
ldquoWersquore functioning like a pre-accelerator at this point We want to get our startups profitable and then refer them to the Straight Shots so they can focus on growth in a pure accelerator programrdquo
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 55
Mercedes-Benz of Omaha14335 Hillsdale Ave Omaha NE 68137wwwOmahaMercedescomContact John Williams anytime at 4029819262
of Omaha of Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
As Year of the Startup moved into a larger house in Omaharsquos Little Italy district on July 1 and a new class of fellows arrives Hunt says there are ldquointeresting talks happening right now to bring this to other citiesrdquo He and Feldman say economic development agencies are willing to pay a license fee for them to do startup houses in other cities The partners are having proprietary software developed that will enable new startup houses to replicate their branded Omaha model
They look forward to engaging with the emerging 10th Street cultural district but may keep the midtown house to accommodate growth
Hunt and Feldman believe theyrsquore catching the wave or tipping point of a big new startup rush and theyrsquore betting their model is poised to be a niche player in this wild frontier of entrepreneurial prospecting
B2B
56 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
It is an unassuming space but if you have made your way to TD Ameritrade Park Filmstreams or Hot Shops chances are yoursquove passed one of the most vibrant offices in Omaha
The fact that Co-Lab (short for Creative Collaborators) is not a traditional work space is certainly one of its best features Located inside the Tip Top building at 15th and Cumming streets is a project dreamed up by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture who happens to share the main floor of the building Based in the heart of a once-isolated section of the city Co-Labrsquos funky creative vibe is making waves In fact that vibe seeps into Omaharsquos everyday bringing about small changes pushing our city toward a more innovative future
CO-LABGIVING OMAHA WORKERS A MORE
COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE
IN THE OFFICE | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
56
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 57
Home to 18 businesses plus Alley Poyner Macchietto Co-Lab is free of walls and signage It is also free from traditional office norms For instance you donrsquot just walk over to your neighborrsquos space for a brainstorming sessionmdashyou skateboard At least you do if yoursquore Dave Nelson of SecretPenguin a leading experimental branding agency The best part is that the businesses surrounding SecretPenguin appreciate the break from tradition ldquoThatrsquos the beautiful part about being around like-minded good people and businessesrdquo Nelson says
CONTINUED ON 58
58 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 59
CONTINUED FROM 57
In addition to having pathways large enough to skateboard or bike through the space also provides Co-Labbers with a kitchen various conference rooms bike storage bathrooms and a battleground (otherwise known as the ping-pong table) Walking in the main doors clients and employees alike are greeted from the front desk while catching a view of the five-story open atrium basking in the glow of sunshine from the skylight Workers can also access the fitness room and rooftop deck sharing amenities with TipTop apartment residents who use a separate entrance
CONTINUED ON 60
The Harry A Koch CoInsurance amp Financial ConsultantsMember of First Insurance Group LLC
60 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
CONTINUED FROM 59
Businesses in Co-Lab all creativity-related range from entrepreneurs to start-ups to non-profits to small businesses The art varies in form but runs through the space like an electric current At Zicafoose Textiles Mary Zicafoose works steadily on her loom creating gorgeous tapestries 4Site Programming is where Joi Brown works as an independent consultant for performing arts centers across the nation Heartland B-Cycle a large-scale municipal bike sharing system brings art in the form of economical convenience Holly Boyer a founder of non-profit organization Mission Matters explains that one of the best things about having an office at Co-Lab is feeling the innovative positive energy from the moment you walk in the door So while individuals may join Co-Lab with a business-minded focus or a more creative vibe finding a yin to their yang is just a shout away
ldquoThere is certainly a wonderful built-in support network that comes along with working in a collaborative environmentrdquo quips Omaha Creative Institute Executive Director Emily Moody ldquoEverything from sharing ideas and finding ways to collaborate with an organization different than yours to sharing a staplerrdquo
At the heart of making it work says Laura Alley of Alley Poyner itrsquos simply playing well with others
The skateboarding ping-pong playing creatives do that well
B2B
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Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott Enterprises
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For more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
TD Ameritrade Park | First National Bank Tower | Midtown Crossing | Village Pointe | Childrenrsquos Hospital Aksarben Village | Joslyn Art Museum | Fred amp Pamela Buffett Cancer Center | UNO Community Arena
6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
AT THE OFFICE amp ON THE GO
Headsets by
Plantronics BackBeat
Fit Bluetooth
Plantronics CS540
Wireless
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SERVICES INCLUDEVirus Check and Removal
Clean Your BrowserRemove Temporary Internet Files
Delete Adware and CookiesDefrag Hard Drives
Intall Current Microsoft PatchesInstall Microsoft Security Updates
Update Drivers
13
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
- BB1015_fntCvr_125
- BB1015_fntEdit_125
- BB1015_bkEdit_125
- BB1015_bkCvr_125
-
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 19
Leo Costanzo Anne Taylor and Alan Hove of Controlled Comfort
BRANDREBRAND | BY ELIZABETH MACK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Jingle writers have done their job if they create an earwormmdasha song so catchy it sticks in your head and wonrsquot leave ldquoWhen I tell people I work at Controlled Comfort they immediately start singing the jinglerdquo says Alan Hove who along with co-owners Leo Costanzo and Anne Taylor purchased Controlled Comfort in 2004 ldquoItrsquos the best form of advertising we could ever hope forrdquo
CONTINUEDemspONemsp20
SINGING A HAPPY TUNEJINGLING ALL THE WAY
19
20emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
John Sievers
Businesses Are Buying SmarterThe All Makesrsquo team is trained to help you make design decisions and furniture purchases that fi t your offi ce atmosphere your work style and your budget Visit All Makesrsquo redesigned showroom to see the latest in new offi ce furniture pre-owned offi ce furniture and business technology
wwwallmakescom Omaha 2558 Farnam St | 4023412413 Lincoln 3333 O St | 4024777131
Thank you for voting us 1 for 10 consecutive years
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp19
Most people in the Omaha metro area are familiar with that animated female voice belting out ldquoControlled ComfortndashKeep it Under Controoooooolrdquo Many locals probably would not guess the companyrsquos logo (an angel) but could at least hum a few bars of the jingle Whether a catchy tune is annoying or enjoyable is a matter of opinion but once that musical worm has worked its way into your psyche you are forced to remember the product which is exactly what advertisers hope for
When companies change ownership one major decision is whether or not to maintain the same brand image and the current owners of Controlled Comfort knew they wanted things to stay pretty much the same when they took ownership
ldquoWe love our jinglerdquo says Taylor ldquoWhen we purchased the company we knew we wanted to maintain the image and keep the logo and jingle We couldnrsquot ask for a better form of advertisingrdquo
Research shows that music increases recall and simple melodies with simple lyrics stick with a consumer not only for the short term but often the long-term Remember ldquoI Wish I Were an Oscar Meyer Weinerrdquo Even if it has been years since you have actually heard it chances are you can still sing the entire song Controlled Comfortrsquos brand may not be as huge as Oscar Meyerrsquos but their jingle has stood the test of time being sung on local radio and TV for nearly 20 years with no end in sight
Taylor recounts how in the mid-1990s local musician Johnny Ray Gomez produced the jingle for a radio spot
ldquoThe previous owners purchased a year of radio advertising and it came with a jinglerdquo Taylor says
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
THANKS OMAHA
Embroidery middot Screen Printing middot Promotional Digital Printing middot Mailing middot Company Stores
13747 F St 4025961002 ideal-imagescom
ldquoWhen we purchased the company we knew we wanted to maintain the image and keep the logo and jingle We couldnrsquot ask for a better form of advertisingrdquo-ANNE TAYLOR
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 21
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
At the time they had no idea they did not retain exclusive rights to the melody
ldquoI just recently heard the song while I was traveling in western Nebraska It was quite a shockrdquo she adds with a laugh
Branding is all about creating an image of a business that will stick in a customerrsquos mind Though most businesses rely on visual advertising to create their brand jingles can be an additional way to increase awareness and create staying power People often remember a catchy tune Throw the company name and their phone number in the jingle lyrics and customers may not even need to look up the contact information
ldquoIf I forget the phone number I just sing the jinglerdquo says one local customer
Though original jingles declined in recent years as more large companies turn to popular songs for their advertising a few local companies still spend at least some marketing dollars on jingles Whether you think it annoying or catchy a jingle may be your best advertising investment
B2B
4023333062 | planitomahacom | 10832 old mill road suite 5 | omaha ne 68154
planitomaha A national and
regional powerhouse in
meetings conferences amp
events
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
22emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 2
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 23
How is it that Midlands Choice has come to make an investment in of all things a ballerina
Sure the bottom line of any insurance entity is driven by risk managementmdashthe investing of premium revenues to hedge against claims
But taking stock in Claire Goodwillie a company dancer with Ballet Nebraska
The Midlands Choice example is repeated all across the metro as area businesses support a broad array of arts nonprofits ones that dwell in everything from tutus to tempura
And the table is set for a new era of collaboration between business and the arts because philanthropic giving in America has finally returned to pre-recession levels
Contributions which totaled $358 billion in 2014 surpassed 2007rsquos pre-recession level of $355 billion Additionally giving was up from all major sourcesmdashindividuals corporations foundations and bequestsmdashaccording to Giving USA an annual report compiled by the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and the Giving USA Foundation of Chicago
ldquoEight out of nine types of charitable organizations we measure saw increased contributions and thatrsquos good news for the
BALLET NEBRASKAA PAS DE DEUX BETWEEN BUSINESS AND THE ARTS
philanthropic sector as a wholerdquo W Keith Curtis told Omaha Magazine in an email Curtis is chair of Giving USA Foundation and president of the nonprofit consulting firm The Curtis Group ldquoThe 60-year high for charitable giving in 2014 is a great story about resilience and perseverancerdquo
Themes of resilience and perseverance define the Ballet Nebraska story
Erika Overturff was 27 years old when the ballet company of which she was a dancer and resident choreographer appeared doomed She had no money She had no business acumen
That was 2009 Flash forward to 2015 and Overturff now 33 founder and artistic director of Ballet Nebraska is leading the regionrsquos only professional dance company into its sixth season
In a city known for its ldquocan-dordquo spirit this story could be about almost any local arts nonprofit but the unlikely saga of Ballet Nebraska is told here because it is perhaps the most improbable of tales one that best reveals what a business community and the arts can do when they share a common vision
CONTINUEDemspONemsp24
BY DAVID WILLIAMS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
23COVERemspFEATURE
24emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp23
Like settling into your seat with a program before the lights dim at any performing arts venue itrsquos probably best to start by reviewing the cast of characters
THE CONNECTORHal Daub knows people Especially in a city of six degrees of separation that is in reality much more like two or three degrees the former Omaha mayor (1995-2001) and US Congressman (1981-1989) who has served on countless nonprofit boards and is now a partner at Husch Blackwellhellipknows people
ldquoWhen I was first introduced to Hal and he offered to helprdquo Overturff says ldquoI assumed that meant he was going to maybe make a few calls and do a little name-droppingrdquo Daub it turned out would become a key player in the often delicate pas de deux that is the coupling of business and the arts ldquoHe not only made those calls but he set up the appointmentshellipand then he came along to personally introduce me and stand by my side in front of those who would become some of the most generous funders of Ballet Nebraskardquo
ldquoThe reason I am so fascinated by what Erika has donerdquo says Daub ldquois that Omaha is a city that has clearly evolved to become a place that is not just metropolitan but truly cosmopolitanrdquo And investing in the arts Daub believes makes good business sense ldquoThe social environment of a citymdashits arts and entertainmentmdashis critical in attracting and retaining the best workforce Ballet Nebraska Opera Omaha the Omaha Symphony Omaha Performing Artshellipthose and so many others are the organizations that help keep the best talent in Omahardquo
THE ADVOCATEMichelle Clark is Union Pacificrsquos general director of information technologies which means she probably knows more than a little about computer viruses As a three-year board member of Ballet Nebraska shersquos also seen how supporting the arts can go viral
ldquoEmployee generosity is furthered by the use of the companyrsquos matching gifts programrdquo Clark explains ldquoThis creates a sense of pride for employees and Union Pacific is supportive of the communities in which we live and work The employees of Union Pacific are very generous and have supported fundraising drives not only for Ballet Nebraska but a number of organizations such as the Womenrsquos Center for Advancement and JDRFrdquo
Employees should never underestimate their power to play a key role in advocating for nonprofits within their organizations
ldquoI am passionate about the art of dance especially ballet and Ballet Nebraskardquo Clark says ldquoDance inspires my creativity and provides insights to see beyond the obvious My hope is that by providing individuals with the awareness of opportunities to experience and support the art of dance they will find their own inspiration to apply to their own liferdquo
And just as stubborn computer viruses are often cloyingly messy to eradicate once discovered Union Pacificrsquos relationship with Ballet Nebraska has a ldquostickinessrdquo of its own Clark was preceded on the Ballet Nebraska board by Gayla Thal the companyrsquos senior vice president and general counsel
THE BULLDOGDonrsquot let the gentle demeanor of Midlands Choice vice president Greta Vaught fool you Supporting the arts is often a visceral experience and Vaughtrsquos passion for dance exerted itself on multiple levels in the early stages of growth at Ballet Nebraska
ldquoMidlands Choice has always been supportive of my work in the communityrdquo says the board chair of Ballet Nebraska
ldquoWe like to listen to our people when making such decisionsrdquo says Midlands Choice President and CEO Thomas E Press rdquoIt is important for us to know that our giving has real meaning for them their families and their communitiesrdquo
ldquoI looked at what Erika was trying to dordquo Vaught continues ldquoand I thought it was brave but impossible But all along the way I just kept going back to the thought that if one of my daughters [Mia now 15 and Hannah now 19] wanted to try something so bold one day thatrdquohellipinsert long pausehellipldquoIrsquom sorry this is making me cry I would just hope that people with experience and connections and dollars would shepherd my daughters along like so many people have done with Erika and Ballet Nebraskardquo
Okay so maybe ldquoThe Bulldogrdquo wasnrsquot such a great character name for this role after all
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 25
Fast-Paced Public Relations
Customer-Based Planning and Communications
402-964-9293 11626 Nicholas Street
zaisscocom
For the Connected World
Every story Every tweet Every interaction
PR is vital to your bottom line now more than ever
Join the world of innovative PR ndash partner with experts
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Best PR Agency 7 Years Running
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
THE ARTISTldquoI had to do a lot of on-the-job learning when I decided to try to launch a dance companyrdquo Overturff says ldquoWe were lucky in that we got our nonprofit status right away but I didnrsquot know anything about the business side of things and really nothing about raising funds I was moved by every $5 check that came in but it took a lot of mentoring advice and counsel to get us to where we are today as a fully funded professional performance companyrdquo
Ballet Nebraska now has a paid staff of 22 including nine salaries paid to company dancers Today Overturffrsquos once-nonexistent business connections run deep Personal contributions from the likes of philanthropists Richard Holland and Fred and Eve Simon further fuel the growth of ballet in Omaha Foundations also play a major role in funding A recent gift of $124000 from the Iowa West Foundation is the largest in Ballet Nebraska history
ldquoTalented professionals from all over the world that have trained their whole lives to pursue a career in dance now come to Omaha in the hopes of performing with Ballet Nebraska as we serve the state and western Iowa in performances education outreach and morerdquo she says ldquoA ballet companymdashany performing arts company any arts organizationmdashis about its peoplehellipthe artists the staff and hardworking selfless volunteers But it is the people of Omaha from the smallest donations to the relationships we have with such great businesses that makes it all happenrdquo
B2B
26emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
26OFFICE FURNITURE BY DOUG SCHURING
OFFICE ORIGINS
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE MODERN WORKPLACE
For all the time we spend in our office very few of us are familiar with how that space came to be You may actually be surprised by the events and inventions that helped form the work environment we know today From the development of the railroad to innovations in communication our current corporate habits structures and tools have all played a role In his book CubedmdashA Secret History of the Workplace Nikil Saval shapes the advances that created the conventional office we are familiar with today
The advent of the Morse telegraph spawned long-distance communication Then starting in 1860 a series of technological innovations changed the possibilities of the workplace the use of iron framework permitted the construction of taller buildings and elevators assisted the climb The Remington typewriter entered the office in 1874 Bellrsquos telephone was patented two years later
At the same time railroads expanded across the country reducing transportation costs and extending markets for goods and services Additionally railroads produced an organizational transformation still in use today The coordination of trains required employees housed in structures all across the country bringing a variety of offices to the American landscape Between the executive the manager and the workerhellipthe organizational chart was born
The invention of telecommunications fostered the speed of information to surge creating more
Doug Schuring is the director of sales administration at All Makes Office Equipment Co
work and subsequently more workers As these workers moved into new structures the spaces reflected their various levels of management In 1915 the Metal Office Furniture Company (now Steelcase) invented the modern deskmdasha flat metal table outfitted with file drawers The new desks massed together in defined rows offered managers full visual access to the goings-on of the workplace and this ldquosea of desksrdquo became the norm for decades Lockers and various cabinets popular in the Great Depression era became vertical files once steel became readily available after World War II
In 1968 Herman Miller introduced the first panel system with attached components Designed by Robert Propst the Action Office system revolutionized the ldquoofficerdquo in form flexibility and cost Other furniture manufacturers mimicked the modular system which became the norm for many businesses
Up to the rsquo90s the personal computerrsquos popularity grew and the relative size of work stations decreased between 25-50 percent By the middle of that decade the dot-com revolution on the West Coast created an unprecedented workplace culture The formal atmosphere of the office became much more casual and discontent for the Dilbert-esque cubicle grew Subsequently creative furniture solutions evolved with the desire to be more mobile leading the way
In the early 2000rsquos collaborative open offices grew in popularity New and improving
technologies now offer connectivity in the office home or public spaces As a result nearly every company today is adapting and using new furnishings as a tool to attract new workers At the same time retaining existing employees is equally important The goal is to make everyone more effective and efficient in their work
Whether you work in an office from home in the local coffee shop or out of an airline terminal you may start to notice that much of the furniture is beginning to look very similar As long as you are able to connect to technology you can work from virtually anywhere
B2B
SEPTEMBER 24 2015 Ralston Arena7300 Q Street
Ralston NE 68127
CONNECT MARKET SUCCEED
Looking for INNOVATIVE MARKETING IDEAS Want to BOOST SALES AND ADD ROI Need to ANALYZE DATA TO GROW MARKET SHARE
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omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 27
28emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Outlook Nebraska CEO Eric Stueckrath
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 29
On the surface it looks just like any other office or factory As you enter Outlook Nebraska Inc (ONI) yoursquore greeted by a friendly front desk attendant and led past a perfectly ordinary-looking workspace Entering their factory where they manufacture such paper products as rolls of hand towels you wouldnrsquot suspect that it is different from any other assembly line
But explore a little deeper
Walking past one office you might see a man typing away on a keyboard his laptop closed in front of him He doesnrsquot need it open to know what hersquos typing Hersquos visually impaired and utilizing computer software that reads the words aloud as he types
On the factory floor raised edges guard the walkway so sightless employees can feel their way around Over on the assembly line visually impaired workers can use a computer screen to zoom in on the product at various stages of production to assess the process
ONI is a non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance the life of the blind and visually impaired through employment opportunities and training Almost all the employees at ONI are blind or visually impaired from factory workers to IT professionals Some were born blind others lost their sight later in life ONI aims to help them all re-enter the workforce in a meaningful way
A SIGHT FOR NON-SEEING EYES
OUTLOOK NEBRASKA
ldquoThey get used to being on their feetrdquo says ONI CEO Eric Stueckrath ldquoWe offer jobs for [people with] entry-level skill sets and all of the positions are at or above minimum wage We give them the tools to help build those skill setsrdquo
ONI also offers personalized life-skills training geared to whatrsquos important to the individual from personal banking to cooking to operating a computer
The American Foundation for the Blind estimates that as many as 70 percent of blind adults in the US are unemployed As the largest employer of the blind in the Omaha metro area ONI is working to make an impact
ldquoWe work with organizations that are committed to hiring the visually impairedrdquo Stuekrath says ldquoAdvocacy is definitely part of what we dordquo
ONI is currently in the midst of a $2 million capital campaign that will allow them to complete a large-scale renovation project at their facility The renovation will create more space for the general public and give them the ability to offer additional training programs
In addition to working with adults blind and visually-impaired youth are a primary focus for Stuekrath and ONI
ldquoMy heart really gravitates toward themrdquo Stuekrath says
ONI partners with youth organizations on a number of initiatives including a sports camp for visually-impaired youth called Camp Abilities Nebraska Attendees can try archery swimming bowling track and field and more as a means to build confidence
ldquoThey donrsquot need to be coddledrdquo Stuekrath says adding that he often tells parents of blind children ldquoYour kid needs to get out there and bump his head and experience liferdquo
At ONI everything comes back to the organizationrsquos mission Stuekrath says
ldquoWe give them the tools they need to gain greater independencerdquo
B2B
FEATURE | BY APRIL CHRISTENSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY COLIN CONCES
29
30emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Layne and Pam Yahnke and Their VW Thing
Shakespeare wrote of love and betrayal Tolkien of hobbits and wizards Steinbeck and Faulkner of the indomitable American spirit
Layne Yahnke writes about his VW Thing
Yes the two-wheel-drive off-road convertible military vehicle first manufactured for the West German Army as ldquoType 181rdquo in 1968 VW churned them out until 1983 including two years in the United States when marketed as ldquoThe Thingrdquo
Yahnke got his Thing in 2000 for $5500 Hersquos lovingly restored it most importantly giving it a peppy new motor that makes it Autobahn-worthy
WHATrsquoS THAT THING
LANE YAHNKErsquoS UNUSUAL VOLKSWAGEN
HOW I ROLL | BY ANTHONY FLOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Therersquos only one other Thing in Omaha and Yahnkersquos gets lots of second and third looks when hersquos whipping down the Dodge Street Expressway from his Elkhorn home Especially when the doors are off and windshield is down
Everyone wants to know abouthellipthe Thing
Thus Yahnke penned ldquoIt Takes a Village to Build a VW Thingrdquo an ode to those who helped him with his beloved ridemdashhis sons Omaha VW Club members engine and body shops and parts stores
CONTINUEDemspONemsp32
30
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32emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Locally Owned in Papillion Ne402-740-0800 bull apconstructomahacom
Insurance claims
welcomeIf your roof sustained fire snow or hail
damage the repairs can be costly We are your wind and hail damage experts and accept insurance claims so you wonrsquot
have to pay for the repair work yourself
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
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Steve Kowalski
Call or Text Message(402 ) 453-6000
abetterexposurecom steveabetterexposurecom
Passion Creativity Experience
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp31
ldquoI wrote that right after the engine transplantrdquo says Yahnke an Omaha native and vice president at Essex Corp provider of senior living communities ldquoI guess I was moved I get so many inquiries about it and I really feel so fondly about itrdquo
Itrsquos not his first Thing Yahnke and his wife of 38 years Pam owned one before their four children came along As the kids have come and gone so have the cars
Lots of them
Yahnke figures he has owned 60 automobiles in his life His car fancy began as a kid growing up in Dundee where a friendrsquos dad spent his spare time restoring English cars Yahnke spent hours in his garage and developed a love for Triumphs and MGs His first car purchase was a 1962 Triumph for $425 in 1972 It wasnrsquot long though until he sold it at a profit
ldquoThatrsquos what kicked off the buying and selling of English carsrdquo he says ldquoI discovered I could enjoy my transportation but then as soon as someone wanted to buy it for more than I paid for it out it wentrdquo
ldquoWhere Accounting Meets ResultsrdquoProviding Accounting and Quickbooks Services
For Metro Businesses
Denise Martin I 9252077634Deniseheartlandaccountabilitycom
wwwHeartlandAccountAbilitycom
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 33
These days you never know what will be parked in the Yahnke driveway Currently therersquos a Honda pickup a VW Jetta VW Multivan and a 2001 Audi TT Quatro Convertiblemdashpurchased in apropos silver for his 25th wedding anniversary
Itrsquos the Thing he most enjoys driving He logs about 1000 miles on it each year Most of those have come toplessmdashYahnke long ago gave it away to another Thing enthusiast and now only drives it sans roof
ldquoAnyone who sees this car has only seen it top-downrdquo he says ldquoI just got caught once in the rain and that was probably a month ago The cool thing about the Thing is you leave it out in the sun and it dries out and is ready to gordquo
It says ldquoSummer is hererdquo Yahnke says
ldquoPeople speed up all the time to try to figure out what it is Itrsquos just a happy car and itrsquos so darn versatile It puts smiles on peoplesrsquo facesrdquo
B2B
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Cleaning ServicesCarpet CleaningUpholstery CleaningMattress CleaningTile amp Grout CleaningPet TreatmentsConcrete CleaningConcrete CleaningAuto Interior Cleaning24 Hour Water Damage
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omahamagazinecom SPECIALemspADVERTISINGemspSECTIONemspemsp |emsp SUMMERemsp2015emsp |emsp 34
ABOUT OUR BUSINESS
Cox Business started in 2000 as the commercial services division of Cox Communications Over the past 15 years we have experienced strong growth and are on our target to achieve $2 billion in revenue in the near future
Cox Business owns operates and maintains its own network providing leading-edge technology solutions for voice internet networking and digital TV We also offer robust business continuity and disaster recovery solutions which is of increasing importance to businesses in the greater Omaha area Our customers include such key verticals as education hospitality government and healthcare We maintain a significant focus on Omaha small business mid-markets and large local companies as well
We consider our employees to be our most precious asset as they have the responsibility of taking care of our customers At Cox Business we are fortunate to have an extremely tenured and engaged team of employees What sets us apart from our competition is the fact that while we are a large robust and progressive company we still possess
the nimbleness of a smaller company in our ability to deliver creative solutions under tight timelines We pride ourselves on having very little bureaucracy and that translates to happy customers The fact that Cox Business has won 15 JD Power Awards for customer satisfaction over the past 11 years is a notable accomplishment for us and we work hard to deliver on that promise of excellence every day
ABOUT LYNNE
I have led sales and operations teams in the communications industry for 20 years 10 of those years with Cox Communications My husband Pat and I just celebrated our first full year in Omaha and wonder why it took us so long to find this jewel of a community Our daughter Kaylin starts law school next month at the University of San Diego
I have two passions in my professional life mentoring employees who are working on leadership development (which includes working with two to three emerging leaders at any given time) and continuing to drive efforts in hiring fostering a diverse workforce There
is a challenge in STEM fields of under-represented groups My company Cox Communications is also very passionate about this and holds the distinction of inclusion in Diversity Incrsquos top 50 companies
My personal passions include travel social media and Italian cooking
B2B
COX BUSINESSLYNNE SANGIMINO
Cox Business 401 N 117th St Omaha NE 68154 coxbusinesscom 4029340830
Cradickrsquos Husker PowerTEXAN RETURNS HOME FOR BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY PG 8
Marlon Lofgren Koley Jessen PC LLOKEEPING THE FOCUS WHERE IT BELONGS PG 4
Seasoned Advice for Buyers(THE BOUNCY KIND) PG 5
PLAYING BIG EDITION
Fall
2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
2
Volume 1 Issue 5
Published by The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
PresidentEditor bull Cortney Sells
DirectorAssistant Editor bull Cassandra Powers
In-House Legal Counsel bull Susanne Miller
Outreach Coordinator bull Rene Rademacher
Marketing Development bull Rachael Rand
Business Broker bull Breann Becerra
Referring Broker bull Elizabeth Jones
Marketing Division bull Adam Jaime
Development Liaison bull Holley Garcia
Client Services bull Nycole Wandvik-Tolle
Client Services bull Julie OrsquoBrien
Community Relations bull Mike Sells
Contributing Writers
Marlon Lofgren bull Kathy Rygg bull Maureen Tierney
Design bull OBI Creative
Photography bull Bill Sitzmann
To Subscribe
The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
210 N 78 St
Omaha NE 68114
4029985288
infothefirmb2bcom
Advertising Inquiries
4028842000
toddomahamagazinecom
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Columns
4 Seller Financing
Koley Jessen PC LLO Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
14 Executive Impact Getting Into the Big Office
Departments
5 Seasoned Advice for
Business Buyers (The Bouncy Kind)
12 Building a Legacy while
Building Racks New Chapter to Becklerrsquos Career
The Bottom Line
Sells Insights
Playing Big
Husker PowerTexan returns home to
Nebraska for business opportunity
pg8
Many business owners have marginal experience in the trades in which their
organizations specialize While it may seem counterintuitive to buy or start a company situated around an industry in which one has little experience there is a certain com-petitive edge to the equation A buyer or president need only know enough to begin before surrounding him or herself with the right personnel to tackle the minute details What is paramount is the grander scheme of
management and operations which allows one to flex refined business acumen Not only does distance from fieldwork free up time to put in place a robust and refined plan but it leaves open other avenues for portfolio expansion Grow your business expand operations or begin other busi-ness ventures The possibilities are only as small as the mindset held by your team The FIRM
Special Section
7 Fresh Off The Firm The Firm Business Brokerage has
over $80 million dollars in assets under
management of current cash flowing
businesses for sale ndash from medical
practices to commercial services to large
manufacturing companies
by Cortney Sells presidenteditor
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
3Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
4
IF PROPERLY STRUCTURED AND DOCUMENTED SELLER FINANCING IS REALLY NO DIFFERENT FROM FINANCING THAT WOULD OTHERWISE BE PROVIDED BY A BANKTYING IT ALL TOGETHEREven the most savvy of ldquonumbers peoplerdquo need a leg up in negotiating a purchase As with so many aspects of doing business retaining experienced legal counsel enables you to keep the focus where it belongsmdashemploying your entrepreneurial skills in the identification and acquisition of profitable business ventures The FIRM
Seller Financing Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
written by Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
Seller financing can often be a criti-cal factor in getting a business sold
If properly structured and documented seller financing is really no different from financing that would otherwise be provided by a bank Below is a brief guide to navi-gating the issues normally encountered in seller financing
FIRST THINGS FIRSTThe first question is usually that of how to structure and document the financing The buyer should be expected to sign a prom-issory note evidencing the loan from the seller with interest and repayment terms mutually agreeable to both parties The seller might also require that the buyer grant the seller a security interestlien in the pur-chased assets to secure the loan Itrsquos also not unusual for a seller to require that the individual owners of the buyer (assuming the buyer is an entity) personally guarantee the loan In most cases the documents are usually pretty straightforward and do not need to be overly complicated
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
ADDITIONAL LAYERSIf a bank is also financing the sale the seller will most likely be required by the bank to sign a subordination agreement This is an agreement between the bank usually referred to as the ldquosenior lenderrdquo and the seller referred to as the ldquojunior lenderrdquo A subordination agreement sets forth the terms between the lenders as to each entityrsquos right to receive loan pay-ments from the buyer and the priority of their respective security interestsliens in the purchased assets The document will usually state that the senior lenderrsquos loan and security interestliens shall at all times be superior to those of the junior lender until the senior loan is paid in full Most lenders are willing to discuss and negoti-ate the junior lenderrsquos right to receive loan payments from the borrower Lien priority status however is rarely compromised by senior lenders in subordination agreements The senior lender will insist on having a first priority security interestlien in the pur-chased assets
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Whether yoursquore a first-time entre-preneur or an experienced business
owner purchasing a company is a critical investment financially and emotionally To help increase the likelihood of it being a success in both areas there are a number of aspects to keep in mind when evaluating if a business is the right fit gt
Seasoned Advice for Business Buyers(The Bouncy Kind)
written by Kathy Rygg
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Jerry Rachwalik
5Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
6
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
lt Jerry Rachwalik has been researching companies for the past three years waiting for the right opportunity to arise His search was the result of spending his career work-ing for larger organizations in a number of areas including delivery installation cus-tomer service inventory accounts receiv-ables and scheduling where he managed up to 35 people at a time
Policies and philosophies can change when working for a corporation Sometimes they become less family friendly ldquoWith the previous companies I worked forrdquo Rachwalik says ldquothey switched from caring about em-ployees to making money and the bottom line I stuck it out for several years and then decided I needed something differentrdquo
An entrepreneur by nature Rachwalik has over the last seven years built up a rental business buying foreclosed homes and duplex properties completely reno-vating them and then renting them back out He now has 15 properties and enjoys helping families by providing nice homes that are affordable ldquoI want people to feel good when they come home at night after a long day at workrdquo he says Rachwalik want-ed to find a business that allowed him the flexibility to respond to his tenants when needed from simple plumbing issues to furnaces going kaput
When he first started looking for a new business Rachwalik was drawn to home health care because of his experience help-ing to take care of relatives And it was a growing field Nothing was available at the time so he expanded his options and be-gan researching businesses in a variety of industries Those included a flooring com-pany sandwich shop and even a hair salon
ldquoI was open to anything and if I could make the numbers work then I would consider itrdquo he explains
Then The Firm Business Brokerage pre-sented him with an opportunity that was the right match Bounce U in Omaha There were a number of factors that appealed to Rachwalik First and foremost were the financials but it would also offer him the flexibility he needed for his rental business A big advantage was that an entire team was already in place one seasoned in man-aging staff and scheduling parties ldquoThey do a great jobrdquo he says ldquoI donrsquot plan on making any personnel changesrdquo
But what hersquos most looking forward to with this new venture is the fun positive environment Bounce Ursquos primary business is its birthday party packages featuring the companyrsquos oversized inflatibles and Rachwalik said he canrsquot wait to watch the excitement on the kids faces when they walk through the door ldquoEveryone there is happyrdquo he says ldquoThe kids are happy the parents are happy and the employees running the parties are happy Itrsquoll be a big change from the environments I used to work inrdquo Hersquos already planning to have his twin grand-daughtersrsquo birthday party there too
His transition included a week of training with the companyrsquos corporate facility in Ari-zona as well as on-site training Even though the Omaha location is an existing store all of Rachwalikrsquos training was structured as though itrsquos a brand new site
Bounce U has traditionally partnered with local restaurants to provide food for birth-day parties but Rachwalik wants to explore the option to build a kitchen of his own
He also hopes to continue to grow the business by at least 5 annually ldquoAnything I do I will communicate with my employees and get their input and suggestions firstrdquo he adds
For anyone who is considering buying a business or is going through the process Rachwalik stresses to be open minded and not rule anything out ldquoIf an opportunity is presented to you run the numbers and see if you can make it workrdquo he says ldquoI did a complete flip-flop on the type of business I thought I wanted versus what I ended up purchasing But if you keep looking yoursquoll eventually find a matchrdquo The FIRM
ldquoTHE KIDS ARE HAPPY THE PARENTS ARE HAPPY AND THE EMPLOYEES RUNNING THE PARTIES ARE HAPPY ITrsquoLL BE A BIG CHANGE FROM THE ENVIRONMENTS I USED TO WORK INrdquo
-Jerry Rachwalik
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Fresh Off The Firm Featured Listings for Sale
Suburban Bar amp Grill with VolleyballOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $26413 PRICE $115000
Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity in an area with only two other bars nearby Serving up a gorgeous and well-maintained volleyball court along with pool tables and a jukebox this bar and grill is a favorite with the locals Business is fully staffedmdashowner works very part time hours
Rain Gutter Sales amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $145200 PRICE $415000
This business is a dealer for high-end rain gutter covers These products are con-structed of high-quality aluminum and sur-gical-grade stainless steel and are strong enough to hold up to four feet of snow or 20 pounds of debris Profit margin is 48
Large-Scale Assembly amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $743732 PRICE $2200000
This well-established installation and assembly business in central Nebraska prides itself on providing many numerous building solutions for businesses and building owners in their area They install and assemble metal frames including grain silos pole barns and buildings
Photo Booth Business Running on Autopilot OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $36419 PRICE $88900
Photo booths are the ldquoin thingrdquo at weddings and parties In business for seven years this business is one of the largest in town Wedding couples hoping to capture the fun memories of the day make up 67 of the clients Includes four booths and one trailer
Southwest Omaha Dental PracticeOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $129745 PRICE $380000
Professional staff and excellent customer service are the hallmarks of this practice Using the latest technology the business offers an array of dental services including teeth cleaning veneers crowns bleaching and trauma services The owner is currently working only 20 hours a week
Small Animal Vet Clinic in Omaha OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $158287 PRICE $440000
For over 30 years this animal care clinic has prioritized customer care They are currently offering services to over 2000 families and are the second largest veterinary clinic in the area The business is split 7030 between dogs and cats
Buildersrsquo Material amp Supply CompanyOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $364880 PRICE $933000
This highly reputable company established in 1976 and located just north of Omaha provides quality and reliable services and supplies Building supply inventory includes garage door lumber windows trims siding roofing materials and more Approximately 90 of customers are repeat clientele
High-Growth Plumbing Company OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $157774 PRICE $445000
This non-union plumbing company has consistent growth of over $130000 a year in sales The full service plumbing contractor has business that is currently 50 commercial and 50 residential
90+ available business opportunities for sale Please visit TheFirmBusinessBrokeragecom for details
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
7Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
Matt Cradick
The Deal ReviewReason For Sale Fresh start after 25+ years in the industrySeller Transition Period Over eight monthsType of Sale Asset Purchase AgreementLender Access Bank Mack LaRock
ldquoYOU SHOULD INTERVIEW FOR A BUSINESS JUST LIKE YOU
WOULD FOR A JOBrdquo CRADICK EXPLAINS ldquoIT HAS TO BE THE
RIGHT FIT YOU DONrsquoT WANT TO BE ONE OF THE MANY FA-
TALITIES THAT HAPPEN SO OFTEN IN NEW BUSINESSrdquo
-Shaun Heldt
From Retail to RoofingHow to be Successful When Buying a Business
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Spending almost 20 years working in retail for major corporations and then
buying a siding and roofing contracting company may seem like a major leap but for Matt Cradick owner of Husker Ham-mer Siding Windows and Roofing it was the best business move hersquos ever made And thatrsquos saying a lot for someone who moved 11 times in 19 years across nine different states
Cradick had been living in Houston Texas where he worked for Target Corporation He had worked his way up through the com-pany and another promotion was on the horizon which meant another move With three young children at home Cradick de-cided it was time to put down some roots Having grown up in Lincoln Nebraska he wanted to be near family and Midwestern values He started researching businesses for sale and was eventually led to The Firm which in turn led him to Husker Hammer
The move from a big corporate environ-ment to a small contracting business didnrsquot intimidate Cradick With Target he oversaw 200 people so he knew he brought strong management and operational skills The challenge he says was learning the ins and outs of construction He didnrsquot need to be the one hammering away on the roofmdashhe needed learn a new business segment
ldquoSwitching industries can be nerve-rack-ingrdquo Cradick says ldquobut the owner was will-ing to stay on board for six months during the transitionrdquo That partnership was an invaluable tool during the changeover gt
A Publication of The Firm Business BrokerageA Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
9Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
10
lt Husker Hammer was started in 1998 as a one-man operation and had been built up to a multimillion dollar business Cradick was impressed with the mission statement values system of the company and the strong workforce that was already in place And the price of the company lined up well with the financials ldquoWhat Husker has that others in the industry donrsquotrdquo says the man whose faith is central to his deal-ings ldquois a strong ethical foundation with a Christian backgroundrdquo
There were a number of other elements Cradick sought when buying his business ones he believes all potential business own-ers need to keep in mind The first is to make sure you have a proper support team in place to help make a sound financial deci-sion That includes having a good business valuation and a good business broker who can point you in the right direction to ensure a match for both parties
Once yoursquore in the process of purchasing he adds make sure you have a capable net-work of attorneys a seasoned financial team and solid internal help to ensure yoursquore suc-cessful from the start ldquoYou should interview
for a business just like you would for a jobrdquo Cradick explains ldquoIt has to be the right fit You donrsquot want to be one of the many fatal-ities that happen so often in new businessrdquo
To help ensure the company continues to be successful Cradick plans to main-tain Husker Hammerrsquos competitive edges which he says includes his 11000-sq-ft state-of-the-art showroom in Elkhorn He reformatted the space to better fit his busi-ness model before building out additional second-floor space that is now rented to other entrepreneurs
The showroom features all of the window siding and roofing products available to customers Samples are one thing Cradick says but he knows the power of customers seeing actual colors in actual sizes
ldquoOur philosophy is to build peace of mind for homeowners and be with them every step through the processrdquo he says ldquoWord of mouth is our number one lead source which was true in retail as wellrdquo
Happy employees to Cradick are just as important as happy customers He sub-scribes to a simple philosophymdashlistening to employees and doing so with respect
ldquoWith big corporations you deal with a lot of politicsrdquo he says ldquoNow if therersquos politics itrsquos because Irsquove generated it Itrsquos a nice change to be in a small business where you have more leeway to ensure yoursquore creating a positive work environment which creates a happy workforcerdquo
Working for a smaller company also allows for more opportunities to become involved in the community Husker Hammer is active in local chambers of commerce the Open Door Mission and is currently helping on a Habitat for Humanity build in Waterloo They have also been accredited by the Bet-ter Business Bureau since 2000 and won the Better Business Integrity Award
Cradickrsquos business is currently 90 percent residential and 10 percent commercial He hopes to increase their reach in proper-ty management and general contracting while maintaining the high-quality residen-tial sales that built the business ldquoBecause of our showroomrdquo he says ldquopeople come
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
to us We donrsquot do the high pressure sales at the kitchen table We listen We let the homeowners do the talkingrdquo
Growing geographically is also a goal Cradick hopes to expand to surrounding areas including his hometown of Lincoln
ldquoSo far itrsquos been a great moverdquo he says ldquoand I look forward to continuing to be known as an ethical long-lasting company My daughters and wife are excited to be back in the Midwest around grandparents and family Their school district is great and the full year-round climate has been a welcome change from living in the south Plus I was averaging 50000 miles per year in travel so itrsquos nice to sleep in your own bed every nightrdquo The FIRM
For more information on this or any for sale listings call The Firm Business Brokerage directly
11Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
The Deal ReviewBusiness Established 1987Reason for Sale Retirement (Transla-tion More time with a fishing pole)Ownerrsquos Profit $495004Type of Loan SBA with Core Bank
12
Back to the FutureBuilding a Business Legacy
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Itrsquos not uncommon for someone who has spent a number of years in corporate
America to shift gears into entrepreneur-ship Being your own boss certainly has its advantages But for Scott Beckler who recently purchased Lewis Installers in Gret-na his reason for taking on a new business venture had more to do with honoring not only his fatherrsquos legacy but building one of his own
Beckler started his career as a business education teacher then moved to a corpo-rate career in technology But for a number of years he kept an eye on businesses for sale hoping that just the right opportunity would come along
ldquoMy dad was an entrepreneur who owned his own real estate insurance companyrdquo
Beckler says ldquoDespite the fact he had on-going health issues he still got up every day put on a coat and tie and went out to make a sale He was a very successful busi-nessman and I wanted to honor his legacyrdquo
After contacting The Firm and discuss-ing what he was looking for in a business the team suggested Lewis Installers which specializes in industrial conveyor and rack systems At first it seemed like a big de-parture for him ldquoShelving and logistical systems isnrsquot something that jumps out at yourdquo Beckler says But the more he looked into it the more he realized it had many of the elements he wanted in a business The most obvious advantage was that the company was located in Gretna where he lives Add to that the fact that the seller lives just up the road from him
Scott Beckler
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
For purposes of this article this overview is based on the buying and selling entities being corporations or entities taxed as corporations
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
4420 Izard Street Omaha4022938707 bull 8887380296
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
HAVE YOUR MINOR ROOF LEAKS BECOME A MAJOR ANNOYANCEDonrsquot Wait Any Longer Call Us Now
ldquoAfter meeting him and hitting it offrdquo Beckler says ldquowe quickly realized it was a match on both sidesrdquo
Other signs also pointed in the right di-rection The financials were good The size of the business was ideal The competitive landscape was promising Beckler also real-ized that his corporate background fit well with this new business
ldquoAlthough itrsquos an entirely different indus-tryrdquo he says ldquomany of the business princi-ples are the samehellipproject management customer service delivery vendor man-agement and cost containment Irsquove been doing all of those for yearsrdquo
His background in technology will also be a valuable asset in his new business Not only has he established relationships with large vendors built over the years but his from-the-ground-up experience with data centers means that he is already eying in-novative automation and other technology differentiators At the same time hersquos look-ing forward to learning the daily operations of the company and having a hand in every part of the business from bidding to closing to payroll
ldquoIt will be challenging coming from a big business background where Irsquove only been involved in the peripheryrdquo Beckler says
ldquoNow Irsquoll be involved in all of itrdquo
Lewis Installers being a family-owned business is what hersquos most excited about He says itrsquos a company with a good repu-tation thatrsquos known for quality and meeting deadlinesmdashall driven by a strong Midwest-ern work ethic
Itrsquos the sort of company Beckler believes that would make his father proud
ldquoI want this business to be a legacy for my familyrdquo Beckler says ldquoMy hope is that it could stay in the family with my own kids and grandkidsrdquo The FIRM
13Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Om
aharsquo
s Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
14
When considering the purchase of an existing business very few realize
that lack of experience in an industry can actually lead to success One simply needs a sound financial plan and a good team to fill in the gaps Removing the added stress of fieldwork and focusing solely on the management of finances and operation allows for greater opportunities It makes for the dynamic advantage of some outside impartiality when seeking areas of improve-ment and growth
One man who has made this transition from having marginal knowledge in an in-dustry to leading a successful plumbing and HVAC operation is Mark Evans president of Burton Plumbing Before taking over Burton Evans had a successful plumbing distribu-torship serving four states but it was his desire to own and to travel less that put him into the hands of Burton Friesz The founder of Burton Plumbing Friesz had been a customer and friend of Evansrsquo when the two discussed a possible expansion into residential service Evans put his busi-ness experience to work for Burton in July 1995 and his education in the minutiae of plumbing and HVAC began
While he hasnrsquot worked in the field as a licensed plumbing contractor Evans has dipped his feet in several areas within the running of Burtonhellipand often at the same time Before hiring the essential personnel that have enabled him to narrow his role Ev-ans served as manager marketer customer service representative and dispatcher Such a list of duties for one man is a daunting task but ldquoI worked my way to being able to work on the business rather than in the business [a strategy] taught to me by my business coachrdquo says Evans
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
REMOVING THE ADDED STRESS OF FIELDWORK AND FOCUSING SOLELY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF FINANCES AND OPERATION ALLOWS FOR GREATER OPPORTUNITIES
Executive Impact Moving Into the Boardroom From Employee to President
written by Maureen Tierney | Co-written by Mark Evans and Julie OrsquoBrien
Eventually Evans was able to step back and bring on a general manager and a ware-house operator that has allowed him to
ldquofocus on growth opportunities marketing and cash flowrdquo
Evansrsquo experience is not unique It is com-mon for brokerages to deal with buyers seeking to own companies within a cer-tain field but ldquoonly two people out of the nearly 100 closings [wersquove had] have come in for the same business that they ended up purchasingrdquo says Julie OrsquoBrien client services and paralegal with The Firm What it comes down to is as simple as the bot-tom line Buyers are looking to leverage their talents and experience in a marriage between a management philosophy and business model Those in the market for an acquisition are ldquobuying based on profit number of staff ability to get financing and mostly their strengths and passionsrdquo says OrsquoBrien Experience in a particular industry is certainly valuable but is no predictor of success when the right financial mind comes along
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Even so making up for a lack of practical knowledge requires the proper equipment most notably in the form of managers and employees The right talent in the field can be a growth experience and provide an opportunity to learn the ropes before taking a full swing at things A total deficit in knowl-edge hardly makes for good leadership and for this reason many ldquonew business owners like to take a birdrsquos eye view of the operation rather than diving in and getting their hands dirty right awayhellipgiving them the opportunity to watch [how] things have been done before implementing changesrdquo says OrsquoBrien
Approaching ownership in this way also allows for further financial acquisitions an avenue which Evans has taken In addition to owning Burton Plumbing Evans operates four other companies One might assume this much responsibility to be a stretch but Evans sees his role as ldquokeeping a pulse on things I like to lead people in growth per-sonally and on the business siderdquo
Getting started can be a challenge which is why OrsquoBrien works closely with potential buyers to find the right fit ldquoWe assist all the wayrdquo she says ldquoWe work with the buyer on projections business plans [and] we introduce them to trusted advisorsrdquo from attorneys and CPAs to financial advisors and insurance agents
Itrsquos this helpful backing of experts that eases the difficult task of ownership and only proves that one can certainly switch from a blue collar to a white one The FIRM
CONTRACTING BUSINESSES LISTED BY THE FIRM
201
5 P
roje
cted
201
5 Y
TD
201
4
201
3
201
2
30
0
15
28
14
12
11
16
15Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Omaharsquos Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
It may seem like I pulled a muscle making this stretch but Keith Backsen the new boss at the Omaha Convention amp Visitors Bureau seems to have an awful lot in common with new Husker Coach Mike Riley
Coach Riley spent a total of 14 seasons at Oregon State before heading to Huskerland Backsen also comes from that neck of the woods having spent 11 years of his career in Portland Oregon and another 11 years in Spokane Washington selling both cities as prime places for convention and leisure travelers
At Oregon State Coach Riley built the football program into a consistent winner and regular conference contender At Visit Spokane Backsen opened sales offices in Washington DC and Chicago that led to increased convention bookings Backsen also worked on the public campaign to expand the Spokane Convention Center with a $65 million bond issue The expansion coupled with increased hotel inventory allowed Spokane to pursue large conventions and more than doubled convention bookings in Spokane
Riley has experience at the highest level of football serving as the head coach of the San Diego Chargers and as a head coach in both the Canadian and World Football Leagues Same for Backsen he worked in Dallas and Chicago as the director of sales for Global Experience Specialists a global leader in the world of event planning Backsen supervised five sales offices in a nine-state region generating annual sales in excess of $70 million
Riley is known as one of the most professional and nicest men in the profession a coach who is greatly admired by his peers I kid you not Backsen is described the same way by colleaguesmdashone of the most genuine and skilled men in the business a well respected professional who has the insight and experience to get the job done (Note the $70M stat above)
Come the first game both men will have a stadium filled with fans cheering them on In Backsenrsquos case his stadium is the entire city of Omaha where the fans are the 434353 residents who will reap the rewards of Omaharsquos growing tourism economy
B2B
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 51
51HUSKER
COACH HAS TOURISM
TWIN
OMAHA CVB BY DEB WARD
Deb Ward is the director of marketingcommunications Omaha Convention and Visitorrsquos Bureau
Keith Backsen
52 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Jason Feldman and Sebastian Hunt
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 53
The emerging startup accelerator scene supports creative-minded risk-takers looking for an edge to follow their passion and bring their ideas to fruition
Sebastian Hunt 25 is passionate about giving entrepreneurs like himself a nurturing space to test out their concepts The University of Nebraska at Omaha economics graduate interned with various local employers and surveyed the area startup community when an idea struck him for a by-application curriculum-based residency program serving new entrepreneurs That inspiration turned into Year of the Startup
Launched in 2014 the program operates out of a humble house at 4036 Burt Street in the St Cecilia Cathedral neighborhood Hunt and co-founder Jason Feldman 28 room there with young residency fellows whose startup ventures range from making bio-fuels to providing night owl shuttle services They are a millennial bunch who favor sneakers and sandals They take informal meetings to nearby CaliCommons and Lisarsquos Radial Cafe They variously hunch over laptops or tablets and carry smartphones as appendages
YEAR OF THE STARTUP
ENTREPRENEURAL IMMERSION
This communal work-live space model for business mavericks is new to Omaha The usual startup accelerator is a concentrated 90-day off-site program Omaha has a few of these notably Straight Shot Hunt saw a need for a program that invites a broader range of people into the accelerator fold and supports them much nearer to the start of their dream than other programs
ldquoWe feel like we can take people at very early stages because we are four times as long as the average programrdquo says Hunt who adds that Year of the Startup is also not tech-centric like many programs tend to be ldquoIn our model we substitute intensity for duration I think a lot of the learning here comes through unstructured serendipitous interactions we have that is not curriculum-based itrsquos just happenstance
ldquoWith a house there are so many different ways you can bring ideas and people together I think thatrsquos maybe that critical binding agent and sense of place that helps accomplish thingsrdquo
He says in this intimate environment ldquotherersquos no other choice but to immerse yourself in the settingrdquo adding ldquoWersquore always hanging out in the living room or out back talking about startup stuffmdashmonetization strategies capitalization tables vested equity entity structuresrdquo
ldquoItrsquos this immersive experience of camaraderie of these natural flows and idea generationrdquo Feldman says
Hunt says ldquoThis is very difficult to get bored with because therersquos always somebody whose business is either in crisis or growth stage or some interesting part of the curverdquo
ldquoHow could we get bored when wersquore creating a platform with four startups and all we get to do is ideationrdquo Feldman says ldquoItrsquos a constant buzz we get from interacting with these startup founders and helping them build their ideasrdquo
Built into the program are activities that encourage fellows to break out of their comfort zone and to offer honest criticism of each otherrsquos ideas
Hunt compiles multiple data points on the startups
ldquoWersquore developing really deep insight about how do people start successful businessesrdquo
The program utilizes mentors from the entrepreneurial community
ldquoWe bring in people who are experts in specific areas to talk on those topicsrdquo Feldman says
ldquoThey get ideas flowingrdquo Hunt says of the mentors
Feldman says he regularly covers with fellows ldquothe major components of what you need to look at to start your businessrdquo and then mentors like Mike Kolker owner of graphic design firm Simplify teach lessons about operational efficiency and ldquohow to simplify running a businessrdquo
Hunt is a newcomer to all this and goes by instinct as much as research to support his vision
CONTINUED ON 54
FEATURE | BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
53
54 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
70 Years of Business in Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
4027335500 | 4315 South 50th Street
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Thanks for Voting SampW Fence the Best Again in 2015
Wersquore Not Just About Fences
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
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2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
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B2B
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aharsquos Business to Business M
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Donrsquot forget to visitOmahaMagazinecom to read
all of our titles online
Omaha MagazineEncounter B2B 60PlusHerFamily OmahaHome
CONTINUED FROM 53
ldquoI just had an irrational confidence market insights and a great theoretical background thanks to primary research I completed and to lessons I learned from Phillip Phillips Michael OrsquoHara and Art Diamond in UNOrsquos economics department I read constantly about who the players were in the startup world so I was fairly preparedrdquo
Even though he directs a startup program he only started participating in one himself (Venture School) He acknowledges Year of the Startup is a by-the-seat-of-your-pants experiment
ldquoComing out of college I had student loans and not a ton of money Irsquove held two jobs to finance the project Now the project is financed by a combination of me working and renting out one room One-hundred percent of the money our entrepreneurs pay in rent will be returned in full and so everybody has a strong incentive to follow through with the program That may be what makes us sustainablerdquo
Hersquos working on securing corporate sponsorship for the program Meanwhile he wants to help get participating startups to the next level
ldquoWersquore functioning like a pre-accelerator at this point We want to get our startups profitable and then refer them to the Straight Shots so they can focus on growth in a pure accelerator programrdquo
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 55
Mercedes-Benz of Omaha14335 Hillsdale Ave Omaha NE 68137wwwOmahaMercedescomContact John Williams anytime at 4029819262
of Omaha of Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
As Year of the Startup moved into a larger house in Omaharsquos Little Italy district on July 1 and a new class of fellows arrives Hunt says there are ldquointeresting talks happening right now to bring this to other citiesrdquo He and Feldman say economic development agencies are willing to pay a license fee for them to do startup houses in other cities The partners are having proprietary software developed that will enable new startup houses to replicate their branded Omaha model
They look forward to engaging with the emerging 10th Street cultural district but may keep the midtown house to accommodate growth
Hunt and Feldman believe theyrsquore catching the wave or tipping point of a big new startup rush and theyrsquore betting their model is poised to be a niche player in this wild frontier of entrepreneurial prospecting
B2B
56 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
It is an unassuming space but if you have made your way to TD Ameritrade Park Filmstreams or Hot Shops chances are yoursquove passed one of the most vibrant offices in Omaha
The fact that Co-Lab (short for Creative Collaborators) is not a traditional work space is certainly one of its best features Located inside the Tip Top building at 15th and Cumming streets is a project dreamed up by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture who happens to share the main floor of the building Based in the heart of a once-isolated section of the city Co-Labrsquos funky creative vibe is making waves In fact that vibe seeps into Omaharsquos everyday bringing about small changes pushing our city toward a more innovative future
CO-LABGIVING OMAHA WORKERS A MORE
COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE
IN THE OFFICE | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
56
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 57
Home to 18 businesses plus Alley Poyner Macchietto Co-Lab is free of walls and signage It is also free from traditional office norms For instance you donrsquot just walk over to your neighborrsquos space for a brainstorming sessionmdashyou skateboard At least you do if yoursquore Dave Nelson of SecretPenguin a leading experimental branding agency The best part is that the businesses surrounding SecretPenguin appreciate the break from tradition ldquoThatrsquos the beautiful part about being around like-minded good people and businessesrdquo Nelson says
CONTINUED ON 58
58 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 59
CONTINUED FROM 57
In addition to having pathways large enough to skateboard or bike through the space also provides Co-Labbers with a kitchen various conference rooms bike storage bathrooms and a battleground (otherwise known as the ping-pong table) Walking in the main doors clients and employees alike are greeted from the front desk while catching a view of the five-story open atrium basking in the glow of sunshine from the skylight Workers can also access the fitness room and rooftop deck sharing amenities with TipTop apartment residents who use a separate entrance
CONTINUED ON 60
The Harry A Koch CoInsurance amp Financial ConsultantsMember of First Insurance Group LLC
60 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
CONTINUED FROM 59
Businesses in Co-Lab all creativity-related range from entrepreneurs to start-ups to non-profits to small businesses The art varies in form but runs through the space like an electric current At Zicafoose Textiles Mary Zicafoose works steadily on her loom creating gorgeous tapestries 4Site Programming is where Joi Brown works as an independent consultant for performing arts centers across the nation Heartland B-Cycle a large-scale municipal bike sharing system brings art in the form of economical convenience Holly Boyer a founder of non-profit organization Mission Matters explains that one of the best things about having an office at Co-Lab is feeling the innovative positive energy from the moment you walk in the door So while individuals may join Co-Lab with a business-minded focus or a more creative vibe finding a yin to their yang is just a shout away
ldquoThere is certainly a wonderful built-in support network that comes along with working in a collaborative environmentrdquo quips Omaha Creative Institute Executive Director Emily Moody ldquoEverything from sharing ideas and finding ways to collaborate with an organization different than yours to sharing a staplerrdquo
At the heart of making it work says Laura Alley of Alley Poyner itrsquos simply playing well with others
The skateboarding ping-pong playing creatives do that well
B2B
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Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
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For more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
TD Ameritrade Park | First National Bank Tower | Midtown Crossing | Village Pointe | Childrenrsquos Hospital Aksarben Village | Joslyn Art Museum | Fred amp Pamela Buffett Cancer Center | UNO Community Arena
6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
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13
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
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- BB1015_fntEdit_125
- BB1015_bkEdit_125
- BB1015_bkCvr_125
-
20emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
John Sievers
Businesses Are Buying SmarterThe All Makesrsquo team is trained to help you make design decisions and furniture purchases that fi t your offi ce atmosphere your work style and your budget Visit All Makesrsquo redesigned showroom to see the latest in new offi ce furniture pre-owned offi ce furniture and business technology
wwwallmakescom Omaha 2558 Farnam St | 4023412413 Lincoln 3333 O St | 4024777131
Thank you for voting us 1 for 10 consecutive years
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp19
Most people in the Omaha metro area are familiar with that animated female voice belting out ldquoControlled ComfortndashKeep it Under Controoooooolrdquo Many locals probably would not guess the companyrsquos logo (an angel) but could at least hum a few bars of the jingle Whether a catchy tune is annoying or enjoyable is a matter of opinion but once that musical worm has worked its way into your psyche you are forced to remember the product which is exactly what advertisers hope for
When companies change ownership one major decision is whether or not to maintain the same brand image and the current owners of Controlled Comfort knew they wanted things to stay pretty much the same when they took ownership
ldquoWe love our jinglerdquo says Taylor ldquoWhen we purchased the company we knew we wanted to maintain the image and keep the logo and jingle We couldnrsquot ask for a better form of advertisingrdquo
Research shows that music increases recall and simple melodies with simple lyrics stick with a consumer not only for the short term but often the long-term Remember ldquoI Wish I Were an Oscar Meyer Weinerrdquo Even if it has been years since you have actually heard it chances are you can still sing the entire song Controlled Comfortrsquos brand may not be as huge as Oscar Meyerrsquos but their jingle has stood the test of time being sung on local radio and TV for nearly 20 years with no end in sight
Taylor recounts how in the mid-1990s local musician Johnny Ray Gomez produced the jingle for a radio spot
ldquoThe previous owners purchased a year of radio advertising and it came with a jinglerdquo Taylor says
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
THANKS OMAHA
Embroidery middot Screen Printing middot Promotional Digital Printing middot Mailing middot Company Stores
13747 F St 4025961002 ideal-imagescom
ldquoWhen we purchased the company we knew we wanted to maintain the image and keep the logo and jingle We couldnrsquot ask for a better form of advertisingrdquo-ANNE TAYLOR
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 21
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(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
At the time they had no idea they did not retain exclusive rights to the melody
ldquoI just recently heard the song while I was traveling in western Nebraska It was quite a shockrdquo she adds with a laugh
Branding is all about creating an image of a business that will stick in a customerrsquos mind Though most businesses rely on visual advertising to create their brand jingles can be an additional way to increase awareness and create staying power People often remember a catchy tune Throw the company name and their phone number in the jingle lyrics and customers may not even need to look up the contact information
ldquoIf I forget the phone number I just sing the jinglerdquo says one local customer
Though original jingles declined in recent years as more large companies turn to popular songs for their advertising a few local companies still spend at least some marketing dollars on jingles Whether you think it annoying or catchy a jingle may be your best advertising investment
B2B
4023333062 | planitomahacom | 10832 old mill road suite 5 | omaha ne 68154
planitomaha A national and
regional powerhouse in
meetings conferences amp
events
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
22emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 2
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 23
How is it that Midlands Choice has come to make an investment in of all things a ballerina
Sure the bottom line of any insurance entity is driven by risk managementmdashthe investing of premium revenues to hedge against claims
But taking stock in Claire Goodwillie a company dancer with Ballet Nebraska
The Midlands Choice example is repeated all across the metro as area businesses support a broad array of arts nonprofits ones that dwell in everything from tutus to tempura
And the table is set for a new era of collaboration between business and the arts because philanthropic giving in America has finally returned to pre-recession levels
Contributions which totaled $358 billion in 2014 surpassed 2007rsquos pre-recession level of $355 billion Additionally giving was up from all major sourcesmdashindividuals corporations foundations and bequestsmdashaccording to Giving USA an annual report compiled by the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and the Giving USA Foundation of Chicago
ldquoEight out of nine types of charitable organizations we measure saw increased contributions and thatrsquos good news for the
BALLET NEBRASKAA PAS DE DEUX BETWEEN BUSINESS AND THE ARTS
philanthropic sector as a wholerdquo W Keith Curtis told Omaha Magazine in an email Curtis is chair of Giving USA Foundation and president of the nonprofit consulting firm The Curtis Group ldquoThe 60-year high for charitable giving in 2014 is a great story about resilience and perseverancerdquo
Themes of resilience and perseverance define the Ballet Nebraska story
Erika Overturff was 27 years old when the ballet company of which she was a dancer and resident choreographer appeared doomed She had no money She had no business acumen
That was 2009 Flash forward to 2015 and Overturff now 33 founder and artistic director of Ballet Nebraska is leading the regionrsquos only professional dance company into its sixth season
In a city known for its ldquocan-dordquo spirit this story could be about almost any local arts nonprofit but the unlikely saga of Ballet Nebraska is told here because it is perhaps the most improbable of tales one that best reveals what a business community and the arts can do when they share a common vision
CONTINUEDemspONemsp24
BY DAVID WILLIAMS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
23COVERemspFEATURE
24emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp23
Like settling into your seat with a program before the lights dim at any performing arts venue itrsquos probably best to start by reviewing the cast of characters
THE CONNECTORHal Daub knows people Especially in a city of six degrees of separation that is in reality much more like two or three degrees the former Omaha mayor (1995-2001) and US Congressman (1981-1989) who has served on countless nonprofit boards and is now a partner at Husch Blackwellhellipknows people
ldquoWhen I was first introduced to Hal and he offered to helprdquo Overturff says ldquoI assumed that meant he was going to maybe make a few calls and do a little name-droppingrdquo Daub it turned out would become a key player in the often delicate pas de deux that is the coupling of business and the arts ldquoHe not only made those calls but he set up the appointmentshellipand then he came along to personally introduce me and stand by my side in front of those who would become some of the most generous funders of Ballet Nebraskardquo
ldquoThe reason I am so fascinated by what Erika has donerdquo says Daub ldquois that Omaha is a city that has clearly evolved to become a place that is not just metropolitan but truly cosmopolitanrdquo And investing in the arts Daub believes makes good business sense ldquoThe social environment of a citymdashits arts and entertainmentmdashis critical in attracting and retaining the best workforce Ballet Nebraska Opera Omaha the Omaha Symphony Omaha Performing Artshellipthose and so many others are the organizations that help keep the best talent in Omahardquo
THE ADVOCATEMichelle Clark is Union Pacificrsquos general director of information technologies which means she probably knows more than a little about computer viruses As a three-year board member of Ballet Nebraska shersquos also seen how supporting the arts can go viral
ldquoEmployee generosity is furthered by the use of the companyrsquos matching gifts programrdquo Clark explains ldquoThis creates a sense of pride for employees and Union Pacific is supportive of the communities in which we live and work The employees of Union Pacific are very generous and have supported fundraising drives not only for Ballet Nebraska but a number of organizations such as the Womenrsquos Center for Advancement and JDRFrdquo
Employees should never underestimate their power to play a key role in advocating for nonprofits within their organizations
ldquoI am passionate about the art of dance especially ballet and Ballet Nebraskardquo Clark says ldquoDance inspires my creativity and provides insights to see beyond the obvious My hope is that by providing individuals with the awareness of opportunities to experience and support the art of dance they will find their own inspiration to apply to their own liferdquo
And just as stubborn computer viruses are often cloyingly messy to eradicate once discovered Union Pacificrsquos relationship with Ballet Nebraska has a ldquostickinessrdquo of its own Clark was preceded on the Ballet Nebraska board by Gayla Thal the companyrsquos senior vice president and general counsel
THE BULLDOGDonrsquot let the gentle demeanor of Midlands Choice vice president Greta Vaught fool you Supporting the arts is often a visceral experience and Vaughtrsquos passion for dance exerted itself on multiple levels in the early stages of growth at Ballet Nebraska
ldquoMidlands Choice has always been supportive of my work in the communityrdquo says the board chair of Ballet Nebraska
ldquoWe like to listen to our people when making such decisionsrdquo says Midlands Choice President and CEO Thomas E Press rdquoIt is important for us to know that our giving has real meaning for them their families and their communitiesrdquo
ldquoI looked at what Erika was trying to dordquo Vaught continues ldquoand I thought it was brave but impossible But all along the way I just kept going back to the thought that if one of my daughters [Mia now 15 and Hannah now 19] wanted to try something so bold one day thatrdquohellipinsert long pausehellipldquoIrsquom sorry this is making me cry I would just hope that people with experience and connections and dollars would shepherd my daughters along like so many people have done with Erika and Ballet Nebraskardquo
Okay so maybe ldquoThe Bulldogrdquo wasnrsquot such a great character name for this role after all
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 25
Fast-Paced Public Relations
Customer-Based Planning and Communications
402-964-9293 11626 Nicholas Street
zaisscocom
For the Connected World
Every story Every tweet Every interaction
PR is vital to your bottom line now more than ever
Join the world of innovative PR ndash partner with experts
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Best PR Agency 7 Years Running
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
THE ARTISTldquoI had to do a lot of on-the-job learning when I decided to try to launch a dance companyrdquo Overturff says ldquoWe were lucky in that we got our nonprofit status right away but I didnrsquot know anything about the business side of things and really nothing about raising funds I was moved by every $5 check that came in but it took a lot of mentoring advice and counsel to get us to where we are today as a fully funded professional performance companyrdquo
Ballet Nebraska now has a paid staff of 22 including nine salaries paid to company dancers Today Overturffrsquos once-nonexistent business connections run deep Personal contributions from the likes of philanthropists Richard Holland and Fred and Eve Simon further fuel the growth of ballet in Omaha Foundations also play a major role in funding A recent gift of $124000 from the Iowa West Foundation is the largest in Ballet Nebraska history
ldquoTalented professionals from all over the world that have trained their whole lives to pursue a career in dance now come to Omaha in the hopes of performing with Ballet Nebraska as we serve the state and western Iowa in performances education outreach and morerdquo she says ldquoA ballet companymdashany performing arts company any arts organizationmdashis about its peoplehellipthe artists the staff and hardworking selfless volunteers But it is the people of Omaha from the smallest donations to the relationships we have with such great businesses that makes it all happenrdquo
B2B
26emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
26OFFICE FURNITURE BY DOUG SCHURING
OFFICE ORIGINS
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE MODERN WORKPLACE
For all the time we spend in our office very few of us are familiar with how that space came to be You may actually be surprised by the events and inventions that helped form the work environment we know today From the development of the railroad to innovations in communication our current corporate habits structures and tools have all played a role In his book CubedmdashA Secret History of the Workplace Nikil Saval shapes the advances that created the conventional office we are familiar with today
The advent of the Morse telegraph spawned long-distance communication Then starting in 1860 a series of technological innovations changed the possibilities of the workplace the use of iron framework permitted the construction of taller buildings and elevators assisted the climb The Remington typewriter entered the office in 1874 Bellrsquos telephone was patented two years later
At the same time railroads expanded across the country reducing transportation costs and extending markets for goods and services Additionally railroads produced an organizational transformation still in use today The coordination of trains required employees housed in structures all across the country bringing a variety of offices to the American landscape Between the executive the manager and the workerhellipthe organizational chart was born
The invention of telecommunications fostered the speed of information to surge creating more
Doug Schuring is the director of sales administration at All Makes Office Equipment Co
work and subsequently more workers As these workers moved into new structures the spaces reflected their various levels of management In 1915 the Metal Office Furniture Company (now Steelcase) invented the modern deskmdasha flat metal table outfitted with file drawers The new desks massed together in defined rows offered managers full visual access to the goings-on of the workplace and this ldquosea of desksrdquo became the norm for decades Lockers and various cabinets popular in the Great Depression era became vertical files once steel became readily available after World War II
In 1968 Herman Miller introduced the first panel system with attached components Designed by Robert Propst the Action Office system revolutionized the ldquoofficerdquo in form flexibility and cost Other furniture manufacturers mimicked the modular system which became the norm for many businesses
Up to the rsquo90s the personal computerrsquos popularity grew and the relative size of work stations decreased between 25-50 percent By the middle of that decade the dot-com revolution on the West Coast created an unprecedented workplace culture The formal atmosphere of the office became much more casual and discontent for the Dilbert-esque cubicle grew Subsequently creative furniture solutions evolved with the desire to be more mobile leading the way
In the early 2000rsquos collaborative open offices grew in popularity New and improving
technologies now offer connectivity in the office home or public spaces As a result nearly every company today is adapting and using new furnishings as a tool to attract new workers At the same time retaining existing employees is equally important The goal is to make everyone more effective and efficient in their work
Whether you work in an office from home in the local coffee shop or out of an airline terminal you may start to notice that much of the furniture is beginning to look very similar As long as you are able to connect to technology you can work from virtually anywhere
B2B
SEPTEMBER 24 2015 Ralston Arena7300 Q Street
Ralston NE 68127
CONNECT MARKET SUCCEED
Looking for INNOVATIVE MARKETING IDEAS Want to BOOST SALES AND ADD ROI Need to ANALYZE DATA TO GROW MARKET SHARE
For more information or to register please visit wwwOmahaAdvertisingXcom
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 27
28emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Outlook Nebraska CEO Eric Stueckrath
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 29
On the surface it looks just like any other office or factory As you enter Outlook Nebraska Inc (ONI) yoursquore greeted by a friendly front desk attendant and led past a perfectly ordinary-looking workspace Entering their factory where they manufacture such paper products as rolls of hand towels you wouldnrsquot suspect that it is different from any other assembly line
But explore a little deeper
Walking past one office you might see a man typing away on a keyboard his laptop closed in front of him He doesnrsquot need it open to know what hersquos typing Hersquos visually impaired and utilizing computer software that reads the words aloud as he types
On the factory floor raised edges guard the walkway so sightless employees can feel their way around Over on the assembly line visually impaired workers can use a computer screen to zoom in on the product at various stages of production to assess the process
ONI is a non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance the life of the blind and visually impaired through employment opportunities and training Almost all the employees at ONI are blind or visually impaired from factory workers to IT professionals Some were born blind others lost their sight later in life ONI aims to help them all re-enter the workforce in a meaningful way
A SIGHT FOR NON-SEEING EYES
OUTLOOK NEBRASKA
ldquoThey get used to being on their feetrdquo says ONI CEO Eric Stueckrath ldquoWe offer jobs for [people with] entry-level skill sets and all of the positions are at or above minimum wage We give them the tools to help build those skill setsrdquo
ONI also offers personalized life-skills training geared to whatrsquos important to the individual from personal banking to cooking to operating a computer
The American Foundation for the Blind estimates that as many as 70 percent of blind adults in the US are unemployed As the largest employer of the blind in the Omaha metro area ONI is working to make an impact
ldquoWe work with organizations that are committed to hiring the visually impairedrdquo Stuekrath says ldquoAdvocacy is definitely part of what we dordquo
ONI is currently in the midst of a $2 million capital campaign that will allow them to complete a large-scale renovation project at their facility The renovation will create more space for the general public and give them the ability to offer additional training programs
In addition to working with adults blind and visually-impaired youth are a primary focus for Stuekrath and ONI
ldquoMy heart really gravitates toward themrdquo Stuekrath says
ONI partners with youth organizations on a number of initiatives including a sports camp for visually-impaired youth called Camp Abilities Nebraska Attendees can try archery swimming bowling track and field and more as a means to build confidence
ldquoThey donrsquot need to be coddledrdquo Stuekrath says adding that he often tells parents of blind children ldquoYour kid needs to get out there and bump his head and experience liferdquo
At ONI everything comes back to the organizationrsquos mission Stuekrath says
ldquoWe give them the tools they need to gain greater independencerdquo
B2B
FEATURE | BY APRIL CHRISTENSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY COLIN CONCES
29
30emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Layne and Pam Yahnke and Their VW Thing
Shakespeare wrote of love and betrayal Tolkien of hobbits and wizards Steinbeck and Faulkner of the indomitable American spirit
Layne Yahnke writes about his VW Thing
Yes the two-wheel-drive off-road convertible military vehicle first manufactured for the West German Army as ldquoType 181rdquo in 1968 VW churned them out until 1983 including two years in the United States when marketed as ldquoThe Thingrdquo
Yahnke got his Thing in 2000 for $5500 Hersquos lovingly restored it most importantly giving it a peppy new motor that makes it Autobahn-worthy
WHATrsquoS THAT THING
LANE YAHNKErsquoS UNUSUAL VOLKSWAGEN
HOW I ROLL | BY ANTHONY FLOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Therersquos only one other Thing in Omaha and Yahnkersquos gets lots of second and third looks when hersquos whipping down the Dodge Street Expressway from his Elkhorn home Especially when the doors are off and windshield is down
Everyone wants to know abouthellipthe Thing
Thus Yahnke penned ldquoIt Takes a Village to Build a VW Thingrdquo an ode to those who helped him with his beloved ridemdashhis sons Omaha VW Club members engine and body shops and parts stores
CONTINUEDemspONemsp32
30
SIGN UP TODAYdolnebraskagovsides
Questions phone - 402-471-9910 email - ndoluisidesnebraskagov
Sign up now for a free paperless way to return unemployment insurance information
Submit separation information online
Free - No postage costsno sign-up fee
Respond quickly toseparation requests
E-Response saves treesNo more paper 350rsquos
Keep your taxes lowAvoid unnecessary charges
Avoid Late responses ampLoss of appeal rights
32emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Locally Owned in Papillion Ne402-740-0800 bull apconstructomahacom
Insurance claims
welcomeIf your roof sustained fire snow or hail
damage the repairs can be costly We are your wind and hail damage experts and accept insurance claims so you wonrsquot
have to pay for the repair work yourself
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
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Steve Kowalski
Call or Text Message(402 ) 453-6000
abetterexposurecom steveabetterexposurecom
Passion Creativity Experience
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp31
ldquoI wrote that right after the engine transplantrdquo says Yahnke an Omaha native and vice president at Essex Corp provider of senior living communities ldquoI guess I was moved I get so many inquiries about it and I really feel so fondly about itrdquo
Itrsquos not his first Thing Yahnke and his wife of 38 years Pam owned one before their four children came along As the kids have come and gone so have the cars
Lots of them
Yahnke figures he has owned 60 automobiles in his life His car fancy began as a kid growing up in Dundee where a friendrsquos dad spent his spare time restoring English cars Yahnke spent hours in his garage and developed a love for Triumphs and MGs His first car purchase was a 1962 Triumph for $425 in 1972 It wasnrsquot long though until he sold it at a profit
ldquoThatrsquos what kicked off the buying and selling of English carsrdquo he says ldquoI discovered I could enjoy my transportation but then as soon as someone wanted to buy it for more than I paid for it out it wentrdquo
ldquoWhere Accounting Meets ResultsrdquoProviding Accounting and Quickbooks Services
For Metro Businesses
Denise Martin I 9252077634Deniseheartlandaccountabilitycom
wwwHeartlandAccountAbilitycom
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 33
These days you never know what will be parked in the Yahnke driveway Currently therersquos a Honda pickup a VW Jetta VW Multivan and a 2001 Audi TT Quatro Convertiblemdashpurchased in apropos silver for his 25th wedding anniversary
Itrsquos the Thing he most enjoys driving He logs about 1000 miles on it each year Most of those have come toplessmdashYahnke long ago gave it away to another Thing enthusiast and now only drives it sans roof
ldquoAnyone who sees this car has only seen it top-downrdquo he says ldquoI just got caught once in the rain and that was probably a month ago The cool thing about the Thing is you leave it out in the sun and it dries out and is ready to gordquo
It says ldquoSummer is hererdquo Yahnke says
ldquoPeople speed up all the time to try to figure out what it is Itrsquos just a happy car and itrsquos so darn versatile It puts smiles on peoplesrsquo facesrdquo
B2B
Quality Carpet Cleaning Since 2004
4026806523
Cleaning ServicesCarpet CleaningUpholstery CleaningMattress CleaningTile amp Grout CleaningPet TreatmentsConcrete CleaningConcrete CleaningAuto Interior Cleaning24 Hour Water Damage
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omahamagazinecom SPECIALemspADVERTISINGemspSECTIONemspemsp |emsp SUMMERemsp2015emsp |emsp 34
ABOUT OUR BUSINESS
Cox Business started in 2000 as the commercial services division of Cox Communications Over the past 15 years we have experienced strong growth and are on our target to achieve $2 billion in revenue in the near future
Cox Business owns operates and maintains its own network providing leading-edge technology solutions for voice internet networking and digital TV We also offer robust business continuity and disaster recovery solutions which is of increasing importance to businesses in the greater Omaha area Our customers include such key verticals as education hospitality government and healthcare We maintain a significant focus on Omaha small business mid-markets and large local companies as well
We consider our employees to be our most precious asset as they have the responsibility of taking care of our customers At Cox Business we are fortunate to have an extremely tenured and engaged team of employees What sets us apart from our competition is the fact that while we are a large robust and progressive company we still possess
the nimbleness of a smaller company in our ability to deliver creative solutions under tight timelines We pride ourselves on having very little bureaucracy and that translates to happy customers The fact that Cox Business has won 15 JD Power Awards for customer satisfaction over the past 11 years is a notable accomplishment for us and we work hard to deliver on that promise of excellence every day
ABOUT LYNNE
I have led sales and operations teams in the communications industry for 20 years 10 of those years with Cox Communications My husband Pat and I just celebrated our first full year in Omaha and wonder why it took us so long to find this jewel of a community Our daughter Kaylin starts law school next month at the University of San Diego
I have two passions in my professional life mentoring employees who are working on leadership development (which includes working with two to three emerging leaders at any given time) and continuing to drive efforts in hiring fostering a diverse workforce There
is a challenge in STEM fields of under-represented groups My company Cox Communications is also very passionate about this and holds the distinction of inclusion in Diversity Incrsquos top 50 companies
My personal passions include travel social media and Italian cooking
B2B
COX BUSINESSLYNNE SANGIMINO
Cox Business 401 N 117th St Omaha NE 68154 coxbusinesscom 4029340830
Cradickrsquos Husker PowerTEXAN RETURNS HOME FOR BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY PG 8
Marlon Lofgren Koley Jessen PC LLOKEEPING THE FOCUS WHERE IT BELONGS PG 4
Seasoned Advice for Buyers(THE BOUNCY KIND) PG 5
PLAYING BIG EDITION
Fall
2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
2
Volume 1 Issue 5
Published by The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
PresidentEditor bull Cortney Sells
DirectorAssistant Editor bull Cassandra Powers
In-House Legal Counsel bull Susanne Miller
Outreach Coordinator bull Rene Rademacher
Marketing Development bull Rachael Rand
Business Broker bull Breann Becerra
Referring Broker bull Elizabeth Jones
Marketing Division bull Adam Jaime
Development Liaison bull Holley Garcia
Client Services bull Nycole Wandvik-Tolle
Client Services bull Julie OrsquoBrien
Community Relations bull Mike Sells
Contributing Writers
Marlon Lofgren bull Kathy Rygg bull Maureen Tierney
Design bull OBI Creative
Photography bull Bill Sitzmann
To Subscribe
The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
210 N 78 St
Omaha NE 68114
4029985288
infothefirmb2bcom
Advertising Inquiries
4028842000
toddomahamagazinecom
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Columns
4 Seller Financing
Koley Jessen PC LLO Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
14 Executive Impact Getting Into the Big Office
Departments
5 Seasoned Advice for
Business Buyers (The Bouncy Kind)
12 Building a Legacy while
Building Racks New Chapter to Becklerrsquos Career
The Bottom Line
Sells Insights
Playing Big
Husker PowerTexan returns home to
Nebraska for business opportunity
pg8
Many business owners have marginal experience in the trades in which their
organizations specialize While it may seem counterintuitive to buy or start a company situated around an industry in which one has little experience there is a certain com-petitive edge to the equation A buyer or president need only know enough to begin before surrounding him or herself with the right personnel to tackle the minute details What is paramount is the grander scheme of
management and operations which allows one to flex refined business acumen Not only does distance from fieldwork free up time to put in place a robust and refined plan but it leaves open other avenues for portfolio expansion Grow your business expand operations or begin other busi-ness ventures The possibilities are only as small as the mindset held by your team The FIRM
Special Section
7 Fresh Off The Firm The Firm Business Brokerage has
over $80 million dollars in assets under
management of current cash flowing
businesses for sale ndash from medical
practices to commercial services to large
manufacturing companies
by Cortney Sells presidenteditor
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
3Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
4
IF PROPERLY STRUCTURED AND DOCUMENTED SELLER FINANCING IS REALLY NO DIFFERENT FROM FINANCING THAT WOULD OTHERWISE BE PROVIDED BY A BANKTYING IT ALL TOGETHEREven the most savvy of ldquonumbers peoplerdquo need a leg up in negotiating a purchase As with so many aspects of doing business retaining experienced legal counsel enables you to keep the focus where it belongsmdashemploying your entrepreneurial skills in the identification and acquisition of profitable business ventures The FIRM
Seller Financing Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
written by Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
Seller financing can often be a criti-cal factor in getting a business sold
If properly structured and documented seller financing is really no different from financing that would otherwise be provided by a bank Below is a brief guide to navi-gating the issues normally encountered in seller financing
FIRST THINGS FIRSTThe first question is usually that of how to structure and document the financing The buyer should be expected to sign a prom-issory note evidencing the loan from the seller with interest and repayment terms mutually agreeable to both parties The seller might also require that the buyer grant the seller a security interestlien in the pur-chased assets to secure the loan Itrsquos also not unusual for a seller to require that the individual owners of the buyer (assuming the buyer is an entity) personally guarantee the loan In most cases the documents are usually pretty straightforward and do not need to be overly complicated
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
ADDITIONAL LAYERSIf a bank is also financing the sale the seller will most likely be required by the bank to sign a subordination agreement This is an agreement between the bank usually referred to as the ldquosenior lenderrdquo and the seller referred to as the ldquojunior lenderrdquo A subordination agreement sets forth the terms between the lenders as to each entityrsquos right to receive loan pay-ments from the buyer and the priority of their respective security interestsliens in the purchased assets The document will usually state that the senior lenderrsquos loan and security interestliens shall at all times be superior to those of the junior lender until the senior loan is paid in full Most lenders are willing to discuss and negoti-ate the junior lenderrsquos right to receive loan payments from the borrower Lien priority status however is rarely compromised by senior lenders in subordination agreements The senior lender will insist on having a first priority security interestlien in the pur-chased assets
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Whether yoursquore a first-time entre-preneur or an experienced business
owner purchasing a company is a critical investment financially and emotionally To help increase the likelihood of it being a success in both areas there are a number of aspects to keep in mind when evaluating if a business is the right fit gt
Seasoned Advice for Business Buyers(The Bouncy Kind)
written by Kathy Rygg
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Jerry Rachwalik
5Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
6
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
lt Jerry Rachwalik has been researching companies for the past three years waiting for the right opportunity to arise His search was the result of spending his career work-ing for larger organizations in a number of areas including delivery installation cus-tomer service inventory accounts receiv-ables and scheduling where he managed up to 35 people at a time
Policies and philosophies can change when working for a corporation Sometimes they become less family friendly ldquoWith the previous companies I worked forrdquo Rachwalik says ldquothey switched from caring about em-ployees to making money and the bottom line I stuck it out for several years and then decided I needed something differentrdquo
An entrepreneur by nature Rachwalik has over the last seven years built up a rental business buying foreclosed homes and duplex properties completely reno-vating them and then renting them back out He now has 15 properties and enjoys helping families by providing nice homes that are affordable ldquoI want people to feel good when they come home at night after a long day at workrdquo he says Rachwalik want-ed to find a business that allowed him the flexibility to respond to his tenants when needed from simple plumbing issues to furnaces going kaput
When he first started looking for a new business Rachwalik was drawn to home health care because of his experience help-ing to take care of relatives And it was a growing field Nothing was available at the time so he expanded his options and be-gan researching businesses in a variety of industries Those included a flooring com-pany sandwich shop and even a hair salon
ldquoI was open to anything and if I could make the numbers work then I would consider itrdquo he explains
Then The Firm Business Brokerage pre-sented him with an opportunity that was the right match Bounce U in Omaha There were a number of factors that appealed to Rachwalik First and foremost were the financials but it would also offer him the flexibility he needed for his rental business A big advantage was that an entire team was already in place one seasoned in man-aging staff and scheduling parties ldquoThey do a great jobrdquo he says ldquoI donrsquot plan on making any personnel changesrdquo
But what hersquos most looking forward to with this new venture is the fun positive environment Bounce Ursquos primary business is its birthday party packages featuring the companyrsquos oversized inflatibles and Rachwalik said he canrsquot wait to watch the excitement on the kids faces when they walk through the door ldquoEveryone there is happyrdquo he says ldquoThe kids are happy the parents are happy and the employees running the parties are happy Itrsquoll be a big change from the environments I used to work inrdquo Hersquos already planning to have his twin grand-daughtersrsquo birthday party there too
His transition included a week of training with the companyrsquos corporate facility in Ari-zona as well as on-site training Even though the Omaha location is an existing store all of Rachwalikrsquos training was structured as though itrsquos a brand new site
Bounce U has traditionally partnered with local restaurants to provide food for birth-day parties but Rachwalik wants to explore the option to build a kitchen of his own
He also hopes to continue to grow the business by at least 5 annually ldquoAnything I do I will communicate with my employees and get their input and suggestions firstrdquo he adds
For anyone who is considering buying a business or is going through the process Rachwalik stresses to be open minded and not rule anything out ldquoIf an opportunity is presented to you run the numbers and see if you can make it workrdquo he says ldquoI did a complete flip-flop on the type of business I thought I wanted versus what I ended up purchasing But if you keep looking yoursquoll eventually find a matchrdquo The FIRM
ldquoTHE KIDS ARE HAPPY THE PARENTS ARE HAPPY AND THE EMPLOYEES RUNNING THE PARTIES ARE HAPPY ITrsquoLL BE A BIG CHANGE FROM THE ENVIRONMENTS I USED TO WORK INrdquo
-Jerry Rachwalik
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Fresh Off The Firm Featured Listings for Sale
Suburban Bar amp Grill with VolleyballOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $26413 PRICE $115000
Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity in an area with only two other bars nearby Serving up a gorgeous and well-maintained volleyball court along with pool tables and a jukebox this bar and grill is a favorite with the locals Business is fully staffedmdashowner works very part time hours
Rain Gutter Sales amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $145200 PRICE $415000
This business is a dealer for high-end rain gutter covers These products are con-structed of high-quality aluminum and sur-gical-grade stainless steel and are strong enough to hold up to four feet of snow or 20 pounds of debris Profit margin is 48
Large-Scale Assembly amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $743732 PRICE $2200000
This well-established installation and assembly business in central Nebraska prides itself on providing many numerous building solutions for businesses and building owners in their area They install and assemble metal frames including grain silos pole barns and buildings
Photo Booth Business Running on Autopilot OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $36419 PRICE $88900
Photo booths are the ldquoin thingrdquo at weddings and parties In business for seven years this business is one of the largest in town Wedding couples hoping to capture the fun memories of the day make up 67 of the clients Includes four booths and one trailer
Southwest Omaha Dental PracticeOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $129745 PRICE $380000
Professional staff and excellent customer service are the hallmarks of this practice Using the latest technology the business offers an array of dental services including teeth cleaning veneers crowns bleaching and trauma services The owner is currently working only 20 hours a week
Small Animal Vet Clinic in Omaha OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $158287 PRICE $440000
For over 30 years this animal care clinic has prioritized customer care They are currently offering services to over 2000 families and are the second largest veterinary clinic in the area The business is split 7030 between dogs and cats
Buildersrsquo Material amp Supply CompanyOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $364880 PRICE $933000
This highly reputable company established in 1976 and located just north of Omaha provides quality and reliable services and supplies Building supply inventory includes garage door lumber windows trims siding roofing materials and more Approximately 90 of customers are repeat clientele
High-Growth Plumbing Company OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $157774 PRICE $445000
This non-union plumbing company has consistent growth of over $130000 a year in sales The full service plumbing contractor has business that is currently 50 commercial and 50 residential
90+ available business opportunities for sale Please visit TheFirmBusinessBrokeragecom for details
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
7Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
Matt Cradick
The Deal ReviewReason For Sale Fresh start after 25+ years in the industrySeller Transition Period Over eight monthsType of Sale Asset Purchase AgreementLender Access Bank Mack LaRock
ldquoYOU SHOULD INTERVIEW FOR A BUSINESS JUST LIKE YOU
WOULD FOR A JOBrdquo CRADICK EXPLAINS ldquoIT HAS TO BE THE
RIGHT FIT YOU DONrsquoT WANT TO BE ONE OF THE MANY FA-
TALITIES THAT HAPPEN SO OFTEN IN NEW BUSINESSrdquo
-Shaun Heldt
From Retail to RoofingHow to be Successful When Buying a Business
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Spending almost 20 years working in retail for major corporations and then
buying a siding and roofing contracting company may seem like a major leap but for Matt Cradick owner of Husker Ham-mer Siding Windows and Roofing it was the best business move hersquos ever made And thatrsquos saying a lot for someone who moved 11 times in 19 years across nine different states
Cradick had been living in Houston Texas where he worked for Target Corporation He had worked his way up through the com-pany and another promotion was on the horizon which meant another move With three young children at home Cradick de-cided it was time to put down some roots Having grown up in Lincoln Nebraska he wanted to be near family and Midwestern values He started researching businesses for sale and was eventually led to The Firm which in turn led him to Husker Hammer
The move from a big corporate environ-ment to a small contracting business didnrsquot intimidate Cradick With Target he oversaw 200 people so he knew he brought strong management and operational skills The challenge he says was learning the ins and outs of construction He didnrsquot need to be the one hammering away on the roofmdashhe needed learn a new business segment
ldquoSwitching industries can be nerve-rack-ingrdquo Cradick says ldquobut the owner was will-ing to stay on board for six months during the transitionrdquo That partnership was an invaluable tool during the changeover gt
A Publication of The Firm Business BrokerageA Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
9Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
10
lt Husker Hammer was started in 1998 as a one-man operation and had been built up to a multimillion dollar business Cradick was impressed with the mission statement values system of the company and the strong workforce that was already in place And the price of the company lined up well with the financials ldquoWhat Husker has that others in the industry donrsquotrdquo says the man whose faith is central to his deal-ings ldquois a strong ethical foundation with a Christian backgroundrdquo
There were a number of other elements Cradick sought when buying his business ones he believes all potential business own-ers need to keep in mind The first is to make sure you have a proper support team in place to help make a sound financial deci-sion That includes having a good business valuation and a good business broker who can point you in the right direction to ensure a match for both parties
Once yoursquore in the process of purchasing he adds make sure you have a capable net-work of attorneys a seasoned financial team and solid internal help to ensure yoursquore suc-cessful from the start ldquoYou should interview
for a business just like you would for a jobrdquo Cradick explains ldquoIt has to be the right fit You donrsquot want to be one of the many fatal-ities that happen so often in new businessrdquo
To help ensure the company continues to be successful Cradick plans to main-tain Husker Hammerrsquos competitive edges which he says includes his 11000-sq-ft state-of-the-art showroom in Elkhorn He reformatted the space to better fit his busi-ness model before building out additional second-floor space that is now rented to other entrepreneurs
The showroom features all of the window siding and roofing products available to customers Samples are one thing Cradick says but he knows the power of customers seeing actual colors in actual sizes
ldquoOur philosophy is to build peace of mind for homeowners and be with them every step through the processrdquo he says ldquoWord of mouth is our number one lead source which was true in retail as wellrdquo
Happy employees to Cradick are just as important as happy customers He sub-scribes to a simple philosophymdashlistening to employees and doing so with respect
ldquoWith big corporations you deal with a lot of politicsrdquo he says ldquoNow if therersquos politics itrsquos because Irsquove generated it Itrsquos a nice change to be in a small business where you have more leeway to ensure yoursquore creating a positive work environment which creates a happy workforcerdquo
Working for a smaller company also allows for more opportunities to become involved in the community Husker Hammer is active in local chambers of commerce the Open Door Mission and is currently helping on a Habitat for Humanity build in Waterloo They have also been accredited by the Bet-ter Business Bureau since 2000 and won the Better Business Integrity Award
Cradickrsquos business is currently 90 percent residential and 10 percent commercial He hopes to increase their reach in proper-ty management and general contracting while maintaining the high-quality residen-tial sales that built the business ldquoBecause of our showroomrdquo he says ldquopeople come
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
to us We donrsquot do the high pressure sales at the kitchen table We listen We let the homeowners do the talkingrdquo
Growing geographically is also a goal Cradick hopes to expand to surrounding areas including his hometown of Lincoln
ldquoSo far itrsquos been a great moverdquo he says ldquoand I look forward to continuing to be known as an ethical long-lasting company My daughters and wife are excited to be back in the Midwest around grandparents and family Their school district is great and the full year-round climate has been a welcome change from living in the south Plus I was averaging 50000 miles per year in travel so itrsquos nice to sleep in your own bed every nightrdquo The FIRM
For more information on this or any for sale listings call The Firm Business Brokerage directly
11Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
The Deal ReviewBusiness Established 1987Reason for Sale Retirement (Transla-tion More time with a fishing pole)Ownerrsquos Profit $495004Type of Loan SBA with Core Bank
12
Back to the FutureBuilding a Business Legacy
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Itrsquos not uncommon for someone who has spent a number of years in corporate
America to shift gears into entrepreneur-ship Being your own boss certainly has its advantages But for Scott Beckler who recently purchased Lewis Installers in Gret-na his reason for taking on a new business venture had more to do with honoring not only his fatherrsquos legacy but building one of his own
Beckler started his career as a business education teacher then moved to a corpo-rate career in technology But for a number of years he kept an eye on businesses for sale hoping that just the right opportunity would come along
ldquoMy dad was an entrepreneur who owned his own real estate insurance companyrdquo
Beckler says ldquoDespite the fact he had on-going health issues he still got up every day put on a coat and tie and went out to make a sale He was a very successful busi-nessman and I wanted to honor his legacyrdquo
After contacting The Firm and discuss-ing what he was looking for in a business the team suggested Lewis Installers which specializes in industrial conveyor and rack systems At first it seemed like a big de-parture for him ldquoShelving and logistical systems isnrsquot something that jumps out at yourdquo Beckler says But the more he looked into it the more he realized it had many of the elements he wanted in a business The most obvious advantage was that the company was located in Gretna where he lives Add to that the fact that the seller lives just up the road from him
Scott Beckler
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
For purposes of this article this overview is based on the buying and selling entities being corporations or entities taxed as corporations
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
4420 Izard Street Omaha4022938707 bull 8887380296
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
HAVE YOUR MINOR ROOF LEAKS BECOME A MAJOR ANNOYANCEDonrsquot Wait Any Longer Call Us Now
ldquoAfter meeting him and hitting it offrdquo Beckler says ldquowe quickly realized it was a match on both sidesrdquo
Other signs also pointed in the right di-rection The financials were good The size of the business was ideal The competitive landscape was promising Beckler also real-ized that his corporate background fit well with this new business
ldquoAlthough itrsquos an entirely different indus-tryrdquo he says ldquomany of the business princi-ples are the samehellipproject management customer service delivery vendor man-agement and cost containment Irsquove been doing all of those for yearsrdquo
His background in technology will also be a valuable asset in his new business Not only has he established relationships with large vendors built over the years but his from-the-ground-up experience with data centers means that he is already eying in-novative automation and other technology differentiators At the same time hersquos look-ing forward to learning the daily operations of the company and having a hand in every part of the business from bidding to closing to payroll
ldquoIt will be challenging coming from a big business background where Irsquove only been involved in the peripheryrdquo Beckler says
ldquoNow Irsquoll be involved in all of itrdquo
Lewis Installers being a family-owned business is what hersquos most excited about He says itrsquos a company with a good repu-tation thatrsquos known for quality and meeting deadlinesmdashall driven by a strong Midwest-ern work ethic
Itrsquos the sort of company Beckler believes that would make his father proud
ldquoI want this business to be a legacy for my familyrdquo Beckler says ldquoMy hope is that it could stay in the family with my own kids and grandkidsrdquo The FIRM
13Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Om
aharsquo
s Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
14
When considering the purchase of an existing business very few realize
that lack of experience in an industry can actually lead to success One simply needs a sound financial plan and a good team to fill in the gaps Removing the added stress of fieldwork and focusing solely on the management of finances and operation allows for greater opportunities It makes for the dynamic advantage of some outside impartiality when seeking areas of improve-ment and growth
One man who has made this transition from having marginal knowledge in an in-dustry to leading a successful plumbing and HVAC operation is Mark Evans president of Burton Plumbing Before taking over Burton Evans had a successful plumbing distribu-torship serving four states but it was his desire to own and to travel less that put him into the hands of Burton Friesz The founder of Burton Plumbing Friesz had been a customer and friend of Evansrsquo when the two discussed a possible expansion into residential service Evans put his busi-ness experience to work for Burton in July 1995 and his education in the minutiae of plumbing and HVAC began
While he hasnrsquot worked in the field as a licensed plumbing contractor Evans has dipped his feet in several areas within the running of Burtonhellipand often at the same time Before hiring the essential personnel that have enabled him to narrow his role Ev-ans served as manager marketer customer service representative and dispatcher Such a list of duties for one man is a daunting task but ldquoI worked my way to being able to work on the business rather than in the business [a strategy] taught to me by my business coachrdquo says Evans
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
REMOVING THE ADDED STRESS OF FIELDWORK AND FOCUSING SOLELY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF FINANCES AND OPERATION ALLOWS FOR GREATER OPPORTUNITIES
Executive Impact Moving Into the Boardroom From Employee to President
written by Maureen Tierney | Co-written by Mark Evans and Julie OrsquoBrien
Eventually Evans was able to step back and bring on a general manager and a ware-house operator that has allowed him to
ldquofocus on growth opportunities marketing and cash flowrdquo
Evansrsquo experience is not unique It is com-mon for brokerages to deal with buyers seeking to own companies within a cer-tain field but ldquoonly two people out of the nearly 100 closings [wersquove had] have come in for the same business that they ended up purchasingrdquo says Julie OrsquoBrien client services and paralegal with The Firm What it comes down to is as simple as the bot-tom line Buyers are looking to leverage their talents and experience in a marriage between a management philosophy and business model Those in the market for an acquisition are ldquobuying based on profit number of staff ability to get financing and mostly their strengths and passionsrdquo says OrsquoBrien Experience in a particular industry is certainly valuable but is no predictor of success when the right financial mind comes along
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Even so making up for a lack of practical knowledge requires the proper equipment most notably in the form of managers and employees The right talent in the field can be a growth experience and provide an opportunity to learn the ropes before taking a full swing at things A total deficit in knowl-edge hardly makes for good leadership and for this reason many ldquonew business owners like to take a birdrsquos eye view of the operation rather than diving in and getting their hands dirty right awayhellipgiving them the opportunity to watch [how] things have been done before implementing changesrdquo says OrsquoBrien
Approaching ownership in this way also allows for further financial acquisitions an avenue which Evans has taken In addition to owning Burton Plumbing Evans operates four other companies One might assume this much responsibility to be a stretch but Evans sees his role as ldquokeeping a pulse on things I like to lead people in growth per-sonally and on the business siderdquo
Getting started can be a challenge which is why OrsquoBrien works closely with potential buyers to find the right fit ldquoWe assist all the wayrdquo she says ldquoWe work with the buyer on projections business plans [and] we introduce them to trusted advisorsrdquo from attorneys and CPAs to financial advisors and insurance agents
Itrsquos this helpful backing of experts that eases the difficult task of ownership and only proves that one can certainly switch from a blue collar to a white one The FIRM
CONTRACTING BUSINESSES LISTED BY THE FIRM
201
5 P
roje
cted
201
5 Y
TD
201
4
201
3
201
2
30
0
15
28
14
12
11
16
15Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Omaharsquos Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
It may seem like I pulled a muscle making this stretch but Keith Backsen the new boss at the Omaha Convention amp Visitors Bureau seems to have an awful lot in common with new Husker Coach Mike Riley
Coach Riley spent a total of 14 seasons at Oregon State before heading to Huskerland Backsen also comes from that neck of the woods having spent 11 years of his career in Portland Oregon and another 11 years in Spokane Washington selling both cities as prime places for convention and leisure travelers
At Oregon State Coach Riley built the football program into a consistent winner and regular conference contender At Visit Spokane Backsen opened sales offices in Washington DC and Chicago that led to increased convention bookings Backsen also worked on the public campaign to expand the Spokane Convention Center with a $65 million bond issue The expansion coupled with increased hotel inventory allowed Spokane to pursue large conventions and more than doubled convention bookings in Spokane
Riley has experience at the highest level of football serving as the head coach of the San Diego Chargers and as a head coach in both the Canadian and World Football Leagues Same for Backsen he worked in Dallas and Chicago as the director of sales for Global Experience Specialists a global leader in the world of event planning Backsen supervised five sales offices in a nine-state region generating annual sales in excess of $70 million
Riley is known as one of the most professional and nicest men in the profession a coach who is greatly admired by his peers I kid you not Backsen is described the same way by colleaguesmdashone of the most genuine and skilled men in the business a well respected professional who has the insight and experience to get the job done (Note the $70M stat above)
Come the first game both men will have a stadium filled with fans cheering them on In Backsenrsquos case his stadium is the entire city of Omaha where the fans are the 434353 residents who will reap the rewards of Omaharsquos growing tourism economy
B2B
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 51
51HUSKER
COACH HAS TOURISM
TWIN
OMAHA CVB BY DEB WARD
Deb Ward is the director of marketingcommunications Omaha Convention and Visitorrsquos Bureau
Keith Backsen
52 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Jason Feldman and Sebastian Hunt
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 53
The emerging startup accelerator scene supports creative-minded risk-takers looking for an edge to follow their passion and bring their ideas to fruition
Sebastian Hunt 25 is passionate about giving entrepreneurs like himself a nurturing space to test out their concepts The University of Nebraska at Omaha economics graduate interned with various local employers and surveyed the area startup community when an idea struck him for a by-application curriculum-based residency program serving new entrepreneurs That inspiration turned into Year of the Startup
Launched in 2014 the program operates out of a humble house at 4036 Burt Street in the St Cecilia Cathedral neighborhood Hunt and co-founder Jason Feldman 28 room there with young residency fellows whose startup ventures range from making bio-fuels to providing night owl shuttle services They are a millennial bunch who favor sneakers and sandals They take informal meetings to nearby CaliCommons and Lisarsquos Radial Cafe They variously hunch over laptops or tablets and carry smartphones as appendages
YEAR OF THE STARTUP
ENTREPRENEURAL IMMERSION
This communal work-live space model for business mavericks is new to Omaha The usual startup accelerator is a concentrated 90-day off-site program Omaha has a few of these notably Straight Shot Hunt saw a need for a program that invites a broader range of people into the accelerator fold and supports them much nearer to the start of their dream than other programs
ldquoWe feel like we can take people at very early stages because we are four times as long as the average programrdquo says Hunt who adds that Year of the Startup is also not tech-centric like many programs tend to be ldquoIn our model we substitute intensity for duration I think a lot of the learning here comes through unstructured serendipitous interactions we have that is not curriculum-based itrsquos just happenstance
ldquoWith a house there are so many different ways you can bring ideas and people together I think thatrsquos maybe that critical binding agent and sense of place that helps accomplish thingsrdquo
He says in this intimate environment ldquotherersquos no other choice but to immerse yourself in the settingrdquo adding ldquoWersquore always hanging out in the living room or out back talking about startup stuffmdashmonetization strategies capitalization tables vested equity entity structuresrdquo
ldquoItrsquos this immersive experience of camaraderie of these natural flows and idea generationrdquo Feldman says
Hunt says ldquoThis is very difficult to get bored with because therersquos always somebody whose business is either in crisis or growth stage or some interesting part of the curverdquo
ldquoHow could we get bored when wersquore creating a platform with four startups and all we get to do is ideationrdquo Feldman says ldquoItrsquos a constant buzz we get from interacting with these startup founders and helping them build their ideasrdquo
Built into the program are activities that encourage fellows to break out of their comfort zone and to offer honest criticism of each otherrsquos ideas
Hunt compiles multiple data points on the startups
ldquoWersquore developing really deep insight about how do people start successful businessesrdquo
The program utilizes mentors from the entrepreneurial community
ldquoWe bring in people who are experts in specific areas to talk on those topicsrdquo Feldman says
ldquoThey get ideas flowingrdquo Hunt says of the mentors
Feldman says he regularly covers with fellows ldquothe major components of what you need to look at to start your businessrdquo and then mentors like Mike Kolker owner of graphic design firm Simplify teach lessons about operational efficiency and ldquohow to simplify running a businessrdquo
Hunt is a newcomer to all this and goes by instinct as much as research to support his vision
CONTINUED ON 54
FEATURE | BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
53
54 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
70 Years of Business in Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
4027335500 | 4315 South 50th Street
402-333-5722 bull wwwsw-fencecom
Thanks for Voting SampW Fence the Best Again in 2015
Wersquore Not Just About Fences
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
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aharsquos Business to Business M
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ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER 2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
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ConnectWITH YOURCOMMUNITY
Donrsquot forget to visitOmahaMagazinecom to read
all of our titles online
Omaha MagazineEncounter B2B 60PlusHerFamily OmahaHome
CONTINUED FROM 53
ldquoI just had an irrational confidence market insights and a great theoretical background thanks to primary research I completed and to lessons I learned from Phillip Phillips Michael OrsquoHara and Art Diamond in UNOrsquos economics department I read constantly about who the players were in the startup world so I was fairly preparedrdquo
Even though he directs a startup program he only started participating in one himself (Venture School) He acknowledges Year of the Startup is a by-the-seat-of-your-pants experiment
ldquoComing out of college I had student loans and not a ton of money Irsquove held two jobs to finance the project Now the project is financed by a combination of me working and renting out one room One-hundred percent of the money our entrepreneurs pay in rent will be returned in full and so everybody has a strong incentive to follow through with the program That may be what makes us sustainablerdquo
Hersquos working on securing corporate sponsorship for the program Meanwhile he wants to help get participating startups to the next level
ldquoWersquore functioning like a pre-accelerator at this point We want to get our startups profitable and then refer them to the Straight Shots so they can focus on growth in a pure accelerator programrdquo
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 55
Mercedes-Benz of Omaha14335 Hillsdale Ave Omaha NE 68137wwwOmahaMercedescomContact John Williams anytime at 4029819262
of Omaha of Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
As Year of the Startup moved into a larger house in Omaharsquos Little Italy district on July 1 and a new class of fellows arrives Hunt says there are ldquointeresting talks happening right now to bring this to other citiesrdquo He and Feldman say economic development agencies are willing to pay a license fee for them to do startup houses in other cities The partners are having proprietary software developed that will enable new startup houses to replicate their branded Omaha model
They look forward to engaging with the emerging 10th Street cultural district but may keep the midtown house to accommodate growth
Hunt and Feldman believe theyrsquore catching the wave or tipping point of a big new startup rush and theyrsquore betting their model is poised to be a niche player in this wild frontier of entrepreneurial prospecting
B2B
56 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
It is an unassuming space but if you have made your way to TD Ameritrade Park Filmstreams or Hot Shops chances are yoursquove passed one of the most vibrant offices in Omaha
The fact that Co-Lab (short for Creative Collaborators) is not a traditional work space is certainly one of its best features Located inside the Tip Top building at 15th and Cumming streets is a project dreamed up by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture who happens to share the main floor of the building Based in the heart of a once-isolated section of the city Co-Labrsquos funky creative vibe is making waves In fact that vibe seeps into Omaharsquos everyday bringing about small changes pushing our city toward a more innovative future
CO-LABGIVING OMAHA WORKERS A MORE
COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE
IN THE OFFICE | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
56
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 57
Home to 18 businesses plus Alley Poyner Macchietto Co-Lab is free of walls and signage It is also free from traditional office norms For instance you donrsquot just walk over to your neighborrsquos space for a brainstorming sessionmdashyou skateboard At least you do if yoursquore Dave Nelson of SecretPenguin a leading experimental branding agency The best part is that the businesses surrounding SecretPenguin appreciate the break from tradition ldquoThatrsquos the beautiful part about being around like-minded good people and businessesrdquo Nelson says
CONTINUED ON 58
58 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 59
CONTINUED FROM 57
In addition to having pathways large enough to skateboard or bike through the space also provides Co-Labbers with a kitchen various conference rooms bike storage bathrooms and a battleground (otherwise known as the ping-pong table) Walking in the main doors clients and employees alike are greeted from the front desk while catching a view of the five-story open atrium basking in the glow of sunshine from the skylight Workers can also access the fitness room and rooftop deck sharing amenities with TipTop apartment residents who use a separate entrance
CONTINUED ON 60
The Harry A Koch CoInsurance amp Financial ConsultantsMember of First Insurance Group LLC
60 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
CONTINUED FROM 59
Businesses in Co-Lab all creativity-related range from entrepreneurs to start-ups to non-profits to small businesses The art varies in form but runs through the space like an electric current At Zicafoose Textiles Mary Zicafoose works steadily on her loom creating gorgeous tapestries 4Site Programming is where Joi Brown works as an independent consultant for performing arts centers across the nation Heartland B-Cycle a large-scale municipal bike sharing system brings art in the form of economical convenience Holly Boyer a founder of non-profit organization Mission Matters explains that one of the best things about having an office at Co-Lab is feeling the innovative positive energy from the moment you walk in the door So while individuals may join Co-Lab with a business-minded focus or a more creative vibe finding a yin to their yang is just a shout away
ldquoThere is certainly a wonderful built-in support network that comes along with working in a collaborative environmentrdquo quips Omaha Creative Institute Executive Director Emily Moody ldquoEverything from sharing ideas and finding ways to collaborate with an organization different than yours to sharing a staplerrdquo
At the heart of making it work says Laura Alley of Alley Poyner itrsquos simply playing well with others
The skateboarding ping-pong playing creatives do that well
B2B
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arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott Enterprises
SCOTTENTERPRISES
In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott EnterprisesFor more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
bull TD Ameritrade Parkbull First National Bank Towerbull Midtown Crossingbull Village Pointe Shopping Centerbull UNO Weber Fine Arts Buildingbull Childrenrsquos Hospital
402-571-2364 | wwwScottEntcom9684 N 109th Street Omaha NE 68142
For more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
TD Ameritrade Park | First National Bank Tower | Midtown Crossing | Village Pointe | Childrenrsquos Hospital Aksarben Village | Joslyn Art Museum | Fred amp Pamela Buffett Cancer Center | UNO Community Arena
6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
AT THE OFFICE amp ON THE GO
Headsets by
Plantronics BackBeat
Fit Bluetooth
Plantronics CS540
Wireless
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Clean Your BrowserRemove Temporary Internet Files
Delete Adware and CookiesDefrag Hard Drives
Intall Current Microsoft PatchesInstall Microsoft Security Updates
Update Drivers
13
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
- BB1015_fntCvr_125
- BB1015_fntEdit_125
- BB1015_bkEdit_125
- BB1015_bkCvr_125
-
ldquoWhen we purchased the company we knew we wanted to maintain the image and keep the logo and jingle We couldnrsquot ask for a better form of advertisingrdquo-ANNE TAYLOR
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 21
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
bull Guaranteed Lower Feesbull Low-cost Terminals amp
Point of Sale Systemsbull Top-rated Customer Servicebull Gift amp Loyalty Card Programs
(Including the PinPoint Card Program)
For more information call 4025029985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystemscom
a Local amp Family Owned Business
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
At the time they had no idea they did not retain exclusive rights to the melody
ldquoI just recently heard the song while I was traveling in western Nebraska It was quite a shockrdquo she adds with a laugh
Branding is all about creating an image of a business that will stick in a customerrsquos mind Though most businesses rely on visual advertising to create their brand jingles can be an additional way to increase awareness and create staying power People often remember a catchy tune Throw the company name and their phone number in the jingle lyrics and customers may not even need to look up the contact information
ldquoIf I forget the phone number I just sing the jinglerdquo says one local customer
Though original jingles declined in recent years as more large companies turn to popular songs for their advertising a few local companies still spend at least some marketing dollars on jingles Whether you think it annoying or catchy a jingle may be your best advertising investment
B2B
4023333062 | planitomahacom | 10832 old mill road suite 5 | omaha ne 68154
planitomaha A national and
regional powerhouse in
meetings conferences amp
events
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
22emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 2
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 23
How is it that Midlands Choice has come to make an investment in of all things a ballerina
Sure the bottom line of any insurance entity is driven by risk managementmdashthe investing of premium revenues to hedge against claims
But taking stock in Claire Goodwillie a company dancer with Ballet Nebraska
The Midlands Choice example is repeated all across the metro as area businesses support a broad array of arts nonprofits ones that dwell in everything from tutus to tempura
And the table is set for a new era of collaboration between business and the arts because philanthropic giving in America has finally returned to pre-recession levels
Contributions which totaled $358 billion in 2014 surpassed 2007rsquos pre-recession level of $355 billion Additionally giving was up from all major sourcesmdashindividuals corporations foundations and bequestsmdashaccording to Giving USA an annual report compiled by the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and the Giving USA Foundation of Chicago
ldquoEight out of nine types of charitable organizations we measure saw increased contributions and thatrsquos good news for the
BALLET NEBRASKAA PAS DE DEUX BETWEEN BUSINESS AND THE ARTS
philanthropic sector as a wholerdquo W Keith Curtis told Omaha Magazine in an email Curtis is chair of Giving USA Foundation and president of the nonprofit consulting firm The Curtis Group ldquoThe 60-year high for charitable giving in 2014 is a great story about resilience and perseverancerdquo
Themes of resilience and perseverance define the Ballet Nebraska story
Erika Overturff was 27 years old when the ballet company of which she was a dancer and resident choreographer appeared doomed She had no money She had no business acumen
That was 2009 Flash forward to 2015 and Overturff now 33 founder and artistic director of Ballet Nebraska is leading the regionrsquos only professional dance company into its sixth season
In a city known for its ldquocan-dordquo spirit this story could be about almost any local arts nonprofit but the unlikely saga of Ballet Nebraska is told here because it is perhaps the most improbable of tales one that best reveals what a business community and the arts can do when they share a common vision
CONTINUEDemspONemsp24
BY DAVID WILLIAMS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
23COVERemspFEATURE
24emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp23
Like settling into your seat with a program before the lights dim at any performing arts venue itrsquos probably best to start by reviewing the cast of characters
THE CONNECTORHal Daub knows people Especially in a city of six degrees of separation that is in reality much more like two or three degrees the former Omaha mayor (1995-2001) and US Congressman (1981-1989) who has served on countless nonprofit boards and is now a partner at Husch Blackwellhellipknows people
ldquoWhen I was first introduced to Hal and he offered to helprdquo Overturff says ldquoI assumed that meant he was going to maybe make a few calls and do a little name-droppingrdquo Daub it turned out would become a key player in the often delicate pas de deux that is the coupling of business and the arts ldquoHe not only made those calls but he set up the appointmentshellipand then he came along to personally introduce me and stand by my side in front of those who would become some of the most generous funders of Ballet Nebraskardquo
ldquoThe reason I am so fascinated by what Erika has donerdquo says Daub ldquois that Omaha is a city that has clearly evolved to become a place that is not just metropolitan but truly cosmopolitanrdquo And investing in the arts Daub believes makes good business sense ldquoThe social environment of a citymdashits arts and entertainmentmdashis critical in attracting and retaining the best workforce Ballet Nebraska Opera Omaha the Omaha Symphony Omaha Performing Artshellipthose and so many others are the organizations that help keep the best talent in Omahardquo
THE ADVOCATEMichelle Clark is Union Pacificrsquos general director of information technologies which means she probably knows more than a little about computer viruses As a three-year board member of Ballet Nebraska shersquos also seen how supporting the arts can go viral
ldquoEmployee generosity is furthered by the use of the companyrsquos matching gifts programrdquo Clark explains ldquoThis creates a sense of pride for employees and Union Pacific is supportive of the communities in which we live and work The employees of Union Pacific are very generous and have supported fundraising drives not only for Ballet Nebraska but a number of organizations such as the Womenrsquos Center for Advancement and JDRFrdquo
Employees should never underestimate their power to play a key role in advocating for nonprofits within their organizations
ldquoI am passionate about the art of dance especially ballet and Ballet Nebraskardquo Clark says ldquoDance inspires my creativity and provides insights to see beyond the obvious My hope is that by providing individuals with the awareness of opportunities to experience and support the art of dance they will find their own inspiration to apply to their own liferdquo
And just as stubborn computer viruses are often cloyingly messy to eradicate once discovered Union Pacificrsquos relationship with Ballet Nebraska has a ldquostickinessrdquo of its own Clark was preceded on the Ballet Nebraska board by Gayla Thal the companyrsquos senior vice president and general counsel
THE BULLDOGDonrsquot let the gentle demeanor of Midlands Choice vice president Greta Vaught fool you Supporting the arts is often a visceral experience and Vaughtrsquos passion for dance exerted itself on multiple levels in the early stages of growth at Ballet Nebraska
ldquoMidlands Choice has always been supportive of my work in the communityrdquo says the board chair of Ballet Nebraska
ldquoWe like to listen to our people when making such decisionsrdquo says Midlands Choice President and CEO Thomas E Press rdquoIt is important for us to know that our giving has real meaning for them their families and their communitiesrdquo
ldquoI looked at what Erika was trying to dordquo Vaught continues ldquoand I thought it was brave but impossible But all along the way I just kept going back to the thought that if one of my daughters [Mia now 15 and Hannah now 19] wanted to try something so bold one day thatrdquohellipinsert long pausehellipldquoIrsquom sorry this is making me cry I would just hope that people with experience and connections and dollars would shepherd my daughters along like so many people have done with Erika and Ballet Nebraskardquo
Okay so maybe ldquoThe Bulldogrdquo wasnrsquot such a great character name for this role after all
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 25
Fast-Paced Public Relations
Customer-Based Planning and Communications
402-964-9293 11626 Nicholas Street
zaisscocom
For the Connected World
Every story Every tweet Every interaction
PR is vital to your bottom line now more than ever
Join the world of innovative PR ndash partner with experts
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Best PR Agency 7 Years Running
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
THE ARTISTldquoI had to do a lot of on-the-job learning when I decided to try to launch a dance companyrdquo Overturff says ldquoWe were lucky in that we got our nonprofit status right away but I didnrsquot know anything about the business side of things and really nothing about raising funds I was moved by every $5 check that came in but it took a lot of mentoring advice and counsel to get us to where we are today as a fully funded professional performance companyrdquo
Ballet Nebraska now has a paid staff of 22 including nine salaries paid to company dancers Today Overturffrsquos once-nonexistent business connections run deep Personal contributions from the likes of philanthropists Richard Holland and Fred and Eve Simon further fuel the growth of ballet in Omaha Foundations also play a major role in funding A recent gift of $124000 from the Iowa West Foundation is the largest in Ballet Nebraska history
ldquoTalented professionals from all over the world that have trained their whole lives to pursue a career in dance now come to Omaha in the hopes of performing with Ballet Nebraska as we serve the state and western Iowa in performances education outreach and morerdquo she says ldquoA ballet companymdashany performing arts company any arts organizationmdashis about its peoplehellipthe artists the staff and hardworking selfless volunteers But it is the people of Omaha from the smallest donations to the relationships we have with such great businesses that makes it all happenrdquo
B2B
26emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
26OFFICE FURNITURE BY DOUG SCHURING
OFFICE ORIGINS
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE MODERN WORKPLACE
For all the time we spend in our office very few of us are familiar with how that space came to be You may actually be surprised by the events and inventions that helped form the work environment we know today From the development of the railroad to innovations in communication our current corporate habits structures and tools have all played a role In his book CubedmdashA Secret History of the Workplace Nikil Saval shapes the advances that created the conventional office we are familiar with today
The advent of the Morse telegraph spawned long-distance communication Then starting in 1860 a series of technological innovations changed the possibilities of the workplace the use of iron framework permitted the construction of taller buildings and elevators assisted the climb The Remington typewriter entered the office in 1874 Bellrsquos telephone was patented two years later
At the same time railroads expanded across the country reducing transportation costs and extending markets for goods and services Additionally railroads produced an organizational transformation still in use today The coordination of trains required employees housed in structures all across the country bringing a variety of offices to the American landscape Between the executive the manager and the workerhellipthe organizational chart was born
The invention of telecommunications fostered the speed of information to surge creating more
Doug Schuring is the director of sales administration at All Makes Office Equipment Co
work and subsequently more workers As these workers moved into new structures the spaces reflected their various levels of management In 1915 the Metal Office Furniture Company (now Steelcase) invented the modern deskmdasha flat metal table outfitted with file drawers The new desks massed together in defined rows offered managers full visual access to the goings-on of the workplace and this ldquosea of desksrdquo became the norm for decades Lockers and various cabinets popular in the Great Depression era became vertical files once steel became readily available after World War II
In 1968 Herman Miller introduced the first panel system with attached components Designed by Robert Propst the Action Office system revolutionized the ldquoofficerdquo in form flexibility and cost Other furniture manufacturers mimicked the modular system which became the norm for many businesses
Up to the rsquo90s the personal computerrsquos popularity grew and the relative size of work stations decreased between 25-50 percent By the middle of that decade the dot-com revolution on the West Coast created an unprecedented workplace culture The formal atmosphere of the office became much more casual and discontent for the Dilbert-esque cubicle grew Subsequently creative furniture solutions evolved with the desire to be more mobile leading the way
In the early 2000rsquos collaborative open offices grew in popularity New and improving
technologies now offer connectivity in the office home or public spaces As a result nearly every company today is adapting and using new furnishings as a tool to attract new workers At the same time retaining existing employees is equally important The goal is to make everyone more effective and efficient in their work
Whether you work in an office from home in the local coffee shop or out of an airline terminal you may start to notice that much of the furniture is beginning to look very similar As long as you are able to connect to technology you can work from virtually anywhere
B2B
SEPTEMBER 24 2015 Ralston Arena7300 Q Street
Ralston NE 68127
CONNECT MARKET SUCCEED
Looking for INNOVATIVE MARKETING IDEAS Want to BOOST SALES AND ADD ROI Need to ANALYZE DATA TO GROW MARKET SHARE
For more information or to register please visit wwwOmahaAdvertisingXcom
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 27
28emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Outlook Nebraska CEO Eric Stueckrath
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 29
On the surface it looks just like any other office or factory As you enter Outlook Nebraska Inc (ONI) yoursquore greeted by a friendly front desk attendant and led past a perfectly ordinary-looking workspace Entering their factory where they manufacture such paper products as rolls of hand towels you wouldnrsquot suspect that it is different from any other assembly line
But explore a little deeper
Walking past one office you might see a man typing away on a keyboard his laptop closed in front of him He doesnrsquot need it open to know what hersquos typing Hersquos visually impaired and utilizing computer software that reads the words aloud as he types
On the factory floor raised edges guard the walkway so sightless employees can feel their way around Over on the assembly line visually impaired workers can use a computer screen to zoom in on the product at various stages of production to assess the process
ONI is a non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance the life of the blind and visually impaired through employment opportunities and training Almost all the employees at ONI are blind or visually impaired from factory workers to IT professionals Some were born blind others lost their sight later in life ONI aims to help them all re-enter the workforce in a meaningful way
A SIGHT FOR NON-SEEING EYES
OUTLOOK NEBRASKA
ldquoThey get used to being on their feetrdquo says ONI CEO Eric Stueckrath ldquoWe offer jobs for [people with] entry-level skill sets and all of the positions are at or above minimum wage We give them the tools to help build those skill setsrdquo
ONI also offers personalized life-skills training geared to whatrsquos important to the individual from personal banking to cooking to operating a computer
The American Foundation for the Blind estimates that as many as 70 percent of blind adults in the US are unemployed As the largest employer of the blind in the Omaha metro area ONI is working to make an impact
ldquoWe work with organizations that are committed to hiring the visually impairedrdquo Stuekrath says ldquoAdvocacy is definitely part of what we dordquo
ONI is currently in the midst of a $2 million capital campaign that will allow them to complete a large-scale renovation project at their facility The renovation will create more space for the general public and give them the ability to offer additional training programs
In addition to working with adults blind and visually-impaired youth are a primary focus for Stuekrath and ONI
ldquoMy heart really gravitates toward themrdquo Stuekrath says
ONI partners with youth organizations on a number of initiatives including a sports camp for visually-impaired youth called Camp Abilities Nebraska Attendees can try archery swimming bowling track and field and more as a means to build confidence
ldquoThey donrsquot need to be coddledrdquo Stuekrath says adding that he often tells parents of blind children ldquoYour kid needs to get out there and bump his head and experience liferdquo
At ONI everything comes back to the organizationrsquos mission Stuekrath says
ldquoWe give them the tools they need to gain greater independencerdquo
B2B
FEATURE | BY APRIL CHRISTENSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY COLIN CONCES
29
30emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Layne and Pam Yahnke and Their VW Thing
Shakespeare wrote of love and betrayal Tolkien of hobbits and wizards Steinbeck and Faulkner of the indomitable American spirit
Layne Yahnke writes about his VW Thing
Yes the two-wheel-drive off-road convertible military vehicle first manufactured for the West German Army as ldquoType 181rdquo in 1968 VW churned them out until 1983 including two years in the United States when marketed as ldquoThe Thingrdquo
Yahnke got his Thing in 2000 for $5500 Hersquos lovingly restored it most importantly giving it a peppy new motor that makes it Autobahn-worthy
WHATrsquoS THAT THING
LANE YAHNKErsquoS UNUSUAL VOLKSWAGEN
HOW I ROLL | BY ANTHONY FLOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Therersquos only one other Thing in Omaha and Yahnkersquos gets lots of second and third looks when hersquos whipping down the Dodge Street Expressway from his Elkhorn home Especially when the doors are off and windshield is down
Everyone wants to know abouthellipthe Thing
Thus Yahnke penned ldquoIt Takes a Village to Build a VW Thingrdquo an ode to those who helped him with his beloved ridemdashhis sons Omaha VW Club members engine and body shops and parts stores
CONTINUEDemspONemsp32
30
SIGN UP TODAYdolnebraskagovsides
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32emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Locally Owned in Papillion Ne402-740-0800 bull apconstructomahacom
Insurance claims
welcomeIf your roof sustained fire snow or hail
damage the repairs can be costly We are your wind and hail damage experts and accept insurance claims so you wonrsquot
have to pay for the repair work yourself
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Residential Roofing bull Roof Maintenance amp Repair bull Licensed Bonded amp Insured
Steve Kowalski
Call or Text Message(402 ) 453-6000
abetterexposurecom steveabetterexposurecom
Passion Creativity Experience
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp31
ldquoI wrote that right after the engine transplantrdquo says Yahnke an Omaha native and vice president at Essex Corp provider of senior living communities ldquoI guess I was moved I get so many inquiries about it and I really feel so fondly about itrdquo
Itrsquos not his first Thing Yahnke and his wife of 38 years Pam owned one before their four children came along As the kids have come and gone so have the cars
Lots of them
Yahnke figures he has owned 60 automobiles in his life His car fancy began as a kid growing up in Dundee where a friendrsquos dad spent his spare time restoring English cars Yahnke spent hours in his garage and developed a love for Triumphs and MGs His first car purchase was a 1962 Triumph for $425 in 1972 It wasnrsquot long though until he sold it at a profit
ldquoThatrsquos what kicked off the buying and selling of English carsrdquo he says ldquoI discovered I could enjoy my transportation but then as soon as someone wanted to buy it for more than I paid for it out it wentrdquo
ldquoWhere Accounting Meets ResultsrdquoProviding Accounting and Quickbooks Services
For Metro Businesses
Denise Martin I 9252077634Deniseheartlandaccountabilitycom
wwwHeartlandAccountAbilitycom
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 33
These days you never know what will be parked in the Yahnke driveway Currently therersquos a Honda pickup a VW Jetta VW Multivan and a 2001 Audi TT Quatro Convertiblemdashpurchased in apropos silver for his 25th wedding anniversary
Itrsquos the Thing he most enjoys driving He logs about 1000 miles on it each year Most of those have come toplessmdashYahnke long ago gave it away to another Thing enthusiast and now only drives it sans roof
ldquoAnyone who sees this car has only seen it top-downrdquo he says ldquoI just got caught once in the rain and that was probably a month ago The cool thing about the Thing is you leave it out in the sun and it dries out and is ready to gordquo
It says ldquoSummer is hererdquo Yahnke says
ldquoPeople speed up all the time to try to figure out what it is Itrsquos just a happy car and itrsquos so darn versatile It puts smiles on peoplesrsquo facesrdquo
B2B
Quality Carpet Cleaning Since 2004
4026806523
Cleaning ServicesCarpet CleaningUpholstery CleaningMattress CleaningTile amp Grout CleaningPet TreatmentsConcrete CleaningConcrete CleaningAuto Interior Cleaning24 Hour Water Damage
wwwLegacyCarpetCleaningcom
omahamagazinecom SPECIALemspADVERTISINGemspSECTIONemspemsp |emsp SUMMERemsp2015emsp |emsp 34
ABOUT OUR BUSINESS
Cox Business started in 2000 as the commercial services division of Cox Communications Over the past 15 years we have experienced strong growth and are on our target to achieve $2 billion in revenue in the near future
Cox Business owns operates and maintains its own network providing leading-edge technology solutions for voice internet networking and digital TV We also offer robust business continuity and disaster recovery solutions which is of increasing importance to businesses in the greater Omaha area Our customers include such key verticals as education hospitality government and healthcare We maintain a significant focus on Omaha small business mid-markets and large local companies as well
We consider our employees to be our most precious asset as they have the responsibility of taking care of our customers At Cox Business we are fortunate to have an extremely tenured and engaged team of employees What sets us apart from our competition is the fact that while we are a large robust and progressive company we still possess
the nimbleness of a smaller company in our ability to deliver creative solutions under tight timelines We pride ourselves on having very little bureaucracy and that translates to happy customers The fact that Cox Business has won 15 JD Power Awards for customer satisfaction over the past 11 years is a notable accomplishment for us and we work hard to deliver on that promise of excellence every day
ABOUT LYNNE
I have led sales and operations teams in the communications industry for 20 years 10 of those years with Cox Communications My husband Pat and I just celebrated our first full year in Omaha and wonder why it took us so long to find this jewel of a community Our daughter Kaylin starts law school next month at the University of San Diego
I have two passions in my professional life mentoring employees who are working on leadership development (which includes working with two to three emerging leaders at any given time) and continuing to drive efforts in hiring fostering a diverse workforce There
is a challenge in STEM fields of under-represented groups My company Cox Communications is also very passionate about this and holds the distinction of inclusion in Diversity Incrsquos top 50 companies
My personal passions include travel social media and Italian cooking
B2B
COX BUSINESSLYNNE SANGIMINO
Cox Business 401 N 117th St Omaha NE 68154 coxbusinesscom 4029340830
Cradickrsquos Husker PowerTEXAN RETURNS HOME FOR BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY PG 8
Marlon Lofgren Koley Jessen PC LLOKEEPING THE FOCUS WHERE IT BELONGS PG 4
Seasoned Advice for Buyers(THE BOUNCY KIND) PG 5
PLAYING BIG EDITION
Fall
2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
2
Volume 1 Issue 5
Published by The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
PresidentEditor bull Cortney Sells
DirectorAssistant Editor bull Cassandra Powers
In-House Legal Counsel bull Susanne Miller
Outreach Coordinator bull Rene Rademacher
Marketing Development bull Rachael Rand
Business Broker bull Breann Becerra
Referring Broker bull Elizabeth Jones
Marketing Division bull Adam Jaime
Development Liaison bull Holley Garcia
Client Services bull Nycole Wandvik-Tolle
Client Services bull Julie OrsquoBrien
Community Relations bull Mike Sells
Contributing Writers
Marlon Lofgren bull Kathy Rygg bull Maureen Tierney
Design bull OBI Creative
Photography bull Bill Sitzmann
To Subscribe
The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
210 N 78 St
Omaha NE 68114
4029985288
infothefirmb2bcom
Advertising Inquiries
4028842000
toddomahamagazinecom
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Columns
4 Seller Financing
Koley Jessen PC LLO Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
14 Executive Impact Getting Into the Big Office
Departments
5 Seasoned Advice for
Business Buyers (The Bouncy Kind)
12 Building a Legacy while
Building Racks New Chapter to Becklerrsquos Career
The Bottom Line
Sells Insights
Playing Big
Husker PowerTexan returns home to
Nebraska for business opportunity
pg8
Many business owners have marginal experience in the trades in which their
organizations specialize While it may seem counterintuitive to buy or start a company situated around an industry in which one has little experience there is a certain com-petitive edge to the equation A buyer or president need only know enough to begin before surrounding him or herself with the right personnel to tackle the minute details What is paramount is the grander scheme of
management and operations which allows one to flex refined business acumen Not only does distance from fieldwork free up time to put in place a robust and refined plan but it leaves open other avenues for portfolio expansion Grow your business expand operations or begin other busi-ness ventures The possibilities are only as small as the mindset held by your team The FIRM
Special Section
7 Fresh Off The Firm The Firm Business Brokerage has
over $80 million dollars in assets under
management of current cash flowing
businesses for sale ndash from medical
practices to commercial services to large
manufacturing companies
by Cortney Sells presidenteditor
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
3Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
4
IF PROPERLY STRUCTURED AND DOCUMENTED SELLER FINANCING IS REALLY NO DIFFERENT FROM FINANCING THAT WOULD OTHERWISE BE PROVIDED BY A BANKTYING IT ALL TOGETHEREven the most savvy of ldquonumbers peoplerdquo need a leg up in negotiating a purchase As with so many aspects of doing business retaining experienced legal counsel enables you to keep the focus where it belongsmdashemploying your entrepreneurial skills in the identification and acquisition of profitable business ventures The FIRM
Seller Financing Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
written by Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
Seller financing can often be a criti-cal factor in getting a business sold
If properly structured and documented seller financing is really no different from financing that would otherwise be provided by a bank Below is a brief guide to navi-gating the issues normally encountered in seller financing
FIRST THINGS FIRSTThe first question is usually that of how to structure and document the financing The buyer should be expected to sign a prom-issory note evidencing the loan from the seller with interest and repayment terms mutually agreeable to both parties The seller might also require that the buyer grant the seller a security interestlien in the pur-chased assets to secure the loan Itrsquos also not unusual for a seller to require that the individual owners of the buyer (assuming the buyer is an entity) personally guarantee the loan In most cases the documents are usually pretty straightforward and do not need to be overly complicated
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
ADDITIONAL LAYERSIf a bank is also financing the sale the seller will most likely be required by the bank to sign a subordination agreement This is an agreement between the bank usually referred to as the ldquosenior lenderrdquo and the seller referred to as the ldquojunior lenderrdquo A subordination agreement sets forth the terms between the lenders as to each entityrsquos right to receive loan pay-ments from the buyer and the priority of their respective security interestsliens in the purchased assets The document will usually state that the senior lenderrsquos loan and security interestliens shall at all times be superior to those of the junior lender until the senior loan is paid in full Most lenders are willing to discuss and negoti-ate the junior lenderrsquos right to receive loan payments from the borrower Lien priority status however is rarely compromised by senior lenders in subordination agreements The senior lender will insist on having a first priority security interestlien in the pur-chased assets
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Whether yoursquore a first-time entre-preneur or an experienced business
owner purchasing a company is a critical investment financially and emotionally To help increase the likelihood of it being a success in both areas there are a number of aspects to keep in mind when evaluating if a business is the right fit gt
Seasoned Advice for Business Buyers(The Bouncy Kind)
written by Kathy Rygg
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Jerry Rachwalik
5Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
6
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
lt Jerry Rachwalik has been researching companies for the past three years waiting for the right opportunity to arise His search was the result of spending his career work-ing for larger organizations in a number of areas including delivery installation cus-tomer service inventory accounts receiv-ables and scheduling where he managed up to 35 people at a time
Policies and philosophies can change when working for a corporation Sometimes they become less family friendly ldquoWith the previous companies I worked forrdquo Rachwalik says ldquothey switched from caring about em-ployees to making money and the bottom line I stuck it out for several years and then decided I needed something differentrdquo
An entrepreneur by nature Rachwalik has over the last seven years built up a rental business buying foreclosed homes and duplex properties completely reno-vating them and then renting them back out He now has 15 properties and enjoys helping families by providing nice homes that are affordable ldquoI want people to feel good when they come home at night after a long day at workrdquo he says Rachwalik want-ed to find a business that allowed him the flexibility to respond to his tenants when needed from simple plumbing issues to furnaces going kaput
When he first started looking for a new business Rachwalik was drawn to home health care because of his experience help-ing to take care of relatives And it was a growing field Nothing was available at the time so he expanded his options and be-gan researching businesses in a variety of industries Those included a flooring com-pany sandwich shop and even a hair salon
ldquoI was open to anything and if I could make the numbers work then I would consider itrdquo he explains
Then The Firm Business Brokerage pre-sented him with an opportunity that was the right match Bounce U in Omaha There were a number of factors that appealed to Rachwalik First and foremost were the financials but it would also offer him the flexibility he needed for his rental business A big advantage was that an entire team was already in place one seasoned in man-aging staff and scheduling parties ldquoThey do a great jobrdquo he says ldquoI donrsquot plan on making any personnel changesrdquo
But what hersquos most looking forward to with this new venture is the fun positive environment Bounce Ursquos primary business is its birthday party packages featuring the companyrsquos oversized inflatibles and Rachwalik said he canrsquot wait to watch the excitement on the kids faces when they walk through the door ldquoEveryone there is happyrdquo he says ldquoThe kids are happy the parents are happy and the employees running the parties are happy Itrsquoll be a big change from the environments I used to work inrdquo Hersquos already planning to have his twin grand-daughtersrsquo birthday party there too
His transition included a week of training with the companyrsquos corporate facility in Ari-zona as well as on-site training Even though the Omaha location is an existing store all of Rachwalikrsquos training was structured as though itrsquos a brand new site
Bounce U has traditionally partnered with local restaurants to provide food for birth-day parties but Rachwalik wants to explore the option to build a kitchen of his own
He also hopes to continue to grow the business by at least 5 annually ldquoAnything I do I will communicate with my employees and get their input and suggestions firstrdquo he adds
For anyone who is considering buying a business or is going through the process Rachwalik stresses to be open minded and not rule anything out ldquoIf an opportunity is presented to you run the numbers and see if you can make it workrdquo he says ldquoI did a complete flip-flop on the type of business I thought I wanted versus what I ended up purchasing But if you keep looking yoursquoll eventually find a matchrdquo The FIRM
ldquoTHE KIDS ARE HAPPY THE PARENTS ARE HAPPY AND THE EMPLOYEES RUNNING THE PARTIES ARE HAPPY ITrsquoLL BE A BIG CHANGE FROM THE ENVIRONMENTS I USED TO WORK INrdquo
-Jerry Rachwalik
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Fresh Off The Firm Featured Listings for Sale
Suburban Bar amp Grill with VolleyballOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $26413 PRICE $115000
Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity in an area with only two other bars nearby Serving up a gorgeous and well-maintained volleyball court along with pool tables and a jukebox this bar and grill is a favorite with the locals Business is fully staffedmdashowner works very part time hours
Rain Gutter Sales amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $145200 PRICE $415000
This business is a dealer for high-end rain gutter covers These products are con-structed of high-quality aluminum and sur-gical-grade stainless steel and are strong enough to hold up to four feet of snow or 20 pounds of debris Profit margin is 48
Large-Scale Assembly amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $743732 PRICE $2200000
This well-established installation and assembly business in central Nebraska prides itself on providing many numerous building solutions for businesses and building owners in their area They install and assemble metal frames including grain silos pole barns and buildings
Photo Booth Business Running on Autopilot OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $36419 PRICE $88900
Photo booths are the ldquoin thingrdquo at weddings and parties In business for seven years this business is one of the largest in town Wedding couples hoping to capture the fun memories of the day make up 67 of the clients Includes four booths and one trailer
Southwest Omaha Dental PracticeOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $129745 PRICE $380000
Professional staff and excellent customer service are the hallmarks of this practice Using the latest technology the business offers an array of dental services including teeth cleaning veneers crowns bleaching and trauma services The owner is currently working only 20 hours a week
Small Animal Vet Clinic in Omaha OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $158287 PRICE $440000
For over 30 years this animal care clinic has prioritized customer care They are currently offering services to over 2000 families and are the second largest veterinary clinic in the area The business is split 7030 between dogs and cats
Buildersrsquo Material amp Supply CompanyOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $364880 PRICE $933000
This highly reputable company established in 1976 and located just north of Omaha provides quality and reliable services and supplies Building supply inventory includes garage door lumber windows trims siding roofing materials and more Approximately 90 of customers are repeat clientele
High-Growth Plumbing Company OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $157774 PRICE $445000
This non-union plumbing company has consistent growth of over $130000 a year in sales The full service plumbing contractor has business that is currently 50 commercial and 50 residential
90+ available business opportunities for sale Please visit TheFirmBusinessBrokeragecom for details
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
7Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
Matt Cradick
The Deal ReviewReason For Sale Fresh start after 25+ years in the industrySeller Transition Period Over eight monthsType of Sale Asset Purchase AgreementLender Access Bank Mack LaRock
ldquoYOU SHOULD INTERVIEW FOR A BUSINESS JUST LIKE YOU
WOULD FOR A JOBrdquo CRADICK EXPLAINS ldquoIT HAS TO BE THE
RIGHT FIT YOU DONrsquoT WANT TO BE ONE OF THE MANY FA-
TALITIES THAT HAPPEN SO OFTEN IN NEW BUSINESSrdquo
-Shaun Heldt
From Retail to RoofingHow to be Successful When Buying a Business
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Spending almost 20 years working in retail for major corporations and then
buying a siding and roofing contracting company may seem like a major leap but for Matt Cradick owner of Husker Ham-mer Siding Windows and Roofing it was the best business move hersquos ever made And thatrsquos saying a lot for someone who moved 11 times in 19 years across nine different states
Cradick had been living in Houston Texas where he worked for Target Corporation He had worked his way up through the com-pany and another promotion was on the horizon which meant another move With three young children at home Cradick de-cided it was time to put down some roots Having grown up in Lincoln Nebraska he wanted to be near family and Midwestern values He started researching businesses for sale and was eventually led to The Firm which in turn led him to Husker Hammer
The move from a big corporate environ-ment to a small contracting business didnrsquot intimidate Cradick With Target he oversaw 200 people so he knew he brought strong management and operational skills The challenge he says was learning the ins and outs of construction He didnrsquot need to be the one hammering away on the roofmdashhe needed learn a new business segment
ldquoSwitching industries can be nerve-rack-ingrdquo Cradick says ldquobut the owner was will-ing to stay on board for six months during the transitionrdquo That partnership was an invaluable tool during the changeover gt
A Publication of The Firm Business BrokerageA Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
9Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
10
lt Husker Hammer was started in 1998 as a one-man operation and had been built up to a multimillion dollar business Cradick was impressed with the mission statement values system of the company and the strong workforce that was already in place And the price of the company lined up well with the financials ldquoWhat Husker has that others in the industry donrsquotrdquo says the man whose faith is central to his deal-ings ldquois a strong ethical foundation with a Christian backgroundrdquo
There were a number of other elements Cradick sought when buying his business ones he believes all potential business own-ers need to keep in mind The first is to make sure you have a proper support team in place to help make a sound financial deci-sion That includes having a good business valuation and a good business broker who can point you in the right direction to ensure a match for both parties
Once yoursquore in the process of purchasing he adds make sure you have a capable net-work of attorneys a seasoned financial team and solid internal help to ensure yoursquore suc-cessful from the start ldquoYou should interview
for a business just like you would for a jobrdquo Cradick explains ldquoIt has to be the right fit You donrsquot want to be one of the many fatal-ities that happen so often in new businessrdquo
To help ensure the company continues to be successful Cradick plans to main-tain Husker Hammerrsquos competitive edges which he says includes his 11000-sq-ft state-of-the-art showroom in Elkhorn He reformatted the space to better fit his busi-ness model before building out additional second-floor space that is now rented to other entrepreneurs
The showroom features all of the window siding and roofing products available to customers Samples are one thing Cradick says but he knows the power of customers seeing actual colors in actual sizes
ldquoOur philosophy is to build peace of mind for homeowners and be with them every step through the processrdquo he says ldquoWord of mouth is our number one lead source which was true in retail as wellrdquo
Happy employees to Cradick are just as important as happy customers He sub-scribes to a simple philosophymdashlistening to employees and doing so with respect
ldquoWith big corporations you deal with a lot of politicsrdquo he says ldquoNow if therersquos politics itrsquos because Irsquove generated it Itrsquos a nice change to be in a small business where you have more leeway to ensure yoursquore creating a positive work environment which creates a happy workforcerdquo
Working for a smaller company also allows for more opportunities to become involved in the community Husker Hammer is active in local chambers of commerce the Open Door Mission and is currently helping on a Habitat for Humanity build in Waterloo They have also been accredited by the Bet-ter Business Bureau since 2000 and won the Better Business Integrity Award
Cradickrsquos business is currently 90 percent residential and 10 percent commercial He hopes to increase their reach in proper-ty management and general contracting while maintaining the high-quality residen-tial sales that built the business ldquoBecause of our showroomrdquo he says ldquopeople come
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
to us We donrsquot do the high pressure sales at the kitchen table We listen We let the homeowners do the talkingrdquo
Growing geographically is also a goal Cradick hopes to expand to surrounding areas including his hometown of Lincoln
ldquoSo far itrsquos been a great moverdquo he says ldquoand I look forward to continuing to be known as an ethical long-lasting company My daughters and wife are excited to be back in the Midwest around grandparents and family Their school district is great and the full year-round climate has been a welcome change from living in the south Plus I was averaging 50000 miles per year in travel so itrsquos nice to sleep in your own bed every nightrdquo The FIRM
For more information on this or any for sale listings call The Firm Business Brokerage directly
11Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
The Deal ReviewBusiness Established 1987Reason for Sale Retirement (Transla-tion More time with a fishing pole)Ownerrsquos Profit $495004Type of Loan SBA with Core Bank
12
Back to the FutureBuilding a Business Legacy
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Itrsquos not uncommon for someone who has spent a number of years in corporate
America to shift gears into entrepreneur-ship Being your own boss certainly has its advantages But for Scott Beckler who recently purchased Lewis Installers in Gret-na his reason for taking on a new business venture had more to do with honoring not only his fatherrsquos legacy but building one of his own
Beckler started his career as a business education teacher then moved to a corpo-rate career in technology But for a number of years he kept an eye on businesses for sale hoping that just the right opportunity would come along
ldquoMy dad was an entrepreneur who owned his own real estate insurance companyrdquo
Beckler says ldquoDespite the fact he had on-going health issues he still got up every day put on a coat and tie and went out to make a sale He was a very successful busi-nessman and I wanted to honor his legacyrdquo
After contacting The Firm and discuss-ing what he was looking for in a business the team suggested Lewis Installers which specializes in industrial conveyor and rack systems At first it seemed like a big de-parture for him ldquoShelving and logistical systems isnrsquot something that jumps out at yourdquo Beckler says But the more he looked into it the more he realized it had many of the elements he wanted in a business The most obvious advantage was that the company was located in Gretna where he lives Add to that the fact that the seller lives just up the road from him
Scott Beckler
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
For purposes of this article this overview is based on the buying and selling entities being corporations or entities taxed as corporations
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
4420 Izard Street Omaha4022938707 bull 8887380296
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
HAVE YOUR MINOR ROOF LEAKS BECOME A MAJOR ANNOYANCEDonrsquot Wait Any Longer Call Us Now
ldquoAfter meeting him and hitting it offrdquo Beckler says ldquowe quickly realized it was a match on both sidesrdquo
Other signs also pointed in the right di-rection The financials were good The size of the business was ideal The competitive landscape was promising Beckler also real-ized that his corporate background fit well with this new business
ldquoAlthough itrsquos an entirely different indus-tryrdquo he says ldquomany of the business princi-ples are the samehellipproject management customer service delivery vendor man-agement and cost containment Irsquove been doing all of those for yearsrdquo
His background in technology will also be a valuable asset in his new business Not only has he established relationships with large vendors built over the years but his from-the-ground-up experience with data centers means that he is already eying in-novative automation and other technology differentiators At the same time hersquos look-ing forward to learning the daily operations of the company and having a hand in every part of the business from bidding to closing to payroll
ldquoIt will be challenging coming from a big business background where Irsquove only been involved in the peripheryrdquo Beckler says
ldquoNow Irsquoll be involved in all of itrdquo
Lewis Installers being a family-owned business is what hersquos most excited about He says itrsquos a company with a good repu-tation thatrsquos known for quality and meeting deadlinesmdashall driven by a strong Midwest-ern work ethic
Itrsquos the sort of company Beckler believes that would make his father proud
ldquoI want this business to be a legacy for my familyrdquo Beckler says ldquoMy hope is that it could stay in the family with my own kids and grandkidsrdquo The FIRM
13Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Om
aharsquo
s Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
14
When considering the purchase of an existing business very few realize
that lack of experience in an industry can actually lead to success One simply needs a sound financial plan and a good team to fill in the gaps Removing the added stress of fieldwork and focusing solely on the management of finances and operation allows for greater opportunities It makes for the dynamic advantage of some outside impartiality when seeking areas of improve-ment and growth
One man who has made this transition from having marginal knowledge in an in-dustry to leading a successful plumbing and HVAC operation is Mark Evans president of Burton Plumbing Before taking over Burton Evans had a successful plumbing distribu-torship serving four states but it was his desire to own and to travel less that put him into the hands of Burton Friesz The founder of Burton Plumbing Friesz had been a customer and friend of Evansrsquo when the two discussed a possible expansion into residential service Evans put his busi-ness experience to work for Burton in July 1995 and his education in the minutiae of plumbing and HVAC began
While he hasnrsquot worked in the field as a licensed plumbing contractor Evans has dipped his feet in several areas within the running of Burtonhellipand often at the same time Before hiring the essential personnel that have enabled him to narrow his role Ev-ans served as manager marketer customer service representative and dispatcher Such a list of duties for one man is a daunting task but ldquoI worked my way to being able to work on the business rather than in the business [a strategy] taught to me by my business coachrdquo says Evans
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
REMOVING THE ADDED STRESS OF FIELDWORK AND FOCUSING SOLELY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF FINANCES AND OPERATION ALLOWS FOR GREATER OPPORTUNITIES
Executive Impact Moving Into the Boardroom From Employee to President
written by Maureen Tierney | Co-written by Mark Evans and Julie OrsquoBrien
Eventually Evans was able to step back and bring on a general manager and a ware-house operator that has allowed him to
ldquofocus on growth opportunities marketing and cash flowrdquo
Evansrsquo experience is not unique It is com-mon for brokerages to deal with buyers seeking to own companies within a cer-tain field but ldquoonly two people out of the nearly 100 closings [wersquove had] have come in for the same business that they ended up purchasingrdquo says Julie OrsquoBrien client services and paralegal with The Firm What it comes down to is as simple as the bot-tom line Buyers are looking to leverage their talents and experience in a marriage between a management philosophy and business model Those in the market for an acquisition are ldquobuying based on profit number of staff ability to get financing and mostly their strengths and passionsrdquo says OrsquoBrien Experience in a particular industry is certainly valuable but is no predictor of success when the right financial mind comes along
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Even so making up for a lack of practical knowledge requires the proper equipment most notably in the form of managers and employees The right talent in the field can be a growth experience and provide an opportunity to learn the ropes before taking a full swing at things A total deficit in knowl-edge hardly makes for good leadership and for this reason many ldquonew business owners like to take a birdrsquos eye view of the operation rather than diving in and getting their hands dirty right awayhellipgiving them the opportunity to watch [how] things have been done before implementing changesrdquo says OrsquoBrien
Approaching ownership in this way also allows for further financial acquisitions an avenue which Evans has taken In addition to owning Burton Plumbing Evans operates four other companies One might assume this much responsibility to be a stretch but Evans sees his role as ldquokeeping a pulse on things I like to lead people in growth per-sonally and on the business siderdquo
Getting started can be a challenge which is why OrsquoBrien works closely with potential buyers to find the right fit ldquoWe assist all the wayrdquo she says ldquoWe work with the buyer on projections business plans [and] we introduce them to trusted advisorsrdquo from attorneys and CPAs to financial advisors and insurance agents
Itrsquos this helpful backing of experts that eases the difficult task of ownership and only proves that one can certainly switch from a blue collar to a white one The FIRM
CONTRACTING BUSINESSES LISTED BY THE FIRM
201
5 P
roje
cted
201
5 Y
TD
201
4
201
3
201
2
30
0
15
28
14
12
11
16
15Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Omaharsquos Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
It may seem like I pulled a muscle making this stretch but Keith Backsen the new boss at the Omaha Convention amp Visitors Bureau seems to have an awful lot in common with new Husker Coach Mike Riley
Coach Riley spent a total of 14 seasons at Oregon State before heading to Huskerland Backsen also comes from that neck of the woods having spent 11 years of his career in Portland Oregon and another 11 years in Spokane Washington selling both cities as prime places for convention and leisure travelers
At Oregon State Coach Riley built the football program into a consistent winner and regular conference contender At Visit Spokane Backsen opened sales offices in Washington DC and Chicago that led to increased convention bookings Backsen also worked on the public campaign to expand the Spokane Convention Center with a $65 million bond issue The expansion coupled with increased hotel inventory allowed Spokane to pursue large conventions and more than doubled convention bookings in Spokane
Riley has experience at the highest level of football serving as the head coach of the San Diego Chargers and as a head coach in both the Canadian and World Football Leagues Same for Backsen he worked in Dallas and Chicago as the director of sales for Global Experience Specialists a global leader in the world of event planning Backsen supervised five sales offices in a nine-state region generating annual sales in excess of $70 million
Riley is known as one of the most professional and nicest men in the profession a coach who is greatly admired by his peers I kid you not Backsen is described the same way by colleaguesmdashone of the most genuine and skilled men in the business a well respected professional who has the insight and experience to get the job done (Note the $70M stat above)
Come the first game both men will have a stadium filled with fans cheering them on In Backsenrsquos case his stadium is the entire city of Omaha where the fans are the 434353 residents who will reap the rewards of Omaharsquos growing tourism economy
B2B
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 51
51HUSKER
COACH HAS TOURISM
TWIN
OMAHA CVB BY DEB WARD
Deb Ward is the director of marketingcommunications Omaha Convention and Visitorrsquos Bureau
Keith Backsen
52 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Jason Feldman and Sebastian Hunt
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 53
The emerging startup accelerator scene supports creative-minded risk-takers looking for an edge to follow their passion and bring their ideas to fruition
Sebastian Hunt 25 is passionate about giving entrepreneurs like himself a nurturing space to test out their concepts The University of Nebraska at Omaha economics graduate interned with various local employers and surveyed the area startup community when an idea struck him for a by-application curriculum-based residency program serving new entrepreneurs That inspiration turned into Year of the Startup
Launched in 2014 the program operates out of a humble house at 4036 Burt Street in the St Cecilia Cathedral neighborhood Hunt and co-founder Jason Feldman 28 room there with young residency fellows whose startup ventures range from making bio-fuels to providing night owl shuttle services They are a millennial bunch who favor sneakers and sandals They take informal meetings to nearby CaliCommons and Lisarsquos Radial Cafe They variously hunch over laptops or tablets and carry smartphones as appendages
YEAR OF THE STARTUP
ENTREPRENEURAL IMMERSION
This communal work-live space model for business mavericks is new to Omaha The usual startup accelerator is a concentrated 90-day off-site program Omaha has a few of these notably Straight Shot Hunt saw a need for a program that invites a broader range of people into the accelerator fold and supports them much nearer to the start of their dream than other programs
ldquoWe feel like we can take people at very early stages because we are four times as long as the average programrdquo says Hunt who adds that Year of the Startup is also not tech-centric like many programs tend to be ldquoIn our model we substitute intensity for duration I think a lot of the learning here comes through unstructured serendipitous interactions we have that is not curriculum-based itrsquos just happenstance
ldquoWith a house there are so many different ways you can bring ideas and people together I think thatrsquos maybe that critical binding agent and sense of place that helps accomplish thingsrdquo
He says in this intimate environment ldquotherersquos no other choice but to immerse yourself in the settingrdquo adding ldquoWersquore always hanging out in the living room or out back talking about startup stuffmdashmonetization strategies capitalization tables vested equity entity structuresrdquo
ldquoItrsquos this immersive experience of camaraderie of these natural flows and idea generationrdquo Feldman says
Hunt says ldquoThis is very difficult to get bored with because therersquos always somebody whose business is either in crisis or growth stage or some interesting part of the curverdquo
ldquoHow could we get bored when wersquore creating a platform with four startups and all we get to do is ideationrdquo Feldman says ldquoItrsquos a constant buzz we get from interacting with these startup founders and helping them build their ideasrdquo
Built into the program are activities that encourage fellows to break out of their comfort zone and to offer honest criticism of each otherrsquos ideas
Hunt compiles multiple data points on the startups
ldquoWersquore developing really deep insight about how do people start successful businessesrdquo
The program utilizes mentors from the entrepreneurial community
ldquoWe bring in people who are experts in specific areas to talk on those topicsrdquo Feldman says
ldquoThey get ideas flowingrdquo Hunt says of the mentors
Feldman says he regularly covers with fellows ldquothe major components of what you need to look at to start your businessrdquo and then mentors like Mike Kolker owner of graphic design firm Simplify teach lessons about operational efficiency and ldquohow to simplify running a businessrdquo
Hunt is a newcomer to all this and goes by instinct as much as research to support his vision
CONTINUED ON 54
FEATURE | BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
53
54 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
70 Years of Business in Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
4027335500 | 4315 South 50th Street
402-333-5722 bull wwwsw-fencecom
Thanks for Voting SampW Fence the Best Again in 2015
Wersquore Not Just About Fences
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Thank You for Voting Us Best of B2Btrade 4 Years in a Row
AUDIO VISUAL SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDEbull System designengineeringbull Sales
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B2B
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aharsquos Business to Business M
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NER bull 2012 bull WIN
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ConnectWITH YOURCOMMUNITY
Donrsquot forget to visitOmahaMagazinecom to read
all of our titles online
Omaha MagazineEncounter B2B 60PlusHerFamily OmahaHome
CONTINUED FROM 53
ldquoI just had an irrational confidence market insights and a great theoretical background thanks to primary research I completed and to lessons I learned from Phillip Phillips Michael OrsquoHara and Art Diamond in UNOrsquos economics department I read constantly about who the players were in the startup world so I was fairly preparedrdquo
Even though he directs a startup program he only started participating in one himself (Venture School) He acknowledges Year of the Startup is a by-the-seat-of-your-pants experiment
ldquoComing out of college I had student loans and not a ton of money Irsquove held two jobs to finance the project Now the project is financed by a combination of me working and renting out one room One-hundred percent of the money our entrepreneurs pay in rent will be returned in full and so everybody has a strong incentive to follow through with the program That may be what makes us sustainablerdquo
Hersquos working on securing corporate sponsorship for the program Meanwhile he wants to help get participating startups to the next level
ldquoWersquore functioning like a pre-accelerator at this point We want to get our startups profitable and then refer them to the Straight Shots so they can focus on growth in a pure accelerator programrdquo
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 55
Mercedes-Benz of Omaha14335 Hillsdale Ave Omaha NE 68137wwwOmahaMercedescomContact John Williams anytime at 4029819262
of Omaha of Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
As Year of the Startup moved into a larger house in Omaharsquos Little Italy district on July 1 and a new class of fellows arrives Hunt says there are ldquointeresting talks happening right now to bring this to other citiesrdquo He and Feldman say economic development agencies are willing to pay a license fee for them to do startup houses in other cities The partners are having proprietary software developed that will enable new startup houses to replicate their branded Omaha model
They look forward to engaging with the emerging 10th Street cultural district but may keep the midtown house to accommodate growth
Hunt and Feldman believe theyrsquore catching the wave or tipping point of a big new startup rush and theyrsquore betting their model is poised to be a niche player in this wild frontier of entrepreneurial prospecting
B2B
56 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
It is an unassuming space but if you have made your way to TD Ameritrade Park Filmstreams or Hot Shops chances are yoursquove passed one of the most vibrant offices in Omaha
The fact that Co-Lab (short for Creative Collaborators) is not a traditional work space is certainly one of its best features Located inside the Tip Top building at 15th and Cumming streets is a project dreamed up by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture who happens to share the main floor of the building Based in the heart of a once-isolated section of the city Co-Labrsquos funky creative vibe is making waves In fact that vibe seeps into Omaharsquos everyday bringing about small changes pushing our city toward a more innovative future
CO-LABGIVING OMAHA WORKERS A MORE
COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE
IN THE OFFICE | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
56
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 57
Home to 18 businesses plus Alley Poyner Macchietto Co-Lab is free of walls and signage It is also free from traditional office norms For instance you donrsquot just walk over to your neighborrsquos space for a brainstorming sessionmdashyou skateboard At least you do if yoursquore Dave Nelson of SecretPenguin a leading experimental branding agency The best part is that the businesses surrounding SecretPenguin appreciate the break from tradition ldquoThatrsquos the beautiful part about being around like-minded good people and businessesrdquo Nelson says
CONTINUED ON 58
58 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 59
CONTINUED FROM 57
In addition to having pathways large enough to skateboard or bike through the space also provides Co-Labbers with a kitchen various conference rooms bike storage bathrooms and a battleground (otherwise known as the ping-pong table) Walking in the main doors clients and employees alike are greeted from the front desk while catching a view of the five-story open atrium basking in the glow of sunshine from the skylight Workers can also access the fitness room and rooftop deck sharing amenities with TipTop apartment residents who use a separate entrance
CONTINUED ON 60
The Harry A Koch CoInsurance amp Financial ConsultantsMember of First Insurance Group LLC
60 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
CONTINUED FROM 59
Businesses in Co-Lab all creativity-related range from entrepreneurs to start-ups to non-profits to small businesses The art varies in form but runs through the space like an electric current At Zicafoose Textiles Mary Zicafoose works steadily on her loom creating gorgeous tapestries 4Site Programming is where Joi Brown works as an independent consultant for performing arts centers across the nation Heartland B-Cycle a large-scale municipal bike sharing system brings art in the form of economical convenience Holly Boyer a founder of non-profit organization Mission Matters explains that one of the best things about having an office at Co-Lab is feeling the innovative positive energy from the moment you walk in the door So while individuals may join Co-Lab with a business-minded focus or a more creative vibe finding a yin to their yang is just a shout away
ldquoThere is certainly a wonderful built-in support network that comes along with working in a collaborative environmentrdquo quips Omaha Creative Institute Executive Director Emily Moody ldquoEverything from sharing ideas and finding ways to collaborate with an organization different than yours to sharing a staplerrdquo
At the heart of making it work says Laura Alley of Alley Poyner itrsquos simply playing well with others
The skateboarding ping-pong playing creatives do that well
B2B
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Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
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For more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
TD Ameritrade Park | First National Bank Tower | Midtown Crossing | Village Pointe | Childrenrsquos Hospital Aksarben Village | Joslyn Art Museum | Fred amp Pamela Buffett Cancer Center | UNO Community Arena
6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
AT THE OFFICE amp ON THE GO
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13
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
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- BB1015_fntCvr_125
- BB1015_fntEdit_125
- BB1015_bkEdit_125
- BB1015_bkCvr_125
-
22emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 2
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 23
How is it that Midlands Choice has come to make an investment in of all things a ballerina
Sure the bottom line of any insurance entity is driven by risk managementmdashthe investing of premium revenues to hedge against claims
But taking stock in Claire Goodwillie a company dancer with Ballet Nebraska
The Midlands Choice example is repeated all across the metro as area businesses support a broad array of arts nonprofits ones that dwell in everything from tutus to tempura
And the table is set for a new era of collaboration between business and the arts because philanthropic giving in America has finally returned to pre-recession levels
Contributions which totaled $358 billion in 2014 surpassed 2007rsquos pre-recession level of $355 billion Additionally giving was up from all major sourcesmdashindividuals corporations foundations and bequestsmdashaccording to Giving USA an annual report compiled by the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and the Giving USA Foundation of Chicago
ldquoEight out of nine types of charitable organizations we measure saw increased contributions and thatrsquos good news for the
BALLET NEBRASKAA PAS DE DEUX BETWEEN BUSINESS AND THE ARTS
philanthropic sector as a wholerdquo W Keith Curtis told Omaha Magazine in an email Curtis is chair of Giving USA Foundation and president of the nonprofit consulting firm The Curtis Group ldquoThe 60-year high for charitable giving in 2014 is a great story about resilience and perseverancerdquo
Themes of resilience and perseverance define the Ballet Nebraska story
Erika Overturff was 27 years old when the ballet company of which she was a dancer and resident choreographer appeared doomed She had no money She had no business acumen
That was 2009 Flash forward to 2015 and Overturff now 33 founder and artistic director of Ballet Nebraska is leading the regionrsquos only professional dance company into its sixth season
In a city known for its ldquocan-dordquo spirit this story could be about almost any local arts nonprofit but the unlikely saga of Ballet Nebraska is told here because it is perhaps the most improbable of tales one that best reveals what a business community and the arts can do when they share a common vision
CONTINUEDemspONemsp24
BY DAVID WILLIAMS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
23COVERemspFEATURE
24emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp23
Like settling into your seat with a program before the lights dim at any performing arts venue itrsquos probably best to start by reviewing the cast of characters
THE CONNECTORHal Daub knows people Especially in a city of six degrees of separation that is in reality much more like two or three degrees the former Omaha mayor (1995-2001) and US Congressman (1981-1989) who has served on countless nonprofit boards and is now a partner at Husch Blackwellhellipknows people
ldquoWhen I was first introduced to Hal and he offered to helprdquo Overturff says ldquoI assumed that meant he was going to maybe make a few calls and do a little name-droppingrdquo Daub it turned out would become a key player in the often delicate pas de deux that is the coupling of business and the arts ldquoHe not only made those calls but he set up the appointmentshellipand then he came along to personally introduce me and stand by my side in front of those who would become some of the most generous funders of Ballet Nebraskardquo
ldquoThe reason I am so fascinated by what Erika has donerdquo says Daub ldquois that Omaha is a city that has clearly evolved to become a place that is not just metropolitan but truly cosmopolitanrdquo And investing in the arts Daub believes makes good business sense ldquoThe social environment of a citymdashits arts and entertainmentmdashis critical in attracting and retaining the best workforce Ballet Nebraska Opera Omaha the Omaha Symphony Omaha Performing Artshellipthose and so many others are the organizations that help keep the best talent in Omahardquo
THE ADVOCATEMichelle Clark is Union Pacificrsquos general director of information technologies which means she probably knows more than a little about computer viruses As a three-year board member of Ballet Nebraska shersquos also seen how supporting the arts can go viral
ldquoEmployee generosity is furthered by the use of the companyrsquos matching gifts programrdquo Clark explains ldquoThis creates a sense of pride for employees and Union Pacific is supportive of the communities in which we live and work The employees of Union Pacific are very generous and have supported fundraising drives not only for Ballet Nebraska but a number of organizations such as the Womenrsquos Center for Advancement and JDRFrdquo
Employees should never underestimate their power to play a key role in advocating for nonprofits within their organizations
ldquoI am passionate about the art of dance especially ballet and Ballet Nebraskardquo Clark says ldquoDance inspires my creativity and provides insights to see beyond the obvious My hope is that by providing individuals with the awareness of opportunities to experience and support the art of dance they will find their own inspiration to apply to their own liferdquo
And just as stubborn computer viruses are often cloyingly messy to eradicate once discovered Union Pacificrsquos relationship with Ballet Nebraska has a ldquostickinessrdquo of its own Clark was preceded on the Ballet Nebraska board by Gayla Thal the companyrsquos senior vice president and general counsel
THE BULLDOGDonrsquot let the gentle demeanor of Midlands Choice vice president Greta Vaught fool you Supporting the arts is often a visceral experience and Vaughtrsquos passion for dance exerted itself on multiple levels in the early stages of growth at Ballet Nebraska
ldquoMidlands Choice has always been supportive of my work in the communityrdquo says the board chair of Ballet Nebraska
ldquoWe like to listen to our people when making such decisionsrdquo says Midlands Choice President and CEO Thomas E Press rdquoIt is important for us to know that our giving has real meaning for them their families and their communitiesrdquo
ldquoI looked at what Erika was trying to dordquo Vaught continues ldquoand I thought it was brave but impossible But all along the way I just kept going back to the thought that if one of my daughters [Mia now 15 and Hannah now 19] wanted to try something so bold one day thatrdquohellipinsert long pausehellipldquoIrsquom sorry this is making me cry I would just hope that people with experience and connections and dollars would shepherd my daughters along like so many people have done with Erika and Ballet Nebraskardquo
Okay so maybe ldquoThe Bulldogrdquo wasnrsquot such a great character name for this role after all
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 25
Fast-Paced Public Relations
Customer-Based Planning and Communications
402-964-9293 11626 Nicholas Street
zaisscocom
For the Connected World
Every story Every tweet Every interaction
PR is vital to your bottom line now more than ever
Join the world of innovative PR ndash partner with experts
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B2B OMAHArsquoS
Best PR Agency 7 Years Running
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
THE ARTISTldquoI had to do a lot of on-the-job learning when I decided to try to launch a dance companyrdquo Overturff says ldquoWe were lucky in that we got our nonprofit status right away but I didnrsquot know anything about the business side of things and really nothing about raising funds I was moved by every $5 check that came in but it took a lot of mentoring advice and counsel to get us to where we are today as a fully funded professional performance companyrdquo
Ballet Nebraska now has a paid staff of 22 including nine salaries paid to company dancers Today Overturffrsquos once-nonexistent business connections run deep Personal contributions from the likes of philanthropists Richard Holland and Fred and Eve Simon further fuel the growth of ballet in Omaha Foundations also play a major role in funding A recent gift of $124000 from the Iowa West Foundation is the largest in Ballet Nebraska history
ldquoTalented professionals from all over the world that have trained their whole lives to pursue a career in dance now come to Omaha in the hopes of performing with Ballet Nebraska as we serve the state and western Iowa in performances education outreach and morerdquo she says ldquoA ballet companymdashany performing arts company any arts organizationmdashis about its peoplehellipthe artists the staff and hardworking selfless volunteers But it is the people of Omaha from the smallest donations to the relationships we have with such great businesses that makes it all happenrdquo
B2B
26emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
26OFFICE FURNITURE BY DOUG SCHURING
OFFICE ORIGINS
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE MODERN WORKPLACE
For all the time we spend in our office very few of us are familiar with how that space came to be You may actually be surprised by the events and inventions that helped form the work environment we know today From the development of the railroad to innovations in communication our current corporate habits structures and tools have all played a role In his book CubedmdashA Secret History of the Workplace Nikil Saval shapes the advances that created the conventional office we are familiar with today
The advent of the Morse telegraph spawned long-distance communication Then starting in 1860 a series of technological innovations changed the possibilities of the workplace the use of iron framework permitted the construction of taller buildings and elevators assisted the climb The Remington typewriter entered the office in 1874 Bellrsquos telephone was patented two years later
At the same time railroads expanded across the country reducing transportation costs and extending markets for goods and services Additionally railroads produced an organizational transformation still in use today The coordination of trains required employees housed in structures all across the country bringing a variety of offices to the American landscape Between the executive the manager and the workerhellipthe organizational chart was born
The invention of telecommunications fostered the speed of information to surge creating more
Doug Schuring is the director of sales administration at All Makes Office Equipment Co
work and subsequently more workers As these workers moved into new structures the spaces reflected their various levels of management In 1915 the Metal Office Furniture Company (now Steelcase) invented the modern deskmdasha flat metal table outfitted with file drawers The new desks massed together in defined rows offered managers full visual access to the goings-on of the workplace and this ldquosea of desksrdquo became the norm for decades Lockers and various cabinets popular in the Great Depression era became vertical files once steel became readily available after World War II
In 1968 Herman Miller introduced the first panel system with attached components Designed by Robert Propst the Action Office system revolutionized the ldquoofficerdquo in form flexibility and cost Other furniture manufacturers mimicked the modular system which became the norm for many businesses
Up to the rsquo90s the personal computerrsquos popularity grew and the relative size of work stations decreased between 25-50 percent By the middle of that decade the dot-com revolution on the West Coast created an unprecedented workplace culture The formal atmosphere of the office became much more casual and discontent for the Dilbert-esque cubicle grew Subsequently creative furniture solutions evolved with the desire to be more mobile leading the way
In the early 2000rsquos collaborative open offices grew in popularity New and improving
technologies now offer connectivity in the office home or public spaces As a result nearly every company today is adapting and using new furnishings as a tool to attract new workers At the same time retaining existing employees is equally important The goal is to make everyone more effective and efficient in their work
Whether you work in an office from home in the local coffee shop or out of an airline terminal you may start to notice that much of the furniture is beginning to look very similar As long as you are able to connect to technology you can work from virtually anywhere
B2B
SEPTEMBER 24 2015 Ralston Arena7300 Q Street
Ralston NE 68127
CONNECT MARKET SUCCEED
Looking for INNOVATIVE MARKETING IDEAS Want to BOOST SALES AND ADD ROI Need to ANALYZE DATA TO GROW MARKET SHARE
For more information or to register please visit wwwOmahaAdvertisingXcom
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 27
28emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Outlook Nebraska CEO Eric Stueckrath
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 29
On the surface it looks just like any other office or factory As you enter Outlook Nebraska Inc (ONI) yoursquore greeted by a friendly front desk attendant and led past a perfectly ordinary-looking workspace Entering their factory where they manufacture such paper products as rolls of hand towels you wouldnrsquot suspect that it is different from any other assembly line
But explore a little deeper
Walking past one office you might see a man typing away on a keyboard his laptop closed in front of him He doesnrsquot need it open to know what hersquos typing Hersquos visually impaired and utilizing computer software that reads the words aloud as he types
On the factory floor raised edges guard the walkway so sightless employees can feel their way around Over on the assembly line visually impaired workers can use a computer screen to zoom in on the product at various stages of production to assess the process
ONI is a non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance the life of the blind and visually impaired through employment opportunities and training Almost all the employees at ONI are blind or visually impaired from factory workers to IT professionals Some were born blind others lost their sight later in life ONI aims to help them all re-enter the workforce in a meaningful way
A SIGHT FOR NON-SEEING EYES
OUTLOOK NEBRASKA
ldquoThey get used to being on their feetrdquo says ONI CEO Eric Stueckrath ldquoWe offer jobs for [people with] entry-level skill sets and all of the positions are at or above minimum wage We give them the tools to help build those skill setsrdquo
ONI also offers personalized life-skills training geared to whatrsquos important to the individual from personal banking to cooking to operating a computer
The American Foundation for the Blind estimates that as many as 70 percent of blind adults in the US are unemployed As the largest employer of the blind in the Omaha metro area ONI is working to make an impact
ldquoWe work with organizations that are committed to hiring the visually impairedrdquo Stuekrath says ldquoAdvocacy is definitely part of what we dordquo
ONI is currently in the midst of a $2 million capital campaign that will allow them to complete a large-scale renovation project at their facility The renovation will create more space for the general public and give them the ability to offer additional training programs
In addition to working with adults blind and visually-impaired youth are a primary focus for Stuekrath and ONI
ldquoMy heart really gravitates toward themrdquo Stuekrath says
ONI partners with youth organizations on a number of initiatives including a sports camp for visually-impaired youth called Camp Abilities Nebraska Attendees can try archery swimming bowling track and field and more as a means to build confidence
ldquoThey donrsquot need to be coddledrdquo Stuekrath says adding that he often tells parents of blind children ldquoYour kid needs to get out there and bump his head and experience liferdquo
At ONI everything comes back to the organizationrsquos mission Stuekrath says
ldquoWe give them the tools they need to gain greater independencerdquo
B2B
FEATURE | BY APRIL CHRISTENSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY COLIN CONCES
29
30emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Layne and Pam Yahnke and Their VW Thing
Shakespeare wrote of love and betrayal Tolkien of hobbits and wizards Steinbeck and Faulkner of the indomitable American spirit
Layne Yahnke writes about his VW Thing
Yes the two-wheel-drive off-road convertible military vehicle first manufactured for the West German Army as ldquoType 181rdquo in 1968 VW churned them out until 1983 including two years in the United States when marketed as ldquoThe Thingrdquo
Yahnke got his Thing in 2000 for $5500 Hersquos lovingly restored it most importantly giving it a peppy new motor that makes it Autobahn-worthy
WHATrsquoS THAT THING
LANE YAHNKErsquoS UNUSUAL VOLKSWAGEN
HOW I ROLL | BY ANTHONY FLOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Therersquos only one other Thing in Omaha and Yahnkersquos gets lots of second and third looks when hersquos whipping down the Dodge Street Expressway from his Elkhorn home Especially when the doors are off and windshield is down
Everyone wants to know abouthellipthe Thing
Thus Yahnke penned ldquoIt Takes a Village to Build a VW Thingrdquo an ode to those who helped him with his beloved ridemdashhis sons Omaha VW Club members engine and body shops and parts stores
CONTINUEDemspONemsp32
30
SIGN UP TODAYdolnebraskagovsides
Questions phone - 402-471-9910 email - ndoluisidesnebraskagov
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E-Response saves treesNo more paper 350rsquos
Keep your taxes lowAvoid unnecessary charges
Avoid Late responses ampLoss of appeal rights
32emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Locally Owned in Papillion Ne402-740-0800 bull apconstructomahacom
Insurance claims
welcomeIf your roof sustained fire snow or hail
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arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
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abetterexposurecom steveabetterexposurecom
Passion Creativity Experience
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp31
ldquoI wrote that right after the engine transplantrdquo says Yahnke an Omaha native and vice president at Essex Corp provider of senior living communities ldquoI guess I was moved I get so many inquiries about it and I really feel so fondly about itrdquo
Itrsquos not his first Thing Yahnke and his wife of 38 years Pam owned one before their four children came along As the kids have come and gone so have the cars
Lots of them
Yahnke figures he has owned 60 automobiles in his life His car fancy began as a kid growing up in Dundee where a friendrsquos dad spent his spare time restoring English cars Yahnke spent hours in his garage and developed a love for Triumphs and MGs His first car purchase was a 1962 Triumph for $425 in 1972 It wasnrsquot long though until he sold it at a profit
ldquoThatrsquos what kicked off the buying and selling of English carsrdquo he says ldquoI discovered I could enjoy my transportation but then as soon as someone wanted to buy it for more than I paid for it out it wentrdquo
ldquoWhere Accounting Meets ResultsrdquoProviding Accounting and Quickbooks Services
For Metro Businesses
Denise Martin I 9252077634Deniseheartlandaccountabilitycom
wwwHeartlandAccountAbilitycom
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 33
These days you never know what will be parked in the Yahnke driveway Currently therersquos a Honda pickup a VW Jetta VW Multivan and a 2001 Audi TT Quatro Convertiblemdashpurchased in apropos silver for his 25th wedding anniversary
Itrsquos the Thing he most enjoys driving He logs about 1000 miles on it each year Most of those have come toplessmdashYahnke long ago gave it away to another Thing enthusiast and now only drives it sans roof
ldquoAnyone who sees this car has only seen it top-downrdquo he says ldquoI just got caught once in the rain and that was probably a month ago The cool thing about the Thing is you leave it out in the sun and it dries out and is ready to gordquo
It says ldquoSummer is hererdquo Yahnke says
ldquoPeople speed up all the time to try to figure out what it is Itrsquos just a happy car and itrsquos so darn versatile It puts smiles on peoplesrsquo facesrdquo
B2B
Quality Carpet Cleaning Since 2004
4026806523
Cleaning ServicesCarpet CleaningUpholstery CleaningMattress CleaningTile amp Grout CleaningPet TreatmentsConcrete CleaningConcrete CleaningAuto Interior Cleaning24 Hour Water Damage
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omahamagazinecom SPECIALemspADVERTISINGemspSECTIONemspemsp |emsp SUMMERemsp2015emsp |emsp 34
ABOUT OUR BUSINESS
Cox Business started in 2000 as the commercial services division of Cox Communications Over the past 15 years we have experienced strong growth and are on our target to achieve $2 billion in revenue in the near future
Cox Business owns operates and maintains its own network providing leading-edge technology solutions for voice internet networking and digital TV We also offer robust business continuity and disaster recovery solutions which is of increasing importance to businesses in the greater Omaha area Our customers include such key verticals as education hospitality government and healthcare We maintain a significant focus on Omaha small business mid-markets and large local companies as well
We consider our employees to be our most precious asset as they have the responsibility of taking care of our customers At Cox Business we are fortunate to have an extremely tenured and engaged team of employees What sets us apart from our competition is the fact that while we are a large robust and progressive company we still possess
the nimbleness of a smaller company in our ability to deliver creative solutions under tight timelines We pride ourselves on having very little bureaucracy and that translates to happy customers The fact that Cox Business has won 15 JD Power Awards for customer satisfaction over the past 11 years is a notable accomplishment for us and we work hard to deliver on that promise of excellence every day
ABOUT LYNNE
I have led sales and operations teams in the communications industry for 20 years 10 of those years with Cox Communications My husband Pat and I just celebrated our first full year in Omaha and wonder why it took us so long to find this jewel of a community Our daughter Kaylin starts law school next month at the University of San Diego
I have two passions in my professional life mentoring employees who are working on leadership development (which includes working with two to three emerging leaders at any given time) and continuing to drive efforts in hiring fostering a diverse workforce There
is a challenge in STEM fields of under-represented groups My company Cox Communications is also very passionate about this and holds the distinction of inclusion in Diversity Incrsquos top 50 companies
My personal passions include travel social media and Italian cooking
B2B
COX BUSINESSLYNNE SANGIMINO
Cox Business 401 N 117th St Omaha NE 68154 coxbusinesscom 4029340830
Cradickrsquos Husker PowerTEXAN RETURNS HOME FOR BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY PG 8
Marlon Lofgren Koley Jessen PC LLOKEEPING THE FOCUS WHERE IT BELONGS PG 4
Seasoned Advice for Buyers(THE BOUNCY KIND) PG 5
PLAYING BIG EDITION
Fall
2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
2
Volume 1 Issue 5
Published by The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
PresidentEditor bull Cortney Sells
DirectorAssistant Editor bull Cassandra Powers
In-House Legal Counsel bull Susanne Miller
Outreach Coordinator bull Rene Rademacher
Marketing Development bull Rachael Rand
Business Broker bull Breann Becerra
Referring Broker bull Elizabeth Jones
Marketing Division bull Adam Jaime
Development Liaison bull Holley Garcia
Client Services bull Nycole Wandvik-Tolle
Client Services bull Julie OrsquoBrien
Community Relations bull Mike Sells
Contributing Writers
Marlon Lofgren bull Kathy Rygg bull Maureen Tierney
Design bull OBI Creative
Photography bull Bill Sitzmann
To Subscribe
The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
210 N 78 St
Omaha NE 68114
4029985288
infothefirmb2bcom
Advertising Inquiries
4028842000
toddomahamagazinecom
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Columns
4 Seller Financing
Koley Jessen PC LLO Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
14 Executive Impact Getting Into the Big Office
Departments
5 Seasoned Advice for
Business Buyers (The Bouncy Kind)
12 Building a Legacy while
Building Racks New Chapter to Becklerrsquos Career
The Bottom Line
Sells Insights
Playing Big
Husker PowerTexan returns home to
Nebraska for business opportunity
pg8
Many business owners have marginal experience in the trades in which their
organizations specialize While it may seem counterintuitive to buy or start a company situated around an industry in which one has little experience there is a certain com-petitive edge to the equation A buyer or president need only know enough to begin before surrounding him or herself with the right personnel to tackle the minute details What is paramount is the grander scheme of
management and operations which allows one to flex refined business acumen Not only does distance from fieldwork free up time to put in place a robust and refined plan but it leaves open other avenues for portfolio expansion Grow your business expand operations or begin other busi-ness ventures The possibilities are only as small as the mindset held by your team The FIRM
Special Section
7 Fresh Off The Firm The Firm Business Brokerage has
over $80 million dollars in assets under
management of current cash flowing
businesses for sale ndash from medical
practices to commercial services to large
manufacturing companies
by Cortney Sells presidenteditor
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
3Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
4
IF PROPERLY STRUCTURED AND DOCUMENTED SELLER FINANCING IS REALLY NO DIFFERENT FROM FINANCING THAT WOULD OTHERWISE BE PROVIDED BY A BANKTYING IT ALL TOGETHEREven the most savvy of ldquonumbers peoplerdquo need a leg up in negotiating a purchase As with so many aspects of doing business retaining experienced legal counsel enables you to keep the focus where it belongsmdashemploying your entrepreneurial skills in the identification and acquisition of profitable business ventures The FIRM
Seller Financing Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
written by Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
Seller financing can often be a criti-cal factor in getting a business sold
If properly structured and documented seller financing is really no different from financing that would otherwise be provided by a bank Below is a brief guide to navi-gating the issues normally encountered in seller financing
FIRST THINGS FIRSTThe first question is usually that of how to structure and document the financing The buyer should be expected to sign a prom-issory note evidencing the loan from the seller with interest and repayment terms mutually agreeable to both parties The seller might also require that the buyer grant the seller a security interestlien in the pur-chased assets to secure the loan Itrsquos also not unusual for a seller to require that the individual owners of the buyer (assuming the buyer is an entity) personally guarantee the loan In most cases the documents are usually pretty straightforward and do not need to be overly complicated
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
ADDITIONAL LAYERSIf a bank is also financing the sale the seller will most likely be required by the bank to sign a subordination agreement This is an agreement between the bank usually referred to as the ldquosenior lenderrdquo and the seller referred to as the ldquojunior lenderrdquo A subordination agreement sets forth the terms between the lenders as to each entityrsquos right to receive loan pay-ments from the buyer and the priority of their respective security interestsliens in the purchased assets The document will usually state that the senior lenderrsquos loan and security interestliens shall at all times be superior to those of the junior lender until the senior loan is paid in full Most lenders are willing to discuss and negoti-ate the junior lenderrsquos right to receive loan payments from the borrower Lien priority status however is rarely compromised by senior lenders in subordination agreements The senior lender will insist on having a first priority security interestlien in the pur-chased assets
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Whether yoursquore a first-time entre-preneur or an experienced business
owner purchasing a company is a critical investment financially and emotionally To help increase the likelihood of it being a success in both areas there are a number of aspects to keep in mind when evaluating if a business is the right fit gt
Seasoned Advice for Business Buyers(The Bouncy Kind)
written by Kathy Rygg
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Jerry Rachwalik
5Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
6
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
lt Jerry Rachwalik has been researching companies for the past three years waiting for the right opportunity to arise His search was the result of spending his career work-ing for larger organizations in a number of areas including delivery installation cus-tomer service inventory accounts receiv-ables and scheduling where he managed up to 35 people at a time
Policies and philosophies can change when working for a corporation Sometimes they become less family friendly ldquoWith the previous companies I worked forrdquo Rachwalik says ldquothey switched from caring about em-ployees to making money and the bottom line I stuck it out for several years and then decided I needed something differentrdquo
An entrepreneur by nature Rachwalik has over the last seven years built up a rental business buying foreclosed homes and duplex properties completely reno-vating them and then renting them back out He now has 15 properties and enjoys helping families by providing nice homes that are affordable ldquoI want people to feel good when they come home at night after a long day at workrdquo he says Rachwalik want-ed to find a business that allowed him the flexibility to respond to his tenants when needed from simple plumbing issues to furnaces going kaput
When he first started looking for a new business Rachwalik was drawn to home health care because of his experience help-ing to take care of relatives And it was a growing field Nothing was available at the time so he expanded his options and be-gan researching businesses in a variety of industries Those included a flooring com-pany sandwich shop and even a hair salon
ldquoI was open to anything and if I could make the numbers work then I would consider itrdquo he explains
Then The Firm Business Brokerage pre-sented him with an opportunity that was the right match Bounce U in Omaha There were a number of factors that appealed to Rachwalik First and foremost were the financials but it would also offer him the flexibility he needed for his rental business A big advantage was that an entire team was already in place one seasoned in man-aging staff and scheduling parties ldquoThey do a great jobrdquo he says ldquoI donrsquot plan on making any personnel changesrdquo
But what hersquos most looking forward to with this new venture is the fun positive environment Bounce Ursquos primary business is its birthday party packages featuring the companyrsquos oversized inflatibles and Rachwalik said he canrsquot wait to watch the excitement on the kids faces when they walk through the door ldquoEveryone there is happyrdquo he says ldquoThe kids are happy the parents are happy and the employees running the parties are happy Itrsquoll be a big change from the environments I used to work inrdquo Hersquos already planning to have his twin grand-daughtersrsquo birthday party there too
His transition included a week of training with the companyrsquos corporate facility in Ari-zona as well as on-site training Even though the Omaha location is an existing store all of Rachwalikrsquos training was structured as though itrsquos a brand new site
Bounce U has traditionally partnered with local restaurants to provide food for birth-day parties but Rachwalik wants to explore the option to build a kitchen of his own
He also hopes to continue to grow the business by at least 5 annually ldquoAnything I do I will communicate with my employees and get their input and suggestions firstrdquo he adds
For anyone who is considering buying a business or is going through the process Rachwalik stresses to be open minded and not rule anything out ldquoIf an opportunity is presented to you run the numbers and see if you can make it workrdquo he says ldquoI did a complete flip-flop on the type of business I thought I wanted versus what I ended up purchasing But if you keep looking yoursquoll eventually find a matchrdquo The FIRM
ldquoTHE KIDS ARE HAPPY THE PARENTS ARE HAPPY AND THE EMPLOYEES RUNNING THE PARTIES ARE HAPPY ITrsquoLL BE A BIG CHANGE FROM THE ENVIRONMENTS I USED TO WORK INrdquo
-Jerry Rachwalik
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Fresh Off The Firm Featured Listings for Sale
Suburban Bar amp Grill with VolleyballOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $26413 PRICE $115000
Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity in an area with only two other bars nearby Serving up a gorgeous and well-maintained volleyball court along with pool tables and a jukebox this bar and grill is a favorite with the locals Business is fully staffedmdashowner works very part time hours
Rain Gutter Sales amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $145200 PRICE $415000
This business is a dealer for high-end rain gutter covers These products are con-structed of high-quality aluminum and sur-gical-grade stainless steel and are strong enough to hold up to four feet of snow or 20 pounds of debris Profit margin is 48
Large-Scale Assembly amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $743732 PRICE $2200000
This well-established installation and assembly business in central Nebraska prides itself on providing many numerous building solutions for businesses and building owners in their area They install and assemble metal frames including grain silos pole barns and buildings
Photo Booth Business Running on Autopilot OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $36419 PRICE $88900
Photo booths are the ldquoin thingrdquo at weddings and parties In business for seven years this business is one of the largest in town Wedding couples hoping to capture the fun memories of the day make up 67 of the clients Includes four booths and one trailer
Southwest Omaha Dental PracticeOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $129745 PRICE $380000
Professional staff and excellent customer service are the hallmarks of this practice Using the latest technology the business offers an array of dental services including teeth cleaning veneers crowns bleaching and trauma services The owner is currently working only 20 hours a week
Small Animal Vet Clinic in Omaha OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $158287 PRICE $440000
For over 30 years this animal care clinic has prioritized customer care They are currently offering services to over 2000 families and are the second largest veterinary clinic in the area The business is split 7030 between dogs and cats
Buildersrsquo Material amp Supply CompanyOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $364880 PRICE $933000
This highly reputable company established in 1976 and located just north of Omaha provides quality and reliable services and supplies Building supply inventory includes garage door lumber windows trims siding roofing materials and more Approximately 90 of customers are repeat clientele
High-Growth Plumbing Company OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $157774 PRICE $445000
This non-union plumbing company has consistent growth of over $130000 a year in sales The full service plumbing contractor has business that is currently 50 commercial and 50 residential
90+ available business opportunities for sale Please visit TheFirmBusinessBrokeragecom for details
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
7Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
Matt Cradick
The Deal ReviewReason For Sale Fresh start after 25+ years in the industrySeller Transition Period Over eight monthsType of Sale Asset Purchase AgreementLender Access Bank Mack LaRock
ldquoYOU SHOULD INTERVIEW FOR A BUSINESS JUST LIKE YOU
WOULD FOR A JOBrdquo CRADICK EXPLAINS ldquoIT HAS TO BE THE
RIGHT FIT YOU DONrsquoT WANT TO BE ONE OF THE MANY FA-
TALITIES THAT HAPPEN SO OFTEN IN NEW BUSINESSrdquo
-Shaun Heldt
From Retail to RoofingHow to be Successful When Buying a Business
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Spending almost 20 years working in retail for major corporations and then
buying a siding and roofing contracting company may seem like a major leap but for Matt Cradick owner of Husker Ham-mer Siding Windows and Roofing it was the best business move hersquos ever made And thatrsquos saying a lot for someone who moved 11 times in 19 years across nine different states
Cradick had been living in Houston Texas where he worked for Target Corporation He had worked his way up through the com-pany and another promotion was on the horizon which meant another move With three young children at home Cradick de-cided it was time to put down some roots Having grown up in Lincoln Nebraska he wanted to be near family and Midwestern values He started researching businesses for sale and was eventually led to The Firm which in turn led him to Husker Hammer
The move from a big corporate environ-ment to a small contracting business didnrsquot intimidate Cradick With Target he oversaw 200 people so he knew he brought strong management and operational skills The challenge he says was learning the ins and outs of construction He didnrsquot need to be the one hammering away on the roofmdashhe needed learn a new business segment
ldquoSwitching industries can be nerve-rack-ingrdquo Cradick says ldquobut the owner was will-ing to stay on board for six months during the transitionrdquo That partnership was an invaluable tool during the changeover gt
A Publication of The Firm Business BrokerageA Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
9Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
10
lt Husker Hammer was started in 1998 as a one-man operation and had been built up to a multimillion dollar business Cradick was impressed with the mission statement values system of the company and the strong workforce that was already in place And the price of the company lined up well with the financials ldquoWhat Husker has that others in the industry donrsquotrdquo says the man whose faith is central to his deal-ings ldquois a strong ethical foundation with a Christian backgroundrdquo
There were a number of other elements Cradick sought when buying his business ones he believes all potential business own-ers need to keep in mind The first is to make sure you have a proper support team in place to help make a sound financial deci-sion That includes having a good business valuation and a good business broker who can point you in the right direction to ensure a match for both parties
Once yoursquore in the process of purchasing he adds make sure you have a capable net-work of attorneys a seasoned financial team and solid internal help to ensure yoursquore suc-cessful from the start ldquoYou should interview
for a business just like you would for a jobrdquo Cradick explains ldquoIt has to be the right fit You donrsquot want to be one of the many fatal-ities that happen so often in new businessrdquo
To help ensure the company continues to be successful Cradick plans to main-tain Husker Hammerrsquos competitive edges which he says includes his 11000-sq-ft state-of-the-art showroom in Elkhorn He reformatted the space to better fit his busi-ness model before building out additional second-floor space that is now rented to other entrepreneurs
The showroom features all of the window siding and roofing products available to customers Samples are one thing Cradick says but he knows the power of customers seeing actual colors in actual sizes
ldquoOur philosophy is to build peace of mind for homeowners and be with them every step through the processrdquo he says ldquoWord of mouth is our number one lead source which was true in retail as wellrdquo
Happy employees to Cradick are just as important as happy customers He sub-scribes to a simple philosophymdashlistening to employees and doing so with respect
ldquoWith big corporations you deal with a lot of politicsrdquo he says ldquoNow if therersquos politics itrsquos because Irsquove generated it Itrsquos a nice change to be in a small business where you have more leeway to ensure yoursquore creating a positive work environment which creates a happy workforcerdquo
Working for a smaller company also allows for more opportunities to become involved in the community Husker Hammer is active in local chambers of commerce the Open Door Mission and is currently helping on a Habitat for Humanity build in Waterloo They have also been accredited by the Bet-ter Business Bureau since 2000 and won the Better Business Integrity Award
Cradickrsquos business is currently 90 percent residential and 10 percent commercial He hopes to increase their reach in proper-ty management and general contracting while maintaining the high-quality residen-tial sales that built the business ldquoBecause of our showroomrdquo he says ldquopeople come
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
to us We donrsquot do the high pressure sales at the kitchen table We listen We let the homeowners do the talkingrdquo
Growing geographically is also a goal Cradick hopes to expand to surrounding areas including his hometown of Lincoln
ldquoSo far itrsquos been a great moverdquo he says ldquoand I look forward to continuing to be known as an ethical long-lasting company My daughters and wife are excited to be back in the Midwest around grandparents and family Their school district is great and the full year-round climate has been a welcome change from living in the south Plus I was averaging 50000 miles per year in travel so itrsquos nice to sleep in your own bed every nightrdquo The FIRM
For more information on this or any for sale listings call The Firm Business Brokerage directly
11Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
The Deal ReviewBusiness Established 1987Reason for Sale Retirement (Transla-tion More time with a fishing pole)Ownerrsquos Profit $495004Type of Loan SBA with Core Bank
12
Back to the FutureBuilding a Business Legacy
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Itrsquos not uncommon for someone who has spent a number of years in corporate
America to shift gears into entrepreneur-ship Being your own boss certainly has its advantages But for Scott Beckler who recently purchased Lewis Installers in Gret-na his reason for taking on a new business venture had more to do with honoring not only his fatherrsquos legacy but building one of his own
Beckler started his career as a business education teacher then moved to a corpo-rate career in technology But for a number of years he kept an eye on businesses for sale hoping that just the right opportunity would come along
ldquoMy dad was an entrepreneur who owned his own real estate insurance companyrdquo
Beckler says ldquoDespite the fact he had on-going health issues he still got up every day put on a coat and tie and went out to make a sale He was a very successful busi-nessman and I wanted to honor his legacyrdquo
After contacting The Firm and discuss-ing what he was looking for in a business the team suggested Lewis Installers which specializes in industrial conveyor and rack systems At first it seemed like a big de-parture for him ldquoShelving and logistical systems isnrsquot something that jumps out at yourdquo Beckler says But the more he looked into it the more he realized it had many of the elements he wanted in a business The most obvious advantage was that the company was located in Gretna where he lives Add to that the fact that the seller lives just up the road from him
Scott Beckler
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
For purposes of this article this overview is based on the buying and selling entities being corporations or entities taxed as corporations
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
4420 Izard Street Omaha4022938707 bull 8887380296
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
HAVE YOUR MINOR ROOF LEAKS BECOME A MAJOR ANNOYANCEDonrsquot Wait Any Longer Call Us Now
ldquoAfter meeting him and hitting it offrdquo Beckler says ldquowe quickly realized it was a match on both sidesrdquo
Other signs also pointed in the right di-rection The financials were good The size of the business was ideal The competitive landscape was promising Beckler also real-ized that his corporate background fit well with this new business
ldquoAlthough itrsquos an entirely different indus-tryrdquo he says ldquomany of the business princi-ples are the samehellipproject management customer service delivery vendor man-agement and cost containment Irsquove been doing all of those for yearsrdquo
His background in technology will also be a valuable asset in his new business Not only has he established relationships with large vendors built over the years but his from-the-ground-up experience with data centers means that he is already eying in-novative automation and other technology differentiators At the same time hersquos look-ing forward to learning the daily operations of the company and having a hand in every part of the business from bidding to closing to payroll
ldquoIt will be challenging coming from a big business background where Irsquove only been involved in the peripheryrdquo Beckler says
ldquoNow Irsquoll be involved in all of itrdquo
Lewis Installers being a family-owned business is what hersquos most excited about He says itrsquos a company with a good repu-tation thatrsquos known for quality and meeting deadlinesmdashall driven by a strong Midwest-ern work ethic
Itrsquos the sort of company Beckler believes that would make his father proud
ldquoI want this business to be a legacy for my familyrdquo Beckler says ldquoMy hope is that it could stay in the family with my own kids and grandkidsrdquo The FIRM
13Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Om
aharsquo
s Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
14
When considering the purchase of an existing business very few realize
that lack of experience in an industry can actually lead to success One simply needs a sound financial plan and a good team to fill in the gaps Removing the added stress of fieldwork and focusing solely on the management of finances and operation allows for greater opportunities It makes for the dynamic advantage of some outside impartiality when seeking areas of improve-ment and growth
One man who has made this transition from having marginal knowledge in an in-dustry to leading a successful plumbing and HVAC operation is Mark Evans president of Burton Plumbing Before taking over Burton Evans had a successful plumbing distribu-torship serving four states but it was his desire to own and to travel less that put him into the hands of Burton Friesz The founder of Burton Plumbing Friesz had been a customer and friend of Evansrsquo when the two discussed a possible expansion into residential service Evans put his busi-ness experience to work for Burton in July 1995 and his education in the minutiae of plumbing and HVAC began
While he hasnrsquot worked in the field as a licensed plumbing contractor Evans has dipped his feet in several areas within the running of Burtonhellipand often at the same time Before hiring the essential personnel that have enabled him to narrow his role Ev-ans served as manager marketer customer service representative and dispatcher Such a list of duties for one man is a daunting task but ldquoI worked my way to being able to work on the business rather than in the business [a strategy] taught to me by my business coachrdquo says Evans
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
REMOVING THE ADDED STRESS OF FIELDWORK AND FOCUSING SOLELY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF FINANCES AND OPERATION ALLOWS FOR GREATER OPPORTUNITIES
Executive Impact Moving Into the Boardroom From Employee to President
written by Maureen Tierney | Co-written by Mark Evans and Julie OrsquoBrien
Eventually Evans was able to step back and bring on a general manager and a ware-house operator that has allowed him to
ldquofocus on growth opportunities marketing and cash flowrdquo
Evansrsquo experience is not unique It is com-mon for brokerages to deal with buyers seeking to own companies within a cer-tain field but ldquoonly two people out of the nearly 100 closings [wersquove had] have come in for the same business that they ended up purchasingrdquo says Julie OrsquoBrien client services and paralegal with The Firm What it comes down to is as simple as the bot-tom line Buyers are looking to leverage their talents and experience in a marriage between a management philosophy and business model Those in the market for an acquisition are ldquobuying based on profit number of staff ability to get financing and mostly their strengths and passionsrdquo says OrsquoBrien Experience in a particular industry is certainly valuable but is no predictor of success when the right financial mind comes along
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Even so making up for a lack of practical knowledge requires the proper equipment most notably in the form of managers and employees The right talent in the field can be a growth experience and provide an opportunity to learn the ropes before taking a full swing at things A total deficit in knowl-edge hardly makes for good leadership and for this reason many ldquonew business owners like to take a birdrsquos eye view of the operation rather than diving in and getting their hands dirty right awayhellipgiving them the opportunity to watch [how] things have been done before implementing changesrdquo says OrsquoBrien
Approaching ownership in this way also allows for further financial acquisitions an avenue which Evans has taken In addition to owning Burton Plumbing Evans operates four other companies One might assume this much responsibility to be a stretch but Evans sees his role as ldquokeeping a pulse on things I like to lead people in growth per-sonally and on the business siderdquo
Getting started can be a challenge which is why OrsquoBrien works closely with potential buyers to find the right fit ldquoWe assist all the wayrdquo she says ldquoWe work with the buyer on projections business plans [and] we introduce them to trusted advisorsrdquo from attorneys and CPAs to financial advisors and insurance agents
Itrsquos this helpful backing of experts that eases the difficult task of ownership and only proves that one can certainly switch from a blue collar to a white one The FIRM
CONTRACTING BUSINESSES LISTED BY THE FIRM
201
5 P
roje
cted
201
5 Y
TD
201
4
201
3
201
2
30
0
15
28
14
12
11
16
15Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Omaharsquos Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
It may seem like I pulled a muscle making this stretch but Keith Backsen the new boss at the Omaha Convention amp Visitors Bureau seems to have an awful lot in common with new Husker Coach Mike Riley
Coach Riley spent a total of 14 seasons at Oregon State before heading to Huskerland Backsen also comes from that neck of the woods having spent 11 years of his career in Portland Oregon and another 11 years in Spokane Washington selling both cities as prime places for convention and leisure travelers
At Oregon State Coach Riley built the football program into a consistent winner and regular conference contender At Visit Spokane Backsen opened sales offices in Washington DC and Chicago that led to increased convention bookings Backsen also worked on the public campaign to expand the Spokane Convention Center with a $65 million bond issue The expansion coupled with increased hotel inventory allowed Spokane to pursue large conventions and more than doubled convention bookings in Spokane
Riley has experience at the highest level of football serving as the head coach of the San Diego Chargers and as a head coach in both the Canadian and World Football Leagues Same for Backsen he worked in Dallas and Chicago as the director of sales for Global Experience Specialists a global leader in the world of event planning Backsen supervised five sales offices in a nine-state region generating annual sales in excess of $70 million
Riley is known as one of the most professional and nicest men in the profession a coach who is greatly admired by his peers I kid you not Backsen is described the same way by colleaguesmdashone of the most genuine and skilled men in the business a well respected professional who has the insight and experience to get the job done (Note the $70M stat above)
Come the first game both men will have a stadium filled with fans cheering them on In Backsenrsquos case his stadium is the entire city of Omaha where the fans are the 434353 residents who will reap the rewards of Omaharsquos growing tourism economy
B2B
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 51
51HUSKER
COACH HAS TOURISM
TWIN
OMAHA CVB BY DEB WARD
Deb Ward is the director of marketingcommunications Omaha Convention and Visitorrsquos Bureau
Keith Backsen
52 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Jason Feldman and Sebastian Hunt
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 53
The emerging startup accelerator scene supports creative-minded risk-takers looking for an edge to follow their passion and bring their ideas to fruition
Sebastian Hunt 25 is passionate about giving entrepreneurs like himself a nurturing space to test out their concepts The University of Nebraska at Omaha economics graduate interned with various local employers and surveyed the area startup community when an idea struck him for a by-application curriculum-based residency program serving new entrepreneurs That inspiration turned into Year of the Startup
Launched in 2014 the program operates out of a humble house at 4036 Burt Street in the St Cecilia Cathedral neighborhood Hunt and co-founder Jason Feldman 28 room there with young residency fellows whose startup ventures range from making bio-fuels to providing night owl shuttle services They are a millennial bunch who favor sneakers and sandals They take informal meetings to nearby CaliCommons and Lisarsquos Radial Cafe They variously hunch over laptops or tablets and carry smartphones as appendages
YEAR OF THE STARTUP
ENTREPRENEURAL IMMERSION
This communal work-live space model for business mavericks is new to Omaha The usual startup accelerator is a concentrated 90-day off-site program Omaha has a few of these notably Straight Shot Hunt saw a need for a program that invites a broader range of people into the accelerator fold and supports them much nearer to the start of their dream than other programs
ldquoWe feel like we can take people at very early stages because we are four times as long as the average programrdquo says Hunt who adds that Year of the Startup is also not tech-centric like many programs tend to be ldquoIn our model we substitute intensity for duration I think a lot of the learning here comes through unstructured serendipitous interactions we have that is not curriculum-based itrsquos just happenstance
ldquoWith a house there are so many different ways you can bring ideas and people together I think thatrsquos maybe that critical binding agent and sense of place that helps accomplish thingsrdquo
He says in this intimate environment ldquotherersquos no other choice but to immerse yourself in the settingrdquo adding ldquoWersquore always hanging out in the living room or out back talking about startup stuffmdashmonetization strategies capitalization tables vested equity entity structuresrdquo
ldquoItrsquos this immersive experience of camaraderie of these natural flows and idea generationrdquo Feldman says
Hunt says ldquoThis is very difficult to get bored with because therersquos always somebody whose business is either in crisis or growth stage or some interesting part of the curverdquo
ldquoHow could we get bored when wersquore creating a platform with four startups and all we get to do is ideationrdquo Feldman says ldquoItrsquos a constant buzz we get from interacting with these startup founders and helping them build their ideasrdquo
Built into the program are activities that encourage fellows to break out of their comfort zone and to offer honest criticism of each otherrsquos ideas
Hunt compiles multiple data points on the startups
ldquoWersquore developing really deep insight about how do people start successful businessesrdquo
The program utilizes mentors from the entrepreneurial community
ldquoWe bring in people who are experts in specific areas to talk on those topicsrdquo Feldman says
ldquoThey get ideas flowingrdquo Hunt says of the mentors
Feldman says he regularly covers with fellows ldquothe major components of what you need to look at to start your businessrdquo and then mentors like Mike Kolker owner of graphic design firm Simplify teach lessons about operational efficiency and ldquohow to simplify running a businessrdquo
Hunt is a newcomer to all this and goes by instinct as much as research to support his vision
CONTINUED ON 54
FEATURE | BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
53
54 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
70 Years of Business in Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
4027335500 | 4315 South 50th Street
402-333-5722 bull wwwsw-fencecom
Thanks for Voting SampW Fence the Best Again in 2015
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B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
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B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
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aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER 2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
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ConnectWITH YOURCOMMUNITY
Donrsquot forget to visitOmahaMagazinecom to read
all of our titles online
Omaha MagazineEncounter B2B 60PlusHerFamily OmahaHome
CONTINUED FROM 53
ldquoI just had an irrational confidence market insights and a great theoretical background thanks to primary research I completed and to lessons I learned from Phillip Phillips Michael OrsquoHara and Art Diamond in UNOrsquos economics department I read constantly about who the players were in the startup world so I was fairly preparedrdquo
Even though he directs a startup program he only started participating in one himself (Venture School) He acknowledges Year of the Startup is a by-the-seat-of-your-pants experiment
ldquoComing out of college I had student loans and not a ton of money Irsquove held two jobs to finance the project Now the project is financed by a combination of me working and renting out one room One-hundred percent of the money our entrepreneurs pay in rent will be returned in full and so everybody has a strong incentive to follow through with the program That may be what makes us sustainablerdquo
Hersquos working on securing corporate sponsorship for the program Meanwhile he wants to help get participating startups to the next level
ldquoWersquore functioning like a pre-accelerator at this point We want to get our startups profitable and then refer them to the Straight Shots so they can focus on growth in a pure accelerator programrdquo
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 55
Mercedes-Benz of Omaha14335 Hillsdale Ave Omaha NE 68137wwwOmahaMercedescomContact John Williams anytime at 4029819262
of Omaha of Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
As Year of the Startup moved into a larger house in Omaharsquos Little Italy district on July 1 and a new class of fellows arrives Hunt says there are ldquointeresting talks happening right now to bring this to other citiesrdquo He and Feldman say economic development agencies are willing to pay a license fee for them to do startup houses in other cities The partners are having proprietary software developed that will enable new startup houses to replicate their branded Omaha model
They look forward to engaging with the emerging 10th Street cultural district but may keep the midtown house to accommodate growth
Hunt and Feldman believe theyrsquore catching the wave or tipping point of a big new startup rush and theyrsquore betting their model is poised to be a niche player in this wild frontier of entrepreneurial prospecting
B2B
56 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
It is an unassuming space but if you have made your way to TD Ameritrade Park Filmstreams or Hot Shops chances are yoursquove passed one of the most vibrant offices in Omaha
The fact that Co-Lab (short for Creative Collaborators) is not a traditional work space is certainly one of its best features Located inside the Tip Top building at 15th and Cumming streets is a project dreamed up by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture who happens to share the main floor of the building Based in the heart of a once-isolated section of the city Co-Labrsquos funky creative vibe is making waves In fact that vibe seeps into Omaharsquos everyday bringing about small changes pushing our city toward a more innovative future
CO-LABGIVING OMAHA WORKERS A MORE
COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE
IN THE OFFICE | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
56
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 57
Home to 18 businesses plus Alley Poyner Macchietto Co-Lab is free of walls and signage It is also free from traditional office norms For instance you donrsquot just walk over to your neighborrsquos space for a brainstorming sessionmdashyou skateboard At least you do if yoursquore Dave Nelson of SecretPenguin a leading experimental branding agency The best part is that the businesses surrounding SecretPenguin appreciate the break from tradition ldquoThatrsquos the beautiful part about being around like-minded good people and businessesrdquo Nelson says
CONTINUED ON 58
58 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 59
CONTINUED FROM 57
In addition to having pathways large enough to skateboard or bike through the space also provides Co-Labbers with a kitchen various conference rooms bike storage bathrooms and a battleground (otherwise known as the ping-pong table) Walking in the main doors clients and employees alike are greeted from the front desk while catching a view of the five-story open atrium basking in the glow of sunshine from the skylight Workers can also access the fitness room and rooftop deck sharing amenities with TipTop apartment residents who use a separate entrance
CONTINUED ON 60
The Harry A Koch CoInsurance amp Financial ConsultantsMember of First Insurance Group LLC
60 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
CONTINUED FROM 59
Businesses in Co-Lab all creativity-related range from entrepreneurs to start-ups to non-profits to small businesses The art varies in form but runs through the space like an electric current At Zicafoose Textiles Mary Zicafoose works steadily on her loom creating gorgeous tapestries 4Site Programming is where Joi Brown works as an independent consultant for performing arts centers across the nation Heartland B-Cycle a large-scale municipal bike sharing system brings art in the form of economical convenience Holly Boyer a founder of non-profit organization Mission Matters explains that one of the best things about having an office at Co-Lab is feeling the innovative positive energy from the moment you walk in the door So while individuals may join Co-Lab with a business-minded focus or a more creative vibe finding a yin to their yang is just a shout away
ldquoThere is certainly a wonderful built-in support network that comes along with working in a collaborative environmentrdquo quips Omaha Creative Institute Executive Director Emily Moody ldquoEverything from sharing ideas and finding ways to collaborate with an organization different than yours to sharing a staplerrdquo
At the heart of making it work says Laura Alley of Alley Poyner itrsquos simply playing well with others
The skateboarding ping-pong playing creatives do that well
B2B
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Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott Enterprises
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6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
AT THE OFFICE amp ON THE GO
Headsets by
Plantronics BackBeat
Fit Bluetooth
Plantronics CS540
Wireless
wwwheadsetterscom wwwcomputeromahacomLocated Inside of Headsetters
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Clean Your BrowserRemove Temporary Internet Files
Delete Adware and CookiesDefrag Hard Drives
Intall Current Microsoft PatchesInstall Microsoft Security Updates
Update Drivers
13
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
- BB1015_fntCvr_125
- BB1015_fntEdit_125
- BB1015_bkEdit_125
- BB1015_bkCvr_125
-
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 23
How is it that Midlands Choice has come to make an investment in of all things a ballerina
Sure the bottom line of any insurance entity is driven by risk managementmdashthe investing of premium revenues to hedge against claims
But taking stock in Claire Goodwillie a company dancer with Ballet Nebraska
The Midlands Choice example is repeated all across the metro as area businesses support a broad array of arts nonprofits ones that dwell in everything from tutus to tempura
And the table is set for a new era of collaboration between business and the arts because philanthropic giving in America has finally returned to pre-recession levels
Contributions which totaled $358 billion in 2014 surpassed 2007rsquos pre-recession level of $355 billion Additionally giving was up from all major sourcesmdashindividuals corporations foundations and bequestsmdashaccording to Giving USA an annual report compiled by the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and the Giving USA Foundation of Chicago
ldquoEight out of nine types of charitable organizations we measure saw increased contributions and thatrsquos good news for the
BALLET NEBRASKAA PAS DE DEUX BETWEEN BUSINESS AND THE ARTS
philanthropic sector as a wholerdquo W Keith Curtis told Omaha Magazine in an email Curtis is chair of Giving USA Foundation and president of the nonprofit consulting firm The Curtis Group ldquoThe 60-year high for charitable giving in 2014 is a great story about resilience and perseverancerdquo
Themes of resilience and perseverance define the Ballet Nebraska story
Erika Overturff was 27 years old when the ballet company of which she was a dancer and resident choreographer appeared doomed She had no money She had no business acumen
That was 2009 Flash forward to 2015 and Overturff now 33 founder and artistic director of Ballet Nebraska is leading the regionrsquos only professional dance company into its sixth season
In a city known for its ldquocan-dordquo spirit this story could be about almost any local arts nonprofit but the unlikely saga of Ballet Nebraska is told here because it is perhaps the most improbable of tales one that best reveals what a business community and the arts can do when they share a common vision
CONTINUEDemspONemsp24
BY DAVID WILLIAMS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
23COVERemspFEATURE
24emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp23
Like settling into your seat with a program before the lights dim at any performing arts venue itrsquos probably best to start by reviewing the cast of characters
THE CONNECTORHal Daub knows people Especially in a city of six degrees of separation that is in reality much more like two or three degrees the former Omaha mayor (1995-2001) and US Congressman (1981-1989) who has served on countless nonprofit boards and is now a partner at Husch Blackwellhellipknows people
ldquoWhen I was first introduced to Hal and he offered to helprdquo Overturff says ldquoI assumed that meant he was going to maybe make a few calls and do a little name-droppingrdquo Daub it turned out would become a key player in the often delicate pas de deux that is the coupling of business and the arts ldquoHe not only made those calls but he set up the appointmentshellipand then he came along to personally introduce me and stand by my side in front of those who would become some of the most generous funders of Ballet Nebraskardquo
ldquoThe reason I am so fascinated by what Erika has donerdquo says Daub ldquois that Omaha is a city that has clearly evolved to become a place that is not just metropolitan but truly cosmopolitanrdquo And investing in the arts Daub believes makes good business sense ldquoThe social environment of a citymdashits arts and entertainmentmdashis critical in attracting and retaining the best workforce Ballet Nebraska Opera Omaha the Omaha Symphony Omaha Performing Artshellipthose and so many others are the organizations that help keep the best talent in Omahardquo
THE ADVOCATEMichelle Clark is Union Pacificrsquos general director of information technologies which means she probably knows more than a little about computer viruses As a three-year board member of Ballet Nebraska shersquos also seen how supporting the arts can go viral
ldquoEmployee generosity is furthered by the use of the companyrsquos matching gifts programrdquo Clark explains ldquoThis creates a sense of pride for employees and Union Pacific is supportive of the communities in which we live and work The employees of Union Pacific are very generous and have supported fundraising drives not only for Ballet Nebraska but a number of organizations such as the Womenrsquos Center for Advancement and JDRFrdquo
Employees should never underestimate their power to play a key role in advocating for nonprofits within their organizations
ldquoI am passionate about the art of dance especially ballet and Ballet Nebraskardquo Clark says ldquoDance inspires my creativity and provides insights to see beyond the obvious My hope is that by providing individuals with the awareness of opportunities to experience and support the art of dance they will find their own inspiration to apply to their own liferdquo
And just as stubborn computer viruses are often cloyingly messy to eradicate once discovered Union Pacificrsquos relationship with Ballet Nebraska has a ldquostickinessrdquo of its own Clark was preceded on the Ballet Nebraska board by Gayla Thal the companyrsquos senior vice president and general counsel
THE BULLDOGDonrsquot let the gentle demeanor of Midlands Choice vice president Greta Vaught fool you Supporting the arts is often a visceral experience and Vaughtrsquos passion for dance exerted itself on multiple levels in the early stages of growth at Ballet Nebraska
ldquoMidlands Choice has always been supportive of my work in the communityrdquo says the board chair of Ballet Nebraska
ldquoWe like to listen to our people when making such decisionsrdquo says Midlands Choice President and CEO Thomas E Press rdquoIt is important for us to know that our giving has real meaning for them their families and their communitiesrdquo
ldquoI looked at what Erika was trying to dordquo Vaught continues ldquoand I thought it was brave but impossible But all along the way I just kept going back to the thought that if one of my daughters [Mia now 15 and Hannah now 19] wanted to try something so bold one day thatrdquohellipinsert long pausehellipldquoIrsquom sorry this is making me cry I would just hope that people with experience and connections and dollars would shepherd my daughters along like so many people have done with Erika and Ballet Nebraskardquo
Okay so maybe ldquoThe Bulldogrdquo wasnrsquot such a great character name for this role after all
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 25
Fast-Paced Public Relations
Customer-Based Planning and Communications
402-964-9293 11626 Nicholas Street
zaisscocom
For the Connected World
Every story Every tweet Every interaction
PR is vital to your bottom line now more than ever
Join the world of innovative PR ndash partner with experts
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Best PR Agency 7 Years Running
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
THE ARTISTldquoI had to do a lot of on-the-job learning when I decided to try to launch a dance companyrdquo Overturff says ldquoWe were lucky in that we got our nonprofit status right away but I didnrsquot know anything about the business side of things and really nothing about raising funds I was moved by every $5 check that came in but it took a lot of mentoring advice and counsel to get us to where we are today as a fully funded professional performance companyrdquo
Ballet Nebraska now has a paid staff of 22 including nine salaries paid to company dancers Today Overturffrsquos once-nonexistent business connections run deep Personal contributions from the likes of philanthropists Richard Holland and Fred and Eve Simon further fuel the growth of ballet in Omaha Foundations also play a major role in funding A recent gift of $124000 from the Iowa West Foundation is the largest in Ballet Nebraska history
ldquoTalented professionals from all over the world that have trained their whole lives to pursue a career in dance now come to Omaha in the hopes of performing with Ballet Nebraska as we serve the state and western Iowa in performances education outreach and morerdquo she says ldquoA ballet companymdashany performing arts company any arts organizationmdashis about its peoplehellipthe artists the staff and hardworking selfless volunteers But it is the people of Omaha from the smallest donations to the relationships we have with such great businesses that makes it all happenrdquo
B2B
26emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
26OFFICE FURNITURE BY DOUG SCHURING
OFFICE ORIGINS
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE MODERN WORKPLACE
For all the time we spend in our office very few of us are familiar with how that space came to be You may actually be surprised by the events and inventions that helped form the work environment we know today From the development of the railroad to innovations in communication our current corporate habits structures and tools have all played a role In his book CubedmdashA Secret History of the Workplace Nikil Saval shapes the advances that created the conventional office we are familiar with today
The advent of the Morse telegraph spawned long-distance communication Then starting in 1860 a series of technological innovations changed the possibilities of the workplace the use of iron framework permitted the construction of taller buildings and elevators assisted the climb The Remington typewriter entered the office in 1874 Bellrsquos telephone was patented two years later
At the same time railroads expanded across the country reducing transportation costs and extending markets for goods and services Additionally railroads produced an organizational transformation still in use today The coordination of trains required employees housed in structures all across the country bringing a variety of offices to the American landscape Between the executive the manager and the workerhellipthe organizational chart was born
The invention of telecommunications fostered the speed of information to surge creating more
Doug Schuring is the director of sales administration at All Makes Office Equipment Co
work and subsequently more workers As these workers moved into new structures the spaces reflected their various levels of management In 1915 the Metal Office Furniture Company (now Steelcase) invented the modern deskmdasha flat metal table outfitted with file drawers The new desks massed together in defined rows offered managers full visual access to the goings-on of the workplace and this ldquosea of desksrdquo became the norm for decades Lockers and various cabinets popular in the Great Depression era became vertical files once steel became readily available after World War II
In 1968 Herman Miller introduced the first panel system with attached components Designed by Robert Propst the Action Office system revolutionized the ldquoofficerdquo in form flexibility and cost Other furniture manufacturers mimicked the modular system which became the norm for many businesses
Up to the rsquo90s the personal computerrsquos popularity grew and the relative size of work stations decreased between 25-50 percent By the middle of that decade the dot-com revolution on the West Coast created an unprecedented workplace culture The formal atmosphere of the office became much more casual and discontent for the Dilbert-esque cubicle grew Subsequently creative furniture solutions evolved with the desire to be more mobile leading the way
In the early 2000rsquos collaborative open offices grew in popularity New and improving
technologies now offer connectivity in the office home or public spaces As a result nearly every company today is adapting and using new furnishings as a tool to attract new workers At the same time retaining existing employees is equally important The goal is to make everyone more effective and efficient in their work
Whether you work in an office from home in the local coffee shop or out of an airline terminal you may start to notice that much of the furniture is beginning to look very similar As long as you are able to connect to technology you can work from virtually anywhere
B2B
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Ralston NE 68127
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omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 27
28emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Outlook Nebraska CEO Eric Stueckrath
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 29
On the surface it looks just like any other office or factory As you enter Outlook Nebraska Inc (ONI) yoursquore greeted by a friendly front desk attendant and led past a perfectly ordinary-looking workspace Entering their factory where they manufacture such paper products as rolls of hand towels you wouldnrsquot suspect that it is different from any other assembly line
But explore a little deeper
Walking past one office you might see a man typing away on a keyboard his laptop closed in front of him He doesnrsquot need it open to know what hersquos typing Hersquos visually impaired and utilizing computer software that reads the words aloud as he types
On the factory floor raised edges guard the walkway so sightless employees can feel their way around Over on the assembly line visually impaired workers can use a computer screen to zoom in on the product at various stages of production to assess the process
ONI is a non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance the life of the blind and visually impaired through employment opportunities and training Almost all the employees at ONI are blind or visually impaired from factory workers to IT professionals Some were born blind others lost their sight later in life ONI aims to help them all re-enter the workforce in a meaningful way
A SIGHT FOR NON-SEEING EYES
OUTLOOK NEBRASKA
ldquoThey get used to being on their feetrdquo says ONI CEO Eric Stueckrath ldquoWe offer jobs for [people with] entry-level skill sets and all of the positions are at or above minimum wage We give them the tools to help build those skill setsrdquo
ONI also offers personalized life-skills training geared to whatrsquos important to the individual from personal banking to cooking to operating a computer
The American Foundation for the Blind estimates that as many as 70 percent of blind adults in the US are unemployed As the largest employer of the blind in the Omaha metro area ONI is working to make an impact
ldquoWe work with organizations that are committed to hiring the visually impairedrdquo Stuekrath says ldquoAdvocacy is definitely part of what we dordquo
ONI is currently in the midst of a $2 million capital campaign that will allow them to complete a large-scale renovation project at their facility The renovation will create more space for the general public and give them the ability to offer additional training programs
In addition to working with adults blind and visually-impaired youth are a primary focus for Stuekrath and ONI
ldquoMy heart really gravitates toward themrdquo Stuekrath says
ONI partners with youth organizations on a number of initiatives including a sports camp for visually-impaired youth called Camp Abilities Nebraska Attendees can try archery swimming bowling track and field and more as a means to build confidence
ldquoThey donrsquot need to be coddledrdquo Stuekrath says adding that he often tells parents of blind children ldquoYour kid needs to get out there and bump his head and experience liferdquo
At ONI everything comes back to the organizationrsquos mission Stuekrath says
ldquoWe give them the tools they need to gain greater independencerdquo
B2B
FEATURE | BY APRIL CHRISTENSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY COLIN CONCES
29
30emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Layne and Pam Yahnke and Their VW Thing
Shakespeare wrote of love and betrayal Tolkien of hobbits and wizards Steinbeck and Faulkner of the indomitable American spirit
Layne Yahnke writes about his VW Thing
Yes the two-wheel-drive off-road convertible military vehicle first manufactured for the West German Army as ldquoType 181rdquo in 1968 VW churned them out until 1983 including two years in the United States when marketed as ldquoThe Thingrdquo
Yahnke got his Thing in 2000 for $5500 Hersquos lovingly restored it most importantly giving it a peppy new motor that makes it Autobahn-worthy
WHATrsquoS THAT THING
LANE YAHNKErsquoS UNUSUAL VOLKSWAGEN
HOW I ROLL | BY ANTHONY FLOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Therersquos only one other Thing in Omaha and Yahnkersquos gets lots of second and third looks when hersquos whipping down the Dodge Street Expressway from his Elkhorn home Especially when the doors are off and windshield is down
Everyone wants to know abouthellipthe Thing
Thus Yahnke penned ldquoIt Takes a Village to Build a VW Thingrdquo an ode to those who helped him with his beloved ridemdashhis sons Omaha VW Club members engine and body shops and parts stores
CONTINUEDemspONemsp32
30
SIGN UP TODAYdolnebraskagovsides
Questions phone - 402-471-9910 email - ndoluisidesnebraskagov
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Free - No postage costsno sign-up fee
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32emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Locally Owned in Papillion Ne402-740-0800 bull apconstructomahacom
Insurance claims
welcomeIf your roof sustained fire snow or hail
damage the repairs can be costly We are your wind and hail damage experts and accept insurance claims so you wonrsquot
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2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
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Steve Kowalski
Call or Text Message(402 ) 453-6000
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Passion Creativity Experience
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp31
ldquoI wrote that right after the engine transplantrdquo says Yahnke an Omaha native and vice president at Essex Corp provider of senior living communities ldquoI guess I was moved I get so many inquiries about it and I really feel so fondly about itrdquo
Itrsquos not his first Thing Yahnke and his wife of 38 years Pam owned one before their four children came along As the kids have come and gone so have the cars
Lots of them
Yahnke figures he has owned 60 automobiles in his life His car fancy began as a kid growing up in Dundee where a friendrsquos dad spent his spare time restoring English cars Yahnke spent hours in his garage and developed a love for Triumphs and MGs His first car purchase was a 1962 Triumph for $425 in 1972 It wasnrsquot long though until he sold it at a profit
ldquoThatrsquos what kicked off the buying and selling of English carsrdquo he says ldquoI discovered I could enjoy my transportation but then as soon as someone wanted to buy it for more than I paid for it out it wentrdquo
ldquoWhere Accounting Meets ResultsrdquoProviding Accounting and Quickbooks Services
For Metro Businesses
Denise Martin I 9252077634Deniseheartlandaccountabilitycom
wwwHeartlandAccountAbilitycom
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 33
These days you never know what will be parked in the Yahnke driveway Currently therersquos a Honda pickup a VW Jetta VW Multivan and a 2001 Audi TT Quatro Convertiblemdashpurchased in apropos silver for his 25th wedding anniversary
Itrsquos the Thing he most enjoys driving He logs about 1000 miles on it each year Most of those have come toplessmdashYahnke long ago gave it away to another Thing enthusiast and now only drives it sans roof
ldquoAnyone who sees this car has only seen it top-downrdquo he says ldquoI just got caught once in the rain and that was probably a month ago The cool thing about the Thing is you leave it out in the sun and it dries out and is ready to gordquo
It says ldquoSummer is hererdquo Yahnke says
ldquoPeople speed up all the time to try to figure out what it is Itrsquos just a happy car and itrsquos so darn versatile It puts smiles on peoplesrsquo facesrdquo
B2B
Quality Carpet Cleaning Since 2004
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Cleaning ServicesCarpet CleaningUpholstery CleaningMattress CleaningTile amp Grout CleaningPet TreatmentsConcrete CleaningConcrete CleaningAuto Interior Cleaning24 Hour Water Damage
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omahamagazinecom SPECIALemspADVERTISINGemspSECTIONemspemsp |emsp SUMMERemsp2015emsp |emsp 34
ABOUT OUR BUSINESS
Cox Business started in 2000 as the commercial services division of Cox Communications Over the past 15 years we have experienced strong growth and are on our target to achieve $2 billion in revenue in the near future
Cox Business owns operates and maintains its own network providing leading-edge technology solutions for voice internet networking and digital TV We also offer robust business continuity and disaster recovery solutions which is of increasing importance to businesses in the greater Omaha area Our customers include such key verticals as education hospitality government and healthcare We maintain a significant focus on Omaha small business mid-markets and large local companies as well
We consider our employees to be our most precious asset as they have the responsibility of taking care of our customers At Cox Business we are fortunate to have an extremely tenured and engaged team of employees What sets us apart from our competition is the fact that while we are a large robust and progressive company we still possess
the nimbleness of a smaller company in our ability to deliver creative solutions under tight timelines We pride ourselves on having very little bureaucracy and that translates to happy customers The fact that Cox Business has won 15 JD Power Awards for customer satisfaction over the past 11 years is a notable accomplishment for us and we work hard to deliver on that promise of excellence every day
ABOUT LYNNE
I have led sales and operations teams in the communications industry for 20 years 10 of those years with Cox Communications My husband Pat and I just celebrated our first full year in Omaha and wonder why it took us so long to find this jewel of a community Our daughter Kaylin starts law school next month at the University of San Diego
I have two passions in my professional life mentoring employees who are working on leadership development (which includes working with two to three emerging leaders at any given time) and continuing to drive efforts in hiring fostering a diverse workforce There
is a challenge in STEM fields of under-represented groups My company Cox Communications is also very passionate about this and holds the distinction of inclusion in Diversity Incrsquos top 50 companies
My personal passions include travel social media and Italian cooking
B2B
COX BUSINESSLYNNE SANGIMINO
Cox Business 401 N 117th St Omaha NE 68154 coxbusinesscom 4029340830
Cradickrsquos Husker PowerTEXAN RETURNS HOME FOR BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY PG 8
Marlon Lofgren Koley Jessen PC LLOKEEPING THE FOCUS WHERE IT BELONGS PG 4
Seasoned Advice for Buyers(THE BOUNCY KIND) PG 5
PLAYING BIG EDITION
Fall
2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
2
Volume 1 Issue 5
Published by The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
PresidentEditor bull Cortney Sells
DirectorAssistant Editor bull Cassandra Powers
In-House Legal Counsel bull Susanne Miller
Outreach Coordinator bull Rene Rademacher
Marketing Development bull Rachael Rand
Business Broker bull Breann Becerra
Referring Broker bull Elizabeth Jones
Marketing Division bull Adam Jaime
Development Liaison bull Holley Garcia
Client Services bull Nycole Wandvik-Tolle
Client Services bull Julie OrsquoBrien
Community Relations bull Mike Sells
Contributing Writers
Marlon Lofgren bull Kathy Rygg bull Maureen Tierney
Design bull OBI Creative
Photography bull Bill Sitzmann
To Subscribe
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Omaha NE 68114
4029985288
infothefirmb2bcom
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4028842000
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The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Columns
4 Seller Financing
Koley Jessen PC LLO Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
14 Executive Impact Getting Into the Big Office
Departments
5 Seasoned Advice for
Business Buyers (The Bouncy Kind)
12 Building a Legacy while
Building Racks New Chapter to Becklerrsquos Career
The Bottom Line
Sells Insights
Playing Big
Husker PowerTexan returns home to
Nebraska for business opportunity
pg8
Many business owners have marginal experience in the trades in which their
organizations specialize While it may seem counterintuitive to buy or start a company situated around an industry in which one has little experience there is a certain com-petitive edge to the equation A buyer or president need only know enough to begin before surrounding him or herself with the right personnel to tackle the minute details What is paramount is the grander scheme of
management and operations which allows one to flex refined business acumen Not only does distance from fieldwork free up time to put in place a robust and refined plan but it leaves open other avenues for portfolio expansion Grow your business expand operations or begin other busi-ness ventures The possibilities are only as small as the mindset held by your team The FIRM
Special Section
7 Fresh Off The Firm The Firm Business Brokerage has
over $80 million dollars in assets under
management of current cash flowing
businesses for sale ndash from medical
practices to commercial services to large
manufacturing companies
by Cortney Sells presidenteditor
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
3Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
4
IF PROPERLY STRUCTURED AND DOCUMENTED SELLER FINANCING IS REALLY NO DIFFERENT FROM FINANCING THAT WOULD OTHERWISE BE PROVIDED BY A BANKTYING IT ALL TOGETHEREven the most savvy of ldquonumbers peoplerdquo need a leg up in negotiating a purchase As with so many aspects of doing business retaining experienced legal counsel enables you to keep the focus where it belongsmdashemploying your entrepreneurial skills in the identification and acquisition of profitable business ventures The FIRM
Seller Financing Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
written by Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
Seller financing can often be a criti-cal factor in getting a business sold
If properly structured and documented seller financing is really no different from financing that would otherwise be provided by a bank Below is a brief guide to navi-gating the issues normally encountered in seller financing
FIRST THINGS FIRSTThe first question is usually that of how to structure and document the financing The buyer should be expected to sign a prom-issory note evidencing the loan from the seller with interest and repayment terms mutually agreeable to both parties The seller might also require that the buyer grant the seller a security interestlien in the pur-chased assets to secure the loan Itrsquos also not unusual for a seller to require that the individual owners of the buyer (assuming the buyer is an entity) personally guarantee the loan In most cases the documents are usually pretty straightforward and do not need to be overly complicated
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
ADDITIONAL LAYERSIf a bank is also financing the sale the seller will most likely be required by the bank to sign a subordination agreement This is an agreement between the bank usually referred to as the ldquosenior lenderrdquo and the seller referred to as the ldquojunior lenderrdquo A subordination agreement sets forth the terms between the lenders as to each entityrsquos right to receive loan pay-ments from the buyer and the priority of their respective security interestsliens in the purchased assets The document will usually state that the senior lenderrsquos loan and security interestliens shall at all times be superior to those of the junior lender until the senior loan is paid in full Most lenders are willing to discuss and negoti-ate the junior lenderrsquos right to receive loan payments from the borrower Lien priority status however is rarely compromised by senior lenders in subordination agreements The senior lender will insist on having a first priority security interestlien in the pur-chased assets
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Whether yoursquore a first-time entre-preneur or an experienced business
owner purchasing a company is a critical investment financially and emotionally To help increase the likelihood of it being a success in both areas there are a number of aspects to keep in mind when evaluating if a business is the right fit gt
Seasoned Advice for Business Buyers(The Bouncy Kind)
written by Kathy Rygg
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Jerry Rachwalik
5Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
6
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
lt Jerry Rachwalik has been researching companies for the past three years waiting for the right opportunity to arise His search was the result of spending his career work-ing for larger organizations in a number of areas including delivery installation cus-tomer service inventory accounts receiv-ables and scheduling where he managed up to 35 people at a time
Policies and philosophies can change when working for a corporation Sometimes they become less family friendly ldquoWith the previous companies I worked forrdquo Rachwalik says ldquothey switched from caring about em-ployees to making money and the bottom line I stuck it out for several years and then decided I needed something differentrdquo
An entrepreneur by nature Rachwalik has over the last seven years built up a rental business buying foreclosed homes and duplex properties completely reno-vating them and then renting them back out He now has 15 properties and enjoys helping families by providing nice homes that are affordable ldquoI want people to feel good when they come home at night after a long day at workrdquo he says Rachwalik want-ed to find a business that allowed him the flexibility to respond to his tenants when needed from simple plumbing issues to furnaces going kaput
When he first started looking for a new business Rachwalik was drawn to home health care because of his experience help-ing to take care of relatives And it was a growing field Nothing was available at the time so he expanded his options and be-gan researching businesses in a variety of industries Those included a flooring com-pany sandwich shop and even a hair salon
ldquoI was open to anything and if I could make the numbers work then I would consider itrdquo he explains
Then The Firm Business Brokerage pre-sented him with an opportunity that was the right match Bounce U in Omaha There were a number of factors that appealed to Rachwalik First and foremost were the financials but it would also offer him the flexibility he needed for his rental business A big advantage was that an entire team was already in place one seasoned in man-aging staff and scheduling parties ldquoThey do a great jobrdquo he says ldquoI donrsquot plan on making any personnel changesrdquo
But what hersquos most looking forward to with this new venture is the fun positive environment Bounce Ursquos primary business is its birthday party packages featuring the companyrsquos oversized inflatibles and Rachwalik said he canrsquot wait to watch the excitement on the kids faces when they walk through the door ldquoEveryone there is happyrdquo he says ldquoThe kids are happy the parents are happy and the employees running the parties are happy Itrsquoll be a big change from the environments I used to work inrdquo Hersquos already planning to have his twin grand-daughtersrsquo birthday party there too
His transition included a week of training with the companyrsquos corporate facility in Ari-zona as well as on-site training Even though the Omaha location is an existing store all of Rachwalikrsquos training was structured as though itrsquos a brand new site
Bounce U has traditionally partnered with local restaurants to provide food for birth-day parties but Rachwalik wants to explore the option to build a kitchen of his own
He also hopes to continue to grow the business by at least 5 annually ldquoAnything I do I will communicate with my employees and get their input and suggestions firstrdquo he adds
For anyone who is considering buying a business or is going through the process Rachwalik stresses to be open minded and not rule anything out ldquoIf an opportunity is presented to you run the numbers and see if you can make it workrdquo he says ldquoI did a complete flip-flop on the type of business I thought I wanted versus what I ended up purchasing But if you keep looking yoursquoll eventually find a matchrdquo The FIRM
ldquoTHE KIDS ARE HAPPY THE PARENTS ARE HAPPY AND THE EMPLOYEES RUNNING THE PARTIES ARE HAPPY ITrsquoLL BE A BIG CHANGE FROM THE ENVIRONMENTS I USED TO WORK INrdquo
-Jerry Rachwalik
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Fresh Off The Firm Featured Listings for Sale
Suburban Bar amp Grill with VolleyballOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $26413 PRICE $115000
Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity in an area with only two other bars nearby Serving up a gorgeous and well-maintained volleyball court along with pool tables and a jukebox this bar and grill is a favorite with the locals Business is fully staffedmdashowner works very part time hours
Rain Gutter Sales amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $145200 PRICE $415000
This business is a dealer for high-end rain gutter covers These products are con-structed of high-quality aluminum and sur-gical-grade stainless steel and are strong enough to hold up to four feet of snow or 20 pounds of debris Profit margin is 48
Large-Scale Assembly amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $743732 PRICE $2200000
This well-established installation and assembly business in central Nebraska prides itself on providing many numerous building solutions for businesses and building owners in their area They install and assemble metal frames including grain silos pole barns and buildings
Photo Booth Business Running on Autopilot OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $36419 PRICE $88900
Photo booths are the ldquoin thingrdquo at weddings and parties In business for seven years this business is one of the largest in town Wedding couples hoping to capture the fun memories of the day make up 67 of the clients Includes four booths and one trailer
Southwest Omaha Dental PracticeOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $129745 PRICE $380000
Professional staff and excellent customer service are the hallmarks of this practice Using the latest technology the business offers an array of dental services including teeth cleaning veneers crowns bleaching and trauma services The owner is currently working only 20 hours a week
Small Animal Vet Clinic in Omaha OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $158287 PRICE $440000
For over 30 years this animal care clinic has prioritized customer care They are currently offering services to over 2000 families and are the second largest veterinary clinic in the area The business is split 7030 between dogs and cats
Buildersrsquo Material amp Supply CompanyOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $364880 PRICE $933000
This highly reputable company established in 1976 and located just north of Omaha provides quality and reliable services and supplies Building supply inventory includes garage door lumber windows trims siding roofing materials and more Approximately 90 of customers are repeat clientele
High-Growth Plumbing Company OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $157774 PRICE $445000
This non-union plumbing company has consistent growth of over $130000 a year in sales The full service plumbing contractor has business that is currently 50 commercial and 50 residential
90+ available business opportunities for sale Please visit TheFirmBusinessBrokeragecom for details
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
7Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
Matt Cradick
The Deal ReviewReason For Sale Fresh start after 25+ years in the industrySeller Transition Period Over eight monthsType of Sale Asset Purchase AgreementLender Access Bank Mack LaRock
ldquoYOU SHOULD INTERVIEW FOR A BUSINESS JUST LIKE YOU
WOULD FOR A JOBrdquo CRADICK EXPLAINS ldquoIT HAS TO BE THE
RIGHT FIT YOU DONrsquoT WANT TO BE ONE OF THE MANY FA-
TALITIES THAT HAPPEN SO OFTEN IN NEW BUSINESSrdquo
-Shaun Heldt
From Retail to RoofingHow to be Successful When Buying a Business
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Spending almost 20 years working in retail for major corporations and then
buying a siding and roofing contracting company may seem like a major leap but for Matt Cradick owner of Husker Ham-mer Siding Windows and Roofing it was the best business move hersquos ever made And thatrsquos saying a lot for someone who moved 11 times in 19 years across nine different states
Cradick had been living in Houston Texas where he worked for Target Corporation He had worked his way up through the com-pany and another promotion was on the horizon which meant another move With three young children at home Cradick de-cided it was time to put down some roots Having grown up in Lincoln Nebraska he wanted to be near family and Midwestern values He started researching businesses for sale and was eventually led to The Firm which in turn led him to Husker Hammer
The move from a big corporate environ-ment to a small contracting business didnrsquot intimidate Cradick With Target he oversaw 200 people so he knew he brought strong management and operational skills The challenge he says was learning the ins and outs of construction He didnrsquot need to be the one hammering away on the roofmdashhe needed learn a new business segment
ldquoSwitching industries can be nerve-rack-ingrdquo Cradick says ldquobut the owner was will-ing to stay on board for six months during the transitionrdquo That partnership was an invaluable tool during the changeover gt
A Publication of The Firm Business BrokerageA Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
9Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
10
lt Husker Hammer was started in 1998 as a one-man operation and had been built up to a multimillion dollar business Cradick was impressed with the mission statement values system of the company and the strong workforce that was already in place And the price of the company lined up well with the financials ldquoWhat Husker has that others in the industry donrsquotrdquo says the man whose faith is central to his deal-ings ldquois a strong ethical foundation with a Christian backgroundrdquo
There were a number of other elements Cradick sought when buying his business ones he believes all potential business own-ers need to keep in mind The first is to make sure you have a proper support team in place to help make a sound financial deci-sion That includes having a good business valuation and a good business broker who can point you in the right direction to ensure a match for both parties
Once yoursquore in the process of purchasing he adds make sure you have a capable net-work of attorneys a seasoned financial team and solid internal help to ensure yoursquore suc-cessful from the start ldquoYou should interview
for a business just like you would for a jobrdquo Cradick explains ldquoIt has to be the right fit You donrsquot want to be one of the many fatal-ities that happen so often in new businessrdquo
To help ensure the company continues to be successful Cradick plans to main-tain Husker Hammerrsquos competitive edges which he says includes his 11000-sq-ft state-of-the-art showroom in Elkhorn He reformatted the space to better fit his busi-ness model before building out additional second-floor space that is now rented to other entrepreneurs
The showroom features all of the window siding and roofing products available to customers Samples are one thing Cradick says but he knows the power of customers seeing actual colors in actual sizes
ldquoOur philosophy is to build peace of mind for homeowners and be with them every step through the processrdquo he says ldquoWord of mouth is our number one lead source which was true in retail as wellrdquo
Happy employees to Cradick are just as important as happy customers He sub-scribes to a simple philosophymdashlistening to employees and doing so with respect
ldquoWith big corporations you deal with a lot of politicsrdquo he says ldquoNow if therersquos politics itrsquos because Irsquove generated it Itrsquos a nice change to be in a small business where you have more leeway to ensure yoursquore creating a positive work environment which creates a happy workforcerdquo
Working for a smaller company also allows for more opportunities to become involved in the community Husker Hammer is active in local chambers of commerce the Open Door Mission and is currently helping on a Habitat for Humanity build in Waterloo They have also been accredited by the Bet-ter Business Bureau since 2000 and won the Better Business Integrity Award
Cradickrsquos business is currently 90 percent residential and 10 percent commercial He hopes to increase their reach in proper-ty management and general contracting while maintaining the high-quality residen-tial sales that built the business ldquoBecause of our showroomrdquo he says ldquopeople come
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
to us We donrsquot do the high pressure sales at the kitchen table We listen We let the homeowners do the talkingrdquo
Growing geographically is also a goal Cradick hopes to expand to surrounding areas including his hometown of Lincoln
ldquoSo far itrsquos been a great moverdquo he says ldquoand I look forward to continuing to be known as an ethical long-lasting company My daughters and wife are excited to be back in the Midwest around grandparents and family Their school district is great and the full year-round climate has been a welcome change from living in the south Plus I was averaging 50000 miles per year in travel so itrsquos nice to sleep in your own bed every nightrdquo The FIRM
For more information on this or any for sale listings call The Firm Business Brokerage directly
11Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
The Deal ReviewBusiness Established 1987Reason for Sale Retirement (Transla-tion More time with a fishing pole)Ownerrsquos Profit $495004Type of Loan SBA with Core Bank
12
Back to the FutureBuilding a Business Legacy
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Itrsquos not uncommon for someone who has spent a number of years in corporate
America to shift gears into entrepreneur-ship Being your own boss certainly has its advantages But for Scott Beckler who recently purchased Lewis Installers in Gret-na his reason for taking on a new business venture had more to do with honoring not only his fatherrsquos legacy but building one of his own
Beckler started his career as a business education teacher then moved to a corpo-rate career in technology But for a number of years he kept an eye on businesses for sale hoping that just the right opportunity would come along
ldquoMy dad was an entrepreneur who owned his own real estate insurance companyrdquo
Beckler says ldquoDespite the fact he had on-going health issues he still got up every day put on a coat and tie and went out to make a sale He was a very successful busi-nessman and I wanted to honor his legacyrdquo
After contacting The Firm and discuss-ing what he was looking for in a business the team suggested Lewis Installers which specializes in industrial conveyor and rack systems At first it seemed like a big de-parture for him ldquoShelving and logistical systems isnrsquot something that jumps out at yourdquo Beckler says But the more he looked into it the more he realized it had many of the elements he wanted in a business The most obvious advantage was that the company was located in Gretna where he lives Add to that the fact that the seller lives just up the road from him
Scott Beckler
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
For purposes of this article this overview is based on the buying and selling entities being corporations or entities taxed as corporations
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
4420 Izard Street Omaha4022938707 bull 8887380296
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
HAVE YOUR MINOR ROOF LEAKS BECOME A MAJOR ANNOYANCEDonrsquot Wait Any Longer Call Us Now
ldquoAfter meeting him and hitting it offrdquo Beckler says ldquowe quickly realized it was a match on both sidesrdquo
Other signs also pointed in the right di-rection The financials were good The size of the business was ideal The competitive landscape was promising Beckler also real-ized that his corporate background fit well with this new business
ldquoAlthough itrsquos an entirely different indus-tryrdquo he says ldquomany of the business princi-ples are the samehellipproject management customer service delivery vendor man-agement and cost containment Irsquove been doing all of those for yearsrdquo
His background in technology will also be a valuable asset in his new business Not only has he established relationships with large vendors built over the years but his from-the-ground-up experience with data centers means that he is already eying in-novative automation and other technology differentiators At the same time hersquos look-ing forward to learning the daily operations of the company and having a hand in every part of the business from bidding to closing to payroll
ldquoIt will be challenging coming from a big business background where Irsquove only been involved in the peripheryrdquo Beckler says
ldquoNow Irsquoll be involved in all of itrdquo
Lewis Installers being a family-owned business is what hersquos most excited about He says itrsquos a company with a good repu-tation thatrsquos known for quality and meeting deadlinesmdashall driven by a strong Midwest-ern work ethic
Itrsquos the sort of company Beckler believes that would make his father proud
ldquoI want this business to be a legacy for my familyrdquo Beckler says ldquoMy hope is that it could stay in the family with my own kids and grandkidsrdquo The FIRM
13Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Om
aharsquo
s Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
14
When considering the purchase of an existing business very few realize
that lack of experience in an industry can actually lead to success One simply needs a sound financial plan and a good team to fill in the gaps Removing the added stress of fieldwork and focusing solely on the management of finances and operation allows for greater opportunities It makes for the dynamic advantage of some outside impartiality when seeking areas of improve-ment and growth
One man who has made this transition from having marginal knowledge in an in-dustry to leading a successful plumbing and HVAC operation is Mark Evans president of Burton Plumbing Before taking over Burton Evans had a successful plumbing distribu-torship serving four states but it was his desire to own and to travel less that put him into the hands of Burton Friesz The founder of Burton Plumbing Friesz had been a customer and friend of Evansrsquo when the two discussed a possible expansion into residential service Evans put his busi-ness experience to work for Burton in July 1995 and his education in the minutiae of plumbing and HVAC began
While he hasnrsquot worked in the field as a licensed plumbing contractor Evans has dipped his feet in several areas within the running of Burtonhellipand often at the same time Before hiring the essential personnel that have enabled him to narrow his role Ev-ans served as manager marketer customer service representative and dispatcher Such a list of duties for one man is a daunting task but ldquoI worked my way to being able to work on the business rather than in the business [a strategy] taught to me by my business coachrdquo says Evans
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
REMOVING THE ADDED STRESS OF FIELDWORK AND FOCUSING SOLELY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF FINANCES AND OPERATION ALLOWS FOR GREATER OPPORTUNITIES
Executive Impact Moving Into the Boardroom From Employee to President
written by Maureen Tierney | Co-written by Mark Evans and Julie OrsquoBrien
Eventually Evans was able to step back and bring on a general manager and a ware-house operator that has allowed him to
ldquofocus on growth opportunities marketing and cash flowrdquo
Evansrsquo experience is not unique It is com-mon for brokerages to deal with buyers seeking to own companies within a cer-tain field but ldquoonly two people out of the nearly 100 closings [wersquove had] have come in for the same business that they ended up purchasingrdquo says Julie OrsquoBrien client services and paralegal with The Firm What it comes down to is as simple as the bot-tom line Buyers are looking to leverage their talents and experience in a marriage between a management philosophy and business model Those in the market for an acquisition are ldquobuying based on profit number of staff ability to get financing and mostly their strengths and passionsrdquo says OrsquoBrien Experience in a particular industry is certainly valuable but is no predictor of success when the right financial mind comes along
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Even so making up for a lack of practical knowledge requires the proper equipment most notably in the form of managers and employees The right talent in the field can be a growth experience and provide an opportunity to learn the ropes before taking a full swing at things A total deficit in knowl-edge hardly makes for good leadership and for this reason many ldquonew business owners like to take a birdrsquos eye view of the operation rather than diving in and getting their hands dirty right awayhellipgiving them the opportunity to watch [how] things have been done before implementing changesrdquo says OrsquoBrien
Approaching ownership in this way also allows for further financial acquisitions an avenue which Evans has taken In addition to owning Burton Plumbing Evans operates four other companies One might assume this much responsibility to be a stretch but Evans sees his role as ldquokeeping a pulse on things I like to lead people in growth per-sonally and on the business siderdquo
Getting started can be a challenge which is why OrsquoBrien works closely with potential buyers to find the right fit ldquoWe assist all the wayrdquo she says ldquoWe work with the buyer on projections business plans [and] we introduce them to trusted advisorsrdquo from attorneys and CPAs to financial advisors and insurance agents
Itrsquos this helpful backing of experts that eases the difficult task of ownership and only proves that one can certainly switch from a blue collar to a white one The FIRM
CONTRACTING BUSINESSES LISTED BY THE FIRM
201
5 P
roje
cted
201
5 Y
TD
201
4
201
3
201
2
30
0
15
28
14
12
11
16
15Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Omaharsquos Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
It may seem like I pulled a muscle making this stretch but Keith Backsen the new boss at the Omaha Convention amp Visitors Bureau seems to have an awful lot in common with new Husker Coach Mike Riley
Coach Riley spent a total of 14 seasons at Oregon State before heading to Huskerland Backsen also comes from that neck of the woods having spent 11 years of his career in Portland Oregon and another 11 years in Spokane Washington selling both cities as prime places for convention and leisure travelers
At Oregon State Coach Riley built the football program into a consistent winner and regular conference contender At Visit Spokane Backsen opened sales offices in Washington DC and Chicago that led to increased convention bookings Backsen also worked on the public campaign to expand the Spokane Convention Center with a $65 million bond issue The expansion coupled with increased hotel inventory allowed Spokane to pursue large conventions and more than doubled convention bookings in Spokane
Riley has experience at the highest level of football serving as the head coach of the San Diego Chargers and as a head coach in both the Canadian and World Football Leagues Same for Backsen he worked in Dallas and Chicago as the director of sales for Global Experience Specialists a global leader in the world of event planning Backsen supervised five sales offices in a nine-state region generating annual sales in excess of $70 million
Riley is known as one of the most professional and nicest men in the profession a coach who is greatly admired by his peers I kid you not Backsen is described the same way by colleaguesmdashone of the most genuine and skilled men in the business a well respected professional who has the insight and experience to get the job done (Note the $70M stat above)
Come the first game both men will have a stadium filled with fans cheering them on In Backsenrsquos case his stadium is the entire city of Omaha where the fans are the 434353 residents who will reap the rewards of Omaharsquos growing tourism economy
B2B
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 51
51HUSKER
COACH HAS TOURISM
TWIN
OMAHA CVB BY DEB WARD
Deb Ward is the director of marketingcommunications Omaha Convention and Visitorrsquos Bureau
Keith Backsen
52 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Jason Feldman and Sebastian Hunt
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 53
The emerging startup accelerator scene supports creative-minded risk-takers looking for an edge to follow their passion and bring their ideas to fruition
Sebastian Hunt 25 is passionate about giving entrepreneurs like himself a nurturing space to test out their concepts The University of Nebraska at Omaha economics graduate interned with various local employers and surveyed the area startup community when an idea struck him for a by-application curriculum-based residency program serving new entrepreneurs That inspiration turned into Year of the Startup
Launched in 2014 the program operates out of a humble house at 4036 Burt Street in the St Cecilia Cathedral neighborhood Hunt and co-founder Jason Feldman 28 room there with young residency fellows whose startup ventures range from making bio-fuels to providing night owl shuttle services They are a millennial bunch who favor sneakers and sandals They take informal meetings to nearby CaliCommons and Lisarsquos Radial Cafe They variously hunch over laptops or tablets and carry smartphones as appendages
YEAR OF THE STARTUP
ENTREPRENEURAL IMMERSION
This communal work-live space model for business mavericks is new to Omaha The usual startup accelerator is a concentrated 90-day off-site program Omaha has a few of these notably Straight Shot Hunt saw a need for a program that invites a broader range of people into the accelerator fold and supports them much nearer to the start of their dream than other programs
ldquoWe feel like we can take people at very early stages because we are four times as long as the average programrdquo says Hunt who adds that Year of the Startup is also not tech-centric like many programs tend to be ldquoIn our model we substitute intensity for duration I think a lot of the learning here comes through unstructured serendipitous interactions we have that is not curriculum-based itrsquos just happenstance
ldquoWith a house there are so many different ways you can bring ideas and people together I think thatrsquos maybe that critical binding agent and sense of place that helps accomplish thingsrdquo
He says in this intimate environment ldquotherersquos no other choice but to immerse yourself in the settingrdquo adding ldquoWersquore always hanging out in the living room or out back talking about startup stuffmdashmonetization strategies capitalization tables vested equity entity structuresrdquo
ldquoItrsquos this immersive experience of camaraderie of these natural flows and idea generationrdquo Feldman says
Hunt says ldquoThis is very difficult to get bored with because therersquos always somebody whose business is either in crisis or growth stage or some interesting part of the curverdquo
ldquoHow could we get bored when wersquore creating a platform with four startups and all we get to do is ideationrdquo Feldman says ldquoItrsquos a constant buzz we get from interacting with these startup founders and helping them build their ideasrdquo
Built into the program are activities that encourage fellows to break out of their comfort zone and to offer honest criticism of each otherrsquos ideas
Hunt compiles multiple data points on the startups
ldquoWersquore developing really deep insight about how do people start successful businessesrdquo
The program utilizes mentors from the entrepreneurial community
ldquoWe bring in people who are experts in specific areas to talk on those topicsrdquo Feldman says
ldquoThey get ideas flowingrdquo Hunt says of the mentors
Feldman says he regularly covers with fellows ldquothe major components of what you need to look at to start your businessrdquo and then mentors like Mike Kolker owner of graphic design firm Simplify teach lessons about operational efficiency and ldquohow to simplify running a businessrdquo
Hunt is a newcomer to all this and goes by instinct as much as research to support his vision
CONTINUED ON 54
FEATURE | BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
53
54 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
70 Years of Business in Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
4027335500 | 4315 South 50th Street
402-333-5722 bull wwwsw-fencecom
Thanks for Voting SampW Fence the Best Again in 2015
Wersquore Not Just About Fences
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
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Thank You for Voting Us Best of B2Btrade 4 Years in a Row
AUDIO VISUAL SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDEbull System designengineeringbull Sales
bull Installationbull Maintenance and Service
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B2B
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aharsquos Business to Business M
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NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER 2015 Winner
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CONTINUED FROM 53
ldquoI just had an irrational confidence market insights and a great theoretical background thanks to primary research I completed and to lessons I learned from Phillip Phillips Michael OrsquoHara and Art Diamond in UNOrsquos economics department I read constantly about who the players were in the startup world so I was fairly preparedrdquo
Even though he directs a startup program he only started participating in one himself (Venture School) He acknowledges Year of the Startup is a by-the-seat-of-your-pants experiment
ldquoComing out of college I had student loans and not a ton of money Irsquove held two jobs to finance the project Now the project is financed by a combination of me working and renting out one room One-hundred percent of the money our entrepreneurs pay in rent will be returned in full and so everybody has a strong incentive to follow through with the program That may be what makes us sustainablerdquo
Hersquos working on securing corporate sponsorship for the program Meanwhile he wants to help get participating startups to the next level
ldquoWersquore functioning like a pre-accelerator at this point We want to get our startups profitable and then refer them to the Straight Shots so they can focus on growth in a pure accelerator programrdquo
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 55
Mercedes-Benz of Omaha14335 Hillsdale Ave Omaha NE 68137wwwOmahaMercedescomContact John Williams anytime at 4029819262
of Omaha of Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
As Year of the Startup moved into a larger house in Omaharsquos Little Italy district on July 1 and a new class of fellows arrives Hunt says there are ldquointeresting talks happening right now to bring this to other citiesrdquo He and Feldman say economic development agencies are willing to pay a license fee for them to do startup houses in other cities The partners are having proprietary software developed that will enable new startup houses to replicate their branded Omaha model
They look forward to engaging with the emerging 10th Street cultural district but may keep the midtown house to accommodate growth
Hunt and Feldman believe theyrsquore catching the wave or tipping point of a big new startup rush and theyrsquore betting their model is poised to be a niche player in this wild frontier of entrepreneurial prospecting
B2B
56 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
It is an unassuming space but if you have made your way to TD Ameritrade Park Filmstreams or Hot Shops chances are yoursquove passed one of the most vibrant offices in Omaha
The fact that Co-Lab (short for Creative Collaborators) is not a traditional work space is certainly one of its best features Located inside the Tip Top building at 15th and Cumming streets is a project dreamed up by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture who happens to share the main floor of the building Based in the heart of a once-isolated section of the city Co-Labrsquos funky creative vibe is making waves In fact that vibe seeps into Omaharsquos everyday bringing about small changes pushing our city toward a more innovative future
CO-LABGIVING OMAHA WORKERS A MORE
COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE
IN THE OFFICE | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
56
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 57
Home to 18 businesses plus Alley Poyner Macchietto Co-Lab is free of walls and signage It is also free from traditional office norms For instance you donrsquot just walk over to your neighborrsquos space for a brainstorming sessionmdashyou skateboard At least you do if yoursquore Dave Nelson of SecretPenguin a leading experimental branding agency The best part is that the businesses surrounding SecretPenguin appreciate the break from tradition ldquoThatrsquos the beautiful part about being around like-minded good people and businessesrdquo Nelson says
CONTINUED ON 58
58 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 59
CONTINUED FROM 57
In addition to having pathways large enough to skateboard or bike through the space also provides Co-Labbers with a kitchen various conference rooms bike storage bathrooms and a battleground (otherwise known as the ping-pong table) Walking in the main doors clients and employees alike are greeted from the front desk while catching a view of the five-story open atrium basking in the glow of sunshine from the skylight Workers can also access the fitness room and rooftop deck sharing amenities with TipTop apartment residents who use a separate entrance
CONTINUED ON 60
The Harry A Koch CoInsurance amp Financial ConsultantsMember of First Insurance Group LLC
60 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
CONTINUED FROM 59
Businesses in Co-Lab all creativity-related range from entrepreneurs to start-ups to non-profits to small businesses The art varies in form but runs through the space like an electric current At Zicafoose Textiles Mary Zicafoose works steadily on her loom creating gorgeous tapestries 4Site Programming is where Joi Brown works as an independent consultant for performing arts centers across the nation Heartland B-Cycle a large-scale municipal bike sharing system brings art in the form of economical convenience Holly Boyer a founder of non-profit organization Mission Matters explains that one of the best things about having an office at Co-Lab is feeling the innovative positive energy from the moment you walk in the door So while individuals may join Co-Lab with a business-minded focus or a more creative vibe finding a yin to their yang is just a shout away
ldquoThere is certainly a wonderful built-in support network that comes along with working in a collaborative environmentrdquo quips Omaha Creative Institute Executive Director Emily Moody ldquoEverything from sharing ideas and finding ways to collaborate with an organization different than yours to sharing a staplerrdquo
At the heart of making it work says Laura Alley of Alley Poyner itrsquos simply playing well with others
The skateboarding ping-pong playing creatives do that well
B2B
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Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott Enterprises
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In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott EnterprisesFor more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
bull TD Ameritrade Parkbull First National Bank Towerbull Midtown Crossingbull Village Pointe Shopping Centerbull UNO Weber Fine Arts Buildingbull Childrenrsquos Hospital
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For more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
TD Ameritrade Park | First National Bank Tower | Midtown Crossing | Village Pointe | Childrenrsquos Hospital Aksarben Village | Joslyn Art Museum | Fred amp Pamela Buffett Cancer Center | UNO Community Arena
6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
AT THE OFFICE amp ON THE GO
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13
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
- BB1015_fntCvr_125
- BB1015_fntEdit_125
- BB1015_bkEdit_125
- BB1015_bkCvr_125
-
24emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp23
Like settling into your seat with a program before the lights dim at any performing arts venue itrsquos probably best to start by reviewing the cast of characters
THE CONNECTORHal Daub knows people Especially in a city of six degrees of separation that is in reality much more like two or three degrees the former Omaha mayor (1995-2001) and US Congressman (1981-1989) who has served on countless nonprofit boards and is now a partner at Husch Blackwellhellipknows people
ldquoWhen I was first introduced to Hal and he offered to helprdquo Overturff says ldquoI assumed that meant he was going to maybe make a few calls and do a little name-droppingrdquo Daub it turned out would become a key player in the often delicate pas de deux that is the coupling of business and the arts ldquoHe not only made those calls but he set up the appointmentshellipand then he came along to personally introduce me and stand by my side in front of those who would become some of the most generous funders of Ballet Nebraskardquo
ldquoThe reason I am so fascinated by what Erika has donerdquo says Daub ldquois that Omaha is a city that has clearly evolved to become a place that is not just metropolitan but truly cosmopolitanrdquo And investing in the arts Daub believes makes good business sense ldquoThe social environment of a citymdashits arts and entertainmentmdashis critical in attracting and retaining the best workforce Ballet Nebraska Opera Omaha the Omaha Symphony Omaha Performing Artshellipthose and so many others are the organizations that help keep the best talent in Omahardquo
THE ADVOCATEMichelle Clark is Union Pacificrsquos general director of information technologies which means she probably knows more than a little about computer viruses As a three-year board member of Ballet Nebraska shersquos also seen how supporting the arts can go viral
ldquoEmployee generosity is furthered by the use of the companyrsquos matching gifts programrdquo Clark explains ldquoThis creates a sense of pride for employees and Union Pacific is supportive of the communities in which we live and work The employees of Union Pacific are very generous and have supported fundraising drives not only for Ballet Nebraska but a number of organizations such as the Womenrsquos Center for Advancement and JDRFrdquo
Employees should never underestimate their power to play a key role in advocating for nonprofits within their organizations
ldquoI am passionate about the art of dance especially ballet and Ballet Nebraskardquo Clark says ldquoDance inspires my creativity and provides insights to see beyond the obvious My hope is that by providing individuals with the awareness of opportunities to experience and support the art of dance they will find their own inspiration to apply to their own liferdquo
And just as stubborn computer viruses are often cloyingly messy to eradicate once discovered Union Pacificrsquos relationship with Ballet Nebraska has a ldquostickinessrdquo of its own Clark was preceded on the Ballet Nebraska board by Gayla Thal the companyrsquos senior vice president and general counsel
THE BULLDOGDonrsquot let the gentle demeanor of Midlands Choice vice president Greta Vaught fool you Supporting the arts is often a visceral experience and Vaughtrsquos passion for dance exerted itself on multiple levels in the early stages of growth at Ballet Nebraska
ldquoMidlands Choice has always been supportive of my work in the communityrdquo says the board chair of Ballet Nebraska
ldquoWe like to listen to our people when making such decisionsrdquo says Midlands Choice President and CEO Thomas E Press rdquoIt is important for us to know that our giving has real meaning for them their families and their communitiesrdquo
ldquoI looked at what Erika was trying to dordquo Vaught continues ldquoand I thought it was brave but impossible But all along the way I just kept going back to the thought that if one of my daughters [Mia now 15 and Hannah now 19] wanted to try something so bold one day thatrdquohellipinsert long pausehellipldquoIrsquom sorry this is making me cry I would just hope that people with experience and connections and dollars would shepherd my daughters along like so many people have done with Erika and Ballet Nebraskardquo
Okay so maybe ldquoThe Bulldogrdquo wasnrsquot such a great character name for this role after all
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 25
Fast-Paced Public Relations
Customer-Based Planning and Communications
402-964-9293 11626 Nicholas Street
zaisscocom
For the Connected World
Every story Every tweet Every interaction
PR is vital to your bottom line now more than ever
Join the world of innovative PR ndash partner with experts
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Best PR Agency 7 Years Running
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
THE ARTISTldquoI had to do a lot of on-the-job learning when I decided to try to launch a dance companyrdquo Overturff says ldquoWe were lucky in that we got our nonprofit status right away but I didnrsquot know anything about the business side of things and really nothing about raising funds I was moved by every $5 check that came in but it took a lot of mentoring advice and counsel to get us to where we are today as a fully funded professional performance companyrdquo
Ballet Nebraska now has a paid staff of 22 including nine salaries paid to company dancers Today Overturffrsquos once-nonexistent business connections run deep Personal contributions from the likes of philanthropists Richard Holland and Fred and Eve Simon further fuel the growth of ballet in Omaha Foundations also play a major role in funding A recent gift of $124000 from the Iowa West Foundation is the largest in Ballet Nebraska history
ldquoTalented professionals from all over the world that have trained their whole lives to pursue a career in dance now come to Omaha in the hopes of performing with Ballet Nebraska as we serve the state and western Iowa in performances education outreach and morerdquo she says ldquoA ballet companymdashany performing arts company any arts organizationmdashis about its peoplehellipthe artists the staff and hardworking selfless volunteers But it is the people of Omaha from the smallest donations to the relationships we have with such great businesses that makes it all happenrdquo
B2B
26emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
26OFFICE FURNITURE BY DOUG SCHURING
OFFICE ORIGINS
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE MODERN WORKPLACE
For all the time we spend in our office very few of us are familiar with how that space came to be You may actually be surprised by the events and inventions that helped form the work environment we know today From the development of the railroad to innovations in communication our current corporate habits structures and tools have all played a role In his book CubedmdashA Secret History of the Workplace Nikil Saval shapes the advances that created the conventional office we are familiar with today
The advent of the Morse telegraph spawned long-distance communication Then starting in 1860 a series of technological innovations changed the possibilities of the workplace the use of iron framework permitted the construction of taller buildings and elevators assisted the climb The Remington typewriter entered the office in 1874 Bellrsquos telephone was patented two years later
At the same time railroads expanded across the country reducing transportation costs and extending markets for goods and services Additionally railroads produced an organizational transformation still in use today The coordination of trains required employees housed in structures all across the country bringing a variety of offices to the American landscape Between the executive the manager and the workerhellipthe organizational chart was born
The invention of telecommunications fostered the speed of information to surge creating more
Doug Schuring is the director of sales administration at All Makes Office Equipment Co
work and subsequently more workers As these workers moved into new structures the spaces reflected their various levels of management In 1915 the Metal Office Furniture Company (now Steelcase) invented the modern deskmdasha flat metal table outfitted with file drawers The new desks massed together in defined rows offered managers full visual access to the goings-on of the workplace and this ldquosea of desksrdquo became the norm for decades Lockers and various cabinets popular in the Great Depression era became vertical files once steel became readily available after World War II
In 1968 Herman Miller introduced the first panel system with attached components Designed by Robert Propst the Action Office system revolutionized the ldquoofficerdquo in form flexibility and cost Other furniture manufacturers mimicked the modular system which became the norm for many businesses
Up to the rsquo90s the personal computerrsquos popularity grew and the relative size of work stations decreased between 25-50 percent By the middle of that decade the dot-com revolution on the West Coast created an unprecedented workplace culture The formal atmosphere of the office became much more casual and discontent for the Dilbert-esque cubicle grew Subsequently creative furniture solutions evolved with the desire to be more mobile leading the way
In the early 2000rsquos collaborative open offices grew in popularity New and improving
technologies now offer connectivity in the office home or public spaces As a result nearly every company today is adapting and using new furnishings as a tool to attract new workers At the same time retaining existing employees is equally important The goal is to make everyone more effective and efficient in their work
Whether you work in an office from home in the local coffee shop or out of an airline terminal you may start to notice that much of the furniture is beginning to look very similar As long as you are able to connect to technology you can work from virtually anywhere
B2B
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Ralston NE 68127
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omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 27
28emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Outlook Nebraska CEO Eric Stueckrath
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 29
On the surface it looks just like any other office or factory As you enter Outlook Nebraska Inc (ONI) yoursquore greeted by a friendly front desk attendant and led past a perfectly ordinary-looking workspace Entering their factory where they manufacture such paper products as rolls of hand towels you wouldnrsquot suspect that it is different from any other assembly line
But explore a little deeper
Walking past one office you might see a man typing away on a keyboard his laptop closed in front of him He doesnrsquot need it open to know what hersquos typing Hersquos visually impaired and utilizing computer software that reads the words aloud as he types
On the factory floor raised edges guard the walkway so sightless employees can feel their way around Over on the assembly line visually impaired workers can use a computer screen to zoom in on the product at various stages of production to assess the process
ONI is a non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance the life of the blind and visually impaired through employment opportunities and training Almost all the employees at ONI are blind or visually impaired from factory workers to IT professionals Some were born blind others lost their sight later in life ONI aims to help them all re-enter the workforce in a meaningful way
A SIGHT FOR NON-SEEING EYES
OUTLOOK NEBRASKA
ldquoThey get used to being on their feetrdquo says ONI CEO Eric Stueckrath ldquoWe offer jobs for [people with] entry-level skill sets and all of the positions are at or above minimum wage We give them the tools to help build those skill setsrdquo
ONI also offers personalized life-skills training geared to whatrsquos important to the individual from personal banking to cooking to operating a computer
The American Foundation for the Blind estimates that as many as 70 percent of blind adults in the US are unemployed As the largest employer of the blind in the Omaha metro area ONI is working to make an impact
ldquoWe work with organizations that are committed to hiring the visually impairedrdquo Stuekrath says ldquoAdvocacy is definitely part of what we dordquo
ONI is currently in the midst of a $2 million capital campaign that will allow them to complete a large-scale renovation project at their facility The renovation will create more space for the general public and give them the ability to offer additional training programs
In addition to working with adults blind and visually-impaired youth are a primary focus for Stuekrath and ONI
ldquoMy heart really gravitates toward themrdquo Stuekrath says
ONI partners with youth organizations on a number of initiatives including a sports camp for visually-impaired youth called Camp Abilities Nebraska Attendees can try archery swimming bowling track and field and more as a means to build confidence
ldquoThey donrsquot need to be coddledrdquo Stuekrath says adding that he often tells parents of blind children ldquoYour kid needs to get out there and bump his head and experience liferdquo
At ONI everything comes back to the organizationrsquos mission Stuekrath says
ldquoWe give them the tools they need to gain greater independencerdquo
B2B
FEATURE | BY APRIL CHRISTENSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY COLIN CONCES
29
30emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Layne and Pam Yahnke and Their VW Thing
Shakespeare wrote of love and betrayal Tolkien of hobbits and wizards Steinbeck and Faulkner of the indomitable American spirit
Layne Yahnke writes about his VW Thing
Yes the two-wheel-drive off-road convertible military vehicle first manufactured for the West German Army as ldquoType 181rdquo in 1968 VW churned them out until 1983 including two years in the United States when marketed as ldquoThe Thingrdquo
Yahnke got his Thing in 2000 for $5500 Hersquos lovingly restored it most importantly giving it a peppy new motor that makes it Autobahn-worthy
WHATrsquoS THAT THING
LANE YAHNKErsquoS UNUSUAL VOLKSWAGEN
HOW I ROLL | BY ANTHONY FLOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Therersquos only one other Thing in Omaha and Yahnkersquos gets lots of second and third looks when hersquos whipping down the Dodge Street Expressway from his Elkhorn home Especially when the doors are off and windshield is down
Everyone wants to know abouthellipthe Thing
Thus Yahnke penned ldquoIt Takes a Village to Build a VW Thingrdquo an ode to those who helped him with his beloved ridemdashhis sons Omaha VW Club members engine and body shops and parts stores
CONTINUEDemspONemsp32
30
SIGN UP TODAYdolnebraskagovsides
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32emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Locally Owned in Papillion Ne402-740-0800 bull apconstructomahacom
Insurance claims
welcomeIf your roof sustained fire snow or hail
damage the repairs can be costly We are your wind and hail damage experts and accept insurance claims so you wonrsquot
have to pay for the repair work yourself
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Residential Roofing bull Roof Maintenance amp Repair bull Licensed Bonded amp Insured
Steve Kowalski
Call or Text Message(402 ) 453-6000
abetterexposurecom steveabetterexposurecom
Passion Creativity Experience
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp31
ldquoI wrote that right after the engine transplantrdquo says Yahnke an Omaha native and vice president at Essex Corp provider of senior living communities ldquoI guess I was moved I get so many inquiries about it and I really feel so fondly about itrdquo
Itrsquos not his first Thing Yahnke and his wife of 38 years Pam owned one before their four children came along As the kids have come and gone so have the cars
Lots of them
Yahnke figures he has owned 60 automobiles in his life His car fancy began as a kid growing up in Dundee where a friendrsquos dad spent his spare time restoring English cars Yahnke spent hours in his garage and developed a love for Triumphs and MGs His first car purchase was a 1962 Triumph for $425 in 1972 It wasnrsquot long though until he sold it at a profit
ldquoThatrsquos what kicked off the buying and selling of English carsrdquo he says ldquoI discovered I could enjoy my transportation but then as soon as someone wanted to buy it for more than I paid for it out it wentrdquo
ldquoWhere Accounting Meets ResultsrdquoProviding Accounting and Quickbooks Services
For Metro Businesses
Denise Martin I 9252077634Deniseheartlandaccountabilitycom
wwwHeartlandAccountAbilitycom
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 33
These days you never know what will be parked in the Yahnke driveway Currently therersquos a Honda pickup a VW Jetta VW Multivan and a 2001 Audi TT Quatro Convertiblemdashpurchased in apropos silver for his 25th wedding anniversary
Itrsquos the Thing he most enjoys driving He logs about 1000 miles on it each year Most of those have come toplessmdashYahnke long ago gave it away to another Thing enthusiast and now only drives it sans roof
ldquoAnyone who sees this car has only seen it top-downrdquo he says ldquoI just got caught once in the rain and that was probably a month ago The cool thing about the Thing is you leave it out in the sun and it dries out and is ready to gordquo
It says ldquoSummer is hererdquo Yahnke says
ldquoPeople speed up all the time to try to figure out what it is Itrsquos just a happy car and itrsquos so darn versatile It puts smiles on peoplesrsquo facesrdquo
B2B
Quality Carpet Cleaning Since 2004
4026806523
Cleaning ServicesCarpet CleaningUpholstery CleaningMattress CleaningTile amp Grout CleaningPet TreatmentsConcrete CleaningConcrete CleaningAuto Interior Cleaning24 Hour Water Damage
wwwLegacyCarpetCleaningcom
omahamagazinecom SPECIALemspADVERTISINGemspSECTIONemspemsp |emsp SUMMERemsp2015emsp |emsp 34
ABOUT OUR BUSINESS
Cox Business started in 2000 as the commercial services division of Cox Communications Over the past 15 years we have experienced strong growth and are on our target to achieve $2 billion in revenue in the near future
Cox Business owns operates and maintains its own network providing leading-edge technology solutions for voice internet networking and digital TV We also offer robust business continuity and disaster recovery solutions which is of increasing importance to businesses in the greater Omaha area Our customers include such key verticals as education hospitality government and healthcare We maintain a significant focus on Omaha small business mid-markets and large local companies as well
We consider our employees to be our most precious asset as they have the responsibility of taking care of our customers At Cox Business we are fortunate to have an extremely tenured and engaged team of employees What sets us apart from our competition is the fact that while we are a large robust and progressive company we still possess
the nimbleness of a smaller company in our ability to deliver creative solutions under tight timelines We pride ourselves on having very little bureaucracy and that translates to happy customers The fact that Cox Business has won 15 JD Power Awards for customer satisfaction over the past 11 years is a notable accomplishment for us and we work hard to deliver on that promise of excellence every day
ABOUT LYNNE
I have led sales and operations teams in the communications industry for 20 years 10 of those years with Cox Communications My husband Pat and I just celebrated our first full year in Omaha and wonder why it took us so long to find this jewel of a community Our daughter Kaylin starts law school next month at the University of San Diego
I have two passions in my professional life mentoring employees who are working on leadership development (which includes working with two to three emerging leaders at any given time) and continuing to drive efforts in hiring fostering a diverse workforce There
is a challenge in STEM fields of under-represented groups My company Cox Communications is also very passionate about this and holds the distinction of inclusion in Diversity Incrsquos top 50 companies
My personal passions include travel social media and Italian cooking
B2B
COX BUSINESSLYNNE SANGIMINO
Cox Business 401 N 117th St Omaha NE 68154 coxbusinesscom 4029340830
Cradickrsquos Husker PowerTEXAN RETURNS HOME FOR BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY PG 8
Marlon Lofgren Koley Jessen PC LLOKEEPING THE FOCUS WHERE IT BELONGS PG 4
Seasoned Advice for Buyers(THE BOUNCY KIND) PG 5
PLAYING BIG EDITION
Fall
2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
2
Volume 1 Issue 5
Published by The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
PresidentEditor bull Cortney Sells
DirectorAssistant Editor bull Cassandra Powers
In-House Legal Counsel bull Susanne Miller
Outreach Coordinator bull Rene Rademacher
Marketing Development bull Rachael Rand
Business Broker bull Breann Becerra
Referring Broker bull Elizabeth Jones
Marketing Division bull Adam Jaime
Development Liaison bull Holley Garcia
Client Services bull Nycole Wandvik-Tolle
Client Services bull Julie OrsquoBrien
Community Relations bull Mike Sells
Contributing Writers
Marlon Lofgren bull Kathy Rygg bull Maureen Tierney
Design bull OBI Creative
Photography bull Bill Sitzmann
To Subscribe
The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
210 N 78 St
Omaha NE 68114
4029985288
infothefirmb2bcom
Advertising Inquiries
4028842000
toddomahamagazinecom
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Columns
4 Seller Financing
Koley Jessen PC LLO Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
14 Executive Impact Getting Into the Big Office
Departments
5 Seasoned Advice for
Business Buyers (The Bouncy Kind)
12 Building a Legacy while
Building Racks New Chapter to Becklerrsquos Career
The Bottom Line
Sells Insights
Playing Big
Husker PowerTexan returns home to
Nebraska for business opportunity
pg8
Many business owners have marginal experience in the trades in which their
organizations specialize While it may seem counterintuitive to buy or start a company situated around an industry in which one has little experience there is a certain com-petitive edge to the equation A buyer or president need only know enough to begin before surrounding him or herself with the right personnel to tackle the minute details What is paramount is the grander scheme of
management and operations which allows one to flex refined business acumen Not only does distance from fieldwork free up time to put in place a robust and refined plan but it leaves open other avenues for portfolio expansion Grow your business expand operations or begin other busi-ness ventures The possibilities are only as small as the mindset held by your team The FIRM
Special Section
7 Fresh Off The Firm The Firm Business Brokerage has
over $80 million dollars in assets under
management of current cash flowing
businesses for sale ndash from medical
practices to commercial services to large
manufacturing companies
by Cortney Sells presidenteditor
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
3Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
4
IF PROPERLY STRUCTURED AND DOCUMENTED SELLER FINANCING IS REALLY NO DIFFERENT FROM FINANCING THAT WOULD OTHERWISE BE PROVIDED BY A BANKTYING IT ALL TOGETHEREven the most savvy of ldquonumbers peoplerdquo need a leg up in negotiating a purchase As with so many aspects of doing business retaining experienced legal counsel enables you to keep the focus where it belongsmdashemploying your entrepreneurial skills in the identification and acquisition of profitable business ventures The FIRM
Seller Financing Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
written by Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
Seller financing can often be a criti-cal factor in getting a business sold
If properly structured and documented seller financing is really no different from financing that would otherwise be provided by a bank Below is a brief guide to navi-gating the issues normally encountered in seller financing
FIRST THINGS FIRSTThe first question is usually that of how to structure and document the financing The buyer should be expected to sign a prom-issory note evidencing the loan from the seller with interest and repayment terms mutually agreeable to both parties The seller might also require that the buyer grant the seller a security interestlien in the pur-chased assets to secure the loan Itrsquos also not unusual for a seller to require that the individual owners of the buyer (assuming the buyer is an entity) personally guarantee the loan In most cases the documents are usually pretty straightforward and do not need to be overly complicated
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
ADDITIONAL LAYERSIf a bank is also financing the sale the seller will most likely be required by the bank to sign a subordination agreement This is an agreement between the bank usually referred to as the ldquosenior lenderrdquo and the seller referred to as the ldquojunior lenderrdquo A subordination agreement sets forth the terms between the lenders as to each entityrsquos right to receive loan pay-ments from the buyer and the priority of their respective security interestsliens in the purchased assets The document will usually state that the senior lenderrsquos loan and security interestliens shall at all times be superior to those of the junior lender until the senior loan is paid in full Most lenders are willing to discuss and negoti-ate the junior lenderrsquos right to receive loan payments from the borrower Lien priority status however is rarely compromised by senior lenders in subordination agreements The senior lender will insist on having a first priority security interestlien in the pur-chased assets
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Whether yoursquore a first-time entre-preneur or an experienced business
owner purchasing a company is a critical investment financially and emotionally To help increase the likelihood of it being a success in both areas there are a number of aspects to keep in mind when evaluating if a business is the right fit gt
Seasoned Advice for Business Buyers(The Bouncy Kind)
written by Kathy Rygg
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Jerry Rachwalik
5Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
6
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
lt Jerry Rachwalik has been researching companies for the past three years waiting for the right opportunity to arise His search was the result of spending his career work-ing for larger organizations in a number of areas including delivery installation cus-tomer service inventory accounts receiv-ables and scheduling where he managed up to 35 people at a time
Policies and philosophies can change when working for a corporation Sometimes they become less family friendly ldquoWith the previous companies I worked forrdquo Rachwalik says ldquothey switched from caring about em-ployees to making money and the bottom line I stuck it out for several years and then decided I needed something differentrdquo
An entrepreneur by nature Rachwalik has over the last seven years built up a rental business buying foreclosed homes and duplex properties completely reno-vating them and then renting them back out He now has 15 properties and enjoys helping families by providing nice homes that are affordable ldquoI want people to feel good when they come home at night after a long day at workrdquo he says Rachwalik want-ed to find a business that allowed him the flexibility to respond to his tenants when needed from simple plumbing issues to furnaces going kaput
When he first started looking for a new business Rachwalik was drawn to home health care because of his experience help-ing to take care of relatives And it was a growing field Nothing was available at the time so he expanded his options and be-gan researching businesses in a variety of industries Those included a flooring com-pany sandwich shop and even a hair salon
ldquoI was open to anything and if I could make the numbers work then I would consider itrdquo he explains
Then The Firm Business Brokerage pre-sented him with an opportunity that was the right match Bounce U in Omaha There were a number of factors that appealed to Rachwalik First and foremost were the financials but it would also offer him the flexibility he needed for his rental business A big advantage was that an entire team was already in place one seasoned in man-aging staff and scheduling parties ldquoThey do a great jobrdquo he says ldquoI donrsquot plan on making any personnel changesrdquo
But what hersquos most looking forward to with this new venture is the fun positive environment Bounce Ursquos primary business is its birthday party packages featuring the companyrsquos oversized inflatibles and Rachwalik said he canrsquot wait to watch the excitement on the kids faces when they walk through the door ldquoEveryone there is happyrdquo he says ldquoThe kids are happy the parents are happy and the employees running the parties are happy Itrsquoll be a big change from the environments I used to work inrdquo Hersquos already planning to have his twin grand-daughtersrsquo birthday party there too
His transition included a week of training with the companyrsquos corporate facility in Ari-zona as well as on-site training Even though the Omaha location is an existing store all of Rachwalikrsquos training was structured as though itrsquos a brand new site
Bounce U has traditionally partnered with local restaurants to provide food for birth-day parties but Rachwalik wants to explore the option to build a kitchen of his own
He also hopes to continue to grow the business by at least 5 annually ldquoAnything I do I will communicate with my employees and get their input and suggestions firstrdquo he adds
For anyone who is considering buying a business or is going through the process Rachwalik stresses to be open minded and not rule anything out ldquoIf an opportunity is presented to you run the numbers and see if you can make it workrdquo he says ldquoI did a complete flip-flop on the type of business I thought I wanted versus what I ended up purchasing But if you keep looking yoursquoll eventually find a matchrdquo The FIRM
ldquoTHE KIDS ARE HAPPY THE PARENTS ARE HAPPY AND THE EMPLOYEES RUNNING THE PARTIES ARE HAPPY ITrsquoLL BE A BIG CHANGE FROM THE ENVIRONMENTS I USED TO WORK INrdquo
-Jerry Rachwalik
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Fresh Off The Firm Featured Listings for Sale
Suburban Bar amp Grill with VolleyballOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $26413 PRICE $115000
Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity in an area with only two other bars nearby Serving up a gorgeous and well-maintained volleyball court along with pool tables and a jukebox this bar and grill is a favorite with the locals Business is fully staffedmdashowner works very part time hours
Rain Gutter Sales amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $145200 PRICE $415000
This business is a dealer for high-end rain gutter covers These products are con-structed of high-quality aluminum and sur-gical-grade stainless steel and are strong enough to hold up to four feet of snow or 20 pounds of debris Profit margin is 48
Large-Scale Assembly amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $743732 PRICE $2200000
This well-established installation and assembly business in central Nebraska prides itself on providing many numerous building solutions for businesses and building owners in their area They install and assemble metal frames including grain silos pole barns and buildings
Photo Booth Business Running on Autopilot OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $36419 PRICE $88900
Photo booths are the ldquoin thingrdquo at weddings and parties In business for seven years this business is one of the largest in town Wedding couples hoping to capture the fun memories of the day make up 67 of the clients Includes four booths and one trailer
Southwest Omaha Dental PracticeOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $129745 PRICE $380000
Professional staff and excellent customer service are the hallmarks of this practice Using the latest technology the business offers an array of dental services including teeth cleaning veneers crowns bleaching and trauma services The owner is currently working only 20 hours a week
Small Animal Vet Clinic in Omaha OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $158287 PRICE $440000
For over 30 years this animal care clinic has prioritized customer care They are currently offering services to over 2000 families and are the second largest veterinary clinic in the area The business is split 7030 between dogs and cats
Buildersrsquo Material amp Supply CompanyOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $364880 PRICE $933000
This highly reputable company established in 1976 and located just north of Omaha provides quality and reliable services and supplies Building supply inventory includes garage door lumber windows trims siding roofing materials and more Approximately 90 of customers are repeat clientele
High-Growth Plumbing Company OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $157774 PRICE $445000
This non-union plumbing company has consistent growth of over $130000 a year in sales The full service plumbing contractor has business that is currently 50 commercial and 50 residential
90+ available business opportunities for sale Please visit TheFirmBusinessBrokeragecom for details
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
7Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
Matt Cradick
The Deal ReviewReason For Sale Fresh start after 25+ years in the industrySeller Transition Period Over eight monthsType of Sale Asset Purchase AgreementLender Access Bank Mack LaRock
ldquoYOU SHOULD INTERVIEW FOR A BUSINESS JUST LIKE YOU
WOULD FOR A JOBrdquo CRADICK EXPLAINS ldquoIT HAS TO BE THE
RIGHT FIT YOU DONrsquoT WANT TO BE ONE OF THE MANY FA-
TALITIES THAT HAPPEN SO OFTEN IN NEW BUSINESSrdquo
-Shaun Heldt
From Retail to RoofingHow to be Successful When Buying a Business
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Spending almost 20 years working in retail for major corporations and then
buying a siding and roofing contracting company may seem like a major leap but for Matt Cradick owner of Husker Ham-mer Siding Windows and Roofing it was the best business move hersquos ever made And thatrsquos saying a lot for someone who moved 11 times in 19 years across nine different states
Cradick had been living in Houston Texas where he worked for Target Corporation He had worked his way up through the com-pany and another promotion was on the horizon which meant another move With three young children at home Cradick de-cided it was time to put down some roots Having grown up in Lincoln Nebraska he wanted to be near family and Midwestern values He started researching businesses for sale and was eventually led to The Firm which in turn led him to Husker Hammer
The move from a big corporate environ-ment to a small contracting business didnrsquot intimidate Cradick With Target he oversaw 200 people so he knew he brought strong management and operational skills The challenge he says was learning the ins and outs of construction He didnrsquot need to be the one hammering away on the roofmdashhe needed learn a new business segment
ldquoSwitching industries can be nerve-rack-ingrdquo Cradick says ldquobut the owner was will-ing to stay on board for six months during the transitionrdquo That partnership was an invaluable tool during the changeover gt
A Publication of The Firm Business BrokerageA Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
9Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
10
lt Husker Hammer was started in 1998 as a one-man operation and had been built up to a multimillion dollar business Cradick was impressed with the mission statement values system of the company and the strong workforce that was already in place And the price of the company lined up well with the financials ldquoWhat Husker has that others in the industry donrsquotrdquo says the man whose faith is central to his deal-ings ldquois a strong ethical foundation with a Christian backgroundrdquo
There were a number of other elements Cradick sought when buying his business ones he believes all potential business own-ers need to keep in mind The first is to make sure you have a proper support team in place to help make a sound financial deci-sion That includes having a good business valuation and a good business broker who can point you in the right direction to ensure a match for both parties
Once yoursquore in the process of purchasing he adds make sure you have a capable net-work of attorneys a seasoned financial team and solid internal help to ensure yoursquore suc-cessful from the start ldquoYou should interview
for a business just like you would for a jobrdquo Cradick explains ldquoIt has to be the right fit You donrsquot want to be one of the many fatal-ities that happen so often in new businessrdquo
To help ensure the company continues to be successful Cradick plans to main-tain Husker Hammerrsquos competitive edges which he says includes his 11000-sq-ft state-of-the-art showroom in Elkhorn He reformatted the space to better fit his busi-ness model before building out additional second-floor space that is now rented to other entrepreneurs
The showroom features all of the window siding and roofing products available to customers Samples are one thing Cradick says but he knows the power of customers seeing actual colors in actual sizes
ldquoOur philosophy is to build peace of mind for homeowners and be with them every step through the processrdquo he says ldquoWord of mouth is our number one lead source which was true in retail as wellrdquo
Happy employees to Cradick are just as important as happy customers He sub-scribes to a simple philosophymdashlistening to employees and doing so with respect
ldquoWith big corporations you deal with a lot of politicsrdquo he says ldquoNow if therersquos politics itrsquos because Irsquove generated it Itrsquos a nice change to be in a small business where you have more leeway to ensure yoursquore creating a positive work environment which creates a happy workforcerdquo
Working for a smaller company also allows for more opportunities to become involved in the community Husker Hammer is active in local chambers of commerce the Open Door Mission and is currently helping on a Habitat for Humanity build in Waterloo They have also been accredited by the Bet-ter Business Bureau since 2000 and won the Better Business Integrity Award
Cradickrsquos business is currently 90 percent residential and 10 percent commercial He hopes to increase their reach in proper-ty management and general contracting while maintaining the high-quality residen-tial sales that built the business ldquoBecause of our showroomrdquo he says ldquopeople come
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
to us We donrsquot do the high pressure sales at the kitchen table We listen We let the homeowners do the talkingrdquo
Growing geographically is also a goal Cradick hopes to expand to surrounding areas including his hometown of Lincoln
ldquoSo far itrsquos been a great moverdquo he says ldquoand I look forward to continuing to be known as an ethical long-lasting company My daughters and wife are excited to be back in the Midwest around grandparents and family Their school district is great and the full year-round climate has been a welcome change from living in the south Plus I was averaging 50000 miles per year in travel so itrsquos nice to sleep in your own bed every nightrdquo The FIRM
For more information on this or any for sale listings call The Firm Business Brokerage directly
11Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
The Deal ReviewBusiness Established 1987Reason for Sale Retirement (Transla-tion More time with a fishing pole)Ownerrsquos Profit $495004Type of Loan SBA with Core Bank
12
Back to the FutureBuilding a Business Legacy
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Itrsquos not uncommon for someone who has spent a number of years in corporate
America to shift gears into entrepreneur-ship Being your own boss certainly has its advantages But for Scott Beckler who recently purchased Lewis Installers in Gret-na his reason for taking on a new business venture had more to do with honoring not only his fatherrsquos legacy but building one of his own
Beckler started his career as a business education teacher then moved to a corpo-rate career in technology But for a number of years he kept an eye on businesses for sale hoping that just the right opportunity would come along
ldquoMy dad was an entrepreneur who owned his own real estate insurance companyrdquo
Beckler says ldquoDespite the fact he had on-going health issues he still got up every day put on a coat and tie and went out to make a sale He was a very successful busi-nessman and I wanted to honor his legacyrdquo
After contacting The Firm and discuss-ing what he was looking for in a business the team suggested Lewis Installers which specializes in industrial conveyor and rack systems At first it seemed like a big de-parture for him ldquoShelving and logistical systems isnrsquot something that jumps out at yourdquo Beckler says But the more he looked into it the more he realized it had many of the elements he wanted in a business The most obvious advantage was that the company was located in Gretna where he lives Add to that the fact that the seller lives just up the road from him
Scott Beckler
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
For purposes of this article this overview is based on the buying and selling entities being corporations or entities taxed as corporations
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
4420 Izard Street Omaha4022938707 bull 8887380296
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
HAVE YOUR MINOR ROOF LEAKS BECOME A MAJOR ANNOYANCEDonrsquot Wait Any Longer Call Us Now
ldquoAfter meeting him and hitting it offrdquo Beckler says ldquowe quickly realized it was a match on both sidesrdquo
Other signs also pointed in the right di-rection The financials were good The size of the business was ideal The competitive landscape was promising Beckler also real-ized that his corporate background fit well with this new business
ldquoAlthough itrsquos an entirely different indus-tryrdquo he says ldquomany of the business princi-ples are the samehellipproject management customer service delivery vendor man-agement and cost containment Irsquove been doing all of those for yearsrdquo
His background in technology will also be a valuable asset in his new business Not only has he established relationships with large vendors built over the years but his from-the-ground-up experience with data centers means that he is already eying in-novative automation and other technology differentiators At the same time hersquos look-ing forward to learning the daily operations of the company and having a hand in every part of the business from bidding to closing to payroll
ldquoIt will be challenging coming from a big business background where Irsquove only been involved in the peripheryrdquo Beckler says
ldquoNow Irsquoll be involved in all of itrdquo
Lewis Installers being a family-owned business is what hersquos most excited about He says itrsquos a company with a good repu-tation thatrsquos known for quality and meeting deadlinesmdashall driven by a strong Midwest-ern work ethic
Itrsquos the sort of company Beckler believes that would make his father proud
ldquoI want this business to be a legacy for my familyrdquo Beckler says ldquoMy hope is that it could stay in the family with my own kids and grandkidsrdquo The FIRM
13Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Om
aharsquo
s Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
14
When considering the purchase of an existing business very few realize
that lack of experience in an industry can actually lead to success One simply needs a sound financial plan and a good team to fill in the gaps Removing the added stress of fieldwork and focusing solely on the management of finances and operation allows for greater opportunities It makes for the dynamic advantage of some outside impartiality when seeking areas of improve-ment and growth
One man who has made this transition from having marginal knowledge in an in-dustry to leading a successful plumbing and HVAC operation is Mark Evans president of Burton Plumbing Before taking over Burton Evans had a successful plumbing distribu-torship serving four states but it was his desire to own and to travel less that put him into the hands of Burton Friesz The founder of Burton Plumbing Friesz had been a customer and friend of Evansrsquo when the two discussed a possible expansion into residential service Evans put his busi-ness experience to work for Burton in July 1995 and his education in the minutiae of plumbing and HVAC began
While he hasnrsquot worked in the field as a licensed plumbing contractor Evans has dipped his feet in several areas within the running of Burtonhellipand often at the same time Before hiring the essential personnel that have enabled him to narrow his role Ev-ans served as manager marketer customer service representative and dispatcher Such a list of duties for one man is a daunting task but ldquoI worked my way to being able to work on the business rather than in the business [a strategy] taught to me by my business coachrdquo says Evans
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
REMOVING THE ADDED STRESS OF FIELDWORK AND FOCUSING SOLELY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF FINANCES AND OPERATION ALLOWS FOR GREATER OPPORTUNITIES
Executive Impact Moving Into the Boardroom From Employee to President
written by Maureen Tierney | Co-written by Mark Evans and Julie OrsquoBrien
Eventually Evans was able to step back and bring on a general manager and a ware-house operator that has allowed him to
ldquofocus on growth opportunities marketing and cash flowrdquo
Evansrsquo experience is not unique It is com-mon for brokerages to deal with buyers seeking to own companies within a cer-tain field but ldquoonly two people out of the nearly 100 closings [wersquove had] have come in for the same business that they ended up purchasingrdquo says Julie OrsquoBrien client services and paralegal with The Firm What it comes down to is as simple as the bot-tom line Buyers are looking to leverage their talents and experience in a marriage between a management philosophy and business model Those in the market for an acquisition are ldquobuying based on profit number of staff ability to get financing and mostly their strengths and passionsrdquo says OrsquoBrien Experience in a particular industry is certainly valuable but is no predictor of success when the right financial mind comes along
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Even so making up for a lack of practical knowledge requires the proper equipment most notably in the form of managers and employees The right talent in the field can be a growth experience and provide an opportunity to learn the ropes before taking a full swing at things A total deficit in knowl-edge hardly makes for good leadership and for this reason many ldquonew business owners like to take a birdrsquos eye view of the operation rather than diving in and getting their hands dirty right awayhellipgiving them the opportunity to watch [how] things have been done before implementing changesrdquo says OrsquoBrien
Approaching ownership in this way also allows for further financial acquisitions an avenue which Evans has taken In addition to owning Burton Plumbing Evans operates four other companies One might assume this much responsibility to be a stretch but Evans sees his role as ldquokeeping a pulse on things I like to lead people in growth per-sonally and on the business siderdquo
Getting started can be a challenge which is why OrsquoBrien works closely with potential buyers to find the right fit ldquoWe assist all the wayrdquo she says ldquoWe work with the buyer on projections business plans [and] we introduce them to trusted advisorsrdquo from attorneys and CPAs to financial advisors and insurance agents
Itrsquos this helpful backing of experts that eases the difficult task of ownership and only proves that one can certainly switch from a blue collar to a white one The FIRM
CONTRACTING BUSINESSES LISTED BY THE FIRM
201
5 P
roje
cted
201
5 Y
TD
201
4
201
3
201
2
30
0
15
28
14
12
11
16
15Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Omaharsquos Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
It may seem like I pulled a muscle making this stretch but Keith Backsen the new boss at the Omaha Convention amp Visitors Bureau seems to have an awful lot in common with new Husker Coach Mike Riley
Coach Riley spent a total of 14 seasons at Oregon State before heading to Huskerland Backsen also comes from that neck of the woods having spent 11 years of his career in Portland Oregon and another 11 years in Spokane Washington selling both cities as prime places for convention and leisure travelers
At Oregon State Coach Riley built the football program into a consistent winner and regular conference contender At Visit Spokane Backsen opened sales offices in Washington DC and Chicago that led to increased convention bookings Backsen also worked on the public campaign to expand the Spokane Convention Center with a $65 million bond issue The expansion coupled with increased hotel inventory allowed Spokane to pursue large conventions and more than doubled convention bookings in Spokane
Riley has experience at the highest level of football serving as the head coach of the San Diego Chargers and as a head coach in both the Canadian and World Football Leagues Same for Backsen he worked in Dallas and Chicago as the director of sales for Global Experience Specialists a global leader in the world of event planning Backsen supervised five sales offices in a nine-state region generating annual sales in excess of $70 million
Riley is known as one of the most professional and nicest men in the profession a coach who is greatly admired by his peers I kid you not Backsen is described the same way by colleaguesmdashone of the most genuine and skilled men in the business a well respected professional who has the insight and experience to get the job done (Note the $70M stat above)
Come the first game both men will have a stadium filled with fans cheering them on In Backsenrsquos case his stadium is the entire city of Omaha where the fans are the 434353 residents who will reap the rewards of Omaharsquos growing tourism economy
B2B
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 51
51HUSKER
COACH HAS TOURISM
TWIN
OMAHA CVB BY DEB WARD
Deb Ward is the director of marketingcommunications Omaha Convention and Visitorrsquos Bureau
Keith Backsen
52 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Jason Feldman and Sebastian Hunt
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 53
The emerging startup accelerator scene supports creative-minded risk-takers looking for an edge to follow their passion and bring their ideas to fruition
Sebastian Hunt 25 is passionate about giving entrepreneurs like himself a nurturing space to test out their concepts The University of Nebraska at Omaha economics graduate interned with various local employers and surveyed the area startup community when an idea struck him for a by-application curriculum-based residency program serving new entrepreneurs That inspiration turned into Year of the Startup
Launched in 2014 the program operates out of a humble house at 4036 Burt Street in the St Cecilia Cathedral neighborhood Hunt and co-founder Jason Feldman 28 room there with young residency fellows whose startup ventures range from making bio-fuels to providing night owl shuttle services They are a millennial bunch who favor sneakers and sandals They take informal meetings to nearby CaliCommons and Lisarsquos Radial Cafe They variously hunch over laptops or tablets and carry smartphones as appendages
YEAR OF THE STARTUP
ENTREPRENEURAL IMMERSION
This communal work-live space model for business mavericks is new to Omaha The usual startup accelerator is a concentrated 90-day off-site program Omaha has a few of these notably Straight Shot Hunt saw a need for a program that invites a broader range of people into the accelerator fold and supports them much nearer to the start of their dream than other programs
ldquoWe feel like we can take people at very early stages because we are four times as long as the average programrdquo says Hunt who adds that Year of the Startup is also not tech-centric like many programs tend to be ldquoIn our model we substitute intensity for duration I think a lot of the learning here comes through unstructured serendipitous interactions we have that is not curriculum-based itrsquos just happenstance
ldquoWith a house there are so many different ways you can bring ideas and people together I think thatrsquos maybe that critical binding agent and sense of place that helps accomplish thingsrdquo
He says in this intimate environment ldquotherersquos no other choice but to immerse yourself in the settingrdquo adding ldquoWersquore always hanging out in the living room or out back talking about startup stuffmdashmonetization strategies capitalization tables vested equity entity structuresrdquo
ldquoItrsquos this immersive experience of camaraderie of these natural flows and idea generationrdquo Feldman says
Hunt says ldquoThis is very difficult to get bored with because therersquos always somebody whose business is either in crisis or growth stage or some interesting part of the curverdquo
ldquoHow could we get bored when wersquore creating a platform with four startups and all we get to do is ideationrdquo Feldman says ldquoItrsquos a constant buzz we get from interacting with these startup founders and helping them build their ideasrdquo
Built into the program are activities that encourage fellows to break out of their comfort zone and to offer honest criticism of each otherrsquos ideas
Hunt compiles multiple data points on the startups
ldquoWersquore developing really deep insight about how do people start successful businessesrdquo
The program utilizes mentors from the entrepreneurial community
ldquoWe bring in people who are experts in specific areas to talk on those topicsrdquo Feldman says
ldquoThey get ideas flowingrdquo Hunt says of the mentors
Feldman says he regularly covers with fellows ldquothe major components of what you need to look at to start your businessrdquo and then mentors like Mike Kolker owner of graphic design firm Simplify teach lessons about operational efficiency and ldquohow to simplify running a businessrdquo
Hunt is a newcomer to all this and goes by instinct as much as research to support his vision
CONTINUED ON 54
FEATURE | BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
53
54 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
70 Years of Business in Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
4027335500 | 4315 South 50th Street
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Thanks for Voting SampW Fence the Best Again in 2015
Wersquore Not Just About Fences
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
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AUDIO VISUAL SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDEbull System designengineeringbull Sales
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B2B
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aharsquos Business to Business M
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ine
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NER bull 2012 bull WIN
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Donrsquot forget to visitOmahaMagazinecom to read
all of our titles online
Omaha MagazineEncounter B2B 60PlusHerFamily OmahaHome
CONTINUED FROM 53
ldquoI just had an irrational confidence market insights and a great theoretical background thanks to primary research I completed and to lessons I learned from Phillip Phillips Michael OrsquoHara and Art Diamond in UNOrsquos economics department I read constantly about who the players were in the startup world so I was fairly preparedrdquo
Even though he directs a startup program he only started participating in one himself (Venture School) He acknowledges Year of the Startup is a by-the-seat-of-your-pants experiment
ldquoComing out of college I had student loans and not a ton of money Irsquove held two jobs to finance the project Now the project is financed by a combination of me working and renting out one room One-hundred percent of the money our entrepreneurs pay in rent will be returned in full and so everybody has a strong incentive to follow through with the program That may be what makes us sustainablerdquo
Hersquos working on securing corporate sponsorship for the program Meanwhile he wants to help get participating startups to the next level
ldquoWersquore functioning like a pre-accelerator at this point We want to get our startups profitable and then refer them to the Straight Shots so they can focus on growth in a pure accelerator programrdquo
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 55
Mercedes-Benz of Omaha14335 Hillsdale Ave Omaha NE 68137wwwOmahaMercedescomContact John Williams anytime at 4029819262
of Omaha of Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
As Year of the Startup moved into a larger house in Omaharsquos Little Italy district on July 1 and a new class of fellows arrives Hunt says there are ldquointeresting talks happening right now to bring this to other citiesrdquo He and Feldman say economic development agencies are willing to pay a license fee for them to do startup houses in other cities The partners are having proprietary software developed that will enable new startup houses to replicate their branded Omaha model
They look forward to engaging with the emerging 10th Street cultural district but may keep the midtown house to accommodate growth
Hunt and Feldman believe theyrsquore catching the wave or tipping point of a big new startup rush and theyrsquore betting their model is poised to be a niche player in this wild frontier of entrepreneurial prospecting
B2B
56 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
It is an unassuming space but if you have made your way to TD Ameritrade Park Filmstreams or Hot Shops chances are yoursquove passed one of the most vibrant offices in Omaha
The fact that Co-Lab (short for Creative Collaborators) is not a traditional work space is certainly one of its best features Located inside the Tip Top building at 15th and Cumming streets is a project dreamed up by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture who happens to share the main floor of the building Based in the heart of a once-isolated section of the city Co-Labrsquos funky creative vibe is making waves In fact that vibe seeps into Omaharsquos everyday bringing about small changes pushing our city toward a more innovative future
CO-LABGIVING OMAHA WORKERS A MORE
COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE
IN THE OFFICE | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
56
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 57
Home to 18 businesses plus Alley Poyner Macchietto Co-Lab is free of walls and signage It is also free from traditional office norms For instance you donrsquot just walk over to your neighborrsquos space for a brainstorming sessionmdashyou skateboard At least you do if yoursquore Dave Nelson of SecretPenguin a leading experimental branding agency The best part is that the businesses surrounding SecretPenguin appreciate the break from tradition ldquoThatrsquos the beautiful part about being around like-minded good people and businessesrdquo Nelson says
CONTINUED ON 58
58 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 59
CONTINUED FROM 57
In addition to having pathways large enough to skateboard or bike through the space also provides Co-Labbers with a kitchen various conference rooms bike storage bathrooms and a battleground (otherwise known as the ping-pong table) Walking in the main doors clients and employees alike are greeted from the front desk while catching a view of the five-story open atrium basking in the glow of sunshine from the skylight Workers can also access the fitness room and rooftop deck sharing amenities with TipTop apartment residents who use a separate entrance
CONTINUED ON 60
The Harry A Koch CoInsurance amp Financial ConsultantsMember of First Insurance Group LLC
60 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
CONTINUED FROM 59
Businesses in Co-Lab all creativity-related range from entrepreneurs to start-ups to non-profits to small businesses The art varies in form but runs through the space like an electric current At Zicafoose Textiles Mary Zicafoose works steadily on her loom creating gorgeous tapestries 4Site Programming is where Joi Brown works as an independent consultant for performing arts centers across the nation Heartland B-Cycle a large-scale municipal bike sharing system brings art in the form of economical convenience Holly Boyer a founder of non-profit organization Mission Matters explains that one of the best things about having an office at Co-Lab is feeling the innovative positive energy from the moment you walk in the door So while individuals may join Co-Lab with a business-minded focus or a more creative vibe finding a yin to their yang is just a shout away
ldquoThere is certainly a wonderful built-in support network that comes along with working in a collaborative environmentrdquo quips Omaha Creative Institute Executive Director Emily Moody ldquoEverything from sharing ideas and finding ways to collaborate with an organization different than yours to sharing a staplerrdquo
At the heart of making it work says Laura Alley of Alley Poyner itrsquos simply playing well with others
The skateboarding ping-pong playing creatives do that well
B2B
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arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
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For more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
TD Ameritrade Park | First National Bank Tower | Midtown Crossing | Village Pointe | Childrenrsquos Hospital Aksarben Village | Joslyn Art Museum | Fred amp Pamela Buffett Cancer Center | UNO Community Arena
6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
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13
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
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- BB1015_fntEdit_125
- BB1015_bkEdit_125
- BB1015_bkCvr_125
-
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 25
Fast-Paced Public Relations
Customer-Based Planning and Communications
402-964-9293 11626 Nicholas Street
zaisscocom
For the Connected World
Every story Every tweet Every interaction
PR is vital to your bottom line now more than ever
Join the world of innovative PR ndash partner with experts
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arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
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THE ARTISTldquoI had to do a lot of on-the-job learning when I decided to try to launch a dance companyrdquo Overturff says ldquoWe were lucky in that we got our nonprofit status right away but I didnrsquot know anything about the business side of things and really nothing about raising funds I was moved by every $5 check that came in but it took a lot of mentoring advice and counsel to get us to where we are today as a fully funded professional performance companyrdquo
Ballet Nebraska now has a paid staff of 22 including nine salaries paid to company dancers Today Overturffrsquos once-nonexistent business connections run deep Personal contributions from the likes of philanthropists Richard Holland and Fred and Eve Simon further fuel the growth of ballet in Omaha Foundations also play a major role in funding A recent gift of $124000 from the Iowa West Foundation is the largest in Ballet Nebraska history
ldquoTalented professionals from all over the world that have trained their whole lives to pursue a career in dance now come to Omaha in the hopes of performing with Ballet Nebraska as we serve the state and western Iowa in performances education outreach and morerdquo she says ldquoA ballet companymdashany performing arts company any arts organizationmdashis about its peoplehellipthe artists the staff and hardworking selfless volunteers But it is the people of Omaha from the smallest donations to the relationships we have with such great businesses that makes it all happenrdquo
B2B
26emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
26OFFICE FURNITURE BY DOUG SCHURING
OFFICE ORIGINS
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE MODERN WORKPLACE
For all the time we spend in our office very few of us are familiar with how that space came to be You may actually be surprised by the events and inventions that helped form the work environment we know today From the development of the railroad to innovations in communication our current corporate habits structures and tools have all played a role In his book CubedmdashA Secret History of the Workplace Nikil Saval shapes the advances that created the conventional office we are familiar with today
The advent of the Morse telegraph spawned long-distance communication Then starting in 1860 a series of technological innovations changed the possibilities of the workplace the use of iron framework permitted the construction of taller buildings and elevators assisted the climb The Remington typewriter entered the office in 1874 Bellrsquos telephone was patented two years later
At the same time railroads expanded across the country reducing transportation costs and extending markets for goods and services Additionally railroads produced an organizational transformation still in use today The coordination of trains required employees housed in structures all across the country bringing a variety of offices to the American landscape Between the executive the manager and the workerhellipthe organizational chart was born
The invention of telecommunications fostered the speed of information to surge creating more
Doug Schuring is the director of sales administration at All Makes Office Equipment Co
work and subsequently more workers As these workers moved into new structures the spaces reflected their various levels of management In 1915 the Metal Office Furniture Company (now Steelcase) invented the modern deskmdasha flat metal table outfitted with file drawers The new desks massed together in defined rows offered managers full visual access to the goings-on of the workplace and this ldquosea of desksrdquo became the norm for decades Lockers and various cabinets popular in the Great Depression era became vertical files once steel became readily available after World War II
In 1968 Herman Miller introduced the first panel system with attached components Designed by Robert Propst the Action Office system revolutionized the ldquoofficerdquo in form flexibility and cost Other furniture manufacturers mimicked the modular system which became the norm for many businesses
Up to the rsquo90s the personal computerrsquos popularity grew and the relative size of work stations decreased between 25-50 percent By the middle of that decade the dot-com revolution on the West Coast created an unprecedented workplace culture The formal atmosphere of the office became much more casual and discontent for the Dilbert-esque cubicle grew Subsequently creative furniture solutions evolved with the desire to be more mobile leading the way
In the early 2000rsquos collaborative open offices grew in popularity New and improving
technologies now offer connectivity in the office home or public spaces As a result nearly every company today is adapting and using new furnishings as a tool to attract new workers At the same time retaining existing employees is equally important The goal is to make everyone more effective and efficient in their work
Whether you work in an office from home in the local coffee shop or out of an airline terminal you may start to notice that much of the furniture is beginning to look very similar As long as you are able to connect to technology you can work from virtually anywhere
B2B
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Ralston NE 68127
CONNECT MARKET SUCCEED
Looking for INNOVATIVE MARKETING IDEAS Want to BOOST SALES AND ADD ROI Need to ANALYZE DATA TO GROW MARKET SHARE
For more information or to register please visit wwwOmahaAdvertisingXcom
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 27
28emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Outlook Nebraska CEO Eric Stueckrath
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 29
On the surface it looks just like any other office or factory As you enter Outlook Nebraska Inc (ONI) yoursquore greeted by a friendly front desk attendant and led past a perfectly ordinary-looking workspace Entering their factory where they manufacture such paper products as rolls of hand towels you wouldnrsquot suspect that it is different from any other assembly line
But explore a little deeper
Walking past one office you might see a man typing away on a keyboard his laptop closed in front of him He doesnrsquot need it open to know what hersquos typing Hersquos visually impaired and utilizing computer software that reads the words aloud as he types
On the factory floor raised edges guard the walkway so sightless employees can feel their way around Over on the assembly line visually impaired workers can use a computer screen to zoom in on the product at various stages of production to assess the process
ONI is a non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance the life of the blind and visually impaired through employment opportunities and training Almost all the employees at ONI are blind or visually impaired from factory workers to IT professionals Some were born blind others lost their sight later in life ONI aims to help them all re-enter the workforce in a meaningful way
A SIGHT FOR NON-SEEING EYES
OUTLOOK NEBRASKA
ldquoThey get used to being on their feetrdquo says ONI CEO Eric Stueckrath ldquoWe offer jobs for [people with] entry-level skill sets and all of the positions are at or above minimum wage We give them the tools to help build those skill setsrdquo
ONI also offers personalized life-skills training geared to whatrsquos important to the individual from personal banking to cooking to operating a computer
The American Foundation for the Blind estimates that as many as 70 percent of blind adults in the US are unemployed As the largest employer of the blind in the Omaha metro area ONI is working to make an impact
ldquoWe work with organizations that are committed to hiring the visually impairedrdquo Stuekrath says ldquoAdvocacy is definitely part of what we dordquo
ONI is currently in the midst of a $2 million capital campaign that will allow them to complete a large-scale renovation project at their facility The renovation will create more space for the general public and give them the ability to offer additional training programs
In addition to working with adults blind and visually-impaired youth are a primary focus for Stuekrath and ONI
ldquoMy heart really gravitates toward themrdquo Stuekrath says
ONI partners with youth organizations on a number of initiatives including a sports camp for visually-impaired youth called Camp Abilities Nebraska Attendees can try archery swimming bowling track and field and more as a means to build confidence
ldquoThey donrsquot need to be coddledrdquo Stuekrath says adding that he often tells parents of blind children ldquoYour kid needs to get out there and bump his head and experience liferdquo
At ONI everything comes back to the organizationrsquos mission Stuekrath says
ldquoWe give them the tools they need to gain greater independencerdquo
B2B
FEATURE | BY APRIL CHRISTENSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY COLIN CONCES
29
30emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Layne and Pam Yahnke and Their VW Thing
Shakespeare wrote of love and betrayal Tolkien of hobbits and wizards Steinbeck and Faulkner of the indomitable American spirit
Layne Yahnke writes about his VW Thing
Yes the two-wheel-drive off-road convertible military vehicle first manufactured for the West German Army as ldquoType 181rdquo in 1968 VW churned them out until 1983 including two years in the United States when marketed as ldquoThe Thingrdquo
Yahnke got his Thing in 2000 for $5500 Hersquos lovingly restored it most importantly giving it a peppy new motor that makes it Autobahn-worthy
WHATrsquoS THAT THING
LANE YAHNKErsquoS UNUSUAL VOLKSWAGEN
HOW I ROLL | BY ANTHONY FLOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Therersquos only one other Thing in Omaha and Yahnkersquos gets lots of second and third looks when hersquos whipping down the Dodge Street Expressway from his Elkhorn home Especially when the doors are off and windshield is down
Everyone wants to know abouthellipthe Thing
Thus Yahnke penned ldquoIt Takes a Village to Build a VW Thingrdquo an ode to those who helped him with his beloved ridemdashhis sons Omaha VW Club members engine and body shops and parts stores
CONTINUEDemspONemsp32
30
SIGN UP TODAYdolnebraskagovsides
Questions phone - 402-471-9910 email - ndoluisidesnebraskagov
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Submit separation information online
Free - No postage costsno sign-up fee
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E-Response saves treesNo more paper 350rsquos
Keep your taxes lowAvoid unnecessary charges
Avoid Late responses ampLoss of appeal rights
32emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Locally Owned in Papillion Ne402-740-0800 bull apconstructomahacom
Insurance claims
welcomeIf your roof sustained fire snow or hail
damage the repairs can be costly We are your wind and hail damage experts and accept insurance claims so you wonrsquot
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2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Residential Roofing bull Roof Maintenance amp Repair bull Licensed Bonded amp Insured
Steve Kowalski
Call or Text Message(402 ) 453-6000
abetterexposurecom steveabetterexposurecom
Passion Creativity Experience
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp31
ldquoI wrote that right after the engine transplantrdquo says Yahnke an Omaha native and vice president at Essex Corp provider of senior living communities ldquoI guess I was moved I get so many inquiries about it and I really feel so fondly about itrdquo
Itrsquos not his first Thing Yahnke and his wife of 38 years Pam owned one before their four children came along As the kids have come and gone so have the cars
Lots of them
Yahnke figures he has owned 60 automobiles in his life His car fancy began as a kid growing up in Dundee where a friendrsquos dad spent his spare time restoring English cars Yahnke spent hours in his garage and developed a love for Triumphs and MGs His first car purchase was a 1962 Triumph for $425 in 1972 It wasnrsquot long though until he sold it at a profit
ldquoThatrsquos what kicked off the buying and selling of English carsrdquo he says ldquoI discovered I could enjoy my transportation but then as soon as someone wanted to buy it for more than I paid for it out it wentrdquo
ldquoWhere Accounting Meets ResultsrdquoProviding Accounting and Quickbooks Services
For Metro Businesses
Denise Martin I 9252077634Deniseheartlandaccountabilitycom
wwwHeartlandAccountAbilitycom
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 33
These days you never know what will be parked in the Yahnke driveway Currently therersquos a Honda pickup a VW Jetta VW Multivan and a 2001 Audi TT Quatro Convertiblemdashpurchased in apropos silver for his 25th wedding anniversary
Itrsquos the Thing he most enjoys driving He logs about 1000 miles on it each year Most of those have come toplessmdashYahnke long ago gave it away to another Thing enthusiast and now only drives it sans roof
ldquoAnyone who sees this car has only seen it top-downrdquo he says ldquoI just got caught once in the rain and that was probably a month ago The cool thing about the Thing is you leave it out in the sun and it dries out and is ready to gordquo
It says ldquoSummer is hererdquo Yahnke says
ldquoPeople speed up all the time to try to figure out what it is Itrsquos just a happy car and itrsquos so darn versatile It puts smiles on peoplesrsquo facesrdquo
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Cleaning ServicesCarpet CleaningUpholstery CleaningMattress CleaningTile amp Grout CleaningPet TreatmentsConcrete CleaningConcrete CleaningAuto Interior Cleaning24 Hour Water Damage
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omahamagazinecom SPECIALemspADVERTISINGemspSECTIONemspemsp |emsp SUMMERemsp2015emsp |emsp 34
ABOUT OUR BUSINESS
Cox Business started in 2000 as the commercial services division of Cox Communications Over the past 15 years we have experienced strong growth and are on our target to achieve $2 billion in revenue in the near future
Cox Business owns operates and maintains its own network providing leading-edge technology solutions for voice internet networking and digital TV We also offer robust business continuity and disaster recovery solutions which is of increasing importance to businesses in the greater Omaha area Our customers include such key verticals as education hospitality government and healthcare We maintain a significant focus on Omaha small business mid-markets and large local companies as well
We consider our employees to be our most precious asset as they have the responsibility of taking care of our customers At Cox Business we are fortunate to have an extremely tenured and engaged team of employees What sets us apart from our competition is the fact that while we are a large robust and progressive company we still possess
the nimbleness of a smaller company in our ability to deliver creative solutions under tight timelines We pride ourselves on having very little bureaucracy and that translates to happy customers The fact that Cox Business has won 15 JD Power Awards for customer satisfaction over the past 11 years is a notable accomplishment for us and we work hard to deliver on that promise of excellence every day
ABOUT LYNNE
I have led sales and operations teams in the communications industry for 20 years 10 of those years with Cox Communications My husband Pat and I just celebrated our first full year in Omaha and wonder why it took us so long to find this jewel of a community Our daughter Kaylin starts law school next month at the University of San Diego
I have two passions in my professional life mentoring employees who are working on leadership development (which includes working with two to three emerging leaders at any given time) and continuing to drive efforts in hiring fostering a diverse workforce There
is a challenge in STEM fields of under-represented groups My company Cox Communications is also very passionate about this and holds the distinction of inclusion in Diversity Incrsquos top 50 companies
My personal passions include travel social media and Italian cooking
B2B
COX BUSINESSLYNNE SANGIMINO
Cox Business 401 N 117th St Omaha NE 68154 coxbusinesscom 4029340830
Cradickrsquos Husker PowerTEXAN RETURNS HOME FOR BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY PG 8
Marlon Lofgren Koley Jessen PC LLOKEEPING THE FOCUS WHERE IT BELONGS PG 4
Seasoned Advice for Buyers(THE BOUNCY KIND) PG 5
PLAYING BIG EDITION
Fall
2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
2
Volume 1 Issue 5
Published by The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
PresidentEditor bull Cortney Sells
DirectorAssistant Editor bull Cassandra Powers
In-House Legal Counsel bull Susanne Miller
Outreach Coordinator bull Rene Rademacher
Marketing Development bull Rachael Rand
Business Broker bull Breann Becerra
Referring Broker bull Elizabeth Jones
Marketing Division bull Adam Jaime
Development Liaison bull Holley Garcia
Client Services bull Nycole Wandvik-Tolle
Client Services bull Julie OrsquoBrien
Community Relations bull Mike Sells
Contributing Writers
Marlon Lofgren bull Kathy Rygg bull Maureen Tierney
Design bull OBI Creative
Photography bull Bill Sitzmann
To Subscribe
The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
210 N 78 St
Omaha NE 68114
4029985288
infothefirmb2bcom
Advertising Inquiries
4028842000
toddomahamagazinecom
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Columns
4 Seller Financing
Koley Jessen PC LLO Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
14 Executive Impact Getting Into the Big Office
Departments
5 Seasoned Advice for
Business Buyers (The Bouncy Kind)
12 Building a Legacy while
Building Racks New Chapter to Becklerrsquos Career
The Bottom Line
Sells Insights
Playing Big
Husker PowerTexan returns home to
Nebraska for business opportunity
pg8
Many business owners have marginal experience in the trades in which their
organizations specialize While it may seem counterintuitive to buy or start a company situated around an industry in which one has little experience there is a certain com-petitive edge to the equation A buyer or president need only know enough to begin before surrounding him or herself with the right personnel to tackle the minute details What is paramount is the grander scheme of
management and operations which allows one to flex refined business acumen Not only does distance from fieldwork free up time to put in place a robust and refined plan but it leaves open other avenues for portfolio expansion Grow your business expand operations or begin other busi-ness ventures The possibilities are only as small as the mindset held by your team The FIRM
Special Section
7 Fresh Off The Firm The Firm Business Brokerage has
over $80 million dollars in assets under
management of current cash flowing
businesses for sale ndash from medical
practices to commercial services to large
manufacturing companies
by Cortney Sells presidenteditor
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
3Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
4
IF PROPERLY STRUCTURED AND DOCUMENTED SELLER FINANCING IS REALLY NO DIFFERENT FROM FINANCING THAT WOULD OTHERWISE BE PROVIDED BY A BANKTYING IT ALL TOGETHEREven the most savvy of ldquonumbers peoplerdquo need a leg up in negotiating a purchase As with so many aspects of doing business retaining experienced legal counsel enables you to keep the focus where it belongsmdashemploying your entrepreneurial skills in the identification and acquisition of profitable business ventures The FIRM
Seller Financing Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
written by Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
Seller financing can often be a criti-cal factor in getting a business sold
If properly structured and documented seller financing is really no different from financing that would otherwise be provided by a bank Below is a brief guide to navi-gating the issues normally encountered in seller financing
FIRST THINGS FIRSTThe first question is usually that of how to structure and document the financing The buyer should be expected to sign a prom-issory note evidencing the loan from the seller with interest and repayment terms mutually agreeable to both parties The seller might also require that the buyer grant the seller a security interestlien in the pur-chased assets to secure the loan Itrsquos also not unusual for a seller to require that the individual owners of the buyer (assuming the buyer is an entity) personally guarantee the loan In most cases the documents are usually pretty straightforward and do not need to be overly complicated
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
ADDITIONAL LAYERSIf a bank is also financing the sale the seller will most likely be required by the bank to sign a subordination agreement This is an agreement between the bank usually referred to as the ldquosenior lenderrdquo and the seller referred to as the ldquojunior lenderrdquo A subordination agreement sets forth the terms between the lenders as to each entityrsquos right to receive loan pay-ments from the buyer and the priority of their respective security interestsliens in the purchased assets The document will usually state that the senior lenderrsquos loan and security interestliens shall at all times be superior to those of the junior lender until the senior loan is paid in full Most lenders are willing to discuss and negoti-ate the junior lenderrsquos right to receive loan payments from the borrower Lien priority status however is rarely compromised by senior lenders in subordination agreements The senior lender will insist on having a first priority security interestlien in the pur-chased assets
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Whether yoursquore a first-time entre-preneur or an experienced business
owner purchasing a company is a critical investment financially and emotionally To help increase the likelihood of it being a success in both areas there are a number of aspects to keep in mind when evaluating if a business is the right fit gt
Seasoned Advice for Business Buyers(The Bouncy Kind)
written by Kathy Rygg
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Jerry Rachwalik
5Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
6
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
lt Jerry Rachwalik has been researching companies for the past three years waiting for the right opportunity to arise His search was the result of spending his career work-ing for larger organizations in a number of areas including delivery installation cus-tomer service inventory accounts receiv-ables and scheduling where he managed up to 35 people at a time
Policies and philosophies can change when working for a corporation Sometimes they become less family friendly ldquoWith the previous companies I worked forrdquo Rachwalik says ldquothey switched from caring about em-ployees to making money and the bottom line I stuck it out for several years and then decided I needed something differentrdquo
An entrepreneur by nature Rachwalik has over the last seven years built up a rental business buying foreclosed homes and duplex properties completely reno-vating them and then renting them back out He now has 15 properties and enjoys helping families by providing nice homes that are affordable ldquoI want people to feel good when they come home at night after a long day at workrdquo he says Rachwalik want-ed to find a business that allowed him the flexibility to respond to his tenants when needed from simple plumbing issues to furnaces going kaput
When he first started looking for a new business Rachwalik was drawn to home health care because of his experience help-ing to take care of relatives And it was a growing field Nothing was available at the time so he expanded his options and be-gan researching businesses in a variety of industries Those included a flooring com-pany sandwich shop and even a hair salon
ldquoI was open to anything and if I could make the numbers work then I would consider itrdquo he explains
Then The Firm Business Brokerage pre-sented him with an opportunity that was the right match Bounce U in Omaha There were a number of factors that appealed to Rachwalik First and foremost were the financials but it would also offer him the flexibility he needed for his rental business A big advantage was that an entire team was already in place one seasoned in man-aging staff and scheduling parties ldquoThey do a great jobrdquo he says ldquoI donrsquot plan on making any personnel changesrdquo
But what hersquos most looking forward to with this new venture is the fun positive environment Bounce Ursquos primary business is its birthday party packages featuring the companyrsquos oversized inflatibles and Rachwalik said he canrsquot wait to watch the excitement on the kids faces when they walk through the door ldquoEveryone there is happyrdquo he says ldquoThe kids are happy the parents are happy and the employees running the parties are happy Itrsquoll be a big change from the environments I used to work inrdquo Hersquos already planning to have his twin grand-daughtersrsquo birthday party there too
His transition included a week of training with the companyrsquos corporate facility in Ari-zona as well as on-site training Even though the Omaha location is an existing store all of Rachwalikrsquos training was structured as though itrsquos a brand new site
Bounce U has traditionally partnered with local restaurants to provide food for birth-day parties but Rachwalik wants to explore the option to build a kitchen of his own
He also hopes to continue to grow the business by at least 5 annually ldquoAnything I do I will communicate with my employees and get their input and suggestions firstrdquo he adds
For anyone who is considering buying a business or is going through the process Rachwalik stresses to be open minded and not rule anything out ldquoIf an opportunity is presented to you run the numbers and see if you can make it workrdquo he says ldquoI did a complete flip-flop on the type of business I thought I wanted versus what I ended up purchasing But if you keep looking yoursquoll eventually find a matchrdquo The FIRM
ldquoTHE KIDS ARE HAPPY THE PARENTS ARE HAPPY AND THE EMPLOYEES RUNNING THE PARTIES ARE HAPPY ITrsquoLL BE A BIG CHANGE FROM THE ENVIRONMENTS I USED TO WORK INrdquo
-Jerry Rachwalik
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Fresh Off The Firm Featured Listings for Sale
Suburban Bar amp Grill with VolleyballOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $26413 PRICE $115000
Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity in an area with only two other bars nearby Serving up a gorgeous and well-maintained volleyball court along with pool tables and a jukebox this bar and grill is a favorite with the locals Business is fully staffedmdashowner works very part time hours
Rain Gutter Sales amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $145200 PRICE $415000
This business is a dealer for high-end rain gutter covers These products are con-structed of high-quality aluminum and sur-gical-grade stainless steel and are strong enough to hold up to four feet of snow or 20 pounds of debris Profit margin is 48
Large-Scale Assembly amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $743732 PRICE $2200000
This well-established installation and assembly business in central Nebraska prides itself on providing many numerous building solutions for businesses and building owners in their area They install and assemble metal frames including grain silos pole barns and buildings
Photo Booth Business Running on Autopilot OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $36419 PRICE $88900
Photo booths are the ldquoin thingrdquo at weddings and parties In business for seven years this business is one of the largest in town Wedding couples hoping to capture the fun memories of the day make up 67 of the clients Includes four booths and one trailer
Southwest Omaha Dental PracticeOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $129745 PRICE $380000
Professional staff and excellent customer service are the hallmarks of this practice Using the latest technology the business offers an array of dental services including teeth cleaning veneers crowns bleaching and trauma services The owner is currently working only 20 hours a week
Small Animal Vet Clinic in Omaha OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $158287 PRICE $440000
For over 30 years this animal care clinic has prioritized customer care They are currently offering services to over 2000 families and are the second largest veterinary clinic in the area The business is split 7030 between dogs and cats
Buildersrsquo Material amp Supply CompanyOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $364880 PRICE $933000
This highly reputable company established in 1976 and located just north of Omaha provides quality and reliable services and supplies Building supply inventory includes garage door lumber windows trims siding roofing materials and more Approximately 90 of customers are repeat clientele
High-Growth Plumbing Company OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $157774 PRICE $445000
This non-union plumbing company has consistent growth of over $130000 a year in sales The full service plumbing contractor has business that is currently 50 commercial and 50 residential
90+ available business opportunities for sale Please visit TheFirmBusinessBrokeragecom for details
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
7Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
Matt Cradick
The Deal ReviewReason For Sale Fresh start after 25+ years in the industrySeller Transition Period Over eight monthsType of Sale Asset Purchase AgreementLender Access Bank Mack LaRock
ldquoYOU SHOULD INTERVIEW FOR A BUSINESS JUST LIKE YOU
WOULD FOR A JOBrdquo CRADICK EXPLAINS ldquoIT HAS TO BE THE
RIGHT FIT YOU DONrsquoT WANT TO BE ONE OF THE MANY FA-
TALITIES THAT HAPPEN SO OFTEN IN NEW BUSINESSrdquo
-Shaun Heldt
From Retail to RoofingHow to be Successful When Buying a Business
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Spending almost 20 years working in retail for major corporations and then
buying a siding and roofing contracting company may seem like a major leap but for Matt Cradick owner of Husker Ham-mer Siding Windows and Roofing it was the best business move hersquos ever made And thatrsquos saying a lot for someone who moved 11 times in 19 years across nine different states
Cradick had been living in Houston Texas where he worked for Target Corporation He had worked his way up through the com-pany and another promotion was on the horizon which meant another move With three young children at home Cradick de-cided it was time to put down some roots Having grown up in Lincoln Nebraska he wanted to be near family and Midwestern values He started researching businesses for sale and was eventually led to The Firm which in turn led him to Husker Hammer
The move from a big corporate environ-ment to a small contracting business didnrsquot intimidate Cradick With Target he oversaw 200 people so he knew he brought strong management and operational skills The challenge he says was learning the ins and outs of construction He didnrsquot need to be the one hammering away on the roofmdashhe needed learn a new business segment
ldquoSwitching industries can be nerve-rack-ingrdquo Cradick says ldquobut the owner was will-ing to stay on board for six months during the transitionrdquo That partnership was an invaluable tool during the changeover gt
A Publication of The Firm Business BrokerageA Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
9Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
10
lt Husker Hammer was started in 1998 as a one-man operation and had been built up to a multimillion dollar business Cradick was impressed with the mission statement values system of the company and the strong workforce that was already in place And the price of the company lined up well with the financials ldquoWhat Husker has that others in the industry donrsquotrdquo says the man whose faith is central to his deal-ings ldquois a strong ethical foundation with a Christian backgroundrdquo
There were a number of other elements Cradick sought when buying his business ones he believes all potential business own-ers need to keep in mind The first is to make sure you have a proper support team in place to help make a sound financial deci-sion That includes having a good business valuation and a good business broker who can point you in the right direction to ensure a match for both parties
Once yoursquore in the process of purchasing he adds make sure you have a capable net-work of attorneys a seasoned financial team and solid internal help to ensure yoursquore suc-cessful from the start ldquoYou should interview
for a business just like you would for a jobrdquo Cradick explains ldquoIt has to be the right fit You donrsquot want to be one of the many fatal-ities that happen so often in new businessrdquo
To help ensure the company continues to be successful Cradick plans to main-tain Husker Hammerrsquos competitive edges which he says includes his 11000-sq-ft state-of-the-art showroom in Elkhorn He reformatted the space to better fit his busi-ness model before building out additional second-floor space that is now rented to other entrepreneurs
The showroom features all of the window siding and roofing products available to customers Samples are one thing Cradick says but he knows the power of customers seeing actual colors in actual sizes
ldquoOur philosophy is to build peace of mind for homeowners and be with them every step through the processrdquo he says ldquoWord of mouth is our number one lead source which was true in retail as wellrdquo
Happy employees to Cradick are just as important as happy customers He sub-scribes to a simple philosophymdashlistening to employees and doing so with respect
ldquoWith big corporations you deal with a lot of politicsrdquo he says ldquoNow if therersquos politics itrsquos because Irsquove generated it Itrsquos a nice change to be in a small business where you have more leeway to ensure yoursquore creating a positive work environment which creates a happy workforcerdquo
Working for a smaller company also allows for more opportunities to become involved in the community Husker Hammer is active in local chambers of commerce the Open Door Mission and is currently helping on a Habitat for Humanity build in Waterloo They have also been accredited by the Bet-ter Business Bureau since 2000 and won the Better Business Integrity Award
Cradickrsquos business is currently 90 percent residential and 10 percent commercial He hopes to increase their reach in proper-ty management and general contracting while maintaining the high-quality residen-tial sales that built the business ldquoBecause of our showroomrdquo he says ldquopeople come
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
to us We donrsquot do the high pressure sales at the kitchen table We listen We let the homeowners do the talkingrdquo
Growing geographically is also a goal Cradick hopes to expand to surrounding areas including his hometown of Lincoln
ldquoSo far itrsquos been a great moverdquo he says ldquoand I look forward to continuing to be known as an ethical long-lasting company My daughters and wife are excited to be back in the Midwest around grandparents and family Their school district is great and the full year-round climate has been a welcome change from living in the south Plus I was averaging 50000 miles per year in travel so itrsquos nice to sleep in your own bed every nightrdquo The FIRM
For more information on this or any for sale listings call The Firm Business Brokerage directly
11Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
The Deal ReviewBusiness Established 1987Reason for Sale Retirement (Transla-tion More time with a fishing pole)Ownerrsquos Profit $495004Type of Loan SBA with Core Bank
12
Back to the FutureBuilding a Business Legacy
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Itrsquos not uncommon for someone who has spent a number of years in corporate
America to shift gears into entrepreneur-ship Being your own boss certainly has its advantages But for Scott Beckler who recently purchased Lewis Installers in Gret-na his reason for taking on a new business venture had more to do with honoring not only his fatherrsquos legacy but building one of his own
Beckler started his career as a business education teacher then moved to a corpo-rate career in technology But for a number of years he kept an eye on businesses for sale hoping that just the right opportunity would come along
ldquoMy dad was an entrepreneur who owned his own real estate insurance companyrdquo
Beckler says ldquoDespite the fact he had on-going health issues he still got up every day put on a coat and tie and went out to make a sale He was a very successful busi-nessman and I wanted to honor his legacyrdquo
After contacting The Firm and discuss-ing what he was looking for in a business the team suggested Lewis Installers which specializes in industrial conveyor and rack systems At first it seemed like a big de-parture for him ldquoShelving and logistical systems isnrsquot something that jumps out at yourdquo Beckler says But the more he looked into it the more he realized it had many of the elements he wanted in a business The most obvious advantage was that the company was located in Gretna where he lives Add to that the fact that the seller lives just up the road from him
Scott Beckler
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
For purposes of this article this overview is based on the buying and selling entities being corporations or entities taxed as corporations
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
4420 Izard Street Omaha4022938707 bull 8887380296
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
HAVE YOUR MINOR ROOF LEAKS BECOME A MAJOR ANNOYANCEDonrsquot Wait Any Longer Call Us Now
ldquoAfter meeting him and hitting it offrdquo Beckler says ldquowe quickly realized it was a match on both sidesrdquo
Other signs also pointed in the right di-rection The financials were good The size of the business was ideal The competitive landscape was promising Beckler also real-ized that his corporate background fit well with this new business
ldquoAlthough itrsquos an entirely different indus-tryrdquo he says ldquomany of the business princi-ples are the samehellipproject management customer service delivery vendor man-agement and cost containment Irsquove been doing all of those for yearsrdquo
His background in technology will also be a valuable asset in his new business Not only has he established relationships with large vendors built over the years but his from-the-ground-up experience with data centers means that he is already eying in-novative automation and other technology differentiators At the same time hersquos look-ing forward to learning the daily operations of the company and having a hand in every part of the business from bidding to closing to payroll
ldquoIt will be challenging coming from a big business background where Irsquove only been involved in the peripheryrdquo Beckler says
ldquoNow Irsquoll be involved in all of itrdquo
Lewis Installers being a family-owned business is what hersquos most excited about He says itrsquos a company with a good repu-tation thatrsquos known for quality and meeting deadlinesmdashall driven by a strong Midwest-ern work ethic
Itrsquos the sort of company Beckler believes that would make his father proud
ldquoI want this business to be a legacy for my familyrdquo Beckler says ldquoMy hope is that it could stay in the family with my own kids and grandkidsrdquo The FIRM
13Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Om
aharsquo
s Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
14
When considering the purchase of an existing business very few realize
that lack of experience in an industry can actually lead to success One simply needs a sound financial plan and a good team to fill in the gaps Removing the added stress of fieldwork and focusing solely on the management of finances and operation allows for greater opportunities It makes for the dynamic advantage of some outside impartiality when seeking areas of improve-ment and growth
One man who has made this transition from having marginal knowledge in an in-dustry to leading a successful plumbing and HVAC operation is Mark Evans president of Burton Plumbing Before taking over Burton Evans had a successful plumbing distribu-torship serving four states but it was his desire to own and to travel less that put him into the hands of Burton Friesz The founder of Burton Plumbing Friesz had been a customer and friend of Evansrsquo when the two discussed a possible expansion into residential service Evans put his busi-ness experience to work for Burton in July 1995 and his education in the minutiae of plumbing and HVAC began
While he hasnrsquot worked in the field as a licensed plumbing contractor Evans has dipped his feet in several areas within the running of Burtonhellipand often at the same time Before hiring the essential personnel that have enabled him to narrow his role Ev-ans served as manager marketer customer service representative and dispatcher Such a list of duties for one man is a daunting task but ldquoI worked my way to being able to work on the business rather than in the business [a strategy] taught to me by my business coachrdquo says Evans
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
REMOVING THE ADDED STRESS OF FIELDWORK AND FOCUSING SOLELY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF FINANCES AND OPERATION ALLOWS FOR GREATER OPPORTUNITIES
Executive Impact Moving Into the Boardroom From Employee to President
written by Maureen Tierney | Co-written by Mark Evans and Julie OrsquoBrien
Eventually Evans was able to step back and bring on a general manager and a ware-house operator that has allowed him to
ldquofocus on growth opportunities marketing and cash flowrdquo
Evansrsquo experience is not unique It is com-mon for brokerages to deal with buyers seeking to own companies within a cer-tain field but ldquoonly two people out of the nearly 100 closings [wersquove had] have come in for the same business that they ended up purchasingrdquo says Julie OrsquoBrien client services and paralegal with The Firm What it comes down to is as simple as the bot-tom line Buyers are looking to leverage their talents and experience in a marriage between a management philosophy and business model Those in the market for an acquisition are ldquobuying based on profit number of staff ability to get financing and mostly their strengths and passionsrdquo says OrsquoBrien Experience in a particular industry is certainly valuable but is no predictor of success when the right financial mind comes along
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Even so making up for a lack of practical knowledge requires the proper equipment most notably in the form of managers and employees The right talent in the field can be a growth experience and provide an opportunity to learn the ropes before taking a full swing at things A total deficit in knowl-edge hardly makes for good leadership and for this reason many ldquonew business owners like to take a birdrsquos eye view of the operation rather than diving in and getting their hands dirty right awayhellipgiving them the opportunity to watch [how] things have been done before implementing changesrdquo says OrsquoBrien
Approaching ownership in this way also allows for further financial acquisitions an avenue which Evans has taken In addition to owning Burton Plumbing Evans operates four other companies One might assume this much responsibility to be a stretch but Evans sees his role as ldquokeeping a pulse on things I like to lead people in growth per-sonally and on the business siderdquo
Getting started can be a challenge which is why OrsquoBrien works closely with potential buyers to find the right fit ldquoWe assist all the wayrdquo she says ldquoWe work with the buyer on projections business plans [and] we introduce them to trusted advisorsrdquo from attorneys and CPAs to financial advisors and insurance agents
Itrsquos this helpful backing of experts that eases the difficult task of ownership and only proves that one can certainly switch from a blue collar to a white one The FIRM
CONTRACTING BUSINESSES LISTED BY THE FIRM
201
5 P
roje
cted
201
5 Y
TD
201
4
201
3
201
2
30
0
15
28
14
12
11
16
15Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Omaharsquos Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
It may seem like I pulled a muscle making this stretch but Keith Backsen the new boss at the Omaha Convention amp Visitors Bureau seems to have an awful lot in common with new Husker Coach Mike Riley
Coach Riley spent a total of 14 seasons at Oregon State before heading to Huskerland Backsen also comes from that neck of the woods having spent 11 years of his career in Portland Oregon and another 11 years in Spokane Washington selling both cities as prime places for convention and leisure travelers
At Oregon State Coach Riley built the football program into a consistent winner and regular conference contender At Visit Spokane Backsen opened sales offices in Washington DC and Chicago that led to increased convention bookings Backsen also worked on the public campaign to expand the Spokane Convention Center with a $65 million bond issue The expansion coupled with increased hotel inventory allowed Spokane to pursue large conventions and more than doubled convention bookings in Spokane
Riley has experience at the highest level of football serving as the head coach of the San Diego Chargers and as a head coach in both the Canadian and World Football Leagues Same for Backsen he worked in Dallas and Chicago as the director of sales for Global Experience Specialists a global leader in the world of event planning Backsen supervised five sales offices in a nine-state region generating annual sales in excess of $70 million
Riley is known as one of the most professional and nicest men in the profession a coach who is greatly admired by his peers I kid you not Backsen is described the same way by colleaguesmdashone of the most genuine and skilled men in the business a well respected professional who has the insight and experience to get the job done (Note the $70M stat above)
Come the first game both men will have a stadium filled with fans cheering them on In Backsenrsquos case his stadium is the entire city of Omaha where the fans are the 434353 residents who will reap the rewards of Omaharsquos growing tourism economy
B2B
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 51
51HUSKER
COACH HAS TOURISM
TWIN
OMAHA CVB BY DEB WARD
Deb Ward is the director of marketingcommunications Omaha Convention and Visitorrsquos Bureau
Keith Backsen
52 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Jason Feldman and Sebastian Hunt
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 53
The emerging startup accelerator scene supports creative-minded risk-takers looking for an edge to follow their passion and bring their ideas to fruition
Sebastian Hunt 25 is passionate about giving entrepreneurs like himself a nurturing space to test out their concepts The University of Nebraska at Omaha economics graduate interned with various local employers and surveyed the area startup community when an idea struck him for a by-application curriculum-based residency program serving new entrepreneurs That inspiration turned into Year of the Startup
Launched in 2014 the program operates out of a humble house at 4036 Burt Street in the St Cecilia Cathedral neighborhood Hunt and co-founder Jason Feldman 28 room there with young residency fellows whose startup ventures range from making bio-fuels to providing night owl shuttle services They are a millennial bunch who favor sneakers and sandals They take informal meetings to nearby CaliCommons and Lisarsquos Radial Cafe They variously hunch over laptops or tablets and carry smartphones as appendages
YEAR OF THE STARTUP
ENTREPRENEURAL IMMERSION
This communal work-live space model for business mavericks is new to Omaha The usual startup accelerator is a concentrated 90-day off-site program Omaha has a few of these notably Straight Shot Hunt saw a need for a program that invites a broader range of people into the accelerator fold and supports them much nearer to the start of their dream than other programs
ldquoWe feel like we can take people at very early stages because we are four times as long as the average programrdquo says Hunt who adds that Year of the Startup is also not tech-centric like many programs tend to be ldquoIn our model we substitute intensity for duration I think a lot of the learning here comes through unstructured serendipitous interactions we have that is not curriculum-based itrsquos just happenstance
ldquoWith a house there are so many different ways you can bring ideas and people together I think thatrsquos maybe that critical binding agent and sense of place that helps accomplish thingsrdquo
He says in this intimate environment ldquotherersquos no other choice but to immerse yourself in the settingrdquo adding ldquoWersquore always hanging out in the living room or out back talking about startup stuffmdashmonetization strategies capitalization tables vested equity entity structuresrdquo
ldquoItrsquos this immersive experience of camaraderie of these natural flows and idea generationrdquo Feldman says
Hunt says ldquoThis is very difficult to get bored with because therersquos always somebody whose business is either in crisis or growth stage or some interesting part of the curverdquo
ldquoHow could we get bored when wersquore creating a platform with four startups and all we get to do is ideationrdquo Feldman says ldquoItrsquos a constant buzz we get from interacting with these startup founders and helping them build their ideasrdquo
Built into the program are activities that encourage fellows to break out of their comfort zone and to offer honest criticism of each otherrsquos ideas
Hunt compiles multiple data points on the startups
ldquoWersquore developing really deep insight about how do people start successful businessesrdquo
The program utilizes mentors from the entrepreneurial community
ldquoWe bring in people who are experts in specific areas to talk on those topicsrdquo Feldman says
ldquoThey get ideas flowingrdquo Hunt says of the mentors
Feldman says he regularly covers with fellows ldquothe major components of what you need to look at to start your businessrdquo and then mentors like Mike Kolker owner of graphic design firm Simplify teach lessons about operational efficiency and ldquohow to simplify running a businessrdquo
Hunt is a newcomer to all this and goes by instinct as much as research to support his vision
CONTINUED ON 54
FEATURE | BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
53
54 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
70 Years of Business in Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
4027335500 | 4315 South 50th Street
402-333-5722 bull wwwsw-fencecom
Thanks for Voting SampW Fence the Best Again in 2015
Wersquore Not Just About Fences
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Thank You for Voting Us Best of B2Btrade 4 Years in a Row
AUDIO VISUAL SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDEbull System designengineeringbull Sales
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B2B
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aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
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NER bull 2012 bull WIN
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Omah
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ConnectWITH YOURCOMMUNITY
Donrsquot forget to visitOmahaMagazinecom to read
all of our titles online
Omaha MagazineEncounter B2B 60PlusHerFamily OmahaHome
CONTINUED FROM 53
ldquoI just had an irrational confidence market insights and a great theoretical background thanks to primary research I completed and to lessons I learned from Phillip Phillips Michael OrsquoHara and Art Diamond in UNOrsquos economics department I read constantly about who the players were in the startup world so I was fairly preparedrdquo
Even though he directs a startup program he only started participating in one himself (Venture School) He acknowledges Year of the Startup is a by-the-seat-of-your-pants experiment
ldquoComing out of college I had student loans and not a ton of money Irsquove held two jobs to finance the project Now the project is financed by a combination of me working and renting out one room One-hundred percent of the money our entrepreneurs pay in rent will be returned in full and so everybody has a strong incentive to follow through with the program That may be what makes us sustainablerdquo
Hersquos working on securing corporate sponsorship for the program Meanwhile he wants to help get participating startups to the next level
ldquoWersquore functioning like a pre-accelerator at this point We want to get our startups profitable and then refer them to the Straight Shots so they can focus on growth in a pure accelerator programrdquo
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 55
Mercedes-Benz of Omaha14335 Hillsdale Ave Omaha NE 68137wwwOmahaMercedescomContact John Williams anytime at 4029819262
of Omaha of Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
As Year of the Startup moved into a larger house in Omaharsquos Little Italy district on July 1 and a new class of fellows arrives Hunt says there are ldquointeresting talks happening right now to bring this to other citiesrdquo He and Feldman say economic development agencies are willing to pay a license fee for them to do startup houses in other cities The partners are having proprietary software developed that will enable new startup houses to replicate their branded Omaha model
They look forward to engaging with the emerging 10th Street cultural district but may keep the midtown house to accommodate growth
Hunt and Feldman believe theyrsquore catching the wave or tipping point of a big new startup rush and theyrsquore betting their model is poised to be a niche player in this wild frontier of entrepreneurial prospecting
B2B
56 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
It is an unassuming space but if you have made your way to TD Ameritrade Park Filmstreams or Hot Shops chances are yoursquove passed one of the most vibrant offices in Omaha
The fact that Co-Lab (short for Creative Collaborators) is not a traditional work space is certainly one of its best features Located inside the Tip Top building at 15th and Cumming streets is a project dreamed up by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture who happens to share the main floor of the building Based in the heart of a once-isolated section of the city Co-Labrsquos funky creative vibe is making waves In fact that vibe seeps into Omaharsquos everyday bringing about small changes pushing our city toward a more innovative future
CO-LABGIVING OMAHA WORKERS A MORE
COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE
IN THE OFFICE | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
56
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 57
Home to 18 businesses plus Alley Poyner Macchietto Co-Lab is free of walls and signage It is also free from traditional office norms For instance you donrsquot just walk over to your neighborrsquos space for a brainstorming sessionmdashyou skateboard At least you do if yoursquore Dave Nelson of SecretPenguin a leading experimental branding agency The best part is that the businesses surrounding SecretPenguin appreciate the break from tradition ldquoThatrsquos the beautiful part about being around like-minded good people and businessesrdquo Nelson says
CONTINUED ON 58
58 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 59
CONTINUED FROM 57
In addition to having pathways large enough to skateboard or bike through the space also provides Co-Labbers with a kitchen various conference rooms bike storage bathrooms and a battleground (otherwise known as the ping-pong table) Walking in the main doors clients and employees alike are greeted from the front desk while catching a view of the five-story open atrium basking in the glow of sunshine from the skylight Workers can also access the fitness room and rooftop deck sharing amenities with TipTop apartment residents who use a separate entrance
CONTINUED ON 60
The Harry A Koch CoInsurance amp Financial ConsultantsMember of First Insurance Group LLC
60 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
CONTINUED FROM 59
Businesses in Co-Lab all creativity-related range from entrepreneurs to start-ups to non-profits to small businesses The art varies in form but runs through the space like an electric current At Zicafoose Textiles Mary Zicafoose works steadily on her loom creating gorgeous tapestries 4Site Programming is where Joi Brown works as an independent consultant for performing arts centers across the nation Heartland B-Cycle a large-scale municipal bike sharing system brings art in the form of economical convenience Holly Boyer a founder of non-profit organization Mission Matters explains that one of the best things about having an office at Co-Lab is feeling the innovative positive energy from the moment you walk in the door So while individuals may join Co-Lab with a business-minded focus or a more creative vibe finding a yin to their yang is just a shout away
ldquoThere is certainly a wonderful built-in support network that comes along with working in a collaborative environmentrdquo quips Omaha Creative Institute Executive Director Emily Moody ldquoEverything from sharing ideas and finding ways to collaborate with an organization different than yours to sharing a staplerrdquo
At the heart of making it work says Laura Alley of Alley Poyner itrsquos simply playing well with others
The skateboarding ping-pong playing creatives do that well
B2B
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2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott Enterprises
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For more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
TD Ameritrade Park | First National Bank Tower | Midtown Crossing | Village Pointe | Childrenrsquos Hospital Aksarben Village | Joslyn Art Museum | Fred amp Pamela Buffett Cancer Center | UNO Community Arena
6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
AT THE OFFICE amp ON THE GO
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13
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
- BB1015_fntCvr_125
- BB1015_fntEdit_125
- BB1015_bkEdit_125
- BB1015_bkCvr_125
-
26emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
26OFFICE FURNITURE BY DOUG SCHURING
OFFICE ORIGINS
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE MODERN WORKPLACE
For all the time we spend in our office very few of us are familiar with how that space came to be You may actually be surprised by the events and inventions that helped form the work environment we know today From the development of the railroad to innovations in communication our current corporate habits structures and tools have all played a role In his book CubedmdashA Secret History of the Workplace Nikil Saval shapes the advances that created the conventional office we are familiar with today
The advent of the Morse telegraph spawned long-distance communication Then starting in 1860 a series of technological innovations changed the possibilities of the workplace the use of iron framework permitted the construction of taller buildings and elevators assisted the climb The Remington typewriter entered the office in 1874 Bellrsquos telephone was patented two years later
At the same time railroads expanded across the country reducing transportation costs and extending markets for goods and services Additionally railroads produced an organizational transformation still in use today The coordination of trains required employees housed in structures all across the country bringing a variety of offices to the American landscape Between the executive the manager and the workerhellipthe organizational chart was born
The invention of telecommunications fostered the speed of information to surge creating more
Doug Schuring is the director of sales administration at All Makes Office Equipment Co
work and subsequently more workers As these workers moved into new structures the spaces reflected their various levels of management In 1915 the Metal Office Furniture Company (now Steelcase) invented the modern deskmdasha flat metal table outfitted with file drawers The new desks massed together in defined rows offered managers full visual access to the goings-on of the workplace and this ldquosea of desksrdquo became the norm for decades Lockers and various cabinets popular in the Great Depression era became vertical files once steel became readily available after World War II
In 1968 Herman Miller introduced the first panel system with attached components Designed by Robert Propst the Action Office system revolutionized the ldquoofficerdquo in form flexibility and cost Other furniture manufacturers mimicked the modular system which became the norm for many businesses
Up to the rsquo90s the personal computerrsquos popularity grew and the relative size of work stations decreased between 25-50 percent By the middle of that decade the dot-com revolution on the West Coast created an unprecedented workplace culture The formal atmosphere of the office became much more casual and discontent for the Dilbert-esque cubicle grew Subsequently creative furniture solutions evolved with the desire to be more mobile leading the way
In the early 2000rsquos collaborative open offices grew in popularity New and improving
technologies now offer connectivity in the office home or public spaces As a result nearly every company today is adapting and using new furnishings as a tool to attract new workers At the same time retaining existing employees is equally important The goal is to make everyone more effective and efficient in their work
Whether you work in an office from home in the local coffee shop or out of an airline terminal you may start to notice that much of the furniture is beginning to look very similar As long as you are able to connect to technology you can work from virtually anywhere
B2B
SEPTEMBER 24 2015 Ralston Arena7300 Q Street
Ralston NE 68127
CONNECT MARKET SUCCEED
Looking for INNOVATIVE MARKETING IDEAS Want to BOOST SALES AND ADD ROI Need to ANALYZE DATA TO GROW MARKET SHARE
For more information or to register please visit wwwOmahaAdvertisingXcom
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 27
28emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Outlook Nebraska CEO Eric Stueckrath
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 29
On the surface it looks just like any other office or factory As you enter Outlook Nebraska Inc (ONI) yoursquore greeted by a friendly front desk attendant and led past a perfectly ordinary-looking workspace Entering their factory where they manufacture such paper products as rolls of hand towels you wouldnrsquot suspect that it is different from any other assembly line
But explore a little deeper
Walking past one office you might see a man typing away on a keyboard his laptop closed in front of him He doesnrsquot need it open to know what hersquos typing Hersquos visually impaired and utilizing computer software that reads the words aloud as he types
On the factory floor raised edges guard the walkway so sightless employees can feel their way around Over on the assembly line visually impaired workers can use a computer screen to zoom in on the product at various stages of production to assess the process
ONI is a non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance the life of the blind and visually impaired through employment opportunities and training Almost all the employees at ONI are blind or visually impaired from factory workers to IT professionals Some were born blind others lost their sight later in life ONI aims to help them all re-enter the workforce in a meaningful way
A SIGHT FOR NON-SEEING EYES
OUTLOOK NEBRASKA
ldquoThey get used to being on their feetrdquo says ONI CEO Eric Stueckrath ldquoWe offer jobs for [people with] entry-level skill sets and all of the positions are at or above minimum wage We give them the tools to help build those skill setsrdquo
ONI also offers personalized life-skills training geared to whatrsquos important to the individual from personal banking to cooking to operating a computer
The American Foundation for the Blind estimates that as many as 70 percent of blind adults in the US are unemployed As the largest employer of the blind in the Omaha metro area ONI is working to make an impact
ldquoWe work with organizations that are committed to hiring the visually impairedrdquo Stuekrath says ldquoAdvocacy is definitely part of what we dordquo
ONI is currently in the midst of a $2 million capital campaign that will allow them to complete a large-scale renovation project at their facility The renovation will create more space for the general public and give them the ability to offer additional training programs
In addition to working with adults blind and visually-impaired youth are a primary focus for Stuekrath and ONI
ldquoMy heart really gravitates toward themrdquo Stuekrath says
ONI partners with youth organizations on a number of initiatives including a sports camp for visually-impaired youth called Camp Abilities Nebraska Attendees can try archery swimming bowling track and field and more as a means to build confidence
ldquoThey donrsquot need to be coddledrdquo Stuekrath says adding that he often tells parents of blind children ldquoYour kid needs to get out there and bump his head and experience liferdquo
At ONI everything comes back to the organizationrsquos mission Stuekrath says
ldquoWe give them the tools they need to gain greater independencerdquo
B2B
FEATURE | BY APRIL CHRISTENSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY COLIN CONCES
29
30emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Layne and Pam Yahnke and Their VW Thing
Shakespeare wrote of love and betrayal Tolkien of hobbits and wizards Steinbeck and Faulkner of the indomitable American spirit
Layne Yahnke writes about his VW Thing
Yes the two-wheel-drive off-road convertible military vehicle first manufactured for the West German Army as ldquoType 181rdquo in 1968 VW churned them out until 1983 including two years in the United States when marketed as ldquoThe Thingrdquo
Yahnke got his Thing in 2000 for $5500 Hersquos lovingly restored it most importantly giving it a peppy new motor that makes it Autobahn-worthy
WHATrsquoS THAT THING
LANE YAHNKErsquoS UNUSUAL VOLKSWAGEN
HOW I ROLL | BY ANTHONY FLOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Therersquos only one other Thing in Omaha and Yahnkersquos gets lots of second and third looks when hersquos whipping down the Dodge Street Expressway from his Elkhorn home Especially when the doors are off and windshield is down
Everyone wants to know abouthellipthe Thing
Thus Yahnke penned ldquoIt Takes a Village to Build a VW Thingrdquo an ode to those who helped him with his beloved ridemdashhis sons Omaha VW Club members engine and body shops and parts stores
CONTINUEDemspONemsp32
30
SIGN UP TODAYdolnebraskagovsides
Questions phone - 402-471-9910 email - ndoluisidesnebraskagov
Sign up now for a free paperless way to return unemployment insurance information
Submit separation information online
Free - No postage costsno sign-up fee
Respond quickly toseparation requests
E-Response saves treesNo more paper 350rsquos
Keep your taxes lowAvoid unnecessary charges
Avoid Late responses ampLoss of appeal rights
32emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Locally Owned in Papillion Ne402-740-0800 bull apconstructomahacom
Insurance claims
welcomeIf your roof sustained fire snow or hail
damage the repairs can be costly We are your wind and hail damage experts and accept insurance claims so you wonrsquot
have to pay for the repair work yourself
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Residential Roofing bull Roof Maintenance amp Repair bull Licensed Bonded amp Insured
Steve Kowalski
Call or Text Message(402 ) 453-6000
abetterexposurecom steveabetterexposurecom
Passion Creativity Experience
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp31
ldquoI wrote that right after the engine transplantrdquo says Yahnke an Omaha native and vice president at Essex Corp provider of senior living communities ldquoI guess I was moved I get so many inquiries about it and I really feel so fondly about itrdquo
Itrsquos not his first Thing Yahnke and his wife of 38 years Pam owned one before their four children came along As the kids have come and gone so have the cars
Lots of them
Yahnke figures he has owned 60 automobiles in his life His car fancy began as a kid growing up in Dundee where a friendrsquos dad spent his spare time restoring English cars Yahnke spent hours in his garage and developed a love for Triumphs and MGs His first car purchase was a 1962 Triumph for $425 in 1972 It wasnrsquot long though until he sold it at a profit
ldquoThatrsquos what kicked off the buying and selling of English carsrdquo he says ldquoI discovered I could enjoy my transportation but then as soon as someone wanted to buy it for more than I paid for it out it wentrdquo
ldquoWhere Accounting Meets ResultsrdquoProviding Accounting and Quickbooks Services
For Metro Businesses
Denise Martin I 9252077634Deniseheartlandaccountabilitycom
wwwHeartlandAccountAbilitycom
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 33
These days you never know what will be parked in the Yahnke driveway Currently therersquos a Honda pickup a VW Jetta VW Multivan and a 2001 Audi TT Quatro Convertiblemdashpurchased in apropos silver for his 25th wedding anniversary
Itrsquos the Thing he most enjoys driving He logs about 1000 miles on it each year Most of those have come toplessmdashYahnke long ago gave it away to another Thing enthusiast and now only drives it sans roof
ldquoAnyone who sees this car has only seen it top-downrdquo he says ldquoI just got caught once in the rain and that was probably a month ago The cool thing about the Thing is you leave it out in the sun and it dries out and is ready to gordquo
It says ldquoSummer is hererdquo Yahnke says
ldquoPeople speed up all the time to try to figure out what it is Itrsquos just a happy car and itrsquos so darn versatile It puts smiles on peoplesrsquo facesrdquo
B2B
Quality Carpet Cleaning Since 2004
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Cleaning ServicesCarpet CleaningUpholstery CleaningMattress CleaningTile amp Grout CleaningPet TreatmentsConcrete CleaningConcrete CleaningAuto Interior Cleaning24 Hour Water Damage
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omahamagazinecom SPECIALemspADVERTISINGemspSECTIONemspemsp |emsp SUMMERemsp2015emsp |emsp 34
ABOUT OUR BUSINESS
Cox Business started in 2000 as the commercial services division of Cox Communications Over the past 15 years we have experienced strong growth and are on our target to achieve $2 billion in revenue in the near future
Cox Business owns operates and maintains its own network providing leading-edge technology solutions for voice internet networking and digital TV We also offer robust business continuity and disaster recovery solutions which is of increasing importance to businesses in the greater Omaha area Our customers include such key verticals as education hospitality government and healthcare We maintain a significant focus on Omaha small business mid-markets and large local companies as well
We consider our employees to be our most precious asset as they have the responsibility of taking care of our customers At Cox Business we are fortunate to have an extremely tenured and engaged team of employees What sets us apart from our competition is the fact that while we are a large robust and progressive company we still possess
the nimbleness of a smaller company in our ability to deliver creative solutions under tight timelines We pride ourselves on having very little bureaucracy and that translates to happy customers The fact that Cox Business has won 15 JD Power Awards for customer satisfaction over the past 11 years is a notable accomplishment for us and we work hard to deliver on that promise of excellence every day
ABOUT LYNNE
I have led sales and operations teams in the communications industry for 20 years 10 of those years with Cox Communications My husband Pat and I just celebrated our first full year in Omaha and wonder why it took us so long to find this jewel of a community Our daughter Kaylin starts law school next month at the University of San Diego
I have two passions in my professional life mentoring employees who are working on leadership development (which includes working with two to three emerging leaders at any given time) and continuing to drive efforts in hiring fostering a diverse workforce There
is a challenge in STEM fields of under-represented groups My company Cox Communications is also very passionate about this and holds the distinction of inclusion in Diversity Incrsquos top 50 companies
My personal passions include travel social media and Italian cooking
B2B
COX BUSINESSLYNNE SANGIMINO
Cox Business 401 N 117th St Omaha NE 68154 coxbusinesscom 4029340830
Cradickrsquos Husker PowerTEXAN RETURNS HOME FOR BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY PG 8
Marlon Lofgren Koley Jessen PC LLOKEEPING THE FOCUS WHERE IT BELONGS PG 4
Seasoned Advice for Buyers(THE BOUNCY KIND) PG 5
PLAYING BIG EDITION
Fall
2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
2
Volume 1 Issue 5
Published by The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
PresidentEditor bull Cortney Sells
DirectorAssistant Editor bull Cassandra Powers
In-House Legal Counsel bull Susanne Miller
Outreach Coordinator bull Rene Rademacher
Marketing Development bull Rachael Rand
Business Broker bull Breann Becerra
Referring Broker bull Elizabeth Jones
Marketing Division bull Adam Jaime
Development Liaison bull Holley Garcia
Client Services bull Nycole Wandvik-Tolle
Client Services bull Julie OrsquoBrien
Community Relations bull Mike Sells
Contributing Writers
Marlon Lofgren bull Kathy Rygg bull Maureen Tierney
Design bull OBI Creative
Photography bull Bill Sitzmann
To Subscribe
The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
210 N 78 St
Omaha NE 68114
4029985288
infothefirmb2bcom
Advertising Inquiries
4028842000
toddomahamagazinecom
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Columns
4 Seller Financing
Koley Jessen PC LLO Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
14 Executive Impact Getting Into the Big Office
Departments
5 Seasoned Advice for
Business Buyers (The Bouncy Kind)
12 Building a Legacy while
Building Racks New Chapter to Becklerrsquos Career
The Bottom Line
Sells Insights
Playing Big
Husker PowerTexan returns home to
Nebraska for business opportunity
pg8
Many business owners have marginal experience in the trades in which their
organizations specialize While it may seem counterintuitive to buy or start a company situated around an industry in which one has little experience there is a certain com-petitive edge to the equation A buyer or president need only know enough to begin before surrounding him or herself with the right personnel to tackle the minute details What is paramount is the grander scheme of
management and operations which allows one to flex refined business acumen Not only does distance from fieldwork free up time to put in place a robust and refined plan but it leaves open other avenues for portfolio expansion Grow your business expand operations or begin other busi-ness ventures The possibilities are only as small as the mindset held by your team The FIRM
Special Section
7 Fresh Off The Firm The Firm Business Brokerage has
over $80 million dollars in assets under
management of current cash flowing
businesses for sale ndash from medical
practices to commercial services to large
manufacturing companies
by Cortney Sells presidenteditor
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
3Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
4
IF PROPERLY STRUCTURED AND DOCUMENTED SELLER FINANCING IS REALLY NO DIFFERENT FROM FINANCING THAT WOULD OTHERWISE BE PROVIDED BY A BANKTYING IT ALL TOGETHEREven the most savvy of ldquonumbers peoplerdquo need a leg up in negotiating a purchase As with so many aspects of doing business retaining experienced legal counsel enables you to keep the focus where it belongsmdashemploying your entrepreneurial skills in the identification and acquisition of profitable business ventures The FIRM
Seller Financing Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
written by Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
Seller financing can often be a criti-cal factor in getting a business sold
If properly structured and documented seller financing is really no different from financing that would otherwise be provided by a bank Below is a brief guide to navi-gating the issues normally encountered in seller financing
FIRST THINGS FIRSTThe first question is usually that of how to structure and document the financing The buyer should be expected to sign a prom-issory note evidencing the loan from the seller with interest and repayment terms mutually agreeable to both parties The seller might also require that the buyer grant the seller a security interestlien in the pur-chased assets to secure the loan Itrsquos also not unusual for a seller to require that the individual owners of the buyer (assuming the buyer is an entity) personally guarantee the loan In most cases the documents are usually pretty straightforward and do not need to be overly complicated
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
ADDITIONAL LAYERSIf a bank is also financing the sale the seller will most likely be required by the bank to sign a subordination agreement This is an agreement between the bank usually referred to as the ldquosenior lenderrdquo and the seller referred to as the ldquojunior lenderrdquo A subordination agreement sets forth the terms between the lenders as to each entityrsquos right to receive loan pay-ments from the buyer and the priority of their respective security interestsliens in the purchased assets The document will usually state that the senior lenderrsquos loan and security interestliens shall at all times be superior to those of the junior lender until the senior loan is paid in full Most lenders are willing to discuss and negoti-ate the junior lenderrsquos right to receive loan payments from the borrower Lien priority status however is rarely compromised by senior lenders in subordination agreements The senior lender will insist on having a first priority security interestlien in the pur-chased assets
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Whether yoursquore a first-time entre-preneur or an experienced business
owner purchasing a company is a critical investment financially and emotionally To help increase the likelihood of it being a success in both areas there are a number of aspects to keep in mind when evaluating if a business is the right fit gt
Seasoned Advice for Business Buyers(The Bouncy Kind)
written by Kathy Rygg
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Jerry Rachwalik
5Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
6
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
lt Jerry Rachwalik has been researching companies for the past three years waiting for the right opportunity to arise His search was the result of spending his career work-ing for larger organizations in a number of areas including delivery installation cus-tomer service inventory accounts receiv-ables and scheduling where he managed up to 35 people at a time
Policies and philosophies can change when working for a corporation Sometimes they become less family friendly ldquoWith the previous companies I worked forrdquo Rachwalik says ldquothey switched from caring about em-ployees to making money and the bottom line I stuck it out for several years and then decided I needed something differentrdquo
An entrepreneur by nature Rachwalik has over the last seven years built up a rental business buying foreclosed homes and duplex properties completely reno-vating them and then renting them back out He now has 15 properties and enjoys helping families by providing nice homes that are affordable ldquoI want people to feel good when they come home at night after a long day at workrdquo he says Rachwalik want-ed to find a business that allowed him the flexibility to respond to his tenants when needed from simple plumbing issues to furnaces going kaput
When he first started looking for a new business Rachwalik was drawn to home health care because of his experience help-ing to take care of relatives And it was a growing field Nothing was available at the time so he expanded his options and be-gan researching businesses in a variety of industries Those included a flooring com-pany sandwich shop and even a hair salon
ldquoI was open to anything and if I could make the numbers work then I would consider itrdquo he explains
Then The Firm Business Brokerage pre-sented him with an opportunity that was the right match Bounce U in Omaha There were a number of factors that appealed to Rachwalik First and foremost were the financials but it would also offer him the flexibility he needed for his rental business A big advantage was that an entire team was already in place one seasoned in man-aging staff and scheduling parties ldquoThey do a great jobrdquo he says ldquoI donrsquot plan on making any personnel changesrdquo
But what hersquos most looking forward to with this new venture is the fun positive environment Bounce Ursquos primary business is its birthday party packages featuring the companyrsquos oversized inflatibles and Rachwalik said he canrsquot wait to watch the excitement on the kids faces when they walk through the door ldquoEveryone there is happyrdquo he says ldquoThe kids are happy the parents are happy and the employees running the parties are happy Itrsquoll be a big change from the environments I used to work inrdquo Hersquos already planning to have his twin grand-daughtersrsquo birthday party there too
His transition included a week of training with the companyrsquos corporate facility in Ari-zona as well as on-site training Even though the Omaha location is an existing store all of Rachwalikrsquos training was structured as though itrsquos a brand new site
Bounce U has traditionally partnered with local restaurants to provide food for birth-day parties but Rachwalik wants to explore the option to build a kitchen of his own
He also hopes to continue to grow the business by at least 5 annually ldquoAnything I do I will communicate with my employees and get their input and suggestions firstrdquo he adds
For anyone who is considering buying a business or is going through the process Rachwalik stresses to be open minded and not rule anything out ldquoIf an opportunity is presented to you run the numbers and see if you can make it workrdquo he says ldquoI did a complete flip-flop on the type of business I thought I wanted versus what I ended up purchasing But if you keep looking yoursquoll eventually find a matchrdquo The FIRM
ldquoTHE KIDS ARE HAPPY THE PARENTS ARE HAPPY AND THE EMPLOYEES RUNNING THE PARTIES ARE HAPPY ITrsquoLL BE A BIG CHANGE FROM THE ENVIRONMENTS I USED TO WORK INrdquo
-Jerry Rachwalik
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Fresh Off The Firm Featured Listings for Sale
Suburban Bar amp Grill with VolleyballOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $26413 PRICE $115000
Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity in an area with only two other bars nearby Serving up a gorgeous and well-maintained volleyball court along with pool tables and a jukebox this bar and grill is a favorite with the locals Business is fully staffedmdashowner works very part time hours
Rain Gutter Sales amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $145200 PRICE $415000
This business is a dealer for high-end rain gutter covers These products are con-structed of high-quality aluminum and sur-gical-grade stainless steel and are strong enough to hold up to four feet of snow or 20 pounds of debris Profit margin is 48
Large-Scale Assembly amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $743732 PRICE $2200000
This well-established installation and assembly business in central Nebraska prides itself on providing many numerous building solutions for businesses and building owners in their area They install and assemble metal frames including grain silos pole barns and buildings
Photo Booth Business Running on Autopilot OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $36419 PRICE $88900
Photo booths are the ldquoin thingrdquo at weddings and parties In business for seven years this business is one of the largest in town Wedding couples hoping to capture the fun memories of the day make up 67 of the clients Includes four booths and one trailer
Southwest Omaha Dental PracticeOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $129745 PRICE $380000
Professional staff and excellent customer service are the hallmarks of this practice Using the latest technology the business offers an array of dental services including teeth cleaning veneers crowns bleaching and trauma services The owner is currently working only 20 hours a week
Small Animal Vet Clinic in Omaha OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $158287 PRICE $440000
For over 30 years this animal care clinic has prioritized customer care They are currently offering services to over 2000 families and are the second largest veterinary clinic in the area The business is split 7030 between dogs and cats
Buildersrsquo Material amp Supply CompanyOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $364880 PRICE $933000
This highly reputable company established in 1976 and located just north of Omaha provides quality and reliable services and supplies Building supply inventory includes garage door lumber windows trims siding roofing materials and more Approximately 90 of customers are repeat clientele
High-Growth Plumbing Company OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $157774 PRICE $445000
This non-union plumbing company has consistent growth of over $130000 a year in sales The full service plumbing contractor has business that is currently 50 commercial and 50 residential
90+ available business opportunities for sale Please visit TheFirmBusinessBrokeragecom for details
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
7Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
Matt Cradick
The Deal ReviewReason For Sale Fresh start after 25+ years in the industrySeller Transition Period Over eight monthsType of Sale Asset Purchase AgreementLender Access Bank Mack LaRock
ldquoYOU SHOULD INTERVIEW FOR A BUSINESS JUST LIKE YOU
WOULD FOR A JOBrdquo CRADICK EXPLAINS ldquoIT HAS TO BE THE
RIGHT FIT YOU DONrsquoT WANT TO BE ONE OF THE MANY FA-
TALITIES THAT HAPPEN SO OFTEN IN NEW BUSINESSrdquo
-Shaun Heldt
From Retail to RoofingHow to be Successful When Buying a Business
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Spending almost 20 years working in retail for major corporations and then
buying a siding and roofing contracting company may seem like a major leap but for Matt Cradick owner of Husker Ham-mer Siding Windows and Roofing it was the best business move hersquos ever made And thatrsquos saying a lot for someone who moved 11 times in 19 years across nine different states
Cradick had been living in Houston Texas where he worked for Target Corporation He had worked his way up through the com-pany and another promotion was on the horizon which meant another move With three young children at home Cradick de-cided it was time to put down some roots Having grown up in Lincoln Nebraska he wanted to be near family and Midwestern values He started researching businesses for sale and was eventually led to The Firm which in turn led him to Husker Hammer
The move from a big corporate environ-ment to a small contracting business didnrsquot intimidate Cradick With Target he oversaw 200 people so he knew he brought strong management and operational skills The challenge he says was learning the ins and outs of construction He didnrsquot need to be the one hammering away on the roofmdashhe needed learn a new business segment
ldquoSwitching industries can be nerve-rack-ingrdquo Cradick says ldquobut the owner was will-ing to stay on board for six months during the transitionrdquo That partnership was an invaluable tool during the changeover gt
A Publication of The Firm Business BrokerageA Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
9Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
10
lt Husker Hammer was started in 1998 as a one-man operation and had been built up to a multimillion dollar business Cradick was impressed with the mission statement values system of the company and the strong workforce that was already in place And the price of the company lined up well with the financials ldquoWhat Husker has that others in the industry donrsquotrdquo says the man whose faith is central to his deal-ings ldquois a strong ethical foundation with a Christian backgroundrdquo
There were a number of other elements Cradick sought when buying his business ones he believes all potential business own-ers need to keep in mind The first is to make sure you have a proper support team in place to help make a sound financial deci-sion That includes having a good business valuation and a good business broker who can point you in the right direction to ensure a match for both parties
Once yoursquore in the process of purchasing he adds make sure you have a capable net-work of attorneys a seasoned financial team and solid internal help to ensure yoursquore suc-cessful from the start ldquoYou should interview
for a business just like you would for a jobrdquo Cradick explains ldquoIt has to be the right fit You donrsquot want to be one of the many fatal-ities that happen so often in new businessrdquo
To help ensure the company continues to be successful Cradick plans to main-tain Husker Hammerrsquos competitive edges which he says includes his 11000-sq-ft state-of-the-art showroom in Elkhorn He reformatted the space to better fit his busi-ness model before building out additional second-floor space that is now rented to other entrepreneurs
The showroom features all of the window siding and roofing products available to customers Samples are one thing Cradick says but he knows the power of customers seeing actual colors in actual sizes
ldquoOur philosophy is to build peace of mind for homeowners and be with them every step through the processrdquo he says ldquoWord of mouth is our number one lead source which was true in retail as wellrdquo
Happy employees to Cradick are just as important as happy customers He sub-scribes to a simple philosophymdashlistening to employees and doing so with respect
ldquoWith big corporations you deal with a lot of politicsrdquo he says ldquoNow if therersquos politics itrsquos because Irsquove generated it Itrsquos a nice change to be in a small business where you have more leeway to ensure yoursquore creating a positive work environment which creates a happy workforcerdquo
Working for a smaller company also allows for more opportunities to become involved in the community Husker Hammer is active in local chambers of commerce the Open Door Mission and is currently helping on a Habitat for Humanity build in Waterloo They have also been accredited by the Bet-ter Business Bureau since 2000 and won the Better Business Integrity Award
Cradickrsquos business is currently 90 percent residential and 10 percent commercial He hopes to increase their reach in proper-ty management and general contracting while maintaining the high-quality residen-tial sales that built the business ldquoBecause of our showroomrdquo he says ldquopeople come
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
to us We donrsquot do the high pressure sales at the kitchen table We listen We let the homeowners do the talkingrdquo
Growing geographically is also a goal Cradick hopes to expand to surrounding areas including his hometown of Lincoln
ldquoSo far itrsquos been a great moverdquo he says ldquoand I look forward to continuing to be known as an ethical long-lasting company My daughters and wife are excited to be back in the Midwest around grandparents and family Their school district is great and the full year-round climate has been a welcome change from living in the south Plus I was averaging 50000 miles per year in travel so itrsquos nice to sleep in your own bed every nightrdquo The FIRM
For more information on this or any for sale listings call The Firm Business Brokerage directly
11Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
The Deal ReviewBusiness Established 1987Reason for Sale Retirement (Transla-tion More time with a fishing pole)Ownerrsquos Profit $495004Type of Loan SBA with Core Bank
12
Back to the FutureBuilding a Business Legacy
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Itrsquos not uncommon for someone who has spent a number of years in corporate
America to shift gears into entrepreneur-ship Being your own boss certainly has its advantages But for Scott Beckler who recently purchased Lewis Installers in Gret-na his reason for taking on a new business venture had more to do with honoring not only his fatherrsquos legacy but building one of his own
Beckler started his career as a business education teacher then moved to a corpo-rate career in technology But for a number of years he kept an eye on businesses for sale hoping that just the right opportunity would come along
ldquoMy dad was an entrepreneur who owned his own real estate insurance companyrdquo
Beckler says ldquoDespite the fact he had on-going health issues he still got up every day put on a coat and tie and went out to make a sale He was a very successful busi-nessman and I wanted to honor his legacyrdquo
After contacting The Firm and discuss-ing what he was looking for in a business the team suggested Lewis Installers which specializes in industrial conveyor and rack systems At first it seemed like a big de-parture for him ldquoShelving and logistical systems isnrsquot something that jumps out at yourdquo Beckler says But the more he looked into it the more he realized it had many of the elements he wanted in a business The most obvious advantage was that the company was located in Gretna where he lives Add to that the fact that the seller lives just up the road from him
Scott Beckler
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
For purposes of this article this overview is based on the buying and selling entities being corporations or entities taxed as corporations
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
4420 Izard Street Omaha4022938707 bull 8887380296
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
HAVE YOUR MINOR ROOF LEAKS BECOME A MAJOR ANNOYANCEDonrsquot Wait Any Longer Call Us Now
ldquoAfter meeting him and hitting it offrdquo Beckler says ldquowe quickly realized it was a match on both sidesrdquo
Other signs also pointed in the right di-rection The financials were good The size of the business was ideal The competitive landscape was promising Beckler also real-ized that his corporate background fit well with this new business
ldquoAlthough itrsquos an entirely different indus-tryrdquo he says ldquomany of the business princi-ples are the samehellipproject management customer service delivery vendor man-agement and cost containment Irsquove been doing all of those for yearsrdquo
His background in technology will also be a valuable asset in his new business Not only has he established relationships with large vendors built over the years but his from-the-ground-up experience with data centers means that he is already eying in-novative automation and other technology differentiators At the same time hersquos look-ing forward to learning the daily operations of the company and having a hand in every part of the business from bidding to closing to payroll
ldquoIt will be challenging coming from a big business background where Irsquove only been involved in the peripheryrdquo Beckler says
ldquoNow Irsquoll be involved in all of itrdquo
Lewis Installers being a family-owned business is what hersquos most excited about He says itrsquos a company with a good repu-tation thatrsquos known for quality and meeting deadlinesmdashall driven by a strong Midwest-ern work ethic
Itrsquos the sort of company Beckler believes that would make his father proud
ldquoI want this business to be a legacy for my familyrdquo Beckler says ldquoMy hope is that it could stay in the family with my own kids and grandkidsrdquo The FIRM
13Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Om
aharsquo
s Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
14
When considering the purchase of an existing business very few realize
that lack of experience in an industry can actually lead to success One simply needs a sound financial plan and a good team to fill in the gaps Removing the added stress of fieldwork and focusing solely on the management of finances and operation allows for greater opportunities It makes for the dynamic advantage of some outside impartiality when seeking areas of improve-ment and growth
One man who has made this transition from having marginal knowledge in an in-dustry to leading a successful plumbing and HVAC operation is Mark Evans president of Burton Plumbing Before taking over Burton Evans had a successful plumbing distribu-torship serving four states but it was his desire to own and to travel less that put him into the hands of Burton Friesz The founder of Burton Plumbing Friesz had been a customer and friend of Evansrsquo when the two discussed a possible expansion into residential service Evans put his busi-ness experience to work for Burton in July 1995 and his education in the minutiae of plumbing and HVAC began
While he hasnrsquot worked in the field as a licensed plumbing contractor Evans has dipped his feet in several areas within the running of Burtonhellipand often at the same time Before hiring the essential personnel that have enabled him to narrow his role Ev-ans served as manager marketer customer service representative and dispatcher Such a list of duties for one man is a daunting task but ldquoI worked my way to being able to work on the business rather than in the business [a strategy] taught to me by my business coachrdquo says Evans
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
REMOVING THE ADDED STRESS OF FIELDWORK AND FOCUSING SOLELY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF FINANCES AND OPERATION ALLOWS FOR GREATER OPPORTUNITIES
Executive Impact Moving Into the Boardroom From Employee to President
written by Maureen Tierney | Co-written by Mark Evans and Julie OrsquoBrien
Eventually Evans was able to step back and bring on a general manager and a ware-house operator that has allowed him to
ldquofocus on growth opportunities marketing and cash flowrdquo
Evansrsquo experience is not unique It is com-mon for brokerages to deal with buyers seeking to own companies within a cer-tain field but ldquoonly two people out of the nearly 100 closings [wersquove had] have come in for the same business that they ended up purchasingrdquo says Julie OrsquoBrien client services and paralegal with The Firm What it comes down to is as simple as the bot-tom line Buyers are looking to leverage their talents and experience in a marriage between a management philosophy and business model Those in the market for an acquisition are ldquobuying based on profit number of staff ability to get financing and mostly their strengths and passionsrdquo says OrsquoBrien Experience in a particular industry is certainly valuable but is no predictor of success when the right financial mind comes along
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Even so making up for a lack of practical knowledge requires the proper equipment most notably in the form of managers and employees The right talent in the field can be a growth experience and provide an opportunity to learn the ropes before taking a full swing at things A total deficit in knowl-edge hardly makes for good leadership and for this reason many ldquonew business owners like to take a birdrsquos eye view of the operation rather than diving in and getting their hands dirty right awayhellipgiving them the opportunity to watch [how] things have been done before implementing changesrdquo says OrsquoBrien
Approaching ownership in this way also allows for further financial acquisitions an avenue which Evans has taken In addition to owning Burton Plumbing Evans operates four other companies One might assume this much responsibility to be a stretch but Evans sees his role as ldquokeeping a pulse on things I like to lead people in growth per-sonally and on the business siderdquo
Getting started can be a challenge which is why OrsquoBrien works closely with potential buyers to find the right fit ldquoWe assist all the wayrdquo she says ldquoWe work with the buyer on projections business plans [and] we introduce them to trusted advisorsrdquo from attorneys and CPAs to financial advisors and insurance agents
Itrsquos this helpful backing of experts that eases the difficult task of ownership and only proves that one can certainly switch from a blue collar to a white one The FIRM
CONTRACTING BUSINESSES LISTED BY THE FIRM
201
5 P
roje
cted
201
5 Y
TD
201
4
201
3
201
2
30
0
15
28
14
12
11
16
15Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Omaharsquos Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
It may seem like I pulled a muscle making this stretch but Keith Backsen the new boss at the Omaha Convention amp Visitors Bureau seems to have an awful lot in common with new Husker Coach Mike Riley
Coach Riley spent a total of 14 seasons at Oregon State before heading to Huskerland Backsen also comes from that neck of the woods having spent 11 years of his career in Portland Oregon and another 11 years in Spokane Washington selling both cities as prime places for convention and leisure travelers
At Oregon State Coach Riley built the football program into a consistent winner and regular conference contender At Visit Spokane Backsen opened sales offices in Washington DC and Chicago that led to increased convention bookings Backsen also worked on the public campaign to expand the Spokane Convention Center with a $65 million bond issue The expansion coupled with increased hotel inventory allowed Spokane to pursue large conventions and more than doubled convention bookings in Spokane
Riley has experience at the highest level of football serving as the head coach of the San Diego Chargers and as a head coach in both the Canadian and World Football Leagues Same for Backsen he worked in Dallas and Chicago as the director of sales for Global Experience Specialists a global leader in the world of event planning Backsen supervised five sales offices in a nine-state region generating annual sales in excess of $70 million
Riley is known as one of the most professional and nicest men in the profession a coach who is greatly admired by his peers I kid you not Backsen is described the same way by colleaguesmdashone of the most genuine and skilled men in the business a well respected professional who has the insight and experience to get the job done (Note the $70M stat above)
Come the first game both men will have a stadium filled with fans cheering them on In Backsenrsquos case his stadium is the entire city of Omaha where the fans are the 434353 residents who will reap the rewards of Omaharsquos growing tourism economy
B2B
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 51
51HUSKER
COACH HAS TOURISM
TWIN
OMAHA CVB BY DEB WARD
Deb Ward is the director of marketingcommunications Omaha Convention and Visitorrsquos Bureau
Keith Backsen
52 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Jason Feldman and Sebastian Hunt
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 53
The emerging startup accelerator scene supports creative-minded risk-takers looking for an edge to follow their passion and bring their ideas to fruition
Sebastian Hunt 25 is passionate about giving entrepreneurs like himself a nurturing space to test out their concepts The University of Nebraska at Omaha economics graduate interned with various local employers and surveyed the area startup community when an idea struck him for a by-application curriculum-based residency program serving new entrepreneurs That inspiration turned into Year of the Startup
Launched in 2014 the program operates out of a humble house at 4036 Burt Street in the St Cecilia Cathedral neighborhood Hunt and co-founder Jason Feldman 28 room there with young residency fellows whose startup ventures range from making bio-fuels to providing night owl shuttle services They are a millennial bunch who favor sneakers and sandals They take informal meetings to nearby CaliCommons and Lisarsquos Radial Cafe They variously hunch over laptops or tablets and carry smartphones as appendages
YEAR OF THE STARTUP
ENTREPRENEURAL IMMERSION
This communal work-live space model for business mavericks is new to Omaha The usual startup accelerator is a concentrated 90-day off-site program Omaha has a few of these notably Straight Shot Hunt saw a need for a program that invites a broader range of people into the accelerator fold and supports them much nearer to the start of their dream than other programs
ldquoWe feel like we can take people at very early stages because we are four times as long as the average programrdquo says Hunt who adds that Year of the Startup is also not tech-centric like many programs tend to be ldquoIn our model we substitute intensity for duration I think a lot of the learning here comes through unstructured serendipitous interactions we have that is not curriculum-based itrsquos just happenstance
ldquoWith a house there are so many different ways you can bring ideas and people together I think thatrsquos maybe that critical binding agent and sense of place that helps accomplish thingsrdquo
He says in this intimate environment ldquotherersquos no other choice but to immerse yourself in the settingrdquo adding ldquoWersquore always hanging out in the living room or out back talking about startup stuffmdashmonetization strategies capitalization tables vested equity entity structuresrdquo
ldquoItrsquos this immersive experience of camaraderie of these natural flows and idea generationrdquo Feldman says
Hunt says ldquoThis is very difficult to get bored with because therersquos always somebody whose business is either in crisis or growth stage or some interesting part of the curverdquo
ldquoHow could we get bored when wersquore creating a platform with four startups and all we get to do is ideationrdquo Feldman says ldquoItrsquos a constant buzz we get from interacting with these startup founders and helping them build their ideasrdquo
Built into the program are activities that encourage fellows to break out of their comfort zone and to offer honest criticism of each otherrsquos ideas
Hunt compiles multiple data points on the startups
ldquoWersquore developing really deep insight about how do people start successful businessesrdquo
The program utilizes mentors from the entrepreneurial community
ldquoWe bring in people who are experts in specific areas to talk on those topicsrdquo Feldman says
ldquoThey get ideas flowingrdquo Hunt says of the mentors
Feldman says he regularly covers with fellows ldquothe major components of what you need to look at to start your businessrdquo and then mentors like Mike Kolker owner of graphic design firm Simplify teach lessons about operational efficiency and ldquohow to simplify running a businessrdquo
Hunt is a newcomer to all this and goes by instinct as much as research to support his vision
CONTINUED ON 54
FEATURE | BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
53
54 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
70 Years of Business in Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
4027335500 | 4315 South 50th Street
402-333-5722 bull wwwsw-fencecom
Thanks for Voting SampW Fence the Best Again in 2015
Wersquore Not Just About Fences
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Thank You for Voting Us Best of B2Btrade 4 Years in a Row
AUDIO VISUAL SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDEbull System designengineeringbull Sales
bull Installationbull Maintenance and Service
bull Equipment Rental and Operation
2700 sq ft of rental facility for conferencing meetings training sessions receptions gatherings webinars
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER 2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
ConnectWITH YOURCOMMUNITY
Donrsquot forget to visitOmahaMagazinecom to read
all of our titles online
Omaha MagazineEncounter B2B 60PlusHerFamily OmahaHome
CONTINUED FROM 53
ldquoI just had an irrational confidence market insights and a great theoretical background thanks to primary research I completed and to lessons I learned from Phillip Phillips Michael OrsquoHara and Art Diamond in UNOrsquos economics department I read constantly about who the players were in the startup world so I was fairly preparedrdquo
Even though he directs a startup program he only started participating in one himself (Venture School) He acknowledges Year of the Startup is a by-the-seat-of-your-pants experiment
ldquoComing out of college I had student loans and not a ton of money Irsquove held two jobs to finance the project Now the project is financed by a combination of me working and renting out one room One-hundred percent of the money our entrepreneurs pay in rent will be returned in full and so everybody has a strong incentive to follow through with the program That may be what makes us sustainablerdquo
Hersquos working on securing corporate sponsorship for the program Meanwhile he wants to help get participating startups to the next level
ldquoWersquore functioning like a pre-accelerator at this point We want to get our startups profitable and then refer them to the Straight Shots so they can focus on growth in a pure accelerator programrdquo
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 55
Mercedes-Benz of Omaha14335 Hillsdale Ave Omaha NE 68137wwwOmahaMercedescomContact John Williams anytime at 4029819262
of Omaha of Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
As Year of the Startup moved into a larger house in Omaharsquos Little Italy district on July 1 and a new class of fellows arrives Hunt says there are ldquointeresting talks happening right now to bring this to other citiesrdquo He and Feldman say economic development agencies are willing to pay a license fee for them to do startup houses in other cities The partners are having proprietary software developed that will enable new startup houses to replicate their branded Omaha model
They look forward to engaging with the emerging 10th Street cultural district but may keep the midtown house to accommodate growth
Hunt and Feldman believe theyrsquore catching the wave or tipping point of a big new startup rush and theyrsquore betting their model is poised to be a niche player in this wild frontier of entrepreneurial prospecting
B2B
56 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
It is an unassuming space but if you have made your way to TD Ameritrade Park Filmstreams or Hot Shops chances are yoursquove passed one of the most vibrant offices in Omaha
The fact that Co-Lab (short for Creative Collaborators) is not a traditional work space is certainly one of its best features Located inside the Tip Top building at 15th and Cumming streets is a project dreamed up by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture who happens to share the main floor of the building Based in the heart of a once-isolated section of the city Co-Labrsquos funky creative vibe is making waves In fact that vibe seeps into Omaharsquos everyday bringing about small changes pushing our city toward a more innovative future
CO-LABGIVING OMAHA WORKERS A MORE
COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE
IN THE OFFICE | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
56
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 57
Home to 18 businesses plus Alley Poyner Macchietto Co-Lab is free of walls and signage It is also free from traditional office norms For instance you donrsquot just walk over to your neighborrsquos space for a brainstorming sessionmdashyou skateboard At least you do if yoursquore Dave Nelson of SecretPenguin a leading experimental branding agency The best part is that the businesses surrounding SecretPenguin appreciate the break from tradition ldquoThatrsquos the beautiful part about being around like-minded good people and businessesrdquo Nelson says
CONTINUED ON 58
58 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 59
CONTINUED FROM 57
In addition to having pathways large enough to skateboard or bike through the space also provides Co-Labbers with a kitchen various conference rooms bike storage bathrooms and a battleground (otherwise known as the ping-pong table) Walking in the main doors clients and employees alike are greeted from the front desk while catching a view of the five-story open atrium basking in the glow of sunshine from the skylight Workers can also access the fitness room and rooftop deck sharing amenities with TipTop apartment residents who use a separate entrance
CONTINUED ON 60
The Harry A Koch CoInsurance amp Financial ConsultantsMember of First Insurance Group LLC
60 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
CONTINUED FROM 59
Businesses in Co-Lab all creativity-related range from entrepreneurs to start-ups to non-profits to small businesses The art varies in form but runs through the space like an electric current At Zicafoose Textiles Mary Zicafoose works steadily on her loom creating gorgeous tapestries 4Site Programming is where Joi Brown works as an independent consultant for performing arts centers across the nation Heartland B-Cycle a large-scale municipal bike sharing system brings art in the form of economical convenience Holly Boyer a founder of non-profit organization Mission Matters explains that one of the best things about having an office at Co-Lab is feeling the innovative positive energy from the moment you walk in the door So while individuals may join Co-Lab with a business-minded focus or a more creative vibe finding a yin to their yang is just a shout away
ldquoThere is certainly a wonderful built-in support network that comes along with working in a collaborative environmentrdquo quips Omaha Creative Institute Executive Director Emily Moody ldquoEverything from sharing ideas and finding ways to collaborate with an organization different than yours to sharing a staplerrdquo
At the heart of making it work says Laura Alley of Alley Poyner itrsquos simply playing well with others
The skateboarding ping-pong playing creatives do that well
B2B
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2015 Winner
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arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott Enterprises
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For more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
TD Ameritrade Park | First National Bank Tower | Midtown Crossing | Village Pointe | Childrenrsquos Hospital Aksarben Village | Joslyn Art Museum | Fred amp Pamela Buffett Cancer Center | UNO Community Arena
6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
AT THE OFFICE amp ON THE GO
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Delete Adware and CookiesDefrag Hard Drives
Intall Current Microsoft PatchesInstall Microsoft Security Updates
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13
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
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SEPTEMBER 24 2015 Ralston Arena7300 Q Street
Ralston NE 68127
CONNECT MARKET SUCCEED
Looking for INNOVATIVE MARKETING IDEAS Want to BOOST SALES AND ADD ROI Need to ANALYZE DATA TO GROW MARKET SHARE
For more information or to register please visit wwwOmahaAdvertisingXcom
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 27
28emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Outlook Nebraska CEO Eric Stueckrath
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 29
On the surface it looks just like any other office or factory As you enter Outlook Nebraska Inc (ONI) yoursquore greeted by a friendly front desk attendant and led past a perfectly ordinary-looking workspace Entering their factory where they manufacture such paper products as rolls of hand towels you wouldnrsquot suspect that it is different from any other assembly line
But explore a little deeper
Walking past one office you might see a man typing away on a keyboard his laptop closed in front of him He doesnrsquot need it open to know what hersquos typing Hersquos visually impaired and utilizing computer software that reads the words aloud as he types
On the factory floor raised edges guard the walkway so sightless employees can feel their way around Over on the assembly line visually impaired workers can use a computer screen to zoom in on the product at various stages of production to assess the process
ONI is a non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance the life of the blind and visually impaired through employment opportunities and training Almost all the employees at ONI are blind or visually impaired from factory workers to IT professionals Some were born blind others lost their sight later in life ONI aims to help them all re-enter the workforce in a meaningful way
A SIGHT FOR NON-SEEING EYES
OUTLOOK NEBRASKA
ldquoThey get used to being on their feetrdquo says ONI CEO Eric Stueckrath ldquoWe offer jobs for [people with] entry-level skill sets and all of the positions are at or above minimum wage We give them the tools to help build those skill setsrdquo
ONI also offers personalized life-skills training geared to whatrsquos important to the individual from personal banking to cooking to operating a computer
The American Foundation for the Blind estimates that as many as 70 percent of blind adults in the US are unemployed As the largest employer of the blind in the Omaha metro area ONI is working to make an impact
ldquoWe work with organizations that are committed to hiring the visually impairedrdquo Stuekrath says ldquoAdvocacy is definitely part of what we dordquo
ONI is currently in the midst of a $2 million capital campaign that will allow them to complete a large-scale renovation project at their facility The renovation will create more space for the general public and give them the ability to offer additional training programs
In addition to working with adults blind and visually-impaired youth are a primary focus for Stuekrath and ONI
ldquoMy heart really gravitates toward themrdquo Stuekrath says
ONI partners with youth organizations on a number of initiatives including a sports camp for visually-impaired youth called Camp Abilities Nebraska Attendees can try archery swimming bowling track and field and more as a means to build confidence
ldquoThey donrsquot need to be coddledrdquo Stuekrath says adding that he often tells parents of blind children ldquoYour kid needs to get out there and bump his head and experience liferdquo
At ONI everything comes back to the organizationrsquos mission Stuekrath says
ldquoWe give them the tools they need to gain greater independencerdquo
B2B
FEATURE | BY APRIL CHRISTENSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY COLIN CONCES
29
30emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Layne and Pam Yahnke and Their VW Thing
Shakespeare wrote of love and betrayal Tolkien of hobbits and wizards Steinbeck and Faulkner of the indomitable American spirit
Layne Yahnke writes about his VW Thing
Yes the two-wheel-drive off-road convertible military vehicle first manufactured for the West German Army as ldquoType 181rdquo in 1968 VW churned them out until 1983 including two years in the United States when marketed as ldquoThe Thingrdquo
Yahnke got his Thing in 2000 for $5500 Hersquos lovingly restored it most importantly giving it a peppy new motor that makes it Autobahn-worthy
WHATrsquoS THAT THING
LANE YAHNKErsquoS UNUSUAL VOLKSWAGEN
HOW I ROLL | BY ANTHONY FLOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Therersquos only one other Thing in Omaha and Yahnkersquos gets lots of second and third looks when hersquos whipping down the Dodge Street Expressway from his Elkhorn home Especially when the doors are off and windshield is down
Everyone wants to know abouthellipthe Thing
Thus Yahnke penned ldquoIt Takes a Village to Build a VW Thingrdquo an ode to those who helped him with his beloved ridemdashhis sons Omaha VW Club members engine and body shops and parts stores
CONTINUEDemspONemsp32
30
SIGN UP TODAYdolnebraskagovsides
Questions phone - 402-471-9910 email - ndoluisidesnebraskagov
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Respond quickly toseparation requests
E-Response saves treesNo more paper 350rsquos
Keep your taxes lowAvoid unnecessary charges
Avoid Late responses ampLoss of appeal rights
32emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Locally Owned in Papillion Ne402-740-0800 bull apconstructomahacom
Insurance claims
welcomeIf your roof sustained fire snow or hail
damage the repairs can be costly We are your wind and hail damage experts and accept insurance claims so you wonrsquot
have to pay for the repair work yourself
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Residential Roofing bull Roof Maintenance amp Repair bull Licensed Bonded amp Insured
Steve Kowalski
Call or Text Message(402 ) 453-6000
abetterexposurecom steveabetterexposurecom
Passion Creativity Experience
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp31
ldquoI wrote that right after the engine transplantrdquo says Yahnke an Omaha native and vice president at Essex Corp provider of senior living communities ldquoI guess I was moved I get so many inquiries about it and I really feel so fondly about itrdquo
Itrsquos not his first Thing Yahnke and his wife of 38 years Pam owned one before their four children came along As the kids have come and gone so have the cars
Lots of them
Yahnke figures he has owned 60 automobiles in his life His car fancy began as a kid growing up in Dundee where a friendrsquos dad spent his spare time restoring English cars Yahnke spent hours in his garage and developed a love for Triumphs and MGs His first car purchase was a 1962 Triumph for $425 in 1972 It wasnrsquot long though until he sold it at a profit
ldquoThatrsquos what kicked off the buying and selling of English carsrdquo he says ldquoI discovered I could enjoy my transportation but then as soon as someone wanted to buy it for more than I paid for it out it wentrdquo
ldquoWhere Accounting Meets ResultsrdquoProviding Accounting and Quickbooks Services
For Metro Businesses
Denise Martin I 9252077634Deniseheartlandaccountabilitycom
wwwHeartlandAccountAbilitycom
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 33
These days you never know what will be parked in the Yahnke driveway Currently therersquos a Honda pickup a VW Jetta VW Multivan and a 2001 Audi TT Quatro Convertiblemdashpurchased in apropos silver for his 25th wedding anniversary
Itrsquos the Thing he most enjoys driving He logs about 1000 miles on it each year Most of those have come toplessmdashYahnke long ago gave it away to another Thing enthusiast and now only drives it sans roof
ldquoAnyone who sees this car has only seen it top-downrdquo he says ldquoI just got caught once in the rain and that was probably a month ago The cool thing about the Thing is you leave it out in the sun and it dries out and is ready to gordquo
It says ldquoSummer is hererdquo Yahnke says
ldquoPeople speed up all the time to try to figure out what it is Itrsquos just a happy car and itrsquos so darn versatile It puts smiles on peoplesrsquo facesrdquo
B2B
Quality Carpet Cleaning Since 2004
4026806523
Cleaning ServicesCarpet CleaningUpholstery CleaningMattress CleaningTile amp Grout CleaningPet TreatmentsConcrete CleaningConcrete CleaningAuto Interior Cleaning24 Hour Water Damage
wwwLegacyCarpetCleaningcom
omahamagazinecom SPECIALemspADVERTISINGemspSECTIONemspemsp |emsp SUMMERemsp2015emsp |emsp 34
ABOUT OUR BUSINESS
Cox Business started in 2000 as the commercial services division of Cox Communications Over the past 15 years we have experienced strong growth and are on our target to achieve $2 billion in revenue in the near future
Cox Business owns operates and maintains its own network providing leading-edge technology solutions for voice internet networking and digital TV We also offer robust business continuity and disaster recovery solutions which is of increasing importance to businesses in the greater Omaha area Our customers include such key verticals as education hospitality government and healthcare We maintain a significant focus on Omaha small business mid-markets and large local companies as well
We consider our employees to be our most precious asset as they have the responsibility of taking care of our customers At Cox Business we are fortunate to have an extremely tenured and engaged team of employees What sets us apart from our competition is the fact that while we are a large robust and progressive company we still possess
the nimbleness of a smaller company in our ability to deliver creative solutions under tight timelines We pride ourselves on having very little bureaucracy and that translates to happy customers The fact that Cox Business has won 15 JD Power Awards for customer satisfaction over the past 11 years is a notable accomplishment for us and we work hard to deliver on that promise of excellence every day
ABOUT LYNNE
I have led sales and operations teams in the communications industry for 20 years 10 of those years with Cox Communications My husband Pat and I just celebrated our first full year in Omaha and wonder why it took us so long to find this jewel of a community Our daughter Kaylin starts law school next month at the University of San Diego
I have two passions in my professional life mentoring employees who are working on leadership development (which includes working with two to three emerging leaders at any given time) and continuing to drive efforts in hiring fostering a diverse workforce There
is a challenge in STEM fields of under-represented groups My company Cox Communications is also very passionate about this and holds the distinction of inclusion in Diversity Incrsquos top 50 companies
My personal passions include travel social media and Italian cooking
B2B
COX BUSINESSLYNNE SANGIMINO
Cox Business 401 N 117th St Omaha NE 68154 coxbusinesscom 4029340830
Cradickrsquos Husker PowerTEXAN RETURNS HOME FOR BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY PG 8
Marlon Lofgren Koley Jessen PC LLOKEEPING THE FOCUS WHERE IT BELONGS PG 4
Seasoned Advice for Buyers(THE BOUNCY KIND) PG 5
PLAYING BIG EDITION
Fall
2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
2
Volume 1 Issue 5
Published by The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
PresidentEditor bull Cortney Sells
DirectorAssistant Editor bull Cassandra Powers
In-House Legal Counsel bull Susanne Miller
Outreach Coordinator bull Rene Rademacher
Marketing Development bull Rachael Rand
Business Broker bull Breann Becerra
Referring Broker bull Elizabeth Jones
Marketing Division bull Adam Jaime
Development Liaison bull Holley Garcia
Client Services bull Nycole Wandvik-Tolle
Client Services bull Julie OrsquoBrien
Community Relations bull Mike Sells
Contributing Writers
Marlon Lofgren bull Kathy Rygg bull Maureen Tierney
Design bull OBI Creative
Photography bull Bill Sitzmann
To Subscribe
The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
210 N 78 St
Omaha NE 68114
4029985288
infothefirmb2bcom
Advertising Inquiries
4028842000
toddomahamagazinecom
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Columns
4 Seller Financing
Koley Jessen PC LLO Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
14 Executive Impact Getting Into the Big Office
Departments
5 Seasoned Advice for
Business Buyers (The Bouncy Kind)
12 Building a Legacy while
Building Racks New Chapter to Becklerrsquos Career
The Bottom Line
Sells Insights
Playing Big
Husker PowerTexan returns home to
Nebraska for business opportunity
pg8
Many business owners have marginal experience in the trades in which their
organizations specialize While it may seem counterintuitive to buy or start a company situated around an industry in which one has little experience there is a certain com-petitive edge to the equation A buyer or president need only know enough to begin before surrounding him or herself with the right personnel to tackle the minute details What is paramount is the grander scheme of
management and operations which allows one to flex refined business acumen Not only does distance from fieldwork free up time to put in place a robust and refined plan but it leaves open other avenues for portfolio expansion Grow your business expand operations or begin other busi-ness ventures The possibilities are only as small as the mindset held by your team The FIRM
Special Section
7 Fresh Off The Firm The Firm Business Brokerage has
over $80 million dollars in assets under
management of current cash flowing
businesses for sale ndash from medical
practices to commercial services to large
manufacturing companies
by Cortney Sells presidenteditor
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
3Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
4
IF PROPERLY STRUCTURED AND DOCUMENTED SELLER FINANCING IS REALLY NO DIFFERENT FROM FINANCING THAT WOULD OTHERWISE BE PROVIDED BY A BANKTYING IT ALL TOGETHEREven the most savvy of ldquonumbers peoplerdquo need a leg up in negotiating a purchase As with so many aspects of doing business retaining experienced legal counsel enables you to keep the focus where it belongsmdashemploying your entrepreneurial skills in the identification and acquisition of profitable business ventures The FIRM
Seller Financing Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
written by Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
Seller financing can often be a criti-cal factor in getting a business sold
If properly structured and documented seller financing is really no different from financing that would otherwise be provided by a bank Below is a brief guide to navi-gating the issues normally encountered in seller financing
FIRST THINGS FIRSTThe first question is usually that of how to structure and document the financing The buyer should be expected to sign a prom-issory note evidencing the loan from the seller with interest and repayment terms mutually agreeable to both parties The seller might also require that the buyer grant the seller a security interestlien in the pur-chased assets to secure the loan Itrsquos also not unusual for a seller to require that the individual owners of the buyer (assuming the buyer is an entity) personally guarantee the loan In most cases the documents are usually pretty straightforward and do not need to be overly complicated
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
ADDITIONAL LAYERSIf a bank is also financing the sale the seller will most likely be required by the bank to sign a subordination agreement This is an agreement between the bank usually referred to as the ldquosenior lenderrdquo and the seller referred to as the ldquojunior lenderrdquo A subordination agreement sets forth the terms between the lenders as to each entityrsquos right to receive loan pay-ments from the buyer and the priority of their respective security interestsliens in the purchased assets The document will usually state that the senior lenderrsquos loan and security interestliens shall at all times be superior to those of the junior lender until the senior loan is paid in full Most lenders are willing to discuss and negoti-ate the junior lenderrsquos right to receive loan payments from the borrower Lien priority status however is rarely compromised by senior lenders in subordination agreements The senior lender will insist on having a first priority security interestlien in the pur-chased assets
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Whether yoursquore a first-time entre-preneur or an experienced business
owner purchasing a company is a critical investment financially and emotionally To help increase the likelihood of it being a success in both areas there are a number of aspects to keep in mind when evaluating if a business is the right fit gt
Seasoned Advice for Business Buyers(The Bouncy Kind)
written by Kathy Rygg
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Jerry Rachwalik
5Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
6
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
lt Jerry Rachwalik has been researching companies for the past three years waiting for the right opportunity to arise His search was the result of spending his career work-ing for larger organizations in a number of areas including delivery installation cus-tomer service inventory accounts receiv-ables and scheduling where he managed up to 35 people at a time
Policies and philosophies can change when working for a corporation Sometimes they become less family friendly ldquoWith the previous companies I worked forrdquo Rachwalik says ldquothey switched from caring about em-ployees to making money and the bottom line I stuck it out for several years and then decided I needed something differentrdquo
An entrepreneur by nature Rachwalik has over the last seven years built up a rental business buying foreclosed homes and duplex properties completely reno-vating them and then renting them back out He now has 15 properties and enjoys helping families by providing nice homes that are affordable ldquoI want people to feel good when they come home at night after a long day at workrdquo he says Rachwalik want-ed to find a business that allowed him the flexibility to respond to his tenants when needed from simple plumbing issues to furnaces going kaput
When he first started looking for a new business Rachwalik was drawn to home health care because of his experience help-ing to take care of relatives And it was a growing field Nothing was available at the time so he expanded his options and be-gan researching businesses in a variety of industries Those included a flooring com-pany sandwich shop and even a hair salon
ldquoI was open to anything and if I could make the numbers work then I would consider itrdquo he explains
Then The Firm Business Brokerage pre-sented him with an opportunity that was the right match Bounce U in Omaha There were a number of factors that appealed to Rachwalik First and foremost were the financials but it would also offer him the flexibility he needed for his rental business A big advantage was that an entire team was already in place one seasoned in man-aging staff and scheduling parties ldquoThey do a great jobrdquo he says ldquoI donrsquot plan on making any personnel changesrdquo
But what hersquos most looking forward to with this new venture is the fun positive environment Bounce Ursquos primary business is its birthday party packages featuring the companyrsquos oversized inflatibles and Rachwalik said he canrsquot wait to watch the excitement on the kids faces when they walk through the door ldquoEveryone there is happyrdquo he says ldquoThe kids are happy the parents are happy and the employees running the parties are happy Itrsquoll be a big change from the environments I used to work inrdquo Hersquos already planning to have his twin grand-daughtersrsquo birthday party there too
His transition included a week of training with the companyrsquos corporate facility in Ari-zona as well as on-site training Even though the Omaha location is an existing store all of Rachwalikrsquos training was structured as though itrsquos a brand new site
Bounce U has traditionally partnered with local restaurants to provide food for birth-day parties but Rachwalik wants to explore the option to build a kitchen of his own
He also hopes to continue to grow the business by at least 5 annually ldquoAnything I do I will communicate with my employees and get their input and suggestions firstrdquo he adds
For anyone who is considering buying a business or is going through the process Rachwalik stresses to be open minded and not rule anything out ldquoIf an opportunity is presented to you run the numbers and see if you can make it workrdquo he says ldquoI did a complete flip-flop on the type of business I thought I wanted versus what I ended up purchasing But if you keep looking yoursquoll eventually find a matchrdquo The FIRM
ldquoTHE KIDS ARE HAPPY THE PARENTS ARE HAPPY AND THE EMPLOYEES RUNNING THE PARTIES ARE HAPPY ITrsquoLL BE A BIG CHANGE FROM THE ENVIRONMENTS I USED TO WORK INrdquo
-Jerry Rachwalik
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Fresh Off The Firm Featured Listings for Sale
Suburban Bar amp Grill with VolleyballOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $26413 PRICE $115000
Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity in an area with only two other bars nearby Serving up a gorgeous and well-maintained volleyball court along with pool tables and a jukebox this bar and grill is a favorite with the locals Business is fully staffedmdashowner works very part time hours
Rain Gutter Sales amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $145200 PRICE $415000
This business is a dealer for high-end rain gutter covers These products are con-structed of high-quality aluminum and sur-gical-grade stainless steel and are strong enough to hold up to four feet of snow or 20 pounds of debris Profit margin is 48
Large-Scale Assembly amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $743732 PRICE $2200000
This well-established installation and assembly business in central Nebraska prides itself on providing many numerous building solutions for businesses and building owners in their area They install and assemble metal frames including grain silos pole barns and buildings
Photo Booth Business Running on Autopilot OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $36419 PRICE $88900
Photo booths are the ldquoin thingrdquo at weddings and parties In business for seven years this business is one of the largest in town Wedding couples hoping to capture the fun memories of the day make up 67 of the clients Includes four booths and one trailer
Southwest Omaha Dental PracticeOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $129745 PRICE $380000
Professional staff and excellent customer service are the hallmarks of this practice Using the latest technology the business offers an array of dental services including teeth cleaning veneers crowns bleaching and trauma services The owner is currently working only 20 hours a week
Small Animal Vet Clinic in Omaha OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $158287 PRICE $440000
For over 30 years this animal care clinic has prioritized customer care They are currently offering services to over 2000 families and are the second largest veterinary clinic in the area The business is split 7030 between dogs and cats
Buildersrsquo Material amp Supply CompanyOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $364880 PRICE $933000
This highly reputable company established in 1976 and located just north of Omaha provides quality and reliable services and supplies Building supply inventory includes garage door lumber windows trims siding roofing materials and more Approximately 90 of customers are repeat clientele
High-Growth Plumbing Company OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $157774 PRICE $445000
This non-union plumbing company has consistent growth of over $130000 a year in sales The full service plumbing contractor has business that is currently 50 commercial and 50 residential
90+ available business opportunities for sale Please visit TheFirmBusinessBrokeragecom for details
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
7Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
Matt Cradick
The Deal ReviewReason For Sale Fresh start after 25+ years in the industrySeller Transition Period Over eight monthsType of Sale Asset Purchase AgreementLender Access Bank Mack LaRock
ldquoYOU SHOULD INTERVIEW FOR A BUSINESS JUST LIKE YOU
WOULD FOR A JOBrdquo CRADICK EXPLAINS ldquoIT HAS TO BE THE
RIGHT FIT YOU DONrsquoT WANT TO BE ONE OF THE MANY FA-
TALITIES THAT HAPPEN SO OFTEN IN NEW BUSINESSrdquo
-Shaun Heldt
From Retail to RoofingHow to be Successful When Buying a Business
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Spending almost 20 years working in retail for major corporations and then
buying a siding and roofing contracting company may seem like a major leap but for Matt Cradick owner of Husker Ham-mer Siding Windows and Roofing it was the best business move hersquos ever made And thatrsquos saying a lot for someone who moved 11 times in 19 years across nine different states
Cradick had been living in Houston Texas where he worked for Target Corporation He had worked his way up through the com-pany and another promotion was on the horizon which meant another move With three young children at home Cradick de-cided it was time to put down some roots Having grown up in Lincoln Nebraska he wanted to be near family and Midwestern values He started researching businesses for sale and was eventually led to The Firm which in turn led him to Husker Hammer
The move from a big corporate environ-ment to a small contracting business didnrsquot intimidate Cradick With Target he oversaw 200 people so he knew he brought strong management and operational skills The challenge he says was learning the ins and outs of construction He didnrsquot need to be the one hammering away on the roofmdashhe needed learn a new business segment
ldquoSwitching industries can be nerve-rack-ingrdquo Cradick says ldquobut the owner was will-ing to stay on board for six months during the transitionrdquo That partnership was an invaluable tool during the changeover gt
A Publication of The Firm Business BrokerageA Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
9Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
10
lt Husker Hammer was started in 1998 as a one-man operation and had been built up to a multimillion dollar business Cradick was impressed with the mission statement values system of the company and the strong workforce that was already in place And the price of the company lined up well with the financials ldquoWhat Husker has that others in the industry donrsquotrdquo says the man whose faith is central to his deal-ings ldquois a strong ethical foundation with a Christian backgroundrdquo
There were a number of other elements Cradick sought when buying his business ones he believes all potential business own-ers need to keep in mind The first is to make sure you have a proper support team in place to help make a sound financial deci-sion That includes having a good business valuation and a good business broker who can point you in the right direction to ensure a match for both parties
Once yoursquore in the process of purchasing he adds make sure you have a capable net-work of attorneys a seasoned financial team and solid internal help to ensure yoursquore suc-cessful from the start ldquoYou should interview
for a business just like you would for a jobrdquo Cradick explains ldquoIt has to be the right fit You donrsquot want to be one of the many fatal-ities that happen so often in new businessrdquo
To help ensure the company continues to be successful Cradick plans to main-tain Husker Hammerrsquos competitive edges which he says includes his 11000-sq-ft state-of-the-art showroom in Elkhorn He reformatted the space to better fit his busi-ness model before building out additional second-floor space that is now rented to other entrepreneurs
The showroom features all of the window siding and roofing products available to customers Samples are one thing Cradick says but he knows the power of customers seeing actual colors in actual sizes
ldquoOur philosophy is to build peace of mind for homeowners and be with them every step through the processrdquo he says ldquoWord of mouth is our number one lead source which was true in retail as wellrdquo
Happy employees to Cradick are just as important as happy customers He sub-scribes to a simple philosophymdashlistening to employees and doing so with respect
ldquoWith big corporations you deal with a lot of politicsrdquo he says ldquoNow if therersquos politics itrsquos because Irsquove generated it Itrsquos a nice change to be in a small business where you have more leeway to ensure yoursquore creating a positive work environment which creates a happy workforcerdquo
Working for a smaller company also allows for more opportunities to become involved in the community Husker Hammer is active in local chambers of commerce the Open Door Mission and is currently helping on a Habitat for Humanity build in Waterloo They have also been accredited by the Bet-ter Business Bureau since 2000 and won the Better Business Integrity Award
Cradickrsquos business is currently 90 percent residential and 10 percent commercial He hopes to increase their reach in proper-ty management and general contracting while maintaining the high-quality residen-tial sales that built the business ldquoBecause of our showroomrdquo he says ldquopeople come
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
to us We donrsquot do the high pressure sales at the kitchen table We listen We let the homeowners do the talkingrdquo
Growing geographically is also a goal Cradick hopes to expand to surrounding areas including his hometown of Lincoln
ldquoSo far itrsquos been a great moverdquo he says ldquoand I look forward to continuing to be known as an ethical long-lasting company My daughters and wife are excited to be back in the Midwest around grandparents and family Their school district is great and the full year-round climate has been a welcome change from living in the south Plus I was averaging 50000 miles per year in travel so itrsquos nice to sleep in your own bed every nightrdquo The FIRM
For more information on this or any for sale listings call The Firm Business Brokerage directly
11Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
The Deal ReviewBusiness Established 1987Reason for Sale Retirement (Transla-tion More time with a fishing pole)Ownerrsquos Profit $495004Type of Loan SBA with Core Bank
12
Back to the FutureBuilding a Business Legacy
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Itrsquos not uncommon for someone who has spent a number of years in corporate
America to shift gears into entrepreneur-ship Being your own boss certainly has its advantages But for Scott Beckler who recently purchased Lewis Installers in Gret-na his reason for taking on a new business venture had more to do with honoring not only his fatherrsquos legacy but building one of his own
Beckler started his career as a business education teacher then moved to a corpo-rate career in technology But for a number of years he kept an eye on businesses for sale hoping that just the right opportunity would come along
ldquoMy dad was an entrepreneur who owned his own real estate insurance companyrdquo
Beckler says ldquoDespite the fact he had on-going health issues he still got up every day put on a coat and tie and went out to make a sale He was a very successful busi-nessman and I wanted to honor his legacyrdquo
After contacting The Firm and discuss-ing what he was looking for in a business the team suggested Lewis Installers which specializes in industrial conveyor and rack systems At first it seemed like a big de-parture for him ldquoShelving and logistical systems isnrsquot something that jumps out at yourdquo Beckler says But the more he looked into it the more he realized it had many of the elements he wanted in a business The most obvious advantage was that the company was located in Gretna where he lives Add to that the fact that the seller lives just up the road from him
Scott Beckler
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
For purposes of this article this overview is based on the buying and selling entities being corporations or entities taxed as corporations
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
4420 Izard Street Omaha4022938707 bull 8887380296
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
HAVE YOUR MINOR ROOF LEAKS BECOME A MAJOR ANNOYANCEDonrsquot Wait Any Longer Call Us Now
ldquoAfter meeting him and hitting it offrdquo Beckler says ldquowe quickly realized it was a match on both sidesrdquo
Other signs also pointed in the right di-rection The financials were good The size of the business was ideal The competitive landscape was promising Beckler also real-ized that his corporate background fit well with this new business
ldquoAlthough itrsquos an entirely different indus-tryrdquo he says ldquomany of the business princi-ples are the samehellipproject management customer service delivery vendor man-agement and cost containment Irsquove been doing all of those for yearsrdquo
His background in technology will also be a valuable asset in his new business Not only has he established relationships with large vendors built over the years but his from-the-ground-up experience with data centers means that he is already eying in-novative automation and other technology differentiators At the same time hersquos look-ing forward to learning the daily operations of the company and having a hand in every part of the business from bidding to closing to payroll
ldquoIt will be challenging coming from a big business background where Irsquove only been involved in the peripheryrdquo Beckler says
ldquoNow Irsquoll be involved in all of itrdquo
Lewis Installers being a family-owned business is what hersquos most excited about He says itrsquos a company with a good repu-tation thatrsquos known for quality and meeting deadlinesmdashall driven by a strong Midwest-ern work ethic
Itrsquos the sort of company Beckler believes that would make his father proud
ldquoI want this business to be a legacy for my familyrdquo Beckler says ldquoMy hope is that it could stay in the family with my own kids and grandkidsrdquo The FIRM
13Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Om
aharsquo
s Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
14
When considering the purchase of an existing business very few realize
that lack of experience in an industry can actually lead to success One simply needs a sound financial plan and a good team to fill in the gaps Removing the added stress of fieldwork and focusing solely on the management of finances and operation allows for greater opportunities It makes for the dynamic advantage of some outside impartiality when seeking areas of improve-ment and growth
One man who has made this transition from having marginal knowledge in an in-dustry to leading a successful plumbing and HVAC operation is Mark Evans president of Burton Plumbing Before taking over Burton Evans had a successful plumbing distribu-torship serving four states but it was his desire to own and to travel less that put him into the hands of Burton Friesz The founder of Burton Plumbing Friesz had been a customer and friend of Evansrsquo when the two discussed a possible expansion into residential service Evans put his busi-ness experience to work for Burton in July 1995 and his education in the minutiae of plumbing and HVAC began
While he hasnrsquot worked in the field as a licensed plumbing contractor Evans has dipped his feet in several areas within the running of Burtonhellipand often at the same time Before hiring the essential personnel that have enabled him to narrow his role Ev-ans served as manager marketer customer service representative and dispatcher Such a list of duties for one man is a daunting task but ldquoI worked my way to being able to work on the business rather than in the business [a strategy] taught to me by my business coachrdquo says Evans
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
REMOVING THE ADDED STRESS OF FIELDWORK AND FOCUSING SOLELY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF FINANCES AND OPERATION ALLOWS FOR GREATER OPPORTUNITIES
Executive Impact Moving Into the Boardroom From Employee to President
written by Maureen Tierney | Co-written by Mark Evans and Julie OrsquoBrien
Eventually Evans was able to step back and bring on a general manager and a ware-house operator that has allowed him to
ldquofocus on growth opportunities marketing and cash flowrdquo
Evansrsquo experience is not unique It is com-mon for brokerages to deal with buyers seeking to own companies within a cer-tain field but ldquoonly two people out of the nearly 100 closings [wersquove had] have come in for the same business that they ended up purchasingrdquo says Julie OrsquoBrien client services and paralegal with The Firm What it comes down to is as simple as the bot-tom line Buyers are looking to leverage their talents and experience in a marriage between a management philosophy and business model Those in the market for an acquisition are ldquobuying based on profit number of staff ability to get financing and mostly their strengths and passionsrdquo says OrsquoBrien Experience in a particular industry is certainly valuable but is no predictor of success when the right financial mind comes along
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Even so making up for a lack of practical knowledge requires the proper equipment most notably in the form of managers and employees The right talent in the field can be a growth experience and provide an opportunity to learn the ropes before taking a full swing at things A total deficit in knowl-edge hardly makes for good leadership and for this reason many ldquonew business owners like to take a birdrsquos eye view of the operation rather than diving in and getting their hands dirty right awayhellipgiving them the opportunity to watch [how] things have been done before implementing changesrdquo says OrsquoBrien
Approaching ownership in this way also allows for further financial acquisitions an avenue which Evans has taken In addition to owning Burton Plumbing Evans operates four other companies One might assume this much responsibility to be a stretch but Evans sees his role as ldquokeeping a pulse on things I like to lead people in growth per-sonally and on the business siderdquo
Getting started can be a challenge which is why OrsquoBrien works closely with potential buyers to find the right fit ldquoWe assist all the wayrdquo she says ldquoWe work with the buyer on projections business plans [and] we introduce them to trusted advisorsrdquo from attorneys and CPAs to financial advisors and insurance agents
Itrsquos this helpful backing of experts that eases the difficult task of ownership and only proves that one can certainly switch from a blue collar to a white one The FIRM
CONTRACTING BUSINESSES LISTED BY THE FIRM
201
5 P
roje
cted
201
5 Y
TD
201
4
201
3
201
2
30
0
15
28
14
12
11
16
15Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Omaharsquos Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
It may seem like I pulled a muscle making this stretch but Keith Backsen the new boss at the Omaha Convention amp Visitors Bureau seems to have an awful lot in common with new Husker Coach Mike Riley
Coach Riley spent a total of 14 seasons at Oregon State before heading to Huskerland Backsen also comes from that neck of the woods having spent 11 years of his career in Portland Oregon and another 11 years in Spokane Washington selling both cities as prime places for convention and leisure travelers
At Oregon State Coach Riley built the football program into a consistent winner and regular conference contender At Visit Spokane Backsen opened sales offices in Washington DC and Chicago that led to increased convention bookings Backsen also worked on the public campaign to expand the Spokane Convention Center with a $65 million bond issue The expansion coupled with increased hotel inventory allowed Spokane to pursue large conventions and more than doubled convention bookings in Spokane
Riley has experience at the highest level of football serving as the head coach of the San Diego Chargers and as a head coach in both the Canadian and World Football Leagues Same for Backsen he worked in Dallas and Chicago as the director of sales for Global Experience Specialists a global leader in the world of event planning Backsen supervised five sales offices in a nine-state region generating annual sales in excess of $70 million
Riley is known as one of the most professional and nicest men in the profession a coach who is greatly admired by his peers I kid you not Backsen is described the same way by colleaguesmdashone of the most genuine and skilled men in the business a well respected professional who has the insight and experience to get the job done (Note the $70M stat above)
Come the first game both men will have a stadium filled with fans cheering them on In Backsenrsquos case his stadium is the entire city of Omaha where the fans are the 434353 residents who will reap the rewards of Omaharsquos growing tourism economy
B2B
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 51
51HUSKER
COACH HAS TOURISM
TWIN
OMAHA CVB BY DEB WARD
Deb Ward is the director of marketingcommunications Omaha Convention and Visitorrsquos Bureau
Keith Backsen
52 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Jason Feldman and Sebastian Hunt
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 53
The emerging startup accelerator scene supports creative-minded risk-takers looking for an edge to follow their passion and bring their ideas to fruition
Sebastian Hunt 25 is passionate about giving entrepreneurs like himself a nurturing space to test out their concepts The University of Nebraska at Omaha economics graduate interned with various local employers and surveyed the area startup community when an idea struck him for a by-application curriculum-based residency program serving new entrepreneurs That inspiration turned into Year of the Startup
Launched in 2014 the program operates out of a humble house at 4036 Burt Street in the St Cecilia Cathedral neighborhood Hunt and co-founder Jason Feldman 28 room there with young residency fellows whose startup ventures range from making bio-fuels to providing night owl shuttle services They are a millennial bunch who favor sneakers and sandals They take informal meetings to nearby CaliCommons and Lisarsquos Radial Cafe They variously hunch over laptops or tablets and carry smartphones as appendages
YEAR OF THE STARTUP
ENTREPRENEURAL IMMERSION
This communal work-live space model for business mavericks is new to Omaha The usual startup accelerator is a concentrated 90-day off-site program Omaha has a few of these notably Straight Shot Hunt saw a need for a program that invites a broader range of people into the accelerator fold and supports them much nearer to the start of their dream than other programs
ldquoWe feel like we can take people at very early stages because we are four times as long as the average programrdquo says Hunt who adds that Year of the Startup is also not tech-centric like many programs tend to be ldquoIn our model we substitute intensity for duration I think a lot of the learning here comes through unstructured serendipitous interactions we have that is not curriculum-based itrsquos just happenstance
ldquoWith a house there are so many different ways you can bring ideas and people together I think thatrsquos maybe that critical binding agent and sense of place that helps accomplish thingsrdquo
He says in this intimate environment ldquotherersquos no other choice but to immerse yourself in the settingrdquo adding ldquoWersquore always hanging out in the living room or out back talking about startup stuffmdashmonetization strategies capitalization tables vested equity entity structuresrdquo
ldquoItrsquos this immersive experience of camaraderie of these natural flows and idea generationrdquo Feldman says
Hunt says ldquoThis is very difficult to get bored with because therersquos always somebody whose business is either in crisis or growth stage or some interesting part of the curverdquo
ldquoHow could we get bored when wersquore creating a platform with four startups and all we get to do is ideationrdquo Feldman says ldquoItrsquos a constant buzz we get from interacting with these startup founders and helping them build their ideasrdquo
Built into the program are activities that encourage fellows to break out of their comfort zone and to offer honest criticism of each otherrsquos ideas
Hunt compiles multiple data points on the startups
ldquoWersquore developing really deep insight about how do people start successful businessesrdquo
The program utilizes mentors from the entrepreneurial community
ldquoWe bring in people who are experts in specific areas to talk on those topicsrdquo Feldman says
ldquoThey get ideas flowingrdquo Hunt says of the mentors
Feldman says he regularly covers with fellows ldquothe major components of what you need to look at to start your businessrdquo and then mentors like Mike Kolker owner of graphic design firm Simplify teach lessons about operational efficiency and ldquohow to simplify running a businessrdquo
Hunt is a newcomer to all this and goes by instinct as much as research to support his vision
CONTINUED ON 54
FEATURE | BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
53
54 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
70 Years of Business in Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
4027335500 | 4315 South 50th Street
402-333-5722 bull wwwsw-fencecom
Thanks for Voting SampW Fence the Best Again in 2015
Wersquore Not Just About Fences
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Thank You for Voting Us Best of B2Btrade 4 Years in a Row
AUDIO VISUAL SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDEbull System designengineeringbull Sales
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B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER 2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
ConnectWITH YOURCOMMUNITY
Donrsquot forget to visitOmahaMagazinecom to read
all of our titles online
Omaha MagazineEncounter B2B 60PlusHerFamily OmahaHome
CONTINUED FROM 53
ldquoI just had an irrational confidence market insights and a great theoretical background thanks to primary research I completed and to lessons I learned from Phillip Phillips Michael OrsquoHara and Art Diamond in UNOrsquos economics department I read constantly about who the players were in the startup world so I was fairly preparedrdquo
Even though he directs a startup program he only started participating in one himself (Venture School) He acknowledges Year of the Startup is a by-the-seat-of-your-pants experiment
ldquoComing out of college I had student loans and not a ton of money Irsquove held two jobs to finance the project Now the project is financed by a combination of me working and renting out one room One-hundred percent of the money our entrepreneurs pay in rent will be returned in full and so everybody has a strong incentive to follow through with the program That may be what makes us sustainablerdquo
Hersquos working on securing corporate sponsorship for the program Meanwhile he wants to help get participating startups to the next level
ldquoWersquore functioning like a pre-accelerator at this point We want to get our startups profitable and then refer them to the Straight Shots so they can focus on growth in a pure accelerator programrdquo
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 55
Mercedes-Benz of Omaha14335 Hillsdale Ave Omaha NE 68137wwwOmahaMercedescomContact John Williams anytime at 4029819262
of Omaha of Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
As Year of the Startup moved into a larger house in Omaharsquos Little Italy district on July 1 and a new class of fellows arrives Hunt says there are ldquointeresting talks happening right now to bring this to other citiesrdquo He and Feldman say economic development agencies are willing to pay a license fee for them to do startup houses in other cities The partners are having proprietary software developed that will enable new startup houses to replicate their branded Omaha model
They look forward to engaging with the emerging 10th Street cultural district but may keep the midtown house to accommodate growth
Hunt and Feldman believe theyrsquore catching the wave or tipping point of a big new startup rush and theyrsquore betting their model is poised to be a niche player in this wild frontier of entrepreneurial prospecting
B2B
56 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
It is an unassuming space but if you have made your way to TD Ameritrade Park Filmstreams or Hot Shops chances are yoursquove passed one of the most vibrant offices in Omaha
The fact that Co-Lab (short for Creative Collaborators) is not a traditional work space is certainly one of its best features Located inside the Tip Top building at 15th and Cumming streets is a project dreamed up by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture who happens to share the main floor of the building Based in the heart of a once-isolated section of the city Co-Labrsquos funky creative vibe is making waves In fact that vibe seeps into Omaharsquos everyday bringing about small changes pushing our city toward a more innovative future
CO-LABGIVING OMAHA WORKERS A MORE
COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE
IN THE OFFICE | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
56
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 57
Home to 18 businesses plus Alley Poyner Macchietto Co-Lab is free of walls and signage It is also free from traditional office norms For instance you donrsquot just walk over to your neighborrsquos space for a brainstorming sessionmdashyou skateboard At least you do if yoursquore Dave Nelson of SecretPenguin a leading experimental branding agency The best part is that the businesses surrounding SecretPenguin appreciate the break from tradition ldquoThatrsquos the beautiful part about being around like-minded good people and businessesrdquo Nelson says
CONTINUED ON 58
58 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 59
CONTINUED FROM 57
In addition to having pathways large enough to skateboard or bike through the space also provides Co-Labbers with a kitchen various conference rooms bike storage bathrooms and a battleground (otherwise known as the ping-pong table) Walking in the main doors clients and employees alike are greeted from the front desk while catching a view of the five-story open atrium basking in the glow of sunshine from the skylight Workers can also access the fitness room and rooftop deck sharing amenities with TipTop apartment residents who use a separate entrance
CONTINUED ON 60
The Harry A Koch CoInsurance amp Financial ConsultantsMember of First Insurance Group LLC
60 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
CONTINUED FROM 59
Businesses in Co-Lab all creativity-related range from entrepreneurs to start-ups to non-profits to small businesses The art varies in form but runs through the space like an electric current At Zicafoose Textiles Mary Zicafoose works steadily on her loom creating gorgeous tapestries 4Site Programming is where Joi Brown works as an independent consultant for performing arts centers across the nation Heartland B-Cycle a large-scale municipal bike sharing system brings art in the form of economical convenience Holly Boyer a founder of non-profit organization Mission Matters explains that one of the best things about having an office at Co-Lab is feeling the innovative positive energy from the moment you walk in the door So while individuals may join Co-Lab with a business-minded focus or a more creative vibe finding a yin to their yang is just a shout away
ldquoThere is certainly a wonderful built-in support network that comes along with working in a collaborative environmentrdquo quips Omaha Creative Institute Executive Director Emily Moody ldquoEverything from sharing ideas and finding ways to collaborate with an organization different than yours to sharing a staplerrdquo
At the heart of making it work says Laura Alley of Alley Poyner itrsquos simply playing well with others
The skateboarding ping-pong playing creatives do that well
B2B
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B2B OMAHArsquoS
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Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott Enterprises
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For more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
TD Ameritrade Park | First National Bank Tower | Midtown Crossing | Village Pointe | Childrenrsquos Hospital Aksarben Village | Joslyn Art Museum | Fred amp Pamela Buffett Cancer Center | UNO Community Arena
6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
AT THE OFFICE amp ON THE GO
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Plantronics BackBeat
Fit Bluetooth
Plantronics CS540
Wireless
wwwheadsetterscom wwwcomputeromahacomLocated Inside of Headsetters
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Clean Your BrowserRemove Temporary Internet Files
Delete Adware and CookiesDefrag Hard Drives
Intall Current Microsoft PatchesInstall Microsoft Security Updates
Update Drivers
13
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
- BB1015_fntCvr_125
- BB1015_fntEdit_125
- BB1015_bkEdit_125
- BB1015_bkCvr_125
-
28emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Outlook Nebraska CEO Eric Stueckrath
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 29
On the surface it looks just like any other office or factory As you enter Outlook Nebraska Inc (ONI) yoursquore greeted by a friendly front desk attendant and led past a perfectly ordinary-looking workspace Entering their factory where they manufacture such paper products as rolls of hand towels you wouldnrsquot suspect that it is different from any other assembly line
But explore a little deeper
Walking past one office you might see a man typing away on a keyboard his laptop closed in front of him He doesnrsquot need it open to know what hersquos typing Hersquos visually impaired and utilizing computer software that reads the words aloud as he types
On the factory floor raised edges guard the walkway so sightless employees can feel their way around Over on the assembly line visually impaired workers can use a computer screen to zoom in on the product at various stages of production to assess the process
ONI is a non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance the life of the blind and visually impaired through employment opportunities and training Almost all the employees at ONI are blind or visually impaired from factory workers to IT professionals Some were born blind others lost their sight later in life ONI aims to help them all re-enter the workforce in a meaningful way
A SIGHT FOR NON-SEEING EYES
OUTLOOK NEBRASKA
ldquoThey get used to being on their feetrdquo says ONI CEO Eric Stueckrath ldquoWe offer jobs for [people with] entry-level skill sets and all of the positions are at or above minimum wage We give them the tools to help build those skill setsrdquo
ONI also offers personalized life-skills training geared to whatrsquos important to the individual from personal banking to cooking to operating a computer
The American Foundation for the Blind estimates that as many as 70 percent of blind adults in the US are unemployed As the largest employer of the blind in the Omaha metro area ONI is working to make an impact
ldquoWe work with organizations that are committed to hiring the visually impairedrdquo Stuekrath says ldquoAdvocacy is definitely part of what we dordquo
ONI is currently in the midst of a $2 million capital campaign that will allow them to complete a large-scale renovation project at their facility The renovation will create more space for the general public and give them the ability to offer additional training programs
In addition to working with adults blind and visually-impaired youth are a primary focus for Stuekrath and ONI
ldquoMy heart really gravitates toward themrdquo Stuekrath says
ONI partners with youth organizations on a number of initiatives including a sports camp for visually-impaired youth called Camp Abilities Nebraska Attendees can try archery swimming bowling track and field and more as a means to build confidence
ldquoThey donrsquot need to be coddledrdquo Stuekrath says adding that he often tells parents of blind children ldquoYour kid needs to get out there and bump his head and experience liferdquo
At ONI everything comes back to the organizationrsquos mission Stuekrath says
ldquoWe give them the tools they need to gain greater independencerdquo
B2B
FEATURE | BY APRIL CHRISTENSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY COLIN CONCES
29
30emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Layne and Pam Yahnke and Their VW Thing
Shakespeare wrote of love and betrayal Tolkien of hobbits and wizards Steinbeck and Faulkner of the indomitable American spirit
Layne Yahnke writes about his VW Thing
Yes the two-wheel-drive off-road convertible military vehicle first manufactured for the West German Army as ldquoType 181rdquo in 1968 VW churned them out until 1983 including two years in the United States when marketed as ldquoThe Thingrdquo
Yahnke got his Thing in 2000 for $5500 Hersquos lovingly restored it most importantly giving it a peppy new motor that makes it Autobahn-worthy
WHATrsquoS THAT THING
LANE YAHNKErsquoS UNUSUAL VOLKSWAGEN
HOW I ROLL | BY ANTHONY FLOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Therersquos only one other Thing in Omaha and Yahnkersquos gets lots of second and third looks when hersquos whipping down the Dodge Street Expressway from his Elkhorn home Especially when the doors are off and windshield is down
Everyone wants to know abouthellipthe Thing
Thus Yahnke penned ldquoIt Takes a Village to Build a VW Thingrdquo an ode to those who helped him with his beloved ridemdashhis sons Omaha VW Club members engine and body shops and parts stores
CONTINUEDemspONemsp32
30
SIGN UP TODAYdolnebraskagovsides
Questions phone - 402-471-9910 email - ndoluisidesnebraskagov
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Submit separation information online
Free - No postage costsno sign-up fee
Respond quickly toseparation requests
E-Response saves treesNo more paper 350rsquos
Keep your taxes lowAvoid unnecessary charges
Avoid Late responses ampLoss of appeal rights
32emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Locally Owned in Papillion Ne402-740-0800 bull apconstructomahacom
Insurance claims
welcomeIf your roof sustained fire snow or hail
damage the repairs can be costly We are your wind and hail damage experts and accept insurance claims so you wonrsquot
have to pay for the repair work yourself
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Residential Roofing bull Roof Maintenance amp Repair bull Licensed Bonded amp Insured
Steve Kowalski
Call or Text Message(402 ) 453-6000
abetterexposurecom steveabetterexposurecom
Passion Creativity Experience
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp31
ldquoI wrote that right after the engine transplantrdquo says Yahnke an Omaha native and vice president at Essex Corp provider of senior living communities ldquoI guess I was moved I get so many inquiries about it and I really feel so fondly about itrdquo
Itrsquos not his first Thing Yahnke and his wife of 38 years Pam owned one before their four children came along As the kids have come and gone so have the cars
Lots of them
Yahnke figures he has owned 60 automobiles in his life His car fancy began as a kid growing up in Dundee where a friendrsquos dad spent his spare time restoring English cars Yahnke spent hours in his garage and developed a love for Triumphs and MGs His first car purchase was a 1962 Triumph for $425 in 1972 It wasnrsquot long though until he sold it at a profit
ldquoThatrsquos what kicked off the buying and selling of English carsrdquo he says ldquoI discovered I could enjoy my transportation but then as soon as someone wanted to buy it for more than I paid for it out it wentrdquo
ldquoWhere Accounting Meets ResultsrdquoProviding Accounting and Quickbooks Services
For Metro Businesses
Denise Martin I 9252077634Deniseheartlandaccountabilitycom
wwwHeartlandAccountAbilitycom
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 33
These days you never know what will be parked in the Yahnke driveway Currently therersquos a Honda pickup a VW Jetta VW Multivan and a 2001 Audi TT Quatro Convertiblemdashpurchased in apropos silver for his 25th wedding anniversary
Itrsquos the Thing he most enjoys driving He logs about 1000 miles on it each year Most of those have come toplessmdashYahnke long ago gave it away to another Thing enthusiast and now only drives it sans roof
ldquoAnyone who sees this car has only seen it top-downrdquo he says ldquoI just got caught once in the rain and that was probably a month ago The cool thing about the Thing is you leave it out in the sun and it dries out and is ready to gordquo
It says ldquoSummer is hererdquo Yahnke says
ldquoPeople speed up all the time to try to figure out what it is Itrsquos just a happy car and itrsquos so darn versatile It puts smiles on peoplesrsquo facesrdquo
B2B
Quality Carpet Cleaning Since 2004
4026806523
Cleaning ServicesCarpet CleaningUpholstery CleaningMattress CleaningTile amp Grout CleaningPet TreatmentsConcrete CleaningConcrete CleaningAuto Interior Cleaning24 Hour Water Damage
wwwLegacyCarpetCleaningcom
omahamagazinecom SPECIALemspADVERTISINGemspSECTIONemspemsp |emsp SUMMERemsp2015emsp |emsp 34
ABOUT OUR BUSINESS
Cox Business started in 2000 as the commercial services division of Cox Communications Over the past 15 years we have experienced strong growth and are on our target to achieve $2 billion in revenue in the near future
Cox Business owns operates and maintains its own network providing leading-edge technology solutions for voice internet networking and digital TV We also offer robust business continuity and disaster recovery solutions which is of increasing importance to businesses in the greater Omaha area Our customers include such key verticals as education hospitality government and healthcare We maintain a significant focus on Omaha small business mid-markets and large local companies as well
We consider our employees to be our most precious asset as they have the responsibility of taking care of our customers At Cox Business we are fortunate to have an extremely tenured and engaged team of employees What sets us apart from our competition is the fact that while we are a large robust and progressive company we still possess
the nimbleness of a smaller company in our ability to deliver creative solutions under tight timelines We pride ourselves on having very little bureaucracy and that translates to happy customers The fact that Cox Business has won 15 JD Power Awards for customer satisfaction over the past 11 years is a notable accomplishment for us and we work hard to deliver on that promise of excellence every day
ABOUT LYNNE
I have led sales and operations teams in the communications industry for 20 years 10 of those years with Cox Communications My husband Pat and I just celebrated our first full year in Omaha and wonder why it took us so long to find this jewel of a community Our daughter Kaylin starts law school next month at the University of San Diego
I have two passions in my professional life mentoring employees who are working on leadership development (which includes working with two to three emerging leaders at any given time) and continuing to drive efforts in hiring fostering a diverse workforce There
is a challenge in STEM fields of under-represented groups My company Cox Communications is also very passionate about this and holds the distinction of inclusion in Diversity Incrsquos top 50 companies
My personal passions include travel social media and Italian cooking
B2B
COX BUSINESSLYNNE SANGIMINO
Cox Business 401 N 117th St Omaha NE 68154 coxbusinesscom 4029340830
Cradickrsquos Husker PowerTEXAN RETURNS HOME FOR BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY PG 8
Marlon Lofgren Koley Jessen PC LLOKEEPING THE FOCUS WHERE IT BELONGS PG 4
Seasoned Advice for Buyers(THE BOUNCY KIND) PG 5
PLAYING BIG EDITION
Fall
2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
2
Volume 1 Issue 5
Published by The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
PresidentEditor bull Cortney Sells
DirectorAssistant Editor bull Cassandra Powers
In-House Legal Counsel bull Susanne Miller
Outreach Coordinator bull Rene Rademacher
Marketing Development bull Rachael Rand
Business Broker bull Breann Becerra
Referring Broker bull Elizabeth Jones
Marketing Division bull Adam Jaime
Development Liaison bull Holley Garcia
Client Services bull Nycole Wandvik-Tolle
Client Services bull Julie OrsquoBrien
Community Relations bull Mike Sells
Contributing Writers
Marlon Lofgren bull Kathy Rygg bull Maureen Tierney
Design bull OBI Creative
Photography bull Bill Sitzmann
To Subscribe
The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
210 N 78 St
Omaha NE 68114
4029985288
infothefirmb2bcom
Advertising Inquiries
4028842000
toddomahamagazinecom
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Columns
4 Seller Financing
Koley Jessen PC LLO Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
14 Executive Impact Getting Into the Big Office
Departments
5 Seasoned Advice for
Business Buyers (The Bouncy Kind)
12 Building a Legacy while
Building Racks New Chapter to Becklerrsquos Career
The Bottom Line
Sells Insights
Playing Big
Husker PowerTexan returns home to
Nebraska for business opportunity
pg8
Many business owners have marginal experience in the trades in which their
organizations specialize While it may seem counterintuitive to buy or start a company situated around an industry in which one has little experience there is a certain com-petitive edge to the equation A buyer or president need only know enough to begin before surrounding him or herself with the right personnel to tackle the minute details What is paramount is the grander scheme of
management and operations which allows one to flex refined business acumen Not only does distance from fieldwork free up time to put in place a robust and refined plan but it leaves open other avenues for portfolio expansion Grow your business expand operations or begin other busi-ness ventures The possibilities are only as small as the mindset held by your team The FIRM
Special Section
7 Fresh Off The Firm The Firm Business Brokerage has
over $80 million dollars in assets under
management of current cash flowing
businesses for sale ndash from medical
practices to commercial services to large
manufacturing companies
by Cortney Sells presidenteditor
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
3Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
4
IF PROPERLY STRUCTURED AND DOCUMENTED SELLER FINANCING IS REALLY NO DIFFERENT FROM FINANCING THAT WOULD OTHERWISE BE PROVIDED BY A BANKTYING IT ALL TOGETHEREven the most savvy of ldquonumbers peoplerdquo need a leg up in negotiating a purchase As with so many aspects of doing business retaining experienced legal counsel enables you to keep the focus where it belongsmdashemploying your entrepreneurial skills in the identification and acquisition of profitable business ventures The FIRM
Seller Financing Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
written by Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
Seller financing can often be a criti-cal factor in getting a business sold
If properly structured and documented seller financing is really no different from financing that would otherwise be provided by a bank Below is a brief guide to navi-gating the issues normally encountered in seller financing
FIRST THINGS FIRSTThe first question is usually that of how to structure and document the financing The buyer should be expected to sign a prom-issory note evidencing the loan from the seller with interest and repayment terms mutually agreeable to both parties The seller might also require that the buyer grant the seller a security interestlien in the pur-chased assets to secure the loan Itrsquos also not unusual for a seller to require that the individual owners of the buyer (assuming the buyer is an entity) personally guarantee the loan In most cases the documents are usually pretty straightforward and do not need to be overly complicated
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
ADDITIONAL LAYERSIf a bank is also financing the sale the seller will most likely be required by the bank to sign a subordination agreement This is an agreement between the bank usually referred to as the ldquosenior lenderrdquo and the seller referred to as the ldquojunior lenderrdquo A subordination agreement sets forth the terms between the lenders as to each entityrsquos right to receive loan pay-ments from the buyer and the priority of their respective security interestsliens in the purchased assets The document will usually state that the senior lenderrsquos loan and security interestliens shall at all times be superior to those of the junior lender until the senior loan is paid in full Most lenders are willing to discuss and negoti-ate the junior lenderrsquos right to receive loan payments from the borrower Lien priority status however is rarely compromised by senior lenders in subordination agreements The senior lender will insist on having a first priority security interestlien in the pur-chased assets
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Whether yoursquore a first-time entre-preneur or an experienced business
owner purchasing a company is a critical investment financially and emotionally To help increase the likelihood of it being a success in both areas there are a number of aspects to keep in mind when evaluating if a business is the right fit gt
Seasoned Advice for Business Buyers(The Bouncy Kind)
written by Kathy Rygg
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Jerry Rachwalik
5Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
6
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
lt Jerry Rachwalik has been researching companies for the past three years waiting for the right opportunity to arise His search was the result of spending his career work-ing for larger organizations in a number of areas including delivery installation cus-tomer service inventory accounts receiv-ables and scheduling where he managed up to 35 people at a time
Policies and philosophies can change when working for a corporation Sometimes they become less family friendly ldquoWith the previous companies I worked forrdquo Rachwalik says ldquothey switched from caring about em-ployees to making money and the bottom line I stuck it out for several years and then decided I needed something differentrdquo
An entrepreneur by nature Rachwalik has over the last seven years built up a rental business buying foreclosed homes and duplex properties completely reno-vating them and then renting them back out He now has 15 properties and enjoys helping families by providing nice homes that are affordable ldquoI want people to feel good when they come home at night after a long day at workrdquo he says Rachwalik want-ed to find a business that allowed him the flexibility to respond to his tenants when needed from simple plumbing issues to furnaces going kaput
When he first started looking for a new business Rachwalik was drawn to home health care because of his experience help-ing to take care of relatives And it was a growing field Nothing was available at the time so he expanded his options and be-gan researching businesses in a variety of industries Those included a flooring com-pany sandwich shop and even a hair salon
ldquoI was open to anything and if I could make the numbers work then I would consider itrdquo he explains
Then The Firm Business Brokerage pre-sented him with an opportunity that was the right match Bounce U in Omaha There were a number of factors that appealed to Rachwalik First and foremost were the financials but it would also offer him the flexibility he needed for his rental business A big advantage was that an entire team was already in place one seasoned in man-aging staff and scheduling parties ldquoThey do a great jobrdquo he says ldquoI donrsquot plan on making any personnel changesrdquo
But what hersquos most looking forward to with this new venture is the fun positive environment Bounce Ursquos primary business is its birthday party packages featuring the companyrsquos oversized inflatibles and Rachwalik said he canrsquot wait to watch the excitement on the kids faces when they walk through the door ldquoEveryone there is happyrdquo he says ldquoThe kids are happy the parents are happy and the employees running the parties are happy Itrsquoll be a big change from the environments I used to work inrdquo Hersquos already planning to have his twin grand-daughtersrsquo birthday party there too
His transition included a week of training with the companyrsquos corporate facility in Ari-zona as well as on-site training Even though the Omaha location is an existing store all of Rachwalikrsquos training was structured as though itrsquos a brand new site
Bounce U has traditionally partnered with local restaurants to provide food for birth-day parties but Rachwalik wants to explore the option to build a kitchen of his own
He also hopes to continue to grow the business by at least 5 annually ldquoAnything I do I will communicate with my employees and get their input and suggestions firstrdquo he adds
For anyone who is considering buying a business or is going through the process Rachwalik stresses to be open minded and not rule anything out ldquoIf an opportunity is presented to you run the numbers and see if you can make it workrdquo he says ldquoI did a complete flip-flop on the type of business I thought I wanted versus what I ended up purchasing But if you keep looking yoursquoll eventually find a matchrdquo The FIRM
ldquoTHE KIDS ARE HAPPY THE PARENTS ARE HAPPY AND THE EMPLOYEES RUNNING THE PARTIES ARE HAPPY ITrsquoLL BE A BIG CHANGE FROM THE ENVIRONMENTS I USED TO WORK INrdquo
-Jerry Rachwalik
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Fresh Off The Firm Featured Listings for Sale
Suburban Bar amp Grill with VolleyballOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $26413 PRICE $115000
Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity in an area with only two other bars nearby Serving up a gorgeous and well-maintained volleyball court along with pool tables and a jukebox this bar and grill is a favorite with the locals Business is fully staffedmdashowner works very part time hours
Rain Gutter Sales amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $145200 PRICE $415000
This business is a dealer for high-end rain gutter covers These products are con-structed of high-quality aluminum and sur-gical-grade stainless steel and are strong enough to hold up to four feet of snow or 20 pounds of debris Profit margin is 48
Large-Scale Assembly amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $743732 PRICE $2200000
This well-established installation and assembly business in central Nebraska prides itself on providing many numerous building solutions for businesses and building owners in their area They install and assemble metal frames including grain silos pole barns and buildings
Photo Booth Business Running on Autopilot OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $36419 PRICE $88900
Photo booths are the ldquoin thingrdquo at weddings and parties In business for seven years this business is one of the largest in town Wedding couples hoping to capture the fun memories of the day make up 67 of the clients Includes four booths and one trailer
Southwest Omaha Dental PracticeOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $129745 PRICE $380000
Professional staff and excellent customer service are the hallmarks of this practice Using the latest technology the business offers an array of dental services including teeth cleaning veneers crowns bleaching and trauma services The owner is currently working only 20 hours a week
Small Animal Vet Clinic in Omaha OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $158287 PRICE $440000
For over 30 years this animal care clinic has prioritized customer care They are currently offering services to over 2000 families and are the second largest veterinary clinic in the area The business is split 7030 between dogs and cats
Buildersrsquo Material amp Supply CompanyOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $364880 PRICE $933000
This highly reputable company established in 1976 and located just north of Omaha provides quality and reliable services and supplies Building supply inventory includes garage door lumber windows trims siding roofing materials and more Approximately 90 of customers are repeat clientele
High-Growth Plumbing Company OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $157774 PRICE $445000
This non-union plumbing company has consistent growth of over $130000 a year in sales The full service plumbing contractor has business that is currently 50 commercial and 50 residential
90+ available business opportunities for sale Please visit TheFirmBusinessBrokeragecom for details
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
7Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
Matt Cradick
The Deal ReviewReason For Sale Fresh start after 25+ years in the industrySeller Transition Period Over eight monthsType of Sale Asset Purchase AgreementLender Access Bank Mack LaRock
ldquoYOU SHOULD INTERVIEW FOR A BUSINESS JUST LIKE YOU
WOULD FOR A JOBrdquo CRADICK EXPLAINS ldquoIT HAS TO BE THE
RIGHT FIT YOU DONrsquoT WANT TO BE ONE OF THE MANY FA-
TALITIES THAT HAPPEN SO OFTEN IN NEW BUSINESSrdquo
-Shaun Heldt
From Retail to RoofingHow to be Successful When Buying a Business
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Spending almost 20 years working in retail for major corporations and then
buying a siding and roofing contracting company may seem like a major leap but for Matt Cradick owner of Husker Ham-mer Siding Windows and Roofing it was the best business move hersquos ever made And thatrsquos saying a lot for someone who moved 11 times in 19 years across nine different states
Cradick had been living in Houston Texas where he worked for Target Corporation He had worked his way up through the com-pany and another promotion was on the horizon which meant another move With three young children at home Cradick de-cided it was time to put down some roots Having grown up in Lincoln Nebraska he wanted to be near family and Midwestern values He started researching businesses for sale and was eventually led to The Firm which in turn led him to Husker Hammer
The move from a big corporate environ-ment to a small contracting business didnrsquot intimidate Cradick With Target he oversaw 200 people so he knew he brought strong management and operational skills The challenge he says was learning the ins and outs of construction He didnrsquot need to be the one hammering away on the roofmdashhe needed learn a new business segment
ldquoSwitching industries can be nerve-rack-ingrdquo Cradick says ldquobut the owner was will-ing to stay on board for six months during the transitionrdquo That partnership was an invaluable tool during the changeover gt
A Publication of The Firm Business BrokerageA Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
9Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
10
lt Husker Hammer was started in 1998 as a one-man operation and had been built up to a multimillion dollar business Cradick was impressed with the mission statement values system of the company and the strong workforce that was already in place And the price of the company lined up well with the financials ldquoWhat Husker has that others in the industry donrsquotrdquo says the man whose faith is central to his deal-ings ldquois a strong ethical foundation with a Christian backgroundrdquo
There were a number of other elements Cradick sought when buying his business ones he believes all potential business own-ers need to keep in mind The first is to make sure you have a proper support team in place to help make a sound financial deci-sion That includes having a good business valuation and a good business broker who can point you in the right direction to ensure a match for both parties
Once yoursquore in the process of purchasing he adds make sure you have a capable net-work of attorneys a seasoned financial team and solid internal help to ensure yoursquore suc-cessful from the start ldquoYou should interview
for a business just like you would for a jobrdquo Cradick explains ldquoIt has to be the right fit You donrsquot want to be one of the many fatal-ities that happen so often in new businessrdquo
To help ensure the company continues to be successful Cradick plans to main-tain Husker Hammerrsquos competitive edges which he says includes his 11000-sq-ft state-of-the-art showroom in Elkhorn He reformatted the space to better fit his busi-ness model before building out additional second-floor space that is now rented to other entrepreneurs
The showroom features all of the window siding and roofing products available to customers Samples are one thing Cradick says but he knows the power of customers seeing actual colors in actual sizes
ldquoOur philosophy is to build peace of mind for homeowners and be with them every step through the processrdquo he says ldquoWord of mouth is our number one lead source which was true in retail as wellrdquo
Happy employees to Cradick are just as important as happy customers He sub-scribes to a simple philosophymdashlistening to employees and doing so with respect
ldquoWith big corporations you deal with a lot of politicsrdquo he says ldquoNow if therersquos politics itrsquos because Irsquove generated it Itrsquos a nice change to be in a small business where you have more leeway to ensure yoursquore creating a positive work environment which creates a happy workforcerdquo
Working for a smaller company also allows for more opportunities to become involved in the community Husker Hammer is active in local chambers of commerce the Open Door Mission and is currently helping on a Habitat for Humanity build in Waterloo They have also been accredited by the Bet-ter Business Bureau since 2000 and won the Better Business Integrity Award
Cradickrsquos business is currently 90 percent residential and 10 percent commercial He hopes to increase their reach in proper-ty management and general contracting while maintaining the high-quality residen-tial sales that built the business ldquoBecause of our showroomrdquo he says ldquopeople come
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
to us We donrsquot do the high pressure sales at the kitchen table We listen We let the homeowners do the talkingrdquo
Growing geographically is also a goal Cradick hopes to expand to surrounding areas including his hometown of Lincoln
ldquoSo far itrsquos been a great moverdquo he says ldquoand I look forward to continuing to be known as an ethical long-lasting company My daughters and wife are excited to be back in the Midwest around grandparents and family Their school district is great and the full year-round climate has been a welcome change from living in the south Plus I was averaging 50000 miles per year in travel so itrsquos nice to sleep in your own bed every nightrdquo The FIRM
For more information on this or any for sale listings call The Firm Business Brokerage directly
11Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
The Deal ReviewBusiness Established 1987Reason for Sale Retirement (Transla-tion More time with a fishing pole)Ownerrsquos Profit $495004Type of Loan SBA with Core Bank
12
Back to the FutureBuilding a Business Legacy
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Itrsquos not uncommon for someone who has spent a number of years in corporate
America to shift gears into entrepreneur-ship Being your own boss certainly has its advantages But for Scott Beckler who recently purchased Lewis Installers in Gret-na his reason for taking on a new business venture had more to do with honoring not only his fatherrsquos legacy but building one of his own
Beckler started his career as a business education teacher then moved to a corpo-rate career in technology But for a number of years he kept an eye on businesses for sale hoping that just the right opportunity would come along
ldquoMy dad was an entrepreneur who owned his own real estate insurance companyrdquo
Beckler says ldquoDespite the fact he had on-going health issues he still got up every day put on a coat and tie and went out to make a sale He was a very successful busi-nessman and I wanted to honor his legacyrdquo
After contacting The Firm and discuss-ing what he was looking for in a business the team suggested Lewis Installers which specializes in industrial conveyor and rack systems At first it seemed like a big de-parture for him ldquoShelving and logistical systems isnrsquot something that jumps out at yourdquo Beckler says But the more he looked into it the more he realized it had many of the elements he wanted in a business The most obvious advantage was that the company was located in Gretna where he lives Add to that the fact that the seller lives just up the road from him
Scott Beckler
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
For purposes of this article this overview is based on the buying and selling entities being corporations or entities taxed as corporations
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
4420 Izard Street Omaha4022938707 bull 8887380296
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
HAVE YOUR MINOR ROOF LEAKS BECOME A MAJOR ANNOYANCEDonrsquot Wait Any Longer Call Us Now
ldquoAfter meeting him and hitting it offrdquo Beckler says ldquowe quickly realized it was a match on both sidesrdquo
Other signs also pointed in the right di-rection The financials were good The size of the business was ideal The competitive landscape was promising Beckler also real-ized that his corporate background fit well with this new business
ldquoAlthough itrsquos an entirely different indus-tryrdquo he says ldquomany of the business princi-ples are the samehellipproject management customer service delivery vendor man-agement and cost containment Irsquove been doing all of those for yearsrdquo
His background in technology will also be a valuable asset in his new business Not only has he established relationships with large vendors built over the years but his from-the-ground-up experience with data centers means that he is already eying in-novative automation and other technology differentiators At the same time hersquos look-ing forward to learning the daily operations of the company and having a hand in every part of the business from bidding to closing to payroll
ldquoIt will be challenging coming from a big business background where Irsquove only been involved in the peripheryrdquo Beckler says
ldquoNow Irsquoll be involved in all of itrdquo
Lewis Installers being a family-owned business is what hersquos most excited about He says itrsquos a company with a good repu-tation thatrsquos known for quality and meeting deadlinesmdashall driven by a strong Midwest-ern work ethic
Itrsquos the sort of company Beckler believes that would make his father proud
ldquoI want this business to be a legacy for my familyrdquo Beckler says ldquoMy hope is that it could stay in the family with my own kids and grandkidsrdquo The FIRM
13Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Om
aharsquo
s Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
14
When considering the purchase of an existing business very few realize
that lack of experience in an industry can actually lead to success One simply needs a sound financial plan and a good team to fill in the gaps Removing the added stress of fieldwork and focusing solely on the management of finances and operation allows for greater opportunities It makes for the dynamic advantage of some outside impartiality when seeking areas of improve-ment and growth
One man who has made this transition from having marginal knowledge in an in-dustry to leading a successful plumbing and HVAC operation is Mark Evans president of Burton Plumbing Before taking over Burton Evans had a successful plumbing distribu-torship serving four states but it was his desire to own and to travel less that put him into the hands of Burton Friesz The founder of Burton Plumbing Friesz had been a customer and friend of Evansrsquo when the two discussed a possible expansion into residential service Evans put his busi-ness experience to work for Burton in July 1995 and his education in the minutiae of plumbing and HVAC began
While he hasnrsquot worked in the field as a licensed plumbing contractor Evans has dipped his feet in several areas within the running of Burtonhellipand often at the same time Before hiring the essential personnel that have enabled him to narrow his role Ev-ans served as manager marketer customer service representative and dispatcher Such a list of duties for one man is a daunting task but ldquoI worked my way to being able to work on the business rather than in the business [a strategy] taught to me by my business coachrdquo says Evans
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
REMOVING THE ADDED STRESS OF FIELDWORK AND FOCUSING SOLELY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF FINANCES AND OPERATION ALLOWS FOR GREATER OPPORTUNITIES
Executive Impact Moving Into the Boardroom From Employee to President
written by Maureen Tierney | Co-written by Mark Evans and Julie OrsquoBrien
Eventually Evans was able to step back and bring on a general manager and a ware-house operator that has allowed him to
ldquofocus on growth opportunities marketing and cash flowrdquo
Evansrsquo experience is not unique It is com-mon for brokerages to deal with buyers seeking to own companies within a cer-tain field but ldquoonly two people out of the nearly 100 closings [wersquove had] have come in for the same business that they ended up purchasingrdquo says Julie OrsquoBrien client services and paralegal with The Firm What it comes down to is as simple as the bot-tom line Buyers are looking to leverage their talents and experience in a marriage between a management philosophy and business model Those in the market for an acquisition are ldquobuying based on profit number of staff ability to get financing and mostly their strengths and passionsrdquo says OrsquoBrien Experience in a particular industry is certainly valuable but is no predictor of success when the right financial mind comes along
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Even so making up for a lack of practical knowledge requires the proper equipment most notably in the form of managers and employees The right talent in the field can be a growth experience and provide an opportunity to learn the ropes before taking a full swing at things A total deficit in knowl-edge hardly makes for good leadership and for this reason many ldquonew business owners like to take a birdrsquos eye view of the operation rather than diving in and getting their hands dirty right awayhellipgiving them the opportunity to watch [how] things have been done before implementing changesrdquo says OrsquoBrien
Approaching ownership in this way also allows for further financial acquisitions an avenue which Evans has taken In addition to owning Burton Plumbing Evans operates four other companies One might assume this much responsibility to be a stretch but Evans sees his role as ldquokeeping a pulse on things I like to lead people in growth per-sonally and on the business siderdquo
Getting started can be a challenge which is why OrsquoBrien works closely with potential buyers to find the right fit ldquoWe assist all the wayrdquo she says ldquoWe work with the buyer on projections business plans [and] we introduce them to trusted advisorsrdquo from attorneys and CPAs to financial advisors and insurance agents
Itrsquos this helpful backing of experts that eases the difficult task of ownership and only proves that one can certainly switch from a blue collar to a white one The FIRM
CONTRACTING BUSINESSES LISTED BY THE FIRM
201
5 P
roje
cted
201
5 Y
TD
201
4
201
3
201
2
30
0
15
28
14
12
11
16
15Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Omaharsquos Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
It may seem like I pulled a muscle making this stretch but Keith Backsen the new boss at the Omaha Convention amp Visitors Bureau seems to have an awful lot in common with new Husker Coach Mike Riley
Coach Riley spent a total of 14 seasons at Oregon State before heading to Huskerland Backsen also comes from that neck of the woods having spent 11 years of his career in Portland Oregon and another 11 years in Spokane Washington selling both cities as prime places for convention and leisure travelers
At Oregon State Coach Riley built the football program into a consistent winner and regular conference contender At Visit Spokane Backsen opened sales offices in Washington DC and Chicago that led to increased convention bookings Backsen also worked on the public campaign to expand the Spokane Convention Center with a $65 million bond issue The expansion coupled with increased hotel inventory allowed Spokane to pursue large conventions and more than doubled convention bookings in Spokane
Riley has experience at the highest level of football serving as the head coach of the San Diego Chargers and as a head coach in both the Canadian and World Football Leagues Same for Backsen he worked in Dallas and Chicago as the director of sales for Global Experience Specialists a global leader in the world of event planning Backsen supervised five sales offices in a nine-state region generating annual sales in excess of $70 million
Riley is known as one of the most professional and nicest men in the profession a coach who is greatly admired by his peers I kid you not Backsen is described the same way by colleaguesmdashone of the most genuine and skilled men in the business a well respected professional who has the insight and experience to get the job done (Note the $70M stat above)
Come the first game both men will have a stadium filled with fans cheering them on In Backsenrsquos case his stadium is the entire city of Omaha where the fans are the 434353 residents who will reap the rewards of Omaharsquos growing tourism economy
B2B
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 51
51HUSKER
COACH HAS TOURISM
TWIN
OMAHA CVB BY DEB WARD
Deb Ward is the director of marketingcommunications Omaha Convention and Visitorrsquos Bureau
Keith Backsen
52 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Jason Feldman and Sebastian Hunt
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 53
The emerging startup accelerator scene supports creative-minded risk-takers looking for an edge to follow their passion and bring their ideas to fruition
Sebastian Hunt 25 is passionate about giving entrepreneurs like himself a nurturing space to test out their concepts The University of Nebraska at Omaha economics graduate interned with various local employers and surveyed the area startup community when an idea struck him for a by-application curriculum-based residency program serving new entrepreneurs That inspiration turned into Year of the Startup
Launched in 2014 the program operates out of a humble house at 4036 Burt Street in the St Cecilia Cathedral neighborhood Hunt and co-founder Jason Feldman 28 room there with young residency fellows whose startup ventures range from making bio-fuels to providing night owl shuttle services They are a millennial bunch who favor sneakers and sandals They take informal meetings to nearby CaliCommons and Lisarsquos Radial Cafe They variously hunch over laptops or tablets and carry smartphones as appendages
YEAR OF THE STARTUP
ENTREPRENEURAL IMMERSION
This communal work-live space model for business mavericks is new to Omaha The usual startup accelerator is a concentrated 90-day off-site program Omaha has a few of these notably Straight Shot Hunt saw a need for a program that invites a broader range of people into the accelerator fold and supports them much nearer to the start of their dream than other programs
ldquoWe feel like we can take people at very early stages because we are four times as long as the average programrdquo says Hunt who adds that Year of the Startup is also not tech-centric like many programs tend to be ldquoIn our model we substitute intensity for duration I think a lot of the learning here comes through unstructured serendipitous interactions we have that is not curriculum-based itrsquos just happenstance
ldquoWith a house there are so many different ways you can bring ideas and people together I think thatrsquos maybe that critical binding agent and sense of place that helps accomplish thingsrdquo
He says in this intimate environment ldquotherersquos no other choice but to immerse yourself in the settingrdquo adding ldquoWersquore always hanging out in the living room or out back talking about startup stuffmdashmonetization strategies capitalization tables vested equity entity structuresrdquo
ldquoItrsquos this immersive experience of camaraderie of these natural flows and idea generationrdquo Feldman says
Hunt says ldquoThis is very difficult to get bored with because therersquos always somebody whose business is either in crisis or growth stage or some interesting part of the curverdquo
ldquoHow could we get bored when wersquore creating a platform with four startups and all we get to do is ideationrdquo Feldman says ldquoItrsquos a constant buzz we get from interacting with these startup founders and helping them build their ideasrdquo
Built into the program are activities that encourage fellows to break out of their comfort zone and to offer honest criticism of each otherrsquos ideas
Hunt compiles multiple data points on the startups
ldquoWersquore developing really deep insight about how do people start successful businessesrdquo
The program utilizes mentors from the entrepreneurial community
ldquoWe bring in people who are experts in specific areas to talk on those topicsrdquo Feldman says
ldquoThey get ideas flowingrdquo Hunt says of the mentors
Feldman says he regularly covers with fellows ldquothe major components of what you need to look at to start your businessrdquo and then mentors like Mike Kolker owner of graphic design firm Simplify teach lessons about operational efficiency and ldquohow to simplify running a businessrdquo
Hunt is a newcomer to all this and goes by instinct as much as research to support his vision
CONTINUED ON 54
FEATURE | BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
53
54 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
70 Years of Business in Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
4027335500 | 4315 South 50th Street
402-333-5722 bull wwwsw-fencecom
Thanks for Voting SampW Fence the Best Again in 2015
Wersquore Not Just About Fences
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Thank You for Voting Us Best of B2Btrade 4 Years in a Row
AUDIO VISUAL SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDEbull System designengineeringbull Sales
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B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
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aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER 2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
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ConnectWITH YOURCOMMUNITY
Donrsquot forget to visitOmahaMagazinecom to read
all of our titles online
Omaha MagazineEncounter B2B 60PlusHerFamily OmahaHome
CONTINUED FROM 53
ldquoI just had an irrational confidence market insights and a great theoretical background thanks to primary research I completed and to lessons I learned from Phillip Phillips Michael OrsquoHara and Art Diamond in UNOrsquos economics department I read constantly about who the players were in the startup world so I was fairly preparedrdquo
Even though he directs a startup program he only started participating in one himself (Venture School) He acknowledges Year of the Startup is a by-the-seat-of-your-pants experiment
ldquoComing out of college I had student loans and not a ton of money Irsquove held two jobs to finance the project Now the project is financed by a combination of me working and renting out one room One-hundred percent of the money our entrepreneurs pay in rent will be returned in full and so everybody has a strong incentive to follow through with the program That may be what makes us sustainablerdquo
Hersquos working on securing corporate sponsorship for the program Meanwhile he wants to help get participating startups to the next level
ldquoWersquore functioning like a pre-accelerator at this point We want to get our startups profitable and then refer them to the Straight Shots so they can focus on growth in a pure accelerator programrdquo
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 55
Mercedes-Benz of Omaha14335 Hillsdale Ave Omaha NE 68137wwwOmahaMercedescomContact John Williams anytime at 4029819262
of Omaha of Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
As Year of the Startup moved into a larger house in Omaharsquos Little Italy district on July 1 and a new class of fellows arrives Hunt says there are ldquointeresting talks happening right now to bring this to other citiesrdquo He and Feldman say economic development agencies are willing to pay a license fee for them to do startup houses in other cities The partners are having proprietary software developed that will enable new startup houses to replicate their branded Omaha model
They look forward to engaging with the emerging 10th Street cultural district but may keep the midtown house to accommodate growth
Hunt and Feldman believe theyrsquore catching the wave or tipping point of a big new startup rush and theyrsquore betting their model is poised to be a niche player in this wild frontier of entrepreneurial prospecting
B2B
56 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
It is an unassuming space but if you have made your way to TD Ameritrade Park Filmstreams or Hot Shops chances are yoursquove passed one of the most vibrant offices in Omaha
The fact that Co-Lab (short for Creative Collaborators) is not a traditional work space is certainly one of its best features Located inside the Tip Top building at 15th and Cumming streets is a project dreamed up by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture who happens to share the main floor of the building Based in the heart of a once-isolated section of the city Co-Labrsquos funky creative vibe is making waves In fact that vibe seeps into Omaharsquos everyday bringing about small changes pushing our city toward a more innovative future
CO-LABGIVING OMAHA WORKERS A MORE
COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE
IN THE OFFICE | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
56
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 57
Home to 18 businesses plus Alley Poyner Macchietto Co-Lab is free of walls and signage It is also free from traditional office norms For instance you donrsquot just walk over to your neighborrsquos space for a brainstorming sessionmdashyou skateboard At least you do if yoursquore Dave Nelson of SecretPenguin a leading experimental branding agency The best part is that the businesses surrounding SecretPenguin appreciate the break from tradition ldquoThatrsquos the beautiful part about being around like-minded good people and businessesrdquo Nelson says
CONTINUED ON 58
58 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 59
CONTINUED FROM 57
In addition to having pathways large enough to skateboard or bike through the space also provides Co-Labbers with a kitchen various conference rooms bike storage bathrooms and a battleground (otherwise known as the ping-pong table) Walking in the main doors clients and employees alike are greeted from the front desk while catching a view of the five-story open atrium basking in the glow of sunshine from the skylight Workers can also access the fitness room and rooftop deck sharing amenities with TipTop apartment residents who use a separate entrance
CONTINUED ON 60
The Harry A Koch CoInsurance amp Financial ConsultantsMember of First Insurance Group LLC
60 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
CONTINUED FROM 59
Businesses in Co-Lab all creativity-related range from entrepreneurs to start-ups to non-profits to small businesses The art varies in form but runs through the space like an electric current At Zicafoose Textiles Mary Zicafoose works steadily on her loom creating gorgeous tapestries 4Site Programming is where Joi Brown works as an independent consultant for performing arts centers across the nation Heartland B-Cycle a large-scale municipal bike sharing system brings art in the form of economical convenience Holly Boyer a founder of non-profit organization Mission Matters explains that one of the best things about having an office at Co-Lab is feeling the innovative positive energy from the moment you walk in the door So while individuals may join Co-Lab with a business-minded focus or a more creative vibe finding a yin to their yang is just a shout away
ldquoThere is certainly a wonderful built-in support network that comes along with working in a collaborative environmentrdquo quips Omaha Creative Institute Executive Director Emily Moody ldquoEverything from sharing ideas and finding ways to collaborate with an organization different than yours to sharing a staplerrdquo
At the heart of making it work says Laura Alley of Alley Poyner itrsquos simply playing well with others
The skateboarding ping-pong playing creatives do that well
B2B
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Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott Enterprises
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For more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
TD Ameritrade Park | First National Bank Tower | Midtown Crossing | Village Pointe | Childrenrsquos Hospital Aksarben Village | Joslyn Art Museum | Fred amp Pamela Buffett Cancer Center | UNO Community Arena
6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
AT THE OFFICE amp ON THE GO
Headsets by
Plantronics BackBeat
Fit Bluetooth
Plantronics CS540
Wireless
wwwheadsetterscom wwwcomputeromahacomLocated Inside of Headsetters
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Clean Your BrowserRemove Temporary Internet Files
Delete Adware and CookiesDefrag Hard Drives
Intall Current Microsoft PatchesInstall Microsoft Security Updates
Update Drivers
13
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
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- BB1015_bkCvr_125
-
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 29
On the surface it looks just like any other office or factory As you enter Outlook Nebraska Inc (ONI) yoursquore greeted by a friendly front desk attendant and led past a perfectly ordinary-looking workspace Entering their factory where they manufacture such paper products as rolls of hand towels you wouldnrsquot suspect that it is different from any other assembly line
But explore a little deeper
Walking past one office you might see a man typing away on a keyboard his laptop closed in front of him He doesnrsquot need it open to know what hersquos typing Hersquos visually impaired and utilizing computer software that reads the words aloud as he types
On the factory floor raised edges guard the walkway so sightless employees can feel their way around Over on the assembly line visually impaired workers can use a computer screen to zoom in on the product at various stages of production to assess the process
ONI is a non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance the life of the blind and visually impaired through employment opportunities and training Almost all the employees at ONI are blind or visually impaired from factory workers to IT professionals Some were born blind others lost their sight later in life ONI aims to help them all re-enter the workforce in a meaningful way
A SIGHT FOR NON-SEEING EYES
OUTLOOK NEBRASKA
ldquoThey get used to being on their feetrdquo says ONI CEO Eric Stueckrath ldquoWe offer jobs for [people with] entry-level skill sets and all of the positions are at or above minimum wage We give them the tools to help build those skill setsrdquo
ONI also offers personalized life-skills training geared to whatrsquos important to the individual from personal banking to cooking to operating a computer
The American Foundation for the Blind estimates that as many as 70 percent of blind adults in the US are unemployed As the largest employer of the blind in the Omaha metro area ONI is working to make an impact
ldquoWe work with organizations that are committed to hiring the visually impairedrdquo Stuekrath says ldquoAdvocacy is definitely part of what we dordquo
ONI is currently in the midst of a $2 million capital campaign that will allow them to complete a large-scale renovation project at their facility The renovation will create more space for the general public and give them the ability to offer additional training programs
In addition to working with adults blind and visually-impaired youth are a primary focus for Stuekrath and ONI
ldquoMy heart really gravitates toward themrdquo Stuekrath says
ONI partners with youth organizations on a number of initiatives including a sports camp for visually-impaired youth called Camp Abilities Nebraska Attendees can try archery swimming bowling track and field and more as a means to build confidence
ldquoThey donrsquot need to be coddledrdquo Stuekrath says adding that he often tells parents of blind children ldquoYour kid needs to get out there and bump his head and experience liferdquo
At ONI everything comes back to the organizationrsquos mission Stuekrath says
ldquoWe give them the tools they need to gain greater independencerdquo
B2B
FEATURE | BY APRIL CHRISTENSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY COLIN CONCES
29
30emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Layne and Pam Yahnke and Their VW Thing
Shakespeare wrote of love and betrayal Tolkien of hobbits and wizards Steinbeck and Faulkner of the indomitable American spirit
Layne Yahnke writes about his VW Thing
Yes the two-wheel-drive off-road convertible military vehicle first manufactured for the West German Army as ldquoType 181rdquo in 1968 VW churned them out until 1983 including two years in the United States when marketed as ldquoThe Thingrdquo
Yahnke got his Thing in 2000 for $5500 Hersquos lovingly restored it most importantly giving it a peppy new motor that makes it Autobahn-worthy
WHATrsquoS THAT THING
LANE YAHNKErsquoS UNUSUAL VOLKSWAGEN
HOW I ROLL | BY ANTHONY FLOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Therersquos only one other Thing in Omaha and Yahnkersquos gets lots of second and third looks when hersquos whipping down the Dodge Street Expressway from his Elkhorn home Especially when the doors are off and windshield is down
Everyone wants to know abouthellipthe Thing
Thus Yahnke penned ldquoIt Takes a Village to Build a VW Thingrdquo an ode to those who helped him with his beloved ridemdashhis sons Omaha VW Club members engine and body shops and parts stores
CONTINUEDemspONemsp32
30
SIGN UP TODAYdolnebraskagovsides
Questions phone - 402-471-9910 email - ndoluisidesnebraskagov
Sign up now for a free paperless way to return unemployment insurance information
Submit separation information online
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E-Response saves treesNo more paper 350rsquos
Keep your taxes lowAvoid unnecessary charges
Avoid Late responses ampLoss of appeal rights
32emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Locally Owned in Papillion Ne402-740-0800 bull apconstructomahacom
Insurance claims
welcomeIf your roof sustained fire snow or hail
damage the repairs can be costly We are your wind and hail damage experts and accept insurance claims so you wonrsquot
have to pay for the repair work yourself
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Residential Roofing bull Roof Maintenance amp Repair bull Licensed Bonded amp Insured
Steve Kowalski
Call or Text Message(402 ) 453-6000
abetterexposurecom steveabetterexposurecom
Passion Creativity Experience
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp31
ldquoI wrote that right after the engine transplantrdquo says Yahnke an Omaha native and vice president at Essex Corp provider of senior living communities ldquoI guess I was moved I get so many inquiries about it and I really feel so fondly about itrdquo
Itrsquos not his first Thing Yahnke and his wife of 38 years Pam owned one before their four children came along As the kids have come and gone so have the cars
Lots of them
Yahnke figures he has owned 60 automobiles in his life His car fancy began as a kid growing up in Dundee where a friendrsquos dad spent his spare time restoring English cars Yahnke spent hours in his garage and developed a love for Triumphs and MGs His first car purchase was a 1962 Triumph for $425 in 1972 It wasnrsquot long though until he sold it at a profit
ldquoThatrsquos what kicked off the buying and selling of English carsrdquo he says ldquoI discovered I could enjoy my transportation but then as soon as someone wanted to buy it for more than I paid for it out it wentrdquo
ldquoWhere Accounting Meets ResultsrdquoProviding Accounting and Quickbooks Services
For Metro Businesses
Denise Martin I 9252077634Deniseheartlandaccountabilitycom
wwwHeartlandAccountAbilitycom
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 33
These days you never know what will be parked in the Yahnke driveway Currently therersquos a Honda pickup a VW Jetta VW Multivan and a 2001 Audi TT Quatro Convertiblemdashpurchased in apropos silver for his 25th wedding anniversary
Itrsquos the Thing he most enjoys driving He logs about 1000 miles on it each year Most of those have come toplessmdashYahnke long ago gave it away to another Thing enthusiast and now only drives it sans roof
ldquoAnyone who sees this car has only seen it top-downrdquo he says ldquoI just got caught once in the rain and that was probably a month ago The cool thing about the Thing is you leave it out in the sun and it dries out and is ready to gordquo
It says ldquoSummer is hererdquo Yahnke says
ldquoPeople speed up all the time to try to figure out what it is Itrsquos just a happy car and itrsquos so darn versatile It puts smiles on peoplesrsquo facesrdquo
B2B
Quality Carpet Cleaning Since 2004
4026806523
Cleaning ServicesCarpet CleaningUpholstery CleaningMattress CleaningTile amp Grout CleaningPet TreatmentsConcrete CleaningConcrete CleaningAuto Interior Cleaning24 Hour Water Damage
wwwLegacyCarpetCleaningcom
omahamagazinecom SPECIALemspADVERTISINGemspSECTIONemspemsp |emsp SUMMERemsp2015emsp |emsp 34
ABOUT OUR BUSINESS
Cox Business started in 2000 as the commercial services division of Cox Communications Over the past 15 years we have experienced strong growth and are on our target to achieve $2 billion in revenue in the near future
Cox Business owns operates and maintains its own network providing leading-edge technology solutions for voice internet networking and digital TV We also offer robust business continuity and disaster recovery solutions which is of increasing importance to businesses in the greater Omaha area Our customers include such key verticals as education hospitality government and healthcare We maintain a significant focus on Omaha small business mid-markets and large local companies as well
We consider our employees to be our most precious asset as they have the responsibility of taking care of our customers At Cox Business we are fortunate to have an extremely tenured and engaged team of employees What sets us apart from our competition is the fact that while we are a large robust and progressive company we still possess
the nimbleness of a smaller company in our ability to deliver creative solutions under tight timelines We pride ourselves on having very little bureaucracy and that translates to happy customers The fact that Cox Business has won 15 JD Power Awards for customer satisfaction over the past 11 years is a notable accomplishment for us and we work hard to deliver on that promise of excellence every day
ABOUT LYNNE
I have led sales and operations teams in the communications industry for 20 years 10 of those years with Cox Communications My husband Pat and I just celebrated our first full year in Omaha and wonder why it took us so long to find this jewel of a community Our daughter Kaylin starts law school next month at the University of San Diego
I have two passions in my professional life mentoring employees who are working on leadership development (which includes working with two to three emerging leaders at any given time) and continuing to drive efforts in hiring fostering a diverse workforce There
is a challenge in STEM fields of under-represented groups My company Cox Communications is also very passionate about this and holds the distinction of inclusion in Diversity Incrsquos top 50 companies
My personal passions include travel social media and Italian cooking
B2B
COX BUSINESSLYNNE SANGIMINO
Cox Business 401 N 117th St Omaha NE 68154 coxbusinesscom 4029340830
Cradickrsquos Husker PowerTEXAN RETURNS HOME FOR BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY PG 8
Marlon Lofgren Koley Jessen PC LLOKEEPING THE FOCUS WHERE IT BELONGS PG 4
Seasoned Advice for Buyers(THE BOUNCY KIND) PG 5
PLAYING BIG EDITION
Fall
2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
2
Volume 1 Issue 5
Published by The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
PresidentEditor bull Cortney Sells
DirectorAssistant Editor bull Cassandra Powers
In-House Legal Counsel bull Susanne Miller
Outreach Coordinator bull Rene Rademacher
Marketing Development bull Rachael Rand
Business Broker bull Breann Becerra
Referring Broker bull Elizabeth Jones
Marketing Division bull Adam Jaime
Development Liaison bull Holley Garcia
Client Services bull Nycole Wandvik-Tolle
Client Services bull Julie OrsquoBrien
Community Relations bull Mike Sells
Contributing Writers
Marlon Lofgren bull Kathy Rygg bull Maureen Tierney
Design bull OBI Creative
Photography bull Bill Sitzmann
To Subscribe
The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
210 N 78 St
Omaha NE 68114
4029985288
infothefirmb2bcom
Advertising Inquiries
4028842000
toddomahamagazinecom
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Columns
4 Seller Financing
Koley Jessen PC LLO Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
14 Executive Impact Getting Into the Big Office
Departments
5 Seasoned Advice for
Business Buyers (The Bouncy Kind)
12 Building a Legacy while
Building Racks New Chapter to Becklerrsquos Career
The Bottom Line
Sells Insights
Playing Big
Husker PowerTexan returns home to
Nebraska for business opportunity
pg8
Many business owners have marginal experience in the trades in which their
organizations specialize While it may seem counterintuitive to buy or start a company situated around an industry in which one has little experience there is a certain com-petitive edge to the equation A buyer or president need only know enough to begin before surrounding him or herself with the right personnel to tackle the minute details What is paramount is the grander scheme of
management and operations which allows one to flex refined business acumen Not only does distance from fieldwork free up time to put in place a robust and refined plan but it leaves open other avenues for portfolio expansion Grow your business expand operations or begin other busi-ness ventures The possibilities are only as small as the mindset held by your team The FIRM
Special Section
7 Fresh Off The Firm The Firm Business Brokerage has
over $80 million dollars in assets under
management of current cash flowing
businesses for sale ndash from medical
practices to commercial services to large
manufacturing companies
by Cortney Sells presidenteditor
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
3Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
4
IF PROPERLY STRUCTURED AND DOCUMENTED SELLER FINANCING IS REALLY NO DIFFERENT FROM FINANCING THAT WOULD OTHERWISE BE PROVIDED BY A BANKTYING IT ALL TOGETHEREven the most savvy of ldquonumbers peoplerdquo need a leg up in negotiating a purchase As with so many aspects of doing business retaining experienced legal counsel enables you to keep the focus where it belongsmdashemploying your entrepreneurial skills in the identification and acquisition of profitable business ventures The FIRM
Seller Financing Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
written by Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
Seller financing can often be a criti-cal factor in getting a business sold
If properly structured and documented seller financing is really no different from financing that would otherwise be provided by a bank Below is a brief guide to navi-gating the issues normally encountered in seller financing
FIRST THINGS FIRSTThe first question is usually that of how to structure and document the financing The buyer should be expected to sign a prom-issory note evidencing the loan from the seller with interest and repayment terms mutually agreeable to both parties The seller might also require that the buyer grant the seller a security interestlien in the pur-chased assets to secure the loan Itrsquos also not unusual for a seller to require that the individual owners of the buyer (assuming the buyer is an entity) personally guarantee the loan In most cases the documents are usually pretty straightforward and do not need to be overly complicated
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
ADDITIONAL LAYERSIf a bank is also financing the sale the seller will most likely be required by the bank to sign a subordination agreement This is an agreement between the bank usually referred to as the ldquosenior lenderrdquo and the seller referred to as the ldquojunior lenderrdquo A subordination agreement sets forth the terms between the lenders as to each entityrsquos right to receive loan pay-ments from the buyer and the priority of their respective security interestsliens in the purchased assets The document will usually state that the senior lenderrsquos loan and security interestliens shall at all times be superior to those of the junior lender until the senior loan is paid in full Most lenders are willing to discuss and negoti-ate the junior lenderrsquos right to receive loan payments from the borrower Lien priority status however is rarely compromised by senior lenders in subordination agreements The senior lender will insist on having a first priority security interestlien in the pur-chased assets
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Whether yoursquore a first-time entre-preneur or an experienced business
owner purchasing a company is a critical investment financially and emotionally To help increase the likelihood of it being a success in both areas there are a number of aspects to keep in mind when evaluating if a business is the right fit gt
Seasoned Advice for Business Buyers(The Bouncy Kind)
written by Kathy Rygg
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Jerry Rachwalik
5Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
6
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
lt Jerry Rachwalik has been researching companies for the past three years waiting for the right opportunity to arise His search was the result of spending his career work-ing for larger organizations in a number of areas including delivery installation cus-tomer service inventory accounts receiv-ables and scheduling where he managed up to 35 people at a time
Policies and philosophies can change when working for a corporation Sometimes they become less family friendly ldquoWith the previous companies I worked forrdquo Rachwalik says ldquothey switched from caring about em-ployees to making money and the bottom line I stuck it out for several years and then decided I needed something differentrdquo
An entrepreneur by nature Rachwalik has over the last seven years built up a rental business buying foreclosed homes and duplex properties completely reno-vating them and then renting them back out He now has 15 properties and enjoys helping families by providing nice homes that are affordable ldquoI want people to feel good when they come home at night after a long day at workrdquo he says Rachwalik want-ed to find a business that allowed him the flexibility to respond to his tenants when needed from simple plumbing issues to furnaces going kaput
When he first started looking for a new business Rachwalik was drawn to home health care because of his experience help-ing to take care of relatives And it was a growing field Nothing was available at the time so he expanded his options and be-gan researching businesses in a variety of industries Those included a flooring com-pany sandwich shop and even a hair salon
ldquoI was open to anything and if I could make the numbers work then I would consider itrdquo he explains
Then The Firm Business Brokerage pre-sented him with an opportunity that was the right match Bounce U in Omaha There were a number of factors that appealed to Rachwalik First and foremost were the financials but it would also offer him the flexibility he needed for his rental business A big advantage was that an entire team was already in place one seasoned in man-aging staff and scheduling parties ldquoThey do a great jobrdquo he says ldquoI donrsquot plan on making any personnel changesrdquo
But what hersquos most looking forward to with this new venture is the fun positive environment Bounce Ursquos primary business is its birthday party packages featuring the companyrsquos oversized inflatibles and Rachwalik said he canrsquot wait to watch the excitement on the kids faces when they walk through the door ldquoEveryone there is happyrdquo he says ldquoThe kids are happy the parents are happy and the employees running the parties are happy Itrsquoll be a big change from the environments I used to work inrdquo Hersquos already planning to have his twin grand-daughtersrsquo birthday party there too
His transition included a week of training with the companyrsquos corporate facility in Ari-zona as well as on-site training Even though the Omaha location is an existing store all of Rachwalikrsquos training was structured as though itrsquos a brand new site
Bounce U has traditionally partnered with local restaurants to provide food for birth-day parties but Rachwalik wants to explore the option to build a kitchen of his own
He also hopes to continue to grow the business by at least 5 annually ldquoAnything I do I will communicate with my employees and get their input and suggestions firstrdquo he adds
For anyone who is considering buying a business or is going through the process Rachwalik stresses to be open minded and not rule anything out ldquoIf an opportunity is presented to you run the numbers and see if you can make it workrdquo he says ldquoI did a complete flip-flop on the type of business I thought I wanted versus what I ended up purchasing But if you keep looking yoursquoll eventually find a matchrdquo The FIRM
ldquoTHE KIDS ARE HAPPY THE PARENTS ARE HAPPY AND THE EMPLOYEES RUNNING THE PARTIES ARE HAPPY ITrsquoLL BE A BIG CHANGE FROM THE ENVIRONMENTS I USED TO WORK INrdquo
-Jerry Rachwalik
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Fresh Off The Firm Featured Listings for Sale
Suburban Bar amp Grill with VolleyballOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $26413 PRICE $115000
Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity in an area with only two other bars nearby Serving up a gorgeous and well-maintained volleyball court along with pool tables and a jukebox this bar and grill is a favorite with the locals Business is fully staffedmdashowner works very part time hours
Rain Gutter Sales amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $145200 PRICE $415000
This business is a dealer for high-end rain gutter covers These products are con-structed of high-quality aluminum and sur-gical-grade stainless steel and are strong enough to hold up to four feet of snow or 20 pounds of debris Profit margin is 48
Large-Scale Assembly amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $743732 PRICE $2200000
This well-established installation and assembly business in central Nebraska prides itself on providing many numerous building solutions for businesses and building owners in their area They install and assemble metal frames including grain silos pole barns and buildings
Photo Booth Business Running on Autopilot OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $36419 PRICE $88900
Photo booths are the ldquoin thingrdquo at weddings and parties In business for seven years this business is one of the largest in town Wedding couples hoping to capture the fun memories of the day make up 67 of the clients Includes four booths and one trailer
Southwest Omaha Dental PracticeOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $129745 PRICE $380000
Professional staff and excellent customer service are the hallmarks of this practice Using the latest technology the business offers an array of dental services including teeth cleaning veneers crowns bleaching and trauma services The owner is currently working only 20 hours a week
Small Animal Vet Clinic in Omaha OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $158287 PRICE $440000
For over 30 years this animal care clinic has prioritized customer care They are currently offering services to over 2000 families and are the second largest veterinary clinic in the area The business is split 7030 between dogs and cats
Buildersrsquo Material amp Supply CompanyOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $364880 PRICE $933000
This highly reputable company established in 1976 and located just north of Omaha provides quality and reliable services and supplies Building supply inventory includes garage door lumber windows trims siding roofing materials and more Approximately 90 of customers are repeat clientele
High-Growth Plumbing Company OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $157774 PRICE $445000
This non-union plumbing company has consistent growth of over $130000 a year in sales The full service plumbing contractor has business that is currently 50 commercial and 50 residential
90+ available business opportunities for sale Please visit TheFirmBusinessBrokeragecom for details
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
7Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
Matt Cradick
The Deal ReviewReason For Sale Fresh start after 25+ years in the industrySeller Transition Period Over eight monthsType of Sale Asset Purchase AgreementLender Access Bank Mack LaRock
ldquoYOU SHOULD INTERVIEW FOR A BUSINESS JUST LIKE YOU
WOULD FOR A JOBrdquo CRADICK EXPLAINS ldquoIT HAS TO BE THE
RIGHT FIT YOU DONrsquoT WANT TO BE ONE OF THE MANY FA-
TALITIES THAT HAPPEN SO OFTEN IN NEW BUSINESSrdquo
-Shaun Heldt
From Retail to RoofingHow to be Successful When Buying a Business
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Spending almost 20 years working in retail for major corporations and then
buying a siding and roofing contracting company may seem like a major leap but for Matt Cradick owner of Husker Ham-mer Siding Windows and Roofing it was the best business move hersquos ever made And thatrsquos saying a lot for someone who moved 11 times in 19 years across nine different states
Cradick had been living in Houston Texas where he worked for Target Corporation He had worked his way up through the com-pany and another promotion was on the horizon which meant another move With three young children at home Cradick de-cided it was time to put down some roots Having grown up in Lincoln Nebraska he wanted to be near family and Midwestern values He started researching businesses for sale and was eventually led to The Firm which in turn led him to Husker Hammer
The move from a big corporate environ-ment to a small contracting business didnrsquot intimidate Cradick With Target he oversaw 200 people so he knew he brought strong management and operational skills The challenge he says was learning the ins and outs of construction He didnrsquot need to be the one hammering away on the roofmdashhe needed learn a new business segment
ldquoSwitching industries can be nerve-rack-ingrdquo Cradick says ldquobut the owner was will-ing to stay on board for six months during the transitionrdquo That partnership was an invaluable tool during the changeover gt
A Publication of The Firm Business BrokerageA Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
9Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
10
lt Husker Hammer was started in 1998 as a one-man operation and had been built up to a multimillion dollar business Cradick was impressed with the mission statement values system of the company and the strong workforce that was already in place And the price of the company lined up well with the financials ldquoWhat Husker has that others in the industry donrsquotrdquo says the man whose faith is central to his deal-ings ldquois a strong ethical foundation with a Christian backgroundrdquo
There were a number of other elements Cradick sought when buying his business ones he believes all potential business own-ers need to keep in mind The first is to make sure you have a proper support team in place to help make a sound financial deci-sion That includes having a good business valuation and a good business broker who can point you in the right direction to ensure a match for both parties
Once yoursquore in the process of purchasing he adds make sure you have a capable net-work of attorneys a seasoned financial team and solid internal help to ensure yoursquore suc-cessful from the start ldquoYou should interview
for a business just like you would for a jobrdquo Cradick explains ldquoIt has to be the right fit You donrsquot want to be one of the many fatal-ities that happen so often in new businessrdquo
To help ensure the company continues to be successful Cradick plans to main-tain Husker Hammerrsquos competitive edges which he says includes his 11000-sq-ft state-of-the-art showroom in Elkhorn He reformatted the space to better fit his busi-ness model before building out additional second-floor space that is now rented to other entrepreneurs
The showroom features all of the window siding and roofing products available to customers Samples are one thing Cradick says but he knows the power of customers seeing actual colors in actual sizes
ldquoOur philosophy is to build peace of mind for homeowners and be with them every step through the processrdquo he says ldquoWord of mouth is our number one lead source which was true in retail as wellrdquo
Happy employees to Cradick are just as important as happy customers He sub-scribes to a simple philosophymdashlistening to employees and doing so with respect
ldquoWith big corporations you deal with a lot of politicsrdquo he says ldquoNow if therersquos politics itrsquos because Irsquove generated it Itrsquos a nice change to be in a small business where you have more leeway to ensure yoursquore creating a positive work environment which creates a happy workforcerdquo
Working for a smaller company also allows for more opportunities to become involved in the community Husker Hammer is active in local chambers of commerce the Open Door Mission and is currently helping on a Habitat for Humanity build in Waterloo They have also been accredited by the Bet-ter Business Bureau since 2000 and won the Better Business Integrity Award
Cradickrsquos business is currently 90 percent residential and 10 percent commercial He hopes to increase their reach in proper-ty management and general contracting while maintaining the high-quality residen-tial sales that built the business ldquoBecause of our showroomrdquo he says ldquopeople come
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
to us We donrsquot do the high pressure sales at the kitchen table We listen We let the homeowners do the talkingrdquo
Growing geographically is also a goal Cradick hopes to expand to surrounding areas including his hometown of Lincoln
ldquoSo far itrsquos been a great moverdquo he says ldquoand I look forward to continuing to be known as an ethical long-lasting company My daughters and wife are excited to be back in the Midwest around grandparents and family Their school district is great and the full year-round climate has been a welcome change from living in the south Plus I was averaging 50000 miles per year in travel so itrsquos nice to sleep in your own bed every nightrdquo The FIRM
For more information on this or any for sale listings call The Firm Business Brokerage directly
11Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
The Deal ReviewBusiness Established 1987Reason for Sale Retirement (Transla-tion More time with a fishing pole)Ownerrsquos Profit $495004Type of Loan SBA with Core Bank
12
Back to the FutureBuilding a Business Legacy
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Itrsquos not uncommon for someone who has spent a number of years in corporate
America to shift gears into entrepreneur-ship Being your own boss certainly has its advantages But for Scott Beckler who recently purchased Lewis Installers in Gret-na his reason for taking on a new business venture had more to do with honoring not only his fatherrsquos legacy but building one of his own
Beckler started his career as a business education teacher then moved to a corpo-rate career in technology But for a number of years he kept an eye on businesses for sale hoping that just the right opportunity would come along
ldquoMy dad was an entrepreneur who owned his own real estate insurance companyrdquo
Beckler says ldquoDespite the fact he had on-going health issues he still got up every day put on a coat and tie and went out to make a sale He was a very successful busi-nessman and I wanted to honor his legacyrdquo
After contacting The Firm and discuss-ing what he was looking for in a business the team suggested Lewis Installers which specializes in industrial conveyor and rack systems At first it seemed like a big de-parture for him ldquoShelving and logistical systems isnrsquot something that jumps out at yourdquo Beckler says But the more he looked into it the more he realized it had many of the elements he wanted in a business The most obvious advantage was that the company was located in Gretna where he lives Add to that the fact that the seller lives just up the road from him
Scott Beckler
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
For purposes of this article this overview is based on the buying and selling entities being corporations or entities taxed as corporations
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
4420 Izard Street Omaha4022938707 bull 8887380296
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
HAVE YOUR MINOR ROOF LEAKS BECOME A MAJOR ANNOYANCEDonrsquot Wait Any Longer Call Us Now
ldquoAfter meeting him and hitting it offrdquo Beckler says ldquowe quickly realized it was a match on both sidesrdquo
Other signs also pointed in the right di-rection The financials were good The size of the business was ideal The competitive landscape was promising Beckler also real-ized that his corporate background fit well with this new business
ldquoAlthough itrsquos an entirely different indus-tryrdquo he says ldquomany of the business princi-ples are the samehellipproject management customer service delivery vendor man-agement and cost containment Irsquove been doing all of those for yearsrdquo
His background in technology will also be a valuable asset in his new business Not only has he established relationships with large vendors built over the years but his from-the-ground-up experience with data centers means that he is already eying in-novative automation and other technology differentiators At the same time hersquos look-ing forward to learning the daily operations of the company and having a hand in every part of the business from bidding to closing to payroll
ldquoIt will be challenging coming from a big business background where Irsquove only been involved in the peripheryrdquo Beckler says
ldquoNow Irsquoll be involved in all of itrdquo
Lewis Installers being a family-owned business is what hersquos most excited about He says itrsquos a company with a good repu-tation thatrsquos known for quality and meeting deadlinesmdashall driven by a strong Midwest-ern work ethic
Itrsquos the sort of company Beckler believes that would make his father proud
ldquoI want this business to be a legacy for my familyrdquo Beckler says ldquoMy hope is that it could stay in the family with my own kids and grandkidsrdquo The FIRM
13Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Om
aharsquo
s Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
14
When considering the purchase of an existing business very few realize
that lack of experience in an industry can actually lead to success One simply needs a sound financial plan and a good team to fill in the gaps Removing the added stress of fieldwork and focusing solely on the management of finances and operation allows for greater opportunities It makes for the dynamic advantage of some outside impartiality when seeking areas of improve-ment and growth
One man who has made this transition from having marginal knowledge in an in-dustry to leading a successful plumbing and HVAC operation is Mark Evans president of Burton Plumbing Before taking over Burton Evans had a successful plumbing distribu-torship serving four states but it was his desire to own and to travel less that put him into the hands of Burton Friesz The founder of Burton Plumbing Friesz had been a customer and friend of Evansrsquo when the two discussed a possible expansion into residential service Evans put his busi-ness experience to work for Burton in July 1995 and his education in the minutiae of plumbing and HVAC began
While he hasnrsquot worked in the field as a licensed plumbing contractor Evans has dipped his feet in several areas within the running of Burtonhellipand often at the same time Before hiring the essential personnel that have enabled him to narrow his role Ev-ans served as manager marketer customer service representative and dispatcher Such a list of duties for one man is a daunting task but ldquoI worked my way to being able to work on the business rather than in the business [a strategy] taught to me by my business coachrdquo says Evans
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
REMOVING THE ADDED STRESS OF FIELDWORK AND FOCUSING SOLELY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF FINANCES AND OPERATION ALLOWS FOR GREATER OPPORTUNITIES
Executive Impact Moving Into the Boardroom From Employee to President
written by Maureen Tierney | Co-written by Mark Evans and Julie OrsquoBrien
Eventually Evans was able to step back and bring on a general manager and a ware-house operator that has allowed him to
ldquofocus on growth opportunities marketing and cash flowrdquo
Evansrsquo experience is not unique It is com-mon for brokerages to deal with buyers seeking to own companies within a cer-tain field but ldquoonly two people out of the nearly 100 closings [wersquove had] have come in for the same business that they ended up purchasingrdquo says Julie OrsquoBrien client services and paralegal with The Firm What it comes down to is as simple as the bot-tom line Buyers are looking to leverage their talents and experience in a marriage between a management philosophy and business model Those in the market for an acquisition are ldquobuying based on profit number of staff ability to get financing and mostly their strengths and passionsrdquo says OrsquoBrien Experience in a particular industry is certainly valuable but is no predictor of success when the right financial mind comes along
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Even so making up for a lack of practical knowledge requires the proper equipment most notably in the form of managers and employees The right talent in the field can be a growth experience and provide an opportunity to learn the ropes before taking a full swing at things A total deficit in knowl-edge hardly makes for good leadership and for this reason many ldquonew business owners like to take a birdrsquos eye view of the operation rather than diving in and getting their hands dirty right awayhellipgiving them the opportunity to watch [how] things have been done before implementing changesrdquo says OrsquoBrien
Approaching ownership in this way also allows for further financial acquisitions an avenue which Evans has taken In addition to owning Burton Plumbing Evans operates four other companies One might assume this much responsibility to be a stretch but Evans sees his role as ldquokeeping a pulse on things I like to lead people in growth per-sonally and on the business siderdquo
Getting started can be a challenge which is why OrsquoBrien works closely with potential buyers to find the right fit ldquoWe assist all the wayrdquo she says ldquoWe work with the buyer on projections business plans [and] we introduce them to trusted advisorsrdquo from attorneys and CPAs to financial advisors and insurance agents
Itrsquos this helpful backing of experts that eases the difficult task of ownership and only proves that one can certainly switch from a blue collar to a white one The FIRM
CONTRACTING BUSINESSES LISTED BY THE FIRM
201
5 P
roje
cted
201
5 Y
TD
201
4
201
3
201
2
30
0
15
28
14
12
11
16
15Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Omaharsquos Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
It may seem like I pulled a muscle making this stretch but Keith Backsen the new boss at the Omaha Convention amp Visitors Bureau seems to have an awful lot in common with new Husker Coach Mike Riley
Coach Riley spent a total of 14 seasons at Oregon State before heading to Huskerland Backsen also comes from that neck of the woods having spent 11 years of his career in Portland Oregon and another 11 years in Spokane Washington selling both cities as prime places for convention and leisure travelers
At Oregon State Coach Riley built the football program into a consistent winner and regular conference contender At Visit Spokane Backsen opened sales offices in Washington DC and Chicago that led to increased convention bookings Backsen also worked on the public campaign to expand the Spokane Convention Center with a $65 million bond issue The expansion coupled with increased hotel inventory allowed Spokane to pursue large conventions and more than doubled convention bookings in Spokane
Riley has experience at the highest level of football serving as the head coach of the San Diego Chargers and as a head coach in both the Canadian and World Football Leagues Same for Backsen he worked in Dallas and Chicago as the director of sales for Global Experience Specialists a global leader in the world of event planning Backsen supervised five sales offices in a nine-state region generating annual sales in excess of $70 million
Riley is known as one of the most professional and nicest men in the profession a coach who is greatly admired by his peers I kid you not Backsen is described the same way by colleaguesmdashone of the most genuine and skilled men in the business a well respected professional who has the insight and experience to get the job done (Note the $70M stat above)
Come the first game both men will have a stadium filled with fans cheering them on In Backsenrsquos case his stadium is the entire city of Omaha where the fans are the 434353 residents who will reap the rewards of Omaharsquos growing tourism economy
B2B
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 51
51HUSKER
COACH HAS TOURISM
TWIN
OMAHA CVB BY DEB WARD
Deb Ward is the director of marketingcommunications Omaha Convention and Visitorrsquos Bureau
Keith Backsen
52 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Jason Feldman and Sebastian Hunt
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 53
The emerging startup accelerator scene supports creative-minded risk-takers looking for an edge to follow their passion and bring their ideas to fruition
Sebastian Hunt 25 is passionate about giving entrepreneurs like himself a nurturing space to test out their concepts The University of Nebraska at Omaha economics graduate interned with various local employers and surveyed the area startup community when an idea struck him for a by-application curriculum-based residency program serving new entrepreneurs That inspiration turned into Year of the Startup
Launched in 2014 the program operates out of a humble house at 4036 Burt Street in the St Cecilia Cathedral neighborhood Hunt and co-founder Jason Feldman 28 room there with young residency fellows whose startup ventures range from making bio-fuels to providing night owl shuttle services They are a millennial bunch who favor sneakers and sandals They take informal meetings to nearby CaliCommons and Lisarsquos Radial Cafe They variously hunch over laptops or tablets and carry smartphones as appendages
YEAR OF THE STARTUP
ENTREPRENEURAL IMMERSION
This communal work-live space model for business mavericks is new to Omaha The usual startup accelerator is a concentrated 90-day off-site program Omaha has a few of these notably Straight Shot Hunt saw a need for a program that invites a broader range of people into the accelerator fold and supports them much nearer to the start of their dream than other programs
ldquoWe feel like we can take people at very early stages because we are four times as long as the average programrdquo says Hunt who adds that Year of the Startup is also not tech-centric like many programs tend to be ldquoIn our model we substitute intensity for duration I think a lot of the learning here comes through unstructured serendipitous interactions we have that is not curriculum-based itrsquos just happenstance
ldquoWith a house there are so many different ways you can bring ideas and people together I think thatrsquos maybe that critical binding agent and sense of place that helps accomplish thingsrdquo
He says in this intimate environment ldquotherersquos no other choice but to immerse yourself in the settingrdquo adding ldquoWersquore always hanging out in the living room or out back talking about startup stuffmdashmonetization strategies capitalization tables vested equity entity structuresrdquo
ldquoItrsquos this immersive experience of camaraderie of these natural flows and idea generationrdquo Feldman says
Hunt says ldquoThis is very difficult to get bored with because therersquos always somebody whose business is either in crisis or growth stage or some interesting part of the curverdquo
ldquoHow could we get bored when wersquore creating a platform with four startups and all we get to do is ideationrdquo Feldman says ldquoItrsquos a constant buzz we get from interacting with these startup founders and helping them build their ideasrdquo
Built into the program are activities that encourage fellows to break out of their comfort zone and to offer honest criticism of each otherrsquos ideas
Hunt compiles multiple data points on the startups
ldquoWersquore developing really deep insight about how do people start successful businessesrdquo
The program utilizes mentors from the entrepreneurial community
ldquoWe bring in people who are experts in specific areas to talk on those topicsrdquo Feldman says
ldquoThey get ideas flowingrdquo Hunt says of the mentors
Feldman says he regularly covers with fellows ldquothe major components of what you need to look at to start your businessrdquo and then mentors like Mike Kolker owner of graphic design firm Simplify teach lessons about operational efficiency and ldquohow to simplify running a businessrdquo
Hunt is a newcomer to all this and goes by instinct as much as research to support his vision
CONTINUED ON 54
FEATURE | BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
53
54 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
70 Years of Business in Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
4027335500 | 4315 South 50th Street
402-333-5722 bull wwwsw-fencecom
Thanks for Voting SampW Fence the Best Again in 2015
Wersquore Not Just About Fences
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Thank You for Voting Us Best of B2Btrade 4 Years in a Row
AUDIO VISUAL SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDEbull System designengineeringbull Sales
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B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
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aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER 2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
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ConnectWITH YOURCOMMUNITY
Donrsquot forget to visitOmahaMagazinecom to read
all of our titles online
Omaha MagazineEncounter B2B 60PlusHerFamily OmahaHome
CONTINUED FROM 53
ldquoI just had an irrational confidence market insights and a great theoretical background thanks to primary research I completed and to lessons I learned from Phillip Phillips Michael OrsquoHara and Art Diamond in UNOrsquos economics department I read constantly about who the players were in the startup world so I was fairly preparedrdquo
Even though he directs a startup program he only started participating in one himself (Venture School) He acknowledges Year of the Startup is a by-the-seat-of-your-pants experiment
ldquoComing out of college I had student loans and not a ton of money Irsquove held two jobs to finance the project Now the project is financed by a combination of me working and renting out one room One-hundred percent of the money our entrepreneurs pay in rent will be returned in full and so everybody has a strong incentive to follow through with the program That may be what makes us sustainablerdquo
Hersquos working on securing corporate sponsorship for the program Meanwhile he wants to help get participating startups to the next level
ldquoWersquore functioning like a pre-accelerator at this point We want to get our startups profitable and then refer them to the Straight Shots so they can focus on growth in a pure accelerator programrdquo
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 55
Mercedes-Benz of Omaha14335 Hillsdale Ave Omaha NE 68137wwwOmahaMercedescomContact John Williams anytime at 4029819262
of Omaha of Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
As Year of the Startup moved into a larger house in Omaharsquos Little Italy district on July 1 and a new class of fellows arrives Hunt says there are ldquointeresting talks happening right now to bring this to other citiesrdquo He and Feldman say economic development agencies are willing to pay a license fee for them to do startup houses in other cities The partners are having proprietary software developed that will enable new startup houses to replicate their branded Omaha model
They look forward to engaging with the emerging 10th Street cultural district but may keep the midtown house to accommodate growth
Hunt and Feldman believe theyrsquore catching the wave or tipping point of a big new startup rush and theyrsquore betting their model is poised to be a niche player in this wild frontier of entrepreneurial prospecting
B2B
56 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
It is an unassuming space but if you have made your way to TD Ameritrade Park Filmstreams or Hot Shops chances are yoursquove passed one of the most vibrant offices in Omaha
The fact that Co-Lab (short for Creative Collaborators) is not a traditional work space is certainly one of its best features Located inside the Tip Top building at 15th and Cumming streets is a project dreamed up by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture who happens to share the main floor of the building Based in the heart of a once-isolated section of the city Co-Labrsquos funky creative vibe is making waves In fact that vibe seeps into Omaharsquos everyday bringing about small changes pushing our city toward a more innovative future
CO-LABGIVING OMAHA WORKERS A MORE
COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE
IN THE OFFICE | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
56
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 57
Home to 18 businesses plus Alley Poyner Macchietto Co-Lab is free of walls and signage It is also free from traditional office norms For instance you donrsquot just walk over to your neighborrsquos space for a brainstorming sessionmdashyou skateboard At least you do if yoursquore Dave Nelson of SecretPenguin a leading experimental branding agency The best part is that the businesses surrounding SecretPenguin appreciate the break from tradition ldquoThatrsquos the beautiful part about being around like-minded good people and businessesrdquo Nelson says
CONTINUED ON 58
58 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 59
CONTINUED FROM 57
In addition to having pathways large enough to skateboard or bike through the space also provides Co-Labbers with a kitchen various conference rooms bike storage bathrooms and a battleground (otherwise known as the ping-pong table) Walking in the main doors clients and employees alike are greeted from the front desk while catching a view of the five-story open atrium basking in the glow of sunshine from the skylight Workers can also access the fitness room and rooftop deck sharing amenities with TipTop apartment residents who use a separate entrance
CONTINUED ON 60
The Harry A Koch CoInsurance amp Financial ConsultantsMember of First Insurance Group LLC
60 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
CONTINUED FROM 59
Businesses in Co-Lab all creativity-related range from entrepreneurs to start-ups to non-profits to small businesses The art varies in form but runs through the space like an electric current At Zicafoose Textiles Mary Zicafoose works steadily on her loom creating gorgeous tapestries 4Site Programming is where Joi Brown works as an independent consultant for performing arts centers across the nation Heartland B-Cycle a large-scale municipal bike sharing system brings art in the form of economical convenience Holly Boyer a founder of non-profit organization Mission Matters explains that one of the best things about having an office at Co-Lab is feeling the innovative positive energy from the moment you walk in the door So while individuals may join Co-Lab with a business-minded focus or a more creative vibe finding a yin to their yang is just a shout away
ldquoThere is certainly a wonderful built-in support network that comes along with working in a collaborative environmentrdquo quips Omaha Creative Institute Executive Director Emily Moody ldquoEverything from sharing ideas and finding ways to collaborate with an organization different than yours to sharing a staplerrdquo
At the heart of making it work says Laura Alley of Alley Poyner itrsquos simply playing well with others
The skateboarding ping-pong playing creatives do that well
B2B
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Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott Enterprises
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For more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
TD Ameritrade Park | First National Bank Tower | Midtown Crossing | Village Pointe | Childrenrsquos Hospital Aksarben Village | Joslyn Art Museum | Fred amp Pamela Buffett Cancer Center | UNO Community Arena
6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
AT THE OFFICE amp ON THE GO
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Plantronics BackBeat
Fit Bluetooth
Plantronics CS540
Wireless
wwwheadsetterscom wwwcomputeromahacomLocated Inside of Headsetters
SERVICES INCLUDEVirus Check and Removal
Clean Your BrowserRemove Temporary Internet Files
Delete Adware and CookiesDefrag Hard Drives
Intall Current Microsoft PatchesInstall Microsoft Security Updates
Update Drivers
13
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
- BB1015_fntCvr_125
- BB1015_fntEdit_125
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- BB1015_bkCvr_125
-
30emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Layne and Pam Yahnke and Their VW Thing
Shakespeare wrote of love and betrayal Tolkien of hobbits and wizards Steinbeck and Faulkner of the indomitable American spirit
Layne Yahnke writes about his VW Thing
Yes the two-wheel-drive off-road convertible military vehicle first manufactured for the West German Army as ldquoType 181rdquo in 1968 VW churned them out until 1983 including two years in the United States when marketed as ldquoThe Thingrdquo
Yahnke got his Thing in 2000 for $5500 Hersquos lovingly restored it most importantly giving it a peppy new motor that makes it Autobahn-worthy
WHATrsquoS THAT THING
LANE YAHNKErsquoS UNUSUAL VOLKSWAGEN
HOW I ROLL | BY ANTHONY FLOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Therersquos only one other Thing in Omaha and Yahnkersquos gets lots of second and third looks when hersquos whipping down the Dodge Street Expressway from his Elkhorn home Especially when the doors are off and windshield is down
Everyone wants to know abouthellipthe Thing
Thus Yahnke penned ldquoIt Takes a Village to Build a VW Thingrdquo an ode to those who helped him with his beloved ridemdashhis sons Omaha VW Club members engine and body shops and parts stores
CONTINUEDemspONemsp32
30
SIGN UP TODAYdolnebraskagovsides
Questions phone - 402-471-9910 email - ndoluisidesnebraskagov
Sign up now for a free paperless way to return unemployment insurance information
Submit separation information online
Free - No postage costsno sign-up fee
Respond quickly toseparation requests
E-Response saves treesNo more paper 350rsquos
Keep your taxes lowAvoid unnecessary charges
Avoid Late responses ampLoss of appeal rights
32emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Locally Owned in Papillion Ne402-740-0800 bull apconstructomahacom
Insurance claims
welcomeIf your roof sustained fire snow or hail
damage the repairs can be costly We are your wind and hail damage experts and accept insurance claims so you wonrsquot
have to pay for the repair work yourself
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Residential Roofing bull Roof Maintenance amp Repair bull Licensed Bonded amp Insured
Steve Kowalski
Call or Text Message(402 ) 453-6000
abetterexposurecom steveabetterexposurecom
Passion Creativity Experience
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp31
ldquoI wrote that right after the engine transplantrdquo says Yahnke an Omaha native and vice president at Essex Corp provider of senior living communities ldquoI guess I was moved I get so many inquiries about it and I really feel so fondly about itrdquo
Itrsquos not his first Thing Yahnke and his wife of 38 years Pam owned one before their four children came along As the kids have come and gone so have the cars
Lots of them
Yahnke figures he has owned 60 automobiles in his life His car fancy began as a kid growing up in Dundee where a friendrsquos dad spent his spare time restoring English cars Yahnke spent hours in his garage and developed a love for Triumphs and MGs His first car purchase was a 1962 Triumph for $425 in 1972 It wasnrsquot long though until he sold it at a profit
ldquoThatrsquos what kicked off the buying and selling of English carsrdquo he says ldquoI discovered I could enjoy my transportation but then as soon as someone wanted to buy it for more than I paid for it out it wentrdquo
ldquoWhere Accounting Meets ResultsrdquoProviding Accounting and Quickbooks Services
For Metro Businesses
Denise Martin I 9252077634Deniseheartlandaccountabilitycom
wwwHeartlandAccountAbilitycom
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 33
These days you never know what will be parked in the Yahnke driveway Currently therersquos a Honda pickup a VW Jetta VW Multivan and a 2001 Audi TT Quatro Convertiblemdashpurchased in apropos silver for his 25th wedding anniversary
Itrsquos the Thing he most enjoys driving He logs about 1000 miles on it each year Most of those have come toplessmdashYahnke long ago gave it away to another Thing enthusiast and now only drives it sans roof
ldquoAnyone who sees this car has only seen it top-downrdquo he says ldquoI just got caught once in the rain and that was probably a month ago The cool thing about the Thing is you leave it out in the sun and it dries out and is ready to gordquo
It says ldquoSummer is hererdquo Yahnke says
ldquoPeople speed up all the time to try to figure out what it is Itrsquos just a happy car and itrsquos so darn versatile It puts smiles on peoplesrsquo facesrdquo
B2B
Quality Carpet Cleaning Since 2004
4026806523
Cleaning ServicesCarpet CleaningUpholstery CleaningMattress CleaningTile amp Grout CleaningPet TreatmentsConcrete CleaningConcrete CleaningAuto Interior Cleaning24 Hour Water Damage
wwwLegacyCarpetCleaningcom
omahamagazinecom SPECIALemspADVERTISINGemspSECTIONemspemsp |emsp SUMMERemsp2015emsp |emsp 34
ABOUT OUR BUSINESS
Cox Business started in 2000 as the commercial services division of Cox Communications Over the past 15 years we have experienced strong growth and are on our target to achieve $2 billion in revenue in the near future
Cox Business owns operates and maintains its own network providing leading-edge technology solutions for voice internet networking and digital TV We also offer robust business continuity and disaster recovery solutions which is of increasing importance to businesses in the greater Omaha area Our customers include such key verticals as education hospitality government and healthcare We maintain a significant focus on Omaha small business mid-markets and large local companies as well
We consider our employees to be our most precious asset as they have the responsibility of taking care of our customers At Cox Business we are fortunate to have an extremely tenured and engaged team of employees What sets us apart from our competition is the fact that while we are a large robust and progressive company we still possess
the nimbleness of a smaller company in our ability to deliver creative solutions under tight timelines We pride ourselves on having very little bureaucracy and that translates to happy customers The fact that Cox Business has won 15 JD Power Awards for customer satisfaction over the past 11 years is a notable accomplishment for us and we work hard to deliver on that promise of excellence every day
ABOUT LYNNE
I have led sales and operations teams in the communications industry for 20 years 10 of those years with Cox Communications My husband Pat and I just celebrated our first full year in Omaha and wonder why it took us so long to find this jewel of a community Our daughter Kaylin starts law school next month at the University of San Diego
I have two passions in my professional life mentoring employees who are working on leadership development (which includes working with two to three emerging leaders at any given time) and continuing to drive efforts in hiring fostering a diverse workforce There
is a challenge in STEM fields of under-represented groups My company Cox Communications is also very passionate about this and holds the distinction of inclusion in Diversity Incrsquos top 50 companies
My personal passions include travel social media and Italian cooking
B2B
COX BUSINESSLYNNE SANGIMINO
Cox Business 401 N 117th St Omaha NE 68154 coxbusinesscom 4029340830
Cradickrsquos Husker PowerTEXAN RETURNS HOME FOR BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY PG 8
Marlon Lofgren Koley Jessen PC LLOKEEPING THE FOCUS WHERE IT BELONGS PG 4
Seasoned Advice for Buyers(THE BOUNCY KIND) PG 5
PLAYING BIG EDITION
Fall
2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
2
Volume 1 Issue 5
Published by The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
PresidentEditor bull Cortney Sells
DirectorAssistant Editor bull Cassandra Powers
In-House Legal Counsel bull Susanne Miller
Outreach Coordinator bull Rene Rademacher
Marketing Development bull Rachael Rand
Business Broker bull Breann Becerra
Referring Broker bull Elizabeth Jones
Marketing Division bull Adam Jaime
Development Liaison bull Holley Garcia
Client Services bull Nycole Wandvik-Tolle
Client Services bull Julie OrsquoBrien
Community Relations bull Mike Sells
Contributing Writers
Marlon Lofgren bull Kathy Rygg bull Maureen Tierney
Design bull OBI Creative
Photography bull Bill Sitzmann
To Subscribe
The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
210 N 78 St
Omaha NE 68114
4029985288
infothefirmb2bcom
Advertising Inquiries
4028842000
toddomahamagazinecom
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Columns
4 Seller Financing
Koley Jessen PC LLO Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
14 Executive Impact Getting Into the Big Office
Departments
5 Seasoned Advice for
Business Buyers (The Bouncy Kind)
12 Building a Legacy while
Building Racks New Chapter to Becklerrsquos Career
The Bottom Line
Sells Insights
Playing Big
Husker PowerTexan returns home to
Nebraska for business opportunity
pg8
Many business owners have marginal experience in the trades in which their
organizations specialize While it may seem counterintuitive to buy or start a company situated around an industry in which one has little experience there is a certain com-petitive edge to the equation A buyer or president need only know enough to begin before surrounding him or herself with the right personnel to tackle the minute details What is paramount is the grander scheme of
management and operations which allows one to flex refined business acumen Not only does distance from fieldwork free up time to put in place a robust and refined plan but it leaves open other avenues for portfolio expansion Grow your business expand operations or begin other busi-ness ventures The possibilities are only as small as the mindset held by your team The FIRM
Special Section
7 Fresh Off The Firm The Firm Business Brokerage has
over $80 million dollars in assets under
management of current cash flowing
businesses for sale ndash from medical
practices to commercial services to large
manufacturing companies
by Cortney Sells presidenteditor
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
3Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
4
IF PROPERLY STRUCTURED AND DOCUMENTED SELLER FINANCING IS REALLY NO DIFFERENT FROM FINANCING THAT WOULD OTHERWISE BE PROVIDED BY A BANKTYING IT ALL TOGETHEREven the most savvy of ldquonumbers peoplerdquo need a leg up in negotiating a purchase As with so many aspects of doing business retaining experienced legal counsel enables you to keep the focus where it belongsmdashemploying your entrepreneurial skills in the identification and acquisition of profitable business ventures The FIRM
Seller Financing Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
written by Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
Seller financing can often be a criti-cal factor in getting a business sold
If properly structured and documented seller financing is really no different from financing that would otherwise be provided by a bank Below is a brief guide to navi-gating the issues normally encountered in seller financing
FIRST THINGS FIRSTThe first question is usually that of how to structure and document the financing The buyer should be expected to sign a prom-issory note evidencing the loan from the seller with interest and repayment terms mutually agreeable to both parties The seller might also require that the buyer grant the seller a security interestlien in the pur-chased assets to secure the loan Itrsquos also not unusual for a seller to require that the individual owners of the buyer (assuming the buyer is an entity) personally guarantee the loan In most cases the documents are usually pretty straightforward and do not need to be overly complicated
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
ADDITIONAL LAYERSIf a bank is also financing the sale the seller will most likely be required by the bank to sign a subordination agreement This is an agreement between the bank usually referred to as the ldquosenior lenderrdquo and the seller referred to as the ldquojunior lenderrdquo A subordination agreement sets forth the terms between the lenders as to each entityrsquos right to receive loan pay-ments from the buyer and the priority of their respective security interestsliens in the purchased assets The document will usually state that the senior lenderrsquos loan and security interestliens shall at all times be superior to those of the junior lender until the senior loan is paid in full Most lenders are willing to discuss and negoti-ate the junior lenderrsquos right to receive loan payments from the borrower Lien priority status however is rarely compromised by senior lenders in subordination agreements The senior lender will insist on having a first priority security interestlien in the pur-chased assets
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Whether yoursquore a first-time entre-preneur or an experienced business
owner purchasing a company is a critical investment financially and emotionally To help increase the likelihood of it being a success in both areas there are a number of aspects to keep in mind when evaluating if a business is the right fit gt
Seasoned Advice for Business Buyers(The Bouncy Kind)
written by Kathy Rygg
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Jerry Rachwalik
5Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
6
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
lt Jerry Rachwalik has been researching companies for the past three years waiting for the right opportunity to arise His search was the result of spending his career work-ing for larger organizations in a number of areas including delivery installation cus-tomer service inventory accounts receiv-ables and scheduling where he managed up to 35 people at a time
Policies and philosophies can change when working for a corporation Sometimes they become less family friendly ldquoWith the previous companies I worked forrdquo Rachwalik says ldquothey switched from caring about em-ployees to making money and the bottom line I stuck it out for several years and then decided I needed something differentrdquo
An entrepreneur by nature Rachwalik has over the last seven years built up a rental business buying foreclosed homes and duplex properties completely reno-vating them and then renting them back out He now has 15 properties and enjoys helping families by providing nice homes that are affordable ldquoI want people to feel good when they come home at night after a long day at workrdquo he says Rachwalik want-ed to find a business that allowed him the flexibility to respond to his tenants when needed from simple plumbing issues to furnaces going kaput
When he first started looking for a new business Rachwalik was drawn to home health care because of his experience help-ing to take care of relatives And it was a growing field Nothing was available at the time so he expanded his options and be-gan researching businesses in a variety of industries Those included a flooring com-pany sandwich shop and even a hair salon
ldquoI was open to anything and if I could make the numbers work then I would consider itrdquo he explains
Then The Firm Business Brokerage pre-sented him with an opportunity that was the right match Bounce U in Omaha There were a number of factors that appealed to Rachwalik First and foremost were the financials but it would also offer him the flexibility he needed for his rental business A big advantage was that an entire team was already in place one seasoned in man-aging staff and scheduling parties ldquoThey do a great jobrdquo he says ldquoI donrsquot plan on making any personnel changesrdquo
But what hersquos most looking forward to with this new venture is the fun positive environment Bounce Ursquos primary business is its birthday party packages featuring the companyrsquos oversized inflatibles and Rachwalik said he canrsquot wait to watch the excitement on the kids faces when they walk through the door ldquoEveryone there is happyrdquo he says ldquoThe kids are happy the parents are happy and the employees running the parties are happy Itrsquoll be a big change from the environments I used to work inrdquo Hersquos already planning to have his twin grand-daughtersrsquo birthday party there too
His transition included a week of training with the companyrsquos corporate facility in Ari-zona as well as on-site training Even though the Omaha location is an existing store all of Rachwalikrsquos training was structured as though itrsquos a brand new site
Bounce U has traditionally partnered with local restaurants to provide food for birth-day parties but Rachwalik wants to explore the option to build a kitchen of his own
He also hopes to continue to grow the business by at least 5 annually ldquoAnything I do I will communicate with my employees and get their input and suggestions firstrdquo he adds
For anyone who is considering buying a business or is going through the process Rachwalik stresses to be open minded and not rule anything out ldquoIf an opportunity is presented to you run the numbers and see if you can make it workrdquo he says ldquoI did a complete flip-flop on the type of business I thought I wanted versus what I ended up purchasing But if you keep looking yoursquoll eventually find a matchrdquo The FIRM
ldquoTHE KIDS ARE HAPPY THE PARENTS ARE HAPPY AND THE EMPLOYEES RUNNING THE PARTIES ARE HAPPY ITrsquoLL BE A BIG CHANGE FROM THE ENVIRONMENTS I USED TO WORK INrdquo
-Jerry Rachwalik
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Fresh Off The Firm Featured Listings for Sale
Suburban Bar amp Grill with VolleyballOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $26413 PRICE $115000
Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity in an area with only two other bars nearby Serving up a gorgeous and well-maintained volleyball court along with pool tables and a jukebox this bar and grill is a favorite with the locals Business is fully staffedmdashowner works very part time hours
Rain Gutter Sales amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $145200 PRICE $415000
This business is a dealer for high-end rain gutter covers These products are con-structed of high-quality aluminum and sur-gical-grade stainless steel and are strong enough to hold up to four feet of snow or 20 pounds of debris Profit margin is 48
Large-Scale Assembly amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $743732 PRICE $2200000
This well-established installation and assembly business in central Nebraska prides itself on providing many numerous building solutions for businesses and building owners in their area They install and assemble metal frames including grain silos pole barns and buildings
Photo Booth Business Running on Autopilot OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $36419 PRICE $88900
Photo booths are the ldquoin thingrdquo at weddings and parties In business for seven years this business is one of the largest in town Wedding couples hoping to capture the fun memories of the day make up 67 of the clients Includes four booths and one trailer
Southwest Omaha Dental PracticeOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $129745 PRICE $380000
Professional staff and excellent customer service are the hallmarks of this practice Using the latest technology the business offers an array of dental services including teeth cleaning veneers crowns bleaching and trauma services The owner is currently working only 20 hours a week
Small Animal Vet Clinic in Omaha OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $158287 PRICE $440000
For over 30 years this animal care clinic has prioritized customer care They are currently offering services to over 2000 families and are the second largest veterinary clinic in the area The business is split 7030 between dogs and cats
Buildersrsquo Material amp Supply CompanyOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $364880 PRICE $933000
This highly reputable company established in 1976 and located just north of Omaha provides quality and reliable services and supplies Building supply inventory includes garage door lumber windows trims siding roofing materials and more Approximately 90 of customers are repeat clientele
High-Growth Plumbing Company OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $157774 PRICE $445000
This non-union plumbing company has consistent growth of over $130000 a year in sales The full service plumbing contractor has business that is currently 50 commercial and 50 residential
90+ available business opportunities for sale Please visit TheFirmBusinessBrokeragecom for details
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
7Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
Matt Cradick
The Deal ReviewReason For Sale Fresh start after 25+ years in the industrySeller Transition Period Over eight monthsType of Sale Asset Purchase AgreementLender Access Bank Mack LaRock
ldquoYOU SHOULD INTERVIEW FOR A BUSINESS JUST LIKE YOU
WOULD FOR A JOBrdquo CRADICK EXPLAINS ldquoIT HAS TO BE THE
RIGHT FIT YOU DONrsquoT WANT TO BE ONE OF THE MANY FA-
TALITIES THAT HAPPEN SO OFTEN IN NEW BUSINESSrdquo
-Shaun Heldt
From Retail to RoofingHow to be Successful When Buying a Business
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Spending almost 20 years working in retail for major corporations and then
buying a siding and roofing contracting company may seem like a major leap but for Matt Cradick owner of Husker Ham-mer Siding Windows and Roofing it was the best business move hersquos ever made And thatrsquos saying a lot for someone who moved 11 times in 19 years across nine different states
Cradick had been living in Houston Texas where he worked for Target Corporation He had worked his way up through the com-pany and another promotion was on the horizon which meant another move With three young children at home Cradick de-cided it was time to put down some roots Having grown up in Lincoln Nebraska he wanted to be near family and Midwestern values He started researching businesses for sale and was eventually led to The Firm which in turn led him to Husker Hammer
The move from a big corporate environ-ment to a small contracting business didnrsquot intimidate Cradick With Target he oversaw 200 people so he knew he brought strong management and operational skills The challenge he says was learning the ins and outs of construction He didnrsquot need to be the one hammering away on the roofmdashhe needed learn a new business segment
ldquoSwitching industries can be nerve-rack-ingrdquo Cradick says ldquobut the owner was will-ing to stay on board for six months during the transitionrdquo That partnership was an invaluable tool during the changeover gt
A Publication of The Firm Business BrokerageA Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
9Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
10
lt Husker Hammer was started in 1998 as a one-man operation and had been built up to a multimillion dollar business Cradick was impressed with the mission statement values system of the company and the strong workforce that was already in place And the price of the company lined up well with the financials ldquoWhat Husker has that others in the industry donrsquotrdquo says the man whose faith is central to his deal-ings ldquois a strong ethical foundation with a Christian backgroundrdquo
There were a number of other elements Cradick sought when buying his business ones he believes all potential business own-ers need to keep in mind The first is to make sure you have a proper support team in place to help make a sound financial deci-sion That includes having a good business valuation and a good business broker who can point you in the right direction to ensure a match for both parties
Once yoursquore in the process of purchasing he adds make sure you have a capable net-work of attorneys a seasoned financial team and solid internal help to ensure yoursquore suc-cessful from the start ldquoYou should interview
for a business just like you would for a jobrdquo Cradick explains ldquoIt has to be the right fit You donrsquot want to be one of the many fatal-ities that happen so often in new businessrdquo
To help ensure the company continues to be successful Cradick plans to main-tain Husker Hammerrsquos competitive edges which he says includes his 11000-sq-ft state-of-the-art showroom in Elkhorn He reformatted the space to better fit his busi-ness model before building out additional second-floor space that is now rented to other entrepreneurs
The showroom features all of the window siding and roofing products available to customers Samples are one thing Cradick says but he knows the power of customers seeing actual colors in actual sizes
ldquoOur philosophy is to build peace of mind for homeowners and be with them every step through the processrdquo he says ldquoWord of mouth is our number one lead source which was true in retail as wellrdquo
Happy employees to Cradick are just as important as happy customers He sub-scribes to a simple philosophymdashlistening to employees and doing so with respect
ldquoWith big corporations you deal with a lot of politicsrdquo he says ldquoNow if therersquos politics itrsquos because Irsquove generated it Itrsquos a nice change to be in a small business where you have more leeway to ensure yoursquore creating a positive work environment which creates a happy workforcerdquo
Working for a smaller company also allows for more opportunities to become involved in the community Husker Hammer is active in local chambers of commerce the Open Door Mission and is currently helping on a Habitat for Humanity build in Waterloo They have also been accredited by the Bet-ter Business Bureau since 2000 and won the Better Business Integrity Award
Cradickrsquos business is currently 90 percent residential and 10 percent commercial He hopes to increase their reach in proper-ty management and general contracting while maintaining the high-quality residen-tial sales that built the business ldquoBecause of our showroomrdquo he says ldquopeople come
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
to us We donrsquot do the high pressure sales at the kitchen table We listen We let the homeowners do the talkingrdquo
Growing geographically is also a goal Cradick hopes to expand to surrounding areas including his hometown of Lincoln
ldquoSo far itrsquos been a great moverdquo he says ldquoand I look forward to continuing to be known as an ethical long-lasting company My daughters and wife are excited to be back in the Midwest around grandparents and family Their school district is great and the full year-round climate has been a welcome change from living in the south Plus I was averaging 50000 miles per year in travel so itrsquos nice to sleep in your own bed every nightrdquo The FIRM
For more information on this or any for sale listings call The Firm Business Brokerage directly
11Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
The Deal ReviewBusiness Established 1987Reason for Sale Retirement (Transla-tion More time with a fishing pole)Ownerrsquos Profit $495004Type of Loan SBA with Core Bank
12
Back to the FutureBuilding a Business Legacy
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Itrsquos not uncommon for someone who has spent a number of years in corporate
America to shift gears into entrepreneur-ship Being your own boss certainly has its advantages But for Scott Beckler who recently purchased Lewis Installers in Gret-na his reason for taking on a new business venture had more to do with honoring not only his fatherrsquos legacy but building one of his own
Beckler started his career as a business education teacher then moved to a corpo-rate career in technology But for a number of years he kept an eye on businesses for sale hoping that just the right opportunity would come along
ldquoMy dad was an entrepreneur who owned his own real estate insurance companyrdquo
Beckler says ldquoDespite the fact he had on-going health issues he still got up every day put on a coat and tie and went out to make a sale He was a very successful busi-nessman and I wanted to honor his legacyrdquo
After contacting The Firm and discuss-ing what he was looking for in a business the team suggested Lewis Installers which specializes in industrial conveyor and rack systems At first it seemed like a big de-parture for him ldquoShelving and logistical systems isnrsquot something that jumps out at yourdquo Beckler says But the more he looked into it the more he realized it had many of the elements he wanted in a business The most obvious advantage was that the company was located in Gretna where he lives Add to that the fact that the seller lives just up the road from him
Scott Beckler
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
For purposes of this article this overview is based on the buying and selling entities being corporations or entities taxed as corporations
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
4420 Izard Street Omaha4022938707 bull 8887380296
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
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HAVE YOUR MINOR ROOF LEAKS BECOME A MAJOR ANNOYANCEDonrsquot Wait Any Longer Call Us Now
ldquoAfter meeting him and hitting it offrdquo Beckler says ldquowe quickly realized it was a match on both sidesrdquo
Other signs also pointed in the right di-rection The financials were good The size of the business was ideal The competitive landscape was promising Beckler also real-ized that his corporate background fit well with this new business
ldquoAlthough itrsquos an entirely different indus-tryrdquo he says ldquomany of the business princi-ples are the samehellipproject management customer service delivery vendor man-agement and cost containment Irsquove been doing all of those for yearsrdquo
His background in technology will also be a valuable asset in his new business Not only has he established relationships with large vendors built over the years but his from-the-ground-up experience with data centers means that he is already eying in-novative automation and other technology differentiators At the same time hersquos look-ing forward to learning the daily operations of the company and having a hand in every part of the business from bidding to closing to payroll
ldquoIt will be challenging coming from a big business background where Irsquove only been involved in the peripheryrdquo Beckler says
ldquoNow Irsquoll be involved in all of itrdquo
Lewis Installers being a family-owned business is what hersquos most excited about He says itrsquos a company with a good repu-tation thatrsquos known for quality and meeting deadlinesmdashall driven by a strong Midwest-ern work ethic
Itrsquos the sort of company Beckler believes that would make his father proud
ldquoI want this business to be a legacy for my familyrdquo Beckler says ldquoMy hope is that it could stay in the family with my own kids and grandkidsrdquo The FIRM
13Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Om
aharsquo
s Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
14
When considering the purchase of an existing business very few realize
that lack of experience in an industry can actually lead to success One simply needs a sound financial plan and a good team to fill in the gaps Removing the added stress of fieldwork and focusing solely on the management of finances and operation allows for greater opportunities It makes for the dynamic advantage of some outside impartiality when seeking areas of improve-ment and growth
One man who has made this transition from having marginal knowledge in an in-dustry to leading a successful plumbing and HVAC operation is Mark Evans president of Burton Plumbing Before taking over Burton Evans had a successful plumbing distribu-torship serving four states but it was his desire to own and to travel less that put him into the hands of Burton Friesz The founder of Burton Plumbing Friesz had been a customer and friend of Evansrsquo when the two discussed a possible expansion into residential service Evans put his busi-ness experience to work for Burton in July 1995 and his education in the minutiae of plumbing and HVAC began
While he hasnrsquot worked in the field as a licensed plumbing contractor Evans has dipped his feet in several areas within the running of Burtonhellipand often at the same time Before hiring the essential personnel that have enabled him to narrow his role Ev-ans served as manager marketer customer service representative and dispatcher Such a list of duties for one man is a daunting task but ldquoI worked my way to being able to work on the business rather than in the business [a strategy] taught to me by my business coachrdquo says Evans
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
REMOVING THE ADDED STRESS OF FIELDWORK AND FOCUSING SOLELY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF FINANCES AND OPERATION ALLOWS FOR GREATER OPPORTUNITIES
Executive Impact Moving Into the Boardroom From Employee to President
written by Maureen Tierney | Co-written by Mark Evans and Julie OrsquoBrien
Eventually Evans was able to step back and bring on a general manager and a ware-house operator that has allowed him to
ldquofocus on growth opportunities marketing and cash flowrdquo
Evansrsquo experience is not unique It is com-mon for brokerages to deal with buyers seeking to own companies within a cer-tain field but ldquoonly two people out of the nearly 100 closings [wersquove had] have come in for the same business that they ended up purchasingrdquo says Julie OrsquoBrien client services and paralegal with The Firm What it comes down to is as simple as the bot-tom line Buyers are looking to leverage their talents and experience in a marriage between a management philosophy and business model Those in the market for an acquisition are ldquobuying based on profit number of staff ability to get financing and mostly their strengths and passionsrdquo says OrsquoBrien Experience in a particular industry is certainly valuable but is no predictor of success when the right financial mind comes along
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Even so making up for a lack of practical knowledge requires the proper equipment most notably in the form of managers and employees The right talent in the field can be a growth experience and provide an opportunity to learn the ropes before taking a full swing at things A total deficit in knowl-edge hardly makes for good leadership and for this reason many ldquonew business owners like to take a birdrsquos eye view of the operation rather than diving in and getting their hands dirty right awayhellipgiving them the opportunity to watch [how] things have been done before implementing changesrdquo says OrsquoBrien
Approaching ownership in this way also allows for further financial acquisitions an avenue which Evans has taken In addition to owning Burton Plumbing Evans operates four other companies One might assume this much responsibility to be a stretch but Evans sees his role as ldquokeeping a pulse on things I like to lead people in growth per-sonally and on the business siderdquo
Getting started can be a challenge which is why OrsquoBrien works closely with potential buyers to find the right fit ldquoWe assist all the wayrdquo she says ldquoWe work with the buyer on projections business plans [and] we introduce them to trusted advisorsrdquo from attorneys and CPAs to financial advisors and insurance agents
Itrsquos this helpful backing of experts that eases the difficult task of ownership and only proves that one can certainly switch from a blue collar to a white one The FIRM
CONTRACTING BUSINESSES LISTED BY THE FIRM
201
5 P
roje
cted
201
5 Y
TD
201
4
201
3
201
2
30
0
15
28
14
12
11
16
15Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Omaharsquos Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
It may seem like I pulled a muscle making this stretch but Keith Backsen the new boss at the Omaha Convention amp Visitors Bureau seems to have an awful lot in common with new Husker Coach Mike Riley
Coach Riley spent a total of 14 seasons at Oregon State before heading to Huskerland Backsen also comes from that neck of the woods having spent 11 years of his career in Portland Oregon and another 11 years in Spokane Washington selling both cities as prime places for convention and leisure travelers
At Oregon State Coach Riley built the football program into a consistent winner and regular conference contender At Visit Spokane Backsen opened sales offices in Washington DC and Chicago that led to increased convention bookings Backsen also worked on the public campaign to expand the Spokane Convention Center with a $65 million bond issue The expansion coupled with increased hotel inventory allowed Spokane to pursue large conventions and more than doubled convention bookings in Spokane
Riley has experience at the highest level of football serving as the head coach of the San Diego Chargers and as a head coach in both the Canadian and World Football Leagues Same for Backsen he worked in Dallas and Chicago as the director of sales for Global Experience Specialists a global leader in the world of event planning Backsen supervised five sales offices in a nine-state region generating annual sales in excess of $70 million
Riley is known as one of the most professional and nicest men in the profession a coach who is greatly admired by his peers I kid you not Backsen is described the same way by colleaguesmdashone of the most genuine and skilled men in the business a well respected professional who has the insight and experience to get the job done (Note the $70M stat above)
Come the first game both men will have a stadium filled with fans cheering them on In Backsenrsquos case his stadium is the entire city of Omaha where the fans are the 434353 residents who will reap the rewards of Omaharsquos growing tourism economy
B2B
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 51
51HUSKER
COACH HAS TOURISM
TWIN
OMAHA CVB BY DEB WARD
Deb Ward is the director of marketingcommunications Omaha Convention and Visitorrsquos Bureau
Keith Backsen
52 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Jason Feldman and Sebastian Hunt
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 53
The emerging startup accelerator scene supports creative-minded risk-takers looking for an edge to follow their passion and bring their ideas to fruition
Sebastian Hunt 25 is passionate about giving entrepreneurs like himself a nurturing space to test out their concepts The University of Nebraska at Omaha economics graduate interned with various local employers and surveyed the area startup community when an idea struck him for a by-application curriculum-based residency program serving new entrepreneurs That inspiration turned into Year of the Startup
Launched in 2014 the program operates out of a humble house at 4036 Burt Street in the St Cecilia Cathedral neighborhood Hunt and co-founder Jason Feldman 28 room there with young residency fellows whose startup ventures range from making bio-fuels to providing night owl shuttle services They are a millennial bunch who favor sneakers and sandals They take informal meetings to nearby CaliCommons and Lisarsquos Radial Cafe They variously hunch over laptops or tablets and carry smartphones as appendages
YEAR OF THE STARTUP
ENTREPRENEURAL IMMERSION
This communal work-live space model for business mavericks is new to Omaha The usual startup accelerator is a concentrated 90-day off-site program Omaha has a few of these notably Straight Shot Hunt saw a need for a program that invites a broader range of people into the accelerator fold and supports them much nearer to the start of their dream than other programs
ldquoWe feel like we can take people at very early stages because we are four times as long as the average programrdquo says Hunt who adds that Year of the Startup is also not tech-centric like many programs tend to be ldquoIn our model we substitute intensity for duration I think a lot of the learning here comes through unstructured serendipitous interactions we have that is not curriculum-based itrsquos just happenstance
ldquoWith a house there are so many different ways you can bring ideas and people together I think thatrsquos maybe that critical binding agent and sense of place that helps accomplish thingsrdquo
He says in this intimate environment ldquotherersquos no other choice but to immerse yourself in the settingrdquo adding ldquoWersquore always hanging out in the living room or out back talking about startup stuffmdashmonetization strategies capitalization tables vested equity entity structuresrdquo
ldquoItrsquos this immersive experience of camaraderie of these natural flows and idea generationrdquo Feldman says
Hunt says ldquoThis is very difficult to get bored with because therersquos always somebody whose business is either in crisis or growth stage or some interesting part of the curverdquo
ldquoHow could we get bored when wersquore creating a platform with four startups and all we get to do is ideationrdquo Feldman says ldquoItrsquos a constant buzz we get from interacting with these startup founders and helping them build their ideasrdquo
Built into the program are activities that encourage fellows to break out of their comfort zone and to offer honest criticism of each otherrsquos ideas
Hunt compiles multiple data points on the startups
ldquoWersquore developing really deep insight about how do people start successful businessesrdquo
The program utilizes mentors from the entrepreneurial community
ldquoWe bring in people who are experts in specific areas to talk on those topicsrdquo Feldman says
ldquoThey get ideas flowingrdquo Hunt says of the mentors
Feldman says he regularly covers with fellows ldquothe major components of what you need to look at to start your businessrdquo and then mentors like Mike Kolker owner of graphic design firm Simplify teach lessons about operational efficiency and ldquohow to simplify running a businessrdquo
Hunt is a newcomer to all this and goes by instinct as much as research to support his vision
CONTINUED ON 54
FEATURE | BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
53
54 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
70 Years of Business in Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
4027335500 | 4315 South 50th Street
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Thanks for Voting SampW Fence the Best Again in 2015
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B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
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AUDIO VISUAL SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDEbull System designengineeringbull Sales
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aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
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NER bull 2012 bull WIN
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Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
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ConnectWITH YOURCOMMUNITY
Donrsquot forget to visitOmahaMagazinecom to read
all of our titles online
Omaha MagazineEncounter B2B 60PlusHerFamily OmahaHome
CONTINUED FROM 53
ldquoI just had an irrational confidence market insights and a great theoretical background thanks to primary research I completed and to lessons I learned from Phillip Phillips Michael OrsquoHara and Art Diamond in UNOrsquos economics department I read constantly about who the players were in the startup world so I was fairly preparedrdquo
Even though he directs a startup program he only started participating in one himself (Venture School) He acknowledges Year of the Startup is a by-the-seat-of-your-pants experiment
ldquoComing out of college I had student loans and not a ton of money Irsquove held two jobs to finance the project Now the project is financed by a combination of me working and renting out one room One-hundred percent of the money our entrepreneurs pay in rent will be returned in full and so everybody has a strong incentive to follow through with the program That may be what makes us sustainablerdquo
Hersquos working on securing corporate sponsorship for the program Meanwhile he wants to help get participating startups to the next level
ldquoWersquore functioning like a pre-accelerator at this point We want to get our startups profitable and then refer them to the Straight Shots so they can focus on growth in a pure accelerator programrdquo
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 55
Mercedes-Benz of Omaha14335 Hillsdale Ave Omaha NE 68137wwwOmahaMercedescomContact John Williams anytime at 4029819262
of Omaha of Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
As Year of the Startup moved into a larger house in Omaharsquos Little Italy district on July 1 and a new class of fellows arrives Hunt says there are ldquointeresting talks happening right now to bring this to other citiesrdquo He and Feldman say economic development agencies are willing to pay a license fee for them to do startup houses in other cities The partners are having proprietary software developed that will enable new startup houses to replicate their branded Omaha model
They look forward to engaging with the emerging 10th Street cultural district but may keep the midtown house to accommodate growth
Hunt and Feldman believe theyrsquore catching the wave or tipping point of a big new startup rush and theyrsquore betting their model is poised to be a niche player in this wild frontier of entrepreneurial prospecting
B2B
56 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
It is an unassuming space but if you have made your way to TD Ameritrade Park Filmstreams or Hot Shops chances are yoursquove passed one of the most vibrant offices in Omaha
The fact that Co-Lab (short for Creative Collaborators) is not a traditional work space is certainly one of its best features Located inside the Tip Top building at 15th and Cumming streets is a project dreamed up by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture who happens to share the main floor of the building Based in the heart of a once-isolated section of the city Co-Labrsquos funky creative vibe is making waves In fact that vibe seeps into Omaharsquos everyday bringing about small changes pushing our city toward a more innovative future
CO-LABGIVING OMAHA WORKERS A MORE
COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE
IN THE OFFICE | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
56
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 57
Home to 18 businesses plus Alley Poyner Macchietto Co-Lab is free of walls and signage It is also free from traditional office norms For instance you donrsquot just walk over to your neighborrsquos space for a brainstorming sessionmdashyou skateboard At least you do if yoursquore Dave Nelson of SecretPenguin a leading experimental branding agency The best part is that the businesses surrounding SecretPenguin appreciate the break from tradition ldquoThatrsquos the beautiful part about being around like-minded good people and businessesrdquo Nelson says
CONTINUED ON 58
58 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 59
CONTINUED FROM 57
In addition to having pathways large enough to skateboard or bike through the space also provides Co-Labbers with a kitchen various conference rooms bike storage bathrooms and a battleground (otherwise known as the ping-pong table) Walking in the main doors clients and employees alike are greeted from the front desk while catching a view of the five-story open atrium basking in the glow of sunshine from the skylight Workers can also access the fitness room and rooftop deck sharing amenities with TipTop apartment residents who use a separate entrance
CONTINUED ON 60
The Harry A Koch CoInsurance amp Financial ConsultantsMember of First Insurance Group LLC
60 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
CONTINUED FROM 59
Businesses in Co-Lab all creativity-related range from entrepreneurs to start-ups to non-profits to small businesses The art varies in form but runs through the space like an electric current At Zicafoose Textiles Mary Zicafoose works steadily on her loom creating gorgeous tapestries 4Site Programming is where Joi Brown works as an independent consultant for performing arts centers across the nation Heartland B-Cycle a large-scale municipal bike sharing system brings art in the form of economical convenience Holly Boyer a founder of non-profit organization Mission Matters explains that one of the best things about having an office at Co-Lab is feeling the innovative positive energy from the moment you walk in the door So while individuals may join Co-Lab with a business-minded focus or a more creative vibe finding a yin to their yang is just a shout away
ldquoThere is certainly a wonderful built-in support network that comes along with working in a collaborative environmentrdquo quips Omaha Creative Institute Executive Director Emily Moody ldquoEverything from sharing ideas and finding ways to collaborate with an organization different than yours to sharing a staplerrdquo
At the heart of making it work says Laura Alley of Alley Poyner itrsquos simply playing well with others
The skateboarding ping-pong playing creatives do that well
B2B
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2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott Enterprises
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In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
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For more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
TD Ameritrade Park | First National Bank Tower | Midtown Crossing | Village Pointe | Childrenrsquos Hospital Aksarben Village | Joslyn Art Museum | Fred amp Pamela Buffett Cancer Center | UNO Community Arena
6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
AT THE OFFICE amp ON THE GO
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13
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
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32emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Locally Owned in Papillion Ne402-740-0800 bull apconstructomahacom
Insurance claims
welcomeIf your roof sustained fire snow or hail
damage the repairs can be costly We are your wind and hail damage experts and accept insurance claims so you wonrsquot
have to pay for the repair work yourself
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
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Steve Kowalski
Call or Text Message(402 ) 453-6000
abetterexposurecom steveabetterexposurecom
Passion Creativity Experience
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp31
ldquoI wrote that right after the engine transplantrdquo says Yahnke an Omaha native and vice president at Essex Corp provider of senior living communities ldquoI guess I was moved I get so many inquiries about it and I really feel so fondly about itrdquo
Itrsquos not his first Thing Yahnke and his wife of 38 years Pam owned one before their four children came along As the kids have come and gone so have the cars
Lots of them
Yahnke figures he has owned 60 automobiles in his life His car fancy began as a kid growing up in Dundee where a friendrsquos dad spent his spare time restoring English cars Yahnke spent hours in his garage and developed a love for Triumphs and MGs His first car purchase was a 1962 Triumph for $425 in 1972 It wasnrsquot long though until he sold it at a profit
ldquoThatrsquos what kicked off the buying and selling of English carsrdquo he says ldquoI discovered I could enjoy my transportation but then as soon as someone wanted to buy it for more than I paid for it out it wentrdquo
ldquoWhere Accounting Meets ResultsrdquoProviding Accounting and Quickbooks Services
For Metro Businesses
Denise Martin I 9252077634Deniseheartlandaccountabilitycom
wwwHeartlandAccountAbilitycom
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 33
These days you never know what will be parked in the Yahnke driveway Currently therersquos a Honda pickup a VW Jetta VW Multivan and a 2001 Audi TT Quatro Convertiblemdashpurchased in apropos silver for his 25th wedding anniversary
Itrsquos the Thing he most enjoys driving He logs about 1000 miles on it each year Most of those have come toplessmdashYahnke long ago gave it away to another Thing enthusiast and now only drives it sans roof
ldquoAnyone who sees this car has only seen it top-downrdquo he says ldquoI just got caught once in the rain and that was probably a month ago The cool thing about the Thing is you leave it out in the sun and it dries out and is ready to gordquo
It says ldquoSummer is hererdquo Yahnke says
ldquoPeople speed up all the time to try to figure out what it is Itrsquos just a happy car and itrsquos so darn versatile It puts smiles on peoplesrsquo facesrdquo
B2B
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4026806523
Cleaning ServicesCarpet CleaningUpholstery CleaningMattress CleaningTile amp Grout CleaningPet TreatmentsConcrete CleaningConcrete CleaningAuto Interior Cleaning24 Hour Water Damage
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omahamagazinecom SPECIALemspADVERTISINGemspSECTIONemspemsp |emsp SUMMERemsp2015emsp |emsp 34
ABOUT OUR BUSINESS
Cox Business started in 2000 as the commercial services division of Cox Communications Over the past 15 years we have experienced strong growth and are on our target to achieve $2 billion in revenue in the near future
Cox Business owns operates and maintains its own network providing leading-edge technology solutions for voice internet networking and digital TV We also offer robust business continuity and disaster recovery solutions which is of increasing importance to businesses in the greater Omaha area Our customers include such key verticals as education hospitality government and healthcare We maintain a significant focus on Omaha small business mid-markets and large local companies as well
We consider our employees to be our most precious asset as they have the responsibility of taking care of our customers At Cox Business we are fortunate to have an extremely tenured and engaged team of employees What sets us apart from our competition is the fact that while we are a large robust and progressive company we still possess
the nimbleness of a smaller company in our ability to deliver creative solutions under tight timelines We pride ourselves on having very little bureaucracy and that translates to happy customers The fact that Cox Business has won 15 JD Power Awards for customer satisfaction over the past 11 years is a notable accomplishment for us and we work hard to deliver on that promise of excellence every day
ABOUT LYNNE
I have led sales and operations teams in the communications industry for 20 years 10 of those years with Cox Communications My husband Pat and I just celebrated our first full year in Omaha and wonder why it took us so long to find this jewel of a community Our daughter Kaylin starts law school next month at the University of San Diego
I have two passions in my professional life mentoring employees who are working on leadership development (which includes working with two to three emerging leaders at any given time) and continuing to drive efforts in hiring fostering a diverse workforce There
is a challenge in STEM fields of under-represented groups My company Cox Communications is also very passionate about this and holds the distinction of inclusion in Diversity Incrsquos top 50 companies
My personal passions include travel social media and Italian cooking
B2B
COX BUSINESSLYNNE SANGIMINO
Cox Business 401 N 117th St Omaha NE 68154 coxbusinesscom 4029340830
Cradickrsquos Husker PowerTEXAN RETURNS HOME FOR BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY PG 8
Marlon Lofgren Koley Jessen PC LLOKEEPING THE FOCUS WHERE IT BELONGS PG 4
Seasoned Advice for Buyers(THE BOUNCY KIND) PG 5
PLAYING BIG EDITION
Fall
2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
2
Volume 1 Issue 5
Published by The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
PresidentEditor bull Cortney Sells
DirectorAssistant Editor bull Cassandra Powers
In-House Legal Counsel bull Susanne Miller
Outreach Coordinator bull Rene Rademacher
Marketing Development bull Rachael Rand
Business Broker bull Breann Becerra
Referring Broker bull Elizabeth Jones
Marketing Division bull Adam Jaime
Development Liaison bull Holley Garcia
Client Services bull Nycole Wandvik-Tolle
Client Services bull Julie OrsquoBrien
Community Relations bull Mike Sells
Contributing Writers
Marlon Lofgren bull Kathy Rygg bull Maureen Tierney
Design bull OBI Creative
Photography bull Bill Sitzmann
To Subscribe
The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
210 N 78 St
Omaha NE 68114
4029985288
infothefirmb2bcom
Advertising Inquiries
4028842000
toddomahamagazinecom
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Columns
4 Seller Financing
Koley Jessen PC LLO Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
14 Executive Impact Getting Into the Big Office
Departments
5 Seasoned Advice for
Business Buyers (The Bouncy Kind)
12 Building a Legacy while
Building Racks New Chapter to Becklerrsquos Career
The Bottom Line
Sells Insights
Playing Big
Husker PowerTexan returns home to
Nebraska for business opportunity
pg8
Many business owners have marginal experience in the trades in which their
organizations specialize While it may seem counterintuitive to buy or start a company situated around an industry in which one has little experience there is a certain com-petitive edge to the equation A buyer or president need only know enough to begin before surrounding him or herself with the right personnel to tackle the minute details What is paramount is the grander scheme of
management and operations which allows one to flex refined business acumen Not only does distance from fieldwork free up time to put in place a robust and refined plan but it leaves open other avenues for portfolio expansion Grow your business expand operations or begin other busi-ness ventures The possibilities are only as small as the mindset held by your team The FIRM
Special Section
7 Fresh Off The Firm The Firm Business Brokerage has
over $80 million dollars in assets under
management of current cash flowing
businesses for sale ndash from medical
practices to commercial services to large
manufacturing companies
by Cortney Sells presidenteditor
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
3Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
4
IF PROPERLY STRUCTURED AND DOCUMENTED SELLER FINANCING IS REALLY NO DIFFERENT FROM FINANCING THAT WOULD OTHERWISE BE PROVIDED BY A BANKTYING IT ALL TOGETHEREven the most savvy of ldquonumbers peoplerdquo need a leg up in negotiating a purchase As with so many aspects of doing business retaining experienced legal counsel enables you to keep the focus where it belongsmdashemploying your entrepreneurial skills in the identification and acquisition of profitable business ventures The FIRM
Seller Financing Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
written by Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
Seller financing can often be a criti-cal factor in getting a business sold
If properly structured and documented seller financing is really no different from financing that would otherwise be provided by a bank Below is a brief guide to navi-gating the issues normally encountered in seller financing
FIRST THINGS FIRSTThe first question is usually that of how to structure and document the financing The buyer should be expected to sign a prom-issory note evidencing the loan from the seller with interest and repayment terms mutually agreeable to both parties The seller might also require that the buyer grant the seller a security interestlien in the pur-chased assets to secure the loan Itrsquos also not unusual for a seller to require that the individual owners of the buyer (assuming the buyer is an entity) personally guarantee the loan In most cases the documents are usually pretty straightforward and do not need to be overly complicated
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
ADDITIONAL LAYERSIf a bank is also financing the sale the seller will most likely be required by the bank to sign a subordination agreement This is an agreement between the bank usually referred to as the ldquosenior lenderrdquo and the seller referred to as the ldquojunior lenderrdquo A subordination agreement sets forth the terms between the lenders as to each entityrsquos right to receive loan pay-ments from the buyer and the priority of their respective security interestsliens in the purchased assets The document will usually state that the senior lenderrsquos loan and security interestliens shall at all times be superior to those of the junior lender until the senior loan is paid in full Most lenders are willing to discuss and negoti-ate the junior lenderrsquos right to receive loan payments from the borrower Lien priority status however is rarely compromised by senior lenders in subordination agreements The senior lender will insist on having a first priority security interestlien in the pur-chased assets
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Whether yoursquore a first-time entre-preneur or an experienced business
owner purchasing a company is a critical investment financially and emotionally To help increase the likelihood of it being a success in both areas there are a number of aspects to keep in mind when evaluating if a business is the right fit gt
Seasoned Advice for Business Buyers(The Bouncy Kind)
written by Kathy Rygg
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Jerry Rachwalik
5Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
6
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
lt Jerry Rachwalik has been researching companies for the past three years waiting for the right opportunity to arise His search was the result of spending his career work-ing for larger organizations in a number of areas including delivery installation cus-tomer service inventory accounts receiv-ables and scheduling where he managed up to 35 people at a time
Policies and philosophies can change when working for a corporation Sometimes they become less family friendly ldquoWith the previous companies I worked forrdquo Rachwalik says ldquothey switched from caring about em-ployees to making money and the bottom line I stuck it out for several years and then decided I needed something differentrdquo
An entrepreneur by nature Rachwalik has over the last seven years built up a rental business buying foreclosed homes and duplex properties completely reno-vating them and then renting them back out He now has 15 properties and enjoys helping families by providing nice homes that are affordable ldquoI want people to feel good when they come home at night after a long day at workrdquo he says Rachwalik want-ed to find a business that allowed him the flexibility to respond to his tenants when needed from simple plumbing issues to furnaces going kaput
When he first started looking for a new business Rachwalik was drawn to home health care because of his experience help-ing to take care of relatives And it was a growing field Nothing was available at the time so he expanded his options and be-gan researching businesses in a variety of industries Those included a flooring com-pany sandwich shop and even a hair salon
ldquoI was open to anything and if I could make the numbers work then I would consider itrdquo he explains
Then The Firm Business Brokerage pre-sented him with an opportunity that was the right match Bounce U in Omaha There were a number of factors that appealed to Rachwalik First and foremost were the financials but it would also offer him the flexibility he needed for his rental business A big advantage was that an entire team was already in place one seasoned in man-aging staff and scheduling parties ldquoThey do a great jobrdquo he says ldquoI donrsquot plan on making any personnel changesrdquo
But what hersquos most looking forward to with this new venture is the fun positive environment Bounce Ursquos primary business is its birthday party packages featuring the companyrsquos oversized inflatibles and Rachwalik said he canrsquot wait to watch the excitement on the kids faces when they walk through the door ldquoEveryone there is happyrdquo he says ldquoThe kids are happy the parents are happy and the employees running the parties are happy Itrsquoll be a big change from the environments I used to work inrdquo Hersquos already planning to have his twin grand-daughtersrsquo birthday party there too
His transition included a week of training with the companyrsquos corporate facility in Ari-zona as well as on-site training Even though the Omaha location is an existing store all of Rachwalikrsquos training was structured as though itrsquos a brand new site
Bounce U has traditionally partnered with local restaurants to provide food for birth-day parties but Rachwalik wants to explore the option to build a kitchen of his own
He also hopes to continue to grow the business by at least 5 annually ldquoAnything I do I will communicate with my employees and get their input and suggestions firstrdquo he adds
For anyone who is considering buying a business or is going through the process Rachwalik stresses to be open minded and not rule anything out ldquoIf an opportunity is presented to you run the numbers and see if you can make it workrdquo he says ldquoI did a complete flip-flop on the type of business I thought I wanted versus what I ended up purchasing But if you keep looking yoursquoll eventually find a matchrdquo The FIRM
ldquoTHE KIDS ARE HAPPY THE PARENTS ARE HAPPY AND THE EMPLOYEES RUNNING THE PARTIES ARE HAPPY ITrsquoLL BE A BIG CHANGE FROM THE ENVIRONMENTS I USED TO WORK INrdquo
-Jerry Rachwalik
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Fresh Off The Firm Featured Listings for Sale
Suburban Bar amp Grill with VolleyballOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $26413 PRICE $115000
Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity in an area with only two other bars nearby Serving up a gorgeous and well-maintained volleyball court along with pool tables and a jukebox this bar and grill is a favorite with the locals Business is fully staffedmdashowner works very part time hours
Rain Gutter Sales amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $145200 PRICE $415000
This business is a dealer for high-end rain gutter covers These products are con-structed of high-quality aluminum and sur-gical-grade stainless steel and are strong enough to hold up to four feet of snow or 20 pounds of debris Profit margin is 48
Large-Scale Assembly amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $743732 PRICE $2200000
This well-established installation and assembly business in central Nebraska prides itself on providing many numerous building solutions for businesses and building owners in their area They install and assemble metal frames including grain silos pole barns and buildings
Photo Booth Business Running on Autopilot OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $36419 PRICE $88900
Photo booths are the ldquoin thingrdquo at weddings and parties In business for seven years this business is one of the largest in town Wedding couples hoping to capture the fun memories of the day make up 67 of the clients Includes four booths and one trailer
Southwest Omaha Dental PracticeOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $129745 PRICE $380000
Professional staff and excellent customer service are the hallmarks of this practice Using the latest technology the business offers an array of dental services including teeth cleaning veneers crowns bleaching and trauma services The owner is currently working only 20 hours a week
Small Animal Vet Clinic in Omaha OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $158287 PRICE $440000
For over 30 years this animal care clinic has prioritized customer care They are currently offering services to over 2000 families and are the second largest veterinary clinic in the area The business is split 7030 between dogs and cats
Buildersrsquo Material amp Supply CompanyOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $364880 PRICE $933000
This highly reputable company established in 1976 and located just north of Omaha provides quality and reliable services and supplies Building supply inventory includes garage door lumber windows trims siding roofing materials and more Approximately 90 of customers are repeat clientele
High-Growth Plumbing Company OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $157774 PRICE $445000
This non-union plumbing company has consistent growth of over $130000 a year in sales The full service plumbing contractor has business that is currently 50 commercial and 50 residential
90+ available business opportunities for sale Please visit TheFirmBusinessBrokeragecom for details
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
7Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
Matt Cradick
The Deal ReviewReason For Sale Fresh start after 25+ years in the industrySeller Transition Period Over eight monthsType of Sale Asset Purchase AgreementLender Access Bank Mack LaRock
ldquoYOU SHOULD INTERVIEW FOR A BUSINESS JUST LIKE YOU
WOULD FOR A JOBrdquo CRADICK EXPLAINS ldquoIT HAS TO BE THE
RIGHT FIT YOU DONrsquoT WANT TO BE ONE OF THE MANY FA-
TALITIES THAT HAPPEN SO OFTEN IN NEW BUSINESSrdquo
-Shaun Heldt
From Retail to RoofingHow to be Successful When Buying a Business
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Spending almost 20 years working in retail for major corporations and then
buying a siding and roofing contracting company may seem like a major leap but for Matt Cradick owner of Husker Ham-mer Siding Windows and Roofing it was the best business move hersquos ever made And thatrsquos saying a lot for someone who moved 11 times in 19 years across nine different states
Cradick had been living in Houston Texas where he worked for Target Corporation He had worked his way up through the com-pany and another promotion was on the horizon which meant another move With three young children at home Cradick de-cided it was time to put down some roots Having grown up in Lincoln Nebraska he wanted to be near family and Midwestern values He started researching businesses for sale and was eventually led to The Firm which in turn led him to Husker Hammer
The move from a big corporate environ-ment to a small contracting business didnrsquot intimidate Cradick With Target he oversaw 200 people so he knew he brought strong management and operational skills The challenge he says was learning the ins and outs of construction He didnrsquot need to be the one hammering away on the roofmdashhe needed learn a new business segment
ldquoSwitching industries can be nerve-rack-ingrdquo Cradick says ldquobut the owner was will-ing to stay on board for six months during the transitionrdquo That partnership was an invaluable tool during the changeover gt
A Publication of The Firm Business BrokerageA Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
9Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
10
lt Husker Hammer was started in 1998 as a one-man operation and had been built up to a multimillion dollar business Cradick was impressed with the mission statement values system of the company and the strong workforce that was already in place And the price of the company lined up well with the financials ldquoWhat Husker has that others in the industry donrsquotrdquo says the man whose faith is central to his deal-ings ldquois a strong ethical foundation with a Christian backgroundrdquo
There were a number of other elements Cradick sought when buying his business ones he believes all potential business own-ers need to keep in mind The first is to make sure you have a proper support team in place to help make a sound financial deci-sion That includes having a good business valuation and a good business broker who can point you in the right direction to ensure a match for both parties
Once yoursquore in the process of purchasing he adds make sure you have a capable net-work of attorneys a seasoned financial team and solid internal help to ensure yoursquore suc-cessful from the start ldquoYou should interview
for a business just like you would for a jobrdquo Cradick explains ldquoIt has to be the right fit You donrsquot want to be one of the many fatal-ities that happen so often in new businessrdquo
To help ensure the company continues to be successful Cradick plans to main-tain Husker Hammerrsquos competitive edges which he says includes his 11000-sq-ft state-of-the-art showroom in Elkhorn He reformatted the space to better fit his busi-ness model before building out additional second-floor space that is now rented to other entrepreneurs
The showroom features all of the window siding and roofing products available to customers Samples are one thing Cradick says but he knows the power of customers seeing actual colors in actual sizes
ldquoOur philosophy is to build peace of mind for homeowners and be with them every step through the processrdquo he says ldquoWord of mouth is our number one lead source which was true in retail as wellrdquo
Happy employees to Cradick are just as important as happy customers He sub-scribes to a simple philosophymdashlistening to employees and doing so with respect
ldquoWith big corporations you deal with a lot of politicsrdquo he says ldquoNow if therersquos politics itrsquos because Irsquove generated it Itrsquos a nice change to be in a small business where you have more leeway to ensure yoursquore creating a positive work environment which creates a happy workforcerdquo
Working for a smaller company also allows for more opportunities to become involved in the community Husker Hammer is active in local chambers of commerce the Open Door Mission and is currently helping on a Habitat for Humanity build in Waterloo They have also been accredited by the Bet-ter Business Bureau since 2000 and won the Better Business Integrity Award
Cradickrsquos business is currently 90 percent residential and 10 percent commercial He hopes to increase their reach in proper-ty management and general contracting while maintaining the high-quality residen-tial sales that built the business ldquoBecause of our showroomrdquo he says ldquopeople come
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
to us We donrsquot do the high pressure sales at the kitchen table We listen We let the homeowners do the talkingrdquo
Growing geographically is also a goal Cradick hopes to expand to surrounding areas including his hometown of Lincoln
ldquoSo far itrsquos been a great moverdquo he says ldquoand I look forward to continuing to be known as an ethical long-lasting company My daughters and wife are excited to be back in the Midwest around grandparents and family Their school district is great and the full year-round climate has been a welcome change from living in the south Plus I was averaging 50000 miles per year in travel so itrsquos nice to sleep in your own bed every nightrdquo The FIRM
For more information on this or any for sale listings call The Firm Business Brokerage directly
11Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
The Deal ReviewBusiness Established 1987Reason for Sale Retirement (Transla-tion More time with a fishing pole)Ownerrsquos Profit $495004Type of Loan SBA with Core Bank
12
Back to the FutureBuilding a Business Legacy
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Itrsquos not uncommon for someone who has spent a number of years in corporate
America to shift gears into entrepreneur-ship Being your own boss certainly has its advantages But for Scott Beckler who recently purchased Lewis Installers in Gret-na his reason for taking on a new business venture had more to do with honoring not only his fatherrsquos legacy but building one of his own
Beckler started his career as a business education teacher then moved to a corpo-rate career in technology But for a number of years he kept an eye on businesses for sale hoping that just the right opportunity would come along
ldquoMy dad was an entrepreneur who owned his own real estate insurance companyrdquo
Beckler says ldquoDespite the fact he had on-going health issues he still got up every day put on a coat and tie and went out to make a sale He was a very successful busi-nessman and I wanted to honor his legacyrdquo
After contacting The Firm and discuss-ing what he was looking for in a business the team suggested Lewis Installers which specializes in industrial conveyor and rack systems At first it seemed like a big de-parture for him ldquoShelving and logistical systems isnrsquot something that jumps out at yourdquo Beckler says But the more he looked into it the more he realized it had many of the elements he wanted in a business The most obvious advantage was that the company was located in Gretna where he lives Add to that the fact that the seller lives just up the road from him
Scott Beckler
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
For purposes of this article this overview is based on the buying and selling entities being corporations or entities taxed as corporations
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
4420 Izard Street Omaha4022938707 bull 8887380296
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
HAVE YOUR MINOR ROOF LEAKS BECOME A MAJOR ANNOYANCEDonrsquot Wait Any Longer Call Us Now
ldquoAfter meeting him and hitting it offrdquo Beckler says ldquowe quickly realized it was a match on both sidesrdquo
Other signs also pointed in the right di-rection The financials were good The size of the business was ideal The competitive landscape was promising Beckler also real-ized that his corporate background fit well with this new business
ldquoAlthough itrsquos an entirely different indus-tryrdquo he says ldquomany of the business princi-ples are the samehellipproject management customer service delivery vendor man-agement and cost containment Irsquove been doing all of those for yearsrdquo
His background in technology will also be a valuable asset in his new business Not only has he established relationships with large vendors built over the years but his from-the-ground-up experience with data centers means that he is already eying in-novative automation and other technology differentiators At the same time hersquos look-ing forward to learning the daily operations of the company and having a hand in every part of the business from bidding to closing to payroll
ldquoIt will be challenging coming from a big business background where Irsquove only been involved in the peripheryrdquo Beckler says
ldquoNow Irsquoll be involved in all of itrdquo
Lewis Installers being a family-owned business is what hersquos most excited about He says itrsquos a company with a good repu-tation thatrsquos known for quality and meeting deadlinesmdashall driven by a strong Midwest-ern work ethic
Itrsquos the sort of company Beckler believes that would make his father proud
ldquoI want this business to be a legacy for my familyrdquo Beckler says ldquoMy hope is that it could stay in the family with my own kids and grandkidsrdquo The FIRM
13Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Om
aharsquo
s Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
14
When considering the purchase of an existing business very few realize
that lack of experience in an industry can actually lead to success One simply needs a sound financial plan and a good team to fill in the gaps Removing the added stress of fieldwork and focusing solely on the management of finances and operation allows for greater opportunities It makes for the dynamic advantage of some outside impartiality when seeking areas of improve-ment and growth
One man who has made this transition from having marginal knowledge in an in-dustry to leading a successful plumbing and HVAC operation is Mark Evans president of Burton Plumbing Before taking over Burton Evans had a successful plumbing distribu-torship serving four states but it was his desire to own and to travel less that put him into the hands of Burton Friesz The founder of Burton Plumbing Friesz had been a customer and friend of Evansrsquo when the two discussed a possible expansion into residential service Evans put his busi-ness experience to work for Burton in July 1995 and his education in the minutiae of plumbing and HVAC began
While he hasnrsquot worked in the field as a licensed plumbing contractor Evans has dipped his feet in several areas within the running of Burtonhellipand often at the same time Before hiring the essential personnel that have enabled him to narrow his role Ev-ans served as manager marketer customer service representative and dispatcher Such a list of duties for one man is a daunting task but ldquoI worked my way to being able to work on the business rather than in the business [a strategy] taught to me by my business coachrdquo says Evans
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
REMOVING THE ADDED STRESS OF FIELDWORK AND FOCUSING SOLELY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF FINANCES AND OPERATION ALLOWS FOR GREATER OPPORTUNITIES
Executive Impact Moving Into the Boardroom From Employee to President
written by Maureen Tierney | Co-written by Mark Evans and Julie OrsquoBrien
Eventually Evans was able to step back and bring on a general manager and a ware-house operator that has allowed him to
ldquofocus on growth opportunities marketing and cash flowrdquo
Evansrsquo experience is not unique It is com-mon for brokerages to deal with buyers seeking to own companies within a cer-tain field but ldquoonly two people out of the nearly 100 closings [wersquove had] have come in for the same business that they ended up purchasingrdquo says Julie OrsquoBrien client services and paralegal with The Firm What it comes down to is as simple as the bot-tom line Buyers are looking to leverage their talents and experience in a marriage between a management philosophy and business model Those in the market for an acquisition are ldquobuying based on profit number of staff ability to get financing and mostly their strengths and passionsrdquo says OrsquoBrien Experience in a particular industry is certainly valuable but is no predictor of success when the right financial mind comes along
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Even so making up for a lack of practical knowledge requires the proper equipment most notably in the form of managers and employees The right talent in the field can be a growth experience and provide an opportunity to learn the ropes before taking a full swing at things A total deficit in knowl-edge hardly makes for good leadership and for this reason many ldquonew business owners like to take a birdrsquos eye view of the operation rather than diving in and getting their hands dirty right awayhellipgiving them the opportunity to watch [how] things have been done before implementing changesrdquo says OrsquoBrien
Approaching ownership in this way also allows for further financial acquisitions an avenue which Evans has taken In addition to owning Burton Plumbing Evans operates four other companies One might assume this much responsibility to be a stretch but Evans sees his role as ldquokeeping a pulse on things I like to lead people in growth per-sonally and on the business siderdquo
Getting started can be a challenge which is why OrsquoBrien works closely with potential buyers to find the right fit ldquoWe assist all the wayrdquo she says ldquoWe work with the buyer on projections business plans [and] we introduce them to trusted advisorsrdquo from attorneys and CPAs to financial advisors and insurance agents
Itrsquos this helpful backing of experts that eases the difficult task of ownership and only proves that one can certainly switch from a blue collar to a white one The FIRM
CONTRACTING BUSINESSES LISTED BY THE FIRM
201
5 P
roje
cted
201
5 Y
TD
201
4
201
3
201
2
30
0
15
28
14
12
11
16
15Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Omaharsquos Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
It may seem like I pulled a muscle making this stretch but Keith Backsen the new boss at the Omaha Convention amp Visitors Bureau seems to have an awful lot in common with new Husker Coach Mike Riley
Coach Riley spent a total of 14 seasons at Oregon State before heading to Huskerland Backsen also comes from that neck of the woods having spent 11 years of his career in Portland Oregon and another 11 years in Spokane Washington selling both cities as prime places for convention and leisure travelers
At Oregon State Coach Riley built the football program into a consistent winner and regular conference contender At Visit Spokane Backsen opened sales offices in Washington DC and Chicago that led to increased convention bookings Backsen also worked on the public campaign to expand the Spokane Convention Center with a $65 million bond issue The expansion coupled with increased hotel inventory allowed Spokane to pursue large conventions and more than doubled convention bookings in Spokane
Riley has experience at the highest level of football serving as the head coach of the San Diego Chargers and as a head coach in both the Canadian and World Football Leagues Same for Backsen he worked in Dallas and Chicago as the director of sales for Global Experience Specialists a global leader in the world of event planning Backsen supervised five sales offices in a nine-state region generating annual sales in excess of $70 million
Riley is known as one of the most professional and nicest men in the profession a coach who is greatly admired by his peers I kid you not Backsen is described the same way by colleaguesmdashone of the most genuine and skilled men in the business a well respected professional who has the insight and experience to get the job done (Note the $70M stat above)
Come the first game both men will have a stadium filled with fans cheering them on In Backsenrsquos case his stadium is the entire city of Omaha where the fans are the 434353 residents who will reap the rewards of Omaharsquos growing tourism economy
B2B
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 51
51HUSKER
COACH HAS TOURISM
TWIN
OMAHA CVB BY DEB WARD
Deb Ward is the director of marketingcommunications Omaha Convention and Visitorrsquos Bureau
Keith Backsen
52 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Jason Feldman and Sebastian Hunt
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 53
The emerging startup accelerator scene supports creative-minded risk-takers looking for an edge to follow their passion and bring their ideas to fruition
Sebastian Hunt 25 is passionate about giving entrepreneurs like himself a nurturing space to test out their concepts The University of Nebraska at Omaha economics graduate interned with various local employers and surveyed the area startup community when an idea struck him for a by-application curriculum-based residency program serving new entrepreneurs That inspiration turned into Year of the Startup
Launched in 2014 the program operates out of a humble house at 4036 Burt Street in the St Cecilia Cathedral neighborhood Hunt and co-founder Jason Feldman 28 room there with young residency fellows whose startup ventures range from making bio-fuels to providing night owl shuttle services They are a millennial bunch who favor sneakers and sandals They take informal meetings to nearby CaliCommons and Lisarsquos Radial Cafe They variously hunch over laptops or tablets and carry smartphones as appendages
YEAR OF THE STARTUP
ENTREPRENEURAL IMMERSION
This communal work-live space model for business mavericks is new to Omaha The usual startup accelerator is a concentrated 90-day off-site program Omaha has a few of these notably Straight Shot Hunt saw a need for a program that invites a broader range of people into the accelerator fold and supports them much nearer to the start of their dream than other programs
ldquoWe feel like we can take people at very early stages because we are four times as long as the average programrdquo says Hunt who adds that Year of the Startup is also not tech-centric like many programs tend to be ldquoIn our model we substitute intensity for duration I think a lot of the learning here comes through unstructured serendipitous interactions we have that is not curriculum-based itrsquos just happenstance
ldquoWith a house there are so many different ways you can bring ideas and people together I think thatrsquos maybe that critical binding agent and sense of place that helps accomplish thingsrdquo
He says in this intimate environment ldquotherersquos no other choice but to immerse yourself in the settingrdquo adding ldquoWersquore always hanging out in the living room or out back talking about startup stuffmdashmonetization strategies capitalization tables vested equity entity structuresrdquo
ldquoItrsquos this immersive experience of camaraderie of these natural flows and idea generationrdquo Feldman says
Hunt says ldquoThis is very difficult to get bored with because therersquos always somebody whose business is either in crisis or growth stage or some interesting part of the curverdquo
ldquoHow could we get bored when wersquore creating a platform with four startups and all we get to do is ideationrdquo Feldman says ldquoItrsquos a constant buzz we get from interacting with these startup founders and helping them build their ideasrdquo
Built into the program are activities that encourage fellows to break out of their comfort zone and to offer honest criticism of each otherrsquos ideas
Hunt compiles multiple data points on the startups
ldquoWersquore developing really deep insight about how do people start successful businessesrdquo
The program utilizes mentors from the entrepreneurial community
ldquoWe bring in people who are experts in specific areas to talk on those topicsrdquo Feldman says
ldquoThey get ideas flowingrdquo Hunt says of the mentors
Feldman says he regularly covers with fellows ldquothe major components of what you need to look at to start your businessrdquo and then mentors like Mike Kolker owner of graphic design firm Simplify teach lessons about operational efficiency and ldquohow to simplify running a businessrdquo
Hunt is a newcomer to all this and goes by instinct as much as research to support his vision
CONTINUED ON 54
FEATURE | BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
53
54 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
70 Years of Business in Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
4027335500 | 4315 South 50th Street
402-333-5722 bull wwwsw-fencecom
Thanks for Voting SampW Fence the Best Again in 2015
Wersquore Not Just About Fences
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
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AUDIO VISUAL SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDEbull System designengineeringbull Sales
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B2B
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aharsquos Business to Business M
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ine
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ConnectWITH YOURCOMMUNITY
Donrsquot forget to visitOmahaMagazinecom to read
all of our titles online
Omaha MagazineEncounter B2B 60PlusHerFamily OmahaHome
CONTINUED FROM 53
ldquoI just had an irrational confidence market insights and a great theoretical background thanks to primary research I completed and to lessons I learned from Phillip Phillips Michael OrsquoHara and Art Diamond in UNOrsquos economics department I read constantly about who the players were in the startup world so I was fairly preparedrdquo
Even though he directs a startup program he only started participating in one himself (Venture School) He acknowledges Year of the Startup is a by-the-seat-of-your-pants experiment
ldquoComing out of college I had student loans and not a ton of money Irsquove held two jobs to finance the project Now the project is financed by a combination of me working and renting out one room One-hundred percent of the money our entrepreneurs pay in rent will be returned in full and so everybody has a strong incentive to follow through with the program That may be what makes us sustainablerdquo
Hersquos working on securing corporate sponsorship for the program Meanwhile he wants to help get participating startups to the next level
ldquoWersquore functioning like a pre-accelerator at this point We want to get our startups profitable and then refer them to the Straight Shots so they can focus on growth in a pure accelerator programrdquo
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 55
Mercedes-Benz of Omaha14335 Hillsdale Ave Omaha NE 68137wwwOmahaMercedescomContact John Williams anytime at 4029819262
of Omaha of Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
As Year of the Startup moved into a larger house in Omaharsquos Little Italy district on July 1 and a new class of fellows arrives Hunt says there are ldquointeresting talks happening right now to bring this to other citiesrdquo He and Feldman say economic development agencies are willing to pay a license fee for them to do startup houses in other cities The partners are having proprietary software developed that will enable new startup houses to replicate their branded Omaha model
They look forward to engaging with the emerging 10th Street cultural district but may keep the midtown house to accommodate growth
Hunt and Feldman believe theyrsquore catching the wave or tipping point of a big new startup rush and theyrsquore betting their model is poised to be a niche player in this wild frontier of entrepreneurial prospecting
B2B
56 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
It is an unassuming space but if you have made your way to TD Ameritrade Park Filmstreams or Hot Shops chances are yoursquove passed one of the most vibrant offices in Omaha
The fact that Co-Lab (short for Creative Collaborators) is not a traditional work space is certainly one of its best features Located inside the Tip Top building at 15th and Cumming streets is a project dreamed up by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture who happens to share the main floor of the building Based in the heart of a once-isolated section of the city Co-Labrsquos funky creative vibe is making waves In fact that vibe seeps into Omaharsquos everyday bringing about small changes pushing our city toward a more innovative future
CO-LABGIVING OMAHA WORKERS A MORE
COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE
IN THE OFFICE | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
56
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 57
Home to 18 businesses plus Alley Poyner Macchietto Co-Lab is free of walls and signage It is also free from traditional office norms For instance you donrsquot just walk over to your neighborrsquos space for a brainstorming sessionmdashyou skateboard At least you do if yoursquore Dave Nelson of SecretPenguin a leading experimental branding agency The best part is that the businesses surrounding SecretPenguin appreciate the break from tradition ldquoThatrsquos the beautiful part about being around like-minded good people and businessesrdquo Nelson says
CONTINUED ON 58
58 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 59
CONTINUED FROM 57
In addition to having pathways large enough to skateboard or bike through the space also provides Co-Labbers with a kitchen various conference rooms bike storage bathrooms and a battleground (otherwise known as the ping-pong table) Walking in the main doors clients and employees alike are greeted from the front desk while catching a view of the five-story open atrium basking in the glow of sunshine from the skylight Workers can also access the fitness room and rooftop deck sharing amenities with TipTop apartment residents who use a separate entrance
CONTINUED ON 60
The Harry A Koch CoInsurance amp Financial ConsultantsMember of First Insurance Group LLC
60 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
CONTINUED FROM 59
Businesses in Co-Lab all creativity-related range from entrepreneurs to start-ups to non-profits to small businesses The art varies in form but runs through the space like an electric current At Zicafoose Textiles Mary Zicafoose works steadily on her loom creating gorgeous tapestries 4Site Programming is where Joi Brown works as an independent consultant for performing arts centers across the nation Heartland B-Cycle a large-scale municipal bike sharing system brings art in the form of economical convenience Holly Boyer a founder of non-profit organization Mission Matters explains that one of the best things about having an office at Co-Lab is feeling the innovative positive energy from the moment you walk in the door So while individuals may join Co-Lab with a business-minded focus or a more creative vibe finding a yin to their yang is just a shout away
ldquoThere is certainly a wonderful built-in support network that comes along with working in a collaborative environmentrdquo quips Omaha Creative Institute Executive Director Emily Moody ldquoEverything from sharing ideas and finding ways to collaborate with an organization different than yours to sharing a staplerrdquo
At the heart of making it work says Laura Alley of Alley Poyner itrsquos simply playing well with others
The skateboarding ping-pong playing creatives do that well
B2B
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2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
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For more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
TD Ameritrade Park | First National Bank Tower | Midtown Crossing | Village Pointe | Childrenrsquos Hospital Aksarben Village | Joslyn Art Museum | Fred amp Pamela Buffett Cancer Center | UNO Community Arena
6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
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13
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
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32emsp |emsp B2BemspOMAHAemspMAGAZINEemsp volume 15 | issue 3
Locally Owned in Papillion Ne402-740-0800 bull apconstructomahacom
Insurance claims
welcomeIf your roof sustained fire snow or hail
damage the repairs can be costly We are your wind and hail damage experts and accept insurance claims so you wonrsquot
have to pay for the repair work yourself
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Residential Roofing bull Roof Maintenance amp Repair bull Licensed Bonded amp Insured
Steve Kowalski
Call or Text Message(402 ) 453-6000
abetterexposurecom steveabetterexposurecom
Passion Creativity Experience
CONTINUEDemspFROMemsp31
ldquoI wrote that right after the engine transplantrdquo says Yahnke an Omaha native and vice president at Essex Corp provider of senior living communities ldquoI guess I was moved I get so many inquiries about it and I really feel so fondly about itrdquo
Itrsquos not his first Thing Yahnke and his wife of 38 years Pam owned one before their four children came along As the kids have come and gone so have the cars
Lots of them
Yahnke figures he has owned 60 automobiles in his life His car fancy began as a kid growing up in Dundee where a friendrsquos dad spent his spare time restoring English cars Yahnke spent hours in his garage and developed a love for Triumphs and MGs His first car purchase was a 1962 Triumph for $425 in 1972 It wasnrsquot long though until he sold it at a profit
ldquoThatrsquos what kicked off the buying and selling of English carsrdquo he says ldquoI discovered I could enjoy my transportation but then as soon as someone wanted to buy it for more than I paid for it out it wentrdquo
ldquoWhere Accounting Meets ResultsrdquoProviding Accounting and Quickbooks Services
For Metro Businesses
Denise Martin I 9252077634Deniseheartlandaccountabilitycom
wwwHeartlandAccountAbilitycom
omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 33
These days you never know what will be parked in the Yahnke driveway Currently therersquos a Honda pickup a VW Jetta VW Multivan and a 2001 Audi TT Quatro Convertiblemdashpurchased in apropos silver for his 25th wedding anniversary
Itrsquos the Thing he most enjoys driving He logs about 1000 miles on it each year Most of those have come toplessmdashYahnke long ago gave it away to another Thing enthusiast and now only drives it sans roof
ldquoAnyone who sees this car has only seen it top-downrdquo he says ldquoI just got caught once in the rain and that was probably a month ago The cool thing about the Thing is you leave it out in the sun and it dries out and is ready to gordquo
It says ldquoSummer is hererdquo Yahnke says
ldquoPeople speed up all the time to try to figure out what it is Itrsquos just a happy car and itrsquos so darn versatile It puts smiles on peoplesrsquo facesrdquo
B2B
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Cleaning ServicesCarpet CleaningUpholstery CleaningMattress CleaningTile amp Grout CleaningPet TreatmentsConcrete CleaningConcrete CleaningAuto Interior Cleaning24 Hour Water Damage
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omahamagazinecom SPECIALemspADVERTISINGemspSECTIONemspemsp |emsp SUMMERemsp2015emsp |emsp 34
ABOUT OUR BUSINESS
Cox Business started in 2000 as the commercial services division of Cox Communications Over the past 15 years we have experienced strong growth and are on our target to achieve $2 billion in revenue in the near future
Cox Business owns operates and maintains its own network providing leading-edge technology solutions for voice internet networking and digital TV We also offer robust business continuity and disaster recovery solutions which is of increasing importance to businesses in the greater Omaha area Our customers include such key verticals as education hospitality government and healthcare We maintain a significant focus on Omaha small business mid-markets and large local companies as well
We consider our employees to be our most precious asset as they have the responsibility of taking care of our customers At Cox Business we are fortunate to have an extremely tenured and engaged team of employees What sets us apart from our competition is the fact that while we are a large robust and progressive company we still possess
the nimbleness of a smaller company in our ability to deliver creative solutions under tight timelines We pride ourselves on having very little bureaucracy and that translates to happy customers The fact that Cox Business has won 15 JD Power Awards for customer satisfaction over the past 11 years is a notable accomplishment for us and we work hard to deliver on that promise of excellence every day
ABOUT LYNNE
I have led sales and operations teams in the communications industry for 20 years 10 of those years with Cox Communications My husband Pat and I just celebrated our first full year in Omaha and wonder why it took us so long to find this jewel of a community Our daughter Kaylin starts law school next month at the University of San Diego
I have two passions in my professional life mentoring employees who are working on leadership development (which includes working with two to three emerging leaders at any given time) and continuing to drive efforts in hiring fostering a diverse workforce There
is a challenge in STEM fields of under-represented groups My company Cox Communications is also very passionate about this and holds the distinction of inclusion in Diversity Incrsquos top 50 companies
My personal passions include travel social media and Italian cooking
B2B
COX BUSINESSLYNNE SANGIMINO
Cox Business 401 N 117th St Omaha NE 68154 coxbusinesscom 4029340830
Cradickrsquos Husker PowerTEXAN RETURNS HOME FOR BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY PG 8
Marlon Lofgren Koley Jessen PC LLOKEEPING THE FOCUS WHERE IT BELONGS PG 4
Seasoned Advice for Buyers(THE BOUNCY KIND) PG 5
PLAYING BIG EDITION
Fall
2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
2
Volume 1 Issue 5
Published by The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
PresidentEditor bull Cortney Sells
DirectorAssistant Editor bull Cassandra Powers
In-House Legal Counsel bull Susanne Miller
Outreach Coordinator bull Rene Rademacher
Marketing Development bull Rachael Rand
Business Broker bull Breann Becerra
Referring Broker bull Elizabeth Jones
Marketing Division bull Adam Jaime
Development Liaison bull Holley Garcia
Client Services bull Nycole Wandvik-Tolle
Client Services bull Julie OrsquoBrien
Community Relations bull Mike Sells
Contributing Writers
Marlon Lofgren bull Kathy Rygg bull Maureen Tierney
Design bull OBI Creative
Photography bull Bill Sitzmann
To Subscribe
The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
210 N 78 St
Omaha NE 68114
4029985288
infothefirmb2bcom
Advertising Inquiries
4028842000
toddomahamagazinecom
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Columns
4 Seller Financing
Koley Jessen PC LLO Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
14 Executive Impact Getting Into the Big Office
Departments
5 Seasoned Advice for
Business Buyers (The Bouncy Kind)
12 Building a Legacy while
Building Racks New Chapter to Becklerrsquos Career
The Bottom Line
Sells Insights
Playing Big
Husker PowerTexan returns home to
Nebraska for business opportunity
pg8
Many business owners have marginal experience in the trades in which their
organizations specialize While it may seem counterintuitive to buy or start a company situated around an industry in which one has little experience there is a certain com-petitive edge to the equation A buyer or president need only know enough to begin before surrounding him or herself with the right personnel to tackle the minute details What is paramount is the grander scheme of
management and operations which allows one to flex refined business acumen Not only does distance from fieldwork free up time to put in place a robust and refined plan but it leaves open other avenues for portfolio expansion Grow your business expand operations or begin other busi-ness ventures The possibilities are only as small as the mindset held by your team The FIRM
Special Section
7 Fresh Off The Firm The Firm Business Brokerage has
over $80 million dollars in assets under
management of current cash flowing
businesses for sale ndash from medical
practices to commercial services to large
manufacturing companies
by Cortney Sells presidenteditor
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
3Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
4
IF PROPERLY STRUCTURED AND DOCUMENTED SELLER FINANCING IS REALLY NO DIFFERENT FROM FINANCING THAT WOULD OTHERWISE BE PROVIDED BY A BANKTYING IT ALL TOGETHEREven the most savvy of ldquonumbers peoplerdquo need a leg up in negotiating a purchase As with so many aspects of doing business retaining experienced legal counsel enables you to keep the focus where it belongsmdashemploying your entrepreneurial skills in the identification and acquisition of profitable business ventures The FIRM
Seller Financing Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
written by Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
Seller financing can often be a criti-cal factor in getting a business sold
If properly structured and documented seller financing is really no different from financing that would otherwise be provided by a bank Below is a brief guide to navi-gating the issues normally encountered in seller financing
FIRST THINGS FIRSTThe first question is usually that of how to structure and document the financing The buyer should be expected to sign a prom-issory note evidencing the loan from the seller with interest and repayment terms mutually agreeable to both parties The seller might also require that the buyer grant the seller a security interestlien in the pur-chased assets to secure the loan Itrsquos also not unusual for a seller to require that the individual owners of the buyer (assuming the buyer is an entity) personally guarantee the loan In most cases the documents are usually pretty straightforward and do not need to be overly complicated
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
ADDITIONAL LAYERSIf a bank is also financing the sale the seller will most likely be required by the bank to sign a subordination agreement This is an agreement between the bank usually referred to as the ldquosenior lenderrdquo and the seller referred to as the ldquojunior lenderrdquo A subordination agreement sets forth the terms between the lenders as to each entityrsquos right to receive loan pay-ments from the buyer and the priority of their respective security interestsliens in the purchased assets The document will usually state that the senior lenderrsquos loan and security interestliens shall at all times be superior to those of the junior lender until the senior loan is paid in full Most lenders are willing to discuss and negoti-ate the junior lenderrsquos right to receive loan payments from the borrower Lien priority status however is rarely compromised by senior lenders in subordination agreements The senior lender will insist on having a first priority security interestlien in the pur-chased assets
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Whether yoursquore a first-time entre-preneur or an experienced business
owner purchasing a company is a critical investment financially and emotionally To help increase the likelihood of it being a success in both areas there are a number of aspects to keep in mind when evaluating if a business is the right fit gt
Seasoned Advice for Business Buyers(The Bouncy Kind)
written by Kathy Rygg
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Jerry Rachwalik
5Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
6
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
lt Jerry Rachwalik has been researching companies for the past three years waiting for the right opportunity to arise His search was the result of spending his career work-ing for larger organizations in a number of areas including delivery installation cus-tomer service inventory accounts receiv-ables and scheduling where he managed up to 35 people at a time
Policies and philosophies can change when working for a corporation Sometimes they become less family friendly ldquoWith the previous companies I worked forrdquo Rachwalik says ldquothey switched from caring about em-ployees to making money and the bottom line I stuck it out for several years and then decided I needed something differentrdquo
An entrepreneur by nature Rachwalik has over the last seven years built up a rental business buying foreclosed homes and duplex properties completely reno-vating them and then renting them back out He now has 15 properties and enjoys helping families by providing nice homes that are affordable ldquoI want people to feel good when they come home at night after a long day at workrdquo he says Rachwalik want-ed to find a business that allowed him the flexibility to respond to his tenants when needed from simple plumbing issues to furnaces going kaput
When he first started looking for a new business Rachwalik was drawn to home health care because of his experience help-ing to take care of relatives And it was a growing field Nothing was available at the time so he expanded his options and be-gan researching businesses in a variety of industries Those included a flooring com-pany sandwich shop and even a hair salon
ldquoI was open to anything and if I could make the numbers work then I would consider itrdquo he explains
Then The Firm Business Brokerage pre-sented him with an opportunity that was the right match Bounce U in Omaha There were a number of factors that appealed to Rachwalik First and foremost were the financials but it would also offer him the flexibility he needed for his rental business A big advantage was that an entire team was already in place one seasoned in man-aging staff and scheduling parties ldquoThey do a great jobrdquo he says ldquoI donrsquot plan on making any personnel changesrdquo
But what hersquos most looking forward to with this new venture is the fun positive environment Bounce Ursquos primary business is its birthday party packages featuring the companyrsquos oversized inflatibles and Rachwalik said he canrsquot wait to watch the excitement on the kids faces when they walk through the door ldquoEveryone there is happyrdquo he says ldquoThe kids are happy the parents are happy and the employees running the parties are happy Itrsquoll be a big change from the environments I used to work inrdquo Hersquos already planning to have his twin grand-daughtersrsquo birthday party there too
His transition included a week of training with the companyrsquos corporate facility in Ari-zona as well as on-site training Even though the Omaha location is an existing store all of Rachwalikrsquos training was structured as though itrsquos a brand new site
Bounce U has traditionally partnered with local restaurants to provide food for birth-day parties but Rachwalik wants to explore the option to build a kitchen of his own
He also hopes to continue to grow the business by at least 5 annually ldquoAnything I do I will communicate with my employees and get their input and suggestions firstrdquo he adds
For anyone who is considering buying a business or is going through the process Rachwalik stresses to be open minded and not rule anything out ldquoIf an opportunity is presented to you run the numbers and see if you can make it workrdquo he says ldquoI did a complete flip-flop on the type of business I thought I wanted versus what I ended up purchasing But if you keep looking yoursquoll eventually find a matchrdquo The FIRM
ldquoTHE KIDS ARE HAPPY THE PARENTS ARE HAPPY AND THE EMPLOYEES RUNNING THE PARTIES ARE HAPPY ITrsquoLL BE A BIG CHANGE FROM THE ENVIRONMENTS I USED TO WORK INrdquo
-Jerry Rachwalik
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Fresh Off The Firm Featured Listings for Sale
Suburban Bar amp Grill with VolleyballOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $26413 PRICE $115000
Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity in an area with only two other bars nearby Serving up a gorgeous and well-maintained volleyball court along with pool tables and a jukebox this bar and grill is a favorite with the locals Business is fully staffedmdashowner works very part time hours
Rain Gutter Sales amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $145200 PRICE $415000
This business is a dealer for high-end rain gutter covers These products are con-structed of high-quality aluminum and sur-gical-grade stainless steel and are strong enough to hold up to four feet of snow or 20 pounds of debris Profit margin is 48
Large-Scale Assembly amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $743732 PRICE $2200000
This well-established installation and assembly business in central Nebraska prides itself on providing many numerous building solutions for businesses and building owners in their area They install and assemble metal frames including grain silos pole barns and buildings
Photo Booth Business Running on Autopilot OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $36419 PRICE $88900
Photo booths are the ldquoin thingrdquo at weddings and parties In business for seven years this business is one of the largest in town Wedding couples hoping to capture the fun memories of the day make up 67 of the clients Includes four booths and one trailer
Southwest Omaha Dental PracticeOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $129745 PRICE $380000
Professional staff and excellent customer service are the hallmarks of this practice Using the latest technology the business offers an array of dental services including teeth cleaning veneers crowns bleaching and trauma services The owner is currently working only 20 hours a week
Small Animal Vet Clinic in Omaha OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $158287 PRICE $440000
For over 30 years this animal care clinic has prioritized customer care They are currently offering services to over 2000 families and are the second largest veterinary clinic in the area The business is split 7030 between dogs and cats
Buildersrsquo Material amp Supply CompanyOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $364880 PRICE $933000
This highly reputable company established in 1976 and located just north of Omaha provides quality and reliable services and supplies Building supply inventory includes garage door lumber windows trims siding roofing materials and more Approximately 90 of customers are repeat clientele
High-Growth Plumbing Company OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $157774 PRICE $445000
This non-union plumbing company has consistent growth of over $130000 a year in sales The full service plumbing contractor has business that is currently 50 commercial and 50 residential
90+ available business opportunities for sale Please visit TheFirmBusinessBrokeragecom for details
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
7Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
Matt Cradick
The Deal ReviewReason For Sale Fresh start after 25+ years in the industrySeller Transition Period Over eight monthsType of Sale Asset Purchase AgreementLender Access Bank Mack LaRock
ldquoYOU SHOULD INTERVIEW FOR A BUSINESS JUST LIKE YOU
WOULD FOR A JOBrdquo CRADICK EXPLAINS ldquoIT HAS TO BE THE
RIGHT FIT YOU DONrsquoT WANT TO BE ONE OF THE MANY FA-
TALITIES THAT HAPPEN SO OFTEN IN NEW BUSINESSrdquo
-Shaun Heldt
From Retail to RoofingHow to be Successful When Buying a Business
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Spending almost 20 years working in retail for major corporations and then
buying a siding and roofing contracting company may seem like a major leap but for Matt Cradick owner of Husker Ham-mer Siding Windows and Roofing it was the best business move hersquos ever made And thatrsquos saying a lot for someone who moved 11 times in 19 years across nine different states
Cradick had been living in Houston Texas where he worked for Target Corporation He had worked his way up through the com-pany and another promotion was on the horizon which meant another move With three young children at home Cradick de-cided it was time to put down some roots Having grown up in Lincoln Nebraska he wanted to be near family and Midwestern values He started researching businesses for sale and was eventually led to The Firm which in turn led him to Husker Hammer
The move from a big corporate environ-ment to a small contracting business didnrsquot intimidate Cradick With Target he oversaw 200 people so he knew he brought strong management and operational skills The challenge he says was learning the ins and outs of construction He didnrsquot need to be the one hammering away on the roofmdashhe needed learn a new business segment
ldquoSwitching industries can be nerve-rack-ingrdquo Cradick says ldquobut the owner was will-ing to stay on board for six months during the transitionrdquo That partnership was an invaluable tool during the changeover gt
A Publication of The Firm Business BrokerageA Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
9Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
10
lt Husker Hammer was started in 1998 as a one-man operation and had been built up to a multimillion dollar business Cradick was impressed with the mission statement values system of the company and the strong workforce that was already in place And the price of the company lined up well with the financials ldquoWhat Husker has that others in the industry donrsquotrdquo says the man whose faith is central to his deal-ings ldquois a strong ethical foundation with a Christian backgroundrdquo
There were a number of other elements Cradick sought when buying his business ones he believes all potential business own-ers need to keep in mind The first is to make sure you have a proper support team in place to help make a sound financial deci-sion That includes having a good business valuation and a good business broker who can point you in the right direction to ensure a match for both parties
Once yoursquore in the process of purchasing he adds make sure you have a capable net-work of attorneys a seasoned financial team and solid internal help to ensure yoursquore suc-cessful from the start ldquoYou should interview
for a business just like you would for a jobrdquo Cradick explains ldquoIt has to be the right fit You donrsquot want to be one of the many fatal-ities that happen so often in new businessrdquo
To help ensure the company continues to be successful Cradick plans to main-tain Husker Hammerrsquos competitive edges which he says includes his 11000-sq-ft state-of-the-art showroom in Elkhorn He reformatted the space to better fit his busi-ness model before building out additional second-floor space that is now rented to other entrepreneurs
The showroom features all of the window siding and roofing products available to customers Samples are one thing Cradick says but he knows the power of customers seeing actual colors in actual sizes
ldquoOur philosophy is to build peace of mind for homeowners and be with them every step through the processrdquo he says ldquoWord of mouth is our number one lead source which was true in retail as wellrdquo
Happy employees to Cradick are just as important as happy customers He sub-scribes to a simple philosophymdashlistening to employees and doing so with respect
ldquoWith big corporations you deal with a lot of politicsrdquo he says ldquoNow if therersquos politics itrsquos because Irsquove generated it Itrsquos a nice change to be in a small business where you have more leeway to ensure yoursquore creating a positive work environment which creates a happy workforcerdquo
Working for a smaller company also allows for more opportunities to become involved in the community Husker Hammer is active in local chambers of commerce the Open Door Mission and is currently helping on a Habitat for Humanity build in Waterloo They have also been accredited by the Bet-ter Business Bureau since 2000 and won the Better Business Integrity Award
Cradickrsquos business is currently 90 percent residential and 10 percent commercial He hopes to increase their reach in proper-ty management and general contracting while maintaining the high-quality residen-tial sales that built the business ldquoBecause of our showroomrdquo he says ldquopeople come
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
to us We donrsquot do the high pressure sales at the kitchen table We listen We let the homeowners do the talkingrdquo
Growing geographically is also a goal Cradick hopes to expand to surrounding areas including his hometown of Lincoln
ldquoSo far itrsquos been a great moverdquo he says ldquoand I look forward to continuing to be known as an ethical long-lasting company My daughters and wife are excited to be back in the Midwest around grandparents and family Their school district is great and the full year-round climate has been a welcome change from living in the south Plus I was averaging 50000 miles per year in travel so itrsquos nice to sleep in your own bed every nightrdquo The FIRM
For more information on this or any for sale listings call The Firm Business Brokerage directly
11Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
The Deal ReviewBusiness Established 1987Reason for Sale Retirement (Transla-tion More time with a fishing pole)Ownerrsquos Profit $495004Type of Loan SBA with Core Bank
12
Back to the FutureBuilding a Business Legacy
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Itrsquos not uncommon for someone who has spent a number of years in corporate
America to shift gears into entrepreneur-ship Being your own boss certainly has its advantages But for Scott Beckler who recently purchased Lewis Installers in Gret-na his reason for taking on a new business venture had more to do with honoring not only his fatherrsquos legacy but building one of his own
Beckler started his career as a business education teacher then moved to a corpo-rate career in technology But for a number of years he kept an eye on businesses for sale hoping that just the right opportunity would come along
ldquoMy dad was an entrepreneur who owned his own real estate insurance companyrdquo
Beckler says ldquoDespite the fact he had on-going health issues he still got up every day put on a coat and tie and went out to make a sale He was a very successful busi-nessman and I wanted to honor his legacyrdquo
After contacting The Firm and discuss-ing what he was looking for in a business the team suggested Lewis Installers which specializes in industrial conveyor and rack systems At first it seemed like a big de-parture for him ldquoShelving and logistical systems isnrsquot something that jumps out at yourdquo Beckler says But the more he looked into it the more he realized it had many of the elements he wanted in a business The most obvious advantage was that the company was located in Gretna where he lives Add to that the fact that the seller lives just up the road from him
Scott Beckler
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
For purposes of this article this overview is based on the buying and selling entities being corporations or entities taxed as corporations
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
4420 Izard Street Omaha4022938707 bull 8887380296
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
HAVE YOUR MINOR ROOF LEAKS BECOME A MAJOR ANNOYANCEDonrsquot Wait Any Longer Call Us Now
ldquoAfter meeting him and hitting it offrdquo Beckler says ldquowe quickly realized it was a match on both sidesrdquo
Other signs also pointed in the right di-rection The financials were good The size of the business was ideal The competitive landscape was promising Beckler also real-ized that his corporate background fit well with this new business
ldquoAlthough itrsquos an entirely different indus-tryrdquo he says ldquomany of the business princi-ples are the samehellipproject management customer service delivery vendor man-agement and cost containment Irsquove been doing all of those for yearsrdquo
His background in technology will also be a valuable asset in his new business Not only has he established relationships with large vendors built over the years but his from-the-ground-up experience with data centers means that he is already eying in-novative automation and other technology differentiators At the same time hersquos look-ing forward to learning the daily operations of the company and having a hand in every part of the business from bidding to closing to payroll
ldquoIt will be challenging coming from a big business background where Irsquove only been involved in the peripheryrdquo Beckler says
ldquoNow Irsquoll be involved in all of itrdquo
Lewis Installers being a family-owned business is what hersquos most excited about He says itrsquos a company with a good repu-tation thatrsquos known for quality and meeting deadlinesmdashall driven by a strong Midwest-ern work ethic
Itrsquos the sort of company Beckler believes that would make his father proud
ldquoI want this business to be a legacy for my familyrdquo Beckler says ldquoMy hope is that it could stay in the family with my own kids and grandkidsrdquo The FIRM
13Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Om
aharsquo
s Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
14
When considering the purchase of an existing business very few realize
that lack of experience in an industry can actually lead to success One simply needs a sound financial plan and a good team to fill in the gaps Removing the added stress of fieldwork and focusing solely on the management of finances and operation allows for greater opportunities It makes for the dynamic advantage of some outside impartiality when seeking areas of improve-ment and growth
One man who has made this transition from having marginal knowledge in an in-dustry to leading a successful plumbing and HVAC operation is Mark Evans president of Burton Plumbing Before taking over Burton Evans had a successful plumbing distribu-torship serving four states but it was his desire to own and to travel less that put him into the hands of Burton Friesz The founder of Burton Plumbing Friesz had been a customer and friend of Evansrsquo when the two discussed a possible expansion into residential service Evans put his busi-ness experience to work for Burton in July 1995 and his education in the minutiae of plumbing and HVAC began
While he hasnrsquot worked in the field as a licensed plumbing contractor Evans has dipped his feet in several areas within the running of Burtonhellipand often at the same time Before hiring the essential personnel that have enabled him to narrow his role Ev-ans served as manager marketer customer service representative and dispatcher Such a list of duties for one man is a daunting task but ldquoI worked my way to being able to work on the business rather than in the business [a strategy] taught to me by my business coachrdquo says Evans
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
REMOVING THE ADDED STRESS OF FIELDWORK AND FOCUSING SOLELY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF FINANCES AND OPERATION ALLOWS FOR GREATER OPPORTUNITIES
Executive Impact Moving Into the Boardroom From Employee to President
written by Maureen Tierney | Co-written by Mark Evans and Julie OrsquoBrien
Eventually Evans was able to step back and bring on a general manager and a ware-house operator that has allowed him to
ldquofocus on growth opportunities marketing and cash flowrdquo
Evansrsquo experience is not unique It is com-mon for brokerages to deal with buyers seeking to own companies within a cer-tain field but ldquoonly two people out of the nearly 100 closings [wersquove had] have come in for the same business that they ended up purchasingrdquo says Julie OrsquoBrien client services and paralegal with The Firm What it comes down to is as simple as the bot-tom line Buyers are looking to leverage their talents and experience in a marriage between a management philosophy and business model Those in the market for an acquisition are ldquobuying based on profit number of staff ability to get financing and mostly their strengths and passionsrdquo says OrsquoBrien Experience in a particular industry is certainly valuable but is no predictor of success when the right financial mind comes along
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Even so making up for a lack of practical knowledge requires the proper equipment most notably in the form of managers and employees The right talent in the field can be a growth experience and provide an opportunity to learn the ropes before taking a full swing at things A total deficit in knowl-edge hardly makes for good leadership and for this reason many ldquonew business owners like to take a birdrsquos eye view of the operation rather than diving in and getting their hands dirty right awayhellipgiving them the opportunity to watch [how] things have been done before implementing changesrdquo says OrsquoBrien
Approaching ownership in this way also allows for further financial acquisitions an avenue which Evans has taken In addition to owning Burton Plumbing Evans operates four other companies One might assume this much responsibility to be a stretch but Evans sees his role as ldquokeeping a pulse on things I like to lead people in growth per-sonally and on the business siderdquo
Getting started can be a challenge which is why OrsquoBrien works closely with potential buyers to find the right fit ldquoWe assist all the wayrdquo she says ldquoWe work with the buyer on projections business plans [and] we introduce them to trusted advisorsrdquo from attorneys and CPAs to financial advisors and insurance agents
Itrsquos this helpful backing of experts that eases the difficult task of ownership and only proves that one can certainly switch from a blue collar to a white one The FIRM
CONTRACTING BUSINESSES LISTED BY THE FIRM
201
5 P
roje
cted
201
5 Y
TD
201
4
201
3
201
2
30
0
15
28
14
12
11
16
15Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Omaharsquos Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
It may seem like I pulled a muscle making this stretch but Keith Backsen the new boss at the Omaha Convention amp Visitors Bureau seems to have an awful lot in common with new Husker Coach Mike Riley
Coach Riley spent a total of 14 seasons at Oregon State before heading to Huskerland Backsen also comes from that neck of the woods having spent 11 years of his career in Portland Oregon and another 11 years in Spokane Washington selling both cities as prime places for convention and leisure travelers
At Oregon State Coach Riley built the football program into a consistent winner and regular conference contender At Visit Spokane Backsen opened sales offices in Washington DC and Chicago that led to increased convention bookings Backsen also worked on the public campaign to expand the Spokane Convention Center with a $65 million bond issue The expansion coupled with increased hotel inventory allowed Spokane to pursue large conventions and more than doubled convention bookings in Spokane
Riley has experience at the highest level of football serving as the head coach of the San Diego Chargers and as a head coach in both the Canadian and World Football Leagues Same for Backsen he worked in Dallas and Chicago as the director of sales for Global Experience Specialists a global leader in the world of event planning Backsen supervised five sales offices in a nine-state region generating annual sales in excess of $70 million
Riley is known as one of the most professional and nicest men in the profession a coach who is greatly admired by his peers I kid you not Backsen is described the same way by colleaguesmdashone of the most genuine and skilled men in the business a well respected professional who has the insight and experience to get the job done (Note the $70M stat above)
Come the first game both men will have a stadium filled with fans cheering them on In Backsenrsquos case his stadium is the entire city of Omaha where the fans are the 434353 residents who will reap the rewards of Omaharsquos growing tourism economy
B2B
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 51
51HUSKER
COACH HAS TOURISM
TWIN
OMAHA CVB BY DEB WARD
Deb Ward is the director of marketingcommunications Omaha Convention and Visitorrsquos Bureau
Keith Backsen
52 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Jason Feldman and Sebastian Hunt
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 53
The emerging startup accelerator scene supports creative-minded risk-takers looking for an edge to follow their passion and bring their ideas to fruition
Sebastian Hunt 25 is passionate about giving entrepreneurs like himself a nurturing space to test out their concepts The University of Nebraska at Omaha economics graduate interned with various local employers and surveyed the area startup community when an idea struck him for a by-application curriculum-based residency program serving new entrepreneurs That inspiration turned into Year of the Startup
Launched in 2014 the program operates out of a humble house at 4036 Burt Street in the St Cecilia Cathedral neighborhood Hunt and co-founder Jason Feldman 28 room there with young residency fellows whose startup ventures range from making bio-fuels to providing night owl shuttle services They are a millennial bunch who favor sneakers and sandals They take informal meetings to nearby CaliCommons and Lisarsquos Radial Cafe They variously hunch over laptops or tablets and carry smartphones as appendages
YEAR OF THE STARTUP
ENTREPRENEURAL IMMERSION
This communal work-live space model for business mavericks is new to Omaha The usual startup accelerator is a concentrated 90-day off-site program Omaha has a few of these notably Straight Shot Hunt saw a need for a program that invites a broader range of people into the accelerator fold and supports them much nearer to the start of their dream than other programs
ldquoWe feel like we can take people at very early stages because we are four times as long as the average programrdquo says Hunt who adds that Year of the Startup is also not tech-centric like many programs tend to be ldquoIn our model we substitute intensity for duration I think a lot of the learning here comes through unstructured serendipitous interactions we have that is not curriculum-based itrsquos just happenstance
ldquoWith a house there are so many different ways you can bring ideas and people together I think thatrsquos maybe that critical binding agent and sense of place that helps accomplish thingsrdquo
He says in this intimate environment ldquotherersquos no other choice but to immerse yourself in the settingrdquo adding ldquoWersquore always hanging out in the living room or out back talking about startup stuffmdashmonetization strategies capitalization tables vested equity entity structuresrdquo
ldquoItrsquos this immersive experience of camaraderie of these natural flows and idea generationrdquo Feldman says
Hunt says ldquoThis is very difficult to get bored with because therersquos always somebody whose business is either in crisis or growth stage or some interesting part of the curverdquo
ldquoHow could we get bored when wersquore creating a platform with four startups and all we get to do is ideationrdquo Feldman says ldquoItrsquos a constant buzz we get from interacting with these startup founders and helping them build their ideasrdquo
Built into the program are activities that encourage fellows to break out of their comfort zone and to offer honest criticism of each otherrsquos ideas
Hunt compiles multiple data points on the startups
ldquoWersquore developing really deep insight about how do people start successful businessesrdquo
The program utilizes mentors from the entrepreneurial community
ldquoWe bring in people who are experts in specific areas to talk on those topicsrdquo Feldman says
ldquoThey get ideas flowingrdquo Hunt says of the mentors
Feldman says he regularly covers with fellows ldquothe major components of what you need to look at to start your businessrdquo and then mentors like Mike Kolker owner of graphic design firm Simplify teach lessons about operational efficiency and ldquohow to simplify running a businessrdquo
Hunt is a newcomer to all this and goes by instinct as much as research to support his vision
CONTINUED ON 54
FEATURE | BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
53
54 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
70 Years of Business in Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
4027335500 | 4315 South 50th Street
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Thanks for Voting SampW Fence the Best Again in 2015
Wersquore Not Just About Fences
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
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B2B
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aharsquos Business to Business M
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Donrsquot forget to visitOmahaMagazinecom to read
all of our titles online
Omaha MagazineEncounter B2B 60PlusHerFamily OmahaHome
CONTINUED FROM 53
ldquoI just had an irrational confidence market insights and a great theoretical background thanks to primary research I completed and to lessons I learned from Phillip Phillips Michael OrsquoHara and Art Diamond in UNOrsquos economics department I read constantly about who the players were in the startup world so I was fairly preparedrdquo
Even though he directs a startup program he only started participating in one himself (Venture School) He acknowledges Year of the Startup is a by-the-seat-of-your-pants experiment
ldquoComing out of college I had student loans and not a ton of money Irsquove held two jobs to finance the project Now the project is financed by a combination of me working and renting out one room One-hundred percent of the money our entrepreneurs pay in rent will be returned in full and so everybody has a strong incentive to follow through with the program That may be what makes us sustainablerdquo
Hersquos working on securing corporate sponsorship for the program Meanwhile he wants to help get participating startups to the next level
ldquoWersquore functioning like a pre-accelerator at this point We want to get our startups profitable and then refer them to the Straight Shots so they can focus on growth in a pure accelerator programrdquo
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 55
Mercedes-Benz of Omaha14335 Hillsdale Ave Omaha NE 68137wwwOmahaMercedescomContact John Williams anytime at 4029819262
of Omaha of Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
As Year of the Startup moved into a larger house in Omaharsquos Little Italy district on July 1 and a new class of fellows arrives Hunt says there are ldquointeresting talks happening right now to bring this to other citiesrdquo He and Feldman say economic development agencies are willing to pay a license fee for them to do startup houses in other cities The partners are having proprietary software developed that will enable new startup houses to replicate their branded Omaha model
They look forward to engaging with the emerging 10th Street cultural district but may keep the midtown house to accommodate growth
Hunt and Feldman believe theyrsquore catching the wave or tipping point of a big new startup rush and theyrsquore betting their model is poised to be a niche player in this wild frontier of entrepreneurial prospecting
B2B
56 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
It is an unassuming space but if you have made your way to TD Ameritrade Park Filmstreams or Hot Shops chances are yoursquove passed one of the most vibrant offices in Omaha
The fact that Co-Lab (short for Creative Collaborators) is not a traditional work space is certainly one of its best features Located inside the Tip Top building at 15th and Cumming streets is a project dreamed up by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture who happens to share the main floor of the building Based in the heart of a once-isolated section of the city Co-Labrsquos funky creative vibe is making waves In fact that vibe seeps into Omaharsquos everyday bringing about small changes pushing our city toward a more innovative future
CO-LABGIVING OMAHA WORKERS A MORE
COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE
IN THE OFFICE | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
56
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 57
Home to 18 businesses plus Alley Poyner Macchietto Co-Lab is free of walls and signage It is also free from traditional office norms For instance you donrsquot just walk over to your neighborrsquos space for a brainstorming sessionmdashyou skateboard At least you do if yoursquore Dave Nelson of SecretPenguin a leading experimental branding agency The best part is that the businesses surrounding SecretPenguin appreciate the break from tradition ldquoThatrsquos the beautiful part about being around like-minded good people and businessesrdquo Nelson says
CONTINUED ON 58
58 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 59
CONTINUED FROM 57
In addition to having pathways large enough to skateboard or bike through the space also provides Co-Labbers with a kitchen various conference rooms bike storage bathrooms and a battleground (otherwise known as the ping-pong table) Walking in the main doors clients and employees alike are greeted from the front desk while catching a view of the five-story open atrium basking in the glow of sunshine from the skylight Workers can also access the fitness room and rooftop deck sharing amenities with TipTop apartment residents who use a separate entrance
CONTINUED ON 60
The Harry A Koch CoInsurance amp Financial ConsultantsMember of First Insurance Group LLC
60 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
CONTINUED FROM 59
Businesses in Co-Lab all creativity-related range from entrepreneurs to start-ups to non-profits to small businesses The art varies in form but runs through the space like an electric current At Zicafoose Textiles Mary Zicafoose works steadily on her loom creating gorgeous tapestries 4Site Programming is where Joi Brown works as an independent consultant for performing arts centers across the nation Heartland B-Cycle a large-scale municipal bike sharing system brings art in the form of economical convenience Holly Boyer a founder of non-profit organization Mission Matters explains that one of the best things about having an office at Co-Lab is feeling the innovative positive energy from the moment you walk in the door So while individuals may join Co-Lab with a business-minded focus or a more creative vibe finding a yin to their yang is just a shout away
ldquoThere is certainly a wonderful built-in support network that comes along with working in a collaborative environmentrdquo quips Omaha Creative Institute Executive Director Emily Moody ldquoEverything from sharing ideas and finding ways to collaborate with an organization different than yours to sharing a staplerrdquo
At the heart of making it work says Laura Alley of Alley Poyner itrsquos simply playing well with others
The skateboarding ping-pong playing creatives do that well
B2B
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2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott Enterprises
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For more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
TD Ameritrade Park | First National Bank Tower | Midtown Crossing | Village Pointe | Childrenrsquos Hospital Aksarben Village | Joslyn Art Museum | Fred amp Pamela Buffett Cancer Center | UNO Community Arena
6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
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2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
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- BB1015_fntEdit_125
- BB1015_bkEdit_125
- BB1015_bkCvr_125
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omahamagazinecom FALLemsp2015emsp |emsp 33
These days you never know what will be parked in the Yahnke driveway Currently therersquos a Honda pickup a VW Jetta VW Multivan and a 2001 Audi TT Quatro Convertiblemdashpurchased in apropos silver for his 25th wedding anniversary
Itrsquos the Thing he most enjoys driving He logs about 1000 miles on it each year Most of those have come toplessmdashYahnke long ago gave it away to another Thing enthusiast and now only drives it sans roof
ldquoAnyone who sees this car has only seen it top-downrdquo he says ldquoI just got caught once in the rain and that was probably a month ago The cool thing about the Thing is you leave it out in the sun and it dries out and is ready to gordquo
It says ldquoSummer is hererdquo Yahnke says
ldquoPeople speed up all the time to try to figure out what it is Itrsquos just a happy car and itrsquos so darn versatile It puts smiles on peoplesrsquo facesrdquo
B2B
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omahamagazinecom SPECIALemspADVERTISINGemspSECTIONemspemsp |emsp SUMMERemsp2015emsp |emsp 34
ABOUT OUR BUSINESS
Cox Business started in 2000 as the commercial services division of Cox Communications Over the past 15 years we have experienced strong growth and are on our target to achieve $2 billion in revenue in the near future
Cox Business owns operates and maintains its own network providing leading-edge technology solutions for voice internet networking and digital TV We also offer robust business continuity and disaster recovery solutions which is of increasing importance to businesses in the greater Omaha area Our customers include such key verticals as education hospitality government and healthcare We maintain a significant focus on Omaha small business mid-markets and large local companies as well
We consider our employees to be our most precious asset as they have the responsibility of taking care of our customers At Cox Business we are fortunate to have an extremely tenured and engaged team of employees What sets us apart from our competition is the fact that while we are a large robust and progressive company we still possess
the nimbleness of a smaller company in our ability to deliver creative solutions under tight timelines We pride ourselves on having very little bureaucracy and that translates to happy customers The fact that Cox Business has won 15 JD Power Awards for customer satisfaction over the past 11 years is a notable accomplishment for us and we work hard to deliver on that promise of excellence every day
ABOUT LYNNE
I have led sales and operations teams in the communications industry for 20 years 10 of those years with Cox Communications My husband Pat and I just celebrated our first full year in Omaha and wonder why it took us so long to find this jewel of a community Our daughter Kaylin starts law school next month at the University of San Diego
I have two passions in my professional life mentoring employees who are working on leadership development (which includes working with two to three emerging leaders at any given time) and continuing to drive efforts in hiring fostering a diverse workforce There
is a challenge in STEM fields of under-represented groups My company Cox Communications is also very passionate about this and holds the distinction of inclusion in Diversity Incrsquos top 50 companies
My personal passions include travel social media and Italian cooking
B2B
COX BUSINESSLYNNE SANGIMINO
Cox Business 401 N 117th St Omaha NE 68154 coxbusinesscom 4029340830
Cradickrsquos Husker PowerTEXAN RETURNS HOME FOR BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY PG 8
Marlon Lofgren Koley Jessen PC LLOKEEPING THE FOCUS WHERE IT BELONGS PG 4
Seasoned Advice for Buyers(THE BOUNCY KIND) PG 5
PLAYING BIG EDITION
Fall
2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
2
Volume 1 Issue 5
Published by The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
PresidentEditor bull Cortney Sells
DirectorAssistant Editor bull Cassandra Powers
In-House Legal Counsel bull Susanne Miller
Outreach Coordinator bull Rene Rademacher
Marketing Development bull Rachael Rand
Business Broker bull Breann Becerra
Referring Broker bull Elizabeth Jones
Marketing Division bull Adam Jaime
Development Liaison bull Holley Garcia
Client Services bull Nycole Wandvik-Tolle
Client Services bull Julie OrsquoBrien
Community Relations bull Mike Sells
Contributing Writers
Marlon Lofgren bull Kathy Rygg bull Maureen Tierney
Design bull OBI Creative
Photography bull Bill Sitzmann
To Subscribe
The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
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Omaha NE 68114
4029985288
infothefirmb2bcom
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4028842000
toddomahamagazinecom
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Columns
4 Seller Financing
Koley Jessen PC LLO Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
14 Executive Impact Getting Into the Big Office
Departments
5 Seasoned Advice for
Business Buyers (The Bouncy Kind)
12 Building a Legacy while
Building Racks New Chapter to Becklerrsquos Career
The Bottom Line
Sells Insights
Playing Big
Husker PowerTexan returns home to
Nebraska for business opportunity
pg8
Many business owners have marginal experience in the trades in which their
organizations specialize While it may seem counterintuitive to buy or start a company situated around an industry in which one has little experience there is a certain com-petitive edge to the equation A buyer or president need only know enough to begin before surrounding him or herself with the right personnel to tackle the minute details What is paramount is the grander scheme of
management and operations which allows one to flex refined business acumen Not only does distance from fieldwork free up time to put in place a robust and refined plan but it leaves open other avenues for portfolio expansion Grow your business expand operations or begin other busi-ness ventures The possibilities are only as small as the mindset held by your team The FIRM
Special Section
7 Fresh Off The Firm The Firm Business Brokerage has
over $80 million dollars in assets under
management of current cash flowing
businesses for sale ndash from medical
practices to commercial services to large
manufacturing companies
by Cortney Sells presidenteditor
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
3Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
4
IF PROPERLY STRUCTURED AND DOCUMENTED SELLER FINANCING IS REALLY NO DIFFERENT FROM FINANCING THAT WOULD OTHERWISE BE PROVIDED BY A BANKTYING IT ALL TOGETHEREven the most savvy of ldquonumbers peoplerdquo need a leg up in negotiating a purchase As with so many aspects of doing business retaining experienced legal counsel enables you to keep the focus where it belongsmdashemploying your entrepreneurial skills in the identification and acquisition of profitable business ventures The FIRM
Seller Financing Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
written by Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
Seller financing can often be a criti-cal factor in getting a business sold
If properly structured and documented seller financing is really no different from financing that would otherwise be provided by a bank Below is a brief guide to navi-gating the issues normally encountered in seller financing
FIRST THINGS FIRSTThe first question is usually that of how to structure and document the financing The buyer should be expected to sign a prom-issory note evidencing the loan from the seller with interest and repayment terms mutually agreeable to both parties The seller might also require that the buyer grant the seller a security interestlien in the pur-chased assets to secure the loan Itrsquos also not unusual for a seller to require that the individual owners of the buyer (assuming the buyer is an entity) personally guarantee the loan In most cases the documents are usually pretty straightforward and do not need to be overly complicated
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
ADDITIONAL LAYERSIf a bank is also financing the sale the seller will most likely be required by the bank to sign a subordination agreement This is an agreement between the bank usually referred to as the ldquosenior lenderrdquo and the seller referred to as the ldquojunior lenderrdquo A subordination agreement sets forth the terms between the lenders as to each entityrsquos right to receive loan pay-ments from the buyer and the priority of their respective security interestsliens in the purchased assets The document will usually state that the senior lenderrsquos loan and security interestliens shall at all times be superior to those of the junior lender until the senior loan is paid in full Most lenders are willing to discuss and negoti-ate the junior lenderrsquos right to receive loan payments from the borrower Lien priority status however is rarely compromised by senior lenders in subordination agreements The senior lender will insist on having a first priority security interestlien in the pur-chased assets
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Whether yoursquore a first-time entre-preneur or an experienced business
owner purchasing a company is a critical investment financially and emotionally To help increase the likelihood of it being a success in both areas there are a number of aspects to keep in mind when evaluating if a business is the right fit gt
Seasoned Advice for Business Buyers(The Bouncy Kind)
written by Kathy Rygg
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Jerry Rachwalik
5Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
6
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
lt Jerry Rachwalik has been researching companies for the past three years waiting for the right opportunity to arise His search was the result of spending his career work-ing for larger organizations in a number of areas including delivery installation cus-tomer service inventory accounts receiv-ables and scheduling where he managed up to 35 people at a time
Policies and philosophies can change when working for a corporation Sometimes they become less family friendly ldquoWith the previous companies I worked forrdquo Rachwalik says ldquothey switched from caring about em-ployees to making money and the bottom line I stuck it out for several years and then decided I needed something differentrdquo
An entrepreneur by nature Rachwalik has over the last seven years built up a rental business buying foreclosed homes and duplex properties completely reno-vating them and then renting them back out He now has 15 properties and enjoys helping families by providing nice homes that are affordable ldquoI want people to feel good when they come home at night after a long day at workrdquo he says Rachwalik want-ed to find a business that allowed him the flexibility to respond to his tenants when needed from simple plumbing issues to furnaces going kaput
When he first started looking for a new business Rachwalik was drawn to home health care because of his experience help-ing to take care of relatives And it was a growing field Nothing was available at the time so he expanded his options and be-gan researching businesses in a variety of industries Those included a flooring com-pany sandwich shop and even a hair salon
ldquoI was open to anything and if I could make the numbers work then I would consider itrdquo he explains
Then The Firm Business Brokerage pre-sented him with an opportunity that was the right match Bounce U in Omaha There were a number of factors that appealed to Rachwalik First and foremost were the financials but it would also offer him the flexibility he needed for his rental business A big advantage was that an entire team was already in place one seasoned in man-aging staff and scheduling parties ldquoThey do a great jobrdquo he says ldquoI donrsquot plan on making any personnel changesrdquo
But what hersquos most looking forward to with this new venture is the fun positive environment Bounce Ursquos primary business is its birthday party packages featuring the companyrsquos oversized inflatibles and Rachwalik said he canrsquot wait to watch the excitement on the kids faces when they walk through the door ldquoEveryone there is happyrdquo he says ldquoThe kids are happy the parents are happy and the employees running the parties are happy Itrsquoll be a big change from the environments I used to work inrdquo Hersquos already planning to have his twin grand-daughtersrsquo birthday party there too
His transition included a week of training with the companyrsquos corporate facility in Ari-zona as well as on-site training Even though the Omaha location is an existing store all of Rachwalikrsquos training was structured as though itrsquos a brand new site
Bounce U has traditionally partnered with local restaurants to provide food for birth-day parties but Rachwalik wants to explore the option to build a kitchen of his own
He also hopes to continue to grow the business by at least 5 annually ldquoAnything I do I will communicate with my employees and get their input and suggestions firstrdquo he adds
For anyone who is considering buying a business or is going through the process Rachwalik stresses to be open minded and not rule anything out ldquoIf an opportunity is presented to you run the numbers and see if you can make it workrdquo he says ldquoI did a complete flip-flop on the type of business I thought I wanted versus what I ended up purchasing But if you keep looking yoursquoll eventually find a matchrdquo The FIRM
ldquoTHE KIDS ARE HAPPY THE PARENTS ARE HAPPY AND THE EMPLOYEES RUNNING THE PARTIES ARE HAPPY ITrsquoLL BE A BIG CHANGE FROM THE ENVIRONMENTS I USED TO WORK INrdquo
-Jerry Rachwalik
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Fresh Off The Firm Featured Listings for Sale
Suburban Bar amp Grill with VolleyballOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $26413 PRICE $115000
Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity in an area with only two other bars nearby Serving up a gorgeous and well-maintained volleyball court along with pool tables and a jukebox this bar and grill is a favorite with the locals Business is fully staffedmdashowner works very part time hours
Rain Gutter Sales amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $145200 PRICE $415000
This business is a dealer for high-end rain gutter covers These products are con-structed of high-quality aluminum and sur-gical-grade stainless steel and are strong enough to hold up to four feet of snow or 20 pounds of debris Profit margin is 48
Large-Scale Assembly amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $743732 PRICE $2200000
This well-established installation and assembly business in central Nebraska prides itself on providing many numerous building solutions for businesses and building owners in their area They install and assemble metal frames including grain silos pole barns and buildings
Photo Booth Business Running on Autopilot OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $36419 PRICE $88900
Photo booths are the ldquoin thingrdquo at weddings and parties In business for seven years this business is one of the largest in town Wedding couples hoping to capture the fun memories of the day make up 67 of the clients Includes four booths and one trailer
Southwest Omaha Dental PracticeOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $129745 PRICE $380000
Professional staff and excellent customer service are the hallmarks of this practice Using the latest technology the business offers an array of dental services including teeth cleaning veneers crowns bleaching and trauma services The owner is currently working only 20 hours a week
Small Animal Vet Clinic in Omaha OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $158287 PRICE $440000
For over 30 years this animal care clinic has prioritized customer care They are currently offering services to over 2000 families and are the second largest veterinary clinic in the area The business is split 7030 between dogs and cats
Buildersrsquo Material amp Supply CompanyOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $364880 PRICE $933000
This highly reputable company established in 1976 and located just north of Omaha provides quality and reliable services and supplies Building supply inventory includes garage door lumber windows trims siding roofing materials and more Approximately 90 of customers are repeat clientele
High-Growth Plumbing Company OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $157774 PRICE $445000
This non-union plumbing company has consistent growth of over $130000 a year in sales The full service plumbing contractor has business that is currently 50 commercial and 50 residential
90+ available business opportunities for sale Please visit TheFirmBusinessBrokeragecom for details
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
7Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
Matt Cradick
The Deal ReviewReason For Sale Fresh start after 25+ years in the industrySeller Transition Period Over eight monthsType of Sale Asset Purchase AgreementLender Access Bank Mack LaRock
ldquoYOU SHOULD INTERVIEW FOR A BUSINESS JUST LIKE YOU
WOULD FOR A JOBrdquo CRADICK EXPLAINS ldquoIT HAS TO BE THE
RIGHT FIT YOU DONrsquoT WANT TO BE ONE OF THE MANY FA-
TALITIES THAT HAPPEN SO OFTEN IN NEW BUSINESSrdquo
-Shaun Heldt
From Retail to RoofingHow to be Successful When Buying a Business
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Spending almost 20 years working in retail for major corporations and then
buying a siding and roofing contracting company may seem like a major leap but for Matt Cradick owner of Husker Ham-mer Siding Windows and Roofing it was the best business move hersquos ever made And thatrsquos saying a lot for someone who moved 11 times in 19 years across nine different states
Cradick had been living in Houston Texas where he worked for Target Corporation He had worked his way up through the com-pany and another promotion was on the horizon which meant another move With three young children at home Cradick de-cided it was time to put down some roots Having grown up in Lincoln Nebraska he wanted to be near family and Midwestern values He started researching businesses for sale and was eventually led to The Firm which in turn led him to Husker Hammer
The move from a big corporate environ-ment to a small contracting business didnrsquot intimidate Cradick With Target he oversaw 200 people so he knew he brought strong management and operational skills The challenge he says was learning the ins and outs of construction He didnrsquot need to be the one hammering away on the roofmdashhe needed learn a new business segment
ldquoSwitching industries can be nerve-rack-ingrdquo Cradick says ldquobut the owner was will-ing to stay on board for six months during the transitionrdquo That partnership was an invaluable tool during the changeover gt
A Publication of The Firm Business BrokerageA Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
9Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
10
lt Husker Hammer was started in 1998 as a one-man operation and had been built up to a multimillion dollar business Cradick was impressed with the mission statement values system of the company and the strong workforce that was already in place And the price of the company lined up well with the financials ldquoWhat Husker has that others in the industry donrsquotrdquo says the man whose faith is central to his deal-ings ldquois a strong ethical foundation with a Christian backgroundrdquo
There were a number of other elements Cradick sought when buying his business ones he believes all potential business own-ers need to keep in mind The first is to make sure you have a proper support team in place to help make a sound financial deci-sion That includes having a good business valuation and a good business broker who can point you in the right direction to ensure a match for both parties
Once yoursquore in the process of purchasing he adds make sure you have a capable net-work of attorneys a seasoned financial team and solid internal help to ensure yoursquore suc-cessful from the start ldquoYou should interview
for a business just like you would for a jobrdquo Cradick explains ldquoIt has to be the right fit You donrsquot want to be one of the many fatal-ities that happen so often in new businessrdquo
To help ensure the company continues to be successful Cradick plans to main-tain Husker Hammerrsquos competitive edges which he says includes his 11000-sq-ft state-of-the-art showroom in Elkhorn He reformatted the space to better fit his busi-ness model before building out additional second-floor space that is now rented to other entrepreneurs
The showroom features all of the window siding and roofing products available to customers Samples are one thing Cradick says but he knows the power of customers seeing actual colors in actual sizes
ldquoOur philosophy is to build peace of mind for homeowners and be with them every step through the processrdquo he says ldquoWord of mouth is our number one lead source which was true in retail as wellrdquo
Happy employees to Cradick are just as important as happy customers He sub-scribes to a simple philosophymdashlistening to employees and doing so with respect
ldquoWith big corporations you deal with a lot of politicsrdquo he says ldquoNow if therersquos politics itrsquos because Irsquove generated it Itrsquos a nice change to be in a small business where you have more leeway to ensure yoursquore creating a positive work environment which creates a happy workforcerdquo
Working for a smaller company also allows for more opportunities to become involved in the community Husker Hammer is active in local chambers of commerce the Open Door Mission and is currently helping on a Habitat for Humanity build in Waterloo They have also been accredited by the Bet-ter Business Bureau since 2000 and won the Better Business Integrity Award
Cradickrsquos business is currently 90 percent residential and 10 percent commercial He hopes to increase their reach in proper-ty management and general contracting while maintaining the high-quality residen-tial sales that built the business ldquoBecause of our showroomrdquo he says ldquopeople come
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
to us We donrsquot do the high pressure sales at the kitchen table We listen We let the homeowners do the talkingrdquo
Growing geographically is also a goal Cradick hopes to expand to surrounding areas including his hometown of Lincoln
ldquoSo far itrsquos been a great moverdquo he says ldquoand I look forward to continuing to be known as an ethical long-lasting company My daughters and wife are excited to be back in the Midwest around grandparents and family Their school district is great and the full year-round climate has been a welcome change from living in the south Plus I was averaging 50000 miles per year in travel so itrsquos nice to sleep in your own bed every nightrdquo The FIRM
For more information on this or any for sale listings call The Firm Business Brokerage directly
11Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
The Deal ReviewBusiness Established 1987Reason for Sale Retirement (Transla-tion More time with a fishing pole)Ownerrsquos Profit $495004Type of Loan SBA with Core Bank
12
Back to the FutureBuilding a Business Legacy
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Itrsquos not uncommon for someone who has spent a number of years in corporate
America to shift gears into entrepreneur-ship Being your own boss certainly has its advantages But for Scott Beckler who recently purchased Lewis Installers in Gret-na his reason for taking on a new business venture had more to do with honoring not only his fatherrsquos legacy but building one of his own
Beckler started his career as a business education teacher then moved to a corpo-rate career in technology But for a number of years he kept an eye on businesses for sale hoping that just the right opportunity would come along
ldquoMy dad was an entrepreneur who owned his own real estate insurance companyrdquo
Beckler says ldquoDespite the fact he had on-going health issues he still got up every day put on a coat and tie and went out to make a sale He was a very successful busi-nessman and I wanted to honor his legacyrdquo
After contacting The Firm and discuss-ing what he was looking for in a business the team suggested Lewis Installers which specializes in industrial conveyor and rack systems At first it seemed like a big de-parture for him ldquoShelving and logistical systems isnrsquot something that jumps out at yourdquo Beckler says But the more he looked into it the more he realized it had many of the elements he wanted in a business The most obvious advantage was that the company was located in Gretna where he lives Add to that the fact that the seller lives just up the road from him
Scott Beckler
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
For purposes of this article this overview is based on the buying and selling entities being corporations or entities taxed as corporations
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
4420 Izard Street Omaha4022938707 bull 8887380296
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
HAVE YOUR MINOR ROOF LEAKS BECOME A MAJOR ANNOYANCEDonrsquot Wait Any Longer Call Us Now
ldquoAfter meeting him and hitting it offrdquo Beckler says ldquowe quickly realized it was a match on both sidesrdquo
Other signs also pointed in the right di-rection The financials were good The size of the business was ideal The competitive landscape was promising Beckler also real-ized that his corporate background fit well with this new business
ldquoAlthough itrsquos an entirely different indus-tryrdquo he says ldquomany of the business princi-ples are the samehellipproject management customer service delivery vendor man-agement and cost containment Irsquove been doing all of those for yearsrdquo
His background in technology will also be a valuable asset in his new business Not only has he established relationships with large vendors built over the years but his from-the-ground-up experience with data centers means that he is already eying in-novative automation and other technology differentiators At the same time hersquos look-ing forward to learning the daily operations of the company and having a hand in every part of the business from bidding to closing to payroll
ldquoIt will be challenging coming from a big business background where Irsquove only been involved in the peripheryrdquo Beckler says
ldquoNow Irsquoll be involved in all of itrdquo
Lewis Installers being a family-owned business is what hersquos most excited about He says itrsquos a company with a good repu-tation thatrsquos known for quality and meeting deadlinesmdashall driven by a strong Midwest-ern work ethic
Itrsquos the sort of company Beckler believes that would make his father proud
ldquoI want this business to be a legacy for my familyrdquo Beckler says ldquoMy hope is that it could stay in the family with my own kids and grandkidsrdquo The FIRM
13Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Om
aharsquo
s Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
14
When considering the purchase of an existing business very few realize
that lack of experience in an industry can actually lead to success One simply needs a sound financial plan and a good team to fill in the gaps Removing the added stress of fieldwork and focusing solely on the management of finances and operation allows for greater opportunities It makes for the dynamic advantage of some outside impartiality when seeking areas of improve-ment and growth
One man who has made this transition from having marginal knowledge in an in-dustry to leading a successful plumbing and HVAC operation is Mark Evans president of Burton Plumbing Before taking over Burton Evans had a successful plumbing distribu-torship serving four states but it was his desire to own and to travel less that put him into the hands of Burton Friesz The founder of Burton Plumbing Friesz had been a customer and friend of Evansrsquo when the two discussed a possible expansion into residential service Evans put his busi-ness experience to work for Burton in July 1995 and his education in the minutiae of plumbing and HVAC began
While he hasnrsquot worked in the field as a licensed plumbing contractor Evans has dipped his feet in several areas within the running of Burtonhellipand often at the same time Before hiring the essential personnel that have enabled him to narrow his role Ev-ans served as manager marketer customer service representative and dispatcher Such a list of duties for one man is a daunting task but ldquoI worked my way to being able to work on the business rather than in the business [a strategy] taught to me by my business coachrdquo says Evans
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
REMOVING THE ADDED STRESS OF FIELDWORK AND FOCUSING SOLELY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF FINANCES AND OPERATION ALLOWS FOR GREATER OPPORTUNITIES
Executive Impact Moving Into the Boardroom From Employee to President
written by Maureen Tierney | Co-written by Mark Evans and Julie OrsquoBrien
Eventually Evans was able to step back and bring on a general manager and a ware-house operator that has allowed him to
ldquofocus on growth opportunities marketing and cash flowrdquo
Evansrsquo experience is not unique It is com-mon for brokerages to deal with buyers seeking to own companies within a cer-tain field but ldquoonly two people out of the nearly 100 closings [wersquove had] have come in for the same business that they ended up purchasingrdquo says Julie OrsquoBrien client services and paralegal with The Firm What it comes down to is as simple as the bot-tom line Buyers are looking to leverage their talents and experience in a marriage between a management philosophy and business model Those in the market for an acquisition are ldquobuying based on profit number of staff ability to get financing and mostly their strengths and passionsrdquo says OrsquoBrien Experience in a particular industry is certainly valuable but is no predictor of success when the right financial mind comes along
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Even so making up for a lack of practical knowledge requires the proper equipment most notably in the form of managers and employees The right talent in the field can be a growth experience and provide an opportunity to learn the ropes before taking a full swing at things A total deficit in knowl-edge hardly makes for good leadership and for this reason many ldquonew business owners like to take a birdrsquos eye view of the operation rather than diving in and getting their hands dirty right awayhellipgiving them the opportunity to watch [how] things have been done before implementing changesrdquo says OrsquoBrien
Approaching ownership in this way also allows for further financial acquisitions an avenue which Evans has taken In addition to owning Burton Plumbing Evans operates four other companies One might assume this much responsibility to be a stretch but Evans sees his role as ldquokeeping a pulse on things I like to lead people in growth per-sonally and on the business siderdquo
Getting started can be a challenge which is why OrsquoBrien works closely with potential buyers to find the right fit ldquoWe assist all the wayrdquo she says ldquoWe work with the buyer on projections business plans [and] we introduce them to trusted advisorsrdquo from attorneys and CPAs to financial advisors and insurance agents
Itrsquos this helpful backing of experts that eases the difficult task of ownership and only proves that one can certainly switch from a blue collar to a white one The FIRM
CONTRACTING BUSINESSES LISTED BY THE FIRM
201
5 P
roje
cted
201
5 Y
TD
201
4
201
3
201
2
30
0
15
28
14
12
11
16
15Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Omaharsquos Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
It may seem like I pulled a muscle making this stretch but Keith Backsen the new boss at the Omaha Convention amp Visitors Bureau seems to have an awful lot in common with new Husker Coach Mike Riley
Coach Riley spent a total of 14 seasons at Oregon State before heading to Huskerland Backsen also comes from that neck of the woods having spent 11 years of his career in Portland Oregon and another 11 years in Spokane Washington selling both cities as prime places for convention and leisure travelers
At Oregon State Coach Riley built the football program into a consistent winner and regular conference contender At Visit Spokane Backsen opened sales offices in Washington DC and Chicago that led to increased convention bookings Backsen also worked on the public campaign to expand the Spokane Convention Center with a $65 million bond issue The expansion coupled with increased hotel inventory allowed Spokane to pursue large conventions and more than doubled convention bookings in Spokane
Riley has experience at the highest level of football serving as the head coach of the San Diego Chargers and as a head coach in both the Canadian and World Football Leagues Same for Backsen he worked in Dallas and Chicago as the director of sales for Global Experience Specialists a global leader in the world of event planning Backsen supervised five sales offices in a nine-state region generating annual sales in excess of $70 million
Riley is known as one of the most professional and nicest men in the profession a coach who is greatly admired by his peers I kid you not Backsen is described the same way by colleaguesmdashone of the most genuine and skilled men in the business a well respected professional who has the insight and experience to get the job done (Note the $70M stat above)
Come the first game both men will have a stadium filled with fans cheering them on In Backsenrsquos case his stadium is the entire city of Omaha where the fans are the 434353 residents who will reap the rewards of Omaharsquos growing tourism economy
B2B
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 51
51HUSKER
COACH HAS TOURISM
TWIN
OMAHA CVB BY DEB WARD
Deb Ward is the director of marketingcommunications Omaha Convention and Visitorrsquos Bureau
Keith Backsen
52 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Jason Feldman and Sebastian Hunt
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 53
The emerging startup accelerator scene supports creative-minded risk-takers looking for an edge to follow their passion and bring their ideas to fruition
Sebastian Hunt 25 is passionate about giving entrepreneurs like himself a nurturing space to test out their concepts The University of Nebraska at Omaha economics graduate interned with various local employers and surveyed the area startup community when an idea struck him for a by-application curriculum-based residency program serving new entrepreneurs That inspiration turned into Year of the Startup
Launched in 2014 the program operates out of a humble house at 4036 Burt Street in the St Cecilia Cathedral neighborhood Hunt and co-founder Jason Feldman 28 room there with young residency fellows whose startup ventures range from making bio-fuels to providing night owl shuttle services They are a millennial bunch who favor sneakers and sandals They take informal meetings to nearby CaliCommons and Lisarsquos Radial Cafe They variously hunch over laptops or tablets and carry smartphones as appendages
YEAR OF THE STARTUP
ENTREPRENEURAL IMMERSION
This communal work-live space model for business mavericks is new to Omaha The usual startup accelerator is a concentrated 90-day off-site program Omaha has a few of these notably Straight Shot Hunt saw a need for a program that invites a broader range of people into the accelerator fold and supports them much nearer to the start of their dream than other programs
ldquoWe feel like we can take people at very early stages because we are four times as long as the average programrdquo says Hunt who adds that Year of the Startup is also not tech-centric like many programs tend to be ldquoIn our model we substitute intensity for duration I think a lot of the learning here comes through unstructured serendipitous interactions we have that is not curriculum-based itrsquos just happenstance
ldquoWith a house there are so many different ways you can bring ideas and people together I think thatrsquos maybe that critical binding agent and sense of place that helps accomplish thingsrdquo
He says in this intimate environment ldquotherersquos no other choice but to immerse yourself in the settingrdquo adding ldquoWersquore always hanging out in the living room or out back talking about startup stuffmdashmonetization strategies capitalization tables vested equity entity structuresrdquo
ldquoItrsquos this immersive experience of camaraderie of these natural flows and idea generationrdquo Feldman says
Hunt says ldquoThis is very difficult to get bored with because therersquos always somebody whose business is either in crisis or growth stage or some interesting part of the curverdquo
ldquoHow could we get bored when wersquore creating a platform with four startups and all we get to do is ideationrdquo Feldman says ldquoItrsquos a constant buzz we get from interacting with these startup founders and helping them build their ideasrdquo
Built into the program are activities that encourage fellows to break out of their comfort zone and to offer honest criticism of each otherrsquos ideas
Hunt compiles multiple data points on the startups
ldquoWersquore developing really deep insight about how do people start successful businessesrdquo
The program utilizes mentors from the entrepreneurial community
ldquoWe bring in people who are experts in specific areas to talk on those topicsrdquo Feldman says
ldquoThey get ideas flowingrdquo Hunt says of the mentors
Feldman says he regularly covers with fellows ldquothe major components of what you need to look at to start your businessrdquo and then mentors like Mike Kolker owner of graphic design firm Simplify teach lessons about operational efficiency and ldquohow to simplify running a businessrdquo
Hunt is a newcomer to all this and goes by instinct as much as research to support his vision
CONTINUED ON 54
FEATURE | BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
53
54 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
70 Years of Business in Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
4027335500 | 4315 South 50th Street
402-333-5722 bull wwwsw-fencecom
Thanks for Voting SampW Fence the Best Again in 2015
Wersquore Not Just About Fences
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
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Thank You for Voting Us Best of B2Btrade 4 Years in a Row
AUDIO VISUAL SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDEbull System designengineeringbull Sales
bull Installationbull Maintenance and Service
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aharsquos Business to Business M
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NER bull 2012 bull WIN
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Omaha MagazineEncounter B2B 60PlusHerFamily OmahaHome
CONTINUED FROM 53
ldquoI just had an irrational confidence market insights and a great theoretical background thanks to primary research I completed and to lessons I learned from Phillip Phillips Michael OrsquoHara and Art Diamond in UNOrsquos economics department I read constantly about who the players were in the startup world so I was fairly preparedrdquo
Even though he directs a startup program he only started participating in one himself (Venture School) He acknowledges Year of the Startup is a by-the-seat-of-your-pants experiment
ldquoComing out of college I had student loans and not a ton of money Irsquove held two jobs to finance the project Now the project is financed by a combination of me working and renting out one room One-hundred percent of the money our entrepreneurs pay in rent will be returned in full and so everybody has a strong incentive to follow through with the program That may be what makes us sustainablerdquo
Hersquos working on securing corporate sponsorship for the program Meanwhile he wants to help get participating startups to the next level
ldquoWersquore functioning like a pre-accelerator at this point We want to get our startups profitable and then refer them to the Straight Shots so they can focus on growth in a pure accelerator programrdquo
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 55
Mercedes-Benz of Omaha14335 Hillsdale Ave Omaha NE 68137wwwOmahaMercedescomContact John Williams anytime at 4029819262
of Omaha of Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
As Year of the Startup moved into a larger house in Omaharsquos Little Italy district on July 1 and a new class of fellows arrives Hunt says there are ldquointeresting talks happening right now to bring this to other citiesrdquo He and Feldman say economic development agencies are willing to pay a license fee for them to do startup houses in other cities The partners are having proprietary software developed that will enable new startup houses to replicate their branded Omaha model
They look forward to engaging with the emerging 10th Street cultural district but may keep the midtown house to accommodate growth
Hunt and Feldman believe theyrsquore catching the wave or tipping point of a big new startup rush and theyrsquore betting their model is poised to be a niche player in this wild frontier of entrepreneurial prospecting
B2B
56 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
It is an unassuming space but if you have made your way to TD Ameritrade Park Filmstreams or Hot Shops chances are yoursquove passed one of the most vibrant offices in Omaha
The fact that Co-Lab (short for Creative Collaborators) is not a traditional work space is certainly one of its best features Located inside the Tip Top building at 15th and Cumming streets is a project dreamed up by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture who happens to share the main floor of the building Based in the heart of a once-isolated section of the city Co-Labrsquos funky creative vibe is making waves In fact that vibe seeps into Omaharsquos everyday bringing about small changes pushing our city toward a more innovative future
CO-LABGIVING OMAHA WORKERS A MORE
COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE
IN THE OFFICE | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
56
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 57
Home to 18 businesses plus Alley Poyner Macchietto Co-Lab is free of walls and signage It is also free from traditional office norms For instance you donrsquot just walk over to your neighborrsquos space for a brainstorming sessionmdashyou skateboard At least you do if yoursquore Dave Nelson of SecretPenguin a leading experimental branding agency The best part is that the businesses surrounding SecretPenguin appreciate the break from tradition ldquoThatrsquos the beautiful part about being around like-minded good people and businessesrdquo Nelson says
CONTINUED ON 58
58 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 59
CONTINUED FROM 57
In addition to having pathways large enough to skateboard or bike through the space also provides Co-Labbers with a kitchen various conference rooms bike storage bathrooms and a battleground (otherwise known as the ping-pong table) Walking in the main doors clients and employees alike are greeted from the front desk while catching a view of the five-story open atrium basking in the glow of sunshine from the skylight Workers can also access the fitness room and rooftop deck sharing amenities with TipTop apartment residents who use a separate entrance
CONTINUED ON 60
The Harry A Koch CoInsurance amp Financial ConsultantsMember of First Insurance Group LLC
60 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
CONTINUED FROM 59
Businesses in Co-Lab all creativity-related range from entrepreneurs to start-ups to non-profits to small businesses The art varies in form but runs through the space like an electric current At Zicafoose Textiles Mary Zicafoose works steadily on her loom creating gorgeous tapestries 4Site Programming is where Joi Brown works as an independent consultant for performing arts centers across the nation Heartland B-Cycle a large-scale municipal bike sharing system brings art in the form of economical convenience Holly Boyer a founder of non-profit organization Mission Matters explains that one of the best things about having an office at Co-Lab is feeling the innovative positive energy from the moment you walk in the door So while individuals may join Co-Lab with a business-minded focus or a more creative vibe finding a yin to their yang is just a shout away
ldquoThere is certainly a wonderful built-in support network that comes along with working in a collaborative environmentrdquo quips Omaha Creative Institute Executive Director Emily Moody ldquoEverything from sharing ideas and finding ways to collaborate with an organization different than yours to sharing a staplerrdquo
At the heart of making it work says Laura Alley of Alley Poyner itrsquos simply playing well with others
The skateboarding ping-pong playing creatives do that well
B2B
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2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott Enterprises
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In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott EnterprisesFor more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
bull TD Ameritrade Parkbull First National Bank Towerbull Midtown Crossingbull Village Pointe Shopping Centerbull UNO Weber Fine Arts Buildingbull Childrenrsquos Hospital
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For more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
TD Ameritrade Park | First National Bank Tower | Midtown Crossing | Village Pointe | Childrenrsquos Hospital Aksarben Village | Joslyn Art Museum | Fred amp Pamela Buffett Cancer Center | UNO Community Arena
6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
AT THE OFFICE amp ON THE GO
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Plantronics BackBeat
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Plantronics CS540
Wireless
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Clean Your BrowserRemove Temporary Internet Files
Delete Adware and CookiesDefrag Hard Drives
Intall Current Microsoft PatchesInstall Microsoft Security Updates
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13
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
- BB1015_fntCvr_125
- BB1015_fntEdit_125
- BB1015_bkEdit_125
- BB1015_bkCvr_125
-
omahamagazinecom SPECIALemspADVERTISINGemspSECTIONemspemsp |emsp SUMMERemsp2015emsp |emsp 34
ABOUT OUR BUSINESS
Cox Business started in 2000 as the commercial services division of Cox Communications Over the past 15 years we have experienced strong growth and are on our target to achieve $2 billion in revenue in the near future
Cox Business owns operates and maintains its own network providing leading-edge technology solutions for voice internet networking and digital TV We also offer robust business continuity and disaster recovery solutions which is of increasing importance to businesses in the greater Omaha area Our customers include such key verticals as education hospitality government and healthcare We maintain a significant focus on Omaha small business mid-markets and large local companies as well
We consider our employees to be our most precious asset as they have the responsibility of taking care of our customers At Cox Business we are fortunate to have an extremely tenured and engaged team of employees What sets us apart from our competition is the fact that while we are a large robust and progressive company we still possess
the nimbleness of a smaller company in our ability to deliver creative solutions under tight timelines We pride ourselves on having very little bureaucracy and that translates to happy customers The fact that Cox Business has won 15 JD Power Awards for customer satisfaction over the past 11 years is a notable accomplishment for us and we work hard to deliver on that promise of excellence every day
ABOUT LYNNE
I have led sales and operations teams in the communications industry for 20 years 10 of those years with Cox Communications My husband Pat and I just celebrated our first full year in Omaha and wonder why it took us so long to find this jewel of a community Our daughter Kaylin starts law school next month at the University of San Diego
I have two passions in my professional life mentoring employees who are working on leadership development (which includes working with two to three emerging leaders at any given time) and continuing to drive efforts in hiring fostering a diverse workforce There
is a challenge in STEM fields of under-represented groups My company Cox Communications is also very passionate about this and holds the distinction of inclusion in Diversity Incrsquos top 50 companies
My personal passions include travel social media and Italian cooking
B2B
COX BUSINESSLYNNE SANGIMINO
Cox Business 401 N 117th St Omaha NE 68154 coxbusinesscom 4029340830
Cradickrsquos Husker PowerTEXAN RETURNS HOME FOR BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY PG 8
Marlon Lofgren Koley Jessen PC LLOKEEPING THE FOCUS WHERE IT BELONGS PG 4
Seasoned Advice for Buyers(THE BOUNCY KIND) PG 5
PLAYING BIG EDITION
Fall
2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
2
Volume 1 Issue 5
Published by The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
PresidentEditor bull Cortney Sells
DirectorAssistant Editor bull Cassandra Powers
In-House Legal Counsel bull Susanne Miller
Outreach Coordinator bull Rene Rademacher
Marketing Development bull Rachael Rand
Business Broker bull Breann Becerra
Referring Broker bull Elizabeth Jones
Marketing Division bull Adam Jaime
Development Liaison bull Holley Garcia
Client Services bull Nycole Wandvik-Tolle
Client Services bull Julie OrsquoBrien
Community Relations bull Mike Sells
Contributing Writers
Marlon Lofgren bull Kathy Rygg bull Maureen Tierney
Design bull OBI Creative
Photography bull Bill Sitzmann
To Subscribe
The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
210 N 78 St
Omaha NE 68114
4029985288
infothefirmb2bcom
Advertising Inquiries
4028842000
toddomahamagazinecom
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Columns
4 Seller Financing
Koley Jessen PC LLO Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
14 Executive Impact Getting Into the Big Office
Departments
5 Seasoned Advice for
Business Buyers (The Bouncy Kind)
12 Building a Legacy while
Building Racks New Chapter to Becklerrsquos Career
The Bottom Line
Sells Insights
Playing Big
Husker PowerTexan returns home to
Nebraska for business opportunity
pg8
Many business owners have marginal experience in the trades in which their
organizations specialize While it may seem counterintuitive to buy or start a company situated around an industry in which one has little experience there is a certain com-petitive edge to the equation A buyer or president need only know enough to begin before surrounding him or herself with the right personnel to tackle the minute details What is paramount is the grander scheme of
management and operations which allows one to flex refined business acumen Not only does distance from fieldwork free up time to put in place a robust and refined plan but it leaves open other avenues for portfolio expansion Grow your business expand operations or begin other busi-ness ventures The possibilities are only as small as the mindset held by your team The FIRM
Special Section
7 Fresh Off The Firm The Firm Business Brokerage has
over $80 million dollars in assets under
management of current cash flowing
businesses for sale ndash from medical
practices to commercial services to large
manufacturing companies
by Cortney Sells presidenteditor
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
3Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
4
IF PROPERLY STRUCTURED AND DOCUMENTED SELLER FINANCING IS REALLY NO DIFFERENT FROM FINANCING THAT WOULD OTHERWISE BE PROVIDED BY A BANKTYING IT ALL TOGETHEREven the most savvy of ldquonumbers peoplerdquo need a leg up in negotiating a purchase As with so many aspects of doing business retaining experienced legal counsel enables you to keep the focus where it belongsmdashemploying your entrepreneurial skills in the identification and acquisition of profitable business ventures The FIRM
Seller Financing Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
written by Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
Seller financing can often be a criti-cal factor in getting a business sold
If properly structured and documented seller financing is really no different from financing that would otherwise be provided by a bank Below is a brief guide to navi-gating the issues normally encountered in seller financing
FIRST THINGS FIRSTThe first question is usually that of how to structure and document the financing The buyer should be expected to sign a prom-issory note evidencing the loan from the seller with interest and repayment terms mutually agreeable to both parties The seller might also require that the buyer grant the seller a security interestlien in the pur-chased assets to secure the loan Itrsquos also not unusual for a seller to require that the individual owners of the buyer (assuming the buyer is an entity) personally guarantee the loan In most cases the documents are usually pretty straightforward and do not need to be overly complicated
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
ADDITIONAL LAYERSIf a bank is also financing the sale the seller will most likely be required by the bank to sign a subordination agreement This is an agreement between the bank usually referred to as the ldquosenior lenderrdquo and the seller referred to as the ldquojunior lenderrdquo A subordination agreement sets forth the terms between the lenders as to each entityrsquos right to receive loan pay-ments from the buyer and the priority of their respective security interestsliens in the purchased assets The document will usually state that the senior lenderrsquos loan and security interestliens shall at all times be superior to those of the junior lender until the senior loan is paid in full Most lenders are willing to discuss and negoti-ate the junior lenderrsquos right to receive loan payments from the borrower Lien priority status however is rarely compromised by senior lenders in subordination agreements The senior lender will insist on having a first priority security interestlien in the pur-chased assets
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Whether yoursquore a first-time entre-preneur or an experienced business
owner purchasing a company is a critical investment financially and emotionally To help increase the likelihood of it being a success in both areas there are a number of aspects to keep in mind when evaluating if a business is the right fit gt
Seasoned Advice for Business Buyers(The Bouncy Kind)
written by Kathy Rygg
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Jerry Rachwalik
5Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
6
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
lt Jerry Rachwalik has been researching companies for the past three years waiting for the right opportunity to arise His search was the result of spending his career work-ing for larger organizations in a number of areas including delivery installation cus-tomer service inventory accounts receiv-ables and scheduling where he managed up to 35 people at a time
Policies and philosophies can change when working for a corporation Sometimes they become less family friendly ldquoWith the previous companies I worked forrdquo Rachwalik says ldquothey switched from caring about em-ployees to making money and the bottom line I stuck it out for several years and then decided I needed something differentrdquo
An entrepreneur by nature Rachwalik has over the last seven years built up a rental business buying foreclosed homes and duplex properties completely reno-vating them and then renting them back out He now has 15 properties and enjoys helping families by providing nice homes that are affordable ldquoI want people to feel good when they come home at night after a long day at workrdquo he says Rachwalik want-ed to find a business that allowed him the flexibility to respond to his tenants when needed from simple plumbing issues to furnaces going kaput
When he first started looking for a new business Rachwalik was drawn to home health care because of his experience help-ing to take care of relatives And it was a growing field Nothing was available at the time so he expanded his options and be-gan researching businesses in a variety of industries Those included a flooring com-pany sandwich shop and even a hair salon
ldquoI was open to anything and if I could make the numbers work then I would consider itrdquo he explains
Then The Firm Business Brokerage pre-sented him with an opportunity that was the right match Bounce U in Omaha There were a number of factors that appealed to Rachwalik First and foremost were the financials but it would also offer him the flexibility he needed for his rental business A big advantage was that an entire team was already in place one seasoned in man-aging staff and scheduling parties ldquoThey do a great jobrdquo he says ldquoI donrsquot plan on making any personnel changesrdquo
But what hersquos most looking forward to with this new venture is the fun positive environment Bounce Ursquos primary business is its birthday party packages featuring the companyrsquos oversized inflatibles and Rachwalik said he canrsquot wait to watch the excitement on the kids faces when they walk through the door ldquoEveryone there is happyrdquo he says ldquoThe kids are happy the parents are happy and the employees running the parties are happy Itrsquoll be a big change from the environments I used to work inrdquo Hersquos already planning to have his twin grand-daughtersrsquo birthday party there too
His transition included a week of training with the companyrsquos corporate facility in Ari-zona as well as on-site training Even though the Omaha location is an existing store all of Rachwalikrsquos training was structured as though itrsquos a brand new site
Bounce U has traditionally partnered with local restaurants to provide food for birth-day parties but Rachwalik wants to explore the option to build a kitchen of his own
He also hopes to continue to grow the business by at least 5 annually ldquoAnything I do I will communicate with my employees and get their input and suggestions firstrdquo he adds
For anyone who is considering buying a business or is going through the process Rachwalik stresses to be open minded and not rule anything out ldquoIf an opportunity is presented to you run the numbers and see if you can make it workrdquo he says ldquoI did a complete flip-flop on the type of business I thought I wanted versus what I ended up purchasing But if you keep looking yoursquoll eventually find a matchrdquo The FIRM
ldquoTHE KIDS ARE HAPPY THE PARENTS ARE HAPPY AND THE EMPLOYEES RUNNING THE PARTIES ARE HAPPY ITrsquoLL BE A BIG CHANGE FROM THE ENVIRONMENTS I USED TO WORK INrdquo
-Jerry Rachwalik
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Fresh Off The Firm Featured Listings for Sale
Suburban Bar amp Grill with VolleyballOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $26413 PRICE $115000
Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity in an area with only two other bars nearby Serving up a gorgeous and well-maintained volleyball court along with pool tables and a jukebox this bar and grill is a favorite with the locals Business is fully staffedmdashowner works very part time hours
Rain Gutter Sales amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $145200 PRICE $415000
This business is a dealer for high-end rain gutter covers These products are con-structed of high-quality aluminum and sur-gical-grade stainless steel and are strong enough to hold up to four feet of snow or 20 pounds of debris Profit margin is 48
Large-Scale Assembly amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $743732 PRICE $2200000
This well-established installation and assembly business in central Nebraska prides itself on providing many numerous building solutions for businesses and building owners in their area They install and assemble metal frames including grain silos pole barns and buildings
Photo Booth Business Running on Autopilot OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $36419 PRICE $88900
Photo booths are the ldquoin thingrdquo at weddings and parties In business for seven years this business is one of the largest in town Wedding couples hoping to capture the fun memories of the day make up 67 of the clients Includes four booths and one trailer
Southwest Omaha Dental PracticeOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $129745 PRICE $380000
Professional staff and excellent customer service are the hallmarks of this practice Using the latest technology the business offers an array of dental services including teeth cleaning veneers crowns bleaching and trauma services The owner is currently working only 20 hours a week
Small Animal Vet Clinic in Omaha OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $158287 PRICE $440000
For over 30 years this animal care clinic has prioritized customer care They are currently offering services to over 2000 families and are the second largest veterinary clinic in the area The business is split 7030 between dogs and cats
Buildersrsquo Material amp Supply CompanyOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $364880 PRICE $933000
This highly reputable company established in 1976 and located just north of Omaha provides quality and reliable services and supplies Building supply inventory includes garage door lumber windows trims siding roofing materials and more Approximately 90 of customers are repeat clientele
High-Growth Plumbing Company OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $157774 PRICE $445000
This non-union plumbing company has consistent growth of over $130000 a year in sales The full service plumbing contractor has business that is currently 50 commercial and 50 residential
90+ available business opportunities for sale Please visit TheFirmBusinessBrokeragecom for details
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
7Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
Matt Cradick
The Deal ReviewReason For Sale Fresh start after 25+ years in the industrySeller Transition Period Over eight monthsType of Sale Asset Purchase AgreementLender Access Bank Mack LaRock
ldquoYOU SHOULD INTERVIEW FOR A BUSINESS JUST LIKE YOU
WOULD FOR A JOBrdquo CRADICK EXPLAINS ldquoIT HAS TO BE THE
RIGHT FIT YOU DONrsquoT WANT TO BE ONE OF THE MANY FA-
TALITIES THAT HAPPEN SO OFTEN IN NEW BUSINESSrdquo
-Shaun Heldt
From Retail to RoofingHow to be Successful When Buying a Business
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Spending almost 20 years working in retail for major corporations and then
buying a siding and roofing contracting company may seem like a major leap but for Matt Cradick owner of Husker Ham-mer Siding Windows and Roofing it was the best business move hersquos ever made And thatrsquos saying a lot for someone who moved 11 times in 19 years across nine different states
Cradick had been living in Houston Texas where he worked for Target Corporation He had worked his way up through the com-pany and another promotion was on the horizon which meant another move With three young children at home Cradick de-cided it was time to put down some roots Having grown up in Lincoln Nebraska he wanted to be near family and Midwestern values He started researching businesses for sale and was eventually led to The Firm which in turn led him to Husker Hammer
The move from a big corporate environ-ment to a small contracting business didnrsquot intimidate Cradick With Target he oversaw 200 people so he knew he brought strong management and operational skills The challenge he says was learning the ins and outs of construction He didnrsquot need to be the one hammering away on the roofmdashhe needed learn a new business segment
ldquoSwitching industries can be nerve-rack-ingrdquo Cradick says ldquobut the owner was will-ing to stay on board for six months during the transitionrdquo That partnership was an invaluable tool during the changeover gt
A Publication of The Firm Business BrokerageA Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
9Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
10
lt Husker Hammer was started in 1998 as a one-man operation and had been built up to a multimillion dollar business Cradick was impressed with the mission statement values system of the company and the strong workforce that was already in place And the price of the company lined up well with the financials ldquoWhat Husker has that others in the industry donrsquotrdquo says the man whose faith is central to his deal-ings ldquois a strong ethical foundation with a Christian backgroundrdquo
There were a number of other elements Cradick sought when buying his business ones he believes all potential business own-ers need to keep in mind The first is to make sure you have a proper support team in place to help make a sound financial deci-sion That includes having a good business valuation and a good business broker who can point you in the right direction to ensure a match for both parties
Once yoursquore in the process of purchasing he adds make sure you have a capable net-work of attorneys a seasoned financial team and solid internal help to ensure yoursquore suc-cessful from the start ldquoYou should interview
for a business just like you would for a jobrdquo Cradick explains ldquoIt has to be the right fit You donrsquot want to be one of the many fatal-ities that happen so often in new businessrdquo
To help ensure the company continues to be successful Cradick plans to main-tain Husker Hammerrsquos competitive edges which he says includes his 11000-sq-ft state-of-the-art showroom in Elkhorn He reformatted the space to better fit his busi-ness model before building out additional second-floor space that is now rented to other entrepreneurs
The showroom features all of the window siding and roofing products available to customers Samples are one thing Cradick says but he knows the power of customers seeing actual colors in actual sizes
ldquoOur philosophy is to build peace of mind for homeowners and be with them every step through the processrdquo he says ldquoWord of mouth is our number one lead source which was true in retail as wellrdquo
Happy employees to Cradick are just as important as happy customers He sub-scribes to a simple philosophymdashlistening to employees and doing so with respect
ldquoWith big corporations you deal with a lot of politicsrdquo he says ldquoNow if therersquos politics itrsquos because Irsquove generated it Itrsquos a nice change to be in a small business where you have more leeway to ensure yoursquore creating a positive work environment which creates a happy workforcerdquo
Working for a smaller company also allows for more opportunities to become involved in the community Husker Hammer is active in local chambers of commerce the Open Door Mission and is currently helping on a Habitat for Humanity build in Waterloo They have also been accredited by the Bet-ter Business Bureau since 2000 and won the Better Business Integrity Award
Cradickrsquos business is currently 90 percent residential and 10 percent commercial He hopes to increase their reach in proper-ty management and general contracting while maintaining the high-quality residen-tial sales that built the business ldquoBecause of our showroomrdquo he says ldquopeople come
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
to us We donrsquot do the high pressure sales at the kitchen table We listen We let the homeowners do the talkingrdquo
Growing geographically is also a goal Cradick hopes to expand to surrounding areas including his hometown of Lincoln
ldquoSo far itrsquos been a great moverdquo he says ldquoand I look forward to continuing to be known as an ethical long-lasting company My daughters and wife are excited to be back in the Midwest around grandparents and family Their school district is great and the full year-round climate has been a welcome change from living in the south Plus I was averaging 50000 miles per year in travel so itrsquos nice to sleep in your own bed every nightrdquo The FIRM
For more information on this or any for sale listings call The Firm Business Brokerage directly
11Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
The Deal ReviewBusiness Established 1987Reason for Sale Retirement (Transla-tion More time with a fishing pole)Ownerrsquos Profit $495004Type of Loan SBA with Core Bank
12
Back to the FutureBuilding a Business Legacy
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Itrsquos not uncommon for someone who has spent a number of years in corporate
America to shift gears into entrepreneur-ship Being your own boss certainly has its advantages But for Scott Beckler who recently purchased Lewis Installers in Gret-na his reason for taking on a new business venture had more to do with honoring not only his fatherrsquos legacy but building one of his own
Beckler started his career as a business education teacher then moved to a corpo-rate career in technology But for a number of years he kept an eye on businesses for sale hoping that just the right opportunity would come along
ldquoMy dad was an entrepreneur who owned his own real estate insurance companyrdquo
Beckler says ldquoDespite the fact he had on-going health issues he still got up every day put on a coat and tie and went out to make a sale He was a very successful busi-nessman and I wanted to honor his legacyrdquo
After contacting The Firm and discuss-ing what he was looking for in a business the team suggested Lewis Installers which specializes in industrial conveyor and rack systems At first it seemed like a big de-parture for him ldquoShelving and logistical systems isnrsquot something that jumps out at yourdquo Beckler says But the more he looked into it the more he realized it had many of the elements he wanted in a business The most obvious advantage was that the company was located in Gretna where he lives Add to that the fact that the seller lives just up the road from him
Scott Beckler
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
For purposes of this article this overview is based on the buying and selling entities being corporations or entities taxed as corporations
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
4420 Izard Street Omaha4022938707 bull 8887380296
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
HAVE YOUR MINOR ROOF LEAKS BECOME A MAJOR ANNOYANCEDonrsquot Wait Any Longer Call Us Now
ldquoAfter meeting him and hitting it offrdquo Beckler says ldquowe quickly realized it was a match on both sidesrdquo
Other signs also pointed in the right di-rection The financials were good The size of the business was ideal The competitive landscape was promising Beckler also real-ized that his corporate background fit well with this new business
ldquoAlthough itrsquos an entirely different indus-tryrdquo he says ldquomany of the business princi-ples are the samehellipproject management customer service delivery vendor man-agement and cost containment Irsquove been doing all of those for yearsrdquo
His background in technology will also be a valuable asset in his new business Not only has he established relationships with large vendors built over the years but his from-the-ground-up experience with data centers means that he is already eying in-novative automation and other technology differentiators At the same time hersquos look-ing forward to learning the daily operations of the company and having a hand in every part of the business from bidding to closing to payroll
ldquoIt will be challenging coming from a big business background where Irsquove only been involved in the peripheryrdquo Beckler says
ldquoNow Irsquoll be involved in all of itrdquo
Lewis Installers being a family-owned business is what hersquos most excited about He says itrsquos a company with a good repu-tation thatrsquos known for quality and meeting deadlinesmdashall driven by a strong Midwest-ern work ethic
Itrsquos the sort of company Beckler believes that would make his father proud
ldquoI want this business to be a legacy for my familyrdquo Beckler says ldquoMy hope is that it could stay in the family with my own kids and grandkidsrdquo The FIRM
13Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Om
aharsquo
s Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
14
When considering the purchase of an existing business very few realize
that lack of experience in an industry can actually lead to success One simply needs a sound financial plan and a good team to fill in the gaps Removing the added stress of fieldwork and focusing solely on the management of finances and operation allows for greater opportunities It makes for the dynamic advantage of some outside impartiality when seeking areas of improve-ment and growth
One man who has made this transition from having marginal knowledge in an in-dustry to leading a successful plumbing and HVAC operation is Mark Evans president of Burton Plumbing Before taking over Burton Evans had a successful plumbing distribu-torship serving four states but it was his desire to own and to travel less that put him into the hands of Burton Friesz The founder of Burton Plumbing Friesz had been a customer and friend of Evansrsquo when the two discussed a possible expansion into residential service Evans put his busi-ness experience to work for Burton in July 1995 and his education in the minutiae of plumbing and HVAC began
While he hasnrsquot worked in the field as a licensed plumbing contractor Evans has dipped his feet in several areas within the running of Burtonhellipand often at the same time Before hiring the essential personnel that have enabled him to narrow his role Ev-ans served as manager marketer customer service representative and dispatcher Such a list of duties for one man is a daunting task but ldquoI worked my way to being able to work on the business rather than in the business [a strategy] taught to me by my business coachrdquo says Evans
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
REMOVING THE ADDED STRESS OF FIELDWORK AND FOCUSING SOLELY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF FINANCES AND OPERATION ALLOWS FOR GREATER OPPORTUNITIES
Executive Impact Moving Into the Boardroom From Employee to President
written by Maureen Tierney | Co-written by Mark Evans and Julie OrsquoBrien
Eventually Evans was able to step back and bring on a general manager and a ware-house operator that has allowed him to
ldquofocus on growth opportunities marketing and cash flowrdquo
Evansrsquo experience is not unique It is com-mon for brokerages to deal with buyers seeking to own companies within a cer-tain field but ldquoonly two people out of the nearly 100 closings [wersquove had] have come in for the same business that they ended up purchasingrdquo says Julie OrsquoBrien client services and paralegal with The Firm What it comes down to is as simple as the bot-tom line Buyers are looking to leverage their talents and experience in a marriage between a management philosophy and business model Those in the market for an acquisition are ldquobuying based on profit number of staff ability to get financing and mostly their strengths and passionsrdquo says OrsquoBrien Experience in a particular industry is certainly valuable but is no predictor of success when the right financial mind comes along
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Even so making up for a lack of practical knowledge requires the proper equipment most notably in the form of managers and employees The right talent in the field can be a growth experience and provide an opportunity to learn the ropes before taking a full swing at things A total deficit in knowl-edge hardly makes for good leadership and for this reason many ldquonew business owners like to take a birdrsquos eye view of the operation rather than diving in and getting their hands dirty right awayhellipgiving them the opportunity to watch [how] things have been done before implementing changesrdquo says OrsquoBrien
Approaching ownership in this way also allows for further financial acquisitions an avenue which Evans has taken In addition to owning Burton Plumbing Evans operates four other companies One might assume this much responsibility to be a stretch but Evans sees his role as ldquokeeping a pulse on things I like to lead people in growth per-sonally and on the business siderdquo
Getting started can be a challenge which is why OrsquoBrien works closely with potential buyers to find the right fit ldquoWe assist all the wayrdquo she says ldquoWe work with the buyer on projections business plans [and] we introduce them to trusted advisorsrdquo from attorneys and CPAs to financial advisors and insurance agents
Itrsquos this helpful backing of experts that eases the difficult task of ownership and only proves that one can certainly switch from a blue collar to a white one The FIRM
CONTRACTING BUSINESSES LISTED BY THE FIRM
201
5 P
roje
cted
201
5 Y
TD
201
4
201
3
201
2
30
0
15
28
14
12
11
16
15Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Omaharsquos Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
It may seem like I pulled a muscle making this stretch but Keith Backsen the new boss at the Omaha Convention amp Visitors Bureau seems to have an awful lot in common with new Husker Coach Mike Riley
Coach Riley spent a total of 14 seasons at Oregon State before heading to Huskerland Backsen also comes from that neck of the woods having spent 11 years of his career in Portland Oregon and another 11 years in Spokane Washington selling both cities as prime places for convention and leisure travelers
At Oregon State Coach Riley built the football program into a consistent winner and regular conference contender At Visit Spokane Backsen opened sales offices in Washington DC and Chicago that led to increased convention bookings Backsen also worked on the public campaign to expand the Spokane Convention Center with a $65 million bond issue The expansion coupled with increased hotel inventory allowed Spokane to pursue large conventions and more than doubled convention bookings in Spokane
Riley has experience at the highest level of football serving as the head coach of the San Diego Chargers and as a head coach in both the Canadian and World Football Leagues Same for Backsen he worked in Dallas and Chicago as the director of sales for Global Experience Specialists a global leader in the world of event planning Backsen supervised five sales offices in a nine-state region generating annual sales in excess of $70 million
Riley is known as one of the most professional and nicest men in the profession a coach who is greatly admired by his peers I kid you not Backsen is described the same way by colleaguesmdashone of the most genuine and skilled men in the business a well respected professional who has the insight and experience to get the job done (Note the $70M stat above)
Come the first game both men will have a stadium filled with fans cheering them on In Backsenrsquos case his stadium is the entire city of Omaha where the fans are the 434353 residents who will reap the rewards of Omaharsquos growing tourism economy
B2B
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 51
51HUSKER
COACH HAS TOURISM
TWIN
OMAHA CVB BY DEB WARD
Deb Ward is the director of marketingcommunications Omaha Convention and Visitorrsquos Bureau
Keith Backsen
52 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Jason Feldman and Sebastian Hunt
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 53
The emerging startup accelerator scene supports creative-minded risk-takers looking for an edge to follow their passion and bring their ideas to fruition
Sebastian Hunt 25 is passionate about giving entrepreneurs like himself a nurturing space to test out their concepts The University of Nebraska at Omaha economics graduate interned with various local employers and surveyed the area startup community when an idea struck him for a by-application curriculum-based residency program serving new entrepreneurs That inspiration turned into Year of the Startup
Launched in 2014 the program operates out of a humble house at 4036 Burt Street in the St Cecilia Cathedral neighborhood Hunt and co-founder Jason Feldman 28 room there with young residency fellows whose startup ventures range from making bio-fuels to providing night owl shuttle services They are a millennial bunch who favor sneakers and sandals They take informal meetings to nearby CaliCommons and Lisarsquos Radial Cafe They variously hunch over laptops or tablets and carry smartphones as appendages
YEAR OF THE STARTUP
ENTREPRENEURAL IMMERSION
This communal work-live space model for business mavericks is new to Omaha The usual startup accelerator is a concentrated 90-day off-site program Omaha has a few of these notably Straight Shot Hunt saw a need for a program that invites a broader range of people into the accelerator fold and supports them much nearer to the start of their dream than other programs
ldquoWe feel like we can take people at very early stages because we are four times as long as the average programrdquo says Hunt who adds that Year of the Startup is also not tech-centric like many programs tend to be ldquoIn our model we substitute intensity for duration I think a lot of the learning here comes through unstructured serendipitous interactions we have that is not curriculum-based itrsquos just happenstance
ldquoWith a house there are so many different ways you can bring ideas and people together I think thatrsquos maybe that critical binding agent and sense of place that helps accomplish thingsrdquo
He says in this intimate environment ldquotherersquos no other choice but to immerse yourself in the settingrdquo adding ldquoWersquore always hanging out in the living room or out back talking about startup stuffmdashmonetization strategies capitalization tables vested equity entity structuresrdquo
ldquoItrsquos this immersive experience of camaraderie of these natural flows and idea generationrdquo Feldman says
Hunt says ldquoThis is very difficult to get bored with because therersquos always somebody whose business is either in crisis or growth stage or some interesting part of the curverdquo
ldquoHow could we get bored when wersquore creating a platform with four startups and all we get to do is ideationrdquo Feldman says ldquoItrsquos a constant buzz we get from interacting with these startup founders and helping them build their ideasrdquo
Built into the program are activities that encourage fellows to break out of their comfort zone and to offer honest criticism of each otherrsquos ideas
Hunt compiles multiple data points on the startups
ldquoWersquore developing really deep insight about how do people start successful businessesrdquo
The program utilizes mentors from the entrepreneurial community
ldquoWe bring in people who are experts in specific areas to talk on those topicsrdquo Feldman says
ldquoThey get ideas flowingrdquo Hunt says of the mentors
Feldman says he regularly covers with fellows ldquothe major components of what you need to look at to start your businessrdquo and then mentors like Mike Kolker owner of graphic design firm Simplify teach lessons about operational efficiency and ldquohow to simplify running a businessrdquo
Hunt is a newcomer to all this and goes by instinct as much as research to support his vision
CONTINUED ON 54
FEATURE | BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
53
54 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
70 Years of Business in Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
4027335500 | 4315 South 50th Street
402-333-5722 bull wwwsw-fencecom
Thanks for Voting SampW Fence the Best Again in 2015
Wersquore Not Just About Fences
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
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AUDIO VISUAL SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDEbull System designengineeringbull Sales
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B2B
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aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER 2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
ConnectWITH YOURCOMMUNITY
Donrsquot forget to visitOmahaMagazinecom to read
all of our titles online
Omaha MagazineEncounter B2B 60PlusHerFamily OmahaHome
CONTINUED FROM 53
ldquoI just had an irrational confidence market insights and a great theoretical background thanks to primary research I completed and to lessons I learned from Phillip Phillips Michael OrsquoHara and Art Diamond in UNOrsquos economics department I read constantly about who the players were in the startup world so I was fairly preparedrdquo
Even though he directs a startup program he only started participating in one himself (Venture School) He acknowledges Year of the Startup is a by-the-seat-of-your-pants experiment
ldquoComing out of college I had student loans and not a ton of money Irsquove held two jobs to finance the project Now the project is financed by a combination of me working and renting out one room One-hundred percent of the money our entrepreneurs pay in rent will be returned in full and so everybody has a strong incentive to follow through with the program That may be what makes us sustainablerdquo
Hersquos working on securing corporate sponsorship for the program Meanwhile he wants to help get participating startups to the next level
ldquoWersquore functioning like a pre-accelerator at this point We want to get our startups profitable and then refer them to the Straight Shots so they can focus on growth in a pure accelerator programrdquo
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 55
Mercedes-Benz of Omaha14335 Hillsdale Ave Omaha NE 68137wwwOmahaMercedescomContact John Williams anytime at 4029819262
of Omaha of Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
As Year of the Startup moved into a larger house in Omaharsquos Little Italy district on July 1 and a new class of fellows arrives Hunt says there are ldquointeresting talks happening right now to bring this to other citiesrdquo He and Feldman say economic development agencies are willing to pay a license fee for them to do startup houses in other cities The partners are having proprietary software developed that will enable new startup houses to replicate their branded Omaha model
They look forward to engaging with the emerging 10th Street cultural district but may keep the midtown house to accommodate growth
Hunt and Feldman believe theyrsquore catching the wave or tipping point of a big new startup rush and theyrsquore betting their model is poised to be a niche player in this wild frontier of entrepreneurial prospecting
B2B
56 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
It is an unassuming space but if you have made your way to TD Ameritrade Park Filmstreams or Hot Shops chances are yoursquove passed one of the most vibrant offices in Omaha
The fact that Co-Lab (short for Creative Collaborators) is not a traditional work space is certainly one of its best features Located inside the Tip Top building at 15th and Cumming streets is a project dreamed up by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture who happens to share the main floor of the building Based in the heart of a once-isolated section of the city Co-Labrsquos funky creative vibe is making waves In fact that vibe seeps into Omaharsquos everyday bringing about small changes pushing our city toward a more innovative future
CO-LABGIVING OMAHA WORKERS A MORE
COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE
IN THE OFFICE | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
56
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 57
Home to 18 businesses plus Alley Poyner Macchietto Co-Lab is free of walls and signage It is also free from traditional office norms For instance you donrsquot just walk over to your neighborrsquos space for a brainstorming sessionmdashyou skateboard At least you do if yoursquore Dave Nelson of SecretPenguin a leading experimental branding agency The best part is that the businesses surrounding SecretPenguin appreciate the break from tradition ldquoThatrsquos the beautiful part about being around like-minded good people and businessesrdquo Nelson says
CONTINUED ON 58
58 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 59
CONTINUED FROM 57
In addition to having pathways large enough to skateboard or bike through the space also provides Co-Labbers with a kitchen various conference rooms bike storage bathrooms and a battleground (otherwise known as the ping-pong table) Walking in the main doors clients and employees alike are greeted from the front desk while catching a view of the five-story open atrium basking in the glow of sunshine from the skylight Workers can also access the fitness room and rooftop deck sharing amenities with TipTop apartment residents who use a separate entrance
CONTINUED ON 60
The Harry A Koch CoInsurance amp Financial ConsultantsMember of First Insurance Group LLC
60 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
CONTINUED FROM 59
Businesses in Co-Lab all creativity-related range from entrepreneurs to start-ups to non-profits to small businesses The art varies in form but runs through the space like an electric current At Zicafoose Textiles Mary Zicafoose works steadily on her loom creating gorgeous tapestries 4Site Programming is where Joi Brown works as an independent consultant for performing arts centers across the nation Heartland B-Cycle a large-scale municipal bike sharing system brings art in the form of economical convenience Holly Boyer a founder of non-profit organization Mission Matters explains that one of the best things about having an office at Co-Lab is feeling the innovative positive energy from the moment you walk in the door So while individuals may join Co-Lab with a business-minded focus or a more creative vibe finding a yin to their yang is just a shout away
ldquoThere is certainly a wonderful built-in support network that comes along with working in a collaborative environmentrdquo quips Omaha Creative Institute Executive Director Emily Moody ldquoEverything from sharing ideas and finding ways to collaborate with an organization different than yours to sharing a staplerrdquo
At the heart of making it work says Laura Alley of Alley Poyner itrsquos simply playing well with others
The skateboarding ping-pong playing creatives do that well
B2B
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Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott Enterprises
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6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
AT THE OFFICE amp ON THE GO
Headsets by
Plantronics BackBeat
Fit Bluetooth
Plantronics CS540
Wireless
wwwheadsetterscom wwwcomputeromahacomLocated Inside of Headsetters
SERVICES INCLUDEVirus Check and Removal
Clean Your BrowserRemove Temporary Internet Files
Delete Adware and CookiesDefrag Hard Drives
Intall Current Microsoft PatchesInstall Microsoft Security Updates
Update Drivers
13
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
- BB1015_fntCvr_125
- BB1015_fntEdit_125
- BB1015_bkEdit_125
- BB1015_bkCvr_125
-
Cradickrsquos Husker PowerTEXAN RETURNS HOME FOR BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY PG 8
Marlon Lofgren Koley Jessen PC LLOKEEPING THE FOCUS WHERE IT BELONGS PG 4
Seasoned Advice for Buyers(THE BOUNCY KIND) PG 5
PLAYING BIG EDITION
Fall
2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
2
Volume 1 Issue 5
Published by The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
PresidentEditor bull Cortney Sells
DirectorAssistant Editor bull Cassandra Powers
In-House Legal Counsel bull Susanne Miller
Outreach Coordinator bull Rene Rademacher
Marketing Development bull Rachael Rand
Business Broker bull Breann Becerra
Referring Broker bull Elizabeth Jones
Marketing Division bull Adam Jaime
Development Liaison bull Holley Garcia
Client Services bull Nycole Wandvik-Tolle
Client Services bull Julie OrsquoBrien
Community Relations bull Mike Sells
Contributing Writers
Marlon Lofgren bull Kathy Rygg bull Maureen Tierney
Design bull OBI Creative
Photography bull Bill Sitzmann
To Subscribe
The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
210 N 78 St
Omaha NE 68114
4029985288
infothefirmb2bcom
Advertising Inquiries
4028842000
toddomahamagazinecom
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Columns
4 Seller Financing
Koley Jessen PC LLO Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
14 Executive Impact Getting Into the Big Office
Departments
5 Seasoned Advice for
Business Buyers (The Bouncy Kind)
12 Building a Legacy while
Building Racks New Chapter to Becklerrsquos Career
The Bottom Line
Sells Insights
Playing Big
Husker PowerTexan returns home to
Nebraska for business opportunity
pg8
Many business owners have marginal experience in the trades in which their
organizations specialize While it may seem counterintuitive to buy or start a company situated around an industry in which one has little experience there is a certain com-petitive edge to the equation A buyer or president need only know enough to begin before surrounding him or herself with the right personnel to tackle the minute details What is paramount is the grander scheme of
management and operations which allows one to flex refined business acumen Not only does distance from fieldwork free up time to put in place a robust and refined plan but it leaves open other avenues for portfolio expansion Grow your business expand operations or begin other busi-ness ventures The possibilities are only as small as the mindset held by your team The FIRM
Special Section
7 Fresh Off The Firm The Firm Business Brokerage has
over $80 million dollars in assets under
management of current cash flowing
businesses for sale ndash from medical
practices to commercial services to large
manufacturing companies
by Cortney Sells presidenteditor
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
3Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
4
IF PROPERLY STRUCTURED AND DOCUMENTED SELLER FINANCING IS REALLY NO DIFFERENT FROM FINANCING THAT WOULD OTHERWISE BE PROVIDED BY A BANKTYING IT ALL TOGETHEREven the most savvy of ldquonumbers peoplerdquo need a leg up in negotiating a purchase As with so many aspects of doing business retaining experienced legal counsel enables you to keep the focus where it belongsmdashemploying your entrepreneurial skills in the identification and acquisition of profitable business ventures The FIRM
Seller Financing Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
written by Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
Seller financing can often be a criti-cal factor in getting a business sold
If properly structured and documented seller financing is really no different from financing that would otherwise be provided by a bank Below is a brief guide to navi-gating the issues normally encountered in seller financing
FIRST THINGS FIRSTThe first question is usually that of how to structure and document the financing The buyer should be expected to sign a prom-issory note evidencing the loan from the seller with interest and repayment terms mutually agreeable to both parties The seller might also require that the buyer grant the seller a security interestlien in the pur-chased assets to secure the loan Itrsquos also not unusual for a seller to require that the individual owners of the buyer (assuming the buyer is an entity) personally guarantee the loan In most cases the documents are usually pretty straightforward and do not need to be overly complicated
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
ADDITIONAL LAYERSIf a bank is also financing the sale the seller will most likely be required by the bank to sign a subordination agreement This is an agreement between the bank usually referred to as the ldquosenior lenderrdquo and the seller referred to as the ldquojunior lenderrdquo A subordination agreement sets forth the terms between the lenders as to each entityrsquos right to receive loan pay-ments from the buyer and the priority of their respective security interestsliens in the purchased assets The document will usually state that the senior lenderrsquos loan and security interestliens shall at all times be superior to those of the junior lender until the senior loan is paid in full Most lenders are willing to discuss and negoti-ate the junior lenderrsquos right to receive loan payments from the borrower Lien priority status however is rarely compromised by senior lenders in subordination agreements The senior lender will insist on having a first priority security interestlien in the pur-chased assets
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Whether yoursquore a first-time entre-preneur or an experienced business
owner purchasing a company is a critical investment financially and emotionally To help increase the likelihood of it being a success in both areas there are a number of aspects to keep in mind when evaluating if a business is the right fit gt
Seasoned Advice for Business Buyers(The Bouncy Kind)
written by Kathy Rygg
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Jerry Rachwalik
5Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
6
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
lt Jerry Rachwalik has been researching companies for the past three years waiting for the right opportunity to arise His search was the result of spending his career work-ing for larger organizations in a number of areas including delivery installation cus-tomer service inventory accounts receiv-ables and scheduling where he managed up to 35 people at a time
Policies and philosophies can change when working for a corporation Sometimes they become less family friendly ldquoWith the previous companies I worked forrdquo Rachwalik says ldquothey switched from caring about em-ployees to making money and the bottom line I stuck it out for several years and then decided I needed something differentrdquo
An entrepreneur by nature Rachwalik has over the last seven years built up a rental business buying foreclosed homes and duplex properties completely reno-vating them and then renting them back out He now has 15 properties and enjoys helping families by providing nice homes that are affordable ldquoI want people to feel good when they come home at night after a long day at workrdquo he says Rachwalik want-ed to find a business that allowed him the flexibility to respond to his tenants when needed from simple plumbing issues to furnaces going kaput
When he first started looking for a new business Rachwalik was drawn to home health care because of his experience help-ing to take care of relatives And it was a growing field Nothing was available at the time so he expanded his options and be-gan researching businesses in a variety of industries Those included a flooring com-pany sandwich shop and even a hair salon
ldquoI was open to anything and if I could make the numbers work then I would consider itrdquo he explains
Then The Firm Business Brokerage pre-sented him with an opportunity that was the right match Bounce U in Omaha There were a number of factors that appealed to Rachwalik First and foremost were the financials but it would also offer him the flexibility he needed for his rental business A big advantage was that an entire team was already in place one seasoned in man-aging staff and scheduling parties ldquoThey do a great jobrdquo he says ldquoI donrsquot plan on making any personnel changesrdquo
But what hersquos most looking forward to with this new venture is the fun positive environment Bounce Ursquos primary business is its birthday party packages featuring the companyrsquos oversized inflatibles and Rachwalik said he canrsquot wait to watch the excitement on the kids faces when they walk through the door ldquoEveryone there is happyrdquo he says ldquoThe kids are happy the parents are happy and the employees running the parties are happy Itrsquoll be a big change from the environments I used to work inrdquo Hersquos already planning to have his twin grand-daughtersrsquo birthday party there too
His transition included a week of training with the companyrsquos corporate facility in Ari-zona as well as on-site training Even though the Omaha location is an existing store all of Rachwalikrsquos training was structured as though itrsquos a brand new site
Bounce U has traditionally partnered with local restaurants to provide food for birth-day parties but Rachwalik wants to explore the option to build a kitchen of his own
He also hopes to continue to grow the business by at least 5 annually ldquoAnything I do I will communicate with my employees and get their input and suggestions firstrdquo he adds
For anyone who is considering buying a business or is going through the process Rachwalik stresses to be open minded and not rule anything out ldquoIf an opportunity is presented to you run the numbers and see if you can make it workrdquo he says ldquoI did a complete flip-flop on the type of business I thought I wanted versus what I ended up purchasing But if you keep looking yoursquoll eventually find a matchrdquo The FIRM
ldquoTHE KIDS ARE HAPPY THE PARENTS ARE HAPPY AND THE EMPLOYEES RUNNING THE PARTIES ARE HAPPY ITrsquoLL BE A BIG CHANGE FROM THE ENVIRONMENTS I USED TO WORK INrdquo
-Jerry Rachwalik
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Fresh Off The Firm Featured Listings for Sale
Suburban Bar amp Grill with VolleyballOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $26413 PRICE $115000
Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity in an area with only two other bars nearby Serving up a gorgeous and well-maintained volleyball court along with pool tables and a jukebox this bar and grill is a favorite with the locals Business is fully staffedmdashowner works very part time hours
Rain Gutter Sales amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $145200 PRICE $415000
This business is a dealer for high-end rain gutter covers These products are con-structed of high-quality aluminum and sur-gical-grade stainless steel and are strong enough to hold up to four feet of snow or 20 pounds of debris Profit margin is 48
Large-Scale Assembly amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $743732 PRICE $2200000
This well-established installation and assembly business in central Nebraska prides itself on providing many numerous building solutions for businesses and building owners in their area They install and assemble metal frames including grain silos pole barns and buildings
Photo Booth Business Running on Autopilot OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $36419 PRICE $88900
Photo booths are the ldquoin thingrdquo at weddings and parties In business for seven years this business is one of the largest in town Wedding couples hoping to capture the fun memories of the day make up 67 of the clients Includes four booths and one trailer
Southwest Omaha Dental PracticeOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $129745 PRICE $380000
Professional staff and excellent customer service are the hallmarks of this practice Using the latest technology the business offers an array of dental services including teeth cleaning veneers crowns bleaching and trauma services The owner is currently working only 20 hours a week
Small Animal Vet Clinic in Omaha OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $158287 PRICE $440000
For over 30 years this animal care clinic has prioritized customer care They are currently offering services to over 2000 families and are the second largest veterinary clinic in the area The business is split 7030 between dogs and cats
Buildersrsquo Material amp Supply CompanyOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $364880 PRICE $933000
This highly reputable company established in 1976 and located just north of Omaha provides quality and reliable services and supplies Building supply inventory includes garage door lumber windows trims siding roofing materials and more Approximately 90 of customers are repeat clientele
High-Growth Plumbing Company OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $157774 PRICE $445000
This non-union plumbing company has consistent growth of over $130000 a year in sales The full service plumbing contractor has business that is currently 50 commercial and 50 residential
90+ available business opportunities for sale Please visit TheFirmBusinessBrokeragecom for details
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
7Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
Matt Cradick
The Deal ReviewReason For Sale Fresh start after 25+ years in the industrySeller Transition Period Over eight monthsType of Sale Asset Purchase AgreementLender Access Bank Mack LaRock
ldquoYOU SHOULD INTERVIEW FOR A BUSINESS JUST LIKE YOU
WOULD FOR A JOBrdquo CRADICK EXPLAINS ldquoIT HAS TO BE THE
RIGHT FIT YOU DONrsquoT WANT TO BE ONE OF THE MANY FA-
TALITIES THAT HAPPEN SO OFTEN IN NEW BUSINESSrdquo
-Shaun Heldt
From Retail to RoofingHow to be Successful When Buying a Business
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Spending almost 20 years working in retail for major corporations and then
buying a siding and roofing contracting company may seem like a major leap but for Matt Cradick owner of Husker Ham-mer Siding Windows and Roofing it was the best business move hersquos ever made And thatrsquos saying a lot for someone who moved 11 times in 19 years across nine different states
Cradick had been living in Houston Texas where he worked for Target Corporation He had worked his way up through the com-pany and another promotion was on the horizon which meant another move With three young children at home Cradick de-cided it was time to put down some roots Having grown up in Lincoln Nebraska he wanted to be near family and Midwestern values He started researching businesses for sale and was eventually led to The Firm which in turn led him to Husker Hammer
The move from a big corporate environ-ment to a small contracting business didnrsquot intimidate Cradick With Target he oversaw 200 people so he knew he brought strong management and operational skills The challenge he says was learning the ins and outs of construction He didnrsquot need to be the one hammering away on the roofmdashhe needed learn a new business segment
ldquoSwitching industries can be nerve-rack-ingrdquo Cradick says ldquobut the owner was will-ing to stay on board for six months during the transitionrdquo That partnership was an invaluable tool during the changeover gt
A Publication of The Firm Business BrokerageA Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
9Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
10
lt Husker Hammer was started in 1998 as a one-man operation and had been built up to a multimillion dollar business Cradick was impressed with the mission statement values system of the company and the strong workforce that was already in place And the price of the company lined up well with the financials ldquoWhat Husker has that others in the industry donrsquotrdquo says the man whose faith is central to his deal-ings ldquois a strong ethical foundation with a Christian backgroundrdquo
There were a number of other elements Cradick sought when buying his business ones he believes all potential business own-ers need to keep in mind The first is to make sure you have a proper support team in place to help make a sound financial deci-sion That includes having a good business valuation and a good business broker who can point you in the right direction to ensure a match for both parties
Once yoursquore in the process of purchasing he adds make sure you have a capable net-work of attorneys a seasoned financial team and solid internal help to ensure yoursquore suc-cessful from the start ldquoYou should interview
for a business just like you would for a jobrdquo Cradick explains ldquoIt has to be the right fit You donrsquot want to be one of the many fatal-ities that happen so often in new businessrdquo
To help ensure the company continues to be successful Cradick plans to main-tain Husker Hammerrsquos competitive edges which he says includes his 11000-sq-ft state-of-the-art showroom in Elkhorn He reformatted the space to better fit his busi-ness model before building out additional second-floor space that is now rented to other entrepreneurs
The showroom features all of the window siding and roofing products available to customers Samples are one thing Cradick says but he knows the power of customers seeing actual colors in actual sizes
ldquoOur philosophy is to build peace of mind for homeowners and be with them every step through the processrdquo he says ldquoWord of mouth is our number one lead source which was true in retail as wellrdquo
Happy employees to Cradick are just as important as happy customers He sub-scribes to a simple philosophymdashlistening to employees and doing so with respect
ldquoWith big corporations you deal with a lot of politicsrdquo he says ldquoNow if therersquos politics itrsquos because Irsquove generated it Itrsquos a nice change to be in a small business where you have more leeway to ensure yoursquore creating a positive work environment which creates a happy workforcerdquo
Working for a smaller company also allows for more opportunities to become involved in the community Husker Hammer is active in local chambers of commerce the Open Door Mission and is currently helping on a Habitat for Humanity build in Waterloo They have also been accredited by the Bet-ter Business Bureau since 2000 and won the Better Business Integrity Award
Cradickrsquos business is currently 90 percent residential and 10 percent commercial He hopes to increase their reach in proper-ty management and general contracting while maintaining the high-quality residen-tial sales that built the business ldquoBecause of our showroomrdquo he says ldquopeople come
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
to us We donrsquot do the high pressure sales at the kitchen table We listen We let the homeowners do the talkingrdquo
Growing geographically is also a goal Cradick hopes to expand to surrounding areas including his hometown of Lincoln
ldquoSo far itrsquos been a great moverdquo he says ldquoand I look forward to continuing to be known as an ethical long-lasting company My daughters and wife are excited to be back in the Midwest around grandparents and family Their school district is great and the full year-round climate has been a welcome change from living in the south Plus I was averaging 50000 miles per year in travel so itrsquos nice to sleep in your own bed every nightrdquo The FIRM
For more information on this or any for sale listings call The Firm Business Brokerage directly
11Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
The Deal ReviewBusiness Established 1987Reason for Sale Retirement (Transla-tion More time with a fishing pole)Ownerrsquos Profit $495004Type of Loan SBA with Core Bank
12
Back to the FutureBuilding a Business Legacy
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Itrsquos not uncommon for someone who has spent a number of years in corporate
America to shift gears into entrepreneur-ship Being your own boss certainly has its advantages But for Scott Beckler who recently purchased Lewis Installers in Gret-na his reason for taking on a new business venture had more to do with honoring not only his fatherrsquos legacy but building one of his own
Beckler started his career as a business education teacher then moved to a corpo-rate career in technology But for a number of years he kept an eye on businesses for sale hoping that just the right opportunity would come along
ldquoMy dad was an entrepreneur who owned his own real estate insurance companyrdquo
Beckler says ldquoDespite the fact he had on-going health issues he still got up every day put on a coat and tie and went out to make a sale He was a very successful busi-nessman and I wanted to honor his legacyrdquo
After contacting The Firm and discuss-ing what he was looking for in a business the team suggested Lewis Installers which specializes in industrial conveyor and rack systems At first it seemed like a big de-parture for him ldquoShelving and logistical systems isnrsquot something that jumps out at yourdquo Beckler says But the more he looked into it the more he realized it had many of the elements he wanted in a business The most obvious advantage was that the company was located in Gretna where he lives Add to that the fact that the seller lives just up the road from him
Scott Beckler
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
For purposes of this article this overview is based on the buying and selling entities being corporations or entities taxed as corporations
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
4420 Izard Street Omaha4022938707 bull 8887380296
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
HAVE YOUR MINOR ROOF LEAKS BECOME A MAJOR ANNOYANCEDonrsquot Wait Any Longer Call Us Now
ldquoAfter meeting him and hitting it offrdquo Beckler says ldquowe quickly realized it was a match on both sidesrdquo
Other signs also pointed in the right di-rection The financials were good The size of the business was ideal The competitive landscape was promising Beckler also real-ized that his corporate background fit well with this new business
ldquoAlthough itrsquos an entirely different indus-tryrdquo he says ldquomany of the business princi-ples are the samehellipproject management customer service delivery vendor man-agement and cost containment Irsquove been doing all of those for yearsrdquo
His background in technology will also be a valuable asset in his new business Not only has he established relationships with large vendors built over the years but his from-the-ground-up experience with data centers means that he is already eying in-novative automation and other technology differentiators At the same time hersquos look-ing forward to learning the daily operations of the company and having a hand in every part of the business from bidding to closing to payroll
ldquoIt will be challenging coming from a big business background where Irsquove only been involved in the peripheryrdquo Beckler says
ldquoNow Irsquoll be involved in all of itrdquo
Lewis Installers being a family-owned business is what hersquos most excited about He says itrsquos a company with a good repu-tation thatrsquos known for quality and meeting deadlinesmdashall driven by a strong Midwest-ern work ethic
Itrsquos the sort of company Beckler believes that would make his father proud
ldquoI want this business to be a legacy for my familyrdquo Beckler says ldquoMy hope is that it could stay in the family with my own kids and grandkidsrdquo The FIRM
13Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Om
aharsquo
s Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
14
When considering the purchase of an existing business very few realize
that lack of experience in an industry can actually lead to success One simply needs a sound financial plan and a good team to fill in the gaps Removing the added stress of fieldwork and focusing solely on the management of finances and operation allows for greater opportunities It makes for the dynamic advantage of some outside impartiality when seeking areas of improve-ment and growth
One man who has made this transition from having marginal knowledge in an in-dustry to leading a successful plumbing and HVAC operation is Mark Evans president of Burton Plumbing Before taking over Burton Evans had a successful plumbing distribu-torship serving four states but it was his desire to own and to travel less that put him into the hands of Burton Friesz The founder of Burton Plumbing Friesz had been a customer and friend of Evansrsquo when the two discussed a possible expansion into residential service Evans put his busi-ness experience to work for Burton in July 1995 and his education in the minutiae of plumbing and HVAC began
While he hasnrsquot worked in the field as a licensed plumbing contractor Evans has dipped his feet in several areas within the running of Burtonhellipand often at the same time Before hiring the essential personnel that have enabled him to narrow his role Ev-ans served as manager marketer customer service representative and dispatcher Such a list of duties for one man is a daunting task but ldquoI worked my way to being able to work on the business rather than in the business [a strategy] taught to me by my business coachrdquo says Evans
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
REMOVING THE ADDED STRESS OF FIELDWORK AND FOCUSING SOLELY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF FINANCES AND OPERATION ALLOWS FOR GREATER OPPORTUNITIES
Executive Impact Moving Into the Boardroom From Employee to President
written by Maureen Tierney | Co-written by Mark Evans and Julie OrsquoBrien
Eventually Evans was able to step back and bring on a general manager and a ware-house operator that has allowed him to
ldquofocus on growth opportunities marketing and cash flowrdquo
Evansrsquo experience is not unique It is com-mon for brokerages to deal with buyers seeking to own companies within a cer-tain field but ldquoonly two people out of the nearly 100 closings [wersquove had] have come in for the same business that they ended up purchasingrdquo says Julie OrsquoBrien client services and paralegal with The Firm What it comes down to is as simple as the bot-tom line Buyers are looking to leverage their talents and experience in a marriage between a management philosophy and business model Those in the market for an acquisition are ldquobuying based on profit number of staff ability to get financing and mostly their strengths and passionsrdquo says OrsquoBrien Experience in a particular industry is certainly valuable but is no predictor of success when the right financial mind comes along
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Even so making up for a lack of practical knowledge requires the proper equipment most notably in the form of managers and employees The right talent in the field can be a growth experience and provide an opportunity to learn the ropes before taking a full swing at things A total deficit in knowl-edge hardly makes for good leadership and for this reason many ldquonew business owners like to take a birdrsquos eye view of the operation rather than diving in and getting their hands dirty right awayhellipgiving them the opportunity to watch [how] things have been done before implementing changesrdquo says OrsquoBrien
Approaching ownership in this way also allows for further financial acquisitions an avenue which Evans has taken In addition to owning Burton Plumbing Evans operates four other companies One might assume this much responsibility to be a stretch but Evans sees his role as ldquokeeping a pulse on things I like to lead people in growth per-sonally and on the business siderdquo
Getting started can be a challenge which is why OrsquoBrien works closely with potential buyers to find the right fit ldquoWe assist all the wayrdquo she says ldquoWe work with the buyer on projections business plans [and] we introduce them to trusted advisorsrdquo from attorneys and CPAs to financial advisors and insurance agents
Itrsquos this helpful backing of experts that eases the difficult task of ownership and only proves that one can certainly switch from a blue collar to a white one The FIRM
CONTRACTING BUSINESSES LISTED BY THE FIRM
201
5 P
roje
cted
201
5 Y
TD
201
4
201
3
201
2
30
0
15
28
14
12
11
16
15Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Omaharsquos Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
It may seem like I pulled a muscle making this stretch but Keith Backsen the new boss at the Omaha Convention amp Visitors Bureau seems to have an awful lot in common with new Husker Coach Mike Riley
Coach Riley spent a total of 14 seasons at Oregon State before heading to Huskerland Backsen also comes from that neck of the woods having spent 11 years of his career in Portland Oregon and another 11 years in Spokane Washington selling both cities as prime places for convention and leisure travelers
At Oregon State Coach Riley built the football program into a consistent winner and regular conference contender At Visit Spokane Backsen opened sales offices in Washington DC and Chicago that led to increased convention bookings Backsen also worked on the public campaign to expand the Spokane Convention Center with a $65 million bond issue The expansion coupled with increased hotel inventory allowed Spokane to pursue large conventions and more than doubled convention bookings in Spokane
Riley has experience at the highest level of football serving as the head coach of the San Diego Chargers and as a head coach in both the Canadian and World Football Leagues Same for Backsen he worked in Dallas and Chicago as the director of sales for Global Experience Specialists a global leader in the world of event planning Backsen supervised five sales offices in a nine-state region generating annual sales in excess of $70 million
Riley is known as one of the most professional and nicest men in the profession a coach who is greatly admired by his peers I kid you not Backsen is described the same way by colleaguesmdashone of the most genuine and skilled men in the business a well respected professional who has the insight and experience to get the job done (Note the $70M stat above)
Come the first game both men will have a stadium filled with fans cheering them on In Backsenrsquos case his stadium is the entire city of Omaha where the fans are the 434353 residents who will reap the rewards of Omaharsquos growing tourism economy
B2B
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 51
51HUSKER
COACH HAS TOURISM
TWIN
OMAHA CVB BY DEB WARD
Deb Ward is the director of marketingcommunications Omaha Convention and Visitorrsquos Bureau
Keith Backsen
52 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Jason Feldman and Sebastian Hunt
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 53
The emerging startup accelerator scene supports creative-minded risk-takers looking for an edge to follow their passion and bring their ideas to fruition
Sebastian Hunt 25 is passionate about giving entrepreneurs like himself a nurturing space to test out their concepts The University of Nebraska at Omaha economics graduate interned with various local employers and surveyed the area startup community when an idea struck him for a by-application curriculum-based residency program serving new entrepreneurs That inspiration turned into Year of the Startup
Launched in 2014 the program operates out of a humble house at 4036 Burt Street in the St Cecilia Cathedral neighborhood Hunt and co-founder Jason Feldman 28 room there with young residency fellows whose startup ventures range from making bio-fuels to providing night owl shuttle services They are a millennial bunch who favor sneakers and sandals They take informal meetings to nearby CaliCommons and Lisarsquos Radial Cafe They variously hunch over laptops or tablets and carry smartphones as appendages
YEAR OF THE STARTUP
ENTREPRENEURAL IMMERSION
This communal work-live space model for business mavericks is new to Omaha The usual startup accelerator is a concentrated 90-day off-site program Omaha has a few of these notably Straight Shot Hunt saw a need for a program that invites a broader range of people into the accelerator fold and supports them much nearer to the start of their dream than other programs
ldquoWe feel like we can take people at very early stages because we are four times as long as the average programrdquo says Hunt who adds that Year of the Startup is also not tech-centric like many programs tend to be ldquoIn our model we substitute intensity for duration I think a lot of the learning here comes through unstructured serendipitous interactions we have that is not curriculum-based itrsquos just happenstance
ldquoWith a house there are so many different ways you can bring ideas and people together I think thatrsquos maybe that critical binding agent and sense of place that helps accomplish thingsrdquo
He says in this intimate environment ldquotherersquos no other choice but to immerse yourself in the settingrdquo adding ldquoWersquore always hanging out in the living room or out back talking about startup stuffmdashmonetization strategies capitalization tables vested equity entity structuresrdquo
ldquoItrsquos this immersive experience of camaraderie of these natural flows and idea generationrdquo Feldman says
Hunt says ldquoThis is very difficult to get bored with because therersquos always somebody whose business is either in crisis or growth stage or some interesting part of the curverdquo
ldquoHow could we get bored when wersquore creating a platform with four startups and all we get to do is ideationrdquo Feldman says ldquoItrsquos a constant buzz we get from interacting with these startup founders and helping them build their ideasrdquo
Built into the program are activities that encourage fellows to break out of their comfort zone and to offer honest criticism of each otherrsquos ideas
Hunt compiles multiple data points on the startups
ldquoWersquore developing really deep insight about how do people start successful businessesrdquo
The program utilizes mentors from the entrepreneurial community
ldquoWe bring in people who are experts in specific areas to talk on those topicsrdquo Feldman says
ldquoThey get ideas flowingrdquo Hunt says of the mentors
Feldman says he regularly covers with fellows ldquothe major components of what you need to look at to start your businessrdquo and then mentors like Mike Kolker owner of graphic design firm Simplify teach lessons about operational efficiency and ldquohow to simplify running a businessrdquo
Hunt is a newcomer to all this and goes by instinct as much as research to support his vision
CONTINUED ON 54
FEATURE | BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
53
54 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
70 Years of Business in Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
4027335500 | 4315 South 50th Street
402-333-5722 bull wwwsw-fencecom
Thanks for Voting SampW Fence the Best Again in 2015
Wersquore Not Just About Fences
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Thank You for Voting Us Best of B2Btrade 4 Years in a Row
AUDIO VISUAL SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDEbull System designengineeringbull Sales
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B2B
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aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
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NER bull 2012 bull WIN
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Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
ConnectWITH YOURCOMMUNITY
Donrsquot forget to visitOmahaMagazinecom to read
all of our titles online
Omaha MagazineEncounter B2B 60PlusHerFamily OmahaHome
CONTINUED FROM 53
ldquoI just had an irrational confidence market insights and a great theoretical background thanks to primary research I completed and to lessons I learned from Phillip Phillips Michael OrsquoHara and Art Diamond in UNOrsquos economics department I read constantly about who the players were in the startup world so I was fairly preparedrdquo
Even though he directs a startup program he only started participating in one himself (Venture School) He acknowledges Year of the Startup is a by-the-seat-of-your-pants experiment
ldquoComing out of college I had student loans and not a ton of money Irsquove held two jobs to finance the project Now the project is financed by a combination of me working and renting out one room One-hundred percent of the money our entrepreneurs pay in rent will be returned in full and so everybody has a strong incentive to follow through with the program That may be what makes us sustainablerdquo
Hersquos working on securing corporate sponsorship for the program Meanwhile he wants to help get participating startups to the next level
ldquoWersquore functioning like a pre-accelerator at this point We want to get our startups profitable and then refer them to the Straight Shots so they can focus on growth in a pure accelerator programrdquo
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 55
Mercedes-Benz of Omaha14335 Hillsdale Ave Omaha NE 68137wwwOmahaMercedescomContact John Williams anytime at 4029819262
of Omaha of Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
As Year of the Startup moved into a larger house in Omaharsquos Little Italy district on July 1 and a new class of fellows arrives Hunt says there are ldquointeresting talks happening right now to bring this to other citiesrdquo He and Feldman say economic development agencies are willing to pay a license fee for them to do startup houses in other cities The partners are having proprietary software developed that will enable new startup houses to replicate their branded Omaha model
They look forward to engaging with the emerging 10th Street cultural district but may keep the midtown house to accommodate growth
Hunt and Feldman believe theyrsquore catching the wave or tipping point of a big new startup rush and theyrsquore betting their model is poised to be a niche player in this wild frontier of entrepreneurial prospecting
B2B
56 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
It is an unassuming space but if you have made your way to TD Ameritrade Park Filmstreams or Hot Shops chances are yoursquove passed one of the most vibrant offices in Omaha
The fact that Co-Lab (short for Creative Collaborators) is not a traditional work space is certainly one of its best features Located inside the Tip Top building at 15th and Cumming streets is a project dreamed up by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture who happens to share the main floor of the building Based in the heart of a once-isolated section of the city Co-Labrsquos funky creative vibe is making waves In fact that vibe seeps into Omaharsquos everyday bringing about small changes pushing our city toward a more innovative future
CO-LABGIVING OMAHA WORKERS A MORE
COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE
IN THE OFFICE | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
56
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 57
Home to 18 businesses plus Alley Poyner Macchietto Co-Lab is free of walls and signage It is also free from traditional office norms For instance you donrsquot just walk over to your neighborrsquos space for a brainstorming sessionmdashyou skateboard At least you do if yoursquore Dave Nelson of SecretPenguin a leading experimental branding agency The best part is that the businesses surrounding SecretPenguin appreciate the break from tradition ldquoThatrsquos the beautiful part about being around like-minded good people and businessesrdquo Nelson says
CONTINUED ON 58
58 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 59
CONTINUED FROM 57
In addition to having pathways large enough to skateboard or bike through the space also provides Co-Labbers with a kitchen various conference rooms bike storage bathrooms and a battleground (otherwise known as the ping-pong table) Walking in the main doors clients and employees alike are greeted from the front desk while catching a view of the five-story open atrium basking in the glow of sunshine from the skylight Workers can also access the fitness room and rooftop deck sharing amenities with TipTop apartment residents who use a separate entrance
CONTINUED ON 60
The Harry A Koch CoInsurance amp Financial ConsultantsMember of First Insurance Group LLC
60 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
CONTINUED FROM 59
Businesses in Co-Lab all creativity-related range from entrepreneurs to start-ups to non-profits to small businesses The art varies in form but runs through the space like an electric current At Zicafoose Textiles Mary Zicafoose works steadily on her loom creating gorgeous tapestries 4Site Programming is where Joi Brown works as an independent consultant for performing arts centers across the nation Heartland B-Cycle a large-scale municipal bike sharing system brings art in the form of economical convenience Holly Boyer a founder of non-profit organization Mission Matters explains that one of the best things about having an office at Co-Lab is feeling the innovative positive energy from the moment you walk in the door So while individuals may join Co-Lab with a business-minded focus or a more creative vibe finding a yin to their yang is just a shout away
ldquoThere is certainly a wonderful built-in support network that comes along with working in a collaborative environmentrdquo quips Omaha Creative Institute Executive Director Emily Moody ldquoEverything from sharing ideas and finding ways to collaborate with an organization different than yours to sharing a staplerrdquo
At the heart of making it work says Laura Alley of Alley Poyner itrsquos simply playing well with others
The skateboarding ping-pong playing creatives do that well
B2B
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2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott Enterprises
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For more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
TD Ameritrade Park | First National Bank Tower | Midtown Crossing | Village Pointe | Childrenrsquos Hospital Aksarben Village | Joslyn Art Museum | Fred amp Pamela Buffett Cancer Center | UNO Community Arena
6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
AT THE OFFICE amp ON THE GO
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13
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
- BB1015_fntCvr_125
- BB1015_fntEdit_125
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- BB1015_bkCvr_125
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2
Volume 1 Issue 5
Published by The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
PresidentEditor bull Cortney Sells
DirectorAssistant Editor bull Cassandra Powers
In-House Legal Counsel bull Susanne Miller
Outreach Coordinator bull Rene Rademacher
Marketing Development bull Rachael Rand
Business Broker bull Breann Becerra
Referring Broker bull Elizabeth Jones
Marketing Division bull Adam Jaime
Development Liaison bull Holley Garcia
Client Services bull Nycole Wandvik-Tolle
Client Services bull Julie OrsquoBrien
Community Relations bull Mike Sells
Contributing Writers
Marlon Lofgren bull Kathy Rygg bull Maureen Tierney
Design bull OBI Creative
Photography bull Bill Sitzmann
To Subscribe
The Firm Business Brokerage LLC
210 N 78 St
Omaha NE 68114
4029985288
infothefirmb2bcom
Advertising Inquiries
4028842000
toddomahamagazinecom
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Columns
4 Seller Financing
Koley Jessen PC LLO Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
14 Executive Impact Getting Into the Big Office
Departments
5 Seasoned Advice for
Business Buyers (The Bouncy Kind)
12 Building a Legacy while
Building Racks New Chapter to Becklerrsquos Career
The Bottom Line
Sells Insights
Playing Big
Husker PowerTexan returns home to
Nebraska for business opportunity
pg8
Many business owners have marginal experience in the trades in which their
organizations specialize While it may seem counterintuitive to buy or start a company situated around an industry in which one has little experience there is a certain com-petitive edge to the equation A buyer or president need only know enough to begin before surrounding him or herself with the right personnel to tackle the minute details What is paramount is the grander scheme of
management and operations which allows one to flex refined business acumen Not only does distance from fieldwork free up time to put in place a robust and refined plan but it leaves open other avenues for portfolio expansion Grow your business expand operations or begin other busi-ness ventures The possibilities are only as small as the mindset held by your team The FIRM
Special Section
7 Fresh Off The Firm The Firm Business Brokerage has
over $80 million dollars in assets under
management of current cash flowing
businesses for sale ndash from medical
practices to commercial services to large
manufacturing companies
by Cortney Sells presidenteditor
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
3Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
4
IF PROPERLY STRUCTURED AND DOCUMENTED SELLER FINANCING IS REALLY NO DIFFERENT FROM FINANCING THAT WOULD OTHERWISE BE PROVIDED BY A BANKTYING IT ALL TOGETHEREven the most savvy of ldquonumbers peoplerdquo need a leg up in negotiating a purchase As with so many aspects of doing business retaining experienced legal counsel enables you to keep the focus where it belongsmdashemploying your entrepreneurial skills in the identification and acquisition of profitable business ventures The FIRM
Seller Financing Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
written by Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
Seller financing can often be a criti-cal factor in getting a business sold
If properly structured and documented seller financing is really no different from financing that would otherwise be provided by a bank Below is a brief guide to navi-gating the issues normally encountered in seller financing
FIRST THINGS FIRSTThe first question is usually that of how to structure and document the financing The buyer should be expected to sign a prom-issory note evidencing the loan from the seller with interest and repayment terms mutually agreeable to both parties The seller might also require that the buyer grant the seller a security interestlien in the pur-chased assets to secure the loan Itrsquos also not unusual for a seller to require that the individual owners of the buyer (assuming the buyer is an entity) personally guarantee the loan In most cases the documents are usually pretty straightforward and do not need to be overly complicated
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
ADDITIONAL LAYERSIf a bank is also financing the sale the seller will most likely be required by the bank to sign a subordination agreement This is an agreement between the bank usually referred to as the ldquosenior lenderrdquo and the seller referred to as the ldquojunior lenderrdquo A subordination agreement sets forth the terms between the lenders as to each entityrsquos right to receive loan pay-ments from the buyer and the priority of their respective security interestsliens in the purchased assets The document will usually state that the senior lenderrsquos loan and security interestliens shall at all times be superior to those of the junior lender until the senior loan is paid in full Most lenders are willing to discuss and negoti-ate the junior lenderrsquos right to receive loan payments from the borrower Lien priority status however is rarely compromised by senior lenders in subordination agreements The senior lender will insist on having a first priority security interestlien in the pur-chased assets
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Whether yoursquore a first-time entre-preneur or an experienced business
owner purchasing a company is a critical investment financially and emotionally To help increase the likelihood of it being a success in both areas there are a number of aspects to keep in mind when evaluating if a business is the right fit gt
Seasoned Advice for Business Buyers(The Bouncy Kind)
written by Kathy Rygg
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Jerry Rachwalik
5Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
6
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
lt Jerry Rachwalik has been researching companies for the past three years waiting for the right opportunity to arise His search was the result of spending his career work-ing for larger organizations in a number of areas including delivery installation cus-tomer service inventory accounts receiv-ables and scheduling where he managed up to 35 people at a time
Policies and philosophies can change when working for a corporation Sometimes they become less family friendly ldquoWith the previous companies I worked forrdquo Rachwalik says ldquothey switched from caring about em-ployees to making money and the bottom line I stuck it out for several years and then decided I needed something differentrdquo
An entrepreneur by nature Rachwalik has over the last seven years built up a rental business buying foreclosed homes and duplex properties completely reno-vating them and then renting them back out He now has 15 properties and enjoys helping families by providing nice homes that are affordable ldquoI want people to feel good when they come home at night after a long day at workrdquo he says Rachwalik want-ed to find a business that allowed him the flexibility to respond to his tenants when needed from simple plumbing issues to furnaces going kaput
When he first started looking for a new business Rachwalik was drawn to home health care because of his experience help-ing to take care of relatives And it was a growing field Nothing was available at the time so he expanded his options and be-gan researching businesses in a variety of industries Those included a flooring com-pany sandwich shop and even a hair salon
ldquoI was open to anything and if I could make the numbers work then I would consider itrdquo he explains
Then The Firm Business Brokerage pre-sented him with an opportunity that was the right match Bounce U in Omaha There were a number of factors that appealed to Rachwalik First and foremost were the financials but it would also offer him the flexibility he needed for his rental business A big advantage was that an entire team was already in place one seasoned in man-aging staff and scheduling parties ldquoThey do a great jobrdquo he says ldquoI donrsquot plan on making any personnel changesrdquo
But what hersquos most looking forward to with this new venture is the fun positive environment Bounce Ursquos primary business is its birthday party packages featuring the companyrsquos oversized inflatibles and Rachwalik said he canrsquot wait to watch the excitement on the kids faces when they walk through the door ldquoEveryone there is happyrdquo he says ldquoThe kids are happy the parents are happy and the employees running the parties are happy Itrsquoll be a big change from the environments I used to work inrdquo Hersquos already planning to have his twin grand-daughtersrsquo birthday party there too
His transition included a week of training with the companyrsquos corporate facility in Ari-zona as well as on-site training Even though the Omaha location is an existing store all of Rachwalikrsquos training was structured as though itrsquos a brand new site
Bounce U has traditionally partnered with local restaurants to provide food for birth-day parties but Rachwalik wants to explore the option to build a kitchen of his own
He also hopes to continue to grow the business by at least 5 annually ldquoAnything I do I will communicate with my employees and get their input and suggestions firstrdquo he adds
For anyone who is considering buying a business or is going through the process Rachwalik stresses to be open minded and not rule anything out ldquoIf an opportunity is presented to you run the numbers and see if you can make it workrdquo he says ldquoI did a complete flip-flop on the type of business I thought I wanted versus what I ended up purchasing But if you keep looking yoursquoll eventually find a matchrdquo The FIRM
ldquoTHE KIDS ARE HAPPY THE PARENTS ARE HAPPY AND THE EMPLOYEES RUNNING THE PARTIES ARE HAPPY ITrsquoLL BE A BIG CHANGE FROM THE ENVIRONMENTS I USED TO WORK INrdquo
-Jerry Rachwalik
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Fresh Off The Firm Featured Listings for Sale
Suburban Bar amp Grill with VolleyballOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $26413 PRICE $115000
Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity in an area with only two other bars nearby Serving up a gorgeous and well-maintained volleyball court along with pool tables and a jukebox this bar and grill is a favorite with the locals Business is fully staffedmdashowner works very part time hours
Rain Gutter Sales amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $145200 PRICE $415000
This business is a dealer for high-end rain gutter covers These products are con-structed of high-quality aluminum and sur-gical-grade stainless steel and are strong enough to hold up to four feet of snow or 20 pounds of debris Profit margin is 48
Large-Scale Assembly amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $743732 PRICE $2200000
This well-established installation and assembly business in central Nebraska prides itself on providing many numerous building solutions for businesses and building owners in their area They install and assemble metal frames including grain silos pole barns and buildings
Photo Booth Business Running on Autopilot OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $36419 PRICE $88900
Photo booths are the ldquoin thingrdquo at weddings and parties In business for seven years this business is one of the largest in town Wedding couples hoping to capture the fun memories of the day make up 67 of the clients Includes four booths and one trailer
Southwest Omaha Dental PracticeOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $129745 PRICE $380000
Professional staff and excellent customer service are the hallmarks of this practice Using the latest technology the business offers an array of dental services including teeth cleaning veneers crowns bleaching and trauma services The owner is currently working only 20 hours a week
Small Animal Vet Clinic in Omaha OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $158287 PRICE $440000
For over 30 years this animal care clinic has prioritized customer care They are currently offering services to over 2000 families and are the second largest veterinary clinic in the area The business is split 7030 between dogs and cats
Buildersrsquo Material amp Supply CompanyOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $364880 PRICE $933000
This highly reputable company established in 1976 and located just north of Omaha provides quality and reliable services and supplies Building supply inventory includes garage door lumber windows trims siding roofing materials and more Approximately 90 of customers are repeat clientele
High-Growth Plumbing Company OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $157774 PRICE $445000
This non-union plumbing company has consistent growth of over $130000 a year in sales The full service plumbing contractor has business that is currently 50 commercial and 50 residential
90+ available business opportunities for sale Please visit TheFirmBusinessBrokeragecom for details
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
7Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
Matt Cradick
The Deal ReviewReason For Sale Fresh start after 25+ years in the industrySeller Transition Period Over eight monthsType of Sale Asset Purchase AgreementLender Access Bank Mack LaRock
ldquoYOU SHOULD INTERVIEW FOR A BUSINESS JUST LIKE YOU
WOULD FOR A JOBrdquo CRADICK EXPLAINS ldquoIT HAS TO BE THE
RIGHT FIT YOU DONrsquoT WANT TO BE ONE OF THE MANY FA-
TALITIES THAT HAPPEN SO OFTEN IN NEW BUSINESSrdquo
-Shaun Heldt
From Retail to RoofingHow to be Successful When Buying a Business
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Spending almost 20 years working in retail for major corporations and then
buying a siding and roofing contracting company may seem like a major leap but for Matt Cradick owner of Husker Ham-mer Siding Windows and Roofing it was the best business move hersquos ever made And thatrsquos saying a lot for someone who moved 11 times in 19 years across nine different states
Cradick had been living in Houston Texas where he worked for Target Corporation He had worked his way up through the com-pany and another promotion was on the horizon which meant another move With three young children at home Cradick de-cided it was time to put down some roots Having grown up in Lincoln Nebraska he wanted to be near family and Midwestern values He started researching businesses for sale and was eventually led to The Firm which in turn led him to Husker Hammer
The move from a big corporate environ-ment to a small contracting business didnrsquot intimidate Cradick With Target he oversaw 200 people so he knew he brought strong management and operational skills The challenge he says was learning the ins and outs of construction He didnrsquot need to be the one hammering away on the roofmdashhe needed learn a new business segment
ldquoSwitching industries can be nerve-rack-ingrdquo Cradick says ldquobut the owner was will-ing to stay on board for six months during the transitionrdquo That partnership was an invaluable tool during the changeover gt
A Publication of The Firm Business BrokerageA Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
9Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
10
lt Husker Hammer was started in 1998 as a one-man operation and had been built up to a multimillion dollar business Cradick was impressed with the mission statement values system of the company and the strong workforce that was already in place And the price of the company lined up well with the financials ldquoWhat Husker has that others in the industry donrsquotrdquo says the man whose faith is central to his deal-ings ldquois a strong ethical foundation with a Christian backgroundrdquo
There were a number of other elements Cradick sought when buying his business ones he believes all potential business own-ers need to keep in mind The first is to make sure you have a proper support team in place to help make a sound financial deci-sion That includes having a good business valuation and a good business broker who can point you in the right direction to ensure a match for both parties
Once yoursquore in the process of purchasing he adds make sure you have a capable net-work of attorneys a seasoned financial team and solid internal help to ensure yoursquore suc-cessful from the start ldquoYou should interview
for a business just like you would for a jobrdquo Cradick explains ldquoIt has to be the right fit You donrsquot want to be one of the many fatal-ities that happen so often in new businessrdquo
To help ensure the company continues to be successful Cradick plans to main-tain Husker Hammerrsquos competitive edges which he says includes his 11000-sq-ft state-of-the-art showroom in Elkhorn He reformatted the space to better fit his busi-ness model before building out additional second-floor space that is now rented to other entrepreneurs
The showroom features all of the window siding and roofing products available to customers Samples are one thing Cradick says but he knows the power of customers seeing actual colors in actual sizes
ldquoOur philosophy is to build peace of mind for homeowners and be with them every step through the processrdquo he says ldquoWord of mouth is our number one lead source which was true in retail as wellrdquo
Happy employees to Cradick are just as important as happy customers He sub-scribes to a simple philosophymdashlistening to employees and doing so with respect
ldquoWith big corporations you deal with a lot of politicsrdquo he says ldquoNow if therersquos politics itrsquos because Irsquove generated it Itrsquos a nice change to be in a small business where you have more leeway to ensure yoursquore creating a positive work environment which creates a happy workforcerdquo
Working for a smaller company also allows for more opportunities to become involved in the community Husker Hammer is active in local chambers of commerce the Open Door Mission and is currently helping on a Habitat for Humanity build in Waterloo They have also been accredited by the Bet-ter Business Bureau since 2000 and won the Better Business Integrity Award
Cradickrsquos business is currently 90 percent residential and 10 percent commercial He hopes to increase their reach in proper-ty management and general contracting while maintaining the high-quality residen-tial sales that built the business ldquoBecause of our showroomrdquo he says ldquopeople come
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
to us We donrsquot do the high pressure sales at the kitchen table We listen We let the homeowners do the talkingrdquo
Growing geographically is also a goal Cradick hopes to expand to surrounding areas including his hometown of Lincoln
ldquoSo far itrsquos been a great moverdquo he says ldquoand I look forward to continuing to be known as an ethical long-lasting company My daughters and wife are excited to be back in the Midwest around grandparents and family Their school district is great and the full year-round climate has been a welcome change from living in the south Plus I was averaging 50000 miles per year in travel so itrsquos nice to sleep in your own bed every nightrdquo The FIRM
For more information on this or any for sale listings call The Firm Business Brokerage directly
11Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
The Deal ReviewBusiness Established 1987Reason for Sale Retirement (Transla-tion More time with a fishing pole)Ownerrsquos Profit $495004Type of Loan SBA with Core Bank
12
Back to the FutureBuilding a Business Legacy
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Itrsquos not uncommon for someone who has spent a number of years in corporate
America to shift gears into entrepreneur-ship Being your own boss certainly has its advantages But for Scott Beckler who recently purchased Lewis Installers in Gret-na his reason for taking on a new business venture had more to do with honoring not only his fatherrsquos legacy but building one of his own
Beckler started his career as a business education teacher then moved to a corpo-rate career in technology But for a number of years he kept an eye on businesses for sale hoping that just the right opportunity would come along
ldquoMy dad was an entrepreneur who owned his own real estate insurance companyrdquo
Beckler says ldquoDespite the fact he had on-going health issues he still got up every day put on a coat and tie and went out to make a sale He was a very successful busi-nessman and I wanted to honor his legacyrdquo
After contacting The Firm and discuss-ing what he was looking for in a business the team suggested Lewis Installers which specializes in industrial conveyor and rack systems At first it seemed like a big de-parture for him ldquoShelving and logistical systems isnrsquot something that jumps out at yourdquo Beckler says But the more he looked into it the more he realized it had many of the elements he wanted in a business The most obvious advantage was that the company was located in Gretna where he lives Add to that the fact that the seller lives just up the road from him
Scott Beckler
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
For purposes of this article this overview is based on the buying and selling entities being corporations or entities taxed as corporations
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
4420 Izard Street Omaha4022938707 bull 8887380296
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
HAVE YOUR MINOR ROOF LEAKS BECOME A MAJOR ANNOYANCEDonrsquot Wait Any Longer Call Us Now
ldquoAfter meeting him and hitting it offrdquo Beckler says ldquowe quickly realized it was a match on both sidesrdquo
Other signs also pointed in the right di-rection The financials were good The size of the business was ideal The competitive landscape was promising Beckler also real-ized that his corporate background fit well with this new business
ldquoAlthough itrsquos an entirely different indus-tryrdquo he says ldquomany of the business princi-ples are the samehellipproject management customer service delivery vendor man-agement and cost containment Irsquove been doing all of those for yearsrdquo
His background in technology will also be a valuable asset in his new business Not only has he established relationships with large vendors built over the years but his from-the-ground-up experience with data centers means that he is already eying in-novative automation and other technology differentiators At the same time hersquos look-ing forward to learning the daily operations of the company and having a hand in every part of the business from bidding to closing to payroll
ldquoIt will be challenging coming from a big business background where Irsquove only been involved in the peripheryrdquo Beckler says
ldquoNow Irsquoll be involved in all of itrdquo
Lewis Installers being a family-owned business is what hersquos most excited about He says itrsquos a company with a good repu-tation thatrsquos known for quality and meeting deadlinesmdashall driven by a strong Midwest-ern work ethic
Itrsquos the sort of company Beckler believes that would make his father proud
ldquoI want this business to be a legacy for my familyrdquo Beckler says ldquoMy hope is that it could stay in the family with my own kids and grandkidsrdquo The FIRM
13Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Om
aharsquo
s Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
14
When considering the purchase of an existing business very few realize
that lack of experience in an industry can actually lead to success One simply needs a sound financial plan and a good team to fill in the gaps Removing the added stress of fieldwork and focusing solely on the management of finances and operation allows for greater opportunities It makes for the dynamic advantage of some outside impartiality when seeking areas of improve-ment and growth
One man who has made this transition from having marginal knowledge in an in-dustry to leading a successful plumbing and HVAC operation is Mark Evans president of Burton Plumbing Before taking over Burton Evans had a successful plumbing distribu-torship serving four states but it was his desire to own and to travel less that put him into the hands of Burton Friesz The founder of Burton Plumbing Friesz had been a customer and friend of Evansrsquo when the two discussed a possible expansion into residential service Evans put his busi-ness experience to work for Burton in July 1995 and his education in the minutiae of plumbing and HVAC began
While he hasnrsquot worked in the field as a licensed plumbing contractor Evans has dipped his feet in several areas within the running of Burtonhellipand often at the same time Before hiring the essential personnel that have enabled him to narrow his role Ev-ans served as manager marketer customer service representative and dispatcher Such a list of duties for one man is a daunting task but ldquoI worked my way to being able to work on the business rather than in the business [a strategy] taught to me by my business coachrdquo says Evans
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
REMOVING THE ADDED STRESS OF FIELDWORK AND FOCUSING SOLELY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF FINANCES AND OPERATION ALLOWS FOR GREATER OPPORTUNITIES
Executive Impact Moving Into the Boardroom From Employee to President
written by Maureen Tierney | Co-written by Mark Evans and Julie OrsquoBrien
Eventually Evans was able to step back and bring on a general manager and a ware-house operator that has allowed him to
ldquofocus on growth opportunities marketing and cash flowrdquo
Evansrsquo experience is not unique It is com-mon for brokerages to deal with buyers seeking to own companies within a cer-tain field but ldquoonly two people out of the nearly 100 closings [wersquove had] have come in for the same business that they ended up purchasingrdquo says Julie OrsquoBrien client services and paralegal with The Firm What it comes down to is as simple as the bot-tom line Buyers are looking to leverage their talents and experience in a marriage between a management philosophy and business model Those in the market for an acquisition are ldquobuying based on profit number of staff ability to get financing and mostly their strengths and passionsrdquo says OrsquoBrien Experience in a particular industry is certainly valuable but is no predictor of success when the right financial mind comes along
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Even so making up for a lack of practical knowledge requires the proper equipment most notably in the form of managers and employees The right talent in the field can be a growth experience and provide an opportunity to learn the ropes before taking a full swing at things A total deficit in knowl-edge hardly makes for good leadership and for this reason many ldquonew business owners like to take a birdrsquos eye view of the operation rather than diving in and getting their hands dirty right awayhellipgiving them the opportunity to watch [how] things have been done before implementing changesrdquo says OrsquoBrien
Approaching ownership in this way also allows for further financial acquisitions an avenue which Evans has taken In addition to owning Burton Plumbing Evans operates four other companies One might assume this much responsibility to be a stretch but Evans sees his role as ldquokeeping a pulse on things I like to lead people in growth per-sonally and on the business siderdquo
Getting started can be a challenge which is why OrsquoBrien works closely with potential buyers to find the right fit ldquoWe assist all the wayrdquo she says ldquoWe work with the buyer on projections business plans [and] we introduce them to trusted advisorsrdquo from attorneys and CPAs to financial advisors and insurance agents
Itrsquos this helpful backing of experts that eases the difficult task of ownership and only proves that one can certainly switch from a blue collar to a white one The FIRM
CONTRACTING BUSINESSES LISTED BY THE FIRM
201
5 P
roje
cted
201
5 Y
TD
201
4
201
3
201
2
30
0
15
28
14
12
11
16
15Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Omaharsquos Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
It may seem like I pulled a muscle making this stretch but Keith Backsen the new boss at the Omaha Convention amp Visitors Bureau seems to have an awful lot in common with new Husker Coach Mike Riley
Coach Riley spent a total of 14 seasons at Oregon State before heading to Huskerland Backsen also comes from that neck of the woods having spent 11 years of his career in Portland Oregon and another 11 years in Spokane Washington selling both cities as prime places for convention and leisure travelers
At Oregon State Coach Riley built the football program into a consistent winner and regular conference contender At Visit Spokane Backsen opened sales offices in Washington DC and Chicago that led to increased convention bookings Backsen also worked on the public campaign to expand the Spokane Convention Center with a $65 million bond issue The expansion coupled with increased hotel inventory allowed Spokane to pursue large conventions and more than doubled convention bookings in Spokane
Riley has experience at the highest level of football serving as the head coach of the San Diego Chargers and as a head coach in both the Canadian and World Football Leagues Same for Backsen he worked in Dallas and Chicago as the director of sales for Global Experience Specialists a global leader in the world of event planning Backsen supervised five sales offices in a nine-state region generating annual sales in excess of $70 million
Riley is known as one of the most professional and nicest men in the profession a coach who is greatly admired by his peers I kid you not Backsen is described the same way by colleaguesmdashone of the most genuine and skilled men in the business a well respected professional who has the insight and experience to get the job done (Note the $70M stat above)
Come the first game both men will have a stadium filled with fans cheering them on In Backsenrsquos case his stadium is the entire city of Omaha where the fans are the 434353 residents who will reap the rewards of Omaharsquos growing tourism economy
B2B
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 51
51HUSKER
COACH HAS TOURISM
TWIN
OMAHA CVB BY DEB WARD
Deb Ward is the director of marketingcommunications Omaha Convention and Visitorrsquos Bureau
Keith Backsen
52 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Jason Feldman and Sebastian Hunt
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 53
The emerging startup accelerator scene supports creative-minded risk-takers looking for an edge to follow their passion and bring their ideas to fruition
Sebastian Hunt 25 is passionate about giving entrepreneurs like himself a nurturing space to test out their concepts The University of Nebraska at Omaha economics graduate interned with various local employers and surveyed the area startup community when an idea struck him for a by-application curriculum-based residency program serving new entrepreneurs That inspiration turned into Year of the Startup
Launched in 2014 the program operates out of a humble house at 4036 Burt Street in the St Cecilia Cathedral neighborhood Hunt and co-founder Jason Feldman 28 room there with young residency fellows whose startup ventures range from making bio-fuels to providing night owl shuttle services They are a millennial bunch who favor sneakers and sandals They take informal meetings to nearby CaliCommons and Lisarsquos Radial Cafe They variously hunch over laptops or tablets and carry smartphones as appendages
YEAR OF THE STARTUP
ENTREPRENEURAL IMMERSION
This communal work-live space model for business mavericks is new to Omaha The usual startup accelerator is a concentrated 90-day off-site program Omaha has a few of these notably Straight Shot Hunt saw a need for a program that invites a broader range of people into the accelerator fold and supports them much nearer to the start of their dream than other programs
ldquoWe feel like we can take people at very early stages because we are four times as long as the average programrdquo says Hunt who adds that Year of the Startup is also not tech-centric like many programs tend to be ldquoIn our model we substitute intensity for duration I think a lot of the learning here comes through unstructured serendipitous interactions we have that is not curriculum-based itrsquos just happenstance
ldquoWith a house there are so many different ways you can bring ideas and people together I think thatrsquos maybe that critical binding agent and sense of place that helps accomplish thingsrdquo
He says in this intimate environment ldquotherersquos no other choice but to immerse yourself in the settingrdquo adding ldquoWersquore always hanging out in the living room or out back talking about startup stuffmdashmonetization strategies capitalization tables vested equity entity structuresrdquo
ldquoItrsquos this immersive experience of camaraderie of these natural flows and idea generationrdquo Feldman says
Hunt says ldquoThis is very difficult to get bored with because therersquos always somebody whose business is either in crisis or growth stage or some interesting part of the curverdquo
ldquoHow could we get bored when wersquore creating a platform with four startups and all we get to do is ideationrdquo Feldman says ldquoItrsquos a constant buzz we get from interacting with these startup founders and helping them build their ideasrdquo
Built into the program are activities that encourage fellows to break out of their comfort zone and to offer honest criticism of each otherrsquos ideas
Hunt compiles multiple data points on the startups
ldquoWersquore developing really deep insight about how do people start successful businessesrdquo
The program utilizes mentors from the entrepreneurial community
ldquoWe bring in people who are experts in specific areas to talk on those topicsrdquo Feldman says
ldquoThey get ideas flowingrdquo Hunt says of the mentors
Feldman says he regularly covers with fellows ldquothe major components of what you need to look at to start your businessrdquo and then mentors like Mike Kolker owner of graphic design firm Simplify teach lessons about operational efficiency and ldquohow to simplify running a businessrdquo
Hunt is a newcomer to all this and goes by instinct as much as research to support his vision
CONTINUED ON 54
FEATURE | BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
53
54 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
70 Years of Business in Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
4027335500 | 4315 South 50th Street
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Thanks for Voting SampW Fence the Best Again in 2015
Wersquore Not Just About Fences
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
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AUDIO VISUAL SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDEbull System designengineeringbull Sales
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B2B
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aharsquos Business to Business M
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ine
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NER bull 2012 bull WIN
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Omah
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Donrsquot forget to visitOmahaMagazinecom to read
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Omaha MagazineEncounter B2B 60PlusHerFamily OmahaHome
CONTINUED FROM 53
ldquoI just had an irrational confidence market insights and a great theoretical background thanks to primary research I completed and to lessons I learned from Phillip Phillips Michael OrsquoHara and Art Diamond in UNOrsquos economics department I read constantly about who the players were in the startup world so I was fairly preparedrdquo
Even though he directs a startup program he only started participating in one himself (Venture School) He acknowledges Year of the Startup is a by-the-seat-of-your-pants experiment
ldquoComing out of college I had student loans and not a ton of money Irsquove held two jobs to finance the project Now the project is financed by a combination of me working and renting out one room One-hundred percent of the money our entrepreneurs pay in rent will be returned in full and so everybody has a strong incentive to follow through with the program That may be what makes us sustainablerdquo
Hersquos working on securing corporate sponsorship for the program Meanwhile he wants to help get participating startups to the next level
ldquoWersquore functioning like a pre-accelerator at this point We want to get our startups profitable and then refer them to the Straight Shots so they can focus on growth in a pure accelerator programrdquo
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 55
Mercedes-Benz of Omaha14335 Hillsdale Ave Omaha NE 68137wwwOmahaMercedescomContact John Williams anytime at 4029819262
of Omaha of Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
As Year of the Startup moved into a larger house in Omaharsquos Little Italy district on July 1 and a new class of fellows arrives Hunt says there are ldquointeresting talks happening right now to bring this to other citiesrdquo He and Feldman say economic development agencies are willing to pay a license fee for them to do startup houses in other cities The partners are having proprietary software developed that will enable new startup houses to replicate their branded Omaha model
They look forward to engaging with the emerging 10th Street cultural district but may keep the midtown house to accommodate growth
Hunt and Feldman believe theyrsquore catching the wave or tipping point of a big new startup rush and theyrsquore betting their model is poised to be a niche player in this wild frontier of entrepreneurial prospecting
B2B
56 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
It is an unassuming space but if you have made your way to TD Ameritrade Park Filmstreams or Hot Shops chances are yoursquove passed one of the most vibrant offices in Omaha
The fact that Co-Lab (short for Creative Collaborators) is not a traditional work space is certainly one of its best features Located inside the Tip Top building at 15th and Cumming streets is a project dreamed up by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture who happens to share the main floor of the building Based in the heart of a once-isolated section of the city Co-Labrsquos funky creative vibe is making waves In fact that vibe seeps into Omaharsquos everyday bringing about small changes pushing our city toward a more innovative future
CO-LABGIVING OMAHA WORKERS A MORE
COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE
IN THE OFFICE | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
56
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 57
Home to 18 businesses plus Alley Poyner Macchietto Co-Lab is free of walls and signage It is also free from traditional office norms For instance you donrsquot just walk over to your neighborrsquos space for a brainstorming sessionmdashyou skateboard At least you do if yoursquore Dave Nelson of SecretPenguin a leading experimental branding agency The best part is that the businesses surrounding SecretPenguin appreciate the break from tradition ldquoThatrsquos the beautiful part about being around like-minded good people and businessesrdquo Nelson says
CONTINUED ON 58
58 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 59
CONTINUED FROM 57
In addition to having pathways large enough to skateboard or bike through the space also provides Co-Labbers with a kitchen various conference rooms bike storage bathrooms and a battleground (otherwise known as the ping-pong table) Walking in the main doors clients and employees alike are greeted from the front desk while catching a view of the five-story open atrium basking in the glow of sunshine from the skylight Workers can also access the fitness room and rooftop deck sharing amenities with TipTop apartment residents who use a separate entrance
CONTINUED ON 60
The Harry A Koch CoInsurance amp Financial ConsultantsMember of First Insurance Group LLC
60 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
CONTINUED FROM 59
Businesses in Co-Lab all creativity-related range from entrepreneurs to start-ups to non-profits to small businesses The art varies in form but runs through the space like an electric current At Zicafoose Textiles Mary Zicafoose works steadily on her loom creating gorgeous tapestries 4Site Programming is where Joi Brown works as an independent consultant for performing arts centers across the nation Heartland B-Cycle a large-scale municipal bike sharing system brings art in the form of economical convenience Holly Boyer a founder of non-profit organization Mission Matters explains that one of the best things about having an office at Co-Lab is feeling the innovative positive energy from the moment you walk in the door So while individuals may join Co-Lab with a business-minded focus or a more creative vibe finding a yin to their yang is just a shout away
ldquoThere is certainly a wonderful built-in support network that comes along with working in a collaborative environmentrdquo quips Omaha Creative Institute Executive Director Emily Moody ldquoEverything from sharing ideas and finding ways to collaborate with an organization different than yours to sharing a staplerrdquo
At the heart of making it work says Laura Alley of Alley Poyner itrsquos simply playing well with others
The skateboarding ping-pong playing creatives do that well
B2B
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Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott Enterprises
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For more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
TD Ameritrade Park | First National Bank Tower | Midtown Crossing | Village Pointe | Childrenrsquos Hospital Aksarben Village | Joslyn Art Museum | Fred amp Pamela Buffett Cancer Center | UNO Community Arena
6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
AT THE OFFICE amp ON THE GO
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13
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
- BB1015_fntCvr_125
- BB1015_fntEdit_125
- BB1015_bkEdit_125
- BB1015_bkCvr_125
-
Columns
4 Seller Financing
Koley Jessen PC LLO Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
14 Executive Impact Getting Into the Big Office
Departments
5 Seasoned Advice for
Business Buyers (The Bouncy Kind)
12 Building a Legacy while
Building Racks New Chapter to Becklerrsquos Career
The Bottom Line
Sells Insights
Playing Big
Husker PowerTexan returns home to
Nebraska for business opportunity
pg8
Many business owners have marginal experience in the trades in which their
organizations specialize While it may seem counterintuitive to buy or start a company situated around an industry in which one has little experience there is a certain com-petitive edge to the equation A buyer or president need only know enough to begin before surrounding him or herself with the right personnel to tackle the minute details What is paramount is the grander scheme of
management and operations which allows one to flex refined business acumen Not only does distance from fieldwork free up time to put in place a robust and refined plan but it leaves open other avenues for portfolio expansion Grow your business expand operations or begin other busi-ness ventures The possibilities are only as small as the mindset held by your team The FIRM
Special Section
7 Fresh Off The Firm The Firm Business Brokerage has
over $80 million dollars in assets under
management of current cash flowing
businesses for sale ndash from medical
practices to commercial services to large
manufacturing companies
by Cortney Sells presidenteditor
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
3Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
4
IF PROPERLY STRUCTURED AND DOCUMENTED SELLER FINANCING IS REALLY NO DIFFERENT FROM FINANCING THAT WOULD OTHERWISE BE PROVIDED BY A BANKTYING IT ALL TOGETHEREven the most savvy of ldquonumbers peoplerdquo need a leg up in negotiating a purchase As with so many aspects of doing business retaining experienced legal counsel enables you to keep the focus where it belongsmdashemploying your entrepreneurial skills in the identification and acquisition of profitable business ventures The FIRM
Seller Financing Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
written by Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
Seller financing can often be a criti-cal factor in getting a business sold
If properly structured and documented seller financing is really no different from financing that would otherwise be provided by a bank Below is a brief guide to navi-gating the issues normally encountered in seller financing
FIRST THINGS FIRSTThe first question is usually that of how to structure and document the financing The buyer should be expected to sign a prom-issory note evidencing the loan from the seller with interest and repayment terms mutually agreeable to both parties The seller might also require that the buyer grant the seller a security interestlien in the pur-chased assets to secure the loan Itrsquos also not unusual for a seller to require that the individual owners of the buyer (assuming the buyer is an entity) personally guarantee the loan In most cases the documents are usually pretty straightforward and do not need to be overly complicated
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
ADDITIONAL LAYERSIf a bank is also financing the sale the seller will most likely be required by the bank to sign a subordination agreement This is an agreement between the bank usually referred to as the ldquosenior lenderrdquo and the seller referred to as the ldquojunior lenderrdquo A subordination agreement sets forth the terms between the lenders as to each entityrsquos right to receive loan pay-ments from the buyer and the priority of their respective security interestsliens in the purchased assets The document will usually state that the senior lenderrsquos loan and security interestliens shall at all times be superior to those of the junior lender until the senior loan is paid in full Most lenders are willing to discuss and negoti-ate the junior lenderrsquos right to receive loan payments from the borrower Lien priority status however is rarely compromised by senior lenders in subordination agreements The senior lender will insist on having a first priority security interestlien in the pur-chased assets
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Whether yoursquore a first-time entre-preneur or an experienced business
owner purchasing a company is a critical investment financially and emotionally To help increase the likelihood of it being a success in both areas there are a number of aspects to keep in mind when evaluating if a business is the right fit gt
Seasoned Advice for Business Buyers(The Bouncy Kind)
written by Kathy Rygg
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Jerry Rachwalik
5Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
6
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
lt Jerry Rachwalik has been researching companies for the past three years waiting for the right opportunity to arise His search was the result of spending his career work-ing for larger organizations in a number of areas including delivery installation cus-tomer service inventory accounts receiv-ables and scheduling where he managed up to 35 people at a time
Policies and philosophies can change when working for a corporation Sometimes they become less family friendly ldquoWith the previous companies I worked forrdquo Rachwalik says ldquothey switched from caring about em-ployees to making money and the bottom line I stuck it out for several years and then decided I needed something differentrdquo
An entrepreneur by nature Rachwalik has over the last seven years built up a rental business buying foreclosed homes and duplex properties completely reno-vating them and then renting them back out He now has 15 properties and enjoys helping families by providing nice homes that are affordable ldquoI want people to feel good when they come home at night after a long day at workrdquo he says Rachwalik want-ed to find a business that allowed him the flexibility to respond to his tenants when needed from simple plumbing issues to furnaces going kaput
When he first started looking for a new business Rachwalik was drawn to home health care because of his experience help-ing to take care of relatives And it was a growing field Nothing was available at the time so he expanded his options and be-gan researching businesses in a variety of industries Those included a flooring com-pany sandwich shop and even a hair salon
ldquoI was open to anything and if I could make the numbers work then I would consider itrdquo he explains
Then The Firm Business Brokerage pre-sented him with an opportunity that was the right match Bounce U in Omaha There were a number of factors that appealed to Rachwalik First and foremost were the financials but it would also offer him the flexibility he needed for his rental business A big advantage was that an entire team was already in place one seasoned in man-aging staff and scheduling parties ldquoThey do a great jobrdquo he says ldquoI donrsquot plan on making any personnel changesrdquo
But what hersquos most looking forward to with this new venture is the fun positive environment Bounce Ursquos primary business is its birthday party packages featuring the companyrsquos oversized inflatibles and Rachwalik said he canrsquot wait to watch the excitement on the kids faces when they walk through the door ldquoEveryone there is happyrdquo he says ldquoThe kids are happy the parents are happy and the employees running the parties are happy Itrsquoll be a big change from the environments I used to work inrdquo Hersquos already planning to have his twin grand-daughtersrsquo birthday party there too
His transition included a week of training with the companyrsquos corporate facility in Ari-zona as well as on-site training Even though the Omaha location is an existing store all of Rachwalikrsquos training was structured as though itrsquos a brand new site
Bounce U has traditionally partnered with local restaurants to provide food for birth-day parties but Rachwalik wants to explore the option to build a kitchen of his own
He also hopes to continue to grow the business by at least 5 annually ldquoAnything I do I will communicate with my employees and get their input and suggestions firstrdquo he adds
For anyone who is considering buying a business or is going through the process Rachwalik stresses to be open minded and not rule anything out ldquoIf an opportunity is presented to you run the numbers and see if you can make it workrdquo he says ldquoI did a complete flip-flop on the type of business I thought I wanted versus what I ended up purchasing But if you keep looking yoursquoll eventually find a matchrdquo The FIRM
ldquoTHE KIDS ARE HAPPY THE PARENTS ARE HAPPY AND THE EMPLOYEES RUNNING THE PARTIES ARE HAPPY ITrsquoLL BE A BIG CHANGE FROM THE ENVIRONMENTS I USED TO WORK INrdquo
-Jerry Rachwalik
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Fresh Off The Firm Featured Listings for Sale
Suburban Bar amp Grill with VolleyballOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $26413 PRICE $115000
Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity in an area with only two other bars nearby Serving up a gorgeous and well-maintained volleyball court along with pool tables and a jukebox this bar and grill is a favorite with the locals Business is fully staffedmdashowner works very part time hours
Rain Gutter Sales amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $145200 PRICE $415000
This business is a dealer for high-end rain gutter covers These products are con-structed of high-quality aluminum and sur-gical-grade stainless steel and are strong enough to hold up to four feet of snow or 20 pounds of debris Profit margin is 48
Large-Scale Assembly amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $743732 PRICE $2200000
This well-established installation and assembly business in central Nebraska prides itself on providing many numerous building solutions for businesses and building owners in their area They install and assemble metal frames including grain silos pole barns and buildings
Photo Booth Business Running on Autopilot OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $36419 PRICE $88900
Photo booths are the ldquoin thingrdquo at weddings and parties In business for seven years this business is one of the largest in town Wedding couples hoping to capture the fun memories of the day make up 67 of the clients Includes four booths and one trailer
Southwest Omaha Dental PracticeOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $129745 PRICE $380000
Professional staff and excellent customer service are the hallmarks of this practice Using the latest technology the business offers an array of dental services including teeth cleaning veneers crowns bleaching and trauma services The owner is currently working only 20 hours a week
Small Animal Vet Clinic in Omaha OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $158287 PRICE $440000
For over 30 years this animal care clinic has prioritized customer care They are currently offering services to over 2000 families and are the second largest veterinary clinic in the area The business is split 7030 between dogs and cats
Buildersrsquo Material amp Supply CompanyOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $364880 PRICE $933000
This highly reputable company established in 1976 and located just north of Omaha provides quality and reliable services and supplies Building supply inventory includes garage door lumber windows trims siding roofing materials and more Approximately 90 of customers are repeat clientele
High-Growth Plumbing Company OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $157774 PRICE $445000
This non-union plumbing company has consistent growth of over $130000 a year in sales The full service plumbing contractor has business that is currently 50 commercial and 50 residential
90+ available business opportunities for sale Please visit TheFirmBusinessBrokeragecom for details
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
7Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
Matt Cradick
The Deal ReviewReason For Sale Fresh start after 25+ years in the industrySeller Transition Period Over eight monthsType of Sale Asset Purchase AgreementLender Access Bank Mack LaRock
ldquoYOU SHOULD INTERVIEW FOR A BUSINESS JUST LIKE YOU
WOULD FOR A JOBrdquo CRADICK EXPLAINS ldquoIT HAS TO BE THE
RIGHT FIT YOU DONrsquoT WANT TO BE ONE OF THE MANY FA-
TALITIES THAT HAPPEN SO OFTEN IN NEW BUSINESSrdquo
-Shaun Heldt
From Retail to RoofingHow to be Successful When Buying a Business
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Spending almost 20 years working in retail for major corporations and then
buying a siding and roofing contracting company may seem like a major leap but for Matt Cradick owner of Husker Ham-mer Siding Windows and Roofing it was the best business move hersquos ever made And thatrsquos saying a lot for someone who moved 11 times in 19 years across nine different states
Cradick had been living in Houston Texas where he worked for Target Corporation He had worked his way up through the com-pany and another promotion was on the horizon which meant another move With three young children at home Cradick de-cided it was time to put down some roots Having grown up in Lincoln Nebraska he wanted to be near family and Midwestern values He started researching businesses for sale and was eventually led to The Firm which in turn led him to Husker Hammer
The move from a big corporate environ-ment to a small contracting business didnrsquot intimidate Cradick With Target he oversaw 200 people so he knew he brought strong management and operational skills The challenge he says was learning the ins and outs of construction He didnrsquot need to be the one hammering away on the roofmdashhe needed learn a new business segment
ldquoSwitching industries can be nerve-rack-ingrdquo Cradick says ldquobut the owner was will-ing to stay on board for six months during the transitionrdquo That partnership was an invaluable tool during the changeover gt
A Publication of The Firm Business BrokerageA Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
9Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
10
lt Husker Hammer was started in 1998 as a one-man operation and had been built up to a multimillion dollar business Cradick was impressed with the mission statement values system of the company and the strong workforce that was already in place And the price of the company lined up well with the financials ldquoWhat Husker has that others in the industry donrsquotrdquo says the man whose faith is central to his deal-ings ldquois a strong ethical foundation with a Christian backgroundrdquo
There were a number of other elements Cradick sought when buying his business ones he believes all potential business own-ers need to keep in mind The first is to make sure you have a proper support team in place to help make a sound financial deci-sion That includes having a good business valuation and a good business broker who can point you in the right direction to ensure a match for both parties
Once yoursquore in the process of purchasing he adds make sure you have a capable net-work of attorneys a seasoned financial team and solid internal help to ensure yoursquore suc-cessful from the start ldquoYou should interview
for a business just like you would for a jobrdquo Cradick explains ldquoIt has to be the right fit You donrsquot want to be one of the many fatal-ities that happen so often in new businessrdquo
To help ensure the company continues to be successful Cradick plans to main-tain Husker Hammerrsquos competitive edges which he says includes his 11000-sq-ft state-of-the-art showroom in Elkhorn He reformatted the space to better fit his busi-ness model before building out additional second-floor space that is now rented to other entrepreneurs
The showroom features all of the window siding and roofing products available to customers Samples are one thing Cradick says but he knows the power of customers seeing actual colors in actual sizes
ldquoOur philosophy is to build peace of mind for homeowners and be with them every step through the processrdquo he says ldquoWord of mouth is our number one lead source which was true in retail as wellrdquo
Happy employees to Cradick are just as important as happy customers He sub-scribes to a simple philosophymdashlistening to employees and doing so with respect
ldquoWith big corporations you deal with a lot of politicsrdquo he says ldquoNow if therersquos politics itrsquos because Irsquove generated it Itrsquos a nice change to be in a small business where you have more leeway to ensure yoursquore creating a positive work environment which creates a happy workforcerdquo
Working for a smaller company also allows for more opportunities to become involved in the community Husker Hammer is active in local chambers of commerce the Open Door Mission and is currently helping on a Habitat for Humanity build in Waterloo They have also been accredited by the Bet-ter Business Bureau since 2000 and won the Better Business Integrity Award
Cradickrsquos business is currently 90 percent residential and 10 percent commercial He hopes to increase their reach in proper-ty management and general contracting while maintaining the high-quality residen-tial sales that built the business ldquoBecause of our showroomrdquo he says ldquopeople come
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
to us We donrsquot do the high pressure sales at the kitchen table We listen We let the homeowners do the talkingrdquo
Growing geographically is also a goal Cradick hopes to expand to surrounding areas including his hometown of Lincoln
ldquoSo far itrsquos been a great moverdquo he says ldquoand I look forward to continuing to be known as an ethical long-lasting company My daughters and wife are excited to be back in the Midwest around grandparents and family Their school district is great and the full year-round climate has been a welcome change from living in the south Plus I was averaging 50000 miles per year in travel so itrsquos nice to sleep in your own bed every nightrdquo The FIRM
For more information on this or any for sale listings call The Firm Business Brokerage directly
11Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
The Deal ReviewBusiness Established 1987Reason for Sale Retirement (Transla-tion More time with a fishing pole)Ownerrsquos Profit $495004Type of Loan SBA with Core Bank
12
Back to the FutureBuilding a Business Legacy
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Itrsquos not uncommon for someone who has spent a number of years in corporate
America to shift gears into entrepreneur-ship Being your own boss certainly has its advantages But for Scott Beckler who recently purchased Lewis Installers in Gret-na his reason for taking on a new business venture had more to do with honoring not only his fatherrsquos legacy but building one of his own
Beckler started his career as a business education teacher then moved to a corpo-rate career in technology But for a number of years he kept an eye on businesses for sale hoping that just the right opportunity would come along
ldquoMy dad was an entrepreneur who owned his own real estate insurance companyrdquo
Beckler says ldquoDespite the fact he had on-going health issues he still got up every day put on a coat and tie and went out to make a sale He was a very successful busi-nessman and I wanted to honor his legacyrdquo
After contacting The Firm and discuss-ing what he was looking for in a business the team suggested Lewis Installers which specializes in industrial conveyor and rack systems At first it seemed like a big de-parture for him ldquoShelving and logistical systems isnrsquot something that jumps out at yourdquo Beckler says But the more he looked into it the more he realized it had many of the elements he wanted in a business The most obvious advantage was that the company was located in Gretna where he lives Add to that the fact that the seller lives just up the road from him
Scott Beckler
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
For purposes of this article this overview is based on the buying and selling entities being corporations or entities taxed as corporations
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
4420 Izard Street Omaha4022938707 bull 8887380296
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
HAVE YOUR MINOR ROOF LEAKS BECOME A MAJOR ANNOYANCEDonrsquot Wait Any Longer Call Us Now
ldquoAfter meeting him and hitting it offrdquo Beckler says ldquowe quickly realized it was a match on both sidesrdquo
Other signs also pointed in the right di-rection The financials were good The size of the business was ideal The competitive landscape was promising Beckler also real-ized that his corporate background fit well with this new business
ldquoAlthough itrsquos an entirely different indus-tryrdquo he says ldquomany of the business princi-ples are the samehellipproject management customer service delivery vendor man-agement and cost containment Irsquove been doing all of those for yearsrdquo
His background in technology will also be a valuable asset in his new business Not only has he established relationships with large vendors built over the years but his from-the-ground-up experience with data centers means that he is already eying in-novative automation and other technology differentiators At the same time hersquos look-ing forward to learning the daily operations of the company and having a hand in every part of the business from bidding to closing to payroll
ldquoIt will be challenging coming from a big business background where Irsquove only been involved in the peripheryrdquo Beckler says
ldquoNow Irsquoll be involved in all of itrdquo
Lewis Installers being a family-owned business is what hersquos most excited about He says itrsquos a company with a good repu-tation thatrsquos known for quality and meeting deadlinesmdashall driven by a strong Midwest-ern work ethic
Itrsquos the sort of company Beckler believes that would make his father proud
ldquoI want this business to be a legacy for my familyrdquo Beckler says ldquoMy hope is that it could stay in the family with my own kids and grandkidsrdquo The FIRM
13Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Om
aharsquo
s Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
14
When considering the purchase of an existing business very few realize
that lack of experience in an industry can actually lead to success One simply needs a sound financial plan and a good team to fill in the gaps Removing the added stress of fieldwork and focusing solely on the management of finances and operation allows for greater opportunities It makes for the dynamic advantage of some outside impartiality when seeking areas of improve-ment and growth
One man who has made this transition from having marginal knowledge in an in-dustry to leading a successful plumbing and HVAC operation is Mark Evans president of Burton Plumbing Before taking over Burton Evans had a successful plumbing distribu-torship serving four states but it was his desire to own and to travel less that put him into the hands of Burton Friesz The founder of Burton Plumbing Friesz had been a customer and friend of Evansrsquo when the two discussed a possible expansion into residential service Evans put his busi-ness experience to work for Burton in July 1995 and his education in the minutiae of plumbing and HVAC began
While he hasnrsquot worked in the field as a licensed plumbing contractor Evans has dipped his feet in several areas within the running of Burtonhellipand often at the same time Before hiring the essential personnel that have enabled him to narrow his role Ev-ans served as manager marketer customer service representative and dispatcher Such a list of duties for one man is a daunting task but ldquoI worked my way to being able to work on the business rather than in the business [a strategy] taught to me by my business coachrdquo says Evans
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
REMOVING THE ADDED STRESS OF FIELDWORK AND FOCUSING SOLELY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF FINANCES AND OPERATION ALLOWS FOR GREATER OPPORTUNITIES
Executive Impact Moving Into the Boardroom From Employee to President
written by Maureen Tierney | Co-written by Mark Evans and Julie OrsquoBrien
Eventually Evans was able to step back and bring on a general manager and a ware-house operator that has allowed him to
ldquofocus on growth opportunities marketing and cash flowrdquo
Evansrsquo experience is not unique It is com-mon for brokerages to deal with buyers seeking to own companies within a cer-tain field but ldquoonly two people out of the nearly 100 closings [wersquove had] have come in for the same business that they ended up purchasingrdquo says Julie OrsquoBrien client services and paralegal with The Firm What it comes down to is as simple as the bot-tom line Buyers are looking to leverage their talents and experience in a marriage between a management philosophy and business model Those in the market for an acquisition are ldquobuying based on profit number of staff ability to get financing and mostly their strengths and passionsrdquo says OrsquoBrien Experience in a particular industry is certainly valuable but is no predictor of success when the right financial mind comes along
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Even so making up for a lack of practical knowledge requires the proper equipment most notably in the form of managers and employees The right talent in the field can be a growth experience and provide an opportunity to learn the ropes before taking a full swing at things A total deficit in knowl-edge hardly makes for good leadership and for this reason many ldquonew business owners like to take a birdrsquos eye view of the operation rather than diving in and getting their hands dirty right awayhellipgiving them the opportunity to watch [how] things have been done before implementing changesrdquo says OrsquoBrien
Approaching ownership in this way also allows for further financial acquisitions an avenue which Evans has taken In addition to owning Burton Plumbing Evans operates four other companies One might assume this much responsibility to be a stretch but Evans sees his role as ldquokeeping a pulse on things I like to lead people in growth per-sonally and on the business siderdquo
Getting started can be a challenge which is why OrsquoBrien works closely with potential buyers to find the right fit ldquoWe assist all the wayrdquo she says ldquoWe work with the buyer on projections business plans [and] we introduce them to trusted advisorsrdquo from attorneys and CPAs to financial advisors and insurance agents
Itrsquos this helpful backing of experts that eases the difficult task of ownership and only proves that one can certainly switch from a blue collar to a white one The FIRM
CONTRACTING BUSINESSES LISTED BY THE FIRM
201
5 P
roje
cted
201
5 Y
TD
201
4
201
3
201
2
30
0
15
28
14
12
11
16
15Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Omaharsquos Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
It may seem like I pulled a muscle making this stretch but Keith Backsen the new boss at the Omaha Convention amp Visitors Bureau seems to have an awful lot in common with new Husker Coach Mike Riley
Coach Riley spent a total of 14 seasons at Oregon State before heading to Huskerland Backsen also comes from that neck of the woods having spent 11 years of his career in Portland Oregon and another 11 years in Spokane Washington selling both cities as prime places for convention and leisure travelers
At Oregon State Coach Riley built the football program into a consistent winner and regular conference contender At Visit Spokane Backsen opened sales offices in Washington DC and Chicago that led to increased convention bookings Backsen also worked on the public campaign to expand the Spokane Convention Center with a $65 million bond issue The expansion coupled with increased hotel inventory allowed Spokane to pursue large conventions and more than doubled convention bookings in Spokane
Riley has experience at the highest level of football serving as the head coach of the San Diego Chargers and as a head coach in both the Canadian and World Football Leagues Same for Backsen he worked in Dallas and Chicago as the director of sales for Global Experience Specialists a global leader in the world of event planning Backsen supervised five sales offices in a nine-state region generating annual sales in excess of $70 million
Riley is known as one of the most professional and nicest men in the profession a coach who is greatly admired by his peers I kid you not Backsen is described the same way by colleaguesmdashone of the most genuine and skilled men in the business a well respected professional who has the insight and experience to get the job done (Note the $70M stat above)
Come the first game both men will have a stadium filled with fans cheering them on In Backsenrsquos case his stadium is the entire city of Omaha where the fans are the 434353 residents who will reap the rewards of Omaharsquos growing tourism economy
B2B
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 51
51HUSKER
COACH HAS TOURISM
TWIN
OMAHA CVB BY DEB WARD
Deb Ward is the director of marketingcommunications Omaha Convention and Visitorrsquos Bureau
Keith Backsen
52 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Jason Feldman and Sebastian Hunt
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 53
The emerging startup accelerator scene supports creative-minded risk-takers looking for an edge to follow their passion and bring their ideas to fruition
Sebastian Hunt 25 is passionate about giving entrepreneurs like himself a nurturing space to test out their concepts The University of Nebraska at Omaha economics graduate interned with various local employers and surveyed the area startup community when an idea struck him for a by-application curriculum-based residency program serving new entrepreneurs That inspiration turned into Year of the Startup
Launched in 2014 the program operates out of a humble house at 4036 Burt Street in the St Cecilia Cathedral neighborhood Hunt and co-founder Jason Feldman 28 room there with young residency fellows whose startup ventures range from making bio-fuels to providing night owl shuttle services They are a millennial bunch who favor sneakers and sandals They take informal meetings to nearby CaliCommons and Lisarsquos Radial Cafe They variously hunch over laptops or tablets and carry smartphones as appendages
YEAR OF THE STARTUP
ENTREPRENEURAL IMMERSION
This communal work-live space model for business mavericks is new to Omaha The usual startup accelerator is a concentrated 90-day off-site program Omaha has a few of these notably Straight Shot Hunt saw a need for a program that invites a broader range of people into the accelerator fold and supports them much nearer to the start of their dream than other programs
ldquoWe feel like we can take people at very early stages because we are four times as long as the average programrdquo says Hunt who adds that Year of the Startup is also not tech-centric like many programs tend to be ldquoIn our model we substitute intensity for duration I think a lot of the learning here comes through unstructured serendipitous interactions we have that is not curriculum-based itrsquos just happenstance
ldquoWith a house there are so many different ways you can bring ideas and people together I think thatrsquos maybe that critical binding agent and sense of place that helps accomplish thingsrdquo
He says in this intimate environment ldquotherersquos no other choice but to immerse yourself in the settingrdquo adding ldquoWersquore always hanging out in the living room or out back talking about startup stuffmdashmonetization strategies capitalization tables vested equity entity structuresrdquo
ldquoItrsquos this immersive experience of camaraderie of these natural flows and idea generationrdquo Feldman says
Hunt says ldquoThis is very difficult to get bored with because therersquos always somebody whose business is either in crisis or growth stage or some interesting part of the curverdquo
ldquoHow could we get bored when wersquore creating a platform with four startups and all we get to do is ideationrdquo Feldman says ldquoItrsquos a constant buzz we get from interacting with these startup founders and helping them build their ideasrdquo
Built into the program are activities that encourage fellows to break out of their comfort zone and to offer honest criticism of each otherrsquos ideas
Hunt compiles multiple data points on the startups
ldquoWersquore developing really deep insight about how do people start successful businessesrdquo
The program utilizes mentors from the entrepreneurial community
ldquoWe bring in people who are experts in specific areas to talk on those topicsrdquo Feldman says
ldquoThey get ideas flowingrdquo Hunt says of the mentors
Feldman says he regularly covers with fellows ldquothe major components of what you need to look at to start your businessrdquo and then mentors like Mike Kolker owner of graphic design firm Simplify teach lessons about operational efficiency and ldquohow to simplify running a businessrdquo
Hunt is a newcomer to all this and goes by instinct as much as research to support his vision
CONTINUED ON 54
FEATURE | BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
53
54 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
70 Years of Business in Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
4027335500 | 4315 South 50th Street
402-333-5722 bull wwwsw-fencecom
Thanks for Voting SampW Fence the Best Again in 2015
Wersquore Not Just About Fences
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
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aharsquos Business to Business M
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ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER 2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
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ConnectWITH YOURCOMMUNITY
Donrsquot forget to visitOmahaMagazinecom to read
all of our titles online
Omaha MagazineEncounter B2B 60PlusHerFamily OmahaHome
CONTINUED FROM 53
ldquoI just had an irrational confidence market insights and a great theoretical background thanks to primary research I completed and to lessons I learned from Phillip Phillips Michael OrsquoHara and Art Diamond in UNOrsquos economics department I read constantly about who the players were in the startup world so I was fairly preparedrdquo
Even though he directs a startup program he only started participating in one himself (Venture School) He acknowledges Year of the Startup is a by-the-seat-of-your-pants experiment
ldquoComing out of college I had student loans and not a ton of money Irsquove held two jobs to finance the project Now the project is financed by a combination of me working and renting out one room One-hundred percent of the money our entrepreneurs pay in rent will be returned in full and so everybody has a strong incentive to follow through with the program That may be what makes us sustainablerdquo
Hersquos working on securing corporate sponsorship for the program Meanwhile he wants to help get participating startups to the next level
ldquoWersquore functioning like a pre-accelerator at this point We want to get our startups profitable and then refer them to the Straight Shots so they can focus on growth in a pure accelerator programrdquo
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 55
Mercedes-Benz of Omaha14335 Hillsdale Ave Omaha NE 68137wwwOmahaMercedescomContact John Williams anytime at 4029819262
of Omaha of Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
As Year of the Startup moved into a larger house in Omaharsquos Little Italy district on July 1 and a new class of fellows arrives Hunt says there are ldquointeresting talks happening right now to bring this to other citiesrdquo He and Feldman say economic development agencies are willing to pay a license fee for them to do startup houses in other cities The partners are having proprietary software developed that will enable new startup houses to replicate their branded Omaha model
They look forward to engaging with the emerging 10th Street cultural district but may keep the midtown house to accommodate growth
Hunt and Feldman believe theyrsquore catching the wave or tipping point of a big new startup rush and theyrsquore betting their model is poised to be a niche player in this wild frontier of entrepreneurial prospecting
B2B
56 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
It is an unassuming space but if you have made your way to TD Ameritrade Park Filmstreams or Hot Shops chances are yoursquove passed one of the most vibrant offices in Omaha
The fact that Co-Lab (short for Creative Collaborators) is not a traditional work space is certainly one of its best features Located inside the Tip Top building at 15th and Cumming streets is a project dreamed up by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture who happens to share the main floor of the building Based in the heart of a once-isolated section of the city Co-Labrsquos funky creative vibe is making waves In fact that vibe seeps into Omaharsquos everyday bringing about small changes pushing our city toward a more innovative future
CO-LABGIVING OMAHA WORKERS A MORE
COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE
IN THE OFFICE | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
56
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 57
Home to 18 businesses plus Alley Poyner Macchietto Co-Lab is free of walls and signage It is also free from traditional office norms For instance you donrsquot just walk over to your neighborrsquos space for a brainstorming sessionmdashyou skateboard At least you do if yoursquore Dave Nelson of SecretPenguin a leading experimental branding agency The best part is that the businesses surrounding SecretPenguin appreciate the break from tradition ldquoThatrsquos the beautiful part about being around like-minded good people and businessesrdquo Nelson says
CONTINUED ON 58
58 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 59
CONTINUED FROM 57
In addition to having pathways large enough to skateboard or bike through the space also provides Co-Labbers with a kitchen various conference rooms bike storage bathrooms and a battleground (otherwise known as the ping-pong table) Walking in the main doors clients and employees alike are greeted from the front desk while catching a view of the five-story open atrium basking in the glow of sunshine from the skylight Workers can also access the fitness room and rooftop deck sharing amenities with TipTop apartment residents who use a separate entrance
CONTINUED ON 60
The Harry A Koch CoInsurance amp Financial ConsultantsMember of First Insurance Group LLC
60 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
CONTINUED FROM 59
Businesses in Co-Lab all creativity-related range from entrepreneurs to start-ups to non-profits to small businesses The art varies in form but runs through the space like an electric current At Zicafoose Textiles Mary Zicafoose works steadily on her loom creating gorgeous tapestries 4Site Programming is where Joi Brown works as an independent consultant for performing arts centers across the nation Heartland B-Cycle a large-scale municipal bike sharing system brings art in the form of economical convenience Holly Boyer a founder of non-profit organization Mission Matters explains that one of the best things about having an office at Co-Lab is feeling the innovative positive energy from the moment you walk in the door So while individuals may join Co-Lab with a business-minded focus or a more creative vibe finding a yin to their yang is just a shout away
ldquoThere is certainly a wonderful built-in support network that comes along with working in a collaborative environmentrdquo quips Omaha Creative Institute Executive Director Emily Moody ldquoEverything from sharing ideas and finding ways to collaborate with an organization different than yours to sharing a staplerrdquo
At the heart of making it work says Laura Alley of Alley Poyner itrsquos simply playing well with others
The skateboarding ping-pong playing creatives do that well
B2B
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arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott Enterprises
SCOTTENTERPRISES
In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott EnterprisesFor more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
bull TD Ameritrade Parkbull First National Bank Towerbull Midtown Crossingbull Village Pointe Shopping Centerbull UNO Weber Fine Arts Buildingbull Childrenrsquos Hospital
402-571-2364 | wwwScottEntcom9684 N 109th Street Omaha NE 68142
For more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
TD Ameritrade Park | First National Bank Tower | Midtown Crossing | Village Pointe | Childrenrsquos Hospital Aksarben Village | Joslyn Art Museum | Fred amp Pamela Buffett Cancer Center | UNO Community Arena
6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
AT THE OFFICE amp ON THE GO
Headsets by
Plantronics BackBeat
Fit Bluetooth
Plantronics CS540
Wireless
wwwheadsetterscom wwwcomputeromahacomLocated Inside of Headsetters
SERVICES INCLUDEVirus Check and Removal
Clean Your BrowserRemove Temporary Internet Files
Delete Adware and CookiesDefrag Hard Drives
Intall Current Microsoft PatchesInstall Microsoft Security Updates
Update Drivers
13
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
- BB1015_fntCvr_125
- BB1015_fntEdit_125
- BB1015_bkEdit_125
- BB1015_bkCvr_125
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4
IF PROPERLY STRUCTURED AND DOCUMENTED SELLER FINANCING IS REALLY NO DIFFERENT FROM FINANCING THAT WOULD OTHERWISE BE PROVIDED BY A BANKTYING IT ALL TOGETHEREven the most savvy of ldquonumbers peoplerdquo need a leg up in negotiating a purchase As with so many aspects of doing business retaining experienced legal counsel enables you to keep the focus where it belongsmdashemploying your entrepreneurial skills in the identification and acquisition of profitable business ventures The FIRM
Seller Financing Keeping the Focus Where it Belongs
written by Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
Seller financing can often be a criti-cal factor in getting a business sold
If properly structured and documented seller financing is really no different from financing that would otherwise be provided by a bank Below is a brief guide to navi-gating the issues normally encountered in seller financing
FIRST THINGS FIRSTThe first question is usually that of how to structure and document the financing The buyer should be expected to sign a prom-issory note evidencing the loan from the seller with interest and repayment terms mutually agreeable to both parties The seller might also require that the buyer grant the seller a security interestlien in the pur-chased assets to secure the loan Itrsquos also not unusual for a seller to require that the individual owners of the buyer (assuming the buyer is an entity) personally guarantee the loan In most cases the documents are usually pretty straightforward and do not need to be overly complicated
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Marlon M Lofgren Attorney amp Partner Koley Jessen PC LLO
ADDITIONAL LAYERSIf a bank is also financing the sale the seller will most likely be required by the bank to sign a subordination agreement This is an agreement between the bank usually referred to as the ldquosenior lenderrdquo and the seller referred to as the ldquojunior lenderrdquo A subordination agreement sets forth the terms between the lenders as to each entityrsquos right to receive loan pay-ments from the buyer and the priority of their respective security interestsliens in the purchased assets The document will usually state that the senior lenderrsquos loan and security interestliens shall at all times be superior to those of the junior lender until the senior loan is paid in full Most lenders are willing to discuss and negoti-ate the junior lenderrsquos right to receive loan payments from the borrower Lien priority status however is rarely compromised by senior lenders in subordination agreements The senior lender will insist on having a first priority security interestlien in the pur-chased assets
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Whether yoursquore a first-time entre-preneur or an experienced business
owner purchasing a company is a critical investment financially and emotionally To help increase the likelihood of it being a success in both areas there are a number of aspects to keep in mind when evaluating if a business is the right fit gt
Seasoned Advice for Business Buyers(The Bouncy Kind)
written by Kathy Rygg
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Jerry Rachwalik
5Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
6
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
lt Jerry Rachwalik has been researching companies for the past three years waiting for the right opportunity to arise His search was the result of spending his career work-ing for larger organizations in a number of areas including delivery installation cus-tomer service inventory accounts receiv-ables and scheduling where he managed up to 35 people at a time
Policies and philosophies can change when working for a corporation Sometimes they become less family friendly ldquoWith the previous companies I worked forrdquo Rachwalik says ldquothey switched from caring about em-ployees to making money and the bottom line I stuck it out for several years and then decided I needed something differentrdquo
An entrepreneur by nature Rachwalik has over the last seven years built up a rental business buying foreclosed homes and duplex properties completely reno-vating them and then renting them back out He now has 15 properties and enjoys helping families by providing nice homes that are affordable ldquoI want people to feel good when they come home at night after a long day at workrdquo he says Rachwalik want-ed to find a business that allowed him the flexibility to respond to his tenants when needed from simple plumbing issues to furnaces going kaput
When he first started looking for a new business Rachwalik was drawn to home health care because of his experience help-ing to take care of relatives And it was a growing field Nothing was available at the time so he expanded his options and be-gan researching businesses in a variety of industries Those included a flooring com-pany sandwich shop and even a hair salon
ldquoI was open to anything and if I could make the numbers work then I would consider itrdquo he explains
Then The Firm Business Brokerage pre-sented him with an opportunity that was the right match Bounce U in Omaha There were a number of factors that appealed to Rachwalik First and foremost were the financials but it would also offer him the flexibility he needed for his rental business A big advantage was that an entire team was already in place one seasoned in man-aging staff and scheduling parties ldquoThey do a great jobrdquo he says ldquoI donrsquot plan on making any personnel changesrdquo
But what hersquos most looking forward to with this new venture is the fun positive environment Bounce Ursquos primary business is its birthday party packages featuring the companyrsquos oversized inflatibles and Rachwalik said he canrsquot wait to watch the excitement on the kids faces when they walk through the door ldquoEveryone there is happyrdquo he says ldquoThe kids are happy the parents are happy and the employees running the parties are happy Itrsquoll be a big change from the environments I used to work inrdquo Hersquos already planning to have his twin grand-daughtersrsquo birthday party there too
His transition included a week of training with the companyrsquos corporate facility in Ari-zona as well as on-site training Even though the Omaha location is an existing store all of Rachwalikrsquos training was structured as though itrsquos a brand new site
Bounce U has traditionally partnered with local restaurants to provide food for birth-day parties but Rachwalik wants to explore the option to build a kitchen of his own
He also hopes to continue to grow the business by at least 5 annually ldquoAnything I do I will communicate with my employees and get their input and suggestions firstrdquo he adds
For anyone who is considering buying a business or is going through the process Rachwalik stresses to be open minded and not rule anything out ldquoIf an opportunity is presented to you run the numbers and see if you can make it workrdquo he says ldquoI did a complete flip-flop on the type of business I thought I wanted versus what I ended up purchasing But if you keep looking yoursquoll eventually find a matchrdquo The FIRM
ldquoTHE KIDS ARE HAPPY THE PARENTS ARE HAPPY AND THE EMPLOYEES RUNNING THE PARTIES ARE HAPPY ITrsquoLL BE A BIG CHANGE FROM THE ENVIRONMENTS I USED TO WORK INrdquo
-Jerry Rachwalik
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Fresh Off The Firm Featured Listings for Sale
Suburban Bar amp Grill with VolleyballOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $26413 PRICE $115000
Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity in an area with only two other bars nearby Serving up a gorgeous and well-maintained volleyball court along with pool tables and a jukebox this bar and grill is a favorite with the locals Business is fully staffedmdashowner works very part time hours
Rain Gutter Sales amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $145200 PRICE $415000
This business is a dealer for high-end rain gutter covers These products are con-structed of high-quality aluminum and sur-gical-grade stainless steel and are strong enough to hold up to four feet of snow or 20 pounds of debris Profit margin is 48
Large-Scale Assembly amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $743732 PRICE $2200000
This well-established installation and assembly business in central Nebraska prides itself on providing many numerous building solutions for businesses and building owners in their area They install and assemble metal frames including grain silos pole barns and buildings
Photo Booth Business Running on Autopilot OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $36419 PRICE $88900
Photo booths are the ldquoin thingrdquo at weddings and parties In business for seven years this business is one of the largest in town Wedding couples hoping to capture the fun memories of the day make up 67 of the clients Includes four booths and one trailer
Southwest Omaha Dental PracticeOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $129745 PRICE $380000
Professional staff and excellent customer service are the hallmarks of this practice Using the latest technology the business offers an array of dental services including teeth cleaning veneers crowns bleaching and trauma services The owner is currently working only 20 hours a week
Small Animal Vet Clinic in Omaha OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $158287 PRICE $440000
For over 30 years this animal care clinic has prioritized customer care They are currently offering services to over 2000 families and are the second largest veterinary clinic in the area The business is split 7030 between dogs and cats
Buildersrsquo Material amp Supply CompanyOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $364880 PRICE $933000
This highly reputable company established in 1976 and located just north of Omaha provides quality and reliable services and supplies Building supply inventory includes garage door lumber windows trims siding roofing materials and more Approximately 90 of customers are repeat clientele
High-Growth Plumbing Company OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $157774 PRICE $445000
This non-union plumbing company has consistent growth of over $130000 a year in sales The full service plumbing contractor has business that is currently 50 commercial and 50 residential
90+ available business opportunities for sale Please visit TheFirmBusinessBrokeragecom for details
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
7Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
Matt Cradick
The Deal ReviewReason For Sale Fresh start after 25+ years in the industrySeller Transition Period Over eight monthsType of Sale Asset Purchase AgreementLender Access Bank Mack LaRock
ldquoYOU SHOULD INTERVIEW FOR A BUSINESS JUST LIKE YOU
WOULD FOR A JOBrdquo CRADICK EXPLAINS ldquoIT HAS TO BE THE
RIGHT FIT YOU DONrsquoT WANT TO BE ONE OF THE MANY FA-
TALITIES THAT HAPPEN SO OFTEN IN NEW BUSINESSrdquo
-Shaun Heldt
From Retail to RoofingHow to be Successful When Buying a Business
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Spending almost 20 years working in retail for major corporations and then
buying a siding and roofing contracting company may seem like a major leap but for Matt Cradick owner of Husker Ham-mer Siding Windows and Roofing it was the best business move hersquos ever made And thatrsquos saying a lot for someone who moved 11 times in 19 years across nine different states
Cradick had been living in Houston Texas where he worked for Target Corporation He had worked his way up through the com-pany and another promotion was on the horizon which meant another move With three young children at home Cradick de-cided it was time to put down some roots Having grown up in Lincoln Nebraska he wanted to be near family and Midwestern values He started researching businesses for sale and was eventually led to The Firm which in turn led him to Husker Hammer
The move from a big corporate environ-ment to a small contracting business didnrsquot intimidate Cradick With Target he oversaw 200 people so he knew he brought strong management and operational skills The challenge he says was learning the ins and outs of construction He didnrsquot need to be the one hammering away on the roofmdashhe needed learn a new business segment
ldquoSwitching industries can be nerve-rack-ingrdquo Cradick says ldquobut the owner was will-ing to stay on board for six months during the transitionrdquo That partnership was an invaluable tool during the changeover gt
A Publication of The Firm Business BrokerageA Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
9Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
10
lt Husker Hammer was started in 1998 as a one-man operation and had been built up to a multimillion dollar business Cradick was impressed with the mission statement values system of the company and the strong workforce that was already in place And the price of the company lined up well with the financials ldquoWhat Husker has that others in the industry donrsquotrdquo says the man whose faith is central to his deal-ings ldquois a strong ethical foundation with a Christian backgroundrdquo
There were a number of other elements Cradick sought when buying his business ones he believes all potential business own-ers need to keep in mind The first is to make sure you have a proper support team in place to help make a sound financial deci-sion That includes having a good business valuation and a good business broker who can point you in the right direction to ensure a match for both parties
Once yoursquore in the process of purchasing he adds make sure you have a capable net-work of attorneys a seasoned financial team and solid internal help to ensure yoursquore suc-cessful from the start ldquoYou should interview
for a business just like you would for a jobrdquo Cradick explains ldquoIt has to be the right fit You donrsquot want to be one of the many fatal-ities that happen so often in new businessrdquo
To help ensure the company continues to be successful Cradick plans to main-tain Husker Hammerrsquos competitive edges which he says includes his 11000-sq-ft state-of-the-art showroom in Elkhorn He reformatted the space to better fit his busi-ness model before building out additional second-floor space that is now rented to other entrepreneurs
The showroom features all of the window siding and roofing products available to customers Samples are one thing Cradick says but he knows the power of customers seeing actual colors in actual sizes
ldquoOur philosophy is to build peace of mind for homeowners and be with them every step through the processrdquo he says ldquoWord of mouth is our number one lead source which was true in retail as wellrdquo
Happy employees to Cradick are just as important as happy customers He sub-scribes to a simple philosophymdashlistening to employees and doing so with respect
ldquoWith big corporations you deal with a lot of politicsrdquo he says ldquoNow if therersquos politics itrsquos because Irsquove generated it Itrsquos a nice change to be in a small business where you have more leeway to ensure yoursquore creating a positive work environment which creates a happy workforcerdquo
Working for a smaller company also allows for more opportunities to become involved in the community Husker Hammer is active in local chambers of commerce the Open Door Mission and is currently helping on a Habitat for Humanity build in Waterloo They have also been accredited by the Bet-ter Business Bureau since 2000 and won the Better Business Integrity Award
Cradickrsquos business is currently 90 percent residential and 10 percent commercial He hopes to increase their reach in proper-ty management and general contracting while maintaining the high-quality residen-tial sales that built the business ldquoBecause of our showroomrdquo he says ldquopeople come
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
to us We donrsquot do the high pressure sales at the kitchen table We listen We let the homeowners do the talkingrdquo
Growing geographically is also a goal Cradick hopes to expand to surrounding areas including his hometown of Lincoln
ldquoSo far itrsquos been a great moverdquo he says ldquoand I look forward to continuing to be known as an ethical long-lasting company My daughters and wife are excited to be back in the Midwest around grandparents and family Their school district is great and the full year-round climate has been a welcome change from living in the south Plus I was averaging 50000 miles per year in travel so itrsquos nice to sleep in your own bed every nightrdquo The FIRM
For more information on this or any for sale listings call The Firm Business Brokerage directly
11Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
The Deal ReviewBusiness Established 1987Reason for Sale Retirement (Transla-tion More time with a fishing pole)Ownerrsquos Profit $495004Type of Loan SBA with Core Bank
12
Back to the FutureBuilding a Business Legacy
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Itrsquos not uncommon for someone who has spent a number of years in corporate
America to shift gears into entrepreneur-ship Being your own boss certainly has its advantages But for Scott Beckler who recently purchased Lewis Installers in Gret-na his reason for taking on a new business venture had more to do with honoring not only his fatherrsquos legacy but building one of his own
Beckler started his career as a business education teacher then moved to a corpo-rate career in technology But for a number of years he kept an eye on businesses for sale hoping that just the right opportunity would come along
ldquoMy dad was an entrepreneur who owned his own real estate insurance companyrdquo
Beckler says ldquoDespite the fact he had on-going health issues he still got up every day put on a coat and tie and went out to make a sale He was a very successful busi-nessman and I wanted to honor his legacyrdquo
After contacting The Firm and discuss-ing what he was looking for in a business the team suggested Lewis Installers which specializes in industrial conveyor and rack systems At first it seemed like a big de-parture for him ldquoShelving and logistical systems isnrsquot something that jumps out at yourdquo Beckler says But the more he looked into it the more he realized it had many of the elements he wanted in a business The most obvious advantage was that the company was located in Gretna where he lives Add to that the fact that the seller lives just up the road from him
Scott Beckler
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
For purposes of this article this overview is based on the buying and selling entities being corporations or entities taxed as corporations
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
4420 Izard Street Omaha4022938707 bull 8887380296
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
HAVE YOUR MINOR ROOF LEAKS BECOME A MAJOR ANNOYANCEDonrsquot Wait Any Longer Call Us Now
ldquoAfter meeting him and hitting it offrdquo Beckler says ldquowe quickly realized it was a match on both sidesrdquo
Other signs also pointed in the right di-rection The financials were good The size of the business was ideal The competitive landscape was promising Beckler also real-ized that his corporate background fit well with this new business
ldquoAlthough itrsquos an entirely different indus-tryrdquo he says ldquomany of the business princi-ples are the samehellipproject management customer service delivery vendor man-agement and cost containment Irsquove been doing all of those for yearsrdquo
His background in technology will also be a valuable asset in his new business Not only has he established relationships with large vendors built over the years but his from-the-ground-up experience with data centers means that he is already eying in-novative automation and other technology differentiators At the same time hersquos look-ing forward to learning the daily operations of the company and having a hand in every part of the business from bidding to closing to payroll
ldquoIt will be challenging coming from a big business background where Irsquove only been involved in the peripheryrdquo Beckler says
ldquoNow Irsquoll be involved in all of itrdquo
Lewis Installers being a family-owned business is what hersquos most excited about He says itrsquos a company with a good repu-tation thatrsquos known for quality and meeting deadlinesmdashall driven by a strong Midwest-ern work ethic
Itrsquos the sort of company Beckler believes that would make his father proud
ldquoI want this business to be a legacy for my familyrdquo Beckler says ldquoMy hope is that it could stay in the family with my own kids and grandkidsrdquo The FIRM
13Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Om
aharsquo
s Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
14
When considering the purchase of an existing business very few realize
that lack of experience in an industry can actually lead to success One simply needs a sound financial plan and a good team to fill in the gaps Removing the added stress of fieldwork and focusing solely on the management of finances and operation allows for greater opportunities It makes for the dynamic advantage of some outside impartiality when seeking areas of improve-ment and growth
One man who has made this transition from having marginal knowledge in an in-dustry to leading a successful plumbing and HVAC operation is Mark Evans president of Burton Plumbing Before taking over Burton Evans had a successful plumbing distribu-torship serving four states but it was his desire to own and to travel less that put him into the hands of Burton Friesz The founder of Burton Plumbing Friesz had been a customer and friend of Evansrsquo when the two discussed a possible expansion into residential service Evans put his busi-ness experience to work for Burton in July 1995 and his education in the minutiae of plumbing and HVAC began
While he hasnrsquot worked in the field as a licensed plumbing contractor Evans has dipped his feet in several areas within the running of Burtonhellipand often at the same time Before hiring the essential personnel that have enabled him to narrow his role Ev-ans served as manager marketer customer service representative and dispatcher Such a list of duties for one man is a daunting task but ldquoI worked my way to being able to work on the business rather than in the business [a strategy] taught to me by my business coachrdquo says Evans
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
REMOVING THE ADDED STRESS OF FIELDWORK AND FOCUSING SOLELY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF FINANCES AND OPERATION ALLOWS FOR GREATER OPPORTUNITIES
Executive Impact Moving Into the Boardroom From Employee to President
written by Maureen Tierney | Co-written by Mark Evans and Julie OrsquoBrien
Eventually Evans was able to step back and bring on a general manager and a ware-house operator that has allowed him to
ldquofocus on growth opportunities marketing and cash flowrdquo
Evansrsquo experience is not unique It is com-mon for brokerages to deal with buyers seeking to own companies within a cer-tain field but ldquoonly two people out of the nearly 100 closings [wersquove had] have come in for the same business that they ended up purchasingrdquo says Julie OrsquoBrien client services and paralegal with The Firm What it comes down to is as simple as the bot-tom line Buyers are looking to leverage their talents and experience in a marriage between a management philosophy and business model Those in the market for an acquisition are ldquobuying based on profit number of staff ability to get financing and mostly their strengths and passionsrdquo says OrsquoBrien Experience in a particular industry is certainly valuable but is no predictor of success when the right financial mind comes along
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Even so making up for a lack of practical knowledge requires the proper equipment most notably in the form of managers and employees The right talent in the field can be a growth experience and provide an opportunity to learn the ropes before taking a full swing at things A total deficit in knowl-edge hardly makes for good leadership and for this reason many ldquonew business owners like to take a birdrsquos eye view of the operation rather than diving in and getting their hands dirty right awayhellipgiving them the opportunity to watch [how] things have been done before implementing changesrdquo says OrsquoBrien
Approaching ownership in this way also allows for further financial acquisitions an avenue which Evans has taken In addition to owning Burton Plumbing Evans operates four other companies One might assume this much responsibility to be a stretch but Evans sees his role as ldquokeeping a pulse on things I like to lead people in growth per-sonally and on the business siderdquo
Getting started can be a challenge which is why OrsquoBrien works closely with potential buyers to find the right fit ldquoWe assist all the wayrdquo she says ldquoWe work with the buyer on projections business plans [and] we introduce them to trusted advisorsrdquo from attorneys and CPAs to financial advisors and insurance agents
Itrsquos this helpful backing of experts that eases the difficult task of ownership and only proves that one can certainly switch from a blue collar to a white one The FIRM
CONTRACTING BUSINESSES LISTED BY THE FIRM
201
5 P
roje
cted
201
5 Y
TD
201
4
201
3
201
2
30
0
15
28
14
12
11
16
15Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Omaharsquos Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
It may seem like I pulled a muscle making this stretch but Keith Backsen the new boss at the Omaha Convention amp Visitors Bureau seems to have an awful lot in common with new Husker Coach Mike Riley
Coach Riley spent a total of 14 seasons at Oregon State before heading to Huskerland Backsen also comes from that neck of the woods having spent 11 years of his career in Portland Oregon and another 11 years in Spokane Washington selling both cities as prime places for convention and leisure travelers
At Oregon State Coach Riley built the football program into a consistent winner and regular conference contender At Visit Spokane Backsen opened sales offices in Washington DC and Chicago that led to increased convention bookings Backsen also worked on the public campaign to expand the Spokane Convention Center with a $65 million bond issue The expansion coupled with increased hotel inventory allowed Spokane to pursue large conventions and more than doubled convention bookings in Spokane
Riley has experience at the highest level of football serving as the head coach of the San Diego Chargers and as a head coach in both the Canadian and World Football Leagues Same for Backsen he worked in Dallas and Chicago as the director of sales for Global Experience Specialists a global leader in the world of event planning Backsen supervised five sales offices in a nine-state region generating annual sales in excess of $70 million
Riley is known as one of the most professional and nicest men in the profession a coach who is greatly admired by his peers I kid you not Backsen is described the same way by colleaguesmdashone of the most genuine and skilled men in the business a well respected professional who has the insight and experience to get the job done (Note the $70M stat above)
Come the first game both men will have a stadium filled with fans cheering them on In Backsenrsquos case his stadium is the entire city of Omaha where the fans are the 434353 residents who will reap the rewards of Omaharsquos growing tourism economy
B2B
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 51
51HUSKER
COACH HAS TOURISM
TWIN
OMAHA CVB BY DEB WARD
Deb Ward is the director of marketingcommunications Omaha Convention and Visitorrsquos Bureau
Keith Backsen
52 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Jason Feldman and Sebastian Hunt
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 53
The emerging startup accelerator scene supports creative-minded risk-takers looking for an edge to follow their passion and bring their ideas to fruition
Sebastian Hunt 25 is passionate about giving entrepreneurs like himself a nurturing space to test out their concepts The University of Nebraska at Omaha economics graduate interned with various local employers and surveyed the area startup community when an idea struck him for a by-application curriculum-based residency program serving new entrepreneurs That inspiration turned into Year of the Startup
Launched in 2014 the program operates out of a humble house at 4036 Burt Street in the St Cecilia Cathedral neighborhood Hunt and co-founder Jason Feldman 28 room there with young residency fellows whose startup ventures range from making bio-fuels to providing night owl shuttle services They are a millennial bunch who favor sneakers and sandals They take informal meetings to nearby CaliCommons and Lisarsquos Radial Cafe They variously hunch over laptops or tablets and carry smartphones as appendages
YEAR OF THE STARTUP
ENTREPRENEURAL IMMERSION
This communal work-live space model for business mavericks is new to Omaha The usual startup accelerator is a concentrated 90-day off-site program Omaha has a few of these notably Straight Shot Hunt saw a need for a program that invites a broader range of people into the accelerator fold and supports them much nearer to the start of their dream than other programs
ldquoWe feel like we can take people at very early stages because we are four times as long as the average programrdquo says Hunt who adds that Year of the Startup is also not tech-centric like many programs tend to be ldquoIn our model we substitute intensity for duration I think a lot of the learning here comes through unstructured serendipitous interactions we have that is not curriculum-based itrsquos just happenstance
ldquoWith a house there are so many different ways you can bring ideas and people together I think thatrsquos maybe that critical binding agent and sense of place that helps accomplish thingsrdquo
He says in this intimate environment ldquotherersquos no other choice but to immerse yourself in the settingrdquo adding ldquoWersquore always hanging out in the living room or out back talking about startup stuffmdashmonetization strategies capitalization tables vested equity entity structuresrdquo
ldquoItrsquos this immersive experience of camaraderie of these natural flows and idea generationrdquo Feldman says
Hunt says ldquoThis is very difficult to get bored with because therersquos always somebody whose business is either in crisis or growth stage or some interesting part of the curverdquo
ldquoHow could we get bored when wersquore creating a platform with four startups and all we get to do is ideationrdquo Feldman says ldquoItrsquos a constant buzz we get from interacting with these startup founders and helping them build their ideasrdquo
Built into the program are activities that encourage fellows to break out of their comfort zone and to offer honest criticism of each otherrsquos ideas
Hunt compiles multiple data points on the startups
ldquoWersquore developing really deep insight about how do people start successful businessesrdquo
The program utilizes mentors from the entrepreneurial community
ldquoWe bring in people who are experts in specific areas to talk on those topicsrdquo Feldman says
ldquoThey get ideas flowingrdquo Hunt says of the mentors
Feldman says he regularly covers with fellows ldquothe major components of what you need to look at to start your businessrdquo and then mentors like Mike Kolker owner of graphic design firm Simplify teach lessons about operational efficiency and ldquohow to simplify running a businessrdquo
Hunt is a newcomer to all this and goes by instinct as much as research to support his vision
CONTINUED ON 54
FEATURE | BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
53
54 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
70 Years of Business in Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
4027335500 | 4315 South 50th Street
402-333-5722 bull wwwsw-fencecom
Thanks for Voting SampW Fence the Best Again in 2015
Wersquore Not Just About Fences
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Thank You for Voting Us Best of B2Btrade 4 Years in a Row
AUDIO VISUAL SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDEbull System designengineeringbull Sales
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B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
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aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
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Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
ConnectWITH YOURCOMMUNITY
Donrsquot forget to visitOmahaMagazinecom to read
all of our titles online
Omaha MagazineEncounter B2B 60PlusHerFamily OmahaHome
CONTINUED FROM 53
ldquoI just had an irrational confidence market insights and a great theoretical background thanks to primary research I completed and to lessons I learned from Phillip Phillips Michael OrsquoHara and Art Diamond in UNOrsquos economics department I read constantly about who the players were in the startup world so I was fairly preparedrdquo
Even though he directs a startup program he only started participating in one himself (Venture School) He acknowledges Year of the Startup is a by-the-seat-of-your-pants experiment
ldquoComing out of college I had student loans and not a ton of money Irsquove held two jobs to finance the project Now the project is financed by a combination of me working and renting out one room One-hundred percent of the money our entrepreneurs pay in rent will be returned in full and so everybody has a strong incentive to follow through with the program That may be what makes us sustainablerdquo
Hersquos working on securing corporate sponsorship for the program Meanwhile he wants to help get participating startups to the next level
ldquoWersquore functioning like a pre-accelerator at this point We want to get our startups profitable and then refer them to the Straight Shots so they can focus on growth in a pure accelerator programrdquo
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 55
Mercedes-Benz of Omaha14335 Hillsdale Ave Omaha NE 68137wwwOmahaMercedescomContact John Williams anytime at 4029819262
of Omaha of Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
As Year of the Startup moved into a larger house in Omaharsquos Little Italy district on July 1 and a new class of fellows arrives Hunt says there are ldquointeresting talks happening right now to bring this to other citiesrdquo He and Feldman say economic development agencies are willing to pay a license fee for them to do startup houses in other cities The partners are having proprietary software developed that will enable new startup houses to replicate their branded Omaha model
They look forward to engaging with the emerging 10th Street cultural district but may keep the midtown house to accommodate growth
Hunt and Feldman believe theyrsquore catching the wave or tipping point of a big new startup rush and theyrsquore betting their model is poised to be a niche player in this wild frontier of entrepreneurial prospecting
B2B
56 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
It is an unassuming space but if you have made your way to TD Ameritrade Park Filmstreams or Hot Shops chances are yoursquove passed one of the most vibrant offices in Omaha
The fact that Co-Lab (short for Creative Collaborators) is not a traditional work space is certainly one of its best features Located inside the Tip Top building at 15th and Cumming streets is a project dreamed up by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture who happens to share the main floor of the building Based in the heart of a once-isolated section of the city Co-Labrsquos funky creative vibe is making waves In fact that vibe seeps into Omaharsquos everyday bringing about small changes pushing our city toward a more innovative future
CO-LABGIVING OMAHA WORKERS A MORE
COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE
IN THE OFFICE | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
56
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 57
Home to 18 businesses plus Alley Poyner Macchietto Co-Lab is free of walls and signage It is also free from traditional office norms For instance you donrsquot just walk over to your neighborrsquos space for a brainstorming sessionmdashyou skateboard At least you do if yoursquore Dave Nelson of SecretPenguin a leading experimental branding agency The best part is that the businesses surrounding SecretPenguin appreciate the break from tradition ldquoThatrsquos the beautiful part about being around like-minded good people and businessesrdquo Nelson says
CONTINUED ON 58
58 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 59
CONTINUED FROM 57
In addition to having pathways large enough to skateboard or bike through the space also provides Co-Labbers with a kitchen various conference rooms bike storage bathrooms and a battleground (otherwise known as the ping-pong table) Walking in the main doors clients and employees alike are greeted from the front desk while catching a view of the five-story open atrium basking in the glow of sunshine from the skylight Workers can also access the fitness room and rooftop deck sharing amenities with TipTop apartment residents who use a separate entrance
CONTINUED ON 60
The Harry A Koch CoInsurance amp Financial ConsultantsMember of First Insurance Group LLC
60 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
CONTINUED FROM 59
Businesses in Co-Lab all creativity-related range from entrepreneurs to start-ups to non-profits to small businesses The art varies in form but runs through the space like an electric current At Zicafoose Textiles Mary Zicafoose works steadily on her loom creating gorgeous tapestries 4Site Programming is where Joi Brown works as an independent consultant for performing arts centers across the nation Heartland B-Cycle a large-scale municipal bike sharing system brings art in the form of economical convenience Holly Boyer a founder of non-profit organization Mission Matters explains that one of the best things about having an office at Co-Lab is feeling the innovative positive energy from the moment you walk in the door So while individuals may join Co-Lab with a business-minded focus or a more creative vibe finding a yin to their yang is just a shout away
ldquoThere is certainly a wonderful built-in support network that comes along with working in a collaborative environmentrdquo quips Omaha Creative Institute Executive Director Emily Moody ldquoEverything from sharing ideas and finding ways to collaborate with an organization different than yours to sharing a staplerrdquo
At the heart of making it work says Laura Alley of Alley Poyner itrsquos simply playing well with others
The skateboarding ping-pong playing creatives do that well
B2B
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2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott Enterprises
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In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
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bull TD Ameritrade Parkbull First National Bank Towerbull Midtown Crossingbull Village Pointe Shopping Centerbull UNO Weber Fine Arts Buildingbull Childrenrsquos Hospital
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For more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
TD Ameritrade Park | First National Bank Tower | Midtown Crossing | Village Pointe | Childrenrsquos Hospital Aksarben Village | Joslyn Art Museum | Fred amp Pamela Buffett Cancer Center | UNO Community Arena
6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
AT THE OFFICE amp ON THE GO
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13
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
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-
Whether yoursquore a first-time entre-preneur or an experienced business
owner purchasing a company is a critical investment financially and emotionally To help increase the likelihood of it being a success in both areas there are a number of aspects to keep in mind when evaluating if a business is the right fit gt
Seasoned Advice for Business Buyers(The Bouncy Kind)
written by Kathy Rygg
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Jerry Rachwalik
5Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
6
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
lt Jerry Rachwalik has been researching companies for the past three years waiting for the right opportunity to arise His search was the result of spending his career work-ing for larger organizations in a number of areas including delivery installation cus-tomer service inventory accounts receiv-ables and scheduling where he managed up to 35 people at a time
Policies and philosophies can change when working for a corporation Sometimes they become less family friendly ldquoWith the previous companies I worked forrdquo Rachwalik says ldquothey switched from caring about em-ployees to making money and the bottom line I stuck it out for several years and then decided I needed something differentrdquo
An entrepreneur by nature Rachwalik has over the last seven years built up a rental business buying foreclosed homes and duplex properties completely reno-vating them and then renting them back out He now has 15 properties and enjoys helping families by providing nice homes that are affordable ldquoI want people to feel good when they come home at night after a long day at workrdquo he says Rachwalik want-ed to find a business that allowed him the flexibility to respond to his tenants when needed from simple plumbing issues to furnaces going kaput
When he first started looking for a new business Rachwalik was drawn to home health care because of his experience help-ing to take care of relatives And it was a growing field Nothing was available at the time so he expanded his options and be-gan researching businesses in a variety of industries Those included a flooring com-pany sandwich shop and even a hair salon
ldquoI was open to anything and if I could make the numbers work then I would consider itrdquo he explains
Then The Firm Business Brokerage pre-sented him with an opportunity that was the right match Bounce U in Omaha There were a number of factors that appealed to Rachwalik First and foremost were the financials but it would also offer him the flexibility he needed for his rental business A big advantage was that an entire team was already in place one seasoned in man-aging staff and scheduling parties ldquoThey do a great jobrdquo he says ldquoI donrsquot plan on making any personnel changesrdquo
But what hersquos most looking forward to with this new venture is the fun positive environment Bounce Ursquos primary business is its birthday party packages featuring the companyrsquos oversized inflatibles and Rachwalik said he canrsquot wait to watch the excitement on the kids faces when they walk through the door ldquoEveryone there is happyrdquo he says ldquoThe kids are happy the parents are happy and the employees running the parties are happy Itrsquoll be a big change from the environments I used to work inrdquo Hersquos already planning to have his twin grand-daughtersrsquo birthday party there too
His transition included a week of training with the companyrsquos corporate facility in Ari-zona as well as on-site training Even though the Omaha location is an existing store all of Rachwalikrsquos training was structured as though itrsquos a brand new site
Bounce U has traditionally partnered with local restaurants to provide food for birth-day parties but Rachwalik wants to explore the option to build a kitchen of his own
He also hopes to continue to grow the business by at least 5 annually ldquoAnything I do I will communicate with my employees and get their input and suggestions firstrdquo he adds
For anyone who is considering buying a business or is going through the process Rachwalik stresses to be open minded and not rule anything out ldquoIf an opportunity is presented to you run the numbers and see if you can make it workrdquo he says ldquoI did a complete flip-flop on the type of business I thought I wanted versus what I ended up purchasing But if you keep looking yoursquoll eventually find a matchrdquo The FIRM
ldquoTHE KIDS ARE HAPPY THE PARENTS ARE HAPPY AND THE EMPLOYEES RUNNING THE PARTIES ARE HAPPY ITrsquoLL BE A BIG CHANGE FROM THE ENVIRONMENTS I USED TO WORK INrdquo
-Jerry Rachwalik
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Fresh Off The Firm Featured Listings for Sale
Suburban Bar amp Grill with VolleyballOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $26413 PRICE $115000
Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity in an area with only two other bars nearby Serving up a gorgeous and well-maintained volleyball court along with pool tables and a jukebox this bar and grill is a favorite with the locals Business is fully staffedmdashowner works very part time hours
Rain Gutter Sales amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $145200 PRICE $415000
This business is a dealer for high-end rain gutter covers These products are con-structed of high-quality aluminum and sur-gical-grade stainless steel and are strong enough to hold up to four feet of snow or 20 pounds of debris Profit margin is 48
Large-Scale Assembly amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $743732 PRICE $2200000
This well-established installation and assembly business in central Nebraska prides itself on providing many numerous building solutions for businesses and building owners in their area They install and assemble metal frames including grain silos pole barns and buildings
Photo Booth Business Running on Autopilot OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $36419 PRICE $88900
Photo booths are the ldquoin thingrdquo at weddings and parties In business for seven years this business is one of the largest in town Wedding couples hoping to capture the fun memories of the day make up 67 of the clients Includes four booths and one trailer
Southwest Omaha Dental PracticeOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $129745 PRICE $380000
Professional staff and excellent customer service are the hallmarks of this practice Using the latest technology the business offers an array of dental services including teeth cleaning veneers crowns bleaching and trauma services The owner is currently working only 20 hours a week
Small Animal Vet Clinic in Omaha OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $158287 PRICE $440000
For over 30 years this animal care clinic has prioritized customer care They are currently offering services to over 2000 families and are the second largest veterinary clinic in the area The business is split 7030 between dogs and cats
Buildersrsquo Material amp Supply CompanyOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $364880 PRICE $933000
This highly reputable company established in 1976 and located just north of Omaha provides quality and reliable services and supplies Building supply inventory includes garage door lumber windows trims siding roofing materials and more Approximately 90 of customers are repeat clientele
High-Growth Plumbing Company OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $157774 PRICE $445000
This non-union plumbing company has consistent growth of over $130000 a year in sales The full service plumbing contractor has business that is currently 50 commercial and 50 residential
90+ available business opportunities for sale Please visit TheFirmBusinessBrokeragecom for details
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
7Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
Matt Cradick
The Deal ReviewReason For Sale Fresh start after 25+ years in the industrySeller Transition Period Over eight monthsType of Sale Asset Purchase AgreementLender Access Bank Mack LaRock
ldquoYOU SHOULD INTERVIEW FOR A BUSINESS JUST LIKE YOU
WOULD FOR A JOBrdquo CRADICK EXPLAINS ldquoIT HAS TO BE THE
RIGHT FIT YOU DONrsquoT WANT TO BE ONE OF THE MANY FA-
TALITIES THAT HAPPEN SO OFTEN IN NEW BUSINESSrdquo
-Shaun Heldt
From Retail to RoofingHow to be Successful When Buying a Business
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Spending almost 20 years working in retail for major corporations and then
buying a siding and roofing contracting company may seem like a major leap but for Matt Cradick owner of Husker Ham-mer Siding Windows and Roofing it was the best business move hersquos ever made And thatrsquos saying a lot for someone who moved 11 times in 19 years across nine different states
Cradick had been living in Houston Texas where he worked for Target Corporation He had worked his way up through the com-pany and another promotion was on the horizon which meant another move With three young children at home Cradick de-cided it was time to put down some roots Having grown up in Lincoln Nebraska he wanted to be near family and Midwestern values He started researching businesses for sale and was eventually led to The Firm which in turn led him to Husker Hammer
The move from a big corporate environ-ment to a small contracting business didnrsquot intimidate Cradick With Target he oversaw 200 people so he knew he brought strong management and operational skills The challenge he says was learning the ins and outs of construction He didnrsquot need to be the one hammering away on the roofmdashhe needed learn a new business segment
ldquoSwitching industries can be nerve-rack-ingrdquo Cradick says ldquobut the owner was will-ing to stay on board for six months during the transitionrdquo That partnership was an invaluable tool during the changeover gt
A Publication of The Firm Business BrokerageA Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
9Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
10
lt Husker Hammer was started in 1998 as a one-man operation and had been built up to a multimillion dollar business Cradick was impressed with the mission statement values system of the company and the strong workforce that was already in place And the price of the company lined up well with the financials ldquoWhat Husker has that others in the industry donrsquotrdquo says the man whose faith is central to his deal-ings ldquois a strong ethical foundation with a Christian backgroundrdquo
There were a number of other elements Cradick sought when buying his business ones he believes all potential business own-ers need to keep in mind The first is to make sure you have a proper support team in place to help make a sound financial deci-sion That includes having a good business valuation and a good business broker who can point you in the right direction to ensure a match for both parties
Once yoursquore in the process of purchasing he adds make sure you have a capable net-work of attorneys a seasoned financial team and solid internal help to ensure yoursquore suc-cessful from the start ldquoYou should interview
for a business just like you would for a jobrdquo Cradick explains ldquoIt has to be the right fit You donrsquot want to be one of the many fatal-ities that happen so often in new businessrdquo
To help ensure the company continues to be successful Cradick plans to main-tain Husker Hammerrsquos competitive edges which he says includes his 11000-sq-ft state-of-the-art showroom in Elkhorn He reformatted the space to better fit his busi-ness model before building out additional second-floor space that is now rented to other entrepreneurs
The showroom features all of the window siding and roofing products available to customers Samples are one thing Cradick says but he knows the power of customers seeing actual colors in actual sizes
ldquoOur philosophy is to build peace of mind for homeowners and be with them every step through the processrdquo he says ldquoWord of mouth is our number one lead source which was true in retail as wellrdquo
Happy employees to Cradick are just as important as happy customers He sub-scribes to a simple philosophymdashlistening to employees and doing so with respect
ldquoWith big corporations you deal with a lot of politicsrdquo he says ldquoNow if therersquos politics itrsquos because Irsquove generated it Itrsquos a nice change to be in a small business where you have more leeway to ensure yoursquore creating a positive work environment which creates a happy workforcerdquo
Working for a smaller company also allows for more opportunities to become involved in the community Husker Hammer is active in local chambers of commerce the Open Door Mission and is currently helping on a Habitat for Humanity build in Waterloo They have also been accredited by the Bet-ter Business Bureau since 2000 and won the Better Business Integrity Award
Cradickrsquos business is currently 90 percent residential and 10 percent commercial He hopes to increase their reach in proper-ty management and general contracting while maintaining the high-quality residen-tial sales that built the business ldquoBecause of our showroomrdquo he says ldquopeople come
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
to us We donrsquot do the high pressure sales at the kitchen table We listen We let the homeowners do the talkingrdquo
Growing geographically is also a goal Cradick hopes to expand to surrounding areas including his hometown of Lincoln
ldquoSo far itrsquos been a great moverdquo he says ldquoand I look forward to continuing to be known as an ethical long-lasting company My daughters and wife are excited to be back in the Midwest around grandparents and family Their school district is great and the full year-round climate has been a welcome change from living in the south Plus I was averaging 50000 miles per year in travel so itrsquos nice to sleep in your own bed every nightrdquo The FIRM
For more information on this or any for sale listings call The Firm Business Brokerage directly
11Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
The Deal ReviewBusiness Established 1987Reason for Sale Retirement (Transla-tion More time with a fishing pole)Ownerrsquos Profit $495004Type of Loan SBA with Core Bank
12
Back to the FutureBuilding a Business Legacy
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Itrsquos not uncommon for someone who has spent a number of years in corporate
America to shift gears into entrepreneur-ship Being your own boss certainly has its advantages But for Scott Beckler who recently purchased Lewis Installers in Gret-na his reason for taking on a new business venture had more to do with honoring not only his fatherrsquos legacy but building one of his own
Beckler started his career as a business education teacher then moved to a corpo-rate career in technology But for a number of years he kept an eye on businesses for sale hoping that just the right opportunity would come along
ldquoMy dad was an entrepreneur who owned his own real estate insurance companyrdquo
Beckler says ldquoDespite the fact he had on-going health issues he still got up every day put on a coat and tie and went out to make a sale He was a very successful busi-nessman and I wanted to honor his legacyrdquo
After contacting The Firm and discuss-ing what he was looking for in a business the team suggested Lewis Installers which specializes in industrial conveyor and rack systems At first it seemed like a big de-parture for him ldquoShelving and logistical systems isnrsquot something that jumps out at yourdquo Beckler says But the more he looked into it the more he realized it had many of the elements he wanted in a business The most obvious advantage was that the company was located in Gretna where he lives Add to that the fact that the seller lives just up the road from him
Scott Beckler
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
For purposes of this article this overview is based on the buying and selling entities being corporations or entities taxed as corporations
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
4420 Izard Street Omaha4022938707 bull 8887380296
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
HAVE YOUR MINOR ROOF LEAKS BECOME A MAJOR ANNOYANCEDonrsquot Wait Any Longer Call Us Now
ldquoAfter meeting him and hitting it offrdquo Beckler says ldquowe quickly realized it was a match on both sidesrdquo
Other signs also pointed in the right di-rection The financials were good The size of the business was ideal The competitive landscape was promising Beckler also real-ized that his corporate background fit well with this new business
ldquoAlthough itrsquos an entirely different indus-tryrdquo he says ldquomany of the business princi-ples are the samehellipproject management customer service delivery vendor man-agement and cost containment Irsquove been doing all of those for yearsrdquo
His background in technology will also be a valuable asset in his new business Not only has he established relationships with large vendors built over the years but his from-the-ground-up experience with data centers means that he is already eying in-novative automation and other technology differentiators At the same time hersquos look-ing forward to learning the daily operations of the company and having a hand in every part of the business from bidding to closing to payroll
ldquoIt will be challenging coming from a big business background where Irsquove only been involved in the peripheryrdquo Beckler says
ldquoNow Irsquoll be involved in all of itrdquo
Lewis Installers being a family-owned business is what hersquos most excited about He says itrsquos a company with a good repu-tation thatrsquos known for quality and meeting deadlinesmdashall driven by a strong Midwest-ern work ethic
Itrsquos the sort of company Beckler believes that would make his father proud
ldquoI want this business to be a legacy for my familyrdquo Beckler says ldquoMy hope is that it could stay in the family with my own kids and grandkidsrdquo The FIRM
13Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Om
aharsquo
s Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
14
When considering the purchase of an existing business very few realize
that lack of experience in an industry can actually lead to success One simply needs a sound financial plan and a good team to fill in the gaps Removing the added stress of fieldwork and focusing solely on the management of finances and operation allows for greater opportunities It makes for the dynamic advantage of some outside impartiality when seeking areas of improve-ment and growth
One man who has made this transition from having marginal knowledge in an in-dustry to leading a successful plumbing and HVAC operation is Mark Evans president of Burton Plumbing Before taking over Burton Evans had a successful plumbing distribu-torship serving four states but it was his desire to own and to travel less that put him into the hands of Burton Friesz The founder of Burton Plumbing Friesz had been a customer and friend of Evansrsquo when the two discussed a possible expansion into residential service Evans put his busi-ness experience to work for Burton in July 1995 and his education in the minutiae of plumbing and HVAC began
While he hasnrsquot worked in the field as a licensed plumbing contractor Evans has dipped his feet in several areas within the running of Burtonhellipand often at the same time Before hiring the essential personnel that have enabled him to narrow his role Ev-ans served as manager marketer customer service representative and dispatcher Such a list of duties for one man is a daunting task but ldquoI worked my way to being able to work on the business rather than in the business [a strategy] taught to me by my business coachrdquo says Evans
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
REMOVING THE ADDED STRESS OF FIELDWORK AND FOCUSING SOLELY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF FINANCES AND OPERATION ALLOWS FOR GREATER OPPORTUNITIES
Executive Impact Moving Into the Boardroom From Employee to President
written by Maureen Tierney | Co-written by Mark Evans and Julie OrsquoBrien
Eventually Evans was able to step back and bring on a general manager and a ware-house operator that has allowed him to
ldquofocus on growth opportunities marketing and cash flowrdquo
Evansrsquo experience is not unique It is com-mon for brokerages to deal with buyers seeking to own companies within a cer-tain field but ldquoonly two people out of the nearly 100 closings [wersquove had] have come in for the same business that they ended up purchasingrdquo says Julie OrsquoBrien client services and paralegal with The Firm What it comes down to is as simple as the bot-tom line Buyers are looking to leverage their talents and experience in a marriage between a management philosophy and business model Those in the market for an acquisition are ldquobuying based on profit number of staff ability to get financing and mostly their strengths and passionsrdquo says OrsquoBrien Experience in a particular industry is certainly valuable but is no predictor of success when the right financial mind comes along
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Even so making up for a lack of practical knowledge requires the proper equipment most notably in the form of managers and employees The right talent in the field can be a growth experience and provide an opportunity to learn the ropes before taking a full swing at things A total deficit in knowl-edge hardly makes for good leadership and for this reason many ldquonew business owners like to take a birdrsquos eye view of the operation rather than diving in and getting their hands dirty right awayhellipgiving them the opportunity to watch [how] things have been done before implementing changesrdquo says OrsquoBrien
Approaching ownership in this way also allows for further financial acquisitions an avenue which Evans has taken In addition to owning Burton Plumbing Evans operates four other companies One might assume this much responsibility to be a stretch but Evans sees his role as ldquokeeping a pulse on things I like to lead people in growth per-sonally and on the business siderdquo
Getting started can be a challenge which is why OrsquoBrien works closely with potential buyers to find the right fit ldquoWe assist all the wayrdquo she says ldquoWe work with the buyer on projections business plans [and] we introduce them to trusted advisorsrdquo from attorneys and CPAs to financial advisors and insurance agents
Itrsquos this helpful backing of experts that eases the difficult task of ownership and only proves that one can certainly switch from a blue collar to a white one The FIRM
CONTRACTING BUSINESSES LISTED BY THE FIRM
201
5 P
roje
cted
201
5 Y
TD
201
4
201
3
201
2
30
0
15
28
14
12
11
16
15Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Omaharsquos Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
It may seem like I pulled a muscle making this stretch but Keith Backsen the new boss at the Omaha Convention amp Visitors Bureau seems to have an awful lot in common with new Husker Coach Mike Riley
Coach Riley spent a total of 14 seasons at Oregon State before heading to Huskerland Backsen also comes from that neck of the woods having spent 11 years of his career in Portland Oregon and another 11 years in Spokane Washington selling both cities as prime places for convention and leisure travelers
At Oregon State Coach Riley built the football program into a consistent winner and regular conference contender At Visit Spokane Backsen opened sales offices in Washington DC and Chicago that led to increased convention bookings Backsen also worked on the public campaign to expand the Spokane Convention Center with a $65 million bond issue The expansion coupled with increased hotel inventory allowed Spokane to pursue large conventions and more than doubled convention bookings in Spokane
Riley has experience at the highest level of football serving as the head coach of the San Diego Chargers and as a head coach in both the Canadian and World Football Leagues Same for Backsen he worked in Dallas and Chicago as the director of sales for Global Experience Specialists a global leader in the world of event planning Backsen supervised five sales offices in a nine-state region generating annual sales in excess of $70 million
Riley is known as one of the most professional and nicest men in the profession a coach who is greatly admired by his peers I kid you not Backsen is described the same way by colleaguesmdashone of the most genuine and skilled men in the business a well respected professional who has the insight and experience to get the job done (Note the $70M stat above)
Come the first game both men will have a stadium filled with fans cheering them on In Backsenrsquos case his stadium is the entire city of Omaha where the fans are the 434353 residents who will reap the rewards of Omaharsquos growing tourism economy
B2B
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 51
51HUSKER
COACH HAS TOURISM
TWIN
OMAHA CVB BY DEB WARD
Deb Ward is the director of marketingcommunications Omaha Convention and Visitorrsquos Bureau
Keith Backsen
52 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Jason Feldman and Sebastian Hunt
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 53
The emerging startup accelerator scene supports creative-minded risk-takers looking for an edge to follow their passion and bring their ideas to fruition
Sebastian Hunt 25 is passionate about giving entrepreneurs like himself a nurturing space to test out their concepts The University of Nebraska at Omaha economics graduate interned with various local employers and surveyed the area startup community when an idea struck him for a by-application curriculum-based residency program serving new entrepreneurs That inspiration turned into Year of the Startup
Launched in 2014 the program operates out of a humble house at 4036 Burt Street in the St Cecilia Cathedral neighborhood Hunt and co-founder Jason Feldman 28 room there with young residency fellows whose startup ventures range from making bio-fuels to providing night owl shuttle services They are a millennial bunch who favor sneakers and sandals They take informal meetings to nearby CaliCommons and Lisarsquos Radial Cafe They variously hunch over laptops or tablets and carry smartphones as appendages
YEAR OF THE STARTUP
ENTREPRENEURAL IMMERSION
This communal work-live space model for business mavericks is new to Omaha The usual startup accelerator is a concentrated 90-day off-site program Omaha has a few of these notably Straight Shot Hunt saw a need for a program that invites a broader range of people into the accelerator fold and supports them much nearer to the start of their dream than other programs
ldquoWe feel like we can take people at very early stages because we are four times as long as the average programrdquo says Hunt who adds that Year of the Startup is also not tech-centric like many programs tend to be ldquoIn our model we substitute intensity for duration I think a lot of the learning here comes through unstructured serendipitous interactions we have that is not curriculum-based itrsquos just happenstance
ldquoWith a house there are so many different ways you can bring ideas and people together I think thatrsquos maybe that critical binding agent and sense of place that helps accomplish thingsrdquo
He says in this intimate environment ldquotherersquos no other choice but to immerse yourself in the settingrdquo adding ldquoWersquore always hanging out in the living room or out back talking about startup stuffmdashmonetization strategies capitalization tables vested equity entity structuresrdquo
ldquoItrsquos this immersive experience of camaraderie of these natural flows and idea generationrdquo Feldman says
Hunt says ldquoThis is very difficult to get bored with because therersquos always somebody whose business is either in crisis or growth stage or some interesting part of the curverdquo
ldquoHow could we get bored when wersquore creating a platform with four startups and all we get to do is ideationrdquo Feldman says ldquoItrsquos a constant buzz we get from interacting with these startup founders and helping them build their ideasrdquo
Built into the program are activities that encourage fellows to break out of their comfort zone and to offer honest criticism of each otherrsquos ideas
Hunt compiles multiple data points on the startups
ldquoWersquore developing really deep insight about how do people start successful businessesrdquo
The program utilizes mentors from the entrepreneurial community
ldquoWe bring in people who are experts in specific areas to talk on those topicsrdquo Feldman says
ldquoThey get ideas flowingrdquo Hunt says of the mentors
Feldman says he regularly covers with fellows ldquothe major components of what you need to look at to start your businessrdquo and then mentors like Mike Kolker owner of graphic design firm Simplify teach lessons about operational efficiency and ldquohow to simplify running a businessrdquo
Hunt is a newcomer to all this and goes by instinct as much as research to support his vision
CONTINUED ON 54
FEATURE | BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
53
54 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
70 Years of Business in Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
4027335500 | 4315 South 50th Street
402-333-5722 bull wwwsw-fencecom
Thanks for Voting SampW Fence the Best Again in 2015
Wersquore Not Just About Fences
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Thank You for Voting Us Best of B2Btrade 4 Years in a Row
AUDIO VISUAL SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDEbull System designengineeringbull Sales
bull Installationbull Maintenance and Service
bull Equipment Rental and Operation
2700 sq ft of rental facility for conferencing meetings training sessions receptions gatherings webinars
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER 2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
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ConnectWITH YOURCOMMUNITY
Donrsquot forget to visitOmahaMagazinecom to read
all of our titles online
Omaha MagazineEncounter B2B 60PlusHerFamily OmahaHome
CONTINUED FROM 53
ldquoI just had an irrational confidence market insights and a great theoretical background thanks to primary research I completed and to lessons I learned from Phillip Phillips Michael OrsquoHara and Art Diamond in UNOrsquos economics department I read constantly about who the players were in the startup world so I was fairly preparedrdquo
Even though he directs a startup program he only started participating in one himself (Venture School) He acknowledges Year of the Startup is a by-the-seat-of-your-pants experiment
ldquoComing out of college I had student loans and not a ton of money Irsquove held two jobs to finance the project Now the project is financed by a combination of me working and renting out one room One-hundred percent of the money our entrepreneurs pay in rent will be returned in full and so everybody has a strong incentive to follow through with the program That may be what makes us sustainablerdquo
Hersquos working on securing corporate sponsorship for the program Meanwhile he wants to help get participating startups to the next level
ldquoWersquore functioning like a pre-accelerator at this point We want to get our startups profitable and then refer them to the Straight Shots so they can focus on growth in a pure accelerator programrdquo
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 55
Mercedes-Benz of Omaha14335 Hillsdale Ave Omaha NE 68137wwwOmahaMercedescomContact John Williams anytime at 4029819262
of Omaha of Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
As Year of the Startup moved into a larger house in Omaharsquos Little Italy district on July 1 and a new class of fellows arrives Hunt says there are ldquointeresting talks happening right now to bring this to other citiesrdquo He and Feldman say economic development agencies are willing to pay a license fee for them to do startup houses in other cities The partners are having proprietary software developed that will enable new startup houses to replicate their branded Omaha model
They look forward to engaging with the emerging 10th Street cultural district but may keep the midtown house to accommodate growth
Hunt and Feldman believe theyrsquore catching the wave or tipping point of a big new startup rush and theyrsquore betting their model is poised to be a niche player in this wild frontier of entrepreneurial prospecting
B2B
56 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
It is an unassuming space but if you have made your way to TD Ameritrade Park Filmstreams or Hot Shops chances are yoursquove passed one of the most vibrant offices in Omaha
The fact that Co-Lab (short for Creative Collaborators) is not a traditional work space is certainly one of its best features Located inside the Tip Top building at 15th and Cumming streets is a project dreamed up by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture who happens to share the main floor of the building Based in the heart of a once-isolated section of the city Co-Labrsquos funky creative vibe is making waves In fact that vibe seeps into Omaharsquos everyday bringing about small changes pushing our city toward a more innovative future
CO-LABGIVING OMAHA WORKERS A MORE
COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE
IN THE OFFICE | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
56
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 57
Home to 18 businesses plus Alley Poyner Macchietto Co-Lab is free of walls and signage It is also free from traditional office norms For instance you donrsquot just walk over to your neighborrsquos space for a brainstorming sessionmdashyou skateboard At least you do if yoursquore Dave Nelson of SecretPenguin a leading experimental branding agency The best part is that the businesses surrounding SecretPenguin appreciate the break from tradition ldquoThatrsquos the beautiful part about being around like-minded good people and businessesrdquo Nelson says
CONTINUED ON 58
58 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 59
CONTINUED FROM 57
In addition to having pathways large enough to skateboard or bike through the space also provides Co-Labbers with a kitchen various conference rooms bike storage bathrooms and a battleground (otherwise known as the ping-pong table) Walking in the main doors clients and employees alike are greeted from the front desk while catching a view of the five-story open atrium basking in the glow of sunshine from the skylight Workers can also access the fitness room and rooftop deck sharing amenities with TipTop apartment residents who use a separate entrance
CONTINUED ON 60
The Harry A Koch CoInsurance amp Financial ConsultantsMember of First Insurance Group LLC
60 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
CONTINUED FROM 59
Businesses in Co-Lab all creativity-related range from entrepreneurs to start-ups to non-profits to small businesses The art varies in form but runs through the space like an electric current At Zicafoose Textiles Mary Zicafoose works steadily on her loom creating gorgeous tapestries 4Site Programming is where Joi Brown works as an independent consultant for performing arts centers across the nation Heartland B-Cycle a large-scale municipal bike sharing system brings art in the form of economical convenience Holly Boyer a founder of non-profit organization Mission Matters explains that one of the best things about having an office at Co-Lab is feeling the innovative positive energy from the moment you walk in the door So while individuals may join Co-Lab with a business-minded focus or a more creative vibe finding a yin to their yang is just a shout away
ldquoThere is certainly a wonderful built-in support network that comes along with working in a collaborative environmentrdquo quips Omaha Creative Institute Executive Director Emily Moody ldquoEverything from sharing ideas and finding ways to collaborate with an organization different than yours to sharing a staplerrdquo
At the heart of making it work says Laura Alley of Alley Poyner itrsquos simply playing well with others
The skateboarding ping-pong playing creatives do that well
B2B
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9684 N 109th Ave bull Omaha NE 68142 bull 402-571-2364 bull scottentcom
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott Enterprises
SCOTTENTERPRISES
In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott EnterprisesFor more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
bull TD Ameritrade Parkbull First National Bank Towerbull Midtown Crossingbull Village Pointe Shopping Centerbull UNO Weber Fine Arts Buildingbull Childrenrsquos Hospital
402-571-2364 | wwwScottEntcom9684 N 109th Street Omaha NE 68142
For more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
TD Ameritrade Park | First National Bank Tower | Midtown Crossing | Village Pointe | Childrenrsquos Hospital Aksarben Village | Joslyn Art Museum | Fred amp Pamela Buffett Cancer Center | UNO Community Arena
6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
AT THE OFFICE amp ON THE GO
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13
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
- BB1015_fntCvr_125
- BB1015_fntEdit_125
- BB1015_bkEdit_125
- BB1015_bkCvr_125
-
6
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
lt Jerry Rachwalik has been researching companies for the past three years waiting for the right opportunity to arise His search was the result of spending his career work-ing for larger organizations in a number of areas including delivery installation cus-tomer service inventory accounts receiv-ables and scheduling where he managed up to 35 people at a time
Policies and philosophies can change when working for a corporation Sometimes they become less family friendly ldquoWith the previous companies I worked forrdquo Rachwalik says ldquothey switched from caring about em-ployees to making money and the bottom line I stuck it out for several years and then decided I needed something differentrdquo
An entrepreneur by nature Rachwalik has over the last seven years built up a rental business buying foreclosed homes and duplex properties completely reno-vating them and then renting them back out He now has 15 properties and enjoys helping families by providing nice homes that are affordable ldquoI want people to feel good when they come home at night after a long day at workrdquo he says Rachwalik want-ed to find a business that allowed him the flexibility to respond to his tenants when needed from simple plumbing issues to furnaces going kaput
When he first started looking for a new business Rachwalik was drawn to home health care because of his experience help-ing to take care of relatives And it was a growing field Nothing was available at the time so he expanded his options and be-gan researching businesses in a variety of industries Those included a flooring com-pany sandwich shop and even a hair salon
ldquoI was open to anything and if I could make the numbers work then I would consider itrdquo he explains
Then The Firm Business Brokerage pre-sented him with an opportunity that was the right match Bounce U in Omaha There were a number of factors that appealed to Rachwalik First and foremost were the financials but it would also offer him the flexibility he needed for his rental business A big advantage was that an entire team was already in place one seasoned in man-aging staff and scheduling parties ldquoThey do a great jobrdquo he says ldquoI donrsquot plan on making any personnel changesrdquo
But what hersquos most looking forward to with this new venture is the fun positive environment Bounce Ursquos primary business is its birthday party packages featuring the companyrsquos oversized inflatibles and Rachwalik said he canrsquot wait to watch the excitement on the kids faces when they walk through the door ldquoEveryone there is happyrdquo he says ldquoThe kids are happy the parents are happy and the employees running the parties are happy Itrsquoll be a big change from the environments I used to work inrdquo Hersquos already planning to have his twin grand-daughtersrsquo birthday party there too
His transition included a week of training with the companyrsquos corporate facility in Ari-zona as well as on-site training Even though the Omaha location is an existing store all of Rachwalikrsquos training was structured as though itrsquos a brand new site
Bounce U has traditionally partnered with local restaurants to provide food for birth-day parties but Rachwalik wants to explore the option to build a kitchen of his own
He also hopes to continue to grow the business by at least 5 annually ldquoAnything I do I will communicate with my employees and get their input and suggestions firstrdquo he adds
For anyone who is considering buying a business or is going through the process Rachwalik stresses to be open minded and not rule anything out ldquoIf an opportunity is presented to you run the numbers and see if you can make it workrdquo he says ldquoI did a complete flip-flop on the type of business I thought I wanted versus what I ended up purchasing But if you keep looking yoursquoll eventually find a matchrdquo The FIRM
ldquoTHE KIDS ARE HAPPY THE PARENTS ARE HAPPY AND THE EMPLOYEES RUNNING THE PARTIES ARE HAPPY ITrsquoLL BE A BIG CHANGE FROM THE ENVIRONMENTS I USED TO WORK INrdquo
-Jerry Rachwalik
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
Fresh Off The Firm Featured Listings for Sale
Suburban Bar amp Grill with VolleyballOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $26413 PRICE $115000
Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity in an area with only two other bars nearby Serving up a gorgeous and well-maintained volleyball court along with pool tables and a jukebox this bar and grill is a favorite with the locals Business is fully staffedmdashowner works very part time hours
Rain Gutter Sales amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $145200 PRICE $415000
This business is a dealer for high-end rain gutter covers These products are con-structed of high-quality aluminum and sur-gical-grade stainless steel and are strong enough to hold up to four feet of snow or 20 pounds of debris Profit margin is 48
Large-Scale Assembly amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $743732 PRICE $2200000
This well-established installation and assembly business in central Nebraska prides itself on providing many numerous building solutions for businesses and building owners in their area They install and assemble metal frames including grain silos pole barns and buildings
Photo Booth Business Running on Autopilot OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $36419 PRICE $88900
Photo booths are the ldquoin thingrdquo at weddings and parties In business for seven years this business is one of the largest in town Wedding couples hoping to capture the fun memories of the day make up 67 of the clients Includes four booths and one trailer
Southwest Omaha Dental PracticeOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $129745 PRICE $380000
Professional staff and excellent customer service are the hallmarks of this practice Using the latest technology the business offers an array of dental services including teeth cleaning veneers crowns bleaching and trauma services The owner is currently working only 20 hours a week
Small Animal Vet Clinic in Omaha OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $158287 PRICE $440000
For over 30 years this animal care clinic has prioritized customer care They are currently offering services to over 2000 families and are the second largest veterinary clinic in the area The business is split 7030 between dogs and cats
Buildersrsquo Material amp Supply CompanyOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $364880 PRICE $933000
This highly reputable company established in 1976 and located just north of Omaha provides quality and reliable services and supplies Building supply inventory includes garage door lumber windows trims siding roofing materials and more Approximately 90 of customers are repeat clientele
High-Growth Plumbing Company OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $157774 PRICE $445000
This non-union plumbing company has consistent growth of over $130000 a year in sales The full service plumbing contractor has business that is currently 50 commercial and 50 residential
90+ available business opportunities for sale Please visit TheFirmBusinessBrokeragecom for details
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
7Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
Matt Cradick
The Deal ReviewReason For Sale Fresh start after 25+ years in the industrySeller Transition Period Over eight monthsType of Sale Asset Purchase AgreementLender Access Bank Mack LaRock
ldquoYOU SHOULD INTERVIEW FOR A BUSINESS JUST LIKE YOU
WOULD FOR A JOBrdquo CRADICK EXPLAINS ldquoIT HAS TO BE THE
RIGHT FIT YOU DONrsquoT WANT TO BE ONE OF THE MANY FA-
TALITIES THAT HAPPEN SO OFTEN IN NEW BUSINESSrdquo
-Shaun Heldt
From Retail to RoofingHow to be Successful When Buying a Business
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Spending almost 20 years working in retail for major corporations and then
buying a siding and roofing contracting company may seem like a major leap but for Matt Cradick owner of Husker Ham-mer Siding Windows and Roofing it was the best business move hersquos ever made And thatrsquos saying a lot for someone who moved 11 times in 19 years across nine different states
Cradick had been living in Houston Texas where he worked for Target Corporation He had worked his way up through the com-pany and another promotion was on the horizon which meant another move With three young children at home Cradick de-cided it was time to put down some roots Having grown up in Lincoln Nebraska he wanted to be near family and Midwestern values He started researching businesses for sale and was eventually led to The Firm which in turn led him to Husker Hammer
The move from a big corporate environ-ment to a small contracting business didnrsquot intimidate Cradick With Target he oversaw 200 people so he knew he brought strong management and operational skills The challenge he says was learning the ins and outs of construction He didnrsquot need to be the one hammering away on the roofmdashhe needed learn a new business segment
ldquoSwitching industries can be nerve-rack-ingrdquo Cradick says ldquobut the owner was will-ing to stay on board for six months during the transitionrdquo That partnership was an invaluable tool during the changeover gt
A Publication of The Firm Business BrokerageA Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
9Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
10
lt Husker Hammer was started in 1998 as a one-man operation and had been built up to a multimillion dollar business Cradick was impressed with the mission statement values system of the company and the strong workforce that was already in place And the price of the company lined up well with the financials ldquoWhat Husker has that others in the industry donrsquotrdquo says the man whose faith is central to his deal-ings ldquois a strong ethical foundation with a Christian backgroundrdquo
There were a number of other elements Cradick sought when buying his business ones he believes all potential business own-ers need to keep in mind The first is to make sure you have a proper support team in place to help make a sound financial deci-sion That includes having a good business valuation and a good business broker who can point you in the right direction to ensure a match for both parties
Once yoursquore in the process of purchasing he adds make sure you have a capable net-work of attorneys a seasoned financial team and solid internal help to ensure yoursquore suc-cessful from the start ldquoYou should interview
for a business just like you would for a jobrdquo Cradick explains ldquoIt has to be the right fit You donrsquot want to be one of the many fatal-ities that happen so often in new businessrdquo
To help ensure the company continues to be successful Cradick plans to main-tain Husker Hammerrsquos competitive edges which he says includes his 11000-sq-ft state-of-the-art showroom in Elkhorn He reformatted the space to better fit his busi-ness model before building out additional second-floor space that is now rented to other entrepreneurs
The showroom features all of the window siding and roofing products available to customers Samples are one thing Cradick says but he knows the power of customers seeing actual colors in actual sizes
ldquoOur philosophy is to build peace of mind for homeowners and be with them every step through the processrdquo he says ldquoWord of mouth is our number one lead source which was true in retail as wellrdquo
Happy employees to Cradick are just as important as happy customers He sub-scribes to a simple philosophymdashlistening to employees and doing so with respect
ldquoWith big corporations you deal with a lot of politicsrdquo he says ldquoNow if therersquos politics itrsquos because Irsquove generated it Itrsquos a nice change to be in a small business where you have more leeway to ensure yoursquore creating a positive work environment which creates a happy workforcerdquo
Working for a smaller company also allows for more opportunities to become involved in the community Husker Hammer is active in local chambers of commerce the Open Door Mission and is currently helping on a Habitat for Humanity build in Waterloo They have also been accredited by the Bet-ter Business Bureau since 2000 and won the Better Business Integrity Award
Cradickrsquos business is currently 90 percent residential and 10 percent commercial He hopes to increase their reach in proper-ty management and general contracting while maintaining the high-quality residen-tial sales that built the business ldquoBecause of our showroomrdquo he says ldquopeople come
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
to us We donrsquot do the high pressure sales at the kitchen table We listen We let the homeowners do the talkingrdquo
Growing geographically is also a goal Cradick hopes to expand to surrounding areas including his hometown of Lincoln
ldquoSo far itrsquos been a great moverdquo he says ldquoand I look forward to continuing to be known as an ethical long-lasting company My daughters and wife are excited to be back in the Midwest around grandparents and family Their school district is great and the full year-round climate has been a welcome change from living in the south Plus I was averaging 50000 miles per year in travel so itrsquos nice to sleep in your own bed every nightrdquo The FIRM
For more information on this or any for sale listings call The Firm Business Brokerage directly
11Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
The Deal ReviewBusiness Established 1987Reason for Sale Retirement (Transla-tion More time with a fishing pole)Ownerrsquos Profit $495004Type of Loan SBA with Core Bank
12
Back to the FutureBuilding a Business Legacy
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Itrsquos not uncommon for someone who has spent a number of years in corporate
America to shift gears into entrepreneur-ship Being your own boss certainly has its advantages But for Scott Beckler who recently purchased Lewis Installers in Gret-na his reason for taking on a new business venture had more to do with honoring not only his fatherrsquos legacy but building one of his own
Beckler started his career as a business education teacher then moved to a corpo-rate career in technology But for a number of years he kept an eye on businesses for sale hoping that just the right opportunity would come along
ldquoMy dad was an entrepreneur who owned his own real estate insurance companyrdquo
Beckler says ldquoDespite the fact he had on-going health issues he still got up every day put on a coat and tie and went out to make a sale He was a very successful busi-nessman and I wanted to honor his legacyrdquo
After contacting The Firm and discuss-ing what he was looking for in a business the team suggested Lewis Installers which specializes in industrial conveyor and rack systems At first it seemed like a big de-parture for him ldquoShelving and logistical systems isnrsquot something that jumps out at yourdquo Beckler says But the more he looked into it the more he realized it had many of the elements he wanted in a business The most obvious advantage was that the company was located in Gretna where he lives Add to that the fact that the seller lives just up the road from him
Scott Beckler
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
For purposes of this article this overview is based on the buying and selling entities being corporations or entities taxed as corporations
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
4420 Izard Street Omaha4022938707 bull 8887380296
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
HAVE YOUR MINOR ROOF LEAKS BECOME A MAJOR ANNOYANCEDonrsquot Wait Any Longer Call Us Now
ldquoAfter meeting him and hitting it offrdquo Beckler says ldquowe quickly realized it was a match on both sidesrdquo
Other signs also pointed in the right di-rection The financials were good The size of the business was ideal The competitive landscape was promising Beckler also real-ized that his corporate background fit well with this new business
ldquoAlthough itrsquos an entirely different indus-tryrdquo he says ldquomany of the business princi-ples are the samehellipproject management customer service delivery vendor man-agement and cost containment Irsquove been doing all of those for yearsrdquo
His background in technology will also be a valuable asset in his new business Not only has he established relationships with large vendors built over the years but his from-the-ground-up experience with data centers means that he is already eying in-novative automation and other technology differentiators At the same time hersquos look-ing forward to learning the daily operations of the company and having a hand in every part of the business from bidding to closing to payroll
ldquoIt will be challenging coming from a big business background where Irsquove only been involved in the peripheryrdquo Beckler says
ldquoNow Irsquoll be involved in all of itrdquo
Lewis Installers being a family-owned business is what hersquos most excited about He says itrsquos a company with a good repu-tation thatrsquos known for quality and meeting deadlinesmdashall driven by a strong Midwest-ern work ethic
Itrsquos the sort of company Beckler believes that would make his father proud
ldquoI want this business to be a legacy for my familyrdquo Beckler says ldquoMy hope is that it could stay in the family with my own kids and grandkidsrdquo The FIRM
13Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Om
aharsquo
s Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
14
When considering the purchase of an existing business very few realize
that lack of experience in an industry can actually lead to success One simply needs a sound financial plan and a good team to fill in the gaps Removing the added stress of fieldwork and focusing solely on the management of finances and operation allows for greater opportunities It makes for the dynamic advantage of some outside impartiality when seeking areas of improve-ment and growth
One man who has made this transition from having marginal knowledge in an in-dustry to leading a successful plumbing and HVAC operation is Mark Evans president of Burton Plumbing Before taking over Burton Evans had a successful plumbing distribu-torship serving four states but it was his desire to own and to travel less that put him into the hands of Burton Friesz The founder of Burton Plumbing Friesz had been a customer and friend of Evansrsquo when the two discussed a possible expansion into residential service Evans put his busi-ness experience to work for Burton in July 1995 and his education in the minutiae of plumbing and HVAC began
While he hasnrsquot worked in the field as a licensed plumbing contractor Evans has dipped his feet in several areas within the running of Burtonhellipand often at the same time Before hiring the essential personnel that have enabled him to narrow his role Ev-ans served as manager marketer customer service representative and dispatcher Such a list of duties for one man is a daunting task but ldquoI worked my way to being able to work on the business rather than in the business [a strategy] taught to me by my business coachrdquo says Evans
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
REMOVING THE ADDED STRESS OF FIELDWORK AND FOCUSING SOLELY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF FINANCES AND OPERATION ALLOWS FOR GREATER OPPORTUNITIES
Executive Impact Moving Into the Boardroom From Employee to President
written by Maureen Tierney | Co-written by Mark Evans and Julie OrsquoBrien
Eventually Evans was able to step back and bring on a general manager and a ware-house operator that has allowed him to
ldquofocus on growth opportunities marketing and cash flowrdquo
Evansrsquo experience is not unique It is com-mon for brokerages to deal with buyers seeking to own companies within a cer-tain field but ldquoonly two people out of the nearly 100 closings [wersquove had] have come in for the same business that they ended up purchasingrdquo says Julie OrsquoBrien client services and paralegal with The Firm What it comes down to is as simple as the bot-tom line Buyers are looking to leverage their talents and experience in a marriage between a management philosophy and business model Those in the market for an acquisition are ldquobuying based on profit number of staff ability to get financing and mostly their strengths and passionsrdquo says OrsquoBrien Experience in a particular industry is certainly valuable but is no predictor of success when the right financial mind comes along
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Even so making up for a lack of practical knowledge requires the proper equipment most notably in the form of managers and employees The right talent in the field can be a growth experience and provide an opportunity to learn the ropes before taking a full swing at things A total deficit in knowl-edge hardly makes for good leadership and for this reason many ldquonew business owners like to take a birdrsquos eye view of the operation rather than diving in and getting their hands dirty right awayhellipgiving them the opportunity to watch [how] things have been done before implementing changesrdquo says OrsquoBrien
Approaching ownership in this way also allows for further financial acquisitions an avenue which Evans has taken In addition to owning Burton Plumbing Evans operates four other companies One might assume this much responsibility to be a stretch but Evans sees his role as ldquokeeping a pulse on things I like to lead people in growth per-sonally and on the business siderdquo
Getting started can be a challenge which is why OrsquoBrien works closely with potential buyers to find the right fit ldquoWe assist all the wayrdquo she says ldquoWe work with the buyer on projections business plans [and] we introduce them to trusted advisorsrdquo from attorneys and CPAs to financial advisors and insurance agents
Itrsquos this helpful backing of experts that eases the difficult task of ownership and only proves that one can certainly switch from a blue collar to a white one The FIRM
CONTRACTING BUSINESSES LISTED BY THE FIRM
201
5 P
roje
cted
201
5 Y
TD
201
4
201
3
201
2
30
0
15
28
14
12
11
16
15Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Omaharsquos Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
It may seem like I pulled a muscle making this stretch but Keith Backsen the new boss at the Omaha Convention amp Visitors Bureau seems to have an awful lot in common with new Husker Coach Mike Riley
Coach Riley spent a total of 14 seasons at Oregon State before heading to Huskerland Backsen also comes from that neck of the woods having spent 11 years of his career in Portland Oregon and another 11 years in Spokane Washington selling both cities as prime places for convention and leisure travelers
At Oregon State Coach Riley built the football program into a consistent winner and regular conference contender At Visit Spokane Backsen opened sales offices in Washington DC and Chicago that led to increased convention bookings Backsen also worked on the public campaign to expand the Spokane Convention Center with a $65 million bond issue The expansion coupled with increased hotel inventory allowed Spokane to pursue large conventions and more than doubled convention bookings in Spokane
Riley has experience at the highest level of football serving as the head coach of the San Diego Chargers and as a head coach in both the Canadian and World Football Leagues Same for Backsen he worked in Dallas and Chicago as the director of sales for Global Experience Specialists a global leader in the world of event planning Backsen supervised five sales offices in a nine-state region generating annual sales in excess of $70 million
Riley is known as one of the most professional and nicest men in the profession a coach who is greatly admired by his peers I kid you not Backsen is described the same way by colleaguesmdashone of the most genuine and skilled men in the business a well respected professional who has the insight and experience to get the job done (Note the $70M stat above)
Come the first game both men will have a stadium filled with fans cheering them on In Backsenrsquos case his stadium is the entire city of Omaha where the fans are the 434353 residents who will reap the rewards of Omaharsquos growing tourism economy
B2B
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 51
51HUSKER
COACH HAS TOURISM
TWIN
OMAHA CVB BY DEB WARD
Deb Ward is the director of marketingcommunications Omaha Convention and Visitorrsquos Bureau
Keith Backsen
52 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Jason Feldman and Sebastian Hunt
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 53
The emerging startup accelerator scene supports creative-minded risk-takers looking for an edge to follow their passion and bring their ideas to fruition
Sebastian Hunt 25 is passionate about giving entrepreneurs like himself a nurturing space to test out their concepts The University of Nebraska at Omaha economics graduate interned with various local employers and surveyed the area startup community when an idea struck him for a by-application curriculum-based residency program serving new entrepreneurs That inspiration turned into Year of the Startup
Launched in 2014 the program operates out of a humble house at 4036 Burt Street in the St Cecilia Cathedral neighborhood Hunt and co-founder Jason Feldman 28 room there with young residency fellows whose startup ventures range from making bio-fuels to providing night owl shuttle services They are a millennial bunch who favor sneakers and sandals They take informal meetings to nearby CaliCommons and Lisarsquos Radial Cafe They variously hunch over laptops or tablets and carry smartphones as appendages
YEAR OF THE STARTUP
ENTREPRENEURAL IMMERSION
This communal work-live space model for business mavericks is new to Omaha The usual startup accelerator is a concentrated 90-day off-site program Omaha has a few of these notably Straight Shot Hunt saw a need for a program that invites a broader range of people into the accelerator fold and supports them much nearer to the start of their dream than other programs
ldquoWe feel like we can take people at very early stages because we are four times as long as the average programrdquo says Hunt who adds that Year of the Startup is also not tech-centric like many programs tend to be ldquoIn our model we substitute intensity for duration I think a lot of the learning here comes through unstructured serendipitous interactions we have that is not curriculum-based itrsquos just happenstance
ldquoWith a house there are so many different ways you can bring ideas and people together I think thatrsquos maybe that critical binding agent and sense of place that helps accomplish thingsrdquo
He says in this intimate environment ldquotherersquos no other choice but to immerse yourself in the settingrdquo adding ldquoWersquore always hanging out in the living room or out back talking about startup stuffmdashmonetization strategies capitalization tables vested equity entity structuresrdquo
ldquoItrsquos this immersive experience of camaraderie of these natural flows and idea generationrdquo Feldman says
Hunt says ldquoThis is very difficult to get bored with because therersquos always somebody whose business is either in crisis or growth stage or some interesting part of the curverdquo
ldquoHow could we get bored when wersquore creating a platform with four startups and all we get to do is ideationrdquo Feldman says ldquoItrsquos a constant buzz we get from interacting with these startup founders and helping them build their ideasrdquo
Built into the program are activities that encourage fellows to break out of their comfort zone and to offer honest criticism of each otherrsquos ideas
Hunt compiles multiple data points on the startups
ldquoWersquore developing really deep insight about how do people start successful businessesrdquo
The program utilizes mentors from the entrepreneurial community
ldquoWe bring in people who are experts in specific areas to talk on those topicsrdquo Feldman says
ldquoThey get ideas flowingrdquo Hunt says of the mentors
Feldman says he regularly covers with fellows ldquothe major components of what you need to look at to start your businessrdquo and then mentors like Mike Kolker owner of graphic design firm Simplify teach lessons about operational efficiency and ldquohow to simplify running a businessrdquo
Hunt is a newcomer to all this and goes by instinct as much as research to support his vision
CONTINUED ON 54
FEATURE | BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
53
54 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
70 Years of Business in Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
4027335500 | 4315 South 50th Street
402-333-5722 bull wwwsw-fencecom
Thanks for Voting SampW Fence the Best Again in 2015
Wersquore Not Just About Fences
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Thank You for Voting Us Best of B2Btrade 4 Years in a Row
AUDIO VISUAL SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDEbull System designengineeringbull Sales
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B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
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aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
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NER bull 2012 bull WIN
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Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
ConnectWITH YOURCOMMUNITY
Donrsquot forget to visitOmahaMagazinecom to read
all of our titles online
Omaha MagazineEncounter B2B 60PlusHerFamily OmahaHome
CONTINUED FROM 53
ldquoI just had an irrational confidence market insights and a great theoretical background thanks to primary research I completed and to lessons I learned from Phillip Phillips Michael OrsquoHara and Art Diamond in UNOrsquos economics department I read constantly about who the players were in the startup world so I was fairly preparedrdquo
Even though he directs a startup program he only started participating in one himself (Venture School) He acknowledges Year of the Startup is a by-the-seat-of-your-pants experiment
ldquoComing out of college I had student loans and not a ton of money Irsquove held two jobs to finance the project Now the project is financed by a combination of me working and renting out one room One-hundred percent of the money our entrepreneurs pay in rent will be returned in full and so everybody has a strong incentive to follow through with the program That may be what makes us sustainablerdquo
Hersquos working on securing corporate sponsorship for the program Meanwhile he wants to help get participating startups to the next level
ldquoWersquore functioning like a pre-accelerator at this point We want to get our startups profitable and then refer them to the Straight Shots so they can focus on growth in a pure accelerator programrdquo
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 55
Mercedes-Benz of Omaha14335 Hillsdale Ave Omaha NE 68137wwwOmahaMercedescomContact John Williams anytime at 4029819262
of Omaha of Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
As Year of the Startup moved into a larger house in Omaharsquos Little Italy district on July 1 and a new class of fellows arrives Hunt says there are ldquointeresting talks happening right now to bring this to other citiesrdquo He and Feldman say economic development agencies are willing to pay a license fee for them to do startup houses in other cities The partners are having proprietary software developed that will enable new startup houses to replicate their branded Omaha model
They look forward to engaging with the emerging 10th Street cultural district but may keep the midtown house to accommodate growth
Hunt and Feldman believe theyrsquore catching the wave or tipping point of a big new startup rush and theyrsquore betting their model is poised to be a niche player in this wild frontier of entrepreneurial prospecting
B2B
56 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
It is an unassuming space but if you have made your way to TD Ameritrade Park Filmstreams or Hot Shops chances are yoursquove passed one of the most vibrant offices in Omaha
The fact that Co-Lab (short for Creative Collaborators) is not a traditional work space is certainly one of its best features Located inside the Tip Top building at 15th and Cumming streets is a project dreamed up by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture who happens to share the main floor of the building Based in the heart of a once-isolated section of the city Co-Labrsquos funky creative vibe is making waves In fact that vibe seeps into Omaharsquos everyday bringing about small changes pushing our city toward a more innovative future
CO-LABGIVING OMAHA WORKERS A MORE
COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE
IN THE OFFICE | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
56
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 57
Home to 18 businesses plus Alley Poyner Macchietto Co-Lab is free of walls and signage It is also free from traditional office norms For instance you donrsquot just walk over to your neighborrsquos space for a brainstorming sessionmdashyou skateboard At least you do if yoursquore Dave Nelson of SecretPenguin a leading experimental branding agency The best part is that the businesses surrounding SecretPenguin appreciate the break from tradition ldquoThatrsquos the beautiful part about being around like-minded good people and businessesrdquo Nelson says
CONTINUED ON 58
58 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 59
CONTINUED FROM 57
In addition to having pathways large enough to skateboard or bike through the space also provides Co-Labbers with a kitchen various conference rooms bike storage bathrooms and a battleground (otherwise known as the ping-pong table) Walking in the main doors clients and employees alike are greeted from the front desk while catching a view of the five-story open atrium basking in the glow of sunshine from the skylight Workers can also access the fitness room and rooftop deck sharing amenities with TipTop apartment residents who use a separate entrance
CONTINUED ON 60
The Harry A Koch CoInsurance amp Financial ConsultantsMember of First Insurance Group LLC
60 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
CONTINUED FROM 59
Businesses in Co-Lab all creativity-related range from entrepreneurs to start-ups to non-profits to small businesses The art varies in form but runs through the space like an electric current At Zicafoose Textiles Mary Zicafoose works steadily on her loom creating gorgeous tapestries 4Site Programming is where Joi Brown works as an independent consultant for performing arts centers across the nation Heartland B-Cycle a large-scale municipal bike sharing system brings art in the form of economical convenience Holly Boyer a founder of non-profit organization Mission Matters explains that one of the best things about having an office at Co-Lab is feeling the innovative positive energy from the moment you walk in the door So while individuals may join Co-Lab with a business-minded focus or a more creative vibe finding a yin to their yang is just a shout away
ldquoThere is certainly a wonderful built-in support network that comes along with working in a collaborative environmentrdquo quips Omaha Creative Institute Executive Director Emily Moody ldquoEverything from sharing ideas and finding ways to collaborate with an organization different than yours to sharing a staplerrdquo
At the heart of making it work says Laura Alley of Alley Poyner itrsquos simply playing well with others
The skateboarding ping-pong playing creatives do that well
B2B
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2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott Enterprises
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In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
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bull TD Ameritrade Parkbull First National Bank Towerbull Midtown Crossingbull Village Pointe Shopping Centerbull UNO Weber Fine Arts Buildingbull Childrenrsquos Hospital
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For more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
TD Ameritrade Park | First National Bank Tower | Midtown Crossing | Village Pointe | Childrenrsquos Hospital Aksarben Village | Joslyn Art Museum | Fred amp Pamela Buffett Cancer Center | UNO Community Arena
6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
AT THE OFFICE amp ON THE GO
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13
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
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-
Fresh Off The Firm Featured Listings for Sale
Suburban Bar amp Grill with VolleyballOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $26413 PRICE $115000
Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity in an area with only two other bars nearby Serving up a gorgeous and well-maintained volleyball court along with pool tables and a jukebox this bar and grill is a favorite with the locals Business is fully staffedmdashowner works very part time hours
Rain Gutter Sales amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $145200 PRICE $415000
This business is a dealer for high-end rain gutter covers These products are con-structed of high-quality aluminum and sur-gical-grade stainless steel and are strong enough to hold up to four feet of snow or 20 pounds of debris Profit margin is 48
Large-Scale Assembly amp InstallationOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $743732 PRICE $2200000
This well-established installation and assembly business in central Nebraska prides itself on providing many numerous building solutions for businesses and building owners in their area They install and assemble metal frames including grain silos pole barns and buildings
Photo Booth Business Running on Autopilot OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $36419 PRICE $88900
Photo booths are the ldquoin thingrdquo at weddings and parties In business for seven years this business is one of the largest in town Wedding couples hoping to capture the fun memories of the day make up 67 of the clients Includes four booths and one trailer
Southwest Omaha Dental PracticeOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $129745 PRICE $380000
Professional staff and excellent customer service are the hallmarks of this practice Using the latest technology the business offers an array of dental services including teeth cleaning veneers crowns bleaching and trauma services The owner is currently working only 20 hours a week
Small Animal Vet Clinic in Omaha OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $158287 PRICE $440000
For over 30 years this animal care clinic has prioritized customer care They are currently offering services to over 2000 families and are the second largest veterinary clinic in the area The business is split 7030 between dogs and cats
Buildersrsquo Material amp Supply CompanyOWNERrsquoS PROFIT $364880 PRICE $933000
This highly reputable company established in 1976 and located just north of Omaha provides quality and reliable services and supplies Building supply inventory includes garage door lumber windows trims siding roofing materials and more Approximately 90 of customers are repeat clientele
High-Growth Plumbing Company OWNERrsquoS PROFIT $157774 PRICE $445000
This non-union plumbing company has consistent growth of over $130000 a year in sales The full service plumbing contractor has business that is currently 50 commercial and 50 residential
90+ available business opportunities for sale Please visit TheFirmBusinessBrokeragecom for details
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
7Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
Matt Cradick
The Deal ReviewReason For Sale Fresh start after 25+ years in the industrySeller Transition Period Over eight monthsType of Sale Asset Purchase AgreementLender Access Bank Mack LaRock
ldquoYOU SHOULD INTERVIEW FOR A BUSINESS JUST LIKE YOU
WOULD FOR A JOBrdquo CRADICK EXPLAINS ldquoIT HAS TO BE THE
RIGHT FIT YOU DONrsquoT WANT TO BE ONE OF THE MANY FA-
TALITIES THAT HAPPEN SO OFTEN IN NEW BUSINESSrdquo
-Shaun Heldt
From Retail to RoofingHow to be Successful When Buying a Business
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Spending almost 20 years working in retail for major corporations and then
buying a siding and roofing contracting company may seem like a major leap but for Matt Cradick owner of Husker Ham-mer Siding Windows and Roofing it was the best business move hersquos ever made And thatrsquos saying a lot for someone who moved 11 times in 19 years across nine different states
Cradick had been living in Houston Texas where he worked for Target Corporation He had worked his way up through the com-pany and another promotion was on the horizon which meant another move With three young children at home Cradick de-cided it was time to put down some roots Having grown up in Lincoln Nebraska he wanted to be near family and Midwestern values He started researching businesses for sale and was eventually led to The Firm which in turn led him to Husker Hammer
The move from a big corporate environ-ment to a small contracting business didnrsquot intimidate Cradick With Target he oversaw 200 people so he knew he brought strong management and operational skills The challenge he says was learning the ins and outs of construction He didnrsquot need to be the one hammering away on the roofmdashhe needed learn a new business segment
ldquoSwitching industries can be nerve-rack-ingrdquo Cradick says ldquobut the owner was will-ing to stay on board for six months during the transitionrdquo That partnership was an invaluable tool during the changeover gt
A Publication of The Firm Business BrokerageA Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
9Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
10
lt Husker Hammer was started in 1998 as a one-man operation and had been built up to a multimillion dollar business Cradick was impressed with the mission statement values system of the company and the strong workforce that was already in place And the price of the company lined up well with the financials ldquoWhat Husker has that others in the industry donrsquotrdquo says the man whose faith is central to his deal-ings ldquois a strong ethical foundation with a Christian backgroundrdquo
There were a number of other elements Cradick sought when buying his business ones he believes all potential business own-ers need to keep in mind The first is to make sure you have a proper support team in place to help make a sound financial deci-sion That includes having a good business valuation and a good business broker who can point you in the right direction to ensure a match for both parties
Once yoursquore in the process of purchasing he adds make sure you have a capable net-work of attorneys a seasoned financial team and solid internal help to ensure yoursquore suc-cessful from the start ldquoYou should interview
for a business just like you would for a jobrdquo Cradick explains ldquoIt has to be the right fit You donrsquot want to be one of the many fatal-ities that happen so often in new businessrdquo
To help ensure the company continues to be successful Cradick plans to main-tain Husker Hammerrsquos competitive edges which he says includes his 11000-sq-ft state-of-the-art showroom in Elkhorn He reformatted the space to better fit his busi-ness model before building out additional second-floor space that is now rented to other entrepreneurs
The showroom features all of the window siding and roofing products available to customers Samples are one thing Cradick says but he knows the power of customers seeing actual colors in actual sizes
ldquoOur philosophy is to build peace of mind for homeowners and be with them every step through the processrdquo he says ldquoWord of mouth is our number one lead source which was true in retail as wellrdquo
Happy employees to Cradick are just as important as happy customers He sub-scribes to a simple philosophymdashlistening to employees and doing so with respect
ldquoWith big corporations you deal with a lot of politicsrdquo he says ldquoNow if therersquos politics itrsquos because Irsquove generated it Itrsquos a nice change to be in a small business where you have more leeway to ensure yoursquore creating a positive work environment which creates a happy workforcerdquo
Working for a smaller company also allows for more opportunities to become involved in the community Husker Hammer is active in local chambers of commerce the Open Door Mission and is currently helping on a Habitat for Humanity build in Waterloo They have also been accredited by the Bet-ter Business Bureau since 2000 and won the Better Business Integrity Award
Cradickrsquos business is currently 90 percent residential and 10 percent commercial He hopes to increase their reach in proper-ty management and general contracting while maintaining the high-quality residen-tial sales that built the business ldquoBecause of our showroomrdquo he says ldquopeople come
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
to us We donrsquot do the high pressure sales at the kitchen table We listen We let the homeowners do the talkingrdquo
Growing geographically is also a goal Cradick hopes to expand to surrounding areas including his hometown of Lincoln
ldquoSo far itrsquos been a great moverdquo he says ldquoand I look forward to continuing to be known as an ethical long-lasting company My daughters and wife are excited to be back in the Midwest around grandparents and family Their school district is great and the full year-round climate has been a welcome change from living in the south Plus I was averaging 50000 miles per year in travel so itrsquos nice to sleep in your own bed every nightrdquo The FIRM
For more information on this or any for sale listings call The Firm Business Brokerage directly
11Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
The Deal ReviewBusiness Established 1987Reason for Sale Retirement (Transla-tion More time with a fishing pole)Ownerrsquos Profit $495004Type of Loan SBA with Core Bank
12
Back to the FutureBuilding a Business Legacy
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Itrsquos not uncommon for someone who has spent a number of years in corporate
America to shift gears into entrepreneur-ship Being your own boss certainly has its advantages But for Scott Beckler who recently purchased Lewis Installers in Gret-na his reason for taking on a new business venture had more to do with honoring not only his fatherrsquos legacy but building one of his own
Beckler started his career as a business education teacher then moved to a corpo-rate career in technology But for a number of years he kept an eye on businesses for sale hoping that just the right opportunity would come along
ldquoMy dad was an entrepreneur who owned his own real estate insurance companyrdquo
Beckler says ldquoDespite the fact he had on-going health issues he still got up every day put on a coat and tie and went out to make a sale He was a very successful busi-nessman and I wanted to honor his legacyrdquo
After contacting The Firm and discuss-ing what he was looking for in a business the team suggested Lewis Installers which specializes in industrial conveyor and rack systems At first it seemed like a big de-parture for him ldquoShelving and logistical systems isnrsquot something that jumps out at yourdquo Beckler says But the more he looked into it the more he realized it had many of the elements he wanted in a business The most obvious advantage was that the company was located in Gretna where he lives Add to that the fact that the seller lives just up the road from him
Scott Beckler
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
For purposes of this article this overview is based on the buying and selling entities being corporations or entities taxed as corporations
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
4420 Izard Street Omaha4022938707 bull 8887380296
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
HAVE YOUR MINOR ROOF LEAKS BECOME A MAJOR ANNOYANCEDonrsquot Wait Any Longer Call Us Now
ldquoAfter meeting him and hitting it offrdquo Beckler says ldquowe quickly realized it was a match on both sidesrdquo
Other signs also pointed in the right di-rection The financials were good The size of the business was ideal The competitive landscape was promising Beckler also real-ized that his corporate background fit well with this new business
ldquoAlthough itrsquos an entirely different indus-tryrdquo he says ldquomany of the business princi-ples are the samehellipproject management customer service delivery vendor man-agement and cost containment Irsquove been doing all of those for yearsrdquo
His background in technology will also be a valuable asset in his new business Not only has he established relationships with large vendors built over the years but his from-the-ground-up experience with data centers means that he is already eying in-novative automation and other technology differentiators At the same time hersquos look-ing forward to learning the daily operations of the company and having a hand in every part of the business from bidding to closing to payroll
ldquoIt will be challenging coming from a big business background where Irsquove only been involved in the peripheryrdquo Beckler says
ldquoNow Irsquoll be involved in all of itrdquo
Lewis Installers being a family-owned business is what hersquos most excited about He says itrsquos a company with a good repu-tation thatrsquos known for quality and meeting deadlinesmdashall driven by a strong Midwest-ern work ethic
Itrsquos the sort of company Beckler believes that would make his father proud
ldquoI want this business to be a legacy for my familyrdquo Beckler says ldquoMy hope is that it could stay in the family with my own kids and grandkidsrdquo The FIRM
13Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Om
aharsquo
s Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
14
When considering the purchase of an existing business very few realize
that lack of experience in an industry can actually lead to success One simply needs a sound financial plan and a good team to fill in the gaps Removing the added stress of fieldwork and focusing solely on the management of finances and operation allows for greater opportunities It makes for the dynamic advantage of some outside impartiality when seeking areas of improve-ment and growth
One man who has made this transition from having marginal knowledge in an in-dustry to leading a successful plumbing and HVAC operation is Mark Evans president of Burton Plumbing Before taking over Burton Evans had a successful plumbing distribu-torship serving four states but it was his desire to own and to travel less that put him into the hands of Burton Friesz The founder of Burton Plumbing Friesz had been a customer and friend of Evansrsquo when the two discussed a possible expansion into residential service Evans put his busi-ness experience to work for Burton in July 1995 and his education in the minutiae of plumbing and HVAC began
While he hasnrsquot worked in the field as a licensed plumbing contractor Evans has dipped his feet in several areas within the running of Burtonhellipand often at the same time Before hiring the essential personnel that have enabled him to narrow his role Ev-ans served as manager marketer customer service representative and dispatcher Such a list of duties for one man is a daunting task but ldquoI worked my way to being able to work on the business rather than in the business [a strategy] taught to me by my business coachrdquo says Evans
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
REMOVING THE ADDED STRESS OF FIELDWORK AND FOCUSING SOLELY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF FINANCES AND OPERATION ALLOWS FOR GREATER OPPORTUNITIES
Executive Impact Moving Into the Boardroom From Employee to President
written by Maureen Tierney | Co-written by Mark Evans and Julie OrsquoBrien
Eventually Evans was able to step back and bring on a general manager and a ware-house operator that has allowed him to
ldquofocus on growth opportunities marketing and cash flowrdquo
Evansrsquo experience is not unique It is com-mon for brokerages to deal with buyers seeking to own companies within a cer-tain field but ldquoonly two people out of the nearly 100 closings [wersquove had] have come in for the same business that they ended up purchasingrdquo says Julie OrsquoBrien client services and paralegal with The Firm What it comes down to is as simple as the bot-tom line Buyers are looking to leverage their talents and experience in a marriage between a management philosophy and business model Those in the market for an acquisition are ldquobuying based on profit number of staff ability to get financing and mostly their strengths and passionsrdquo says OrsquoBrien Experience in a particular industry is certainly valuable but is no predictor of success when the right financial mind comes along
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Even so making up for a lack of practical knowledge requires the proper equipment most notably in the form of managers and employees The right talent in the field can be a growth experience and provide an opportunity to learn the ropes before taking a full swing at things A total deficit in knowl-edge hardly makes for good leadership and for this reason many ldquonew business owners like to take a birdrsquos eye view of the operation rather than diving in and getting their hands dirty right awayhellipgiving them the opportunity to watch [how] things have been done before implementing changesrdquo says OrsquoBrien
Approaching ownership in this way also allows for further financial acquisitions an avenue which Evans has taken In addition to owning Burton Plumbing Evans operates four other companies One might assume this much responsibility to be a stretch but Evans sees his role as ldquokeeping a pulse on things I like to lead people in growth per-sonally and on the business siderdquo
Getting started can be a challenge which is why OrsquoBrien works closely with potential buyers to find the right fit ldquoWe assist all the wayrdquo she says ldquoWe work with the buyer on projections business plans [and] we introduce them to trusted advisorsrdquo from attorneys and CPAs to financial advisors and insurance agents
Itrsquos this helpful backing of experts that eases the difficult task of ownership and only proves that one can certainly switch from a blue collar to a white one The FIRM
CONTRACTING BUSINESSES LISTED BY THE FIRM
201
5 P
roje
cted
201
5 Y
TD
201
4
201
3
201
2
30
0
15
28
14
12
11
16
15Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Omaharsquos Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
It may seem like I pulled a muscle making this stretch but Keith Backsen the new boss at the Omaha Convention amp Visitors Bureau seems to have an awful lot in common with new Husker Coach Mike Riley
Coach Riley spent a total of 14 seasons at Oregon State before heading to Huskerland Backsen also comes from that neck of the woods having spent 11 years of his career in Portland Oregon and another 11 years in Spokane Washington selling both cities as prime places for convention and leisure travelers
At Oregon State Coach Riley built the football program into a consistent winner and regular conference contender At Visit Spokane Backsen opened sales offices in Washington DC and Chicago that led to increased convention bookings Backsen also worked on the public campaign to expand the Spokane Convention Center with a $65 million bond issue The expansion coupled with increased hotel inventory allowed Spokane to pursue large conventions and more than doubled convention bookings in Spokane
Riley has experience at the highest level of football serving as the head coach of the San Diego Chargers and as a head coach in both the Canadian and World Football Leagues Same for Backsen he worked in Dallas and Chicago as the director of sales for Global Experience Specialists a global leader in the world of event planning Backsen supervised five sales offices in a nine-state region generating annual sales in excess of $70 million
Riley is known as one of the most professional and nicest men in the profession a coach who is greatly admired by his peers I kid you not Backsen is described the same way by colleaguesmdashone of the most genuine and skilled men in the business a well respected professional who has the insight and experience to get the job done (Note the $70M stat above)
Come the first game both men will have a stadium filled with fans cheering them on In Backsenrsquos case his stadium is the entire city of Omaha where the fans are the 434353 residents who will reap the rewards of Omaharsquos growing tourism economy
B2B
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 51
51HUSKER
COACH HAS TOURISM
TWIN
OMAHA CVB BY DEB WARD
Deb Ward is the director of marketingcommunications Omaha Convention and Visitorrsquos Bureau
Keith Backsen
52 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Jason Feldman and Sebastian Hunt
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 53
The emerging startup accelerator scene supports creative-minded risk-takers looking for an edge to follow their passion and bring their ideas to fruition
Sebastian Hunt 25 is passionate about giving entrepreneurs like himself a nurturing space to test out their concepts The University of Nebraska at Omaha economics graduate interned with various local employers and surveyed the area startup community when an idea struck him for a by-application curriculum-based residency program serving new entrepreneurs That inspiration turned into Year of the Startup
Launched in 2014 the program operates out of a humble house at 4036 Burt Street in the St Cecilia Cathedral neighborhood Hunt and co-founder Jason Feldman 28 room there with young residency fellows whose startup ventures range from making bio-fuels to providing night owl shuttle services They are a millennial bunch who favor sneakers and sandals They take informal meetings to nearby CaliCommons and Lisarsquos Radial Cafe They variously hunch over laptops or tablets and carry smartphones as appendages
YEAR OF THE STARTUP
ENTREPRENEURAL IMMERSION
This communal work-live space model for business mavericks is new to Omaha The usual startup accelerator is a concentrated 90-day off-site program Omaha has a few of these notably Straight Shot Hunt saw a need for a program that invites a broader range of people into the accelerator fold and supports them much nearer to the start of their dream than other programs
ldquoWe feel like we can take people at very early stages because we are four times as long as the average programrdquo says Hunt who adds that Year of the Startup is also not tech-centric like many programs tend to be ldquoIn our model we substitute intensity for duration I think a lot of the learning here comes through unstructured serendipitous interactions we have that is not curriculum-based itrsquos just happenstance
ldquoWith a house there are so many different ways you can bring ideas and people together I think thatrsquos maybe that critical binding agent and sense of place that helps accomplish thingsrdquo
He says in this intimate environment ldquotherersquos no other choice but to immerse yourself in the settingrdquo adding ldquoWersquore always hanging out in the living room or out back talking about startup stuffmdashmonetization strategies capitalization tables vested equity entity structuresrdquo
ldquoItrsquos this immersive experience of camaraderie of these natural flows and idea generationrdquo Feldman says
Hunt says ldquoThis is very difficult to get bored with because therersquos always somebody whose business is either in crisis or growth stage or some interesting part of the curverdquo
ldquoHow could we get bored when wersquore creating a platform with four startups and all we get to do is ideationrdquo Feldman says ldquoItrsquos a constant buzz we get from interacting with these startup founders and helping them build their ideasrdquo
Built into the program are activities that encourage fellows to break out of their comfort zone and to offer honest criticism of each otherrsquos ideas
Hunt compiles multiple data points on the startups
ldquoWersquore developing really deep insight about how do people start successful businessesrdquo
The program utilizes mentors from the entrepreneurial community
ldquoWe bring in people who are experts in specific areas to talk on those topicsrdquo Feldman says
ldquoThey get ideas flowingrdquo Hunt says of the mentors
Feldman says he regularly covers with fellows ldquothe major components of what you need to look at to start your businessrdquo and then mentors like Mike Kolker owner of graphic design firm Simplify teach lessons about operational efficiency and ldquohow to simplify running a businessrdquo
Hunt is a newcomer to all this and goes by instinct as much as research to support his vision
CONTINUED ON 54
FEATURE | BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
53
54 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
70 Years of Business in Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
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Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
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WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
4027335500 | 4315 South 50th Street
402-333-5722 bull wwwsw-fencecom
Thanks for Voting SampW Fence the Best Again in 2015
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Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
2015 Winner
Omah
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NER bull 2012 bull WIN
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CONTINUED FROM 53
ldquoI just had an irrational confidence market insights and a great theoretical background thanks to primary research I completed and to lessons I learned from Phillip Phillips Michael OrsquoHara and Art Diamond in UNOrsquos economics department I read constantly about who the players were in the startup world so I was fairly preparedrdquo
Even though he directs a startup program he only started participating in one himself (Venture School) He acknowledges Year of the Startup is a by-the-seat-of-your-pants experiment
ldquoComing out of college I had student loans and not a ton of money Irsquove held two jobs to finance the project Now the project is financed by a combination of me working and renting out one room One-hundred percent of the money our entrepreneurs pay in rent will be returned in full and so everybody has a strong incentive to follow through with the program That may be what makes us sustainablerdquo
Hersquos working on securing corporate sponsorship for the program Meanwhile he wants to help get participating startups to the next level
ldquoWersquore functioning like a pre-accelerator at this point We want to get our startups profitable and then refer them to the Straight Shots so they can focus on growth in a pure accelerator programrdquo
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 55
Mercedes-Benz of Omaha14335 Hillsdale Ave Omaha NE 68137wwwOmahaMercedescomContact John Williams anytime at 4029819262
of Omaha of Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
As Year of the Startup moved into a larger house in Omaharsquos Little Italy district on July 1 and a new class of fellows arrives Hunt says there are ldquointeresting talks happening right now to bring this to other citiesrdquo He and Feldman say economic development agencies are willing to pay a license fee for them to do startup houses in other cities The partners are having proprietary software developed that will enable new startup houses to replicate their branded Omaha model
They look forward to engaging with the emerging 10th Street cultural district but may keep the midtown house to accommodate growth
Hunt and Feldman believe theyrsquore catching the wave or tipping point of a big new startup rush and theyrsquore betting their model is poised to be a niche player in this wild frontier of entrepreneurial prospecting
B2B
56 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
It is an unassuming space but if you have made your way to TD Ameritrade Park Filmstreams or Hot Shops chances are yoursquove passed one of the most vibrant offices in Omaha
The fact that Co-Lab (short for Creative Collaborators) is not a traditional work space is certainly one of its best features Located inside the Tip Top building at 15th and Cumming streets is a project dreamed up by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture who happens to share the main floor of the building Based in the heart of a once-isolated section of the city Co-Labrsquos funky creative vibe is making waves In fact that vibe seeps into Omaharsquos everyday bringing about small changes pushing our city toward a more innovative future
CO-LABGIVING OMAHA WORKERS A MORE
COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE
IN THE OFFICE | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
56
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 57
Home to 18 businesses plus Alley Poyner Macchietto Co-Lab is free of walls and signage It is also free from traditional office norms For instance you donrsquot just walk over to your neighborrsquos space for a brainstorming sessionmdashyou skateboard At least you do if yoursquore Dave Nelson of SecretPenguin a leading experimental branding agency The best part is that the businesses surrounding SecretPenguin appreciate the break from tradition ldquoThatrsquos the beautiful part about being around like-minded good people and businessesrdquo Nelson says
CONTINUED ON 58
58 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 59
CONTINUED FROM 57
In addition to having pathways large enough to skateboard or bike through the space also provides Co-Labbers with a kitchen various conference rooms bike storage bathrooms and a battleground (otherwise known as the ping-pong table) Walking in the main doors clients and employees alike are greeted from the front desk while catching a view of the five-story open atrium basking in the glow of sunshine from the skylight Workers can also access the fitness room and rooftop deck sharing amenities with TipTop apartment residents who use a separate entrance
CONTINUED ON 60
The Harry A Koch CoInsurance amp Financial ConsultantsMember of First Insurance Group LLC
60 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
CONTINUED FROM 59
Businesses in Co-Lab all creativity-related range from entrepreneurs to start-ups to non-profits to small businesses The art varies in form but runs through the space like an electric current At Zicafoose Textiles Mary Zicafoose works steadily on her loom creating gorgeous tapestries 4Site Programming is where Joi Brown works as an independent consultant for performing arts centers across the nation Heartland B-Cycle a large-scale municipal bike sharing system brings art in the form of economical convenience Holly Boyer a founder of non-profit organization Mission Matters explains that one of the best things about having an office at Co-Lab is feeling the innovative positive energy from the moment you walk in the door So while individuals may join Co-Lab with a business-minded focus or a more creative vibe finding a yin to their yang is just a shout away
ldquoThere is certainly a wonderful built-in support network that comes along with working in a collaborative environmentrdquo quips Omaha Creative Institute Executive Director Emily Moody ldquoEverything from sharing ideas and finding ways to collaborate with an organization different than yours to sharing a staplerrdquo
At the heart of making it work says Laura Alley of Alley Poyner itrsquos simply playing well with others
The skateboarding ping-pong playing creatives do that well
B2B
ABOUT CAS Since 1981 CAS Inc has established itself as one of Direct Marketingrsquos most reliable companies CAS provides you nSightful solutions such as mailing and email lists data append privacy updates and database hygiene services for all your data needs We help you prepare and enhance your customer data as well as understand what makes each customer unique
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10303 Crown Point Ave | Omaha NE 68134wwwcas-onlinecom | nsightfulcas-onlinecom | 866-249-1977
nSightful products powered by CAS Inc provide you with digital marketing solutions to help decrease your cost and time to acquire quality leads We determine the best prospects to attract for your campaign from our robust database and targeting techniques We engage the customer through tailored mailing and email lists We work with you to convert engaged leads by providing cost-effective data processing and marketing solutions that work
We are
BEST
MAILING LIST COMPANY
MAILING LISTS DATA SERVICES EMAIL TARGETED ADS
9684 N 109th Ave bull Omaha NE 68142 bull 402-571-2364 bull scottentcom
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott Enterprises
SCOTTENTERPRISES
In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott EnterprisesFor more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
bull TD Ameritrade Parkbull First National Bank Towerbull Midtown Crossingbull Village Pointe Shopping Centerbull UNO Weber Fine Arts Buildingbull Childrenrsquos Hospital
402-571-2364 | wwwScottEntcom9684 N 109th Street Omaha NE 68142
For more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
TD Ameritrade Park | First National Bank Tower | Midtown Crossing | Village Pointe | Childrenrsquos Hospital Aksarben Village | Joslyn Art Museum | Fred amp Pamela Buffett Cancer Center | UNO Community Arena
6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
AT THE OFFICE amp ON THE GO
Headsets by
Plantronics BackBeat
Fit Bluetooth
Plantronics CS540
Wireless
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SERVICES INCLUDEVirus Check and Removal
Clean Your BrowserRemove Temporary Internet Files
Delete Adware and CookiesDefrag Hard Drives
Intall Current Microsoft PatchesInstall Microsoft Security Updates
Update Drivers
13
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
- BB1015_fntCvr_125
- BB1015_fntEdit_125
- BB1015_bkEdit_125
- BB1015_bkCvr_125
-
Matt Cradick
The Deal ReviewReason For Sale Fresh start after 25+ years in the industrySeller Transition Period Over eight monthsType of Sale Asset Purchase AgreementLender Access Bank Mack LaRock
ldquoYOU SHOULD INTERVIEW FOR A BUSINESS JUST LIKE YOU
WOULD FOR A JOBrdquo CRADICK EXPLAINS ldquoIT HAS TO BE THE
RIGHT FIT YOU DONrsquoT WANT TO BE ONE OF THE MANY FA-
TALITIES THAT HAPPEN SO OFTEN IN NEW BUSINESSrdquo
-Shaun Heldt
From Retail to RoofingHow to be Successful When Buying a Business
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Spending almost 20 years working in retail for major corporations and then
buying a siding and roofing contracting company may seem like a major leap but for Matt Cradick owner of Husker Ham-mer Siding Windows and Roofing it was the best business move hersquos ever made And thatrsquos saying a lot for someone who moved 11 times in 19 years across nine different states
Cradick had been living in Houston Texas where he worked for Target Corporation He had worked his way up through the com-pany and another promotion was on the horizon which meant another move With three young children at home Cradick de-cided it was time to put down some roots Having grown up in Lincoln Nebraska he wanted to be near family and Midwestern values He started researching businesses for sale and was eventually led to The Firm which in turn led him to Husker Hammer
The move from a big corporate environ-ment to a small contracting business didnrsquot intimidate Cradick With Target he oversaw 200 people so he knew he brought strong management and operational skills The challenge he says was learning the ins and outs of construction He didnrsquot need to be the one hammering away on the roofmdashhe needed learn a new business segment
ldquoSwitching industries can be nerve-rack-ingrdquo Cradick says ldquobut the owner was will-ing to stay on board for six months during the transitionrdquo That partnership was an invaluable tool during the changeover gt
A Publication of The Firm Business BrokerageA Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
9Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
10
lt Husker Hammer was started in 1998 as a one-man operation and had been built up to a multimillion dollar business Cradick was impressed with the mission statement values system of the company and the strong workforce that was already in place And the price of the company lined up well with the financials ldquoWhat Husker has that others in the industry donrsquotrdquo says the man whose faith is central to his deal-ings ldquois a strong ethical foundation with a Christian backgroundrdquo
There were a number of other elements Cradick sought when buying his business ones he believes all potential business own-ers need to keep in mind The first is to make sure you have a proper support team in place to help make a sound financial deci-sion That includes having a good business valuation and a good business broker who can point you in the right direction to ensure a match for both parties
Once yoursquore in the process of purchasing he adds make sure you have a capable net-work of attorneys a seasoned financial team and solid internal help to ensure yoursquore suc-cessful from the start ldquoYou should interview
for a business just like you would for a jobrdquo Cradick explains ldquoIt has to be the right fit You donrsquot want to be one of the many fatal-ities that happen so often in new businessrdquo
To help ensure the company continues to be successful Cradick plans to main-tain Husker Hammerrsquos competitive edges which he says includes his 11000-sq-ft state-of-the-art showroom in Elkhorn He reformatted the space to better fit his busi-ness model before building out additional second-floor space that is now rented to other entrepreneurs
The showroom features all of the window siding and roofing products available to customers Samples are one thing Cradick says but he knows the power of customers seeing actual colors in actual sizes
ldquoOur philosophy is to build peace of mind for homeowners and be with them every step through the processrdquo he says ldquoWord of mouth is our number one lead source which was true in retail as wellrdquo
Happy employees to Cradick are just as important as happy customers He sub-scribes to a simple philosophymdashlistening to employees and doing so with respect
ldquoWith big corporations you deal with a lot of politicsrdquo he says ldquoNow if therersquos politics itrsquos because Irsquove generated it Itrsquos a nice change to be in a small business where you have more leeway to ensure yoursquore creating a positive work environment which creates a happy workforcerdquo
Working for a smaller company also allows for more opportunities to become involved in the community Husker Hammer is active in local chambers of commerce the Open Door Mission and is currently helping on a Habitat for Humanity build in Waterloo They have also been accredited by the Bet-ter Business Bureau since 2000 and won the Better Business Integrity Award
Cradickrsquos business is currently 90 percent residential and 10 percent commercial He hopes to increase their reach in proper-ty management and general contracting while maintaining the high-quality residen-tial sales that built the business ldquoBecause of our showroomrdquo he says ldquopeople come
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
to us We donrsquot do the high pressure sales at the kitchen table We listen We let the homeowners do the talkingrdquo
Growing geographically is also a goal Cradick hopes to expand to surrounding areas including his hometown of Lincoln
ldquoSo far itrsquos been a great moverdquo he says ldquoand I look forward to continuing to be known as an ethical long-lasting company My daughters and wife are excited to be back in the Midwest around grandparents and family Their school district is great and the full year-round climate has been a welcome change from living in the south Plus I was averaging 50000 miles per year in travel so itrsquos nice to sleep in your own bed every nightrdquo The FIRM
For more information on this or any for sale listings call The Firm Business Brokerage directly
11Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
The Deal ReviewBusiness Established 1987Reason for Sale Retirement (Transla-tion More time with a fishing pole)Ownerrsquos Profit $495004Type of Loan SBA with Core Bank
12
Back to the FutureBuilding a Business Legacy
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Itrsquos not uncommon for someone who has spent a number of years in corporate
America to shift gears into entrepreneur-ship Being your own boss certainly has its advantages But for Scott Beckler who recently purchased Lewis Installers in Gret-na his reason for taking on a new business venture had more to do with honoring not only his fatherrsquos legacy but building one of his own
Beckler started his career as a business education teacher then moved to a corpo-rate career in technology But for a number of years he kept an eye on businesses for sale hoping that just the right opportunity would come along
ldquoMy dad was an entrepreneur who owned his own real estate insurance companyrdquo
Beckler says ldquoDespite the fact he had on-going health issues he still got up every day put on a coat and tie and went out to make a sale He was a very successful busi-nessman and I wanted to honor his legacyrdquo
After contacting The Firm and discuss-ing what he was looking for in a business the team suggested Lewis Installers which specializes in industrial conveyor and rack systems At first it seemed like a big de-parture for him ldquoShelving and logistical systems isnrsquot something that jumps out at yourdquo Beckler says But the more he looked into it the more he realized it had many of the elements he wanted in a business The most obvious advantage was that the company was located in Gretna where he lives Add to that the fact that the seller lives just up the road from him
Scott Beckler
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
For purposes of this article this overview is based on the buying and selling entities being corporations or entities taxed as corporations
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
4420 Izard Street Omaha4022938707 bull 8887380296
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
HAVE YOUR MINOR ROOF LEAKS BECOME A MAJOR ANNOYANCEDonrsquot Wait Any Longer Call Us Now
ldquoAfter meeting him and hitting it offrdquo Beckler says ldquowe quickly realized it was a match on both sidesrdquo
Other signs also pointed in the right di-rection The financials were good The size of the business was ideal The competitive landscape was promising Beckler also real-ized that his corporate background fit well with this new business
ldquoAlthough itrsquos an entirely different indus-tryrdquo he says ldquomany of the business princi-ples are the samehellipproject management customer service delivery vendor man-agement and cost containment Irsquove been doing all of those for yearsrdquo
His background in technology will also be a valuable asset in his new business Not only has he established relationships with large vendors built over the years but his from-the-ground-up experience with data centers means that he is already eying in-novative automation and other technology differentiators At the same time hersquos look-ing forward to learning the daily operations of the company and having a hand in every part of the business from bidding to closing to payroll
ldquoIt will be challenging coming from a big business background where Irsquove only been involved in the peripheryrdquo Beckler says
ldquoNow Irsquoll be involved in all of itrdquo
Lewis Installers being a family-owned business is what hersquos most excited about He says itrsquos a company with a good repu-tation thatrsquos known for quality and meeting deadlinesmdashall driven by a strong Midwest-ern work ethic
Itrsquos the sort of company Beckler believes that would make his father proud
ldquoI want this business to be a legacy for my familyrdquo Beckler says ldquoMy hope is that it could stay in the family with my own kids and grandkidsrdquo The FIRM
13Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Om
aharsquo
s Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
14
When considering the purchase of an existing business very few realize
that lack of experience in an industry can actually lead to success One simply needs a sound financial plan and a good team to fill in the gaps Removing the added stress of fieldwork and focusing solely on the management of finances and operation allows for greater opportunities It makes for the dynamic advantage of some outside impartiality when seeking areas of improve-ment and growth
One man who has made this transition from having marginal knowledge in an in-dustry to leading a successful plumbing and HVAC operation is Mark Evans president of Burton Plumbing Before taking over Burton Evans had a successful plumbing distribu-torship serving four states but it was his desire to own and to travel less that put him into the hands of Burton Friesz The founder of Burton Plumbing Friesz had been a customer and friend of Evansrsquo when the two discussed a possible expansion into residential service Evans put his busi-ness experience to work for Burton in July 1995 and his education in the minutiae of plumbing and HVAC began
While he hasnrsquot worked in the field as a licensed plumbing contractor Evans has dipped his feet in several areas within the running of Burtonhellipand often at the same time Before hiring the essential personnel that have enabled him to narrow his role Ev-ans served as manager marketer customer service representative and dispatcher Such a list of duties for one man is a daunting task but ldquoI worked my way to being able to work on the business rather than in the business [a strategy] taught to me by my business coachrdquo says Evans
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
REMOVING THE ADDED STRESS OF FIELDWORK AND FOCUSING SOLELY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF FINANCES AND OPERATION ALLOWS FOR GREATER OPPORTUNITIES
Executive Impact Moving Into the Boardroom From Employee to President
written by Maureen Tierney | Co-written by Mark Evans and Julie OrsquoBrien
Eventually Evans was able to step back and bring on a general manager and a ware-house operator that has allowed him to
ldquofocus on growth opportunities marketing and cash flowrdquo
Evansrsquo experience is not unique It is com-mon for brokerages to deal with buyers seeking to own companies within a cer-tain field but ldquoonly two people out of the nearly 100 closings [wersquove had] have come in for the same business that they ended up purchasingrdquo says Julie OrsquoBrien client services and paralegal with The Firm What it comes down to is as simple as the bot-tom line Buyers are looking to leverage their talents and experience in a marriage between a management philosophy and business model Those in the market for an acquisition are ldquobuying based on profit number of staff ability to get financing and mostly their strengths and passionsrdquo says OrsquoBrien Experience in a particular industry is certainly valuable but is no predictor of success when the right financial mind comes along
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Even so making up for a lack of practical knowledge requires the proper equipment most notably in the form of managers and employees The right talent in the field can be a growth experience and provide an opportunity to learn the ropes before taking a full swing at things A total deficit in knowl-edge hardly makes for good leadership and for this reason many ldquonew business owners like to take a birdrsquos eye view of the operation rather than diving in and getting their hands dirty right awayhellipgiving them the opportunity to watch [how] things have been done before implementing changesrdquo says OrsquoBrien
Approaching ownership in this way also allows for further financial acquisitions an avenue which Evans has taken In addition to owning Burton Plumbing Evans operates four other companies One might assume this much responsibility to be a stretch but Evans sees his role as ldquokeeping a pulse on things I like to lead people in growth per-sonally and on the business siderdquo
Getting started can be a challenge which is why OrsquoBrien works closely with potential buyers to find the right fit ldquoWe assist all the wayrdquo she says ldquoWe work with the buyer on projections business plans [and] we introduce them to trusted advisorsrdquo from attorneys and CPAs to financial advisors and insurance agents
Itrsquos this helpful backing of experts that eases the difficult task of ownership and only proves that one can certainly switch from a blue collar to a white one The FIRM
CONTRACTING BUSINESSES LISTED BY THE FIRM
201
5 P
roje
cted
201
5 Y
TD
201
4
201
3
201
2
30
0
15
28
14
12
11
16
15Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Omaharsquos Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
It may seem like I pulled a muscle making this stretch but Keith Backsen the new boss at the Omaha Convention amp Visitors Bureau seems to have an awful lot in common with new Husker Coach Mike Riley
Coach Riley spent a total of 14 seasons at Oregon State before heading to Huskerland Backsen also comes from that neck of the woods having spent 11 years of his career in Portland Oregon and another 11 years in Spokane Washington selling both cities as prime places for convention and leisure travelers
At Oregon State Coach Riley built the football program into a consistent winner and regular conference contender At Visit Spokane Backsen opened sales offices in Washington DC and Chicago that led to increased convention bookings Backsen also worked on the public campaign to expand the Spokane Convention Center with a $65 million bond issue The expansion coupled with increased hotel inventory allowed Spokane to pursue large conventions and more than doubled convention bookings in Spokane
Riley has experience at the highest level of football serving as the head coach of the San Diego Chargers and as a head coach in both the Canadian and World Football Leagues Same for Backsen he worked in Dallas and Chicago as the director of sales for Global Experience Specialists a global leader in the world of event planning Backsen supervised five sales offices in a nine-state region generating annual sales in excess of $70 million
Riley is known as one of the most professional and nicest men in the profession a coach who is greatly admired by his peers I kid you not Backsen is described the same way by colleaguesmdashone of the most genuine and skilled men in the business a well respected professional who has the insight and experience to get the job done (Note the $70M stat above)
Come the first game both men will have a stadium filled with fans cheering them on In Backsenrsquos case his stadium is the entire city of Omaha where the fans are the 434353 residents who will reap the rewards of Omaharsquos growing tourism economy
B2B
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 51
51HUSKER
COACH HAS TOURISM
TWIN
OMAHA CVB BY DEB WARD
Deb Ward is the director of marketingcommunications Omaha Convention and Visitorrsquos Bureau
Keith Backsen
52 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Jason Feldman and Sebastian Hunt
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 53
The emerging startup accelerator scene supports creative-minded risk-takers looking for an edge to follow their passion and bring their ideas to fruition
Sebastian Hunt 25 is passionate about giving entrepreneurs like himself a nurturing space to test out their concepts The University of Nebraska at Omaha economics graduate interned with various local employers and surveyed the area startup community when an idea struck him for a by-application curriculum-based residency program serving new entrepreneurs That inspiration turned into Year of the Startup
Launched in 2014 the program operates out of a humble house at 4036 Burt Street in the St Cecilia Cathedral neighborhood Hunt and co-founder Jason Feldman 28 room there with young residency fellows whose startup ventures range from making bio-fuels to providing night owl shuttle services They are a millennial bunch who favor sneakers and sandals They take informal meetings to nearby CaliCommons and Lisarsquos Radial Cafe They variously hunch over laptops or tablets and carry smartphones as appendages
YEAR OF THE STARTUP
ENTREPRENEURAL IMMERSION
This communal work-live space model for business mavericks is new to Omaha The usual startup accelerator is a concentrated 90-day off-site program Omaha has a few of these notably Straight Shot Hunt saw a need for a program that invites a broader range of people into the accelerator fold and supports them much nearer to the start of their dream than other programs
ldquoWe feel like we can take people at very early stages because we are four times as long as the average programrdquo says Hunt who adds that Year of the Startup is also not tech-centric like many programs tend to be ldquoIn our model we substitute intensity for duration I think a lot of the learning here comes through unstructured serendipitous interactions we have that is not curriculum-based itrsquos just happenstance
ldquoWith a house there are so many different ways you can bring ideas and people together I think thatrsquos maybe that critical binding agent and sense of place that helps accomplish thingsrdquo
He says in this intimate environment ldquotherersquos no other choice but to immerse yourself in the settingrdquo adding ldquoWersquore always hanging out in the living room or out back talking about startup stuffmdashmonetization strategies capitalization tables vested equity entity structuresrdquo
ldquoItrsquos this immersive experience of camaraderie of these natural flows and idea generationrdquo Feldman says
Hunt says ldquoThis is very difficult to get bored with because therersquos always somebody whose business is either in crisis or growth stage or some interesting part of the curverdquo
ldquoHow could we get bored when wersquore creating a platform with four startups and all we get to do is ideationrdquo Feldman says ldquoItrsquos a constant buzz we get from interacting with these startup founders and helping them build their ideasrdquo
Built into the program are activities that encourage fellows to break out of their comfort zone and to offer honest criticism of each otherrsquos ideas
Hunt compiles multiple data points on the startups
ldquoWersquore developing really deep insight about how do people start successful businessesrdquo
The program utilizes mentors from the entrepreneurial community
ldquoWe bring in people who are experts in specific areas to talk on those topicsrdquo Feldman says
ldquoThey get ideas flowingrdquo Hunt says of the mentors
Feldman says he regularly covers with fellows ldquothe major components of what you need to look at to start your businessrdquo and then mentors like Mike Kolker owner of graphic design firm Simplify teach lessons about operational efficiency and ldquohow to simplify running a businessrdquo
Hunt is a newcomer to all this and goes by instinct as much as research to support his vision
CONTINUED ON 54
FEATURE | BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
53
54 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
70 Years of Business in Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
4027335500 | 4315 South 50th Street
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Thanks for Voting SampW Fence the Best Again in 2015
Wersquore Not Just About Fences
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Thank You for Voting Us Best of B2Btrade 4 Years in a Row
AUDIO VISUAL SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDEbull System designengineeringbull Sales
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B2B
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aharsquos Business to Business M
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NER bull 2012 bull WIN
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ConnectWITH YOURCOMMUNITY
Donrsquot forget to visitOmahaMagazinecom to read
all of our titles online
Omaha MagazineEncounter B2B 60PlusHerFamily OmahaHome
CONTINUED FROM 53
ldquoI just had an irrational confidence market insights and a great theoretical background thanks to primary research I completed and to lessons I learned from Phillip Phillips Michael OrsquoHara and Art Diamond in UNOrsquos economics department I read constantly about who the players were in the startup world so I was fairly preparedrdquo
Even though he directs a startup program he only started participating in one himself (Venture School) He acknowledges Year of the Startup is a by-the-seat-of-your-pants experiment
ldquoComing out of college I had student loans and not a ton of money Irsquove held two jobs to finance the project Now the project is financed by a combination of me working and renting out one room One-hundred percent of the money our entrepreneurs pay in rent will be returned in full and so everybody has a strong incentive to follow through with the program That may be what makes us sustainablerdquo
Hersquos working on securing corporate sponsorship for the program Meanwhile he wants to help get participating startups to the next level
ldquoWersquore functioning like a pre-accelerator at this point We want to get our startups profitable and then refer them to the Straight Shots so they can focus on growth in a pure accelerator programrdquo
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 55
Mercedes-Benz of Omaha14335 Hillsdale Ave Omaha NE 68137wwwOmahaMercedescomContact John Williams anytime at 4029819262
of Omaha of Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
As Year of the Startup moved into a larger house in Omaharsquos Little Italy district on July 1 and a new class of fellows arrives Hunt says there are ldquointeresting talks happening right now to bring this to other citiesrdquo He and Feldman say economic development agencies are willing to pay a license fee for them to do startup houses in other cities The partners are having proprietary software developed that will enable new startup houses to replicate their branded Omaha model
They look forward to engaging with the emerging 10th Street cultural district but may keep the midtown house to accommodate growth
Hunt and Feldman believe theyrsquore catching the wave or tipping point of a big new startup rush and theyrsquore betting their model is poised to be a niche player in this wild frontier of entrepreneurial prospecting
B2B
56 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
It is an unassuming space but if you have made your way to TD Ameritrade Park Filmstreams or Hot Shops chances are yoursquove passed one of the most vibrant offices in Omaha
The fact that Co-Lab (short for Creative Collaborators) is not a traditional work space is certainly one of its best features Located inside the Tip Top building at 15th and Cumming streets is a project dreamed up by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture who happens to share the main floor of the building Based in the heart of a once-isolated section of the city Co-Labrsquos funky creative vibe is making waves In fact that vibe seeps into Omaharsquos everyday bringing about small changes pushing our city toward a more innovative future
CO-LABGIVING OMAHA WORKERS A MORE
COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE
IN THE OFFICE | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
56
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 57
Home to 18 businesses plus Alley Poyner Macchietto Co-Lab is free of walls and signage It is also free from traditional office norms For instance you donrsquot just walk over to your neighborrsquos space for a brainstorming sessionmdashyou skateboard At least you do if yoursquore Dave Nelson of SecretPenguin a leading experimental branding agency The best part is that the businesses surrounding SecretPenguin appreciate the break from tradition ldquoThatrsquos the beautiful part about being around like-minded good people and businessesrdquo Nelson says
CONTINUED ON 58
58 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 59
CONTINUED FROM 57
In addition to having pathways large enough to skateboard or bike through the space also provides Co-Labbers with a kitchen various conference rooms bike storage bathrooms and a battleground (otherwise known as the ping-pong table) Walking in the main doors clients and employees alike are greeted from the front desk while catching a view of the five-story open atrium basking in the glow of sunshine from the skylight Workers can also access the fitness room and rooftop deck sharing amenities with TipTop apartment residents who use a separate entrance
CONTINUED ON 60
The Harry A Koch CoInsurance amp Financial ConsultantsMember of First Insurance Group LLC
60 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
CONTINUED FROM 59
Businesses in Co-Lab all creativity-related range from entrepreneurs to start-ups to non-profits to small businesses The art varies in form but runs through the space like an electric current At Zicafoose Textiles Mary Zicafoose works steadily on her loom creating gorgeous tapestries 4Site Programming is where Joi Brown works as an independent consultant for performing arts centers across the nation Heartland B-Cycle a large-scale municipal bike sharing system brings art in the form of economical convenience Holly Boyer a founder of non-profit organization Mission Matters explains that one of the best things about having an office at Co-Lab is feeling the innovative positive energy from the moment you walk in the door So while individuals may join Co-Lab with a business-minded focus or a more creative vibe finding a yin to their yang is just a shout away
ldquoThere is certainly a wonderful built-in support network that comes along with working in a collaborative environmentrdquo quips Omaha Creative Institute Executive Director Emily Moody ldquoEverything from sharing ideas and finding ways to collaborate with an organization different than yours to sharing a staplerrdquo
At the heart of making it work says Laura Alley of Alley Poyner itrsquos simply playing well with others
The skateboarding ping-pong playing creatives do that well
B2B
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Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott Enterprises
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bull TD Ameritrade Parkbull First National Bank Towerbull Midtown Crossingbull Village Pointe Shopping Centerbull UNO Weber Fine Arts Buildingbull Childrenrsquos Hospital
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For more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
TD Ameritrade Park | First National Bank Tower | Midtown Crossing | Village Pointe | Childrenrsquos Hospital Aksarben Village | Joslyn Art Museum | Fred amp Pamela Buffett Cancer Center | UNO Community Arena
6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
AT THE OFFICE amp ON THE GO
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13
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
- BB1015_fntCvr_125
- BB1015_fntEdit_125
- BB1015_bkEdit_125
- BB1015_bkCvr_125
-
The Deal ReviewReason For Sale Fresh start after 25+ years in the industrySeller Transition Period Over eight monthsType of Sale Asset Purchase AgreementLender Access Bank Mack LaRock
ldquoYOU SHOULD INTERVIEW FOR A BUSINESS JUST LIKE YOU
WOULD FOR A JOBrdquo CRADICK EXPLAINS ldquoIT HAS TO BE THE
RIGHT FIT YOU DONrsquoT WANT TO BE ONE OF THE MANY FA-
TALITIES THAT HAPPEN SO OFTEN IN NEW BUSINESSrdquo
-Shaun Heldt
From Retail to RoofingHow to be Successful When Buying a Business
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Spending almost 20 years working in retail for major corporations and then
buying a siding and roofing contracting company may seem like a major leap but for Matt Cradick owner of Husker Ham-mer Siding Windows and Roofing it was the best business move hersquos ever made And thatrsquos saying a lot for someone who moved 11 times in 19 years across nine different states
Cradick had been living in Houston Texas where he worked for Target Corporation He had worked his way up through the com-pany and another promotion was on the horizon which meant another move With three young children at home Cradick de-cided it was time to put down some roots Having grown up in Lincoln Nebraska he wanted to be near family and Midwestern values He started researching businesses for sale and was eventually led to The Firm which in turn led him to Husker Hammer
The move from a big corporate environ-ment to a small contracting business didnrsquot intimidate Cradick With Target he oversaw 200 people so he knew he brought strong management and operational skills The challenge he says was learning the ins and outs of construction He didnrsquot need to be the one hammering away on the roofmdashhe needed learn a new business segment
ldquoSwitching industries can be nerve-rack-ingrdquo Cradick says ldquobut the owner was will-ing to stay on board for six months during the transitionrdquo That partnership was an invaluable tool during the changeover gt
A Publication of The Firm Business BrokerageA Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
9Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
10
lt Husker Hammer was started in 1998 as a one-man operation and had been built up to a multimillion dollar business Cradick was impressed with the mission statement values system of the company and the strong workforce that was already in place And the price of the company lined up well with the financials ldquoWhat Husker has that others in the industry donrsquotrdquo says the man whose faith is central to his deal-ings ldquois a strong ethical foundation with a Christian backgroundrdquo
There were a number of other elements Cradick sought when buying his business ones he believes all potential business own-ers need to keep in mind The first is to make sure you have a proper support team in place to help make a sound financial deci-sion That includes having a good business valuation and a good business broker who can point you in the right direction to ensure a match for both parties
Once yoursquore in the process of purchasing he adds make sure you have a capable net-work of attorneys a seasoned financial team and solid internal help to ensure yoursquore suc-cessful from the start ldquoYou should interview
for a business just like you would for a jobrdquo Cradick explains ldquoIt has to be the right fit You donrsquot want to be one of the many fatal-ities that happen so often in new businessrdquo
To help ensure the company continues to be successful Cradick plans to main-tain Husker Hammerrsquos competitive edges which he says includes his 11000-sq-ft state-of-the-art showroom in Elkhorn He reformatted the space to better fit his busi-ness model before building out additional second-floor space that is now rented to other entrepreneurs
The showroom features all of the window siding and roofing products available to customers Samples are one thing Cradick says but he knows the power of customers seeing actual colors in actual sizes
ldquoOur philosophy is to build peace of mind for homeowners and be with them every step through the processrdquo he says ldquoWord of mouth is our number one lead source which was true in retail as wellrdquo
Happy employees to Cradick are just as important as happy customers He sub-scribes to a simple philosophymdashlistening to employees and doing so with respect
ldquoWith big corporations you deal with a lot of politicsrdquo he says ldquoNow if therersquos politics itrsquos because Irsquove generated it Itrsquos a nice change to be in a small business where you have more leeway to ensure yoursquore creating a positive work environment which creates a happy workforcerdquo
Working for a smaller company also allows for more opportunities to become involved in the community Husker Hammer is active in local chambers of commerce the Open Door Mission and is currently helping on a Habitat for Humanity build in Waterloo They have also been accredited by the Bet-ter Business Bureau since 2000 and won the Better Business Integrity Award
Cradickrsquos business is currently 90 percent residential and 10 percent commercial He hopes to increase their reach in proper-ty management and general contracting while maintaining the high-quality residen-tial sales that built the business ldquoBecause of our showroomrdquo he says ldquopeople come
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
to us We donrsquot do the high pressure sales at the kitchen table We listen We let the homeowners do the talkingrdquo
Growing geographically is also a goal Cradick hopes to expand to surrounding areas including his hometown of Lincoln
ldquoSo far itrsquos been a great moverdquo he says ldquoand I look forward to continuing to be known as an ethical long-lasting company My daughters and wife are excited to be back in the Midwest around grandparents and family Their school district is great and the full year-round climate has been a welcome change from living in the south Plus I was averaging 50000 miles per year in travel so itrsquos nice to sleep in your own bed every nightrdquo The FIRM
For more information on this or any for sale listings call The Firm Business Brokerage directly
11Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
The Deal ReviewBusiness Established 1987Reason for Sale Retirement (Transla-tion More time with a fishing pole)Ownerrsquos Profit $495004Type of Loan SBA with Core Bank
12
Back to the FutureBuilding a Business Legacy
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Itrsquos not uncommon for someone who has spent a number of years in corporate
America to shift gears into entrepreneur-ship Being your own boss certainly has its advantages But for Scott Beckler who recently purchased Lewis Installers in Gret-na his reason for taking on a new business venture had more to do with honoring not only his fatherrsquos legacy but building one of his own
Beckler started his career as a business education teacher then moved to a corpo-rate career in technology But for a number of years he kept an eye on businesses for sale hoping that just the right opportunity would come along
ldquoMy dad was an entrepreneur who owned his own real estate insurance companyrdquo
Beckler says ldquoDespite the fact he had on-going health issues he still got up every day put on a coat and tie and went out to make a sale He was a very successful busi-nessman and I wanted to honor his legacyrdquo
After contacting The Firm and discuss-ing what he was looking for in a business the team suggested Lewis Installers which specializes in industrial conveyor and rack systems At first it seemed like a big de-parture for him ldquoShelving and logistical systems isnrsquot something that jumps out at yourdquo Beckler says But the more he looked into it the more he realized it had many of the elements he wanted in a business The most obvious advantage was that the company was located in Gretna where he lives Add to that the fact that the seller lives just up the road from him
Scott Beckler
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
For purposes of this article this overview is based on the buying and selling entities being corporations or entities taxed as corporations
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
4420 Izard Street Omaha4022938707 bull 8887380296
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
HAVE YOUR MINOR ROOF LEAKS BECOME A MAJOR ANNOYANCEDonrsquot Wait Any Longer Call Us Now
ldquoAfter meeting him and hitting it offrdquo Beckler says ldquowe quickly realized it was a match on both sidesrdquo
Other signs also pointed in the right di-rection The financials were good The size of the business was ideal The competitive landscape was promising Beckler also real-ized that his corporate background fit well with this new business
ldquoAlthough itrsquos an entirely different indus-tryrdquo he says ldquomany of the business princi-ples are the samehellipproject management customer service delivery vendor man-agement and cost containment Irsquove been doing all of those for yearsrdquo
His background in technology will also be a valuable asset in his new business Not only has he established relationships with large vendors built over the years but his from-the-ground-up experience with data centers means that he is already eying in-novative automation and other technology differentiators At the same time hersquos look-ing forward to learning the daily operations of the company and having a hand in every part of the business from bidding to closing to payroll
ldquoIt will be challenging coming from a big business background where Irsquove only been involved in the peripheryrdquo Beckler says
ldquoNow Irsquoll be involved in all of itrdquo
Lewis Installers being a family-owned business is what hersquos most excited about He says itrsquos a company with a good repu-tation thatrsquos known for quality and meeting deadlinesmdashall driven by a strong Midwest-ern work ethic
Itrsquos the sort of company Beckler believes that would make his father proud
ldquoI want this business to be a legacy for my familyrdquo Beckler says ldquoMy hope is that it could stay in the family with my own kids and grandkidsrdquo The FIRM
13Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Om
aharsquo
s Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
14
When considering the purchase of an existing business very few realize
that lack of experience in an industry can actually lead to success One simply needs a sound financial plan and a good team to fill in the gaps Removing the added stress of fieldwork and focusing solely on the management of finances and operation allows for greater opportunities It makes for the dynamic advantage of some outside impartiality when seeking areas of improve-ment and growth
One man who has made this transition from having marginal knowledge in an in-dustry to leading a successful plumbing and HVAC operation is Mark Evans president of Burton Plumbing Before taking over Burton Evans had a successful plumbing distribu-torship serving four states but it was his desire to own and to travel less that put him into the hands of Burton Friesz The founder of Burton Plumbing Friesz had been a customer and friend of Evansrsquo when the two discussed a possible expansion into residential service Evans put his busi-ness experience to work for Burton in July 1995 and his education in the minutiae of plumbing and HVAC began
While he hasnrsquot worked in the field as a licensed plumbing contractor Evans has dipped his feet in several areas within the running of Burtonhellipand often at the same time Before hiring the essential personnel that have enabled him to narrow his role Ev-ans served as manager marketer customer service representative and dispatcher Such a list of duties for one man is a daunting task but ldquoI worked my way to being able to work on the business rather than in the business [a strategy] taught to me by my business coachrdquo says Evans
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
REMOVING THE ADDED STRESS OF FIELDWORK AND FOCUSING SOLELY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF FINANCES AND OPERATION ALLOWS FOR GREATER OPPORTUNITIES
Executive Impact Moving Into the Boardroom From Employee to President
written by Maureen Tierney | Co-written by Mark Evans and Julie OrsquoBrien
Eventually Evans was able to step back and bring on a general manager and a ware-house operator that has allowed him to
ldquofocus on growth opportunities marketing and cash flowrdquo
Evansrsquo experience is not unique It is com-mon for brokerages to deal with buyers seeking to own companies within a cer-tain field but ldquoonly two people out of the nearly 100 closings [wersquove had] have come in for the same business that they ended up purchasingrdquo says Julie OrsquoBrien client services and paralegal with The Firm What it comes down to is as simple as the bot-tom line Buyers are looking to leverage their talents and experience in a marriage between a management philosophy and business model Those in the market for an acquisition are ldquobuying based on profit number of staff ability to get financing and mostly their strengths and passionsrdquo says OrsquoBrien Experience in a particular industry is certainly valuable but is no predictor of success when the right financial mind comes along
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Even so making up for a lack of practical knowledge requires the proper equipment most notably in the form of managers and employees The right talent in the field can be a growth experience and provide an opportunity to learn the ropes before taking a full swing at things A total deficit in knowl-edge hardly makes for good leadership and for this reason many ldquonew business owners like to take a birdrsquos eye view of the operation rather than diving in and getting their hands dirty right awayhellipgiving them the opportunity to watch [how] things have been done before implementing changesrdquo says OrsquoBrien
Approaching ownership in this way also allows for further financial acquisitions an avenue which Evans has taken In addition to owning Burton Plumbing Evans operates four other companies One might assume this much responsibility to be a stretch but Evans sees his role as ldquokeeping a pulse on things I like to lead people in growth per-sonally and on the business siderdquo
Getting started can be a challenge which is why OrsquoBrien works closely with potential buyers to find the right fit ldquoWe assist all the wayrdquo she says ldquoWe work with the buyer on projections business plans [and] we introduce them to trusted advisorsrdquo from attorneys and CPAs to financial advisors and insurance agents
Itrsquos this helpful backing of experts that eases the difficult task of ownership and only proves that one can certainly switch from a blue collar to a white one The FIRM
CONTRACTING BUSINESSES LISTED BY THE FIRM
201
5 P
roje
cted
201
5 Y
TD
201
4
201
3
201
2
30
0
15
28
14
12
11
16
15Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Omaharsquos Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
It may seem like I pulled a muscle making this stretch but Keith Backsen the new boss at the Omaha Convention amp Visitors Bureau seems to have an awful lot in common with new Husker Coach Mike Riley
Coach Riley spent a total of 14 seasons at Oregon State before heading to Huskerland Backsen also comes from that neck of the woods having spent 11 years of his career in Portland Oregon and another 11 years in Spokane Washington selling both cities as prime places for convention and leisure travelers
At Oregon State Coach Riley built the football program into a consistent winner and regular conference contender At Visit Spokane Backsen opened sales offices in Washington DC and Chicago that led to increased convention bookings Backsen also worked on the public campaign to expand the Spokane Convention Center with a $65 million bond issue The expansion coupled with increased hotel inventory allowed Spokane to pursue large conventions and more than doubled convention bookings in Spokane
Riley has experience at the highest level of football serving as the head coach of the San Diego Chargers and as a head coach in both the Canadian and World Football Leagues Same for Backsen he worked in Dallas and Chicago as the director of sales for Global Experience Specialists a global leader in the world of event planning Backsen supervised five sales offices in a nine-state region generating annual sales in excess of $70 million
Riley is known as one of the most professional and nicest men in the profession a coach who is greatly admired by his peers I kid you not Backsen is described the same way by colleaguesmdashone of the most genuine and skilled men in the business a well respected professional who has the insight and experience to get the job done (Note the $70M stat above)
Come the first game both men will have a stadium filled with fans cheering them on In Backsenrsquos case his stadium is the entire city of Omaha where the fans are the 434353 residents who will reap the rewards of Omaharsquos growing tourism economy
B2B
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 51
51HUSKER
COACH HAS TOURISM
TWIN
OMAHA CVB BY DEB WARD
Deb Ward is the director of marketingcommunications Omaha Convention and Visitorrsquos Bureau
Keith Backsen
52 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Jason Feldman and Sebastian Hunt
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 53
The emerging startup accelerator scene supports creative-minded risk-takers looking for an edge to follow their passion and bring their ideas to fruition
Sebastian Hunt 25 is passionate about giving entrepreneurs like himself a nurturing space to test out their concepts The University of Nebraska at Omaha economics graduate interned with various local employers and surveyed the area startup community when an idea struck him for a by-application curriculum-based residency program serving new entrepreneurs That inspiration turned into Year of the Startup
Launched in 2014 the program operates out of a humble house at 4036 Burt Street in the St Cecilia Cathedral neighborhood Hunt and co-founder Jason Feldman 28 room there with young residency fellows whose startup ventures range from making bio-fuels to providing night owl shuttle services They are a millennial bunch who favor sneakers and sandals They take informal meetings to nearby CaliCommons and Lisarsquos Radial Cafe They variously hunch over laptops or tablets and carry smartphones as appendages
YEAR OF THE STARTUP
ENTREPRENEURAL IMMERSION
This communal work-live space model for business mavericks is new to Omaha The usual startup accelerator is a concentrated 90-day off-site program Omaha has a few of these notably Straight Shot Hunt saw a need for a program that invites a broader range of people into the accelerator fold and supports them much nearer to the start of their dream than other programs
ldquoWe feel like we can take people at very early stages because we are four times as long as the average programrdquo says Hunt who adds that Year of the Startup is also not tech-centric like many programs tend to be ldquoIn our model we substitute intensity for duration I think a lot of the learning here comes through unstructured serendipitous interactions we have that is not curriculum-based itrsquos just happenstance
ldquoWith a house there are so many different ways you can bring ideas and people together I think thatrsquos maybe that critical binding agent and sense of place that helps accomplish thingsrdquo
He says in this intimate environment ldquotherersquos no other choice but to immerse yourself in the settingrdquo adding ldquoWersquore always hanging out in the living room or out back talking about startup stuffmdashmonetization strategies capitalization tables vested equity entity structuresrdquo
ldquoItrsquos this immersive experience of camaraderie of these natural flows and idea generationrdquo Feldman says
Hunt says ldquoThis is very difficult to get bored with because therersquos always somebody whose business is either in crisis or growth stage or some interesting part of the curverdquo
ldquoHow could we get bored when wersquore creating a platform with four startups and all we get to do is ideationrdquo Feldman says ldquoItrsquos a constant buzz we get from interacting with these startup founders and helping them build their ideasrdquo
Built into the program are activities that encourage fellows to break out of their comfort zone and to offer honest criticism of each otherrsquos ideas
Hunt compiles multiple data points on the startups
ldquoWersquore developing really deep insight about how do people start successful businessesrdquo
The program utilizes mentors from the entrepreneurial community
ldquoWe bring in people who are experts in specific areas to talk on those topicsrdquo Feldman says
ldquoThey get ideas flowingrdquo Hunt says of the mentors
Feldman says he regularly covers with fellows ldquothe major components of what you need to look at to start your businessrdquo and then mentors like Mike Kolker owner of graphic design firm Simplify teach lessons about operational efficiency and ldquohow to simplify running a businessrdquo
Hunt is a newcomer to all this and goes by instinct as much as research to support his vision
CONTINUED ON 54
FEATURE | BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
53
54 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
70 Years of Business in Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
4027335500 | 4315 South 50th Street
402-333-5722 bull wwwsw-fencecom
Thanks for Voting SampW Fence the Best Again in 2015
Wersquore Not Just About Fences
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Thank You for Voting Us Best of B2Btrade 4 Years in a Row
AUDIO VISUAL SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDEbull System designengineeringbull Sales
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B2B
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aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
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NER bull 2012 bull WIN
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Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
ConnectWITH YOURCOMMUNITY
Donrsquot forget to visitOmahaMagazinecom to read
all of our titles online
Omaha MagazineEncounter B2B 60PlusHerFamily OmahaHome
CONTINUED FROM 53
ldquoI just had an irrational confidence market insights and a great theoretical background thanks to primary research I completed and to lessons I learned from Phillip Phillips Michael OrsquoHara and Art Diamond in UNOrsquos economics department I read constantly about who the players were in the startup world so I was fairly preparedrdquo
Even though he directs a startup program he only started participating in one himself (Venture School) He acknowledges Year of the Startup is a by-the-seat-of-your-pants experiment
ldquoComing out of college I had student loans and not a ton of money Irsquove held two jobs to finance the project Now the project is financed by a combination of me working and renting out one room One-hundred percent of the money our entrepreneurs pay in rent will be returned in full and so everybody has a strong incentive to follow through with the program That may be what makes us sustainablerdquo
Hersquos working on securing corporate sponsorship for the program Meanwhile he wants to help get participating startups to the next level
ldquoWersquore functioning like a pre-accelerator at this point We want to get our startups profitable and then refer them to the Straight Shots so they can focus on growth in a pure accelerator programrdquo
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 55
Mercedes-Benz of Omaha14335 Hillsdale Ave Omaha NE 68137wwwOmahaMercedescomContact John Williams anytime at 4029819262
of Omaha of Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
As Year of the Startup moved into a larger house in Omaharsquos Little Italy district on July 1 and a new class of fellows arrives Hunt says there are ldquointeresting talks happening right now to bring this to other citiesrdquo He and Feldman say economic development agencies are willing to pay a license fee for them to do startup houses in other cities The partners are having proprietary software developed that will enable new startup houses to replicate their branded Omaha model
They look forward to engaging with the emerging 10th Street cultural district but may keep the midtown house to accommodate growth
Hunt and Feldman believe theyrsquore catching the wave or tipping point of a big new startup rush and theyrsquore betting their model is poised to be a niche player in this wild frontier of entrepreneurial prospecting
B2B
56 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
It is an unassuming space but if you have made your way to TD Ameritrade Park Filmstreams or Hot Shops chances are yoursquove passed one of the most vibrant offices in Omaha
The fact that Co-Lab (short for Creative Collaborators) is not a traditional work space is certainly one of its best features Located inside the Tip Top building at 15th and Cumming streets is a project dreamed up by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture who happens to share the main floor of the building Based in the heart of a once-isolated section of the city Co-Labrsquos funky creative vibe is making waves In fact that vibe seeps into Omaharsquos everyday bringing about small changes pushing our city toward a more innovative future
CO-LABGIVING OMAHA WORKERS A MORE
COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE
IN THE OFFICE | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
56
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 57
Home to 18 businesses plus Alley Poyner Macchietto Co-Lab is free of walls and signage It is also free from traditional office norms For instance you donrsquot just walk over to your neighborrsquos space for a brainstorming sessionmdashyou skateboard At least you do if yoursquore Dave Nelson of SecretPenguin a leading experimental branding agency The best part is that the businesses surrounding SecretPenguin appreciate the break from tradition ldquoThatrsquos the beautiful part about being around like-minded good people and businessesrdquo Nelson says
CONTINUED ON 58
58 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 59
CONTINUED FROM 57
In addition to having pathways large enough to skateboard or bike through the space also provides Co-Labbers with a kitchen various conference rooms bike storage bathrooms and a battleground (otherwise known as the ping-pong table) Walking in the main doors clients and employees alike are greeted from the front desk while catching a view of the five-story open atrium basking in the glow of sunshine from the skylight Workers can also access the fitness room and rooftop deck sharing amenities with TipTop apartment residents who use a separate entrance
CONTINUED ON 60
The Harry A Koch CoInsurance amp Financial ConsultantsMember of First Insurance Group LLC
60 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
CONTINUED FROM 59
Businesses in Co-Lab all creativity-related range from entrepreneurs to start-ups to non-profits to small businesses The art varies in form but runs through the space like an electric current At Zicafoose Textiles Mary Zicafoose works steadily on her loom creating gorgeous tapestries 4Site Programming is where Joi Brown works as an independent consultant for performing arts centers across the nation Heartland B-Cycle a large-scale municipal bike sharing system brings art in the form of economical convenience Holly Boyer a founder of non-profit organization Mission Matters explains that one of the best things about having an office at Co-Lab is feeling the innovative positive energy from the moment you walk in the door So while individuals may join Co-Lab with a business-minded focus or a more creative vibe finding a yin to their yang is just a shout away
ldquoThere is certainly a wonderful built-in support network that comes along with working in a collaborative environmentrdquo quips Omaha Creative Institute Executive Director Emily Moody ldquoEverything from sharing ideas and finding ways to collaborate with an organization different than yours to sharing a staplerrdquo
At the heart of making it work says Laura Alley of Alley Poyner itrsquos simply playing well with others
The skateboarding ping-pong playing creatives do that well
B2B
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2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott Enterprises
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For more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
TD Ameritrade Park | First National Bank Tower | Midtown Crossing | Village Pointe | Childrenrsquos Hospital Aksarben Village | Joslyn Art Museum | Fred amp Pamela Buffett Cancer Center | UNO Community Arena
6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
AT THE OFFICE amp ON THE GO
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13
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
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10
lt Husker Hammer was started in 1998 as a one-man operation and had been built up to a multimillion dollar business Cradick was impressed with the mission statement values system of the company and the strong workforce that was already in place And the price of the company lined up well with the financials ldquoWhat Husker has that others in the industry donrsquotrdquo says the man whose faith is central to his deal-ings ldquois a strong ethical foundation with a Christian backgroundrdquo
There were a number of other elements Cradick sought when buying his business ones he believes all potential business own-ers need to keep in mind The first is to make sure you have a proper support team in place to help make a sound financial deci-sion That includes having a good business valuation and a good business broker who can point you in the right direction to ensure a match for both parties
Once yoursquore in the process of purchasing he adds make sure you have a capable net-work of attorneys a seasoned financial team and solid internal help to ensure yoursquore suc-cessful from the start ldquoYou should interview
for a business just like you would for a jobrdquo Cradick explains ldquoIt has to be the right fit You donrsquot want to be one of the many fatal-ities that happen so often in new businessrdquo
To help ensure the company continues to be successful Cradick plans to main-tain Husker Hammerrsquos competitive edges which he says includes his 11000-sq-ft state-of-the-art showroom in Elkhorn He reformatted the space to better fit his busi-ness model before building out additional second-floor space that is now rented to other entrepreneurs
The showroom features all of the window siding and roofing products available to customers Samples are one thing Cradick says but he knows the power of customers seeing actual colors in actual sizes
ldquoOur philosophy is to build peace of mind for homeowners and be with them every step through the processrdquo he says ldquoWord of mouth is our number one lead source which was true in retail as wellrdquo
Happy employees to Cradick are just as important as happy customers He sub-scribes to a simple philosophymdashlistening to employees and doing so with respect
ldquoWith big corporations you deal with a lot of politicsrdquo he says ldquoNow if therersquos politics itrsquos because Irsquove generated it Itrsquos a nice change to be in a small business where you have more leeway to ensure yoursquore creating a positive work environment which creates a happy workforcerdquo
Working for a smaller company also allows for more opportunities to become involved in the community Husker Hammer is active in local chambers of commerce the Open Door Mission and is currently helping on a Habitat for Humanity build in Waterloo They have also been accredited by the Bet-ter Business Bureau since 2000 and won the Better Business Integrity Award
Cradickrsquos business is currently 90 percent residential and 10 percent commercial He hopes to increase their reach in proper-ty management and general contracting while maintaining the high-quality residen-tial sales that built the business ldquoBecause of our showroomrdquo he says ldquopeople come
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
to us We donrsquot do the high pressure sales at the kitchen table We listen We let the homeowners do the talkingrdquo
Growing geographically is also a goal Cradick hopes to expand to surrounding areas including his hometown of Lincoln
ldquoSo far itrsquos been a great moverdquo he says ldquoand I look forward to continuing to be known as an ethical long-lasting company My daughters and wife are excited to be back in the Midwest around grandparents and family Their school district is great and the full year-round climate has been a welcome change from living in the south Plus I was averaging 50000 miles per year in travel so itrsquos nice to sleep in your own bed every nightrdquo The FIRM
For more information on this or any for sale listings call The Firm Business Brokerage directly
11Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
The Deal ReviewBusiness Established 1987Reason for Sale Retirement (Transla-tion More time with a fishing pole)Ownerrsquos Profit $495004Type of Loan SBA with Core Bank
12
Back to the FutureBuilding a Business Legacy
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Itrsquos not uncommon for someone who has spent a number of years in corporate
America to shift gears into entrepreneur-ship Being your own boss certainly has its advantages But for Scott Beckler who recently purchased Lewis Installers in Gret-na his reason for taking on a new business venture had more to do with honoring not only his fatherrsquos legacy but building one of his own
Beckler started his career as a business education teacher then moved to a corpo-rate career in technology But for a number of years he kept an eye on businesses for sale hoping that just the right opportunity would come along
ldquoMy dad was an entrepreneur who owned his own real estate insurance companyrdquo
Beckler says ldquoDespite the fact he had on-going health issues he still got up every day put on a coat and tie and went out to make a sale He was a very successful busi-nessman and I wanted to honor his legacyrdquo
After contacting The Firm and discuss-ing what he was looking for in a business the team suggested Lewis Installers which specializes in industrial conveyor and rack systems At first it seemed like a big de-parture for him ldquoShelving and logistical systems isnrsquot something that jumps out at yourdquo Beckler says But the more he looked into it the more he realized it had many of the elements he wanted in a business The most obvious advantage was that the company was located in Gretna where he lives Add to that the fact that the seller lives just up the road from him
Scott Beckler
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
For purposes of this article this overview is based on the buying and selling entities being corporations or entities taxed as corporations
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
4420 Izard Street Omaha4022938707 bull 8887380296
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
HAVE YOUR MINOR ROOF LEAKS BECOME A MAJOR ANNOYANCEDonrsquot Wait Any Longer Call Us Now
ldquoAfter meeting him and hitting it offrdquo Beckler says ldquowe quickly realized it was a match on both sidesrdquo
Other signs also pointed in the right di-rection The financials were good The size of the business was ideal The competitive landscape was promising Beckler also real-ized that his corporate background fit well with this new business
ldquoAlthough itrsquos an entirely different indus-tryrdquo he says ldquomany of the business princi-ples are the samehellipproject management customer service delivery vendor man-agement and cost containment Irsquove been doing all of those for yearsrdquo
His background in technology will also be a valuable asset in his new business Not only has he established relationships with large vendors built over the years but his from-the-ground-up experience with data centers means that he is already eying in-novative automation and other technology differentiators At the same time hersquos look-ing forward to learning the daily operations of the company and having a hand in every part of the business from bidding to closing to payroll
ldquoIt will be challenging coming from a big business background where Irsquove only been involved in the peripheryrdquo Beckler says
ldquoNow Irsquoll be involved in all of itrdquo
Lewis Installers being a family-owned business is what hersquos most excited about He says itrsquos a company with a good repu-tation thatrsquos known for quality and meeting deadlinesmdashall driven by a strong Midwest-ern work ethic
Itrsquos the sort of company Beckler believes that would make his father proud
ldquoI want this business to be a legacy for my familyrdquo Beckler says ldquoMy hope is that it could stay in the family with my own kids and grandkidsrdquo The FIRM
13Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Om
aharsquo
s Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
14
When considering the purchase of an existing business very few realize
that lack of experience in an industry can actually lead to success One simply needs a sound financial plan and a good team to fill in the gaps Removing the added stress of fieldwork and focusing solely on the management of finances and operation allows for greater opportunities It makes for the dynamic advantage of some outside impartiality when seeking areas of improve-ment and growth
One man who has made this transition from having marginal knowledge in an in-dustry to leading a successful plumbing and HVAC operation is Mark Evans president of Burton Plumbing Before taking over Burton Evans had a successful plumbing distribu-torship serving four states but it was his desire to own and to travel less that put him into the hands of Burton Friesz The founder of Burton Plumbing Friesz had been a customer and friend of Evansrsquo when the two discussed a possible expansion into residential service Evans put his busi-ness experience to work for Burton in July 1995 and his education in the minutiae of plumbing and HVAC began
While he hasnrsquot worked in the field as a licensed plumbing contractor Evans has dipped his feet in several areas within the running of Burtonhellipand often at the same time Before hiring the essential personnel that have enabled him to narrow his role Ev-ans served as manager marketer customer service representative and dispatcher Such a list of duties for one man is a daunting task but ldquoI worked my way to being able to work on the business rather than in the business [a strategy] taught to me by my business coachrdquo says Evans
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
REMOVING THE ADDED STRESS OF FIELDWORK AND FOCUSING SOLELY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF FINANCES AND OPERATION ALLOWS FOR GREATER OPPORTUNITIES
Executive Impact Moving Into the Boardroom From Employee to President
written by Maureen Tierney | Co-written by Mark Evans and Julie OrsquoBrien
Eventually Evans was able to step back and bring on a general manager and a ware-house operator that has allowed him to
ldquofocus on growth opportunities marketing and cash flowrdquo
Evansrsquo experience is not unique It is com-mon for brokerages to deal with buyers seeking to own companies within a cer-tain field but ldquoonly two people out of the nearly 100 closings [wersquove had] have come in for the same business that they ended up purchasingrdquo says Julie OrsquoBrien client services and paralegal with The Firm What it comes down to is as simple as the bot-tom line Buyers are looking to leverage their talents and experience in a marriage between a management philosophy and business model Those in the market for an acquisition are ldquobuying based on profit number of staff ability to get financing and mostly their strengths and passionsrdquo says OrsquoBrien Experience in a particular industry is certainly valuable but is no predictor of success when the right financial mind comes along
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Even so making up for a lack of practical knowledge requires the proper equipment most notably in the form of managers and employees The right talent in the field can be a growth experience and provide an opportunity to learn the ropes before taking a full swing at things A total deficit in knowl-edge hardly makes for good leadership and for this reason many ldquonew business owners like to take a birdrsquos eye view of the operation rather than diving in and getting their hands dirty right awayhellipgiving them the opportunity to watch [how] things have been done before implementing changesrdquo says OrsquoBrien
Approaching ownership in this way also allows for further financial acquisitions an avenue which Evans has taken In addition to owning Burton Plumbing Evans operates four other companies One might assume this much responsibility to be a stretch but Evans sees his role as ldquokeeping a pulse on things I like to lead people in growth per-sonally and on the business siderdquo
Getting started can be a challenge which is why OrsquoBrien works closely with potential buyers to find the right fit ldquoWe assist all the wayrdquo she says ldquoWe work with the buyer on projections business plans [and] we introduce them to trusted advisorsrdquo from attorneys and CPAs to financial advisors and insurance agents
Itrsquos this helpful backing of experts that eases the difficult task of ownership and only proves that one can certainly switch from a blue collar to a white one The FIRM
CONTRACTING BUSINESSES LISTED BY THE FIRM
201
5 P
roje
cted
201
5 Y
TD
201
4
201
3
201
2
30
0
15
28
14
12
11
16
15Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Omaharsquos Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
It may seem like I pulled a muscle making this stretch but Keith Backsen the new boss at the Omaha Convention amp Visitors Bureau seems to have an awful lot in common with new Husker Coach Mike Riley
Coach Riley spent a total of 14 seasons at Oregon State before heading to Huskerland Backsen also comes from that neck of the woods having spent 11 years of his career in Portland Oregon and another 11 years in Spokane Washington selling both cities as prime places for convention and leisure travelers
At Oregon State Coach Riley built the football program into a consistent winner and regular conference contender At Visit Spokane Backsen opened sales offices in Washington DC and Chicago that led to increased convention bookings Backsen also worked on the public campaign to expand the Spokane Convention Center with a $65 million bond issue The expansion coupled with increased hotel inventory allowed Spokane to pursue large conventions and more than doubled convention bookings in Spokane
Riley has experience at the highest level of football serving as the head coach of the San Diego Chargers and as a head coach in both the Canadian and World Football Leagues Same for Backsen he worked in Dallas and Chicago as the director of sales for Global Experience Specialists a global leader in the world of event planning Backsen supervised five sales offices in a nine-state region generating annual sales in excess of $70 million
Riley is known as one of the most professional and nicest men in the profession a coach who is greatly admired by his peers I kid you not Backsen is described the same way by colleaguesmdashone of the most genuine and skilled men in the business a well respected professional who has the insight and experience to get the job done (Note the $70M stat above)
Come the first game both men will have a stadium filled with fans cheering them on In Backsenrsquos case his stadium is the entire city of Omaha where the fans are the 434353 residents who will reap the rewards of Omaharsquos growing tourism economy
B2B
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 51
51HUSKER
COACH HAS TOURISM
TWIN
OMAHA CVB BY DEB WARD
Deb Ward is the director of marketingcommunications Omaha Convention and Visitorrsquos Bureau
Keith Backsen
52 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Jason Feldman and Sebastian Hunt
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 53
The emerging startup accelerator scene supports creative-minded risk-takers looking for an edge to follow their passion and bring their ideas to fruition
Sebastian Hunt 25 is passionate about giving entrepreneurs like himself a nurturing space to test out their concepts The University of Nebraska at Omaha economics graduate interned with various local employers and surveyed the area startup community when an idea struck him for a by-application curriculum-based residency program serving new entrepreneurs That inspiration turned into Year of the Startup
Launched in 2014 the program operates out of a humble house at 4036 Burt Street in the St Cecilia Cathedral neighborhood Hunt and co-founder Jason Feldman 28 room there with young residency fellows whose startup ventures range from making bio-fuels to providing night owl shuttle services They are a millennial bunch who favor sneakers and sandals They take informal meetings to nearby CaliCommons and Lisarsquos Radial Cafe They variously hunch over laptops or tablets and carry smartphones as appendages
YEAR OF THE STARTUP
ENTREPRENEURAL IMMERSION
This communal work-live space model for business mavericks is new to Omaha The usual startup accelerator is a concentrated 90-day off-site program Omaha has a few of these notably Straight Shot Hunt saw a need for a program that invites a broader range of people into the accelerator fold and supports them much nearer to the start of their dream than other programs
ldquoWe feel like we can take people at very early stages because we are four times as long as the average programrdquo says Hunt who adds that Year of the Startup is also not tech-centric like many programs tend to be ldquoIn our model we substitute intensity for duration I think a lot of the learning here comes through unstructured serendipitous interactions we have that is not curriculum-based itrsquos just happenstance
ldquoWith a house there are so many different ways you can bring ideas and people together I think thatrsquos maybe that critical binding agent and sense of place that helps accomplish thingsrdquo
He says in this intimate environment ldquotherersquos no other choice but to immerse yourself in the settingrdquo adding ldquoWersquore always hanging out in the living room or out back talking about startup stuffmdashmonetization strategies capitalization tables vested equity entity structuresrdquo
ldquoItrsquos this immersive experience of camaraderie of these natural flows and idea generationrdquo Feldman says
Hunt says ldquoThis is very difficult to get bored with because therersquos always somebody whose business is either in crisis or growth stage or some interesting part of the curverdquo
ldquoHow could we get bored when wersquore creating a platform with four startups and all we get to do is ideationrdquo Feldman says ldquoItrsquos a constant buzz we get from interacting with these startup founders and helping them build their ideasrdquo
Built into the program are activities that encourage fellows to break out of their comfort zone and to offer honest criticism of each otherrsquos ideas
Hunt compiles multiple data points on the startups
ldquoWersquore developing really deep insight about how do people start successful businessesrdquo
The program utilizes mentors from the entrepreneurial community
ldquoWe bring in people who are experts in specific areas to talk on those topicsrdquo Feldman says
ldquoThey get ideas flowingrdquo Hunt says of the mentors
Feldman says he regularly covers with fellows ldquothe major components of what you need to look at to start your businessrdquo and then mentors like Mike Kolker owner of graphic design firm Simplify teach lessons about operational efficiency and ldquohow to simplify running a businessrdquo
Hunt is a newcomer to all this and goes by instinct as much as research to support his vision
CONTINUED ON 54
FEATURE | BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
53
54 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
70 Years of Business in Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
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Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
4027335500 | 4315 South 50th Street
402-333-5722 bull wwwsw-fencecom
Thanks for Voting SampW Fence the Best Again in 2015
Wersquore Not Just About Fences
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Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
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Thank You for Voting Us Best of B2Btrade 4 Years in a Row
AUDIO VISUAL SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDEbull System designengineeringbull Sales
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Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER 2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
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ConnectWITH YOURCOMMUNITY
Donrsquot forget to visitOmahaMagazinecom to read
all of our titles online
Omaha MagazineEncounter B2B 60PlusHerFamily OmahaHome
CONTINUED FROM 53
ldquoI just had an irrational confidence market insights and a great theoretical background thanks to primary research I completed and to lessons I learned from Phillip Phillips Michael OrsquoHara and Art Diamond in UNOrsquos economics department I read constantly about who the players were in the startup world so I was fairly preparedrdquo
Even though he directs a startup program he only started participating in one himself (Venture School) He acknowledges Year of the Startup is a by-the-seat-of-your-pants experiment
ldquoComing out of college I had student loans and not a ton of money Irsquove held two jobs to finance the project Now the project is financed by a combination of me working and renting out one room One-hundred percent of the money our entrepreneurs pay in rent will be returned in full and so everybody has a strong incentive to follow through with the program That may be what makes us sustainablerdquo
Hersquos working on securing corporate sponsorship for the program Meanwhile he wants to help get participating startups to the next level
ldquoWersquore functioning like a pre-accelerator at this point We want to get our startups profitable and then refer them to the Straight Shots so they can focus on growth in a pure accelerator programrdquo
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 55
Mercedes-Benz of Omaha14335 Hillsdale Ave Omaha NE 68137wwwOmahaMercedescomContact John Williams anytime at 4029819262
of Omaha of Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
As Year of the Startup moved into a larger house in Omaharsquos Little Italy district on July 1 and a new class of fellows arrives Hunt says there are ldquointeresting talks happening right now to bring this to other citiesrdquo He and Feldman say economic development agencies are willing to pay a license fee for them to do startup houses in other cities The partners are having proprietary software developed that will enable new startup houses to replicate their branded Omaha model
They look forward to engaging with the emerging 10th Street cultural district but may keep the midtown house to accommodate growth
Hunt and Feldman believe theyrsquore catching the wave or tipping point of a big new startup rush and theyrsquore betting their model is poised to be a niche player in this wild frontier of entrepreneurial prospecting
B2B
56 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
It is an unassuming space but if you have made your way to TD Ameritrade Park Filmstreams or Hot Shops chances are yoursquove passed one of the most vibrant offices in Omaha
The fact that Co-Lab (short for Creative Collaborators) is not a traditional work space is certainly one of its best features Located inside the Tip Top building at 15th and Cumming streets is a project dreamed up by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture who happens to share the main floor of the building Based in the heart of a once-isolated section of the city Co-Labrsquos funky creative vibe is making waves In fact that vibe seeps into Omaharsquos everyday bringing about small changes pushing our city toward a more innovative future
CO-LABGIVING OMAHA WORKERS A MORE
COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE
IN THE OFFICE | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
56
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 57
Home to 18 businesses plus Alley Poyner Macchietto Co-Lab is free of walls and signage It is also free from traditional office norms For instance you donrsquot just walk over to your neighborrsquos space for a brainstorming sessionmdashyou skateboard At least you do if yoursquore Dave Nelson of SecretPenguin a leading experimental branding agency The best part is that the businesses surrounding SecretPenguin appreciate the break from tradition ldquoThatrsquos the beautiful part about being around like-minded good people and businessesrdquo Nelson says
CONTINUED ON 58
58 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 59
CONTINUED FROM 57
In addition to having pathways large enough to skateboard or bike through the space also provides Co-Labbers with a kitchen various conference rooms bike storage bathrooms and a battleground (otherwise known as the ping-pong table) Walking in the main doors clients and employees alike are greeted from the front desk while catching a view of the five-story open atrium basking in the glow of sunshine from the skylight Workers can also access the fitness room and rooftop deck sharing amenities with TipTop apartment residents who use a separate entrance
CONTINUED ON 60
The Harry A Koch CoInsurance amp Financial ConsultantsMember of First Insurance Group LLC
60 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
CONTINUED FROM 59
Businesses in Co-Lab all creativity-related range from entrepreneurs to start-ups to non-profits to small businesses The art varies in form but runs through the space like an electric current At Zicafoose Textiles Mary Zicafoose works steadily on her loom creating gorgeous tapestries 4Site Programming is where Joi Brown works as an independent consultant for performing arts centers across the nation Heartland B-Cycle a large-scale municipal bike sharing system brings art in the form of economical convenience Holly Boyer a founder of non-profit organization Mission Matters explains that one of the best things about having an office at Co-Lab is feeling the innovative positive energy from the moment you walk in the door So while individuals may join Co-Lab with a business-minded focus or a more creative vibe finding a yin to their yang is just a shout away
ldquoThere is certainly a wonderful built-in support network that comes along with working in a collaborative environmentrdquo quips Omaha Creative Institute Executive Director Emily Moody ldquoEverything from sharing ideas and finding ways to collaborate with an organization different than yours to sharing a staplerrdquo
At the heart of making it work says Laura Alley of Alley Poyner itrsquos simply playing well with others
The skateboarding ping-pong playing creatives do that well
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6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
AT THE OFFICE amp ON THE GO
Headsets by
Plantronics BackBeat
Fit Bluetooth
Plantronics CS540
Wireless
wwwheadsetterscom wwwcomputeromahacomLocated Inside of Headsetters
SERVICES INCLUDEVirus Check and Removal
Clean Your BrowserRemove Temporary Internet Files
Delete Adware and CookiesDefrag Hard Drives
Intall Current Microsoft PatchesInstall Microsoft Security Updates
Update Drivers
13
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
- BB1015_fntCvr_125
- BB1015_fntEdit_125
- BB1015_bkEdit_125
- BB1015_bkCvr_125
-
to us We donrsquot do the high pressure sales at the kitchen table We listen We let the homeowners do the talkingrdquo
Growing geographically is also a goal Cradick hopes to expand to surrounding areas including his hometown of Lincoln
ldquoSo far itrsquos been a great moverdquo he says ldquoand I look forward to continuing to be known as an ethical long-lasting company My daughters and wife are excited to be back in the Midwest around grandparents and family Their school district is great and the full year-round climate has been a welcome change from living in the south Plus I was averaging 50000 miles per year in travel so itrsquos nice to sleep in your own bed every nightrdquo The FIRM
For more information on this or any for sale listings call The Firm Business Brokerage directly
11Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
The Deal ReviewBusiness Established 1987Reason for Sale Retirement (Transla-tion More time with a fishing pole)Ownerrsquos Profit $495004Type of Loan SBA with Core Bank
12
Back to the FutureBuilding a Business Legacy
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Itrsquos not uncommon for someone who has spent a number of years in corporate
America to shift gears into entrepreneur-ship Being your own boss certainly has its advantages But for Scott Beckler who recently purchased Lewis Installers in Gret-na his reason for taking on a new business venture had more to do with honoring not only his fatherrsquos legacy but building one of his own
Beckler started his career as a business education teacher then moved to a corpo-rate career in technology But for a number of years he kept an eye on businesses for sale hoping that just the right opportunity would come along
ldquoMy dad was an entrepreneur who owned his own real estate insurance companyrdquo
Beckler says ldquoDespite the fact he had on-going health issues he still got up every day put on a coat and tie and went out to make a sale He was a very successful busi-nessman and I wanted to honor his legacyrdquo
After contacting The Firm and discuss-ing what he was looking for in a business the team suggested Lewis Installers which specializes in industrial conveyor and rack systems At first it seemed like a big de-parture for him ldquoShelving and logistical systems isnrsquot something that jumps out at yourdquo Beckler says But the more he looked into it the more he realized it had many of the elements he wanted in a business The most obvious advantage was that the company was located in Gretna where he lives Add to that the fact that the seller lives just up the road from him
Scott Beckler
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
For purposes of this article this overview is based on the buying and selling entities being corporations or entities taxed as corporations
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
4420 Izard Street Omaha4022938707 bull 8887380296
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
HAVE YOUR MINOR ROOF LEAKS BECOME A MAJOR ANNOYANCEDonrsquot Wait Any Longer Call Us Now
ldquoAfter meeting him and hitting it offrdquo Beckler says ldquowe quickly realized it was a match on both sidesrdquo
Other signs also pointed in the right di-rection The financials were good The size of the business was ideal The competitive landscape was promising Beckler also real-ized that his corporate background fit well with this new business
ldquoAlthough itrsquos an entirely different indus-tryrdquo he says ldquomany of the business princi-ples are the samehellipproject management customer service delivery vendor man-agement and cost containment Irsquove been doing all of those for yearsrdquo
His background in technology will also be a valuable asset in his new business Not only has he established relationships with large vendors built over the years but his from-the-ground-up experience with data centers means that he is already eying in-novative automation and other technology differentiators At the same time hersquos look-ing forward to learning the daily operations of the company and having a hand in every part of the business from bidding to closing to payroll
ldquoIt will be challenging coming from a big business background where Irsquove only been involved in the peripheryrdquo Beckler says
ldquoNow Irsquoll be involved in all of itrdquo
Lewis Installers being a family-owned business is what hersquos most excited about He says itrsquos a company with a good repu-tation thatrsquos known for quality and meeting deadlinesmdashall driven by a strong Midwest-ern work ethic
Itrsquos the sort of company Beckler believes that would make his father proud
ldquoI want this business to be a legacy for my familyrdquo Beckler says ldquoMy hope is that it could stay in the family with my own kids and grandkidsrdquo The FIRM
13Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Om
aharsquo
s Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
14
When considering the purchase of an existing business very few realize
that lack of experience in an industry can actually lead to success One simply needs a sound financial plan and a good team to fill in the gaps Removing the added stress of fieldwork and focusing solely on the management of finances and operation allows for greater opportunities It makes for the dynamic advantage of some outside impartiality when seeking areas of improve-ment and growth
One man who has made this transition from having marginal knowledge in an in-dustry to leading a successful plumbing and HVAC operation is Mark Evans president of Burton Plumbing Before taking over Burton Evans had a successful plumbing distribu-torship serving four states but it was his desire to own and to travel less that put him into the hands of Burton Friesz The founder of Burton Plumbing Friesz had been a customer and friend of Evansrsquo when the two discussed a possible expansion into residential service Evans put his busi-ness experience to work for Burton in July 1995 and his education in the minutiae of plumbing and HVAC began
While he hasnrsquot worked in the field as a licensed plumbing contractor Evans has dipped his feet in several areas within the running of Burtonhellipand often at the same time Before hiring the essential personnel that have enabled him to narrow his role Ev-ans served as manager marketer customer service representative and dispatcher Such a list of duties for one man is a daunting task but ldquoI worked my way to being able to work on the business rather than in the business [a strategy] taught to me by my business coachrdquo says Evans
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
REMOVING THE ADDED STRESS OF FIELDWORK AND FOCUSING SOLELY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF FINANCES AND OPERATION ALLOWS FOR GREATER OPPORTUNITIES
Executive Impact Moving Into the Boardroom From Employee to President
written by Maureen Tierney | Co-written by Mark Evans and Julie OrsquoBrien
Eventually Evans was able to step back and bring on a general manager and a ware-house operator that has allowed him to
ldquofocus on growth opportunities marketing and cash flowrdquo
Evansrsquo experience is not unique It is com-mon for brokerages to deal with buyers seeking to own companies within a cer-tain field but ldquoonly two people out of the nearly 100 closings [wersquove had] have come in for the same business that they ended up purchasingrdquo says Julie OrsquoBrien client services and paralegal with The Firm What it comes down to is as simple as the bot-tom line Buyers are looking to leverage their talents and experience in a marriage between a management philosophy and business model Those in the market for an acquisition are ldquobuying based on profit number of staff ability to get financing and mostly their strengths and passionsrdquo says OrsquoBrien Experience in a particular industry is certainly valuable but is no predictor of success when the right financial mind comes along
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Even so making up for a lack of practical knowledge requires the proper equipment most notably in the form of managers and employees The right talent in the field can be a growth experience and provide an opportunity to learn the ropes before taking a full swing at things A total deficit in knowl-edge hardly makes for good leadership and for this reason many ldquonew business owners like to take a birdrsquos eye view of the operation rather than diving in and getting their hands dirty right awayhellipgiving them the opportunity to watch [how] things have been done before implementing changesrdquo says OrsquoBrien
Approaching ownership in this way also allows for further financial acquisitions an avenue which Evans has taken In addition to owning Burton Plumbing Evans operates four other companies One might assume this much responsibility to be a stretch but Evans sees his role as ldquokeeping a pulse on things I like to lead people in growth per-sonally and on the business siderdquo
Getting started can be a challenge which is why OrsquoBrien works closely with potential buyers to find the right fit ldquoWe assist all the wayrdquo she says ldquoWe work with the buyer on projections business plans [and] we introduce them to trusted advisorsrdquo from attorneys and CPAs to financial advisors and insurance agents
Itrsquos this helpful backing of experts that eases the difficult task of ownership and only proves that one can certainly switch from a blue collar to a white one The FIRM
CONTRACTING BUSINESSES LISTED BY THE FIRM
201
5 P
roje
cted
201
5 Y
TD
201
4
201
3
201
2
30
0
15
28
14
12
11
16
15Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Omaharsquos Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
It may seem like I pulled a muscle making this stretch but Keith Backsen the new boss at the Omaha Convention amp Visitors Bureau seems to have an awful lot in common with new Husker Coach Mike Riley
Coach Riley spent a total of 14 seasons at Oregon State before heading to Huskerland Backsen also comes from that neck of the woods having spent 11 years of his career in Portland Oregon and another 11 years in Spokane Washington selling both cities as prime places for convention and leisure travelers
At Oregon State Coach Riley built the football program into a consistent winner and regular conference contender At Visit Spokane Backsen opened sales offices in Washington DC and Chicago that led to increased convention bookings Backsen also worked on the public campaign to expand the Spokane Convention Center with a $65 million bond issue The expansion coupled with increased hotel inventory allowed Spokane to pursue large conventions and more than doubled convention bookings in Spokane
Riley has experience at the highest level of football serving as the head coach of the San Diego Chargers and as a head coach in both the Canadian and World Football Leagues Same for Backsen he worked in Dallas and Chicago as the director of sales for Global Experience Specialists a global leader in the world of event planning Backsen supervised five sales offices in a nine-state region generating annual sales in excess of $70 million
Riley is known as one of the most professional and nicest men in the profession a coach who is greatly admired by his peers I kid you not Backsen is described the same way by colleaguesmdashone of the most genuine and skilled men in the business a well respected professional who has the insight and experience to get the job done (Note the $70M stat above)
Come the first game both men will have a stadium filled with fans cheering them on In Backsenrsquos case his stadium is the entire city of Omaha where the fans are the 434353 residents who will reap the rewards of Omaharsquos growing tourism economy
B2B
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 51
51HUSKER
COACH HAS TOURISM
TWIN
OMAHA CVB BY DEB WARD
Deb Ward is the director of marketingcommunications Omaha Convention and Visitorrsquos Bureau
Keith Backsen
52 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Jason Feldman and Sebastian Hunt
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 53
The emerging startup accelerator scene supports creative-minded risk-takers looking for an edge to follow their passion and bring their ideas to fruition
Sebastian Hunt 25 is passionate about giving entrepreneurs like himself a nurturing space to test out their concepts The University of Nebraska at Omaha economics graduate interned with various local employers and surveyed the area startup community when an idea struck him for a by-application curriculum-based residency program serving new entrepreneurs That inspiration turned into Year of the Startup
Launched in 2014 the program operates out of a humble house at 4036 Burt Street in the St Cecilia Cathedral neighborhood Hunt and co-founder Jason Feldman 28 room there with young residency fellows whose startup ventures range from making bio-fuels to providing night owl shuttle services They are a millennial bunch who favor sneakers and sandals They take informal meetings to nearby CaliCommons and Lisarsquos Radial Cafe They variously hunch over laptops or tablets and carry smartphones as appendages
YEAR OF THE STARTUP
ENTREPRENEURAL IMMERSION
This communal work-live space model for business mavericks is new to Omaha The usual startup accelerator is a concentrated 90-day off-site program Omaha has a few of these notably Straight Shot Hunt saw a need for a program that invites a broader range of people into the accelerator fold and supports them much nearer to the start of their dream than other programs
ldquoWe feel like we can take people at very early stages because we are four times as long as the average programrdquo says Hunt who adds that Year of the Startup is also not tech-centric like many programs tend to be ldquoIn our model we substitute intensity for duration I think a lot of the learning here comes through unstructured serendipitous interactions we have that is not curriculum-based itrsquos just happenstance
ldquoWith a house there are so many different ways you can bring ideas and people together I think thatrsquos maybe that critical binding agent and sense of place that helps accomplish thingsrdquo
He says in this intimate environment ldquotherersquos no other choice but to immerse yourself in the settingrdquo adding ldquoWersquore always hanging out in the living room or out back talking about startup stuffmdashmonetization strategies capitalization tables vested equity entity structuresrdquo
ldquoItrsquos this immersive experience of camaraderie of these natural flows and idea generationrdquo Feldman says
Hunt says ldquoThis is very difficult to get bored with because therersquos always somebody whose business is either in crisis or growth stage or some interesting part of the curverdquo
ldquoHow could we get bored when wersquore creating a platform with four startups and all we get to do is ideationrdquo Feldman says ldquoItrsquos a constant buzz we get from interacting with these startup founders and helping them build their ideasrdquo
Built into the program are activities that encourage fellows to break out of their comfort zone and to offer honest criticism of each otherrsquos ideas
Hunt compiles multiple data points on the startups
ldquoWersquore developing really deep insight about how do people start successful businessesrdquo
The program utilizes mentors from the entrepreneurial community
ldquoWe bring in people who are experts in specific areas to talk on those topicsrdquo Feldman says
ldquoThey get ideas flowingrdquo Hunt says of the mentors
Feldman says he regularly covers with fellows ldquothe major components of what you need to look at to start your businessrdquo and then mentors like Mike Kolker owner of graphic design firm Simplify teach lessons about operational efficiency and ldquohow to simplify running a businessrdquo
Hunt is a newcomer to all this and goes by instinct as much as research to support his vision
CONTINUED ON 54
FEATURE | BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
53
54 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
70 Years of Business in Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
4027335500 | 4315 South 50th Street
402-333-5722 bull wwwsw-fencecom
Thanks for Voting SampW Fence the Best Again in 2015
Wersquore Not Just About Fences
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Thank You for Voting Us Best of B2Btrade 4 Years in a Row
AUDIO VISUAL SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDEbull System designengineeringbull Sales
bull Installationbull Maintenance and Service
bull Equipment Rental and Operation
2700 sq ft of rental facility for conferencing meetings training sessions receptions gatherings webinars
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER 2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
ConnectWITH YOURCOMMUNITY
Donrsquot forget to visitOmahaMagazinecom to read
all of our titles online
Omaha MagazineEncounter B2B 60PlusHerFamily OmahaHome
CONTINUED FROM 53
ldquoI just had an irrational confidence market insights and a great theoretical background thanks to primary research I completed and to lessons I learned from Phillip Phillips Michael OrsquoHara and Art Diamond in UNOrsquos economics department I read constantly about who the players were in the startup world so I was fairly preparedrdquo
Even though he directs a startup program he only started participating in one himself (Venture School) He acknowledges Year of the Startup is a by-the-seat-of-your-pants experiment
ldquoComing out of college I had student loans and not a ton of money Irsquove held two jobs to finance the project Now the project is financed by a combination of me working and renting out one room One-hundred percent of the money our entrepreneurs pay in rent will be returned in full and so everybody has a strong incentive to follow through with the program That may be what makes us sustainablerdquo
Hersquos working on securing corporate sponsorship for the program Meanwhile he wants to help get participating startups to the next level
ldquoWersquore functioning like a pre-accelerator at this point We want to get our startups profitable and then refer them to the Straight Shots so they can focus on growth in a pure accelerator programrdquo
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 55
Mercedes-Benz of Omaha14335 Hillsdale Ave Omaha NE 68137wwwOmahaMercedescomContact John Williams anytime at 4029819262
of Omaha of Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
As Year of the Startup moved into a larger house in Omaharsquos Little Italy district on July 1 and a new class of fellows arrives Hunt says there are ldquointeresting talks happening right now to bring this to other citiesrdquo He and Feldman say economic development agencies are willing to pay a license fee for them to do startup houses in other cities The partners are having proprietary software developed that will enable new startup houses to replicate their branded Omaha model
They look forward to engaging with the emerging 10th Street cultural district but may keep the midtown house to accommodate growth
Hunt and Feldman believe theyrsquore catching the wave or tipping point of a big new startup rush and theyrsquore betting their model is poised to be a niche player in this wild frontier of entrepreneurial prospecting
B2B
56 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
It is an unassuming space but if you have made your way to TD Ameritrade Park Filmstreams or Hot Shops chances are yoursquove passed one of the most vibrant offices in Omaha
The fact that Co-Lab (short for Creative Collaborators) is not a traditional work space is certainly one of its best features Located inside the Tip Top building at 15th and Cumming streets is a project dreamed up by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture who happens to share the main floor of the building Based in the heart of a once-isolated section of the city Co-Labrsquos funky creative vibe is making waves In fact that vibe seeps into Omaharsquos everyday bringing about small changes pushing our city toward a more innovative future
CO-LABGIVING OMAHA WORKERS A MORE
COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE
IN THE OFFICE | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
56
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 57
Home to 18 businesses plus Alley Poyner Macchietto Co-Lab is free of walls and signage It is also free from traditional office norms For instance you donrsquot just walk over to your neighborrsquos space for a brainstorming sessionmdashyou skateboard At least you do if yoursquore Dave Nelson of SecretPenguin a leading experimental branding agency The best part is that the businesses surrounding SecretPenguin appreciate the break from tradition ldquoThatrsquos the beautiful part about being around like-minded good people and businessesrdquo Nelson says
CONTINUED ON 58
58 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 59
CONTINUED FROM 57
In addition to having pathways large enough to skateboard or bike through the space also provides Co-Labbers with a kitchen various conference rooms bike storage bathrooms and a battleground (otherwise known as the ping-pong table) Walking in the main doors clients and employees alike are greeted from the front desk while catching a view of the five-story open atrium basking in the glow of sunshine from the skylight Workers can also access the fitness room and rooftop deck sharing amenities with TipTop apartment residents who use a separate entrance
CONTINUED ON 60
The Harry A Koch CoInsurance amp Financial ConsultantsMember of First Insurance Group LLC
60 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
CONTINUED FROM 59
Businesses in Co-Lab all creativity-related range from entrepreneurs to start-ups to non-profits to small businesses The art varies in form but runs through the space like an electric current At Zicafoose Textiles Mary Zicafoose works steadily on her loom creating gorgeous tapestries 4Site Programming is where Joi Brown works as an independent consultant for performing arts centers across the nation Heartland B-Cycle a large-scale municipal bike sharing system brings art in the form of economical convenience Holly Boyer a founder of non-profit organization Mission Matters explains that one of the best things about having an office at Co-Lab is feeling the innovative positive energy from the moment you walk in the door So while individuals may join Co-Lab with a business-minded focus or a more creative vibe finding a yin to their yang is just a shout away
ldquoThere is certainly a wonderful built-in support network that comes along with working in a collaborative environmentrdquo quips Omaha Creative Institute Executive Director Emily Moody ldquoEverything from sharing ideas and finding ways to collaborate with an organization different than yours to sharing a staplerrdquo
At the heart of making it work says Laura Alley of Alley Poyner itrsquos simply playing well with others
The skateboarding ping-pong playing creatives do that well
B2B
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2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott Enterprises
SCOTTENTERPRISES
In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott EnterprisesFor more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
bull TD Ameritrade Parkbull First National Bank Towerbull Midtown Crossingbull Village Pointe Shopping Centerbull UNO Weber Fine Arts Buildingbull Childrenrsquos Hospital
402-571-2364 | wwwScottEntcom9684 N 109th Street Omaha NE 68142
For more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
TD Ameritrade Park | First National Bank Tower | Midtown Crossing | Village Pointe | Childrenrsquos Hospital Aksarben Village | Joslyn Art Museum | Fred amp Pamela Buffett Cancer Center | UNO Community Arena
6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
AT THE OFFICE amp ON THE GO
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13
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
- BB1015_fntCvr_125
- BB1015_fntEdit_125
- BB1015_bkEdit_125
- BB1015_bkCvr_125
-
The Deal ReviewBusiness Established 1987Reason for Sale Retirement (Transla-tion More time with a fishing pole)Ownerrsquos Profit $495004Type of Loan SBA with Core Bank
12
Back to the FutureBuilding a Business Legacy
written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann
Itrsquos not uncommon for someone who has spent a number of years in corporate
America to shift gears into entrepreneur-ship Being your own boss certainly has its advantages But for Scott Beckler who recently purchased Lewis Installers in Gret-na his reason for taking on a new business venture had more to do with honoring not only his fatherrsquos legacy but building one of his own
Beckler started his career as a business education teacher then moved to a corpo-rate career in technology But for a number of years he kept an eye on businesses for sale hoping that just the right opportunity would come along
ldquoMy dad was an entrepreneur who owned his own real estate insurance companyrdquo
Beckler says ldquoDespite the fact he had on-going health issues he still got up every day put on a coat and tie and went out to make a sale He was a very successful busi-nessman and I wanted to honor his legacyrdquo
After contacting The Firm and discuss-ing what he was looking for in a business the team suggested Lewis Installers which specializes in industrial conveyor and rack systems At first it seemed like a big de-parture for him ldquoShelving and logistical systems isnrsquot something that jumps out at yourdquo Beckler says But the more he looked into it the more he realized it had many of the elements he wanted in a business The most obvious advantage was that the company was located in Gretna where he lives Add to that the fact that the seller lives just up the road from him
Scott Beckler
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
For purposes of this article this overview is based on the buying and selling entities being corporations or entities taxed as corporations
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
4420 Izard Street Omaha4022938707 bull 8887380296
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
HAVE YOUR MINOR ROOF LEAKS BECOME A MAJOR ANNOYANCEDonrsquot Wait Any Longer Call Us Now
ldquoAfter meeting him and hitting it offrdquo Beckler says ldquowe quickly realized it was a match on both sidesrdquo
Other signs also pointed in the right di-rection The financials were good The size of the business was ideal The competitive landscape was promising Beckler also real-ized that his corporate background fit well with this new business
ldquoAlthough itrsquos an entirely different indus-tryrdquo he says ldquomany of the business princi-ples are the samehellipproject management customer service delivery vendor man-agement and cost containment Irsquove been doing all of those for yearsrdquo
His background in technology will also be a valuable asset in his new business Not only has he established relationships with large vendors built over the years but his from-the-ground-up experience with data centers means that he is already eying in-novative automation and other technology differentiators At the same time hersquos look-ing forward to learning the daily operations of the company and having a hand in every part of the business from bidding to closing to payroll
ldquoIt will be challenging coming from a big business background where Irsquove only been involved in the peripheryrdquo Beckler says
ldquoNow Irsquoll be involved in all of itrdquo
Lewis Installers being a family-owned business is what hersquos most excited about He says itrsquos a company with a good repu-tation thatrsquos known for quality and meeting deadlinesmdashall driven by a strong Midwest-ern work ethic
Itrsquos the sort of company Beckler believes that would make his father proud
ldquoI want this business to be a legacy for my familyrdquo Beckler says ldquoMy hope is that it could stay in the family with my own kids and grandkidsrdquo The FIRM
13Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Om
aharsquo
s Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
14
When considering the purchase of an existing business very few realize
that lack of experience in an industry can actually lead to success One simply needs a sound financial plan and a good team to fill in the gaps Removing the added stress of fieldwork and focusing solely on the management of finances and operation allows for greater opportunities It makes for the dynamic advantage of some outside impartiality when seeking areas of improve-ment and growth
One man who has made this transition from having marginal knowledge in an in-dustry to leading a successful plumbing and HVAC operation is Mark Evans president of Burton Plumbing Before taking over Burton Evans had a successful plumbing distribu-torship serving four states but it was his desire to own and to travel less that put him into the hands of Burton Friesz The founder of Burton Plumbing Friesz had been a customer and friend of Evansrsquo when the two discussed a possible expansion into residential service Evans put his busi-ness experience to work for Burton in July 1995 and his education in the minutiae of plumbing and HVAC began
While he hasnrsquot worked in the field as a licensed plumbing contractor Evans has dipped his feet in several areas within the running of Burtonhellipand often at the same time Before hiring the essential personnel that have enabled him to narrow his role Ev-ans served as manager marketer customer service representative and dispatcher Such a list of duties for one man is a daunting task but ldquoI worked my way to being able to work on the business rather than in the business [a strategy] taught to me by my business coachrdquo says Evans
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
REMOVING THE ADDED STRESS OF FIELDWORK AND FOCUSING SOLELY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF FINANCES AND OPERATION ALLOWS FOR GREATER OPPORTUNITIES
Executive Impact Moving Into the Boardroom From Employee to President
written by Maureen Tierney | Co-written by Mark Evans and Julie OrsquoBrien
Eventually Evans was able to step back and bring on a general manager and a ware-house operator that has allowed him to
ldquofocus on growth opportunities marketing and cash flowrdquo
Evansrsquo experience is not unique It is com-mon for brokerages to deal with buyers seeking to own companies within a cer-tain field but ldquoonly two people out of the nearly 100 closings [wersquove had] have come in for the same business that they ended up purchasingrdquo says Julie OrsquoBrien client services and paralegal with The Firm What it comes down to is as simple as the bot-tom line Buyers are looking to leverage their talents and experience in a marriage between a management philosophy and business model Those in the market for an acquisition are ldquobuying based on profit number of staff ability to get financing and mostly their strengths and passionsrdquo says OrsquoBrien Experience in a particular industry is certainly valuable but is no predictor of success when the right financial mind comes along
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Even so making up for a lack of practical knowledge requires the proper equipment most notably in the form of managers and employees The right talent in the field can be a growth experience and provide an opportunity to learn the ropes before taking a full swing at things A total deficit in knowl-edge hardly makes for good leadership and for this reason many ldquonew business owners like to take a birdrsquos eye view of the operation rather than diving in and getting their hands dirty right awayhellipgiving them the opportunity to watch [how] things have been done before implementing changesrdquo says OrsquoBrien
Approaching ownership in this way also allows for further financial acquisitions an avenue which Evans has taken In addition to owning Burton Plumbing Evans operates four other companies One might assume this much responsibility to be a stretch but Evans sees his role as ldquokeeping a pulse on things I like to lead people in growth per-sonally and on the business siderdquo
Getting started can be a challenge which is why OrsquoBrien works closely with potential buyers to find the right fit ldquoWe assist all the wayrdquo she says ldquoWe work with the buyer on projections business plans [and] we introduce them to trusted advisorsrdquo from attorneys and CPAs to financial advisors and insurance agents
Itrsquos this helpful backing of experts that eases the difficult task of ownership and only proves that one can certainly switch from a blue collar to a white one The FIRM
CONTRACTING BUSINESSES LISTED BY THE FIRM
201
5 P
roje
cted
201
5 Y
TD
201
4
201
3
201
2
30
0
15
28
14
12
11
16
15Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Omaharsquos Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
It may seem like I pulled a muscle making this stretch but Keith Backsen the new boss at the Omaha Convention amp Visitors Bureau seems to have an awful lot in common with new Husker Coach Mike Riley
Coach Riley spent a total of 14 seasons at Oregon State before heading to Huskerland Backsen also comes from that neck of the woods having spent 11 years of his career in Portland Oregon and another 11 years in Spokane Washington selling both cities as prime places for convention and leisure travelers
At Oregon State Coach Riley built the football program into a consistent winner and regular conference contender At Visit Spokane Backsen opened sales offices in Washington DC and Chicago that led to increased convention bookings Backsen also worked on the public campaign to expand the Spokane Convention Center with a $65 million bond issue The expansion coupled with increased hotel inventory allowed Spokane to pursue large conventions and more than doubled convention bookings in Spokane
Riley has experience at the highest level of football serving as the head coach of the San Diego Chargers and as a head coach in both the Canadian and World Football Leagues Same for Backsen he worked in Dallas and Chicago as the director of sales for Global Experience Specialists a global leader in the world of event planning Backsen supervised five sales offices in a nine-state region generating annual sales in excess of $70 million
Riley is known as one of the most professional and nicest men in the profession a coach who is greatly admired by his peers I kid you not Backsen is described the same way by colleaguesmdashone of the most genuine and skilled men in the business a well respected professional who has the insight and experience to get the job done (Note the $70M stat above)
Come the first game both men will have a stadium filled with fans cheering them on In Backsenrsquos case his stadium is the entire city of Omaha where the fans are the 434353 residents who will reap the rewards of Omaharsquos growing tourism economy
B2B
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 51
51HUSKER
COACH HAS TOURISM
TWIN
OMAHA CVB BY DEB WARD
Deb Ward is the director of marketingcommunications Omaha Convention and Visitorrsquos Bureau
Keith Backsen
52 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Jason Feldman and Sebastian Hunt
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 53
The emerging startup accelerator scene supports creative-minded risk-takers looking for an edge to follow their passion and bring their ideas to fruition
Sebastian Hunt 25 is passionate about giving entrepreneurs like himself a nurturing space to test out their concepts The University of Nebraska at Omaha economics graduate interned with various local employers and surveyed the area startup community when an idea struck him for a by-application curriculum-based residency program serving new entrepreneurs That inspiration turned into Year of the Startup
Launched in 2014 the program operates out of a humble house at 4036 Burt Street in the St Cecilia Cathedral neighborhood Hunt and co-founder Jason Feldman 28 room there with young residency fellows whose startup ventures range from making bio-fuels to providing night owl shuttle services They are a millennial bunch who favor sneakers and sandals They take informal meetings to nearby CaliCommons and Lisarsquos Radial Cafe They variously hunch over laptops or tablets and carry smartphones as appendages
YEAR OF THE STARTUP
ENTREPRENEURAL IMMERSION
This communal work-live space model for business mavericks is new to Omaha The usual startup accelerator is a concentrated 90-day off-site program Omaha has a few of these notably Straight Shot Hunt saw a need for a program that invites a broader range of people into the accelerator fold and supports them much nearer to the start of their dream than other programs
ldquoWe feel like we can take people at very early stages because we are four times as long as the average programrdquo says Hunt who adds that Year of the Startup is also not tech-centric like many programs tend to be ldquoIn our model we substitute intensity for duration I think a lot of the learning here comes through unstructured serendipitous interactions we have that is not curriculum-based itrsquos just happenstance
ldquoWith a house there are so many different ways you can bring ideas and people together I think thatrsquos maybe that critical binding agent and sense of place that helps accomplish thingsrdquo
He says in this intimate environment ldquotherersquos no other choice but to immerse yourself in the settingrdquo adding ldquoWersquore always hanging out in the living room or out back talking about startup stuffmdashmonetization strategies capitalization tables vested equity entity structuresrdquo
ldquoItrsquos this immersive experience of camaraderie of these natural flows and idea generationrdquo Feldman says
Hunt says ldquoThis is very difficult to get bored with because therersquos always somebody whose business is either in crisis or growth stage or some interesting part of the curverdquo
ldquoHow could we get bored when wersquore creating a platform with four startups and all we get to do is ideationrdquo Feldman says ldquoItrsquos a constant buzz we get from interacting with these startup founders and helping them build their ideasrdquo
Built into the program are activities that encourage fellows to break out of their comfort zone and to offer honest criticism of each otherrsquos ideas
Hunt compiles multiple data points on the startups
ldquoWersquore developing really deep insight about how do people start successful businessesrdquo
The program utilizes mentors from the entrepreneurial community
ldquoWe bring in people who are experts in specific areas to talk on those topicsrdquo Feldman says
ldquoThey get ideas flowingrdquo Hunt says of the mentors
Feldman says he regularly covers with fellows ldquothe major components of what you need to look at to start your businessrdquo and then mentors like Mike Kolker owner of graphic design firm Simplify teach lessons about operational efficiency and ldquohow to simplify running a businessrdquo
Hunt is a newcomer to all this and goes by instinct as much as research to support his vision
CONTINUED ON 54
FEATURE | BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
53
54 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
70 Years of Business in Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
4027335500 | 4315 South 50th Street
402-333-5722 bull wwwsw-fencecom
Thanks for Voting SampW Fence the Best Again in 2015
Wersquore Not Just About Fences
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Thank You for Voting Us Best of B2Btrade 4 Years in a Row
AUDIO VISUAL SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDEbull System designengineeringbull Sales
bull Installationbull Maintenance and Service
bull Equipment Rental and Operation
2700 sq ft of rental facility for conferencing meetings training sessions receptions gatherings webinars
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER 2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
ConnectWITH YOURCOMMUNITY
Donrsquot forget to visitOmahaMagazinecom to read
all of our titles online
Omaha MagazineEncounter B2B 60PlusHerFamily OmahaHome
CONTINUED FROM 53
ldquoI just had an irrational confidence market insights and a great theoretical background thanks to primary research I completed and to lessons I learned from Phillip Phillips Michael OrsquoHara and Art Diamond in UNOrsquos economics department I read constantly about who the players were in the startup world so I was fairly preparedrdquo
Even though he directs a startup program he only started participating in one himself (Venture School) He acknowledges Year of the Startup is a by-the-seat-of-your-pants experiment
ldquoComing out of college I had student loans and not a ton of money Irsquove held two jobs to finance the project Now the project is financed by a combination of me working and renting out one room One-hundred percent of the money our entrepreneurs pay in rent will be returned in full and so everybody has a strong incentive to follow through with the program That may be what makes us sustainablerdquo
Hersquos working on securing corporate sponsorship for the program Meanwhile he wants to help get participating startups to the next level
ldquoWersquore functioning like a pre-accelerator at this point We want to get our startups profitable and then refer them to the Straight Shots so they can focus on growth in a pure accelerator programrdquo
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 55
Mercedes-Benz of Omaha14335 Hillsdale Ave Omaha NE 68137wwwOmahaMercedescomContact John Williams anytime at 4029819262
of Omaha of Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
As Year of the Startup moved into a larger house in Omaharsquos Little Italy district on July 1 and a new class of fellows arrives Hunt says there are ldquointeresting talks happening right now to bring this to other citiesrdquo He and Feldman say economic development agencies are willing to pay a license fee for them to do startup houses in other cities The partners are having proprietary software developed that will enable new startup houses to replicate their branded Omaha model
They look forward to engaging with the emerging 10th Street cultural district but may keep the midtown house to accommodate growth
Hunt and Feldman believe theyrsquore catching the wave or tipping point of a big new startup rush and theyrsquore betting their model is poised to be a niche player in this wild frontier of entrepreneurial prospecting
B2B
56 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
It is an unassuming space but if you have made your way to TD Ameritrade Park Filmstreams or Hot Shops chances are yoursquove passed one of the most vibrant offices in Omaha
The fact that Co-Lab (short for Creative Collaborators) is not a traditional work space is certainly one of its best features Located inside the Tip Top building at 15th and Cumming streets is a project dreamed up by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture who happens to share the main floor of the building Based in the heart of a once-isolated section of the city Co-Labrsquos funky creative vibe is making waves In fact that vibe seeps into Omaharsquos everyday bringing about small changes pushing our city toward a more innovative future
CO-LABGIVING OMAHA WORKERS A MORE
COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE
IN THE OFFICE | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
56
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 57
Home to 18 businesses plus Alley Poyner Macchietto Co-Lab is free of walls and signage It is also free from traditional office norms For instance you donrsquot just walk over to your neighborrsquos space for a brainstorming sessionmdashyou skateboard At least you do if yoursquore Dave Nelson of SecretPenguin a leading experimental branding agency The best part is that the businesses surrounding SecretPenguin appreciate the break from tradition ldquoThatrsquos the beautiful part about being around like-minded good people and businessesrdquo Nelson says
CONTINUED ON 58
58 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 59
CONTINUED FROM 57
In addition to having pathways large enough to skateboard or bike through the space also provides Co-Labbers with a kitchen various conference rooms bike storage bathrooms and a battleground (otherwise known as the ping-pong table) Walking in the main doors clients and employees alike are greeted from the front desk while catching a view of the five-story open atrium basking in the glow of sunshine from the skylight Workers can also access the fitness room and rooftop deck sharing amenities with TipTop apartment residents who use a separate entrance
CONTINUED ON 60
The Harry A Koch CoInsurance amp Financial ConsultantsMember of First Insurance Group LLC
60 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
CONTINUED FROM 59
Businesses in Co-Lab all creativity-related range from entrepreneurs to start-ups to non-profits to small businesses The art varies in form but runs through the space like an electric current At Zicafoose Textiles Mary Zicafoose works steadily on her loom creating gorgeous tapestries 4Site Programming is where Joi Brown works as an independent consultant for performing arts centers across the nation Heartland B-Cycle a large-scale municipal bike sharing system brings art in the form of economical convenience Holly Boyer a founder of non-profit organization Mission Matters explains that one of the best things about having an office at Co-Lab is feeling the innovative positive energy from the moment you walk in the door So while individuals may join Co-Lab with a business-minded focus or a more creative vibe finding a yin to their yang is just a shout away
ldquoThere is certainly a wonderful built-in support network that comes along with working in a collaborative environmentrdquo quips Omaha Creative Institute Executive Director Emily Moody ldquoEverything from sharing ideas and finding ways to collaborate with an organization different than yours to sharing a staplerrdquo
At the heart of making it work says Laura Alley of Alley Poyner itrsquos simply playing well with others
The skateboarding ping-pong playing creatives do that well
B2B
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Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
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TD Ameritrade Park | First National Bank Tower | Midtown Crossing | Village Pointe | Childrenrsquos Hospital Aksarben Village | Joslyn Art Museum | Fred amp Pamela Buffett Cancer Center | UNO Community Arena
6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
AT THE OFFICE amp ON THE GO
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13
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
- BB1015_fntCvr_125
- BB1015_fntEdit_125
- BB1015_bkEdit_125
- BB1015_bkCvr_125
-
4420 Izard Street Omaha4022938707 bull 8887380296
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
HAVE YOUR MINOR ROOF LEAKS BECOME A MAJOR ANNOYANCEDonrsquot Wait Any Longer Call Us Now
ldquoAfter meeting him and hitting it offrdquo Beckler says ldquowe quickly realized it was a match on both sidesrdquo
Other signs also pointed in the right di-rection The financials were good The size of the business was ideal The competitive landscape was promising Beckler also real-ized that his corporate background fit well with this new business
ldquoAlthough itrsquos an entirely different indus-tryrdquo he says ldquomany of the business princi-ples are the samehellipproject management customer service delivery vendor man-agement and cost containment Irsquove been doing all of those for yearsrdquo
His background in technology will also be a valuable asset in his new business Not only has he established relationships with large vendors built over the years but his from-the-ground-up experience with data centers means that he is already eying in-novative automation and other technology differentiators At the same time hersquos look-ing forward to learning the daily operations of the company and having a hand in every part of the business from bidding to closing to payroll
ldquoIt will be challenging coming from a big business background where Irsquove only been involved in the peripheryrdquo Beckler says
ldquoNow Irsquoll be involved in all of itrdquo
Lewis Installers being a family-owned business is what hersquos most excited about He says itrsquos a company with a good repu-tation thatrsquos known for quality and meeting deadlinesmdashall driven by a strong Midwest-ern work ethic
Itrsquos the sort of company Beckler believes that would make his father proud
ldquoI want this business to be a legacy for my familyrdquo Beckler says ldquoMy hope is that it could stay in the family with my own kids and grandkidsrdquo The FIRM
13Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Om
aharsquo
s Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
14
When considering the purchase of an existing business very few realize
that lack of experience in an industry can actually lead to success One simply needs a sound financial plan and a good team to fill in the gaps Removing the added stress of fieldwork and focusing solely on the management of finances and operation allows for greater opportunities It makes for the dynamic advantage of some outside impartiality when seeking areas of improve-ment and growth
One man who has made this transition from having marginal knowledge in an in-dustry to leading a successful plumbing and HVAC operation is Mark Evans president of Burton Plumbing Before taking over Burton Evans had a successful plumbing distribu-torship serving four states but it was his desire to own and to travel less that put him into the hands of Burton Friesz The founder of Burton Plumbing Friesz had been a customer and friend of Evansrsquo when the two discussed a possible expansion into residential service Evans put his busi-ness experience to work for Burton in July 1995 and his education in the minutiae of plumbing and HVAC began
While he hasnrsquot worked in the field as a licensed plumbing contractor Evans has dipped his feet in several areas within the running of Burtonhellipand often at the same time Before hiring the essential personnel that have enabled him to narrow his role Ev-ans served as manager marketer customer service representative and dispatcher Such a list of duties for one man is a daunting task but ldquoI worked my way to being able to work on the business rather than in the business [a strategy] taught to me by my business coachrdquo says Evans
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
REMOVING THE ADDED STRESS OF FIELDWORK AND FOCUSING SOLELY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF FINANCES AND OPERATION ALLOWS FOR GREATER OPPORTUNITIES
Executive Impact Moving Into the Boardroom From Employee to President
written by Maureen Tierney | Co-written by Mark Evans and Julie OrsquoBrien
Eventually Evans was able to step back and bring on a general manager and a ware-house operator that has allowed him to
ldquofocus on growth opportunities marketing and cash flowrdquo
Evansrsquo experience is not unique It is com-mon for brokerages to deal with buyers seeking to own companies within a cer-tain field but ldquoonly two people out of the nearly 100 closings [wersquove had] have come in for the same business that they ended up purchasingrdquo says Julie OrsquoBrien client services and paralegal with The Firm What it comes down to is as simple as the bot-tom line Buyers are looking to leverage their talents and experience in a marriage between a management philosophy and business model Those in the market for an acquisition are ldquobuying based on profit number of staff ability to get financing and mostly their strengths and passionsrdquo says OrsquoBrien Experience in a particular industry is certainly valuable but is no predictor of success when the right financial mind comes along
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Even so making up for a lack of practical knowledge requires the proper equipment most notably in the form of managers and employees The right talent in the field can be a growth experience and provide an opportunity to learn the ropes before taking a full swing at things A total deficit in knowl-edge hardly makes for good leadership and for this reason many ldquonew business owners like to take a birdrsquos eye view of the operation rather than diving in and getting their hands dirty right awayhellipgiving them the opportunity to watch [how] things have been done before implementing changesrdquo says OrsquoBrien
Approaching ownership in this way also allows for further financial acquisitions an avenue which Evans has taken In addition to owning Burton Plumbing Evans operates four other companies One might assume this much responsibility to be a stretch but Evans sees his role as ldquokeeping a pulse on things I like to lead people in growth per-sonally and on the business siderdquo
Getting started can be a challenge which is why OrsquoBrien works closely with potential buyers to find the right fit ldquoWe assist all the wayrdquo she says ldquoWe work with the buyer on projections business plans [and] we introduce them to trusted advisorsrdquo from attorneys and CPAs to financial advisors and insurance agents
Itrsquos this helpful backing of experts that eases the difficult task of ownership and only proves that one can certainly switch from a blue collar to a white one The FIRM
CONTRACTING BUSINESSES LISTED BY THE FIRM
201
5 P
roje
cted
201
5 Y
TD
201
4
201
3
201
2
30
0
15
28
14
12
11
16
15Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Omaharsquos Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
It may seem like I pulled a muscle making this stretch but Keith Backsen the new boss at the Omaha Convention amp Visitors Bureau seems to have an awful lot in common with new Husker Coach Mike Riley
Coach Riley spent a total of 14 seasons at Oregon State before heading to Huskerland Backsen also comes from that neck of the woods having spent 11 years of his career in Portland Oregon and another 11 years in Spokane Washington selling both cities as prime places for convention and leisure travelers
At Oregon State Coach Riley built the football program into a consistent winner and regular conference contender At Visit Spokane Backsen opened sales offices in Washington DC and Chicago that led to increased convention bookings Backsen also worked on the public campaign to expand the Spokane Convention Center with a $65 million bond issue The expansion coupled with increased hotel inventory allowed Spokane to pursue large conventions and more than doubled convention bookings in Spokane
Riley has experience at the highest level of football serving as the head coach of the San Diego Chargers and as a head coach in both the Canadian and World Football Leagues Same for Backsen he worked in Dallas and Chicago as the director of sales for Global Experience Specialists a global leader in the world of event planning Backsen supervised five sales offices in a nine-state region generating annual sales in excess of $70 million
Riley is known as one of the most professional and nicest men in the profession a coach who is greatly admired by his peers I kid you not Backsen is described the same way by colleaguesmdashone of the most genuine and skilled men in the business a well respected professional who has the insight and experience to get the job done (Note the $70M stat above)
Come the first game both men will have a stadium filled with fans cheering them on In Backsenrsquos case his stadium is the entire city of Omaha where the fans are the 434353 residents who will reap the rewards of Omaharsquos growing tourism economy
B2B
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 51
51HUSKER
COACH HAS TOURISM
TWIN
OMAHA CVB BY DEB WARD
Deb Ward is the director of marketingcommunications Omaha Convention and Visitorrsquos Bureau
Keith Backsen
52 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Jason Feldman and Sebastian Hunt
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 53
The emerging startup accelerator scene supports creative-minded risk-takers looking for an edge to follow their passion and bring their ideas to fruition
Sebastian Hunt 25 is passionate about giving entrepreneurs like himself a nurturing space to test out their concepts The University of Nebraska at Omaha economics graduate interned with various local employers and surveyed the area startup community when an idea struck him for a by-application curriculum-based residency program serving new entrepreneurs That inspiration turned into Year of the Startup
Launched in 2014 the program operates out of a humble house at 4036 Burt Street in the St Cecilia Cathedral neighborhood Hunt and co-founder Jason Feldman 28 room there with young residency fellows whose startup ventures range from making bio-fuels to providing night owl shuttle services They are a millennial bunch who favor sneakers and sandals They take informal meetings to nearby CaliCommons and Lisarsquos Radial Cafe They variously hunch over laptops or tablets and carry smartphones as appendages
YEAR OF THE STARTUP
ENTREPRENEURAL IMMERSION
This communal work-live space model for business mavericks is new to Omaha The usual startup accelerator is a concentrated 90-day off-site program Omaha has a few of these notably Straight Shot Hunt saw a need for a program that invites a broader range of people into the accelerator fold and supports them much nearer to the start of their dream than other programs
ldquoWe feel like we can take people at very early stages because we are four times as long as the average programrdquo says Hunt who adds that Year of the Startup is also not tech-centric like many programs tend to be ldquoIn our model we substitute intensity for duration I think a lot of the learning here comes through unstructured serendipitous interactions we have that is not curriculum-based itrsquos just happenstance
ldquoWith a house there are so many different ways you can bring ideas and people together I think thatrsquos maybe that critical binding agent and sense of place that helps accomplish thingsrdquo
He says in this intimate environment ldquotherersquos no other choice but to immerse yourself in the settingrdquo adding ldquoWersquore always hanging out in the living room or out back talking about startup stuffmdashmonetization strategies capitalization tables vested equity entity structuresrdquo
ldquoItrsquos this immersive experience of camaraderie of these natural flows and idea generationrdquo Feldman says
Hunt says ldquoThis is very difficult to get bored with because therersquos always somebody whose business is either in crisis or growth stage or some interesting part of the curverdquo
ldquoHow could we get bored when wersquore creating a platform with four startups and all we get to do is ideationrdquo Feldman says ldquoItrsquos a constant buzz we get from interacting with these startup founders and helping them build their ideasrdquo
Built into the program are activities that encourage fellows to break out of their comfort zone and to offer honest criticism of each otherrsquos ideas
Hunt compiles multiple data points on the startups
ldquoWersquore developing really deep insight about how do people start successful businessesrdquo
The program utilizes mentors from the entrepreneurial community
ldquoWe bring in people who are experts in specific areas to talk on those topicsrdquo Feldman says
ldquoThey get ideas flowingrdquo Hunt says of the mentors
Feldman says he regularly covers with fellows ldquothe major components of what you need to look at to start your businessrdquo and then mentors like Mike Kolker owner of graphic design firm Simplify teach lessons about operational efficiency and ldquohow to simplify running a businessrdquo
Hunt is a newcomer to all this and goes by instinct as much as research to support his vision
CONTINUED ON 54
FEATURE | BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
53
54 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
70 Years of Business in Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
4027335500 | 4315 South 50th Street
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Thanks for Voting SampW Fence the Best Again in 2015
Wersquore Not Just About Fences
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
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B2B
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aharsquos Business to Business M
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Donrsquot forget to visitOmahaMagazinecom to read
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Omaha MagazineEncounter B2B 60PlusHerFamily OmahaHome
CONTINUED FROM 53
ldquoI just had an irrational confidence market insights and a great theoretical background thanks to primary research I completed and to lessons I learned from Phillip Phillips Michael OrsquoHara and Art Diamond in UNOrsquos economics department I read constantly about who the players were in the startup world so I was fairly preparedrdquo
Even though he directs a startup program he only started participating in one himself (Venture School) He acknowledges Year of the Startup is a by-the-seat-of-your-pants experiment
ldquoComing out of college I had student loans and not a ton of money Irsquove held two jobs to finance the project Now the project is financed by a combination of me working and renting out one room One-hundred percent of the money our entrepreneurs pay in rent will be returned in full and so everybody has a strong incentive to follow through with the program That may be what makes us sustainablerdquo
Hersquos working on securing corporate sponsorship for the program Meanwhile he wants to help get participating startups to the next level
ldquoWersquore functioning like a pre-accelerator at this point We want to get our startups profitable and then refer them to the Straight Shots so they can focus on growth in a pure accelerator programrdquo
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 55
Mercedes-Benz of Omaha14335 Hillsdale Ave Omaha NE 68137wwwOmahaMercedescomContact John Williams anytime at 4029819262
of Omaha of Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
As Year of the Startup moved into a larger house in Omaharsquos Little Italy district on July 1 and a new class of fellows arrives Hunt says there are ldquointeresting talks happening right now to bring this to other citiesrdquo He and Feldman say economic development agencies are willing to pay a license fee for them to do startup houses in other cities The partners are having proprietary software developed that will enable new startup houses to replicate their branded Omaha model
They look forward to engaging with the emerging 10th Street cultural district but may keep the midtown house to accommodate growth
Hunt and Feldman believe theyrsquore catching the wave or tipping point of a big new startup rush and theyrsquore betting their model is poised to be a niche player in this wild frontier of entrepreneurial prospecting
B2B
56 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
It is an unassuming space but if you have made your way to TD Ameritrade Park Filmstreams or Hot Shops chances are yoursquove passed one of the most vibrant offices in Omaha
The fact that Co-Lab (short for Creative Collaborators) is not a traditional work space is certainly one of its best features Located inside the Tip Top building at 15th and Cumming streets is a project dreamed up by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture who happens to share the main floor of the building Based in the heart of a once-isolated section of the city Co-Labrsquos funky creative vibe is making waves In fact that vibe seeps into Omaharsquos everyday bringing about small changes pushing our city toward a more innovative future
CO-LABGIVING OMAHA WORKERS A MORE
COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE
IN THE OFFICE | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
56
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 57
Home to 18 businesses plus Alley Poyner Macchietto Co-Lab is free of walls and signage It is also free from traditional office norms For instance you donrsquot just walk over to your neighborrsquos space for a brainstorming sessionmdashyou skateboard At least you do if yoursquore Dave Nelson of SecretPenguin a leading experimental branding agency The best part is that the businesses surrounding SecretPenguin appreciate the break from tradition ldquoThatrsquos the beautiful part about being around like-minded good people and businessesrdquo Nelson says
CONTINUED ON 58
58 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 59
CONTINUED FROM 57
In addition to having pathways large enough to skateboard or bike through the space also provides Co-Labbers with a kitchen various conference rooms bike storage bathrooms and a battleground (otherwise known as the ping-pong table) Walking in the main doors clients and employees alike are greeted from the front desk while catching a view of the five-story open atrium basking in the glow of sunshine from the skylight Workers can also access the fitness room and rooftop deck sharing amenities with TipTop apartment residents who use a separate entrance
CONTINUED ON 60
The Harry A Koch CoInsurance amp Financial ConsultantsMember of First Insurance Group LLC
60 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
CONTINUED FROM 59
Businesses in Co-Lab all creativity-related range from entrepreneurs to start-ups to non-profits to small businesses The art varies in form but runs through the space like an electric current At Zicafoose Textiles Mary Zicafoose works steadily on her loom creating gorgeous tapestries 4Site Programming is where Joi Brown works as an independent consultant for performing arts centers across the nation Heartland B-Cycle a large-scale municipal bike sharing system brings art in the form of economical convenience Holly Boyer a founder of non-profit organization Mission Matters explains that one of the best things about having an office at Co-Lab is feeling the innovative positive energy from the moment you walk in the door So while individuals may join Co-Lab with a business-minded focus or a more creative vibe finding a yin to their yang is just a shout away
ldquoThere is certainly a wonderful built-in support network that comes along with working in a collaborative environmentrdquo quips Omaha Creative Institute Executive Director Emily Moody ldquoEverything from sharing ideas and finding ways to collaborate with an organization different than yours to sharing a staplerrdquo
At the heart of making it work says Laura Alley of Alley Poyner itrsquos simply playing well with others
The skateboarding ping-pong playing creatives do that well
B2B
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Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
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For more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
TD Ameritrade Park | First National Bank Tower | Midtown Crossing | Village Pointe | Childrenrsquos Hospital Aksarben Village | Joslyn Art Museum | Fred amp Pamela Buffett Cancer Center | UNO Community Arena
6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
AT THE OFFICE amp ON THE GO
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13
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
- BB1015_fntCvr_125
- BB1015_fntEdit_125
- BB1015_bkEdit_125
- BB1015_bkCvr_125
-
14
When considering the purchase of an existing business very few realize
that lack of experience in an industry can actually lead to success One simply needs a sound financial plan and a good team to fill in the gaps Removing the added stress of fieldwork and focusing solely on the management of finances and operation allows for greater opportunities It makes for the dynamic advantage of some outside impartiality when seeking areas of improve-ment and growth
One man who has made this transition from having marginal knowledge in an in-dustry to leading a successful plumbing and HVAC operation is Mark Evans president of Burton Plumbing Before taking over Burton Evans had a successful plumbing distribu-torship serving four states but it was his desire to own and to travel less that put him into the hands of Burton Friesz The founder of Burton Plumbing Friesz had been a customer and friend of Evansrsquo when the two discussed a possible expansion into residential service Evans put his busi-ness experience to work for Burton in July 1995 and his education in the minutiae of plumbing and HVAC began
While he hasnrsquot worked in the field as a licensed plumbing contractor Evans has dipped his feet in several areas within the running of Burtonhellipand often at the same time Before hiring the essential personnel that have enabled him to narrow his role Ev-ans served as manager marketer customer service representative and dispatcher Such a list of duties for one man is a daunting task but ldquoI worked my way to being able to work on the business rather than in the business [a strategy] taught to me by my business coachrdquo says Evans
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
REMOVING THE ADDED STRESS OF FIELDWORK AND FOCUSING SOLELY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF FINANCES AND OPERATION ALLOWS FOR GREATER OPPORTUNITIES
Executive Impact Moving Into the Boardroom From Employee to President
written by Maureen Tierney | Co-written by Mark Evans and Julie OrsquoBrien
Eventually Evans was able to step back and bring on a general manager and a ware-house operator that has allowed him to
ldquofocus on growth opportunities marketing and cash flowrdquo
Evansrsquo experience is not unique It is com-mon for brokerages to deal with buyers seeking to own companies within a cer-tain field but ldquoonly two people out of the nearly 100 closings [wersquove had] have come in for the same business that they ended up purchasingrdquo says Julie OrsquoBrien client services and paralegal with The Firm What it comes down to is as simple as the bot-tom line Buyers are looking to leverage their talents and experience in a marriage between a management philosophy and business model Those in the market for an acquisition are ldquobuying based on profit number of staff ability to get financing and mostly their strengths and passionsrdquo says OrsquoBrien Experience in a particular industry is certainly valuable but is no predictor of success when the right financial mind comes along
The Firm Deal Review Fall 2015
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Even so making up for a lack of practical knowledge requires the proper equipment most notably in the form of managers and employees The right talent in the field can be a growth experience and provide an opportunity to learn the ropes before taking a full swing at things A total deficit in knowl-edge hardly makes for good leadership and for this reason many ldquonew business owners like to take a birdrsquos eye view of the operation rather than diving in and getting their hands dirty right awayhellipgiving them the opportunity to watch [how] things have been done before implementing changesrdquo says OrsquoBrien
Approaching ownership in this way also allows for further financial acquisitions an avenue which Evans has taken In addition to owning Burton Plumbing Evans operates four other companies One might assume this much responsibility to be a stretch but Evans sees his role as ldquokeeping a pulse on things I like to lead people in growth per-sonally and on the business siderdquo
Getting started can be a challenge which is why OrsquoBrien works closely with potential buyers to find the right fit ldquoWe assist all the wayrdquo she says ldquoWe work with the buyer on projections business plans [and] we introduce them to trusted advisorsrdquo from attorneys and CPAs to financial advisors and insurance agents
Itrsquos this helpful backing of experts that eases the difficult task of ownership and only proves that one can certainly switch from a blue collar to a white one The FIRM
CONTRACTING BUSINESSES LISTED BY THE FIRM
201
5 P
roje
cted
201
5 Y
TD
201
4
201
3
201
2
30
0
15
28
14
12
11
16
15Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Omaharsquos Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
It may seem like I pulled a muscle making this stretch but Keith Backsen the new boss at the Omaha Convention amp Visitors Bureau seems to have an awful lot in common with new Husker Coach Mike Riley
Coach Riley spent a total of 14 seasons at Oregon State before heading to Huskerland Backsen also comes from that neck of the woods having spent 11 years of his career in Portland Oregon and another 11 years in Spokane Washington selling both cities as prime places for convention and leisure travelers
At Oregon State Coach Riley built the football program into a consistent winner and regular conference contender At Visit Spokane Backsen opened sales offices in Washington DC and Chicago that led to increased convention bookings Backsen also worked on the public campaign to expand the Spokane Convention Center with a $65 million bond issue The expansion coupled with increased hotel inventory allowed Spokane to pursue large conventions and more than doubled convention bookings in Spokane
Riley has experience at the highest level of football serving as the head coach of the San Diego Chargers and as a head coach in both the Canadian and World Football Leagues Same for Backsen he worked in Dallas and Chicago as the director of sales for Global Experience Specialists a global leader in the world of event planning Backsen supervised five sales offices in a nine-state region generating annual sales in excess of $70 million
Riley is known as one of the most professional and nicest men in the profession a coach who is greatly admired by his peers I kid you not Backsen is described the same way by colleaguesmdashone of the most genuine and skilled men in the business a well respected professional who has the insight and experience to get the job done (Note the $70M stat above)
Come the first game both men will have a stadium filled with fans cheering them on In Backsenrsquos case his stadium is the entire city of Omaha where the fans are the 434353 residents who will reap the rewards of Omaharsquos growing tourism economy
B2B
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 51
51HUSKER
COACH HAS TOURISM
TWIN
OMAHA CVB BY DEB WARD
Deb Ward is the director of marketingcommunications Omaha Convention and Visitorrsquos Bureau
Keith Backsen
52 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Jason Feldman and Sebastian Hunt
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 53
The emerging startup accelerator scene supports creative-minded risk-takers looking for an edge to follow their passion and bring their ideas to fruition
Sebastian Hunt 25 is passionate about giving entrepreneurs like himself a nurturing space to test out their concepts The University of Nebraska at Omaha economics graduate interned with various local employers and surveyed the area startup community when an idea struck him for a by-application curriculum-based residency program serving new entrepreneurs That inspiration turned into Year of the Startup
Launched in 2014 the program operates out of a humble house at 4036 Burt Street in the St Cecilia Cathedral neighborhood Hunt and co-founder Jason Feldman 28 room there with young residency fellows whose startup ventures range from making bio-fuels to providing night owl shuttle services They are a millennial bunch who favor sneakers and sandals They take informal meetings to nearby CaliCommons and Lisarsquos Radial Cafe They variously hunch over laptops or tablets and carry smartphones as appendages
YEAR OF THE STARTUP
ENTREPRENEURAL IMMERSION
This communal work-live space model for business mavericks is new to Omaha The usual startup accelerator is a concentrated 90-day off-site program Omaha has a few of these notably Straight Shot Hunt saw a need for a program that invites a broader range of people into the accelerator fold and supports them much nearer to the start of their dream than other programs
ldquoWe feel like we can take people at very early stages because we are four times as long as the average programrdquo says Hunt who adds that Year of the Startup is also not tech-centric like many programs tend to be ldquoIn our model we substitute intensity for duration I think a lot of the learning here comes through unstructured serendipitous interactions we have that is not curriculum-based itrsquos just happenstance
ldquoWith a house there are so many different ways you can bring ideas and people together I think thatrsquos maybe that critical binding agent and sense of place that helps accomplish thingsrdquo
He says in this intimate environment ldquotherersquos no other choice but to immerse yourself in the settingrdquo adding ldquoWersquore always hanging out in the living room or out back talking about startup stuffmdashmonetization strategies capitalization tables vested equity entity structuresrdquo
ldquoItrsquos this immersive experience of camaraderie of these natural flows and idea generationrdquo Feldman says
Hunt says ldquoThis is very difficult to get bored with because therersquos always somebody whose business is either in crisis or growth stage or some interesting part of the curverdquo
ldquoHow could we get bored when wersquore creating a platform with four startups and all we get to do is ideationrdquo Feldman says ldquoItrsquos a constant buzz we get from interacting with these startup founders and helping them build their ideasrdquo
Built into the program are activities that encourage fellows to break out of their comfort zone and to offer honest criticism of each otherrsquos ideas
Hunt compiles multiple data points on the startups
ldquoWersquore developing really deep insight about how do people start successful businessesrdquo
The program utilizes mentors from the entrepreneurial community
ldquoWe bring in people who are experts in specific areas to talk on those topicsrdquo Feldman says
ldquoThey get ideas flowingrdquo Hunt says of the mentors
Feldman says he regularly covers with fellows ldquothe major components of what you need to look at to start your businessrdquo and then mentors like Mike Kolker owner of graphic design firm Simplify teach lessons about operational efficiency and ldquohow to simplify running a businessrdquo
Hunt is a newcomer to all this and goes by instinct as much as research to support his vision
CONTINUED ON 54
FEATURE | BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
53
54 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
70 Years of Business in Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
4027335500 | 4315 South 50th Street
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Thanks for Voting SampW Fence the Best Again in 2015
Wersquore Not Just About Fences
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Thank You for Voting Us Best of B2Btrade 4 Years in a Row
AUDIO VISUAL SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDEbull System designengineeringbull Sales
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B2B
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aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
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Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
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ConnectWITH YOURCOMMUNITY
Donrsquot forget to visitOmahaMagazinecom to read
all of our titles online
Omaha MagazineEncounter B2B 60PlusHerFamily OmahaHome
CONTINUED FROM 53
ldquoI just had an irrational confidence market insights and a great theoretical background thanks to primary research I completed and to lessons I learned from Phillip Phillips Michael OrsquoHara and Art Diamond in UNOrsquos economics department I read constantly about who the players were in the startup world so I was fairly preparedrdquo
Even though he directs a startup program he only started participating in one himself (Venture School) He acknowledges Year of the Startup is a by-the-seat-of-your-pants experiment
ldquoComing out of college I had student loans and not a ton of money Irsquove held two jobs to finance the project Now the project is financed by a combination of me working and renting out one room One-hundred percent of the money our entrepreneurs pay in rent will be returned in full and so everybody has a strong incentive to follow through with the program That may be what makes us sustainablerdquo
Hersquos working on securing corporate sponsorship for the program Meanwhile he wants to help get participating startups to the next level
ldquoWersquore functioning like a pre-accelerator at this point We want to get our startups profitable and then refer them to the Straight Shots so they can focus on growth in a pure accelerator programrdquo
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 55
Mercedes-Benz of Omaha14335 Hillsdale Ave Omaha NE 68137wwwOmahaMercedescomContact John Williams anytime at 4029819262
of Omaha of Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
As Year of the Startup moved into a larger house in Omaharsquos Little Italy district on July 1 and a new class of fellows arrives Hunt says there are ldquointeresting talks happening right now to bring this to other citiesrdquo He and Feldman say economic development agencies are willing to pay a license fee for them to do startup houses in other cities The partners are having proprietary software developed that will enable new startup houses to replicate their branded Omaha model
They look forward to engaging with the emerging 10th Street cultural district but may keep the midtown house to accommodate growth
Hunt and Feldman believe theyrsquore catching the wave or tipping point of a big new startup rush and theyrsquore betting their model is poised to be a niche player in this wild frontier of entrepreneurial prospecting
B2B
56 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
It is an unassuming space but if you have made your way to TD Ameritrade Park Filmstreams or Hot Shops chances are yoursquove passed one of the most vibrant offices in Omaha
The fact that Co-Lab (short for Creative Collaborators) is not a traditional work space is certainly one of its best features Located inside the Tip Top building at 15th and Cumming streets is a project dreamed up by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture who happens to share the main floor of the building Based in the heart of a once-isolated section of the city Co-Labrsquos funky creative vibe is making waves In fact that vibe seeps into Omaharsquos everyday bringing about small changes pushing our city toward a more innovative future
CO-LABGIVING OMAHA WORKERS A MORE
COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE
IN THE OFFICE | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
56
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 57
Home to 18 businesses plus Alley Poyner Macchietto Co-Lab is free of walls and signage It is also free from traditional office norms For instance you donrsquot just walk over to your neighborrsquos space for a brainstorming sessionmdashyou skateboard At least you do if yoursquore Dave Nelson of SecretPenguin a leading experimental branding agency The best part is that the businesses surrounding SecretPenguin appreciate the break from tradition ldquoThatrsquos the beautiful part about being around like-minded good people and businessesrdquo Nelson says
CONTINUED ON 58
58 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 59
CONTINUED FROM 57
In addition to having pathways large enough to skateboard or bike through the space also provides Co-Labbers with a kitchen various conference rooms bike storage bathrooms and a battleground (otherwise known as the ping-pong table) Walking in the main doors clients and employees alike are greeted from the front desk while catching a view of the five-story open atrium basking in the glow of sunshine from the skylight Workers can also access the fitness room and rooftop deck sharing amenities with TipTop apartment residents who use a separate entrance
CONTINUED ON 60
The Harry A Koch CoInsurance amp Financial ConsultantsMember of First Insurance Group LLC
60 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
CONTINUED FROM 59
Businesses in Co-Lab all creativity-related range from entrepreneurs to start-ups to non-profits to small businesses The art varies in form but runs through the space like an electric current At Zicafoose Textiles Mary Zicafoose works steadily on her loom creating gorgeous tapestries 4Site Programming is where Joi Brown works as an independent consultant for performing arts centers across the nation Heartland B-Cycle a large-scale municipal bike sharing system brings art in the form of economical convenience Holly Boyer a founder of non-profit organization Mission Matters explains that one of the best things about having an office at Co-Lab is feeling the innovative positive energy from the moment you walk in the door So while individuals may join Co-Lab with a business-minded focus or a more creative vibe finding a yin to their yang is just a shout away
ldquoThere is certainly a wonderful built-in support network that comes along with working in a collaborative environmentrdquo quips Omaha Creative Institute Executive Director Emily Moody ldquoEverything from sharing ideas and finding ways to collaborate with an organization different than yours to sharing a staplerrdquo
At the heart of making it work says Laura Alley of Alley Poyner itrsquos simply playing well with others
The skateboarding ping-pong playing creatives do that well
B2B
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2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott Enterprises
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bull TD Ameritrade Parkbull First National Bank Towerbull Midtown Crossingbull Village Pointe Shopping Centerbull UNO Weber Fine Arts Buildingbull Childrenrsquos Hospital
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For more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
TD Ameritrade Park | First National Bank Tower | Midtown Crossing | Village Pointe | Childrenrsquos Hospital Aksarben Village | Joslyn Art Museum | Fred amp Pamela Buffett Cancer Center | UNO Community Arena
6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
AT THE OFFICE amp ON THE GO
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13
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
- BB1015_fntCvr_125
- BB1015_fntEdit_125
- BB1015_bkEdit_125
- BB1015_bkCvr_125
-
A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage
Even so making up for a lack of practical knowledge requires the proper equipment most notably in the form of managers and employees The right talent in the field can be a growth experience and provide an opportunity to learn the ropes before taking a full swing at things A total deficit in knowl-edge hardly makes for good leadership and for this reason many ldquonew business owners like to take a birdrsquos eye view of the operation rather than diving in and getting their hands dirty right awayhellipgiving them the opportunity to watch [how] things have been done before implementing changesrdquo says OrsquoBrien
Approaching ownership in this way also allows for further financial acquisitions an avenue which Evans has taken In addition to owning Burton Plumbing Evans operates four other companies One might assume this much responsibility to be a stretch but Evans sees his role as ldquokeeping a pulse on things I like to lead people in growth per-sonally and on the business siderdquo
Getting started can be a challenge which is why OrsquoBrien works closely with potential buyers to find the right fit ldquoWe assist all the wayrdquo she says ldquoWe work with the buyer on projections business plans [and] we introduce them to trusted advisorsrdquo from attorneys and CPAs to financial advisors and insurance agents
Itrsquos this helpful backing of experts that eases the difficult task of ownership and only proves that one can certainly switch from a blue collar to a white one The FIRM
CONTRACTING BUSINESSES LISTED BY THE FIRM
201
5 P
roje
cted
201
5 Y
TD
201
4
201
3
201
2
30
0
15
28
14
12
11
16
15Fall 2015 The Firm Deal Review
2015 Winner
Omaharsquos Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
It may seem like I pulled a muscle making this stretch but Keith Backsen the new boss at the Omaha Convention amp Visitors Bureau seems to have an awful lot in common with new Husker Coach Mike Riley
Coach Riley spent a total of 14 seasons at Oregon State before heading to Huskerland Backsen also comes from that neck of the woods having spent 11 years of his career in Portland Oregon and another 11 years in Spokane Washington selling both cities as prime places for convention and leisure travelers
At Oregon State Coach Riley built the football program into a consistent winner and regular conference contender At Visit Spokane Backsen opened sales offices in Washington DC and Chicago that led to increased convention bookings Backsen also worked on the public campaign to expand the Spokane Convention Center with a $65 million bond issue The expansion coupled with increased hotel inventory allowed Spokane to pursue large conventions and more than doubled convention bookings in Spokane
Riley has experience at the highest level of football serving as the head coach of the San Diego Chargers and as a head coach in both the Canadian and World Football Leagues Same for Backsen he worked in Dallas and Chicago as the director of sales for Global Experience Specialists a global leader in the world of event planning Backsen supervised five sales offices in a nine-state region generating annual sales in excess of $70 million
Riley is known as one of the most professional and nicest men in the profession a coach who is greatly admired by his peers I kid you not Backsen is described the same way by colleaguesmdashone of the most genuine and skilled men in the business a well respected professional who has the insight and experience to get the job done (Note the $70M stat above)
Come the first game both men will have a stadium filled with fans cheering them on In Backsenrsquos case his stadium is the entire city of Omaha where the fans are the 434353 residents who will reap the rewards of Omaharsquos growing tourism economy
B2B
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 51
51HUSKER
COACH HAS TOURISM
TWIN
OMAHA CVB BY DEB WARD
Deb Ward is the director of marketingcommunications Omaha Convention and Visitorrsquos Bureau
Keith Backsen
52 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Jason Feldman and Sebastian Hunt
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 53
The emerging startup accelerator scene supports creative-minded risk-takers looking for an edge to follow their passion and bring their ideas to fruition
Sebastian Hunt 25 is passionate about giving entrepreneurs like himself a nurturing space to test out their concepts The University of Nebraska at Omaha economics graduate interned with various local employers and surveyed the area startup community when an idea struck him for a by-application curriculum-based residency program serving new entrepreneurs That inspiration turned into Year of the Startup
Launched in 2014 the program operates out of a humble house at 4036 Burt Street in the St Cecilia Cathedral neighborhood Hunt and co-founder Jason Feldman 28 room there with young residency fellows whose startup ventures range from making bio-fuels to providing night owl shuttle services They are a millennial bunch who favor sneakers and sandals They take informal meetings to nearby CaliCommons and Lisarsquos Radial Cafe They variously hunch over laptops or tablets and carry smartphones as appendages
YEAR OF THE STARTUP
ENTREPRENEURAL IMMERSION
This communal work-live space model for business mavericks is new to Omaha The usual startup accelerator is a concentrated 90-day off-site program Omaha has a few of these notably Straight Shot Hunt saw a need for a program that invites a broader range of people into the accelerator fold and supports them much nearer to the start of their dream than other programs
ldquoWe feel like we can take people at very early stages because we are four times as long as the average programrdquo says Hunt who adds that Year of the Startup is also not tech-centric like many programs tend to be ldquoIn our model we substitute intensity for duration I think a lot of the learning here comes through unstructured serendipitous interactions we have that is not curriculum-based itrsquos just happenstance
ldquoWith a house there are so many different ways you can bring ideas and people together I think thatrsquos maybe that critical binding agent and sense of place that helps accomplish thingsrdquo
He says in this intimate environment ldquotherersquos no other choice but to immerse yourself in the settingrdquo adding ldquoWersquore always hanging out in the living room or out back talking about startup stuffmdashmonetization strategies capitalization tables vested equity entity structuresrdquo
ldquoItrsquos this immersive experience of camaraderie of these natural flows and idea generationrdquo Feldman says
Hunt says ldquoThis is very difficult to get bored with because therersquos always somebody whose business is either in crisis or growth stage or some interesting part of the curverdquo
ldquoHow could we get bored when wersquore creating a platform with four startups and all we get to do is ideationrdquo Feldman says ldquoItrsquos a constant buzz we get from interacting with these startup founders and helping them build their ideasrdquo
Built into the program are activities that encourage fellows to break out of their comfort zone and to offer honest criticism of each otherrsquos ideas
Hunt compiles multiple data points on the startups
ldquoWersquore developing really deep insight about how do people start successful businessesrdquo
The program utilizes mentors from the entrepreneurial community
ldquoWe bring in people who are experts in specific areas to talk on those topicsrdquo Feldman says
ldquoThey get ideas flowingrdquo Hunt says of the mentors
Feldman says he regularly covers with fellows ldquothe major components of what you need to look at to start your businessrdquo and then mentors like Mike Kolker owner of graphic design firm Simplify teach lessons about operational efficiency and ldquohow to simplify running a businessrdquo
Hunt is a newcomer to all this and goes by instinct as much as research to support his vision
CONTINUED ON 54
FEATURE | BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
53
54 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
70 Years of Business in Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
4027335500 | 4315 South 50th Street
402-333-5722 bull wwwsw-fencecom
Thanks for Voting SampW Fence the Best Again in 2015
Wersquore Not Just About Fences
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
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AUDIO VISUAL SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDEbull System designengineeringbull Sales
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aharsquos Business to Business M
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ine
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NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER 2015 Winner
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Donrsquot forget to visitOmahaMagazinecom to read
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Omaha MagazineEncounter B2B 60PlusHerFamily OmahaHome
CONTINUED FROM 53
ldquoI just had an irrational confidence market insights and a great theoretical background thanks to primary research I completed and to lessons I learned from Phillip Phillips Michael OrsquoHara and Art Diamond in UNOrsquos economics department I read constantly about who the players were in the startup world so I was fairly preparedrdquo
Even though he directs a startup program he only started participating in one himself (Venture School) He acknowledges Year of the Startup is a by-the-seat-of-your-pants experiment
ldquoComing out of college I had student loans and not a ton of money Irsquove held two jobs to finance the project Now the project is financed by a combination of me working and renting out one room One-hundred percent of the money our entrepreneurs pay in rent will be returned in full and so everybody has a strong incentive to follow through with the program That may be what makes us sustainablerdquo
Hersquos working on securing corporate sponsorship for the program Meanwhile he wants to help get participating startups to the next level
ldquoWersquore functioning like a pre-accelerator at this point We want to get our startups profitable and then refer them to the Straight Shots so they can focus on growth in a pure accelerator programrdquo
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 55
Mercedes-Benz of Omaha14335 Hillsdale Ave Omaha NE 68137wwwOmahaMercedescomContact John Williams anytime at 4029819262
of Omaha of Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
As Year of the Startup moved into a larger house in Omaharsquos Little Italy district on July 1 and a new class of fellows arrives Hunt says there are ldquointeresting talks happening right now to bring this to other citiesrdquo He and Feldman say economic development agencies are willing to pay a license fee for them to do startup houses in other cities The partners are having proprietary software developed that will enable new startup houses to replicate their branded Omaha model
They look forward to engaging with the emerging 10th Street cultural district but may keep the midtown house to accommodate growth
Hunt and Feldman believe theyrsquore catching the wave or tipping point of a big new startup rush and theyrsquore betting their model is poised to be a niche player in this wild frontier of entrepreneurial prospecting
B2B
56 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
It is an unassuming space but if you have made your way to TD Ameritrade Park Filmstreams or Hot Shops chances are yoursquove passed one of the most vibrant offices in Omaha
The fact that Co-Lab (short for Creative Collaborators) is not a traditional work space is certainly one of its best features Located inside the Tip Top building at 15th and Cumming streets is a project dreamed up by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture who happens to share the main floor of the building Based in the heart of a once-isolated section of the city Co-Labrsquos funky creative vibe is making waves In fact that vibe seeps into Omaharsquos everyday bringing about small changes pushing our city toward a more innovative future
CO-LABGIVING OMAHA WORKERS A MORE
COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE
IN THE OFFICE | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
56
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 57
Home to 18 businesses plus Alley Poyner Macchietto Co-Lab is free of walls and signage It is also free from traditional office norms For instance you donrsquot just walk over to your neighborrsquos space for a brainstorming sessionmdashyou skateboard At least you do if yoursquore Dave Nelson of SecretPenguin a leading experimental branding agency The best part is that the businesses surrounding SecretPenguin appreciate the break from tradition ldquoThatrsquos the beautiful part about being around like-minded good people and businessesrdquo Nelson says
CONTINUED ON 58
58 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 59
CONTINUED FROM 57
In addition to having pathways large enough to skateboard or bike through the space also provides Co-Labbers with a kitchen various conference rooms bike storage bathrooms and a battleground (otherwise known as the ping-pong table) Walking in the main doors clients and employees alike are greeted from the front desk while catching a view of the five-story open atrium basking in the glow of sunshine from the skylight Workers can also access the fitness room and rooftop deck sharing amenities with TipTop apartment residents who use a separate entrance
CONTINUED ON 60
The Harry A Koch CoInsurance amp Financial ConsultantsMember of First Insurance Group LLC
60 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
CONTINUED FROM 59
Businesses in Co-Lab all creativity-related range from entrepreneurs to start-ups to non-profits to small businesses The art varies in form but runs through the space like an electric current At Zicafoose Textiles Mary Zicafoose works steadily on her loom creating gorgeous tapestries 4Site Programming is where Joi Brown works as an independent consultant for performing arts centers across the nation Heartland B-Cycle a large-scale municipal bike sharing system brings art in the form of economical convenience Holly Boyer a founder of non-profit organization Mission Matters explains that one of the best things about having an office at Co-Lab is feeling the innovative positive energy from the moment you walk in the door So while individuals may join Co-Lab with a business-minded focus or a more creative vibe finding a yin to their yang is just a shout away
ldquoThere is certainly a wonderful built-in support network that comes along with working in a collaborative environmentrdquo quips Omaha Creative Institute Executive Director Emily Moody ldquoEverything from sharing ideas and finding ways to collaborate with an organization different than yours to sharing a staplerrdquo
At the heart of making it work says Laura Alley of Alley Poyner itrsquos simply playing well with others
The skateboarding ping-pong playing creatives do that well
B2B
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arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
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For more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
TD Ameritrade Park | First National Bank Tower | Midtown Crossing | Village Pointe | Childrenrsquos Hospital Aksarben Village | Joslyn Art Museum | Fred amp Pamela Buffett Cancer Center | UNO Community Arena
6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
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2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
- BB1015_fntCvr_125
- BB1015_fntEdit_125
- BB1015_bkEdit_125
- BB1015_bkCvr_125
-
2015 Winner
Omaharsquos Business-to-Business M
agazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
It may seem like I pulled a muscle making this stretch but Keith Backsen the new boss at the Omaha Convention amp Visitors Bureau seems to have an awful lot in common with new Husker Coach Mike Riley
Coach Riley spent a total of 14 seasons at Oregon State before heading to Huskerland Backsen also comes from that neck of the woods having spent 11 years of his career in Portland Oregon and another 11 years in Spokane Washington selling both cities as prime places for convention and leisure travelers
At Oregon State Coach Riley built the football program into a consistent winner and regular conference contender At Visit Spokane Backsen opened sales offices in Washington DC and Chicago that led to increased convention bookings Backsen also worked on the public campaign to expand the Spokane Convention Center with a $65 million bond issue The expansion coupled with increased hotel inventory allowed Spokane to pursue large conventions and more than doubled convention bookings in Spokane
Riley has experience at the highest level of football serving as the head coach of the San Diego Chargers and as a head coach in both the Canadian and World Football Leagues Same for Backsen he worked in Dallas and Chicago as the director of sales for Global Experience Specialists a global leader in the world of event planning Backsen supervised five sales offices in a nine-state region generating annual sales in excess of $70 million
Riley is known as one of the most professional and nicest men in the profession a coach who is greatly admired by his peers I kid you not Backsen is described the same way by colleaguesmdashone of the most genuine and skilled men in the business a well respected professional who has the insight and experience to get the job done (Note the $70M stat above)
Come the first game both men will have a stadium filled with fans cheering them on In Backsenrsquos case his stadium is the entire city of Omaha where the fans are the 434353 residents who will reap the rewards of Omaharsquos growing tourism economy
B2B
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 51
51HUSKER
COACH HAS TOURISM
TWIN
OMAHA CVB BY DEB WARD
Deb Ward is the director of marketingcommunications Omaha Convention and Visitorrsquos Bureau
Keith Backsen
52 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Jason Feldman and Sebastian Hunt
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 53
The emerging startup accelerator scene supports creative-minded risk-takers looking for an edge to follow their passion and bring their ideas to fruition
Sebastian Hunt 25 is passionate about giving entrepreneurs like himself a nurturing space to test out their concepts The University of Nebraska at Omaha economics graduate interned with various local employers and surveyed the area startup community when an idea struck him for a by-application curriculum-based residency program serving new entrepreneurs That inspiration turned into Year of the Startup
Launched in 2014 the program operates out of a humble house at 4036 Burt Street in the St Cecilia Cathedral neighborhood Hunt and co-founder Jason Feldman 28 room there with young residency fellows whose startup ventures range from making bio-fuels to providing night owl shuttle services They are a millennial bunch who favor sneakers and sandals They take informal meetings to nearby CaliCommons and Lisarsquos Radial Cafe They variously hunch over laptops or tablets and carry smartphones as appendages
YEAR OF THE STARTUP
ENTREPRENEURAL IMMERSION
This communal work-live space model for business mavericks is new to Omaha The usual startup accelerator is a concentrated 90-day off-site program Omaha has a few of these notably Straight Shot Hunt saw a need for a program that invites a broader range of people into the accelerator fold and supports them much nearer to the start of their dream than other programs
ldquoWe feel like we can take people at very early stages because we are four times as long as the average programrdquo says Hunt who adds that Year of the Startup is also not tech-centric like many programs tend to be ldquoIn our model we substitute intensity for duration I think a lot of the learning here comes through unstructured serendipitous interactions we have that is not curriculum-based itrsquos just happenstance
ldquoWith a house there are so many different ways you can bring ideas and people together I think thatrsquos maybe that critical binding agent and sense of place that helps accomplish thingsrdquo
He says in this intimate environment ldquotherersquos no other choice but to immerse yourself in the settingrdquo adding ldquoWersquore always hanging out in the living room or out back talking about startup stuffmdashmonetization strategies capitalization tables vested equity entity structuresrdquo
ldquoItrsquos this immersive experience of camaraderie of these natural flows and idea generationrdquo Feldman says
Hunt says ldquoThis is very difficult to get bored with because therersquos always somebody whose business is either in crisis or growth stage or some interesting part of the curverdquo
ldquoHow could we get bored when wersquore creating a platform with four startups and all we get to do is ideationrdquo Feldman says ldquoItrsquos a constant buzz we get from interacting with these startup founders and helping them build their ideasrdquo
Built into the program are activities that encourage fellows to break out of their comfort zone and to offer honest criticism of each otherrsquos ideas
Hunt compiles multiple data points on the startups
ldquoWersquore developing really deep insight about how do people start successful businessesrdquo
The program utilizes mentors from the entrepreneurial community
ldquoWe bring in people who are experts in specific areas to talk on those topicsrdquo Feldman says
ldquoThey get ideas flowingrdquo Hunt says of the mentors
Feldman says he regularly covers with fellows ldquothe major components of what you need to look at to start your businessrdquo and then mentors like Mike Kolker owner of graphic design firm Simplify teach lessons about operational efficiency and ldquohow to simplify running a businessrdquo
Hunt is a newcomer to all this and goes by instinct as much as research to support his vision
CONTINUED ON 54
FEATURE | BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
53
54 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
70 Years of Business in Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
4027335500 | 4315 South 50th Street
402-333-5722 bull wwwsw-fencecom
Thanks for Voting SampW Fence the Best Again in 2015
Wersquore Not Just About Fences
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Thank You for Voting Us Best of B2Btrade 4 Years in a Row
AUDIO VISUAL SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDEbull System designengineeringbull Sales
bull Installationbull Maintenance and Service
bull Equipment Rental and Operation
2700 sq ft of rental facility for conferencing meetings training sessions receptions gatherings webinars
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER 2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
ConnectWITH YOURCOMMUNITY
Donrsquot forget to visitOmahaMagazinecom to read
all of our titles online
Omaha MagazineEncounter B2B 60PlusHerFamily OmahaHome
CONTINUED FROM 53
ldquoI just had an irrational confidence market insights and a great theoretical background thanks to primary research I completed and to lessons I learned from Phillip Phillips Michael OrsquoHara and Art Diamond in UNOrsquos economics department I read constantly about who the players were in the startup world so I was fairly preparedrdquo
Even though he directs a startup program he only started participating in one himself (Venture School) He acknowledges Year of the Startup is a by-the-seat-of-your-pants experiment
ldquoComing out of college I had student loans and not a ton of money Irsquove held two jobs to finance the project Now the project is financed by a combination of me working and renting out one room One-hundred percent of the money our entrepreneurs pay in rent will be returned in full and so everybody has a strong incentive to follow through with the program That may be what makes us sustainablerdquo
Hersquos working on securing corporate sponsorship for the program Meanwhile he wants to help get participating startups to the next level
ldquoWersquore functioning like a pre-accelerator at this point We want to get our startups profitable and then refer them to the Straight Shots so they can focus on growth in a pure accelerator programrdquo
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 55
Mercedes-Benz of Omaha14335 Hillsdale Ave Omaha NE 68137wwwOmahaMercedescomContact John Williams anytime at 4029819262
of Omaha of Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
As Year of the Startup moved into a larger house in Omaharsquos Little Italy district on July 1 and a new class of fellows arrives Hunt says there are ldquointeresting talks happening right now to bring this to other citiesrdquo He and Feldman say economic development agencies are willing to pay a license fee for them to do startup houses in other cities The partners are having proprietary software developed that will enable new startup houses to replicate their branded Omaha model
They look forward to engaging with the emerging 10th Street cultural district but may keep the midtown house to accommodate growth
Hunt and Feldman believe theyrsquore catching the wave or tipping point of a big new startup rush and theyrsquore betting their model is poised to be a niche player in this wild frontier of entrepreneurial prospecting
B2B
56 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
It is an unassuming space but if you have made your way to TD Ameritrade Park Filmstreams or Hot Shops chances are yoursquove passed one of the most vibrant offices in Omaha
The fact that Co-Lab (short for Creative Collaborators) is not a traditional work space is certainly one of its best features Located inside the Tip Top building at 15th and Cumming streets is a project dreamed up by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture who happens to share the main floor of the building Based in the heart of a once-isolated section of the city Co-Labrsquos funky creative vibe is making waves In fact that vibe seeps into Omaharsquos everyday bringing about small changes pushing our city toward a more innovative future
CO-LABGIVING OMAHA WORKERS A MORE
COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE
IN THE OFFICE | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
56
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 57
Home to 18 businesses plus Alley Poyner Macchietto Co-Lab is free of walls and signage It is also free from traditional office norms For instance you donrsquot just walk over to your neighborrsquos space for a brainstorming sessionmdashyou skateboard At least you do if yoursquore Dave Nelson of SecretPenguin a leading experimental branding agency The best part is that the businesses surrounding SecretPenguin appreciate the break from tradition ldquoThatrsquos the beautiful part about being around like-minded good people and businessesrdquo Nelson says
CONTINUED ON 58
58 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 59
CONTINUED FROM 57
In addition to having pathways large enough to skateboard or bike through the space also provides Co-Labbers with a kitchen various conference rooms bike storage bathrooms and a battleground (otherwise known as the ping-pong table) Walking in the main doors clients and employees alike are greeted from the front desk while catching a view of the five-story open atrium basking in the glow of sunshine from the skylight Workers can also access the fitness room and rooftop deck sharing amenities with TipTop apartment residents who use a separate entrance
CONTINUED ON 60
The Harry A Koch CoInsurance amp Financial ConsultantsMember of First Insurance Group LLC
60 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
CONTINUED FROM 59
Businesses in Co-Lab all creativity-related range from entrepreneurs to start-ups to non-profits to small businesses The art varies in form but runs through the space like an electric current At Zicafoose Textiles Mary Zicafoose works steadily on her loom creating gorgeous tapestries 4Site Programming is where Joi Brown works as an independent consultant for performing arts centers across the nation Heartland B-Cycle a large-scale municipal bike sharing system brings art in the form of economical convenience Holly Boyer a founder of non-profit organization Mission Matters explains that one of the best things about having an office at Co-Lab is feeling the innovative positive energy from the moment you walk in the door So while individuals may join Co-Lab with a business-minded focus or a more creative vibe finding a yin to their yang is just a shout away
ldquoThere is certainly a wonderful built-in support network that comes along with working in a collaborative environmentrdquo quips Omaha Creative Institute Executive Director Emily Moody ldquoEverything from sharing ideas and finding ways to collaborate with an organization different than yours to sharing a staplerrdquo
At the heart of making it work says Laura Alley of Alley Poyner itrsquos simply playing well with others
The skateboarding ping-pong playing creatives do that well
B2B
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2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
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Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott Enterprises
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For more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
TD Ameritrade Park | First National Bank Tower | Midtown Crossing | Village Pointe | Childrenrsquos Hospital Aksarben Village | Joslyn Art Museum | Fred amp Pamela Buffett Cancer Center | UNO Community Arena
6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
AT THE OFFICE amp ON THE GO
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13
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
- BB1015_fntCvr_125
- BB1015_fntEdit_125
- BB1015_bkEdit_125
- BB1015_bkCvr_125
-
It may seem like I pulled a muscle making this stretch but Keith Backsen the new boss at the Omaha Convention amp Visitors Bureau seems to have an awful lot in common with new Husker Coach Mike Riley
Coach Riley spent a total of 14 seasons at Oregon State before heading to Huskerland Backsen also comes from that neck of the woods having spent 11 years of his career in Portland Oregon and another 11 years in Spokane Washington selling both cities as prime places for convention and leisure travelers
At Oregon State Coach Riley built the football program into a consistent winner and regular conference contender At Visit Spokane Backsen opened sales offices in Washington DC and Chicago that led to increased convention bookings Backsen also worked on the public campaign to expand the Spokane Convention Center with a $65 million bond issue The expansion coupled with increased hotel inventory allowed Spokane to pursue large conventions and more than doubled convention bookings in Spokane
Riley has experience at the highest level of football serving as the head coach of the San Diego Chargers and as a head coach in both the Canadian and World Football Leagues Same for Backsen he worked in Dallas and Chicago as the director of sales for Global Experience Specialists a global leader in the world of event planning Backsen supervised five sales offices in a nine-state region generating annual sales in excess of $70 million
Riley is known as one of the most professional and nicest men in the profession a coach who is greatly admired by his peers I kid you not Backsen is described the same way by colleaguesmdashone of the most genuine and skilled men in the business a well respected professional who has the insight and experience to get the job done (Note the $70M stat above)
Come the first game both men will have a stadium filled with fans cheering them on In Backsenrsquos case his stadium is the entire city of Omaha where the fans are the 434353 residents who will reap the rewards of Omaharsquos growing tourism economy
B2B
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 51
51HUSKER
COACH HAS TOURISM
TWIN
OMAHA CVB BY DEB WARD
Deb Ward is the director of marketingcommunications Omaha Convention and Visitorrsquos Bureau
Keith Backsen
52 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Jason Feldman and Sebastian Hunt
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 53
The emerging startup accelerator scene supports creative-minded risk-takers looking for an edge to follow their passion and bring their ideas to fruition
Sebastian Hunt 25 is passionate about giving entrepreneurs like himself a nurturing space to test out their concepts The University of Nebraska at Omaha economics graduate interned with various local employers and surveyed the area startup community when an idea struck him for a by-application curriculum-based residency program serving new entrepreneurs That inspiration turned into Year of the Startup
Launched in 2014 the program operates out of a humble house at 4036 Burt Street in the St Cecilia Cathedral neighborhood Hunt and co-founder Jason Feldman 28 room there with young residency fellows whose startup ventures range from making bio-fuels to providing night owl shuttle services They are a millennial bunch who favor sneakers and sandals They take informal meetings to nearby CaliCommons and Lisarsquos Radial Cafe They variously hunch over laptops or tablets and carry smartphones as appendages
YEAR OF THE STARTUP
ENTREPRENEURAL IMMERSION
This communal work-live space model for business mavericks is new to Omaha The usual startup accelerator is a concentrated 90-day off-site program Omaha has a few of these notably Straight Shot Hunt saw a need for a program that invites a broader range of people into the accelerator fold and supports them much nearer to the start of their dream than other programs
ldquoWe feel like we can take people at very early stages because we are four times as long as the average programrdquo says Hunt who adds that Year of the Startup is also not tech-centric like many programs tend to be ldquoIn our model we substitute intensity for duration I think a lot of the learning here comes through unstructured serendipitous interactions we have that is not curriculum-based itrsquos just happenstance
ldquoWith a house there are so many different ways you can bring ideas and people together I think thatrsquos maybe that critical binding agent and sense of place that helps accomplish thingsrdquo
He says in this intimate environment ldquotherersquos no other choice but to immerse yourself in the settingrdquo adding ldquoWersquore always hanging out in the living room or out back talking about startup stuffmdashmonetization strategies capitalization tables vested equity entity structuresrdquo
ldquoItrsquos this immersive experience of camaraderie of these natural flows and idea generationrdquo Feldman says
Hunt says ldquoThis is very difficult to get bored with because therersquos always somebody whose business is either in crisis or growth stage or some interesting part of the curverdquo
ldquoHow could we get bored when wersquore creating a platform with four startups and all we get to do is ideationrdquo Feldman says ldquoItrsquos a constant buzz we get from interacting with these startup founders and helping them build their ideasrdquo
Built into the program are activities that encourage fellows to break out of their comfort zone and to offer honest criticism of each otherrsquos ideas
Hunt compiles multiple data points on the startups
ldquoWersquore developing really deep insight about how do people start successful businessesrdquo
The program utilizes mentors from the entrepreneurial community
ldquoWe bring in people who are experts in specific areas to talk on those topicsrdquo Feldman says
ldquoThey get ideas flowingrdquo Hunt says of the mentors
Feldman says he regularly covers with fellows ldquothe major components of what you need to look at to start your businessrdquo and then mentors like Mike Kolker owner of graphic design firm Simplify teach lessons about operational efficiency and ldquohow to simplify running a businessrdquo
Hunt is a newcomer to all this and goes by instinct as much as research to support his vision
CONTINUED ON 54
FEATURE | BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
53
54 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
70 Years of Business in Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
4027335500 | 4315 South 50th Street
402-333-5722 bull wwwsw-fencecom
Thanks for Voting SampW Fence the Best Again in 2015
Wersquore Not Just About Fences
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Thank You for Voting Us Best of B2Btrade 4 Years in a Row
AUDIO VISUAL SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDEbull System designengineeringbull Sales
bull Installationbull Maintenance and Service
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B2B
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Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER 2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
ConnectWITH YOURCOMMUNITY
Donrsquot forget to visitOmahaMagazinecom to read
all of our titles online
Omaha MagazineEncounter B2B 60PlusHerFamily OmahaHome
CONTINUED FROM 53
ldquoI just had an irrational confidence market insights and a great theoretical background thanks to primary research I completed and to lessons I learned from Phillip Phillips Michael OrsquoHara and Art Diamond in UNOrsquos economics department I read constantly about who the players were in the startup world so I was fairly preparedrdquo
Even though he directs a startup program he only started participating in one himself (Venture School) He acknowledges Year of the Startup is a by-the-seat-of-your-pants experiment
ldquoComing out of college I had student loans and not a ton of money Irsquove held two jobs to finance the project Now the project is financed by a combination of me working and renting out one room One-hundred percent of the money our entrepreneurs pay in rent will be returned in full and so everybody has a strong incentive to follow through with the program That may be what makes us sustainablerdquo
Hersquos working on securing corporate sponsorship for the program Meanwhile he wants to help get participating startups to the next level
ldquoWersquore functioning like a pre-accelerator at this point We want to get our startups profitable and then refer them to the Straight Shots so they can focus on growth in a pure accelerator programrdquo
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 55
Mercedes-Benz of Omaha14335 Hillsdale Ave Omaha NE 68137wwwOmahaMercedescomContact John Williams anytime at 4029819262
of Omaha of Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
As Year of the Startup moved into a larger house in Omaharsquos Little Italy district on July 1 and a new class of fellows arrives Hunt says there are ldquointeresting talks happening right now to bring this to other citiesrdquo He and Feldman say economic development agencies are willing to pay a license fee for them to do startup houses in other cities The partners are having proprietary software developed that will enable new startup houses to replicate their branded Omaha model
They look forward to engaging with the emerging 10th Street cultural district but may keep the midtown house to accommodate growth
Hunt and Feldman believe theyrsquore catching the wave or tipping point of a big new startup rush and theyrsquore betting their model is poised to be a niche player in this wild frontier of entrepreneurial prospecting
B2B
56 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
It is an unassuming space but if you have made your way to TD Ameritrade Park Filmstreams or Hot Shops chances are yoursquove passed one of the most vibrant offices in Omaha
The fact that Co-Lab (short for Creative Collaborators) is not a traditional work space is certainly one of its best features Located inside the Tip Top building at 15th and Cumming streets is a project dreamed up by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture who happens to share the main floor of the building Based in the heart of a once-isolated section of the city Co-Labrsquos funky creative vibe is making waves In fact that vibe seeps into Omaharsquos everyday bringing about small changes pushing our city toward a more innovative future
CO-LABGIVING OMAHA WORKERS A MORE
COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE
IN THE OFFICE | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
56
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 57
Home to 18 businesses plus Alley Poyner Macchietto Co-Lab is free of walls and signage It is also free from traditional office norms For instance you donrsquot just walk over to your neighborrsquos space for a brainstorming sessionmdashyou skateboard At least you do if yoursquore Dave Nelson of SecretPenguin a leading experimental branding agency The best part is that the businesses surrounding SecretPenguin appreciate the break from tradition ldquoThatrsquos the beautiful part about being around like-minded good people and businessesrdquo Nelson says
CONTINUED ON 58
58 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 59
CONTINUED FROM 57
In addition to having pathways large enough to skateboard or bike through the space also provides Co-Labbers with a kitchen various conference rooms bike storage bathrooms and a battleground (otherwise known as the ping-pong table) Walking in the main doors clients and employees alike are greeted from the front desk while catching a view of the five-story open atrium basking in the glow of sunshine from the skylight Workers can also access the fitness room and rooftop deck sharing amenities with TipTop apartment residents who use a separate entrance
CONTINUED ON 60
The Harry A Koch CoInsurance amp Financial ConsultantsMember of First Insurance Group LLC
60 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
CONTINUED FROM 59
Businesses in Co-Lab all creativity-related range from entrepreneurs to start-ups to non-profits to small businesses The art varies in form but runs through the space like an electric current At Zicafoose Textiles Mary Zicafoose works steadily on her loom creating gorgeous tapestries 4Site Programming is where Joi Brown works as an independent consultant for performing arts centers across the nation Heartland B-Cycle a large-scale municipal bike sharing system brings art in the form of economical convenience Holly Boyer a founder of non-profit organization Mission Matters explains that one of the best things about having an office at Co-Lab is feeling the innovative positive energy from the moment you walk in the door So while individuals may join Co-Lab with a business-minded focus or a more creative vibe finding a yin to their yang is just a shout away
ldquoThere is certainly a wonderful built-in support network that comes along with working in a collaborative environmentrdquo quips Omaha Creative Institute Executive Director Emily Moody ldquoEverything from sharing ideas and finding ways to collaborate with an organization different than yours to sharing a staplerrdquo
At the heart of making it work says Laura Alley of Alley Poyner itrsquos simply playing well with others
The skateboarding ping-pong playing creatives do that well
B2B
ABOUT CAS Since 1981 CAS Inc has established itself as one of Direct Marketingrsquos most reliable companies CAS provides you nSightful solutions such as mailing and email lists data append privacy updates and database hygiene services for all your data needs We help you prepare and enhance your customer data as well as understand what makes each customer unique
Thank You Omaha for Voting Us ldquoBest Mailing List Companyrdquo
10303 Crown Point Ave | Omaha NE 68134wwwcas-onlinecom | nsightfulcas-onlinecom | 866-249-1977
nSightful products powered by CAS Inc provide you with digital marketing solutions to help decrease your cost and time to acquire quality leads We determine the best prospects to attract for your campaign from our robust database and targeting techniques We engage the customer through tailored mailing and email lists We work with you to convert engaged leads by providing cost-effective data processing and marketing solutions that work
We are
BEST
MAILING LIST COMPANY
MAILING LISTS DATA SERVICES EMAIL TARGETED ADS
9684 N 109th Ave bull Omaha NE 68142 bull 402-571-2364 bull scottentcom
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott Enterprises
SCOTTENTERPRISES
In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott EnterprisesFor more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
bull TD Ameritrade Parkbull First National Bank Towerbull Midtown Crossingbull Village Pointe Shopping Centerbull UNO Weber Fine Arts Buildingbull Childrenrsquos Hospital
402-571-2364 | wwwScottEntcom9684 N 109th Street Omaha NE 68142
For more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
TD Ameritrade Park | First National Bank Tower | Midtown Crossing | Village Pointe | Childrenrsquos Hospital Aksarben Village | Joslyn Art Museum | Fred amp Pamela Buffett Cancer Center | UNO Community Arena
6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
AT THE OFFICE amp ON THE GO
Headsets by
Plantronics BackBeat
Fit Bluetooth
Plantronics CS540
Wireless
wwwheadsetterscom wwwcomputeromahacomLocated Inside of Headsetters
SERVICES INCLUDEVirus Check and Removal
Clean Your BrowserRemove Temporary Internet Files
Delete Adware and CookiesDefrag Hard Drives
Intall Current Microsoft PatchesInstall Microsoft Security Updates
Update Drivers
13
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
- BB1015_fntCvr_125
- BB1015_fntEdit_125
- BB1015_bkEdit_125
- BB1015_bkCvr_125
-
52 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Jason Feldman and Sebastian Hunt
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 53
The emerging startup accelerator scene supports creative-minded risk-takers looking for an edge to follow their passion and bring their ideas to fruition
Sebastian Hunt 25 is passionate about giving entrepreneurs like himself a nurturing space to test out their concepts The University of Nebraska at Omaha economics graduate interned with various local employers and surveyed the area startup community when an idea struck him for a by-application curriculum-based residency program serving new entrepreneurs That inspiration turned into Year of the Startup
Launched in 2014 the program operates out of a humble house at 4036 Burt Street in the St Cecilia Cathedral neighborhood Hunt and co-founder Jason Feldman 28 room there with young residency fellows whose startup ventures range from making bio-fuels to providing night owl shuttle services They are a millennial bunch who favor sneakers and sandals They take informal meetings to nearby CaliCommons and Lisarsquos Radial Cafe They variously hunch over laptops or tablets and carry smartphones as appendages
YEAR OF THE STARTUP
ENTREPRENEURAL IMMERSION
This communal work-live space model for business mavericks is new to Omaha The usual startup accelerator is a concentrated 90-day off-site program Omaha has a few of these notably Straight Shot Hunt saw a need for a program that invites a broader range of people into the accelerator fold and supports them much nearer to the start of their dream than other programs
ldquoWe feel like we can take people at very early stages because we are four times as long as the average programrdquo says Hunt who adds that Year of the Startup is also not tech-centric like many programs tend to be ldquoIn our model we substitute intensity for duration I think a lot of the learning here comes through unstructured serendipitous interactions we have that is not curriculum-based itrsquos just happenstance
ldquoWith a house there are so many different ways you can bring ideas and people together I think thatrsquos maybe that critical binding agent and sense of place that helps accomplish thingsrdquo
He says in this intimate environment ldquotherersquos no other choice but to immerse yourself in the settingrdquo adding ldquoWersquore always hanging out in the living room or out back talking about startup stuffmdashmonetization strategies capitalization tables vested equity entity structuresrdquo
ldquoItrsquos this immersive experience of camaraderie of these natural flows and idea generationrdquo Feldman says
Hunt says ldquoThis is very difficult to get bored with because therersquos always somebody whose business is either in crisis or growth stage or some interesting part of the curverdquo
ldquoHow could we get bored when wersquore creating a platform with four startups and all we get to do is ideationrdquo Feldman says ldquoItrsquos a constant buzz we get from interacting with these startup founders and helping them build their ideasrdquo
Built into the program are activities that encourage fellows to break out of their comfort zone and to offer honest criticism of each otherrsquos ideas
Hunt compiles multiple data points on the startups
ldquoWersquore developing really deep insight about how do people start successful businessesrdquo
The program utilizes mentors from the entrepreneurial community
ldquoWe bring in people who are experts in specific areas to talk on those topicsrdquo Feldman says
ldquoThey get ideas flowingrdquo Hunt says of the mentors
Feldman says he regularly covers with fellows ldquothe major components of what you need to look at to start your businessrdquo and then mentors like Mike Kolker owner of graphic design firm Simplify teach lessons about operational efficiency and ldquohow to simplify running a businessrdquo
Hunt is a newcomer to all this and goes by instinct as much as research to support his vision
CONTINUED ON 54
FEATURE | BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
53
54 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
70 Years of Business in Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
4027335500 | 4315 South 50th Street
402-333-5722 bull wwwsw-fencecom
Thanks for Voting SampW Fence the Best Again in 2015
Wersquore Not Just About Fences
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Thank You for Voting Us Best of B2Btrade 4 Years in a Row
AUDIO VISUAL SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDEbull System designengineeringbull Sales
bull Installationbull Maintenance and Service
bull Equipment Rental and Operation
2700 sq ft of rental facility for conferencing meetings training sessions receptions gatherings webinars
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER 2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
ConnectWITH YOURCOMMUNITY
Donrsquot forget to visitOmahaMagazinecom to read
all of our titles online
Omaha MagazineEncounter B2B 60PlusHerFamily OmahaHome
CONTINUED FROM 53
ldquoI just had an irrational confidence market insights and a great theoretical background thanks to primary research I completed and to lessons I learned from Phillip Phillips Michael OrsquoHara and Art Diamond in UNOrsquos economics department I read constantly about who the players were in the startup world so I was fairly preparedrdquo
Even though he directs a startup program he only started participating in one himself (Venture School) He acknowledges Year of the Startup is a by-the-seat-of-your-pants experiment
ldquoComing out of college I had student loans and not a ton of money Irsquove held two jobs to finance the project Now the project is financed by a combination of me working and renting out one room One-hundred percent of the money our entrepreneurs pay in rent will be returned in full and so everybody has a strong incentive to follow through with the program That may be what makes us sustainablerdquo
Hersquos working on securing corporate sponsorship for the program Meanwhile he wants to help get participating startups to the next level
ldquoWersquore functioning like a pre-accelerator at this point We want to get our startups profitable and then refer them to the Straight Shots so they can focus on growth in a pure accelerator programrdquo
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 55
Mercedes-Benz of Omaha14335 Hillsdale Ave Omaha NE 68137wwwOmahaMercedescomContact John Williams anytime at 4029819262
of Omaha of Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
As Year of the Startup moved into a larger house in Omaharsquos Little Italy district on July 1 and a new class of fellows arrives Hunt says there are ldquointeresting talks happening right now to bring this to other citiesrdquo He and Feldman say economic development agencies are willing to pay a license fee for them to do startup houses in other cities The partners are having proprietary software developed that will enable new startup houses to replicate their branded Omaha model
They look forward to engaging with the emerging 10th Street cultural district but may keep the midtown house to accommodate growth
Hunt and Feldman believe theyrsquore catching the wave or tipping point of a big new startup rush and theyrsquore betting their model is poised to be a niche player in this wild frontier of entrepreneurial prospecting
B2B
56 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
It is an unassuming space but if you have made your way to TD Ameritrade Park Filmstreams or Hot Shops chances are yoursquove passed one of the most vibrant offices in Omaha
The fact that Co-Lab (short for Creative Collaborators) is not a traditional work space is certainly one of its best features Located inside the Tip Top building at 15th and Cumming streets is a project dreamed up by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture who happens to share the main floor of the building Based in the heart of a once-isolated section of the city Co-Labrsquos funky creative vibe is making waves In fact that vibe seeps into Omaharsquos everyday bringing about small changes pushing our city toward a more innovative future
CO-LABGIVING OMAHA WORKERS A MORE
COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE
IN THE OFFICE | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
56
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 57
Home to 18 businesses plus Alley Poyner Macchietto Co-Lab is free of walls and signage It is also free from traditional office norms For instance you donrsquot just walk over to your neighborrsquos space for a brainstorming sessionmdashyou skateboard At least you do if yoursquore Dave Nelson of SecretPenguin a leading experimental branding agency The best part is that the businesses surrounding SecretPenguin appreciate the break from tradition ldquoThatrsquos the beautiful part about being around like-minded good people and businessesrdquo Nelson says
CONTINUED ON 58
58 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 59
CONTINUED FROM 57
In addition to having pathways large enough to skateboard or bike through the space also provides Co-Labbers with a kitchen various conference rooms bike storage bathrooms and a battleground (otherwise known as the ping-pong table) Walking in the main doors clients and employees alike are greeted from the front desk while catching a view of the five-story open atrium basking in the glow of sunshine from the skylight Workers can also access the fitness room and rooftop deck sharing amenities with TipTop apartment residents who use a separate entrance
CONTINUED ON 60
The Harry A Koch CoInsurance amp Financial ConsultantsMember of First Insurance Group LLC
60 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
CONTINUED FROM 59
Businesses in Co-Lab all creativity-related range from entrepreneurs to start-ups to non-profits to small businesses The art varies in form but runs through the space like an electric current At Zicafoose Textiles Mary Zicafoose works steadily on her loom creating gorgeous tapestries 4Site Programming is where Joi Brown works as an independent consultant for performing arts centers across the nation Heartland B-Cycle a large-scale municipal bike sharing system brings art in the form of economical convenience Holly Boyer a founder of non-profit organization Mission Matters explains that one of the best things about having an office at Co-Lab is feeling the innovative positive energy from the moment you walk in the door So while individuals may join Co-Lab with a business-minded focus or a more creative vibe finding a yin to their yang is just a shout away
ldquoThere is certainly a wonderful built-in support network that comes along with working in a collaborative environmentrdquo quips Omaha Creative Institute Executive Director Emily Moody ldquoEverything from sharing ideas and finding ways to collaborate with an organization different than yours to sharing a staplerrdquo
At the heart of making it work says Laura Alley of Alley Poyner itrsquos simply playing well with others
The skateboarding ping-pong playing creatives do that well
B2B
ABOUT CAS Since 1981 CAS Inc has established itself as one of Direct Marketingrsquos most reliable companies CAS provides you nSightful solutions such as mailing and email lists data append privacy updates and database hygiene services for all your data needs We help you prepare and enhance your customer data as well as understand what makes each customer unique
Thank You Omaha for Voting Us ldquoBest Mailing List Companyrdquo
10303 Crown Point Ave | Omaha NE 68134wwwcas-onlinecom | nsightfulcas-onlinecom | 866-249-1977
nSightful products powered by CAS Inc provide you with digital marketing solutions to help decrease your cost and time to acquire quality leads We determine the best prospects to attract for your campaign from our robust database and targeting techniques We engage the customer through tailored mailing and email lists We work with you to convert engaged leads by providing cost-effective data processing and marketing solutions that work
We are
BEST
MAILING LIST COMPANY
MAILING LISTS DATA SERVICES EMAIL TARGETED ADS
9684 N 109th Ave bull Omaha NE 68142 bull 402-571-2364 bull scottentcom
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott Enterprises
SCOTTENTERPRISES
In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott EnterprisesFor more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
bull TD Ameritrade Parkbull First National Bank Towerbull Midtown Crossingbull Village Pointe Shopping Centerbull UNO Weber Fine Arts Buildingbull Childrenrsquos Hospital
402-571-2364 | wwwScottEntcom9684 N 109th Street Omaha NE 68142
For more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
TD Ameritrade Park | First National Bank Tower | Midtown Crossing | Village Pointe | Childrenrsquos Hospital Aksarben Village | Joslyn Art Museum | Fred amp Pamela Buffett Cancer Center | UNO Community Arena
6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
AT THE OFFICE amp ON THE GO
Headsets by
Plantronics BackBeat
Fit Bluetooth
Plantronics CS540
Wireless
wwwheadsetterscom wwwcomputeromahacomLocated Inside of Headsetters
SERVICES INCLUDEVirus Check and Removal
Clean Your BrowserRemove Temporary Internet Files
Delete Adware and CookiesDefrag Hard Drives
Intall Current Microsoft PatchesInstall Microsoft Security Updates
Update Drivers
13
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
- BB1015_fntCvr_125
- BB1015_fntEdit_125
- BB1015_bkEdit_125
- BB1015_bkCvr_125
-
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 53
The emerging startup accelerator scene supports creative-minded risk-takers looking for an edge to follow their passion and bring their ideas to fruition
Sebastian Hunt 25 is passionate about giving entrepreneurs like himself a nurturing space to test out their concepts The University of Nebraska at Omaha economics graduate interned with various local employers and surveyed the area startup community when an idea struck him for a by-application curriculum-based residency program serving new entrepreneurs That inspiration turned into Year of the Startup
Launched in 2014 the program operates out of a humble house at 4036 Burt Street in the St Cecilia Cathedral neighborhood Hunt and co-founder Jason Feldman 28 room there with young residency fellows whose startup ventures range from making bio-fuels to providing night owl shuttle services They are a millennial bunch who favor sneakers and sandals They take informal meetings to nearby CaliCommons and Lisarsquos Radial Cafe They variously hunch over laptops or tablets and carry smartphones as appendages
YEAR OF THE STARTUP
ENTREPRENEURAL IMMERSION
This communal work-live space model for business mavericks is new to Omaha The usual startup accelerator is a concentrated 90-day off-site program Omaha has a few of these notably Straight Shot Hunt saw a need for a program that invites a broader range of people into the accelerator fold and supports them much nearer to the start of their dream than other programs
ldquoWe feel like we can take people at very early stages because we are four times as long as the average programrdquo says Hunt who adds that Year of the Startup is also not tech-centric like many programs tend to be ldquoIn our model we substitute intensity for duration I think a lot of the learning here comes through unstructured serendipitous interactions we have that is not curriculum-based itrsquos just happenstance
ldquoWith a house there are so many different ways you can bring ideas and people together I think thatrsquos maybe that critical binding agent and sense of place that helps accomplish thingsrdquo
He says in this intimate environment ldquotherersquos no other choice but to immerse yourself in the settingrdquo adding ldquoWersquore always hanging out in the living room or out back talking about startup stuffmdashmonetization strategies capitalization tables vested equity entity structuresrdquo
ldquoItrsquos this immersive experience of camaraderie of these natural flows and idea generationrdquo Feldman says
Hunt says ldquoThis is very difficult to get bored with because therersquos always somebody whose business is either in crisis or growth stage or some interesting part of the curverdquo
ldquoHow could we get bored when wersquore creating a platform with four startups and all we get to do is ideationrdquo Feldman says ldquoItrsquos a constant buzz we get from interacting with these startup founders and helping them build their ideasrdquo
Built into the program are activities that encourage fellows to break out of their comfort zone and to offer honest criticism of each otherrsquos ideas
Hunt compiles multiple data points on the startups
ldquoWersquore developing really deep insight about how do people start successful businessesrdquo
The program utilizes mentors from the entrepreneurial community
ldquoWe bring in people who are experts in specific areas to talk on those topicsrdquo Feldman says
ldquoThey get ideas flowingrdquo Hunt says of the mentors
Feldman says he regularly covers with fellows ldquothe major components of what you need to look at to start your businessrdquo and then mentors like Mike Kolker owner of graphic design firm Simplify teach lessons about operational efficiency and ldquohow to simplify running a businessrdquo
Hunt is a newcomer to all this and goes by instinct as much as research to support his vision
CONTINUED ON 54
FEATURE | BY LEO ADAM BIGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
53
54 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
70 Years of Business in Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
4027335500 | 4315 South 50th Street
402-333-5722 bull wwwsw-fencecom
Thanks for Voting SampW Fence the Best Again in 2015
Wersquore Not Just About Fences
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Thank You for Voting Us Best of B2Btrade 4 Years in a Row
AUDIO VISUAL SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDEbull System designengineeringbull Sales
bull Installationbull Maintenance and Service
bull Equipment Rental and Operation
2700 sq ft of rental facility for conferencing meetings training sessions receptions gatherings webinars
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER 2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
ConnectWITH YOURCOMMUNITY
Donrsquot forget to visitOmahaMagazinecom to read
all of our titles online
Omaha MagazineEncounter B2B 60PlusHerFamily OmahaHome
CONTINUED FROM 53
ldquoI just had an irrational confidence market insights and a great theoretical background thanks to primary research I completed and to lessons I learned from Phillip Phillips Michael OrsquoHara and Art Diamond in UNOrsquos economics department I read constantly about who the players were in the startup world so I was fairly preparedrdquo
Even though he directs a startup program he only started participating in one himself (Venture School) He acknowledges Year of the Startup is a by-the-seat-of-your-pants experiment
ldquoComing out of college I had student loans and not a ton of money Irsquove held two jobs to finance the project Now the project is financed by a combination of me working and renting out one room One-hundred percent of the money our entrepreneurs pay in rent will be returned in full and so everybody has a strong incentive to follow through with the program That may be what makes us sustainablerdquo
Hersquos working on securing corporate sponsorship for the program Meanwhile he wants to help get participating startups to the next level
ldquoWersquore functioning like a pre-accelerator at this point We want to get our startups profitable and then refer them to the Straight Shots so they can focus on growth in a pure accelerator programrdquo
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 55
Mercedes-Benz of Omaha14335 Hillsdale Ave Omaha NE 68137wwwOmahaMercedescomContact John Williams anytime at 4029819262
of Omaha of Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
As Year of the Startup moved into a larger house in Omaharsquos Little Italy district on July 1 and a new class of fellows arrives Hunt says there are ldquointeresting talks happening right now to bring this to other citiesrdquo He and Feldman say economic development agencies are willing to pay a license fee for them to do startup houses in other cities The partners are having proprietary software developed that will enable new startup houses to replicate their branded Omaha model
They look forward to engaging with the emerging 10th Street cultural district but may keep the midtown house to accommodate growth
Hunt and Feldman believe theyrsquore catching the wave or tipping point of a big new startup rush and theyrsquore betting their model is poised to be a niche player in this wild frontier of entrepreneurial prospecting
B2B
56 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
It is an unassuming space but if you have made your way to TD Ameritrade Park Filmstreams or Hot Shops chances are yoursquove passed one of the most vibrant offices in Omaha
The fact that Co-Lab (short for Creative Collaborators) is not a traditional work space is certainly one of its best features Located inside the Tip Top building at 15th and Cumming streets is a project dreamed up by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture who happens to share the main floor of the building Based in the heart of a once-isolated section of the city Co-Labrsquos funky creative vibe is making waves In fact that vibe seeps into Omaharsquos everyday bringing about small changes pushing our city toward a more innovative future
CO-LABGIVING OMAHA WORKERS A MORE
COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE
IN THE OFFICE | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
56
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 57
Home to 18 businesses plus Alley Poyner Macchietto Co-Lab is free of walls and signage It is also free from traditional office norms For instance you donrsquot just walk over to your neighborrsquos space for a brainstorming sessionmdashyou skateboard At least you do if yoursquore Dave Nelson of SecretPenguin a leading experimental branding agency The best part is that the businesses surrounding SecretPenguin appreciate the break from tradition ldquoThatrsquos the beautiful part about being around like-minded good people and businessesrdquo Nelson says
CONTINUED ON 58
58 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 59
CONTINUED FROM 57
In addition to having pathways large enough to skateboard or bike through the space also provides Co-Labbers with a kitchen various conference rooms bike storage bathrooms and a battleground (otherwise known as the ping-pong table) Walking in the main doors clients and employees alike are greeted from the front desk while catching a view of the five-story open atrium basking in the glow of sunshine from the skylight Workers can also access the fitness room and rooftop deck sharing amenities with TipTop apartment residents who use a separate entrance
CONTINUED ON 60
The Harry A Koch CoInsurance amp Financial ConsultantsMember of First Insurance Group LLC
60 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
CONTINUED FROM 59
Businesses in Co-Lab all creativity-related range from entrepreneurs to start-ups to non-profits to small businesses The art varies in form but runs through the space like an electric current At Zicafoose Textiles Mary Zicafoose works steadily on her loom creating gorgeous tapestries 4Site Programming is where Joi Brown works as an independent consultant for performing arts centers across the nation Heartland B-Cycle a large-scale municipal bike sharing system brings art in the form of economical convenience Holly Boyer a founder of non-profit organization Mission Matters explains that one of the best things about having an office at Co-Lab is feeling the innovative positive energy from the moment you walk in the door So while individuals may join Co-Lab with a business-minded focus or a more creative vibe finding a yin to their yang is just a shout away
ldquoThere is certainly a wonderful built-in support network that comes along with working in a collaborative environmentrdquo quips Omaha Creative Institute Executive Director Emily Moody ldquoEverything from sharing ideas and finding ways to collaborate with an organization different than yours to sharing a staplerrdquo
At the heart of making it work says Laura Alley of Alley Poyner itrsquos simply playing well with others
The skateboarding ping-pong playing creatives do that well
B2B
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Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott Enterprises
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In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott EnterprisesFor more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
bull TD Ameritrade Parkbull First National Bank Towerbull Midtown Crossingbull Village Pointe Shopping Centerbull UNO Weber Fine Arts Buildingbull Childrenrsquos Hospital
402-571-2364 | wwwScottEntcom9684 N 109th Street Omaha NE 68142
For more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
TD Ameritrade Park | First National Bank Tower | Midtown Crossing | Village Pointe | Childrenrsquos Hospital Aksarben Village | Joslyn Art Museum | Fred amp Pamela Buffett Cancer Center | UNO Community Arena
6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
AT THE OFFICE amp ON THE GO
Headsets by
Plantronics BackBeat
Fit Bluetooth
Plantronics CS540
Wireless
wwwheadsetterscom wwwcomputeromahacomLocated Inside of Headsetters
SERVICES INCLUDEVirus Check and Removal
Clean Your BrowserRemove Temporary Internet Files
Delete Adware and CookiesDefrag Hard Drives
Intall Current Microsoft PatchesInstall Microsoft Security Updates
Update Drivers
13
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
- BB1015_fntCvr_125
- BB1015_fntEdit_125
- BB1015_bkEdit_125
- BB1015_bkCvr_125
-
54 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
70 Years of Business in Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
4027335500 | 4315 South 50th Street
402-333-5722 bull wwwsw-fencecom
Thanks for Voting SampW Fence the Best Again in 2015
Wersquore Not Just About Fences
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Thank You for Voting Us Best of B2Btrade 4 Years in a Row
AUDIO VISUAL SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDEbull System designengineeringbull Sales
bull Installationbull Maintenance and Service
bull Equipment Rental and Operation
2700 sq ft of rental facility for conferencing meetings training sessions receptions gatherings webinars
B2B
Omaha Magazinersquos
Om
aharsquos Business to Business M
agaz
ine
WIN
NER bull 2012 bull WIN
NER 2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
ConnectWITH YOURCOMMUNITY
Donrsquot forget to visitOmahaMagazinecom to read
all of our titles online
Omaha MagazineEncounter B2B 60PlusHerFamily OmahaHome
CONTINUED FROM 53
ldquoI just had an irrational confidence market insights and a great theoretical background thanks to primary research I completed and to lessons I learned from Phillip Phillips Michael OrsquoHara and Art Diamond in UNOrsquos economics department I read constantly about who the players were in the startup world so I was fairly preparedrdquo
Even though he directs a startup program he only started participating in one himself (Venture School) He acknowledges Year of the Startup is a by-the-seat-of-your-pants experiment
ldquoComing out of college I had student loans and not a ton of money Irsquove held two jobs to finance the project Now the project is financed by a combination of me working and renting out one room One-hundred percent of the money our entrepreneurs pay in rent will be returned in full and so everybody has a strong incentive to follow through with the program That may be what makes us sustainablerdquo
Hersquos working on securing corporate sponsorship for the program Meanwhile he wants to help get participating startups to the next level
ldquoWersquore functioning like a pre-accelerator at this point We want to get our startups profitable and then refer them to the Straight Shots so they can focus on growth in a pure accelerator programrdquo
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 55
Mercedes-Benz of Omaha14335 Hillsdale Ave Omaha NE 68137wwwOmahaMercedescomContact John Williams anytime at 4029819262
of Omaha of Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
As Year of the Startup moved into a larger house in Omaharsquos Little Italy district on July 1 and a new class of fellows arrives Hunt says there are ldquointeresting talks happening right now to bring this to other citiesrdquo He and Feldman say economic development agencies are willing to pay a license fee for them to do startup houses in other cities The partners are having proprietary software developed that will enable new startup houses to replicate their branded Omaha model
They look forward to engaging with the emerging 10th Street cultural district but may keep the midtown house to accommodate growth
Hunt and Feldman believe theyrsquore catching the wave or tipping point of a big new startup rush and theyrsquore betting their model is poised to be a niche player in this wild frontier of entrepreneurial prospecting
B2B
56 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
It is an unassuming space but if you have made your way to TD Ameritrade Park Filmstreams or Hot Shops chances are yoursquove passed one of the most vibrant offices in Omaha
The fact that Co-Lab (short for Creative Collaborators) is not a traditional work space is certainly one of its best features Located inside the Tip Top building at 15th and Cumming streets is a project dreamed up by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture who happens to share the main floor of the building Based in the heart of a once-isolated section of the city Co-Labrsquos funky creative vibe is making waves In fact that vibe seeps into Omaharsquos everyday bringing about small changes pushing our city toward a more innovative future
CO-LABGIVING OMAHA WORKERS A MORE
COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE
IN THE OFFICE | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
56
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 57
Home to 18 businesses plus Alley Poyner Macchietto Co-Lab is free of walls and signage It is also free from traditional office norms For instance you donrsquot just walk over to your neighborrsquos space for a brainstorming sessionmdashyou skateboard At least you do if yoursquore Dave Nelson of SecretPenguin a leading experimental branding agency The best part is that the businesses surrounding SecretPenguin appreciate the break from tradition ldquoThatrsquos the beautiful part about being around like-minded good people and businessesrdquo Nelson says
CONTINUED ON 58
58 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 59
CONTINUED FROM 57
In addition to having pathways large enough to skateboard or bike through the space also provides Co-Labbers with a kitchen various conference rooms bike storage bathrooms and a battleground (otherwise known as the ping-pong table) Walking in the main doors clients and employees alike are greeted from the front desk while catching a view of the five-story open atrium basking in the glow of sunshine from the skylight Workers can also access the fitness room and rooftop deck sharing amenities with TipTop apartment residents who use a separate entrance
CONTINUED ON 60
The Harry A Koch CoInsurance amp Financial ConsultantsMember of First Insurance Group LLC
60 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
CONTINUED FROM 59
Businesses in Co-Lab all creativity-related range from entrepreneurs to start-ups to non-profits to small businesses The art varies in form but runs through the space like an electric current At Zicafoose Textiles Mary Zicafoose works steadily on her loom creating gorgeous tapestries 4Site Programming is where Joi Brown works as an independent consultant for performing arts centers across the nation Heartland B-Cycle a large-scale municipal bike sharing system brings art in the form of economical convenience Holly Boyer a founder of non-profit organization Mission Matters explains that one of the best things about having an office at Co-Lab is feeling the innovative positive energy from the moment you walk in the door So while individuals may join Co-Lab with a business-minded focus or a more creative vibe finding a yin to their yang is just a shout away
ldquoThere is certainly a wonderful built-in support network that comes along with working in a collaborative environmentrdquo quips Omaha Creative Institute Executive Director Emily Moody ldquoEverything from sharing ideas and finding ways to collaborate with an organization different than yours to sharing a staplerrdquo
At the heart of making it work says Laura Alley of Alley Poyner itrsquos simply playing well with others
The skateboarding ping-pong playing creatives do that well
B2B
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Thank You Omaha for Voting Us ldquoBest Mailing List Companyrdquo
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nSightful products powered by CAS Inc provide you with digital marketing solutions to help decrease your cost and time to acquire quality leads We determine the best prospects to attract for your campaign from our robust database and targeting techniques We engage the customer through tailored mailing and email lists We work with you to convert engaged leads by providing cost-effective data processing and marketing solutions that work
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BEST
MAILING LIST COMPANY
MAILING LISTS DATA SERVICES EMAIL TARGETED ADS
9684 N 109th Ave bull Omaha NE 68142 bull 402-571-2364 bull scottentcom
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott Enterprises
SCOTTENTERPRISES
In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott EnterprisesFor more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
bull TD Ameritrade Parkbull First National Bank Towerbull Midtown Crossingbull Village Pointe Shopping Centerbull UNO Weber Fine Arts Buildingbull Childrenrsquos Hospital
402-571-2364 | wwwScottEntcom9684 N 109th Street Omaha NE 68142
For more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
TD Ameritrade Park | First National Bank Tower | Midtown Crossing | Village Pointe | Childrenrsquos Hospital Aksarben Village | Joslyn Art Museum | Fred amp Pamela Buffett Cancer Center | UNO Community Arena
6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
AT THE OFFICE amp ON THE GO
Headsets by
Plantronics BackBeat
Fit Bluetooth
Plantronics CS540
Wireless
wwwheadsetterscom wwwcomputeromahacomLocated Inside of Headsetters
SERVICES INCLUDEVirus Check and Removal
Clean Your BrowserRemove Temporary Internet Files
Delete Adware and CookiesDefrag Hard Drives
Intall Current Microsoft PatchesInstall Microsoft Security Updates
Update Drivers
13
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
- BB1015_fntCvr_125
- BB1015_fntEdit_125
- BB1015_bkEdit_125
- BB1015_bkCvr_125
-
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 55
Mercedes-Benz of Omaha14335 Hillsdale Ave Omaha NE 68137wwwOmahaMercedescomContact John Williams anytime at 4029819262
of Omaha of Omaha
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
As Year of the Startup moved into a larger house in Omaharsquos Little Italy district on July 1 and a new class of fellows arrives Hunt says there are ldquointeresting talks happening right now to bring this to other citiesrdquo He and Feldman say economic development agencies are willing to pay a license fee for them to do startup houses in other cities The partners are having proprietary software developed that will enable new startup houses to replicate their branded Omaha model
They look forward to engaging with the emerging 10th Street cultural district but may keep the midtown house to accommodate growth
Hunt and Feldman believe theyrsquore catching the wave or tipping point of a big new startup rush and theyrsquore betting their model is poised to be a niche player in this wild frontier of entrepreneurial prospecting
B2B
56 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
It is an unassuming space but if you have made your way to TD Ameritrade Park Filmstreams or Hot Shops chances are yoursquove passed one of the most vibrant offices in Omaha
The fact that Co-Lab (short for Creative Collaborators) is not a traditional work space is certainly one of its best features Located inside the Tip Top building at 15th and Cumming streets is a project dreamed up by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture who happens to share the main floor of the building Based in the heart of a once-isolated section of the city Co-Labrsquos funky creative vibe is making waves In fact that vibe seeps into Omaharsquos everyday bringing about small changes pushing our city toward a more innovative future
CO-LABGIVING OMAHA WORKERS A MORE
COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE
IN THE OFFICE | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
56
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 57
Home to 18 businesses plus Alley Poyner Macchietto Co-Lab is free of walls and signage It is also free from traditional office norms For instance you donrsquot just walk over to your neighborrsquos space for a brainstorming sessionmdashyou skateboard At least you do if yoursquore Dave Nelson of SecretPenguin a leading experimental branding agency The best part is that the businesses surrounding SecretPenguin appreciate the break from tradition ldquoThatrsquos the beautiful part about being around like-minded good people and businessesrdquo Nelson says
CONTINUED ON 58
58 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 59
CONTINUED FROM 57
In addition to having pathways large enough to skateboard or bike through the space also provides Co-Labbers with a kitchen various conference rooms bike storage bathrooms and a battleground (otherwise known as the ping-pong table) Walking in the main doors clients and employees alike are greeted from the front desk while catching a view of the five-story open atrium basking in the glow of sunshine from the skylight Workers can also access the fitness room and rooftop deck sharing amenities with TipTop apartment residents who use a separate entrance
CONTINUED ON 60
The Harry A Koch CoInsurance amp Financial ConsultantsMember of First Insurance Group LLC
60 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
CONTINUED FROM 59
Businesses in Co-Lab all creativity-related range from entrepreneurs to start-ups to non-profits to small businesses The art varies in form but runs through the space like an electric current At Zicafoose Textiles Mary Zicafoose works steadily on her loom creating gorgeous tapestries 4Site Programming is where Joi Brown works as an independent consultant for performing arts centers across the nation Heartland B-Cycle a large-scale municipal bike sharing system brings art in the form of economical convenience Holly Boyer a founder of non-profit organization Mission Matters explains that one of the best things about having an office at Co-Lab is feeling the innovative positive energy from the moment you walk in the door So while individuals may join Co-Lab with a business-minded focus or a more creative vibe finding a yin to their yang is just a shout away
ldquoThere is certainly a wonderful built-in support network that comes along with working in a collaborative environmentrdquo quips Omaha Creative Institute Executive Director Emily Moody ldquoEverything from sharing ideas and finding ways to collaborate with an organization different than yours to sharing a staplerrdquo
At the heart of making it work says Laura Alley of Alley Poyner itrsquos simply playing well with others
The skateboarding ping-pong playing creatives do that well
B2B
ABOUT CAS Since 1981 CAS Inc has established itself as one of Direct Marketingrsquos most reliable companies CAS provides you nSightful solutions such as mailing and email lists data append privacy updates and database hygiene services for all your data needs We help you prepare and enhance your customer data as well as understand what makes each customer unique
Thank You Omaha for Voting Us ldquoBest Mailing List Companyrdquo
10303 Crown Point Ave | Omaha NE 68134wwwcas-onlinecom | nsightfulcas-onlinecom | 866-249-1977
nSightful products powered by CAS Inc provide you with digital marketing solutions to help decrease your cost and time to acquire quality leads We determine the best prospects to attract for your campaign from our robust database and targeting techniques We engage the customer through tailored mailing and email lists We work with you to convert engaged leads by providing cost-effective data processing and marketing solutions that work
We are
BEST
MAILING LIST COMPANY
MAILING LISTS DATA SERVICES EMAIL TARGETED ADS
9684 N 109th Ave bull Omaha NE 68142 bull 402-571-2364 bull scottentcom
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott Enterprises
SCOTTENTERPRISES
In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott EnterprisesFor more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
bull TD Ameritrade Parkbull First National Bank Towerbull Midtown Crossingbull Village Pointe Shopping Centerbull UNO Weber Fine Arts Buildingbull Childrenrsquos Hospital
402-571-2364 | wwwScottEntcom9684 N 109th Street Omaha NE 68142
For more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
TD Ameritrade Park | First National Bank Tower | Midtown Crossing | Village Pointe | Childrenrsquos Hospital Aksarben Village | Joslyn Art Museum | Fred amp Pamela Buffett Cancer Center | UNO Community Arena
6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
AT THE OFFICE amp ON THE GO
Headsets by
Plantronics BackBeat
Fit Bluetooth
Plantronics CS540
Wireless
wwwheadsetterscom wwwcomputeromahacomLocated Inside of Headsetters
SERVICES INCLUDEVirus Check and Removal
Clean Your BrowserRemove Temporary Internet Files
Delete Adware and CookiesDefrag Hard Drives
Intall Current Microsoft PatchesInstall Microsoft Security Updates
Update Drivers
13
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
- BB1015_fntCvr_125
- BB1015_fntEdit_125
- BB1015_bkEdit_125
- BB1015_bkCvr_125
-
56 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
It is an unassuming space but if you have made your way to TD Ameritrade Park Filmstreams or Hot Shops chances are yoursquove passed one of the most vibrant offices in Omaha
The fact that Co-Lab (short for Creative Collaborators) is not a traditional work space is certainly one of its best features Located inside the Tip Top building at 15th and Cumming streets is a project dreamed up by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture who happens to share the main floor of the building Based in the heart of a once-isolated section of the city Co-Labrsquos funky creative vibe is making waves In fact that vibe seeps into Omaharsquos everyday bringing about small changes pushing our city toward a more innovative future
CO-LABGIVING OMAHA WORKERS A MORE
COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE
IN THE OFFICE | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
56
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 57
Home to 18 businesses plus Alley Poyner Macchietto Co-Lab is free of walls and signage It is also free from traditional office norms For instance you donrsquot just walk over to your neighborrsquos space for a brainstorming sessionmdashyou skateboard At least you do if yoursquore Dave Nelson of SecretPenguin a leading experimental branding agency The best part is that the businesses surrounding SecretPenguin appreciate the break from tradition ldquoThatrsquos the beautiful part about being around like-minded good people and businessesrdquo Nelson says
CONTINUED ON 58
58 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 59
CONTINUED FROM 57
In addition to having pathways large enough to skateboard or bike through the space also provides Co-Labbers with a kitchen various conference rooms bike storage bathrooms and a battleground (otherwise known as the ping-pong table) Walking in the main doors clients and employees alike are greeted from the front desk while catching a view of the five-story open atrium basking in the glow of sunshine from the skylight Workers can also access the fitness room and rooftop deck sharing amenities with TipTop apartment residents who use a separate entrance
CONTINUED ON 60
The Harry A Koch CoInsurance amp Financial ConsultantsMember of First Insurance Group LLC
60 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
CONTINUED FROM 59
Businesses in Co-Lab all creativity-related range from entrepreneurs to start-ups to non-profits to small businesses The art varies in form but runs through the space like an electric current At Zicafoose Textiles Mary Zicafoose works steadily on her loom creating gorgeous tapestries 4Site Programming is where Joi Brown works as an independent consultant for performing arts centers across the nation Heartland B-Cycle a large-scale municipal bike sharing system brings art in the form of economical convenience Holly Boyer a founder of non-profit organization Mission Matters explains that one of the best things about having an office at Co-Lab is feeling the innovative positive energy from the moment you walk in the door So while individuals may join Co-Lab with a business-minded focus or a more creative vibe finding a yin to their yang is just a shout away
ldquoThere is certainly a wonderful built-in support network that comes along with working in a collaborative environmentrdquo quips Omaha Creative Institute Executive Director Emily Moody ldquoEverything from sharing ideas and finding ways to collaborate with an organization different than yours to sharing a staplerrdquo
At the heart of making it work says Laura Alley of Alley Poyner itrsquos simply playing well with others
The skateboarding ping-pong playing creatives do that well
B2B
ABOUT CAS Since 1981 CAS Inc has established itself as one of Direct Marketingrsquos most reliable companies CAS provides you nSightful solutions such as mailing and email lists data append privacy updates and database hygiene services for all your data needs We help you prepare and enhance your customer data as well as understand what makes each customer unique
Thank You Omaha for Voting Us ldquoBest Mailing List Companyrdquo
10303 Crown Point Ave | Omaha NE 68134wwwcas-onlinecom | nsightfulcas-onlinecom | 866-249-1977
nSightful products powered by CAS Inc provide you with digital marketing solutions to help decrease your cost and time to acquire quality leads We determine the best prospects to attract for your campaign from our robust database and targeting techniques We engage the customer through tailored mailing and email lists We work with you to convert engaged leads by providing cost-effective data processing and marketing solutions that work
We are
BEST
MAILING LIST COMPANY
MAILING LISTS DATA SERVICES EMAIL TARGETED ADS
9684 N 109th Ave bull Omaha NE 68142 bull 402-571-2364 bull scottentcom
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott Enterprises
SCOTTENTERPRISES
In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott EnterprisesFor more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
bull TD Ameritrade Parkbull First National Bank Towerbull Midtown Crossingbull Village Pointe Shopping Centerbull UNO Weber Fine Arts Buildingbull Childrenrsquos Hospital
402-571-2364 | wwwScottEntcom9684 N 109th Street Omaha NE 68142
For more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
TD Ameritrade Park | First National Bank Tower | Midtown Crossing | Village Pointe | Childrenrsquos Hospital Aksarben Village | Joslyn Art Museum | Fred amp Pamela Buffett Cancer Center | UNO Community Arena
6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
AT THE OFFICE amp ON THE GO
Headsets by
Plantronics BackBeat
Fit Bluetooth
Plantronics CS540
Wireless
wwwheadsetterscom wwwcomputeromahacomLocated Inside of Headsetters
SERVICES INCLUDEVirus Check and Removal
Clean Your BrowserRemove Temporary Internet Files
Delete Adware and CookiesDefrag Hard Drives
Intall Current Microsoft PatchesInstall Microsoft Security Updates
Update Drivers
13
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
- BB1015_fntCvr_125
- BB1015_fntEdit_125
- BB1015_bkEdit_125
- BB1015_bkCvr_125
-
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 57
Home to 18 businesses plus Alley Poyner Macchietto Co-Lab is free of walls and signage It is also free from traditional office norms For instance you donrsquot just walk over to your neighborrsquos space for a brainstorming sessionmdashyou skateboard At least you do if yoursquore Dave Nelson of SecretPenguin a leading experimental branding agency The best part is that the businesses surrounding SecretPenguin appreciate the break from tradition ldquoThatrsquos the beautiful part about being around like-minded good people and businessesrdquo Nelson says
CONTINUED ON 58
58 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 59
CONTINUED FROM 57
In addition to having pathways large enough to skateboard or bike through the space also provides Co-Labbers with a kitchen various conference rooms bike storage bathrooms and a battleground (otherwise known as the ping-pong table) Walking in the main doors clients and employees alike are greeted from the front desk while catching a view of the five-story open atrium basking in the glow of sunshine from the skylight Workers can also access the fitness room and rooftop deck sharing amenities with TipTop apartment residents who use a separate entrance
CONTINUED ON 60
The Harry A Koch CoInsurance amp Financial ConsultantsMember of First Insurance Group LLC
60 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
CONTINUED FROM 59
Businesses in Co-Lab all creativity-related range from entrepreneurs to start-ups to non-profits to small businesses The art varies in form but runs through the space like an electric current At Zicafoose Textiles Mary Zicafoose works steadily on her loom creating gorgeous tapestries 4Site Programming is where Joi Brown works as an independent consultant for performing arts centers across the nation Heartland B-Cycle a large-scale municipal bike sharing system brings art in the form of economical convenience Holly Boyer a founder of non-profit organization Mission Matters explains that one of the best things about having an office at Co-Lab is feeling the innovative positive energy from the moment you walk in the door So while individuals may join Co-Lab with a business-minded focus or a more creative vibe finding a yin to their yang is just a shout away
ldquoThere is certainly a wonderful built-in support network that comes along with working in a collaborative environmentrdquo quips Omaha Creative Institute Executive Director Emily Moody ldquoEverything from sharing ideas and finding ways to collaborate with an organization different than yours to sharing a staplerrdquo
At the heart of making it work says Laura Alley of Alley Poyner itrsquos simply playing well with others
The skateboarding ping-pong playing creatives do that well
B2B
ABOUT CAS Since 1981 CAS Inc has established itself as one of Direct Marketingrsquos most reliable companies CAS provides you nSightful solutions such as mailing and email lists data append privacy updates and database hygiene services for all your data needs We help you prepare and enhance your customer data as well as understand what makes each customer unique
Thank You Omaha for Voting Us ldquoBest Mailing List Companyrdquo
10303 Crown Point Ave | Omaha NE 68134wwwcas-onlinecom | nsightfulcas-onlinecom | 866-249-1977
nSightful products powered by CAS Inc provide you with digital marketing solutions to help decrease your cost and time to acquire quality leads We determine the best prospects to attract for your campaign from our robust database and targeting techniques We engage the customer through tailored mailing and email lists We work with you to convert engaged leads by providing cost-effective data processing and marketing solutions that work
We are
BEST
MAILING LIST COMPANY
MAILING LISTS DATA SERVICES EMAIL TARGETED ADS
9684 N 109th Ave bull Omaha NE 68142 bull 402-571-2364 bull scottentcom
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott Enterprises
SCOTTENTERPRISES
In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott EnterprisesFor more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
bull TD Ameritrade Parkbull First National Bank Towerbull Midtown Crossingbull Village Pointe Shopping Centerbull UNO Weber Fine Arts Buildingbull Childrenrsquos Hospital
402-571-2364 | wwwScottEntcom9684 N 109th Street Omaha NE 68142
For more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
TD Ameritrade Park | First National Bank Tower | Midtown Crossing | Village Pointe | Childrenrsquos Hospital Aksarben Village | Joslyn Art Museum | Fred amp Pamela Buffett Cancer Center | UNO Community Arena
6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
AT THE OFFICE amp ON THE GO
Headsets by
Plantronics BackBeat
Fit Bluetooth
Plantronics CS540
Wireless
wwwheadsetterscom wwwcomputeromahacomLocated Inside of Headsetters
SERVICES INCLUDEVirus Check and Removal
Clean Your BrowserRemove Temporary Internet Files
Delete Adware and CookiesDefrag Hard Drives
Intall Current Microsoft PatchesInstall Microsoft Security Updates
Update Drivers
13
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
- BB1015_fntCvr_125
- BB1015_fntEdit_125
- BB1015_bkEdit_125
- BB1015_bkCvr_125
-
58 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 59
CONTINUED FROM 57
In addition to having pathways large enough to skateboard or bike through the space also provides Co-Labbers with a kitchen various conference rooms bike storage bathrooms and a battleground (otherwise known as the ping-pong table) Walking in the main doors clients and employees alike are greeted from the front desk while catching a view of the five-story open atrium basking in the glow of sunshine from the skylight Workers can also access the fitness room and rooftop deck sharing amenities with TipTop apartment residents who use a separate entrance
CONTINUED ON 60
The Harry A Koch CoInsurance amp Financial ConsultantsMember of First Insurance Group LLC
60 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
CONTINUED FROM 59
Businesses in Co-Lab all creativity-related range from entrepreneurs to start-ups to non-profits to small businesses The art varies in form but runs through the space like an electric current At Zicafoose Textiles Mary Zicafoose works steadily on her loom creating gorgeous tapestries 4Site Programming is where Joi Brown works as an independent consultant for performing arts centers across the nation Heartland B-Cycle a large-scale municipal bike sharing system brings art in the form of economical convenience Holly Boyer a founder of non-profit organization Mission Matters explains that one of the best things about having an office at Co-Lab is feeling the innovative positive energy from the moment you walk in the door So while individuals may join Co-Lab with a business-minded focus or a more creative vibe finding a yin to their yang is just a shout away
ldquoThere is certainly a wonderful built-in support network that comes along with working in a collaborative environmentrdquo quips Omaha Creative Institute Executive Director Emily Moody ldquoEverything from sharing ideas and finding ways to collaborate with an organization different than yours to sharing a staplerrdquo
At the heart of making it work says Laura Alley of Alley Poyner itrsquos simply playing well with others
The skateboarding ping-pong playing creatives do that well
B2B
ABOUT CAS Since 1981 CAS Inc has established itself as one of Direct Marketingrsquos most reliable companies CAS provides you nSightful solutions such as mailing and email lists data append privacy updates and database hygiene services for all your data needs We help you prepare and enhance your customer data as well as understand what makes each customer unique
Thank You Omaha for Voting Us ldquoBest Mailing List Companyrdquo
10303 Crown Point Ave | Omaha NE 68134wwwcas-onlinecom | nsightfulcas-onlinecom | 866-249-1977
nSightful products powered by CAS Inc provide you with digital marketing solutions to help decrease your cost and time to acquire quality leads We determine the best prospects to attract for your campaign from our robust database and targeting techniques We engage the customer through tailored mailing and email lists We work with you to convert engaged leads by providing cost-effective data processing and marketing solutions that work
We are
BEST
MAILING LIST COMPANY
MAILING LISTS DATA SERVICES EMAIL TARGETED ADS
9684 N 109th Ave bull Omaha NE 68142 bull 402-571-2364 bull scottentcom
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott Enterprises
SCOTTENTERPRISES
In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott EnterprisesFor more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
bull TD Ameritrade Parkbull First National Bank Towerbull Midtown Crossingbull Village Pointe Shopping Centerbull UNO Weber Fine Arts Buildingbull Childrenrsquos Hospital
402-571-2364 | wwwScottEntcom9684 N 109th Street Omaha NE 68142
For more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
TD Ameritrade Park | First National Bank Tower | Midtown Crossing | Village Pointe | Childrenrsquos Hospital Aksarben Village | Joslyn Art Museum | Fred amp Pamela Buffett Cancer Center | UNO Community Arena
6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
AT THE OFFICE amp ON THE GO
Headsets by
Plantronics BackBeat
Fit Bluetooth
Plantronics CS540
Wireless
wwwheadsetterscom wwwcomputeromahacomLocated Inside of Headsetters
SERVICES INCLUDEVirus Check and Removal
Clean Your BrowserRemove Temporary Internet Files
Delete Adware and CookiesDefrag Hard Drives
Intall Current Microsoft PatchesInstall Microsoft Security Updates
Update Drivers
13
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
- BB1015_fntCvr_125
- BB1015_fntEdit_125
- BB1015_bkEdit_125
- BB1015_bkCvr_125
-
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 59
CONTINUED FROM 57
In addition to having pathways large enough to skateboard or bike through the space also provides Co-Labbers with a kitchen various conference rooms bike storage bathrooms and a battleground (otherwise known as the ping-pong table) Walking in the main doors clients and employees alike are greeted from the front desk while catching a view of the five-story open atrium basking in the glow of sunshine from the skylight Workers can also access the fitness room and rooftop deck sharing amenities with TipTop apartment residents who use a separate entrance
CONTINUED ON 60
The Harry A Koch CoInsurance amp Financial ConsultantsMember of First Insurance Group LLC
60 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
CONTINUED FROM 59
Businesses in Co-Lab all creativity-related range from entrepreneurs to start-ups to non-profits to small businesses The art varies in form but runs through the space like an electric current At Zicafoose Textiles Mary Zicafoose works steadily on her loom creating gorgeous tapestries 4Site Programming is where Joi Brown works as an independent consultant for performing arts centers across the nation Heartland B-Cycle a large-scale municipal bike sharing system brings art in the form of economical convenience Holly Boyer a founder of non-profit organization Mission Matters explains that one of the best things about having an office at Co-Lab is feeling the innovative positive energy from the moment you walk in the door So while individuals may join Co-Lab with a business-minded focus or a more creative vibe finding a yin to their yang is just a shout away
ldquoThere is certainly a wonderful built-in support network that comes along with working in a collaborative environmentrdquo quips Omaha Creative Institute Executive Director Emily Moody ldquoEverything from sharing ideas and finding ways to collaborate with an organization different than yours to sharing a staplerrdquo
At the heart of making it work says Laura Alley of Alley Poyner itrsquos simply playing well with others
The skateboarding ping-pong playing creatives do that well
B2B
ABOUT CAS Since 1981 CAS Inc has established itself as one of Direct Marketingrsquos most reliable companies CAS provides you nSightful solutions such as mailing and email lists data append privacy updates and database hygiene services for all your data needs We help you prepare and enhance your customer data as well as understand what makes each customer unique
Thank You Omaha for Voting Us ldquoBest Mailing List Companyrdquo
10303 Crown Point Ave | Omaha NE 68134wwwcas-onlinecom | nsightfulcas-onlinecom | 866-249-1977
nSightful products powered by CAS Inc provide you with digital marketing solutions to help decrease your cost and time to acquire quality leads We determine the best prospects to attract for your campaign from our robust database and targeting techniques We engage the customer through tailored mailing and email lists We work with you to convert engaged leads by providing cost-effective data processing and marketing solutions that work
We are
BEST
MAILING LIST COMPANY
MAILING LISTS DATA SERVICES EMAIL TARGETED ADS
9684 N 109th Ave bull Omaha NE 68142 bull 402-571-2364 bull scottentcom
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott Enterprises
SCOTTENTERPRISES
In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott EnterprisesFor more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
bull TD Ameritrade Parkbull First National Bank Towerbull Midtown Crossingbull Village Pointe Shopping Centerbull UNO Weber Fine Arts Buildingbull Childrenrsquos Hospital
402-571-2364 | wwwScottEntcom9684 N 109th Street Omaha NE 68142
For more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
TD Ameritrade Park | First National Bank Tower | Midtown Crossing | Village Pointe | Childrenrsquos Hospital Aksarben Village | Joslyn Art Museum | Fred amp Pamela Buffett Cancer Center | UNO Community Arena
6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
AT THE OFFICE amp ON THE GO
Headsets by
Plantronics BackBeat
Fit Bluetooth
Plantronics CS540
Wireless
wwwheadsetterscom wwwcomputeromahacomLocated Inside of Headsetters
SERVICES INCLUDEVirus Check and Removal
Clean Your BrowserRemove Temporary Internet Files
Delete Adware and CookiesDefrag Hard Drives
Intall Current Microsoft PatchesInstall Microsoft Security Updates
Update Drivers
13
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
- BB1015_fntCvr_125
- BB1015_fntEdit_125
- BB1015_bkEdit_125
- BB1015_bkCvr_125
-
60 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
CONTINUED FROM 59
Businesses in Co-Lab all creativity-related range from entrepreneurs to start-ups to non-profits to small businesses The art varies in form but runs through the space like an electric current At Zicafoose Textiles Mary Zicafoose works steadily on her loom creating gorgeous tapestries 4Site Programming is where Joi Brown works as an independent consultant for performing arts centers across the nation Heartland B-Cycle a large-scale municipal bike sharing system brings art in the form of economical convenience Holly Boyer a founder of non-profit organization Mission Matters explains that one of the best things about having an office at Co-Lab is feeling the innovative positive energy from the moment you walk in the door So while individuals may join Co-Lab with a business-minded focus or a more creative vibe finding a yin to their yang is just a shout away
ldquoThere is certainly a wonderful built-in support network that comes along with working in a collaborative environmentrdquo quips Omaha Creative Institute Executive Director Emily Moody ldquoEverything from sharing ideas and finding ways to collaborate with an organization different than yours to sharing a staplerrdquo
At the heart of making it work says Laura Alley of Alley Poyner itrsquos simply playing well with others
The skateboarding ping-pong playing creatives do that well
B2B
ABOUT CAS Since 1981 CAS Inc has established itself as one of Direct Marketingrsquos most reliable companies CAS provides you nSightful solutions such as mailing and email lists data append privacy updates and database hygiene services for all your data needs We help you prepare and enhance your customer data as well as understand what makes each customer unique
Thank You Omaha for Voting Us ldquoBest Mailing List Companyrdquo
10303 Crown Point Ave | Omaha NE 68134wwwcas-onlinecom | nsightfulcas-onlinecom | 866-249-1977
nSightful products powered by CAS Inc provide you with digital marketing solutions to help decrease your cost and time to acquire quality leads We determine the best prospects to attract for your campaign from our robust database and targeting techniques We engage the customer through tailored mailing and email lists We work with you to convert engaged leads by providing cost-effective data processing and marketing solutions that work
We are
BEST
MAILING LIST COMPANY
MAILING LISTS DATA SERVICES EMAIL TARGETED ADS
9684 N 109th Ave bull Omaha NE 68142 bull 402-571-2364 bull scottentcom
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott Enterprises
SCOTTENTERPRISES
In Commercial Roofing One Namersquos On Top
Nebraskarsquos largest roofing company is also Nebraskarsquos best When quality is critical to your project be sure to specify Scott EnterprisesFor more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
bull TD Ameritrade Parkbull First National Bank Towerbull Midtown Crossingbull Village Pointe Shopping Centerbull UNO Weber Fine Arts Buildingbull Childrenrsquos Hospital
402-571-2364 | wwwScottEntcom9684 N 109th Street Omaha NE 68142
For more than 35 years trusted on these and many other projects
TD Ameritrade Park | First National Bank Tower | Midtown Crossing | Village Pointe | Childrenrsquos Hospital Aksarben Village | Joslyn Art Museum | Fred amp Pamela Buffett Cancer Center | UNO Community Arena
6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
AT THE OFFICE amp ON THE GO
Headsets by
Plantronics BackBeat
Fit Bluetooth
Plantronics CS540
Wireless
wwwheadsetterscom wwwcomputeromahacomLocated Inside of Headsetters
SERVICES INCLUDEVirus Check and Removal
Clean Your BrowserRemove Temporary Internet Files
Delete Adware and CookiesDefrag Hard Drives
Intall Current Microsoft PatchesInstall Microsoft Security Updates
Update Drivers
13
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
- BB1015_fntCvr_125
- BB1015_fntEdit_125
- BB1015_bkEdit_125
- BB1015_bkCvr_125
-
6161omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 61
THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX
Jason Fox is the executive creative director at Webster and the chin behind leeclowsbeard
Itrsquos been 26 years since the comic strip ldquoDilbertrdquo introduced us to the Pointy-Haired Boss And 16 summers have passed since the movie Office Space asked us if we got that memo (Yes and wersquoll read it right after stapling that cover sheet to our TPS report when we come in on Saturday) Yet if my social media feeds are to be trusted people who work in corporate America have yet to tire of mocking corporate America I can almost hear their mighty collective chuckle as I write And with good reason one of the most enduring targets of the nationrsquos cubicle jesters is jargon
But not just any jargon Whereas the New Oxford American Dictionary defines jargon as ldquospecial words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understandrdquo the jargon of which I speak consists of words or expressions used by many within a company or industry yet truly understood by exactly no one This is a very specific yet all-too-common kind of jargon most often labeled as corporate-speak And when corporate-speak leaks out into the real world it becomes something that empowers consumers with outside-the-box thinking guaranteed to leverage their core competencies through transparencies maximized to deliver robust scalability
Kidding It becomes something obviously even more insidioushellipmarketing-speak
Whenever marketing-speak creeps into your brand communications your communiqueacutes stop communicating with much efficacy They fail in the mission to persuade or endear They are more than the opposite of invitingmdashthey are repulsive If you need a more concrete example than the one mentioned above crack open any industry-specific publication and pick
a random ad Chances are the headline is some variation of ldquoWe offer customized solutions for growth because our business is your businessrdquo
Now it may very well be true that this company can customize a growth plan for my business and invests itself in its success almost as much as I do But Irsquoll probably never find out because Irsquom completely numb to that style of pitch Not only has it been done a million times before it sounds like it came from the director of salesrsquo PowerPoint presentation that he pilfered off of Slidesharenet Itrsquos just lazy Do I want a customized-yet-lazy solution Insert your own brother-in-law joke here
Even starting with a great idea is no sure defense against marketing-speak which sneaks in most often through the copyrsquos tone of voice and word choice These co-conspirators go hand in hand too often bent on making your brand sound less like a human being and more like a cross between an MBA student and Siri Itrsquos a combination of clicheacutes a desire to ldquobe directrdquo and quite often a lack of having given the brand a unique voice of any kind to begin with
Honestly I believe the brands or people behind these ads are rarely purposefully lazy Instead theyrsquore afraid They donrsquot want to be seen as ldquotoo cleverrdquo Which is valid You should be clever when itrsquos called for but smart even when itrsquos not And some brands worry that having any kind of personality will somehow offend people But they confuse ldquopersonalityrdquo with ldquooff-puttingrdquo If you donrsquot think your brand should be brash donrsquot be brash But if you donrsquot think your brand should be bold yoursquore wrong
Because boldness means standing for something which is what attracts people to your brand And boldness begins with
language With words that are clear without being trite Words that flow with a rhythm that keeps the reader or listener bouncing along in an almost hypnotic sway Words that create a tone of voice that matches the playfulness or slyness or seriousness (but not somberness) of your brand Words that evoke a feeling and a desire to if not act at least remember Words that donrsquot smack of being copied from an internal field marketing guide
Because nobody wants to invest any time in a print ad that un-ironically mimics what they hear around the office all day Or give five seconds to a radio spot that makes a concerned soccer mom sound like the paid shill she really is They want to be sucked in They want a story They want entertainment They even want reasons to like you
And the first reason should be because you respect them enough to not speak to them like Chuck from the midweek status meeting No it isnrsquot easy But is it worth it Take a look at your favorite brands and you tell me
B2B
THE LANGUAGE OF BRAND IRRELEVANCE
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
AT THE OFFICE amp ON THE GO
Headsets by
Plantronics BackBeat
Fit Bluetooth
Plantronics CS540
Wireless
wwwheadsetterscom wwwcomputeromahacomLocated Inside of Headsetters
SERVICES INCLUDEVirus Check and Removal
Clean Your BrowserRemove Temporary Internet Files
Delete Adware and CookiesDefrag Hard Drives
Intall Current Microsoft PatchesInstall Microsoft Security Updates
Update Drivers
13
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
- BB1015_fntCvr_125
- BB1015_fntEdit_125
- BB1015_bkEdit_125
- BB1015_bkCvr_125
-
62 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
AT THE OFFICE amp ON THE GO
Headsets by
Plantronics BackBeat
Fit Bluetooth
Plantronics CS540
Wireless
wwwheadsetterscom wwwcomputeromahacomLocated Inside of Headsetters
SERVICES INCLUDEVirus Check and Removal
Clean Your BrowserRemove Temporary Internet Files
Delete Adware and CookiesDefrag Hard Drives
Intall Current Microsoft PatchesInstall Microsoft Security Updates
Update Drivers
13
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
- BB1015_fntCvr_125
- BB1015_fntEdit_125
- BB1015_bkEdit_125
- BB1015_bkCvr_125
-
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 63
63B4B BY WENDY WISEMAN
Wendy Wiseman is president and chief creative officer at Zaiss amp Co a customer-based planning and communications firm
TD2 TOUTS B4B
COMPANY APPLIES SEASONED PROJECT EXPERTISE
In 2017 TD2 Engineering and Surveying turns 50 This is another example of an Omaha-based company that has put years on the calendar by simply going heads-down serving clientsmdashand helping them grow
TD2 is a specialized repository of resources for architects builders developers and municipalities providing land survey and civil structural geotechnical and environmental engineering services But itrsquos more than that
TD2 digs in (excuse the pun) to more fully understand the project at hand and the desired outcomes then applies its considerable expertise of 60-plus people and experience on a plethora of projects throughout 48 years to solutions that work
ldquoItrsquos more than just providing a boundary survey or construction documents and plansrdquo says Doug Dreessen PE president of the firm ldquoBusiness is won by reputation and demonstrating that yoursquore in the game for your customer We understand what is desired in the endmdashan accurately detailed aesthetically pleasing structurally sound environment Wersquore behind the scenes for our clients who need to deliver this every timerdquo
You likely knowmdashand have visitedmdashsome of the projects where TD2 was behind the scenes From the Nebraska Crossing Outlets to TD Ameritradersquos sustainable LEED-designed building to Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital What you may not knowmdashor have visitedmdashare TD2rsquos projects Summit Ridge
Booster Station and 5MG Water Tank recently completed in Papillion to provide pumping capacity and water pressure to current and future development of the community
ldquoSelecting a professional services teammate is one of the most important project decisions our clients make They count on our experience quality and responsiveness and we are not going to let them downrdquo adds Dreessen
B2B
Kip Squire PS SE President Doug Dreessen PE and Chris Dorner LS
64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
AT THE OFFICE amp ON THE GO
Headsets by
Plantronics BackBeat
Fit Bluetooth
Plantronics CS540
Wireless
wwwheadsetterscom wwwcomputeromahacomLocated Inside of Headsetters
SERVICES INCLUDEVirus Check and Removal
Clean Your BrowserRemove Temporary Internet Files
Delete Adware and CookiesDefrag Hard Drives
Intall Current Microsoft PatchesInstall Microsoft Security Updates
Update Drivers
13
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
- BB1015_fntCvr_125
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64 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew Owner Allison Helligso
64BIZ + GIVING | BY ALLISON JANDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN
Fighting cancer is tough enough on its own Add to that the rigors of daily life and the experience can be beyond overwhelming
Imagine having cancer while needing to clean up after youngsters
ldquoI was 34 years old with two small children ages 2 and 5 when I was first diagnosedrdquo says Amber Blohm ldquoI needed to concentrate on keeping myself healthy and spending as much time with my children as possiblerdquo
She had neither the time nor the energy for cleaning but she also did not have money to pay a professional service
Blohm happened upon an ad in which a cleaning company offered free cleaning services to women with cancer In short order the staff of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew became her new best friends ldquoThey really
were a tremendous help through our familyrsquos most challenging monthsrdquo she says
Started in 2010 Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew is a small residential and commercial cleaning business Last year the company partnered with the nationally recognized nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason an organization partnering with maid services across the United States and Canada to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for all types of cancers
Women can connect with Cleaning for a Reason easily through the companyrsquos website or their doctorrsquos office A woman needing services will be matched with a local cleaning company such as Pink Shoe who will then reach out to the requestor
Allison Helligso owner of Pink Shoe Cleaning Crew says her experience
KEEPING CLEAN FIGHTING CANCER
PINK SHOE CLEANING CREW
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
AT THE OFFICE amp ON THE GO
Headsets by
Plantronics BackBeat
Fit Bluetooth
Plantronics CS540
Wireless
wwwheadsetterscom wwwcomputeromahacomLocated Inside of Headsetters
SERVICES INCLUDEVirus Check and Removal
Clean Your BrowserRemove Temporary Internet Files
Delete Adware and CookiesDefrag Hard Drives
Intall Current Microsoft PatchesInstall Microsoft Security Updates
Update Drivers
13
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
- BB1015_fntCvr_125
- BB1015_fntEdit_125
- BB1015_bkEdit_125
- BB1015_bkCvr_125
-
omahamagazinecom FALL 2015 | 65
with the national organization has been rewarding and deeply emotional
Her company offers four monthly cleanings through the partnership ldquoThese are women who were busy living their normal lives when they were hit with an illness that robbed their health energy and time from themrdquo she says ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to be
ldquoThese women have so much gratitude and appreciation for the service we provide that it feels humbling and is such a pleasure to be able to help them in this wayrdquo Helligso explains
B2B
ldquoWhile we canrsquot make them feel any better we can in a small way help them through their journey by helping them make their home the clean and healthy place it needs to berdquo-AMBER BLOHM
7758 Cass Street I 4025720350
AT THE OFFICE amp ON THE GO
Headsets by
Plantronics BackBeat
Fit Bluetooth
Plantronics CS540
Wireless
wwwheadsetterscom wwwcomputeromahacomLocated Inside of Headsetters
SERVICES INCLUDEVirus Check and Removal
Clean Your BrowserRemove Temporary Internet Files
Delete Adware and CookiesDefrag Hard Drives
Intall Current Microsoft PatchesInstall Microsoft Security Updates
Update Drivers
13
2015 Winner
Omah
arsquos Business-to-Business Magazine
B2B OMAHArsquoS
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
- BB1015_fntCvr_125
- BB1015_fntEdit_125
- BB1015_bkEdit_125
- BB1015_bkCvr_125
-
Beverly Kracher PhD is the executive director of Business Ethics Alliance and the Daugherty Chair in Business Ethics amp Society at Creighton University
66 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume15 | issue3
66ETHICS BY BEVERLY KRACHER
Two intractable sides battling back and forth
ldquoHow can you be so heartless Where is your sense of compassionrdquo
ldquoWhy do you foster weakness Where is your respect for authorityrdquo
The sides play themselves out on the issues of the day
Against capitalism It exploits labor by preying on the powerless
For capitalism It depends on hard work and creates prosperity
For gay marriage Love and partnership is acceptable for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike
Against gay marriage A union between a man and woman is the only marriage sanctioned by God and the church
Against capital punishment We need to address the root causes of violence
For capital punishment Extreme penalties are needed to deter crime
Like Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger in a courtroom drama striving to win by showing that one is right and the other is wrong each side fights for superiority
Policies about capitalism gay marriage and capital punishment are the kinds of issues that canrsquot be solved by getting more facts
These are issues that are much more difficult to solve because the sides are shaped by disparate deeply held world views visions and values And these are what Horst
WICKED PROBLEMSRittel and Melvin Webber described in a 1973 treatise as ldquoWicked Problemsrdquo
Jon Haidt one of the premiere social scientists of our day identifies names and addresses Wicked Problems in his compelling TED talk ldquoThree Stories About Capitalismrdquo Itrsquos a must-see as are all of his TED talks
A grand thinker Haidt recognizes two very important points
First Wicked Problems are polarizing We tend to be judgmental about people on the other side We demonize castigate and criticize anyone who holds the opposing view When this happens it is hard to arrive at acceptable solutions
Second assuming we want to build a stable flourishing society perhaps we should refrain from picking one side over the other We could find a way to ldquogo between the horns of the issuerdquo and find some middle ground For Wicked Problems the middle ground can be established by finding a way to include both perspectives into one ldquosupervaluerdquo
When it comes to the debate about capitalism Haidt proposes ldquodynamism with decencyrdquo This is somewhat like the ldquoConscience Capitalismrdquo recommendation from John Mackey the Whole Foods CEO It is a way to bring together the two sides by joining the fundamental values for each into one supervalue
This might be a good solution to the capitalism debate By uniting values from each side we may find a way to stabilize discussion and continue to move towards the betterment of all
What about gay marriage or capital punishment What is the supervalue that can help us solve these Wicked Problems Irsquod love to learn what Haidt thinks And
I might be able to since he is coming to town in October for the Business Ethics Alliance Annual Trustees Meeting
But I fear that supervalues cannot solve gay marriage and capital punishment public policy issues Not to make light but these public policy issues are akin to couplesrsquo disagreements In any relationship there are two or three issues for which values desires or beliefs cannot be merged Love or disdain for sports yearning for or disinterest in travel desire or not for kidshellipone personrsquos values win and the other losses Someone ultimately has to give in and let the other sidersquos values reign
Unraveling such public policy issues as gay marriage or capital punishment might not be about finding a supervalue It may be about intentions
A loving couplersquos relationship succeeds because through thick and thin they live out their intentions to stay together no matter what So too our Wicked Problems may never be ldquosolvedrdquo in any true sense But by not giving up by coming back again and again we co-create a society that has what it takes for longterm success
B2B
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
- BB1015_fntCvr_125
- BB1015_fntEdit_125
- BB1015_bkEdit_125
- BB1015_bkCvr_125
-
Trust your business to people yoursquodactually like to do business withGet customized Internet and Voice solutions from a personal account executive dedicated to working with your business
Cox Business Visareg Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1515 and 83115 with minimum 3-year contract Cards issued by MetaBankreg member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the US only Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card Valid in US territories and Puerto Rico Offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time without notice Other restrictions may apply copy 2015 Cox Communications Inc All rights reserved
Letrsquos talkContact Cox Business at 402-934-3223
wwwcoxbusinesscom
- BB1015_fntCvr_125
- BB1015_fntEdit_125
- BB1015_bkEdit_125
- BB1015_bkCvr_125
-