march/april/may 2016 b2b

SPRING 2016

RECLAIMED ENTERPRISES NEW LIFE FOR OLD WOOD

BOUND TO THE PAST PERFECT TOUCH BINDING

SARPY COUNTYREWRITING THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAYBOOK

BEST OF B2B THE RESULTS ARE IN

0 874470 63856

10>

U.S

. $3

.25

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 International a by-invitation global, luxury real estate network.

Luxury Portfolio International, our global marketing partner: Attracts millions of high net-worth buyers around the globe Reaches 47 million affluent consumers each year Markets over $44 billion of global luxury property in 50+ countries

VISIT NPDODGE.LUXURYPORTFOLIO.COM

GLOBAL MARKETING:

EVERY PROPERTY.

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EVERY DAY.

omahamagazine.com SPRING 2016 | 03

taking technology further

Finding the right technology for your business is a powerful thing.

But with technology inevitably comes questions. At Marco, we make

it our business to know the answers. We have over 500 certified

systems engineers and technical representatives who are ready to

listen, advise, troubleshoot andmore often than notsave the day.

Our highly trained staff empowers our customers to get the most

out of their technology...and rest a little easier. Thats an ROI

everyone will love. Learn more and get empowered at marconet.com.

marconet.com #mpowering

peace of mind

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2016 Winner

04 | B2B OMAHA MAGAZINE volume 16 | issue 1


Thank you Omaha Businesses for trusting TSYS Merchant Solutions with your payment processing.

2015 Winner

Omah

as Bu

siness-to-Business Magazine

B2B OMAHAS

Om

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2016 Winner2014 Winner

Omah

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B2B OMAHAS

get to know us. 1601 Dodge StreetOmaha, NE 68102402.574.7224www.tsysmerchantsolutions.com

2016 Total System Services, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide. TSYS is a federally registered service mark of Total System Services, Inc. TSYS Merchant Solutions is a registered ISO/MSP of both First National Bank of Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, and Synovus Bank, Columbus, Georgia.


Omaha Outdoor Advertising

SIGNS & DISPLAYS | OUTDOOR ADVERTISING PROGRAMS

Branding Political Event Nonprofit Now Hiring Public Awareness

Best Buy SignsSince 1989

Omaha Parks ProgramSport Complex & Arena Advertising

Omaha Bus Bench ProgramMore than 500 Locations

Firs

t Plac

e Winne

r for Eight Years in a Row!

ooa.agency | 402.861.0384

2016 Best Buy Signs. All rights reserved.

A difference you will notice as soon as you walk through our doors.


Omaha Outdoor Advertising

SIGNS & DISPLAYS | OUTDOOR ADVERTISING PROGRAMS

Branding Political Event Nonprofit Now Hiring Public Awareness

Best Buy SignsSince 1989

Omaha Parks ProgramSport Complex & Arena Advertising

Omaha Bus Bench ProgramMore than 500 Locations

Firs

t Plac

e Winne

r for Eight Years in a Row!

ooa.agency | 402.861.0384

2016 Best Buy Signs. All rights reserved.


publisher

TODD LEMKE

editor

ROBERT NELSON

associate editor

DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN

creative director

BILL SITZMANN

art director

KRISTEN HOFFMAN

senior graphic designer

RACHEL JOY

graphic designer

MATTHEW WIECZOREK

junior graphic designer

DEREK TAUBERT

contributed photography

SCOTT DRICKEY THOMAS GRADY TOM KESSLER MARK KRESL KEITH BINDER

layout design

WEBSTER

operations

TYLER LEMKE

accounting

HOLLEY GARCIA-CRUZ

distribution manager

MIKE BREWER

B2B Magazine is published four times annually by Omaha Magazine, LTD, P.O. Box 461208, Omaha NE 68046-1208. Telephone: (402) 884-2000; fax (402) 884-2001. Subscription rates: $12.95 for 4 issues (one year), $19.95 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

SCOTT ANDERSON KEITH BACKSEN LEO ADAM BIGA ANTHONY FLOTT JASON FOX MAGGY LEHMICKE BEVERLY KRACHER SEAN MCCARTHY KIM REINER DOUG SCHURING KARA SCHWEISS DAVID WILLIAMS

account executives

GREG BRUNS GIL COHEN KYLE FISHER ANGIE HALL MARY HIATT GEORGE IDELMAN GWEN LEMKE

assistant to the publisher

SANDY BESCH MATSON

account assistants

JESSICA CULLINANE DAWN DENNIS JUSTIN IDELMAN ALICIA SMITH HOLLINS

advertising information

402-884-2000

subscribe online

OMAHAMAGAZINE.COM/SUBSCRIBE $12.95 FOR ONE-YEAR (FOUR ISSUES)

KETV 7 Baxter Arena

BestOfOmaha.com

Omahas B

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-to-Business Magazine

B2B OMAHAS

2016 Winner

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DEPARTMENTS SPECIAL SECTIONS

COLUMNS

FEATURES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FEATURED STORY

42 PLAYING BIG The High Cost of Workplace A-Holism

59 THE BRAND BRIEF Your Brand vs. the World

67 OMAHA CVB Local Champions Bring Millions Home

79 OFFICE FURNITURE Can productivity be measured in the office?

82 ETHICS Moral Myopia

11 BEST OF B2B The Results are In!

43 THE FIRM DEAL REVIEW Life Cycle Edition

81 BUY OMAHA PROFILE Harrison Financial Services

64

62 7638 RECLAIMED ENTERPRISESNew Life for Old Wood BUILDING A NEW LIFE Facial Hair and Facade BOUND TO THE PASTPerfect Touch Binding Restores Family Treasures

SARPY, SARPY, SARPY!REWRITING THE PLAYBOOK FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

40 AFTER HOURS Mike Pates Baseball Card Collection

60 IN THE OFFICE The Divine She.la

68 FACES Jason Fischer

70 FACES Teresa Gleason

72 ON THE RISE TOYO! 2016


For giving us the opportunity to serve your Search, Staffing, and Consulting needs.

Omahas business leaders chose Hemphill as OmahasBest Employment firm in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015 & 2016

The Right Match the First Time!Helping our clients get from GOOD to GREAT, one hire at a time!

402.334.4800 | www.hemphillsearch.com

THANK YOU!

2015 Winner

Omahas

Busine

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B2B OMAHAS

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B2B OMAHAS

2016 Winner


Omahas B

usiness


B2B OMAHAS

2016 Winner

Its time to reveal B2B Omaha magazines highly anticipated Best of B2B Winners List for 2016!

The Omaha-area businesses listed in the following pages are here because readers and customers voted them the best in the city for the services and products they provide in their respective fields.

Best of B2B results were tabulated from ballots sent in from the Winter 2016 issue of B2B. Ballots had to be originalnot photocopiesand a minimum of 15 categories had to be filled out to be accepted.

The Best of B2B list is organized by categories. If youre looking for a specific product or service, you can easily find the best. If you see a business you patronize in this years list, be sure to congratulate them. Theyll appreciate it!

Best of B2B has developed into what it was meant to be and what we hoped it could be, says Todd Lemke, the magazines publisher. Business owners get itits a a contest in which businesses recognize businesses. We feel honored to be able to showcase the very best our city has to offer.

AND THE WINNERS ARE!


5601 Harrison St. Omaha, NE 68157(402) 932-5704 SunValleyOmaha.com

www.commit20.com

4 yearsin a row!

#1 in commercial landscaping serVices#1 in commercial snow remoVal

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B2B O

MAHAS

2016 Winner


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B2B OMAHAS

2016 Winner

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

ACCOUNTING OFFICE Frankel Zacharia

fzacpa.com402-496-9100

Bland & Associates

ADVERTISING AGENCY Sleight Advertisingsleightadvertising.com

402-334-3530

Bozell

ARCHITECTURAL FIRM LEO A DALY

Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT COMPANY

SilverStone Group

The Olson Grouptheolsongroup.com

402-289-1046

New Roof & Reroofs Roof Maintenance & Repair Licensed, Bonded, Insured

& Locally Owned in Papillion, NE

The Roofing SpecialistsCall us today!402-740-0800apconstructomaha.com

Thank You for Voting Us

BEST OF B2B for Snow Removal Service

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2016 Winner


402.932.0514 | 5885 S. 118 Circle Omaha, NE | janiking.com

The King of Clean

Clean Results.For all of your facility cleaning needs, Jani-Kings trained and dedicated franchisees deliver beyond expectations. Its all of the e orts behind the scenes that prepare you for success.

Call our local Jani-King o ce today and discover how our e orts help your business each and every day.

2016 Jani-King International, Inc. | CD0216-0023

Quality Carpet Cleaning Since 2004

402.680.6523

Cleaning Services*Carpet Cleaning*Upholstery Cleaning*Natural Stone Restoration*Tile & Grout Cleaning*Pet Treatments*Concrete Cleaning*Concrete Cleaning*Oriental Rug Cleaning*24 Hour Water Damage

www.LegacyCarpetCleaning.com


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B2B OMAHAS

2016 Winner

Businesses Are Buying SmarterThe All Makes team is trained to help you make design decisions and furniture purchases that t your of ce atmosphere, your work style and your budget. Visit All Makes redesigned showroom to see the latest in new of ce furniture, pre-owned

of ce furniture and business technology.

www.allmakes.com Omaha: 2558 Farnam St. | 402.341.2413 Lincoln: 3333 O St. | 402.477.7131

Thank you for voting us #1 for 11 consecutive years!

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2016 Winner

EMPLOYMENT AGENCY C&A Industriesca-industries.com

402-891-0009

Hemphill Search Grouphemphillsearch.com

402-334-4800

ENGINEERING FIRM HDR, Inc.

Kirkham Michael

FINANCIAL PLANNING FIRM Feltz WealthPLANfeltzwealthplan.com

402-691-0200

Callahan Financial Planning

INSURANCE AGENCY The Harry A Koch Co.

hakco.com402-861-7000

Chastain Otis

LAW FIRM Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman LLP

akclaw.com402-392-1250

Fraser Stryker


402.333.3062 | planitomaha.com | 10832 old mill road, suite 5 | omaha, ne 68154

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2016 Winner

planitomaha: A national and regional powerhouse in meetings, conferences & events.

B2B Mag Winter 2016.indd 1 2/11/16 12:10 PM

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B2B OMAHAS

2016 Winner

COME & BE INSPIRED BY OUR SERVICE & SELECTION

Lewis Art Gallery

1 WEEK CUSTOM FRAMING ART, DECORATIVE ACCESSORIES & GIFTS

OVER 400 LAMPS SERVING OMAHA SINCE 1971

8600 CASS ST. 402.391.7733 LEWISARTGALLERY.COM

MON.-FRI. 9AM-6PM SAT. 9AM-3PM

KETV 7 Baxter Arena

2016 First Place

Best R

etail Art Gallery

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2016 Winner

MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKERJeff Beals

Van Deeb

PUBLIC RELATIONS FIRM Zaiss & Co.zaissco.com

402-962-9293

Ervin & Smith

SOCIAL MEDIA CONSULTANT SMC Social Media Contractors

Omaha Media Group

[hot-shot][dih-liv-uh-rees] noun. A team passionate about being your hero with a culture that stands for delivering excellence through trust and collaboration.

PROBLEM SOLVED.

PROBLEM SOLVED.

402.592.8080 | www.TeamHSD.com

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2016 Winner

To be acknowledged as the Best Printer in B2B Magazine for the past 11

years is not something we take lightly. Interestingly enough,

many of our customers are also among your pages. Great companys want to do business

with other great companys. Thanks to B2B Magazine and their readers for recognizing

the companys and people that make Omaha a great place to

do business.

-STEVE HAYES


PROFESSIONAL

IMPECCABLE

MEMORABLE

ASK FOR BRANDEIS CATERING ATMANY FINE VENUES THROUGHOUT

THE OMAHA METRO.

OUR EXCLUSIVE VENUES:LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE BALLROOM

ANGLIM PLACE

(402) 334-5446 www.brandeiscatering.com

Omahas B

usiness


B2B OMAHAS

2016 Winner

- Joe ThallasOwner/General Manager

"Thank you for selecting us the BestCaterer in Omaha

for the past 10 years!"

Securities offered through LPL Financial. Member FINRA/SIPC. | All rights reserved. Copyright 2016 Feltz WealthPLAN

101 South 108th Avenue, Second Floor Omaha, NE 68154www.FeltzWealthPLAN.com 1.800.366.5448 402.691.0200

*Polls conducted by Omaha Magazine. Results based on popular vote.

Thanks for honoring us for the

8th year in a row as Omahas

Best Financial Planning Firm.*

Were proud to continue our service

to Omahas great community.


Omahas B

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B2B OMAHAS

2016 Winner

402.593.1080 | printcographics.com

PRINTER

We offer all the B2B printing you need, including exclusive and custom coatings (like UV, Soft Touch TM, strike-through, reticulated varnish and more), skin board packaging & stellar fulfillment service

conTacT US Today!

print . bind . mail . fulfill . design . packaging ...and much more!

Order online anytimeor STop By!

Since 1963

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2016 Winner

Doors, Docks & Gates Since 1963

Installation, Service & Repair

402.331.8920 www.normsdoor.com

Thank you for Voting us Best of B2B for

Commercial Door Service!

BUILDING SERVICES

CARPET & RUG CLEANING Legacy Carpet Cleaning

legacycarpetcleaning.com402-680-6523

Westwood Services

COMMERCIAL INTERIOR DESIGN

Interior Design Group

Glorias Elegant Interiors & Consultinggloriaselegantinteriors.com

402-964-0762

DOCUMENT SHREDDINGOmaha Document Shredding

DataShield

DOOR COMPANY Omaha Door & Window

Norms Door Service

ELECTRICAL SERVICE Miller Electricmillerelect.com402-341-6479

Commonwealth Electric


Fast-Paced Public Relations

Customer-Based Planning and Communications

402-964-9293 11626 Nicholas Street

zaissco.com

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 partner with experts.

Best PR Agency 8 Years Running!

Omahas B

usiness


B2B OMAHAS

2016 Winner

B2B

Omaha Magazines

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WIN

NER 2012 WIN

NER

2015 Winner

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B2B OMAHAS

www.sw-fence.com 402-333-5722

Thanks for Voting S&W Fence the Best Again in 2016!

Were Not Just About Fences.

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2016 Winner


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B2B OMAHAS

2016 Winner

FENCE COMPANY S&W Fencesw-fence.com402-333-5722

American Fence Company

GARBAGE COLLECTIONAbes Trash Service

abestrash.com402-571-4926

Waste Management(formerly Deffenbaugh Industries)

GENERAL CONTRACTORLueder Construction

lueder.com402-339-1000

Vrana

HEATING/AC SERVICEA-1 United

Heating and Air Conditioning & Electricala1united.net

402-593-7500

SOS Heating & Coolingsoshvac.com

402-391-2336

JANITORIAL SERVICESparkling Klean Service

Jani-Kingjaniking.com

402-932-0514


Om

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2016 Winner

Thanks for Voting us Your #1 Locksmith!

To see what else we are up to, check us out at:

CarlJarl.com

Convenience + Peace of Mind + Protection

Omaha thanks again for voting us the

#1 CPA firm in 2015!

Tax Planning & Consulting Financial Statement Assurance

Business Valuation & Litigation Support Information Technology Services

Payroll / Bookkeeping Forensic Accounting Peer Review Services

Employee Benefit Plan Audits Estate Tax Planning

Wealth Advisory Services Cost Segregation Studies

R & D Tax Credits

www.fzacpa.com 402.496.9100

ABOUT CAS Since 1981, CAS, Inc. has established itself as one of Direct Marketings 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 Best Mailing List Company!

10303 Crown Point Ave | Omaha, NE 68134www.cas-online.com | [email protected] | 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

Om

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2016 Winner

5 th Straigh

tYear!

Steve Kowalski

Call or Text Message(402 ) 453-6000

abetterexposure.com [email protected]

Passion. Creativity. Experience.


9684 N. 109th Ave. Omaha, NE 68142 402-571-2364 scottent.com

In Commercial Roofing, One Names On Top.

Nebraskas largest roofing company is also Nebraskas best. When quality is critical to your project, be sure to

specify Scott Enterprises.Whether you need expert design and installation, or our fully staffed,

dedicated service department, Scott Enterprises can take care of you like nobody else.

SCOTTENTERPRISES

In Commercial Roofing, One Names On Top.

Nebraskas largest roofing company is also Nebraskas best. When quality is critical to your project, be sure to specify Scott Enterprises.For more than 35 years, trusted on these and many other projects ...

TD Ameritrade Park First National Bank Tower Midtown Crossing Village Pointe Shopping Center UNO Weber Fine Arts Building Childrens Hospital

402-571-2364 | www.ScottEnt.com9684 N 109th Street, Omaha, NE 68142

Celebrating our 37th year serving the community. We have been trusted on these and many other projects...

TD Ameritrade Park | First National Bank Tower | Midtown CrossingVillage Pointe Shopping Center | UNO Weber Fine Arts Building | Childrens Hospital

Aksarben Village | Joslyn Art Museum | Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer CenterUniversity of Nebraska Omaha Baxter Arena O

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2016 Winner

Theres a BOLD New Trend in TownThank you Omaha for voting BOLD Office Solutions

Best Office Furniture Dealer!

boldofficesolutions.com | 4526 F Street | 402.934.6644

LANDSCAPE/LAWN CONTRACTOR

Sun Valley Landscapingsunvalleyomaha.com

402-932-5704

Forest Green Lawn & Landscapingforestgreenlawncare.com

402-556-0595

LOCKSMITHCarl Jarl Group

carljarl.com402-393-7800

Big Red

MOVING COMPANY Select Van & Storage

selectvan.com402-935-3700

Black Belt Movers (formerly Flat Rate Movers)

OFFICE FURNITUREAll Makes Office Equipment Co.

allmakes.com402-341-2413

BOLD Office Solutions

PAINTING CONTRACTOR Gerst Painting Inc.

Nebraska Painting


402-556-0595www.forestgreenlawncare.com

US ON

THANK YOU OMAHAfor Voting Us Best Residential & Commercial Lawn Care

Om

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2016 Winner

accessbank.com

NMLS #456056

Midtown8712 W. Dodge Rd. Omaha

402.763.6000

Oakview2625 S. 140th St. Omaha

402.905.4100

Shadow Lake774 Olson Dr. Papillion

402.281.4567

Thank you B2B Magazine readersfor votingACCESSbank BEST BUSINESS BANKTHREE yes in a r!

Customized Banking Solutionstailed to yr needs

Locally Owned and Operateddecisive, respsiveStrong Partnerships

built th and ust

2015 WinnerOm

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Busine


B2B OMAHAS

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B2B OMAHAS

2016 Winner

Village Pointe203 N. 180th St. Omaha

402.281.4585

INTERIOR PAINT

EXTERIOR PAINT

WALLCOVERING

REFINISHING OF EXISTING CABINETS & WOODWORK

WALLPAPER REMOVAL

DRYWALL REPAIRS

STAIN & FINISHING

Taking Pride in Our PROFESSIONALISM & CRAFTSMANSHIP20 1 6 B 2 B W I NNER !

38 YEARS OF BUSINESS IN OMAHA!www.gerstpainting.com

I have enjoyed serving

Omaha for 38 years. We

have specialty painters

that can work with YOUR

homes special needs.

Mike Gerst - Owner


Omahas B

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B2B OMAHAS

2016 Winner

KA&CABRAHAMSKASLOW &CASSMAN LLPA T T O R N E Y S A T L A W

Business & Commercial Law Litigation Estate Planning, Trusts & Probate

Employment Law Energy Law Real Estate Municipal Law Franchise Law Special Needs Trusts

402.392.12508712 West Dodge Rd, Suite 300 | Omaha, NE

AKCLaw.com

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2016 Winner2015 Winner

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B2B

Omaha Magazines

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WIN

NER 2012 WIN

NER

PEST CONTROL COMPANYLien Termite & Pest Control

Orkin

PICTURE FRAMING Lewis Art Gallerylewisartgallery.com

402-391-7733

Gingers Hang-up

PLUMBING COMPANY Backlund Plumbing

Micro Plumbing

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Cushman & Wakefield | The Lund Company

lundco.com402-393-8811

DP Management

REAL ESTATE COMMERCIAL NAI NP Dodgenainpdodge.com402-255-6060

CBRE | MEGA

ROOFING COMPANY Ciaccio Roofingciaccioroofing.com

402-293-8707

Scott Enterprises, Inc.scottent.com

402-571-2364


Select Van& Storage

StorageLocal MovesOce MovesTractor TrailerState-to-StateContainer ServicesIInternaaonal MovesYou Load/We Drive Value Deal

selectvan.com - 402.935.37008006 J Street, Omaha, NE, 68127

Call Today for a FREE In-home Estimate!

SE Corner of 72nd & Pacic

Let us cater yournext office occasion!

T: 402-403-43343828 Dodge St Omaha, NE [email protected]

Karl SchaphorstOwner

Are you tired of wasting time... presenting to prospects that have no need? presenting to prospects that have no money? presenting to prospects that cant make a decision?

Join us for an executive briefing to learn moreabout how Sandler Training can grow your business.

Register at www.karlschaphorst.sandler.comOr call us at 402-403-4334.

Om

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2016 Winner

Suffering from Flatlining Sales?We Can Help

If you are in sales I cannot recommend Sandler Training with Karl Schaphorst enough. Ive taken 2 classes with him and my sales have increased, the number of people I actually reach (or that call me back) have increased, and I spend less time on prospects that arent ready to buy what Im selling. Sandler Training is a MUST for any person in sales.-Jenna King / State Farm Agent


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2016 Winner

SECURITY EQUIPMENT/SYSTEMS

SEi

Tyco Integrated Security

SIGN COMPANY Best Buy Signs bestbuysigns.net402-861-0384

Omaha Neon

SNOW REMOVAL SERVICE Sun Valley Landscaping

sunvalleyomaha.com402-932-5704

A & P Constructionapconstructomaha.com

402-740-0800

TOWING COMPANY Neff Towing Service

402-733-5500

Auto 1 Towing Inc.

WINDOW CLEANINGFish Window Cleaning

Window Pro

The Harry A. Koch Co., 18th & Howard, 1920s

WERE JUST GETTING STARTED.

402.861.7000 | hakco.com

For 100 years, The Harry A. Koch Co. has served regional industries and organizations with a full

range of risk management and insurance products.

Thank you for voting us Best of B2B for the 5th straight year.

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2016 Winner

c_OMA_mag_AllOfYourFirsts_BestB2B_5x7.458 Here for all of your firsts./ Job #10514 Misc. printFebruary 5, 2016 9:39 AMColor: 4/CPublication: Omaha MagazineInsertion Date: Spring editionInsertion Order #: 1997-2Size: L - 5 x 7.458

Were once again thrilled to be named Best Bank, Thank you for allowing us to

travel this journey with you and celebrate all of the firsts that make up your life.

402.602.5100 | firstnational.com

8 ConsecutiveYears

Thanks Omaha for 30 Years!

Omahas B

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B2B OMAHAS

2016 Winner

402.399.9233 | www.sparklingklean.com

A+ Rating20 Consecutive Years

FINANCIAL SERVICES

BANK First National Bank

ACCESSbank

CREDIT CARD MERCHANT PROCESSING

TSYS Merchant Solutionstsysmerchantsolutions.com

800-354-3988

American Payment Systemsamericanpaymentsystems.com

402-502-9985

Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman LLP is proud to have been voted a Best of

B2B Omaha winner for a 6th year in a row. We appreciate everyone that voted for us,

and extend our gratitude to B2B Magazine for its support

of local businesses in the Omaha community.

-NICHOLAS DAFNEY


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CREDIT UNIONCentris Federal Credit Union

Mutual First Federal Credit Union

PAYROLL SERVICE Paychex Inc.

Payroll Express

FOOD SERVICES

BANQUET FACILITY Thompson Center at UNO

thethompsoncenter.org402-554-2444

1415 - The Meeting Space

BUSINESS HAPPY HOURHiro 88

Kona Grill

CATERER Brandeis Catering

Paradise Bakery & Cafeparadisebakery.com

402-699-5555

COFFEE PROVIDER Host Coffee

LaRue Coffee


Locally Owned Since 1950

THANK YOU OMAHA!

BEST FLORISTTaylor Made for ALL

your floral needs since 1950

B2B

Omaha Magazines

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402-733-232212310 K Plaza, Ste. 108

www.taylorsflowers24hours.com

marconet.com #mpowering

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Eric Price has built beautiful rooms. And hes built big beards.

But a whole new life? Thats something new.

Until August 2013, that is, when Price packed his wife and five children, his carpentry tools, and all the know-how from his father and left Baltimore for Omaha. Just months later Price launched Bearded Builders, a residential renovation and remodeling company that already employs eight people and earned a Best of Omaha award for Best Home remodeling.

It is crazy, Price says. Omaha just has been great, far beyond anything I would have ever expected or dreamt. The customers we get to work with have been great.

Many of whom cant help but mention the beard when they first meet Price. Its a chest-grazing birds nest with long strings of gray.

There have been previous incarnations, but the current model is more than two years old (the last one bit the dust for his brothers wedding).

Without it, says the 33-year-old transplant, I look like a baby.

He sure made a big-boy decision leaving Baltimore, where he and his wife, Amanda, were born and raised.

It was not easy.

He left behind his father, mother, and three brothers with families of their own. Two of them also are carpenters, just like their old man.

But Baltimore living doesnt come cheap. Worse, business was slow. We were not seeing bright lights or dollar signs, Price says.

BUILDING A NEW LIFE

FACIAL HAIR AND FACADES

FEATURE | BY ANTHONY FLOTT PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN

38


He and Amanda have five children (now ages 4 to 10, all home-schooled). We were falling farther and farther behind on our bills, Price says. Cutting what we could, but we also realized that with five kids, things dont get cheaper. It was just becoming more; the numbers telling us it was time to go.

They researched places that had a lower cost of living, strong economy, and good market for home remodeling.

Omaha seemed to fit the bill.

Theyd never been here before, but the family of seven made a weekend visit and liked what they saw. It was small, but clean. Hillier than expected, and people drove the speed limit. They found a church, tooEmmaus Bible Church in South Omaha.

Price initially worked for a small remodeling company. In March 2014 he launched Bearded Builders. His first gig was a tile job downtown. Business came quickly thereafter, about 150 jobs sincebathroom and kitchen renovations, basement remodels, and more. So much work that hes hired six full-time carpenters and an office assistant. Hes also opened an office near 156th and Center streets and is installing a high-end kitchen showroom.

Beyond anything I ever anticipated, Price says. Especially in this short a time.

Were just starting out but we want to build a reputable company that people can continue to trust and rely on. A place where guys can have a career they are excited to be a part of and hopefully one day retire from.

Hes gone from short-term worries of paying the bills to long-term dreams of building something special.

By the hair, you might say, of his chinny, chin-chin.

Visit beardedbuilders.com to learn more.

B2BMSRP for a 2015 Sprinter Standard Roof 2500 is $37,455 excludes all options, taxes, title, regis., transporation/destination charge and dealer prep. 2015 shown with high roof option at $39,950 . (High Roof option $2,495) Options, model availability and actual dealer price may vary. See dealer for details. ** Please obey all speed laws. 2015 Authorized Mercedes-Benz Dealers.

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of Omahaof Omaha


AFTER HOURS | BY DAVID WILLIAMS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEITH BINDER

It takes a fairly decent baseball trivia geek to connect the dots between Jackie Jensen, Dick Groat, and Zoilo Versalles.

For Mike Pate, its as easy as fielding a can-of-corn pop fly.

All those guys won an MVP Award, says Pate, United Republic Bank President and CEO, and all are part of my baseball card collection.

A MOST VALUABLE STRATEGY

WHO THE HECK IS ZOILO VERSALLES?

Pate owns thousands of baseball cards, but he spices up the hobby with themed subset collections. He seeks the cards of every MVP of the last half century or so. No, not their rookie cards; Pate collects the player cards for the year in which they won the award.

A 1965 Topps Zoilo Versalles is rarely a linchpin of any collection, but for Pate it changes the game in how he approaches the pastime.

Just how does a guy like Versalles come to win such a thing in 65, the waning days of the Golden Age of baseball? asks Pate. The year before it was Brooks Robinson, and the year after it was Triple Crown-winner Frank Robinson. Both of those players are legends. Both are in Cooperstown. Beyond the fairly knowledgeable baseball fan, players like Jensen, Groat, and Versalles are all but footnotes to baseball history. Thats one of the things that make this collecting style fun.

Zoilo Casanova Versalles Rodriguez, for example, was the Cuban-born sparkplug that propelled the Minnesota Twins to the 1965 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. He batted a mere .273, but led the American League in plate appearances (728), at-bats (666), runs scored (126), doubles (45), triples (12), extra-base hits (76), and total bases (308). He was second in assists (487) and third in stolen bases (27). A near-unanimous winner of the MVP award, the shortstop garnered a startling 19 of 20 first-place votes. The next year the career .242 hitter slid back into relative obscurity and batted just .246.

You learn so much more about the game when you collect this way, says Pate, and it adds additional layers of interest. Lots of guys seek only rookie cards. Some concentrate on completing entire sets for any given year. But this MVP strategy can really stretch a collectors budget. Rookie cards, for example, are expensive, and putting together complete sets means youre tracking down about 700 cards. Many of those are players that you may not care too much about but you have to get them just to complete the set. Subsets have a special focusa deeper meaning. It amps up the thrill of the chase.

Pate began collecting as a young boy in the 60s and is a life-long Yankees fan. His childhood heroes were Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris.

40


I even knew their birthdays by heart and celebrated the occasion every year, Pate explains. I didnt know how to bake a birthday cake, so I had a ritualI know it sounds stupidof making Jello every year on September 10th [Maris] and October 20th [Mantle].

Pate laments what he calls the gimmicky Beanie Baby-ization of the hobby in the 90s when card companies created feeding frenzies by introducing such limited edition subsets as autographed cards and game-used uniform swatch cards.

Thats the artificial creation of rarity, Pate says. My cards are rare because of their age, not because some marketing person came up with a new way to push product and increase demand. Age has meaning, no matter what you like to collect. And Im one of those lucky guys whose mom never tossed my shoeboxes of baseball cards. Collecting is a history lesson in baseball, and few things define America like baseball.

Theme-based collecting, says Pate, is limited only to your imagination.

Why not collect the first player to break each teams color barrier? Thats where youll learn about the otherwise unknown Elijah Pumpsie Green of the Boston Red Sox. Hes important because Boston was the last team to integrate, and it took them a shameful 12 years to do so after Jackie Robinson first joined the Brooklyn Dodgers. Or how about the card for the last year of every Hall of Famer? Forget about their pricey rookie cards and instead go after their final card, the one thatll have the fullest accounting of their career stats on the back.

I have a friend, says Pate, who has a subset limited to catchers, the guys whose equipment is called the tools of ignorance. Hes just fascinated by catchers for whatever reason. He also collects Don Mossi just because the guy is sowellhomely would be putting it politely. I mean the guy has ears the size of Rhode Island!

Just as it is with his management style in leading his team at United Republic Bank, Pate finds hobby satisfaction in carving out creative strategies, ones that look at opportunities in new, imaginative, and sometimes offbeat ways.

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42THE HIGH COST OF WORKPLACE A-HOLISM

Im Scott. Im a recovering a-hole. And Nebraska Nice as we all are, Ill bet youve been one, or are one, or have been effected by one, too.

Managers that bully subordinates who cant retaliate (the very definition of workplace a-holism) have no place in our businesses. This goes beyond fundamental ethics. The lowest unemployment rate in the nation translates to workforce leverage, meaning that Nebraskas business leaders have a strong economic incentive to address workplace a-holism.

In other words, it pays to be nice.

A-holism drives much-coveted employee engagement to near zero, which correlates closely to zero productivity, zero creativity, and, eventually, zero business. Even worse, a-holes (I include myselfwait for it) do personal harm far beyond mere business metrics.

I cringe (Im groping for a much stronger word than cringe) when I reflect on my 30-plus years of managing people. Even today I can still feel former employees stabbing much-deserved hatpins into my pin-striped voodoo doll.

Toxic leaders, even if they are only momentarily so, even if it only happens just once a career, can eviscerate that which your team worked so hard to build.

One of the more insidious characteristics of the malady is that most a-holes dont even know theyre a-holes. Or would dispute it to their dying breath. And probably wont read this article anyway.

Fortunately, Stanford professor, Robert I. Sutton, author of The No Asshole Rule: Building a Civilized Workplace and Surviving One That Isnt (2007), suggests certain litmus tests, roughly translated as:

1. After being with you, do people feel hurt, depressed, humiliated, or otherwise worse about themselves?

2. Have you ever been an a-hole to anyone senior to you in your business? Didnt think so. More likely you target people who cant fight back and over whom you have a disproportionate power advantage?

Sutton identifies the 10 most common symptoms of a-holism as:

1. Insults2. Violation of personal space3. Sarcasm4. Flames5. Humiliation6. Shaming7. Interruption8. Backbiting9. Glaring10. Snubbing

Workplace a-holism occurs much more frequently than, say, embezzlement, but costs billions more in terms of low engagement and lost productivity. Paradoxically, we prosecute embezzlers to the fullest extent of the law, but usually dont even fire assholes. If anything, we promote them.

TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION

How does a-holism contribute to corporate health costs? Depression and anxiety are the largest cause of sick days in the American economy.

What is the cost of a-holism to GDP? Gallup says the cost of low engagement to American business is more than $450 million per year in lost productivity and more.

What impact on productivity and global competitiveness would reducing a-holism by 20% have? Is it even possible to reduce it by 20%? Or at all?

POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS?

Zero Tolerance: Zero. No matter how good they are at their jobs.

A-holism Awareness Training: Remember, friends dont let friends be a-holes.

Comprehensive Leadership Training: Some a-holes are flat-out sociopaths (see first bullet point), but most act out in a crisis because they havent learned more effective techniques.

The first step is admitting we have a problem. Yes, even us Nice Nebraskans. Our teams will leave for nicer employers if we remain in denial.

Scott Anderson is CEO of Doubledare, an executive coaching, consulting, and search firm.

PLAYING BIG by Scott Anderson

Selling Her StartupA Franchise Can Make Goodcents DIVERSIFYING YOUR DAY JOB PG. 5

Manufacturing Business Changes HandsHOW HE BOUGHT & SOLD AFTER AGE 55 PG.12

LIFE CYCLE EDITION

Spri

ng

201

6

A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage

CHILDCARE OWNER TURNS SEED MONEY INTO SERIOUS CASH PG. 8

2Volume 1 Issue 7

Published by The Firm Business Brokerage

President/Editor Cortney Sells

Director/Assistant Editor Cassandra Powers

In-House Legal Counsel Susanne Miller

Accounting & Finance Cassandra Waltrip

Brokerage Principal Rene Rademacher

Market Development Rachael Rand

Paralegal Julie OBrien

Mail Marketer Adam Jaime

Outreach Coordinator Julie Williams

Research Analyst Daniel Hayes

Strategic Development Officer Brittnie True

Community Relations Mike Sells

Intern McKenna Thorngren

Design OBI Creative

Contributing Writers Kathy Rygg,

Maureen Tierney, Jeff Cremers

To Subscribe:

The Firm Business Brokerage

[email protected]

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Omaha, NE 68114

402.998.5288

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402.884.2000

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The Firm Deal Review Spring 2016

* Promotional Products * Embroidery * Screen Printing * Fulfillment *

You asked. We listened.

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10x a

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Columns

4 Net Worth Jeff Cremers, CEO of Cremers CPA

What Tax Time Means to Your CPA

14 Executive Impact Retirees as New Business Owners

15 Feature Follow-Up Success at Goodrich Veterinary Clinic

Features

5 Diversifying Buying a Franchise Made Goodcents

8 No Kidding Around Amber Cushman is Poised For Her

Next Big Thing

12 Never Too Late Buying, Then Selling Later In Life

The Bottom Line

Sells Insights

Active Arena in Entrepreneurship Sees No Age

Selling Her StartupChildcare Owner Turns Seed Money Into Serious Cash

pg.8

Its safe to say that most of us think of buying a new business as the domain for the young. They have energy and time on their side, as well as the financial leeway to pay down debt and plenty of time to accu-mulate wealth. However, what we fail to see in this equation is the greater impact that experience provides and can only be found in those who have already succeeded and

failed more than once. The hardest lesson a business owner learns is finding what works and what doesnt, and the resumes of those who have time-tested business and life experiences are veritable playbooks for success. In this issue we explore the life cycle of business ownership and adventure of starting over at different stages through life. The FIRM

Special Section

7 Fresh Off The Firm The Firm Business Brokerage has over

$90 Million Dollars in Assets Under

Management of current cash flowing

businesses for salefrom residential

design companies to professional service

businesses to medical-based services.

by Cortney Sells president/editor


3Spring 2016 The Firm Deal Review

4Net Worth: What Tax Time Means to Your CPA

written by Jeff Cremers, CEO of Cremers CPA


Business owners should always have their business accounting and business records current and in good condition, but this is much more important if the busi-ness owner is even considering selling his/her business. Whether you are retiring or not your business is most often your most valuable asset and unlike most of your other investments you can control what the busi-ness is worth. There is a very large pool of buyers out there so once you decide to sell your business the requests for information from interested buyers will come very quick-ly. Many times the buyers will be guided by their CPAs with which questions to ask and which financial reports to request so as the business owner it is very important to speak with your CPA well ahead of time as they will be able to prepare you and your business

for looking its best at the time you put it on the market. If possible inform your CPA of the potential of selling your business a year or two beforehand, as having growth trend in profits and revenues will dramatically in-crease the value of your business. Advance planning with your trusted business advisor is very valuable.

Tax time is here and business owners will be working with their CPA soon, anyway, so now is a great time to have that discussion. Included in that discussion is the dreaded question, How much will I pay in tax when selling my business?. Most business sales are structured as asset sales where the busi-ness owner is selling the equipment, cus-tomer files, business name, website, and the overall business operations, which means

that taxation could be a significant factor in determining how much the business owner walks away with in the end. The allocation of the sales price between the tangible assets and goodwill is very important when it comes to taxes, so as the selling busi-ness owner you need to discuss this ahead of time with your CPA. Because of the tax treatment available for installment sales the seller carryback portion can be advanta-geous as it can shift the taxable income to future years, which may result in lower tax rates and therefore lower overall taxes paid. You have worked very hard to build your business to what it is worth today so utilize your trusted business advisors to help you maximize the value of your business and the amount you will end up with after the sale of your business. THE FIRM

Jeff Cremers


Buying a Franchise Made Goodcentswritten by Kathy Rygg

When choosing a business to pur-chase, buying an existing franchise is often a cost-effective option. Start-up and build-out fees are clearly budgeted and proven, plus there is a marketing plan available to draw in a customer base. These are all factors that led William and Gina Gregalunas to purchase the Mr. Goodcents deli fresh sub sandwich shop at Village Pointe in Omaha.


The couple wanted to make the invest-ment as a way to secure additional income and searched for the right opportunity for about nine months. We thought it [Goodcents] was a good product, liked the location, and its a relatively new franchise in the Omaha area, Will said. Another appealing aspect was the support that cor-porate provided to its franchisees. They are involved enough to make sure all stores provide a quality product that meets their standards, he added. Will kept his full-time career in IT, and their business is an additional form of income to their family.

Other companies arent as involved in their individual franchisee locations, which can result in quality and inconsistencies across the brand. But customer perception is key, and if one location isnt holding up the standards, then it reflects poorly on all locations, regardless of ownership.

Its no different than owning a home in a neighborhood, Will explained. They all reflect on one another.

OWNING THEIR OWN BUSINESS HAS BEEN IN LINE WITH WHAT HE EXPECTED AND WOULD CONSIDER PURCHASING AGAIN IN THE FUTURE


The Firm Deal ReviewBuyer Requirement: Business must be a franchiseEmployees: 9 Location: Village Pointe, OmahaValuation Method: Cost to Create

William Gregalunas

6A Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage

Corporate also provided training, which was valuable since this was Will and Ginas first experience as owners in the food in-dustry. They also provide business liaisons so that owners can call with any questions.

The support structure is really in place to help us be successful, Will happily reports. With turnover high in the industry, hiring and employee retention is a challenge, so the couple has focused on creating a friendly work environment and providing competitive pay. We try to treat everyone like family, he said. There are a lot of jobs to choose from in Omaha, but the laborers are great here.

Managing costs is a critical component to owning a franchise, and Will explains they have focused on those areas they can control, such as labor and portioning. Since most of their products are cold sandwiches, they dont have to deal with equipment such as fryers. Rather, they try to keep food costs down by teaching employees how to keep portions consistent.

Will said owning their own business has been in line with what he expected and would consider purchasing again in the future if it was the right opportunity. In the meantime he and Gina plan to diligently work on their current investment. This first year has been a learning curve, now were fine tuning operations so that next year well be even more productive. His advice to others considering the purchase of an existing business is to research the industry and ask other business owners about their experience. He also said to make sure there is a support structure in place. The franchise wants to see us suc-ceed just as much as we do. THE FIRM


Always Local, Always Beautiful

omaha magazine may/june

2015 65

MAY/JUNE 2015

Always Local, Always Beautiful

BROWNVILLEShort on Popula

tion,

Long on Culture

AT HOME WITH:The Carles

THE KNOTTY PALLET

Industrial Meets Rustic

LIFE AT THE LAKE

IS BETTER

September/October2015| 89 |bestofomaha.com

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

ALWAYS LOCAL, ALWAYS BEAUTIFUL

NEIGHBORHOODSThe Blackstone District

FUNKY-FRESHAirbnb Space in LincolnMANTERIORRustic Barn Becomes Man Cave

NINE AND TWOMID-CENTURY MODERN MAKEOVER

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2

015

ALWAYS LOCAL,

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WOLF IN SHEEPS CLOTHINGTurning

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ALWAYS LOCAL, ALWAYS BEAUTIFUL

STORIES FROM HOMEchip davis

PETER CALESBuilding Relationships, Building FurnitureDESIGN WOW!putting the fun in functional

PLAINS LIVINGON A MOUNTAINOUS SCALE

Fresh Off The Firm: Featured Listings for Sale

Emergency Medical Service & Transport OWNERS PROFIT $813,038 PRICE $2,736,000

Over 50 years of expertise and safety in EMS Services. Basic and advanced life sup-port in Nebraska and Iowa with a focus in the Omaha & Lincoln areas. 50+ well-trained and certified employees.

Salon with Booth Rental IncomeOWNERS PROFIT $30,398 PRICE $87,000

Full-service salon with nails and esthetics. Renters fill stations with spaces included for esthetics and massage. Turnkey busi-ness bustling with excitement and great interstate access.

Passively Owned ChildcareOWNERS PROFIT $151,961 PRICE $524,000

After 19 years in business, the current own-er of this profitable commercial childcare is retiring. Currently enrolled with 61 chil-dren. The owner works only 10 hours a week with an assistant director in place.

CPA Firm Established in 1979 OWNERS PROFIT $100,000 PRICE $100,000

Retiring owner/accountant looking to sell his book of business providing tax return prep, write-up work, and bookkeeping. Over 70 business returns and 180 personal returns filed annually. Seller will transition for up to 2 years to retain clientele if desired.

Midtown Gourmet Sandwich Shop OWNERS PROFIT $72,827 PRICE $252,000

This popular sandwich shop is part of a successful national franchise and comes with the master territory rights to the Oma-ha market. A full-staff of nine is on hand to serve customers who create a line out the door every lunch hour.

Inspection & Environmental Testing with Licensed Staff OWNERS PROFIT $596,204 PRICE $1,900,000

This successful testing company performs completes over 400 projects per year and offers geotechnical, materials testing, and environmental testing to its clients. More than $800,000 in assets and inventory are included in the purchase price.

**Successful Online Retail Store OWNERS PROFIT $396,485 PRICE $1,700,000

With annual sales close to $4,000,000, this Omaha-based online store has both longevity and sales history and an emphatic fan base with over 30,000 likes on its social media page. Includes over $300,000 in sell-able inventory.

Project Manager on Fixed Fee BaseOWNERS PROFIT $424,917 PRICE $1,014,0000

Serving clientele of custom home builders in the $350,000 to the $5 million range, this project manager allows owners a cost plus model, charging a fixed rate for scheduling and oversight of contractors. Over $26 million in custom-built homes in 2015!

** Brokers Choice | 110+ Available Business Opportunities For Sale. Please visit TheFirmBusinessBrokerage.com.



Amber Cushman

The Firm Deal ReviewTINY TOWN USAReason for Sale: Opportunity for a Second ChapterChildcare Capacity: 125Startup Funds: $30,000 in Seed Money; sold for more than 16x initial investmentType of Sale: Asset Purchase Agreement

Selling Her StartupChildcare Owner Turns Seed Money Into Serious Cash

written by Kathy Rygg | photography by Bill Sitzmann

A Publication of The Firm Business BrokerageA Publication of The Firm Business Brokerage

I LEARNED SO MUCH DURING THE SALES PROCESS, I M HOPING TO TAKE WHAT I EARNED AND REINVEST IT

IN A NEW OPPORTUNITY -Amber Cushman

There are a number of reasons as to why someone decides to purchase their own business. Some are looking for a career change, others want an investment to earn extra income. Amber Cushman wanted to provide high quality child care at an afford-able cost. In May 2010 she purchased Tiny Town USA in La Vista for $100,000. Five years later she sold it for $395,000; nearly 400% Return on Investment.

Her road to success didnt veer far from her passion. She said she has always en-joyed working with children, and as early as age 16 worked in different positions for Papillion La Vista Schools after school programs. Ambers sister, Neena Chase, followed a similar path that led her to the position of director at Tiny Town, which is

how Amber learned that the daycare was soon to be for sale.

Amber was nine months pregnant with her daughter when she bought Tiny Town, but that didnt stop her from diving in. I felt that all children, no matter their economic demographic, deserved to have the same opportunity to be in a safe, loving environ-ment where they can learn, Amber said. When she and Neena took over the center, it was only full with 43 children. Five years later enrollment had grown to 121 children.

I was really proud of that, she added.

Child care centers typically endure a lot of turnover with employees, pay mini-mum wage, and dont offer many benefits or perks. Some of the ways Amber and Neena rewarded employees for their hard work was by buying the staff pizza, handing out gift cards, and even giving them two 10-minute breaks throughout the day. Al-lowing employees to take a mental breather from any situation really helped the staff quite a bit, Amber said. Having happy employees resulted in having more kids enroll at the center. Most of the contact parents have is with the childs teacher. If that teacher is happy, loves their job, and believes in the center, then they are going to relay that to the parents. And when par-ents are happy, then word of mouth results in more students enrolled.


10

As with any business, social media is an-other tricky area to navigate. Amber said she taught all of the employees about public presentation and how to address comments posted to social media, whether positive or negative. She also insisted that any issues between employees be resolved immediately and in person.

Ambers success with Tiny Town led her to think about expansion. However, her per-sonal life took a turn when her husbands grandparents fell ill. They needed 24-hour care, and Amber started spending more of her time helping them and away from the center. She eventually made the difficult decision to sell Tiny Town. It was my baby, and leaving was one of the hardest things Ive ever done emotionally, she said.

She worked with The Firm to find a buyer, which Amber said was a very streamlined process. Working with The Firm made it


so easy. In todays world, its hard to find a business with true integrity, and thats exactly what The Firm has. The sale took almost a year because Amber wanted to make sure she found the right fit for Tiny Town. She turned down a few offers (even full price) until she found someone she felt shared her vision and passion. It turned out to be a group of female partners, all with backgrounds in education, so Amber said their interests really aligned with hers. Post-close Neena stayed on as director at Tiny Town, and Amber said her sister was happy with the transition as well.

As much as Amber loved working in child care, she wanted to explore opportunities that would enable her to spend more time with her family. After having a number of conversations with team members at The Firm, she realized she could reinvest her money in a new business that could po-tentially earn her an even greater income.

I learned so much during the sale pro-cess, she said. Im hoping to take what I earned and reinvest it in a new opportu-nity. On a typical business purchase, the buyer puts 10-15% cash down. Since Am-ber sold Tiny Town for $395,000, that gives her enough money to buy a new business with a purchase price in the neighborhood of $3 million. That type of reinvestment is in line with the philosophy of making your money work for you; a company with a 3 million dollar price tag should profit almost $1,000,000 annually.

But taking that next leap is a big endeavor, and Amber wants to make sure its once again the right fit. Her experience with the sale of Tiny Town inspired her in another way: she wanted to help others interested in buying and selling a business. As a result, she joined The Firm as a way to find and connect potential buyers and sellers as well as keep as eye out for that next opportunity for herself. It just seemed like a natural transition from where I was, to where I want to go, Amber explains.

Even though she experienced the sale of a business first-hand, Amber said watching how its done on the inside is even more fascinating and unbelievable the amount of work that must be done on each deal. I knew The Firm worked hard for me during my sale of Tiny Town, I just didnt know how hard they worked for every transaction they do, she said. Now that Im on the inside, what I admire most is how the entire team fights to beat their previous record and make themselves better than they were the day before.

Working for The Firm enables Amber to have a first look at businesses that come up for sale, but she said its also difficult not to want them all. She enjoys working for a com-pany that doesnt compare itself to others, since its already the prominent business brokerage in the state. Its incredible to see how the entire team shares the same mission, she boasts. And thats to provide a win-win for all of their clients. THE FIRM

I KNEW THE FIRM WORKED HARD FOR ME DURING MY SALE OF TINY TOWN, I JUST DIDNT KNOW HOW HARD THEY WORKED FOR EVERY TRANSACTION THEY DO,

-Amber Cushman


12

From the Power Company to Men in PowerTaking on Business Ownership Later in Life

written by Maureen Tierney

The Firm Deal ReviewTran-Tec Corp.Industry: ManufacturingCustomer Base: Only 2% in Nebraska# of Employees: 18Year Established: 1971

Its a specialized product made in small town Nebraska, but Jim Hanna and Bob Powers have made it work. The company they purchased in 2003, Tran-Tec Corp., makes heat sinks, which are aluminum pieces that siphon off heat from electronics and dis-sipate it through natural convection or fans. Heat sinks can be found everywhere from phones to industrial and medical equipment. The Columbus-based company has a wider national presence than statewide, as roughly only 2% of their work stays in Nebraska.

But getting himself into a financial hole was not what Hanna had in mind when NPPD began reducing numbers and offered him a buyout. Just as Hanna was thinking of re-tirement, Powers approached him with the possibility of owning Tran-Tec. When asked why he chose to take such a large risk at that time, Hanna simply states that, he likes a challenge. Besides, it is hard to turn down a good business opportunity at any age.

Hanna and Powers were gifted with the previous owners staying on in a part-time capacity throughout their ownership of Tran-Tec. In business since 1971, Tran-Tecs founder had sought to help make sure we were successful, says Hanna. He and Powers are paying it forward in kind.


When Hanna and Powers took the reins from the founding owner, neither had any real experience in the industry. It was three years of sheer terror, says Hanna in regards to the learning curve. While Powers handled the financial side, Hanna took some classes at the local community college to familiarize himself with the machinery and the process.

Thats not to say they were total outsiders. Hanna spent 34 years working as an elec-trical engineer for Nebraska Public Power District, while Powers had been employed in a similar arena. Both of them had connected over the years through their common field and on occasion even traded equipment in order to dig ourselves out of the holes we had gotten into.


Just this past September the two decided to sell their company after 12 years in order to fully retire. Both partners have signed contracts to help transition the new owners over the next year. In the 12 years that Hanna and Powers ran Tran-Tec, they managed to double the sales and growth of the business. Hanna is humble about this success.

When asked to name one of his favorite projects, Hanna mentions a California-based company that manufactures large, high-pow-ered microwave amplifiers used in military communications equipment. Tran-Tecs re-sponsibility is to incorporate the heat sinks into the base of the amp, so that not only is it a functional part of the equipment but also a way to get rid of the heat produced by the electronics in the piece. On the surface it doesnt seem exciting, but this partner-ship has allowed Tran-Tec to create with even more precision than in the past. Its been a cooperation that has stretched their capabilities to greater distances than they imagined possible.

This same curiosity for innovation and ex-ploration bleeds into Hannas keen interest in railroads and railroad history. Hanna sees the advent of railroads as an interesting time of history in our country and a really vital part of the economics of this country. He hopes to devote more time to his hobby in retirement. While Hanna does not plan to dig back into business ownership, his mantra is never say never. THE FIRM

The Firm Business Brokerage introduced the 2 Buyers to

each other, which they then formed a partnership and

bought Tran Tec.

THIS PARTNERSHIP HAS ALLOWED TRAN-TEC TO

CREATE WITH EVEN MORE PRECISION THAN IN THE PAST

-Jim Hanna


14


Executive Impact A Change of Pace to Business Ownership, Retirees as new business owners

written by Maureen Tierney

With Baby Boomers retiring, many businesses are being passed down to the next generation. For a growing num-ber, retirement is no longer a case of flying south for the winter, but hunkering down and diving into a new venture.

Many built their savings with hours of sweat equity, and while they profited from the years dedicated to earning a living, they arent ready to get out of the game yet. Instead, the appeal of self-employ-ment leads an enterprising few to reinvest for equity and a challenge. As Cassan-dra Waltrip, in-house accountant for The Firm, points out, the older generation has worked for other people and many find the advent of the Internet and technology exciting and it makes it easier to get into business themselves.

Finding the right business to fit ones life-style is key, and running a company through passive, or more absentee, approach is a great way to increase earnings well into full or semi-retirement. Waltrip herself is also looking to increase her retirement earn-ings potential through investing this way. She and her husband, Scott, are currently pursuing opportunities to become serial owners, and their approach to ownership is 100% a numbers decision. The erratic nature of the stock market leaves many on edge, prompting most older buyers to look toward diversifying their holdings through business ownership, says Waltrip.

As the go-to person preforming business valuations for The Firms current and poten-tial clients, Waltrip focuses on a companys books and whether or not it will have the ability to produce cash flow for a new own-er. This is crucial to those not sure about their retirement and to those re-evaluating where they are and where they would like to be financially. Most buyers arent look-ing to turn a business around, but rather to continue a proven trend of profitability.

Waltrip sees many older buyers looking into businesses outside of their realm of expertise. With the advantage of age and the right numbers, industry experience for a buyer is hardly a prerequisite for success. As Waltrip states, older owners are doing multiple things, and they want to diversify. THE FIRM

Cassandra Waltrip, In-House Accountant for The Firm Business Brokerage



Mongon and Garner did make physical changes to the clinic as well. They thor-oughly cleaned and painted the interior and added additional staff. They started with four employees and now have eight. They also hope to add a third veterinarian within the next couple of years. Were not the fanciest clinic in town, but were clean, have good equipment, and really good people, Mongon said. We really havent changed much from when we started 17 years ago, which is trying to be a full-service yet affordable vet clinic.

Their goals for the clinic going forward are to continue to grow their clientele by attracting new customers as well as through referrals, and to ensure all clients receive the best care possible. Although in retro-spect they wish they had made the leap to purchase their own clinic 10 years earlier, they both feel the timing ended up being right. We couldnt have done it without our family, staff, and clients, especially those new clients who were willing to give us a chance, Garner said. We went through some growing pains, and were so grateful for everyones support. THE FIRM

Goodrichs Vet PracticePLACED IN GOOD HANDS PG. 8

Off The FarmFROM HOG FEEDER TO FIVE-STATE CEO PG. 12

Ollie The TrolleyAN OMAHA TRADITION ROLLS

ON PG. 5

EXIT PLANNING EDITION

Win

ter

201

5

The Firm Business Brokerage warrants

the included information herin to be true

and accurate

Feature Follow Up Goodrich Veterinary Clinics Success Exceeds All Expectations

written by Kathy Rygg

Success comes in many forms. For Dr. Sarah Mongon and Dr. Melissa Garner, owners of Goodrich Veterinary Clinic, suc-cess has come in the form of rapid growth. In less than a year and a half, their active cli-ent base has gone from 2,216 in September 2014 to 3,861 in January 2016, an increase of 1,645 active clients in only 17 months. And they are on a path to continue that growth for the foreseeable future.

The Firm Deal ReviewGOODRICH VETERINARY CLINIC Purchased: October 2014 Projected Sales in Year 1:

$600,000 Actual Sales in Year 1: Over

$1,000,000 New Omaha Jobs Created: 6

UPDATE!When Mongon and Garner purchased the clinic, they said they didnt expect to draw a salary for some time. Within two months of opening, they were able to take one. Now, almost 18 months later, sales have quadrupled what they originally anticipated.

We far exceeded any of our expectations, Garner said. They retained a large percent-age of clients who were already patients of Dr. Goodrich post-close.



59THE BRAND BRIEF BY JASON FOX

Do you know who your competition is? This is not a trick question. Nor am I expecting you to answer in the negative (although if you did Id like to interview for that CMO position you so desperately and obviously need). Rather, I would bet that you know exactly who your competition is. And not just your primary competition, either. After all, its no great mental feat to notice that if youre a pizza joint, your arch nemesis is probably pushing pie as well. Id also illegally wager that you, theoretical dough wrangler, know your secondary competition includes other restaurants, grocery stores that offer take-out, GrubHub.com, and lazy trips to the

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