Business Unscripted

Ben Conover is a co-franchise owner of Tommy’s Express in Columbus, with other locations around the region. He talks about his path to entrepreneurship, why he loves it and future goals.

Quinten Rowley discusses his role with Aksarben Property Management, formerly Premier Property Management, a company that aims to provide the best and most comprehensive property management services to its clients throughout Nebraska and across the Midwest.

Steve Hughes, managing partner of the Big Apple Bagels location in Columbus, Nebraska, talks about what it was like to open a new restaurant a month before the COVID-19 pandemic began, overcoming obstacles, the importance of finding good people to work with and the fresh products Big Apple kicks out every day

Andrea Foley is a multi-family real estate investor, asset manager, deal analyst, CFO, mom and wife. She speaks on how she invests wisely, her drive to succeed and how she juggles her time between family and a thriving professional career.

Andrea Foley. Multi-Family Real Estate Investor, Asset Manager, Deal Analyst, CFO. Self-employed Simpson College. Omaha, Nebraska,

Longtime Columbus resident Dennis Hirschbrunner is president at DC Hirschbrunner Consulting LLC, but also well-known for his business savvy and determination to help grow the community with efforts like the Columbus Area Antique Fire Apparatus Museum, The Andrew Jackson Higgins Memorial, the Platte County Historical Society Museum and more.

Jim Booth's Booth Corp. is a family owned private Real Estate Investment company that has grown and expanded to include a wide variety of investments. He talks about the days of living in a tent to starting his business and helping dozens of families throughout the years.

Marie Kapels is an independent consultant with Arbonne, an MLM company that's said "to strive to be the best and healthiest company in the world." Whether through her business or personal life, Kapels is always aiming to win, learn and grow!

Vanessa Oceguera is the executive director of Keep Columbus Beautiful, a nonprofit whose mission is to provide education and programs on litter reduction and recycling for the beautification of the community. Recently named the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce's Volunteer of the Year, she's actively working to help make Columbus greener and a wonderful place to live.

After overcoming medical issues, Artzy Haven Owner Kristin Stock decided she wanted to venture out and follow her passion of entrepreneurship and scrapbooking. She's turned Artzy Haven into a must-visit location in Columbus and encourages people to just "swallow that frog" each day no matter what life throws at you.

Fuego Mexican Grill Co-Owner Maximino Ruvalcaba had thought about starting a clothing line, but ultimately decided to team with his parents and open Fuego Mexican Grill in Columbus, Nebraska. He says being an entrepreneur takes hard work, but he's determined to make Fuego a national brand.

Matt Lindberg is the marketing director for VRLY Columbus and Parkway Plaza, helping produce podcasts, market businesses, organizing events and launching a new monthly lifestyle magazine. He encourages people to never be afraid to ask questions, which has helped him throughout his career in marketing and journalism.

Kiara Ziemba is the owner/operator of downtown Columbus’ Transcendence Salon and Medical Spa. She relishes being a business owner, helping her employees and being a mother and foster mom. She encourages everyone to “shoot for the moon” - even if you miss, you’ll land in the stars. If you have a dream, you just have to go for it!

Trent Weiland owns Airframes In Screen Printing and went on a whim to start up a business after a friend suggested it. Within 1 week of “training”, he purchased all the necessary equipment and has ran his own business for 6 years now with recently moving into a commercial space. Trent has served our country and also works in construction full time. Balancing it all can be a challenge but you have to just “go for it” to take that chance.

Jenna Clark talks about her business success with SeneGence and taking her company to over $70 million in sales are ranked #2 nationwide. Sacrifices have to be made and communication is key with your family when working to grow personally and professionally!

Seize the day! Matt and his team will go above and beyond to suite your needs for your vehicle! From upholstery work, to detailing, and everything in between! It’s not easy starting a business in a new location but if you’re honest, true, and consistent, it’ll come together!

Deanna is bringing a new bookstore to Columbus called Terrace Books. She never thought of herself as a business owner but here she is, making big changes and doing something she loves! “There are no rules. This is your store! Once I got permission to think outside the box, things got real easy. It’s your business. You get to do what you want to do. You can be you.” 

Mel talks about her journey with starting her own business with interior design, decorating, staging. She helps homeowners in addition to Realtors to help get the most out of their properties with right decor!

Sheana Banks wears many hats! With running 3 businesses all while raising 5 children. Sheana has been very successful with her businesses and has plans to grow them to another level! She’s looking for the right team player to help take on some roles in these businesses!

Becky worked at a Manufacturer for 31 years before leaving and starting her own career, Wallin Wash & Groom! She’s learned a lot since starting and has many plans to continue to grow! Sheana, owner of Banks Boarding and Becky with Wallin Wash & Groom are in one location for your convenience. You can find their information via their Facebook pages.

Scott Mueller's Samson Inc. started as a family farm / feed yard that has blended traditional agriculture production with agricultural services towards a goal of increasing opportunities through value-added services and networks. Mueller is not only a highly-successful entrepreneur and businessman, but actively involved in efforts to grow Columbus.

Dr. Alicia started her business in Columbus almost 5 years ago and hasn’t looked back since. She does things a little differently than what most people are use to! She only does walk-in’s and has low costs and flat fee's associated with her services! As a mom of 2, soon to be 3, she stays busy and knows her clients on a more personal level.

From owning Staffco to retiring, Tonya was not planning to relaunch another business after almost 2 years of retiring! She is helping business owners, managers, employees come together to make the culture within the company stronger than ever!

Sandie Fischer handles Membership/Events/Sponsorship at the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce. Host Shae Spitz talks with Fischer about her role and background; the Chamber's upcoming July 4 fireworks show, this year's Taste of Columbus and more.

East-Central provides more service to the community than one may think! Worried about radon? They have FREE kits to pick up to make sure those levels are low. Struggling with purchasing healthy food, see if you qualify through their WIC program! Many more options are available through East Central.

Paige is a native to Columbus and moved away after college. She started in commercial lending with a bank in Iowa then was given the opportunity to move back to Columbus to sell insurance. Paige works hard for her clients and continues to grow her business through relationships and networking in the community!

Betsy is the new Parks & Rec coordinator in Columbus creating and running activities throughout Columbus. Tune in to hear what Columbus is doing for the Community and the different activities they have going on through the year. You can visit their website for upcoming events at https://www.columbusne.us/571/Parks-Recreation.

Mikaela talks about the struggles she encountered when moving to a new location she had no ties to and starting a new business. She has taken her business from 35 students to more than 300, even after the pandemic. You can find more information about her business and get your children signed up for classes at www.idanceprojectpac.com.

Meet Jessica, she is the safety & HR director at Superior Industries. Superior Industries started in Minnesota and arrived in Columbus, NE in 2014. Jessica has been with the company since 2015 and enjoyed the journey ever since. As many other businesses, hiring the right people is crucial and has been a struggle. Learn more about who they are and what they do. You can visit their website at https://superior-ind.com/contactus/.

Centro Hispano is a nonprofit organization established in 2009 that provides services in immigration, education, and business, primarily in Platte, Colfax, and Madison counties. Executive Director Karina Perez discusses her background, the organization, Columbus, and more!

Each Habitat for Humanity Organization is locally supported and operated which makes everything they do even more personal. Learn how you can help out even if you’re in high school. Most Habitat for Humanity organizations are not able to involve our students but here in Columbus, they have found a way!

BeYOUtiful Boutique is not your normal boutique store! They offer more than clothes, they can help you find the perfect colors for you through their “House of Color." Listen in to find out more information on what this all entails. You can also go to the shop's Facebook page for more information.

Here is my story about why I chose to become a realtor for kwELITE in Columbus, Nebraska. There is something about how a smaller community comes together to support each other, and the level of service they provide. I can't think of a better place to work and live!

Here is my story about why I chose to become a realtor for kwELITE in Columbus, Nebraska. There is something about how a smaller community comes together to support each other, and the level of service they provide. I can't think of a better place to work and live!

Here is my story about why I chose to become a realtor for kwELITE in Columbus, Nebraska. There is something about how a smaller community comes together to support each other, and the level of service they provide. I can't think of a better place to work and live!

Here is my story about why I chose to become a realtor for kwELITE in Columbus, Nebraska. There is something about how a smaller community comes together to support each other, and the level of service they provide. I can't think of a better place to work and live!