Midlands Business Journal

This week's MBJ highlights remarkable business leadership across Nebraska and Southwest Iowa ?? COVER STORY: Meet Kara Habrock, President and CEO of Roloff Construction, who transformed her father's company into a major infrastructure player. Her journey from reluctant IT helper to visionary leader culminated in transitioning the company to employee ownership—showcasing how family businesses can evolve while preserving their values. ?? WOMEN BREAKING BARRIERS: Two special sections highlight women's increasing impact in traditionally male-dominated fields: ? "Building the Future" examines women reshaping the construction industry ? "The Purse Strings" explores how women are taking control of financial planning and wealth management, projected to control $30 trillion by 2030 ?? ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT: Our FAB 50 profile features Shannon Bingham, whose Seven Salon & Boutique success story demonstrates how determination and community focus build thriving businesses. ?? BUSINESS BRIEFS: ? Werner Enterprises recognized with sustainability award ? New $45M development announced along Omaha's streetcar route ? Catalyst expands coworking space offerings ? Nebraska agriculture's $97.4B economic impact highlighted ?? ARTS & BUSINESS: Omaha Performing Arts reveals their "biggest season yet" with economic impact extending beyond the stage. View this weeks issue here: https://lnkd.in/g32f44iH The Midlands Business Journal continues its tradition of quality business reporting as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. #NebraskaBusiness #Leadership #WomenInBusiness #Construction #Finance #MBJ50

?? Last chance! ?? FINAL days to get tickets for #EthicSpace2025! In a world of misinformation, disinformation, and shifting public trust across industries and platforms, what does an ethical future for media and business look like? Join a powerhouse panel of media professionals & industry leaders as they tackle accountability, bias, and the evolving challenges of media ethics. Featuring: ? John Carreyrou ("Bad Blood" author, The New York Times) ? Andrea 'Andee' Hoig, Midlands Business Journal ? Taylor Johnson, WOWT-TV Channel 6 ? Tom Becka, Radio Talk Show Host ?? Moderated by Kristi Andersen, Kristi Andersen Communications ?? Thursday, March 13 ?? Creighton University's Heider College of Business ??? LAST CHANCE to get tickets: https://lnkd.in/g4M6Xv_R #EthicSpace2025 #CuttingEdgeEthics #MediaEthics #BusinessEthics #Leadership

We wanted to take a quick look back to Jan. 30th and congratulate five outstanding leaders on their induction into the Nebraska Business Hall of Fame, presented by the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Business. This year's honorees include Mike Boyle of Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. in Lincoln; Paul and Lori Hogan Home Instead in Omaha; state Sen. John Stinner of Western States Bank in Gering and state Sen. Matt Williams of Flatwater Bank in Gothenburg. What Nebraska leader would you want to see in the Nebraska Business Hall of Fame? ?? Read more in the Feb 28th edition of MBJ:?https://loom.ly/QsNGvOc - - - - #outstandingleaders?#fame?#industry?#business?#kawasaki?#university?#gothenburg?#nebraskabusiness?#businessleaders?#chamberofcommerce?#leader?#businesses?#HallOfFame?#LeadershipExcellence?#NebraskaLeaders?#Entrepreneurship?#BusinessSuccess?#InspiringLeaders?#NebraskaPride?#LeadershipAwards?#BusinessInnovation?#CommunityImpact?#LocalLeaders?#BusinessRecognition?#NebraskaEntrepreneurs?#LeadershipDevelopment?#Community?#SuccessStories?#Trailblazers?#VisionaryLeaders?#BusinessGrowth?#NebraskaSuccess?#Leadership?#Empowerment?#BusinessMentors?#Networking?#Inspiration?#NebraskaAchievements?#CelebratingSuccess?#FutureLeaders?#Local?#localbusiness?#omaha?#lincoln?#omahabusiness?#readmore?#journalism?#news?#mbj?#midlandbusinessjournal

With more than 35% of Nebraska public high school graduates choosing to pursue a career immediately following high school, students today stand to benefit from more career training options and experiences during their education. Through MCC Credential College, which was piloted at Horizon High School last year and has since expanded to other area schools, Dallas Christiansen earned two nationally recognized certifications before graduating, setting him up to pursue a career in digital device repair upon finishing high school. Learn more about the skills-based, short-term training programs offered through Credential College that can lead to in-demand career opportunities by clicking the link: https://lnkd.in/gvJUE8p8

Continuing its long-standing tradition of celebrating black artists during February, Nebraska Furniture Mart unveiled 11 local artists whose work will be displayed and sold through special exhibitions in its?#Omaha,?#KansasCity, and?#Texas?locations. 100% of all profits go back to the artists and as of February 17th, 150 pieces had been sold. How do you support and engage with local artists in your area? ?????? Read more about the?#featured?artists: Jada Messick, Shawnequa Linder, Patty Talbert, and Jevon Woods, in the February 21st edition of MBJ:?https://loom.ly/wjWyVYA - - - - #blackartist?#localartists?#localartist?#featureartist?#celebrateblack?#readmore?#nebraskafurnituremart?#tradition?#artists?#work?#omaha?#kansascity?#profits?#read?#NFM?#MBJ?#midlandsbuisnessjournal?#artshow?#business?#news?#journalism?#localart?#art?#artwork?#blackhistorymonth?#bhm?#blackhistory?#blackart?#local?#artist

At first glance, the general public may not appreciate what it took for Morrissey Engineering to achieve the complicated feat of implementing 42,000 square footage of air ducts, electrical accouterment, and mechanical engineering in The Josyln's new expansion project. However, this career-defining work of art brought them home a major?#award! From?#engineering?to?#artwork, how are you impacting your?#community??????? Read more in our Feb 12th issue of MBJ:?https://loom.ly/EqynzBE - - - #appreciated?#public?#squarefootage?#mechanicalengineering?#joslyn?#readmore?#airducts?#impactcommunity?#engineering?#engineer?#career?#work?#award?#communities?#impact?#electrical?#electricity?#architecture?#civilengineering?#mechanical?#news?#business?#journalism?#mbj?#midland?#heartland?#art?#museum

Interviews scare most people to death. But they're your chance to shine if you prepare right. Top candidates know exactly what to say before they walk in. The right answers can make you stand out from everyone else. Here's your ultimate interview mastery guide: Why Are You Interested In This Position? ? Name specific job duties that match your skills and interests. How Do You Handle Stress? ? Describe one clear method that helps you stay calm and focused. What's Your Greatest Strength? ? Pick one skill the job needs that you're really good at. Tell Me About A Time You Failed ? Share a real mistake and what you learned from it. How Do You Work In A Team? ? Give one example showing how you help the team succeed. What Do You Know About Our Company? ? Mention something specific from their website or recent news. Where Do You See Yourself In 5 Years? ? Show how growing with this company fits your career path. How Do You Handle Criticism? ? Explain how feedback helps you improve your work. Describe Your Ideal Work Environment ? Focus on a positive trait that matches their workplace culture. Why Should We Hire You? ? Sum up your main skill that solves their biggest need. How Do You Prioritize Your Work? ? Share your simple system for getting the most important things done first. How Do You Stay Updated In Your Field? ? Name one way you regularly learn new skills in your industry. ?? Pro Tip: Practice each answer out loud until it sounds natural. Simple, clear answers win interviews. Prepare these responses before you walk in. Which of these questions seems toughest to answer? Let me know in the comments below ? ? Repost if you found this insightful! ?? Follow Ford Coleman for more!

“In today’s world, every company is a tech company.” Our fearless leader, Laurel Oetken sat down with the Midlands Business Journal to discuss our growing Advisory Board, the 20+ tech-related bills in the Nebraska Unicameral we’re tracking, and how we plan to continue connecting industry leaders across the state. Check out the full story for more on what’s next:

?? Meet the Experts Speaking at #EthicSpace2025! ?? Our breakout speakers bring extensive experience and fresh perspectives on the ethical challenges shaping the future of business. From talent management to emerging industry dilemmas to changing media ethics, they’ll help you navigate what’s next. Register to join us March 13 at Creighton University Heider College of Business to learn from: ? John Carreyrou, The New York Times ? Leslie Little, Ethical Decision Making Ltd. ? Gavin Fenn-Smith, MIT Sloan School of Management ? Jeana Goosmann, Goosmann Law Firm ? Andrea 'Andee' Hoig, Midlands Business Journal ? Tom Becka, Author/Talk Show Host ? Taylor Johnson, First Alert 6 ? Kristi Andersen, Kristi Andersen Communications Don’t miss your chance to hear from these incredible leaders. ??? Register now: https://lnkd.in/g4M6Xv_R ?? Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ggRp9ymT #CuttingEdgeEthics #BusinessEthics #Leadership #ProfessionalDevelopment #EthicalLeadership

BIG NEWS for GLA! ?? We are being honored with a Proclamation for 60 years of serving Greenville County at the March 4th at the Greenville County Council! Thank you for the support for Greater Good Greenville, Catherine Puckett, Katy Pugh Smith Thank you Upstate Business Journal and Midlands Business Journal, MidlandsBizSC - Who's On The Move for sharing our press release!