Weekly Market Report: April 17, 2025

Nicole Buntgen, Contributing Writer

Kpot Korean BBQ & Hot Pot plans to open its first Nebraska restaurant in the former Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse in Village Pointe Shopping Center. One year ago, Kpot announced it would move into the former Granite City building at the Westroads, but that deal fell through. The rapidly growing chain of all-you-can-eat restaurants now has 106 locations. Kpot started in 2018 in New Jersey. The closest existing locations are in Sioux Falls, S.D.; Des Moines, Iowa; and the Kansas City area.

The Hollows, an upscale wine and cocktail bar, will soon open in Dundee at 5019 Underwood Avenue next to Pitch Pizzeria in its former party room space. A tentative opening date is set for June 15, according to the City Clerk’s Office.

Twin Peaks, a national sports bar chain, is returning to the Omaha market. Wichita, Kansas-based 3B Lodge has broken ground for a Twin Peaks at 313 North 179th Street just east of Home2 Suites. The 8,000 sq. ft. building will feature a large outdoor patio and is scheduled to open this November. The location will be a ground-up building with Twin Peaks’ made-from-scratch menu and daily drink specials. Twin Peaks previously had a restaurant at 173rd & West Center Road several years ago. The closest existing locations are in Kansas City.

A company by the name of Unity Seafood Cajun Grill & Bar has filed for a liquor license with the City of Omaha for a new concept at 7605 Cass Street in the former Outback Steakhouse space near 76th & Cass.

Artisan Boards of Omaha will host a grand opening event April 23 for its new brick-and-mortar location at 16920 Wright Plaza in the Shops of Legacy. The local business launched in 2019 as a catering company and will offer grab-and-go charcuterie boards, sandwiches, wine, free samples and a selection of honey and candles for purchase at its event.

Terra Gaucha, a Florida-based Brazilian steakhouse, plans to open on May 29 in the former Charleston’s building near 137th & West Dodge Expressway north of Boys Town. The restaurant promises the “Ultimate Churrasco Experience” with fire-roasted premium cuts carved tableside, a Gourmet Hot and Cold Table, velvety desserts, and a private events space.

Corn Coast Brewing, a Lincoln-based brewery, will officially open its Omaha taproom on April 19 at 10717 Virginia Plaza in La Vista next to HOTWORX and near both Kros Strain and Pint Nine breweries. The grand opening will feature a food truck and the release of four new beers, which will debut simultaneously in Lincoln.

Bawarchi Indian Cuisine at 17903 Pierce Plaza has changed its name to Biryaniwala. The ownership remains the same. The new name comes with menu additions, renovated dining experiences and a patio add-on. The restaurant is located in the Spring Ridge Shopping Center near 180th & Pacific Street.

Artemis Tea & Botanical Shop is making an intra-Blackstone-District move next month. The organic tea retailer is moving from its current shop at 4013 Farnam Street a few blocks to the east into the former Lazy Leopard cocktail lounge at 3618 Farnam Street. The existing shop will turn into production and fulfillment space. The business also operates an online store.

Christian Brothers Automotive will hold a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony on April 23 for its newest location at 20111 P Street near Ziggi’s Coffee. The west Omaha auto repair shop opened March 9 and joins three existing locations near 168th & West Maple Road, in Gretna near 180th & Highway 370, and in Papillion near 114th & Highway 370.

What are teenagers’ favorite restaurants? According to Nation’s Restaurant News, the top five are Chick-fil-A (17%), McDonald’s (11%), Chipotle (10%), Texas Roadhouse (5%) and Raising Cane’s (5%). Among beverage places, teenagers love Starbucks (57%), Dunkin’ (11%), McDonald’s (6%), Dutch Bros (6%) and Scooter’s Coffee (3%). Scooter’s is based in Omaha, by the way.

The “Restaurant & Retail Updates” section is sponsored by Anderson Convenience Market, featuring Quality AMOCO Fuels and serving Omaha since 1952, and proud to announce the return of Quality Amoco Fuels. Look for changes this Summer at Anderson Convenience Market – 8 Omaha area locations!

Learn more about Anderson Convenience market at www.Anderson1952.com

Major Development Could Be Coming to Council Bluffs Riverfront

By Isaiah Ang

The City of Council Bluffs is exploring monumental changes to their riverfront in order to address a housing shortage. That could lead to dense development along the Missouri River’s east bank.

Council Bluffs has been making landscape-changing moves at River’s Edge, an area north of Interstate 480, for more than a decade. The completion of Tom Hanafan Park in 2013 set the stage for ongoing commercial redevelopment in the area, including a 4-story office building and hundreds of apartments already completed, still under construction or being planned.

Additionally, construction has gone vertical for the long-awaited River’s Edge Phase 4 amenities, including the Treetop Walk and MidAmerican Energy Adventure Tower. The latter includes a 138-foot tall observation tower, a 50-foot rock-climbing wall and a roll-glide track. While these projects have transformed the Council Bluffs riverfront, the city has even more ambitious plans.

Council Bluffs Mayor Matt Walsh has been sounding the alarm on his city’s housing shortage. The current rental vacancy rate is 1.7 percent, and owner-occupied home vacancy rate is 0.6 percent. Without new housing, the city is growth-limited, plus such housing shortages can lead to faster growing rental rates and home prices.

The city also suffers from the increasing maintenance costs of aging infrastructure as well as suppressed property tax collections due to lower housing valuations compared to other Iowa communities. Coupled with rising costs from inflation, the city is seeking additional sources for property tax generation.

To address the myriad issues, the city is considering redevelopment of the historic Dodge Riverside Golf Course, located along the riverfront, south of Interstate 480. Recently, Council Bluffs commissioned HDR for a concept study and SB Friedman for a market feasibility study. The completed studies were presented to the city council last week.

Currently, the golf course brings in about $30,000 to 40,000 in annual revenue. According to the completed studies, if fully built out, redevelopment of the golf course could generate up to $22.7 million in annual property taxes. This is based on development with a total of $1 billion of assessed value, including nearly 4,000 new housing units and 248,000 sq. ft. of commercial space. The development would also include 36 acres of green space. Early renderings show a mixture of multi-family housing types, including riverfront high rises, 3-to-5-story apartment buildings and townhouses.

The city plans to declare the property as “surplus” at the May 5th City Council meeting. The declaration does not authorize the sale of the golf course.

However, if approved, the declaration triggers the lengthy process to ultimately sell the property, which would include public engagement, master planning, zoning change, formal appraisal and issuance of request for proposals, among other things.

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Isaiah Ang, Contributing Writer

The University of Nebraska Board of Regents approved the first Intermediate Design Report, or IDR, for the first phase of Project NExT known as Project Health. Project Health is the $2.19 billion healthcare facility planned for 7.5-acre site that was formally home of the Munroe-Meyer Institute.

The new facility will provide modernized facilities and could potentially allow UNMC to accommodate around 200 more students per year. The IDR approves needed demolition and relocation of utilities, installation of storm water and drainage systems, excavation and reconstruction work for heavy building components, such as elevator shafts.

National car wash franchise Tommy’s Express is breaking ground in the Bellevue. Located at 11533 South 31st Street, near China Buffet Mongolian Grill, this will be the brand’s first location in Bellevue and the 11th in the state of Nebraska. Opening will occur late this year.

The first “finished” part of Eppley Airfield’s $1 billion terminal remodel and expansion project is now complete in the south terminal on the lower level near the Delta and Frontier ticket counters. It’s a set of men’s and women’s restrooms. The new terminal will have nearly double the square footage as old one and will feature centralized security, more restaurants/shops and international arrivals capability. The new terminal will open in phases, but the final completion will take place in 2028.

Construction is now underway on the final piece of the $300 million Riverfront parks project that completely renovated Gene Leahy Mall, Heartland of America Park and Lewis & Clark Landing. It’s a set of pickleball courts just north of the Kiewit Luminarium. Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority, which runs the Riverfront parks, had to wait on permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers before construction could begin.

Omaha is among the top 20 metro areas for most “build-to-rent” completions in 2024, according a report by Point2Homes. Omaha added 554 new single-family rentals last year and has 916 additional units planned or under construction. Build-to-rent houses are built specifically for long-term renters. Omaha ranked #18. The top five metros were Phoenix, Dallas, Atlanta, Houston and Charlotte. The only other top-20 metro in our region was Minneapolis at #10.

The Joslyn Art Museum’s new Rhonda & Howard Hawks Pavilion has been certified a LEED Gold building by the US Green Building Council. The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) green building rating system sets the highest design and construction standards addressing carbon, energy, water, waste, transportation, materials, health and indoor environmental quality.

Nebraska is a middle-of-the-road state for older workers, according to Seniorly’s analysis of the best states for workers over 65 based on six data categories. Nebraska tied with Delaware for 21st place. The best states were Washington, New Hampshire and Alaska. The worst state was Mississippi. A record 11.2 million Americans 65 and over are in the workforce. That number will climb to 14.8 million by 2033.

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The Witchery at Blackstone, a locally owned barber shop, has opened in the Blackstone Plaza building at 3555 Farnam Street. That 15-story building recently welcomed HomeGrown, a Kansas-based, brunch restaurant. The building is most famous for housing Warren Buffett’s office. The original Witchery Barber is located at 2941 South 108th Street. Both Witchery locations are part of Omaha Barber Group, which also includes Dundee Barber and Victory Barber.

Junk King will open its first Omaha franchise this spring at 24406 Highway 275 in Waterloo, according to franchisee Joe Wherry, a retired police officer, who also owns Mathnasium of Elkhorn. The targeted opening date is May 19. Junk King is a bulky item and junk removal business. The company’s signature red trucks are “specially designed to hold 20 percent more volume than the competition.” Junk King strives to donate, repurpose or recycle 60 percent of the items it hauls.

Union Pacific Corporation will release first quarter 2025 financial and operating results on April 24 at 6:45 a.m. The company’s management team will host a conference call and live webcast at 7:45 a.m.

Bankers Trust has opened a community room at its new branch office building at 19202 Davenport Street. The room can accommodate up to 75 people and is available to non-profit organizations, small businesses, bank clients and other local groups to book for meetings, networking and workshops. The room is available Monday – Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. For reservations, contact Angie Peters at (402) 408-1880.

Forward Physical Therapy + Performance has moved into the former Sound Method Yoga space at 12302 Emmet Street. The physical therapy and performance company offers personalized, one-on-one coaching and rehab with an emphasis on movement and education. Their doctorate-trained physical therapists, with expertise in strength and conditioning, use “a modern approach to health and fitness to help active people move from pain to peak performance.”

Skradski Heating & Cooling is the Greater Omaha Chamber’s April business of the month. The company has been serving Omaha for more than 50 years.

For the 19th time in the past 20 months, Creighton University’s Rural Mainstreet Index sank below the 50.0 growth reading in April, according to the monthly survey of bank CEOs in rural areas of a 10-state region dependent on agriculture and energy. The region’s overall reading for April fell to 40.0 from March’s 41.1. The survey also revealed that three-fourths of rural bankers support President Trump’s increase in tariffs on imports from China.

Dean Snyder Construction (DSC), founded in 1958, is a family-and-employee-owned general contractor and design-build firm. We serve the commercial, food and beverage processing, industrial, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and healthcare markets. Our commitment to hard work, direct communication, owner involvement, and exceeding client expectations ensures long-term customer satisfaction. Contact us at www.deansnyder.com

The HDR Foundation, in partnership with All Kids Bike, announced the expansion of the All Kids Bike Kindergarten PE Learn-to-Ride Program to Benson West Elementary School, a Title 1 school in Omaha. The comprehensive program includes teacher training and certification, complete curriculum with lesson plans, games and activities, a fleet of 24 Strider balance-to-pedal bikes, pedal conversion kits, fully adjustable student helmets, an instructor bike with pedal conversion kit and helmet, two rolling storage racks, and access to a resource portal with live support for the life of the program.

SHARE Omaha’s Do Good Days are April 23-26. This annual event connects individuals and groups of all sizes with volunteering and donation opportunities that fit their passions, schedules, skills and more.

As part of its 50-year anniversary celebrations, Siena Francis House is hosting Over The Edge, a fundraiser which challenges participants to raise $500 in order to rappel down the side of The Highline apartments on 24th and Dodge. No rappelling experience necessary! Funds raised will assist the Siena Francis House in its mission to welcome, shelter and empower individuals experiencing homelessness navigate their path to housing.

Spark CDI, a nonprofit focused on addressing housing needs and revitalizing disinvested neighborhoods, is working to turn an abandoned convent into an affordable, multi-family housing complex. Formerly Lutheran Service Corps, the building is located at 6220 N 30th St, across the street from Miller Park. The project is part of Spark’s coDA (co-Devolpment Apprenticeship) program and is led by local women.

Native American nonprofit, Healing Ribbons, will celebrate the opening of their new home at 5017 Leavenworth Street, with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. Friday, April 18. The intergenerational Indigenous women and 2-Spirit nonprofit organization promotes holistic wellbeing, healing, positive cultural identity and cultural revitalization.

How Buying or Selling a House Affects the Local Economy

By Jill ANderson

Whether you’re buying or selling a house, here’s something to think about – your decision doesn’t just impact your life. It sparks a ripple effect that has a positive impact on your entire community.

Every year, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) puts out a report that breaks down the financial impact that comes from people buying and selling houses.

The data show that if you buy an existing house, you’re giving the local economy a boost of just over $60,000. And if you buy a newly built house, that number goes up to over $125,000 (see breakdown below):

• Income generated from real estate industries: $35,114 (28% total impact)
• Expenditures related to home purchase (furniture & remodeling): $5,620 (4.5% total impact)
• Multiplier of housing related expenditures: $19,553 (15.6% total impact)
• New home construction: $65,027 (51.9% total impact)

That’s because of all the people needed to build, fix up and sell homes. Robert Dietz, chief economist at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), explains how the housing industry adds jobs to a community:

“. . . housing is a significant job creator. In fact, for every single-family home built, enough economic activity is generated to sustain three full-time jobs for a year . . .”

Behind every house sale is a network of people involved, including contractors, city officials, real estate agents, lawyers, specialists and others. Everyone has a job to do to help make sure your deal goes through.

So, your decision to move doesn’t just meet your needs; it supports others, strengthens your town and shapes the future of your community.

Moving isn’t just a personal milestone – it’s an investment in your community, too. If you’re ready to make a move, let’s connect. I would love to hear what’s important to you as you prepare to buy or sell a house this year.

Grow Omaha Residential is developed and sponsored by Jill Anderson, President Residential Sales, NP Dodge Real Estate 402.255.5099 or jill.anderson@npdodge.com.

We’re not just real estate. We’re NP Dodge.

Cole Young, Contributing Writer

Supernovas middle blocker Kaitlyn Hord recorded history twice on Saturday against the San Diego Mojo. Hord verified her versatility, setting a new PVF single-season blocks record, while at the same time, recording the highest attack percentage in franchise history. Even with the historic output, the Supernovas could not overcome the Mojo, falling in four sets for their first loss since March 22. Omaha, PVF’s top team, will play a tune-up match at 7 p.m. tonight at home against Grand Rapids before Saturday’s home clash against the second-place Atlanta Vibe.

Saturday’s match will most likely break the PVF attendance record, set time and again by the Supernovas. The Vibe have the best vibes in the PVF currently, carrying a league record 10-game win streak into Saturday’s match. The PVF’s No. 1 overall pick Merritt Beason, along with former Husker and current Vibe head coach Kayla Banwarth, will return to face Beason’s former Husker teammates Lindsay Krause and Ally Batenhorst. Omaha is 2-0 this season against the Vibe.

Omaha Hockey Alumnus Ty Mueller made his NHL debut Saturday for the Vancouver Canucks, according to an Omaha Hockey post on X. Mueller was a fourth-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft and the fifth Maverick to make his NHL debut since 2023. He was reunited with former teammate Victor Mancini, who was traded to the Canucks in January.

Following a tumultuous regular season, LOVB Omaha defied all odds, reaching the inaugural LOVB championship match by defeating No. 2 LOVB Houston in a reverse sweep Friday. Omaha, which had lost 11 of its last 12, upset No. 3 Madison on Thursday to set up the epic semifinal comeback. With Austin defeating top-seeded Atlanta the same way, the bottom two seeds in all of LOVB faced off in the championship game Sunday afternoon.

The championship match did not go as planned for Omaha, which could not get anything going offensively and was out blocked by Austin 16-3. Austin, a team that had Omaha’s number all season, won the championship in three sets, improving to 4-1 against Omaha.

Omaha Baseball saved a weekend series against South Dakota State after going into Sunday’s game with an 0-2 record and fresh off a 13-3 run-rule loss Saturday. Sunday was a different story, with the Mavericks posting a program record-tying 24 hits and run-rule win 19-5 in seven innings. Omaha sits at fourth place in the Summit League and will look to improve on that mark with a home series this weekend against Oral Roberts. First pitch is 4 p.m. Thursday.

Creighton Softball got back on track this weekend after losing to Nebraska 8-2 last week. The Bluejays swept the weekend series against Butler behind two run-rule decisions. In Sunday’s game, the Jays scored 19 runs, tied for third-most in a single game in program history. Creighton is now 8-7 in Big East play after two consecutive sweeps of Georgetown and now Butler. They will host a home series this weekend against St. John’s, with first pitch at 4 p.m. Thursday.

The Omaha Beef’s 24-game win streak was snapped Sunday at the hands of the Beaumont Renegades, 36-31. The team’s last loss, regular or postseason, was June 25, 2022, in the CIF Championship game prior to moving to the NAL. The 3-1 Beef will welcome the Sioux City Bandits this Saturday at 6:30 p.m. Omaha has played Sioux City more than any other team in its history, with a level 24-24 regular season record all time against the Bandits.

Former Husker and LOVB Icon Lexi Rodriguez was announced Tuesday as the recipient of the prestigious Amateur Athletic Union Sullivan Award, given annually to “the most outstanding athlete at the collegiate or Olympic level in the United States.” She beat out athletes like Naismith National Player of the Year Cooper Flagg, Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashton Jeanty and joins a club that includes athletes like Michael Phelps, Peyton Manning and Caitlin Clark. Rodriguez is the only Husker Volleyball player to win the award that dates to 1930 and is the second ever Husker to win it, joining wrestler Rulon Gardner.

Steven Ashworth was named First Team Academic All-American by the College Sports Communicators on Tuesday. Ashworth is just the third-ever Creighton basketball player to receive First Team honors according to Assistant Athletic Director Rob Anderson, joining Tyler Clement and Rick Apke.

Union Omaha defeated San Antonio 1-0 in the third round of the U.S. Open Cup Tuesday night thanks to a Dion Acoff goal in the 36th minute. Omaha defeated a pair of USL League Two clubs, Flatirons FC and Des Moines Menace, in the first two rounds to get here.

The Interleague knockout tournament is comprised of 96 teams, with 64 coming from all three levels of the U.S. soccer league system and 32 amateur teams. The round of 32 will feature 16 MLS teams vs. the 16 winners of round three, meaning that the Owls will have a huge opportunity May 6 or 7 against a to-be-determined MLS club.

Creighton baseball fell to Nebraska Tuesday night, 6-3 at Charles Schwab Field. The game was back and forth for the first five innings when the Huskers tied it up 3-3 thanks to a Bluejay error. In the sixth, Nebraska took the lead for good for the Huskers’ first win against an in-state rival this season. With the season series tied 1-1, the rubber match will be May 6 in Lincoln. Creighton will look to get back on track with a home series this weekend against St. John’s. First pitch is Thursday at 4 p.m.

Former Bluejay Alan Roden notched his first major league home run on Tuesday, sending a two-run shot to right field that broke a fifth inning tie with the Atlanta Braves. Through 45 at bats this season, Roden has posted a respectable .265 batting average with only eight strikeouts. The Toronto Blue Jays’ No. 5 prospect made his MLB debut with the team on opening day and has never looked back, starting every game this season at right field. The Blue Jays do not have any nationally televised games on their schedule yet.

Omaha Softball is ranked 24th in D-I Softball’s Mid-Major rankings that were released Wednesday. The Mavericks are in first place in the Summit League, are the league’s top scoring team and boast one of the nation’s best pitchers in Maddia Groff. Omaha is on a nine-game win streak going back to March 30. Next is a home series against South Dakota with first pitch at 2 p.m. Friday. Omaha looks to extend its win streak prior to another crosstown matchup against Creighton next Tuesday. Omaha won the last meeting 3-2.

The Storm Chasers are in the midst of a home series against the Norfolk Tides this week. The series is split 1-1. Omaha won Tuesday’s game 9-8 in the first matchup between the two teams since 1991, before losing 15-6 last night. First pitch tonight is at 6:35 p.m. for $3 Thursday. Get your tickets, Busch Light and select concessions for just $3.

Upcoming Games

• Creighton Baseball vs. St. John’s (April 17-19) | Today, April 17 | 4 p.m.
• Creighton Softball vs. St. John’s (April 17-19) | Today, April 17 | 4 p.m.
• Omaha Baseball vs. Oral Roberts (April 17-19) | Today, April 17 | 4 p.m.
• Omaha Supernovas vs. Grand Rapids | Tonight, April 17 | 7 p.m.
• Omaha Storm Chasers vs. Norfolk Tides (April 15-20) | Tonight, April 17 | 6:35 p.m.
• Omaha Softball vs. South Dakota (April 18-19) | Friday, April 18 | 2 p.m. & 4 p.m.
• Omaha Supernovas vs. Atlanta Vibe | Saturday, April 19 | 6 p.m.
• Omaha Beef vs. Sioux City Bandits | Saturday, April 19 | 6:30 p.m.
• Creighton Baseball vs. North Dakota State | Tuesday, April 22 | 6 p.m.
• Omaha Softball vs. Creighton Softball | Tuesday, April 22 | 6 p.m.
• Creighton Baseball at South Dakota State | Wednesday, April 23 | 6 p.m.

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The Omaha Symphony will feature Milwaukee Symphony’s Music Director Ken-David Masur, along with Australian prodigy violinist Amaryn Olmeda, in a pair of concerts on April 25 & 26. The performances will include two Mozart classics, as well as Dvorak’s Symphony No. 6. More information, including ticket prices and purchasing options, can be found at OmahaSymphony.org

Omaha Mobile Stage announces Crooner’s Corner, a new outdoor event debuting on Friday, May 2 at 6 p.m. Crooner’s Corner is an intimate evening of smooth vocals and soulful storytelling, celebrating the rich legacy of Black crooners who paved the way for generations of vocalists. This showcase uplifts Black musical excellence and brings the community together through the power of voice, storytelling, and timeless sound. The event is free and open to the public and takes place at the intersection of 61st & Maple Street during Benson First Friday.

The Future Rockers of Omaha Foundation announced the inaugural Future of Rock Festival, a one-day, high-energy celebration dedicated to showcasing Omaha’s talented youth musicians. Scheduled for May 17 at Granary Green in Ralston, the festival aims to unite the community through live performances, interactive activities and a shared passion for music.

To further promote the festival and provide a platform for these emerging artists, the Foundation has partnered with Webberized Podcast Studio, a local podcast production company, to create a podcast series featuring interviews with the young musicians.

The Omaha Community Playhouse is turning up the fun with a musical packed with nostalgic tunes written by the one and only, Jimmy Buffett. “Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville” runs April 18 – May 11. Tickets are on sale now starting at $25 for adults. Tickets may be purchased at the OCP Box Office at 6915 Cass Street, by phone at (402) 553-0800 or online at OmahaPlayhouse.com.

The Rose Theater will begin its run of Pete The Cat on April 18. Based on the series of children’s books, this musical follows a groovy blue cat named Pete and his friend Jimmy on a rocking adventure of friendship. Tickets are available at rosetheater.org/shows

Calling Creatives and Ital Vital Living are teaming up to announce Paint & Sip Night, an event honoring Earth Month with local artist Deborah Taylor. A chance to slow down, sip something yummy, and create something inspired by nature. The event is on April 26 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Ital Vital Living, located at 7639 Cass Street.

Altura, local indie-hard rock band, has announced the upcoming departure of band founder and frontman Sean McArdle. The farewell show with McArdle is April 18 at the Waiting Room. Luckily for the music scene, Altura will be continuing on in their new form.

LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT

Stock market turmoil and political uncertainty are causing some people to panic. Entrepreneur magazine recently reminded readers of some classic Warren Buffett advice. In his 2017 letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders, the Oracle of Omaha quoted a Rudyard Kipling poem:

If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs…
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting…
If you can think – and not make thoughts your aim…
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you…
Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it.

That said, we could be facing some economic challenges. Of more than 300 CEOs polled this month, 62 percent said they expect a recession in the next six months, according to CNBC. That’s up from 48 percent last month.

SALES

Sales expert Keith Lubner once asked his client (the leader of a sales department) what kind of team he would ideally like to create. The sales leader said he’d take an entire team of people feeling slightly uncomfortable with how they have progressed toward their goals. Number two’s have an “edge”, “a willingness,” a “desire,” he said. “They are like sponges in always trying to improve.”

What’s one of the biggest negotiation mistakes sales pros tend to make? Making concessions too early. When you make people wait before you concede something, you increase the value of that concession, says sales expert Kelley Robertson

There are a lot of things that allow some sales pros to be elite, but one of them is the mindset of success. Top producers quickly accept responsibility for their mistakes and graciously accept credit for their successes. Plus, they tend to be me more optimistic than pessimistic.

WISDOM

“If you fixate on the worst-case scenario and it actually happens, you’ve lived it twice.” – Michael J. Fox

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Did you know Omaha had its lowest crime rate in more than a decade last year? We had a 17 percent drop in all crime in 2024 and a 21 percent reduction in violent crime.

Did you know Nebraska beef exports exceeded $2 billion in 2024?

Did you know the City of Omaha is building a $45 million indoor-outdoor sports and activity center at Levi Carter Park? Located just west of Eppley Airfield, the complex is completely funded by grants.

This section is sponsored by Lockbox Storage, an affiliate of Omaha-based McGregor Interests Inc. We provide storage solutions for all of your storage needs. Our facilities have full-time managers and bright lighting to provide superior security for your belongings. In addition to space for rent, we also provide packing supplies, protection plans and locks along with complimentary handcarts and dollies. Visit LockBox Storage and let us help you with all your storage needs.

Making a Scene happening on April 18th: Get ready to laugh with “Making a Scene” at the Blackstone Theater, featuring the quick-witted cast of Big Canvas! This family-friendly, short-form improv show is a one-of-a-kind adventure. Cast members may include Tracie Mauk, Ben Webb, Sean Flaherty, Cassi Warren and Stephen Alloy. Every show is completely unscripted and full of surprises!

Friday Night Live happening on April 18th: Kick off your weekend with free live music at the Paddle Club Friday, April 18 from 6:30–9:30 p.m. Enjoy great food, drinks and good vibes as The Midwest Message, an acoustic alternative rock duo, brings a wave of nostalgia to your Friday night. The event is 21+ and free-no registration required. Grab your crew and come hang!

Spring EGGstravaganza happening on April 20th: Celebrate spring at Lauritzen Gardens’ Spring EGGstravaganza, a fun-filled day of eco-friendly egg hunts, crafts, prizes and family-friendly activities! Enjoy decorating wooden eggs, competing in a timed egg hunt, exploring a garden-wide scavenger hunt and snapping a photo with the Easter Bunny. Scoop up sweet treats in sustainable bags and get creative at the egg decorating and spring photo stations. It’s a joyful celebration for all ages set in a beautiful garden backdrop!

E-Commerce & Friends Meetup | Sarah Spooner, Founder of Four Sisters Boutique happening on April 24th: Get ready for an evening filled with inspiration, connections and insights! Elevator is thrilled to welcome Sarah Spooner, the visionary founder of Four Sisters Boutique, as guest speaker. With a passion for fashion and entrepreneurship, Sarah has grown her boutique into a destination for trend-savvy shoppers. Learn how she turned her dreams into a thriving business and get actionable advice on growing your own venture!

Total Body Conditioning with the YMCA of Greater Omaha recurring weekly on Mondays until April 28th: Join in for a high-intensity outdoor workout at Millwork Commons’ Prairie, combining cardio and strength intervals to boost overall fitness, agility and athleticism. The class is designed to challenge you, but modifications are available for all fitness levels. No equipment is needed – just come ready to move and push yourself!

This section is sponsored by Eagle Mortgage, a locally owned, full-service mortgage company helping you with Conventional, VA, FHA and USDA loans in both Nebraska and Iowa. Learn how Eagle Mortgage helps people afford the home of their dreams by clicking HERE!

Green Plains Inc. announced it is “continuing the refreshment of its board of directors” through the appointments of Steven Furcich, Carl Grassi and Patrick Sweeney.

Veridian Credit Union has promoted Alice Flores Cuellar to branch manager. She was most recently a loan advisor.

Three members of the Omaha Community Foundation team—Donna Kush, Vanessa Denney, and Katie Vogel—are among the first professionals in the nation to complete the new Donor Advised Fund Professional Certificate through The American College of Financial Services.

The institute for Career Advancement has awarded its 2025 Leadership Award to Amanda Brewer, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Omaha.

The Greater Omaha Chamber is a catalyst and connector, advocating for businesses small and large. Learn, share and grow with more than 12,000 professionals from 3,000 member businesses across Greater Omaha. Click HERE to see our latest events.

Unless you spent the last month on the planet Melmac, you may be wondering to yourself, WTF is going on. A few days ago, Mr. Market began throwing one of his classic hissy fits. While the media would have you believe that Armageddon is just around the corner, in my humble and erudite opinion, on a scale of one-to-ten, this temper tantrum one is only a 2.5.

During 2023 and 2024. Mr. Market was in a giddy mood and climbed more than 50 percent. Entering February 2025, Mr. Market morphed into in a sluggish mood and lopped 5 percent off his peak closing.

Then along comes April, and according to the media, all eyes turn to the dreaded Trump tariffs. Spoiler alert; This was nothing new. Trump began been talking about tariffs on Oprah’s show in 1997. He talked about them in the campaign. He mentioned them in his inaugural address. D-Day arrives and he schedules a Rose Garden press conference to reveal the who, what and when.

The day before the big reveal, the market climbed 1.5 percent. Trump goes on national TV after the market close. The moment his lips moved, a flock of guys in the CBOE pits smelled blood in the water, and the number of options on the top seven S&P stocks jumped 500 percent. This topples the near-term futures contracts on the S&P and Nasdaq, and the carnage begins. Next morning the market opens, volume quadruples, and the indexes plummet over 10 percent. Half an hour later, volume returns to normal, and the indexes flatline. This goes on for two days.

Three days later, out of the blue, at 1:43 p.m., trump announces a 90-day pause on all the tariffs, except China. Within minutes, the market gains back all the crushing loses it experienced since the Rose Garden kafuffle. Can I have an Amen?

The media would have you believe – and I truly think they believe it themselves – that the investors behind all this trashing about are people with green eye shades and a calculator.

First of all, for every seller, there’s a buyer. So somewhere out in the cosmos, somebody/thing has to be buying, or else the mayhem disappears. But wait, 80 percent of the activity was high-speed traders who start the with nothing, and end the day with nothing. So, maybe the flash traders are both the buyers and the sellers?

Bottom line, Mr. Market is unpredictable and paying for market predictions is a losing proposition. If you own a low-cost index fund that mimics the original indexes – not one concocted in a Wall Street back office – and don’t get caught up in the media hyperbole, you will live well and prosper.

Hubbell Realty Company is a full-service development company providing construction, development, homebuilding and management services since 1856. Click HERE for more information.

Quantum Fiber in Omaha, Nebraska, is super-fast, reliable internet. We did away with data caps, bundles, and pricing gimmicks because you don’t want them. Instead, you get game-changing customer service, transparent pricing, and a powerful app for freedom, simplicity, and control over your internet. Quantum Fiber is what internet service looks like when it’s built for the world of you.

The Grow Omaha radio show broadcasts live every Saturday morning at 9:00, but now you can watch videos of each episode instead of just listening.

Grow Omaha’s brand-new website features video footage shot inside the radio studio during each week’s show!

Videos include News of the Week, Lightning Round, guest interviews, and “Grow Omaha Uncut,” a behind-the-scenes look at what happens during commercial breaks.

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