Weekly Market Report: April 3, 2025

Nicole Buntgen, Contributing Writer

The Brunch Box, a breakfast-and-lunch restaurant in downtown’s Capitol District, plans to open a second location in the Oak View Mall Food Court. Owner Stephanie Goodrich and her business partner Robert Johnson will open the Oak View location this spring in a space once occupied by The Cookie Company. The owners have additional plans for space within the mall that they aim to announce soon. The existing Brunch Box is at 225 North 12th Street.

Primo’s Modern Mexican has reopened its Aksarben-area restaurant at 5914 Center Street. The family-owned eatery temporarily closed last week but has returned with new hours and an updated menu featuring breakfast, lunch and dinner. Primo’s was founded in 2010 and also operates a Council Bluffs location at 930 5th Avenue.

The owners of Pepperwood Village at 156th & West Dodge Road are planning for a yet-to-be-named fast-food restaurant. The Omaha Planning Board will review a request to amend the development agreement to allow for the new building. According to the application, the restaurant will be 2,700 sq. ft. and have a drive thru. It will be built near the First Interstate Bank branch in the large parking lot.

Barn Girls Farms is holding a ribbon cutting today for its store at 5306 South 73rd Street in Ralston. The family owned business is a farm-to-table operation serving locally grown microgreens, farm-fresh eggs, grass-fed meats, freshly baked sourdough bread and a wine bar.

Barnes & Noble will hold a grand opening Wednesday, April 9 for its store at 7949 Towne Center Parkway in Papillion’s Shadow Lake Towne Center. The 12,000 sq. ft. space was previously home to a Best Buy store. Barnes & Noble has an existing metro area store near Oak View Mall.

We have an update on Krush Ultra Lounge, formerly Throwback Arcade Lounge, at 1402 Howard Street downtown. The bar reached a settlement with the City of Omaha and will surrender its liquor license on April 14, agreeing to drop its appeal of the Omaha City Council’s previous 6-0 vote to revoke the license, following several police incidents, including fights and a shooting.

Club180, an adult entertainment club located inside Two Fine Irishmen bar at 18101 R Plaza, faces a $10 million lawsuit from neighboring businesses, employees and security guards. The lawsuit alleges labor law violations, sex and drug trafficking, and misappropriation of funds. An attorney statement claims the club’s owner instructed dancers and customers to use cocaine and alcohol in areas not covered by cameras.

Snooze Mattress Company plans to open a third Omaha store at 17011 Evans Street, which is in the end-cap bay of a retail strip center just southeast of 171st & West Maple Road. The building has a Jimmy’s Egg and other retailers. Interior build-out is underway. Snooze Mattress has existing Omaha stores in the Shops of Legacy and Rockbrook Village. The locally owned franchises are among 16 total locations in nine states.

Ella Rose Aesthetics, a local medical spa, will host its ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 5 at its new location at 17725 Welch Plaza. The spa, which opened in February 2022 and was previously located at 17785 Mason Street inside Michele Strom Image Consulting, aims to blend medical expertise with an artistic touch to offer aesthetic treatments that enhance natural beauty and boost confidence.

Woodhouse Cadillac is building a 25,798 sq. ft. auto dealership and service shop at 17335 Burt Street in West Dodge Pointe. The site is located along the north side of the West Dodge Expressway near several existing car dealerships. A Genesis dealership is also planned.

Chase Bank will hold a grand opening and ribbon cutting on May 1 at its new branch at 13720 West Maple Road. The nearest existing branch is located just southeast near 120th & West Dodge Road. Chase Bank currently operates more than 10 Omaha metro area locations.

Hooters has filed for bankruptcy but will remain open for business. The Atlanta-based chain has more than 400 locations in 42 states and 29 countries. Locally, Hooters has locations in La Vista and Council Bluffs. All locations will operate as franchises after the bankruptcy process is complete.

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

Former Downtown Hotel Slated for Demolition & Redevelopment

A vacant building at 2211 Douglas Street is slated for redevelopment. The project will be part of massive wave of downtown Omaha redevelopment projects and will bring badly needed affordable housing to the urban core.

The 3-story building was once the 402 Hotel, and before that was an EconoLodge motel. The property is controlled by Front Porch Investments and Together.

The two local organizations released a Request for Proposal earlier this year to redevelop the former hotel into affordable housing. The property was most recently used as non-congregate shelter by Together during the pandemic and is now vacant.

The 20,000 sq. ft. structure opened in 1964 and sits on a 29,555 sq. ft. lot. Since becoming vacant, the building has become an eyesore as plywood covers the first-floor doors and windows.

The selected developer, Lincoln-based Hoppe Development, plans to build a 73-unit, mixed-income, senior housing community with more than half of the units affordable to households earning at or below 60 percent of the area median income.

“This redevelopment will preserve affordability in a rapidly changing part of the city and contribute to broader urban core revitalization efforts,” said a newsletter released by Front Porch Investments.

In addition, through a partnership with the Spark Co-Developer Apprenticeship program (a Front Porch grant-funded initiative), Hoppe will work alongside an emerging developer throughout the development process to build capacity and equity in the industry, according to Front Porch Investments​​.

Demolition of the existing structure is anticipated to occur this summer, with construction beginning in spring 2026. Pending approvals, the first residents could move in by fall 2027.

This project will be part of a flurry of redevelopment activity in the downtown area that is seeing more than a thousand apartment units are being converted out of previously non-residential buildings.

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Isaiah Ang, Contributing Writer

Before Kansas City’s streetcar opened, Keith Novorr was vocally opposed to the project. As the owner of Michael’s Fine Clothes for Men, a store located along the streetcar route, Novorr is now a proud supporter. His walk-in traffic has grown 60 percent since the KC streetcar launched 10 years ago. “I was the biggest naysayer of this project in the beginning,” he said, “and now I’m eating crow.” Omaha’s Modern Streetcar Advocates’ recent interview with Novorr is available HERE.

The “Baby Bob” bridge is officially open for public use. According to the City of Omaha, there was a soft opening last week, even though there are some final construction items pending. The Baby Bob Bridge connects the Bob Kerry Pedestrian Bridge to North Downtown on the north side of the CHI Health Center.

Another effort is underway to renovate the former Aksarben Suites hotel at 7270 Cedar Street. In 2021, a multifamily developer began the process of rezoning the closed hotel to high-density residential zoning, but progress stalled. This week, the Omaha Planning Board will review a Tax Increment Financing application for $3.5 million. The total renovation project will cost $21 million. The plan entails creating 197 studio units of 550 sq. ft. and 650 sq. ft. Rents would be $1,195 and $1,395, respectively. Construction is expected to begin this July and end by August 2026.

Demand for lakefront living has skyrocketed in recent years especially in western Douglas County. Construction is in full swing in the Still Water Lake area southeast of 276th & Highway 275 in Valley. The 30-acre lake is part of a 134-acre, mixed-use project being developed by Hampton Development Services. Construction on the lake started in 2023. Forty-three single-family and townhome lots are currently available, and six have already sold. Six commercial lots are currently available; one has already sold. Thanks to western Douglas County’s high water table and rich deposits of gravel, the Valley area has become a hub of lake development.

Girls Inc. plans to open a recreational and services facility north of the South High School football stadium. The property is between Missouri Avenue and K Street. The rezoning and special permit application shows plans for a 2-story, 40,000 sq. ft. building with a surface parking lot and outdoor play area. The facility will have health and wellness space plus an indoor gym. Girls Inc. was founded in North Omaha in 1975 and has grown to serve up to 1,000 girls and young women a year. They are headquartered at 2811 North 45th Street and have a South Omaha location, the Emma Lozier Center, at 5407 South 30th Street.

The developer behind the Urban Waters apartments at Prairie Queen Lake has plans to build another water-adjacent apartment project in far west Omaha. Planning board documents show plans for a 124-unit apartment complex in the West Shores lake community. The project consists of two, 4-story buildings located by the marina near Salted Edge restaurant. The first floor of each building would be enclosed parking with the upper three floors having apartments, including 67 one-bedroom units and 57 two-bedroom units.

Omaha Economic Development Corporation, a hybrid nonprofit, will host a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for Larimore Senior Housing on May 21 at 3483 Larimore Avenue, formerly Immanuel Hospital. Remodeled by Boyd Jones Construction, the 45-unit senior living complex aims to boost affordable housing for low- to moderate-income residents in Omaha’s Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Areas. The facility will feature an internal theater and a large kitchen area to serve individuals with special needs.

Construction is underway on the Primrose School of Elkhorn at 19401 South HMS Cleveland Boulevard. That’s southwest of the 192nd & West Dodge Expressway interchange. The immediate area is also home to recently completed office buildings for MD West One and Bankers Trust. Opening is planned for late this year. Primrose Schools is a national chain of accredited, private, preschool franchises based in Atlanta. In Omaha, Primrose has four existing locations at 192nd & Harrison Street, 174th & West Center Road, 160th & West Maple Road, and in La Vista.

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RENZE, a provider of exhibits, branded environments, event graphics and point-of-purchase solutions, has merged with Window Optics, owned by Taylor Gautsche, and will add that company’s offerings to its current line of window films. Rebranded to Window Optics powered by RENZE, this division specializes in residential and commercial window tinting, offering various sun control, decorative and safety & security films.

Southwest Airlines will launch seasonal nonstop flights from Omaha’s Eppley Airfield to San Diego starting November 22. The airline plans to offer the route for three months initially. The San Diego flight will be Southwest’s 15th nonstop route from Eppley, including both year-round and seasonal service.

A nationwide study of 4,415 adults determined the popularity of America’s richest persons. Warren Buffett, the Oracle of Omaha, ranked first with 52 percent of respondents saying they had a favorable view of him, according to Visual Capitalist. Bill Gates was second with 49 percent and Elon Musk was third with 39 percent. Buffett received an unfavorable rating from 26 percent of respondents. The biggest unfavorable rating (64%) went to Mark Zuckerberg.

Union Pacific Railroad has entered into an agreement with Jaguar Transport Holdings to provide short line rail service in the Central Industrial District in Kansas City, Mo., a move the railroad says will enhance customer service and support regional economic growth. Union Pacific will lease about 12 acres and four miles of track in central Kansas City to Jaguar Transport, a transportation logistics company with experience in short line rail, warehousing and transload services.

Eastham Capital, a Florida-based, private equity real estate firm has acquired The Colonial, a 258-unit apartment complex near 97th & Maple Street in Omaha. The sale price was $19.1 million. The new owner plans nearly $2 million in property improvements. Built in 1967, The Colonial is currently 95 percent occupied with average rents of just over $961 per month.

NebraskaLand Wellness Center, a chiropractic practice, has leased 3,000 sq. ft. at 428 South Bryan Circle, according to Will Schneidewind of NAI NP Dodge, who represented the landlord. Drs. Colby and Megan Howard own the practice and plan to open on April 14.

Innovative Dental Care will be closed from March 31 to April 7 as it transitions to a new location at 19260 Gold Street. The dental office is currently at 13625 California Street — near 132nd & Dodge — and will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony on April 17.

The Creighton University Mid-America Business Conditions Index, a leading economic indicator for the nine-state region stretching from Minnesota to Arkansas, moved above growth neutral of 50.0 for a third straight month. The index soared to 56.7 in March, its highest level since July 2022 and up from February’s 52.0.

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Why you might want to restart that home search in 2025

By Jill ANderson

Last year, 70 percent of buyers abandoned their home search, according to a survey by NerdWallet, and possibly you were one of them. Inventory was low, prices were high and mortgage rates were up and down. All of that made it really hard to find a home you loved – and could afford.

But the market is shifting.

So, if you paused your moving plans in 2024, it might be time to hit play again. Here’s why.

More Inventory Opens Up More Options

Even if you could make the numbers work, the lack of available homes in recent years probably made it hard to come by something that fit your needs. But inventory is rising, which means you have more options now.

According to Great Plains Realtor MLS (Omaha area region), inventory for existing houses has increased 6.9 percent since this time last year.

So, if you were reluctant to list your house because you weren’t sure where you’d go if it sold, you have more choices than you did a year ago. That’s a big win.

Homes Are Staying on the Market Longer, Too

When the supply of homes for sale is low, they’re snatched up quickly because there just aren’t enough of them to go around. And a few years ago, that meant your house could sell overnight. While that’s not always a bad thing, if you’re planning a move and also need to find your next home, a slower pace is a welcome relief.

The latest data show the typical time homes spent on the market went up by about 9.5 percent this year – that’s higher than we’ve seen since 2020, but still a faster pace than before the market ramped up. It may seem like just a few days, but it gives you more flexibility and time to be thoughtful about your decisions.

And if you’re thinking – but wait – doesn’t that mean it will be harder to sell my house? Don’t worry. With inventory still below the pre-pandemic norm, well-priced homes in market ready condition are selling, especially as more buyers step back into the game this season.

Bottom Line

With growing inventory, sellers who want to upgrade, downsize, or relocate have more choices. Plus, with less pressure to rush into an offer, it could be a great time to revisit your home search if you’ve put it on hold.

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

The Omaha Supernovas bounced back from a sweep by the Indy Ignite on March 22 with two wins last week. The Supernovas defeated the Vegas Thrill in three sets Friday, then the Grand Rapids Rise in four sets Sunday in a rematch of the inaugural PVF Championship. Omaha still sits atop the PVF standings at 14-5 and faces the fourth-place Orlando Valkyries at home at 6 p.m. Saturday.

LOVB Omaha secured its first win in over a month last Friday, defeating LOVB Austin in five sets behind a record-setting performance by Laura Dijkema. The setter dealt a league record 62 assists in the match and added 14 digs, setting up her team to post another LOVB-record 78 team kills. Omaha then fell in five sets to Salt Lake on Saturday, dropping to 5-10 on the year with one match to go in the regular season. LOVB Omaha’s final regular season game is tonight against LOVB Atlanta at 7 p.m. at Liberty First Credit Union Arena. All six LOVB clubs will compete in the LOVB Finals beginning next Thursday.

Union Omaha evened its season record Saturday with a 3-1 victory over the South Georgia Tormenta FC. The strong performance helped keep their perfect record against South Georgia intact and landed four Owls on the USL League One Team of the Week for Week Four.

Defender Charlie Ostrem recorded two assists in the match, the first time he has done so in his career. One of those assists went to fellow defender Dion Acoff, who scored his first goal of the season. Midfielders Sergio Ors Navarro and Max Schneider chipped in a goal each. Union Omaha’s next match will be Wednesday, April 9 at 6 p.m. You can stream all USL League One games on ESPN+.

The Omaha Storm Chasers celebrated Opening Day last weekend with a series against the Iowa Cubs in Des Moines, Iowa. The two teams split the series, with Iowa winning Friday’s game 6-3 and Omaha winning Saturday’s contest 12-7. Sunday’s game was postponed due to inclement weather.

On Tuesday, the Chasers dropped their home opener against the Louisville bats 3-7 before bouncing back Wednesday with a dominating 12-6 victory. If you don’t have plans tonight, Omaha hosts the Bats at 6:35 p.m. for $3 Thursday. Get tickets, Busch Light and select concessions for $3 each.

Ryan Kalkbrenner was announced Tuesday as the National Association of Basketball Coaches Defensive Player of the Year. Kalkbrenner led the Big East with 2.7 blocks per game this season, a mark that ranked third nationally. Kalkbrenner is still one of five finalists for the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award for the nation’s best center. He is among the top 10 for the Naismith Trophy and one of 15 players up for the Wooden Award. Both awards recognize the best player in the sport.

Creighton baseball continued its imitation of Bluejay basketball Tuesday, beating Nebraska for the 12th time in 14 meetings. The game was tied 4-4 in the seventh inning before a two-run single from Kyle Hess put Creighton ahead for good, and the Bluejays brought home a 9-5 victory from Haymarket Park. Creighton begins Big East play against Connecticut Friday at 6 p.m. at Charles Schwab Field.

If that wasn’t enough, Nebraska traveled to Omaha on Wednesday for what was hoped to be a palate cleanser from Tuesday’s loss but was still left with a bitter taste. The Mavericks downed the Huskers 11-9 last night at Tal Anderson Field. Omaha got out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning before Nebraska scored the next four unanswered. From there it was a back-and-forth affair, but the Mavericks battled back from down five and took the lead for good when Drew Borner sent a two-run shot to left field in the seventh. Omaha has a home series against North Dakota State this weekend with first pitch at 4 p.m. on Friday.

Another week, another crosstown rivalry. Omaha Softball took down Creighton Tuesday 3-2 behind an authoritative performance from pitcher Maddia Groff, who allowed just one baserunner over the first 5.3 innings. Former Bluejay Alexis Wiggins took over from there, but allowed life to her former team, as Creighton cut the lead to 3-2 with two outs in the fifth. The Mavericks got out of the jam, and Wiggins made it to the seventh, where Groff returned to close out her start and win the game she started 3-2.

Chris Crutchfield received yet another award after leading Omaha Basketball to a historic season with a school-record 22 wins. The Ben Jobe Award is presented to the top minority head coach in college basketball each year, and coach Crutchfield is the 2025 recipient. It is well deserved for the coach in his third season at his alma mater. He took Omaha from the bottom of the Summit League to the school’s first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance.

The USL Jägermeister Cup Second Round began this week, and Union Omaha defeated the Des Moines Menace last night 2-1. The interleague tournament featuring all 38 teams from the USL began March 18, and will conclude the weekend of October 4 when a champion will be crowned. This season-long, World Cup style tournament features games that do not count towards regular season standings in each league.

Omaha Hockey received good news this week with a pair of important upperclassmen announcing their plans to return for the 2025-26 season. NCHC First Teamer and conference Goaltender of the Year Simon Latkoczy will be returning for his senior campaign next year. He will be joined by teammate and senior defenseman Griffin Ludtke.

The Omaha Beef moved to 3-0 and the top of the National Arena League standings Saturday, securing a 28-24 victory over the Idaho Horseman. The Beef’s offensive attack was spearheaded by three rushing touchdowns from quarterback Joshua Hollins. On the other side of the ball, defensive back Marcus Gray led the way with nine tackles earning National Arena League Defensive Player of the Week honors. The Beef’s next game will be Sunday, April 13 at the Beaumont Renegades.

Jamiyah Neal and Steven Ashworth will play in Friday’s NABC-Reese’s All-Star Game at the Final Four in San Antonio. You can watch the pair play at 3:30 p.m. Friday on CBS Sports Network. Ashworth will also represent Creighton in the 3-point contest tonight and is one of eight players selected to the event. The sharpshooter should make some noise; Ashworth ranked ninth in the country in three-pointers made with 110, shooting at a 37.4 percent clip. The event will air tonight at 6 p.m. on ESPN.

Upcoming Games

• Omaha Storm Chasers vs. Louisville Bats (April 1-6) | Tonight, April 3 | 6:35 p.m.
• LOVB Omaha vs. LOVB Atlanta | Tonight, April 3 | 7:00 p.m.
• Creighton Softball at Georgetown (April 4-6) | Friday, April 4 | 2:00 p.m.
• Omaha Baseball vs. North Dakota State (April 4-6) | Friday, April 4 | 4:00 p.m.
• Creighton Baseball vs. Connecticut (April 4-6) | Friday, April 4 | 6:00 p.m.
• Omaha Softball at North Dakota State (April 5-6) | Saturday, April 5 | 12:00 p.m.
• Omaha Supernovas vs. Orlando Valkyries | Saturday, April 5 | 6:00 p.m.
• Creighton Baseball vs. North Dakota State | Tuesday, April 8 | 6:00 p.m.
• Omaha Storm Chasers at St. Paul Saints (April 8-13) | Tuesday, April 8 | 6:37 p.m.
• Union Omaha at Richmond | Wednesday, April 9 | 6:00 p.m.
• Creighton Softball at Nebraska | Wednesday, April 9 | 6:00 p.m.

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LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT

In 2024, around 71 percent of managers said their workloads had increased, and 60 percent felt more overwhelmed than the previous year, according to Fortune. Those stress levels have big ripple effects, as managers have an outsized impact on productivity, retention, and morale. Around 70 percent of worker engagement differences between teams can be attributed to the manager.

In a 2019 survey by management consulting firm FMI, 87 percent of respondents said they saw a significant return on investment from executive coaching. The market for coaching services has expanded rapidly, according to Fortune. Between 2019 and 2022, the number of leadership coaches grew by 54 percent, and the industry’s annual revenue reached $4.56 billion. The challenge is discerning the difference between an effective professional coach and a self-appointed “guru.” If you’re considering a coach, get referrals.

One of the world’s most lucrative jobs is an investment banker in New York City. Wall Street saw record bonuses in 2024 with the average payout of $244,700 per banker amounting to roughly four times a U.S. worker’s salary last year, according to The Washington Post.

The salary difference between those who stay in their roles and those who change jobs has collapsed to its lowest level in 10 years, according to the Wall Street Journal. Job stayers increased their wages by about 4.6 percent in January and February. Meanwhile, those who switched jobs received only slightly more at 4.8 percent. That gap has narrowed considerably since the start of 2023, when job switchers could fetch an average salary bump of 7.7 percent, compared with job stayers’ 5.5 percent.

SALES

One of the biggest mistakes you can make during negotiations is failing to remain rational and objective. Salespeople who allow their emotions to get the best of them tend to have clouded judgment and reduced effectiveness.

Sales Stat – According to Salesforce, the average lead-to-close length in the typical B2B sale is 102 days.

One of the reasons prospects “ghost” you is that they are feeling overwhelmed with choices and don’t know how to move forward, according to a HubSpot article by Jay Fuchs. When faced with too many options or an overabundance of information, people sometimes disengage because they fear making the wrong decision. The decision-making process becomes paralyzing, and they retreat rather than risk choosing poorly.

WISDOM

“Some people see things as they are and say, why? I dream things that never were and say, why not?” – George Bernard Shaw

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Did you know the City of Omaha will undertake 41 road resurfacing projects this year?

Did you know Sarpy County hosts facilities for some of the biggest names in corporate America including Facebook, Google, Yahoo and Amazon?

Did you know U.S. News & World Report just named Omaha as the hottest housing market in America and ahead of cities like Austin, Houston and Denver? It’s the first time Omaha has ever held the top spot on the annual list.

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.

Omnium Circus “I’m Possible” happening on April 5th: Experience the magic of Omnium Circus at the Orpheum Theater, a one-of-a-kind, fully inclusive and accessible performance celebrating diversity and talent. This multi-abled circus showcases the joy of circus arts while highlighting that disability and difference can shine on stage. With a name meaning “of all and belonging to all,” Omnium brings world-class, family-friendly entertainment to everyone.

20th Annual Bockfest happening on April 5th: Celebrate the arrival of spring at the 20th Annual Bockfest on Saturday, April 5th at Beer Corner USA! Enjoy authentic Bock biers on tap, traditional German food, and live polka music from the Barry Boyce Band and Polka Police. Warm up by the fire pit and try a poked Bock Bier, plus grab a limited-edition 2025 souvenir mug. This festive indoor/outdoor event kicks off at noon. Don’t miss it!

Maximizing Sales Productivity: Working Smarter Not Harder happening on April 8th: Join others for a Lunch & Learn at Elevator featuring sales automation expert Ali Schwanke from Simple Strat as she shares how to maximize sales productivity while working smarter, not harder. Learn how to automate prospecting, master overlooked CRM features and build high-performance habits that stick. This session is perfect for entrepreneurs, sales professionals and business owners looking to boost results without burnout. Enjoy a complimentary lunch in a beautiful Omaha setting – limited seats available!

Free Coworking Day at Modus Coworking happening on April 10th: Join Modus Coworking for a FREE coworking day on the second Thursday of each month from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. High speed wifi and office amenities are readily available. Unlimited Amateur coffee and Artemis tea are always ready to go as well. Whether you’re traveling through Omaha or have been needing a new spot to make your workday more meaningful, come to Modus and get the experience you are missing!

Sound Bathing happening on April 10th: Join Ellie and Matthew Shrader for a relaxing evening of sound bathing, a meditative experience where you’re immersed in healing sound waves from instruments like gongs, singing bowls, chimes and even the human voice. As participants lie comfortably on their backs, soothing sounds are woven together to promote deep relaxation and healing. Many people report improved sleep, reduced stress and a greater sense of well-being. This inclusive class is open to everybody and everybody.

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!

After Tuesday’s primary election, we now know the finalists in the race to be Omaha’s next mayor. Incumbent Jean Stothert will face Douglas County Treasurer John Ewing. The general election is Tuesday, May 13.

Lutz, an Omaha-based business solutions firm, recently added Katie Peterson, account manager, and Jacob Wayman, data analyst, to its tech division in the Omaha office.

First Westroads Bank has promoted Daniel Murphy to senior vice president. He was previously vice president of business development.

Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Michael McGovern, 60, of Belleville, Ill. to be the next Roman Catholic leader of the Omaha Archdiocese. He will be installed May 7. McGovern will replace Archbishop George Lucas, who has reached the mandatory retirement age of 75. Lucas has led the Omaha Archdiocese for 16 years.

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.

I am constantly bombarded with the cockamamy notion that the fate of the stock market rests in the hands of its self-appointed guardian angles at the Fed.

The other day I went to the gym to play pickleball, and some dufus accosted me and asked “Why won’t the Fed lower rates?” I went home, and my roommate turned on the news to get the weather report, and some low IQ talking head blurted out. “Investors are waiting with baited breath for the release of the Fed’s February notes.”

To help shed some light on all this Fed/stock market mumbo jumbo, I turned to the late economist, John Maynard Keynes. He was perhaps the most influential economist of the 20th century. Influential, not insightful. There is a ginormous difference between insightful and influential. Atilla the Hun was influential, but not a major contributor to the betterment of society.

In addition to feeding us hogwash about using government borrowing to boost the economy, Keynes was a successful investor, both for his alma mater and his own pocketbook. His approach to investing was as unique as his views on fiscal policy.

Keynes believed that all the financial analysis conducted by his colleges was an exercise in futility. His approach to investing was to think of yourself as trying to predict the winner of a beauty contest. You don’t pick the one you think is the prettiest because your vote doesn’t matter. The only votes that matter are those of the judges. So, don’t bet on the contestant you think is the prettiest. Bet on the one you think the judges think is the prettiest.

What the Fed does is irrelevant to the market. The only thing that matters to the market is the actions of the major market participants; the Wall Street traders, the Chicago commodities gurus, the hedge fund mavens and the flash traders’ massive computer server farms. These are the players who vote, every hour of every trading day.

In the interest of full disclosure, I listen to county music. I know it is not something proper people should be doing, but I am too old to worry about my image. I don’t care about the music; I just love the lyrics. There’s more relevant advice in a half hour country music than there is in a week’s worth of cable news. My favorite country song is “Here’s a quarter, call someone who cares.” (My second favorite is, “My wife ran away with my best friend, and boy I sure do miss him.”)

And now, drum roll please, you know how to respond next time you hear some inane comment about the Fed saving the world: “Here’s a quarter, call some who cares.” You know in advance the winner of the stock market beauty contest – an S&P 500 index fund.

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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