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Kawasaki isn’t just about motorcycles anymore — and if you live in Lincoln, Nebraska, you’ve probably seen their work without even realizing it. In this episode, Chris Beecham sits down with Jason Hellbusch to unpack the incredible story of Kawasaki’s Lincoln plant — from cranking out the iconic KZ400 motorcycle in the ’70s to building rail cars for NYC’s subway and cargo doors for Boeing 777s.

We dive into how a Japanese manufacturer became a Nebraska powerhouse, employing over 3,000 people and leading innovation in rail, aerospace, and now… personal transportation vehicles that look straight out of the future.

Jason shares insider stories about manufacturing at scale, the skills Kawasaki is desperate to hire for, and what’s next for the largest Kawasaki plant in the U.S. If you like business, engineering, or just a good “how the heck did that happen in Nebraska?” story — this one’s for you.

Key Takeaways:

• Kawasaki has called Lincoln home for over 50 years.
• First U.S.-built Kawasaki motorcycle? The KZ400.
• Expanded into rail cars, aerospace, and now next-gen personal transportation.
• The Lincoln facility is the largest Kawasaki plant in America.
• Employs 3,000+ with major demand for skilled welders.
• Builds subway cars for East Coast cities and airplane cargo doors for Boeing.
• Always innovating — from motorcycles to the NAV vehicle.

Keywords: Kawasaki, Lincoln Nebraska, motorcycles, jet skis, rail cars, aerospace manufacturing, product innovation, skilled trades, factory jobs, manufacturing history, economic impact, transportation design, subway cars, Boeing, personal vehicles, welders wanted

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In Episode 60 of Brand Lincoln, we welcome Hillary Swain and Cody Morris from Aces Hockey Club for a deep dive into how they’re building more than just athletes—they’re building a sports community. From bringing together youth hockey players across rival towns to introducing kids to the cultural roots of lacrosse, Hillary and Cody share how Aces is giving young athletes opportunities to grow on and off the ice.

You’ll hear the story behind Aces Hockey Club, its mission to make travel hockey more accessible and less pressured, and the importance of team bonding in youth sports. Hillary and Cody also open up about their growing lacrosse program, the role of diet and fitness in player development, and their vision for expanding Aces into a full competitive team.

Whether you’re a parent, coach, or simply believe in the life lessons sports can teach, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how community, culture, and competition come together to shape the next generation of athletes.

Key Takeaways:

• Aces Hockey Club unites youth players from across Nebraska for skill development and camaraderie.
• Travel hockey is made fun, accessible, and low-pressure for kids and families.
• Team bonding helps unite players from rival communities.
• Upcoming camps focus on speed, skill, and athletic growth.
• Lacrosse is a key part of Aces’ programming, honoring its deep cultural roots.
• Nutrition and fitness are emphasized for peak performance.
• Future plans include expanding into a full competitive team.

Keywords:
Aces Hockey Club, youth hockey Nebraska, travel hockey, youth sports development, lacrosse Nebraska, coaching youth sports, team bonding, hockey skills camp, youth sports community, sports culture

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Episode 59: Melanie Rezak | 555 Boutique & Creative Collabs

What happens when a corporate career meets a calling to create?

In this episode of Brand Lincoln, host Chris Beecham and co-hosts Joe Cruz and Henry Schmidt sit down with Melanie Rezak, founder of 555 Boutique and Creative Collabs. Melanie shares her inspiring leap from the corporate world into entrepreneurship during the height of the pandemic—and how a little idea in her basement turned into one of Fallbrook’s most buzzed-about boutiques.

We dive into the power of community events, the strategy behind 24/7 local shopping, and what it really takes to grow a small business in today’s fast-moving world. From e-commerce to inventory chaos to angel numbers, this one’s for the doers, dreamers, and shop local believers.

🔑 Topics Covered:

• Why the number 555 means change (and how it shaped Melanie’s brand)
• How Fallbrook is quietly becoming a retail and event hub in Lincoln
• The origin and evolution of Creative Collabs
• Challenges of managing staff, inventory, and growth as a boutique owner
• Why community-driven shopping is the future of local retail

📍 Location: Lincoln, Nebraska

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In this episode of Brand Lincoln, we sit down with Jaris Hennerberg, founder of Screed Solutions, to talk concrete—literally and figuratively. From starting in his garage to becoming a go-to expert in flatwork and floor prep, Jaris shares the ups, downs, and dirty truths of running a hands-on service business in Lincoln, Nebraska.

We cover how he turned screeding into a scalable business, the importance of reputation in the construction world, and what it takes to lead a team when you're pouring foundations—sometimes literally—for other people's dream projects. Jaris also opens up about the discipline it takes to stay consistent, why saying “no” is sometimes the best growth strategy, and how he keeps perspective through personal challenges.

Whether you’re in the trades or just appreciate people who know how to build from the ground up, this one’s for you.

Takeaways:

• Jaris built Screed Solutions from scratch and earned his reputation through consistency.
• Success in the trades comes from showing up, following through, and staying teachable.
• Hiring and leading a crew requires more than just skill—it takes character.
• Strategic boundaries (like saying “no”) are key to sustainable business growth.
• Even in the most physical industries, mindset and communication matter.

Sound Bites:

• “If you’re not consistent, nothing else matters.”
• “I can teach concrete—but I can’t teach work ethic.”
• “Some of the best business decisions are the ones where you walk away.”
• “I didn’t build this to burn out—I built it to last.”

Tags 
Screed Solutions, Jaris Hennerberg, Lincoln Nebraska, concrete business, construction entrepreneur, floor prep, flatwork, business growth, trades industry, leadership, blue-collar business, Nebraska business, branding, small business stories, entrepreneurship, Brand Lincoln podcast, Perch Merch

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Episode 57: Runza’s Legacy with Dawn Amend – A Nebraska Original

If you're from Nebraska, you’ve likely had a Runza. But do you know the story behind the iconic sandwich and the family empire that made it a staple?

In this episode of Brand Lincoln, host Chris Beecham and co-hosts Joe Cruz and Henry Schmidt sit down with Dawn Amend, a member of the founding family behind Runza, to talk about the roots, growth, and community impact of this beloved Nebraska brand. From humble beginnings in a tiny stand to becoming a household name across the Midwest, Dawn shares how Runza has stayed true to its values while embracing innovation.

She opens up about growing up in the business, the power of thoughtful marketing (hello, Temperature Tuesdays), the balance of family legacy and business growth, and why community engagement still drives every decision. Whether you're a lifelong fan or just curious what the heck a Runza is, this episode is packed with nostalgia, wisdom, and Nebraska pride.

Takeaways:

• Runza's story is rooted in family, tradition, and local culture.
• Temperature Tuesday is more than a gimmick — it’s strategic genius.
• Community engagement isn’t a buzzword for Runza — it’s their playbook.
• Staying small and family-run was a choice — not a limitation.
• The brand legacy is as important as the product itself.

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"Unearthing Robbers Cave: Lincoln’s Hidden History with Joel Green"

 Underground tunnels, outlaw legends, and Kool-Aid? Yep—this episode dives deep into Lincoln’s hidden past. If you're a history nerd, buckle up.

Unearthing Nebraska: Joel Green on Robbers Cave, Legends & Local Lore

In this episode of Brand Lincoln, we explore the rich, underground history of Robbers Cave with Lincoln’s own history buff and tour guide, Joel Green. From Jesse James and Charles Starkweather to sandstone geology, secret tunnels, and Kool-Aid origins, Joel walks us through the legends and the facts behind one of Nebraska’s most fascinating historical sites.

Discover how Robbers Cave evolved from an 1860s brewery into a top-rated tourist attraction and cultural landmark. We talk tourism trends, school field trips, wild party stories, and the effort it took to put this overlooked gem on the map. If you're into local folklore, Nebraska history, or just enjoy a good ghost story, this one’s for you.

🔥 Top Takeaways:

• Robbers Cave is Nebraska’s only show cave—and it’s made entirely of sand.
• It has ties to outlaws, bootleggers, and secret societies.
• Joel Green wrote the book on it—literally.
• Tours, weddings, concerts, even photoshoots now take place deep underground.
• It’s one of TripAdvisor’s top-rated experiences in Lincoln.

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From HVAC Tech to Home Services Empire: Cesar Guerrero's Story

🎧 Learn how HVAC expert Cesar Guerrero grew Luxury Comfort Solutions into a full-service powerhouse — adding radon, plumbing, inspections, and a second location — all while navigating hiring nightmares, client chaos, and family life.

With military discipline and a rebrand powered by his wife, Cesar reveals what it takes to scale a home service company in Lincoln without burning out or selling out.

You’ll Learn:

• Why employee drama is more dangerous than bad clients
• How a $250K project changed everything
• Why "legacy" matters more than revenue
• What branding really looks like in the trades

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🎙️ Brand Lincoln Podcast | Kendall Warnock – From Food Stamps to a Full Bay: The Grit Behind A1 Automotive

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🔧 Episode Overview:

In Episode 55, we’re joined by Kendall Warnock, owner of A1 Automotive, whose story is as raw as it is inspiring. What began in a one-bay garage during the recession has become one of Lincoln’s most trusted automotive businesses—with a second location now in the works.

Kendall opens up about his childhood on the Omaha Indian Reservation, his time in the fire service, and how those experiences shaped the grit and heart behind his leadership. We talk about building a business with integrity, what it means to serve your customers (not upsell them), and how upside-down billboards and unconventional branding helped A1 stand out.

This episode isn’t just about cars—it’s about resilience, reinvention, and building something real when you’ve got everything to lose and everything to prove.

🎯 What You’ll Learn:

✔️ How Kendall grew A1 Automotive from a recession-era startup to a thriving business
 ✔️ Why authenticity and honesty are rare (and valuable) in the auto repair industry
 ✔️ The transition from fire service to full-time entrepreneurship
 ✔️ Creative marketing strategies that made A1 unforgettable
 ✔️ How Kendall balances family, faith, and business without losing himself
 ✔️ The power of community service, mentorship, and showing up when it counts
✔️ What it really takes to expand a small business without losing your soul

💥 Why This Episode Matters:

Kendall’s story is for anyone who’s ever been underestimated, counted out, or told to play it safe. He didn’t. And Lincoln’s better because of it. If you're into local business, real talk, or stories that hit harder than a check engine light—this one's for you.

📢 Stay Connected:

📲 Follow Brand Lincoln — @BrandLincolnPodcast on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook & YouTube
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👍 Like, subscribe, and share this episode to support Lincoln’s entrepreneurs

Keywords: A1 Automotive, Kendall Warnock, Lincoln Nebraska business, small business success, automotive repair, fire service to business, entrepreneur resilience, community involvement, branding strategy, honest auto repair, Lincoln NE podcast, Perch Merch, Brand Lincoln Podcast, local leadership, business growth stories

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🎙️ Brand Lincoln Podcast | Visionary Youth – Mentorship, Mental Health, and the Power of Community Action

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💡 Episode Overview:

In this episode of Brand Lincoln, we’re joined by Dr. Lawrence Chatters and KB Mensah, the co-founders of Visionary Youth—a nonprofit reshaping what community support really looks like.

What started with a simple idea—offering free back-to-school haircuts for kids—has grown into a powerful movement combining mentorship, mental health awareness, and dignity-driven giving. From Thanksgiving turkey giveaways to a mobile barbershop that doubles as a safe space for teens to talk about life, Visionary Youth is building programs that meet real needs in real time.

We dive into the MIND program, an innovative blend of grooming and guidance, the stories that inspired this mission, and the honest challenges that come with funding community work in today’s world. This episode is equal parts heart, hustle, and hope for what local action can achieve.

🎯 What You’ll Learn:

✔️ How one haircut sparked a city-wide youth empowerment movement
 ✔️ Why dignity matters in community outreach—especially for kids
✔️ How Visionary Youth is merging barbering with mental health support
✔️ The strategy behind events like the Thanksgiving Drive and Toy Giveaway
✔️ What it takes to build trust with underserved families
✔️ The role of volunteers, fundraising, and creative partnerships in sustaining nonprofit impact
✔️ The vision for expanding mentorship and mental health programs across Lincoln and beyond

💥 Why This Episode Matters:

If you’ve ever questioned whether a small idea can make a big difference—this episode is your proof. Visionary Youth isn’t just another nonprofit. It’s a blueprint for what happens when people lead with empathy, show up consistently, and find new ways to serve the next generation.

📢 Stay Connected:

📲 Follow Brand Lincoln — @BrandLincolnPodcast on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook & YouTube
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👍 Like, subscribe, and share this episode to support grassroots change in our community

Keywords: Visionary Youth, community service, youth mentoring, mental health, nonprofit Lincoln Nebraska, MIND program, barbershop mentorship, local nonprofits, youth empowerment, toy drive, back to school, community engagement, Perch Merch, Brand Lincoln Podcast, Lincoln NE support programs

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🎙️ Brand Lincoln Podcast | Rachel Barth – How Lincoln Airport Is Taking Off Through Strategy, Innovation, and Community Support

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✈️ Episode Overview:

In Episode 52 of Brand Lincoln, we’re joined by Rachel Barth, Director of Strategic Marketing at Lincoln Airport (LNK), to talk about the powerful role this regional airport plays in Lincoln’s economy, community engagement, and future growth.

Rachel shares what it’s like managing strategic marketing and air service development in an industry hit hard by the pandemic—and how creative ideas like free outdoor movies helped keep the airport connected to the community even when flights were grounded. From renovation projects and passenger experience upgrades to the high-stakes competition with larger airports like Omaha, Rachel gives us an inside look at what it takes to put Lincoln back on the air travel map.

Whether you fly often or just want to see Lincoln grow, this episode proves our airport is more than just a terminal—it’s an engine of economic impact, connectivity, and hometown pride.

🎯 What You’ll Learn:

✔️ How Lincoln Airport navigated the pandemic and pilot shortages
 ✔️ What air service development really means—and why it’s so complex
✔️ Why LNK competes daily with airports like Omaha for airline attention
✔️ How community initiatives like outdoor movie nights strengthen local support
✔️ The truth about how airports impact local jobs and economic development
✔️ What’s next for terminal renovations, route expansion, and passenger experience
✔️ Why community support is critical to bringing back more direct flights

💥 Why This Episode Matters:

If you’ve ever wondered why it’s so hard to get direct flights out of Lincoln—or what you can actually do to help change that—this episode breaks it all down. Rachel shares the strategy, economics, and human side of aviation marketing, showing how small airports can make a big impact when the community gets behind them.

📢 Stay Connected:

📲 Follow Brand Lincoln — @BrandLincolnPodcast on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook & YouTube
🛍️ Visit our sponsor Perch-Merch.com for top-tier custom merch for your brand, team, or event
👍 Like, subscribe, and share this episode to help support local innovation

Keywords: Lincoln Airport, Rachel Barth, aviation marketing, strategic marketing, air service development, regional airport, airport renovations, community engagement, economic development, local travel, Nebraska aviation, airline strategy, pandemic recovery, airport competition, Lincoln Nebraska, Perch Merch, Brand Lincoln Podcast

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