Thinking of starting your own business? You’re not alone—according to a recent survey, nearly 60% of Americans say they want to start their own business. And there’s no better place to do it than Nebraska. Our state is home to a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, with plenty of resources and support available for budding business owners.
Not sure where to start? Take inspiration from these four successful Nebraska business owners who started with nothing and built their businesses from the ground up. Their stories prove that anything is possible with hard work, dedication, and a little bit of Nebraska magic.
Jeff Slobotski of Silversmith Creative Agency
Jeff Slobotski is the founder and CEO of Silversmith Creative Agency, a full-service creative agency based in Omaha. He started his career as a freelance web designer and developer, working out of his home office and taking on clients as he could find them. In 2012, he co-founded Silicon Prairie News, a media company that celebrates and supports entrepreneurs in the Midwest. He sold his stake in the company in 2017 so he could focus on growing Silversmith.
Today, Silversmith is one of the leading creative agencies in the region, with a team of more than 20 full-time employees and an impressive roster of clients, including Fortune 500 companies, startups, and non-profits. Under Jeff’s leadership, Silversmith has won numerous awards for its work in branding, web design, and digital marketing. Jeff is also an active member of the Omaha community, serving on the boards of several local organizations.
Nick Fowler of Fowler Automotive Group
Nick Fowler is the owner and president of Fowler Automotive Group, a family-owned group of auto dealerships located in Omaha and Lincoln. Nick’s father started the company in 1957 with one used car lot in Omaha. Nick joined the family business after college, and eventually took over as president when his father retired.
Under Nick’s leadership, Fowler Automotive Group has grown to include 11 dealerships across Nebraska selling everything from Chevy trucks to Ferraris. The company employs more than 400 people and is one of the largest privately-owned auto groups in the country. In addition to his work at Fowler Automotive Group, Nick is actively involved in several community organizations dedicated to supporting local businesses.
Jessica Roling of Honeycomb Creative Co.
Jessica Roling is the founder and CEO of Honeycomb Creative Co., a women-owned branding agency based in Lincoln. Jessica started her career as a graphic designer at an ad agency in Lincoln before going out on her own as a freelance designer in 2009. In 2011, she founded Honeycomb Creative Co., with the mission of helping businesses tell their stories through branding and design.
Jessica bootstrapped her business from the ground up, slowly building a team of designers and account managers as her client list grew. Today, Honeycomb Creative Co. is one of Lincoln’s leading creative agencies, with more than 20 employees and clients all over the country. In addition to running her business, Jessica is passionate about mentoring young creatives and giving back to her community through her work with local non-profits..
Steve Johnson of Blue Heron Design Build
Steve Johnson is the owner and president of Blue Heron Design Build Inc., a custom homebuilding company based in Omaha. Steve started his career as a carpenter before founding Blue Heron Design Build Inc. in 2002. He has built homes all over Omaha and Lincoln, including many award-winning homes that have been featured in local publications.. Despite being hit hard by the recession in 2008—like many other builders—Steve persevered and was able to grow his business into what it is today.. He now employs a team 15 carpenters , architects ,and designers ,and has built homes for some of Omaha’s most prominent citizens..
Are you feeling inspired yet? These four Nebraska business owners have proved that it doesn’t matter where you start—all it takes is hard work ,determination ,and a little bit of Nebraska magic to build something great . So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start your own Nebraska story today!