“I was born in Lincoln, and pretty much grew up in the Omaha and Lincoln area.  I worked with my Dad mostly growing up, he owned Ditch Witch of Omaha, and then started General Excavating in Sept of 1987.  Four of us bought my Dad out in January of 1997, I left GE in October of 1999, and my Dad and I started a development business called Hendricks Development.  We developed an Industrial Park called South Street Business Park, it was very successful and during that time I learned a lot about business, people, banks and what it takes to be successful.  Most people wouldn’t guess that I was a board chair at a non-profit – I do not like the spotlight.”

“I am going to go with “Old Country,” I do believe that was a simpler time.”

“Names. I cannot remember names, I have been to classes on remembering names and will forget them when I leave.  I have a better chance of remembering your phone number than your name.  It really sucks.”

“Really easy on this one. John Hanigan ( I always called him my second dad ). He helped me in a situation that he did not see coming. When I left GE in 1999, I was blind sided by my partners in a meeting that I was not prepared for or expected. John stood up and said, since no one is on my side, I will represent John (me). Very long story on this one. In short, family and business does not always go together. Best advice I have ever received is the only thing you have in this world is your word. My Dad told me that 40 years ago and I have passed the saying on to many different people. John Hanigan passed away years ago from cancer and the one thing that I took away from him is worrying about the family you made, not the family you came from.”