In 2007, Joseph Young was hired on at the Department of Economic Development as the Legislative Coordinator. Prior to that, he worked for a Congressman from Texas and was responsible for policy related to banking, housing and economic development.
The Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) is the official lead economic development agency for Nebraska. Created by the Legislature in 1967, DED’s emphasis is growing and diversifying the state’s “economic base,” bringing new dollars into the state. They focus on statewide business development, community development and tourism.
Tell us a little about your family. - My wife, Michaela and I have two children. They are both pretty good looking and smart to boot. Their names are Ky (boy, 5) and Finnley (Girl, 2).
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - Getting married and then having two children are the most important and probably the biggest turning points in my life. The world as you know it changes drastically on days like those, for the better in my case.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I would choose traveling with my wife and kids on any day off. They’re pretty fun people to be around and I learn a lot when I’m with them.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - My personal record for the mile is 4:20.
What are you the most proud of? - I’m most proud of my family. My wife is extremely talented, my kids seem to be smart and my parents and in-laws are great role models. I’ve been very lucky.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - I’ve received tons of good advice, more than the average person I would venture to guess. I would pick two such pieces, both from my late grandfather, Max. “You have two ears and one mouth, so listen twice as much as you talk.” And, “You’re never too old for cartoons.”
What is the one goal you would most like to accomplish? - In the next 30 years, I would like to win a race (or two) for public office. I think public service is very important, and there are many ways you can serve, but I really appreciate the challenge of winning an election, which is not easy to do.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - I guess I would say my athleticism. I’m lucky in that I get to utilize some of my greatest talents almost everyday in my work life. But I think people would be surprised to know that I’m a pretty good athlete.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? - I wish I could take all of the knowledge that my parents have about parenting and somehow download it into my brain. There is a lot you learn ‘on the job’ with raising kids. That’s too bad, mostly for the kids.
What is your favorite movie? - Godfather, 1 and 2.
What is your favorite TV show? - The West Wing is still my favorite show, even though it’s no longer running.
What is your favorite Lincoln restaurant? - La Paz. In my opinion, La Paz is the best Mexican restaurant in the United States.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - This would be between George Washington and Martin Luther King, Jr.
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