River City Six: Chad Harmening

Now You Know Fleet Management (www.nykfleet.comwas recently established to offer clients in the Omaha area simple yet powerful tools used to monitor the activity of each vehicle in their fleet. Fleet management is highly effective in helping businesses that run fleets of any size cut costs and efficiently manage their vehicles and the employees who operate them. Chad Harmening, an experienced Private Investigator and owner of Now You Know Investigations, Omaha’s premier private investigations agency, also owns and operates Now You Know Fleet Management.

Tell us a little about your business. – I started Now You Know Investigations in 2002. We are a private investigations agency specializing in workers’ compensation and personal injury fraud. This year we launched a sister company, Now You Know Fleet Management, to help business owners manage their fleet through the use of GPS tracking systems.

How did you get started in the business? – The fleet management business was a natural extension of the investigative business. Over the years we’ve used GPS technology extensively in investigations and felt that we could apply that experience towards leveraging its use to help our clients run their businesses more efficiently.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Learning to delegate. As I’m sure many other small business owners can relate, I often fall into the trap of wanting to do it all myself.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Staying in business for 14 years. When I first ventured out on my own, I had no idea how difficult it is to keep a business running successfully.

Tell us a little about your family. – My wife Kristy and I have been married for 26 years and have three great kids. Our oldest, Derek, graduated from UNL and now lives and works in Chicago. Our middle child, Taylor, will be starting her junior her year at Wayne State and Bradley, the youngest, will be a freshman at Papillion La Vista High School.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – The day I took the plunge and started my own business. Prior to that, all I could think about was being a business owner and it was very consuming. I was very happy to finally be able to focus that idea and energy into building a business.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – If it’s a weekend and I’m local I love to drink good beer and either fire up the smoker or grill. If it’s time away on vacation, then fishing in South Dakota or Cabo, Mexico.

What are you the most proud of? – My family. I have two brothers and a sister, all married with children and one with grandchildren. We all get along great, have great kids and love getting together.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – The best single piece of advice came from my dad, “A little learning can be a dangerous thing.” Basically meaning if you are going to jump into something get thoroughly educated, otherwise you’ll know just enough to get you in trouble.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? – The ability to fly. I like getting from point A to B as quickly as I can.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – An arborist. I love nature, especially trees.

What is your favorite movie?Top Gun.

What is your favorite local restaurant? – Nettie’s Fine Mexican Food in Bellevue. I love a great, handmade margarita with a side of enchilada.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – At (402) 596-2880, via email at info@nykfleet.com, or visit our website at www.nykfleet.com.


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