River City Six: Paige Zutavern

Meet Paige Zutavern, President of Strictly Business Magazine!

How did you get started in the business?

While attending the UNL MBA program my husband Shayne launched a direct-mail marketing company. At that time we received an overwhelming amount of feedback from our clients that there was a need for a publication covering local business news. We took the leap to meet this need and that’s how Strictly Business got its start in Lincoln 24 years ago. In 2007, we expanded by adding an Omaha magazine thanks to the help of Angela Lee. There is nothing else in the world I’d rather have been doing than promoting and working with all of the great people and businesses here.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?

I would say balancing work and family and maintaining a personal life. I am very driven and I truly love what I do, and as I’m sure my fellow business owners out there can relate, there’s always work to be done. I try my best to be mindful of that and find a healthy balance between the two.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

Watching my clients’ businesses grow over the years and being a part of their success is something I take great pride in. Building an incredible team of employees that are so dedicated to our clients is another big one.

Tell us a little about your family.

My husband and I just celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary this summer. We have two sons, Schyler (24) and Zane (18). Schyler is a sales representative with ALLO Communications and Zane is currently working at Oak Electric, Inc. doing his apprenticeship to be an electrician.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?

When I began working with a business coach. For years I met regularly with Lori Botz from Coach2Win, who is incredibly talented at what she does and was very instrumental in helping me break through an invisible ceiling that I had created for myself. In turn, it challenged me to learn and grow, and helped me far surpass what I thought I was capable of, which really took my business to the next level.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?

I love to travel! Also, anyone who knows me knows that I have a slight shopping addiction, so there’s a good chance you’ll find me at my favorite stores.

What are you the most proud of?

My sons. They’ve turned out to be nice young men. Owning a business for all of their lives, I felt like I had to make a lot of sacrifices and wasn’t able to be the ‘soccer mom’ that I would like to have been. But despite that my boys have grown up to be good people with good heads on their shoulders. Thanks Dad!

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

“Within the covers of the Bible are the answers for all the problems men face.” -Ronald Reagan

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life?

I’ve been told I’m a pretty good cook (although I often cook lunch for my employees so maybe that doesn’t count?).

What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?

I’m especially passionate about the wellbeing of children, so anything in the vein of abuse, neglect, sex trafficking, etc. has my full support.

What is your favorite book?

The Richest Man Who Ever Lived: King Solomon’s Secrets to Success, Wealth and Happiness by Steven K. Scott. It’s such a great read; I highly recommend it.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – Office: (402) 466-3330; Email: paige@strictlybusinessomaha.com. The best way to reach me is to call, I love a good conversation!