River City Six: Rodney Wheeler Sr.

COX Business (www.cox.com/business) is a division of COX Communications, providing video, voice, data, and security services to business customers across 11 COX markets. Rodney Wheeler Sr. is PMP l Director, Operations for Cox Business Greater Omaha/Sun Valley.

Tell us a little about your business.

COX Business Omaha serves more than 19,000 business customers from major corporations to very small businesses. As a division, COX Business hit $2 Billion in revenue in 2016 which was a goal 5 years in the making.

How did you get started in the business?

After military service, I went to work for a small technology web-based business during the dot.com boom. I stayed in technology and added professional services to my skillset as I transitioned companies through mergers and acquisitions. I joined the COX Business Team in 2013.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?

Continuing my career after the military. Though the military sends its members to some of the best leadership training in the country, getting credit for that training and skills gained in the service proved very challenging when starting my post military career.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

Building a very successful career, but taking time to be heavily involved in the community I live in as well. In addition to leading 5 teams at COX, I also participate on 3 non-profit boards and support many community-focused events.

Tell us a little about your family.

I have been married to my lovely wife Patricia for 18 years. We are blessed with a blended family which includes 5 adult children, 8 grandchildren, and too many godchildren to count.

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

Joining the military at 18. I am the man I am because of my service.

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

RV camping and motorcycle riding with my wife.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?

I lived in Italy for two years.

What are you the most proud of?

I proudly wear the title “Veteran.” I am a 20 Year Air Force Veteran. My service has and continues to shape my life.

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

“Be careful, multi-tasking can make you stupid.”

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be?

Gentleman.

If you had a theme song, what would it be?

Beautiful by Mali Music.

If you could have a super power, what would it be?

To fly.

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

The ability to work with and motivate youth.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be?

Musician.

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

Urban League of Nebraska, Mildred Brown Memorial Study Center, Prince Hall Education Foundation. All have at least one program focused on youth.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?

The Brand Within by Daymond John.

What is your favorite movie?

Star Wars…all of them!

What is your favorite local restaurant?

Lonnell’s Southern Delight.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?

Former President Barack Obama.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?

Phone: (402) 934-0269; Email: rodney.wheelersr@cox.com; Website: www.cox.com/business.