We all know the excitement that comes along with fall. No, it has nothing to do with back to school or a break in the heat we’re experiencing this summer. Every good Nebraskan knows that fall means one thing: Husker football! Sports fans young and old know that when they hear that familiar fight song and start seeing the color red popping up everywhere, it’s almost time for the season to start! If you’re from Nebraska, you probably have memories of the first time you experienced a Husker football game, whether it was on television or in person at Memorial Stadium. You watched as the players ran through the tunnel and out onto the field and the excitement built as the first quarter started. Throughout the season (and years), you cheered on your Huskers, chose favorite players and probably followed the careers of those who moved on to professional football when their college playing days were done. Soon, though, your memories of those players faded away while new ones took their place.
But why should your support of the Huskers end when their playing career does? If you look around the community, you’ll probably be surprised to find how many former Huskers are doing business right here in Omaha. Some of them remained in Nebraska after college while others went to play football in other states (or countries), then returned here to raise families and build careers. They are attorneys, financial planners, insurance agents, personal trainers and more! What better way to support your Huskers than to continue your support of them as businessmen? Many of the same qualities that made them great athletes now make them great in business. Hard work, dedication, a competitive spirit and a strong desire to be the best at what they do are just a few of the personality traits that make former Huskers amazing businessmen! We’re pleased to help promote these men in our Big Red Business feature! Make sure you take a look at the story and get in touch with each former player to congratulate him on his current success and come out to meet them and congratulate them in person at our Big Red Business event on August 25th!
Michael L. Green
Business Profile
EverGreen Capital Management, Inc
EverGreen is a Registered Investment Advisory Firm. Founded in Omaha in 1989. We mange investment portfolios for individuals and institutional clients. Our services include wealth management, retirement planning, and retirement plan consulting.
402-392-1220
evergreen@evrcapman.com
evergreencapitalomaha.com
Player Profile
Position played on Husker football team: Running Back
Number when player on Husker football team: 34
Football career after college: Drafted by San Diego Chargers
Scott Koethe
Business Profile
REBC | The Real Estate Brokerage Company
At REBC | The Real Estate Brokerage Company Scott is responsible for commercial property sales and leasing. He primarily specializes in landlord and tenant representation in the office and retail markets.
www.rebc.com
Player Profile
Years played on Husker football team: ‘98-’03
Position played on Husker football team: O-Line
Number when player on Husker football team: 73
Steve Ott
Business Profile
National Insurance Services
I implement insurance products and benefit solutions for schools, cities and county groups. I oversee all of our company accounts in Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota.
sott@nis-sif.com
www.nisbenefits.com
Player Profile
Years played on Husker football team:91-95
Position played on Husker football team: Offensive Guard
Number when player on Husker football team: 69
Football career after college: Flag football with my boys
Pat Ricketts
Business Profile
Vintage Financial Group LLC
As the managing partner and financial/business advisor for Vintage Financial Group, Pat Ricketts has a deep appreciation for the needs of growing families and businesses, which he translates into a desire to help achieve the highest level of success for families and businesses. That deep appreciation grew from watching his family build what is now TD Ameritrade.
In his community, Pat currently serves on the Millard Public Schools Board, leads a bible study, and serves on the N Club and Merrymakers Board. Pat received the “Expanding Horizon Award” (08-09) for his work with Millard Public Schools. He was also nominated to the 2011 class of 40 greater Omaha, Sarpy County and Council Bluffs entrepreneurs, executives and professional men and women under the age of 40 for Midlands Business Journal “40 under 40”.
For additional information, call Pat at (402) 932-7233 , visit his Web site at www.vintagefinancialgroup.com or email him at patrick@vintagefinancialgroup.com.
Player Profile
Years played on Husker football team: 1999-2003
Position played on Husker football team: Cornerback
Number when player on Husker football team: 28
Football career after college: Signed as a free agent with the Atlanta Falcons
Will Dabbert
Business Profile
Southeast Nebraska Dental Group PC
Current Business: My business partner and I own practices in Omaha and Weeping Water. We provide general dentistry services to all age groups. Our goal is to provide quality dental care in a friendly, caring atmosphere. Our services include preventative care, restorative (fillings), cosmetic/bleaching, crowns/veneers, endodontics and oral surgery.
qstreetdental.com | wdabbert@hotmail.com.
Player Profile
Years Played on Husker football team: 1998-2002
Position Played: Tight End
Number when played on team: 80
Chad Kelsey
Business Profile
Omaha Truck Center, Inc.
Omaha Truck Center, Inc., headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, and founded in 1975, is one of the nation’s largest full-service Freightliner dealership groups. Our operations consist of new and used truck sales, parts, service, finance and insurance and body shop repair. We have 12 businesses in Nebraska, Kansas and Iowa, with over 450 employees, and we represent the Freightliner, Western Star, Isuzu, Sterling, Thomas Built Buses, GMC Medium Duty Service and Ottawa product lines.
www.e-freightliner.com
Player Profile
Years played on Husker football team: 1995-1998
Position played on Husker football team: Rush End
Number when player on Husker football team: 57
Football career after college: Pittsburgh Steelers (1999-2000) and St. Louis Rams (2000)
Jerry Tagge
Business Profile
Tagge-Rutherford Financial Group
Current Business: Financial planning to include: retirement planning, session planning, investment strategies, tax strategies and advice on wills, trusts and probate advocacy. Products include stocks, bonds, mutual funds, annuities, managed accounts, long-term nursing home insurance and life insurance.
(402) 334-6282
www.tagge-rutherford.com.
Player Profile
Years Played on Husker Team: 1968-1971
Position Played on Husker Football Team: QB
Number When you Played on Husker Football Team: 14
Football career after college: Green Bay Packers (NFL),
San Antonio Wings (WFL), B.C. Lions (CFL)
Trevor O. Johnson
Business Profile
Edward Jones
Trevor is an advisor with Edward Jones and strives to help individuals achieve their financial objectives by understanding their needs and implementing tailored solutions.
(402) 496-0596
www.edwardjones.com
Player Profile
Years Played on Husker Team: ’99-‘03
Position Played on Husker Football Team: TE-DE
Number When Played on Husker Football Team: 88
Football Career After College: New York Jets 2004-06, St. Louis Rams 2007, Kansas City Chiefs 2008
DeMoine Adams
Business Profile
“The Game Plan”
With five years of professional football experience, DeMoine reveals his leadership philosophy and how it has impacted his own professional success. From educational to corporate settings, DeMoine has a compelling message that targets all audiences by motivating students and professionals to have an action plan in this game called life.
demoineadams@gmail.com (817) 296-2238 | www.demoine-adams.com
Player Profile
Years played on Husker football team:’98-‘02
Position played on Husker football team: Defensive End
Number when player on Husker football team: 98
Football career after college: 5
Doug Seaman
Business Profile
Nebraska Furniture Mart
Nebraska Furniture Mart’s Mission Statement says that “We Improve Peoples’ Lifestyles”. As an Audio Video Designer, I offer people solutions that not only look and sound amazing, but more importantly, are simple and easy to use. Ranging from custom theaters, to whole house music systems, to complete home automation at the touch of the button, we will make technology work for you, not the other way around.
doug.seaman@nfm.com
http://www.nfm.com/smarthomebydesign
Player Profile
Years played on Husker football team: 1995-1997 (walk on)
Position played on football team: OL / Center
Number when player on Husker football team: 54
Clete Blakeman
Business Profile
Blakeman Law
Blakeman Law helps their clients navigate through the judicial system quickly and smoothly while achieving the greatest possible financial results. Clete is a trial lawyer who works exclusively with personal injury and wrongful death cases and has over twenty years of experience in Nebraska and Iowa.
(402) 553-1212
www.blakemanlaw.com
Player Profile
Years Played on Husker Football team: ’84-‘87
Number when Played on Husker Football team: 12
Position when Played on Husker Football team: QB
Playing career after college: Current official in the National Football League
Kyle Emsick
Business Profile
State Farm Insurance
I have been a State Farm Agent in Downtown Omaha since Jan 1st 2010. We specialize in both Business and Personal Insurance lines. This includes, but is not limited to, Property and Casualty, Life, and Financial Services. Though my agency is located in downtown Omaha, I am licensed to write insurance anywhere in the state of Nebraska or Iowa. Personally I have become very involved in youth sports and other Civic Activities. One of the reasons I chose State Farm, is having been a part of many Championship teams my whole life, I wanted to join a team that has been largest personal Home and Auto insurer in the US for over 50 years.
(402) 558-5060 | kyleemsick.com
Player Profile
Years played on Husker football team: ’90-‘94
Position played on Husker football team: FB
Number when player on Husker football team: 37
John Kroeker
Business Profile
Teckmeyer Financial Services
Teckmeyer Financial has operated as a full service broker/dealer, Registered Investment Advisor and Insurance Agency since 1996. John has served as a financial advisor for over 20 years. Products include stocks, bonds, mutual funds and annuities. Retirement, life insurance and college plans are also available.
(402) 331-8600
www.teckmeyerfinancial.com
Player Profile
Years Played on Husker football team: 1986-1988
Position Played on Husker football team: Punter
Number when player on Husker football team: 46
Garth Glissman
Business Profile
Kutak Rock LLP
Since graduating from the University of Nebraska College of Law in 2009, I have worked as an associate attorney at Kutak Rock LLP in Omaha. Kutak Rock is a full-service corporate firm which is Nebraska’s largest law firm and has offices nationwide. I work in the firm’s Complex Commercial Disputes, Agribusiness, and International Practice Groups. My primary focus is on resolving complex commercial disputes through formal litigation or otherwise and advising businesses on day-to-day legal issues.
(402) 202-9733 | www.kutakrock.com
Player Profile
Years played on Husker football team: 2002-2004 (played on the Nebraska basketball team in 2001-2002)
Position played on Husker football team: Quarterback
Number when player on Husker football team: 17
Troy Watchorn
Business Profile
T7 Fitness, LLC
T7 works with a diverse population of clientele to enhance their functional mobility. We are trained functional movement specialists who have helped individuals from ages 8-80+ years young. We work with individuals/groups who are looking to improve their day to day performance/functional abilities such as: stroke/cardiac rehab, knee/hip rehab, neck/spinal rehab, shoulder rehab, basic weight loss, and sports specific training of youth, high school, collegiate, and pro athletes.
t7fitness@gmail.com
Player Profile
Years played on Husker football team:1996-2000
Position played on Husker football team: Free Safety
Number when player on Husker football team:42
Football career after college: Arena Football