Integrity, a Nebraska work ethic and relationships were key themes that emerged while celebrating the three newest members of the Nebraska Business Hall of Fame (nechamber.com) on Jan. 29. Nebraska business leaders DJ Eihusen of Chief Industries; Rodrigo Lopez of Amerisphere Companies; and the late John E. Olsson, were inaugurated into the Hall of Fame with a crowd of 550 attending.
These individuals join a distinguished group of more than 140 business leaders whose work to grow their businesses in Nebraska has made a significant impact on Nebraska’s economy, overall job opportunities and quality of life in their communities. Candidates are nominated by individuals from the business community, business associations and academia. The program was established in 1992 by the NE Chamber and UNL College of Business.
DJ Eihusen graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1995 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He has held various positions at several of Chief’s business units including Manufacturing Manager, General Manager of Chief Fabrication, and Executive Vice President. DJ became a member of Chief’s Board of Directors in 1998 and began his current position as Chairman of the Board/President/Chief Executive Officer in 2010. Chief, of Grand Island, has been a family-owned company since 1954, now featuring seven brand divisions across the globe, employing 1,500. Three generations of Eihusens have served as chair and CEO.
Rodrigo Lopez was born and raised in Cali, Colombia, and came to Nebraska in 1971 as an exchange student in Superior. Except for his early years working at an architecture firm, his professional career has focused on commercial real estate finance and development. In 1997, Lopez founded a mortgage company that became a Fannie Mae and FHA lender, specializing in multifamily rental housing finance. By the time it was sold to Northmarq Capital in 2015, it had offices across the US and a $6 billion multifamily mortgage loan portfolio spanning 37 states. Lopez then served as Executive Chairman of Northmarq Capital until retiring in 2017 and is current chairman of AmeriSphere Companies. Rodrigo earned his bachelor’s and MBA from the University of Nebraska. He is a Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB) and graduated from the Mortgage Bankers Association School of Mortgage Banking.
John E. Olsson (1926-2015) was born in New York. John E. Olsson graduated from Richmond Hill High School and from the New York Maritime Academy in 1946 with a degree in marine engineering. After working briefly for Lykes Brothers Shipping Line, he enlisted in the Naval Reserve during a maritime strike and completed his service in 1947. While visiting family in Nebraska, John was admitted to the College of Engineering. He earned his mechanical engineering degree in 1951 and worked with Fulton & Cramer for five years. John E. Olsson Professional Engineering was founded in 1956 in Lincoln, growing to be one of the 75 largest engineering and design firms in the nation, employing more than 2,000.
The Nebraska Chamber of Commerce is the largest, statewide business association, proudly serving as the voice of Nebraska’s business community since 1912. The organization promotes and protects Nebraska’s free enterprise system by ensuring a competitive business climate, economic growth and greater prosperity for all Nebraskans. Learn more at nechamber.com.