RIVER CITY SIX – KRISTIE EGAN
Meet Kristie Egan, president and owner of SEE THE TRAINER® (seethetrainer.com) in Omaha.
Tell us a little about your business. – SEE THE TRAINER is an orthopedic, sports medicine facility dedicated to keeping a diverse population functioning through a variety of bracing and support products. We offer a full line of in-stock bracing, home health, and rehabilitation products. We are dedicated to improving your quality of life, and our knowledgeable staff will do its best assisting you in selecting the appropriate product to best fit your individual needs.
How did you get started in the business? – After I graduated college, I took a year off with plans to go to med school. I was looking for a job to have in the interim, which is how I found SEE THE TRAINER. My aunt was a client and connected me with Maurie Maher, the owner at the time. What was meant to be a temporary means of making money turned into a life-long career that I am very passionate about. I have now been with SEE THE TRAINER for 14 years, and in October 2020 I decided to buy the company.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Taking the leap and buying a business as a woman all on my own.
Tell us a little about your family. – My dad passed away when I was in eighth grade. After that; my mom went back to school to become a nurse. I have two younger brothers, one of them is also a business owner and the other holds a management position at Scheels.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Losing my father at a young age. As the oldest sibling, I became a parent-like figure to my brothers. I got a job at age 14 to help my mom and have been working ever since.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I like to hang out with my friends, boyfriend, and my family.
Who inspires you? – I have been very inspired by my former boss and long-time franchisor of SEE THE TRAINER, Maurie Maher. He was a great leader.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” – Walt Disney.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Determined.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? – Decorating spaces.
Which talent would you most like to have? – Singing.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – I’ve always wanted to be a doctor.
What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – When I took over ownership of SEE THE TRAINER, we did a little spring cleaning and donated thousands of dollars’ worth of products to local charities. This is something I plan to continue doing.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis.
What is your favorite movie? – Pretty Woman.
What is your favorite TV show? – Shark Tank.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Blue Sushi Sake Grill.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – (402) 493-4747; kristie@sttmidwest.com; seethetrainer.com.