Meet Lisa Kaderly, the Omaha furniture sales manager at AOI Corporation (aoicorp.com).
Tell us a little about your business. – AOI is a women-owned business providing an elite experience in three practices: General Construction, Prefab Walls and Commercial Furniture. We’re focused on client and employee satisfaction and are passionate about building Omaha culture, philanthropy and the city’s economic development.
How did you get started in the business? – It’s been a bit of a winding path that eventually led to the seat I’m in now. While I’ve been involved in the built environment for over 25 years, what brought me specifically to furniture was a creative recruiter! She found me in the flooring industry and matched me with a furniture dealership, and I’ll be forever grateful.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – The pandemic created a challenge none of us could have imagined personally or professionally. It was easy to get caught up in supply chain issues that resulted in missed deadlines and unhappy clients, while ultimately, a missing chair or desk was irrelevant juxtaposed against the human ramifications. Perspective was crucial.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – My most important achievement has been the relationships forged over the last 25+ years. In particular, the relationships formed with other strong, inspiring women!
Tell us a little about your family. – Other than a couple of muppetlike dogs, we are – blessedly – empty nesters! Our son, Hayden and his husband, Adam, are both veterinarians in the Chicago suburbs. Our daughter, Miranda, works for the government in immigration. Her husband, Chris, is the head coach for Franklin College in Indiana. (Go Grizzlies!) Our son Matt works for Builder Trend in Omaha.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – About 10 years ago I realized I was around the halfway point of my professional life, and I asked myself what I wanted the second half to look like. The answer was “I want unlimited potential!” I was in a job where I felt like I was being held back from what I knew I could achieve. “Unlimited potential” became my mantra. I stopped settling and began a new path forward. I haven’t looked back – unless it was to remind myself how far I’ve come!
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I love days where you can decide what to do based solely on how you feel in the moment. Sofa and Netflix? Winery? Pedicure? All of the above!
Who inspires you? – I don’t have to look far for inspiration; I am inspired daily by my teammates and friends. I’m amazed by their talents and wisdom and strength; not just at work, but in their personal challenges as well.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – I hired a wonderful woman to help me write my first résumé. She told me “You will never be happy at a job unless you’re utilizing 80-90% of your talents.”
What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – Girls Inc – We need to encourage the next generation of strong women! Go Red – My mother passed away from a hemorrhagic stroke. Women’s cardiovascular health is under-researched and under-funded.
What is your favorite local Omaha restaurant? – Jams.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – lkaderly@aoicorp.com; aoicorp.com.