River City Six – Lona Anderson
Meet Lona Anderson, area director of Center Sphere in Omaha and rural Nebraska.
Tell us a little about your business.
Center Sphere provides a network of local support for businesses through reliable, trusted, profitable, and proven relationship building. By building authentic relationships, referrals come naturally. It’s truly rewarding knowing that you can affect the members lives in a positive way.
How did you get started in the business?
In March 2018, I joined Center Sphere as the membership coordinator for the Lincoln area, plus I had a personal seat as a fashion paramedic with Premier Designs Jewelry in a Lincoln chapter. Three months later, I had the opportunity to also add the role as membership coordinator for Omaha area. In October 2018, Center Sphere was launched in the rural areas and I became the director of those efforts. I am now the Omaha Rural Area Director as well. Before Center Sphere, I had worked in telecommunications and marketing for over 25 years. I found the people and the culture of Center Sphere were the perfect fit for me.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?
Balancing work and family when I was young in my career. I was fortunate to have a manager and mentor who helped me to be successful in both.
Tell us a little about your family.
I was raised on a farm in Superior, NE. I’m happily married to my husband Tom, and we celebrated 25 years of marriage last fall. Tom is a Service Tech with CKF.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?
Honestly, the job that I currently have and love! It is very rewarding working with our members and seeing their businesses grow.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
I enjoy traveling, watching volleyball, and cooking.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?
I’m a Type 1 diabetic.
Who inspires you?
My parents. I was raised with excellent core values and learned a tremendous work ethic, which I carry on today.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be?
Dependable.
If you had a theme song, what would it be?
“Taking Care of Business” by Bachman Turner Overdrive.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be?
An FBI agent.
What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?
I am extremely passionate about JDRF since my husband and myself are both Type 1. We have a lot of nonprofits in Center Sphere, and I support several of them.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?
Beginner’s Pluck by Liz Forkin Bohannon.
What is your favorite TV show?
Criminal Minds and Law & Order. Pretty much Law & Order anything.
What is your favorite local restaurant?
Roja Mexican Grill.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
Phone: (402) 416-5700; Email: LonaAnderson@CenterSphere.com; Website: www.CenterSphere.com.