Meet Mark Fredrickson, the president at redbox+ of Omaha.
Tell us a little about your business.
redbox+ (www.redboxplus.com/omaha) is a new twist on an industry that hasn’t seen change in over 60 years. Along with standard roll-off containers redbox+ also offers our patent Elite container that comes equipped with two porta potties that are securely mounted to the roll off container for an all in one system that cannot be tipped, blown over, or stolen from the job site.
How did you get started in the business?
I tell people all the time, “Never in a million years did I think I would be in the poop and trash business.” Having been part of another Omaha based startup and owning another side business the entrepreneurship bug got me. In our current state, not only was I looking for something fairly recession proof but also pandemic proof. I was also wanted something with minimal employees that could let the equipment do the work and advertising. I also found there was a lack of customer service in the industry, and I felt this would be something we could easily provide.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?
In addition to redbox+, I’ve chosen to maintain my full-time position as a professional land surveyor. Having two businesses and two busy daughters has made it difficult to do all the marketing and business development that I would like to be doing.
Tell us a little about your family.
My wife of 14 years, Amy, is in the insurance industry and is very hard working. She keeps me and our daughters in line. We also have a white lab.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?
Being let go from a sales position that I had left a 21-year, very stable position for. It totally blind sided me and left me in a very dark place for a couple weeks. On the flip side, this is also what led me down the path towards entrepreneurship career and made me realize the importance of diversification.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
Spending a day on the golf course!
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?
I professionally raced 4-wheelers when I was a teenager.
Who inspires you?
My parents. They are both very blue collar and hardworking individuals. Also, seeing my brother turn a life of drug abuse around and becoming a successful business owner is something I am inspired by.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
There are a lot of people out there not as smart as you that are making a lot more money than you because they got out of their own way and took a chance.
If you had a theme song, what would it be?
“High Hopes” by Panic at the Disco.
If you could have a super power, what would it be?
To heal sick children.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, The E Myth Revisited, and UNFU*K YOURSELF.
What is your favorite movie?
Star Wars.
What is your favorite local restaurant?
We frequent LaMesa and Romeo’s. A hidden gem is OJ’s down in Florence.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
(402) 490-4407; mfredrickson@redboxplus.com; www.redboxplus.com/omaha.