We all know the excitement that comes along with fall. No, it has nothing to do with back to school or a break in the heat we’re experiencing this summer. Every good Nebraskan knows that fall means one thing: Husker football! Sports fans young and old know that when they hear that familiar fight song and start seeing the color red popping up everywhere, it’s almost time for the season to start! If you’re from Nebraska, you probably have memories of the first time you experienced a Husker football game, whether it was on television or in person at Memorial Stadium. You watched as the players ran through the tunnel and out onto the field and the excitement built as the first quarter started. Throughout the season (and years), you cheered on your Huskers, chose favorite players and probably followed the careers of those who moved on to professional football when their college playing days were done. Soon, though, your memories of those players faded away while new ones took their place.
But why should your support of the Huskers end when their playing career does? If you look around the community, you’ll probably be surprised to find how many former Huskers are doing business right here in Lincoln. Some of them remained in Nebraska after college while others went to play football in other states (or countries), then returned here to raise families and build careers. They are attorneys, financial planners, insurance agents, personal trainers and more! What better way to support your Huskers than to continue your support of them as businessmen? Many of the same qualities that made them great athletes now make them great in business. Hard work, dedication, a competitive spirit and a strong desire to be the best at what they do are just a few of the personality traits that make former Huskers amazing businessmen! We’re pleased to help promote these men in our Big Red Business feature! Make sure you take a look at the story and get in touch with each former player to congratulate him on his current success and come out to meet them and congratulate them in person at our Big Red Business event on August 25th!
If you are former Husker football player and we didn’t get a chance to talk to you this year, please get in touch as we plan on doing this feature again next year and you still may have a chance to get involved with the event on August 25th!
Jay Foreman #56, #44
Business Profile: Foreman44 LLC
Jay is an established public speaker who has spoken locally and nationally. He uses his various life experiences to educate, enlighten and motivate audiences.
foreman562000@yahoo.com
(402) 853-4691
www.jay-foreman.com
Player Profile: Years played on Husker football team: ‘94-‘98
Position played on Husker football team: Linebacker
Number when player on Husker football team: 56/44
Football career after college: Played in NFL from ‘98-2007 for Buffalo Bills, Houston Texans, New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers
Ben Buettenback #39
Business Profile: Buettenback Chiropractic
I opened Buettenback Chiropractic in August of 2004. I specialize in low back problems as well as sports injuries, auto injuries and spinal rehabilitation. In addition to Chiropractic, I emphasize nutrition, exercise and health education.
402.476.8483
www.buettenbackchiro.com
Player Profile: Years played on Husker football team: 1995-1999
Position played on Husker football team: Linebacker
Number when player on Husker football team: #39
Football career after college: Lincoln Lightning – 2000
Adi Kunalic #1
Business Profile: Hurrdat Social Media
Hurrdat Social Media is a marketing agency that allows brands to create a credible online voice. We help businesses grow, implement, and manage a strategic social media presence.
Adi@hurrdat.com
http://Hurrdat.com
Player Profile: Years played on Husker football team: 2007-2010
Position played on Husker football team: Kicker
Number when player on Husker football team: # 1
Football career after college: Carolina Panthers – 2011/2012
Denver Broncos – 2012
Tyler Toline #3
Business Profile: HealthConnect at Home
HealthConnect at Home is a collaborative effort of Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center, Saint Francis Medical Center and Good Samaritan Hospital serving over 3000 patients in central and eastern Nebraska with Home Health, Hospice, Private Duty and Mother/ Child services during 2011. HealthConnect at Home works closely with physicians, hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, patients and their families to provide home–friendly services to patients requiring intermittent, professional healthcare.
Our Core Values: Reverence Integrity Compassion Excellence
ttoline@healthconnectathome.org | www.healthconnectathome.org
Player Profile: Years played on Husker football team: 2000-2004
Position played on Husker football team: Defensive End
Number when player on Husker football team: 93
Mike Anderson #48
Business Profile: Anderson Auto Group
Owner of Anderson Auto Group which consists of Ford, Lincoln, Mazda and Kia franchises in Grand Island, Lincoln and St. Joseph Missouri.
mike@andersonautogroup.com
(402) 610-1421
www.andersonautogroup.com
Player Profile: Years played on Husker football team: ’89-‘93
Position played on Husker football team: LB
Number when player on Husker football team: 48
Football career after college: New York Jets, World Football League with the Amsterdam Admirals
Ben Gessford # 72
Business Profile: Williamsburg Dental LLC
Current Business: Williamsburg Dental provides complete family dentistry to fit all your oral care needs. In addition to your regular cleanings, you can take advantage of their expertise in restorative work with fillings, implants, root canals and crowns. Improve your confidence in your smile with Invisalign and Zoom Whitening.
(402) 420-2222
www.SouthLincolnDental.com
Player Profile: Years Played on Husker Football Team: ’94-‘98
Position Played on Husker Football Team: Offensive Line
Number When you Played on Husker Football Team: 72
Jeremy Stanislav # 48
Business Profile: Pink Bandana
Pink Bandana is a newly formed non-profit organization whose mission is to create awareness among women under the age of 40 that breast cancer can affect them personally and to help raise funds for young families battling the disease. The organization has grown out of the annual Beat Breast Cancer Mud Volleyball Tournament which recently registered 256 teams and raised $20,000 for two Nebraska families.
www.pinkbandana.org
Player Profile: Years played on Husker football team:1996-97-98
Position played on Husker football team: Fullback
Number when player on Husker football team: 48
Riley Washington #3
Business Profile: Director of Nebraska Football Academy
I am Director of Nebraska Football Academy at Abbott Sports Complex. My responsibilities include but are not limited to creating and maintaining football related programs. A few of the programs include youth tackle football, Youth flag football for Winter, Spring and Fall as well as training programs for youth that want that little extra help in pursuing their goals.
(402) 601-0091
rwashington@abbottsports.com | www.abbottsports.com
Player Profile: Years played on Husker football team: 1992-1996)
Position played on Husker football team: Wingback
Number when player on Husker football team: #3
Football career after college: *Assistant youth coach for track (San Diego, CA)
*Wide receiver/defensive back coach Sharks Youth football
*Head coach/Director Nebraska Football Academy
Sean Wieting #33
Business Profile: Lincoln Lutheran Middle and High School
Lincoln Lutheran exists to equip young people to be faithful disciples of Jesus Christ by providing an excellent, Christ-centered education. My role as a 6th grade instructor is to challenge and encourage students within the classroom areas of mathematics, world history, and religion/theology. At Lincoln Lutheran, we provide students with an academically strong education while developing a Christian worldview that prepares them for college and life.
(402) 680-3999 | www.lincolnlutheran.org
Player Profile: Years played on Husker football team: 1993-1997
Position played on Husker football team: Wingback & Split End
Number when player on Husker football team: 33
Football career after college: Assistant High School football coach, Lincoln Lutheran, 2010 – present.
Steve Taylor #9
Business Profile: HOME Real Estate
Certified Residential Specialist!
(402) 429-0809 | www.taylormade.homerealestate.com
Player Profile: Years Played on Husker Football Team: ’85-‘89
Position Played on Husker Football Team: QB
Number when Played on Husker Football Team: 9
Football career after college: Canadian Football League for 8 years—1992 Grey Cup Champion
Aaron Davis # 83
Business Profile: Aaron Davis Presentations, Inc.
Short synopsis of your current business: Today I have the privilege to speak at over 90 events around the nation each year (corporate, high schools, college’s). In addition to speaking I’m a partner in two software companies. www.greenbein.com
a media production company that specializes in adding digital interaction to existing marketing efforts that increases engagement, acquisition & revenue for their clients & www.boxwire.com a virtual suggestion box used by some of today’s top companies to receive feedback from both customers & employees.
adavis@aarondavisspeaks.com | 402.423.1649
Aarondavisspeaks.com | Greenbein.com | Boxwire.com
Player Profile: Years played on Husker football team: 1992-1994
Position played on Husker football team: Wide Receiver
Number when player on Husker football team: 83
Football career after college: Worked for Campus life for two years and then started my own speaking and consulting business!
Trevor Neemann # 56
Business Profile: Neemann & Sons Inc.
We install roofing, siding, and seamless gutters. We offer the highest quality and service in exterior construction. We have certified installers with no subcontracted workers.
(402) 423-4853 | www.neemannroofing.com
Player Profile: Years played on Husker football team: ‘02-‘05
Position played on Husker football team: Defensive End/ Linebacker
Number when player on Husker football team: 56
Tom Smith # 83
Business Profile: SMITH HAYES Financial Services
Smith Hayes was formed in 1985 on five core principles: Partnership, Communication, Solutions, Education and Trust. Smith Hayes is a Nebraska-based locally owned and operated investment firm. Smith Hayes specializes in personalized asset management for institution and individual investors, qualified and non-qualified retirement plans, as well as underwrites and offers municipal bonds across the state of Nebraska.
(402) 416-1273 or www.smithhayes.com
Player Profile: Years played on Husker Football Team: 1963-1967
Position played on Husker Football Team: Wide receiver
Number when played on Husker Football Team: 83
Vance Behrens # 18
Business Profile: structural[design]group, inc.
Vance founded structural[design]group in the Haymarket Area of Lincoln, NE in 2000 after acquiring 10 years of experience. structural[design]group is a full service structural engineering consulting firm specializing in the design and analysis of all types of new building structures, renovation of older structures and engineering of specialty structures.
vancebehrens@sdgstructural.com | www.sdgstructural.com
Player Profile: Years played on Husker football team: ’83-‘87
Position played on Husker football team: wingback
Number when player on Husker football team: 18
Casey Nelson #85
Business Profile: Elite Exteriors
Elite Exteriors has been providing the community with quality replacement windows and siding at affordable prices for many years. With over 30 years of experience, the staff, sales personnel, and installers are experts in their field. Our staff will assist you in selecting energy efficient products that will not only enhance the beauty of your home but save you money as well. At Elite Exteriors we believe that you and your home deserve nothing less than the best quality and craftsmanship in the industry.
(402) 890-8090 | eliteexteriorsonline.com
Player Profile: Years played on Husker football team: 97-2001
Position played on Husker football team: Def line
Number when player on Husker football team: 85
Tom Banderas #87
Business Profile: Farm Bureau
I have been a Farm Bureau agent for the past 23 years. My business includes personal insurance and life insurance, which includes home, auto and commercial business insurance. I want to thank my clients over the past 23 years for their business and loyalty.
(402) 477-6262
tom.banderas@fbfs.com | www.fbfs.com
Player Profile: Years played on the Husker Football Team: ’83-‘87
Position played on the Husker Football Team: Tight end
Number when played on Husker Football Team: 87
Football career after college: Signed contract with the Washington Redskins. Retired in 1988.
Blake Lawerence #40
Business Profile: Hurrdat Social Media, LLC
Hurrdat is a social media marketing agency that serves businesses and brands from around the world. We focus on delivering marketing strategies that bring brands into the new era of social media.
Hurrdat has also developed a software platform that allows brands to connect with professional athletes to create instantaneous endorsement opportunities. Hurrdat has served over 100 brands and professional athletes since opening business in August 2010.
blake@hurrdat.com | http://Hurrdat.com
Player Profile: Years played on Husker football team: 2007-2009
Position played on Husker football team: Linebacker
Number when player on Husker football team: 40
Football career after college: Founder/CEO of Hurrdat Social Media
Ty Steinkuhler #43
Business Profile: Financial Representative with Mutual of Omaha
As a Financial Representative for Mutual of Omaha, I have had the opportunity to help people protect their finances and prepare them for the future in many ways. Some of the areas I work in include: income protection, small business needs, estate planning, retirement planning, asset accumulation, and Long Term Care planning.
I have been with Mutual of Omaha for a little less than one year and have found the career to be very rewarding. It is very satisfying to work and meet new people every day, as well as making sure they are on the right path to reach their goals.
402-525-2239 | ty.steinkuhler@mutualofomaha.com
Player Profile: Years played on the Husker Football Team: 2004-2008
Position played on the Husker Football Team: Defensive Line
Number when played on Husker Football Team: #43
Football career after college: Free agent New York Jets 2009-10 (practice squad), Montreal Allouettes 2010
Lawrence D. Pete #96
Business Profile: Cornhusker Bank
17 years in the financial service industry
Currently employed at Cornhusker Bank a 108 year old locally owned and operated financial institution. (Vice President-Retail Division) Primary role and responsibilities are to manage Cornhusker banks consumer/retail delivery channels at all 6 Lincoln based branches.
402-434-2295; Cell #:402-598-0848
Lawrence.pete@cornhuskerbank.com | www.cornhuskerbank.com
Player Profile:Years played on Husker football team:1984 thru 1988
Position played on Husker football team: Middle Guard
Number when player on Husker football team: 96
Football career after college: Drafted by the Detroit Lions in the 5th Round in 1989. Played from 1989 thru 1994
Travis J Antholz #94
Business Profile: Lacey-Antholz-Donner Dentists, PC
I am a partner in a general/ family dentistry practice with Stuart Lacey, DDS and Sara Donner, DDS. We provide full scope and comprehensive care for the entire family.
(402)-474-3445 (office)
(402)-474-6061 (fax)
www.laddentists.com
Player Profile: Years played on Husker football team: 1995-1998
Position played on Husker football team: OLB/DE
Number when player on Husker football team: 94
Steven J. Volin, MD # 68
Business Profile: Nebraska Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine, PC
Orthopaedic Surgeon specializing in diagnosis and treatment of spinal disorders.
402-488-3322 | www.nebraskaortho.com
Player Profile: Years played on Husker football team: 1991-1995
Position played on Husker football team: Offensive Line
Number when player on Husker football team: 68
Steve Glenn #71
Business Profile: Executive Travel
Executive Travel is a Lincoln, Nebraska based business that was formed in 1986 by Steve and Marie Glenn. The company has been one of the fastest growing travel management businesses in the United States. Steve Glenn, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Executive Travel, has been one of the country’s most visionary travel industry leaders, with extensive industry knowledge and expertise in local, regional, national and global travel management. Executive Travel broke the call center mold and pioneered the strategy of agents working virtually over 20 years ago. This has allowed us to have agents working across the nation to provide easy access and prompt service no matter where your business takes you, while working to reduce the overall costs of travel.
402-440-2939 | www.executivetravel.com
Player Profile: Years played on Husker football team: 1974-1979
Position played on Husker football team: Offensive tackle
Number when player on Husker football team: 71
Matt Plooster #83
Business Profile: Bridgepoint Merchant Banking
Bridgepoint Merchant Banking is a full-service investment banking and private equity firm with offices in Lincoln and Des Moines. Matt is Co-Founder and Managing Principal of the Firm. Bridgepoint is dedicated to serving companies over their corporate lifecycles by providing merger and acquisition and corporate finance advisory services. In addition to its investment banking activities, Bridgepoint also invests and manages its proprietary private equity and venture capital funds.
402-817-7900 | mplooster@bridgepointmb.com | www.bridgepointmb.com
Player Profile: Years played on Husker football team: 1999-2001
Position played on Husker football team: Wide Receiver
Number when player on Husker football team: 83
Frosty Anderson #89
Business Profile: Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
Frosty is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER TM, financial advisor and branch manager of the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney office in Lincoln.
(402) 479-1221
1248 O Street, Suite 1100, Lincoln 68508
Forrest.p.anderson@mssb.com
www.fa.smithbarney.com/forrestanderson/
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC
Player Profile: Years played on Husker football team: ’70-‘73
Position played on Husker football team: Split End
Number when player on Husker football team: 89
Football career after college: 2 years New Orleans Saints
Dave Fiala #28
Business Profile: Good Life Fitness and FuturesOne
Good Life Fitness started in 2010; the focus of the gym is to provide a good energy health focused facility and staff. The facility is large, we specialize in group fitness and our “N-10sive Bootcamps,” and the gym is awesome and big. Steve Auxier and Jason Auxier are my partners. One week free for anyone wanting to give Good Life Fitness a try, call 402 434 4444, or stop by at 301 Van Dorn.
FuturesOne is a business that I founded in 2000, in Lincoln. Today our staff is 30 people strong. We specialize in Agricultural Risk Management, Commodity Futures Brokerage and expert market analysis. I am also a nationally recognized agricultural analyst providing commentary for radio, newspapers and DTN, plus I have filled in teaching at UNL over the past 13 years.
402-304-0200 | www.goodlifefit.com | www.futuresone.com
Player Profile: Years played on Husker football team: 1989-1993
Position played on Husker football team: Fullback
Number when player on Husker football team: # 28