Donald Kracke owned and operated two livestock auction markets in Nebraska and Kansas for 13 years, but decided to make a career switch when the industry changed. He has had his broker’s license for several years but real estate was not his full time job. Because he enjoyed the challenge of new activities every day, he started First State Realty as a full time real estate brokerage firm. The business volume grew every year and he realized that they needed to provide their clients with something more than their local marketing efforts and advertising. That was when they found United Country and it made a huge difference in their business. United Country is the 6th largest real estate franchise in the nation and Donald’s location covers the entire state of Nebraska with specialists handling different types of real estate. Their firm is unique in its marketing approach because it is the only real estate firm in the nation that has a website that focuses on rural America and its wide range of property types. You can search for land, residential, historical, commercial plus many other types properties all on one site. Their marketing program is not only local, but also regional and national. Their office is set up with state of the art technology and designed for their agents to research and process documents in an efficient manner. This allows them more time for providing excellent service to their clients. They are currently ranked 29th in the nation out of over 600 United Country offices and have been very active in land and acreage listing and sales during the past years. They have recently moved their office to Lincoln and are excited to introduce United Country to the residential market.
Tell us a little about your family.
Jayne and I have been married for 29 years and have three children. Tyler attended Nebraska Wesleyan and is currently a CPA in Kansas City. Amy graduated from UNL, is married and just had her first child and lives in Lincoln. Michael is a freshman at Nebraska Wesleyan. We live on a farm and enjoy all kinds of outdoor activities.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?
Leaving the corporate world and starting our own business.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
Work with my Hereford cattle, watch football and fish.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?
I’m scared of snakes.
What are you the most proud of?
Our kids’ Christian values.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
What is the one goal you would most like to accomplish?
Become the #1 United Country office in the nation.
How would your friends describe you?
Annoying.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life?
Singing and playing the saxophone.
Which talent would you most like to have?
Stronger analytical skills.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Be taller.
What is your favorite movie?
Star Wars
What is your favorite TV show?
Star Trek
What is your favorite Lincoln restaurant?
Lazlos
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?
Ronald Reagan
What is the best way to contact you?
Call us at (402) 261-4508 or see all the properties we have to offer by visiting http://www.UCNebraska.com.