Star City 6 – Marcus Hellwege
Great Plains Epoxy offers flake, mica, industrial and metallic epoxy flooring for commercial and residential properties. Marcus Hellwege is the owner of Great Plains Epoxy (www.greatplainsepoxy.com).
Tell us a little about your business.
We offer a type of flooring that has interesting color, non-slip textures, easy maintenance, is allergy friendly, and has vapor-resistant qualities. We offer reasonable prices for residential garages, man caves and basements. Commercially, we offer a clean, germ-free product for warehouses, factories, medical offices, food and beverage plants, laboratories and attractive business fronts. Epoxy flooring is a great solution for a durable and easy to clean floor, and we’ve had a lot of interest in the Omaha Metro and Lincoln markets.
How did you get started in the business?
I’ve installed similar products outdoors for the past 12 years. I first installed German resins for outdoor aggregates in patios. Then I installed pool decks, patios and play areas using another resin called porous pave. Over time we found an interest in garage floor coatings and gravitated more towards that specialty area. After research, hands on learning, working with chemists and training, we launched our epoxy flooring division.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?
Epoxy flooring products have been evolving recently and new products are coming out. From the US coasts to around the world, epoxy is used on floors, airplanes, cars, strengthening products and space shuttles. We are always learning about different techniques and uses.
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
Making the transition from landscape architect to a professional epoxy flooring installer. Great Plains Landscaping and Design and Great Plains Epoxy still function as sister companies, but my focus has naturally turned more towards the latter. I have designed a landscape for the ABC Home Extreme Makeover in Lincoln, NE and worked for famous athletes, coaches and comedians. However, I consider my greatest achievements to have been working with great clients to create spaces they can enjoy with family and friends.
Tell us a little about your family.
I am getting married to Jessica, my fiancée, this spring. I have two stepsons, Hunter and Bailey. Jessica is passionate in her career as a hospice caregiver; she is currently opening agencies in the region for Avalon Hospice as the director.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
I love to spend time with my family and travel.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?
I blew up roadside bombs in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004-2005.
What are you the most proud of?
My soon-to-be wife and kids. It has been amazing to see my sons grow into great young men.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Have the courage to live a life true to yourself, not the life others expect of you.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life?
Wrestling; I’m currently a coach at Lincoln Southwest High School.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?
The Bible.
What is your favorite movie?
Die Hard.
What is your favorite TV show?
Friends.
What is your favorite local restaurant?
Texas Roadhouse (If you happen to be dining at the Lincoln restaurant say “Hi” to my stepson Hunter who works there!).
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?
Johnny Cash.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
Phone: (402) 417-6906; Website: www.greatplainsepoxy.com; Facebook: Great Plains Epoxy.