Meet Nicole Sorba, business development market leader at AOI Corporation (aoicorp.com).
Tell us a little about your business. – AOI offers solutions for the built environment through our construction, furniture and pre-manufactured construction groups. We help create inspiring, smart working environments. We are the exclusive MillerKnoll furniture dealer in Nebraska and have access to hundreds of other furniture manufacturers along with Dirtt Modular Interior Construction. I lead our business development efforts for Lincoln and I’m excited to grow existing relationships within the community as well as develop new ones, we want to be the team to go to for commercial furnishings to make work easier and to create spaces where employees want to spend time!
How did you get started in the business? – I have experience in residential interiors, but my passion is furniture, specifically in commercial interiors; I am definitely a furniture nerd. I began my adventure in commercial interiors when I moved to Southern California ten years ago. I worked for two of the largest commercial furniture providers in the region and learned a lot during my time there. I am excited to bring my knowledge and experience back to Lincoln.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Does everyone say COVID? It’s changed nearly everything! Product availability and lead times were so challenging for a while and how we work and design to support these new modes of work has changed immensely.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Helping create spaces that make people happier, healthier and higher performing. Nothing is a bigger accomplishment for me than helping people every day.
Tell us a little about your family. – I was born and raised in Lincoln, and just moved back with my husband and two little boys after living in San Diego for ten years. We’re excited to raise our children in the Lincoln community and be closer to family and friends.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – I grew so much professionally and personally while living in California far away from family and friends. I learned independence, perseverance and built an amazing career.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I love to be outdoors, hiking, running or walking. We love to try local breweries and eateries, but just spending time with my wonderful husband and kiddos makes me happiest.
Who inspires you? – My grandparents. They built an amazing life, raised a family that they support above all. They showed me hard work and honesty go a long way.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – “Always remember you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think.”
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – If I could own a vineyard in Tuscany that would be my dream, a winemaker!
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – I mostly read cookbooks at this point in my life and my favorites are from Half Baked Harvest!
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Green Gateau, Las Margaritas and Yia Yia’s…I love food!
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – nsorba@aoicorp.com; (402) 830-5723; aoicorp.com.