Meet Rowan Havranek, Editor at Strictly Business.
Tell us a little about your business. – Strictly Business is a local news and direct marketing magazine in Omaha and Lincoln. We are all about branding names and faces because people like to do business with people they know, like and trust. We are proud of our reputation as a reliable and positive publication and grateful for the opportunity to promote so many amazing local businesses and organizations in print and online each month.
How did you get started in the business? – I’ve always had a strong love for reading and writing. My mother is a high school English and journalism teacher, so pursuing a degree in English and working for the magazine feels natural, comes easily and satisfies my interests!
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Encouraging the people I supervise to do the right thing – even when it might be harder or when it might not seem like a big deal in the moment.
Tell us a little about your family. – Although my immediate family includes just me and my mom and dad, my parents are both one of eight kids. So, I have second cousins older than myself, and my dad is a great great uncle! Family gatherings can get quite big.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – My adoption! My parents adopted me from a Chinese orphanage when I was less than a year old. Growing up in the U.S. has been culturally distinctive to my perspective and person!
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I love spending time with my friends/parents, baking, watching tv, crocheting or reading.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I’ve donated my hair 5 or more times!
Who inspires you? – My parents. Their geniality and grit inspire me… and their goofiness too, haha.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – “Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.” Martin Luther King Jr.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Bright.
If you could have a super power, what would it be? – The power to control water!
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? – I’m pretty good at braiding hair!
Which talent would you most like to have? – Ballet.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – Pediatric surgeon – I love helping little kids!
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – Normal People by Sally Rooney.
What is your favorite movie? – The Breakfast Club.
What is your favorite TV show? – Friends.
What is your favorite local Lincoln restaurant? – Agave.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – Princess Diana, I really admire her philanthropy and dedication as a mother!
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – editor@strictlybusinessomaha.com | (402) 466-3330.