Meet Shawn Owsley, the Vice President of Operations at Empire Netting & Fence (empire-fence.com).
Tell us a little about your business. – I always tell people we are just a small-town fence company trying our best to do big things. There is no project too small or too big for us and I truly believe that is what makes us different. From residential to commercial, fencing to custom made press boxes, we do it all!
How did you get started in the business? – I had been working for another local construction company and was looking for a change. Never in a million years would I have guessed someday I would be working for a fence company, but it has been the best decision I have made outside of marrying my wife.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Learning how to change with the times and keep the next generation motivated in a positive way. You always hear the older generation talk about how the next generation just doesn’t have what it takes. I truly believe you have to adapt with change in order to continue moving forward.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Embracing the mindset of “being comfortable in uncomfortable situations.”
Tell us a little about your family. – My wife Heather is truly the reason for my continued growth as an employee, husband and father. She is a California girl who found herself in small town Nebraska. It took me a year to convince her to go out with me but being persistent paid off. We have two boys Tristan (five) and Turner (two) who keep us on our toes to say the least. I literally could not write my story any better than how it turned out. I am truly blessed.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Understanding that if I wanted more in life, it was up me to make that happen.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Golfing or hunting with the guys.
Who inspires you? – My father is who always inspired me growing up to be different and take risk.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – “As you move though life you will have leaders with good traits and bad traits, only absorb their good traits because you will develop your own bad traits along the way” Sgt Sacasa USMC.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? – I know a bunch of facts and statistics that are completely irrelevant to work or daily life. My wife will say “how & why do you know that.”
What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – My close friends and I are currently in the process of starting our own non-profit. I have been lucky enough to have a group of nine guys who have been extremely close since grade school. We unexpectedly lost two of those friends this year, so we are starting a foundation to raise money in their names for Tech school scholarships and youth outdoor programs as they were both very passionate about both. Keep an eye out for the “Pony Boy’s Foundation” as we will be doing big things locally!
What is your favorite local Lincoln restaurant? – The Green Gateau.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – (402) 682-7658