LIBA Free Enterprise Winners

The Lincoln Independent Business Association annually recognizes LIBA members and businesses that have experienced the ups and downs of the entrepreneurial journey, who have overcome and have found sustained success.

 

Business of the Year

LIBA gives this award to a business owner who exemplifies the best of what it takes to create and sustain a successful enterprise, serving as a prime example of business excellence. Rod Behrens and Rick Wintermute of Kingery Construction are recognized as the 2025 LIBA Business of the Year.
Lincoln’s oldest construction company started with a truck and a wheelbarrow. Now, it’s grown into a company known for shaping Lincoln’s landscape. From schools and

churches, to hospitals, office buildings, athletic facilities, and more, Kingery Construction has built and remodeled thousands of spaces.
If you’ve lived in Lincoln long enough, you’ve likely stepped into a facility Kingery had the privilege of constructing. At Kingery, they don’t just build structure – they bring their clients’ visions to life. Kingery’s goal is simple: to deliver projects that reflect our clients’ needs, exceed their expectations, and leave a lasting impression.

 

 

 

Community Impact Award

The LIBA Community Impact Award honors those members and others that make the city of Lincoln a much better place to live. Todd Ogden and the Downtown Lincoln Association (“DLA”) are recognized as the 2025 Community Impact Award winner.
Downtown Lincoln would not be what it is without the support and the creativity of our small businesses. Downtown looks to provide a common voice for everybody and that common voice is built on unique small businesses. DLA looks forward to continuing to grow to support the very lifeblood that makes downtown tick: our local businesses.

 

Enterprising Gambler of the Year

The LIBA Enterprising Gambler award recognizes the business owner who has taken the bold step to either begin or expand a local business. Starting and building a business is very demanding and is a huge gamble. It takes money, preparation, guarantee of success. It takes more than hard work to accomplish this task. LIBA recognizes Alex Kringen and Midwest Petroleum Equipment (MPE) as the 2025 Enterprising Gambler of the Year.

MPE specializes in retail and commercial fueling systems. Essentially anything that dispenses fuel or petroleum related products, they build, service, and install.
Founded in 1986 MPE maintains its headquarters in Lincoln, NE. Since 1986, Midwest Petroleum Equipment has seen incredible growth – branching out to Omaha, Des Moines, Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Grand Island, and North Platte.

Free Enterprise Award

The winner of the 2025 LIBA Free Enterprise Award is Senator Beau Ballard. This is an honor bestowed upon individuals or organizations that demonstrate exceptional commitment to promoting free enterprise and supporting the local business community. Recipients of this award are recognized for their significant contributions to fostering a competitive business environment, driving economic growth, and advocating for policies that benefit entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Beau introduces legislation that is very beneficial to not only the people of the city, but also businesses in this city.

He demonstrates a definite servant’s heart. He loves people, loves the city of Lincoln, and loves making it a better place to live.

 

LIBA Champion Award

LIBA was created nearly 45 years ago to support and advocate for local business. LIBA presents this award to honor individuals who stand up to promote the Lincoln Independent Business Association and its ideals through their actions and decisions.

LIBA recognizes Governor Pillen as the 2025 LIBA Champion. Governor Pillen has proven to be a stalwart champion for local businesses. His relentless dedication to supporting local businesses, driving economic growth, and tireless advocacy has left an indelible mark on Nebraska’s business community, paving the way for a prosperous future.

 

LIBA YOUNG PROFESSIONAL AWARD

It takes boldness and courage to succeed in a professional workforce among people who are seasoned with experience. The LIBA Young Professional Award recognizes hardworking and talented entrepreneurial professionals under 40 years old. In 2025 LIBA is recognizing two such individuals, Robert Peinado of GP Customs Auto Restyling and Kayla Stock of KayStock Design
Born and raised in Lincoln, Robert started GP Customs in 2006 in a 700 sf single bay garage. With the support of his family, GP Customs has evolved from just tinting windows, to audio products, running boards, and remote car starters. GP Customs operates out of a 14,000-sf facility.

Kayla knew that interior design was her passion but needed to find a way to turn that passion into a career. Each project provides an opportunity to grow with her clients and grow as a designer and a project manager. Receiving this award reaffirms her belief that with a vision, passion, and great community surrounding you, you can achieve anything.