Veterans embody bravery and dedication, having served their country in ways many may never fully comprehend. While they are celebrated every Veterans Day, it’s important to remember that gratitude for their service and sacrifice should be expressed year-round.
Much is said about the importance of supporting local businesses, and rightly so. But it’s just as crucial to take that support a step further by uplifting veteran-owned businesses. These men and women have not only fought for our freedoms but have also transitioned into new roles as professionals and entrepreneurs, continuing to serve their communities in meaningful ways.
You might be surprised by how many veterans launch successful businesses after their military service. This month, Strictly Business is proud to shine a spotlight on the veteran-owned businesses that strengthen our local economy and inspire others through their resilience and leadership.
By supporting these businesses, you’re doing more than making a purchase. You’re honoring a veteran’s journey and showing appreciation for the sacrifices they’ve made. Transitioning back to civilian life can be a challenge, but a supportive and engaged community can make all the difference.
As we honor veterans across the country for their courage and service, it’s also a time to recognize their entrepreneurial spirit and contributions at home. We invite you to explore the inspiring journeys of these business owners and the impact they’re making right here in our community.
At Strictly Business, we consider it a privilege to feature and support veteran-owned businesses. Your bravery, resilience and continued commitment are deeply appreciated. Thank you for your service.
If you’re a veteran-owned business and would like to be featured in next year’s spotlight, please call our office at (402) 466-3330.
Kim Hazelton – U.S. Army (1992-1994)
“I completed basic training at Fort Jackson near Columbia, South Carolina. After basic training, I went to Fort Devens in Ayer, Massachusetts, where I completed my training as a 98D, or Emitter Locator Identifier.”
Fort Devens is where she met her future husband. When she went to her active duty station with the 204th Military Intelligence Battalion in Augsburg, Germany, he was already stationed at another base across town.
When Kim was pregnant with their first daughter, she spent her time working in the Orderly Room (office) for her unit. Having spent a few years as a secretary before joining the army, she began envisioning running a secretarial business to provide administrative support for other small business owners after her enlistment was over.
This didn’t immediately pan out, though. Instead, Kim spent more than 20 years in healthcare leadership roles, gaining organizational, management, planning, process improvement and system implementation skills.
Now, Kim has finally returned to those earlier dreams born during her days in the army. With Alpha Zed Business Services, Kim brings all of her experience to the table to help small businesses manage leads, automate communication and streamline business processes.
To learn more, visit (systemssuperhero.com).
John Berry – U.S. Army Veteran & Trial Attorney
John Berry has been a trial attorney at Berry Law since 2003. A Veteran with over 20 years of military service, John retired as a Battalion Commander and was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the 299th Regimental Training Institute in recognition of his distinguished service. His military background gives him a deep understanding of the challenges Veterans face, particularly within the Veterans Affairs system.
John Berry is deeply passionate about standing up for his fellow Veterans and active-duty service members at every stage of their lives. He believes that those who wore the uniform deserve unwavering support from the nation they defended. With his unique combination of legal experience and military service, John is committed to ensuring that our warriors receive the benefits, respect, and justice they have rightfully earned. For him, advocating for Veterans isn’t just a profession—it’s a personal mission rooted in honor, duty, and country.
As a courtroom powerhouse, John upholds the highest standards in legal advocacy. His commitment to justice and his clients is evident in every case Berry Law takes on. Under his leadership, the firm continues to champion the rights of Veterans and injury victims nationwide.
In 2025, Berry Law celebrates its 60th anniversary. Founded by legendary Green Beret and attorney John Stevens Berry Sr., the firm has evolved from a solo practice into a nationally recognized legal powerhouse. With more than 250 years of combined legal experience and 300 years of combined military service, the Berry Law team is uniquely equipped to handle the most complex legal challenges.
The firm focuses on Veterans’ disability appeals, personal injury, and offering aggressive, results-driven representation.
To learn more, visit (BerryLaw.com) or (PTSDLawyers.com).
Jim Cada – U.S. Army (1968-1970)
Jim Cada was born and raised on a farm north of Schuyler. He served in the U.S. Army 1968-1970, obtaining rank of staff Sgt., and leaving with a Purple Heart and honorable discharge. He graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a BS., MA. and JD. Jim’s practice of law includes personal injury, estate planning and probate, collection of business accounts and establishment/representation of business and corporate entities.
Over the years, Jim has dedicated his time and expertise to numerous committees and commissions focused on supporting veterans. His service includes:
Lancaster County Veterans Treatment Court – Helping keep veterans out of the prison system by providing alternatives focused on rehabilitation and support. Veterans Home Board of Nebraska – Assisting in the development and oversight of housing and care facilities for veterans across the state. Civilian Aides to the Secretary of the Army – Strengthening relationships between civilian communities and Army leadership to foster mutual understanding and support.
Nebraska Veterans Council – Advocating for legislation that improves the lives of veterans and their families.
Lancaster County Veteran Service Officer Committee – Helping secure and manage millions in funding to ensure veterans receive the benefits they’ve earned. Jim currently serves on the Governor’s Veterans Advisory Commission that oversees the Nebraska Department of Veterans Affairs. This commission aims to help preserve and protect military installations across the state, attract new missions to the state’s military installations and serve Nebraska’s military and veteran families.
Even after 55 years post-service, Jim is still dedicated and passionate about supporting active duty, veterans and their families. Along with his work with the commission, Jim is active in the Military Order of the Purple Heart. With a similar mission as the Governor’s Veterans Commission, the Military Order of the Purple Heart helps all veterans or active duty personnel who have been injured in the line of duty.
Jim Cada and Cada Law have spent their careers giving individuals, families and businesses the help that they need at the time they need it. With over 50 years of combined experience, they know the firm could not have had such continued success without a genuine commitment to their clients and community.
Regardless of who you are, your legal issues and concerns are unique, important and deserve to be treated with respect. Call or text today to get the help you need at (402) 477-2233 or email office@cadalaw.com.
Haley and Adam—husband and wife—are both Army veterans.
Adam served on active duty in the Army for six years from 2008-2014, and Haley served for six years from 2003-2009 as an Army Reservist. This veteran couple also owns Maid to Please, a locally owned and operated full-service cleaning company.
“Life in the Army taught us many great lessons that we still use to this day: hard work, honesty, teamwork and commitment.”
“We didn’t start our business—we purchased a wonderful, longstanding company and have worked to bring new energy and ideas to it,” Adam says.
Maid to Please is Lincoln’s premier home cleaning service. The company employs highly regarded cleaning technicians whom customers enjoy having in their homes. The team is well-trained, friendly, background-checked and quality-control checked on a regular basis. Employees tend to stay with the company long term, which means clients almost always see the same trusted team members every time.
Adam and Haley offer some hard-won advice for business owners and entrepreneurs.
“Pursue your dreams and your passions! We’ve wanted to be business owners for several years, but starting a business from scratch wasn’t the right fit for us,” Haley says. “However, we felt that if we could find the right business to buy, we could add our strengths to it and create a better version for our team, our clients and for Lincoln.”
“Some of the lessons we both learned during our service have helped us bring new ideas into the business. Right now, we’re really focused on marketing and building the name recognition of Maid to Please.”
With a fully insured team trained in a variety of cleaning services and methods, there’s no better choice than Maid to Please.
For more information, visit (maid-to-please.com).
Marty Fortney – U.S. Marines (1986-1992)
I joined the Marines right out of high school to serve my country. In 1986, during the Cold War, I trained as a combat engineer with a focus on cold weather mountain warfare. I gained experience with explosives, mines and building bridges to support the new 60-ton M1 Abrams tank. After a few years in the Marines, I married my wife, who has now been my partner for 35 years. Six months into our marriage, I was deployed to Kuwait, a little-known country at the time, which gained attention when it was invaded by Saddam Hussein. With no standing army, Kuwait was easily overrun by the opposing forces.
During my deployment, my wife and I communicated through letters, which had a turnaround time of 30-40 days. I can only imagine how difficult it was for my wife and loved ones to watch the news and wonder where we were or if we were still alive.
Ironically, I had trained for years to operate in the mountains – Nonetheless, Marines are taught to adapt and overcome. I witnessed and participated in actions of war that I would wish for no one to witness. The injustices inflicted by the Iraqi Republican Guard on the defenseless people of Kuwait were indescribable. While I am proud to have served my country, I do not believe that war is a solution to any problem. However, I believe that the United States and our coalition forces saved many lives in Kuwait.
Our country is remarkable, with rights protected by our Constitution. Every citizen should know and exercise these rights with civility. Today, I’m proud to continue serving my country in a different way through my small business, Creekside RV Resort. The opportunities that are given to us by the men and women who serve continue to open up for my community. God bless the USA.
Keith Fickenscher – U.S. Army (1969-1971)
U.S. Army Veteran, Keith Fickenscher, opened Southside Carwash in 1991. Located on the corner of 48th & Nebraska Parkway, the wash is currently owned by Keith and his son, Aaron Fickenscher. The wash offers four self-service bays, along with a Touchless Automatic. Southside Carwash has repeatedly been a pioneer in bringing new features and technologies to the Lincoln market. In a time where the simple Coin-Operated “Wash/Rinse/Wax” options were all that was available to customers, Southside introduced Foaming brushes, presoaks, Spot Free Rinse, hand dryers, credit card acceptance, and the Touchless Automatic.
We take exceptional pride in the appearance, cleanliness and dependability of our wash, which is open 24/7. In our 34 years of washing cars in Lincoln, we have consistently used the highest quality chemicals. Combined with hot, soft water, and a sparkling spot free rinse, we strive to produce the best wash experience possible for our customers. In yet another first for Lincoln, Southside is the only Touchless wash to offer an Unlimited Wash Membership program. Visit (southsidetouchless.com) to learn more.