Tell us a little about your business. – I just joined the LPED team in January of this year. The Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development (LPED) (SelectLincoln.org) is a public-private collaboration charged with fulfilling Lincoln’s Economic Development goals. The focus of my role is to support the local startup community by valuable connections, providing resources, hosting events, managing our grant program LaunchLNK, and being a voice for the entrepreneurial community.

How did you get started in the business? – I am new to economic development, but I am not new to the entrepreneurial community. I co-own a small business called Escape Lincoln (a local escape room in the Historic Haymarket) which recently expanded to include The Nook, a cozy community hangout where people gather beyond screens. I also previously owned a high-growth subscription box called Smartass & Sass. I have spent the last 10 years running my own businesses, and that experience has given me great perspective on my new role with LPED and on how I can serve the startup community best.

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – I am obviously passionate about the work we do at LPED, but there are so many other great organizations in Lincoln. I have always loved the Arbor Day Foundation and their commitment to trees. My family attends the Applejack Festival every year! And I love supporting the Foundation for Lincoln City Libraries who do such amazing work supporting our libraries and fostering a love of learning in our community.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – Reading is my favorite pastime, but I have such a hard time picking favorites! I read all genres, but lately I’ve been reading fantasy and romance. A couple of recent favorites are Sunrise on the Reaping (Hunger Games), Hazelthorn, Metal Slinger, A Rivalry of Hearts, and The Institute. I also love science fiction, and Ender’s Game was my first foray into the genre.

What is your favorite local Lincoln restaurant? – There are so many amazing local restaurants in Lincoln, but one of my favorite things is Lazlo’s fries with honey mustard. When I’m craving a burger, I can’t resist the 1809 from Honest Abe’s! And if I am in the Haymarket and need a boost, I always stop at Crescent Moon Coffee. I love their rotating menu themes (Fallout, Stardew Valley, Princess Bride!). Escape Lincoln, the escape room I co-own with Anh McClure, first opened in the Apothecary just down the hall from Crescent Moon and it’s been my favorite ever since.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – I would love to have dinner with Dolly Parton! She is one of those rare celebrities whose impact goes way beyond entertainment. Her work with childhood literacy, especially through the Imagination Library, shows how seriously she takes investing in children and their futures. At the same time, she’s always modeled a kind of confident, unapologetic womanhood that’s both ambitious and grounded. She uses her success to lift people up, and does it with warmth and humor instead of ego. It’s that mix of generosity, grit, and genuine heart that makes her feel less like a distant icon and more like someone you would actually want to sit down and talk with.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – My email is abartholomew@selectlincoln.org and my number is (402) 436-2374.