Located at 1742 N. 48th Street, Nebraska Outdoor Living Center (www.nebraskaoutdoorliving.com) specializes in helping transform decks and patios into the coolest rooms of your home. Bill Budler is the owner of Nebraska Outdoor Living Center.
Tell us a little about your business. – We specialize in a wide variety exterior shade products, including retractable awnings, solar screens, gazebos and pergolas. Additionally we have a complete line of outdoor fire pit tables, fireplaces, and quality patio furniture. We are also home to Nebraska Wild Bird Supply headquarters.
How did you get started in the business? – About 15 years ago I was searching for a shade product for our new west facing deck and stumbled upon a retractable shade canopy system in a magazine. When I found out they did not have a local dealer I asked if they’d like one, and within a month we became the first ShadeTree dealer in Lincoln, NE. A short time later we attended our first home show and the response was overwhelming; so much so I resigned from my job at Nebraska Diamond and set about building a business.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – I believe every small business owner will tell you that finding, recruiting and keeping quality employees is tough.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Probably the biggest turning point was the day my 18-month-old daughter was diagnosed with cancer. It ultimately turned my life towards God and motivated me to clean up my life and eventually led me into the ministry. She came through it all and now has her own teenage daughter.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I enjoy Husker sports, especially football, baseball, women’s basketball and volleyball.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – Most people probably don’t know about my diverse background. I grew up on a small family farm and attended Bradshaw Public School (K-12). We only had 14 in my graduating class so my exposure to the world at large was extremely limited. After high school I enlisted in the US Air Force and got to see much of our country and even spent several years in Spain. After serving in law enforcement in the Air Force I worked in several areas of business, including finance, banking, insurance, automobile dealerships, and advertising. I was also a licensed minister and pastored a church for several years before becoming a certified diamontologist. I often say that I’m still not sure what I want to be when I grow up.
What are you the most proud of? – I’m most proud of my service in the US Air Force.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – “Poor handwriting is better than good memory.”
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – Something involving public speaking or motivational speaking.
What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – We support the American Cancer Society, because we have lost many family members to cancer and I am also a cancer survivor.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – American Sniper.
What is your favorite movie? – Forrest Gump.
What is your favorite TV show? – Big Bang Theory.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Cracker Barrel.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – At (402) 474-7011, via email at Bill@NebraskaOutdoorLiving.com, or visit our website at www.NebraskaOutdoorLiving.com.