Star City Six – Brian Shanks

Tabitha specializes in senior care including assisted living, memory care, long-term care, rehabilitation, home health, and hospice services. Brian Shanks is the CFO of Tabitha.

Tell us a little about your business.

Founded and based in Nebraska, we are a nonprofit and the leading senior care provider in the state—serving 28 counties.

How did you get started in the business?

I grew up in a family trucking business and held executive positions very early in life. After my family decided to sell the company, I consulted for a few years and previously worked at the University of Nebraska. I was excited when the opportunity came my way to serve as Tabitha’s CFO. The role plays into my strengths, and Tabitha’s work aligns with my values. To be a part of a nonprofit with such an exceptional reputation that makes a positive difference in the lives of seniors and their families is important to me.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?

External factors such as government regulations and payments that are outside of my control.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

I have been extremely fortunate to work with very talented people and am able to gain the trust, support, and collaboration of the team to achieve goals and amazing results.

Tell us a little about your family.

I have two wonderful children. My daughter Whitney is a loving, stay-at-home mother of six children. My son Kolby is an accountant at an architectural firm and is an amazing father to his son. They both are married and live in Omaha.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?

Post-secondary school. I was independent at a very young age and had to figure out my own way in life. I worked and attended college full time, which helped mold me into a hardworking, goal-oriented individual.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?

I love to spend time with my grandkids and enjoy going on long-distance, scenic bike rides.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?

I am a long-distance gravel cyclist. I have a great group of friends that I travel with throughout the Midwest and participate in monthly races with. It’s quite the experience as some of the races include very difficult terrain and riding conditions.

Who inspires you?

I am a believer in Jesus as our Savior and am inspired by his words of wisdom.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

My dad told me that, in order to be successful in life, I need to get an education; apply my experiences, talents, and knowledge; learn by my mistakes; and keep working hard.

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be?

I would want to be remembered as a great father who loved his family, friends, and co-workers.

If you had a theme song, what would it be?

“Simple Man” by Lynyrd Skynyrd.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be?

Professional baseball player.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?

Raising Your Game by Alan Stein Jr.

What is your favorite movie?

Apollo 13 because of how the crew overcame serious challenges.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?

(402) 486-8520; brian.shanks@Tabitha.org; www.tabitha.org.