Eight years ago, Eddie Lankas’s partner wanted some tree work done around the treatment center she ran. He called five companies and no one called him back, so he decided to do the work himself and ended up having three more people ask him to come look at their trees. The rest is history and Blue Ox Tree Service was born. Blue Ox Tree Service ‘goes out on a limb for its customers’. Trees are what they do 24/7/365 and they have three Arborists on staff.
Tell us a little about your family. – Well it’s not so little anymore. Nanette Gauthier Gingery, a born and raised Lincolnite, and I have two lovely children – Eddie Griffith (11) and Lena (9). They are the primary reason I continue to work as ambitiously as I/we do.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – One of the biggest turning points in my life was the day I decided to leave the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York. I knew deep down in my heart of hearts that my life was going to change significantly in many ways that would set me on an entirely new and different path in life.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I love to support and be a part of community events, festivals, and activities steeped in tradition.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I am producing a musical, REHAB a musical journey at the Johnny Carson-Lied on Sept. 6-9th. My only other experience with music and musicals up until now has been playing the accordion as a youth, playing the radio while in the car, and seeing six Broadway shows in four days.
What are you the most proud of? – Being a part of the nurturing and development of our children. It blows me away sometimes when I look at Lena and Eddie and see them growing up so relatively quickly.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – My Dad would often say, be nice…say hi first…and don’t make fun of others.
What is the one goal you would most like to accomplish? – To be a contributor to the betterment of mankind.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? – Creating and sharing alternative ideas and perspectives on how to view ‘things’.
Which talent would you most like to have? – I would appreciate to be able to read at a more rapid pace. I am working on it as I went to a Photo Reading class in Minneapolis recently.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? – I would love to have the feeling of getting projects done days or weeks ahead of schedule as opposed to minutes or seconds.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – I generally am reading 3-5 books which currently include: The Charge by Brendon Burchard, As a Man Thinketh by James Allen, A Course in Miracles, Google+ for Business by Chris Brogan, and Integral Spirituality by Ken Wilber.
What is your favorite movie? – An Officer and a Gentleman, Urban Cowboy, and Used Cars.
What is your favorite TV show? – 60 Minutes, Project Runway, Dr. Drew
What is your favorite Lincoln restaurant? – Any ‘mom and pop’ that reminds me of my days as an SOB – South Omaha Boy
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – Blue Ox Tree Service (402) 805-0537 www.blueoxtrees.com