While trying to figure out what to do for a career 20 years ago, Eric Olsen decided to start selling cars. He found that he loved the business and made a career decision to commit to the car industry. 20 years later, he is the General Manager of Honda of Lincoln, the oldest Honda dealer in the state of Nebraska that has been in business for 40 year. They are proud to have been named Best of Lincoln for 24 years in a row selling and servicing new Hondas. They have been in their new facility on the corner of 27th and Yankee Hill for seven years.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Making sure that our business changes to stay current in order that we can continue to exceed customer’s expectations.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Working my way up through the ranks with in the dealerships I have worked in to now be where I am as the General Manager of a store.
Tell us a little about your family. – Angie and I have been married for 24 years and have three great kids. Abigail is a Junior at Doane, Hannah is a Junior at Norris, and Isaac is a Freshman at Norris.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – When I was young I gave my life to Christ and continue to look to him as my guide.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – We are usually at a basketball game, volleyball game, or football game when I am not at work but we enjoy boating and being at the lake.
What are you the most proud of? – My kids. Angie and I have been blessed to have great kids.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – Early in my career I worked for owners who believed in me and convinced me that I was capable of more than I thought.
What is the one goal you would most like to accomplish? – My wife and I would like to run a half marathon.
How would your friends describe you? – Laid back.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? – I can hang a spoon from my nose…
Which talent would you most like to have? – Play guitar and sing guitar in a country band.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? – I wish I loved to read…I have to force myself to read. Reading is such an important part of continual personal and professional growth.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – The Travelers Gift by Andy Andrews
What is your favorite movie? – Shawshank Redemption and Rocky
What is your favorite TV show? – American Pickers
What is your favorite Lincoln restaurant? – Venue or Las Margaritas
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – Tim Tebow
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – eolsen@hondaoflincoln.com or call (402) 437-1200 and our website is www.hondaoflincoln.com.