Tell us a little about your business. – The Lincoln Airport Operations Department helps take care of the airport property and ensures that the airport remains Part 139 compliant. This means that we are a federally certifi cated airport that can handle passenger aircraft. We’re in charge of the airfield pavement markings, pavement repairs, landscaping, and snow removal among other things.
How did you get started in the business? – I started part time cutting grass while I was in college 16 years ago. It was supposed to be just a summer job but here we are all these years later and I still get to do new and exciting things almost every day.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Delegating. I’m often one to put my head down and get a job done by myself, so I’ve always struggled with trusting someone else to get something done.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – When I got the opportunity to step into a supervisory role. My mindset changed from this being my “job” to it being my career.
Tell us a little about your family. – My fiancé and I have a 13-year old son and an 8-month-old daughter. We also have two beagles. Fun fact: We each had a beagle when we met and I will forever credit Henry and Marshal as a reason we fell in love. We’re getting married in September of 2027 and I couldn’t be happier!
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Having kids. To know that someone is watching and learning from every single thing that you do just makes you want to be the very best version of yourself all the time.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Life is mostly baby bottles and diapers these days, but when I’m able to I love working on my lawn.
Who inspires you? – My fiancé. She is the best mom on the planet, and she is the most selfless person I know. She makes me want to be better every day.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – My dad said to me before I started my first job stocking shelves at a grocery store: “Work as hard as I know you can. Run to your next task. If you have to walk, walk fast.”
If you had a theme song, what would it be? – “What You Give” by Tesla.
If you could have a super power, what would it be? – Time travel. Being able to go back and spend some more time with a grandparent or dog that has passed would be so nice.
Which talent would you most like to have? – I wish I was more musically inclined. I love playing electric guitar, but I am horrible at it.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – The Giver. I was very excited when it was adapted into a movie, but that was when I learned the movie is never as good as the book.
What is your favorite TV show? – Definitely The Office. I quote it all the time at home, and usually only my 13 year old laughs.
What is your favorite local Lincoln restaurant? – I think I could eat Huhot for every meal and never get tired of it.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – Dale Earnhardt. The day he died was a rough one for 11 year old me.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – My email address is knienaber@lincolnairport.com.