Tell us a little about your business. – Beyond keeping downtown beautiful, the Downtown Lincoln Association (downtownlincoln.org) exists to make downtown a place people want to be. My role focuses on activating people, businesses and creatives to shape a downtown that acts like a third place where you feel welcome, at home and where people know your name. That shows up through our Champions program built with people that care about downtown.

How did you get started in the business? – My first job off the farm was managing a miniature golf course. That’s where I learned HR, marketing, ROI and horticulture. From there, I landed at Blockbuster video. My loose waiving of fees for rewinding was not the reason for the demise of the organization. My first big boy job involved making copies at AlphaGraphics and then Al Gore created the internet. That’s what really set my trajectory.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Answering these questions.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? – I’ve had a lot of good wins. But I really enjoyed opening the Foundry Community, including learning how to run and differentiate a coffee shop. Now I get to do the stuff I loved at Foundry on a much larger scale.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – With this position, even days off become work moments. Day trips that involve adventure dining and maybe some photography. But even then, I’m thinking about what I can bring back to Lincoln. Any time spent with friends and family in a less public facing environment is a win.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – If I told ya… then everyone would know.

Who inspires you? – Young, ambitious people in general. It makes me want to do better.

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

If you could have a super power, what would it be? – Teleporting. I know the best part is the journey but when you’re a just-in-time guy, it would be great to push a button and just be there. Especially when you keep a schedule like mine. People say they see me everywhere. There’s some truth to that.

Which talent would you most like to have? – Hand-eye coordination. I was looking the other way when they were handing that out.

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

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – I’ve helped hundreds of worthy nonprofits in my career. While so many are worthy, Launch Leadership has been the throughline to who I am today. Leadership Lincoln and Updowntowners gave me the key to the city. So those hold a special place in my heart.

What is your favorite local Lincoln restaurant? – In my position, I can’t play favorites. Anywhere downtown is the safe answer.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so (phone/email/business website)? – randy@downtownlincoln.org or (402) 441-0024. Seriously, I’m up for a beverage of your choice anytime, especially if you want to talk about downtown activation ideas.