HomeServices of Nebraska is a wholly owned subsidiary of HomeServices of America, a Berkshire Hathaway Affiliate. Shannon Harner is the General Manager of HomeServices of Nebraska (www.homeservices.com) (HOME Real Estate, Woods Bros Realty, Nebraska Land Title and Abstract, HomeServices Lending, and HomeServices of Nebraska Insurance, et al).
Tell us a little about your business. – HomeServices is a real estate ‘vertical,’ meaning that we can provide everything a person needs to purchase or sell real property – a mortgage loan, a real estate agent, title insurance, homeowner’s insurance – everything in one smooth ‘one-stop shop.’
How did you get started in the business? – As a new attorney in private practice, I began working with F. Pace Woods, Jr. and the Woods Bros folks as outside counsel, with my then boss and later partner, Fred Hoppe. I did quite a bit of real estate law, including commercial litigation and real estate focused creditor’s rights, until I was hired in-house as general counsel in 2007 by HomeServices of Nebraska, which had acquired both Woods Bros and HOME Real Estate. From there I’ve been transitioning into the business side, especially since 2014 when I became the General Manager.
Tell us a little about your family. – I have two daughters (7 and 12) who are very musical and theatrical; my husband, also a musician, and I have been married for 23 years, and we met when we were in the sixth grade. I have a twin sister (also in Lincoln), a younger brother and sister, and an older half-sister. I’m lucky to have both my mom and stepdad and my mother-in-law in Lincoln, and my other parents and parents-in-law all within an hour of Lincoln.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Depending on the season, to spend time outdoors with my girls; maybe at the Children’s Zoo, the Sunken Gardens, Farmers’ Market or our family cabin. And I love to have time to read a great book.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – When I made the decision to say ‘yes’ to moving to Hong Kong, SAR China to do knowledge management for an internet startup in 2000. That happened due to my connection to a Leadership Lincoln (Class XIV) classmate and her now husband. It was a life altering and amazing experience.
If you had a theme song, what would it be? – I’d say it would be ‘Good Morning Starshine’ from the musical Hair. It is my girls’ ‘morning song’ and a great way to start the day.
What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – TEDx Lincoln. I love the idea of facilitating our community in sharing experiences, ideas and opening a discourse regarding who we are and who we may become. I also work with Humanities Nebraska, which is a supporter of programs like TEDx and the Governor’s Lecture and Chataquas. I guess I’m an English major at heart. Finally, I have to give a shout out to NMotion Accelerator – I’m a mentor there and I really have enjoyed assisting young entrepreneurs in developing viable start up ideas and feel that they have as much to teach me as I have to teach them. Helping to foster an entrepreneurial environment in Lincoln and the greater area is critical to the future growth and success of our vibrant community.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Dish and Country Club of Lincoln.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – Via email at Shannon.Harner@homeservicesne.com or to learn more about HomeServices of Nebraska visit www.homeservices.com.