Meet Tyler Reeder, the Manager, Special Projects & Safety Coordinator at KENL INN (kenl-inn.com).
Tell us a little about your business. – KENL INN is the “go to” for pet boarding, daycare, grooming and training in the Lincoln Nebraska area. We’re the only business that does it all in one location! Set on 44 acres just outside of town, we are devoted to providing the best possible care for any pet. Our trained staff and state-of-the-art facilities ensure pets receive the best possible care, whether they are staying for the day or for a week.
How did you get started in the business? – I began my career in animal care at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo as an Interpretive Guide. In this role, I gave presentations at various animal enclosures informing zoo guests. Later, I joined the Lincoln Children’s Zoo as a Keeper Associate, which served as a more hand’s on approach to animal care. This ultimately brought me to KENL INN where I felt I could grow professionally in the animal care business.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – My educational background is in advertising and public relations. When I decided to switch career paths, it was a big change. I had to learn a lot in a short period of time. It was also a big shift from working in an office all day to being on my feet most of the time!
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – The fact that I have learned so much in a few years and have grown professionally at an accelerated pace. I’ve done my best to assure my superiors and fellow co-workers know my quality as a worker from the start. I started as an interpretive guide and have risen to manager in a few short years.
Tell us a little about your family. – My family is originally from Nebraska. I’ve lived here all my life. My parents and younger brother reside in Lincoln. My sister (my brother’s twin), her husband and little boy live in Hickman. Much of my other family is spread across the U.S., but frequently make it back to Lincoln to celebrate holidays and birthdays at my grandmother’s house.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – When I realized advertising and public relations was not a career path I wanted to pursue. While I still do some of this work in my current role, it is not my primary focus. After all the schooling, money and time devoted to a specific degree, it was hard to admit I needed a change.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I enjoy spending time with my wonderful wife and baby girl. I also like building and painting models. Anything from Star Wars, 40K, or Jurassic Park. Also, taking a walk on a nice day through some of my favorite parks.
What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – For about eight years, I worked for the National Conference on Weights and Measures. It is a professional not-for-profit association of state and local weights and measures officials, other government officials (foreign and domestic), manufacturers, retails and consumers. The meet each year to discuss and vote on weights and measures standards that are voluntarily adopted by each state. It was amazing to see the passion of the individuals who participated in the organization, at all levels. It is regarded as a “thankless” job and are severely underrecognized. I take any opportunity to tell people about NCWM and the wonderful people who support it.
What is your favorite local Lincoln restaurant? – El Torro.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – tyler@kenl-inn.com