Star City Six – Tara Ihde

Rock’n’Joe Coffee Bar is a specialty coffee shop franchise that has been around since 1993. Tara Ihde manages Rock’n’Joe Coffee Bar’s Lincoln location.

Tell us a little about your business.

Rock’n’Joe’s goal is to successfully incorporate two amazing things: coffee and music. With our strive for excellent customer service, a hand-crafted product, and our passion for music, we hope to serve the Lincoln community with a place they can call their own. This isn’t just our coffee shop, it’s Lincoln’s coffee shop!

How did you get started in the business?

I initially began my career in the coffee industry four years ago for a competitor. I grew a passion not just for coffee but for service and leadership. A couple years later, my father Dennis Nienhueser decided to open a coffee shop. I couldn’t think of a better person to go into business with.

Tell us a little about your family.

I am the youngest of three. My brother Ryan lives in Colorado and is married to Kristina. They have an adorable little girl named Ava. My sister Janae is married to Andy and they have two little ones, Asher and Jayla. They live here in Lincoln, although sometimes it feels like Janae lives at Rock’n’Joe… My dad and my mom Jayna still live in York where my mom is a third grade teacher. My husband Trent is a landscaper for Hampton Properties and is a very hard-worker!

What do you see as one of your biggest turning points in your life?

The biggest turning point in my life was making the decision to venture away from a career in Recreation Management, which is what I received my degree in, and pursue a career in the coffee industry. That decision landed us where we are today.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?

I enjoy relaxing with my husband and my dog Titan! We enjoy the outdoors, especially when the weather cooperates.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?

In high school, I had the opportunity to play on the North Carolina Tarheels and the Duke basketball courts.

Who inspires you?

John Maxwell, an author, speaker, and pastor. He is someone I turn to when facing some sort of adversity in my personal or professional life. He has written multiple influential leadership books that have helped shape the leader I am today.

What is your favorite quote?

“There is no job description in leadership. You just do whatever your organization needs you to do. That is what great leaders do.” – Dr. Mike Lucas

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

Amiable. It may seem simple, but my business isn’t just coffee—it’s people. I truly believe we can make a difference just by being that kindness in someone’s day (coffee helps too)!

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

Teleportation, especially when the Nebraska weather sets in.

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

Professional basketball.

What is your favorite book?

21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John Maxwell.

What is your favorite TV Show?

The Office.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?

Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla. He has re-invented the car industry and it would be intriguing to pick his brain.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?

Phone: (402) 710-1029; Email: tara.ihde@gmail.com; Website: www.rocknjoe.com; Facebook: @RockNJoeCoffeee.