sarpy county business hall of fame 2015

May 13, 2015 A supplement of Suburban Newspapers

at Bellevue University

Sarpy County has had vast changes over the years. Strong leadership guided these changes.

This special edition recognizes a few of the leaders and legends who have left their mark on the county.

Marge H. Durham Student Center

Previous honorees have set the bar high for recognizing those who work to make Sarpy County grow and prosper.

This year’s honorees meet that bar.Suburban Newspapers Inc., in partnership with corporate

sponsor Bellevue University and event sponsor CASA, recognizes the contributions of the honorees.

Members of this year’s group are immortalized with plaques on a wall inside the Durham Center Building on

the Bellevue University campus.

SARPY COUNTY BUSINESS HALL OF FAME is published by Suburban Newspapers and the Omaha World-Herald, 1314 Douglas St., Suite 600, Omaha, NE 68102. To

advertise with us, contact Marie Douglas at 402-444-1202.

Retail advertising manager: Dan Matuella; special project manager: Paul Swanson; special sections editor: Shelley Larsen; section editor, designer: Tom Knox; copy editor: Melinda Keenan

ABOUT THE EVENTFree — Thanks to sponsors Bellevue University and CASA.

When: Wednesday, May 20. Socializing and hors d’oeuvres from 4 to 4:30 p.m. Induction ceremony 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Where: Bellevue University Margre H. Durham Student Center, Galvin Road South.

RSVP: By noon on Thursday, May 14. Call Marie Douglas at 402-444-1202 or email [email protected]

BOB MCCALLIE – MCCALLIE AND ASSOCIATES (POSTHUMOUSLY)

Bob McCallie, who built a startup information technology company into a multi-million dollar enterprise before his death in 2014, founded McCallie Associates Inc. in 1982 with three employees and annual sales of $100,000. Ten years later, when the company won the U.S. Small Business Administration’s “Prime Contractor of the Year Award,” McCallie had 45 employees and more than $3 million in annual sales. McCallie retired from the company in 1999, but remained involved and interested in its progress. It has grown to more than 130 employees in the Bellevue-Omaha area with annual billings of $14 million, and satellite offices in Colorado, California and North Carolina, as well as offices at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia and Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana. McCallie was appointed to the Bellevue City Council on April 21, 1987 and served until the election of 1988. He is a past president of the Bellevue-Offutt Kiwanis Club and a member of the board of governors of Metropolitan Community College. See Page 4

DOUG ZOERB – PINNACLE BANK IN GRETNA

After working at several small-town Nebraska banks, Doug Zoerb became president of the Gretna State Bank (Pinnacle Bank) in 1992, retiring on Dec. 31, 2014. Doug served as a trustee of the Nebraska 4-H Foundation from 2000 to 2006. He also helped form Bankers Title, a statewide organization, and served as its chairman until 2014. Doug has been an active member of the Gretna United Methodist Church since 1993, serving on many committees, including chairing the Administration Council. Each year Doug supports the Gretna schools, business community, American Legion, all the churches in Gretna and numerous fund-raisers. For eight years he and his wife worked together to send packages to local soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan twice a year. See Page 8

GENE PFAHL – GENE’S AUTO & TRUCK SERVICE INC.

Gene’s Auto Repair is a family-owned and -operated business that has been in the same location across from City Park in downtown Papillion since 1980. Owned by Gene and Debi Pfahl, Gene’s Auto has served generations of Papillion-area families with their automotive repair needs. Gene’s Auto historically has sponsored the Papillion Days tractor pull, with proceeds benefiting the Make-a-Wish Foundation. See Page 12

MIKE BRANIGAN – STYLEHOUSE BARBER SHOP

Mike Branigan has been in business for 40 years, making the Stylehouse Barber Shop the longest continuous business in La Vista. Mike was among the business leaders who began the La Vista Chamber of Commerce. For years the barber shop has hosted La Vista Days events, including a fundraising golf tournament for the local DARE program. Mike has helped many families over the years without recognition. He also was instrumental in establishing the youth wrestling club through Papillion-La Vista High School. See Page 15

GEORGE RYBAR – OFFUTT COLLISION REPAIR

George Rybar has been recognized for his business success by multiple organizations in Bellevue. Since 1966, Offutt Collision Repair has served the auto repair needs of Bellevue residents. Rybar, owner of Offutt Collision, has received more than a dozen awards, including the Bellevue Chamber’s Distinguished Service award in 2008 and Silver Arrow in 2013. Offutt Collision was recognized as the Small Business of the Year in 2004 by the La Vista Chamber, and in 2008 by the Sarpy Chamber. In addition to his company’s noted chamber involvement, Rybar was instrumental in the recent establishment of the Bellevue Community Foundation, which will improve the quality of life in Bellevue for years to come. See Page 18

Find a listings of past honorees on 2.

2015 INDUCTEESRecognized for their impact

across the community

BELLEVUE UNIVERSITY CAMPUS

Construction at this entrance to Bellevue University. Attendees should enter campus from Herman Drive, at north end of campus.

BOB MCCALLIE

By EugEnE Curtin

Suburban Newspapers

Bob McCallie achieved prom-inence in Bellevue after founding McCallie Asso-

ciates Inc. in 1982, with three employees and annual sales of $100,000. Ten years later, when the company won the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Prime Contractor of the Year Award, McCallie had 45 employees and more than $3 million in annual sales.

It was a success story built on a puzzle.

“It puzzled me that there was no local firm that did high-tech work,” McCallie said after re-ceiving the SBA award in 1992. “The client was right here. Why not a company?”

By “client,” McCallie meant the U.S. Strategic Air Command at Offutt Air Force Base, which had managed the United States’ nuclear arsenal since 1948. As the computer age attained warp speed, with widespread access

McCallie built tech powerhouse from scratch“Instead of

just hoping that something

would work, he thought about it. He had plans.”

Marilyn McCallie

See McCallie: Page 5

Proud to be a part of Sarpy County since 1966 and proud sponsor of the Sarpy County Business Hall of Fame.

When a student comes to us, we believe they already have what it takes to succeed. We just give them the right foundation and the needed support to become a remarkable graduate.

At Bellevue University, we build leaders.

Gail DeBoer, President of SAC Federal Credit Union, and Dan Hoins, City Administrator of Papillion, are both graduates of Bellevue University. Gail DeBoer graduated in 2003 and was inducted into the Sarpy County Business Hall of Fame in 2012. Dan Hoins graduated in 1999 and was inducted in 2013.

Live your own success story.Call or Click.

402-293-2000 | bellevue.edu

And don’t miss our 2nd annual Graduation Rocks Festival!

The event will be held June 5, from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. in the John B. Muller Administrative Services Building parking lot. Stay for fun games,

food vendors, and a musical performance by Lemon Fresh Day.

Bellevue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission through the U.S. Department of Education, www.ncahlc.org, 800-621-7440. Bellevue University does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin or

disability in the educational programs and activities it operates. Bellevue University, 1000 Galvin Road South, Bellevue, NE, 68005.

FLEXIBLE. AFFORDABLE. ACCREDITED. NONPROFIT.

to the Internet near at hand, McCallie found himself in the right place at the right time.

McCallie’s wife, Marilyn, said his ability to analyze a situation made him confident of success.

“He was very analytical and logical,” she said. “Instead of just hoping that something would work, he thought about it. He had plans.”

McCallie’s fledgling company built an executive support sys-tem for SAC’s highest officers. The system was a computerized network that provided officers with word processing, calendars and email, as well as budgeting and scheduling services. The system continued to serve after SAC was replaced by U.S. Stra-tegic Command on June 1, 1992.

Military staff were so pleased with the system McCallie and his staff built they nominat-ed his company for the SBA award for Region 7, an area that included defense contractors in Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa and Missouri. McCallie Associates’ receipt of that award boosted the company’s fortunes further.

McCallie retired from the

McCallie: Continued from Page 4


McCallie’s fledgling company built a computerized network executive support system for SAC’s highest officers.

MONEY!Employees who smoke generally cost employers

more in workers’ compensation, health care, and lost productivity. In addition, tobacco-free businesses can save money on cleaning costs,

property damage, and fi re insurance.

It just makes goodbusiness sense.

?WHY MAKE YOUR WORK ENVIRONMENT

TOBACCO-FREELearn more and access free

materials and support atTobaccoFreeSarpy.orgor call (402) 593-3022.

Funding provided by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services/Tobacco Free Nebraska Program as a result of the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement.

CELEBRATING BOB MCCALLIE AND HIS LEGACY

HE MADE THIS A BETTER PLACE

TO LIVE, WORK AND DO BUSINESS

TWIN CREEK DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, LLC 3906 RAYNOR PARKWAY SUITE 300, BELLEVUE, NE 68123

company in 1999, but re-mained involved and interested in its progress, which today has seen it grow to more than 130 employees in the Bellevue-Oma-ha area, with annual billings of $14 million and satellite offices in Colorado, California and North Carolina.

He died in 2014 at the age of 76.

After McCallie’s retirement McCallie Associates pursued a path long advocated by McCallie of balancing its military work with civilian work.

Jennifer Maassen, McCallie president and CEO, who led the move to diversification, said Mc-Callie left “an indelible mark.”

“Bob McCallie impressed me early on as a man who under-stood the value of family, hard work, individual contribution to a greater good, and honesty in all we do,” she said. “He set the culture of our company to help our customers succeed in their mission, and our employees achieve a work/life balance.

“He left an indelible mark on many of his employees who became leaders and executives

McCallie: Continued from Page 5


“Bob McCallie impressed me early on as a man who understood the value of family, hard work, individual contribution to a greater good, and honesty in all we do.”

Jennifer Maassen

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

G o i n g t h e E x t r a M i l e

402-291-2500114 East Mission Ave., Bellevue

114 East 1st Street, Papillion

Residential • Commercial • LandSales & Property Management

We are proud to servethe residents and businessowners of Sarpy County. Your home could be the largest

investment you’ll ever make. Is it protected from fi res? Our new Home Safety brochure tells how

to make your home more fi reproof. More burglar-proof, too. Come in and get your free copy. And while you’re here, get a free Farmers

Friendly Review to make sure all your insurance is up-to-date.

TO THE HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

YOUR EFFORTS ARE DEEPLY APPRECIATED!Thank You For All You Do!

Americans can depend on Farmers

BOB QUEEN402-292-7222

in McCallie Associates Inc., and those who went on to become leaders in companies throughout the Omaha area.”

McCallie was appointed to the Bellevue City Council on April 21, 1987, and served until the election of 1988.

He was a past president of the Bellevue-Offutt Kiwanis Club and a member of the board of governors of Metropolitan Com-munity College.

McCallie:Continued from Page 6

After McCallie’s retirement, McCallie Associates pursued a path long advocated by McCallie of balancing its military work with civilian work — diversifying its expertise.

Active in the community, McCallie was appointed to the Bellevue City Council on April 21, 1987, and served until the election of 1988. And among other things, he was a past president of the Bellevue-Offutt Kiwanis Club and a member of the board of governors of Metropolitan Community College.

COMMUNITY makes all the DIFFERENCE.Pinnacle Bank is proud to congratulate Doug Zoerb and the rest of the 2015 inductees of the Sarpy County Business Hall of Fame. From its beginnings with the Dinsdale family in Palmer, NE, Pinnacle Bank has valued community first. It is what holds us together but at the same time propels us forward. We are grateful to Sarpy County and all of the communities that we get to call home.

GRETNA • LA VISTA • OMAHA • PAPILLION • pinnbank.com

Congratulations Doug Zoerb!

11717 S. 216th Street • Gretna, NE 402.332.3265

Gretna Public SchoolsEducating Tomorrow’sLeaders Today!

Gretna Elementary • 402-332-3341Thomas Elementary • 402-332-5578

Palisades Elementary • 402-895-2194Whitetail Creek Elementary • 402-895-3388

Middle School • 402-332-3048High School • 402-332-3936

Administration Office • 402-332-3265

11717 S. 216th Street • Gretna, NE402.332.3265

Educating Tomorrow’sLeaders Today!

Gretna Elementary • 402-332-3341Gretna Elementary • 402 332 3341Thomas Elementary • 402-332-5578

Palisades Elementary • 402-895-2194Whitetail Creek Elementary • 402-895-3388

Middle School • 402-332-3048High School • 402-332-3936

Administration Office • 402-332-326533 3 655

DOUG ZOERB

By Susan SkinnerGretna Breeze Editor

For more than 20 years, Doug Zoerb has helped shape the growth of

Gretna.Both as president of Pin-

nacle Bank and a community leader, Zoerb has demonstrat-ed his commitment to Gretna and its betterment. Communi-ty members have found him to be honest and caring in all areas of his life.

“When I think about Doug, I have to talk about the degree of professionalism, honesty and integrity that is at the core of who he is,” said Gretna Schools Superintendent Kevin Riley.

These qualities served Zoerb well during his 40-year banking career. He retired in December 2014.

Zoerb grew up in the small Nebraska town of Cozad and after graduating from the Uni-versity of Nebraska in 1974 with a degree in business

Dedicated to the community of Gretna “When I think

about Doug, I have to talk about the

degree of profes-sionalism, honesty

and integrity that is at the core of who

he is.”

Kevin Riley

See Zoerb: Page 9

Ken Summerfi eld Agency945 No. Adams Ste 8

Papillion, NE 68046-3111(402) 339-0200

[email protected]

EVER MILE, EVERY MEMORY,WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED.CALL ME TODAY FOR A FREE QUOTE.

American Family Mutual Insurance Company,American Family Insurance Comany,6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI, 53783,©2014 006441 - 7/14

Congratulations Doug!Thank You for Your Many Years of Service and

Dedication to the City of Gretna!

402.332.4808826 Village SquareGretna, NE | 68028gretnachiropractic.com

administration, he worked at banks in several small Nebraska towns. He became president of First National Bank in Shelby in 1984 at the age of 34, and then in 1992 took the position as president of what was then Gretna State Bank and became Pinnacle Bank in 1999.

“Doug kind of grew along with Gretna,” said Steve Zey of Pinnacle Bank. “He was really the only show in town at the time, but now he’s got multiple competitors.”

The Gretna bank had $21.5 million in deposits in 1992 and had grown to $115 million in deposits when Zoerb retired in 2014.

Pinnacle Bank has had a role in financing many of the housing developments and commercial projects that have fueled Gretna’s growth over the past two decades.

“He’s watched a whole lot of change,” Zey said.

Zoerb’s successful career reflects his dedication to the community and concern for its members, Zey said.

“He’s just a quality guy,” Zey said. “He took a lot of pride in satisfied clients.”

When Zoerb came to work for the Dinsdale family in 1984 as president of the bank in Shelby, it was the start of a 30-year career with that family’s banking businesses. The Dinsdales showed him the importance of community involvement, Zoerb said, and from them he learned to give back to the community.

“Doug has always said, ‘we shop in the town we live in, and we volunteer in the town we live in,’” said his wife, Karen Zoerb,

The two were high school sweethearts and have been together for 50 years, raising three children while taking

Zoerb: Continued from Page 8

See Zoerb: Page 10

Zoerb grew up in the small Nebraska town of Cozad and after graduating from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1974 with a degree in business administration.

“Doug kind of grew along with Gretna.”

Steve Zey

The Gretna Area Chamber of Commerce congratulates Doug Zoerb. We thank

Doug for his many years of service to the community serving charities, serving

his church and serving the community in general. Not only has Doug’s hard

work and dedication made Pinnacle Bank successful, he has also helped to

make countless numbers of businesses and individuals successful. For all that

Doug has given to Gretna and Sarpy County we cannot think of a person who

deserves a place in the Sarpy County Hall of

Fame more than Doug Zoerb!

Visit our website at www.gretnachamber.com

Congrats, Doug Zoerb!

CONGRATSDOUG!

From

12TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT Proceeds to be directed to Camp Abilities Nebraska,

a week-long residential sports camp for youth ages 9 to 19 who are blind, visually impaired or deaf-blind.

Camp Abilities Nebraska is co-sponsored by Outlook Nebraska, Inc. and Boys Town National Research Hospital.

See you at Indian Creek Golf Course!Thursday, June 4, 2014 | Noon shotgun start

18 holes | Four-person Scramble | $125 per player

Learn of the many sponsorships available or register / pay online at

www.outlooknebraska.org

an active role in each of the communities where they lived and worked. Zoerb has served on two hospital boards, been active in several chambers of commerce and served as a trustee of the 4-H Foundation from 2000 to 2006.

In Gretna, Zoerb has taken part in three school bond campaigns, helped form the Gretna Youth Softball and Baseball Association, and been an active member of the Gret-na United Methodist Church.

“When he came here as president of Pinnacle, right away he was a fierce supporter of our schools, our administra-tors, our board, our teachers and our kids,” Riley said.

Oftentimes, Zoerb chooses to quietly support community organizations and efforts.

“He believes in people, he invests in people,” Riley said. “He’s had such an impact through that.”

Zoerb’s community involve-ment includes supporting many local organizations, in-cluding the American Legion, the Gretna Chamber of Com-merce and various churches. The Zoerbs worked together


See Zoerb: Page 11

In Gretna, Zoerb has taken part in three school bond campaigns, helped form the Gretna Youth Softball and Baseball Association, and been an active member of the Gretna United Methodist Church.

402-593-6100

CaringMakes aDifference.

Now more than ever, you need someone to help you through.

Making fi nal arrangements for a loved one isn’t easy. That’s why compassion goes into everything we do. We are prepared to arrange any special requests you might have.

8201 Harrison St • La Vistawww.bethanyfuneralhome.com

• Traditional Services• Cremation Services• Prearrangement Planning

8201 H i S L Vi

Congratulations to the 2014 Legendsand Leaders of Sarpy County

for eight years to send packages twice a year to local military members serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Zoerb’s own military ser-vice as a Marine during the Vietnam War was an important part of his life, Karen Zoerb said.

“Doug supported his coun-try as a Marine serving in Vietnam and has served each community we have lived in with honesty, compassion and integrity,” Karen Zoerb said.


Zoerb has helped shape the growth of Gretna.Both as president of Pinnacle Bank and a community leader, Zoerb has demonstrated his commitment to Gretna and its betterment. Community members have found him to be honest and caring in all areas of his life.

“Doug supported his country as a Marine serving in Vietnam and has served each community we have lived in with honesty, compassion and integrity.”

Karen Zoerb

Gene Pfahlwith family and staff

Your Downtown Businesses... Serving Papillion

The Historic Downtown Papillion Business Association would like to congratulate Gene Pfahl for his induction in the

Sarpy County Business Hall of Fame!

hTTTTThhTh

A2O ContractingAbsolutely HERAmerican Family Insurance (Tracy King)Ann’s Music WorldBaehler Ins. & Assoc.Birdie’s BoxBloom Salon By The Garden GateC12 Vapes CE Smith Cabinets

Cozy Lil’ Cottage ChildcareDairy QueenDingman’s CollisionDort’s Bar & GrillDouble K FeedEarl Barney, DDSElectron AddictFaintest BreezeFirst Lutheran ChurchFoundations ChiropracticGene’s Auto & TruckGrace Salon & BoutiqueJohnson DrywallKahler Dolce MortuaryKajoma’s BoutiqueKB’s Food Shop & Fuel

LTC Financial Partners- Larry HeinertMower DoctorN. Wood Cheese HausPapillion Antique & EmporiumPapillions BarbersPapillion Flower PatchPapillion Foreign MotorsPapillion Glass & DoorPap. Historical SocietyPapillion TimesPapio BowlPapio Coin & AuctionPapio Fun ParkPhoto Art By KimPinnacle Bank

Rainbow GlassRunzaSarpy Family Confl ict Cnt.Sawdust Factory & Sauce ShopSinnot’s Sand BarSPIN! PizzaSteve Haffke PlumbingSump Memorial LibraryThad Hamilton State FarmThorpe’s Body ShopTripointe Coffee HouseTwisted VineWeathered & WornYour Country Connection

Gene Pfahl started Gene’s

Auto and Truck Services Inc. in 1980 in down-town Papillion.

Pfahl also is involved with

Papillion Days and has raised money for the Make-A-Wish

Foundation.

GENE PFAHL

MiChaEl BatChEldEr

SUBURBAN NEWSPAPERS

For three and a half decades, Gene’s Auto and Truck Ser-vices Inc. has been a fami-

ly-owned business in downtown Papillion helping people with their auto needs. Owner Gene Pfahl, has also been heavily involved in the Papillion commu-nity, volunteering for Papillion Days and helping organize the Historical Downtown Papillion Business Association.

His passion for working on automobiles started at a young age, when he helped his father work on cars as a child.

“It was just always something I liked doing,” Pfahl said.

Pfahl’s father was in the Air Force, and before settling in Papillion Pfahl lived in Germa-ny, California and Louisiana. In Papillion, he attended Trumble Elementary and Papillion High School in 1972, before attending Western Nebraska Technical College in Sidney, Nebraska.

In 1980, Gene and his wife, Debi, opened Gene’s Auto and

Pfahl has been repairing cars since a kid

See Pfahl: Page 13

2 STORY, 1 1/2 STORY& RANCH PLANS

Homes from $250k & Up

Proud To Be Part of Sarpy County!

www.barrhomesomaha.com • www.prolinehomesomaha.com402-861-6499 402-670-9387

(72nd St & Cornhusker) OPEN 1-5 DAILY2 Story Model

9417 S 69th Street

14320 Arbor St., Omaha 402.334.0300 ◆ 9719 Giles Rd., La Vista 402.537.0300www.Bank-Northwest.com

6949 South 108th Street | Omaha

402-592-6600www.rotellasbakery.com

BREAD LOAVES

HOAGIES

HAMBURGER BUNS

HOTDOGS & BRAT BUNS

CIABATTA

DINNER ROLLS & BREAD STICKS

SPECIALTY BREADS

ESTABLISHED 1921OMAHA’S FAVORITE

6949 South 108th Street | Omaha

402-592-6600www.rotellasbakery.com

BREAD LOAVESBREAD LOAVES

HOAGIES

HAMBURGER BUNS

HOTDOGS & BRAT BUNS

CIABATTA

DINNER ROLLS & BREAD STICKCKS

SPECIALTY BREADS

ESTABLISHED 1921ESTABLISHED 192OMAHA’S FAVORITEOMAHA’S FAVORITE

Truck Services Inc.“After we got married we

lived in Papillion, so it seemed like a reasonable thing to do,” Pfahl said. “Papillion is import-ant to us.”

Gene’s Auto and Truck Ser-vices now employs his daughter, son and four other full-time technicians. These days Gene doesn’t spend quite as much time working on the cars.

“Anymore, it’s kind of just overseeing and making sure ev-erything gets done right. I don’t do as much work on the cars as I used to,” Pfahl said.

Throughout the years, Pfahl has always adhered to a high standard for his work and has aimed to bring craftsmanship back to the auto repair industry.

“We strive to do a really good job, just do quality work and bring craftsmanship back to our industry,” Pfahl said.

Gene’s Auto and Truck Ser-vices fixes a wide variety of cars and trucks, nearly all domestic cars and many foreign cars as well. Since cars are constantly changing and upgrading, Pfahl educates himself with different clases on everything including

Pfahl: Continued from Page 12

See Pfahl: Page 14

Pfahl’s father was in the Air Force, and before settling in Papillion Pfahl lived in Germany, California and Louisiana.

steering systems and air con-ditioning. He originally started going to classes when cars be-gan to have computers installed inside them.

“That’s why we started going to classes a long time ago to keep up with that stuff,” Pfahl said.

For 17 years, Gene’s Auto and Truck Service has hosted a trac-tor pull during Papillion Days to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Before picking Make-A-Wish, Pfahl and his family considered a number of different charities, but seeing how much of the money Make-A-Wish gave to the children instead of toward administrative costs was a deciding factor for Pfahl.

“We’ve stuck with them,” Pfahl said. “It seems to be a re-ally good organization, and I’ve gotten to know the people who work at Make-A-Wish over the years, and they’re pretty sincere people.”

Pfahl was surprised to realize he had been picked for the Sarpy County Business Hall of Fame. “You kind of think you’re under the radar, but it was rewarding. I’m not sure who’s all involved or what kind of people get picked, but I felt humbled,” Pfahl said. “I thought, ‘wow, that’s really neat.’”

Pfahl’s dedication to his work and to the city of Papillion has also been noticed by other resi-dents of the city.

“One thing I can tell you about Gene is that you’ll never meet a more honest or caring profes-sional business owner,”said Kim Ahlers, president of the Histori-cal Downtown Papillion Busi-ness Association. “He wears his heart on his sleeve, and he treats everyone who walks through his door with the greatest care.”

Ahlers, who owns Kajoma’s Boutique in downtown Papillion, worked with Pfahl when they helped start the downtown Papil-lion Business Association. Since then they have worked together to promote and network with the businesses of downtown Pa-pillion. Ahlers is now president of the organization, while Pfahl is a board member. Before they even met, Ahlers’ great aunt would take her 1967 Oldsmobile to Pfahl from 1980 to her death in 1998.

“I think Papillion’s very fortu-nate to have him working here in downtown Papillion,” Ahlers said.

Pfahl: Continued from Page 13

“One thing I can tell you about Gene is that you’ll never meet a more honest or caring professional business owner.”

Kim Ahlers

Throughout the years, Pfahl has always adhered to a high standard for his work, and has aimed to bring craftsmanship back to the auto repair industry.

Celebrating

50 YEARS

1965 – 2015

in Business

70th & Q402-331-0520

donandronscollision.com

Congratulations to the

Sarpy Hall of Fame Winners!

You can be a winner too! Subscribe today

for 30% o� a one-year subscription!*

Bellevue Leader - $29.50

Papillion Times - $29.50

Gretna Breeze - $18.50

Call (402) 733-7500 or

email [email protected]

and mention code HOF30.

*Rates for Home Delivery.

Please call for Mail Delivery rates.

O� er ends June 15, 2015.

Not good with any other o� er.

E-Edition included

for FREE!

MIKE BRANIGAN

By raChEl gEorgE

Suburban Newspapers

Stylehouse Barber Shop opened Dec. 26, 1974, and owner Mike Branigan was

there from day one, fresh out of barber school.

A man who planned to open a barber shop in La Vista stum-bled upon Branigan when he called Lincoln’s College of Hair Design looking for someone to hire.

“He couldn’t guarantee me any money, but offered me partnership if I stayed for one year,” Branigan said. “That was a choice I had to make, to go out and try to make money right away or take this opportunity for the future.”

It was a shot Branigan decid-ed to take. He bought part-own-ership in March of 1976 and became sole owner of the shop in August that same year.

“I remember being the young-est businessman, and now I’m the oldest,” he said.

Though Branigan has done

Stylehouse owner a friend to La Vista In 1974, a man

who planned to open a barber

shop in La Vista stumbled upon

Mike Branigan when he called

Lincoln’s College of Hair Design

looking for someone to hire.

R A C H E L G E O R G E / S U B U R B A N N E W S P A P E R SSee Branigan: Page 16

business in La Vista for 40 years, he wasn’t always a barber.

He grew up in Fremont and knew all the local barbers, yet he says he didn’t have “this big passion” to cut hair.

At 19, a barber friend suggest-ed Branigan become a barber, even taking him to check out the barber school in Lincoln, but Branigan said he wasn’t ready yet.

Later, as Branigan was work-ing, scooping snow, he thought “there’s got to be a better job.”

He enrolled in the Lincoln’s College of Hair Design and fig-ured he would try it for a while. Awhile turned into 40 years, leading Branigan to where he is now.

Though the city of La Vista has grown substantially since the 1970s, Branigan aims to maintain the image of a “good ol’ fashioned barber shop.”

At Stylehouse, one of the only Omaha-area barber shops to offer a classic razor shave, the old-fashioned sense of commu-nity can be felt as soon as you open the shop’s door.

Branigan has many loyal cus-tomers, seeing multiple genera-tions of families over the years.

“What’s neat about this business is that you get to know people, see them grow and see their families grow up,” he said. “You don’t consider them customers, you consider them friends. Spending 15 minutes with someone once a month over 30 years, you really get to know someone.”

Some of those customers even stop by to “shoot the bull” while out and about, especially during football season.

While Branigan was getting to know his customers, he was also getting to know the La Vista community.

Branigan received the May-or’s Distinguised Legacy Award in January. Mayor Doug Kindig presents the award to individ-uals who impact the La Vista community.

“Mike lives a faith-based life and has extremely high morals,” La Vista Mayor Doug Kindig said. “He’s just an example of how to raise a family and how to participate in a community.”

Branigan helped launch the La Vista Chamber of Commerce and was the chamber’s president three different times.

As a father of five, he helped launch the local youth wrestling

Continued from Page 15

See Branigan: Page 17

At Stylehouse, one of the only Omaha-area barber shops to offer a classic razor shave, the old-fashioned sense of community can be felt as soon as you open the shop’s door.

Branigan helped launch the La Vista Chamber of Commerce and was the chamber’s president three different times.

Trusted Service. SoundAdvice. Fast Decisions.

GreatWesternBank.com 402.952.6000©2015, Great Western Bank

.

High School and coached nu-merous sports over the years.

For years, Stylehouse hosted events affiliated with La Vista Daze, including an annual golf tournament to raise funds for the local DARE program.

He has helped many families over the years without recog-nition and has even inspired others — seeing two of his for-mer barbers, whose hair he cut as kids, go on to own their own old-fashioned barber shops.

“Just like everyone else, we do the best we can to help who we can, when we can,” Branigan said. “That’s life. It comes pretty natural.”

Branigan: Continued from Page 16

“Just like everyone else, we do the best we can to help who we can, when we can. That’s life. It comes pretty natural.”

Mike Branigan

402-291-5599Hours: M-F 7:30AM – 5:00PM

10106 South 15th St (North West corner of 15th & Cornhusker)

OFFUTTCOLLISIONREPAIR .COM

Congratulations George and all of the 2015 inductees!

George Rybar circa 1970

YOU ROCK, GEORGE!

210 WEST MISSION AVENUE - BELLEVUE, NE 68005 - 402.293.3000

Congratulations and thank you for your

generous support of the Bellevue-Offutt

community!

By Kristan gray

Suburban Newspapers

The Sarpy County Hall of Fame will induct decorat-ed Bellevue businessman

George Rybar Jr. into its group of outstanding people on May 20 at the Bellevue University Student Union at 4 p.m.

Rybar’s company, Offutt Collision Repair, was founded by his father, George Rybar, Sr., in 1966 and is located at 10106 S. 15th St., south of Bellevue West High School.

As president and CEO, Rybar is no stranger to business suc-cess awards.

More than a dozen honors have been bestowed upon Rybar and his company over the years, which include the 2013 Bellevue Chamber of Commerce Silver Arrow and the 2013 Sarpy Coun-ty Chamber of Commerce Busi-ness Leader of the Year title.

Doris Urwin, Bellevue Cham-ber of Commerce vice president of administration, said Rybar “ … is Bellevue through and

Rybar ‘is Bellevue through and through’More than a dozen honors

have been bestowed on George Rybar and his

company, Offutt Collision Repair.

See Rybar: Page 19

113 W 22ND AVE, BELLEVUE, NE 68005

402.292.5590

CONGRATULATIONS, GEORGE!

You’re a great catch for the Hall of Fame!

Special congratulations to the McCallie Family!

George Rybar is the greatest!

Watchmakers - Goldsmiths Diamond and Stone Setting Engraving

Erwin’s Jewelers Co.Serving Bellevue since 1958

223 West Mission • Bellevue

402-291-2454

CONGRATULATIONS to the Class of 2015!

through.”He has provided years of sup-

port and service to Offutt Air Force Base, the Bellevue Cham-ber and the Bellevue Communi-ty Foundation along with several other groups and organizations, she said.

“He is a driver in support of the growth of the community. His 10 years of service provid-ing ‘blood, sweat and beers’ as the RiverFest beer garden boss show his devotion to going above and beyond for the betterment of his community,” Urwin said.

Rybar was a notable player in creating the Bellevue Communi-ty Foundation. And, as an active supporter of Bellevue, Rybar is known as a “down-to-earth guy who understands the value of supporting the community be-yond the walls of his business,” according to Ben Justman, executive director of the Sarpy County Museum.

Other awards include: 2014 Winner for the Sarpy County People’s Choice for Auto Acces-sories, Auto Repair and Body Shop.

But it’s the community that

Rybar: Continued from Page 18

See Rybar: Page 20

He has provided years of support and service to Offutt Air Force Base, the Bellevue Chamber and the Bellevue Community Foundation along with several other groups and organizations.

Congratulations George and all of the 2015 inductees!

Nothing says success like a fi ne cigar.1021 GALVIN RD, BELLEVUE / 503 S 11TH ST OMAHA / WWW.SGROITOBACCONIST.COM

BellevueCommunityFoundation

www.bel levuecommunityfoundation .org

� anks for always going

the extra mile for the Bellevue/O� utt community.

Congratulations George Rybar, BCF Founding Member

1508 JF Kennedy Drive, Suite 101Bellevue, NE 68005 / 402-292-6600

www.bellevuetravelne.com

Congratulations George and all of the 2015 inductees! Now that you’ve reached the Hall of Fame where do you want to travel next?

has taken care of him, Rybar said.

“The reward is knowing that you’re holding up your end. That’s a better feeling than maybe taking the money and running. At least you gave the effort,” he said.

Born and raised and in Belle-vue, Rybar said he’s never con-sidered living anywhere else.

After he graduated from Bellevue High School in 1970, he did attend college at the Univer-sity of South Dakota.

“I meant to graduate with a math degree, but came back home to work a summer at OCR with my dad,” he said. “I had 16 hours left to get my degree, but Dad paid me too much — I didn’t go back.”

George Rybar, Sr. remains an integral member of the compa-ny.

“He’s here more than I am,” Rybar Jr. said. “I play as much golf as I can. My other hobby is keeping my wife, Lynda, happy. We like to travel.”

The Rybars have been mar


See Rybar: Page 21

Born and raised and in Bellevue, George Rybar said he’s never considered living anywhere else.

48th & Hwy 370Papillion, NE 68133

402-597-5008 402-293-5008800-927-3314

www.npdodge.com

Sarpy County’s Source for Real Estate

SHOP&

SAVE!

� FIREARMS� AUTO� CAMERAS� SCRAP GOLD� DVDS� MOTORCYCLES� TOOLS� MUSIC

INSTRUMENTS

2.5 blocks south of Galvin Rd. & Mission St.2407 Lincoln Road • Bellevue 402-292-1113

BUY � SELL � TRADE � PAWN

� LOAN �As Low As 10% On Loans

SELL �TRADE�

CONGRATULATIONS GEORGE AND TO ALL THE 2015 INDUCTEES!

ried for 35 years and have four children: Jennifer, 45; Dan-iel, 40; Phillip; 35; and Ryan, 32.

“My family is great. They’re the reason I do it,” he said. “I love the line from the movie In-terstellar, ‘Once you have kids, you only exist to be a memory for them.’”


“He is a driver in support of the growth of the community. His 10 years of service providing ‘blood, sweat and beers’ as the RiverFest beer garden boss show his devotion to going above and beyond for the betterment of his community.”

Doris Urwin

“The reward is knowing that you’re holding up your end. That’s a better feeling than maybe taking the money and running. At least you gave the effort.”

Greorge Rybar

25th & Fairview • BellevueO� HWY 75 in Bellevue. Just 10 minutes � om downtown.

402-292-9300 • www.TregaronGolf.com

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC• Annual Passes Available• Golf Outings• Banquet Facility• Friday Night Couples starts May 1 -

Best Deal in the Metro(Check for dates & times on our website)

• Receive golf specials and aFREE round of golf when you sign

up for our E-Club atwww.tregarongolf.com

Congratulations George!

You’re an ace!Congratulations

to all of the2015 inductees!

25th & Fairview • BellevueO� HWY 75 in Bellevue. Just 10 minutes � om downtown.

402-292-9300 • www.TregaronGolf.com

TO THE• Annual Passes Available• Golf Outings• Banquet Facility• Friday Night Couples starts May 1 -

Best Deal in the Metro(Check for dates & times on our website)

• Receive golf specials and aFREE round of golf when you sign

up for our E-Club atwww.tregarongolf.com

CongratulationsGeorge!

You’re an ace!Congratulations

to all of the2015 inductees!

AND TO ALL OF THE 2015 INDUCTEES!

Stop by for a celebratory glass of Mead, ‘The Nectar of the Gods’

CONGRATULATIONS, GEORGE!

Visit our website athttp://moonstruckmead.com

2221 Madison St., Olde Towne Bellevue, NebraskaTel: 402-934-7544

would like to congratulate all the 2015 Sarpy County Business

Hall of Fame Inductees.

We appreciate your contributions to the county and are proud to support business growth in our communities.

www.BellevueNebraska.com

(402) 898-3000

ld l k l ll h

THE BELLEVUE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

SAVE THE DATE RIVERFEST July 17 & 18, 2015www.BellevueNebra k

2015 OFFICIAL GUIDE TO THE BELLEVUE-OFFUTT COMMUNITY

BELLEVUEFIRST

Sponsored by the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce

INSIDE• Bellevue Buyer’s Guide• Chamber award winners• Schools, living, community

WWW.BELLEVUENEBRASKA.COM

THANK YOU GEORGE for your historic support of the museum!

Congratulations to you and to all of the 2015 inductees!

HOURS: Tuesday to Saturday • 10:00am to 4:00pm | 2402 Clay Street • Olde Towne Bellevue • (402) 292-1880

Come in and see where history is preserved.

2012

Andy Anderson, Mayor of La Vista

Bellevue University

R. Joe Dennis, Developer

Bob Dreessen, Engineer

Gail DeBoer, SAC Federal Credit Union

Mike Hogan, Developer

C.L. Werner, Founder-Werner Enterprises

Al Wenstrand, SCEDC Executive Director

PAST SARPY COUNTY BUSINESS HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES2013

Beardmore Chevrolet

Dan Hoins, City of Papillion

Harlan Falk, Great Western Bank

Jolene Roberts, Hillcrest Health Services

Tim & Jan Vala, Vala’s Pumpkin Patch

2014

Jim & Mary Beth Harrold, Papillion Flower Patch

Papillion Barbers

Frank Kumor, Erwin’s Jewelry

Pay Pal

Brad Stauffer, Gretna Chiropractic Clinic

John Thompson, Twin Creek Development

S A R P Y C O U N T Y

BUSINESSHall of Fame

THE LEGENDS • THE LEADERS

CONGRATULATIONS

2015 SARPY COUNTYBUSINESS HALL OF FAMEINDUCTEES

TO THE

From

DOUG ZOERB

Inducted into Hall of FameGEORGE RYBAR

Inducted into Hall of Fame

MIKE BRANIGANInducted into Hall of Fame

BOB MCCALLIE (Posthumously)Inducted into Hall of Fame

GENE PFAHL


5 SARPY COUNTY

BUSINESS LEADERS


sarpy county business hall of fame 2015

Documents