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| Sen. Deb Fischer |
Every day, we hear more and more about tech “start-ups.” Uber, Snapchat, Instagram, Warby Parker, Blue Apron – the list is seemingly endless. Start-ups and the entrepreneurs behind them are changing our lives. But when we think of these innovative companies, we tend to picture them in New York City, Los Angeles, or Silicon Valley. The truth is, exciting and rewarding opportunities like these exist right here in Nebraska.
Last week, I was delighted to visit with a number of these young entrepreneurs and start-up businesses in Lincoln. The Nebraskans I met with and the inspired work I saw was truly impressive. Many of the start-ups’ founders were born in Nebraska and wanted to stay here. Instead of moving across the country to do what they love, they set up shop in Lincoln. This sort of “can-do” initiative makes me proud, and in that spirit, I would like to highlight some of the people I met during my time in Lincoln last week.
My first stop was at Powderhook. This company has developed an online marketplace that connects outdoor enthusiasts with hunting and fishing locations all over the world. Through their website, you can plan trips, sign up for sporting events, or just browse ways to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. Powderhook’s founder and CEO, Eric Dinger, showed me around their office and introduced me to the entire Powderhook team. They have created an incredibly valuable 21st century tool that will help our country preserve our rich outdoor heritage.
Next, I met with Paul and Stephanie Jarrett, the founders of Bulu Box, and the rest of their team. Bulu Box provides subscribers with samples of health, nutrition, and weight loss products on a monthly basis. Bulu Box has a wonderful Nebraska internship program – 80 percent of their current employees came through the InternNE program. I also stopped by Nobl, whose company name captures their mission well – the nobility of providing high quality health care for all Nebraskans. Founders Brett Byman and Katie Hottovy won a Bryan Health competition for developing a patient experience program when Katie was still in college and Brett had just graduated. Their win was just the beginning. Nobl now provides software and technology for health care facilities that are improving lives across the state.
Former UNL football players Blake Lawrence and Adi Kunalic fell in love with our state during college. After graduating, they decided they wanted to give back and build something that would provide opportunities for other young Nebraskans. They launched opendorse – a platform that connects athletes with marketers to build powerful endorsement campaigns. The business is based on the things they love: sports, social media, marketing, and data. It was inspiring to see them pursuing their passions while also building opportunities for others.
I was also excited to visit Archrival – a marketing agency founded by Clint Runge 15 years ago. Clint loved his life in Lincoln and set out to prove that you can reach global clients from the heartland. With Operations Director Jessica Marchant, an Omaha native, and the rest of their team in Lincoln, Archrival makes brands relevant to youth culture. They have many clients you might recognize, including Redbull, Nike, and Adidas. Archrival’s location in Lincoln has been one of the company’s unique selling points. Clint likes to tell his prospective clients that his staff thinks differently than other agencies – he doesn’t just believe it, it’s something he guarantees.
Seeing firsthand the creative and exciting work from so many young Nebraskans shows how our state is leading the way in future technology. Their commitment to the community and our state’s economy will result in meaningful and positive benefits for our future. They prove that there’s no need to leave the Good Life in search of exciting, meaningful, and globally-accessible opportunities. We have them right here at home.
Thank you for participating in the democratic process. I look forward to visiting with you again next week.
My first stop was at Powderhook. This company has developed an online marketplace that connects outdoor enthusiasts with hunting and fishing locations all over the world. Through their website, you can plan trips, sign up for sporting events, or just browse ways to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. Powderhook’s founder and CEO, Eric Dinger, showed me around their office and introduced me to the entire Powderhook team. They have created an incredibly valuable 21st century tool that will help our country preserve our rich outdoor heritage.
Next, I met with Paul and Stephanie Jarrett, the founders of Bulu Box, and the rest of their team. Bulu Box provides subscribers with samples of health, nutrition, and weight loss products on a monthly basis. Bulu Box has a wonderful Nebraska internship program – 80 percent of their current employees came through the InternNE program. I also stopped by Nobl, whose company name captures their mission well – the nobility of providing high quality health care for all Nebraskans. Founders Brett Byman and Katie Hottovy won a Bryan Health competition for developing a patient experience program when Katie was still in college and Brett had just graduated. Their win was just the beginning. Nobl now provides software and technology for health care facilities that are improving lives across the state.
Former UNL football players Blake Lawrence and Adi Kunalic fell in love with our state during college. After graduating, they decided they wanted to give back and build something that would provide opportunities for other young Nebraskans. They launched opendorse – a platform that connects athletes with marketers to build powerful endorsement campaigns. The business is based on the things they love: sports, social media, marketing, and data. It was inspiring to see them pursuing their passions while also building opportunities for others.
I was also excited to visit Archrival – a marketing agency founded by Clint Runge 15 years ago. Clint loved his life in Lincoln and set out to prove that you can reach global clients from the heartland. With Operations Director Jessica Marchant, an Omaha native, and the rest of their team in Lincoln, Archrival makes brands relevant to youth culture. They have many clients you might recognize, including Redbull, Nike, and Adidas. Archrival’s location in Lincoln has been one of the company’s unique selling points. Clint likes to tell his prospective clients that his staff thinks differently than other agencies – he doesn’t just believe it, it’s something he guarantees.
Seeing firsthand the creative and exciting work from so many young Nebraskans shows how our state is leading the way in future technology. Their commitment to the community and our state’s economy will result in meaningful and positive benefits for our future. They prove that there’s no need to leave the Good Life in search of exciting, meaningful, and globally-accessible opportunities. We have them right here at home.
Thank you for participating in the democratic process. I look forward to visiting with you again next week.
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