Liza Mendoza-House, Founder & Owner of LP Fitness Transformation Center, joins Becca Fowler, Investor Relations Specialist of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, in the AOI Podcast Studio on the latest edition of the BusinessLNK podcast. Liza and Becca talk about why Liza wanted to start LP Fitness Transformation Center, her journey in entrepreneurship and what allowed her to grow LP Fitness into a second location that opened in Spring 2026, why it's important to bet on yourself and what advice she would give to fellow entrepreneurs who are looking to grow their ideas into a business and a community.
State Senator Jason Prokop, Nebraska Legislative District 27, joins Bruce Bohrer, Executive Vice President and General Counsel of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, in the AOI Podcast Studio on the latest edition of the BusinessLNK podcast. Senator Prokop and Bruce talk about the senator's background in public policy with his work at First Five Nebraska, why he decided to run for elected office in 2024, what types of legislation Senator Prokop has championed and worked on during his time in the Nebraska Legislature and what big issues are still to come in the 2027 Legislative Session and beyond.
Nathen Rutt, Owner of Gary Michaels Clothiers, joins Jason Ball, President & CEO of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, in the AOI Podcast Studio on the latest edition of BusinessLNK. Nathen and Jason talk about the history of Gary Michaels Clothiers since its founding in Hastings in 1983 and coming to Lincoln for its first location in 1993, how things have changed as a men's tailored clothier over the years in the retail industry, what they specialize in at Gary Michaels Clothiers and what's to come for Gary Michaels Clothiers after Nathen purchased the business.
Brent Croteau, Director of Operations at Cleaver-Brooks, joins Jason Ball, President & CEO of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, in the AOI Podcast Studio on the latest edition of BusinessLNK. Brent and Jason talk about the long history of Cleaver Brooks in the Lincoln area, tracing its origins back to its founding in the Haymarket as Nebraska Boiler in 1921; what kinds of projects Cleaver-Brooks works on, the process of shipping and manufacturing boiler systems all over the world and how Cleaver-Brooks continues to evolve its production with advances in technology and processes.
Liz Bavitz, Principal Architect and Project Manager and Kjersten Tucker, Lead Interior Architect and Principal at Sinclair Hille Architects, join Becca Fowler, Investor Relations Specialist with the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, in the AOI Podcast Studio on the latest edition of BusinessLNK. Liz, Kjersten and Becca talk about the history of Sinclair Hille Architects, who celebrates 45 years in business in 2026; some of their favorite projects over the years, including the new NRC Health building and Malone Community Center; what other projects Sinclair Hille is working on at the current time and what kinds of projects they will be taking on in the future.
Kendall Warnock, Founder and Owner of A1 Automotive, joins Jason Ball, President & CEO of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, in the AOI Podcast Studio on the latest edition of BusinessLNK. Kendall and Jason talk about Kendall's love of cars, which started as a kid growing up in Rosalie, Nebraska, how he came to start A1 Automotive, why being involved and giving back to the Lincoln community and elsewhere is so important to him and why leadership is crucial to establishing culture within any business. A1 Automotive was honored as the Lincoln Chamber's 2025 Small Business of the Year at the 2025 Celebrate Business Awards and has grown to two Lincoln locations and one in Seward, Nebraska.
Dr. Roger Hughes, President of Doane University, joins Jason Ball, President & CEO of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, in the AOI Podcast Studio on the latest edition of BusinessLNK. Roger and Jason talk about how Roger got into leadership in secondary education with Doane University upon becoming president in 2021, the most challenging factors currently facing secondary education as a whole, what's new on campus at Doane University and how Doane can continue working with the business community in Lincoln and Nebraska to provide great careers and futures for students.
Dr. Roger Hughes, President of Doane University, joins Jason Ball, President & CEO of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, in the AOI Podcast Studio on the latest edition of BusinessLNK. Roger and Jason talk about how Roger got into leadership in secondary education with Doane University upon becoming president in 2021, the most challenging factors currently facing secondary education as a whole, what's new on campus at Doane University and how Doane can continue working with the business community in Lincoln and Nebraska to provide great careers and futures for students.
Liz Elliott, Director of Transportation & Utilities for the City of Lincoln, joins Katie Bohlmeyer, Business Policy Advocate with the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, in the AOI Podcast Studio on the latest edition of the BusinessLNK podcast. Liz and Katie talk about Project O Street, a major project designed to upgrade streets, sidewalks, water mains and public spaces along O Street in the heart of downtown Lincoln. With the project kicking off in April 2026, Liz and Katie also discuss the timeline for the project and how the city is communicating project details for business owners and public. You can learn more about Lincoln's Project O Street at https://www.lincoln.ne.gov/City/Projects-Programs-Initiatives/Project-O-Street.
