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For ISoft founder, part-time salvage yard job leads to thriving tech startup
While studying electrical engineering at The University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Matthew Wegener had a part time job at a salvage yard where he worked on cars and poured concrete. During his time there, Wegener realized the salvage yard needed an inventory management system. He made a proposal to build the system for them on evenings and…
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Rare Earth Solar blazes trail, brings jobs as Nebraska solar panel maker
Rare Earth Solar co-founders Allen Kruse and Joseph Brewer met at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln while Brewer was getting his doctorate in inorganic chemistry and tutoring Kruse in his chemistry class. Brewer started telling Kruse about his solar technology invention and that he was thinking about starting a business. Kruse, a Navy veteran and businessman,…
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Entrepreneurship an eye-opening experience for UNL professor Farritor
Shane Farritor had no plans of becoming an entrepreneur, but things changed in 2006. “This started with an alumnus from the university who is on the dean’s advisory board,” said Farritor, a mechanical engineering professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. “He’s been very successful doing startup companies and wanted to help the university with his…
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Bob Hinrichs reflects on keys to a great entrepreneurial ecosystem
Last week we introduced you to Bob Hinrichs, the technology developer that moved to back to Lincoln last summer after spending years in the San Francisco Bay Area. In addition to what we covered in the first story on Hinrichs, we also visited with him about the keys to creating a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem. Here…
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Hinrichs returns from The Valley to Lincoln, ‘where it’s going to happen’
After two decades spent in Silicon Valley, Bob Hinrichs came home to Lincoln last summer, and he believes the city is ready to foster a flourishing tech scene of its own. “I lived through the 90s in California, and it was glorious,” said Hinrichs, who works as the chief technology officer for two coastal companies:…
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Big Omaha – This Strange Phase provides ‘zentastic’ escape
Since its inception in 2009, Big Omaha has been held at KANEKO, an “open space for open minds that nurtures and promotes creativity in the arts, sciences, and philosophy.” In addition to the permanent and exhibiting art collections housed at KANEKO, Big Omaha invites a select group of artists to add a unique element to…
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Green Bein’ launches Synch, allowing users to build their own games
Have you ever thought about designing your own video game? With Green Bein’ Productions new product, Synch, you can build your own game and then challenge your friends to play it. Deana Ward, vice president of Green Bein’, says that kids and adults love the new product. “Well, the only marketing we …
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Big Omaha – Marc Eckō: ‘Just because you talk about it doesn’t mean you did it’
Marc Eckō is a serial entrepreneur. His roots to business are tied deeply to his love of art and popular culture. He is the founder and chief creative officer of Mark Eckō Enterprises, a billion dollar full-scale global fashion and lifestyle company. Eckō was the youngest member ever inducted into the board of directors for…