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CELEBRATING 50 YEARS
YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY ACROSS NEBRASKA & BEYOND
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VOLUME 52 No.20
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MAY 8, 2026
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OBI’S O’BRIEN ON INSIGHT-DRIVEN STRATEGY BY DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN
Mary Ann O’Brien, CEO and founder of OBI Creative, has built a career at the intersection of entrepreneurship, brand strategy and customer insight. She leads a nearly 40-person agency while also serving as chief marketing officer for a publicly traded company. In this A Closer Look conversation with Midlands Business Journal, she reflected on how early exposure to business shaped her thinking, why most companies misunderstand differentiation and how personal loss reshaped her approach to leadership.
Q&A:
MBJ: You grew up in small-town Iowa with a grandfather who reportedly opened the first color printing business west of the Mississippi and a father who ran multiple businesses. How did that environment shape how you build culture and client relationships at OBI? O’Brien: I was raised in an environment where business was just what we talked about. Everything had a business component so I didn’t know any different. I didn’t know that other people didn’t talk about business at the dinner table. My dad was very focused on current events and the news. He would talk about what was happening in the world and then push us to think about it: why farmers were doing well that year,
EVENT SCENE:
MIDLANDS BUSINESS JOURNAL CELEBRATES GOLDEN JUBILEE, GIVES INAUGURAL GOLDEN CIRCLE AWARDS BY MBJ STAFF Midlands Business Journal marked 50 years of business journalism May 5 at The Durham Museum, honoring seven Omaha leaders whose influence extends far beyond their
OBI’S O’BRIEN ON PAGE 06
EVENT SCENE ON PAGE 08 S-MBJ50th.pdf
ai177739081016_COVER
MAGAZINE: LEGENDS, LEADERS & LEGACY MAKERS IMPACT MAGAZINE VOLUME 1 HIT STREETS THIS WEEK
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1966 DLR Group Founders: Don Legge, Bill
1922 Hawkins Constr Founders: Kenneth uction and Earl
Rose Employee-owned integrated design firm. Grown from to one of the largest an and internationally. design firms in the U.S., with officesOmaha practice Known for K-12 schools, nationwide facilities. sports venues and justice
Hawkins From a 1922 contract to build Lincoln’s generation family Memorial Stadium firm to Built much of Omaha’s with more than $350 million in annual a fourthcity’s combined sewagemodern infrastructure: bridges and revenue. interstate, the control plan, UNMC’s Eppley Airfield improveme Durham Research Center, family-owned, debt-free. nts and Boys Town’s research campus. Still
Legacy Leadersh ip Mike and Gail Yanney
EMPLOYEE-OWN STEVEN MCKAY, CEO ED
1857 First Nation al Founders: Herman Bank of Omaha and Augustus Kountze The largest
FAMILY-OWNED · FOUR GENERA CHRIS HAWKINS, PRESIDENT TIONS AND CEO; FRED HAWKINS EMERITUS JR., CHAIRMAN
privately held and Augustus Kountze, bank in the United States. Founded by Herman it has never gone FAMILY-LED · FORTUN public and never left Omaha. E 1000 CLARK
D. LAURITZEN, CHAIRMAN
1935 Gallup Founder: George
1917 A HDR Inc. by some65-year love story started simply, with a blind date in Denver mutual friends. Founder: H.H. Henning arranged LeoBank A. Daly with model The young from 1961 to of1977 twin towers being sonman, Michael more of our Founded built and
AND PRESIDENT
FROM THE PAGES
HONOREE PROF ILE
BY KARA SCHWE ISS
OF MIDLANDS
BUSINESS JOURNAL
MIDL AN
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work is being influencedserved as volunteer in downtown Omaha’s Developme Central Park Plaza nt project. In 1984, by computers.” - Nov. 7.chairman … “More and Riverfront he founded America 1980 of the city’s funds and owned multifamily First, which raised investment housing across the of the area’s most Throughout their country; it evolved prominent privately life together, the held investment companies to become one couple has generously and resources to dozens of causes given time . through decades of After assuming the leadership to financial service from board role of chief support. In 1989, the executive officer, Yanneys co-founded Yanney’s Kids, later the Yanneys’ daughter, the nonprofit All Our Kids and now Lisa Roskens, changed part which has provided the company thousands of Omaha-are of Partnership 4 Kids (P4K), name in 2006 from 1973 educational opportuniti a students with mentoring America First to es. Mike Yanney once Burlington Capital, Godfather’s and heartwarming projects by which it continues said, “It’s been one Pizza of the most Founder: Willy to be known. Even I’ve ever done.” Theisen after his daughter a city zoo into one took This Omaha original Causes and contributi the helm, Yanney world. Home to the modest Mike Yanney, of the top-rated grew to more than remained who world’s ons zoos in the largest indoordied active as Feb. 14, Willy Theisen opened 900 geodesic dome.2026, at the age chairman emeritus. desert, The couple supported indoor rainforest of 92, was probably 450 stores, between stores nationwide. At its peak, causes separately and institution across best known as the founder LUIS PADILLA, DVM, Gail Yanney played as The company’s tribute the Midwest; Theisen 1977-79. It became a cultural PRESIDENT AND CEO of the exceptionally a pivotal role in launching well. For example, in 1990 to Yanney figure. remains a prominent successful investmen stated, “Those who by helping secure Women’s Fund of Omaha civic worked alongside t management early funding through RON GARTLAN, PRESIDENT Omaha Mr. 1994 firm Burlington Yanney remember a Ford Foundation Foundation grant and AND CEO his personal touch Capital, originally and MacArthur setting as Home Instead called America much as his leadership. families in the community the stage for long-term support of First. His personal Daly, at right, with 1920 His handwritten women and Meyer and a model . In another example, Founders: Paul origins, however, ‘Y’ or ‘See me, Y’ list of prominent of the Tower to fundraising efforts and Lori Hogan were humble, even Mike Yanney contributed First National Bank Greater Omaha at First National on a memo was projeccts and has Started by Paulhardscrabb for the University of Omaha - July an Center ... The firm hit a companyinvitation, Packing and Lori Hogan le. The 27, 2001 milestone. not is increasing its of Nebraska Medical also helped Kearney, Founder: Herman to discuss business, - merely caring 23, 2001 Nebraska, secure land for Ashfall nearly 100 franchise for Paul’s Center and nativeoffices but to think June grandmother. Grew was theinyoungest bigger, to lead Fossil Beds State One of the largest Cohen (Henry Davis’s grandfat northeast part of the just threeofyears. nine children; franchises across Historical Park in independent beef Today: more than to her) his14 and to act with integrity. with courage state. father the countries, died when processors in the more than 750,000 1,200 65,000 Yanney caregivers He challenged $1 billion in revenue. Mike Yanney’s interests (known U.S., processing steers annually. The worldwide as “Buddy”) was only others to do their , more than Omaha’s meatpacki company carries extended well beyond by 11 best with the talents Honor yearsTechnolog SETH STERNBERG, CEO Acquired voracious traveler old. forward ng legacy into the y in 2021. they were given Nebraska. The had estimated that “He OF HONOR had a TECHNOLOG Omaha employer. modern era as a good education and to use those he made more than major South Y with special interest and a good job, but he talents in service 150 trips overseas, FAMILY-LED in his ancestors’ didn’t have insurance, of something greater 1975 homeland, interests and all of us had Lebanon, and business than themselves.” in the Soviet Union, HENRY DAVIS, OWNER to go to work,” Yanney Investors said later Russia. His AND PRESIDENT/CEO agricultural developme Realty in a 2024 interview, Dr. Walling, Mrs. nt projects to ownership ventures ranged from Founders: Jerry explaining that Yanney glass manufacturing he shined shoes, 2004 of poultry, packaging s, Steve sold vegetables companies. He once Founded the same Heinrich Gail Walling Yanney and Farrell from even made a bid to his year as MBJ. Green Plains Port of St. Petersburg was born Five decades garden, in Chicago, but her commercial real mother’s purchase the and tookasonOmaha’s , an unconventi estate any family onal Founders: Group Inc. go-to job available. brokerage, proposition but characteriz relocated to the same boldness feet of commercia “I managing the Omaha area of entrepreneurs; more was PHOTOGRAPHY that defined many the town than 6 million square ed by l space. In the thought when CONTRIBUTED CEO tremendou of his successful Wayne Hoovesto middle BY THE YANNEY sly good transaction in the The Yanneys were child. She graduated she was still a to of every givecommercia l, initial FAMILY metro unlikely to seek recognition ideas closer to home. Built by a group of from forto50 years. me, to helpmajor l jobs and range of contributio RYAN ZABROWSKme entrepreneurs into help give me opportuniti of Nebraska Medical the University or credit for their wide I, PRESIDENT ns and in North America. one es (that) Center College “We were blessed in a larger city I Fortune 1000 at $4.1 of the largest ethanol producers supporting the community remarkable impact. They focused of Medicine and probably never protein ingredients billion instead became a respected in our community , often behind the would have seen.” Todd Simon, at right, and renewable energy. in revenue; pivoting into 1999 anesthesiologist, “Mom and Dad have scenes. As their daughter on Mike Cassling, center, FORTUNE 1000 primarily at Clarkson OmahaSteaks.com with Bruce Simon managed with a regula in the test kitchen with Ken Vetter, said, Those early experience tocousins be an have Jet Linx Aviatio Inc. the and … The inspiration Hospital, fastest r infusiovicenspace. continuous growing division Cassling ... saw the need in these at left, and Bob later and influence, selflessly CHRIS OSOWSKI, CEO s instilled helped make “We serving ly providing n ng of We added warehouse, of the company. a longstandi her alma good advice- to mater and sernews; itareas as the market Founder: Denny refurbishing Aug.the dedication to hard as a changed, 4, 2000 next generation, clinicaland business to get at was all about we wanted to prepare.” instructor. Walker work going beyond and an what matters most, This father-and-son retiring, enduring loyalty -Aug. 5, 1995 good things happe she served as executive After helping people through moment to change to community. team grew from In 1997, director that third-largest private ning four their defining planes at Eppley our Yanney began developing lives and the community of the in Clarkson Foundation jet manageme .” plans Airfield tobusine the nt company in the and on the board sses and good nationwide, more for what Celebrating others’ became E.K. of directors of The U.S. — 22 bases than 100 news about the and Mary Yanney success and Nebraska Medical Their flagship terminal Heritage Parkaircraft Mike and Gail Yanney — named afortophis1% safety ratingpeople Center hospital. was designed globally. who were also had a deep appreciatio by HDR. parents FAMILY-FOUNDE — a beautiful part of them. Gail Yanney called 80-acre park on n for others’ success. D She was known (Bob and out the couple’s the JAMIE WALKER, southwest professionally Andee Hoig’s) long relationship Business Journal EXECUTIVE side of Kearney with as Dr. Walling, as with the Midlands efforts have brough and the diverse her “very forwardand unique CHAIRMAN amenities. businesses and entreprene importance of recognizing and celebrating thinking” mother suggested t joy to us Omahans for travelers from all over Today, it attracts urs and creating a positive area in light of the fact that the young the region and has “We were blessed 50 years. What professional ecosystem. doctor’s parents had become a notable in our community a gift!” footed the bill for icon for the city with a regular infusion news; it was allTabout IMPAC her medical education. and surrounding area. — of good good Legend things It made for some s,happening Leader news about the people in our — Gail Walling s &businesses amusing moments Legacy andMaker who were part of good Yanney M I Hoig’s) for Building a company the young Mr. and DL ANDS s them,” she said. efforts have brought Mrs. Yanney, as Gail BUSINE joy to S S J O U R “(Bob and Andee Yanney recalled in Yanney graduated N AWhat for 50 years. a 2024 interview. The Yanneys themselve us Omahans L a· gift!” from what is now VOLUME and, after a stint the University of Nebraska occasionally they’d s have never been “When we went to I benefactors, choosing in the U.S. Army, say, ‘Are you Mike content to be passive things together, at Kearney Between began working in instead settled in Omaha, Walling?’ C H was AtoPbe my T Eactive because they just married R / T towns, banking. He and his Willyname,” H E M A s, participant where advising or supporting. Theisen, she beyond. Yanney built his YO assumed that left, and RS said.Harlan whether wife Iowa “AndNoddle Omaha and to look Mrs. mentoring, I said,relax Their contributions Yanney, banking career at at prospective BIZ SUCCESS ‘No,in I’m MBJ IM A MichaelGodfather the plane Dr. Walling, STORIES - LATE reflect a belief that Omaha National an obligation to uplift CT MAGAZ as they swing Yanney.’... Pizza I’m for the future of business in Greater but I’m sites.Gail REFLOW.indd a vision - Mar. Gailwestern PRichard through INE | LEG success carries 5, 1976 especially Mike is known.” others. Yanney, 4-5 ENDS, LEA “Rick” W. Parod DERS & LEG Celebrating the past. Casting in circles where MBJ IMPA Mikepivot 24 ACY MAKE Yanney’s CT MAGAZ “The growth is coming with a central S systemdeath marks INE | LEGE made by theManufacturin end of aRchapter, primarily Lindsay NDS, LEAD and Gail from Yanney our irrigation…” ERS & LEGA but g the … lives story of Mike on- Oct. CY MAKERS in everything 8, 2002 MBJ IMPA they helped create lives of countless Mayors - MOD.indd CT MAGAZ as well as in the individuals who benefited 1 INE | LEGE NDS, LEAD from their generosity. ERS & LEGA CY MAK
Gallup
Technically headquart has been in Omaha ered in D.C., but Gallup’s operationa for l headquarters globally recognized decades, with the bulk of its workforce polling and consulting here. A firm.
JON CLIFTON, CEO
to build B. Yanney, was just Theinfrastruct young woman, ure forGail starting a career in rural conglomerate Bouygues Midwest Walling, banking. wastowns. wrapping Solduptoher The couple in 1983, French final theninstant had an 1996. Today: more the employees bond andbought it back year of medical school. thanbecame swiftly 12,000engaged. in staff members, worldwide
more on andChristmas than 200 offices $3.1 billion in revenue. They married Day 1960. EMPLOYEE-OWN ED their JOHN W. HENDERSON Over six-and-a-half decades , CHAIRMAN AND together, the YanneysCEO built a legacy in the community — 1894 not only in business but in philanthro Henry Doorly py, mentorship Zoo and leadership Founded as: civic — that has made Riverview Park a lasting Zoo Transformed from impact.
RSARY
ISSUE
The Mayor’s Of and Omaha’s Ec fice onom
y
How Nine Mayor s Shaped 50 Years of Busin ess
Y MAKERS
LEGENDS, LEADERS & LEGAC
Honorees Profile
- Mike and Gail
Yanney - 2.indd
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