“We want to help customers achieve success, then pass that down to the next generation.”
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CONFIDENCE IN EVERY MILE
Mark and Anastasia Puccioni
Choose Elevated Performance
Story by Natalie McGovern // Photography by Bill Sitzmann
For Mark and Anastasia Puccioni, cars that are rated in safety and reliability are top of mind. Although they’ve owned several luxury vehicles over the years, nothing compares to the experience of driving ONYX vehicles like the 2025 Defender and the 2026 BMW X7.
For more than 20 years, Mark—a pediatric neurosurgeon at Boys Town National Research Hospital—has driven BMWs, a loyalty that began during his residency. Anastasia, a busy mom to 2-year-old Leo, had previously driven a Jaguar SUV and even ventured into owning an Audi.
Less than a year later, the decision was made to upgrade to the BMW X7. Having seen the positive luxury experiences Mark had long appreciated, Anastasia decided to take the plunge herself.
“This is my favorite car,” Anastasia said. “I love my car—I haven’t gotten over it. It’s super convenient with the space, especially. It’s super luxurious and feels highend. It drives really nicely.”
Her child’s car seat fits in the backseat, which offers plenty of room for precious cargo and ample storage space. With generous trunk storage and flexible third-row seating, the full-size luxury SUV delivers high-end performance. Its turbocharged inline-six engine produces 375 horsepower, while premium finishes and Tartufo Merino leather elevate the cabin.
“The third row pulls down so I have a big trunk space, which is super convenient. In the winter with a baby, it has been really nice,” Anastasia noted. “It does amazing in the snow,” Mark agreed.
When it comes to tackling obstacles such as snow, ice, and getting around during a Nebraska winter, owning an SUV that glides effortlessly over rugged
terrain is essential. The BMW X7’s allwheel drive component performs well in the snow. Features such as automatic crash avoidance, lane departure, and 360-degree cameras around the car elevate the vehicle’s security.
“The most important part of either of our cars is the safety,” Mark said. “Both cars are top rated in safety and strong vehicles. I feel comfortable with her driving anybody in that car, especially our son.”
Anastasia balances motherhood while studying for her nurse practitioner license, currently working part-time as an aesthetic injector at Sakoon the Spa. Whether driving to in-person clinicals or taking care of their toddler, the BMW X7 gets her to where she needs to go.
“THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF EITHER OF OUR CARS IS THE SAFETY. BOTH CARS ARE TOP RATED IN SAFETY AND STRONG VEHICLES.”
- MARK PUCCIONI
With his past experience owning ONYX cars, Mark attests that they’re the upper echelon of luxury vehicles. He’s owned a number of Range Rovers, but the 2025 Defender is second to none. Built for strength and adventure, the Defender is undoubtedly in a class of its own, combining rugged off-road capability with innovative technology and safety features.
On call 24/7, it’s necessary for Mark to have a reliable and efficient vehicle at all times. “I like it because I like fast and powerful vehicles,” he said. “I am a pediatric neurosurgeon, so I need reliability, and I need to make sure I can get to where I need to get to no matter what.”
Rain or shine (or even an unpredictable Nebraska blizzard), he doesn’t take a day off, and the Defender has proven to get him to his destination no matter the forecast. “You have to have reliability— there’s no such thing as a snow day,” he added. “If it’s icy out, there’s no reason you’re not expected to go in.”
Road conditions are not an obstacle with his Defender, he said. “If there is a flood, I can drive through it without it stalling. It’s got plenty of room, and I always like the safety features. It will stop the car before it hits something. It tells you if stuff is behind you; if you accidentally veer off, it will push you back into your lane.”
Mark has had his 2025 Defender since January of last year. “It’s my first time with a Defender, but I’m extremely pleased.”
A first-generation Italian American and avid Cowboys fan, Mark proudly showcases an “America’s Team” decal on his vehicle. His 25-year career is marked by a prestigious accolade—he is the only neurosurgeon in Nebraska to be inducted into the American Society of Pediatric Neurosurgeons (ASPN).
Originally from the Valley, Anastasia made the move to Nebraska more than a decade ago and is happy to call Omaha as home. She’s become a familiar face across the metro, having appeared on a Sakoon the Spa billboard campaign. Since meeting in the operating room in 2019, she and Mark navigate their lifestyles together on and off the road.
In a life that demands precision and dependability, the 2025 Defender and 2026 BMW X7 rise to the occasion, carrying the Puccionis from point A to point B through any mile of their journey.
‘A THEM-FIRST APPROACH’
Chad Anderson Takes the Helm at ONYX
Story by Natalie Veloso // Photography by Sarah Lemke
AT
a luxury dealership like ONYX Automotive, leadership shows up in the details. For Chad Anderson, who recently stepped into the role of General Manager, that attention to detail comes naturally after three decades in the automotive industry and nearly a decade within the group.
That path has given Anderson a rare ground-up understanding of the business. He’s worked alongside teams across all departments and seen how decisions at the top shine through the showroom floor.
“Clients don’t tend to go out of their way to purchase a certain brand for fun,” he said. “What they’re looking to buy is a quality product with a great experience.”
That philosophy translates to luxury automotive brands, where clients aren’t just choosing a vehicle, but an extension of their lifestyle. Anderson said ONYX makes that connection feel effortless.
“It’s been cool to be able to apply those learnings here,” he said. “This dealership is just awesome. It’s a great group of people trying to do great things for our clients and the best brands of luxury automotive.”
As General Manager, Anderson is quick to credit the culture already in place at ONYX. He describes the dealership’s culture as genuinely people-first, something he’s seen many organizations strive for, but few truly achieve. “I think both for associates and our clients, it’s a them-first approach,” he said. “It’s culturally ingrained in this place, from every staff position on.”
The best part of assuming the leadership position, Anderson said, was that he wasn’t inheriting problems to solve. To him, the role is about stewardship. “It’s not like there’s something broken that needs to be fixed,” he said. “It’s been about leveraging the foundations of the good things that have already been going on here.”
His focus now is on thoughtful growth. With new products entering the pipeline and continued momentum across the dealership, Anderson sees preparation as key.
“My position is just making sure that we’re ready for new things and that we can have ourselves prepared to be able to continue to grow,” he said.
Outside the dealership, Anderson’s life is just as full. With five kids and seven grandkids, his family-centered calendar is rarely quiet. “All of them are very, very active,” he said. “We ride Harley motorcycles often. We’re big golfers, we like to ski. There’s a pretty long list of hobbies.”
Anderson laughs that if there’s one thing he’d change, it might be to have fewer hobbies competing for his time. “Hobbies are expensive, and they take over your free time,” he said. “But we have a lot of fun—we’re just an active family.”
He calls both himself and his wife “big BMW people,” both having spent years driving a few of their own. Still, there’s one vehicle of his that stands out as a personal favorite. “One of my all-time favorite cars is a Jaguar XF,” he said. “That’s always number one on my list.”
Many of Anderson’s favorite memories come from time spent on the road with family, traveling through familiar Midwestern landscapes. “We have family in Minnesota and in the Black Hills of South Dakota,” he said. “We love jumping in the car to go visit family and explore the Black Hills or go up to the lakes in Minnesota.”
In his GM role, Anderson is particularly focused on refining the long-term ownership experience for each client who drives off the lot. ONYX’s continued investment in its service department, especially in technician training, is an area he believes sets the dealership apart.
“WE’LL CONTINUE TO INVEST IN THE CLIENT EXPERIENCE ON EVERY LEVEL. WE HAVE TO EXCEED CLIENT EXPECTATIONS, ESPCIALLY IN LUXURY.” -CHAD ANDERSON
“We’ve invested heavily on the service side of our business, particularly in the technician realm,” he said, “ensuring we have anough qualified technicians to meet demand.”
“If you don’t have really good people to take care of the cars after the sale, it’s really hard to sustain long-term growth,” Anderson explained. “We’ll continue to invest in the client experience on every level. We have to exceed client expectations, especially in luxury.”
For more information, visit onyxautomotive.com.
FEATHERED AND FRIED
Sauced by Alfaro Centers Papillion’s Yummiest Block
Story by Isaac Nielsen // Photography by Bill Sitzmann
For the past 100 years, Omaha has been renowned as a premier food city, especially when it comes to steak. Steakhouses reflect its history as a major hub in the beef industry, and the city is famously known as the birthplace of the Reuben sandwich and butter brickle ice cream. You can’t beat the classics.
But in recent years, Omaha has begun to venture out from the staples, both in cuisine and location. That includes downtown Papillion. On one short block, a handful of restaurants sit close enough that dinner does not have to be a single decision. You can grab food, step next door for a drink, or wander a few doors down for dessert without ever moving your car. In the middle of it all is Sauced by Alfaro, a chicken sandwich shop that has built a strong following by doing one thing well and sticking to it.
Sauced is, first and foremost, a chicken sandwich place. The menu does not pretend otherwise. There are a few detours, like shrimp tacos, a Guinness and Swiss hoagie, and a couple of cheesesteaks, but the heart of the operation is fried chicken piled onto bread in ambitious quantities. The appetizer menu is short, though not lacking. Dirty Curdies are the clear headliner. The Wisconsin cheese curds themselves are familiar and well-executed, but the Thai sweet chili sauce on top is what makes them stand out. It adds just enough sweetness to make the dish feel intentional. While the Thai sweet chili was our favorite way to make them “dirty,” you can do the same with other sauces like buffalo or honey sriracha. Crispy cauliflower and dill pickle spears round out the starters.
The sandwiches are where Sauced earns its reputation. I ordered the garlic parmesan chicken sandwich, which arrives on a toasted hoagie slathered with garlic confit aioli. Two massive hand-breaded chicken tenders sit inside, dipped fully in a buttery garlic bath, then finished with parmesan, parsley, and a drizzle of honey from Fat Head Honey Farms. The sandwich is good and satisfying, though maybe not quite as juicy as the website photos suggest. The tenders are enormous and fill you up fast, to the point where they almost overpower the bread and toppings. Still, it is hard to complain about value or flavor here. It is a lot of food, and most of it works.
Another standout is The Big Dill. This one leans heavily into the pickle theme without turning into a novelty. Two chicken tenders sit on a brioche bun with lettuce, purple onion, and a generous amount of kosher dill pickles. It is finished with Chef Alfaro’s dill sauce and a fried pickle on top. Yes, it is very pickley, but the acidity never completely takes over. The chicken still comes through, which is the important part. It’s served with a handful of salt and pepper fries, which are a nice complement.
The menu is not massive by traditional restaurant standards, but for a chicken-focused spot, it is sizable. There are more than 20 main options, most of them built on the same foundation with different sauces and toppings. Nothing feels especially wacky, and that is probably for the best. The photos are accurate. These sandwiches are tall, messy, and difficult to eat gracefully. That is part of the appeal.
The space itself is tight. Sauced is tucked into a small downtown storefront where most of the square footage belongs to the kitchen. A few tables line the walls, but it feels more like a takeoutfirst operation. The wait times have a reputation, and they are real. Our order took about 30 minutes, while others waited much longer.
But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Many people use the wait as an excuse to step next door to Twisted Vine Wine & Tap for a drink. They welcome outside food and encourage supporting nearby restaurants, which makes the whole block feel connected. If you would rather save room for dessert, Graley’s Creamery is close by, serving superpremium ice cream and confections in a Victorianstyle soda fountain that feels older than it is. Grace Pizza and Shakes anchors the block with solid pizza and over-the-top shakes meant for sharing. Between those spots sits Goose’s Bar and Grill, which runs from breakfast through dinner seven days a week. Brownie’s Bar & Grill is also nearby, and across the street is The Papillion Taco Guy.
Sauced by Alfaro fits naturally into this stretch of downtown Papillion. It is busy, a little cramped, and clearly built around the food rather than the room. The sandwiches are filling, well put together, and consistent enough that people are willing to plan around the wait. In a block where it is easy to turn one stop into several, Sauced works as the place you start or the place you end up back at. In a one-block stretch with more options than you can choose from, this one’s a can’t-miss.
THE CURRENCY OF ATTENTION
ONYX Turns Social Media Into Client Relationships
Story by Sara Locke // Photography Provided
With the rise of social media, a moment of your time has become increasingly valuable. The team at ONYX are using that moment wisely.
ONYX marketing director Tom Coleman has worked in the luxury automotive industry for the greater part of his adult life, and he knows exactly what it takes to make a vehicle marketable. It takes drivability, clean lines, and trust. While the cars on site do a lot of their own talking, Coleman has found an outlet
for nurturing the connections that give buyers the confidence they need.
“Historically, the way the auto industry was set up, customers have had an oppositional expectation of the car-buying process,” Coleman said. “The relic of the pre-internet used car salesman, pushy and dishonest, was a stereotype for a reason. But that’s truly in the rearview of how the business works, especially here at ONYX.”
“THIS ISN’T JUST A SALE, IT’S A RELATIONSHIP WHERE A CLIENT IS COMING TO US WELL-INFORMED AND WITH HIGH EXPECTATIONS. IT’S OUR JOB AND OUR PRIVILEGE TO EXCEED THEM.”
-TOM COLEMAN
“We’re in a time when people are watching their money more closely. When someone is considering purchasing a luxury vehicle, it’s a lot more than just a transaction,” Coleman said. “It’s important to show them that they have a partner in this process, someone who will represent their needs first. This isn’t just a sale, it’s a relationship where a client is coming to us well-informed and with high expectations. It’s our job and our privilege to exceed them.”
While an educated clientele is the kiss of death to your standard chop shop, the team at ONYX has found that the more a client knows, the easier it is to be on the same team. Not only with the purchase, but with the maintenance and proper care of the luxury vehicles that are making their dreams come true. When their social media started to gain a strong following, the team saw it as an opportunity to draw back the curtain, demystifying every part of the car-buying and maintenance process.
“We record videos a handful of times a day, and we have a lot of variety in what kind of content we’re posting,” Coleman said. “We have a marketing director named Holly, and she’s done a great job. We love having her on the team. She comes in and we brainstorm ideas, always a mix of funny videos, behind the scenes with our techs, or the inner workings of a negotiation with a client.”
That honesty has opened doors for buyers to have extremely frank conversations with the team. The familiarity with ONYX staff means more clients walk onto the floor with confidence and trust, which leads to a much more effective and satisfying buying process. The open communication is a benefit not only for ONYX customers, but for their online followers around the world.
And with a subscribed audience of more than 20,000 across platforms, ONYX takes every possible opportunity to positively engage with them.
“In the last 10 years, we’ve seen a revolution in the way people consume content and use their social media,” Coleman said. “It used to be a place you shared a picture of your dinner or posted about family events. Now it’s being used to share information, to advertise, and to get real-life information about brands and companies that are doing good work.”
And Coleman and his team are proud to be among them. Marketing isn’t as simple as a print ad or commercial spot telling people where to find you—it’s about providing something more substantial than
your competitors. ONYX has a wealth of content to work with, from top-tier techs to truly caring sales managers who want to see you in your dream car.
“You need to communicate by being where the people are, and by offering something sustainable,” Coleman added. “Whether that means taking part in a trend to feed the algorithm or by releasing something hyper-informative.”
While the act of creating online content is performative, the team’s dedication to education is not. As true stewards of ensuring long-term performance of the vehicles they sell, it’s just as important to them that they tell you why the maintenance matters.
“One of our stronger performing videos was a conversation with our shop foreman,” Coleman noted. “He was asked if it’s really bad for your car to run on low fuel. So many people think that a lot of maintenance rules are just a way to upsell, but he was able to explain in a really accessible way how pulling from a dry tank can damage your fuel pump. The transparency doesn’t just make us relatable, it makes our audience feel safer in the decision they make, whether they’re shopping with us or not.”
But having the kind of attention these informative videos attract gives the team an opportunity to do one other thing—break the stigma behind who “deserves” to enjoy the car of their dreams.
“We aren’t just advertising a car,” Coleman said. “We’re combating misinformation about the affordability of luxury vehicles. The new Toyotas cost as much as an entry level BMW, about as much as a Jaguar, and more than a MINI. And with the rising cost of import brands, the value proposition is very similar. If you can get into a vehicle that you truly love, that can bring you a little more enjoyment day to day, why would you wait?”
To stay connected and keep up with the latest from ONYX, follow along with the team on Facebook, Youtube, Instagram @ onyx__automotive, and TikTok @onyx_automotive, or visit the showroom to experience it firsthand.
AMERICAN HEART MONTH ONYX Supports the American Heart Association
Column by Lindsey Hinchcliff-Crotty // Photo Provided
This February, the ONYX team supported American Heart Month by dedicating time to raise awareness about heart disease and stroke. The team encouraged healthier lifestyles for our families, friends, and community. Through the H+H Driving Good initiative, we proudly supported this important cause by educating our associates and clients while raising funds to benefit the American Heart Association.
100% of all donations collected went directly to the American Heart Association, helping fund life-saving research, education, and community programs focused on heart health and stroke prevention.
Throughout the month, the ONYX team came together to show support and honor those impacted by heart disease and stroke. Several key activities were
planned, including Wear Red Day on Feb. 20, 2026. Team members came together and wore red to stand in solidarity with the millions affected by heart disease and stroke. Custom T-shirts were designed for this day, with 100% of proceeds benefiting the American Heart Association.
Wearing red wasn’t limited to Wear Red Day—it was recognized all month long, with team members showing their support by wearing red ribbon pins. These pins served as a visible symbol of our shared commitment to heart health and stroke prevention. Additionally, a tribute sign was available for team members and clients to recognize family and friends who have been impacted by heart disease or stroke— honoring their stories and strengthening our collective mission.
As part of ONYX’s support of the American Heart Association, we were provided
heart health and stroke information to share with our team and clients. These resources outlined the warning signs of stroke, recommendations on how to quit smoking or vaping, and a CPR guide. This was valuable information to share, and our hope is that several lives were impacted by these resources.
At ONYX, Driving Good means using our reach and relationships to make a positive difference beyond our showrooms and service lanes. American Heart Month gave us the opportunity to come together, support an organization doing critical work, and encourage healthier futures for our community. Together, we can help drive awareness, education, and hope.
CHAMPIONS RUN
The ‘Most Fun Private Club in America’
Story by Holly McAtee // Photograhy by Sarah Lemke
Champions Run’s latest chapter builds on a multi-year evolution designed to enhance every corner of the member experience. Club leaders Ben Lorenzen, creative director, and Raychel Reetz, marketing manager, point to a steady cadence of upgrades that began in 2018 with a major renovation of the fitness complex and the addition of a dynamic family splash park.
Lorenzen and Reetz described the upgrades from the setting of the club’s dining room, which overlooks the club’s nationally acclaimed 18-hole championship course. Champions Run is one of the few clubs in America with a state-of-the-art splash park featuring waterslides and a bucket dump, along with their signature Kraken structure. Cabanas and an expansive bar area create a resort-style setting in the pool area, allowing adults to unwind while younger members make the most of summer days.
When the world shut down in 2020, they used the opportunity to renovate the main level of the clubhouse and restaurant. All new furniture and new flooring was put in, elevating the dining room to a new level.
As renovations continued over the years, the club updated the outdoor tennis courts and added a massive indoor pickleball complex that is unlike anything else in Omaha. They also added a sports turf court, which allowed for expanded space for kids to run around in and join in other sports like soccer, tee ball, and cheerleading.
In the fall of 2025, the golf course closed to launch its creek stabilization project, the next phase of its master plan. The ambitious project was undertaken in partnership with the City of Omaha and was designed to improve water flow to benefit both the surrounding community and the club’s course conditions. At the same time, agronomic upgrades were implemented across the course—all grass was re-seeded to refresh aging turf, and tee boxes were leveled.
MCL Construction has been the contractor for each project. “They’ve done a phenomenal job,” Lorenzen said. “They’re the best, and we can’t thank them enough.”
According to Lorenzen, Champions Run has been called the “most fun private club in America.”
“We offer very exclusive and unique programming that you won’t find anywhere else in the country,” he explained. “The fun that we have here is why we have become known as one of the most fun clubs in America. We call it ‘the show.’ It may be foam parties or live interactive engagement and activity. It’s like when you go to a resort in Cabo and they have that on-site entertainment. That is truly what sets us apart from other clubs. We have an active and engaging social media presence.”
Their programs include creative events you won’t find at most other clubs. “We like to say that we are the ‘Savannah Bananas’ of the private club industry,” Lorenzen added. While many clubs are very golf-driven, Champions focuses on programs for the whole family, offering pickleball, tennis, aquatic activities, a renowned food and beverage program, and a wine program.
Children can begin participating in club programs as young as 5, growing up on the course or the pool. Many return as teenagers to work summer jobs, and years later, often return for milestone moments like weddings and anniversary parties.
How do they come up with so many great ideas? “Ben and I do idea sessions,” Reetz explained. “We call it 10 at 10’s. We generate 10 ideas each and figure out how we can take those ideas and turn them into real life events and promotions. When a new trend comes out, we like to hop on it quickly and get our members involved right away.”
They want the experience to be different than at all other clubs, she added. Champions is known to be timely, having hosted a popular Taylor Swift Eras Tour event where members could experience the Eras Tour at the club. Another recent event was a K-Pop Demon Hunters Experience, complete with a themed movie watch party, choreographed singalongs, light-up swords, and more.
“WE OFFER VERY EXCLUSIVE AND UNIQUE PROGRAMMING THAT YOU WON’T FIND ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE COUNTRY. THE FUN THAT WE HAVE HERE IS WHY WE HAVE BECOME KNOWN AS ONE OF THE MOST FUN CLUBS IN AMERICA.”
- BEN LORENZEN
For adults, concepts like the Wine Heist Experience paired tastings with stories of the world’s most stolen paintings. Dynamite Bingo and glow-in-the-dark pickleball drive home the fact that Champions Run prioritizes creative, outof-the-box experiences members simply won’t find anywhere else.
Food is also top-notch at Champions Run. “Our restaurant is a hidden gem,” Reetz said. “Our executive chef Dijon Ross has a great menu. It is Mexican, Italian, and Chinese food all in one menu.”
Lorenzen said another piece that makes Champions Run so extraordinary is the staff. “Our team members are very long tenured.”
“I have the best job in the world,” Reetz added. “I do all the social media videos and photography. I really get to establish great relationships with the families, especially in the summertime. Being so close to the members is the best part of my job.”
After major upgrades that included several key golf course projects, access to the renovated areas will officially open in early spring 2026. The driving range remains open and follows its regular seasonal schedule.
For more information, visit championsrun.com. For a closer look at the club’s event lineup and behind-the-scenes moments, follow Champions Run on Facebook at Champions Run Omaha and on Instagram at @championsrunomaha.
ONYX BR AND GENIUSES
Helping Clients Know Their Cars
Story by Natalie Veloso // Photography Provided
Aluxury vehicle purchase isn’t just about choosing the right model for you. It’s about understanding what that vehicle can actually do once you drive it off the lot. At ONYX Automotive, helping clients understand the complexities of their vehicle doesn’t fall solely on sales advisors. That responsibility belongs to a dedicated team known as the Brand Geniuses.
The Genius program is designed to ensure clients leave the dealership confident and informed. These product specialists walk clients through every detail of their new vehicle, feature by feature, and help customize it to their benefit. Once paperwork is complete and keys are ready, the Genius steps in.
“A Genius can connect their phone or communication devices, explain the different features, and adjust settings based on what the client wants from the vehicle,” said Jake Koch, general sales manager. “It’s about making the car feel like theirs right away.”
The team consists of three specialists who work across BMW, MINI, Land Rover, and Jaguar, each with brand-specific expertise. That structure allows clients to work with someone who understands not only how the technology functions, but how it fits within each distinct brand’s design and philosophy.
Ewa Guminska, a BMW and MINI Genius, has been with ONYX Automotive for nearly seven years and serves as the team’s lead. “We can be described as support people for the sales team,” Guminska said. “We explain the features on the car so they’re familiar with the whole vehicle and can drive off knowing what they need to know.”
That initial meeting at the time of purchase is just the beginning. Brand Geniuses remain available to help with troubleshooting and other questions that surface as drivers spend more time with their vehicles.
“After driving for a couple of weeks, they might wonder about something new that comes up, or they want to revisit something technical,” Guminska said. “It can be small issues like Apple CarPlay not connecting or sensors not working the way they expect.”
The role also requires flexibility. On busy days, Geniuses assist with demo drives and product presentations, stepping in wherever support is needed on the showroom floor. Their adaptability ensures the same level of support regardless of traffic.
“If someone bought a car somewhere else but services their vehicle here, we can still help,” Guminska said. “People might come in and say their last dealership didn’t explain the car very well, and we can walk them through it.”
Vehicle education plays an important role in long-term satisfaction after a purchase, Koch said. “Each of these newer vehicles have complex features and different ways they can be driven or used,” he explained. “Having a team dedicated to making sure clients get the correct information and settings for each feature just makes sense.”
That specialization matters, especially as vehicle technology continues to evolve.
“These cars are not just get-in-and-drive anymore,” Koch said. “You can do that, but you won’t be getting the full experience out of what you purchased.”
Guminska often sees that realization happen in real time. Clients arrive with questions or frustrations and leave with clarity. “Cars have much more complicated systems now than when I started seven years ago,” she said. “Going over the new features helps clients feel more comfortable taking it home for their daily use, especially if they’re new to a certain brand.”
As ONYX Automotive continues to grow, the Brand Genius program is positioned to grow alongside it. “We’ve been doing this since we purchased the dealership,” Koch said. “If we keep growing at this pace, there will always be opportunities to add to the team.”
The vehicles may be sophisticated, but the experience does not have to be complicated. By investing in people who understand both the technology and the client, ONYX ensures that every driver leaves the lot with a vehicle they know inside and out, Koch said.
When clients understand what their vehicle can do and how it fits into their daily life, they’re more likely to enjoy it, trust it, and come back.
“Our success is measured by the client experience,” Koch said. “This program gives us the ability to make sure they don’t just leave with a new product, but with the confidence to enjoy the entire ownership journey.”
For more information, visit onyxautomotive.com.
“GOING OVER THE NEW FEATURES HELPS CLIENTS FEEL MORE COMFORTABLE TAKING IT HOME FOR THEIR DAILY USE, ESPECIALLY IF THEY’RE NEW TO A CERTAIN BRAND.”
EWA GUMINSKA
Story by Dwain Hebda // Photography Provided
t is said that change is the spice of life, and while humans are generally not predisposed to embrace it, change is inevitable even for the company behind the ultimate driving machine, BMW.
The legendary German automaker has announced certain models are going to be retired while others will be introduced, thus keeping the product line fresh and interesting for discriminating motorists. Specifically, the company has retired the X4 and Z4 and will be retiring the 8 series.
Meanwhile, BMW is introducing the iX 3 and will soon unveil a completely refreshed X5.
Jake Koch, general sales manager for ONYX Automotive, welcomes the changes. Culling of the herd periodically is part of the company staying one step ahead of the field, he explained.
“I think BMW has its ear to the ground more than most manufacturers do,” Koch said. “They pay really close attention to what’s selling, what’s not selling, and, more importantly, what the client wants. Our clients really want performance, they want luxury, they want usability, and they want the ease of use, all in the same package.”
With an anticipated arrival date of this summer, the hype surrounding the iX3 50 xDrive has reached a fever pitch. An all-electric marvel, the auto boasts 463 horsepower and a range of up to 400 miles on a single charge. As the first vehicle to integrate control of the drive system and of driving dynamics into one single unit, named the BMW Heart of Joy, the central computer works alongside BMW dynamic performance control software to coordinate every process, ensuring exceptional control and confidence-inspiring driving.
Inside, the driver is greeted by a new BMW Panoramic iDrive display and control system that combines multiple elements for a unique experience, including the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, a sophisticated co-driver that learns based on verbal prompts. Behind it, BMW EfficientDynamics lowers energy consumption, thus providing a larger electric range out of the sixth-generation 800-volt drive and battery technology.
Less is known about the enigmatic redesigned X5, expected to be unveiled and go on sale this year. The company has announced it will be available in five drivetrain options: gasoline, diesel, plug-in hybrid, fully electric, and coming in 2028: hydrogen fuel cell.
Other than that, most details of the futuristic SUV—the company’s first, which debuted in 1999—are closely held secrets at writing. Snooping by the auto press yields hints that the body style will be a bold step forward, and history implies the interior amenities and appointments will be unlike anything imaginable.
Driving performance has been the hallmark of BMW since the beginning. In today’s market, Koch said technology is every bit as important, which is also driving changes to the product line.
“I believe BMW is the most advanced when it comes to technology, and I feel like our client base really feels like that as well,” he said. “That’s one of the things that we constantly hear, is how technology is better in our vehicles, how the technology is more user-friendly in our vehicles, and how it’s more aesthetically pleasing than the competition.”
As for the models being retired at this time, Koch described the situation as addition by subtraction in some cases and business facts of life in others.
“They’ve recently refinished the X3 and the X2, and that’s why the X4 is gone now,” he said. “The new X2 actually has more interior volume than the X4 did, so since the redesign, to be candid with you, there’s no need for the X4.”
“As far as the 8 Series is concerned, I just think technology has probably advanced past it,” he continued. “They launched the 8 Series in 2018 and then refreshed it in 2022, and it’s never been a big volume seller, at all. They haven’t really done anything over the last four years on that car.”
As for the zippy Z4, Koch surmised that consumer preferences have had a lot to do with that model being retired for now.
“I don’t know exactly what the decision was with that. I don’t know if the smaller, twodoor sports car really has a place in the market right now, at least the way manufacturers look at it,” he said. “Over the past couple of years, Audi has done away with the TT and Mercedes has done away with the SLK. The Toyota Supra was basically the same platform as the Z4, and Toyota’s doing away with the Supra as well.”
Koch said shuffling models in the product line is nothing new, and added that even retired models are brought back from time to time, noting the tantalizing if unconfirmed rumors suggesting the 6 Series
could be making a comeback, for example. The one thing that doesn’t change, however, is the company’s core value of performance that underlies every model in the BMW line.
“The BMW customer is somebody who wants luxury, but who wants performance first,” he said. “It’s the person who wants a vehicle that’s going to meet all their needs, but is also still fun to drive and incredibly sporty. For them, it’s more about the tech
and the performance of the vehicle than it is having something that just gets you to the soccer game and back or the road trip and back, even though our models will do that and do it comfortably.”
“As long as BMW remains a leader focused on performance luxury, we will compete for that market segment of driver no matter what changes come along to the product line,” Koch said. “I’m a huge believer in that.”
THE REFRESHED AND REIMAGINED BMW 330i.
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Made with CGI.
NIOBRARA STATE PARK
Adventure Around Every Bend
Story by Naomi Heu
Photography Provided
At the meeting point of the Niobrara and Missouri Rivers lies the home of the gorgeous Niobrara State Park. Offering cabins, tent and RV campsites, hiking, fishing, boating, biking, swimming, picnicking, equestrian trails, and more, this state park is the perfect weekend getaway for some scenic outdoor tranquility.
Niobrara offers multiple options to best suit your preferred stay. The large campground has electricplus and basic campsites, along with full electrical hookups for RV travelers. Many amenities are easily accessible to campers, such as drinking water, updated restrooms, coin-operated showers, a dump and fill station, picnic tables, and grills. Basic campsites are available with picnic tables, grills, and fire rings, with restrooms and drinking water located nearby. Basic sites are located throughout the hills overlooking the Niobrara and Missouri Rivers for some of the best views to wake up to after unzipping your tent.
If camping isn’t your vibe, there are 19 cabins available for reservations up to one year in advance. With A/C and heating, bedding, towels, a fully furnished kitchen, a screened back porch and patio, picnic table, and grill, the cabins are a great way to enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing your comfort. Varying from two to three bedrooms, they sit atop the bluffs and overlook the astonishing Missouri River Valley.
When it comes to hiking, Niobrara has no shortage of trails and views. Fourteen miles of scenic trails run throughout the hills, allowing visitors to hike, ride horseback, or bike. In the winter, crosscountry skiers can traverse along these trails as well.
ROAD TRIP
For equestrians, the park is a haven for all things horseback riding. Along with designated trails, the park offers sunrise horseback trail rides led by wranglers in the summer months. These trail rides are the best for incredible sunrise viewing over the Niobrara and Missouri Rivers. For those looking for more freedom, 120 acres of land offers free range riding. The equestrian campground has basic amenities and one corral that holds several horses. Other amenities at the site include restrooms, picnic tables, and grills. This campground is a great opportunity to bring along your noble steed to enjoy some equine outdoor fun.
Located along rivers, the fun at Niobrara isn’t limited to land, as boating is another popular activity. Fishermen have a wide variety of options for the perfect catch. The Missouri River offers walleye anglers, sauger, smallmouth bass, catfish, and northern pike. The river has multiple boating access points available for visitors.
In the summer months, Niobrara is home to the famous buffalo cookouts. On Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day, guests can enjoy entertainment such as cowboy poets and storytellers while devouring a classic buffalo dinner to celebrate the park’s wildlife and heritage. Cookouts are located at the Buffalo Cookout Pavilion.
The pavilion is a popular option for large gatherings, in addition to the Eagle View Group Lodge. These venues can hold family reunions, weddings, meetings, and any other group function you can think of. Eagle View Group Lodge can accommodate up to 110 people and includes Wi-Fi, a well-equipped kitchen, and restrooms. The lodge gives a stunning view of the Missouri River.
At night, the solitude of Niobrara is ideal for stargazing. Away from light and noise pollution, guests can gaze at the dazzling sky through a telescope available by rent, or merely with their own eyes. The Star Package allows visitors who book a cabin stay to rent a telescope for a special price per night. Either way, it makes for a wondrous and aweinspiring moment.
Don’t forget to visit the J. Alan Cramer Interpretive Center for historical information on the people and places that shaped the area. It’s an ideal opportunity to learn about the Ponca Tribe, who
have a longstanding presence in Niobrara, and hold deep historical and cultural ties to the land. In addition to the rich educational history of the area, the breathtaking view from the Interpretive Center is worth checking out.
Niobrara State Park is a great way to spend your weekend, whether accompanied by family, friends, or even by yourself. With a variety of outdoor activities and many options for the perfect
stay, there’s plenty to do from sunrise to sunset. A drive up to Niobrara to take in the beauty of the plains and hills of northeastern Nebraska is bound to be a memorable road trip adventure any time of the year.
For more information, visit outdoornebraska.gov/location/niobrara.
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