Podcast
Brand Lincoln
Hosted by Chris Beecham · EN
We take a look around the Lincoln, Nebraska area and introduce you to business owners and influential people in city
11episodes
Episodes
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Jessica Runge — Penelope’s Little Cafe
Jan 2900:27:39Tap to summarizeSend us Fan Mail Jessica — Owner of Penelope’s Little Cafe Episode Description In this episode of Brand Lincoln, Christopher Beecham and Henry Schmidt sit down with Jessica Runge, One of the owners of Penelope’s Little Cafe, to talk family, food, and what it really takes to build a beloved local restaurant. Jessica shares the story behind opening Penelope’s Little Cafe as a way to bring her family closer together, how the concept evolved from dinner service to a breakfast-and-lunch favorite, and the realities of running a family-owned restaurant in Lincoln, Nebraska. The conversation dives into the challenges of the restaurant business, the importance of community support, and how Penelope’s has built a loyal customer base that truly feels like family. They also break down how social media and creative marketing—like themed events and local promotions—helped grow visibility and engagement, including participation in Munch Madness. Jessica highlights customer-favorite menu items, the thought behind evolving the menu, and the personal meaning behind the name “Penelope’s.” This episode is for restaurant owners, small business operators, and anyone who appreciates the heart, hustle, and community behind local dining. Sponsored by Perch Merch This episode of Brand Lincoln is sponsored by Perch Merch, a relationship-first merch company helping businesses and nonprofits stand out with custom apparel, promotional products, and branded online stores. Perch Merch works with growing local brands that want to look professional, consistent, and memorable—without corporate fluff or confusing processes. Topics Covered Building a family-owned restaurantTransitioning restaurant conceptsSocial media marketing for local restaurantsCommunity engagement and loyaltySignature dishes and menu developmentCreative promotions like Munch MadnessNavigating challenges in the restaurant industryThe personal story behind Penelope’s Little Cafe Episode Takeaways Family can be the foundation of a strong businessCommunity support is everything for local restaurantsSocial media isn’t optional—it’s essentialConsistency builds a loyal followingCreative marketing helps small businesses competeSignature dishes create repeat customersAdaptability keeps restaurants alivePersonal stories strengthen brand connection Sound Bites “It’s a fantastic problem to have.” “We went balls to the wall.” “We have a cult following.” Episode Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Penelope’s Little Cafe 01:34 – The Journey of Opening the Restaurant 05:37 – Evolving the Menu and Concept 10:10 – Social Media Strategy and Engagement 16:16 – Signature Dishes and Customer Favorites 20:25 – Community Impact and What’s Next 22:13 – The Story Behind the Name Penelope’s 🎧 Brought to you by Perch Merch — where your merch game doesn’t flake, fade, or fall apart like a bad business partner. Check out the fun stuff: Perch-Merch.com
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Paul Larsen — Owner of Crepe Cafe
Jan 2200:32:13Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of Brand Lincoln, we sit down with Paul Larsen, owner of Crepe Cafe, to talk crepes, community, and what it really takes to build a food business in Lincoln, Nebraska.Paul shares his journey from military service to entrepreneurship, how Crepe Cafe became Nebraska’s only crepe-focused food truck, and the hard lessons learned while transitioning into a brick-and-mortar location. The conversation breaks down what makes crepes different from pancakes, why National Crepe Day matters more than you’d think, and how offering both sweet and savory options helped Crepe Cafe stand out in a crowded food scene.They also dive into the reality of the “lean years,” the importance of local support, collaborating with breweries and other businesses, and why perseverance and consistency matter more than hype. Paul wraps by sharing what’s next for Crepe Cafe, including menu expansion, gluten-free and protein-focused options, and creating a space built for both food and community.This episode is for food lovers, aspiring restaurant owners, and anyone curious about the real, unfiltered path from idea to execution in a local business.Sponsored by Perch MerchThis episode of Brand Lincoln is sponsored by Perch Merch, a relationship-first merch company that helps businesses, nonprofits, and organizations show up professionally with custom apparel, trade show merch, and branded online stores.Perch Merch isn’t about cheap giveaways or confusing corporate jargon. It’s about helping brands look legit, feel consistent, and build long-term relationships through quality merch that actually gets worn.Keywordscrepes, food truck, entrepreneurship, National Crepe Day, Crepe Cafe, local business, food history, culinary innovation, Nebraska, food pairingTopics CoveredWhat makes a crepe different from a pancakeBuilding Nebraska’s only crepe-focused food truckTransitioning from food truck to brick-and-mortarNational Crepe Day and crepe cultureMilitary discipline and entrepreneurshipSurviving the lean years of business ownershipCollaborating with local breweries and businessesExpanding menus and testing new ideasUsing social media to grow a local brandSound Bites“What is a crepe?” “Free crepes for everybody.” “Hard work does pay off.”Episode Chapters00:00 – Welcome to Season Two of Brand Lincoln 01:00 – Meet Paul Larson of Crepe Cafe 02:55 – What a Crepe Really Is 08:40 – National Crepe Day 10:29 – From Food Truck to Brick-and-Mortar 16:18 – Starting a Food Business 18:21 – From Concept to Reality 21:26 – The Lean Years 24:39 – Community and Collaboration 27:34 – Expanding the Menu 29:59 – What’s Next for Crepe Cafe 🎧 Brought to you by Perch Merch — where your merch game doesn’t flake, fade, or fall apart like a bad business partner. Check out the fun stuff: Perch-Merch.com
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Ep 61 Jason Hellbusch- Kawasaki
Aug 1100:34:36Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailKawasaki isn’t just about motorcycles anymore — and if you live in Lincoln, Nebraska, you’ve probably seen their work without even realizing it. In this episode, Chris Beecham sits down with Jason Hellbusch to unpack the incredible story of Kawasaki’s Lincoln plant — from cranking out the iconic KZ400 motorcycle in the ’70s to building rail cars for NYC’s subway and cargo doors for Boeing 777s.We dive into how a Japanese manufacturer became a Nebraska powerhouse, employing over 3,000 people and leading innovation in rail, aerospace, and now… personal transportation vehicles that look straight out of the future.Jason shares insider stories about manufacturing at scale, the skills Kawasaki is desperate to hire for, and what’s next for the largest Kawasaki plant in the U.S. If you like business, engineering, or just a good “how the heck did that happen in Nebraska?” story — this one’s for you.Key Takeaways:Kawasaki has called Lincoln home for over 50 years.First U.S.-built Kawasaki motorcycle? The KZ400.Expanded into rail cars, aerospace, and now next-gen personal transportation.The Lincoln facility is the largest Kawasaki plant in America.Employs 3,000+ with major demand for skilled welders.Builds subway cars for East Coast cities and airplane cargo doors for Boeing.Always innovating — from motorcycles to the NAV vehicle.Keywords: Kawasaki, Lincoln Nebraska, motorcycles, jet skis, rail cars, aerospace manufacturing, product innovation, skilled trades, factory jobs, manufacturing history, economic impact, transportation design, subway cars, Boeing, personal vehicles, welders wanted 🎧 Brought to you by Perch Merch — where your merch game doesn’t flake, fade, or fall apart like a bad business partner. Check out the fun stuff: Perch-Merch.com
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Ep 60 Hillary & Cody- Nebraska Aces
Aug 600:29:14Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn Episode 60 of Brand Lincoln, we welcome Hillary Swain and Cody Morris from Aces Hockey Club for a deep dive into how they’re building more than just athletes—they’re building a sports community. From bringing together youth hockey players across rival towns to introducing kids to the cultural roots of lacrosse, Hillary and Cody share how Aces is giving young athletes opportunities to grow on and off the ice.You’ll hear the story behind Aces Hockey Club, its mission to make travel hockey more accessible and less pressured, and the importance of team bonding in youth sports. Hillary and Cody also open up about their growing lacrosse program, the role of diet and fitness in player development, and their vision for expanding Aces into a full competitive team.Whether you’re a parent, coach, or simply believe in the life lessons sports can teach, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how community, culture, and competition come together to shape the next generation of athletes.Key Takeaways:Aces Hockey Club unites youth players from across Nebraska for skill development and camaraderie.Travel hockey is made fun, accessible, and low-pressure for kids and families.Team bonding helps unite players from rival communities.Upcoming camps focus on speed, skill, and athletic growth.Lacrosse is a key part of Aces’ programming, honoring its deep cultural roots.Nutrition and fitness are emphasized for peak performance.Future plans include expanding into a full competitive team.Keywords: Aces Hockey Club, youth hockey Nebraska, travel hockey, youth sports development, lacrosse Nebraska, coaching youth sports, team bonding, hockey skills camp, youth sports community, sports culture 🎧 Brought to you by Perch Merch — where your merch game doesn’t flake, fade, or fall apart like a bad business partner. Check out the fun stuff: Perch-Merch.com
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Ep 59 Melanie Rezac- 555 Boutique/Creative Collabs
Jul 2300:28:01Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailEpisode 59: Melanie Rezak | 555 Boutique & Creative CollabsWhat happens when a corporate career meets a calling to create?In this episode of Brand Lincoln, host Chris Beecham and co-hosts Joe Cruz and Henry Schmidt sit down with Melanie Rezak, founder of 555 Boutique and Creative Collabs. Melanie shares her inspiring leap from the corporate world into entrepreneurship during the height of the pandemic—and how a little idea in her basement turned into one of Fallbrook’s most buzzed-about boutiques.We dive into the power of community events, the strategy behind 24/7 local shopping, and what it really takes to grow a small business in today’s fast-moving world. From e-commerce to inventory chaos to angel numbers, this one’s for the doers, dreamers, and shop local believers.🔑 Topics Covered:Why the number 555 means change (and how it shaped Melanie’s brand)How Fallbrook is quietly becoming a retail and event hub in LincolnThe origin and evolution of Creative CollabsChallenges of managing staff, inventory, and growth as a boutique ownerWhy community-driven shopping is the future of local retail📍 Location: Lincoln, Nebraska 🎧 Brought to you by Perch Merch — where your merch game doesn’t flake, fade, or fall apart like a bad business partner. Check out the fun stuff: Perch-Merch.com
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Ep 58 Jaris Hennerberg- Screed Solutions
Jul 1600:30:31Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of Brand Lincoln, we sit down with Jaris Hennerberg, founder of Screed Solutions, to talk concrete—literally and figuratively. From starting in his garage to becoming a go-to expert in flatwork and floor prep, Jaris shares the ups, downs, and dirty truths of running a hands-on service business in Lincoln, Nebraska.We cover how he turned screeding into a scalable business, the importance of reputation in the construction world, and what it takes to lead a team when you're pouring foundations—sometimes literally—for other people's dream projects. Jaris also opens up about the discipline it takes to stay consistent, why saying “no” is sometimes the best growth strategy, and how he keeps perspective through personal challenges.Whether you’re in the trades or just appreciate people who know how to build from the ground up, this one’s for you.Takeaways:Jaris built Screed Solutions from scratch and earned his reputation through consistency.Success in the trades comes from showing up, following through, and staying teachable.Hiring and leading a crew requires more than just skill—it takes character.Strategic boundaries (like saying “no”) are key to sustainable business growth.Even in the most physical industries, mindset and communication matter.Sound Bites:“If you’re not consistent, nothing else matters.”“I can teach concrete—but I can’t teach work ethic.”“Some of the best business decisions are the ones where you walk away.”“I didn’t build this to burn out—I built it to last.”Tags Screed Solutions, Jaris Hennerberg, Lincoln Nebraska, concrete business, construction entrepreneur, floor prep, flatwork, business growth, trades industry, leadership, blue-collar business, Nebraska business, branding, small business stories, entrepreneurship, Brand Lincoln podcast, Perch Merch 🎧 Brought to you by Perch Merch — where your merch game doesn’t flake, fade, or fall apart like a bad business partner. Check out the fun stuff: Perch-Merch.com
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Ep 57 Dawn Amend- Runza Restaurants
Jul 900:32:52Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailEpisode 57: Runza’s Legacy with Dawn Amend – A Nebraska OriginalIf you're from Nebraska, you’ve likely had a Runza. But do you know the story behind the iconic sandwich and the family empire that made it a staple?In this episode of Brand Lincoln, host Chris Beecham and co-hosts Joe Cruz and Henry Schmidt sit down with Dawn Amend, a member of the founding family behind Runza, to talk about the roots, growth, and community impact of this beloved Nebraska brand. From humble beginnings in a tiny stand to becoming a household name across the Midwest, Dawn shares how Runza has stayed true to its values while embracing innovation.She opens up about growing up in the business, the power of thoughtful marketing (hello, Temperature Tuesdays), the balance of family legacy and business growth, and why community engagement still drives every decision. Whether you're a lifelong fan or just curious what the heck a Runza is, this episode is packed with nostalgia, wisdom, and Nebraska pride.Takeaways:Runza's story is rooted in family, tradition, and local culture.Temperature Tuesday is more than a gimmick — it’s strategic genius.Community engagement isn’t a buzzword for Runza — it’s their playbook.Staying small and family-run was a choice — not a limitation.The brand legacy is as important as the product itself. 🎧 Brought to you by Perch Merch — where your merch game doesn’t flake, fade, or fall apart like a bad business partner. Check out the fun stuff: Perch-Merch.com
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Ep 56 Joel Green- Robber's Cave
Jun 1100:46:24Tap to summarizeSend us Fan Mail"Unearthing Robbers Cave: Lincoln’s Hidden History with Joel Green" Underground tunnels, outlaw legends, and Kool-Aid? Yep—this episode dives deep into Lincoln’s hidden past. If you're a history nerd, buckle up.Unearthing Nebraska: Joel Green on Robbers Cave, Legends & Local LoreIn this episode of Brand Lincoln, we explore the rich, underground history of Robbers Cave with Lincoln’s own history buff and tour guide, Joel Green. From Jesse James and Charles Starkweather to sandstone geology, secret tunnels, and Kool-Aid origins, Joel walks us through the legends and the facts behind one of Nebraska’s most fascinating historical sites.Discover how Robbers Cave evolved from an 1860s brewery into a top-rated tourist attraction and cultural landmark. We talk tourism trends, school field trips, wild party stories, and the effort it took to put this overlooked gem on the map. If you're into local folklore, Nebraska history, or just enjoy a good ghost story, this one’s for you.🔥 Top Takeaways:Robbers Cave is Nebraska’s only show cave—and it’s made entirely of sand.It has ties to outlaws, bootleggers, and secret societies.Joel Green wrote the book on it—literally.Tours, weddings, concerts, even photoshoots now take place deep underground.It’s one of TripAdvisor’s top-rated experiences in Lincoln.🎧 Brought to you by Perch Merch — where your merch game doesn’t cave under pressure. 🎧 Brought to you by Perch Merch — where your merch game doesn’t flake, fade, or fall apart like a bad business partner. Check out the fun stuff: Perch-Merch.com
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Ep 54 Cesar Guerrero- Luxury Comfort Solutions
Jun 4, 202500:31:19Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailFrom HVAC Tech to Home Services Empire: Cesar Guerrero's Story🎧 Learn how HVAC expert Cesar Guerrero grew Luxury Comfort Solutions into a full-service powerhouse — adding radon, plumbing, inspections, and a second location — all while navigating hiring nightmares, client chaos, and family life.With military discipline and a rebrand powered by his wife, Cesar reveals what it takes to scale a home service company in Lincoln without burning out or selling out.You’ll Learn:Why employee drama is more dangerous than bad clientsHow a $250K project changed everythingWhy "legacy" matters more than revenueWhat branding really looks like in the tradesBrought to you by Perch Merch — where your merch game levels up. 🎧 Brought to you by Perch Merch — where your merch game doesn’t flake, fade, or fall apart like a bad business partner. Check out the fun stuff: Perch-Merch.com
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Ep 55 Kendall Warnock- A1 Automotive
May 28, 202500:29:02Tap to summarizeSend us Fan Mail🎙️ Brand Lincoln Podcast | Kendall Warnock – From Food Stamps to a Full Bay: The Grit Behind A1 AutomotiveSponsored by Perch Merch – Screen printing, embroidery, and promo products built for bold brands. Visit Perch-Merch.com.🔧 Episode Overview:In Episode 55, we’re joined by Kendall Warnock, owner of A1 Automotive, whose story is as raw as it is inspiring. What began in a one-bay garage during the recession has become one of Lincoln’s most trusted automotive businesses—with a second location now in the works.Kendall opens up about his childhood on the Omaha Indian Reservation, his time in the fire service, and how those experiences shaped the grit and heart behind his leadership. We talk about building a business with integrity, what it means to serve your customers (not upsell them), and how upside-down billboards and unconventional branding helped A1 stand out.This episode isn’t just about cars—it’s about resilience, reinvention, and building something real when you’ve got everything to lose and everything to prove.🎯 What You’ll Learn:✔️ How Kendall grew A1 Automotive from a recession-era startup to a thriving business ✔️ Why authenticity and honesty are rare (and valuable) in the auto repair industry ✔️ The transition from fire service to full-time entrepreneurship ✔️ Creative marketing strategies that made A1 unforgettable ✔️ How Kendall balances family, faith, and business without losing himself ✔️ The power of community service, mentorship, and showing up when it counts ✔️ What it really takes to expand a small business without losing your soul💥 Why This Episode Matters:Kendall’s story is for anyone who’s ever been underestimated, counted out, or told to play it safe. He didn’t. And Lincoln’s better because of it. If you're into local business, real talk, or stories that hit harder than a check engine light—this one's for you.📢 Stay Connected:📲 Follow Brand Lincoln — @BrandLincolnPodcast on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook & YouTube 🛍️ Want bold branding like Kendall’s? Visit Perch-Merch.com for custom merch that stands out 👍 Like, subscribe, and share this episode to support Lincoln’s entrepreneursKeywords: A1 Automotive, Kendall Warnock, Lincoln Nebraska business, small business success, automotive repair, fire service to business, entrepreneur resilience, community involvement, branding strategy, honest auto repair, Lincoln NE podcast, Perch Merch, Brand Lincoln Podcast, local leadership, business growth stories 🎧 Brought to you by Perch Merch — where your merch game doesn’t flake, fade, or fall apart like a bad business partner. Check out the fun stuff: Perch-Merch.com
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