The Nebraska Entrepreneur

When you strip away the trophies, headlines, and highlight reels, what actually lasts? In this episode, Steve Kanne sits down with legendary Nebraska volleyball coach John Cook to explore leadership through the lens of legacy—not the scoreboard. Cook shares why the most meaningful measure of his career isn't championships, but the leaders he's developed and the people who carried his influence for...

As an entrepreneur, how much thought have you given to your business's exit? Byron McFarland, an expert in advising entrepreneurs on successful exits, reveals why having a well-defined exit strategy from the start is crucial for ultimate success. This episode explores the "why" behind planning, practical considerations for partnerships of different ages, and often-overlooked tax implications that...

Are you leveraging technology effectively to grow your business and enhance customer experience? Gordon Whitten, a serial entrepreneur, shares how adopting modern platforms like cloud-based POS systems and AI tools can transform operations and profitability. Discover why resisting technological shifts, like moving from on-premise servers, can lead to higher costs and poorer customer service. Learn...

In a world of accelerating technological change, how do you stay ahead and avoid disruption? Gordon Whitten, a serial entrepreneur and thought leader, shares his firsthand experiences of innovating and disrupting industries like advertising and sports tech. Discover his formula for identifying "important and unsolved problems" and transforming them into successful businesses like Sojern and ScoreV...

What truly builds a successful sales team beyond attitude and confidence? Jeff Herdzina, founder of Big Exit and a highly successful salesperson, reveals the crucial element: relentless confidence and grit. Learn how to identify and cultivate these qualities, structure incentives that drive desired behaviors, and build a culture where your team genuinely believes in the product and company. This e...

Is your team struggling with performance, engagement, or communication? Steve Kanne shares his 30-year journey of building high-performing teams, emphasizing that it starts with the leader. Discover why self-improvement, defining a clear mission and core values, and ensuring every team member understands their role are crucial. Learn how to foster genuine engagement, healthy conflict, and seamless...

As a founder or CEO, do you struggle to understand what your business data is telling you? This episode we have Julian Caldwell, an experienced CIO, to provide a clear framework for building business intelligence systems. Learn how proper processes and cloud solutions can transform raw data into actionable insights, enabling better-informed decisions for long-term success. Discover why "data hygie...

How do you position your business to attract the right funding and maximize profit? Mark Hasebroock, founder of Dundee Venture Capital, reveals the core principles of financial health for entrepreneurs. Learn why "cash is oxygen" and how mastering your operating expenses can prevent profit erosion. Discover strategies for proper pricing, understanding key metrics, and communicating your value to c...

Is your business growth stagnant, feeling like you've hit an invisible ceiling? Steve Kanne and Jamie Bumgardner dive into why businesses plateau and, more importantly, how to break through. They reveal the critical steps to reignite growth, from redefining your company's core mission and vision to the often-overlooked power of process adjustments and external peer mentorship. Learn why shifting y...

Confused about the best funding for your business growth? Mark Hasebroock, founder of Dundee Venture Capital, shares invaluable insights on capitalizing your company for sustainable expansion. Discover how to assess your cash needs, the different types of funding available (debt, equity, hybrids), and why building relationships with potential investors before you desperately need money is crucial....

Are you a business owner constantly frustrated, stuck in the daily grind instead of leading your company? This episode offers a clear roadmap to transition from being a doer to an effective leader. Steve Kanne and Jamie Bumgardner, co-founders of Prime Secured, share their two decades of experience, revealing how emotional control, deliberate practice, establishing core values, fostering accountab...

Feeling stuck in your business, even at your breaking point? Steve Kanne shares his incredible journey from farm life to co-founding a tech company, facing down a 50% revenue loss, an economic meltdown, and a devastating flood. Discover how a critical mentorship and a relentless focus on rebuilding with discipline and purpose not only saved his business but transformed him as a leader. This episod...