A young professional who takes unusual or extraordinary measures to positively impact their community while balancing work, family, and life. This young professional demonstrates qualities from all of the Young Nebraskans Awards categories.

SAMUEL KRUG

 Sam is the General Manager at Preferred Popcorn in Chapman, Nebraska. He works right beside every member of the team – from those packing bags – to those meeting with customers around the world. He cares deeply about each employee. He knows their families – asks about their kids- and works hard to make sure that Preferred Popcorn is a place where everyone thrives. Sam led the team who designed a $7 million expansion to Preferred Popcorn’s current Nebraska headquarters, doubling manufacturing capacity and increasing organic production. When COVID hit, he worked with the sales team to launch new sustainable packaging using post-recycled consumer content. Sam believes that sustainability is very important to who Preferred Popcorn is overall. He states, “as a 100% farmer owned company, we want to be sustainable because we believe in taking care of the land as much as possible.” Sam also lead the facility selection, and has overseen the construction and design of a new popping facility and a second location in Waco, Nebraska. Sam serves as a youth soccer coach, guest pastor, and board member for the Merrick Medical Foundation, Merrick County Economic Development Board, National Popcorn Board and Nebraska Christian Schools Advisory Board. Sam says, “I believe that people in Nebraska are incredibly smart people. They are hardworking, resilient, thoughtful, and they care about doing things the right way. So much so that they can have a place at the international table regardless of what industry it is… and I hope that demonstrates not just to Nebraska – but to the world that there are great things in this place and we have an awful lot to be proud of.”

Honorable Mention: BRENT COMSTOCK – Founder & CEO of BCom Solutions in Lincoln, NE.

A young professional who has brought an innovative initiative, product, or service to the market in an original way. This award aims to recognize achievers, innovators, and makers, who have contributed significantly towards the development of a new business or idea.

CODY LAWSON

Cody is the owner of Cody’s Computer Repair Service in Central City, Nebraska. What started out as a $15 newspaper ad – and an idea for a high school summer job – has since turned in to a full fledge business. Cody’s Computer Repair Service started out serving 100% local need in Central City. But now they service about 14 states – and have customers who travel from Lincoln, Omaha, Kearney, and Hastings to receive their service. A few years ago, Cody and his team came up with the manage service 1 to 1 model. This is a subscription-based service that allows the team to maintain and monitor a customer computer wherever they are. The service provides cybersecurity, updates, proactive maintenance, and a variety of other features. This model has since taken off and provides service for about 850 members. Cody and his team truly believe it’s not tech support – its people support. Cody states, “The customer comes first, the dollar comes second, and its 100% about the customer experience.” Cody’s ultimate dream for the business is to be big enough to provide but small enough to care. His encouragement for young entrepreneurs in Nebraska is to recognize that you can have a very successful career exactly where you are at. “You don’t have to leave – you can stay here and have a community that backs you up and supports you, and you won’t find that kind of community anywhere else.”

Honorable Mention: GRAHAM PANSING BROOKS – Co-Founder & President of SEAchange in Lincoln, NE.

A young professional who has shown extraordinary leadership skills in their role while acting as a role model and inspiring other young professionals in their community. This individual dedicates a generous amount of time to the personal and professional development of their coworkers, peers, and overall community.

KELSEY RUWE

Kelsey is the Chief of staff with Carson Group in Omaha, Nebraska. She grew up in Gibbon and attended the University of Nebraska – Kearney where she played volleyball and studied business and economics. After college she moved to Lincoln where she worked for a few years until accepting a position with Carson in 2008. Since joining Carson she has risen in positions, from Director of HR, VP of Talent, and now Chief of Staff. As Chief of Staff Kelsey oversees talent, human resources, and corporate communications. She focuses heavily on the culture of Carson with a strong emphasis on inclusion and diversity and has been instrumentals in hiring, training, and educating more than 250 employees. She also makes sure that all strategic and special projects are being taken care of. The most current of these special projects being the completion of Carson’s new $80 million building. Kelsey was responsible for overseeing the construction, design, and development for this building. Day-to-day, Kelsey focuses on Carson’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. She was essential in establishing Carson’s IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Education, Action) Council, and last year she helped found the FinServ Foundation – a nonprofit empowering the next generation of financial professionals through coaching, mentorship, and community. She also helped create Carson’s mentorship program to further advance women’s professional development. Kelsey believes that the number one quality in a great leader is empathy. She believes that mentorship is an important way to help you learn and grow – and she applauds leaders who focus on developing those around them and building others up.

Honorable Mention: JUSTISE RHODEN – Executive Director at the Aurora Chamber of Commerce