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Kawasaki 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

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In 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

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Episode 59: Melanie Rezak | 555 Boutique & Creative Collabs

What 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 Lincoln
• The origin and evolution of Creative Collabs
• Challenges of managing staff, inventory, and growth as a boutique owner
• Why 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