LEADERSHIP KEARNEY CLASS #34 APRIL SESSION

On April 8, 2026, Leadership Kearney Class #34 gathered for Business and Industry Day. In a community as vibrant as ours, it can be easy to overlook the massive logistical and manufacturing engines humming just outside our daily paths. This session was about pulling back the curtain on the innovation, grit, and leadership that make Kearney a regional powerhouse.

Precision at Scale: Parker Hannifin

Our day began at Parker Hannifin, where we were hosted by Julie Stepanek, Jason Borchers, and Farrell Calcaterra. This facility is a core part of Parker’s Engine Mobile Aftermarket Division, focusing on high-performance filtration solutions. Julie, Jason, and Farrell shared that the Kearney plant is a powerhouse of production, managing over 3,000 lines of product. As a Fortune 216 company, Parker Hannifin brings global scale to our local economy. We were fascinated to learn about their vertically integrated manufacturing process, where they create nearly every component of a filter on-site to ensure the highest quality. Walking the floor, we saw firsthand how 3-D CAD modeling and advanced prototyping translate into products used globally in everything from heavy machinery to the mobile aftermarket.

Care and Community: Cottonwood Veterinary Clinic

Next, we visited Cottonwood Veterinary Clinic, where we were hosted by Business Administrator Nicole Harvey. Nicole gave us a deep dive into the 24/7 nature of animal care. We viewed X-ray photos and learned about the high-tech diagnostic tools required for modern veterinary medicine. A key takeaway was their commitment to emergency care. Because pets don't always get sick during office hours, Cottonwood provides 24/7 coverage by rotating on-call duties with two other local partners: West Villa Animal Hospital and Riverside Animal Hospital. We also toured the on-site doggy and cat daycare, while Nicole clarified the business structure: while the medical and daycare services are under their umbrella, the grooming service operates as

a separate, independent business on-site.

Local Roots, National Reach: Buckle

The class then visited the corporate headquarters of Buckle, where we were hosted by Tyler Clay. While many associate Buckle purely with fashion, we learned that their Information Technology (IT) department is actually one of their largest internal work groups. This highlight underscored how modern retail is driven by complex data and homegrown tech solutions. We were also treated to a tour of the Ladies' Purchasing Department. Seeing the behind-the-scenes coordination required to select and source merchandise for over 440 stores across 42 states was incredibly impressive. Tyler discussed their philosophy of "promoting from within" and the strategic advantage of keeping their corporate roots in Nebraska to maintain their unique culture and work ethic.

The Heart of Distribution: Cash-Wa

Our exploration continued with a visit to Cash-Wa Distributing, a massive operation that employs 520 people in the Kearney area alone, including a dedicated fleet of 200 drivers. We learned about the incredible attention to detail required in food distribution—from warehouse safety to consumer trends (did you know Snickers is the number one candy in the world?). Safety is paramount; their systems automatically flag peanut allergens to prevent cross-contamination, and they utilize Samsara technology for real-time tracking of trailers and trucks. A highlight of the visit was seeing their state-of-the-art Driving Simulator, which our very own Mike and Adam had the chance to test out!

Service Above Self: Kearney Dawn Rotary

We were also honored to hear a presentation from Paul Stec, representing Kearney Dawn Rotary. Paul shared the rich history of the organization, which started in Chicago as a networking group and has since grown into a global force with over a million members. Paul emphasized their motto, "Service Above Self," and noted the staggering amount of community support they provide through countless fundraisers each year. He highlighted how business leadership in Kearney is intrinsically tied to stewardship, reminding us that true leadership involves giving back to the community that supports our local industries.

Crafting a Community Space: Upper Room Brewery

We wrapped up our session at Upper Room Brewery with a tour and discussion led by Dustin Favinger. A true "COVID success story," Upper Room started during the pandemic with a vision rooted in faith—their name comes directly from scripture. While they brew right here in Kearney, Dustin shared their exciting recent growth: they just opened a new location in Minden in January 2026. As they look to expand their quantity of production, we got a crash course in the patience required for craft brewing. We learned that while some beers take about 8 days to make, their lagers require 6 to 8 weeks of careful attention. Dustin also shared a "brewer’s secret": the base for wort and seltzer is essentially the same, showcasing the versatility needed to cater to diverse tastes.

The Kearney Connection

From the manufacturing excellence of Parker Hannifin and the corporate reach of Buckle, to the specialized care at Cottonwood and the entrepreneurial spirit of Upper Room, a common thread emerged: Kearney is a hub of intentional leadership. Each of these businesses succeeds because they invest in their people, their processes, and their community. Special thanks to all our hosts, Julie Stepanek, Jason Borchers, Farrell Calcaterra, Nicole Harvey, Tyler Clay, Paul Stec, and Dustin Favinger, for providing such an inspiring look at the

businesses that make Kearney a premier place to live and work!