Nebraska Center for Entrepreneurship

Daniel C. Pauley is a partner, co-founder and co-owner of Smith Pauley LLP and Nebraska Center for Entrepreneurship community fellow. We asked Dan to provide some advice and insight, and asked him why he contributes his time and talent to students interested in entrepreneurship at Nebraska. 🎈 Why do you contribute your time/insights to students at Nebraska? "I do this because I was very fortunate to have mentorship from some people much more seasoned and very successful in business. They, my mentors, instilled in me a value that it was an honor to mentor others and share the opportunities that had been shared with me." 📢 Is there any popular entrepreneurial advice that you agree/disagree with, and if so, why? "That owning and having your own business is incredibly rewarding and frankly intoxicating. The freedom of being your own boss will likely set them on lifetime and career trajectory of entrepreneurship. It is certainly difficult at times, but the rewards are unlike anything you can find as simply an employee."  💭 What advice do you have for students pursuing business ownership or careers in the ecosystem? "Often times, entrepreneurs are told in a very granular way to focus on a niche market. Find or build a better mouse trap. While that is true, there are still many opportunities to simply out work others and be successful in a known market simply with hard work ethic." 📚 What's one book or podcast that changed your life? "What do you do with an idea, written by Kobi Yamada. This was given to me by my mentor and friend Randy Johnson. It encapsulates the realty and journey of most successful entrepreneurs." #StartSomething #CreateSomething #BuildSomething #CreateSomething #InnovateSomething

We are excited to welcome Kendall Warnock, owner and founder of A1 Automotive Group to Lindsay Thomsen, MA, PhD's Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Innovation class today! He serves as a Nebraska Center for Entrepreneurship Community Fellow and has become a student favorite guest speaker and mentor. A1 Automotive won the Lincoln Choice Awards for the best automotive repair shop in the City of Lincoln – Lincoln, Nebraska for two years in a row and brings a small-town sensibility and friendliness to every customer experience. Kendall carries his core values of integrity, giving back and CANEI (consistent and never-ending improvement) with him, and we are excited for him to share how he integrates those values into his role as an entrepreneur and leader. #StartSomething #GrowSomething

Eight first-time University of Nebraska-Lincoln freshmen are exploring entrepreneurship within themselves, on campus and in the community this year as part of the Entrepreneurship Catalysts program! We're excited to see these students grow as leaders, people and entrepreneurs 🥳 Jordan Aschoff, freshman psychology (Raikes) major from Norfolk, Nebraska Jack Beals, freshman business administration major from Omaha, Nebraska Gavin Dunlap, freshman finance major from Milford, Nebraska Andreas Katsaounis, freshman business administration major from Waterloo, Nebraska Sammy Kendeigh, freshman management (Raikes) major from Omaha, Nebraska Avery Lockridge, freshman management major from Walton, Nebraska Thomas Subiabre, freshman construction management major from Lincoln, Nebraska Aiden Zimmerman, freshman finance major from Rising City, Nebraska >> Know a high school senior with entrepreneurial potential? Have them apply for to be a part of the 2025-26 cohort here: https://lnkd.in/gwFXmMUE #StartSomething Nebraska College of Business, Jeffrey S. Raikes School of Computer Science and Management, University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Engineering, College of Arts and Sciences University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Katie Pocras, Nebraska Center for Entrepreneurship community fellow, changed how real estate was transacted by developing a consumer-centric model. She built a company from scratch and had a successful exit after 10 years. Since then, she has co-founded MotorTango, an on-line car buying/selling platform and SweatTag, a sports-tech company. 📚 What's one book or podcast that changed your life? It's an old title that I believe still applies today. "How To Win Friends & Influence People" by Dale Carnegie, published in 1936. It's vital you know how to speak in front of a group. You need to know how to get your ideas across, persuade, and communicate. There is no substitute for effective communication skills. As for other reading, I primarily read non-fiction to give myself a broad knowledge base. 💭 What advice do you have for students pursuing business ownership or careers in the ecosystem? As someone with an MBA, I believe building a business is hard work. Really hard. It's not as sexy as it sounds. If you do it right, you make it look easy. You’re going to fail and make mistakes. It's ok to fail. It's ok to make mistakes, learn from them. If you’re asked a tough question that you’re unsure of, a great answer is "I don't know, but I"ll find out." If you say you're going to do something then do it. I am currently dismayed at the number of seasoned professionals that fail to do what they say. The small group that follows through stands out in my mind. Be in the latter group. 💡 Anything else you'd like to share? When you speak with experts or successful business people, you will get advice and suggestions on what to do and how to do it. These people mean well and want to help. However, every expert has a different opinion and it may or may not be right for your situation. You have to decide what's right for you. When someone offers advice, even if you don’t take it, always follow up with a hand-written thank you card. #StartSomething #CreateSomething #BuildSomething #CreateSomething #InnovateSomething

We are excited to welcome Cameron Meredith, '12, to Dr. Sam Nelson's Business Plan Development & Decision Making class today! Cameron played for the Nebraska Football team all four years, playing in every game while earning his degree. After graduating from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Cameron worked in the real estate industry for several years before founding ADU West Coast, a design/build consulting firm that transforms underutilized garages, backyards, or additional spaces into affordable, well-crafted living areas that maximize property potential and addresses a housing shortage in his home state. #StartSomething #GrowSomething #BuildSomething #CreateSomething #InnovateSomething

Had coffee this morning with Eduardo Sicilia (Founder of 2% Football). What a great way to start the day! We talked a lot about our shared passion (🏈), but I was also so inspired by his story, coming to Nebraska from Mexico and culminating his collegiate career by winning this years New Venture Competition at the Nebraska Center for Entrepreneurship. GBR! You can learn more about the New Venture Competition here: https://lnkd.in/gTic2tJk

We are so excited to announce the launch of the Nebraska Entrepreneurship Accelerator, a new program that empowers student entrepreneurs from across the university to make measurable progress with their business. Twenty-three students from six different colleges are being supported through the accelerator with individualized development plans, access to exclusive resources and structured peer groups. "This inaugural cohort is full of go-getters, builders, doers and innovators. They're solving real problems that will positively impact the State of Nebraska and beyond," said Mallory Krenk, student engagement and recruitment coordinator for the Nebraska Center for Entrepreneurship. Click below to read the full story. Lindsay Thomsen, MA, PhD, Nebraska College of Business, Nebraska College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts, University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Engineering, Nebraska College of Journalism and Mass Communications, College of Arts and Sciences University of Nebraska-Lincoln #StartSomething #GrowSomething #BuildSomething #CreateSomething #InnovateSomething

While students who wish to declare a major in the Nebraska College of Business can choose the entrepreneurship and innovation track within the management major, the minor continues to grow among students across campus. From computer science and journalism to biology and emerging media arts, University of Nebraska-Lincoln students are complementing their major with the real-world problem solving skills, competency, resilience and curiosity to confidently pursue their entrepreneurial passions and advance their careers. This, and more, is covered in our annual report which will be released in its entirety soon! #StartSomething #GrowSomething #BuildSomething #CreateSomething #InnovateSomething

Make something better by doing less at the Innovation Challenge ⚙️ On September 13, you'll redesign, rethink, and reimagine something that is overcomplicated or over-engineered, and pitch your simplified version to a panel of judges. In addition, you'll explore entrepreneurial resources and opportunities on campus with other student innovators and learn from local founder, Kendall Warnock. Lunch provided! Register and find more information here: https://buff.ly/3yVwWEt All University of Nebraska-Lincoln undergraduate and graduate students welcome and encouraged to participate. 📆 Friday, September 13, 11am-7pm 📍 Hawks Hall 111 🔗 https://buff.ly/3z0K4Iw Nebraska College of Business University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Engineering Jeffrey S. Raikes School of Computer Science and Management Johnny Carson Center for Emerging Media Arts Clifton Strengths Institute Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program College of Arts and Sciences University of Nebraska-Lincoln Nebraska Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts

Breck Collingsworth, founder and CEO of Resort Lifestyle Communities, CEO of City Bank & Trust Co. (Lincoln, NE), and community fellow at Nebraska Center for Entrepreneurship shared why he enjoys working with students and offers his advice for those interested in entrepreneurship. 🎈 Why do you contribute your time/insights to students at Nebraska? "I was a terrible student at CBA back in the day.  If I didn’t see the value on what was being taught it didn’t hold my interest. What I do recall I enjoyed were business owners that came to classes and talked about why and how they got into their businesses, what their challenges were and what their day to day looked like operating their businesses. I am trying to give back to students like the speakers that made an impression me when I was in CBA." 📢 Is there any popular entrepreneurial advice that you agree/disagree with, and if so, why? "Start a business while your young. Your only goal starting out is to pay the rent and put food on the table (i.e – lawn care, car detailing, house painting (that’s where I started). Forget about big equity raises or complex business to start you entrepreneurial career. Start with a simple business. Learn it. Make it successful. Build from that to the next opportunity."   💭 What advice do you have for students pursuing business ownership or careers in the ecosystem? "Develop the ability to see a problem where those wanting the goods or services you will offer are willing to pay more than the cost to produce the goods or services. Once you identify the opportunity come up with an plan to execute your business strategy. Learn as fast as you can and make adjustments quickly. When you run out of money the games is over. Never run out of money." 📚 What's one book or podcast that changed your life? "Competition Demystified – A Radically Simplified Approach to Business Strategy by Bruce Greenwald and Judd Kahn. Some business are easier to execute and are more profitable than others. Learn how to evaluate a business opportunity. If you are going to pore your entire being into your business try to increase your odds of success BEFORE YOU START THE BUSINESS." #StartSomething #CreateSomething #BuildSomething #CreateSomething #InnovateSomething