Hey everyone, I'm Sheila Jenkinson, and you are listening to the Growing Small Town Nebraska Podcast where my co-host, Marcie Sextro, and I ask community leaders and business owners about their efforts in revitalizing the Cornhusker State. If you love your small town and you're looking for ways to make it even better, or maybe you're interested in what this revitalization movement may mean for you and your family, join us as we talk with small town Nebraskans making our state the definition of the "Good Life."
Hello, everyone. I'm Marcy Sextro. We are coming to you from the Intersect Co-working and Incubator podcast booth here in downtown Norfolk. Intersect is a co-working community that gives workers the spaces and tools they need to succeed. Join a like-minded community of founders, remote workers, startups, and freelancers with 24/7 access to a dedicated office or private desk. They have extremely fast internet and as much coffee as your heart desires. Intersect is your place to collaborate with others and get things done. Find out more on their website intersectcoworking.com or follow them on Facebook or Instagram.
GROW Nebraska helps Nebraska entrepreneurs have access to the global marketplace started in 1998 GROW Nebraska is an educational nonprofit that strives to help Nebraska entrepreneurs increase online visibility through social media and other platforms. They help these businesses get connections to move their business forward. They also provide free training to the public every third and fourth Thursday and Google training on the first Wednesday of the month. Find out more at grownebraska.org
Good morning, Marcie.
Good morning, Sheila!
Ready for another podcast?
I am.
All right. Well, we have an exciting one today. But first, we want to tell everybody about what's coming up.
Yes, we have our open house will be May 10th. And we are welcoming everybody to join us for that because it's gonna be a great time.
It is we're going to start things off at intersect co working office space. And that starts at nine o'clock presenting for 1 Million Cups, then we move to our Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting...same location...all of it's taking place right here. And then it's our open house is gonna run until one o'clock so you can come anytime during those events.
Today, we have Hunter Bergman with us who is an entrepreneur and community leader based in Norfolk. He is the founder of Experience Marketing, a brand marketing agency; and has a passion for connecting people and businesses. Hunter also serves as an organizer for 1 Million Cups, hosts a podcast, and is dedicated to making a positive impact on the people and businesses of Norfolk. Welcome, Hunter, to the show.
I don't know if I could have done a better intro myself.
(Laughing)
I actually used AI to write that
Yeah.
Well, you graduated from UNL and then decided to come back here to Norfolk. Can you tell me why you made that decision? And what kind of things helped you in that?
Yeah, you know, I went to school and Northeast Community College from 2017 to about 20.. I don't know, man, I don't know... the dates get weird because of COVID. I graduated from Northeast and then moved to UNL. Because I really knew that I wanted to, you know, go into a bigger ecosystem and be around bigger players and really, you know, get some of that magic to rub off on me and find some solid mentors. And you know, of course, learn marketing from a tactical standpoint. But as I was getting ready to graduate...I am a non traditional student, I say, you know, two as well, because when I went to Northeast Community College, I spent like three years at a two year school, and then I spent three years, you know, at UNL, as well. So
Oh, who's to say what's right or what's wrong...
(laughing)...all together, I spent six years in school, but I was built for it. So when you're getting ready to graduate, I had two options. I really wanted to move Chicago and work for a PR firm there. And then I was in conversations with one of our mentors to (you know) had a pretty great opportunity for me. But in between that and you know, graduating, I also booked a trip to Europe. And as you know, anybody who is you know, graduating college should take a month off and go travel and see the world because, I think that really helped me understand that the world is such a bigger place than just the United States. And we went to Italy, Barcelona, Germany, London, I mean, so...
I did that while I was in college, as well. I just went to Holland and Belgium and France. But yeah, I agree with that perspective.
It was amazing. Yeah, I mean, changed my life for sure. And so came back (and real) so I actually didn't end up going to Chicago, because I was gonna take that trip and the job I was applying for was going to close before that. You know, I only wanted one job, you know what I'm saying? So, so I came back and I kind of blew my reserves on, you know, the Europe trip because I was like, you know, having a conversation with my mom about it. And I was like, you know, I don't know if I should do this. Like, I think that it's really gonna strap me down in the future for cash and stuff. And, you know, she's like, Just do it. You know, like, you're young, like, you can make more money, you know, and I was like, I'm just gonna go, I'm gonna graduate and go live with my grandma anyways, you know, and so that happened and I already started the company. I think we incorporated two years ago or not incorporated, but we got our limited liability corporation two years ago. And so I've always been doing freelance stuff on the side. And so really, for me, it was one of those things where I was like, I was just doing my normal thing. You know, I was always been hustling, you know, always doing some sort of social media or some sort of, like, you know, project outside of school, because I'm on like, a visual learner, you know, like, I have to, like, touch the thing, and, like, break it and like, get yelled at. And so, you know, and like, that kind of learning process was what I needed to be able to understand how to be a marketing professional.
You know, I was not allowed to use the Bunsen burner. That's all I have to say. I got banned.
Oh, I think I was lighting stuff on fire, too. One hundred percent. I am a scientist, yeah, sure. But, uh, yeah, that's like, why I chose I mean, the biggest thing, family I think is huge. why I'm still here, you know, family and then intersect co working. You know, having intersect here is literally it's so crazy. Because probably a year or two ago, I was I've been journaling since my high school, I graduated. And I was like, I want to, you know, start a co working space and have a podcast together. Well, it's not obviously my co-working space, you know, but I get to be here, and I get to be part of this, like ground level thing. And I've got an office and it's a place to be creative, you know, and I think without intersect co again, I was working out of my grandma's spare bedroom, and she's like, you're not actually doing work in there, come do this dishes. And I'm like, Grandma, I promise, like, I'm talking CEOs.
It's hard to do work at home. Right, Marcie?
Yeah, we're both remote workers. So we know how difficult that is. And people think that when you work from home, that you have all kinds of extra time. And that's just not really true.
Oh, man, you have to be so...that's what I struggle with self discipline sometimes, is, you know, you're like, oh, I can just take a nap on my bed. It's really, I think, honestly, I describe it as is almost doing a disservice to your work. You know, for me, I was because I was in my room, you know, if you had a personal office, whatever, yeah, you can jump out and kind of, you know, be able to, you know, actually have a space dedicated to your work, because I don't think that you should, like, sleep where you eat where you work.
Yeah, that's right. That's pretty. Yeah. So.
So here intersect when, when you were talking about that, you know, the connections to that, we have also been able to make it through (through) here. It's been amazing. So I'm sure you're finding that as well.
I mean, like, this is my home now. You know, I think that's like, you know, in the University of Nebraska Lincoln, I found the Center for Entrepreneurship and like, built amazing relationships, amazing community, like I had, like a really cool like pack of people that I could just go and be around. Early on in life, I found that you're the average of the five people you spend most time with. And so, you know, I had to take a hard look early on of who I was hanging out with. And I was like, man, youguys are osers. Like, I need to level up my like, you know, friend group, and like, because I was like, one of my mentors sat me down, she goes, show me your friends and show your future. And so I was there where I was, like, I need to know, Yeah, where's the button. But uh, so when I went to the university, I was like, I want to be surrounded by people that were moving me forward. Because my entire life have always been like, yanking my friends along with me, like, let's do this, let's do that. Let's build this, let's build that... lets, you know, let's compete in this, whatever. So going there, I really got to be surrounded by other people like me. And I was like, it was just such a breath of fresh air. And then coming back here, now I'm finding my home again, you know, with 1 Million Cups, and, you know, the Norfolk Startup Academy and kind of the community that we're building at Intersect. It's so beautiful for me, because, you know, I think that's how like you were gonna get other young people to come back here.
And stay.
And stay. Yeah. live, work and play.
Yeah. So let's talk a little bit about you are an organizer for 1 Million Cups. So tell us a little bit about that. And then let's talk about the Norfolk Startup Academy.
Yeah, absolutely. So 1 Million Cups is an organization that they have chapters across the United States. And every Wednesday, everybody gets caffeinated and talks about entrepreneurship together. It's awesome. Because I when I was in Lincoln, I was also an organizer. And so I just, I like learned from these really great mentors on how to create community and do those things. And I was able to really learn that and come back and bring that kind of knowledge but also the network back to Norfolk. And so, you know, through remote speakers and through, I mean, I've had my friends drive down, you know, two hours to come speak at 1 Million Cups and I'm super grateful for those guys, too. But it's been really fun to create this just the the regulars now you know where it's...
We love it.
Yeah.
I love to go. I mean, I'm disappointed on the Wednesdays that I can't make it. I'm always sad.
Yeah, it's, it's so much for me. Entrepreneurship is one of the most inclusive things because anybody, no matter age, size, race, whatever, religion, whoever walks through the door, we're gonna have a conversation with you and we're gonna chop it up. Like, you know, we're gonna say like, what are you doing? How are you like, what are you trying to build? You know, like entrepreneurs are eccentric people. And so it's like really important that we find our pack. And I think that in Norfolk, there are a lot of us there are and we're like, tucked away in these nooks and crannies. And so if you are an entrepreneur out there, and you're like, need your community, come hang out, you know, I'm telling you, it's a breath of fresh air when you're surrounded by people that (are) think the same way as you.
Yeah, there are specific things that are big struggles for entrepreneurs, and big things that are wonderful things about it. So to be able to have that group, I just think it's awesome that you have come in and started to help Eamon and other people here grow groups that are going to actually pull more and more people, not just young people, but all ages that people here to grow this entrepreneur community in this area.
I mean, I mean, how do you build an economy? Or how do you develop an economy? I mean, you start you get more, you get more people to start businesses, because those are the small businesses are employing the people are sponsoring the baseball games or doing the things you know. And so I think that like being able to be a part of that process, you know, again, when you mentioned the Startup Academy, you know, there is a difference between lifestyle business and starting, which is amazing, you know, so restaurant, boutique, whatever that is, a startup is more, you know, classified as a high growth organization. So, you know, zero to a billion dollars is you could have a runway for that. So it's really fun to see what kind of businesses come in the door to you know, and what kind of stories you know, I'm a storyteller. And so I love to talk like, how did you get here we have a transplant from Salt Lake City named Ryan Ruff. And he's been through this like, crazy, like, Danny Realities like lab for, I'm gonna butcher this, I'm sorry, Ryan, but he's just this amazing experience that he's just untapped. And now we're able to tap into that and give his experience to the rest of Norfolk. And so there's so many more people like that.
So about the startup Academy, who qualifies? How do they get in touch what, like, give us the basics on that.
I said, anybody, it's open, it's open, you anybody can apply to be a part of the program. We're part of the first early, the first cohort, you know, and so really, it's kind of this like, evolving nature in Norfolk, you know, because we don't have the density for you know, I don't know, like a ton of like high growth startups that kind of come in through, but it's just an opportunity to come together and schedule time out to talk about the business you want to start or to actually work on the business that you want to start. Personally, for me, experience marketing is in my like, main job full time. But I'm also working with another group of people to develop a software to help improve good agricultural procedures and processes, and also in the food and beverage space. So we're working on developing a software to make that easier. But part of the process is going through what's your idea? How are you solving that problem? What's your solution? And then just talking about it to the group? You know, I think so often, we can get so close to things. And I think when we meet with a group, and we're able to say, hey, like, you know, what do you guys think of this? What do you guys think of that, you know, and then we're able to get these really cool ideas flowing. And I've witnessed, talking about technology, you know, I'm a huge tech nerd, like, I love technology, you know, AI, all the things that are happening right now, but, but also being around other people who maybe did not understand those things or do not understand those. When we talk about those they get to Oh, wow, I didn't I didn't think like that before. So now I'm excited to go back and see if I can actually tweak my business model to be SAS model or, or, you know, something that is a little more scalable, or, you know, just opened up more opportunities that they didn't even think was a possibility.
Yeah, collaboration is a wonderful thing. You also have like a meetup group that if you are an entrepreneur, and you don't actually come to the academy, you can come and just meet up and chat with other entrepreneurs in the area.
Yeah, we. So we host Build In Norfolk events. And so again, I rock the podcast, Build In Norfolk, you know, an on ramp to innovation, entrepreneur education. And my goal for those Build In Norfolk events is to do that to celebrate entrepreneurship to celebrate the things that people are building locally. And so the next one is you haven't set a date yet for the next one. But the first one was awesome. And my friends came from Omaha. And now we have friendly faces that when they when we go to Oman, so there's sort of my whole philosophy is I want to be, you know, a node on the network. I want to be a bridge from norfork to my connections in Omaha and until Lincoln because we're building together as one Nebraska, you know, we're not building the other just as Norfolk.
Absolutely. And growing Nebraska just and that's really what our focus is, is so important for every piece of the puzzle to work together. So it's great to see that. So speaking of the podcast you have Build In Norfolk podcast, which is very exciting. Tell us a little bit about how that got started and your guests that you've had,
Dude, I've always been running some sort of podcast. Another life I was a producer for a podcast called The Commonwealth where we highlighted leaders of disruptive change. We got to interview hitters. I mean like We had Martin Luther King's bodyguard on there, we had some artists we had, yeah, some really cool house rules, go check it out, Commonwealth, it's all platform. So shout out to Nick Kasner, who is now a marketing director in New York, he was the mastermind behind that he just kind of brought me with him. And we got to talk to some really cool people. And so, you know, I've always, always wanted to start a podcast about entrepreneurship and my experience as a young person, because I have a different route, I didn't go to, you know, get a real job, I just kind of started you know, I've always been building company, like, ever since I graduate high school. That's what I knew I was gonna do.
I don't think my family thinks I've ever had a real job, either.
(laughing)
My grandma still doesn't think I have a real job. But it's fun. But so the podcast, you know, for me, actually, the same equipment that we're using right now, I actually got a an internship in northeast Community College to workforce initiative, you know, work, play live in Norfolk. And there were, that was a ton of fun, we got to talk about why people work and play in Norfolk. And so that kind of gave me the opportunity to kind of tell the story of people who like live in Norfolk. But then coming back, I'm like, I've got all this experience and knowledge and the things that I want to share and help build up our ecosystem. And when when somebody listens to the podcast, I want them to be like, oh, like, I have these ideas that I've been thinking about forever. I see this problem. I know the solution. And then in literally in our conversation, I'm like, Okay, go do this one thing. Like, I want them to find that one action step. So they can like legitimately get in touch with us. First of all, you know, that's the first thing. A lot of times ambiguity is a knife, you know, it can stab you in the back. And if you don't know what the next step is, you get paralysis by analysis. Because when you started a company, there's an infinite way and an infinite amount of ways that that company can be successful. And so I think it's, it's hard to just start, you know,
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One of the things I've loved about the people we've interviewed so far for the podcast and Hunter, you're a shining example of this, is that cheering one another on, being each other's supporters, and having that attitude of, hey, if you're making it that is good for all of us, and I just love that you exude that through everything that you do.
Yeah, all boats rise with the tide. You know, it's a huge thing. And that's my thing is you just give I'm a giver, you know, I think what comes around goes around, you know, value creation for value extraction is our motto at XPM and as long as we're creating value we'll be able to extract value from from those people. But I think at the end of the day, it's one of those things where like, I love building communities. I mean, I've spent the last six years of my life leading student organizations you know, investing in other people and, and like that's just like my personal second nature, you know, where it's like, I want to see you guys like grow and build and do the thing. It's almost weird not being in the student organization now. I was like, Wait, how do I start a student organization.
Well, you kind of do...you just a little bit older.
Yeah. I think it does look different now. Sure. Which is a good thing, though. You know, it's time to grow up and be an adult, you know?
Yeah, well, I know we so appreciated everything that you did help us with our podcasts when we first started coming into the building. We're like, equipment wise. Anytime we had a problem we're like Hunter, can you help?
Thank you for bearing with me as we've gone through this evolution.
Yeah, yeah. I would say every time we'd come into the podcast studio, (it's been) it was different for like, well, until recently I'd walk in and go Wait, what Wait, now I'm sitting there. This is over here.
It's a Creative Space, you know, I think to play around.
Yeah, yes. Wait, we're gonna start moving things on you. You're gonna go wait, why is that? There? You go. You're gonna stack it.
Why do you think young people should move to Norfolk? What what kind of things would you say to someone maybe, who maybe has just graduated? Why should they move here?
First of all, I think, for me, I'm a really family oriented individual. So I think being able to be so close to your family also, it's safe. Honestly, you know, I mean, you don't have like, I barely lock my car, okay, now I'll lock my car. But really, it's one of those things we don't you I mean, your neighbor, you have neighbors...
Norfolk Now just had a thing on that. That's one of the reasons to live in Norfolk is we're one of the safest cities
Dude. And also, like, downtown is bustling. But I think for me, when I went to school here in Northeast, like three years ago, like nobody went downtown for no reason. I mean, sometimes we went down there like to the downtown coffee company, I would go there. But now I go to like the new Divots...
Now It's hard to choose. It's like, what am I gonna do today?
It's hard to choose and it's hard to park. Yeah. And I think the hardest part thing is a clear indicator that people are going downtown now. And I think that's exciting, because I think now like, working at Intersect Coworking and like, going for like a lunch, you know, a lunch meeting or whatever, I actually feel like I'm working downtown. The second thing, or actually, probably the most important thing is if you're a young professional in norfork. And like, you really want to like shine like it's Norfolk or Chicago, you're gonna pick the two, like, Norfolk is an area where you can legitimately talk to CEOs, and not not even in just norfork. But like Nebraska, as well, if you're building a company, that you're one person away from getting the introduction to a billion dollar CEO, like where it's like, Hey, I'm trying to solve this problem. How do I do it? You know, I mean, we have an open door policy, I guarantee you, every single business owner here would open their door and say, I will give you 10 minutes, 15 minutes, you know, at the least least, you know.
Yeah, support is huge too, especially as you're trying to, I've got several different businesses and just being able to have those people come alongside you, as you're trying to get things off the ground. And and then like, we were talking earlier, getting to a place where you hit a plateau. And you're like, where do I go from here? What can I actually do? It's been wonderful. And even with the podcasts, we've done that here with Emma, we've, we've gotten to a point where we were like, not sure where to go from here. And she sat down with us and gave us all kinds of ideas to move forward. So that's the support you receive in the co-working space. And from all of the business owners in Norfolk.
Yeah, and when you come to those 1 Million Cups, meetings, you know, every every Wednesday night, 9am, you've got 15 People who are struggling with the same struggles you are, you know, how do I get my product to market? How do I, you know, do this one thing, how do I grow? You know, and I think that being around those individuals is, I mean, again, you're the average of the five people you spend the most time with.
You kind of touched upon why young people should move to Norfolk, but anything else that you would just really want to share with the listeners?
You know, I've got all sorts of things, you know, to share. But I think the number one thing is I think just start you know, I think for those of young people it doesn't have to be young person out there, you know, anybody who is looking to like build something or create something and it doesn't have to be a business creatives, artists or entrepreneurs building and selling art, you know, I think just do it. Come to 1 Million Cups and ask us you know, about your crazy ideas. And like, let's build something in Norfolk.
One final question for you today Hunter and that is, why do you love living in small town Nebraska?
Oh, my Grams is here. I love my grandma a lot.
I love her too. Just so you know.
But yeah, that's what I mean. You know, I just community you know, I was doing some journaling and reflecting last night and one of the prompts were, what is the relationship in life between, you know, friends, family, community, and I was like, everything is community. It's just different layers. You know? I mean families a little bit deeper layer than you know, neighbors and such but I think at the end of the day living in small town, Nebraska, you have that strong community and bond and just because you live in small town Nebraska doesn't mean you can't travel. You know, Lincoln just opened up like a bunch of different locations that you can fly to. Omaha is an almost an international airport but you can get to pretty much anywhere from Omaha so it's like not like you know, you can get super bored you know, you can go wherever you want kind of a thing but small town Nebraska, you have the people there behind you. You know, I think in Omaha you just the number, you know, I think in Denver, Chicago, like you know, there's endless amount of people trying to do the same thing as you. But in Norfolk, you can be the only one.
And, it's nice to come home when you travel. Always nice to come back to small town, Nebraska.
Yep.
Well, thanks for being on the podcast today.We I really appreciate it. We'll, of course be listening to your podcast as well.
Yes, well have a wonderful day Hunter. Thanks for being on.
You guys too. Thank you. Keep being awesome. Keep building.
Oh thanks.
Stanton State Bank has been growing small town Nebraska through big and small business and personal loans for over 140 years. At Stanton State Bank you'll find old fashioned, friendly service, plus the technology to bring you the latest in banking. They have two convenient locations at 924 Ivy Street in Stanton and 1021 Riverside Boulevard in Norfolk. Visit Stanton State Bank today for all your banking needs. Member FDIC.
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The Growing Small Town Nebraska podcast can be found on Apple, Spotify, and Google podcasts. New episodes come out every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Join us again next time as we talk with business and community leaders who are working to revitalize the Cornhusker State. Thanks for listening
