Dear Readers,
One of my favorite issues each year is the Midlands Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 edition. 2022 marks the 21st anniversary of the awards, which are presented by Northwest Bank. Over the years, MBJ has honored both up-and-coming and accomplished young professionals under the age of 40 in the Omaha metro business community.
Midlands Business Journal was founded by my father in 1975. His desire was to publish a weekly business newspaper covering local business news and entrepreneurship. In 2002 he created an awards event honoring 40 young professionals under the age of 40.
Since then, MBJ has recognized over 800 YPs, and beginning in 2006, a special award has been given to the Entrepreneur of the Year.
This year we are honored to recognize three individuals, Dan Houghton, Steve Dugger and Jeff Dugger, founders of Buildertrend, as our Entrepreneurs of the Year.
Over the past 21 years, all of the honorees have excelled in their careers as well as made great contributions to the community. The Omaha metro is an extraordinary place to live. The creative talent and determination that I witness in the young professional population along with their generosity of spirit is why I am so proud to call this home.
The past few years have created challenges for all of us but also incredible opportunities for growth and innovation, and that is what I see in the group we are honoring this year. As you read about these individuals in the pages ahead, ask yourself, “What else is possible?” They are leading the way to the future and breaking barriers that will create even more.
We are excited to announce a new location for 40 Under 40. We invite all of you to the Omaha Design Center on Thursday, February 9th for an evening awards celebration.
There is truly so much to celebrate in our business community. From where I sit, the future looks bright! And keep asking, “What else is possible?”
– Andrea “ANDEE” Hoig
