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October 14, 2026

Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2026: 4 Simple Cybersecurity Tips for Nebraska Businesses

Tips & Techtok /

Key takeaways Cybersecurity Awareness Month happens every October to help people and businesses stay safer online. Most cyberattacks on small and midsize businesses start with everyday gaps, like stolen passwords, phishing emails, and missed updates. Four habits close the biggest gaps: turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA), use strong and unique passwords, spot and report phishing,

Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2026: 4 Simple Cybersecurity Tips for Nebraska Businesses Read More »

Applied Connective Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2026 Press Release

Press & Accolades, Updates /

Applied Connective Marks Cybersecurity Awareness Month With a Month of Practical Security Tips for Local Businesses ALBION, NE — October 12, 2026 — Applied Connective, a managed IT and cybersecurity partner for businesses of all sizes across Nebraska, is recognizing Cybersecurity Awareness Month this October. All month long, the company will share simple, actionable steps

Applied Connective Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2026 Press Release Read More »

Jeff Lutz

IT Support Specialist

  • Nebraska-based my entire life and currently working as an IT Support Specialist with a passion for helping people solve technology problems quickly and efficiently. Customer service ninja by day, problem solver by night.
  • Experienced with Microsoft and Windows environments, remote support, and troubleshooting everything from email issues to “my computer won’t turn on.” Yes, I’ve definitely asked, “Did you try unplugging it and plugging it back in?” Fun fact: I also used to work as an electrician.
  • Enjoy building and working on tech projects, always looking for the next thing to improve, automate, or tinker with.
  • Married with probably too many kids, and family is one of the biggest driving forces in my life.
  • Long-term goal is to eventually live in Costa Rica with my wife and enjoy a slower pace of life near the ocean.
  • Big fan of music and guitar, along with sailing, surfing, and whatever new project or hobby I decide to dive into that week.
  • Fun fact: I genuinely enjoy troubleshooting complicated problems and figuring out how things work behind the scenes.
  • I also have a slight obsession with tools, backpacks, and flashlights.
  • Another fun fact: I grew up on a farm in Benkelman, Nebraska, with my grandparents.

Isaiah Baker

IT Project Engineer

  • I was born and raised in Norfolk, Nebraska. There is a baby picture of me reading the Windows 95 Manual. I have been interested in all forms of technology since I can remember.
  • I have a 4 year old black cat named Frank and I live with my girlfriend Sarah in Norfolk.
  • I hold a 15.16 second official Rubik's Cube Average from when I was 14.
  • My most reliable form of transportation is an Electric Unicycle.
  • I'm a tinkerer, I like to take things apart to see how they work.
  • My detached garage runs off of Solar and a homemade battery pack.

KeRon Blackwell

IT Support Specialist

  • Northern California native
  • Graduated from Midland University with a degree in Business information technology
  • 3x Track All-American (high jump)
  • My father was a DJ growing up so I enjoy listening to music (90's - 2000's RnB)
  • I am quite tall - 6'8 ( yes, I also played basketball)

Casey Beutler

Senior Business Development Representative

  • Over the last decade, I have worked with many different businesses across a wide range of industries, taking a consultative approach to IT business development. I have partnered with organizations to understand their goals and challenges, helping them identify where technology can improve efficiency, scalability, and performance by aligning tailored solutions that deliver measurable business value.
  • I grew up in rural southeast Nebraska and moved to Lincoln after graduating from college.
  • In 2013 I received an associate's degree in automotive engineering and business at WyoTech and later went to UNL for computer engineering for a short stint.
  • I’ve been a baseball player my whole life and recently picked up golf, so you can imagine how well that’s going...
  • I have an affinity for all things mechanical and technology related as you might imagine.
  • Naturally curious and enjoy figuring out how things work, especially if I can take it apart and get my hands on it.

Josiah Stonehocker

IT Support Specialist

  • I was born in Fremont and am the middle child to an older sister and younger brother, which taught me how to be innovative with how much we didn't like to share with each other.
  • I am an alumnus of Northeast Community College where I graduated with an AA in Computer Science. I am in the start of my goal to become as self-hosting and non-reliant on any cloud services as possible.
  • I am a major nerd for card collecting & playing, playing D&D & video games with friends, and watching impactful movies and shows. Please do ask me about my Pokémon Card Collection.
  • Something that never fails to make me feel good is to help others in any sort of way. I always try to volunteer when assistance is needed and wish to help take some of the weight off of people's shoulders. I believe that helping your neighbors is the best way to help make your community and fraternity better.
  • Have visited 7 states and used to go on camping trips with my grandpa, who liked to travel the states, when I was young. He went to 47 states in the US, and I hope to go to just as many if not more in my lifetime.

Greg Downing

IT Support Specialist

  • I am originally from Chadron, NE.
  • I went to college in Wayne for Networking.
  • I enjoy bowling with my friends in my free time.
  • I'm currently hoping to complete a motorcycle safety course so I can purchase a bike in the future.
  • I am a huge dog person and love spending time with my bull mastiff, Penelope, when I can.

Claire Nelson

Admin Assistant

  • My hometown is Albion, NE.
  • I graduated from NECC with a degree in Agriculture.
  • I had scoliosis surgery in high school, two rods and 22 screws.
  • I'm passionate about health and wellness.
  • I'm a clean freak.
  • Growing up, I was the biggest tomboy…picture a haircut that looked like Dora the Explorer and Coconut Head had a baby.

Kobe Haukap

IT Support Specialist

  • Originally from South Sioux City, Nebraska, but I've recently moved to Lincoln, Nebraska.
  • Got my degree from Wayne State College in Networking/Cybersecurity with minors in Programming and Business Administration.
  • I love music, I listen to everything from heavy metal to R&B, I also play guitar as much as possible.
  • I've played video games since I was very young, involving myself in playing, as well as, coaching people in E-Sports.
  • I spend a lot of time with friends and family outside playing sports like baseball or basketball, or spending a day on the boat, fishing and swimming.

Kahle Mowry

IT Support Specialist

  • I am from the Black Hills of South Dakota and moved to Lincoln with my wife in June of 2025. My wife is from Nebraska, so this is her way of adopting me into her culture!
  • I am a life-long musician who loves to play guitar, bass, and drums. I have played as a solo musician, been a member in a few bands, and have played blues with my Dad.
  • I worked as a house painter for many years before changing careers to IT. I am excited about the future of IT and am happy to work for Applied Connective to provide IT services to Nebraska communities!

John DeWitt

IT Support Engineer

  • I graduated from Mount Marty College in 2010 with a degree in Computer Information Systems
  • I have a blended family with my fiancée Kari; we have 5 kids, 4 that live with us in Tilden
  • I grew up in Chadron, NE, spent 15 years in Yankton/Sioux Falls, SD, and the last 10 years in Norfolk/Tilden, NE
  • Prior to IT, I spent 16 years in retail management with Wal-Mart and Hobby Lobby
  • In my free time, I enjoy disc golf and watching the dust collect on my musical instruments

Luke Walters

IT Support Specialist (Apprentice)

Dylan Young

AVS Technician

  • I grew up in Albion.
  • I played football at Midland University.
  • I have a degree in Business Management.
  • I've worked for Applied off and on in the summers since the summer of 2018.
  • My brother in law (Mathew) and brother (Blaine) both work here as well.

Jaden Driscoll

IT Support Specialist

  • My hometown is Norfolk. I have 2 siblings (1 brother, 1 sister), and I have a mini goldendoodle named Kona.
  • Hastings College Class of 2024 for Computer Science
  • Huge Hawkeye fan
  • Played college baseball as a pitcher
  • I love to watch sports
  • Big anime fan

Devin Rambali

IT Support Specialist

Tyler Martinsen

AVS Technician

  • I really like to lift weights.
  • I like to hunt and fish.
  • I love being outdoors.
  • I like to be active.
  • I like to be organized.

Kory Bourek

IT Support Specialist

Kyle Oldenkamp

Relationship Manager

Shelby James

IT Support Specialist in the Panhandle

  • I've never met a cat I couldn't eventually be friends with. And I have been called "the cat whisperer" and/or "cat woman" by family and friends.
  • I'm a mother of 7 pets. I have 3 dogs and 4 cats.
  • I'm an avid reader and read over 100 books a year.
  • I got interested in IT because I love solving problems and making things work again.
  • You usually can find me by following my trail of forgotten half full coffee mugs.

Mandy Luettel

Director of Growth & Development

  • My husband (Greg), daughter (Mila), and I live in Albion.
  • My past 10 years of experience include account management, sales, client-facing, relationship building, recruiting/hiring, training, and talent acquisition. I have my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from College of Saint Mary with a Masters in Counseling from Doane College.
  • My husband and I are high school sweethearts. We both furthered our education in Omaha as well as spent 10+ years living/working in Omaha. Brewing great beer (and family and friends and this great community) is what brought us back to Albion, NE where we started HWY 14 Brewing Company in the heart of downtown Albion. It has been incredible coming back to a community that helped raise me and mold me into the person I am today.
  • My go to karaoke songs are Journey-Don’t Stop Believin’ or Lady Gaga-Shallow.
  • I believe kitchens are for dancing.

Noah Burwell

IT Support Specialist

  • I'm originally from David City, NE.
  • Wayne State College Class of 2024 for computer science.
  • I'm a lover of JDM vehicles, but I love working on anything I can get my hands on.
  • I enjoy working with my hands and being on the move. Sitting still is my worst enemy.
  • My dad has passed on his love of building and flying planes to me, and I'm looking to get my pilot's license.
  • Most vacations I go on involve fishing with my dad and my brother.

Chase Gragg

IT Support Specialist

  • I grew up in the Midwest but have lived everywhere from a boat in Florida to a couch in California.
  • I’m currently studying IT Support at Central Community College, but my first try was at Iowa State as an Aerospace Engineer.
  • I’m on scholarship for the Central Community College esports team playing League of Legends.
  • I also serve in the Nebraska Army National Guard as a Retransmission Operator. When one radio is out of range to talk to another, I set up two giant antennas in the middle of nowhere to connect them.
  • I’ll never forget that Harrisburg is the capital of Pennsylvania. I competed in Quiz Bowl at Columbus Public High School, and that trivia question is the reason I finished 2nd instead of 1st in the district. I also won 1st in the KTCH Radio Quiz Bowl competition.

Vaughn Finkral

IT Support Specialist

  • I went to Northeast Community College for two years and am currently at Wayne State to finish.
  • I loved speech and drama during high school but also did football, track, and other extracurriculars.
  • I’m on the esports team at Wayne State and was MVP for the League of Legends team for Spring of 2023.
  • In my free time, I enjoy video games with friends, and on weekends, I love to hang with the boys at the lake or fish.
  • I am deathly terrified of wasps and hornets.

Ron Leimser

IT Support Specialist

  • My wife Susan and I were high school sweethearts. We have an adult son (Aaron) and adult daughter (Sarah), that are both married. We have 1 grandson and another grand baby due in August. We live on our family farm southwest of Columbus.
  • My son and I have a cow/calf operation and also raise chickens and sell eggs.
  • Whenever possible, I hunt and fish, mostly deer, ducks, geese, coons, or whatever is in season.
  • My wife and I are both huge Kansas City Chiefs and Husker fans. We enjoy traveling to KC whenever possible.
  • My grandson is the 5th generation, and our farm will be in our family for 100 years very soon.
  • An "interesting fact," I have never lived anywhere other than our family farm and have never been away from it for more than 10 days at a time.

Jill Petsche

IT Support Specialist

  • Albion native
  • Married my high school sweetheart (and now coworker), Travis—will be 17 years this fall!
  • when we're not busy running to the kids' activities, I enjoy camping, spending time with my faily, playing on an indoor ladies volleyball league/summer sand volleyball, and reading. I'm also guilty of wasting hours binging shows on Netflix.
  • One of the silliest questions I get asked is if my set of boy/girl twins are identical!
  • I am not a morning person. I am not a night owl. I just really like my sleep . . . 😊

Nevan Hoffman

IT Support Specialist

  • Graduated from Fullerton High School in 2016 and Wayne State College in 2020.
  • I grew up in Fullerton and now live in Omaha.
  • I have 3 brothers and 1 sister.
  • I have 5 nieces and 2 nephews with a set of twin nephews on the way.
  • My favorite show recently is HBO's Succession.
  • Applied's resident Mac expert!

Lacey Henn

Customer Service Coordinator

I married my high school sweetheart, Eddie, and together we’re raising two wonderful sons, Cullen and Noah. Our family also includes Zoey, our curious cat, and Mario, our sweet basset hound. We recently moved into our dream home in Albion — a place I’ve loved since I was a little girl. I love baking and sharing homemade treats with family and friends. We’re also big St. Louis Cardinals fans and have made special memories at Busch Stadium cheering them on. Whether it’s family time at home, adventures with our pets, or celebrating our love for baseball, I’m grateful for the life we’re building here.

Andrew Grupp

IT Support Specialist

  • I live in Albion, though I grew up in South Dakota and went to high school in San Diego, California. Albion is home and I absolutely love living here!
  • I have four children who are absolutely following in my nerdy footsteps. They're all into 3D printing and PC gaming.
  • I've worked for Gateway in the past (remember the cow-spotted boxes?) and spent quite a bit of time driving a truck before returning to my tech roots.
  • Hobbies of mine include producing music, writing, making mead and PC gaming.
  • I hold a General class amateur radio license and have built more than a few radio kits.

Heath Murray

IT Support Specialist

  • I was born and raised on a farm southwest of Tilden, NE. I went to country school K-6 and graduated high school from Elkhorn Valley High School in Tilden, NE.
  • My wife Nadine and I now live in Pierce, NE.
  • I attended NECC and received an Associate’s degree in Cyber security and IT support and earned the Comp TIAA Security + certification.
  • We have 5 children Cody, Kenley, Nathan, Sydney and Taylor as well as 6 grandchildren, Colter (6), Taron (4), Mavvis (2), Watson (1), Everett (11 months) and Ryett (8 months).
  • We are fortunate that 3 of our children live within blocks of us, 1 only 13 miles away and the baby of the family finishing school in Kearney, NE.
  • My wife and I raise French bulldogs and are bee-keepers (honey bees).
  • In the free time that we have, we like to spend time with the kids and grandkids.

Will Frey

AVS Technician

  • I was born and raised in Albion, NE.
  • I went to Boone Central and graduated in 2019.
  • I love being outdoors whether its hunting, fishing, camping, or boating.
  • I have a German Shorthair Pointer named Gunner, and he is definitely a hand full.
  • When September 1st rolls around, good luck finding me. I’m usually in a tree stand or out west stalking deer with my bow.

Konnor Gibson

IT Systems Specialist

  • My wife and I live in Sterling, NE, with one dog, three cats, and a turtle.
  • I am from Lincoln.
  • I got my start in IT working at a ISP in Lincoln, and have lots of experience with fiber and wireless service providing.
  • Bomgaars is my favorite store.
  • I’ll take any chance I can to meet a dog.
  • Cereal
  • Cereal Bars
  • Oatmeal
  • Chili spice packets
  • Large cans of tomato juice
  • Chili beans
  • Fruit juices
  • Creamed soups (mushroom, chicken)
  • Spaghetti noodles
  • Spaghetti sauce
  • Tooth brush
  • Tooth paste
  • Detergent
  • Shampoo

Kenley Silhacek

Senior IT Systems Engineer

  • I am born and raised in Pierce, NE. I currently live in Pierce with my wife Joey and 3 boys Colter, Taron, and Watson. We have an incredibly tight-knit family with all of our close family living within a few blocks of each other.
  • I graduated high school from Pierce High School in 2010 and went on to NECC to get my associate's in PC Support and Networking. I later went back to school and took online classes to get my bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity from Bellevue University.
  • I currently run a small business with my brother and best friend that we started in a basement. We make custom duck and goose calls. We started Hammer Calls in 2015 and have grown that into almost a full-time job on its own.
  • I have a long background in IT with working for a local wireless ISP through college and then moved over to Faith Regional doing networking and cybersecurity for 7 years.
  • One of my favorite past times is golfing. With my kids getting older, they love coming along and learning how to play the game. They especially like driving me around in the golf cart now that they are old enough to reach the pedals.

Mason Uhing

IT Support Specialist

  • I just graduated from Northeast Community College with an Associate's Degree in Network Security and Technical Services Support.
  • I graduated from North Bend Central in 2021, while attending high school at North Bend I worked alongside the Technology Coordinator at the school.
  • I grew up in Dodge Nebraska and lived there my entire life before moving to Norfolk for college.
  • In my free time, I enjoy hunting, bowfishing and any vehicle related project.
  • A fun fact about myself is that I own a replica of the Mystery Machine from Scooby-Doo.

Faith Nunn

IT Support Specialist

  • I just graduated from Wayne State College with a degree in Computer Information Systems and a minor in Computer Science.
  • I am originally from Harrison, Nebraska, and grew up on my family's ranch where I was able to work/show cattle and ride horses.
  • My high school graduating class consisted of 6 of us and the high school only had like 30 students attending it.
  • I love the thrill of things like riding dirt bikes, jet skis, cliff jumping, skydiving, etc. I haven't been able to sky dive or ride a jet ski yet, but they are on my bucket list.
  • I was able to travel to Washington D.C. for National History Day my 8th grade year and I would love to travel outside the country soon.

Kara Frey

Administrative Assistant

  • I'm a native of Albion. I graduated from Wayne State College with a bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising.
  • My prior work history includes retail and administrative work. Once upon a time, I worked as an assistant buyer with big dreams of becoming Rachel Green from FRIENDS!  Life threw a curve ball when my husband changed careers, and honestly, I love raising our kids in this little town we grew up in.
  • Knowing that, it's probably no surprise that I think retail therapy is the best kind of therapy. My husband swears the UPS and FedEx drivers high-five as they meet in the driveway.
  • I’m married to Eric and we have 4 girls (Ava, Norah, Mya, and Marah), a dog, and the neighbors farm cats.
  • A little-known fact about me is that I'm remarkably unqualified to be a farmer's wife. I know next to nothing about farming, have no strong desire to learn more, and rarely know what's happening in the field...so please don't ask me. When my husband calls and ever-so-nicely requests I bring food to the field, I immediately start questioning just how much I really love him.

“Lakeview Community Schools has enjoyed our partnership with Applied Connective. They have been incredibly responsive, knowledgeable, and cooperative as we have worked together. Applied Connective has provided a team-like atmosphere in their service!”

Aaron Plas, Superintendent

Lakeview Community Schools

“We have been very pleased with their communication, efficiency, and customer service over the course of the last few years. We would highly recommend ACT to any other schools out there looking for a reliable partner for your technology needs.”

Brandon Detlefsen, Technology Director

Central City Public Schools

“Their service is always reliable and timely, and the staff are very knowledgeable and friendly. Our needs are their #1 priority! Boone Central is beyond grateful to have top-of-the line technology services and customer support.”

Nicole Hardwick, Superintendent

Boone Central Public Schools

“They’ve been with us every step of the way as we implemented phone systems, security cameras, and keypad doors. Their customer service is second to none, and their business knowledge is outstanding.”

Ronda Weber, Technology Coordinator

Burwell Public School

“Applied Connective did an amazing job with our school security cameras. They were very professional and easy to work with. [They’re] patient with our questions and quickly respond when we need some direction. The cameras work great and are very easy to access. Thank you for a job well done!”

Amy Sokol, Principal

St. Anthony's School

Lance Bain

Voice Technician

  • I have lived in Lincoln for nearly 2 decades and recently decided "Hey, why not Albion?" Coincidentally, my fiancée and her two sons live here as well.
  • I was born and raised in small towns around the Kearney area and graduated from Amherst.
  • I'm a big family person. I am the oldest sibling with 6 sisters and 2 brothers, including a twin brother and sister who are 20 years younger than me.
  • I like grilling and BBQ and recently got a black stone that I don't know how to use properly.
  • I played poker well enough in my early years to not need a job, do some cool things, and visit some cool places...but not well enough to retire on a beach somewhere forever.
  • I almost instantly know the answers to basic multiplication tables. Somehow this hasn't made me a millionaire yet.

Brigitte Burbach

HR Manager

  • I have the sweetest fur-baby, a “Chuggle” named Trixie. She is mix of Chihuahua and Pug & Beagle.
  • I grew up on a farm, but never learned to drive any of the farm equipment…..or a stick shift.
  • I unknowingly ran a half marathon with a stress fracture in my leg.
  • I love to do CrossFit.

Clay Anderson

IT Support Specialist

  • I believe technology isn't a knowledge to be kept secret by a few, but a tool to be leveraged in order to help many. I truly love making technology make sense for everyone.
  • After some related education, I spent a little over six years planning, implementing and maintaining wireless and wired networks and systems, receiving a crash course in all things LAN/WAN, Linux/Unix.
  • I serve as the Technical Lead at my church North Park in Columbus.
  • God has blessed my beautiful wife Rebekah and I with three children, Reuben, Agnes, and Thurston.
  • Multi-year recipient, World's Best Dad.

Brandon Petersen

Relationship Manager & IT Engineer

Relationship Manager/IT Engineer – I work side by side with our clients to ensure they are receiving the best value from our products and services, offer insights to improve their workflows, and resolve any issues that may arise as fast as possible.

  • My wife Jamie, along with our 3 kids, Haylea, Elijah, and Noah, live south of Stanton on our family farm. We enjoy going to all of our kids' sports, activities, and school events.
  • I graduated from Northeast Community College with a degree in Computer Programming. Over the last 20 years, I've covered a wide range of technology fields. Manufacturing, Healthcare, Telecommunications, Agriculture, supporting organizations from 5 to 1,500 employees, I've done a little bit of everything.
  • In my free time, I love to work outside on the farm or in the garage. We raise goats, chickens, ducks, and the occasional raccoon or potbelly pig.
  • This is actually my second time working at Applied Connective. I previously worked here from 2011-2012.
  • Our American Bulldog, Tucker, is a great-grandson of the dog "Chance" from the movie Homeward Bound.
  • I originally went to college on a Caterpillar scholarship to be a Diesel Technician.

Logan Niewohner

IT Systems Specialist

  • I have been married almost two years to my high school sweetheart (been together almost eight years). She works as a pharmacy technician, pursuing her masters in social work. We live in Albion, along with our two golden retrievers Tigg & Mercy.
  • I've always been the first to volunteer when my family needed anything fixed with their computers, tvs, phones, or anything else. I've been repairing electronic devices and offering troubleshooting to the community for the last six months.
  • I really enjoy video games, whether it be on the computer or console. I was in the top 1,000 players on the COD of leaderboards a few years ago.
  • In my spare time, I'm usually spending time with my wife and family as they bring me the most happiness in life.
  • I went from having 10 kids in my class though middle school to having over 60 in high school when we moved to Albion.
  • I actually like mowing and landscaping our yard!

Justin Borgmann

Level 1 IT Technician

As a level 1 IT Technician, I assist customers in their daily IT needs, and respond to any issues that may arise.

  • I was born and raised in Norfolk, and have lived there for all but 3 years, which I spent in Lincoln, NE. I enjoy spending time outdoors, camping and boating, and following my favorite sports teams, the Huskers and the Cubs.
  • I love to travel, and try to attend a Husker football road game yearly. My favorite two cities I’ve visited are San Diego and Chicago.
  • I spend several weekends every summer in the Yankton, SD, area, camping and boating with family and friends.
  • I’m very family-oriented, and enjoy spending time with my immediate and extended family. I have one older brother, who is married and living in Lincoln. I try to visit them and my two nephews as often as possible!
  • While my golf game is in need of some serious professional help, I enjoy getting out on the course on the weekends when I can.

Bryce Molt

Level 1 IT Technician

As a Level 1 IT Technician, I provide general help desk support for clients.

  • I graduated from Cedar Rapids Public Schools in 2009 and attended CCC in Columbus, NE.
  • I have a very large family and most live in the Boone County area. 21 first cousins and 15 second cousins.
  • During the summer, my brother races a couple nights a week, and I help him out on the car getting it ready for the track.
  • My family and I like to go camping during the summer and enjoy finding new places. This year, my nephew Axton will join in on the fun.
  • I like to attend local sporting events or any Husker event. This past year was not a good year, but hopefully next fall, that’ll change.

Weston Ray

Warehouse

  • I am happily married to my wife, Kelli Ray, who is a PA at Boone County Health Center in Albion.
  • We have been blessed with four children, Sawyer, Harlow, Asher, and Willow, and we have two cats and one dog.
  • I’m ambidextrous.
  • I’m an avid hunter and have taken two Boone & Crocket Bucks.
  • I enjoy golf, but baseball has always been my favorite sport. Growing up, if you couldn’t find me, all you had to do was look for the closest diamond. Speaking of baseball, I’m a HUGE Cubs fan.

Casey Schalk

AVS Technician

My role as a general technician at Applied Connective is primarily to work with the AVS crew to install and configure surveillance, internet, security, and voice technologies.

  • I’m a Boone County native, born and raised.
  • I went to elementary, junior high, and high school in Cedar Rapids and graduated from Southeast Community College in Lincoln with an associate’s degree in Fire Protection before moving home to Cedar in 2011.
  • My wife and I have known each other since being young tikes. We got married in 2017 and started our own little family, adding two boys, Riggins and Pierce.
  • I am a die-hard Detroit Lions fan (even through the 0-16 season)! Not many people would stick around to see the bad (and the really bad) and continue to cheer on the same team for a lifetime. I would say a “bucket list” item for me is to live to see the Lions make the Super Bowl.

Grady Higgins

IT Support Specialist

  • I live in Newman Grove with my wife Cara and two daughters. I originally grew up in Grand Island and left after high school to enlist in the US Air Force. My wife’s family is from the Newman Grove area, and we love being able to call it home.
  • In the USAF, I trained as a Communications-Computer Systems Operator and learned computer maintenance and repair with some network administration. I’ve worked for 12 years as a 911 dispatcher helping the public.
  • Ever since leaving the military, computers and computer gaming have been hobbies that I enjoy.
  • Genealogy is another hobby I have gotten into the last few years, and it has become more of an addiction than hobby!
  • I come from a family with lots of military and public safety history and we are always proud to serve near and far.

Eric Beckman

AVS Project Foreman

  • I graduated from Elgin Public in 2002 and never attended college.
  • I still live in Elgin with my wife Anney of 18 years along with our children Jeslynn, Taylor, and Benson.
  • I ran my own trucking business for 14 years until I decided to head in a different direction in life.
  • I really enjoy working with my hands, especially building things or taking stuff apart to see how it works and putting it back together.
  • I have been a Kansas City Chiefs fan for a long time (even though they were terrible for most of it), so in the fall, I try to spend all weekend watching football!

Kris Wright

General Technician

My role as General Technician includes installation and troubleshooting of door access and camera security systems.

  • I have been married to my wife, Jamie, for 17 years and have two wonderful children, Lauryn and Kaleb
  • I’ve spent the last 11 years as a residential and small business technician for cable contractor for Cox communications and, recently, Eagle Communications here in the Albion area.
  • I enjoy helping coach my kids sporting events and, when not coaching, traveling to watch them play.
  • My favorite past-time—besides sitting in my chair—is grilling. There is nothing better then being outside smoking a pork butt or beef brisket all day.

Mikki Mangus

General Accountant

Some of my duties as General Accountant include payroll, accounts receivable, accounts payable and reconciliation. I am happy that I am part of the Applied Connective Team.

  • I live in Albion with my husband Tom. Between the two of use we have six kids, three boys & three girls, kind of like the Brady Bunch.
  • I have been doing payroll, bookkeeping, and income tax preparation for nearly 25 years. I enjoy working with numbers and the challenges that go along with it.
  • I love spending time with family, cooking, and being outdoors. When all six kids are home, it gets loud, crazy, and fun.
  • During the summer, I spend almost every weekend at Calamus lake, boating, fishing, and camping.
  • Mikki is actually my nickname. My real name is Antoinette.
  • My guilty pleasure is Snickers ice cream bars.

Heidi Kahlo

IT Technician

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Eric Petsche

General Technician

My role as a general technician at Applied Connective is primarily to work with the AVS crew to install and configure surveillance, security, Internet, and voice technologies.

  • I’m a born-and-raised Boone County native.
  • I went to elementary school in Petersburg, high school at Boone Central here in Albion, graduated with a degree in business administration from Southeast Community College in Lincoln, and moved back to Petersburg in 2015.
  • My wife, Tori, and I have known each other since junior high, and we are happily married with three kids, Jade, Lexi, and Reid.
  • As a kid in tee ball, I’ve was dubbed “Pockets” because I’d run the bases with my hands in my pockets, and it continues to be a nickname I hear often today.
  • I’m a die-hard Green Bay Packers fan.

Kelsi Funk

IT Systems Specialist

  • I grew up in a small town called Prague, which has a population of about 300 people.
  • I attended Northeast Community College and graduated with an associate's degree in Information Technology in Cisco Networking and Internet Security in 2019. I graduated with my bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity through Bellevue University in 2021.
  • I love spending time with my family. I have one sister name Mikala and 2 dogs named Oppi & Rexx.
  • I have one niece named Harper and one nephew named Braxton. They both enjoy spending time with their auntie.
  • I am OBSESSED with shoes. I only have about 85 pairs.
  • My favorite thing to do on the weekends is go shopping, attend concerts, and spend time with my family and friends.
  • I love watching Husker volleyball.

Chase Thieman

AVS Technician

My role as an AVS technician at Applied Connective is to work with the AVS team to install and configure surveillance, security, internet, and voice technologies.

  • I went to Boone Central from preschool all the way through high school, graduating in 2020. I was raised in Petersburg and plan on living there my whole life.
  • I enjoy spending my free time outdoors doing activities like hunting, fishing, working on the farm, hiking, and many more activities.
  • I’m a big-time Husker fan and enjoy watching all their games no matter what sport it is.
  • My favorite outdoor activity is hunting, and I spend most of evening either hunting or preparing to hunt (checking trail cameras, practicing archery, and hanging tree stands).
  • The only vegetables I like are corn and potatoes.

Cody Banzhaf

IT Manager

  • My wife, Stephanie, and I have four daughters and a dog named Cletus.
  • We enjoy a variety of outdoor camping activities, including camping and boating.
  • I am a former GM and raid leader of a successful WoW guild.
  • I’ve been the recipient of multiple Nebraska Master Angler Awards over the years.
  • When I was younger, I had a SWEET mullet—of which my coworkers absolutely insist I supply photographic evidence.
  • In 2002, I was the Nebraska State Wrestling Champion.

Eric Henn

Voice Technician

My job is to do whatever Ed tells me to. Just kidding…sort of. I am part of the voice group.

  • I graduated from Neligh-Oakdale high school in 2006 and Wayne State College in 2011 with a degree in K-12 Health/PE.
  • My wife, Alyssa, and I have three kids, Hazel, Emmett, and Charlie. Alyssa is an RN at Boone County Heath Center and is the exact same person as me…only in a woman’s body.
  • I love the sport of wrestling and have been participating/coaching since I was 5.
  • I am a proud team member of “Buff’s Dairy,” the 2017 Neligh Men’s Bowling League Champions.
  • Until I was about 18, I thought the lyrics to “Smoke on the Water” were “Stone Covered Water.”
  • I do not like pizza cheese or cold cheese. All other cheese is fine.

Alex Herstedt

Telecom / IT Technician

As a Telecom/IT Technician, I work with traditional and hosted phone systems.

  • I’m married to my wonderful wife, Kaitlin, and we have two daughters and a son, Jillian, Abigail, and Matthew.
  • I have an AAS in Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management and a BS in Information Technology.
  • I was a chef for almost 8 years before switching career fields.
  • I like to collect ferrite cores to irritate one particular colleague here at work.
  • I’ve been serving in the National Guard since 2008.
  • I am an ordained minister through the Universal Life Church.

Scott Whaley

Level 2 IT Technician

I’m part of the IT team at Applied Connective, so my days are spent setting up new PCs for customers; troubleshooting broken PCs, printers, etc., and installing new hardware.  

  • I have experience in large steel construction and general IT.
  • I’m from Sioux Falls, SD, and studied political science at USD before moving to Albion in 2017.
  • I enjoy watching the Chicago Bears & Detroit Tigers.
  • I’ve been to all of the lower 48 states.
  • My family and close friends call me Scoot.
  • My guilty pleasure: I love to sing along to Jewel.
  • I could not live without Red Bull.
  • My favorite singer is Tom Petty, and I’ve seen him in concert three times.

Jessi Larson

Creative & Marketing

I’m in charge of creative content development and marketing—advertising, design, copywriting, PR, and social media as well as coordinating our philanthropy efforts—a wide variety, and I love it.

  • I live in my hometown of Albion with my husband Kyle, our daughter Kacey, our son Finn, and our yellow lab Huckleberry.
  • We recreate different Christmas movie scenes for our holiday card every year—because we’re the jolliest bunch of [impersonators] this side of the nuthouse.
  • I studied Advertising at UNL and worked in marketing as a project manager and copywriter in Omaha before joining Applied Connective in 2017.
  • I am: Idealistic, a tragically pitchy singer, mostly Czech, double-jointed in one thumb, and still patiently waiting for “Mambo No. 6.”
  • My faith and family are most important to me, and I'm a big believer in the power of sunshine, gratitude, and a solid 90s power ballad to turn your day around.

Matt Childress

Relationship Manager

  • I graduated from Midland University with a degree in Business Administration, concentration in Management Information Systems.
  • I grew up in Colorado Springs, but after meeting my wife, Brittany, in college, decided move back to her hometown: Albion.
  • I enjoy spending my time aimlessly walking around Menard’s.
  • I am a huge baseball fan. My favorite team is the Colorado Rockies.
  • I am slowly but surely becoming a Boone Central Cardinal fan, and I am probably the annoying and way-too-intense guy that you hear yelling at the game.
  • I buy Ranch dressing by the gallon because I basically drink it with my meals.

Sara Rasmussen

IT Service Manager

  • My husband, Cody, and I have two daughters, two dogs, two donkeys, a mama cat, and sheep.
  • I’m originally from Albion and am happy to live around all our family and friends.
  • I’m fascinated by the medical field. I’ve worked in medical facilities and to keep my interest piqued, I became an EMT.
  • I enjoy learning how to fix/build things. All of my family and friends are gifted in a vast variety of things, so I feel I’m always learning something new from them.
  • Notification bubbles on phones/computers drive me crazy!

Nathan Niewohner

IT Project Manager

  • My wife, Ashley, and I are parents to Greyson, Emersyn, and Carsyn. The five of us live in Elgin with our Huskie, Rex.
  • I graduated from Northeast Community College with an Associate’s Degree of Applied Science in PC Support and Networking (and also had an equal amount of music classes for my degree in college).
  • I wish spiked hair and reversed upside-down visors would come back in style.
  • In my free time I enjoy cooking, grilling, baking, or anything that involves food.
  • One of my proudest accomplishments is passing the Nebraska Firefighter 1 certification.

Justin Niewohner

AVS Project Manager

I fit customers with the right surveillance, security, internet, phone, and audio-visual systems for their specific needs.

  • My wife, Betsy, and I have two daughters, Julia and Emma.
  • I graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
  • I play in weekly leagues of golf, basketball, and flag football throughout the year.
  • I am a “bourbon geek.” When we grocery shop, I spend at least 20 minutes (or until my wife tells me it’s time to go) in the wine and spirits section looking up bourbon ratings before I make a purchase.
  • I am usually around a smoker on the weekends. I love barbecuing: pork butt, brisket, ribs, chicken, turkey, pork loin, etc.

Ryan Robinson

AVS Service Technician

I provide and coordinate technical services and support for infrastructure, access control, surveillance, and audio/video solutions.

  • I live on our family farm near Cedar Rapids, NE (yes, Nebraska has a Cedar Rapids too!) along with my wife, Sarah, and our two children, Reagan and Flynn.
  • I have a degree in Architectural Drafting and also have a strong Ag and Construction background.
  • I love spending time with my family, whether it be taking an evening drive, playing with the dog in the yard, or just relaxing at night watching our favorite shows and listening to our favorite music.
  • I’m a HUGE Dwight Yoakam fan! I’ve also managed to get my wife hooked and am currently doing my best to mold my kids to follow me into Dwight Yoakam fandom. This makes family road trips more like a Dwight Concert!
  • My hobbies are few, but I can’t get enough of them. Hunting and woodworking are passions of mine. They require patience, adaptability, skill, attention to detail, and the ability to always keep your end-goal in sight—and I apply those skills to all aspects of my life, particularly when implementing today’s high-tech solutions for our customers.
  • My mantra is “Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome.” If you’re ever in a tough spot, just remember those three things!

Jarod Dendinger

VP of Business Development

My role here at Applied Connective centers on business development, so that involves assisting our team in focusing on value-added processes as well as leveraging technology to provide solutions for our business partners that support them in continued success and growth.

  • I have been married to my lovely wife, Shelby, since 2016. We have a daughter named Elliot and two sons named Jackson and Miles as well as a furry son, Dennis the Goldendoodle.
  • I grew up in Norfolk, NE and went to a high school that shall not be named. (Go Knights!) I graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and majored in Management Information Systems.
  • I have worked in IT since 2006 and have had the privilege of working in many different facets of IT. I have dabbled in helpdesk support, networking, industrial automation, development, organizational change management, and corporate business system (ERP) implementation.
  • I took 10 years of piano lessons growing up, and played bass guitar in a band “Rhymes with Orange” with my two older brothers – Eric and Jake (I’m the youngest of three). (Check us out on Spotify!)
  • I grew up on an acreage in the middle of Norfolk, NE where my Dad continues to grow some of the best sweet corn in Northeast Nebraska. The sweet corn business really took off when me and my older brother would sell it door to door around our neighborhood with our garden tractor and trailer.
  • I absolutely love being near or on any body of water, when I get to go fishing that is an added bonus. I spend as much time as I possibly can in the summer up at our family cabin on the Missouri River.
  • Similar to Will, I like bowling, darts, yard games, cards and board games. I know he has troubles finding people to join him, so if he ever reads this, I would gladly participate with him.

Will Zoucha

VP of Operations

  • My wife, Megan, and I have two school-age children, Aurora and Miles, and live three miles south of Fullerton. I grew up in Cedar Rapids, NE, and attended Wayne State College, which is where I met Megan.
  • Outside the office, I try to spend as much free time with my family as possible. We like to work outside and sit around a fire and listen to music. We’re also starting to spend a significant amount of time playing/watching/traveling to softball, baseball, volleyball, football, basketball, swimming, 4-H, etc., etc., etc.
  • I am the longest-tenured employee at Applied Connective, not counting the Boss. I’ve seen a lot of really great things happen here and am excited for what’s to come.
  • I like bowling, yard games, cards, and board games. I am very competitive and have been informed that I am unpleasant to be around when having lost.
  • During football season, my Sunday afternoons and evenings have been and will be marked as “busy” on my schedule for many years. We also try to attend at least one NFL and one Nebraska game each season.

Ed Knott

President

As President at Applied Connective, I am responsible for organizational direction and general oversight of all product/service areas.

  • My wife, Colleen, is an RN, and we have 3 children.
  • I grew up on a small farming/ranching operation north of Taylor, NE, and received my bachelor’s degree at Doane College.
  • Life is crazy busy, but if I get some free time, I like to enjoy it outdoors…preferably fishing or hunting.
  • Co-workers love my unrealistic but realistic expectations for task completion…
  • My wife would kill me if I volunteer for one more thing. I’m currently involved with or have been a member of Boone Central School Board, Teammates Advisory Board, Albion Citizens Advisory Board, Boone County Fitness Center Board.
  • I’m proud and privileged to work alongside some of the brightest and best individuals in the area.

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