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Living our values.

The ripple effects of small acts can be extraordinary. Let’s take opportunities to lift up those who could use a little help. Our philanthropy program exists to more closely align our time & effort with our values in order to do more good. And in the immortal words of Montel Jordan…

This Is How We Do It
Applied Connective Team Jack Day View
Applied Connective Assembled Birthday Boxes View
Applied Connective Recognizes Colorectal Cancer Awareness View
Teammate Of The Year Award Applied Connective View
Blessings In A Backpack View
Applied Connective Food Drive View
Applied Connective Gift Wrapping View
Christmas Gift Wrapping View
Colorectal Cancer Awareness At Applied Connective View
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Team Jack Teammate of the Year

At the 2024 Team Jack Gala, Ed Knott was awarded the Team Jack “Teammate of the Year” award. His involvement in Team Jack dates back to the foundation’s inception in 2013 and his connection to the Hoffman family predates Jack’s diagnosis. Applied Connective and Team Jack have been “big fans” of one another since the foundation’s inception.

In addition to regular financial support, and tech support for that matter, Applied Connective also offers in-kind and discounted labor to Team Jack, puts on an annual month-long fundraiser, and powers its annual radiothon. 

Applied Connective supports the food pantry view

Annual Food Drive

Applied Connective Wraps Presents For Christmas Blessings View

Christmas Blessings

Fulfilling the wish list of several families in Albion and Columbus

Applied Connective Supports Feed the Farmers View

Feed the Farmers at Harvest

We teamed up with US92 and Kayton International to feed local farmers in line for Cargill just down the road from our Albion Headquarters.

Applied Connective Technologies hosts fundraiser for pediatric brain cancer View

Big Summer Kickoff for Team Jack

We teamed up with US92 and Kayton International to feed local farmers in line for Cargill just down the road from our Albion Headquarters.

Applied Connective supports TeamJack view

TeamJack

We could not love TeamJack more. It’s been our pleasure to support this team of world-changers since day one, and we plan to continue our support for many years to come.

Team Jack Radiothon

We’ve been proud to power this annual fundraising event since it began in 2013.

Colorectal Cancer Awareness View

Colorectal Cancer Awareness

Lighting our building up with blue lights and supporting the cause by wearing blue! Screening is important; early detection makes a difference.

Applied Connective Winter Coat Drive View

Coat Drive

Supporting local shelters by donating new or gently used cold weather gear.

Applied Connective Pediatric Brain Cancer Event View

Benne(fi)tt Matball Fundraiser

A teachers versus staff matball game and fundraising event to support the Bennett family, a local family whose daughter is battling a pediatric brain tumor.

Pediatric Brain Cancer Fundraising

Rallying local businesses to display rainbow art in support of a local third grader battling a pediatric brain tumor and donating to TeamJack in honor of her.

Applied Connective Technologies Supports Blessings In A Backpack View

Blessings in a Backpack

Applied Connective packages meals for Blessings in a Backpack twice a year.

Applied Connective Donates To Lego League View

Donating Laptops to Lego League

We love supporting local lego leagues and robotics clubs with financial support & donation of equipment!

Applied Connective supports Habitat for Humanity View

Habitat for Humanity Blitz Build

Building a home for a very deserving family in Columbus, NE.

Applied Connective Charity Golf Event View

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Golf

Operation Gratitude

Every year after Halloween, we send leftover candy to deployed troops.

Winter Clothing Drive

Winter clothing collected to be donated to area youth in need.

50/50 Spree

To celebrate reaching 50 employees, Ed gave everybody $50 to keep and $50 to give to a worthy cause.

Applied Connective Valero Food Drive 2024 View

ACT & Valero Food Drive

In 2024, we challenged another local business to a food drive competition…and won (barely)!

Ed Knott and Applied Connective Technologies are iPledge members for the Columbus Area United Way View

iPledge

Supporting the incredible work of the Columbus Area United Way

Blood Mobile

Many of our employees donate blood regularly.

Breast Cancer Awareness T-Shirt Drive

Proceeds are donated to the Cancer Care Program at Boone County Health Center to purchase gas and grocery gift cards for local cancer patients undergoing treatment.

Boone Beginnings In-Kind Work

Support for our local high-quality daycare center meant involvement from day one. We’re so grateful to have such an impressive and awesome facility in small-town Nebraska. We provided the infrastructure, surveillance, access control, and technical components of the facility in kind.

Santa Buddies

Employees each pick residents at local nursing homes whose wish lists to fulfill. We then deliver them to the residents on their annual Christmas parties.

"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted."

-Aesop

Organizations we love to love.

There are so many good people doing wonderful things in the world. Here are a few causes that are near and dear to our hearts. If you feel moved to help (or just want to learn more), click the slides! 

TeamJack
We could not love TeamJack more. Research for pediatric brain cancer is sorely under-funded, and the world-changers at TeamJack are working to fund more research to find a cure. Join the fight!
Help Here
We're With You, Claire Bennett
Claire Bennett is an Albion 9-year-old who is battling a pediatric brain tumor.
Help Here
Blessings in a Backpack
Blessings in a Backpack mobilizes communities, individuals, and resources to provide food on the weekends for school-aged children across America who might otherwise go hungry.
Help Here
Habitat for Humanity of Columbus
Learn More Here
Sammy's Superheroes
Based in Columbus, NE, their mission is to raise awareness and fund life-saving research for all types of childhood cancer.
Help Here
BCHC Cancer Care Program
An exceptional program that helps local cancer patients the toll it takes by donating gas and grocery gift cards as well as other supporting services. Our very own Sara Rasmussen donates her time and talents to help women undergoing chemotherapy learn about safe and healthy makeup and wig styling.
Learn More Here

Habitat for Humanity

We do it because

This is bigger than us.

We believe every-day interactions are not obligations but opportunities to leave people a little better than we found them.

We do it because

We like people.

We may be tech people, but frankly, we’re people-people. We feel privileged to serve the communities who have given us so much and who have supported us since day one. And while we may be a company who specializes in technology, we know nothing can replace human connection. 

Applied Connective Pediatric Brain Cancer Event View

We do it because

"With great power

comes great responsibility."

We’re not sharing to pat ourselves on the back. We’re sharing because these are wonderful causes, and we want to use the platform we have to help amplify their messages. (And yes, that’s a quote from Spiderman.)

Making an impact (and a splash in the headlines)

Here are some of our more recent philanthropy initiatives in the news.

Applied Connective iPledge Supporter View

Applied Connective is a 2024 #iPLEDGE supporter!

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September 25, 2024
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Industry News, Philanthropy, Press & Accolades
Applied Connective And Valero Food Drive Competition View

[ALBION NEWS]: Local companies compete for charity

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September 6, 2024
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Industry News, Philanthropy, Press & Accolades
Bryce Molt With Albion's First Lego League Team View

Supporting future techies

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July 17, 2024
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Philanthropy, Press & Accolades
Team Jack Gala View

[TEAM JACK NEWS] 11th Annual Team Jack Gala Raises Over $720,000 for Childhood Brain Cancer Research

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April 3, 2024
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Philanthropy, Press & Accolades
Applied Connective Technologies Wins Teammate Of The Year Award From Team Jack In Lincoln View

[ALBION NEWS]: Ed Knott receives ‘Team Jack’ award, wants focus on pediatric cancer treatment

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April 3, 2024
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Philanthropy, Press & Accolades

Applied Connective is a managed technology services provider offering expert managed IT, phone, physical security, infrastructure, and audio/video solutions to partners throughout Nebraska and beyond. For the past 20 years, we’ve been helping our customers leverage technology to become their most secure, efficient, and profitable. 

  • M-F: 8am to 5pm

ALBION (HQ)
(402) 395-6924
2585 NE-14
Albion, NE 68620

LINCOLN
(402) 792-5501
701 P St #302
Lincoln, NE 68508

NORFOLK
(402) 379-1899
321 W Norfolk Ave Suite 400
Norfolk, NE 68701

COLUMBUS
(402) 563-4224
3629 23rd St
Columbus, NE 68601

ELKHORN
(402) 939-8808
20101 Franklin Cir Suite A
Elkhorn, NE 68022

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After all, "connect" is our middle name!

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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

Administrative Assistant

  • I married my high school sweetheart
  • My husband, Edward, sons Cullen, Noah and I live in Albion.
  • In my free time, you can probably catch me snuggling my boys or hanging with my family and friends.
  • We have a mini aussie named Millie and a cat named Zoey.
  • Fall is my absolute favorite season. I love the weather and bringing my boys to the pumpkin patch.
  • I finally tried sushi a few years ago and now I cannot get enough.
  • My husband and I's favorite sports team is the St. Louis Cardinals. We like watching them play on tv and have been fortunate enough to travel to St. Louis a few times to watch them.

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 Norfolk, NE, with one dog, three cats, and a turtle.
  • I am from Lincoln, and moved to Norfolk in 2021.
  • 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 after moving here in 2021.
  • 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 a bunch of farm cats.
  • A little known fact about me is I’m NOT an animal lover—especially of cats. I rank them just slightly above a rodent, but here I am, living the dream tripping over a herd of cats every time I step outside my door.

“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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