Honorees Reflect Innovation and Leadership Across Multiple Sectors
The Nebraska Business Hall of Fame is set to welcome five exceptional individuals, including two former state lawmakers, in a ceremony scheduled for January 30, 2025, at the Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel. This year’s inductees exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit and innovative leadership that have contributed to the state’s economic growth and vibrant business environment.
The 2025 inductees include John Stinner and Matt Williams, both former Nebraska state senators and seasoned bankers, alongside Paul and Lori Hogan, founders of the renowned home care service Home Instead. Rounding out the group is Mike Boyle, the CEO of Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp. in Lincoln, who has played a key role in the company’s success and in producing the winner of Nebraska’s “Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska” competition.
The Legacy of John Stinner and Matt Williams: Banking and Public Service
John Stinner and Matt Williams, both seasoned bankers and former state lawmakers, bring a wealth of experience in business and public service to the Hall of Fame.
Stinner, originally from Pennsylvania, moved to western Nebraska in the late 1970s after completing his education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. With a master’s degree in economics, Stinner co-founded Western States Bank in Gering, which has since become a major player in Nebraska’s banking sector. Over the years, his bank expanded to more than a dozen locations across the state. His political career began when he was elected to the Nebraska Legislature in 2014, where he served two terms, contributing his expertise in finance and community development.
Matt Williams, a native of Gothenburg, Nebraska, also found his calling in banking, following in the footsteps of his family’s long involvement in the sector. After earning a law degree from the University of Nebraska, Williams helped lead Flatwater Bank and became active in both the Nebraska Bankers Association and the American Bankers Association. He also served eight years in the Nebraska Legislature, where he introduced the Safe2Help call line to improve school safety, earning him recognition for his dedication to education.
Key Contributions of Stinner and Williams:
- Stinner: Founding Western States Bank and expanding its reach across Nebraska.
- Williams: Founding Flatwater Bank, leading national banking associations, and championing school safety legislation.
Paul and Lori Hogan: From Humble Beginnings to Global Impact with Home Instead
Paul and Lori Hogan’s induction into the Nebraska Business Hall of Fame highlights their incredible journey from starting a small business to building Home Instead into a global leader in senior care services.
Founded in 1994, Home Instead grew from a single office to a worldwide network of over 1,200 franchise locations in 14 countries. The company, which provides essential senior home care services, has significantly impacted families and caregivers around the world. The company merged with Honor Technology Inc. in 2021 but continues to operate under the Home Instead brand.
Lori Hogan, a former Miss Nebraska USA, has become a recognized advocate for families and children, serving on several boards, including the Autism Action Partnership and Nebraska Family Alliance. Paul Hogan’s expertise in senior care led him to become a member of the World Dementia Council and co-author the USA Today bestseller “States of Senior Care.”
Home Instead’s Global Reach:
- 1,200+ franchise locations across 14 countries.
- Partnership with Honor Technology Inc. in 2021.
- Co-authors of “States of Senior Care.”
Mike Boyle: Leading Kawasaki Motors into a New Era
Mike Boyle’s remarkable journey with Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp. has been marked by his steady rise from process engineer to president and CEO. Boyle, a University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduate, joined Kawasaki as a process engineer in the early 1990s. Over the years, his work contributed to the launch of new product lines, including jet skis and motorcycles, and the development of robotic welding cells.
His leadership saw the Lincoln plant win the prestigious title of “Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska” with the R211 subway car in 2022. Under Boyle’s direction, Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp. has not only grown in global stature but has also fostered innovation within Nebraska’s manufacturing sector. His appointment as president and CEO in 2022 made history, as he became the first non-Japanese leader of Kawasaki’s global operations.
Key Achievements of Mike Boyle:
- Led Kawasaki to win the “Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska” contest.
- Became the first non-Japanese CEO of Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing.
- Developed innovative products, including motorcycles and jet skis.
Nebraska Business Hall of Fame: Celebrating Contributions to State’s Economy
The Nebraska Business Hall of Fame was established in 1992 by the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Business. Its purpose is to recognize business leaders who have made significant contributions to Nebraska’s economy, job market, and business community.
With more than 135 inductees since its inception, the Hall of Fame continues to honor the grit, perseverance, and innovation of business leaders across the state. This year’s class of inductees—representing banking, senior care, manufacturing, and more—truly reflects the diverse sectors that contribute to Nebraska’s success.
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