Business Ethics, Walk the Talk

Armando Salgado is an old school entrepreneur, that is to say, when the question “Why is nobody out here doing this?” would come up, his immediate instinct was to say “Well, looks like it’s gonna be me!”

Now, with over 15 years of experience in real estate, marketing and advertising, and a growing expertise in fundraising for nonprofits, publishing, creating a shipping and distribution enterprise, construction contracts and more, add to Armando’s ever growing list to answer the question, “So, what do you do?”

What he does this week is join Blake in the Webberized studio to talk about his role as creator and president of the Latino Economic Development Council and the ideas they are laying out for not only south omaha but for the whole city’s economic future. Looking at the ways to attract more business, and how companies must be flexible and willing to change their approaches. Through his experience, Armando challenges the old methods and why they won't work in a fast-evolving market. And how some of the big, older companies will resist change due to their current success, and miss why that adaptability is crucial for staying competitive and tapping into the fastest-growing markets, especially in finance and life insurance, among the folks that may speak a different language than you.

A talk about looking ahead isn’t complete without recounting the path that led us here. Armando breaks down the beginning of his journey, from times he had to get by while completely alone, to having the outreach he needed to see the correct path forward for him and the community.

Catch the latest episode of the BEA’s Walk the Talk Pod, with your host Blake Peterson.

Send us a text

In this episode, Blake and Tony sit down to talk about the relationship between business and politics.
Visit Tony's website: https://www.vargasfornebraska.com/
About Tony:
Tony Vargas has served Nebraskans as an elected official for the last decade. Tony learned the values of community, hard work, and perseverance from his parents, who, coming from humble beginnings, sacrificed everything to provide their children with an opportunity for a brighter future. No matter how busy the family was, they had dinner together every night, where his parents encouraged Tony to “stay grounded, but reach for the stars.”

Tony devoted his career to public service and improving opportunities for all Nebraskans. He has served our community since 2013, first as a member of the Omaha Public Schools Board and then as a member of the Nebraska Legislature. As a senator, Tony has developed a reputation for civility and working with anyone to get things done for Nebraska workers and small businesses.

He has successfully passed legislation to strengthen our public schools, improve access to health care, encourage technology and innovation, and improve consumer protections.

Tony began his career as a public-school teacher, receiving “Most Outstanding Teacher” and “Teacher of the Year” awards, and has worked in the non-profit and education sectors, striving to improve the quality of life and educational opportunities for thousands of children across the United States.

The first generation of his family to graduate college, Tony earned his Bachelors of Arts degree at the University of Rochester and a Masters in Education at Pace University. Tony and his wife, Lauren, are raising their two young kids, Ava and Luca, in Omaha. They are proud parishioners of St. Frances Cabrini Church, where Tony and Lauren were married.

Send us a text

Makayla McMorris and Kristi Andersen are the beating heart at the core of Moxie 16, a boutique integrated communications marketing firm focused on public & media relations, crisis communications, social media, content development, and more. With decades of the Highest-Level Experience, from guiding UNO through the minefield of covid precautions and addressing disinformation, to key role in defining Omaha Metro’s Entertainment growth.
Communications, event management, journalism and more, from a powerhouse of two boss women, leading in and leading the way on this episode of ‘Walk the Talk’ hosted by Blake Peterson, and brought to you by the Business Ethics Alliance of Omaha.

Send us a text

On this episode, Blake and Van sit down to discuss reinventing yourself both in business, and personally.
Van's Website: https://vandeeb.com/
Van's new book: https://vandeeb.com/baxter-my-first-dog-at-59/
Book Van to speak at your company: https://vandeeb.com/speaking/
Big Omaha Realty: https://bigomaharealty.com/
About Van,
Van Deeb is the country’s foremost expert on building relationships and is dedicated to helping others become successful in the sales and service industry. He has inspired tens of thousands of professionals throughout the country to succeed through his motivational and informative keynote speeches, workshops, speaking events, newsletters, and books.

Van learned from an early age that if he wanted something, he was going to have to work for it. Growing up, Van was nonconforming, rebellious and had his own agenda. A turning point in his life was making the football team at University of Nebraska-Omaha, after being told he was not “cut out for it.” Making the football team ahead of some of his all-state high school teammates gave Van the mindset that with drive, desire, and determination you can accomplish anything you want in life. That is Van’s main message.
After college, Van left his hometown to attend a real estate specialty school in Dallas, Texas and discovered his passion, the real estate business. Over the next 10 years, Van won more than 100 regional and national sales awards as a successful real estate agent in Dallas. Van decided to returnhome to Omaha, Nebraska. Three of the Omaha’s top real estate firms aggressively recruited Van, but he was determined to build his own firm. When he launched DEEB Realty in 1993, Van worked as the sole agent from the basement of his home. In just 15 years, Van grew DEEB Realty to over 350 agents, making it one of the largest independent firms in the United States.
The success of the company relied heavily on Van’s ‘people first’ philosophy. By providing superior training and setting agent-friendly policies, DEEB Realty flourished. With his leadership and direction, DEEB Realty developed a reputation as having a work environment and culture that was unmatchable in the industry. Van revolutionized the way real estate companies were managed and many firms have adopted the practices and procedures he created.

That same passion Van developed for real estate in 1983 has now shifted to helping others achieve the same success. Over the last 20 years Van has been speaking to sales and servicepeople, business owners and leaders across the country empowering them to become successful and incorporating the attitude: “There is nothing I can’t do with the proper mindset, drive and determination.”

Van’s philosophy about focusing on the basics and fundamentals continues to motivate, inspire and guide professionals to realize their full potential. Van is one of the very few national speakers and trainers that has “been there and done that.”
Amongst his peers, Van is recognized as ‘The Real Deal’. He will connect with everyone in the audience and do it with a little humor, usually at his own expense. Van’s audiences rave about his enthusiasm, passion and ability to motivate others. Van truly cares about your success.

Send us a text

AnnMarie Marlier, Executive Director of the Business Ethics Alliance visits the podcast studio to talk with Blake about her insights into what ethics is about, her journey that led her to the Alliance and Omaha, and the future of the organization and what it means to be mindful of creating an ethical future.

The Business Ethics Alliance is dedicated to building Support systems and professional partnerships. The BEA believes in fostering a culture of business ethics within organizations and encompass principles of integrity, fairness, and responsibility.

AnnMarie is a volunteer for several organizations and board memberships, with a doctorate in Urban Education, and a Master of Adult Education degree, and a green belt in Taekwondo.

Send us a text