A Radio DJ, an Ice Cream Wagon, and a Coffee Empire: The Scooter’s Story

How Scooter's Coffee Grew from One Nebraska Store to 900+ Locations

In Part 2 of Building Nebraska, founders Don and Linda Eckles share how a single Nebraska coffee shop grew into one of America's fastest-growing coffee franchises, now approaching 1,000 locations across more than 30 states.

A Radio DJ, an Ice Cream Wagon, and a Coffee Empire: The Scooter’s Story

Before Scooter's Coffee became a nationally recognized franchise, Don and Linda Eckles spent years chasing opportunities, learning hard lessons, and building businesses ranging from restaurants to ice cream wagons. In Part 1 of this Building Nebraska conversation, the founders share the entrepreneurial journey that took them from radio broadcasting and life in Alaska to a small drive-thru coffee concept that would eventually transform into Scooter's Coffee. It's a candid look at risk-taking, persistence, and the experiences that laid the foundation for one of Nebraska's most successful business stories.

From Code to Cattle: Building Autonomy in the Dirt

Jacob Hansen and the team at ALA Engineering are developing self-driving feed trucks designed to help cattle feedlots solve labor shortages and improve efficiency. Using advanced cameras, sensors and software, the company plans to commercially deploy autonomous trucks in Nebraska next year.

From His Father’s Business to His Daughter’s Future | Part 2

In Part 2 of this conversation, Mark Whitehead reflects on growing up in the family business and eventually taking over leadership of Whitehead Oil Company and its U-Stop convenience store brand. He shares stories from his early days in the industry, the realities of working alongside his father, and the challenges that often come with family business succession. Mark also discusses scaling the company, lessons learned from business mistakes, and the advice he gives young entrepreneurs about creating real value for customers.

How Gas Stations Really Make Their Money | U-Stop Owner Mark Whitehead | Part 1

In Part 1 of this episode, Mark Whitehead shares the strategy behind growing U-Stop and Whitehead Oil Company into nearly 40 locations across Nebraska and Kansas. We go inside the economics of the convenience store business, how fuel pricing really works, and why most of the profit isn’t made at the pump. Mark also explains how the company differentiates itself in a crowded market and what it takes to stay competitive in the retail fuel industry.