Our Team
Jim Rose
Principal
One of the most familiar names and voices in Nebraska, Commentator, author, educator, non-profit thought leader Jim Rose’s career has entered a fifth decade. The Lincoln, NE native is best known as the Radio “Voice of the Huskers.” Today, his daily comments on iHeart Radio and market leader KFAB-AM are heard by tens of thousands locally and across the country which include political, education and business leaders. He regularly appears on popular videos and audio podcasts. His own Podcast, the daily “Rosiedidyaknowzi” has over 25,000 monthly downloads through iHeart Radio. Off the air, he was a leading sports marketing and advertising producer for Learfield/IMG College, developing winning strategies for brands large and small including media, digital, on-site activation, and community initiatives.
Rose then embarked on a career in nonprofit development first as an officer with the Husker Athletics Fund, (www.huskers.com) followed by leading the development efforts (130M) of the recently completed Nebraska Multi Sports Complex Facility in LaVista (www.nebraskamultisport.org) including securing a 15-year naming rights agreement with CHI Health. In 2018, The Board of Directors of the Nebraska Greats Foundation (negreats.org) recruited Rose to rebuild its organization by reforming all facets from internal operations, compliance to external messaging and long-term financial sustainability. In less than five years, the NGF went from assets of $267,000 to $2.7M under Rose’s leadership.
After earning a Bachelor of Journalism Degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Rose appreciates the value of higher education. He was appointed and served as an adjunct professor from 2008-2013 at UNL instructing upper class and graduate students in advanced Branding and Marketing strategies. He has also served as a visiting professor to the Meek School of Journalism at the University of Mississippi. He has lent his talents to community causes serving on the Board of Directors of the UNL Alumni Association, the Omaha Sports Hall of Fame, The Nebraska Advanced Manufacturers Coalition, the Omaha Alliance for the Private Sector and was recently appointed by Governor Jim Pillen to the Nebraska Hall of Fame Commission.
Rose is a Distinguished Alumnus of both the UNL School of Journalism and Mass Communications and Lincoln Southeast High School, has been honored by his peers as Nebraska Sportscaster of the Year three times, and has earned multiple first place awards for his commentary by the Nebraska Broadcasters Association.
Troy Stickels
Partner
Troy Stickels, a native of Hastings, NE, has built a dynamic career at the intersection of business development, marketing, and community engagement. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Business and Marketing from Hastings College, laying the foundation for his expertise in strategic growth and organizational leadership.
With 14 years of experience in sales and marketing at Glenwood Telephone, Troy honed his skills in business development, strategic planning, and customer engagement. His ability to drive growth and foster meaningful partnerships led him to his current role as CEO of the Hastings Family YMCA, where he has been instrumental in fundraising initiatives, community outreach, and enhancing the organization’s impact on local families.
In addition to his role at the YMCA, Troy is also a key leader at Tractor Tuesday, where he oversees Marketing & Licensing for the premier online farm auction company. His work helps connect buyers and sellers in the agricultural sector through innovative marketing strategies and brand development.
Troy also serves as the Executive Director of Farm Athletes, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating opportunities for college athletes. Farm Athletes provides scholarships to student-athletes who come from a farm or ranch background, recognizing their hard work, resilience, and dedication both in sports and in agriculture.
Deeply committed to his community, Troy actively serves on the Board of Directors for Platte Valley Youth for Christ, Hastings Noon Rotary, and Farm Athletes. His leadership focuses on board development, strategic planning, and fundraising, ensuring that both businesses and nonprofit organizations can thrive under his guidance.
Troy’s career is a testament to his passion for fostering growth—whether in business, nonprofits, or the broader community. His expertise and dedication continue to make a lasting impact in Hastings and beyond.