News & Events
Dick Roberts Featured in Strictly Business Magazine
Dick Roberts began his career in real estate in 1977 when he started classes to receive his realtor's license. He worked for Century 21 Lincoln Real Estate and, after five years, he joined Austin Realty (later changed to HOME Real Estate) for another 25 years. After selling his first home, he told his wife this was what he wanted to do for the rest of his life and he still feels the same way. Dick was instrumental in opening Lincoln First Realty on January 11, 2008. It is a full service real estate company that is solely owned by Cornhusker Bank. They offer service in new construction and residential resale mainly in the Lincoln/Lancaster County area. Our agents are all full time, experienced real estate professionals.
Tell us about your family. - I am married to Kim Roberts and have two adult children. Zac is a married CPA living with his wife and two children in the Des Moines area and Melissa is an RN living in Lincoln with her husband and two children. I enjoy all four of my grandchildren: Max (5), Mia (2), Sam (2) and Anna (2 months).
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - Being drafted and serving in the Army in Viet Nam. I look at life much differently with that experience. I live every day as if it is my last, so when it does come, I will not be disappointed.
What are you most proud of? - I am very proud of my children, my wife Kim and my grandchildren. I am very proud of the agents that are working for Lincoln First Realty and how successful they are becoming.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - In the fall I enjoy going to Nebraska football games, in the spring I enjoy Husker baseball games, in the winter I enjoy Husker basketball. I also like to spend time with my grandchildren and their families.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don't know? - I coached a high school football team at Ravenna that went undefeated and unscored upon for a whole season and we were inducted into the Nebraska High School Hall of Fame.
Who has been the most important person in your self-development? - Three people have been very influential in my development. I worked for my grandfather when I was growing up for six summers. He helped me develop a work ethic and value system. My dad was my mentor my whole life. I could bounce ideas off him to see if I was thinking right. The other person very helpful in developing my salesmanship is Gene Leach, a close personal friend.
How would your friends describe you? - Most people think I am very direct, straight forward, a fair-minded person. I almost always put a positive spin on things and have a good sense of humor.
What is the talent you would most like to have? - I would love to be able to see into the future.
What is the last good book you read? - I am currently reading Broker to Broker by Robert Freedman.
Favorite Movie - Lots of old westerns and The Dirty Dozen
Favorite TV Show - Anything on the Science Channel
Favorite Local Restaurant - Famous Dave's
If you could have dinner with one person from the past or present, who would it be? - Lance Armstrong
Troy Karsting of Stonybrook Homes Featured in Strictly Business Magazine
While working with Bob Rentfro from Cherry Hill Construction as a superintendent, Troy Karsting realized he enjoyed the construction industry so much that he wanted to start his own company. Though he knew he would be entering a very competitive market, he made the decision to start Stonybrook Homes in 2003 and it has been one of the best decisions he has ever made. Stonybrook Homes builds single family and townhomes. The quality and craftsmanship of each and every home is the foundation of their commitment to building a home to their homebuyer's satisfaction.
Tell us about your family. - My wife Stephanie and I have been married for twenty years. She is a manager at Lincoln Benefit Life and also handles the accounting work for Stonybrook Homes. Our daughter Miranda is 15 and a freshman at Lincoln East. She is part of the East marching band and really enjoys all aspects of school. Our son Benjamin is 9 and a 4th grader at Kahoa Elementary. He is active in baseball, enjoys playing bass in the orchestra and looks forward to joining band next year as a percussionist.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? -
I have been an active barber in Lincoln for almost 23 years. Although I
really enjoyed all my clients, I was ready for a change when I started
work for Cherry Hill Construction. It was exciting to face new
challenges in a different career and still be able to work with people.
What are you most proud of? - Paying attention to detail along with providing excellent service after the sale are critical to the success of our company.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Spend time with my family.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don't know? - That I am a licensed barber and have a barber shop in our home that I continue to use on a part time basis.
What is the one goal you would most like to accomplish? - I would like to add commercial development to our program.
Who has been the most important person in your self-development? - Bob Rentfro. He continues to be a wonderful mentor to this day. He was instrumental in helping me develop the skills that it takes to organize and put together a product you can be proud to put your name on.
What is a talent you have that you don't use in your career? - Being able to sell Stonybrook Homes myself, I feel that no one knows the product better than I do. However, time doesn't allow us to do it all, which is why I rely on Gary and Kim Goranson as they are the professionals at marketing our homes.
What is the talent you would most like to have? - To play an instrument and be in a band.
What is the last good book you read? - Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
Favorite Movie - Chicken Run It is a family favorite with lots of humor.
Favorite TV Show - A Husker football game.
Favorite Local Restaurant - Granite City
If you could have dinner with one person from the past or present, who would it be? - Phil Donahue. He treated his guests with respect and you could take something away from each of his shows.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - Visit our website at www.stonybrookexperience.com or email us at stonybrookhomes@earthlink.net.
Monthly Home Buyer's Seminars continue in 2009
12.8.08LINCOLNFIRST REALTY is excited to announce the extension of the free Home Buyer's Seminars. The seminars are held the first Tuesday of every month at their new office location on the corner of 56th & Union Hill Rd, 3 blocks south of Pine Lake Rd.
Each seminar focuses on a specific interest of the current home market. The courses are designed to answer questions about buying, selling and building in Lincoln. Each of the seminars is open to the public & have been very successful over the past year.
Join us for our upcoming 2009 seminars.
2009 Home Buyer Seminar Dates:
- Tuesday, October 6th
- Tuesday, November 3rd
- Tuesday, December 1st
Lincoln First Realty Celebrates Open House
3.21.08Lincoln First Realty recently celebrated their grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house. The ceremony was held on March 13th at their new location at 63rd and Highway 2. Participating in the ceremony were Cornhusker Bank's President, Barry Lockard ;John Dittman, Chairman and CEO; and Dick Roberts, Managing Broker of Lincoln First. Also present were Lincoln Chamber of Commerce representatives, Lincoln First agents, and others from the Lincoln business community.
Guests had the opportunity to meet members of the Lincoln First Realty team and take a tour of the facility.
Mr. Dittman noted "Our mission is to build lifetime business relationships through customer service excellence provided by our professional, caring team members. Our team oriented approach assures you of the best possible experience."
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