Former 4-H member finds business success

Nebraska

In the one and a half years since Jason Steffen started his own construction company, his business has doubled.

Steffen, the 26-year-old owner of Steffen Construction Specialists in Lincoln, said growing up in Hartington and participating in 4-H gave him the skills necessary to be a successful business leader.

"I picked up teamwork skills and the ability to work with others," Steffen said. "I learned to work together (with others) toward a common goal."

Jane Armstrong, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension educator in Cedar County, said every 4-H kid shares those qualities.

"They have to have a good work ethic and be able to follow things through," she said. "Another thing I think (Steffen) has done a good job of is the whole idea of ethics, doing a good job and making sure to really meet customers' needs."

Steffen, who studied building construction at Southeast Community College in Milford, learned about woodworking in 4-H. He also helped prepare livestock and horticulture exhibits for the Nebraska State Fair. Steffen said he learned a lot of leadership skills from being part of his 4-H junior leaders team. The group planned trips to water parks, went sledding and grilled out.

Steffen said his favorite part about 4-H in Hartington was closeness he felt with the other 4-Hers in the small town.

"I liked the small town atmosphere," he said. "Everybody knew each other. We were all friends growing up."

Using skills he learned in 4-H and at college, Steffen began working for a remodeling company following graduation. After a few more years of working and learning to build new homes as a framing contractor and a general contractor, Steffen decided to start his own business.

"I always wanted to do it," he said. "It was kind of a goal as a kid. I saw a window of opportunity and it worked out."

Steffen's business includes two other employees. He said he works as a framing contractor half of his time. Much of his work involves general remodeling and building custom cabinets.

Armstrong said 4-H skills should continue to help Steffen's business into the future.

"Respect for others comes into play in 4-H as you're working on projects and considering everyone's needs and respecting everyone," she said. "I think that's a good foundation skill he learned."

Steffen is concentrating on his business now, but he said he would be ecstatic about being part of 4-H in the future.

"I think down the road," he said, "if I have kids I would have them take part in 4-H, and I would volunteer."

Nebraska 4-H and UNL Extension are part of the university's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

For more information about 4-H, contact a local UNL Extension office.

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Date: 6/5/08

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