Small businesses are the backbone of Nebraska's communities, and our farmers rely on strong international trade relations to sell their crops overseas. Both are vital if we want to keep our incredibly talented, Nebraska-grown young people right here at home to raise their families, instead of watching them move elsewhere.

I don’t just understand this from a policy perspective—I’ve lived it. For 18 years, I’ve been a professional chef and small business owner, helping build our family’s agri-tourism destination in rural Cass County. I know exactly what it takes to make a payroll, manage compliance, and navigate the red tape of state government.

As Secretary of State, I will bring that exact business-minded approach to Lincoln to modernize our operations and support economic growth.

Bridging Business Licensing and Economic Growth

Our office will focus on cutting the bureaucratic noise and treating business licensing as an economic catalyst, rather than a barrier:

• Driving Economic Development: Faster, simplified licensing processes attract small businesses, encourage new ventures, and directly stimulate local job creation.

• Cutting the Costs of Inefficiency: Outdated, paper-heavy workflows cause unnecessary delays that stall new business openings and stifle local growth. Modernizing to digital, cloud-based software will allow 24/7 applications and renewals, minimizing delays for entrepreneurs.

• Leveling the Playing Field: A clean, standardized process guarantees that all businesses operate under the exact same rules, ensuring fair competition.

• Boosting Revenue and Trust: Efficient workflows lead to higher compliance rates, helping local communities reinvest in themselves. Reliable licensing also protects consumers, building public confidence in everyday industries from agriculture to healthcare.

The Bottom Line: Nebraska's producers and business owners shouldn't be held back by slow paperwork and outdated tech in Lincoln when they're trying to compete globally. I’m running to build a Secretary of State's office that moves at the speed of actual business.