A child’s dream is just another day at the office for the team at Holidynamics, the Greater Omaha Chamber’s October Small business of the month.
“It feels like Christmas every day,” said Erik Terkelsen, Holidynamics’ chief sales and marketing officer.
Walk into the company’s two-story showroom in northwest Omaha and you’re treated to a visual extravaganza: lighted Christmas displays (from elves to carolers to toy soldiers), pre-lit Christmas trees and Lightlinks that, weeks from now, will edge hundreds of rooflines with lighted candy canes, bows or gift boxes. But Christmas ‘tis not the only season celebrated here. Halloween displays – illuminated Jack-o-lanterns and spooky pre-lit trees – glow in the showroom this month, not far from an illuminated Husker ‘N.’ Easter, St. Patrick’s Day, Fourth of July – they have their decorations too.
“I get the most gratification out of designing a piece, bringing it to life and having people enjoy it,” said Scott Heese, president and CEO. “I love being on the retail floor. I love visiting with customers and getting feedback.”
Founded years ago in Heese’s basement, Holidynamics designs, produces and supplies high-quality holiday lighting and décor for occasions year-round and customers across the country.
“There really is no off-season for this company. There are so many processes that need to take place during what we call ‘the off-season,’” Heese said.
Creativity is a company hallmark – so is innovation. Holidynamics holds patents on several leading-edge products, including a water-resistant LED lightset that comes with a patented light spool designed to avoid tangles during storage.
Not only does Holidynamics conjure, produce and sell its own brand of holiday bling, the company also installs, removes and stores it.
“We’re a one stop shop. We do everything,” said Terkelsen.
In addition to serving residential customers, Holidynamics handles holiday decorating for a roster of big name commercial clients, including the Holland Performing Arts Center, Midtown Crossing and Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, which calls on the company for its Halloween “Spooktacular.”
The local retail and service operations are just two facets of a multi-faceted enterprise, a small business (12 full time employees and 18-20 seasonal workers) with a big reach. Among the company’s other divisions:
- Online sales
- A wholesale division that supplies lawn, landscape and garden centers across the county
- A direct import division that counts among its clients the Home Shopping Network and high-end catalogue companies, including Frontgate.
Additional growth opportunities abound – and Holidynamics is taking advantage of them. The company has established a nationwide affiliate network; essentially franchise operations that mirror the service side of the business. It has also brought Holidynamics’ proprietary install services to Denver with the hiring of a branch manager there. Beyond that, the organization is in the process of opening a permanent 1,800-sq. ft. showroom in AmericasMart Atlanta, which connects buyers with top brands around the world.
“If you’re in the Christmas buying business, you go to AmericasMart Atlanta,” Heese said.
For all of its national and international dealings, Holidynamics prides itself on calling Omaha home – and on being involved in the Omaha community. Among its most recent gifts – an LED, blue-colored cherry blossom tree donated in memory of slain Omaha Police Officer Kerry Orozco. The tree stands outside Omaha Police headquarters.
“The powerful meaning that tree is serving to people now, it’s really amazing,” Heese said.
Holidynamics is also proud of its affiliation with the Greater Omaha Chamber. The company will be hosting a Coffee and Contacts networking event on Nov. 12.
“The showroom will be shining brightly,” Heese promised.
Want to learn more about Holidynamics? Check out the company’s website or watch this short video.
United Republic Bank is the sponsor of the Small Business of the Month award. View more information or nominate a small business online.