Over a Century Strong: Family-Owned Businesses That Shaped Lincoln

Sartor Hamann

For over 120 years, Sartor Hamann Jewelers has been a cornerstone of Lincoln, Nebraska — a trusted name synonymous with luxury, craftsmanship, and community. Established in 1905, Sartor Hamann grew from a small watch and jewelry shop into one of the most respected fine jewelers in the Midwest. Generations of families have walked through its doors to celebrate life’s most treasured moments — from engagements to anniversaries and everything in between.

What sets Sartor Hamann apart is its unwavering commitment to exceptional service and unmatched quality. Now a fourth-generation family-owned business, Rick Hamann — son of the late Don Hamann — continues to carry the legacy forward. While the jewelry industry has evolved dramatically over the last century, Sartor Hamann remains rooted in timeless values: trust, integrity, and a passion for helping clients celebrate life’s milestones.

The team at Sartor Hamann reflects this enduring legacy. Many employees have served for decades, with some surpassing 50 years of service. Its award-winning team of in-house bench jewelers boasts an average of over 25 years of craftsmanship and expertise. This extraordinary longevity speaks to the company’s dedication to its staff and its culture of excellence and family.

While honoring its rich history, Sartor Hamann also embraces the future of fine jewelry in Lincoln. The company continues to innovate with modern designs, cutting-edge technology, and a growing collection of luxury brands that appeal to both loyal and new clients. Services like online ring-building tools and custom design consultations demonstrate Sartor Hamann’s ability to blend tradition with innovation.

Sartor Hamann is proud to be woven into the fabric of Lincoln — a city whose growth and spirit mirror that of the jeweler itself. Every piece sold and every milestone celebrated reflect the strong relationship between Sartor Hamann and the community it has served for more than a century.

As it looks to the next 120 years, the future sparkles bright. With a legacy built on trust and a heart rooted in service, Sartor Hamann is honored to keep celebrating life’s most meaningful moments with the people of Lincoln.

Union Bank & Trust

Founded in 1917 as Farmers State Bank, Union Bank & Trust (UBT) has spent more than a century evolving while remaining deeply rooted in Nebraska values. The bank was renamed Union Bank in 1935 and became Union Bank & Trust Company in 1959 with the addition of trust services. In 1965, Jay Dunlap purchased the bank, launching a legacy of family leadership and community care.

Jay led with a simple but powerful vision: build a bank centered on relationships, not size. That philosophy laid the foundation for thoughtful, sustainable growth. His daughter Angie later joined him in leadership and became President in 1996, guiding UBT into the 21st century with expanded services, regional growth, and strong community partnerships.

Today, Jay’s grandson Jason Muhleisen serves as President and CEO, continuing the family’s legacy. He shares:

“My grandfather purchased Union Bank & Trust in 1965, making it known as ‘the bank of friendly service.’ My mother succeeded him years later, and now, as the President and CEO myself, we’re as committed as ever to one core principle: We care about our customers, our communities, and each other. Through three generations of family leadership, that has not changed.”

UBT has grown from a small, single-location operation to an organization with over 1,000 employees and branches across Lincoln, Omaha, Greater Nebraska, Kansas, and Colorado. Despite this growth, it continues to prioritize customer care, innovation, and community involvement, proving that strong values and strong leadership can withstand the test of time.

NEBCO

Founded in 1908 by George Abel, NEBCO has thrived in Lincoln for more than 117 years. A third- and fourth-generation family business, NEBCO has grown into one of Lincoln’s largest companies, with operations spanning construction, concrete, real estate, and recreation.

From the beginning, NEBCO has emphasized quality, service, and integrity. The company is known for continually improving its products and adapting to changing environments, ensuring it remains a vital part of Nebraska’s development.

A strong family ethos runs through every part of the company. NEBCO values work-life balance, respects its employees, and fosters long-term careers. Many staff members have been with the company for decades, creating a sense of stability and community.

NEBCO is also committed to giving back. Its contributions — both financial and service-based — help make “The Good Life” in Nebraska even better. Among its many community efforts, NEBCO owns the Lincoln Saltdogs, the city’s professional baseball team, which plays at Haymarket Park. Jim Abel, grandson of founder George Abel, currently serves as President of NEBCO and owner of the Saltdogs.

Hamilton Telecommunications

Founded in 1901 in Hamilton County, Nebraska, Hamilton has spent more than a century keeping people and communities connected. What began as a small local telephone company has grown into one of the nation’s leading independent communications providers. With its Hamilton Business Technologies division now rooted in Lincoln, the company brings its long tradition of innovation and service to the Capital City — helping local businesses thrive through cutting-edge IT solutions, communications planning, and network support. Hamilton’s Nebraska values continue to guide its work — past, present, and future.

Other Lincoln Businesses Over 100 Years Old

• The Lincoln Motor Company – Celebrated 100 years of excellence in 2022.
• Industrial Services, Inc. – Established in 1915, this fourth-generation waste management and recycling company has served Lincoln for over
  a century.
• L.P. Stewart & Sons, Inc. – Providing aggregates, sand, and dirt for more than 100 years.
• Gillen & Boney Candy Factory – Founded in 1895, once one of the largest candy manufacturers in Lincoln before merging with Russell Stover in 1942.
• Woods Brothers Companies – Formed in 1889, helping develop many of Lincoln’s original neighborhoods.
• Old Reliable Abstract Company – Incorporated in 1887, once a key player in land sales and title abstracts.
• Lincoln Drug Company – Founded in 1897, supplied pharmaceuticals and medical goods for decades.
• Nebraska Book Company, Inc. – Began in 1915 with a single college bookstore near UNL.
• Cline Williams Law Firm – Serving Lincoln since 1871.
• Farmers Mutual – Providing insurance since 1891.

• Campbell’s Nurseries – Founded in 1912, a beloved family-owned part of Lincoln’s horticultural landscape.
• Cornhusker Hotel – Opened in 1925, it’s still a central part of Lincoln’s hospitality scene.
• Baylor Evnen Wolfe & Tannehill, LLP – Rooted in the heart of Lincoln since 1896.
• Roper & Sons Funeral Home – Providing funeral and cremation services since 1901.
• Country Club of Lincoln – Established in 1903 by a small group of businessmen, Lincoln’s original country club.
• Dietze Music – Founded in 1925 in downtown Lincoln by August Dietze, a local string bass player, with deep roots in the community.
• Elder Jewelry – Started in Hebron, Nebraska, in 1901; Kim Elder is the third-generation owner of the Lincoln store.
• Lincoln Journal Star – (Formerly Lincoln Star — 1902, Lincoln Journal — 1867) continues to publish as an active daily newspaper with a robust digital presence, including a website and mobile app.
• Miller & Paine – Founded in 1880 in Lincoln, still exists today as a property management company. Its most beloved cultural legacy, the famous Miller & Paine cinnamon rolls — once served in the store’s tearoom — live on; Runza acquired the recipe in 2007 and continues to produce and sell them. Braeda also sells Miller & Paine cinnamon rolls, in addition to the legendary Miller & Paine macaroni and cheese, a Lincoln favorite since 1904.