R. Brad von Gillern

R. Brad von Gillern was born in Lincoln, Nebraska. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln in 1983. His career experience includes working as a CEO.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Brad attended Omaha Public Schools and graduated from Burke High School in 1978 before attending the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Construction Management Engineering. He married his high school sweetheart, Mary, in 1981. In 1991 he accepted a Project Management role with Lueder Construction, a 138-year-old commercial building contractor.

Brad advanced in the Lueder organization quickly, accepting the role of Executive Vice President, and then was named President in 2000. He later acquired majority ownership and served as President and CEO until 2021, when he sold his remaining interest in the business to his leadership team as part of a strategic business transition. He currently serves as Director of Business Development.

von Gillern’s deep desire to serve his community has taken many forms over the past three decades in Omaha. He is known for his leadership and deep commitment to his endeavors. His transparent, clear style of communication and his ability to generate consensus around sound strategies has allowed him to excel in business and has benefited numerous non-profit organizations.

Brad and Mary have been married for over forty years. Mary is a retired residential real estate agent, and has served in the Senior Ministry at Lifegate Church for over twelve years, serving homemade meals to over 100 each week. They have four adult children, and five grandchildren.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I am a career business owner, and avid volunteer, serving the community through various non-profits for three decades. I sold the ownership interest in my business recently, which allows me to pursue, what I believe is a calling, to serve fellow Nebraskans in the State Legislature. My successful track record in the business community brings a unique skillset to the legislature and I believe I will be an effective public servant.I am a fiscal and social conservative who believes strongly in traditional family values, protection of the most marginalized in our society, and protecting our citizens and allowing them to protect themselves. I am a strong defender of the Second Amendment. I believe that taxes can be cut first, by reducing spending, and second, by collecting only what we need to operate as a state, no more. I feel strongly that parents should be the first, and last deciders of their children's education and curriculum.I am a passionate Christian conservative and I know that our country was founded on Biblical concepts that are eternal.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Taxes

Public Safety

Education

Sanctity of Life

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Jesus: For obvious reasons.

Ronald Reagan: I admire his ease of communicating, how he made people feel comfortable and warm to him, and how firm he was in what he believed in.

My parents: Although not perfect, they modeled what it meant to be a responsible citizen, to express love of my country, and to care for one another.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Tell people who you are, and then stand by it. If they understand your values and they elect you for those values, then there should be few surprises going forward.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I vaguely remember the assassination of JFK, but more clearly remember Bobby Kennedy, and Martin Luther King. That, combined with nightly coverage of the Vietnam War made the sixties an impressionable time.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I mowed grass at ten years old, then "graduated" to a construction yard laborer at 14. I'm still in the construction industry so I guess I never left!

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

They both need to hold the needs of the citizens of the state above their own agendas.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Tax reform. We continue to drive people, and their money, out of state and are not creating a positive environment for young people to stay here, or others to immigrate to Nebraska.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of a unicameral state legislature, in your opinion?

Unicameral is more efficient, but also concentrates legislative power to fewer representatives.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

I do not believe it is a requirement. I'd rather see legislators have business experience.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Yes. We must understand one another's needs and desires to move anything forward.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Nothing gets done without compromise. However, I will NOT compromise when it comes to my values, my character or ethics.