Chief Industries Inc. is marking its 70th year in business, and over that span the Grand Island, Nebraska, company has grown from a small construction firm operating out of a garage to a diversified global manufacturer with seven brand divisions.
DJ Eihusen, the company’s president, CEO, and chair of the board, represents the third generation to lead the family-owned enterprise.
“Our mission is to provide unparalleled personal attention to meeting the needs of our customers while treating all stakeholders with dignity and respect, thereby ensuring our strength and stability,” Eihusen said. “As we enter our 70th year in business this year, we are more committed to this mission than ever before.”
Eihusen, who served on the Tenth District’s Economic Advisory Council, joined the Omaha Branch Board of Directors this year.
“Really it’s an amazing opportunity to learn from others who are in various industries as well as those in the Bank itself,” he said. “I’ve always believed that banking is the backbone of our economy, so to be involved in that process is really exciting to me and truly an honor.”
Eihusen added that he looks forward to sharing perspectives gained from leading all of Chief Industries’ operations and previously working in several of the company’s divisions. The company’s business lines range from agricultural products and commercial carriers to ethanol fuels and factory-built homes.
“Chief is a diversified company; we’re involved in several different industries…energy, logistics, manufacturing, construction and agricultural businesses,” he said. “We touch on just about every facet of the economy. I believe this allows us to provide feedback on what we’re seeing in multiple areas of the economy and really see how industries are reacting to the policies that are being set.”
Eihusen graduated from the University of Nebraska Lincoln (UNL) in 1995 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He became a member of Chief Industries’ Board of Directors in 1998 and became president and CEO in 2010. Among numerous civic roles, he has served on the boards of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the UNL College of Business Administration Dean’s Advisory Board, and BluePrint Nebraska.
Joining the Omaha Branch Board opens additional avenues for serving the public and acquiring knowledge from fellow directors and from within the Reserve Bank.
“I look forward to learning more about the process and thoughts that go into monetary policy and to build upon relationships with some amazing people at the Bank and on the Board,” Eihusen said. “I’ve been so impressed with how the Bank develops its talent. Though my time has only been a short while between being on the Advisory Council and now the Board, it is apparent that the Bank has some great best practices that could be implemented in my own business that would benefit our entire organization.”
Learn more about Mr. Eihusen here.