Three esteemed members of our community, principle players in Omaha’s growth and economic development for decades, were honored Friday, April 4 at the CenturyLink Center as the newest members of the Commercial Real Estate (CRE) Summit Hall of Fame.
Tom Fellman and Howard Kooper, owners of Broadmoor Development, and Jerry Slusky, a partner at Smith Gardner Slusky Law, L.L.C were chosen by a committee of brokers, lawyers, developers and others in the commercial real estate industry.The Hall of Fame dates to 2003 and recognizes individuals and their companies for contributing to the State’s growth through construction, banking, law and development.
Not only do all three share the singular distinction of being past Jewish Federation of Omaha Presidents, they served the Omaha Jewish community in succession. Slusky served from 1993 to 1995, Fellman from 1995-1997 and Kooper from 1997-1999.
“I can’t think of a more meaningful recognition than one that comes from your peers,” said Slusky. “I was honored to be inducted with my great friends, Tom and Howard.”
Broadmoor Development has been a locally owned business for over 35 years. It strives to design its residential projects to meet resident needs. When asked about his selection into the Hall of Fame, Kooper stated, “Our goal has always been to provide quality living for our residents. More than anything we value the people… both those who make up the Broadmoor family and those who choose to make their home with us.”
Fellman echoed Kooper’s thoughts. “Every member of our Broadmoor family makes the needs of our residents their first priority. Omaha is a dynamic and constantly growing Midwest community. It’s a great place to live and work.”
Both men feel lucky to have found a business and industry they love and that has brought positive growth to the city they call home. Since its beginnings, Broadmoor has developed and managed over 6500 units in 33 different apartment communities and four commercial/retail sites from Lincoln and Fremont to Des Moines.
During the daylong Summit, Slusky served as moderator for the morning session entitled, “Remember When… How Omaha has transformed over the past 25 years”. Participating in the panel discussion was Jay Noddle, current Jewish Federation of Omaha President.
Previous Summit Hall of Fame award winners include Theodore Seldin, Millard Seldin, and Stanley Silverman, all of Seldin Development; Ben Wiesman of Wiesman Development; the late Harlan Noddle and Joe Kirshenbaum, Noddle Companies; Jay Lerner, The Lerner Company; Stanley Slosburg, Slosburg Company; the late Sheldon Harris, the late Joseph Polack and Rod Shkolnick, Creighton University law professor.
Celebrating its 25th year, the 2014 CRE Summit has grown to be Nebraska’s best known real estate conference. Attendance is well over 500 and represents virtually every business and professional that makes their living in commercial real estate.