Three Men Inducted into Nebraska Chamber's Business Hall of Fame

Diverse backgrounds represented among 2026 honorees

Jan. 29, 2026 at 9:07pm

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The Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry has announced its 2026 Business Hall of Fame inductees, recognizing three Nebraska businessmen - DJ Eihusen of Chief Industries, Rodrigo López of AmeriSphere Companies, and the late John E. Olsson of John E. Olsson Professional Engineering - for their notable contributions to the state's economy and business environment.

Why it matters

The Nebraska Chamber's Business Hall of Fame honors exceptional business leaders who have made significant impacts on the state's economy. The diverse backgrounds of this year's inductees highlight the breadth of talent and entrepreneurship within Nebraska's business community.

The details

DJ Eihusen now leads the 1,400-employee construction company his grandfather started in the 1950s. Rodrigo López, born in Colombia, founded a mortgage company that grew to a $6 billion portfolio before being sold. John E. Olsson, a New York native, founded an engineering firm in Lincoln after earning his mechanical engineering degree from the University of Nebraska.

  • The Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry Business Hall of Fame was established in 1992.
  • The 2026 induction ceremony will take place on Thursday evening following the chamber's annual conference.

The players

DJ Eihusen

President and CEO of Chief Industries, a 1,400-employee construction company founded by his grandfather in Grand Island.

Rodrigo López

Founder of AmeriSphere Companies, a mortgage company he started in 1997 that grew to a $6 billion portfolio before being sold to Northmarq Capital in 2015.

John E. Olsson

Founder of John E. Olsson Professional Engineering in Lincoln, which he established in 1956 after earning a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Nebraska.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

The diverse backgrounds of this year's Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry Business Hall of Fame inductees showcase the breadth of talent and entrepreneurship driving the state's economy. Their notable contributions highlight the value of recognizing exceptional business leaders who help shape Nebraska's business environment.