Repurposing and Reusing with Amanda Maxheimer
Amanda Maxheimer is always on the hunt wherever she goes, combing through thrift stores or digging through barns of forgotten relics.
What’s she looking for? She’ll know it when she sees it!
Amanda, Planning Operations Manager for O’Shea, is also the proud co-owner of Podbelsek Family Creations, located at 1028 Broadway Street in Lincoln. The store mainly sells refinished furniture, but also offers handcrafted home décor and vintage goods.
Podbelsek Family Creations opened its doors in November 2017. Previously, the business consigned with another local store, as well as participated in craft shows and events. While they have retired from craft shows, they still do set up at Mount Pulaski’s Christmas on Vinegar Hill event each year.
For Amanda, the hunt for pieces to repurpose is the most exciting part of running the business.
“Digging through barns of junk and finding a perfect treasure is the best – you always find something unexpected or something you know has the potential to shine again,” she said.
Giving Old Stuff New Life
There are many different ways used furniture pieces find their way to Podbelsek Family Creations: thrift stores, Facebook marketplace, estate sales, finding items on the curb or clients calling to have furniture cleared out. Amanda and her mom have traveled as far as Wisconsin to procure unique pieces.
The key, she says, is to find quality pieces with good bones and to find interesting, one-of-a-kind items. That way, customers have a wide variety to select from and can enjoy a unique shopping experience.
“There are so many used pieces of furniture that have a lot of life left in them,” Amanda shares. “With a little imagination, lots of elbow grease and some paint, these pieces can be transformed into refreshed and affordable furniture for anyone with furniture needs.”
Because Amanda and her parents also work full-time, Podbelsek Family Creations hosts an open house the last weekend of each month or is open by appointment.
“That way, we can love this side hustle without it being too stressful with our other work commitments,” she said.
Providing Exceptional Customer Experiences
Amanda’s personal involvement with the store has morphed with the different seasons of life. Now as a mom of two, she is primarily in charge of customer service, marketing, scouting for furniture and vintage goods, and assisting at the open houses. Occasionally, she also taps into her creative side by painting furniture and crafting home décor.
She finds that her job responsibilities at O’Shea “absolutely” translate to running her family’s business.
“At O’Shea, we strive to provide an exceptional construction experience. At the store, we strive to provide an exceptional furniture shopping experience. In both cases, we ask ‘how can we best serve the customer and meet their needs?’” she explains. “Also, time management is key, like with any business. Being able to execute things that need to be completed in a timely manner is essential to being successful.”
Amanda always looks forward to working at the store and brainstorming ideas after work or on the weekends. Her kids also love to stop by the shop and see what mom is working on with grandma and grandpa. They’ll play with change behind the counter and “write up” sales tickets.
“Spending time with my parents is such a joy. I love that I get to build and run a business with them, and even better yet, that we love doing it together as a team,” Amanda shares. “The work banter, the sense of pride and accomplishment, and the reward of building a legacy together, even a small one like a little store in a small town like Lincoln, is something truly special and dear to my heart.”