A Celebration of Ladies in Leadership: Women-Owned Businesses Inspire and Empower Greater Fremont

Honoring National Women’s Small Business Month

October is National Women’s Small Business Month, a time to recognize the incredible women whose vision, drive, and determination fuel our local economy and strengthen our community.

Across the U.S., women own nearly 40% of all businesses, contributing more than $2.7 trillion to the economy each year. Whether they’re full-time entrepreneurs or balancing business ownership with family and community life, these women are creating jobs, inspiring others, and reshaping what leadership looks like.

Here at the Greater Fremont Development Council (GFDC), we’re proud to celebrate the women who embody that same spirit of growth, innovation, and resilience. Here are just a few of the women-owned businesses helping make Fremont a place where we can live, work, and raise a family.

Premier Staffing

President: Carol Fenske

Voted Fremont’s “Best Employment Service” eight years running (2016–2024), Premier Staffing has built a trusted reputation for connecting job seekers and employers through a personalized, local approach.

As Fremont’s only locally owned and operated staffing agency, Premier Staffing offers free job placement services for candidates and affordable background and drug screening for employers. From general labor to professional placement, Premier Staffing helps match talent with opportunity, strengthening Fremont’s workforce every step of the way.

With more than 25 years of experience, owner Carol Fenske continues to invest her expertise not only in the success of local businesses and job seekers, but also in the broader community through her service as a Greater Fremont Development Council (GFDC) Board Member.

Don Peterson & Associates

Owners: Jennifer Bixby, Nik Beninato, Maggie Lipsys & Erika Martinez

Buying or selling a home is one of life’s biggest transitions, and since 1956, Don Peterson & Associates has been helping families and businesses navigate the process with expertise, trust, and care.

Under the leadership of Jennifer Bixby, Nik Beninato, Maggie Lipsys, and Erika Martinez, the firm has grown into Fremont’s largest locally owned real estate company, expanding its services to include land development, commercial real estate, property management, and insurance.

Jennifer Bixby, President and Broker of the firm and current Board Chair for the Greater Fremont Development Council (GFDC), is widely recognized for her leadership, mentorship, and community involvement. Her professionalism, collaborative approach, and deep commitment to Fremont’s success have helped shape both the company and the community it serves.

Maggie Lipsys, Associate Broker and Partner, brings a passion for client relationships and ensures every buyer and seller feels supported from start to finish. Her dedication to customer care and community engagement has helped strengthen the firm’s reputation for integrity and excellence. Maggie also serves on Fremont’s Utility & Infrastructure Board.

Erika Martinez, Associate Broker and Partner, is a consistent top producer in the Fremont area, known for her strong work ethic, market expertise, and genuine care for her clients. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Erika is proud to help families of all backgrounds achieve their real estate goals, building trust through every step of the process.

Together, the Don Peterson & Associates team lives by their mission: Building Relationships. Delivering Results. Their community roots run deep, not only through the homes and developments they help create, but through their continued investment in Fremont’s growth and success.

Kirkos Ag

Co-Owner: Cheryl Powers

At Kirkos Ag, sustainability and care are more than buzzwords, they’re at the heart of the operation. Every mealworm raised on-site is fed fresh, high-quality grains and vegetables from a local co-op, ensuring optimal nutrition for customers’ farms and gardens.

Co-owner Cheryl Powers and her team have built a company rooted in personal relationships and exceptional service, where customers often become friends and where quality and community always come first.

Fremont Therapy & Wellness

Owner: Jeree Menning, P.T., OCS, CSCS

When Jeree Menning opened Fremont Therapy & Wellness in 2017, her goal was simple but transformative: provide advanced, specialized therapy right here in Fremont, so residents wouldn’t have to travel to Omaha or Lincoln for care.

Today, Fremont Therapy & Wellness is the area’s only privately owned clinic offering a full range of services including Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Lymphedema Therapy, Pelvic Health, LSVT BIG Parkinson’s Therapy, Shockwave/EPAT, Aquatic Therapy, and the AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill.

Even more impressive? Every session is 1:1 with a licensed therapist, ensuring personalized attention and lasting results.

Celebrating Fremont’s Women Entrepreneurs

These women represent just a few of the very best of Fremont, leaders who embody innovation, perseverance, and a passion for building a stronger community. As we celebrate National Women’s Small Business Month, the Greater Fremont Development Council (GFDC) invites everyone to shop local, support women-owned businesses, and celebrate the impact these leaders make every day.

When women grow, Fremont grows. Here We Grow.